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NCAA Football News
Re-Evaluating USC's Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
USC football has long made its bones on the recruiting trail, and the Class of 2015 is no exception. Head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff already have an impressive group committed, evidenced by the performance of some of the pledged prospects last week at The Opening.
More primary targets for the Trojans in 2015 also shined at the event in Beaverton, Oregon. Expect USC to continue to make a splash in its first recruiting cycle since NCAA sanctions were lifted, particularly among prospects who commanded the spotlight at The Opening.
USC's Top Targets
USC featured some great defenses during the program's run of seven straight conference championships in the 2000s. The 2015 recruiting class could very well bring the Trojans their next great defense, if some of the top prospects from The Opening commit to Sarkisian.
Rasheem Green showed off his 5-star credentials in defensive line workouts last Thursday. The prospect from Southern California prep powerhouse Junipero Serra wowed those in attendance when playing to his full potential.
Serra has been a top recruiting pipeline for USC in recent years, and the Trojans could again strike it big there in 2015. Green's not the only 5-star recruit from Serra on USC's radar.
Linebacker John Houston did not participate at The Opening due to a back injury. He made the trip, however, and detailed his plans to Greg Biggins of Scout.com:
The schools I know will make the cut are Florida, Florida State, Oregon, Notre Dame, USC and UCLA. I plan to take all five of my official visits and I don't plan on making my choice until Signing Day. A lot can change over the season so I want to take as much time as I can and make sure I'm doing the right thing.
While that's a while to wait, Justin Hopkins of 247Sports tweeted one tidbit from Houston's appearance at The Opening that should excited Trojans fans:
USC is also in the mix for another Southern California-based 5-star defensive standout, Orange Lutheran product Keisean Lucier-South.
Lucier-South suffered an injury in the final days of The Opening but garnered praise before that. Bleacher Report's Michael Felder touted Lucier-South—currently projected at defensive end—as an outside linebacker:
USC is also targeting prospects in the secondary who made their presences felt at The Opening. DeChaun Holiday, a 4-star prospect from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, told Scout.com's Greg Biggins of his interest in USC.
Holiday said the Trojans are looking at him as either a cornerback or safety. That flexibility could play a role in the talented defensive back's decision.
USC's Top Commits
USC scored a high-profile commitment at The Opening, when 4-star defensive back Isaiah Langley pledged to the Trojans.
Langley posed for the below photo alongside fellow 2015 Trojans commits and Opening participants Cameron Smith and Ricky Town:
With Langley en tow, USC now checks in at No. 9 on B/R college football recruiting writer Tyler Donohue's top 25.
Meanwhile, highly touted 5-star quarterback commit Town overcame a slow start in Elite 11 competition to wow Trent Dilfer. The former Fresno State and NFL star told Paul Myerberg and Daniel Uthman of USA Today that Town turned a corner during The Opening:
It popped this morning. It was like the weight of the world was taken off his shoulders. He had so much confidence, his personality started coming out; he had some sauce to him. One play and it was like, 'This is mine. Bye, Coach Dilfer, you can go away. Everybody else can leave, I got this.' That's the first time I've seen it in him. If I see that in the 7-on-7 games, you're going to get a special kid.
Town did indeed exhibit that same fire in 7-on-7 play. Pac-12 Networks analyst Yogi Roth told Justin Hopkins of 247Sports that he saw Town make strides as the quarterback played with less pressure:
If you look at him the last couple of months, he wasn't having a lot of fun. And now over the last 5 days, he told me yesterday he's never had more fun playing the game. He's smiling, and as he's smiling, he's completing passes, he's not attaching himself to outcomes.
Fellow 5-star prospect Chuma Edoga impressed throughout the week. The most highly rated commit in the Trojans' 2015 class demonstrated quickness and power at the line.
All told, The Opening suggests a return to prominence in the Pac-12 may not be far for the Trojans.
Recruiting rankings and information culled from 247Sports.com composite scores unless otherwise noted.
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Carl Lawson Injury: Updates on Auburn Star's Recovery from Knee Surgery
Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson underwent knee surgery in May in hopes of being back in time for the 2014 regular season. While his progress is impressive, Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn is beginning to start the process of mitigating expectations.
"That's yet to be determined but he is an unbelievable worker," Malzahn told Brandon Marcello of AL.com when asked if Lawsom will be back this coming season. "He's a physical specimen put together extremely well, so he's very determined and so we'll kinda see where that goes."
Lawson, a rising sophomore, underwent surgery on his left knee on May 1. The full extent of Lawson's diagnosis had not been made public, and Marcello initially reported last month that it was not an ACL tear. However, Malzahn changed course on Monday by indicating the surgery was indeed to repair his ACL.
One of the nation's highest-touted defensive end recruits in 2013, Lawson made 20 tackles (7.5 for a loss) and four sacks as a freshman. He was expected to be the Tigers' primary pass-rushing option after the departure of Dee Ford to the NFL. Coupled with fellow 2013 recruit Montravius Adams and seniors Gabe Wright and LaDarius Lewis, Auburn was expected to be among the nation's best defensive lines.
Losing Lawson casts a little shadow of doubt into a unit that Malzahn needs to be a strength. The Tigers boasted an explosive, run-oriented offense last season but saw their defense nearly collapse their season on multiple occasions. Their national championship game loss to Florida State saw the Seminoles come back from a 21-3 deficit to score a 34-31 win.
"Carl's a young man that, he's going to work his tail off to get back as quick as he can," defensive line coach Rodney Garner told reporters last month. "It's an opportunity for somebody else to step up."
While Malzahn and Garner have kept a cautious stance, those close to Lawson insist he'll play when healthy. Carl Lawson Sr. told Marcello that missing the entire 2014 season is not even a consideration for the family at this point.
"He definitely wants to play this year and everybody wants to get a chance to right the wrong from that 13 seconds (against Florida State in the BCS National Championship), so I think the thing is he wants to be out there contributing and trying to help Auburn win a national title," Lawson Sr. said.
Having goals and accomplishing them are two different things when it comes to knee injuries. It's best not only for Auburn but also Lawson himself to make sure he's 100 percent healthy when he returns. If that means missing the entire 2014 campaign, Malzahn can throw a medical redshirt on him and retain his last three years of eligibility.
With more than a month still remaining before Auburn kicks off its season Aug. 30, it's safe to say we'll get a better idea of Lawson's status in the coming weeks.
Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.
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5 Issues We Would Love Michigan's Brady Hoke to Address at Big Ten Media Days
The Big Ten begins gearing up for the season with its annual event for media and fans in Chicago. Big Ten Media Days and Kickoff Luncheon will be held July 28-29 and feature 42 players and coaches from the conference schools.
Brady Hoke enters this season with his honeymoon in Ann Arbor definitely over after a late-season slide that knocked his team out of Big Ten title contention and included disappointing losses to both Michigan State and Ohio State.
Hoke will be joined in Chicago by a trio of seniors—defensive end Frank Clark, quarterback Devin Gardner and linebacker Jake Ryan.
Here is a wish list of issues fans would love to hear Brady Hoke address as his team prepares for a season that could make or break his tenure at Michigan.
5 Defensive Players Who Could Be Heisman Trophy Finalists in 2014
In all likelihood, regardless of how immaculate the resumes may look by the time December rolls around, a defensive player will not win the Heisman in 2014.
Such proclamations don't exactly require the "BREAKING NEWS!" or "SPOILER ALERT!" tag at this point. The force field standing between defensive players and the most prestigious award in all of college football seems impenetrable, despite a handful of quality attempts in recent years.
Ndamukong Suh should have won the award for Nebraska in 2009. Unfortunately, not enough voters felt that way at the time. Manti Te'o made things interesting in a dream season at Notre Dame just a short time ago, finishing second in voting with good—but not great—overall numbers. And just last year, Aaron Donald generated a few Heisman ripples with his Suh-ian performance for Pitt. The overall team performance simply didn't cooperate, thus his campaign fell short.
Admittedly, I've longed for a defensive winner for as long as I can remember. It's not that I'm simply a subscriber to chaos. The award—including the way players are selectively chosen—is in dire need of a reboot.
As it stands now, the notion of a reboot seems like a stretch in 2014. There is no Jadeveon Clowney-like buzz for a defensive player, at least as the season inches closer. That doesn't mean winning the award is impossible, but the preseason hoopla is an integral part of the process.
A combination of wins, statistics, marquee moments and flair will be essential for defensive player to alter the Heisman trend. It doesn't hurt to contribute in other ways, either. As for the select few who are capable of turning the brass statue on its side if everything plays out perfectly, here are a few defenders to keep an eye on.
Vernon Hargreaves (Florida, CB)
As a true sophomore, he might be the most important defensive player in the country. As we're well aware by now, however, oftentimes this label doesn't equate to Heisman success and acclaim.
The evaluation process on cornerbacks is unique from any other position on the field. Silence is a valued commodity and, ultimately, that likely will be what keeps Florida's magnificent cornerback out of consideration for an award that is about generating noise. Well, that or an offense that might not keep the team in enough games.
If Florida is able to bounce back after a dismal, injury-filled year, however, its best player will undoubtedly get the praise he deserves. And if Hargreaves is able to come up with a few interceptions on the limited instances quarterbacks throw in his direction, perhaps he can sneak into the conversation.
A few snaps on offense and a few more punt and kick return attempts wouldn't hurt, either. He returned three punts and one kickoff last season. Ultimately, those chances will have to increase for him to receive serious consideration.
Regardless of whether he gets those opportunities, this is one—especially if you're an SEC quarterback thinking about throwing to his side—worth keeping an eye on.
Mario Edwards Jr. (Florida State, DE)
The Heisman conversation for Mario Edwards begins with the team he plays on. That is by no means an insult to his unique style and unlimited potential, but rather an understanding of the state of the award.
Florida State will likely be favored by double digits in every regular-season matchup in 2014, and the value of collecting wins in large amounts cannot be overstated. For proof of this, Edwards can talk to teammate Jameis Winston.
Edwards, however, will have to win the Heisman in much different fashion. In fact, part of his inclusion is simply assuming that he takes that next step that he has yet to reach.
At nearly 300 pounds, Edwards will likely move up and down the Seminoles' defensive line in 2014. While the sack totals and overall numbers may not equal some of the others included in this piece, his influence could be far greater than any defender in the country.
Again, it comes down to evaluating. If voters are looking beyond simply sack totals and batted balls—and goodness, they better—then Edwards could surprise.
Joey Bosa (Ohio State, DE)
At 6'5" and 285 pounds, Joey Bosa can do a backflip. Here's proof.
I'm not exactly sure what that tells us about the sophomore's Heisman chances, but it does provide a glimpse of how much athleticism is bottled up in this colossal frame.
Bosa meets a few of the necessary checklist items for hopeful defensive players, the first being the team he plays for. Ohio State, much like a season ago, is poised for another national championship run. Zeroing in on his scenario a bit closer, Bosa won't be terrorizing quarterbacks by his lonesome.
Playing alongside Michael Bennett, Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington, Bosa will be given ample opportunities to dominate one-on-one matchups, and thus enhance his sack total. Last season he finished with seven-and-a-half sacks, although his production increased as he got deeper into his freshman season.
For Bosa to have a serious chance at the award, he'll likely have to double that total. Given Ohio State's schedule—along with the talent on the defensive side—such lofty goals should not be considered unreachable.
Vic Beasley (Clemson, DE)
Here's where the resumes become a bit more familiar.
After forgoing a shot at the NFL, Vic Beasley returns to a Clemson defense that should be one of nation's elite. While that's not something we're accustomed to saying about the Tigers, this has the makings to be a ferocious group. And such ferocity begins with a star defensive end who was everywhere in 2013.
Beasley's 12 sacks in 2013 put him on the map. The buzz surrounding his play isn't Clowney-esque yet, but he made a name—and a whole lot of money—for himself last year.
Now, what does he have in store for an encore? And what does Clemson have in store after an Orange Bowl win?
For Beasley to be in the Heisman conversation, the Tigers must first find replacements for quarterback Tajh Boyd and wide receiver Sammy Watkins. That may seem like a strange place to begin, but again, this award focuses on wins as much as it does individuals numbers. The offense has some catching up to do.
Beasley, if healthy, will post numbers. The defense, if healthy, will be one of the best in the country. If the offense can do its part and Beasley shows out in the Tigers' high-profile games—zeroing in on a Sept. 20 matchup against Florida State—perhaps the Heisman chatter will start to hum.
Myles Jack (UCLA, LB)
UCLA's best running back might be the best linebacker in the country. If you watched Myles Jack operate for the Bruins as a freshman—which is still somewhat hard to fathom—this bizarre statement should also seem to fit.
The whole thing is so natural, it's almost scary.
Jack wasn't just one of the best defensive players in all of college football out of the gate—finishing with 77 tackles, a sack, two interceptions and a touchdown—but he also averaged seven yards per carry and found the end zone seven times on 38 attempts.
Because of his unique, two-way presence, Jack feels like a logical front-runner in this category. Obviously this will depend a great deal on how he's used going forward, although the splash has already been made.
Linebacker is his position of the future. There's no questioning this. But even if Jack plays a small (but impactful) role on short yardage plays and red-zone opportunities, the rest of his resume will look a little more pronounced.
Aiding this potential Heisman run is a team loaded with young talent on defense, intriguing wideouts on offense and a quarterback on the brink of stardom. Outside of Auburn, there is no team in the country with more program momentum.
The ingredients for a Heisman run are all in place. Now it's a matter of tackling history. Or, in the case of this potential two-way star, running right over it.
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Re-Evaluating Oregon's Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
Recruiting for the 2015 cycle is gaining steam for the Oregon Ducks, with six of their 11 total commits pledging since June. Oregon climbed to No. 18 nationally, per 247Sports, and the performance of a few Ducks prospects last week at The Opening points to a home run haul for head coach Mark Helfrich and Co. come national signing day.
Oregon's Top Targets
Byron Cowart proved his 5-star standing at The Opening. Charles Power of 247Sports praised him as the top defensive lineman in attendance, writing:
Cowart led the linemen in Tuesday's NFTC portion of The Opening, showing off his burst off the ball and an array of pass rushing moves that left offensive tackles asking for a crack at a rep against the 6'4", 250-pounder...[He] went undefeated in one-on-ones, making quick work of Clemson commitment Mitch Hyatt and 5-star offensive tackle Martez Ivey.
Below is Cowart at work during The Opening, via Craig Haubert of ESPN:
Cowart is just the piece Oregon needs in its 2015 signing class. Defensive line coach Ron Aiken is his primary recruiter, and he'll likely have a few more months to pitch the 5-star prospect. Luke Stampini of 247Sports reports that Cowart plans to announce his commitment in January at the Under Armour All-American Game.
Oregon has not pursued 4-star safety Marvell Tell quite as intensely as it has Cowart, but that may change after his performance at The Opening.
The prospect out of Crespi High School in Encino, California, has a top three of UCLA, USC and Texas A&M. However, Tell told Aaron Kasinitz of The Oregonian that the Ducks intrigue him:
I actually like Oregon a lot. ... I want to take an official up there and learn more about the program. I don't know too much. I've talked to the coaches more off and on, but I definitely want to take that trip.
Fellow Southern California-based defensive back recruit DeChaun Holiday is another standout from The Opening for whom the Ducks could make a late push.
Holiday told Greg Biggins of Scout.com, "I like UCLA and USC a lot," but Oregon is also a factor. Should the 4-star recruit from Mission Hills High School in San Marcos not make a choice soon, Ducks defensive backs coach John Neal will have time to make a push:
As for when I'll decide, I'm still battling that right now. A part of me wants to commit early but I want to wait until I'm 100% on that and right now, I'm only 50-50. If I'm not ready by the end of the summer, I'll take my official visits and wait until the fall to commit anywhere.
Currently, Oregon has two defensive backs committed to its 2015 signing class: 3-star prospects Jihree Stewart and PJ Locke. The addition of Tell or Holiday—or both—gives this unit the kind of juice that the Oregon secondary is known for.
Oregon's Top Commits
Running back Taj Griffin came to The Opening with 5-star billing from 247Sports, but his Composite score rated him as a 4-star prospect. His blazing speed and No. 7 overall SPARQ score, via StudentSports.com, might land Griffin that coveted fifth star.
The speedy Griffin proved himself as exactly the type of back that flourishes in the Ducks' uptempo offense.
Likewise, quarterback Travis Waller should find himself right at home in Oregon. Waller pledged to the Ducks just days before The Opening.
The 4-star dual-threat prospect out of Servite High School in Anaheim, California, commemorated the occasion with the first of what could be many stellar performances in the state of Oregon.
Waller finished No. 3 in the Elite 11 quarterback competition through last Thursday. His combination of mobility on the run and presence in the pocket make him an invaluable addition to this signing class, particularly after the Ducks missed on recruits Kyler Murray and Blake Barnett.
Waller's pass to Alabama commit Calvin Ridley was perhaps the play of The Opening.
Recruiting rankings and information culled from 247Sports.com composite scores unless otherwise noted.
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Bleacher Report's Top 25 2015 Recruiting Classes After The Opening
The 2015 recruiting cycle reaches a pivotal stretch this time of the year, as just a few weeks of summer separate us from the senior seasons of top college prospects. Many of these premier recruits attended The Opening in Beaverton, Oregon last week.
Bleacher Report was on hand for all the action at Nike's world headquarters, where several players announced commitments and shook up the recruiting spectrum moving forward. In the wake of a star-studded event, we rank the country's top 25 recruiting classes at this point, placing more value on quality than quantity.
Re-Evaluating Alabama's Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
According to the 247Sports team rankings, Alabama has had the top recruiting class in the country in each of the past four seasons, and it's out to the pole position once again in 2015.
That was made clear last week at Nike's The Opening in Beaverton, Oregon, which was attended by 10 of the Tide's 19 committed players. More than half of their current class was deemed good enough to join the most prestigious camp in America.
But it wasn't just committed Alabama players in attendance in the Beaver State. A small group of top Alabama targets was there as well.
Even though they're staked out to a pretty substantial lead, the Tide cannot hold onto their No. 1 ranking by resting on their laurels. They don't have a current commitment from any of the top 30 players in the country. For context, they had five in the top 15 last cycle.
Here's a post-Opening look at the state of Alabama's 2015 class, including both targets and current commitments.
How did everyone fare during their week in Beaverton?
Top Targets
Alabama's top uncommitted targets at The Opening included a pair of 5-star defensive linemen and a 4-star (but top-100) offensive tackle.
Here's a quick look at all of them:
DE Byron Cowart (Seffner, Florida)
Florida native Byron Cowart is the No. 15 overall player in the class, and he showed why in Beaverton. He earned rave reviews throughout the week, earning a flurry of glowing tweets from analysts:
The videos that came out do not belie those reviews:
Cowart is enamored with Oregon and is also fond of nearby Florida. Of the top three Alabama targets at The Opening, he is probably the longest shot to end up in Tuscaloosa.
But he did have some nice things to say about the Crimson Tide in March, per Mike Herndon of AL.com, and after the showing he just had in Beaverton, Saban should prioritize his recruitment.
DT Daron Payne (Birmingham, Alabama)
Daron Payne from nearby Birmingham, Alabama, is the No. 16 overall player in the class, and even though he didn't perform as well as Cowart did, he definitely didn't look poor up in Beaverton.
At 348 pounds, Payne has the size and frame to become a nose guard in Alabama's 3-4 defense. He could be an anchor against the run.
His bullrush already looked SEC-capable:
Payne also got a stuff test (and perhaps future practice preview?) against Alabama offensive line commit Lester Cotton:
Payne was once a strong Auburn lean on the 247Sports Crystal Ball, but he has since skewed heavily toward Alabama. He is currently listed as a 96 percent favorite to land in Tuscaloosa.
OT Drew Richmond (Memphis, Tennessee)
Offensive tackle Drew Richmond made an impact on and off the practice field in Beaverton, stepping up as one of the best blockers but also one of the most affable, well-liked players in the camp.
Here he is chiming in on No. 2 overall prospect Josh Sweat:
Richmond is the No. 78 overall player in the class and would fill a need for the Tide, who do not have a big-time 2015 offensive tackle.
He spoke with Charles Power of 247Sports (subscription required) during the event to give an update on his recruitment, listing Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio State, Memphis (yes, Memphis), North Carolina and UCLA as teams that are after him the hardest.
"[The May visit] was cool getting to know [the Alabama offensive linemen], because I had one type of perception that I thought they were and they are way cooler than I thought," Richmond said of his official visit to Tuscaloosa. "I still talk to Josh Casher sometimes and Cam [Robinson] and I Tweet from time to time."
Richmond will announce his decision on September 9.
Current Alabama Commits
Alabama sent 10 already committed players to The Opening, and, especially toward the top of the class, those players showed very well.
I went into further depth on the subject here, but three of the Tide's highest-rated players—cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, receiver Calvin Ridley and quarterback Blake Barnett—all received some sort of tangible accolade during the week in Beaverton. Fitzpatrick made the SPARQ National Championship with a preliminary score of 130.41, Ridley was named the overall MVP of The Opening and Barnett was named the MVP of the seven-on-seven tournament and the Elite 11.
Cotton, who was shown blocking Payne in the previous section, also showed well, and fellow offensive line commit Richie Petitbon caught the eye of Bleacher Report's on-site analyst, Michael Felder:
Athlete Shawn Burgess-Becker didn't flash as often as 'Bama fans might have hoped, but he did show some nice instincts and had a few impressive pass breakups during the seven-on-seven games:
He could be the next in the line of physical, athletic safeties.
The most important takeaway from The Opening, though, might have been the cohesion between the Alabama recruits.
The players all got along with one another—or at least it seemed that way to an outside observer who was following along from the opposite end of the country—and no one was talking about seriously reopening their recruitment to other schools this coming season.
Here's a group of former Tide players with Barnett's family:
There's a reason this class ranks No. 1 on the 247Sports team rankings. And there's a reason it will probably stay there.
Note: All recruiting info refers to the 247Sports composite rankings.
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Re-Evaluating LSU's Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
The Opening proved LSU has much to look forward to in the near future.
Only the best high school prospects are invited to The Opening, the most coveted preseason camp in Beaverton, Oregon. Luckily enough for the Tigers, they are in the running for numerous players who competed.
The biggest news from the The Opening was arguably the re-commitment of 4-star cornerback Xavier Lewis. Lewis gave his original vow to the Tigers last August but de-committed in February, per The Advocate.
Lewis' decision now gives LSU 13 commitments in the 2015 class, four of whom competed in The Opening. The Tigers now rank No. 10 on 247Sports' Recruiting Team Ranking, which is good for sixth in the SEC.
There were plenty of other LSU targets that competed as well, some of whom Les Miles would love to see commit to the Tigers.
Top Targets
LSU, like many other elite programs, is hoping to bring in elite 5-star recruits. The nation's No. 1 defensive end Josh Sweat and offensive tackle Martez Ivey both turned heads. No defensive end came close to Sweat's amazing SPARQ score, while Ivey was voted the offensive-line MVP.
LSU will probably not land Sweat or Ivey, but the two are on Miles' radar. Other 5-star hopefuls who shined include Malik Jefferson, Iman Marshall and Torrance Gibson.
The most likely 5-star commitment for LSU will be Tyron Johnson. There were few receivers, if any, better than Johnson in The Opening's seven-on-seven tournament. He, alongside quarterback and USC commit Ricky Town, carried the Land Sharks team to the finals.
One of the most fascinating prospects was Johnson's fellow New Orleans playmaker Deonte Jackson. The 5'11'' Jackson played impressively on both sides of the ball, earning a spot on 247Sports' Barton Simmons' "Opening Dream Team." Simmons said Jackson was a candidate for the overall MVP.
LSU's Top Commitments
The future "Defensive Back University" looks pretty bright with the performances of Lewis and Kevin Toliver II. They both picked off multiple interceptions in the seven-on-seven tournament and looked fluid in all drills.
LSU offensive tackle Maea Teuhema was measured at 6'5'', 340 pounds per ESPN's Gerry Hamilton. But Teuhema did not compete in the one-on-one drills, which was a big opportunity for him to show off his skills against other elite prospects.
Nick Brossette was LSU's lone offensive skill-position commit to compete at The Opening. Brossette showed off his catching ability coming out of the backfield but will be remembered for his slick move against Tennessee commit Cecil Cherry.
The overall talent in the state of Louisiana is down after 2014's historic crop, but that doesn't mean there aren't difference-makers throughout The Boot.
Lewis proved this weekend that he has phenomenal playmaking ability. He plays his high school football at East St. John, the same school that produced Ryan Perrilloux, but his name gets lost in the elite cornerback class of 2015.
If uncommitted prospects Johnson, Jackson and Destrehan, Louisiana's Kirk Merritt join the Tigers, expect LSU to rise dramatically in the team rankings. Merritt was the surprise winner of the SPARQ title and can play both running back and receiver.
*Rankings and additional recruiting information provided by247Sports.com. Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.
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Lombardi Award Watch List 2014: Full List Released
The 2014 college football season is approaching fast, and the focus has shifted to the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list and which linemen and linebackers will be fighting for the prestigious honor throughout the season.
The award is given to the best lineman (offensive or defensive) or linebacker in the country, and the voting is done by Division I head coaches, sports media and former winners and finalists of the honor.
While 123 names on the list is a lot right now, over the course of the regular season, the top players will prove their worth and others will falter under the pressure. By the end of the year, there will be a clear tier of elite players to be considered.
Here is the full watch list and a breakdown for one of the top contenders to win the 2014 Lombardi Award.
Player to Watch: Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
There are few players who entered the college football ranks with as much publicity as Ole Miss defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche. In his freshman season with Mississippi, Nkemdiche learned on the job and blossomed into an elite player.
The Rebels are hoping for even more progress in 2014.
With his older brother Denzel on the team as well, the transition to college football was seamless and Robert has taken advantage of every opportunity afforded to him on the field. Not only is the team proud to have the defensive star, but now he is also garnering the national attention he deserves.
Besides the Lombardi Award nomination, Ole Miss reporter Evelyn VanPelt talked about the other watch list Nkemdiche made this summer:
Rotary Lombardi Award committee chair Brian Carr commented on why he loves the summer and the watch list, via James Crepea of the Montgomery Advertiser:
This is one of our favorite times of the year. The dog days of summer are when people start thinking about college football again. We are ready to see who is going to distinguish themselves this year, and we look forward to tracking the progress of each player on this list.
Nkemdiche should be one of those players who progresses with each passing week.
There are high expectations on the sophomore after such a strong freshman campaign, but he has the potential to live up to them. Nkemdiche managed to rack up an impressive 34 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks in just 11 games.
With a year to develop under the training staff of Ole Miss and the focus on improving his game this offseason, the Rebels will be looking for Nkemdiche to become a difference-maker starting in Week 1 and help carry the team throughout the season.
Ole miss has a real chance to contend in the SEC, and Nkemdiche will be one of the keys to how much success the program finds. If he embraces a leadership role and leads by example on and off the field, a Lombardi Award is a very realistic possibility.
Yet he'll have plenty of worthy competition, as evidenced by the impressive list of names he's set to contend with for the honor.
*Stats via CFBStats.com.
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College Football Gets a New Championship Trophy for the Playoff Era
College football is getting a brand new trophy to go along with the new playoff format starting this year.
The trophy was unveiled at a press conference on Monday:
ESPN's Brett McMurphy provided some more details on the trophy:
Here's a look at the crystal ball trophy that has been presented since 1986 and will still be awarded to the team at the top of the final coaches poll of the season:
[College Football Playoff, Associated Press]
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Notre Dame Football: 6 Backups Critical to the Irish's Success in 2014
With fall camp around the corner, Notre Dame football position battles are set to be won and lost.
Starters will be named, and the depth charts will be penciled in.
And while the starters and the decisions behind those choices will deservedly garner plenty of attention, let's focus here on the indispensable backups—the lifeblood of a great and deep team—who are vital to Notre Dame's success in 2014.
In some cases, it's unclear if a player here will, in fact, be a backup when the season kicks off. There are some assumptions that certain players will begin the season as second-stringers.
SEC Media Days 2014: Tracking Highlights, Comments, Twitter Reaction from Day 1
Following a long offseason—too long for SEC fans—the college football season is nearly here. Before the season gets underway in late August, the SEC Media Days are always special for one of the biggest conferences in the country.
Multiple new faces will be in attendance on Monday, including first-year head coach Derek Mason of Vanderbilt. After taking over for James Franklin, Mason has a quarterback battle and expectations to address in his first appearance at the event.
As for some that won't be present, Nick Marshall will not attend after a recent marijuana citation. That leaves coach Gus Malzahn, who led the team to the National Championship Game last year, answering questions for his star quarterback.
With the opening day of the event in Hoover, Alabama getting underway on Monday morning, here's a look at all of the latest from the always entertaining occasion.
While last year's event was headlined by a polarizing figure in Johnny Manziel, the 2014 version already has controversy before it starts.
Marshall choosing not to attend the event leaves three of his teammates and Malzahn to respond to constant queries about his recent citation. Prior to the announcement, Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report wrote what he believed Marshall should have done on Monday:
Being a leader and owning the moment will make those columns published Monday night and the radio fodder that follows seem silly and outlandish.
Marshall should take advantage of the cards he dealt himself, not fold when the stakes are high.
For some, the decision was hardly an attempt to hide but more of a chance for Malzahn to help the situation. Paul Finebaum of ESPN and Larry Williams of Rivals provide their thoughts on Marshall's absence:
After last season with a loaded quarterback crop that included Manziel, A.J. McCarron, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger, this year doesn't quite have the same list. Without Marshall, the other signal-callers on the program are Jeff Driskel, Bo Wallace, Dak Prescott, Maty Mauk and Dylan Thompson.
That's hardly comparable to the 2013 slate. In fact, Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports believes Marshall would have been at the top of the list:
As the official opening of the event nears, Auburn will have plenty of buzz surrounding their team. While they should after a great season last year, much of the questioning will be about their absent quarterback.
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Butkus Award Watch List 2014: Full List Released
The 2014 college football season is on the horizon, and the Butkus Award watch list has officially been announced with several hopeful linebackers on the tally. With notable names like Eric Striker, Shaq Thompson and Terrance Smith on the illustrious program, there will be a fight all season for the trophy.
One of the most coveted honors to work toward on the field, the Butkus Award is given to the best linebacker in the country at the end of a long year. While the Heisman, Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards are slightly more prestigious, past winners prove the Butkus Award is special.
Those names include NFL stars Von Miller, Luke Kuechly and Patrick Willis in the last decade. Though the names on this list might not be recognizable just yet, the winner will likely have a bright future ahead.
At the start, 51 names are entered—Dick Butkus' number when he played—but just one will emerge. Here's a look at the full watch list for the 2014 Butkus Award and a breakdown of some select players.
Eric Striker, Oklahoma
With a last name like Striker, this Oklahoma linebacker is expected to be a big hitter. He lives up to his name.
Last season, he put his name in the elite category with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. Just how dangerous is he on the football field? Bryan Fischer of NFL.com explains why he's one of the scariest players in the college game:
Just ask an Alabama player how scary it is to play against Striker. He is one of the best blitzers in the country and should be even more dangerous as the Stoops brothers continue to put him in good spots on the field. A ferocious hitter, offenses will know where he's lining up before every snap.
The Sooners front seven will be stout this season, but Striker is the clear leader in the middle. With his combination of speed and hard-hitting style, he might be an early favorite to be a finalist for the award.
Striker has also been on other watch lists, as Oklahoma Football notes:
Given the fact that past standouts like Kuechly and Miller won the award, Striker will have to put together a nearly flawless season to win. After breaking out with the Sooners last season, expect big things from the junior.
Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Just a year after C.J. Mosley took home the hardware, another Alabama linebacker hopes to step up.
After two years of sitting behind supremely talented players like Mosley and others, Reggie Ragland is now getting his opportunity and is sure to make the most of it. Ragland spoke about getting the chance to start this season, per Andrew Gribble of AL.com:
It didn't frustrate me at all. I knew I had two years to learn behind the best, and I did.
... Since C.J.'s gone it's time for me to step up and become a leader on the defense. At first it was hard going, trying to get a grasp of it, but now it's better. I understand it more than I did the last two years.
The new starter was a 5-star linebacker in high school, so he has the talent to get the job done. But in a tough SEC, the emerging star will have his hands full with the speed and athleticism on the field.
Ragland isn't the only player on the list for Alabama, with Trey DePriest also hoping to finish at the top of the list. Both will have a chance to shine this season, but Ragland might be an underdog to emerge with the Crimson Tide.
Following in the footsteps of Mosley won't be easy, but Ragland certainly seems up to the task. On an Alabama team that will get plenty of attention all year, he has a chance to become a star and possibly hoist the Butkus Award at season's end.
Shaq Thompson, Washington
Coming into his junior season, Thompson has shown flashes of brilliance.
He recorded 70 tackles last season, but just .5 sacks. As a freshman, Thompson put up similar numbers for Washington, but hasn't quite broken out to this point.
Lining up at linebacker might not be the only position for Thompson this year, though. The former high school running back spoke about the potential of playing on offense this season, per Lindsay Schnell of Sports Illustrated:
It feels a little natural still. I haven't touched the ball for almost two years. [Former Washington coach Steve] Sarkisian had told me they'd do something for me [on offense] but nothing really happened. I'm wasn't tripping though -- I came here for linebacker, defense and special teams.
The two-way talent might just play an old school game this year, but he'll have to shine at linebacker to win the award. With his immense talent and speed on the field, Thompson has a chance to run away—pun intended—with the honor if he puts up huge numbers this year.
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
What 2016 4-Star DT Benito Jones' Commitment Means for Alabama
Alabama added the first player to its 2016 class this weekend, securing a commitment from Waynesboro, Mississippi, defensive tackle Benito Jones, the No. 98 overall prospect on the 247Sports composite rankings.
"A lot of people don't want me to leave the state," Jones said after picking up his 'Bama offer in May, per Wesley Sinor of AL.com (who confirmed his commitment). "But I'm going to go where I want to go."
Jones gets Alabama off the schneid in the class of rising juniors, moving it all the way up to No. 11 on the 247Sports team rankings.
At such an early stage of recruitment, though, those rankings speak more to the quantity of committed players than the quality of committed players. In time, the Tide will push for the No. 1 class.
Jones is undersized for a defensive tackle (6'2", 260 lbs) and won't be able to play in the middle of Alabama's 3-4 defense unless the scheme changes or he hits a growth spurt. He does appear capable of carrying more weight than he currently does, but Kirby Smart's scheme calls for a Terrence Cody-esque run-stuffer up the middle.
However, Jones excels with his hands and his technique and is a constant presence in opposing backfields. Think of a slighter-built Aaron Donald. He would probably fit better as a tackle in a 4-3, but if he makes the proper changes to his body, he can become a useful defensive end in the 3-4 scheme in Tuscaloosa.
Per Bleacher Report's Tyler Donohue, he had 58 tackles and five sacks as a sophomore at Wayne County High School last season:
Because of the way the Crimson Tide recruit, defensive line was not an area of "need." Nothing is. The 2014 class included 5-star recruit Da'Shawn Hand (the No. 4 overall player in the country) and 4-star recruit Josh Frazier (who weighs 325 pounds). The 2015 class already has five defensive linemen and counting, headlined by a pair of top-100 prospects (Mekhi Brown and Jonathan Ledbetter) and another 4-star recruit in T.D. Moton (who also weighs 300-plus pounds).
Jones' commitment brings the Tide security more than anything else. He is another dart thrown at the board, and his eligibility will be staggered from the group of prospects above. Especially if he takes a redshirt year to work on his body and frame—which, at this early stage, seems logical—he could be a part of this team until 2020.
Obviously, Alabama still wants to land top 2015 targets such as Daron Payne and top 2016 targets such as Rashan Gary, but having Jones provides a safety net of sorts should it get beaten out.
And he has the potential to be much, much more than that.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Re-Evaluating Ohio State's Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
Ohio State's recruiting class was well-represented at The Opening—an exclusive football camp for 162 of the nation's top high school prospects.
Three of the Buckeyes' 12 current commitments made the trip to Beaverton, Oregon, to compete against an elite field of talent. A number of Urban Meyer's top targets were also in attendance, proving that Ohio State has its sights set high for the 2015 recruiting cycle.
For Meyer to sign his fourth consecutive top-five class, the Buckeyes need to cover a lot of ground.
Top Targets
Many of Ohio State's top remaining targets competed at The Opening, but none were more impressive than Josh Sweat.
The 6'5", 240-pound bruiser out of Chesapeake, Virginia, is rated the nation's top defensive end and the No. 2 prospect overall. He has offers from more than 50 schools, including programs such Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Michigan and Notre Dame.
Virginia Tech leads for Sweat over Florida State, Ohio State, Tennessee and Georgia, according to 247Sports' Crystal Ball, but he told Max Preps that he doesn't have a top-five or 10 list yet.
Whether he has a list or not, current Ohio State commits Justin Hilliard and Jashon Cornell spent a lot of time recruiting him—and others—on behalf of Meyer at The Opening.
In addition to Sweat, the dynamic duo connected with 5-star quarterback Torrance Gibson, 5-star running back Damien Harris, 4-star wide receiver Christian Kirk and 4-star offensive tackle Matthew Burrell.
Each player ranks inside 247Sports Composite's top 60, and landing a commitment from any of them would be a huge boost to Ohio State's class. The Buckeyes, though, have the best chance of landing Burrell and Harris, according to 247Sports' Crystal Ball.
Other players on Ohio State's radar—such as 4-star offensive tackle Drew Richmond, 4-star defensive tackle Neville Gallimore and 4-star wide receiver Van Jefferson—made waves at the Nike camp. Gallimore, in particular, benefited greatly, as the Canada Prep Football Academy in Ontario doesn't provide the top-end coaching he received in Oregon.
"I know that unlike a lot of these guys, I haven't had a lifetime worth of training and teaching, but I learned so much from being here," Gallimore said, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Eleven Warriors. "I'll never forget this experience and it will make me a better player for whatever school I end up at."
Meyer, who has recruited along the defensive line very well throughout his career, is hoping that school is Ohio State.
Ohio State's Commits
Hilliard and Cornell spent a good portion of their week backing up their 5-star rankings.
Hilliard, the nation's top-rated outside linebacker, showed off his speed and strength in the SPARQ preliminaries, and his playmaking ability was on full display during the seven-on-seven competition.
Cornell impressed as well. His versatility is his greatest strength, and he proved that by showing an ability to play on the edge rushing the passer or moving to the inside to clog the run.
The Buckeyes' other commit—Tyler Green—had a big week.
Rated the No. 522 recruit in the country and the No. 35 safety, Green could have been overshadowed among some of the top defenders in the country. Instead, he shined, showing instincts and skill that suggest he's highly underrated.
While the Buckeyes are hoping to land new commitments, one of the current members of their 2015 class could be on the verge of shooting up the rankings.
All recruiting information per 247Sports.
David Regimbal is the lead Ohio State football writer for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Georgia Football: Reevaluating Dawgs' Recruiting Class After the 2014 Opening
Many of the country's top football recruits got the opportunity to shine at The Opening presented by Nike last week. Not surprisingly, the nation's premier event for high school recruits was well attended by Georgia Bulldog targets and commitments.
After several days of combine testing, seven-on-seven passing games and battles in the trenches, here's an updated evaluation of Georgia's 2015 recruiting class.
Top Targets
Georgia's top overall target and the nation's best prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite, Trent Thompson, did not attend The Opening, but several other potential Bulldog commits were in attendance.
Most notably, defensive end Josh Sweat made a tremendous impression by showcasing his size, athleticism and relentless pursuit. Sweat, regarded as the nation's second-best recruit by the 247Sports Composite, is pushing Thompson for that top spot, according to Barton Simmons of 247Sports:
Quietly, maybe nobody had a more impressive week than Sweat. He was battling a hip injury all week but never complained, still fought to compete and still showed scary edge speed and athleticism. In a battle for the No. 1 spot in the national ranking, Sweat stated a strong case by showcasing athleticism and toughness.
Sweat is still considering a host of schools, but landing him would undoubtedly bolster this class both in national ranking and in college-ready talent.
Linebacker Roquan Smith also performed well at The Opening. Although he's still on the smaller side (he measured 6'1", 205 pounds), Smith showed more than competent speed with a 4.55 40 and posted a vertical jump in excess of 35 inches, according to Student Sports.
The best news surrounding Smith—at least for Georgia fans—was with whom he spent his time at camp. According to Rusty Mansell of 247Sports (subscription required), Georgia commit Terry Godwin stayed in his ear all weak.
"Basically it was me and him the whole time," Smith told Mansell of Godwin.
Georgia's Commits
For the most part, Georgia's commits acquitted themselves quite nicely against the nation's best.
When he wasn't planting a bug in Smith's ear, Godwin was establishing himself as one of the better receivers in the class. His speed and raw athleticism did not overwhelm, but his hands certainly made an impression.
Chauncey Rivers and Natrez Patrick showcased two very distinct skill sets (see Michael Felder's video above), which, in a way, adds value to the class by making the range of commitments more versatile. Rivers demonstrated strength and use of hands where Patrick demonstrated length and speed, but those traits don't necessarily show up on a plain recruiting board.
Barton Simmons of 247Sports (subscription required) also offered up a glowing review of tight end Jackson Harris:
I came away from this event even more bullish on Harris than I was going in. He's one of the biggest tight ends in the country, but what were his ball skills going to be like after only catching nine passes as a junior? He never fought the ball once that I noticed. He sees the ball well, runs good routes. I don't think he's going to really scare anybody with his up-field athleticism, but he has the frame that more than compensates for that. He'll be a good one for Georgia.
Meanwhile, defensive back Rico McGraw noted at The Opening that he was still receiving serious interest from Tennessee and Alabama and told Simmons he would continue to explore his options.
At huge events like this, no news is often good news. Georgia did not lose a commitment nor did a top recruit make a name for himself in a negative way (on or off the field) at The Opening.
All in all, Godwin remains the most impressive among this group, but Sweat sure gave Georgia fans something to add to their wish list.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
6 Issues We Would Love for USC's Steve Sarkisian to Address at Pac-12 Media Days
The Steve Sarkisian era officially begins on August 30 when the Trojans host Fresno State at the venerable, old Coliseum.
However, Trojan fans will get a glimpse into their new head coach's mindset when Pac-12 media days begin on July 23 in Hollywood, California.
Sarkisian will be joined by quarterback Cody Kessler and defensive lineman Leonard Williams to answer the queries of reporters who cover the sport for a variety of media outlets.
While the musings of Kessler and Williams will certainly be of interest, it is the mind of Sark that should be of most concern to those who follow the men of Troy.
So while fans hope that the reporters ask pertinent questions, this slideshow will offer some that may evade those at the event.
Although these may not be the most pressing of interests to the masses, here are six issues we would like Sark to address.
Grading Top ACC Recruits' Performance at The Opening 2014
The Opening concluded Thursday at Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, after three days of competition and evaluation. The ACC had a number of top targets, both committed and undecided, at the event that featured 162 of the nation's most sought-after recruits.
For many prospects, it was the first chance to separate themselves from their peers and future teammates through SPARQ testing, one-on-one lineman matchups and seven-on-seven scrimmages. With national signing day just six months away, here's how some of the ACC's top recruits fared against their fellow standouts.
SEC Media Days 2014: Day 1 Schedule, Live Stream, Participants and Predictions
The college football season is nearly upon us, but first one of the biggest heavyweight conferences open their media days slate.
Monday is only Day 1 of a long week in Hoover, Alabama, but presents some of the most interesting storylines. With the opening of a new regime in Vanderbilt and some trouble for a potential Heisman candidate, the opening slate of interviews should be entertaining to watch.
Before things get underway on Day 1, here's a look at the full schedule, participants and predictions for Monday. All information provided by SEC Sports.
SEC Football Media Days Information
When: July 14-17
Where: Hyatt Regency Birmingham—The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Alabama
Watch: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Monday, July, 14
Session I: 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. ET
SEC Commissioner Mike Slive
Auburn: Gus Malzahn; Reese Dismukes, Center; Gabe Wright, Defensive Lineman; C.J. Uzomah, Tight End
Session II: 3:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m. ET
Florida: Will Muschamp; Jeff Driskel, Quarterback; Dante Fowler, Defensive End; Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback
Vanderbilt: Derek Mason; Adam Butler, Defensive Line; Steven Scheu, Tight End; Andrew Williamson, Safety
Auburn Participants Will Be Drilled About Nick Marshall Issues
At major college conference media days, there's no hiding from the firestorm of questioning.
Auburn's Nick Marshall was recently cited for marijuana possession and his teammates will have plenty of questions to answer with the media leading up to the season. Joel A. Erickson of AL.com provides details on Marshall's citation:
Marshall, the returning quarterback who was supposed to be part of Auburn's SEC Media Days contingent on Monday, was pulled over due to a possible window tinting violation at 12:45 p.m. on Highway 96 in Reynolds.
According to (Reynolds police chief Lonnie) Holder, the officer detected an odor of marijuana coming from the car, and upon search of the vehicle, police found "8-or-9" grams of marijuana, which is less than an ounce.
Needless to say, Marshall will certainly be a popular figure on Monday. It was announced Sunday night that Marshall will be absent at the SEC Media Days on Monday, per Jeremy Fowler of CBS Sports, so every participant for the Tigers will have to carry the load.
Auburn comes into the season with plenty of optimism after winning the conference last year. But after the departure of Tre Mason, the Tigers will have to rely more heavily on Marshall in the rushing and passing game.
Marshall passed for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 1,068 yards and another 12 touchdowns. After a phenomenal season last year, Marshall comes in with similar buzz as Johnny Manziel during the 2013 SEC Media Days.
Barrett Sallee of Bleacher Report compared the two in a recent column and notes what he believed Marshall should have done on Monday:
Being a leader and owning the moment will make those columns published Monday night and the radio fodder that follows seem silly and outlandish.
Marshall should take advantage of the cards he dealt himself, not fold when the stakes are high.
After early talk that Marshall might be a Heisman candidate, the Auburn standout comes into the season with controversy surrounding him. Without the quarterback in attendance, it will now be up to his teammates and coach to respond to the coming criticism.
Opening of a New Era for Vanderbilt
While some programs come in with high hopes for this season, Vanderbilt is beginning a rebuilding process after losing three of their leaders.
Just a year after the Commodores finished 9-4 (4-4 SEC), they now have to move forward without new Penn State coach James Franklin, leading receiver Jordan Matthews and quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels. That's a tall task for anyone, but new coach Derek Mason is ready to lead the charge.
The former Stanford defensive coordinator brings a tough style of football to the Vandy program and doesn't hold any punches about his expectations. Mason spoke about the future for the Commodores, per Fowler:
If I don't look at doing that, then why am I here. My expectation is no different than coach [Nick] Saban's. I want to win every game and I want to play for a national title."
... Leadership. Who are [the leaders]? ... I think James had created a culture of winning. All those other aspects and processes were -- some were in place and some were lacking. What you have to look at is the infrastructure and look and see what you don't have and say to yourself: 'How do we get it?'
The questioning about those leaders will likely be one of the biggest topics for Mason on Monday.
Last season, Matthews was a force in the SEC and more than doubled every other receiver on the team with 112 receptions, 1,477 yards and seven touchdowns. He's now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and Vandy is left with a huge void.
Losing Matthews is a massive blow, but having instability at quarterback might be even more difficult to fix. One candidate for the position is ex-LSU signal-caller Stephen Rivers, who announced his decision to attend Vanderbilt on June 4:
Philip Rivers' younger brother hopes to take the reins away from the rest of the quarterbacks, but the battle is still not over heading into the SEC Media Days. Expect that to be a main talking point throughout the day.
In an environment where he can make some serious buzz, there's a slight chance Mason could make the announcement on Monday. But with plenty of time to keep fans lingering, the new coach might keep his cards close to the vest in Hoover.
With five other signal-callers looking to take the starting role, including sophomore Patton Robinette and junior Josh Grady, reporters will be whispering about the QB battle. How Mason and his players respond to those questions will define his first SEC media frenzy.
Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com
Re-Evaluating Miami's Recruiting Class After The Opening 2014
The Opening 2014 showcased more than 150 top high school prospects from around the nation, and the Miami Hurricanes were well-represented at the event.
Seven key targets and three commits, both of the undecided and elsewhere verbally pledged variety, earned invitations to the prestigious camp.
After three days of madness, re-evaluating where the Hurricanes stand with those 10 recruits following The Opening clarifies what to expect heading into the 2014 high school season.
From performances at the camp to recent updates in their respective recruitments, it was an eventful stretch for Miami's 2015 class.
Top Targets
Very unsurprisingly, Torrance Gibson posted the highest SPARQ score of all Miami targets and commits. His 107.01 mark trailed only Brandon Wimbush at quarterback.
JC Shurburtt of 247Sports said Gibson was also playing receiver at The Opening, which is the 5-star's backup plan. Gibson participated with the position after working out with quarterbacks, where he did not make the Elite 11 finals.
While the Hurricanes are still in the picture, they certainly are not the focal point currently. Snaring Gibson appears to be a long shot at best, but Miami will not officially exit the picture unless he eliminates the hometown program.
Barton Simmons of 247Sports placed wide receiver Calvin Ridley on his all-camp first-team offense, calling him "the best player on the best team." Fellow 'Bama commit Shawn Burgess-Becker also took part in the event on the Nike campus, and the 'Canes are hanging on in their respective recruitments.
However small the chances may be at landing Tevon Coney, he is the top linebacker priority in the 2015 cycle. Luke Stampini of GatorBait.net (subscription required) noted Coney struggled early, but he still garnered some praise with superb poise during a one-on-one test.
Following the necessary dismissals of Alex Figueroa and JaWand Blue, the unit is even thinner than initially anticipated. The position was already an obvious need, but now the 'Canes will utilize the full-court press for Coney.
Cornerback and FSU pledge Tyrek Cole remains a top target in addition to Miami's continued pursuit of safety and The Opening attendee Jaquan Johnson. Adding the pair of local defensive backs is a key goal for Al Golden and Co., and they are the most likely pulls from this group.
Miami Commits
The Hurricanes watched three verbal pledges enter The Opening, and the coaching staff was surely ecstatic as a fourth walked out in Jordan Scarlett.
He was easily one of the most discussed participants, especially after a ridiculous move in one-on-ones that is pretty hard to stop appreciating. Scarlett will likely be one of the highest-rated Miami targets by the time national signing day eventually arrives.
Jordan Cronkrite, Dexter Williams and Mark Walton, a trio of 4-star in-state running backs, were the previously committed prospects. Now, the 'Canes face a fantastic uphill battle: keeping them all locked in.
A common question following Scarlett's addition was how Cronkrite would react to Scarlett's commitment at The Opening. Per Ryan Bartow of 247Sports (s/r), Cronkrite said the UM staff told him he was atop the recruiting board at the position.
Williams shared similar sentiments, telling GatorBait.net staff (s/r), "It doesn't concern me at all because it's competition. It's football. You're going to have a couple players there that you're going to have to beat out for the position." Williams will be visiting Florida, though, and the Gators are considered the biggest competition.
Bartow also said Walton was "lethal out of the backfield" catching swing passes. According to David Lake of InsideTheU (s/r), the running back told Miami coaches in early July that he is still 100 percent committed.
The Hurricanes are almost certain to keep at least two of the running backs, which gives them a dynamic backfield alongside Joe Yearby and Gus Edwards. Of course, Miami needs commitments from other positions too, but a stable of running backs is extremely important.
And it's hard to beat what the 'Canes have.
Note: All recruit information courtesy of 247Sports.
Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter: @Kenyon19_BR.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com


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I have a small Sanction and just wondering if that racks arm is long enough to reach the higher-than-normal downtube. TIA
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"Thank you for arranging our holiday to Paphos, Cyprus in June. This is the second time I have used Sunshine.co.uk to book, I feel completely safe and confident that all will go perfectly - which it did. Thank you!"
Mrs Lyons, May 2014
"Would like to take the opportunity to say you guys were fantastic from start to finish with our holiday. Nothing seems to be any trouble for you, we will definitely be using you again. Many thanks."
Read even more testimonials here
Other Resorts in Tunisia


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Watch: The leopard raised in a bathroom A baby leopard called Nimbus has been raised by a family in their bathroom.
New Doctor Who computer game
A new computer game called The Doctor and the Dalek has been launched by CBBC.
Watch: Comet whizzes past Mars
Scientists get a close up view of a comet as it makes a dramatic journey past Mars.
Gandalf gives exam advice
Sir Ian McKellen, who plays Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings movies, gives exam advice to kids during a school visit.
Loom band dress finally sold
The loom band dress which almost went for £170,100 has finally been sold at a charity auction.
Poo turned into energy
A power station in the Midlands is converting poo into energy for our homes.
Watch: People rescued in Himalayas
Search teams rescue nearly 400 trekkers in total after a deadly storm hit a popular Himalayan trekking route.
Ship helping to fight Ebola
Take a look around the massive Navy ship that's preparing to help the fight against Ebola in West Africa.
Fireworks around the world
Take a look at this gallery of some the best firework displays from around the world.
Newsround's bulletin times
Newsround is LIVE and EXCLUSIVE to the CBBC channel every day of the week. Make sure you never miss a bulletin by checking out when we are on your TV screens.
All Newsround's quizzes
Watch our special programmes
Meet Newsround's reporters
Find out more about Newsround's presenter Jenny.
Watch Newsround
Watch the latest update from Newsround, CBBC's news programme for children.
Guide: What is Ebola? The virus explained
Questions about the Ebola virus: What is it, how does it spread and how do you catch it?
Watch: Your Ebola questions answered
We speak to a virus expert to answer some of your questions you sent in on Ebola.
Watch: Meet the Viking treasure hunter
Meet the man who discovered a huge hoard of Viking treasure buried under the ground in Scotland.
The week's weirdest news stories
Newsround takes a look at the top three weirdest news stories of the week.
Quiz: Quiz of the week
How much can you remember about past week's biggest news stories? Find out with Newsround's quiz of the week!
New look and set for Newsround
Ayshah takes a look at the new studio and how the show has changed over the years.


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Search results
Gurudev, Is God present? All these Puranas look like stories of fiction to me. How do I find God? How do I believe his presence, and why should I believe?body? Just picture yourself 5-10 years back, your body has changed so much. In one year, every cell in ...
Displaying 1 result


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Best Plastic Surgeons NY, NJ & Staten Island
Welcome to Associates in Plastic Surgery, a premier location for plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Our board certified surgeons have many years of experience and will perform your surgery in our comfortable and modern accredited facilities. Our procedures include breast augmentation, breast implants with lift, male breast reduction, liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, tummy tuck, and laser treatments.
We utilize the latest techniques available including laser technology and minimal incision procedures to minimize our patients' recovery time. These procedures include skin renewal with Fraxel laser, a cheeklift called Threadlift, a minimal incision minifacelift, a nonsurgical fat reduction called CoolScultping, laser body sculpting with Smartlipo, and the latest injectable fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra. New Jersey and New York residents can see a new side of themselves with a quick office treatment with the help of Associates in Plastic Surgery.
Since 1990, Associates in Plastic Surgery has proudly served New York, New Jersey, and Staten Island. We have offices in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Somerset County, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
You've done everything right. You love your fitness routine, eat right, have hit your target weight, but still your "muffin top" won't melt away. You think there are only two options left: give up on having your dream body or look at getting help from a plastic surgeon. While surgeries like liposuction are popular, there is another option that doesn't involve the cost, downtime or invasive surgery: CoolSculpting®. This ground breaking procedure doesn't involve surgery and naturally removes fat by freezing it. Contact our plastic surgeons in New Jersey for a free consultation and find out if CoolSculpting® is right for you.
Read More
Before And After Photo For Eyelid Surgery NJThis is a 46 year old female with significantly heavy upper eyelids and loose, baggy lower lids. She underwent an upper lid lift, removing excess skin and creating a nice eyelid crease. Also we performed lower lid eyelid surgery to remove excess fat and a laser used to tighten the skin. Read More
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Edison, Marlboro, Warren, NJ – Traveling overseas to have a cosmetic surgery procedure can be a tempting option. Plastic surgeons in other countries often offer cheaper prices than doctors in the United States. While plastic surgery is often very costly, the potential savings could have some major downfalls and risks. It is important and beneficial […]
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Edison, Warren & Marlboro, New Jersey – Most people don't really understand how much pregnancy can take a toll on a woman's body. From celebrities to stay-at-home moms, most every woman struggles with losing the baby weight and getting their body back to where it was pre-baby. "Patients see famous people having babies and looking […]
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Edison, NJ – A London-based plastic surgeon has found what he believes are the perfect breast proportions, according to a formula he created that is backed by public opinion. According to Dr. Patrick Malluci, this ideal breast have an ideally placed nipple meridian, which he believes to be 45 percent of the breast lying above […]
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Edison, NJ – Fall has arrived, which means skinny jeans and fashionable boots. But for women who have larger calves, it means something else – boot bulge. Boot bulge is a phenomenon known to women with large calves, who struggle zipping up those knee-high boots during the fall and winter. But there is a solution. […]
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Staten Island, NY – Do you have a friend who has recently updated his or her appearance, but you aren't sure if you should mention it or not? Plastic surgery is becoming more popular, so chances are, at some point, this situation might come up. But is it a good idea to mention your friend's […]


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Combat Knives
Pohl Force Foxtrot Three Outdoor Folder
The Pohl Force Foxtrot Three Outdoor Folder is the same design as the Foxtrot One, but features a wicked tactical tanto blade. The G-10 handle has 3D milled SRM texturing which feels as good as it looks. The frame lock is outfitted with the RotoBlock system for safety and also includes a reversible tip up carry pocket clip. It's lightweight, slim, robust, and provides a ton of reach. Basically this is one awesome knife. See it at www.knifecenter.com.
Microtech Halo V Series
The Microtech Halo V might just be the coolest Out the Front Auto on the market right now. At the very least, it's the fastest opening knife in our building, hands down. The Halo V knives are large, powerful, visually appealing, and come complete with a Kydex belt sheath. The blade is a whopping 4.6″ of premium steel with a variety of shapes and configurations. The blade fires hard and fast, while still being safe and very unlikely to actuate inadvertently – requires a good amount of sharp force on the button to fire. All around these are awesome tactical knives and you can find them at www.knifecenter.com
Zero Tolerance Model 0200SW Folder
Gil Hibben GH5043 Gil Hibben Gen X Pro Throwing Axe
This is a great target throwing axe. The Gil Hibben Gen X Pro Throwing Axe is one piece of rock hard stainless steel that is razor sharp and can do damage from both ends. Believe me, you will not get bored throwing this axe, just tired. The weight is properly balanced for easy throwing and for getting the blades to stick into the target. Don't miss out, get yours today at www.knifecenter.com
Emerson La Griffe Fixed 1.75″ Black Blade
After waiting for… ever! The Emerson La Griffe is back! 100% made in America this is a sweet neck knife. Features one piece 154 CM steel construction with a razor sharp chisel ground blade and black oxide finish. This was originally designed as a back-up weapon for many police and military personnel as their last resort weapon, so I'm sure it will do the job for you. Get yours before they're gone at www.knifecenter.com.
Kershaw 1086 Strobe Folder
Kershaw didn't just make another folding knife with the Strobe, they used their KVT ball-bearing system for a fast, easy open and based on a fixed blade they released years ago – the Diskin Hunter. If you were a fan of that knife, which all of us here still are, but want it in a more compact, folding version, well here you go. With a 3.3″ stonewashed blade and just over 7.5″ overall length, it's a good size folder for any task and lighweight enough to carry anywhere. Take a closer look at www.knifecenter.com.
All Cold Steel On Sale
Maserin 384/G10 GTO Folding Knives
Typical Italian knives – very nice quality for very nice prices. The Maserin 384/G10 GTO folders feature 3-3/4" N690 stainless steel blades with contoured G10 handles. They open smoothly and easily and when the liner lock clicks to engage, you know the blade is securely locked in place. The fit and finish on all Masericn products is outstanding and the ergonomics and blade shape are spot on with these folders. Check out the three different colors right here at www.knifecenter.com.
Columbia River 7030 Argus
The CRKT 7030 Argus folding knife is designed by Matthew Lerch and offers an attractive sculpted handle with flowing lines. It's made from cold forged 6061 aluminum for a great balance of strength and weight. The blade is satin finished and features CRKT's rotating thumb disk FireSafe safety mechaism and OutBurst Assist for easy one hand opening. Once you get a hang of how the mechanism works (you push in on the disk toward the liner lock mechanism then up and outward on the blade for fire it open), you'll realize it might just be the fastest opening knife in your collection. Another great design from CRKT that won't break the bank, see more info at www.knifecenter.com.


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Texas & Neighbors: Vodka distillery opens in Texas' Hill Country
Also on tap: a hot-air balloon festival in Taos, N.M., and two events in Colorado — a Craft Spirits Festival in Breckenridge and a ski-season kickoff at Keystone.
Also on tap: a hot-air balloon festival in Taos, N.M., and two events in Colorado — a Craft Spirits Festival in Breckenridge and a ski-season kickoff at Keystone.
Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana is ground central for this delicacy in all its permutations.
These yeasty glazed treats made with fresh eggs are irresistible, and have been since 1926.
Tequila tribute centerpiece of Culinaria's agave celebrationSan Angelo and Kerrville feature painting en plein air experiences this month, while Houston and Colorado offer creepy October events.
Expect nonstop music, holiday shopping and more Oct. 10-12, plus a show by Kevin Fowler.
These crazy rock formations look like giant tents. They're close to Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Also, Muenster's Oktoberfest will be marked by brews, eats and festivities, while Greenville hosts the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival & Contest.
Whether you want to watch pottery being made or do serious shopping for home and garden, head for Marshall Pottery.
You can tour the area and in mid-October, meet U.S. and Axis World War II re-enactors in tent camps.
Some nights, the porch of this guest house turns into a Louisiana dance party.
Chief Horseback featured attraction at annual Party of the Peak ----- It's fall in Comfort, witnessed by scarecrows and other characters. Arkansas venues feature corn mazes and apple festival plus Ozark shows.
Double Decker Austin lets you hop on and off buses to enjoy the sights, or you can just ride to the end.
Also, the Rockport-Fulton Seafair provides an excuse to head to the beach; Louisiana races feature three days of paddling along the Bayou Teche; Austin fest celebrates German heritage; and Little Rock festival focuses on art.
Also, you can visit Texas wineries by helicopter.
Check out J.F. Warnock Hardware and the historic Bluff Dale Bridge, just 87 miles away from Dallas.


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by Competitor Running
Defending race champions, Olympic medalists, $90,000 prize purse and more at the Cape Cod summer tradition. The 38th edition of the CIGNA
by Sean McKeon, Published Jan. 15, 2009, Updated Jun. 9, 2009 at 10:22 AM UTC
2008 Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein (Eugene, Ore.) leads a competitive men's field and 2004 Olympian Kate O'Neill (Palo Alto,
Stay up-to-date on EVERYTHING running – delivered in a format optimized for desktop, tablets and smartphones!
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A team of Republicans are meeting today in Miami to begin plans for a GOP outreach to Hispanics for the 2014 cycle, HispanicBusiness has confirmed.
The team includes former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is on the national advisory committee of the Hispanic Leadership Network (HLN), one of the organizations behind the planning.
It is a "preliminary gathering to discuss the importance of the Hispanic community," said a spokesperson for HLN.
Also expected to attend the meeting are former Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and Rosario Marin, former U.S. Treasurer under President George W. Bush, and HLN executive director Jennifer Korn and former Texas Rep. Quico Canseco.
HLN's National Advisory Committee members also include Rudy Beserra, VP of Latin Affairs at Coca-Cola, Canseco, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, (FL-21).
Update: The meeting has ended with what seems a positive turnout.
"The thoughtful contributions from all our attendees resulted in a very successful meeting," HLN Communications Director Emily Benavides told HispanicBusiness. "Today we laid out the plan for the next few years on how to engage the Hispanic community on center-right issues as we look forward to the future."
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Update: GOP Plans Hispanic Outreach
Rebecca Villaneda--HispanicBusiness
A team of Republicans are meeting today in Miami to begin plans for a GOP outreach to Hispanics for the 2014 cycle, HispanicBusiness has confirmed.
Source: HispanicBusiness.com (c) 2013. All rights reserved.


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1 item from 2011
18 August 2011 8:20 AM, PDT | DailyDead | See recent DailyDead news »
A young teacher on her way to a new job in Transylvania gets stranded at an old castle. There she is persuaded by a young man to help him escape the shackles with which his mother has kept him locked up in for years.
Unknown to her, the man is actually a vampire and a disciple of Count Dracula. Finally freed, he begins to unleash his reign of terror on the local village. That is until Dr. Van Helsing shows up to put an end to the vampire plague once and for all.
When Christopher Lee stated that he wasn't going to reprise his role as Dracula, Hammer had two options. Either recast the role which could alienate a lot of people and they had to be sure they got the right man in the first place. Or the alternative was to switch the focus of this franchise from »
- Andrew Smith
1 item from 2011
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.See our NewsDesk partners


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San Diego Jewish Journal April 2014
San Diego Jewish Journal April 2014 The San Diego Jewish Journal is the pioneer Jewish lifestyles magazine on the West Coast. It was founded in October 2001 by Dr. Mark Moss and Mark Edelstein who shared the vision of a Jewish magazine that spoke to Jews of all movements and traditions. The Journal published its first issue in December 2001 and has more than tripled its size since birth. It now reaches more than 19,000 Jewish households throughout San Diego, Palm Springs and Temecula Valley. SDJJ has a sister publication, The Orange County Jewish Life showcasing the variety and vitality of Jewish Orange County and can be seen at www.ocjewishlife.com.


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Houzz is the new way to design your home.
148 Fostoria, OH Home Builders
What's the most important step in building a new house from the ground up? Many people would say it's choosing the right home builder. Constructing a new house is a huge and multifaceted undertaking, so it's important to find custom home builders you can trust to bring your vision to life, as well as keep the process under control from start to finish. Although a construction job is never without surprises and challenges, a Fostoria, OH home builder who's a good fit for your specific project will make these far easier to handle. More
The Berman Building Co. (419) 885-8815
For more than three decades, The Berman Building Company has been a building beacon in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Known for building quality homes of distinction,... Read More
Home Design Gallery (419) 423-4311
Couchot Homes has been successfully building, selling and remodeling homes in Findlay and Hancock County for over twenty years. We offer the very best in design, construction,... Read More
Distinctive Building Elements (419) 420-5528
As the premier builder of custom homes in the Findlay, OH area, we provide an exemplary home building experience from the first idea to final move-in... and well into the life of... Read More
Doyle Homes (419) 991-4663
Doyle Homes offers a home design for every lifestyle. Whether you are starting out buying your first home, planning to downsize or looking to move up to a luxury home, Our... Read More
Design By Noel (419) 234-0311
Remodeling Company, Design, Planning and specializing in Room Makeovers. Read More
Heller Construction Inc. (734) 777-1966
Home building & remodeling contractor Read More
Custom Home Builder Read More
Catawba Island Builders, LLC (419) 797-4965
Home Designer/Builder/Remodeler Read More
New Homes, Remodeling Read More
We ar Real Estate investors located in the Atlanta, GA area. Read More
List your business here for free - Learn More


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One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that we can focus as much as we want on nature study. I cam across these beautiful pieces of art made entirely from items found in nature. The perfect ending to a nature walk! My girls are going to love this idea! Check out the amazing images on Atelier Pour Enfants. The post is written in French, but you'll get the idea.
This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Melissa Ringstaff
Melissa Ringstaff is a pastor's wife, serving with her husband in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern Kentucky. She is a homeschooling mother of five plus four and Grandarlin' to 14 (so far) grandchildren. Melissa has been blogging at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. She has written several titles including Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home, The Homemaker's Journal: Keeping House, and Christmas ADVENTures in Prophecy.
Latest posts by Melissa Ringstaff (see all)
- What's on Mommy's Nightstand? - October 20, 2014
- Tortilla and Avocado Soup - October 19, 2014
- Q & A: My Husband is Grumpy in the Mornings - October 16, 2014