Texas basketball stays undefeated with win over California Baptist

The Texas Longhorns stay undefeated as they defeat the California Baptist Lancers

Texas basketball is off to a hot start!

A few days ago, Texas pulled off an incredible upset on the road against Purdue with a final score of 70-66.

For an encore, the Longhorns hosted and defeated the California Baptist Lancers, 67-54. Texas now moves to 3-0 on the season. Guard Courtney Ramey was a standout for the Longhorns. He helped carry the team with 19 points on 8/11 shooting, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He was, as some would say, a “stat sheet stuffer.”

Sophomore guard Andrew Jones was a huge plus off the bench for Texas. In 28 minutes of action, Jones shot 5/9 for 11 points. He also brought in five boards and two steals.

Up next for the Longhorns, Prarie View A&M comes to Austin on November 15th.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

4 key things to know about Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the four most important things to know about the matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) and Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) clash in Mexico City on Monday night.

Here are four key things to know about the Week 11 matchup.

Patrick Mahomes is back

After a knee injury sustained in Week 7, it only took Mahomes two weeks to return to live game action. In his return last weekend against the Titans, he managed to put up what would be a typical performance, throwing for 446 passing yards, which was the second-highest passing yardage total of his career. This season, he has amassed 2,686 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and only one interception.

Pressure, pressure, pressure

After making a few key signings to the defensive front, the ability to get after the quarterback skyrocketed for the Chiefs. Through 10 games, Kansas City leads the league in sacks (52). The team suffered a huge loss after defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah suffered a torn pectoral muscle last Sunday. Ogbah led the team with 5.5 sacks. They still have pieces up front that won’t make it an easy task for the Chargers offensive line.

Can’t stop the run

While the Chiefs have a knack for pressuring opposing quarterbacks, they struggle to stop the run immensely. Kansas City ranks as the second-worst team in the league, allowing 148.1 yards per game. For the Chargers, having success running the ball with running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler will be key in order to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field.

Not the same Chiefs everyone is used to

The Chiefs were a trendy pick to reach the Super Bowl, but their play hasn’t suggested that. After starting 4-0, they have lost four of their last six games. Even with Mahomes back last weekend, who was nearly flawless, they still lost. Their offense will put up a plethora of points, but their opponent has been able to match it because the defensive has allowed so many big plays. On top of that, the pass protection has been on a downward spiral. Kansas City allowed only three sacks in the first four games, but they’ve allowed 15 in the last six contests.

[lawrence-related id=30509,30502,30498,30490]

Notre Dame Captain Headed to Senior Bowl

The Reese’s Senior Bowl announced Tuesday night that senior-captain, safety Jalen Elliott will participate in the 2020 Senior Bowl at the conclusion of this college football season. We are proud to announce @NDFootball DB Jalen Elliott ( @Jae_Uno_) …

[jwplayer 7SBX702Z-er0jUifI]

The Reese’s Senior Bowl announced Tuesday night that senior-captain, safety Jalen Elliott will participate in the 2020 Senior Bowl at the conclusion of this college football season.

Elliott has started all nine games this season and recorded 35 tackles along the way while also picking off a pass against New Mexico and Bowling Green, both.  He also intercepted four passes during Notre Dame’s 12-0 regular season in 2018.

The Lloyd C. Bird High School (Virginia) product was recruited as a three-star safety in the 2016 class and has appeared in all 47 Notre Dame games since stepping foot on campus for the first time as a student-athlete back in 2016.

He will undoubtedly be missed next year, although Kyle Hamilton’s start and Isaiah Pryor’s recent commitment makes you feel pretty good about where the safety position will be headed into 2020.

Pelicans don’t expect Lonzo Ball to be sidelined long-term

The New Orleans Pelicans are hopeful that Lonzo Ball will be back on the court sooner rather than later.

[jwplayer ceYbVjwP-z6KDnl0B]

Lonzo Ball missed his second consecutive game for the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday due to an adductor strain — more commonly known as a groin injury.

Ball was optimistic that he’d play against the Houston Rockets on Monday, but he and the team both decided it would be best for him to get him a full five days of rest before their matchup with the LA Clippers on Thursday. While Ball’s status hasn’t been updated yet, Pelicans sideline reporter Jennifer Hale reported during Saturday’s broadcast that the team’s training staff is optimistic that Ball’s injury won’t be a long-term issue:

“The Pelicans’ training staff told me they’ve got to rest him, got to let it heal up but hopefully it won’t be anything long-term.”

Considering Ball’s history with long-term injuries, that’s great news for both Ball and the Pelicans. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean his return is imminent.

As noted previously, Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry suffered a left adductor strain in November of 2018 and missed 11 games over the course of three weeks. With Ball’s history of leg-related injuries, the Pelicans will likely take the cautious route with the 22-year-old point guard.

Ball’s status will be officially updated on Wednesday.

Nevada Wolf Pack Top UT-Arlington in Jalen Harris’ Return, 80-73

A Jalen Harris Return Was Just What The Doctor Ordered. Recap: Nevada 80, Texas-Arlington 73 Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire Jalen Harris’ presence was definitely felt as Nevada gets a win against UT-Arlington. After almost two years away …

[jwplayer 18QegcJn-sNi3MVSU]

A Jalen Harris Return Was Just What The Doctor Ordered.

Recap: Nevada 80, Texas-Arlington 73

Contact/Follow @HardwoodTalk & @MWCwire

Jalen Harris’ presence was definitely felt as Nevada gets a win against UT-Arlington.

After almost two years away from the game Jalen Harris got to play his first full game of basketball on Tuesday night in the Lawlor Events center against a scrappy UT-Arlington Mavericks squad, and he didn’t disappoint. The former Louisiana Tech Bulldog has been a heralded transfer sitting on the bench in Reno since back under the last coaching staff. Many have waited to see Harris on the court and for those of us who watched the season opener anxiously against Utah, we felt a bit cheated.

Harris left that game in the first half and didn’t return going scoreless on 0-4 shooting and wore a boot on his right foot the remainder of the night. 

After undergoing X-ray testing last week which came back negative for any kind of broken bones, Harris was scheduled to undergo MRI testing this week. But surprised fans by showing up in the starting line up tonight against the Mavericks.

The junior guard led this Wolf Pack team with 24 points while grabbing 9 rebounds. His scoring provided a much needed break for senior guard Lindsey Drew (7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) who was our Mountain West Wire Player of the Week.

Nevada needed another scoring option to go a long with Lindsey Drew and Jazz Johnson, who scored 16 points going 5-11 from the field Tuesday night. Having Harris as a reliable third scoring option changed the offensive dynamic on the court and relieved Johnson and Drew of having to create scoring opportunities for themselves.

Help also came from senior guard Nisre Zouzoua who had a season high 16 points on 6-8 shooting and junior forward Robby Robinson helped out with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Texas-Arlington looked good in the first half, keeping the game close and exchanging the lead throughout the second half. Radshad Davis led the Mavericks with a double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds. Big man Jabari Narcis had 11 points on the night, which included 3 three pointers to go a long with 9 rebounds. Sunbelt preseason first-team guard Brian Warren had a tough night going 1-12 from the field ending up with 5 points. 

Steve Alford’s squad still seems to be getting use to each other’s play in live game situations and some guys are getting used to playing at the division one level. But they are doing a great job making adjustments during games and are 2-1 on the season. With Harris back and other players stepping up, it is going to be fun watching this team grow this season.

Next up: The Wolf Pack hosts Southern California on Saturday at home before heading on the road to face Davidson in North Carolina next week. The Trojans boast a fantastic freshmen front court and will be the biggest test of the season for the Wolf Pack thus far. 

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1361]

TOP 100: 2020 Composite Boys Basketball Player Recruiting rankings

Who’s no. 1? Check out the USA TODAY Sports’ Composite Boys Basketball Recruiting Rankings for the Class of 2020.

[jwplayer CaZK8xqn-BmKM743H]

As the early signing period beings for D1 basketball recruits, USA TODAY Sports has compiled the top 100 composite basketball rankings for the Class of 2020.

The composite represents the average rankings of the three major recruiting services – 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals along with the USA TODAY Chosen 25. The lower the average the better. For players who are not ranked by a particular service, the player receives a maximum number +10 based on the way players are ranked for each site beyond the last player (110 for ESPN, and 160 for Rivals, 35 for Chosen 25).

Rank Player School Pos. College Chosen 25 247 ESPN Rivals AVG.
1 Cade Cunningham Montverde Academy (Arlington, Texas) CG Oklahoma State 1 2 2 2 1.75
2 Evan Mobley Rancho Christian (Temecula, California) C Southern California 6 1 1 1 2.25
3 Jalen Green Prolific Prep (Napa, California) CG Uncommitted 3 3 3 3 3.00
4 Jalen Johnson IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) SF Duke 5 8 4 5 5.50
5 Terrence Clarke Brewster Academy (Boston, Massachusetts) SG Kentucky 4 4 13 4 6.25
6 Ziaire Williams Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) SF Uncommitted 9 6 5 6 6.50
7 Greg Brown Vandegrift (Austin, Texas) PF Uncommitted 7 10 8 7 8.00
8 Makur Maker Pacific Academy (Irvine, California) C Uncommitted 12 5 10 8 8.75
T9 Isaiah Todd Word Of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina) PF Michigan 8 14 7 10 9.75
T9 Scottie Barnes Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida) SF Florida State 10 9 11 9 9.75
11 Jalen Suggs Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis, Minnesota) CG Uncommitted 17 12 6 11 11.50
12 Joshua Christopher Mayfair (Lakewood, California) SG Uncommitted 16 7 12 12 11.75
13 Sharife Cooper McEachern (Powder Springs, Georgia) PG Auburn 2 20 17 16 13.75
14 BJ Boston Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) SG Kentucky 14 16 9 17 14.00
15 Jaden Springer IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) SG Tennessee 13 17 16 15 15.25
T16 Walker Kessler Woodward Academy (College Park, Georgia) C North Carolina 20 13 14 20 16.75
T16 Daishen Nix Trinity International (Las Vegas, Nevada) PG UCLA 21 11 21 14 16.75
18 Day’Ron Sharpe Montverde Academy (Montverde, Florida) C North Carolina 25 18 20 13 19.00
19 Cameron Thomas Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia) SG Uncommitted 11 24 18 29 20.50
20 Nimari Burnett Prolific Prep (Napa Valley, California) CG Texas Tech 15 28 19 22 21.00
21 Caleb Love Christian Brothers College (Saint Louis, Missouri) PG North Carolina 24 23 24 21 23.00
22 Jeremy Roach Paul VI Catholic (Fairfax, Virginia) PG Duke 35 19 15 24 23.25
23 Bryce Thompson Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Oklahoma) CG Kansas 35 15 25 19 23.50
24 Isaiah Jackson Waterford Mott (Waterford, Michigan) PF Uncommitted 22 31 22 23 24.50
25 DJ Steward Whitney Young (Chicago, Illinois) CG Duke 18 26 26 31 25.25
26 Keon Johnson The Webb School (Bell Buckle, Tennessee) SG Tennessee 35 21 33 18 26.75
27 MarJon Beauchamp Dream City Christian (Glendale, Arizona) SF Uncommitted 35 32 28 28 30.75
28 Earl Timberlake DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland) SF Miami 35 30 35 26 31.50
29 Jaemyn Brakefield Huntington Prep (Huntington, West Virginia) PF Duke 19 52 23 36 32.50
T30 Mark Williams IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) C Duke 35 29 30 38 33.00
T30 Hunter Dickinson DeMatha Catholic (Hyattsville, Maryland) C Uncommitted 23 36 36 37 33.00
32 Adam Miller Morgan Park HS (Chicago, Illinois) SG Uncommitted 35 46 27 27 33.75
33 Dawson Garcia Prior Lake (Prior Lake, Minnesota) PF Uncommitted 35 22 44 35 34.00
34 Dalen Terry Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Arizona) SF Arizona 35 27 49 30 35.25
T35 Kyree Walker Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Arizona) SF Uncommitted 35 33 34 42 36.00
T35 Lance Ware Camden (Burlington, New Jersey) PF Kentucky 35 34 43 32 36.00
37 Corey Walker Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Virginia) SF Tennessee 35 38 39 33 36.25
38 Mady Sissoko Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant, Utah) C Michigan State 35 35 37 41 37.00
39 Jabri Abdur-Rahim Blair Academy (Blairstown, New Jersey) SF Virginia 35 50 31 39 38.75
40 Moses Moody Montverde Academy (Montverde Florida) SG Arkansas 35 44 29 50 39.50
41 Henry Coleman Trinity Episcopal School (Richmond, Virginia) PF Duke 35 37 42 44 39.50
42 Josh Hall Moravian Prep (Durham, North Carolina) SF Uncommitted 35 48 53 25 40.25
43 Micah Peavy Duncanville (Duncanville, Texas) SF Texas Tech 35 61 32 34 40.50
44 Cam’Ron Fletcher Vashon (Saint Louis, Missouri) SF Kentucky 35 45 45 40 41.25
45 Matthew Murrell IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) SG Ole Miss 35 43 48 45 42.75
T46 JT Thor Norcross (Norcross, Georgia) C Uncommitted 35 51 38 53 44.25
T46 Cliff Omoruyi Roselle Catholic (Roselle, New Jersey) C Uncommitted 35 41 47 54 44.25
48 Puff Johnson Hillcrest Prep (Phoenix, Arizona) SF North Carolina 35 39 62 43 44.75
49 Dain Dainja Park Center (, Minnesota) C Baylor University 35 47 52 57 47.75
50 Dwon Odom St. Francis (Alpharetta, Georgia) PG Xavier 35 40 69 49 48.25
51 Deivon Smith Grayson (Loganville, Georgia) PG Mississippi State 35 42 65 52 48.50
52 Marcus Bagley Sheldon (Sacramento, California) SF Arizona State 35 49 61 51 49.00
53 Reece Beekman Scotlandville Magnet (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) PG Virginia 35 57 41 68 50.25
54 Andre Curbelo Long Island Lutheran (Puerto Rico) PG Illinois 35 68 54 46 50.75
55 R.J. Davis Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, New York) CG North Carolina 35 66 40 65 51.50
56 Cam Hayes Greensboro Day School (Greensboro, North Carolina) PG North Carolina State 35 59 68 47 52.25
57 Jalen Terry Beecher (Mount Morris, Michigan) PG Uncommitted 35 55 73 48 52.75
58 Xavier Foster Oskaloosa (Oskaloosa, IA) C Iowa State 35 76 51 56 54.50
59 Dominick Harris Rancho Christian (Temecula, California) CG Gonzaga 35 62 59 66 55.50
60 P.J. Hall Dorman (Roebuck, South Carolina) PF Clemson 35 67 60 62 56.00
61 Zeb Jackson Maumee (Maumee, Ohio) SG Michigan 35 65 74 58 58.00
62 Julian Strawther Liberty (Henderson, Nevada) SF Gonzaga 35 64 70 64 58.25
63 Hassan Diarra Putnam Science Academy (Putnam, Connecticut) PG Texas A&M 35 73 55 73 59.00
64 Joe Bamisile Monacan (Richmond, Virginia) SG Virginia Tech 35 81 63 60 59.75
T65 Tramon Mark Dickinson (Dickinson, Texas) PG Houston 35 72 67 78 63.00
T65 Isaiah Cottrell Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) PF West Virginia 35 63 82 72 63.00
67 Ian Martinez J Serra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, California) SG Utah 35 56 110 59 65.00
68 Andre Jackson Albany (Albany, New York) SF Connecticut 35 101 50 76 65.50
T69 A.J. Hoggard Huntington Prep (Huntington, West Virginia) PG Michigan State 35 102 56 71 66.00
T69 Jaylin Williams Northside (Fort Smith, Arkansas) C Uncommitted 35 75 87 67 66.00
71 Jaylen Clark Etiwanda (Rancho Cucamonga, California) SG Uncommitted 35 69 100 61 66.25
72 Samson Ruzhentsev Hamilton Heights Christian(Chattanooga, Tennessee) SF Florida 35 53 110 75 68.25
73 KK Robinson Bryant (Bryant, Arkansas) PG Uncommitted 35 71 90 80 69.00
74 Jaden Ivey La Lumiere (La Porte, Indiana) CG Purdue 35 80 84 79 69.50
75 Justin Lewis Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Towson, Maryland) PF Marquette 35 91 57 98 70.25
76 Ethan Morton Butler Senior(Butler, Pennsylvania) SG Purdue 35 109 66 74 71.00
77 Ryan Kalkbrenner Trinity Catholic (Saint Louis, Missouri) C Creighton 35 84 98 69 71.50
78 Keon Ambrose-Hylton Andrews Osborne Academy (Toronto) PF Uncommitted 35 97 58 99 72.25
79 Caleb Murphy Grayson (Loganville, Georgia) SG USF 35 93 110 55 73.25
80 Matt Cross Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) SF Miami 35 100 81 83 74.75
T81 Osasere Ighodaro Desert Vista (Phoenix, Arizona) PF Marquette 35 58 110 97 75.00
T81 Terrance Williams Gonzaga (Washington, District of Columbia) PF Georgetown 35 98 76 93 75.50
T83 Ben Carlson East Ridge (Woodbury, Minnesota) PF Wisconsin 35 90 88 89 75.50
T83 Chibuzo Agbo Jr. St. Augustine (San Diego, California) SF Texas Tech 35 70 110 87 75.50
85 LJ Cryer Morton Ranch (Katy, Texas) PG Baylor 35 94 64 114 76.75
86 JJ Traynor Bardstown (Bardstown, Kentucky) PF Louisvile 35 77 110 88 77.50
T87 Darius Maddox Oak Hill Academy (Mouth Of Wilson, Virginia) SG Virginia Tech 35 92 93 91 77.75
T87 Jordan Geronimo St. Paul’s School (Concord, New Hampshire) SF Indiana 35 89 110 77 77.75
89 Josh Taylor Norcross (Norcross, Georgia) PF Georgia 35 78 110 90 78.25
90 John Hugley Brush (Cleveland, Ohio) C Pittsburgh 35 74 110 95 78.50
91 Demarr Langford Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) SF Boston College 35 116 83 81 78.75
92 Rondel Walker Putnam City West(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) PG Oklahoma State 35 145 46 94 80.00
T93 Jamal Mashburn Jr. Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire) CG Minnesota 35 87 97 103 80.50
T93 Eugene Brown III Southwest DeKalb (Conyers, Georgia) SG Ohio State 35 95 110 82 80.50
95 Max Murrell Millard North (Omaha, Nebraska) PF Stanford 35 79 110 101 81.25
96 Jamari Sibley Oak Hill Academy (Glendale, Wisconsin) PF Uncommitted 35 122 85 86 82.00
97 Karim Mane Vanier College (Montreal) CG Uncommitted 35 25 110 160 82.50
T98 Saba Gigiberia Prolific Prep (Napa, California) C Georgia Tech 35 85 110 102 83.00
T98 Zach Loveday Huntington Prep (Huntington, West Virginia) C Baylor 35 103 110 84 83.00
100 Chris Moore West Memphis (West Memphis, Arkansas) PF Uncommitted 35 96 110 100 85.25

 

6 silver linings from the 49ers’ heartbreaking loss to Seahawks

The 49ers lost on Monday night, but it’s not all bad in Santa Clara.

The 49ers’ first loss of the season couldn’t have gone much worse.  They had opportunities to win, and pushed the Seahawks to the final seconds of overtime, but they couldn’t secure a victory and fell to 8-1 on the season.

It’s hard to glean a lot of good from a contest as gut-wrenching as Monday night, but there are a few positives the 49ers can focus on as moving forward.

Dre Greenlaw was good

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Losing linebacker Kwon Alexander could’ve been a crucial blow for San Francisco’s defense, especially since the rookie Greenlaw was his replacement. The fifth-round selection out of Arkansas acquitted himself well with eight tackles, a pass breakup and an interception that nearly won the game for the 49ers. He picked off Russell Wilson in the red zone in overtime, and nearly took it back for a touchdown. Greenlaw should be a perfectly suitable replacement for Alexander in the heart of 49ers’ defense.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6

College Football Playoff Rankings: Notre Dame, And the Three Other 7-2 Teams

No. 16 Notre Dame and three other college football teams in the College Football Playoff top-25 have seven wins and two losses.

With losses to Georgia and Michigan, the Notre Dame college football team is looking down the barrel in this year’s College Football Playoff.

Considering the circumstances that surrounded the countless departures on defense and then the injuries leading up to Week 1 of the 2019 season, sitting at No. 16 doesn’t happen often for Brian Kelly. The first time the Fighting Irish have occupied such real estate was back in 1952. Since then, only eleven times (excluding preseason polls) has the program experienced a college football’s poll bottom percentile. Because of this, Notre Dame is expected to play in the Camping World Bowl against a conference who has had twists and turns almost all season long, the Big 12.

The two losses may have hurt Notre Dame’s chances of being on the inside-looking-out, but it’s not the only 7-2 team in the College Football Playoff Top 25.

No. 15 Wisconsin

Running back Jonathan Taylor and kicker Collin Larsh both have been the backbone of Wisconsin’s offense. The Badgers two losses come at the expense of Illinois and Ohio State – the latter’s defense who kept Taylor to only 52 yards rushing and forced Wisconsin’s pass game with Jack Coan. For the most part, its defense itself has remained in tact, blanking four opponents. Over the past three games specifically, it has given up over 21 points per contest. Remaining on Paul Chryst’s schedule is Nebraska, Mizzou and the eighth-ranked, row-the-boat-coach Fleck Minnesota Gophers.

No. 14 Michigan

Prior to playing Notre Dame, Michigan didn’t have the same swag against Wisconsin and Penn State. Both away games, Michigan coughed up the ball four times against the Badgers and were held scoreless for almost two full quarters against the Nittany Lions. At this point, it’s really Ohio State’s conference, but Michigan has somewhat regained its footing and lies only a couple of spots ahead of Notre Dame. The Wolverines haven’t played a game since Nov. 2 and that couldn’t come a moment too soon. Going forward, there lies a surprisingly trippy home stretch ahead with Michigan State, Indiana and The Game to round off the season.

No. 12 Auburn

Of the three teams on this list, Auburn has the toughest end-of-season schedule against No. 4 Georgia and No. 5 Alabama, who recently forfeited its No. 1 spot to LSU. Most significantly to Gus Malzahn’s team this year was a season opener win against then-No. 11 Oregon, followed by an eight point win against Texas A&M. Losses to Florida and LSU within three weeks of each other was likely the red flag for the committee, though no one hardly ever understands their deliberations and final decisions. On Nov. 23, there is a rehearsal game for Auburn before the Iron Bowl. Quarterback Bo Nix has been up and down with incompletions and a lack of targets. It’s a team that’s much like the SEC version of Wisconsin – depend on the run and a defense that’s just as effective against the run as well.

[lawrence-newsletter]

MSU DE Kenny Willekes named a semi-finalist for Burlsworth Trophy

Michigan State’s star defensive end Kenny Willekes was named a semi-finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the top walk-on player.

This has not been the season we were hoping to see out of Michigan State Football as a whole, but that doesn’t mean everyone has struggled, and it’s still been another strong season by Michigan State’s best player: Kenny Willekes. Willekes was just announced today as a semi-finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the nation’s top walk-on football player.

From their website:

“In 2010 The Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the achievements and successes of the Walk-On athlete. It is presented annually to the Most Outstanding player who began his career as a Walk-On.”

And here is what they said about Willekes:

“Willekes, a preseason All-America selection and last year’s Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, has 55 tackles this season. He has 21 solo tackles with 5.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries for the Spartans. Willekes was named Defensive Player of the Week by the Big Ten and the Walter Camp Football Foundation after recording seven tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks against Tulsa earlier this season.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]