Football – Page 12 – North Platte Post Archive

Nebraska-Kearney Football Signings

Posted on February 4, 2015

NEBRASKA-KEARNEY=

Bob Bailey, ol, 6-5, 295, Mesa (Ariz.) CC, San, Antonio, Texas

Jack Barna, db, 6-0, 185, Millard West HS, Omaha, Neb.

Jacob Browne, ol, 6-0, 265, Fort Lupton (Colo.) HS.

Nick Brungardt, ol, 6-4, 290, Kearney (Neb.) Catholic HS.

Dennis Cabanting, dl, 6-0, 250, Kearney (Neb.) Catholic HS.

DJ Curtis, db, 6-1, 215, Francis Howell North HS, St. Charles, Mo.

Brayden Davis, lb, 6-2, 195, Twin Loup HS, Sargent, Neb.

Austan Daniels, wr, 6-0, 180, Burke HS, Omaha, Neb.

Kevin Estime, db, 6-0, 200, North Dakota School of Science, Orlando, Fla.

Kevin Gallardo-Franklin, lb, 6-2, 210, Lincoln (Neb.) HS.

Rakid Hill, db, 5-11, 190, Hazelwood West HS, Florissaint, Mo.

Quentin Holley, db, 6-1, 170, Valor Christian HS, Centennial, Colo.

Tobey Huebert, wr, 5-11, 180, Aurora (Neb.) HS.

Jake Kadow, wr, 6-2, 180, St. Cecilia HS, Hastings, Neb.

Kolin Kenton, ol, 6-5, 230, Lexington (Neb.) HS.

Brennan Koller, db, 5-11, 180, Arapahoe (Neb.) HS.

Matt Kostenbauer, te, 6-5, 225, Palmer Ridge HS, Monument, Colo.

Tanner Lusk, te, 6-3, 235, Beatrice (Neb.) HS.

Brandon McDonald, ol, 6-2, 270, Elkhorn South HS, Omaha, Neb.

Jamarion McDonald, db, 6-2, 190, Manatee HS, Bradenton, Fla.

Alex McGinnis, qb, 6-4, 215, Crete (Neb.) HS.

Jack McLeay, ol, 6-1, 280, Creighton Prep HS, Omaha, Neb.

John Masker, qb, 6-1, 170, Kearney (Neb.) Catholic HS.

Randon Moore, db, 6-0, 175, North Side HS, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Payton Nelson, qb, 6-0, 175, North HS, Omaha, Neb.

Devon O’Grady, de, 6-4, 230, Sierra Canyon HS, Simi Valley, Calif.

Zach Pierre, db, 6-0, 180, Sierra Canyon HS, Canoga Park, Calif.

Justin Roberts, qb, 6-3, 200, Pomona HS, Arvada, Colo.

Ethan Rose, wr, 6-2, 180, Sterling (Colo.) HS.

Thomas Russell, rb, 6-1, 205, Millard West HS, Omaha, Neb.

AJ Schulze, te, 6-3, 220, Francis Howell North HS, St. Charles, Mo.

Sal Silvio, lb, 5-10, 225, Liberty North HS, Kansas City, Mo.

Colton Sis, lb, 6-4, 225, McCook (Neb.) HS.

Alec Sovereign, wr-te, 6-3, 195, Southwest HS, Lincoln, Neb.

Josh Stoltenberg, ol, 6-2, 300, Creighton Prep HS, Omaha, Neb.

Zach Sullivan, db, 6-3, 185, Millard West HS, Omaha, Neb.

UNC Hires Former Nebraska Defensive Coordinator Papuchis

Posted on February 2, 2015

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina has hired former Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis as an assistant coach.

Papuchis coached at LSU under Nick Saban before joining Bo Pelini’s staff at Nebraska in 2008, spending the past three seasons as defensive coordinator.

Papuchis joins a staff looking to reshape a defense that gave up more points and yards than any team in program history, including allowing school records of 70 points and 789 yards in a loss at East Carolina.

Last month, the Tar Heels hired former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik as its new defensive coordinator. Head coach Larry Fedora says the 36-year-old Papuchis has “quickly earned a reputation as an outstanding teacher and recruiter.”

Team spokesman Kevin Best says Papuchis’ position assignment has yet to be determined.

The Top 10 Most-Watched Super Bowl Games

Posted on February 2, 2015

The most-watched Super Bowl games in history, according to the Nielsen Co.:

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1. 2015, New England vs. Seattle, 114.4 million viewers.

2. 2014, Seattle vs. Denver, 112.2 million.

3. 2012, N.Y. Giants vs. New England, 111.3 million.

4. 2011, Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh, 111 million.

5. 2013, San Francisco vs. Baltimore, 108.7 million.

6. 2010, New Orleans vs. Indianapolis, 106.5 million.

7. 2009, Arizona vs. Pittsburgh, 98.7 million.

8. 2008, N.Y. Giants vs. New England, 97.4 million.

9. 1996, Dallas vs. Pittsburgh, 94.1 million.

10. 2007, Chicago vs. Indianapolis, 93.2 million.

Patriots beat Seahawks 28-24 for Fourth Super Bowl Win

Posted on February 1, 2015

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns and Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson’s pass in the end zone with 20 seconds left, helping the New England Patriots hold on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 Sunday night for their fourth Super Bowl title.

The Patriots had lost three straight Super Bowls since winning three in four years a decade ago.

The 37-year-old Brady led them back, hitting Julian Edelman with 2:02 left for his 12th career Super Bowl touchdown pass, breaking Joe Montana’s record.

The Seahawks pulled off a miraculous rally to beat Green Bay in the NFC Championship game and were in position for another improbable victory when Jermaine Kearse made a juggling, 33-yard catch while on his back.

With the ball on New England’s 1, Seattle appeared to be headed toward a second straight Super Bowl title. Butler spoiled the Seahawks’ bid, stepping in front of Ricardo Lockette for the interception.

Rodgers Wins 2nd NFL Most Valuable Player Award

Posted on January 31, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) — Aaron Rodgers has won his second Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award in somewhat surprisingly easy fashion.

Rodgers, who also took the honor in 2011, received 31 votes for the 2014 award from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. Houston’s J.J. Watt, seeking to become the first defensive player to win MVP since 1986, got 13 votes.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, the 2014 Offensive Player award winner, and quarterback Tony Romo each got two votes. Patriots QB Tom Brady and Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner received one apiece.

Rodgers threw for 38 touchdowns and a league-low five interceptions; he has thrown 512 passes at home without a pick. He led the Packers to two victories at season’s end despite playing with a severe calf injury.

The award was presented at the “NFL Honors” show Saturday night.

Shields, Tingelhoff Elected to Hall of Fame

Posted on January 31, 2015

A pair of former Nebraska offensive line greats were among eight individuals selected to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2015 class of inductees.

Mick Tingelhoff was a standout center for the Minnesota Vikings following his Nebraska career, while Will Shields followed his Husker career by becoming a perennial All-Pro for the Kansas City Chiefs.

The announcement of the Hall’s 2015 class came on Saturday evening in Arizona as part of the NFL’s Super Bowl weekend. Tingelhoff was chosen for induction by the Hall’s senior committee, while Shields was elected in his fourth season as a modern-era Hall of Fame finalist.

They are joined in the 2015 class by Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis, Charles Haley, Junior Seau and contributors Bill Polian and Ron Wolf. The class of 2015 will enshrined on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio.

Tingelhoff and Shields will become the fourth and fifth Nebraska players to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The duo joins Guy Chamberlin, Roy “Link” Lyman and Bob Brown as Nebraska players to be a part of the Hall of Fame. Brown was the most recent Husker inductee, being enshrined in the Hall in 2004.

A native of Lexington, Neb., Tingelhoff started all 240 games he played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1962 to 1978. Regarded as the best center of his era, Tingelhoff played on four Vikings’ teams that advanced to the Super Bowl. Tingelhoff played in 19 total playoff games during his career, and helped the Vikings win 10 division titles between 1968 and 1978.

Tingelhoff was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, and a five-time first team All-Pro choice, while also earning second-team All-Pro honors one time in his career. Tingelhoff was a true ironman for Minnesota. In addition to playing in every game during his career, he reportedly never missed a practice with the Vikings.

Tingelhoff is part of the Viking Ring of Honor and his #53 Minnesota jersey is retired by the organization.

Tingelhoff was an undrafted free agent following his Nebraska playing career. A three-year letterwinner, Tingelhoff was a co-captain of the 1961 Cornhuskers. He played on the offensive line alongside Bob Brown, now a fellow NFL Hall of Famer. Tingelhoff was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Shields also joins Brown and Chamberlin as the only Nebraska players in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Shields was inducted into the College Hall of Fame in 2011.

A consensus All-American and a Lombardi Award semifinalist as a senior in 1992, Shields is one of only six Husker linemen to earn all-conference honors for three straight seasons. As a senior, Shields received votes for Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year and earned All-America honors from Kodak, AP, UPI, Walter Camp and Football News.

During his junior campaign, he was a unanimous selection to the All-Big Eight team and a second-team All-American, helping the Huskers rank first in the conference in rushing offense and total offense.

Shields became the second offensive lineman to play as a true freshman in 1989, appearing in nine games. In his second year, Shields became the first sophomore lineman since College Football Hall of Famer Dave Rimington to earn first-team all-conference honors for NU, helping the Huskers lead the Big Eight in scoring, rushing and total offense. Shields’ No. 75 Nebraska jersey was retired at the 1994 Spring Game, one of 17 Nebraska retired jerseys.

Following his collegiate career, Shields was selected by the Chiefs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He spent 14 seasons as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL until retiring after the 2006 season. Shields earned a spot in 12 Pro Bowls and started more than 200 straight games in his brilliant professional career.

Shields was also one of the most active volunteers and community leaders in the NFL. He is the co-founder of the Will to Succeed Foundation with his wife, Senia. The foundation was organized to guide, inspire and improve the lives of abused and neglected women and children. For his remarkable work with charitable and community organizations, Shields was named the NFL Man of the Year in 2003.

Gronk’s Garland: Patriots TE Gronkowski Wins Comeback Player

Posted on January 31, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) — New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has won The Associated Press NFL Comeback Player Of The Year award for 2014.

Gronkowski easily outdistanced seven others receiving votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league.

The unanimous All-Pro received 27 selections, followed by Philadelphia receiver Jeremy Maclin and Dallas linebacker Rolando McClain with seven apiece. Denver cornerback Chris Harris Jr. had three votes, while running backs Justin Forsett of Baltimore and Arian Foster of Houston drew two. Arizona linebacker Larry Foote and Buffalo quarterback Kyle Orton each got one.

Gronkowski was limited to seven games in 2013 because of knee problems. He returned in style — that style being powerful, aggressive and tough — to make 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The award was presented at the “NFL Honors” show Saturday night.

Texans’ JJ Watt is Unanimous Top Defensive Player

Posted on January 31, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) — J.J. Watt is a unanimous selection as The Associated Press NFL Defensive Player Of The Year for 2014.

The ultra-energetic and versatile Houston Texans end collected every vote from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league.

He is the first unanimous choice for an AP award since Tom Brady won Most Valuable Player in 2007, and the first for top defensive player under the current voting setup.

In his fourth pro season, Watt earned his second such honor with 20 1-2 sacks, 78 tackles — 29 for losses — 50 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and 10 blocked passes.

He is the first NFL player with multiple 20-sack seasons. Watt also had 20 1-2 sacks in 2012, his other top defensive player season.

The award was presented Saturday night at the “NFL Honors” show.

Rams DT Aaron Donald is Top Defensive Rookie

Posted on January 31, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) — St. Louis Rams tackle Aaron Donald has won The Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year award for 2014.

A first-round draft pick (13th overall) out of Pittsburgh, Donald drew 25 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. That was seven more than Baltimore linebacker C.J. Mosley.

Oakland LB Khalil Mack got six votes, and San Francisco LB Chris Borland received one.

A force against the run and the pass, Donald had 37 tackles, nine assists, and led all rookies with nine sacks. He was one of three rookies initially selected for the Pro Bowl; Mosley also made it.

Donald is the second Ram to win the award and the first since linebacker Isiah Robertson in 1971, when the team was in Los Angeles.

The award was presented during the “NFL Honors” show Saturday night.

Arians Wins Coach Of Year Award for 2nd Time in 3 Years

Posted on January 31, 2015

PHOENIX (AP) — Bruce Arians has won The Associated Press NFL Coach Of The Year award for the second time in three years — with different teams.

Arians led Arizona to an 11-5 record in 2014 despite a rash of injuries, including to his top two quarterbacks. The Cardinals earned a wild-card berth, losing at Carolina in the playoffs.

In 2012, Arians stepped in for an ill Chuck Pagano and helped the Indianapolis Colts to the playoffs, becoming the first interim coach to win the award, which began in 1957.

Arians received 39 1-2 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Houston’s Bill O’Brien and Dallas’ Jason Garrett each got three votes. Seattle’s Pete Carroll drew 2 1-2; Detroit’s Jim Caldwell and New England’s Bill Belichick got one apiece.

The award was presented during the “NFL Honors” show Saturday night.