Alabama's Bryce Young Named 2022 Sugar Bowl MVP After Win vs. Kansas State
Dec 31, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter of the Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Bryce Young was crowned the Sugar Bowl MVP as No. 5 Alabama cruised to a 45-20 victory over Kansas State on Saturday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
MVP
Bryce Young from @AlabamaFTBL is the #SugarBowl Miller-Digby MVP after recording 5️⃣ passing touchdowns and 321 yards. The five passing scores marks 2️⃣nd in Sugar Bowl history. pic.twitter.com/Yd8RRKXUNB
In what's widely expected to be his final college game, Young went 15-of-21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
The Crimson Tide fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter following an 88-yard touchdown run by Wildcats running back Deuce Vaughn. The Alabama offense subsequently woke up, dropping 35 unanswered points.
Young was the driving factor behind that turnaround.
The turning point came after Kansas State turned the ball over on downs on the Alabama 2-yard line inside the final minute of the first half.
Young completed passes of 28, 22 and 12 yards as his team took a 21-10 lead into halftime. He carved open the Kansas State secondary with surgical precision.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner didn't take long to get Alabama on the board in the second half, either. He floated a 32-yard pass in the end zone to Ja'Corey Brooks as the lead swelled to 18 points.
In terms of his 2023 NFL draft stock, Young didn't stand to gain too much by suiting up in the Sugar Bowl. He's the B/R Scouting Department's highest-ranked quarterback and the eighth-ranked prospect overall in this class.
With such an impressive performance, the junior might have firmly planted himself as the top quarterback on the board.
The first pick this year should be viewed like the first pick of the 2020 draft
It was a lock Joe Burrow no matter what
This year should be a lock Bryce Young no matter what
Ohio State's C.J. Stroud has quite the task ahead to match Young's showing Saturday night in the Peach Bowl against reigning national champion Georgia.
Bryce Young Hyped as Top Pick by Twitter as Alabama Beats Kansas State in Sugar Bowl
Dec 31, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after throwing for a touchdown against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on December 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bryce Young couldn't call it a career with Alabama without enjoying one more prolific performance.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner went 15-of-21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns as the fifth-ranked Crimson Tide beat No. 9 Kansas State 45-20 in the Sugar Bowl on Saturday.
As you'd expect, Young was singled out for praise on social media. He put on quite the show for prospective suitors in the NFL.
I get the reasons why some might do it, but if I'm an NFL GM, I can't imagine taking another quarterback this year before Bryce Young.
Bryce Young has been great at football his entire career in the SEC, where the players are very big. I think he will probably be great at football in the NFL, where the players are also very big.
So much of QB evaluation happens after the season—gives us time to catch up on tape, to interview players, to see them outside their bubble—but I can’t imagine anyone topping Bryce Young as QB1.
Through it was only the second quarter, Alabama's final scoring drive of the first half might have been the game's turning point.
An incomplete pass by Kansas State quarterback Will Howard turned the ball over on downs at the Crimson Tide's 2-yard line. The Wildcats had nothing to show for a possession that ate 10:30 off the clock.
Meanwhile, Young needed only 51 seconds to march the Alabama offense 98 yards down the field. He hit Jermaine Burton for a 12-yard touchdown pass to put his team up 21-10.
Within the first two minutes of the second half, the Tide's lead had swelled to 25 points thanks to a pair of quick-fire touchdowns. Kansas State had no chance from there.
Any season that doesn't result in a national championship is considered to be a disappointment by many Alabama fans. They'll enjoy Saturday's victory, but the team's emphatic performance might lead even more to wonder what could've been were it not for that Nov. 5 loss to LSU.
If history is any indication, the Crimson Tide will be right back in the hunt for the College Football Playoff in 2023. Young will leave a massive void in the offense, though.
Barring a major addition through the transfer portal, the quarterback battle will likely come down to Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. Milroe filled in for an injured Young earlier this year, while Simpson went 4-of-5 for 35 yards in his limited action.
Whomever wins the job will have huge shoes to fill.
For the 15th straight year, Alabama has collected 10-plus victories and dropped no more than three games. The x-x win/loss over Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl...
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.
Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama Edge
Dec 30, 2022
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 1: Will Anderson Jr. #31 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at the line of scrimmage during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 1, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 49-26. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'3.5"
WEIGHT: 253
HAND: 9 7/8"
ARM: 33 7/8"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: 4.60
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: TBD
BROAD: TBD
POSITIVES
— Good get-off, quick to react to the snap with good acceleration while taking short, powerful steps to maintain his base.
— Takes on blocks with low pad level and quick, accurate hands on the offensive lineman’s chest to gain leverage.
— Recognizes blocking schemes well to put himself in a good position to take on blocks—i.e., working wide versus reaches or shooting his hands to play the cut.
— Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. He’s a lot stronger than his frame would suggest.
— Gap-disciplined, won’t leave his assignment until the running back commits. Has no issues shedding blocks with his hand placement and strength, and has the agility to cross the face of the offensive lineman he’s engaged with to make tackles in the adjacent gap.
— Can be lethal when slanting with his get-off and movement skills. Gains ground laterally and vertically with his L-step and can get penetration easily.
— Powerful for his size as a bull-rusher to put offensive tackles on skates. Also works to get on an edge and has developed several inside countermoves off the bull rush.
— Excellent change of direction for a defensive lineman to test offensive linemen’s ability to redirect and consistently win with inside pass-rush moves. Also uses his hands well to get clean wins that lead to sacks.
— Has shown solid hand-swipe and arm-over moves to win on the outside that he can develop in the pros.
— Recognizes and anticipates chip blocks well, which allows him to take them on and avoid getting caught off guard or put on the ground.
— Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks.
— Effective on stunts as both the penetrator or looper. As the penetrator, his get-off and aggressiveness at the point of attack will catch offensive linemen off guard and get them off their feet. As the looper, his change of direction and agility allow him to move laterally without losing ground, and he has the acceleration to win and close on the quarterback.
NEGATIVES
— Could afford to add weight to maintain his physical playing style in the NFL.
— Might struggle to get extension versus NFL offensive tackles. Wasn’t routinely locking out tackles in college, more just getting them off his frame with enough room to shed the block.
— Against power, counter and split zone, doesn’t get his eyes inside to see and get underneath pullers as the spill player in run fits.
— Likes to lunge and leave his feet to make tackles, leading to a high rate of missed tackles.
— Doesn't have a go-to outside move that he consistently wins with, and lacks top-tier bend to turn a tight corner at the top of outside rushes.
— 2021 Honors: Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (CFB’s top defensive player), unanimous first-team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year
— 2020 Honors: FWAA Freshman of the Year, Freshman All-American, SEC All-Freshman team
OVERALL
The best way to describe Will Anderson Jr.'s college tape is that everything just looked easy for him. From his movement skills to how effortlessly he took on blocks, it almost looked like he was getting bored out there. That's part of the reason why he’s been considered the top player in this year’s draft class since last January.
As a pass-rusher, Anderson is impressive with his inside countermoves. His speed off the ball puts pressure on tackles vertically, and once they open their hips, he has the quickness and change of direction to dart inside and leave tackles grasping at air.
He also has an effective bull rush that he’ll use to set up those inside countermoves and allows him to be effective when turning speed to power.
The biggest concern about the Alabama product’s pass-rush arsenal is that he hasn’t shown a go-to move that he can win with on the outside. He also isn't super bendy to turn tight corners at the top of the rush or around the edge. With that being said, he’s shown flashes with the hand-swipe and arm-over moves mentioned above. The latter is more that he just lacks the elite bend that one might expect from a potential No. 1 overall pass-rusher.
While Anderson led the nation with 17.5 sacks in 2021, he's probably an even better run defender. He’s hard to move one-on-one with his strength and leverage at the point of attack, and he has little to no issues getting off blocks with his excellent hand placement.
He needs to do a better job of getting his eyes inside when unblocked to see pullers coming and shore up his tackling form, but those are two very fixable flaws.
He’d fit best as a stand-up outside linebacker in a scheme that uses a lot of odd fronts and occasionally has edge-rushers drop into coverage. He held his own when Alabama asked him to do the latter, which suggests he can be asked to zone-drop in the NFL as a change of pace.
As far as even fronts go, Anderson can play with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end as well, so he’s scheme-versatile and a plug-and-play type of player. He just might be a little more effective as a stand-up outside 'backer.
Examining Qua Russaw's Impact on Alabama's 2023 Season Depth Chart
Dec 22, 2022
One of the top pass-rushers in the 2023 recruiting class has picked his school.
Jaquavious "Qua" Russaw, a 5-star edge-rusher from Carver High School in Alabama, committed to Alabama on Wednesday, per ESPN's Tom VanHaaren.
"Just the winning program," Russaw told ESPN about why he chose the Crimson Tide. "Great program, great place to be, and they can do a lot for you. It's a legendary program."
Russaw is considered the No. 22 player in the Class of 2023, the No. 3 edge-rusher and the No. 2 player from the state of Alabama, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Cooper Petagna of the recruiting website wrote in Russaw's scouting report that he is an "instinctive three-down linebacker that has ability to play on or off ball at the next level and can add pass-rushing value on passing downs."
Petagna added: "Plays with outstanding effort and will add immediate special teams value at the next level. Projects to a high level Power Five multiyear starter at the collegiate level."
ON3.com said Russaw compared to Tennessee Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans.
Russaw was awesome in 2021, accumulating 130 tackles (27.5 for loss) and 16 sacks.
"I love football and I want people to see that when they watch me play," he told Dawg Nation in May. "I love to make tackles, and it doesn't matter how far away they are or how far down the field it is. I am going to chase it. That's because I love football."
And matching that energy with a similar team culture was a big part of what he was seeking as he considered his college options.
"Just a hard-working team that wants to win," he said he was looking for during the recruiting process. "With the best players on the field. The best players on the field are usually the hardest workers."
With superstar edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. likely off to the NFL as a potential top-three pick, Russaw could have an avenue for playing time, though Alabama rarely lacks depth.
Dallas Turner, Jeremiah Alexander and Jihaad Campbell will be the favorites to top the depth chart off the edge for the Crimson Tide next season, while fellow Class of 2023 5-star edge-rusher Keon Keeley will also push for playing time.
5-Star DL James Smith Commits to Alabama Over Georgia, Florida, Auburn, More
Dec 21, 2022
James Smith, a 5-star defensive lineman out of Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, has chosen to play collegiately at Alabama.
Smith announced his decision Wednesday alongside high school teammate Jaquavious Russaw:
The 6'3" Smith had 21 offers, including ones from powerhouses such as LSU, Ohio State and Georgia, but chose Alabama.
"I like the school," Smith told Chad Simmons of On3. "I like the coaching staff. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. I felt like it was home for me."
Gabe Brooks, who is 247Sports' Midlands Region recruiting analyst, predicted that Smith would be a future Power Five starter and compared him to South Carolina's Zacch Pickens in his Aug. 5, 2020, scouting report:
"Physical young defensive lineman who could fit multiple fronts, but likely projects best to 3-tech in an even look. Possesses requisite size/frame. Consistently flashes vs. the run and as a pass rusher. Bull in a china shop who made plays as a freshman with size, strength, tenacity. Impressive closing speed relative to size.
"Physicality really stands out for such a young prospect. Technical development and improved body control could make for truly elite front-line defender. Early returns suggest impact high-major potential with early-round NFL Draft ceiling."
Per 247Sports, Smith has played at both defensive tackle and defensive end during his freshman year at Carver, where he spent his first two prep years. He transferred to IMG Academy after his sophomore year but returned to his home state and now plays for Carver again.
Alabama will now welcome him aboard as part of what is currently the No. 1 class in 2023, per 247Sports. Smith and Russaw alone create an elite tandem on the defensive line, joining other proven players to help compete for more national championships.
5-Star Edge Qua Russaw Commits to Alabama Over Auburn, Florida, Georgia, More
Dec 21, 2022
Highly touted edge defender Qua Russaw made his decision, committing to Alabama on Wednesday.
"It was a long thought process, and I just had to make a decision at the end," he said of his choice to On3's Chad Simmons. "And I think I'll put myself in the best situation by going to Alabama. Everybody loves Alabama in the state, and I've just always come back to Alabama."
The Montgomery, Alabama, native is the No. 22overall recruit and ranks third at his position in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class.
247Sports' Cooper Petagna evaluated Russaw in January and wrote the 6'2", 230-pound defender is likely to see time as both a pure pass-rusher and an off-ball linebacker:
"Quick twitch explosive off the line of scrimmage. Compensates for lack of length on the edge with play strength and ability to play with power. Demonstrates heavy hands at the point of attack. Shows the ability to generate consistent pass-rush with initial quickness, play strength, and motor. Plays with excellent range and closing speed off the ball, displaying a violence at the point of attack."
Russaw is one of two notable defensive standouts at Carver High School.
Defensive lineman James Smith sits 18th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings. On3's Peter Warren noted in June the pair were "taking many of their visits together and may end up as a package deal at the next level."
Despite sharing the same field as Smith, Russaw didn't have much trouble commanding the spotlight. He finished with an eye-popping 130 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks during his junior campaign.
Not surprisingly, Russaw wasn't lacking for interest from elite Power Five programs. Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida, Clemson, USC, Ole Miss and LSU were all among the schools to offer him a scholarship.
Early on, his versatility should go a long way toward getting him on the field regularly with the Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban will feel comfortable inserting him in a few different roles on defense, and Petagna noted special teams is an area in which he can contribute, too.
Right now, Russaw doesn't profile as an Aidan Hutchinson or Will Anderson-style pass-rusher who wreaks havoc on seemingly every passing down. But his sack total from 2021 at Carver speaks for itself. He should grow into a valuable linebacker in Alabama's scheme.
Early National Signing Day 2022: Predictions, Rankings for Top Football Recruits
Dec 20, 2022
OXFORD, MS - NOVEMBER 12: Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban walks off the field after a college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, November 12, 2022 in Oxford, MS. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The excitement of national signing day is usually reserved for February, but the impending early signing period is sure to capture the attention of college football fans.
This year's early signing period will begin on Wednesday, making for a busy week. While not every unsigned prospect will be signing their NLIs early, there's still a number of notable players set to make some important decisions. The drama of potential flips and commitment switches adds even more intrigue.
Here are some predictions for where some of the top recruits will land this week.
Alabama Will Land Hometown Tandem of Jaquavious Russaw and James Smith
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 19: An Alabama Crimson Tide football helmet sits on the stage during the SEC Football Kickoff Media Days on July 19, 2022, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA.(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Carver High School in Montgomery, Alabama, boasts a pair of top defensive recruits in linebacker Jaquavious Russaw and defensive tackle James Smith. The duo has maintained for a while that they are a package deal with the intention of committing to the same school, and there's a strong chance that they decide to stay home.
Alabama is already putting together an impressive 2023 recruiting class. The addition of Smith and Russaw would make it a historic haul for head coach Nick Saban.
Smith is ranked as the No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation by 247Sports' composite, while Russaw is ranked as the No. 3 edge-rusher. Smith earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game, which will be played on Jan. 3.
The Crimson Tide have been known for their seemingly never-ending cycle of talented defensive players. Smith and Russaw will have the chance to develop into NFL-caliber prospects by choosing to spend the next three or four years under Saban.
Top Offensive Tackle Kadyn Proctor Will Flip His Commitment from Iowa
The Iowa Hawkeye Tiger Hawk logo is seen on a goalpost pad before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Kadyn Proctor is an Iowa native and the No. 2 offensive tackle in the nation, per 247Sports' composite. That formula indicates that he's destined to be the next great anchor on the Iowa Hawkeyes offensive line, but things have changed in recent weeks.
Proctor, who committed to Iowa in June, took a visit to Alabama this past Friday. He also has been linked to Oregon throughout the fall. To add even more to the mix, he received an 11th-hour offer from new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders.
At 6'7" and 330 pounds, there's no surprise that Proctor is one of the most coveted players in the nation. He has the traits to be a future NFL first-round draft pick.
Alabama, in particular, is worth keeping an eye on when it comes to Proctor. The Crimson Tide had five offensive linemen enter the transfer portal since it opened on Dec. 5, so they will need to replace some depth. Nick Saban will be working hard to secure one of the top players in the 2023 class.
Coach Prime Will Make His Presence Felt for Colorado
BOULDER, CO - DECEMBER 4: Deion Sanders, CUs new head football coach, takes questions in the Arrow Touchdown Club during a press conference on December 4, 2022 in Boulder, Colorado. CU held an introductory press conference to announce the hiring of Deion Coach Prime Sanders as the schools new head football coach. Chancellor Phil DiStefano and athletic director Rick George accompanied Sanders into a packed room in the Arrow Touchdown Club inside the Dal Ward Athletic Center. Sanders becomes the 28th head coach in Buffalo football history. Sanders, who known as Prime Time during his Hall of Fame playing career has since transitioned into Coach Prime as a head football coach. Sanders, 55, joins the CU program from Jackson State University where in three seasons the Tigers compiled a 27-5 record and won back-to-back Southwestern Athletic Conference championships. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
In his three years at Jackson State, Deion Sanders has proved to be a savvy recruiter. After being hired as head coach at Colorado, there's no question that Coach Prime will do his best to continue his recruiting success.
Sanders has wasted no time in his short time with the Buffaloes. He already flipped former Notre Dame running back commit Dylan Edwards, who was 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Kansas. This past weekend, he hosted edge-rusher Tausili Akana, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Utah, as well as athlete Malachi Coleman, the No. 1 prospect in the state of Nebraska.
Earlier this month, Sanders also boldly made an offer to top offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, who is already committed to Iowa. After his historic recruitment of 2022 top prospect Travis Hunter away from Florida State, anything is possible when it comes to Coach Prime.
Speaking of Hunter, he intends to transfer from Jackson State, and he has not made his decision as to where he's headed. There is no doubt that Sanders will also be looking at the transfer portal to improve the Colorado roster, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Hunter and others follow him to Boulder.
