From Bayou to Brilliance: Dominick McKinley’s Journey to Texas A&M Stardom

Dominick McKinley

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around the virtual campfire, for I come bearing news of a monumental victory for the Texas A&M Aggies on the recruiting battleground. The Lone Star State’s beloved institution of pigskin glory has secured a commitment from none other than Dominick McKinley, the heralded defensive tackle and a crown jewel of the 2024 ESPN 300 rankings, where he proudly stands as the No. 30 overall recruit.

Dominick McKinley

Now, picture this, my fellow gridiron enthusiasts. It was a mere day before Texas A&M was set to kick off its 2023 season, and the Aggies orchestrated a recruiting coup that sent shockwaves through the college football universe. Dominick McKinley, a five-star defensive lineman with the world at his feet, chose to pledge his allegiance to the maroon and white on a serene Friday evening. This declaration of loyalty came amidst a fierce competition, with a star-studded offer sheet that boasted the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and LSU.

For many, it seemed like the Texas Longhorns were destined to claim McKinley as their own, with the scent of victory lingering in the air for the burnt orange faithful. Yet, as they say, the tides of recruitment can be … Read more at FryingPanSports

Manziel battling the playbook is not a good thing.

Manziel Drft

Browns head coach Mike Pettine made the comment yesterday that Johnny Manziel biggest challenge is the playbook rather than Brian Hoyer. ESPN and most of the national media took that to mean that as soon as Manziel gets the playbook down, he will be the starter. Not so fast my friend.

What Pettine means is that Manziel is struggling to learn and understand the playbook. That is not a surprise. At Texas A&M the playbook was the size of the US Constitution. To Manziel the Browns playbook looks more like the IRS rules and regulations.

We were told that he was studying even while going to and from Vegas. Maybe the inflatable swan had an I-pad built in. His time enjoying himself could be costing him now. You can’t win the locker room as a QB unless you know the playbook COLD and can communicate it in practice. Until he can do that he will not get a snap in the regular season.

Also in college Manziel never had to make pre-snap reads. His offensive teammates took their position on the field then read the signs on the sideline to determine which play would be executed. Manziel also never had … Read more at FryingPanSports

News, Notes & Rumors for week 2

nfl

 

News:

Injuries hit key players in the NFL again.  Ray Rice RB (BA) has a hip flexor.  WR Larry Fitzgerald (AZ) reinjured his hamstring but plans to play next week.  RB Reggie Bush (DT) has a knee sprain.  OT Ryan Clady (DV) has a Lisfranc strain and will be out several weeks.  WR Andre Johnson (HO) had a concussion but is expected to play next week.  RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JK) has an ankle sprain.  RB Eddie Lacy (GB) suffered a concussion. WR Malcom Floyd (SD) was carted off the field with a neck injury and is not expected to play any time soon.  NT Ian Williams (SF) broke an ankle and is out indefinitely.  S Eric Reid (SF) suffered a concussion.  S Tyvon Branch (OK) hurt his ankle and S Charles Godfrey (CR) is out for the year with an Achilles tear.  QB Brandon Weeden (CL) has a sprained thumb on his passing hand.

 

This Given Sunday site reports that three teams are in line for the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.  Those teams are 3) Tampa Bay 2) Cleveland and 1) Jacksonville.  The first pick will likely be QB Teddy Bridgewater QB of Louisville.

 … Read more at FryingPanSports

What to look for in this weekends games.

football

Baseball playoffs

We would like to thank the Rays, Twins and Reds for stopping by in the playoffs. Please pick up your parting gifts as you leave. The series will be between the Yankees and the Phillies.

College Football

#1 Alabama @ #19 South Carolina – The ol’ Ball Coach will wish he still had the talent from his Florida days. Bama wins

#2 Ohio State v. Indiana – Forget about the injuries on O, you and I could score the Indiana D if you were having a bad game. The OSU D stops a good Indy O and OSU wins.

#3 Oregon @ Washington St. – Oregon runs up 50+ points and makes a case for jumping over OSU into 2nd.

#8 Auburn @ Kentucky – Auburn QB Cam Newton passes a bad Ky D silly. Auburn wins big.

#9 Arizona vs. Oregon St. – Az had a major letdown after a big win over Iowa and squeaked by Cal. They had better not have a let down here because the Beavers are tough. They have lost 2 games to top 6 teams.

#11 Arkansas @ Texas A&M – Ark is banged up after getting thumped by #1 Bama. … Read more at FryingPanSports

Niblets from around the net for 5/2/09

nib

By Bill Smith

Best comment of the week:

From ReverseCellPhones on AFC Draft winners and losers:

Great material Bill. I am a little worried about the Bengals picks. They have had character issues with players in the past but still continue to draft those players on the fringe of being trouble.

Everything I read about the Bengals 1st pick Andre Smith (OT Alabama) isn’t a bad kid but just VERY immature. A couple of “expert’s” final projections showed Michael Johnson (DE Georgia Tech) taken in the first round. He has never matched the hype he had coming into college let alone at the beginning of this season. But in the 3rd round, he was a great pick. I loved the picks of Rey Maualuga (ILB USC 2nd round) Chase Coffman (TE Missouri 3th round) Jonathan Luigs (OC Arkansas 4th round). All are outstanding values where they were picked. MAYBE, just maybe, the Bengals are turning things around.

Updates on previous columns:

A few names in the draft you won’t recognize but should know.

QB Stephen McGee Texas A&M—Dallas 4th round pick 101

RB Gartrell Johnson Colorado State—San Diego 4th round … Read more at FryingPanSports

A few names in the draft you won't recognize but should know on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are a few of the offensive players I found that have NFL potential but are not highly regarded by most scouting sites or draft experts. I will post some D players tomorrow.

QB

Stephen McGee Texas A&M—McGee has a stronger arm than most think and got a lot of experience throwing on the move. He is accurate in the short and medium pasterns but is inconsistent on the long ball. He has the size you would like but needs to bulk up a bit in the lower body. He is a late round pick but has the tools to start with the proper development in 3 to 4 years.

RB

Gartrell Johnson Colorado State—A big back in a short body. He doesn’t take many big hits because he is so short (5-11). But he packs a lot of power and reasonable speed in a 230 lb body. He is a 4th or 5th round pick with the potential to be a 3 down back who can pass block and catch passes. He should last until the middle of the 6th round but is not a FB as some think.

Ian Johnson Boise State—Johnson … Read more at FryingPanSports