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Elkhart native Jeff Wilson Jr. will host his “Dream Big ETX Football Camp” June 16th at the Jerry Ives Memorial Stadium. Wilson continues to pour back into the community that raised him by bringing some professional football knowledge back to East Texas. Registration is free for kids ages 8-15 years old. The purpose of this camp is to provide football players in the East Texas area with an opportunity to meet and also learn skills techniques that are used by current and former college/pro athletes. The football players will also gain an insight on how the athletes’ day-to-day lifestyle is and the tasks that have to deal with being NFL and college athletes, according to the camp’s website. The Elkhart native committed to the University of North Texas in 2014. He finished his college career fourth all-time on the program's rushing list (3,205 yards), third in career rushing touchdowns (32) and fourth in program history in all-purpose yards (4,009). Wilson signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent on May 1, 2018. He was waived on September 1, 2018, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 24, 2018. Interested participants can visit can register on Eventbrite.com under “ETX Jeff Wilson's Dream Big Football Camp.” read more: https://www.palestineherald.com/sports/elkhart-native-jeff-wilson-jr-to-host-dream-big-etx-football-camp/article_1e37ee16-04a2-11ee-84f7-2bb33a365d5a.html

Sports Purdue Transfer Portal Targets At Each Position Group: Offense Since Jeff Brohm left West Lafayette for Louisville, Purdue has been rocked by transfer portal departures on top of the talent already headed to the NFL. Ryan Walters has seen a number of players announce their intentions to play next season elsewhere in the short time he has been head coach. After National Early Signing Day, Walters said “We will return to the recruiting trail and hit the transfer portal to put together a complete class in the spring.” Since Jeff Brohm left West Lafayette for Louisville, Purdue has been rocked by transfer portal departures on top of the talent already headed to the NFL. Ryan Walters has seen a number of players announce their intentions to play next season elsewhere in the short time he has been head coach. After National Early Signing Day, Walters said “We will return to the recruiting trail and hit the transfer portal to put together a complete class in the spring.” A veteran quarterback could look for a fresh start in Graham Harrell’s “Air Raid” offense and would immediately be the leader in the clubhouse for the starting job. Austin Aune: This is one of the most interesting stories in college football. Former North Texas quarterback Austin Aune will turn 30 years old in the first month of next football season and has entered the transfer portal. read more: https://emeatribune.com/purdue-transfer-portal-targets-at-each-position-group-offense/

North Texas’ current NFL players are headlined by a pair of wide receivers in Jaelon Darden and Jalen Guyton, but the program is far more than just a skill-player producer. The Mean Green sported 10 players in the NFL this past season, including two players each at offensive tackle, cornerback, and linebacker. Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, that motif might actually carry over as we take a look at their prospects most likely to enter the NFL this offseason. Torrey is a burner with a great top speed as well as a shiftiness to his game. Though short in stature, he ripped off 1,215 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021. Torrey ran for a combined 36 career rushing touchdowns and chipped in with another 4 receiving scores. As for Novil, he headlines the North Texas defensive group after starting for the past four seasons. He recorded 11.5 career sacks but was a constant force against opposing quarterbacks with a bevy of hurries and hits. Novil was excellent against the run, as he stands 6’4″, 330 pounds. Let’s get to the full reports, including Novil, Torrey, and the rest of the North Texas Mean Green entering the NFL in 2022. Read more: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/north-texas-2022-nfl-draft-scouting-reports-deandre-torrey-dion-novil/

Read more: http://sportsagentblog.com/2022/02/16/tri-sport-agencys-2022-draft-class/

The Cincinnati Bengals coaching staff is welcoming five coaches to work with the team as interns as part of this year’s Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship program. All five will be working with the team virtually. The coaching interns are: • Steve Huanga, offensive quality control coach at the University of North Texas. As a player, Huanga played offensive line at College of the Canyons and Arkansas State University. He began his coaching career as a strength and conditioning intern at the University of California-Berkeley and Boise State University, and was the defensive line coach at Kuna High School in Idaho. He then served as a graduate assistant at both Auburn and Tulsa, before joining North Texas in 2020. “The Bill Walsh Fellowship is valuable program for the Bengals, the NFL and the game of football,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “The candidates are participating virtually again this year, but they will still be able to work on the technical end of coaching, gain important exposure and grow their network of contacts. And from the team’s end, this program always helps our players and coaches build valuable relationships with talented young people in our profession.” read more: https://highlandcountypress.com/Content/Sports/Sports/Article/Bengals-working-with-5-coaches-in-NFL-s-NFL-Minority-Fellowship-program/3/21/69401

Usually, controversies involving Antonio Brown arise from his own behavior. The latest issue regarding Brown flows from something other than anything he’s done. Three weeks after Brown agreed to terms on a return to the Buccaneers, Brown still isn’t part of the roster. Coach Bruce Arians disclosed that Brown had knee surgery on Tuesday, and that he has yet to pass a physical. Until Brown passes a physical, he won’t be on the team. It’s hard not to be curious about the timing of the news of Brown’s agreement to return to the Bucs — one day before the 2021 draft began — and the fact that the Bucs traded up in round four to get North Texas receiver Jaelon Darden. A cynic would say that the Bucs struck the deal with Brown the day before the draft so that other teams wouldn’t think they’d be looking to draft another receiver. The fact that they gave up a sixth-round pick to move up to get Darden shows that they definitely were targeting the position. read more: https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/05/19/antonio-brown-situation-raises-several-questions/

TAMPA, FL - Jaelon Darden can move. “Being able to make guys miss, I feel like that’s what I do best,” said the Bucs’ rookie wide receiver. He’s already turning heads in just two short days of practice. “He’s super quick,” said Bucs head coach Bruce Arians. “Super quick and fast and catches the football extremely easily so, yea, he can be very explosive.” It’s easy to spot Darden on the field. He’s the little guy running around in the number one. While NFL players are celebrating the ability to wear the single digits of their youth or college days, Darden is cherishing that number for a whole different reason. “My dad (saw) me play in #1 so that means more to me than anything,” said Darden. read more: https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/sports/2021/05/16/news-bucs-wr-jaelon-darden-making-his-late-father-proud

Former North Texas quarterback Mason Fine wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, and he had his Pro Day workout canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, which he called “disappointing and frustrating." However, despite all of the obstacles in his way, Fine has been doing his best to show coaches around the league that he may be worthy of a draft selection. Fine threw for 12,505 yards and 93 touchdowns over four college seasons at North Texas. Read more: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-draft-prospect-qb-mason-fine-trying-make-good-first-impression-with-teams

E.J. deserves to be in either the senior bowl or the east-west shrine game. He had one of the best individual seasons I’ve ever seen this year and was amazing last year as well. Please send an email to the one under the player recommendation section in the link below: https://www.shrinegame.com/contact After all that E.J. has given to us Mean Green fans on the field the last few years he deserves our efforts to try to get him in one of the premier senior showcases!

Some updates from around the NFL on our former Mean Green Jamize Olawale – On both of DeAndre Washington’s big runs to set up the Raiders’ touchdown before the half, Olawale led the way with a big block. Zachary Orr- Had 8 combined tackles for the Baltimore Ravens along with a game sealing interception of Blake Bortles with under a minute left. Lance Dunbar- had 1 carry for 1 yard and a TD on an inside run at the goal line in a victory against Chicago. Craig Robertson- Had 12 tackles in a Loss against the Falcon. Robertson now leads the NFL in tackles with a total of 35. Very happy to see these guys performing at the next level. Most of these guys were overlooked by Power 5 schools for some reason or another and were then overlooked on draft day, hard work and dedication got them to where they are today. #gomeangreen

"Hurricane Katrina took away Cyril Lemon's home and separated him from some of his family and close friends. But it gave him a chance at a better life. That's why Lemon is back in New Orleans 10 years later, chasing an improbable dream as an undrafted rookie guard with the New Orleans Saints." Read article: Hurricane Katrina took Saints' Cyril Lemon from New Orleans, led to a better life

MARBLE FALLS — As the Arizona Cardinals closed out the 2015 NFL Draft by choosing Louisville’s Gerald Christian as “Mr. Irrelevant” with the final pick May 2, former Marble Falls High School offensive lineman Cyril Lemon’s heart sank. But then Lemon, who was a four-year starter at right guard for the University of North Texas, was flooded with calls from front offices around the league asking him if he’d like to sign a free agent contract and head to their camp. Among the callers were the Dallas Cowboys, the Chicago Bears, the Atlanta Falcons, the Miami Dolphins, the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints. In the end, Lemon chose New Orleans, the city he left as an eighth-grader to escape Hurricane Katrina, though returning to Louisiana wasn’t really a factor in his decisions, he said. “I felt like I had a better chance of making the team,” he said. “I like the style of offense they run. It’s my best option to make the team.” He said he also considered the Cowboys. The Saints’ offensive line coach is Bret Ingalls. Lemon said he looks forward to asking questions and learning the ways of being a professional athlete. “I think I’ll enjoy any NFL coach,” he said. “I’m there to learn, to grow.” Read more: http://www.dailytrib.com/2015/05/04/saints-coming-marching-in-for-former-marble-falls-lineman/#ixzz3ZDPgPDnf

Offensive lineman Cyril Lemon signed with the New Orleans Saints, Derek Akunne went to the Atlanta Falcons and Antonio Johnson landed with the NY Jets. Great careers for all three of them and we all wish them the best at the next level! GMG This post has been promoted to an article

DENTON Cyril Lemon has been fine-tuning all sorts of job skills the past several months. He has been reviewing information, learning how to answer interview questions and even improving his physical stamina. The 2011 Marble Falls High School graduate and former University of North Texas lineman is preparing for the 2015 NFL Draft. Its the biggest interview Ive ever had in my life, he said. I can compare it to a college students first big job interview coming out of college. You have to put your foot forward and give it all you got. It can determine where you go in life. Lemon was one of five Mean Green players to participate in the UNT pro day March 26. During the 2½-hour event, he completed 14 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press, had a broad jump mark of 8 feet 4 inches and a vertical leap of 24 inches, and ran the 40-yard dash between 5.26 seconds and 5.4 seconds. Lemon said he was disappointed with the results of the bench press portion, adding that he hit 20 in workouts. He had also previously leapt as high as 27 inches in the vertical jump. Read more: http://www.dailytrib.com/2015/04/23/ex-mustang-cyril-lemon-prepares-for-big-career-day-nfl-draft/#ixzz3YC0mU2o9

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Brelan didn't make it through the first roster cuts. It didn't appear that he got many opportunities in the actual preseason games to showcase his ability. I really hope he can latch onto a practice squad and get another chance to make a team. http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Chargers-Trim-Roster-272667331.html

DENTON - Two video crews came to North Texas on a breath-takingly humid Wednesday morning to shoot at Apogee Stadium and Fouts Field. NFL Films dispatched a crew to shoot at feature on Joe Greene, who was interviewed on the field at Fouts Field, where Greene played his college ball in the 1960s. The crew also shot interviews with Greene at the Athletic Center and at Apogee Stadium. Meanwhile, a much larger crew set up camp on the field at Apogee Stadium to shoot a commercial - which featured a handful of players, including a quarterback getting planted on his back. Read more: http://www.meangreensports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/062514aaa.html

C-USA draft picks Khyri Thornton, DL, Southern Miss, third round (85th overall), Green Bay Packers. Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice, third round (87), Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Ellis, DT, Louisiana Tech, fourth round (107), Oakland Raiders. Ryan Grant, WR, Tulane, fifth round (142), Washington Redskins. Keith Reaser, CB, Florida Atlantic, fifth round (170), San Francisco 49ers. Jimmy Staten, DT, Middle Tennessee, fifth round (172), Seattle Seahawks. Garrett Scott, OT, Marshall, sixth round (199), Seattle Seahawks. Andrew Jackson, LB, Western Kentucky, sixth round (203), Indianapolis Colts. IK Enemkpali, DE, Louisiana Tech, sixth round (210), N.Y. Jets. Randell Johnson, LB, Florida Atlantic, seventh round (221), Buffalo Bills. Jonathan Dowling, CB, Western Kentucky, seventh round (247), Oakland Raiders. Read more: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/x1315749100/Eleven-players-taken-in-NFL-draft-had-C-USA-connections

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/former-nfl-linebacker-thomas-howard-dies-in-car-crash-in-california-111713 Updated Nov 18, 2013 8:02 PM ET ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Former NFL linebacker Thomas Howard died early Monday morning following a high-speed car crash on a freeway in Oakland. The Alameda County Coroner's office said the 30-year-old Howard was one of two men who died in the crash Monday. The driver of the other car, 64-year-old Zeng Long Liu of Hayward, also died in the crash. Howard was driving a speeding BMW when he hit a big rig, flipped over the center divider and went head-on into a Honda traveling on the other side around 1 a.m., said Officer Daniel Hill, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol. Witnesses say the car was traveling at speeds between 100 mph to 110 mph as the car overturned, crossed a median and ended up in the southbound lanes of the freeway, where it sideswiped another car before landing on top of the Honda, Hill said. Hill said that alcohol is not being ruled out as a possible cause of the accident. Howard played eight years in the NFL after being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round out of Texas-El Paso in 2006. He was most recently with Atlanta before getting released last week after playing two games this season. Howard played his first five seasons with the Raiders and two seasons with Cincinnati. "Words really can't describe how I'm feeling right now," former Raiders teammate Kirk Morrison wrote on his Instagram account. "To get that dreaded phone call and hear someone tell you that one of your best friends is no longer with us is hard to grasp. The feeling of shock and disbelief can be unbearable at times but all I can remember is all the good times that we had. ... I didn't lose a best friend or former teammate, I truly lost a brother today in Thomas Howard." Howard became an almost immediate starter when he joined the Raiders, making 62 starts in his first four seasons. His best season came in 2007 when he intercepted six passes and returned two of them for touchdowns. He also had one sack, 11 passes defensed and one fumble recovery that season. Howard left the Raiders as a free agent in 2011 and started 15 games in his first season with the Bengals. Howard tore his ACL after his first game in 2012 and missed the rest of the season. He signed with the Falcons in October and played two games with Atlanta before being cut. Howard's father, Thomas Sr., also played nine seasons in the NFL as a linebacker. "Thomas was an absolutely terrific guy, one of the best and nicest guys I have ever come across," said Howard's agent, Andrew Kessler. "He had two daughters. It is a horrible tragedy obviously for everyone involved. Really devastatingly sad in every way."

What are the odds he gets drafted or at least signed as a free agent. We all know he is small but the dude is a playmaker. I think he gets a chance as a free agent

Craig Robertson almost never left the field when he played football for Stafford High School in suburban Houston. He was a quarterback, running back and go-to wide receiver on third down. He also played defensive back and even served as a punter and place-kicker, too. So which duty was his favorite? “I liked having the ball in my hands really,” Robertson said. Now Robertson is a linebacker for the Browns, and his preference hasn’t changed. His knack for being around the ball has helped him make two interceptions through four games and earn a prominent role as one of two linebackers used in the team’s nickel package. He has played 188-of-317 defensive snaps (59 percent) this season. It’s quite a feat for someone who went undrafted out of the University of North Texas last year and didn’t even receive an invitation to an NFL training camp. The Browns signed Robertson to their practice squad on Dec. 19, 2011, and he has since become one of the team’s most remarkable success stories. “A lot of people back home, they’re like, ‘Man, you’re in the NFL now,’ ” Robertson said. “It’s still unreal at times. I still think of it as a dream come true, and I cherish every day.” Robertson was one of the team’s bright spots Thursday night in its 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns (0-4) will likely continue to heavily rely on him Sunday, when they visit the New York Giants. read more: http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/browns-linebacker-craig-robertson-proving-he-belongs-in-nfl-shouldn-t-be-overlooked-1.338455