Posted June 28th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Baseball, Football, Recruiting
- RT @InsideTexas: Future Longhorn Marquise Goodwin sets national high school long jump
record: http://bit.ly/1q5rn5 - Former #UT recruit, Arky circus, and current 3rd string #USC QB Mitch Mustain is now apparently having grade issues: http://tr.im/q03B
- Good article on #UT baseball’s 2010 pitching staff from @aTrubow: http://tr.im/q4rv Never too soon to start towards another #CWS run.
- Ex-Longhorn Brian Robison is pushing for increased playing time & a starting spot in Minnesota: http://tr.im/pZMP #UT #NFL
- RT @nytimes: Farrah Fawcett Dies of Cancer at 62 http://bit.ly/FQ0dz Fawcett was discovered as a #UT student.
- Connor Rowe strikes out swinging to end it. #UT season over, 1 game short of the promise land. Lose in #CWS 11-4.
- Jungmann’s 126th pitch is a beauty to end this thing #UT 5, #LSU 1. Horns force a deciding game 3 tomorrow night. #CWS
- Maybe I’ve lost my mind, but Hershiser is an idiot right? A balk is an immediate dead ball. #UT #CWS
- ESPN hyperbole: “we can say without question that Jared Mitchell is the fastest player we’ve ever seen at #CWS.” Really? Time them? #UT #LSU
- During rain delay, ESPN showing last night’s #CWS game. Maybe they can stop it after 8 innings this time?? #UT #LSU
- Another good one from Dr Saturday: apparently Miami coaches were relying on Internet msg boards for recruiting decisions: http://tr.im/ppDi
- RT @RalphieReport Josh Smith’s Appeal for an Open Transfer Denied, Buff Fans Left to Wonder What’s Next? http://sbnation.com/e/685688
- Horns face uphill battle after heartbreaking game, can they rebound and win 2 straight? We’ll find out tomorrow night at 6pm. #UT #CWS
- ESPN announcers appear to believe 1-seed #UT is a 3 touchdown underdog in this thing. #CWS #LSU
Former Texas quarterback Vince Young has struggled on and particularly off the field since the beginning of the 2008 season. Within about 24 hours he struggled in the season opener, got hurt, lost his starting job with the Tennessee Titans to (the mediocre) Kerry Collins, and then things escalated to the point where Nashville police were looking for him worried for his safety. Lately Vince has given a few radio interviews where he hasn’t come off well, and has stated that he wanted out of Tennessee.
Recently, Vince sat down and spoke with Michael Smith for ESPN E:60 and though it’s not perfect, he speaks well about what he is dealing with in his life and what his focus is for the upcoming season. He emphatically states that he did not try or want to hurt himself. Watch an excerpt from the interview below:
More of the interview will air in late July on the E:60 season premier.
Former Longhorn offensive tackle Mike Williams and NFL Draft bust is attempting a comeback. He’s still too heavy and he has a long way to go, but the Washington Redskins think his raw ability is still worth taking a chance on. He’s lost 40 pounds but still tips the scales at 404 pounds, more than 70 pounds more than any other player on the roster.
Williams can credit ex Texas teammate Derrick Dockery and a Texas reporter with this chance:
Williams, selected fourth overall by the Buffalo in the 2002 draft, came to Washington in an unusual way. Pushing 450 pounds in February while running an oil services company, Williams decided to enroll in a fitness program at Duke to lose weight and become healthier. Around Easter, Williams and his wife, Enisha, moved in with former Texas linemate Derrick Dockery and the Redskins guard’s wife, their close friends, to take care of their goddaughter Madison while her parents were occupied with a baby due any day.
A reporter from Texas reached Williams on his cell phone for a where-are-they-now predraft story and wrote about his desire to play again once he got in shape and worked on football skills he hadn’t practiced in years. A Redskins official read the story Thursday and called Dockery to reach Williams, who worked out and signed the next day. He won’t participate in this weekend’s minicamp, but the Redskins hope he can lose 35 to 40 more pounds to reach his playing weight for the organized team activities that start June 1.
“I wanted something different for my life, just healthwise,” Williams said. “Then I’m like, ‘I’m feeling really good.’ I definitely missed playing. I know I still have the talent.”
Best of luck to Williams on dropping the weight fr his NFL comeback and more importantly his long-term health.
Not a huge surprise after they drafted Knowshon Moreno in the first round of this weekend’s draft, but the Denver Broncos have released former Texas running back Selvin Young today.
From the AP:
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos’ crowded backfield has become a bit clearer with the release of third-year tailback Selvin Young.
The Broncos released Young on Thursday.
They used the 12th overall pick in last weekend’s draft to take Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, and will have a half-dozen tailbacks competing for playing time.
The Broncos also have holdovers Peyton Hillis and Ryan Torian and free agents J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter and LaMont Jordan.
Young played in 23 games, making 13 starts in two seasons in Denver. He ran 201 times for 1,032 yards and two touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 247 yards.
Young was beset by back and groin injuries last season and was one of seven Broncos tailbacks who ended up on injured reserve.
Selvin is young enough and good enough to make another NFL squad (Texans maybe?) but he’s missed a lot of time due to injury and CBS Denver is reporting that he was released due to a failed team physical. Hopefully his injury situation doesn’t scare teams off and he’s picked up quickly.
The McAllen Monitor is reporting that former Horn Ramonce Taylor is headed to the Canadian Football League. Taylor will reportedly sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after playing in only one game in arenafootball2 with the Rio Grande Valley Dorados. Excellent news for Taylor as the CFL is definitely a step up from afl2, and living in Winnipeg certainly sounds better than living in Hidalgo, Texas.
No other confirmation of the story is available at this time.
Posted April 11th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball
ESPN The Magazine scours the depths of YouTube and ranks the top Kevin Durant clips on the Internet, they chose a good one for number one. Check out “Kevin Durant Evolution”:
Posted April 9th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball, Football
“The Legend” is actually a pretty good basketball player, but up against a real college player he wasn’t much of a match last weekend during Michael Huff’s celebrity basketball game. After a wheels off loose ball, UT-Arlington’s Marquez Haynes took a pass and dunked right in Roy Williams’ face. Watch below:
Roy does a good job bailing at the last minute to not get too embarrassed (or hurt) and it’s hilarious watching Roy’s former teammates Michael Huff and BJ Johnson. Great to see the ex-teammates are still having fun and doing for a good cause.
Great news for former Horn Cory Redding this weekend as he was traded along with a 5th round draft pick from the woeful (both team and city) Detroit Lions to the Seattle Seahawks for linebacker Julian Peterson. The trade sends Redding from a team with historically little talent to… a different team and any team is better than Detroit. Seattle struggled last year after making the playoffs in 2007, but with a healthy quarterback and playing in the NFC West they’re decades closer to being a playoff team. A defensive tackle the last three years in Detroit, Redding will play both inside and outside on the line in Seattle.
With Jay Cutler wanting out, could Chris Simms be the Broncos' next starting QB?
The s-word is hitting the proverbial fan in Denver and it could be good news for former Longhorn QB Chris Simms. Broncos starting quarterback Jay Cutler has had his feelings hurt and is making it known to anyone who will listen that he wants to be traded. Simms, who signed with the Broncos earlier this month, was in line to be the number two guy but could now be the opening week starter if Cutler gets his wish. Denver will likely look for a QB in the trade or via the draft, but Simms would likely have the first shot at the starting job.
Two of my favorite things about Sports Illustrated growing up were the weekly “Sign of the Apocalypse” and “They Said It” bits in ever issue. They were a glimpse at the weird and interesting side of sports that we didn’t get to see much before we had access to the the ubiquitous freak show we call the Internet.
In this week’s issue (with “Up For Grabs” cover) two former Texas defensive linemen were featured, just another sign of the tons of Horns now playing throughout the NFL. Defensive end Brian Orakpo had an awkward quote about he’ll fit in NFL defenses, “a versatile guy is a guy who can be very versatile.” Very well put Brian. Meanwhile, in this week’s “Sign of the Apocalypse”:
The Browns’ Shaun Rogers reportedly wants to be traded, in part because new coach Eric Mangini didn’t say hello to at the team’s practice facility in January.
I’m sure more there’s more to the Rogers/Mangini story, judging by his quick and unceremonious exit from New York he definitely appears to be a tough person to like. You don’t have to be friends with your coaches or teammates, but someone small and petty enough to intentionally walk past you without saying high doesn’t exactly earn much respect.
Posted February 28th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball
If you missed the halftime retirement ceremony of Kevin Durant’s jersey from earlier this week the Statesman has a brief video that’s definitely worth watching:
I got chills even watching that short bit, Kevin wasn’t at Texas long but he’s a great kid and really loves the University of Texas. Anyone who doubted whether Kevin’s #35 jersey should be retired simply had to watch his heartfelt emotion at the honor to know he was more than deserving.
Texas legend Noble Doss passed away Sunday night at the age of 88. Doss, who played for the Longhorns from 1939 through 1941, still holds two school interception records including his career mark of 17 which Nathan Vasher tied in 2003. Bill Little has a nice write-up on Doss and watch a fantastic tribute to the man from ESPN/ABC Sports below:
Posted February 14th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball, Feature
In what will probably be his last season for a while that he’s not in the NBA All-Star Game, Texas Ex Kevin Durant absolutely dominated last night’s NBA Rookie Challenge. Durant led the Sophomores from behind late with a record 46 points on 17-for-25 shooting and was named the game’s MVP. He put on quite a show and scored from all over the court including 4-8 from three-point land and multiple highlight reel dunks.
Durant’s MVP award gives the Longhorns back-to-back winners after Daniel Gibson, now of the Cleveland Cavaliers, won it by scoring 33 points last year.
Highlights from the game are posted below:
Durant has improved every month this season and he is on an absolutely torrid pace during the month of February, averaging 30.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Durant’s regular season PPG average of 25.5 are good enough to be in the top 5 in the NBA, but somehow he’s not in Sunday’s All-Star Game. His performance last night should service to anybody who has somehow missed the kid become one of the league’s best.
If you’re a Texas fan or just a basketball fan and you’re not paying attention to what KD’s been doing this year you’re missing a show.
Posted February 7th, 2009 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball
Texas Ex Kevin Durant was drafted number two behind Greg Oden but since then then their paths couldn’t be any more different. Durant was the 2007-08 Rookie of the Year while Oden missed the entire season due to an injury. This season Durant is averaging over 25 points per game and 6 boards while Oden is putting in 8.7 points and 7 rebounds for Portland.
There first head-to-head match-up in the NBA Friday night was even more one sided as KD came up huge in a 102-93 Oklahoma City win. He had his third straight 30+ point game while Oden played only 16 minutes and scored 4 points. Watch a nearly all-Durant highlight reel from ESPN below:
Think Portland GM Kevin Pritchard might be having a sleepless night tonight thinking about that draft pick? The Blazers are a great young team, but add a dominant player like Kevin Durant at small forward to a lineup that includes former Horn LaMarcus Aldridge and they’d be tough to beat.
Shane Dronett, 1971 - 2009
Former Texas Longhorn and Atlanta Falcon defensive tackle Shane Dronett was found dead today in his suburban Atlanta home. The cause of death is currently unknown but reports are that a 911 suicide call came in this morning from his residence. Shane was dealing with recovering from brain surgery but was well enough to make two Texas games this fall.
Read more at Statesman.com and AJC.com.
RIP Shane. Our thoughts are with his wife and family.
Update: Dronett’s death has officially been ruled a suicide.
The NFL is now littered with former Texas players from the Mack Brown era. It seems like every game involves a Longhorn in the starting lineup. The biggest impacts appear to be on both lines and in the secondary while linebacker is without a doubt the weakest position. Injuries affected a few of the players 2008 season, but the program should be proud of what these guys are accomplishing.
Justin Blalock – The Atlanta Falcon’s made the playoffs behind a great running game and solid quarterback play. The unsung unit on the team was the offensive line. Blalock has cemented himself as a starter on an upcoming team by starting all 16 games after playing in 14 last season. At Texas, Blalock played tackle, but in the NFL he has been able to slide back to his natural position of tackle. Blalock was even able to score a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Tarell Brown – The forgotten member of the 2005 secondary has become a solid nickel corner in the NFL for the 49ers. Brown played in 15 games and started in one. He recorded 30 tackles and two interceptions.
Cedric Benson – The beginning of the season didn’t appear good for Benson. After being cut by the Bears it appeared no one would request his services. The Cincinnati Bengals fell apart and came calling four games into the season. Benson started 10 games, gained over 700 yards, and scored two touchdowns on the ground. He also added 20 receptions. “EL Ced” finished with two huge games; making the chance he is offered a longer deal by the Bengals a real possibility.
Tim Crowder – Crowder struggled with injuries and the depth chart all season. He played in six games, starting zero, and recording one tackle on the whole year.
Jamaal Charles – Charles had a rookie season that has to be seen as a success. Charles sits behind Larry Johnson on the depth chart, but made plays when given the opportunity. The speedster averaged 5.3 yards per carry and added 27 receptions. His only touchdown of the season came on a reception. If Johnson isn’t retained by the Chiefs, Charles may get a look as an every down back.
Leonard Davis – The offensive line for the Cowboys underachieved this season. Davis will go to another Pro Bowl but o-line selections are based on reputation more times than not. It was not all Davis’ fault but he did not perform at the level he did the previous year.
Phil Dawson - Dawson was once again a lone bright spot for the Cleveland Browns franchise. He went 30/36 with a long of 56. He was perfect on extra point, but the 18 attempts magnify the struggles of the Browns offense.
Derrick Dockery – Dockery is one of the higher paid linemen in the league, but is never as dominant as his salary would warrant.
Jermichael Finley – Finley had a hard time getting started this season. He ended up playing in 14 games while starting one of them. The rookie finished with 6 receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown on the season.
Cedric Griffin – Griffin has turned into a solid starting cornerback for the Vikings. He gets a lot of action playing opposite of Pro-Bowler Antoine Winfield but holds his own pretty well. Griffin plays with excellent enthusiasm and competitiveness which makes him an eager corner in run support. He played in all 16 games for the second straight season and recorded 91 tackles and a pick.
Mike Griffin – Michael Griffin had the type of year that have made many hail him as the best defensive back to come out of the 2005 group. Griffin is a Pro-Bowl alternate after recording seven interceptions and a sack on the year. He is quickly becoming one of the best safeties in the league. His play has allowed the Titan defense to become one of the best in the league. Griffin also returns kicks for the #1 seeded Titans.
Ahmard Hall – The former Marine has established himself as one of the last true fullbacks in the game. The Tennessee running game is one of the best in the league behind the duo of Chris Johnson and Lendale White. The two split carries with mirrored success, and the one constant is the presence of Hall. He has also become a weapon in the flat out of the backfield, recording two touchdown receptions this year.
Casey Hampton – Hampton had a tough season as he struggled to get on the field with health and conditioning problems. When Hampton can play he remains the best 3-4 nose tackle in the game. He recorded one sack in 13 games that he was rarely able to make it all the way through.
Michael Huff – The Thorpe award winner hasn’t lived up to his draft status so far in his career, but it is still early. Huff lost his starting job and didn’t record a sack, interception, or forced fumble on the year.
Quentin Jammer – Jammer had another great year in San Diego. He is one of the most physical corners in the league and continually gets matched up with the opposing team’s biggest and best receiver. Jammer recorded 88 tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles for the playoff bound Chargers. It has been amazing to watch the turnaround of Jammer’s play after struggling for the first few years in the NFL. The pressure of being a high pick has subsided and Jammer’s play has risen.
Derrick Johnson – DJ has moved inside and performed well for the Chiefs. The knock on the former Texas star coming out was his unwillingness to take on blocks, and after a few years as a pro the criticism still exist. When playing in space he excels, but at the point of attack he has remained a liability. Johnson has been up and down, but has shown flashes of potential. He ended the year with 85 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and four forced fumbles. If/when the light turns on for DJ the sky is the limit.
Frank Okam – Okam may have earned himself a roster spot for next year with his play down the stretch. He lacks the motor and intensity most coaches want out of an interior defensive lineman, but he has the tools to become a solid player in the league if he ever turns it on.
Cory Redding – I feel bad for Cory Redding. I feel bad for any player, coach, trainer, and journalist (except Rob Parker) in Detroit. Redding was the heart and soul of their defense (if that is possible), and if he ever gets out of Detroit he may have a chance to make some noise. Until then, he’ll be rich in Detroit. He got three sacks on the year.
Brian Robison – Robison plays behind Jerod Allen so his snaps are limited. When he is on the field he shows up and makes plays. He managed 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games.
Shaun Rogers – Shaun Rogers is the most disruptive interior lineman in football today. The guy is just huge and unstoppable when his motor is turned on. He took over games at points this season in spite of double and triple teams. Rogers will be in the Pro-Bowl again after turning in 76 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He has Hall of Fame type talent when it is all clicking for Rogers.
Aaron Ross – He may not be the best athlete in his marriage, but the Thorpe award winner has become a better than average cornerback in a tough place to play. Ross started in every game he played, 15, and grabbed 3 interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown. Ross has the ability to be a shutdown corner as his technique and confidence continue to grow.
Bo Scaife – Scaife has emerged as a very productive tight end even in the face of losing his quarterback and his team bringing in a big name free agent in Alge Crumpler. There were a few games where Kerry Collins completely forgot about Scaife, but he finished with 58 receptions and two touchdowns. Scaife has also become better as a blocker which allows him to stay on the field in all situations.
Lyle Sendlein – People tend to forget about Sendlein when discussing the better offensive lineman Mack Brown has put into the NFL. Sendein has started every game of the season for a playoff team. Not too bad.
Chris Simms – Simms is the number three quarterback on Tennessee’s roster.
Kasey Studdard – Studdard remains a reserve lineman for the Houston Texans. He hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup.
Limas Sweed – Sweed is listed as the 4th receiver on the Steeler roster. One would think Sweed will contribute more after a full off season.
David Thomas – The Patriots use a lot of tight ends in their offense, so none of them have numbers that are going to blow you away. Despite that Thomas has been able to get on the field a lot so far in his career. He pulled in nine receptions for 93 yards, but was never able to reach the end zone.
Nathan Vasher – Injuries rendered the 2008 season a wasted one for Vasher. He played in eight games, recording one interception, before being placed on injured reserve.
Ricky Williams – The former Heisman trophy winner and league pariah has made his comeback has a productive back in the Miami system. He was one of the many bright spots on a team full of them this year. Williams is able to make plays without being relied on to carry the full load because of the presence of Ronnie Brown. Ricky scored four touchdowns on 659 yards rushing. He may have made his biggest impact as a receiver out of the backfield where he averaged over seven yards a catch on 29 receptions.
Roy Williams – The losing ways of the Lions followed Williams from Detroit to Dallas. Roy was never able to make an impact for the Cowboys for reasons that still remain unclear. He has proven to have the ability which leaves work ethic and injury as the two other reasons for his lack of production. Williams has unfortunately been criticized for both a lack of work ethic and inability to stay healthy in his career. He will need to have a huge year next year to justify the trade and contract Jerry Jones awarded him.
Selvin Young – Young was another Longhorn that struggled with injury. Denver is notorious for alternating backs, and with the addition of injuries Young was never able to stay on the field. When he was healthy he produced so it will be interesting to see what the new coach in Denver decides to do with Selvin.
Vince Young – 2008 was not a good year for VY. The greatest player in Longhorn history lost his job after one game and a knee injury, and never was even given the chance to win it back. It now appears Jeff Fisher made the right choice as Tennessee earned the #1 seed in the AFC. While they did it with defense and running the ball, Collins has done a good job in a Trent Dilfer type role. This season may end up being the best thing that has ever happened to Vince as a professional if he uses the experience in the right way.
Former Texas running back Cedric Benson had career highs today with 171 yards and 38 carries for the Bengals against the Browns. No touchdowns and his longest run (46 yards) actually ended with him fumbling the ball but Benson’s running was huge for Cincinatti today and helped them win their first road game of the season. He looked like the big tough workhorse he was when he was with Texas today and could be back on track if he continues to run hard on the field and stay out of trouble off of it.
Okay he doesn’t suck, but Tennessee Titans’ current starting quarterback Kerry Collins isn’t better than average either. Peter Bean of Burnt Orange Nation takes a Music City Miracles article where they finally realized that Collins wasn’t actually having a “fantastic” season and does an excellent job stating the obvious: The Titans need to start playing Vince Young and do it in a hurry.
Posted November 11th, 2008 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball
Former Longhorns TJ Ford and Kevin Durant matched up Monday night and both had big games. Ford’s Pacers pulled out the win thanks in big part to his 11 fourth quarter points. TJ finished the game close to a triple double with 24 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Durant kept the Thunder in it by leading all scorers with 37 points and chipping in eight rebounds.
Watch the highlights:
Video removed by ESPN! Bah.
Former Texas reliever Huston Street has reportedly been traded from the Oakland A’s to the Colorado Rockies in a deal for slugger Matt Holliday (who also happens to be the son of former Texas pitching coach Tom Holliday.) The deal hasn’t been finalized but appears imminent.
The 2005 AL Rookie of the Year saved 18 games for Oakland last season but had none in the final two months of the season as rookie sidearmer Brad Ziegler came on. Colorado is expected to lose close Brian Fuentes to free agency opening a spot at the end of games for the former Horn. Despite being headed to the thin air of Colorado, the chance to be the number one guy in the bullpen makes this a opportunity for Street.
Ricky Williams rushed for a season-high 105 yards
The former Longhorns were led by Ricky Williams and Bo Scaife this week. The group in Tennessee keep on winning while the guys in Kansas City, Detroit, and Oakland are already looking forward to the offseason.
Tarell Brown - Brown played a good game at cornerback against one of the best receiving core in the NFL on Monday night against the Cardinals. Brown played on nickel situations, which there were plenty of. He finished with tackles on the night.
Jamaal Charles - Last week the rookie running back posted his first career 100 yard game and this week Charles got rewarded with the start. Unlike last week Charles was never able to get anything going after being injured on his first carry. He was able to come back into the game, but remained largely ineffective. Charles has suffered through ankle injuries before, so hope it is an isolated incident. He gained only eight yards on three carries in the game.
Phil Dawson - Dawson had another good game going three for three with a long of 52. He was also perfect on his extra points. The veteran is now 17 of 19 on the year.
Cedric Griffin - Cedric has become a consistent player in this league. He plays with an attitude and is becoming a better tackler. Griffin has a great player opposite him to learn from in Antoine Winfield. Griffin finished with three tackles against the Packers.
Michael Griffin - The Titans keep winning and Griffin keeps playing well. He ended up with five tackles on the night, but was all over the field on defense and in special teams in the win over the Bears. Tennessee remains the only undefeated team left in the NFL and they’re doing it with solid defense.
Ahmard Hall - The fullback and ex-Marine didn’t have his best ball game even though his team won. Hall fumbled a carry on the goal line that would have put the Titans on the board first. The Tennessee run game was not up to their standards but they still came away with the victory.
Michael Huff - Huff didn’t get many chances in the game against Carolina because both passing offenses were inept. The former Thorpe award winner only registered one tackle on the game that saw Steve Smith only catch one pass and Jake Delhomme only completed seven total.
Quentin Jammer - Jammer’s Chargers squeaked by the Chiefs on Sunday to save their season. Jammer has come into his own on the season. Teams are avoiding his side when they can, but the physical corner still recorded three pass defenses and four tackles. Jammer is playing the best out of all the corners from Texas in the NFL.
Frank Okam - The big rookie got some playing time in the blowout loss to the Ravens. He didn’t disappoint, recording three tackles in the game. Okam had only made one tackle on the season prior to this game. If Okam stays in shape he should become a player in the NFL.
Cory Redding - The Lions are awful. That may not do it justice. Redding has been a bright spot on the team when he has been healthy. On Sunday the defensive tackle was credited with three tackles. Did I mention the Lions are awful?
Brian Robison - Robison got some playing time and rewarded the team with a sack. He is in a tough spot backing up Jared Allen, but Robison has shown flashes and should start to produce once his opportunities increase.
Shaun Rogers - I’ve never seen more people assigned to one nose tackle in my life. There were times when Denver triple teamed Rogers with a running back coming in to chip him on his way out of the backfield. Rogers still recorded two tackles on the game, but his main contribution was freeing up other defenders. The Browns gave another game away on Thursday night.
Aaron Ross - Ross gave up a touchdown in the win against the Eagles but played pretty good after it. His future wife, Sonya Richards, gave the Texas football team a pep talk before the game against Baylor this past weekend too. Ross finished with two tackles and one pass breakup.
Bo Scaife - Scaife had a huge game for the Titans with 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. When Tennessee picked up Alge Crumpler many thought Scaife’s roll would be reduced, but it has been the opposite. Even with Vince Young on the bench, the Titans have looked for Scaife on third down and near the goal line. That is the biggest sign of what the Titan staff thinks of the former Texas tight end.
Nathan Vasher - It is clear watching Vasher on Sunday that he is not 100 percent yet. He gave up an easy touchdown on a simple slant patter early in the loss against the Titans. When he is healthy Vasher is one of the more dangerous corners in the league, but when he is hobbled he is no better than average.
Ricky Williams - Ricky recorded his first 100 yard game since his return to the NFL. He gained half of it on one touchdown run of 51 yards. He finished with 105 yards on 12 carries. The Heisman voter carried the ball one less time this week than his last two weeks combined.
Jamaal Charles had a big game for the Chiefs
It was a good week for Texas running backs and for the former Horns that play for the Tennessee Titans. This week’s group was led by Cedric Benson on offense and the continued dominance of Shaun Rogers on defense.
Cedric Benson - Benson had his first 100 yard game as a Bengal this week against the Jaguars. It looks like Cedric is playing motivated football since his return after being cut by the Bears for charges that were eventually dropped. Benson had 104 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
Justin Blalock - The Falcons keep winning and their offense keeps on putting up points. Atlanta beat up the Raiders in every phase of the game on Sunday. The offensive line play is allowing rookie quarterback Matt Ryan to have a big year.
Jamaal Charles - The rookie running back had his best game of his young career as he went over the century mark on the ground for the first time. Charles got his chance because Larry Johnson is still suspended by the team and backup Kolby Smith went down with an injury. The speedster didn’t disappoint gaining 106 yards on 18 carries.
Leonard Davis - The Cowboys keep stinking it up and a lot of it has to do with the play of the offensive line. Dallas has suffered injuries no doubt, but the running game is hurting and the quarterbacks have had no time to throw.
Phil Dawson - The best kicker in recent Longhorn history went two for two with a long of 52 yards in a Cleveland loss.
Cedric Griffin - Cedric Griffin had a decent day against the Texans recording four tackles. Houston struggled to get their offense going on the day as the secondary for the Vikings did a decent job.
Michael Griffin - The Tennessee Titans are the best team in football right now, and they’re led by a group of former Longhorns. Griffin is the current standout of those former Horns because of his steady play in the back of the Titan defense. Griffin had six tackles in the overtime win over the Packers.
Ahmard Hall - The Titan offense is not explosive in the passing game, but they get it done in the running game behind the lead blocking of the former Marine. Hall has become one of the premier true fullbacks in the NFL. He was even given a carry that he took for three yards.
Casey Hampton - Hampton had a big game in the middle Monday night in a win over the Redskins. The big man has struggled with injuries and did have to come out of the game on occasion.
Michael Huff - It wasn’t a good day for the Raiders or Michael Huff. The Falcons did whatever they wanted to do on Sunday through the air and on the ground. Huff finished with three tackles on the day.
Derrick Johnson - It was a slow day for DJ as he finished the game with only four tackles. It appeared the Chiefs were going to win a game, but as bad teams are knows to do they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Cory Redding - The Lions are awful. They are the Los Angeles Clippers of the NFL. After controlling the game against the Bears they managed to give it away at the end. I feel so bad for Redding who finished with four tackles and a sack in the loss.
Brian Robison - Robison recorded two tackles in the win over the Texans. He continues to only get snaps when the starters need a break.
Shaun Rogers - Rogers is a monster. He has been dominating teams lately including nine tackles and a sack in the loss to Baltimore. Rogers will end up in Hawaii at the end of this season.
Bo Scaife - Another Longhorn on the only undefeated team in the NFL. Scaife has become one of the most consistent targets in the league finishing the game against the Packers with four receptions for 26 yards in a game where first downs were few and far between.
David Thomas - Thomas got the start against the Colts on Sunday night. He finished the game with three receptions for 29 yards in the loss.
Ricky Williams - The former Heisman winner finished with 16 yards for the third straight week. Ronnie Brown has become the clear go to back in Miami with Ricky getting touches when the Dolphins go to their “Wild Cat” formation. He has made an impact in the passing game as he made his third catch for over 20 yards in two games.
Roy Williams - Williams has not made the impact some thought he would coming to the Cowboys in a mid season trade. If anything the lack of production for Roy shows why there are so little trades made in pro football. In the loss, he caught one ball for 28 yards.
Shaun Rogers had his best game as a Brown
Roy Williams caught his first touchdown with Dallas and Shaun Rogers had a huge game for Cleveland. Read below to see how all the former Horns did this week:
Tarell Brown - Brown had a quiet night in a loss to the Seahawks. Brown had two tackles in the game.
Cedric Benson - The Bengals are awful, but Benson has been a bright spot in his short time there. Benson ran the ball well in the first half before being taken out of the game plan because of the deficit his team faced. He finished the game with 13 carries for 49 yards and two receptions for 20 yards.
Jamaal Charles - Charles had his best rushing day of his young career on Sunday averaging nine yards on five carries including a long thirty yard run. Starting running back Larry Johnson continues to miss time because of off the field issues, so the rookie’s role should continue to grow.
Leonard Davis - The Cowboys got back on the win column, but it had little to do with the play of the offense. Dallas has suffered a lot of injuries but the play of the offensive line has to be disappointing.
Phil Dawson - Dawson continues to play well going three for three with a long of 42 in the Cleveland win of Jacksonville.
Michael Griffin - The Titans made a statement on Monday night in a win over the Colts. Griffin was all over the field finishing the game with eight tackles.
Ahmard Hall - The Titan running game changes focal points throughout the game with the combination of Chris Johnson and Lendale White, but the one constant is the consistent blocking ability of Ahmard Hall. Hall played well again as the Titans remain undefeated.
Casey Hampton - Hampton got back in the stat column after struggling with injuries throughout the year. The big defensive tackle recorded six tackles while controlling the middle of the line.
Michael Huff - The Raiders and Michael Huff continue to struggle. The former Thorpe Award winner was credited with two tackles and no pass breakups in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Quentin Jammer - Jammer went all the way to London to get hurt. He finished the game with six tackles before he left the game with a minor leg injury. The game was not good for either team’s secondary. Jammer gets a week off to heal up.
Derrick Johnson - DJ had a chance to be a hero against Brett Favre and the Jets but he dropped a potential interception that hit him right in the numbers. He finished with six tackles in the loss.
Cory Redding - Redding recorded five tackles and a half sack in another Detroit loss. I feel bad for anyone playing in Detroit, Roy Williams got out, now we need Redding to follow.
Shaun Rogers - Rogers was dominant for the second straight week. When Rogers plays all out he could be the best interior lineman in the game. In the win against the Jaguars the nose tackle recorded nine tackles and a sack.
Bo Scaife - The Titans are the best team in the league right now and everywhere you look a former Longhorn standout is making a contribution. Scaife looks to be the best tight end on the squad even with the addition of Alge Crumpler. On Monday night Scaife had five catches for 44 yards.
David Thomas - Thomas caught a ball after going a week without one. The Patriots won the game and Thomas is one of many tight ends New England uses.
Ricky Williams - Williams scored a touchdown but was held to 16 yards on seven carries in the upset win over the Bills. He did have a 47 yard reception in the game but gave a fumble that set up a score for Buffalo.
Roy Williams - Roy Williams scored his first touchdown as a Cowboy on a two yard fade in what ended up being the only touchdown of the game. Williams wasted no time pleasing his Texas fans by putting up a “Hook em’ Horns” sign in the air for the world to see.
Vince Young - Vince Young remains the man on the Titan sideline
Roy Williams reps the Horns
Texas Ex and new Cowboy Roy Williams is still learning the offense and not playing a ton, but in today’s Cowboys’ game against Tampa Bay he caught the game’s only touchdown with just two seconds remaining in the first half. Roy ran a fade and made a nice catch on a pass from backup QB Brad Johnson. In contrast to his teammate Terrell Owens, Roy celebrated by simply putting his right arm up and flashing the Hook ‘Em hand signal.
This is the same way both he and Limas Sweed celebrated TDs while on campus so it’s great to see Roy still proud of being a Longhorn. He had his ups and downs in Detroit but he’s a great Longhorn and I’ll be rooting hard for the Cowboys as long as he’s on the team.
View the photo at left larger and also an alternate angle.
Update: Video of the play added. (via)
Posted October 22nd, 2008 by Brian
Filed under: Basketball, Media
How far can Kevin Durant take the Thunder?
Last week, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and then avoided the jinx when he went out and walloped the Missouri Tigers. The NBA preview edition is out and on the one of the regional covers of the magazine is former Longhorn basketball star Kevin Durant.
No big article on Durant or the OKC Thunder but he is of course the main feature on the team preview. Another form Horn LaMarcus Aldridge is also the focus of the Blazers’ preview, but of course the overrated Greg Oden gets an eight-page story. Whoever the real star is, the experts expect another big improvement this season for Portland.
Click on the thumbnail on the left to view a larger version.
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