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Decision Time: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas

Why Dezmon Briscoe made the right decision to turn pro and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

1. Program in transition: New head coach Turner Gill has big shoes to fill. Say what you want about Mark Mangino being an insensitive brute; the man completely turned around a program in ruins. In fact, since coming to Kansas in 2002, the big man engineered a high-flying and prolific offense, which led throngs of fans to donate the necessary funds to bring KU’s facilities up to Big 12 standards. While Gill inherits a good player base to remain competitive in the early-going, the former quarterback’s resume at Buffalo saw him amass a 15-18 record in conference play in a rather weak Mid-American Conference. Even in his conference-winning season a year ago, Gill’s squad was barely a .500 team, which played its best game in the conference final. The Bulls went on to lose their bowl game despite being located only a stone’s throw away from the game’s site in Toronto. Also, the fact that Gill is a Nebraska guy may dissuade top recruits from committing to the Jayhawks due to the perception that he’ll immediately jump ship to coach his old team if given the opportunity. Briscoe didn't wait to find out who the new head coach would be, but Coach Mangino had more than one foot out the door when the wide out made his decision.

2. New quarterback takes over for Reesing: Kansas fans are bracing themselves for life after Todd Reesing, who was the ring leader of an electrifying passing game thanks to his intelligence, accuracy and consistent play. Briscoe’s return to Kansas would have had him adjusting to the growing pains of the athletic, but unproven Kale Pick at quarterback.

3. It doesn’t get any better than this: While completing a four-year college education is the right and honorable thing to do, all that goes at the window when a first- or second-round selection is in the offing. Briscoe is a long, physical receiver with the ability to break tackles and change directions after the catch. Despite an occasional bout of the dropsies, the 6’3” wide out is skilled enough to contribute right now at the next level and would only risk seeing his value drop by returning to a Kansas team in transition.

Mancini’s Take: Although he’s never been accused of being a speed merchant, Briscoe has the size, strength, body control, and leaping ability to be a difference-making weapon. In addition, the playmaker possesses key intangibles that pro teams covet, such as effectiveness as a blocker, amazing balance to remain in bounds at top speed, and on-field awareness. While Briscoe may still need to improve his consistency, he definitely has an NFL body and should be able to immediately overpower smaller defensive backs at the line of scrimmage and in the red zone.

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Jacobsen, KU Athletics

Nebraska's Suh Wins 2009 Outland Trophy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (FWAA) - Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was named the 64th winner of the Outland Trophy on Thursday night, marking the ninth time a player from Nebraska has won the award.

The winner of the Outland Trophy, which goes to the best interior linemen on offense or defense in college football, was announced during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show from The Walt Disney World Resort.

Nebraska has had seven previous players win the award a total of eight times, including two-time winner Dave Rimington in 1981 and '82. Other previous winners from the school are Larry Jacobson (1971); Rich Glover (1972), Dean Steinkuhler (1983), Will Shields (1992), Zach Wiegert (1994) and Aaron Taylor (1997).

Suh also became the second player in three years to sweep the Football Writers Association of America's two primary individual awards, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (Best Defensive Player) and now the Outland. LSU's Glenn Dorsey won both two years ago. The only other player to do so was Arizona's Rob Waldrop in 1993. Suh, who also has claimed the Lombardi Trophy, is one of five finalists for the Heisman Trophy and could become only the second primarily defensive player to win that award.

This season, Suh led Nebraska in tackles with 50 unassisted and 32 assisted. He had 23 tackles for losses (12 sacks for 77 yards in losses), 10 pass breakups, 26 quarterback hurries, one interception, one forced fumble and three blocked kicks. In the 13-12 loss in the Big 12 title game against Texas last Saturday, Suh was credited with 4.5 sacks of Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy, seven total tackles for loss, a career-high 12 tackles and two quarterback hurries.

"We thought (Gerald) McCoy at Oklahoma was as good as we've seen in years," Texas coach Mack Brown said after the Big 12 Championship Game. "And Ndamukong did the same tonight. He was all over the place. And we just couldn't handle him. ... He is really, really good, and played hard all night."

Suh's sack of Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert in the first quarter of the Cornhuskers' 27-12 victory over the Tigers in early October possibly changed the course of the Big 12 North season. Gabbert suffered an ankle injury on the play. Although he continued to play, his mobility was hampered and Suh also intercepted a Gabbert pass in the fourth quarter.

"The numbers he puts up and the things he does athletically at that size, he's a very dominant player," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. "He's a great, great football player. I can't imagine a lot of other defensive tackles like him in the country. I'd like to see them."

The FWAA selects the Outland Trophy winner from its 25-man All-America team which will be announced on Saturday afternoon on ABC-TV at 1:30 p.m. ET. Suh was chosen as the recipient of the Outland Trophy over Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung and Idaho offensive guard Mike Iupati.

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the FWAA since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest award in major college football behind the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.

The official 2009 award presentation to Suh will be Jan. 14, 2010 in Omaha, Neb., at a banquet sponsored by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee. Ohio State's John Hicks, the 1973 Outland Trophy winner, will also receive his trophy there.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Aaron Hernandez Wins John Mackey Award

Hernandez becomes the second junior to ever win the prestigious outstanding tight end award.

Manhasset, N.Y. (December 10, 2009) - The Nassau County Sports Commission has announced Aaron Hernandez of Florida as the 2009 John Mackey Award recipient. The Southeastern conference junior recorded 59 receptions for 739 yards and four touchdowns while leading Florida to the 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl. Hernandez becomes the second junior to ever receive the John Mackey Award.

Hernandez was named first team All SEC in 2009. He also tied the single game Florida record for receptions by a tight end with eight in the 2009 SEC Championship game. Hernandez, who is well known for his blocking ability and receiving prowess has totaled 102 receptions, 1,271 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his three year career with Florida.

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 2009 John Mackey Award recipient was determined by confidential balloting of the John Mackey Selection Committee. Please visit www.johnmackeyaward.org for all Mackey Award related information including the John Mackey Selection Committee, the selection process and award criteria, information on all past award recipients and a high resolution image of the award trophy available for download.

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

The John Mackey Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association's official website, www.ncfaa.org.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Colt McCoy named 2009 O'Brien Winner

FORT WORTH, Texas (Dec. 10, 2009) - The Davey O'Brien Foundation added another member to its elite group of quarterbacks today when they named Colt McCoy as the 2009 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Winner. McCoy was selected as a Finalist for The O'Brien along with Houston's Case Keenum and Florida's Tim Tebow. Troy Aikman, the 1988 O'Brien Winner, presented the award during The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show from Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

"Colt McCoy has led his team to an undefeated season and berth in the BCS National Championship game. As a starter, he's led Texas to more wins than any other college quarterback. Ever. And, he's a great student. Those are just a couple of reasons why Colt McCoy is a richly deserving winner of the 2009 O'Brien Award," said Verne Lundquist, chair of the national selection committee.

This season, McCoy led the undefeated No. 2 Texas Longhorns to their first Big 12 Championship since 2005 and secured a berth in the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship game. The Longhorns will square off against No.1 Alabama on Jan. 7, 2010 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

In the final season of his Longhorn career, McCoy completed 70.5 percent of his passes for 3,512 yards and 27 touchdowns. The quarterback from Tuscola, Texas holds 46 school records including total offense (14,815), yards (13,244) and touchdowns (112). Additionally, McCoy's 45-7 career record is the most victories by a starting quarterback in NCAA history.

McCoy is the third O'Brien Winner from the University of Texas preceded by Earl Campbell, the inaugural winner of the O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1977), and Vince Young (2005).

The Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee, an elite group of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, selected The O'Brien Winner, with the Fan Vote accounting for 5 % of the total vote. The Selection Committee is asked to evaluate each candidate on the criteria of his quarterback skills and athletic ability, academics, his reputation as a team player, character, leadership and sportsmanship. For a complete listing of the Selection Committee, visit www.DaveyOBrien.org.

About The Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award®
The O'Brien honors the nation's best college quarterback of the year and inspires student-athletes to triumph both on and off the field. By recognizing and honoring athletes who excel in both sports and academics while exhibiting strong character and leadership, The O'Brien aims to help instill a lifelong moral fiber in each candidate. The O'Brien is overseen by the Davey O'Brien Foundation, which was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The Foundation has given away more than $770,000 in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life. For more information, visit www.DaveyOBrien.org.

National College Football Awards Association
The O'Brien is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game's predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association's official Web site, www.NCFAA.org.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Akron Names Rob Ianello Head Coach

AKRON – Rob Ianello, former assistant coach and interim head coach at Notre Dame, was named The University of Akron’s 26th head football coach – but just the sixth since 1960, UA president Dr. Luis Proenza and athletics director Tom Wistrcill announced Thursday afternoon at the Towpath Credit Union Press Level at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.

“We are extremely excited to name Rob Ianello as our new head football coach,” Wistrcill said. “Rob’s experience with some of the top programs in the country, coupled with his recruiting prowess, made him stand out among a great group of candidates. He demonstrated to us a clear plan on how to build a complete championship program – one that has been successfully tested at other University’s around the country – and we are excited to help him execute that plan. He will be a great leader for the young men on our football team and a great part of the Akron community.”

Promoted to assistant head coach for offense in January 2009, Ianello led Notre Dame’s offensive staff meetings when head coach Charlie Weis was not present, while retaining his role as wide receivers coach. Most recently, Ianello served as interim head football coach for the Fighting Irish.

“First I want to thank Dr. Proenza, Tom (Wistrcill) and the Akron community for this opportunity,” Ianello said. “My family and I are thrilled to be at Akron and excited about the opportunity to lead this program. My life-long dream has been to run a football program at the highest level and there is no place better to begin that journey than right now at The University of Akron. The future is very bright for the Zips football program.

This past year, the Irish featured one of the nation’s best quarterback-wide receiver tandems and one of the best in the tradition-rich history of Notre Dame. Signal caller Jimmy Clausen ranked second in the country in pass efficiency and eighth in total offense (302.25 avg.). He completed 289-of-425 passes – with his completion percentage of .680 being a school record. He additionally threw for 3,722 yards (second-most in Notre Dame history) and 28 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

Clausen’s top target was Golden Tate. He had a school-record 93 receptions in 2009, with his 7.75 receptions per game ranking seventh in the NCAA, and tallied a school-record 1,496 yards, with is 124.67 ypg ranking third nationally. Tate finished sixth in the nation in scoring (9.0 ppg) thanks to his 15 receiving TDs, two rushing TDs and a punt return for a score.

Both Clausen and Tate are semifinalists for the 2009 Maxwell Award, presented annually to college’s best football player. Tate additionally was named first team All-American and is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented to the nation’s top collegiate wide receiver.

Notre Dame’s 2009 offense ranked sixth nationally in passing offense (323.50 ypg) and ninth in total offense (451.75 ypg).

A member of the Irish coaching staff since 2005, he has coached six of the most prolific receiving seasons in Notre Dame history as well as coordinated four-straight top 15 recruiting classes.

As the recruiting coordinator for the Irish, he directed three consecutive top 10 recruiting classes from 2006-08, something only three other schools (USC, Florida and Georgia) could claim. He is also the only coach named one of the 25-best recruiters in the country each of the last five years by Rivals.com. In the book “The Second Season” by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, Ianello is named one of the top 10 recruiters of the last 30 years.

Under his guidance, six of the nine best individual receiving seasons in Notre Dame history have occurred. In the past five seasons, four Irish receivers have caught more than 60 passes in a season, while five players have eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards.

Notre Dame’s records for most receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns by a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior have all been recorded under his watch. He has played a crucial role in helping the Irish record the three-most prolific passing seasons in school history.

In 2008, Tate and Michael Floyd rewrote the record book for freshman and sophomore receivers at Notre Dame. Tate tallied 58 receptions for 1,080 yards and 10 TDs while Floyd registered 48 catches for 719 yards and seven TDs. Notre Dame underclassmen combined to make 18 starts in 2007 and caught 88 passes for 1.021 yards and six TDs. Duval Kamara set freshman records (broken in ‘08 by Floyd) for receptions and receiving yards in a season.

Jeff Samardzija, Maurice Stovall and Rhema McKnight captivated Irish fans in 2005-06. Samardzija set school records with 1,249 receiving yards and 15 TDs in ‘05 and 77 receptions in ‘06. His 179 career catches for 2,593 yards and 27 TDs are Irish records.

Stovall caught 69 passes for 1,149 yards and 11 TDs in ‘05, the second-most receiving yards in a single season in school history. McKnight tied Samardzija’s school record with 15 receiving TDs in ‘06 and the two combined to lead the nation with 27 receiving TDs.

He coached at Wisconsin for two years prior to joining Notre Dame and helped lead the Badgers to the 2003 Music City Bowl and 2005 Outback Bowl. While there, Ianello helped develop Owen Daniels from a recruited quarterback into a tight end. Daniels is now one of the top receiving tight ends in the NFL.

Ianello served as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at Arizona and helped develop Bobby Wade and Dennis Northcutt. Wade led the Pacific-10 Conference with 93 receptions for 1,389 yards and eight TDs in 2002, while Northcutt caught 88 passes in 1999. Also in 1999, he was named one of the top 10 recruiters in the nation by ESPN.com and one of the top six recruiters nationally by Sporting News. The previous year with the Wildcats, he helped Arizona’s 1998 squad to a 12-1 record and number four national ranking.

He was elected to the board of trustees of the American Football Coaches Association in January 2003. The board formulates policy and provides direction for the AFCA. Ianello also chairs the AFCA’s assistant coaches committee and is the general chairman of the AFCA’s all-division assistant coaches committee.

Ianello was born Nov. 4, 1965, he is a native of Port Chester, N.Y., and is a 1987 graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. with a bachelor’s degree in English. He and his wife, the former Denise Dove, have one son, Zachary, and two daughters, Ashley and Courtney. Denise is a former assistant women’s basketball coach at Arizona and Wisconsin and is now a scout in the WNBA.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

“I am delighted to hear Akron’s choice of Rob Ianello as the next head football coach. Rob is ready to go (as a head coach). He has been a loyal and trusted assistant for the University of Notre Dame for the past five years. He has the reputation as one of the best recruiters in the country, while his positions players have played at the highest of levels. I am happy both for the University of Akron and the Ianello family. This is a win-win situation.”

Charlie Weis
Former Notre Dame Head Football Coach

“I am thrilled for Rob. I think he will do an exceptional job. I know Akron has made a tremendous commitment to be at the forefront of football in the Mid-American Conference and nothing illustrates that commitment more than hiring Rob Ianello, who is one of the top people available in college football. I am very excited for Rob and excited for Akron. I know he will do a fantastic job. He will bring tremendous energy to the program and expertise to the job.”

Dick Tomey
San Jose State Head Football Coach
2009 President of the American Football Coaches Association

Photo Courtesy of Akron University

Ndamukong Suh Wins The 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award

Houston, Texas - The Rotary Club of Houston has announced that Ndamukong Suh, a defensive tackle from the University of Nebraska, is the winner of the 2009 Rotary Lombardi Award.

Since 1970, the Rotary Lombardi Award has been presented annually to the nation's top college football lineman (offense or defense) who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi. The other finalists for the award were Alabama's Terrence Cody, TCU's Jerry Hughes, and Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy. As is customary with the Rotary Lombardi Award, voting totals are not released.

Ndamukong Suh (pronounced en-dom-ah-ken SUE) from Portland, Oregon, has already won two major honors this year. He was named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and he also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy which is awarded to college football's most "outstanding defensive player." He is also a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, the Lott Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Outland Trophy.

In 2009, Suh recorded 82 tackles including 23 tackles for a loss. He also had 12 sacks and 26 quarterback hurries. Suh's best game of the season came in a 13-12 loss to the University of Texas in the Big 12 Conference Championship Game. Suh recorded a career-high 12 tackles in the game including a school record seven tackles for loss. He also had 4.5 sacks.

Suh is the fifth player from the University of Nebraska to win the Rotary Lombardi Award joining Rich Glover (1972), Dave Rimington (1982), Dean Steinkuhler (1983), and Grant Wistrom (1997). Suh's final collegiate game will be the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30 where Nebraska (9-4) will face Arizona (8-4).

The voters for the Rotary Lombardi Award consist of all head coaches of NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams, all of the former winners and finalists of the Rotary Lombardi Award, and selected members of the media.

The Rotary Club of Houston founded the Rotary Lombardi Award in 1970, in the weeks following the death of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi from cancer. Net proceeds from the awards dinner benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information call the Rotary Club of Houston at 713-973-9936 or visit the website at www.rotarylombardiaward.org.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Tim Tebow Wins 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy

The prolific Gators' quarterback now adds the nation's premier scholar-athlete award to his resume, as Florida becomes the first school in history to boast three Campbell Trophy winners.

NEW YORK, December 8, 2009 - University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, arguably one of the most decorated players in college football history, became the 20th recipient of the William V. Campbell Trophy, endowed by HealthSouth, at The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame's Annual Awards Dinner in New York City tonight.

The Campbell Trophy (formerly known as the Draddy Trophy) is one of college football's most sought after and competitive awards, recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. The award comes with a 24-inch, 25-pound bronze trophy and a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship. A total of $300,000 was awarded to Tebow and the other 15 Campbell Trophy finalists, who each claimed $18,000 scholarships for their post-graduate educations.

"Tim Tebow is a once in a lifetime student-athlete," said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. "Tim's unparalleled accomplishments and charisma have transcended the playing field, capturing the imagination of both young and old. We could not be prouder to have Tim as an ambassador of this award and our sport."

Boasting a 3.66 grade point average as a Family, Youth & Community Sciences major, Tebow has twice been named the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American of the Year. Based on his combined scholastic achievement and campus involvement, Tebow also recently earned induction into the university's Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to students by the Division of Student Affairs at the UF. The Jacksonville, Fla., native is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a two-time First Team Academic All-American.

As the only sophomore to ever win the Heisman, Tebow boasts two national championship titles and has also won the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, the Manning Award, back-to-back Maxwell awards in 2007 and '08, and the Sullivan Award, which is annually presented to the nation's top amateur athlete. As the undisputed leader of the nation's No. 5 team, he is the only player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season (2007) and entered his senior campaign with four NCAA, nine SEC and 23 school records. Tebow leads the Gators in both rushing and passing, accounting for more than 11,000 yards of total offense and 140 touchdowns in his career.

Tebow has spent nearly every summer of his life preaching the word of God around the country and participating in mission trips abroad. In 2009 alone, he has dedicated nearly 700 hours to community service efforts and appearances, including hospital and orphanage visits, and was named the 2008 Wuerffel Trophy recipient for his exemplary outreach.

Tebow joins former Campbell Trophy winners Brad Culpepper (1991) and Danny Wuerffel (1996) and three others as the sixth NFF National Scholar-Athlete from Florida.

Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to credit a player for both academic and athletic accomplishments. The centerpiece to the NFF's scholar-athlete program, which has awarded $9.2 million to 724 top athletes, the Campbell Trophy, first awarded in 1990, was renamed this fall in honor of Bill Campbell, the chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF's Gold Medal.

"The NFF mission is to build leaders through football, and the 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete class members stand as a testament to that creed," said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (1997 Campbell Trophy winner) and Eli were NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively. "We look forward to supporting the bright futures of each of these fine young men, and we take great pride in holding them out as examples of football's unique ability to build tomorrow's leaders."

Candidates must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

The 2009 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award Recipients and Campbell Trophy Finalists includes:

Jon Asamoah - OG, University of Illinois
Matt Bauman - LB, Brigham Young University
Eric Decker - WR, University of Minnesota
Moses Harris - S, Fresno State
Tim Hiller - QB, Western Michigan University
Paul Jasinowski - OT, Brown University
Beau Kildow - WR, Morningside College (Iowa)
Josh Mahoney - LB, University of Northern Iowa
Colt McCoy - QB, University of Texas
Jarrell NeSmith - TE, Tusculum College (Tenn.)
Joe Pawelek - LB, Baylor University
Todd Reesing - QB, University of Kansas
ZaVious Robbins - WR, Hardin-Simmons University (Texas)
Tim Tebow - QB, University of Florida
Blaine Westemeyer - OT, Augustana College (Ill.)
Reed Williams - LB, West Virginia

Listed in chronological order, past Campbell winners, counting two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and a Heisman Trophy winner, include:

Chris Howard (Air Force, 1990 - College President)
John B. Culpepper (Florida, 1991 - Attorney)
Jim Hansen (Colorado, 1992 - Leader in Climatological Research)
Thomas Burns (Virginia, 1993 - Engineering Executive)
Robert Zatechka (Nebraska, 1994 - Physician)
Bobby Hoying (Ohio State, 1995 - Real Estate Executive)
Danny Wuerffel (Florida, 1996 - Nonprofit Executive Director)
Peyton Manning (Tennessee, 1997 - NFL Player)
Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1998 - Television Broadcaster & Insurance Executive)
Chad Pennington (Marshall, 1999 - NFL Player)
Kyle Vanden Bosch (Nebraska, 2000 - NFL Player)
Joaquin Gonzalez (Miami, 2001 - Corporate Executive)
Brandon Roberts (Washington University in St. Louis, 2002 - Physician)
Craig Krenzel (Ohio State, 2003 - Insurance Executive)
Michael Munoz (Tennessee, 2004 - Marketing Manager)
Rudy Niswanger (Louisiana State University, 2005 - NFL Player)
Brian Leonard (Rutgers University, 2006 - NFL Player)
Dallas Griffin (University of Texas, 2007 - Corporate Finance Associate)
Alex Mack (University of California, 2008 - NFL Player)

Photo Courtesy of The National Football Foundation

Rolando McClain Named Butkus Award Winner

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (December 8, 2009) – The 25th annual Butkus Award® honoring the nation’s top collegiate linebacker was presented today to Rolando McClain from the University of Alabama. Pro Football Hall of Fame legend and the Award’s namesake Dick Butkus, and his son Matt, surprised McClain during a campus visit today.

McClain, a 6’4” 258 lb. junior from Decatur, Ala., received 66 total points (15 first-place votes). He finished ahead of Brandon Spikes of Florida (47 points, 8 first place), Sean Weatherspoon of Missouri (30 points, 5 first place), Sergio Kindle of Texas (30 points, 1 first place) and Eric Norwood of South Carolina (10 points).

A three-year starter, McClain leads the Alabama defense which is ranked second nationally in total defense and rush defense. He finished the regular season with 101 tackles, including 51 unassisted, 12.5 for a loss, four sacks and two interceptions. He produced at least five tackles in 12 of the Tide’s 13 games this season and was responsible for making all defensive calls and audibles. McClain was a Butkus Award finalist as a sophomore in 2008.

"The feedback from our voters was that this may have been the toughest choice ever with all five of our finalists and a few more young men who didn't make the cut all having incredible years,” said Hub Arkush, who coordinated the prestigious 51-person panel of selectors.

“In the end the combination of McClain's All American individual performances, his leadership on the No. 1 team in the country, and his outstanding character on and off the field made him a most deserving winner."

McClain is the second Alabama player and third Southeastern Conference player to win the Butkus Award. The late Derrick Thomas, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009 after an 11-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs, won the Butkus Award following the 1988 season. Patrick Willis of Mississippi, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers, won the Butkus Award following the 2006 season.

In addition to the collegiate honor, a Butkus Award will be presented to the top linebacker at the high school and professional levels. A reception honoring all three winners is expected in late February 2010. Details will be posted at www.thebutkusaward.com.

Last year’s Butkus Award winners included: Professional - DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys; Collegiate – Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (now Seattle Seahawks); High School – Manti Te’o, Punahou High School, Hawaii (now Notre Dame).

The Butkus Award is selected by a 51-person panel comprised mostly of scouts, coaches and journalists, and coordinated by Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly. Selectors follow all rules of their leagues. Individual votes remain completely confidential.

The Butkus Award is part of the National College Football Awards Association, a coalition of the major collegiate awards. More information is available at www.NCFAA.org.

The Butkus Award is named after Dick Butkus, who is considered one of the greatest football players in history. Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, following an illustrious career with the Chicago Bears, University of Illinois and Chicago Vocational School. Butkus and his son Matt want the Butkus Award to draw attention to the I Play Clean™ campaign, which aims to end steroid use in organized sports. More information is available at www.iplayclean.org.

The other finalists were Florida's Brandon Spikes, Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon, South Carolina's Eric Norwood and Texas' Sergio Kindle.

The only other Tide player to win the Butkus was Derrick Thomas in 1988.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

CFI Preview: Navy @ Notre Dame

By: Mark J. Zavodnyik

Notre Dame Stadium, Saturday, 2:30PM ET, NBC

Overview

Notre Dame and Navy renew one of college football’s oldest rivalries for the 83rd time Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium.

Navy starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs returns this week. Dobbs has been hobbled of late by a knee injury he suffered against SMU in October. In last week’s 27-24 loss to Temple, Dobbs sat out the entire game except for the final series when the Midshipmen were attempting a last-minute comeback.

Navy is bowl eligible for an impressive seventh consecutive season. With four games left on the schedule, the Midshipmen are on their way to securing a winning record for the seventh straight year as well.

Sophomore receiver Michael Floyd returns for the Irish after sustaining a broken collar bone against Michigan State on September 19. Floyd is an electric playmaker who can change the entire dynamic of Notre Dame’s offense.

Notre Dame is looking to secure their seventh win of the season and continue their push for a possible BCS berth. The Fighting Irish play at Pittsburgh next week in a game that could determine the BCS fate of both teams.

For now, though, Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis is tasked with keeping his players focused on Navy.

Keys for a Navy Victory

1) Ricky Dobbs: The Navy offense is back to full strength with their starting quarterback returning to action. Like Jimmy Clausen for Notre Dame, Dobbs is the most important component of the Midshipmen offense.

The 6’ 1”, 198-pound junior from Douglasville, Georgia is a physical player who has a nose for the end zone. Dobbs is the nation’s leading scorer, averaging 12 points per game, and has scored 16 of Navy’s 32 offensive touchdowns this season.

It is no secret that Navy’s triple-option offense is focused on the run game. The Midshipmen have the nation’s third-best rushing offense, averaging 279.8 yards per game on the ground.

Navy does not pass the ball particularly well, averaging just 71.7 passing yards per contest. In fact, the Midshipmen did not attempt a single pass when Dobbs sat out in their victory over Wake Forest two weeks ago.

However, Navy can be an effective play-action passing team with Dobbs at quarterback. His best passing day of the season came against Ohio State in the season opener when he threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns. Navy will look to catch Notre Dame off-guard with a few well-timed play-action passes.

Dobbs’ supporting cast on offense includes Navy’s leading rusher, fullback Vince Murray. The junior from Union, Kentucky was not a starter at the beginning of the season, but he has made the most of his opportunities. Murray currently has a streak of three consecutive games with over 100 rushing yards.

2) Keep Clausen off the Field: Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green has an experienced unit playing much better than it did a year ago. Last season the Midshipmen’s opponents averaged 27.2 points per game. This year their scoring defense average is down to 21.4.

Navy is 59th in rushing defense (137.44 yards per game) this season, and 23rd in passing defense. (178.11)

In his Tuesday news conference, Weis said this Midshipmen defense is Navy’s best since he arrived at Notre Dame.

Navy does not get a lot of sacks (just 11 on the season) or tackles for a loss (32), so it is important for them to get solid, consistent play from the heart of their defense: the linebackers.

Navy has been fortunate to get production and leadership from a trio of solid linebackers. Senior Ross Pospisil is Navy’s leading tackler with 65 total tackles. The Temple, Texas native is an emotional leader for the Midshipmen and the team’s defensive captain.

Linebackers Tyler Simmons and Tony Haberer are second and third respectively in team tackles. The ability of Navy’s linebackers to make reads, stay in position, and lead the defense is vital for the Midshipmen to keep the scoring down.

The most effective component of the Midshipmen defense is their ability to end drives on third down. Navy is ranked sixth in the country in third down defense. By getting off the field on third down, Navy can rely on its ball-control offense to establish the game’s rhythm.

Navy will severely limit Clausen and the Notre Dame offense if they can continue to play great defense on third down.

Keys for a Notre Dame Victory

1) Robert Hughes: The junior from Chicago is coming off one of the best performances of his career. Against Washington State, Hughes rushed for 131 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown.

Hughes will likely be the focal point of the Notre Dame running attack again this week. The usual starter, Armando Allen, has been dealing with a sprained right ankle and did not play against Washington State. Allen is listed as day-to-day and Weis may want to rest him in preparation for next week’s game against Pittsburgh.

Navy and Notre Dame have both been very good at controlling the clock this season. The Midshipmen rank second in the nation in time of possession per game (34:18), and the Irish are fifth. (33:19)

Notre Dame wants to dictate the tempo of the game and keep Navy’s clock-eating offense off the field. Hughes’ ability to grind out tough yardage and string together first downs is the key to accomplishing that goal.

A performance for Hughes like the one he had against Washington State will go a long way in earning a victory for the Irish.

2) Eliminate Mental Errors: One would think that Notre Dame is the last program in the country that would fail to take Navy seriously. Notre Dame plays the Midshipmen every year and the Irish are very familiar with Navy’s athletes and style of play.

When the Midshipmen defeated Notre Dame 46-44 in 2007, Navy ended the longest losing streak to a single opponent in FBS history (43).

With all that being said, Notre Dame continues to be a team that makes too many mental mistakes. It seems as though in every game there is a personal foul, holding penalty, or some sort of mental hiccup that slows down the Irish offense or gives their opponent a break.

Statistics show that Notre Dame is not a disciplined team. The Irish commit an average of 6.9 penalties for 60.9 yards per game. On the flip side, Navy is far more controlled; the Midshipmen are the least penalized team in the nation, committing just 3.6 penalties per game.

Compounding the problem, Notre Dame frequently “plays down” to an inferior opponent’s talent level. Four of Notre Dame’s victories have been decided by seven points or less against teams over which the Irish had a clear talent advantage.

This week the Irish face a Navy team that is efficient with the ball and does not make mental mistakes. Should the Irish make silly errors and “play down” to Navy, they will be in danger of losing the game.

Prediction

Notre Dame’s improving rush defense keeps the Navy triple-option attack under 200 yards for the game. The Midshipmen will struggle to score as Navy does not have enough offensive balance to attack Notre Dame’s poor pass defense.

Floyd makes his presence felt in his return, catching a touchdown pass for the Irish. The Notre Dame offense will have a full complement of skill players for the first time since September, and the Midshipmen will be unable to keep pace.

Score: Notre Dame 31, Navy 17

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.9

In this week's issue:

• Game Of The Week: LSU @ Alabama

• An Inside Look At The Independants: Navy vs Notre Dame & Army vs Air Force

• Between The Hashes: The Big Three Look To Carry The Torch Of “Linebacker U”

• Player Spotlight: North Carolina Defensive End Robert Quinn

• One On One: Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops

• CFI Top 25 Poll, BCS Busters, Fan’s Weekend Guide, On Location Reports & More!

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College Football Insiders Newsletter 3.8

In this week's issue:

* Inside the Nation: What four surprise schools could be going bowling?

* Award Watch: The Heisman Trophy & Davey O'Brien Award

* On Location: Pittsburgh Panthers

* One On One with Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams

* Player Spotlight on Blair White of Michigan State

* Game of the Week: Texas @ Oklahoma St.

* Conference Focus on Conference-USA

* Plus CFI's Top 25, BCS Busters, Fans Weekend Guide & Football Fans Four-Pack

To Subscribe for FREE email Daniel Mogollon @ dan@collegefootballinsiders.com

Photo Courtesy of David Knachel, Virginia Tech Athletics Communications

Q&A: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

Click to listen to NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight hosted by Daniel Mogollon.


You really wowed everybody with your performance in Indianapolis and outshined every other tight end there. What’s the fastest you ever ran the forty-yard dash? Was that your best time in Indy, or could you do better?

Cook: I had, in my sophomore year, a 4.37. I weighed about 12 pounds less.

Speaking of your college career, you played kind of both tight end and receiver early on before settling in at tight end. How much influence did you have in the decision to have you play tight end, and are you in the right spot?

Cook: Coach Spurrier came to me and asked me if I wanted to move to tight end and I told him, “Anything to help the team” and we were good to go. We went ahead and made the transition. I feel comfortable there and happy that I went there because I just love the position.

You mentioned putting on weight and being heavier than a couple of years ago. Could you drop weight and play wide out again if that was something that a team wanted you to do?

Cook: If a team wanted me to, I wouldn’t have a problem doing it. That wouldn’t be a problem at all. Something like that ain’t that hard.

Has anyone brought that up at all, or are all the teams looking at you strictly as a tight end?

Cook: It's been mostly tight end. There hasn’t really been any talk about me playing receiver.

During your last year at South Carolina, give us a rough estimate of how many times you lined up in a three-point stance and how often you lined up outside?

Cook: I lined up quite a bit attached to the line of scrimmage. Coach Spurrier actually liked me blocking out of a two point so I just kind of put my hand down and got down in the two-point squat and stance. We were more of a spread offense so I lined up in the slot also. I lined up outside in the slot more than often than I was attached to the line.

That seems to be the theme in college football right now. Teams are going to that spread offense and that’s something not only you, but almost all the tight ends in the class are being asked about, their blocking skills. Do you think those questions are legitimate?

Cook: I was down in Florida working out with the o-line coach on my blocking. Coming out of my stance in the three point, working on staying low and coming out aggressive because you know in our offense, I wasn't asked to do a lot of that. So just being able to work on that, I’ve gotten a lot better.

Alright now, talk about your decision to leave South Carolina early. At what point did you start thinking you might make that move to declare for the NFL Draft in 2009?

Cook: It was after the bowl game. I sat down with my family and just prayed about it and thought it was just the best decision to come out now.

What were some of the reasons for going?

Cook: Some of the top reasons...Me and my family just prayed about it and just sat down and weighed our options. We just really just decided that it was the best time and I love South Carolina and I think I’ll always have a home there. I just felt in my heart, it was the best time to go.

What do you think you're going to miss most...is there anything you're starting to miss already?

Cook: Just being part of the atmosphere there. The fans, all your teammates and just the camaraderie at South Carolina.

What are you hearing from people in terms of how your life is going to be different once you join the NFL, now that you’re a professional and not a college player? Have you spoken with any former South Carolina players or anybody that’s in the NFL?

Cook: A lot of people are giving me advice and tell me to invest my money wisely and be smart...to go out and perform, do the best I can, and have fun.

Invest your money wisely is advice we could all take nowadays right?

Cook: Yeah.

Before we leave South Carolina, what was it like playing for Coach Steve Spurrier, one of the big names in the game?

Cook: It was a very fun and exciting process in my fours years and I really enjoyed it. Coach Spurrier is a good guy and he really taught me what I needed to know and taught me things that I will use, really for the rest of my life. I love Coach Spurrier, he’s a great man.

Okay, can you give us any insight that the public doesn’t know about him, or something they would be surprised to hear about him?

Cook: He just a cool and funny guy. He likes to joke and likes to have fun. He’s just a great man.

One of the things he’s most known for in public is grabbing that visor and throwing it around. Did you ever cause him to throw that visor?

Cook: Yeah, I’ve caused him to throw that visor a few times. Those are just mistakes that come from the game and you live and learn by it. He’s good about getting you right and getting you ready for games.

Give us a sneak peek as to what we should expect from Wesley Saunders who was your back up last year and will be the started next year for the Gamecocks.

Cook: Wesley is a great player. He’s got size, he can run...he’s going to be good as long as he puts it in his mind to be the best. Wes is going to be good.

Give us another analysis of another player and let’s get even closer than your football family. Your brother Jason Cook is a fullback for Ole Miss who looks to be joining you in the NFL this September.

Cook: I’m going to make it simple for you—my brother is pretty much a monster. Jason is pretty much solid muscle. He runs well, he’s a great blocker. He taught me a lot about how to block.

You kind of help him with the pass catching and he helps you with the blocking?

Cook: I think he has the pass catching thing down and he also throws passes in games.

So does he throw any passes to you?

Cook: No (laughs). At Ole Miss he threw passes in the game.

How about you guys, do you work out together? He could warm you up, right?

Cook: Nah. He’s finishing up school and he’s at school and I’m up here in South Carolina.

Did you guys talk a lot during your college careers?

Cook: Oh yeah, before every game. He's my best friend, man.

I hear that, I would say the same thing about my brother. Now last year you guys won, 31-24 at Ole Miss. You had three catches for 88 yards. What was that like, did you talk that week?

Cook: Oh yeah. We were looking forward to that game for the past four years. It was really lights out for all our family and friends to just come and watch us.

Was there a lot of trash talking going on before and after?

Cook: Oh yeah. You don’t even want to know. Obviously we got the upper hand on him so he can’t say too much.

Who’s the better trash talker?

Cook: Ahh, I think it would have to be me. 'Cause I back mine up a little bit more.

(laughs) So at the end of the day, it comes down to what you do on the field?

Cook: Yeah, exactly.

You talk about family and friends. Was it tough for the family, was there anyone torn? Who do you think got the most support?

Cook: We are a close-knit family so we got even support all around the table. We had over 30 family members there so it was just good. It was like a family reunion.

That’s pretty cool. Is that the first time you guys ever played against each other?

Cook: Yeah.

Well we will have to see about the NFL. You guys might be meeting again or who knows, you may be reunited and be on the same team. How cool would that be?

Cook: That would be awesome.

Talk a little bit more about playing in the SEC. Who’s the best cover guy you faced during your time in the SEC?

Cook: The best cover guy I probably played against was Asher Allen, DB from Georgia.

The cornerback from Georgia. How about the toughest guy to block?

Cook: Probably the D-end from LSU. Because they just rotate so many. Tyson Jackson is a very good player.

We had Tyson on and he’s a good guy as well. Talk to us a little about the teams showing interest in you. I believe Miami, St. Louis, New Orleans, Jacksonville, Buffalo and Cleveland. Am I missing anybody?

Cook: I’m going out to Oakland and Baltimore.

Is this the toughest part of the process? Flying around all over the place visiting different teams and talking with different teams and having teams come work you out?

Cook: No, that’s the fun part. The hard part is was the Combine.

So at least here you get to show off your football skills. What was the most difficult part of the Combine?

Cook: I had 19 interviews in one night. It was pretty tough.

Wow, 19 interviews in one night? How many bottles of water did you go though to keep your mouth from getting dry?

Cook: There was quite a bit of water going around.

How long did that take? Seems like that would take all night long.

Cook: Started about 6:30 and ended, I believe, around 11 or 11:30.

You must of slept real good that night. So doing interviews like this must be a piece of cake rather than going through all that?

Cook: That’s right.

How about your Pro Day? I believe you worked out with three tight end coaches from Philly, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati and broke down some film with them. What was that like?

Cook: It was just an evaluation process and stuff. They wanted to see the way I played and what kind of person I was and what kind of character I had. Breaking down film, they wanted to know about my blocking skills. So for the most part they just wanted to see if I could block.

Time for three-and-out. First down...if you had the first pick in the NFL Draft, who would you pick?

Cook: If I had the first pick in the NFL Draft who would I pick? Jamon Meredith from South Carolina, offensive lineman.

(laughs) I like that. I had guys say themselves but never a teammate. I like that. Second down...is there a tight end whose game you'd like to emulate?

Cook: I like Jason Witten. He’s an all-around tight end.

Alright. Another SEC guy from Tennessee, one who plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Okay, we will go with this question, third down: You were a hoops star in high school so tell me, who is your all-time favorite basketball player?

Cook: Who else, Michael Jordan.

Hands down?

Cook: Hands down.

No love for the young guys, Lebron (James) or Kobe (Bryant)? They have a ways to go, huh?

Cook: Kobe is almost there. Kobe is a great player. LeBron is past Jordan’s level at this spot now. I love watching those guys.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Q&A: Morgan Burnett, Safety, Georgia Tech

How was your first day of spring practice?

Burnett: It went pretty good. Everyone was pumped and excited to be back out there practicing.

What have you been doing since your bowl game to the start of spring?

Burnett: We're just looking back at the bowl game, it helps motivate us running into spring. We look at the spring as a new 2009 Georgia Tech football team so we forget about everything that happened last year.

How about off the field? What do you do to keep busy in the off-season besides football and classes?

Burnett: Pretty much hang out with Joshua Nesbitt and just rest up, really, and get ready for the spring and ready for working out and classes.

Do you follow any of the sports teams in Atlanta? Are you a big sports fan?

Burnett: I like sports, I like watching the NBA. I like to follow LeBron James to see what he’s doing every night.

So you prefer LeBron over the hometown Hawks then?

Burnett: Yeah, I’ll go with LeBron.

What do you think of the pre-game celebration the Cavs do with the pictures?

Burnett: Yeah I like that, I like to see them having fun out there and it's entertainment.

Are you going to try and incorporate something like that in the secondary or would Coach Johnson not be too happy about that?

Burnett: No not a whole lot. In the locker room we have two team clowns in Brad Jefferson and Joshua Nesbitt and they put on some good shows in the locker room. (Laughing in the background)

Give us an example, what’s something that had you rolling on the floor?

Burnett: I caught them before, doing some singing and dance routines in the locker room. (Laughing in the background)

Do they know they’re being funny or do they really think they have some talent?

Burnett: They can’t really sing, but you can’t really tell them that. They think they’re better than Beyonce.

Let's talk about your game a little bit. When coaches and teammates talk about you, they seem to talk about your instincts. Do you think that’s a strength of your game?

Burnett: Yeah, I think that’s a strength, just having a nose for the football. The coaches drill us to play hard every play and every down.

Is “instincts” something that comes easy to you, or is that more about hard work and film study?

Burnett: It comes from both, natural and film study. Just fly to the ball wherever the ball is...just fly to the ball.

Last season you went from 2.5 TFLs as a freshman to seven—is that something you were working on, or was that more a product of the new defensive scheme?

Burnett: It’s just sometimes the defensive scheme for that week, wherever the coach wants to put me, I just try my best to work hard at it and my main goal is to get better each year.

What’s something you are focusing on improving this spring?

Burnett: I’m focusing on just getting better all-around; my whole game. From tackling, coverage, playing with my eyes, and knowing my assignments.

Could you clarify what “playing with your eyes” means for those who don’t know?

Burnett: Just basically studying my "keys", watching my "keys" (assignments) and not letting my eyes roam around or get lost during the play.

So don’t get caught peaking, right?

Burnett: Yeah.

You have 10 career interceptions and two years of eligibility remaining. Alphonso Smith broke the ACC record with his 21st career interception last season. Is that a goal of yours?

Burnett: That’s a goal, but my main goal is to help the team out the best way I can and just play my game and let the rest just come along with just having a great season and being on a great team.

Let’s go back to last season…your last two games went from one end of the spectrum to the other. What was bigger, was it the high from beating Georgia or the low from losing to LSU?

Burnett: The bigger is losing to LSU because that’s the last impression that the nation has of Georgia Tech. So that’s what gives us motivation because that was our last game of the season and we lost the last game.

Let me ask you about a couple of your teammates. What’s tougher—bringing down the 228-pound Jonathan Dwyer or going up for a jump ball against the 6’3 Demaryius Thomas?

Burnett: Oh...they both are tough. Hopefully luck's on your side that day.

So in general you must be happy not going against those guys as well as that triple option offense.

Burnett: Yeah, it’s a good thing that they’re on our team. As a defense, the offense helps us out and makes us tougher going against the triple option, so they helped us out a whole lot.

You played quarterback in high school. Would you enjoy running this offense or were you more of a spread guy?

Burnett: When I was a quarterback I ran a little bit of option, but I was better out of the spread. I could just throw the ball down and run.

Let me ask you about a former teammate in Michael Johnson, a player who has been critiqued, and I believe you’ve defended him. What can tell us about Michael on and off the field?

Burnett: Michael Johnson is a great athlete on the field and a great person off the field. So he’s a good guy to be around and he’s a great leader on our team so he said he knows what to pick up on for the spring.

What about Derrick Morgan? What do you expect from him this season and do you think he’s ready to step up to the challenge?

Burnett: Yeah, he’s ready and we have a lot of great young defensive linemen coming in that are anxious and ready to play. Derrick Morgan is a great leader towards them so we’ll be alright.

Give us a name of somebody we should be looking out for emerging from that defensive line, somebody the fans out there maybe don’t know yet.

Burnett: You really don’t know yet, but T.J. Barnes (red-shirt freshman defensive tackle) has been doing very well out there.

Over the last seven games last season you faced some of the best receivers in the country—Aaron Kelly, Kevin Ogletree, Greg Carr, Hakeem Nicks, Brooks Foster, Mohammed Massaquoi and Demetrius Byrd, among others. Who was the toughest guy you faced?

Burnett: I would have to say Hakeem Nicks; he’s one of the best receivers.

What made him so tough from a safety’s perspective?

Burnett: He had very good hands, ran good routes, and he has a nose for the football and when the ball's in the air he feels like that’s his ball and he’s going to try his best to come down with it.

How about Matthew Stafford? How does his arm compare to other quarterbacks you’ve faced?

Burnett: Matthew Stafford is a great quarterback, very strong arm and it seemed like every throw he made was right on the money.

Not every pass was on the money, there was one that you snagged.

Burnett: (Laughs) Yeah, the interception.

You did get a pick six on Stafford…do you ever go on You-Tube to check that out?

Burnett: Yeah, I've seen it a couple times on YouTube.

Did people send that to you or did you go on your own?

Burnett: No, somebody sent it to me.

Time for three-and-out: Do you follow anybody’s Twitter?

Burnett: Tweeter what’s that?

Twitter.

Burnett: Oh...No.

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up as a kid?

Burnett: Football player?

Football or basketball, either one.

Burnett: Football player I would have to say Brett Favre.

Biggie or Tupac?

Burnett: Tupac.

Photo Credit: Georgia Tech Sports Information Office

Q&A: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri (Walter Camp)

Missouri All-American wide receiver and all-around playmaker Jeremy Maclin sits down with All-Access Football Radio at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Dinner on January 17, 2009. Maclin followed up his special freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign recording 102 receptions for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Coupled with his ability as a return man and to run the football, there was no more dangerous player with the ball in hands than this Tiger. Maclin has declared for the NFL draft where he is expected to be a first round pick.


What does it mean to be a Walter Camp All-American?

Maclin: It’s definitely a privilege. Obviously they’re recognizing you for your talents, so I’m happy to be here.

How do you think you developed this year, your second year as a starter?

Maclin: I think personally I had success; I got a lot better as far as becoming a complete receiver. Unfortunately the season didn’t go how we wanted it to, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I think I've definitely developed as a person and as a football player.

What do you think you improved on the most from your first year to your second year as a receiver?

Maclin: Recognizing the defenses as far as a receiver goes. That’s definitely a big key; you have to know how to run a route against a certain coverage and how to beat the guy in front of you.

Do you think Chase Daniel has a chance to play at the next level?

Maclin: I think he has a chance to play at the next level, maybe not right away. But I think him working with guys at the next level, quarterback coaches, they will definitely develop him. You can’t question his competitiveness, he’s definitely a competitor. The guy goes out and competes, so that’s not the question. He may have some minor things he needs to tweak in his throwing motion but I think he will definitely play on Sundays sometime.

So you think he’s definitely a quarterback in terms of intangibles and leadership?

Maclin: Oh yeah, he’s definitely the type of guy you want running your team. He has that linebacker mentality, he’s fearless, he doesn’t care about who he's playing—he’s going to go out there and compete 110 percent every snap. That’s the guy you have to have lead your team.

How about Mr. (Chase) Patton? What kind of football does he throw?

Maclin: He throws the deep ball better than anyone I have ever seen. His biggest thing was confidence. I think he was a four-star coming out of high school, maybe five star. He’s kind of slowly decreased as the years went on, but I think he’s definitely a guy who could surprise a lot of people.

So he’s a guy to keep an eye on?

Maclin: Oh yeah. He could have started for a lot of other teams in the nation, he just had another guy in front of him who was a very good ballplayer.

What do you like to do the most? Run after the catch? Deep routes? Returns?

Maclin: I like it all. I like space, deep route, punt return, kick return, I don’t care. I just like the ball in my hands. I call myself a playmaker, that’s what I like to do, I like to make plays. I like to try and score every time I touch the ball. That’s the kind of mentality I’ve had ever since I was in Pop Warner. Nothing has changed and I just thank the coaches for giving me a chance to do so and to get me to the point where I'm excelling. Hopefully I can continue that to the next level.

What kind of a decision was it to leave Missouri?

Maclin: It's something I thought about at the beginning of the season, but it was obviously a tough one for me. At my press conference I kind of broke down a little bit, it was happy tears and sad tears at the same time because I’m leaving guys I’ve spent the last three years of my life with. They probably know more about me, closer to what my mom knows about me, that’s how much time I spent with those guys. It’s definitely a job; I understand that at the next level it’s really a job, but you spend every moment with these guys. They got your back; you sweat with these guys so leaving that kind of atmosphere can take a toll on you.

Who did you lean on the most when making this decision?

Maclin: I talked to a little bit of everybody; ex-teammates, family, coaching staff. Coach Pinkel made a great point—it all comes down to how you feel and what your heart tells you. I feel like I’m ready for the next level, I feel like I can take that step and he told me if I was his son and was projected to go in the first round he would tell me to go. He knows I’m not going to disappoint, I’m going to work hard and hopefully solidify my spot in the first round.

Did you get a first round grade back from the NFL when you put your paperwork in?

Maclin: Yes, sir.

Was that kind of the difference maker in your decision making?

Maclin: It was crazy because at first I thought that if I get a first round grade then I’m going to the NFL no matter what, but after you look at it, it definitely came down to much more than that. That first round doesn’t mean everything; it came down to my gut feeling and my gut feeling told me to go to the next level.

Do you feel not being able to pick an agent right after you declare for the draft puts you at a disadvantage preparing for the combine compared to the seniors?

Maclin: You can always work out at your school, there’s great places out there like API and Michael Johnson down in Houston and all that stuff. If you think about it you’ve spent three, four years at your university already and I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten bigger, stronger, and faster at the university so obviously the strength coaches know what they’re doing. They know they’re not going to disappoint you, they’re not going to let you down, they’re in it for your best interest. To see you excel at the next level represents the program, so they’re going to do everything they can to get you ready for the combine or pro day to have the best day of your life. That’s how I kind of look at it, they haven’t let me down yet so why shy away from them?

What are your main interests besides football?

Maclin: I collect shoes; I’m a big shoe person. I actually keep my shoes in containers in my closet which is kind of weird. I’m just a big shoe guy.

What’s your favorite brand?

Maclin: I like all of them; shoes, sneakers.

How many Jordan’s do you have?

Maclin: Up in the high 20’s. I’m a big fusion person, those are the forces mixed with the Jordan’s.

How many shoes do you have in your closet?

Maclin: There were 75 in the closet at school and I gave away like 20 last Christmas break and summer. I have like 50 in the closet right now.

Click to Listen to Audio From the Walter Camp Dinner

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

RADIO: Player Spotlight: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

Missouri All-American wide receiver and all-around playmaker Jeremy Maclin sits down with All-Access Football Radio at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner on January 17, 2009. Maclin followed up his special freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign recording 102 receptions for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Coupled with his ability as a return man and to run the football, there was no more dangerous player with the ball in hands than this Tiger. Maclin has declared for the NFL draft where he is expected to be a first round pick.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

NFL Draft Bible Player Profile Page

Part VI of a series from the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner.

Part I - Former Penn St. DE Aaron Maybin - Click To Listen
Part II – Former Missouri TE Chase Coffman - Click to Listen
Part III – Former UConn RB Donald Brown - Click to Listen
Part IV - USF DE George Selvie - Click to Listen
Part V – Ryan Stancheck – Click to Listen

Photo Credit: College Press Box, Mizzou Media Relations

RADIO: Football Friday Show! LIVE 8:00 PM EST

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY SHOW! FEBRUARY 13th, 2008 * 8:00-10:00 PM EST

Every Friday Night on the All Access Football Radio Channel, in affiliation with Blog Talk Radio.

The Two Hour show will be hosted by Rodney Towe with analysts Daniel Mogollon (College Football Insiders Founder/NFL Draft Bible President) and Ralph Mancini (NFL Draft Bible/College Football Insiders Senior Writer)

WHAT'S ON TAP:

• WR DERRICK WILLIAMS (Senior Bowl/Combine Invite) of Penn St.
• QB HUNTER CANTWELL (East-West Shrine Game/Combine Invite) of Louisville
• OT GERALD CADOGAN (Texas vs. The Nation Game/Combine Invite) of Penn St.
• RB DEVIN MOORE (Texas vs. The Nation Game) of Wyoming
• Fantasy Spotlight – Which Pro Bowlers could end up being fool’s gold in your next fantasy draft? Who’s on the way down? Who are the one year wonders? Which players are primed for breakout seasons and could be headed to the Pro Bowl in 2010?
• Steroids…with all the focus on baseball, football continues to get a free pass.
• Are NFL teams breaking the law when they put their players in pads for contact drills in mini-camp? Scott Daniels of the legal line joins us to discuss that topic. The Houston Texans could be in hot water…
• The Coaching Carousel has come to an end…and there will be nine rookie head coaches while six Super Bowl winning coaches remain on the market. What message are NFL franchises sending?

*** LISTEN HERE ***

*Join our chat or call-in with your questions: 347.945.6275

*Missed It Live? Shows are archived 15 minutes upon conclusion of each episode here

RADIO: Coaches Corner With Mark Richt

Mark Richt took over the Georgia Bulldogs and has posted in 82-22 record over the last eight seasons giving him the fourth best winning percentage (.788) among active head coaches. The Dawgs have reached the 10-win plateau and finished in the top 10 in six of the last seven seasons, which included a pair of SEC Championships (2002 & 2005). Richt (15 years as an assistant at Florida St.) has tutored eight quarterbacks who have gone on to the NFL and has seen 40 Georgia Bulldogs drafted by the NFL since 2002. He talks to All Access Football about future picks QB Matthew Stafford, RB Knowshon Moreno, DT Corvey Irvin and LB Dannell Ellerbe (among others), as well as the Bulldogs’ recruiting Class of 2009, which was ranked ninth overall by Rivals.com.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Hosted By College Football Insiders Founder & NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

All Access Football Radio: Football Friday Show

ALL ACCESS FOOTBALL FRIDAY SHOW! FEBRUARY 6th, 2008 * 8:00-10:00 PM EST

Every Friday Night on the All Access Football Radio Channel, in affiliation with Blog Talk Radio.

The Two Hour show is hosted by Rodney Towe with analysts Daniel Mogollon (College Football Insiders Founder/NFL Draft Bible President) and Ralph Mancini (NFL Draft Bible/College Football Insiders Senior Writer)

WHAT'S ON TAP:

• Future First Round Pick DE/OLB AARON MAYBIN of Penn St.
• Combine Invitee WR TAURUS JOHNSON of USF
• Texas vs. The Nation Defensive MVP FRANTZ JOSEPH of FAU
• Draft Guys CECIL LAMMEY and SIGMUND BLOOM recap the All-Star Season and five of the top incoming college recruits
• RICHARD CIRMINIELLO of College Football News, FoxSports & the NFL Network talks about signing day and reflects back to the Class of 2005 – Who were the booms, busts and bloomers?
• Fantasy Impact – Which free agents should you be on the lookout for?
• Super Bowl Wrap Up – Did we see the best game ever? Best Finish? Best Play? Best Franchise? Ever?
• NFL Roundtable– The Coaching Carousel is almost at a stop, a record setting number Super Bowl winning coaches remain on the market and which ’08 Pro Bowlers could one day join the likes of Bruce Smith and Rod Woodson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

*** LISTEN HERE ***

*Join our chat or call-in with your questions: 347.945.6275

*Missed It Live? Shows are archived 15 minutes upon conclusion of each episode here

Photo Credit: USF Athletics Communications, College Press Box (PSU)