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USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
2 Indianapolis Colts' ranked among best college football players of the 2000s
2 Indianapolis Colts' ranked among best college football players of the 2000s One current and one former member of the Indianapolis Colts were named among the top 25 college football players of the 2000s by The Athletic. One current and one former member of the Indianapolis Colts were named among the top 25 college football players of the 2000s, a list that was put together by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. In order to construct this list, Feldman reached out to "three dozen" coaches, TV analysts, and NFL scouts, asking who was the best collegiate player over the last 25 years. Coming in at No. 25 on that list for the Colts was current left guard Quenton Nelson, who played his college career at Notre Dame. Nelson was named an All-American during his final season, and over his three years as a starter, he was consistently one of PFF's highest graded guards as both a run blocker and as a pass protector during that span. In 2017, Notre Dame's 6.3 yards per rush average as a team was the third-highest mark in all of college football, and as Feldman noted, the Irish accomplished that without having a "star running back." The Colts made Nelson the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and since then, he has provided stability to the Indianapolis offensive line unit, which includes making seven Pro Bowls, along with being a three-time All-Pro. The second Colts player to make an appearance on Feldman's list was quarterback Andrew Luck, who played at Stanford and was No. 12 on the list. Over Luck's final two seasons, he completed an impressive 71% of his passes, throwing for 6,855 yards with 69 touchdowns to just 18 interceptions. He was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy twice, a winner of the Maxwell Award, and a winner of the Walter Camp award as well. 'The only time I can remember during my scouting career where they told me, 'This guy teaches the install on the first day of camp.' They just let him get up there and teach it,' said NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah, a former NFL scout. 'They give him multiple huddle calls and let him run the game at the line of scrimmage. He just had more intellectual power than anybody I've ever scouted.' The Colts took Luck with the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2018. Luck would also lead the Colts to the playoffs in four seasons, including an AFC Championship appearance in 2014.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Falcons' QB Michael Penix Jr. Shares Why He Always Wears a Durag—and When He Finally Takes It Off
Michael Penix Jr. had a standout college career at the University of Washington, where he threw for 9,544 yards and 67 touchdowns over two seasons, leading the Huskies to a 25-3 record, a Pac-12 title, and a national championship appearance in 2023. He won the Maxwell Award, finished second in Heisman voting, and led the nation in passing yards that year. Drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Penix began his rookie season as a backup to Kirk Cousins but became the starter in Week 16, finishing with 645 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions over three games. While the Falcons missed the playoffs, Penix showed promise—and throughout his rise from college to the NFL, his signature durag has remained a key part of his identity on and off the field. Penix Gives Backstory on His Durag Penix explained how his durag became part of his identity after people kept asking, 'What's under the durag?' The attention made him more committed to wearing it, saying, 'Since everybody wanna know what's under there, I ain't gonna show nobody.' He revealed that he only takes it off in special situations, like at a dinner with Falcons owner Arthur Blank. 'Anytime I'm around Arthur Blank,' he added. Penix even said he showers with it at the team facility but takes it off once he gets in the car, showing how the durag has become a regular part of his routine. Advertisement It looks like the durag won't be going anywhere anytime soon, as Penix continues to embrace it as part of his image both on and off the field. With his talent and personality shining through, fans can expect to see the quarterback making plays—and rocking his signature look—for years to come. Related: Colts Encouraged to Pursue Kirk Cousins in Offseason Trade With Falcons Related: Analyzing Undrafted Gem Cobee Bryant, And Why He Will Make The Cut With The Falcons
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
BREAKING: Former Texas Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers drafted by Miami Dolphins
BREAKING: Former Texas Longhorn QB Quinn Ewers drafted by Miami Dolphins Q 🤘 With the 231st pick in the #NFLDraft, we have selected QB Quinn Ewers from @TexasFootball. — Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 26, 2025 Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has been drafted by the Miami Dolphins. The Southlake, TX native was taken 231st in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers was the starting QB at Texas for three years, leading UT to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian thanks injuries cost Ewers in the draft. 'His quick release, his ability to make the short to intermediate throws is uncanny. I mean, this guy throws darts. The ball comes out of his hands so effortlessly, so precise and it's literally on point every single time, right? I give him credit — he worked at his craft, too. He was a shotgun, little more of an Air Raid-type quarterback that came into the program and really worked on the nuances, the play-action pass, the RPO game, the deep-ball shots. And I we saw him grow, not only physically, but I think mentally and emotionally, he turned into a great leader for us. So somebody is going to get a really good player that may be a little undervalued because of some of some of the injuries,' Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said in an appearance on Chris Simms' podcast. Ewers played in 35 games, leading the Longhorns to 27 wins. Over the past two seasons, he compiled a 21-4 record as a starter, the best two-year stretch for a Texas quarterback since Colt McCoy's 25-2 run in 2008-09. Ewers holds the longest active streak in the FBS with 26 consecutive games throwing a touchdown, the second-longest in Texas history behind McCoy's program record of 29. A semifinalist for the 2024 Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and Davey O'Brien Award, Ewers was also a top-10 finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He earned 2023 AP All-Big 12 Second Team honors and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 Big 12 Championship Game. Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State in January 2022. To prepare for the NFL Draft, Ewers hired former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Who is Ashton Jeanty? Boise State's star running back eyeing the NFL
With just three days to the NFL Draft, few names have been mentioned with more excitement than Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. He has gone from an under-the-radar recruit to a projected top-12 pick—maybe even top six. Boise State's star revealed on #PFTPM that the highest probable draft position for him could be Raiders' selection at No. 6, and the lowest probability would be the Cowboys choosing him at slot No. 12. Just as a freshman, Jeanty racked up 4,769 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground over three seasons at Boise State. Add to that 80 receptions for 862 yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. ALSO READ| Who is Shedeur Sanders? Colorado's star quarterback heats up the 2025 NFL draft In 2024 alone, he led the FBS with 2,601 rushing yards and won both the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award, even finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. But what makes Ashton Jeanty special isn't just what he does between the lines—it's where he came from. 'If you're wondering where I got this confidence from,' Jeanty once wrote in an open letter to NFL GMs, 'I'd tell you it starts with my family.' His father, Henry Jeanty, is a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer, which is why he spent a year in Naples, Italy, where Jeanty had to pause playing organised football. However, instead of falling behind, he hit the gym, built muscle, and came back stronger. 'Me, I feel like I'm the opposite,' he said. 'A lot of people, they might flourish when things are going according to plan. But then if they get thrown a curveball, they can't adapt.' ALSO READ| What is Shannon Sharpe's net worth? A look at NFL legend's earnings amid $50m lawsuit row Then there's his mother, Pamela—the 'anchor' of the household. 'Family… that's everything to me. That's my backbone,' Jeanty said. Through his status as a Haitian-American, Jeanty integrates his heritage to boost his power capabilities. The proud historical determination of Haitians materializes whenever he puts his shoulder down or breaks free through an opening in the formation.
USA Today
20-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Patriot wonders if Mike Vrabel goes Derrick Henry route in draft
Ex-Patriot wonders if Mike Vrabel goes Derrick Henry route in draft Former NFL cornerback Logan Ryan threw out the possibility of the New England Patriots taking Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft. Ryan won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, and he also played under Mike Vrabel during his run as head coach for the Tennessee Titans. He remembers the style of football Vrabel looked to create in Tennessee through All-Pro running back Derrick Henry. Could he be looking to win with the same formula with Jeanty in New England? "If I know Mike Vrabel, I know he loves Abdul Carter," Ryan said on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football." "Now, if Abdul Carter is not there, [Vrabel] will entertain a trade. That could happen. Is it too soon to say Ashton Jeanty? Because I know Derrick Henry was the identity in Tennessee. Great defense, you can run the ball." Jeanty is coming off a season that saw him put up video game-like numbers. Patriots Wire has done a previous mock draft with the Patriots taking Jeanty at No. 4. He recorded 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries. This bested his numbers of 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries in 2023. He ran 397 plays from scrimmage last year and scored 30 total touchdowns. He won the Maxwell Award for his efforts, which is given to the nation's top running back. The Patriots could use a playmaking running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who has struggled over the last two seasons. It would still be a surprise to see them make a pick like this in the first round considering the other needs on the roster, particularly along the offensive line. With that said, Jeanty might be the best available talent on the board when it's their turn to pick on Thursday. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
