NIL

Decision day here for 5-star QB Jared Curtis between Georgia football Oregon

This Sentell’s Intel rep on Georgia football recruiting has the latest with 5-star QB Jared Curtis at Nashville Christian in Tennessee. He ranks as the nation’s No. 1 QB and the No. 2 overall prospect for 2026 on the 247Sports Composite. The On3 Industry Ranking has him as the No. 1 QB and No. 6 […]

Published

1 month ago

May 6, 2025

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This Sentell’s Intel rep on Georgia football recruiting has the latest with 5-star QB Jared Curtis at Nashville Christian in Tennessee. He ranks as the nation’s No. 1 QB and the No. 2 overall prospect for 2026 on the 247Sports Composite. The On3 Industry Ranking has him as the No. 1 QB and No. 6 overall.

As far as recruiting storylines go, there will be a ceremony this evening that offers the Super Bowl of decisions. It’s hard to top the intrigue of a 5-star QB commitment shutting down his process.

Jared Curtis, the nation’s No. 1 QB prospect for both of the major recruiting ranking composites, will make his decision known at 5:30 PM EST at Nashville Christian School in Tennessee.

He’s down to Georgia and Oregon.

Cox Media property DawgNation.com will be on hand to stream the decision across all of its social media platforms.

Curtis, 18, will have the choice of taking millions of dollars per season from either program, despite the increased scrutiny of payments to college athletes through the proposed House revenue-sharing settlement. He will do so from a combined pool of revenue streams from either school, their respective collections, and also NIL-based endorsements that will have to go through review by a third party.

This decision is so close that DawgNation has learned Curtis’s representatives have prepared two different announcement videos to go in either direction of the decision. It is also likely that his representation won’t know until he makes that decision and then shares one of those two videos across his social media.

The mystery could also extend to both programs. They will learn his choice when he shares his decision first at Nashville Christian and then with the world.

For Georgia, it offers the rare chance at a recommitment. Curtis, who has been prioritized for years, first committed to the Dawgs on March 23 of last year.

He reversed that decision about seven months later. Curtis told DawgNation that he backed off that pledge because it just didn’t feel right needing to visit other schools while still being committed to Georgia.

But there was hope.

“I’m still interested in Georgia as long as they are interested in me,” he said back in October.

Oregon was one of those schools he wanted to check out. Curtis was even quoted last fall as giving Dan Lanning’s Ducks the “leader” tag. There is no perceived leader heading into today’s announcement.

If Curtis chooses Georgia and goes on to enroll early this December, he will be the highest-rated QB signee for the program since Justin Fields in 2018. He’d be the first 5-star QB signee since Brock Vandagriff in 2021.

The national high school rankings for Curtis are also higher than those of former 5-star signees Jacob Eason and Matthew Stafford.

The latest intel swirling around this decision gives no school a clear edge, although there is some guarded optimism in Athens due to familiarity and location. Oregon’s chief pitches are centered around its program being more successful in developing the QB position of late and its offensive prowess.

There was one other factor likely to heavily impact this choice, but an interview with Peter Webb of QB Reps last Friday seems to have changed that perception.

Did you know the weekly DawgNation.com “Before the Hedges” program is available as an Apple podcast? Click to check it out and download it.

Jared Curtis: How much will money matter here?

There’s an ongoing perception that the school with the biggest billfold is going to win out in this recruitment. This is, of course, the NIL era, where there have been many publicized recruitments of late, where 5-star QBs signees have reportedly commanded packages of $2 million to $3 million per season.

Curtis was even given an NIL evaluation by On3.com of $2.7 million.

Webb told DawgNation that neither Georgia nor Oregon was the highest bidder for Curtis. There were other schools, including another SEC school, that had the largest offer. His firm represents NFL Quarterbacks Bo Nix and Riley Leonard and also has numerous clients in college football at Alabama, Clemson, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas, among other schools.

They’ve represented Curtis dating back to his sophomore year when some trading card and apparel deals came his way. According to Webb, this decision will not simply be a transactional win for the balance sheets and collectives representing each school.

DawgNation has learned neither of these schools was the highest bidder for Curtis.

“It’s pretty simple,” Webb said. “If Jared was chasing the best compensation package, this may have been over a long time ago. These schools may not have even been in the finals. His interest in Georgia and Oregon – and really the difficulty in this decision – has been motivated by the relationships he’s developed during the recruiting process and the unique opportunities both programs provide. We won’t even know what this complete financial framework looks like until after he commits to a university.”

Additionally, Curtis never went to competing programs and set a number for the market.

“We were very clear from the beginning that you want to list out things that are important to you,” Webb said. “You want to look at the location, the campus, the coaching staff. You want to look at the brand, the history of the program, the QB development, the quarterback coach, the offensive coordinator, and the system. You want to look at the QBs that have come through their program and made it to the next level. You want to look at the recruiting classes. Look at the room. Are there some older guys in the room that you could learn from?”

It wouldn’t be a stretch to surmise the NIL piece is less than 15 percent of the overall puzzle here.

“NIL is a part of it, that’s the reality and the opportunity of the landscape right now, but for Jared, it has been a relatively small factor,” said QB Reps marketing director Doug Young. “He knows that getting it done on the field and in the classroom is what’s most important and what will set him up for long-term success. We are proud of Jared for thinking holistically about this decision. It’s a mature approach, and it has been very refreshing to watch it unfold.”

The belief is that Georgia’s bid for the nation’s top QB prospect is competitive with the going rates for QBs nationally over the last few cycles.

What would happen here if one of these two schools came in at the 11th hour with a significantly larger offer? Would that sway the decision? Webb said that wasn’t likely to affect this decision.

Curtis has weighed this as if both schools offered the same financial package. The next step was to consider all the other factors and answer this question: Where will he be the happiest playing college football? He took that to heart.

Have you subscribed to the DawgNation YouTube channel yet? If so, you will see special 1-on-1 content with key 2026 prospects like Tyler Atkinson, Lincoln Keyes, Brady Marchese and Kaiden Prothro.

Why Jared Curtis is wanted by Georgia and Oregon

Curtis, who led his team to the state title game as a freshman, had a massive junior year. He guided his Eagles to a 12-1 record and a runaway 49-21 win in his return to the state championship. The 6-foot-3-plus, 225-pound rising senior raised his completion rate 15 percent in throwing for 2,830 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.

He has elite arm talent, but while he’s just in high school, there are sentences that can be formed that project his ability to spin it with the Josh Allens and Matthew Staffords of the football world.

Aside from his 70 percent completion rate as a junior, the other wrinkle to his game would be his legs. Curtis ran for 637 yards and 18 touchdowns last fall. While he won’t be running away from elite defenders in the SEC or even the Big Ten, he projects to be a serious red-zone weapon.

The 5-star now holds a 62 percent career completion mark while throwing for 7,665 yards, 92 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions at a level that equates to something between Class 1A and Class 2A in Georgia.

He’s been able to make plays with his legs on the regular, running past boxes that he’s either bigger or faster than or both. Curtis has a career average of 6.7 yards per rush attempt. He’s totaled up 1,663 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns.

This decision won’t be the only one for Georgia this month. Or for these two schools. Georgia, Miami, and Oregon are seen as the chief contenders for 5-star OT Jackson Cantwell in Missouri.

Cantwell has sped up his timetable with a decision set for May 13. The nation’s No. 1 OT prospect has also recently scheduled a last-minute visit to UGA set for May 10.

The Bulldogs have never signed the nation’s No. 1 QB and No. 1 OT prospect in the same cycle before under head coach Kirby Smart.

Have you seen this week’s “Before the Hedges” weekly recruiting special on YouTube yet? Check it out below.

SENTELL’S INTEL

(check on the recent reads on Georgia football recruiting)

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NIL

BSB | Madrigal Named Second ABCA All-American in Program History, First Since 2008

Story Links 2025 ABCA All-American Selections GREENSBORO, N.C., For just the second time in program history and the first time in 17 years, Saint Mary’s has produced an ABCA All-American in junior first baseman Eddie Madrigal. Madrigal was named to the American Baseball Coaches […]

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59 minutes ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

GREENSBORO, N.C., For just the second time in program history and the first time in 17 years, Saint Mary’s has produced an ABCA All-American in junior first baseman Eddie Madrigal. Madrigal was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-America Second Team as the lone WCC recipient. Madrigal was the focal point of a magical 2025 season for Saint Mary’s as they won their second WCC Tournament Championship to earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament. In just their second ever NCAA Regional appearance, they added another chapter to the story with their first ever regional victory defeating 8th ranked Oregon State 6-4 on the opening day of the tournament.

Madrigal’s list of accomplishments and awards include All-WCC First Team, WCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player, ABCA All-West Region First Team, NCBWA Second Team All-American, and now an ABCA All-American for the program’s first since 2008. That season, sophomore Kyle Jensen hit .421 for the Gaels with 13 homers and 52 RBI to be named an ABCA Second Team All-American. Madrigal capped his 2025 season with a .368 batting average, 21 home runs, 78 RBI, a .698 slugging percentage and a 1.160 OPS to lead all starters for Saint Mary’s. He also broke the single-season program records for hits (89), RBI (78) and runs scored (66) as his junior campaign will go down as one of the best in program history.

The complete release with the 2025 ABCA All-America teams can be found HERE or at abca.org.

About the ABCA…

The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel Baseball.

Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary’s athletics updates and information.

#GaelsRise

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NIL

Ohio State Unveils Buckeye Sports Group to Revolutionize NIL

Ohio State University has launched Buckeye Sports Group (BSG), a pioneering Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) initiative that unifies the school’s two primary NIL collectives: The Foundation and The 1870 Society, under one centralized platform. This strategic move, supported by the athletic department and powered by Learfield’s Compass NIL technology, is designed to simplify and […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ohio State Unveils Buckeye Sports Group to Revolutionize NIL

BSG goes beyond traditional collective models by offering student-athletes comprehensive support, including financial literacy training, tax education, and career development resources. The initiative reflects Ohio State’s proactive stance in response to the NCAA’s recent $2.78 billion House Settlement, positioning the university as a leader in the next phase of collegiate athletics.

According to Deputy Athletic Director Carey Hoyt, “Ohio State has always been a leader in college athletics, and this initiative is another step forward to build upon our strong NIL foundation,”

The program builds on Ohio State’s existing NIL foundation, making the university even more appealing to top recruits. By streamlining operations and prioritizing athlete development, BSG ensures Buckeye athletes can maximize their NIL opportunities without losing sight of long-term personal and professional success.

NIL

Ex-Tennessee WR, NIL Trailblazer Grant Frerking Accused of Fraud in Shocking Allegations

Former Tennessee wide receiver Grant Frerking was once one of the coolest stories in college football. A walk-on for the Volunteers, he joined the team in 2017. Despite not playing meaningful football for UT, Ferking made a name for himself as one of the first college athletes to profit off of NIL. Frerking created his […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Frerking created his own landscaping company, Metro Straw, and in 2021, under the new NIL rules, he was legally allowed to use his football career to help his business profit. After he graduated, Frerking left Metro Straw and joined On3 to cover NIL.

However, in a major twist, Ferking allegedly was still taking payments from customers despite not working for the landscaping business.

Former Tennessee Wide Receiver Grant Frerking Accused of Fraud

As first reported by Knox News, after leaving Metro Straw, Frerking continued to ask customers for up-front payments, and did not deliver the landscaping that those customers paid for.

Former Tennessee player Grant Frerking worked for Vols football as a consultant advising coach Josh Heupel while embroiled in scams, documents reveal. https://t.co/sVTMsqXFri

— Knox News (@knoxnews) June 12, 2025

These accusations have led the Milton Police Department, located in Georgia, to investigate Frerking for “theft by deception,” another term for fraud.

According to court records and the East Tennessee publication, this isn’t the first time Frerking has been in legal financial trouble this year. A Tennessee judge also ordered him to pay over $16,000 in missing rent payments on two apartments in Nashville.

On top of all of this, there is even more drama surrounding the former Tennessee wide receiver, as he is now being accused of working for the Tennessee football program while covering NIL events for On3, which would be a major conflict of interest.

According to Outkick, Frerking would often be on the road at schools holding events to promote On3 while also consulting for Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel. While this isn’t against the law, morally, it raises a lot of questions.

MORE INDUSTRY NEWS: Pat McAfee Reportedly Eyeing ‘Independent College GameDay’-Style Show Despite $85 Million ESPN Deal

On3’s owner, Shannon Terry, shared this message on social media Thursday night, claiming that he and the company had no knowledge of Frerking’s employment with the Vols.

On3 had no knowledge of this relationship. Grant was explicitly instructed not to engage, either directly or indirectly, with the University of Tennessee or its associated collective. On multiple occasions during his employment, he was asked to confirm compliance with this… https://t.co/6rUtzVVgSy

— Shannon Terry (@ShannonTerry) June 12, 2025

“On3 had no knowledge of this relationship. Grant was explicitly instructed not to engage, either directly or indirectly, with the University of Tennessee or its associated collective. On multiple occasions during his employment, he was asked to confirm compliance with this directive, and he repeatedly denied any involvement. These representations were false.”

He concluded with a powerful statement. “He lied to us.”

As for the fraud claims, Frerking has not yet been charged with anything, but as previously mentioned, the Milton Police Department has launched an investigation into the allegations.

It’s a twist that not many saw coming from a once beloved and admired figure in college football.

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NIL

Elite LSU Baseball First Baseman Reveals Transfer Portal Destination to Big Ten Foe

LSU first baseman Ryan Costello revealed his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this month after one season in Baton Rouge. Costello, a former Top-100 prospect in America, signed with the LSU Tigers as a member of the 2024 Recruiting Class. He was Perfect Game’s No. 92 overall prospect and the No. 2 rated […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Elite LSU Baseball First Baseman Reveals Transfer Portal Destination to Big Ten Foe

LSU first baseman Ryan Costello revealed his intentions to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal this month after one season in Baton Rouge.

Costello, a former Top-100 prospect in America, signed with the LSU Tigers as a member of the 2024 Recruiting Class.

He was Perfect Game’s No. 92 overall prospect and the No. 2 rated first baseman coming out of high school.

Costello appeared in 15 games during the 2025 season for the Tigers where he took eight at-bats with zero hits tallied. He struck out four times.

The talented youngster struggled to find his way in the lineup with star first baseman Jared Jones handling duties at the position during the season for the Tigers.

Now, after one season in Baton Rouge, Costello has revealed where he will suit up for the 2026 season after committing to the Maryland Terrapins.

First off, I want to thank God for giving me the health and ability to keep playing this game at such a high level. I also want to thank @MattSwope19 for giving me the opportunity to continue to develop and play this game @TerpsBaseball! pic.twitter.com/e2NGaWtaBP

— Coz (@RyanCostelloo) June 13, 2025

No. 1: Chandler Dorsey – Pitcher

Dorsey entered the NCAA Transfer Portal last week following one season in Baton Rouge.

The coveted transfer saw limited action with the Tigers after appearing in just five games for the Tigers this season.

Dorsey threw a total of 5.0 innings and logged four strikeouts and two walks. He also gave up five runs (three earned) on eight hits.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has now found a new home after a short stint in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Dorsey is headed back to his home-state and will suit up for the UCF Knights for the 2026 season, he revealed via his social media. It’ll be the third program of his collegiate career.

No. 2: David Hogg II – Shortstop

Hogg, a Top-100 prospect in the 2024 Recruiting Cycle, signed with the Tigers as the No. 79 overall recruit and No. 21 rated shortstop.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder out of Mansfield (Tex.) saw limited action during his time in Baton Rouge after being buried on the depth chart in 2025.

He appeared in 12 games where he took only two at-bats across his time with Jay Johnson’s program.

Hogg will now become one of the more sought-after youngsters in the NCAA Transfer Portal where he will join fellow LSU freshman Ryan Costello.

No. 3: Blaise Priester – Catcher

LSU catcher Blaise Priester will re-enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after making the decision to return to Baton Rouge last offseason.

Priester signed with the LSU Tigers out of high school before redshirting during his first season with the program in 2022.

From there, he played two seasons at Meridian Community College in 2023 and 2024 before returning to LSU for the 2025 season.

Priester had just seven at-bats in 13 games played for the Tigers this season before entering the portal this week, according to D1Baseball.

No. 4: Dylan Thompson – Right-handed Pitcher

LSU right-hander Dylan Thompson has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after two seasons in Baton Rouge, a source tells LSU Tigers On SI.

Thompson was a member of the 2023 class where he made just one appearance in the purple and gold across two years.

No. 5: Mic Paul – Outfielder

Paul, the No. 1 rated outfielder in Utah coming out of high school, signed with the LSU Tigers in the 2022 Recruiting Cycle.

During the 2023 season, Paul played in 12 games as a reserve outfielder for Jay Johnson’s crew where he collected one hit in nine at-bats with five runs scored.

Fast forward to his second season with the program and Paul redshirted during the 2024 season in Baton Rouge.

He did not record any statistics during the 2025 season.

No. 6: Mikey Ryan – Infielder

Ryan, the No. 1 rated shortstop in Louisiana coming out of high school, signed with the Tigers in the 2024 Recruiting Cycle.

He was a Top-75 overall freshman, according to Perfect Game, heading into his first season with the program.

Ryan appeared in 16 games as a true freshman with three at-bats and one hit. He was primarily used as a defensive replacement in his lone season with the Tigers.

The 6-foot, 195-pounder out of Luling (La.) Rummel High will now test the free agent market after placing his name in the NCAA Transfer Portal this past weekend.

LSU Football Wide Receiver Donating NIL Money Back to High School for Title Rings

LSU Football Holds Commitments From a Pair of Top-10 Wide Receivers in America

Brian Kelly’s Take: LSU Football Searching for Ideal Starting Offensive Line Rotation

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU Tigers.

NIL

Bill Belichick Revitalizes UNC Football with Historic NIL Boost

Bill Belichick’s Bold Gamble: Revitalizing UNC Football Bill Belichick’s arrival at the University of North Carolina has sparked a seismic shift within the Tar Heels’ football program. Known for his unparalleled success in the NFL, Belichick’s move to Chapel Hill has not only captured the attention of the sports world but also initiated a transformative […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Bill Belichick’s Bold Gamble: Revitalizing UNC Football

Bill Belichick’s arrival at the University of North Carolina has sparked a seismic shift within the Tar Heels’ football program. Known for his unparalleled success in the NFL, Belichick’s move to Chapel Hill has not only captured the attention of the sports world but also initiated a transformative era for the team.

A Surge in NIL Funding

Under Belichick’s leadership, the Tar Heels have witnessed an unprecedented increase in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) funding. The program’s financial backing skyrocketed from a modest $4 million to an impressive $20 million. This substantial boost in resources has allowed UNC to compete more aggressively in attracting top talent and retaining promising athletes, aligning with the evolving landscape of college sports.

An Influx of Talent

Belichick’s influence extends beyond financial gains. The program has welcomed over 60 new transfers, each bringing fresh energy and potential to the team. This influx of talent is a testament to Belichick’s magnetic appeal and his ability to draw players eager to learn from one of football’s most strategic minds. The new recruits, combined with the existing roster, have created a dynamic and competitive environment that promises to elevate the Tar Heels to new heights.

The Strategic Vision

Belichick’s strategic acumen is evident in his approach to rebuilding the team. By leveraging his extensive experience and keen understanding of the game, he is crafting a blueprint for success that blends seasoned expertise with youthful enthusiasm. His vision is not just about immediate wins but also about establishing a sustainable foundation for long-term success.

A New Era for UNC Football

The changes underway at UNC signal a new era for the Tar Heels. With Belichick at the helm, the program is poised to challenge traditional powerhouses and redefine its place in college football. His presence has already instilled a sense of belief and ambition within the team, inspiring players and fans alike to dream bigger.

Reflecting on the Transformation

As UNC embraces this transformative journey, the broader implications for college football are profound. Belichick’s gamble could serve as a blueprint for other programs seeking to revitalize their fortunes. The combination of increased funding, strategic recruitment, and experienced leadership may well become the new standard for success in collegiate athletics.

In the end, Bill Belichick’s venture into college football is more than just a gamble; it’s a calculated move that could reshape the landscape of the sport. As the Tar Heels continue to evolve under his guidance, the future looks brighter than ever for UNC football.

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NIL

Meet 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Drew Nash, QB, Western Colorado

Meet Drew Nash, a top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Discover his skills, training, and football IQ. Name: Drew Nash Position: Quarterback College: Western Colorado University Height: 6’2 Weight: 220 lbs Twitter: @DrewNash16 Instagram: @nashdrew11 What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft? What makes me a top prospect is my deep understanding of […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Meet Drew Nash, a top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. Discover his skills, training, and football IQ.

Name: Drew Nash
Position: Quarterback
College: Western Colorado University
Height: 6’2
Weight: 220 lbs
Twitter: @DrewNash16
Instagram: @nashdrew11

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my deep understanding of the game and my relentless commitment to preparation. I pride myself on being a student of the game while constantly being in the film room studying defenses, learning tendencies, and staying ahead of the evolving game. I can make every throw on the field from sideline to sideline and I’m confident in my ability to move within the pocket, avoid pressure, and deliver accurate passes. I believe my combination of football IQ, physical tools, and leadership makes me one of the most complete quarterbacks in this draft class.

What is one thing NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams should know that I’m the hardest workers in any room I step into. Whether it’s film study, lifting, or working on the field, I attack each day with purpose. I hold myself to the highest standard because I know that as a quarterback and a leader, others are watching and I’m here to be the best I can be not only for me but for my team. My goal is to set the tone for any team I’m part of with my work ethic, attention to detail, and consistent commitment to excellence.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause, it would be the fight against world hunger. Everyone deserves access to basic nutrition, yet millions go without it daily due to poverty and inequality. What stands out to me is that we already produce enough food; we just need to distribute it better. Supporting this cause can break cycles of poverty, improve health, and give children the strength to grow and learn. It’s about creating opportunity through something as simple and essential as a meal.

Who was your role model?

My dad is my biggest role model. He’s always been the provider, protector, and leader in our family, and I admire the way he handles responsibility with humility and strength. He’s taught me countless life lessons about hard work, character, and integrity. If I can become half the man he is, I’ll know I’ve done something right.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Los Angeles Rams. Being from the LA area, I have fallen in love with watching the offense of Sean McVay. His offense is based on a wide zone run scheme and does a lot of play action off those runs. Coach McVay also loves to move guys around and use motion to create stacks and bunches to create leverage on their passing concepts, to get free releases for his receivers, and to get the matchups that will help them be successful on that play.

Who is the most underrated teammate on your team?

The most underrated player on our team is Jaydon Young, a redshirt senior defensive end. He’s one of the smartest defenders I’ve played with and understands our system inside and out. Offenses have a real problem when he’s left one-on-one. He’s disruptive, relentless, and sets the tone for our defense. He doesn’t always get the spotlight, but he’s a big reason for our success.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people settle for being average. I believe everyone should push themselves to be the best version of who they can be. There’s always room to grow, and complacency holds people back from greatness. Whether it’s in football or in life, I want to surround myself with people who challenge themselves every day and work to their full potential and not for any reason other than for themselves.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher is Coach McMahill at Western Colorado University. He teaches coaching and sport psychology and also coaches wrestling. He’s helped me grow as both a future coach and an athlete by teaching me how to lead, communicate, and better understand the mental side of sports. His lessons have had a big impact on how I prepare and how I want to lead my own teams one day.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life came during my freshman year of high school. I was in a police explorer academy when my best friend was tragically killed in a car accident. It shook me deeply and made it incredibly difficult to stay focused and finish the program. But I knew he would’ve wanted me to keep going, so I pushed through, finished at the top of my class, and gave a speech at graduation in his honor. That experience taught me about perseverance, purpose, and honoring those you love through action.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

I’d choose The Cheesecake Factory. They’ve got a huge variety of food, so I wouldn’t be stuck eating the same thing every day. Whether I’m looking for something clean or something to indulge in after a big game, they’ve got options.

What is your favorite snack food?

Chocolate chip cookies are my go-to. Simple, classic, and always hits the spot.

What is your degree in?

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science with an emphasis in Health and Fitness. I also have a minor in Sociology/Criminal Justice and completed a Coaching Certificate. My academic background helps me understand athletic performance from a scientific and social standpoint, which adds value to how I train, lead, and eventually, how I want to coach.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people, it would be Nick Saban, Tom Brady, and my great-grandpa. I admire Coach Saban’s leadership, discipline, and ability to build championship cultures. Tom Brady represents everything about elite preparation, competitive drive, and mental toughness. I’d love to pick their brains about how they sustained greatness. Lastly, my great-grandpa passed when I was young. What I remember of him was his unconditional love, but I’ve always been told how hard he worked and about the pride he had in family and values. That dinner would mean a lot—it would bring together greatness, legacy, and lessons for both football and life.

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness is maybe being too driven on the field, especially when I’m focused on performance and/or solving problems. In life, I tend to put other people first but when it comes to football, I can be very task-driven, and that can make me unintentionally overlook how someone else is feeling. But I have become aware of this and have been working on slowing down, listening better and making sure I’m connecting with my teammates on the field. Leadership isn’t just about pushing people-it’s about understanding them too.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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