Latest news with #FreshmanAll-SEC
USA Today
07-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin football specialist announces transfer destination
Wisconsin football specialist announces transfer destination Wisconsin transfer long snapper Eli Stein signed with Cincinnati late last month. Stein had recently joined the Badgers during the winter transfer window. He reentered the portal during the spring window on April 22, just days after Wisconsin added former Purdue long snapper Nick Levy. The program's addition of Levy signaled a move at the position after Stein, originally an Arkansas transfer, entered spring as the projected starter. Stein joins the Bearcats with two years of eligibility remaining. He was previously a multi-year starter at Arkansas as a freshman and sophomore in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Cambridge, Wisconsin, native earned a Freshman All-SEC honor in 2022, then made the Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List the following season. He lost the Arkansas long-snapper starting job during fall camp before the 2024 season, prompting his departure from the program. The specialist is one of Wisconsin's six spring transfer departures, three of which had recently joined the program during the winter window. Those other two multi-time transfers, tight end Tanner Koziol and wide receiver Mark Hamper, signed with Houston and Cal, respectively. Other departures, wide receiver Quincy Burroughs and cornerback Jay Harper, have yet to announce a transfer destination, while freshman lineman Derek Jensen signed with Iowa State. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has landed Levy, quarterback Hunter Simmons, offensive lineman Davis Heinzen and tight end Lance Mason in the spring window. Those additions complement the program's impressive winter transfer haul, even considering those three mentioned departures. The Badgers now enter the 2025 season with Levy as the write-in starter at long snapper. The former Purdue Boilermaker previously began his college career at William & Mary (Football Championship Subdivision), where he started 24 games over two seasons. Levy then started all 12 games for Purdue in 2024 and finished the season with an All-Big Ten honorable mention distinction. For more on the Badgers' spring transfer movement and projected 2025 depth chart, bookmark our 2025 spring window tracker. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
New York Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Cowboys draft G Tyler Booker: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
The Dallas Cowboys have added some protection along the offensive line, selecting Alabama guard Tyler Booker with the No. 12 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A two-year starter with the Crimson Tide, Booker was decorated with awards throughout his three years at Alabama. He was named Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC in 2022, then was named to the All-SEC second team in 2023. While a promising player, Booker was inconsistent at guard through his first two seasons before breaking out in 2024. As a junior, Booker was named a first-team All-American and first-team All-SEC as a team captain. Advertisement Booker once referred to his violent play style as 'legal assault,' adding that 'I make guys not love football anymore.' The physicality from the 6-foot-5, 321-pound left guard helped an Alabama run offense score 31 red zone rushing touchdowns, tied for fourth most in the FBS in 2024. While physically imposing, Booker struggled at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 5.38-second 40-yard dash with a 1.95 10-yard split. The 40 time ranked second-worst out of all of the offensive linemen who ran, while his 10-yard split ranked last among all participants regardless of position. Booker's 7-foot, 9-inch broad jump also ranked second worst among all combine participants. Booker ranked No. 24 in Dane Brugler's top 300 big board. Here's what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft guide: 'In pass protection, you want your guards creating the depth of the pocket by answering and anchoring, which Booker does at a high level. In the run game, you want your guards driving and creating room with the intent of dominating their man, which Booker also does consistently. The next step for him is to continue developing his savviness to counter/reach high-end athleticism and blitzes that cross his face. Overall, Booker is built like a bull, with the play strength and finishing mentality to match. His average foot quickness, however, might not be ideal for every scheme. He projects as an immediate starting guard with the tools and competitive character that are easy to bet on.' Come back later for more analysis of Booker.
Boston Globe
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Five things to know about new Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell
Will Campbell you are a PATRIOT 😤 — New England Patriots (@Patriots) The 6-foot-6-inch, 319-pound Campbell is an imposing figure at left tackle who compiled an impressive resume over his collegiate career with the Tigers. But there are still a fair share of questions about Campbell and his validity as an elite, franchise fixture at the next level. Advertisement Here are five things to know about the Patriots' new stalwart on the offensive line: Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Campbell was the top-rated offensive tackle in this NFL Draft class. Campbell's resume with the Tigers speaks for itself — and maps out why the 21-year-old held court as the top tackle prospect in this draft class. A three-year starter at LSU who won the team's left-tackle spot as a true freshman, the Monroe, La., native opened his collegiate career winning Freshman All-American, Second-Team All-SEC, and Freshman All-SEC honors in 2022. In 2023, the sophomore was named a team captain while also earning First Team All-SEC honors. He submitted his best season as a junior in 2024, as the second-year captain was named a consensus All-American, earned First-Team All-SEC honors, and took home the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Advertisement In total, Campbell allowed only five sacks in 2,553 snaps during his 38 games with the Tigers. As noted by Over those 229 sets — which remove plays like quick throws, screens, and play-action/RPOs that limit the impact of tackles — Campbell allowed zero sacks and just 12 total pressures. 26 seconds of LSU left tackle Will Campbell stonewalling future top-100 picks on the South Carolina defensive line. What an absolute stud. — Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) Even though some scouting reports have expressed concerns about Campbell's potential switch to guard in the NFL ranks, Campbell's athleticism, fundamentals, and competitiveness have drawn high grades from several talent evaluators. 'One GM told me he thinks there are similarities in Campbell to Los Angeles Chargers left tackle Rashawn Slater, who was projected by many to be a guard, but proved athletic and technically sound enough to stay at his college position,' Lackluster arm measurements have raised concerns. As elite as Campbell's tape and production were at the college level, there are some red flags in his profile when it comes to his capabilities of anchoring an offensive line for the next 10-plus seasons. And a lot of that talk revolves around his arm length and overall wingspan. 'Apparently to everybody I have T-Rex arms,' The discourse surrounding Campbell's arm length have dominated discussions about him and his standing as a top-five pick in this draft class. Advertisement During the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Campbell's arm length measured 32 5/8 inches and his wingspan was recorded at 77 3/8 inches. Those readings fell below the standard NFL benchmarks of 33 inches and 80 inches for most NFL tackles — further festering doubt that Campbell will be able to hold up against lengthy defensive ends and other potent pass rushers at the next level. 'It's not exhausting, I've heard it since I was 14 years old,' Campbell acknowledged. 'The school I just went to [LSU], they said the same thing. I didn't let it become a problem then, and I'm not going to now.' Even if Campbell's technique and skillset speaks for itself, he would be considered a bit of an outlier at his size if he dominates at the NFL level. If Campbell stays at left tackle with New England, his 77 3/8-inch wingspan would be the shortest recorded for an OT at the combine since at least 1999, Advertisement Even with those concerning measurables, Mike Vrabel acknowledged at the NFL league meetings in March that the Patriots viewed Campbell as a tackle moving forward. 'I think you have to,' Campbell fills an immediate need on New England's offensive line. Even with those potential red flags with Campbell's arm length, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that New England is rolling the dice by scooping him up at No. 4 overall. As unflashy as an offensive tackle might be — especially with a top-five pick — it stood as the most pressing need for New England moving forward, especially when it comes to protecting Drake Maye in 2025 and beyond. New England's offensive line was outright disastrous in 2024, allowing 52 total sacks. Per The Patriots currently hold the 1st pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. For those wondering what their priorities should be, I submit exhibit A — Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) A lot of that misfortune had to do with New England's revolving door at the tackle position. The Patriots' most utilized tackles last season in Vederian Lowe and Demontrey Jacobs ranked If Campbell thrives at the NFL level in New England, both he and veteran pick-up Morgan Moses would replace both Lowe and Jacobs — adding some much-needed stability to a porous area of New England's roster. Advertisement Campbell hails from the same hometown as another standout tackle. Campbell is far from the only standout tackle to hail from the North Louisiana city of Monroe — as former Bengals and Rams All-Pro Andrew Whitworth is also a product of the same town. It comes as little surprise that Campbell said that he models his game after the fellow Monroe native. 'Any O-lineman out of the 318, that's the guy that you look up to,' Campbell It didn't take very long for Campbell to chart out a similar path as Whitworth and Robinson, he started playing varsity football as a freshman at Neville High School. During his four-year stint at Neville, he helped the Tigers win four straight district titles. Campbell developed a reputation as a fiery competitor well before he arrived at Baton Rogue. During a Class 4A playoff game in 2021, Campbell was ruled out in the first half of that matchup due to a pulled groin. But with Neville trailing, 8-6, at the half, Campbell suited up and played the second half — He used to play football against high-schoolers … at 5 years old. Campbell's gutsy performance in the high-school ranks didn't necessarily come as much of a surprise. As he noted in a SiriusXM NFL Radio interview earlier this week, Campbell said that his father — Brian — had him playing against high-school kids … while he was in kindergarten. Advertisement 'I like the violence,' 'The brotherhood and the camaraderie that comes within that position group is something that I love, too. The bonds that you form in that room is special. Those are probably two of my favorite things. And I love to win.' Conor Ryan can be reached at
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Patriots should draft Will Campbell at No. 4
Scouting is an imperfect science. During the 2019 NFL Combine, I spoke with an NFL general manager, and he told me the brutal truth – no one knows what prospects will be great. It's all a guessing game. He joked that although media-based mock drafts were laughable, not even general managers or scouts truly could predict the future. Advertisement That's because they're scouting college athletes competing against other college athletes while trying to project them in NFL schemes. Every year we see it when an undrafted free agent turns out to be better than a first-round pick. Teams overthink testing numbers and measurements and sometimes ignore the tape. Jakobi Meyers, and his slow 40-yard dash time, is a great example. When the undrafted free agent entered Patriots training camp in 2019, it was obvious he was better than the team's first-round pick, N'Keal Harry. Meyers knew how to get open. He was smart and he had reliable hands. I bring up the past GM conversation and draft story because the Patriots shouldn't ignore the tape when it comes to Thursday night's first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Although Mike Vrabel can't predict the future, he can make the smart decision by drafting Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick. It won't be popular for some fans. At this point, what else can we say about Campbell's arm length or wingspan? It's an outlier for a prototypical tackle. For that reason, some believe he's better suited to play guard. In my opinion, that's short-sighted. Advertisement Turn on the tape. Look at his past. Campbell has been playing tackle since his freshman year at Neville High School. He moved to left tackle as a sophomore and developed into one of the best tackle prospects in the nation. He showed that to be true at LSU where he started at left tackle as a true freshman. That year, he earned Freshman All-American, Second-Team All-SEC, and Freshman All-SEC honors. As a sophomore, Campbell was named a team captain. That year, he earned First Team All-SEC honors. Last year, as a junior, he was a consensus All-American, earned First-Team All-SEC honors, and won the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy. Campbell was also a team captain for the second straight year. His biography is relevant. Advertisement Campbell has always played tackle, always succeeded and always been among the best of his peers. The drawback here is the arm length and wingspan. Detractors say he should play guard. Others say to look at the tape. Campbell dominated at times in the SEC. He earned all those accolades while playing in the best conference in the nation and blocking future NFL pass rushers. That's why Vrabel, at the NFL Annual Meetings, said he views Campbell as a tackle prospect. 'Yeah, I think you have to,' Vrabel said. 'I don't understand how you can watch him play in the SEC — which is the best conference in college football, against guys that are going to get drafted at that position — so I don't think you have to project it, you can just actually watch and say there's the snaps at left tackle, evaluate it, and see what you think.' For the Patriots, in the event Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter are off the board, should draft Campbell. It's a no-brainer because he's one of the best prospects in this draft and left tackle is the biggest area of need. Advertisement The Patriots allowed 52 sacks last season. That was the sixth most in franchise history and the most allowed in New England since 1999. Both tackle spots were the biggest issues. After signing veteran right tackle Morgan Moses, the Patriots still need to upgrade the left side. This year's draft isn't considered deep with elite talent, but Campbell represents the best available offensive lineman for a team that needs to better protect Drake Maye. They need to take the best tackle on the board. If the Patriots are going to properly develop Maye then they need to properly protect him in the pocket. That means finding a better left tackle. Campbell is an elite athlete with elite character traits. He profiles as an instant starter who will help Maye from Day 1. He'll give them the upgrade they desperately need at left tackle. The Patriots shouldn't overthink this. Campbell's the guy. More Patriots Content
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
CBS Sports ranks Florida football RB Jadan Baugh among top SEC feature backs
CBS Sports ranks Florida football RB Jadan Baugh among top SEC feature backs Florida football running back Jadan Baugh has been ranked by CBS Sports as the sixth-best feature back in the SEC heading into the 2025 season. Baugh, going into his sophomore season, brings rare size and power to the running back position. His late-season surge was one of the biggest storylines in a season that saw Florida rebound from a slow start to finish strong. With the departure of veteran backs like Montrell Johnson Jr., Baugh is expected to be the centerpiece of the Gators' ground game. Last season, Baugh earned Freshman All-SEC honors after leading the team in rushing yards (673) and total touchdowns (8) while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. In his first start, Baugh rushed for five touchdowns against the Kentucky Wildcats, tying the Florida football program record with Trey Burton (2010) and Tim Tebow (2007). Being ranked as the No. 6 lead back in the SEC is not bad, and it's another sign that Billy Napier's backfield is in good hands. If Baugh continues to trend upward, he could be one of the most productive running backs in the SEC. Perhaps even a potential breakout star on the national stage. Here is everything CBS Sports writer Shehan Jeyarajah said about Baugh. What CBS Sports said about Jadan Baugh "Baugh took a while to take over the starting job. When he did, it helped change Florida's season. Baugh rushed for 520 yards and seven touchdowns in his final seven games after taking over as the Gators' feature back, including 106 yards against Kentucky. He helped key upsets over Ole Miss and LSU, posting 71 all-purpose yards against the Rebels. At 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, Baugh boasts a massive frame for his age." CBS Sports' SEC feature backs rankings Damari Alston (Auburn Tigers) DeSean Bishop (Tennessee Volunteers) Sedrick Alexander (Vanderbilt Commodores) Rahsul Faison (South Carolina Gamecocks) Logan Diggs (Ole Miss Rebels) Jam Miller (Alabama Crimson Tide) Dante Dowdell (Kentucky Wildcats) Davon Booth (Mississippi State Bulldogs) Ahmad Hardy (Missouri Tigers) Jadan Baugh (Florida Gators) Nate Frazier (Georgia Bulldogs) Quintrevion Wisner (Texas Longhorns) Le'Veon Moss (Texas A&M Aggies) Caden Durham (LSU Tigers) Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma Sooners) Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
