Corey Roepken

On the first play of his highlight tape, Jaylan Oliver takes a kickoff return
nearly 90 yards and scores a touchdown after running up the middle of the field
and bouncing it to the outside.

On the second play, Oliver lines up as a running back, catches a toss from the
quarterback, runs past two defenders and into the open field near the sideline.
One more defender runs at him, but Oliver jukes inside before staying on the
sideline to leave that defender in the dust.

On another play, Oliver runs straight up the middle for a short touchdown run.

It’s enough to impress Max Browne and Joey Grant.

“He’s a playmaker for sure,” Browne said. “Wildcat. Straight-up RB. Kick
returner.”

Oliver is a running back in the class of 2021 for Independence High School in
Independence, La. He provided his highlight tape for Browne and Grant to analyze
on “The Breakdown with Max Browne” that is featured on GMTM’s Twitch channel.

Browne and Grant tried to think of a well-known player Oliver reminded them of.
They cycled through names like LaDainian Tomlinson and LeSean McCoy, but the one
Browne liked the most was Ricky Williams - the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner for
Texas who rushed for more than 10,000 yards over an 11-year NFL career.

“The name that keeps sticking to my mind is Ricky Williams,” Browne said. “The
way he runs, low to the ground. It’s like he’s trying to hunt someone down every
time he touches the ball. He has enough sizzle and enough pop to juke anyone.”

Midway through their breakdown, Grant and Browne watched a play in which Oliver
caught a screen pass, turned upfield, ran through two defenders and then muscled
his way for a few more yards before hitting the ground inside the 5-yard line.

Browne liked it so much, he suggested it be closer to the beginning of the
highlight tape.

“To be honest, the whole time he was getting kickoffs and toss sweeps,” Browne
said. “In the grand scheme of being able to make plays, those are easier plays
to do it in. Every one is kind of loaded up for you to have success.

“That last play you had to sort through the defensive line, you had to catch the
ball, you had to stop and redirect your feet, get up and body some people. I
love that last clip. I love this whole highlight film but that last one
especially sticks out to me.”

Browne and Grant were impressed with Oliver’s size and his ability to make
defenders miss, and they wondered why so few people had been exposed to the
film.

“Jaylan Oliver, we love the tape,” Grant said. “One-hundred seven views? That’s
it on that tape? We have to get that tape more love.”

Browne was in full agreement.

“This is why we’re doing this though for film like that,” he said. “It needs to
see the light of day. It did tonight. It will after this.”

Louisiana RB prospect Jaylan Oliver is a force in the 2021 class

Bryan Armetta

The rise of Gonzaga under head coach Mark Few is one of the more unexpected
ascents to power in the history of collegiate sports. Inheriting a mid-major
program with virtually no history and little success, Few built on the work of
his predecessor Dan Monson and built the Bulldogs into a perennial contender. 

Despite several Elite Eight appearances and falling just short of a title
[https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game?gameId=400949246] in 2017,
this season's Zags are easily the most talented to step foot in Spokane. Going
26-0 this season, complete with a 4-0 record vs. Top 25 teams, Gonzaga cruised
to a West Coast Conference victory. Now, the "new-blood
[https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2021/02/14/new-bloods-gonzaga-villanova-still-thriving-amid-pandemic/43388813/]
" attempts to complete their meteoric rise to college basketball supremacy: a
National Championship. Is there any hope for the other 67 teams in this year's
bracket?

*All statistics and rankings courtesy of Sports Reference CBB
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Making a Monster
It feels like a decade ago, but last year's Gonzaga team was exceptional as
well. A 31-2 record and the nation's highest-scoring offense propelled them to
what would have been a likely #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

So, what makes this year's team even better? To start, many of the key players
from 2019-20 are back, with expanded roles and improved play. Washington native 
Corey Kispert
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/corey-kispert-1.html], a
first-team All American, has erupted into an elite scoring threat, averaging
19.2 points per game on 54/44/90 shooting. Drew Timme
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/drew-timme-1.html] has become a
menace inside the paint, increasing his scoring and rebounding numbers on a team
lacking size. Joel Ayayi
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/joel-ayayi-1.html] continues to be
one of the best rebounding guards in the nation, while Florida transfer Andrew
Nembhard [https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/andrew-nembhard-1.html] 
and sophomore forward Anton Watson
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/anton-watson-1.html] act as solid
complimentary pieces. 

> Zags collect @USBWA [https://twitter.com/USBWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] honors
- @corey_kispert [https://twitter.com/corey_kispert?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 1st
Team All-American and Oscar Robertson Trophy Finalist
- @JalenSuggs2020 [https://twitter.com/JalenSuggs2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 2nd
Team All-American and Wayman Tisdale Award Finalist
- @drewtimme2 [https://twitter.com/drewtimme2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 2nd Team
All-American
- Mark Few Henry Iba Award Finalisthttps://t.co/YvWAVeEhr3

— Gonzaga Basketball (@ZagMBB) March 17, 2021
[https://twitter.com/ZagMBB/status/1372216405932847105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Additionally, the team added superstar freshman Jalen Suggs
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jalen-suggs-1.html] to play point
guard. The #7 overall recruit
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/rsci-recruit-rankings-2020.html] 
and top point guard in the 2020 class, Suggs has been a revelation for Few,
showcasing a rare ability to make elite-level plays at such a young age. With
the ability to score efficiently (51.2 FG%) or play off-ball, he meshes
perfectly with the Zags offense, while offering good perimeter defense (2.0
steals per game) and rebounding (5.5 TRB).

More important than any one player has been Gonzaga's stellar two-way play.
While the Bulldogs have had the nation's top offense the past two seasons
according to KenPom [https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE], their defense
went from good to exceptional this year. Ranked at a modest 43rd in 2019-20,
Gonzaga now finds itself at ninth. This improvement has elevated their Adjusted
Efficiency Margin to 36.55, easily better than second-place Michigan. With a
deep roster, experienced head coach, and a better-than-ever defense, how can
anyone hope to take down the Zags?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Who Can Pull Off the Upset?
To further complicate matters for everyone else in the nation, the selection
committee gave Gonzaga one of the easier paths to the Final Four in recent
memory. The other top three seeds in the East region (Iowa, Kansas, Virginia)
have all been beaten by the Bulldogs at some point during the regular season,
each time by more than ten points. While other seeds, such as Illinois and
Baylor, face immediate tests in the Round of 32, Gonzaga should (knock on wood)
have no trouble advancing to the Sweet Sixteen, if not further. 

To get a blueprint on taking down Goliath, take a look at the team's most recent
game, the West Coast Conference championship against BYU. The Cougars got off to
a blazing start, taking a 53-41 lead into halftime. While Gonzaga would
eventually whittle down the lead before surging ahead in the final minutes, the
game was closer than the ten-point margin would suggest. 

In many ways, BYU got incredibly unlucky. The team didn't turn the ball over
much and shot well from three-point land (39%). However, the Zags simply got red
hot down the stretch, led by the clutch play of Suggs. They shot 46% from three,
about 10% higher than their season average from long distance. Another key was
Gonzaga's defensive pressure in the second half. The Cougars never seemed
comfortable dealing with the press, and were forced into taking worse shots and
more turnovers. 

A team that can handle the ball well while knocking down their threes has as
good a shot as any to take down Gonzaga, although they'll need an off-night from
the opposition as well. 

Here are some squads that could hand them their first loss within the West
region or the Final Four:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Iowa
We've written about our skepticism over the Hawkeyes
[https://gmtm.com/articles/march-madness-2021-top-seed-who-could-be-upset] 
before, and still stand by our concerns over the team's defense, despite some
better play of late. Even so, Luka Garza and co. excel at knocking down threes,
a factor that makes them especially dangerous in March.

Additionally, the team ranks first in the nation in defensive free throw
attempt
rate [https://haslametrics.com/preview.php?yr=&tid1=4523&tid2=4611&neut=1], so
don't expect to see many shots from the charity stripe for Suggs and Kispert. If
Garza dominates inside and draws in defenders, that could create some good looks
for Iowa.

The question remains: will the Hawkeyes manage to defend? It remains to be seen
if Fran McCaffery's team can play a complete game on the sport's biggest stage. 

USC
Of all the underdogs on this list, USC is the biggest long shot. They won't be
able to keep up if the game becomes a shootout due to their subpar shooting
numbers.

However, the Trojans have something that nobody else in the nation does: Evan
Mobley. The future NBA lottery pick is an absolute freak of nature, capable of
shooting treys one minute and swatting shots on the other end of the floor. 

USC can slow down the pace of play while letting Evan and his brother Isaiah
feast on the boards, given that Gonzaga allows the 19th-most offensive rebounds
in the country. It would take a lot to even keep it close, but USC has the
personnel to make Few sweat for forty minutes. 

Baylor 
The matchup we've all been waiting for
[https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/can-anybody-stop-gonzaga-and-baylors-championship-collision-course/] 
could be a nightmare for Gonzaga. The Bears are one of the more loaded teams in
the nation, helmed by two superstar guards in Jared Butler and Davion Mitchell,
both of whom could give Suggs fits with their two-way play.

Additionally, nobody shoots the three better than Baylor, knocking down an
absurd .418% of their attempts. Strangely enough, they are much worse from the
free throw line, making .697% of their free throw attempts, 221st in the nation. 

More cause for concern is their recent drop-off on defense ever since the team
dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak in February. Baylor will need to return to its
old form in order to pull out a victory here, but it would be foolish to dismiss
their status as an elite title-contender.

Illinois
Another matchup that can only occur in the championship game, Illinois has a ton
going for them. They enter March Madness as the Big 10 champions while taking
down some of the best teams in the nation in the last three weeks (Michigan,
Ohio State, Iowa). 

Ayo Dosunmu is a contender for the Wooden Award as the nation's best player; he
averages 20.7 PPG to go along with 6.3 TRB and 5.3 APG. Inside the paint, center
Kofi Cockburn is an absolute monster, scoring 17.6 PPG to go along with 9.6
boards. Illinois has shown an ability to play well even without their best
players; they upset Michigan while Dosunmu was sidelined and have a strong
enough defense (5th ranked on KenPom) to give teams fits. 

Still, going against Gonzaga means matching the play of three All-Americans. For
the Illini to pull off the upset, they'll need one of their unheralded players
to elevate their game when it matters most.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beating Gonzaga is a tall task to say the least. The nation's top offense
combined with a top ten defense means that there are virtually no weaknesses on
this roster. We've seen undefeated titans go down before
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMbVFl1dxVM&ab_channel=OberSports], but do any
of this year's contenders have the firepower to go up against a historic
collection of talent? Most may have penciled in the Bulldogs for their first
National Title, and it makes sense. With that being said, it is March; expect
the unexpected.

College Basketball: Can Gonzaga Be Stopped?

Scotty Jenkins

Whether you got recruited to your dream school or took your only offer,
sometimes a transfer can be a necessity. It’s not simple progress, but neither
is getting recruited and you did that! There are some advantages and drawbacks
to consider before making the decision and starting the process.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why Transfer?
There are many reasons that might push a volleyball player to transfers schools:

 * Playing Time

This is a big one. It might sound like a cop out to transfer instead of working
hard a practice to find your spot, but sometimes it’s a logical decision. Let’s
say you are a freshman setter and you end up on a team with two phenomenal
senior setters, and another two in the sophomore class, you may not see the the
court until you are a senior. If that is something that is unappealing to you,
transferring may be a great solution.

 * Junior College

You might have gotten a great start in a JuCo program, but we all know that
doesn’t last forever. Four-year college will look to recruit from these
institutions and it may be a great way to continue your career out of your
freshman or sophomore year.

 * Coaching Changes

Almost any time you get recruited, you talk and build a relationship with a
coach from your perspective program. There is a lot of trust built when you
decide to sign with a school and you may feel completely comfortable devoting
your time to a team because of how it’s ran and who runs it. However, you can’t
guarantee that coach stays for all four of your playing years. Coaches get fired
or take new jobs and that may be a good reason to leave as well. The coach can
make or break a playing experience for athletes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Advantages
Transferring may be an easier way into a great program because to coaches
transfer players provide two things: less financial commitment than offering a
scholarship to an athlete for all four years AND an athlete that knows the
demands of college volleyball, instead of a green freshman straight out of
college. You may find yourself with more playing time, fitting in with the team
and having a similar outlook on the game as your new coach.

While it isn’t a right fit for everyone, you may end up with a program that fits
your needs better or even a more prestigious program because of a transfer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Disadvantages
While there are great reasons and positive outcomes to some transfers, it is not
without it’s complications. Tranferring doens’t always give an athlete the best
“look” in the eyes of coaches and teammates. May time it brings up the questions
of “why?” Were you not a good teammate or did attitude and effort problems break
relationships within your current program?

Transferring can also feel like starting over. You will have to adjust to a new
town, a new campus, a new coach, etc. Being a college athlete can already be
overwhelming on young players, and readjusting can be a lot to handle.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How It Works
The process of transferring vary by the level of volleyball and the conference
rules of your new school. However, it is very similar to the recruiting process.
Players wanted to transfer are put into a “transfer pool” and essentially
recruited again.

The NCAA website provides a great description broken down by division levels: 
https://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/current/want-transfer. One of the biggest
conversations you should have with a coach before transferring to their program
is what the process will be like within their conference and when you will be
eligible to compete again. Most likely they will put you in touch with a
compliance officer to walk through the process with you. Sometimes it will be a
full academic year before you play again, but to find the right fit, it may be
worth it.

How To Transfer Schools As A College Volleyball Athlete

We hear all the time about busts, especially at the quarterback position. These
are the guys that were hyped up as the next big thing, saviors of a franchise in
desperate need of stability. Instead, some combination of bad character
[https://sports.yahoo.com/this-day-in-sports-history-the-chargers-take-ryan-leaf-at-no-2-as-part-of-an-epically-bad-draft-130031322.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKTphKyUqo3MXEkzem_m2kzXQHSgDMgogLysR8d4Y-Exz1KeWRc0a3DWqhbpwRkbsnKi-WcVO8w-8VpLEl30V16U7zfOICcTSeW2ABUcE0CRSRCkuExxjxMv53J9REikwmDZwSsMr3d59WfNylvxWfNdbi6xMftIGfBsdGIQjx1v]
, poor work ethic
[https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/raiders/jamarcus-russell-clearly-didnt-watch-film-heres-hilarious-story]
, rough environments
[https://www.sportscasting.com/first-round-bust-akili-smith-blames-cincinnati-bengals-for-losing-culture/]
, or straight up poor play
[https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/04/23/years-ago-redskins-picked-wrong-qb-heath-shuler-is-fine-team-isnt/] 
left fans feeling confused and angry after a few short seasons. 

For the QB's we don't hear about on draft day, a storied career in the NFL is
still within reach. Most didn't light up the stat sheet in college; in fact,
some of them barely got on the field. Still, they were able to use the
experience of struggling on campus to their advantage, pushing even harder for
playing time and the chance to make an impact in the pros. Here are five
quarterbacks who flew under the radar at school before making a major splash in
the NFL. 

Statistics courtesy of Sports Reference CFB
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/] and Pro Football Reference
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Matt Cassell: Southern California (2000-2005)
Matt Cassel [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CassMa00.htm] is
no stranger to playing backup to an established star. The Detroit native signed
on with USC in 2000, set to replace Carson Palmer as the next in line at
quarterback for the Trojans. 

Things changed after Pete Carroll was brought on as coach in 2001. The
recruitment of four-star Matt Leinart
[https://247sports.com/Player/Matt-Leinart-49273/high-school-83420/] ensured
that Cassel would be unable to take a hold of the starting gig.  For four years
he was placed in the unfortunate position of playing behind two Heisman Trophy
winners, yet never transferred out of the program. Few thought he would amount
to much when selected in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the
Patriots. 

As a three-year backup to fellow underdog Tom Brady, Cassel never started a game
until 2008, when Tom was injured for the year after just one game. Where others
would have had a difficult time filling in for a legend, Cassel performed
admirably, tossing for over 3,500 yards and leading New England to a stellar
11-5 record. 

After an offseason signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cassel would eventually
make his first and only Pro Bowl in 2010 while leading K.C. to a division title.
Although most of Cassel's career was spent as a high-quality backup, few would
have expected him to last more than a couple of years in the NFL based off his
limited time at USC. Instead, he was able to stretch out a fourteen-year career
on multiple rosters, a testament to his patience and willingness to be a team
player.

> THIS is the game Matt Cassel is talking about and it CLINCHED the AFC West
Championship in 2010. Todd Haley is crazy 😂 pic.twitter.com/Kp4Ued3EfV
[https://t.co/Kp4Ued3EfV] https://t.co/sY45Wxgc9F

— Chiefs Highlights (@ChiefsHighlight) November 10, 2020
[https://twitter.com/ChiefsHighlight/status/1325981570663116802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Brad Johnson: Florida State (1988-1992)
As with the next three members of this list, Brad Johnson
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnBr00.htm] was a
title-winning quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the team to a
victory in Super Bowl XXXVII
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200301260rai.htm] at the age
of 34. However, it would have astounded most college football fans to see him
starting games in the NFL, let alone winning it all twelve years after getting
drafted.

It's hard to blame the public for sleeping on Johnson. After a four-year stint
as a backup at Florida State, where he held clipboards for three different
starters, the Georgia native was taken in the ninth round of the NFL Draft by
the Minnesota Vikings in 1992, not even joining the active roster until 1994 and 
going to Europe
[http://lammisports.com/blog/brad-johnson-named-second-best-qb-to-play-in-europe/]
the following season. When Warren Moon broke his collar bone in 1996, Johnson
stepped into the starting spot for the first time since high school, powering
the Vikings to a playoff berth and establishing himself as a legitimate pro
quarterback.

Despite losing the starting gig and getting traded to Washington, Johnson would
persevere, emerging as a Pro Bowler during his first season in D.C. When he
turned in a disappointing 2000 season (11 TD: 15 INT), he was again doubted by
most NFL fans, forced to sign a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When Tampa
won the championship two years later, Johnson earned his second Pro Bowl
selection while leading the NFL in passer rating, the first Buc to ever
accomplish such a feat. 

Despite never starting at FSU and being chased out of two different franchises,
Brad Johnson kept at it, bouncing from team to team before finally becoming
immortalized as a Super Bowl champion. Johnson had his share of struggles over
the years, but made a concerted effort to cut down on his turnovers in Tampa and
become a veteran game-manager that fit Gruden's offense perfectly. It's hard
enough to carve out a starting role on three different franchises; for a ninth
round pick to reach the top of the NFL is nothing short of remarkable.

> Viking Visual Past: 1997, when Brad Johnson threw a TD pass to himself. Many
have seen this play, but here I ask Brad about it in 2014, & what he thought.
Don't forget to join Brad's NFL Alumni & Fan March Madness Challenge. Its fun
and easy-see pinned invite above #vikings
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
pic.twitter.com/kI5iShWQcq [https://t.co/kI5iShWQcq]

— VikeFans (@VikeFans) March 11, 2018
[https://twitter.com/VikeFans/status/972858526866567168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Phil Simms: Morehead State (1976 - 1980)
Today, Phil Simms
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SimmPh00.htm] is one of the
more recognizable faces in football given his years as a broadcaster and analyst
for CBS. However, the former Giants quarterback was once the leader of Division
II Morehead State, a struggling program going through a 2-6-1 season in 1979,
Simms' senior year. 

Coming into the draft, scouts fell in love with the strong-armed Simms, despite
seemingly subpar numbers. Tossing for just over
[https://www.nytimes.com/1979/05/04/archives/its-simms-of-morehead-state-giants-pick-simms-a-quarterback-no1.html] 
1,000 yards, a 6 touchdown:11 interception ratio, and a passing completion rate
of 53%, draft analysts chalked up Phil's statistics to Morehead State's
ball-control offense. Still, Giants fans were in for a shock when the team took
Simms with the seventh overall pick. The move thwarted the plans of Bill Walsh
and the 49ers
[https://www.bigblueview.com/2020/5/14/21254444/what-if-phil-simms-and-joe-montana-had-traded-places]
, who had to settle for some guy named Joe Montana in the third round. 

At first, the worst fears of New York fans seemed to come true. Simms' first
three seasons as a Giant did not go as planned, as he tossed 42 interceptions to
just 39 touchdowns and then was injured for all of the 1982 season and then got
injured again in 1983 when asked to come off the bench by new head coach Bill
Parcells. 

In 1984, Simms committed himself to becoming a better quarterback, staying
longer in the film room and becoming an offensive leader that season, tossing
for over 4,000 yards and leading the young Giants back into the postseason. Two
years later in 1986, he authored one of the greatest games in NFL history, going
22-for-25 passing with 268 yards and three touchdowns en route to being named 
Super Bowl XXI
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198701250den.htm] MVP. 

> Phil Simms threw for 3,487 yards and 21 TDs in 1986, and was nearly flawless in
Super Bowl XXI, winning MVP honors. The best individual season in franchise
history?

VOTE HERE: https://t.co/YSIqeKEO3p pic.twitter.com/m2RC1fXisA
[https://t.co/m2RC1fXisA]

— New York Giants (@Giants) March 23, 2019
[https://twitter.com/Giants/status/1109545351051128835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
While injuries would limit Simms going into the 1990s, he retired as the Giants
leader in nearly every passing category, most of which were eventually surpassed
by Eli Manning. After being heckled mercilessly by Big Blue fans in his earliest
seasons, the fact that Simms ended up getting his number retired by the
franchise was a testament to his quarterback ability and work ethic. Although
most in and outside of the league had never even heard of Morehead State, Simms
proved that college statistics can be incredibly misleading, even if it takes a
while for natural talent to shine professionally.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Brett Favre: Southern Miss (1987 - 1991)
Before embarking on a Hall of Fame career, Brett Favre
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FavrBr00.htm] was a
small-school quarterback at Southern Mississippi that few football fans had even
heard of. Favre's humble background only made it more surprising when the
Atlanta Falcons used a second round pick to take him in the 1991 NFL Draft. 

Coached by his father
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111601/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=355010] 
in high school, young Brett rarely threw in his games due to the team's
wishbone-oriented running attack. With such limited opportunity, a scholarship
from Southern Mississippi was his only collegiate offer. To be fair to Favre,
his numbers at school were better than the other four players on our list. A
four-year starter, the numbers certainly aren't eye-dropping; over 44 games, the
young gunslinger threw for 52 touchdowns, 34 interceptions, and a passing
completion percentage of 52.4%.

After his selection by the Falcons, Favre barely saw the field, failing to
complete a pass in four attempts while giving away two interceptions. Head coach
Jerry Glanville was not a fan of the front office's pick, claiming it would
take
a plane crash
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929132210/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=358097] 
for the rookie to get meaningful game action. To be fair to Glanville, the
then-22 year old had not been the most professional rookie, often showing up to
team meetings hungover after long nights of partying
[https://bloggingdirty.com/2020/01/16/brett-farve-not-good-atlanta-falcons/] and
frustrating parts of the locker room with declarations that he should be
starting. Luckily for Brett's career, many talent evaluators around the league
had not lost faith in him. In 1992, the Packers parted with a first round pick
to make Favre their quarterback of the future.

> Southern Miss alum Brett Favre’s (aka “Favor” to Tom Jackson) first NFL pass 
pic.twitter.com/co10C5p15C [https://t.co/co10C5p15C]

— Freezing Cold Takes (@OldTakesExposed) November 2, 2018
[https://twitter.com/OldTakesExposed/status/1058192122048929793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Despite a cannon for an arm, Favre's first two seasons were marred by erratic,
turnover-inducing play. While the Pack had some success (26-19 record from
1992-94), questions were raised over the team's ability to make a deep playoff
run with their young quarterback. All questions were answered in 1995, the first
of Favre's three consecutive MVP awards. During this time he averaged nearly
4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns a season in addition to a Super Bowl win
in 1996, the first championship in thirty years for Titletown. Two decades
later, Favre is recognized as one of the NFL's all-time greats, breaking a
litany of passing records along the way while maintaining the Packers' status as
one of the league's premier teams.

Brett Favre entered the NFL scene a relative unknown, a young quarterback with
natural talent but a penchant for head-scratching decisions on and off the
field. A trade to Green Bay proved to be a wakeup call, culminating in
postseason glory and an Ironman streak of consecutive games started that could
stand the test of time. Favre's story shows how even the biggest of arms can be
hidden in college, and how the biggest of egos can be corrected in the pros.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Tom Brady: Michigan (1997 - 2000)
You knew we had to put the GOAT at one. At this point, the epic saga of Tom
Brady borders upon mythology; a sixth round pick by the New England Patriots,
taken behind six other quarterbacks, few expected Brady to last in the NFL.
Instead, he outlasted practically all of the doubters, winning seven rings over
two decades with two different franchises, a mind-boggling career that has
completely altered the face of the league.

However, it is important to take a step back and look at what got Brady to the
NFL. At Michigan, Brady entered campus well below starting quarterback Brian
Griese, having to scratch and claw his way up the depth chart in the years that
followed. When he finally had a chance to start, an intense training camp battle
ensued with local son and highly touted recruit Drew Henson, one that involved
Brady nearly transferring out of UM
[https://www.businessinsider.com/tom-brady-michigan-transfer-cal-depth-chart-starter-2019-2]
. Brady would earn the majority of the snaps at quarterback in 1998, and he led
the Wolverines to a solid 10-win season with average numbers (2,427 passing
yards, 14 TD: 10 INT). 

To placate a fanbase that wanted to see the younger, inexperienced Henson start,
head coach Lloyd Carr developed a platoon system in 1999 before making Brady the
full-time starter to close out a 10-2 campaign. With another decent season
statistically (2,217 passing yards, 16 TD: 6 INT), Brady declared for the NFL
Draft. The rest is, quite literally, football history. A successful marriage
with Bill Belichick that produced the sport's greatest dynasty was followed up
with an incredible 2021 Super Bowl
[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202102070tam.htm]season that
proved Brady was not simply a product of his former coach's system in Foxboro. 

> Throwback to when University of #Michigan
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/Michigan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] quarterback
Tom Brady was selected by the New England #Patriots
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]#Wolverines
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wolverines?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #GoBlue
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #GoPats
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPats?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #NFLDraft2020
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #NFL
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] #UM
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/UM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
pic.twitter.com/een9wnNMte [https://t.co/een9wnNMte]

— Gabriel Schray (@schrayguy) April 25, 2020
[https://twitter.com/schrayguy/status/1254182519576166400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Shattering records and winning titles today makes it easy to forget that a long
time ago, nothing was guaranteed for number twelve. The fight just to earn the
starting job at Michigan formed the intense competitor we see today
[https://vault.si.com/vault/2012/01/09/tom-brady-as-you-forgot-him], someone who
spends hours upon hours in the film room attempting to perfect his craft. Rather
than backing down from a quarterback competition, Brady decided to own it,
pushing himself in ways that even he didn't imagine. While it seems silly to
think that Brady would ever have to worry about losing his starting spot,
feeling the presence of failure just over his shoulder has helped give birth to
one of the great careers in American sports.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top 5 Mediocre College Quarterbacks Who Had Great NFL Careers

Rebekah Morris

The float jump serve is the most difficult serve for opposing teams to pass and
once you master the technique and form, you will find plenty of passers who have
trouble receiving your serve.

What is a Float Serve?
A float serve is a type of jump serve in indoor and beach volleyball that
seemingly "floats" over the net because of the lack of rotation as the ball
travels. The goal of the serve is to minimize the spin of the ball after the
server hits it, creating a knuckleball effect that makes it difficult to defend.

The serve is valuable because of its unpredictability in the air. As a defender
gets in position to pass the ball, the lack of spin makes the ball move in
different directions in the air. Back-row defenders have to adjust quickly as
the ball floats toward them, leading to mishits and easy aces for the server.

A jump serve adds power and height compared to a standing serve, but there are
several steps to follow to ensure that you are completing the jump serve
correctly.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Stand A Few Paces Behind The Baseline
Go back to your serving position and don't change it up simply because you're
doing a jump serve. If you normally serve from the right side of the court,
serve from the right side. And vice versa. You don't want to completely change
up your serve. Instead, you're looking to upgrade it.

Because a float serve isn't a traditional jump serve, the goal is not get a
moving start and ferociously hit the ball while jumping through the air.
Instead, you want to take a few steps towards the line and be controlled through
the whole process so you can hit your target across the net.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2)  Hold The Ball In Your Non-Dominant Hand
Place the ball in your off hand (the one you don't use to hit with) and make
sure that you have enough room in front of you so that you won't cross over the
line. Remember, the jump serve isn't about the distance you travel but trying to
serve from the highest point to achieve a more favorable trajectory as the ball
crosses the net.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) Toss The Ball Up And Towards The Baseline
The first physical action of a jump serve is the toss. It is important to have a
consistent toss and one of the first mistakes from athletes attempting to jump
serve is tossing the ball too high.

The float serve is a quick serve and doesn't need to be tossed extremely high.
The height will actually depend on your speed in your approach. Focus instead on
lifting the ball up, not tossing it into the air, because you want it to have a
predictable path before you launch to hit it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4) Focus On Your Footwork Before Your Jump
The footwork for the serve is Left-Right-Left, which might be very similar to
your attack when you hit front row. If you decide to do a 4-step approach then
simply just add another step before the Left-Right-Left to make it
Right-Left-Right-Left (usually if there is 4 steps the 1st step would be quite
small). Keep your hips square and facing the direction that you wish to serve. 

After the toss the ball should come down right in front of your nose as you
jump, on your hitters side (not directly in the middle of your body).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5) Jump And Swing At The Middle Of The Ball
The goal of the float serve is to have great contact and little to no spin on
the ball. Your swing then will be different than hitting the ball. Instead of
following through during your swing you will contact the middle of the ball with
the center of your palm, not your fingers, and finish strong.

It should almost look like you are "high-fiving" the volleyball with your hand
looking like it is coming back towards you after contact with the ball.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5) Land On Two Feet, Ready To Play Defense
After the jump float you usually land on two feet, hips still square with plenty
of time to immediately get in your defensive position and play volleyball, that
is if the opponents could pass your serve!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Think you're ready to try it out! Check out these Virtual Events for Volleyball
Athletes on GMTM:
The Volleyball Canada 2021 NEP Tryout
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/35/national-excellence-program-2021-nep-women-identification] 
offers Canadian athletes - ages 15 to 17 - to showcase their skills for national
team coaches. Click here to view all of the events and learn if you are
eligible
to participate.
[https://gmtm.com/articles/volleyball-canada-2021-nep-tryout-activities-drills]

The Utica College Volleyball Visit
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/50/utica-volleyball-virtual-visit] allows volleyball
recruits from the Class of 2021 and beyond to see behind the scenes of D-III
volleyball program and introduce themselves to the coaching staff. Check out
this great opportunity to earn your first collegiate Volleyball offer.
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/50/utica-volleyball-virtual-visit]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How To Do A Volleyball Float Serve: Step-By-Step Instructions

The pass rush is all about angles. And few defensive players have seen it from
as many angles as former NFL and current CFL player Craig Roh. 

An Arizona native who was a two-time First Team All-State choice and named the
Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior season at Chaparral High School in
Scottsdale, Roh has been a dominant defensive lineman at every level. He
committed to Michigan in 2009 as the No. 48 ranked player in his class and
recorded 148 total tackles (26.5 tackles for loss) while being named an All Big
Ten Team selection in his junior and senior seasons.

Roh, who's playing in his 8th professional season with the CFL's Toronto
Argonaut, has been actively sharing his secrets to playing on the Defensive Line
on Twitter since June of 2020. In fact, he hasn't just written the book on pass
rushing, he's currently writing the bible on the subject.

> Just collected a fresh batch of testimonials for The Pass Rush Bible (
https://t.co/5YaFN2uFwe) and I'm blown away by the responses. 

It's so gratifying to see something you put so much hard work into help others
achieve their goals. 

Here's a few from coaches that stood out... pic.twitter.com/8iujt30b0H
[https://t.co/8iujt30b0H]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 13, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1370806883678887936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Click here to buy The Pass Rush Bible by Craig Roh [craigroh.com/pass-rush]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of the thousands of tweets and chapters Roh has written to help young defensive
linemen learn the art of pressuring the quarterback, we've picked a few of our
favorites. 

Here is our list of the best tips from an essential follow for football
prospects on Twitter, @craigroh [https://twitter.com/craigroh]:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pay Attention To Where Your Thumbs Are
When the offensive lineman is below your waist, press them into the ground. Turn
your hands with thumbs pointed down to push a lineman or tight-end into the
ground when they attempt a cut block.

> 🔥If the blocker’s below the waist, pronate the hands with thumbs down so you
can press him into the ground. 

Here’s a drill to practice keying the cut block, pressing with thumbs down, and
popping the eyes pic.twitter.com/NI65nR1uUL [https://t.co/NI65nR1uUL]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 19, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1372886117318590466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
Alternatively, when a linemen is upright and you are trying to gain leverage,
rotate your hands and punch upwards with your thumbs aimed up to connect with
their torso.

> 🔥To win the leverage battle against your opponent, your hands need to be off
the ground and on the blocker with 0 wasted movement. 

Heres a drill to practice starting with the thumbs down, punching with 0 wasted
movement and striking with thumbs up pic.twitter.com/NpxmyQgzTA
[https://t.co/NpxmyQgzTA]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 20, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1373282727487811593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fire With Your Hands And Hips First
When

> 🔥When in an attack and react mindset, explode from the hips and hands first and
then follow with the feet. 

Below is a drill from .@fivestarlinemen
[https://twitter.com/fivestarlinemen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] to practice firing the
hips, getting full extension and following with the feet. 
pic.twitter.com/q9mLDc3egB [https://t.co/q9mLDc3egB]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 18, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1372529353582600194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Replace Front Foot With Back Foot When Flipping Your Hips
> 🔥When flipping you hips, stay tight to the fight so the blocker can’t reset his
hands and stop your rush. 

Here’s a drill to practice staying tight, replacing the front foot and
accelerating to the QB. pic.twitter.com/klIFAZs4Xl [https://t.co/klIFAZs4Xl]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 17, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1372161941695832064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Redirect Your Rush When The Running Back Makes His Cut
> 🔥When the running back makes his cut, redirect and run through his ear lobe.

Here’s a drill to practice getting off, keying the back and redirecting. 
pic.twitter.com/qleui6a2Li [https://t.co/qleui6a2Li]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 16, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1371802134161858563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Develop Fluid Hips And Quick Feet In The Offseason
> 🔥To develop great D-Linemen you got to develop fluid hips and quick feet. 

Here’s a great conditioning drill to use in off-season workouts that focusses on
foot quickness and flipping the hips. pic.twitter.com/ezhdNnoIwj
[https://t.co/ezhdNnoIwj]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 15, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1371447228875870215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Be Violent With Your Swim Moves And Shrugs
> 🔥You should only use a rip release if the ball is outside the tackle box.
Otherwise, use a swim or shrug. 

Here’s a drill to practice locking out and using a violent shrug or swim. 
pic.twitter.com/4ev640ydP6 [https://t.co/4ev640ydP6]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 12, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1370388741148323852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



> 🔥When slanting, transfer your eyes from the primary blocker to the adjacent
blocker so you can “fight face” if blocker bases or “chase the tail” if blocker
down blocks

Here’s a drill to practice taking an angled step, keying the adjacent blocker
and redirecting. pic.twitter.com/EoyQVsdy7Z [https://t.co/EoyQVsdy7Z]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 11, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1370027603088707593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



> 🔥When defending against zone read make sure to keep your hips square when
reading the mesh point so you can tackle the dive or the QB. 

Here’s a drill to practice shuffling to the hip, staying square and reading the
mesh point. pic.twitter.com/9T6dHGzBnp [https://t.co/9T6dHGzBnp]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 9, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1369296474106920972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



> 🔥When stunting, tighten your base slightly and put your mental weight on the
push foot. This will make it easier to reach the adjacent gap with your first
step. 

Here’s a drill to practice taking an angled step, dipping the shoulder and
pointing knee and toe upfield. pic.twitter.com/V6Dt1Ec5FL
[https://t.co/V6Dt1Ec5FL]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 8, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1368920823097098240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



> 🔥When playing 2-gap, use a balanced stance so you can take a 6-inch read step
either direction. 

Here’s a drill to practice reading the blocker, taking a 6-inch step and
striking the pits from a 2 point stance. pic.twitter.com/VpvIJh372C
[https://t.co/VpvIJh372C]

— Craig Roh (@craigroh) March 6, 2021
[https://twitter.com/craigroh/status/1368192887113015306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Craig Roh: Ten Tweets From Defensive Line Guru

Another cold, barren football offseason is now upon us. As the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers lifted the Lombardi trophy, the chilling realization that no NFL or
college games would be played until the end of August likely saddened most
pigskin fans across the country.

While the NFL and CFB are on vacation, that doesn't mean all football is. 7-on-7
has slowly surged in popularity over the past twenty years, emerging as a
legitimate alternative to traditional 11-on-11 action. With the first week of
the Fan Controlled Football League in the books
[https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/fan-controlled-football-teams-schedule-players/g9gj6s5j1ume1gv0pp4ayusyd]
, now is the perfect time to read up on the origins of an exciting new game that
could be the future of football.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How to Play 7-on-7 Football?
Even the most knowledgable football fans can get confused by the numerous rule
changes [https://assets.usafootball.com/7on7/RulesandScoring.pdf] in 7-on-7. In
essence, the game boils down to one thing: the passing game. Unlike the physical
aspects of running the ball or the technical components of kicking it, throwing
the ball around is easily the simplest part of football, and in today's game,
the most important. 

There are no lineman and no tacklers in 7-on-7. Instead, the sport relies on the
two hand touch method, a good way to reduce injury and prevent speed demons from
breaking open the game with less defenders on the field. Halves are twenty-one
minutes long, with drives starting at the forty yard line and first downs at the
twenty-five and ten yard markers. 

Players are not allowed to run the ball, which means that offensive formations
consist of a snapper and a collection of five receivers and tight ends. This
makes for a quicker game than 11-on-11, with drives often ending in quick
scores. Teams are given three downs rather than four, and quarterbacks have just
four seconds to get rid of the ball. Failure to do so results in a sack.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How Did 7-on-7 Football Get Popular?
The true roots of 7-on-7 can be traced back to the advent of flag football
[http://studentweb.cortland.edu/eric.greenwood/leaguehistory.htm], initially
created by military personnel during World War II in order to prevent injury.
Eventually, the game evolved into 7-on-7, with coaches from even back in the
70's
[https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/how-seven-on-seven-turned-texas-into-a-quarterback-factory/] 
realizing the game's potential as a high-energy practice drill. 

Although the football variant's origins are somewhat murky, the game truly took
off in Texas during the 1990's. When Baytown Lee High School head coach Dick
Olin saw former Texas high school coach Bill Mumme's Air Raid offense (along
with then-assistant Mike Leach) have success in college, he added it to his own
program's playbook. Olin saw the spaced out format as a great way to practice
his pass-heavy offense, and eventually set up the first ever 7-on-7 tournament
in 1996. 

Olin's embrace of 7-on-7 (he is considered by most to be a pioneer of the sport)
has given birth to a new wave of quarterbacks hailing from the state of Texas,
in part because of practices and tournaments now center around the bold new
style of play. The NFL journeys of Pro Bowlers such as Patrick Mahomes and Baker
Mayfield can be directly linked to the style of play they were accustomed to in
high school: receivers spread out across the field and enough passes to make a
normal person's arm fall off.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is 7-on-7 The Future Of Football?
By now, the influence of 7-on-7 is undeniable. As the air raid offense has
seeped into just about every college coach's game plan, so too has the need to
incorporate schemes from 7-on-7. Once seen as a strange, unworthy cousin of
11-on-11, coaches have now warmed up to the idea of using major tournaments as 
useful recruiting tools
[https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/8884256/college-football-recruiting-leans-7-7-leagues]
. While coaches are no longer allowed to appear at tournaments in person,
highlight reels and clips are readily available, giving coaching staffs a way to
'scout' without actually attending games. With how easy it is to suit up and
play, games can be played practically year-round, making 7-on-7 a legitimate
offseason activity for high school prospects.

In 7-on-7, football may also find a future internationally
[https://theoldcoach.com/archives/football/7on7-and-the-global-future-of-american-football/]
. In taking the tackling aspect away, other nations may be able to field
competitive teams since the only skills needed are speed and arm strength.
Additionally, a major decrease in injury risk also eliminates many of the
concerns most have with traditional football. Unlike the equipment-laden
11-on-11, a padded helmet is all that is needed to play, reducing cost and
opening the game up to just about anyone. Although many college coaches still
dismiss 7-on-7 as a mere training exercise, others see it as the future on the
gridiron. One thing is for certain: the debate surrounding this strange, yet
familiar, new game amongst football experts will not be subsiding any time soon.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more on 7-On-7 Football, check out this article: GMTM Sent A Film Crew To
The Show by Next Gen... And The Results Were Electric
[https://gmtm.com/articles/results-the-show-by-next-gen-2020]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is 7-on-7 Football? And Why It Is The Best Offseason Activity

Jordan Rinard

During the recruiting cycle, oftentimes you see where a lot of prospects garner
lot of buzz in coaching circles (states that have historically produced a
plethora of talent in a single year like California, Florida, Ohio, Texas,
etc.). We're going to changes things up as we highlight five states that haven't
been as prolific at producing talent historically, but manage to have a lot of
depth each and every year.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Arizona
It's hard to believe that a state that's mostly known for being in the desert
also has a knack for having a deep well of football talent, but that's the case
for Arizona. It has 72 players with two stars or more per 247Sports.com
[https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=AZ]
, including 18 players from the same high school (Saguaro, Chandler). It is
interesting to note that 52 of the 72 players are skill players, so Arizona may
be the place to go if a program needs some athletes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Idaho
Idaho is an interesting case, because it doesn't have a single player in the 
2021 class
[https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=ID] 
with four stars or more. However, the state makes up for it in sheer volume with
60 players with at least two stars. Out of the six three-star recruits in the
class, five of them play on the line of scrimmage, so Idaho might be getting a
reputation of cranking out tough, physical football players to the rest of the
country.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maryland
It can be easy to forget about Maryland when it comes to recruiting with more
prolific states surrounding it (Pennsylvania, Virginia), but there's no doubt
that there's a lot of talent
[https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=MD] 
on the coast. 54 of the state's 63 ranked players have three stars or more, with
over half of that number signing with a Power 5 team this year. If you're a
player in Maryland, you have to make sure you promote yourself because the
secret seems to be out on that state.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Missouri
The Show-Me State only has five four-star recruits in this year's class
[https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=MO]
, but it makes up for it with its depth with 28 three-star prospects. With 22
players hailing from St. Louis and another 11 more from Kansas City, it's easy
to see where the football hotbeds of this state are. Only two of the top ten
players in 2021 are skill players, so it may be the move for colleges to visit
Missouri in the hopes of winning the line of scrimmage.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Utah
We finish with another desert state that is turns out a lot of prospects
[https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool&State=UT] 
year after year. 43 of the 65 ranked prospects have three stars or more, and 22
players have signed with a Power 5 school. What's unique about Utah is how
balanced the class is in terms of offensive and defensive players as well as
line and skill players, so the state can have a lot of value to the country with
its recruits if they do a good job getting their names out there.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jordan Rinard [http://gmtm.com/articles/jordan-rinard] is a contributing writer
for GMTM and a Recruiting Editor for Hustle Belt. He will always hold onto the
belief that Jim Brown is the one true GOAT.

The Five States That Are Overlooked in Recruiting

Jacob Rimmer

Once recruits have secured offers and made their commitment for college
football, it’s easy to assume ‘the hardest part’ is done in terms of taking the
next step. That’s a mistake that young student athletes must avoid.

In reality, the work is about to get even harder in terms of earning a spot on
the playing field. While many talented players can naturally shine on the high
school level, things change drastically with the added competition and
seriousness of college football. A significant change for some athletes –
playing time is earned because natural talent isn’t enough to guarantee playing
time anymore.

So, how do collegiate athletes earn the playing time they desire? What’s the
first step to get noticed by the coaches and be prepared for when they ask you
to step up?

Simple: Understand the importance and value of film study.

This is often a change for a lot of athletes that have dominated at the previous
level. It’s a much more time consuming and detailed process once a player enters
the college level. That’s why it’s so important in players separating themselves
from the pack, especially in their early days of college.

The importance of film study is highlighted by many, most recently by Florida
offensive lineman Gerald Mincey. Mincey, a freshman for the Gators, spoke on the
importance of film study and the difference it can make for a player like
himself.

“I’ve become a student of the game, really. Become a student of the game, focus
on the little things. The little details is what’s gonna’ take you really far in
life.”

Mincey continued doing great job highlighting the importance of film. Shortly
after talking about details, he discussed how big of a difference it can make
for a player who is going to the pro level after college. Obviously, that’s not
the goal for every player. Still, it highlights just how important the film
study is in getting on the field in the first place.

An interesting, yet important note was made by the Florida freshman in the same
interview. He discussed watching film on the defensive side of the field as
well. Specifically, the positions he will be matched up directly with when on
the field.

One of the most overlooked aspects of what can be gained in film study is what
can be gained by watching the athletes that would oppose a player if they were
on the field. Whether that be a QB studying safeties / linebackers, WR’s
studying DB’s, linemen studying the opposite side of the fields line, etc.

There’s incredible knowledge to be gained by gaining the opponents perspective,
and Mincey’s mentions of what he gained by studying defensive linemen spoke
volumes. It brings an increased awareness to players, as they act more
instinctively in the moment because they have an increased understanding of not
just what an opponent is going to do, but why they are going to do it.

As a student athlete looking to earn playing time, it’s absolutely crucial to
put in the work fine tuning the smallest of details. That starts in the film
room and gets brought to the playing field.

How Much More Film Do You Watch As A College Athlete?

The term 'athlete
[https://gmtm.com/articles/why-do-football-players-list-positions-as-athletes]'
is thrown around often when discussing high school and college ballers who can
run a nice route or make a solid tackle. 

In the case of Quantez Poche [https://twitter.com/pochequantez?lang=en], who
lists his position as ATH, the word takes on a new meaning. As a talented
quarterback and receiver in the class of 2021, Poche's versatility is on full
display every time he suits up for Southwest Gilford High School in North
Carolina. 

In a GMTM video breakdown, Joey Grant and Max Browne take a look at Quantez's
tape, checking out just what makes him such an exciting weapon on the gridiron.

On the first play [https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=50], Max and Joey were
immediately impressed with two things on Poche's tape. First is his ability to
make a contested catch, as he leaps up to grab a contested deep ball. Second is
how he is able to make sharp cuts after the pass that keep defenders off balance
and lead to an easy touchdown. 

Quantez's natural speed is a major factor when he lines up outside, making him a
real threat to take one to the house on any snap. Still, the thing that jumps
[https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=195] out to GMTM's talent evaluators is Poche's
agility, which leads to quick turns, smooth routes, and big gains.

Plays such as this one [https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=270], where Poche leapt
up for a ball and then quickly got out of bounds, excited Max: "That shows me
[he's] a little bit of a technician. It's one thing if you're just the best
athlete on the field no matter what, but that last play you're able to get off a
little release, control your body, get your hands in...I like it."

At quarterback, the North Carolina product is capable of making impact plays
happen at any given moment. In his first play
[https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=89] from the pocket, Poche handles a shaky snap,
then deftly evades pressure and makes a big play rushing the ball, all while
faking out a defender before taking off. Joey loved
[https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=166] Quantrez's ability to run the read option,
forcing defenses to stay honest and respect his game as a runner and a passer.

Poche's throwing skills also come in handy even when he isn't at quarterback.
When lined up in the slot [https://youtu.be/X7On3tu6S-4?t=221], he took a
handoff, only to find an open receiver down the field for an easy score. When
discussing the play, Max noted that "Wide receiver in college, I don't care
where you play. You are going to be asked to do that trick play every single
time."

At both wide receiver and quarterback, Quantrez Poche has what it takes takes to
be an impact player in college. His skills on the perimeter include agility,
great route running, and a technically strong game that compliments his
athleticism. At quarterback, speed and elusiveness make tackling him an
incredibly difficult task for any opposing defense. Like many who list
themselves at the ATH position, Poche has what it takes to succeed wherever
coaches decide to put him on a field.

Quantez Poche is a Next-Level Athlete in the Class of '21

Why does a volleyball team have 12-15 players on a roster but only six on the
court? Most players have a specialized position that they will sub into the game
for. So what are these positions and who usually plays them?


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Setter (S):
You may hear setters referred to as the “quarterback” of volleyball. They will
typically be a team leader, as they usually touch the ball in every single play.
They take the 1st contact pass, listen to what the hitters are calling for, and
set a hittable ball to another player. In most offenses, the setter plays from
the right-back and release to set after playing defense. Setters have to have
the most knowledge of the game, as they run the entire offense on the fly.
Selflessness is another great quality in skilled setters. Rarely does a crowd
stand up a roar because of a good set, but without them, the big impressive hits
never happen.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Outside Hitter (OH):
Every time the team gets into a panic, a high outside set is what gets them back
into the game. The outside hitter is typically the “outlet” player that is ready
to attack the ball under all circumstances. They play from the left front and
typically block and pick up tips on defense. These players may be the shorter of
the hitters on your team, but they have to have a great vertical and be quick
and athletic. Many times outside hitters have more of an opportunity to play all
the way around because they are well-rounded players.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Middle Hitter (M):
When you see your stereotypical “wow you’re tall, you must play volleyball”
player, you are likely looking at a middle hitter/blocker. These players usually
block across the net in all three positions, so they have to be fast, smart, and
ideally tall enough to put up a great block. On top of the pressure of blocking,
middles often run quick hits with their setter to bring their team points.
Height, great verticals, and aggressive swing will make for the best players in
this position.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Opposite Hitter (OPP):
The opposite hitter plays from the right side of the net. While anyone can play
this position, it is the ideal spot for a left-handed hitter. They play from
behind the setter taking high & quick back sets. Some of these players might
actually the setter when they rotate to the front row and another setter takes
over for them, and sometimes they sub in for a setter in the front now. These
players can have the sneakiest attacks as many teams focus their defense on the
big middle or quick outside hitters. A close working relationship with the
setter is important for these players as they are normally set blind AND have to
stay out of their way as they transition from the back row.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Libero (L):
As a relatively new position to volleyball, you still see many fans asking “why
is that girl wearing a different color.” The answer is that it signifies the
defensive captain position we refer to as a libero. This player is typically the
best defensive specialist (we’ll get to this next) that is well rounded in both
defense and serve receive. The libero is allowed to sub at will behind the 10
ft. line without it actually counting as a substitution. They are also allowed
to enter for multiple players. You will often see them go in for both middle or
outside hitters. The libero should be confident, aggressive, and near-perfect on
passing.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defensive Specialist (DS):
The defensive specialists often are the shorter members of the team that you see
sub in the back row for your hitters. Just like in their name, they are focused
on defense. They serve receive and dig balls hit by the other team for the
setter to turn into something playable. They must have the stamina to constantly
move and stay low on the court, and the volleyball IQ to understand where the
ball will be in play.

Indoor Volleyball: What Is Each Position On A Volleyball Team?

The Denver Broncos Virtual High School Combine
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/46/denver-broncos-virtual-high-school-showcase-series] 
is open to motivated football players in Colorado looking for an opportunity to
play at the next level. Every participant will have the opportunity to put their
best foot forward and submit their best stuff to be seen by coaches, teams and
organizations all across the country.

Who can participate in the Denver Broncos Virtual Pro Day?
High school football players in the state of Colorado who want to play at the
next level. Whether you are a freshman without a ranking or a senior hoping to
be seen by more universities, this combine is your opportunity to put more film
in front of coaches and camps that are looking for players.

Who is evaluating the videos you upload?
College coaches and organizations across the nation will have exclusive access
to the videos you submit to the Virtual Combine. They will watch your
submissions, evaluate your skills, and your GMTM profile could land on their
recruiting boards.

How much does the Virtual Pro Day cost?
The event is free for every participant. All of the activities in the High
School Virtual Combine are accessible to every athlete online and can be
accessed 24/7.

When and where does the event take place?
The event launches on January 26 and you can compete in the Denver Broncos
Virtual Combine from anywhere. Whether it is your backyard, high school field,
or a public park, every place you compete in becomes a national stage.

Denver Broncos Host Virtual Showcase For Colorado High School Athletes

It's just about time for the greatest tournament in sports, and all eyes are on
the college basketball world as teams shuffle for seeding and the chance to
reach the big dance. While upsets are obviously what makes March Madness great,
most of the focus is on elite teams that could stumble
[https://gmtm.com/articles/march-madness-2021-top-seed-who-could-be-upset], not
on who will be ending their season. 

Here are three sneaky mid-majors that could wreck your bracket this March
(Statistics and rankings courtesy of Sports Reference CBB
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/]):


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loyola-Chicago 
It may be cheating to claim that Loyola-Chicago
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/loyola-il/2021.html] is under the
radar. This is the same program that made a Cinderella run to the Final Four in
2018, led by the same coach in Porter Moser and six returning seniors who were
part of the '18 roster. 

This season, the Ramblers aren't shocking anyone. At 19-4, they are currently
ranked at #21 in the AP Poll. The team has played their usual brand of
grind-it-out basketball, holding opponents to 55.7 points per game, tops in the
nation. While Loyola-Chicago's only truly impressive win was over fellow
Missouri Valley Conference rival Drake, the team's record should power it to an
at-large bid even if they fail to win the MVC Tournament. 

Can lightning strike twice in four years? It isn't the craziest thought. The
Ramblers are one of the most experienced teams in the tournament, as five of the
aforementioned six seniors are scoring more than seven points per game. While
their competition hasn't been too impressive, advanced metrics are bullish on
the Ramblers. According to KenPom.com [https://kenpom.com/], Loyola-Chicago sits
at ninth in the nation in adjusted efficiency margin, while ranking as the best
in defensive efficiency. No other mid-major sits in the top ten of either
category. 

> 🚨 NET UPDATE 🚨

1. Gonzaga
2. Baylor
3. Michigan
4. Houston
5. Illinois
6. Iowa
7. Ohio State
8. Villanova
9. Alabama
10. Loyola Chicago

Updated daily:
👉 https://t.co/WcAiGNRwth pic.twitter.com/GN6Ssyopau [https://t.co/GN6Ssyopau]

— NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) February 26, 2021
[https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/1365409359451336704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

San Diego State
Way back when in the early months of 2020, San Diego State looked like a
potential top seed in a March Madness tournament we were unable to witness
[https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2020-ncaa-tournament-canceled-due-to-growing-threat-of-coronavirus-pandemic/#:~:text=In%20a%20historic%20move%2C%20the,was%20first%20held%20in%201939.] 
due to COVID-19. Ending their season with a 30-2 record, the team was carried by
leading scorer Malachi Flynn, who left for the NBA Draft later that year. Many
prognosticators were skeptical about the Aztecs and their chances to make the
big dance without their leading scorer in 2021. 

Right now, the experts appear to have misjudged coach Brian Dutcher's squad.
While not as dominant as last season, SDSU is 18-4, first in the Mountain West
Conference and ranked #22 in the AP Poll. What is so remarkable about this
year's iteration is that they have carried over their hard-nosed identity from
last season with another top-ten defense. The Aztecs have replaced Flynn's 17
PPG with increased output from seniors Jordan Schakel
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jordan-schakel-1.html] (14.2 PPG,
.457 three-point %) and Matt Mitchell
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/matt-mitchell-4.html] (15.6 PPG,
5.5 TRB). The two stars compliment each other perfectly; Schakel's smooth
shooting and Mitchell's slashing play style space out the floor and keep
defenses on their toes. 

Unlike Loyola-Chicago, San Diego State has not had much success in March; the
team has made the tourney just once in the last six years, a first-round exit in
2018. However, the team returns several seniors who have only improved this
year. Despite relying heavily on Schakel and Mitchell (no other SDSU player
averages more than 8.6 PPG), the rest of the roster plays consistently solid
defense, slowing down the pace for high-powered offenses. 

Perhaps what stands out the most about the Aztecs is that their numbers are
deceiving; despite ranking 85th in points per game, the team's adjusted
offensive efficiency, according to KenPom, sits at 41st in the nation, while
their defensive efficiency sits at 11th. This is an extremely well-balanced,
experienced group that is likely angry over a missed opportunity last season. It
wouldn't be a shock to see San Diego State make a deep run this March.

> San Diego State (19-4, 13-3 MWC) is riding a 10-game winning streak & is No. 17
in college basketball analyst Seth Davis’ Top 25 rankings. The Aztecs play at
UNLV on Wednesday & can clinch the MWC regular-season title with a win as well
as earn the No. 1 seed in the MWC tourney. https://t.co/vOi5fZ9D8A

— Bill O'Rear (@billohoops) March 1, 2021
[https://twitter.com/billohoops/status/1366235011519635459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Belmont
Following an Ohio Valley Conference regular season and tournament win, Belmont
was set to reach the NCAA Tournament, only to have their chances at making a run
dashed by the pandemic. Now, the 2021 Bruins look to 'return' to March Madness,
this time bolstered by an even stronger squad than last season's OVC winners. 

This pick could age incredibly well or incredibly poorly by the end of the
month. Belmont ranks just 86th in KenPom's Adjusted Efficiency Margin; not
exactly a promising number amongst a field of just 64 teams. The team hasn't
exactly played top competition either. The OVC is not a particularly top-heavy
conference, and the team lost two consecutive games heading into their
conference tournament. However, head coach Casey Alexander's group has been
playing inspired ball all year, going 25-3 and typically doing so in dominant
fashion. 

The Bruins are powered by junior center Nick Muszynski
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/nick-muszynski-1.html], who
averages 14.9 PPG in a little under 25 minutes per game. Additionally, four
other players (all guards) average double-digit points for the nation's 13th
highest-scoring offense. Junior transfer Luke Smith
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/luke-smith-1.html] and freshman
sixth-man JaCobi Wood
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jacobi-wood-1.html] give the team
an added mix of shooting and ball-handling that last year's squad lacked. The
all-around play of Grayson Murphy
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/grayson-murphy-1.html] (10.7 PPG,
8.1 TRB, 5.4 APG) and Ben Sheppard
[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ben-sheppard-1.html] (11.2 PPG,
4.3 TRB) balance out a deep roster. 

With so many tools at his disposal, Alexander can match up with just about any
team in the nation. Since every scorer on the team other than Muszynski is a
perimeter player, Belmont can utilize a four-and-out strategy to keep teams from
crowding the paint. Despite a recent injury
[https://www.si.com/college/2021/03/03/belmont-bruins-ncaa-tournament-bubble-watch]
, expect Muszynski's minutes to increase for March Madness, giving the team an
interior presence to compliment their finesse players. Even if they do stumble
in the OVC Tourney, the team's stellar record keeps them firmly in the bubble
for the NCAA Tournament. With a layer of depth and flexibility most mid-majors
can't match, savvy fans should keep an eye on the Bruins when filling out their
brackets. 

> March Madness is BRUIN time!

The march through March starts NOW for @belmontwbb
[https://twitter.com/BelmontWBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] @belmontmbb
[https://twitter.com/BelmontMBB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]! #itsbruintime
[https://twitter.com/hashtag/itsbruintime?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw] 
pic.twitter.com/3UNWsEbtcY [https://t.co/3UNWsEbtcY]

— Belmont Athletics (@GoBelmontBruins) March 3, 2021
[https://twitter.com/GoBelmontBruins/status/1367203606508826629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]

March Madness: Three Mid-Majors Who Can Go Far

Logan Furey

Campus visits have become increasingly hard to come by with restrictions imposed
by Covid-19. GMTM is partnering with multiple organizations to offer virtual
visits that will offer you the opportunity to check out what these programs have
to offer without having to be in person, on campus.

One such program is the University of Alaska-Anchorage
[https://goseawolves.com/] Seawolves Women’s Basketball team. On GMTM
[https://gmtm.com/virtuals/52/university-of-alaska-anchorage-virtual-visit], you
can take the opportunity to learn more about this fantastic program and work to
be a part of it in the future.


With the GMTM virtual visit, you will have the opportunity to get a great
introduction to the program from Head Coach Ryan McCarthy. Coach McCarthy is a 
proven winner [https://twitter.com/GMTMSports/status/1365051445381271552?s=20],
as he has won 86% of his games during his 9 year tenure with University of
Alaska-Anchorage. These are elite, hall of fame level numbers and he is a great
person to help athletes continue to develop their game at the next level.


The Seawolves compete in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference at the Division
II level. They are consistently among the top performers in the conference, and
are the only DII program to win a NCAA DI tournament. Championship tradition is
their biggest tradition, and you can learn all about it with the virtual campus
visit.


They pride themselves in a mayhem style of basketball on the court, as they
employ an uptempo offense that goes along with a suffocating defense on the
other end. This allows them to wreak havoc on their opponents and maintain such
high levels of success. That style is not possible without hard work in the
offseason, however. As a result of that, the offseason training program is
thorough and will get you in the best possible shape to maintain a high level of
play in that mayhem style late into the fourth quarter.


Off the court, this is a tight-knit group that spends a lot of time doing fun
activities as a team. You will get the chance to experience all of the wonderful
outdoors activities that Alaska has to offer when you come to the University of
Alaska Anchorage. This virtual visit goes into a bit more depth about the
various fun activities that this team constantly takes part in and gives you the
chance to see yourself taking part.


Overall, if you are a high school athlete who is looking for an opportunity to
get your name on the radar of a collegiate program, then you should take
advantage of this virtual visit with the University of Alaska Anchorage Women’s
Basketball team. You could be the next player to lead the Seawolves to a GNAC
championship. It all starts with GMTM.

Alaska Anchorage Women's Basketball Launches Virtual Visit on GMTM

After a fun-filled first two weeks
[https://www.xflnewshub.com/fan-controlled-football/fcf-week-2-recap-and-new-rules/]
, the FCFL has drawn the attention of numerous football fans across the country.
While added eyeballs are a great sign for the league's future viability, many of
those watching had a question or two about just what it is they were watching.

Here is a brief explanation as to how this brand of football is played on the
field and the new rules that make the FCFL an exciting alternative to
traditional pigskin.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The FCFL's Two Influences
A product that is noticeably different than professional and college football,
the FCFL has added elements of play that help it stand out. Fan interaction
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-is-the-fcf-fan-controlled-football-league-and-why-should-we-watch] 
has helped the upstart league find an audience, but to dismiss the FCF as a mere
crowd-voting gimmick would be short sighted. 

The FCFL's two main influences have set up the league as one predicated on
speed, quick passes, and plenty of athleticism. Other than the indoor setting,
the arena league similarities include a designated area where defensive and
offensive linemen are allowed to play. Only the quarterback and one offensive
lineman, who snaps the ball, are allowed in the offensive box. Unlike arena
rules, lateral passes are not allowed, although everyone but the snapper is
allowed to receive handoffs as a 'Superback'.

> This is via the FCF show, they showed what the arena will look like! Watch the
video for full explanations! pic.twitter.com/hHjhRDM6z3
[https://t.co/hHjhRDM6z3]

— FanControlledFootball News (@NewsFCF) December 18, 2020
[https://twitter.com/NewsFCF/status/1339753296333053953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The other aspect of the FCFL is 7-on-7 football, another form of football that
looks radically different than most professional leagues. With just seven men on
the field, FCFL play style is dependent on passing, with plenty of room for
receivers to create space. Like 7-on-7, there are no kickers, and drives to
start a half or following a touchdown start at a team's ten-yard line. Halves
are a mere twenty minutes, just like in 7 v. 7 tournaments. To keep offensive
spacing from completely taking over defenses, the league field size is a more
narrow 35 X 50 yards with ten-yard end zones.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Old Game, New Wrinkles
There are plenty of new rules
[https://www.fcf.io/static-cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FCF_RULES_v1.0_02.05.21.pdf] 
that may seem strange to wary viewers. Despite some reservations, this is a
smart move. The FCFL is attempting to establish a not-so-serious brand, and
standing out from would-be imitators of the NFL is a smart business move. 

The first major rule change comes in the form of extra points and two-point
conversions. Since there are no kickers, conversions in the FCFL take the form
of one-on-one matchups between a defensive back and a wide receiver. For the
extra point, a play starts at the ten-yard line, and the quarterback is given
five seconds to get rid of the ball. Two-pointers are placed at the five, and
QB's have just three seconds to throw. 

This format also plays a role in overtime. After a rock, paper, scissors battle
at midfield, teams are given a college-style extra period where a winner will be
named after a score and a stop on defense. By the second period of OT, teams are
forced to attempt a two-point conversion following a score. In a potential fifth
period, teams will shift to alternating two-point plays rather than actual
drives. 

As mentioned earlier, there are no kickers. Since this also means no punters,
all drives become four-down territory. The fact that a three-and-out (in this
case a four-and-out) can lead to an easy score for the other side is something
that the fans calling plays need to consider every game. 

There is a unique rule that allows for one 'Flip the Field Team Power', which
can be won each week via a fan engagement contest. For example, if a team fails
to gain a fourth down at their own ten, a 'flip' can put the ball on the other
team's side of the field rather than give the opposition the ball mere yards
away from a touchdown. 

Player personnel is another factor that the FCFL uses in their game structure.
Every third drive, a team's backup QB must enter the game, while fans choose who
that week's starter will be. While going over the league's fan-friendly roster
building
[https://gmtm.com/articles/what-is-the-fcf-fan-controlled-football-league-and-why-should-we-watch] 
is a conversation for another time, the enforcement of two different
quarterbacks keeps the game fresh and helps prevent injuries for the team's two
most important players. 

Lastly, but just as important as the other main rules, is the way defense is
played. Unlike the elaborate schemes in the pros, FCFL defenders are unable to
pull off stunts and other elaborate packages when rushing the passer. Instead, a
maximum of three defenders can line up in the Defensive Box, which extends five
yards past the line of scrimmage. Any defender within a three-yard 'Defensive
Belt' can only do so if lined up over a skill position player. While defensive
lineman are allowed to pass rush, only linebackers can blitz, and they must do
so between two defensive lineman, rather than on the edge. 

> SAFETY! Our boys on defense putting on the pressure 🔥 
pic.twitter.com/UWDbnqLVuw [https://t.co/UWDbnqLVuw]

— Zappers (@FCFZappers) February 21, 2021
[https://twitter.com/FCFZappers/status/1363332112678612992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw]
The FCFL can seem intimidating for a first-time viewer, especially those who are
simply watching for entertainment rather than calling plays and making
transactions from their phones. Still, the new rules implemented are all crucial
in making the league feel like its own brand rather than a poor knockoff. If
people are willing to let the FCFL grow and work out any kinks, what may seem
unfamiliar may soon be appreciated as key elements of a bolder, newer type of
football to watch throughout the spring.

FCFL Explained: How Does The Fan-Controlled Football League Work?

Sam Roush, the ninth-ranked tight end in California has announced he will be
transferring to Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tennessee.

Roush is leaving San Jose’s Valley Christian High School, where the 4-star
garnered comparisons to the Los Angeles Rams' Tyler Higbee while collecting 17
Division-I offers. He committed to Stanford on October 12, 2020 over other
Power-5 schools like USC, North Carolina, and Arkansas.

His Junior season at Valley Christian, though, was postponed due to the COVID-19
and Roush wasn't able to collect any stats. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, Lipscomb
played 13 games in the Fall of 2020 and played in the Tennessee D2-AA State
Championship on December 3rd.

The 6'5", 225-pound tight end will join TSSAA D2-AA Middle Region Offensive
Player of the Year quarterback Luther Richesson, 1st team All-State running back
Alex Broome and All-Region selections tight end Beau Dawson and wide receiver
Coleman Baker on the offensive side of the ball at Lipscomb Academy.

Lipscomb Academy’s head coach Trent Dilfer is heading into his third year as
head coach of the Mustangs. He inherited a program that was 3-19 during the 2017
and 2018 seasons. In Dilfer’s first season the 2019 Mustangs went 7-6 with a
State Semi-Final appearance. In 2020, the Mustangs went 11-3 advancing to the
State Championship game.

The Mustangs recently released their 2021 schedule which includes three out of
state opponents, Greater Atlanta Christian (GA), Pulaski Academy (AR) and Etowah
(AL), who garnered a combined 36-5 record during their respective 2020
campaigns.

Stanford Commit Sam Roush Transfers To Lipscomb Academy

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