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 |
