2 days ago
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The new Michigan football staff inherited a former five-star with a ton of upside, but one who hasn't seen the field yet in a real capacity.
The only time that offensive tackle Andrew Babalola suited up in a winged helmet on the field at The Big House in front of fans was in the 2025 spring game, but he tore his ACL in fall camp, precluding him from seeing game action in his freshman year. Before his injury, he was pushing Evan Link for the left tackle position, and it was in no way a decided contest between the true freshman and the elder statesman.
At Big Ten media days last week, head coach Kyle Whittingham gushed about Babalola's potential, noting that he has similar traits to his two first-round draft pick tackles, Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Offensive line coach Jim Harding agrees with the ****** sment, but also notes, there's a lot of work it's going to take for him to get there.
"We recruited him at the last place. I think he's a really talented kid," Harding said. "Now, he's also he hasn't played football in darn near 12 months. Tomorrow will be the first time he puts shoulder pads on in 12 months. Two days ago was the first time he put a helmet on in nearly 12 months. So could he potentially -- I think there's a lot of guys in that room that can be high draft picks and things like that. But Andrew would be one of them, and we'll just see how he develops and see how he gets back to what I think I saw on the fall camp (tape) last year."
The encouraging news is that two practices in, Babalola has been a full go in both. In order to get an idea of what he's capable of, just like Whittingham, Harding went back to his high school, spring ball, and fall camp film and liked what he saw. But now, he's going to have to get back into form, given that, as Harding noted, Babalola hasn't played football in a year.
#babalola #Football #time #first
The only time that offensive tackle Andrew Babalola suited up in a winged helmet on the field at The Big House in front of fans was in the 2025 spring game, but he tore his ACL in fall camp, precluding him from seeing game action in his freshman year. Before his injury, he was pushing Evan Link for the left tackle position, and it was in no way a decided contest between the true freshman and the elder statesman.
At Big Ten media days last week, head coach Kyle Whittingham gushed about Babalola's potential, noting that he has similar traits to his two first-round draft pick tackles, Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Offensive line coach Jim Harding agrees with the ****** sment, but also notes, there's a lot of work it's going to take for him to get there.
"We recruited him at the last place. I think he's a really talented kid," Harding said. "Now, he's also he hasn't played football in darn near 12 months. Tomorrow will be the first time he puts shoulder pads on in 12 months. Two days ago was the first time he put a helmet on in nearly 12 months. So could he potentially -- I think there's a lot of guys in that room that can be high draft picks and things like that. But Andrew would be one of them, and we'll just see how he develops and see how he gets back to what I think I saw on the fall camp (tape) last year."
The encouraging news is that two practices in, Babalola has been a full go in both. In order to get an idea of what he's capable of, just like Whittingham, Harding went back to his high school, spring ball, and fall camp film and liked what he saw. But now, he's going to have to get back into form, given that, as Harding noted, Babalola hasn't played football in a year.
#babalola #Football #time #first
4 days ago
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel indicated that rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu will be in the mix at guard, according to Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.
Along with Lomu, veteran offensive tackle James Hudson will also continue to get reps at the guard position.
The depth at guard has been questionable behind Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu. That has pushed the Patriots to search for other options for emergency situations. It never hurts to be prepared, and either Lomu or Hudson could have their number called if something catastrophic happens.
Along with Lomu and Hudson, Ben Brown is also expected to be in the mix for backup duties.
The Patriots drafted Lomu in the first round as the expected replacement for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses at some point. However, there were no guarantees that would happen this season.
#lomu #expected
Along with Lomu, veteran offensive tackle James Hudson will also continue to get reps at the guard position.
The depth at guard has been questionable behind Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu. That has pushed the Patriots to search for other options for emergency situations. It never hurts to be prepared, and either Lomu or Hudson could have their number called if something catastrophic happens.
Along with Lomu and Hudson, Ben Brown is also expected to be in the mix for backup duties.
The Patriots drafted Lomu in the first round as the expected replacement for veteran right tackle Morgan Moses at some point. However, there were no guarantees that would happen this season.
#lomu #expected
4 days ago
FOXBORO — It was another day of sunshiine for the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Aug. 4, as they practiced in front of fans for the first time this week after moving Monday's practice indoors due to inclement weather.
Here are three takeaways from Tuesday's session:
Jacas, the second-round pick who has had limited participation in practice since being cleared to practice on Aug. 1, once again saw his practice time increase as he continues to work towards full participation after missing the start of training camp due to contract negotiations.
"He'll have a few more reps than he did yesterday," head coach Mike Vrabel said before practice, "and, [in] these situations, he has to just understand, and it's good to see him get acclimated to the special teams stuff. So, I think it's going well. I think we're off to a good start, and hopefully he can continue to keep adding things and figure out where he can help us defensively and, really, special teams."
Jacas participated in team drills for the second day in a row, lining up against a fellow rookie, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. His participation in the drills showed where he was limited, as he only appeared for one session before watching from the sideline the rest of the time.
#practice #good
Here are three takeaways from Tuesday's session:
Jacas, the second-round pick who has had limited participation in practice since being cleared to practice on Aug. 1, once again saw his practice time increase as he continues to work towards full participation after missing the start of training camp due to contract negotiations.
"He'll have a few more reps than he did yesterday," head coach Mike Vrabel said before practice, "and, [in] these situations, he has to just understand, and it's good to see him get acclimated to the special teams stuff. So, I think it's going well. I think we're off to a good start, and hopefully he can continue to keep adding things and figure out where he can help us defensively and, really, special teams."
Jacas participated in team drills for the second day in a row, lining up against a fellow rookie, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. His participation in the drills showed where he was limited, as he only appeared for one session before watching from the sideline the rest of the time.
#practice #good
15 days ago
The New England Patriots are set to begin training camp on Saturday. Gates open at 9:15 a.m. ET, and practice starts at 10:15 a.m. ET.
Practices will be located on the upper grass fields directly behind Gillette Stadium. Attendance is completely free to the public, and general parking is also free during the public practice days. There will be 13 training camp dates in total for fans to watch live.
This will be the 24th consecutive year of the team hosting the camp at Gillette Stadium.
It will be the start of the Patriots' quest to get back to the Super Bowl after falling short against the Seattle Seahawks last season. They've made strides in improving the offense significantly by adding top talent in the offseason, like wide receiver A.J. Brown, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie offensive tackles, Caleb Lomu and Damtrious Crownover.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots signed veteran All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, along with using their second-round draft pick on rookie Gabe Jacas. All eyes will be on the Patriots to see if the magical 2025 run was a fluke or if the team picks back up where it left off last season.
#Patriots #practice
Practices will be located on the upper grass fields directly behind Gillette Stadium. Attendance is completely free to the public, and general parking is also free during the public practice days. There will be 13 training camp dates in total for fans to watch live.
This will be the 24th consecutive year of the team hosting the camp at Gillette Stadium.
It will be the start of the Patriots' quest to get back to the Super Bowl after falling short against the Seattle Seahawks last season. They've made strides in improving the offense significantly by adding top talent in the offseason, like wide receiver A.J. Brown, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie offensive tackles, Caleb Lomu and Damtrious Crownover.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots signed veteran All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, along with using their second-round draft pick on rookie Gabe Jacas. All eyes will be on the Patriots to see if the magical 2025 run was a fluke or if the team picks back up where it left off last season.
#Patriots #practice
1 month ago
The New England Patriots approach the 2026 NFL season as a stronger team on paper, with talent equipped to contend for the Super Bowl.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder, the Patriots’ starting lineups on offense and defense were collectively ranked No. 7 overall in the league, with the team’s secondary being its biggest strength.
”Christian Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league's top young cornerbacks and is joined on the perimeter by veteran standout Carlton Davis III,” Clay said. “Marcus Jones has quickly developed into a standout in the slot. Craig Woodson was a terrific find in the fourth round of last year's draft and will be joined at safety by Jaylinn Hawkins' replacement, Kevin Byard, who continues to play at a high level at age 33.”
The Patriots also strengthened their receiving corps by trading for A.J. Brown and signing Romeo Doubs this offseason. Alijah Vera-Tucker adds strength to the Patriots’ offensive line while rookie Caleb Lomu provides depth at the tackle positions.
New England made up for their losses on defense in free agency with quality veteran stars and young talent in the draft. The Patriots appear poised to make another strong push for a Super Bowl crown in 2026 with the unit they’ve put together this offseason.
1 month ago
Much goes into an NFL offseason, and the New England Patriots made many moves to upgrade their roster and build upon the successful year that they had last season.
ESPN's Seth Walder recently posted offseason report card grades for all 32 NFL teams predicated around the full scope of decisions that each team made. The Patriots were given a "B-" for their moves, highlighted by their lauded trade for A.J. Brown , as well as their negotiations with Mike Onwenu to take a pay cut.
"The Patriots spent significant resources to address it, signing Romeo Doubs in free agency and dealing first- and fifth-round picks for Brown," Walder said. "The latter deal was a bit rich, but I can understand why they did it. I feel Brown -- even after a down 2025 season -- could be a serious **** et to the offense. He still can be one of the very best wide receivers in the NFL, and I would expect a production spike in a pass-heavy offense with a better passer in Drake Maye throwing to him."
Brown has been lauded by his teammates after being traded to the team on June 1. He is expected to be a force in the offense next season as the team's No. 1 receiver.
The Patriots did a commendable job replacing departing stars in free agency with like talent in the open market. New England addressed their need for more help on the offensive line head-on in this year's draft, with swing tackles Caleb Lomu, as well as Dametrious Crownover, the latter of whom has been lauded by Patriots VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden for his versatility and natural abilities as a pass protector.
ESPN's Seth Walder recently posted offseason report card grades for all 32 NFL teams predicated around the full scope of decisions that each team made. The Patriots were given a "B-" for their moves, highlighted by their lauded trade for A.J. Brown , as well as their negotiations with Mike Onwenu to take a pay cut.
"The Patriots spent significant resources to address it, signing Romeo Doubs in free agency and dealing first- and fifth-round picks for Brown," Walder said. "The latter deal was a bit rich, but I can understand why they did it. I feel Brown -- even after a down 2025 season -- could be a serious **** et to the offense. He still can be one of the very best wide receivers in the NFL, and I would expect a production spike in a pass-heavy offense with a better passer in Drake Maye throwing to him."
Brown has been lauded by his teammates after being traded to the team on June 1. He is expected to be a force in the offense next season as the team's No. 1 receiver.
The Patriots did a commendable job replacing departing stars in free agency with like talent in the open market. New England addressed their need for more help on the offensive line head-on in this year's draft, with swing tackles Caleb Lomu, as well as Dametrious Crownover, the latter of whom has been lauded by Patriots VP of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden for his versatility and natural abilities as a pass protector.
2 months ago
The New England Patriots signed offensive tackle Caleb Lomu to his rookie contract on Monday. That officially leaves second-round pick edge rusher Gabe Jacas as the only Patriots 2026 rookie who remains unsigned.
Jacas missed voluntary OTAs with the team, and there have been questions on if he will be ready to return for mandatory minicamp. ESPN's Mike Reiss wondered if the former Illinois standout has been sidelined with an injury this offseason.
In that case, the Patriots might be saving him for training camp.
But that news would bring about some serious concerns for New England, given the lack of depth at edge rusher. Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones are the top options, with Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder and Jesse Luketa as the depth options.
If Jacas' health checks out, he's a player who has the potential to play significant snaps for the Patriots in 2026.
Jacas missed voluntary OTAs with the team, and there have been questions on if he will be ready to return for mandatory minicamp. ESPN's Mike Reiss wondered if the former Illinois standout has been sidelined with an injury this offseason.
In that case, the Patriots might be saving him for training camp.
But that news would bring about some serious concerns for New England, given the lack of depth at edge rusher. Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones are the top options, with Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder and Jesse Luketa as the depth options.
If Jacas' health checks out, he's a player who has the potential to play significant snaps for the Patriots in 2026.
