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USA Today
22-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles training camp: One player to watch at each position
With the first practice hours away, we're looking at one player to watch at each key position for the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp. NFL training camps offer an opportunity for key contributors and under-the-radar talent to secure a regular-season role through intense effort and standout performances during joint practice sessions and preseason games. The Eagles possess one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, with very few weaknesses or personnel gaps. They will return to the NovaCare Complex fully motivated after facing an offseason filled with slights and trash talk from their rivals. With the first practice hours away, we're looking at one player to watch at each key position for the Philadelphia Eagles during training camp. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson After watching Tanner McKee shred the Giants, Philadelphia felt comfortable entering this season with the former Stanford star as the backup quarterback. The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to Cleveland for former UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Thompson-Robinson initially joined the Eagles as the third-string quarterback, seeking a fresh start after his time with the Browns. The former UCLA star and 2023 fifth-round pick appeared in 15 games (five starts) for Cleveland over the past two seasons, completing 121 of his 230 pass attempts for 880 yards, one touchdown, and 10 interceptions. Additionally, Thompson-Robinson rushed for 187 yards on 35 attempts. RB Montrell Johnson Jr. Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, had an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. He'll now press Will Shipley and AJ Dillon for a roster spot. WR Giles Jackson A shifty and electric wide receiver, Jackson, 5-9, 185 pounds, went undrafted after six collegiate seasons, two in Michigan and four with the Huskies. He had a breakout year in 2024, catching 85 passes for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Giles capped off his final college season with an 11-catch, 161-yard performance against Louisville in the Sun Bowl. TE Cameron Latu Latu (6-5, 244), 24, was selected by San Francisco with pick No. 101 in the 2023 draft out of Alabama but has yet to see action in a regular-season NFL game. Latu joins running back Trey Sermon, running back Tyrion Davis-Price, and wide receiver Danny Gray as former 49ers draft picks who have had stints with the Eagles. At Alabama, Latu played 26 games and caught 56 passes for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns, offering Philadelphia an athletic option at the position. OL Hollin Pierce A massive player standing 6-8, 341 pounds, the Trenton, New Jersey native was Rutgers' first offensive lineman to earn All-America status since Anthony Davis in 2009. He also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 after starting 13 games at left tackle. He's a player to watch under Jeff Stoutland. DT Gabe Hall A rugged and versatile player at Baylor, a rookie free agent out of Baylor last season (6-6, 295 pounds), was on the practice squad for the entire season. He'll need a decisive training camp, but he can rush the passer and bring athleticism to the defensive tackle position. LB Dallas Gant A rookie free agent signing of the Vikings following the 2024 NFL Draft, Gant (6-2, 224 pounds) was a college teammate of cornerback Quinyon Mitchell at Toledo. CB Tariq Castro-Fields Castro-Fields was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 draft by the 49ers. After a few months with the team, he was waived. The Commanders then picked him up, and he played in eight games, recording four tackles. Castro-Fields was picked up on waivers by the Panthers to begin the 2024 season, and he played nine snaps on special teams. He will be looking to establish himself as a key player in the Eagles' talented secondary. S Andre Sam Sam spent the season on the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. Sam (5-11, 191 pounds) jumped from FCS after starting his career in 2017 at McNeese State, where he was selected First Team All-Southland Conference twice. Sam transferred to Marshall for the 2022 season before spending his final season at LSU. Overall, he played 58 games in college, registering 144 tackles, ten pass defenses, and nine interceptions. Sam has spent the past two off-seasons training with C.J. Gardner-Johnson and could prepare to carve out a key role in year three.
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Projecting the Philadelphia Eagles' depth chart following OTAs and minicamp
With training camp now one month away, we're looking at an early depth chart prediction for the Philadelphia Eagles After a nine-week off-season program and one day of mandatory minicamp, the Philadelphia Eagles are on summer break, which means the team will be off until it regroups for training camp on July 21. Players will still be working out and training on their own, but there won't be any organized team activities or practices until camp commences. Even after suffering significant losses in free agency, the bulk of the Super Bowl champion roster is returning, and the Eagles will open the season as an early favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in back-to-back seasons. So what does the depth chart look like as of now? There's no clear picture of how the coaching staff views things at every position, but we can at least project which players look like starters and who are the backups. Here's our latest projection of the training camp depth chart with OTAs and minicamp in the rearview. QB starter --Jalen Hurts 2nd--Tanner McKee 3rd-Kyle McCord (Rookie) 4th-Dorian Thompson-Robinson Hurts is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and he'll enter 2025 with his fourth offensive coordinator in five years with the Eagles. After Kenny Pickett was traded to Cleveland, Tanner McKee became the unquestioned backup quarterback. At the same time, Dorian Thompson-Robinson offered an athletic option at No. 3. Things got even more interesting after Howie Roseman drafted Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord with pick No. 181 in the sixth round. The St. Joe's Prep star attended Ohio State before transferring and heading to Syracuse, where he demolished several of Donovan McNabb's school records. FB Starter--Ben VanSumeren RB Starter-Saquon Barkley 2nd-A.J. Dillon 3rd-Will Shipley 4th-Lew Nichols 5th-ShunDerrick Powell (undrafted rookie) 6th-Montrell Johnson Jr. (undrafted rookie) A.J. Dillon will replace Kenneth Gainwell in the lineup and battle Will Shipley for the backup running back spot. Ben VanSumeren will make the roster as a fullback. Philadelphia added two undrafted rookies in Montrell Johnson Jr. (Florida) and ShunDerrick Powell (Central Arkansas). Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, wrapped up an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout. WR Starter --A.J. Brown 2nd --Johnny Wilson 3rd--Danny Gray 4th-Darius Cooper (undrafted rookie) WR Starter --DeVonta Smith 2nd-Terrace Marshall Jr. 3rd--Elijah Cooks 4th-Taylor Morin (undrafted rookie) WR Starter--Jahan Dotson 2nd--Ainias Smith/Avery Williams 3rd-Giles Jackson (Tryout) TE Starter-Dallas Goedert 2nd-Grant Calcaterra 3rd-Kylen Granson/EJ Jenkins 4th-Harrison Bryant 5th-Nick Muse 6th-Cameron Latu Dallas Goedert is back on a restructured deal, and it wasn't a tough decision after the veteran (team-record 52 career playoff catches) led the Eagles in receptions (17) and receiving yards (215) in the postseason. Philadelphia has Grant Calcaterra as the backup after signing Kylen Granson and Harrison Bryant. LT Starter --Jordan Mailata 2nd--Kendall Lamm 3rd-Darian Kinnard/Myles Hinton 4th--Laekin Vakalahi (International Pathway program) LG Starter --Landon Dickinson 2nd--Trevor Keegan 3rd-Hollin Pierce- (Undrafted rookie) C Starter --Cam Jurgens 2nd-Landon Dickerson 3rd-Drew Kendall RG Starter--Tyler Steen 2nd--Kenyon Green 3rd-Matt Pryor Former Alabama offensive tackle and third-round pick Tyler Steen was slightly better, landing at 75th with a 40.7 grade from PFF. There will be competition for this spot, and it's a noticeable downgrade after Mekhi Becton's exit. RT Starter --Lane Johnson 2nd--Cameron Williams 3rd-Brett Toth Edge Rusher Starter --Nolan Smith 2nd --Azeez Ojulari 3rd- Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr. -Drafted Rookie 4th--KJ Henry DT Starter --Jalen Carter 2nd--Ty Robinson -Drafted Rookie 3rd-Thomas Booker IV 4th- Gabe Hall During the regular season, Jalen Carter was 4th among interior DL with an 81.5 PFF pass-rush grade, behind Chris Jones (91.0), Cameron Heyward (87.2), and Jeffery Simmons (81.6) in that category. Philadelphia selected Nebraska's Ty Brown in the fourth round for depth and physicality. DT Starter --Jordan Davis 2nd--Moro Ojomo 3rd--Byron Young Davis logged 27 tackles (15 solo), one sack, and two passes defended while playing in all 17 regular-season games in 2024. He added six tackles (four solo), including two sacks and one pass defense across four playoff appearances. Ojomo finished the 2024 season with 20 tackles (six solo) in 17 regular-season games. Ojomo saw a significant increase in workload in his second season with the Eagles, playing 370 defensive snaps and 70 snaps on special teams while appearing in all 17 of the team's regular-season games. Ojomo could be a starter, with Milton Williams departing. Edge Rusher Starter --Jalyx Hunt 2nd --Joshua Uche 3rd --Patrick Johnson 4th-Ochaun Mathis We're predicting Hunt will get the first shot at replacing Josh Sweat despite Josh Uche getting signed. Hunt finished the 2024 season with 21 total tackles (12 solo), including 1.5 sacks, while adding one pass defended and two forced fumbles over 16 regular-season games. LB Starter--Zack Baun 2nd-Jihaad Campbell 2nd-- Lance Dixon - (undrafted rookie) Baun is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist and All-Pro, while Trotter Jr. should get the first shot at replacing the injured Nakobe Dean. Baun was PFF's highest-graded LB (90.1) in the regular season, producing 150 tackles and 5 FFs (2nd in the NFL, behind T.J. Watt – 6). In the playoffs, Baun became the second NFL LB since 1991 to generate takeaways in each of their first four career postseason starts (Devin White in 2020), which included an INT of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX. LB Starter-Jeremiah Trotter Jr. 2nd-Smael Mondon Jr. -Drafted Rookie 3rd -- Nakobe Dean (injury) 4th--Dallas Gant Philadelphia drafted Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 and Smael Mondon Jr. in the fifth round. CB Starter --Kelee Ringo 2nd--Adoree' Jackson 3rd--A.J. Woods/Tariq Castro-Fields Slot CB Starter --Cooper DeJean 2nd --Mac McWilliams -- Drafted Rookie 3rd--Parry Nickerson CB Starter --Quinyon Mitchell 2nd --Eli Ricks 3rd-Brandon Johnson -(Undrafted rookie) 4th-B.J. Mayes - (undrafted rookie) Safety Starter- Sydney Brown/Andrew Mukuba- Drafted Rookie 2nd--Lewis Cine/Tristin McCollum Safety Starter --Reed Blankenship 2nd--Andre Sam/Maxen Hook -(Undrafted rookie) Specialist Avery Williams-KR/PR Jake Elliott-Kicker Braden Mann-Punter Charley Hughlett-Long Snapper
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mizzou's New RB Transfer Expected to Make Immediate Impact
Mizzou's New RB Transfer Expected to Make Immediate Impact originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Mizzou's newest addition to the backfield is already turning heads ahead of the 2025 season. Ahmad Hardy, a running back transfer from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, committed to the Tigers last December. He enters Columbia as the highest-graded returning SEC running back for 2025, according to Pro Football Focus. The Mississippi native was one of the most sought-after backs in the transfer portal, receiving interest from SEC programs like Ole Miss and Kentucky. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 6 running back in this year's transfer portal class. Advertisement Ultimately, Hardy said the decision to choose Missouri felt natural. 'I feel like Mizzou was home,' Hardy said. 'They were saying the right stuff, and the coaches and staff, they did their job. And the players, they welcomed me in.' The 5-foot-10, 210-pound back fills a critical need for the Tigers after the departures of Nate Noel and Marcus Carroll, who combined for 1,413 rushing yards in 2024. Their production helped Mizzou to a 10-3 finish and a Music City Bowl win over Iowa. Running back Ahmad Hardy (22) runs the ball against the Auburn Tigers.© Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK Hardy, a sophomore, had a standout freshman season at ULM, rushing for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns on 237 carries, an average of 5.7 yards per carry. Advertisement He earned Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Sun Belt honors, topping 100 rushing yards in eight of his 12 games and scoring in all but two. He also caught eight passes for 72 yards, showing his versatility out of the backfield. Perhaps most impressively, Hardy forced 94 missed tackles, the second-most in the nation behind All-American and Heisman contender Ashton Jeanty. Known for his tough, physical running style, Hardy is a natural fit for Missouri's wide-zone offensive scheme—one he already thrived in at ULM. 'We run outside zone like I did at my old school,' Hardy said. 'So I feel like I'm perfecting my craft." Advertisement Hardy is already emerging as one of Mizzou's most intriguing breakout candidates for the fall, and a name fans will want to keep an eye on. Related: Four-Star Sunshine State WR Announces Commitment to Mizzou Related: Missouri Tigers Crack Top 25 of ESPN's Power Index Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
07-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Clemson makes a huge move in the transfer portal landing shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger
Clemson makes a huge move in the transfer portal landing shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger Clemson baseball has landed one of its first portal additions of the offseason. App State shortstop Tyler Lichtenberger has committed to the Tigers after making a visit to campus on Thursday, according to multiple sources. The standout freshman brings immediate impact potential after an impressive debut season in Boone. Lichtenberger was named Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2025, hitting .341 with 13 doubles, three home runs, two triples and 44 RBIs. He recorded 24 multi-hit games, reached base in 46 of 52 regular-season contests—including the first 34 games of the year—and also swiped seven bases in nine attempts. His 70 hits ranked among the top 10 in the conference. With Andrew Ciufo exhausting his eligibility, Clemson had a clear need at shortstop heading into next season. While incoming freshman Dax Kilby is a highly regarded option, there's a strong chance he's selected in July's MLB Draft, potentially opening the door for Lichtenberger to step into a starting role right away. Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
USA Today
02-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles announced the signing of 9 intriguing 2025 undrafted prospects to free agent deals
Eagles announced the signing of 9 intriguing 2025 undrafted prospects to free agent deals The Philadelphia Eagles signed nine 2025 prospects to undrafted free agent deals ahead of the rookie minicamp The Eagles came away with a dynamic ten-player 2025 NFL draft class last weekend, but the biggest and most efficient nuggets can be found in undrafted free agents. Reed Blankenship went undrafted four years ago, but enters the final year of his rookie deal as a potential Pro Bowl safety for the league's best defense. Philadelphia usually is among the league leaders in bonuses paid out, but with an already stacked roster, Howie Roseman put together one of the smallest classes with just nine players. WR Darius Cooper – Tarleton State #41 A player to watch, the St. Louis, Missouri native joins the Eagles from Tarleton State, where he earned first-team Associated Press FCS All-America honors in his senior season. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound receiver is athletic and finished second in Division I in receiving yards with 1,450 (the second most in single-season school history) and sixth in touchdowns with 14 (the third most in single-season school history) in 2024. In 48 career games, Cooper accumulated 164 catches for 3,185 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 19.4 yards per catch. LB Lance Dixon – Toledo #41 A former five-star recruit and No. 13 prospect coming out of high school, Dixon had 46 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2024 for Toledo after transferring from West Virginia, where he spent three seasons. The former safety turned linebacker is 6-2, 233 pounds, and is from Oak Park, Michigan. DB Maxen Hook – Toledo #37 A former teammate of star cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Hook was a first-team All-MAC selection in 2024, his third straight season earning the honor. He was the third Toledo Rocket to make an All-MAC team in four seasons. Hook could be this year's Reed Blankenship after accepting an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl and finishing 24th in the nation with 8.92 tackles per game. Hook finished his career with 356 tackles, seven interceptions, and 22 passes defended in 52 games. DB Brandon Johnson – Oregon #35 Named All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024, Johnson played in 14 games for the Ducks, logging 45 tackles, five pass breakups, and 4.5 tackles for loss. Johnson played three seasons at Duke before transferring to Oregon. RB Montrell Johnson Jr. – Florida #34 Johnson, a 5-foot-11-inch, 216-pound running back, wrapped up an impressive college career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Known for his powerful running style, big-play ability, and reliable hands out of the backfield, Johnson became a solid running back for the Gators after transferring from Louisiana. A former Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and an East-West Shrine Bowl participant, Johnson made an impact everywhere he played. DB B.J. Mayes – Texas A&M #49 At 6-1 and 195 pounds, Mayes is a versatile nickel corner with the size and speed to play on the outside. Mayes played one season at Texas A&M and led the team with four interceptions in 2024, which ranked fourth in the SEC. Before his time with the Aggies, he spent two seasons at Incarnate Word and one at UAB. WR Taylor Morin – Wake Forest #45 Morin is Wake Forest's all-time leading pass catcher after logging 2,974 yards throughout his career and finished second all-time in school history in receptions (227) and fourth in touchdowns (21). Morin was a 2024 All-ACC Honorable Mention after picking up a team-high 64 catches and 756 yards. Morin has also been used as a punt returner, finishing second in program history in career punt return yards (809). OL Hollin Pierce – Rutgers #63 The 6-8, 341-pound Trenton, New Jersey native was Rutgers' first offensive lineman to earn All-America status since Anthony Davis in 2009. He also earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 after starting 13 games at left tackle. RB ShunDerrick Powell – Central Arkansas #39 Powell rushed for over 4,000 yards in his collegiate career with 42 total touchdowns. He had eight 100-yard games in 2024. The two-time FCS All-American is a three-down running back and potential special-teams standout.
