Latest news with #ArkansasState
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Get to know new Broncos UDFA WR Courtney Jackson
Get to know new Broncos UDFA WR Courtney Jackson The Denver Broncos have been looking to give quarterback Bo Nix additional targets going into the 2025 season, both through the draft and through the undrafted free agency ranks. One of the players they targeted was Arkansas State wide receiver Courtney Jackson. Jackson (5-11, 189 pounds) spent his final two college seasons at Arkansas State after spending 2019-22 at Syracuse University. As a member of the Orange, Jackson led the team in 2021 with 39 catches for 389 yards, earning an All-ACC mention from Pro Football Focus. Jackson transferred to Arkansas State in 2023, where he was a receiver and a punt return specialist. In 2023, Jackson had a 60-yard punt return and posted a 100-plus-yard receiving game against Texas State. In his Red Wolves career, Jackson had 81 receptions for nine touchdowns and 1,183 yards. As a return specialist, Jackson had 31 attempts to run the ball back, returning the rock for 438 yards and three touchdowns in two seasons. Since the emergence of wide receiver/return specialist Marvin Mims in the latter half of the 2024 season as a pass-catcher, Denver may be looking to add another return man to the rotation. K8 News, a local Arkansas news network, did a 90-second profile on Jackson prior to the NFL draft. Check it out below to get to know one of the newest Broncos players: Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paralyzed to Powerful: how college rugby star Robert Paylor fought back from a broken neck
Robert Paylor poses with the Cal game jersey that was cut off him when he broke his neck, and a copy of his new book. Robert Paylor poses with the Cal game jersey that was cut off him when he broke his neck, and a copy of his new book. Photograph: Provided by Robert Paylor In another world, Robert Paylor might have been playing in Major League Rugby, in his prime at 28, preparing for a US Eagles summer including England in Washington and World Cup qualification. 'When I was an athlete, that was my purpose in life,' he says. 'I wanted to be the best rugby player I could be. And in a lot of ways, those dreams were really happening: I was a sophomore competing for Cal's team, which is not a common thing to do, and I had all those hopes: being an All-American, maybe play professionally, maybe represent the United States. That was my goal. And then in one moment, because of something I couldn't control, it was gone.' Advertisement On 6 May 2017, Paylor started in the second row of the scrum for Cal Berkeley against Arkansas State in the Varsity Cup final. In the first minutes, Cal formed a maul, driving the ball towards the Arkansas line. In his new book, which was published eight years later to the day, Paylor describes what happened next. TV 'images clearly showed a player from Arkansas State wrapping his arm around my neck, putting me in a headlock, and driving my skull into the ground' – a clearly illegal move. Paylor's neck was broken. His book is called Paralyzed to Powerful: Lessons from a Quadriplegic's Journey. 'It was cathartic,' he says, to revisit that terrible moment. 'It wasn't easy. I cried many times, going through it. That's such a hard moment. I had to really create that mental image again so I could describe it for a reader and put them in that moment with me. Advertisement 'In terms of the injury itself, it was very fast. I think this maul formed and collapsed in around five seconds. Laying on that turf, I was completely paralyzed from the neck down, numb and motionless, but I never lost consciousness for a second. I was completely aware. I was terrified because the referee didn't stop play. Oh my gosh, I don't know why. Thank goodness nothing happened, but there were multiple phases of play and if someone were to have fallen on me, I certainly would have had a more severe injury. I might not even be here today.' For Paylor, the anniversary of his injury 'always brings back those moments. I look at the clock in the morning, and I think of myself getting dressed for the last time so easily. And I look at noon, which was when we kicked off, and I think of standing for the national anthem. I think of sprinting down that field, how that's the last time I ever sprinted, after that kick-off. And I really wanted to share those moments in great detail and really try to share that emotion that was behind it. Really, that was important.' ••• Paylor was in a place few could ever imagine. Stricken in a hospital bed. Told by doctors he would not walk again, might not regain use of his hands. Electing to undergo surgery he might not survive. And yet rugby humor, dark by definition, runs through his book like a vein. He describes what it is like to have a feeding tube rammed up a nose broken too many times by his sport. In short: it's not pleasant. Less funny: how he contracted pneumonia, how medics and loved ones helped him fight off a threat that might have drowned him there in his bed. Advertisement He survived. Then he set out to fight back. He would walk again. 'I've always been an optimistic guy, but I knew from moment one I was never going to play rugby again,' he says, smiling broadly, wearing a Cal polo, sitting in front of a framed Cal jersey. 'So I needed something to replace that.' With notable help from Tom Billups, the Harlequins and Eagles hooker turned Cal assistant coach, Paylor fought it out. Inch by inch, using a frame, he got back on his feet. In August 2021, he walked to receive his diploma. Cheers rang on and on. 'I continue to progress,' he says. 'I walked 500 yards on Monday. That's a new PB, up from 400. But I go back to Cal and I tell the story of my teammates helping me get around campus. I wouldn't have graduated if it weren't for them.' Advertisement Early on, Paylor noticed something. 'As you can imagine, breaking your neck is not a good financial decision. We needed a lot of help. So I started out with a GoFundMe through Jennifer Douglas, the mom of Tyler Douglas, my best friend on the team. That was huge … but also I started seeing that sharing my story was impacting others. People would confide what they were going through, some of it extremely significant. Stage-four cancer, suicidal ideations, loss of a son or daughter. Incredibly difficult things, and how, through my perseverance and my positivity, I was helping them. 'I started to see this gift kind of matriculating out of this injury, where it took a lot away but it gave me one thing, and that's a story and tools I can share, that can help people. So I started getting into speaking. At first, it was just, 'Robert, you've got this amazing story. You tell it really well. Will you think of sharing your story with my class, with my team?' I started doing that, fell in love with it, and then decided I want to do this for the rest of my life. I want to be a speaker.' True to that aim, each chapter of Paylor's book offers lessons to be learned from events discussed. He started writing under Covid, wanting to 'really dive deeper'. His co-author, sportswriter Jason Cole, helped him over the line. Advertisement ••• By far the most successful program in college rugby, Cal recently won a 29th national XVs title, beating Life, from Georgia. 'Go Bears,' Paylor repeats, with a laugh. He cannot speak highly enough of Billups, head coach Jack Clark and the culture they've built. In his book, he declares his love for Karsen Welle, his wife, describing in detail their courtship, which began in 2019. He cites a higher authority still: his Catholic faith. It took him to Lourdes, seeking a cure, and it has fueled everything since his injury: rehab in Colorado, weights work at Cal, becoming a public speaker, TED talk included. Faith provided solace too, not least through a difficult official investigation of his injury. Of the Arkansas player who caused his injury, who he does not name, he says: 'I absolutely forgive this person. I totally wish him well. Advertisement 'Nothing about this [book] was like a passive aggressive attempt at revenge. I tried to state that early on. But trust me, I was filled with so much anger back then, over everything I was going through: can't breathe, can't eat, can't itch my nose, all because of the actions of another person who has not reached out to me. That was probably the most difficult mental challenge I've had to overcome. 'But it's so important, because I think everybody has someone they need to forgive, and we have to forgive ourselves. Sometimes that's not easy, and there's times when we just feel the universe is against us. It's so important to realize forgiveness is not just a feeling of peace that comes with letting go of a situation. It's a decision to make over and over again, especially when we don't feel like it. 'As it comes to USA Rugby, I thought that was equally important to write about. For whatever reason, national governing bodies don't always do the right thing. USA Rugby is not alone in that. Go look at women's gymnastics, with sexual abuse scandals. Go look at the NFL, with brain trauma cover-ups. 'When I was going through all the drama of the investigation, I was also just trying to get my life back. I was trying to be able to pick up a water bottle. I'm putting marbles into jars. So it frustrated me at the time that there was kind of this sweeping under the rug with what clearly was a red card on the field [though no card was shown for the incident in which Paylor was injured]. What really hurt me was that this could happen to someone else. Never in rugby should it be permissible to wrench someone down by their head and render them a quadriplegic. That just frustrated me, because I love this sport.' Advertisement Eventually, Paylor and Cal 'got what we hoped for': the investigation was widely condemned, USA Rugby apologized, 'and they have learned from the situation, and rugby is better off.' ••• Paylor's optimism is striking. Sometimes startling. On the page, he describes his first steps as a speaker, at Cal's business school: 'I paused for a moment … it was so quiet that if a pin had dropped, it would have sounded like a cymbal. Sitting in front of my peers at that moment, power coursed through my body. It filled me with something more profound than the ability to walk, run, or win a big game. That's when I first realized that through all of this pain and suffering, I had been given a gift. In the process of losing so much of my previous identity, I gained a new ability that I could share with others. 'And I wouldn't trade that by wishing my injury had never happened.' Advertisement People who hear that line 'probably think I'm either a liar or a lunatic', Paylor writes. Close friends have 'advised me that I shouldn't say that. It's hard to imagine anyone would truly not wish away an injury like mine … '[But] nobody has experienced every second of my life as I have … Yes, I want to regain my ability to walk and have my full independence back. I work at that in my rehab every day. What I don't want is to wish this injury had never happened in the first place. Changing what happened to me would mean wishing away … an ability to help others through adversity at a level I don't think I would've gained without this injury. I love my life, and I'm proud of where I am today. If my past is the road I had to take to inspire people in this way, then I'm grateful for it.' In conversation, Paylor shows the same cheerful refusal to be cowed by fate. 'People ask me all the time, 'Do you regret playing rugby?' My answer is, 'Absolutely not.' If I woke up tomorrow and I was able-bodied, I'd be looking for someone to hit. I just love the game. Advertisement 'My best friendships were made in rugby, and I haven't found a way to replace it. Just that focus on the moment, where nothing else matters, that bond you have with your teammates, really in a sacrificial way. It's difficult. It requires pain, and you take that on not just for yourself but for your team and for the alumni, your coaches. Gosh, it's just such a great game. 'It's the game they play in heaven. I'm confident of it. I still have dreams about playing.'
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Undrafted Free Agent With Best Shot To Make Each AFC Roster In 2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and a couple hundred players achieved their dreams by having their names called. However, even more players went undrafted, and will instead have to scratch and claw their way onto an NFL roster. Every year, though, several undrafted free agents defy the odds and end up on rosters. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium... CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clemson will be taking on the Texas Longhorns in the first-round of the college football playoff. More Photo byThis year, there are a ton of talented players who went undrafted. Whether it be due to injury concerns, inconsistency, or other reasons, the crop of UDFAs was deep this year and several teams took advantage. Now, let's identify the UDFA with the best chance to make each AFC roster. Baltimore Ravens: Nash Hutmacher, DL, Nebraska The Ravens have signed one of the bigger UDFA classes, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Hutmacher, a big defensive lineman from Nebraska, seemingly has a solid shot to land a spot. Travis Jones is the starting nose tackle, and there's no depth behind him. In fact, Hutmacher is listed as Jones' backup. If the Nebraska product has a solid camp, he could not only make the roster, but play a role. Buffalo Bills: Jacob Bayer, OL, Arkansas State The Bills didn't add the most prolific group of UDFAs, but a couple of these guys should have a shot. The one that catches my eye is Arkansas State offensive lineman Jacob Bayer. Bayer has the size to be an NFL blocker and excells in pass coverage. The lineman easily could've been a day three selection, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him crack this roster. Cincinnati Bengals: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame The Bengals have actually added two UDFAs that I believe will make the roster- Seth McLaughlin and Howard Cross III. However, if I had to pick one, I'd go with Cross. Cross played under new defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame, and that history could help his case. Cross is undersized but has a relentless motor and the Bengals' defensive line isn't deep. Cleveland Browns: Donovan McMillon, S, Pittsburgh Based off who the Browns have signed so far, McMillon seems like the clear choice. The safety was productive at Pittsburgh, collecting 100+ tackles in each of his final two seasons. The Browns aren't exactly deep at safety, so McMillon should be able to land a spot. Denver Broncos: Jerjuan Newton, WR, Toledo Jerjuan Newton is another prospect who easily could've gotten drafted. The Toledo product was consistent in college, and led the MAC in receiving touchdowns in both 2023 and 2024. The Broncos' receiver room is better than it was a month ago, but Newton could be too good to let go. Houston Texans: Eli Cox, C, Kentucky The Texans haven't yet signed many UDFAs, but Cox is a good one. The lineman played center and guard at Kentucky and didn't allow a single sack in 2024. The Texans need depth on the interior of the line, and Cox could develop into a useful player. Indianapolis Colts: Maddox Trujillo, K, Temple The Colts' addition of Maddox Trujillo could become an underrated move. The only other kicker on the roster is Spencer Schrader, who spent time on three different rosters last year. Without a proven starter, Trujillo shouldn't have to do too much to win the kicking job in Indianapolis. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Green II, EDGE, Colorado The Jaguars could use some help all along the defensive line, and Green could be a hidden gem. The Colorado prospect racked up 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 2024. Green may just have to be out former seventh-round pick Myles Cole for a spot on the roster. Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson Briningstool is a player who was widely believed to be a late-round pick. Even still, Briningstool went undrafted and quickly latched on with the Chiefs, which could be a perfect landing spot. Briningstool is a solid receiving threat and could provide solid depth behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. Las Vegas Raiders: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas The cornerback position is one that isn't especially deep in Las Vegas. Mello Dotson is an intriguing prospect who had the production to get drafted. Dotson had five interceptions in 2024 and could snag a spot in a thin Raiders' secondary. Los Angeles Chargers: Garmon Randolph, EDGE, Baylor The Chargers have aging veterans Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree on the edge, so an intriguing, young prospect like Randolph could have a spot. Randolph collected 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The defender's impressive size at 6-foot-7, 265-pounds will be intriguing. Miami Dolphins: Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas Armstrong might be the best undrafted receiver, and the Dolphins could stand to have some young talent at the position. Armstrong caught 78 passes for 1,140 yards in the SEC last year, so it's confusing as to why he wasn't selected. Armstrong will make this roster. New England Patriots: C.J. Dippre, TE, Alabama Dippre went under the radar on an Alabama team that was loaded with talent. However, the tight end was a solid player, both as a pass-catcher and blocker. Dippre could easily make the team as TE3 behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. New York Jets: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan At one point in time, Edwards seemed like a future NFL star. However, the Michigan product's production fell off a cliff toward the end of his college career. Still, Edwards is a bruising back who knows how to block and can catch a pass or two. The running back could slot in as the RB4. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa Sebastian Castro is another player who easily could've been drafted. But he wasn't, and the Steelers could have a future starter on their hands. Castro can play as a box safety or a nickel. That versatility should intrigue the Steelers enough to keep him around. Tennessee Titans: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL) This may be the most surefire UDFA of any to make the roster. Restrepo was considered to be a mid-round pick before running an abysmal 40-yard dash at Miami's pro day. Restrepo has chemistry with Cam Ward, and Ward could be instrumental in keeping his target around.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Meet Harold Fannin Jr., Browns' third-round pick in NFL draft
Meet Harold Fannin Jr., Browns' third-round pick in NFL draft The Cleveland Browns drafted Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. with the 67th overall pick of the NFL Draft (third pick, third round). Here is a look at the newest Brown. Harold Fannin Jr. height, weight Fannin is 6-foot-3 and weighs 241 pounds. Harold Fannin Jr.'s Bowling Green football stats Fannin had 180 receptions for 2,396 yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons. He rushed 33 times for 159 yards and five touchdowns. Where is Harold Fannin Jr. from? Many of you know this, but he's from Canton and starred at McKinley High School. Harold Fannin Jr. highlights: What was his best game in college? Fannin Jr. set the FBS bowl record for receiving yards and receptions by a tight end in a 38-31 68 Ventures Bowl loss to Arkansas State. He had 17 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown. What is Harold Fannin Jr. scouting report Here's what had to say about Fannin Jr.: Strengths Gets to his top speed quickly and shows ability to maintain it. Crafty in space with the know-how to beat defender's leverage. Adjusts his downfield path to track and run under the throw. Catches the nose of the football with automatic hands. Above-average catch timing and high-point instincts. Refuses to go quietly after the catch and fights through contact. Uses stiff-arm to separate from tackler. Weaknesses Tight throughout his lower body. Inability to bend creates a route tree with few branches. Will need to prove he can uncover against press. Slow to recapture momentum when his feet are slowed. Lacks strength to prevent defenders from playing through his blocks. Move blocks feature poor pad level and inconsistent positioning. What else to know about Harold Fannin Jr. He broke single-season tight end records at Bowling Green for single-game receiving yards (213, vs. Arkansas State, Dec. 26, 2024), all-purpose yards (221, vs. Arkansas State, Dec. 26, 2024), receiving touchdowns (two, he has it done three times - tied with five others), receptions (117), receiving yards (1,555), receiving touchdowns (10), all-purpose yards (1620), 100-yard receiving games (eight), receiving yards per game (119.6), rushing yards (65) and yards per rush (7.1) Fannin Jr. also set tight end records for consecutive 100-yard receiving games (four) and career tight end marks in receptions (180) , receiving yards (2,396), receiving touchdowns (17), all-purpose receiving yards (2,555), rushing yards (159), rushing touchdowns (five), yards per catch (13.3), 100-yard receiving games (nine) and receiving yards per game (66.6). He owns FBS single-season tight end records in receiving yards (1,555), receptions by a tight end (117), receiving yards per game (119.6), receptions per game by a tight end (9.0), receiving yards in the regular season (1,342) and receiving yards per game in the regular season (111.8). He played safety and wide receiver at McKinley High School for coach Antonio Hall. Fannin Jr. was the player of the year in the Federal League and Northeast Inland District in 2021 and was also the Stark County Player of the Year as a senior. Earned first-team All-Ohio as a defensive back after making 106 tackles (82 solo) to go with two interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns and caught 36 passes for 601 yards in 2021, while snagging six touchdown receptions and running for a 78-yard score Fannin Jr. also lettered in baseball at McKinley. Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@ and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival
Miami Herald
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Ex-Davie Western High star looking to lock down starting job in FIU secondary
Websley Etienne doesn't lack for confidence. 'I feel like I'm an all-around safety,' Etienne said. 'I can play the ball in the air, and I can come into the box and fit.' Last year's starting safeties have transferred out as JoJo Evans (Louisville) and C.J. Christian (Washington) landed at 'Power Four' schools. Due to those departures, Etienne, a 5-11, 190-pound transfer from Arkansas State, appears to have a solid shot at winning a starting job. Last season, he ranked fifth on Arkansas State in tackles (56); second with five pass-breakups; and tied for second with two interceptions. Etienne played 29 games in three years for Arkansas State, including 25 in the past two years. 'Being in college for three years already, I come with a lot of experience,' said Etienne, who helped Arkansas State finish 8-5 last season, winning a bowl game for the first time since 2019. Etienne, who played his high school ball at Western High in Davie, said new FIU coach Willie Simmons recruited him out of the transfer portal by appealing to his desire to shine in his hometown. THIS AND THAT ▪ FIU's Spring Game is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. at Pitbull Stadium. ▪ The date for FIU's season opener has been announced: It's Friday Aug. 29 against visiting Bethune-Cookman. ▪ FIU junior quarterback and third-year starter Keyone Jenkins worked on a bunch of things in the offseason, including getting stronger, reading defenses and building a connection with his offensive line. 'I want to run this system like a pro quarterback,' Jenkins said. 'I don't want to make the mistakes I made my freshman and sophomore seasons. 'I want to be a real solid quarterback -- going through my progressions, making my check-downs. I want everything to go really smooth.' ▪ Kenneth Gilstrap, FIU's new special-teams coordinator, said his unit is a Panthers priority. 'Coach Simmons has made it mandatory that starters play special teams,' Gilstrap said. 'Special teams are the first thing we meet on each day.' ▪ Simmons said Julius Pierce, who has extensive experience at center, has been working at tackle this spring. Wyatt Lawson has been working as the starting center. Jaheim Buchanon, the unit's only returning starter, has been working at guard. Other standouts on the offensive line this spring include Jamarrion Solomon from Palmetto High; Daniel Michel from Dillard; University of Miami transfer Antonio Tripp Jr.; and Jackson Schultze from Oklahoma. ▪ Eric Nelson and Kyle McNeal have continued to impress at wide receiver, and UAB transfer Noah Grant has won the job at kicker. ▪ New FIU punter Trey Wilhoit has experience at Dodge City Community College, Eastern Illinois University and Florida A&M University. At Dodge City, Wilhoit averaged 43.3 yards to rank as the top punter in the junior-college rankings. He had 10 punts over 50 yards, five over 60 and one at 80 yards. At Eastern Illinois, he led the Ohio Valley Conference with a 44.0 average, the second-best performance in program history. Said Gilstrap: 'Trey is trying to perfect his swing so he can flip the field and be a game-changer.'
