Tag: Amari Gainer

Undrafted rookie LB Amari Gainer in position to be ‘core guy’ for Raiders

Being undrafted hasn’t stopped LB Amari Gainer from pushing for key role with the Raiders

Every year there are those guys who somehow slipped through the cracks in the draft and then show out for the team that signs them. Amari Gainer is looking like one such player for the Raiders.

He was one of the Raiders 30 visits in the offseason so they could get an up close and personal look at him. And his preparations for joining the Raiders began right then.

“For me it was be prepare for anything. Be ready to play anything,” said Gainer of his NFL preparation. “Throughout my career I played inside/outside backer, so it was make sure I had those base fundamentals of outside/inside backer and also preparing for the pro day, getting as big, strong, and as fast as I can before I got here. That was the main thing. And then coming up here on a 30 visit I got to see the scheme and got to hone in on a little more specific stuff that I would be doing when I got here. So, that was great.”

The Raiders liked what they saw from Graint, but thought he had a chance to fly under the radar in the draft, where they then made him a priority free agent signing.

Antonio Pierce is a former undrafted NFL linebacker himself. He certainly thought Gainer looked the part.

“When he came in the door day one, it was like, ‘Wow, this is a pretty sucker here,” said Pierce. “He looks good and you saw the movement with him in college from Florida State to North Carolina, but there was always like, ‘Man, there’s more to him.'”

Gainer started to really separate himself in the preseason. And by the end of it, he had the Raiders coaching staff’s attention.

“I think the best thing that happened for him was that last game,” Pierce continued. “He went out there and played 90-plus snaps. 70-plus on defense and another 15 or so on special teams. And all you saw throughout the game, and we’ve been seeing it all preseason, is a guy just getting better and better. But more importantly, somebody that just was playing his heart out. And it meant something to him.”

The 6-3, 236-pounder was among the league leaders in tackles this preseason. His 17 tackles were 19th most, two were for a loss, two on special teams, and he added two pass breakups.

“He’s put himself in position, not just at linebacker, but on special teams, to be one of the core guys for us. There’s still some development there at the linebacker position that will take place over the course of the season, but he gives us a lot of flexibility because of what he’s able to do both on the line of scrimmage, off the ball linebacker and special teams.”

To be referred to as a player who could be a core guy on this team is high praise for any rookie, let alone one who was not drafted. Gainer is not shying away from that role.

“It’s great to come here and be a younger guy now and lead by example and let my play talk for itself,” said Gainer.

While Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo will lead the way as the starting linebackers, Gainer is certainly in the mix to be the next man up. He has the makings of a core special teams player as well. And that’s on a team that is currently holding onto seven linebackers on the 53-man roster.

Former UNC linebacker Amari Gainer makes final cut for Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 roster

You might recognize this former Tar Heel on the Las Vegas Raiders’ finalized, 53-man roster.

Amari Gainer only needed one season at UNC to prove he was good enough for the NFL.

Gainer, a linebacker who transferred from Florida State to North Carolina last offseason, made a valuable impact during the 13 games he played in Carolina Blue. Gainer totaled 27 tackles (17 solo), six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and forced fumble apiece.

Unfortunately for Gainer, he wasn’t chosen in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders liked what they saw in Gainer, though, signing him as an undrafted free agent.

UNC head coach Mack Brown congratulated Gainer in an Instagram post Tuesday, thanking his 2023 linebacker for his brief time

After the preseason, Las Vegas loved what it saw in Gainer, announcing the former Tar Heel made its final, 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon.

Gainer was all over the field in just three preseason games for the Raiders, recording 13 total tackles (10 solo, three assisted) and four stuffs (NFL equivalent of tackles for loss). He’ll join a fairly young linebacking corps with the likes of former Virginia Tech standout Divine Diablo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_MeP9gtN6I/

Las Vegas isn’t expected to have a great year, but Gainer can showcase he’s a crucial part of the team’s success with a strong rookie showing.

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Ballers for Raiders Preseason Week 3 vs 49ers

Ballers for Raiders Preseason Week 3 vs 49ers

One last preseason game to cover for Ballers & Busters.

Ballers

DE Janarius Robinson

Robinson has been turning heads all preseason. He finished strong too. His tackle for loss on a run was what killed the 49ers first drive. Keep in mind this was 49ers first teamers versus Raiders backups. Robinson made the big play that held them to a field goal.

Though the 49ers were able to score on their second drive, Robinson had a pressure that set up a sack on the drive. The next 49ers possession — with the first teamers still in the game — Robinson got pressure around the right edge to force a quick pass by Purdy that was deflected and picked off. That was Purdy’s last throw of the game.

He would get two more pressures in the game, including a QB hit on the second to last play of the game, resulting in an incompletion and preserving the tie.

DE Charles Snowden

Robinson’s tackle for loss was the big play on the 49ers first drive, but Snowden made sure of it. He chased down Purdy on second down to force an incompletion and on third down he came around the right edge and got his arms up to bat the pass at the line.

He ended a possession in the second quarter by making the tackle on third and four short of the sticks. Then he ended another drive when on third and 11, he came around the edge like a shot to sack the QB for a 13-yard loss.

Oh, and he even had the key block on the 81-yard punt return for a touchdown.

LB Amari Gainer

Gainer was a tackling machine in this one. His 12 combined tackles (10 solo) led the Raiders. Half of those tackles were for one yard or less, two were for a loss, and he even added a sack.

WR/PR Tyreik McAllister

McAllister burst onto the scene in the second quarter when he took a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. He saw his gap, made one cut, and was gone to the house.

The next time we saw him, he was getting downfield as the gunner, forcing a block in the back penalty on the 49ers.

In the third quarter, he began making his mark on offense. First he took a jet sweep for eight yards. Then he came back to make a brilliant catch on a pass well behind him, taking it away from the defender, then turning and scoring with it.

He added a 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter that put the Raiders in first and goal inside the ten. Giving him 58 yards of offense and 196 all purpose yards with two touchdowns. Have yourself a day, Tyreik.

S Phalen Sanford

The first two drives of the fourth quarter ended with Sanford plays. He recovered a fumble to start off the final quarter, and had coverage on an incompletion to end the second drive.

WR Ramel Keyton

He came on late in the game, showing his long arms and catching abilities. One particular catch, he leapt in the air and snagged it with one hand and a defender all over him. His four catches for 76 yards led the Raiders.

Continue to the Busters…

Raiders winners and losers in 24-24 preseason tie vs. 49ers

The Raiders closed the preseason with a tie, even though Las Vegas played its reserves against 49ers starters. Who stood out the most?

The Raiders preseason finally came to a close on Friday night in a 24-24 tie against the 49ers in Las Vegas, as coach Antonio Pierce sat his starters while the 49ers played many of their stars, including quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, the Raiders’ reserves held their own, especially on defense.

The Las Vegas offense was without its top two quarterbacks and struggled early, but the Raiders’ special teams had a big day. Tyreik McAllister took an 81-yard punt return to the house for the Raiders’ first score of the night, and he added a touchdown catch later in the game for good measure.

McAllister was easily the biggest winner of the night. Here are the rest of the players who stood out this week, for better or worse.

Winner: DE Janarius Robinson

Before we get to McAllister’s big day, defensive end Janarious Robinson deserves his due. He had a tackle for loss on the 49ers’ first drive, helping the Raiders hold the San Francisco starting offense to a field goal.

Robinson led a strong pass rush for Las Vegas and pressured Purdy into a second-quarter interception. He was a lock to make the roster coming into this game and his pass-rush ability provides key depth up front.

Winner: WR Tyreik McAllister

The Raiders have been looking for depth at wide receiver and McAllister made a statement on Friday night. A former star in the Canadian Football League, McAllister scored the Raiders first points of the night on an 81-yard punt return.

His touchdown catch was equally impressive, perhaps even more so. He made an athletic adjustment on a throw by QB Carter Bradley.

It’s hard to say whether McAllister will make the Raiders’ final cut. But his chances are certainly much higher after this performance.

Winner: DBs Sam Webb and Chris Smith II

The Raiders reserves had the last laugh against Purdy, who made his share of splash plays. On Purdy’s final snap of the game, pressure from Robinson forced a throw into tight coverage by Raiders cornerback Sam Webb. Webb tipped the ball in the air, and safety Chris Smith II was in perfect position to intercept the ball.

Winner: LB Amari Gainer

Linebacker Amari Gainer made his case to remain a Raider with his play on defense and special teams. He recorded an impressive special teams tackle early in the game and finished with more than 10 tackles on defense, including two tackles for loss. He had a late penalty for a hit to the head, but that hardly put a damper on his day.

Winner: WR Kristian Wilkerson

Though he didn’t have the day McAllister did, WR Kristian Wilkerson gave the Raiders brass more to think about on cut-down day with his touchdown grab from quarterback Nathan Peterman.

Loser: RB Dylan Laube

Rookie running back Dylan Laube got the starting nod on Friday and appeared primed for his breakout moment. For a minute, he did break out. But after several impressive plays, he was belted by a 49ers defender after a nice catch and run. He fumbled the football and didn’t see action at running back for the rest of the game.

Laube still got some touches on special teams, which probably helped sustain his confidence. He’ll need it if he wants to contribute to the Raiders offense this season.

Loser: WR Jalen Guyton

Wide receiver Jalen Guyton had to make an impact on Friday to make the roster, and while he had some key catches on the Raiders’ touchdown drive to close the first half, he was outdone by McAllister and Wilkerson.

This game was a reversal from the Raiders’ loss against the Cowboys last week when Las Vegas starters faced Dallas backups. The Raiders reserves responded, and now it’s time for coach Pierce and crew to shape their final roster. Soon enough, we’ll see what this Raiders team is really made of when they face the Chargers in Week 1.

5 Raiders Defensive Players to watch in Preseason finale vs 49ers

There are still some roster spots to be won, impressions to be made, and playing time to be earned. Each of these players will be out to make their presence felt on defense Friday night.

There are still some roster spots to be won, impressions to be made, and playing time to be earned. Each of these players will be out to make their presence felt on defense Friday night.

Jade Silvera has been behind Byron Young on the depth chart through the past two weeks. But when given the chance, Jade Silvera has looked better than Young. If he outshines Young again, it’s possible he could start taking snaps from Young, and possibly overtake him on the depth chart come the season.

Speaking of players passing up higher drafted players…The former fourth round defensive end has looked considerably better than Raiders second year former number four overall pick Tyree Wilson. At this point, Wilson only has his top pick potential getting him reps. But that only goes so far when a team has to think about which player gives them the best chance of getting to the quarterback when called upon.

Gainer is trying to get on this roster and has had an uphill battle to do it. He had a great preseason opener and didn’t do much in last week’s home opener against the Cowboys. Best two out of three?

With Brandon Facyson once again struggling to get healthy, this fourth round rookie could be the next man up after the three starters. They like his length, but is he ready to go should one of the starters go down? Or to be a dime back?

Looking back at Amari Gainers’ UNC football career

We take a look at the best photos from Amari Gainers’ career at UNC, as he embarks on his NFL journey with the Las Vegas Raiders.

From Chapel Hill to Las Vegas, UNC linebacker [autotag]Amari Gainer[/autotag] will have the opportunity to live out his NFL dream after being one of six Tar Heels to sign after the 2024 NFL Draft concluded.

Gainer joins a rebuilding Raiders team with a plethora of collegiate experience, spending five years at Florida State University before transferring to North Carolina as a graduate student. Gainer’s stint at UNC was short, yet he produced key moments during his tenure.

Gainer finished with 27 tackles (6 for loss), 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble in his lone year with the Tar Heels. During his five-year collegiate playing year, Gainer has 237 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and six pass deflections.

Before we turn the page in Gainer’s playing career, we take a look at the best photos of his time in North Carolina.

Gene Chizik likes improvement, response from his defensive players

Outside of the App State game, UNC’s defense has been fairly impressive so far in 2023. Defensive coordinator Gene Chizik agrees.

I said this after the UNC-App State thriller two weeks ago – the Tar Heel defense goes together like toothpaste and orange juice.

When college football fans look at Carolina’s defense, the struggles are the easiest thing to notice.

UNC allowed nearly 500 yards to App State on Sept. 9 this year, though the Mountaineers are consistently one of college football’s best among non-Power 5 schools.

Carolina finished with one of the nation’s worst defenses last year, which was somewhat surprising given all the talent (Desmond Evans, Kaimon Rucker, Cedric Gray) they have.

Outside of this year’s App State game, the UNC defense has looked significantly better.

The Tar Heels generated nine sacks and held South Carolina to a negative rushing yard total in a 31-17, Week 1 victory. Last weekend at home, UNC held Minnesota to three second-half points and quarterback Athas Kaliakmanis to 11 total completions, in a 31-13 home triumph.

Carolina’s improved defensive performance has caught the eye of defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, who pointed to comfort level and the ability to respond well to adversity.

“I think it’s just execution,” Chizik told 247Sports’ Evan Rogers on Monday. “One of the things that I really like about our defense is that we’ve got really good leadership, so it really doesn’t matter what happens in the games, good or bad. I feel like they’re built to respond. The overall difference (this season) is maybe a comfort level in the defense in your second year, I think that’s number one. Number two, we have very smart guys that totally understand where they’re fitting and what their job responsibilities are.”

Rucker and Florida State transfer Amari Gainer already have multiple sacks each, part of a UNC defense that has 10 through just three games. Carolina registered 17 all of last year.

Power Echols, Don Chapman and Armani Chatman all have one interception apiece. Echols, Gray, Chapman and Gio Biggers give Carolina four guys with double-digit tackles.

Most impressive about the defense, however, is its ability to shut down the opposition late in games. Excluding the App State game this year, UNC’s opponents have scored a combined six points in the second half.

The Tar Heel defense will get a tough test this upcoming weekend, as it opens up ACC play at Pitt on Saturday at 8 p.m. The Panthers have nearly 1,000 yards of offense through three games.

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Meet Amari Gainer, a much-needed boost to the Tar Heel defense

Linebacker Amari Gainer can give the UNC football defense a big boost this season.

The University of North Carolina football team’s offense grabbed national attention last year – mainly thanks to talented quarterback Drake Maye and his trusty wide receiver duo of Josh Downs and Antoine Green.

The Heels finished their season ranked Top 20 in the FBS in several categories – sixth in passing yards (4,330), 11th in passing yards/game (309.3), 12th in total yards (6,479) and 19th in total yards/game (462.8)

Defense, unfortunately, was the polar opposite.

Carolina allowed 5,697 yards across 13 games, the seventh-worst mark in the FBS. Its 438.2 yards per game allowed was slightly better, but it still ranked 17th-worst.

To help shore up their defense, the Heels snagged a linebacker through the transfer portal, graduate transfer Amari Gainer from Florida State.

Gainer, who chose Carolina over the likes of national powers Alabama, Ohio State, 2021 CFP semifinalist Cincinnati and Big 12 school West Virginia, is a player UNC defensive coordinator Gene Chizik is pretty excited about.

“He’s very conscientious as a football player,” Chizik said, according to TarHeelIllustrated’s Andrew Jones. “He loves the game, he’s a violent player, he plays really hard. It really is important for him to learn what’s going on. So, he never takes a rep off, it doesn’t matter if he’s in there or not. When you see him with me, even when he’s not in, we’re talking things through every single rep.”

Gainer is also excited about joining Carolina, calling it the perfect spot to prepare himself for the next level.

“When it comes down to it, it’s about going to the next level,” Gainer said, according to Jones. “As far as connections and relationships, it was hard, but life’s hard. Making that jump, making that decision was a risk betting on myself. Going back to my natural position at outside linebacker kind of played a pivotal role into me being here.”

Despite limited action last year, with just 17 tackles and a sack across seven games, Gainer registered 210 tackles across 46 games at Florida State. He was the Seminoles’ career-leading tackler among members on last year’s squad.

According to Jones, Gainer will slot in at the jack linebacker slot (outside linebacker). He’ll join a linebacking corps with 100-tackle players Cedric Gray and Power Echols, giving Carolina what should be one of the most vaunted units in college football.

Even though the Heels only have him for one year, Gainer should get fans excited and give them plenty of hope in improving a bottom-ranked defense.

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NFL draft prospects for the Lions to watch in college football Week 4

8 college football players to watch in CFB Week 4 as potential future Detroit Lions

It’s Week 4 of the college football season, one week ahead of the NFL’s Week 3. And there are quite a few NFL draft prospects to watch across the big slate of college games on Saturday.

The prospect watch got off to a strong start on Friday night with an impressive but uneven performance by Liberty QB Malik Willis in the Flames’ last-second loss to Syracuse. Willis completed 14-of-19 passes for 206 yards and three TDs and also ran for 49 yards.

Who else should Lions fans pay attention to on Saturday with an eye for the 2022 NFL draft? Here are eight players to know for CFB Week 4.

Notre Dame know your foe, game 1: Florida State Seminoles

What is your biggest concern about tonight?

Gameday is finally here, after watching college football for three nights, it’s finally Notre Dame’s turn to hit the field. The nations eyes will be on this game, it’s the only one being played tonight and with many having Monday off due to the holiday weekend, it’s what people will be watching. Season openers are tough, just ask North Carolina and LSU, so tonight’s contest won’t be easy. Here are five Florida State Seminoles that could give the Irish issues this evening.