- Nov 26, 2012
- 7,165
- 1,812
dadeland kendall in miami is the goat..got the sitting area right there by the deli .....so many bad chicks be in that one , sugar momma status too
2013 College Football Thread (Realer than Real Deal Holyfield -->S/O Craftsy)
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by gunna get it,
- Start date
- Aug 22, 2013
- 12,555
- 5,658
Marcellus Wiley @marcelluswiley 5h
Jameis Winston's 'falling on the sword' 2 protect his teammates & 'higher ups' who knew of this Publix taking care of players for years! #YO
Jameis Winston's 'falling on the sword' 2 protect his teammates & 'higher ups' who knew of this Publix taking care of players for years! #YO
- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/05/rhett_lashlee_auburn_could_hav.html
Oh, Rhett. That's rich
Oh, Rhett. That's rich
- Dec 29, 2002
- 1,276
- 110
They could have had like 35+ in that first half though if Nick Marshall could complete a pass
(Yes, I know that goes both ways, and yes I'm trolling.)
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- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
They could have had like 35+ in that first half though if Nick Marshall could complete a pass
(Yes, I know that goes both ways, and yes I'm trolling.)
Florida State could have had 35+ in the 1st half if every run play was blocked correctly and Jameis completed every pass too
I know you're trolling I just needed to put my cape on and practice for the upcoming season
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- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,287
- 19,666
SEC! SEC! SEC!
- Mar 2, 2011
- 30,498
- 5,958
9th, eh?
- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,287
- 19,666
- Mar 2, 2011
- 30,498
- 5,958
I was thinking mid teens.
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- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,287
- 19,666
How is UCLA in the top 25?
- Feb 17, 2007
- 21,784
- 2,957
You slow?
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- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,287
- 19,666
Nope, this isn't basketball.
mr marcus
Banned
- May 3, 2010
- 26,572
- 5,415
eekkkkkk preview mags are out now?
I know phil steele drop in june (save the slander......works for what I need it for)
I know phil steele drop in june (save the slander......works for what I need it for)
- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
Because the football monopoly in LA is officially over
- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-fo...e-spurrier-urban-meyer-bob-stoops-brian-kelly
Top 10:
Saban
Spurrier
Meyer
Stoops
Brian Kelly
Chris Peterson
David Shaw
Miles
Mark Dantonio
John James Fisher
Top 10:
Saban
Spurrier
Meyer
Stoops
Brian Kelly
Chris Peterson
David Shaw
Miles
Mark Dantonio
John James Fisher
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3
39478
Guest
jewbacca
Banned
- Jan 27, 2013
- 3,349
- 508
- Nov 17, 2004
- 37,287
- 19,666
brb following @SEC_CircleJerk
jewbacca
Banned
- Jan 27, 2013
- 3,349
- 508
- Nov 27, 2009
- 28,226
- 3,086
Doggg this looks like heaven
- Dec 19, 2002
- 962
- 910
Or if they weren't able to steal the plays the entire first half, and yes I just pulled my Garnet and Gold cape out of the closet
- Dec 29, 2002
- 1,276
- 110
[h1]Jim Brown rips 'reprehensible' NCAA[/h1]
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Brown is not a fan of the NCAA, a truth he made more than evident Saturday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest.
[+] Enlarge
Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty ImagesJim Brown ripped the NCAA Saturday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest.
"The NCAA is probably the most reprehensible organization God ever created," the Hall of Fame running back said at a roundtable discussion on the NFL with Barry Sanders and Harry Carson on his right and host Larry King on his left. "Total exploitation. The kind of money they make, the kind of life they live, it's embarrassing."
The comment came in response to a question from a fan about why a player with a career-ending injury in college could not receive a payment to compensate for lost future income.
Brown said the NCAA is pretentious when it says it is "doing things for the young people."
"I'm totally for change and total change," Brown said. "And I think that body needs to be torn apart and put back together with everybody's best interests in mind."
Brown said what he said with a definite purpose.
"I wanted to say it as harsh as I could, because I want them to come at me in any way they want to," Brown said. "Because it's a shame the way that it happens."
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Brown is not a fan of the NCAA, a truth he made more than evident Saturday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest.
[+] Enlarge
Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty ImagesJim Brown ripped the NCAA Saturday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest.
"The NCAA is probably the most reprehensible organization God ever created," the Hall of Fame running back said at a roundtable discussion on the NFL with Barry Sanders and Harry Carson on his right and host Larry King on his left. "Total exploitation. The kind of money they make, the kind of life they live, it's embarrassing."
The comment came in response to a question from a fan about why a player with a career-ending injury in college could not receive a payment to compensate for lost future income.
Brown said the NCAA is pretentious when it says it is "doing things for the young people."
"I'm totally for change and total change," Brown said. "And I think that body needs to be torn apart and put back together with everybody's best interests in mind."
Brown said what he said with a definite purpose.
"I wanted to say it as harsh as I could, because I want them to come at me in any way they want to," Brown said. "Because it's a shame the way that it happens."
- Apr 24, 2005
- 43,678
- 8,689
Alabama’s running backs, Baylor’s receivers and FSU’s defensive backs were among the best position groups a year ago. Some of the personnel has changed, but that fact hasn’t. They’re still at the top.
Here is a post-spring look at the country’s best 10 position groups, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Alabama running backs
The Sugar Bowl was widely forgettable in the Crimson Tide’s recent run of success, but the prideful legion of fans could at least take away that the already strong running back position got even stronger with freshman Derrick Henry’s nine-touch, 161-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Put Henry’s size and speed with similarly gifted runners T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and you have the No. 1 position group in college football.
If there’s such a thing as a quiet 1,200-yard, 14-TD season, Yeldon had it as a sophomore. Drake added 700 yards and eight scores. Henry was seldom used until the bowl.
New coordinator-slash-lightning rod Lane Kiffin has promised to speed up the offense a bit, so there’s no reason to expect anything other than those three backs -- and maybe more -- to enter a carry-share. (Which is also a reason to hesitate before considering Yeldon, or any other Bama back, for the Heisman.)
Full disclosure: I was trying to diversify and spread the wealth among conferences and positions, but you could make a strong case that Georgia's and Auburn’s running backs belong on this list. It’s a running back-heavy year in the sport and particularly in the SEC.
2. Baylor receivers
Bears coach Art Briles started telling me, oh, a year ago how good the ’14 recruiting class could be at the WR position. When I visited last month, though, the sense was that only one of the newcomers, K.D. Cannon, would have a chance to get in the rotation, because of the receiver talent returning. Baylor just keeps replacing skill talent (and quarterbacks).
“We feel really confident in the people we’re going to put on the field,” Briles told me this spring.
Antwan Goodley (1,339 yards, 13 TDs) proved he could be Bryce Petty’s No. 1 target. Levi Norwood (733 yards, 8 TDs) will provide a solid No. 2. Corey Coleman (527 yards, 2 TDs) showed he has potential to be a future No. 1.
That doesn’t include the fastest player on the team, Clay Fuller, or the top player in the 2013 class, Robbie Rhodes. In addition to Cannon, there are three other ESPN300 receivers arriving this summer: Davion Hall, Ishmael Zamora and Chris Platt. Hall enrolled in January but was slow to pick things up and suffered a minor injury, so the freshmen will be on relatively equal footing.
3. Florida State defensive backs
The Seminoles' D will no doubt be younger than it was a year ago, but do not equate that with a drop in talent. FSU has been first in yards per pass attempt each of the past two years, and that could likely remain true again in 2014.
Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner’s leadership will be difficult to replace, but Jalen Ramsey has star potential. Like the jack-of-all-trades Joyner, Ramsey has already shown the ability to play every spot in the secondary. Brooks’ replacement, Nate Andrews, also saw time as a freshman. They’ll be ready for added responsibility.
Corner P.J. Williams was the defensive MVP in the BCS title game. He’s back. So is the opposite corner, Ronald Darby. Nick Waisome has started games. As if more depth were needed, the staff liked what it saw this spring from early-enrolling safety Trey Marshall.
Taking a step back, there really are not too many secondaries bringing back quality depth and experience. That makes FSU, despite some prudent departures, stand out even more.
4. Clemson defensive line
Even offensive coordinator Chad Morris admitted that, while the Tigers are figuring themselves out on that side of the ball, they’ll likely lean a bit more on the up-and-coming defense that has gone in two years’ time from youthful to experienced.
Of Clemson’s 19 scholarship seniors, six are defensive linemen. The Tigers intend to rotate as many as 10 bodies through there.
“[Two years ago] it was ‘all these guys can’t play,’” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We were a bunch of nobodies. Now everyone knows their names.”
That includes end Vic Beasley, whose hot start in 2013 had him in in the top 10 of Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Beasley finished the season with 13 sacks and 10 additional tackles for a loss. He also broke up six passes. Tackle Grady Jarrett put up linebacker numbers: 83 tackles, third most on the team, and 14 quarterback pressures. That illustrates some serious athleticism from the interior.
End Corey Crawford added 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. Tackles D.J. Reader andDeShawn Williams combined for 80 tackles despite seven total starts. Reader had three sacks.
Swinney called it the “most complete defense” he has had since he took over at Clemson, and the secondary’s growth is a big reason for the statement. While it figures to be better, a terrific line can really help a defensive backfield look good.
5. South Carolina offensive line
The Gamecocks’ front was a liability for so long under Steve Spurrier. Credit position coach Shawn Elliott with gradual improvement, both in terms of recruiting and development.
The line should not only be a team strength this year but, crazy as it might seem given how the others recruit, it could be the SEC’s best.
South Carolina loses only guard Ronald Patrick, and its two tackles, Corey Robinson andBrandon Shell, have All-SEC potential. Guard A.J. Cann isn’t far behind, and Elliott has been high for a year on center Cody Waldrop’s work ethic and desire to improve.
The line’s experience will be vital as Dylan Thompson gets the keys to the offense. Their ability to protect him and open holes for Heisman dark horse Mike Davis will determine if the Gamecocks can continue their high level of offensive efficiency without dual-threat QB -- and 27-game winner -- Connor Shaw.
6. Texas running backs
The Longhorns still haven’t sorted out their quarterback situation, and they might not all fall. There are capable options, but none that really stand out. That could (and should) mean a reliance on the run game and veteran backs who are due some luck in the health department.
First-year coach Charlie Strong is telling the spring booster circuit that Malcolm Brown, who approached 1,000 yards a year ago, had an “unbelievable” spring.
It feels as if Joe Bergeron has been around Texas since Vince Young, if not Earl Campbell, was there. Johnathan Gray, who missed the final four games last season after an Achilles tendon tear, is expected back sometime this summer. He has shown explosiveness but hasn't yet averaged five yards a carry for his career. Like the QB position, perhaps the new coaching staff will be an eye-opener for the talented Gray -- and Brown, as well.
7. Oklahoma linebackers
Just a year ago everyone, myself included, wondered why the once-tough Sooners front seven had slid as far as it had. It didn’t take long, however, before a new attitude began to permeate through the group.
The tone was set by a young, versatile bunch of linebackers, then led by veteran Corey Nelson. A midseason injury to Nelson opened the door for Dominique Alexander, Frank Shannon and Eric Striker, in particular, to stand out. Alexander and Shannon combined for 172 tackles. Striker added 50 tackles -- including a team-high 6.5 sacks.
Now it’s officially their turn to lead, and expectations have again returned for OU and its defense. Mike Stoops’ turnaround is complete.
“Mike’s good, man,” a Big 12 assistant told me this spring. “He got that defense right in a hurry.”
8. Texas A&M receivers
Losing Ryan Swope and Mike Evans in consecutive classes would seem to water down this group, but 2013 ESPN300 prospect Ricky Seals-Jones is returning from injury, and the country’s No. 7 overall prospect, Speedy Noil, had a great first spring.
The staff didn’t want to put too much expectation on Noil, but they see him as a multipurpose weapon in the spirit of college sensations like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital even told me that Noil will receive consideration for third-team QB after Matt Joeckel’s decision to transfer.
A&M coaches also told me that juco Josh Reynolds fits in well and could serve a purpose similar to Derel Walker (51 catches, 818 yards, 5 TDs). Most forget, too, that senior Malcome Kennedy (60 catches, 658 yards, 7 TDs) was such an unsung part of the ’13 offense.
The quarterback questions are obvious for the Aggies, but the stability of the offensive line (four of five starters are back) and the skill spots should mean the offense will still produce yards and points at a high rate.
9. Washington linebackers
I had the same group in the honorable mention class a year ago, and they all return. So, welcome to the top 10.
As he was then, Shaq Thompson is the star. First-year coach Chris Petersen has even been toying with the idea of making Thompson, who has the most tackles (7
of any returning player, this year’s Myles Jack. The junior, who saw time at safety as a freshman, has been getting some carries at running back. He’ll make an NFL team very happy a year from now.
Travis Feeney had a nice spring after a disappointing sophomore season. John Timu, third on the team in tackles a year ago, has been reinstated after a two-week suspension during the spring.
That group has been together for a while; it’ll be interesting to see what Thompson and the linebackers do with Petersen and his staff now in place.
10. Notre Dame quarterbacks
Malik Zaire evidently didn’t receive the memo that the quarterback position was again supposed to belong to Everett Golson. Zaire was every bit the equal of Golson during the spring, especially in the Blue and Gold scrimmage.
Zaire missed on just five of his 23 throws, going for 292 yards and two scores. Golson was 13 of 24 for 154 yards and no TDs.
Sure, it’s just a spring scrimmage, but it would seem to indicate that there will be a battle in August. What it really means, though, is that Notre Dame is likely in good hands either way.
Mike Denbrock was promoted to coordinator, but head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that he will have a larger role this season with the offense. Familiarity with both Golson and Zaire means there’s a chance this team will finally be something other than defensively driven.
Honorable mentions
UCLA quarterbacks
In former Elite 11 champ Asiantii Woulard, the Bruins might have the most talented backup QB in America. Some wondered if his presence would cause Brett Hundley to leave early. (It didn’t.)
Oregon running backs
Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner quietly combined for 1,700 yards and 23 TDs in their first seasons getting significant carries. They should be a bit louder this season, you would think.
Georgia running backs
As mentioned above, I wanted to max at one position group from each league. I chose Alabama, but it doesn’t mean I have anything against Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Bama just has additional depth.
West Virginia running backs
Let’s keep the running backs theme going. Rushel Shell was an all-conference-type back when he transferred from Pitt. Dustin Garrison, who has 968 career yards, is again healthy.Dreamius Smith and Wendell Smallwood got carries in their first seasons.
Michigan State defensive line
This group was already on the cusp, but file away Demetrius Cooper’s name. He broke out this spring as another pass-rushing end on a line that already included Shilique Calhoun andMarcus Rush.
LSU defensive backs
The Tigers’ weakness in 2013 can quickly become a strength. That happens sometimes when young players are forced early into action. Jalen Mills’ move to safety should bolster the group, and I love the potential for young corners Tre’Davious White and Rashard Robinson.
Here is a post-spring look at the country’s best 10 position groups, along with some honorable mentions.
1. Alabama running backs
The Sugar Bowl was widely forgettable in the Crimson Tide’s recent run of success, but the prideful legion of fans could at least take away that the already strong running back position got even stronger with freshman Derrick Henry’s nine-touch, 161-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Put Henry’s size and speed with similarly gifted runners T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and you have the No. 1 position group in college football.
If there’s such a thing as a quiet 1,200-yard, 14-TD season, Yeldon had it as a sophomore. Drake added 700 yards and eight scores. Henry was seldom used until the bowl.
New coordinator-slash-lightning rod Lane Kiffin has promised to speed up the offense a bit, so there’s no reason to expect anything other than those three backs -- and maybe more -- to enter a carry-share. (Which is also a reason to hesitate before considering Yeldon, or any other Bama back, for the Heisman.)
Full disclosure: I was trying to diversify and spread the wealth among conferences and positions, but you could make a strong case that Georgia's and Auburn’s running backs belong on this list. It’s a running back-heavy year in the sport and particularly in the SEC.
2. Baylor receivers
Bears coach Art Briles started telling me, oh, a year ago how good the ’14 recruiting class could be at the WR position. When I visited last month, though, the sense was that only one of the newcomers, K.D. Cannon, would have a chance to get in the rotation, because of the receiver talent returning. Baylor just keeps replacing skill talent (and quarterbacks).
“We feel really confident in the people we’re going to put on the field,” Briles told me this spring.
Antwan Goodley (1,339 yards, 13 TDs) proved he could be Bryce Petty’s No. 1 target. Levi Norwood (733 yards, 8 TDs) will provide a solid No. 2. Corey Coleman (527 yards, 2 TDs) showed he has potential to be a future No. 1.
That doesn’t include the fastest player on the team, Clay Fuller, or the top player in the 2013 class, Robbie Rhodes. In addition to Cannon, there are three other ESPN300 receivers arriving this summer: Davion Hall, Ishmael Zamora and Chris Platt. Hall enrolled in January but was slow to pick things up and suffered a minor injury, so the freshmen will be on relatively equal footing.
3. Florida State defensive backs
The Seminoles' D will no doubt be younger than it was a year ago, but do not equate that with a drop in talent. FSU has been first in yards per pass attempt each of the past two years, and that could likely remain true again in 2014.
Terrence Brooks and Lamarcus Joyner’s leadership will be difficult to replace, but Jalen Ramsey has star potential. Like the jack-of-all-trades Joyner, Ramsey has already shown the ability to play every spot in the secondary. Brooks’ replacement, Nate Andrews, also saw time as a freshman. They’ll be ready for added responsibility.
Corner P.J. Williams was the defensive MVP in the BCS title game. He’s back. So is the opposite corner, Ronald Darby. Nick Waisome has started games. As if more depth were needed, the staff liked what it saw this spring from early-enrolling safety Trey Marshall.
Taking a step back, there really are not too many secondaries bringing back quality depth and experience. That makes FSU, despite some prudent departures, stand out even more.
4. Clemson defensive line
Even offensive coordinator Chad Morris admitted that, while the Tigers are figuring themselves out on that side of the ball, they’ll likely lean a bit more on the up-and-coming defense that has gone in two years’ time from youthful to experienced.
Of Clemson’s 19 scholarship seniors, six are defensive linemen. The Tigers intend to rotate as many as 10 bodies through there.
“[Two years ago] it was ‘all these guys can’t play,’” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “We were a bunch of nobodies. Now everyone knows their names.”
That includes end Vic Beasley, whose hot start in 2013 had him in in the top 10 of Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Beasley finished the season with 13 sacks and 10 additional tackles for a loss. He also broke up six passes. Tackle Grady Jarrett put up linebacker numbers: 83 tackles, third most on the team, and 14 quarterback pressures. That illustrates some serious athleticism from the interior.
End Corey Crawford added 10.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries. Tackles D.J. Reader andDeShawn Williams combined for 80 tackles despite seven total starts. Reader had three sacks.
Swinney called it the “most complete defense” he has had since he took over at Clemson, and the secondary’s growth is a big reason for the statement. While it figures to be better, a terrific line can really help a defensive backfield look good.
5. South Carolina offensive line
The Gamecocks’ front was a liability for so long under Steve Spurrier. Credit position coach Shawn Elliott with gradual improvement, both in terms of recruiting and development.
The line should not only be a team strength this year but, crazy as it might seem given how the others recruit, it could be the SEC’s best.
South Carolina loses only guard Ronald Patrick, and its two tackles, Corey Robinson andBrandon Shell, have All-SEC potential. Guard A.J. Cann isn’t far behind, and Elliott has been high for a year on center Cody Waldrop’s work ethic and desire to improve.
The line’s experience will be vital as Dylan Thompson gets the keys to the offense. Their ability to protect him and open holes for Heisman dark horse Mike Davis will determine if the Gamecocks can continue their high level of offensive efficiency without dual-threat QB -- and 27-game winner -- Connor Shaw.
6. Texas running backs
The Longhorns still haven’t sorted out their quarterback situation, and they might not all fall. There are capable options, but none that really stand out. That could (and should) mean a reliance on the run game and veteran backs who are due some luck in the health department.
First-year coach Charlie Strong is telling the spring booster circuit that Malcolm Brown, who approached 1,000 yards a year ago, had an “unbelievable” spring.
It feels as if Joe Bergeron has been around Texas since Vince Young, if not Earl Campbell, was there. Johnathan Gray, who missed the final four games last season after an Achilles tendon tear, is expected back sometime this summer. He has shown explosiveness but hasn't yet averaged five yards a carry for his career. Like the QB position, perhaps the new coaching staff will be an eye-opener for the talented Gray -- and Brown, as well.
7. Oklahoma linebackers
Just a year ago everyone, myself included, wondered why the once-tough Sooners front seven had slid as far as it had. It didn’t take long, however, before a new attitude began to permeate through the group.
The tone was set by a young, versatile bunch of linebackers, then led by veteran Corey Nelson. A midseason injury to Nelson opened the door for Dominique Alexander, Frank Shannon and Eric Striker, in particular, to stand out. Alexander and Shannon combined for 172 tackles. Striker added 50 tackles -- including a team-high 6.5 sacks.
Now it’s officially their turn to lead, and expectations have again returned for OU and its defense. Mike Stoops’ turnaround is complete.
“Mike’s good, man,” a Big 12 assistant told me this spring. “He got that defense right in a hurry.”
8. Texas A&M receivers
Losing Ryan Swope and Mike Evans in consecutive classes would seem to water down this group, but 2013 ESPN300 prospect Ricky Seals-Jones is returning from injury, and the country’s No. 7 overall prospect, Speedy Noil, had a great first spring.
The staff didn’t want to put too much expectation on Noil, but they see him as a multipurpose weapon in the spirit of college sensations like Percy Harvin and Tavon Austin. Offensive coordinator Jake Spavital even told me that Noil will receive consideration for third-team QB after Matt Joeckel’s decision to transfer.
A&M coaches also told me that juco Josh Reynolds fits in well and could serve a purpose similar to Derel Walker (51 catches, 818 yards, 5 TDs). Most forget, too, that senior Malcome Kennedy (60 catches, 658 yards, 7 TDs) was such an unsung part of the ’13 offense.
The quarterback questions are obvious for the Aggies, but the stability of the offensive line (four of five starters are back) and the skill spots should mean the offense will still produce yards and points at a high rate.
9. Washington linebackers
I had the same group in the honorable mention class a year ago, and they all return. So, welcome to the top 10.
As he was then, Shaq Thompson is the star. First-year coach Chris Petersen has even been toying with the idea of making Thompson, who has the most tackles (7
of any returning player, this year’s Myles Jack. The junior, who saw time at safety as a freshman, has been getting some carries at running back. He’ll make an NFL team very happy a year from now. Travis Feeney had a nice spring after a disappointing sophomore season. John Timu, third on the team in tackles a year ago, has been reinstated after a two-week suspension during the spring.
That group has been together for a while; it’ll be interesting to see what Thompson and the linebackers do with Petersen and his staff now in place.
10. Notre Dame quarterbacks
Malik Zaire evidently didn’t receive the memo that the quarterback position was again supposed to belong to Everett Golson. Zaire was every bit the equal of Golson during the spring, especially in the Blue and Gold scrimmage.
Zaire missed on just five of his 23 throws, going for 292 yards and two scores. Golson was 13 of 24 for 154 yards and no TDs.
Sure, it’s just a spring scrimmage, but it would seem to indicate that there will be a battle in August. What it really means, though, is that Notre Dame is likely in good hands either way.
Mike Denbrock was promoted to coordinator, but head coach Brian Kelly has made it clear that he will have a larger role this season with the offense. Familiarity with both Golson and Zaire means there’s a chance this team will finally be something other than defensively driven.
Honorable mentions
UCLA quarterbacks
In former Elite 11 champ Asiantii Woulard, the Bruins might have the most talented backup QB in America. Some wondered if his presence would cause Brett Hundley to leave early. (It didn’t.)
Oregon running backs
Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner quietly combined for 1,700 yards and 23 TDs in their first seasons getting significant carries. They should be a bit louder this season, you would think.
Georgia running backs
As mentioned above, I wanted to max at one position group from each league. I chose Alabama, but it doesn’t mean I have anything against Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. Bama just has additional depth.
West Virginia running backs
Let’s keep the running backs theme going. Rushel Shell was an all-conference-type back when he transferred from Pitt. Dustin Garrison, who has 968 career yards, is again healthy.Dreamius Smith and Wendell Smallwood got carries in their first seasons.
Michigan State defensive line
This group was already on the cusp, but file away Demetrius Cooper’s name. He broke out this spring as another pass-rushing end on a line that already included Shilique Calhoun andMarcus Rush.
LSU defensive backs
The Tigers’ weakness in 2013 can quickly become a strength. That happens sometimes when young players are forced early into action. Jalen Mills’ move to safety should bolster the group, and I love the potential for young corners Tre’Davious White and Rashard Robinson.
