According to nepatriotsdraft.com the following teams have signed former Huskies to contracts as undrafted free agents.
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB Tyler Lorenzen
DE Julius Williams
Chicago Bears
S Dahana Deletson
Carolina Panthers
OL Keith Grey
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Beatty and Brown
Offensive tackle Will Beatty has been drafted with the 60th overall pick by the New York Giants, and former defensive end Cody Brown was Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the 63rd overall pick. Brown will likely make the switch to outside linebacker.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Butler to Patriots
Darius Butler has been drafted with the 41st overall pick by the New England Patriots.
Donald Brown to Colts
And the question as to who would be UConn's first first ever first round pick is Donald Brown. The Indianapolis Colts pulled the trigger on the nations leading rusher. This appears to be a very good fit for both Brown and the Colts. The Colts value leadership, intelligence, and all-around skill sets. Those are all traits the Brown brings to the table. Brown can run inside, outside, catch the ball out of the backfield, and most importantly block in pass protection. Brown will be able to take advantage not having to carry the entire load, and will become a better player as he learns from Manning.
Congratulations to Michael Oher
Michael Oher, an offensive tackle from Mississippi, has just been selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the the 23rd pick in the draft. For those of you that don't know Oher's story, it is amazing that he is still alive, never mind about to make millions playing in the NFL. Oher never knew his father, and his mother was a drug addict. He repeated both the first and second grades on his way to attending 11 different schools in his first 9 years in school. He would eventually be taken in by the Tuohy family, who would end up adopting him. The Tuohy family helped Oher raise his grades, and he started playing football. By the end of high school his grades were good enough to go to college, and he was the top offensive line prospect in the country. The story of Oher's life was the subject of The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, a book written by Michael Lewis in 2006 that is set to be made into a movie.
Draft Grades - First 10 Picks
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia - A
Really the Lions could have picked anyone and it would have helped their team. Stafford should be able to become a steady starter in this league. Overall a very good selection.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - A
Smith wasn't my top rated tackle but might be a better fit for this team. Either way they went the right direction with helping Marc Bulger.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - B-
The Chiefs reached here. If they had been able to trade down to one of the teams that wanted Sanchez they still would have been able to get him. However he does fit the defense and fills a need.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - A+
Anytime you can get the best player in the draft its a good move. Curry will step in as a starter right away.
5. New York Jets: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - A+
So the Jets ended up being the team to pull the trigger a move up for Mark Sanchez. What is amazing is that they didn't really give up that much to get him.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - A-
Smith will be a solid player for the Bengals, however Monroe was still on the board and is not only a better player but a better fit in the Bengals pass happy offense.
7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - D
Darrius Heyward-Bey can be a very good player. However this pick is an example of why the Raiders are a poorly run team. If you decide that you want Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree or Maclin that fine, but drafting him with the 7th pick is not a good decision. the Raiders could have easily moved down five or six spots and still gotten him, for less money and with more picks in hand.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - A-
The Jags should have gone receiver here especially with Crabtree still on the board. That being said Monroe will be a very good player that will be able to help them right away.
9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - B+
Raji is a very good player but not at a position of desperate need for the Packers.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech- A+
When you get a chance to acquire a player of this caliber at this point in the draft you can't pass up.
Really the Lions could have picked anyone and it would have helped their team. Stafford should be able to become a steady starter in this league. Overall a very good selection.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - A
Smith wasn't my top rated tackle but might be a better fit for this team. Either way they went the right direction with helping Marc Bulger.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - B-
The Chiefs reached here. If they had been able to trade down to one of the teams that wanted Sanchez they still would have been able to get him. However he does fit the defense and fills a need.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - A+
Anytime you can get the best player in the draft its a good move. Curry will step in as a starter right away.
5. New York Jets: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - A+
So the Jets ended up being the team to pull the trigger a move up for Mark Sanchez. What is amazing is that they didn't really give up that much to get him.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - A-
Smith will be a solid player for the Bengals, however Monroe was still on the board and is not only a better player but a better fit in the Bengals pass happy offense.
7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - D
Darrius Heyward-Bey can be a very good player. However this pick is an example of why the Raiders are a poorly run team. If you decide that you want Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree or Maclin that fine, but drafting him with the 7th pick is not a good decision. the Raiders could have easily moved down five or six spots and still gotten him, for less money and with more picks in hand.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - A-
The Jags should have gone receiver here especially with Crabtree still on the board. That being said Monroe will be a very good player that will be able to help them right away.
9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College - B+
Raji is a very good player but not at a position of desperate need for the Packers.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech- A+
When you get a chance to acquire a player of this caliber at this point in the draft you can't pass up.
Round 1 Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Really the Lions could have picked anyone and it would have helped their team. But when it was leaked last night that they had agreed to a deal with Stafford, nobody was surprised.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
While it appears the Rams want to trade down that doesn't appear likely to happen. Assuming they keep their pick they will likely daft a top offensive tackle. This was a serious need last year and a year later they have released Orlando Pace making this an even more important need. Indications are that they are leaning toward Jason Smith.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
This pick is the wild card. The Chiefs can go a few different ways here, and have expressed a lot of interest in trading down. In the end if they stay here they will likely reach for Tyson Jackson here because he looks like the best fit in their new defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Seattle's pick will depend a lot on what the Chiefs do. There is a lot of speculation surrounding the possibility of them selecting Mark Sanchez as a successor to Matt Hasselbeck. However I don't think that they will go in this direction. If the Seahawks think they can compete again soon then they need to pick a player that can have an impact sooner rather than later. Monroe can be slotted into the line somewhere and will eventually replace the aging Walter Jones.
5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
With Mangini in charge the focal point of the team will be defense. That being said Curry is the best player in the draft and I think it would be very hard for the browns to pass up on him. If they do manage to trade Braylon Edwards they would have to think long and hard about drafting Michael Crabtree.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith might just be the top tackle in the draft and this is a position of need for the Bengals
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Raiders need a top receiver to help out JaMarcus Russell. Maclin will be the pick because of Owner Al Davis' obsession with speed.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
This is a position where Jacksonville desperately needs a difference maker. While they will likely try to trade out of this pick, especially if Sanchez is still on the board, if Crabtree falls to them it will be very hard not to take him.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Packers are looking to address their defense and like to pick the best player available. Orakpo is just that and would be a good fit in their new defensive scheme.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
In all likelihood a team will trade up to select Sanchez before this, but assuming that doesn't happen I don't see Sanchez slipping past the 49ers.
11. Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Bills need help at offensive tackle but with the top options gone they will likely go to address their defense. Ayers is a fast pass rusher, which the Bills are currently lacking.
12. Denver Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Broncos are installing a 3-4 defense and have no options for nose tackle at this spot. After dominating at the Senior Bowl look for the Broncos to jump on Raji to fill this need.
13. Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
They want to trade up for Sanchez but if they can't they will likely address their biggest need, a difference maker at defensive end.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have one of the worst secondaries in football. While it is not certain whether Jenkins is a better fit at corner or safety long term, either will help the Saints
15. Houston Texans: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Texas need help on the outside, and while Cushing is the better prospect, Matthews uncle is a coach on the team and the Texas may decide to take him instead.
16. San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
LT is getting old and having problems with injuries. Darren Sproles won't be able to serve as the long term starter and Wells would be a very good complement to him.
17. New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Jets need both a QB and a good receiver. Freeman is an option here but I think the Jets will try to trade for someone like Jason Campbell instead. Heyward-Bey could become the best receiver in this draft.
18. Denver Broncos: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Denver needs help just about everywhere on defense. Having already picked Raji, and with Jenkins off the board they will likely go with the best linebacker left.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
New head coach Raheem Morris used to coach Freeman at Kansas State and the Buccaneers need a quarterback.
20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
The Lions want to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. The could go either way here, however I see them going with Jerry because they should be able to get a good offensive tackle with the first pick in the second round, and depth on the defensive side isn't that good.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
After solidifying their offensive line the Eagles need help at running back. Moreno would be a good fit with this team, and be able to contribute immediately.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
The Vikings will either go wide receiver or offensive tackle here. Oher is the best player left on the board at either position and will be able to step in from day one as a starter
23. New England Patriots: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
The Patriots don't have many holes, however they could use some help at corner. Butler is a fast player who could excel in the Patriot's defense.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Last year it was reported by many that the Falcons were thinking about taking Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan. A year later the Falcons still have a hole here and Hood is the best remaining option.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, ILB, Virginia
While they likely need a wide receiver more this team is run by Bill Parcells. Therefore expect them to select the best linebacker available.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Ravens need a young offensive tackle to be able to come in and start right away. Given their physical style Britton is the best fit.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Colts would love for a top tackle to fall to them and would have to think hard if a top linebacker does. With that not likely to happen the Colts will look for a receiver to replace Marvin Harrison, and Nicks appears to be the best fit in this team.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The bill should probably go offensive tackle here but if Pettigrew is still on the board they probably can't pass him up.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
The Giants will be looking for a receiver that can help Eli Manning. Britt has the potential to be a similar player to Plaxico Burress
30. Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The Titans don't have many holes but could use a play-making receiver. They might be scared away by his positive test for marijuana.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The Cardinals need a running back more than anyone else in the draft. With Edgeran James on his way out, and the struggles of Tim Hightower last year, brown could make an immediate impact.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville
The Steelers like to select the best player available, and Wood is one of the top left. Wood could start at guard or tackle for the Steelers and has the physical style of play the team likes.
Really the Lions could have picked anyone and it would have helped their team. But when it was leaked last night that they had agreed to a deal with Stafford, nobody was surprised.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
While it appears the Rams want to trade down that doesn't appear likely to happen. Assuming they keep their pick they will likely daft a top offensive tackle. This was a serious need last year and a year later they have released Orlando Pace making this an even more important need. Indications are that they are leaning toward Jason Smith.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
This pick is the wild card. The Chiefs can go a few different ways here, and have expressed a lot of interest in trading down. In the end if they stay here they will likely reach for Tyson Jackson here because he looks like the best fit in their new defense.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Seattle's pick will depend a lot on what the Chiefs do. There is a lot of speculation surrounding the possibility of them selecting Mark Sanchez as a successor to Matt Hasselbeck. However I don't think that they will go in this direction. If the Seahawks think they can compete again soon then they need to pick a player that can have an impact sooner rather than later. Monroe can be slotted into the line somewhere and will eventually replace the aging Walter Jones.
5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
With Mangini in charge the focal point of the team will be defense. That being said Curry is the best player in the draft and I think it would be very hard for the browns to pass up on him. If they do manage to trade Braylon Edwards they would have to think long and hard about drafting Michael Crabtree.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith might just be the top tackle in the draft and this is a position of need for the Bengals
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Raiders need a top receiver to help out JaMarcus Russell. Maclin will be the pick because of Owner Al Davis' obsession with speed.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
This is a position where Jacksonville desperately needs a difference maker. While they will likely try to trade out of this pick, especially if Sanchez is still on the board, if Crabtree falls to them it will be very hard not to take him.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Packers are looking to address their defense and like to pick the best player available. Orakpo is just that and would be a good fit in their new defensive scheme.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
In all likelihood a team will trade up to select Sanchez before this, but assuming that doesn't happen I don't see Sanchez slipping past the 49ers.
11. Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Bills need help at offensive tackle but with the top options gone they will likely go to address their defense. Ayers is a fast pass rusher, which the Bills are currently lacking.
12. Denver Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Broncos are installing a 3-4 defense and have no options for nose tackle at this spot. After dominating at the Senior Bowl look for the Broncos to jump on Raji to fill this need.
13. Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
They want to trade up for Sanchez but if they can't they will likely address their biggest need, a difference maker at defensive end.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have one of the worst secondaries in football. While it is not certain whether Jenkins is a better fit at corner or safety long term, either will help the Saints
15. Houston Texans: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Texas need help on the outside, and while Cushing is the better prospect, Matthews uncle is a coach on the team and the Texas may decide to take him instead.
16. San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
LT is getting old and having problems with injuries. Darren Sproles won't be able to serve as the long term starter and Wells would be a very good complement to him.
17. New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Jets need both a QB and a good receiver. Freeman is an option here but I think the Jets will try to trade for someone like Jason Campbell instead. Heyward-Bey could become the best receiver in this draft.
18. Denver Broncos: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Denver needs help just about everywhere on defense. Having already picked Raji, and with Jenkins off the board they will likely go with the best linebacker left.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
New head coach Raheem Morris used to coach Freeman at Kansas State and the Buccaneers need a quarterback.
20. Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
The Lions want to solidify their offensive and defensive lines. The could go either way here, however I see them going with Jerry because they should be able to get a good offensive tackle with the first pick in the second round, and depth on the defensive side isn't that good.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
After solidifying their offensive line the Eagles need help at running back. Moreno would be a good fit with this team, and be able to contribute immediately.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
The Vikings will either go wide receiver or offensive tackle here. Oher is the best player left on the board at either position and will be able to step in from day one as a starter
23. New England Patriots: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
The Patriots don't have many holes, however they could use some help at corner. Butler is a fast player who could excel in the Patriot's defense.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Last year it was reported by many that the Falcons were thinking about taking Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan. A year later the Falcons still have a hole here and Hood is the best remaining option.
25. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, ILB, Virginia
While they likely need a wide receiver more this team is run by Bill Parcells. Therefore expect them to select the best linebacker available.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Ravens need a young offensive tackle to be able to come in and start right away. Given their physical style Britton is the best fit.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Colts would love for a top tackle to fall to them and would have to think hard if a top linebacker does. With that not likely to happen the Colts will look for a receiver to replace Marvin Harrison, and Nicks appears to be the best fit in this team.
28. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The bill should probably go offensive tackle here but if Pettigrew is still on the board they probably can't pass him up.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
The Giants will be looking for a receiver that can help Eli Manning. Britt has the potential to be a similar player to Plaxico Burress
30. Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The Titans don't have many holes but could use a play-making receiver. They might be scared away by his positive test for marijuana.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The Cardinals need a running back more than anyone else in the draft. With Edgeran James on his way out, and the struggles of Tim Hightower last year, brown could make an immediate impact.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville
The Steelers like to select the best player available, and Wood is one of the top left. Wood could start at guard or tackle for the Steelers and has the physical style of play the team likes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
NFL Draft Preview
In just a few hours the 2009 NFL Draft will start. The dreams of 256 young men will come true when they hear their name called out at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. So with Draft Day upon us I decided to release my pre-draft top five for each position, except for fullback, kicker and punter.
Quarterback
1. Mark Sanchez - USC
2. Matt Stafford - Georgia
3. Josh Freeman - Kansas State
4. Stephen McGee - Texas A&M
5. Rhett Bomar - Sam Houston State
Runningback
1. Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
2. Chris Wells - Ohio State
3. Donald Brown - Connecticut
4. LeSean McCoy - Pittsburgh
5. Shonn Greene - Iowa
Wide Reciever
1. Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
3. Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
4. Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
5. Kenny Britt - Rutgers
Tight End
1. Brandon Pettigrew - Oklahoma State
2. Jared Cook - South Carolina
3. Travis Beckum - Wisconsin
4. Cornelius Ingram - Florida
5. Shawn Nelson - Southern Mississippi
Offensive Tackle
1. Eugene Monroe - Virginia
2. Jason Smith - Baylor
3. Andre Smith - Alabama
4. Michael Oher - Mississippi
5. William Beatty - Connecticut
Offensive Guard
1. Duke Robinson - Oklahoma
2. Louis Vasquez - Texas Tech
3. Herman Johnson - LSU
4. Kraig Urbik - Wisconsin
5. Andy Levitre - Oregon State
Center
1. Eric Wood - Louisville
2. Alex Mack - California
3. Max Unger - Oregon
4. Antoine Caldwell - Alabama
5. Jonathan Luigs - Arkansas
Defensive End
1. Brian Orakpo - Texas
2. Tyson Jackson - LSU
3. Robert Ayers - Tennessee
4. Aaron Maybin - Penn State
5. Everette Brown - Florida State
Defensive Tackle
1. B.J. Raji - Boston College
2. Peria Jerry - Ole Miss
3. Evander Hood - Missouri
4. Roy Miller - Texas
5. Sen'Derrick Marks - Auburn
Outside Linebacker
1. Aaron Curry - Wake Forest
2. Brian Cushing - USC
3. Clay Matthews - USC
4. Marcus Freeman - Ohio State
5. Cody Brown - Connecticut
Inside Linebacker
1. Rey Maualuga - USC
2. Clint Sintim - Virginia
3. James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
4. Darry Beckwith - LSU
5. Jason Phillips - TCU
Cornerback
1. Malcolm Jenkins - Ohio State
2. Vontae Davis - Illinois
3. Darius Butler - Connecticut
4. Alphonso Smith - Wake Forest
5. D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
Safety
1. Louis Delmas - Western Michigan
2. William Moore - Missouri
3. Patrick Chung - Oregon
4. Darcel McBath - Texas Tech
5. Rashad Johnson - Alabama
Quarterback
1. Mark Sanchez - USC
2. Matt Stafford - Georgia
3. Josh Freeman - Kansas State
4. Stephen McGee - Texas A&M
5. Rhett Bomar - Sam Houston State
Runningback
1. Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
2. Chris Wells - Ohio State
3. Donald Brown - Connecticut
4. LeSean McCoy - Pittsburgh
5. Shonn Greene - Iowa
Wide Reciever
1. Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
2. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
3. Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
4. Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
5. Kenny Britt - Rutgers
Tight End
1. Brandon Pettigrew - Oklahoma State
2. Jared Cook - South Carolina
3. Travis Beckum - Wisconsin
4. Cornelius Ingram - Florida
5. Shawn Nelson - Southern Mississippi
Offensive Tackle
1. Eugene Monroe - Virginia
2. Jason Smith - Baylor
3. Andre Smith - Alabama
4. Michael Oher - Mississippi
5. William Beatty - Connecticut
Offensive Guard
1. Duke Robinson - Oklahoma
2. Louis Vasquez - Texas Tech
3. Herman Johnson - LSU
4. Kraig Urbik - Wisconsin
5. Andy Levitre - Oregon State
Center
1. Eric Wood - Louisville
2. Alex Mack - California
3. Max Unger - Oregon
4. Antoine Caldwell - Alabama
5. Jonathan Luigs - Arkansas
Defensive End
1. Brian Orakpo - Texas
2. Tyson Jackson - LSU
3. Robert Ayers - Tennessee
4. Aaron Maybin - Penn State
5. Everette Brown - Florida State
Defensive Tackle
1. B.J. Raji - Boston College
2. Peria Jerry - Ole Miss
3. Evander Hood - Missouri
4. Roy Miller - Texas
5. Sen'Derrick Marks - Auburn
Outside Linebacker
1. Aaron Curry - Wake Forest
2. Brian Cushing - USC
3. Clay Matthews - USC
4. Marcus Freeman - Ohio State
5. Cody Brown - Connecticut
Inside Linebacker
1. Rey Maualuga - USC
2. Clint Sintim - Virginia
3. James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
4. Darry Beckwith - LSU
5. Jason Phillips - TCU
Cornerback
1. Malcolm Jenkins - Ohio State
2. Vontae Davis - Illinois
3. Darius Butler - Connecticut
4. Alphonso Smith - Wake Forest
5. D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
Safety
1. Louis Delmas - Western Michigan
2. William Moore - Missouri
3. Patrick Chung - Oregon
4. Darcel McBath - Texas Tech
5. Rashad Johnson - Alabama
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
To witness UConn win its sixth national title was indescribable. If you were ever an athlete, you can relate to that feeling of triumph and accomplishment. Of course, we all knew that the Cardinals had no chance to overthrow the Huskies, but even as the buzzer sounded to end the game, chills came over me.
To think that UConn went 39-0 this season is a remarkable feat. Only 5 teams in NCAA history have done that, and 3 of those belong to Connecticut. Even more impressive, the women's program is the first team, for both men and women, to beat every opponent by double digits. I have had the opportunity to cover these girls the entire year, and they are truly a special group. They are the most dedicated, driven and selfless players in college basketball. They have been together since day one, with Geno was demanding nothing short of perfection.
Today, I went to the pep rally to welcome the girls back from St. Louis. Again, this is an experience that I will take with me long after I graduate. When something like this happens, you really learn to appreciate your school and all that it stands for. UConn women's basketball exemplifies greatness in every form of the word. They've set a standard for all UConn athletes, which will only take the rest of our sport programs to the next level. The team and the entire coaching staff were so thrilled to be back on their home turf at Gampel Pavilion. They received an astounding ovation from the crowd and Geno Auriemma, Maya Moore, Tina Charles and Renee Montgomery all gave their words of appreciation.
It's hard to believe this year has come to and end. But there is no doubt that the Huskies will be ready to make a run at their 7th national title next year! Congrats!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Looking Forward to Next Season
Geno might not want to talk about next year but lets take a look. The Huskies have to be the favorites to win a championship next year and will likely enter the season as the number one ranked team in the country. Departing will be Renee Montgomery, Tahirah Williams, and Cassie Kerns. While Montgomery will be remembered as one of the best players in UConn history, Williams and Kerns were never a factor on the court during their careers' at UConn. The Huskies will return All-Americans Maya Moore and Tina Charles, as well as starters Kalana Green, Tiffany Hayes, and Caroline Doty. Fans may remember that Doty was starting over Hayes before she suffered a season ending injury. At the time of her injury she was averaging 8.6 points per game. These five will likely be the starters and will be joined by Kaili Mclaren, Lorin Dixon, and Meghan Gardler off the bench.
PERFECTION!
They've done it. The UConn Women's Basketball team has finished of an undefeated season by winning a 76-54 game against Big East rival Louisville in the national championship game. Tina Charles was named the tournament's most outstanding player. This team has to go down as one of, if not the greatest women's team in history. The Huskies were rarely challenged all year and won every game by at least 10 points. They were led by National Player of the Year Maya Moore, along with All-American's Renee Montgomery and Tina Charles. This will be the sixth national championship in team history, all having come during hall of fame coach Geno Auriemma's tenure. This is the third time he has led the Huskies to undefeated championship seasons.
First Half
It's been quite an interesting first half. Louisville has played very strong defense all half and held the lead early. However, when they stopped making their shots UConn was able to pull away to a 39-25 halftime lead.
Pregame
With the crowd starting to come in and the players on the court stretching you can feel the anticipation rising in this building. As the rest of the team stretches injured freshman Caroline Doty can be seen standing on the court watching a montage all NCAA championship event, that is being played on the jumbotron. This will be the last game of the season and likely the last game in the careers of reserve seniors Tahirah Williams and Cassie Kerns, who are unlikely to turn pro, and star senior Renee Montgomery, who is expected to be a top pick in Thursday's WNBA draft.
If the Huskies win tonight it will be thier first title since 2004. They will also finish the season undefeated.
If the Huskies win tonight it will be thier first title since 2004. They will also finish the season undefeated.
Monday, April 6, 2009
When Someone Loses, Another Has To Win...
If I were to write down all the negative adjectives to describe this trip to
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year you know quite well of the financial crisis of the country, and nowhere has been hit harder than the city of
When cities are struggling and times are hard, everyone looks for some type of hope, a small ray of light through a sky full of dark clouds. For most, this light comes in the form of their hometown sports teams. Although your home team making it to the playoffs or winning a title probably won’t get you a job or put money in your pocket, it boosts mental morale. It gives you something to root for, some hope that a part of you is embedded in that team that is going on to do great things and not all hope is lost. Yet here in
The Lions were the laughing stock of the NFL (and the whole sports world in general) this past season. They fired their head coach and GM, traded away their #1 receiver, and signed a washed up quarterback who only made them worse. Their 0-16 finish solidified them as the worst team in NFL history. MSU's win over UConn last night in Ford Field was the first win in that stadium by any Michigan-based team in almost 2 years.
After winning the division title the previous 4 years, the powerhouse Pistons seem to finish in the top 4 in the Eastern Conference almost every year. Now 25 games back in the division, they are clinging for dear life on a playoff berth, three games under .500 and three games ahead of
The Detroit Tigers won 95 games in 2006 to clinch a spot in the playoffs, 24 wins more than in the 2005 season. Following a very strong start to 2007, the Tigers just narrowly missed another Wild Card ticket to the post-season. They followed in 2008 with high hopes, only to finish dead last in the AL Central division. One can only hope Magz and the Tigers can make it to October this year.
The only consistency in professional sports to come out of
So here we are, less than 24 hours from the biggest game in college basketball. Tom Izzo has done his best with a team full of local players, and has managed to turn them into one of the best teams in the nation. Just over 90 miles from
Like I said before, being in this situation as a UConn fan is awful. The empty feeling that sat in my stomach when the game clock hit :00 was one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had in my life. Yet put yourself on the other side. Picture yourself just for one second as a State fan in
So UConn fans, although we came up short this year, think of some of the positives that have come from it. A small loss for us gives hope to others that far succeeds any we could imagine. Jeff, AJ, Hasheem, Craig, we’re going to miss you guys, and we can’t thank you enough for what you did for this program. But don’t hang your head on the fact that you came up short, because the cards are falling for the Spartans, and maybe soon enough, for the people of
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Title Game Matchup
And your title game will be played between the Louisville Cardinals and the UConn Huskies. This will be the third time these two Big East opponents have faced off this year. The Huskies won a regular season match up in Gampel 93-65. They were led that night by Maya Moore who had 27 points and 11 rebounds and freshman Tiffany Hayes scored a then career-high 23 points. The second match up took place in the Big East Championship game in which Moore scored 28 on the way to a 75-36 UConn win. The Cardinals are led by All-American Angel McCoughtry.
Keys to Victory
As the first national semifinal game in winding to a close I'll go over my keys to victory for the UConn Huskies.
First they need to channel emotions. Getting to this stage is emotional for every team, and none of UConn's current players has won a national title before. Also, a factor will be the opponent as Stanford was the last team to beat UConn.
Second is bench play. Jayne Appel is the Stanford offense and Tina Charles can not be depended upon to guard her all night. For the team to succeed players like Kaili McLaren and Meghan Gardler will need to step up and play a some minutes.
Third will be to play their own game. If Stanford forces the Huskies out of thier normal offense they can win the game. UConn needs to stick to it's game plan in this one.
First they need to channel emotions. Getting to this stage is emotional for every team, and none of UConn's current players has won a national title before. Also, a factor will be the opponent as Stanford was the last team to beat UConn.
Second is bench play. Jayne Appel is the Stanford offense and Tina Charles can not be depended upon to guard her all night. For the team to succeed players like Kaili McLaren and Meghan Gardler will need to step up and play a some minutes.
Third will be to play their own game. If Stanford forces the Huskies out of thier normal offense they can win the game. UConn needs to stick to it's game plan in this one.
The Final Four
We're here in St. Louis, where the final four is underway. It's unbelievable being here. We're watching the 2nd half of the Louisville/Oklahoma game. It's down to the wire, tied up at 42 a piece. After last night's lost to Michigan State, the UConn fan basis could really use some cheering up.
If there is any team that can deliver, it's the women's team. You really couldn't ask for a better primetime matchup between Stanford and Connecticut. What do you know, it's the same game. Just last year, UConn suffered a heartbreaking loss to this team (82-73) in the national semifinals. Tonight is going to be all about intensity, and these girls are hungry for a national championship.
Stanford is no joke though. UConn needs to watch out for Jayne Appel, who scored 46 points against Iowa State. The Huskies need to stay out of foul trouble and come out with the same momentum they've maintained throughout the entire season. The "big three" need to be on their a-game. Take smart shots, go to the hoop and feed the ball to Hayes for those big threes! Tip-off in a hour. Here we go ladies.
If there is any team that can deliver, it's the women's team. You really couldn't ask for a better primetime matchup between Stanford and Connecticut. What do you know, it's the same game. Just last year, UConn suffered a heartbreaking loss to this team (82-73) in the national semifinals. Tonight is going to be all about intensity, and these girls are hungry for a national championship.
Stanford is no joke though. UConn needs to watch out for Jayne Appel, who scored 46 points against Iowa State. The Huskies need to stay out of foul trouble and come out with the same momentum they've maintained throughout the entire season. The "big three" need to be on their a-game. Take smart shots, go to the hoop and feed the ball to Hayes for those big threes! Tip-off in a hour. Here we go ladies.
Goodbye, Dual National Championships
So I guess the stars were not aligned. No rioting on campus, no burning/flipping cars, no dual national championships for the men's and women's basketball teams.
We're sitting in the hotel lobby in Detroit so that we do not have to pay for internet, and all I can see are all of these happy Michigan St. fans. There are even discounts in the food court for State fans. And yes, good for them, good for the city, I'm glad they are bringing hope to Detroit.
But I'm still disappointed. After all we went through to just get out here, as the signs say in Ford Field, the road ends here.
Michigan State fought hard and unfortunately we did not fight hard enough back. At the press conference Jim Calhoun did not seem angry or upset, but rather just proud of his team and how far they had come, which was nice to see. The players definitely took it hard though, as is expected.
Anyway we'll have updates on the show this week. Let's go UConn Women tonight against Stanford. Dan and Sam will be posting with updates from St. Louis.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Stars Align for UConn
As UConn gets set to tip-off here at Ford Field to start the 2009 Final Four, we can't help but think that this year may be nothing more than a repeat of history. Back in 1999, UConn made it to the Final Four for the first time in school history. The winner of the West Region, the Huskies went on to beat Duke, an ACC team, for their first National Championship. During the tournament, Coach Calhoun missed a game due to illness. Five years later, UConn made it to its second Final Four by winning the West region yet again, where they went on to beat Georgia Tech, another ACC team, for their second National Championship. Coach Calhoun, again, missed a game in the tournament due to illness. Here we are in 2009, another 5 years since our last Final Four appearance. Calhoun has already missed the first round game against Chattanooga due do dehydration. The Huskies have made it to the Final Four via a win over Missouri to take the West Region. Heavily favored UNC, an ACC team, awaits Villanova following UConn's game against Michigan State. Should all of the stars align for UConn, they will be facing an ACC team in the final after making it to the Final Four by winning the West Region 5 years removed from the late title, including a missed game by Calhoun due to illness. Should this happen, we would have no reason to believe that UConn shouldn't take home their 3rd National Championship back to Storrs.
At the Final Four
Here we are ... finally. Yesterday was a complete mess trying to get out to Detroit. Dan, Rich, and I woke up at five in the morning to drive to Bradley Int'l. Our flight was delayed, but we still managed to fly out from Hartford to Philly. Once in Philly, our flight to Detroit got canceled and so did basically every other flight out there that was not full ... why? Due to a little mist. Every possible way to get to Detroit was either full or canceled - even if we tried to connect to a flight in a different city.
So we finally got a flight to Cleveland (without the help of the Philadelphia Airport staff) and ended up driving from there to Detroit with a few other stranded people headed in the same direction. Two and a half hours in a car later and we reached the Detroit Airport. At the airport we waited for at least an hour for Rich's bags, which ended up not arriving. We then went to catch the shuttle to the hotel and were informed that it had just left about a minute before we got there. This day was not going well. Forty-five minutes later the shuttle takes us on a half hour ride to the hotel. Starving and exhausted we sat at the crowded hotel restaurant (while the cougar waitress was hitting on Rich relentlessly) until we got enough nourishment to go off and hit the hay.
In summary we were supposed to be in Detroit by 1 pm and did not get there until 9 pm. Great day.
Today, however, has been quite a different story. The sun is shining, Ford Field looks great, we're well rested, and things are looking up.
This area is pretty awesome. Police blocked off the roads so that we can walk anywhere. There are tons of fans, though obviously they are mainly Michigan State supporters. Even the bar designated for Huskies fans was full of green instead of Husky Blue. UConn fans are minimal in numbers, but the student section was still enthusiastic (or maybe just drunk). Rich got hit on by another cougar when he asked how to get to the Hockeytown Bar and she said it was in her bedroom. Overall, however, we got some great footage of screaming Huskies Fans, UNC Fans, and Michigan State Fans, though the Villanova fans seemed to be absent.
So here we are a little less than an hour and a half before game time, and most people are expecting UConn to take the win tonight. We'll have more updates as the game gets rolling.
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