Happy Texas Independence Day!
- Inside the 40 Acres
- 2 Replies
One of my favorite days of the year.
"Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision" - Sam Houston
"Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has blessed my vision" - Sam Houston
Patriotic College Football Helmets
- By cowpatty22
- Longhorn Sports
- 0 Replies
Patriotic College Football Concept Helmets
Patriotic College Football Concept Helmets For Every College Football Team.
"The Big 12 was fun - NOW we can show, that we can assert true dominance" - Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Inside the 40 Acres
- 7 Replies
Here is Jatavion Sanders' media interview at the 2024 NFL Combine:
Some rookie tight ends last season really shined, one being Michael Mayer. Is he a guy whose film you've studied or watched or a guy you have talked to?
Oh yeah, a little bit. I really tried to watch Sam LaPorta as well. You know, he made a name for himself and He showed why he was drafted where he was drafted and why he has so much success. He understand football, understand leverage, understands defense, and that's why he has success at the next level.
Regarding Mayer, is there anything you like about his game, or trying to pick from this game?
Yes, sir. Like I said, about Laporta, he understands defenses, understand leverage, and that's big at the next level cuz you know they like to disguise. A lot of things. So being able to understand football and understand defenses will help you have success.
What is it about the Texas offense that allowed you to double down in 2023 and have another good year?
Just we had that chip on our shoulder and one of our big things was culture. We played for one another and not, not playing for ourselves. Sark had a saying "team success brings individual success." So our teammates helped me get to where I'm at today. So I'm thankful for the teammates I had.
What does it say about the job Sark has done that 11 Longhorns are here this week?
Like I said, our culture is what helped us get here. If you look at our year one, we went from 5-7 to making it to the college football playoff, putting Texas back on the map. It's a great thing. Just playing for one another, going out there, dominating, having fun with our brothers, playing for one another.
What is the best advice that Sark has given you for today?
just going out there and being yourself, you know what I'm saying? You don't got to put on a fake face for nobody, going out there and be yourself will always be the best version.
Are you going to be doing all of your Drills and Tests in Indianapolis?
Oh yeah.
Which teams have you had a formal meeting with this weekend?
I think I had a lot of teams. I can't think of everybody, I had a lot though. Chiefs, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Chargers, Saints, Miami, a lot more.
Whats been some of the feedback from those teams?
They like my vertical passing ability, and they can see I can have success at the next level, but I definitely need to work on my run blocking game to be a true tight end at the next level for sure.
What was the meeting with the Dolphins like?
It was, it was great to meet Mike McDaniel. Like, you know how you see him on TV. He's a real cool guy, laid-back guy. He's like that in person, so it was a great experience meeting him and talking to him.
What do you think of their system and the tight end's role in that system?
I would love to be in there. I know what I would have to say if they would set me up for success. I would love to be at Miami Dolphins.
You could have been an edge rusher coming into college, but you chose to be a tight end. Why did you want to play on the offensive side of the ball?
Just being a part of Sark's offense, I knew he was going to set me up. For success one way or another and then, before he got the job, you know, he had a great national championship game. They dominated. So I just wanted to be a part of that offense.
Have you met with the Cowboys this week?
No, sir. I did not.
What's it like playing with quarterbacks that are NFL caliber, like Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning?
It was a great feeling, you know, they make, they make the hard throws look easy and I feel like Quinn's been doing that since high school. That's why he had so much success. And then Me and Quinn have been close since high school. So we've always had a true connection.
How was your meeting with the Chicago Bears?
I feel like it went pretty well. Great.
Is there anything that playing in Sark's offense helped you prepare for this jump?
Just being a part of his offense, you know, Tied into his offense. You got to do a little bit of everything. Run blocking, learning every concept from X, Z, Y, H, pass pro and run blocking. So it kind of helped me.
You talk about being selfless, how tough was it with so many weapons on that offense waiting your turn?
Guys like AD and X on the outside and a guy like Jonathan Brooks in the backfield, when your number gets called, you have to go out there and make your plays and play for one another. Do your job.
How did you approach that process? You know, you're open. You want to go back and let them know like, yo man, I need to rock.
So if I was, like, I was open on the play and Quinn missed me, I just, I wouldn't make a big deal. I'd just go back and tell him, like, "if he was to go back to this play, just keep an eye on me, keep me in your vision."
How would you describe your place speed and your catch radius?
I feel like that's one of, my strengths as a tight end and then my catch radius, I didn't have any drops this past season, so I feel like that's one of my strengths for sure.
Do you have a favorite route that you like and so why?
I'm probably just going to say a corner or a post 'cause I know if Quin puts it up, up top, I'm coming down with that for sure.
Who's the player on the Texas team, that people don't know too well right now, but the next year, if we could be talking to some of these leaders?
Johntay Cook actually. He had a dominant high school career, and when he gets his opportunity, I know he gonna go out there and make his plays for sure.
What kind of receivers does Johntay is Johntay? What have you seen in practice? Can you give us a scouting report?
I feel like he's a miniature Zay, you know what I'm saying? Getting to play under Zay his freshman year and just look at the things Zay did. I feel like that's how Sark's going to use him as well. He got the play speed. He got the catch radius. He got the hands. He has the IQ. He has the smartness, and all that.
Pick one, Xavier Worthy, You or Johntay Cook?
X for sure. X, he would blow both of us out of the water in my opinion.
What are you hoping to run in the forty yard dash?
Hopefully a low 4.6.
You had a big game against Alabama, what do you recall from that experience?
Just doing something nobody's done in 20 years, going to Tuscaloosa and beating them by double digits and just having the opportunity to do that and being the last team that will ever do that. So it was a great experience.
You lived in Texas your whole life, whats the best thing about Texas besides football?
Just our fans, you know, Playing at DKR, it gives you chills just running out that tunnel, hearing 105,000 people scream in the Texas fight song. It's just, it's an unreal experience.
So is there a TE in the league you emulate or model your game after?
Definitely. I try to emulate my game after Travis Kelce for sure. If you look at his film, he understands defenses, understands leverages and just understands coverages. It was why he has so much success at the next level. He's such a big matchup problem for opposing defense.
How do you feel you will present the defense as far as creating those matchups?
I feel like I can create mismatches everywhere, but I'm lined up on number one spot, hand in the ground. at the slide because I get a slower linebacker or a slower safety and I know I'm going to win for sure.
Can you explain the level of pride you take in blocking?
For me to be a true tight end at the next level I don't have a choice but to take pride in that so that's been one of my main focuses. Going on to the next level is working on my run block.
Do you like anything in particular about the wide zone?
Yes, sir Going out there better man handle somebody, it's just make you feel good about yourself.
You always wanted to play offense, but you were recruited on both sides of the ball - when did you know defense wasn't what you wanted?
Once Sark gott the job, you know, I'm saying like I said earlier, I was too big to play receiver in his offense, but just big enough to play tight end. So I knew I was going to be TE for sure.
A lot of good places to eat in Austin. What's your favorite?
Oooh I gotta say Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. For sure. One of the best steaks I've ever had in my life.
You mentioned the need to improve in run blocking. Is there a specific aspect of that that, that maybe is giving you problems or something that you're working on in particular?
It kind of all plays into one, you know, hand placement, footwork. You know, you take different footwork for different defensive techniques, where it's a 9 tech, 7 tech, 6 tech. So, I feel like that all plays a part. Working on small parts at a time, helped me overall.
How have you seen Arch kind of grow up in the year that he's been on campus?
No doubt. Arch came on the campus like a Manning, you know what I'm saying? He came in with the mindset of a Manning. He's been dominant since he came in. Had a great, had a great fall camp. I can't wait to see what he's going to do in the future.
You mentioned enjoying meeting Mike McDaniel. Who else have you met with here that's just been like one or two fun conversations you've had?
Andy Reid and Nick Sirianni, for sure.
What about those two that stuck out to you?
Andy Reid's a funny guy. He's a cool down-to-earth guy just like Sirianni. They understand football and I feel like they understand me as well.
You practiced against Texas every single day. Who is the best defensive back as far as coverage goes?
I'm gonna say none of them. I dominate all of them. But they know it's all love though. They know it's all love.
How's your meeting with the Bears go?
I feel like it went pretty great. I feel like they love me. They feel like they see potential in me, for sure.
What would you think about working with Caleb Williams if he's drafted there?
I feel like I would be his number one target if we were playing on the same team. He likes big boy targets. I know he gonna throw it up to me where only I can get it.
Have you had any formal meetings with the Pittsburgh Steelers?
No, sir, I did not.
I'm just starting to break into your film, this cycle here. What is one game I should look to that kind of best describes you as a player and why?
Baylor, for sure. I feel like that was my best overall complete game throughout the season.
What was it like playing in the Big 12 in the last few years? What do you think Texas is out there against the SEC as they move forward?
It was fun playing in the Big 12. Big 12 is one of those conferences where anybody can beat anybody. And I'm glad Texas and OU are going to the SEC. Now we can show, that we can assert true dominance.
What's it like being here with 10 other Longhorns?
It's a great feeling, you know, just going through one hell of a season with our teammates and then just experiencing all our success together. It's a great feeling, you know, coming in with Jonathan Brooks and Byron Murphy from day one, our freshman classes. Just seeing us, our development, our growth together. It's just an amazing feeling.
What is it about the defensive mentality that made you a better Tight End?
Honestly, I've always, I always feel like I've been just a better Offensive player and then as defensive player. I was just an athlete in high school who just rushed to passer. All I did was just bull rush people or just spin-move-off people. I think just the understanding of how defensive ends play and help you make, become a better tight end for sure.
When did you know that you were going to leave Texas for the year? Was there a moment or a point where you knew that this was the end of your college career?
Not really. It really came down to the last minute for me. I was just praying to God and talking to my family about it after the loss to Washington. I was just Talking to my parents about it, and ultimately we just came to the decision that it would be best for me and my family for the future.
Was it important for that Washington game to like, maybe take some time and, you know, take a step back and not make a decision based on emotion?
Yes sir, that's what I said, it took it to the last minute for sure.
You mentioned Nick Sirianni, did you meet with the Eagles and did you take, we had some other guys say they took jump shots and shot some basketball, did you do anything like that?
Oh yeah, I did, I went two for three,
Who have you reached out to or has reached out to you in this process that's been really helpful, whether it's Texas alum or, or other players that have helped you?
Former teammates like the DeMarvion Overshownm Bijan Robinson, Keondre Colburn. Just asking them for guidance. They, they've been through this, the same thing, just asking them for advice and understanding.
What did Bijan have to tell you?
He said, just grind, bro. You know what I'm saying? It's gonna be, it's gonna be a hassle the first couple of days, but the fun part will come eventually.
Some rookie tight ends last season really shined, one being Michael Mayer. Is he a guy whose film you've studied or watched or a guy you have talked to?
Oh yeah, a little bit. I really tried to watch Sam LaPorta as well. You know, he made a name for himself and He showed why he was drafted where he was drafted and why he has so much success. He understand football, understand leverage, understands defense, and that's why he has success at the next level.
Regarding Mayer, is there anything you like about his game, or trying to pick from this game?
Yes, sir. Like I said, about Laporta, he understands defenses, understand leverage, and that's big at the next level cuz you know they like to disguise. A lot of things. So being able to understand football and understand defenses will help you have success.
What is it about the Texas offense that allowed you to double down in 2023 and have another good year?
Just we had that chip on our shoulder and one of our big things was culture. We played for one another and not, not playing for ourselves. Sark had a saying "team success brings individual success." So our teammates helped me get to where I'm at today. So I'm thankful for the teammates I had.
What does it say about the job Sark has done that 11 Longhorns are here this week?
Like I said, our culture is what helped us get here. If you look at our year one, we went from 5-7 to making it to the college football playoff, putting Texas back on the map. It's a great thing. Just playing for one another, going out there, dominating, having fun with our brothers, playing for one another.
What is the best advice that Sark has given you for today?
just going out there and being yourself, you know what I'm saying? You don't got to put on a fake face for nobody, going out there and be yourself will always be the best version.
Are you going to be doing all of your Drills and Tests in Indianapolis?
Oh yeah.
Which teams have you had a formal meeting with this weekend?
I think I had a lot of teams. I can't think of everybody, I had a lot though. Chiefs, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Chargers, Saints, Miami, a lot more.
Whats been some of the feedback from those teams?
They like my vertical passing ability, and they can see I can have success at the next level, but I definitely need to work on my run blocking game to be a true tight end at the next level for sure.
What was the meeting with the Dolphins like?
It was, it was great to meet Mike McDaniel. Like, you know how you see him on TV. He's a real cool guy, laid-back guy. He's like that in person, so it was a great experience meeting him and talking to him.
What do you think of their system and the tight end's role in that system?
I would love to be in there. I know what I would have to say if they would set me up for success. I would love to be at Miami Dolphins.
You could have been an edge rusher coming into college, but you chose to be a tight end. Why did you want to play on the offensive side of the ball?
Just being a part of Sark's offense, I knew he was going to set me up. For success one way or another and then, before he got the job, you know, he had a great national championship game. They dominated. So I just wanted to be a part of that offense.
Have you met with the Cowboys this week?
No, sir. I did not.
What's it like playing with quarterbacks that are NFL caliber, like Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning?
It was a great feeling, you know, they make, they make the hard throws look easy and I feel like Quinn's been doing that since high school. That's why he had so much success. And then Me and Quinn have been close since high school. So we've always had a true connection.
How was your meeting with the Chicago Bears?
I feel like it went pretty well. Great.
Is there anything that playing in Sark's offense helped you prepare for this jump?
Just being a part of his offense, you know, Tied into his offense. You got to do a little bit of everything. Run blocking, learning every concept from X, Z, Y, H, pass pro and run blocking. So it kind of helped me.
You talk about being selfless, how tough was it with so many weapons on that offense waiting your turn?
Guys like AD and X on the outside and a guy like Jonathan Brooks in the backfield, when your number gets called, you have to go out there and make your plays and play for one another. Do your job.
How did you approach that process? You know, you're open. You want to go back and let them know like, yo man, I need to rock.
So if I was, like, I was open on the play and Quinn missed me, I just, I wouldn't make a big deal. I'd just go back and tell him, like, "if he was to go back to this play, just keep an eye on me, keep me in your vision."
How would you describe your place speed and your catch radius?
I feel like that's one of, my strengths as a tight end and then my catch radius, I didn't have any drops this past season, so I feel like that's one of my strengths for sure.
Do you have a favorite route that you like and so why?
I'm probably just going to say a corner or a post 'cause I know if Quin puts it up, up top, I'm coming down with that for sure.
Who's the player on the Texas team, that people don't know too well right now, but the next year, if we could be talking to some of these leaders?
Johntay Cook actually. He had a dominant high school career, and when he gets his opportunity, I know he gonna go out there and make his plays for sure.
What kind of receivers does Johntay is Johntay? What have you seen in practice? Can you give us a scouting report?
I feel like he's a miniature Zay, you know what I'm saying? Getting to play under Zay his freshman year and just look at the things Zay did. I feel like that's how Sark's going to use him as well. He got the play speed. He got the catch radius. He got the hands. He has the IQ. He has the smartness, and all that.
Pick one, Xavier Worthy, You or Johntay Cook?
X for sure. X, he would blow both of us out of the water in my opinion.
What are you hoping to run in the forty yard dash?
Hopefully a low 4.6.
You had a big game against Alabama, what do you recall from that experience?
Just doing something nobody's done in 20 years, going to Tuscaloosa and beating them by double digits and just having the opportunity to do that and being the last team that will ever do that. So it was a great experience.
You lived in Texas your whole life, whats the best thing about Texas besides football?
Just our fans, you know, Playing at DKR, it gives you chills just running out that tunnel, hearing 105,000 people scream in the Texas fight song. It's just, it's an unreal experience.
So is there a TE in the league you emulate or model your game after?
Definitely. I try to emulate my game after Travis Kelce for sure. If you look at his film, he understands defenses, understands leverages and just understands coverages. It was why he has so much success at the next level. He's such a big matchup problem for opposing defense.
How do you feel you will present the defense as far as creating those matchups?
I feel like I can create mismatches everywhere, but I'm lined up on number one spot, hand in the ground. at the slide because I get a slower linebacker or a slower safety and I know I'm going to win for sure.
Can you explain the level of pride you take in blocking?
For me to be a true tight end at the next level I don't have a choice but to take pride in that so that's been one of my main focuses. Going on to the next level is working on my run block.
Do you like anything in particular about the wide zone?
Yes, sir Going out there better man handle somebody, it's just make you feel good about yourself.
You always wanted to play offense, but you were recruited on both sides of the ball - when did you know defense wasn't what you wanted?
Once Sark gott the job, you know, I'm saying like I said earlier, I was too big to play receiver in his offense, but just big enough to play tight end. So I knew I was going to be TE for sure.
A lot of good places to eat in Austin. What's your favorite?
Oooh I gotta say Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. For sure. One of the best steaks I've ever had in my life.
You mentioned the need to improve in run blocking. Is there a specific aspect of that that, that maybe is giving you problems or something that you're working on in particular?
It kind of all plays into one, you know, hand placement, footwork. You know, you take different footwork for different defensive techniques, where it's a 9 tech, 7 tech, 6 tech. So, I feel like that all plays a part. Working on small parts at a time, helped me overall.
How have you seen Arch kind of grow up in the year that he's been on campus?
No doubt. Arch came on the campus like a Manning, you know what I'm saying? He came in with the mindset of a Manning. He's been dominant since he came in. Had a great, had a great fall camp. I can't wait to see what he's going to do in the future.
You mentioned enjoying meeting Mike McDaniel. Who else have you met with here that's just been like one or two fun conversations you've had?
Andy Reid and Nick Sirianni, for sure.
What about those two that stuck out to you?
Andy Reid's a funny guy. He's a cool down-to-earth guy just like Sirianni. They understand football and I feel like they understand me as well.
You practiced against Texas every single day. Who is the best defensive back as far as coverage goes?
I'm gonna say none of them. I dominate all of them. But they know it's all love though. They know it's all love.
How's your meeting with the Bears go?
I feel like it went pretty great. I feel like they love me. They feel like they see potential in me, for sure.
What would you think about working with Caleb Williams if he's drafted there?
I feel like I would be his number one target if we were playing on the same team. He likes big boy targets. I know he gonna throw it up to me where only I can get it.
Have you had any formal meetings with the Pittsburgh Steelers?
No, sir, I did not.
I'm just starting to break into your film, this cycle here. What is one game I should look to that kind of best describes you as a player and why?
Baylor, for sure. I feel like that was my best overall complete game throughout the season.
What was it like playing in the Big 12 in the last few years? What do you think Texas is out there against the SEC as they move forward?
It was fun playing in the Big 12. Big 12 is one of those conferences where anybody can beat anybody. And I'm glad Texas and OU are going to the SEC. Now we can show, that we can assert true dominance.
What's it like being here with 10 other Longhorns?
It's a great feeling, you know, just going through one hell of a season with our teammates and then just experiencing all our success together. It's a great feeling, you know, coming in with Jonathan Brooks and Byron Murphy from day one, our freshman classes. Just seeing us, our development, our growth together. It's just an amazing feeling.
What is it about the defensive mentality that made you a better Tight End?
Honestly, I've always, I always feel like I've been just a better Offensive player and then as defensive player. I was just an athlete in high school who just rushed to passer. All I did was just bull rush people or just spin-move-off people. I think just the understanding of how defensive ends play and help you make, become a better tight end for sure.
When did you know that you were going to leave Texas for the year? Was there a moment or a point where you knew that this was the end of your college career?
Not really. It really came down to the last minute for me. I was just praying to God and talking to my family about it after the loss to Washington. I was just Talking to my parents about it, and ultimately we just came to the decision that it would be best for me and my family for the future.
Was it important for that Washington game to like, maybe take some time and, you know, take a step back and not make a decision based on emotion?
Yes sir, that's what I said, it took it to the last minute for sure.
You mentioned Nick Sirianni, did you meet with the Eagles and did you take, we had some other guys say they took jump shots and shot some basketball, did you do anything like that?
Oh yeah, I did, I went two for three,
Who have you reached out to or has reached out to you in this process that's been really helpful, whether it's Texas alum or, or other players that have helped you?
Former teammates like the DeMarvion Overshownm Bijan Robinson, Keondre Colburn. Just asking them for guidance. They, they've been through this, the same thing, just asking them for advice and understanding.
What did Bijan have to tell you?
He said, just grind, bro. You know what I'm saying? It's gonna be, it's gonna be a hassle the first couple of days, but the fun part will come eventually.
Caitlin Clark to enter WNBA draft
- By BevoSmash
- Inside the 40 Acres
- 62 Replies
she’s expected to get a significant WNBA contract worth tens of dollars.
But seriously good for her
www.espn.com
But seriously good for her
Projected No. 1 pick Clark to enter WNBA draft
Iowa women's basketball star Caitlin Clark will forgo her final year of college eligibility to enter the 2024 WNBA draft, where she is projected to go No. 1 to the Indiana Fever.
Jody
- By TheAssquatch
- Inside the 40 Acres
- 1 Replies
@UT Big Daddy
arstechnica.com
COVID is a lot like the flu now, CDC argues in new guidance
The agency released a unified "practical" guidance for respiratory viruses.
