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2024 FL DL D’antre Robinson (Texas Verbal)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 2 Replies
247
Rivals
Twitter
HudL
Class: 2024
Position: DT
School: Orlando(FL) Jones
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 300lbs
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Rivals
HudL
Class: 2024
Position: DT
School: Orlando(FL) Jones
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 300lbs
Login to view embedded media
LGHL A certain former Buckeye with over 8,200 career rushing yards should be coveted by teams in need of a proven and reliable RB
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A certain former Buckeye with over 8,200 career rushing yards should be coveted by teams in need of a proven and reliable RB
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
Now that the NFL Draft dust has settled, Ezekiel Elliott will likely get an opportunity to prove he has something left in the tank.
On March 15, the Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott, ending a seven-year relationship between the team and its former first-round draft pick. Taken fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott was one of the last running backs drafted inside the top five. In 2019, the former Buckeye back signed a $90 million dollar contract, also making him one of the last RB to sign a lucrative long-term contract.
A foolish deal from the team’s perspective? Perhaps. But Zeke became an immediate star and won two rushing titles in his first three seasons. Seems like a worthwhile investment to me. Regardless, Elliott was an outlier in many ways.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24629546/1345892797.jpg)
Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
But after a superb 2019 season – his first playing under the new contract – Elliott’s production began to fall off. While remaining one of the best goal line backs in the league, his yards per carry dipped and his receptions also resulted in minimal gain. The contract became a negative talking point, and minor, inconvenient injuries popped up every few weeks. Zeke the Outlier became Zeke the Salary Cap Burden.
So after seven seasons and one last humiliating snap, Dallas cut ties with Elliott and his bloated contract a few weeks into free agency. Surely the Cowboys attempted to trade their former bell cow, but no team was willing to pick up his exorbitant tab. Zeke was left to his own devices, in search of a new team — and potentially one last chance to make a tangible impact.
Unfortunately for the veteran runner, that search continues. Elliott was linked to both the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles last month, but those rumors appear to have been nothing more than gossip. Dallas has mentioned the possibility of bringing Zeke back at a significantly reduced salary, but how often do on-again, off-again relationships end well for those involved?
“Crop top with the mop top” is currently without a dance partner, but I do not think his involuntary solitude will last for much longer. Because Mr. 85 Yards Through the Heart of the South is still only 27 years of age (soon to be 28), has been recognized as a beloved teammate, and possesses a nose for the endzone like few others.
Right now, Zeke is stuck in running back purgatory, which is a popular landing spot for aging backs. They (RB) have been so good and so productive for so long, that they are hesitant or flat-out refuse to accept a diminished role. But NFL front offices don’t give a damn about nostalgia. No, they are completely turned off by these players’ age, presumed salary demands, and most recent performance. So much so that clubs are often not even willing to offer an incentive-laden, one-year “prove it” deal. They would much rather pursue cheaper, younger labor.
Put another way, many teams view Elliott as a nice Mercedes SUV, but an older model with high mileage. They are looking for an everyday driver, which makes the gas-guzzling, aging luxury vehicle a poor investment. Instead, these teams would rather purchase (or lease) a newer, cheaper mid-size sedan.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24629885/1430369304.jpg)
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Supplanted by Tony Pollard, Elliott remained a supportive teammate in Dallas
Does this mean that Zeke is out of options and/or potentially out of the league? Not at all. Because as the offseason progresses, it will become evident to at least one team that a proven, reliable vet is exactly what they need in their backfield. Especially if that vet has a bloodhound-like nose for the endzone. And the longer Zeke waits, the cheaper he becomes. Which is even more of a win for his eventual team, but a subtle loss for the former Buckeye.
However, Elliott may be at a point in his career where money is not a factor. He still genuinely seems to enjoy playing football, but has never enjoyed much playoff success. So you have to imagine that he would love to pursue a Lombardi Trophy before all is said and done. But we’re also not talking about a 35-year old man here. I actually think Zeke has three or more years left in the tank.
I hope that a team pounces sooner rather than later, because this three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing champ could provide tremendous value for a contender. It is not every day that you find a RB with Zeke’s resume, who is also under the age of 30. And even if he were not one of the most productive backs of the last decade, his pass blocking alone makes him a valuable asset.
So wise up, NFL teams. Let Zeke eat!
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images
Now that the NFL Draft dust has settled, Ezekiel Elliott will likely get an opportunity to prove he has something left in the tank.
On March 15, the Dallas Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott, ending a seven-year relationship between the team and its former first-round draft pick. Taken fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft, Elliott was one of the last running backs drafted inside the top five. In 2019, the former Buckeye back signed a $90 million dollar contract, also making him one of the last RB to sign a lucrative long-term contract.
A foolish deal from the team’s perspective? Perhaps. But Zeke became an immediate star and won two rushing titles in his first three seasons. Seems like a worthwhile investment to me. Regardless, Elliott was an outlier in many ways.
But after a superb 2019 season – his first playing under the new contract – Elliott’s production began to fall off. While remaining one of the best goal line backs in the league, his yards per carry dipped and his receptions also resulted in minimal gain. The contract became a negative talking point, and minor, inconvenient injuries popped up every few weeks. Zeke the Outlier became Zeke the Salary Cap Burden.
So after seven seasons and one last humiliating snap, Dallas cut ties with Elliott and his bloated contract a few weeks into free agency. Surely the Cowboys attempted to trade their former bell cow, but no team was willing to pick up his exorbitant tab. Zeke was left to his own devices, in search of a new team — and potentially one last chance to make a tangible impact.
Unfortunately for the veteran runner, that search continues. Elliott was linked to both the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles last month, but those rumors appear to have been nothing more than gossip. Dallas has mentioned the possibility of bringing Zeke back at a significantly reduced salary, but how often do on-again, off-again relationships end well for those involved?
“Crop top with the mop top” is currently without a dance partner, but I do not think his involuntary solitude will last for much longer. Because Mr. 85 Yards Through the Heart of the South is still only 27 years of age (soon to be 28), has been recognized as a beloved teammate, and possesses a nose for the endzone like few others.
Right now, Zeke is stuck in running back purgatory, which is a popular landing spot for aging backs. They (RB) have been so good and so productive for so long, that they are hesitant or flat-out refuse to accept a diminished role. But NFL front offices don’t give a damn about nostalgia. No, they are completely turned off by these players’ age, presumed salary demands, and most recent performance. So much so that clubs are often not even willing to offer an incentive-laden, one-year “prove it” deal. They would much rather pursue cheaper, younger labor.
Put another way, many teams view Elliott as a nice Mercedes SUV, but an older model with high mileage. They are looking for an everyday driver, which makes the gas-guzzling, aging luxury vehicle a poor investment. Instead, these teams would rather purchase (or lease) a newer, cheaper mid-size sedan.
Supplanted by Tony Pollard, Elliott remained a supportive teammate in Dallas
Does this mean that Zeke is out of options and/or potentially out of the league? Not at all. Because as the offseason progresses, it will become evident to at least one team that a proven, reliable vet is exactly what they need in their backfield. Especially if that vet has a bloodhound-like nose for the endzone. And the longer Zeke waits, the cheaper he becomes. Which is even more of a win for his eventual team, but a subtle loss for the former Buckeye.
However, Elliott may be at a point in his career where money is not a factor. He still genuinely seems to enjoy playing football, but has never enjoyed much playoff success. So you have to imagine that he would love to pursue a Lombardi Trophy before all is said and done. But we’re also not talking about a 35-year old man here. I actually think Zeke has three or more years left in the tank.
I hope that a team pounces sooner rather than later, because this three-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL rushing champ could provide tremendous value for a contender. It is not every day that you find a RB with Zeke’s resume, who is also under the age of 30. And even if he were not one of the most productive backs of the last decade, his pass blocking alone makes him a valuable asset.
So wise up, NFL teams. Let Zeke eat!
Continue reading...
2024 GA DE Christopher Jackson (Georgia Tech Verbal)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 0 Replies
Rivals
Twitter
HudL
Class: 2024
School: Liliburn(GA) Tucker
Position: DE
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 225lbs
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HudL
Class: 2024
School: Liliburn(GA) Tucker
Position: DE
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 225lbs
Login to view embedded media
LGHL In Conversation Podcast: Who will be Indiana’s quarterback in the season opener?
- News
- 0 Replies
In Conversation Podcast: Who will be Indiana’s quarterback in the season opener?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We open our ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ podcast series by diving into the Indiana Hoosiers.
On “Land-Grant In Conversation,” we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On the latest episode of “Land-Grant In Conversation,” Matt Tamanini is kicking off the “Behind Enemy Lines” series, in which he will be chatting with insiders for the opponents of the Ohio State football team. Kicking off the series will be the Indiana Hoosiers, so Matt is talking to co-managing editor of Crimson Quarry, the SB Nation site covering the Indiana Hoosiers.
OSU and IU will open their seasons with a Big Ten matchup on Sept. 2, and there are a lot of questions to get into for the Hoosiers. The pair discuss who will be playing quarterback for Indiana in the season opener, if the Hoosiers’ secondary can keep up with the Buckeyes’ wide receivers, what happened to Tom Allen’s defense, and much more.
Connect with L.C. Norton
https://www.crimsonquarry.com
Twitter: @ByLCNorton
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
We open our ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ podcast series by diving into the Indiana Hoosiers.
On “Land-Grant In Conversation,” we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the latest episode of “Land-Grant In Conversation,” Matt Tamanini is kicking off the “Behind Enemy Lines” series, in which he will be chatting with insiders for the opponents of the Ohio State football team. Kicking off the series will be the Indiana Hoosiers, so Matt is talking to co-managing editor of Crimson Quarry, the SB Nation site covering the Indiana Hoosiers.
OSU and IU will open their seasons with a Big Ten matchup on Sept. 2, and there are a lot of questions to get into for the Hoosiers. The pair discuss who will be playing quarterback for Indiana in the season opener, if the Hoosiers’ secondary can keep up with the Buckeyes’ wide receivers, what happened to Tom Allen’s defense, and much more.
Connect with L.C. Norton
https://www.crimsonquarry.com
Twitter: @ByLCNorton
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State makes shortlist for three-star defensive lineman, top linebacker sets official visit date
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State makes shortlist for three-star defensive lineman, top linebacker sets official visit date
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes look like they’re still working hard to get the defensive side of the ball rolling in this 2024 class.
The Buckeyes currently own the second ranked class in the country in 2024, and with only 13 commits in the fold, there’s plenty of spots still up for grabs. Right now Ohio State only has two commits on defense, and that will take care of itself eventually, but the ball does need to get rolling there. There’s still another half of the class to be obtained, so the work never stops for this coaching staff on the recruiting trail.
Specifically speaking, the defensive line tends to be the position that gets a lot of its work done late in the game in terms of outcomes. Larry Johnson isn’t one to land a bunch of players early in the cycle, and while that’s not necessarily an issue, it just means he needs to win out in the end.
Last year that wasn’t the case for their top targeted guys on the outside. Still, LJ has proven himself over and over to be one of the best in the country at his craft, and as he continues working on the relationships he’s built in the 2024 class. On Wednesday, one target kept Ohio State in the mix after trimming his list of top schools.
2024 defensive tackle Jayden Jackson took to Twitter to share the latest news in his recruitment by narrowing it down to just five schools still left in it for his commitment. The 37th best player at his position per 247Sports, Jackson boasts a whopping 32 offers to his name, so cutting it all the way down to five shows a decision is getting closer. Keeping Texas, Miami, Oklahoma, Florida, and Ohio State still in the running, the Buckeyes have a real shot her for the IMG Academy product.
A three-star, Jackson might not have a rankings profile that jumps out like some of the other players the Buckeyes have landed in this class alone, but with the schools he has in his top five as well as programs like Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, USC, and several more extending Jackson an offer, the rankings might not do this prospect a whole lot of justice. Either way, Ohio State remains in the mix and it looks like it will stay that way for the long haul.
It was just last Friday that four-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa dropped his final top three schools. Including the Buckeyes alongside Notre Dame and USC, the St. John Bosco prep star is really getting down to decision time. The No. 104 player nationally and eighth best linebacker in the country per the 247Sports Composite, Viliamu-Asa would be a massive addition to a class that already has some stellar linebackers in the fold. Needing to reload the position room after this year, Ohio State is sticking on this recruitment until the very end hoping they’ll get the pick.
Fast forward to yesterday, the latest news for Viliamu-Asa is when his official visit to see the Buckeyes will be scheduled. Slated to be in Columbus June 23-25, the staff will have one more in-person opportunity to really show Kyngstonn why Ohio State is the best fit for him. You can guarantee James Lauriniatis will play a major role in his time spent seeing Ohio State for those few days.
Knowing the secondary and defensive line will be more of an extended time frame for who they’ll land commit wise, the Buckeyes would love nothing more than to wrap up their linebacker haul earlier in the process. Surely Jim Knowles will also do his fare share of rolling out the red carper while Viliamu-Asa is on site, but just over a month until this visit takes place, there’s still plenty of time to recruit and make sure he knows how valuable of a piece to this class he is.
A Cincinnati, Ohio native, Mahaffey took to Twitter to share his homecoming announcement, giving the Buckeyes another addition to their 2023 roster. Doing it with an Ohio guy certainly makes it that much more fun. Holtmann and crew have been putting in the work and though a few guys decided to leave, the replacements have kept Ohio State in solid position to have a bounce back year this coming season.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes look like they’re still working hard to get the defensive side of the ball rolling in this 2024 class.
Buckeyes make the cut for three-star defensive lineman
The Buckeyes currently own the second ranked class in the country in 2024, and with only 13 commits in the fold, there’s plenty of spots still up for grabs. Right now Ohio State only has two commits on defense, and that will take care of itself eventually, but the ball does need to get rolling there. There’s still another half of the class to be obtained, so the work never stops for this coaching staff on the recruiting trail.
Specifically speaking, the defensive line tends to be the position that gets a lot of its work done late in the game in terms of outcomes. Larry Johnson isn’t one to land a bunch of players early in the cycle, and while that’s not necessarily an issue, it just means he needs to win out in the end.
Last year that wasn’t the case for their top targeted guys on the outside. Still, LJ has proven himself over and over to be one of the best in the country at his craft, and as he continues working on the relationships he’s built in the 2024 class. On Wednesday, one target kept Ohio State in the mix after trimming his list of top schools.
2024 defensive tackle Jayden Jackson took to Twitter to share the latest news in his recruitment by narrowing it down to just five schools still left in it for his commitment. The 37th best player at his position per 247Sports, Jackson boasts a whopping 32 offers to his name, so cutting it all the way down to five shows a decision is getting closer. Keeping Texas, Miami, Oklahoma, Florida, and Ohio State still in the running, the Buckeyes have a real shot her for the IMG Academy product.
A three-star, Jackson might not have a rankings profile that jumps out like some of the other players the Buckeyes have landed in this class alone, but with the schools he has in his top five as well as programs like Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, Tennessee, USC, and several more extending Jackson an offer, the rankings might not do this prospect a whole lot of justice. Either way, Ohio State remains in the mix and it looks like it will stay that way for the long haul.
Bucks ready to see a top linebacker target
It was just last Friday that four-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa dropped his final top three schools. Including the Buckeyes alongside Notre Dame and USC, the St. John Bosco prep star is really getting down to decision time. The No. 104 player nationally and eighth best linebacker in the country per the 247Sports Composite, Viliamu-Asa would be a massive addition to a class that already has some stellar linebackers in the fold. Needing to reload the position room after this year, Ohio State is sticking on this recruitment until the very end hoping they’ll get the pick.
Fast forward to yesterday, the latest news for Viliamu-Asa is when his official visit to see the Buckeyes will be scheduled. Slated to be in Columbus June 23-25, the staff will have one more in-person opportunity to really show Kyngstonn why Ohio State is the best fit for him. You can guarantee James Lauriniatis will play a major role in his time spent seeing Ohio State for those few days.
Knowing the secondary and defensive line will be more of an extended time frame for who they’ll land commit wise, the Buckeyes would love nothing more than to wrap up their linebacker haul earlier in the process. Surely Jim Knowles will also do his fare share of rolling out the red carper while Viliamu-Asa is on site, but just over a month until this visit takes place, there’s still plenty of time to recruit and make sure he knows how valuable of a piece to this class he is.
Quick Hits
- Moving to the hardwood, on Wednesday the Basket-Bucks saw good news as they landed another player from the transfer portal in former Penn State small forward, Evan Mahaffey.
A Cincinnati, Ohio native, Mahaffey took to Twitter to share his homecoming announcement, giving the Buckeyes another addition to their 2023 roster. Doing it with an Ohio guy certainly makes it that much more fun. Holtmann and crew have been putting in the work and though a few guys decided to leave, the replacements have kept Ohio State in solid position to have a bounce back year this coming season.
First, I would like to thank God for this opportunity. Second, I want to thank Penn State and the amazing people that made my freshman year great! With that being said, I have decided to further my academic and athletic career at The Ohio State University! #BuckeyeNationpic.twitter.com/gVtlJBZ9Bs
— Evan Mahaffey (@EvanMahaffey5) May 3, 2023
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