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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs
First impression of Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson after OTAs The Pittsburgh Steelers knew a year ago they would not have running back Najee Harris in 2025. So when the 2025 NFL draft rolled around, no one was shocked when the Steelers spent a third-round pick on former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson got his first taste of the NFL during the first week of Steelers OTAs and here are some first impressions of the player. Johnson comes across as a very confident player who does not seem like the NFL is too big for him. Johnson was the heart and soul of the Iowa offense and you can see that level of maturity and leadership has carried over into the league. Johnson might not be the team's feature back in 2025 but there's no doubt the coaches aren't going to be fearful of putting Johnson on the field in important situations and downs. The other thing that really jumped out about Johnson is his conditioning. There's nothing head coach Mike Tomlin wants more from a rookie than proper NFL-caliber conditioning. This will be even more important in July when training camp starts, but if this week is any indication, Johnson takes his conditioning very seriously and this is going to translate into early opportunities. Pittsburgh feels like they got a bargain and a special player in Johnson and early returns are in and they might have nailed this one.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wildcats eye secondary strength with cornerback Kelsey Deriso Jr.
Wildcats eye secondary strength with cornerback Kelsey Deriso Jr. As summer heats up, the Kentucky Wildcats are poised to hone in on key areas of need within their depth chart and set the stage for an exciting 2026 recruiting class. With the official season now in full swing, Coach Mark Stoops and his team are eager to make significant strides with some of their top targets as we gear up for the much-anticipated June Grind. One critical area that has caught the attention of elite programs across the nation is the secondary. The Wildcats aim to strengthen this position not only for immediate success but also for long-term stability. Among their priority targets is Kelsey KJ Deriso Jr., a dynamic 6-foot-1, three-star athlete from Whitewater High School in Georgia. Ranked as the No. 80 cornerback in the country and No. 85 overall prospect from Georgia, Deriso may not yet have widespread recognition, but he possesses immense potential waiting to be unleashed under the right guidance. With 24 scholarship offers already on his plate, schools are keenly vying for his commitment—especially with rising interest from rivals like Jeff Brohm and the Louisville Cardinals. As a versatile player who has made significant contributions on both sides of the ball, Deriso's stats speak volumes: last season alone he racked up 33 tackles, 2 tackles for loss (TFLs), 2 interceptions (INTs), 2 forced fumbles, and an impressive 12 pass breakups (PBUs). The Cats are eager to enhance their slim roster for the Class of 2026; currently standing at just one commitment, Deriso's upcoming visit could serve as a crucial turning point in building momentum. Recently, UKWildcatsWire had an opportunity to catch up with KJ ahead of his official visit to Lexington scheduled for June 13-15. Since offering him back in mid-January, Kentucky has been diligently nurturing their relationship with Deriso. As his recruitment gains traction, we asked him what he's most excited about during this visit: I'm looking forward to seeing how Coach White and Coach Collins envision my role within their defense and how I can grow as a player in their system. As competition intensifies around him, KJ shared what makes Kentucky stand out amidst other suitors: What really stood out was the genuine relationship I've built through constant communication with Coach Collins and other staff members—it truly makes me feel like a priority. Deriso's playmaking prowess is undeniable; however, he also knows exactly what he's seeking in a future program: I want an opportunity to get early playing time along with coaching staff that can develop me into an NFL-caliber player. With offers pouring in from various schools—including Michigan State, USF, and Louisville—KJ remains focused on finding where he fits best. When it comes to raw potential, Deriso is the walking billboard —and for good reason! He is already such a dynamic athlete and believes his unique skill set can elevate programs like Kentucky and others vying for top talent. 'I have the ability to turn routine plays into game-changing moments with my speed and athleticism,' he asserts confidently. 'I can change the whole dynamic of the game in just one play.' But KJ's impact extends beyond just electrifying performances on the field; he has the potential to reshape the future of Mark Stoops' program and significantly influence the trajectory of the 2026 recruiting class. Imagine what his explosive talent could mean for Kentucky's football ambitions!
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could This Undrafted Tiger Become Kansas City's Next Travis Kelce
Clemson hasn't produced many household-name tight ends in the NFL, but that could quietly be changing with Jake Briningstool's arrival in Kansas City. After going undrafted in April, Briningstool didn't have to wait long to find a landing spot. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid personally reached out to recruit him — a gesture that spoke volumes about how the Super Bowl champions viewed the 6-foot-6 pass-catcher. Advertisement 'That was pretty unique to hear, which kind of really stood out to me, just showing how much they valued me,' Briningstool said, reflecting on Reid's call. Though undrafted, Briningstool's résumé at Clemson tells a different story. He finished his career with 124 catches, 1,313 yards, and 16 touchdowns — numbers that would be impressive for a wide receiver, let alone a tight end. And that's precisely what makes Briningstool intriguing at the next level: he fits the mold of the modern NFL tight end — long, athletic, and built to stress defenses. While Travis Kelce may still be the gold standard in Kansas City, the 34-year-old's eventual retirement is no longer hypothetical. With Briningstool now in the building, the Chiefs may be quietly prepping for a future without Kelce — and Clemson could become a key piece of that transition. American team tight end Jake Briningstool of Clemson (19) runs a route during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.© Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Briningstool isn't just auditioning for a spot on the roster — he's auditioning to be part of the next wave of playmaking tight ends. And he's already turned heads during practice, hauling in a pair of diving catches that drew praise from Kansas City media. Advertisement Clemson has long been recognized for its wide receivers and defensive linemen, but Briningstool's journey might signal a changing perception. As college football evolves and the tight end position becomes more dynamic, Clemson's ability to produce NFL-caliber talent at that spot could become a real recruiting tool. If Briningstool earns a place on the Chiefs' 53-man roster — and perhaps even more in the coming years — don't be surprised if more NFL teams come looking for the next versatile pass-catcher from Death Valley. Related: Dabo Swinney Joins Live Call as Four-Star Safety Kentavion Anderson Commits to Clemson Related: Clemson Lands Top In-State Safety for Dabo Swinney's Top 5 2026 Class Related: Billy Napier Reflects on Clemson Firing by Dabo Swinney That Changed Everything
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve
Chiefs UDFA TE Jake Briningstool determined to improve The Kansas City Chiefs signed Clemson Tigers tight end Jake Briningstool as an undrafted free agent. Poor measurables combined with uninspiring athletic testing to make Briningstool fall out of the 2025 NFL draft, but his tape showcases a developing player capable of contributing to the offense in a niche role. At 6'5 5/8", Briningstool presents a size mismatch that makes him a strong option for red zone fades and one-on-one targets down the seam. He lacks elite speed but showcases enough burst in the route's first ten to 15 yards to overtake and stack linebackers, especially in man coverage. Briningstool has plenty of experience against NFL-caliber competition. While at the Senior Bowl, he spoke about the value of facing Clemson's vaunted defense in practices throughout his college career. 'We have a saying at Clemson. 'Practice is going to be harder than the games.' We get after it. We compete with each other every single day. Going against guys like R.J. Mickens and Barrett Carter on a daily basis helped my development and helped me become a better player.' Briningstool spent most of his time in the slot at Clemson but also took snaps in-line and got occasional opportunities to play out wide. His lean build makes him not an ideal fit for in-line reps in the NFL, but his value moving around the formation or working out of the backfield as an H-back gives the Chiefs a sure-handed weapon with mismatch potential. Briningstool still needs to get stronger and execute sharper routes, but his use of leverage and body positioning working downfield gives him situational value. He also has the football IQ to recognize holes in zone coverage and work with the quarterback to keep throwing lanes open. Briningstool knows he needs to improve to set the tone for his NFL career. He shared his plans for the future of his game while at the Senior Bowl. 'I just want to get better in all aspects of my game. I think I have areas to improve at in every facet. Just being able to chase that best version of myself and do everything I can.' Briningstool faces an uphill climb to make Kansas City's final roster. Travis Kelce and Noah Gray are entrenched contributors, and second-year former fourth round pick Jared Wiley offers even greater height than Briningstool and a stronger build. Wiley's recovery timetable from the torn ACL he suffered last season might create some camp and preseason opportunities for Briningstool to prove he belongs on Kansas City's 53-man roster.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ben Roethlisberger Sends Clear Message on Steelers' Decision to Draft Will Howard
The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into a season filled with unpredictability. While they rounded out their roster during the NFL draft, questions remain—particularly at the quarterback position. With the No. 185 pick, the Steelers selected national championship-winning quarterback Will Howard out of Ohio State. And although they're still reportedly in the hunt for veteran Aaron Rodgers, fans seem pleased with the addition of Howard—including former Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger. Advertisement Roethlisberger didn't hesitate to share his thoughts on the pick, offering a clear and confident endorsement of the Steelers' decision to draft Howard. "Really excited about this pick," Roethlisberger said about the Steelers drafting Will Howard. "I don't know him, but I've heard some really good things about him... to me, that's a love of the game. Not caring where you're getting drafted, not caring what round you're getting drafted — just being excited to get to the NFL. I think that's what you want." He continued, "It looked like Will Howard loved the game of football — tears in his eyes. I've said on this show, I'd like the Steelers to draft him. I love that competitor. There was someone — I heard it as a knock — saying he played with a bunch of NFL-caliber talent. Well, what's he going to be playing with now? He beat NFL-caliber teams too." Howard had an intriguing collegiate career. After receiving few Division I offers out of high school as a three-star prospect, he committed to Kansas State, where he spent four seasons before transferring to Ohio State for his fifth and final year of eligibility—a move that paid off. He became the catalyst behind the Buckeyes' dominant College Football Playoff run, leading them to victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, ultimately securing a national championship. Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard during CFP National Championship Champions press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom.© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Now, he joins a Steelers quarterback room that currently consists of only Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, as the team awaits Aaron Rodgers' decision. Related: Jon Gruden Doesn't Hesitate Naming Rookie QB He 'Loves' After 2025 NFL Draft
