Latest news with #East-WestShrineBowl
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
49ers exec sees 'untapped upside' in rookie defensive lineman
49ers exec sees 'untapped upside' in rookie defensive lineman After using their first four picks in the 2025 NFL draft on Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams (No. 11 overall), Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (No. 43), Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin (No. 75) and Western Kentucky cornerback Upton Stout (No. 100), the San Francisco 49ers ended their run on defensive draft picks by taking Indiana defensive lineman CJ West in the fourth round. West, 22, was a three-star recruit at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois before committing to Kent State for the 2020 season. In four years with the Golden Flashes, he earned All-MAC honors once and recorded 110 tackles (19 for a loss), seven sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 39 games played. This past year, West transferred to Indiana and finished the year with 40 tackles (eight for a loss), two sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. San Francisco clearly put forth a concerted effort to improve their defensive front by adding three talented, young players in the first four rounds of the draft, but they're expected West to outperform his draft position. 'He's someone we think still has a lot of untapped upside,' 49ers director of player personnel Tariq Ahmad told The Athletic's Matt Barrows earlier this week. 'He's someone we're going to have to teach how to get off the ball the way we get off the ball. He is a powerful, heavy guy. He's got twitch, he's got short area movement, he's got instincts.' West measured in a 6-foot-1 and 316 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also showed off his speed with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash and his explosive base with a 33-inch vertical jump. The former Hoosier impressed at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl leading up to the draft, and his performance their caught San Francisco's eye. 'We really felt his size and his quickness while he was there,' Ahmad said. 'And he was a great interview.' West will likely start his rookie campaign as a rotational piece on the defensive line, but if he shows out in training camp, he could start to earn more opportunities and could even push out one of Jordan Elliott or Kevin Givens for a starting spot alongside Collins. More 49ers: 49ers exec shares amazing practice story that pushed them to draft Mykel Williams
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
New York Giants' O'Donnell Fortune named an undrafted rookie to watch
New York Giants' O'Donnell Fortune named an undrafted rookie to watch Every once in a while an NFL team will find a fortune in the undrafted free agent market. This year, the New York Giants may have literally found one in O'Donnell Fortune, a cornerback from South Carolina. Fortune was identified as the top UDFA to watch for the Giants this summer by Pro Football Focus. The Giants could use more cornerback assets behind former first-rounder Deonte Banks and free-agent signing Paulson Adebo, and their only draft pick at the position was seventh-rounder Korie Black. Fortune ranked third in the FBS in PFF coverage grade in 2024 (90.2), behind only top draft picks Jahdae Barron and Travis Hunter. He surrendered just two touchdowns in coverage and combined for five interceptions over the past two seasons. No question the Giants need to get lucky at cornerback after missing on several draft picks the past few seasons. Fortune has good size at a shade under 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, which the Giants will likely build upon in the weight room. Fortune participated at the NFL Combine in February but did little to improve his draft stock. His pro day at South Carolina, which was attended by Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown, gave more insight into his athletic ability. He ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds. Fortune was named the defensive MVP at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl game. Time will tell if Fortune is NFL material but he has a golden opportunity to make his mark at training camp this summer.
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Jets sign rookie from HBCU with history of NFL success
The New York Jets made a pickup in the hours following the 2025 NFL Draft that may pay dividends moving forward if history repeats itself. The Jets invited South Carolina State linebacker Aaron Smith to their minicamp and have signed him to a free agent deal. Aaron Smith, standing at 6'2″ and weighing 226 lbs, was a standout at SCSU, earning First Team All-MEAC honors in 2024. His senior season included 95 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Known for his instinctive play and coverage abilities, Smith showcased his skills at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. While concerns about his size and occasional over-pursuit exist, his college production and football IQ suggest he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL contributor for the New York Jets. Here are just a handful of talented defenders from South Carolina State who have become key players and contributors with NFL teams over the years. 1. Deacon Jones (DE) NFL Teams: Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Washington RedskinsCareer Highlights: 8× Pro Bowl, 5× First-team All-Pro, 2× NFL Defensive Player of the YearLegacy: Coined the term 'sack' and is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. 2. Harry Carson (LB) NFL Team: New York GiantsCareer Highlights: 9× Pro Bowl, Super Bowl XXI ChampionLegacy: Anchored the Giants' defense for over a decade and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. 3. Shaquille Leonard (LB) NFL Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia EaglesCareer Highlights: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018), 3× First-team All-ProLegacy: Known for his high-energy play and leadership, Leonard quickly became one of the league's top linebackers after being drafted in the second round. 4. Barney Chavous (DE) NFL Team: Denver BroncosCareer Highlights: Played 13 seasons with the Broncos, amassing 75 sacksLegacy: A consistent and durable presence on the Broncos' defensive line throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. 5. DeCobie Durant (DB) NFL Team: Los Angeles RamsCareer Highlights: Drafted in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL DraftLegacy: Emerging talent in the Rams' secondary, known for his ball-hawking skills and versatility. 6. Donnie Shell (DB) NFL Team: Pittsburgh SteelersCareer Highlights: 4× Super Bowl Champion, 5× Pro Bowl, 3× First-team All-ProLegacy: Undrafted out of SCSU, Shell became one of the most feared safeties of the 1970s and 1980s as part of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. 7. Dwayne Harper (CB) NFL Teams: Seattle Seahawks, San Diego ChargersCareer Highlights: Started in Super Bowl XXIX with the ChargersLegacy: Harper had a 12-year NFL career and was known for his toughness and consistent play, earning a reputation as a reliable cornerback. 8. Robert Porcher (DE) NFL Team: Detroit LionsCareer Highlights: 3× Pro Bowl, 95.5 career sacksLegacy: Though he transferred to Tennessee State to finish his college career, Porcher began at South Carolina State and still represents the Bulldog pipeline. He became one of the most productive pass rushers in Lions history. 9. Javon Hargrave (DT) NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ersCareer Highlights: Super Bowl LVII appearance, major free agent contract in 2023Legacy: Hargrave dominated at SCSU before becoming one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL, known for his quickness and strength. 10. Marshall McFadden (LB) NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland RaidersCareer Highlights: Special teams contributor and rotational linebackerLegacy: McFadden went undrafted in 2009, yet carved out multiple seasons in the NFL, proving that Bulldogs defenders can beat the odds. Only time will tell if the New York Jets have hit on another diamond in the rough from this HBCU. But history says there is a pretty good chance. The post Jets sign rookie from HBCU with history of NFL success appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' rookie receives prestigious honor from his hometown
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has yet to play in an NFL game, but recently received a prestigious honor. A seventh-round pick of the Washington Commanders in the 2025 NFL draft, Croskey-Merritt was recently honored by his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. The Montgomery City Council announced at Monday's meeting that May 8 would be "Jacory Croskey-Merritt Day." Croskey-Merritt grew up in Montgomery playing sports. After receiving little attention from colleges, he began his college career at Alabama State. To enhance his chances at the NFL, Croskey-Merritt transferred to New Mexico, where he enjoyed a terrific 2023 season, rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. Croskey-Merritt decided to make one more jump, this time to the Arizona Wildcats. Advertisement Croskey-Merritt began his Arizona career in a big way, rushing for 106 yards on 13 carries and scoring one touchdown in the season opener. Unfortunately, a quirky eligibility issue hung over his head for the remainder of the 2024 season, and he did not play again. Thankfully, Croskey-Merritt was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he was named offensive MVP. The Commanders loved what they saw on tape from Croskey-Merritt, and many analysts believe he could prove to be a draft steal. In addition to his potential on the field, Washington appreciated how Croskey-Merritt remained with his team all season, supporting them rather than just walking away when he could have. 'This is something I wanted, to go pro in and not just watching guys on TV," Croskey-Merritt told WAKA Action 8 News. "I'm like, 'Man, that could be me one day.' So like ever since I was young, this just always has been my goal." Congratulations to Croskey-Merritt. Advertisement Next up for the running back is the rookie minicamp this weekend in Ashburn. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' rookie earns prestigious honor
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Island's Gareth Warren earns Steelers camp invite
Following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, several players with Hawai'i ties have received opportunities to pursue their professional football dreams — including Big Island native Gareth Warren. The Kealakehe High School graduate and three-time all-conference selection at FCS Lindenwood University has earned a rookie mini-camp invite with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 6-foot-6 and 328 pounds, Warren brings both size and determination to the next level. While his path hasn't followed the traditional route, Warren has become an inspiration for those forging their way from small college programs to the professional ranks. His journey has included a standout showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl, leading to interest from NFL scouts. 'Yeah, I hope to motivate a lot of, you know, especially the boys and Big Island,' Warren said. 'I grew up there, born and raised there. A lot of people watching probably think, 'this kid came from over here, he put in the work, he tried to serve the community,' and now he's here. Just to show the kids that if you put in the work, you'll see results.' While he acknowledged the unpredictability of the draft process, Warren remains focused on what he can control. 'Right now, it's just preparing the best I can for camp,' he said. 'This is something you dream about from a young age. I started football when I was 7 or 8. To see it come to reality now—it's crazy. Words can't explain the emotions, but I'm ready to go out there and put in the work.' Adding to the life-changing week, Warren also got married over the weekend to his now-wife, Jenna, in Missouri. The honeymoon is temporarily on hold, as he will report to Steelers mini-camp, which runs Friday through Sunday in Pittsburgh. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
