Tag: kansas state football

Will Howard didn’t come to USC, but he’ll forever be a Trojan hero

Will Howard prevented Notre Dame from winning the national championship. He helped USC after all.

13 months ago, it appeared highly likely that then-Kansas State quarterback Will Howard would transfer to USC. On3’s Pete Nakos even went as far as to log a USC prediction for Howard. With Caleb Williams off to the NFL, it appeared as though Lincoln Riley had found his quarterback for the 2024 season.

As we all know, however, plans can change in a heartbeat in college football. Williams opted out of the Holiday Bowl against Louisville, and backup Miller Moss lit up the Cardinals, throwing for 372 yards and six touchdowns. With Moss seemingly entrenching himself as the Trojans’ starter for 2024, Howard headed to Ohio State instead.

The move had a massive ripple effect, leaving fans wondering what might have been had things played out differently. While the Trojans struggled with Moss eventually losing the starting job towards the end of the season, Howard led the Buckeyes to the national championship.

But even though Howard never took a snap for the Trojans, he will always be a hero to USC fans. Because en route to the national title, he slayed three of the Trojans’ biggest foes.

Against Oregon in the Rose Bowl, Howard threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-21 blowout win. The performance ensured that the Ducks’ remarkable run of having never won a national championship continued, much to the delight of USC fans.

In the Cotton Bowl, Howard threw for 289 yards and a touchdown, as the Buckeyes held off the Longhorns 28-14. Although it was not Howard’s best performance, it was enough to ensure that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian—who had an ugly breakup with USC in 2015—did not win a title before the Trojans did.

Finally, in the national championship game, Howard and the Buckeyes went up against the Trojans’ greatest foe: Notre Dame. Behind Howard completing 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns, Ohio State rolled to a 34-23 win, preventing the Irish from winning their first national championship since 1988.

Will Howard may have never even played a snap for USC. But he prevented three of their biggest foes from winning a national title. And for that, he will always be a Trojan hero.

Rutgers ran a fake Eagles tush push to perfection against Kansas State during the Rate Bowl

Clever!

Rutgers decided to pull a fast one during Thursday night’s Rate Bowl at Chase Field, and it worked to perfection.

While looking to run the Philadelphia Eagles’ tush push at the 1-yard line against Kansas State, quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis instead handed the ball off to running back Antwan Raymond for the fake.

Raymond made it untouched into the end zone for a touchdown, making this one of the coolest trick plays of the 2024 bowl game season so far.

Perhaps the Eagles will pay homage to Rutgers and run this twist on their signature play sometime soon? We know we’d love to see it.

Feature image courtesy of ESPN. 

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Commanders release WR Byron Pringle

Who returns kickoffs for the Commanders on Sunday?

Nothing has come easy for Byron Pringle.

On Friday, the Commanders, conducting their final practice before flying to Tampa, released the wide receiver, who came into the league undrafted in 2018.

The majority of those following the Commanders closely believed that Pringle had made the 53-man roster to provide a veteran receiver who would also return kickoffs.

This raises the question of who the Commanders use on Sunday to return kickoffs. Would they promote Kazmeir Allen from the practice squad to handle the duty?

Or might they have Olamide Zaccheaus help return kickoffs? However, Zaccheaus, in his five seasons, has only returned three punts and two kickoffs. Jamison Crowder has again retained the job of punt returner.

The release of Pringle also raises the question of whether the coaching staff felt another receiver on the practice squad was looking better on the practice fields than Pringle and was consequently determined to make the move.

It could also be that the team has signed and brought in receiver Noah Brown, who makes Pringle expendable. This would allow the Commanders to bring up someone else from the practice squad at another position where they feel the need is more urgent.

Pringle, who played at Kansas State, signed with the Chiefs in May of 2018 and was waived in the preseason of both 2018 and 2019 before returning to play three seasons for the Chiefs (2019-21).

After being with the Bears in 2022, Pringle was a rather late signee to Washington in 2023. Since March 2023, Pringle had been a free agent, and no team had signed him. In late July, after the mini camps were completed, Washington suddenly signed Pringle, most likely an Eric Bieniemy choice from coaching Pringle in Kansas City.

Pringle caught 14 passes for 161 yards (11.5) in 2023 for the Commanders.

Texas A&M CB Wil Lee III explains what makes Mike Elko a difference maker

Texas A&M’s secondary has a chance to steadily improve under Milke Elko’s structured game plan

Last week, amid Texas A&M’s seventh fall practice, Wil Lee III, a former Kansas State CB and one of the program’s newest cornerback additions from the transfer portal, took the podium to speak to the local media. Lee is primed to make an impact ahead of his first season in Aggieland.

The conclusion of Jimbo Fisher’s final season with the program was culminated by a secondary that lacked size, speed, and depth, ultimately resulting in nearly every one of A&M’s six losses on the year, as Fisher’s inability to acquire reliable veterans from the portal likely contributed to firing.

New head coach Mike Elko addressed the issue almost immediately after taking over last November, landing five cornerbacks, including Lee. Three corners from the Fisher era have also returned to the roster. While discussing the CB room’s development this offseason, Lee attributed Elko’s head coaching acumen to setting the secondary up for consistent success.

“He cares about the little things. You don’t see coaches teaching two-minute just play drives and stuff like that throughout practice and he tells us like, play at one speed, like we’ll change up practice days, we’ll have less yards than others, and we just play at one speed every day, and that’s fast.”

Speed has been lacking in the Aggie secondary for quite some time, but after recording 42 tackles, six pass deflections, and two interceptions during his final season with the Wildcats, Lee, along with every other future cornerback contributor, will help usher in the new era of Texas A&M football under Elko’s guidance.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.

Commanders Ben Sinnott ‘super excited’ to play for Kingsbury, Quinn

Ben Sinnott is excited about the opportunity to play in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Commanders rookie Ben Sinnott says he was just showing up and had no idea what number they were going to give him.

I wanted the player to make the number, so it didn’t matter what they were going to give me, “said Sinnott to Bryan Colbert Jr.

The former Kansas State tight end, drafted 53 overall by Washington, was a guest with Colbert Jr. on another episode of “Raising Hail with the Rookies.”

Here are Ben Sinnott’s Kansas State highlights:

The Commanders issued No. 82 to Sinnott. Many will recall TE Logan Thomas wore No. 82 for his four seasons in Washington (2020-23). Logan Paulsen, another Washington tight end, also wore 82 (2010-14).

GM Adam Peters called Sinnott to inform him the Commanders were selecting him and immediately compared him to 49ers TE George Kittle. Sinnott, born and raised in Iowa, says he has watched and admired Kittle for years, who played at Iowa.

Sinnott actually started ice skating and playing hockey as young as three. Sinnott said the hockey “definitely brought that toughness, attitude, physicality.”

The rookie said in the early workouts he has noticed the coaches and players already “revolving around Dan Quinn. He’s such a natural leader, bringing the guys together and bringing the energy. He challenges us to compete in everything.”

How about his new OC, Kliff Kingsbury? “I’m pumped; I mean, look at all the guys he has developed, getting tight end touches. I’m super-excited to fine-tune my craft and see what he has planned for me.”

Watch college highlights of new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott

Ben Sinnott’s college highlights are a fun watch.

Despite signing veteran Zach Ertz in free agency, the Washington Commanders knew heading into the 2024 NFL draft they needed to add talent at tight end.

So, in the second round, with the No. 53 overall pick, Washington selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott. Sinnott was considered by many to be the second-best tight end in the draft behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. Sinnott was a versatile offensive weapon during his time at Kansas State, as he could play tight end, fullback, or split out wide.

In his review of Sinnott, former Washington tight end Chris Cooley praised Sinnott for his ability as a receiver and blocker. He offered the ultimate praise, saying legendary head coach Joe Gibbs would love Sinnott.

While Ertz will begin the season atop the depth chart, the Commanders will likely use plenty of 12 personnel, meaning two tight ends will be on the field simultaneously. Sinnott will be factored into offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s plans immediately.

Let’s look at some of Sinnott’s college highlights from his time at K-State.

What does Chris Cooley think of new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott?

“Joe Gibbs would love Ben Sinnott.”

“If he is wearing No. 47, we are identical.”

That was Chris Cooley’s first reaction when watching film of the Commanders’ second-round choice (No. 53 overall), Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.

Cooley was a guest Friday on the “The Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast and gave his film review of the tight end the Commanders drafted last week.

“He is what Joe Gibbs used to call an H-back; he’s versatile,” added Cooley.

Cooley said what he really liked initially about Sinnott was that he is flexible. The Commanders will be able to split Sinnott out wide. He can play in a tight split, a wing split, full back, tight, and next to the quarterback in the shotgun. Cooley concluded that K-State using Sinnott in so many positions reveals the young man is an intelligent player.

Pointing to his 4.68 at the Scouting Combine, Cooley praised his running of routes, “He is clearly a big-time target,” saying it was fun to watch him.

Cooley also praised Sinnott for being a hands-catcher of the ball rather than a chest-catcher. The former Washington tight end loved Sinnott’s ability to catch the ball at the high point and praised his vertical jumping ability.

A former wrestler, Cooley is fully aware of playing another sport at a high level and how this develops you athletically. He and Sheehan both pointed to the newest Commander also playing a lot of tennis and hockey as well as football.

Cooley was also excited about his ability to make some awesome runs after the catch as an H-back. He elaborated, saying Sinnott is tough to bring down and has that toughness to run through everything.

Seeing the Commanders will be able to line up Sinnott in multiple positions, Cooley pointed out that it also presents another challenge for the defense because your personnel becomes more unpredictable.

As for a weakness? Cooley feels Sinnott in his blocking needs some work in his hands and footwork early on in a block, saying he was not technically sound in some of the film.

However, Cooley was also quick to say that Sinnott made many good blocks. Thus, he was encouraged, saying Sinnott is certainly willing to block and will therefore improve his technique as his NFL career progresses.

“I will tell you right now, Joe Gibbs would love Ben Sinnott. This would be his guy. He would draft this guy. This is his H-back who can play receiver and tight end. He is a versatile tight end.”

What does new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott think of comparisons to 49ers’ stars?

Could Ben Sinnott be Washington’s long-term answer at tight end?

When the Washington Commanders selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott with the No. 53 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah compared him to a pair of San Francisco 49ers: Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle.

After the second round, general manager Adam Peters offered the same comparisons.

And when you watch Sinnott on film, it’s easy to see a mix between the two stars. While no one is saying outright that Sinnott is the next Juszczyk or Kittle, his size, athleticism, style and versatility make it a worthwhile comp.

So, what does Sinnott think of those comparisons?

“It’s crazy to even be in conversation or have anyone even think to compare you to guys of that caliber. It means everything,” Sinnott said this week in an appearance on “Grant and Danny,” on 106.7 The Fan, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“Hearing that, and the trust that he has for me, it’s super inspiring, and it gives me a lot of confidence going forward.”

Speaking specifically of Kittle, one of the NFL’s best tight ends, he was 6-foot-4 and weighed 247 pounds at the 2017 NFL combine. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. Sinnott measured in at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, running the 40 in 4.68 seconds. However, Sinnott bested Kittle’s vertical leap by five inches. Kittle spent a portion of his childhood in Iowa and played at the University of Iowa, while Sinnott was born and raised in the state of Iowa.

He spoke a little more on those comparisons.

“Through the process I’ve kind of heard a little bit of everything how people view me, but I think how the front office and the coaches with the Commanders view me is perfect,” Sinnott said.

“I just think I’m a play-making tight end but have the ability to be an h-back or get in the backfield and be a fullback. I think the versatility brings a lot of value to what this organization is gonna do, so I’m super excited for that.”

There was no tight end in the 2024 NFL draft like Sinnott. He can line up in a number of positions and can also make an impact in the run game. The Commanders have lacked that type of versatility at the position for years.

Watch: New Commanders TE Ben Sinnott was a standout hockey player

Washington fans are going to love TE Ben Sinnott.

Most tight ends in today’s NFL are known more for their ability to impact the passing game. Travis Kelce is a future Hall of Famer, but he isn’t known for his blocking.

George Kittle is the NFL’s most complete tight end because he is an excellent receiver and blocker.

The Washington Commanders entered the 2024 NFL draft knowing they needed a tight end. General manager Adam Peters, who came from San Francisco, played a role in drafting Kittle. Could Peters find his next Kittle?

With the No. 53 overall pick, the Commanders selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott. On the NFL Network’s draft telecast, Daniel Jeremiah said Sinnott was a combination of Kittle and standout fullback Kyle Juszczyk. In his Day 2 wrapup with the media, Peters used those same comparisons.

Sinnott can block, run and catch. When watching him play, it’s no surprise he is a former hockey player. Check this out:

Sinnott began playing hockey at three and played until high school, where he led his team in points and penalty minutes. That explains a lot when you watch him on the football field.

Washington fans are going to love Sinnott.

 

Who did the Commanders get in Ben Sinnott?

The Commanders got themselves a tight end.

With the 53rd overall selection, the Washington Commanders selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.

Who is Ben Sinnott?

Watching his highlight film of catching and running with the football, he looks similar to former Washington tight end Chris Cooley, which will make avid Commanders fans eager with anticipation.

His tape also reveals he is an aggressive and physical blocker who likes physical contact in opening the way for running backs into the defensive secondary.

At 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, Sinnott will bring a physical dimension to the tight end room that general manager Adam Peters will welcome to the Commanders offense.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Sinnott ran a 4.68 40, and at 250 pounds, unveiled an explosiveness with his 40-inch vertical jump.

In his final season, the Kansas State Wildcat was a third-team Associated Press All-American. He was voted First-team All-Big 12 Conference (listed at fullback because of his blocking ability). Sinnott led the team with 676 receiving yards (49 receptions, 13.8 YPR), six receiving TDs. He started 12 games.