Christion Jones has been mentioned as a kid that could do a lot for Alabama this year.

The only problem is that most people don’t know what side of the ball that he will be playing on.

Saban told Rolltide.Com about his opinion of Jones.

“Well, I’ve answered this question numerous times before, and the answer is not going to change. Christion Jones has done a really good job on both sides of the ball. The object of what we did this spring is so that if we need a guy to play corner in the fall, he can play it. He’ll know how to do it. We don’t need to make that decision right now, and we’re not going to make it. We don’t need to make it. We’re going to see if we can develop the players that we have so that he can be an explosive player on offense, which he is, which we’d like for him to do.

I would like not to go into the season thinking that he’s got to worry about preparing himself to play on both sides of the ball, but it will be nice to know that he knows how to play corner, and he learned how to play corner this spring.
So if we needed him to play it, he could play it. But we’re going to have to continue to get the young players that we have at that position, those coming in and those that are here to continue to develop at that position.”

Alabama has a lot of reasons to be excited.

This video throws around a few other names that could enter the conversation.

Video: Alabama favored to be 2013-14 national champions

The post Video: Alabama Crimson Tide picked by oddsmakers to win 2013 football title appeared first on Players View.

Sanders Jr., told PonyFans.Com that with the help of a good attitude and familiar coaching faces, he has found a way to excel.

“I’m still learning, but good players are always learning,” Sanders said after the Mustangs’ final spring practice. “(Receivers) Coach (Jason) Phillips is a great coach because he’s a great teacher. He sees everything. You ran run the same drill over and over, and he always sees a way to help you do it better.

“My dad has known Coach Phillips for a long time — they played together — and he is exactly what my dad said he would be. He and my dad know each other really well, but that doesn’t matter when we’re out here on the practice field. When we’re out here, he’s not my friend… he’s my coach.”

Standing at a modest 5’7, the rising playmaker stated that his stature has never made him feel like he has a limited shelf life in the game.

“I never doubt my ability. I have a lot to learn, but I never doubt my ability. You have to believe in yourself, and I do.”

Until he carves out his own lane, Sanders will be forever compared to his father, who he says works with him in some capacity on a daily basis.

“He teaches me everything he knows,” Sanders said of his father. “We talk or work out every day. He’s a great father and a great coach.”

The candid video below provides in-depth insight into Sanders Jr.

The post Deion Sanders Jr. is standing out for the SMU Mustangs appeared first on Players View.

Luke Joeckel is now predicted to go number one to the Chiefs.

What did not change is the idea that the Jaguars are hungry enough for a quarterback that they will take Geno Smith at number two.

Enjoy.

#1 Kansas City Chiefs-Luke Joeckel-OT-Texas A&M

This spot was previously occupied by Star Lotulelei. 

The thunderous consensus opinion and the Chiefs willingness to trade Branden Albert has forced this move. 

Joeckel is an athletic tackle that can do more than set his feet and fight. 

Chiefs running Jamaal Charles will benefit by Joeckel’s ability to get to the second level. 

#2 Jacksonville Jaguars-Geno Smith- QB-West Virginia

The Jags are the only team in the NFL with a quarterback situation that is as dismal as the New York Jets.

The biggest moves that can be made via sensible trades or free agent pickups have been made.

Smith has box-office style and box office talent that will blossom in the NFL.

A trio of Justin Blackmon, Maurice Jones-Drew and Smith is enough to inspire hope in the land of the hopeless.

Jacksonville’s fan base deserves better than a Blaine Gabbert vs. Chad Henne position battle in training camp.

The Jags have indicated that they have a lot of interest in Smith and I think that he heads south to reboot what Gabbert could not.

#3 Oakland Raiders-Sharrif Floyd-DT-Florida

The Raiders are in such disarray that they just have to take the best player available and be done with it.

Floyd will cure the ills that Tommy Kelly left behind and will give the Raiders an anchor to build out from on their defense.

He’s long, quick and explosive.

He has dynamic run stopping and pass rushing ability which is a rare find in a DT.

The hype is there and Floyd has  the tools to live up to it.

#4 Philadelphia Eagles-Eric Fisher-OT-Central Michigan

Eric Fisher in many circles is considered to be a better prospect than Luke Joeckel.

Fisher is built well and has a nice mixture of talent and technique.

He is a pass blocking specialist that will keep Michael Vick or whoever snaps the ball upright. 

#5 Detroit Lions- Dee Milliner-CB-Alabama         

If we are being honest with ourselves, we don’t feel as if Milliner is the best all-around cornerback in this draft.

The only reason why is that he has issues that must be worked out in regards to his form tackling.

Larger wide receivers and running backs will be able to run through his tackles until he trusts his pads enough to stop arm tackling

BUT Milliner is a showman.

He can take down any ball that is in the air.

Make no mistake about it, he is a special case.

AND he is hyper-speed light years ahead of what the Lions have on their roster right now.

It is a crime against their front seven to continue to field Chris Houston as their best option at cornerback.

The whispers are that the Lions have figured out that if they want their front seven to wreak havoc, they better get them some secondary help.

Go ahead and give Milliner a cape.

#6 Cleveland Browns-Chance Warmack-OG-Alabama

This one is really simple. The Browns don’t have offensive guards that can protect whoever is going to be their quarterback next year.

Chance Warmack is so dominant and skilled that his edition can account for one additional score a game.

How is that for value?

#7 Arizona Cardinals-D.J. Fluker-OT-Alabama

Despite his recent Twitter scandal, D.J. Fluker has received nothing but high praise as he moves on from Alabama.

The Arizona Cardinals will make this move because their offensive line is pretty offensive.

The Cardinals placed multiple skill players on injured reserve in 2012-13 because defenders were handed clean shots at that skill group thanks to horrible line play.

Carson Palmer won’t make it through four games without an upgrade of Fluker’s magnitude.

#8 Buffalo Bills-Ryan Nassib-QB-Syrause

In what will go down as one of the worst reaches in the history of the draft, Nassib is considered to be a lock for the number eight pick thanks to new Bills coach Doug Marone.

Marone coached Nassib at Syracuse so he obviously knows and has faith in the kid. 

I have a hunch that the Bills are selling wolf tickets to mask their true intentions, but they do need a quarterback in the worst way.

If they go in this direction as expected, they are trading familiarity for talent.

And that will most likely not end well-at all.

#9 New York Jets-Barkevious Mingo-DE-LSU

Mingo is mean and the Jets have to love his quickness and his ability to get after the quarterback. 

Mingo can turn a corner, seal off the edge and present a challenge for just about any guard in the league. 

The Jets need a defensive attitude adjustment and Mingo will be just the guy to serve it up.

#10 Tennessee Titans-Dion Jordan-OLB-Oregon

Jordan  is being hailed as a can’t miss prospect.

Jordan has the skills, the size and the speed to play on the interior line, outside on the fringe as a defensive end or even as a Will linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

His versatility would make him a very valuable piece on the Titans chessboard.

#11 San Diego Chargers-Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah

The Chargers could sure use some help on their offensive line. 

But, the best player available scenario comes into play here.

Lotulelei is a perfect fit for the Chargers that don’t have anyone on the roster at that spot that can either touch him in current ability or future upside.

#12 Miami Dolphins-Ezekiel Ansah-DE-BYU

Ansah is raw but he has more potential upside that maybe any other player in this draft.

He is 6’5 and runs a 4.63 forty yard dash.

He is said to be extremely coachable despite his lack of serious playing time.

He is the ultimate project player that has Hall of Fame measurable.

The Dolphins could use an edge rusher that is a prodigy now that they have shored up their offense.

#13 New York Jets-Xavier Rhodes-CB-Florida State

The Jets will grab Darrelle Revis’ successor here after shipping him off to Tampa Bay for this pick.

Rhodes plays with an old–school mentality.

He is an excellent press corner that consistently keeps his hands on his competition.

#14 Carolina Panthers-Cordarrelle Patterson-WR-Tennessee

Quarterback Cam Newton needs weapons around him to succeed.

The Panthers don’t have a bigger need.

Cordarrelle Patterson has the tools to become dangerous from day one.

The Panthers could go Sheldon Richardson here but Patterson is the better fit by a long, long mile.

#15 New Orleans Saints-Lane Johnson-OT-Oklahoma

The New Orleans Saints must get creative in protecting their quarterback Drew Brees.

Johnson gives them an athletic option after they lost OT Jermon Bushrod to free agency.

Johnson has played quarterback and tight end so he is mentally aware of what it will take to win.

#16 St. Louis Rams- DeAndre Hopkins-WR-Clemson

Sam Bradford needs a legit target to throw the ball to.

Now that Danny Amendola has joined the Patriots as Wes Welker’s stand-in, Hopkins is clear to take some of the magic that he made at Clemson and usher in a new era in St. Louis.

Hopkins can run every route on the route tree with relative ease and his size will give him the edge over smaller corner.

#17 Pittsburgh Steelers-Jarvis Jones-LB-Georgia

Medical doubts will knock Jones out of the Top 10 but the Steelers being wise will take the risk.

Jones is the best linebacker in this draft and he has been cleared to proceed with his career.

He will play with a chip on his shoulder and is setup to be the next linebacker to benefit from the power of proving people wrong.

#18 Dallas Cowboys- Menelik Watson-OT-Florida State

Somebody has to step forward and protect Tony Romo. Watson is a British import that has played multiple sports.

He is the type of project that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones likes to work with and he is inspired to play well to support his family.

On the field, he could easily be considered an upgrade at right tackle where his strength and speed will come in handy.

#19 New York Giants- Manti-Te’o-LB-Notre Dame

The Giants are so desperate for a middle linebacker of the future that they will roll the dice on Te’o.

The drama has been discussed over and over again.

You know what it is.

After a redeeming pro day, the Notre Dame prospect earned some of his dignity back.

What cannot be escaped is that questions still hover over him regarding how well he will perform against next level competition.                                                                                                                                                               

#20 Chicago Bears-Arthur Brown-LB-Kansas State

The Bears will draft the heir-apparent to the departed Brian Urlacher.

Brown is a stable defenseman that can be counted on not to miss tackles.

There is not much flash to his game but Brown will get the job done.

#21 Cincinnati Bengals-Kenny Vaccaro-S-Texas

Fact: Vaccaro had a strong pro day to cement his hype. Fact: The Bengals need a safety in the worst way.  Fact: If Vaccaro is still available at the No. 10 spot, he will be moving to Cincinnati.

#22 St. Louis Rams-Eric Reid-S-LSU

The Rams can turn into a top 10 defense this season if they can just find the right safety.

Enter Reid who is one of two safeties that is worth a first round investment in this draft.

Reid was born to play in a secondary with a character like Courtland Finnegan.

He drills the life out of receivers coming into his territory and he has no problem making them aware of the fact that there is more where that came from.

The caveat to all of this is that Reid is academically brilliant which will make his transition into a man’s world that much easier.

#23 Minnesota Vikings-Alec Ogletree-LB-Georgia

The Vikings will pluck Ogletree from down south despite his character issues.

Ogletree was a hammer last season for the Bulldogs and there is no reason to believe that he won’t continue to thrive in the right system.

A former safety, Ogletree has no problem using his athletic ability to beat blocks and shut down plays in the backfield.

#24 Indianapolis Colts-Giovani Bernard-RB-North Carolina

The Colts have everything that they need to excel offensively except a running back.

The Band Aids that they have been using since Joseph Addai’s fall from grace have not gotten it done at a championship level.

Here is the thing about Bernard.

He might not have Eddie Lacy’s marquee status but he is a better fit for the Colts offense.

If he can stay off the trainer’s table, he has better straight line speed, pass catching ability and ball carrier vision than Lacy does.

That is saying a lot because Lacy is a remarkable talent in his own right.

Had Bernard played in the SEC instead of the ACC, he would already be trademarking some obnoxious nickname that the public slapped on him.

#25 Minnesota Vikings-Johnthan Banks-CB-Mississippi State

The Vikings need to replace Antoine Winfield.

This feisty ballhawk is not afraid to get up in the box and hit like a linebacker and he is always looking for a ball to snatch from somebody.

Our personal favorite at his position though popular opinion and rankings state otherwise.

#26 Green Bay Packers-Eddie Lacy-RB-Alabama

The Packers must draft the best running back that they can get their hands on.

Lacy has the talent that can get between the tackles and explode for large chunks of yards.

Both the interest and the need are there.

If Lacy s gone, don’t be surprised to hear North Carolina’s Giovanni Bernard here.

#27 Houston Texans-Tavon Austin-West Virginia

The Texans pieces are almost in place to consider themselves annual contenders.

Placing Austin in the slot  not only gives quarterback Matthew Schuab options, it shifts the balance of power in the AFC.

When Austin is discussed, the immediate focus is usually on his formidable speed.

That is not his only area of excellence.

Austin can generate impressive extra yards after the catch which will help against frail safeties.

The Texans need to take some pressure off of their Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson.

#28 Denver Broncos-Bjoern Werner-DE-Florida State

Elvis who?

John Elway will flash some more teeth on draft day with this selection.

The German-born Werner is a nice run stopper.

For a pass rusher that is an added bonus.

Denver will see Jamaal Charles and Darren McFadden twice this season.

Werner’s motor is strikingly similar to that of Patrick Kerney’s.

He won’t just stop if his side is not playside.

He will push through and make plays just by simply being there when runners cut back into his waiting arms.

#29 New England Patriots-Damontre Moore-DE-Texas A&M

Moore has two things going for him that must endure him to the Patriots.

He plays the game with intelligence and discipline and those features allowed him to standout at Texas A&M

The Patriots like smart players and his field savvy has given him an uncanny ability to anticipate the snap count from opposing offenses.

I watched footage from three of his games and the one thing that stood out how quickly he uses his tall, lean frame to get off the snap.

He will be impressive and has the tools to become a hybrid.

#30 Atlanta Falcons-Jonathan Cooper-OG-North Carolina

Atlanta needs help in three major areas. They need a new cornerback to complement Asante Samuel. They need a new middle linebacker that can stop the run and own the middle of the field. They need to upgrade their offensive line now that Todd McClure retired and they cut Tyson Clabo.

Thanks to the Crimson Tide’s stranglehold on the first round of this year’s draft, Cooper has not risen to the top of this year’s class of offensive linemen.

Make no mistake about it, the North Carolina product is first round talent.

As a former wrestler, Cooper owns both feet and hand quickness that renders him hard for rushing defenders to mush and dominate.

This could become Matt Ryan’s new best friend.

#31 San Francisco 49ers-Jesse Williams-DT-Alabama

The 49ers are pinned as a group that will be looking for a safety but that market is thin.

Their next option is to upgrade their defensive line with this kid from Alabama that has blue-collar attitude.

Williams had an incredible Pro Day and would help the 49ers pass rush stay on track in the event of another injury to veteran Justin Smith.

#32 Baltimore Ravens-Tyler Eifert-TE-Notre Dame

GM Ozzie Newsome will ride with the best player available on his board.

The NFL is a copycat league and Eifert in tandem with Dennis Pitta can become a one-two punch in the seams that can mimic what the Patriots have developed to perfect with Gronk and Aaron Hernandez.

Could be the smartest way to fill the void left by the departed Anquan Boldin.

The post Final 2013 NFL mock draft appeared first on Players View.

His work ethic has more times than not been lauded.

Yet even he is getting tired of the disrespect that his class of quarterbacks has been subjected to.

Smith appeared on NFL AM, via NFL.Com and stated that

“Everyone hears all that talk … about us not having a quarterback class that can live up to last year’s quarterback class and as a competitor I take that very personal. I want to thank them for continuing to fueling that fire and allowing that chip on my shoulder to grow,” Smith said.

Smith went on to state that he and FSU quarterback E.J. Manuel have spoken and that will both perform at a high level when  their numbers are called.

“We’re going to go into this thing prepared. Prepare ourselves to be starters and go out there and try to win games,” Smith said.

Smith also posted on his Twitter account that he’s ready to prove the doubtors wrong.

Just want to thank all those so called “experts” who say I can’t be an NFL QB. Thursday will be a special day but the work has only begun

— Eugene Geno Smith (@GenoSmith_12) April 23, 2013

This time next year, will we be saying Geno was right?

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His big play ability and solid hands can in the right system, be used to turn him into something special.

Before his big day comes on Thursday, Patterson spoke with  KCSP in Kansas City, via Sports Radio Interviews to shed some light on where his mind is at.

Patterson stated that he has heard the various rumors that have him heading to a variety of different teams.

He stated that he will take comfort no matter where he ends up.

“You hear different stuff from teams,” Patterson said. “Every time you visit a team they say how they need a receiver or such and such and they hope they land you. But you never know who’s just saying things just to get things going there. So I hope I get drafted in the first round, but if not, I know I’ll end up somewhere and I’m going to make the best out of it.”

Patterson also commented on the notion that it takes some time for wideouts to become impact players in the NFL.

“I try not to listen to that,” Patterson said.”I just, I have a mind set to go in and just compete with those other guys and just get better, and just try to be a starter out there and hopefully make a name for myself in my first year.”

He knows that he still has some work to do and has taken the constructive criticism that he has heard throughout this process.

“They told me I need to work on my route-running,” he said.”They’re just saying I’ve got all of the ability but need to focus on my routes.”

Patterson has his fair share of players that he admires and compares himself to.

“I’m like a lot of receivers out there,” he said. “I just pay attention to all of them, like Julio Jones and Percy Harvin. He’s quick, he do a lot of things like I do. Randy Moss. I look at all those types of guys; I don’t focus on one.”

Soon Patterson will consider these names to be peers.

Look for this kid to do big things.

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Each design was laid out as part of a special fan vote that the team carried out  at the game.

The Fort Lauderdale  Sun Sentinel posted the photos on Tuesday.

Check out the gallery below.

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Holmes was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with one count of malicious wounding and two counts of simple assault.

The 19-year-old is being held without bond.

Per program rules, he is automatically suspended from the VT football team until the matter is resolved.

If that resolution results in a felony conviction he will be kicked off the team.

The malicious wounding is the charge that places the darkest cloud over his future.

According to the Roanoke Times, the definition of that charge is pretty ugly.

Malicious wounding is trying to  “maliciously shoot, stab, cut, or wound any person or by any means cause him bodily injury, with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or kill.”

The sophomore was allegedly involved in a fight a few hours after the VT spring game in which he rushed for 24 yards on seven carries.

The police received the call at 1:50 a.m.

The rest of the details are pretty murky outside of the fact that two victims were treated at the scene of the crime and another was transported to a local hospital.

The one fact that we know as it pertains to Holmes’ true guilt or innocence is that he put himself in that situation by being out a 1:50 in the morning.

Very little can happen for prominent student athlete within that hour.

Holmes was excited about his upcoming opportunity to take over the VT backfield as he stated after the spring game and before his arrest.

“The main thing I’ve gotten better at is being a leader,” Holmes said after the spring game. “I played last year, so I’ve been trying to get all the young bucks together, keep them working hard. The thing we’re going to work on the most is being consistent. Just grinding, putting in work, trying to get better.”

As they say don’t talk about it…be about it.

Holmes has some talent as witnessed by this recruiting tape from his high school career.

The post Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes arrested on felony charge appeared first on Players View.

The most intriguing point to all of this is not who will be there but who won’t.

USC’s Matt Barkley won’t be at Radio City Hall when his name is eventually called.

He may have good information that suggests that he won’t be taken on Thursday night.

Barkley certainly would like to avoid being this year’s Brady Quinn.

Quinn’s draft experience was marred by the cameras milling about his table where he and his girlfriend dejectedly watched him get passed over on multiple occasions.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o will not be in the house either. 2013 has thus far been a season of shame for him. It certainly makes sense for him to avoid the pageantry and focus on his immediate friends, family and team.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has opted to simply stay home instead of attending the NFL draft.

The following will be at Radio City Hall to hug commissioner Roger Goodell.

Ezekiel Ansah- defensive end-Brigham Young

Tavon Austin-wide receiver-West Virginia

Jonathan Cooper-offensive guard-North Carolina

Eric Fisher-offensive tackle-Central Michigan

Sharrif Floyd-defensive tackle-Florida

D.J. Fluker-offensive tackle-Alabama

Luke Joeckel-offensive tackle-Texas A&M

Lane Johnson-offensive tackle-Oklahoma

Dion Jordan-defensive end-Oregon

Eddie Lacy-running back-Alabama

E.J. Manuel-quarterback-Florida State

Dee Milliner-cornerback-Alabama

Barkevious Mingo-defensive end-LSU

Cordarrelle Patterson-wide receiver-Tennessee

Eric Reid-safety-LSU

Xavier Rhodes-cornerback-Florida State

Sheldon Richardson-defensive tackle-Missouri

Geno Smith-quarterback-West Virginia

Desmond Trufant-cornerback-Washington

Kenny Vaccaro-safety-Texas

Chance Warmack-offensive guard-Alabama

Menelik Watson-offensive tackle-Florida State

Bjoern Werner-defensive end-Florida State

The post 23 NFL draft prospects to hit Radio City Music Hall for telecast appeared first on Players View.

The fight was intense yet the Wolverines never felt like they were losing their grip on the game despite a less-than-stellar showing from their star attraction Trey Burke.

“We know Trey is our leader, and sometimes he’s not going to have a game like he’s had all season,” said Hardaway Jr. “That’s when our team stepped up.”

Wolverines coach John Beilein told ESPN that for Michigan it’s all about team.

“We’ve been a team all year,” said Beilein. “It was great.”

Mitch McGary added 10 points, 12 rebounds and six assists as the Wolverines fought back a Syracuse rally down the stretch.

The fourth-seeded Wolverines will now go on to face No. 1 Louisville in Monday’s title game.

The Cardinals defeated Wichita State 72-68 in Saturday’s first national semifinal.

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Russ Smith and Luke Hancock put together 41 points Saturday and No. 1 Louisville rallied for a 72-68 win over Wichita State.

“It was like, ‘Man,’” Smith told ESPN. “I was actually waiting for our run. And it happened. Luke exploded. That was actually what I was waiting for. Then Chane exploded. Then Peyton made a big layup. Then Tim Henderson. It just kept going and going.”

Smith scored 10 of his 21 points in the second half and Hancock added 11 of his 20 in the second half as well.

Hancock’s two late 3-pointers were especially lethal.

The Shockers had their foot on the Louisville’s collective throat before they came alive.

At  one point just as the second half was well underway, and Wichita State was milking a double-digit lead, you could feel the wheels churning on an epic upset.

But that was not to be.

The Cardinals were on the other side of an emotional boost from the inured Kevin Ware who laid out what it will take to win one last contest.

“We’ve got to bring our best game,” Ware said. “It’s the last game of the season. If we lose, everything we’ve worked for just goes down the drain. That’s the last thing we want right now.”

The Cardinals will now face the red-hot Michigan Wolverines who deposed of Syracuse in another highly contested game.

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Let’s see who gets there.

Louisville Cardinals vs. Wichita State Shockers (6:00 on CBS)

Parity, parity and more parity. We are consistently bombarded with the idea that anyone can beat anyone in this year’s tournament.

And yet the odds are very long that the Shockers will pull out a win against Louisville.

Louisville’s defense will be to rested and to stifling for a Shockers team that will see their miracle run come to an end.

Wichita State will have to play the perfect game to get it done and that starts with getting a few calls to go their way.

Louisville point guard Peyton Siva is prone to getting into foul trouble early.

Without the injured Kevin Ware, a limited Siva would force the Cardinals to back off their aggressive press that they weave in and out of their attack.

Even then, the Shockers would have to shoot at least 70-percent from the floor and dominate the transition game to have a chance.`

Every rebound would have to fall their way both on the offensive and defensive rims.

The Shockers are just asking to much of the basketball gods to move on.

They are a good team but the Cardinals are destined to play for it all.

Syracuse Orange vs. Michigan Wolverines (after Louisville vs. Wichita State on CBS)

This has the makings of being the best game of the tourney.

Can you say heavyweight brawl?

That is exactly what the Dirty South will be treated to when these two teams lock up.

Syracuse is bring their implementation of the 2-3 zone to the table that has frustrated each and every one of their opponents.

Michigan has the answer as they can shoot 3-pointers with ease.

But I believe that Syracuse’s w Michael Carter-Williams is the best player left in the chase.

As such, he will orchestrate the Orange’s close-cropped victory sinking Michigan’s hope yet again of a net-cutting ceremony.

Trey Burke will ball out-of-his mind for the Wolverines but that won’t stop the Orange from pulling some thing special off late in the game.

Championship Matchup: Syracuse Orange vs. Louisville Cardinals

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Instead he chose to tell his story and raise his profile as his team prepares to go for it all this weekend in Atlanta, Ga.

It was from his hotel in the Peach State that Ware shot an appearance on David Letterman’s late night talk show on Thursday.

His big moment was presenting the nightly top 10 list.

The evening’s subject was Ware himself.

Top 10 Thoughts Going Through Kevin Ware’s Mind

10. “What was that loud cracking sound?”

9. “I hope this doesn’t leave a bruise.”

8. “Hey look, my tibia!”

7. “Ouch.”

6. “Did it go in?”

5. “Oh boy, hospital food.”

4. “Tape it up, coach, I’m staying in.”

3. “They fired Leno?”

2. “Heat then ice? Or ice then heat?”

1. “At least my bracket’s not busted.”

Ware is having some fun with this whole thing.

That attitude will only serve him well as he moves forward into rehab after the big lights go down.

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Ware was hospitalized after he projected himself towards the sideline while contesting a 3-point shot against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half.

Ware was hospitalized and his teammates went on to sink Duke with confidence.

“I don’t think we could have gathered ourselves — I know I couldn’t have — if Kevin didn’t say over and over again, ‘Just go win the game,” Louisville coach Rick Pitino told ESPN. “I don’t think we could have gone in the locker room with a loss after seeing that. We had to gather ourselves. We couldn’t lose this game for him.

“We just couldn’t.”

And they didn’t.

Russ Smith drained 23 points Sunday for top-seeded Louisville, which used a second-half  run to best Duke  to move on to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Peyton Siva contributed 10 of his 16 points down the stretch.

Gorgui Dieng added 14 points and 11 rebounds and Luke Hancock came off the bench for 10 points for Louisville.

Louisville will now face Wichita State in Atlanta April 6.

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A streak was ended, the Miami Hurricanes failed to make the Elite 8, Florida Gulf Coast was dealt a lethal dose of reality and the Florida Gators were dismissed with ease on Sunday by the Michigan Wolverines.

The Wolverines enjoyed powerful play from freshman guard Nik Stauskas who drained six 3-pointers on his way to a 22 point showing.

“I can’t even explain the feeling. I was having so much fun,” Stauskas told ESPN. “I’ve been working and dreaming my whole life about something like this. To finally have it, I have a smile on my face and I’m enjoying the moment.”

Michigan fans have been waiting since Jalen Rose’s Fab Five unit to gain entry into the Final Four.

On Sunday they had a lot to be happy for form start to finish as Florida never looked confident in their execution on the court.

At one point, the Gators trailed 41-17 on what ended up being a not-so-happy Easter.

Stauskas  was not the only Wolverine that had a nice day.

Big Ten player of the year Trey Burke stepped up with 15 points.

Mitch McGary nearly double-doubled with 11 points and nine rebounds.

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Southerland drove in 16 points and Carter-Williams came through with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Eastern Region final.

Fourth-seeded Syracuse also saw a key contribution from  C.J. Fair who added 13 points and five rebounds.

Syracuse’s defense was stifling as witnessed by the fact that Marquette did not even break 40 points.

The Golden Eagles appeared to have spent every thing that they had on overcoming the Miami Hurricanes on Thursday and it showed.

Marquette was sloppy turning the ball over 13 times despite a nice joint effort from Vander Blue and Davante Gardner.

Blue told ESPN that Syracuse’s taunted zone defense is as good as advertised.

“They cover ground really good. You’ve got to get the ball in the middle, you’ve got to play inside out, you’ve got to get to the free-throw line and wear them down with the 3-pointer when you can,” Blue said. “They’re really good at what they do in that zone.”

That zone will face  Sunday’s winner between Florida and Michigan.

The post Syracuse Orange rolls over Marquette 55-39 appeared first on Players View.

Malcolm Armstead put together 14 points and seven assists Saturday, sending No. 9 Wichita State into the NCAA Final Four with a 70-66 win over Ohio State.

Armstead may have led the way but it was a complete effort that got the job done.

Cleanthony Early chipped in 12 points and seven boards and  Fred Vanvleet came off the bench to score  12 more points.

Early told ESPN that the Shockers are elated.

“It’s crazy. I still can’t believe we’re here,” Early said. “You try to expect it, but you expect a lot of things that don’t happen. This really happened.”

Vanvleet highlighted the evening with  a game-clinching jumper with 1 minute left.

The Shockers move on to advance to NCAA Men’s Tournament national semifinals for the first time since 1965.

Deshaun Thomas scored 23 points and brought down six rebounds for second-seeded Ohio State who must be growing tired of falling just short of glory.

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 The kids from Dunk City spent the week tempting fate with bold proclamations and a student body prone to obscene pep rallies.

It was too much inspiration to feed a better Florida Gators team with stronger players and superior coaching.

So when the Sunshine State went over to Texas, everything was put back in its proper place.

At the tip of the first half, FGCU stormed out of the gate to take a 17-6 lead midway through the first.

That is when things got real.

The Gators were on the verge of running FGCU out of the gym on a few occasions but David managed to stay in the fight with Goliath down the stretch of the second half.

Will Yeguete had four of Florida’s 11 steals Friday in a defensive showing that defined the term pressure.

The Gators will now meet Michigan in the South Region title game for a spot in the Final Four.

Florida fighting for its third NCAA title under Coach Billy Donovan, who guided the Gators to the promised land  in 2006 and 2007.

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When two teams shoot under 41 percent from the floor in the NCAA tournament, you have to salute the boys that are bringing the pressure.

That’s not to say that the Duke Blue Devils did not have a player that was not am offensive dynamo.

Seth Curry did his thing.

Curry drove in 29 points to make it a thrilling 71-61 ride over Michigan State.

Duke’s legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski told ESPN  that Curry was indeed the man.

“Seth was just at a different level than anyone else on the court offensively tonight,” Krzyzewski said. “To get 29 points in a game like this against a good team is just incredible.”

If any game on Friday was worthy of being labeled as a fight, this was it.

Duke found their separation offensively at the foul line going 24-of-26 to get their Elite 8 payday.

Duke will face Louisville on Sunday with the winner moving on to the Final Four.

That one will be ugly.

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Trey Burke put the Michigan Wolverines on his back at the tail end of regulation to force their way into overtime to ultimately get the 87-85 win.

To think that the Wolverines were down by 14 points with less than seven minutes left in the second half, says a lot about how special Burke’s performance was on Friday night.

Several plays qualify as bookmarks for his electric play.

His busy lay-up that pulled Michigan to within three made it all possible.

It was his 3-point miracle that came 10 ticks later that bought Michigan extra life.

The Jayhawks almost forced a second overtime after losing their luster in the third period.

Elijah Johnson had every opportunity to take it there.

In his moment of truth, Johnson opted to skip the easy layup for the tie and  for whatever reason kicked the ball out to  Naadir Tharpe beyond the 3-point line.

Tharpe missed his shot and that was that.

After the game Burke told ESPN that Michigan kept the faith for the entire game.

“We never lost faith out there,” Burke said. “We stuck it out together.”

Afterwards, Kansas could do nothing but reflect on what just took place.

“Well, this will certainly go down as one of the toughest games that obviously we’ve been a part of and I’ve been a part of,” Kansas coach Bill Self said. “But props to Michigan for making all the plays late.”

That they did.

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A 31-point showing from Russ Smith helped Louisville get on top and stay on top on Friday night in their 77-69 victory.

The score is deceitful as it wants to tell you that the game was competitive when it was not.

Oregon pulled out a late flurry of points after the Cardinals had already secured their trip to the Elite 8 dance.

Louisville played every bit of the part of the No.1 seeded bully in a tournament that critics said is weighed down by its parity.

Despite Louisville’s Peyton Siva’s early foul trouble handcuffing his game, the Cardinals withstood each Oregon comeback attempt with ease.

After the game, Louisville coach Rick Pitino was gracious when speaking to ESPN about  Oregon’s ability to score while complementing his own players.

“We’ve been a great defensive team — not a good one, a great one — all season,” Pitino said. “Tonight, their quickness was so good, all it did was wear us out defensively. But we had Russ Smith and Kevin really bail us out of some situations that could have gone either way.”

Oregon’s Johnathan Loyd said that the Ducks poor start doomed them.

“If it wasn’t for the beginning, it would have been a completely different game,” Loyd said. “We just came out, we weren’t ready and we got smacked. If we were playing the way were playing in the second half the whole game, it’s a completely different story.”

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Despite the controversy that decorates their environment, the Orange continues to push on with confidence.

Michael Carter-Williams showed up once again and laced us all with a 24-point effort that was for the ages.

The kid is the truth and he is leading Syracuse with a quiet dignity that is brimming with confidence.

The story on Friday about this one however will be defense, defense and more defense as the Orange held the Hoosiers to just just five points in the contest’s first five minutes.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim was ecstatic after the game as he spoke with ESPN.

“Our perimeter defense was tremendous,” Boeheim said. “This is one of our best defensive teams ever. They play it well.”

When the Orange hook up with Marquette on Saturday, it will be a battle of wills.

And our money is on Syracuse to run them out of the gym.

This Syracuse team is on a mission to defy all of the odds and ridicule and make their mark before the NCAA makes their next move.

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The see-saw nature of the game’s second period only served to showcase how much of a fight this was.

Mark Lyons hit a layup for the Wildcats with 22 seconds remaining and was fouled on the play.

The ensuing free throw left the game tied at 70-70 and Ohio State then worked the clock down for the final shot.

That shot came from Ross, whose 3-pointer was deadly in it’s perfection.

“It feels great, man,” Ross told ESPN. “I think this is what every player grows up looking at on TV, wanting to hit that big shot for an NCAA tournament team. It just feels great right now.”

The post Ohio St Buckeyes tops Arizona with comeback to join elite 8 appeared first on Players View.

On Thursday, it was Marquette’s Jamil Wilson and his squad that were ready to seize the moment to advance one step closer to the Final Four.

Hurricane superstar Shane Larkin paced the Hurricanes with 14 points but like the rest of his team was off-his-game.

Flat is the perfect term to use to describe Miami’s performance as shot after shot clunk off the rim and into the hands of waiting Marquette players.

The Hurricanes fell into a double-digit hole early and failed to climb out of it.

Credit Marquette for taking advantage of Miami’s missteps.

“It’s fantastic. It feels good not to have to worry about, are you going to lose on a last-second shot or are you going to win on a last-second shot?” Wilson told ESPN. “To have a cushion like that, these guys played with tremendous heart, and we did it all game.”

Miami went as long as seven minutes without scoring in the first half.

Miami’s starting guards  Durand Scott and Trey McKinney-Jones combined to go 6-of-23 from the field.

Across the court, The Golden Eagles hit 54 percent of their shots and broke the Hurricanes spirit inside the paint.

Marqutte will face Syracuse  on Saturday with a spot in the Final Four hanging in the balance.

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According to the Miami Herald, Johnson has undergone a surgical procedure that will keep him off the court until the Final Four, if Miami advances to that point.

“Reggie injured himself in the Illinois game, had it evaluated on Monday, went to the doctors [Tuesday] and he will not be with us for the trip,” UM coach Jim Larrañaga said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Reggie, and we’re hoping he can recover from this quickly. Our players are preparing to play Marquette, and we have to play with the players we have. We’ve had to deal with these issues before, and our guys have handled it with class.”

“We’re all just going to have to step up,” sixth-year senior forward Julian Gamble said. “Hopefully, we get him back for the Final Four.”

Johnson’s big body would have been a differance maker against a Marquette team that prides itself on being physical under the basket.

One of Miami’s strong suits is that on any given day you never know which name is going to show up and steal the show.

Look for coach Larrañaga to have the Hurricanes ready to roll.

The post Miami Hurricanes Reggie Johnson out for Sweet 16 appeared first on Players View.

According to the Syracuse Post Standard, the program has received a  letter of preliminary inquiry from the NCAA.

NCAA officials have held in-person queries with both current and former Syracuse employees over the past year.

The nature of the investigation reportedly centers around how the school dealt with center  Fab Melo’s academic eligibility and  the 2007 alleged sexual assault case involving three players.

Melo was a last second scratch from the 2012 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament due to academic reasons.

He later declared for the NBA draft and is now a member of the Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, point guard Michael Carter-Williams says his team will not let it get to them.

“I don’t have any idea what it’s about and I’m sure my teammates don’t know anything or I would have heard,” Carter-Williams said. “To be honest, we are going to avoid any distractions and just focus on our game. When you get to the tournament, no games will be easy.”

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim chalked it up to being more of the same treatment that the program has grown used to.

“Same story they had last year at this time,” Jim Boeheim said Wednesday. “I guess that’s annual. I guess next year we’ll get it again.”

Considering the darker side of this investigation, Boeheim should have known better than to be publicly flippant with his remarks.

If and most likely when formal charges are brought against Syracuse, those words will be replayed over and over and over again.

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Check out this video where REESE’S  Joe Bland dives into the Kentucky Wildcats’ award-winning cheerleading program, the secret inner sanctum of the Duke Blue Devil’s mascot and their pep leader Mr. Stephen and the Florida Gator’s super-fan known as “The Moose” who shows off his green swim trunks that he uses to distract free-throw shooters with.

You can see more of this kind of stuff at Let’s Go Reeces and enter to win a trip to the Final Four.

The post Video:Inside the hoops traditions of Duke,Florida and Kentucky appeared first on Players View.

The number one seeds as expected are the Kansas Jayhawks, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Louisville Cardinals and Indiana Hoosiers.

Neither the Miami Hurricanes (ACC Champion) nor Ole Miss Rebels (SEC Champion) earned a number one seed despite heavy competition in their respective tourneys.

Players View has a series of forecasts forthcoming this week, but for now, print these out and get to work.

The completed bracket does most of the heavy lifting for you.

If you prefer a blank bracket, we have you covered there as well.

Completed Bracket

Blank Bracket

The post Printable complete & blank 2013 NCAA basketball brackets appeared first on Players View.

The Miami Hurricanes took some time at the end of a spring football practice to record their own video of the spastic dance craze.

Check it out.

The post Video: Miami Hurricanes football team does the Harlem Shake appeared first on Players View.

The Texas A&M quarterback recently opened up on the attention that he’s received for his wild ways and how he got himself into online classes during an interview with 790 The Ticket in Miami.

When asked if he would do anything differently Manziel was firm in his answer.

“No sir, I don’t think so,” Manziel responded. “I’ve just been enjoying some time off and enjoying all the hard work that we put in during the season. For me, there’s not really anything that I’d go back and change. I’ve learned a lot from every situation that’s gone on in my life and will continue to do that moving forward, but the main thing for me is just enjoying everything.”

Did any of the attention catch him “off-guard?”

“Not a whole lot,” he said. ”Just some of the reactions with some of the things that have gone on in my life that have just blown up to such a national level is something that’s been eye-opening to me. … Photographs being out in some places and then I got a speeding ticket not too long ago, just driving back from Miami and that made ESPN somehow.”

Manziel went onto to discuss how his new life has and has not changed him.

“There’s different instances where life’s different for me,” he stated. “Around my family, my friends, my teammates and coaches and all these guys, things aren’t any different. But outside, in the general public … life is a lot different, for sure. … It’s really cool, just to see how my life has changed from where I started to where I am now. I’m so blessed to be on this ride that I’ve been on.”

Through it all, he says that he wants to remain humble when asked if it is hard to do so.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “For me, I’ve known that without an enormous amount of people last year, my individual success would be nothing. I feel like I get to benefit a lot from the other people around me.”

So about those infamous online classes.

“For me, it was just something that, in my major, it allowed me to use online classes that are needed for me to get my degree in sports management,” Manziel said. “When I looked at it and when I set it up, and just how all the hype and everything coming off the Heisman … it was just good to get a chance to be not on campus … and being able to be at our academic facilities and be able to do my work and make sure I’m still focusing on my schoolwork.”

He also feels good about making his school $37 million last season.

“It’s great for the school,” he said. “That’s my first thought. I don’t have any comment or anything on if student-athletes should get paid or anything like that, because I’m just happy that it’s doing some good for the university. … It doesn’t really bother me. It’s just how the NCAA rules are set up and you have to obey the rules.”

It’s hard to be bothered when you are living the casino life. But hey it is what it is.

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As with anything, athletes are not immune to shaping the culture. These 10 videos represent a cross-section of the most relevant, imaginative and hilarious shakes available.

There are certainly more to come but in the meantime, this is the creme of the crop.

#10 Denver Nuggets

This effort was led by JaVale McGhee  and is one of the latest entries into the dance party.

It has all the elements of a classic Harlem Shake routine. It’s starts off with an ambivalent cast of characters and it quickly melts into a furious run of oddball movements and pop culture references.

While not very original, it was executed fairly well and for that it earns the 10 spot.

#9 NFL Draft Prospects

While preparing for the NFL Draft, this group of prospects got together to let it all hang out.

Watch out for Santa Claus and the soccer ball.

#8 Manchester City Soccer Team 

Wow. The champs know how to weave international and domestic pop culture references into one hot mess.  Whomever that is at the bottom of the rolling cart with the diaper on needs counseling.

#7 Kansas Jayhawks Basketball 

These kids got coach Bill Self to draw up the perfect intro play to their dance of the bizarre.

Shout out to the Roman gladiator.

#6 Ferris State Hockey 

There is only one thing that matters here. Gumby is in the house.

#5 Nebraska Cornhuskers Football

The first day of spring football yielded this one.

The setup was classic. A spurned player going off as the next play sets up was a smooth intro.

The first act was the best act.

#4 Toronto Raptors 

It’s all about the remix. The Raptors provided a 2-for-1 special that was longer and funnier than most.

#3 Oregon Ducks 

Watch for the pause and kudos for somebody finally thinking about the feelings of the Kool Aid Man.

#2 Miami Heat 

The attention to detail is why the Heat’s shake is easily the most popular on the internet.

LeBron James is in costume as King James. Mario Chalmers is Super Mario, the Bird Man behaves like a  bird.

Chris Bosh however failed to embrace his inner dinosaur.

It should have been number one. Except…

#1 UGA Swim Team 

The Bulldogs called up Captain Nemo and pulled the trigger on the most creative and most likely the hardest shake video to pull off yet.

The post The top 10 Harlem Shake videos: sports edition appeared first on Players View.

An NFL-caliber cornerback has to have swagger but he also has to have some common sense.

According to the league’s website, the man known as Honey Badger has lost his mind.

“I feel like if I was to check somebody like a [the Detroit Lions]Calvin Johnson, he’ll make his plays, but I’m definitely going to get mine, too,” Mathieu said. “He’s going to catch his five balls, but I’m going to get my two turnovers, so we’ll be even.”

Since his most recent arrest for marijuana possession Mathieu has stated that he has cleaned up his act and remained sober.

That kind of statement makes you question his sobriety.

It’s not just the size advantage that the 6’5 Johnson has over the 5’9 Mathieu.

There are plenty of big bodied receivers that flamed out ( shout-out to Roy Williams).

Johnson is the best at what he does and will go down as one of the best to ever do it.

To have his name fall out of Mathieu’s mouth is crazy.

This is especially true in light of the fact that he has not played football in a year.

So yes he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash.

But Megatron?

C’mon now.

Sound off.

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The crazy thing about it is that it was the normally sluggish offensive lineman that were proving that they are fleet-footed.

Terron Armstead exploded out of the gate early with a 4.71 40-yard dash time that was not topped by anyone in his group.

The Arkansas Pine-Bluff prospect did it weighing 306 pounds.

I don’t know about you but I don’t want that freight train coming at me with that much momentum.

Armstead may have punched his first-round ticket with teams that have mobile quarterbacks that need a tackle that get to the second level in a hurry.

The tight ends were as advertised

. Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert continues to steal the show at this position. If Atlanta can not get their hands on the middle linebacker that they want and desperately need, look for them to make a play for Eifert to replace Tony Gonzalez even if Tony G. returns in 2013-14.

Once again measurable are not everything as Alabama’s offensive lineman Chase Womack proved. He may not have tested well in many of the drills but you can’t deny that he is a top 5 prospect.

Manti Te’o's press conference was about what everyone expected. Defense does not hit the field until Monday but Te’o created a media feeding frenzy when he took questions on Saturday.

He failed to go detail about the he said/she said/he thought/he said ordeal but he was clear in stating that he wants to place the mess behind him and solely talk football moving forward.

My takeaway was that he’s nuts if he thinks that he’s heard the last of the most scandalous story that sports has seen in some time.

My gut feeling is that he is still hiding something but my feelings don’t count. Let the kid play ball and deal with whatever all of this is behind the scenes of his own life.

On Sunday the skill players suit up. 

We will recap shortly after the day ends.

Follow us @PlayersView for in-the-moment reactions to Sunday’s workouts.

The post NFL Scouting Combine 2013: Day One Recap appeared first on Players View.

As the Super Bowl’s confetti memories fade to black, fans start to plot and scheme about what their teams needs are and who they favor in the upcoming draft process.

Players View has a series of day-by-day previews. Follow us on Twitter @Players View for instant analysis over the weekend. We will recap the events of each day as well.

Quarterbacks: No other group has taken more of a hit this year than this group. The quarterbacks normally get the most love but in 2013 they are being met with shrugged shoulders and the word ‘eh.’

#1 Geno Smith-QB-West Virginia

Smith gets the most press for one reason and one reason only.

He is the one high-caliber name available that fits into the flash and bang mold of highlight reel superstars such as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton.

He can beat you with both his arm and his feet.

The most impressive thing about Geno Smith is that he improves with each year.

He can take a hit in the pocket and he is very accurate on short-to-intermediate throws.

On the deep ball Smith has the arm strength to get it done yet he is prone to overthrowing open targets on home run opportunities.

#2 Tyler Wilson-QB-Arkansas

Wilson has the most potential out of this group to become a true field general.

He has a rifle for an arm and a nice size for the position.

Wilson won’t be that guy that teams have to scheme for athletically but that’s ok.

On game day his tape shows that he has a will to win.

Teams with traditional systems such as the Arizona Cardinals could do a lot worse than Wilson.

Wilson has some work to do in several areas.

When pass protection fails him he has been prone to coughing up the football.

His extended delivery is another one of his ‘yeah buts.’

#3 Ryan Nassib-QB-Syracuse 

Nassib is one of the newer names to the top 5  party.

What makes him NFL-ready is that he thinks and reacts like a NFL quarterback.

He is already ” there” when it comes to anticipating and delivering on slant routes.

His sense of timing will make him a nice redzone quarterback.

Nassib stands to gain a lot from the process on Sunday as long as he continues to show off his mechanics.

#4 Mike Glennon-QB-N.C. State

Glennon was a high school star so he is not new to the spotlight.

He is another kid riding up the charts but his weird footwork and how he handles a collapsing pocket leaves more questions than answers.

At 6’7 Glennon has no problem with size but he is very, very raw in the accuracy department.

#5 Matt Barkley-QB-USC

Barkley should have been a shoe-in as this year’s Andrew Luck. But a mediocre 2012 campaign that was capped with a shoulder injury dropped his draft stock on its rear-end.

Factor in issues with arm strength and poor decision-making and you have to wonder if Barkley will be the next USC quarterback to join the NFL and crap out.

His reasons for not throwing at the combine are pure.

However, he will certainly leave the gate open for his competition to soar.

*Breakout Candidate* Zac Dysert-QB-Miami (Ohio)

Dysert has played both under center and from the shotgun. He has the tools to light it up on Sunday. Of everyone in his class he is in Players View’s opinion as the most NFL ready for most systems.

His mechanics are off the chart and when he scrambles he’s smart enough to avoid the licks by getting out of bounds.

He may not come from a TV school but the kid has it all.

Running Backs: Like the signal-callers, the running backs are simply ” ok” in 2013. Yet there are a few gems to be had.

#1 Giovani Bernard-RB-North Carolina

Bernard is a guy that fights for the extra yards and has a low center-of gravity.

He has battled some injuries issues but his vision as a ball carrier is serious.

A nice combine will send him on his way to stardom.

#2 Eddie Lacy-RB-Alabama

Let’s be real with ourselves that Lacy will be the first running back selected in the draft.

There is no better collegiate stage that the National Title game and he shined.

He has a lot of positive qualities about him that have given his name a lot of attention.

His greatest strength is that he can run through tackles with ease.

In the NFL the ability to slash through defenders is a running back’s most desired attribute.

That is on tape so Lacy will have to prove in the interview process that he is working on his issues with not seeing open gaps on cutback opportunities.

Whiteboard work can really help move him along although that part of the process is not broadcast.

At 231 pounds Lacy is built to last.

#3 Joseph Randle-RB-Oklahoma St.

Randle can be trusted with the football. That is a huge plus when facing defenders that are trained to strip the football from ballcarriers.

Randle is also a nice blocker that needs to work on his first-step explosion as he approaches the line-of-scrimmage.

When discussing guys that really need to impress on Sunday, Randle is among those names.

#4 Stepfan Taylor-RB-Stanford

Taylor is not a dancer in the backfield.

He is a runner that runs vertically and hits open gaps fairly well.

His problem is that in being such a runner he needs to run through tackles.

He doesn’t break very many and for may scouts that will present a problem.

#5 Montee Ball-RB-Wisconsin

Ball is famous for his off-the-field scenarios but in truth he is just an average back.

In earlier years he may have even been a late round draft pick but we have him slated to go in the third.

What can he do? He is due for a big play on occasion.

What can’t he do? Ball has a hard time creating opportunities for himself.

If the offensive line does not create holes for him, Ball won’t create opportunities for himself.

There is enough tape to bear this out to be true.

He does show flashes of a kid that can be coached up.

He could end up being the steal of the draft if he works hard from day one.

Let’s talk about Patterson’s weaknesses first. He catches with his body a lot and does not have as much D-I experience as some of the other kids in his class.

With that out-of-the-way, the boy can ball. He can stretch the field and gain separation from corners.

It’s not easy to do that in the SEC and look for Patterson to explode on Sunday.

#2 DeAndre Hopkins-WR-Clemson

Hopkins will do well on Sunday in the gauntlet drill.

He runs strong routes and has nice hands.

He has shifty and can block well.

I would not be surprised if leap-frogs Patterson as the name to watch going into pro days.

#3 Quinton Patton-WR-Louisiana Tech 

Patton can snatch the ball in traffic or on the sidelines.

He has nice acceleration and fights for yards after the catch.

These are all things that he does well.

The problem is that he does not have one attribute that he does better than anyone else.

Pound-for-pound he is one of the best prospects out there. But he can not be called a juggernaut in any way, shape or form.

#4 Keenan Allen-WR California

Allen runs down the sidelines like a greyhound with his elegant stride. He is lanky with the size to contest for jump balls at 6’2.

He has had issues with drops but that can be corrected.

He could specialize at being a home run hitter a’la Torrey Smith.

To do so, he must prove he has next level speed during his 40-yard dash.

#5 Tavon Austin-WR-West Virginia

This year’s slot receiver of choice, Austin has talked himself up a bit.

Can he impress with his 40 time?

We’ll see.

The catching drills will prove a lot to most as he has limited prowess thus far on the route tree.

*Breakout Candidate* Aaron Dobson-WR-Marshall

Dobson is a large outside receiver that may not blow people away during the 40 but should turn some heads during the other drills.

At 6’3 he reminds us a lot of Brandon Marshall and has no problem fighting for the football at the highest point.

Watch for him.

The post NFL Scouting Combine 2013: 15 players to watch on day two appeared first on Players View.

On Saturday, word broke that Klein has turned down an opportunity to work out with the tight ends during the NFL Scouting Combine process.

On one hand I understand it.

Klein wants to work out with the quarterbacks on Sunday with 100-percent of what he has available in the tank.

On the other hand, I don’t understand it.

His performance at the East-West game more or less sealed his fate.

To be viewed as nearly undraftable in a quarterback class this light, it would have made sense for Klein to set his pride aside to get in where he fit in.

Klein initially waffled on his decision before finally deciding to stand his ground, according to the Denver Post.

“Collin is excited to work out at the combine as a quarterback to demonstrate to the powers that be he is an NFL quarterback,” agent Peter Schaffer said.

“I want to pursue every door that I possibly can at quarterback and until everyone one of those are close I’m not considering anything else,” Klein said during media sessions.

The post Collin Klein will not work out at combine as a tight end appeared first on Players View.

As the Super Bowl’s confetti memories fade to black, fans start to plot and scheme about what their teams needs are and who they favor in the upcoming draft process.

Players View has a series of day-by-day previews. Follow us on Twitter @Players View for instant analysis over the weekend. We will recap the events of each day as well.

Day One: Saturday: Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends & Kickers

Offensive Linemen: The offensive tackles not only will steal the spotlight within their own category. Look for some of the names listed below to make a case for being chosen number one overall.

#1 Luke Joeckel-OT- Texas A&M

There is a contingent that believes that Joeckel is just to good for the Kansas City Chiefs to pass up with the number one pick.

He stands at 6’6 and weighs 310 pounds and is quick and disciplined.

Joeckel was a big part of the reason why Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel became such a rockstar.

His ability to move to the second level to take out linebackers after he sat down his primary assignment was almost unparalleled during the 2012 season.

Joeckel uses his hands well. Once he gets placed within a NFL-quality strength & conditioning program, he will become an elite problem for opponents.

#2 Chance Warmack-OG-Alabama

Standing at 6’2 Warmack is normally a bit small to bid for an elite spot in the NFL on the offensive line.

However, the kid is a bulldog in both his durability and his relentless nature.

Playing in the hyper competitive SEC should cool many fears about his size.

Warmack has a lot of power in the lower half of his body.

He is also a very disciplined player that does not miss very many assignments.

He will not have the quickest feet at the combine.

He will however impress with his tenacity, intelligence and proper technique.

#3 Eric Fisher-OT-Central Michigan 

Fisher has a nasty attitude that makes up for his perceived lack of upper body strength.

His reps during the weight room part of the show will tell the story about how hard he has worked in the off-season.

If he has packed on a little more muscle on to his 6’7  frame, he could potentially hop scotch Joeckel as the highest rated tackle heading into the pro day season.

Fisher is incredibly quick and has the potential to grow into a monster.

#4 D.J. Fluker-OT-Alabama

At 339 pounds, Fluker is a big boy. He uses his size well. Watching some of his 2012 tape, I was mostly impressed with how easily he handles the bull rush.

He sets a nice foundation and he does not let his hips get contorted out of position when setting the pocket.

A nice word for Fluker is balance.

#5 Johnathan Cooper-OG-North Carolina

Pass protection is Cooper’s specialty.  He will show off his mirror skills, shifty feet and superior arm extension on day one.

His most impressive trait is his almost instant recovery speed which allows him to mask mistakes as if they never happened.

*Breakout Candidate* Lane Johnson-OT-Oklahoma 

Each year there are players that jump off-of-the-screen in their category and climb into the front of everyone’s thought process.

Lance Johnson could very well become that dark horse for the offensive linemen.

The former tight ends has pretty big mitts for hands and used his ability to punch and move to handle his business at Oklahoma.

Those familiar with the combine process are aware of the mirror drill that pits candidates in direct competition with each other.

Johnson’s shifty feet, wingspan and hand skills will help him push forward if he can turn in a nice 40 time.

Book it.

Tight Ends:  The top three tight ends of the year are considered to be the measuring stick for this group. A deeper look may prove otherwise.

Tyler Eifert-TE-Notre Dame

Eifert reminds me a lot of the New Orleans Saints playmaker Jimmy Graham.

He is tall and lean and comes down with tough catches that make games count.

His style of play does not make him the best blocker in the world.

Its obvious that he will need to work on becoming a better inline blocker to help any NFL team run the football.

#2 Zack Ertz-TE-Stanford

Ertz stepped in for Coby Fleener last season and did a solid job.

He is used to the spotlight after being a high school star yet fought off injuries at Stanford.

Ertz is not a stud blocker or receiver.

He does everything well yet does nothing great.

He is the best all-around prospect in the process.

And there is nothing wrong with that.

His route running is strong and only lacks elite speed.

#3 Jordan Reed-TE-Florida

Reed needs a strong combine during both the interview process and on the field to make up for some lost ground.

The former Gator was used as a Swiss Army Knife and never sold anyone on what his identity is as a tight end.

How he was used within the Gators’ scheme is largely not his fault.

His behavior was.

Figure in a serious reputation for having a bad attitude and you have a kid that oozes talent that already has a lot to prove.

Coming into last season we predicted that Reed would dominate at his position and that potential is still there.

He needs to use Saturday as an opportunity to prove that he can do what fellow-Gator Percy Harvin did when he landed with the Vikings.

Don’t be surprised if he does well that a team won’t try him as a slot receiver as he really can’t block at all.

#4 Travis Kelce-Tight End- Cincinnati 

If you are looking for this year’s Rob Gronkowski, Kelse is your guy.

He stands at 6’5 and weighs 255 pounds and has no issues with blocking or running folks over when he catches the ball.

Kelce may not have the star power to hit the clubs with LMFAO but on the field he is similar to Gronk in that he is deceptively fast.

Discipline issues in the past may come back to haunt him if he does not use Saturday as a springboard to showcase his talents.

#5 Gavin Escobar-TE-San Diego St.

In the playmaker vein, Escobar was a big fish in a small pond.

He is the most intriguing of the top prospects.

He holds his blocks well, has nice acceleration and can catch balls in traffic.

Escobar brings a lot to the table.

And he also has a lot to prove seeing that he did not spend Saturdays playing against the best that the nation had to offer.

*Breakout Candidate* Vance McDonald-Tight End-Rice

McDonald has the work ethic and the skill set to get his name called a lot during the broadcast.

He is built like a tank yet occupied the vertical threat role at Rice.

He blocks well in space which will bode well for him in the eyes of teams that have mobile quarterbacks.

He will standout if only because he can do things that a lot of guys his size can’t do.

Kickers: There is only a couple of kickers that really stand out.

#1 Dustin Hopkins-K-Florida State

137 touchbacks in three years of play is a nice stat to have.

In 2012 competition Hopkins converted 25-of-30 field goal tries and only missed one extra point.

#2 Quinn Sharp-K-Oklahoma State

Sharp is a duel-threat that has made the rounds as both a kicker and a punter.

Over the past four years he has 220 touchbacks to his credit.

Sharp also has an aggressive side in kickoff coverage and has no problem throwing himself on a body to make a tackle.

There is no tackling drill for kickers but it’s nice to see a kicker get his hands dirty.

The post NFL Scouting Combine 2013: 14 Day One Names To Watch appeared first on Players View.

That loss and the strange story of digital love gone bad are not a major focus on the 24-hour news cycle anymore but they still lurk over his head.

Te’o spoke with USA Today and explained his thoughts on where he stands now and what he hopes teams will focus on during his attendance at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.

“I have to just go out there and perform and all that other stuff is behind me,” Te’o said. “What I did on the field is what I did on the field. I don’t think what I did with this whole situation, I don’t understand how it takes away from what I did on the field.”

The ‘ I don’t understand’ portion is a little naive and I think even he understands that.

However, he does hear the loud whispers that his name is sliding down draft boards.

“As far as my stock dropping or rising, that’s not up to me,” Te’o said. “The only thing I have to do is just do well, run fast, just be myself, be quick.”

The Heisman runner-up deleted his Twitter account for the obvious reasons.

“It’s been a distraction for me,” he said, “so I needed to get rid of it.”

Moving forward, Te’o stated that he does know what he can do differently to improve his situation.

“No, just be more honest,” he said. “I didn’t do anything illegal. I didn’t break any rules, I didn’t hurt anybody. I just wasn’t very forthcoming, as forthcoming as I should have been but in that, I didn’t do anything wrong.

“I have to just be myself. For me, the greatest fault would be to tell somebody something I’m not.

“And when it’s time to do the interviews, just be myself and everything will fall into place.”

More than a few have expressed that if Te’o's story of love won, lost and hoaxed is true, it would be almost impossible for him to trust or love again.

He stated that this would not be the case.

“The worst thing I could do in this whole situation is change who I am that has brought me to this point,” Te’o said.”My trust in people is the same. I’m just more cautious. ”

If he could send a message to each of the 32 teams that can put his name on a draft card, what would he say?

“I just want them to know, whoever picks me just let them know that you’re choosing someone who loves the game,” Te’o said. “I want to be the best at it.

“It’s because of my work ethic that I’ve come this far.”

But will that be enough?

The post Manti Te’o prepares to face scouting combine questions appeared first on Players View.

A lot of times behind these kids are names from the ‘ whatever happened to?’ file.

In the case of Kansas quarterback Collin Klein, his mentor is former Broncos quarterback/enigma Jake Plummer.

Plummer who was both loved and hated by the Mile High faithful faded into retirement in lieu of playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he was traded in 2007.

He told the Denver Post that years of thought and experiences such as coaching high school football have led him to where he is now.

“After taking the time off, the years off, reflecting back on what I was doing, I’ve had many opportunities to do a lot of different things,” Plummer said.

“But it’s funny how it came to be Collin I’m working with right now. “I was watching him his junior year, and I was thinking: ‘Man, this kid just has it. He can run, he’s got great feet, he can throw the ball all around the field.’ I just thought he was one of the top prospects at quarterback I had seen. Then this year he has a great year, scrambling, making plays. … You can’t coach that. And it just came together. It’s funny that it turned out to be him, and that I was just ready to do something like this.”

The 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist stated that he was a bit reserved when the opportunity to work with ” The Snake” presented itself.

“Sure, I was a little anxious at first, just because I didn’t know what to expect,” Klein said. “I knew of (Plummer) as a player, but I just wanted to make sure we maximized our time together, getting ready.

But after the first week, I knew it was right. I knew we would make great progress and he was going to help me, and he has helped me every time we’ve worked together.”

Plummer expounded upon how this relationship has helped him grow.

“The coach-player relationship is unique, and I probably took it for granted when I was playing a little bit,” Plummer said.

“It’s a strange thing when you get out of playing in the NFL. There’s nothing that would make you feel the way the game does. I struggled for a while with that, but I think I can give back something, and the time just felt right.”

The bottom line to all of this is how Plummer experiences will help improve Klein’s chances of starting at the NFL level.

Despite what Plummer may say, Klein is not in many conversations for such an opportunity even in what is considered a weak quarterback class.

“I just want Collin to have success. I want him to feel good about what he can do, where he can go,” Plummer said. “He’s such a good kid. I’m having fun working with him. And he makes all the throws, and he can do some things other guys can’t. Hey, what’s not to like there?”

The post Kansas State QB Collin Klein is being mentored by ex-Bronco Jake Plummer appeared first on Players View.

The West Virginia quarterback is currently considered the top quarterback in the current NFL draft class.

He recently talked up his own ability.

“I believe that I can make an impact,” Smith told 610 Sports. ”I’m not going to say that there are not going to be times where I take my lumps, physically and mentally, because that happens with everyone. So I’m not going to sit here and be naive and say that I will come right in and shake up the game, but at the same time I want to come in, be productive and help my team get wins and that’s what it’s all about.

I’m a smart decision-maker and I understand that the game is about taking care of the ball and I try my best not to put my team in bad situations. I manage field position, I manage down and distance and manage each and every play because that is the job of a quarterback. That’s what I have to do first and foremost. When it comes to practice I’m going to compete every day, whether I’m the starter or not, and let the coaches make the decisions.

And when I get my opportunity to play, I’m going to give it my all and do the things that I’ve been doing my entire career which is put us in a good position to win games at the end.”

Smith went on to state that he was upset by draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.’s statement that there is not a quarterback in this draft class that is good enough to be selected first overall.

“I don’t know what they’re missing,” Smith said.  ”That hurts to hear that because of the work that I’ve put in, but they evaluate and they do their scouting reports just as anyone else does, a fan of the game does. Quite honestly that makes no difference as to what my career will be. Aaron Rodgers was picked later on in the draft; Tom Brady went in the seventh round. If anyone had any type of perfect formula then obviously those guys would have went higher and that’s what it comes down to.

My goal is to be picked No. 1 overall but at the same time, wherever I get picked I’m going to come in with the same mentality, same goals in mind, so I’m not really worried about what anyone says because everyone has an opinion. I respect that. When I hear him say that it’s kind of a bit of added motivation for me because of how competitive I am, but it doesn’t really mean anything at all.”

Geno also believes that regardless of what anybody says, he’s the best in this class.

“Yes I do [believe that I am the best],” Smith said. “That’s no disrespect to anyone, but I consider myself one of the best at what I do. You talk about this class and there are some great guys out there, but my goal is to always separate myself from the rest of the group and my goal is to be the best wherever I am. Once I go to the next level I’m going to compete, going to work, and my goal is going to be to be the best in the NFL. I just want to make sure people know that I have a goal, I have ambitions and I’m going to work until I get there. I’m not a guy who is cocky or over the top with it, I’m a very humble guy, quiet and I keep to myself, but when it comes down to football, this is something that I love to do and quite honestly I want to be the best at it.”

After the fallout from not playing in the Senior Bowl, Smith has decided that he will buck conventional thinking for top quarterback prospects and throw at the NFL Scouting Combine.

“Obviously I’ve been aware of that and it’s just one of those decisions, one situation, where I wanted to go and pretty much solidify that and shut everyone up but my agent, coaches and people close to me held me back on that,” Smith said.

“They can’t really hold me back from going out and throwing; that’s one of my strong suits and I believe that you do well when the lights are on and the combine is a perfect opportunity for me to go out there and showcase my talents. I’m aware that other quarterbacks may not have thrown but those are their decisions.

It’s not to say that they are not competitors themselves, but it’s just something that they came to the conclusion of  with their team of agents and people close to them.

In my case, I made this decision and I told everyone that I’m tired of this speculation and I’m ready to go out there and try to end all of that.”

Geno Smith is saying and doing all of the right things in February.

How he will look 60 days from now is what matters the most.

The post Geno Smith: I believe that I can make an impact appeared first on Players View.

After he graduates high school in Auburn, Alabama, he will move onto to college as the next touted linebacker prospect to attend the University of Alabama. 

That could very easily could not have been the case.

When he was 18-months-old he sustained a back injury while in his mother’s arms as his father allegedly shot her during an argument.

It took 16 years but it seems that justice may finally be served as David Foster, 41 was arrested in Miami according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

David Foster had lived in the Miami area under a new identity after escaping from jail in 1996 after his initial arrest in Randolph County, Ala.

Reuben’s mother Berry Paige stated that she is relieved that the incident that initially left her with a collapsed lung has finally come full circle.

“I’ll be able to relax and not worry anymore. I’m just glad it’s over,” Paige said.

“I was relieved and sad all at the (same) time,” Paige said. “I was relieved because he got caught but I was sad because some of the pain and memories that our kids will have to go through about it.”

As for Ruben’s reaction to all of this, his recent Tweets below say it all.

Tears pooring!!! Never knew him but ain’t nothin like a real father when you keep asking Foster side where your dad at and they lie about!!!

— Reuben Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) February 9, 2013

I knew he was out there but his family had to be hiding him!! I ask about you daddy every time we was… instagr.am/p/Vfgkzmy-is/

— Reuben Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) February 9, 2013

There is so much sadness in this story that it’s hard to even comment on it.

Reuben Foster is the same young man who was at the center of the Auburn tattoo controversy.

He initially committed to play for Auburn and decommitted after they fired head coach Gene Chizik and one of his recruiters.

That left him decorated with a tattoo that he found a use for when he added the name of his cousin Ladarious Phillips just above it.

Phillips played for Auburn yet was killed last June.

That when,where, what and whys of a tattoo are minor now when you look at the challenges that he has faced and will continue to face for the duration of his life.

The post Alabama Crimson Tide recruit Reuben Foster’s dad arrested after 16 years on the run appeared first on Players View.

Collins’ mother Andrea McDonald’s efforts to keep her son in South Florida to play for the University of Miami were apparently foiled when Alex reached out to his father Johnny according to the Miami Herald. 

The NCAA will accept his father’s signature as he is the father listed on the birth certificate.

The governing body requires that a parent or legal guardian sign for anyone that is under 21.

Collins along with various family members spoke at a event put together at a local sports bar to celebrate his signing.

“I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m happy it’s over,” Collins said.

“I didn’t think about going anywhere else because I had my mind set. This is where I wanted to go. I talked to Mom and let her know. I explained myself and we got a better understanding.”

The post Alex Collins has father sign letter of intent; mother hires lawyer appeared first on Players View.

High school players achieve a major milestone as they enlist with college programs that will pay for their higher education.

Each year there is some drama that surrounds a premiere player and his choice of school.

This year’s name on the hot seat is five-star running back Alex Collins.

Collins is a Florida resident and his mother prefers that he attend the University of Miami.

So much so that she allegedly ran off with the paperwork that he was set to fax to the University of Arkansas.

She wants to keep her son closer to home and she will not sign her part of the letter of intent that will ship her son out-of-state.

Collins is one of the best running backs in the country.

Now his future hangs in the balance.

If mama ain’t happy nobody is happy.

According to a story in the Miami Herald, Collins mother Andrea McDonald attended the announcement ceremony at South Plantation High School.

When Collins stated he was headed West, she dipped out.

“She said she didn’t want to sign,’’ Collins’ older brother Johnny said. “I know she preferred him to go to UM. Alex had said he was going to the U, and then all of a sudden he changes his mind. We found out he was going to Arkansas on TV.’’

Regardless of what the deal is, if you are under 21 a legal guardian must sign your letter of intent. Period.

Collins knows his mother. He obviously felt that by making his call in such a public fashion, he would be able to assert his choice and force his mom to go along with his wishes.

Not so fast.

If mama ain’t happy, nobody is happy.

So where does this all stand?

Collins obviously feels strongly about Arkansas.

“I like the fact they run the ball,’’ Collins said. “I personally know the coaches. …I think I can trust them. I feel like they can lead me to where I want to be on the next level, academically and athletically. I feel like if I have a problem in school they’ll provide that extra help to lift me.’

That is cool and every thing but  the deadline to ink with any school is April 1.

Meanwhile back at Coral Gables, Al Golden the coach of  the “U” stated that after Wednesday, spaces on his roster are now as limited as possible.

“I can’t really comment on a specific story percolating, but we have room for about one more [scholarship]. That’s about it.’’

Somebody has to give in this game of chicken.

As solid as Collins may be, this behavior points to a lot of potential headaches that quite frankly coaches and/or administrators do want to deal with for a four-year stretch.

Today’s issue with enlistment is tomorrow’s problem with playing time, ticket requests and so on and so forth.

On top of that both Arkansas and Miami both have their internal clocks set on what player will be next in line to receive Collins’ earmark.

And that date is looming much closer than April 1.

The post Alex Collins mother won’t budge on not signing letter of intent. appeared first on Players View.

The linebacker has been called everything from a sucker to a liar.

After meeting various advisors he came forth in an exclusive off-camera interview with ESPN to state his case.

The primary thing to take away from this is that of course he is denying that he was a part of the sham that tugged at a nation’s heartstrings.

He maintains the claim that he was a victim.

“I wasn’t faking it,” he said. “I wasn’t part of this.”

“When (people) hear the facts, they’ll know,” he said. “They’ll know that there is no way that I could be part of this.”

Gotcha. The Heisman runner-up has put together a patch kit to fill in the holes in his story.

According to the report.

“He lied to his father about having met Kekua, prompting his father to tell reporters that the two had met. Several media stories indicated that he and Kekua had met. Te’o insisted they never did.”

He admitted that he lied to his father.

That opens up a new question.

Why did he lie to his father?

It also drives home the point of if he will lie to his father, what would stop him from lying to us?

Let’s move on.

” He tried to speak with Kekua via Skype and FaceTime on several occasions, but the person at the other end of the line was in what he called a “black box” and wasn’t seen.”

Really? Te’o is selling that he fell in love with a girl that hid in a black box?

Moving on.

Te’o told interviewer Jeremy Schaap that he “catered” his stories so the public  would believe that he “met her before she passed away.”

“I knew that — I even knew that it was crazy that I was with somebody that I didn’t meet,” he said. “And that alone people find out that this girl who died I was so invested in, and I didn’t meet her as well.”

At least he admitted to something. Based on the facts, he had to own up to something.

Of the alleged perpetrator Ronaiah Tuiasosopo and his posse, Te’o was shockingly kind.

“I hope he learns,” Te’o said. “I hope he understands what he’s done. I don’t wish an ill thing to somebody. I just hope he learns. I think embarrassment is big enough.”

Really? C’mon now.

We can all feel how we want to feel about this but we are still left with more questions than answers.

And I for one question not only what was mentioned above but why Te’o refused to allow his body langauge and mannerisms be shown in an on-camera interview.

If this is the best that he can come up with, he should stay quiet.

Stay tuned there will be more.

In the meantime, what do you think?

The post Manti Te’o finally speaks appeared first on Players View.

The now former Notre Dame linebacker is not the first guy to lie about a fake girlfriend.

The male species has been doing that since before we began to stand upright and our knuckles were still dragging on the ground.

He is however the first person to lure a nation into his web of untruth to build himself up as a pillar of virtue, strength and courage.

There is an audience that exists that is choosing to either believe him and his stewards at Notre Dame or give the young man the benefit of the doubt.

Having sat back and avoided adding this topic to Players View for over 24-hours, it can be said with certainty that the kid is lying.

There is evidence that has spewed from his own mouth that he can not deny.

There is evidence that has spewed from his father’s mouth that he cannot deny.

There is evidence forthcoming from the mystery girl whose pictures were used to perpetrate this fraud that will not be denied.

Her appearance on the scene is a matter of when and not if.

You have seen it and if you need a refresher course you can start here at Deadspin.

With the NFL Draft right around the corner, it’s time for Te’o to get paid.

So he can’t tell the complete truth no matter what that may be.

His draft stock will fall only based on how the public perceives this next move.

The kid can ball so that is not his problem.

How he handles his 2013 Forgiveness tour sponsored by the media that helped him build this tower of crap, will decide whether or not he will hold onto his first round status.

We forgave Michael Vick right?

Te’o didn’t kill anything…for real.

No matter what happens now, Te’o is not in the position to be the beacon of truth. He will be a mouthpiece for damage control; nothing more and nothing less.

If he fails he will go into the annals of history as a bigger joke than Brian Bosworth proved to be, albeit for different reasons.

The circle of information on this thing has yet  to complete itself by a long shot. Based on all the bullet holes that exists in everyone’s story, it can be predicted that there are more shocking developments on the way.

The worst of which most likely could drag new names into the spotlight of execution.

Te’o was not the only person that stood to and benefited from his tall tale of triumph over tragedy.

Let’s leave that there for now.

You see if Te’o is telling the truth, then something is still very, very wrong. We as people all own individual habits and manners in which we handle things.

If Te’o is truly a victim of emotional fraud through the digital process, then why is suddenly acting differently than he was before?

What makes this tragedy any different than the one that he felt suffered before?

There is too much on the line to chalk it up to the humiliation factor. In fact, from a marketing angle this is another means of boosting the Te’o brand. You know the dignity in the face of the most embarrassing of odds things.

We’ve seen that movie already. We have seen how he allegedly handles tragedy.

Now as he hides behind statements and Fighting Irish supporters we are seeing how Manti Te’o handles shame. His performance in the BCS title game was soft.

Based on what we know now, the house of cards was already falling. It would have been nearly impossible to step onto the stage and into the spotlight against Alabama and dominate with that on your heart.

Sports can only serve as a refuge for athletes that are in pain when it can shield them from what is painful. The business of football made that game  Te’o's oppressor not his friend.

Why else would he do this?

To win a Heisman Trophy that defenders never win?

Maybe. I know that I sat on my seat and rooted for the kid based on three parts skill and one part circumstance. Maybe the Heisman was a wonderful benefit to a campaign that was designed to boost his draft stock.

What a person or persons are capable of when big money is on the table should never be overlooked. This is especially true when the facts are slapping you in the face with a dirty wet rag.

Yes big money.

A lot of people made big money off of Te’o's motivational skills this season. Watching Te’o's story unwind was akin to watching the inspirational backstories set up by the fine folks at American Idol.

They have mastered the art of finding  a talented kid, emphasizing a painful and/or inspirational segment of his or her life and then packaging it for the masses.

For the better part of six months, Manti Te’o was a true American idol.

There are very pointed questions to be answered.

Te’o made his personal life the world’s business when he sold us this story. A bar has a right to interrogate kids that sneak in with a fake ID.

In the end conspiracy theories are running wild by the second that trail off in a literally hundreds of directions.

A lot of them are not very plausible but they are entertaining.

Somehow, I find myself feeling sorry for the kid. He is just that.

He is a kid.

He is a kid that can tackle.

He is also a kid that can act.

Still, I feel sorry for him.

Not because of an insane desire to hedge my bets in case he is telling the truth.

There is a mountain of evidence that states that this is not the case.

I do so because somehow, someway I can’t shake a certain gut feeling.

When all is said and done it just might come forth that Manti Te’o was naive enough to let himself be used. By who still remains to be seen.

The post The trouble with Manti Te’o appeared first on Players View.

Maintaining the gold standard is proving to be the hard part as each year the NFL Draft annually carves up their roster.

According to Al.com Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban supports the decisions of Dee Milliner, Eddie Lacy, D.J. Fluker, all of whom are entering the draft.

“They’ve been good teammates to the players that they’ve played with, Saban said during Friday’s press conference of Milliner and Lacy. ”They’ve both set a good example with their leadership, how they’ve affected their teammates in a positive way.

And they’ve certainly been very, very effective performers in contributing to the success of our teams,” Saban said. “I think that you guys have gone through the process of what we have set up here in terms of agent education, the whole NFL experience in terms of helping their family and themselves making a good business decision of what they should do at this stage of their career.

“I support what these young men are doing in terms of what their future is, what their future will be. I appreciate what they’ve done for the University of Alabama but we also acknowledge the fact that from a business standpoint, these guys are making good decisions about their future and what they can do.”

Fluker was not in attendance but Saban did confirm that he will collect a check in 2013 after four years of service.

“I’m totally supportive of the decision he’s made,” Saban said. “We’re especially proud of the fact that he’s been here four years, too, and he has graduated. We wish D.J. the very best.”

Lacy spoke with enthusiasm.

“It’s been a great experience for me, my three years being here,” Milliner said. “I’ve become a better man

“It was a hard decision,” Lacy said. “At the end of the day, it was the best decision as far as my family and all of that is concerned.”

As for potential targets the cornerback Milliner won’t make it out of the first round.

Players View’s first mock draft of the year won’t fall until after the day after the Super Bowl.

Until then take note in the idea that Milliner would be attractive to teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The New York Giants, the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.

Lacy is being projected as a second round pick.

With a strong combine/pro day combo it’s plausible to see a team such as The Atlanta Falcons taking him as a late first round pick as Michael Turner’s tread is wearing very thin.

Other teams that could stand to use the explosive back at that end of the first round include the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts.

Don’t be surprised if another name does not drop out of Alabama’s hat before all is said and done.

The post Alabama Crimson Tide star trio to declare for NFL draft appeared first on Players View.

Murray did not announce his decision in a grand press release issued through the university.

He simply popped out a quick tweet on his Twitter account and presumably moved on with his life. 

Blessed to be the QB for the Dawgs, not ready to leave just yet. Time to get back to work & help lead this team to a championship #GoDawgs

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) January 7, 2013

We live in an age where big money and NFL opportunities have changed the landscape of college football.

Thankfully the system has not gotten as polluted as college basketball has.

That is another topic for another day which will come sometime in March.

As for Murray, you hope that the young man with a bucketful of both talent and opportunity does not let fate strip away his chance to cash in at the next level.

I know what I just said.

But you can’t help but ponder guys such as Matt Leinart and most recently Matt Barkley.

Had either of those guys elected to come out one year sooner, their draft stock would have been a lot higher.

Barkley’s shoulder injury and USC’s wash of a season made way for Geno Smith to be the man to watch in 2013.

Murray was quickly becoming a darkhorse first round talent that needed a standout pro day and combine process to convince folks that he had the good to deliver.

This year’s quarterback class is as shallow as they come.

Yet there are plenty of suitors available that need a fresh face to take the reigns.

It was less than 24 hours ago that I told a good friend that if Murray pulled it off, he should send a fruit basket to Seattle Seahawks field general Russell Wilson.

Wilson is the latest guy to shatter the mold of what a NFL quarterback looks like.

That will all have to wait for another year.

Murray is talking about championships in the same manner that Barkley did last year when he elected to stay put.

His coach Mark Richt owes it to that young man to help him reach that goal.

Georgia is losing a pair of defensive stars to the pros.

That program must find a way to find other safety and linebacker help.

You know the drill.

Next man up.

If not, Murray will be forced into a smorgasboard of shootouts in a brutal stretch of SEC games.

For now, applaud the kid for doing the right thing on paper.

Let’s just hope that in 365 days, we’re not using the term ‘ what if?’

The post Aaron Murray will return to the Georgia Bulldogs appeared first on Players View.

If high-profile Oregon booster Phil Knight has anything to say about it, Kelly won’t be going anywhere.

Updated: The NFL Network has reported that Kelley will stay at Oregon.

Push coming from #Oregon booster Phil Knight, I hear. 1 factor pulling Chip Kelly back to Oregon. Eagles, Browns regrouping. No decisions

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2013

There is no telling what the Nike chairman/co-founder is doing to keep Kelly and his high-octane offense at Oregon.

He certainly has the cash and the influence to move mountains.

Either way Knight will benefit from the deal seeing that Nike provides the NFL with their uniforms.

The Chip Kelly Sweepstakes has been electric.

Two days ago it seemed certain that Kelly was headed to the Cleveland Browns.

On Saturday the Philadelphia Eagles became the odds-on favorite to land him.

The Eagles talk even bubbled over to the point that scenarios swirled that pinned Mike Vick to their roster.

The thought process is that Philadelphia is selling a Vick/Nick Foles package to Kelly to do with as he pleases.

This came down the pike late Saturday night.

Just as we dazzled at the thought pf Philly keeping a very expensive Michael Vick onboard, the leader of the Swoosh stepped up.

Chip Kelly’s self-esteem must be at an all-time high.

The post Chip Kelly is being wooed by Oregon booster appeared first on Players View.

By entering the 2013 NFL draft, Bray joins a fairly shallow QB class that will also include Matt Barkley (USC) and Geno Smith (West Virginia).

CBS Sports’ Bruce Feldman broke the story.

Bray has plenty of physical upside.

He’s  6-6, 220-pounds and he has a missile attached to his shoulder.

What he will now have to prove to those that are tempted by his physical gifts is that he can lead a football team.

Quarterbacks coming into the NFL now don’t usually have the time to incubate the way that the did in the past.

Bray’s recent 5-7 record only tells a part of the story.

Bray often fell victim to his own poor choices during key moments.

Sprouting from SEC roots will help.

But Bray’s stock could takeoff if he commits himself to pulling off a sensational pro day and scouting combine double-feature.

It will be this process that will force him to discuss his perceived lack of leadership ability.

Stay Tuned…

The post Tyler Bray will enter NFL Draft appeared first on Players View.

Alabama’s Athletic Director Mal Moore has stepped forward to attempt to clear the air. 

Moore made a variety comments to ESPN regarding Saban and the time he spent as an assistant with the Cardinals in the 80′s.

“For years, when I was with the Cardinals, they’d ask me what it was like,” Moore said. “I’d say it was a little bit different. When I’d go to work, I’d never see anybody. Nobody ever comes to see me. Nobody ever calls. I’d have to think up somebody to call. … I used to tell people, nobody in St. Louis or Phoenix, nobody would ever come by to see us. You know why? Because nobody gives a damn.”

The distaste for what Saban described as the NFL’s “factory”-like environment bonded the two when Saban made his exit from the Miami Dolphins.

After several successful campaigns for the Crimson Tide, the talk is that Saban is ready to once again lace-up his boots and go for the ultimate football prize: The Super Bowl.

Moore feels that’s all just cocktail talk.

“He’s expressed to me on several occasions … that he’s happy here,” Moore said. “He feels very comfortable, and I believe him.

“I just hope that every year he enjoys what he’s doing coaching, and I think he does,” Moore said. “And I feel we support him and his coaches.”

Quotes from Saban himself appeared in the same piece that seemed to echo Moore’s feelings.

“This has been a good thing for my family to be here,” Saban said. “College football has been very good for us. The positive impact that you can have on these young men as players and as people, that’s just something that we really enjoy and something that I learned about myself.

“I really enjoy what I’m doing here right now. I’m getting old now. I don’t think we’ve got too many moves left in us … Hopefully I’ll be able to stay here for a long, long time.”

Saban’s commitment to Alabama technically is set to expire in 2020.

At 61, Saban’s $5.6 million dollars a year makes him the highest paid college coach in the country.

Common sense leans towards him sticking with Bama.

The post Alabama AD says Nick Saban will stay appeared first on Players View.

The defending national champion Crimson Tide used their dominant ground game to impose their will against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half of the SEC title game.

In the end, the game was ultimately decided by two quarterbacks that dueled for the chance to take on top-ranked Notre Dame Jan. 7 in Miami for the NCAA championship.

Alabama’s  AJ McCarron connected p with Amari Cooper on a late, go-ahead TD pass  and No. 2 Alabama squeaked by No. 3 Georgia 32-28.

Georgia was provided with a potentially historic game-winning drive, with quarterback Aaron Murray driving them 78 yards to Alabama’s 8-yard line with seconds remaining.

A bizarre set of circumstances took place that substituted rational thought, saw Murray dump a short pass to Chris Conley 5 yards shy of the goal line as time expired.

McCarron finished 13-of-21 for 162 passing yards with an interception. Alabama’s lead rusher Eddie Lacy rushed for 181 yards and two scores on 20 carries.

Murray completed 18-of-33 passes for 265 yards, one TD and one interception for the Bulldogs.

Todd Gurley racked up 122 yards and scored twice on 23 carries for Georgia.

The video highlights are below.

The post Video: Alabama defeats Georgia for SEC title appeared first on Players View.

James White and Montee Ball combined for seven rushing touchdowns on Saturday.

White rushed for 109 rushing yards on 15 carries, scoring four times, and also contributed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Sam Arneson as the Badgers qualified for their third straight Rose Bowl.

Ball rushed for 202 yards on 21 carries, scoring three times for Wisconsin, which will meet Pac-12 champs Stanford Jan. 1.

The Badgers were playing in the Big 10 title game courtesy of the NCAA suspensions of Ohio State and Penn State.

The Cornhuskers meanwhile, played a mistake-laden game that saw Taylor Martinez throw two interceptions to go with his 184 passing yards, 140 rushing yards and two scores.

The highlights of the affair are below.

The post Video: Wisconsin thumps Nebraska for Big 10 title appeared first on Players View.

The rhetoric only serves to fuel the fire of a Notre Dame team that has found it’s mojo by blowing away doubters all season long.

On Saturday when the Dawgs and the Tide strap up for the right to face Notre Dame, the two teams will stiffen their jaws for what will undoubtedly be a battle of wills.

Offense: Both squads are led by quarterbacks that are well-versed in dominating their opponents and coming through in the clutch.

Alabama’s AJ McCarron has thrown for 2507 yards, 25 touchdowns and two interceptions.  Georgia’s Aaron Murray has thrown for 3201 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Depending on your flavor, you can look at Murray as the guy that is going to take the higher risk for the higher reward with McCarron as the guy who will wait for just the right chance to take his shots downfield.

Both of them have nice arms that can sling the rock but Murray does not have the championship credits to his name that McCarron does.

In the running game, Georgia’s freshman sensation Todd Gurley has 1,138 yards and 14 touchdowns while Alabama’s junior Eddie Lacy leads the Crimson Tide with 1, 001 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Both of these kids are homerun hitters but I do favor Lacy’s pass catching ability out of the backfield.

At receiver Alabama has a breakout freshman of their own in Amari Cooper who could in time become the best receiver in the NCAA. He is averaging 17 yards flat a reception which is incredible.

As impressive as that is Georgia’s Tavarres King is pulling down 20.7 yards a reception.

Defense: The defenders are the 22 young men that will decide this game.

Both groups can score points at a second’s notice but which team is playing better as a defensive unit?

Down the most recent stretch that nod has to be given to the Bulldogs.

Safety Bacarri Rambo has been on a tear as of late. In short he has become a turnover machine snatching three interceptions and forcing three fumbles over the past five games.

Rambo is playing as if he wants to walk in the NFL draft next year hyped as the next Ed Reed.

Georgia’s Jarvis Jones has become a brute force intimidator that has ripped the spine out of quarterbacks that were previously thought to be fearless.

When we look at true defensive playmakers Alabama as a unit is stout but their one true star is Adrian Hubbard.

The linebacker is not their leading tackler but he is their go-to when a big play is generated on that side of the ball.

In this game, timing will be everything.

Side Note: The game can be won in the trenches and Bama mastermind Nick Saban has certainly studied the game tape of Georgia’s sole loss of the year to South Carolina backwards and forwards.

In that game, it was the Bulldogs offensive line folded and that proved to be their undoing.

Prediction: Despite their recent momentum, the Bulldogs will run into trouble with Alabama.

The concern for their ability to pull off the upset is how Aaron Murray will respond when he is taken to the mat for a complete four quarters.

Still, the Players View prediction is that the Bulldogs’ defensive playmakers will make more plays than Alabama’s will be able to muster up.

Score: Bulldogs win 24-17 in an ugly heavyweight fight.

The post SEC Championship Game: Predicting Georgia vs. Alabama appeared first on Players View.

Odds are if you are reading this, you know his story and it is one that is rooted around his inability to control himself and his destructive urges that ultimately shame him out of LSU.

This is not the platform to discuss whether or not his apparent zeal for high grade marijuana is not as bad as people make it out to be.

Instead, look to several incidents one being as recently as last month to curb your enthusiasm as to how successful this kid will be in the big time.

Somebody will take him at some point. He may not get the position that the was going to get prior to all of this foolishness but he will get scooped by somebody that will kick his tires and give him a go.

If he has kept himself even somewhat together since he was jettisoned from LSU’s football program, he has NFL-quality talent as a kick returner and a nickel cornerback.

But as a twenty-year-old that is struggling with saying no to situations that are not a good look for him, how can he come out of this as a success story?

“I am sorry that I was not able to complete my journey at LSU, but I will always support LSU in any way I can,” Mathieu said in a statement. “To my teammates, you are my brothers. You have kept me going. I will do my best to make you all proud of me.”

“I am committed to tackling my personal issues and will work to better myself every day as a man first and only then as a football player. I will always consider myself an LSU Tiger,” Mathieu said.

Let’s look at a few situations that may need his services and point to which one give him the best chance to succeed longterm.

The Detroit Lions –The Lions are desperate for secondary help and improved special teams play. However, their locker room lacks the veteran leadership to guide him amongst his peers.

The coaching staff has shown that they are having a hard time keeping their house in order. For Mathieu this has worst case scenario written all over it.

The Philadelphia Eagles –The Eagles’ secondary will not be the same next year.

Matter of fact, that entire team and coaching staff is about to be gutted. So it’s hard to predict how well he would fit in there, but it’s doubtful that the team will have the structure or the desire to take on such a project as they rebuild.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are an interesting scenario. There are zero big city distractions to steer him away from football and there are a few positive veteran influences in that locker room that can help him out.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tampa is the ideal landing spot for HB. They have a tough-love style coach in Greg Schiano that has very recent college experience.

He knows how to work with young men and get their minds right. If the aging Ronde Barber plays next year, Mathieu will have a mentor at his position that can do for him what Chris Carter did for a young Randy Moss.

Miami Dolphins- The Dolphins need cornerbacks but the city’s nightlife would most likely crush the young man before training camp was over.

The temptation that resides on South Beach is relentless. Coach Joe Philbin seems to operate with a ‘one-strike and you’re gone ‘policy so the Dolphins appear to be his quickest path out of the NFL if were to screw-up.

The Chicago Bears- As stated Mathieu’s best asset as a NFL employee will come in the special teams department.

Prior to his concussion, the greatest-to-ever-do-it Devin Hester seemed to lose a step and has yet to revisit the magic of his past.

The Bears have strong-willed veterans to spare and coach Lovie Smith has can always make use of a shifty corner that blitz.

The Bears are nearly as good of a fit for him as the Buccaneers are.

At least two of these teams will show an interest in him based on what their current needs are now and hopefully he can find himself involved with a group that can help him go to the next level as both a player and as a man.

The post 6 Potential NFL Fits For Tyrann Mathieu appeared first on Players View.

Auburn fans and casual observers often shook their head in awe as it is hard to believe that this team won the national title just two years ago.

That team’s spirit and talent level is so far removed from what Auburn put on the field this season.

Their campaign mercilessly came to an end at the hands of a 49-0 beating at the hands of arch-rival Alabama.

When a situation goes that bad so fast, it makes sense to look at what used to go right.

It’s easy to point to the exit of Cam Newton as the reason for Chizik’s downward spiral.

The counter-argument to that is if you deserve to coach in the SEC your lot should never be maintained by any single player.

If Newton single-handedly handed Chizik a title, then Chizik never should have been at Auburn in the first place.

Looking at his track-record it’s easy to see that as fast as Newton came and went, he did not make Chizik.  But he did hand him the best year of his coaching career.

“After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our football program, I have recommended that Coach Chizik not be retained,” Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said in a statement on Auburn’s website. “President (Jay) Gogue has accepted my recommendation. Earlier this morning, I informed Gene that he will not return as head coach.”

“I’m extremely disappointed with the way this season turned out and I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure,” Chizik said. “In my 27 years of coaching, I have gained an understanding of the high expectations in this profession. When expectations are not met, I understand changes must be made.”

Those changes could have also been spurned on the ongoing NCAA investigation that is heating up regarding the recruitment of running back Jovon Robinson.

Players View will keep you updated on those developments as they transpire.

Video highlights of Auburn’s defeat against Alabama are below.

The post Auburn fires Gene Chizik appeared first on Players View.

It was Kyle Brindza five field goals that made ND’s day as he booted the independent school into a showdown with the winner of the SEC title game that features the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Georgia Bulldogs.

With the victory, the Fighting Irish pulled off a perfect 12-0 season for the first time since 1988, when Coach Lou Holtz led the team to their last national championship.

Check out the highlights of Notre Dame’s big night below.

The post NCAA Video Highlights: Notre Dame downs USC to enter title game appeared first on Players View.

# 25 Washington at Washington State

State is on the ropes and looking ahead to next year.  Washington quite frankly is not much better but they own the mental edge.

# 24 Arizona vs. Arizona State

Arizona’s Ka’Deem Carey is the nation’s leading rusher and he will go head up against ASU’s Will Sutton who is one of the top defensive linemen in the country. It’s a true clash of the titans and State will walk away with the win.

# 23 Kent State vs. Ohio

Kent State is a ranked team.  I hope that feat is enough, because Ohio is about to snuff their status out.

# 13 Oklahoma vs. #21 Oklahoma State

Clint Chelf is 2-0 as the Cowboys’ starter and Oklahoma feels untrustworthy. State for the win.

# 20 Louisville vs. Connecticut

The Cardinals won’t lose this game. They just won’t.

# 19 Michigan at Ohio State

Ohio State’s players have to feel slighted regardless of what their situation may be. They will take it all out on Michigan and win big.

# 18 Rutgers at Pittsburgh

Don’t forget that Pittsburgh almost dropped the number one team in the country. Rutgers won’t survive this dogfight.

#8 Stanford at # 17 UCLA

We could easily see this game again next week as a Pac-12 title game but first things first. In this game, the Bruins will punch the Cardinals ticket as they may not be over their emotional win against USC.

# 5 Oregon at #15 Oregon State

Oregon was humiliated last week just by the fact that that they lost their shot at glory just as they got into the big boy conversation.  The end result is their in-state rivals will feel the wrath of a team that may never be the same if the rumors of a pending NCAA investigation are true.

# 14 Nebraska at Iowa

There is not a team on the field that has zero chance to win a game. BUT this is as close as it gets and Iowa’s losing ways won’t reverse course here.

#11 Clemson vs. #12 South Carolina

Clemson has really come on as of late and the Gamecocks don’t have the mental toughness to stand up to their offensive prowess. Clemson stomps them out.

#4 Florida at #10 Florida State

Florida should win this game but they won’t as their quarterback situation is up for grabs and FSU’s defense is on fire right now. The benefit of a recently light schedule comes to an end for the Gators.

# 9 Texas A&M vs. Missouri

The only thing on the line here is Johnny Manziel’s Heisman bid. He may be late to the party but Missouri won’t do anything to stop him from crashing it.

#7 LSU at Arkansas

LSU earns their BCS Bowl entry against a rival. It doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

# 3 Georgia vs. Georgia Tech

This rivalry is as nostalgic as it gets. It will be a good one as always but the Bulldogs will triumph at the end of it all.

#2 Alabama vs. Auburn

The world’s greatest rivalry doesn’t look like it will be close. Auburn has nothing to lose but pride while Alabama is pushing to stay in the hunt for the big game.  Bama crushes the Tigers/War Eagles.

# 1 Notre Dame at USC

Notre Dame was supposed to be the unranked team playing the number one team in the country. Now that’s been flipped upside down in one of the strangest scenarios in recent memory. To bottom-line this, there is trouble in Trojan country and there will be no upset.

The post NCAA Football: Week 13 Bullet Picks appeared first on Players View.

As the video displays and the latest polls confirm, Alabama is right back in the picture to get a shot at the national title.

They just have to beat Auburn and that team from Athens, GA that is pretty good too.

The post Video: Alabama fans go off after discovering that both Oregon and Kansas St lost during Week 12 appeared first on Players View.

Two teams that fought their way into the national title conversation both shot themselves in the foot a week after their mutual nemesis the Alabama Crimson Tide dropped a game to Texas A&M.

Oregon lost a controversial contest to Stanford that still ejects them from the driver seat after their high-octane offense was anything but.

Kansas State was finally exposed as a team that simply got on a roll after the worst defense in the country limited their production.

To make things worse, Kansas State looked helpless as they watched Baylor slap 52-points on the scoreboard.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Notre Dame ran through Wake Forest in a shutout that places them on top of the pile while SEC titans Georgia and Alabama handed out beatings to Georgia Southern and Western Carolina respectively.

Obviously this all helps Alabama and Georgia  for this week.

Players View is predicting that when the new polls are released on Sunday, that Notre Dame will be number one, Alabama will be number two and that Georgia will be number three.

If an angry USC group can find a way even without Matt Barkley to take down the Fighting Irish, the BCS picture becomes nuts. But that is next week.

This week, it appears that the number two spot in the national championship game will be decided by the SEC Championship Game that will feature Alabama coming out of the west and Georgia coming out of the east.

But as stated that is where we stand this week.

Alabama still has to play their arch-rival Auburn next week and Georgia plays their civil war against Georgia Tech on the same day.

From what we have seen as of late, there are still hearts to be broken and teams such as LSU and Florida are in theory positioned to take advantage of another hair-pulling week if Week 13 offers as many surprises as Week 12 did.

The post BCS poll is set to go nuts after Kansas St, Oregon fall. appeared first on Players View.

Washington is bowl eligible and looking to sneak their way into a high profile scenario. Who wants to play in the Jed’s Auto Parts Bowl?

#23 Texas Tech at # 24 Oklahoma State

The Red Raiders are thinking revenge after 2011’s 60-point beat down. The Cowboys are reeling at quarterback and TT is angry with Seth Doege pulling the trigger. The Red Raiders are coming in for and leaving with blood on their hands.

#22 Rutgers at Cincinnati

Some teams just know how to beat certain teams. Cincinnati has always had Rutgers number and the Scarlet Knights are trying to go 5-0 in the Big East. Rutgers will break the curse on Saturday.

# 21 Michigan vs. Iowa

This one is simple if Devin Gardner starts at quarterback over Denard Robinson Michigan will win. If Robinson returns, Iowa will take their fourth straight unlikely victory from the Wolverines.

# 20 Louisiana Tech vs. Utah State

Simple and plain, Utah State does not have the defense to win this game.

#17 UCLA vs. #18 USC

Nobody predicted that USC’s fall from grace would be so severe that the Pac-12 South title would seriously be up for grabs. This is a winner take all turf battle and Jim Mora Jr. has UCLA believing in themselves. UCLA takes the title.

#16 Oregon State vs. California

What is Cal capable of? That is the biggest question here. The answer is not very much.

# 14 Nebraska vs. Minnesota

Nebraska is firmly in control of the Legends and will take a blue-collar get-in-and-get-out approach to taking down Minnesota.

# 2 Oregon vs. # 13 Stanford

To get the coveted number one spot, Oregon has to molly whop Stanford to win the Pac 12 North.  I suppose we need to leave room for Stanford to upset but not very much.

# 12 Oklahoma at West Virginia

The Sooners will take it to the biggest disappointment in college football.  WV has a lot of soul searching to do after letting themselves go the way that they did.

# 11 Clemson vs. North Carolina State

NC State got it done at home against Clemson last year. However, in a rivalry that has always been one-sided, they are not due for another upset until 2019.

# 10 Florida State at Maryland

After the Clemson debacle, Maryland braces themselves for another ACC annihilation.

#9 South Carolina vs. Wofford

Wofford can only hope to stop the bleeding and keep it respectable.

# 8 Texas A&M vs. Sam Houston State

Spoiler alert…Sam Houston can score points.  I am not predicting that they can win but this one has oddball game written all over it.

# 7 LSU vs. Ole Miss

Ole Miss is fading fast and LSU is ending the year strong after writing the blueprint for beating Alabama.  Tigers get it done.

#6 Florida vs. Jacksonville State

The theme of the week for the most part is David vs. Goliath. That’s nice and all but the underdog has no chance in this one.

#5 Georgia vs. Georgia Southern

For what they are, Southern has a good program but they simply just cannot run with the Bulldogs. Expect Georgia to score often and early.

#4 Alabama vs. Western Carolina

Western Carolina was not happy to witness Texas A&M’s victory over the Crimson Tide last weekend as they knew they would have to pay the price for it. This will be a nasty, nasty game.

#3 Notre Dame vs. Wake Forest

Now that the rubber has met the road, Notre Dame has avoided a slew of serious mishaps to get into the top three. Wake Forest is a well coached group that can stick another thorn in their side and be the team to twist it deep enough for the win.

#1 Kansas State at Baylor

A year ago Baylor could have taken this overrated Kansas State group. But Baylor’s two shiniest toys are in the NFL now and Kansas State is holding off Oregon in the polls bythismuch.  Baylor’s defense be forewarned they are coming to run it up.

The post NCAA Football: Bullet Picks Week 12 appeared first on Players View.

Wilson issued a press statement that will now create a huge swarm of drama for a program that is already somewhat under fire.

It is in its entirety below.

“Dear Cougar Nation:

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to forgo playing football for Washington State University. I realize the school is saying that I am suspended for violating team policies and may return next week, but this is a lie. This is an attempt by the athletic department to cover up what is really happening in that locker room.

“It is been a privilege to be a Cougar, to perform on your field and wear the Crimson and Gray. I would like to thank Washington State University for giving me the opportunity to do what I love most, to play football and receive a quality education for the past three years. I’m grateful to the athletic department for the coaching, care and encouragement I have received prior to this season.

“This was going to be our year. My teammates and I were aspiring to be the winning team you deserve. Unfortunately for all, the new coaching staff has destroyed that endeavor. I believe coaches have a chance to mold players, to shape men, to create greatness. However, the new regime of coaches has preferred to belittle, intimidate and humiliate us. This approach has obviously not been successful, and has put a dark shadow on this program.

“My teammates and I have endured this treatment all season long. It is not “tough love”. It is abuse. This abuse cannot be allowed to continue. I feel it is my duty to stand up and shed light on this situation by sacrificing my dreams, my education and my pride. I resign from this team. I am deeply sorry to those I am letting down. I am not a quitter. I was raised by my family, and many previous coaches to exhibit dedication and embrace sacrifice, but there comes a time when one has to draw a line in the sand.

“Lastly, I thank my fellow teammates, those who also have left the program this year, and those we are leaving behind. I hope our departure will bring awareness to the physical, emotional and verbal abuse being allowed in the locker room and on the field. I pray for healing and recovery for all those who have been hurt by this treatment

Sincerely,

Marquess Wilson

The missive hits home and we should not be quick to write the young man off as an ill-tempered hothead that refused to do what he was told to do.

Wilson was suspended for allegedly walking out on a conditioning session which is certainly the environment to inspire a “last straw” reaction from someone that feels as if he has been abused.

Folks, this is not the old days when coaches can get away with beating down players both physically and mentally.

Players View is not accusing Mike Leach and his staff of anything; however it is now their responsibility to answer these charges.

The post Marquess Wilson charges Washington State with abuse as he quits program appeared first on Players View.

# 24 Northwestern at Michigan

Northwestern is in the hunt for the Legends title and injuries be damned there’s not much Michigan will be able to do to get in their way.

# 23 Rutgers vs. Army

The loss to Kent State is still hanging in the air as thick as syrup and Rutgers now has to figure out to stop Army’s running game. Good luck with that.

#22 Texas Tech vs. Kansas

Sometimes you just have to be brutal. The Red Raiders are going to wear the Jayhawks out.

#7 LSU vs. # 21 Mississippi State

After cominthisclose to beating Alabama in Death Valley last weekend, LSU will either be emotionally drained or charged in this one. Look for them later to be the case.

# 20 Louisiana Tech at Texas State

These two team s have never hooked up but LT quarterback Colby Cameron is playing at a very high level right now. This won’t be even close.

# 19 USC vs. Arizona State

There were moments that USC didn’t even appear to be in Oregon’s class last Saturday. Arizona will pay the price for the frustration that is born from that loss.

#18 UCLA at Washington State

UCLA is on the upswing and their opponents are headed in the opposite direction. The Bruins will take another step forward.

#17 Texas vs. Iowa State

Texas will do as well as David Ash does. It’s that simple. His confidence is growing and that will be too much for Iowa State’s defense to handle.

#16 Nebraska vs. Penn State

Penn State has fought a noble fight in the aftermath of the unthinkable this season. Nebraska will shut the gate on them with a thud.

#1 Alabama vs. # 15 Texas A&M

Do not think that for one second that the Aggies can’t take out the Crimson Tide. LSU put the film out there and we’re picking that the number one rated offense in the SEC will take advantage of it.

#11 Oregon State at #14 Stanford

Two teams that are really fighting for the number two spot in the PAC-12. Look for Stanford to live up to the moment.

#13 Clemson vs. Maryland

Yikes. Clemson will make this look like a scrimmage game.

# 12 Oklahoma vs. Baylor

RG3 has left the building. Oklahoma wins big.

#9 Louisville at Syracuse

This would be a different set of circumstances if this were basketball but it’s not and Syracuse will need to fight just to keep it respectable.

# 8 South Carolina vs. Arkansas

Bobby Petrino is gone so its within good taste to give the Razorbacks the benefit of the doubt again. Prediction is that the Gamecocks will get caught slipping after an emotional bye week.

#6 Florida vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

The Gators don’t have much to worry about this weekend. LL provides them an opportunity to work out a few kinks in their aerial game.

# 5 Georgia at Auburn

Auburn vs. Georgia is always a close game. The bitter feelings between both teams never seems to fade regardless of how many classes of kids graduate through this rivalry. Georgia will get past the War Eagles but it won’t be by very much.

#4 Notre Dame at Boston College

The Fighting Irish will keep it moving after a heart attack triple overtime affair last weekend with Pitt.

# 3 Oregon at California

The Ducks are clicking on all cylinders right now. This will be the week they move into the number two spot.

#2 Kansas State at TCU

Can TCU take down the feel-good story of the year? No.

The post NCAA Football: Week 11 Top 25 Bullet Picks appeared first on Players View.

#25 Louisiana Tech vs. UTSA

Terry Bradshaw’s alma matter is fighting to solidify its WAC standing against a faltering UTSA group. LT will run away with this one.

#2 Kansas State vs.  #24 Oklahoma State

Kansas State is the new sexy pick in the BCS standings.  That does not mean that they are suddenly invincible. Upset special as the Cowboys will get the duke.

#18 Texas Tech vs. # 23 Texas

Texas’s freshman phenom Jonathan Gray will tear up the turf against Texas Tech’s defense. Still without linebacker Jordan Hicks, Texas is not the same unit. TT will take it to the air to win via their vertical game.

#22 Arizona at UCLA

UCLA has flirted with chart legitimacy this year but Arizona has proven that they can stomp out bigger dogs. Arizona in a close one.

#21 West Virginia vs. TCU

Two Big 12 rookies go head to head in a match that earlier in the year we predicted would go TCU’s way. That was before scandal came to town and changed everything. WV will get back on track.

# 20 Nebraska at Michigan State

Nebraska has a powerful offense headed up against a stout defense. Normally defense wins such clashes but Nebraska will find a way to squeeze enough points out of this one to get it done.

# 19 Boise State vs. San Diego State

SDS is riding high right now but Boise is at home. Always go with Boise at home.

#4 Oregon at # 17 USC

There was once a popular rapper from Georgia named Bubba Sparxx. His big hit was called “Ugly.”  Oregon will make this game…ugly.

#15 Mississippi State vs. # 16 Texas A&M

The last team with the ball should win this game. But in the interest of making a pick…Aggies will come out on top.

# 14 Stanford at Colorado

As the most overrated team in the Top 25, Stanford has managed to eek out improbable victories. This one won’t be that kind of party as they will handle Colorado with ease.

# 13 Clemson at Duke

Duke will dust themselves off after an embarrassing defeat but they won’t play well enough to win.

#11 Oregon State vs. Arizona State

The Beavers are running with a new quarterback and Arizona State is still dealing with a dose of heartache after losing a heartbreaker against UCLA. AS will win this statement game

#10 Louisville vs. Temple

A cakewalk game for the red birds.

# 7 Florida vs. Missouri

We have said it all year that Mizzou is not ready for SEC action. An angry Gators team will prove that point to be truthful once again.

# 6 Georgia vs. Ole Miss

 UGA is coming off an emotional win over their greatest rival in Florida.  Ole Miss is not a joke despite their ranking and this one has the makings of a trap game. The game is between-the-hedges so Georgia will get the win.

No. 1 Alabama at No. 5 LSU

 Can LSU pull this off in Death Valley?  Yes.

No. 3 Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh

 Notre Dame will drop this trap game to a Panthers team that is coming on and has their number.

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Having attended the affair, it can be said will all sincerity that the Cocktail Bowl is a southern slice of sin unlike any other.

Although it’s a tradition that future prospects will headline, UGA athletics director Greg McGarity told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that he won’t invite football recruits to the affair.

In June, the SEC amended the rules to allow member schools to give complimentary tickets to prospects when they are the “home team” at a neutral site.

“I think the NCAA rules come into play on the decision that both institutions have agreed up because you cannot have any contact with any recruits … none of our football coaches or recruiting staff (because the game is at an off-campus location),” McGarity said.

“In essence, the only thing you would be able to do is have a ticket office staff member provide the recruit with a ticket to the game. My decision is based on the same theory, same justifications, and same reasons that we’ve had all along.”

Being that both Auburn and Alabama took advantage of the rule does not sway Georgia one bit.

“No, the Alabama and Auburn situations didn’t make me look at our decision any differently,” McGarity said. “The bottom line is this: If you can’t even communicate or talk (to the recruits), they are basically just getting a ticket to the game and going up in the stands, just like any fans.

“In our case, with the game being such a hard ticket, I don’t think either school is in a position to take tickets from people that have been attending that game for a number of years, as well as your student body. “

There is some truth to those words but there also has to be that idea that the school does not want their potential high school age investments getting faded and/or being terrorized amongst the revelers without any sincere school guidance.

Georgia has endured enough controversies in a similar regard and McGarity is certainly not trying to play chicken with fate.

The post Georgia will not allow recruits to attend Florida game appeared first on Players View.

This video report breaks down the probability of such an occurrence and what teams such as Oregon and Kansas State will need to do to make sure their number is called as they move forward.

The post Video: Will 2012 see the end of the BCS? appeared first on Players View.

Clemson safety Jonathan Meeks wins ACC Defensive Back of the Week as he led the Tigers up one spot to number 18.

Duke quarterback Sean Renfree’s last second heroics earned him ACC Offensive Back of the Week honors.

Renfree’s highlight pushed Duke into bowl eligibility for the first time since 1994.

Check out all of these moments and more in the video below.

The post Video Report: ACC teams on the move as Clemson, FSU and Duke make waves appeared first on Players View.

LSU’s Jeremy Hill’s 50-yard touchdown run with 5 minutes was the definitive dagger in the heart of the Gamecocks who were starting to look like they could contend for the national title.

This video has all of the game’s highlights.

The post Video: South Carolina vs LSU Highlights appeared first on Players View.

#25 Michigan at Illinois

Michigan has a lot to prove to even merit their inclusion on the polls. Look for a dominant win against Illinois.

#24 Boise State at Fresno State

Boise always wins the turnover battle when these teams meet. That equals victory.

#22 Texas A&M at #22 Louisiana Tech

Texas A&M’s offense will simply score and score again on Louisiana Tech’s leaky defense.  This will get bad quick.

#21 Cincinnati at Fordham

This could be a trap game but it won’t. Cincinnati gets a large win in a turbulent week.

#20 Rutgers at Syracuse

The games in this series can be tight. This won’t be as Rutgers continues to fight for their pride.

#19 Mississippi State at Tennessee

Tennessee will shoot down the Bulldogs in what will technically register as an upset.

#18 Louisville at Pittsburgh

The facts are the facts and until Louisville can figure out how to beat Pitt after dropping four straight to them, I’m picking the Panthers.

#7 Notre Dame at #17 Stanford

The Fighting Irish will kick the Cardinals right out of the polls. This will be bloody.

#13 Oklahoma at #15 Texas

The Texas defense will rebound after last week’s shocker and eek their way back into the Top 10.

#12 Florida State at Boston College

Boston College can technically put a fight but they won’t against a mad Seminoles team. FSU will take it by a large margin.

#11 USC at Washington

After struggling against Utah for a moment, the Trojans must crush Washington to be deemed legit.

#10 Oregon State Brigham Young

The loss of Sean Mannion will catch up with Oregon State. It just won’t happen this week

#3 South Carolina at #9 LSU

I hope South Carolina enjoyed their moment in the sun. LSU’s win over them is about to make the SEC picture very interesting.

#8 Ohio State at Indiana

Indiana has the worst rushing defense in the land. They are facing Ohio State’s blazing quarterback Braxton Miller. Good luck with that…

#6 Kansas State at Iowa State

Iowa State loves to play spoiler but that won’t happen here.

#5 West Virginia at Texas Tech

Two words: Geno Smith. Three Words: Texas Tech loses.

#4Florida at Vanderbilt

Another potential trap game. Florida is playing well and this one will be close. It just won’t be close enough for a Gator’s loss.

#1 Alabama at Missouri

The Crimson Tide will put on a clinic to prove that Missouri has no business playing in the SEC. Yeah I said it.

The post Week 7 NCAA Top 25 Bullet Picks appeared first on Players View.

TCU’s starting quarterback Casey Pachall has been suspended indefinitely after he caught a DUI charge on Wednesday.

TCU coach Gary Patterson announced the move in a statement to The Dallas Morning News.

“Casey Pachall has been suspended indefinitely from competition. My job as a head coach is to win games, educate our kids and help them with their lives.”

This is the hardest blow that the undefeated Horned Frogs could have taken.

As a player Pachall has been nearly flawless on the field. As a person? Obviously not so much.

Pachall left the program no other choice especially in light of the drug bust that took place earlier this year that also impacted their roster.

Pachall was intertwined in that mess and admitted to testing positive for marijuana and doing the designer drug ecstasy and cocaine.

At that time he made what we now know was an insincere public apology.

“I truly do apologize for what’s been said and done on my behalf,’’ Pachall said. “I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from those mistakes and I’m still learning. It’s a day-to-day process of trying to be a better person and trying to be a better role model and leader for this team, and this community and this university. I’m trying on a day to day basis to be that person.’

The self described leader for his team has them sitting in a pretty big hole now.

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“The MRI indicated that both Dee and DeAndrew sustained knee injuries that will require surgery and they will be out for the year,” Saban said in a statement.

White had really come on this year as the x receiver in Nick Saban’s offense often providing key catches in traffic.

Alabama has plenty of depth at the position but White is the rare triple threat of size, speed and hands.

White went down after his first grab in Saturday’s win over Ole Miss. He was carted off the field and later returned in street clothes which pretty much confirmed that his knee injury was serious.

The redshirt sophomore was standing out amongst a young group of pass catchers that must get along without his breakout potential.

Freshman Amari Cooper who leads in receptions will certainly see more targets as will junior Kevin Norwood.

Hart lost his season while returning a punt during the fourth quarter. This is the second season-ending injury for Hart who was unable to compete in 2011 due to his original knee injury.

The pair makes the fourth and fifth Crimson Tide players to be lost for the year. Freshman wideout Chris Black, junior running back Jalston Fowler and junior safety Jarrick Williams were also lost previously this year.

There is no doubt that Alabama is the nation’s reigning powerhouse but if the injury bug continues to chip away at their depth, thin ranks could impact their 2012 campaign.

The video below features highlights of the Alabama vs. Ole Miss contest.

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Redd rushed for 158 yards and a score on 21 carries.

Matt Barkley completed 22 of 34 passing attempts for 192 yards and two TDs.

The win is a rebound win after USC fell out of the AP Top 10 last week after losing to Stanford.

The post Silas Redd powers USC past California appeared first on Players View.

Tech’s touted offense found themselves drowning early after Miami jumped out on top of the proceedings early.

This video breaks down the rest of the details including a thrilling overtime win.

The post Miami shoots down Georgia Tech in overtime appeared first on Players View.

Before the game if it was known that Brett Hundley would throw for 375 yards, the 19^th ranked Bruins would certainly be predicted to win.

The video below features a deeper breakdown.

The post Video: Oregon State shocks the 19th ranked Bruins appeared first on Players View.

McCarron finished with 212 yards on 15-of-25 passing efficiency for Alabama.

Alabama’s defense was also part of the story holding the Owls to only 110 yards of total offense.

FAU’s sole score came on a garbage time fourth quarter touchdown when quarterback Graham Wilbert hit Alex Deleon on a 6-yard pass.

The post Video: Alabama handles FAU with ease appeared first on Players View.

According to the Sacramento Bee, a Hampton, VA judge issued the order after Vick failed to appear in court to face a driving with a suspended license charge from June 2011.

This is not the same suspended driving charge that eventually cost Vick 10 days in jail back in March.

In that situation he was found in contempt of court charge after he failed to show up for court twice from a 2010 charge.

Vick’s attorney, Lawrence Woodward, told the judge that Vick was unemployed in Atlanta and couldn’t get to court.

Although at one point Marcus worked for his brother, it’s not hard to picture a situation where his blatant disregard for maintaining any kind of respect for life in any way, shape or form could have sent that situation in a wayward direction.

Nothing worse than wasted potential.

The post Marcus Vick is hit with his second arrest warrant of 2012 appeared first on Players View.

They will break these out when they take the field against West Virginia on Saturday. Click any of the icons to launch the slideshow

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What he stated today during an interview with 97.1 The Fan in Ohio will endear him to Buckeyes and cement his legend as a traitor to hardcore Gators.

Meyer appeared on the show to discuss his team’s upcoming contest against UAB this Saturday.

He went through the usual fare discussing what his upcoming opponents have to offer and then the discussion turned to his latest quarterback Braxton Miller.

The sophomore is off to an outstanding start. He’s completed 48-of-78 attempts for seven touchdowns. His quarterback rating is an extremely serious 151.8

He could be as they say the truth.

When asked to compare Miller and Meyer’s prized pupil Tim Tebow, Meyer not only did not shy away from making a comparison, he embraced the opportunity to do so.

“Very similar guys,” Meyer said. “They’re both competitive human beings. They’re both very talented people. Braxton has more talent. Tim is probably more of a grinder.”

Double and let’s rewind.

“Very similar guys,” Meyer said. “They’re both competitive human beings. They’re both very talented people. Braxton has more talent. Tim is probably more of a grinder.”

To be fair to Miller and Tebow, what is about to take place over the next two days or so has the potential to get ugly.

Anything that involves Tebow tends to be very divisive.

From a football perspective, it’s hard to argue with the measureable truth that Miller has more talent at the quarterback position than Tebow does.

From the human perspective, its hard not to take some sort of issue with Meyer for going there.

He as an experienced college football coach is an expert in area of the emotional delicacy of young men that are growing up in front of the entire world.

There are also personal ramifications to be considered.

His relationship with Tebow was so close that at times it felt uncomfortable.

To this day, they reportedly still enjoy a close bond.

He has to know what this comment would spark and truthfully as Miller pulls ahead and builds his own story, the last thing that he needs is Tebow Nation waiting for him to have a bad game to come out swinging.

In Tebow’s case, as the most controversial backup quarterback in the history of the NFL, I’m sure the guy would love to have a day where he wakes up and there’s not some more crap that he has to shake off.

Meyer did not lie but sometimes being brutally honest is just that…brutal.

The post Urban Meyer says Braxton Miller is more talented than Tim Tebow appeared first on Players View.

#1 Stanford Will Have A Hard Time Holding On

The Stanford Cardinals earned their way into the top 10 when they beat USC yet again on Saturday but how long will they stay there?

My guess is not very long as two out of their next three games are against ranked opponents and it’s hard to see the Cardinals pulling that off.

Yes they are undefeated and yes they pulled the now-annul trigger on the Trojans but can they maintain that level of emotion and adrenaline from week-to-week?

#2 USC Still Has A Slim Ray Of Hope

Speaking of the Trojans, some think that their fall out of the top five to number 13 was too harsh of a skid.

The facts are, they lost to a team that they should have beat that allegedly was not in their weight class. It happens.

Ask Virginia Tech who is nowhere to be found now that they lost to Pittsburgh.

Trojan fans should pray for No.3 Oregon to continue to their dominance until November 3^rd. Winning out through that and other contests is their only hope to get back into the conversation.

#3 The SEC Is Still King

The SEC currently has three teams in the top five. If Alabama and LSU maintain their stranglehold on the top two spots until November 3^rd, one of them will get lose ground when they face each other.

As for No.5 Georgia as long as they can beat back challenges from No. 7 South Carolina and N0.14  Florida, they should be able to at the very least hold their ground. Quarterback Aaron Murray is truly leading his team right now.

#4 This Weekend Will Provide Another Shift In The Chart

No.4 FSU has an immediate challenge coming up from No. 10 Clemson this weekend.  Clemson was immediately sparked by the return of Sammy Watkins.

The Tigers have a real shot of taking over the ACC and jumping a few spots in next week’s AP poll if they defeat the Seminoles.

No. 6 Oklahoma has the opportunity to be the team that banishes the rising No. 15 Kansas State back to the lower end of the chart this weekend. Plan on that being the case.

The No. 7 Gamecocks are walking into a trap game against a Missouri team that is hungry for respect.

#5 There  Are Teams At The Lower End Of The Totem Pole That Will Make Noise

There is a lot of pushing and shoving going on at the bottom end of the chart. I like No.17 TCU, No.22 Arizona and N0.19 UCLA’s chances for taking up a higher residency at some point this year.

Its only week three heading into week four but the shuffling of the deck has already begun.

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They now wait for a host of other primarily SEC teams to either take their first knockdown or completely implode.

That and a reign of terror from here on out can get them back into the BCS conversation.

Tonight Stanford fans are elated with the knowledge that they have a real chance of cracking the prestigious top 10 now they have once again knocked off their powerful in-state foes.

USC’s Heisman Trophy hopeful Matt Barkley dripped with mediocrity throwing two interceptions while completing less than fifty-percent of his pass attempts.

It was if the opportunity to purge his team from Stanford’s self-proclaimed ownership of was too much for him to handle.

The eyes of a warrior never lie and at times Barkley looked overwhelmed by the opportunity that was at hand.

His post-game comments were solemn in tone as they should have been.

Stanford’s redshirt junior Josh Nunes did what he needed to do to win and his 37-yard game winning touchdown to Zach Ertz ripped through the air like the dagger that it was.

Football is a mental game that is fueled by emotion.

For a team that is pulling itself out of the darkness, USC as a group could not brush this dirt off their shoulders.

Barkley as a senior can only hope and pray that the two teams meet again in the Pac-12 championship game. Otherwise, he will be NFL bound with a weight on his heart that will never be removed.

Without his nemesis Andrew Luck at the table, this was Barkley’s game to be had.

Stanford missed field goals and truthfully their offense sputtered for most of this game.

The game that was supposed to light a fire under Alabama’s ass has now allowed Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide to kick their feet up and relax for the moment.

As long as they fight on, USC is not doomed just like Stanford is not ready just yet to eat at the big boy’s table.

The post USC’s Matt Barkley fails to topple Stanford yet again. appeared first on Players View.

Driskel also ran for 81 yards, while Mike Gillislee added 115 rushing yards for the Gators.

Trailing 20-13 early in the third quarter, Florida fired off 24 straight points to beat the Volunteers for the eighth straight time.

Tyler Bray was 22-of-44 passes for 257 yards for Tennessee. His two interceptions proved to be the potential difference makers as the Gators turned both mishaps into touchdowns.

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# 1 Alabama at Arkansas

Arkansas lost to ULM. I don’t care how much bulletin board material that the coaches can tack up on the wall; there is nothing that can be said to this Razorbacks group that will inspire them to beat Alabama.

# 2 Southern California at # 21 Stanford

This game means a lot to Trojans’ quarterback Matt Barkley. USC has yet to be seriously tested but they will still nudge out a Stanford team that is on the rebound.

Idaho at #3 LSU

The Tigers lost four players due to academic ineligibility and they will still take their belt off to Idaho.

Tennessee Tech at # 4 Oregon

Oregon needs to stop playing scrimmages. This could be the blowout of the week.

Wake Forest at # 5 Florida State

WF has a weird grip over FSU having won most of their most recent meetings. This Seminoles group is done with all of that and will deliver a statement win.

Florida Atlantic at # 7 Georgia

FAU is so overmatched in this game that we might as well call this a bye week for the Bulldogs. Look for the stands to empty early between the hedges after the hometown crowd witnesses the tail kicking that they came for.

UAB at # 8 South Carolina

Will the potential absence of South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw make a difference in the outcome of this one? It could…but it won’t. Gamecocks get it done whether Shaw plays or not.

# 9 West Virginia vs. James Madison @ Landover, Md.

This has been one of the easiest weeks of college football that I have ever predicted. West Virginia thumps James Madison.

# 22 Notre Dame at #10 Michigan State

The buzz is in the air regarding ND’s move to the ACC that really won’t immediately impact their football program. ND will flirt with victory but Michigan State will pull it out.

Furman at #11 Clemson

WR Sammy Watkins suits back up after a two-game vacation for a drug arrest. His frustration will light up the scoreboard and Furman’s secondary.

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The team will be without Tahj Jones, one of its most adept linebackers for the rest of the year.

Jones is not the only player that coach Les Miles confirmed is on the outs during a teleconference call with the media on Wednesday.

Tight end Tyler Edwards, linebacker D.J. Welter and offensive lineman Evan Washington are also gone for the year.

While it has been confirmed that Jones has been shut down due to academic ineligibility, Miles refused to comment on the nature of the other players that have been removed from the team.

“Those guys will not play this year,” Miles said. “I don’t know if I can tell you specifics.”

It has been speculated that each of these cases are of an academic nature as well.

Miles was also not-so-happy to divulge that sophomore defensive end Jordan Allen will miss the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.

The only thing that you can say is that these kids are student athletes and when they fail to uphold the student’s end of the bargain something has to be done.

The timing is not right for the team and one would wonder why tutoring and other tools were not put in place to avoid such circumstances for four players on the roster.

Until we know more it’s unwise to state whether the school did not do enough to help these young men who have a deep commitment to football or whether these young men failed to head multiple warnings to get their act together.

The climate of the NCAA is changing and it looks as if a genuine attempt to enforce “the rules” may be taking place.

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The cornerback/special teams ace will miss the 2012 season after he tore his ACL during a recent scrimmage for Valdosta State.

Let’s stop short of saying that Reid was the victim of bad luck and dive full on into the fact that he never should have been there to begin with.

After being suspended on August 1^st by FSU for his third and final violation of the school’s drug policy, Reid was forced to play for his hometown Division II school.

There is nothing wrong with Valdosta State and the quality of education that the institution can provide.

However, Reid had a opportunity that was afforded only a select few and he blew it.

It was not enough that he earned a scholarship at a Division I school. It was not enough that he was a starter for a ACC powerhouse. It was not enough that the senior was set to break one of Deion Sanders’ special teams records in 2012.

Greg Reid was such a phenomenon at FSU that since his dismissal, fans have taken to Facebook and created the page Raise 5 For Greg.

The page is meant to rally a sign of support for Reid during FSU’s first game against Murray State.

It is their way of getting closure and saying goodbye to somebody who didn’t stop to think about them or the longterm impact his behaviour could have on his own future.

None of this would be happening had Reid never been arrested by the Georgia State Patrol on  charges of marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license.

According to the Valdosta Daily Times,the severity of Reid’s injury was touch and go initially.

“It is frustrating right now,” coach David Dean said. “He came into camp a little late and he gets injured. I know he is frustrated about it. It was a non-contact deal. He was running down the field and plants and kind of tweaked his knee a little bit. We will find out a little more about him. He went for an MRI (Monday) and he was going to meet with the doctors this afternoon. So we’ll find out how he is.”

On Wedesday, they found out that Reid is done for the year.

As a senior his shot at redemption is limited at best.

His plan was to play out this year and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Now as he rehabs and charts a new course Reid has to wonder about why he put himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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Coach Urban Meyer brought him back on Thursday, after he kicked Klein off the team in July when he was charged with domestic violence and assault after a situation occurred with the mother of his child.Storm pleaded guilty a lesser charge of disorderly conduct earlier this week which prompted his reevaluation by the program.

Coach Urban Meyer issued a statement in regards to his decision through the university.

“The charges that would have violated our core values have been totally dismissed,” Meyer said. “I have spoken extensively to members of both families and that has prompted me to re-assess his situation and allow him back.”

In lieu of being an outcast, Klein will now face at least a two-game suspension as punishment for the charge he pleaded guilty to.

As dramatic as the details of the situation remain, the on-field impact that this will have on Ohio State is marginal.

Had this had never happened, Klein more than likely would have still ended up in a depth role under sophomore Curtis Grant who is on course to have a statement year.

Upon his return, Klein won’t made a starting bid in his final year barring injury to Grant or a set of circumstances that finds Grant himself in the doghouse.

It’s worth noting that Grant is coming off a pinched nerve injury that seems to have healed but is worth noting in the event that it gives him problems in the future and allows Klein some field time.

Click here to watch Ohio State and other Big 10 highlights.

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The fever hit its peak when the defensive back got a call from a fan that encouraged him to stick with the Bulldogs.
At first he thought nothing of it as he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution but when the caller took his conversation with Nelson viral via Twitter and various message boards things got out of hand.

“I get phone calls almost every day from college recruiters and reporters,” Nelson said. “He called me up, and I forgot what his name was. The way he was talking, I thought he was a reporter, so I stayed on the phone. He was just trying to convince me to stay with Georgia, told me how good of a player I was, and wished me a good year.”

“I didn’t think nothing of it until somebody called me, an ESPN guy [DawgNation's Radi Nabulsi], who told me the guy put it on Twitter that he talked to me on the phone.”

Apparently, this stalker/kook created a lot of chaos in various forums as he was disruptive to the degree that he not only defended his actions but he crossed the line and stated that he would tell the NCAA that he was acting on the school’s behalf when he was challenged for what he did.

Hopping on social media and bragging about an interaction with a athelete is one thing. People post pictures and autographs just about every minute of what they have done with or gotten from someone that can tote the rock.

Tracking down a kid’s cell phone number and creating all of this drama is not cool, it’s not supportive and it renders you the exact opposite of a fan.

If Georgia were to get hit with a secondary recruitment violation for this ( which they won’t , how much of a fan would this person be then?

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Now it has been revealed that the starting junior Lo Wood has been confirmed to miss the season with an Achilles injury suffered in practice.

With Wood in the fold it was going to be hard enough for the Irish’s secondary to be dominant as they did not have a current starter with starting experience.

As a backup in 2011 Wood got his feet wet and learned from a variety of miscues. He saw his stock rise when he pulled off a pick six against the University of Maryland

With Wood gone, the problem has swollen to large proportions.

Based on what we have seen, I would look for Jamoris Slaughter to team up with Bennett Jackson to try and shut down opposing receivers.

As a fifth –year defensive back Slaughter has safety experience and maturity on his side against other candidates such as Josh Atkinson and Jalen Brown.

If Notre Dame rolls with Slaughter at cornerback true freshman Elijah Shumate would most likely assume the empty safety spot.

The defensive adjustments at their third level are not very enviable and they certainly have set them up to be tried by opposing offenses such as Miami, Stanford, Oklahoma and Michigan that have the weapons to bust a porous secondary wide open.

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What happens as a result? According to his agent, he has his pick of eight NFL teams that are all vying for his services.

Each of which could have drafted him earlier this year in April but passed due to his dedication to running track.

Amongst the teams that are in allegedly the mix for Demps are the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I’m excited because it’s a good story,” his agent Derek Rose told the Associated Press. “The guy goes to the Olympics to pursue one of his dreams and he succeeded. Now, he wants to go win a Super Bowl.”

“I think within 24 hours, we’re going to get it done,” Rose said. “He’s speed. The NFL is about speed and there’s so much you can do with a guy like that if used correctly. He could be a kick returner, slot receiver, stuff like that. There’s gadget plays teams can come up with. If used correctly, he could definitely be a weapon.”

Though it’s an odd way to get into the league, Demps could be poised to have some breakout success somewhere.

After all he did rack up 2,470 rushing yards as a Gator, so it’s not like he’s some sprinter that decides that they can play football just because they are fast.

He’s been hit before so that is a huge asset.

We will stay on top of this and report when he does get a deal done.

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Penn State has publicly responded to the potential of losing their accreditation status in the fallout of the mess that the anchors of their football program left behind.

“This action has nothing to do with the quality of education our students receive. Middle States is focusing on governance, integrity and financial issues related to information in the Freeh report and other items related to our current situation.”

“The commission wants us to document that steps we have already taken and are planning to take will ensure our full compliance with its requirements,” Penn State President Rodney Erickson said. “I am confident that we will provide that documentation by the Sept. 30 deadline Middle States has given us.”

“We are a University that is fully committed to its core values of honesty, integrity and community. We are a University that will rebuild the trust and confidence that so many people have had in us for so many years.”

So what does all of this mean?

Well for one thing in the worst case scenario, a degree from Penn State would become worthless for all intents and purposes.

It’s doubtful that anybody will get fired because a college degree was required on the date of their hire and what they tendered has since become null and void.

The blow to a current student would by far do the most damage as they would have a problem with the merit of credits earned in their ongoing pursuit of a true degree.

Upon attempts to transfer, issues with credits and financial aid is where the problems would begin in such a situation.

The situation grows worse and worse by the day and it has now gotten to the point of where  it is time to say enough.

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It’s admirable to a certain degree that suddenly in the face of his self-inflicted personal tragedy that Mathieu a.k.a. Honey Badger reportedly is trying to make things right and rebrand himself as a NCAA D-I comeback story in 2013.

With two years of eligibility left to fulfill within three years, Mathieu understands that his chances for next level success increase 500-percent if he can lay low, clean his act up and reenter the Heisman race next year versus going out and outplaying what is perceived as the lesser competition at a school such as McNeese State.

In the brand building business, we see it all of the time and though cynical in observation, the commentary speaks to how the sports world packages and distributes its greatest assets.

Mathieu knew and broke the rules several times in regards to the team’s substance abuse policy.

While he may want redemption LSU as an institution and Les Miles as a coach most likely will keep him off the roster for good.

To be clear he was removed from the team and not expelled from the school yet if he’s allowed to return at any time, his second-act there will set of a domino effect of consequences.

True, a lot kids that are athletic scholarships right now can’t afford to pay for their own classes, but team boosters and potential agents can.

You get where this is going?

LSU should and probably will put their foot down on this one.

Mathieu for all of his playmaking ability and glossy highlights could not stop playing with fire after multiple warnings.

This in light of the idea that he knows at 5’9 that he’s considered to be undersized for the NFL.  Regardless of his play within even the SEC, he’s currently considered to be a third round draft selection.

I may not share that assessment of him as on the field, to these eyes his upside is ridiculous and he has the potential to become as good as or better than a guy like the Falcons’ Brent Grimes.

But still… no matter how much money LSU made off his like many other backs, he didn’t believe the don’t smoke weed memo was directed at him.

If that point is not driven home now to the point that it hurts how will he accept that are serious consequences to his behavior?

This is not a sports lesson, it’s a life lesson.

The post Tyrann Mathieu wants to stay at LSU as a student and return to football in 2013. appeared first on Players View.

Brown met with Penn State coach Bill O’Brien after he visited the Sooners last week and decided that his best interests lied elsewhere.

The 6’3 receiver‘s decision comes as he has only one remaining year of eligibility left.

Had he stayed at Penn State it could have been career suicide for his NFL ambitions as his draft stock certainly would plummeted in an offense that has lost it’s other key piece in RB Silas Redd who is heading to USC.

The switch is an upgrade for Brown’s skill set as even at its best Penn State is a run-first system.

The number-four ranked Sooners live to air-it-out and will provide a nice platform for brown to launch from.

Penn State lost another WR on Sunday when recruit Will Fuller decommitted to head to Notre Dame according to ESPN.

“Top notch education really tipped the boat for me,” Fuller said. “They have a 98 percent graduation rate for players.” “I just know I have a better opportunity at Notre Dame.”

After players and recruits initially dug in their heels in a show of solidarity, the Nittany Lions have been rocked by a slew of defections that seemingly pick up on a daily basis.

Brown and Redd are joined by Rob Bolden (QB, LSU), Tim Buckley (S, NC State), Anthony Fera (K/P, Texas), Khairi Fortt (LB, California), Kevin Haplea (TE, Florida State), Ryan Nowicki (OL, Illinois) and Jamil Pollard (DT, Rutgers) in their effort to put the past behind them and move forward with their collegiate careers.

The post Penn State’s WR corps deplete as Justin Brown bolts for Oklahoma. appeared first on Players View.

Last Thursday, the team stated that Henderson was excused from the start of fall camp on Friday so that he could attend the funeral of a lifelong friend in his home state of Minnesota.

On Saturday Hurricanes coach Al Golden stated that Henderson was expected back at some point in the day yet he never popped up.

When the team came onto the field this morning, Golden was quoted as stating “Seantrel is not here yet. Hopefully we’ll get him here today. Hopefully that’s the deal.”

“I haven’t even checked in on it this morning, to be honest. I’ve been so busy getting ready for practice.’’

Golden went on to state that so far that each of these absences is excused.

Due to his tremendous upside, Miami has handled the junior with kid gloves when it comes to discipline.

Earlier this year Henderson blew off the start of the summer session and was suspended for the first weekend of spring practice for an undisclosed team violation.

There is the feeling amongst supporters that while Henderson is an incredible talent that it’s time for Golden to lean harder on him in fear of other players losing respect for their focus and respect for potential consequences.

Less than a month ago Golden spoke up in regards to his hopes for Henderson.

“We’re like everybody else on the planet when it comes to Seantrel,” Golden said. “We want to maximize his ability, we want to maximize his talent and give him the skillset, the discipline, the strength, the explosion to be the type of player we know he can be.”

As it stands today can be might be a long way from will be.

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Programs such as the University of Georgia wondered out loud what it would be like to pluck select choice players from a vulnerable situation and bring them into their own nest.

Those moves have yet to be made and a large chunk of the team has committed to stay onboard; sanctions be damned.

The first cracks in a united front that has decided to go to war with coach Bill O’Brien are starting to show.

Safety Tim Buckley has chosen to push the eject button and has transferred to NC State in the wake of the scandal.

“I am excited to be a member of the NC State Wolfpack,” said Buckley in a statement.  “The opportunity to come here and play at my state university, so close to home, was something that I couldn’t pass up.”

Since he redshirted at Penn State, Buckley still has four years of eligibility left.

Buckley’s transfer while noteworthy in that it was the first, is not the situation that everyone is discussing.

The crown jewel in O’Brien’s offense is running back Silas Redd who ran for 1,241 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Redd is according to reports leaning heavily towards heading to the west coast to join quarterback Matt Barkley and WR Robert Woods in a power trio that would dominate the Pac -12 at USC.

Redd spent the weekend with the pair over the weekend and he has retreated amongst his family to make a decision in regards to his future.

It could and most likely will be announced at some point on Tuesday that Redd is pulling up stakes barring some major change-of-heart.

There are a lot of opinions out there that range from those that feel that the kids should stay loyal to the Nittany Lions to the kids should hop on the next thing smoking and never look back.

In theory, this is the rare opportunity that a collegiate athlete can control their own destiny and treat their situation as if it were a business after the recruitment process.

The situation calls for it and merits as such.

These are individual decisions and it was the right thing to do to grant the kids that had no desire to wear that uniform again a free pass to move on elsewhere.

For Redd moving to USC is an incredible business move for his pro aspirations. The implications of what the USC offense can do as it emerges from its own dark days looms very large.

With two years of eligibility left, Redd can showcase his talents alongside this year’s “it” guy within college football.

The Silas Redd brand will by default become a huge commodity thanks to both his talent and the platform and well…of course how he stepped onto that platform.

There is nothing dishonorable in that although if he busts a move, some will feel that he turned tail and ran when things got hard.

The good thing that will come out of this is that each of these student athletes can in fact walk away with a feeling that they did the right thing.

There are a lot of names that you will never hear of that will one day tell their grandkids that “I stayed and fought for something I held dear.”

The same thing will be said for others who tell their future generations that “I left after I chose not to ignore the horrors of the acts that had been ignored for far too long.”

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Martell may not be able to sign his letter of intent until February of 2017, but he has already made great strides working with QB coach Steve Clarkson.

The Huskies extended an offer to Martell three weeks ago according to Sports Illustrated.

“This wasn’t a knee-jerk reaction to an offer,” Clarkson said of Martell. “After getting over the initial shock of it and talking about it at length, he decided to commit today. It’s a chance to go to school where one of his idols [Jake Locker] played.”

The 5’11, 180-pound kid can actually sling the rock as the video below displays.

The post Washington Huskies successfully recruit eighth-grade QB appeared first on Players View.

After the hammer swung deep on Penn State’s football program on July 23^rd, the NCAA gave a certain form of amnesty to the program’s current recruits and players.

More or less, they have been set free to do as they please and the University of Georgia is wasting no time throwing their hat in the ring to bolster their ranks.

UGA coach Mark Richt stated that both he and his staff have looked for Penn State’s two-deep roster at “UGA Day” according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“We do have some space available and if somebody fits a need and they’re excited about coming we would look into that possibility. There may not be anybody. But we’re at least going to explore. … I don’t want people to think we’re trying to load up a bunch of them. It could be zero, it could be one or two.”

Richt and his program could stand to get some good news after his group has become the SEC’s equivalent to the Detroit Lions this off-season.

Sophomore tailback Isaiah Crowell was cut loose from the team in June after being arrested on weapons charges. Defensive back Branden Smith was arrested on drug charges on his way to Spring Break in March. Defensive back Sanders Commings was arrested for a domestic violence incident in January. Bacardi Rambo will be suspended 4 games after positive test for marijuana.

Richt commented on how the program approaches this issues that also included the dismissal of several player in January for stealing from a teammate.

“When guys do make mistakes, two things are very important: How we handle it and how he handles it,” Richt said. “Are we going to discipline our players the way they ought to be disciplined according to what they’ve done? I think we do that. I

think we do that more strictly than most people do. If you look at other people’s policies, ours is much tougher than just about anybody other’s policy I’ve seen. So because some of our guys end up with a game suspension or whatever it may be, a kid at another school may do the very same thing and their policy doesn’t say that it has to be that way. I mean, I don’t care what they do. All I’m saying is I think it’s important how you handle it.”

With these things on their current resume what weapons does Georgia have to fight with that will help them win some of these kids and most importantly their parents over?

Recent hire John Thomas ran the Penn State strength program for 20 years and has inside tracks within the building.

Will Thomas be enough? Who knows?

The Bulldogs have the roster space, open arms and an opportunity.

The post The University of Georgia to pursue Penn State players appeared first on Players View.

Hall severely cut his foot last week after walking in grass outside of his home in Columbus. 

“This is an unfortunate accident to a really fine young man,” OSU head coach Urban Meyer said. “He’s handling things well, though. He’ll be in a non- weight bearing cast for about six weeks and then he’ll rehabilitate the injury for at least four weeks after that.”

When Meyer took over the program Hall was one of the players that he mentioned by name as a standout.

The senior had surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

There is speculation that Hall could be out for as long the first quarter of the season.

This probably suits junior Carlos Hyde just fine.  Last season Hyde threw an infamous mini-tantrum on Twitter in regards to his lack of playing time.

To his credit, Hyde quickly deleted the Tweets but as this happens Hyde will assumingly make the most of his opportunity to rise to the top of the Buckeye’s depth chart.

Last season Hyde turned 106 attempts into 566 yards and six touchdowns.

Hyde is a powerful runner that finishes each attempt with a thump.  Obviously, Meyer prefers quick, shifty playmakers that can jut in and out of tight spaces in a hurry.

The challenge for Meyer now becomes how he will adapt his attack to suit the best available back on his roster.

Hyde can burn in space once he gets in space and has proven that when given the load he can put a group on his back.

If there was ever a time for him to assert himself, it would be now.

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The post RB Carlos Hyde should take over Ohio State’s backfield after Jordan Hall is sidelined in freak accident. appeared first on Players View.