UCF 2017-18 National Championship ClaimThe Validity UCF's Claim
Since their victory over Auburn in the Peach Bowl, the UCF Knights and the entire city of Orlando, have unabashedly insisted that, as college football’s only undefeated team, they are national champions. One of the former BCS computers, the Colley Matrix, ranks UCF No. 1. It adds some validity to UCF’s claim.
Turn to page 108 of the NCAA’s football records. There you’ll see a list of “national champion major selectors.” These are national polls, computers, historians, and other rankings that the NCAA recognizes as contributing to the selection of national champs throughout the sport’s history. It’s also significant because even 2017’s consensus champion Alabama has much more dubious claims on its list of past titles.
The hypocrisy of claiming a "Power 5 Bias"
Many may claim that denying UCF a championship for low level of competition is “Power 5 bias” but there are reasons behind it. Most college football teams, UCF included, only recruit certain areas in Florida, Georgia and California. In fact, UCF’s 2017 roster had only 13 players that weren’t from big time football states such as Texas, Florida, Georgia, California, Alabama, etc. Why is that UCF? Could it be that, to you, the level of competition in these states makes their players unequivocally better than the top standout players in other states? Hm? You call out college football for having a power 5 bias because they favor teams in more competitive conferences, but you follow the same principle in your recruiting.
If the level of competition doesn’t matter as much as you say, then make a statement and recruit outside the big time football states and 6-7A schools. Find recruits that are overlooked for the same reason you were overlooked by the CFB playoffs. Otherwise, your claim to a national championship is tainted by your hypocrisy of employing the same logic of this so-called "power 5 bias" in your recruiting.
Loss of Head Coach Scott Frost
Ok UCF, let’s say the BCS expanded it’s playoff system to 8 teams instead of 4. Do you really think you could have bested Ohio State or Wisconsin, let alone Alabama or Clemson? Sure, you bested Auburn in the Peach after they defeated Alabama in the Iron bowl, but you also allowed Memphis to score 55 points on your defense. What’s more, mere hours after that game ended, Scott Frost takes the head coaching job at his alma mater, Nebraska, while still agreeing to coach UCF through the bowl game.
Now let's see how UCF fares with their new promising head coach Josh Heupel. Adrian Killins Jr. is a powerhouse and so are many their players, but is it enough to maintain a winning record this year? We'll find out today in their opening game against UConn.
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2018 Rocky Mountain Showdown RecapColorado Leads Series - 65 Wins - 22 Losses and 2 Ties
This has been a one-sided series in Colorado and this year not many are picking the Colorado State Rams to win at Mile High Stadium tomorrow night at 7:34 PM Mountain Time. The Buffs could have a very good season with the talent that has transferred in like graduate transfer Running Back Travon Mcmillan and big play tight end JuCo transfer Darrion Jones. With Steven Montez working rigorously over the off-season in perfecting his craft, he was named to the Maxwell Trophy watch list, and it will be interesting to see if he can live up to the hype against a bewildered Rams defense. The Colorado State Rams defense did not live up to par against the talent rich Hawaii offense, who were able to reinvent the historically successful run and shoot offense that is known to light up the scoreboard. Coming off of a historic offensive performance from KJ Carta-Samuels, where he was able to throw for 537 yards and 5 touchdowns. The only time KJ found himself making errant throws was when the Hawaii defensive front applied pressure, which caused the games only interception. Colorado State needs to create more turnovers defensively if they will have any chance of beating this highly touted Colorado Buffaloes team tomorrow night at Mile High Stadium.
Coach MacIntyre is 22-38 as Head Coach of The Buffs
This is a make it or break it year for a struggling Head Coach in a loaded PAC-12 conference and this opening contest will prove if Colorado will be able to compete in Power-5 play. The Buffs defense will look to more JuCo transfers in Davion Taylor and Delrick Adams Jr to make big plays to slow down the Rams brilliant passing attack. This is the first match-up of the season for the Colorado Buffaloes, as on the other side of the ball, The rams have already experienced the bitter taste of defeat. Seeing if CSU really has the "EDGE" that they preach in their program will be on full display tomorrow night in Denver. Did the Rams look past the Hawaii team in the first half, as they were heavy favorites at home? Or, was Coach Nick Rolovich and the Hawaii team one of the top teams in this year's Mountain West play and were just better prepared to face adversity? As I left GNC today in Fort Collins one of the employees I was speaking with stated that the Hawaii Warriors were playing for their people back home who were experiencing a terrible storm and had a reason to play the game. I challenge the Colorado State Rams to find one reason and one reason only to beat the Colorado Buffs, not just to save your still young season, but because you have been manhandled by your so-called rival for years now. Do you have what it takes to turn the tides in the favor of the Rams for years to come or will you continue to be a mediocre .500 ball club? Your fans will flock to your home games for New Belgium Beer and stadium food anyways, as you get to play football in one of the greatest places to live in the United States. My advice is, make the most of it while you are here and become winners, on and off the gridiron. It all begins tomorrow night in Denver, you either will surpass expectations or fade away into the abyss of "what if's".
College Football Today Previews and Week 0 Re-Caps are linked below.Hawaii CSU 2018Listen to the 2nd Half of the Hawaii Warriors Win Over CSU 43-34 Live on College Football Today RadioOver 600 Yards of Offense Allowed By Colorado State
The Hawaii Warriors were able to put up over 600 yards of total offense last night and appear to have a stellar gunslinger operating the newly renovated Rolovich "Run and Shoot" offense. Much like the Run and Shoot of old, Rolovich's version uses smaller and more agile receivers to create separation out of the slot receiver positions. Last night, Byrd and Ursua were able to help Cole McDonald and the Warriors offense produce in epic fashion, as did Colorado State's offense. K.J Carta-Samuels was able to throw for 537 yards and completed 5 touchdown passes, including a brilliantly executed 99 yard drive that helped spark a rally for the Rams offense.
43-34 (9PT differential) CSU Misses 2 Field Goals + Elects to Go For Two And Fails. (7PTS Lost)The Turnover Margin
Both teams did a great job at taking care of the football all night long and both teams only turned the ball over one time each. Carta-Samuels threw one interception and Hawaii was able to capitalize with points on the scoreboard, while on the other hand, Colorado State caused a fumble and was not able to capitalize with points on that given drive. I said in pre-game and in my 2018 CSU vs Hawaii Preview that this would be a high scoring shoot-out, much like a arena league game and whoever could gain more possessions would ultimately win the game. Cole Mcdonald was able to achieve a marvelous QB rating of 97.6, while Carta-Samuels had a 76.6 rating on the night. Sometimes it does not come down to how many yards you throw for in the end, but instead on how practical you are with the football for four quarters of play.
Moving Forward For Colorado State
It is not about if they can win football games, because the Rams have plenty of talent to put up an outrageous amount of points all season long. If the Rams can get an adequate pass rush, as Hawaii did on Carta-Samuels to cause errant throws downfield, they can start creating those key turnovers that can ultimately swing close contests. This game came down to who was better prepared mentally and I applaud Coach Nick Rolovich and his staff for winning against a very good Colorado State Rams football team in Fort Collins. I also applaud the resiliency of the Rams players to keep fighting as the newest stadium in College Football emptied out as the game appeared to be a blowout. This contest proved who the Rams really were underneath the shells of the shoulder pads and helmets. They are a high flying team that needs to push the ball down the field EARLY and often, not waiting until they are down for 30 points. They are a tough group that can ultimately surprise a lot of people this season if they can learn from their WEEK 0 mistakes and move forward with an EDGE that cannot be denied. Execution is key, as is play calling, so everyone needs to take a look in the mirror and figure out WHY they play the game of football at Colorado State University.
Listen to First Half of Hawaii VS CSU Rams 2018Gameday : Week 0 Prairie View A&M @ Rice
I remember waking up on Saturdays, it was as if there was an eerie silence about everywhere you walked. You would see your teammates, and no matter how close you were, a head nod was all that you could do. It was as if there were no noise at all, you could walk and hear the wind blowing through the trees, engines running on the cars passing by. But at the same time there was a death metal concert going on in your head, gunfire, a shit ton of bass, the anticipation building over the war you were about to stroll right into. As a college athlete there was nothing that could replace that feeling. Today, we are blessed to see the beginning of another football season! Blessed to get to watch as fans of the greatest game ever played in America on August 25th 2018! This 2018-19 College football season is officially underway, and even though this isn’t a Top 25 matchup, there will be helmets crashing, hot dogs consumed, beer… tons of beer, cheerleaders, top performing marching bands, coaches yelling, fans cheering, mascots mean mugging another, but most importantly today.. there will be a team that goes home a Loser, and that goes home a Winner!
What's Important
I think as much as this game is about the players, and what they do on the field, I’m going to put today’s matchup on the coaches. I think the players are somewhat irrelevant, as much as they are everything. Today’s Coach that gets to put their first career “W” on their resume as Head Coach will be determined by that coach. As far as the Owls go, I feel that will be their biggest weakness. In press conferences this week HC Mike Bloomgren has mentioned that they have not named a starting QB yet, that he plans on beating the odds of playing both QBs in this game. I think this strategy is horrible, and screams dissention within the ranks not on the field between QBs, but in the office between a HC and an Offensive Coordinator. While Bloomgren was a very successful OC, leading Stanford to several winning seasons, his current OC Jerry Mack was very successful HC at North Carolina Central University. It hasn’t been said but I am willing to bet they both have chosen their starting QB, but they have not both chosen the same QB.
There is a reason why planning on going with both QBs never works out. In college football there is crucial element called momentum. And the problem with playing both QBs is that you never know when one is beginning to find his momentum, and the other is not. You take one out without knowing if the next drive he was going to complete the pass your cold-armed quarterback coming off the bench couldn’t quite make. I think it is a mistake to go into week one without naming a starting QB.
With that being said...
I am willing to go out on a limb and say, PVA&M has a chance to upset Rice today. They seem to have the opposite problem. They have a starting QB, they have an OC in Ted White that can put points on the board. If they can put enough on early, I think HC Bloomgren will go home with an L today and hopefully learn an important lesson…Be Humble and let your OC coordinate the offense.
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College Football Today's Texas Contributor William Cruz IIIHawaii @ Colorado State On College Football Today Radio!ByMadeline Sperling, Staff Writer Urban Meyer Apology
Urban Meyer Suspension3-Game Suspension?
On Wednesday, the Ohio State Board of Trustees came to a final decision on Urban Meyer's fate in the wake of a domestic abuse scandal involving his WR coach Zach Smith. I recently wrote about how Meyer's Twitter apology spoke to a greater issue in how NCAA institutions handle domestic violence, but I think Diana Moskovitz of Deadspin hit the nail on the head with this one:
"This is what any discussion of violence against women in the sports world looks like; it turns women into just another pawn, a thing to be debated in sports terminology of missed games, impacted statistics, upcoming schedules, and how it will affect a man’s career. Any concern for the safety of Courtney Smith and her family will discarded without a second thought." Every time an accusation or lawsuit involving domestic violence or sexual assault against a woman arises in the world of sports, the crime itself becomes lost in a wave of reports and broadcasts solely focused on the perpetrator's career and how this will affect their franchise or program's success. This narrative set up by administrators who address their apologies to their fans and reinforced by sports broadcasters sets a precedent that getting caught is the real crime.
Both Urban Meyer and the OSU administration have repeatedly stressed the importance of setting an example for the young student-athletes in their program. However, this narrative that emphasizes a coach or athlete's career over everything else teaches these young student-athletes that the worst thing you can do is get caught.
Urban Meyer's insincere apology
In my previous article on the Urban Meyer scandal, I spoke briefly about the art of the public apology. Watching Meyer's formal apology reminded me a bit of that South Park episode where they made fun of BP CEO Tony Hayward's phony and insincere apology for their Gulf Coast Oil Spill. I realize there are legal ramifications of apologizing to Courtney Smith directly, but Meyer failed to even recognize her a victim and even went so far as to implicate himself as a victim. It's sad when the world is looking to you to say something sincere and from the heart, but all you can do is ambivalently read off a pre-written statement and deny culpability for your actions. The truth of the matter is that for years Courtney Smith and her children suffered greatly from abuse, harassment, and violent threats by a man who remained in a power position. Not only did Meyer fail to acknowledge Courtney Smith as a victim of domestic violence, but he redirected the question to insinuate that the upheaval and consequences suffered by him and the OSU administration was the real abuse. Watching Meyer going on about how deeply sorry he is to Buckeye Nation for putting them through this ordeal, it is clear this man doesn't believe he did anything wrong. He's just sorry everyone found out.
In their lenient decision, OSU make the distinction that it was not a 'cover-up'
In the Board of Trustees' public statement on Wednesday, the OSU administrators defended their decision to not fire Meyer because neither he nor AD Gene Smith participated in a cover-up. The university's official report read: “Although neither Urban Meyer nor Gene Smith condoned or covered up the alleged domestic abuse by Zach Smith, they failed to take sufficient management action relating to Zach Smith’s misconduct and retained an Assistant Coach who was not performing as an appropriate role model for OSU student-athletes..."
So what constitutes a "cover-up"? At what point does allowing a man habitually accused of abuse and harrassment to be a prominent member of a program responsible for mentoring young athletes covering up a potential scandal for the university?
It's overtly clear now that Ohio State values winning above all, and Urban Meyer is sorry he got caught. According to court documents, several police officers in two different states, two respected reporters, including one interview on camera, and now to Ohio State investigators, Zach Smith physically and emotionally abused his ex wife all while being comfortably employed by a top 5 FBS college football program. All this became public knowledge because she went to court to get a restraining order; in her request, Courtney Smith wrote that Zach Smith stalked her, threatened her, and hacked her email. All this woman wanted was to feel safe and raise her children in a safe environment, but neither Ohio law enforcement nor the OSU administration would help her. She did everything that people in abusive relationships are told to do, but she continued to be threatened, stalked and harassed by her abuser who remained a powerful figure at OSU and a mentor to young student-athletes.
8/21/2018 Michigan Wolverines Seek Revenge Against Notre Dame - Michigan Wolverines 2018 PreviewRead NowCoach Harbaugh Names Shae Patterson Starter
Many sports channels have been after Jim Harbaugh for whatever reason in bringing up the fact that his Quarterbacks have not lived up to the "Big Blue" standard and that Harbaugh was not an outstanding QB coach. Given that Coach Harbaugh was one of the QB's who helped set the standard for what it takes to be an elite Michigan QB, I believe he has found the right guy to help him prove the naysayers wrong in Heisman Trophy Watch List student-athlete Shea Patterson. Patterson has been dubbed a man that can " do it all" for the Wolverines this season and will have one of the best defenses in the country to back the Michigan offense up. With revenge on the minds of the Michigan Wolverines for the embarrassing blowout loss they suffered in 2014 and Notre Dame dubbing this contest "Absolute War," we are in for a treat on NBC at 5:30 PM on Saturday, September 1st. To learn more about Coach Harbaugh, check out the College Football Today Nebraska preview, where we defend Coach Harbaugh against "The Land of 10".
Michigan Defense Arguably The Best In Nation
The Fighting Irish faithful have dubbed the game with the Wolverines "Absolute War" and are embracing the challenge according to multiple sources. The Irish seem very laid back in recent practices and Coach Brian Kelly is eager to see what the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are made of in 2018. That being said, he is going up against a defense that only allowed 18 points a game last year and ranked as one of the nation's top defenses in every statistical category. Khaleke Hudson will replace Jabrill Peppers, who was one of the best players in all of college football last season, and can provide a fierce pass rush to opposing offenses. With the Michigan offense struggling last year due to a QB carousel and young receiving core, the Wolverines were able to win games by creating turnovers, along with many 3 and outs. With the spike to the Michigan offense with having a Heisman Trophy contender at the helm in Shea Patterson, we could be talking Michigan Football's first ever BCS playoffs appearance. If anyone deserves to get his team to the mountaintop of College Football, it is Coach Jim Harbaugh and a QB who was once dubbed "Manziel 2.0" by the world of college football after his freshmen season at Ole Miss.
Michigan Football 2018 Schedule
Michigan will face off against the Fighting Irish first and if they can get the revenge they seek, they will get the next three games at home, including starting out Big Ten competition against the Huskers of Lincoln, Nebraska. After traveling to a very good Northwestern team in which they should beat, they will face off against Maryland for homecoming in Ann Arbor. In my opinion, the next three games against Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State will dictate whether the Michigan Wolverines will get a BCS playoffs bid and get a shot at the coveted NCAA FBS National Championship. They will than face-off against a dangerous Rutgers football team in New Jersey and than have the Hoosiers in Ann Arbor on Nov 17th. Depending on what happens with the Ohio State head coaches and Urban Meyer, the game against Ohio State at the Horseshoe will be a game a major significance and one that will also dictate Shea Patterson's stake for the Heisman Trophy award!
The Opening
Every year I hear that so-and-so got a full scholarship to [insert team here] for four years and everything is paid for. Knowing how these "full-rides" are calculated, many times the football program winds up paying for a considerably small percentage of the "athletic scholarship" money to obtain that student-athlete's services in exchange for a free education for four years. For example, when I transferred from a D2 to a D1 football program, I had to sit out a full year before I could become eligible, per NCAA transfer rules. I then was considered an "independent", as I was 19 years old and not under my parents roof. I was able to get my total cost down to $780, which included books and other school expenses. Well, how is it that the cost to attend was 28,000 roughly, per year and by claiming I was a broke 19 year old (independent), I was eligible for substantial financial aid from our United States Government? Let's go over how you can get this number down before any football money is awarded, as well.
Cost of Attendance (COA)
How is this calculated?
College Football Players' COA
America has produced a system for everyone to be able to afford college without playing football and most athletes fail to realize that they might have other talents that could deem a financial award if they look in the right places. If you are lucky enough to play Division One FBS football, you will be awarded a full athletic scholarship and each individual institution's financial aid office will deem your cost of attendance, which is awarded on top of your scholarship. Tennessee's "COA" this year is the most in the SEC, as they will receive $5,666 allocated toward costs of attending the university.
EFC - Expected Family Contribution
Grants & Types of Grants
These are known as "FREE MONEY", when it comes to grants or scholarships, grants tend to be need-based and scholarships are based on "merit" or performance. You do not have to repay these and it is your money to pay for your schooling. These can be awarded by the federal government, your state government, your college, or a private or non-profit organization. Always read the fine print, as some of these grants have stipulations and if you do not finish school or drop out, you will have to repay all of grant money.
Federal Pell Grant - Maximum amount $6,095
Federal Supplementation Educational Opportunity Grant
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Unfortunately, on the scale from Mr. Rodgers to Joe Arpaio, a number of college football coaches fall closer to the latter when it comes to how they treat their players. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being tough on your athletes, in fact instilling grit and resilience in young student-athletes is incredibly important on the football field. However, there is a line that needs to be drawn where coaches demonstrate empathy and even act in the interest of their players. Despite the misconception that seems to be developing here, being empathetic and thoughtful is not mutually exclusive with being a tough and inspiring leader.
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Win at All Costs Mentality?
This culture in football that discourages players from speaking up about how their feeling physically goes beyond just heatstroke. Many injuries suffered by football players are caused less by big impact collisions on the field and more by untreated and perpetual damage to their bodies. You don’t have to become Bob Ross to be an empathetic and thoughtful coach. However, allowing and even encouraging your players to be more forthright with their feelings, you can prevent things like heatstroke, injury, and sometimes even suicide.
How does Bobby Petrino still have a job?
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It is only fair to the families of young men who have died from heat stroke or heart complications during a practice to make a conscious effort to end the culture of abuse and bullying in the world of high school and college football. Doing so could save someone’s life.
Tips for preventing heat exhaustion Hydrate before, during and after exercise. Maintain appropriate work-to-rest ratios based on the heat and conditions. Increase rest breaks as temperatures increase. If you think an athlete is suffering from heat exhaustion, elevate legs and cool person with fans, rotating ice towels, ice bags or ice bath. |
Written By Madeline Sperling
Don't be Ignorant, Save a LIfe - Turtle Style
How Tall Should you be to Play NCAA Football
Big Impact Comes in Small Packages
When football fans and analysts talk about “short” players, they often draw upon NFL greats such as Doug Flutie and Darren Sproles. While both are celebrated athletes, their success on the field is commonly framed as impressive “for their size.” In reality, athletes with lower centers of gravity have a huge advantage in contact sports. It may sound cliché but in football, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” In fact, even “recruiting services” will tell college football prospects that you should be at least a certain height to play at a certain position.
In researching these exceptional athletes, I found that programs unwilling to recruit athletes shorter or lighter than their rigid standards are often the ones who have suffered losing records year after year. However, consistent powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia and Clemson, and even some teams on the rise like FAU, UCF, South Carolina, and Miami utilize offensive and defensive weapons under 5’10 for their punch and agility.
In my experience speaking with both NFL and CFB players under 5'10, they are often confused by various heights they are listed as by different teams and sports reports. For whatever reason, coaches, athletic directors, communications directors, and sports reporters feel the need to add an inch or two when listing players under 6-foot. The truth is there is a huge advantage to having a smaller frame or being closer to the ground and it is absolutely ridiculous that anybody feels the need to do this.
The list below is made up some the top performers in the entire FBS division that are listed under 5'10. Some might be under the radar now because of their size, but very well could be on their way to being first round picks and future NFL sleepers.
In researching these exceptional athletes, I found that programs unwilling to recruit athletes shorter or lighter than their rigid standards are often the ones who have suffered losing records year after year. However, consistent powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia and Clemson, and even some teams on the rise like FAU, UCF, South Carolina, and Miami utilize offensive and defensive weapons under 5’10 for their punch and agility.
In my experience speaking with both NFL and CFB players under 5'10, they are often confused by various heights they are listed as by different teams and sports reports. For whatever reason, coaches, athletic directors, communications directors, and sports reporters feel the need to add an inch or two when listing players under 6-foot. The truth is there is a huge advantage to having a smaller frame or being closer to the ground and it is absolutely ridiculous that anybody feels the need to do this.
The list below is made up some the top performers in the entire FBS division that are listed under 5'10. Some might be under the radar now because of their size, but very well could be on their way to being first round picks and future NFL sleepers.
DB Jamyest Williams (South Carolina) - 5’8, 182
BleacherReport referred to him as 5’9 when suggesting he was "the next honey badger." I guess he's gotten shorter since high school.
2017 Freshman Season
2017 Freshman Season
- Earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team
- Played in 11 contests totaling 38 tackles, including 32 solo stops
- A game-changer in the Missouri win with six tackles and his first of two INT in his first start
- Pick against the Tigers set up Carolina's go-ahead TD one play later
- Tallied four tackles against Kentucky and recovered his first fumble
- Had another four-tackle game versus Louisiana Tech
- Led the team and set a career high with 10 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss against Texas A&M
- Had three stops including 1.0 TFL against Georgia
- Five tackles, including one for loss against Florida, and sealed the game with an interception on the Gators' final drive
RB Devin Singletary (FAU) - 5’9
2017 Junior Season
- C-USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
- Per @Sportsnaut listed as 2018's fourth Most Dangerous College Football Playmaker (behind Arizona's Khail Tate, Boston College's AJ Dillon, and Buffalo's Anthony Johnson)
- College Football Now list FAU's running back unit as the country's 10th best
- PFF College noted that Singletary finished 2017 No. 2 nationally in missed tackles forced on carries last season and No. 2 in total breakaway yards among returning FBS running backs with 917 total yards gained on breakaway runs (15+ yard runs)
- Sporting News lists Singletary as the No. 5 running back in 2018's preseason
- Holds a national ranking as the country's 35th best player by CFB Now
- Ranked No. 37 by Sports Illustrated
- 50th Best Player ranked by ESPN
- Doak Walker Watch List
- Maxwell Watch List
- Walter Camp Watch List
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RB J.J. Taylor (Arizona) - 5’6, 180
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2017 Sophomore Season
- Named Pac-12 Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year
- Second on the team and top among running backs with 828 rushing yards in regular season … Totaled seven touchdowns, including five rushing and two receiving
- 462 yards on 58 carries in last five regular season games (92.4 yards per game and 8.0 yards per carry)
- 74 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown, plus hauled in one pass for five yards at Arizona State (Nov. 25)
- Gained 55 rushing yards on 10 attempts along with an eight-yard reception at Oregon (Nov. 18)
- Posted 129 yards on only 10 attempts in victory over Oregon State (Nov. 11).
- Had a 16-yard touchdown reception and netted 51 yards on 12 carries at USC (Nov. 4)
- Career-high 153 yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns, including a 79-yard score, in upset of No. 15 Washington State (Oct. 28)
- 44 yards on four carries, 30-yard touchdown vs. California (Oct. 21)
- Tallied 64 rushing yards on 16 carries in victory over UCLA (Oct. 14)
- Totaled 261 yards and two scores on 38 carries
- Carried 18 times for 168 yards and a touchdown, with a season-long run of 61 yards.
- 168 yards ranked eighth-most by a freshman in UA history
RB D'Andre Swift (Georgia) - 5’9, 215
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2017 Freshman Season
- One of Georgia's three offensive Newcomers of the Year
- Dawgs' third-leading rusher with 597 yards and its fourth-leading receiver with 15 catches for 146 yards
- Top rusher twice: vs. Missouri and again in the SEC Championship Game vs. Auburn
- Had a 64-yard TD dash early in the 4th quarter of said SEC Championship
- 94 rushing yards vs. Missouri with a long-rush of 71 yards
- 10 rush attempts vs. Mississippi State
- 3 receptions vs. App State
- 84 receiving yards on three catches vs. Florida, including a 39-yarder that set up Georgia's first TD
- Credited with a special teams stop when he tackled the Missouri punter for an 18-yard loss after a mishandled snap
- Recipient of the IV Chandler Football Scholarship
RB Adrian Killins Jr. (UCF) - 5’8, 159
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2017 Sophomore Season
- Named First Team All-Conference by The American
- Started in 12 games and appeared in all 13 at running back
- Ran for 790 yards and 10 touchdowns on 122 carries, all team highs
- Caught 25 passes for 169 yards and had one score through the air
- Averaged 6.47 yards per rush, which set a UCF single-season record
- Also had 79.5 all-purpose yards per game and 60.8 yards of total offense per game
- Topped 100 yards rushing in three games
- Recorded eight plays of 20+ yards, including four touchdowns
- Carried the ball seven times for 46 yards and a touchdown against Maryland (9/23)
- Against Memphis (9/30), Killins set the UCF and American Athletic Conference record for longest play from scrimmage with a 96-yard touchdown run, finished with 115 yards on nine carries and snagged five passes for 64 yards and a score
- Named The American Offensive Player of the Week
- Rushed 50 times and was third on the team with 325 rushing yards
- Had a team best 6.5 yards per carry average and ran for four touchdowns
- Also caught 18 passes for 198 yards receiving and two touchdowns
- Was the team’s leading kick returner with 18 returns for 451 yards on the season
- Averaged 25.1 yards per kick return, which ranked 22nd in the nation, and had one 100-yard touchdown return
- Led Knights with 974 all-purpose yards
- Had the two longest plays of the year with a 100-yard kick return and an 87-yard rush
- Totaled five plays of 50 yards or more and 18 plays of 20+ yards
CB Avery Williams (Boise State) - 5'9, 197
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Mountain West 50 Best Football Players & Preseason Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year (2018)
2017 RS Freshman Season
2017 RS Freshman Season
- All-Mountain West Second Team (2017)
- Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week (Oct. 16, 2017)
- Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week (Sept. 4, 2017)
- Led the Mountain West in punt return average (11.2 ypr) and punt-return touchdowns (two)
- Averaged 24.7 yards per kickoff return with a long of 48
- Made 45 tackles (36 solo) with two interceptions and eight pass breakups
- In his collegiate debut against Troy (Sept. 2), returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown, and averaged 24.8 yards per punt return (5-124)
- Returned a punt 29 yards to set up a touchdown drive, and made a solo tackle on defense against New Mexico (Sept. 14)
- Scored his second touchdown of the season via punt return, taking one 53 yards to the house at San Diego State, while also recording six solo tackles and breaking up a pass on defense (Oct. 14)
RB James Gilbert (Ball State) - 5’9, 191
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2017 Junior Season
- 2017, 2018 Maxwell Award Watch List
- 2017 Doak Walker Award Watch List
- Currently ranks ninth on Ball State’s all-time rushing list (2,147 yards)
- Scored a touchdown in all three games in which he appeared, including twice in win over UAB (9/9)
- 2016 All-Mid-American Conference First Team
- 2016 Ball State John Magnabosco Award (Team MVP)
- Led the Mid-American Conference with 12 rushing touchdowns
- Piled up 1,332 rushing yards, the fourth most in a single season by a Ball State player
- Reached the 100-yard rushing mark seven times, including a stretch of five consecutive games
- Rushed for 264 yards and two touchdowns at Buffalo on Oct. 15
- 80-yard TD against Buffalo giving the Cardinals the lead for good in the third quarter
- With 264 yards, Gilbert holds the second highest total in the Ball State single game record book
- Scored a personal-high three touchdowns on Oct. 1 against Northern Illinois
- Ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Georgia State on Sept. 2
- Led the team in carries (152) and rushing touchdowns (8)
- Scored game-winning touchdown at Eastern Michigan on Sept. 19
- Posted a season-high 73 yards rushing in the win over UMass on Oct. 31
RB DJ Knox (Purdue) -5’7, 210
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2017 Senior Season
- Rushed 90 times for 561 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
- Had 15 receptions for 138 yards and two touchdown catches.
- Finished with 25 yards on four carries vs. No.16 Louisville on Sept. 2.
- Rushed six times for 14 yards vs. Ohio on Sept. 8
- Had two carries for 21 yards at Missouri on Sept. 16.
- Rushed for five yards on two carries vs. Non. 8 Michigan on Sept. 23.
- Finished with seven carries for 56 yards and had two receptions for a season-high 38 yards and a touchdown vs. Minnesota on Oct. 7.
- Recorded 13 carries for 84 yards at Rutgers on Oct. 21.
- Had nine carries for 66 yards vs. Nebraska on Oct. 28.
- Rushed a season-high 14 times for 85 yards and touchdown vs. Illinois on Nov. 4.
- Had four carries for three yards and 2 receptions for six yards and a touchdown at Iowa on Nov. 18.
- Recorded five carries for 48 yards vs. Indiana on Nov. 25.
- Had a game-high 101 yards rushing and a touchdown on merely 11 carries vs. Arizona in the Foster Farms Bowl on Dec. 27.
- Had 108 carries for 408 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
- Caught 26 passes for 189 yards.
- Rushed for a season-high 102 yards with a touchdown on 22 carries and caught a season-high six passes for 36 yards at Marshall on Sept. 6.
- Finished with 16 carries for 91 yards and two receptions for 12 yards vs. Indiana State on Sept. 12.
- Rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries vs. Minnesota on Oct. 10.
RB Kenny Young (Miami (OH)) - 5’7, 182
2017 RS Junior Season
- MAC East Offensive Player of the Week for week of Oct. 23 vs. Buffalo
- Carried the ball 145 times for 781 yards and six touchdowns
- 27 receptions, 250 yards, and two touchdowns receiving
- Ran for 113 yards against Bowling Green
- 18 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns in win over Buffalo, plus 29 yards receiving
- Caught seven passes for 89 yards and a score in win over Akron, while also running for 109 yards named team’s Most Valuable Player
- Total 88 carries for 557 yards and two touchdowns for a 6.3 yard average
- Plus 17 catches for 201 yards and two scores through the air
- Four plays of over 50 yards on the season
- A game-winning 55-yard reception versus Kent State
- Rushed for 118 yards, including a 62-yarder the following week in a win over Bowling Green
- Four carries for 54 yards in a win over Eastern Michigan
- Rushed for 84 yards and a score in a win over CMU.
RB Adam Choice (Clemson) - 5’8, 220 (listed as 5’9 on 247Sports)
2017 RS Senior Season
- Totaled 326 yards and six touchdowns on 67 carries along with eight receptions for 48 yards in 173 snaps over 13 games
- Had 20 yards and a touchdown on four carries and an eight-yard reception against Kent State on Sept
- Had 47 yards and a touchdown on four carries at No. 14 Louisville on Sept. 16 26 yards and the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter on six carries against Boston College on Sept. 23
- Ran for 54 yards on eight carries and a seven-yard reception against Georgia Tech on Oct. 28 Ran for 39 yards on seven carries at South Carolina on Nov. 25
- Ran for 21 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and an 11-yard reception against No. 7 Miami (Fla.) in the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 2.
- Had 158 rushing yards on 45 carries in 11 games
- Added 38 yards on four receptions
CB Trajan Bandy (Miami) - 5’9, 175
2017 Freshman Season
- Finished with 25 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss
- Added six pass breakups and had one interception returned for touchdown
- Six pass breakups were tied for third-most on team
- Had three tackles (two solo) and 1.0 TFL (one yard) in win over Toledo (Sept. 23)
- Tied career mark with three tackles (all solo) in win at Duke (Sept. 29)
- Had three tackles (one solo) and 0.5 TFLs in win at North Carolina (Oct. 28)
- Two tackles in win over Virginia Tech (Nov. 4)
- Recorded first interception of career and returned it 65 yards for touchdown in win over Notre Dame (Nov. 11)
- Totaled a career-best four tackles (one solo) and added one PBU in win over Virginia (Nov. 18)
- Had 3 solo tackles in ACC Championship Game against Clemson (Dec. 2)
- Finished with three tackles (all solo) and one PBU in Capital One Orange Bowl against Wisconsin (Dec. 30).
WR Evan Johnson (North Texas) - 5’6, 175
2017 Freshman Season
- Appeared in all 14 games and finished with 43 carries for 239 yards and three touchdowns (5.6 yards per carry) and also served as one of the primary kick returners, averaging 20.5 yards per return
- Carried six times for 26 yards and caught four passes for 31 yards in the New Orleans Bowl vs. Troy
- Had four carries for 13 yards and a touchdown in the C-USA Championship Game at Florida Atlantic on 12/2
- Six carries for 29 yards and had one return for 20 yards at Rice in the win on 11/25
- Had six kick returns for an average 21.7 yards, including a season-long of 63 in the win on 11/18 over Army West Point
- Returned two kickoffs for an average of 23.0 per return in the win vs. UTEP on 11/11
- Had five carries for 37 yards and a touchdown and also scored on a blocked punt return (40 yards) in the win vs. Old Dominion on 10/28
- Carried five times for 15 yards and the first rushing touchdown of his career at Florida Atlantic on 10/21
- Carried twice for six yards and returned one kickoff for 12 yards in the win at Southern Miss on 9/30
- Had two carries for 15 yards and two kick returns for 75 yards, including a 48-yard return to help set up the game-winning field goal on 9/23 vs. UAB
- Made his Mean Green debut on 9/2 vs. Lamar by carrying 13 times for 98 yards and featured on special teams
RB Jabir Daughtry-Frye (Troy) - 5’7, 170
*Spent 2017 Sophomore Season recovering from ACL injury
2016 Freshman Season
2016 Freshman Season
- Led the Sun Belt and ranked 11th nationally averaging 27.9 yards per kickoff return
- Took a 4th-and-1 at Clemson 66 yards for a touchdown as Troy nearly knocked off the nation’s second-ranked team (30-24)
- The run against Clemson ranked as the longest in Troy’s Division I history by a freshman and tied for the longest on fourth down in the country (rushing or passing)
- Returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against New Mexico State and blocked a punt against the Aggies that was returned for a touchdown
- Named the Sun Belt Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts
- The 100-yard kickoff return was just the 10th in Sun Belt Conference history, the sixth in Troy history and the third in Troy’s FBS history
- Finished the year with 139 rushing yards on 20 carries and six catches for 33 yards
More FBS Players Under 5'10
WR Xavian Marks (Alabama) - 5’8, 174
WR Keith Mixon (Mississippi State) - 5’8, 185 WR/PR Britian Covey (Utah) - 5’8, 170 RB Gerald Hearns (FAU) - 5’8, 208 WR KD Nixon (Colorado) - 5’8, 170 DB Michael Shelton (BYU) - 5’8, 175 WR Laress Nelson (Michigan State) - 5’8, 182 RB CJ Tolbert (Auburn) - 5’7, 198 RB Demarcus Felton (Texas Tech) - 5’7, 205 WR Jonathan Haden (UAB) - 5’7, 175 RB Mark Allen (Penn State) - 5’6, 190 WR Walter Dawn (UTEP) - 5’6, 165 |
2018 Upcoming Freshman Under 5'7
RB Michael Warmack (Kansas State) - 5’5, 173
RB Jason D'armore (TCU) - 5’5, 148 WR Kwincy Hall (WVU) - 5’5, 154 RB Tevin Bush (WVU) - 5’6, 160 |
If you are a college football prospect under 5'10 and would like a chance to compete like the players on this list, you can get the exposure you need at Scout Trout.
The Colorado State Rams are said to be in a re-building year going into the 2018 season and are relying heavily on graduate transfer QB K.J Carta-Samuels for offensive production. With Preston Williams transferring in from Tennessee and serving his one year of residency at CSU, he is ready to pair up with (SR) WR Olabisi Johnson who caught 69 passes last season for over 1,200 yards. Warren Jackson had two touchdowns last season against Alabama and looks to add another dynamic deep-threat to this fantastic trio of receivers. I believe this is a big reason that Carta-Samuels was named to the 2018 Johnny United Golden Arm "Watch List" heading into this season. I applaud Coach Bobo and staff for being able to land a QB late in the game like K.J, as they had their leading candidate for starting Quarterback go down with his second ACL tear in February in Collin Hill, whom Coach Bobo is not ruling out to compete this fall. Rumors have circulated that K.J was committing to UCLA but that Coach Bobo was able to convince him to change his mind last minute, in order to solidify the Rams' QB spot. The Rams have a solid rushing attack returning with (SR) RB Izzy Matthews, who has rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in 3 seasons, along with 26 touchdowns for the Rams. The Rams should be able to put up plenty of points this season, but do have questions on the offensive line that have hopefully been addressed in beautiful Fort Collins, CO at Fall Camp. Looking with a unbiased approach, as I am moving in the "Uncommon" Colorado State student housing this week, I think the Rams number one concern is can they stop the likes of Boise State from scoring more points? In one possession finishes against top 100 FBS programs they are 1-6 under Coach Bobo. This newly formed offensive unit will have to produce points in intense moments, unlike the Rams of the past who have folded when the going gets tough. With veteran leadership from players like Carta-Samuels and Olabisi on the offensive side of the ball, the Rams look set for a collision course with the high powered Run-and-Shoot offense of the Hawaii Warriors. The Rams return five offensive linemen with starting experience and have more key transfers in former Louisville linemen T.J Roundtree and JuCo transfer Keith Williams. Coach Bobo has been able to land 52 three-star prospects over the last three recruiting classes and has plenty of highly touted sophomores to rely on to provide depth to the struggling Rams defense. The defense will need to improve drastically in 2018 for the Rams to have a chance against the likes of Wyoming and Boise State, which will allow them to compete in the Mountain West Championship game.
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The Rams Defense Allowed 431.6 yards a game in 2017.
Any defense that allows over 400 yards a game has issues and is the main reason the Rams find themselves ranked 96th out of 130 FBS teams by SB Nation heading into the 2018 season. This is why Coach Bobo brought in new Defensive Coordinator John Jancek and the Rams are desperately looking for a drastic turnaround from this years defense. They will be playing a more aggressive defense, as I have seen Coach Helow teaching his safeties techniques to dislodge the football to create turnovers for the Rams defense in 2018. The Rams had a majority of their problems last season up front and are transitioning from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-3 alignment, as Coach Jancek ran as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Tennessee from 2013-2015. It will be imperative that the Rams be stout up front with (DE) Arjay Jean, (DT) Richard King and Sophomore Ellison Hubbard. If they can provide stellar run support and a adequate pass rush, linebackers like Josh Watson can fly around and stuff plays before they can get going. Max McDonald is a Fort Collins native who attended Rocky Mountain High School and will be looked to step up in this new 4-3 system that Coach Jancek will implement. Speedy Linebacker (SR) Tre Thomas looks to build off of a great career thus far as a Ram and will fill the strong side backer most likely in the 4-3 system. Braylin Scott will return for 2018 and was cleared to practice during the spring, after snagging three interceptions for the rams defense in 2016. He missed 2017 for personal reason and the Rams are extremely excited to have him back in the defensive backfield. Anthony Hawkins will be lining up on the other side of the field and players like Darius Campbell look to fill the nickle back roll. Depth is a key concern for the Rams at corner, but the safety position is solidified by former returning Utah Safety Jordan Fogal. When opposite safety Jamaal Hicks went down last season, the Rams hit a steady decline at the end of the 2017 season. He returns from a broken arm that kept him out the last 5 games of last season, and it will be key for the Rams to stay healthy for an entire season. The Rams consistently have some of the best special teams units in all of college football and returning kicker Wyatt Bryan, punter Ryan Stonehouse and kickoff specialist Braxton Davis. Johnson will look to fill the return man role, left open by the departure of Ram great Detrich Clark.
Get the ball out! #edge pic.twitter.com/ubPgH6E9DH
— George Helow (@georgehelow) August 1, 2018
Coach Bobo Hospitalized
Our regards go out to Colorado State Head Coach Bobo and his family, as he was hospitalized as of late for feeling "numbness in his feet". We send our thoughts and prayers to the Colorado State family and Coach Bobo, as they continue to prepare for their upcoming battler with the Hawaii Warriors on August 25th, 2018.
Colorado State 2018 Football Schedule - Picture Taken Downtown Fort Collins (Old Town) at Tony's Bar.
Colorado State 2018 Prediction
The Hawaii match-up will give us a very clear look at how good Colorado State will be this year, as they will have to defend the high scoring run and shoot offense. The Rocky Mountain Showdown will prove to be a great contest against the in-state rivals CU Buffs and then they welcome their first SEC opponent to Fort Collins, Co when the Razorbacks come to Canvas Stadium. I believe after they go up against yet another highly touted SEC opponent @ Florida, we will be able to see if they can compete in the Mountain division of the up and coming Mountain West Football Conference.
An Uncommon Year For Mountain West Football
We now live in downtown Fort Collins and will be covering Mountain West Football, along with other college football stories. We will be sponsoring the 2019 Scout Trout All-American Bowl at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex in Alabama and preparing for this up and coming season. It is a very "Uncommon" football season that we will be embarking on and with the help of the Colorado State faithful and coaches, I believe they can bring home a championship if the stars align in accordance. If you would like us to cover your games live, please do not hesitate to ask us to stop by your establishment for the most enlightened football knowledge on the planet.
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