|
Draft Scout College Football Player Injury News & Notes
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Western Kentucky linebacker Clay Davis has announced his decision to end his football playing career. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound redshirt senior was attempting to make a comeback this spring after a knee injury sustained in 2020 fall camp left him out for t he entire season. Davis tore his ACL and meniscus again during spring practice March 30. "The past 8 months has been an emotional rollercoaster for me. On August 27th, I had my first surgery to repair my ACL and meniscus. I rehabbed and grinded in the tr aining room to get back with my teammates for spring practices," Davis wrote in a post on Twitter. "About 3 weeks into spring on March 30th, I retore my ACL and meniscus. After prayers and long talks with family, I have decided it is in my best interest to medically retire from the game of football. This has not been an easy decision for me, but it is the best one. I do not plan to be completely done with football. I am and will be searching for a GA coaching position. I want to thank you all of you for all of your support, prayers, and words of encouragement. The Hill will always be my home." - BG Daily News
rSr/2022  OLB Clay Davis, Western Kentucky
News Source: BG Daily News
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
This spring wasn't the first time Sills had met new OSU offensive lineman Danny Godlevske, who transferred from Miami of Ohio. Sills grew up in West Virginia and Godlevske in Indianapolis. The two were recruited by some of the same programs - including M iami of Ohio - and went to several of the same camps. "I kind of knew who he was then," Sills said. "When he committed here, I messaged him and was like, congratulations. "Then the first day here, it was like, we're pretty well the same people. He's a ha rd worker. Puts his head down and you tell him to do something, he does it." Godlevske has slotted in as the starting center for the Cowboys, bringing a veteran feel to a position that would have been lacking in experience without him. "Having a guy like him is a huge boost for everyone else just because of his football sense and being able to pick up the offense so quick," Sills said. "It's been kind of a pick-me-up for everybody else to see somebody come in and pick up the offense that fast and knows it, but at the same time has the football smarts he does. "Then you can see out and see the future of what we could possibly be, depending on what we do every day in practice." - Daily Oklahoman
rSr/2022 C Danny Godlevske, Oklahoma State
News Source: Daily Oklahoman
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Whoever winds up as the starting quarterback at the University of Utah, whether it be Charlie Brewer, Cameron Rising, or Ja'Quinden Jackson, there is some question right now as to who that person will throw to this fall. The Utes are thin at wide receive r, a problem coach Kyle Whittingham has addressed numerous times in the last two months in the wake of Bryan Thompson and Samson Nacua transferring. Whittingham has made clear he will hit the NCAA Transfer Portal in the time between spring practice endin g and fall camp beginning, so for now, wide receiver is a significant question mark for the program. As far as pass-catching options go, that's the bad news. The good news, though, is two-folded. One, Utah likes to utilize the tight end position. Two, th ere are no questions at Utah about tight ends like there are about wide receivers.Two-time All-Pac-12 tight end Brant Kuithe is back as a junior. Another veteran pass-catching option returns in junior Cole Fotheringham, and still, there is a third legitimate option in junior Dalton Kincaid, an FCS All-American as a sophomore in 2019 at the University of San Diego. "We have playmakers," Kuithe said this week a Zoom call with reporters. "Dalton is doing well this spring and I think next year, it's going to be a different story. He wasn't involved much last year, and only getting five games, the play was a little erratic. Getting a full slate of games, I think the tight end group is going to be really solid." - Salt Lake Tribune
rSr/2025 FB Brant Kuithe, Utah
News Source: Salt Lake Tribune
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Once it was over, Graham Mertz took time to reflect after his first college football season as a starter. It hadn't gone how he wanted - after a record-setting starting debut in which he threw five touchdown passes, challenges started to pile up for the sophomore. He contracted COVID-19, testing positive the day after the Illinois game as part of an outbreak that derailed the University of Wisconsin's season for nearly three weeks. He struggled as his timing and accuracy were sporadic over the final six games of the year and UW finished 4-3. Mertz said as he evaluated the season, he looked inward first, asking himself how he needed to get better in each aspect of his game. He also took stock of how he needed to improve his approach off the field. "I to ok a couple of days just to kind of take that approach. 'How can I be the best Graham during the season?'" Mertz said Friday. When Mertz did begin studying tape, he broke his play down into particular elements and spent days watching each snap with an ey e on that component. From his drop-backs to his understanding of scheme and recognition of defenses, Mertz took note of the strides he needed to make. He didn't specify when it happened, but Mertz also sustained a shoulder injury and had to get a cortiso ne shot one week. He rejected the idea that it was an explanation for his struggles. "I'm not one to sit here and make excuses for how I played, and having a little banged up shoulder doesn't justify losing three games (in a row) and playing like that," he said. "So I'm not going to sit here and make that an excuse, because it's not." - Wisconsin State Journal
rSr/2025 QB Graham Mertz, Florida
News Source: Wisconsin State Journal
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
On the practice field Tuesday, OU sixth-year linebacker Caleb Kelly had a breakthrough. "Today was the first day where my body kind of caught up," Kelly said. "It's weird with the knee. Some practices you'll be fast and then some practices you will be re ally slow and you'll say, 'I was just good.' "There's a lot of up and down with it. When you are making a play, your angles have to change when one day you are fast, one day you are slower. It's hard to do that." Coming back from his second devastating k nee injury in as many years, Kelly is hoping the fast days start to greatly outweigh the slow days. Sooners inside linebackers coach Brian Odom said Kelly's improvement this spring has been noticeable. "There's been a jump," Odom said. "He's more fluid. The things he's seeing, he's processing faster. The thing with it is it makes you excited for Caleb, not only because of his size and knowledge, also very excited for him as a person after all he's been through here at the university." Kelly certainly ha s been through quite a bit. - Daily Oklahoman
rSr/2022 ILB Caleb Kelly, Oklahoma
News Source: Daily Oklahoman
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Kenneth Kirby is coming to Georgia Tech with an NFL body, NFL ambition and a healthy dose of confidence. After the offensive tackle declared his intent in February to leave Norfolk State for Tech as a graduate transfer, he is ready to prove himself on a much bigger stage. "I feel like it's a test that I'm ready for," Kirby said. "To me, I don't think there's a huge gap between guys in FCS and FBS." Kirby has proved himself at the FCS level. At Norfolk State, he was a three-year starter and a two-time Al l-MEAC selection. But, with a shot at the NFL in mind, he decided to use his last season of eligibility at the highest level of play."Really, my goal was to go to a Power 5 school and perform there because for me at my position, it makes a big dif ference," Kirby told the AJC. "So that's really the main goal in all of this, to get my draft grade as high as possible." Kirby, who is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, shows quick feet and a strong punch in pass protection and power in his run blocking. He desc ribes his style as "aggressive but smart" and said he takes pride in finishing plays through the whistle and "really just making people hate you." - Atlanta Journal Constitution
rSr/2022 OG Kenneth Kirby, Georgia Tech
News Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Clearly, Clemson already has an upgraded Uiagalelei (ooh-ee-AHN-guh-luh-lay), better than the guy who finished last season as Lawrence's understudy (5 touchdown passes, no interceptions, 914 yards passing in 10 games and two starts). Tyler Venables, a Cl emson sophomore safety and son of defensive coordinator Brent Venables, said Uiagalelei is quicker with passing reads since December. Also calmer in the pocket. "He basically came in here perfect, throwing-wise," Venables said. "Just unreal power on the ball and how far the can throw it, he's always had that. The mental side, he's always had. But he's continued to grow and be really able to read a defense." Uiagalelei will benefit from a Clemson defense that projects as one of the nation's best for 2021 , the program's best overall tight end talent and a stronger, healthier receiver group led by the return of potential NFL first-round pick Justyn Ross. - Charleston Post Courier
rSr/2025 QB DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State
News Source: Charleston Post Courier
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Michigan offensive lineman Zak Zinter admits to having experienced some nervousness when he was called on last season to take over at right guard as a freshman. That was before the third game, but Zinter said he was instilled with confidence. Although he was an early enrollee who didn't have the advantage of participating in spring practice, canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 6-foot-6, 334-pound Zinter now knows how valuable that playing time was last fall and how important this spring has b een."Getting in the games was huge," Zinter recently told reporters. "Just that experience is something you can't really create other than playing in the game itself. The experience was incredible, and I think I've come a very long way from a year ago when I stepped on campus as an early enrollee." He said he's using his hands more and staying low, and while the depth chart is in pencil now, Zinter appears to the starter at right guard next to tackle Andrew Stueber. Stueber had been playing at ri ght guard last fall but moved to right tackle when Jalen Mayfield suffered a high ankle sprain. Zinter and Stueber developed a rhythm playing side-by-side those final games. "He has such a high ceiling," Mayfield said recently of Zinter. "He's very versa tile, a very strong kid. He's very athletic, as well. I think he's gonna be a big part of what they have next year." - Detroit News
Sr/2024 OG Zak Zinter, Michigan
News Source: Detroit News
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Clemson's rotation at running back has been one of the biggest question marks this spring. Lyn-J Dixon appears he will get the first crack at replacing Travis Etienne, who will be drafted into the pros later this month. Dixon played for the White team an d rushed four times for 25 yards. But Saturday's game let the coaches and fans see other guys get a shot, including Kobe Pace and freshmen Will Shipley and Phil Mafah. Pace shined early and rushed for 69 yards, most of that coming on the opening drive. M afah scored a TD late in the game and finished with 38 yards. Shipley rushed for 13, caught a pass and also played on special teams.Swinney on the TV broadcast said that Shipley and Mafah have a chance to be similar to the "thunder and lighting" d uo the Tigers had with James Davis and CJ Spiller years ago. Swinney said Shipley, who played at Weddington High in North Carolina, is ahead of where Travis Etienne was at this point in his freshman year. "He's better than advertised," Swinney said. "He' s going to be a great one. He's going to be a great player. He's incredibly dynamic. He can return, he can catch and he's physically way ahead for a high school kid." - The State
rSr/2025 RB Kobe Pace, Virginia
News Source: The State
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Grad senior Avery Davis, Notre Dame's lone returning starter among the three wide receiver spots, continues his ascent that follows a breakthrough season in 2020. The other two wide receivers who have caught Kelly's eye are coming off enigmatic showings last season, in part due to injuries - seniors Braden Lenzy (7 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD) and Lawrence Keys III (5 catches, 51 yards). "I think what we've been looking for is consistency in performance," Kelly said. "Now this is only practice 4, so I'm goi ng to put an asterisk next to them, but Lenzy and Keys have has been really good. "Now, they have to be consistent, because that has been the area that they haven't been for us. They haven't been consistent. But they made a commitment in the weight room that is different from what we've seen in the past. "These guys have been outstanding in the weight room, and you can see it in the way they're translating that onto the field. They're explosive. They're running outs. They're breaking tackles. You can se e in the way they're practicing and playing." - South Bend Tribune
rSr/2023 WR Braden Lenzy, Notre Dame
News Source: South Bend Tribune
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Michigan's offensive line went through trials and tribulations last fall while trying to adjust to changes at quarterbacks and injuries up and down the front five. The latter meant more opportunities for younger players, such as true freshman Zak Zinter, who earned snaps in all six games. But when right tackle Jalen Mayfield went down due to injury, forcing the Wolverines to move veteran Andrew Stueber over to his natural position, Zinter was plugged in to start at guard. "Huge," Zinter said Thursday to describe the opportunity. "That experience is something you can't really create, other than playing in a game itself. The experience was incredible. I think I've come a very long way from a year ago when I stepped on campus as an early enrollee." Now, a year later, the 6-foot-6, 334-pound Zinter is in the mix for a permanent role along the offensive line. He's taking snaps at right guard again this spring - this time with a new offensive line coach, Sherrone Moore - and figures to be in the playi ng rotation, at the very least, this fall. Stueber is back at right tackle, while Michigan returns its starters at left tackle (Ryan Hayes), left guard (Chuck Filiaga) and center (Andrew Vastardis). - Ann Arbor News
Sr/2024 OG Zak Zinter, Michigan
News Source: Ann Arbor News
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Even with two stars departing, UVa likes the players who may slide into starting roles this season. Two obvious projected starters are senior Noah Taylor and junior Nick Jackson. Taylor, an outside linebacker, dealt with a back injury last season that ha mpered his ability. He still finished with 44 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, in nine games. The NFL prospect feels healthy as the team begins spring practices. "I feel a lot better, and I've just been waiting to get to this point where I'm star ting to feel a lot better just so I can go out there and perform the way that I know I can and the coaches know I can," Taylor said. "I've definitely gotten a lot better, and I'm very excited to see the improvement." With Taylor healthy outside, Jackson fills a role inside. He's a physical presence, leading Virginia with 105 tackles in 2021. Jackson earned third team All-ACC honors last fall. - Charlottesville Daily Progress
rSr/2023 OLB Noah Taylor, North Carolina
News Source: Charlottesville Daily Progress
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert has proven to be a receiving threat in recent seasons at Ohio State. In returning for his senior season, he might see his involvement in the Buckeyes' passing game expand. Speaking with reporters on a Zoom call on Wednesday after noon, Ruckert said he has worked with the coaching staff in spring practice to add to his route tree, potentially increasing his role in the offense. "It's kind of the same stuff we've been doing," Ruckert said. "It's been in before, but we're really foc using on it a lot more now and getting more opportunities. I think the biggest thing going into this year is just trying to give us more opportunities in the passing game because we've proven that we can produce and help this team in any way, especially in the passing game." In last fall's pandemic-shortened season, Ruckert gave quarterback Justin Fields a big red-zone target. The 6-foot-5 tight end grabbed all five of his touchdown passes while the Buckeyes' offense sat inside the 20-yard line. They we re among 13 receptions for 151 yards in eight games. The previous season, he caught 14 passes for 142 yards and four touchdowns. - Columbus Dispatch
Sr/2022 TE Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State
News Source: Columbus Dispatch
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Add two more Ohio State football veterans to the list of those unable to practice this spring. Bucknuts first reported that cornerback Sevyn Banks and receiver Kamryn Babb are out for the remainder of spring practice due to injury. An Ohio State spokespe rson confirmed both players are unavailable. They join defensive tackle Haskell Garrett, offensive lineman Harry Miller, linebacker Dallas Gant and cornerback Cameron Brown as players known to be out of practice altogether or refraining from contact dril ls. Banks started all eight games in 2020 at cornerback opposite Shaun Wade. He led the Buckeyes with seven pass breakups along with 23 tackles and one interception. - Cleveland Plain Dealer
rSr/2023 CB Sevyn Banks, LSU
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|
Warning: Undefined array key "TeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
744
Warning: Undefined array key "DSTeamID" in
D:\InetPub\vhosts\scoutnation.com\draftscout.com\injnotes.php on line
745
Justyn Ross has experienced the highs and lows during his time in the Clemson football program. The highs included a pair of 100-yard games in the postseason as the Tigers won the 2019 national championship. The lows included season-ending surgery that h as kept the junior receiver out of action for more than a year. But Ross is getting closer to a full-time return. He was allowed to practice late in the 2020 season last year and has been on the field for spring practice. Ross had a virtual meeting with his doctors last week and has to go to Pittsburgh in June where he hopes to get the go-ahead for full contact for the 2021 season."A year ago I didn't think I would put on pads again," Ross said Wednesday. "So I'm grateful. I'm taking advantage of every rep I get...I realize how quick the game could be taken away from me. Like my grandma told me, I put everything in God's hands and went and did everything the doctors and coaches told me to do...I will be ready to play any time they tell me." Ross led Clemson in receiving yards with 1,000 as a freshman in 2018. He led Clemson with 66 receptions in 2019 and was likely going to to be a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft before the injury. Ross announced in January he would come back for another year. - The State
rSr/2022 WR Justyn Ross, Clemson
News Source: The State
Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here
|
|
|