Latest news with #Bruener
USA Today
16 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Washington Football star awarded Big Ten Medal of Honor
On Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten announced the recipients of the conference's Medal of Honor, selecting linebacker Carson Bruener as the Washington Huskies' male recipient of the award. "The Big Ten Medal of Honor is awarded to one male and one female student-athlete from the graduating class of each member institution who has demonstrated excellence on and off the field throughout their collegiate career," the conference said of the award in a press release. Bruener, who was named to the 2021 and 2022 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll, as well as the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team, had a career year during Washington's first season in the Big Ten. He tallied 104 tackles and 3 interceptions on his way to an All-Big Ten Third Team selection in his final year of eligibility. Bruener, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of April's NFL draft, was one of two linebackers in the Big Ten to record over 100 tackles and three or more interceptions, alongside Iowa's Jay Higgins, who was voted as a unanimous First Team All-American. After carrying on his father Mark's legacy at Washington, where he was voted a captain by his teammates ahead of the 2024 season, he'll now have an opportunity to do that in the NFL as well. Pittsburgh drafted the elder Bruener in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft, and the Steelers still employ him as an area scout. The newly minted Big Ten Medal of Honor winner has a solid chance to make the 53-man roster ahead of his rookie season and at the very least, looks like he should be a contributor to coach Mike Tomlin's special teams unit.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
15 special teams standouts the Packers could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft
15 special teams standouts the Packers could target on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL draft The Green Bay Packers have waved goodbye to some core special team players this offseason. Eric Wilson, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell combined to log 667 snaps on special teams last season and accounted for 11 tackles on special teams. The Packers could replace those snaps by targeting players with extensive special teams experience on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Advertisement Let's dive in and look at 15 players who could be hired guns for Rich Bisaccia and Day 3 targets for the Packers as they look to replace Wilson, Ballentine and Rochell. Carson Bruener, LB, Washington Bruener logged 611 snaps on special teams and recorded 19 tackles during his time at Washington. With his motor, grit and athleticism, Bruener would provide an immediate impact on special teams and provide quality depth at linebacker. Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame Kiser is a psycho and is wired right to be a special-teams demon. During his time in South Bend, Kiser logged 975 snaps on special teams and recorded 14 tackles. He's a player who just loves to compete and he'd help improve Green Bay's special teams. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State Simon was the heartbeat of a talented Buckeye defense this past season. He could quickly become the heartbeat of an NFL team's special teams unit. During his time with the Buckeyes, he logged 586 snaps on special teams and recorded nine tackles. Jackson Woodard, LB, UNLV The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year finished his collegiate career with 634 snaps on special teams and recorded 12 tackles. The Arkansas transfer recorded 135 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, four interceptions and broke up 12 passes. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson The Clemson linebacker logged 508 snaps on special teams and recorded five tackles. With his speed and willingness to attack downhill, Carter could provide an immediate impact on special teams. Demetrius Knight Jr, LB, South Carolina Knight logged 675 snaps during his collegiate career and recorded nine tackles. He's a heat-seaking missle and enjoys exploding downhill in run support. He'd bring instant impact to Green Bay's special teams. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma Stutsman wants to knock ball carriers into tomorrow. He has the right mindset to become a hired gun on special teams. The Sooner linebacker logged 400 snaps on special teams and recorded six tackles. Eugene Asante, LB, Auburn The North Carolina transfer logged 697 snaps on special teams and recorded 12 tackles. Asante is an explosive mover and clocked a 4.48 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Aaron Smith, LB, South Carolina State During his time at South Carolina State, Smith logged 504 snaps on special teams and recorded 11 tackles. Smith has a quick trigger against the run and with his size and speed, Smith could carve out a career as a core special teamer. Francisco Mauigoa, LB, Miami The Hurricane linebacker and Washington State transfer logged 473 snaps on special teams and recorded 11 tackles. Mauigoa is a powerful linebacker with the right amount of tenacity to be a special-teams demon. Greg Penn III, LB, LSU During his time on the Bayou, Penn logged 497 snaps on special teams and recorded three tackles. The LSU linebacker is a downhill thumper and with his toughness and experience he could provide a shot in the arm for Green Bay's special teams unit. Jaylin Smith, DB, USC Smith offers position versatilty in the secondary and logged 453 snaps on special teams and recorded seven tackles. With his versatility in the secondary and experience on special teams, Smith could be a late Day 3 target for the Packers. Shaun Dolac, LB, Buffalo Dolac has a motor that runs hot and was one of the best linebackers in college football this past season. During his time at Buffalo, he logged 541 snaps on special teams and recorded 11 tackles. Steven Arrell, CB, South Dakota State University A Minnesota native, Arrell logged 637 snaps on special teams and recorded eight tackles. This past season he recorded two interceptions and four pass deflections for the Jackrabbits. Dalys Beanum, CB, South Dakota State University During his time in Brookings, Beanum logged 602 snaps on special teams and recorded four tackles. He also has punt return experience and returned one punt for a touchdown. Beanum finished his career with 12 interceptions and 34 pass deflections. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: 15 special teams standouts Packers could target
