2 months ago
Florida football is 2-0 for the first time in five years, and Vernell Brown III is a big reason why.
The sophomore wide receiver leads the Gators in receptions (9), receiving yards (160) and touchdowns (2).
Monday, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) honored Brown for his historic performance in UF's 52-3 win over Campbell.
Brown was named the conference's co-Special Teams Player of the Week, sharing the award with South Carolina's Vicari Swain.
The Gator legacy returned back-to-back punts for touchdowns in the second quarter vs. the Camels for 64 and 70 yards. This made him the first UF player since Jacquez Green vs. Kentucky in 1996 to have two punt return TDs.
#yards
The sophomore wide receiver leads the Gators in receptions (9), receiving yards (160) and touchdowns (2).
Monday, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) honored Brown for his historic performance in UF's 52-3 win over Campbell.
Brown was named the conference's co-Special Teams Player of the Week, sharing the award with South Carolina's Vicari Swain.
The Gator legacy returned back-to-back punts for touchdowns in the second quarter vs. the Camels for 64 and 70 yards. This made him the first UF player since Jacquez Green vs. Kentucky in 1996 to have two punt return TDs.
#yards
2 months ago
The moment Vernell Brown III reached the end zone; a bolt of energy returned to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
It was energy that sat dormant for four years during Billy Napier's four years as Florida football coach. Jon Sumrall relit the flame with 66 points last week vs. Florida Atlantic, but that fire fizzled out in a sluggish first quarter vs. FCS foe Campbell.
Until Brown III caught a punt early in the second quarter.
64 yards later, he landed in the end zone. Three minutes later, Brown III once again reigned in a punt and scored another touchdown.
The two scores entered Brown into an elusive category, joining Jacquez Green as the only two Gators to return two punts for TDs in a single game.
#brown #zone #punt
It was energy that sat dormant for four years during Billy Napier's four years as Florida football coach. Jon Sumrall relit the flame with 66 points last week vs. Florida Atlantic, but that fire fizzled out in a sluggish first quarter vs. FCS foe Campbell.
Until Brown III caught a punt early in the second quarter.
64 yards later, he landed in the end zone. Three minutes later, Brown III once again reigned in a punt and scored another touchdown.
The two scores entered Brown into an elusive category, joining Jacquez Green as the only two Gators to return two punts for TDs in a single game.
#brown #zone #punt
2 months ago
Sep. 12—The Washington State offense couldn't get out of its own way and the Cougar defense was ultimately powerless to slow Kansas State's march as the Wildcats rolled to a 34-7 nonconference football victory Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kan.
After going 0-for-11 on third down during the Apple Cup, the Cougars' opening script was encouraging.
Quarterback Caden Pinnick rocketed the rock to junior wide receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy and sophomore running back Maxwell Woods for a pair of first downs on WSU's opening drive, but it would be for naught as Cougar kicker Jack Stevens missed his third field goal of the season — matching the total number of misses from last year.
K-State completely snuffed out the Cougs after that, forcing a turnover on downs, nine punts and a forced fumble over the remainder of the game.
The lone bright spot for Wazzu on Saturday were the heroics of WSU safety Jaylen Thomas, who registered the first two interceptions of his college career.
#Third #downs #kansas #wildcats
After going 0-for-11 on third down during the Apple Cup, the Cougars' opening script was encouraging.
Quarterback Caden Pinnick rocketed the rock to junior wide receiver Branden Ganashamoorthy and sophomore running back Maxwell Woods for a pair of first downs on WSU's opening drive, but it would be for naught as Cougar kicker Jack Stevens missed his third field goal of the season — matching the total number of misses from last year.
K-State completely snuffed out the Cougs after that, forcing a turnover on downs, nine punts and a forced fumble over the remainder of the game.
The lone bright spot for Wazzu on Saturday were the heroics of WSU safety Jaylen Thomas, who registered the first two interceptions of his college career.
#Third #downs #kansas #wildcats
2 months ago
Jared Curtis has entered Vanderbilt football's game against Delaware at FirstBank Stadium.
Curtis entered after Blaze Berlowitz ran the Commodores' first two drives. On those drives, both of which ended in punts, Berlowitz was 0-for-4 passing and did not have a carry. The score was tied, 0-0, with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter.
Curtis was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2026 who flipped to Vanderbilt from Georgia. He is an in-state product from Nashville Christian School. He battled with Berlowitz for the starting job throughout the preseason, but Berlowitz was selected to start both the first two games.
Coach Clark Lea committed to playing both quarterbacks in the first two contests. Against Austin Peay in the season opener Sept. 5, Curtis went 7-for-9 passing for 60 yards and rushed three times for 22 yards. He did not commit any turnovers and was not sacked.
Berlowitz was 11-for-16 against the Governors for 149 yards and ran 11 times for 47 yards. He also did not commit any turnovers and his lone sack came on a 2-point conversion attempt.
#berlowitz #curtis #first #entered
Curtis entered after Blaze Berlowitz ran the Commodores' first two drives. On those drives, both of which ended in punts, Berlowitz was 0-for-4 passing and did not have a carry. The score was tied, 0-0, with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter.
Curtis was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2026 who flipped to Vanderbilt from Georgia. He is an in-state product from Nashville Christian School. He battled with Berlowitz for the starting job throughout the preseason, but Berlowitz was selected to start both the first two games.
Coach Clark Lea committed to playing both quarterbacks in the first two contests. Against Austin Peay in the season opener Sept. 5, Curtis went 7-for-9 passing for 60 yards and rushed three times for 22 yards. He did not commit any turnovers and was not sacked.
Berlowitz was 11-for-16 against the Governors for 149 yards and ran 11 times for 47 yards. He also did not commit any turnovers and his lone sack came on a 2-point conversion attempt.
#berlowitz #curtis #first #entered
2 months ago
Jared Curtis has entered Vanderbilt football's game against Delaware at FirstBank Stadium.
Curtis entered after Blaze Berlowitz ran the Commodores' first two drives. On those drives, both of which ended in punts, Berlowitz was 0-for-4 passing and did not have a carry. The score was tied, 0-0, with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter.
Curtis was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2026 who flipped to Vanderbilt from Georgia. He is an in-state product from Nashville Christian School. He battled with Berlowitz for the starting job throughout the preseason, but Berlowitz was selected to start both the first two games.
Coach Clark Lea committed to playing both quarterbacks in the first two contests. Against Austin Peay in the season opener Sept. 5, Curtis went 7-for-9 passing for 60 yards and rushed three times for 22 yards. He did not commit any turnovers and was not sacked.
Berlowitz was 11-for-16 against the Governors for 149 yards and ran 11 times for 47 yards. He also did not commit any turnovers and his lone sack came on a 2-point conversion attempt.
#berlowitz #curtis #yards #entered
Curtis entered after Blaze Berlowitz ran the Commodores' first two drives. On those drives, both of which ended in punts, Berlowitz was 0-for-4 passing and did not have a carry. The score was tied, 0-0, with 4:44 remaining in the first quarter.
Curtis was a five-star recruit and the No. 2 quarterback in the class of 2026 who flipped to Vanderbilt from Georgia. He is an in-state product from Nashville Christian School. He battled with Berlowitz for the starting job throughout the preseason, but Berlowitz was selected to start both the first two games.
Coach Clark Lea committed to playing both quarterbacks in the first two contests. Against Austin Peay in the season opener Sept. 5, Curtis went 7-for-9 passing for 60 yards and rushed three times for 22 yards. He did not commit any turnovers and was not sacked.
Berlowitz was 11-for-16 against the Governors for 149 yards and ran 11 times for 47 yards. He also did not commit any turnovers and his lone sack came on a 2-point conversion attempt.
#berlowitz #curtis #yards #entered
2 months ago
In two weeks, USC faces Oregon in the Trojans' game of the year, the one which will shape the rest of their season. Oregon's outlook after the Boise State game is marked by concern and optimism. The concern comes from how poorly the Ducks played. The optimism comes from being able to win in spite of the below-par performance. Ducks Wire noted the good and bad performers from the game. Here are one of each:
Ducks Wire liked what it saw from linebacker Dylan Williams:
"The biggest riser on the defense in my mind was linebacker Dylan Williams, who played a huge role in this game, stepping up alongside Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson in that linebacker room. While his stats don't jump off the page, Williams was flying around the field and had a huge impact on this game, earning some high praise from Dan Lanning when all was said and done. Expect to see a lot more of Williams this year."
Ducks Wire did not like what kick returner Evan Stewart brought to the table:
"As a wide receiver, Evan Stewart was great on Saturday, with eight catches for 72 yards. As a punt returner, though, Stewart left a bit to be desired. He had a trio of mistakes: a fair catch at the 3-yard line and two ****** ed punts, one of which was recovered by Boise State. In the end, Oregon was still able to get the win, and Lanning expressed support of Stewart after the game, but it's clear that this operation needs to clean up going forward for the Ducks, or we may see someone else back there in the return game."
#game #stewart #oregon #dylan
Ducks Wire liked what it saw from linebacker Dylan Williams:
"The biggest riser on the defense in my mind was linebacker Dylan Williams, who played a huge role in this game, stepping up alongside Jerry Mixon and Devon Jackson in that linebacker room. While his stats don't jump off the page, Williams was flying around the field and had a huge impact on this game, earning some high praise from Dan Lanning when all was said and done. Expect to see a lot more of Williams this year."
Ducks Wire did not like what kick returner Evan Stewart brought to the table:
"As a wide receiver, Evan Stewart was great on Saturday, with eight catches for 72 yards. As a punt returner, though, Stewart left a bit to be desired. He had a trio of mistakes: a fair catch at the 3-yard line and two ****** ed punts, one of which was recovered by Boise State. In the end, Oregon was still able to get the win, and Lanning expressed support of Stewart after the game, but it's clear that this operation needs to clean up going forward for the Ducks, or we may see someone else back there in the return game."
#game #stewart #oregon #dylan
2 months ago
Monroe had one big play after another, in a 64-19 win over McQuaid, the Red Jacket's first home game under the lights since restarting its varsity program 10 years ago.
In addition to the standard passing and rushing scores, the Red Jackets had two punts, one kickoff, one fumble and one interception returned for touchdowns. Ray Garcia was the punt return specialist, D'Markos Trammell Jr. had the two defensive touchdowns, and Gregory Grant brought back the kick.
While Monroe led throughout, McQuaid had its chances. A touchdown pass from Harrison Engle to Chrisaun Jordan trimmed the Knights' deficit to 16-13 at the end of the first quarter. Monroe had the next two touchdowns, however, to build a cushion at halftime.
More: Monroe return specialist tops Section V's top football performers
More: Section V football scores for 2026 season
#section
In addition to the standard passing and rushing scores, the Red Jackets had two punts, one kickoff, one fumble and one interception returned for touchdowns. Ray Garcia was the punt return specialist, D'Markos Trammell Jr. had the two defensive touchdowns, and Gregory Grant brought back the kick.
While Monroe led throughout, McQuaid had its chances. A touchdown pass from Harrison Engle to Chrisaun Jordan trimmed the Knights' deficit to 16-13 at the end of the first quarter. Monroe had the next two touchdowns, however, to build a cushion at halftime.
More: Monroe return specialist tops Section V's top football performers
More: Section V football scores for 2026 season
#section
2 months ago
FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Williams Valley Coach Frank Gaffney has said throughout the season that his team is resilient. That showed on Friday night, as the Vikings overcame an early deficit to beat North Schuylkill, 19-14.
North Schuylkill dominated the early action, controlling the ball for much of the first half.
The Spartans opened the game with a seven-minute, 16-play drive that covered 75 yards and ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Brake.
The North Schuylkill defense got off to an equally hot start and forced a three-and-out on each of Williams Valley's first two possessions.
The Vikings ran just eight plays, including two punts, in the first 18 minutes of the game.
#early
North Schuylkill dominated the early action, controlling the ball for much of the first half.
The Spartans opened the game with a seven-minute, 16-play drive that covered 75 yards and ended with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Brake.
The North Schuylkill defense got off to an equally hot start and forced a three-and-out on each of Williams Valley's first two possessions.
The Vikings ran just eight plays, including two punts, in the first 18 minutes of the game.
#early
2 months ago
Although he still gets a good chuckle over the mistake that EA Sports' "College Football 27″ made in July when it depicted him as being of a different race, BYU's Cannon DeVries hopes he will now be known more for his plays on the football field than a botched likeness on a video game.
The sophomore defensive back from North Ogden and Weber High made that a possibility last Saturday. DeVries returned two punts for a combined 73 yards and a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in BYU's 63-7 win over Utah Tech.
The big returns helped him earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors, but, more importantly, gave him a healthy dose of confidence as he enters his second season in Provo.
"Yeah, it meant a lot. That is something that I had the goal to reach and to get, so to get it the first week was pretty special for me," DeVries said after BYU's practice Wednesday. "As a young kid, I always believed that I could do special things on the field, so being able to go out and do them was definitely a dream come true."
DeVries also got the start in the defensive backfield from his nickel position and recorded a tackle. He was just as thrilled that secondary mates Tre Alexander, Evan Johnson and Matthias Leach recorded interceptions in the opener.
#special #defensive #recorded #although
The sophomore defensive back from North Ogden and Weber High made that a possibility last Saturday. DeVries returned two punts for a combined 73 yards and a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in BYU's 63-7 win over Utah Tech.
The big returns helped him earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors, but, more importantly, gave him a healthy dose of confidence as he enters his second season in Provo.
"Yeah, it meant a lot. That is something that I had the goal to reach and to get, so to get it the first week was pretty special for me," DeVries said after BYU's practice Wednesday. "As a young kid, I always believed that I could do special things on the field, so being able to go out and do them was definitely a dream come true."
DeVries also got the start in the defensive backfield from his nickel position and recorded a tackle. He was just as thrilled that secondary mates Tre Alexander, Evan Johnson and Matthias Leach recorded interceptions in the opener.
#special #defensive #recorded #although
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
2 months ago
Missouri State (0-1) was a heavy underdog entering its Week 1 game against No. 8 Texas A&M. The Aggies (1-0) avoided an upset by taking down the Bears 50-0.
The Bears flashed some great plays, while the Aggies showcased their SEC power and depth. Here are some takeaways from Missouri State's road game at Kyle Field.
Although the score reads a major blowout, Missouri State's defense kept the Bears in the game in the first half.
Texas A&M marched down the field for a 58-yard opening touchdown drive. Following this drive, Missouri State allowed just 68 yards across the next three drives.
Missouri State's defense forced back-to-back punts along with a fantastic forced fumble. Missouri State's Joel Boamah punched the ball out of wide receiver Isaiah Horton's hands. With the Bears trailing 9-0 in the second quarter, it was a huge momentum play.
#missouri #bears
The Bears flashed some great plays, while the Aggies showcased their SEC power and depth. Here are some takeaways from Missouri State's road game at Kyle Field.
Although the score reads a major blowout, Missouri State's defense kept the Bears in the game in the first half.
Texas A&M marched down the field for a 58-yard opening touchdown drive. Following this drive, Missouri State allowed just 68 yards across the next three drives.
Missouri State's defense forced back-to-back punts along with a fantastic forced fumble. Missouri State's Joel Boamah punched the ball out of wide receiver Isaiah Horton's hands. With the Bears trailing 9-0 in the second quarter, it was a huge momentum play.
#missouri #bears
2 months ago
BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Marcellous Hawkins Jr. rushed for three touchdowns, and Jeffrey Overton Jr. rushed for 108 yards and two scores to lead Virginia Tech to a 73-3 victory over VMI on Saturday in the debut of Hokies' head coach James Franklin.
Franklin, who was fired last October by Penn State after 12 seasons and hired by Virginia Tech 36 days later, witnessed a dominating performance by the Hokies (1-0) in their opener. Virginia Tech's offense scored on its first six possessions and punted just once during the game. The Hokies' defense held VMI (0-2) to just 83 yards, and the special teams blocked two punts, recovering one for a touchdown.
Hired to rebuild a once-proud Virginia Tech program that has suffered losing seasons in five of the past six years, Franklin brought in 27 transfers, including 12 who followed him from his previous stop. Arguably the most important of those, quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, enjoyed a great Virginia Tech debut.
Grunkemeyer, who started the final seven games for Penn State last season, completed 10 of his first 11 passes. He finished 17 of 20 for 224 yards and two touchdowns.
Led by Overton, who scored on runs of 50 and 23 yards, and Grunkemeyer, the Hokies finished with 619 total yards.
#franklin #overton #penn
Franklin, who was fired last October by Penn State after 12 seasons and hired by Virginia Tech 36 days later, witnessed a dominating performance by the Hokies (1-0) in their opener. Virginia Tech's offense scored on its first six possessions and punted just once during the game. The Hokies' defense held VMI (0-2) to just 83 yards, and the special teams blocked two punts, recovering one for a touchdown.
Hired to rebuild a once-proud Virginia Tech program that has suffered losing seasons in five of the past six years, Franklin brought in 27 transfers, including 12 who followed him from his previous stop. Arguably the most important of those, quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, enjoyed a great Virginia Tech debut.
Grunkemeyer, who started the final seven games for Penn State last season, completed 10 of his first 11 passes. He finished 17 of 20 for 224 yards and two touchdowns.
Led by Overton, who scored on runs of 50 and 23 yards, and Grunkemeyer, the Hokies finished with 619 total yards.
#franklin #overton #penn
2 months ago
Southern Illinois and Samford will both look to bounce back from season-opening losses when the Salukis visit the Bulldogs at Pete Hanna Stadium in Birmingham on Thursday night.
Salukis Chris Potter (82) punts to the Argos during the Southern Illinois vs West Florida opening D1 football game at the University of West Florida in Pensacola on Aug. 27, 2026.
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Channel: ESPN+
#southern #illinois #opening #samford
Salukis Chris Potter (82) punts to the Argos during the Southern Illinois vs West Florida opening D1 football game at the University of West Florida in Pensacola on Aug. 27, 2026.
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Channel: ESPN+
#southern #illinois #opening #samford
2 months ago
After a breakout freshman season returning punts and kicks Florida football sophomore wide receiver Vernell Brown III earned preseason All-SEC third team honors as a return specialist over the summer.
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound Brown is expecting another big year as a return man for the Florida Gators in 2026. Florida football coach Jon Sumrall has made special teams a priority since first arriving at UF, adding his former special teams from Tulane, Johnathan Galante and special teams **** yst Greg McMahon, a former special teams coordinator with the New Orleans Saints from 2008-16.
"I just want to take advantage of my opportunities," Brown said. "But as far as third team All SEC, you know, that's fuel to the fire for me. There are three teams and the third team isn't the best team. So that's just fuel to the fire."
Brown ranked sixth in the SEC in punt return yardage at 11.7 yards per return last season. Overall, Brown tallied 261 return yards across 18 kick and punt returns and was one of two freshmen and 18 players in the FBS to have five punt returns of 20-plus yards.
Entering 2026, Brown will mainly focus on punt returns, as cornerback J'Vari Flowers and running back London Montgomery are penciled in to return kickoffs. But Brown said he would return kickoffs again if he's needed.
#Florida #special #Third
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound Brown is expecting another big year as a return man for the Florida Gators in 2026. Florida football coach Jon Sumrall has made special teams a priority since first arriving at UF, adding his former special teams from Tulane, Johnathan Galante and special teams **** yst Greg McMahon, a former special teams coordinator with the New Orleans Saints from 2008-16.
"I just want to take advantage of my opportunities," Brown said. "But as far as third team All SEC, you know, that's fuel to the fire for me. There are three teams and the third team isn't the best team. So that's just fuel to the fire."
Brown ranked sixth in the SEC in punt return yardage at 11.7 yards per return last season. Overall, Brown tallied 261 return yards across 18 kick and punt returns and was one of two freshmen and 18 players in the FBS to have five punt returns of 20-plus yards.
Entering 2026, Brown will mainly focus on punt returns, as cornerback J'Vari Flowers and running back London Montgomery are penciled in to return kickoffs. But Brown said he would return kickoffs again if he's needed.
#Florida #special #Third
2 months ago
Kalen DeBoer has Alabama football's initial plan for the return game on both punts and kickoffs.
The Crimson Tide coach said Alabama plans to run "a combination of" wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, running back Trae'Shawn Brown, defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. and wide receiver Rico Scott at kickoff and punt return in 2026.
"There's some other guys in our kickoff return that are back there that can rotate in as well, but those are the guys you want to have touching the football," DeBoer said on the SEC Football Coaches Media Teleconference Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Lee had two punt returns for 32 yards in 2025, while Scott had three kickoff returns for 35 yards.
Cole Adams, who transferred to Vanderbilt, was Alabama's leading punt returner in 2025. Lotzeir Brooks was Alabama's leading kickoff returner.
#punt #scott #Football
The Crimson Tide coach said Alabama plans to run "a combination of" wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, running back Trae'Shawn Brown, defensive back Dijon Lee Jr. and wide receiver Rico Scott at kickoff and punt return in 2026.
"There's some other guys in our kickoff return that are back there that can rotate in as well, but those are the guys you want to have touching the football," DeBoer said on the SEC Football Coaches Media Teleconference Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Lee had two punt returns for 32 yards in 2025, while Scott had three kickoff returns for 35 yards.
Cole Adams, who transferred to Vanderbilt, was Alabama's leading punt returner in 2025. Lotzeir Brooks was Alabama's leading kickoff returner.
#punt #scott #Football
2 months ago
Greg Dortch's NFL career has new life.
And it's where his life began.
The Buffalo Bills are signing the veteran wide receiver and return specialist to their practice squad, according to multiple reports.
Dortch was born in Rochester in 1998 before his family moved to Virginia when he was young.
He's returning to western New York with a chance to help solve one of the Bills' biggest special teams problems: returning punts. Buffalo didn't have an experienced punt returner on its initial 53-man roster.
#bills #life #virginia #Career
And it's where his life began.
The Buffalo Bills are signing the veteran wide receiver and return specialist to their practice squad, according to multiple reports.
Dortch was born in Rochester in 1998 before his family moved to Virginia when he was young.
He's returning to western New York with a chance to help solve one of the Bills' biggest special teams problems: returning punts. Buffalo didn't have an experienced punt returner on its initial 53-man roster.
#bills #life #virginia #Career
2 months ago
Sunday at 6 p.m. ET was the deadline for all 32 NFL teams to reduce their rosters to 53.
Sunday, the Washington Commanders released 16 offensive players. Here are those released and a quick reason why.
C/G Julian Good-Jones: The player wanted most by local fans and media to be released.
WR Jaden Bradley: Had the best catch of the preseason. Almost blocked two punts. Might have an NFL future.
WR Van Jefferson: Jefferson is a better route runner, but Luke McCaffrey won out because he returns kicks well.
#good
Sunday, the Washington Commanders released 16 offensive players. Here are those released and a quick reason why.
C/G Julian Good-Jones: The player wanted most by local fans and media to be released.
WR Jaden Bradley: Had the best catch of the preseason. Almost blocked two punts. Might have an NFL future.
WR Van Jefferson: Jefferson is a better route runner, but Luke McCaffrey won out because he returns kicks well.
#good
2 months ago
Before he established himself at the professional level, Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean was a superstar for the Iowa Hawkeyes. DeJean was primarily an outside cornerback, but he also played the cash/hybrid DB positions, and was also was a very dangerous punt returner.
He was in Iowa City during some of the leanest years of the Brian Ferentz offenses, so having DeJean to sometimes get them six points off of special teams was a huge difference maker for those teams. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Iowa's special teams and defense simply just had to be a critical component of the formula to score points. DeJean was a second round pick (40th overall) in 2024, and he was first team All-Pro last season.
In redshirt junior Zach Lutmer, Iowa has another star player at the cash position, who is set to return punts. Lutmer, whose versatility is a major ******* et, will shift over to free safety this year, and take over the punt returning duties from the departed Katen Wetjen.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has not exactly compared Lutmer to DeJean, but he has pointed out their similarities.
"Cooper gave me a lot of knowledge my freshman year and helped me out in a lot of different ways," Lutmer said at Media Day.
#cooper #cash #points
He was in Iowa City during some of the leanest years of the Brian Ferentz offenses, so having DeJean to sometimes get them six points off of special teams was a huge difference maker for those teams. In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Iowa's special teams and defense simply just had to be a critical component of the formula to score points. DeJean was a second round pick (40th overall) in 2024, and he was first team All-Pro last season.
In redshirt junior Zach Lutmer, Iowa has another star player at the cash position, who is set to return punts. Lutmer, whose versatility is a major ******* et, will shift over to free safety this year, and take over the punt returning duties from the departed Katen Wetjen.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has not exactly compared Lutmer to DeJean, but he has pointed out their similarities.
"Cooper gave me a lot of knowledge my freshman year and helped me out in a lot of different ways," Lutmer said at Media Day.
#cooper #cash #points
2 months ago
The Green Bay Packers appear to have made their choice at long snapper to start the 2026 season. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers are releasing long snapper Cal Adomitis on Sunday, leaving Matt Orzech as the lone long snapper on the roster.
Adomitis, a former member of the Cincinnati Bengals, was signed early in training camp and operated as the Packers long snapper throughout camp and during all three preseason games. Orzech, the team's long snapper since 2023, has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp due to a lingering calf injury.
Releasing Adomitis strongly suggests that the Packers believe Orzech will be healthy and ready to go come Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The regular season opener is still two weeks away.
Adomitis played 29 snaps on special teams -- snapping for 12 punts and 17 field goals -- over three preseason games. The snaps weren't consistently perfect but there were no major errors, and rookie kicker Trey Smack was perfect on his 17 kicks -- nine field goals and eight extra points.
However, the fact that the Packers kept Orzech on the roster despite a multi-week injury always pointed to the team's desire for Orzech to be the snapper come Week 1.
#snapper
Adomitis, a former member of the Cincinnati Bengals, was signed early in training camp and operated as the Packers long snapper throughout camp and during all three preseason games. Orzech, the team's long snapper since 2023, has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp due to a lingering calf injury.
Releasing Adomitis strongly suggests that the Packers believe Orzech will be healthy and ready to go come Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The regular season opener is still two weeks away.
Adomitis played 29 snaps on special teams -- snapping for 12 punts and 17 field goals -- over three preseason games. The snaps weren't consistently perfect but there were no major errors, and rookie kicker Trey Smack was perfect on his 17 kicks -- nine field goals and eight extra points.
However, the fact that the Packers kept Orzech on the roster despite a multi-week injury always pointed to the team's desire for Orzech to be the snapper come Week 1.
#snapper
2 months ago
A football player of William Jewell College passed away on Saturday following his collapse on the sidelines of the school's season-opener game just minutes after he scored a touchdown, the school said.
Junior running back MicahJo Barnett received medical help at Greene Stadium and was then transported to the nearest hospital by an ambulance, where he was declared dead. Liberty authorities said the medical team responded to the player 20 minutes after kickoff but provided no other details. He was 21 years old.
The game against Fort Lewis College, another NCAA Division II squad, was stopped and later canceled. Barnett scored the touchdown by running for 1 yard with 5:15 left in the first quarter, and play was interrupted with 4:32 remaining after Fort Lewis punts went out of bounds, according to online match statistics. He gained 30 yards in six carries, and William Jewell led the score 7-0.
"William Jewell College and the Liberty community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett. Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo's family, teammates, friends, coaches, and faculty and staff," said the school in its statement. Liberty Fire EMS stated that Barnett showed seizure-like symptoms, as reported by Fox4 KC.
The cause of death is still not clear. A college spokeswoman told Newsweek that Barnett had no known pre-existing condition that could have prevented him from playing, and that no further information about the nature or cause of the emergency is available at this time. Barnett was enrolled in the business administration program and was connected to Liberty, the city where William Jewell's campus is located. While being a senior at Liberty North, he helped the Eagles win a Missouri state championship.
#liberty #lewis #player
Junior running back MicahJo Barnett received medical help at Greene Stadium and was then transported to the nearest hospital by an ambulance, where he was declared dead. Liberty authorities said the medical team responded to the player 20 minutes after kickoff but provided no other details. He was 21 years old.
The game against Fort Lewis College, another NCAA Division II squad, was stopped and later canceled. Barnett scored the touchdown by running for 1 yard with 5:15 left in the first quarter, and play was interrupted with 4:32 remaining after Fort Lewis punts went out of bounds, according to online match statistics. He gained 30 yards in six carries, and William Jewell led the score 7-0.
"William Jewell College and the Liberty community mourn the passing of MicahJo Barnett. Our thoughts and prayers are with MicahJo's family, teammates, friends, coaches, and faculty and staff," said the school in its statement. Liberty Fire EMS stated that Barnett showed seizure-like symptoms, as reported by Fox4 KC.
The cause of death is still not clear. A college spokeswoman told Newsweek that Barnett had no known pre-existing condition that could have prevented him from playing, and that no further information about the nature or cause of the emergency is available at this time. Barnett was enrolled in the business administration program and was connected to Liberty, the city where William Jewell's campus is located. While being a senior at Liberty North, he helped the Eagles win a Missouri state championship.
#liberty #lewis #player
3 months ago
The New England Patriots had punter Jamie Gillan in for a tryout, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss, as the team looks to add depth following the injury to Bryce Baringer in Week 2 of the preseason.
Baringer was not feeling well after his first two punts in the Patriots' 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Saturday. The Patriots signed veteran punter Matt Haack to spell for Baringer while the latter recovers.
Gillan has played seven seasons in the NFL. He began his career playing for the Cleveland Browns from 2019-21, before playing for the New York Giants from 2022-25. Gillan played in 16 games for the Giants last season and recorded 2,088 net yards on punts on the year.
The Patriots do not have a backup punter behind Haack with Baringer out. Patriots rookie quarterback Behren Morton handled punting duties in place of Baringer after the latter left the game against the Eagles. However, Gillan is now in consideration to be signed by New England with the 2026 season just under two weeks away from beginning.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
#baringer #england #Eagles #punts
Baringer was not feeling well after his first two punts in the Patriots' 24-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Saturday. The Patriots signed veteran punter Matt Haack to spell for Baringer while the latter recovers.
Gillan has played seven seasons in the NFL. He began his career playing for the Cleveland Browns from 2019-21, before playing for the New York Giants from 2022-25. Gillan played in 16 games for the Giants last season and recorded 2,088 net yards on punts on the year.
The Patriots do not have a backup punter behind Haack with Baringer out. Patriots rookie quarterback Behren Morton handled punting duties in place of Baringer after the latter left the game against the Eagles. However, Gillan is now in consideration to be signed by New England with the 2026 season just under two weeks away from beginning.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
#baringer #england #Eagles #punts
3 months ago
Kameron Johnson gave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers another encouraging look at what he can bring to the return game Saturday night, showing the type of burst and explosiveness that can make him a difference-maker throughout the 2026 season. Johnson had one kickoff return against the Kansas City Chiefs, taking it 20 yards to the Kansas City 31-yard line and giving Tampa Bay solid starting field position. He also added two punt returns for 24 yards.
The numbers weren't overwhelming, but the flashes were there. Johnson looked decisive with the football in his hands and showed the ability to get north quickly rather than spending too much time searching for an opening. In 2025, he averaged 25.4 yards on 27 kickoff returns and 11.2 yards on 26 punt returns. He also produced Tampa Bay's two longest kick returns of the season, going for 37 and 44 yards, while earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
His work against Kansas City was also encouraging because of his offensive contributions. Johnson caught four passes for 56 yards, including a 22-yard reception, while showing that his ability with the ball isn't limited to special teams. He was involved early, catching an 11-yard pass from Jake Browning before later hauling in a 22-yard completion in the third quarter. That combination could make Johnson particularly useful for Tampa Bay. His primary job is returning kicks and punts, but if he continues showing that kind of ability as a receiver, the Buccaneers have another way to get him involved without asking him to become a major part of the offense. If Johnson can consistently turn returns into positive field position while making occasional plays on offense, his value to the Buccaneers could extend well beyond what the traditional returner role offers.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Kameron Johnson shows flashes of something special at kick returner
#johnson #yards #yard
The numbers weren't overwhelming, but the flashes were there. Johnson looked decisive with the football in his hands and showed the ability to get north quickly rather than spending too much time searching for an opening. In 2025, he averaged 25.4 yards on 27 kickoff returns and 11.2 yards on 26 punt returns. He also produced Tampa Bay's two longest kick returns of the season, going for 37 and 44 yards, while earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
His work against Kansas City was also encouraging because of his offensive contributions. Johnson caught four passes for 56 yards, including a 22-yard reception, while showing that his ability with the ball isn't limited to special teams. He was involved early, catching an 11-yard pass from Jake Browning before later hauling in a 22-yard completion in the third quarter. That combination could make Johnson particularly useful for Tampa Bay. His primary job is returning kicks and punts, but if he continues showing that kind of ability as a receiver, the Buccaneers have another way to get him involved without asking him to become a major part of the offense. If Johnson can consistently turn returns into positive field position while making occasional plays on offense, his value to the Buccaneers could extend well beyond what the traditional returner role offers.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Kameron Johnson shows flashes of something special at kick returner
#johnson #yards #yard
3 months ago
The Arizona Cardinals made two more roster moves on Tuesday. On Monday, they cleared the roster of four players and added two, leaving two vacancies. They filled them on Tuesday.
They signed punter Jack Browning and safety Josh Minkins.
Browning had tryouts with the Cardinals before training camp began and last year in October.
Browning punted and handled kickoff duties for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 for five games. Last played in the UFL for the Orlando Storm. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and had 11 punts downed inside the 20 in 11 games.
He will handle punting duties this week in the team's joint practice with the Green Bay Packers and their preseason finale against the Packers on Friday, as Blake Gillikin is out with a groin injury.
#arizona #Monday
They signed punter Jack Browning and safety Josh Minkins.
Browning had tryouts with the Cardinals before training camp began and last year in October.
Browning punted and handled kickoff duties for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 for five games. Last played in the UFL for the Orlando Storm. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and had 11 punts downed inside the 20 in 11 games.
He will handle punting duties this week in the team's joint practice with the Green Bay Packers and their preseason finale against the Packers on Friday, as Blake Gillikin is out with a groin injury.
#arizona #Monday
3 months ago
There isn't an obvious candidate on this Washington team to be a super star national level type of player. But, every college football season a handful of under-the-radar players end up atop the national leaderboards. Washington enters Jedd Fisch's third season in Seattle with a roster that's deeper and more experienced than either of his first two, and among that depth are a handful of players with a shot at topping an FBS statistical leaderboard by December. Here are five Huskies worth watching.
Green might be the safest bet on this list. The graduate transfer punter comes to Montlake after ranking sixth nationally last season with a 47-yard average on 63 punts at San Diego State, including 22 kicks of 50-plus yards. Before that stop, he averaged better than 45 yards a punt across two seasons at Northern Colorado and earned first-team All-Big Sky honors as a true freshman. He's already on the Ray Guy Award preseason watch list. He's 6-foot-4 and 230-pounds with a big leg and if his career averages continue into Big Ten play, he should be in national leader contention.
Roebuck was a true freshman revelation in 2025, finishing second on the team with 42 catches, 554-plus yards and seven touchdowns. He's the one healthy and proven returners among the pass catchers and will be relied upon quite a lot. Roebuck has since moved to a new number and a full-time slot role, the exact alignment most likely to rack up "easy" catches in Fische's scheme. His offenses historically favor the top two receivers with the vast majority of targets, so there should be plenty of chances for Roebuck, who gets open easily anyway. After 42 receptions last season, a leap into the 80-90 catch range isn't far-fetched if he's the number one or two guy from the start.
Williams is possibly the biggest reach on this list. He posted a 161.0 NCAA passer rating in 2025 — 10th nationally — while throwing for just over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and adding 611 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. Those are obviously very good numbers, but a good chunk of it came in games against the softer part of Washington's schedule. In Washington's four losses last season (Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, Oregon), his passer rating dropped all the way to 107.8, and he simply hasn't risen to the occasion against that caliber of opponent yet. If Williams can close that gap in 2026 and prove he's just as efficient against Ohio State- and Oregon-caliber defenses as he is against the bottom half of the conference, his baseline efficiency is good enough that a national passing **** le becomes realistic. He's a preseason Davey O'Brien and Maxwell Award watch-list pick and clearly has the ceiling. The question is whether he takes that step against the teams that have given him trouble.
Manu isn't a name without a track record as he's already done this. In 2023 at Arizona, under Jedd Fisch, Manu led the Pac-12 in tackles with 116 to go with 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and an intercep
Green might be the safest bet on this list. The graduate transfer punter comes to Montlake after ranking sixth nationally last season with a 47-yard average on 63 punts at San Diego State, including 22 kicks of 50-plus yards. Before that stop, he averaged better than 45 yards a punt across two seasons at Northern Colorado and earned first-team All-Big Sky honors as a true freshman. He's already on the Ray Guy Award preseason watch list. He's 6-foot-4 and 230-pounds with a big leg and if his career averages continue into Big Ten play, he should be in national leader contention.
Roebuck was a true freshman revelation in 2025, finishing second on the team with 42 catches, 554-plus yards and seven touchdowns. He's the one healthy and proven returners among the pass catchers and will be relied upon quite a lot. Roebuck has since moved to a new number and a full-time slot role, the exact alignment most likely to rack up "easy" catches in Fische's scheme. His offenses historically favor the top two receivers with the vast majority of targets, so there should be plenty of chances for Roebuck, who gets open easily anyway. After 42 receptions last season, a leap into the 80-90 catch range isn't far-fetched if he's the number one or two guy from the start.
Williams is possibly the biggest reach on this list. He posted a 161.0 NCAA passer rating in 2025 — 10th nationally — while throwing for just over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns and adding 611 rushing yards and six more scores on the ground. Those are obviously very good numbers, but a good chunk of it came in games against the softer part of Washington's schedule. In Washington's four losses last season (Ohio State, Michigan, Indiana, Oregon), his passer rating dropped all the way to 107.8, and he simply hasn't risen to the occasion against that caliber of opponent yet. If Williams can close that gap in 2026 and prove he's just as efficient against Ohio State- and Oregon-caliber defenses as he is against the bottom half of the conference, his baseline efficiency is good enough that a national passing **** le becomes realistic. He's a preseason Davey O'Brien and Maxwell Award watch-list pick and clearly has the ceiling. The question is whether he takes that step against the teams that have given him trouble.
Manu isn't a name without a track record as he's already done this. In 2023 at Arizona, under Jedd Fisch, Manu led the Pac-12 in tackles with 116 to go with 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and an intercep
3 months ago
Louisville ended last year with one of the best kicking games in the country while also being one of the worst punting units in all of college football. At this point, one could argue that the goal this season is to just have a kicking game that can get the bare minimum done. The staff was tasked with replacing the starters at both kicking positions, and at this point in fall camp, I'm not sure they are satisfied with the choices they have in the kicking game.
The only returner on the team who kicked last year is Nick Keller, and he is the likely frontrunner to take over the positions. Keller hit on half of his kicks last season as the long field goal option as well as the kickoff specialist. Keller has a massive leg, which brings real value to the team, but his accuracy is a real issue as well. If he can be more consistent with his kicks, he should be fine.
Garth White appears to be the challenger for the kicker spot, with a real chance to win the job. White has been consistent with his short kicks when fans and media have been able to check out practice, but he didn't connect on the longer kicks in our limited time seeing him. White finished last season 14-for-18 on kicks, with a long of 54 yards as well as a 52-yarder. If there is a position where a step up in competition should be smooth, it's at kicker.
While field goals have a clear path to being a solid position, there is not a punter on the roster right now who has shown promise to be an ****** et to the team. Jeff Brohm's first press conference this fall was a clear message about his feelings about the kicking game. That same message continued to be repeated by media who attended practice, as well as by my own eyes.
The entire punting operation appeared to be broken a couple of weeks into fall practice. Snaps were bad; punters had trouble handling snaps; punts either didn't have enough hang time, or they didn't have enough distance. The only punt I saw that looked the part took so long to get off that I think the punter would have been tackled by the rush. The good thing is that the staff has time to address the issue. Personnel is what it is, but I was impressed by the improvised competitions the staff put on during camp. Putting these guys in tough spots each day should help to find the right guys for the job.
#keller #fall
The only returner on the team who kicked last year is Nick Keller, and he is the likely frontrunner to take over the positions. Keller hit on half of his kicks last season as the long field goal option as well as the kickoff specialist. Keller has a massive leg, which brings real value to the team, but his accuracy is a real issue as well. If he can be more consistent with his kicks, he should be fine.
Garth White appears to be the challenger for the kicker spot, with a real chance to win the job. White has been consistent with his short kicks when fans and media have been able to check out practice, but he didn't connect on the longer kicks in our limited time seeing him. White finished last season 14-for-18 on kicks, with a long of 54 yards as well as a 52-yarder. If there is a position where a step up in competition should be smooth, it's at kicker.
While field goals have a clear path to being a solid position, there is not a punter on the roster right now who has shown promise to be an ****** et to the team. Jeff Brohm's first press conference this fall was a clear message about his feelings about the kicking game. That same message continued to be repeated by media who attended practice, as well as by my own eyes.
The entire punting operation appeared to be broken a couple of weeks into fall practice. Snaps were bad; punters had trouble handling snaps; punts either didn't have enough hang time, or they didn't have enough distance. The only punt I saw that looked the part took so long to get off that I think the punter would have been tackled by the rush. The good thing is that the staff has time to address the issue. Personnel is what it is, but I was impressed by the improvised competitions the staff put on during camp. Putting these guys in tough spots each day should help to find the right guys for the job.
#keller #fall
3 months ago
Seahawks rookie receiver Emmanuel Henderson was a sixth-round pick, which means he has to compete just to make the roster. But head coach Mike Macdonald wants Henderson thinking about a lot more than just making the roster.
Macdonald said after Sunday night's preseason game, in which Henderson caught one pass, returned to kickoffs, and was a gunner on punts, that he wants Henderson to fulfill his potential, which should mean a lot more than just making a team.
Asked whether special teams is the reason Henderson is in Seattle, Macdonald answered, "It's one of the reasons, for sure, but why stop there?"
"That's the stuff that really popped, and gets you excited from his college tape, the return game," Macdonald said. "He should be trying to be an All-Pro returner, too. He should be thinking of being a great receiver in our league as well."
Henderson spent three years at Alabama but didn't get on the field much before transferring to Kansas last year. In his one year at Kansas, Henderson was chosen by the Big 12 coaches as a first-team All-Big 12 returner and a third-team All-Big 12 receiver. Macdonald thinks Henderson has just scratched the surface of what he can do.
#henderson
Macdonald said after Sunday night's preseason game, in which Henderson caught one pass, returned to kickoffs, and was a gunner on punts, that he wants Henderson to fulfill his potential, which should mean a lot more than just making a team.
Asked whether special teams is the reason Henderson is in Seattle, Macdonald answered, "It's one of the reasons, for sure, but why stop there?"
"That's the stuff that really popped, and gets you excited from his college tape, the return game," Macdonald said. "He should be trying to be an All-Pro returner, too. He should be thinking of being a great receiver in our league as well."
Henderson spent three years at Alabama but didn't get on the field much before transferring to Kansas last year. In his one year at Kansas, Henderson was chosen by the Big 12 coaches as a first-team All-Big 12 returner and a third-team All-Big 12 receiver. Macdonald thinks Henderson has just scratched the surface of what he can do.
#henderson
3 months ago
The New England Patriots won on the arm and foot of Behren Morton.
In Saturday's Week 2 preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the rookie backup served as the quarterback and punter at times. Morton got off three punts for an average of 44.3 yards, along with leading the offense on a game-winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
It was an all-around impressive showing from the seventh-round draft pick out of Texas Tech.
On the final offensive drive, Morton connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Nick DeGennaro to put the Patriots back in the lead. Rookie edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins finished off the job by stip sacking Eagles quarterback Cole Payton for the 24-21 win.
Morton finished the game completing 13-of-17 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown. Tommy DeVito went 8-for-15 passing for 151 yards and one touchdown.
#touchdown #yards #drive #finished
In Saturday's Week 2 preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the rookie backup served as the quarterback and punter at times. Morton got off three punts for an average of 44.3 yards, along with leading the offense on a game-winning touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter.
It was an all-around impressive showing from the seventh-round draft pick out of Texas Tech.
On the final offensive drive, Morton connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Nick DeGennaro to put the Patriots back in the lead. Rookie edge rusher Quintayvious Hutchins finished off the job by stip sacking Eagles quarterback Cole Payton for the 24-21 win.
Morton finished the game completing 13-of-17 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown. Tommy DeVito went 8-for-15 passing for 151 yards and one touchdown.
#touchdown #yards #drive #finished
3 months ago
Another day, another fall practice for the Washington Huskies.
That's how it felt for the first hour or so as Jedd Fisch's team went through its fourth straight day of practice before the entire roster, and the majority of the coaching staff formed two lines in the middle of the field. On one end stood senior punter Hunter Green, and on the other stood defensive quality control coach Korey Rush and defensive tackle Darin Conley.
Green, fresh off an appearance on the Ray Guy Award watch list, sent a pair of end-over-end punts booming down towards first Rush, and then Conley, both of whom secured the kicks with ease. Rush's catch meant the coaching staff got the rest of the day off, while Conley's meant that the day was over for the players ahead of Saturday night's mock game.
The celebration at midfield, as you might imagine, was raucous.
With the second scrimmage of the fall on the horizon, it was a lighter day for the Huskies in a practice that mainly consisted of individual drills and special teams work, but secondary coach John Richardson's unit still showed up, as junior nickelback Rahshawn Clark made one of the more notable plays for the day.
#rush
That's how it felt for the first hour or so as Jedd Fisch's team went through its fourth straight day of practice before the entire roster, and the majority of the coaching staff formed two lines in the middle of the field. On one end stood senior punter Hunter Green, and on the other stood defensive quality control coach Korey Rush and defensive tackle Darin Conley.
Green, fresh off an appearance on the Ray Guy Award watch list, sent a pair of end-over-end punts booming down towards first Rush, and then Conley, both of whom secured the kicks with ease. Rush's catch meant the coaching staff got the rest of the day off, while Conley's meant that the day was over for the players ahead of Saturday night's mock game.
The celebration at midfield, as you might imagine, was raucous.
With the second scrimmage of the fall on the horizon, it was a lighter day for the Huskies in a practice that mainly consisted of individual drills and special teams work, but secondary coach John Richardson's unit still showed up, as junior nickelback Rahshawn Clark made one of the more notable plays for the day.
#rush
3 months ago
Well, just like last week, Houston had a very deflating finish to this preseason game, losing to the Las Vegas Raiders 22-20, dropping to 0-2 this preseason. Despite the loss, however, this game was a much more satisfying showing from the Texans roster than last week's loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Tonight, the Houston Texans faced first overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza, hoping to get some positive action from their roster following the devastating news of WR Jayden Higgins' injury yesterday. They got exactly what they were looking for on the first two drives of the game: a methodical, run-heavy drive from the first-stringers that ended in a 20-yard Woody Marks touchdown run, and then a pick-six on Mendoza by rookie LB Wade Woodaz!
For a moment, you might've mistaken this game to be a pivotal late-season matchup with the amount of cheering from the fans following Woodaz's interception. Then, on the next Raiders' drive, DE Jadeveon Clowney announced his return to Houston with a deflection against Mendoza on third down! Seeing that #90 screaming off the edge for Houston's defensive line again after seven years away is a very welcome sight, especially considering the state the Texans' franchise is in now compared to the chaotic state it was in during the Bill O'Brien era. Clowney makes for an excellent depth piece on the edge, and if the preseason is any indication, Houston may be leaning on its defensive line a lot once again in 2026.
Following the three-and-out by the Raiders, Texans backup QB Davis Mills entered the game along with many second and third-string players. He targeted backup TE Foster Moreau and Noah Whittington on this drive, and he even got a nice completion to undrafted rookie Daniel Sobkowicz on third down. Just barely not enough for a new set of downs, though, so Houston settles for a field goal, making it 17-0 with a little over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Raiders answered that drive with a field goal drive of their own, led by some impressive runs from rookie RB Mike Washington – who's too fast for Texans LB Jake Hummel – and FB/TE Connor Hayward. Texans rookie DT Kayden McDonald put an end to the string of positive plays for the Raiders, sacking Mendoza for an eleven yard loss and reminding everyone what this Texans d-line is capable of. The Raiders settle for a field goal, and then both teams trade punts, and Houston nabs a field goal shortly before halftime.
Texans rookie WR Lewis Bond made an impressive reception on 3rd & 8, and RB Noah Whittington had a few nice runs in the second quarter, but the run-blocking from Houston's backup offensive lineman still leaves much to be desired. Blake Fisher still doesn't look the part of a second-round pick, and Braden Smith wasn't particularly impressive, either. Thankfully, it appears they may have found a star in rookie TE Marlin Klein, who had a 17-yard reception that showcased his ability to track a bad pass, reel it in while in motion, and crank up the
For a moment, you might've mistaken this game to be a pivotal late-season matchup with the amount of cheering from the fans following Woodaz's interception. Then, on the next Raiders' drive, DE Jadeveon Clowney announced his return to Houston with a deflection against Mendoza on third down! Seeing that #90 screaming off the edge for Houston's defensive line again after seven years away is a very welcome sight, especially considering the state the Texans' franchise is in now compared to the chaotic state it was in during the Bill O'Brien era. Clowney makes for an excellent depth piece on the edge, and if the preseason is any indication, Houston may be leaning on its defensive line a lot once again in 2026.
Following the three-and-out by the Raiders, Texans backup QB Davis Mills entered the game along with many second and third-string players. He targeted backup TE Foster Moreau and Noah Whittington on this drive, and he even got a nice completion to undrafted rookie Daniel Sobkowicz on third down. Just barely not enough for a new set of downs, though, so Houston settles for a field goal, making it 17-0 with a little over 3 minutes left in the first quarter.
The Raiders answered that drive with a field goal drive of their own, led by some impressive runs from rookie RB Mike Washington – who's too fast for Texans LB Jake Hummel – and FB/TE Connor Hayward. Texans rookie DT Kayden McDonald put an end to the string of positive plays for the Raiders, sacking Mendoza for an eleven yard loss and reminding everyone what this Texans d-line is capable of. The Raiders settle for a field goal, and then both teams trade punts, and Houston nabs a field goal shortly before halftime.
Texans rookie WR Lewis Bond made an impressive reception on 3rd & 8, and RB Noah Whittington had a few nice runs in the second quarter, but the run-blocking from Houston's backup offensive lineman still leaves much to be desired. Blake Fisher still doesn't look the part of a second-round pick, and Braden Smith wasn't particularly impressive, either. Thankfully, it appears they may have found a star in rookie TE Marlin Klein, who had a 17-yard reception that showcased his ability to track a bad pass, reel it in while in motion, and crank up the
3 months ago
After an outstanding NFL debut in the Cleveland Browns preseason game against the Chicago Bears, a former Texas A&M wide receiver made some fiery comments about his mindset on the gridiron.
KC Concepcion showcased why he was a first-round pick in his first professional contest, hauling in three receptions and 27 yards, while also rushing for a 14-yard touchdown and securing a 31-yard punt return. His performance drew plenty of attention on social media, with many touting Concepcion as the NFL's next star wideout.
He has electric breakaway speed, quick cuts and a determination to reach the end zone, but he also doesn't lack confidence. In a press conference following one of the Browns' practices, the former Aggie wide receiver spoke to the media about his mindset when he steps on the field.
Concepcion transferred to Texas A&M after two seasons at NC State, where he was named ACC Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year. He made an immediate impact for the Aggies in his junior campaign, recording 919 yards on 61 receptions and nine touchdowns, while also returning two punts for touchdowns. Concepcion won the prestigious 2025 Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football every year.
He's certainly lived up to that ***** le since transitioning to the NFL. As the Browns continue to try and navigate a quarterback controversy, Concepcion has been the one factor keeping Cleveland's excitement alive for the upcoming season.
#concepcion #made #mindset
KC Concepcion showcased why he was a first-round pick in his first professional contest, hauling in three receptions and 27 yards, while also rushing for a 14-yard touchdown and securing a 31-yard punt return. His performance drew plenty of attention on social media, with many touting Concepcion as the NFL's next star wideout.
He has electric breakaway speed, quick cuts and a determination to reach the end zone, but he also doesn't lack confidence. In a press conference following one of the Browns' practices, the former Aggie wide receiver spoke to the media about his mindset when he steps on the field.
Concepcion transferred to Texas A&M after two seasons at NC State, where he was named ACC Rookie and Offensive Rookie of the Year. He made an immediate impact for the Aggies in his junior campaign, recording 919 yards on 61 receptions and nine touchdowns, while also returning two punts for touchdowns. Concepcion won the prestigious 2025 Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football every year.
He's certainly lived up to that ***** le since transitioning to the NFL. As the Browns continue to try and navigate a quarterback controversy, Concepcion has been the one factor keeping Cleveland's excitement alive for the upcoming season.
#concepcion #made #mindset
3 months ago
Fifth-year punter Jackson Ross was named to the 2026 Ray Guy Award preseason watch list. The Ray Guy Award recognizes the nation's top collegiate punter in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Augusta Sports Council established the award in 2000 to honor College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Ray Guy. The 2026 Ray Guy Award winner will be announced in December during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Statistics considered in selecting the Ray Guy Award winner are net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned.
The 6-foot-4, 204-pound Ross enters his fifth season with the Vols.
He has totaled 6,382 yards on 147 punt attempts. Ross' longest punt was 71 yards in 2023 and is averaging 43.4 yards per attempt.
#yards #fifth #punts
The Augusta Sports Council established the award in 2000 to honor College and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Ray Guy. The 2026 Ray Guy Award winner will be announced in December during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN.
Statistics considered in selecting the Ray Guy Award winner are net punting average, percentage of punts inside the 20-yard line and percentage of punts not returned.
The 6-foot-4, 204-pound Ross enters his fifth season with the Vols.
He has totaled 6,382 yards on 147 punt attempts. Ross' longest punt was 71 yards in 2023 and is averaging 43.4 yards per attempt.
#yards #fifth #punts
