Lestar Jean NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Jean had no offers coming out of Miami Norland High School despite being an All-Dade County pick with 26 receptions for 501 yards and seven touchdowns. A semester at North Carolina Tech prep school helped get his grades in order, and Howard Schellenberger thought enough of Jean's highlight tape enough to offer him a scholarship.
Jean did not use a redshirt season due to his time at prep school, but did work with the team in the spring before his 2007 debut. He played in every game as a reserve, making 19 catches for 245 yards and a score.
Jean again came off the bench as a sophomore (25-257-2) before winning a starting role in 10 games in 2009 (38-501-4), earning the team's Most Improved Player Award at the end of the year.
Jean worked hard to improve his game before his senior year, and both his coaches and NFL scouts were impressed. The second-team All-Sun Belt pick and FAU's Offensive MVP grabbed 64 passes for 988 yards and eight scores on the season. He earned invites to the East-West Shrine Game and Scouting Combine with his efforts; his size and downfield abilities could make him a late-round pick.
Jean had no offers coming out of Miami Norland High School despite being an All-Dade County pick with 26 receptions for 501 yards and seven touchdowns. A semester at North Carolina Tech prep school helped get his grades in order, and Howard Schellenberger thought enough of Jean's highlight tape enough to offer him a scholarship.
Jean did not use a redshirt season due to his time at prep school, but did work with the team in the spring before his 2007 debut. He played in every game as a reserve, making 19 catches for 245 yards and a score.
Jean again came off the bench as a sophomore (25-257-2) before winning a starting role in 10 games in 2009 (38-501-4), earning the team's Most Improved Player Award at the end of the year.
Jean worked hard to improve his game before his senior year, and both his coaches and NFL scouts were impressed. The second-team All-Sun Belt pick and FAU's Offensive MVP grabbed 64 passes for 988 yards and eight scores on the season. He earned invites to the East-West Shrine Game and Scouting Combine with his efforts; his size and downfield abilities could make him a late-round pick.
ASU Gold team wins spring game on QB's diving TD run
Each team used a modified scoring system that awarded them points for takeaways (three, a 20-plus yard gain (two), drives inside opponent's 25-yard line (two) and three-and-out stops on defense (two) while deducting points on negative yardage plays (minus two).
They were split into two separate teams with offense and defense competing against each other.
Gold team quarterback Demetric Price completed 5-of-12 passes for 52 yards with two interceptions and rushed 10 times for 38 yards and one touchdown, the game-winner on a one-yard score. Quarterback Greg Jenkins led the Black team, completing 8-of-15 passes for 64 yards.
The Black team had four takeaways, two of which were interceptions by corner back Marcus Berg. The Black team scored its only touchdown on a 19-yard run by Montavious Paulk.
The Gold team had two takeaways and rallied for the win on Price's one-yard dive into the end zone on the game's final play.
STREAK STOPPED; JAG FOOTBALL FALLS AT N.C. STATE, 35-13
September 17, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. – The streak is over for the University of South Alabama football team, but it didn’t end without a fight.
North Carolina State took advantage of a short field — two of its first three scoring drives covered less than 30 yards, the other 54 — then held off a third-quarter rally for a 35-13 victory Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium, snapping the Jaguars’ win streak at 19 while handing them the program’s first-ever loss.
The Jags (2-1), who were facing the first NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision opponent in school history, outrushed NCSU 104-95 behind Kendall Houston’s first 100-yard effort of the season and held an advantage in total offense late in the third quarter. USA held the ball for 32 minutes and 45 seconds against the Pack, converting 7-of-15 third downs in the process.
The Wolfpack improved to 2-1 as Mike Glennon threw for 274 yards and a career-high four scores.
USA will face another FBS opponent next week when it travels to Kent State for a 2:30 p.m. Central time kickoff.
“I’m real proud of the kids for the way they played. You look at a program like North Carolina State who beat Florida State last year, went 9-4 and is well-coached – I thought we played well to be in just the 20th game in our program’s history,” USA head coach Joey Jones said afterwards. “Obviously, we didn’t make some plays; we made some mistakes. But probably five to seven plays in the game; if they go our way then we’re in it.”
The Wolfpack returned the opening kickoff 46 yards, then proceeded to march 54 more in nine plays before James Washington scored from one yard out. After converting on third down with a two-yard gain from Washington, Glennon connected with Curtis Underwood coming across the middle for a pickup of 30 yards to move NCSU down to the one-yard line; the Pack would score two plays later.
After forcing a punt, NCSU would pick up another big gain with a 40-yard completion from Glennon to T.J. Graham, but two plays later Ken Barefield forced a fumble that Jake Johnson recovered at the USA-28. Nine plays later, Jordan Means kicked a 46-yard field goal — the longest in school history — to make the score 7-3 with just over two minutes left in the opening period. Houston carried for a gain of 24 yards on the second snap of the series, while Jeremé Jones caught two passes on the drive — the second for seven yards on third-and-four to keep the possession alive — as he matched his career high with four receptions in the first 15 minutes.
Houston ended the night with 117 yards on 18 attempts, the sixth one-hundred yard game of his career but first of the season. Jones finished with five catches for 35 yards while Corey Waldon matched that total with a career-best five receptions for a team-leading 57 yards as the Jags totalled 286 yards on the night.
“I felt like I had to come out here and run the ball hard,” stated Houston. “There weren’t going to be any changes because I’m playing in front of this many folks. I was encouraged by what I did, but I wanted to get the victory. I think we can go to practice this week and work on the mistakes that we made and (hopefully) capitalize on that against Kent State next week.”
After a failed onside kick attempt, the Wolfpack again used a short field to punch in another one-yard touchdown — this time, Glennon found Taylor Gentry — in the flat with under 13 minutes to go in the opening half. USA looked as if it ended the drive — which originally began at the USA-44 — with another turnover when B.J. Scott forced a fumble by Underwood inside the five-yard line on a 12-yard gain, but NCSU offensive lineman Mikel Overgaard was able to for the Pack on the USA-1.
On the ensuing drive, the Jags moved 49 yards down the field as Houston carried five times for 22 and Bennett found Corey Besteda for a 25-yard completion on third-and-16 from the USA-15. But on third-and-one from the NCSU-30, David Amerson intercepted a pass intended for Kevin Helms at the seven-yard line to end the threat.
Another interception — this time by Brandon Bishop on the opening possession of the second half — set up the Pack at the Jaguar 29-yard line after a return of 36 yards. Gentry made it a 21-3 score five minutes into the quarter with his second touchdown catch of the contest, this time covering five yards. Glennon would end up 17-of-20 passing after he found Underwood for a 19-yard score with a minute to go in the third quarter and Graham for a 67-yard touchdown pass with four minutes remaining in the contest.
In fact, the Wolfpack collected 119 of their 392 total yards in the final quarter. Graham finished with five catches for 128 yards, while Washington collected 54 yards and the ground and Underwood chipped in with 50.
USA first touchdown came when the Jags answered N.C. State’s opening drive of the third quarter as Houston rushed for 21 yards and caught a 13-yard pass from Bennett to set up a Demetre Baker eight-yard run midway through the period, cutting the deficit to 11. And when Glennon fumbled the snap on NCSU’s first snap on the next possession, Will Thompson recovered at the Pack-39, but the Jaguars missed a chance to make it a one-score game when a 44-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left.
“It’s really disappointing – that stopped our winning streak. There were positives and negatives on both sides of the ball,” stated Bennett. “The defense had great intensity, and the offense had a couple of plays here and there. The offensive line and running backs looked great, and we threw the ball around a little bit. I felt great with my reads. Most of my mistakes were just basic throwing mistakes, which is really encouraging because that is something that I can fix easily. A couple of plays here or there make or break the ballgame, but we’ll bounce back and just see where we go.”
Instead, Glennon’s third touchdown pass of the game to Underwood, ended a nine-play, 73-yard possession that put the Wolfpack up 28-10 with little over a minute remaining in the quarter. Glennon also connected with Washington for 29 yards on the second play of the series, keeping the drive alive with a nine-yard completion to Tobais Palmer on fourth-and-five from the USA-38.
Means hit a 36-yard field goal with 6:48 to go in the final period for the Jaguars’ final points, making the score 28-13 at the time.
Johnson and Charles Harris recorded eight tackles apiece to pace the Jags, with Johnson posting two stops for loss including a sack. Scott recorded seven stops and Enrique Williams six, while Romelle Jones was credited with a career-high two sacks as the Jags got to Glennon on four occasions.
“We played our guts out the entire game,” Johnson explained. “We had our mistakes here and there on defense, myself included. We played a great game, but mistakes in big-time football kill you. I’m optimistic and proud of how we played. I think this was real eye-opening for some of the guys on the team to see what the speed is like. I’m proud of our guys. I’m disappointed we lost, but that’s football — you have your wins and losses.”
Bishops’s nine tackles paced the Pack defense, with Audie Cole, Dwayne Maddox and Earl Wolff all posting eight stops as well.
In addition to Means’ career-high two field goals, Scott Garber averaged a season-best 41.8 yards per punt with two of his four kicks ending inside the NCSU-20.
RALEIGH, N.C. – The streak is over for the University of South Alabama football team, but it didn’t end without a fight.
North Carolina State took advantage of a short field — two of its first three scoring drives covered less than 30 yards, the other 54 — then held off a third-quarter rally for a 35-13 victory Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium, snapping the Jaguars’ win streak at 19 while handing them the program’s first-ever loss.
The Jags (2-1), who were facing the first NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision opponent in school history, outrushed NCSU 104-95 behind Kendall Houston’s first 100-yard effort of the season and held an advantage in total offense late in the third quarter. USA held the ball for 32 minutes and 45 seconds against the Pack, converting 7-of-15 third downs in the process.
The Wolfpack improved to 2-1 as Mike Glennon threw for 274 yards and a career-high four scores.
USA will face another FBS opponent next week when it travels to Kent State for a 2:30 p.m. Central time kickoff.
“I’m real proud of the kids for the way they played. You look at a program like North Carolina State who beat Florida State last year, went 9-4 and is well-coached – I thought we played well to be in just the 20th game in our program’s history,” USA head coach Joey Jones said afterwards. “Obviously, we didn’t make some plays; we made some mistakes. But probably five to seven plays in the game; if they go our way then we’re in it.”
The Wolfpack returned the opening kickoff 46 yards, then proceeded to march 54 more in nine plays before James Washington scored from one yard out. After converting on third down with a two-yard gain from Washington, Glennon connected with Curtis Underwood coming across the middle for a pickup of 30 yards to move NCSU down to the one-yard line; the Pack would score two plays later.
After forcing a punt, NCSU would pick up another big gain with a 40-yard completion from Glennon to T.J. Graham, but two plays later Ken Barefield forced a fumble that Jake Johnson recovered at the USA-28. Nine plays later, Jordan Means kicked a 46-yard field goal — the longest in school history — to make the score 7-3 with just over two minutes left in the opening period. Houston carried for a gain of 24 yards on the second snap of the series, while Jeremé Jones caught two passes on the drive — the second for seven yards on third-and-four to keep the possession alive — as he matched his career high with four receptions in the first 15 minutes.
Houston ended the night with 117 yards on 18 attempts, the sixth one-hundred yard game of his career but first of the season. Jones finished with five catches for 35 yards while Corey Waldon matched that total with a career-best five receptions for a team-leading 57 yards as the Jags totalled 286 yards on the night.
“I felt like I had to come out here and run the ball hard,” stated Houston. “There weren’t going to be any changes because I’m playing in front of this many folks. I was encouraged by what I did, but I wanted to get the victory. I think we can go to practice this week and work on the mistakes that we made and (hopefully) capitalize on that against Kent State next week.”
After a failed onside kick attempt, the Wolfpack again used a short field to punch in another one-yard touchdown — this time, Glennon found Taylor Gentry — in the flat with under 13 minutes to go in the opening half. USA looked as if it ended the drive — which originally began at the USA-44 — with another turnover when B.J. Scott forced a fumble by Underwood inside the five-yard line on a 12-yard gain, but NCSU offensive lineman Mikel Overgaard was able to for the Pack on the USA-1.
On the ensuing drive, the Jags moved 49 yards down the field as Houston carried five times for 22 and Bennett found Corey Besteda for a 25-yard completion on third-and-16 from the USA-15. But on third-and-one from the NCSU-30, David Amerson intercepted a pass intended for Kevin Helms at the seven-yard line to end the threat.
Another interception — this time by Brandon Bishop on the opening possession of the second half — set up the Pack at the Jaguar 29-yard line after a return of 36 yards. Gentry made it a 21-3 score five minutes into the quarter with his second touchdown catch of the contest, this time covering five yards. Glennon would end up 17-of-20 passing after he found Underwood for a 19-yard score with a minute to go in the third quarter and Graham for a 67-yard touchdown pass with four minutes remaining in the contest.
In fact, the Wolfpack collected 119 of their 392 total yards in the final quarter. Graham finished with five catches for 128 yards, while Washington collected 54 yards and the ground and Underwood chipped in with 50.
USA first touchdown came when the Jags answered N.C. State’s opening drive of the third quarter as Houston rushed for 21 yards and caught a 13-yard pass from Bennett to set up a Demetre Baker eight-yard run midway through the period, cutting the deficit to 11. And when Glennon fumbled the snap on NCSU’s first snap on the next possession, Will Thompson recovered at the Pack-39, but the Jaguars missed a chance to make it a one-score game when a 44-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left.
“It’s really disappointing – that stopped our winning streak. There were positives and negatives on both sides of the ball,” stated Bennett. “The defense had great intensity, and the offense had a couple of plays here and there. The offensive line and running backs looked great, and we threw the ball around a little bit. I felt great with my reads. Most of my mistakes were just basic throwing mistakes, which is really encouraging because that is something that I can fix easily. A couple of plays here or there make or break the ballgame, but we’ll bounce back and just see where we go.”
Instead, Glennon’s third touchdown pass of the game to Underwood, ended a nine-play, 73-yard possession that put the Wolfpack up 28-10 with little over a minute remaining in the quarter. Glennon also connected with Washington for 29 yards on the second play of the series, keeping the drive alive with a nine-yard completion to Tobais Palmer on fourth-and-five from the USA-38.
Means hit a 36-yard field goal with 6:48 to go in the final period for the Jaguars’ final points, making the score 28-13 at the time.
Johnson and Charles Harris recorded eight tackles apiece to pace the Jags, with Johnson posting two stops for loss including a sack. Scott recorded seven stops and Enrique Williams six, while Romelle Jones was credited with a career-high two sacks as the Jags got to Glennon on four occasions.
“We played our guts out the entire game,” Johnson explained. “We had our mistakes here and there on defense, myself included. We played a great game, but mistakes in big-time football kill you. I’m optimistic and proud of how we played. I think this was real eye-opening for some of the guys on the team to see what the speed is like. I’m proud of our guys. I’m disappointed we lost, but that’s football — you have your wins and losses.”
Bishops’s nine tackles paced the Pack defense, with Audie Cole, Dwayne Maddox and Earl Wolff all posting eight stops as well.
In addition to Means’ career-high two field goals, Scott Garber averaged a season-best 41.8 yards per punt with two of his four kicks ending inside the NCSU-20.
Golden Bulls football allows Brevard to steal a 38-35 overtime victory!
September 10, 2011
Brevard, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team fell short 38-35 in an overtime tug of war with Brevard College on Saturday afternoon inside Brevard Memorial Stadium. JCSU moves to 1-1 in the standings as well as the Tornadoes with the victory at home.
JCSU won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second half. Both teams failed to score on their initial offensive possessions. On the second drive attempt by Brevard's offense, the Golden Bulls forced a turnover. Senior linebacker Quinton Toomer (Atlanta, GA) collided with the ball carrier to force and recover a fumble on the BC eight yard line. Freshman quarterback Keahn Wallace(Homestead, FL) wasted no time finding senior receiver Nick Mata (Tampa, FL) for a seven yard touchdown pass. The drive only lasted two plays and took 48 seconds.
Defense held Brevard on their third possession, but JCSU committed a turnover on offense. Wallace threw his first interception of his collegiate career to Donovan Barker inside enemy territory. Brevard started their drive from their own 24 yard line and scored a TD in seven plays. Tydrell Wright took a reverse up the right side for a 32 yard touchdown run. The score remained tied 7-7 heading into the second quarter.
With the first play in the second quarter, Derek Church broke free up the middle for a 64 yard gain for Brevard. The rush put the Tornadoes in position to score off a two yard QB keeper from Aaron Reese. Johnson C. Smith had troubles smoothly moving the ball on their next two possessions. Brevard eventually scored again off a 40 touchdown reception to go ahead 21-7 with 3:11 remaining before halftime.
The Golden Bulls got back into sync on the next drive, well sort of. Wallace took a sack, followed by an incomplete pass, and then a 66 yard touchdown launch to sophomore Daniel Taylor (Columbia, SC). It took JCSU 47 seconds to run those three plays and score. Sophomore safety Gabriel Franklin (Casselberry, FL) recaptured the ball for the offense with an interception and 26 yard return to the BC 16.
Wallace rushed for six yard on the first play of the drive, but dislocated his finger on the tackle. He missed just one play before returning to the contest and crossing the goal line on a one yard TD dash. J.C. Smith tied the game 21-21 with 19 seconds on the clock in the second quarter. The score did not change before halftime.
The tie was broken at the 8:26 mark of the third quarter. Wallace connected with junior running back Dedrick Anderson(Winston-Salem, NC) on a 10 yard outlet pass for the touchdown. The Tornadoes responded with a nine play, 60 yard drive to cross the goal line. Jack Woerner tied the game again at 28-28 off a two yard run with 3:44 left in the third.
Wallace operated on the Brevard defense like a surgeon on the next offensive possession. After 10 plays and 89 yards, the Golden Bulls were putting another touchdown on the scoreboard. On the drive, Wallace found sophomore receiverAvius Capers (Charlotte, NC) with a 19-yard and 27-yard pass completion. Wallace accounted for the score on a seven yard rush.
Brevard trailed 35-28 going into the fourth quarter. BC did draw even (35-35) after an 11 play drive that lasted nearly six minutes. JCSU started their final drive in regulation at their own 16 with 3:15 remaining. After nine plays, the Golden Bulls had moved the ball to the Brevard 23. JCSU used their last timeout with 24 seconds on the clock, following the break; Wallace was sacked for a loss of one.
With time winding down, the field goal unit rushed onto the field for a final attempt. Senior place kicker Julius Wright (Ft. Worth, TX) missed the 40 yarder wide right as time expired.
JCSU started off the extra frame with possession, but turned the ball over on third down with an interception. Brevard drove the ball to the one yard line on their possession, then kicked a 18 yard field goal for a 38-35 victory in overtime. This is the second consecutive season that this matchup has been settled by four points or less (25-21 Brevard in 2010).
Despite three interceptions, Wallace had another tremendous performance as a young signal caller. He threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns off 25-of-42 passing along with 79 yards and two TDs on the ground. Taylor was the top target with seven catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. Mata and Anderson each caught five balls for 50+ yards and a touchdown.
The offense produced over 400 yards (443 vs. Brevard / 630 vs. West Virginia State) for the second consecutive game. Unfortunately, the defense allowed over 400 yards in back to back weeks also (405 – Brevard / 499 – West Virginia State). Franklin was the defensive standout with five solo tackles and seven assists with the team's only interception.
The Golden Bulls will look to quickly correct their wrongs as they prepare for conference foe Virginia State University next week. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17th inside the Irwin Belk Complex.
Brevard, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University football team fell short 38-35 in an overtime tug of war with Brevard College on Saturday afternoon inside Brevard Memorial Stadium. JCSU moves to 1-1 in the standings as well as the Tornadoes with the victory at home.
JCSU won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second half. Both teams failed to score on their initial offensive possessions. On the second drive attempt by Brevard's offense, the Golden Bulls forced a turnover. Senior linebacker Quinton Toomer (Atlanta, GA) collided with the ball carrier to force and recover a fumble on the BC eight yard line. Freshman quarterback Keahn Wallace(Homestead, FL) wasted no time finding senior receiver Nick Mata (Tampa, FL) for a seven yard touchdown pass. The drive only lasted two plays and took 48 seconds.
Defense held Brevard on their third possession, but JCSU committed a turnover on offense. Wallace threw his first interception of his collegiate career to Donovan Barker inside enemy territory. Brevard started their drive from their own 24 yard line and scored a TD in seven plays. Tydrell Wright took a reverse up the right side for a 32 yard touchdown run. The score remained tied 7-7 heading into the second quarter.
With the first play in the second quarter, Derek Church broke free up the middle for a 64 yard gain for Brevard. The rush put the Tornadoes in position to score off a two yard QB keeper from Aaron Reese. Johnson C. Smith had troubles smoothly moving the ball on their next two possessions. Brevard eventually scored again off a 40 touchdown reception to go ahead 21-7 with 3:11 remaining before halftime.
The Golden Bulls got back into sync on the next drive, well sort of. Wallace took a sack, followed by an incomplete pass, and then a 66 yard touchdown launch to sophomore Daniel Taylor (Columbia, SC). It took JCSU 47 seconds to run those three plays and score. Sophomore safety Gabriel Franklin (Casselberry, FL) recaptured the ball for the offense with an interception and 26 yard return to the BC 16.
Wallace rushed for six yard on the first play of the drive, but dislocated his finger on the tackle. He missed just one play before returning to the contest and crossing the goal line on a one yard TD dash. J.C. Smith tied the game 21-21 with 19 seconds on the clock in the second quarter. The score did not change before halftime.
The tie was broken at the 8:26 mark of the third quarter. Wallace connected with junior running back Dedrick Anderson(Winston-Salem, NC) on a 10 yard outlet pass for the touchdown. The Tornadoes responded with a nine play, 60 yard drive to cross the goal line. Jack Woerner tied the game again at 28-28 off a two yard run with 3:44 left in the third.
Wallace operated on the Brevard defense like a surgeon on the next offensive possession. After 10 plays and 89 yards, the Golden Bulls were putting another touchdown on the scoreboard. On the drive, Wallace found sophomore receiverAvius Capers (Charlotte, NC) with a 19-yard and 27-yard pass completion. Wallace accounted for the score on a seven yard rush.
Brevard trailed 35-28 going into the fourth quarter. BC did draw even (35-35) after an 11 play drive that lasted nearly six minutes. JCSU started their final drive in regulation at their own 16 with 3:15 remaining. After nine plays, the Golden Bulls had moved the ball to the Brevard 23. JCSU used their last timeout with 24 seconds on the clock, following the break; Wallace was sacked for a loss of one.
With time winding down, the field goal unit rushed onto the field for a final attempt. Senior place kicker Julius Wright (Ft. Worth, TX) missed the 40 yarder wide right as time expired.
JCSU started off the extra frame with possession, but turned the ball over on third down with an interception. Brevard drove the ball to the one yard line on their possession, then kicked a 18 yard field goal for a 38-35 victory in overtime. This is the second consecutive season that this matchup has been settled by four points or less (25-21 Brevard in 2010).
Despite three interceptions, Wallace had another tremendous performance as a young signal caller. He threw for 325 yards and three touchdowns off 25-of-42 passing along with 79 yards and two TDs on the ground. Taylor was the top target with seven catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. Mata and Anderson each caught five balls for 50+ yards and a touchdown.
The offense produced over 400 yards (443 vs. Brevard / 630 vs. West Virginia State) for the second consecutive game. Unfortunately, the defense allowed over 400 yards in back to back weeks also (405 – Brevard / 499 – West Virginia State). Franklin was the defensive standout with five solo tackles and seven assists with the team's only interception.
The Golden Bulls will look to quickly correct their wrongs as they prepare for conference foe Virginia State University next week. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 17th inside the Irwin Belk Complex.
NIU's four major position battles
Saturday, April 23, 2011
If there's an athletic event where score is irrelevant, it's the college football spring game. That's particularly true when a team's starters play the backups, as was the case at Huskie Stadium today.
So while NIU's Red team dismantled the White 35-6, the real value Saturday was the chance for Huskies coach Dave Doeren to see a couple position battles shuffle out on the field with live contact.
After Thursday morning's practice, Doeren said he was specifically looking at tight end, running back and defensive tackle. When Devon Butler confirmed Friday he will miss the 2011 season, middle linebacker also become a position up for grabs.
Here's a look at how those four position battles played out Saturday:
TIGHT END
After the game, Doeren told the Daily Chronicle that starting tight end and Sycamore graduate Jason Schepler will miss the 2011 season with a torn ACL. Schepler, who will use his redshirt, suffered the injury during a scrimmage near the end of practice April 17.
"As an offensive unit it's a big deal, because Schepler is a leader and he works his butt off and is a great player," Harnish said. "But we do have guys who will step up and take his place."
Jack Marks and Luke Eakes were the two tight ends on the Red team. Cameron Bell, recently moved from tailback, played on the White.
Marks, a fifth-year senior, is the most experienced. Bell may have the most potential, as was seen Saturday when he took a 10-yard out-route catch and stretched it into almost 30. It was the same route Bell ran when he dropped a pass Thursday morning. This time, he looked more comfortable, and that will happen the more he learns.
RUNNING BACK
The spring's most intense position battle seems to have found some order and clarity.
Doeren said Jasmin Hopkins has established himself as the No. 1 running back entering the summer, crediting the consistency he's brought each day to practice. Hopkins is leading the pack of four running backs that includes Akeem Daniels, Jamal Womble and Leighton Settle.
"I think Jas right now is the guy going in (to fall camp), and not to say the other guys aren't going to rotate a lot – they are," Doeren said. "But as we start the fall camp, he's the one that's been the most consistent to me day in and day out when you take protection into it, and running the football, catching the football.
"If you're going to be out there, you have to be a consistent guy. And Jas has been the most consistent out there."
Strictly judging who's gotten the first-team reps and carries, the depth chart heading into the summer looks like Hopkins, Daniels, Womble, Settle. But Hopkins said he's not resting on where he's at right now.
"Honestly, I don't take compliments right now," Hopkins said. "I'm just looking forward to coming out, competing every day. You let down one time, with Akeem and Jamal your spot can be gone just like that. We all look forward to coming out here each and every day. So basically right now, the most consistent is going to be the one to play this year."
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
When asked what he saw at defensive tackle, Doeren quickly complimented Anthony Wells.
"You continue to see Wells in the backfield, a lot," Doeren said. "Anthony Wells is the guy that we were hoping could do that, lot of penetration."
While Frank Boenzi started on NIU's Red team, Wells may have had the best day of any player who exclusively lined up for the White. He routinely disrupted plays in the backfield and recovered a fumble that led to the White's first field goal. With his athleticism, Wells often looked unblockable in man-on-man schemes.
But there are too many unknowns right now to be able to predict who will be the starter when NIU opens against Army on Sept. 3. Wells is still trying to gain 10 to 15 more pounds before the fall. Ron Newcomb has been out this spring and is expected to compete hard for the starting role.
But one thing is sure: Wells didn't hurt his chances Saturday.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER
The position battle at middle linebacker is just beginning.
Even though Victor Jacques started for the Red team, and has gotten most of the first-team reps the past few practices, a starter won't emerge until the fall. Mike Hellams, who started on the White, is still in the mix, and Cameron Stingley is in the process of returning from an injury.
"There's going to be a really fierce competition at that position between Stingley and Victor and Hellams," Doeren said.
As NIU enters the summer, Jacques said he'll continue to work toward becoming the Huskies' regular starter in the middle.
"I'm always going to work toward that. That's always the goal," Jacques said. "That's how I'm going to approach the summer. That's how I'm going to approach every day when I come out. It's a learning process every day."
So while NIU's Red team dismantled the White 35-6, the real value Saturday was the chance for Huskies coach Dave Doeren to see a couple position battles shuffle out on the field with live contact.
After Thursday morning's practice, Doeren said he was specifically looking at tight end, running back and defensive tackle. When Devon Butler confirmed Friday he will miss the 2011 season, middle linebacker also become a position up for grabs.
Here's a look at how those four position battles played out Saturday:
TIGHT END
After the game, Doeren told the Daily Chronicle that starting tight end and Sycamore graduate Jason Schepler will miss the 2011 season with a torn ACL. Schepler, who will use his redshirt, suffered the injury during a scrimmage near the end of practice April 17.
"As an offensive unit it's a big deal, because Schepler is a leader and he works his butt off and is a great player," Harnish said. "But we do have guys who will step up and take his place."
Jack Marks and Luke Eakes were the two tight ends on the Red team. Cameron Bell, recently moved from tailback, played on the White.
Marks, a fifth-year senior, is the most experienced. Bell may have the most potential, as was seen Saturday when he took a 10-yard out-route catch and stretched it into almost 30. It was the same route Bell ran when he dropped a pass Thursday morning. This time, he looked more comfortable, and that will happen the more he learns.
RUNNING BACK
The spring's most intense position battle seems to have found some order and clarity.
Doeren said Jasmin Hopkins has established himself as the No. 1 running back entering the summer, crediting the consistency he's brought each day to practice. Hopkins is leading the pack of four running backs that includes Akeem Daniels, Jamal Womble and Leighton Settle.
"I think Jas right now is the guy going in (to fall camp), and not to say the other guys aren't going to rotate a lot – they are," Doeren said. "But as we start the fall camp, he's the one that's been the most consistent to me day in and day out when you take protection into it, and running the football, catching the football.
"If you're going to be out there, you have to be a consistent guy. And Jas has been the most consistent out there."
Strictly judging who's gotten the first-team reps and carries, the depth chart heading into the summer looks like Hopkins, Daniels, Womble, Settle. But Hopkins said he's not resting on where he's at right now.
"Honestly, I don't take compliments right now," Hopkins said. "I'm just looking forward to coming out, competing every day. You let down one time, with Akeem and Jamal your spot can be gone just like that. We all look forward to coming out here each and every day. So basically right now, the most consistent is going to be the one to play this year."
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
When asked what he saw at defensive tackle, Doeren quickly complimented Anthony Wells.
"You continue to see Wells in the backfield, a lot," Doeren said. "Anthony Wells is the guy that we were hoping could do that, lot of penetration."
While Frank Boenzi started on NIU's Red team, Wells may have had the best day of any player who exclusively lined up for the White. He routinely disrupted plays in the backfield and recovered a fumble that led to the White's first field goal. With his athleticism, Wells often looked unblockable in man-on-man schemes.
But there are too many unknowns right now to be able to predict who will be the starter when NIU opens against Army on Sept. 3. Wells is still trying to gain 10 to 15 more pounds before the fall. Ron Newcomb has been out this spring and is expected to compete hard for the starting role.
But one thing is sure: Wells didn't hurt his chances Saturday.
MIDDLE LINEBACKER
The position battle at middle linebacker is just beginning.
Even though Victor Jacques started for the Red team, and has gotten most of the first-team reps the past few practices, a starter won't emerge until the fall. Mike Hellams, who started on the White, is still in the mix, and Cameron Stingley is in the process of returning from an injury.
"There's going to be a really fierce competition at that position between Stingley and Victor and Hellams," Doeren said.
As NIU enters the summer, Jacques said he'll continue to work toward becoming the Huskies' regular starter in the middle.
"I'm always going to work toward that. That's always the goal," Jacques said. "That's how I'm going to approach the summer. That's how I'm going to approach every day when I come out. It's a learning process every day."
Small tasks add up for JCSU
Bulls emphasize detail during preseason camp
Published Wednesday, August 18, 2010 5:54 pm by Herbert L. White
Johnson C. Smith running back Archie Barrow was impressive at Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage, showing he’s fully recovered from a broken leg in 2008.
Discipline is in at Johnson C. Smith’s preseason camp.
Practices unfold at a faster pace. Huddles form and break quickly. There’s even sideline etiquette, with a coach barking at Golden Bulls who wander too close to the field.
“I’m just trying to get the guys and the coaches …to understand paying attention to detail,” head coach Steve Aycock said. “Everything is on the clock here, and that’s what we talked about coming into camp season – working on small things. We practice intensity, tempo and compete. That’s one thing we’re going to drive at.”
Quarterback Ryan Carter has benefited from the change. At the first intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, he looked comfortable in new offensive coordinator Maurice Flowers’ scheme, finding open receivers and limiting the mistakes that plagued him in 2009 and spring drills.
“Ryan is one of those guys now …stepping into a leadership role,” Aycock said. “He’s being more consistent on his reads, coach Flowers has done a great job of defining and re-tuning his technique and understanding coverages.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise on offense has been the play of tailback Archie Barrow, who is fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in 2008. The sophomore showed good burst in the scrimmage and was especially effective in short-yardage situations.
“He helped himself with a great offseason program this summer and he’s dedicated himself,” Aycock said. “He looks like the Archie Barrow coming out of high school and prep school. He’s putting the work in.”
Barrow, who has two years of eligibility after taking a medical redshirt in 2008, is listed as sophomore Dedrick Anderson’s backup, but he’ll get to contribute in the backfield rotation.
“I can’t really say there’s a No. 1 with the rotation as good as it is with Dedrick Anderson and Josh James and Archie Barrow there,” Aycock said. “It could be a fight each week. I don’t try to label those guys 1, 2 or 3. We’ll just see who has the best week of practice, and that’ll be the guy to go to.”
Defensively, Smith had some good moments, especially from a couple of freshmen – end George Taliaferro from Tampa, Fla., and Spencer Shine, a linebacker from Battery Creek, S.C. JCSU, which was at the bottom of the CIAA defensive rankings last year, is especially keen to improve against the run.
“We can stop the run. I’m looking for them to be a lot more physical. In (scrimmage) situations we bent but didn’t break, and as young as we are up front, those guys know they have to be the foundation for the defense. They can’t take plays off.”
Taliaferro and Shine, along with offensive tackle Rico Arelleno (Butler High) who earned Aycock’s praise for superior footwork – will contribute immediately.
“They surely are,” Aycock said. “I’ll waste a year on a good freshman if I know he can come in and play real quick, we won’t even think about redshirting. We just want to put the best 11 (on the field) and make it happen.”
Practices unfold at a faster pace. Huddles form and break quickly. There’s even sideline etiquette, with a coach barking at Golden Bulls who wander too close to the field.
“I’m just trying to get the guys and the coaches …to understand paying attention to detail,” head coach Steve Aycock said. “Everything is on the clock here, and that’s what we talked about coming into camp season – working on small things. We practice intensity, tempo and compete. That’s one thing we’re going to drive at.”
Quarterback Ryan Carter has benefited from the change. At the first intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, he looked comfortable in new offensive coordinator Maurice Flowers’ scheme, finding open receivers and limiting the mistakes that plagued him in 2009 and spring drills.
“Ryan is one of those guys now …stepping into a leadership role,” Aycock said. “He’s being more consistent on his reads, coach Flowers has done a great job of defining and re-tuning his technique and understanding coverages.”
Perhaps the biggest surprise on offense has been the play of tailback Archie Barrow, who is fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in 2008. The sophomore showed good burst in the scrimmage and was especially effective in short-yardage situations.
“He helped himself with a great offseason program this summer and he’s dedicated himself,” Aycock said. “He looks like the Archie Barrow coming out of high school and prep school. He’s putting the work in.”
Barrow, who has two years of eligibility after taking a medical redshirt in 2008, is listed as sophomore Dedrick Anderson’s backup, but he’ll get to contribute in the backfield rotation.
“I can’t really say there’s a No. 1 with the rotation as good as it is with Dedrick Anderson and Josh James and Archie Barrow there,” Aycock said. “It could be a fight each week. I don’t try to label those guys 1, 2 or 3. We’ll just see who has the best week of practice, and that’ll be the guy to go to.”
Defensively, Smith had some good moments, especially from a couple of freshmen – end George Taliaferro from Tampa, Fla., and Spencer Shine, a linebacker from Battery Creek, S.C. JCSU, which was at the bottom of the CIAA defensive rankings last year, is especially keen to improve against the run.
“We can stop the run. I’m looking for them to be a lot more physical. In (scrimmage) situations we bent but didn’t break, and as young as we are up front, those guys know they have to be the foundation for the defense. They can’t take plays off.”
Taliaferro and Shine, along with offensive tackle Rico Arelleno (Butler High) who earned Aycock’s praise for superior footwork – will contribute immediately.
“They surely are,” Aycock said. “I’ll waste a year on a good freshman if I know he can come in and play real quick, we won’t even think about redshirting. We just want to put the best 11 (on the field) and make it happen.”
Former Spoto WR lands at North Carolina prep school
Posted Apr 1, 2011 by Nick Williams
Former Spoto receiver Alex Byers will attend North Carolina Tech Preparatory Christian Academy, his father Wayne Byers said.
His senior season at Spoto, Byers caught 11 passes for 434 yards and six touchdowns and was later named MVP of the East vs. West All-Star Senior Game.
Athletes that have attended NC Tech have gone on to play for schools such as Ohio State, Florida Atlantic, Auburn, Bethune-Cookman and Pittsburgh.
His senior season at Spoto, Byers caught 11 passes for 434 yards and six touchdowns and was later named MVP of the East vs. West All-Star Senior Game.
Athletes that have attended NC Tech have gone on to play for schools such as Ohio State, Florida Atlantic, Auburn, Bethune-Cookman and Pittsburgh.
Farrington Huguenin, Defensive Lineman, 6-4, 238, Fr-HS, Columbia, S.C. (Dreher/North Carolina Tech) – Has signed again with Kentucky after originally inking with the Wildcats in February, 2010 … Currently attending North Carolina Tech Preparatory Christian Academy in Charlotte … Totaled an astounding 17 quarterback sacks during his season of prep-school football … Coached at North Carolina Tech by Tim Newman … Combines excellent size and noteworthy speed … Has moved his 6-4 frame as fast as 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash and has notched consistent times below 4.7 … Started at linebacker his senior year at Dreher High School in Columbia, S.C. … Totaled 121 tackles and four sacks as a senior, along with four caused fumbles, two recoveries and a pass interception … Started at defensive end as a sophomore and junior … Notched 82 tackles and 11 sacks during junior season … Turned in an impressive performance in the summer of 2009 at the Elite 100 Camp in Charlotte, N.C. … “Has a great first step and is explosive,” wrote Mike Farrell, a recruiting analyst for Rivals.com … Coached at Dreher by Bill Bacon … Also wrestled in high school, winning a pair of tournaments in the 215-pound class … Participated for the track and field team in the 200-meter dash, 4x100-meter relay, shot put and discus throw … Regional champion in the shot put as a junior … Member of the school’s Finance Club.
DT Marquis White commits to USF
by Ken DeCelles
Just two days before National Signing Day, the St. Pete Times' Joe Smith is reporting that USF has secured the commitment of North Carolina Tech DT Marquis White. The 6'5 297lb Orlando native was a relative newcomer in this recruiting cycle, and after enjoying his visit to Tampa on the January 21st recruiting weekend, he pulled the trigger after visiting Florida A&M this week. If you might think that White is a marginal recruit, please note that White also had offers from North Carolina and Minnesota as well.
Smith was able to get a hold of NC Tech Head Coach Tim Newman to hear what he had to say about White, and he spoke of White's potential and ability,
"This is a natural born athlete, like a freak of nature. He's got great size, he's fast, he's got great instincts. We had to tell him to stop hitting the quarterback in practice one day. They got a quality football player. It looks like that program is going in the right direction, getting guys like Marquis."
This year for NC Tech, White recorded an impressive 38 tackles with 8 of those for a loss. He also recorded 4.5 sacks and deflected 4 passes which is impressive for a Defensive Tackle.
I don't think we get White if someone else was head coach. Holtz still has a lot of connections in North Carolina, and his relationship with Newman and NC Tech, along with White wanting to head back to Florida sealed the deal with his commitment. Marquis does sound like a project, but a wise coach once told me you can't coach size. Plus with guys like Cory Grissom and Keith McCaskill returning at DT, White will have time to develop before being expected to contribute consistently on the defensive line in 2012.
by Ken DeCelles
Just two days before National Signing Day, the St. Pete Times' Joe Smith is reporting that USF has secured the commitment of North Carolina Tech DT Marquis White. The 6'5 297lb Orlando native was a relative newcomer in this recruiting cycle, and after enjoying his visit to Tampa on the January 21st recruiting weekend, he pulled the trigger after visiting Florida A&M this week. If you might think that White is a marginal recruit, please note that White also had offers from North Carolina and Minnesota as well.
Smith was able to get a hold of NC Tech Head Coach Tim Newman to hear what he had to say about White, and he spoke of White's potential and ability,
"This is a natural born athlete, like a freak of nature. He's got great size, he's fast, he's got great instincts. We had to tell him to stop hitting the quarterback in practice one day. They got a quality football player. It looks like that program is going in the right direction, getting guys like Marquis."
This year for NC Tech, White recorded an impressive 38 tackles with 8 of those for a loss. He also recorded 4.5 sacks and deflected 4 passes which is impressive for a Defensive Tackle.
I don't think we get White if someone else was head coach. Holtz still has a lot of connections in North Carolina, and his relationship with Newman and NC Tech, along with White wanting to head back to Florida sealed the deal with his commitment. Marquis does sound like a project, but a wise coach once told me you can't coach size. Plus with guys like Cory Grissom and Keith McCaskill returning at DT, White will have time to develop before being expected to contribute consistently on the defensive line in 2012.
Athletic Media Relations /University of Arkansas Tyler Gilbert Athletic Media Relations | FR | LB | 6-3 | 241 | Sorrento, La. (John Curtis Christian HS/North Carolina Tech Prep) | In 2010 at North Carolina Tech Prep, Gilbert notched 62 tackles and five sacks, helping Tim Newman's squad to a 9-1 record. In 2009 at John Curtis Christian, Gilbert made 36 tackles and was a force in the backfield, notching seven tackles for loss. He helped the team to a 13-1 record and a state championship game appearance. Gilbert decided on the Razorbacks while also receiving interest from Auburn, Memphis and Louisiana-Lafayette. He was a high school teammate of current Razorback offensive lineman Luke Charpentier under head coach J.T. Curtis. He enrolled at the University of Arkansas in the spring of 2011.
Former George Washington star coming home to Temple
LexisNexis Feed Updated Feb 2, 2011 8:01 AM ET Clinton Granger, who has been called "Juice" for as long as he can remember, describes his journey this way:
"I guess it's the life that chose me."
Well put.
In the last 3 years, it has taken him from George Washington High to North Carolina Tech prep in Charlotte to Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College to Pierce Junior College in Los Angeles.
And now, it's bringing him back to Philadelphia. The 6-3, 235-pound quarterback is headed to Temple to play football for new coach Steve Addazio, who took over in late December after Al Golden left for the University of Miami.
Granger will make it official today when he signs his national letter of intent.
"I didn't know where I was going to end up, but I knew I wanted to play Division I football somewhere," Granger said. "[Addazio] contacted me, through my old high school coach [Ron Cohen]. He saw my tapes, thought I'd be the right guy to run his system. For a hometown guy, it seemed like a perfect situation."
He made his visit this past weekend.
"It took me a long time, and it took me all over the place, but you don't mind doing the things you have to do to get where you want to go," he said. "In the end, it's worked out for the best. But there were a lot of times when I wondered if it really would."
After not playing for 2 years, he split time last season at Pierce with Exavier Johnson, who originally had gone to Utah State. Despite missing three games, Granger threw for 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also received offers from Florida International, North Texas and several Football Championship Subdivision programs, while Minnesota had shown interest.
"I liked everything about coming home," said Granger, who lives in South Philly. "I think [Addazio's] a players' coach, a good guy to play for. I think he came from a good background [offensive coordinator at Florida]. He knows what he wants, and what he can get out of his players. I think he'll be good for Temple. I'm looking forward to being part of a team that's winning [Mid-American Conference] championships and going to bowl games.
"My family couldn't be happier. For me, the decision was easy."
Addazio isn't allowed to comment until today. The Owls have had their issues at quarterback lately, although redshirt sophomore Mike Gerardi did some good things when he took over for junior Chester Stewart in the seventh game. Still, the Owls lost their last two to finish 8-4. Redshirt freshman Chris Coyer is also in the mix.
Granger has three seasons of eligibility left and can play immediately. He plans to enroll for the summer semesters, after finishing up some classwork on the opposite coast.
"[Addazio] said he believes in me," Granger said. "He told me that. He said he knows that this is a good story. So maybe it was meant to be. I believe things happen for a reason. I believe that this is the road God wanted me to take. It wasn't perfect. But I'm excited that the ending will make everything right. I can see the outcome. There's finally a light up ahead. For that, I feel blessed.
"I didn't have the grades coming out of high school. All I've been looking for is an opportunity. Some places just didn't work out, for whatever reasons. But it made me grow up and mature. It made me work even harder. It made me humble, made me learn the position of quarterback a little bit more. I had to grow up on my own. I just kept believing, kept bettering myself. As long as I did my part, I kept hoping that someone would reach out and help lift me up.
"The game feels a lot slower to me now. I'm more calm, relaxed. I know what it takes. I've had my setbacks."
The story is still being written. In some ways, it hasn't really begun in earnest. The next chapter will unfold on North Broad Street. It can't get much more full circle than that.
"It felt kind of awkward, for me to come home in snow," he said. "It felt different. I was so used to the California weather. I got spooked by that. I guess I'll have to learn how to deal with it all over again."
After all he's done to get himself to this point, he should be well-equipped when it comes to shoveling his way out.
LexisNexis Feed Updated Feb 2, 2011 8:01 AM ET Clinton Granger, who has been called "Juice" for as long as he can remember, describes his journey this way:
"I guess it's the life that chose me."
Well put.
In the last 3 years, it has taken him from George Washington High to North Carolina Tech prep in Charlotte to Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College to Pierce Junior College in Los Angeles.
And now, it's bringing him back to Philadelphia. The 6-3, 235-pound quarterback is headed to Temple to play football for new coach Steve Addazio, who took over in late December after Al Golden left for the University of Miami.
Granger will make it official today when he signs his national letter of intent.
"I didn't know where I was going to end up, but I knew I wanted to play Division I football somewhere," Granger said. "[Addazio] contacted me, through my old high school coach [Ron Cohen]. He saw my tapes, thought I'd be the right guy to run his system. For a hometown guy, it seemed like a perfect situation."
He made his visit this past weekend.
"It took me a long time, and it took me all over the place, but you don't mind doing the things you have to do to get where you want to go," he said. "In the end, it's worked out for the best. But there were a lot of times when I wondered if it really would."
After not playing for 2 years, he split time last season at Pierce with Exavier Johnson, who originally had gone to Utah State. Despite missing three games, Granger threw for 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also received offers from Florida International, North Texas and several Football Championship Subdivision programs, while Minnesota had shown interest.
"I liked everything about coming home," said Granger, who lives in South Philly. "I think [Addazio's] a players' coach, a good guy to play for. I think he came from a good background [offensive coordinator at Florida]. He knows what he wants, and what he can get out of his players. I think he'll be good for Temple. I'm looking forward to being part of a team that's winning [Mid-American Conference] championships and going to bowl games.
"My family couldn't be happier. For me, the decision was easy."
Addazio isn't allowed to comment until today. The Owls have had their issues at quarterback lately, although redshirt sophomore Mike Gerardi did some good things when he took over for junior Chester Stewart in the seventh game. Still, the Owls lost their last two to finish 8-4. Redshirt freshman Chris Coyer is also in the mix.
Granger has three seasons of eligibility left and can play immediately. He plans to enroll for the summer semesters, after finishing up some classwork on the opposite coast.
"[Addazio] said he believes in me," Granger said. "He told me that. He said he knows that this is a good story. So maybe it was meant to be. I believe things happen for a reason. I believe that this is the road God wanted me to take. It wasn't perfect. But I'm excited that the ending will make everything right. I can see the outcome. There's finally a light up ahead. For that, I feel blessed.
"I didn't have the grades coming out of high school. All I've been looking for is an opportunity. Some places just didn't work out, for whatever reasons. But it made me grow up and mature. It made me work even harder. It made me humble, made me learn the position of quarterback a little bit more. I had to grow up on my own. I just kept believing, kept bettering myself. As long as I did my part, I kept hoping that someone would reach out and help lift me up.
"The game feels a lot slower to me now. I'm more calm, relaxed. I know what it takes. I've had my setbacks."
The story is still being written. In some ways, it hasn't really begun in earnest. The next chapter will unfold on North Broad Street. It can't get much more full circle than that.
"It felt kind of awkward, for me to come home in snow," he said. "It felt different. I was so used to the California weather. I got spooked by that. I guess I'll have to learn how to deal with it all over again."
After all he's done to get himself to this point, he should be well-equipped when it comes to shoveling his way out.
How a Miami kid helped propel Pittsburgh into Super Bowl
The biggest play in Antonio Brown's life began on a cold day 1,100 miles from the Miami of his youth.
It was third-and-19 from Pittsburgh's own 38-yard line.
Game tied, 2:07 left on the clock.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger backpedaled, set his feet and launched a tracer of a pass 50 yards downfield.
Flashing toward the end zone, a black-and-gold blur, was Brown, a speedy, compact receiver who grew up tough in a single-parent household, a college walk-on chosen 195th in the NFL Draft.
On his shoulders at that instant rested the hopes of a city (Pittsburgh) and a nation (the rabid fan base known as Steelers Nation).
***
Antonio Brown was born in July 1988, the second child of 18-year-old parents. They divorced a few years later.
His father was "Touchdown'' Eddie Brown of the not-ready-for-prime-time Arena Football League. In fact, he was voted the best player in league history.
But while "Touchdown'' Brown was living up to his nickname in Albany and Indianapolis, Antonio was living in Miami.
His mother, Adrianne Moss, remarried when he was 12.
At Norland High, coach Nigel Dunn described Brown as streetwise and imbued with a deep love of football, a kid who doubled down on his effort whenever confronted with a football obstacle.
At Norland, he played quarterback, even though he wanted to be a receiver -- because, Dunn said, that's what the team needed.
When Brown got into trouble, the typical high school football punishment -- extra workouts -- wasn't punishment at all. Brown thrived on it.
After one such two-hour grind, Brown looked up at Dunn and said: "More coach?''
Dunn remembers thinking: This kid's got something. ...
THROUGH HARD TIMES
Whatever he had, it would carry him through the difficult football years that followed.
After his senior year at Norland, the Miamis, the Floridas and Florida States and their ilk shied away from Brown. His grades were a factor, said his high school coach.
He and high school teammate Lester Jean, whose family took him in during his junior year at Norland, landed at North Carolina Tech, an obscure football outpost. No nationally televised games. No 60,000 screaming fans in face-paint waving foam fingers. No scholarship.
"So many kids could say, `I'm not gonna do this, I'm not going to a tech school. I'm gonna give up on sports,' '' Norland athletic director Ira Fluitt said. ``He didn't do that.''
At North Carolina Tech, Brown ran wild in the football sense. In five games, he scampered for 451 yards and 13 touchdowns and threw for 1,247 yards and 11 scores.
According to Jean, who recently completed his senior year at Florida Atlantic, they had but one goal: "Work hard and go after our dreams.''
Brown would leave N.C. Tech and walk on at Central Michigan. More eye-popping statistic followed. He became CMU's all-time leader in receptions and the only player in school history with two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
But Central Michigan, of the Mid-American Conference, isn't the big time. Whatever headlines the team generated focused on quarterback Dan LeFevour, now a backup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
After his junior year, Brown declared himself eligible for the draft. The football world yawned. Brown was taken by the Steelers in the sixth round, behind 194 players deemed better pro prospects.
In Pittsburgh, he had to fight for playing time. After 11 games this season, he had just two catches. After that, his playing time and production increased.
Brown said the early season experience built "humility, patience and perseverance.''
And then came the team's playoff game against the Ravens, three weeks ago Saturday. Baltimore rushed out to a 14-point lead by halftime. The Steelers clawed their way back to tie the game. Then Pittsburgh nudged ahead by three, only to see the Ravens tie the score with 3:54 left.
A three-point favorite heading into the game against a bitter rival, buoyed by a stadium full of boisterous, towel-waving, Steelers-loving crazies at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, the team faced faced not just elimination, but humiliation.
A BOBBLE, THEN...
When the ball was snapped to Roethlisberger, Brown streaked right past two Ravens defenders. As he plucked the pass from the air, he briefly bobbled it, then, without breaking stride, pinned it to his helmet with a gloved right hand.
Although he stepped out of bounds at the 4, the 58-yard play set up the team's victory-sealing touchdown.
Brown delivered again the next week against the New York Jets in the waning seconds of the AFC Championship Game. He caught a third-down, 14-yard pass that "moved the chains'' as they say. The first down enabling the Steelers to run out the clock.
Pittsburgh's ticket to the Super Bowl was punched.
Brown no longer has to fight quite so hard for attention and playing time.
"Some college coaches, they come back to my office,'' Dunn, the high school coach, said, "and I tell them remember that kid you didn't want to take?...''
Miami Herald staff writer Jeff Darlington contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/06/v-fullstory/2053139/how-a-miami-kid-helped-propel.html#ixzz1I1leuMS6
It was third-and-19 from Pittsburgh's own 38-yard line.
Game tied, 2:07 left on the clock.
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger backpedaled, set his feet and launched a tracer of a pass 50 yards downfield.
Flashing toward the end zone, a black-and-gold blur, was Brown, a speedy, compact receiver who grew up tough in a single-parent household, a college walk-on chosen 195th in the NFL Draft.
On his shoulders at that instant rested the hopes of a city (Pittsburgh) and a nation (the rabid fan base known as Steelers Nation).
***
Antonio Brown was born in July 1988, the second child of 18-year-old parents. They divorced a few years later.
His father was "Touchdown'' Eddie Brown of the not-ready-for-prime-time Arena Football League. In fact, he was voted the best player in league history.
But while "Touchdown'' Brown was living up to his nickname in Albany and Indianapolis, Antonio was living in Miami.
His mother, Adrianne Moss, remarried when he was 12.
At Norland High, coach Nigel Dunn described Brown as streetwise and imbued with a deep love of football, a kid who doubled down on his effort whenever confronted with a football obstacle.
At Norland, he played quarterback, even though he wanted to be a receiver -- because, Dunn said, that's what the team needed.
When Brown got into trouble, the typical high school football punishment -- extra workouts -- wasn't punishment at all. Brown thrived on it.
After one such two-hour grind, Brown looked up at Dunn and said: "More coach?''
Dunn remembers thinking: This kid's got something. ...
THROUGH HARD TIMES
Whatever he had, it would carry him through the difficult football years that followed.
After his senior year at Norland, the Miamis, the Floridas and Florida States and their ilk shied away from Brown. His grades were a factor, said his high school coach.
He and high school teammate Lester Jean, whose family took him in during his junior year at Norland, landed at North Carolina Tech, an obscure football outpost. No nationally televised games. No 60,000 screaming fans in face-paint waving foam fingers. No scholarship.
"So many kids could say, `I'm not gonna do this, I'm not going to a tech school. I'm gonna give up on sports,' '' Norland athletic director Ira Fluitt said. ``He didn't do that.''
At North Carolina Tech, Brown ran wild in the football sense. In five games, he scampered for 451 yards and 13 touchdowns and threw for 1,247 yards and 11 scores.
According to Jean, who recently completed his senior year at Florida Atlantic, they had but one goal: "Work hard and go after our dreams.''
Brown would leave N.C. Tech and walk on at Central Michigan. More eye-popping statistic followed. He became CMU's all-time leader in receptions and the only player in school history with two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
But Central Michigan, of the Mid-American Conference, isn't the big time. Whatever headlines the team generated focused on quarterback Dan LeFevour, now a backup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
After his junior year, Brown declared himself eligible for the draft. The football world yawned. Brown was taken by the Steelers in the sixth round, behind 194 players deemed better pro prospects.
In Pittsburgh, he had to fight for playing time. After 11 games this season, he had just two catches. After that, his playing time and production increased.
Brown said the early season experience built "humility, patience and perseverance.''
And then came the team's playoff game against the Ravens, three weeks ago Saturday. Baltimore rushed out to a 14-point lead by halftime. The Steelers clawed their way back to tie the game. Then Pittsburgh nudged ahead by three, only to see the Ravens tie the score with 3:54 left.
A three-point favorite heading into the game against a bitter rival, buoyed by a stadium full of boisterous, towel-waving, Steelers-loving crazies at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, the team faced faced not just elimination, but humiliation.
A BOBBLE, THEN...
When the ball was snapped to Roethlisberger, Brown streaked right past two Ravens defenders. As he plucked the pass from the air, he briefly bobbled it, then, without breaking stride, pinned it to his helmet with a gloved right hand.
Although he stepped out of bounds at the 4, the 58-yard play set up the team's victory-sealing touchdown.
Brown delivered again the next week against the New York Jets in the waning seconds of the AFC Championship Game. He caught a third-down, 14-yard pass that "moved the chains'' as they say. The first down enabling the Steelers to run out the clock.
Pittsburgh's ticket to the Super Bowl was punched.
Brown no longer has to fight quite so hard for attention and playing time.
"Some college coaches, they come back to my office,'' Dunn, the high school coach, said, "and I tell them remember that kid you didn't want to take?...''
Miami Herald staff writer Jeff Darlington contributed to this report.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/06/v-fullstory/2053139/how-a-miami-kid-helped-propel.html#ixzz1I1leuMS6
Poole finding his niche at Auburn
Poole finding his niche at Auburn
by Aaron Kraut/Times-Georgian Times Georgian 9 months ago | 4766 views | 0 | | 20 | |
Life as a non-scholarship athlete at a major college football program can be difficult. It’s only natural to grow frustrated while buried on the depth chart.
Former Haralson County High School star Blake Poole admitted he occasionally did just that during his redshirt season at Auburn last year.
But through the arduous task of team-mandated workouts — Poole would wake up at 4:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to run sprints, push blocking sleds and climb a hill nicknamed “the green monster” with the team’s other redshirts — the wide receiver turned safety’s attitude changed.
Now, as he prepares for his redshirt freshman campaign knowing more consistent playing time on defense and special teams is a possibility, Poole said he’s content.
“It was kinda tough on me coming in here during camp last fall, because I thought I’d play a whole lot more. But I didn’t. And there were times when I was frustrated, but I was able to overcome it,” Poole said from Auburn on Thursday.
He has remained on campus this summer for position workouts and summer classes.
“I’ve come to love it,” Poole said.
After five months at North Carolina Tech, a prep school in Charlotte, N.C., Poole got a high enough ACT score to transfer to Auburn in time for fall practice last year.
Through those grueling early-morning workouts, Poole’s affinity for the Tiger program and coaching staff actually increased.
“They were to get you better and to get you stronger and to let you compete on the field and let you play more,” Poole said. “The toughest part is probably waking up at 4:45 (a.m.) and knowing that you’ve got to go workout while everyone else is still asleep. But you’ve got to be mentally ready. You gotta gear up and go through it.”
Poole thrived as others dreaded going to the football complex, where the redshirts would also do lunges and run “gassers,” along with other conditioning drills.
He gave credit to Auburn strength and conditioning coach Kevin Yoxall, and Poole also spoke glowingly about head coach Gene Chizik and position coaches Tommy Thigpen and Jay Boulware.
Poole now solidly sees himself as a Tiger, even if a starting job is likely a long ways away. With more playing time, Poole hopes to earn a scholarship.
“He will work his way into a playing position, I feel like,” said Frank Vohun, the former Haralson County football coach, who Poole recorded 55 catches for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns for during his senior season in 2007. “Ain’t no doubt about that. He’s too good of a young man not to.”
Poole’s father, Allen, is currently the chairman of Haralson County’s Board of Commissioners, and he remembers taking his son to Georgia games in Athens. Naturally, Blake Poole grew up an avid Bulldog fan, but when the staff at rival Auburn offered a roster spot, Poole couldn’t refuse.
“I grew up as a Georgia fan, and I’m still a Georgia fan,” Allen Poole said. “When they play Auburn, it’s about a 50-50 (split). But die-hard Georgia fans are hard to come by.”
As Allen Poole watched Blake record five tackles and a pass break-up at the Tigers’ A-Day spring game in April, he was proud his son was able to pull through last season’s challenges.
“He was very excited about the opportunity to get some playing time, which we hope will lead to a chance to get some more playing time,” Allen Poole said. “I believe they know his athletic ability.”
Blake Poole believes the same thing. But perhaps more importantly, he feels like part of the team now.
“Once you come to Auburn, you’re not gonna want to leave because it’s a great place,” Poole said. “I’ve made so many friends here, friends who I’ll keep my entire life. Every man is accountable for his own job and the team. We’re so much further ahead than we were at this time last year. I think we’ll do fine.”
Read more: Times-Georgian - Poole finding his niche at Auburn
by Aaron Kraut/Times-Georgian Times Georgian 9 months ago | 4766 views | 0 | | 20
Life as a non-scholarship athlete at a major college football program can be difficult. It’s only natural to grow frustrated while buried on the depth chart.
Former Haralson County High School star Blake Poole admitted he occasionally did just that during his redshirt season at Auburn last year.
But through the arduous task of team-mandated workouts — Poole would wake up at 4:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays to run sprints, push blocking sleds and climb a hill nicknamed “the green monster” with the team’s other redshirts — the wide receiver turned safety’s attitude changed.
Now, as he prepares for his redshirt freshman campaign knowing more consistent playing time on defense and special teams is a possibility, Poole said he’s content.
“It was kinda tough on me coming in here during camp last fall, because I thought I’d play a whole lot more. But I didn’t. And there were times when I was frustrated, but I was able to overcome it,” Poole said from Auburn on Thursday.
He has remained on campus this summer for position workouts and summer classes.
“I’ve come to love it,” Poole said.
After five months at North Carolina Tech, a prep school in Charlotte, N.C., Poole got a high enough ACT score to transfer to Auburn in time for fall practice last year.
Through those grueling early-morning workouts, Poole’s affinity for the Tiger program and coaching staff actually increased.
“They were to get you better and to get you stronger and to let you compete on the field and let you play more,” Poole said. “The toughest part is probably waking up at 4:45 (a.m.) and knowing that you’ve got to go workout while everyone else is still asleep. But you’ve got to be mentally ready. You gotta gear up and go through it.”
Poole thrived as others dreaded going to the football complex, where the redshirts would also do lunges and run “gassers,” along with other conditioning drills.
He gave credit to Auburn strength and conditioning coach Kevin Yoxall, and Poole also spoke glowingly about head coach Gene Chizik and position coaches Tommy Thigpen and Jay Boulware.
Poole now solidly sees himself as a Tiger, even if a starting job is likely a long ways away. With more playing time, Poole hopes to earn a scholarship.
“He will work his way into a playing position, I feel like,” said Frank Vohun, the former Haralson County football coach, who Poole recorded 55 catches for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns for during his senior season in 2007. “Ain’t no doubt about that. He’s too good of a young man not to.”
Poole’s father, Allen, is currently the chairman of Haralson County’s Board of Commissioners, and he remembers taking his son to Georgia games in Athens. Naturally, Blake Poole grew up an avid Bulldog fan, but when the staff at rival Auburn offered a roster spot, Poole couldn’t refuse.
“I grew up as a Georgia fan, and I’m still a Georgia fan,” Allen Poole said. “When they play Auburn, it’s about a 50-50 (split). But die-hard Georgia fans are hard to come by.”
As Allen Poole watched Blake record five tackles and a pass break-up at the Tigers’ A-Day spring game in April, he was proud his son was able to pull through last season’s challenges.
“He was very excited about the opportunity to get some playing time, which we hope will lead to a chance to get some more playing time,” Allen Poole said. “I believe they know his athletic ability.”
Blake Poole believes the same thing. But perhaps more importantly, he feels like part of the team now.
“Once you come to Auburn, you’re not gonna want to leave because it’s a great place,” Poole said. “I’ve made so many friends here, friends who I’ll keep my entire life. Every man is accountable for his own job and the team. We’re so much further ahead than we were at this time last year. I think we’ll do fine.”
Read more: Times-Georgian - Poole finding his niche at Auburn
Blake Poole heads to Auburn this fall
by Clark Leonard/The Times-Georgian
Blake Poole never thought he’d go to Auburn, as he was a big Georgia fan growing up, but the former Haralson County High School standout wide receiver is now proud to be joining the Tigers.
After graduating from HC in the spring of 2008, Poole spent July through November at North Carolina Tech, a prep school in Charlotte, N.C., and got the ACT score he needed to transfer to Auburn.
Then came the wait, as Poole had reached out to the Tigers’ previous staff unsuccessfully but was hoping for a second chance when Gene Chizik took over as the head man on The Plains.
As the spring wore on, Poole figured his chance to play at Auburn had passed by.
Then came the call in April, inviting him to visit. He went the school’s campus on the Tigers’ spring break and watched them practice.
For a guy who had visited Tennessee and Florida State, there was something different, something special.
“There’s something about Auburn,” Poole said.
And after his time at the prep school, the former Rebel receiver said he is excited about making the move to Auburn and the Southeastern Conference.
“That’s a miracle, and it’s a dream come true,” Poole said.
Haralson County football coach Frank Vohun said he is glad his former player found a program to call home.
“It’s just great that he found a place that he can go and he wants to go and they want him,” Vohun said.
Poole doesn’t have a scholarship, but he said the coaches told him he’ll have a chance to earn one if he does well in the fall.
He realizes the great opportunity in front of him and said it’s his responsibility to seize it.
“God opened up that door for me,” Poole said. “Now what I’ve got to do is go kick it in.”
For now, he’s working out a couple of mornings a week at HCHS until he heads to Auburn at the beginning of August.
He also just got back from orientation, where he met again with the coaching staff. He’s ready for the move, as he said Auburn is a great place.
“The people down there, they’re so nice,” Poole said. “And they care about you a lot.”
He is also glad he will be only two hours away, compared with the five-hour trip it was from home to Charlotte.
Heading to Auburn, he said he won’t forget what everyone back home has meant to him along the way.
“I love Haralson County,” Poole said. “And they’ve done so much for us.”
And his high school coach said it is Poole’s extraordinary work ethic that will make him a success with the Tigers.
“He’s going to be a player because he’s as hard of a worker as any kid I’ve ever seen,” Vohun said.
Read more: Times-Georgian - News, Classifieds, Business, Sports - Carrollton, Georgia
Blake Poole never thought he’d go to Auburn, as he was a big Georgia fan growing up, but the former Haralson County High School standout wide receiver is now proud to be joining the Tigers.
After graduating from HC in the spring of 2008, Poole spent July through November at North Carolina Tech, a prep school in Charlotte, N.C., and got the ACT score he needed to transfer to Auburn.
Then came the wait, as Poole had reached out to the Tigers’ previous staff unsuccessfully but was hoping for a second chance when Gene Chizik took over as the head man on The Plains.
As the spring wore on, Poole figured his chance to play at Auburn had passed by.
Then came the call in April, inviting him to visit. He went the school’s campus on the Tigers’ spring break and watched them practice.
For a guy who had visited Tennessee and Florida State, there was something different, something special.
“There’s something about Auburn,” Poole said.
And after his time at the prep school, the former Rebel receiver said he is excited about making the move to Auburn and the Southeastern Conference.
“That’s a miracle, and it’s a dream come true,” Poole said.
Haralson County football coach Frank Vohun said he is glad his former player found a program to call home.
“It’s just great that he found a place that he can go and he wants to go and they want him,” Vohun said.
Poole doesn’t have a scholarship, but he said the coaches told him he’ll have a chance to earn one if he does well in the fall.
He realizes the great opportunity in front of him and said it’s his responsibility to seize it.
“God opened up that door for me,” Poole said. “Now what I’ve got to do is go kick it in.”
For now, he’s working out a couple of mornings a week at HCHS until he heads to Auburn at the beginning of August.
He also just got back from orientation, where he met again with the coaching staff. He’s ready for the move, as he said Auburn is a great place.
“The people down there, they’re so nice,” Poole said. “And they care about you a lot.”
He is also glad he will be only two hours away, compared with the five-hour trip it was from home to Charlotte.
Heading to Auburn, he said he won’t forget what everyone back home has meant to him along the way.
“I love Haralson County,” Poole said. “And they’ve done so much for us.”
And his high school coach said it is Poole’s extraordinary work ethic that will make him a success with the Tigers.
“He’s going to be a player because he’s as hard of a worker as any kid I’ve ever seen,” Vohun said.
Read more: Times-Georgian - News, Classifieds, Business, Sports - Carrollton, Georgia
Hopkins gives NIU a change of pace
Posted: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 9:03 pm | Updated: 11:35 pm, Tue Sep 28, 2010.
Hopkins gives NIU a change of pace Jimmy Johnson northernstar.info | 0 comments
Jasmin Hopkins caught the eye of the NIU football program after shredding the junior college circuit.
Hopkins' 3,181 yards in two seasons at Fort Scott Community College paid off and was one Huskies top recruits from their 2010 class.
Here's a look into what Hopkins totaled in his career before arriving at NIU and what he's done on the field so far as a Huskie.
• Despite his nimble physique at 5'9", 174 pounds, he showed he could carry the ball in major doses with a total of 600 carries at FSCC.
• Major contributor in the Greyhounds' runner-up 2009 season when they qualified for nationals.
• In Hopkins' final season at FSCC, the running back ran for 1,931 yards with 18 touchdowns which earned him the JUCO National Player of the Year award.
• Also given the Jayhawk Conference Player of the year award.
• Has played sparingly through four games with NIU with 15 carries on 90 yards while averaging about 23 yards a game on the ground.
• Made an immediate impact in his debut, against Iowa State, by hauling in a six-yard reception with five carries for 22 yards.
• Put the trick in trick play by completing his first career touchdown pass to Landon Cox for 19-yards during NIU's 28-22 loss to Illinois.
• Possesses impressive speed, which has earned him some time at returning kickoffs.
Hopkins' take on the transition from junior college to Division I football: "Basically I'm just getting a feel for it. Everything's going a whole lot faster. [I'm] learning as I go and mainly, it's all about technique with this [level]. Junior college you just go with the flow off of your athletic [ability]. Here you have a whole lot more technique."
NIU offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover analysis of Hopkins' role in the offense: "Well, I think the greatest thing about Jaz is that he's a great change of pace [running back]. Chad [Spann] is a real pounder and of course a guy like Cameron Bell, he's a big back whose going to grind it out and he's going to get up in there for the tough yards, and Jaz is so elusive. I think [he keeps] the defense on their heels because they don't know if they're going to get Chad, the pounder [in Cameron Bell] or if they are going to get [Jasmin who] has the chance to make a big play every time he touches the ball. We love having him in our offense but our biggest problem right now is just finding enough footballs to go around because we do have a talented group back there."
Jasmin Hopkins caught the eye of the NIU football program after shredding the junior college circuit.
Hopkins' 3,181 yards in two seasons at Fort Scott Community College paid off and was one Huskies top recruits from their 2010 class.
Here's a look into what Hopkins totaled in his career before arriving at NIU and what he's done on the field so far as a Huskie.
• Despite his nimble physique at 5'9", 174 pounds, he showed he could carry the ball in major doses with a total of 600 carries at FSCC.
• Major contributor in the Greyhounds' runner-up 2009 season when they qualified for nationals.
• In Hopkins' final season at FSCC, the running back ran for 1,931 yards with 18 touchdowns which earned him the JUCO National Player of the Year award.
• Also given the Jayhawk Conference Player of the year award.
• Has played sparingly through four games with NIU with 15 carries on 90 yards while averaging about 23 yards a game on the ground.
• Made an immediate impact in his debut, against Iowa State, by hauling in a six-yard reception with five carries for 22 yards.
• Put the trick in trick play by completing his first career touchdown pass to Landon Cox for 19-yards during NIU's 28-22 loss to Illinois.
• Possesses impressive speed, which has earned him some time at returning kickoffs.
Hopkins' take on the transition from junior college to Division I football: "Basically I'm just getting a feel for it. Everything's going a whole lot faster. [I'm] learning as I go and mainly, it's all about technique with this [level]. Junior college you just go with the flow off of your athletic [ability]. Here you have a whole lot more technique."
NIU offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover analysis of Hopkins' role in the offense: "Well, I think the greatest thing about Jaz is that he's a great change of pace [running back]. Chad [Spann] is a real pounder and of course a guy like Cameron Bell, he's a big back whose going to grind it out and he's going to get up in there for the tough yards, and Jaz is so elusive. I think [he keeps] the defense on their heels because they don't know if they're going to get Chad, the pounder [in Cameron Bell] or if they are going to get [Jasmin who] has the chance to make a big play every time he touches the ball. We love having him in our offense but our biggest problem right now is just finding enough footballs to go around because we do have a talented group back there."
NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year RB Jasmin Hopkins commits to Northern Illinois by Mike Breese on Jan 6, 2010 1
RB Jasmin Hopkins (Dec. Grad)
Fort Scott C.C. (KS)
HS: East Gaston (NC)
5'8" 180 lbs
40 time: 4.44 secs
Other offers: Louisiana-Lafayette & Arkansas State
Rivals Profle: 3-stars, 5.6
Scout Profile
Former East Gaston RB to choose new college Wednesday - Gaston Gazette
Northern Illinois the choice for top JUCO running back from Gaston County - Gaston Gazette
Youtube: Click below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhLsu8UMc4&feature=player_embedded#at=80
For those of you looking for more offensive weapons after the embarrassing International Bowl loss, then you're in for a treat. Jas Hopkins had to endure a long, winding road to get to where he is now, but he's been successful at every stop: At East Gaston, Hopkins set the Warriors’ school rushing record in 2006 with 1,901 yards while earning All-Gazette honors and also leading East Gaston to a co-Big South Conference title and a school-record 11 victories.
In 2007, Hopkins rushed for a school-record 1,200 yards at Charlotte Tech before heading to Fort Scott of the Jayhawk Junior College Conference.
Hopkins rushed for 3,158 yards in two seasons, including a national-best 1,931 yards last year to earn National Junior College Athletic Association offensive player of the year honors – or the junior college version of the Heisman Trophy.
He also helped the Greyhounds win 20 games in two seasons, including a national junior college runner-up finish and 11-1 record last year.
"I’m looking forward to the next step in my career," Hopkins said.
Why he committed:
"It’s more of a bigger Division I school," said Hopkins, who spent the last two years at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College and will have two years eligibility at NIU. "They’ll have seven nationally-televised games. They run the ball a lot. Basically, everything fits me except the weather."
"I’m sure I’ll get used to that (weather). I’m just excited about the chance I’m getting," said Hopkins, a 2007 East Gaston High graduate.
"They run a two-back I-formation offense and they tell me I’ll have a chance to compete for the starting job," Hopkins said.
The way his coach talks about him is really exciting:
"I could talk for days about Jas," Fort Scott coach Jeff Sims said. "For him to do what he has done is amazing. He’s become one of the best runners in the history of a conference that’s had NFL guys like Corey Dillon, Brandon Jacobs, Rudi Johnson and Mike Rozier play his position."
"Jas is the single toughest football player I’ve ever been around," Sims said. "He carried it 45 times in his first game this season and he’s never hurt. He’s just a tough, strong, physical, effective runner."
That last sentence sounds like something Coach Novak would have said about Garrett Wolfe back in the day. And I'd make a comparison between the two players. Although Hopkins may not have the same quickness or moves that Wolfe had, they both have similar cutting styles and running desire. Both backs like to run through tackles and refuse to go down. The dude can stop on a dime and doesn't lack at all in the speed department.
I'm surprised that his only other offers were from Sun Belt also-rans Arkansas State & UL-Lafayette. It could have been about size, could have been about grades but it really doesn't matter. Hopkins is a FOOTBALL PLAYER that won the highest possible achievement that he could garner in the Junior College ranks. Coach Kill knows the Kansas JC system like the back of his hand and it seems like our bowl appearances these past couple years is starting to make a huge impact.
He'll enroll early, which counts him against last year's class and gives him a better chance at making an impact next year as a Junior.
Unbelievable pickup, see you in the Spring. Let's keep this gravy train rolling through this weekend and next.
RB Jasmin Hopkins (Dec. Grad)
Fort Scott C.C. (KS)
HS: East Gaston (NC)
5'8" 180 lbs
40 time: 4.44 secs
Other offers: Louisiana-Lafayette & Arkansas State
Rivals Profle: 3-stars, 5.6
Scout Profile
Former East Gaston RB to choose new college Wednesday - Gaston Gazette
Northern Illinois the choice for top JUCO running back from Gaston County - Gaston Gazette
Youtube: Click below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAhLsu8UMc4&feature=player_embedded#at=80
For those of you looking for more offensive weapons after the embarrassing International Bowl loss, then you're in for a treat. Jas Hopkins had to endure a long, winding road to get to where he is now, but he's been successful at every stop: At East Gaston, Hopkins set the Warriors’ school rushing record in 2006 with 1,901 yards while earning All-Gazette honors and also leading East Gaston to a co-Big South Conference title and a school-record 11 victories.
In 2007, Hopkins rushed for a school-record 1,200 yards at Charlotte Tech before heading to Fort Scott of the Jayhawk Junior College Conference.
Hopkins rushed for 3,158 yards in two seasons, including a national-best 1,931 yards last year to earn National Junior College Athletic Association offensive player of the year honors – or the junior college version of the Heisman Trophy.
He also helped the Greyhounds win 20 games in two seasons, including a national junior college runner-up finish and 11-1 record last year.
"I’m looking forward to the next step in my career," Hopkins said.
Why he committed:
"It’s more of a bigger Division I school," said Hopkins, who spent the last two years at Fort Scott (Kansas) Community College and will have two years eligibility at NIU. "They’ll have seven nationally-televised games. They run the ball a lot. Basically, everything fits me except the weather."
"I’m sure I’ll get used to that (weather). I’m just excited about the chance I’m getting," said Hopkins, a 2007 East Gaston High graduate.
"They run a two-back I-formation offense and they tell me I’ll have a chance to compete for the starting job," Hopkins said.
The way his coach talks about him is really exciting:
"I could talk for days about Jas," Fort Scott coach Jeff Sims said. "For him to do what he has done is amazing. He’s become one of the best runners in the history of a conference that’s had NFL guys like Corey Dillon, Brandon Jacobs, Rudi Johnson and Mike Rozier play his position."
"Jas is the single toughest football player I’ve ever been around," Sims said. "He carried it 45 times in his first game this season and he’s never hurt. He’s just a tough, strong, physical, effective runner."
That last sentence sounds like something Coach Novak would have said about Garrett Wolfe back in the day. And I'd make a comparison between the two players. Although Hopkins may not have the same quickness or moves that Wolfe had, they both have similar cutting styles and running desire. Both backs like to run through tackles and refuse to go down. The dude can stop on a dime and doesn't lack at all in the speed department.
I'm surprised that his only other offers were from Sun Belt also-rans Arkansas State & UL-Lafayette. It could have been about size, could have been about grades but it really doesn't matter. Hopkins is a FOOTBALL PLAYER that won the highest possible achievement that he could garner in the Junior College ranks. Coach Kill knows the Kansas JC system like the back of his hand and it seems like our bowl appearances these past couple years is starting to make a huge impact.
He'll enroll early, which counts him against last year's class and gives him a better chance at making an impact next year as a Junior.
Unbelievable pickup, see you in the Spring. Let's keep this gravy train rolling through this weekend and next.
Fort Scott's Jasmin Hopkins and Navarro's Brad Graham Named 2009 NJCAA Football Players of the Year
December 17, 2009
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2009) - This season's NJCAA football rushing leader and a top tackler have been selected as the 2009 NJCAA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.Fort Scott Community College (Kan.) sophomore running back Jasmin Hopkins has been awarded the offensive honors, while Navarro College (Texas) linebacker Brad Graham receives the defensive award.
The 2009 season marks the 20th consecutive year that the NJCAA Football Coaches Association has selected a player of the year. Since 2000, an award has been given to both an offensive and defensive player.
Jasmin Hopkins
Running Back (5-9, 185 lbs.)
Fort Scott Community College (Kan.)
A native of Stanley, N.C., Hopkins posted the second-most rushing yards by an NJCAA running back in 10 years while helping guide the Fort Scott Greyhounds to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference title in 35 years and their first Region 6 title ever. The Greyhounds played in the NJCAA Football Championship Game this season for the first time in over 35 years where they fell in final seconds 31-26 to Blinn College (Texas).
Hopkins led the NJCAA in rushing yards with 1,931, which is the second-best mark by a player since Lackawanna College (Pa.) running back Alan Jones rushed for 2,069 yards in 2000. Jocques Crawford of Cisco College (Texas) rushed for 1,935 yards in 2007 and won that season's Offensive Player of the Year honor.
Hopkins also led in the nation in rushing yards per game with 160.9 and his 16 rushing touchdowns tied for fifth. His 102 points from 17 total touchdowns ranked eighth in the NJCAA in scoring while his 1,931 rushing yards ranked 15th in total offense.
He also earned Offensive Player of the Year honors from the KJCCC, leading the league in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, scoring and touchdowns scored.
Hopkins averaged over 25 rushing attempts per game and gained over 100 yards in 11 straight contests this year, including four games where he eclipsed 200 yards. His best performance came on Sept. 19 against Garden City (Kan.) when he had 267 yards on 35 carries and two touchdowns.
In the national title game against Blinn, Hopkins accounted for 188 yards on 35 carries.
For his career at Fort Scott, Hopkins totaled 3,158 rushing yards, which ranks second in school history.
Hopkins has yet to decide where he will continue his education and football career, but is being recruited by Arkansas State, Southern Mississippi and many others according to JC Football.com.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 17, 2009) - This season's NJCAA football rushing leader and a top tackler have been selected as the 2009 NJCAA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.Fort Scott Community College (Kan.) sophomore running back Jasmin Hopkins has been awarded the offensive honors, while Navarro College (Texas) linebacker Brad Graham receives the defensive award.
The 2009 season marks the 20th consecutive year that the NJCAA Football Coaches Association has selected a player of the year. Since 2000, an award has been given to both an offensive and defensive player.
Jasmin Hopkins
Running Back (5-9, 185 lbs.)
Fort Scott Community College (Kan.)
A native of Stanley, N.C., Hopkins posted the second-most rushing yards by an NJCAA running back in 10 years while helping guide the Fort Scott Greyhounds to their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference title in 35 years and their first Region 6 title ever. The Greyhounds played in the NJCAA Football Championship Game this season for the first time in over 35 years where they fell in final seconds 31-26 to Blinn College (Texas).
Hopkins led the NJCAA in rushing yards with 1,931, which is the second-best mark by a player since Lackawanna College (Pa.) running back Alan Jones rushed for 2,069 yards in 2000. Jocques Crawford of Cisco College (Texas) rushed for 1,935 yards in 2007 and won that season's Offensive Player of the Year honor.
Hopkins also led in the nation in rushing yards per game with 160.9 and his 16 rushing touchdowns tied for fifth. His 102 points from 17 total touchdowns ranked eighth in the NJCAA in scoring while his 1,931 rushing yards ranked 15th in total offense.
He also earned Offensive Player of the Year honors from the KJCCC, leading the league in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, scoring and touchdowns scored.
Hopkins averaged over 25 rushing attempts per game and gained over 100 yards in 11 straight contests this year, including four games where he eclipsed 200 yards. His best performance came on Sept. 19 against Garden City (Kan.) when he had 267 yards on 35 carries and two touchdowns.
In the national title game against Blinn, Hopkins accounted for 188 yards on 35 carries.
For his career at Fort Scott, Hopkins totaled 3,158 rushing yards, which ranks second in school history.
Hopkins has yet to decide where he will continue his education and football career, but is being recruited by Arkansas State, Southern Mississippi and many others according to JC Football.com.
Antonio Brown does almost everything for Central Michigan University football team
Amid the quarterback questions at Central Michigan University, Antonio Brown has gracefully taken his name out of the hat. "I was the starting quarterback in high school and prep school," the CMU sophomore said. "But here, I'm more comfortable catching the ball than throwing it."
Brown will get plenty of chances to touch the ball Saturday, even if he doesn't throw a pass against Toledo. Kickoff is noon at Toledo.
With starting quarterback Dan LeFevour hurt, backup Brian Brunner stepped in and threw for 346 yards in Central's 38-28 win over Western Michigan.
But it was Brown who finished with the highest quarterback rating, completing one pass on a receiver option for a 2-yard touchdown. His rating of 223.4 is higher than either of the other quarterbacks' ratings.
Central Michigan wide receiver Antonio Brown, left, cuts by Eastern Illinois defenders Cory Leman, No. 55, and Joel Evers, No. 18 during the first quarter of a football game against Eastern Illinois in August, in Mount Pleasant, Mich."We had been working on that play all week," Brown said. "It was there. I was just happy to complete it." The TD pass added one more accomplishment for Brown, who in two years at CMU has scored touchdowns receiving, rushing, returning a kick, returning a punt and, now, passing.
He leads CMU with 43 receptions. He also leads the country in punt return yardage, averaging 24.4 yards per return.
"A lot of it is the blocking," Brown said. "For me to get off a good return, we have to have 10 teammates getting bodies on bodies.
"They give me a little space, I try to hit the seam, read the blocks and take off."
Facing Toledo brings back some happy memories for Brown. CMU knocked off Toledo, 52-31, last year in the second game of the season. It was Brown's first start of his career.
He caught nine passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, adding a 42-yard punt return to set up another CMU touchdown.
"Toledo didn't know who I was," Brown said. "They didn't game-plan me or anything. I was a freshman. The coaches called some good plays, I got open and things worked.
"I'm sure that's not going to happen again this time. I think Toledo knows who I am now."
Brown's performance last year against Toledo was also the first time CMU fans were able to see him.
He entered the season as an unknown quantity. Brown was not on CMU's list of recruits because he signed after the official signing date.
"I had just finished prep school at North Carolina Tech, and I was trying to reach Coach (Butch) Jones at West Virginia because he had been recruiting me," Brown said. "Then Coach told me that he was leaving West Virginia to come to CMU and was I interested in going to CMU.
"I was very interested. I was interested in CMU before Coach Jones went there. I liked it. It was a good atmosphere with good people."
In his final year at North Carolina Tech, Brown threw for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games. He also ran for 451 yards and 13 touchdowns, returning 11 punts and six kickoffs for touchdowns.
"Right now, I'm extremely thankful for my decision to come to CMU," Brown said. "It couldn't have worked out any better."
Hugh Bernreuter is assistant sports editor for The Saginaw News. You may reach him at 776-9771 or at hbernreuter@thesaginawnews.com
Brown will get plenty of chances to touch the ball Saturday, even if he doesn't throw a pass against Toledo. Kickoff is noon at Toledo.
With starting quarterback Dan LeFevour hurt, backup Brian Brunner stepped in and threw for 346 yards in Central's 38-28 win over Western Michigan.
But it was Brown who finished with the highest quarterback rating, completing one pass on a receiver option for a 2-yard touchdown. His rating of 223.4 is higher than either of the other quarterbacks' ratings.
Central Michigan wide receiver Antonio Brown, left, cuts by Eastern Illinois defenders Cory Leman, No. 55, and Joel Evers, No. 18 during the first quarter of a football game against Eastern Illinois in August, in Mount Pleasant, Mich."We had been working on that play all week," Brown said. "It was there. I was just happy to complete it." The TD pass added one more accomplishment for Brown, who in two years at CMU has scored touchdowns receiving, rushing, returning a kick, returning a punt and, now, passing.
He leads CMU with 43 receptions. He also leads the country in punt return yardage, averaging 24.4 yards per return.
"A lot of it is the blocking," Brown said. "For me to get off a good return, we have to have 10 teammates getting bodies on bodies.
"They give me a little space, I try to hit the seam, read the blocks and take off."
Facing Toledo brings back some happy memories for Brown. CMU knocked off Toledo, 52-31, last year in the second game of the season. It was Brown's first start of his career.
He caught nine passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, adding a 42-yard punt return to set up another CMU touchdown.
"Toledo didn't know who I was," Brown said. "They didn't game-plan me or anything. I was a freshman. The coaches called some good plays, I got open and things worked.
"I'm sure that's not going to happen again this time. I think Toledo knows who I am now."
Brown's performance last year against Toledo was also the first time CMU fans were able to see him.
He entered the season as an unknown quantity. Brown was not on CMU's list of recruits because he signed after the official signing date.
"I had just finished prep school at North Carolina Tech, and I was trying to reach Coach (Butch) Jones at West Virginia because he had been recruiting me," Brown said. "Then Coach told me that he was leaving West Virginia to come to CMU and was I interested in going to CMU.
"I was very interested. I was interested in CMU before Coach Jones went there. I liked it. It was a good atmosphere with good people."
In his final year at North Carolina Tech, Brown threw for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games. He also ran for 451 yards and 13 touchdowns, returning 11 punts and six kickoffs for touchdowns.
"Right now, I'm extremely thankful for my decision to come to CMU," Brown said. "It couldn't have worked out any better."
Hugh Bernreuter is assistant sports editor for The Saginaw News. You may reach him at 776-9771 or at hbernreuter@thesaginawnews.com
Roper's kick gives NC Tech national title
Former HHS standout hopes to land at D-I school soon SPECIAL TO THE TIMES-NEWS
Will Roper walks off the field to talk to his dad during a game at NC Tech earlier this season.
By Dean Hensley
Times-News Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:56 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. ( page of 2 )
In his junior year at Hendersonville High in 2007, Will Roper had one of the most dramatic kicks he's had in his football career.
"It was great. I hit a 32-yard field goal to send it to overtime, and then we went on to win the game," Roper said.
On Oct. 15, he topped it.
With the score 8-8, Roper, a freshman at North Carolina Tech, was asked to attempt a 44-yard field goal against one of the top prep schools in the nation, Fork Union Military Academy, with just .7 seconds left.
"It was the only time all year the coach had asked me to kick a field goal. I had to prove to him that I could do it. Missing was not an option," Roper said.
The Fork Union coach called timeout twice to ice Roper. It didn't work. His kick split the uprights with room to spare, giving the Tigers the season-ending win and the Post Grad National Championship.
"After it went through, I got ambushed by the team. It was a great feeling. I had to make it, and I made it," Roper said. "What was so great was that my dad, my mom, my brother and a kicker from Charlotte University came to see that game."
It was a perfect ending to his one-year stay at N.C. Tech. Now, he and his father, Chuck, are going back to work.
"We just got my highlight tape made, and we're sending it to every Division I school we can think of," Will said. "We're sending it to (North) Carolina, Miami, Virginia, Colorado, UCLA and LSU, just to name a few."
"Will's already been called three times by UCLA, so there's interest," Chuck said. "He's a great punter, too. His hangtimes range up to 4.5 seconds."
Will still bleeds red — Bearcat red — that is. "I go to as many Hendersonville games as I can. They're doing very well. Their only setback this year is their kicking game. If Coach B.J. (Laughter) could break the law, I'd dress out for him in a minute," Will said.
Hendersonville's current kicker, Burch Wadewitz, has missed the last two games with an illness.
"We'd love to have him right now," Laughter said. "Nobody outworked Will, so whatever success he gets, he deserves it."
Will's dad is hoping his hard work will pay off in the coming weeks.
"Kickers are like catfish. They're at the bottom of the tank when it comes to scholarship offers. Of the kickers on Division I teams today, 85 percent are walk-ons. It's a tough position. We just have to play a lot and hope a lot," Chuck said.
Will Roper walks off the field to talk to his dad during a game at NC Tech earlier this season.
By Dean Hensley
Times-News Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:56 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. ( page of 2 )
In his junior year at Hendersonville High in 2007, Will Roper had one of the most dramatic kicks he's had in his football career.
"It was great. I hit a 32-yard field goal to send it to overtime, and then we went on to win the game," Roper said.
On Oct. 15, he topped it.
With the score 8-8, Roper, a freshman at North Carolina Tech, was asked to attempt a 44-yard field goal against one of the top prep schools in the nation, Fork Union Military Academy, with just .7 seconds left.
"It was the only time all year the coach had asked me to kick a field goal. I had to prove to him that I could do it. Missing was not an option," Roper said.
The Fork Union coach called timeout twice to ice Roper. It didn't work. His kick split the uprights with room to spare, giving the Tigers the season-ending win and the Post Grad National Championship.
"After it went through, I got ambushed by the team. It was a great feeling. I had to make it, and I made it," Roper said. "What was so great was that my dad, my mom, my brother and a kicker from Charlotte University came to see that game."
It was a perfect ending to his one-year stay at N.C. Tech. Now, he and his father, Chuck, are going back to work.
"We just got my highlight tape made, and we're sending it to every Division I school we can think of," Will said. "We're sending it to (North) Carolina, Miami, Virginia, Colorado, UCLA and LSU, just to name a few."
"Will's already been called three times by UCLA, so there's interest," Chuck said. "He's a great punter, too. His hangtimes range up to 4.5 seconds."
Will still bleeds red — Bearcat red — that is. "I go to as many Hendersonville games as I can. They're doing very well. Their only setback this year is their kicking game. If Coach B.J. (Laughter) could break the law, I'd dress out for him in a minute," Will said.
Hendersonville's current kicker, Burch Wadewitz, has missed the last two games with an illness.
"We'd love to have him right now," Laughter said. "Nobody outworked Will, so whatever success he gets, he deserves it."
Will's dad is hoping his hard work will pay off in the coming weeks.
"Kickers are like catfish. They're at the bottom of the tank when it comes to scholarship offers. Of the kickers on Division I teams today, 85 percent are walk-ons. It's a tough position. We just have to play a lot and hope a lot," Chuck said.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
No. 3 quarterback keeps No. 1 healthy
Saturday, April 25, 2009 Doug Lesmerises Plain Dealer Reporter Columbus- A week ago, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor wore ice on his right triceps as he warmed up for the Buckeyes' jersey scrimmage, at least the second time this spring he'd been spotted on the field with ice on his throwing arm.
At practice both Tuesday and Thursday, Pryor hit receivers 50 yards downfield on the numbers, then was crisp and authoritative on routes to the sideline and over the middle. The arm appeared fine.
Justin Siems, the guy wearing No. 17 at today's Scarlet and Gray Game - who fans at first may think is Todd Boeckman back for a seventh season - has a little something to do with Pryor's development as a thrower.
The fact that Siems found his way to campus from a prep school in North Carolina has perhaps prevented Pryor's right arm from falling off.
Pryor admitted to soreness this spring while throwing the ball more than he ever has in his life. That's with three quarterbacks in camp - Pryor, backup Joe Bauserman and Siems - when four is preferred. Imagine if Ohio State had only two arms making all the throws in drills and scrimmage situations.
Recruit Kenny Guiton, added to the freshman class just before signing day in February, won't be here until the fall, and Ross Oltorik, a walk-on a year ago, is playing baseball. That led recruiting assistant Greg Gillum to respond to tapes sent in by Siems, who was determined to find a home at a Division I school.
It didn't hurt that Siems' parents lived in the Columbus suburb of Worthington before he was born and that his father, Jeff, is an Ohio State grad.
But the family had sent tapes to colleges everywhere as Justin followed up his Charlotte high school career by playing at North Carolina Tech, going 14-2 at the prep school last fall, while still searching for a football home. By the beginning of February, the deal was in place for Siems to walk on at Ohio State this spring....
Saturday, April 25, 2009 Doug Lesmerises Plain Dealer Reporter Columbus- A week ago, Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor wore ice on his right triceps as he warmed up for the Buckeyes' jersey scrimmage, at least the second time this spring he'd been spotted on the field with ice on his throwing arm.
At practice both Tuesday and Thursday, Pryor hit receivers 50 yards downfield on the numbers, then was crisp and authoritative on routes to the sideline and over the middle. The arm appeared fine.
Justin Siems, the guy wearing No. 17 at today's Scarlet and Gray Game - who fans at first may think is Todd Boeckman back for a seventh season - has a little something to do with Pryor's development as a thrower.
The fact that Siems found his way to campus from a prep school in North Carolina has perhaps prevented Pryor's right arm from falling off.
Pryor admitted to soreness this spring while throwing the ball more than he ever has in his life. That's with three quarterbacks in camp - Pryor, backup Joe Bauserman and Siems - when four is preferred. Imagine if Ohio State had only two arms making all the throws in drills and scrimmage situations.
Recruit Kenny Guiton, added to the freshman class just before signing day in February, won't be here until the fall, and Ross Oltorik, a walk-on a year ago, is playing baseball. That led recruiting assistant Greg Gillum to respond to tapes sent in by Siems, who was determined to find a home at a Division I school.
It didn't hurt that Siems' parents lived in the Columbus suburb of Worthington before he was born and that his father, Jeff, is an Ohio State grad.
But the family had sent tapes to colleges everywhere as Justin followed up his Charlotte high school career by playing at North Carolina Tech, going 14-2 at the prep school last fall, while still searching for a football home. By the beginning of February, the deal was in place for Siems to walk on at Ohio State this spring....
Kill's Kansas ties open recruiting pipeline
Jerry Burnes NIU running back Jasmin Hopkins attended Fort Scott Community College, which is located in Kansas.
Posted: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 10:46 pm | Updated: 11:10 pm, Wed Oct 27, 2010.
Kill's Kansas ties open recruiting pipeline Chris Dertz northernstar.info |
In any profession, building relationships and networking can be vital to one's success.
Coaching is no different.
NIU football head coach Jerry Kill and his staff have built fruitful relationships throughout their years together.
Perhaps the most fruitful is the rapport that this staff has with the coaches of Kansas' junior colleges.
"You can really see the difference between how professional and organized some guys are," said Fort Scott Community College head coach Jeff Sims, who coached current NIU tailback Jasmin Hopkins. "Coach Kill's reputation in Kansas and what he's done with junior college players helped us encourage [Hopkins] to go there."
Kill's presence in the Kansas JUCO system, according to NIU offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover, begins with Tom Matukewicz.
Matukewicz, currently NIU's linebackers coach, began his coaching career at Coffeyville Community College, coaching offensive line. He used this position to get to know a number of the coaches in the state.
This has been a valuable asset to the coaching staff, as these coaches have helped to make Kill and company aware of standout players in the state.
"Outside of maybe Texas or California, there's no place better than the Kansas junior colleges," Limegrover said. "Tom [Matukewicz] is our guy in the Kansas junior colleges. He has a great relationship, not a good one but a great one, with just about all those coaches. He knows those guys, and he has their respect. That word gets around."
It's a constant recruiting presence in the state that allows Matukewicz and Kill to keep those relationships fruitful.
And it goes both ways. Former NIU grad assistant Brandon Staley is now the defensive coordinator at Hutchinson Community College, a position Matukewicz's connections helped him obtain.
It's a tie that could prove fruitful in the future.
But Matukewicz believes the real benefit of recruiting junior college athletes is their attitude toward the game of football.
"You have to love football to play in that league," Matukewicz said. "The converts are the best kind. If a kid struggled in high school, then goes to junior college and gets good grades, then those are the best kind, because they knew they made a mistake, they corrected it and now you don't have to worry about it when they come here."
It's these type of players that allow Kill and his staff to both develop student-athletes into strong young men, as well as immediately plug holes where a quick fix is needed.
And it's Kill and Matukewicz's connections in Kansas that helps to make it all possible.
October 18, 2010 Shaw’s Gregory, McElveen Earn CIAA Honors
(Raleigh, NC) – The CIAA today named Shaw's Julius Gregory and Markus McElveen CIAA Receiver and Offensive Lineman of the Week, respectively. In addition, HSRN nominated Shaw quarterback Kevin Atkins as National Player of the Week. This is the second straight week Atkins has earned the honor.
Julius Gregory (Sr, 6-5, 225, Portsmouth, VA) broke both the Shaw single season and career touchdown reception records with his two TDs in Shaw's 34-27 win over division rival Fayetteville State. Gregory had three catches for 100 yards in total.
Markus McElveen (Sr., 6-5, 315, Norwalk, CT) anchored an offensive line that allowed the Bears to generate 375 yards of offense, including 198 yards on the ground.
Kevin Atkins (Sr., 6-2, 216, Durham, NC) threw for 177 yards on eight for 15 passing with no interceptions. He connected with Gregory for the two touchdown passes. In addition, he had 73 yards rushing including a touchdown.
Atkins is one of four nominees for the Division II Player of the Week. The winner is determined by fan voting at www.hsrn.com. Voting closes at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Saturday, the Bears host Chowan for their Homecoming Game. Kickoff of the game at Southeast Raleigh High School is 4:00 p.m.
118 East South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(Raleigh, NC) – The CIAA today named Shaw's Julius Gregory and Markus McElveen CIAA Receiver and Offensive Lineman of the Week, respectively. In addition, HSRN nominated Shaw quarterback Kevin Atkins as National Player of the Week. This is the second straight week Atkins has earned the honor.
Julius Gregory (Sr, 6-5, 225, Portsmouth, VA) broke both the Shaw single season and career touchdown reception records with his two TDs in Shaw's 34-27 win over division rival Fayetteville State. Gregory had three catches for 100 yards in total.
Markus McElveen (Sr., 6-5, 315, Norwalk, CT) anchored an offensive line that allowed the Bears to generate 375 yards of offense, including 198 yards on the ground.
Kevin Atkins (Sr., 6-2, 216, Durham, NC) threw for 177 yards on eight for 15 passing with no interceptions. He connected with Gregory for the two touchdown passes. In addition, he had 73 yards rushing including a touchdown.
Atkins is one of four nominees for the Division II Player of the Week. The winner is determined by fan voting at www.hsrn.com. Voting closes at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Saturday, the Bears host Chowan for their Homecoming Game. Kickoff of the game at Southeast Raleigh High School is 4:00 p.m.
118 East South Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Lester Jean Pro Day
Owls Work out for the Scouts
Rob Housler participated in the passing drill portion of the day.
March 3, 2011Photo Gallery Results in PDF Format BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University hosted its annual senior scout day. Thirteen players participated and 12 NFL teams were in attendance. The day began with scout film review and then moved to the FAU football locker room. Players were interviewed, completed paperwork and began physical measurements. They then moved to the weight room where they performed two broad jumps. Michael Lockley had two over 10 feet at 10'9" and 10'6.5". Lockley's physical tools showed once more with the highest vertical jump at 38.5" Strength was the next task where Dino Cox led the way with 29 reps. The Tom Oxley Center Practice Fields was the next stop where the prospects ran a 40 both into and with the wind. They then ran a cone drill, and several were invited to run the 60. Lester Jean ran a 4.53.Tavious Polo ran a 4.60 with his hamstring wrapped. Michael Lockley ran a 4.62 which was strong for the line backers. Ed Alexander ran a 4.70. The morning ended with Jeff Van Camp throwing to Lester Jean, Rob Housler and Grant Glover. The Owl prospects will now stay in shape and await a possible team workout and will watch FAU, for the first time, from the sideline as the team begins spring practice March 30 on the Tom Oxley Practice Fields.
Rob Housler participated in the passing drill portion of the day.
March 3, 2011
N.C. Tech In The Press Antonio Brown from Central Michigan is the MAC Conference rookie of the year and freshman All-American team. He is an NC Tech Alumni from 2008 Coach Newman was pleased to announce:MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University freshman receiver/kick returner Antonio Brown (Miami, Fla./North Carolina Tech) has been named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-America team. Brown is one of 28 players named to the squad. He was selected to the team as an Athlete. The 2007 Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year, Brown caught a school-record 102 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns. He is just the fourth player in school history to post at least 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. His 102 receptions are the second-most by a freshman in Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) history, and his 15 catches in the regular season finale at Akron set a single-game school record. Brown also excelled on special teams, averaging 26.2 yards per kickoff return. He was selected MAC West Division Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in a 35-10 win over Northern Illinois on Sept. 29.The FWAA is the fourth different media outlet to recognize Brown as a Freshman All-American. Brown was a first team selection by scout.com as a kick returner, second team selection by Sporting News as a receiver and second team selection by rivals.com as a kick returner. Along with being named MAC Freshman of the Year, Brown was an All-MAC first team honoree as a return specialist and second team selection as a receiver.CMU finished 8-6 overall in 2007. The Chippewas won their second consecutive MAC title, defeating Miami in the MAC Championship Game 35-10. CMU appeared in the Motor City Bowl for a second consecutive season, falling to Purdue 51-48 in front of a bowl-record crowd of 60,624.We had a great College Day-Combine on November 30. We had over 19 colleges show-up. As of right now we have 32 players that have been offered college scholarships".
Thursday, December 13, 2007 Tech coach has a dream College coaches attend N.C. Tech's College Day this month (Photos: N.C. Tech) Tim Newman has a dream. The coach of the N.C. Tech Tigers hopes his program can become a national power and a steppingstone for Carolinas athletes to find their way onto college campuses despite having some academic troubles in high school. Newman's Tigers are 27-0 in two seasons, playing their home games at Waddell High. The post-high school graduate program takes in players from all over the East Coast who didn't qualify for college and puts them in a tightly structured academic and athletic enrichment program. And it appears to be working. Last year, 33 Tech players signed with colleges. There are 50 playing in schools now, Newman said, including Shaw University kicker Ryan Powell, ranked among the nation's best in Division II. Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, a star on the 2006 Tech team with Powell, was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for an MAC freshman record 1,809 yards. Next February, on national college signing day, Newman expects another 30 to 35 Tech players will join college teams."I want to build a powerhouse with kids who need a second chance," Newman said. "I enjoy coaching them. It's worth a million dollars to me to see these kids move on to bigger and better things. I think I get more excited than they do when the (recruitment) letters start coming in."Players pay $2,500 to play at Tech and another $1,500 to attend the classroom component that goes with it. Newman said many of the players get loans. Next year, he said the football cost would rise to $3,500.This season Tech finished 13-0 and then won the first Volt Bowl 55-0 at Waddell High against a team of post-high school graduate all-stars. For the year, Tech beat Fork Union (Va.) Military and Harmony (Ohio), which have 13 of the top 50 nationally ranked post-high school grad players, according to scout.com Tech safety Chuck Brown, being recruited by Clemson, ranks 23rd .Visit Newman's office, and letters for Brown and other recruits are stuck on the walls and sit on tables. Coaches call constantly. Newman's dream also calls for expanding the program into the high school level. Currently, the Tech players take classes at Charlottes Mack Academy, an 18-year-old school that serves pre-K through high school kids. Newman said he and academy founder Evelyn Mack are in talks to add a football and basketball team to the school and possibly change the name to Charlotte Day Academy, with Newman becoming athletics director."That way," he said, "we can touch some of these kids in Charlotte who might get lost. Sports can keep these kids interested and in school and off the streets. I can reach these kids. I know I can. I think me and Ms. Mack, together, we can make a big difference."The Charlotte Observer Friday, November 23, 2007 N.C. Tech establishing a name for itself. In two quick years, N.C. Tech has begun to make a name for itself.
The Charlotte-based team is 25-0 in two seasons under Coach Tim Newman and is developing a small following for its home games at Waddell High.
Tech is a post high school graduate team that seeks to help graduates from the previous year who did not qualify for college to get scholarships. The first Tech team, in 2006, sent more than 20 kids to college.
The current Tech team could send at least that many. One of them is ranked by scout.com in the top 100 post grad players in the country and Tech has beaten nationally ranked teams like Harmony (Ohio) and Fork Union (Va.). Coach Tim Newman's office is literally littered with letters from college coaches and most days he's got a coach from somewhere visiting his office.
This year's team outscored opponents 45-11, on average and gained nearly 5,000 yards of offense, while using five quarterbacks. Fans tell me the team is fun to watch.
Next year, Newman hopes to start a new private high school, using the Evelyn Mack Center on Monroe Road, where his postgrad players attend classes. As he continues to develop college prospects and attract talent, Tech's profile will only grow.
This seems to be a program with a future.
Langston Wertz Jr.
lwertz@charlotteobserver.comPosted by Observer Sports at 3:00 PM IN MY OPINION Langston Wertz Jr. Wed, Dec. 05, 2007
When you start winning like that, magical things can happen.• N.C. Tech, the post-grad team in town for non-college qualifiers, recently finished its second unbeaten season. A star on the 2006 N.C. Tech team, Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for a MAC freshman-record 1,809 yards. Recruiters are taking notice of N.C. Tech. Coaches from 16 universities showed up for Tech's first college day Friday. Tech officials expect to send 30 players to college next fall. PREP SPORTS Coach is 2nd-chance champ LANGSTON WERTZ JR. Tim Newman has a dream. The coach of the N.C. Tech Tigers hopes his program can become a national power and a steppingstone for Carolinas athletes to find their way onto college campuses despite having some academic troubles in high school. Newman's Tigers are 27-0 in two seasons, playing their home games at Waddell High. The post-high school graduate program takes in players from all over the East Coast who didn't qualify for college and puts them in a tightly structured academic and athletic enrichment program. And it appears to be working. Last year, 33 Tech players signed with colleges. There are 50 playing in schools now, Newman said, including Shaw University kicker Ryan Powell, ranked among the nation's best in Division II. Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, a star on the 2006 Tech team with Powell, was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for an MAC freshman record 1,809 yards. Next February, on national college signing day, Newman expects another 30 to 35 Tech players will join college teams."I want to build a powerhouse with kids who need a second chance," Newman said. "I enjoy coaching them. It's worth a million dollars to me to see these kids move on to bigger and better things. I think I get more excited than they do when the (recruitment) letters start coming in."Players pay $2,500 to play at Tech and another $1,500 to attend the classroom component that goes with it. Newman said many of the players get loans. Next year, he said the football cost would rise to $3,500. This season, Tech finished 13-0 and then won the first Volt Bowl 55-0 at Waddell High against a team of post-high school graduate all-stars. For the year, Tech beat Fork Union (Va.) Military and Harmony (Ohio), which have 13 of the top 50 nationally ranked post-high school grad players, according to scout.com Tech safety Chuck Brown, being recruited by Clemson, ranks 23rd.Visit Newman's office and letters for Brown and other recruits are stuck on the walls and sit on tables. Coaches call constantly. Newman's dream also calls for expanding the program into the high school level. Currently, the Tech players take classes at Charlotte's Evelyn Mack Academy, an 18-year-old school that serves pre-K through high school kids. Newman said he and academy founder Evelyn Mack are in talks to add a football and basketball team to the school and possibly change the name to Charlotte Day Academy, with Newman becoming athletics director."That way," he said, "we can touch some of these kids in Charlotte who might get lost. Sports can keep these kids interested and in school and off the streets. I can reach these kids. I know I can. I think me and Ms. Mack, together we can make a big difference."Prep Sports Langston Wertz Jr. Coach Newman has won his 100th football game. October 18 - NC Tech vs. Fork Union NC Tech defeated Fork Union Military Academy 17-7 to give him his 100th win. NC Tech defeated Georgia State University and Jacksonville University runs Coach Newman's record to 102-5. Charles Brown was rated the 23rd player in the country by SCOUT.com. NC Tech repeats as back to back champions. N C Tech has been invited to the first annual VOLT Bowl on Nov. 17th. N.C. Tech has WON the VOLT Bowl. "We had a great College Day-Combine on November 30. We had over 19 colleges show-up. As of right now we have 32 players that have been offered college scholarships".
Thursday, December 13, 2007 Tech coach has a dream College coaches attend N.C. Tech's College Day this month (Photos: N.C. Tech) Tim Newman has a dream. The coach of the N.C. Tech Tigers hopes his program can become a national power and a steppingstone for Carolinas athletes to find their way onto college campuses despite having some academic troubles in high school. Newman's Tigers are 27-0 in two seasons, playing their home games at Waddell High. The post-high school graduate program takes in players from all over the East Coast who didn't qualify for college and puts them in a tightly structured academic and athletic enrichment program. And it appears to be working. Last year, 33 Tech players signed with colleges. There are 50 playing in schools now, Newman said, including Shaw University kicker Ryan Powell, ranked among the nation's best in Division II. Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, a star on the 2006 Tech team with Powell, was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for an MAC freshman record 1,809 yards. Next February, on national college signing day, Newman expects another 30 to 35 Tech players will join college teams."I want to build a powerhouse with kids who need a second chance," Newman said. "I enjoy coaching them. It's worth a million dollars to me to see these kids move on to bigger and better things. I think I get more excited than they do when the (recruitment) letters start coming in."Players pay $2,500 to play at Tech and another $1,500 to attend the classroom component that goes with it. Newman said many of the players get loans. Next year, he said the football cost would rise to $3,500.This season Tech finished 13-0 and then won the first Volt Bowl 55-0 at Waddell High against a team of post-high school graduate all-stars. For the year, Tech beat Fork Union (Va.) Military and Harmony (Ohio), which have 13 of the top 50 nationally ranked post-high school grad players, according to scout.com Tech safety Chuck Brown, being recruited by Clemson, ranks 23rd .Visit Newman's office, and letters for Brown and other recruits are stuck on the walls and sit on tables. Coaches call constantly. Newman's dream also calls for expanding the program into the high school level. Currently, the Tech players take classes at Charlottes Mack Academy, an 18-year-old school that serves pre-K through high school kids. Newman said he and academy founder Evelyn Mack are in talks to add a football and basketball team to the school and possibly change the name to Charlotte Day Academy, with Newman becoming athletics director."That way," he said, "we can touch some of these kids in Charlotte who might get lost. Sports can keep these kids interested and in school and off the streets. I can reach these kids. I know I can. I think me and Ms. Mack, together, we can make a big difference."The Charlotte Observer Friday, November 23, 2007 N.C. Tech establishing a name for itself. In two quick years, N.C. Tech has begun to make a name for itself.
The Charlotte-based team is 25-0 in two seasons under Coach Tim Newman and is developing a small following for its home games at Waddell High.
Tech is a post high school graduate team that seeks to help graduates from the previous year who did not qualify for college to get scholarships. The first Tech team, in 2006, sent more than 20 kids to college.
The current Tech team could send at least that many. One of them is ranked by scout.com in the top 100 post grad players in the country and Tech has beaten nationally ranked teams like Harmony (Ohio) and Fork Union (Va.). Coach Tim Newman's office is literally littered with letters from college coaches and most days he's got a coach from somewhere visiting his office.
This year's team outscored opponents 45-11, on average and gained nearly 5,000 yards of offense, while using five quarterbacks. Fans tell me the team is fun to watch.
Next year, Newman hopes to start a new private high school, using the Evelyn Mack Center on Monroe Road, where his postgrad players attend classes. As he continues to develop college prospects and attract talent, Tech's profile will only grow.
This seems to be a program with a future.
Langston Wertz Jr.
lwertz@charlotteobserver.comPosted by Observer Sports at 3:00 PM IN MY OPINION Langston Wertz Jr. Wed, Dec. 05, 2007
When you start winning like that, magical things can happen.• N.C. Tech, the post-grad team in town for non-college qualifiers, recently finished its second unbeaten season. A star on the 2006 N.C. Tech team, Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for a MAC freshman-record 1,809 yards. Recruiters are taking notice of N.C. Tech. Coaches from 16 universities showed up for Tech's first college day Friday. Tech officials expect to send 30 players to college next fall. PREP SPORTS Coach is 2nd-chance champ LANGSTON WERTZ JR. Tim Newman has a dream. The coach of the N.C. Tech Tigers hopes his program can become a national power and a steppingstone for Carolinas athletes to find their way onto college campuses despite having some academic troubles in high school. Newman's Tigers are 27-0 in two seasons, playing their home games at Waddell High. The post-high school graduate program takes in players from all over the East Coast who didn't qualify for college and puts them in a tightly structured academic and athletic enrichment program. And it appears to be working. Last year, 33 Tech players signed with colleges. There are 50 playing in schools now, Newman said, including Shaw University kicker Ryan Powell, ranked among the nation's best in Division II. Central Michigan receiver Antonio Brown, a star on the 2006 Tech team with Powell, was named Mid-American Conference freshman of the year after catching a school-record 77 passes and accounting for an MAC freshman record 1,809 yards. Next February, on national college signing day, Newman expects another 30 to 35 Tech players will join college teams."I want to build a powerhouse with kids who need a second chance," Newman said. "I enjoy coaching them. It's worth a million dollars to me to see these kids move on to bigger and better things. I think I get more excited than they do when the (recruitment) letters start coming in."Players pay $2,500 to play at Tech and another $1,500 to attend the classroom component that goes with it. Newman said many of the players get loans. Next year, he said the football cost would rise to $3,500. This season, Tech finished 13-0 and then won the first Volt Bowl 55-0 at Waddell High against a team of post-high school graduate all-stars. For the year, Tech beat Fork Union (Va.) Military and Harmony (Ohio), which have 13 of the top 50 nationally ranked post-high school grad players, according to scout.com Tech safety Chuck Brown, being recruited by Clemson, ranks 23rd.Visit Newman's office and letters for Brown and other recruits are stuck on the walls and sit on tables. Coaches call constantly. Newman's dream also calls for expanding the program into the high school level. Currently, the Tech players take classes at Charlotte's Evelyn Mack Academy, an 18-year-old school that serves pre-K through high school kids. Newman said he and academy founder Evelyn Mack are in talks to add a football and basketball team to the school and possibly change the name to Charlotte Day Academy, with Newman becoming athletics director."That way," he said, "we can touch some of these kids in Charlotte who might get lost. Sports can keep these kids interested and in school and off the streets. I can reach these kids. I know I can. I think me and Ms. Mack, together we can make a big difference."Prep Sports Langston Wertz Jr. Coach Newman has won his 100th football game. October 18 - NC Tech vs. Fork Union NC Tech defeated Fork Union Military Academy 17-7 to give him his 100th win. NC Tech defeated Georgia State University and Jacksonville University runs Coach Newman's record to 102-5. Charles Brown was rated the 23rd player in the country by SCOUT.com. NC Tech repeats as back to back champions. N C Tech has been invited to the first annual VOLT Bowl on Nov. 17th. N.C. Tech has WON the VOLT Bowl. "We had a great College Day-Combine on November 30. We had over 19 colleges show-up. As of right now we have 32 players that have been offered college scholarships".