The Arizona Cardinals selected two first team all-conference standouts with their first round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Their first choice came No. 4 overall when choosing Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner became the Buckeyes’ fourth receiver to hear his name called in the first round in the past three drafts.

READ: Drake Maye believes he can ‘fit right in’ New England after No. 3 overall draft pick

Harrison will team up with former Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who ended his Tigers career with a 14-3 Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State last season. Robinson reportedly wore his Cotton Bowl ring at their introductory press conference, and he said he and Harrison talked about it.

“I was telling Marvin we was glad he didn’t play,” Robinson said. “I mean, the whole week leading up, you see Ohio State, everybody say, ‘OK. Marvin Harrison,’ and then we was like, ‘Is he going to play? Is he going to play?’ He didn’t play, so you know, we lucked out, so.”

READ: Former Oregon State, Nebraska coach Mike Riley appointed to CFP Selection Committee

READ: Georgia approves new contract for Kirby Smart; Smart becomes college football’s highest paid coach

Harrison has long heard conversations about following in the footsteps of his father Marvin Harrison Sr. who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame spending 13 years with the Indianapolis Colts.

Marvin Harrison Jr. became the most decorated wide receiver in Ohio State history after joining Terry Glenn in 1995 as the only Buckeyes to win college football’s top award for a receiver, and the new NFL rookie also is the only two-time All-American receiver in school history.

Marvin Harrison Jr. has embraced the pressure on the biggest stages, like the College Football Playoff. Now at football’s highest level, he’s comfortable with working his way up.

“I mean, yeah, I have high standards for myself,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “But I’m just going to go in there and try to work the best I can. I just want to help the team win really, so. And whatever role I play come September I’m going to just do my best and do that role.”

Marvin Harrison Jr. said it’s “awesome” reuniting with former Buckeyes offensive tackle teammate Paris Johnson Jr., who the Cardinals selected No. 6 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former All-American wide receiver said it’s “kind of like two years in the making” as the two discussed the possibility of playing pro football together while at Ohio State.

“Hopefully when I score some touchdowns he raises me up in his arms like he used to do in college, so super excited to play with him,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “I mean, not only is he going to be a great teammate, but a great friend to have as well.”

READ: MAC Offensive Player of the Year Peny Boone to transfer to UCF

About he and his father’s reaction to April’s draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. said “I don’t think it’s hit both of us yet” that he was chosen No. 4 overall. He said there’s “no better role model, coach, mentor you could have” than his father when he grew up going down a similar path on the gridiron.

Arizona expects Marvin Harrison Jr. to be the team’s top receiver, and he expects to connect with former Oklahoma Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Kyler Murray. Marvin Harrison Jr., who was a Heisman finalist last season after catching 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns, said his work ethic that’s led him to the NFL will remain an integral part of his routine that could help him wind up in Canton.

“It’s just being a pro,” Marvin Harrison Jr. said. “It’s kind how I was raised and grew up to do, and I keep the same mindset, same attitude that I’ve had throughout my whole career, once I get here. Continue to work hard, be consistent and disciplined in all that I do, so looking forward to putting in the work.”

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The first round of this year’s draft begins tonight at 8 p.m. on ESPN and NFL Network, and 32 players will hear their names called in Detroit where thousands of fans are expected to attend.

READ: ‘Adversity teaches a man a lot about himself’: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. pens letter to NFL GMs in Players Tribune

READ: Florida State’s Braden Fiske motivated by ‘huge impact’ leading up to NFL Draft

Check out five takeaways from the 2024 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis where 321 players were invited to take part in workouts and measurements in front of NFL personnel.

The Chicago Bears will select first, and many reports have indicated USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams will be taken with the No. 1 overall selection.

Alabama’s Terrion Arnold drafted by Detroit Lions: “I’m going to help them win a Super Bowl”

Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, who was a First Team All-American last season, was picked No. 23 by the Detroit Lions, who traded up with the Dallas Cowboys.

Arnold tied atop the Southeastern Conference with 17 passes defended and five interceptions. The Tallahassee, Florida, native had 63 tackles to finish fifth on the Crimson Tide in 2023.

UCLA’s Laiatu Latu is first defensive player picked; record 14 offensive players taken to start draft

A record-breaking 14 offensive players were taken to start the draft. The previous record was seven in 2021.

UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu became the first player on defense to be drafted when he was chosen No. 15 by the Indianapolis Colts.

Latu won the 2023 Lombardi Trophy given to the top offensive lineman/tight end or defensive lineman/linebacker in college football. He led the NCAA with an average of 1.8 tackles for loss per game and fourth with 1.08 sacks per game. Latu had 13 sacks last season, most by a Bruin since Anthony Barr in 2012.

Five quarterbacks picked in top 10 for first time in NFL history

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy went No. 10 overall to the Minnesota Vikings, who traded up one spot with the New York Jets according to multiple reports.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, this year marks the first time in NFL history that five quarterbacks were picked in the top-10 selections of the draft.

And according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, it’s the first time since 1983 that the first round has featured six quarterbacks taken by teams.

Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. goes No. 8 to Atlanta; Daniels and Nabers make history

Four quarterbacks were selected among the top-eight picks.

Washington gunslinger Michael Penix Jr. heard his name called at No. 8 by the Atlanta Falcons, who signed former Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract this offseason.

Penix led college football with 4,903 passing yards and finished second in the Heisman voting.

According to the SEC Network, Daniels and Nabers are the first quarterback-wide receiver duo to be selected in the top-10 picks of the NFL Draft.

Jim Harbaugh takes Notre Dame’s Joe Alt with first pick with Los Angeles Chargers

Amid plenty of rumors about trading back, former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt with the No. 5 pick.

Alt was a captain at Notre Dame and consensus All-American in 2023. He departs the Fighting Irish with over two dozen starts in his career.

Quarterbacks go Nos. 1-2-3

The last time quarterbacks were chosen with the first three picks of the draft was 2021.

Williams, LSU‘s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina‘s Drake Maye were picked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 to begin the 2024 NFL Draft.

On stage, Harrison said he aims to “work as hard as I can to be the best player I can be” in the NFL. Cardinals quarterback Kyle Murray posted on X “LET’S ROCK!”

Heisman Trophy winners go No. 1-2

The Chicago Bears chose Williams at No. 1 overall and the Washington Commanders took Daniels, who won the Heisman in 2023, with the second pick of the first round.

Daniels said on stage at the draft after he was selected that he was “pretty confident” the Commanders would pick him at No. 2, and he said “Washington is going to get everything out of me.”

Marvin Harrison Jr. will soon realize his childhood dream

The 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner and Ohio State wide receiver capped a decorated college career last fall, and now Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to make a name for himself.

He’s grown up as the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr. After catching 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns across three seasons with the Buckeyes, Marvin Harrison Jr. will likely follow in his father’s footsteps as a first round NFL Draft pick.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is the only two-time All-American receiver in Ohio State history.

More than 150K fans are in Detroit

The crowd in Detroit is full of blue, and many in attendance are wearing jerseys from teams like the hometown Lions or rival Minnesota Vikings including some who are donning their college swag.

Maye is attending the draft. He’s reportedly expected to be among the first several gunslingers selected, perhaps as early as No. 3 to New England.

TRANSFER PORTAL: Read the latest regarding the transfer portal.

Follow here for real-time results and reaction from around the football community.

2024 NFL Draft results

1: Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Caleb Williams — USC

2: Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels — LSU

3: New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye — North Carolina

4: Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. — Ohio State

5: Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt — Notre Dame

6: New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers — LSU

7: Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham — Alabama

8: Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr. — Washington

9: Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze — Washington

10: Minnesota Vikings via trade with New York Jets: QB J.J. McCarthy — Michigan

11: New York Jets via trade with Minnesota Vikings: OT Olu Fashanu — Penn State

12: Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix — Oregon

13: Las Vegas Raiders: TE Brock Bowers — Georgia

14: New Orleans Saints: OT Taliese Fuaga — Oregon State

15: Indianapolis Colts: DE Laiatu Latu — UCLA

16: Seattle Seahawks: DL Byron Murphy II — Texas

17: Minnesota Vikings via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars: EDGE Dallas Turner — Alabama

18: Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims — Georgia

19: Los Angeles Rams: DE Jared Verse — Florida State

20: Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Troy Fautanu — Washington

21: Miami Dolphins: EDGE Chop Robinson — Penn State

22: Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell — Toledo

23: Jacksonville Jaguars via trade with Minnesota Vikings (from Cleveland through Houston): WR Brian Thomas Jr. — LSU

24: Detroit Lions via trade with Dallas Cowboys: CB Terrion Arnold — Alabama

25: Green Bay Packers: OT Jordan Morgan — Arizona

26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C Graham Barton — Duke

27: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): EDGE Darius Robinson — Missouri

28: Kansas City Chiefs via trade with Buffalo Bills: WR Xavier Worthy — Texas

29: Dallas Cowboys via trade with Detroit Lions: OT Tyler Guyton — Oklahoma

30: Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins — Clemson

31: San Francisco 49ers: WR Ricky Pearsall — Florida

32: Carolina Panthers via trade with Buffalo Bills via trade with Kansas City Chiefs: WR Xavier Legette — South Carolina

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The wait to see who the first wide receiver off the NFL Draft board will be is less than a month from being over.

And LSU’s Malik Nabers is eager to show to pro scouts and evaluators why he should be taken first. Nabers said he woke up at 5 a.m. Wednesday for Pro Day, and his preparation was the reason for his angst.

READ: Reports: NCAA Football Oversight Committee exploring coaching staff size changes

“I tried to go to sleep earlier but I kept thinking about the 40,” Nabers said. “I’d never ran it since high school. I started working on it three weeks ago. I had a little nudge going on. Just having that mind. I stated I never really knew my time was. I was just going out there and trying to be the best dog I can get.”

Nabers went out on the Tigers practice field and electrified the crowd on hand in Baton Rouge with a 4.35-second time on the 40-yard dash. For comparison, that would’ve been the No. 8 fastest at the NFL combine behind the record-breaking 4.21 clock set by Texas’ Xavier Worthy.

Nabers didn’t work out at the combine in Indianapolis. He opted to showcase his skills alongside Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels who also chose not to participate on the field at the combine.

Nabers leapt 42 inches on the vertical jump and repped 15 sets on the bench press at Pro Day. He also measured in at 6-foot 1/4 inches weighing 199 pounds.

“Not doing anything at the combine didn’t really stop anything. I’m Malik Nabers. I can only write the path for me,” Nabers said. “So just staying on my course, not getting too carried away with the media and what they say. Just being the guy that I am: a playmaker out there on the field. Whatever you want to see me do, I’m happy to do it and that’s really it.”

READ: NCAA President Charlie Baker advocates for removal of college sports prop betting

According to NFL.com and Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings, Nabers is No. 4 among all players entered in April’s upcoming draft.

He’ll be in close competition with other receivers such as Biletnikoff Award-winning Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. or First Team All-American Rome Odunze from Washington.

But wherever Nabers is selected, he’s focused on being the best receiver he can be.

“If I get picked 19th it’s not going to change the dog mentality that I have,” Nabers said. “I’m sure those other guys also, those guys that’s on the wall in the receiver room, they had that same mentality, that same chip, so to follow right behind that — I’m always going to be receiver 1 in my eyes so I’m going to always go out there and try to prove that.”

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This year, record-breaking runs and jumps took center stage, all the while spiral passes were aplenty and many an NFL executive likely left with new impressions on some of their future players. 

READ: Pitt WR Bub Means looks to gain momentum from NFL Combine

Widely projected No. 1 overall pick USC quarterback Caleb Williams was among the biggest talking points of the combine. Williams chose not to take part in measurements and on-field workouts, instead opting to share medical information with specific teams interested in drafting him, and he did take the podium for a media session. 

Also absent from the combine was Biletnikoff Award winner and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He’ll likely compete at the Buckeyes Pro Day on March 20. 

The NFL Draft is less than two months away beginning April 25 in Detroit. Here are five takeaways from this year’s combine. 

Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy breaks records. Could he climb the draft board? 

John Ross’ previous combine 40-yard dash record has been broken. 

It took Texas wide receiver Xaver Worthy two tries before he earned the crown of fastest 40 time in combine history. Worthy blazed his way to a 4.21 official time, topping Ross’ best by 0.01 seconds. 

So now, how does this affect Worthy’s draft positioning? According to Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft-eligible prospects, Worthy is No. 41 among top players expected to be taken in April’s NFL Draft. 

Ross went No. 9 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft. Worthy might not be selected that high while competing against other receivers such as Harrison, LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze for who takes WR1 this draft, but his 40-yard dash time will certainly draw interest from NFL teams. 

Worthy finished second in the Big 12 Conference with 1,014 receiving yards and third with 75 receptions. He added five touchdown receptions. 

Could a defensive back make a surprise early selection? 

Every year since the 2020 NFL Draft, a defensive back has been selected within the top 10 picks. 

READ: Texas WR Xavier Worthy breaks 40-yard dash record with 4.21 time at NFL Combine

According to Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50draft-eligible prospects, the highest ranked defensive back is Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 9. 

Arnold had a strong combine performance in Indianapolis. He scored a 90 on the production rating to place first among cornerbacks, according to NFL.com. 

Arnold ran a 4.5 40 and leapt to a 10-foot, nine-inch broad jump and 37-inch vertical. He led the Southeastern Conference with 17 passes defended and tied for first with five interceptions last season. 

Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins also impressed with his speed. He ran a 4.28 40, fastest among cornerbacks, but felt a pop in his groin and dealt with injury. 

Among other combine standouts in the secondary were Utah safety Cole Bishop and Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell. Bishop ran a 4.45 40, fifth-fastest among safeties, and Mitchell led with 20 reps on the bench press. 

Each year it seems a defensive back rises the draft board and hears his name called earlier than expected. The 2024 NFL Draft might not be much different for teams looking to upgrade their secondary. 

Which lineman saw his draft value rise most? 

Sometimes, the game is won in the trenches. 

Defensive linemen kicked off the combine on Thursday and offensive linemen wrapped up the event on Sunday. Plenty of players stood out along the line of scrimmage and during on-field workouts, leading to eyebrow-raising evaluations for some. 

Penn State tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu and Georgia’s Amarius Mims didn’t compete fully due to injuries. Fashanu suffered a right thigh injury, while Mims had a right hamstring injury, according to Stacey Dales of NFL Network. Both are projected to be among the top offensive linemen taken in the draft. 

READ: Alabama WR Jermaine Burton ready to ‘bring the same intensity and energy’ on Saturdays to NFL Combine

Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini might be one lineman who saw his value rise most. Bortolini ran a 4.94 40, which was the second-fastest time among offensive linemen, and his 99 athleticism score was first among centers according to NFL.com. 

Who might’ve rose most along the defensive line? Well, one wouldn’t have to look much further than the South. 

Florida State’s Braden Fiske and Texas’ Byron Murphy II clamored some of the most buzz on Day 1 of the combine. Both defensive tackles placed among the top-three at their position in the 40, running 4.87 or better, while Fiske led with a 33.5-inch vertical, 9-foot, nine-inch broad jump and 4.37 shuttle run. 

Murphy had top-five finishes in the 10-yard split, vertical and on the bench. The DeSoto, Texas, native had 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season. 

For teams looking to take an anchor along the line this draft, they’ll have some viable options to choose from. 

Longhorns likely a strong combine winner 

Perhaps no other college program had a better combine than Texas. 

Murphy opened some eyes during defensive tackle drills, and his teammate and Outland Trophy winner T’Vondre Sweat was expected to lead in his group as well. 

Sweat ran a 5.27 40 with a 1.8-second 10-yard split, and he also jumped 26 inches on the vertical and 8-feet, 2-inches on the broad jump. His production score was fourth among defensive tackles according to NFL.com. 

READ: Arizona WR Jacob Cowing hopes to impress at NFL Combine

In addition to the defensive line standouts was Worthy, who broke the record for fastest 40 time with a 4.21 clock. 

Texas had 11 participants in the combine this year: Murphy, Sweat, Worthy, running backs Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson, wide receivers Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington, tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, offensive lineman Christian Jones, linebacker Jaylan Ford and defensive back Ryan Watts. 

The Longhorns went 12-2 last season and won the Big 12, advancing to their first College Football Playoff appearance under third-year head coach Steve Sarkisian. They’ll return quarterback Quinn Ewers for his senior season. 

According to Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft-eligible prospects, Murphy is the highest projected at No. 22. Mitchell is close behind at No. 33. 

All eyes are on USC’s Caleb Williams and LSU’s Jayden Daniels 

The combine this year didn’t get to see a pair of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks throw on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

But the beat goes on. 2022 Heisman winner Williams will have the chance to throw at the Trojans’ Pro Day on March 20, and LSU quarterback and last season’s Heisman recipient Jayden Daniels will throw at his Pro Day on March 27. 

Williams said it was a team decision for him not to take part in measurements and on-field workouts, and Daniels spoke similarly while both met with numerous NFL teams. 

Williams is No. 1 and Daniels is No. 6 — one spot behind North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye at No. 5 — according to Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 draft-eligible prospects list. 

READ: Oregon State WR Anthony Gould wants to ‘give the scouts a reason to cut up my tape’ at NFL Combine

The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the draft, and they have an interesting situation to address with starter Justin Fields. The Bears have been tied to Williams plenty this draft cycle, while rumors swirl about Daniels being picked as early as No. 2 to the Washington Commanders or No. 3 to the New England Patriots. 

Much is left to be determined between now and the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both Williams and Daniels will throw at their pro days and continue to meet with NFL teams. 

But the race for the No. 1 pick is on. 

The post 5 takeaways from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine  appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The NFL announced Tuesday that 321 players were invited to the Combine taking place Feb. 26-March 4.

READ: UCLA names DeShaun Foster next head coach

Seventy-nine teams will be represented at the Combine this year.

Michigan had a Combine-record 18 players invited this year. Among the Wolverines who were invited include quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum and defensive lineman Kris Jenkins.

Heisman Trophy-winning LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will be among the gunslingers taking part in drills. Fellow Heisman finalists Marvin Harrison Jr., Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. will also be in attendance at the Combine, as well as 2022 Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

READ: Full List: Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers college football alumni in Super Bowl LVIII

Here is the full list of 321 college football players invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine sorted by position.

Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels, LSU

Sam Hartman, Notre Dame

Devin Leary, Kentucky

Drake Maye, North Carolina

J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Joe Milton III, Tennessee

Bo Nix, Oregon

Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Michael Pratt, Tulane

Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

Kedon Slovis, BYU

Jordan Travis, Florida State

Caleb Williams, USC

Running backs

Rasheen Ali, Marshall

Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Emani Bailey, TCU

Trey Benson, Florida State

Jonathon Brooks, Texas

Blake Corum, Michigan

Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State

Ray Davis, Kentucky

Daijun Edwards, Georgia

Audric Estimé, Notre Dame

Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi

Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

George Holani, Boise State

Bucky Irving, Oregon

Dillon Johnson, Washington

Jawhar Jordan, Louisville

Dylan Laube, New Hampshire

MarShawn Lloyd, USC

Jase McClellan, Alabama

Kendall Milton, Georgia

Keilan Robinson, Texas

Cody Schrader, Missouri

Will Shipley, Clemson

Jaden Shirden, Monmouth

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue

Kimani Vidal, Troy

Michael Wiley, Arizona

Miyan Williams, Ohio State

Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Wide receivers

Javon Baker, UCF

Jermaine Burton, Alabama

Jalen Coker, Holy Cross

Keon Coleman, Florida State

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Jacob Cowing, Arizona

Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Anthony Gould, Oregon State

Lideatrick Griffin, Mississippi State

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane

Cornelius Johnson, Michigan

Xavier Legette, South Carolina

Luke McCaffrey, Rice

Ladd McConkey, Georgia

Jalen McMillan, Washington

Bub Means, Pittsburgh

Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Malik Nabers, LSU

Rome Odunze, Washington

Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington

Brenden Rice, USC

Tayvion Robinson, Kentucky

Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia

Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Devaughn Vele, Utah

Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Malik Washington, Virginia

Tahj Washington, USC

Xavier Weaver, Colorado

Jordan Whittington, Texas

Isaiah Williams, Illinois

Johnny Wilson, Florida State

Roman Wilson, Michigan

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Tight ends

Erick All, Iowa

AJ Barner, Michigan

Jaheim Bell, Florida State

Brock Bowers, Georgia

Devin Culp, Washington

Dallin Holker, Colorado State

Theo Johnson, Penn State

Trey Knox, South Carolina

Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

Tip Reiman, Illinois

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas

Ben Sinnott, Kansas State

Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota

Cade Stover, Ohio State

Jack Westover, Washington

Jared Wiley, TCU

Offensive linemen

Isaiah Adams, Illinois

Joe Alt, Notre Dame

Kiran Amegadjie, Yale

Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland

Karsen Barnhart, Michigan

Graham Barton, Duke

Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

Keaton Bills, Utah

Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin

Javion Cohen, Miami

Andrew Coker, TCU

Brandon Coleman, TCU

Frank Crum, Wyoming

Anim Dankwah, Howard

Ethan Driskell, Marshall

Kingsley Eguakun, Florida

Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky

Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

Troy Fautanu, Washington

Blake Fisher, Notre Dame

Jeremy Flax, Kentucky

Javon Foster, Missouri

Zach Frazier, West Virginia

Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

X’Zauvea Gadlin, Liberty

Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina

Delmar Glaze, Maryland

Matt Goncalves, Pittsburgh

Tylan Grable, UCF

Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State

Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma

C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross

Christian Haynes, Connecticut

LaDarius Henderson, Michigan

Christian Jones, Texas

Matthew Jones, Ohio State

Trente Jones, Michigan

Trevor Keegan, Michigan

Jarrett Kingston, USC

Brady Latham, Arkansas

JC Latham, Alabama

Sataoa Laumea, Utah

Matt Lee, Miami

KT Leveston Jr., Kansas State

Beaux Limmer, Arkansas

Christian Mahogany, Boston College

Mason McCormick, South Dakota State

Dylan McMahon, N.C. State

Amarius Mims, Georgia

Jacob Monk, Duke

Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Hunter Nourzad, Penn State

Drake Nugent, Michigan

Patrick Paul, Houston

Julian Pearl, Illinois

Prince Pines, Tulane

Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Dominick Puni, Kansas

Andrew Raym, Oklahoma

Layden Robinson, Texas A&M

Roger Rosengarten, Washington

Walter Rouse, Oklahoma

Nick Samac, Michigan State

Kingsley Suamataia, BYU

Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State

Nathan Thomas, Louisiana

Charles Turner III, LSU

Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Georgia

Caedan Wallace, Penn State

Zak Zinter, Michigan

Defensive linemen

Austin Booker, Kansas

Solomon Byrd, USC

DeWayne Carter, Duke

Nelson Ceaser, Houston

Myles Cole, Texas Tech

Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

Tyler Davis, Clemson

Brandon Dorlus, Oregon

Justin Eboigbe, Alabama

Jonah Elliss, Utah

Braden Fiske, Florida State

Gabe Hall, Baylor

Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

Jaylen Harrell, Michigan

Marcus Harris, Auburn

Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian

Adisa Isaac, Penn State

Brennan Jackson, Washington State

McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M

Javontae Jean-Baptiste, Notre Dame

Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas

Jordan Jefferson, LSU

Kris Jenkins, Michigan

Cedric Johnson, Mississippi

Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State

Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

Laiatu Latu, UCLA

Logan Lee, Iowa

Zion Logue, Georgia

Fabien Lovett Sr., Florida State

Braiden McGregor, Michigan

Byron Murphy II, Texas

Myles Murphy, North Carolina

Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Charlotte

Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson

Keith Randolph Jr., Illinois

Chop Robinson, Penn State

Darius Robinson, Missouri

Justin Rogers, Auburn

Maason Smith, LSU

Javon Solomon, Troy

T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

Leonard Taylor III, Miami

Xavier Thomas, Clemson

Bralen Trice, Washington

David Ugwoegbu, Houston

Jared Verse, Florida State

Eric Watts, Connecticut

Mekhi Wingo, LSU

Linebackers

Michael Barrett, Michigan

JD Bertrand, Notre Dame

Tatum Bethune, Florida State

Chris Braswell, Alabama

Aaron Casey, Indiana

Steele Chambers, Ohio State

Junior Colson, Michigan

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Kalen DeLoach, Florida State

Khalid Duke, Kansas State

Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State

Jaylan Ford, Texas

Easton Gibbs, Wyoming

Cedric Gray, North Carolina

Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri

Jontrey Hunter, Georgia State

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

Tyrice Knight, UTEP

Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

Jordan Magee, Temple

Darius Muasau, UCLA

Gabriel Murphy, UCLA

Maema Njongmeta, Wisconsin

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington

Dallas Turner, Alabama

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State

Payton Wilson, N.C. State

Defensive backs

Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri

Daijahn Anthony, Mississippi

Terrion Arnold, Alabama

Cole Bishop, Utah

Beau Brade, Maryland

Millard Bradford, TCU

Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Louisville

Javon Bullard, Georgia

Calen Bullock, USC

Jaylon Carlies, Missouri

Caelen Carson, Wake Forest

Ryan Cooper Jr., Oregon State

Cooper DeJean, Iowa

M.J. Devonshire, Pittsburgh

Marcellas Dial, South Carolina

Johnny Dixon, Penn State

Willie Drew, Virginia State

Renardo Green, Florida State

Kamal Hadden, Tennessee

Dominique Hampton, Washington

Myles Harden, South Dakota

Daequan Hardy, Penn State

Cam Hart, Notre Dame

Jaden Hicks, Washington State

Khyree Jackson, Oregon

DJ James, Auburn

Carlton Johnson, Fresno State

Isaiah Johnson, Syracuse

Elijah Jones, Boston College

Jarrian Jones, Florida State

Jaylen Key, Alabama

Kamren Kinchens, Miami

Kalen King, Penn State

Kamari Lassiter, Georgia

Dwight McGlothern, Arkansas

Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Patrick McMorris, Cal

Max Melton, Rutgers

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

Malik Mustapha, Wake Forest

Josh Newton, TCU

Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State

Tyler Owens, Texas Tech

Andru Phillips, Kentucky

Deantre Prince, Mississippi

Nehemiah Pritchett, Auburn

Josh Proctor, Ohio State

Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Decamerion Richardson, Mississippi State

Demani Richardson, Texas A&M

Christian Roland-Wallace, USC

Mike Sainristil, Michigan

Andre’ Sam, LSU

Jaylin Simpson, Auburn

Tykee Smith, Georgia

Chau Smith-Wade, Washington State

Tarheeb Still, Maryland

T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Texas Tech

Ro Torrence, Arizona State

Sione Vaki, Utah

Josh Wallace, Michigan

Ryan Watts, Texas

Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Evan Williams, Oregon

James Williams, Miami

Specialists

Joshua Karty, K, Stanford

Cam Little, K, Arkansas

Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri

Ryan Rehkow, P, BYU

Will Reichard, K, Alabama

Tory Taylor, P, Iowa

The post Full List: 321 players invited to 2024 NFL Scouting Combine appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Harrison declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday announcing the decision on social media.

READ: Texas QB Quinn Ewers to return in 2024

Harrison won college football’s top honor for a wide receiver after posting a Big Ten-best 1,211 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Harrison was named a unanimous All-American in both 2022-23, becoming the first Buckeyes receiver to achieve such a feat.

Harrison was a Heisman Trophy finalist this season. It marked the sixth-straight year an Ohio State Buckeye was named a finalist.

PODCAST: What Nick Saban’s Retirement Will Reveal About Alabama

In his three-year Buckeyes career, Harrison caught 2,613 yards and 31 touchdowns. He broke out in his first-career start during the Rose Bowl in 2021 when he caught three touchdowns against Utah.

His Ohio State career included two appearances on the First Team All-Big Ten. Harrison is widely viewed as a lock to become a first round draft pick, and some even see him being selected among the top five picks.

The post Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. declares for NFL Draft appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The New Year’s Six bowl games kicked off beginning Friday with the Cotton Bowl Classic between No. 7 Ohio State and No. 9 Missouri. The Tigers have 11 wins for the first time since 2014 after beating the Buckeyes 14-3.

READ: No. 6 Georgia claims Orange Bowl victory over No. 5 Florida State

Friday night meant the start for the New Year’s Six, and it continued Saturday with the Peach Bowl and Orange Bowl games.

No. 11 Ole Miss contested No. 10 Penn State in the Peach Bowl, beating the Nittany Lions 38-25, and No. 6 Georgia blew out No. 5 Florida State 63-3 later Saturday afternoon.

Finally, New Year’s Day will present three New Year’s Six bowl games with two being College Football Playoff semifinal games. The Fiesta Bowl will start the day between No. 23 Liberty and No. 8 Oregon, and the CFP matchups are Michigan-Alabama and Washington-Texas. 

Here are three questions entering the CFP semifinals.

Can Michigan, Washington maintain their higher seeded positions?

Both the Wolverines and Huskies achieved their highest rankings in the CFP era going into the Playoff.

And now, they’re expected to advance and play one another in the CFP National Championship.

But that won’t be an easy task for either team. Both Michigan, going against 11-1 Alabama, and Washington, which plays Big 12 Conference champion Texas, have their hands full.

Michigan will have to keep up with the Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, and the Wolverines will have to battle a decorated program for a chance at their first win in the CFP.

READ: Jaxson Dart throws 3 TDs, No. 11 Ole Miss routs No. 10 Penn State 38-25 in Peach Bowl

Perhaps the most intriguing game of the CFP this season will be in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Washington is making its second trip to the CFP while Texas made its first. Both teams won their conference championships, and the Longhorns enter with one loss coming Week 6 to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry.

Both Washington and Texas will compete in the Sugar Bowl with stellar quarterback play. Michael Penix Jr. was a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing runner-up to LSU’s Jayden Daniels, and Quinn Ewers owns a win over CFP rival Alabama and leads the Big 12 Conference with a 70.7% completion.

Penix and Ewers both have taken different paths to get where they are today. Both began in the Big Ten as members of Indiana and Ohio State, respectively, and transferred out for greater opportunity.

It turned into trips to the CFP for Penix and Ewers. Now, both will have a chance at ultimate achievement with a trip to the national championship on the line.

If Washington wins, it’ll compete for its first national title since 1991, and a Texas win would give the Longhorns their first shot at a national championship since 2009.

Can No. 4 Alabama use Saban magic and get past No. 1 Michigan?

The Crimson Tide pulled off the unthinkable and won the SEC Championship following their 27-24 win over No. 6 Georgia, ending the Bulldogs’ 29-game winning streak.

It rewarded Alabama with the No. 4 spot in the CFP over No. 5 Florida State, which became the first Power Five program to go unbeaten as a conference champion and miss the Playoff.

Saban and the Crimson Tide won the CFP National Championship the last time they played in the semifinal at the Rose Bowl.

Saban and Alabama also hold a 3-2 edge over Michigan in their all-time series having won the past two meetings, including a 35-16 win in the Citrus Bowl at the end of the 2019 season.

But Michigan is different this time around. The Wolverines have navigated a season of adversity seeing their head coach suspended for six games during the regular season due to recruiting violations and for the in-person scouting operation which resulted in a suspension from the Big Ten Conference.

The Wolverines enter the Rose Bowl with the No. 1 scoring defense in college football. They’ve held opponents to 9.46 points per game this season; Alabama has scored at least 17 points in every game this year.

READ: No. 9 Missouri prevails 14-3 over No. 7 Ohio State in Cotton Bowl defensive slugfest

Alabama also will enter with Jalen Milroe riding his hot hand. Milroe has thrown 10 touchdowns over the past four games, and he averages 226.5 passing yards per game.

Where the test will remain is in the trenches. Michigan running back Blake Corum leads the NCAA with 24 rushing touchdowns, and Alabama holds the No. 46 rushing offense averaging 172.7 yards per game.

So in Alabama and Michigan’s latest meeting, a trip to the CFP National Championship is on the line. The Crimson Tide last made it in 2021, and Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines are looking to make their first appearance in the title game behind their first CFP win.

Which team makes the biggest statement?

Bowl season can be impacted by plater opt outs and the transfer portal, and this time around that case still stands.

Players such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Caleb Williams and Jared Verse haven’t played in their teams’ bowl games to preserve their health and focus toward the 2024 NFL Draft. Others, such as Ohio State’s Kyle McCord and Texas’ Maalik Murphy, have already transferred out of their previous programs.

READ: Reports: Buffalo to hire Dave Patenaude as next offensive coordinator

So that leaves teams to turn toward younger players to flex the depth of their rosters. Freshmen who haven’t gotten full games’ worth of playing time or third- and fourth-string players sliding up the depth chart are among the groups that could see increased playing time.

Not only is bowl season about building momentum toward the next season but it’s also about ending the current one on a high note. Teams such as Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Oregon all had disappointing ends to their regular seasons — and in the case of the Seminoles, they missed the CFP.

But those teams still had a chance to end their seasons on a high note. In the case of the teams involved in the CFP, they can still add hardware to their mantles, and it all begins Monday in the Rose Bowl at 5 p.m. between Alabama and Michigan.

The post 3 questions before College Football Playoff begins appeared first on Saturday Glory.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was named to the First Team Offense after recording a 208.01 passing efficiency rating, the highest in Football Bowl Subdivision history. Daniels also had 50 total touchdowns and threw for 40 of them.

READ: Reports: QB Aidan Chiles transfers to Michigan State

Daniels is joined by Biletnikoff Award-winning wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State. Harrison finished fourth in the Heisman voting after bringing in 1,211 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns.

Here are the full AFCA Coaches’ All-America Teams.

First Team

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

RB Blake Corum, Michigan

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

WR Malik Nabers, LSU

TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

OL Joe Alt, Notre Dame

OL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

OC Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

OL Zak Zinter, Michigan

OL Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State

DL Jared Verse, Florida State

DL T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

DL Laiatu Latu, UCLA

DL Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

LB Dallas Turner, Alabama

LB Payton Wilson, NC State

LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa

DB Trey Taylor, Air Force

DB Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

DB Malaki Starks, Georgia

P Tory Taylor, Iowa

PK Graham Nicholson, Miami (OH)

AP Travis Hunter, Colorado

LS James Rosenberry Jr., Florida State

Second Team

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

RB Cody Schrader, Missouri

RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

WR Malik Washington, Virginia

WR Rome Odunze, Washington

TE Dallin Hooker, Colorado State

OL Graham Barton, Duke

OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

OC Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia

OL Troy Fautanu, Washington

OL Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

DL Jalen Green, James Madison

DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan

DL JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

DL Jonah Elliss, Utah

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson

LB Jay Higgins, Iowa

LB Trey Moore, UTSA

DB Terrion Arnold, Alabama

DB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

DB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

DB Beanie Bishop Jr., West Virginia

P James Ferguson-Reynolds, Boise State

PK Jose Pizano, UNLV

AP Xavier Worthy, Texas

LS Joe Shimko, NC State

The post AFCA names 2023 Coaches’ All-America teams appeared first on Saturday Glory.

LSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels earned First Team All-America honors after accounting for 50 touchdowns, 3,812 passing yards and 1,134 rushing yards. 

A panel of 18 AP Top-25 voters rounded out the three All-America teams, according to the AP. 

There were seven players in either their fifth or sixth season of college football to be selected to the AP All-America First Team. Eleven more made the second and third teams. 

Alabama had the most AP First Team All-Americans, and they each came on the defensive side of the ball. 

The Southeastern Conference also led with nine First Team selections, and the Big Ten followed with six. The Pac-12 had four First Team All-Americans, the Big 12 had three, there were two independents and the remaining conferences had one selection or less. 

Here are the full All-America teams. 

First Team 

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU 

RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State 

RB Cody Schrader, Missouri 

OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame 

OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State 

OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State 

OG Zak Zinter, Michigan 

OC Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon 

TE Brock Bowers, Georgia 

WR Malik Nabers, LSU 

WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State 

WR Rome Odunze, Washington 

AP Travis Hunter, Colorado 

K Graham Nicholson, Miami (OH) 

EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA 

EDGE Jalen Green, James Madison 

DL T’Vondre Sweat, Texas 

DL Jer’Zahn Newton, Illinois 

LB Payton Wilson, NC State 

LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M 

LB Dallas Turner, Alabama 

CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa 

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama 

SAF Malaki Starks, Georgia 

SAF Xavier Watts, Notre Dame 

DB Terrion Arnold, Alabama 

P Tory Taylor, Iowa 

Second Team 

QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington 

RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame 

RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina 

OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State 

OT JC Latham, Alabama 

OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia 

OG Clay Webb, Jacksonville State 

OC Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia 

TE Dallin Holker, Colorado State 

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon 

WR Malik Washington, Virginia 

WR Luther Burden III, Missouri 

AP Ashton Jeanty, Boise State 

K Jose Pizano, UNLV 

EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah 

EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State 

DL Byron Murphy II, Texas 

DL Howard Cross III, Notre Dame 

LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson 

LB Jason Henderson, Old Dominion 

LB Jay Higgins, Iowa 

CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

CB Beanie Bishop Jr., West Virginia 

SAF Tyler Nubin, Minnesota 

SAF Caleb Downs, Alabama 

DB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri 

P Matthew Hayball, Vanderbilt 

Third Team 

QB Bo Nix, Oregon 

RB Blake Corum, Michigan 

RB Kimani Vidal, Troy 

OT Javon Foster, Missouri 

OT Troy Fautanu, Washington 

OG Christian Haynes, UConn 

OG Luke Kandra, Cincinnati 

OC Zach Frazier, West Virginia 

TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State 

WR Ricky White, UNLV 

WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU 

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona 

AP Xavier Worthy, Texas 

K Will Reichard, Alabama 

EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State 

EDGE Bralen Trice, Washington 

DL Kris Jenkins, Michigan 

DL Braden Fiske, Florida State 

LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State 

LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington 

LB Danny Strutsman, Oklahoma 

CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin 

CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State 

SAF Trey Taylor, Air Force 

SAF Dillon Thieneman, Purdue 

DB Sebastian Casto, Iowa 

P James Ferguson-Reynolds, Boise State 

The post LSU’s Jayden Daniels headlines AP All-America teams appeared first on Saturday Glory.

Daniels joined former LSU halfback Billy Cannon in 1959 and quarterback Joe Burrow in 2019 as Heisman Trophy winners from the program.

READ: LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy

Daniels made sure to give thanks to those who came across his journey in life. He began his college football career at Arizona State in 2019, joining the Sun Devils as a four-star recruit according to Rivals.

Daniels navigated three seasons at Arizona State, compiling an 18-12 record while the Sun Devils went on to fire head coach Herm Edwards in the middle of the 2022 campaign — when Daniels had already arrived at LSU.

Daniels joined LSU head coach Brian Kelly in becoming part of the Tigers football program. Kelly took the reins as head coach, and Daniels was his quarterback.

Across two seasons at LSU, Daniels went 19-7 and compiled 6,725 passing yards, 57 touchdowns to seven interceptions, and he averaged 231.8 pass yards per game while in college.

READ: LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. among college football award winners

While standing on the Heisman stage in New York City on Saturday night, Daniels gave thanks to his family, the LSU coaching staff, members of Arizona State, former coaches and teammates, and his fellow Heisman finalists, Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.

Here is Daniels’ full Heisman accepttance speech.

“Thank you,” Daniels said. “This is a dream come true. I want to first give thanks to God for all the glory. He’s my rock, my savior. He blessed me with the talents and ability to get here. All the special people here to develop these skills.

“To Bo, Mike and Marvin, you guys are amazing. I enjoy watching, but the competition is never over. I look forward to seeing you guys on Sundays. I would like to start to think with a few things, thank you’s. I learned from previous winners the first lesson of becoming a great quarterback, you got to thank your O-line first. Thank you guys for getting me here today in one piece. I know it wasn’t easy. I scramble around a lot but you know I love you guys. I have so many coaches to thank.

“My high school coach Nick Rogers. He is here. Thank you for believing in a 14-year-old freshman to start on varsity. I probably weighed 140 pounds. I appreciate you. Taylor Kelly. Thank you for helping me elevate my game, taking me to new heights and the next level. I want to thank Herm Edwards, Marvin Lewis and Antonio Pierce. Thank you for your leadership and welcoming me when I was at ASU and thank you for giving me the keys to the program. To coach Kelly, coach Frank, coach (Mike) Denbrock and coach (Joe) Sloan and the rest of the LSU football staff. Thank you for trusting in me to lead your team. I learned so much from you guys. You took a kid from the West Coast and brought me back down to the bayou. I’m forever thankful. I want to thank to every single LSU fan for having my back. I never seen fans pouring their hearts into a team like LSU. I really wish I could have brought you back another championship, but that was my plan but you know God has other plans for me.

“It’s so hard. I want to thank all my teammates from Arizona State to LSU. You’re my brothers. You work so hard every day inspiring me to be my best. The truth is I will truly miss all you guys. Having future NFL players on my team makes my job look easy. You know, my receivers always say this: they’re like Waffle House, they’re always open.I also want to acknowledge all the unsung heroes of this game. Trainers to the nutritionists, equipment managers, groundskeepers, janitors, you know, security, everybody. Basically everyone who works behind the scenes to make sure our sport is the greatest on earth. I know sometimes it’s a thankless job so I want to say thank you.

“Finally, I would like to turn to my family. Dad, you know you put a football in my hands when I was young. I know you raised me to be a corner but hopefully now you see me playing quarterback. It paid off. You taught me how to play, lead and be calm no matter the situation, and I know I wouldn’t be on this stage if it wasn’t for you, so thank you. I love you. My rock, my momma. You were so nervous when I was playing my first high school game that you couldn’t watch my first high school touchdown. You closed your eyes. But after that you never took your eyes off the field. You always had my best interests at heart from day one, and you showed me that tough love when I needed it. You instilled in me the hardworking mentality thatgot me here and you always told me keep my eyes on the prize. You encouraged me to always bet on myself because you always believed in me no matter what. I graduated in three years because that’s something that you pushed me to do, and here now I’m on this stage and I love you mom. Thank you.

“I want to shout out one more person Sherman Wilson. He’s in the stands somehwere. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, bro. Pushing me no matter what. You might be annoying, but you know I love you dog. Being a college athlete and winning this award has been a dream come true. I want to dedicate this award to every boy and girl who has a dream. With faith and hard work you never know what’s possible.

“They said I was too skinny so I added weight. They said I relied on my legs a little bit too much so you know what? I went to work, completeed all those passes, had this season I had, so I thank everybody out there. And they said I was too quiet so I became more vocal. I stepped out of my comfort zone and now I’m here today. So what did I learn from all this? I learned how to block out the noise, that you can overcome any obstacle and just be humble, be Legendary and most importantly, be joyful about what you do. And when you get knocked down, get back up, keep smiling and never give up on your dreams. I want to end this special thank you to Greg Williams Jr. and his family. You gave me inspiration to continue on this journey of greatness and keep fighting. Thank you.”

The post LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels’ full Heisman Trophy acceptance speech appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The award given to the most outstanding player in college football in its 89th year, Daniels led the NCAA with 40 passing touchdowns and a 208.01 passing efficiency rating.

WATCH: Navy linebacker commit Dominic Purcell all over the field in state championship

Daniels and LSU went 9-3 this season. The fifth-year quarterback had at least 219 passing yards and a touchdown in all 12 games.

Daniels had 3,812 passing yards this season, third-most in college football and 1,134 rushing yards, the most by any quarterback and No. 22-most among ball-carriers this year.

Daniels was responsible for 50 touchdowns this season.

Some of Daniels’ standout moments from this season include his eight-touchdown performance, six passing and two rushing, against Georgia State in Week 12 and his five passing scores against Grambling State.

READ: LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. among college football award winners

Also, in Week 11, Daniels became the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history to both pass for at least 350 yards and rush for 250 when he threw for 372 yards and ran for 234 more against Florida.

Daniels became the third player from LSU to win the Heisman, joining Billy Cannon in 1959 and Joe Burrow in 2019.

The Heisman voting resulted in its closest finish since 2018, according to ESPN, and fellow finalists Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix and Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. rounded out the top-four in the voting.

The post LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy appeared first on Saturday Glory.

The 2023 College Football Awards were hosted by ESPN on Friday night, crowning and delivering postseason honors to more than a dozen recipients ranging from recognizing the top quarterback to community service.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels received the Davey O’Brien Award, given to the nation’s most outstanding quarterback. Daniels is a Heisman Trophy finalist — the winner is revealed on Saturday — after throwing for 40 touchdowns and receiving a 208.01 passing efficiency rating, both best in the NCAA.

WATCH: Navy linebacker commit Dominic Purcell all over the field in state championship

Daniels also took home the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. He’s likely to add more hardware to his mantle on Saturday along with fellow Heisman finalists Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.

Other honors on offense such as the Doak Walker Award, Biletnikoff Award and John Mackey Award went to Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, respectively.

READ: Iowa commit Jaylen Watson shines in state championship win

ESPN also took time to recognize the life of former Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, who passed away in December 2022.

Here is the full list of recipients.

Davey O’Brien Award: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

Bednarik Award: LB Payton Wilson, NC State

Biletnikoff Award: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Bronko Nagurski Trophy: SAF Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

Burlsworth Trophy: RB Cody Schrader, Missouri

Butkus Award: LB Payton Wilson, NC State

Broyles Award: Defensive coordinator and secondary coach Phil Parker, Iowa

Disney Spirit Award: OL Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan

Doak Walker Award: RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Home Depot Award: Head coach Kalen DeBoer, Washington

Jim Thorpe Award: DB Trey Taylor, Air Force

John Mackey Award: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia

Lou Garza Award: K Graham Nicholson, Miami (OH)

Maxwell Award: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Outland Trophy: DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

Ray Guy Award: P Tory Taylor, Iowa

Rimington Award: OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon

Taco Bell Live Mas Student Section of the Year: Ohio State

Walter Camp Player of the Year: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU

William V. Campbell Trophy: QB Bo Nix, Oregon

Wuerffel Trophy: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

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