6 Sooners named to USA Softball’s Preseason National Player of the Year Watch List

6 Oklahoma Sooners were included in USA Softball’s preseason National Player of the Year watch list.

The Oklahoma Sooners are about to embark on another incredible journey when the 2024 season gets started. Owners of a record 53-game winning streak, they’ll have a chance to further extend their historic achievement deep into the year.

They’ll have a couple of top 10 battles with Washington and Duke on the first weekend of the season in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. But if they can pass those tests, there’s no telling when the streak could come to an end.

The Sooners will get everyone’s best shot yet again in 2024, but they’ve got the talent to withstand every salvo, just like they did last year. Though they’re replacing Jordy Bahl, Grace Lyons, and Haley Lee, they brought in a talented freshman class and a number of impactful transfers to retool the roster.

But there’s more than enough talent to have another magical season and it starts with the six Sooners that were named to USA Softball’s National Player of the Year watch list.

10 Alabama seniors named to Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist

The Reese’s Senior Bowl released its first watchlist less than a week before the start of the college football season. Alabama had 10 seniors that made the list.

The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist was released on Wednesday morning. A total of 10 Alabama players were named to the watchlist.

The Senior Bowl was first played in 1950 at Gator Bowl Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Since 1951, the game has been played annually in Mobile, Alabama. The game was implemented to allow college seniors to showcase their skills and talents in front of fans and NFL scouts.

The opportunity has helped a lot of players over the years. Some of the former Alabama players who participated in the Senior Bowl are Joe Namath, Ozzie Newsome, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, and Jake Coker.

Roll Tide Wire takes a closer look at the 10 players who were recently named to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl watchlist.

Nick Saban named to Dodd Trophy watchlist for 2021 CFB season

Nick Saban is being watched!

Many would consider Alabama head coach Nick Saban a living legend and one of the greatest coaches in the game of football. Well, one year after earning national championship No. 7 in his collegiate career, Saban is on the watchlist for the Dodd trophy, which is awarded to an FBS coach, “whose program represents three pillars of success: Scholarship, Leadership and Integrity.”

Coach Saban has won the award once in 2014 and now was the opportunity to win it for a second time.

He joins a list of other talented coaches with high-profile programs, such as Penn State‘s James Franklin, Ohio State‘s Ryan Day, Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher and many more.

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10 players for the Lions to consider on Day 3 of the NFL Draft

Identifying 10 players that the Detroit Lions should consider on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

In what already looks like the best draft of general manager Bob Quinn’s career with the Detroit Lions, it appears that every glaring hole on the roster has been filled.

Now, on Day 3 of the draft, the Lions can focus on finding some key depth pieces and rotational contributors for the 2020 season.

The team currently possesses one pick in each of the remaining rounds, so they will have plenty of options available to them.

Here are the top 10 players still available for Detroit to draft:

K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

The Lions could secure their slot receiver of the future by selecting Hill. He’s fast, shifty, and a solid route runner. On top of all of that, he’s known to make some spectacular catches. Detroit has the chance to nab a trustworthy target for Matthew Stafford in the fourth round.

Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

Though they already got themselves a pass rusher in the third round, it wouldn’t hurt the Lions to double-dip at the position. He’d be an instant contributor on defense by providing capable depth on the edge.

Bradlee Anae, EDGE Utah

Speaking of EDGE rushers, Anae could be an option if the Lions want an extra JACK linebacker in their rotation. He’s not as athletic as Weaver, but still fits the mold of what Detroit is looking for. The Lions spent a lot of time with him at the Senior Bowl, so expect him to be on their radar.

Troy Dye, ILB, Oregon

Dye was a four-year starter for the Ducks who excelled at dropping into coverage. The Lions have long struggled at finding linebackers who can cover both running backs and tight ends in space, and Dye could be that guy for them.

Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn

Driscoll started two seasons at right tackle for Auburn, and the Lions have a battle going on at that very position. He’s a tremendous athlete who can use his mobility to his advantage. Whether he starts or serves as a backup, he’s a perfect match in Detroit.

Ben Bredeson, IOL, Michigan

Another position that Detroit could double up on is the interior offensive line. Bredeson is a big-bodied lineman who could come in and challenge Joe Dahl for the left guard spot or provide solid depth at the position.

Jason Strowbridge, IDL, UNC

After losing A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels in free agency, the Lions are in desperate need of depth at the 3T and 5T spots. He’s an excellent run defender who can easily be a contributor in the defensive line rotation.

Leki Fotu, IDL, Utah

A former rugby player, Fotu was able to translate that athleticism into his defensive line play. At 330 pounds, he doesn’t lose easily against offensive lineman. He would bring a unique skill set to the Lions as a nose tackle with a knack for rushing the passer.

K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson

Wallace is an elite athlete who projects best as a contributor in three-safety sets. His best play is in the box, where he excels in coverage. He’d provide excellent depth at the position in 2020.

Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M

With longtime punter Sam Martin now in Denver, the Lions need a young guy who they can rely on for years to come. Mann is the best punter in this draft and would be a great pick for Detroit in the later rounds.

2020 Season Early Awards Watchlist

It may be January, but it is never too early to begin talking about awards for the next season. Here is the early 2020 awards watchlist. 

It may be January, but it’s never too early to begin talking about awards for the next season. Especially in a critical year for Texas, in which they are expected to perform at the highest level.

All three sides of the ball presented itself as issues throughout the seasons, with some of the biggest players not performing in the most critical games. In 2020, that must change and the best players on the offensive and defensive side of the ball need to be making plays throughout all four quarters.

Coaching may have been a part of it, but with new coordinator Mike Yurcich and Chris Ash, they are expected to put these players in the best positions available to make plays. Even with a brand new recruiting class coming in, freshman have the ability to make an instant impact on the field.

Looking a newcomer of the year, special teams player of the year, defensive player of the year, and offensive player of the year for 2020, they may not be the best or most talented player in their respective unit, but they will be the most valuable. Somebody who brings the entire team to a new level when they perform and when absent is a glaring hole.

Here is the early 2020 awards watchlist for the Longhorns.