Posted in College Basketball

CBB Player Updates from Thur-Sun. Aug 12-15

Not a transfer commitment, but Andrej Jakimovski decided to withdraw from the portal and return to Washington State after committing to transfer to Loyola, Maryland.

Not a whole lot of updates from the end of this week, but Colorado and Indiana both were playing in different international exhibitions, so see a few details from those games below.

(Injuries & Updates in the first section, Transfers down below.)

Injuries and Updates from Aug 12-15:

  • Colorado – played a series of exhibition games in Costa Rica – first game started Keeshawn Barthlemy, Jabari Walker, Evan Battey, Eli Parquet and Dominique Clifford. In the second game Barthelemy and Walker started again, joined by KJ Simpson, Luke O’Brien and Tristan da Silva. In the third game starting were Eli Parquet, Evan Battey, Julian Hammond, Lawson Lovering, and KJ Simpson.
  • Indiana Michael Durr, Anthony Leal and Logan Duncomb were not available to play Friday for an exhibition game in Bahamas, resting unspecified injuries – the starting five for the Friday game were Xavier Johnson, Parker Stewart, Miller Kopp, Race Thompson and Trayce Jackson-Davis. For game two on Sunday it was the same starting five, Michael Durr was again unavailable, Anthony Leal and Logan Duncomb warmed up but were again unavailable. Miller Kopp left the game limping and later had his right foot wrapped in ice, but postgame it did not seem like a big deal.
  • Tyson Jolly, Iona – SMU transfer received a waiver to be eligible this season
  • Carlos “Scooby” Johnson, Butler – is facing legal charges and is no longer listed on the team roster

Transfer Updates from Aug 12-15:

  • Eddie Creal, St Bonaventure – transfers to Lindenwood (D2) – 0.9 ppg
  • Sama’Zha Hart, Stephen F Austin – transfers to Alcorn State – 3.4 ppg, ’19-20
  • Patrick Iriel, South Carolina – transfers to Northwest Florida JC
  • Andrej Jakimovski, Washington – will withdraw from the portal and return rather than transfer to Loyola MD – 5.5 ppg
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates from Sat. Aug 14

The Core Four: four key updates from Saturday

  1. South Carolina QB Luke Doty initially was reported to have suffered a mid-foot fracture and minor ligament damage after getting his foot stepped on in practice Friday. But later it was said to be not as bad as initially thought and called a foot sprain, is not season-ending, and he is questionable for week 1. Doty had already been tabbed as QB1 going into the fall. Next in line is expected to be either Saint Francis (PA) transfer Jason Brown, who got the majority of QB1 snaps Saturday, or Colten Gauthier.
  2. Notre Dame QB Jack Coan was named the starter to begin the season. The Wisconsin transfer had a 236/339-2727-18 line for the Badgers in 2019 before a foot injury sidelined him for 2020, and then he transferred when his replacement Graham Mertz appeared entrenched as the Wisconsin starter going forward.
  3. Colorado QB JT Shrout left Saturday’s scrimmage on a cart after a non-contact knee injury. Shrout transferred from Tennessee and has been competing with Brendon Lewis to start. If Shrout were to miss time Lewis would be the expected starter.
  4. Georgia WR/TE Arik Gilbert did not scrimmage Saturday and it was revealed that he is away dealing with some personal issues and is hoped to be back soon. Obviously no way to know what is going on behind the scenes here, but it is concerning as he seemed to deal with similar issues at LSU and obviously had a tumultuous offseason.

A number of veteran players are being held out of early scrimmages, if it just appears to be a rest/precaution type situation I won’t list those, but rather will focus on the absences that may be injury (or other) related.

In QB updates, Mississippi State, Utah and Ohio all have ongoing QB competitions (more below).

In RB news, several players who dealt with major injuries last season all looked good in Saturday scrimmages, including Trey Sanders (Alabama), Deion Smith (Colorado), and Ivory Kelly-Martin (Iowa).

In WR & TE updates, Georgia’s Jermaine Burton (ankle) and Kearis Jackson (knee) did not play in the scrimmage Saturday. Dekel Crowdus‘ (Kentucky) injury earlier this week is a knee strain and he should be back in a few weeks. Joseph Ngata (Clemson) did not play in the scrimmage for undisclosed reasons.

Updates from Aug 14:

QBs:

  • Jack Coan, Notre Dame – Wisconsin transfer was officially named QB1 going into the season
  • Luke Doty, South Carolina – suffered a foot sprain on Friday, is not season-ending but is questionable for the opener, expected to rest his foot the next couple of weeks
  • Georgia Southern Justin Tomlin (ineligible first two games), Sam Kenerson, Cam Ransom and RB Amare Jones all got QB snaps in the Saturday scrimmage, expected to name opening game starter after Aug 21 scrimmage
  • Jabari Laws, Army – played in the scrimmage (ACL injury last season), Tyhier Tyler took the opening snaps
  • Brian Maurer, Tennessee – missing from practice again Saturday
  • Mississippi State – scrimmage passing stats from Will Rogers (11/20-79-1), Chance Lovertich (19/30-152-1)
  • OhioKurtis Rourke got first reps in the scrimmage, but Armani Rogers got equal reps
  • JT Shrout, Colorado – left Saturday scrimmage on a cart after his knee buckled on a non-contact play
  • Utah – QB competition is “neck and neck” between Charlie Brewer and Cam Rising
  • Jack Zergiotis, UConn – appeared to be QB1 at practice Saturday

RBs:

  • Kevin Harris, South Carolina – hopeful to return to practice this week (back), on track for season opener
  • Keaontay Ingram, USC – did not scrimmage (ankle)
  • Ivory Kelly-Martin, Iowa – played in the Saturday scrimmage (knee surgery last season, was out this spring)
  • Kenny McIntosh, Georgia – played in the Saturday scrimmage (elbow injury sidelined him in the spring)
  • Trey Sanders, Alabama – had a TD catch as well as a long run in the scrimmage (hip injury from car accident)
  • Deion Smith, Colorado – looked good in Saturday scrimmage, wearing a knee brace after missing last season with a torn ACL

WRs & TEs:

  • Jermaine Burton, Georgia – did not play in the scrimmage Saturday (sprained ankle)
  • Jimmy Calloway, Tennessee – not dressed out for practice Saturday
  • Dekel Crowdus, Kentucky – has a knee strain, expected back in a few weeks
  • TE John FitzPatrick, Georgia – dealing with a foot sprain
  • Arik Gilbert, Georgia – was not at the scrimmage Saturday, post-scrimmage report was that he is dealing with some personal issues and the team is hopeful to get him back soon
  • Kearis Jackson, Georgia – did not play in the scrimmage Saturday (knee)
  • TE Quentin Moore, Washington – did not participate in the scrimmage
  • Joseph Ngata, Clemson – was not able to scrimmage
  • Bryan Robinson, Florida State – has been unavailable this week, hopeful to return to practice soon
  • TE Jacob Warren, Tennessee – was not dressed out for practice Saturday
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Fri. Aug 13

The Core Four: four key updates from Friday

  1. Clemson WR Justyn Ross returned to practice after missing all of last season with a neck injury, and then having to wait an extra week this fall due to covid protocols. In case you need a reminder, in 2019 Ross had 66 receptions for 865 yards and 8 TDs after putting up 46/1000-9 in 2018.
  2. RB Sampson James left Indiana for the transfer portal on Wednesday and committed to Purdue on Friday. Since he transferred after the July 1 deadline for immediate eligibility he’ll need a waiver to play this season, so that is something to monitor. Assuming he gains eligibility he’d be in the RB mix along with Zander Horvath and King Doerue. Over two seasons James has 113 carries for 371 yards, a rough 3.3 average.
  3. Kansas RB Velton Gardner returned for his first practice of the fall after being out due to injury. Gardner led Kansas RBs in 2020 in both rushing attempts (72) and rushing yards (325) as he likely competes with Daniel Hishaw (52/229) for carries this season.
  4. UNLV QB Tate Martell is doing individual drills in practice but has yet to be fully cleared due to a hand injury, after already showing up quite late in the summer after transferring from Miami it feels like the time he might have to work with the team and learn the offense before the season starts is suddenly becoming short.

In QB updates, Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) returned to practice after a week and a half absence and did not appear to be nursing any sort of injury. McKenzie Milton (Florida State) had what sounded like a rest day off of practice Friday.

In RB news, Kevin Harris (South Carolina) was limited to stretching and rehab work as he recovers from a minor back procedure.

In WR & TE updates, Virginia’s Billy Kemp and Artie Henry were both in walking boots Friday night but expected to be out of them next week. The initial reports on Kentucky WR Dekel Crowdus‘ Thursday knee injury sounded promising that surgery would not be needed, and it was shared Friday that Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) did not practice Thursday just to manage his workload.

Announcing transfer destinations were RB Sampson James (Indiana to Purdue).

Updates from Aug 13:

QBs:

  • Tate Martell, UNLV – has been doing individual drills but due to a hand injury has yet to be cleared for a full practice
  • Cade McNamara, Michigan – prior to fall practice he was called QB1 and he still leads after practice has been ongoing
  • McKenzie Milton, Florida State – did not practice on Friday, a scheduled “de-load” day
  • Navy Xavier Arline, Tai Lavatai and Maasai Maynor are competing to start
  • SMU – ongoing QB competition between Tanner Mordecai, Preston Stone and Derek Green
  • Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA – returned to practice on Friday after missing more than a week, appeared to be a full participant with no sign of an injury

RBs:

  • Abdul Adams, Syracuse – limited in practice
  • Velton Gardner, Kansas – returned to practice for first time this fall (leg)
  • Kevin Harris, South Carolina – was seen stretching before practice, then went to receive rehab (back)
  • Sampson James, Indiana – transfers to Purdue two days after entering the portal
  • WisconsinJalen Berger and Clemson transfer Chez Mellusi have emerged as the top two RB options, with Isaac Guerendo third and freshman Braelon Allen also continuing to impress.

WRs & TEs:

  • TE Austin Allen, Nebraska – did not practice Wednesday due to being given “rest”
  • TE Luke Benson, Syracuse – not dressed for practice
  • TE Brett Borske, Western Michigan – dealing with a knee injury, expected back before season opener – 4/29-0
  • Chancellor Brewington, Nebraska – Northern Arizona transfer WR is now working at TE
  • Dekel Crowdus, Kentucky – reports that he will not need knee surgery after a practice injury Thursday
  • Calif Gossett, Louisiana – last week on his twitter said he was transferring to Southern University – 8/124-1
  • Artie Henry, Virginia – not practicing Friday, boot on foot, expected back next week
  • Delon Hurt, UCLA – not at practice again
  • Keegan Johnson, Iowa – may be out Saturday with a minor injury
  • Billy Kemp, Virginia – in a walking boot Friday night at practice, is expected back next week – 67/644-1
  • TE Cam McCormick, Oregon – shared that he had a full ankle reconstruction surgery last December, is back practicing this fall
  • Reggie Roberson, SMU – has been practicing in a non-contact jersey but going full-speed
  • TE Max Rosenthal, Illinois – has missed time during practice but is expected to be ready for the opener
  • Justyn Ross, Clemson – returned to practice after being fully cleared last week and then getting out of covid protocols
  • Keytaon Thompson, Virginia – says around 75% of practice time is with WRs, but is still taking QB reps
  • TE Travis Vokolek, Nebraska – dealing with an injury
  • Garrett Wilson, Ohio State – is healthy, did not practice Thursday as they were managing his workload
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Thur. Aug 12

The Starting Five: five key updates from Thursday

  1. Nevada QB Carson Strong has missed several practices after a pre-camp knee scope which was a follow-up to offseason knee surgery, the team expects him back soon, but he has now missed spring practice in addition to the recent absences (249/355-2858-27 passing last season). Nate Cox and Clay Millen have been getting QB reps in Strong’s absence.
  2. Washington State QB Jayden de Laura was active taking practice reps Thursday after being limited to an observer on Wednesday, the language Wednesday was curious, but it now sounds like he may have been getting some time off to rest his arm
  3. Tulane WR Mykel Jones is out for the season after an ACL injury from the end of 2020 did not get to a place where he could play this season, sounds like it may be career-ending. Jones was the fifth leading receiver for the Green Wave in 2020 with 11/154-1 and figured to be a top four WR this season.
  4. Virginia Tech WR Jaden Payoute has been limited by a hamstring issue in fall practice and is not game-ready. Payoute lost last season to an ankle injury that required surgery, and was hoped to be a breakout performer for the Hokies this season. It still could absolutely happen, but his progress sounds like it has been slower than hoped.
  5. Minnesota WR Chris Autman-Bell left practice after suffering an apparent right leg injury in practice after getting bent backward. Autman-Bell had 22/430-1 receiving last season, trailing only the departed Rashod Bateman.

In QB updates, Frank Harris (UTSA) missed practice but it sounded precautionary, and Tristan Gebbia (Oregon State) was back at practice after an illness. Brian Maurer‘s situation at Tennessee remains unclear as he missed practice again.

In RB news, Miami RBs Cam’Ron Harris and Don Chaney were both in non-contact jerseys on Thursday but should be ready for the start of the season. Tyrion Davis-Price (LSU) should be back to full-speed on Monday. USC RBs Keaontay Ingram and Darwin Barlow did not practice again.

In WR & TE updates, Delon Hurt (UCLA) has not been practicing this fall, a number of receivers were limited in practice including Garrett Wilson (Ohio State), Demond Demas (Texas A&M), and Travell Harris (Washington State), but in good news Mark Pope (Miami) was back at practice. TE Braden Galloway (Clemson) WR Gary Bryant (USC) and WR Joshua Moore (Texas) were notables who did not practice Thursday. Kentucky WR Dekel Crowdus suffered what may be a significant knee injury in practice.

Updates from Aug 12:

QBs:

  • Jayden de Laura, Washington State – took practice reps Thursday after some curious comments on Wednesday about him taking time to observe rather than participate, now seems like it may have been related to taking some time off for his arm, so hopefully all is back to normal here
  • Tristan Gebbia, Oregon State – returned to practice after a one day absence (illness)
  • Frank Harris, UTSA – was not at practice Thursday morning, post-practice was described as day to day and more of a precaution, Josh Adkins got first team reps
  • Tyler Lytle, UMass – missed practice Thursday due to a family matter
  • Brian Maurer, Tennessee – did not take part in the scrimmage today after missing practice Wednesday, Josh Heupel plans to connect with him on Friday
  • Kyle McCord, Ohio State – “lost his black stripe”, an Ohio State tradition which is a symbol of progress for freshman, may or may not mean anything about the QB battle
  • Notre Dame – expects to announce a starting QB the start of next week, expected to be Wisconsin transfer Jack Coan
  • Carson Strong, Nevada – held out of practice with knee issue, had offseason surgery and a scope again before fall camp to clean out scar tissue, may miss more practice but team sounds like it expects him back soon and for the opener
  • Utah State – sounds like Andrew Peasley and Logan Bonner are in competition for QB1, Bonner was not able to practice in the spring so may be playing some catchup

RBs:

  • Jouvensly Bazil, Washington State – limited in practice Thursday
  • Tyrion Davis-Price, LSU – expected to be back to full-speed on Monday (calf)
  • Mike Epstein, Illinois – is on a “maintenance plan” in fall practice, working his way back, did play in scrimmage earlier this week
  • MiamiCam’Ron Harris newly in a non-contact jersey in practice, Don Chaney still non-contact, Jaylan Knighton got first-team snaps, post practice it was shared that Harris and Chaney are expected to be ready for the season-opener
  • Dylan Paine, Washington State – limited in practice Thursday
  • USCDarwin Barlow (hamstring) and Keaontay Ingram (ankle) missed practice again

WRs & TEs:

  • Kevin Austin, Notre Dame – one reporter said he stood out in practice Thursday, which is a good sign as he returns from a foot injury which limited him to one game last season and Notre Dame seeks some lead receivers to emerge
  • Chris Autman-Bell, Minnesota – left practice with an apparent leg injury after getting bent backward on a tackle
  • Caleb Chapman, Texas A&M – full practice participant in non-contact jersey
  • Chase Cota, UCLA – after previously being limited in practice returned to running routes on Wednesday
  • Dekel Crowdus, Kentucky – reported to have suffered a knee injury in practice
  • TE Baylor Cupp, Texas A&M – limited to sideline work in practice
  • Demond Demas, Texas A&M – still limited to sideline work in practice
  • Kelvontay Dixon, Texas – did not practice Thursday (ankle), day to day – 3/76-1
  • TE Levi Draper, Arkansas – LB who recently moved to TE will medically redshirt (shoulder)
  • TE Braden Galloway, Clemson – not dressed for practice Thursday
  • Travell Harris, Washington State – is working through an injury, limited in practice
  • TE Davis Heinzen, Central Michigan – moves positions to offensive tackle
  • Delon Hurt, UCLA – not seen at practice, Thursday, another report said he has not practiced yet this fall – 8/122-1
  • Mykel Jones, Tulane – out for the season, and potentially career, due to an ACL injury – 11/154-1, began career at Oklahoma
  • TE Brayden Liebrock, Texas – did not practice Thursday (shoulder), day to day – 2/11-0
  • Logan Loya, UCLA – limited to sideline work in practice – 1/5-0
  • Joshua Moore, Texas – missed practice again, remains day to day (shoulder)
  • Jaden Payoute, Virginia Tech – has been slowed/limited with a hamstring injury, is not game-ready yet
  • Mark Pope, Miami – back at practice after missing on Tuesday
  • Devin Price, Texas A&M – limited to sideline work in practice
  • Devonte Ross, Kentucky – is not currently with the team, hopeful to join by the start of the season (from last week)
  • Bradley Schlom, UCLA – limited to sideline work in practice
  • USCGary Bryant (hamstring) was out again, TE Malcolm Epps did not practice after dealing with turf toe last practice, TE Josh Falo did not practice, Kyron Ware-Hudson did not pratice
  • Lincoln Victor, Washington State – Hawaii transfer was not active in practice Thursday, undisclosed
  • Garrett Wilson, Ohio State – working out on side field with injured players on Thursday, was moving around and working out so did not seem significant to one reporter
  • Colson Yankoff, UCLA – not seen at practice Thursday
Posted in College Basketball

CBB Player Updates from Mon-Wed. Aug 9-11

There were not any notable new names in the transfer portal, but amongst the more interesting transfer destinations announced were Isaac Kante (Hofstra to Long Island University), Darius Beane (Northern Illinois to Cal State Northridge), and Chris Herren Jr went from last playing basketball at San Diego to being on the Alabama football roster.

(Injuries & Updates in the first section, Transfers down below.)

Injuries and Updates from Aug 9-11:

  • Quincy Allen, Colorado – freshman is not expected to play in exhibition games in Costa Rica as he deals with a hip issue
  • Earl Timberlake, Memphis – Miami transfer has been fully cleared (ankle, shoulder)
  • Dimencio Vaughn, Rider – immediately eligible after transfer from Ole Miss, began career at Rider

Transfer Updates from Aug 9-11:

  • Darius Beane, Northern Illinois – transfers to Cal State Northridge – 9.7 ppg
  • Chris Herren Jr, San Diego – former Boston College/San Diego player is now listed on the Alabama football roster as a WR
  • Isaac Kante, Hofstra – transfers to Long Island University – 12.9 ppg, began career at Georgia
  • Goodnews Kpegeol, Valparaiso – transfers to Gulf Coast State JC – 4.6 ppg
  • Emeka Obukwelu, Arkansas – Arkansas walk-on transfers to Northeastern State
  • LaTrell Tate, Alabama State – transfers to West Florida – 9.3 ppg
  • Derrius Ward, LaSalle – transfers to Harcum JC
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Wed. Aug 11

The Starting Five: five key updates from Wednesday

  1. Indiana RB Sampson James entered the transfer portal after rushing for 32/96-0 last season. After fairly mediocre numbers last year James may have fallen behind Tim Baldwin (22/141-0) as well as USC transfer Stephen Carr on the depth chart. James has also entered the transfer previously before returning to Indiana.
  2. UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson was not at practice again on Wednesday, but on social media he posted “back at it Friday”, while the official word on DTR has been that he has been unavailable, at one press conference the word protocol was used, leading to speculation it has been covid-related
  3. Washington State QB Jayden de Laura did not throw in practice today and Nick Rolovich said post-practice that de Laura would take a few days to observe rather than be active. It is unclear sounds if this might be disciplinary in nature, and de Laura tweeted a somewhat defiant tweet seemingly in response (tweet content below in QB section).
  4. Michigan State WR Ricky White is on the fall roster but is not practicing, with no reason given. White was the third leading receiver in yardage for Michigan State last season, pulling in 10/223-1 for an impressive 22.3 average.
  5. USC WR Jake Smith last week was said to not be practicing as he needed to have a foot injury evaluated further and may need surgery, then on Wednesday it sounds like he has received a second opinion on his foot and it was confirmed that he will miss the season. The recent Texas transfer had 23/294-3 receiving last season for the Longhorns.

In QB updates, Brian Maurer (Tennessee) was not at practice Wednesday, which fueled speculation as he has fallen to fourth on the depth chart behind Joe Milton, Hendon Hooker and Harrison Bailey.

In RB news, for Georgia Tech’s Jamious Griffin (47/229-2) said he is past the ankle issues from last season and teammate Dontae Smith (43/296-3) said he is fully healed from a spring injury. USC’s Keaontay Ingram (ankle) and Darwin Barlow (hamstring) both missed practice on Wednesday and were described as day to day.

In WR & TE updates, Xavier Williams (Alabama) will not play this season for unspecified medical reasons, and Marcel Brooks (TCU) has moved from LB to WR and is contending to start.

Notables entering the transfer portal were RB Sampson James (Indiana).

Updates from Aug 11:

QBs:

  • Brendon Clark, Notre Dame – was still limited (knee) as fall practice started, a few weeks away from being cleared
  • Jayden de Laura, Washington State – did not throw in 11 on 11 Wednesday, will take a few days to observe rather than participate, which sounds curious, on social media he stated “when you know your worth, nothing anyone else says or does really matters”
  • Tristan Gebbia, Oregon State – did not practice Wednesday (illness)
  • Jayden George, Alabama – Alabama walk-on transfers to Bowling Green as a walk-on
  • Georgia Southern – with Justin Tomlin ineligible the first two games, Sam Kenerson, Cam Ransom and surprisingly Tulane transfer RB Amare Jones are in the mix to start the first game at QB
  • Brian Maurer, Tennessee – was not at practice Wednesday after dropping to fourth string, apparently he had some social media posts Tuesday night which made him sound discouraged
  • Sam Noyer, Oregon State – Colorado transfer is active in fall practice (shoulder), competing to start with Tristan Gebbia
  • Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA – remains out of practice but shared on his social media that he expects to return Friday, QB Parker McQuarrie returned

RBs:

  • Darwin Barlow, USC – missed practice, is day to day (hamstring), left practice with apparent injury on Tuesday
  • Trey Benson, Oregon – says he is 95% back after having knee injury
  • Joshua Carter, South Alabama – out for the season after a spring knee injury
  • Teon Dollard, Akron – end of July report stated he pleaded guilty to a weapons charge and is on probation, he was still suspended at that time and was working through the situation
  • Jamious Griffin, Georgia Tech – is past the ankle injuries that impacted him last season
  • Connor Heyward, Michigan State – working with the tight ends on Wednesday – 65/200-0 rushing last season, 18/71-2 receiving
  • Keaontay Ingram, USC – missed practice, described as day to day (ankle), left practice with apparent ankle injury, post-practice on Tuesday he said he was able to walk off
  • Sampson James, Indiana – enters transfer portal – 32/96-0
  • Dontae Smith, Georgia Tech – fully healed from a spring injury
  • Ky Thomas, Minnesota – healthy and practicing this fall (arm)

WRs & TEs:

  • Shadrach Banks, TCU – Texas A&M transfer has converted to LB
  • Marcel Brooks, TCU – former LB is contending to be a starting WR this season, began his career at LSU
  • Khafre Brown, UNC – practicing this fall after missing time in the spring (lower body)
  • Gary Bryant, USC – missed practice, is day to day (hamstring)
  • TE Maliq Carr, Michigan State – practicing after being in a walking boot last week
  • Chase Cota, UCLA – has been limited to sideline work so far in practice
  • TE Malcolm Epps, USC – dealing with turf toe during practice Wednesday
  • CJ Hayes, Michigan State – pictured active in fall practice after having surgery last October
  • Joshua Moore, Texas – did not practice Wednesday, day to day (shoulder)
  • Nebraska – TEs Austin Allen and Brian Vokolek not seen at practice Wednesday
  • Dalvin Smith, Western Kentucky – suffered a minor injury in camp, is week to week, suffered a broken leg last October
  • Jake Smith, USC – confirmed that he will need to have surgery on his foot and will miss the season – 23/294-3
  • Chabastin Taylor, Kansas State – began practice Tuesday after recently being cleared
  • Ricky White, Michigan State – on the fall roster but is not practicing – 10/223-1
  • Xavier Williams, Alabama – “is not medically going to play this year”
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Tues. Aug 10

The Core Four: four key updates from Tuesday

  1. NC State WR Emeka Emezie is a week or so away from returning to practice but is hopeful to be ready to go for the season opener. He also missed spring practice after leading the team in receptions and yards in 2020 going for 47/738-5.
  2. Georgia Southern RB JD King is practicing this fall after a torn ACL last season. In 7 games last season King rushed for 116/625-5. With RB Wesley Kennedy out of the picture after encountering legal issues, King figures to be the lead back in this usual rush-heavy offense along with Logan Wright (99/602-4).
  3. Kansas State WR Chabastin Taylor returned to practice and has been cleared to go full-speed, but it may take a while for him to build toward that. Taylor led the KSU WR’s in yardage last season with 293 on 19 catches, with RB Deuce Vaughn the team’s overall leading receiver in 2020 (25/434).
  4. WR Mark Pope of Miami was not at practice on Tuesday after being seen limping off the field on Saturday with an apparent right foot injury. Pope was third on the team last season in both receptions/yards pulling in 33/403-2.

In RB news, LSU saw John Emery shed his no-contact jersey in practice while teammate Ty Davis-Price will miss a few days of practice with a minor calf injury.

In WR & TE updates, a report out of Houston said everyone was full-go for fall-practice other than a few listed players, which means that Texas Tech transfer WR KeSean Carter should be good to go after a broken collarbone last season. TE Casey Kelly (Ole Miss) and WR Isaiah Neyor (Wyoming) were both limited in practice on Tuesday, with Kelly hopeful to return toward the end of fall camp.

Notables entering the transfer portal were QB Boone Abbott (Hawaii), & QB Will Kuehne (North Texas).

Announcing transfer destinations were Devaughn Cooper (UTEP to Syracuse).

Updates from Aug 10:

QBs:

  • Boone Abbott, Hawaii – enters transfer portal – 1/2-0 rushing last season
  • Will Kuehne, North Texas – enters transfer portal

RBs:

  • Israel Abanikanda, Pitt – came to Pitt at 190 lbs, is now at 220 lbs, vying to be RB1 this season
  • Peny Boone, Maryland – pictured in fall practice after missing time in the spring (shoulder)
  • Jermaine Brown, UAB – is also spending time working with the receivers in fall practice
  • Don Chaney Jr, Miami – practicing in a non-contact jersey (shoulder), but active in practice
  • Loyal Crawford, Wisconsin – out of practice on Tuesday (head)
  • Tyrion Davis-Price, LSU – out for a few days of camp with a minor calf injury
  • Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss – has also been getting reps as a slot receiver – 15/155-1 receiving last season
  • John Emery, LSU – full-go at practice Tuesday, no non-contact jersey
  • James Fullbright, Houston – out for the season (knee) – 4/38-1
  • Keaontay Ingram, USC – appeared to hurt his right leg/ankle in practice but post-practice said he walked it off and was fine
  • JD King, Georgia Southern – returned to fall practice (torn ACL last November)
  • Trevon Raymore, Bowling Green – a late July report said he may not be ready to start the season (ACL)

WRs & TEs:

  • KeSean Carter, Houston – Texas Tech transfer is healthy for fall practice (collarbone)
  • Devaughn Cooper, UTEP – transfers to Syracuse as a walk-on – 10/136-1, began career at Arizona
  • Dontario Drummond, Ole Miss – also getting a few practice reps as an H-back
  • Emeka Emezie, NC State – is a week or so away from a return to practice, is hopeful for week 1
  • TE Jack Eschenbach, Wisconsin – was limited on Tuesday (arm) – 2/27-0
  • Brandon Gray, Washington State – active in fall practice after being out some last season and this spring
  • TE Casey Kelly, Ole Miss – limited sideline work on Tuesday, hopeful to return from injury toward the end of camp – 8/115-1
  • Mark Pope, Miami – not spotted at practice on Tuesday, one report was that he limped off the practice field on Saturday with a possible right foot injury
  • Wade Sheets, Ohio – limited work in practice
  • Chabastin Taylor, Kansas State – has been cleared to practice full-speed, will be a process as returns from ACL injury
  • Khiyon Wafer, Houston – healthy for fall practice (shoulder)
  • WyomingIsaiah Neyor and Alex Brown both suffered ankle sprains, limited to running and rehab work in practice
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Mon. Aug 9

The Core Four: four key updates from Monday

  1. RB Shamari Brooks (Tulsa) is back practicing this fall after missing last season with an ACL injury. Brooks rushed for 1046 yards in 2019 and 967 yards in 2018.
  2. While RB Kevin Harris (South Carolina) is not practicing yet after a minor back procedure, he fully expects to be ready for the season opener. Harris rushed for 1138-15 last season and is the leading returning rusher in the SEC.
  3. TE Jahleel Billingsley (Alabama) was at practice Monday after missing the opening practices of the fall for apparent disciplinary reasons He caught 18/287-3 last year and is Alabama’s second leading returning receiver by yardage.
  4. WR John Rhys Plumlee (Ole Miss) has made the transition to WR and has been getting some first team reps in practice. Plumlee had 6/79-0 receiving last season, but 5/73 of that was in the bowl game, so he is one to watch.

Notables entering the transfer portal were RB Terrell Brown (Houston).

Updates from Aug 9:

QBs:

  • Jack Abraham, Miss. State – continues to not practice
  • Central Michigan – battle described as “fierce” between Daniel Richardson and Jacob Sirmon
  • Florida AtlanticNick Tronti and Mike Johnson running reps mixed between the first and second team, N’Kosi Perry and Willie Taggart running the remainder

RBs:

  • Trey Blair, Temple – moved from Safety to RB after spring practice
  • Shamari Brooks, Tulsa – back at practice and near 100% after missing last season, limited as a precaution (ACL)
  • Terrell Brown, Houston – enters the transfer portal – 4/12-0
  • Steele Chambers, Ohio State – is now practicing full-time at LB – 9/86-0
  • Michel Dukes, Clemson – has not been in fall camp so far – 8/55-0
  • Kevin Harris, South Carolina – still waiting for full clearance to practice (back), expects to be ready for the first game of the season
  • Bryan Lumsden, Utah State – transfers to South Dakota Mines (D2)
  • Demario McCall, Ohio State – moved to CB, 90/565-6 from 2016-20
  • Charles McClelland, Cincinnati – expected to be full go for fall for season opener (ACL)
  • Jaylen Thomas, Colorado State – full-go this fall after lower body injury last season

WRs & TEs:

  • TE Jahleel Billingsley, Alabama – returns to practice after missing practices for what sounded like disciplinary reasons
  • Leo Blackburn, Georgia Tech – out for the season with a torn ACL
  • TE Cameron Butler, Colorado State – full-go this fall after missing last season
  • Chris Herren Jr, Alabama – former Boston College & San Diego basketball player has apparently transferred to Alabama to play WR
  • Calvin Jackson, Washington State – transitioning from outside receiver to slot
  • John Rhys Plumlee, Ole Miss – seeing some first team practice reps at WR, is a WR full-time now
  • Demetris Robertson, Auburn – Georgia transfer has arrived on campus after a short delay causing him to miss the start of fall practice
  • TE Brady Russell, Colorado – described as completely healthy going into the fall (lower leg)
  • Khalil Shakir, Boise State – active in fall practice after offseason surgery for a foot fracture
  • Chad Terrell, South Carolina – 100% healthy and practicing (ACL)
Posted in College Football

CFB Player Updates – Sat-Sun. Aug 7-8

A number of teams began their fall practice Saturday, with many more continuing practice that began last week.

In the biggest QB updates, Joey Gatewood (Kentucky) and Jack Coan (Notre Dame) were taking first team reps as practice started, Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) remained unavailable, and Chubba Purdy (Florida State) is 100% going into the fall.

In RB news, Tyjae Spears (Tulane) began practice no-contact but is expected to be full-go by the middle of this week, and Maurice Burkley (Louisville) is back this fall after hip surgery.

In WR & TE updates, Chabastin Taylor (Kansas State) did not practice Saturday as he appears to still be returning from an ACL injury, Kevin Austin (Notre Dame) is back at practice after a foot injury last season, TE Jahleel Billingsley (Alabama) has not practiced for what sounds like disciplinary reasons, and Demond Demas (Texas A&M) is dealing with a foot sprain, while TAMU teammate Caleb Chapman started fall practice in a no-contact jersey.

Announcing transfer destinations were RB/WR Kyron Cumby (Illinois to Texas Tech).

Updates from Aug 7-8:

QBs:

  • Jack Abraham, Miss. State – was not at practice Saturday after being limited Friday
  • Jack Coan, Notre Dame – took starting reps in practice Saturday, ND is expected to name a starter after their first scrimmage
  • Miles Foerster, UConn – walk-on will enter the transfer portal
  • Joey Gatewood, Kentucky – was taking first team reps on Saturday
  • Ron Powlus III, Notre Dame – held out of practice Saturday
  • Chubba Purdy, Florida State – is 100% and back for fall practice (collarbone)
  • Jack Sears, Boise State – was limited in practice Sunday because of a minor strain from practice Saturday, expected to be fine after off-day Monday
  • Eli Stowers, Texas A&M – freshman QB is moving to TE, at least in the short term
  • Dorian Thompson-Robinson, UCLA – unavailable for practice again Saturday, along with Parker McQuarrie
  • Jack Zergiotis, UConn – was working with the first team offense Saturday

RBs:

  • Dylan Betts-Pauley, Vanderbilt – no contact jersey in practice
  • Maurice Burkley, Louisville – full participant in practice after hip injury last season
  • Noah Cain, Penn State – active in fall practice
  • Kyron Cumby, Illinois – RB/WR transfers to Texas Tech as a walk-on, will play RB
  • Ty Davis-Price, LSU – missed practice on Sunday to take a final
  • Jevyon Ducker, Northern Illinois – practicing after missing last season
  • John Emery, LSU – was not at the viewing portion of practice Saturday due to taking a final (was at practice Friday)
  • Keegan Jones, UCLA – back at practice Saturday after missing earlier in the week
  • Tyjae Spears, Tulane – practiced no-contact on Friday as a precaution, should be full-go by next week (ACL)
  • Harrison Waylee, Northern Illinois – taking first team snaps, Erin Collins appears to be RB2

WRs & TEs:

  • Kevin Austin, Notre Dame – active in practice, getting back in football shape (foot)
  • TE Jahleel Billinglsey, Alabama – sounds like he is not practicing due to dealing with a disciplinary issue, “hopefully he’ll be back out there with us in a few days”
  • Caleb Chapman, Texas A&M – wearing a no-contact jersey to begin fall practice after injury last season
  • Demond Demas, Texas A&M – clarified that he has been limited in practice due to a sprained foot suffered this summer
  • Kyle Ford, USC – back at practice this fall (ACL)
  • Greg Mailey, Notre Dame – held out of practice Saturday
  • Jeremiah Payton, Miami – reports came out Friday he was not on the roster as it sounds like he is dealing with things, he tweeted “I was never quitting, I’ll be back”
  • Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington – Texas Tech transfer is active in practice (missed the spring game)
  • Brannon Spector, Clemson – not expected to participate in preseason camp, not fully cleared from covid protocols
  • TE Blake Smith, Texas A&M – not dressed to begin fall practice, was working on the side
  • Chabastin Taylor, Kansas State – was not at practice on Saturday (ACL), in mid-July it was shared he was expected to be full-speed in August
  • TE Jack Westover, Washington – back for fall practice (missed the spring game)
  • TE Jordan Wilson, Florida State – back for fall practice after missing last season (Achilles)
  • TE Bryce Witham, Minnesota – has decided to not come back for a seventh season – 3/30-0
Posted in College Basketball

CBB Player Updates from Wed-Sun. Aug 4-8

No new notable names into the transfer portal, but announcing transfer destinations were Jalen Johnson (Miss. State to Texas A&M), Marco Morency (Louisiana-Monroe to Alcorn State), LaDavius Draine (Southern Miss to Tulsa), Onyi Eyisi (Fordham to Cal State Northridge), & Miles James (East Carolina to Cal State Northridge).

(Injuries & Updates in the first section, Transfers down below.)

Injuries and Updates from Aug 4-8:

  • Silvio De Sousa, Chattanooga – Kansas transfer was not guilty on an aggravated battery charge as well as lesser charges
  • Brevin Galloway, Boston College – Charleston transfer is fully cleared (knee)

Transfer Updates from Aug 4-8:

  • Wayne Arnold, Cal State Fullerton – transfers to Concordia Irvine (D2) – 11.0 ppg
  • LaDavius Draine, Southern Miss – transfers to Tulsa – 8.5 ppg
  • Onyi Eyisi, Fordham – transfers to Cal State Northridge – 3.2 ppg
  • Alec Hickman, Fresno State – transfers to Alabama A&M – 3.0 ppg
  • Miles James, East Carolina – transfers to Cal State Northridge – 0.9 ppg
  • Jalen Johnson, Miss State – transfers to Texas A&M – 5.2 ppg, previously played at Saint Louis & Louisiana
  • Will Johnson, Oregon – walk-on from Oregon transfers to Humboldt State
  • Marco Morency, Louisiana-Monroe – transfers to Alcorn State – 8.4 ppg