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Calif. Approves Transfer Agreement with HBCUs

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Press Release
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Dillard University Courtesy Photo
Dillard University Courtesy Photo

Washington, DC – The California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the leaders of nine historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are signing an agreement ensuring guaranteed transfer to graduates of any California community college who meet certain academic requirements.

California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice Harris, leaders of the participating HBCUs and George Cooper, executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, are taking part in a signing ceremony in the chancellor’s office March 17.

“We applaud Chancellor Brice Harris and the California Community College System for working to ensure that all community college students have a guaranteed pathway toward their academic goals,” said Walter Bumphus, president of the American Association of Community Colleges. “Nationally, community colleges serve the majority of minority students, and this historic agreement with HBCUs will safeguard increased access toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree.”

No lost credits

The memorandums of understanding between the chancellor’s office and the individual HBCUs says students who have completed an associate degree for transfer or similar transfer-level associate degree and maintain a 2.5 grade point average will be admitted to the four-year institution as a junior with full acceptance of transferable units.

Students who haven’t earned a degree from a community college would be able to transfer 30 or more credits and would be guaranteed admission to an HBCU with advance standing.

The participating HBCUs are Bennett College (North Carolina); Dillard University (Louisiana); Fisk University (Tennessee); Lincoln University (Missouri); Philander Smith College (Arkansas); Wiley College (Texas); and three institutions in Alabama – Stillman College, Talladega College and Tuskegee University.

The goal of the HBCU Transfer Guarantee Project is to educate students about additional transfer opportunities at these institutions and develop pathways that will contribute to an increase in baccalaureate attainment.

More success

HBCUs have an excellent academic track record, the chancellor’s office noted. While only about 17 percent of black undergraduate students attend an HBCU, more than 28 percent of African-Americans who receive bachelor’s degrees obtain them from an HBCU.

These institutions are also leading institutions in awarding bachelor’s degrees to black students in the life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and engineering. Some also award master’s and doctorate degrees.

There are 105 HBCUs in the United States, with most of them located in the South and on the East Coast.

PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge – Help Raise Funds for Charity

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Press Release
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Northern Trust Open 2016 Logo
Northern Trust Open 2016 Logo

PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge Invites Northern Trust Open Fans to Help Raise Funds for Charity
Charitable Giving Program Extends Shared PGA TOUR and Astellas Commitment to Supporting Local Communities

LOS ANGELES, CA – The PGA TOUR’s Northern Trust Open has raised more than $60 million for local charities since its inception in 1926. Now, fans can contribute to the charitable giving at the Northern Trust Open by participating in the PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge, sponsored by Myrbetriq® (mirabegron). This “vote-for-me” competition is designed to raise funds for charity while recognizing the talent, passion and commitment of the TOUR’s more than 100,000 tournament volunteers nationwide, including 1,200 from the Los Angeles area, who have helped the TOUR achieve more than $2.14 billion in charitable giving.
The Northern Trust Open is set to return to The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., Feb. 15-
21, 2016. From now until 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT) on Saturday of tournament week (Feb. 20), fans are encouraged to visit www.PGATOUR.com/Volunteers and vote for their favorite Northern Trust Open volunteer. At the end of the first voting period (Saturday, Feb. 13), the volunteer with the most votes will have the opportunity to walk with a group during the Northern Trust Open Collegiate Showcase, which is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 15. At the end of the Feb. 20 voting period, the volunteer with the most votes will have the opportunity to present a check for $10,000 in his or her name to the City of Hope, the official charity of the Northern Trust Open. The presentation will be featured on the video boards during closing ceremonies on No. 18. In addition, top-ranking tournaments have the ability to earn additional charitable funding based on the total number of votes earned collectively by volunteers and the tournament.
“The PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge is a fun way to raise funds for charity and honor the contributions
of the hundreds of TOUR volunteers who donate their time helping to orchestrate the Northern Trust Open each year,” said Northern Trust Open Executive Director O.D. Vincent. “We encourage our volunteers to participate in this worthwhile program and ask their friends, family members and co-workers to visit the website and vote.” Among those participating in the PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge is Doug Shaw, a Panorama City, Calif., resident who has volunteered with the tournament for 25 years and is chairperson of the warehouse committee. “I volunteer because it’s a meaningful way to experience the tournament, I’ve made lasting friendships over the years and I get an up-close and personal look at professional golf. If I win the Volunteer Challenge, it will be extremely rewarding to help make a difference for people served through City of Hope,” said Shaw.
The PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge will continue at 16 tournaments during the 2015-16 PGA TOUR Season and build upon nearly $250,000 provided by sponsor Astellas for tournament charities in conjunction with the PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge last season.
“Astellas is proud to partner with the PGA TOUR as both organizations share a deep commitment to the
power of volunteerism,” said Walt Johnston, vice president, Marketing, Astellas Pharma US, Inc. “We are honored to be part of the PGA TOUR’s philanthropic legacy by collaborating on this unique opportunity to give back to the communities where we work and live.”

The Northern Trust Open features 144 of the world’s best professional golfers competing for 500
FedExCup points and a purse of $6.7million. To learn more about the PGA TOUR Volunteer Challenge and to register to participate as a volunteer or supporter, visit www.PGATOUR.com/Volunteers.
For tickets or more information, visit www.northerntrustopen.com. Follow the Northern Trust Open on
Facebook (facebook.com/NorthernTrustOpen), Twitter (@ntrustopen) and Instagram (@ntopen) to stay on top of all the news and updates; and join the conversation by using #ntopen2016 and MoreThanGolf.

About the Northern Trust Open
What started as the Los Angeles Open in 1926 at Los Angeles Country Club, the Northern Trust Open is
now one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR, being played for the 90th time this year. It was staged at various courses throughout the Los Angeles area before permanently settling at Riviera Country Club in 1973. Outside of the major championships, the Northern Trust Open is the fourth-oldest event on TOUR, trailing only the BMW Championship, the RBC Canadian Open and the Valero Texas Open. City of Hope was named the official charity of the Northern Trust Open beginning with the 2013 event. In 2015, the Northern Trust Open generated over $2 million to benefit City of Hope, the event’s official charity partner, and other non-profit organizations in the Los Angeles area. The total generated for Los Angeles charities since the event’s inception in 1926 is now more than $60 million.
Fans are reminded that each year, youths 18 and younger are admitted free of charge to the Northern
Trust Open when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There is no limit to the number of youths 18 and younger who can attend with a ticketed adult. Also, as part of its support for the Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, complimentary grounds admission tickets for active duty, Reserve, military retirees, non-retired veterans and dependents to the Northern Trust Open are available from Wednesday through Sunday of tournament week.
About Northern Trust
Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. As of September 30, 2015, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$6 trillion, and assets under management of US$887 billion. For more than 125 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit northerntrust.com or follow us on Twitter @NorthernTrust.
Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A.,
incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at
http://www.northerntrust.com/disclosures.
About City of Hope
City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope’s main hospital is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with clinics throughout the region. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics.

About Astellas
Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world
through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/astellaspharma.

Charity # # #

A Dominant Backcourt Beats 1 Man Show

By
Kenny Robinson
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Game action during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Game action during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
LMU Adom Jacko dunking during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
LMU Adom Jacko dunking during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – A dominant second half from Portland University was the driving force in a 92-78 victory over the LMU Lions. Alec Wintering 29 points and D’Marques Tyson 23 combined for 52 points and Adom Jacko of the Lions scored 35 points to keep the game closer than it otherwise would have been.

The game was tied, after a well played first half as the LMU Lions hosted the University of Portland in a high paced shootout by college standards. Guard Alec Wintering for Portland had an exceptional game and pushed the tempo beautifully. He made all the correct decisions,  facilitating the offense and getting easy open shots for all his teammates. The main beneficiary of this tempo for Portland was D’Marques Tyson.

Game action during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Portland Bryce
Pressley from long range during Portland University vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 6th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Both teams shot the ball well and it was an exciting first half to watch from a spectator’s point of view. Portland dominated the rebounds for most of the game and that  led to most of their success. As usual for LMU Adom Jacko could not be contained in the low post. He was the best source of quality offensive production for the Lions.

In the end, the ball movement and the shooting of Portland was too much for LMU to handle. They made 16 three pointers and kept the ball moving wonderfully. They are clearly not used to playing at this fast pace and in the second half and just could not keep up. They essentially were trading two point baskets for 3’s it seemed. Even though Jacko was dominant in the post he didn’t get enough touches because of the fast pace.  They were always playing uphill in the second half after being a tied game at the halftime. It was proven to be fool’s gold for the Lions in the end.  LMU’s coaching staff refused to make an adjustment to come out of the zone defense that was surrendering all the open shots from long distance.  Portland’s  backcourt and balance attack beat the one man show of the Lions.

Bulldogs Bulldoze Lions

By
Michael Ewing
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LMU Adom Jacko during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Jan 23th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
LMU Adom Jacko during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Live game action during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Live game action during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The Gonzaga Bulldogs came into Gersten Pavilion Thursday night looking for their tenth conference victory as they took the court against Loyola Marymount University. The Bulldogs did just that with a 92-63 victory, thanks in large part to Kyle Wiltjer and Domantus Sabonis, son of NBA great Arvydas Sabonis.

The Lions came out with incredible energy, feeding off the frenzied fans and atmosphere created by the ESPN crew on hand. LMU ran out to a 6-2 lead led by Adom Jacko, who scored the team’s first 4 points including an athletic putback dunk. From that point on it was all downhill for the home team as Gonzaga started to find its offense. The Bulldogs out-rebounded LMU 21-9 in the first half including five offensive rebounds. The Zags dominance in the paint allowed them to shoot 63% in the half, most of the buckets coming on lay-ups and dunks. The first half scoring load was spread evenly for Gonzaga, Kyle Dranginis, Eric McClellan, and Kyle Wiltjer each scored nine apiece, and big man Domantus Sabonis led the way with 10. GU ended the half on a 20-4 run and went to the break with a commanding 47-26 lead.

Live game action during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
Live game action during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

The second half was more of the same as the Bulldogs were simply too big and too physical for the undersized Lions. Kyle Wiltjer led the Zags in scoring with 23 points, while Sabonis had 21 of his own to go with 11 rebounds. About the only bright spot for LMU was their star big man Adom Jacko, who brought effort and energy all night. It was clear Jacko wanted to show off his talents for the NBA scouts in attendance, along with the national audience tuned in on ESPN3. Jacko again led his team in points and rebounds as he recorded 23 and 7 against a NBA prospect laden front line of Gonzaga. The inability to rebound or play defense is what enabled GU to leave Los Angeles with such a dominant victory. The final rebounding differential was 40-25 in favor of the victors, the Zags also converted on 57% of their shots, not a good combo for the lions.

LMU Adom Jacko during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)
LMU Adom Jacko dunking during the Gonzaga vs LMU game action at the Gersten Pavilion on Feb 4th, 2016. (Photo by Michael Ewing/fi360 News)

LMU will look to bounce back on Saturday when Portland comes to town. Gonzaga will look to bolster their already strong NCAA tournament resume when they visit Pepperdine Saturday afternoon.

Super Bowl 50 Golden Team

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Press Release
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Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris with Jevone Moore of fi360 News at Harold Pump Awards 2015. (Photo by Full Image 360)
Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris with Jevone Moore of fi360 News at Harold Pump Awards 2015. (Photo by Full Image 360)

NFL Super Bowl 50 Golden year

SUPER BOWL 50 GOLDEN TEAM ANNOUNCED

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors have chosen the “Super Bowl 50 Golden Team” in honor of Super Bowl 50, celebrating the best overall career performances in the Super Bowl, the NFL announced today.

“The Super Bowl 50 Golden Team is an amazing list of incredible individuals,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Executive Vice President Joe Horrigan.  “Each name conjures up memories of some of the sport’s greatest games showcased on its biggest platform, the Super Bowl stage.  Unforgettable individual performances like Lynn Swann’s acrobatic catches in Super Bowl X or Joe Montana’s come-from-behind game winning drive in Super Bowl XXIII are forever etched in the collective memories of football fans and celebrated as some of the most inspiring moments in the history of the National Football League.”

The Super Bowl 50 Golden Team roster consists of one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, two offensive tackles, two guards, one center, two interior defensive linemen, two defensive ends, two inside linebackers, two outside linebackers, two cornerbacks, two safeties, one kicker, one punter, and one return specialist.  One head coach has also been chosen.

The Super Bowl Golden Team includes:

  • 22 Pro Football Hall of Famers: guard Larry Allen, cornerback Mel Blount, defensive tackle Joe Greene, tackle Forrest Gregg, punter Ray Guy,defensive end Charles Haley, outside linebacker Jack Ham, running back Franco Harris, inside linebacker Jack Lambert, safety Ronnie Lott, quarterback Joe Montana, head coach Chuck Noll, wide receiver Jerry Rice, cornerback Deion Sanders, tackle Art Shell, running back Emmitt Smith, wide receiver Lynn Swann, outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor, guard Gene Upshaw, center Mike Webster, defensive tackle Randy White and defensive end Reggie White.
  • Three Associated Press Most Valuable Players: Montana, Smith and Taylor.
  • Eight Pittsburgh Steelers were selected, the most of any team: Blount, Greene, Ham, Harris, Lambert, Noll, Swann and Webster.
  • Kicker Adam Vinatieri is the only unanimous selection. Vinatieri is also the only active player to be selected.

SUPER BOWL 50 GOLDEN TEAM

OFFENSE
QUARTERBACK (1) TIGHT END (1)
Joe Montana Jay Novacek
   
RUNNING BACKS (2) WIDE RECEIVERS (2)
Franco Harris Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith Lynn Swann
   
OFFENSIVE TACKLES (2) CENTER (1)
Art Shell Mike Webster
Forrest Gregg  
   
GUARDS (2) HEAD COACH (1)
Gene Upshaw Chuck Noll
Larry Allen 
 

DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE ENDS (2) INTERIOR LINEMEN (2)
Reggie White Joe Greene
Charles Haley Randy White
 
CORNERBACKS (2) SAFETIES (2)
Mel Blount Ronnie Lott
Deion Sanders Jake Scott
 
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (2) INSIDE LINEBACKERS (2)
Lawrence Taylor Jack Lambert
Jack Ham Ray Lewis
  
 
SPECIALISTS
KICKER (1) RETURN SPECIALIST (1)
Adam Vinatieri Desmond Howard
  
PUNTER (1)  
Ray Guy 

UCLA 2016 FOOTBALL SIGNEES

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Press Release
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October 22 2015: UCLA Bruins in their Adidas Alternative City Uniforms worn during the game between Cal and UCLA at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360
October 22 2015: UCLA Bruins in their Adidas Alternative City Uniforms worn during the game between Cal and UCLA at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Los Angeles, CA – Twenty-seven outstanding high school seniors from six different states and Canada, along with two California junior college transfer students signees, have signed national letters-of-intent, grants-in-aid and/or offers of admission to UCLA, Bruin head football coach Jim Mora announced today. Twenty of the student-athletes attended high school in the state of California, two in Texas, and one each in Canada, Colorado, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee.

The class is ranked No. 7 nationally by Scout.com, No. 8 by Rivals.com and No. 12 by 247 Sports.

  • 14 earned at least a Scout.com four-star ranking –LB Mique Juarez (5), REC Damian Alloway, LB Krystopher Barnes, LB Breland Brandt, ATH Brandon Burton, REC Demetric Felton, REC Theo Howard, ATH Dymond Lee, QB Devin Modster, K JJ Molson, REC Audie Omotosho, RB Brandon Stephens, DL Boss Tagaloa, LB Lokeni Toailoa
  • 11 of the new Bruins earned at least a four-star ranking from Rivals.com — OL Alex Akingbulu, REC Damian Alloway, LB Krystopher Barnes, LB Breland Brandt, ATH Brandon Burton, REC Theo Howard, LB Mique Juarez (5), ATH Dymond Lee, QB Devin Modster, DL Boss Tagaloa, LB Lokeni Toailoa
  • 8 recruits are listed in the Scout.com National 300 — LB Mique Juarez-8, REC Theo Howard-49, LB Breland Brandt-73, DL Boss Tagaloa-87, LB Lokeni Toailoa-119, ATH Brandon Burton-126, LB Krystopher Barnes-167, REC Damian Alloway-235
  • 9recruits are in the ESPN 300 — LB Mique Juarez-30, DL Boss Tagaloa-95, LB Lokeni Toailoa-112, LB Krystopher Barnes-191, REC Damian Alloway-201, LB Breland Brandt-215, ATH Brandon Burton-255, REC Audie Omotosho-277, REC Theo Howard-288
  • 9 recruits were named to the Rivals.com National Top 250 — LB Mique Juarez-9, REC Theo Howard-38, REC Damian Alloway-85, ATH Brandon Burton-112, DL Boss Tagaloa-144, LB Breland Brandt-150, LB Krystopher Barnes-151, ATH Dymond Lee-157, QB Devon Modster-180
  • 18 prospects listed in the Scout California 100 — 1 Juarez, 7 Howard, 13 Brandt, 14 Tagaloa, 17 Lo. Toailoa, 18 B. Burton, 25 Barnes, 30 Alloway, 42 Lee, 43 Modster, 44 Felton, 54 Alves, 55 Perez, 66 Moore, 72 Starks, 74 Riley, 83 Akingbulu, 91 Le. Toailoa
  • 17 prospects listed in the Rivals California 100 — 1 Juarez, 8 Howard, 16 Alloway, 18 B. Burton, 22 Tagaloa, 25 Brandt, 26 Barnes, 29 Lee, 35 Modster, 44 Lo. Toailoa, 48 Akingbulu, 60 Felton, 64 Alves, 72 Perez, 76 J. Burton, 87 Starks, 99 Riley
  • 20 prospects in the Scout West 150 – 2 Juarez, 8 Howard, 14 Brandt, 15 Tagaloa, 21 Lo. Toailoa, 23 B. Burton, 31 Barnes, 40 Alloway, 59 Lee, 60 Modster, 61 Felton, 73 Odighizuwa, 75 Alves, 76 Perez, 92 Moore, 99 Starks, 103 Riley, 113 Akingbulu, 125 Le. Toailoa, 143 Lynch

2016 UCLA FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS as of 2/3/16 at 3:00 p.m.

Alex Akingbulu – Offensive Line, Narbonne HS in Harbor City, Calif., 6-6, 255
Listed as a three-star prospect by ESPN and the No. 59 recruit in the state of California … Three-star recruit according to Scout.com, No. 83 on the California 100 list and the No. 41 offensive tackle in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, the No. 23 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 51 prospect in the state of California … Cal-Hi Sports second-team All-State selection … PrepStar All-West selection … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Selected to LA Times All-Southland team … Team won two consecutive City Section Div. I Championships … All-City selection.

Damian Alloway – Receiver, Summit HS in Fontana, Calif., 5-10, 175
Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN, the No. 24 recruit in the state of California … Rated No. 201 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star prospect and the No. 36 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 85 in the nation, No. 15 in the state, No. 30 on the California 100 list and No. 16 rated wide receiverin the nation … Cal-Hi Sports first-team Medium Schools All-State selection … PrepStar Dream Team member and rated as the No. 100 recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … All-CIF Southern Section Central Division selection … As a senior, he had 55 catches for 1,089 yards and 23 touchdowns … Made seven interceptions on defense.

Michael Alves – Offensive Line, Saint Augustine HS in San Diego, Calif., 6-5, 320
Listed as a four-star prospect by ESPN and the No. 41-ranked recruit in the state of California … Scout.com three-star recruit who is rated the No. 46 offensive guard in the nation and No. 54 on the California 100 list … Rivals.com three-star athlete who is rated the No. 30 offensive guard in the nation and the No. 46 prospect in the state of California … PrepStar All-West selection … First-team San Diego Section All-CIF … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-America Bowl game.

Krystopher Barnes – Linebacker, Liberty HS in Bakersfield, Calif., 6-2, 225
Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 9 inside linebacker in the nation … No. 191 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 25 on the California 100 list and the No. 7 inside linebacker in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 151 prospect in the nation, No. 24 in the state of California and rated as the No. 13 outside linebacker in the country … PrepStar Dream Team member and rated as the No. 104 recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Credited with 78 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss as a senior … In his junior season, he totaled 130 tackles.

Breland Brandt – Linebacker, Windward School in Los Angeles, Calif., 6-5, 230
Enrolled at UCLA in January of 2016 … A four-star recruit according to ESPN and the No. 25 recruit in the state … No. 215 on the ESPN 300 … Scout.com four-star prospect, No. 13 on the California 100 list and the No. 8 defensive end in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 150 in the nation, No. 16 in the state of California and rated as the No. 12 outside linebacker in the country … PrepStar Dream Team member and the No. 66 recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Selected for the U.S. Army All-America Bowl Game … As a senior, he was credited with 31 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

Brandon Burton – Athlete, Serra HS in Gardena, Calif., 6-1, 200
Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN and No. 28 recruit in the state of California and the No. 13 safety in the country … No. 255 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 18 on the California 100 list and the No. 13 Athlete in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 112 in the nation, No. 11 in the state of California and rated the No. 4 Athlete in the country … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Cal-Hi Sports third-team All-State … Credited with 69 tackles as a senior … Had 30 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns on offense … Selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game … All-CIF Southern Section Pac 5 Division as a senior.

Jacob Burton – Defensive End, Granite Hills HS in El Cajon, Calif., 6-6, 255
A three-star recruit according to ESPN and the No. 78 recruit in the state of California … Rivals.com three-star prospect and No. 76 on the California 100 list … PrepStar All-West selection … Cal-Hi Sports first-team Medium Schools All-State selection … Second-team San Diego Section All-CIF … As a senior, he was credited with 63 tackles and 5.0 sacks.

Johnny Den Bleyker – Long Snapper, Moreau Catholic HS in Hayward, Calif., 6-0, 200
Named Chris Rubio High School Long Snapper of the Year … Five-star Rubio Long Snapper recruit and the top-rated long snapper in the class of 2016 … His brother, Alex, appeared in 42 career games as the long snapper at Washington State (2011-14) … Scout.com two-star recruit … Rivals.com two-star recruit … Selected for the U.S. Army All-America Bowl game.

Demetric Felton – Receiver, Great Oak HS in Temecula, Calif., 5-9, 180
Plans to enroll in the Spring Quarter … Listed as a four-star recruit according to ESPN.com and the No. 35 recruit in the state of California … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 44 on the California 100 list and the No. 52 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit, the No. 23 Athlete in the nation and the No. 45 prospect in the state of California … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Cal-Hi Sports fourth-team All-State … Selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-America Bowl Game … As a senior, he rushed for 1,347 yards on 166 carries and 14 touchdowns … Caught 23 passes for 391 yards and a couple of touchdowns … In his junior season, he ran 161 times for 1,277 yards and 15 scores … Caught 26 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns … All-CIF Southern Section West Valley Division as a senior.

Theo Howard – Receiver, Westlake HS in Westlake Village, Calif., 6-0, 175
Listed as four-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 32 player in California … No. 288 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 7 on the California 100 list and rated as the No. 7 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 38 in the nation, No. 7 in the state of California and No. 5 wide receiver in the country … PrepStar Dream Team member and rated the No. 85 recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Cal-Hi Sports second-team All-State … Selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-America Bowl game … As a senior, he made 60 receptions for 959 yards and nine touchdowns … … Invited to the Semper Fidelis All-America game.

Mique Juarez – Linebacker, North HS in Torrance, Calif., 6-2, 230
Plans to enroll in the Spring Quarter … Scout.com five-star recruit and the No. 1 outside linebacker in the nation … Five-star prospect according to rivals.com … Rated by rivals as the No. 9 prospect in the nation, No. 1 in the state of California and No. 2 inside linebacker recruit in the country … A four-star recruit according to ESPN and the No. 4 outside linebacker in the nation … ESPN’s No. 4 recruit in the state of California … No. 30 on the ESPN 300 Player list … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Cal-Hi Sports first-team All-State … Invited to the U.S. Army All-America Bowl game … Selected LA Times All-Southland Player of the Year … Daily Breeze All-Area Player of the Year … PrepStar Dream team selection and the No. 8 overall recruit … All-CIF Southern Section Western Division as a senior … Defensive Player of the Year in the CIF Southern Section Western Division … Credited with 146 tackles and 21.0 tackles for loss as a senior … Completed 122 of 239 passing attempts for 1,658 yards and 23 touchdowns while playing offense as a senior … Rushed for 1,370 yards and 36 touchdowns … 397 career tackles.

Austin Kent – Punter, Providence HS in Charlotte, N.C., 6-2, 210
Scout.com three-star recruit and the No. 12 punter in the nation … No. 2 punter in the nation according to Chris Sailer … Attended Providence High School in Charlotte … As a senior, he punted 56 times for a 47.2 yard average, with a long punt of 70 yards … 34 of his 38 kickoffs went for touchbacks … Made three field goals of 50 yards or longer … Named to the first-team All-Charlotte Observer Area team.

Dymond Lee – Athlete, Chaminade Prep in West Hills, Calif., 6-2, 180
Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 42 on the California 100 list and rated as the No. 51 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 157 in the nation, No. 28 in the state and rated as the No. 38 wide receiver in the country … Listed as a three-star prospect by ESPN and the No. 61 recruit in the state of California … Cal-Hi Sports fourth-team All-State selection … As a senior, he completed 61% of his passing attempts for 1,622 yards and 11 touchdowns … Ran for 417 yards on 78 carries … Made 12 career touchdown receptions.

Matt Lynch – Quarterback, Legacy HS in Broomfield, Colo., 6-5, 185
Plans to enroll in the Spring Quarter … Listed as a three-star prospect by scout.com, No. 143 on the West 150 list and the No. 47 quarterback in the nation …. Rivals.com three-star recruit, the No. 4 prospect in the state of Colorado and the No. 18 Pro Style Quarterback in the nation … As a senior, he completed 166 of 277 passing attempts for 1,947 yards and 20 touchdowns with six interceptions … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Ran 100 times for 534 yards and 10 touchdowns … As a junior, he completed 100 of 190 passes for 1,260 yards and 12 touchdowns … Ran 92 times for 722 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Devon Modster – Quarterback, Tesoro HS in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., 6-2, 205
Listed by ESPN as a four-star recruit and the No. 13 pocket passing quarterback in the nation … No. 36 recruit in the state of California … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 43 on the California 100 list and the No. 21 quarterback in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 180 in the nation, No. 38 in the state of California and rated as the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback in the country … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … Cal-Hi Sports third-team All-State selection… First-team OC Register All-County selection … In his senior year, he averaged 305 passing yards per game and threw for 25 touchdowns with five interceptions … As a junior, he completed 199 of 341 passes for 2,602 yards and 24 touchdowns with nine interceptions … Rushed 133 times for 680 yards and 12 scores … All-CIF Southern Section West Valley Division as a senior.

JJ Molson – Kicker, John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, 6-0, 190
Enrolled at UCLA in January of 2016 … Scout.com four-star recruit who is rated as the No. 3 kicker in the nation … Listed as three-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 6 kicker prospect in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit … PrepStar All-West selection … Selected for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl game.

Marcus Moore – Defensive Line, Crespi HS in Encino, Calif., 6-3, 255
Listed as three-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 57 recruit in the state of California … Scout.com three-star recruit, No. 66 on the California 100 list, No. 92 on the West 150 list and the No. 73 defensive end in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit … PrepStar All-West selection.

Chigozie Nnoruka – Defensive Line, Kennedy HS and American River College in Sacramento, Calif., 6-3, 265
Credited with 35 tackles, three sacks and eight tackles for loss in 2015 while playing at American River College in Sacramento … Named first-team All-Nor-Cal League selection … As a prep senior in 2014, he made 54 tackles, 10 sacks for Kennedy HS in Sacramento.

Osawaru (Osa) Odighizuwa – Defensive Line, Douglas HS in Portland, Ore., 6-3, 265
Listed as three-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 3 prospect in the state of Oregon … Scout.com three-star recruit, No. 73 on the West 150 list and the No. 38 defensive tackle in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit, the No. 3 prospect in the state of Oregon and the No. 42 defensive tackle in the nation … PrepStar All-West selection … Brother of former Bruin defensive lineman Owamagbe Odighizuwa, now with the N.Y. Giants … Selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-America Bowl game … Two-time state wrestling champ.

Adewale (Audie) Omotosho – Receiver, Plano East HS in Plano, Texas, 6-2, 190
Listed by ESPN as a four-star prospect and the No. 48 wide receiver in the nation … No. 277 on the ESPN 300 list …Scout.com four-star recruit and No. 55 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit, the No. 97 wide receiver in the nation and No. 91 prospect in the state of Texas.

Francisco Perez – Offensive Line, Baldwin Park HS in Baldwin Park, Calif., 6-3, 315
ESPN three-star recruit, No. 67 offensive tackle prospect in the nation and No. 86 recruit in the state of California … Scout.com three-star prospect, No. 55 on the California 100 list, No. 76 on the West 150 list and the No. 53 offensive guard in the nation … Cal-Hi Sports first-team Medium Schools All-State selection … PrepStar All-West selection.

Keyon Riley – Defensive Back, Servite HS in Anaheim, Calif., 6-2, 190
Listed by ESPN as a three-star recruit, the No. 55 safety in the nation and No. 72 prospect in the state of California … Scout.com three-star recruit, No. 74 on the California 100 list, No. 103 on the West 150 list and the No. 63 safety in the nation … Rivals.com three-star prospect … PrepStar All-West selection … As a senior, he was credited with 35 tackles.

Jalen Starks – Fullback, Crespi HS in Encino, Calif., 6-1, 240
Listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN and the #120 recruit in the state of California … Scout.com three-star prospect, No. 72 on the California 100 list, No. 99 on the West 150 list and the No. 2 fullback in the nation … Rivals.com three-star recruit, the No. 3 fullback in the nation and the No. 95 prospect in the state of California … As a junior, he ran for 897 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brandon Stephens – Running Back, Plano HS in Plano, Texas, 6-2, 205
Scout.com four-star recruit and the No. 26 running back in the country … Listed as a three-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 59 running back in the nation and No.111 recruit in the state of Texas … Rivals.com three-star recruit, No. 20 running back in the nation and the No. 83 prospect in the state … As a senior, he rushed 222 times for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns … He recorded seven 100-yard games and three 200-yard rushing games … Also caught 11 passes for 151 yards … As a junior, he carried 196 times for 1,268 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Boss Tagaloa – Defensive Line, De La Salle HS in Concord, Calif., 6-2, 295
Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN, the No. 13 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 11 prospect in the state of California … No. 95 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star recruit who is listed as No. 12 defensive tackle in the nation, No. 14 on the California 100 and No. 15 on the West 150 … Rivals.com four-star recruit, No. 144 in the nation, No. 36 in the state of California and rated as the No. 15 defensive tackle in the country … Cal-Hi Sports first-team All-State selection … PrepStar Dream Team member and rated the No. 68 recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … As a senior, he was credited with 48 tackles, including 6.5 sacks.

Nick Terry – Defensive Line, Pleasant Grove HS in Elk Grove, Calif., and American River College in Sacramento, Calif., 6-4, 295
Plans to enroll for the Spring Quarter … Rivals.com three-star junior college recruit … The No. 45 junior college prospect in the country on the post-season Rivals 100 … Named to the first-team All-America Community College Football squad … All-State first-team Region I All-California selection … 2015 First-team All-Nor-Cal League selection … PrepStar All-West selection … Listed as a three-star recruit in the 2013 class … Attended Boise State in 2013 and 2014 before transferring into American River College in Sacramento, Calif. … As a high school senior, he registered 55 tackles and was named first-team All-Delta River League … As a junior, he totaled 77 tackles and also earned first-team all-league honors.

Leni Toailoa– Defensive Back,Carter HS in Rialto, Calif., 6-1, 200
Enrolled at UCLA in January of 2016 … Listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN and the No. 97 prospect in the state of California … Three-star recruit according to scout.com, No. 91 on the California 100 list and the No. 13 safety in the West … Rivals.com three-star recruit … PrepStar All-West selection … Second-team San Bernardino Sun All-Area Team selection … As a senior, he made 45 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss … He also had 16 receptions for 191 yards on offense.

Lokeni Toailoa – Linebacker, Carter HS in Rialto, Calif., 6-2, 240
Enrolled at UCLA in January of 2016 … Listed as a four-star recruit by ESPN … Rated No. 4 inside linebacker in the nation and No. 14 overall recruit in California …No. 112 on the ESPN 300 list … Scout.com four-star recruit, No. 17 on the California 100 list, No. 21 on the West 150 list and the No. 5 inside linebacker in the nation … Rivals.com four-star recruit, the No. 16 inside linebacker in the nation and the No. 39 recruit in the state of California … PrepStar Dream Team member and the No. 48 rated recruit in the nation … Member of the Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 … As a senior, he was credited with 71 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks … Made 248 career tackles … Selected to play in  the Under Armour All-America Game.

Jordan Wilson – Tight End, Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn., 6-5, 245
Enrolled at UCLA in January of 2016 … Listed as three-star recruit by scout.com and rated as the No. 38 tight end in the nation… Rivals.com three-star recruit, No. 12 recruit in the state of Tennessee and rated the No. 18 tight end in the nation … PrepStar All-Southeast Region selection.

2016 UCLA FOOTBALL SIGNEES as of 2/3/16 3:00 p.m.

Name                                                         Pos.         Ht. Wt.            High School-Location

Alex Akingbulu                                      OL             6-6, 255           Narbonne HS in Harbor City, Calif.

Damian Alloway                                    REC          5-10, 170         Summit HS in Fontana, Calif.

Michael Alves                                        OL             6-5, 320           St. Augustine HS in San Diego, Calif.

Krystopher Barnes                               LB             6-2, 225           Liberty HS in Bakersfield, Calif.

*Breland Brandt                                    LB             6-5, 230           Windward School in Los Angeles, Calif.

Brandon Burton                                     ATH         6-1, 200           Serra HS in Gardena, Calif.

Jacob Burton                                           DL             6-6, 255           Granite Hills HS in El Cajon, Calif.

Johnny Den Bleyker                            LS              6-0, 200           Moreau Catholic HS in Hayward, Calif.

Demetric Felton                                    REC          5-9, 180           Great Oak HS in Temecula, Calif.

*Theo Howard                                       REC          6-0, 175           Westlake HS in Westlake Village, Calif.

Mique Juarez                                         LB             6-2, 230           North Torrance HS in Torrance, Calif.

Austin Kent                                             P               6-2, 210           Providence HS in Charlotte, N.C.

Dymond Lee                                           ATH         6-2, 180           Chaminade Prep in West Hills, Calif.

Matt Lynch                                              QB            6-5, 185           Legacy HS in Broomfield, Colo.

Devon Modster                                     QB            6-2, 205           Tesoro HS in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

*JJ Molson                                              K               6-0, 190           John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec, Canada                                                                     

Marcus Moore                                       DL             6-3, 255           Crespi HS in Encino, Calif.

Chigozie Nnoruka                                 DL             6-3, 265           American River College in Sacramento, Calif.; Kennedy HS in Sacramento, Calif.

Osawaru (Osa) Odighizuwa              DL             6-3,260            Douglas HS in Portland, Ore.

Adewale (Audie) Omotosho           REC          6-2, 190           Plano East HS in Plano, Texas

Francisco Perez                                     OL             6-3, 315           Baldwin Park HS in Baldwin Park, Calif.

Keyon Riley                                             DB            6-2, 190           Servite HS in Anaheim, Calif.

Jalen Starks                                             FB             6-1, 240           Crespi HS in Encino, Calif.

Brandon Stephens                               RB             6-2, 205           Plano HS in Plano, Texas

Boss Tagaloa                                           DL             6-2, 295           De La Salle HS in Concord, Calif.

Nick Terry                                                DL             6-4, 295           American River College in Sacramento, Calif.; Pleasant Grove HS in Elk Grove, Calif.

*Leni Toailoa                                          DB            6-1, 200           Carter HS in Rialto, Calif.

*Lokeni Toailoa                                     LB             6-2, 240           Carter HS in Rialto, Calif.

Jordan Wilson                                        TE             6-5, 245           Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, Tenn.

*Enrolled at UCLA in January, 2016

UCLA 2016 FOOTBALL SIGNEES

USC FOOTBALL 2016 SIGNING CLASS

By
Press Release
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USC Trojans wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the National Funding Holiday Bowl between the USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday Dec 30th, 2015. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
USC Trojans wide receiver Darreus Rogers (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the National Funding Holiday Bowl between the USC Trojans vs Wisconsin Badgers on Wednesday Dec 30th, 2015. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)

LOS ANGELES–Twelve high school football players and a junior college players signed with USC today (Feb. 3) and will join the Trojan program in the fall, USC head coach Clay Helton announced.

They are part of a 20-member signing class that includes 7 other high school who already enrolled at USC in January and will participate in the upcoming spring practice.

Several recruiting media outlets ranked USC’s class in the national Top 10, including eighth by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.  Troy had the Pac-12’s top class according to ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.  The average star rating of the Trojans’ 20 signees was in most outlets’ Top 5 nationally, including first by Scout.com.

Thirteen prep players in USC’s signing class are listed among the ESPN 300, including six in the Top 100.  Fifteen were All-American first teamers and 12 were named All-State first team.

This fall’s incoming freshmen are, alphabetically:  TE Cary Angeline of Dowington East HS in Exton (Penn.);  DB Jamel Cook of Miami (Fla.) Central HS;  LB Jordan Iosefa of St. Louis HS in Honolulu (Hi.);  DB Jack Jones of Long Beach (Calif.) Poly HS;  WR Velus Jones Jr. of Saraland (Ala.) HS;  RB Vavae Malepeai of Mililani (Hi.) HS;  OL Frank Martin II of Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana (Calif.);  DL Connor Murphy of Brophy Prep in Phoenix (Ariz.);  OL E.J. Price of Archer High in Lawrenceville (Ga.);  WR Trevon Sidney of Bishop Amat HS in La Puente (Calif.);  WR Tyler Vaughns of Bishop Amat HS in La Puente (Calif.);  and ATH Keyshawn Young of Miami (Fla.) Senior High.

The junior college transfer who will be joining USC this fall is DL Josh Fatu of Long Beach (Calif.) CC, who will be a junior.

The 7 players who joined USC last month as freshmen after graduating a semester early from high school are DL Oluwole Betiku of Serra HS in Gardena (Calif.);  QB Matt Fink of Glendora (Calif.) HS;  WR Josh Imatorbhebhe of North Gwinnett HS in Sugar Hill (Ga.);  DL Liam Jimmons of Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS;  WR Michael Pittman Jr. of Oaks Christian HS in Westlake Village (Calif.);  DB C.J. Pollard of Serra HS in Gardena (Calif.);  and OL Nathan Smith of Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana (Calif.).

“I am delighted to welcome this group of new Trojans to USC,” said Helton.  “This is a class of high-quality players, both on and off the field.  They address some immediate needs we had to have filled for the upcoming year.  I know that Trojans fans will enjoy watching them play.

“I want to commend our staff for the hard work they put in.  I was so impressed with how they competed down the stretch and won most of the battles for uncommitted players.  That makes you proud as a head coach.”

USC announced only 20 signees today because 5 scholarship Trojans who were on the 2015 team—WR Deontay Burnett, TE Daniel Imatorbhebhe, OT Clayton Johnston, TE Taylor McNamara and P Chris Tilbey—count as part of this 2016 class.  They enrolled at USC in the fall of 2015 and were awarded scholarships by virtue of an NCAA rule known as “blueshirting,” which allows a non-recruited student-athlete to receive athletic financial aid after beginning practice and have that student-athlete count towards the next year’s signing class if the school has reached its NCAA-maximum aid limit for the current year.

USC football season tickets are on sale now and include home games against Notre Dame, Oregon, Arizona State and California.  Season ticket holders receive such benefits as access to tickets to the 2016 opening game against Alabama in Arlington, Tex.  Call 213-740-GOSC or visit www.usctrojans.com to get tickets.  For priority seating, fans can join the Trojan Athletic Fund and be among a close network of alumni, former student-athletes, parents and friends who provide the funding necessary for Trojan student-athletes to succeed in the classroom and on the field.  For more information on supporting the Trojan Athletic Fund and priority seating, call 213-740-4155 or visit www.trojanathleticfund.com .

2016 USC FOOTBALL SIGNEES

 

SPRING ENROLLMENT

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS

 

NAME                           POS     HGT     WGT     HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)

Oluwole Betiku              DL        6-3        250       Lagos, Nigeria (Serra)

Matt Fink                      QB       6-3        180       Rancho Cucamonga, CA (Glendora)

Josh Imatorbhebhe        WR       6-2        210       Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett)

Liam Jimmons               DL        6-5        265       Huntington Beach, CA (Huntington Beach)

Michael Pittman Jr.       WR       6-4        210       Woodland Hills, CA (Oaks Christian)

C.J. Pollard                   DB       6-1        185       Carson, CA (Serra)

Nathan Smith                OL        6-6        265       Murrieta, CA (Murrieta Mesa)

 

FALL ENROLLMENT

HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS

 

NAME                           POS     HGT     WGT     HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL)

Cary Angeline                TE        6-6        230       Chester Springs, PA (Dowington East)

Jamel Cook                  DB       6-3        185       Miami, FL (Miami Central)

Jordan Iosefa                LB        6-2        215       Waipahu, HI (St. Louis)

Jack Jones                   DB       5-11      170       Long Beach, CA (Long Beach Poly)

Velus Jones Jr.             WR       6-0        185       Saraland, AL (Saraland)

Vavae Malepeai             RB        6-0        190       Aiea, HI (Mililani)

Frank Martin II               OL        6-5        310       West Covina, CA (Mater Dei)

Connor Murphy             DL        6-7        255       Mesa, AZ (Brophy Prep)

E.J. Price                      OL        6-6        325       Dacula, GA (Archer)

Trevon Sidney               WR       5-11      170       Covina, CA (Bishop Amat)

Tyler Vaughns               WR       6-2        180       Covina, CA (Bishop Amat)

Keyshawn Young          ATH      5-11      175       Miami, FL (Miami Senior)

 

JUNIOR COLLEGE PLAYERS

 

NAME                           POS     HGT     WGT     HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL/JUNIOR COLLEGE)

Josh Fatu                     DL        6-3        290       Long Beach, CA (Lakewood/Long Beach CC)

 

 

BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL’S 2016 SPRING NEWCOMERS

 

BETIKU—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Maxwell Club National Player of the Year finalist, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California Defensive Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports State Defensive Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket All-CIF Defensive Player of the Year, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, South Bay Daily Breeze Defensive Player of the Year and All-Mission League Lineman of the Year as a senior defensive end at Serra High in Gardena (Calif.).  He had 70 tackles, including 28 for losses (with 17 sacks), plus 2 forced fumbles in 2015.  As a junior in 2014, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Mission League Co-Lineman of the Year as he had 59 tackles, including 24 for losses (with 11.5 sacks), 2 deflections and a forced fumble.  Current Trojans Deontay Burnett, Rasheem Green, Jalen Green, John Houston, Adoree’ Jackson, Jalen Jones, C.J. Pollard and Olajuwon Tucker also prepped at Serra.  He attended Bishop McNamara High in Forestville (Md.) as a 2013 sophomore, but did not play football there.  He was born in Lagos, Nigeria and participated in soccer and boxing.  He moved to the United States when he was 13, which is when he first took up football.

 

FINK—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Medium Schools first team, All-CIF Central Division, San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area first team and All-Palomares League Player of the Year as a senior dual-threat quarterback at Glendora (Calif.) High.  He completed 87-of-174 passes (50.0%) for 1,258 yards with 15 TDs and 5 interceptions in 2015, rushed for 1,106 yards on 180 carries (6.1 avg) with 17 TDs, had a 36-yard reception, made 6 tackles and 2 interceptions and averaged 36.8 yards on 37 punts (with 12 pinning opponents within the 20-yard line).  As a junior in 2014, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior second team as he completed 96-of-165 passes (58.2%) for 1,386 yards with 10 TDs and 3 interceptions and he also ran for 725 yards on 75 carries (9.7 avg) with 10 TDs.  As a 2013 sophomore, he completed 95-of-192 passes (49.5%) for 1,449 yards with 12 TDs and 6 interceptions and he ran for 182 yards on 47 carries (3.9 avg) with 3 TDs.

 

IMATORBHEBHE— He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team and Gwinnett Daily Post All-County third team as a senior wide receiver at North Gwinnett High in Sugar Hill (Ga.).  He caught 31 passes for 452 yards (14.6 avg) with 3 TDs in 2015 and he also threw a TD, had a 66-yard rush and averaged 19.0 yards on 5 kickoff returns.  As a junior in 2014, he made All-Region 7-AAAAAA first team while getting 59 receptions for 1,072 yards (18.2 avg) with 15 TDs.  He caught 5 passes for 55 yards (11.0 avg) with a TD as a 2013 sophomore, helping North Gwinnett advance to the Class AAAAAA state championship game.  He also played basketball at North Gwinnett.  His brother, Daniel, is a redshirt freshman tight end at USC.

 

JIMMONS—He made 2015 Prep Star All-West Region, USA Today All-California second team and All-Sunset League first team as a senior defensive end and tight end at Huntington Beach (Calif.) High.  He had 32 tackles, including 7 for losses (with a sack), 2 deflections and a forced fumble in 2015, plus he caught 7 passes for 61 yards (8.7 avg).  As a junior in 2014, he had 45 tackles, including 6.5 for losses and 9 sacks, plus 4 deflections and 2 forced fumbles, along with 2 catches for 8 yards (4.0 avg).  He made 51 tackles, including 6 for losses (with 2 sacks), plus an interception, 2 deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 forced fumbles as a 2013 sophomore, and he also caught a TD.

 

PITTMAN—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Max Preps All-American first team, Orange County Register Fab 15 second team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California Offensive Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket All-CIF Offensive Player of the Year, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year and Ventura County Star Player of the Year as a senior wide receiver and safety at Oaks Christian High in Westlake Village (Calif.).  He had 81 receptions for 1,990 yards (24.6 avg) with 24 TDs in 2015 (he caught 16 passes for 354 yards and 5 TDs in his final game), as well as 31 tackles, an interception and a deflection, 17 kickoff returns for 477 yards (28.1 avg) with 1 TD and 14 punt returns for 148 yards (10.6 avg).  As a junior in 2014, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior second team, Los Angeles Daily News All-Area first team and All-Marmonte League Co-Receiver of the Year.  He had 47 catches for 914 yards (19.4 avg) with 12 TDs in 2014, plus 43 tackles (including 2 for losses) and 3 interceptions and 11 kickoff returns for 311 yards (28.3 avg).  His father, Michael, was a running back at Fresno State (1993, 95-97) and then in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals (1998-2001), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-07), including on the Super Bowl XXXVII champion in the 2003 season, and Denver Broncos (2008)

 

POLLARD—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, South Bay Daily Breeze All-South Bay first team and All-Mission League first team as a senior defensive back and wide receiver at Serra High in Gardena (Calif.).  He had 62 tackles, including 2 for losses, and 5 deflections in 2015.  As a junior in 2014, he made 58 tackles (2 for losses) and 3 deflections.  He had 20 tackles as a 2013 sophomore.  Current Trojans Oluwole Betiku, Deontay Burnett, Rasheem Green, Jalen Green, John Houston, Adoree’ Jackson, Jalen Jones and Olajuwon Tucker also prepped at Serra.  His real first name is Chris.  His father, Marvin, was a cornerback at USC (1988-91) and his mother, Pam, is a USC graduate.

 

SMITH—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, USA Today All-California second team, Riverside Press Enterprise All-Inland first team and All-Southwestern League first team as a senior offensive and defensive tackle at Murrieta (Calif.) Mesa High.  He also threw the discus and shot put on Murrieta Mesa’s track team.

 

BIOGRAPHIES ON USC FOOTBALL’S 2016 FALL NEWCOMERS

 

ANGELINE—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American, USA Today All-Pennsylvania second team, AP All-State AAAA first team, Pennsylvania Football News All-State first team and Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern Pennsylvania first team, Daily Local All-Area first team and All-Ches-Mont League Player of the Year as a senior tight end at Dowington East High in Exton (Penn).  He had 47 receptions for 826 yards (17.6 avg) with 13 TDs in 2015 (he also had 6 sacks and 2 interceptions on defense).  As a junior in 2014, he made AP All-State AAAA first team, Pennsylvania Football News All-State first team, Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern Pennsylvania first team, Daily Local All-Area first team and All-Ches-Mont League first team as he had 67 catches for 1,051 yards (15.7 avg) with 10 TDs.  He made Daily Local All-Area first team and All-Ches-Mont League as he had 33 catches for 456 yards (13.8 avg) with 6 TDs as a 2013 sophomore.  He also was an All-League basketball player at Dowington East, averaging 22.4 points and 12.0 rebounds as a junior, 19.9 points as a sophomore and 15.0 points as a freshman.  His grandfather, Fran, was a tight end and defensive end at Colgate (1955 captain), then was the 1979 National High School Coach of the Year while at Union-Endicott (N.Y.) High.  His father, Chris, was a quarterback and tight end at Columbia.  His brother, Ryley, is a sophomore tight end at Delaware.  His uncle, Larry, played football at Mansfield and another uncle, Jerry, played football at Hobart.

 

COOK—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, USA Today All-Florida second team and All-State Class 6A first team as a senior defensive back at Miami (Fla.) Central High while getting 6 interceptions.  He was a member of Miami Central’s state Class 6A championship teams in 2012, 2013 and 2014.  He also played basketball at Miami Central.  His cousin is Florida State junior running back Dalvin Cook.

 

FATU—He made 2015 JC Athletic Bureau All-California Region III first team and All-Southern California Football Association National Division Central League first team (unanimous) as a sophomore defensive tackle at Long Beach (Calif.) City College.  He had 52 tackles, including 14 for losses (with 9.5 sacks), 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a deflection in 2015 as Long Beach CC went 10-2, won the Southern California Bowl and advanced to the SoCal Regional Championship.  As a freshman in 2014, he had 37 tackles, including 10.5 for losses (with 8 sacks), an interception, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and a deflection as Long Beach CC went 9-2 and won the Beach Bowl.  Current Trojan De’Quan Hampton also attended Long Beach CC.  He made 2013 All-Moore League first team as a senior 2-way lineman at Lakewood (Calif.) High.  As a junior in 2012, he averaged 3 tackles a game.  Current Trojan Toa Lobendahn previously attended Lakewood.

 

IOSEFA—He made 2015 Prep Star All-West Region and USA Today All-Hawaii second team as a senior linebacker at St. Louis High in Honolulu (Hi.).  He had 34 tackles in 2015.  He sat out the 2014 season after transferring from Waipahu (Hi.) High.

 J. JONES—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Scout.com All-American, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division (as a defensive back), Los Angeles Times All-Area first team and Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior cornerback and wide receiver at Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High.  He had 23 tackles, an interception and 4 deflections in 2015, plus 42 receptions for 837 yards (19.9 avg) with 11 TDs, 79 yards on 9 carries (8.8 avg), 5 punt returns for 143 yards (20.6 ag) with a TD, 4 kickoff returns for 127 yards (31.8 avg) and a 37.0 average on 4 punts.  As a junior in 2014, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division (as a wide receiver) and Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team first team.  He had 40 tackles, an interception and a deflection in 2014, plus 64 receptions for 719 yards (11.2 avg) with 5 TDs, 6 punt returns for 136 yards (22.7 avg) with 1 TD and 2 kickoff returns for 21 yards (10.5 avg).  Current Trojans Iman Marshall and JuJu Smith-Schuster also prepped at Long Beach Poly.

V. JONES—He made 2015 Prep Star All-Southeast Region, USA Today All-Alabama first team, AL.com Super All-State first team, Alabama Sportswriters Association All-State Class 6A first team and All-Coastal Alabama first team as a senior wide receiver at Saraland (Ala.) High.  He had 48 receptions for 945 yards (19.7 avg) with 10 TDs in 2015, plus 172 rushing yards with 2 TDs and 2 touchdowns on special teams.  As a junior in 2014, he made All-State and All-Region while getting 51 receptions for 1,118 yards (21.9 avg) with 9 TDs.  Saraland was the state Class 6A runnerup in 2014.

 MALEPEAI—He made 2015 Prep Star All-West Region, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, Gatorade Hawaii Player of the Year, USA Today All-Hawaii Offensive Player of the Year and All-Oahu Interscholastic Association Blue Offensive Player of the Year as a senior running back at Mililani (Hi.) High.  He ran for 1,952 yards on 234 carries (8.3 avg) with 29 TDs in 2015.  As a junior in 2014, he made USA Today All-Hawaii first team as he ran for 1,337 yards on 227 carries (5.9 avg) with 24 TDs.  Mililani won the state championship in 2014 after being the runnerup in 2013.  He set state career records with his 4,556 rushing yards and 71 rushing TDs.  His uncles Silila (1990-94), Pulou (1993-95) and Tasi (1994-96) played football at Oregon.

MARTIN—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket All-CIF, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, Orange County Register All-Orange County first team and All-Trinity League first team as a senior offensive lineman at Mater Dei High in Santa Ana (Calif.).  As a junior in 2014, he made USA Today All-State first team and Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team.  As a 2013 sophomore, he made Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team.  Current Trojans Grant Moore and Jonathan Lockett also prepped at Mater Dei.

MURPHY—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American as a senior defensive end at Brophy Prep in Phoenix (Ariz.).  He had 30 tackles, including 5 for losses (with 2 sacks), and 2 deflections in 2015 despite being bothered all season with a groin injury that required surgery and limited him to playing in just 7 games.  As a junior in 2014, he had 71 tackles, including 8.5 for losses (with 1.5 sacks), plus 4 deflections and 2 fumble recoveries.  He had 10 tackles (1 for a loss) and a deflection as a sophomore in 2013.  He also threw the shot put and discus on Brophy Prep’s track team.  His brother, Trent, was a consensus All-American outside linebacker at Stanford (2010-13) and now plays for the Washington Redskins.  His sister, Kayli, played women’s basketball at Arizona State (2007-10) and competed in the 2011 Miss Arizona USA pageant.

PRICE—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team and USA Today All-Georgia first team as a senior offensive lineman at Archer High in Lawrenceville (Ga.).  As a junior in 2014, he played at Central Gwinnett High in Lawrenceville (Ga.).  His real first name is Edward.

SIDNEY—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team and Tacoma News Tribune Western 100 as a senior wide receiver and cornerback at Bishop Amat High in La Puente (Calif.).  He had 31 receptions for 400 yards (12.9 avg) with 6 TDs, 13 tackles, 13 kickoff returns for 246 yards (18.9 avg) and 4 punt returns for 43 yards (10.8 avg) in 2015.  As a junior in 2014, he made USA Today All-State first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior second team and San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area while getting 38 receptions for 540 yards (14.2 avg) with 3 TDs, 8 carries for 60 yards (7.5 avg), 47 tackles and 4 interceptions and 12 kickoff returns for 381 yards (31.8 avg).  As a 2013 sophomore, he made Student Sports Sophomore All-American first team, Max Preps Sophomore All-American second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Sophomore first team, San Gabriel Valley Tribune Newcomer of the Year and All-Area.  He had 15 receptions for 225 yards (15.0 avg) with 4 TDs in 2013, plus 10 carries for 94 yards (9.4 avg) with a TD, 30 tackles, 8 interceptions, a deflection and a fumble recovery and 12 kickoff returns for 302 yards (25.2 avg).  Incoming Trojan Tyler Vaughns also prepped at Bishop Amat.

                                                                                                                                               

VAUGHNS—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American Dream Team, Orange County Register Fab 15 first team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, USA Today All-California first team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket All-CIF, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area first team and All-Mission League Co-Player of the Year as a senior wide receiver and defensive back at Bishop Amat High in La Puente (Calif.).  He had 84 receptions for 1,319 yards (15.7 avg) with 13 TDs in 2015, plus 10 carries for 70 yards (7.0 avg) with 2 TDs, 20 punt returns for 188 yards (9.4 avg), 8 kickoff returns for 289 yards (36.1 avg) and 2 interceptions.  As a junior in 2014, he made Max Preps Junior All-American second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State second team, Max Preps All-State second team, Cal-Hi Sports All-State Junior first team, All-CIF Pac 5 Division, Los Angeles Times All-Area first team, San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area Player of the Year and All-Mission League Offensive Player of the Year.  He had 83 receptions for 1,183 yards (14.3 avg) with 12 TDs in 2014, plus 9 carries for 41 yards (3.2 avg) with 1 TD, 5 kickoff returns for 86 yards (17.2 avg), 24 tackles and 4 interceptions and a 40.5-yard average on punts.  As a 2013 sophomore, he had 27 receptions for 395 yards (14.6 avg) with 4 TDs, threw a touchdown pass and had 2 punt returns for 47 yards (23.5 avg).  He also played basketball and baseball at Bishop Amat.  Incoming Trojan Trevon Sidney also prepped at Bishop Amat.

 

YOUNG—He made 2015 Prep Star All-American and All-State Class 8A honorable mention as a wide receiver and defensive back at Miami (Fla.) Senior High.  He had 3 punt returns for touchdowns as a 2014 junior.  He had 2,069 rushing and receiving yards with 30 TDs (16 rushing, 14 receiving) during his 2013 sophomore and 2014 junior seasons.  He also was on Miami Senior’s track team.  His nickname is “Pie.”

USC FOOTBALL ANNOUNCES 2016 SIGNING CLASS

NFL Expands Thursday Night Football

By
Press Release
-
11 October 2015: Denver Broncos quarterback (18) Peyton Manning standing tall in the pocket during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
11 October 2015: Denver Broncos quarterback (18) Peyton Manning standing tall in the pocket during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, CA. The Broncos won 16-10.(Photograph by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

NFL EXPANDS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

CBS RETAINS RIGHTS; WILL BROADCAST FIVE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL GAMES

NBC ADDED AS THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL PARTNER; WILL BROADCAST FIVE GAMES

NFL NETWORK TO EXCLUSIVELY TELEVISE EIGHT REGULAR SEASON GAMES; WILL SIMULCAST ENTIRE THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

FEB. 1, 2016: NEW YORK – The National Football League will expand Thursday Night Football in 2016 and 2017, continuing its partnership with CBS while also adding NBC as a partner, it was announced today by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Leslie Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Corp., and Steve Burke, CEO, NBC Universal.

Both CBS and NBC will broadcast five Thursday Night Football games, growing the package to 10 broadcast games in 2016 and 2017 from eight in 2014 and 2015. All Thursday Night Football broadcast games will continue to be simulcast on NFL Network. NFL Network will also exclusively televise an eight-game schedule of regular season games comprised of Thursday Night Football, late-season games on Saturday, and additional games to be determined.

Both CBS and NBC will produce Thursday Night Football with their lead broadcasters and production teams, and both will contribute to the production ofThursday Night Football exclusively on NFL Network. CBS and NFL Network will televise the first half of the Thursday Night Football schedule with NBC and NFL Network televising the second half.

The NFL is in active discussions with prospective digital partners for OTT streaming rights to Thursday Night Football. A deal announcement is expected in the near future.

“We are continuing to make Thursday Night Football bigger and better.  CBS has played an integral role over the last two seasons in helping build Thursdays as a night for NFL football, and we’re excited to have them on board again,” said Commissioner Goodell. “At the same time, we’re thrilled to add NBC to the Thursday Night Football mix, a trusted partner with a proven track record of success broadcasting NFL football in primetime, and look forward to expanding with a digital partner for what will be a unique tri-cast on broadcast, cable, and digital platforms.”

“Our mission when we first put games on Thursday nights in 2006 was to work strategically to make Thursdays a night for NFL football in the mold of what Monday and Sunday nights mean to millions of fans across the country,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman of the NFL’s Broadcast Committee. “We’ve made great strides since that point, and growing the base of games with CBS, now with NBC, and soon with digital streaming will only help us solidify this night in the consciousness of NFL fans here and globally.”

“The CBS Corporation and the CBS Television Network are extremely pleased to continue our successful partnership with the NFL on Thursday nights,” said Moonves. “Thursday Night Football has provided extremely valuable programming and a powerful promotional platform to help launch CBS’s primetime schedule, contributing to our standing as the perennial Number One and most-watched network. Broadcasting the first half of the Thursday Night Football schedule is a terrific way to jump start the 2016-17 television season. We look forward to another great year of the NFL on CBS on both Thursdays and Sundays.”

“The NFL has the most powerful programming on television, and we are delighted to expand our primetime schedule to 24 regular season games,” said Burke.  “Thursday Night Football is an important addition to NBC’s #1 ranked primetime lineup, and the perfect complement to our award winning Sunday Night Football broadcast. The NFL is a terrific partner, and we could not be more pleased about expanding our relationship.”

Thursday Night Football started in 2006 with an eight game schedule exclusively on NFL Network. By 2012, Thursday Night Football had grown to a 13-game schedule exclusively on NFL Network, where it remained through the 2013 season. For both the 2014 and 2015 seasons, CBS partnered with NFL Network to present an expanded 16-game Thursday Night Football schedule.

For the 16 games of the 2015 schedule, Thursday Night Football on CBS and NFL Network (and over-the-air stations) averaged a 7.9 HH rating and 13.0M viewers, up +59% and +61% respectively from 2013 when the games were solely on NFL Network. The 2015 season was the most-watched and highest-rated Thursday Night Football season ever.

Super Bowl 50 Preview

By
Press Release
-
Super_Bowl_50_logo
Super_Bowl_50_logo

SUPER BOWL 50: CAROLINA PANTHERS VS. DENVER BRONCOS

Two teams. One game. It all comes down to this.

On Sunday, February 7, the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will meet in Super Bowl 50 (6:30 PM ET, CBS) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

For the third consecutive season, the game will feature the No. 1 seed in each conference.

“It means so much to us to get to the Super Bowl,” says Broncos cornerback CHRIS HARRIS, JR. “We put in so much work this whole offseason and during the season. I’m just so proud of our team. We stuck together all year. We stayed together as a team and that’s all that matters.”

Super Bowl 50 will pit the NFL’s top-scoring team – Carolina (500 points, 31.3 points per game) – against the league’s top defense – Denver (283.1 total net yards per game).

“We’re a complete team,” says Panthers wide receiver COREY BROWN. “We play as a team. It’s not about one person. It’s not about two people. If one guy goes down, the next man steps up. We are a complete team.”

Denver advanced to the Super Bowl by defeating New England 20-18. Carolina defeated Arizona 49-15 to earn its second ever trip to the Super Bowl. The AFC and NFC Championship Games averaged 49.7 million viewers, up eight percent from last year and topping the 45 million mark for the third consecutive year.

The NFC Championship Game between Carolina and Arizona earned 45.7 million viewers and the AFC Championship Game between Denver and New England garnered 53.3 million viewers, the second-most watched AFC Championship Game ever (New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh, January 23, 2011, 54.8 million viewers).

The Panthers advanced to the Super Bowl for the second time in franchise history (Super Bowl XXXVIII, 2003 season) with a 49-15 win over Arizona at Bank of America Stadium. With the victory, Carolina capped off a perfect season at home, winning all eight regular-season games and both playoff contests.

“Our fans have been awesome all year,” says Panthers linebacker LUKE KUECHLY. “There’s a sense of community in the whole Charlotte area and throughout the Carolinas. Panthers fans have been awesome to us and I’m proud to be here and happy to be a Carolina Panther.”

Carolina led the NFL in scoring with 500 points during the regular season and has scored a league-best 80 points in the postseason. The team’s 49 points in the NFC Championship Game are the second-most by a team to gain a berth in the Super Bowl (Buffalo, 51 points, 1990 season).

“We came out and had a pretty successful game,” says Panthers quarterback CAM NEWTON. “But I know there are a lot of people who feel just like me – we’re not done yet.”

Newton passed for 335 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for two scores in the NFC Championship Game victory. He is the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 300 yards and rush for multiple touchdowns in a playoff game. Newton led the NFL during the regular season with 45 total touchdowns (35 passing, 10 rushing) and became the first player in league history to pass for at least 30 touchdowns and rush for at least 10 touchdowns in the same season.

“It’s been fun watching Cam because every year he’s improved,” says Carolina center RYAN KALIL. “We knew from the get-go when he got here and broke all those NFL rookie records that we had someone special. Watching him grow each and every year, it’s been incredible. This has been a big year for him.”

In the win over Arizona, the Panthers forced seven turnovers. During the regular season, Carolina led the NFL with 39 takeaways, 24 interceptions and a +20 turnover differential. That dominance has continued into the postseason as the Panthers lead the league with nine takeaways, six interceptions and a +8 turnover differential. Kuechly, one of Carolina’s Pro Bowl linebackers, has recorded an interception-return touchdown in each of the team’s playoff games this season and is the only player in NFL history to have an INT-TD in consecutive games in a single postseason.

“This was a great team performance and this is who we are,” says Panthers linebacker THOMAS DAVIS. “This is what we’re capable of and we came out and played together as a group. We can truly dominate football games. We just have to be ready to play week in and week out.”

Carolina head coach RON RIVERA, who has guided the team to the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, is aiming to become thefourth person to win a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach (MIKE DITKA, TONY DUNGY and TOM FLORES). Rivera was a linebacker for the 1985 Chicago Bears, which is the last team to win at least 15 regular-season games and also win the Super Bowl in the same season, something the Panthers hope to accomplish this year.

“We have talked a lot about what our goal is,” says Rivera. “We are a step away. We are going to have to play a very good football team. They have a Hall of Fame quarterback and a lot of playmakers. This is a team we will have to get ready and prepare for.”

That Hall of Fame quarterback – PEYTON MANNING – and that team – the Denver Broncos – will be waiting. The Broncos advanced to their eighth Super Bowl, tied for the most in NFL history (Dallas, New England, Pittsburgh), by defeating New England 20-18 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

“The victory in the AFC Championship Game was a great example of what this entire season has been like,” says Manning. “It hasn’t been easy. It’s been a lot of different people stepping up and doing their part at different times. That was a unique football game but everybody did their part and it truly was a team game.”

Manning threw two touchdown passes – both to tight end OWEN DANIELS – in the win. The veteran quarterback has now guided both the Indianapolis Colts and the Broncos to multiple Super Bowls and Manning is the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two different franchises to multiple Super Bowls.

“I’ve tried to take it one week at a time all season long,” says Manning about returning to the Super Bowl. “I’ve tried to stay in the moment and take it one week at a time. I’m taking it one week at a time and trying to stay patient. Staying patient in these past two playoff games has served our team well and it’s definitely served me well.”

Manning, who won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts, can become the first starting quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl with two different franchises. He has 13 career postseason victories and with a win in Super Bowl 50, he will tie Pro Football Hall of Famers JOHN ELWAYand TERRY BRADSHAW for the third-most playoff wins in NFL history by a starting quarterback.

“I’m so proud of him,” says Broncos head coach GARY KUBIAK about Manning. “He worked really hard to get back. This football team believes he’s going to get the job done. He’s done a tremendous job leading this football team.”

Denver’s defense, which topped the NFL with 52 sacks during the regular season, recorded four sacks and two interceptions in the AFC Championship Game. Linebacker VON MILLER had 2.5 sacks and an interception in the victory over New England, becoming the first player in more than 20 years to record at least 2.5 sacks and an interception in a playoff game.

“We’re back,” says Miller about the team’s second Super Bowl appearance in the past three seasons. “It feels great. I wanted to get back here.”

Kubiak became the first head coach to earn a Super Bowl berth in his first season with a team since JIM CALDWELL accomplished the feat with Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in 2009. Kubiak is attempting to become only the fourth head coach to win a Super Bowl in his first season with a new club (DON MC CAFFREY, GEORGE SEIFERT, JON GRUDEN).

“One thing we’ve done all year long is we just grind as a football team,” says Kubiak. “We played our tails off all year long and we’ve found ways to win the close ones.”

Kubiak, who played for the Broncos (1983-1991), is the first person to appear in a Super Bowl with the same team as both a player and a head coach.

“It means the world to me to come back to my football home,” says Kubiak about advancing to the Super Bowl with the Broncos. “I’m just so proud to be part of this organization and this football team.”

 

 

2015 WILD CARD WEEKEND RESULTS (JANUARY 9-10)

(Home Team in Caps)

Saturday, January 9Sunday, January 10
Kansas City 30, HOUSTON 0Seattle10, MINNESOTA 9
Pittsburgh 18, CINCINNATI 16Green Bay 35, WASHINGTON 18

2015 DIVISIONAL WEEKEND RESULTS (JANUARY 16-17)

 (Home Team in Caps)

Saturday, January 16Sunday, January 17
NEW ENGLAND 27, Kansas City 20CAROLINA 31, Seattle 24
ARIZONA 26, Green Bay 20 (OT)DENVER 23, Pittsburgh 16

2015 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WEEKEND SCHEDULE (JANUARY 24)

Sunday, January 24
DENVER 20, New England 18
CAROLINA 40, Arizona 15

2016 PRO BOWL (JANUARY 31)​

Sunday, January 31
TEAM IRVIN 49, Team Rice 27

SUPER BOWL 50 (FEBRUARY 7)

Sunday, February 7
Super Bowl 50, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California 6:30 PM ET (CBS)

Snedeker Wins The Farmers Insurance Open

By
Jevone Moore
-
Day 2 action on the South Course in the second round action of PGA Golf during the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Day 2 action on the South Course in the second round action of PGA Golf during the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

San Diego, CA – Nothing was able to stop Brandt Snedeker from winning the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. Snedeker had the luxury of waiting in the clubhouse for the field to finish their round a whole day later. K.J. Choi finally finished his final round one shot short after countless weather delays that lead to a Monday finish.

Snedeker finished his final round at 1:40 p.m. PT Sunday (3-under 69) and posted a 6-under 282. He began the final round trailing by six strokes at 3-under par. Snedeker was the only player in the field to shoot under par in the final round which was key to his victory.

Due to inclement weather Sunday, play was suspended from 8:46 a.m. until 10 a.m. Play was suspended for a second time at 10:39 a.m., while a brief line of showers passed through. Players were held in nearby vans. Play resumed at 11 a.m. Play was again suspended at 1:57 p.m., before ultimately being called for the day. The scheduled restart time of 8 a.m. Monday was pushed back until 10 a.m., as crews continued to remove debris from the course. The final-round scoring average was 77.901 which was +5.90 on the South course where all golfers played after the cut.

A total of 49 players returned Monday morning to complete their final round before leaving out for their next destination to play. The field started out Thursday with 156 players playing on the North & South Courses.

This marks just the second Monday finish of the Farmers Insurance Open. In 2013, Tiger Woods claimed his seventh title in the event on a Monday (due to dense fog over the weekend).

Final Leaderboard

Brandt Snedeker     73-70-70-69—282 (-6)

K.J. Choi                 68-67-72-76—283 (-5)

Kevin Streelman      69-69-72-74—284 (-4)

With the win, Snedeker jumps from No. 12 in the FedExCup standings to No. 2 with 1,013 points. It took 458 points to qualify for the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup in 2014-15, 554 to qualify for Deutsche Bank Championship, 692 for BMW Championship and 1,062 for the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola. Snedeker won the 2012 FedExCup title the same year of his first Farmers Insurance Open crown.

 

 

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