Every Thursday Night proCanes.com joins All Canes Radio to bring the latest news on not only current Hurricane football but also proCane news and exclusive interviews with current and former proCanes live from the Titanic Brewery in Coral Gables. Click here to listen to this week’s show and hear our exclusive interview with former Hurricane great proCane DB Earl Little. Little talks about his relationship with Ray Lewis, his days with the Cleveland Browns, new Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano, who he played under both at UM and in Cleveland and much more!

proCane EVENT of the WEEK:

Head over to the Jon Jay's Celebrity Bowling Challenge where you will be able to bowl not only with Jon Jay but many former Hurricane Greats, current proCanes and MLB stars! Tickets are only $100 and can be purchased here.

Jon Jay's Celebrity Bowling Challenge
Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (ET)
Miami Beach, FL

Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow isn't necessarily complaining about the team's decision to hire former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano.  After all, Schiano spent a couple of years as the defensive coordinator at the place where Winslow was once a f–king soldier.

But Winslow would have preferred another coach with connections to the "U" — Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.

In a Thursday interview with Adam Schein and Rich Gannon of Sirius NFL Radio, Winslow mentioned at least three times that he wanted Chudzinski.  "I was really hoping for Coach Chudzinski who I was with at Miami and Cleveland," Winslow said.  "But, you know, we got another guy in Greg Schiano who I know and heard he's one of the best coaches people have been around.  And he's got a lot of enthusiasm and [is] real energetic so I'm excited, man."

But Winslow wanted someone who could give the Tampa offense an enema.  "Just a guy that could come in and take over and get this offense going," Winslow said.  "And, you know, I mean, he's been top of the league past seasons, Chud I'm talking about.  You got Cam Newton going over there and their offense rolling over there and they're a much better team for it.  Just past connections and I know what offense he runs and love his offense obviously."

So what does Winslow think about Schiano?

"I'm happy with Greg Schiano," Winslow said.  "You know, I was just kinda hoping that it would be Chud.  But Greg Schiano is fine with me, man."

It sounds like one of Schiano's first challenges will be to find an offensive coordinator who makes Winslow forget about Chudzinski.


(profootballtalk.com)

LB Colin McCarthy may anchor the LB corps for years. In just his third career start, McCarthy earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a win over Buffalo. The former University of Miami LB registered 11 tackles, two fumble recoveries and forced a fumble. McCarthy impressed his teammates with his passion for the game.


(cbssports.com)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Vince Wilfork’s teammates know what Vince Wilfork’s opponents see, and they don’t envy the guys lining up across from him.

“They’ve got a load,” New England Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson said about the Giants’ offensive line. “Quick. His size, he looks like he might be slow if you don’t know him, but once he gets on the field ....”

The Baltimore Ravens could finish that thought, after the Patriots’ (generously listed) 325-pound defensive lineman took over the AFC Championship Game last week. The game was vindication for a 31st-ranked Patriots defense that had been doubted and criticized all season, deemed unfit to make the Super Bowl, even with Tom Brady on the other side of the ball.

And leading the charge was Wilfork, the “elder statesman” as coach Bill Belichick called him, with a sack, three tackles for a loss and two key plays that suffocated a critical fourth-quarter drive by the Ravens.

He lined up not just inside but also at end. He ate up double and triple teams. And he is now the problem of the Giants’ offensive line.
“I play hard every week,” Wilfork said. “Sometimes I make plays that are noticeable, and sometimes I don’t. Last week was one of those things where the plays I made were pretty good plays. But we have to turn the chapter.”

Except Belichick thought Sunday’s performance was something extra special for Wilfork, “one of his best games” in eight seasons as a Patriot — making sure to note he’s had a lot of good ones.

Belichick cited the infamous wild-card playoff loss to the Ravens in the 2009 season, when Wilfork excelled despite the outcome. Sunday, Belichick said, was reminiscent. With the Ravens in Patriots territory late in the fourth quarter, Wilfork tackled running back Ray Rice for a loss on third down, then plowed back the center to pressure Joe Flacco into an incompletion on fourth down.

It was a critical and possibly game-saving stop by the man who has been the center of New England’s defense — not just physically. Wilfork often leads by example, and he notes that he does not have a flashy sack dance (nor interception dance, though he did have two picks early this season).

But he knows how to resonate with his teammates. Anderson, in his first season with the team, said Wilfork coaches him on the field. Safety Patrick Chung recalls instances when he has given up a deep play, and Wilfork was the first to approach him.

“He has straight trust for everybody,” Chung said. “He would just say, ‘Hey, I’m trusting you,’ and that was it. He has that effect on guys where he is like, I trust you to make plays.”

It is evident in Wilfork’s reluctance to talk about his performance Sunday but yet in turn gush about what this defense has achieved. He calls the Patriots a “special bunch — and at the end of the day, it’s going to be a special team,” he said.

“Even when things weren’t going well, you could easily sit back and say, ‘You know what, screw it, they’re right. We’re just going to continue to (stink) and pack it in,’ ” Wilfork said of the defense’s ups and downs. “But these guys fought. They fought.”

Wilfork got used to winning early in his football career. At the University of Miami, his team reached the national championship game both his freshman and sophomore seasons, winning one title. Then, he won a Super Bowl as an NFL rookie. It now has been been seven years without a title.

“For me, it was like, ‘I could get used to this. I do this all the time. I’m used to winning,’ ” Wilfork said. “But a couple years went by, and I saw how hard it was to get to this level. And in ’07 of course, going and losing, that’s a tough, tough feeling. But every chance you get, a chance to be in this situation, is special. It’s very special. Win or lose.”

Much more so if you win, of course. And to do so, the Patriots need Wilfork to have a game as big as his imposing frame. Left tackle Matt Light is just thankful he doesn’t have to block him.

“Look, we hope the big man has the game of his life,” Light said. “And I’m sure he will.”


(nj.com)

Ravens LT Bryant McKinnie envisions himself in Baltimore for a long time as long as he can "stay fresh."

The 32-year-old is signed through the 2012 season. Cut from the Vikings for arriving to camp near 400 pounds, McKinnie solidified Joe Flacco's blindside even if he graded out well below average in run blocking, per Pro Football Focus. He wants to stay with the Ravens because his teammates are "professionals" and "act as a team."


(rotoworld.com)

The Texans "won't break the bank" to keep free agents C Chris Myers, RG Mike Brisiel, TE Joel Dreessen, and K Neil Rackers, according to the Houston Chronicle.

That doesn't mean the Texans won't make every effort to retain the foursome, but they're already up against the salary cap with Mario Williams and Arian Foster as the top priorities. Myers was arguably the top center in the NFL in 2011, though he's a purely a fit for zone-blocking teams.


(rotoworld.com)

Patriots DT Vince Wilfork can line up at DE in a 3-4. “You’re just sliding him out and he’ll be on (RT) Kareem (McKenzie),” RG Chris Snee said. “That’s if they run that 3-4-style defense. That could have been something they did for that Baltimore team and just did it so we’d prepare for it. You never know what’s going on.”


(cbssports.com)

Before playing the New England Patriots back in Week 9, Antrel Rolle was the one who said the Giants’ opponents on their schedule should fear them. He was the one who called pesky slot receiver Wes Welker human, and the one who labeled the Patriots’ inflated offense “nothing spectacular.”

“I’m confident every week,” Rolle said back then. “That’s who I am.”

Today, the same man stood before reporters with the same opponent looming. But in a way, it didn’t sound like the same brash Giants safety from a few weeks ago.

“I get extremely nervous, I get extremely nervous before playing games, sometimes to the point where I feel like I can’t even stand up,” Rolle said in the middle of a bustling Giants locker room today. “It can be going against whoever, and I’ll still feel the same way.”

With the Patriots circling back for another crack at the Giants, it seems Rolle has taken a different approach, from decidedly confident to tacitly humble. Despite beating New England, 24-20, Rolle said there’s no confidence to be gained from that. After heading home to Florida for a brief recess following the NFC Championship Game victory, he said he touched down at the airport and immediately sharpened his focus.

Nothing about the Giants’ improbable five-game winning streak makes him feel invincible, he swears, adding that “you never feel like you can’t lose. You can only feel like you prepared yourself enough.

“That means absolutely nothing at this point,” Rolle said of beating the Patriots back in early November. “That was a game back then. You hear people talking about (Tom) Brady, saying he’s not on his game, he’s not this; that means absolutely nothing. We all know what Brady can do; we all know what he’s capable of.

“They’ve won 10 straight — that’s something that’s going to be our focus point.”

Perhaps it’s because Rolle has lost in a Super Bowl before (with the Arizona Cardinals, in Super Bowl XLIII). He’s gone through this process and come home empty-handed. He was careful not to downplay any member of the Patriots today, including the matchup nightmares of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

When asked about Brady, Rolle said: “I don’t think you can actually take his strengths away from him. We just have to be exceptionally good at what we’re doing.”

After his session was up, Rolle jogged quickly out of the locker room, taking a brief moment to show off his own brand of T-shirts — one of which he was wearing. He plugged the website where one could purchase such things and said he’ll try to sell some in Indianapolis next week.
But he left behind no traces of his trademark confidence.

“We understand what’s ahead of us,” Rolle said. “But at the same time, we can’t get away from what we’ve been doing and what’s been successful.”


(nj.com)

TONY DUNGY, TONY GONZALEZ, JIMMY GRAHAM AND HINES WARD SHARE PERSONAL STORIES OF FACING HATE AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE USA NETWORK SPECIAL "CHARACTERS UNITE" DOCUMENTARY, "NFL CHARACTERS UNITE"

One-Hour Film From The Hochberg Ebersol Company Will Follow NFL Stars as They Help Young People Tackle Racism, Bullying and Other Forms of Discrimination

Premieres in February for USA's Characters Unite Month

NEW YORK - January 26, 2012 - USA Network will present the world television premiere of NFL CHARACTERS UNITE in February 2012. Part of USA's award-winning public service campaign to combat prejudice and discrimination, the film features Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, New Orleans Saints star tight end Jimmy Graham, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward, and NBC's Football Night in America analyst and Super Bowl-winning Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. All four, who have experienced enormous success on the field, have also overcome extreme hate and bigotry in their lives.

In the documentary, the NFL stars share their own personal journeys - from the racism Coach Dungy confronted and the bullying Gonzalez faced, to the foster care abuse Graham endured and the bigotry Ward surmounted - and each helps to transform the life of a teen currently dealing with a similar situation. The players impart strength and advice to assist the teens in getting past the hate, violence and devastating cycle of low expectations, and achieving their full potential. Through candid interviews and unique one-on-one activities, these on- and off-the-field heroes help bring diverse people together, change attitudes and instill courage and compassion.

"The documentary will give viewers a unique perspective on the challenges some of their favorite football heroes have faced, and demonstrate to audiences that they, too, can help put an end to the hate and bigotry that remains too prevalent in our country," said Toby Graff, USA's senior vice president, public affairs. "We are proud to have teamed up with the NFL to be able to share this powerful documentary as part of Characters Unite Month."

"As a nation, we've experienced great hardship in recent years, and it's heartwarming to see such empathetic emotion and acts of selflessness from superstar athletes," said Charlie Ebersol, executive producer and co-founder, The Hochberg Ebersol Company. "This film is a powerful and eye-opening journey into the most guarded corners of four football heroes' lives as they are brought back to their most difficult childhood memories by four incredible boys and girls who are currently living through those same challenges."

"It's a beautiful thing when a few brave voices can be delivered to millions of brilliant people ready to change the world," added Justin Hochberg, executive producer and co-founder, The Hochberg Ebersol Company. "These four NFL stars in particular have helped a group of at-risk teens in a way that will last forever - USA and Characters Unite are the perfect vehicles to bring this incredibly inspiring project to the world."

"We are pleased to work with USA on their inspirational Characters Unite Month," said Tracy Perlman, NFL vice president of entertainment marketing and promotions. "We are proud that Coach Tony Dungy, Tony Gonzalez, Jimmy Graham, and Hines Ward are standing up to fight discrimination and prejudice."

The documentary, created by The Hochberg Ebersol Company and executive produced by company co-founders Charlie Ebersol and Justin W. Hochberg, was directed by Greg Frith (ESPN Classic SportsCentury, ESPN 25, NFL Films' America's Game, NFL Films Presents, Hey, Rookie Welcome to the NFL.) It will premiere in February as part of Characters Unite Month, a time the network will shine an even brighter spotlight on the importance of promoting greater respect and acceptance through on-air programming, digital content and community events. For more information on the documentary as well as CHARACTERS UNITE, visit www.charactersunite.com or www.usanetwork.com.

The Hochberg Ebersol Company (THE Company) was founded by entertainment industry veteran Justin Hochberg and television/film producer Charlie Ebersol. THE Company creates, packages and produces groundbreaking programming in the unscripted, multi-camera comedy, docu-series, and competition formats, for a range of leading broadcast and cable networks. In addition to developing, producing and distributing dynamic television programming, THE Company operates a full-service branded entertainment agency alongside the traditional production company. Its clients have included "Shaq Vs.," Dick Clark Productions and "Hell's Kitchen" for Fox, as well as over a hundred advertising companies. THE Company also operates its own in-house post facilities, which includes CGI capabilities. THE Company is represented by MIchael Kagan at ICM and Bill Abrams of Abrams Garfinkel Margolis Bergson, LLP.

USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes. A division of NBCUniversal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and is home to the biggest hits in blockbuster films, acquired television and entertainment events. Viewers come to USA to find television's best in critically-acclaimed and award-winning original programming, such as BURN NOTICE, ROYAL PAINS, WHITE COLLAR, COVERT AFFAIRS, FAIRLY LEGAL, PSYCH, IN PLAIN SIGHT, SUITS, NECESSARY ROUGHNESS and WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW, as well as the highest-rated acquired originals, including HOUSE, NCIS, LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT and CSI. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com, which is home to the popular new casual gaming site, www.characterarcade.com. Characters Welcome.

USA Network is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.


(thefutoncritic.com)

US Sailing’s Rolex Miami OCR 2012, the second stop on the International Sailing Federation’s Sailing World Cup circuit, fourth day of racing kicked off today on the waters of Biscayne Bay.

The fourth day of racing saw consolidation in all of the classes, and for US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics athletes it was a day of solid performance in SKUD-18, Finn, Laser Radial, 49er, and Women’s RS:X. In Women’s Match Racing, Sally Barkow’s Team 7 Match Race of Alana O’Reilly (Charleston, S.C.) and Elizabeth Kratzig (Miami, Fla.) defeated Tamara Echegoyen (ESP) in three straight matches to advance to the Semi-Final Round on Friday.

Zach Railey (Clearwater, Fla.) Zach Railey continued his dominance in the Finn, winning a race and finishing third in the other. He now has a comfortable lead on the fleet with second-place Jonas Hogh Christensen (DEN) a full 10 points back in second.


(sail-world.com)

Updating a previous item, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that Alex Cora intends to play in MLB this season.

Reports from Puerto Rico indicated that Cora was ready to call it a career, but it turns out that he was merely announcing his retirement from winter ball play. The 36-year-old batted infielder just .224/.287/.276 over 172 plate appearances with the Nationals last season, so we wouldn't be surprised if a lack of interest ultimately pushes him into the coaching profession.


(rotoworld.com)

Yonder, as in “off we go into the wild blue . . .,” would seemingly be the perfect name for a slugger.

But when new Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso speaks of hitting, he doesn’t talk in terms of home runs.

“I am not thinking 40 or 50 home runs when I’m thinking about hitting,” Alonso said earlier this week at Petco Park.

“A lot of left-handed hitters and first basemen are thinking home runs,” Alonso continued. “That’s not the type of left-handed hitter I am.

“When I look at Petco Park, I don’t see how far away the fences are. I see a lot of grass. I feel like this ballpark likes the kind of hitter I am.”
A line-drive hitter. A foul line-to-foul line, line-drive hitter.

“First thing with me is put the ball in play,” Alonso continued. “Hit it hard. Level it. I want good at-bats.”

Thinking like that is much of the reason why the Padres preferred Alonso over Anthony Rizzo when deciding their first baseman of the future.

The 22-year-old Rizzo probably has more power in his swing than Alonso as displayed by Rizzo’s 26 homers in 93 games with Triple-A Tucson last season. But Rizzo also struck out 89 times in 356 at-bats with Tucson and 46 times in 128 at-bats with the Padres while hitting .141.
That’s one strikeout every 2 ¾ at-bats as a Padre and once every four at-bats in Triple-A.

Alonzo has struck out only once every 6.3 at-bats during 192 games over the past two years at Triple-A and once every 4.1 at-bats in 127 at-bats over the past two seasons with the Reds. As a major leaguer, Alonso has hit .299 with five homers and 18 RBI and hit .330 with five homers in 88 at-bats last season with a .398 on-base percentage.

The final grade is still out. On MLB.com’s list of 100 top prospects, Rizzo was judged to be No. 37 while the 6-foor-2, 240-pound Alonso, who turns 25 on April 8, is rated No. 39.

But the Padres like Alonso.

“I really like the approach,” manager Bud Black said of Alonso during the Padres three-day, voluntary introduction program for recently acquired players and top prospects.

“He looks good, just as advertised,” continued Black. “Everything I’ve seen validates the reports that he’s a line-to-line hitter. The ball comes off his bat.”

Alonso believes he will be a better hitter at Petco Park than he was at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

“The fences are closer in Cincinnati,” reasoned Alonso. “The outfielders are packed into a smaller space. A lot of balls in the gaps get caught. There isn’t nearly as much grass in Cincinnati as there is here.

“I believe my style will play well here. You can get just as many RBI with a high average with runners in scoring position. And I love hitting in RBI situations.

“I’d rather be at a field where I can get my hits than get a homer. Coming here doesn’t change my game.”

Like Rizzo with the Padres, Alonso was considered the No. 1 prospect in the Reds organization in 2010. But Alonso had a problem that Rizzo wasn’t facing.

Alonso was backed up behind 2010 National League Most Valuable Player Joey Votto in Cincinnati. Because of that, the Reds were talking about playing Alonso in left this season just to get his bat in the lineup, although his defensive debut in left last season was less than impressive.

Still, Alonso was a bit surprised when he came to the Padres along with right-handed starter Edinson Volquez, catching prospect Yasmani Grandal and bullpen candidate Brad Boxberger in a trade for Padres ace Mat Latos.

“I knew about Rizzo,” said Alonso. “We’re both out of Florida. But let’s put this in perspective. I had an MVP in front of me in Cincinnati.”

Although the Padres said Alonso was the front-runner at first as soon as he was acquired, Yonder was ready to compete with Rizzo for the first base job when the Padres completely cleared Alonso’s path to the starting lineup by trading Rizzo to the Cubs for right-handed pitcher Andrew Cashner.

“I guess that put me at ease,” said Alonso. “Obviously it’s good to know you are being counted upon.”


(utsandiego.com)

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed withdrew from the Pro Bowl due to his multiple injuries and was replaced by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark.

Reed, 33, is dealing with several ailments, including: a nerve impingement in his neck, a shoulder problem and a sprained left ankle.

The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year isn't the only Raven not playing in the Pro Bowl, joining outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and running back Ray Rice.

Still slated to play in the annual NFL all-star game: fullback Vonta Leach, middle linebacker Ray Lewis and offensive guards Marshal Yanda and Ben Grubbs.


(baltimoresun.com)

Arizona will use the franchise tag on DE Calais Campbell before he becomes a free agent March 13. “The only thing that kind of sucks is that you don’t have security for the future," Campbell told azcardinals.com. "But if it comes to the franchise tag... I’m still able to play football. I’m still living the dream.”


(cbssports.com)

Q: Why was Anthony Dixon running the ball on 3rd & 1 and not Frank Gore in the fourth quarter? (Anthony Barton)

A: This is a question that I pondered at the time, and I still can't make sense of it.

As the No. 3 running back, Anthony Dixon carried the ball 29 times all season and averaged 3.0 yards a carry. At the start of the fourth quarter, the 49ers were driving. Gore picked up 11 yards. Then, he had a 6-yard gain.

On second-and-four from the Giants' 49, the 49ers got a little too cute. Dixon came into the game for his first offensive snap of the game. Defensive linemen Justin Smith and Isaac Sopoaga joined him.

Dixon picked up 3 yards to set up a third-and-1. Dixon, Smith and Sopoaga remained on the field for that crucial play.

Left guard Mike Iupati moved to right guard, as the 49ers overloaded that side of their formation. Dixon appeared to have an opening between Iupati and right tackle Anthony Davis, but Dixon chose the next gap and was stopped for no gain.

The 49ers punted it away on fourth down and squandered an opportunity to build on their 14-10 lead.

In two playoff games, Gore carried 29 times for 163 yards (5.6 average). He had not been limited in a practice in more than a month due to any injury. Gore played 105 of the 49ers' 125 offensive snaps in the postseason. He was healthy, as his production in the playoffs seemed to prove.

But the 49ers got away from running on first down. When Kendall Hunter gained 18 yards on a run play with 7:39 remaining in regulation, that was the last time in the game the 49ers attempted a run on first down.


(csnbayarea.com)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Antrel Rolle is not one of the 15 players on the Giants’ roster who played in the Super Bowl XLII victory over New England four years ago, but that does not mean Rolle – the Giants’ loquacious safety – does not have a good story from the game.

Asked Tuesday about his memories of that Super Bowl, Rolle launched into a tale about how he was traveling in South America at the time.

“I watched it in Brazil,” he said. “There was only one place where I was that was showing the game. I was standing on top of like two bar stools, and probably a midget was under me, who knows. I don’t know. It was extremely crowded. Everyone was stacked on top of each other. It was a small place in Brazil no bigger than a rest room, and there were a million people in there. It was the only place showing it and I had to watch the game.”

Rolle’s only firsthand experience with the Super Bowl came when he was with the Arizona Cardinals, who lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII. That game featured Santonio Holmes making a game-winning touchdown catch for the Steelers though Rolle said that if Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had thrown to his side of the field on that play he believes he would have intercepted the pass.

“That play is a crazy play,” Rolle said. “I was actually on the opposite side, and the guy that Ben Roethlisberger was targeting first was actually the guy I was covering. I kind of bumped him, and he fell down. Ben Roethlisberger went to cut back, and he was going there and I was like, ‘This is a pick, and I’m taking this to the house,’ because there was no one in front of me. He just turns the other way and chucks the ball. You can’t be mad at that play. You have to take that one. You have to live with that one.”

Rolle spoke for about 15 minutes Tuesday and was his typically entertaining self, furthering the notion that he will be a highlight of the Giants’ session at next Tuesday’s media day in Indianapolis. Among other notable quips, Rolle said, “I don’t know man – I’m not looking at his body!” when asked about Eli Manning having any bruises from the San Francisco victory, and he smiled when asked about Ann Mara, wife of the former Giants’ owner Wellington Mara, who had scolded the Fox analyst Terry Bradshaw last Sunday for picking against the Giants in the N.F.C. championship game.

“When I say ‘all hands on deck,’ I don’t just mean the men in the locker room,” Rolle said. “We’re all one here, we’re all one in this organization.”


(fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com)

Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork proved this week he is the most valuable member of the Patriots' defense, and he can raise the level of the whole unit by continuing to establish his dominance.

Wilfork thrashed the Ravens' offensive line in the AFC Championship, and he'll give the Patriots a legitimate chance to contain the Giants' hot offense with a similar performance in the Super Bowl.

Wilfork's performance was impressive in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's victory, and he looked even more imposing after running through the film. The hulking lineman, who split his reps between nose tackle and left defensive end, positively affected 15 plays in the Patriots' favor, either with his one sack, three tackles for loss or a drive through his block that collapsed the pocket or forced quarterback Joe Flacco to scramble.

Wilfork was double-teamed 24 times, and he beat five of them. He also beat nine single teams and one triple team (the only one he faced). And even though he didn't beat 19 double teams -- not that there's much wrong with that -- the fact that the Ravens had to use an additional blocker on him freed up space for others such as defensive end Brandon Deaderick, linebacker Mark Anderson and defensive tackle Kyle Love.

Aside from the double teams, the Ravens showed Wilfork respect by only running at him five times on 27 designed rushes.

Wilfork got off to a hot start, blowing up four of the Ravens' first nine plays, and was the best player on the field right through to the finish. On the final two plays of the Ravens' second-to-last series, he dropped running back Ray Rice for a three-yard loss to force Baltimore to go for it on fourth down, when Wilfork's pressure caused Flacco to throw it away.

After the game, Wilfork's teammates said they were inspired by his performance, both during the game and the week's preparation. Numerous defensive players said they saw his drive and leadership throughout their string of practices, and they wanted to raise their games because of it.

Because the Patriots don't blitz very often, the pressure they generate up front sets the tone for the rest of the play. Wilfork is the most dominant defensive lineman they've got, and when he's at the top of his game, he can create plays for himself and others. Plus, his push up front opens gaps for linebackers Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes to penetrate.

Wilfork's value goes beyond himself, and he has shown that over the course of another tremendous season. With an effort like he had Sunday, the Patriots' defense will remain on the upswing.


(nesn.com)

Best Performance by a Second-Year Player: Weatherspoon was a candidate for this, but the nod goes to New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham. He had one of the best seasons ever by a tight end. I know the Saints have a lot of pressing contract issues and Graham is under contract for three more seasons. But at some point this offseason, they should give Graham an extension and a huge pay raise. Graham’s only making minimum wage. If ever a player has outperformed his contract, it’s Graham.


(espn.com)

One month after Adewale Ojomo's request for a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA was surprisingly denied, abruptly ending his Miami Hurricanes career, the defensive end has fully shifted his focus to the NFL.

"Well, I can't do nothing about it right now, at this point," Ojomo said after a practice earlier this week in preparation for Saturday's Battle of Florida All-Star Game 8 p.m. at FAU Stadium.

"I'm not going to sit back and weep on it. I'm in the real world now, so I've got to conduct myself as an adult and just move forward, do what I have to do in order to get to the next level."

Like seven other former 'Canes, Ojomo has used this week to try to impress NFL scouts.

He's been training at former sprinter Michael Johnson's Performance Center outside Dallas — on the advice of former UM cornerback Brandon Harris — in hopes of losing the 10 pounds he gained in moving to defensive tackle, where the team needed him this past season.

Ojomo, who finished his UM career with 79 tackles, 16 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, said that experience shows NFL teams he can move inside on third down and be productive. "You need to be versatile when you're trying to make a 53-man roster," he noted.

While he had been confident he'd receive a sixth year from the NCAA, Ojomo said he had been mentally preparing himself for the possibility he wouldn't.

"I knew my career wouldn't be forever," he said. "I was prepared, so it wasn't too much of a shock mentally."


(sun-sentinel.com)

According to the Charlotte Observer the 'buzz' around the Senior Bowl is that Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski will get a second interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So far the Bucs have only brought back former Packers head coach Mike Sherman for a second interview, which will occur today according to Adam Schefter. The Bucs are expected to choose a head coach after this second round of interviews, but they could always pull a surprise move as they tried to do with Chip Kelly a few days ago.

Of those who have interviewed with the Bucs, Chudzinski is by far my favorite coach. He's a young, innovative offensive mind who has had massive success everywhere he's coached. What he did with Cam Newton last season was very impressive, but it wasn't his only successful year as he managed to get Derek Anderson to the Pro Bowl in Cleveland. The question is whether he can parlay that into a successful career as a head coach, and whether he's ready to take on that role at this point.

Keep in mind that this isn't definitive. The report is based on 'buzz' around the Senior Bowl. According to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune the interview has not been arranged, but it could be shortly. It would shock me if Mike Sherman was the only coach to be asked back for a second interview, however.


(bucsnation.com)

Quarterback Joe Flacco tossed the first 300-yard game of his postseason career and wide receiver Anquan Boldin surpassed the 100-yard mark, but for all of the offense’s positive gains in the Ravens’ 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots in Sunday’s AFC championship game, the unit had its share of struggles with Vince Wilfork.

The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Wilfork made six tackles (three for losses) and sacked Flacco once. The four-time Pro Bowler frequently penetrated the line of scrimmage and changed running back Ray Rice’s initial moves in the running game.

“Although he makes the Pro Bowl and stuff, he’s probably underrated,” center Matt Birk said. “We knew what we were in for, and inside, they’re physical guys, and they just tried to push us back. They were trying to dent us, and we were trying to dent them. You win some, you lose some. But yeah, he’s a great player – no question.”

Wilfork – who was drafted by the Patriots in the first round in 2004 as part of the deal for the Ravens to select quarterback Kyle Boller in the first round in 2003 – was especially critical on the Ravens’ penultimate drive of the contest.

With the offense facing third down-and-3 from New England’s 30-yard line, Rice tried to shoot through the middle of the line, but was stopped for a three-yard loss by Wilfork. On the next play, Wilfork pressured Flacco enough to force him to throw the ball away and end the drive on fourth down.
Wilfork said he was able to influence Flacco because of his reputation for staying in the pocket.

“I knew going into this game, Flacco was a pocket passer,” Wilfork said. “He’ll stand in there, he’ll take hits and will deliver a good football. I knew he really wasn’t going anywhere and just like I said, everything around me worked well and it was just a great defensive play from all eleven – not just myself.”

“I think to be honest with you, on the run, I think they just cut me loose,” Wilfork said. “I don’t know. I’m always taught when someone [doesn’t] block you, it’s a set up and all. I don’t know if they just missed a block or it was a setup block and I just beat it. I don’t know. I’m going to have to watch the film and see it. Critical plays like that, you just have to take advantage. At that split second, the only thing I saw was: did he have the ball? If it was a setup block, they got me. They didn’t get me.”

The Patriots had success moving Wilfork around. A defensive tackle, Wilfork lined up against every Ravens offensive lineman during the game.

Left guard Ben Grubbs perhaps summed it up best when asked his opinion of Wilfork “I think everybody would have him at the top of their list,” Grubbs said. “He’s a good player.”


(baltimoresun.com)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and running back Joseph Addai have been added to the list of NFL players participating in Tazón Latino VI, the nationally-televised flag football game featuring current and former NFL players and Hispanic celebrities.

The athlete and celebrity-filled flag football competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. at the Clinic Field at the NFL Experience located at the Indiana Convention Center. The game will air nationally on Univision on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.

Wayne and Addai will serve as honorary coaches during Tazón Latino VI. Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker and Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks have been added to the list of participants.

Previously announced NFL legends and current players taking part in the event include former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates and Super Bowl XXXVII champions Mike Alstott and Martin Gramatica, Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, Green Bay Packers all-time leading rusher Ahman Green and legendary Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham.

Latino celebrities will include Iraq war veteran and 2011 “Dancing with the Stars” Champion J.R. Martinez and award-winning chef, restaurateur and television star Aaron Sanchez. Additional personalities include, Daniel Carles, host of TeleFutua’s late night talk show “Noches de Perros,” Felix Fernandez, host of Univision’s sports entertainment program “República Deportiva,” Ana Patricia Gonzalez, winner of Univision’s “Nuestra Belleza Latina 2010,” and Claudia Molina, first season winner of Univision’s “¡Mira Quién Baila!”

Tickets to be part of the live Tazón Latino event are only available to NFL Insiders through 1Iota.


(indystar.com)

It was another strong day of performance for US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics at US Sailing’s 2012 Rolex Miami OCR.

Sailed in Miami on Biscayne Bay, USA sailors hold top-10 spots in 11 of the 12 fleet racing classes spread across Olympic and Paralympic events. This event serves as the selection event for the US Paralympic Team as well as the US Sailing Development Team.

In the 26-boat Finn Zach Railey (Clearwater, Fla.) continues to lead, picking up 2-1-2 today. With six races scored the fleet now has a throwout race and Railey discards a second leaving him with 6 points overall, a full 5 points ahead of the second-place Jonas Hogh Christensen (DEN). Another 6 points back is Brendan Casey (AUS) in third with USSTAG’s Caleb Paine (San Diego, Calif.) in fourth.


(sail-world.com)

Former Nationals utility infielder Alex Cora played winter ball and was the Captain of the Caguas Criollos of Puerto Rico. After the Criollos final game of the season tonight, he announced his retirement from baseball.

Alex Cora, 36, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third round of the 1996 draft. Cora has played all over the infield for seven MLB teams: Dodgers, Blue Jays, Indians, Red Sox, Mets, Rangers and Nationals Maybe he’ll follow in his big brother Joey’s footsteps and coach.

From the Criollos de Caguas Facebook Page:

MENSAJE DE NUESTRO CAPITAN ALEX CORA ANUNCIANDO SU RETIRO: Gracias a todos ustedes por el apoyo que me dieron por 16 temporadas. Gozamos y sufrimos, ganamos y perdimos pero de corazón les digo que ser Criollo es lo mejor que hay. Hoy cierro un capítulo de mi carrera y del fondo de mi corazón les digo que lo hago con la frente en alto porque soy y siempre seré Criollo de pura cepa! Gracias a todos.
(Translated by Bing):

MESSAGE from our captain ALEX CORA announcing his retirement: thank you all for the support they gave me for 16 seasons. We enjoy and we suffer, we won and we lost but heart I can tell you that being Creole is the best there is. Now close a chapter in my career and in the bottom of my heart I say that I do with the high front because I am and always will be pure strain Creole! Thank you all.


(districtsportspages.com)

Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio announced Wednesday that outfielder Ryan Braun, who is facing a 50-game suspension for a positive drug test, will not take part in the team's fan event this weekend.

"In working through the logistics of this weekend's Brewers On Deck event in Milwaukee with Ryan Braun -- and knowing how much he enjoys interacting candidly with Brewers fans -- we came to the conclusion that this is too sensitive of a time in the confidential process for him to attend this year," Attanasio said in a statement.

"I speak for everyone at the Brewers, including Ryan, in thanking our fans for their understanding and patience."

Braun accepted his NL MVP award in New York last Saturday and said "everything I have done in my career has been done with respect and appreciation for the game of baseball."

Although he never directly addressed the allegations against him -- that his MVP season was accomplished with the help of a banned substance -- it was clear Braun's remarks were pointed at the legal battle he is currently involved in.

"You know, sometimes in life, we all deal with challenges we never expected to endure," Braun said, while accepting his award at the annual dinner of the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. "We have an opportunity to look at those challenges and view them either as obstacles or as opportunities, and I've chosen to view every challenge I've ever faced as an opportunity and this will be no different. I have always believed that a person's character is revealed through the way they deal with those moments of adversity."

Braun tested positive for an elevated level of testosterone in a urine test taken in October, a story first reported by ESPN's "Outside the Lines." There are conflicting reports about what caused the positive result, and the New York Times quoted a source as saying a later test showed Braun to have normal testosterone levels.

Braun began his appeal of his positive test before baseball arbitrator Shyam Das last Thursday, the New York Daily News and the Associated Press reported.

As Braun tries to avoid a 50-game suspension, the burden is a heavy one to overcome. A baseball arbitrator has never ordered a suspension overturned following a grievance hearing.

The AP's source did not know whether the hearing had concluded or whether it would extend into at least one more session. Typically in grievances, after the hearing the sides may submit written final arguments before the arbitrator rules.

MLB has not confirmed the positive test. Baseball's drug agreement says first positive tests are not made public until after the appeals process has been completed.

Technically, the arbitration is before a three-person panel that also includes a representative of management and the union. The independent member, Das, is the decisive vote in nearly all cases.

The 28-year-old, who was the 2007 NL Rookie of the Year, hit .312 with 33 homers and 111 RBIs last season and led Milwaukee to the NL Championship Series, where the Brewers lost to the eventual World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.


(espn.com)

CORAL GABLES – While the decisions of Olivier Vernon, Marcus Forston and perhaps even Brandon Washington to leave Miami early for the NFL are considered questionable, Lamar Miller's decision to do so appears to be a sound one.

In his first mock draft for 2012, ESPN's draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. projected Miller will go to Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 and rated him the second-best back in the draft behind Alabama's Trent Richardson. Kiper Jr. said on a conference call with reporters last week that he sees Miller as a second-rounder "at worst."

"People are going to be looking at him very favorably as we move through the draft process," Kiper Jr. said.

Of receiver Tommy Streeter, another UM early entry, he noted, "If he tests out well from a speed standpoint, he could be a second-round pick."

"Has some size [6-5], made some big plays this year, did some good things," Kiper Jr. added. "Not as seasoned as some other wideouts."

Washington's versatility will help him, Kiper Jr. said. Like Orlando Franklin a year ago, Washington moved from guard to tackle this past season because of need. "He can end up going a little higher than he's graded," Kiper Jr. said.

Forston, the defensive tackle who considered leaving early after the 2010 season, is "another guy that's going to drop significantly farther down the board than you would have thought two years ago" and Vernon is "way down the line" among defensive ends.

Kiper Jr. said Jacory Harris is the 22nd-rated quarterback on his board and he doesn't "see a scenario where he is selected."

Read more here


(sun-sentinel.com)

Teammate Lardarius Webb is confident that Ed Reed will return for an 11th season in 2012.

"He's coming back," Webb said. Asked if Reed had told him that specifically, Webb responded, "No, I just know he's coming back." The Ravens trio of defensive leaders (Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs) appears to have resolved to make another run at the Super Bowl next season.


(rotoworld.com)

Frank Gore's injury withdrawal from the Pro Bowl clears the way for Marshawn Lynch to participate as an alternate. It also amplifies questions about Gore's health late in the season.

Gore carried the ball 311 times in 18 games this season, counting playoffs. That was within one carry of his career high previously. But his 17 receptions were well less than half his previous single-season low since becoming a full-time starter in 2006.

Gore put together a string of five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances ending in Week 9. He finished with zero yards the next week after a hard tackle from the New York Giants' Jason Pierre-Paul left Gore with an apparent right knee injury. He suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season.

Gore never exceeded 89 yards in a game from that point forward. His yards per attempt exceeded 3.7 just once over the final eight regular-season games after five consecutive games between 4.3 and 9.4.

The chart, from Doug Clawson of ESPN Stats & Information, shows Gore's playing time over the course of the season.

I noticed Gore asking out of games following contact a few times, including early in a game at Arizona. Running backs come out on occasion; I have no way to know whether Gore did this more than usual in 2011. The 49ers like to mix up their personnel groups, anyway. Kendall Hunter is a big part of their ground game.

Someone suggested to me via Twitter -- I couldn't immediately find that tweet, unfortunately -- that Gore did not seem to be carrying the ball on back-to-back plays as frequently. I had the same feeling.

Clawson investigated. The results weren't conclusive. Gore had a season-high 11 back-to-back rushes in Week 8. He had seven in Weeks 1 and 11, six in Week 16, five in Week 5 and four in three games (two of them in Week 13 or later).

Gore still managed to rush for 1,211 yards, his highest regular-season total since 2006. His per-carry average spiked during the playoffs. Lots of players withdraw from the Pro Bowl. There should be no panic. But as Gore approaches his 29th birthday in May, about the age when running backs tend to slow, durability questions aren't likely to go away.


(espn.com)

The 49ers have signed seven players to reserve/future contracts, a group that includes six players who spent time on their practice squad this past season.

Players signed to contracts are center Chase Beeler, tackle Derek Hall, cornerback Cory Nelms, tight end Konrad Reuland and linebacker Michael Wilhoite, who ended the season on the practice squad. The team also signed safety Mark LeGree, who spent two weeks on San Francisco’s practice squad in November.

By signing a reserve/future deal, the seven players, who are street free agents, will be under contract with the Niners when the league year begins on March 13.


(sfgate.com)

Incumbent starter Vernon Carey, the former University of Miami standout who has started at both guard and tackle for the past seven seasons, will likely end up playing for another team following a solid season, where it turns out Carey was an alternate for the 2012 Pro Bowl.


(sun-sentinel.com)

Get your popcorn ready.

Because if Tuesday’s press conference was any indication, Giants safety Antrel Rolle is going to put on a show next week at Super Bowl Media Day.

Here were some of the highlights of Rolle’s 17-minute, 29-second LOL-fest:

Rolle when asked if he watched the 2007 Super Bowl.
“I watched it in Brazil. There was only one place where I was that was showing the game. I was standing on top of like two bar stools, and probably a midget was under me, who knows. I don’t know. It was extremely crowded. Everyone was stacked on top of each other. It was a small place in Brazil no bigger than a rest room ... and there was a million people in there, and I had to watch the game.”

Rolle when asked if the Giants’ Super Bowl run was one of the reasons he signed there.
“...I didn’t even know Arizona before I got drafted there, the Cardinals? I’m like, Jerry Maguire?”

Rolle when asked if he noticed if Eli Manning had any bruises after getting hit so much by the 49ers.
“I don’t know, man, I’m not looking at his body!”

Rolle when asked if he saw 82-year-old Ann Mara chiding Terry Bradshaw after the NFC Championship game.
“When I say ‘all hands on deck,’ I don’t just mean the men in the locker room.”

Rolle when asked if he’d ever cross Mrs. Mara.
“I don’t cross any Maras.”

Rolle when asked if he through it was fitting that the Giants were wearing their road-white jerseys.
“It doesn’t matter what we got on, we could go out there bare-skinned...”

Rolle when asked about Tom Brady.
“During the course of the game I’m covering my guys -- we’re in zone coverage -- I see him scanning the field, and I’m like, I’ve played against a lot of great quarterbacks in my career, and the way he scanned the field, I was like ‘Dang!’ During the play, I was like ‘Wow!’ It kind of stung me for a second.”

“He’s exceptional, and gets all the credit he deserves and then some.”

Rolle was asked about Mannning.
“I think he’s proven himself before this year. But we all have to go through ups and downs and criticisms and speculation and what people may think and what they might think, but when it’s all said and done -- I didn’t say at the end of the day.”

Rolle first approached the podium and muttered the word “s---” under his breath.
“I’m tired. ... It’s all good.”

In 2007, Michael Strahan emerged as the star of Super Bowl Media Day. But at the end of the day, Rolle may overshadow Strahan's epic performance next week.


(espn.com)

MOBILE, Ala. -- The Bucs are in the process of narrowing their list of head-coach candidates to an unknown number of finalists, but Mike Sherman continues to be the only prospective hire known to be invited for a second interview.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera, who is awaiting an outcome in Tampa Bay’s search because the team is considering his offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, still wasn’t clear earlier today whether his trusted assistant is among the finalists.

“I haven’t heard that,” Rivera said when asked whether Chudzinski was asked back for a second interview with Tampa Bay.

But Rivera is hoping for a resolution – a quick one.

“Believe me, I’d love to know just so we can go forward,” said Rivera, here in Mobile, Ala. for the Senior Bowl. “We’ve got a lot of things we have to do and we’ve kind of put (them) off during this whole period.”

Rivera noted that his team’s offense would likely change without Chudzinski, a main reason he’d like some closure on the matter.

Asked about the interest in Chudzinski, Rivera said, “I think a lot of it is just curiosity. . . I think a lot of people don’t know about him. I think what’s happening right now is people are trying to find out about him.

“I think when you look at the body of work, we just had some success.”


(tampabay.com)

What is up with Santana Moss? The wide receiver has a three-year, $15 million contract with the Redskins — so why is his Florida mansion facing possible foreclosure? The South Florida Business Journal reported that his lender alleges Moss has defaulted on his $5.2 million waterfront place near Ft. Lauderdale. Our own public record search indicates he got a similar notice last fall for a much smaller home in Ocala, Fl. — one of several properties he owns in the state. Plus, the feds filed a quarter-million-dollar lien against him in connection with his taxes. Neither Moss nor his agent returned our messages.


(washingtonpost.com)

The RMOCR is the second stage of the ISAF Sailing World Cup.

Zach Railey (Clearwater, Fla.) said 'It was way better than yesterday, and the Finns got the best of it because the wind was building all day,' adding that his class started racing an hour earlier (12:30) than scheduled to add three races to yesterday’s single race.

The leader going into today, Railey could do nothing wrong as he methodically picked off his competition—most notably Caleb Paine (San Diego, Calif., USA) and Jonas Hogh Christensen (DEN)--to quadruple the victories in his score line today.

'In the first race, I was in a great battle with Caleb,' said Railey. 'We were two boat lengths apart from each other and on the last leg back and forth the whole time. In the second race, it was a battle up the second windward leg with Jonas, but he got separated by two boats that were on his heels--he had to concentrate on them.'

Railey said that even if he keeps doing well over five days of fleet racing, it will come down to the ten-boat medal race on Saturday to determine who takes home gold here, since only the top ten boats on the scoreboard at the end of Friday move on to that race, which counts double in the scoring. 'Even going in with the lowest points, you could gain 18 points on that day,' he said, adding that it replicates the format of the Olympics, to which he will go this summer as the USA’s Finn representative. 'Everything will be very much like here, even the 26- boat fleet.'

For Railey, a bonus will be trying to win his second Olympic medal (his first was a silver in the Finn class in 2008) alongside his sister, Paige Railey, who qualified to compete for the USA in Laser Radial class.

'It has been a dream of ours to go together since I started sailing at age eight and she started shortly after me. We fell in love with the idea of walking into Opening Ceremonies together; I don’t know if it really will sink in until we look over at each other and say, ‘we did it!’'


(sail-world.com)

We’ll obviously have official word sometime soon, but yesterday Dan Patrick had something interesting to say on his radio show about the reigning NL MVP’s drug test and appeal: Braun may get off scott free.

There was nothing definitive in his comments — a lot of it was Patrick’s gut feeling based on a conversation he had with someone — but Patrick said “Ryan Braun a victim of the testing by Major League Baseball,” and that “the feeling I got from somebody involved in the process in this, it’s not as cut and dried as people would think. And Ryan Braun may be an innocent man.”

"There were whispers that this was a personal medical issue, that he was taking something for that, that may have spiked his test. I since found out (Sunday) that that is not the case.

"Ryan Braun may be exonerated here. He may be found innocent. And judging from all of the information I was told, there's a good chance that he should be."

Interesting. Braun testing positive to begin with has caused no shortage of controversy here. Just imagine how much controversy would ensue if the whole affair led to serious questions about the entire testing process itself coming into question.


(hardballtalk.com)

23. Detroit Lions: Sean Spence, OLB, Miami. Outside linebacker Justin Durant is a free agent this offseason, and the Lions are not going to pay him a lot of money. They grab Spence, who is the best linebacker to come out of Miami since Ray Lewis

To see Sportingnews’ entire first round mock, click here

Ravens signed RB Damien Berry, WR Patrick Williams, WR Phillip Livas, WR Rodney Bradley, TE Davon Drew, DT Bryan Hall, and C Cecil Newton to reserve/futures contracts.

Basically, to answer any questions before they come in, reserve/future deals can be reached with players who have two or fewer years of accrued service.

All seven guys listed above either ended the season on the Ravens' practice squad or were on it at some point this season before going on injured reserve.

Practice squad contracts expire at the end of the season, and so the Ravens struck reserve/future deals with these guys to retain their rights. The contracts don't necessarily mean that these players will be with the team in training camp, but they are currently under team control and will be able to work out at the Ravens' facilities during the offseason.


(masn.com)

Virginia Tech's David Wilson is NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock's No. 2 running back in his preliminary rankings for the 2012 draft.

Wilson is known for his 4.3 speed, but drew raves for his toughness during a breakout junior season. Mayock's 2012 running back rankings go like this: 1) Alabama's Trent Richardson 2) Wilson 3) Lamar Miller from Miami 4) Boise State's Doug Martin and 5) Oregon's LaMichael James. Chris Polk from Washington, who is at the Senior Bowl, was a bit of a surprise snub by Mayock.


(rotoworld.com)