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| Patrick Chung Changes His Mind |
| Thursday, January 17, 2008 |
After deciding earlier in the week to enter the draft, Oregon safety Patrick Chung reconsidered, and made it known on Thursday that he would in fact be returning to school.
This comes as great news for the Ducks who are ecstatic to have Chung back. He has been a starter for the past three seasons and having him in place for his fourth year will help to build the confidence of the Ducks defense.
Anytime your leading tackler returns, it’s a good thing and with the changes coming on the offensive side of the ball, this is just another piece of the puzzle already filled in that will allow Head Coach Mike Bellotti to work on the offensive side of the puzzle.
Despite the hype that in-conference rival USC is already receiving, Oregon could be in place to give the Trojans a run in the PAC 10 again this coming year. If everything falls into place with the new starting backfield, the defense returns most everyone, including sack-master Nick Reid, so a run for the PAC 10 crown is definitely within reach.Labels: Oregon Ducks, Patrick Chung |
posted by ntb60 @ 11:52 PM   |
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| Oher will Return For Senior Year |
| Wednesday, January 16, 2008 |
Michael Oher made Ole Miss Head Coach Houston Nutt a very happy man this evening as he announced that he would in fact, be returning to play with the Rebels for his senior year.
Oher had previously declared for the draft but determined that he felt he was “leaving some unfinished business”. Nutt now gets to build around a potential All-American candidate at tackle and protect new quarterback Jevan Sneed, a highly touted transfer from Texas. Oher was thought to be one of the top offensive tackles in the draft but will now vie for top 10 consideration going into next spring with a strong senior year.
With attriton striking the Ole Miss skill positions, Oher will at very least, help to stabilize the line and give the new starters some time to work, a huge break for Coach Nutt.Labels: Houston Nutt, Michael Oher, Mississippi |
| posted by ntb60 @ 4:38 PM |
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| Coming or Going? |
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Alright. For the most part, the draft early entry talk seems to be coming to a close. There is still time for entrants to pull their names from consideration but we’ll deal with that when the time comes. Here’s a look at the latest in draft talk.
Rutgers received good news when they found out that safety Courtney Greene was returning to school. The Rutgers defense was strong against the pass last season and having Greene back along with most of the defensive starters will allow Rutgers to continue to depend on their back seven. Greene could have been the second Rutgers player to declare this year as running back Ray Rice declared earlier in the week. Greene felt that his best option was heading back to college where he could raise his stock with another solid season. Not many seem to be high on Rutgers going into the fall but if quarterback Mike Teel can continue to improve and they can find a suitable replacement for Rice, the Scarlet Knights might be in decent shape to make a push in the Big East again.
Mike Mickens is returning to school for his senior season it was reported on Monday. Mickens led the Bearcats defense last season and was consistent in the secondary all season, earning himself a spot on the All Big East team at year’s end. Mickens will join returning starters Cedric Tolbert and DeAngelo Smith in the secondary where they have to replace safety Haruki Nakamura. Cincinnati was a team that surprised last season but they won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this year. Mickens, with another solid year should fortify his position as one of the top senior corners going into next season and into the draft next April. A very sound decision for Mickens to return and enjoy another year under Brian Kelly.
There is a solid tight end class entering the NFL this season and there will be another just as good if not better come next spring. Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew decided to stay in school for one more season, fulfill his eligibility and join the 2009 class. Pettigrew is one of the most talented tight ends and has the complete game that makes him well-suited for the pro level. He blocks and catches equally well and so will have a very strong appeal next spring. For now, he deepens Oklahoma State’s talent level for the coming season and along with wide receiver Dez Bryant who will be a sophomore, he gives the Cowboys a very impressive 1-2 punch for QB Zac Robinson to make use of. Look for Pettigrew to really stand out this coming year and establish himself as the class of the tight ends alongside Chase Coffman of Missouri and Travis Beckum of Wisconsin to name a few.
The only Alabama player considering a jump to the NFL decided against it this week. Antoine Caldwell, the junior center for Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide decided to stay and finish out his collegiate career. Likely drafted in the top three rounds had he gone, Caldwell will now look to come back and enrich his draft stock with a solid senior year. Caldwell joins standout tackle Andre Smith as the main components to a talented offensive line that will be charged with protecting John Parker Wilson again this year. Caldwell has had some off the field problems so it will be of paramount importance for him to stay off the police blotter and in good academic standing this year.
The Sooners received more bad news this week as linebacker Curtis Lofton and cornerback Reggie Smith decided to forego their senior seasons for the riches of the NFL. Lofton and Smith leaving further damages a Sooner defense that already had to deal with several graduations and the nasty stigma of the West Virginia beat down in the Fiesta Bowl. Lofton was the leading tackler for Oklahoma while Smith was the leader of the secondary. Now the Sooners have a defense that will be made up primarily of juniors and sophomores. Both Smith and Lofton will be moderately high draft picks this year so it’s hard to blame them for leaving. Bob Stoops has a big job on his hands now but has the young talent to fill in the holes.
Unlike Oklahoma which has been decimated by three of their top players leaving early, the LSU Tigers got a big shot in the arm for their program this week when defensive end Tyson Jackson and linebacker Darry Beckwith announced that they would return to LSU for their senior seasons. Both had the opportunity to make some big cash by leaving early but both chose to return and go for a National Championship again. With the amount of seniors that Coach Les Miles is losing to graduation, to not have to deal with juniors leaving as well is a great relief. Jackson and Beckwith could potentially both be first round picks next year if they can stay healthy and handle being the leaders of their new defensive group.
After having a book written about him through high school, Michael Oher decided that now was the time to pursue his dream of the NFL. With a new coach coming in and the unknowns that go with that, Oher felt it was best for him to move on. He will certainly be one of the top offensive tackles taken in the draft. Oher is currently ranked as the 4th offensive tackle in this years draft by Sporting News War Room. He should have no problem finding a place to play on Sundays. While likely a 1st round pick, 2nd round at worst, Oher is reportedly reconsidering his decision, which would be a boon for new Coach Houston Nutt and a big boost to his ground game. Oher has until Friday to confirm.
Speaking of changing one’s mind, next on the list is Victor Harris. The man they call ‘Macho’ will be returning to Virginia Tech for his senior season after all. Thankfully he had a change of heart and realized that the best decision for him long-term would be to stick around and grow as a senior cornerback and a leader of a very young defense. Tech is only returning four starters on the defensive side of the ball, including Harris, so they will need him to help lead a new core of defensive players, especially in the secondary. Harris probably could have been a 1st day pick but now he can assert himself and become a certain 1st or 2nd round pick.
Finally, the last big name to announce that he was returning for his senior season was Arian Foster. Foster will lead the Tennessee backfield into the fall and ill play a vital role with quarterback Erik Ainge transferring and new QB Jonathan Crompton being installed. With LaMarcus Coker being kicked off the team last season, Foster showed he can carry the load. With Foster, Montario Hardesty and Lennon Creer all coming back this fall, Tennessee will have one of the most talented backfields in the country.
Well, that’s about it for declarations. All that’s left now are the few players who will change their minds, reconsider the advice they’re receiving and the decision they’ve made and head back to school. It would be a surprise to me if at least one or two running backs don’t renege.
By Monday we should have our top teams for 2008 posted as the rosters will be solidifying with the early entrant deadline having passed for good, so be sure to check back for that.Labels: Antoine Caldwell, Arian Foster, Brandon Pettigrew, Courtney Greene, Curtis Lofton, Darry Beckwith, Michael Oher, Mike Mickens, Reggie Smith, Tyson Jackson, Victor Harris |
| posted by ntb60 @ 12:46 PM |
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| DeSean Jackson Makes the Call |
| Tuesday, January 15, 2008 |
DeSean Jackson is leaving. After taking nearly the full allotment of time to announce his decision, Jackson announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving the University of California for a shot at fame and fortune in the NFL. Jackson had a disappointing junior season due to intense amounts of hype leading into his junior year. He couldn’t handle some passes at wideout and he seemed to lack focus at times on the field but nevertheless, he is on his way to the Big Time, and make no mistake about it, he will be drafted very high.
With the image of Devin Hester dancing through special teams coordinator’s minds Jackson is the next in line, many feel to carry the torch and light teams up. He does have highlight reel ability but I’m a little skeptical and doubt that his impact will be the size of a Hester, although he is far more polished as a receiver, due to his having played the position before.
Look for Jackson to be a force on special teams in the return game (if teams kick to him) early on but take some serious time to develop into a full-time wide receiver that can bring in 1000 yards.
The only way returning to school may have helped Jackson would be in regards to his development as a receiver but his draft stock wouldn’t have gone up enough to make it worthwhile. He would have been a nice security blanket for sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley who is likely going to be the starter for Cal next year.
Riley will now be without the top five pass catchers on the team as wideouts Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan as well as tight end Craig Stevens and running back Justin Forsett have graduated.
The main threats still on the Golden Bears roster are junior tight end Cameron Morrah, senior wide receiver LaReylle Cunningham and unproven sophomore Jeremy Ross. Looks like a rebuilding year for Coach Jeff Tedford.Labels: California Golden Bears, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Riley |
| posted by ntb60 @ 2:05 PM |
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| The Brief |
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Here’s a look at the news and notes from the world of college football. There will be a larger post regarding the names going in and out of the NFL Draft later on today, after Cal star DeSean Jackson makes his intentions known (he’s going).
Former Ohio State QB Robby Schoenhoft has decided to transfer to the University of Delaware. The Fightin’ Blue Hens are gaining a Big Ten caliber quarterback who can step in right away and start for the departed Joe Flacco. Flacco is one of the big sleepers in the April draft so Schoenhoft will have some big shoes to fill. Offensive coordinator and QB’s coach Kirk Ciarrocca will help in Schoenhoft’s development as he is thought to be one of the most innovative minds out there when it comes to offensive football. Schoenhoft is a name that you just may here again if you keep your eye on him at the obscure Delaware school.
Two deserving head coaches received extensions over the past few days. At Air Force, 1st year head coach Troy Calhoun received a new 5 year extension that will carry his contract through to 2012. Calhoun helped to turn around a program that appeared to be on the way down with former coach Fisher DeBerry. Calhoun led them to a five game turnaround and a very respectable 9-4 season record. It is tough to sustain success at academy schools so Calhoun has his work cut out for him.
At Mississippi State, Head Coach Sylvester Croom received a two year extension pushing his contract through to 2011. Croom was on the hot seat before leading the Bulldogs to an 8-5 record, their first bowl game and their first bowl victory since 2000, beating Central Florida 10-3. Croom was also voted SEC Coach of the Year by his fellow coaches. Croom will return much of his roster from last season and will look to build upon the success he experienced this past season. This is a good move for college football in general as it keeps a very high quality minority coach employed and it is a good decision by Mississippi State to reward a man for his devotion and hard work.
Two quick hits about recruiting now as a couple of highly regarded players verbally committed yesterday. Athlete A.J. Alexander committed to the University of Pittsburgh, now giving Coach Dave Wannstedt a very deep class that includes five star offensive lineman Lucas Nix, five star linebacker Shayne Hale and five star wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin to go with a strong group of returning starters. Pitt could be contending for the Big East crown very, very soon.
Another big name committed yesterday as running back Cyrus Gray told the coach at Texas A&M that he would be attending classes there this fall. This is huge news for incoming Coach Mike Sherman who had lost a few recruits in the coaching transition over the past month. Having NFL experience has to be a draw for Gray when looking for a Head Coach. With Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson returning to College Station, the Aggies have the option to redshirt Gray or to get him a little playing time right away behind two experienced backs.
It is the season for transfers and another big name enrolled yesterday. This time, it was former Florida Gator Jarred Fayson. Fayson will have to sit out a year but will be able to play in 2009 with two years remaining. He could never quite find his role with the Gators and Coach Urban Meyer and so he will ply his trade with Coach Ron Zook. Despite the obvious link, it was Meyer who recruited Fayson and not Zook. Fayson will add another weapon to an already dynamic offensive attack.
Again, we’ll have a big look at the early entrants later on today, but in the meantime, head over to collegefootballnews.com. Those guys know their football.Labels: A.J. Alexander, Cyrus Gray, Jarred Fayson, Robby Schoenhoft, Sylvester Croom, Troy Calhoun |
| posted by ntb60 @ 10:50 AM |
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| Jim Tressel Will Sleep Like a Baby Tonight |
| Monday, January 14, 2008 |
I feel like I’ve written about the Ohio Sate Buckeyes a lot lately but with all of this positive news for the program, its hard not to talk glowingly about the program. Coach Tressel is getting the final piece of his puzzle back, as linebacker James Laurinaitis, the final junior that was considering the NFL, announced on Monday that he would be returning to school to finish up his career.
Laurinaitis will be a certain top 15 pick next year now and will likely be a contender for most year-end defensive awards. Right now, with Ohio State’s schedule, it’s hard not to see the Buckeyes making a return trip to the National Championship, this time in Florida. With all but one of the potential Draft jumpers returning, (and Vernon Gholston is replaceable) this team looks stacked and loaded. The only major hurdle is a trip to Southern Cal on September 15th, but aside from that and any Big Ten hiccups, things are looking very, very good for the Buckeyes. Better believe that a whole lot of analysts come late-summer will be picking the Buckeyes to take on the Georgia Bulldogs in Miami for all the marbles.
We’ll have more on some other players that are returning to school and entering the draft later on tonight as the deadline approaches. There are still some talented players out there hedging between the NFL and a return to University that bear watching. Keep your eye on DeSean Jackson especially. Some people have the Cal wideout pegged as the next Devin Hester type and he has yet to announce his intentions.Labels: DeSean Jackson, James Laurinaitis, Jim Tressel, Ohio State |
| posted by ntb60 @ 6:55 PM |
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| Undrafted Free Agency, Here They Come |
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If you were to look up the word naïve, or perhaps foolish, with their picture by the definition would be former Florida State quarterback Xavier Lee.
Lee announced on Monday that he would be skipping his senior season at Florida State due to the fact they wanted to move him to tight end. With Drew Weatherford and sophomore Christian Ponder slated to battle it out for the starting job, and Lee’s off-field transgressions, he was clearly out of the mix.
However, instead of taking coach Jimbo Fisher up on his offer to become a tight end and ready himself for the inevitable transition he would have to make to play at the next level, Lee chose to walk out on the school and pursue his NFL dreams. While pursuing one’s NFL dream is all fine and good, for Lee to do it assuming that a team will draft him and put in under center is ludicrous.
Sadly, despite his talent and obvious skills, he has been a bust at FSU and had shown absolutely no signs of turning it around. Who knows how he may have developed after a year at the tight end slot. With his talent, a need for tight ends at the next level and a chance for some big playing time with the ‘Noles, anything was possible. Instead, he will have to sit through that late-April day and wait and wait until finally he hears his name called and is told that he is like a ‘project’.
Of course, in five years Lee might be the best thing since sliced bread in the NFL and I could look like an idiot but for now, this appears to be a terrible decision, along the lines of fellow bust, Oklahoma State’s Bobby Reid.Labels: Bobby Reid, Xavier Lee |
| posted by ntb60 @ 12:50 PM |
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