Tag: University of Memphis

Jets undrafted free agent Bryce Huff plans on being a problem in the NFL

Despite a limited training camp, New York Jets undrafted free agent Byrce Huff plans on being a problem for opposing defenses in 2020.

When Bryce Huff was not among the 255 selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, it came as surprise.

During his senior campaign at Memphis, Huff led the Tigers with 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He ranked fourth in the nation among pass-rushers in 2019 with 64 total pressures. The rise in production came after the Memphis coaching staff moved him from outside linebacker to defesnive end.

Now an undrafted free agent with the Jets, Huff has a real chance of making a team in desperate need of pass-rush help. For what it’s worth, he certainly expects to make an impact.

“I feel like my effort and my motor are definitely going to translate over,” Huff told Jets team reporter Olivia Landis. “My ability to make different pass-rush moves and mix it up on offensive lines will keep some offensive tackles on their edge in the league.”

Huff’s production at Memphis is why Joe Douglas gave him the most guaranteed money out of the Jets’ undrafted free agent class. Huff received $90,000 in guaranteed money, which includes a $15,000 signing bonus and a $75,000 guaranteed base salary.

It’s likely that even with a limited training camp, Huff will be able to play himself into a roster spot because the Jets are lacking necessary depth at edge rusher. Beyond Jordan Jenkins, who signed a one-year deal to return to New York, are Jabari Zuniga, Tarrell Basham, Harvey Langi and Frankie Luvu. All of them are unproven, though Zuniga, New York’s third-round pick, and Basham have a chance to start opposite Jenkins.

The Jets didn’t do much to address the pass-rushing position in free agency, so landing Huff as a priority undrafted free agent, in addition to Zuniga, has the potential to be a steal. He was originally projected to be a mid-round draft pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. While he didn’t hear his name called this past April, he plans on coming in with a chip on his shoulder and being a problem for opposing defenses in 2020.

“The plan just entails just me having a chance to come in and make an impact on defense in the ‘backer position or the edge position,” Huff said. “As long as I’m able to come in and do what I’m supposed to do, I should be able to make an impact this year.”

4 things to know about Jets’ undrafted free agent EDGE Bryce Huff

Here are four things to know about Jets’ undrafted free agent edge rusher Bryce Huff, who was fourth in the nation in total pressures.

Out of any of the Jets’ undrafted free agents, Bryce Huff has the best chance to stick.

New York is constantly looking to get better at the edge rusher position. Besides drafting Jabari Zuniga in the third round of the draft, the Jets did not do much to address the position this offseason. Re-signing Jordan Jenkins to a one-year deal was a savvy move by Joe Douglas, but the Jets failed to add other available pieces on the market.

New York has a chance to right its wrongs with Huff, who was projected to be a mid-round draft choice but surprisingly went undrafted. Now with Gang Green, Huff has the chance to make all the teams that passed on him pay.

With that said, let’s get to know Huff a bit better. Here are four things to know about the undrafted free agent.

Under Pressure

(Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports)

Bryce Huff ranked fourth in the nation amongst pass-rushers in 2019 with 64 total pressures. Out of 359 pass rushes, Huff’s pressure rate was 18 percent, which ranked seventh-best in the nation and in the 99th percentile.

Huff became a force to be reckoned with after transitioning from linebacker to the defensive line. During his senior campaign, Huff led Memphis in tackles for loss with 15.5, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

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WATCH: Memphis freshman James Wiseman suspended 12 games

University of Memphis freshman James Wiseman will return to the hardwood on Jan. 12.

University of Memphis freshman James Wiseman will return to the hardwood on Jan. 12.

The NCAA announced Wednesday that the 7-foot-1 star is suspended 12 games, with 11 remaining at the time of the announcement.

Penny Hardaway paid $11,500 to help Wiseman and his family relocated to Memphis when the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2019 was in high school. At the time, Hardaway was an AAU coach and coach at East Memphis High School, where Wiseman enrolled.

As a former Memphis player and a donor, Hardaway qualified as a booster, making the financial help an impermissible benefit.

Hardaway is now the Tigers’ head coach.

The NCAA warned Memphis before the season began that the star rookie could be ineligible. The school, athletic department, and team decided to play Wiseman in three games anyway.

Memphis will appeal the suspension, saying Wednesday, “We expect a more fair and equitable resolution, and we will exhaust all avenues on James’ behalf.”

WATCH: Memphis basketball star James Wiseman withdraws lawsuit against NCAA

James Wiseman and his legal team withdrew their lawsuit against the NCAA on Thursday.

Memphis basketball star James Wiseman and the NCAA seem to be one step closer to a resolution as the freshman fights for eligibility.

Wiseman and his legal team withdrew their lawsuit against the NCAA on Thursday as, per a statement from his legal team, the lawsuit against the NCAA is impeding a resolution regarding his eligibility.

The NCAA declared him ineligible in early November due to an “extra benefit” from 2017. Wiseman and his mother, Donzaleigh Artis, accepted approximately $11,000 from Penny Hardaway, who was a high school basketball coach in Memphis at the time. Though Hardaway was not working for the University of Memphis at that point, he was considered a booster as he had made a $1 million donation to the university back in 2008.

Wiseman’s legal team filed the suit last week because he had already been declared eligible for this season back in May. The lawsuit deemed the NCAA’s actions “arbitrary and capricious.”

Memphis has declared Wiseman ineligible as the NCAA continues its work on the case. In a statement released Thursday, Memphis announced that it would immediately apply for Wiseman’s reinstatement. The team leader in points, rebounds and blocks will be able to practice with his team as the NCAA’s investigation continues.