Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton Declares for 2022 NFL Draft; Will Skip Fiesta Bowl
Dec 10, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 23: Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Kyle Hamilton (14) looks on during a game between the USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on October 23, 2021 at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton will forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.
Hamilton announced his decision on Twitter, adding that he will skip the Fighting Irish's appearance in the Fiesta Bowl to prepare for the draft:
Hamilton had an interesting junior season. He was regarded as one of the top defensive players in the country, but a knee injury cut his season short on Oct. 23. In just seven regular-season games, however, he still posted 34 tackles (two for loss), three interceptions and four passes defended.
Despite his short year, he was still a Bednarik Award finalist:
Bednarik Award finalists, signifying nation’s top defensive player
Will Anderson, Alabama Jordan Davis, Georgia Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
That left Hamilton with an interesting question: Would he return for Notre Dame's bowl game, or would he try to avoid the possibility of future injury and keep his draft stock intact?
Hamilton chose the latter.
At 6'4" and 220 pounds, he is an imposing force at the safety position. On a Nov. 10 big board for ESPN.com, Mel Kiper Jr. had him listed as the No. 2 player in the 2022 NFL draft class, noting that "Hamilton has the size to move up to the line of scrimmage and help in the running game and the speed and range to cover pass-catchers out of the slot." Kiper added, "He's exactly what NFL teams want in their first-round safeties."
This Kyle Hamilton INT looks unreal from the wide angle but the endzone view is my favorite. Watch him appear out of nowhere and eat up this ground! pic.twitter.com/7jm1lPA8WK
And on Nov. 16, ESPN's Todd McShay listed Hamilton as his No. 4 prospect in the 2022 NFL draft class, calling him "a nightmare matchup for offenses."
"He has great size and closing burst while playing all over the defense," McShay continued. "You'll see him line up deep in coverage, over the slot and even at linebacker. Hamilton can blanket tight ends, and with solid ball skills and an ability to read the QB, he will make plays."
So it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Hamilton is headed to the NFL. He seems like a lock to be a top-10 pick, and potentially even a top-five selection.
Pittsburgh's Jordan Addison Wins 2021 Biletnikoff Award
Dec 10, 2021
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison arrives for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Pittsburgh wide receiver Jordan Addison is the winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes college football's best receiver in the FBS. Any player who caught a pass during the 2021 campaign was eligible for the honor.
Addison beat out finalists David Bell (Purdue) and Jameson Williams (Alabama) for the award.
Addison, a sophomore at Pitt, had a breakout season in 2021 with 93 catches for 1,479 yards and 17 touchdowns. The 19-year-old led the country in touchdown receptions and ranked first among all Power Five receivers in receiving yards.
"As a kid and playing receiver at this level, that's what every kid's dream is," Addison said in November after learning he'd been named a semifinalist for the award, per Johnny McGonigal of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "For me to be mentioned with the rest of the receivers on that list means a lot. But the job's not finished. I've gotta keep working and, you know, I have to do a lot more to help the team win. Right now, I'm not really focused on the award. I'm just trying to get this win this week coming up."
The 175-pound receiver clinched his spot as a Biletnikoff Award finalist with a 202-yard, four-touchdown performance in Pitt's 48-38 win over Virginia on Nov. 20. It was his best performance of the 2021 season.
Addison is just the third Pitt player to be named a Biletnikoff finalist, joining Larry Fitzgerald (2003) and Antonio Bryant (2000), who both won the award.
Addison warded off some strong competition for this effort.
Bell, a junior at Purdue, had 93 catches for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. Williams, a junior at Alabama, had the best season of his career in 2021 after transferring from Ohio State. He caught 68 passes for 1,445 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In the end, Addison's efforts for the ACC champions earned him a great individual honor.
Report: Former Cowboys Coach, Giants OC Jason Garrett on Duke's Radar for HC Job
Dec 8, 2021
FILE- In this Aug. 14, 2021, file photo, New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett works the sidelines in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J. A backup quarterback and holder for the Giants in 2001, Garrett spoke Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, about the Sept. 11 attacks and the tragedy that claimed almost 3,000 lives that day. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin, File)
Former New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is on the radar for Duke's head coaching vacancy, per Steve Wiseman of the News & Observer.
Garrett is among a handful of candidates, per Wiseman, including Clemson's Tony Elliott and Texas A&M's Mike Elko, to replace David Cutcliffe.
Duke and Cutcliffemutually agreed to part wayson Nov. 28, ending his 14-year run as head coach of the Blue Devils. He departed the school with a 77-97 career record.
During his 14 seasons at the helm, Cutcliffe led the Blue Devils to six bowl games, going 3-3 in those games. His best season came in 2014 when he led Duke to a 10-4 record and a berth in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.
After winning eight games in 2018, Duke has compiled a 10-25 record over the last three seasons and finished the 2021 campaign with an eight-game losing streak. So, the school's decision to search for a new head coach doesn't necessarily come as a surprise.
Garrett was recently fired as the Giants' offensive coordinator on Nov. 23. The 2021 season was just his second in New York.
The 55-year-old began his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2005. He served in that role through 2006 before joining the Dallas Cowboys as the team's offensive coordinator in 2007.
Garrett served as Dallas' offensive coordinator through 2010 and also served as assistant head coach before being named interim head coach in 2010.
Garrett took over as head coach of the Cowboys in 2011 and served in that role until 2019. He went 85-67 as head coach of The Boys and 2-3 in the playoffs. Dallas only made the postseason in three of Garrett's nine full seasons at the helm. However, he was named Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record.
Garrett has never coached at the collegiate level.
New Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman Says He'll Never Take Role 'for Granted'
Dec 6, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebackers coach Marcus Freeman looks on during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Cincinnati Bearcats on October 2, 2021, in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Marcus Freeman is prepared to make a seamless transition as the new head coach of the Notre Dame football team.
The 35-year-old discussed his new job at Monday's introductory press conference.
"I'm ready," he told reporters. "I'm ready to lead this program."
"The chance to lead the football program at the University of Notre Dame is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I'll never take that for granted," he added.
The coach also broke down his plans to lead the team to success:
Marcus Freeman's "Golden Standard"
1. Challenge Everything - a mentality to find a better way 2. Unit Strength - turning players in to a team 3. Competitive spirit - creating a winner's mindset
"This is the standard that will drive this program to a 12th national championship."
The former Ohio State linebacker was in his first year as the Notre Dame defensive coordinator, helping the team go 11-1 while finishing No. 5 in the final College Football Playoff ranking. The defense ranked ninth in the country with just 18.3 points allowed per game and is among the top 10 nationally in sacks (40) and interceptions (15).
Prior to his time with the Fighting Irish, Freeman served as a defensive coordinator with Cincinnati and Purdue.
Mario Cristobal Agrees to Become Miami HC After Manny Diaz's Firing
Dec 6, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after beating Washington Huskies 26-16 at Husky Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Mario Cristobal has accepted the Miami Hurricanes head coaching job, leaving the Oregon Ducks to return to the program he once played and coached for.
“My family and I are excited to return home to the University of Miami, which has been so instrumental in shaping me as a person, player, and coach,” Cristobal said in a school release. “This program has an unparalleled tradition and an exciting future ahead of it. I can’t wait to compete for championships and help mold our student-athletes into leaders on and off the field who will make our University, our community, and our loyal fan base proud.”
Matt Zenitz of On3Sports and Brett McMurphy of the Action Network first reported Cristobal's decision to take the job.
That followed reports Sunday that the Hurricanes had come to terms with Cristobal and reports Monday the team had fired current head coach Manny Diaz:
Mario Cristobal has agreed to terms on a contract to become the new head football coach of the Miami Hurricanes, per @MiamiHeraldpic.twitter.com/7EI4OCVqn1
BREAKING: Miami coach Manny Diaz has been informed he has been let go, per source. He was 21-15 in three seasons at UM. The move paves the way for the Canes to hire Oregon’s Mario Cristobal as Miami’s next head coach.
Miami now has complete confidence that Mario Cristobal will become their next head coach. Contract terms agreed to. Will make $8 million range annually. https://t.co/n6sIV6nn8D
Oregon reportedly was aggressive in trying to keep Cristobal. Per John Canzano of The Oregonian, Oregon's offer to Cristobal was "aggressive and in line" with what Lincoln Riley (set to make more than $110 million over his contract) and Brian Kelly ($95 million plus bonuses over 10 years) received from USC and LSU, respectively.
It was reported in early December that Miami was going to "make a run" at Cristobal for its head coaching position. The Hurricanes were also reportedly "optimistic" about hiring the 51-year-old.
Cristobal, who was born and raised in Miami, was an offensive lineman for the Hurricanes during his playing days and also served as a graduate assistant to start his coaching career. In addition, he was a tight end and offensive line coach for the school, so he's familiar with the program.
Cristobal was named head coach of the Ducks in December 2017. At the time, he agreed to a five-year contract through January 2023. A new six-year, $27.3 million contract for the head coach was announced in December 2020, and it was supposed to run through 2026.
Cristobal owns a 35-12 record as Oregon's head coach, including appearances in four bowl games (wins in the 2018 Redbox Bowl and 2019 Rose Bowl). The Ducks have had a winning record in each of his full seasons at the helm, so it should come as no surprise that Miami was interested in his services.
Manny Diaz Fired as Miami HC amid Mario Cristobal Rumors
Dec 6, 2021
Miami head coach Manny Diaz watches during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Manny Diaz has been fired as head coach of the Miami football team, the school announced Monday. Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the decision.
"We are grateful to Coach Diaz for his many contributions to our campus community and to his native South Florida, and for the strong leadership and exemplary character he exhibited during his tenure at the University," Miami President Julio Frenk said in the school release. "We wish him and his family the very best as they move forward."
Diaz was in his third season leading the Hurricanes, accumulating a 21-15 record. The squad went 7-5 in 2021 and is scheduled to face Washington State in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.
According to ESPN's Chris Low and Adam Rittenberg, Miami has had "extensive discussions" with Oregon coach Mario Cristobal to take over the role with the Hurricanes. Cristobal both played at Miami and worked there as an assistant coach earlier in his career.
Cristobal has a 35-13 record over the past five seasons with Oregon, including a Rose Bowl win after the 2019 season.
Diaz couldn't reach that level in his three seasons, ending the past two years with losses in the Cheez-It Bowl and Independence Bowl.
The Hurricanes reached the Top 10 of the AP poll in 2020 after an 8-1 start to the season, but consecutive losses to end the campaign ruined the excitement. Preseason expectations in 2021 evaporated quickly with a 2-4 start.
Miami has five national championships in its history, most recently in 2001, but the program has only one 10-win season in the last 18 years. The team also has only one bowl win—the 2016 Russell Athletic Bowl—since 2006.
The administration is clearly looking for someone who can help return the Hurricanes to their past glory.
Report: Oregon Pulled 10-Year, $85M Contract Offer to Mario Cristobal Amid Miami Buzz
Dec 6, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks looks on during the second quarter of the PAC-12 Football Championship football game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium on December 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
If Mario Cristobal decides to spurn the University of Miami and return to Oregon, he may have cost himself tens of millions of dollars with his flirtation.
John Canzano of The Oregonianˆˆ reported Oregon pulled a 10-year, $85 million contract extension offer as Cristobal considers bolting Eugene to return home to Miami. The report says Cristobal "may have alienated" Nike co-founder Phil Knight, whose support as a booster has played a role in the Ducks' rise to national prominence.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
Get the best sports content from the web and social in the new B/R app. Get the app and get the game.
Report: Mario Cristobal, Miami Agree to Terms on Contract; Could Exceed $8M Per Year
Dec 5, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks looks on during the second quarter of the PAC-12 Football Championship football game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium on December 03, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal has reportedly agreed to terms on a contract to become the new head football coach of the Miami Hurricanes, per Barry Jackson, Susan Miller Degnan and Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald. The deal could be worth more than $8 million per year.
The deal reportedly has not been signed.
Cristobal was reportedly set to meet with Oregon players at 4:30 p.m., per Brandon Kamerman of KVAL News. However, Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reported otherwise:
Mario Cristobal was in San Diego about 1:45 from when there was a report about a supposed Oregon team meeting at 4:30. Source I spoke to said that meeting would be news to him... In addition, it didn't seem plausible that he could even be back in Eugene by then.
In addition, Aaron J. Fentress of The Oregonian reported there was no team meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon. However, Cristobal is reportedly headed back to Eugene and has cancelled his recruiting visits in California for Monday.
He reportedly had until midday Monday to inform Miami if he wanted the job, per Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger. If Cristobal declined, Manny Diaz would have remained the Hurricanes head coach, as first reported by Jackson.
Cristobal has a deep connection to the program. He was an offensive lineman for the Hurricanes and served as a graduate assistant for the program in 1998. The 51-year-old was also a tight end coach for the Hurricanes from 2004-05 before becoming the team's offensive line coach in 2006.
Cristobal also reportedly had a contract extension offer on the table from Oregon, per John Canzano of The Oregonian. It was "aggressive and in line" with what Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly received from USC and LSU, respectively.
Riley will reportedly make more than $110 million over the duration of his contract, while Kelly will make $95 million across 10 years.
Cristobal became head coach of the Ducks in 2017, taking over Willie Taggart. At the time, he agreed to a five-year contract through January 2023 worth $2.5 million annually. Last December he signed a new six-year, $27.3 million deal that runs through 2026.
Oregon went 35-13 with Cristobal as its head coach and has had a winning record in each of his full seasons at the helm. His teams have made four bowl games, including wins in the 2018 Redbox Bowl and 2019 Rose Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes finished the 2021 season with a 7-5 record. It was the team's second straight winning record under Diaz, who's 21-15 at the school.
Kenny Pickett, No. 15 Pittsburgh Rout No. 16 Wake Forest to Win 2021 ACC Championship
Dec 5, 2021
Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett runs for a touchdown during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
For the first time since 2014, there is a new ACC champion. While Clemson has dominated the conference as of late, the No. 17 Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the No. 18 Wake Forest Demon Deacons 45-21 on Saturday to win their first ACC title.
The Panthers had appeared in the ACC title game just once before Saturday's contest, falling to Clemson in 2018. Pittsburgh also had only faced the Demon Deacons just once before, with the Panthers coming out on top in a 34-13 win in 2018.
Notable Player Stats
Kenny Pickett, QB, PITT: 20/33 for 253 YDS, 2 TD and 6 CAR for 20 YDS, 1 TD
Sam Hartman, QB, WAKE: 21/46 for 213 YDS, 2 TD, 4 INT and 11 CAR for 1 TD
Jordan Addison, WR, PITT: 8 REC for 126 YDS
Taylor Morin, WR, WAKE: 4 REC for 83 YDS, 1 TD
Israel Abanikanda, RB, PITT: 9 CAR for 55 YDS, 2 TD
Kenny Pickett Impressive for Panthers in Win
Fifth-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is viewed as one of the top QB prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an impressive performance in Saturday's win.
The 23-year-old led the Panthers on two consecutive touchdown drives to open the game, and his fake slide on a 58-yard score might have been the highlight of the night.
Pickett also set a record on his first touchdown pass of the game, a 22-yard strike to Rodney Hammond Jr. He passed legendary NFL quarterback Dan Marino for the most touchdown passes in Pitt history.
Pickett continued his tremendous evening in the second quarter, hitting Jared Wayne with a four-yard score to set the ACC record for the most touchdown passes in a single season, passing Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Sam Howell and Trevor Lawrence.
Pickett continued his incredible night in the second half, leading the Panthers on two more touchdown drives. His performance had many NFL fans clamoring for their teams to draft him this spring:
I really like Kenny Pickett. I will not hate it if he ends up in Orange & Blue in April. #BroncosCountry
ESPN projected Pickett to be taken in the first round of the 2022 Draft. However, he was projected to be the second quarterback off the board behind Matt Corral of Ole Miss.
Regardless, Pickett's performance on Saturday night certainly improved his draft stock, so we'll just have to wait and see where he falls in the latest mock drafts following the College Football Playoff.
It should also be noted that sophomore running back Israel Abanikanda and sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison had impressive performances against the Demon Deacons.
Sam Hartman's Turnovers Cost Wake Forest
While Hartman tossed four interceptions in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh, the sophomore quarterback has a bright future ahead. He led the Demon Deacons on three consecutive touchdown drives to keep Wake Forest even with the Panthers for much of the first half.
Hartman's issues didn't begin until just before halftime. After leading his third touchdown drive of the game, the North Carolina native tossed an interception before being forced to punt on two consecutive drives before halftime.
Wake Forest started with the ball after halftime, but Hartman and the Demon Deacons offense weren't able to muster much as they were forced to punt on three straight drives.
Hartman then tossed his second interception of the night on the team's fourth drive of the half. It was costly, as the Panthers converted the turnover into a touchdown to take a 31-21 lead with 47 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Hartman followed that up with his second consecutive interception with 13:26 remaining in the fourth quarter. The turnover was once again turned into a Pitt touchdown.
Hartman's third straight interception -- a pick-six -- gave the Panthers a 45-21 lead with 11:42 remaining in the game. That score put things out of reach for the Demon Deacons.
Wake Forest's last 11 drives...
INT Punt Punt Punt Punt Punt Punt INT INT INT Downs
Hartman was eventually replaced by freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis.
Despite Hartman's struggles, he could easily have Wake Forest back in the ACC title game next season. He entered Saturday's game completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 3,711 yards, 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 343 yards and 10 scores.
Seeing as how Hartman is a sophomore and has plenty of college football ahead of him, there's no reason to believe he won't keep improving as the years go on. He'll also have the opportunity to bounce back in the team's bowl game.
All things considered, keep Hartman on your radar for the 2022 season and beyond.
What's Next?
Both teams won't make the College Football Playoff, but what a day it was for the two schools. Wake Forest now awaits its bowl game.
Report: Miami 'Optimistic' About Hiring Oregon's Mario Cristobal in 'Coming Days'
Dec 4, 2021
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Mario Cristobal of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after beating Washington Huskies 26-16 at Husky Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
High-ranking officials at the University of Miami are "optimistic" about hiring Oregon's Mario Cristobal as their next head football coach in the "coming days," according to Susan Miller Degnan, Barry Jackson and Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald.
An announcement is anticipated before Tuesday.
The news comes after John Canzano of The Oregonian reported that Miami planned to make a run at Cristobal as a possible replacement for head coach Manny Diaz.
However, Canzano also reported that Oregon has a contract extension on the table for Cristobal and it's "aggressive and in line" with what Lincoln Riley and Brian Kelly received from USC and LSU, respectively, earlier this week.
Riley, the former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, reportedly will make more than $110 million over his contract. Kelly, who left Notre Dame to take the LSU head coaching job, agreed to $95 million over 10 years with the potential to earn bonuses.
It's unclear if Cristobal, a Miami native, is interested in the Hurricanes' coaching position. However, Canzano noted Cristobal's mother, who is ill, still lives in the area. He recently flew home to spend time with her.
The 51-year-old was an offensive lineman for the Hurricanes during his playing days and also served as a graduate assistant to start his coaching career in 1998. He was a tight end coach for Miami from 2004 to '05 before coaching the offensive line in '06.
Cristobal was named head coach of the Ducks in December 2017, taking over for Willie Taggart after agreeing to a five-year contract through January 2023 that paid him $2.5 million per year. Last December, the head coach signed a new six-year, $27.3 million deal that goes through 2026.
Cristobal has a 35-12 record as Oregon's head coach, including appearances in four bowl games (wins in the 2018 Redbox Bowl and 2019 Rose Bowl). The Ducks have had a winning record in each of his full seasons at the helm.
Oregon is set to play the Utah Utes on Friday night in the Pac-12 championship.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, finished the 2021 campaign with a 7-5 record, second place in the ACC Coastal. It was the team's second consecutive winning season under Diaz.
