Latest news with #UnderArmourNextCamp
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida football earns commitment from blue-chip cornerback CJ Bronaugh in 2026 cycle
Florida football earns commitment from blue-chip cornerback CJ Bronaugh in 2026 cycle Another day, another commitment for Florida football. On Wednesday, the Gators added four-star cornerback CJ Bronaugh out of Winter Garden (Florida) Windermere to its 2026 recruiting class with a verbal pledge. The 6-foot-1-inch, 166-pound defender had previously committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers — whom he had pledged to back in November — but recently de-committed, opening the door for Billy Napier and Co. to swoop in and snatch the talent. Bronaugh holds 26 total offers with the Florida State Seminoles also in the mix, as well as the Penn State Nittany Lions and Missouri Tigers. He made an official visit in Gainesville back on May 30, followed by a trip to Lincoln for an OV with the Huskers and one in Tallahassee last weekend with FSU. Alas, the Orange and Blue prevailed... for now, at least. CJ Bonaugh's relationship with Florida football "I really like the culture that Florida has," Bronaugh previously told Swamp247. "The school is in a good area, has good facilities and is in the SEC." Defensive backs' coach Deron Wilson has spearheaded the efforts to get the Central Florida product into the Swamp, as well as Napier. Their approach is the same that has been seen across the program's recruiting efforts over the past few years, which focuses on fostering close relationships with the young prospects. "Since Coach Wilson has gotten to Florida, he's been hitting me up a lot to let me know I'm important to him... He's a really good person. If you put coaching to the side, he's just a really good dude to spend time around," Bronaugh notes. "Coach Napier is even talking with me and my family a lot... they are definitely showing they want me." CJ Bronaugh's Recruiting Summary Bronough is ranked No. 99 overall and No. 12 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite while the On3 industry ranking has him at Nos. 106 and 14, respectively. "Ascending defensive back prospect with some of the best speed markers in the class," 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins begins. "Hasn't faced the stiffest competition to date, but turned heads spring before senior year at an Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando where he not only tested off the charts, but also locked down one side of the field in coverage. Meets key length thresholds as he has been verified at over 6 feet and is equipped with some additional length in the arms. "Straight-line burst and sideline-to-sideline range is optimal for a single or two-high safety role, but warrants a look at corner as he will fight for positioning out on the perimeter and has the agility to mirror most weapons. Not afraid to take risks and jump routes, which led to three pick-sixes as a junior. "Serviceable as an open-field tackler on Fridays, but improved play strength would go a long way on Saturdays, especially if he's going to be asked to fit corridors. Will need to soak up coaching and keep perfecting his craft, but should be viewed as a traits-heavy secondary player that could emerge as a bonafide playmaker for a Power Four program with his frame and acceleration." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Why Nebraska struggles to hold elite defensive backs in 2026 class
Why Nebraska struggles to hold elite defensive backs in 2026 class (Image Source: Cornerback CJ Bronaugh, a four-star recruit, decommitted on Tuesday evening, and it is a devastating blow to the Nebraska Cornhuskers football program because the staff of the new football coach, Matt Rhule, will have to go out of its way to land top-notch defensive talent. Bronaugh, who was the tenth-best cornerback in the Class of 2026 nationally, had committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in November 2024, after his first visit to Lincoln. The move by the Florida native to reopen his recruitment highlights the fact that Nebraska is having to fight to continue to recruit against the traditional powers and especially those in talent-heavy recruiting grounds such as Florida and the Southeast. Timeline reveals Nebraska Cornhuskers' recruiting missteps with CJ Bronaugh At first, it seemed like the Nebraska Cornhuskers were doing a good job by securing the commitment of CJ Bronaugh in November 2024, as they took advantage of an early offer to Bronaugh during his breakout junior year, in which he amassed six interceptions. But it turned sour when the national profile of Bronaugh rose due to his track and field accomplishments with victories in the Florida State championships in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash races. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Windermere High School standout also captured defensive back MVP honors at the Under Armour Next Camp in Orlando, and his recruitment has been broadened tremendously. Even though Bronaugh had committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he planned official visits to several schools, such as the University of Florida, Florida State University and Pennsylvania State University. His weekend visit to Florida State University in Tallahassee was especially influential, and on Tuesday, he made a surprise mid-week trip back to the University of Florida. According to sources, he is now focused on these two in-state programs, indicating that Nebraska's geographical disadvantage was too much to overcome. Matt Rhule's Nebraska Cornhuskers face broader recruiting challenges beyond CJ Bronaugh's loss The loss of CJ Bronaugh is not just a personal recruiting setback to the Nebraska Cornhuskers, but it also accentuates the underlying issues in the program-building process spearheaded by Matt Rhule. This decommitment leaves Nebraska with only five commits in the 2026 recruiting class, and none of them are four-star recruits as ranked by the big recruiting services. The class is currently 67th in the country and 18th in the Big Ten Conference, which is an indication of how difficult a task Nebraska has in that regard, as it competes against traditional recruiting forces. To make it even worse, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have lost four-star running back DeZephen Walker to the University of Oklahoma, who pledged to the Sooners just a few days before his official visit to Lincoln. Such losses are in addition to the increased performance on the field in 2024 when Nebraska had its first bowl appearance since 2016 and won its first postseason game since 2015. Nebraska Cornhuskers are not out of hope yet as there are still targets on their radar, like Florida State University commit Tedarius Hughes, who will be at Lincoln this week as a possible flip candidate. Four-star prospects Danny Odem and Devin Jackson are also slated to visit this weekend, and it will be a chance to show off the recruiting abilities of the Matt Rhule staff. Also Read: College football star LaNorris Sellers ignores $8M transfer deal to stay at South Carolina The CJ Bronaugh decommitment is an ugly reminder that Nebraska has a long way to go before being a national power again because it must win its recruiting battles on a regular basis against historically and geographically advantaged teams. In his third season, Matt Rhule understands that recruiting high-quality talent such as Bronaugh is the key to achieving long-term success, and recruiting weekends in the future hold greater importance to the future of the program. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Egor Demin turning heads with strong NBA Combine
A year ago, Egor Demin was a name whispered in NBA Draft circles. Now, after a standout performance at the 2025 NBA Combine, the BYU freshman guard is the name on everyone's lips. At 6-foot-9, Demin entered Provo with the intrigue of a first-rounder, largely due to his unique size and feel for the game. But what he's showing in Chicago this week is something different — confidence, polish, and growth. The kind that turns promise into profit. Advertisement 'Word is circulating here in Chicago that BYU's Egor Demin is on the rise,' wrote NBA Draft analyst Matt Babcock. 'He measured well, and while I'm not usually a big fan of pro days, Demin looked great in his today. It feels like he might be peaking at the right time.' Demin averaged 9.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds during his freshman season. He struggled early in Big 12 play after a midseason injury but finished strong, helping lead BYU to the Sweet 16 — just the program's third in history. Scouts always loved his passing. What they questioned was his shot. That question is being answered — loudly — in front of executives from every NBA team. He's knocking down shots consistently. You pair that with his vision and frame? That's a starting NBA point guard. Egor Demin (80) participates in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.© David Banks-Imagn Images Demin's handle looks sharper, his body more under control, and his jump shot — once his weakest link — now flows with a fluidity that didn't exist three months ago. After shooting just 29.8% from deep at BYU, he's showing the touch and mechanics NBA teams crave in today's space-heavy game. Advertisement Make no mistake: Egor Demin isn't just showing potential anymore. He's showcasing readiness. Cougar fans, this might be your one season with him — but it's shaping up to be one to remember. The draft buzz is growing, and Demin's name is climbing. If he keeps this up, don't be surprised if his name is called inside the top 10 this June. Related: BYU sends strong message with new athletic director hire Related: BYU football recruit sparks buzz as MVP of Under Armour Next Camp
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU football recruit sparks buzz as MVP of Under Armour Next Camp
When Bott Mulitalo lines up in the trenches, you can feel the shift. Pads pop a little louder. Coaches stop mid-sentence. Recruits watch quietly. And last weekend at the Under Armour Next Camp in Salt Lake City, the Lone Peak standout made sure everyone knew why he's BYU's top offensive line commit in the class of 2026. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Mulitalo left no doubt, taking home the Offensive Line MVP award after a commanding performance that showcased his raw strength, balance, and explosiveness against the best competition from across the West. The four-star recruit didn't just win reps—he erased defenders. Advertisement Mulitalo, who is currently rated No. 90 overall in the 2026 class by 247Sports, has transitioned from the defensive line to offensive tackle, a move that looks more genius by the day. While he continues to refine his pass-blocking sets, his natural ability to anchor and drive defenders into the turf is already at a collegiate level. It wasn't just the trophy that made headlines—it was who he did it in front of. The Salt Lake City edition of the Under Armour Camp drew elite talent from states like Arizona, California, Oregon, and Colorado. Among the BYU faithful, though, Mulitalo's performance stood tallest. He was one of five Cougar commits competing, part of a strong showing from BYU's 2026 class that also included fellow four-star Brock Harris. Mulitalo's early commitment to BYU came after flipping from Oregon, largely due to his growing connection with offensive line coach TJ Woods. That bond now looks like a cornerstone in BYU's rebuilding strategy up front. The message from Mulitalo this weekend was clear: he's not just committed—he's coming for dominance. Advertisement If this is what he's doing before his senior year, just imagine the impact when he finally suits up in Cougar blue. Related: AJ Dybantsa take his talents to international stage Related: BYU Basketball players are turning heads for unexpected choice
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
BYU's Egor Demin shows true colors at NBA Combine
When Egor Demin stepped on the NBA Draft Combine floor this week, the buzz didn't come from a highlight reel dunk or silky jumper. It came from a tape measure. The former BYU point guard, who declared for the 2025 NBA Draft in April, turned heads with official measurements that make him one of the most intriguing backcourt prospects in this class. Advertisement Demin checked in at a legit 6'8 1/4' without shoes, with a wingspan of 6'10 1/4' and a standing reach of 8'9 1/2'. He is the tallest point guard or shooting guard ever measured at the combine. At 199.2 pounds, he's lean but strong enough to hold his own at the next level—especially for a player who spent most of his collegiate minutes running the offense. NBA scouts value size and versatility, and Demin's rare blend of length and ball-handling immediately stood out. Those are legitimate guard skills in a forward's body. That's not easy to find. The measurements only add fuel to a scouting profile that already intrigued teams. At BYU, Demin averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds, showing flashes of playmaking brilliance and defensive upside. His shooting numbers—41.2% from the field, 27.3% from three—left room for improvement, but his physical tools suggest a higher ceiling than stats alone can show. Advertisement Originally projected as a top-10 pick early last season, Demin's stock dipped slightly due to inconsistent shooting. But his performance and profile in Chicago could push him back into Lottery consideration. Jan 21, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Brigham Young Cougars guard Egor Demin (3) reacts after a play in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images 'It's another challenge that I'm willing to take,' Demin said in April. 'And I'm not scared of any troubles that I could meet on this path.' That path just got a little clearer—and a lot more exciting. BYU fans may have only had one year with the Russian-born guard, but his journey is far from over. The Combine gave NBA execs a reason to circle his name again. Now, it's about proving he's more than just a measurement marvel. Cougar Nation, stay locked in—Demin's stock is rising fast. Related: AJ Dybantsa take his talents to international stage Related: BYU football recruit sparks buzz as MVP of Under Armour Next Camp
