Latest news with #Bednarik
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nebraska football great eligible for Hall of Fame ballot
Nebraska football great eligible for Hall of Fame ballot The National Football Foundation has announced the names under consideration for induction into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, and a Nebraska football great has qualified for the ballot. Ndamukong Suh played at Nebraska from 2005 to 2009. His senior season, in 2009, is one of the legendary seasons in college football. During that year, Suh played in 14 games and recorded 85 tackles, 20.5 for loss, and 12.0 sacks. He was a finalist for the 2009 Heisman trophy and was the first defensive player named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year. Here is how the College Football Hall of Fame described his Husker "2009 unanimous First Team All-American and winner of the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies…2009 AP College Player of the Year became the first defensive lineman in 15 seasons to be named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy (4th in 2009)…2009 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year tied the Nebraska record for single-game TFL (7 vs. Texas) in the 2009 Big 12 title game." Suh was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL draft. He's also played for Miami, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia. The 2026 Hall of Fame ballot includes 79 players and nine coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 100 players and 35 coaches from the divisional ranks. The announcement of the 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be made in early 2026, with specific details to be announced in the future. The class will be officially inducted in Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2026, at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes, and opinions.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Aaron Donald named to 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot
Aaron Donald named to 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot Aaron Donald isn't eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame until 2029, but he could make another all-time list in 2026. But while Donald still has a few years before he can be enshrined in Canton for his NFL career, his college career could be recognized sooner. The former Pittsburgh Panthers star was named to the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot The 2026 NFF College Football Hall of Fame Class will be officially inducted on Dec. 8, 2026. Donald dominated the college ranks during his time at Pitt. He was a 2013 unanimous First Team All-American and won the Bednarik, Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies. He finished his time in college as Pitt's all-time tackles for a loss leader with 66. Donald added 29.5 sacks as well. The Los Angeles Rams took Donald with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He went on to make 10 Pro Bowl teams in his 10 NFL seasons, as well as eight All-Pro teams and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Donald tallied 111 sacks in his NFL career.
Fox News
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter goes No 2 to Jaguars after blockbuster trade
The two-way superstar Travis Hunter is the number two pick in the NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Hunter on Thursday night after trading up to the No. 2 overall pick with the Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville gave up the No. 5 overall pick, their second and fourth-round pick this year, and their first-round pick next year, to move up and take Hunter. Hunter is expected to star on both sides of the ball, as he did in college for the University of Colorado. Hunter averaged over 100 snaps per game in his final season with Colorado amid his quest to turn the program around, alongside Shedeur and Deion Sanders. But he's not just a two-way player - he's a two-way superstar. As a wide receiver, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 total touchdowns. Hunter won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver. Hunter also won the Bednarik Award as the nation's best defensive player, becoming the first player ever to win both the Bednarik and Biletnikoff. As a corner, Hunter had 31 tackles, 11 pass deflections and four interceptions, anchoring Colorado's defense. Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders led Colorado to a 9-3 record, and the team fell just short of making the Big 12 championship game. Hunter was able to live out his NFL Draft dream with his father, who was granted permission to travel to Green Bay despite being sentenced to a year of home confinement. Hunter will hop into a defensive secondary in Jacksonville alongside Tyson Campbell and Darnell Savage as a cornerback. On offense, Hunter will also look to contribute as a wide receiver alongside Brian Thomas Jr. for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, some have argued that Hunter should prioritize playing cornerback, and leave playing wide receiver as more of an afterthought. Former NFL wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey previously told Fox News Digital that Hunter is more valuable as a cornerback, and doesn't expect Hunter to play every down on offense and defense in the pros, which Hunter often did in college. "Personally… I think right now he provides greater value at the cornerback position, I do not see any scenario where he doesn't leave the field in the NFL, I don't think that's possible. Maybe for a game or once in a while you could play a significant number of snaps in the NFL, but long-term, I don't think you can hold up," McCaffrey said. "It's different in college when you're significantly better and more physically gifted than the guys you're going up against. When you get to the NFL, there isn't as much of a gap in talent." Hunter himself has rejected the idea of only playing one position in the NFL. The forthcoming rookie said he would "never play football again" if he was told by coaches to only focus on playing either cornerback or wide receiver. "It's never playing football again," Hunter previously told CBS Sports. "Because I've been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Eagles
2025 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Eagles With the draft now hours away, we're looking at ten prospects who can make an immediate impact for the Philadelphia Eagles Round 1 of the 2025 NFL draft kicks off just days from now as the Eagles and 31 other teams prepare to retool and reshape their rosters. Eagles GM Howie Roseman is a master manipulator of draft capital and never shy about trading up or down the board. Philadelphia enters the draft process with plenty of pressing needs and a retooled roster that will need to replace six key defense contributors. There are plenty of storylines to monitor heading into the selection process, including whether the Eagles draft for value or need and which position upgrade is the most urgent. With the draft fast approaching, we're looking at ten prospects who can immediately impact Philadelphia. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL) He makes up for what Restrepo lacks in high-end athletic tools and size with short-area quickness and body control, evidenced by his 99th-percentile PFF receiving grade versus single coverage. He would be the perfect complement in the slot to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith out wide. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown, and two forced fumbles. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Sanders is a 6-5, 275-pound defensive lineman who can play on the edge or in the defense's interior. Sanders spent four years in the Gamecock program, appearing in 39 games over four seasons with 16 career starts. Sanders logged 109 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and turned pro after earning All-America and All-SEC honors. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami Arroyo averaged nearly 17 yards per catch in 2024 and is elite after the catch. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama The 6'3", 235-pounder Campbell has sideline-to-sideline speed and impressive coverage skills. He also flourished as a quality pass rusher—he registered five sacks in 2024. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia The 2nd team All-American led the team with 77 tackles. Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia Williams was a second-team All-SEC selection during the 2024 college football season. Williams racked up 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks in 40 games. Walter Nolen, DI, Mississippi The 6-foot-3, 305-pound dynamo led the Ole Miss defense in 2024, logging 48 tackles (career-high), two pass deflections (career-high), one fumble recovery, and 6.5 sacks (career-high). Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia During the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Walker was measured in at 6-foot-1, 243 pounds in Indianapolis with an armspan of 79⅞ inches -- the reach length scouts want in rushers. By comparison, Ole Miss All-American Walter Nolen's armspan, at 6-foot-3¾ and 296 pounds, was measured at 78⅝ inches. Walker was the Butkus Award winner as the nation's best linebacker this past season as he led the Bulldogs' defense in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (6.5), with three of those sacks coming against Texas. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan The junior and projected first-round draft selection leaves Ann Arbor tied for second in receiving touchdowns (11), third in receptions (117), and third in receiving yards (1,466) among all tight ends in program history. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall Green spent the last two seasons at Marshall after transferring from Virginia following his freshman season. While at Marshall, Green played in 26 games and recorded 127 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks. He also added two passes defensed, one fumble recovery, and four forced fumbles in his two seasons. Last season, as a redshirt sophomore, Green led the FBS in sacks (17.0), tackles for loss (22.5), sack yardage (144), and tackles by a defensive lineman (84). His 17 sacks established a new Sun Belt Conference record. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Philadelphia drafted a cornerback in Round 1 last spring. After watching Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Isaiah Rodgers, and Avonte Maddox all depart, the Eagles could look to move up if Johnson starts to fall. Johnson has strong ball skills (nine career interceptions, including two pick-sixes in just six games last season) to pair with his great 6-foot-2 size. Will Campbell, OL, LSU Campbell is an athletic marvel who can play multiple positions, something the Eagles covet. During Campbell's 37 games at LSU, he allowed only 45 pressures and only three sacks, with one coming in his first game and one coming in his last game. Campbell was awarded LSU's coveted No. 7 this year, which is given by the coaching staff each season to the player deemed the team's best playmaker (because of NCAA rules, Campbell wore No. 66 with a No. 7 patch on his jersey).
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
11 Ideal NFL draft prospects for the Eagles after initial free agency moves
11 Ideal NFL draft prospects for the Eagles after initial free agency moves After Philadelphia added 14 players during the first wave of free agency, we're looking at 11 ideal 2025 NFL draft prospects for the Eagles Philadelphia has the NFL's most explosive offense, with few holes and plenty of firepower to carry the organization back to the Super Bowl. Howie Roseman is always looking to add game-changing talent, and after adding 14 players in free agency, we've identified 11 ideal prospects who'll fit Nick Sirianni and Vic Fangio's culture. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (FL) He makes up for what Restrepo lacks in high-end athletic tools and size with short-area quickness and body control, evidenced by his 99th-percentile PFF receiving grade versus single coverage. He would be the perfect complement in the slot to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith out wide. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee The 6-foot-5, 243-pound Pearce led Tennessee in sacks (7.5), tackles for loss (13), and quarterback hurries (10), while adding a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 2024. Pearce earned first-team All-SEC honors and was a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. He also earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2023, when he had 10 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hurries, an interception return for a touchdown and two forced fumbles. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State Winston Jr., who missed most of the 2024 college football season with an injury, bypassed his final year of eligibility and entered the 2025 NFL Draft. Just days after being named the Big Ten defensive player of the week for his 12-tackle performance at West Virginia, Winston sustained a partially torn ACL. Winston attempted to play in Penn State's home opener against Bowling Green on Sept. 7 but managed just 15 snaps and left the game in the first half. He later had surgery and missed the remainder of the season. In 2023, he was an honorable mention all-Big Ten in 2023 after leading the team in tackles (60), recovering two fumbles, breaking up five passes, and intercepting one pass. Winston (6-2, 205 pounds) entered this season as one of the team's top-ranked NFL Draft prospects, ranking as a first-round pick among some draft scouts, and he could give Philadelphia size and versatility at the position. T.J. Sanders, DT, South Carolina Sanders is a 6-5, 275-pound defensive lineman who can play on the edge or in the defense's interior. Sanders spent four years in the Gamecock program as an All-State basketball player in high school, appearing in 39 games over four seasons with 16 career starts. Sanders logged 109 tackles with 17.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks and turned pro after earning All-America and All-SEC honors. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami Dallas Goedert is 30 years old and has missed 30 games with injuries since 2022. The noise around his potential departure grows by the day. Philadelphia had an exit strategy in place for Zach Ertz. They did the same with Goedert by drafting a dynamic tight end with run-after-the-catch abilities. A late bloomer at Miami, Arroyo entered 2024 with 11 receptions in three seasons, but after quarterback Cam Ward's arrival, the pass-catcher blossomed. Arroyo averaged nearly 17 yards per catch in 2024 and is elite after the catch. Lathan Ransom, DB, Ohio State The safety played in 55 games and made 37 starts at Ohio State, overcoming injuries. During his final season in Columbus, Ransom finished with 74 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defended, three forced fumbles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Alongside Downs, a unanimous All-American, Ransom earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Kobe King, LB, Penn State The Eagles' defense is full of Swiss army knives, and King gives Vic Fangio another pass-rushing, run-stopping linebacker to work with. A native of Michigan, King recorded 41 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three pass deflections during his redshirt freshman season in 2022. The following season, King recorded 59 tackles, six for loss and 1.5 sacks. Last season, the Nittany Lion linebacker recorded 97 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks. Upton Stout, DB, Western Kentucky Upton Stout is an undersized but physical cornerback from Western Kentucky who brings serious potential at 5'8″ and 178 pounds. His slight frame and limited length make him a slot CB at the next level. Stout attacks everything downhill and will significantly contribute to the run game and against screens. Connor Colby, OL, Iowa Colby is a quick, agile offensive guard who will improve an NFL team's zone running scheme. Colby started 23 straight games at right guard for the Hawkeyes. Before that stretch, Colby started seven games at left guard, six at right tackle, and 11 at right guard. With 45 career starts under his belt, Colby is among the most seasoned offensive linemen in the 2025 draft class. Colby is agile in space and rarely misses his marks. Josh Conerly, OL, Oregon Philadelphia loves athletic offensive linemen, and Conerly fits that mold as Lane Johnson's eventual successor. The Seattle native, who started his career as a running back before transitioning to offensive tackle as a sophomore, doesn't turn 22 until November. In his three seasons at Oregon, Conerly Jr. played 41 games and was a two-year starter. He played 1,881 snaps at left tackle in three seasons and had a 78.0 overall grade from PFF for the 2024 season. Sai'vion Jones, Edge rusher, LSU Standing 6'4 3/4", 280 pounds, Jones is one of the few defenders in the class capable of playing defensive end or outside linebacker and could be a game wrecker in Vic Fangio's scheme. Jah Joyner, Edge rusher, Minnesota The Eagles love athletic pass rushers, and after losing Josh Sweat in free agency, Howie Roseman reloads with Jah Joyner. Joyner had a standout performance at the Senior Bowl; last season had 32 tackles — 5.5 for loss — 4.5 sacks, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Joyner was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in the last two seasons and played 42 games in his four-year career.
