June 2010 – Page 13 – Priced Out of the Citi

Mountain West Conference Adds Boise State

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Mountain West Conference announced today that Boise State University has accepted an invitation to join the MWC as its 10th member institution, effective July 1, 2011.

“We are pleased and excited to welcome Boise State University to the Mountain West Conference,” said Commissioner Craig Thompson. “Since our inception just 11 short years ago, the Mountain West has experienced tremendous success, and the addition of Boise State will further enhance that strength. The MWC continues to strategize regarding potential membership scenarios and bringing Boise State into the Conference is an important part of that evolution.”

“The invitation to join the Mountain West Conference reflects the excellence that Boise State University has demonstrated academically and athletically,” said Boise State President Robert Kustra. “It will be a privilege to compete and partner with such a successful group of member

2011 NFL Draft Watch #28: Akeem Ayers

The countdown continues and our number twenty-eight prospect in college football is…

Outside Linebacker Akeem Ayers (Junior):

The Skinny: The UCLA linebacker has the bulk, length, frame and athletic ability that NFL decision makers dream of. Standing at 6’4” and 250-plus pounds with a frame that can add more weight, Ayers moves around the field with a fleetness of foot that you’d expect from a much smaller player. The first thing that stands out about his game tape is that he is an absolute turnover machine from his strong side linebacker position—he creates fumbles and interceptions at a startling rate. In 2009, more often than not those picks turned into touchdowns—he returned three of his four interceptions for scores as a sophomore. When asked to rush the passer (six

Scouting The Cornerbacks: Class of 2012

Here’s a look at the top junior cornerback prospects entering the 2010 season:

1. Patrick Peterson, LSU – The Bayou Bengal was already one of the top cover corners in the nation as a sophomore…when he was at his best, no one in college football was better. If he can be more consistent, Peterson has a very good chance to be a top-five selection in the 2011 NFL Draft should he forgo his final season in Baton Rouge. He checks in as our number five overall prospect for 2011 (top defensive back, second highest rated defender). At 6’1” and 211 pounds Peterson has the perfect build for an NFL corner which allows him to be effective against both the run and the pass. In pass coverage his size allows him to battle receivers at the line of scrimmage in bump and run coverage, in addition to

Around The Web: NFL Rookie Watch

Vikings RB Toby Gerhart is expected to compete with Albert Young for the primary backup job behind Adrian Peterson.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said RB Glen Coffee and RB Anthony Dixon will be competing for playing time behind RB Frank Gore this season, reports Phil Barber, of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Dallas WR Dez Bryant (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Seahawks rookie Golden Tate was chosen by the San Francisco Giants in the 50th and final round of the Major League Baseball draft. He played center field for Notre Dame’s baseball team, and this is the second time he has been taken in the baseball draft. He was chosen in the later rounds by the Arizona Diamondbacks coming out of high school.

Coach Gary Kubiak considers seventh-rounder Dorin Dickerson a “project”

2011 NFL Draft Watch #27: Ras-I Dowling

The countdown continues and our number twenty-seven prospect in college football is…

Cornerback Ras-I Dowling, Virginia (Senior):

The Skinny: The first thing that jumps out at you about the Chesapeake, Virginia native is his size; the man is big for a cornerback. Standing at 6’ 2” and around 200 pounds Dowling has the size, length, strength and muscle to line up against the NFL’s super-sized receivers and believe, “I can lay an effective jam on this guy.” While he has great size and short-area abilities, his long speed is not elite. Because of that, Dowling’s post-season workouts (Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and Virginia pro day) will go a long way to determining how NFL teams perceive him. While Dowling is a willing and occasionally

Scouting The Linebackers: Class of 2012

Here’s a look at the top junior linebacker prospects entering the 2010 season:

1. Akeem Ayers, UCLA (Outside Linebacker) – The strongside outside linebacker was an unstoppable force for the Bruins defense in 2009. Ayers displayed the ability to attack the line of scrimmage and often found himself in the offensive backfield, where he recorded six sacks and another 8.5 tackles for loss against the run. He possesses a great burst coming off the edge and with his agility it is difficult for blockers to get their hands on the speedy dynamo. Ayers is at his best roaming the perimeter, where the turnover machine recorded two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Not just an effective blitzer, the Los Angeles native is also very efficient when asked to drop back

NFL: Ben Tate Speeding Past the Competition

Houston’s second-round pick Ben Tate didn’t waste any time in showing off his skills earlier this week in his first full practice since tweaking his hamstring a few weeks ago, according to houstontexans.com. “He’s faster than everybody else, so obviously he’s fresh,” said head coach Gary Kubiak. “Obviously, he was paying attention and knew what he was doing. We were actually doing some tough stuff on him today as far as no scripting, just calling stuff and seeing how guys react and turning the noise on. It was good to see him out here and get going.”

Mancini’s Take: Tate’s versatility is what gives him a great chance of being a huge part of Houston’s offense. His broad shouldered physique almost gives him the look of fullback at about 220 pounds, but he has the foot speed to take it the distance from any part of the field. But what distinguishes

NFL: Ben Tate Speeding Past the Competition

2011 NFL Draft Watch #26: Jurrell Casey

The countdown continues and our number twenty-six prospect in college football is…

Defensive Tackle Jurrell Casey, USC (Junior):

The Skinny: The soon-to-be junior has a chance to be a truly dominant force at defensive tackle for the 2010 USC Trojans. At 6’1” and 295 pounds, Casey might be considered a bit small for a defensive tackle and he doesn’t look body beautiful. However, underestimating him would be a serious mistake. His natural knee-bending ability and light feet allow him to play much bigger than his size. When asked to shoot gaps the All-Pac-10 performer flies between offensive linemen to the quarterback. Casey will have a chance to attack the passer more under new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, something which will surely gain the attention of NFL decision makers. The defensive tackle shows a versatile and sophisticated pass-rush repertoire, possessing standout bull rush, rip and swim moves.

2010 NFL Yearbook: New York Jets

“Change” is a word that immediately comes to mind when describing the New York Jets’ turbulent offseason. Gang Green cut the cord on six productive veterans and Alan Faneca, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington were all good soldiers that still had much to offer.

GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan are of the mind that it pays to release aging veterans a year early rather than a year late. Although in Washington’s case, his departure had nothing to do with age, but rather with health.

While the acquisition of youngsters Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes were no-brainers, the free agent signings of a way-past-his-prime LaDainian Tomlinson and a soon-to-be 36-year-old Jason Taylor were questionable moves.

Others have criticized the Green and White for adding too many components with well-documented off-the field issues in Cromartie and Holmes. But in defense of the Jets management,