Tag: Keith Byars

41 days till Patriots season opener: Every player to wear No. 41 for New England

Here’s a list of every Patriots player to wear the No. 41 jersey number

The New England Patriots are officially 41 days away from the start of their 2023 regular season. So we’re continuing our countdown series today by listing every Patriots player that has ever worn the No. 41 jersey.

Patriots defensive back and burgeoning special teamer Brenden Schooler currently wears the number. It could soon become a jersey number that grows in popularity as he continues to find success within the organization.

Schooler, who is entering his second year, received high praise late last season from special teams legend Matthew Slater, who believed he was playing at a Pro Bowl level.

There have been a total of 20 players associated with the No. 41 throughout Patriots’ franchise history. Let’s take a look at every player that has worn the number.

You have $15, build the best offensive unit in Eagles’ history

Can you build the greatest Philadelphia offense of all time? With a $15 budget, try to assemble the best QB, WR, RB, TE combination in Eagles history

[mm-video type=video id=01h3zm7nd4dpb3d9m4qt playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h3zm7nd4dpb3d9m4qt/01h3zm7nd4dpb3d9m4qt-3ccfb89314c0e3a0a610f26d8149e942.jpg]

Philadelphia has had some all-time great offensive players, but what five players at multiple positions could give fans a dynamic unit on offense?

The Bird’s official Twitter account created a frenzy when they asked fans to build the ultimate roster.

The goal is to create the ultimate Eagles offensive unit with a $15 budget. Your team must consist of a quarterback, two wide receivers, a running back, and a tight end or fullback.

Ohio State football face of the position: Running Back

When you think of the running back position at Ohio State historically, which player comes to mind? Vote! #GoBucks

It’s the doldrums of almost summer and you are most likely stuck between queueing up last year’s Rose Bowl victory over Utah on the DVR for the umpteenth time, reading rankings and listicles that include Ohio State, and yearning for the start of the college football season.

Sounds like a perfect time to kick off a series we are embarking upon here at Buckeyes Wire. We call it the “face of the position” and it’s really exactly as it sounds. When you think of a position group at Ohio State, who do you think of? From quarterback to linebacker, to placekicker and beyond, OSU has some of the most iconic and historical college football players that have taken their place among the best in the game.

However, one player stands out above all else when you shroud them behind the colors of scarlet and gray, and that’s where we are going to ask for your assistance.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting players that are in the running for the face of a position at Ohio State and asking for your vote in a Twitter poll to have one player identified as the one you think immediately at that position.

We’ve already looked at the quarterback position, and now we’re moving on to running back. It’s a position that’s often been considered the Cadillac group in the history of Ohio State.

We’ll keep voting up for five days, and at the end of it, we’ll reveal the winner of each. Make sure you scroll to the bottom to cast your vote from the nominees and write in a candidate if you think of another player.

Keith Byars getting ‘robbed’ of ’84 Heisman still haunts Buckeye fans

Do you remember Keith Byars and what he did in 1984? Let us remind you.

The year is 1984 and Keith Byars is the new Ohio State record holder for all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,441 yards. He also just demolished the record for rushing yards in a single season with 1,764 yards while chipping in 22 touchdowns. Byars was an absolute man amongst boys, averaging a whopping 5.3 yards per carry.

Let’s not forget that Byars was also the definition of a total package with insane receiving ability (which would explain the seamless move to tight end during his NFL career). Byars snagged 42 receptions for 479 yards and two more touchdowns. Oh did we also forget his 35-yard touchdown pass or his eight kick returns for an average of 24.8 yards per return? If you have seen Friday Night Lights then Byars was basically Boobie Miles.

Any other season and Byars would have a Heisman Trophy, but Doug Flutie had one of the more magical college football seasons in the history of the game and mounted one of the most iconic upsets and on top of that created one of the most memorable highlights in college football history. I don’t need to go any further into Doug Flutie and his time at Boston College with the Hail Mary pass to defeat powerhouse Miami.

At the end of the day, Flutie took home the bronze statue with Byars finishing as the runner-up in voting.

Many people will point to a “lack” of a Heisman moment for Byars, but this is completely untrue. Byars had one of the most memorable games in Ohio State history with an insane highlight to go with it. Byars rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns against Illinois and had a 67 yard rushing touchdown that featured him losing his shoe. Few remember that the Buckeyes were down by 24 points before Byars found his groove.

At the end of the day, Doug Flutie had an incredible season and it was worthy of the Heisman, but it is a shame that Byars doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

For some Ohio State fans, Byars was the favorite player of a generation. He’s been a little forgotten to new OSU fans, but he was super-talented and came just a whisker away from winning a Heisman.

To this day, many still believe he had the better year and you have to wonder how the voting would have shaken out if what he did took place in today’s game.

[listicle id=53384]

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Keith Byars getting robbed of ’84 Heisman still haunts Buckeye fans

Do you remember Keith Byars and what he did in 1984? Let us remind you.

The year is 1984 and Keith Byars is the new Ohio State record-holder for all-purpose yards in a single season with 2,441 yards. He also demolished the record for rushing yards in a single season with 1,764 yards while chipping in 22 touchdowns. Byars was an absolute man among boys, averaging a whopping 5.3 yards per carry.

Let’s not forget Byars was also the definition of a total package with insane receiving ability (which would explain the seamless move to tight end during his NFL career). Byars snagged 42 receptions for 479 yards and two more touchdowns. Oh, did we also forget his 35-yard touchdown pass or his eight kick returns for an average of 24.8 yards per return? If you have seen “Friday Night Lights” then Byars was basically Boobie Miles.

Any other season and Byars would have a Heisman Trophy, but Doug Flutie had one of the more magical college football seasons in the history of the game, mounted one of the most iconic upsets and, on top of that, created one of the most memorable highlights in college football history. I don’t need to go any further into Doug Flutie and his time at Boston College with the Hail Mary pass to defeat powerhouse Miami.

At the end of the day, Flutie took home the bronze statue with Byars finishing as the runner-up in voting.

Many people will point to a “lack” of a Heisman moment for Byars, but this is completely untrue. Byars had one of the most memorable games in Ohio State history with an insane highlight to go with it. Byars rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns against Illinois and had a 67 yard rushing touchdown that featured him losing his shoe. Few remember that the Buckeyes were down by 24 points before Byars found his groove.

At the end of the day, Doug Flutie had an incredible season and it was worthy of the Heisman, but it is a shame Byars doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.

For some Ohio State fans, Byars was the favorite player of a generation. He is a little forgotten to new OSU fans, but he was super-talented and came a whisker away from winning a Heisman.

To this day, many still believe he had the better year, and you have to wonder how the voting would have shaken out if what he did took place in today’s game.

[listicle id=53384]

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

Keith Byars among those to be inducted into College Football 2020 Hall of Fame class

Former Ohio State running back Keith Byars will be inducted into the College Football 2020 Hall of Fame Class.

The 2020 College Football Hall of Fame has been announced, and former Ohio State running back Keith Byars has finally made the cut.

Byars played for the Buckeyes under the late head coach Earle Bruce from 1982-1985. He had a bruising running style and soft hands out of the backfield. He nearly won the Heisman Trophy in 1984, finishing second behind Boston College’s Doug Flutie.

That year, Byars set a program record for all-purpose yards with 2,441. Most of the damage was done on the ground with what was, at the time, a program record of 1,764 yards. He also found the end zone 22 times that season.

Going into 1985, Byars was a preseason Heisman favorite but suffered a fracture in his foot and was never fully healthy. At his peak though, he was one of the toughest runners to bring down and had underappreciated speed for a back his size.

He makes the 26th Ohio State player to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Byars will be going into the Hall of Fame with the following players.

  • Lomas Brown — offensive tackle, Florida (1981-84)
  • Eric Crouch — quarterback, Nebraska (1998-2001)
  • Eric Dickerson — running back, Southern Methodist (1979-82)
  • Glenn Dorsey — defensive tackle, LSU (2004-07)
  • Jumbo Elliott — offensive tackle, Michigan (1984-87)
  • Jason Hanson — kicker, Washington State (1988-91)
  • E.J. Henderson — linebacker, Maryland (1999-2002)
  • E.J. Junior — defensive end, Alabama (1977-80)
  • Steve McNair — quarterback, Alcorn State (1991-94)
  • Cade McNown — quarterback, UCLA (1995-98)
  • Leslie O’Neal — defensive tackle, Oklahoma State (1982-85)
  • Anthony Poindexter — defensive back, Virginia (1995-98)
  • David Pollack — defensive end, Georgia (2001-04)
  • Bob Stein — defensive end, Minnesota (1966-68)
  • Michael Westbrook — wide receiver, Colorado (1991-94)
  • Elmo Wright — wide receiver, Houston (1968-70)

This is well past due and well earned from one of the greatest Ohio State running backs to ever suit up in the scarlet and gray.

 

Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion.

We have a forum and message board now. Get in on the conversation about Ohio State athletics by joining the Buckeyes Wire Forum.

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class Announced

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class.

[jwplayer MutHwiMz]

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today the 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class, which includes the names of 16 players and two coaches.

A few wrongs were made right.

FINALLY, Eric Dickerson got the call to be in the Hall.

In the theory of, “if you won a Heisman, you should automatically get in,” Eric Crouch made it, along with headliners former Ohio State RB Keith Byars, Michigan OT Jumbo Elliott, Alcorn State QB Steve McNair, and Georgia DE David Pollock.

Two coaches – Dick Sheridan and Andy Talley – were elected, too.

Write-ups from the National Football Foundation.

2020 College Football Hall of Fame Players

Lomas Brown, Florida, Offensive Tackle (1981-1984)

– 1984 consensus First Team All-American and two-time All-SEC performer
– Led Gators to three consecutive bowl berths and top 10 national final rankings in 1983 and 1984
– Recipient of Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top blocker in 1984.

Keith Byars, Ohio State, Running Back (1982-1985)

– Unanimous First Team All-American and Heisman Trophy runner-up who led nation in rushing (1,764), all-purpose yards (2,441) and scoring (144) in 1984
– 1984 Big Ten MVP and two-time All-Big Ten selection
– Ranks fifth all-time at OSU with 4,369 career all-purpose yards and 3,200 career rushing yards.

Eric Crouch, Nebraska, Quarterback (1998-2001)

– 2001 Heisman, Walter Camp and Davey O’Brien Award winner who led Huskers to 2001 national title game at the Rose Bowl
– Finished career as NCAA record holder for career rushing TDs by a quarterback (59)
– Led team to 42-9 record and four bowl berths.

Eric Dickerson, SMU, Running Back (1979-1982)

– Named unanimous First Team All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1982
– Twice named SWC Player of the Year, he holds 14 SMU records including career rushing yards (4,450).

Glenn Dorsey, LSU, Defensive Tackle (2004-2007)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 2007
– Led the Tigers to a national title at the 2008 Sugar Bowl after taking home the Lombardi, Nagurski and Outland trophies
– 2007 SEC Defensive Player of the Year who helped LSU finish no lower than No. 5 nationally his last three seasons.

Jumbo Elliott, Michigan, Offensive Tackle (1984-1987)

– Two-time First Team All-American (consensus, ’87)
– Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and member of 1986 Big Ten Co-Champions
– Paved the way for Jamie Morris, who had three-straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Jason Hanson, Washington State, Placekicker (1988-1991)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1989
– Holds numerous NCAA, conference and school records, including longest field goal without a tee (62 yards) and career field goals of 40 yards or more (39)
– Four-time All-Pac-10 selection and 1991 NFF National Scholar-Athlete.

E.J. Henderson, Maryland, Linebacker (1999-2002)

– Only two-time consensus First Team All-American in Terps history
– 2002 Bednarik and Butkus award winner who helped Maryland to an Orange Bowl berth and No. 11 final ranking
– 2001 ACC Player of the Year and two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, leading Terps to the 2001 ACC title.

E.J. Junior, Alabama, Defensive End (1977-1980)

-1980 unanimous First Team All-American and member of two national championship teams (1978, 1979)
– Three-time First Team All-SEC selection and 1980 SEC Lineman of the Year, who led Tide to two conference titles
– Member of fabled goal-line stand defense vs. Penn State in 1979 Sugar Bowl.

Steve McNair, Alcorn State, Quarterback (1991-1994)

– 1994 Walter Payton Award winner as the top player in the FCS.
– Third in Heisman voting in 1994.
– All-time FCS passing leader with 14,496 yards and total yards with 16,823
– Four-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year

[lawrence-related id=485314]

Cade McNown, UCLA, Quarterback (1995-1998)

-1998 Consensus First Team All-American and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient
-1998 Pac-10 Co-Offensive Player of the Year who led UCLA to consecutive Pac-10 titles in 1997 (shared) and 1998-Holds numerous school records.

Leslie O’Neal, Oklahoma State, Defensive Tackle (1982-1985)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning unanimous honors in 1985
– Three-time All-Big Eight selection and 1984 Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year, who led Pokes to three, straight bowl berths
– Left OSU as school leader in career sacks (34), career TFL (47) and single, season sacks (16).

Anthony Poindexter, Virginia, Defensive Back (1995-1998)

– Two-time First Team All-American, earning consensus honors in 1998
– Three-time All-ACC pick and 1998 ACC Defensive Player of the Year
– Holds five school records and finished career with 342 tackles and 12 interceptions.

David Pollack, Georgia, Defensive Lineman (2001-2004)

– Three-time First Team All-American (consensus in 2002, 2004) and recipient of the 2004 Lombardi and Bednarik awards
– Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year who led Bulldogs to consecutive SEC title games
– UGA’s all-time leader in sacks (36) and tackles for loss (58.5).

Michael Westbrook, Colorado, Wide Receiver

– 1994 consensus First Team All-American who led Buffs to four bowl berths and four top 20 finishes
– Two-time All-Big Eight performer, leading CU to a share of the 1991 league title
– Still holds eight school records and caught a 64-yard game-winning pass in the 1994 “Miracle at Michigan.

Elmo Wright, Houston, Wide Receiver

-1970 consensus First Team All-American who earned Second Team honors in 1969 and Honorable Mention honors in 1968
– Set an NCAA single-season record of eight TD receptions of 50 yards or more (1968)
– Still holds Houston career records for all-purpose yards per play (21.0 avg.) and yards per reception (21.9 avg.).

Pete Fiutak Top Ten Ballot
1. QB Carson Palmer, USC (not elected)
2. S Roy Williams, Oklahoma (not elected)
3. RB Eric Dickerson, SMU (elected)
4. QB Eric Crouch, Nebraska (elected)
5. RB Rashaan Salaam, Colorado (not elected)
6. LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State (not elected)
7. DE Andre Tippett, Iowa (not elected)
8. DE Julius Peppers, North Carolina (not elected)
9. DE David Pollack, Georgia (not elected)
10. DT Kenneth Sims, Texas (not elected)

[protected-iframe id=”2823778ff32006e9a7693e621fbdfdfd-97672683-92922408″ info=”https://www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js” ]

Eagles RB Miles Sanders moves past DeSean Jackson for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in team history

Miles Sanders sets Philadelphia Eagles rookie record for scrimmage yards,

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Miles Sanders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and there’s no doubt that Howie Roseman hit on that pick.

Sanders has star power and with a 7-yard run against the Redskins on Sunday, Sanders broke DeSean Jackson’s franchise record for yards from scrimmage for a rookie.

Sanders entered Sunday’s game at FedEx Field with 948 yards from scrimmage on the season, trailing only DeSean Jackson (1,008 in 2008) in the record books.

Sanders entered Sunday’s game with 131 carries for 565 yards and one touchdown. As a pass-catcher, Sanders has 36 catches for 386 yards and two more scores. He’s also returned 14 kicks for 314 yards.

Sanders now has 1,012 yards on the season.

Sanders also has a chance to set the Eagles rookie record for rushing yards in a season.

Sanders ranked No. 4 on the list with 565, trailing only McCoy (637 in 2009), Correll Buckhalter (586 in 2001) and Keith Byars (577 in 1986).