Latest news with #scouting
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United scouts watch Fiorentina starlet Comuzzo amid Sunderland interest
Manchester United sent scouts to watch Fiorentina youngster Pietro Comuzzo this week, reports from Italy claim, as the Red Devils join Bournemouth, Brighton and Sunderland in pursuit of the 20-year-old. According to what has been reported by the Corriere dello Sport, scouts from the Premier League clubs watched Fiorentina's match against Nottingham Forest earlier this week – and they will get another chance to assess the young defender when United take on the Viola today. MONZA, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between AC Monza and ACF Fiorentina at U-Power Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by) Premier League sides circle highly-rated youngster Comuzzo It was a dramatic breakthrough season for Comuzzo in 2024-25. Before last season, the Italy U20 international had played just six professional matches but the young Italian played 44 times in all competitions for the Viola last campaign. FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 17: Pietro Comuzzo of ACF Fiorentina in action during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and NK Celje at Stadio Artemio Franchi on April 17, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by) The former Udinese youth prospect also received a first call-up to the Italian national team for Nations League fixtures last November but he did not play in either match. In January, Napoli came knocking for the player and reportedly submitted a €30 million offer. The player was onboard with the move and the general consensus amongst the Viola was that it was too good of an offer to turn down. However, club president Rocco Commisso vetoed the sale and Comuzzo remained in Florence.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
FC Bayern World Squad Part 2 Teaser
Watch the teaser for the second part of the documentary of the FC Bayern World Squad, an international project by FC Bayern Munich and Audi that scouts U19 talents worldwide and supports them in their dream of becoming professionals. The full documentary is available on FC Bayern's YouTube channel.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
French scouts chief quits after backlash over sexuality
The SGDF is France's leading scouting association with more than 100,000 members. (AFP pic) PARIS : The chief of France's biggest scouts movement, which has its roots in Catholicism, has said she is stepping down after less than two months following online attacks over her sexuality. Marine Rosset, who is in a same-sex relationship and is the mother of a child, made the announcement in an interview published today by the Catholic newspaper, La Croix. 'I have chosen to step down as president of the Scouts and Guides of France (SGDF),' said Rosset, who is an elected councillor with the Socialist Party (PS) and supports the right to abortion. 'The situation had become untenable and my goal is to protect the movement,' Rosset told the newspaper. She accused people outside the scouting movement 'political, PR, and even financial forces' of having attacked her. They had created a false image of the movement 'because a number of my positions were associated with those of the movement', she said. Rosset was chosen in mid-June as the head of the movement at the age of just 39. A Socialist councillor in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, she notably supports the right to abortion. Her appointment got angry reactions from several far-right sites and prompted wary reactions within the church. Rosset said she had not expected 'the violence of criticism' following her support for the right to abortion and her family situation. 'I'm angry, especially because my faith has sometimes been questioned because of my homosexuality. It's hurtful,' she told La Croix. In a statement, the SGDF said Rosset's decision to step down 'allows us to preserve the non-partisan nature' of the organisation. But it also 'firmly denounces the violent, discriminatory, and dehumanising remarks that have been expressed in recent weeks' against her. It said it was backing a legal complaint Rosset has filed over the attacks on her and had not ruled out taking legal action itself. With more than 100,000 members, the SGDF is France's leading scouting association, with far greater members than the more conservative Scouts Unitaires de France and Scouts d'Europe.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Dane Brugler's 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Offensive tackles
Editor's note: This is the eighth installment of Dane Brugler's 2026 Summer Scouting series. Previous rankings: Edge rushers | Running backs | Defensive tackles | Tight ends | Linebackers | Interior offensive linemen | Cornerbacks Based on my initial viewing, I expected edge rusher to be early favorite as deepest position in the 2026 NFL Draft. But then I watched the offensive tackles — and there is a new frontrunner in the clubhouse. There are multiple seniors to get excited about, but it is the draft-eligible underclassmen who could make for a tackle-rich first round next April. (Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a 'v' representing verified measurements and 'e' for estimated measurements.) Advertisement Proctor is simply built different. He is a naturally massive human with a wide frame, smooth muscle throughout and a thick lower half (big thighs, burly calves, large bubble). And what stands out even more than his size is his ability to uncoil hellish power as a blocker. He uses long arms and upper-body strength to launch defenders or overpower them at contact. His nasty play style fits him well. Proctor's power profile and sheer size are the headlines, but he isn't a slug. For a 360-pounder, he stays nimble on his feet. One of the more frustrating things in scouting is when a prospect doesn't play up to his measureables. But it was clear from the jump I wouldn't have to worry about that with Proctor because of his knock-back, mauling power. However, Proctor needs to stay in top shape to achieve consistent leverage against NFL defenders. He wouldn't take plays off effort-wise on last year's tape, but there were times he would cut corners and rely on size over technique, especially in pass pro. A five-star recruit out of high school, Proctor was one of the top players in the 2023 class and became a freshman All-American at left tackle for the Tide. After a brief transfer back home to Iowa, the Des Moines native returned to Alabama and earned second-team All-SEC honors last season. It will be easy to lump Proctor in the same bucket as Evan Neal or D.J. Fluker and expect him to be the next massive Alabama linemen to fall short of expectations in the NFL. And Proctor is far from a finished product (see last year's Michigan tape). But when you focus on his freaky talent, at that size, it is easy to understand why NFL scouts talk about him as a future first-round pick. Advertisement There is a ton to love about Fano's tape. In the run game, he is a fluid mover with vice-grip hands and the innate desire to drive his target from the spot. As a pass blocker, he uncoils out of his stance with light feet, firm punch and smooth redirect. The common theme from his tape is an ability to stay balanced from the point of attack through the finish, regardless of the action required. NFL teams have Fano listed at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, with average overall length. There isn't much he can do about his arm length, but there is room on his frame to add weight and strengthen his base. He said he added 10 pounds of bulk this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how that impacts his performance. One of the highest-ranked recruits in Utah history, Fano immediately earned his way onto the field as a true freshman as the Utes' starting left tackle. He kicked over to right tackle as a sophomore last season and was even better, earning multiple All-America nods. With arguably the best offensive tackle tandem in college football, Kyle Whittingham thinks his 2025 group will be the 'best offensive line' at Utah since he became head coach 21 years ago. A sticky blocker, Fano is one of the 10 best prospects I have studied this summer. NFL scouts share the same excitement, and they also praise his intelligence and no-ego mindset. With his size and lateral movements, Chaplin is able to kick out and cut off speed rushers. But his power and length are most evident as a run blocker, and Virginia Tech often found success running behind its left tackle. (Chaplin transferred to Auburn this past offseason.) Chaplin is able to torque, turn and run his feet to violently move defenders where he wants them to go. He has the mobility to cut off on the backside or wash the three-technique from the designed lane. Though very gifted for a man his size, Chaplin is still a work in progress in multiple areas. His overaggressive tendencies will backfire on him, causing him to lunge and disrupt his balance. He doesn't have top-tier body flexibility and can do a better job protecting against that, especially in space, to avoid penalties. Advertisement A lesser-known high school recruit, Chaplin redshirted at Virginia Tech in 2022 before becoming the Hokies' starting left tackle the last two seasons. Once he jumped into the transfer portal, Auburn made him a priority to round out its offensive line. Because he is both raw and incredibly talented, there is a wide range of outcomes for Chaplin as a pro prospect. If he continues to develop his body and discipline, the power, length and talent are there for him to be a first-round pick. Scouts are excited about his potential, but they also need to see continued progression this season before stamping him with an NFL-starter grade. Mauigoa is a decent mover off the ball and in space, but it's his play strength that makes him so effective. He can sit down and anchor versus power rushers or use his upper-body strength to rework his hands and slow down speed off the edge. It isn't always pretty in the run game as he continues to fine-tune his hand technique, but once he latches, Mauigoa can uproot his target. Mauigoa has adequate feet and mobility, but his balance can be disrupted by inconsistent weight transfer. At times, he gets over his skis and too far out front in the run game. Other times, he puts too much momentum on his outside foot mid-slide, leaving himself open to inside rush counters. However, Mauigoa's hands are both skilled and strong, which often can get him out of those compromised positions. According to most recruiting outlets, it was a two-man race between Proctor and Mauigoa for the OT1 spot in the 2023 high school class (both were consensus top-10 players in the country). Because of his trust in the coaching staff, Mauigoa signed with Miami — and his older brother, Francisco, joined him in Coral Gables (and ultimately was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Jets). Advertisement A left tackle as a senior at IMG Academy, Mauigoa has started all 26 games at right tackle in his two college seasons. Some NFL scouts see him as more of a guard than a tackle down the line, but they all expect him to be a future NFL starter with first-round potential. With his light feet, quick hands and athletic frame, Lomu is very natural in his movement patterns as a pass blocker. He explodes off the snap and maintains knee bend, balance and eager hands to easily shield speed rushers. Only a redshirt freshman in his first season as a starter last season, he has plenty that needs improving. But Lomu has natural pass-protection feet and body quickness, both of which will always be coveted in the NFL. When he stays square and keeps rushers off his frame, Lomu is dominant on pass-pro reps. Against power or rushers who get into his chest, however, he often breaks down or loses his balance. At times, he is able to regain leverage and stay engaged, but Lomu needs to get stronger to improve his recovery chances and be more of a force in the run game. The player on the 2024 tape wasn't ready for NFL power. I expect that to change in 2025. One of the top recruits out of Arizona in the 2023 class, Lomu committed to Utah over Michigan and was Whittingham's second-highest-ranked recruit that year (behind Fano). He spent the 2023 season developing his body for the college level, then became a starter for the 2024 season. Considered more of a natural left tackle, Lomu breaking into the starting lineup pushed Fano to right tackle. Still a very young player, Lomu isn't a polished technician at this point and needs to continue developing his body and core strength before he is ready for NFL snaps. But he is an easy mover with the athletic tools and body type that have NFL teams bullish about his future. Based on long-term potential, it could be argued Lomu belongs ahead of Fano. Advertisement 1. Drew Shelton, Penn State (6-4 7/8, 303) 2. Isaiah World, Oregon (6-5 1/4, 321) 3. Max Iheanachor, Arizona State (6-5 1/2, 322) 4. Gennings Dunker, Iowa (6-3 1/2, 317) 5. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (6-7 1/2, 320) 6. Ethan Onianwa, Ohio State (6-6, 333) 7. J.C. Davis, Illinois (6-3 7/8, 333) 8. Austin Barber, Florida (6-6 7/8, 316) 9. Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Wake Forest (6-5 1/8, 318) 10. Micah Pettus, Florida State (6-6 7/8, 353) 11. Jeff Persi, Pittsburgh (6-7 1/4, 308) 12. Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M (6-6 3/4, 335) 13. Blake Miller, Clemson (6-6 1/2, 314) 14. Diego Pounds, Ole Miss (6-5 5/8, 337) 15. McKale Boley, Virginia (6-4 7/8, 320) 16. Izavion Miller, Auburn (6-5 3/8, 305) 17. Garrett DiGiorgio, UCLA (6-6 5/8, 326) 18. Tristan Leigh, Clemson (6-4 5/8, 309) 19. Chris Adams, Memphis (6-4 1/2, 300) 20. Riley Mahlman, Wisconsin (6-7 7/8, 321) 21. Trevor Brock, Buffalo (6-4 5/8, 319) 22. Mason Murphy, Auburn (6-5 1/8, 324) 23. Hunter Zambrano, Texas Tech (6-5, 305) 24. Logan Taylor, Boston College (6-6 1/2, 309) 25. Ka'ena Decambra, Arizona (6-3, 312) 1. Proctor 2. Fano 3. Chaplin 4. Mauigoa 5. Lomu 6. Jude Bowry, Boston College (6-5, 310) 7. Kage Casey, Boise State (6-5, 315) 8. Monroe Freeling, Georgia (6-7, 315) 9. Brian Parker II, Duke (6-5, 300) 10. Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame (6-6, 295) 11. Ryan Baer, Pittsburgh (6-7, 325) 12. Trevor Goosby, Texas (6-7, 310) 13. Earnest Greene III, Georgia (6-4, 320) 14. PJ Williams, SMU (6-5, 315) 15. Conner Moore, Michigan State (6-5, 310) (Photo of Kadyn Proctor: Bryan Lynn / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Dane Brugler's 2026 NFL Draft summer positional rankings: Cornerbacks
Editor's note: This is the seventh installment of Dane Brugler's 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting series. Previous rankings: Edge rushers | Running backs | Defensive tackles | Tight ends | Linebackers | Interior offensive linemen At first glance, there isn't a Patrick Surtain II or Sauce Gardner in this cornerback group — a no-doubt top-10 prospect. But there are a number of draft-eligible corners who project as starters at the next level, especially if double-digit underclassmen at the position declare. (Note: Asterisk represents draft-eligible underclassmen. Heights and weights are what NFL teams have on file for each player, with a 'v' representing verified measurements and 'e' for estimated measurements.) Cornerbacks that lack size better make up for it with attitude, which Terrell absolutely does. He is wired in a way that allows him to thrive on an island in coverage and be a magnet to the football in the run game. Receivers know they are in for a dogfight when lined up across from Terrell. South Carolina superfreak Nyck Harbor is 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, but it didn't appear to be a mismatch when Terrell faced off against him last season. Terrell is always looking for work in the run game, too. He finished last season with three forced fumbles, including the strip tackle below on the South Carolina tape. Most corners would be content to stand their ground and hold outside contain, but Terrell shifts into top gear, avoids the block and chases down the ball with a chop on the opposite hash. Though his compete skills separate Terrell from other corners, he needs to do a better job using finesse at the catch point to avoid going through receivers to contest. Terrell was penalized for pass interference seven times in 2024, including three flags on the Texas tape. A.J. Terrell put together a strong resume at Clemson before becoming a first-round draft pick of the Falcons in 2020 — and later signing a contract that made him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in NFL history. That is a big shadow for his younger brother to escape, but Avieon Terrell is building his own legacy at Clemson and has the tape of a future first-rounder. Advertisement Cornerbacks standing under 5-11 and weighing less than 190 pounds are rarely drafted in the top 25, but teams are willing to overlook mediocre size for competitors who make up for their lack of inches with athleticism and ball skills (see Denzel Ward). Although he needs to find better balance with his aggressive play style, Terrell's makeup and talent will be easy sells in an NFL war room. There is a lot to like about McCoy's game. He is a solid size-speed athlete with physicality, instincts and ball skills. In press man, he gets his hands on receivers early to reroute them and shows terrific feel and timing from off coverage. McCoy's short-area explosiveness looks better than his long speed, but I love his reactionary twitch to stay attached in coverage. He is also one of the best tackling defensive backs in college football. I thought the 2024 Alabama tape was an accurate summation of McCoy's All-America sophomore season — eight tackles, two passes defended, a few completions allowed that need to be cleaned up and this one-handed interception: Anticipating the end-zone fade, McCoy presses the receiver, gets his eyes to the quarterback and owns the catch point. McCoy needs to show more consistent patience in press and avoid some of the downfield contact. But the No. 1 concern surrounding him is his health. After starting all 13 games last season, McCoy suffered an ACL tear this past January while training at home. He underwent knee surgery and is reportedly rehabbing well, but when will he return to the field? And how does that affect his draft decision? A lot of unknowns. A native of Whitehouse in East Texas (the same hometown as Patrick Mahomes), McCoy was a state champion track athlete in the long jump and triple jump, although he went mostly overlooked as a football recruit (no FBS schools in Texas offered him). McCoy signed with Oregon State and led the team in passes defended as a true freshman. He transferred to Knoxville before last season and put together an All-America 2024 season, leading the team in passes defended (13) and interceptions (four), plus finished third in tackles (44). Advertisement Were he fully healthy, McCoy would have been CB1 in these preseason rankings, but the unknowns knock him down a spot (for now). With a complete recovery, he can be one of the better defensive prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Whether in man or zone, McKinney passes the eye test with his height, athleticism and wingspan — tools that he uses to reroute receivers or find passing lanes. His reaction quickness helps him stay within arm's length of receivers, and he exhibits a strong feel for reading the catch point to knock the ball away. McKinney was solid during the first half of the 2024 season, but his comfort level really increased late in the season. Over the final five games, he allowed just 38.2 percent completions when targeted and recorded six passes defended and three interceptions. On tape, McKinney appears to have pedestrian speed by NFL standards (I would love to be wrong, but my early guess for his 40-yard dash would be in the 4.47-4.52-second range). Without high-end recovery speed, McKinney needs to button up some of the fundamental areas of his game to better stay in phase with receivers. He showed more trust in his technique later in the season (square stance, look and lean, etc.), which is a promising sign. Though all eyes were on Travis Hunter when watching the Colorado defense last season, McKinney was on the other side of the field impressing NFL scouts with his athleticism and cover skills. He redshirted at Oklahoma State in 2022 and came off the bench in 2023 before transferring to Colorado before the 2024 season. McKinney finished second on the team (behind Hunter) in passes defended and interceptions last year, including a pick six against his former team (Colorado's only pick six in 2024). Advertisement Given his gradual improvements over last season, I'm eager to see what McKinney puts on tape in his second year in Boulder. Although his straight-line speed might not be elite, he has the size and cover skills to be an early-round draft pick and potential NFL starter. Lee checks a lot of boxes. He mirrors well at the line of scrimmage, flashes above-average speed for the position, and his instincts in coverage are a positive. But his size and body length tie everything together. Lee has the arm length to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage along with the fluidity to open, turn and carry vertical patterns. His length really impresses at the catch point and helps him turn catches into incompletions. A common theme on last year's tape was Lee's tendency to surrender inside positioning to route runners, opening up passing windows in the middle of the field. He was often left grabbing to try to slow down receivers and recover his position. Lee has the feet to match receivers early in man coverage — as long as he doesn't get stuck guessing. After two years at Iowa Western Community College and another at Kansas State, Lee transferred to College Station last season as a redshirt junior. Not only did the St. Louis native become an immediate starter for the Aggies, he also took home second-team All-SEC honors after posting a team-high 12 passes defended. With his length, fluidity and coverage awareness, Lee enters the season as my top-ranked senior cornerback prospect with a Day 2 draft grade. A long, lanky outside cornerback, Igbinosun has outstanding size (33-inch arms), athleticism and feel for the position, which allows him to stay in phase in zone or man-to-man coverage. Although his footwork needs improved consistency, he stays patient at the line before using his agility to eliminate space in coverage and find the football. Igbinosun needs to cut back on early contact, but he was one of the best in college football last season at forcing incompletions, especially in press man. Considering he was the most penalized defensive player in college football last season, describing Igbinosun as 'handsy' might be an understatement. He finished with 13 coverage penalties (11 pass interference and two defensive holding) and probably got away with a dozen more. His aggressive mindset is part of what makes him a productive corner, but Igbinosun has too many undisciplined plays that lead to early contact and easy decisions for officials — something that must be cleaned up in 2025. Advertisement After earning Freshman All-America honors at Ole Miss in 2022, Igbinosun entered the portal and landed at Ohio State, where he has been locked in as a starter the last two seasons. His tenure with the Buckeyes has been a roller coaster because of his physical nature and constant grabbing, which has made him a penalty magnet. But Igbinosun is an impressive athlete for his size and plays with the compete skills NFL teams covet. Considered a potential Day 2 draft pick had he entered the 2025 draft, Igbinosun can secure top-100 status with improved discipline during his senior season. 1. Lee 2. Igbinosun 3. Mansoor Delane, LSU (5-11 1/8, 191) 4. Daylen Everette, Georgia (6-0 5/8, 193) 5. Domani Jackson, Alabama (6-0 3/8, 191) 6. Xavier Scott, Illinois (5-11, 198) 7. Treydan Stukes, Arizona (6-0 1/2, 195) 8. Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State (5-11, 184) 9. Stephen Hall, Missouri (5-11 3/8, 203) 10. Chris Johnson, San Diego State (6-0, 182) 11. DaShawn Jones, Alabama (5-10 3/4, 182) 12. Jaylon Guilbeau, Texas (5-11, 184) 13. Amari Jackson, Boston College (5-10 1/4, 188) 14. Tacario Davis, Washington (6-3, 197) 15. Chandler Rivers, Duke (5-8 5/8, 184) 16. Marcus Allen, North Carolina (6-0 5/8, 176) 17. Devin Moore, Florida (6-3 1/8, 196) 18. Jeadyn Lukus, Clemson (6-2, 195) 19. Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina (6-0 1/4, 195) 20. Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin (6-0 3/4, 185) 21. Toriano Pride Jr., Missouri (5-10 1/8, 186) 22. Avery Smith, Toledo (5-10 1/8, 187) 23. Ceyair Wright, Nebraska (5-11 3/4, 182) 24. Josh Moten, Southern Miss (5-11 7/8, 178) 25. Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin (5-8 1/2, 188) 1. Terrell 2. McCoy 3. McKinney 4. Christian Gray, Notre Dame (6-0, 185) 5. A.J. Harris, Penn State (6-1, 185) 6. Keith Abney II, Arizona State (5-11, 195) 7. Malik Muhammad, Texas (6-0, 185) 8. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana (5-9, 170) 9. Jermaine Mathews Jr., Ohio State (5-11, 190) 10. Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina (6-1, 210) 11. Collin Wright, Stanford (6-0, 190) 12. Kayin Lee, Auburn (5-11, 180) 13. Ashton Stamps, LSU (6-0, 190) 14. Daniel Harris, Georgia (6-3, 195) 15. Amare Ferrell, Indiana (6-2, 200) (Photo of Avieon Terrell: Isaiah Vazquez / Getty Images)
