Iowa LB Jack Campbell's Grandfather William Smith Jr. Dies Before Music City Bowl
Dec 31, 2022
Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell runs on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa senior linebacker Jack Campbell helped the Hawkeyes defeat the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, but the 22-year-old received some devastating news afterward.
Campbell's grandfather, William Smith Jr., who was 76, died Friday night after a car struck him as a pedestrian, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Campbell's parents decided not to tell him until after the game so he could have "one last time to play with his Iowa Hawkeye teammates," the school said, via Adam Hensley of Hawk Central.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement:
Our hearts are with Jack and his entire family as they grieve the tragic death of their grandfather and father, William Smith, Jr. We know Mr. Smith was a strong influence on his grandson and a faithful Hawkeye football supporter. All of us -- players, coaches and staff members -- will keep the Campbell family in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.
Campbell played a significant role in Iowa's 21-0 win over Kentucky, posting one sack, 10 tackles and two tackles for a loss.
He had an outstanding 2022 campaign for the Hawkeyes. In 12 games entering the Music City Bowl, he had posted one pass breakup, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, 115 tackles and 3.5 tackles for a loss.
Campbell was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and also became the first Hawkeye to take home the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker.
Mike Morris NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Michigan DL
Dec 31, 2022
Michigan linebacker Mike Morris plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 275
HAND: 10"
ARM: 33 1/2"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.95
3-CONE: 7.46
SHUTTLE: 4.65
VERTICAL: 28.5"
BROAD: 9'2"
POSITIVES
— Great size and strength for an NFL defensive end, and he has some pop in his hands to lock out offensive tackles one-on-one. Solid hand placement when taking on blocks too.
— Physical at the point of attack and sets the edge pretty easily with his upper-body strength.
— Refuses to get blocked by tight ends and can close the gap with them.
— Squeezes and comes straight down the line of scrimmage when unblocked on the backside of zone runs to make tackles near the line of scrimmage.
— Times the snap well on passing downs to help make up for some of his lack of acceleration on the line of scrimmage, and he takes good angles off the edge as a pass-rusher to beat tackles with slower feet.
— Has good leg drive when bull-rushing to help collapse the pocket against offensive tackles. Also does a good job of working to get on an edge and has a couple of good counters off the bull, like a cross chop, club over and rip move.
— Decent at turning speed to power as a rusher.
— Good pass-rushing motor to get coverage sacks, and he gets his hands up if he can't get to the quarterback to bat balls at the line of scrimmage.
NEGATIVES
— Doesn't show a lot of athletic ability on the field and isn't quick-twitched.
— Subpar acceleration off the line of scrimmage, which becomes an issue when he doesn't time up the snap.
— Has a habit of stopping his feet on contact and stands up out of his stance too much for his height. He'll get washed out by double-teams and might struggle against more physical offensive tackles at the next level.
— Struggles to recognize and get underneath pullers as the spill player in run fits, he will get kicked out occasionally on the front side of power and counter.
— Hasn't shown many finesse moves he can win around the edge with as a pass-rusher at the next level, partially because he needs to be more accurate with his initial chops to get the offensive lineman's hands down when working a move.
—Injuries: 2019 (hip, missed season); 2022 (leg, missed two games)
— 16 career starts, played behind Aidan Hutchinson (2022 second overall pick) and David Ojabo (2022 second-round pick)
— 2022 Honors: Second-team All-American (FWAA), Academic All-Big Ten, first-team All-Big Ten, Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year
— 2021 Honors: Academic All-Big Ten
— Father played offensive line at Florida State, and sister played basketball at Georgetown
OVERALL
After being hidden behind a couple of top-50 picks last season, Mike Morris burst onto the scene and was one of the most physically dominant edge defenders in the country. He's aggressive at the point of attack and might have the best upper-body strength of any defensive end in this year's draft class.
Morris puts his power to good use as a pass-rusher and against the run, as he can collapse the pocket with a bull rush and can be hard to block one-on-one. However, the NFL Scouting Combine will be important for him, as he didn't show a ton of impressive athletic traits on the field.
Probably the biggest concern with the Michigan product moving forward is whether he has enough athletic ability and bend to win around the edge and add a finesse move or two to his pass-rushing arsenal.
That could make his scheme fit a little difficult, as he'll need to show more athleticism to play as an edge in an odd or even front, and he's not big enough to play as a 3-technique. Right now, his best fit is as a defensive end in an even front for a team that is looking for a power-rusher.
Report: NJ Suspends Citrus Bowl Betting Due to Drew Brees' PointsBet Partnership
Dec 30, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 16: NBC Sports Drew Brees reports from the sidelines before an AFC wild card playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan 16, 2022 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has shut down betting on Monday's Citrus Bowl between Purdue and LSU because of Drew Brees' prior business relationship with sportsbook PointsBet, according to a report from David Purdum of ESPN.
While regulators only noted that "an individual associated with Purdue Football team" was in violation of state regulations, Brees—who is serving as an interim assistant coach for Purdue during the Citrus Bowl—is reportedly the person in question.
"I am extremely excited to work with our team over the next few weeks as we prepare for the Citrus Bowl. I see it not only as an opportunity to coach and mentor this group of young men, but represent all the former Purdue players that care so much about our program. This is also preparation for the future of Purdue Football with new head coach Ryan Walters. I had a great conversation with Coach Walters last night, and love the energy, passion and detail he will bring to our program. The future is bright, and there is no better time to be a Boilermaker!"
A week later, the New Jersey-based PointsBet ended its relationship with the retired NFL quarterback, noting, "Regulatory and legal compliance, responsible gaming practices, and the integrity of legal sports betting are top priorities for our organization and this decision will allow us to uphold that commitment."
Not only did the NJDGE tell state sportsbooks to stop taking action on the game, but it also forced any bets placed on the contest after Dec. 15 to be voided.
Per ESPN's report, Brees—though not named by the NJDGE—was in violation of statute 5:12A-11 (f), which "prohibits athletes, coaches, referees or director of a sports governing body from having 'any ownership interest in, control of, or otherwise be employed by an operator.'"
Brees, 43, retired from the NFL following the 2020 season. The 13-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion then took a job with NBC Sports for one year, working as an analyst for both Football Night in America and Notre Dame football broadcasts.
He spent four years at Purdue (1997-00) during his college career, throwing for 11,792 yards and 90 touchdowns.
CFB Twitter Rejoices as Maryland's Mike Locksley Gets Mayo Bath at Duke's Mayo Bowl
Dec 30, 2022
Maryland head coach Mike Locksley looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in College Park, Md. Maryland won 37-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Maryland Terrapins defeated the NC State Wolfpack 16-12 on Friday afternoon in what was a huge defensive battle in the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa completed 19-of-37 passes for 221 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions in the win. He also rushed for just three yards on nine carries.
Octavian Smith Jr. caught Tagovailoa's lone touchdown pass and finished the day with three catches for 34 yards.
The Maryland defense played a great game, holding NC State to just 296 total yards and no touchdowns. The defense also forced two turnovers as Fa'Najae Gotay and Jakorian Bennett picked off Wolfpack signal-caller Ben Finley.
While Maryland won the game, all CFB Twitter could talk about was head coach Mike Locksley wearing a big hat to shield himself from the ensuing mayo dunk:
While Locksley didn't get the full mayo bath, fans can still celebrate that he led the Terrapins to a second consecutive bowl win following a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl last season.
Maryland improved to 8-5 on the season with the win. It marks Locksley's second straight winning season with the Terrapins. He took over as head coach in 2015 after a stint at New Mexico.
Eyabi Okie NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Michigan Edge
Dec 30, 2022
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 03: Michigan Wolverines defensive end Eyabi Anoma (18) wraps his arms around Colorado State Rams quarterback Clay Millen (11) during the second quarter of a non-conference college football game between the Colorado State Rams and the Michigan Wolverines on September 3, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 244
HAND: TBD
ARM: TBD
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: TBD
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: TBD
BROAD: TBD
POSITIVES
– Impressive get-off with his quick reaction to the snap and good acceleration off the line of scrimmage; he can put pressure on offensive tackles vertically as a pass-rusher.
– Uses head/shoulder fakes during the stem phase of a rush to help set up his moves.
– He has the change of direction and quickness to develop an inside stick move if his use of his hands improves.
– Keeps his legs pumping through contact when bull-rushing or turning speed to power to collapse the pocket against weaker tackles.
– Has shown impressive strength as a tackler by bringing running backs and quarterbacks down with one arm.
NEGATIVES
– Lean frame, needs to add more size and functional strength when taking on blocks to hold his ground better versus one-on-one blocks from offensive linemen.
– Poor use of his hands as a run defender and pass-rusher; he'll get caught with his hands by his waist and exposes his chest, making getting off blocks and defeating the hands in pass rush extremely difficult.
– Needs a better pass-rushing plan throughout the game. For example, he'll try a ghost rush without setting it up by winning with a few one-arm stab moves, making the ghost rush less effective.
– Struggles to stay on balance and fight through chip blocks.
– Primarily a situational pass-rusher at Michigan and UT Martin.
– On his fourth team in five years, dismissed from Alabama and Houston.
– Dismissed from Alabama reportedly for tardiness, skipping class, clashing with teammates and insubordination and was dismissed from Houston for "some of the same issues," according to Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports; left UT Martin on good terms
– 10 career starts
– 2021 Honors: OVC All-Newcomer Team, All-OVC Third Team (Phil Steele)
– 2018 Honors: SEC All-Freshman Team
– Had 46 sacks in last two years of high school
– Averaged 11.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in basketball during the 2015-16 season
OVERALL
Before even talking about football or what he can do on the field, Eyabi Okie (formerly Anoma) will have to answer questions about what happened at Alabama and Houston. He's said his issues at those two stops had to do with maturity, and to his credit, he's stayed out of trouble since leaving the Cougars.
On the field, Okie has shown off a few of the traits that made him a top-five recruit, as he's clearly a good athlete, most notably with his impressive get-off/acceleration. He could be an effective pass-rusher in the NFL, but his lack of success as a run defender is concerning.
Both Michigan and UT Martin used him primarily as a situational pass-rusher, which is surprising for a player who was once considered one of the top recruits in the country. He's just not strong enough to hold up at the point of attack against the run, and that coupled with his poor use of his hands makes getting off blocks a challenge.
Also, while the Baltimore native did rack up six sacks for the Skyhawks, he didn't dominate at the FCS level as one might expect. And it's concerning that he didn't take over the starting role at Michigan when Mike Morris went down at the end of the regular season.
All of that being said, he has enough traits and a good enough resume to still be draftable for an odd-front team that is looking for a standup outside linebacker and/or a third-down pass-rusher toward the end of Day 3.
Mazi Smith NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Michigan DL
Dec 30, 2022
Michigan defensive lineman Mazi Smith (58) rushes against Connecticut offensive lineman Noel Ofori-Nyadu (62) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 323
HAND: 9 3/4"
ARM: 33 3/4"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: TBD
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: 29.5"
BROAD: 8'11"
POSITIVES
— Unique blend of size, strength and athletic ability. He carries his frame well, too, with little to no bad weight.
— Tons of power in his hands to stand up to offensive linemen at the point of attack. He can gain control of the block fairly easily, and his upper body strength will occasionally allow him to recover if he gets beat initially against the run.
— Takes on blocks with a wide base.
— When he anticipates the second blocker coming, he can absorb contact and split double-teams.
— Sheds blocks pretty easily and has shown the ability to escape with a swim move/arm over, too.
— Has the potential to be an effective power rusher at the next level if his get-off can improve to be more consistent with his bull rush.
— Also showed flashes of winning with hump and club-by moves and can develop a push-pull move if he gets more limber with his lower half to clear his hips and get a clean win.
— When slanting as a pass-rusher, he has a little more time to get his hands up and has a decent hand-swipe move that he can win with.
NEGATIVES
— Late reaction to the snap and doesn't have much initial quickness off the ball. This could become a big issue against scoop blocks and reaches at the next level.
— Likes to stand up out of his stance. Quick interior offensive linemen who play with good leverage will be his nemesis against the run at the next level.
— He's slow to get his hands up as a run defender, which will expose his chest and can lead to his shoulders getting turned versus combo and scoop blocks.
— The effectiveness of his bull rush is inconsistent because of his poor get-off and wide hand placement.
— Needs to add a violent rip to the end of pass-rush moves to get offensive linemen off of him when he does win. He lets them hang on too long and will get ridden past the quarterback.
— Doesn't pass rush with much of a plan or a motor. He'll quit if his first move doesn't work.
2022 STATISTICS
— 14 GM, 48 TOT, 2.5 TFL, 0.5 SK, 1 FF
NOTES
— DOB: June 16, 2001
— No. 1 on Bruce Feldman's list of top athletes entering the season, 22 bench reps at 325 lbs, 550 lbs close-grip bench, 33" vert, 6.95-second 3-cone
— Charged with felony weapons possession, per Detroit Free Press, pled guilty to misdemeanor weapons possession, per ESPN, from a traffic stop on Oct. 7
— 27 career starts
— 2022 Honors: First-team All-Big Ten
— 2021 Honors: Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media), Academic All-Big Ten
— 2020 Honors: Academic All-Big Ten
OVERALL
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman ranked the 6'3", 337-pound Smith first on his list of players with "unique physical abilities that wow even those who observe gifted athletes every day". Mazi Smith caught everyone's attention heading into this season with his rare blend of size, strength and athleticism. He's shown flashes of some All-Pro caliber traits, but consistency has been a major issue and a large reason why he's been fairly unproductive in college.
Heading into the playoffs, Smith only had half a sack and five tackles for loss in two seasons as a starter, and he would disappear on tape far too often for someone with his physical gifts. Conditioning might play a factor in that, too, as his pass-rush motor is sub-par.
A lot of Smith's lack of production is rooted in his get-off—or lack thereof—and being faster off of the ball will solve a lot of his problems as a run defender and pass-rusher. Michigan did have him two-gap a lot, which can hinder a defensive lineman's initial quickness, but he was still slow off the ball, even when one-gapping or penetrating.
The Wolverine is more traits and tools than a finished project, but it's going to be hard to find more defensive tackles with more potential than he has, meaning his best football could be ahead of him.
Schematically, Smith would be best as a 0- to 2i-technique in either odd or even fronts, and he could potentially play as a 3-technique if he adds some quickness down the line. It's just a matter of how patient teams are willing to be with him as a team hoping for a defensive tackle to make an immediate impact might be looking elsewhere.
Jack Campbell NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Iowa LB
Dec 30, 2022
Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell (31) looks to make a tackle during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Dakota State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
HEIGHT: 6'5"
WEIGHT: 249
HAND: 10 1/4"
ARM: 31 7/8"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.65
3-CONE: 4.24
SHUTTLE: 6.74
VERTICAL: 37.5"
BROAD: 10'8"
POSITIVES
— Quick to key and diagnose zone versus gap runs to put himself in a good position to make plays.
— Comes downhill in a hurry to fill his gap on the front side of gap runs. Takes good angles in pursuit against stretch runs or outside zone.
— Physical and strong at the point of attack to get extension against offensive linemen. Has plenty of upper-body strength to stack and shed.
— Wraps up and uses good pad level when tackling.
— Gets his hands on and can force reroutes against receivers and tight ends when playing underneath in zone coverage.
— Has good eye discipline. Locates threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback's eyes to step into throwing windows.
— Impressive ball skills for a linebacker. Uses his height and long arms well to force quarterbacks to try to make perfect throws to beat his coverage between the second and third levels over the middle. Has shown the hand-eye coordination to make one-handed interceptions.
— Hustle player who will make tackles down the field in pursuit.
— Great size for an NFL linebacker.
NEGATIVES
— Falls for a lot of pre-snap eye candy and can get caught out of position against motion.
— Has a habit of taking on blocks square and stopping his feet on contact, which can cause him to lose ground if he doesn't win at the point of attack. Reliant on his upper-body strength.
— Only adequate hip fluidity. Doesn't have enough speed when spot-dropping/running backward to play a lot of Tampa 2 coverage.
— Subpar change of direction is an issue in man coverage against running backs and shifter tight ends and on scramble drills.
— Doesn't have any moves as a pass-rusher. Just runs full speed and tries to run through blockers as a blitzer.
— 2022 Honors: First-team All-Big Ten (coaches and media), Consensus All-American, Butkus Award winner (nation's best LB)
— 2021 Honors: Team MVP on defense, Academic All-Big Ten, second-team All-American (FWAA and Phil Steele), first-team All-Big Ten (league media and Phil Steele), third-team All-Big Ten (coaches)
— 2020 Honors: Academic All-Big Ten
OVERALL
The combine will be key for Jack Campbell, as questions remain about his athleticism when it comes to his transition to the NFL. He was athletic enough to be the most decorated linebacker in college football this season, but his change of direction and hip fluidity are questionable for a modern-day NFL linebacker.
With that being said, Campbell isn't devoid of traits that will translate to the NFL. He has impressive speed when coming downhill, which helps him plug gaps against the run and close on pass-catchers in zone coverage. He's also arguably the best linebacker at stack-and-shedding in this draft class, and he has good instincts in zone coverage.
Schematically, the Hawkeye would be best as a middle linebacker in a system that uses a lot of one-high looks and Cover 3. That would give him some help over the top and keep him from having to carry wide receivers in Tampa 2, while still taking advantage of his ability to tighten throwing windows as an underneath defender in zone coverage.
Campbell is not a one-size-fits-all type of player. He could slide in the draft if teams are looking for a linebacker with more man-coverage skills. However, he could be a great Day 2 pick for a team seeking an impact run defender on the second level of its defense.
NFL Exec Ranks C.J. Stroud over Justin Fields but Prefers Bryce Young, Will Levis
Dec 26, 2022
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 12: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) on the field during the fourth quarter of the college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Ohio State Buckeyes on November 12, 2022, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A national title isn't the only thing Ohio State star C.J. Stroud has to play for this bowl season.
The MMQB's Albert Breer spoke with an NFC executive who compared Stroud favorably to Chicago Bears star Justin Fields but didn't rank him as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft class.
"I like him better than I did Fields," the executive said. "But he's still third in the group [behind Alabama's Bryce Young and Kentucky's Will Levis] for me."
Stroud has thrown for 3,340 yards, more than 1,000 fewer than in 2021, along with 37 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
The third-year signal-caller is still on track to be a Day 1 pick this spring, but he might have ceded some ground to the competition. He's the No. 9 overall player and No. 2 quarterback beyond Young on Bleacher Report's 2023 big board.
The postseason was a great showcase for Stroud in 2021. He went 37-of-46 for 573 yards, six touchdows and one interception in Ohio State's Rose Bowl victory over Utah.
A similar showing against Georgia in the Peach Bowl on Saturday is bound to get noticed by NFL talent evaluators.
Michigan State's Khary Crump Takes Plea Deal on Charges from Michigan Tunnel Fight
Dec 25, 2022
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 09 : A Michigan State Spartans helmet sits on the sidelines during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on October 9, 2021 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 31-13. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Michigan State redshirt sophomore defensive back Khary Crump has accepted a plea deal stemming from an altercation earlier this season in the tunnel at Michigan Stadium.
Per Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, the 21-year-old "agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor counts of assault/battery and disorderly conduct person-jostling."
Crump had originally faced a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon after he was seen on video swinging his helmet at Michigan defensive back Gemon Green after the Spartans' 29-7 loss to the Wolverines on Oct. 29 as both teams walked to the locker room.
Green was consulted on the plea deal, and Crump was required to write a letter of apology to him as part of the agreement, per Solari.
"This is a step," Crump said in a statement to Solari. "Writing the apology to Gemon was a step. I am taking this step by step. I am working on KJ the man, KJ the student and KJ the athlete. All I can say is stay tuned."
Crump's attorney Mike Nichols told Solari that his client will formally accept the plea deal during a virtual hearing on Jan. 5 and all charges will be dismissed and wiped from his record "once he completes his probation under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act." Nichols added that Crump, who had transferred to Michigan State from Arizona in 2021, doesn't intend to enter the transfer portal this offseason.
"The apology that he wrote to Gemon was heartfelt. … Slowly but surely, he is pulling himself out of a horribly dark place," Nichols said. "I predict that in the end, this kid is going to be one hell of a comeback story."
In addition to Crump, six other Spartans players were charged in two incidents involving Green and fellow Michigan defensive back Ja'Den McBurrows. All seven of them were suspended by Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker for the final four games of the season.
However, Crump is the only one not to be reinstated, as he still faces an eight-game suspension levied by the Big Ten to start the 2023 season.
