On The Clock: Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 9-6-1, 2nd In the NFC East
General Manager: Tom Heckert, Head Coach: Andy Reid (11th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Marty Mornhinweg (6th Year/7th With The Eagles), Defensive Coordinator: Jim Johnson (11th Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 9 Overall, No. 6 Scoring, No. 6 Passing, No. 22 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 3 Overall, No. 4 Scoring, No. 3 Passing, No. 4 Rushing

Last Five Years: 46-33-1; Last Playoff Appearance: 2008; Last Playoff Victory: 2008 (23-11 Over the New York Giants)

2008 Draft: (2-47) DT Trevor Laws, (2-49) WR DeSean Jackson, (3-80) LB Bryan Smith, (4-109) OT Mike McGlynn, (4-117) S Quintin Demps, (4-131) CB Jack Ikegwuonu, (6-184) OT Mike Green, (6-200) LB Joe Mays, (6-203) LB Any Studebaker, (7-230) King Dunlap

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (2-47) DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame
2007 – (2-36) QB Kevin Kolb, Houston
2006 – (1-14) DT Brodrick Bunkley, Florida St.
2005 – (1-31) DT Mike Patterson, USC
2004 – (1-16) OG Shawn Andrews, Arkansas

Booms: OG Shawn Andrew (1 Round 2004), DT Mike Patterson (1st Round 2005), S Sean Considine (4th Round 2005), OT Todd Herremans (4th Round 2005), DE Trent Cole (5th Round 2005), DT Brodrick Bunkley (1st Round 2006), LB Chris Gocong (3rd Round 2006), LB Stewart Bradley (3rd Round 2007), TE Brent Celek (5th Round 2007), WR DeSean Jackson (2nd Round 2008), S Quintin Demps (4th Round 2008)

Busts: S Matt Ware (3rd Round 2004), WR Reggie Brown (2nd Round 2005), LB Matt McCoy (2nd Round 2005), RB Ryan Moats (3rd Round 2005), OT Winston Justice (2nd Round 2006), WR Jeremy Bloom (5th Round 2006), RB Tony Hunt (3rd Round 2007)

Additions:
WR Danny Amendola (Free Agent)
OT Stacy Andrews (Free Agent)
DB Rashad Baker (Free Agent)
RB Eldra Buckley (Free Agent)
DE Amon Gordon (Waivers)
SS Sean Jones (Free Agent)
FB Leonard Weaver (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
Correll Buckhalter (FA-Denver)
SS Sean Considine (FA-Jacksonville)
FS Brian Dawkins (FA-Denver)
TE L.J. Smith (FA-Baltimore)
OT Tra Thomas (FA-Jacksonville)
WR Terrell Owens (Released)
SS Roy Williams (Released)

Keepers:
OG Nick Cole
LB Torrance Daniels
DB Joselio Hanson

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 21
Round 1, Selection 28 (From Carolina)
Round 2, Selection 21
Round 3, Selection 21
Round 4, Selection 21
Round 4, Selection 17
Round 5, Selection 5 (From Cleveland)
Round 5, Selection 17 (From New York/AFC)
Round 5, Selection 21
Round 5, Selection 23 (From New England)
Round 6, Selection 21
Round 6, Selection 22 (From Minnesota)
Round 7, Selection 21

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Offensive Tackle: Andrew Smith, Alabama; Eben Britton, Arizona; William Beatty, UConn; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina
2. Running Back: Donald Brown, UConn; LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh; Glenn Coffee, Alabama; Andre Brown, NC State; Shonn Greene, Iowa; Rashad Jennings, Liberty
3. Tight End: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St.; Jared Cook, South Carolina; Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss; Cornelius Ingram, Florida; James Casey, Rice; Travis Beckum, Wisconsin; Chase Coffman, Missouri
4. Safety: Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
5. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr.; Clint Sintim, Virginia; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (North Carolina St.), Collegiate Images

Combine Results: 40-Yard Dash - TE

1. Jared Cook, South Carolina - 4.50
2. Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss - 4.56
3. Cameron Morrah, California - 4.66
4. Cornelius Ingram, Florida - 4.68
5. Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas - 4.71
6. David Johnson, Arkansas St. - 4.73
7. Jared Bronson, Central Washington- 4.76
8. Kory Sperry, Colorado St. - 4.77

Combine Results: Bench Press - TE

1. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin - 28 Reps
James Casey, Rice - 28 Reps
3. Dan Gronkowski, Maryland - 26 Reps
4. Cameron Morrah, California - 24 Reps
Richard Quinn, North Carolina - 24 Reps
6. Eddie Williams, Idaho - 23 Reps
Jared Cook, South Carolina - 23 Reps
8. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St. - 22 Reps
Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas - 22 Reps

Combine Results: Broad Jump - TE

1. Jared Cook, South Carolina - 10'03"
2. Dan Gronkowski, Maryland - 10'02"
Kort Sperry, Colorado St. - 10'02"
4. Richard Quinn, North Carolina 9'11"
5. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St. - 9'10"
6. Jared Bronson, Central Washington - 9'08"
7. Cameron Morrah, California - 9'07"
Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi - 9'07"
9. David Johnson, Arkansas St. - 9'05"
Devon Drew, East Carolina - 9'05"

Combine Results: Vertical Jump - TE

1. Jared Cook, South Carolina - 41"
2. James Casey, Rice - 36"
3. Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas - 35"
4. John Phillips, Virginia - 33.5"
Kort Sperry, Colorado St. - 33.5"
6. Dan Gronkowski, Maryland - 33"
Cornelius Ingram, Florida - 33"
Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss - 33"
Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St. - 33"

SENIOR BOWL – NORTH PRACTICE NOTES

Quarterback: Of all the quarterbacks, Rhett Bomar has the most potential, but he needs a lot of work in terms of his mechanics and consistency. Don’t expect him to be an instant impact rookie a la Joe Flacco regardless of the similarities. Like Flacco, Bomar transferred from a FBS school (Oklahoma) to a FCS school (Sam Houston St.) before earning a Senior Bowl invite. (Flacco ended up at Delaware after starting his college career at Pittsburgh) In addition to having the best arm of this group, Bomar is the most athletic quarterback of the North threesome. He had some issues taking the ball from under center, making the transition from a shot-gun quarterback.

Going under center, Graham Harrell did a nice job dropping back and talking the ball. He didn’t look like a quarterback who spent his entire career (high school and college) in shot-gun spread offenses. Too bad he wasn’t as impressive when asked to throw the football – his ball flutters. Even on the rare occasion when he threw a tight spiral, Harrell simply didn’t have the arm on the deep comeback throws.

Nathan Brown had some issues under center and fumbled a couple of snaps. He is short and doesn’t have the strongest arm, which makes his lack of crisp mechanics and side-arm delivery even more concerning. Like Harrell, Brown didn’t show the arm strength to make sideline throws. Brown looks his best in “game situations” – in the 11-on-11 he was able to settle in and make some solid throws. Thursday was Brown’s best day as he ran the 11-on-11 very well.

Running Backs: Jeremiah Johnson stood out among this group. He has very good lateral quickness – simply put, he can make you miss. Coming out of the backfield, this former Duck is a tough cover and while he is not a feature back, he will make somebody very happy with his ability as a number two.

Cedric Peerman looks like a natural route runner. He should land somewhere as a third down back.

Syracuse product Tony Fiametta had a stellar week. Fearless and physical as a blocker, he also looked good as a receiver coming out of the backfield. At this point, he is the odds-on favorite to be the first fullback off the board come April.

Wide Receivers: Brian Robiskie has terrific hands, maybe the best of this group. He also has no peers in terms of his route running skills. A true technician who plays like his father is a receiver’s coach in the NFL…which he is (Terry Robiskie coaches wide receivers for he Minnesota Vikings).

Ramses Barden had trouble adjusting to playing against a higher level of competition. Even with his big school size, Barden had some trouble getting off jams at the line of scrimmage.

Juaquin Iglesias showed good quickness and the ability to change direction. He plays faster than his 40-time.

None of these defensive backs on the North – and there were some good ones – were able to stay with Derrick Williams in terms of his speed/quickness. After making most of his yardage at Penn St. on screen and junk passes, Williams showed he can in fact run routes and get down the field.

Before he was injured, UNC’s Brooks Foster flashed the ability to stretch the field, but he can also be pushed around. He needs to get tougher and more physical.

In addition to displaying skills as a pass catcher, Brandon Gibson laid an impressive crack back block on defensive end Will Davis in 11-on-11 drills. Gibson showed great hands and could not be held in check – he always found a way to get open.

Malcolm Johnson was a late (injury) addition but quickly became a favorite target of the North quarterbacks, seeing a lot of action in 11-on-11, flourishing in the Red Zone.

Tight End: Brandon Pettigrew pushed Scott McKillop out with relative ease in one-on-one blocking drills. He is a man at tight end, one of the few legitimate in-line blockers at the position.

Big man John Phillips is known as much for his blocking as he is his pass catching, if not more so, but he displayed excellent hands in 11-on-11 drills. He doesn’t necessarily get a lot of separation so he won’t be an explosive pass receiver but appears to be a safe/reliable option.

Offensive Tackles: One of the more intriguing prospects is UConn tackle William Beatty. He needs to do a better job of keeping his back upright and bending his knees, but you have to love the upside he possesses. He got better as the week went on, which is how his pro career will likely go. He needs to put on weight or he’ll be vulnerable to a bull rush, but he has the frame to do so and he’s got the athleticism and footwork to protect the quarterback’s blindside.

Early on, the weakest offensive tackle on the North team was Illinois product Xavier Fulton, who was beaten pretty regularly in one-on-one situations. I did like that he improved throughout the week, rather than hanging his head after his early struggles.

Phil Loadholt was very inconsistent in one-on-one pass blocking drills. The problem is his footwork and lack of lateral mobility. When he gets his hands on pass rusher, it’s game over. The size and length (excellent wingspan) are there for him to play left tackle, but in all likelihood his lack of footwork will prevent him from playing the marquee position. He will shift to the right side on Sundays. Against some of the lesser talent, Loadholt was able to block them, but when he had to block the premier pass rushers on the North, he couldn’t handle them – yet another sign he belongs on the right side.

Guards: Wisconsin guard Craig Urbik was the most consistent interior lineman all week. How do you not love this guy? While most of the centers and guards were getting outplayed by a strong group of defensive tackles, Urbik held his own on almost every snap. He anchors well and even showed excellent footwork when the opposition changed direction. You're not going to overpower Urbik

Andy Levitre is making the move inside after playing tackle at Oregon St. He simply lacks the length to play in the perimeter as his short arms prevent him from pushing linemen away and knocking them off their moves. Levitre had trouble when asked to block speed rushers but has good technique and uses his hands well.

Centers: Max Unger had some trouble handling the faster/quicker players and powerful linemen. When matching up with a noseman like Ron Brace, he was pushed right back into the pocket – the same happened when he was asked to block B.J. Raji. He does a better job when the opposition tries to out-quick him – he’s more athletic than your typical center.

Alex Mack is tougher than Unger, but he had troubles with Ziggy Hood’s spin moves. He was also overpowered by B.J. Raji (in 11-on-11), putting in doubt whether he will be able to handle premier defensive tackles one-on-one. Mack has a nasty streak and does a good job of maintaining leverage.

Defensive Tackles: At his best, B.J. Raji was dominant, pushing around most guards and centers throughout the week. He displayed both the quickness to get around offensive linemen as well as the strength to overpower them. Raji can be so disruptive – at one point breaking up a hand-off in 11-on-11, pushing Alex Mack back into the quarterback.

The other Boston College defensive tackle, Ron Brace, is a one-trick pony. He’s not trying to trick anybody – it’s a straight power bull rush every time. At times he comes out of his stance too high, a no-no for man expected to make his living over the center. It was disappointing to see Brace get handled on back-to-back plays by Virginia Tech’s Ryan Shuman, a borderline draftee. He easily had the most false starts in one-on-one drills. Brace will get solid push from time-to-time, but rarely will flat out beat his blocker.

If you’re looking for moves, Mizzou’s Ziggy Hood had the O-Line baffled with his spin move. While he typically put the offensive linemen through the spin cycle, Hood also busted out an occasional swim move to beat his man. He is tough to block one-on-one.

Mitch King blew by several offensive linemen using his quickness on inside moves, as well as speed off the edge. He also uses hands well. The one-on-one scenarios play to his strengths. When he tried to use a power move, he was cut off at the path – he had no chance to get into the backfield. He is explosive, but simply lacks the size NFL teams are looking for, which doesn’t mean he can’t create a niche for himself as a role player at the next level.

Alex Magee who was added to the roster on Tuesday, exploded by Andy Levitre, using his hands to get by the former Beaver. Magee displayed a speed rush and showed a nice combination move when he powered outside to set up with spin move back inside. I really like his quickness.

Defensive Ends: Larry English showed some glimpses as an edge pass rusher. It looks like he put on some weight for Senior Bowl week, but has he robbed himself of some quickness? He picked up his play as the week went on, displaying a variety of pass rush moves, which is how he’s going to make his money on the next level. English looked solid when asked to cover. He is an ideal candidate to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Tim Jamison had some moments, but often goes too wide, always trying to beat his man on the perimeter. He looks like a ‘tweener – to small to play on the line of scrimmage, not long enough to be an outside pass rusher.

Cody Brown plays a little too upright. He could not get by Phil Loadholt on numerous one-on-one opportunities. Brown responded later in the week, at times attacking the blocker – he knocked both Xavier Fulton and college teammate William Beatty on their rear ends.

After spending most of his time at tight end, Connor Barwin did get an opportunity to show what he could do as a pass rusher. He was able to drop his inside shoulder and go around the pass blocker and also showed his natural instincts and quickness setting up linemen with a hesitation move.

Linebackers: Tyrone McKenzie, out of USF, looks like a solid three-down linebacker. He’s not very explosive but he can cover and there is something to be said for not having to leave the field. He did a great job sticking with Brandon Pettigrew and knocked some balls away.

Marcus Freeman had trouble shedding blockers, although he did avoid Brandon Pettigrew in 11-on-11 as the former Cowboy was trying to block him. He will be a productive pro, but is likely limited to being a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Freeman is at his best playing in space, whether he is trying to avoid a block or make a tackle. He may be the best linebacker in coverage – so smooth and natural when dropping back.

Clint Sintim is trying to prove he can play in a 4-3 defense after flourishing in a 3-4 system at Virginia. He might be able to play the strongside, but is probably better suited to be a rush linebacker. On that note, he struggled in one-on-one coverage when asked to stay with running backs.

Cornerbacks: Darius Butler displayed good footwork throughout the week. He’s a little undersized, but his hips are as fluid as any corner playing this week. At times, Butler disappointed a bit with his speed – does his 40-time translate to the field? For a corner who lacks ideal size, he needs to show more closing speed. He did impress with his physical play at the line of scrimmage, at one point spinning Brooks Foster completely around right at the line. He looks like he has the skills to play bump-and-run.

Coming out of Oregon St. Kennan Lewis is a physical corner, not at all afraid to mix it up.

I believe Macho Harris had a better week than he’s being given credit for. He’s never going to be an on the island corner, but will find a place in the NFL. He was very physical with Ohio St.’s Brian Robiskie, simply not allowing the former Buckeye to go where he wanted to go (by most accounts, Robiskie was one of the tougher receivers to cover). He also showed the ability to play off-man coverage, which is not his strength.

Safeties: William Moore lacks the fluid hips to be effective in coverage, which is why some scouts are speculating he may have to make the move to linebacker, like Oklahoma’s Nic Harris. He seemed to get pushed back step-by-step by Brandon Gibson in coverage and then was completely turned out of position.

Coming out of Western Michigan Louis Delmus also struggled as a coverman. On one drill, he gave Derrick Williams a ton of cushion only to see the Penn St. product run right by him anyway. This Bronco is at his best running down hill and will flourish against the run. Delmus will get caught peeking into the offensive backfield on play-action.

One safety who was solid when asked to cover wide receivers one-on-one was Oregon’s Patrick Chung, who surely helped his stock this week.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations; OU Athletics Department; David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications; USF Athletics Communications; OSU Athletics; Sam Houston State Athletics, College Press Box

All Star: Senior Bowl Report - Day 1

Mobile, AL – A total of 104 senior prospects started the process of impressing the NFL scouts, coaches and front office staff that has traveled to Alabama following a week of doing evaluations in Houston, Texas at the East-West Shrine Game.

A host of star names failed to depart their current training facilities, so the group features a handful of possible first round picks, but mainly 2nd to 4th round choices following this year’s group of underclassmen entering the draft.

I headed over to the North practice site on Monday afternoon as both teams spent 90 minutes on the field at the same time, which will not happen the next two days. I had two evaluators, one a former NFL scout, in attendance for the South practice, which is reflected in the proceeding report.

Tuesday and Wednesday’s workouts will feature two-hour workouts in full pads, so the 1-on-1 sessions and team drills will provide some lively action and big hits.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:

Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew… stood out as a clear cut above the other tight ends thanks to his natural size and than today showing he can get open down-field and be a solid blocker at the point of attack. Has good, but not great straight-line speed; still carries a mid-to-late first round grade at the moment.

- Sam Houston State quarterback Rhett Bomar… had the most “Live” arm of the three North QB’s; Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Nathan Brown (Central Arkansas). He had the most velocity on his out routes and the windy conditions had little or no effect on his ball. Well-built has a sturdy frame and among this group his physical traits have a real chance to shine.

- San Jose State cornerback Coye Francies… passed the eye-test during the morning weigh-in. Shows fluid hips and very good make-up speed, closing on the ball several times. His excellent size and footwork helped make him someone scouts were talking about at the South practice.

- Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King… won most of his 1-on-1’s thanks to impressive quickness and use of his hands. Did not stay blocked too often during the first practice. Quick to see and read the play, very good penetrating his gap off the snap, but lacks ideal size to play every-down inside.

- USC linebacker Brian Cushing… made a very good impression during the morning weigh-in; he’s a solidly built 6’3”, 245 pound ‘backer. Can look a little stiff at times, struggles to get proper depth on drops, needs to turn and run sometimes rather than being fluid enough to just adapt on the move. Looks best attacking the line of scrimmage and making plays in front of him.

- Cal-Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden… great natural size, long, lean frame and did not appear to be 227 pounds as he did not have much fat on his body. Not a natural route runner. Had some trouble adjusting to similar level of competition in terms of ability, caught some balls against his body. Will still do well on jump balls or vertical routes, but he had some issues gathering himself and accelerating in-and-out of his cuts.

Purdue running back Kory Sheets… showed good hands out of the backfield and opened some eyes with his burst in the open field. Had good vision as a runner and several scouts noted he could be a very good all-purpose type back at the NFL level.

SECOND LOOK:

- Cincinnati defensive end Connor Barwin… he was given jersey #82 and practiced the entire afternoon at tight end after spending his senior campaign on the defensive side of he ball. Following practice he said that a lot of teams wanted to watch him practice at tight end, but that he could still take reps at defensive end or even play both ways in the game itself.

- West Virginia quarterback Pat White… struggled throwing the ball, handling the windy conditions and then when he did throw a good ball it was dropped by one of his receivers. Not sure if he was not use to the NFL football or it was just a bad day at the office, but at Tuesday’s practice it will be huge for him to rebound before scouts think about seeing him at wide receiver.
WHAT WE’RE HEARING:

* A quick poll of those watching the afternoon practice session at Ladd-Peebles Stadium revealed that most believe Mike Singletary (49ers), Rex Ryan (Jets) and Raheem Morris (Buccaneers) will have the most success as first-year head coaches next season.

* An assortment of underclassmen and even some of the seniors that opted to pass on playing in the actual Senior Bowl game are expected to arrive on Tuesday and be around the practices and team hotel in order to attract the attention of NFL scouts and coaches.

* According to several sources the annual Monday night welcome cocktail party was far less attended than in years past. It also seems like although Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Miami Dolphins executive VP of Football Operations Bill Parcells were in attendance Monday morning that the total number of decision-makers currently in Mobile is also down a significant amount.

* The wheeling-and-dealing among current staff members, both coaches and scouts, that have seen major adjustments in their head coach or front office was obvious during the weigh-in process and shortly there after as those wearing Chiefs, Browns, Buccaneers and Lions gear were all concentrating on making contact with friends throughout the room after taking care of the initial business at hand; charting the height, weight arm and hand of the 104 senior prospects.

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication, College Press Box (USC, Oklahoma St.)

Game of the Week: #2 Oklahoma @ #9 Oklahoma St.

OKLAHOMA ENTERS SATURDAY’S game with a five-game winning streak in the Bedlam Series and a 79-16-7 edge overall, including a 34-6-5 advantage in Stillwater. However, this one is not expected to be a day at the beach for the Sooners (10-1, 6-1), as they take on one of the most talented Cowboy (9-2, 5-2) teams in quite some time.

When the Pokes Have the Ball

OKLAHOMA ST. POSSESSES one of the most balanced offenses in all of college football and many believe they can pose even more problems for Oklahoma than the Red Raiders. Leading the way are the “four aces” – Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter, Dez Bryant and Brandon Pettigrew. Robinson is among the top duel threat quarter-backs, equally adept at running and throwing the football. When he does let it loose, his favorite target has been Bryant, who has 80 receptions (16 touchdowns) for a Big 12 best 1,222 yards. Adding a new dimension since his return has been Pettigrew, a terrific two-way tight end. Despite a plethora of weapons through the air, the Cowboys do most of their damage on the ground led by the Big 12’s leading rusher Hunter (1,434 yards). The offensive line is experienced with two seniors and three juniors in the starting lineup.

THE SOONERS’ DEFENSE is coming off their top performance of the season. Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy leads the line with his disruptive play. The sophomore stud commands a double team, if not, he will make you pay. On the outside is Jeremy Beal, who has been OU’s top pass rusher this season. Not many teams can rival the speed the Sooners possess at the linebacker position with former safeties Travis Lewis and Keenan Clayton manning the outside. They flank freshman MIKE Austin Box, who is coming off his best game. Leading the secondary is hard hitting strong safety Nic Harris.

When Boomer Sooner Has the Ball

NO ONE IS putting up better numbers than Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford. He leads the Big 12 with his 42 touchdown passes and can attack quickly or methodically. When given time he dissects defenses like a finely skilled surgeon. Bradford has almost an embarrassment of riches surrounding him beginning with dynamic sophomore tailback DeMarco Murray, who finally appears to be 100 percent healthy. The Las Vegas native is a far different player than he was earlier in the season. Complementing Murray is Chris Brown, one of the nation’s top between-the-tackles backs with the requisite toughness and vision. The duo has combined for 28 touchdowns and each has rumbled for over 100 yards in three of their last four games. The man who creates the most mismatches is junior tight end Jermaine Gresham, who is far too big for defensive backs to handle, while possessing the athleticism and speed to run away from linebackers with ease. Bradford’s favorite target this season has been senior Juaquin Iglesias, a sure-handed receiver, who excels after the catch. It all begins upfront behind the blocking of guard Duke Robinson, and tackle Phil Loadholt.

THE POKES’ DEFENSE will be put to the test on Saturday. The rush defense has been solid all year, thanks to a talented linebacking corps. Andre Sexton and Orie Lemon are one and two in tackles on the team and will look to make their presence felt on Saturday. The biggest cause for concern is their inability to put pressure on the quarterback – their 13 sacks are the fewest of any Big 12 school. That puts extra pressure on corners Jacob Lacey and Perrish Cox, something they didn’t handled well against Texas Tech.

Final Analysis

THE WAY OKLAHOMA performed against the Red Raiders last week makes it’s hard to imagine them losing in Stillwater. Their defense is finally coming together and the offense appears to get better on a weekly basis. Expect Boomer Sooner to continue their roll and make a case for being the number one team in the Big 12 South.

Prediction: Oklahoma 42, Oklahoma St. 24

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department

Three Finalists Announced for 2008 John Mackey Award

Manhasset, N.Y. (November 24, 2008) - The Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) has announced three finalists for the 2008 John Mackey Award. Listed alphabetically, they are Chase Coffman (SR, Missouri), Jermaine Gresham (JR, Oklahoma) and Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State).

The three finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced on December 11, 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

For additional information, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

Eight Semi-Finalists Announced for 2008 John Mackey Award

Manhasset, N.Y. (November 17, 2008) - The Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) has announced eight semi-finalists for the 2008 John Mackey Award. Listed alphabetically, they are Chase Coffman (JR, Missouri), Jared Cook (JR, South Carolina), Jermaine Gresham (JR, Oklahoma), Mark Hafner (SR, Houston), Branden Ledbetter (SR, Western Michigan), Brandon Pettigrew (SR, Oklahoma State), Dennis Pitta (JR, BYU) and D.J. Williams (SO, Arkansas).

The eight semi-finalists were determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced on December 11, 2008 at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

The John Mackey Award is given to the collegiate tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values of NFL Hall of Fame Tight End John Mackey. The Nassau County Sports Commission is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that promotes sports and healthy lifestyle for Nassau County residents and is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee.

For additional information, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.

Kory Sperry of Colorado State Named John Mackey Tight End of the Week

Manhasset, N.Y. (October 29, 2008) - Kory Sperry of Colorado State was named John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County Sports Commission. The Mountain West Conference senior recorded six receptions for 51 yards and three touchdowns, most importantly the go-ahead touchdown in the beginning of the fourth quarter to lead the Rams to a huge 38-34 victory over San Diego State. Other candidates considered for this week's Mackey Tight End of the Week include Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State and DJ Williams of Arkansas.

The John Mackey Tight End of the Week is an honor distinct and different from the annual John Mackey Award. This weekly honor was started in 2004 to draw attention to individual play by Tight Ends during the active season. The Tight End of the Week acknowledgment does not have a direct bearing on the final John Mackey Award selection process.

The Nassau County Sports Commission, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization created to enhance quality of life of Nassau County residents through sports, is responsible for the administration of the John Mackey Award and the John Mackey Award Selection Committee. The 2008 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show live December 11, 2008 on ESPN and presented at the Nassau County Sports Commission Annual Awards Dinner on April 27, 2009.

For additional information, please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org or www.nassausports.org.

Q & A: Zac Robinson, Oklahoma St.

Zac Robinson leads the sixth ranked Oklahoma St. Cowboys (7-0, 3-0) into Austin this Saturday to take on the top ranked Texas Longhorns. Robinson has completed 94-of-134 passes (70.1 percent) for 1,488 yards and 14 touchdowns (four interceptions). The Oklahoma native can also run, adding 249 yards and five touchdowns on the ground for the Pokes.

CFI: Tell us about the response you got in Stillwater when you came home from that upset of No. 3 Missouri.

ROBINSON: It was a lot of fun. We got home at around two o’clock in the morning and there was a bunch of fans at the airport waiting for us. We celebrated that win and there was a lot of buzz on campus with the students and the fans. It was a great win for the program and a lot of fun for the fans.

CFI: You took care of a much-improved Baylor team rather easily, how did you guys do that and put the Missouri win behind you and at the same time avoid looking ahead to Texas?

ROBINSON: We just prepared and had a good week at practice like we always do and just tried to forget about the game as quickly as we could and worry about Baylor. We knew if we weren’t careful Baylor could come in and sneak up on us. We focused on just Baylor and didn’t really do anything other than just prepare hard and went out and played.

CFI: Talk about the emergence of Kendall Hunter as the number one tailback.

ROBINSON: We knew last season when he played a little bit that he was going to be a really good player. Obviously he is going to get more carries this year and that offensive line is blocking great. He is a great player and some of the cuts that he makes and moves in the open field are incredible. I’m just glad I got him back in the backfield with me and hopefully he can just keep making plays for us.

CFI: Talk about the chemistry you have developed with sophomore wide receiver Dez Bryant.

ROBINSON: Dez and me have always had great chemistry ever since he’s been here. I tried to take him under my wing when he was a true freshman and I was just a back-up and I knew he was going to be a great. He had the talent. It was just a matter of making the plays and getting comfortable with the offense. I tried to teach him some different things and how to remember stuff and things like that. Our relationship has grown since then, he is a great player and there is always somewhere I can go to the ball because he is going to make the play.

CFI: How about senior tight end Brandon Pettigrew? Is he looking healthier and do you expect to see more from him as the season goes on?

ROBINSON: Brandon is finally getting back to one hundred percent and I expect him to be for next week. We have done a good job with adjusting; the coaches have done a good job with the personnel and adjusting. With Brandon back in the game plan and putting things in for him, it changes our offense dramatically. He obviously is a great player with the ball in his hands but what makes him even better is his blocking ability and what he does for us in the running game. Having him back not only as a pass catcher but run blocking is going to be great for us. Hopefully we can just get better as an offense with him in the lineup.

CFI: Tell us about your development as a quarterback. You have improved significantly as a passer since your freshman season.

ROBINSON: A lot of it is just experience and getting more comfortable with the offense. I have always felt comfortable with the offense as a
red-shirt freshman but the game experience is all that matters. As games have gone on I have felt more comfortable. I have improved and I feel good as a passer. We’re completing a lot of deep throws and we have a lot of guys that can make plays.