Tag: Arkansas

Cleveland Browns 2026 Draft Review: Key Picks and Grades
The Browns started the draft with 2 picks in the first round, at #6 and #24, thanks to the trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season (Travis Hunter).

They also had 2 very glaring holes on their roster. Offensive tackle and wide receiver. The question was always, which order would they address them. Would it be WR/OT or OT/WR?

Amongst the draft analysts and pundits, it was split almost 50/50. The fans however, were overwhelming in favor of going WR with pick #6, and hoping that one of the OTs would fall to #24. The particular WR that most Browns fans wanted, was Carnell Tate, the wide receiver from Ohio State. They ended up doing what I was in favor of, and taking an OT first, then take a WR second.

They not only addressed their biggest needs in the first round, but 4 of their first 5 overall picks were either a WR or OT. They doubled up on TE with 2 of their final 3 picks, and took the most athletic quarterback in this class.

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Draft Picks.
- Pick 9: OT Spencer Fano, Utah Utes
  My OL1 in this class.
  Played LT his freshman year at Utah, before moving to RT.
  Great footwork, and athletic ability to mirror defenders.
  Doesn’t get beat very often with spin or swim moves.
  Great use of his hands in pass protection.
  Very strong and violent hands.
  Great balance. His hips and feet stay centered, allowing him to absorb that initial contact from bull rushes.
  Has the strength to move defenders in the run game, and get to the second level.
  He finishes on every snap.
  Does a great job of turning his hips, to allow a clear running lane for the running back in the B gap.
  My grade – A+
- Pick 24: WR KC Concepion, Texas A&M Aggies
  Arguably the most athletic receiver in this class.
  Fast and great acceleration off the line of scrimmage.
  Can make defenders miss with his jukes and spin moves.
  Dynamic punt returner (see LSU game).
  Absolutely TERRIBLE hands. Way too many drops. All the athletic ability in the world, don’t mean diddly squat, if you can’t consistently catch the football.
  My grade – F
- Pick 39: WR Denzel Boston, Washington Huskies
  My WR2 in this class. Absolute steal at 39.
  He’s a true big X receiver, at 6’4″ and 212 lbs.
  Catches everything thrown his way.
  2nd best route runner in this class. The way he snaps off his routes, creates the separation from CBs that he doesn’t get with speed.
  Knows how to high point the ball.
  Huge catch radius.
  Had 20 TDs in 2 seasons.
  My grade – A+
- Pick 58: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets
  Arguably “the steal of the draft”.
  My S3.
  Tall safety at 6’4″.
  Plays his best games, against better competition.
  Willing tackler.
  Turnover machine. Had 8 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions in his college career.
  Can play single high safety, and play in the box.
  Possible Grant Delpit replacement, as his contract expires after this season.
  My grade – A+
- Pick 86: OT Austin Barber, Florida Gators
  Absolute mauler in the run game.
  Great feet, makes it easy for him to slide.
  Gets to the second level fast.
  Very strong hands.
  Very experienced, with 47 games in 5 seasons.
  Does struggle with double moves.
  Struggles with the “Wide 9” formation.
  My grade – B
- Pick 146: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama Crimson Tide
  Quick off the snap, allowing him to reach the second level fast.
  Great feet (see a theme here).
  Finishes every single rep through the whistle (see Georgia game).
  High football IQ and very aware of his surroundings. Picks up twists and delayed blitzes with ease.
  Smooth as silk on pull blocks and working in space.
  Better pass protecter than run blocker.
  Small for position. Only 6’2″ and 282 lbs.
  Penalty prone (17 flags in 3 seasons).
  My grade – B
- Pick 149: LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama Crimson Tide
  Fast. He has 4.5 sideline-to-sideline speed.
  Smooth backpedal when playing in zone coverage.
  Great tackler. His “missed tackle rate” dropped every season, as he progressed through college.
  His speed, acceleration, and ability to flip his hips in transition, allow him to stay with tight ends and running backs.
  He’s a classic WLB at 227 lbs.
  Struggles to hold up at the point of attack. Often just washed away in the run game.
  My grade – B+
- Pick 170: TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati Bearcats
  My TE5.
  A steal in this spot.
  Great hands.
  BIG catch radius, at 6’5″.
  Excellent football IQ. He finds the soft spots in zone and just sits. Giving his QB a big easy target.
  Seeks out contact, running through arm tackles and lowering his head for that first down.
  Good route runner, using his feet and head fakes to get open when covered man-to-man.
  Has the speed to play in the slot and beat out linebackers and safties that drop down.
  Lacks strength in the run game.
  His willingness to fight for extra yards, has resulted in fumbles (see Miami game).
  My grade – A.
- Pick 182: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks
  Absolute athletic freak for a QB.
  Tremendous ability to turn a sack, into a first down.
  Very strong arm.
  High release point means very few batted passes.
  GOD AWFUL accuracy.
  Wouldn’t trust him to hit the broadside of a barn at 10 yards.
  When pressured, runs backwards instead of climbing the pocket.
  His overconfidence in his athletic abilities, leads to taking too many sacks and plays resulting in loss of yards.
  Too loosie-goosie with the football when running.
  A HORRIBLE TD-INT ratio (53-35).
  My grade – F
- Pick 248: TE Carsen Ryan, BYU Cougars
  Good size at 6’4″ and 250 lbs.
  Decent production when thrown to. 45 catches, for 620 yards, and 4 TDs.
  A willing and capable blocker in the run game.
  Short arms, means a small catch radius.
  Needs to improve route running on short and intermediate routes.
  Almost completely stops when taking on lead blocking role.
  My grade – C
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Overall, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry did a tremendous job addressing their most pressing needs and building depth on the offensive side of the ball. The 2 players chosen on the defensive side of the ball are going to contribute on Day 1. Whether that’s McNeil-Warren replacing Hickman at FS or being the primary backup at both safety spots; as well as Jefferson being the primary backup to Schwesinger and/or Williams at linebacker.

New Browns head coach Todd Monken has proven that he’s able to adapt his offensive play calling, around the players on his roster.

This draft tells me that he’s going to run a lot of 12-personnel formations. He’s going to put one of the TE’s (Fannin Jr or Royer) in the slot, and have a smart, pass blocking first center, making the offensive line calls. His offensive linemen will pull and stretch the defense with zone runs, and then find the wide receivers and tight ends, in the intermediate zone of the field.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NCAA, PFF, and ESPN.

Picture courtesy of…..wallpapercave.
April 27, 2026
College Football Mid-Season Awards.

We are halfway through the 2025-26 college football season, and what an absolutely WILD ride it has been.

Big name head coaches have already been fired this season. James Franklin (Penn State), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Trent Dilfer (UAB), Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Brent Fry (Virginia Tech), and a few others.

Teams that a lot of “media pundits” thought would be in the national title picture are fighting just to stay at .500, like Penn State, Texas, and Clemson.

There have been teams that have “overachieved”, so far this season, like Indiana, Georgia Tech, USF, and Virginia.

Heisman “front runners” like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, and Cade Klubnik, have not lived up to the hype.

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The race for the college football playoff spot in the “Group of 5” is ABSOLUTELY LIT!!!

Navy, Memphis, USF, Tulane, Western Kentucky, UNLV, San Diego State, and James Madison, are all either undefeated or only have 1 loss. As much we all love the “Power 4” conference games, the “G5” school games are just as fun to watch. I highly recommend everyone watch these games, as the race for that spot, is going to be so much fun.

I could go on and out, but, without further ado, HERE are your mid-season awards.

Heisman Trophy – Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt Commodores.

The Heisman Trophy is an INDIVDUAL award, not a team award.

Without Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt Commodores are probably 0-6, instead of 5-1.

He’s the best dual quarterback in the country right now.

He’s thrown for 1,409 yards, with 14 TDs to 4 INTs, as well as running for 60 carries, for 352 yards, with 2 TDs.

Pavia IS Commodore football.

Runner-up – Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor Bears.

Coach of the Year – Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers.

Nobody, and I mean, nobody, including myself, thought that the Indiana Hoosiers, would be a Top 3 football team in the country.

He won the award last season, and is the front runner this season, as they are currently undefeated (6-0) and ranked #3 in America. He has this team playing hard, playing fast, and most importantly, playing smart. Only 19 penalties in 6 games.

Runner-up – Brent Key, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Bronco Nagurski Award – Bryun Parham, EDGE/LB, UConn.

Boo Hoo Hoo, he doesn’t play for a “Power 5” school.

Go watch the film, and tell me another player that is playing as consistently, and demanding the double and even triple teams, that Parham is?

I’ll wait…….

He has 47 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.

He’s ALWAYS around the football and making plays.

Runner-up – Aamaris Brown, DB, UNLV.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, MSN, clutchpoints, and courant.

October 13, 2025
Week 5 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

(all rankings are current)

What a banger of a college football weekend it was!!!

We had instant classics, as the #2 Oregon Ducks, went into Happy Valley, during a whiteout game, and beat the #7 Penn State Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime.

The #10 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide went in “Between the Hedges” and ended the nation’s longest home winning streak, as they beat the #12 ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24-21.

The Virigina Cavaliers pulled a major upset in double overtime, beating the (then #8), #18 Florida State Seminoles 46-38. Then followed that by having the fastest storming of the field, that I’ve ever seen. LOL. (see final play and students storm the field in video below.)

The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes went into Husky Stadium and ended the nation’s 2nd longest home winning streak, beating the Washington Huskies, 24-6, in a very workman like performance.

It also took overtime for #15 ranked Tennessee and #16 ranked Georgia Tech to get wins over Mississippi State and Wake Forest (41-34 and 30-29).

Unfortunately, we had another head coach lose their job, as Arkansas fired Sam Pittman (really dumb move in my personal opinion) after getting their butt whooped by #22 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56-13, at home. Bobby Petrino has been named interim head coach.

With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 5 College Football Helmet Stickers.

(Team) #22 Illinois Fighting Illini.

After getting absolutely molly-whopped last week, the Fighting Illini, showed some fight. They went toe-to-toe with (then ranked#21) USC Trojans and won the game, 34-32, on a 41-yard field goal as time expired. This was a great game, that showcased the best of both teams. Illinois showed the country, that they are going to get up and fight, after being knocked down. Statement win.

(Offense) Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

The senior quarterback did everything, and then some, as he led the Yellow Jackets to a hard fought victory.

King went 28 of 42, for 243 yards, with 1 TD and 0 INTs. He also had 21 carries, for 106 yards, with 2 TDs.

Because of him, Georgia Tech is not only highly ranked, but undefeated at 5-0.

(Defense) Noah Avinger, CB, Utah State.

The 6’0 senior cornerback, was all over the field on Saturday afternoon, as he helped the Utah State Aggies, give the #18 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, all they could handle, in a 55-35 loss.

He had 12 tackles, and an interception.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

– by Sean McKenzie.

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, on3, and kslsports.

September 30, 2025
Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 4.

Week 4 of the college football season is upon us.

There are quite a few good games.

There are quite a few interesting games.

Is #25 USC for real??? We’ll find out as they take on an undefeated and scrappy Michigan State.

The last time we saw Oklahoma State on the field, they lost 69-3 to the Oregon Ducks. Can they bounce back against a woeful Tulsa team on Friday night?

We have the Iron Skillet Game this week, as undefeated TCU takes on their bitter rival SMU.

Will the #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes send the Florida Gators back home to Gainsville with their 3rd straight loss?

I went 2-1 last week, and I am 5-1 for the season.

So here are the 3 games you should watch this week.

1) #9 Illinois Fighting Illini at #19 Indiana Hoosiers.
Game is Saturday night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.

I am so happy to see that NBC is doing the right thing and putting this game in primetime. 2 teams that are historically mid to bad, are having back-to-back good seasons. It’s nice to see them rewarded.

The Fighting Illini are led by QB Luke Altmyer has gone 56 of 79, for 709 yards, with 8 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been the running game that has really stolen the show. Junior Kaden Feagin has 50 carries for 222 yards and 3 TDs. He’s a 250 lb hammer that wears a defense down with his physical style of running.

The defense is led by senior LB Gabe Jacas, who leads the team in sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (2). They are gap sound, and they make opposing teams earn every yard.

The Hoosiers offense is led by QB Fernado Mendoza. The Cal transfer has come in a really taken control of the offense, going 55 of 76, for 708 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs. The running game has shown up so far this season, with 3 players (Kaelon Black, Lee Beebe Jr, and Roman Hemby) each already running for over 200 yards rushing a piece.

The defense is active on every level. They show a lot of movement up front and with the linebackers, trying to confuse the quarterback and disguise schemes. This had led to 4 INTs already this season.

Prediction – Illinois pulls away late to get a 31-24 win on the road.

2) #22 Auburn Tigers at #11 Oklahoma Sooners.
Game is Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

Are either of these two teams for real? Especially after such dismal seasons last year. Both teams are 3-0 coming into their SEC conference openers. Of course, everyone is talking about Auburn coming back to Norman, OK after transferring out in the offseason.

Yes, Arnold was brought into Auburn to “fix” the passing game. He’s gone 48 of 69, for 501 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been his running ability that has sparked the offense (35 carries, 192 yards, 4 TDs). Being teamed with leading rusher, junior HB Jeremiah Cobb (46 carries, for 314 yards, and 4 TDs) has turned the Tigers into a running team.

They have a very active secondary, as 3 of their Top 5 tacklers are defensive backs. Senior defensive end Keyron Crawford leads the team in sacks (3), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (1).

The Sooners are led by transfer QB John Mateer and his gun slinging, gritty, hardnosed mentality. He’s 71 of 105, for 944 yards, with 5 TDs but he’s thrown 3 INTs. He’s ran the ball 33 times, for 161 yards, and 4 TDs. Can he keep this pace in the SEC?

This is a Brent Venables team, which means the defense is sound. Their Top 4 tacklers are all linebackers, and they make you earn every yard, and every score. They’ve been much more physical so far this season, than last season.

Prediction – Something is telling me that Auburn pulls the upset. Mateer throws a late game INT, and the Tigers get out of Norman with a big 28-24 win.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Memphis Tigers.
Game is Saturday afternoon, at Noon (12:00 PM, EST) on ABC.

Not expecting this, were you? This is a dangerous trap game for the Razorbacks, who are coming off a hard fought, disappointing loss last week.

Arkansas is led by senior QB Taylen Green, and he is so fun to watch. He’s completed 63 of 92 passes, for 866 yards, with 11 TDs and 2 INTs. He also leads the team in rushing with 32 carries, for 307 yards, with 2 TDs. He’s a dynamic dual threat quarterback.

The defense flies around with that “SEC speed” that they like to brag about. Their back seven causes havoc with that speed, and the defensive line doesn’t get out of position, which allows them to cause said havoc.

This is not the high-flying Memphis offense that we’ve all come to expect. This Tigers offense is running the football. Senior QB Brendon Lewis is 55 of 75, for 608 yards, with only 2 TDs and 1 INT. He’s also 2nd on the team with 190 yards rushing, with 2 TDs. Junior HB Sutton Smith has 247 yards, on 41 carries, with 4 TDs.

They may not be an “SEC team” but the Memphis defense has the speed to match. They already have 8 players that have 10+ tackles, and their 10 sacks and pressure have led to 4 INTs this season. Senior linebacker Sam Brumfield leads the Tigers in both tackles (17) and sacks (3).

Prediction – Arkansas is mad and will not fall victim to this trap game. Razorbacks win 42-28.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, espn, USAToday.

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

September 18, 2025