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December 15, 2018
Latest:
Kentucky RB Snell declares for NFL Draft
Raiders WR Bryant suspended again for drug use
Eagles QB Wentz won’t need back surgery
Chiefs CB Fuller reportedly has wrist surgery
Steelers’ RB Conner (ankle) list as questionable
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PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Draft News
Kentucky RB Snell declares for NFL Draft
December 14, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kentucky running back Benny Snell, considered one of the best players in Wildcats’ history, announced on Friday that he will skip his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. However, Snell said he first will play for the Wildcats against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day. “To the BBN (Big Blue Nation), you’ve become a part of my family,” Snell said in a video posted on Twitter. “You took a kid in from Ohio and made it feel like home, but there comes a time you have to leave home to build a life of your own. That’s what I’m about to do. I have decided to enter the NFL draft and pursue a dream I have had as long as I can remember. I will be taking some of the best memories of my life with me.” Snell was an unheralded recruit who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons and helped the Wildcats to a bowl game for the third consecutive season. He has 3,754 yards in his career and was selected first-team All-Southeastern Conference this year. The Athletic ranks Snell as the No. 10 running back in the 2019 draft class. He ranks second in the SEC with 1,305 yards rushing this season and needs 107 yards against Penn State to break Kentucky’s career rushing record of 3,835 yards. He already has tied or broken 13 Kentucky records. In November, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops acknowledged Snell was likely headed to the draft....
Ole Miss OL Greg Little to enter NFL Draft
December 10, 2018
— By Ric Serritella, The Sports Xchange — Mississippi junior OT Greg Little is the third Rebels player to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. He announced his decision via Twitter on Monday. Little played in all 36 games during his three seasons at Ole Miss, including 29 starts at left tackle. He made five starts as a true freshman, holding his own against the likes of Myles Garrett and filling in for future first-round pick Laremy Tunsil. Little was named first-team All-SEC this season after earning second-team honors a year ago. The Texas native is physical, demonstrates a strong hand punch and covers a lot of ground with his kick-slide. His aggressiveness and balance are two of his best attributes. Little possesses a solid build, long arms and prototypical size. He dropped 15 pounds after his freshman year, helping him improve his quickness, flexibility and endurance. Playing in the SEC, Little owns an impressive resume against numerous players who have gone on to the next level. He’ll need to work on improving his hand placement, as well as his line of sight against moving targets when making the transition to the next level. Overall, his skill-set enables him to immediately compete for a starting job. Little, a former five-star recruit out of high school, won back-to-back state championships, protecting the blind side of quarterback Kyler Murray, who just won the Heisman Trophy. Little joins two college teammates, wide receivers A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf, in entering the draft early. Little currently ranks as the second-rated offensive tackle, according to NFLDraftScout.com and projects as a first-round pick. Be sure to check back frequently for exclusive coverage of the 2019 NFL Draft, including on-location reports from the all-star game circuit and NFL Scouting Combine....
Josh Johnson, Hackenberg selected in AAF QB draft
November 28, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Former NFL quarterbacks Josh Johnson, Christian Hackenberg, Zach Mettenberger and Scott Tolzien will continue their careers in the new Alliance of American Football. The league, which begins play on Feb. 9, allowed its eight teams the option to protect a quarterback with geographic ties to the franchise — or make another selection in the first round on Tuesday. Johnson was the first player to be allocated, as he went to the San Diego Fleet. Hackenberg and Mettenberger were selected by the Memphis Express, while Tolzien was drafted by the Birmingham Iron. The 32-year-old Johnson played in 29 career games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals after playing at the University of San Diego. Hackenberg, who was selected by Memphis in the second round, never played a snap in the NFL after being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He also spent time with the Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Bengals. Mettenberger, who went to the Express in the third round, was a sixth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2014 out of LSU. The 27-year-old passed for 2,347 yards, 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 14 overall games with the Titans. Tolzien, who was selected by Birmingham in the third round, spent the majority of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts. Other quarterbacks to be drafted or protected included former University of Georgia star Aaron Murray and Jets backup Matt Simms, who went to the Atlanta Legends. Former NFL backup Stephen Morris (Orlando Apollos) and B.J. Daniels (Salt Lake Stallions) were also selected....
Arizona State WR Harry to enter 2019 NFL Draft
November 26, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry announced Monday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Harry is listed as No. 10 on NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang’s most recent mock. “I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” Harry said. “These past three years have been filled with unforgettable memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It has truly been an honor to represent Arizona State University.” The 6-foot-4, 221-pound junior recorded 73 receptions for 1,088 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He is third in program history in both career catches (213) and receiving yards (2,889) and fifth with 22 receiving touchdowns. Harry has a reception in all 37 games of his career at Arizona State. He is on pace to join school record holder D.J. Foster (53 straight games) as the only other Sun Devil to log a reception in every contest of their career. “I always side on the side of the player,” coach Herm Edwards said of Harry’s decision, via ArizonaSports.com. “I’m going to do what’s best for the football player every time.” Harry is averaging 104.2 all-purpose yards per game and has played 800 snaps this season — second among Pac-12 receivers and ninth-most among all Power Five receivers....
Michigan DL Gary declares for 2019 NFL Draft
November 26, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary announced Monday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Gary is listed as No. 9 on NFLDraftScout.com senior analyst Rob Rang’s most recent mock and No. 6 on his Big Board. Gary would still have one more year of eligibility after this season. The 6-foot-5, 287-pound New Jersey native made his decision known in a YouTube video posted on his Twitter page Monday, two days removed from the Wolverines’ 62-39 loss to rival Ohio State. “I would like to thank my higher power, my family, the University of Michigan, the students and the fans,” Gary said in the video. “I will be foregoing my senior season to make a dream come true to declare for the draft. Thank you. Go Blue.” Gary has 44 tackles this season, including seven for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He was hampered by a shoulder injury he sustained shortly before the team’s game against Notre Dame on Sept. 1. In his three-year Michigan career, Gary has 136 tackles, including 23.5 for loss, 10 sacks and one forced fumble. Gary was a first-team All-Big Ten player after the 2017 season and the recipient of Michigan’s Richard Katcher Award, presented annually to the team’s top defensive lineman/linebacker. It is not immediately known if Gary will participate in Michigan’s upcoming bowl game. The Wolverines will learn which bowl they will play in on Sunday....
Jaguars deal for Browns RB Hyde
October 19, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — With running back Leonard Fournette set to miss his third straight game on Sunday because of a hamstring injury, the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday acquired running back Carlos Hyde from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round draft choice in 2019. The 6-foot, 229-pound Hyde signed with the Browns during the offseason as an unrestricted free agent and was leading the team with 382 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while adding six receptions for 29 yards. The 28-year-old Hyde was selected out of Ohio State in the second round (No. 57 overall) of the 2014 draft by the San Francisco 49ers and spent his first three NFL seasons there before signing with the Browns. For his NFL career, Hyde has rushed 665 times for 2,731 yards (a 4.2-yard average) and 21 touchdowns, in addition to catching 109 passes for 634 yards and three more scores. In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Browns have their own picks in rounds 1 through 6, in addition to a third-round pick from New England (for trading defensive lineman Danny Shelton) a fifth-round pick from Jacksonville (for the Hyde trade), a fifth-round pick from New England (for trading wide receiver Josh Gordon) and a conditional seventh-round pick from Jacksonville (for trading quarterback Cody Kessler). In the 2020 draft, the Browns have their own picks in the first five rounds, in addition to a sixth-round pick from Arizona (for trading defensive back Jamar Taylor) and a seventh-round pick from Buffalo (for trading wide receiver Corey Coleman)....
Broncos name rookie RB Freeman as starter
September 4, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — The Denver Broncos named rookie Royce Freeman as their starting running back. Freeman, who was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, enjoyed a solid preseason with three touchdown rushes among his 15 carries. He averaged 5.6 yards per rush. The 22-year-old Freeman will become the first rookie running back to start for the Broncos since 1995, when Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. “Royce Freeman is the starting running back for our football team. That being said, it’s going to be by packages, also,” coach Vance Joseph said. “Royce is our leading runner, but on third downs you’ll probably see (Devontae) Booker, and obviously having a package for Phillip (Lindsay) is going to be important to each gameplan we have each week.” Joseph praised Freeman’s maturity as one of the reasons for his ascent. “He can carry the load from a physical standpoint and a mental standpoint. He was really good in pass pro, so that’s your biggest worry about having a young halfback playing with a veteran quarterback–it’s the pass-pro issues. He’s shown the IQ and the maturity to be a great pass-pro guy, on third downs especially.” Freeman said he isn’t letting the promotion get to his head. “You can’t get too a head of yourself thinking about things like that,” Freeman sad. “Everybody is here at the NFL–the highest level–and you have to tell yourself that you belong. You have to go out there and you have to prove every day.” The Broncos’ backfield has been in motion since last season’s leading rusher, C.J. Anderson, moved on to the Carolina Panthers. Anderson recorded a career-high 1,007 yards on 245 carries last season before signing a one-year, $1.7 million deal with the Panthers. Freeman set multiple school records at Oregon, including career rushing yards (5,621), all-purpose yards (6,435), total touchdowns (64) and rushing touchdowns (60). The 6-foot, 229-pound Freeman rushed for 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns last season after an injury-plagued junior campaign. His career rushing yardage is the second-most in Pac-12 history behind former USC back Charles White (6,245). Booker rushed 79 times for 299 yards and a touchdown last season while also reeling in 30 passes for 275 yards. The 26-year-old has 253 carries for 911 yards and five rushing scores since being selected with by the Broncos with a fourth-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft....
Report: Cards rookie Rosen to sit out vs. Broncos
August 30, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen will sit out the team’s final preseason game on Thursday, according to a published report. NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported that Rosen will be afforded extra time to get healthy for the regular season as he nurses a thumb injury on his throwing hand. Rosen sustained the injury while hitting his hand on a teammate’s helmet in practice. Rosen, who was the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, did not participate in the Cardinals’ third preseason game. He completed 16 of 29 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown in his two previous preseason contests. Quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Chad Kanoff are expected to play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Rosen, who is expected to be the backup behind Sam Bradford, was impressive in the Cardinals’ preseason game while playing behind the projected starting line against the New Orleans Saints. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound Rosen completed 10 of 17 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He had a long gain of 21 yards and a quarterback rating of 102.9. After Bradford started, Rosen came on in the second quarter and led the Cardinals to 10 points and a missed field goal on three drives before halftime with most of the starters remaining in the game. Rosen rifled a 13-yard touchdown pass through tight coverage in the Saints’ secondary to rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk for a 13-yard touchdown on third-down-and-goal....
Report: Colts rookie DL Lewis (foot) to miss 9 weeks
August 30, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Indianapolis Colts rookie defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis is expected to miss nine weeks with a foot injury, according to a report Thursday. The Indianapolis Star’s Zak Keefer reported the length of time that Lewis is expected to miss due to injury. Lewis was selected by the Colts with a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Colts coach Frank Reich didn’t put a timetable on Lewis’ return on Monday. “No surgery, just hasn’t been coming along as fast as we would’ve liked,” Reich said, via Colts Wire. “No, we are hopeful we will have him. We’re hopeful we will have him.” Lewis, who 6-foot-3 and 269 pounds, is listed behind Denico Autry as one of the two utility tackles on the defensive line. Hassan Ridgeway and Brandon Banks are also competing for the spot. The 23-year-old Lewis could be placed on injured reserve prior to the team cutting its roster to 53 players on Saturday. He hasn’t played in any of Indianapolis’ three preseason games due to injury. The Colts traded up to take Lewis after he recorded 36.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks over his career at Ohio State. Indianapolis kicks off the 2018 regular season on Sept. 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals....
Titans acquire LB Correa from Ravens
August 28, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — The Tennessee Titans acquired linebacker Kamalei Correa from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a future draft pick, the teams announced Tuesday. While the clubs did not divulge the specific pick, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that it’s a sixth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. Correa was a high school teammate of Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota before heading to Boise State. The Titans are well aware of Correa due to the presence of defensive coordinator and ex-Ravens play-caller Dean Pees. The 6-foot-3, 249-pound Correa has recorded 11 tackles, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in 25 career games since being selected by Baltimore in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Correa played in all 16 games last season for the Ravens, collecting eight tackles and one pass defensed. He also notched seven tackles on special teams. The 24-year-old Correa had three sacks, an interception and a forced fumble in the Hall of Fame game earlier this month. He added a half-sack in the Ravens’ 27-10 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. Correa provides depth to the Titans’ linebackers corps. Derrick Morgan recently underwent knee surgery and second-round pick Harold Landry injured his ankle against the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend....
Carroll: Seahawks RB Penny will be ready for Week 1
August 22, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Rashaad Penny will be ready for the team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos, coach Pete Carroll announced. Penny, who was selected 27th overall by the Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft, sustained a broken finger in practice last week. Multiple media outlets reported that he would be sidelined for three to four weeks. “He’s running around already,” Carroll told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s back in terms of conditioning and moving and all that kind of stuff. We’re very fortunate he’s going to be able to get back right away. It’s just a matter of making sure that it’s secure and quiet it down. He’ll run all week long and he could be ready for next week, for sure be ready for the opener.” Penny had been competing with Chris Carson for the starting running back job with the Seahawks, who had just one rushing touchdown outside of quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, in fact, led Seattle in rushing last season with 586 yards — 346 more than Mike Davis. Carson held the top spot in the team’s most recent depth chart, with Penny ahead of Davis and C.J. Prosise, among others. Penny rushed for just 16 yards despite a team-high eight carries in the Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. “He’s a fantastic competitor in that he’s applied himself so much to get his pass protection stuff right,” Carroll said. “He knew what he needed to do in terms of scheme, as well as the physical side of it. He worked hard on it on the offseason so when he showed up, he wouldn’t be behind. Those are great signals that he gets it, and he knows what’s important. “When he’s been out here and dialed in, he’s always asking questions, he’s always trying to figure it out, he always wants to do things better, he wants more turns. He wants to get more reps (and) he doesn’t want to come out of the game. He’s shown nothing but great stuff. We’re really pleased and fired up about it, we’ve seen him run through traffic and the things that he can do.” Penny led the nation with 2,248 rushing yards to go along with 23 touchdowns last season at San Diego State. He also had 19 receptions for two more scores. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Penny averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season and 7.5 yards in 2016, when he rumbled for 1,018 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Penny also was a weapon in the return game for the Aztecs, bringing back seven kicks for touchdowns in his career. Penny averaged 30.2 yards per return for his career....
Carroll: Seahawks RB Penny will be ready for Week 1
August 22, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Rashaad Penny will be ready for the team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos, coach Pete Carroll announced. Penny, who was selected 27th overall by the Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft, sustained a broken finger in practice last week. Multiple media outlets reported that he would be sidelined for three to four weeks. “He’s running around already,” Carroll told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s back in terms of conditioning and moving and all that kind of stuff. We’re very fortunate he’s going to be able to get back right away. It’s just a matter of making sure that it’s secure and quiet it down. He’ll run all week long and he could be ready for next week, for sure be ready for the opener.” Penny had been competing with Chris Carson for the starting running back job with the Seahawks, who had just one rushing touchdown outside of quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, in fact, led Seattle in rushing last season with 586 yards — 346 more than Mike Davis. Carson held the top spot in the team’s most recent depth chart, with Penny ahead of Davis and C.J. Prosise, among others. Penny rushed for just 16 yards despite a team-high eight carries in the Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. “He’s a fantastic competitor in that he’s applied himself so much to get his pass protection stuff right,” Carroll said. “He knew what he needed to do in terms of scheme, as well as the physical side of it. He worked hard on it on the offseason so when he showed up, he wouldn’t be behind. Those are great signals that he gets it, and he knows what’s important. “When he’s been out here and dialed in, he’s always asking questions, he’s always trying to figure it out, he always wants to do things better, he wants more turns. He wants to get more reps (and) he doesn’t want to come out of the game. He’s shown nothing but great stuff. We’re really pleased and fired up about it, we’ve seen him run through traffic and the things that he can do.” Penny led the nation with 2,248 rushing yards to go along with 23 touchdowns last season at San Diego State. He also had 19 receptions for two more scores. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Penny averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season and 7.5 yards in 2016, when he rumbled for 1,018 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Penny also was a weapon in the return game for the Aztecs, bringing back seven kicks for touchdowns in his career. Penny averaged 30.2 yards per return for his career....
Bills rookie QB Allen works with first-team offense
August 20, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen worked with the first-team offense during the start of Monday’s practice. Per Bills coach Sean McDermott, Allen and Nathan Peterman will rotate turns working with the first-team offense. Peterman, who had that honor on Sunday, was slated to work with the second team on Monday. Fellow quarterback A.J. McCarron was injured during the Bills’ preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Friday. The Buffalo News previously reported that the 27-year-old received a hairline fracture in his collarbone. McDermott said Sunday that McCarron did suffer an injury but that tests are “not totally conclusive” before acknowledging that the quarterback will go for another medical opinion. “Like always, (Bills general manager Brandon Beane) is always looking at our situation and what we may need to do for not only the long term, but the short term in this case. We’ll see,” McDermott said, per ESPN. Allen, who was the seventh overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, replaced McCarron and led the Bills’ first-team offense on an 80-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter against the Browns. While playing three possessions, Allen completed 9 of 13 passes for 60 yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rod Streater. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound Allen passed for 1,966 yards with 19 touchdowns last season at Wyoming. He ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine in 4.75 seconds with a 33 1/2-inch vertical jump. Peterman took over from Allen early in the third quarter and closed out Friday’s game, completing 8 of 10 passes for 113 yards. “We’re just with the rotation at this point,” McDermott said. “We’ll make that decision. After today, we’ll start to move into a little bit of a blend of (this being) a normal week as we prepare. Our players can get acclimated to the routine of a normal, regular season week.” The Bills return to preseason game action on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals....
Converted DE Jelks gives Oregon Pac-12’s top LB corps
August 18, 2018
— By Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com — EUGENE — Oregon co-defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt knows a little something about creating pressure off the edges. Before stops in Eugene and Boulder in the Pac-12, as well as being the linebacker coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, Leavitt served as head coach at the University of South Florida. There, he helped a raw edge rusher named Jason Pierre-Paul earn the No. 15 overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, still the highest selection ever for a Bulls’ football player. While JPP went on to become a Pro Bowl defensive end, helping the New York Giants win two Super Bowls and now rushing the passer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was his teammate, George Selvie, who remains the team’s leader in career sacks (29), as well as tackles for loss in a single season (31.5 in 2007). I vividly remember the long-armed 6-foot-4, 247-pound Selvie and the broken quarterbacks he and Pierre-Paul left behind in the Big East. I watched a similar multi-headed pass-rushing monster growing this week at the University of Oregon, where former defensive end Jalen Jelks is being asked to play more of a stand-up rush linebacker role opposite fellow senior Justin Hollins. Each roughly 6-5, 245 with broad shoulders, long arms and tapered middles, Jelks and Hollins give the Ducks towering twins off the edge. Speedy juniors Troy Dye and La’Mar Winston Jr. complete a re-shuffled linebacker corps that is as gifted as any in the Pac-12 and is perhaps among the elite groups in the country. By fortunate coincidence, I happened to be walking out of the Ducks’ sprawling facility just as Jelks left and had a moment to catch up with him. As one might expect of a senior, Jelks assured me that he’s fine with the position switch at this late point in his career. That wouldn’t be the case for everyone, especially for a player coming off a junior season in which he led the Ducks in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (15), earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors from league coaches. Jelks, in fact, sounded excited about the new role. He said he’s always been more about the team than personal statistics and proved his point by sharing that he even played left tackle when needed in high school. The experience along the line of scrimmage is clear in Jelks’ play. While possessing roughly the same size and burst up-field as his fellow draft-worthy teammate Hollins (Oregon’s second-best senior NFL prospect), Jelks is the most powerful of the Ducks linebacker group, using his heavy, massive hands and quickness to break free from would-be blockers. Further, when he keeps his pad level low, Jelks shows impressive strength at the point of attack, effectively setting the edge in the running game Thursday against third-year starter Calvin Throckmorton, the Ducks’ most consistent blocker and also a future NFL draft pick. While Jelks is more powerful against the run than he looks, the primary reason he and Hollins intrigue NFL teams is their potential to impact the passing game. Each boasts the initial burst to challenge tackles with outside speed rushes, as well as the flexibility to dip and close. The galloping strides of Jelks and Hollins, in fact, helped each also stand out during punt coverage duty Thursday. It is a traditional role both likely will be asked to fill in the NFL. With respected defensive line coach (and co-defensive coordinator) Joe Salave’a fine-tuning young replacements, the Ducks appear to be in good position up front to handle the move of Jelks to linebacker. Junior defensive end Drayton Carlberg (6-5, 282) is noticeably stronger than a year ago, as is defensive tackle Gary Baker (6-3, 318). Stubby 6-1, 329-pound sophomore nose guard Jordon Scott also returns and is already one of the conference’s better run-stuffers....
Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert should follow Mariota into NFL
August 17, 2018
— Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com — EUGENE, Ore. — Among the dusty hayfields and wild blackberry patches escorting the tranquil Willamette River, a willow-wild NFL prospect is blossoming this summer at the University of Oregon. Scouts from every NFL team are already trickling through this college town, focusing first on the Ducks’ talented seniors before succumbing to their curiosity and turning toward true junior quarterback Justin Herbert, the most gifted passer eligible for the 2019 draft. (NFLDraftScout.com rates Herbert as the top junior quarterback prospect, ahead of Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham and Michigan’s Shea Patterson, among others.) Representatives from the Chicago Bears, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams elected to huddle near the passers during most of Thursday’s practice — including the 90 minutes after beat writers and other local media were kicked out and I was asked to stop filming. It is easy to see why scouts are already enamored with the young quarterback. At a strapping 6-foot-5, 233 pounds, Herbert stands conspicuously above most of his teammates. As he goes through his third camp with the Ducks, his rocket right arm and smooth athleticism are just as obvious, as is the leadership role of the nearby Sheldon High School product. Herbert, who enters the 2018 season with 12 starts under his belt, led every drill and even directed the team’s breakdown at the start of practice, excitedly pointing out and shouting to individual teammates as the entire team circled him. “You’re going to have your best day today!” Herbert shouted, pointed and turned, repeating the encouragement to a handful of other teammates as nearly 100 players encircled him. Soon after, Herbert’s words were drowned out by a chant of D-U-C-K-S from the team before hip-hop lyrics regained their blast from speakers set all over Hatfield-Dowlin Complex, a part of one of the more majestic football facilities in the entire country. Herbert was only asked to make a handful of throws covering longer than 10 yards during the portion of practice in which I was allowed to film. His efficient throwing motion was apparent, as was his touch on two lofts into the left corner of the end zone. Not surprisingly, new head coach Mario Cristobal turned up the intensity and complexity of Oregon’s practice after this portion ended. It was then that Herbert really showed his exceptional talent, deftly sliding up and around the pocket and firing several accurate deep balls, including at least one touchdown to fellow junior Dillon Mitchell, a 6-2, 189-pounder expected to become a go-to target this year. Longtime Oregon observers believe Herbert has a stronger arm than predecessor Marcus Mariota, which can be fighting words in a community that still, rightfully, reveres the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner. Herbert’s obvious velocity stands out in person. Like a lot of strong-armed quarterbacks, Herbert looks most comfortable firing fastballs, and his accuracy on intermediate and deep breaking routes will generate excitement in the scouting community, similar to what we saw a year ago with Josh Allen (Wyoming), the No. 7 overall pick by Buffalo. He is not (yet?) as accurate as Mariota, which might surprise some, given Herbert’s impressive career completion percentage (65.3 percent). These are numbers inflated by the variety of quick screens and dump-offs to backs key to the Ducks’ notoriously high-octane offense, just as they did Mariota’s completion percentage (66.8 percent) under Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich, now the offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears. Herbert does show good awareness of his receivers, using the vantage point his prototypical frame (behind a massive offensive line) provide to scan the field, frequently looking one direction in an attempt to influence defenders before turning and firing passes the opposite way. His ability to manipulate defenders is encouraging, but Herbert is still more pupil than master in this regard. One late, short throw to the perimeter was nearly intercepted and returned for a touchdown midway through practice, prompting encouragement from coaches to “move on to the next play.” Herbert also has a tendency to guide the ball on throws that require taking something off, too often forcing receivers into jump-ball situations. This was the case on the final throw of a spirited scrimmage against a freely substituting defense to cap practice Thursday. After marching the Ducks quickly downfield, Oregon’s offense was stymied on three consecutive plays once it entered the red zone. On fourth down, Herbert lofted a fade toward the left pylon similar to the ones he was practicing earlier in the day. The ball was good enough to be caught and was thrown closer to me than any other pass Herbert lofted all morning. It looked like the perfect exclamation point to cap practice. Toolsy senior cornerback Haki Woods Jr. used his 6-3 frame to break up the potential reception, leaving the Ducks’ defense with the final victory on this day. Forgive this longtime scout for a football cliche, but I couldn’t help but think how Herbert’s final toss also encapsulates him as a current NFL prospect — close but not quite complete. Of course, Herbert has the entire 2018 season (and perhaps 2019) to improve. With the pecking order at quarterback for next spring’s draft much less settled than a year ago, Herbert’s development this season could be among the biggest storylines to follow in all of college football....
Bears LB Trevathan ‘proud’ of Smith for holdout
August 16, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan said he feels that the recent actions of teammate Roquan Smith will lead to more holdouts in the future. Smith, who was the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, ended his 29-day holdout earlier this week when he signed his rookie contract with the Bears. The former Georgia star received a four-year, $18.4 million contract with $11.5 million guaranteed. Per multiple media outlets, Smith was able to negotiate into his contract that the Bears can only void his future guarantees for an on-field suspension of three or more games and for a post-play suspension of two or more contests. “I’m proud, because he made a decision and stuck with it,” Trevathan said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m more proud … it’s going to lead to more people doing that. “It was big for him to do that. It was tough. I know he wanted to get here with his team, and a lot of people were saying, ‘Oh he needs to get there’ and a lot of other (stuff). You’ve just got to focus on you sometimes. You only get one chance to do that and I told him, ‘Do it the right way — your heart will never lead you wrong. Do the job and then get here so we can win some games.'” Trevathan understands all too well why Smith was holding out. The 28-year-old Trevathan himself was suspended one game last year for a head-first hit on Green Bay Packers receiver Davante Adams on Sept. 28. The Bears did not void any of Trevathan’s guarantees. Smith helped lead Georgia to the national championship game last season, winning the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football as well as SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Smith also was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, both of which are presented to the country’s top overall defensive player. Smith amassed 137 tackles, including 14 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries during his stellar junior season. He also was named Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal with 11 tackles as the Bulldogs defeated Oklahoma to advance to the national championship game....
Bears rookie LB Smith: ‘I’m just happy to be here now’
August 15, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Roquan Smith said he doesn’t regret the time spent fighting over his contract. “No, that’s just the business side of things,” Smith said Tuesday, via the Chicago Tribune. “It is what it is. And I’m just happy to be here now.” Smith’s lengthy absence finally ended effectively on Monday when the Bears reportedly compromised on voiding guarantees. The linebacker, who was selected eighth overall in April, was the only remaining unsigned pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The four-year contract was worth $18.4 million, with multiple media outlets reporting that it included $11.5 million guaranteed. Like all rookie deals, it included a team option for a fifth season. Smith said he’s excited to get up to speed with the rest of his teammates after missing the Bears’ entire training camp and the club’s first two preseason contests. “I have confidence in the coaches and the athletic training staff and myself,” the 21-year-old Smith said. “We’ll take the proper steps for me to come back.” Coach Matt Nagy said that the team is looking forward — not backward — in regard to Smith. “It was really simple. Why harp on what just happened? Let’s go. You’re here, our team’s here, that’s all that matters. Put it to the side and let’s go play football.” Nagy, however, said he wasn’t sure whether Smith will play against the Denver Broncos on Saturday. “From the time we got to know Roquan in OTAs, we understand he’s a very driven individual, both on and off the field, and I know he’s going to do everything he possibly can to catch up,” Nagy said. “Now he’s got to do it, so to be able to get out here in Denver and have some good practices, it’s a great time for him. It’s good for him to get back in shape and take some hits.” Smith helped lead Georgia to the national championship game last season, winning the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football as well as SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Smith also was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, both of which are presented to the country’s top overall defensive player. Smith amassed 137 tackles, including 14 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries during his stellar junior season. He also was named Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal with 11 tackles as the Bulldogs defeated Oklahoma to advance to the national championship game. Smith was projected to step in immediately for the Bears and play alongside fellow linebacker Danny Trevathan....
Seahawks rookie RB Penny (finger) out 3-4 weeks
August 15, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Rashaad Penny sustained a broken finger in practice earlier this week, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday. Penny, who was selected 27th overall by the Seahawks in the 2018 NFL Draft, is expected to be sidelined three to four weeks. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that there’s a chance Penny will not be ready for the team’s season opener against the Denver Broncos. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Penny led the nation with 2,248 rushing yards to go along with 23 touchdowns last season at San Diego State. He also had 19 receptions for two more scores. Penny averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season and 7.5 yards in 2016, when he rumbled for 1,018 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He also was a weapon in the return game for the Aztecs, bringing back seven kicks for touchdowns in his career. Penny averaged 30.2 yards per return for his career. Penny had been competing with Chris Carson for the starting running back job with the Seahawks, who had just one rushing touchdown outside of quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, in fact, led Seattle in rushing last season with 586 yards — 346 more than Davis. Carson held the top spot in the team’s most recent depth chart, with Penny ahead of Davis and C.J. Prosise, among others. Penny rushed for just 16 yards despite a team-high eight carries in the Seahawks’ preseason opener last week against the Indianapolis Colts....
First-round pick Smith signs with Bears
August 14, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — First-round draft pick Roquan Smith signed a contract with the Chicago Bears, the team announced Tuesday. Smith, who was selected eighth overall in April, was the only remaining unsigned pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The four-year contract was worth $18.4 million, with multiple media outlets reporting that it included $11.5 million guaranteed. Like all rookie deals, it included a team option for a fifth season. “We’re looking forward to Roquan joining our team and getting him prepared for the 2018 season,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said. Smith, a linebacker, missed the Bears’ entire training camp and the team’s first two preseason contests. Part of the reason for his holdout was language in his contract that would allow the team to reclaim guaranteed money if the linebacker is suspended under the NFL’s new helmet-contact rules, ESPN reported. Per the Chicago Tribune, Smith is expected to join the Bears for their joint practices against the Denver Broncos beginning Wednesday in Englewood, Colo. Smith helped lead Georgia to the national championship game last season, winning the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football as well as SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Smith also was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, both of which are presented to the country’s top overall defensive player. Smith amassed 137 tackles, including 14 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries during his stellar junior season. He also was named Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl in the College Football Playoff semifinal with 11 tackles as the Bulldogs defeated Oklahoma to advance to the national championship game. Smith was projected to step in immediately for the Bears and play alongside fellow linebacker Danny Trevathan....
Giants rookie RB Barkley (leg) sits out practice
August 14, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — New York Giants rookie running back Saquon Barkley was a spectator at Tuesday’s practice. Barkley, who was the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, watched practice in uniform — sans pads — after sustaining a mild strain of his left leg during Monday’s session. The 21-year-old Barkley reeled in a pass down the sideline from quarterback Kyle Lauletta before coming up a bit gimpy. Giants coach Pat Shurmur said that the team will be “smart with him” as the week progressed. Barkley lived up to the hype befitting his lofty draft status in New York’s preseason opener, rumbling 39 yards on his first carry in a 20-10 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns. He rushed for 43 yards on the evening. New York’s ground game was a train wreck last season and Barkley was viewed as the perfect fit after amassing 1,271 yards and 18 touchdowns last season for Penn State. He also showed he was a three-down back with 54 receptions. The 6-foot-3, 233-pound Barkley continued to rocket up draft boards after lighting up the 2018 NFL Combine with a spectacular workout, including a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical jump....
Report: Bears LB Smith ends holdout, agrees to deal
August 13, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Linebacker Roquan Smith, the only remaining unsigned draft pick, has agreed to terms on his four-year rookie contract with the Chicago Bears, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday. The two sides are finalizing the language in the contract before Smith signs, according to the report. Smith, the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, missed all of training camp, but the Chicago Tribune reported the deal is expected to be finalized in time for Smith to join the Bears for their joint practices against the Denver Broncos beginning Wednesday in Englewood, Colo. Smith is slotted to earn $18 million guaranteed over four years. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the contract is expected to include about $11 million in bonuses. Smith is expected to become a starter this season. The holdup in Smith’s contract reportedly involved whether Smith would lose guaranteed money if he is ever suspended....
Browns’ Jackson ‘punishes’ Callaway by playing him
August 13, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson had an interesting means of sending a message to wide receiver Antonio Callaway. Rather than sit the rookie, Jackson decided to play Callaway for the majority of Thursday’s preseason opener against the New York Giants. “I was trying to make him play the whole game if we could. I did not want him to come out,” Jackson said of Callaway, who failed to inform the Browns that he was cited for marijuana possession and a suspended license last week. “That was part of the consequence of what he has been through, and he knows it. That is what it was. Either you sit him or make him play. I thought it was better to make him play. “Make him play as long as he could. There were a couple of times he kept waving to come out, and we said, ‘No, stay in.'” Callaway was nursing a rib injury during practice on Sunday, with Jackson indicating that it was sustained in Thursday’s game. The 21-year-old Callaway had a turbulent career at Florida that caused him to tumble to the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His arrest came hours before Cleveland traded wide receiver Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Last Monday, Callaway was elevated to the first-team unit in place of Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick of the Browns in the 2016 draft. Callaway was suspended twice at Florida and missed the entire 2017 season for allegedly using stolen credit card information to fund bookstore accounts. At the NFL Combine, Callaway tested positive for drugs, and in 2016 he was cleared of sexual assault allegations. Because of a diluted urine sample at the Combine, Callaway already is in at least Stage 1 of the NFL’s Substance Abuse Program, Cleveland.com reported. Callaway did produce on the field. He recorded 89 receptions for 1,399 yards and seven touchdowns while started 24 of 26 games for the Gators. Also a weapon on special teams, Callaway returned six kickoffs for 176 yards and a score, while also returning 54 punts for 653 yards and a pair of touchdowns....
Cardinals’ Rosen shows signs of promise in opener
August 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Arizona Cardinals rookie quarterback Josh Rosen showed both some positives and negatives during the team’s 24-17 preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday. Rosen saw constant pressure while playing with second-string offensive linemen for the majority of his time on the field. Selected with the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Rosen escaped the pocket and had a 21-yard completion over the middle to tight end Gabe Holmes. He completed 6-of-13 passes for 41 yards without a touchdown or interception, although he would have had one of the latter had Chargers cornerback Desmond King held onto one errant toss. “I thought I did some good things, some bad things, but for the most part, it was a step in the right direction. Rosen said. “The almost-pick-six goes into the ‘bad’ category.” Rosen also was troubled with several poor snaps from center Daniel Munyer, a fact noted by coach Steve Wilks. “It always throws you off a little bit, because you’re trying to keep your eyes down the field and see the defense, but he has to make sure he can secure the football,” Wilks said. “We’ve got to do a much better job there, whoever is at the center position, of getting the ball back to him.” Rosen passed for 3,754 yards and 26 touchdowns with 10 interceptions in 2017 with UCLA. He posted career numbers of 9,301 yards passing with 59 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in 30 games....
Browns WR Callaway cited for marijuana possession
August 7, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Antonio Callaway’s off-field troubles have extended into the professional ranks. Callaway, a fourth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, was cited for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license when he was stopped early Sunday morning in Strongsville, Ohio. “The case is under investigation,” a spokesman for the Strongsville Police Dept. told Cleveland.com on Tuesday, while declining further comment. Callaway had a turbulent career at Florida that caused him to tumble in the draft. His arrest came hours before Cleveland traded wide receiver Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. On Monday, Callaway was elevated to the first-team unit in place of Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick of the Browns in the 2016 draft. “We are aware of the citation (and) are in the process of gathering more information and will comment further at the appropriate time,” the Browns said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. Cleveland head coach Hue Jackson told reporters that he was not aware of the incident until Tuesday. “We are going to do anything and everything that we can to assist him off the field first to make sure that is right, and that we have no tolerance for things that are not becoming of the Cleveland Browns,” said Jackson. According to the police report, Callaway was arrested at 2:59 a.m. Sunday morning. He had been stopped for a traffic violation failing to yield to oncoming traffic. After police determined Callaway was driving with a suspended license, an officer “a small amount of suspected marijuana.” Callaway is due in court Thursday morning. A league source told Cleveland.com that Callaway did not object to police searching the car, not realizing marijuana was under the driver’s car seat. Per the source, Callaway had the vehicle shipped to Ohio from Florida and he had not used it for a while, although other people used the car during that time. Cleveland traded up in the fourth round to take Callaway, who was suspended twice at Florida and missed the entire 2017 season for allegedly using stolen credit card information to fund bookstore accounts. At the NFL Combine, Callaway tested positive for drugs, and in 2016 he was cleared of sexual assault allegations. Because of a diluted urine sample at the Combine, Callaway already is in at least Stage 1 of the NFL’s Substance Abuse Program, Cleveland.com reported. “The matter will be reviewed under the NFL-NFLPA substances of abuse policy,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the website in an email. Callaway did produce on the field. He recorded 89 receptions for 1,399 yards and seven touchdowns while started 24 of 26 games for the Gators. Also a weapon on special teams, Callaway returned six kickoffs for 176 yards and a score, while also returning 54 punts for 653 yards and a pair of touchdowns....
Broncos’ Booker edges Freeman atop RB depth chart
August 7, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Devontae Booker is listed at the top of the Denver Broncos’ running back depth chart. The Broncos’ backfield has been in motion since last season’s leading rusher, C.J. Anderson, moved on to the Carolina Panthers. Anderson recorded a career-high 1,007 yards on 245 carries last season before signing a one-year, $1.7 million deal with the Panthers. Booker resides ahead of rookie Royce Freeman, De’Angelo Henderson and rookies Dave Williams and Phillip Lindsay on the depth chart released by the team. The 26-year-old Booker rushed 79 times for 299 yards and a touchdown last season while also reeling in 30 passes for 275 yards. He has 253 carries for 911 yards and five rushing scores since being selected with by the Broncos with a fourth-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Freeman was taken in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft after setting multiple school records at Oregon, including career rushing yards (5,621), all-purpose yards (6,435), total touchdowns (64) and rushing touchdowns (60). The 6-foot, 229-pound Freeman rushed for 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns last season after an injury-plagued junior campaign. His career rushing yardage is the second-most in Pac-12 history behind former USC back Charles White (6,245)....
Browns’ Jackson: Taylor remains starting QB
August 6, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson reiterated that Tyrod Taylor will be the team’s starting quarterback to begin the season. Per Peter King of NBC’s Football Morning in America on Monday, Jackson said that Taylor will get the nod over rookie Baker Mayfield. The move will give the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and top overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft a bit more time to develop. “I’m not changing my mind,” Jackson said. “Tyrod’s starting. That’s no reflection on Mayfield. He respects what I’m doing for him long-term. He may not like me for it now, but he’ll thank me later.” The Browns are attempting to change the narrative after going 1-31 in the last two seasons, including 0-16 in 2017. Taylor, who is making a guaranteed $16 million this season, played in 15 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2017. He completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 2,799 yards and 14 touchdowns with four interceptions last season. The 28-year-old Taylor guided Buffalo to the postseason for the first time since 1999 before being sent to Cleveland. Now, he’s aiming to have the Browns reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Mayfield passed for 4,627 yards and accounted for 48 touchdowns with just six interceptions while leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff last season. The 23-year-old threw for 14,607 career passing yards on 1,026 of 1,497 passing for 131 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,083 yards and 21 touchdowns....
Broncos sign rookie WR Bobo
August 3, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — The Denver Broncos signed wide receiver Bryce Bobo, and in a corresponding move waived wide receiver Kenny Bell with an injury designation, the team announced on Friday. Bobo played at Colorado and went undrafted in the NFL Draft in April. He had a tryout at the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie camp, but was not signed. Last season, Bobo made 62 receptions for 693 yards and five touchdowns for the Buffaloes. Bell, who was a fifth-round pick out of Nebraska by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, missed time during the spring and summer because of a hamstring injury. He has never played in a regular season NFL game, spending 2015 with the Buccaneers and 2016-17 with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Broncos this year....
Report: Giants CB Beal to undergo surgery Friday
August 3, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — New York Giants rookie cornerback Sam Beal will undergo season-ending surgery Friday to repair his dislocated shoulder, the NFL Network reported. Beal, who was taken by the Giants in the third round of the 2018 supplemental draft, was injured during practice on July 24 when he got tangled up with a teammate. New York surrendered a third-round pick in 2019 to select Beal, who was the highest-drafted player in the supplemental draft since wide receiver Josh Gordon was taken in the second round in 2012. Beal was projected as an early pick in the 2019 draft before being declared academically ineligible at Western Michigan and leaving school. With Beal reportedly out for the season, the Giants are expected to lean heavily on cornerbacks Eli Apple and Janoris Jenkins. In a reflection of Beal’s talent, representatives from all 32 teams attended his personal Pro Day workout on June 28. The 6-foot, 178-pounder showed off NFL-caliber athleticism, registering a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash, a vertical jump of 37 inches along with a broad jump of 10-6. He clocked a 4.09 in the short shuttle and 7.11 in the 3-cone drill. Beal started 23 of 25 games for the Broncos the last two seasons for a Western Michigan program that has quietly churned out seven NFL draft picks the last three years....
Report: Raiders activate rookie DT Hall from PUP list
August 1, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — The Oakland Raiders activated rookie defensive tackle P.J. Hall from the physically unable to report list, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Wednesday. Hall, who was dealing with a pectoral strain, was selected by the Raiders in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old Hall was a two-time FCS All-American while at Sam Houston State. He recorded 43.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks over his final two college seasons. Hall, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 308 pounds, also had 42 sacks and nine forced fumbles during his collegiate career. His 14 blocked kicks with the Bearkats likely means the Raiders will also use Hall on their special teams unit....
Bucs’ Koetter on Vea injury: ‘Better than we thought’
July 31, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter expressed optimism for the health of Vita Vea on Tuesday despite the team’s first-round pick being spotted in a walking boot on his left leg and using a scooter to get around. Vea, who was the 12th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, raised concerns after he exited Sunday’s practice on a cart. WFLA8 posted video of Vea using a scooter to move around during practice on Tuesday. “It was better than we thought,” Koetter said, per the Tampa Bay Times. “What Vita described when it happened was what you would think when a guy tore his Achilles. Thankfully it’s not that, it’s a calf injury. He’s gonna be out for right now, but it’s not what it could have been. “So, in that respect, we’re better off than we thought we were.” Koetter said Vea will be sidelined for “a little bit” and that other updates would be issued when warranted. Vea was named the 2017 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year after recording 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season at the University of Washington. He also helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff in the 2016 campaign. The 6-foot-4, 347-pound Vea is expected to be paired with six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on a defensive line that added Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry this offseason....
Bucs first-round DT Vea carted off in practice
July 29, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round defensive tackle Vita Vea exited Sunday’s practice on a cart with an apparent lower left leg injury, multiple media outlets reported. Vea, who was the 12th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, was seen getting his left shin wrapped prior to his ride on the cart. It was not immediately clear how Vea sustained the injury. “Vita left practice, not sure what it is. It’s a lower leg injury of some kind,” Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter said, per ESPN. “We’ll know later. I don’t know right now.” The 6-foot-4, 347-pound Vea was named the 2017 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year after recording 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season at the University of Washington. He also helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff in the 2016 campaign. Vea is expected to be paired with six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy on a defensive line that added Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry this offseason....
Bengals rookie OL Taylor tears ACL, out for season
July 29, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Cincinnati rookie offensive lineman Rod Taylor will miss the entire 2018 season after sustaining a torn ACL in practice last week. Taylor, who was a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was pulling across the line of scrimmage before he fell to the ground with a knee injury during Thursday’s practice. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Taylor was carted off the field and was seen on crutches in the locker room Friday, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. Taylor took to Instagram with a message that read as follows: “God I never question what u have plan… I know u do everything for a reason ##2019myyear.” Taylor, 21, played guard and tackle at the University of Mississippi....
Browns sign DL Henderson, WR Jackson
July 27, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — The Cleveland Browns announced the signings of defensive lineman Zaycoven Henderson and wide receiver Blake Jackson on Friday. The 6-1, 298-pound Henderson is an undrafted rookie out of Texas A&M who played in 45 games for the Aggies, making 111 tackles, 21.5 tackles for losses, 8.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Henderson’s draft prospects took a big hit when he was arrested last December for allegedly pointing a rifle at several people. He was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence. In addition, he was suspended for the first two games of his sophomore season for violating unspecified athletic department rules. The 5-10, 200-pound Jackson was undrafted in 2016 after playing quarterback at Mary Hardin-Baylor and spent time as a wide receiver with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League but did not play in a game....
Bears holdout rookie Smith blasted by Wannstedt
July 27, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Roquan Smith remained away from training camp Friday, drawing the ire of one of the franchise’s former head coaches. Dave Wannstedt, who coached the Bears from 1993-98, berated Smith — one of two unsigned first-round picks — for not being on the field with his teammates. “It really doesn’t make much sense,” Wannstedt told reporters, per the Chicago Sun-Times. “The way (salaries) are slotted now … for a rookie to hold out because of some fine print, it’s pretty selfish from an agent standpoint to do that. This kid needs to be here. He needs to be practicing. These are valuable days. They play a preseason game a week from now. And you do not get these days back.” Smith was the No. 8 overall pick out of the University of Georgia. New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, taken No. 3 overall, is the only first-round selection that has yet to sign. With Smith missing his seventh day of practice while the sides work out details of a contract that is expected to pay him $18.5 million over four years, Wannstedt questioned the thought process of the rookie’s representatives. “You would think that an agent would be smart enough to understand that,” said Wannstedt. “At some point the player’s got to understand that, ‘This guy works for me. I’m not working for the agent.’ And you’ve got to stand up and say, ‘The contact’s fair. I need to get in practice and help this football team.'” Wannstedt noted how damaging a prolonged holdout can be to a rookie, pointing to how it adversely affected then-Bears running back Curtis Enis in 1998. “He still has his individual learning,” Wannstedt said of Smith. “Physically, I’m sure he’s running and doing stuff. But there’s no substitute for what (players) are doing now — for having the pads on and going through full-speed drills with pads on. You can talk all you want about shorts and I’m doing it at a high school or college to get ready, (but) it’s not the same.” The 6-foot-1, 236-pound Smith helped lead Georgia to the national championship game last season, winning the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football. Smith amassed 137 tackles, including 14 for loss, 6.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries during his stellar junior season. He was projected to step in immediately for the Bears and play alongside fellow linebacker Danny Trevathan....
2019 Prospect Peek: Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
July 27, 2018
— By Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com — Greg Little, OT, 6-6, 328, 5.12 (40 yards), junior Expectations for 2018: After studying his sophomore film, it is easy to see why Little was regarded as one of the best recruits out of high school. He moves very naturally for a left tackle his size and sports the athletic feet required to play the position at a high level. Ole Miss will not go to a bowl game this season due to sanctions, but the Rebels’ roster is stacked with future NFL talent. Quarterback Shea Patterson has moved on as a transfer to Michigan and the offense needs to replace a 1,000-yard rusher in Jordan Wilkins, but Ole Miss returns eight starters on that side of the ball, including Little, who started all 12 games at left tackle last season. He boasts NFL bloodlines as the son of Derrick Little (sixth rounder in 1989 NFL Draft out of South Carolina), who was tragically murdered in 2016. Entering the 2018 season, Little is one of the top offensive line prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft, but he has work to do if he wants to hear his name called in the top half of round one. He needs to improve on the finer points of the position because the NFL is full of top-notch athletes; it is often the detail-oriented players who get drafted top-10 and flourish. What the 2017 tape says: Little is a balanced knee-bender who uses leverage and natural body control to stymie rushers. His lateral athleticism easily cuts off edge speed without sacrificing pad level. He looks the part and carries 325-plus pounds very well, flashing the raw strength to hold his ground. Little does a nice job with movement to execute combination blocks and advance to the second level. Little is still gaining experience and needs to show better polish to earn the high draft grades his natural talent suggests. His hand placement tends to get wild mid-kickslide, and he needs to better anticipate pass rush moves to counter — he is routinely in correct position, but can be a tick late reacting. If someone from the future told me Little went on to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and had a Pro Bowl career, it wouldn’t come as a surprise. However, he isn’t quite there yet and needs to improve on those details this season to reach his full potential. Background: A five-star recruit out of high school, Little was a substantial part of the success at Allen (Texas) High School during his tenure, including a 46-1 record as a three-year starter and two Texas state Championships. He was widely viewed as the top offensive lineman in the 2016 recruiting class, and Rivals.com tabbed him as the No. 4 overall recruit regardless of position (Michigan’s Rashan Gary, Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence and Ole Miss signee Shea Patterson were the only names ahead of him). Little, Patterson and wide receiver A.J. Brown were the main reasons the Rebels earned a top-five finish in the team recruiting rankings....
Reports: Saints to sign QB Barrett to three-year deal
Kentucky RB Snell declares for NFL Draft
December 14, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kentucky running back Benny Snell, considered one of the best players in Wildcats’ history, announced on Friday that he will skip his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. However, Snell said he first will play for the Wildcats against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day. “To the BBN (Big Blue Nation), you’ve become a part of my family,” Snell said in a video posted on Twitter. “You took a kid in from Ohio and made it feel like home, but there comes a time you have to leave home to build a life of your own. That’s what I’m about to do. I have decided to enter the NFL draft and pursue a dream I have had as long as I can remember. I will be taking some of the best memories of my life with me.” Snell was an unheralded recruit who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons and helped the Wildcats to a bowl game for the third consecutive season. He has 3,754 yards in his career and was selected first-team All-Southeastern Conference this year. The Athletic ranks Snell as the No. 10 running back in the 2019 draft class. He ranks second in the SEC with 1,305 yards rushing this season and needs 107 yards against Penn State to break Kentucky’s career rushing record of 3,835 yards. He already has tied or broken 13 Kentucky records. In November, Kentucky coach Mark Stoops acknowledged Snell was likely headed to the draft....
Memphis RB Henderson to skip bowl game
December 14, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Memphis running back Darrell Henderson will not play in the team’s upcoming bowl game against Wake Forest. Henderson’s decision to bypass the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 22 was expected after he announced on Wednesday that he planned to enter the 2019 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Henderson had a spectacular junior season for the Tigers, rushing for 1,909 yards and a nation-leading 22 touchdowns. Henderson capped his collegiate career by rushing for 210 yards and three scores, including touchdowns of 82 and 62 yards, in a 56-41 loss to unbeaten Central Florida in the American Athletic Conference championship game on Dec. 1. It was the third 200-yard game and the ninth 100-yard outing of the season for Henderson, who finished second to Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor in rushing and third nationally in yards per carry (8.9). Henderson, who rushed for 1,154 yards as a sophomore, leaves Memphis as the school’s No. 2 career leading rusher behind only DeAngelo Williams. Junior Patrick Taylor is expected to start in Henderson’s place against Wake Forest. He also surpassed 1,000 yards rushing this season and ran for 15 scores this season. Taylor, who rushed for 118 yards and a TD in the AAC title game, also ran for 13 scores as a sophomore. “I mean you got to prepare, you never know what’s going to happen. You look back at the multiple other times this year that Darrell was not available in games,” said Tigers coach Mike Norvell of playing without Henderson. “And … you look at the production that we’ve been able to have from that spot, regardless of who’s back there. You know, I’ve got a lot of confidence.”...
Central Florida QB Milton to attend Fiesta Bowl
December 13, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Nearly two weeks after Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton was released from the hospital following a gruesome knee injury, his mother said on Thursday her son would attend next month’s Fiesta Bowl against LSU. In a statement posted on Twitter, Teresa Milton said her son was undergoing another surgery Thursday “to get him more comfortable” She also wrote: “He will be at the Fiesta Bowl to cheer his teammates on to Victory! Milton was injured in the second quarter in a win over South Florida on Nov. 23 and watched his teammates beat Memphis in the AAC Championship game at his home in Orlando, Fla. ESPN reported that Milton already has undergone three surgical procedures on his right leg and will have reconstructive knee surgery in four to six weeks. Shortly after undergoing surgery, Milton’s parents released a statement updating the results of an emergency surgery on their son’s leg. According to the statement, the blood flow in his leg was restored and a nerve was injured but intact. Milton was hit while scrambling and his leg was bent in an unnatural direction. It was such a gruesome injury that ESPN did not show any replays of the play. No. 8-ranked UCF (11-0) takes a 24-game winning streak into the Fiesta Bowl. The Golden Knights have not lost a game since Arkansas beat them 31-13 in the Cure Bowl on Dec. 17, 2016. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Milton completed 166 of 279 passes (59.5 percent) for 2,577 yards and 24 touchdowns with five interceptions in his first nine game this season. He had 71 touchdown passes in his career, including 37 last season. “Mckenzie and our entire family are so touched and grateful for the prayers, support, and well wishes,” said the statement from the quarterback’s parents shortly after the injury. “McKenzie is in good spirits and has a very positive attitude. He looks forward to cheering on his teammates in their quest for another conference championship this Saturday.”...
CFB notebook: Richmond DB Lee dies
December 13, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Richmond redshirt freshman defensive back Augustus “Gus” Lee has died, the school announced. He was 20. The Football Championship Subdivision school did not disclose the cause of death, but multiple media outlets reported that Lee committed suicide. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Virginia Department of Health’s Central District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner declined to provide details on the cause of death. Lee appeared in all 11 of the Spiders’ games this season, playing primarily on special teams. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Lee was named Defensive MVP of Richmond’s spring game earlier this year. “Gus was a terrific young man and a great member of our Richmond family,” Spiders coach Russ Huesman said in a statement. “His loss is a true tragedy to those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ family. This is a very difficult time for everyone in the Richmond Spider family.” Richmond president Ronald Crutcher offered the following statement: “I have been in touch with Gus’ family to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the entire University,” Crutcher said. “Gus was a sophomore from Fairfax, Virginia, who played on our football team. He was an undeclared pre-business major and a good friend, especially to his teammates and his fellow student-athletes. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gus’ family, his teammates, professors, and many friends on our campus.” –Boston College head coach Steve Addazio agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2022 season, the school announced. Addazio, 59, had two years left of his contract before receiving the extension. Under Addazio’s watch, the Eagles dropped their last three games to post a 7-5 mark this season heading into their First Responder Bowl contest against Boise State on Dec. 26. Addazio has posted a 38-38 overall record (18-30 in ACC games) in six seasons with Boston College and a 51-49 mark in eight years as an FBS coach. Addazio took over a program that posted a 2-10 mark in 2012. “After every season we evaluate all aspects of our programs to make sure they are aligned with the core mission and principles of the Boston College athletics department,” Eagles athletic director Martin Jarmond wrote in a letter to school supporters. “While all of us wish our regular season in football had ended with more victories, we took important steps in the right direction this year: returning to the national rankings for the first time since 2008, capturing the nation’s attention with ESPN’s College GameDay on-campus, being in the running for the conference championship in November and playing in another post-season bowl. “… To continue building on our football program’s progress and promise, we are extending Coach Steve Addazio’s contract for two additional years through the 2022 season. Steve and I are committed to taking the next steps to enhance competitive excellence in Boston College football.” –Manny Diaz, defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.), is in final negotiations to become the next head coach at Temple, according to multiple media reports. It was first reported by Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, who said in a post on Twitter, “Source: Temple is finalizing a deal to make Miami DC Manny Diaz the next head coach.” Diaz is in his third season with the Hurricanes after being fired as defensive coordinator by Texas at mid-season in 2013. Miami’s defense ranks No. 2 nationally in total defense this season and is in the top 20 in every major statistical category. Last season, Diaz’s defense led the way as Miami won its first 10 games and rose to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff poll in November. The 44-year-old has also coordinated defenses for Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. Diaz, long considered one to the top assistant coaches in the nation, interviewed with Temple on Monday and there was speculation from the start that he would land the job....
Diaz reportedly will land Temple job
December 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Manny Diaz, defensive coordinator at Miami (Fla.) is in final negotiations to become the next head coach at Temple, according to multiple media reports on Wednesday. It was first reported by Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports, who said in a post on Twitter, “Source: Temple is finalizing a deal to make Miami DC Manny Diaz the next head coach.” Diaz is in his third season with the Hurricanes after being fired as defensive coordinator by Texas at mid-season in 2013. Miami’s defense ranks No. 2 nationally in total defense this season and is in the top 20 in every major statistical category. Last season, Diaz’s defense led the way as Miami won its first 10 games and rose to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff poll in November. The 44-year-old has also coordinated defenses for Mississippi State, Middle Tennessee and Louisiana Tech. The head coach job at Temple has served as a stepping stone to bigger coaching gigs for several coaches, including Al Golden (Miami), Steve Addazio (Boston College), Matt Rhule (Baylor) and Geoff Collins (Georgia Tech), who posted a 15-10 record the last two seasons with the Owls. Diaz, long considered one to the top assistant coaches in the nation, interviewed with Temple on Monday and there was speculation from the start that he would land the job....
Boston College extends Addazio into 2022 season
December 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Boston College head coach Steve Addazio agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2022 season, the school announced. Under Addazio’s watch, the Eagles dropped their last three games to post a 7-5 mark this season heading into their First Responder Bowl contest against Boise State on Dec. 26. Addazio has posted a 38-38 overall record (18-30 in ACC games) in six seasons with Boston College and a 51-49 mark in eight years as an FBS coach. Addazio, 59, had only two years left of his contract before receiving the extension. “After every season we evaluate all aspects of our programs to make sure they are aligned with the core mission and principles of the Boston College athletics department,” Eagles athletic director Martin Jarmond wrote in a letter to school supporters. “While all of us wish our regular season in football had ended with more victories, we took important steps in the right direction this year: returning to the national rankings for the first time since 2008, capturing the nation’s attention with ESPN’s College GameDay on-campus, being in the running for the conference championship in November and playing in another post-season bowl. “… To continue building on our football program’s progress and promise, we are extending Coach Steve Addazio’s contract for two additional years through the 2022 season. Steve and I are committed to taking the next steps to enhance competitive excellence in Boston College football.” Addazio took over a program that posted a 2-10 mark in 2012....
Richmond DB Lee reportedly commits suicide
December 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Richmond redshirt freshman defensive back Augustus “Gus” Lee has died, the school announced. He was 20. The Football Championship Subdivision school did not disclose the cause of death, but multiple media outlets reported that he committed suicide. Per the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Virginia Department of Health’s Central District Office of the Chief Medical Examiner declined to provide details on the cause of death. Lee appeared in all 11 of the Spiders’ games this season, playing primarily on special teams. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Lee was named Defensive MVP of Richmond’s spring game earlier this year. “Gus was a terrific young man and a great member of our Richmond family,” Spiders coach Russ Huesman said in a statement. “His loss is a true tragedy to those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ family. This is a very difficult time for everyone in the Richmond Spider family.” Richmond president Ronald Crutcher offered the following statement: “I have been in touch with Gus’ family to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the entire University,” Crutcher said. “Gus was a sophomore from Fairfax, Virginia, who played on our football team. He was an undeclared pre-business major and a good friend, especially to his teammates and his fellow student-athletes. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gus’ family, his teammates, professors, and many friends on our campus.” New York Giants quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who starred with the Spiders prior to being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, shared his thoughts on social media Tuesday night. “Your loving personality kind spirit will live on forever,” Lauletta wrote on Twitter. “Fly high. Rest in peace my brother.”...
Edwards, Arizona St. young at heart vs. No. 21 Fresno St.
December 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Arizona State coach Herm Edwards is taking advantage of the extra game Saturday’s Las Vegas Bowl presents by making sure his youngest players get valuable experience against No. 21 Fresno State. The Bulldogs, the Mountain West Conference champions at 11-2, 7-1 MWC, are playing for respect against a Power 5 opponent and are striving for their first 12-win season in school history. The pressure of winning is more on Fresno State than it is with Arizona State, which is 7-5 overall with a second-place finish in the Pac-12 Southern Division at 5-4. “It comes with the territory,” Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford said. “Our goal always is to win the game that we’re playing and this happens to be a 12th one. Is that defining? I think so, for a team that has worked so hard. I think that is a great accomplishment for any program.” With NFL prospect N’Keal Harry, a junior receiver, opting to not play in the game in order to concentrate on the draft, Sun Devils freshman Geordon Porter is expected to get more snaps. Arizona State freshman running back A.J. Carter is also expected to play. Edwards has also suggested that sophomore quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole will play depending on how the game develops in what will be the final college appearance for senior signal-caller Manny Wilkins. The Sun Devils already play an abundance of freshmen on defense — with six seeing plenty of action this season. One of them is linebacker Merlin Robertson, the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year who has team-highs with 77 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Edwards himself is acting young by saying he can’t wait to stop for milkshakes on the team’s bus ride to Las Vegas. Arizona State opted to take to the road on six buses for the six-hour trip to Las Vegas rather than fly, although the team will take an airplane back to Phoenix after the game. “I don’t know if it’s ‘Johnson Family Vacation’ or not, but we’re going to make a few stops,” Edwards said. “I’m really excited about the milkshakes (stop) to be quite honest. I know exactly what kind I’m getting. They get strawberry, vanilla or chocolate. I’ve got a special one coming. They’re going to want the one I have. “It’s like anything, if you make it fun. The Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (spanning the Colorado River) we’re going to cross, I think that’s important. They’re really excited about going now. I’ve been talking it up for a week. When you do something like this, it just brings your team closer together. I like doing stuff like this.” Edwards is understandably enjoying the moment after a nerve-wracking, yet successful, first season with Arizona State. In the Sun Devils’ last 11 games, nine have been decided by seven points of fewer. Arizona State had Harry through all of that. How much the Sun Devils and Wilkins miss Harry’s 73 catches for 1,088 yards remains to be seen. They still have All-Pac-12 first-team selection Eno Benjamin at running back. He rushed for 1,524 yards at 5.5 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns. “I’ve seen a little bit through the year of the stuff that they’ve done in highlights,” Tedford said of Arizona State. “They’re very explosive. They’ve played a lot of difficult games and won their share for sure — they’re a really good football team.” Tedford is familiar with coaching against the Sun Devils dating to his days as California’s coach. Another bit of familiarity is Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion, who transferred from Oregon State after starting seven games with the Beavers as a freshman and sophomore in 2015 and 2016. McMaryion is 12th among NCAA quarterbacks in yards (3,453) and seventh in completion percentage (69.8). His favorite target, KeeSean Johnson, is tied for fourth in the NCAA in receptions (93) and eighth in yards (1,307). The Bulldogs’ combination of Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims have combined for 967 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Fresno State is familiar with the Sun Devils’ schemes on defense as defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales is a former San Diego State assistant coach who has brought the 3-3-5 defense with him to Arizona State. “I think it’s a combination of Washington and Colorado of what they do on offense,” Gonzales told the Arizona Republic. “They are a very physical football team. I think in all my times at the previous school, it was the only school that was able to match our physical stature and we had great battles with them so it’s going to be a very, very good challenge. “They are a great football team. They’re ranked 21st in the country for a reason.”...
Edwards, Arizona St. young at heart vs. No. 21 Fresno St.
December 12, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Arizona State coach Herm Edwards is taking advantage of the extra game Saturday’s Las Vegas Bowl presents by making sure his youngest players get valuable experience against No. 21 Fresno State. The Bulldogs, the Mountain West Conference champions at 11-2, 7-1 MWC, are playing for respect against a Power 5 opponent and are striving for their first 12-win season in school history. The pressure of winning is more on Fresno State than it is with Arizona State, which is 7-5 overall with a second-place finish in the Pac-12 Southern Division at 5-4. “It comes with the territory,” Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford said. “Our goal always is to win the game that we’re playing and this happens to be a 12th one. Is that defining? I think so, for a team that has worked so hard. I think that is a great accomplishment for any program.” With NFL prospect N’Keal Harry, a junior receiver, opting to not play in the game in order to concentrate on the draft, Sun Devils freshman Geordon Porter is expected to get more snaps. Arizona State freshman running back A.J. Carter is also expected to play. Edwards has also suggested that sophomore quarterback Dillon Sterling-Cole will play depending on how the game develops in what will be the final college appearance for senior signal-caller Manny Wilkins. The Sun Devils already play an abundance of freshmen on defense — with six seeing plenty of action this season. One of them is linebacker Merlin Robertson, the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year who has team-highs with 77 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Edwards himself is acting young by saying he can’t wait to stop for milkshakes on the team’s bus ride to Las Vegas. Arizona State opted to take to the road on six buses for the six-hour trip to Las Vegas rather than fly, although the team will take an airplane back to Phoenix after the game. “I don’t know if it’s ‘Johnson Family Vacation’ or not, but we’re going to make a few stops,” Edwards said. “I’m really excited about the milkshakes (stop) to be quite honest. I know exactly what kind I’m getting. They get strawberry, vanilla or chocolate. I’ve got a special one coming. They’re going to want the one I have. “It’s like anything, if you make it fun. The Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge (spanning the Colorado River) we’re going to cross, I think that’s important. They’re really excited about going now. I’ve been talking it up for a week. When you do something like this, it just brings your team closer together. I like doing stuff like this.” Edwards is understandably enjoying the moment after a nerve-wracking, yet successful, first season with Arizona State. In the Sun Devils’ last 11 games, nine have been decided by seven points of fewer. Arizona State had Harry through all of that. How much the Sun Devils and Wilkins miss Harry’s 73 catches for 1,088 yards remains to be seen. They still have All-Pac-12 first-team selection Eno Benjamin at running back. He rushed for 1,524 yards at 5.5 yards per carry with 12 touchdowns. “I’ve seen a little bit through the year of the stuff that they’ve done in highlights,” Tedford said of Arizona State. “They’re very explosive. They’ve played a lot of difficult games and won their share for sure — they’re a really good football team.” Tedford is familiar with coaching against the Sun Devils dating to his days as California’s coach. Another bit of familiarity is Fresno State quarterback Marcus McMaryion, who transferred from Oregon State after starting seven games with the Beavers as a freshman and sophomore in 2015 and 2016. McMaryion is 12th among NCAA quarterbacks in yards (3,453) and seventh in completion percentage (69.8). His favorite target, KeeSean Johnson, is tied for fourth in the NCAA in receptions (93) and eighth in yards (1,307). The Bulldogs’ combination of Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims have combined for 967 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Fresno State is familiar with the Sun Devils’ schemes on defense as defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales is a former San Diego State assistant coach who has brought the 3-3-5 defense with him to Arizona State. “I think it’s a combination of Washington and Colorado of what they do on offense,” Gonzales told the Arizona Republic. “They are a very physical football team. I think in all my times at the previous school, it was the only school that was able to match our physical stature and we had great battles with them so it’s going to be a very, very good challenge. “They are a great football team. They’re ranked 21st in the country for a reason.”...
CFB notebook: Kansas State names Klieman head coach
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kansas State hired North Dakota State’s Chris Klieman as its next head coach, the school announced. Klieman guided the Bison to a 67-6 mark overall with three Football Championship Subdivision national championships during a four-year stretch. He will succeed Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, who retired earlier this month. The 51-year-old Klieman agreed to a six-year deal with Kansas State, paying him $2.3 million per year with a $200,000 annual raise over the remaining five years of the contract, the Big 12 school said. The Wildcats finished just 5-7 in 2018, marking Snyder’s first losing season in 13 years. Klieman plans to remain with the top-seeded Bison (13-0) heading into the FCS playoffs. The team faces South Dakota State in a semifinal on Friday. –Britain Covey, Utah’s leading receiver, announced on social media that he has undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL. Covey revealed on his Twitter account on Tuesday, “Just had surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus. I’ll be back before you know it! In the end, minor setbacks turn out to be major miracles! “ Covey suffered the injury during the Pac-12 championship game loss to Washington, but the nature of the injury was not specified. A torn ACL means Covey will miss the Utes’ Dec. 31 Holiday Bowl against Northwestern and will also sit out spring practice. Covey was the Utes’ leader in receptions with 60 and receiving yards with 637. Covey also carried the ball 21 times for another 172 yards, and added a pair of touchdown passes. He was also named first-team All-Pac-12 as a return specialist. –Alabama head coach Nick Saban is expected to promote Dan Enos to offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, multiple media outlets reported. Enos will take over for Mike Locksley, who recently was named the head coach at Maryland. Enos would be Alabama’s fifth offensive coordinator since the start of the 2016 season. Enos, who was hired as the Tide’s quarterbacks coach in January, has gained a reputation based on his work with Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts....
Reports: Enos to be named Alabama offensive coordinator
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Alabama head coach Nick Saban is expected to promote Dan Enos to offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday. Enos will take over for Mike Locksley, who recently was named the head coach at Maryland. Enos would be Alabama’s fifth offensive coordinator since the start of the 2016 season. Enos, who was hired as the Tide’s quarterbacks coach in January, has gained a reputation based on his work with Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts. Enos has known Saban since the 1980s when he was a player at Michigan State when Saba was the Spartans’ head coach. He came to Alabama after three seasons as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas. Enos was the head coach at Central Michigan from 2010 to 2014. Now he is set to take over an offense that will return the Heisman Trophy runner-up (Tagovailoa), the Biletnikoff Award winner (Jerry Jeudy) and the SEC Freshman of the Year (wide receiver Jaylen Waddle) from this year’s unit, which is ranked second nationally in scoring offense. “He’s always been a really bright guy and had great competitive character,” Saban said of Enos earlier this season, according to AL.com. “I followed him when he was a head coach at Central Michigan. And having to play against him when he was at Arkansas for the last few years, we were always very challenged by the system and the scheme and the things that they did. I thought their offense was always really well-coached. So I guess I’ve always had a high opinion of him, but having to play against someone you develop even a greater respect for how they’re doing what they do.”...
Utah WR Covey has surgery to repair ACL
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Britain Covey, Utah’s leading receiver, announced on social media that he has undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL. Covey revealed on his Twitter account on Tuesday, “Just had surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus. I’ll be back before you know it! In the end, minor setbacks turn out to be major miracles! “ Covey suffered the injury during the Pac-12 championship game loss to Washington, but the nature of the injury was not specified. A torn ACL means Covey will miss the Utes’ Dec. 31 Holiday Bowl against Northwestern and will also sit out spring practice. The school did not provide a timeline for his expected recovery, but a torn ACL typically requires six to nine months of recovery time. Covey is a true sophomore this season. He was a freshman in 2015, but left on a two-year mission and didn’t play in 2016 or 2017. Covey was the Utes’ leader in receptions with 60 and receiving yards with 637. He had twice as many receptions as any other Utah player this season. Covey also carried the ball 21 times for another 172 yards, and added a pair of touchdown passes. Covey was also named first-team All-Pac-12 as a return specialist....
Kansas State hires Klieman as head coach
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kansas State hired North Dakota State’s Chris Klieman as its next head coach, the school announced. Klieman guided the Bison to a 67-6 mark overall with three Football Championship Subdivision national championships during a four-year stretch. He will succeed Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, who retired earlier this month. The 51-year-old Klieman agreed to a six-year deal with Kansas State, paying him $2.3 million per year with a $200,000 annual raise over the remaining five years of the contract, the Big 12 school said. “This is an absolute dream job,” Klieman said in a statement. “I’m so happy and thrilled to follow a legend in Coach Snyder. I’ve followed him from afar, went to his camps while playing in Waterloo, Iowa, and played against his Kansas State team when I was at Northern Iowa. The opportunity to follow in an icon’s footsteps is something I don’t take for granted and don’t take lightly. “I know I have huge shoes to fill, and I’m excited to carry on his legacy. I have prepared my entire life for this opportunity and had great experiences at many institutions, most notably North Dakota State where we’ve had unmatched success over the last eight years. I can’t express how pleased I am and thank President Myers, (athletic director) Gene Taylor and the search committee for trusting in me and handing over the keys to this great program.” Snyder posted a 215-117-1 record over 27 seasons at Kansas State with a pair of Big 12 conference championships and five division titles. The 79-year-old became the fourth active coach to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. The Wildcats finished just 5-7 in 2018, marking Snyder’s first losing season in 13 years. Klieman has ties to Kansas State, as Taylor promoted him to head coach at North Dakota State while serving in the same role at the school in 2013. “I’m very excited to have Chris Klieman lead our program,” Taylor said. “He is a perfect fit for us, both from a personal standpoint and as a head coach. He’s a tremendous teacher who I had the pleasure to hire at NDSU and watched him turn into a very successful coach. He will bring a ton of energy and excitement. His teams play extremely hard, disciplined football. He’s a winner. That’s all he does is win, and we’re excited to have Chris, Rhonda and the entire Klieman family join our K-State family.” Klieman plans to remain with the top-seeded Bison (13-0) heading into the FCS playoffs. The team faces South Dakota State in a semifinal on Friday. “I want to congratulate Coach Klieman and sincerely thank him for the impact he’s had these past five years on the NDSU football program, our players, the Fargo community and Bison Nation,” North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen said in a statement. “Aside from the incredible success on the field, his players consistently excelled at a high level in the classroom and willingly gave back to the community. He has always honored and preserved the traditions and culture of excellence surrounding Bison football, and for that I am forever grateful.”...
Kansas State hires Klieman as head coach
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kansas State hired North Dakota State’s Chris Klieman as its next head coach, the school announced. Klieman guided the Bison to a 67-6 mark overall with three Football Championship Subdivision national championships during a four-year stretch. He will succeed Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, who retired earlier this month. The 51-year-old Klieman agreed to a six-year deal with Kansas State, paying him $2.3 million per year with a $200,000 annual raise over the remaining five years of the contract, the Big 12 school said. “This is an absolute dream job,” Klieman said in a statement. “I’m so happy and thrilled to follow a legend in Coach Snyder. I’ve followed him from afar, went to his camps while playing in Waterloo, Iowa, and played against his Kansas State team when I was at Northern Iowa. The opportunity to follow in an icon’s footsteps is something I don’t take for granted and don’t take lightly. “I know I have huge shoes to fill, and I’m excited to carry on his legacy. I have prepared my entire life for this opportunity and had great experiences at many institutions, most notably North Dakota State where we’ve had unmatched success over the last eight years. I can’t express how pleased I am and thank President Myers, (athletic director) Gene Taylor and the search committee for trusting in me and handing over the keys to this great program.” Snyder posted a 215-117-1 record over 27 seasons at Kansas State with a pair of Big 12 conference championships and five division titles. The 79-year-old became the fourth active coach to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. The Wildcats finished just 5-7 in 2018, marking Snyder’s first losing season in 13 years. Klieman has ties to Kansas State, as Taylor promoted him to head coach at North Dakota State while serving in the same role at the school in 2013. “I’m very excited to have Chris Klieman lead our program,” Taylor said. “He is a perfect fit for us, both from a personal standpoint and as a head coach. He’s a tremendous teacher who I had the pleasure to hire at NDSU and watched him turn into a very successful coach. He will bring a ton of energy and excitement. His teams play extremely hard, disciplined football. He’s a winner. That’s all he does is win, and we’re excited to have Chris, Rhonda and the entire Klieman family join our K-State family.” Klieman plans to remain with the top-seeded Bison (13-0) heading into the FCS playoffs. The team faces South Dakota State in a semifinal on Friday. “I want to congratulate Coach Klieman and sincerely thank him for the impact he’s had these past five years on the NDSU football program, our players, the Fargo community and Bison Nation,” North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen said in a statement. “Aside from the incredible success on the field, his players consistently excelled at a high level in the classroom and willingly gave back to the community. He has always honored and preserved the traditions and culture of excellence surrounding Bison football, and for that I am forever grateful.”...
Kansas State hires Klieman as head coach
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kansas State hired North Dakota State’s Chris Klieman as its next head coach, the school announced. Klieman guided the Bison to a 67-6 mark overall with three Football Championship Subdivision national championships during a four-year stretch. He will succeed Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, who retired earlier this month. The 51-year-old Klieman agreed to a six-year deal with Kansas State, paying him $2.3 million per year with a $200,000 annual raise over the remaining five years of the contract, the Big 12 school said. “This is an absolute dream job,” Klieman said in a statement. “I’m so happy and thrilled to follow a legend in Coach Snyder. I’ve followed him from afar, went to his camps while playing in Waterloo, Iowa, and played against his Kansas State team when I was at Northern Iowa. The opportunity to follow in an icon’s footsteps is something I don’t take for granted and don’t take lightly. “I know I have huge shoes to fill, and I’m excited to carry on his legacy. I have prepared my entire life for this opportunity and had great experiences at many institutions, most notably North Dakota State where we’ve had unmatched success over the last eight years. I can’t express how pleased I am and thank President Myers, (athletic director) Gene Taylor and the search committee for trusting in me and handing over the keys to this great program.” Snyder posted a 215-117-1 record over 27 seasons at Kansas State with a pair of Big 12 conference championships and five division titles. The 79-year-old became the fourth active coach to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. The Wildcats finished just 5-7 in 2018, marking Snyder’s first losing season in 13 years. Klieman has ties to Kansas State, as Taylor promoted him to head coach at North Dakota State while serving in the same role at the school in 2013. “I’m very excited to have Chris Klieman lead our program,” Taylor said. “He is a perfect fit for us, both from a personal standpoint and as a head coach. He’s a tremendous teacher who I had the pleasure to hire at NDSU and watched him turn into a very successful coach. He will bring a ton of energy and excitement. His teams play extremely hard, disciplined football. He’s a winner. That’s all he does is win, and we’re excited to have Chris, Rhonda and the entire Klieman family join our K-State family.” Klieman plans to remain with the top-seeded Bison (13-0) heading into the FCS playoffs. The team faces South Dakota State in a semifinal on Friday. “I want to congratulate Coach Klieman and sincerely thank him for the impact he’s had these past five years on the NDSU football program, our players, the Fargo community and Bison Nation,” North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen said in a statement. “Aside from the incredible success on the field, his players consistently excelled at a high level in the classroom and willingly gave back to the community. He has always honored and preserved the traditions and culture of excellence surrounding Bison football, and for that I am forever grateful.”...
Kansas State hires Klieman as head coach
December 11, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kansas State hired North Dakota State’s Chris Klieman as its next head coach, the school announced. Klieman guided the Bison to a 67-6 mark overall with three Football Championship Subdivision national championships during a four-year stretch. He will succeed Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder, who retired earlier this month. The 51-year-old Klieman agreed to a six-year deal with Kansas State, paying him $2.3 million per year with a $200,000 annual raise over the remaining five years of the contract, the Big 12 school said. “This is an absolute dream job,” Klieman said in a statement. “I’m so happy and thrilled to follow a legend in Coach Snyder. I’ve followed him from afar, went to his camps while playing in Waterloo, Iowa, and played against his Kansas State team when I was at Northern Iowa. The opportunity to follow in an icon’s footsteps is something I don’t take for granted and don’t take lightly. “I know I have huge shoes to fill, and I’m excited to carry on his legacy. I have prepared my entire life for this opportunity and had great experiences at many institutions, most notably North Dakota State where we’ve had unmatched success over the last eight years. I can’t express how pleased I am and thank President Myers, (athletic director) Gene Taylor and the search committee for trusting in me and handing over the keys to this great program.” Snyder posted a 215-117-1 record over 27 seasons at Kansas State with a pair of Big 12 conference championships and five division titles. The 79-year-old became the fourth active coach to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. The Wildcats finished just 5-7 in 2018, marking Snyder’s first losing season in 13 years. Klieman has ties to Kansas State, as Taylor promoted him to head coach at North Dakota State while serving in the same role at the school in 2013. “I’m very excited to have Chris Klieman lead our program,” Taylor said. “He is a perfect fit for us, both from a personal standpoint and as a head coach. He’s a tremendous teacher who I had the pleasure to hire at NDSU and watched him turn into a very successful coach. He will bring a ton of energy and excitement. His teams play extremely hard, disciplined football. He’s a winner. That’s all he does is win, and we’re excited to have Chris, Rhonda and the entire Klieman family join our K-State family.” Klieman plans to remain with the top-seeded Bison (13-0) heading into the FCS playoffs. The team faces South Dakota State in a semifinal on Friday. “I want to congratulate Coach Klieman and sincerely thank him for the impact he’s had these past five years on the NDSU football program, our players, the Fargo community and Bison Nation,” North Dakota State athletic director Matt Larsen said in a statement. “Aside from the incredible success on the field, his players consistently excelled at a high level in the classroom and willingly gave back to the community. He has always honored and preserved the traditions and culture of excellence surrounding Bison football, and for that I am forever grateful.”...
CFB notebook: Four Alabama players named AP All-Americans
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Ten players from the four College Football Playoff semifinalists were named to The Associated Press All-America first team, which was announced Monday. Four of the first-team choices were from No. 1 Alabama, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was not one of them. Tagovailoa was relegated to the second team, and Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray was named the first-team quarterback in the vote of a panel of media members. Murray also beat out Tagovailoa for the Hesiman Trophy, which was awarded on Saturday. Oklahoma and Alabama will meet in one of the CFP semifinal games. Alabama’s first-team selections were offensive tackle Jonah Williams, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, safety Deionte Thompson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. One other player from No. 4 Oklahoma — wide receiver Marquise Brown — was named to the first team, while No. 2 Clemson had three first-team selections — offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive end Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. No. 3 Notre Dame had one first-team selection — cornerback Julian Love. Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin and Darrell Henderson of Memphis were the first-team running backs. –Gary Andersen is returning to Utah State, six years after leaving the school to become the head coach at Wisconsin. Andersen, who spent this season as an assistant coach at Utah, replaces Matt Wells as coach of the Aggies. A Salt Lake City native and a Utah graduate, Andersen also worked 2 1/2 seasons at Oregon State and two campaigns with the Badgers. Andersen took over at Utah State in 2009 and guided the Aggies to a 26-24 record — including an 11-2 mark in 2012 with a Mountain West championship and a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory. –Iowa State coach Matt Campbell agreed to a six-year contract extension, the school announced. Campbell has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year the past two seasons for the Cyclones, who posted an 8-4 mark this year. Iowa State will face Washington State in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. –Kentucky senior linebacker Josh Allen added to his growing award collection by winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy as the college defensive player having the biggest influence on his team. Allen received the award Sunday night from former Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. The honor goes to a player with strong academic work, community involvement and team leadership. –Mike MacIntyre, who was fired as Colorado’s head coach before the Buffaloes’ final regular-season game, has been named the new defensive coordinator at Mississippi, the school announced. MacIntyre previously coached at Ole Miss from 1999 through 2002 as a wide receivers coach and later a defensive backs coach. MacIntyre and Luke were on the same staff in 1999 when Luke was starting his coaching career as a graduate assistant....
Ex-Colorado coach MacIntyre joins Mississippi staff
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Mike MacIntyre, who was fired as Colorado’s head coach before the Buffaloes’ final regular-season game, has been named the new defensive coordinator at Mississippi, the school announced on Monday. “I could not be more excited to add Mike’s leadership, values and high-level experience to our program,” Ole Miss head coach Matt Luke said in a statement released by the school “Throughout our years together at Duke and Ole Miss, I have seen firsthand his ability to turn around a defense, and I look forward to seeing his veteran influence on that side of the ball. Mike is also a tremendous recruiter and should make an immediate impact as we assemble this important class.” MacIntyre previously coached at Ole Miss from 1999 through 2002 as a wide receivers coach and later a defensive backs coach. MacIntyre and Luke were on the same staff in 1999 when Luke was starting his coaching career as a graduate assistant. Luke became the offensive line coach the following season at Murray State but returned to Ole Miss in 2002 to coach the offensive line and tight ends. MacIntyre became an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys after the 2002 season. He was the defensive coordinator at Duke in 2008 and 2009 before being named the head coach at San Jose State in 2010. He coached the Spartans for three seasons, leading San Jose State to a 10-2 record in 2012 before being hired at Colorado. Colorado went 10-4 in 2016 when it played in the Pac-12 championship game, but the Buffaloes went 5-7 last year and were 5-6 this season when MacIntyre was fired on Nov. 18....
Four Alabama players named to AP All-America squad
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Ten players from the four College Football Playoff semifinalists were named to The Associated Press All-America first team, which was announced Monday. Four of the first-team choices were from No. 1 Alabama, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was not one of them. Tagovailoa was relegated to the second team, and Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray was named the first-team quarterback in the vote of a panel of media members. Murray also beat out Tagovailoa for the Hesiman Trophy, which was awarded on Saturday. Oklahoma and Alabama will meet in one of the CFP semifinal games. Alabama’s first-team selections were offensive tackle Jonah Williams, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, safety Deionte Thompson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. One other player from No. 4 Oklahoma — wide receiver Marquise Brown — was named to the first team, while No. 2 Clemson had three first-team selections — offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive end Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. No. 3 Notre Dame had one first-team selection — cornerback Julian Love. Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin and Darrell Henderson of Memphis were the first-team running backs. FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback: Kyler Murray, junior, Oklahoma Running backs: Jonathan Taylor, sophomore, Wisconsin; Darrell Henderson, junior, Memphis Tackles: Jonah Williams, junior, Alabama; Mitch Hyatt, senior, Clemson Guards: Beau Benzschawel, senior, Wisconsin; Bunchy Stallings, senior, Kentucky Center: Garrett Bradbury, senior, North Carolina State Tight end: Jace Sternberger, junior, Texas A&M Wide receivers: Jerry Jeudy, sophomore, Alabama; Marquise Brown, junior, Oklahoma All-purpose player: Rondale Moore, freshman, Purdue Kicker: Andre Szmyt, freshman, Syracuse DEFENSE Ends: Clelin Ferrell, junior, Clemson; Sutton Smith, junior, Northern Illinois Tackles: Quinnen Williams, junior, Alabama; Christian Wilkins, senior, Clemson Linebackers: Josh Allen, senior, Kentucky; Devin White, junior, LSU; Ben Burr-Kirven, senior, Washington Cornerbacks: Deandre Baker, senior, Georgia; Julian Love, junior, Notre Dame Safeties: Grant Delpit, sophomore, LSU; Deionte Thompson, junior, Alabama Punter: Braden Mann, junior, Texas A&M SECOND TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, sophomore, Alabama Running backs: Travis Etienne, sophomore, Clemson; Trayveon Williams, junior, Texas A&M Tackles: Dalton Risner, senior, Kansas State; Andrew Thomas, sophomore, Georgia Guards: Dru Samia, senior, Oklahoma; Michael Deiter, senior, Wisconsin Center: Ross Pierschbacher, senior, Alabama Tight end: T.J. Hockenson, sophomore, Iowa Wide receivers: Tylan Wallace, sophomore, Oklahoma State; Andy Isabella, senior, Massachusetts All-purpose player: Greg Dortch, sophomore, Wake Forest Kicker: Cole Tracy, senior, LSU DEFENSE Ends: Montez Sweat, senior, Mississippi State; Jachai Polite, junior, Florida Tackles: Jerry Tillery, senior, Notre Dame; Gerald Willis III, senior, Miami Linebackers: Devin Bush, junior, Michigan; David Long Jr., junior, West Virginia; Joe Dineen, senior, Kansas Cornerbacks: Greedy Williams, sophomore, LSU; Byron Murphy, sophomore, Washington Safeties: Taylor Rapp, junior, Washington; Amani Hooker, junior, Iowa Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky, senior, Utah THIRD TEAM OFFENSE Quarterbacks: Dwayne Haskins, sophomore, Ohio State Running backs: Benny Snell, junior, Kentucky; Eno Benjamin, sophomore, Arizona State Tackles: Andre Dillard, senior, Washington State; Cody Ford, junior, Oklahoma Guards: Terronne Prescod, senior, North Carolina State; Chris Lindstrom, senior, Boston College Center: Michael Jordan, junior, Ohio State Tight end: Noah Fant, junior, Iowa Wide Receivers: A.J. Brown, junior, Mississippi; David Sills, senior, West Virginia All-purpose player: J.J. Taylor, sophomore, Arizona Kicker: Matt Gay, senior, Utah DEFENSE Ends: Chase Winovich, senior, Michigan; Jaylon Ferguson, senior, Louisiana Tech Tackles: Jeffery Simmons, junior, Mississippi State; Ed Oliver, junior, Houston Linebackers: Paddy Fisher, sophomore, Northwestern; David Woodward, sophomore, Utah State; Te’von Coney, senior, Notre Dame Cornerbacks: Hamp Cheevers, junior, Boston College; Lavert Hill, junior, Michigan Safeties: Andre Cisco, freshman, Syracuse; Johnathan Abram, senior, Mississippi State Punter: James Smith, sophomore, Cincinnati...
Four Alabama players named to AP All-America squad
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Ten players from the four College Football Playoff semifinalists were named to The Associated Press All-America first team, which was announced Monday. Four of the first-team choices were from No. 1 Alabama, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was not one of them. Tagovailoa was relegated to the second team, and Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray was named the first-team quarterback in the vote of a panel of media members. Murray also beat out Tagovailoa for the Hesiman Trophy, which was awarded on Saturday. Oklahoma and Alabama will meet in one of the CFP semifinal games. Alabama’s first-team selections were offensive tackle Jonah Williams, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, safety Deionte Thompson and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. One other player from No. 4 Oklahoma — wide receiver Marquise Brown — was named to the first team, while No. 2 Clemson had three first-team selections — offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt, defensive end Clelin Ferrell and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. No. 3 Notre Dame had one first-team selection — cornerback Julian Love. Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin and Darrell Henderson of Memphis were the first-team running backs. FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback: Kyler Murray, junior, Oklahoma Running backs: Jonathan Taylor, sophomore, Wisconsin; Darrell Henderson, junior, Memphis Tackles: Jonah Williams, junior, Alabama; Mitch Hyatt, senior, Clemson Guards: Beau Benzschawel, senior, Wisconsin; Bunchy Stallings, senior, Kentucky Center: Garrett Bradbury, senior, North Carolina State Tight end: Jace Sternberger, junior, Texas A&M Wide receivers: Jerry Jeudy, sophomore, Alabama; Marquise Brown, junior, Oklahoma All-purpose player: Rondale Moore, freshman, Purdue Kicker: Andre Szmyt, freshman, Syracuse DEFENSE Ends: Clelin Ferrell, junior, Clemson; Sutton Smith, junior, Northern Illinois Tackles: Quinnen Williams, junior, Alabama; Christian Wilkins, senior, Clemson Linebackers: Josh Allen, senior, Kentucky; Devin White, junior, LSU; Ben Burr-Kirven, senior, Washington Cornerbacks: Deandre Baker, senior, Georgia; Julian Love, junior, Notre Dame Safeties: Grant Delpit, sophomore, LSU; Deionte Thompson, junior, Alabama Punter: Braden Mann, junior, Texas A&M SECOND TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa, sophomore, Alabama Running backs: Travis Etienne, sophomore, Clemson; Trayveon Williams, junior, Texas A&M Tackles: Dalton Risner, senior, Kansas State; Andrew Thomas, sophomore, Georgia Guards: Dru Samia, senior, Oklahoma; Michael Deiter, senior, Wisconsin Center: Ross Pierschbacher, senior, Alabama Tight end: T.J. Hockenson, sophomore, Iowa Wide receivers: Tylan Wallace, sophomore, Oklahoma State; Andy Isabella, senior, Massachusetts All-purpose player: Greg Dortch, sophomore, Wake Forest Kicker: Cole Tracy, senior, LSU DEFENSE Ends: Montez Sweat, senior, Mississippi State; Jachai Polite, junior, Florida Tackles: Jerry Tillery, senior, Notre Dame; Gerald Willis III, senior, Miami Linebackers: Devin Bush, junior, Michigan; David Long Jr., junior, West Virginia; Joe Dineen, senior, Kansas Cornerbacks: Greedy Williams, sophomore, LSU; Byron Murphy, sophomore, Washington Safeties: Taylor Rapp, junior, Washington; Amani Hooker, junior, Iowa Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky, senior, Utah THIRD TEAM OFFENSE Quarterbacks: Dwayne Haskins, sophomore, Ohio State Running backs: Benny Snell, junior, Kentucky; Eno Benjamin, sophomore, Arizona State Tackles: Andre Dillard, senior, Washington State; Cody Ford, junior, Oklahoma Guards: Terronne Prescod, senior, North Carolina State; Chris Lindstrom, senior, Boston College Center: Michael Jordan, junior, Ohio State Tight end: Noah Fant, junior, Iowa Wide Receivers: A.J. Brown, junior, Mississippi; David Sills, senior, West Virginia All-purpose player: J.J. Taylor, sophomore, Arizona Kicker: Matt Gay, senior, Utah DEFENSE Ends: Chase Winovich, senior, Michigan; Jaylon Ferguson, senior, Louisiana Tech Tackles: Jeffery Simmons, junior, Mississippi State; Ed Oliver, junior, Houston Linebackers: Paddy Fisher, sophomore, Northwestern; David Woodward, sophomore, Utah State; Te’von Coney, senior, Notre Dame Cornerbacks: Hamp Cheevers, junior, Boston College; Lavert Hill, junior, Michigan Safeties: Andre Cisco, freshman, Syracuse; Johnathan Abram, senior, Mississippi State Punter: James Smith, sophomore, Cincinnati...
Iowa State coach Campbell agrees to 6-year extension
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Iowa State coach Matt Campbell agreed to a six-year contract extension, the school announced. Campbell has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year the past two seasons for the Cyclones, who posted an 8-4 mark this year. Iowa State will face Washington State in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. “Our staff is committed to raising this program to a championship level and it’s important for our team, our fans and prospective Cyclones to know that we are fully invested in the future of Iowa State football,” the 39-year-old Campbell said in a statement. “I have so much appreciation for what our guys have accomplished in three years and I’m really excited to see what lies ahead for our football team and the most loyal and remarkable fans in the nation.” Iowa State’s six conference wins are the most in the program’s 23-year history in the Big 12. The Cyclones’ third-place finish in the league was their best in 40 years. “We’re pleased to invest further in a group of coaches and staff that have quickly raised the standards for Iowa State football,” Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in statement. “Matt and I both agreed about the importance of rewarding his staff to keep the momentum going.”...
Iowa State coach Campbell agrees to 6-year extension
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Iowa State coach Matt Campbell agreed to a six-year contract extension, the school announced. Campbell has been named the Big 12 Coach of the Year the past two seasons for the Cyclones, who posted an 8-4 mark this year. Iowa State will face Washington State in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. “Our staff is committed to raising this program to a championship level and it’s important for our team, our fans and prospective Cyclones to know that we are fully invested in the future of Iowa State football,” the 39-year-old Campbell said in a statement. “I have so much appreciation for what our guys have accomplished in three years and I’m really excited to see what lies ahead for our football team and the most loyal and remarkable fans in the nation.” Iowa State’s six conference wins are the most in the program’s 23-year history in the Big 12. The Cyclones’ third-place finish in the league was their best in 40 years. “We’re pleased to invest further in a group of coaches and staff that have quickly raised the standards for Iowa State football,” Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard said in statement. “Matt and I both agreed about the importance of rewarding his staff to keep the momentum going.”...
Kentucky LB Allen wins Lott IMPACT Trophy
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kentucky senior linebacker Josh Allen added to his growing award collection by winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy as the college defensive player having the biggest influence on his team. Allen received the award Sunday night from former Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. The honor goes to a player with strong academic work, community involvement and team leadership. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Allen bested fellow finalists Ben Burr-Kirven of Washington, Christian Wilkins of Clemson and Ben Humphreys of Duke for the award, which was first presented in 2004 to Georgia’s David Pollack. In addition to winning the award, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation will donate $25,000 to the general scholarship fund at the University of Kentucky. Allen already has won the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. The Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Allen said he will play in Kentucky’s upcoming Citrus Bowl against Penn State before moving to the NFL. Allen recorded 14 of his 28.5 career sacks in 2018. His 11 career forced fumbles are even with former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan. Allen led Kentucky with 84 tackles and paces the SEC in sacks, tackles for loss (18.5) and forced fumbles (five)....
Kentucky LB Allen wins Lott IMPACT Trophy
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Kentucky senior linebacker Josh Allen added to his growing award collection by winning the Lott IMPACT Trophy as the college defensive player having the biggest influence on his team. Allen received the award Sunday night from former Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ronnie Lott. The honor goes to a player with strong academic work, community involvement and team leadership. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Allen bested fellow finalists Ben Burr-Kirven of Washington, Christian Wilkins of Clemson and Ben Humphreys of Duke for the award, which was first presented in 2004 to Georgia’s David Pollack. In addition to winning the award, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation will donate $25,000 to the general scholarship fund at the University of Kentucky. Allen already has won the Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player. The Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Allen said he will play in Kentucky’s upcoming Citrus Bowl against Penn State before moving to the NFL. Allen recorded 14 of his 28.5 career sacks in 2018. His 11 career forced fumbles are even with former Wildcat and current Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan. Allen led Kentucky with 84 tackles and paces the SEC in sacks, tackles for loss (18.5) and forced fumbles (five)....
Andersen returns as coach of Utah State
December 10, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Gary Andersen is returning to Utah State, six years after leaving the school to become the head coach at Wisconsin. Andersen, who spent this season as an assistant coach at Utah, replaces Matt Wells as coach of the Aggies. A Salt Lake City native and a Utah graduate, Andersen also worked 2 1/2 seasons at Oregon State and two campaigns with the Badgers. “Stacey and I are thrilled to be back at Utah State University,” Andersen said in a statement of himself and his wife. “This is a special place and we are excited to meet these young men and play a part in seeing them succeed off and on the field academically, socially and athletically. We are grateful to reconnect with many great friends and supporters in Logan and want to thank athletic director John Hartwell and President (Noelle) Cockett for the opportunity. Go Aggies!” Under Wells, Utah State posted a 10-2 mark in the regular season and earned a spot in Saturday’s New Mexico Bowl. Andersen took over at Utah State in 2009 and guided the Aggies to a 26-24 record — including an 11-2 mark in 2012 with a Mountain West championship and a Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory. He found success at Wisconsin with a 19-7 record, although wins were hard to come by at Oregon State (7-23). “We welcome Gary and Stacey and their family back to the Utah State family,” Hartwell said said. “His care-factor for his players, coupled with his recruiting philosophy and plan to win, are keys to the continued success of Aggie football. His knowledge of the state of Utah and our program are unparalleled and we feel those attributes will greatly aid in the continued growth and success of Aggie football.”...
Jim Harbaugh: ‘I’m staying at Michigan’
December 9, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh didn’t mince words on Sunday when he refuted rumors that he is looking to return to the NFL. “This is a choreographed message that comes up at this time every year before signing day,” the 54-year-old Harbaugh said. “It’s people spreading messages to further their own personal agenda. “But I’m on record right here, right now: I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying at Michigan. We have big plans here, and there’s a lot we want to accomplish.” Harbaugh owns a 38-13 mark during his four years as coach of the Wolverines. He is also 0-4 versus bitter rival Ohio State. Former NFL receiver and Fox Sports commentator Cris Carter said that Harbaugh would likely leave Ann Arbor and vie for an NFL job, specifically with the Green Bay Packers or Cleveland Browns. In a radio appearance on Thursday, Michigan athletic director Wade Manuel refuted the claims of Carter, who played at rival Ohio State. “I would say consider the source of the comment,” Manuel said on WTKA-AM (1050). “Cris is very accomplished in his life but he went to the school down south. (People) tend to throw out things like that. ‘Sources say, my sources.’ Listen I haven’t missed any sleep. Jim has not said anything to me about it. He’s on the road recruiting, putting in great effort.” Earlier this week, Carter made the comments on Fox Sports One’s First Things First. “Watch out for Jim Harbaugh,” Carter said. “Because Jim Harbaugh potentially is trying to get his way out of Michigan. Alright, I’ve got good sources that are telling me not only Green Bay, but also watch out for the Cleveland Browns. He likes the quarterback situations there, and I believe that there is front office people in Green Bay who are enamored with Jim Harbaugh and potentially trying to get him to come to Green Bay.” The Wolverines finished the regular season at 10-2 and will face Florida in the upcoming Peach Bowl. Before joining his alma mater, Harbaugh was 44-19-1 during four seasons coaching the San Francisco 49ers. He reached Super Bowl XLVII and lost to the Baltimore Ravens after the 2012 season and also reached two NFC title games....
RB Martin to transfer from Auburn
December 9, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Freshman running back Asa Martin announced his intention to transfer from Auburn, but did not divulge any clues as to a possible destination. Martin rushed 13 times for 57 yards and added two receptions for 36 yards in five games this season with the Tigers. He also returned a kickoff for 18 yards. “I would like to take the time out to thank Auburn University for giving myself, a young man from Courtland, Alabama the opportunity of a lifetime,” Martin posted in a note on Twitter. “However, I have made the decision to transfer. I appreciate all the love and support. War Eagle Always.” Martin’s fifth game reportedly came against Mississippi State on Oct. 6. Per AL.com, when Martin played in that contest, he had already played in four games for the Tigers. The NCAA passed a rule allowing true freshmen to play in up to four games and still earn a redshirt. Sharay Harris, Martin’s mother, told AL.com that she informed Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey prior to that game that using him would burn his redshirt year. Martin ran for 2,228 yards and 33 touchdowns as a high school senior. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds, Martin fielded offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan and Ole Miss before initially selecting Auburn. With Martin’s decision to transfer, Auburn is left with four scholarship running backs on the roster....
Oklahoma QB Murray apologizes for anti-gay tweets
December 9, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray apologized Sunday morning after homophobic tweets he made in 2011-12 surfaced, hours after he won the Heisman Trophy. Murray was 14 and 15 years old when he posted an anti-gay slur on a few occasions while tweeting at his friends. The tweets in question were deleted from Murray’s account late Saturday night. “I apologize for the tweets that have come to light tonight from when I was 14 and 15. I used a poor choice of word that doesn’t reflect who I am or what I believe. I did not intend to single out any individual or group,” Murray wrote in a tweet posted at 3:11 a.m. Murray is the latest athlete to see offensive tweets from his past come to light, joining Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Josh Hader and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Hader had racist and homophobic tweets surface during the MLB All-Star Game and Allen had racist tweets come to light prior to being drafted. The now-21-year-old Murray claimed college football’s most coveted award on Saturday night in New York after passing for more than 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while accounting for nearly 5,000 total yards in leading the Sooners into the College Football Playoff this season. Murray received 2,167 total points and 517 first-place votes. Alabama sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished second with 1,871 points, the highest total for a runner-up, and 299 first-place votes. Ohio State redshirt sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins was a distant third in the voting with 783 points. “This is crazy,” Murray said after receiving the award. “This is an honor. Something that I’ll never forget, something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life.” The 5-foot-9 Murray follows Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield in taking home the award. Mayfield went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie. Murray might have a chance to follow in Mayfield’s footsteps, but he was selected in June as the ninth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics and has said he plans to pursue a career in the sport next year. Murray has received a $4.66 million signing bonus from the Athletics earlier this year. “Kyler has agreed and the A’s agreed to a baseball contract that gave him permission to play college football through the end of the collegiate season,” agent Scott Boras told NFL Media. “After that, he is under contract to play baseball. That is not a determination to make. It’s already done.” Murray has at least one game remaining for No. 4 Oklahoma (12-1) in a CFP semifinal against Tagovailoa and Alabama (13-0)....
Oklahoma QB Murray wins Heisman Trophy
December 9, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — For the second consecutive year, the Heisman Trophy went to a quarterback from Oklahoma. Kyler Murray claimed college football’s most coveted award on Saturday night in New York City after passing for more than 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while accounting for nearly 5,000 total yards in leading the Sooners into the College Football Playoff this season. Murray received 2,167 total points and 517 first-place votes. Alabama sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finished second with 1,871 points, the highest total for a runner-up, and 299 first-place votes. Ohio State redshirt sophomore quarterback Dwayne Haskins was a distant third in the voting wiht 783 points. Murray follows Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield in taking home the award. Mayfield went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and is now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie. Not since Army’s Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis in 1945-46 have two players from the same school officially won the prestigious honor in back-to-back years. USC won in 2004 and 2005 with Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, but Bush’s trophy was vacated. Murray might have a chance to follow in Mayfield’s footsteps, but he was selected in June as the ninth overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics and has said he plans to pursue a career in the sport next year. With one season of college football eligibility remaining, Murray could return to Oklahoma next season, but that appears to be a distant possibility. It’s likely he’ll either choose baseball or enter the NFL Draft. “This is crazy,” Murray said after receiving the award. “This is an honor. Something that I’ll never forget, something I’ll always cherish for the rest of my life.” Oklahoma now has seven Heisman winners to tie Ohio State and Notre Dame for the most by any school. In a year when all three finalists had credentials worthy of winning, Murray stood out not only with his passing but also running for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns. With 51 touchdowns responsible for, the former Texas A&M transfer matched Haskins for the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision this year. Murray has at least one game remaining for No. 4 Oklahoma (12-1) in a CFP semifinal against Tagovailoa and Alabama (13-0). Tagovailoa threw for 3,353 yards with 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions while completing almost 68 percent of his passes this year. The Hawaiian native’s 202.30 passer rating was second nationally. Haskins set more than 20 school records and broke Big Ten records for the conference champion Buckeyes (12-1), who will face Washington in the Rose Bowl. Haskins led the country in touchdown passes (47) and yards (4,580) and was second in passing yards per game (352). The first-year starter completed 70.2 percent of his passes and was intercepted just eight times in 496 attempts....
CFB notebook: West Virginia QB Grier to sit out bowl game
December 9, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — West Virginia quarterback Will Grier will skip the Mountaineers’ bowl game against Syracuse. Grier revealed his decision in a statement Saturday morning, explaining that he is bypassing the bowl game in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Although a number of high-profile college players also are skipping bowl games for the season reason, Grier is the first quarterback to go that route. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, a Heisman Trophy finalist, said he will be in the Rose Bowl. Grier, who guided West Virginia to an 8-3 overall mark and 6-3 record in the Big 12 during his senior season, received the backing of Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen for his decision to skip the matchup versus Syracuse. A finalist for a number of high-profile awards, Grier threw for 3,864 yards and 37 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. He led the Big 12 with an average of 351.3 yards per game. The NCAA’s active leader with in passing yards per game (305.6), Grier had 71 touchdown passes in two seasons at West Virginia after transferring from Florida. He set a school record with 19 300-yard games. — Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is unsure of his plans for next season. However, the Heisman Trophy finalist is certain of one thing — he will be under center when the Buckeyes square off against Pac-12 Conference champion Washington in the Rose Bowl. A number of top college players have opted to skip their team’s bowl games in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Haskins won’t be among them. “Just being a quarterback, it’s your job to lead the team,” Haskins told The Athletic. “And for you to say you don’t want to play, you’re not about the team or winning or losing. You just want to get out while you can. There was no doubt in my mind about playing in the game because I know I can help this team win.” Haskins was in New York City on Saturday night along with fellow quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Kyler Murray of Oklahoma for the Heisman Trophy presentation. Haskins leads the country with a Big Ten-record 47 touchdowns and 4,580 yards. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Haskins has not said whether he plans to enter the NFL Draft, but he continued to boost his stock for the next level in the final three games. — Utah State could be turning back to a familiar face in its search for a new coach. Gary Andersen, who was the head coach at the school from 2009 to 2012, could be returning to the Aggies as a replacement for Matt Wells, multiple media outlets reported. Wells, who succeeded Andersen as head coach at Utah State, was named the new head coach at Texas Tech on Nov. 30. Andersen, who moved onto head coaching jobs at Wisconsin and Oregon State after Utah State, currently is the associate head coach and defensive line assistant at Utah. Andersen was 26-24 in four seasons with the Aggies, including an 11-2 mark in his final year in 2012. He also led Utah State to its first bowl win since 1993. Andersen went 19-7 in two seasons at Wisconsin before heading to Oregon State, where he abruptly decided to leave the school midway through his third season in October 2017. For his career, Andersen has a 52-54 record as an FBS head coach at Utah State, Wisconsin and Oregon State. — Ryan Day, who will succeed Urban Meyer as Ohio State’s coach after this season, made his first official staff position move on Saturday by removing the interim tag for wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. Hartline, 32, will be the permanent wide receivers coach for the Buckeyes, who are playing in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against Washington. Hartline joined the Buckeyes as a quality control coach with the wide receivers in 2017. He became interim wide receivers coach after former receivers coach Zach Smith was dismissed this summer in July following allegations of domestic abuse. Hartline played at Ohio State from 2006 to 2008 and spent seven seasons in the NFL. He was a fourth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2009 and spent six years with Miami before playing his final season with the Cleveland Browns in 2015. — Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley may not be done for the season after all. Huntley, who broke a collarbone on Nov. 3, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and could be available for Utah’s matchup against Northwestern in the Holiday Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Huntley was able to throw during Friday’s non-contact practice but he still must receive medical clearance to return to the lineup. Utah rebounded from a loss at Arizona State with three straight victories behind backup quarterback Jason Shelley, including Pac-12 wins over Oregon and Colorado, before falling to Washington 10-3 in the conference championship game. Huntley completed 150 of 234 passes for 1,788 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions this season for the Utes. He completed 7 of 15 passes for 88 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against Arizona State....
Ohio State elevates Hartline to permanent receivers coach
December 8, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Ryan Day, who will succeed Urban Meyer as Ohio State’s coach after this season, made his first official staff position move on Saturday by removing the interim tag for wide receivers coach Brian Hartline. Hartline, 32, will be the permanent wide receivers coach for the Buckeyes, who are playing in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against Washington. Hartline joined the Buckeyes as a quality control coach with the wide receivers in 2017. He became the interim wide receivers coach after former receivers coach Zach Smith was dismissed this summer in July following allegations of domestic abuse. “Brian is a terrific young coach and mentor to our players and I am thrilled he is on our staff permanently now,” Day said in a statement released by the school. “Brian was displaying outstanding leadership qualities when he was a quality control coach, and his efforts coaching the wide receivers this season are a huge reason we are Big Ten champions and headed to the Rose Bowl.” Under Hartline, Ohio State receivers enjoyed a prominent role for the school’s 16th Rose Bowl appearance and 12-1 record. The Buckeyes’ receivers totaled 291 passes for 4,211 yards and 43 touchdowns, setting school records in all three categories while helping quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. become a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Upon learning of Hartline’s promotion, Haskins tweeted: “Best in the country, my guy!”. Hartline played at Ohio State from 2006 to 2008 and spent seven seasons in the NFL. He was a fourth-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2009 and spent six seasons with Miami before playing his final season with the Cleveland Browns in 2015....
Reports: Utah State could bring back Andersen
December 8, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Utah State could be turning back to a familiar face in its search for a new coach. Gary Andersen, who was the head coach at the school from 2009-12, could be returning to the Aggies as a replacement for Matt Wells, multiple media outlets reported. Wells, who succeeded Andersen as head coach at Utah State, was named the new head coach at Texas Tech on Nov. 30. Andersen, who moved onto head coaching jobs at Wisconsin and Oregon State following his tenure at Utah State, currently is the associate head coach and defensive line assistant at Utah. On Friday night, The Athletic reported that donors at Utah State were lobbying for the school to bring back Andersen, who was 26-24 in four seasons with the Aggies, including an 11-2 mark in his final year in 2012. He also led Utah State to its first bowl win since 1993. Andersen went 19-7 in two seasons at Wisconsin before heading to Oregon State, where he abruptly decided to leave the school midway through his third season in October 2017. Utah hired Andersen in January. Andersen played for the school in 1995-96 and was a defensive line coach for the Utes from 1997-2002. Andersen eventually landed at Utah State in 2006 and spent four seasons as the defensive coordinator under Kyle Whittingham from 2005 to 2008 before taking over the head coaching position. For his career, Andersen has a 52-54 record as an FBS head coach at Utah State, Wisconsin and Oregon State....
West Virginia’s Grier to skip bowl game
December 8, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — West Virginia quarterback Will Grier will skip the Mountaineers’ bowl game against Syracuse. Grier revealed his decision in a statement Saturday morning, explaining that he is bypassing the bowl game in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Although a number of high-profile college players also are skipping bowl games for the season reason, Grier is the first quarterback to go that route. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, a Heisman Trophy finalist, said he will be in the Rose Bowl. “After discussions with Jeanne and my family, and after receiving professional input, I have decided not to participate in our upcoming bowl game and focus on preparing myself and my family for what I hope is the next step in our journey,” Grier said in the statement. “I want to thank Coach Holgorsen, Coach Spavital and all of our coaches for believing in me and, most importantly, to my teammates, who are now lifelong friends who taught me the true meaning of TEAM.” Grier, who guided West Virginia to an 8-3 overall mark and 6-3 record in the Big 12 during his senior season, received the backing of Mountaineers head coach Dana Holgorsen for his decision to skip the matchup versus Syracuse. “Will and I spoke at length about the bowl game, and I am fully supportive of his decision to begin preparing for the NFL draft,” Holgorsen said in a statement. “While we will miss him in Orlando, Will’s commitment and service to WVU Football over the last three years will be talked about for many years to come. He led us with class, hard work and a willingness to learn, and set a high standard for his teammates.” A finalist for a number of high-profile awards, Grier threw for 3,864 yards and 37 touchdowns against only eight interceptions. He led the Big 12 with an average of 351.3 yards per game. Grier concluded his college career with a magnificent performance in a 59-56 loss to Oklahoma. He threw for a career-high 539 yards while throwing for four touchdowns and rushing for another. The NCAA’s active leader with in passing yards per game (305.6), Grier had 71 touchdown passes in two seasons at West Virginia after transferring from Florida. He set a school record with 19 300-yard games....
Ohio State QB Haskins to play in Rose Bowl
December 8, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins is unsure of his plans for next season. However, the Heisman Trophy finalist is certain of one thing — he will be under center when the Buckeyes square off against Pac-12 Conference champion Washington in the Rose Bowl. A number of top college players have opted to skip their team’s bowl games in order to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft. Haskins won’t be among them. “Just being a quarterback, it’s your job to lead the team,” Haskins told The Athletic. “And for you to say you don’t want to play, you’re not about the team or winning or losing. You just want to get out while you can. There was no doubt in my mind about playing in the game because I know I can help this team win. “So whether I was thinking about leaving or not, just knowing I have the opportunity to leave is great, but there is no doubt about me playing in the bowl game.” Haskins will be in New York City on Saturday night along with fellow quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Kyler Murray of Oklahoma for the Heisman Trophy presentation. Although he is a decided long shot to win college football’s top prize, Haskins is coming off a brilliant campaign for the sixth-ranked Buckeyes. Haskins threw for 499 yards and five touchdowns as Ohio State defeated Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game last weekend. He leads the country with a Big Ten-record 47 touchdowns and 4,580 yards. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Haskins has not said whether he plans to enter the NFL Draft, but he continued to boost his stock for the next level over the final three games. Haskins threw for 1,300 yards with 14 touchdowns and two interceptions in leading the Buckeyes to victories over Maryland, Michigan and Northwestern....
QB Huntley back practicing for Utah
December 8, 2018
— The Sports Xchange — Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley may not be done for the season after all. Huntley, who broke a collarbone on Nov. 3, was a full participant in Friday’s practice and could be available for Utah’s matchup against Northwestern in the Holiday Bowl on New Year’s Eve. “We’ll just work him in and see how much he can progress,” Utes coach Kyke Whittingham told the Salt Lake Tribune of the possibility of returning for the bowl game. Huntley was able to throw during Friday’s non-contact practice but he still must receive medical clearance to return to the lineup. “It’s still questionable, so I’m not getting my hopes too high,” said Huntley. “If they clear me, it’s a go. If they don’t clear me, then I’ll understand we’ve got a whole other year next year. So I’m just prepared for it all.” Utah rebounded from a loss at Arizona State with three straight victories behind backup quarterback Jason Shelley, including Pac-12 wins over Oregon and Colorado, before falling to Washington 10-3 in the conference championship game. “It’s been tough, just to watch my team out there,” said Huntley. “I want to play, but my team did a great job of getting to the (Pac-12 South) championship.” Huntley completed 150 of 234 passes for 1,788 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions this season for the Utes. He completed 7 of 15 passes for 88 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against Arizona State. Utes wide receiver Jaylen Dixon on Friday said that Huntley “seems back in his groove, just getting back to where he used to be. He’s been ready to get back since the day he got hurt.”...
