Tag: cheetah

‘A lot more comfortable in my play’: Dasan McCullough looking to make immediate impact

There are high hopes about all of the transfers but one in particular says he feels much more confident in the progress he’s made.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] hit the transfer portal hard this offseason. They hope these additions will help fill some of the holes that led to a 6-7 season a year ago.

One of the best transfer additions in the country was [autotag]Indiana Hoosiers[/autotag] transfer [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag]. McCullough comes to Oklahoma after a freshman All-American season, during which he had four sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss.

McCullough is stepping into a new position. He is battling for the [autotag]cheetah[/autotag] position. McCullough admits he feels far more confident now compared to the spring.

“I feel a lot more comfortable in my play and playing out in space and covering,” McCullough.

McCullough mainly played near the line of scrimmage at Indiana, but is being asked to do far more at Oklahoma. That’s why he said there were things he knew he had to improve on.

“Just to work on my footwork, covering,” McCullough said. “I’d say Indiana to here, the biggest jump was the coverage aspect of things and how much more coverage I’m doing. So, I just really wanted to hone in and focus on that this summer. I also put on a little bit of weight.”

McCullough is battling [autotag]Justin Harrington[/autotag] for that starting position. Both bring different capabilities. Harrington is much more natural in coverage, whereas McCullough is much more natural rushing the passer.

It could be one of those cases where it takes McCullough a few weeks into the season to really find his footing and start contributing to the team. Once he can do that, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

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Watch: Cheetah teases large male lion and gets chased

A ranger at the Mala Mala Game Reserve captured video of a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a cheetah taunting a lion.

A ranger at the Mala Mala Game Reserve in South Africa captured video of a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of a cheetah teasing and taunting a large male lion, prompting a chase with a predictable outcome.

Kevan Dobbie, assistant head ranger at the game reserve, shared his video with LatestSightings. He explained:

“A young male cheetah has been seen spending quite some time around Mala Mala Game Reserves Private Airstrip. On this particular day, it was a sighting where being at the right place at the right time paid off.”

“Three of the big cat species interacted,” Dobbie told LatestSightings. “Two Ndzhenga male lions approached a young male cheetah. While a female leopard (Nkoveni) was watching the scene unfold from the eastern side of the airstrip.

“The cheetah, well aware of the lion’s presence, displayed some interesting behavior. At first, almost taunting the lion as if it were saying, ‘You can’t catch me.’

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“One of the Ndzhenga male lions didn’t appreciate the teasing and pursued the young male cheetah. The cheetah knew he had an advantage and kept the lion at a comfortable distance.”

Not surprisingly, the lion never did catch the cheetah.

“Eventually, the lion lost interest, and both lions plopped down and lazy lounged around the airstrip,” Dobbie said.

Photo courtesy of LatestSightings.

Oklahoma Sooners winners last week with hot start in the transfer portal per ESPN

With big-time moves on both sides of the ball, ESPN dubbed Oklahoma winners for their early work in the transfer portal.

One week does not an offseason make, but the Oklahoma Sooners got off to a great start in the transfer portal. With [autotag]Jacob Lacey[/autotag] already locked in, the Sooners brought back former tight end [autotag]Austin Stogner[/autotag] and landed the top edge rusher in the transfer class, [autotag]Dasan McCullough[/autotag].

That start earned the Sooners mention in last week’s recap of the portal from ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren.

The Sooners are a winner for bettering the offense with tight end Austin Stogner, who transferred to South Carolina last year but will return to Norman for 2023, and the defense with Indiana linebacker Dasan McCullough, a former top-50 recruit who wreaked havoc for the Hoosiers’ defense in 2022. And while it doesn’t count toward the portal, the staff also landed a commitment from McCullough’s younger brother, Daeh, an ESPN 300 safety in the 2023 class. – VanHaaren, ESPN

The addition of McCullough provides the Sooners with a player that can either take over at Cheetah or mix in immediately with their EDGE rotation. A former safety, McCullough led the Indiana Hoosiers with four sacks and was third in tackles for loss with 6.5. As a true freshman. His length and athleticism will create nightmares for opposing offensive coordinators.

On the other side of the ball, Austin Stogner returns with an opportunity to put up a career year in Jeff Lebby’s offense, just like [autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag] did in 2022.

Stogner, arguably a better receiver, should thrive with a full-time role after sharing tight end/H-back duties each of the last two seasons. He had just 26 targets with the Sooners in 2021 but recorded three touchdowns. That’s a touchdown every 8.67 targets. With seven touchdowns on 53 targets, Willis had a TD every 7.57 targets. That’s a lower rate, but with [autotag]Theo Wease[/autotag] gone and more of a full-time opportunity, Stogner could experience a similar breakout as his former teammate Willis.

With little experience at the tight end position as Oklahoma looks toward 2023, the Sooners needed to add a veteran presence. And tight ends coach [autotag]Joe Jon Finley[/autotag] brought in a familiar face.

Oklahoma still has some work to do in the portal as they look to lock up their recruiting class. But if their first week in the transfer portal is any indication, the Sooners will be in great shape.

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Versatility gives DaShaun White an opportunity to shine as Sooners’ ‘Cheetah’

Moving from WILL linebacker, DaShaun White has the versatility to be productive as the Sooners’ “Cheetah” in Oklahoma’s defense.

A new defensive scheme brings new deployments to the Oklahoma Sooners. Unlike the 3-3-5 of the Alex Grinch era, Brent Venables runs more of a traditional 4-3 defense in base packages.

To combat the passing and spread evolution that’s occurred in college football over the last 20 years, teams are looking for versatile athletes to play hybrid positions on defense. For Brent Venables, his answer has been the development of the “Cheetah” position in his defense.

The player in recent years that’s best displayed the versatility that the “Cheetah” requires is former Clemson star, Isaiah Simmons.

The “Cheetah” serves as a hybrid between a linebacker, slot cornerback, and safety. A player that can provide support in the running game and be a difference maker in coverage. They can also rush the passer when called upon. Not only does a player have to have the requisite athleticism to cover a variety of pass catchers and be effective in the running game, but they also have to have the football IQ to understand his responsibilities at a variety of positions within the defense.

The “Cheetah” will line up all over the field, and that’s what the Oklahoma Sooners are asking of senior linebacker DaShaun White. White, who was also elected captain for the week one matchup against UTEP, made the move from WILL linebacker over to Cheetah, and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof spoke on how he feels White will fit in there at Cheetah.

“Well, it starts with the versatility, the ability to play coverage and at the same time be physical enough to get in the box and be efficient in there,” Roof said during media availability on Monday. “So, [it’s] a lot of versatility there when you start looking at the overall skill set and job description of that position. And that’s where it starts. So, that’s where we are. But DaShaun’s had a great camp, has adjusted really well because, you know, he was playing WILL earlier in camp, and we moved him to the Cheetah position. But he still has the ability to play WILL as well.”

While [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] and [autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag] will man the Sooners’ traditional linebacker spots, White’s ability to play “Cheetah” allows the Sooners to keep three linebackers on the field in a lot of situations. Even when teams go with three or more wide receivers, Oklahoma won’t give up anything in the running game because of White’s ability to play the run.

Changing positions in the middle of fall camp can provide a challenge, but White’s experience as a three-year starter in the Sooners’ defense provides him the opportunity to find success because of his versatility. He’s seen a lot in his time with the Sooners, and that experience will help White thrive in his new position.

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Oklahoma Sooners land commitment from 2023 3-star safety Kaleb Spencer

The Oklahoma Sooners added the fifth member to their 2023 recruiting class with a commitment from three-star safety Kaleb Spencer.

The wait is finally over, and after weeks of speculation following the spring game, the Sooners land their latest commitment for the 2023 class in three-star safety/linebacker hybrid Kaleb Spencer. Spencer last visited the Sooner state for the jam-packed spring game, and the environment and atmosphere helped seal the deal.

It didn’t take long for the Sooners to make an impact in their recruitment for Spencer. [autotag]Kaleb Spencer[/autotag] was not recruited by Oklahoma until early February, when Oklahoma made the offer. The offer came, the visit was set and happened, and less than a month later, Spencer is now a Sooner.

Immediately following the spring game, projections from recruiting services began filing in for the versatile defensive prospect.

 

Kaleb Spencer‘s fit is an interesting one. He’s listed as a safety on 247Sports, but in a conversation with 247Sports, he’s being recruited by the Sooners’ defensive brain trust to man their “Cheetah” position. The “Cheetah” spot is effectively Venables’ version of a defensive Swiss army knife where they have a player who can line up in coverage, play in the box, and even blitz.

“They are going to move me around, like their ‘Cheetah’ position,” Spencer said when talking to 247Sports. “I will pretty much be playing everywhere; safety, linebacker, down on the line, blitzing.”

With Spencer’s commitment, the flood gates may open for a few more summer commitments for the Sooners. They have a few prospects that are also beginning to wind down their recruitments. Spencer’s commitment also continues Oklahoma’s foray into the southeast.

The Sooners now sit at No. 20 in the 247Sports team rankings for 2023 and are No. 16 in On3’s team ranking, with just five commits in the class thus far. Spencer’s commitment won’t be the last for the defensive backs either, as the Sooners have multiple targets in their sights for the remainder of the recruiting cycle.

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Watch: Cheetahs play cat-and-mouse with miniature race car

A cheetah family at an Oregon wildlife facility was allowed to chase a remote-controlled race car last week as a form of “enrichment.”

A cheetah family at an Oregon wildlife facility was allowed to chase a remote-controlled race car last week as a form of “enrichment.”

The accompanying footage was shared April 2 by Wildlife Safari, a drive-through park that’s home to more than 600 animals, including rare and endangered species.

“Our one year old cheetah family and mom Paca really enjoyed being out for our cheetah watch time with keeper Rob driving around the car for them,” the facility stated on Facebook. “Enrichment can come in a variety of ways, one thing we always do is close off our entrance and exit gate of our cheetah/tiger drive-thru loop and let a single cheetah or group of cheetahs out to explore.

“The biggest question we always get asked is if the cheetahs have the chance to run? While this opportunity gives them that chance, they are cats so sometimes they need a little motivation!”

As viewers will note, the cheetahs aren’t sure what to make of the race car. They seem to enjoy chasing it, but don’t really want to catch or even touch the motorized vehicle.

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Most of the nearly 900 comments were positive, including this from a follower named Adam: “Just proves that cats are cats sometimes. They love to chase and their predator-prey instinct always kicks in when the hunt is on.”

Cheetahs are the planet’s fastest land animals and can reach speeds of 50 to 80 mph, so an enrichment plan that allows for running and pursuing would seem to provide important stimulation.

Wildlife Safari, besides being a drive-through park for the public, operates a cheetah-breeding program in a partnership with the Assn. of Zoo and Aquarium’s Species Survival Plan for cheetahs.

According to the Wildlife Safari, 235 cheetah cubs have been born on site and “have populated zoos across the United States.”

Cheetah ambushed by leopard, but hardly overmatched

A tourist at South Africa’s Kruger National Park has captured rare footage of a leopard trying to ambush an unsuspecting cheetah.

A tourist at South Africa’s Kruger National Park has captured rare footage of a leopard trying to ambush an unsuspecting cheetah.

Both cats are remarkable predators: the leopard holding an edge in terms of weight and strength, but the cheetah possessing more speed than any other land mammal.

That sets the stage for the scene that unfolded recently in front of Thokozani Phakathi, who sent the accompanying footage to Latest Sightings and described the event as “an unforgettable encounter that I will cherish for as long as my mind, heart, body and soul are together.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg0_HAm-w3g]

The video begins with the leopard sauntering alongside and upon a roadway, marking its territory as tourists watch in awe from their vehicles. At about the 1-minute mark the leopard seems to sense the presence of an approaching animal and lowers its crouch and plots a potential ambush.

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At 1:10 the leopard crouches deeper in the grass as the cheetah jogs into the picture. Phakathi said the young male cheetah had been calling out and seemed stressed, perhaps in search of a family member. The leopard, motionless behind a tree, waits until the cheetah is only yards away before charging.

Wrote Phakathi: “Just as the cheetah was a few meters away, the master of disguise pounced for a strike, the cheetah jolted with shock but accelerated and ran for his dear life.

“At some point, it was only the cheetah’s tale separating the two spotted cats, but the fastest [land mammal] on earth seized the moment to live up to his title and dashed off, escaping potential injuries or death as he was no match to that hefty fellow predator.”

The cheetah was too fast, but seemed to realize it had nearly walked into a deadly trap. When Phakathi saw the cheetah after the leopard had left the area “the cheetah was shaken and trembling like a leaf. He was even jumping in fear whenever tree branches were coming to contact with his legs or tail.”

–Images courtesy of Latest Sightings and Thokozani Phakathi

2020 Super Bowl Prop Betting: How may receiving yards for Tyreek Hill?

Assessing the prop bets odds and lines for Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill’s receiving yards in the 2020 Super Bowl against the 49ers.

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There will be no player on the field for the 2020 Super Bowl that is likely to garner more defensive attention than Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill. Below, we’ll look at the Super Bowl LIV prop bet odds and lines centered around Tyreek Hill’s receiving yards.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.

Tyreek Hill 2020 Super Bowl receiving yards

Due to the Chiefs having plenty of offensive weapons, and their penchant for sharing the wealth, Hill has a manageable Over/Under number for his receiving yards in Super Bowl LIV at 74.5 yards (-112 for both the Over and the Under). It’s an achievable number, especially given Hill’s big-play ability, but there are some key factors making it more difficult to hit the Over than it may appear.

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Hill struggles in playoff football

The most obvious hurdle is Hill’s postseason track record. Over the last two seasons, Hill has played in four playoff games. In those games, his yardage totals have been 72, 42, 41 and 67, despite having eight receptions in one of the games and five in another. Dating back to Week 10, Hill hasn’t hit 75 yards in any of his last eight games. Defenses have made it a point to take him away from the offense and the opposition has succeeded for two months.

He won’t be the No. 1 option

Second, is that the San Francisco 49ers may have the best defensive front the Chiefs have faced all season. They’re five deep and come at you in waves. They don’t need to blitz to get pressure and they’re going to make it their mission to keep Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes contained in the pocket and getting rid of the ball faster than he would like. This could be great news for TE Travis Kelce and the secondary receivers, but not Hill. His strength is getting behind defenses and creating big plays. That doesn’t happen when Mahomes doesn’t have the luxury of four or five seconds to throw the ball.

Also see:

The 49ers have an answer in coverage

Third, is that the 49ers are likely going to have CB Richard Sherman chasing Hill wherever he goes and, on the plays he doesn’t, they will double-cover Hill. Either way, it’s not good for Hill because, if Mahomes has the clock in his head ticking faster than real-time, he’s not going to take the chance of testing Sherman in tight coverage or throw into a bracket of defenders. He’s been forewarned about not throwing the risky passes that lose Super Bowls. He won’t have many big-play opportunities with Hill.

The bottom line with Hill is that he’s not a reception machine. He has more than five receptions in just four of 14 games he has played this season, but he’s projected for 5.5 in Super Bowl LIV.

Take the UNDER 74.5 (-112) on his receiving yards and the UNDER 5.5 (-143) on Hill’s receptions, as well.

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