USC Trojans Football 2016: Improved defense and loud noises

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

This weekend Coach Helton continued to focus on situational football. In practice number 9 coach turned the noise up over the speakers to simulate crowd noise and other distractions in the arena. Coach was not please as the quality of play dropped when the sound was turned up. USC faces the defending National Champions in Jerry World which will no doubt be loud and rowdy. Helton Stated they would need to practice again with the noise turned up.

Coach Jon Gruden was also at practice. Gruden is a friend of USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Gruden offered Helton the advice that he just needs to go out there and be himself.

Helton was also asked what a quarterback on his team would have to do to win the starting job. Coach responded that they need to produce. When elaborating he made clear that they have to get the ball in the end zone and not make mistakes.

One of the most encouraging moments in the offseason is when Helton state he thought the defensive line was farther ahead than he thought they would be. The talented but inexperienced defensive line for the Trojans has been a point of worry for USC fans particularly since the Kenny Bigelow injury. Hearing Helton have positive things to say about the advancement of the defensive line is encouraging.

You can watch the full presser from practice 9 below:

In Practice 11 Coach Helton lined up the offense and ran 16 run plays in a row. During the spring there was an emphasis in practice on being able to finish games. In 2015 the Trojans in spots had a tough time running the ball well when they needed to run the ball well. Helton once again practiced running the ball when everyone on defense knows they are going to run the ball.

The NCAA cleared incoming freshmen on the team and Helton anticipates that on Wednesday that all his current players will be cleared academically as well.

In addition to running the defense once again worked on going fast. With the Pac-12 loaded with teams likes Oregon moving rapidly on offense the Trojans are going to have to be comfortable moving quickly on defense if they want to return to the conference championship game. Helton also stated practice 11 was the defense’s best day.

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Written on August 14, 2016 at 8:08 pm


Dawuane Smoot, Illinois defensive line impress at Memorial Stadium practice

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some observations from Illinois’ Friday night session.

Fighting Illini football moved training camp inside Memorial Stadium on Friday and, man, was it a beautiful night. The temperature was perfect, there was a decent fan turnout on the West side, and Illinois even got a huge commitment from Missouri offensive lineman Larry Boyd!

The actual football wasn’t too bad, either. I didn’t watch the Spring game (always have very little interest in that) so this practice marked my first time watching the team under Lovie Smith — which is still rather surreal, it’s gotta be said. My biggest takeaway was that the defensive line will indeed be Illinois’ strongest position group. I entered the gates expecting as much, and they more than delivered during their two hours in between the lines.

Dawuane Smoot was the most impressive player on the field. The senior defensive end is most known for his pass rushing ability, but I think he’s very underrated against the run. One 11-on-11 (no live tackling) play especially stuck out. On a simple handoff from Wes Lunt to Keshawn Vaughn, Smoot exploded into the backfield with an inside move and nearly got a hand on the ball carrier before the exchange took place. It’s hard to comprehend how someone with Smoot’s physical build can be so quick — I guess that’s why he’s being mentioned as a possible First Round pick.

Carroll Phillips and Rob Bain were doing well in 1-on-1 drills, as was just about everyone on the defensive side (more on that in a moment). Gimel President was even back on the field and playing well after suffering an injury on Monday. I was looking forward to seeing a few reps from redshirt-freshman Jamal Milan, but he unfortunately didn’t suit up in pads due to what looked like a minor foot injury. At least, I thought I saw him wearing some sort of boot/brace.

For as great as the defensive line looked, though, their offensive counterparts struggled equally as much. The starters played fine for the most part, but the second unit was having a tough night. This seems to be a reoccurring theme out of Champaign. Adam Solomon, for instance, stepped in for Christian DiLauro (he got shaken up a bit) and was getting blown up by Smoot on just about every play. Gabe Megginson was also displaying some growing pains; the redshirt-freshman showed flashes of his high ceiling, but Bain really took advantage of him in a best-of-three matchup.

Still, Illinois should be fine in this area granted their first-stringers can stay healthy. It could be an adventure during Big Ten play if two or more of them miss extended time.

ELSEWHERE:

  • I admittedly didn’t spend too much time watching offensive drills, but Wes Lunt looked great as usual in the bits I did see. The senior was spreading the ball around with regularity, and he completed two fantastic downfield passes to Justin Hardee and Zach Grant. The former was actually called an incompletion by the ref, but he obviously knows nothing.
  • I suppose this was inevitable with Lovie Smith at the helm, but Illinois spent quite a bit of practice time on special teams. While Smith was off to the side chatting with recruits, Bob Ligashesky was really working hard with the kickoff unit.
  • Illinois might have a good walk-on kicker? Chase McLaughlin hit three field goals (25, 35, 45) at the beginning of practice to best David Reisner.
  • Kendrick Foster looked like Illinois’ second-best running back last night. I think it’s great that he ended up staying in Champaign because he’ll likely be getting regular reps this season.
  • Mikey Dudek was wandering around the field. We miss you, Mike.

In other news — I’m back on campus now! I’m hoping to make it out to more practices this week so you can probably expect more Twitter updates from the main TCR account. Make sure to hit that follow button below.

Written on August 14, 2016 at 6:49 pm


Purdue Football Preview 2017: Offensive Tackle

Purdue comes into the season needing to replace David Hedlin at left tackle, and essentially Cam Cermin at right tackle because of a troublesome shoulder that took its time to heal after offseason shoulder surgery. The tackle positions are the premier offensive line positions. If you don’t have competent guys on the ends of the line, running and passing the ball becomes impossible. Purdue has some interesting solutions on the roster at tackle, but it remains to be seen if they actually work.

Left Tackle:

Martesse Patterson: RS SO – 6’3 – 340

Martesse Patterson is Purdue’s best offensive linemen. The big man from Columbus, Ohio moves his feet incredibly well for someone who weighs well over 300 pounds. I think he will end up making quite a bit of money in the NFL once his playing days at Purdue are over. The issue, however, is probably one someone of Patterson’s stature has rarely heard; he’s a bit short for the position. Patterson has ideal size for an interior lineman, but on the outside, you mostly see taller guys with long arms. If you’ll notice, most of the players Purdue recruits to play tackle are 6’5 and taller. That being said, you put your best linemen at left tackle, and that is Patterson. He will be a beast in run blocking, as he will often be lined up against smaller, quicker defensive ends. He should have no problem ploughing them out of the way, and paving the way for Markel Jones off the left side of the line.

I do have two concerns though: pass blocking and conditioning. When Purdue throws the ball, will Patterson be able to handle the speed rush off the corner. If I’m coaching the other defense, I’m sending my speed rusher off the corner on any passing down. No bull rush, no spin move, just straight up speed around the corner. Can Patterson move his massive, but somewhat squatty, frame fast enough to cut off the corner? It’s a question that might determine the fate of the Boilermaker offense this year, and subsequently, the jobs of the Purdue coaching staff. I also worry a little about Patterson’s conditioning. Is he going to be in good enough shape to continue to cut off defensive ends in the 4th quarter? The next guy on the preview might provide the answer.

Cameron Cermin: RS SR – 6’5 – 325

I think everyone had Cermin, from my current stomping grounds of College Station, Texas, penciled into a starting spot this year. Cermin started 5 games at left tackle and 3 at right tackle as a sophomore, and started all 12 games at right tackle last season. Unfortunately, Cermin ended the season with a bad shoulder, got it fixed in the offseason, and has been slow to recover. He’s back and practicing now, but appears to be more of a super sub than a starter at this juncture. He’s worked at left tackle, guard, and center in fall camp, and will probably be the first reserve at all those positions. Ironically, the one position he hasn’t played is right tackle, and it appears that’s also the one position he won’t be backing up this season.

I expect to see Cermin play a good bit this season. My hope is that he can spell Patterson at the left tackle position every game, allowing Patterson to remain fresh in the 4th quarter. I look at Purdue’s roster, and he is the only option behind Patterson unless Purdue plans on throwing some seriously young players on the field. That being said, if you’re only going to have two functional left tackles on the roster, it’s nice to have a back up with Cermin’s vast experience. Cermin might not be a starter this year, but behind Patterson, he might be the most important lineman…if the shoulder holds up.

Grant Hermanns: FR – 6’7 – 265

Grant has the look of several former Boilermakers during the Tiller era that came in tall and skinny, and ended up as beastly left tackles. Hermanns is a great athlete, not just for someone his size, but in general. He managed to win a state wrestling championship in New Mexico at 6’7. That takes an incredible amount of strength, quickness, flexibility, and stamina, all attributes of a great left tackle. If you’re looking for Grant this year, check the weight room and the training table, because he’s a certain redshirt. I personally think he ends up being the steal of the 2016 recruiting class, and the long term solution for Purdue at left tackle.

Right Tackle:

Matt McCann: RS FR – 6’6 – 315

McCann was one of the highest ranked players in Purdue’s 2015 class, and for good reason, he is a monster at right tackle. Coming out of Bishop Chatard in Indianapolis, McCann spearheaded an almost run only Chatard offense. I watched quite a bit of his high school film, and he has a nasty attitude on the field. He doesn’t just want to block the opposition, he wants to destroy them. He plays until the echo of the whistle, and wants nothing more than to stand over his dispatched foe at the end of every play. McCann’s only issue is in pass protection, mainly because I’ve never seen him do it. I’m sure Chatard occasionally passed the ball, but those occasions were few and far between. When he signed, I said that the next time he pass protects might be the first time he pass protects, and that remains true. Right tackle doesn’t have the same pass blocking responsibilities as right tackle, but in the Big10, if you can’t get out and pass block, regardless if you’re on the right or the left, your quarterback is going to get murdered. McCann appears to have the inside track to the starting right tackle position this year. He has the size and he has the attitude. If he is serviceable in pass protection, he might be the starting right tackle for the next four years.

Jalen Neal: JuCo JR – 6’7 – 300

Purdue needed to add a game ready tackle in the 2016 recruiting class, and went out and signed Jalen Neal from Scottsdale, AZ. Neal has the size to play in the Big10 right away and is currently fighting it out with McCann for the starting job. Neal is a little behind because he didn’t manage to make it to West Lafayette for Spring practice, but his physical skills are undeniable. He has good feet, long arms, and while he isn’t the grinder that McCann is in the run game, he is probably a better overall athlete and pass protector. Neal is a determined guy that didn’t sign with Purdue to sit on the bench. I think McCann gets the nod at starting right tackle, but I also expect to see Neal on the field, especially against pass rushing strong side ends.

Bearooz Yacoobi: RS SO – 6’5 – 295

Yacoobi seems like a guy that has made a push in Spring practice the last two years, only to fizzle out. He has good size for the position, and came into Purdue from Dearborn, MI as a solid 3* recruit, but he has yet to put it all together and get on the field. Yacoobi looks to provide some depth at the right tackle position, and could be called into action with a few injuries, but at this time, I just don’t see him getting on the field. He’s still a guy with some upside that needs to keep grinding, but he needs to make a move before he finds himself completely buried on the depth chart by younger players.

Tanner Hawthorne: FR – 6’6 – 275

Hawthorne, like Hermanns, is a developmental tackle prospect from the 2016 recruiting class. Hailing from Glendale, AZ, Hawthorne brings prototypical size to the tackle position for Purdue. He could potentially move to the left side of the line, or move inside, but at this time, I think I probably lands at right tackle. He is another guy that will spend most of his freshman year in the weight room and the training table, getting bigger and preparing to compete for a position next year. I don’t see Hawthorne playing this year unless an epic health disaster hits the Boiler offensive line, but he is another guy with intriguing potential for the future.

Written on August 14, 2016 at 6:24 pm


Jedrick Wills picking Alabama this week? Michigan State ‘clear favorite’ for Lynn Bowden

Jedrick Wills’ senior season begins this week, and a college decision should happen as well. It’s a bit more complicated with Lynn Bowden.

After a big recruiting hot streak in July, it looks like the Kentucky Wildcats are about to miss out on arguably their two biggest 2017 targets.

By now, you’ve probably heard about Jedrick Wills likely committing to Alabama soon. The five-star tackle out of Lafayette is looking to make his decision before his senior season begins, which opens this Friday vs Paul Laurence Dunbar.

According to SEC Country’s Kyle Tucker, the expectation is Wills will announce his commitment sometime this week, and all indications continue to be that Bama is the pick.

Wills looked mighty impressive during last week’s exhibition game vs Louisville Male. It was scary watching how much bigger and physically imposing Wills was compared to anyone that went against him.

This would be a brutal loss for UK to lose an elite prospect in their own backyard, though losing any recruit to Alabama is little-to-no surprise for any college program. Unfortunately, this may not be the only big-time recruit UK misses on after seemingly being the heavy favorite.

Must Reads

Just a week weeks ago, the Cats looked poised to land four-star athlete Lynn Bowden following his unofficial visit to Lexington. However, Bowden has since taken an unofficial to East Lansing, where Michigan State offered him a scholarship.

Since then, the Spartans have been viewed as the heavy favorite for the Warren G. Harding (OH) product. Scout.com Ohio recruiting expert Bill Greene agrees, but does think Bowden may take a little longer to make his decision.

“His coach thinks Michigan State is in the driver’s seat right now,” Greene told The Detroit News. “It’s important for him to get back up to Michigan State for another visit so he can continue to get to know the staff better and vice-versa, and he should be up there again during the season.”

Another factor is sophomore running back LJ Scott, who played his high school ball at nearby Hubbard and knows Bowden well.

Greene says that, combined with what Bowden saw of East Lansing on his visit, makes the odds likely that the Spartans will add a dangerous, unique playmaker to a growing cast of weapons.

“His decision might not be made this week, but I don’t think it’s going to be too much further down the road,” Greene said. “I have Michigan State as the clear favorite.”

The 247 Sports Crystal Ball also thinks UK loses on both Wills and Bowden.

Even if UK does miss on those two, they’re still in good position to finish with a great 2017 class, which only figures to be about 17-19 signees. Already at 12 commitments, the Cats are also in great shape with four-star receiver Danny Davis, three-star receiver DJ Edwards and three-star defensive end B.J. Sharpe.

UK is also in the running for four-star tackle Thayer Munford, four-star defensive end M.J. Webb, three-star safety Ahman Ross and three-star defensive end Christopher Whittaker.

Expect Mark Stoops to eventually finish off a great 2017 class, even if it doesn’t include Wills and Bowden.

Written on August 14, 2016 at 6:19 pm


Nebraska Football: Scrimmage Report – Tanner Lee Gets Another Year, Tre Byrant Will Save Us!

The football team scrimmaged today in Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska scrimmaged today in Memorial Stadium. Things happened again. These are some of them.

Quarterback Tanner Lee, the transfer from Tulane, has been granted another year of eligibility. He can’t play this season, but, well, you never have enough experienced quarterbacks if you want to be good. Just ask Ohio State, those sunsabitches that hoard them all and win championships because of it.

I am excited about this. It gives us a crossover or layover in case Patrick O’Brien doesn’t work out.

TRE BRYANT WILL SAVE US FROM EVERYTHING.

I’m only slightly sarcastic, because, well, hell, maybe he will. Right now you have Terrell Newby, Devine Ozigbo, and Mikale Wilbon. Does Bryant add more to that?

It’s not like Riley can’t pull Bryant’s redshirt after a game or two if the top three aren’t getting the job done – especially when you consider our opponents. If we can’t run the ball successfully against Fresno State and Wyoming, it’s not going to be great when we get to Oregon or Big Ten opponents.

Therefore, Tre Byrant!

Simmons is a freshman linebacker out of Fort Pierce, Florida.

This sucks.

Just mention all the eligible offensive linemen. All of them.

I just want to see four of our five starting offensive linemen move their feet well at the start of the season. I want to see guards that can pull and consistently make their blocks. Until then, all this stuff about this guy or that guy on the line is just buzzing in the ear.

WR prospect Joseph Lewis visited today. He is a five star prospect.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to “Stranger Things”.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 9:28 pm


6 new Buckeyes lose Black Stripes today, including 2 true freshman

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

If today was any indication, practice has been going well for the youngest members of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Per the school, six different players lost their Black Stripes, “officially” joining the football program. The six included four players from last year’s recruiting class: Damon Arnette, Joe Burrow, Davon Hamilton and Joshua Norwood.

Burrow, a four-star QB recruit, figures to be Ohio State’s backup quarterback this season, behind J.T. Barrett, so it is likely he’ll see some playing time this year. Damon Arnette and Joshua Norwood were three-star defensive backs, while Davon Hamilton was a three-star defensive tackle. Right now, the three defensive players are not projected to play major roles this season, but you never know.

Joining the four are two true freshman, linebacker Tuff Borland, and defensive end Jonathon Cooper. Cooper, an elite lineman prospect, could very well see playing time this season, while Borland might struggle to crack the two deep this season, given how deep Ohio State is at linebacker.

Cooper and Borland join fellow black stripe-less freshmen Austin Mack, who lost his all the way back in March, and Michael Jordan, who very well may start on the offensive line as a true freshman.

Don’t be surprised if many more young players lose their stripes in the next few days. With the Buckeyes losing so many players from last year’s team, they just might be actually serious about playing some freshman this year.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 8:18 pm


Arkansas’ Saturday Scrimmage Recap – 8/13

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Razorbacks scrimmaged for a little over 100 plays Saturday in Razorback Stadium in front of the media and a few fans. It was practices 10 and 11 of fall camp for Arkansas. Here are a few of the highlights:

The biggest takeaway for most everyone who attended the scrimmage was Devwah Whaley’s play. The highly recruited freshman rushed for nearly 100 yards on just 14 carries. He busted a couple of runs of 20 yards or so, and to cap his day, scored from 11 yards out after breaking a few tackles and running over a defender. He looked great.

Here’s what Bielema had to say afterward:

Rawleigh Williams also returned to the field for full contact for what Bielema says is the first time since his scary neck injury against Auburn last season. He ran the ball 14 times as well for 67 yards. He also scored while the team ran through its red zone session. Bielema said he’d have been lying if he said he wasn’t waiting for the day Williams returned to the backfield, took some contact and had success.

As far as the quarterback play, Austin Allen (14 of 19, 151 yards) appeared confident and aware. Bielema said he liked the way Allen distributed the ball, finding multiple receivers during the scrimmage. Ty Storey received some praise from Bielema in the post-scrimmage press conference, mentioning how much he likes his intangibles. Rafe Peavey was limited and is only going one practice per day as he’s recovering from back surgery.

Cole Kelley has the biggest arm on the team. He took a couple of deep shots during play, connecting with a reserve WR for a score on a miscommunication defensively. He’s a huge kid, as you know – every bit the size of tight end Jeremy Sprinkle. Ricky Town didn’t get any reps with the first or second teams today. He’s likely going to be the fifth quarterback on the depth chart.

Arkansas’ first team offensive line today: LT Dan Skipper, LG Hjalte Froholdt, C Frank Ragnow, RG Zach Rogers, RT Jake Raulerson.

Other news:

  • Kody Walker “popped a bit of a scar tissue” the other day and was pretty limited. He did have a nice run for a first down, though, early on. T.J. Hammonds tweaked his knee early in the practice. Bielema says it should be nothing serious.
  • Bielema said he thought the receivers caught the ball well. I was impressed with Keon Hatcher, personally. He and Allen linked up a couple of times for nice gains. One of the only drops I can remember came from Dominique Reed, who apparently rolled his right ankle and watched from the sideline the rest of the day with it heavily taped.
  • Jordan Jones, who coaches were raving about last week, was out dealing with a fever of 102, Bielema said. Dan Skipper, late in the practice, went down with a left leg injury, but came back about five plays later and seemed to be fine.
  • Arkansas superfan Canaan Sandy was in attendance.
  • Music was blaring from field level during the practice. Among the artists who were played: Taylor Swift, Eminem, N.W.A., Young Jeezy, A$AP Ferg. In case you were curious.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 8:16 pm


Wisconsin football: Vince Biegel, Dare Ogunbowale named team captains

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Badgers have their captains for 2016.

Running back Dare Ogunbowale and outside linebacker Vince Biegel have earned the title of captain by their Wisconsin Badgers teammates for the 2016 season. UW officially announced their distinction on Saturday afternoon.

Biegel returned to Wisconsin for his fifth year, rebuking overtures to play in the NFL. Last season, he paired with current Cleveland Browns linebacker Joe Schobert to form one of the most potent linebacking duos in the country. The Wisconsin Rapids native recorded eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss — good for second on the team in both categories — on his way to being named a third-team All-Big Ten selection. He was third on the team in tackles (66).

Ogunbowale, a former walk-on and a converted cornerback, stepped up in Corey Clement’s absence and led the team in rushing last season with 819 yards and seven touchdowns. The Milwaukee native also was a threat in the passing game out of the backfield, catching 36 passes, second-most on the team.

Ogunbowale is the 15th walk-on since 1990 to be named a Wisconsin football captain.

Both were featured in Wisconsin’s ‘‘Homegrown’’ YouTube series, and the two are expected to be significant contributors to the 2016 team.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 8:14 pm


Sean Maguire Injury: Updates on FSU QB’s Recovery from Foot Surgery

Sean Maguire Injury: Updates on FSU QB's Recovery from Foot Surgery

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Florida State Seminoles quarterback Sean Maguire suffered a broken bone in his right foot during practice Wednesday, ESPN.com’s Jared Shanker reported Saturday.

Continue for updates.

Maguire Out For A Month

Saturday, Aug. 13

Per Shanker, head coach Jimbo Fisher expects Maguire to miss four weeks, which could hold him out of the team’s first two games of the season.

The injury bug continues to bite Maguire, who missed all of spring practice while recovering from surgery on a fractured left ankle that he suffered during the Chick fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year’s Eve.

Fisher commented on Maguire’s run of bad luck, via Safid Deen of the Orlando Sentinel: “It hurts me. It does. When you see guys stand for the right things and get bad breaks. Life isn’t fair sometimes, and it’s not being fair for him.”

The redshirt senior has appeared in games in each of his first three seasons with Florida State, though he’s never played in more than eight in a single year.

Through his first three seasons at the school, McGuire has attempted only 259 passes, 189 of which came in 2015.

Last year, he started five games after winning the job from Everett Golson, throwing for 1,520 yards, 11 touchdowns and six interceptions. In those five starts, Florida State went 3-2.

While he is the elder statesmen of the Florida State quarterbacks after Golson’s departure, he wasn’t guaranteed the starting job in 2016.

Per Shanker, Maguire was competing with redshirt freshman Deondre Francois to be the main man under center in Tallahassee, Florida.

“He’s doing a nice job, had some nice practices and needs to continue to get better,” Fisher told Deen.

Even after Maguire’s injury though, Fisher told the media that Francois has not been named the starter, per Shanker.

Florida State, which is No. 4 in the Amway Coaches Poll, will open its season against No. 12 Ole Miss on Sept. 5. Without Maguire, the Seminoles offense could stall, meaning their season could get off to a rocky start.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 7:52 pm


The Final Cockdown: #14, Ali Groves

Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages

Ali Groves

Redshirt Junior

Safety

Stone Mountain, GA

Recruitment

The three-star recruit and Stephenson High safety was recruited by Whammy Ward out of high school. After mulling offers from schools like Illinois, Kentucky, Mizzou, Ohio, Pitt, Vandy, and even Florida while Will Muschamp was there, Groves committed to the Gamecocks in May 2012.

College Career

Groves’ career may be one of the more disappointing and frustrating stories on the team. After suffering a shoulder injury in his true freshman season (2013), he has yet to see the field in a Carolina uniform. However, he has remained on the team’s active roster.

2016 Outlook

Groves wasn’t listed on the preseason depth chart, so his exact role for this year remains to be seen. He has served as a reserve option during his first few years here due to the shoulder injury we mentioned earlier. With a fresh staff in place, we’ll see how Muschamp and Travaris Robinson use him.

Written on August 13, 2016 at 7:20 pm


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