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Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Texas five-star DL commit Richard Wesley goes in-depth about his decision
It's been a wild month for five-star defensive lineman Richard Wesley. First, he committed to Oregon and famously jumped in a pool with Ducks coach Dan Lanning. But soon after, the Los Angeles native backed out of the commitment and there was a lot of speculation Texas was leading. Over the weekend, Wesley did indeed commit to Texas. Sunday, Wesley told Jason Suchomel of "My recruitment is 100 percent, 1,000 percent shut down. I'm going here in January." Advertisement Wesley flew straight from Austin to Indianapolis where he's taking part in the elite Rivals Five-Star Challenge, a camp for 100 of the best players in the country at Lucas Oil Field. The 6-foot-4, 250 pound EDGE talked to Rivals National recruiting director Adam Gorney about his decision. Gorney asked Wesley what convinced him Texas was the right spot. "I knew Texas was a great school. Not only for football, but academically. They have great degrees. Great business school. Great every school. I felt like the decision was the best of both worlds. I get to play in the SEC but I also get to walk out with a great degree. God forbid, football's not forever. So if I do get hurt, in the long run I still walk out with something good. It was all the coaches combined. But what really convinced me was from the academic standpoint." -- Richard Wesley While academics are obviously important to the California prospect, the blue chipper tells Gorney his main goal is to win a national title at Texas. "My goal is to win the natty. You know, I want to win a state championship this high school season. I want to win one my college season. It's great knowing my team is going to be very elite when I get there and I'm going to continue the legacy." -- Richard Wesley Wesley becomes one of the highest ranked prospects that has ever committed to the Longhorns. He ranks just behind Vince Young, Arch Manning, Jonathan Gray and Sergio Kindle. Since Wesley has already committed to two schools during his recruitment, Gorney asked him if this was his final decision. "I'm staying here. I'm staying at Texas. Hook'em! I feel like that's the spot that I want to be at." -- Richard Wesley Wesley says he's glad the recruiting process is now over and he can get down to work for the upcoming high school season and beyond. "I'm glad that everything has settled down. I can finally work this upcoming offseason for the high school season. I'm trying to come up there and really do something. I'm glad everything is cooled down. I'm glad everything is calm now and I can really get to work now." -- Richard Wesley Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: New Texas 5-star commit Richard Wesley goes in-depth about his choice
Scotsman
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Newly crowned Primary School National Glee Champions perform with Scotland rising star Calum Bowie at Edinburgh's Usher Hall
More than 180 choirs started Challenge in February and after a series of heats and semi-finals nine Glee choirs remained to contest the National Title at Edinburgh's Usher Hall on Sunday, June 22. Part of the Challenge included learning and performing one of two of Calum's songs. In a packed programme the huge Usher Hall audience were treated to a rousing opening set by the drummers of Harbinger Drum Crew followed by amazing performances by each of the nine finalists. Watching choirs perform his songs from backstage Calum commented how 'incredible the choir performances were' and jokingly added 'how he would have to up his game' for his closing set. Taking to the stage to the screams and cheers of a rapturous audience Calum and his band played a fantastic set with the choirs rushing to the front of the stage to get closer to him. As Calum and his band left the stage the screams for more continued. They didn't have long to wait. With the Judges back on the stage, Calum to the audience's delight returned to present the awards. As the tension built the top three choirs were announced and came to the stage as follows 2nd Runner Up – St Johns RC PS, Rosyth; 1st Runner Up – Fernielea PS, Aberdeen and the winners Bellsquarry Primary School, Livingston. With Bellsquarry choir still on the stage Calum invited the choir to join with him to perform ' Lost Love'. It was a fitting end to what was a heartwarming and reaffirming afternoon of the talent, dedication and commitment in our schools. 'It was all about the children and it was an honour to be part of a special day for them,' said Calum. He added 'it's wonderful to think that one of these talented children may well be a star of the future' 1 . Contributed Calum Bowie with newly crowned Glee Champions Bellsquarry PS Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Calum presenting Winners trophy to Bellsquarry PS, Livingston Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Calum presenting 1st runners up trophy to Fernielea PS Aberdeen Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Calum presenting 2nmd runners trophy to St John's RC , Rosyth Photo: Submitted Photo Sales
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Blankenship travels from the beach to cheer on the Pilots
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — LSU-Shreveport head basketball coach Kyle Blankenship might be the baseball team's biggest fan. The Pilot baseball team is fresh off an unbeaten National Championship season. Blankenship started the World Series in Florida, on vacation with his family. He jumped on a plane and flew across the country to Lewiston, Idaho to support his friend and colleague Brad Neffendorf and the Pilots as they won the National Title. Perfect season, 1st national championship for undeafeated LSU Shreveport At the National Championship celebration, Neffendorf spoke fondly on his relationship with his basketball counterpart. 'I think ever since I've gotten here our families have hit it off,' said Neffendorf. We're in full support of each others programs, our guys go to every one of his games and his guys come out and watch ours.' In Neffendorf's tenure at LSUS, the Pilots are 3-0 in Lewiston with Blankenship in attendance. 'Kyle brought to my attention today, he's undefeated in Lewiston,' said Neffendorf. 'As far as I'm concerned he's got to be with us with a special assignment or assistant coach it doesn't matter.' Shreveport celebrates LSUS perfect ending, historic season Upon returning to Florida and rejoining his family on vacation, Blankenship posted a video to social media congratulating the baseball team on an historic season. 'Well I'm not in Idaho anymore but the flags are still flying purple and gold here in Florida baby' said Blankenship while showing the beach's yellow and purple flags for the gulf's water conditions. 'Congrats to LSUS Baseball on your history making, record setting 59-0 NAIA World Series National Championship. Let's go Pilots.' Blankenship traveled over 5,000 miles to essentially be in two places at once. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Patriots 7-round 2025 mock draft: Fixing the offensive line and helping the pass rush
It's finally NFL Draft week. We're just a few days away from the New England Patriots being on the clock with the No. 4 pick and staring down the biggest decision of Mike Vrabel's young tenure as head coach. We all know the best-case scenario, which involves either Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter falling to the Pats. But assuming that doesn't happen, let's offer our final mock draft for all nine Patriots picks, along with a summary of each player from Dane Brugler and 'The Beast.' Let's begin. Advertisement I've tried to pick someone different at No. 4 in each mock draft this offseason. And I saved Campbell for last because it seems the most likely outcome. By now, you know the drawbacks. So let's concentrate on the positives. Campbell was the best left tackle in arguably the best conference in college football, consistently going up against the nation's best edge rushers. He may eventually be a guard in the NFL, but he's a safe pick with a high floor who can help bring stability to a Patriots O-line that needs it. Brugler: Campbell's mediocre arm length lessens his margin for error, but his athletic movements, core strength and competitive finish help him stay connected through the whistle, regardless of the block required. His skill set is reminiscent of a more powerful version of Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann, although some NFL teams project him best as an interior blocker. If the Pats, as we expect, go with an offensive lineman in the first round, this pick becomes really interesting. Do they go wide receiver because they need more than Stefon Diggs to boost that room? Or do they pursue help in getting after the passer despite their free-agent spending spree? Here, we go back to what Vrabel has wanted from the beginning — to build from the trenches. Tuimoloau was a highly-touted recruit out of high school and now projects as a solid, safe starter in the NFL. I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run. Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025 Brugler: Tuimoloau's college tape is more good than exceptional, but he is competitive, skilled and doesn't have major deficiencies that would keep him from being a dependable edge presence in the NFL. He is one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in the class. The Pats seem confident that they can get Ja'Lynn Polk's career back on the right track, so wide receiver may not be as big of a need as I thought earlier this offseason. Bech started his career at LSU and led the team (one that included Kayshon Boutte) in receptions as a freshman. But his playing time dipped after that, and he transferred to TCU, where he totaled 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He's 6-foot-1 and has a chance to become the true outside receiver the Patriots are looking for. Brugler: Bech's acceleration is more build-up than immediate, and he will need to prove himself versus NFL press coverage, but he is urgent as a route runner with the ball-winning skills and competitive personality that will play. He has experience both inside and outside, and his play style is reminiscent of Puka Nacua. Mbow started 18 games at offensive tackle in the Big Ten the last two seasons, but a lack of length (32-inch arms and an 80-inch wingspan) will probably force a move to guard in the NFL. He's a bit undersized at 302 pounds, but the Patriots could use help on the offensive line even if they use the No. 4 pick on their front five. Mbow could immediately compete for the starting left guard job. Brugler: Mbow needs to continue developing his play strength and consistency through contact, but his athletic body control and skilled hands are the foundation of a player who will compete for NFL starting snaps, be it at tackle or inside at guard or center. His play style and potential are reminiscent of Zach Tom. I'll be shocked if the Patriots don't leave this draft with a speedy running back. And Giddens checks that box after running a 4.43-second 40. He went from a no-star recruit to a starting running back in college, where he averaged 103 rushing yards over his 25 starts. He showed some promise catching the ball out of the backfield (58 receptions), which the Pats could use behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Brugler: Giddens is a narrow, upright runner and doesn't have a grind-it-out mentality, but his gliding quickness and innate balance help him create. He projects best in an NFL scheme with a play caller who can get him into space as part of a committee. The Patriots need a run stuffer on the defensive line because, for as good as Christian Barmore and Milton Williams are, they're both much better against the pass. Horsley could be a replacement for Davon Godchaux. Plus, it ties into Vrabel's connection with Bill O'Brien at BC. Brugler: Horsley plays with the size and power to reset the line of scrimmage when he stays leveraged, making it difficult for run blockers to do their job. He has the talent to be a rotational nose for a long time in the NFL. Hill has a chance to be one of the steals of Day 3. He returned to college after a stellar 2023 season, even though he might've been a Day 2 pick had he declared for the draft. Last season, he suffered a foot injury early on and tried to play through it. His performance suffered. But perhaps with health, he can return to the high-end corner he was two years ago. Brugler: Hill is a good-sized man corner with the competitiveness and athleticism to push for early playing time in the NFL. Drafting him will require a leap of faith that he'll return to his 2023 form, but it won't be surprising if he outplays his draft spot. Advertisement One flaw of this mock draft is not picking a tight end earlier to develop behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. But such is life with a plethora of needs. Lachey is a good athlete from a school that produces good tight ends. He played in a bad passing offense, so his stats aren't great (231 receiving yards last season). Brugler: Lachey doesn't have any dynamic elements in his game, but he catches the ball cleanly and is willing to do the dirty work in the run game. His competitive wiring will help him compete for a backup role in the NFL. The Patriots need another kicker for their looming competition, and Loop has familiarity with Patriots special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who coached him at Arizona when Loop was a freshman (though he was the team's punter then). Last season, he made 18 of 23 field goal tries with a long of 62 yards. (Photo of Will Campbell: Kim Klement / USA Today)
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tyrone Taylor's RBI triple
Houston and Florida will vie for a National Championship The Final Four have been cut to two. The Houston Cougars will take on the Florida Gators in the National Title game on and Florida will vie for a National Championship originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston 1:05 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
