01/21/12 - Ramon Buchanan, rSr, Miami, 6-1, 222 (DS#999 OLB) As expected, Miami Hurricanes linebacker Ramon Buchanan has been granted a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA and will be able to play the 2012 season. UM was notified of the NCAA's decision on Friday. Buchanan, a 6-foot-1, 222-pound senior, suffered a season-ending knee surgery in the first half of the Hurricanes' fourth game this past season. The NCAA's rule regarding a hardship waiver is that the athlete can't appear in fewer than 30 percent of his or her team's competitions. The Hurricanes, who self-imposed a bowl ban, played in 12 games in 2011. According to a UM official, it helped Buchanan's case with the NCAA that he was injured in the first half against Bethune-Cookman instead of the second half. Buchanan started all four games in 2011 and was on pace for a career high in tackles with 18 – 11 of them solo and two for loss. He had 54 tackles – fifth most on the team – in 2010 while starting 10 of 13 games. He has 106 tackles, 13.5 for loss, two pass breakups and a blocked kick in 39 career games, 15 of them starts. Senior safety Vaughn Telemaque is the only returning player on Miami's defense with more experience than Buchanan, who Coach Al Golden described in training camp last fall as "one of our leaders." - The South Florida Sun-Sentinel
01/21/12 - Josh Chapman, rSr, Alabama, 6-1, 310 (DS#16 DT) Nose guard Josh Chapman, one of the stars of Alabama's outstanding defense, had surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and he revealed to the Birmingham News that he had played most of the season with that knee injury. Chapman is an NFL prospect but he had to withdraw from the Senior Bowl and will participate in only the bench press and the interview session during the NFL combine. Chapman sustained his injury in a game against Florida on Oct. 1. A few days later, an MRI revealed he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. "Dr. (Lyle) Cain said he's never seen a guy that can have a torn ACL and still stay that stable," Chapman told the Birmingham News. Chapman decided to delay surgery and finish out the season. He missed one game, but played in the eight others that followed the injury. Chapman played a total of 12 games this past season, sitting out Alabama's 45-21 win over Georgia Southern on Nov. 19. Georgia Southern rolled up 302 rushing yards against the Crimson Tide. Chapman finished the season with 23 tackles, one sack and two pass breakups. - The Sports Xchange
01/16/12 - Casey Barth, rSr, North Carolina, 5-11, 185 (DS#17 K) The Atlantic Coast Conference has granted North Carolina place-kicker Casey Barth a medical hardship waiver for the 2011 season. That means the Wilmington native gets a fifth year of eligibility in 2012. In 2010, Barth earned honorable mention All-ACC honors, but the Hoggard grad strained his groin during the third game of the 2011 season, and did not kick the rest of the year. Barth has made 51 of 63 career field goal attempts and a school-record 82 consecutive extra points. He needs just four field goals to surpass his brother Connor's school record total of 54. - North Carolina football
01/16/12 - Mikail McCall, Fr, Southern Illinois, 5-11, 215 (DS#999 RB) Southern Illinois is losing one ex-Iowa running back in Jewel Hampton, who decided to aim for the NFL draft, but it's gaining another one, as Mika'il McCall has decided to transfer there, according to reports. According to the Iowa Press-Citizen, McCall has opted to follow the path of Hampton, who transferred from Iowa to Southern Illinois, but is reportedly leaving early in hopes of going pro. Hampton was on a list of players the group St. Vincent Sports Performance will help train for the NFL combine, according to cbssports.com. He rushed for 1,121 yards and scored 17 touchdowns, leading the Missouri Valley Conference this season, after tearing his ACL in each of his knees the previous two years, respectively. McCall had announced his desire to transfer on Facebook in November. According to the Press-Citizen, he chose Southern Illinois in part because his sister is attending the school. Like Hampton, he has faced injury issues, missing most of last year with an ankle injury. The freshman rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries, with all but two carries and four yards coming in the season opener. He was suspended for the final two games of the season, for an unspecified violation. Like Hampton, McCall will not have to sit out a year because of the drop in level, going to Southern Illinois. - The Sports Xchange
01/13/12 - Troy Stoudermire, Sr, Minnesota, 5-09, 196 (DS#42 CB) Minnesota defensive back Troy Stoudermire has been granted a medical hardship waiver by the NCAA that will allow him to return for a fifth season with the Golden Gophers. The school made the announcement Friday. Stoudermire started the first four games last season before going down with a broken forearm. He had two interceptions in the four games and will return as the Big Ten’s career leader in kickoff return yards. Stoudermire released a statement through the school saying he was excited to hear the news and is looking forward to rejoining the team for workouts. Head coach Jerry Kill called the development “great news” and says he is happy to know Stoudermire will be back. - AP Sports
01/12/12 - Ryan Tannehill, rSr, Texas A&M, 6-4, 222 (DS#3 QB) Former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill broke a foot in training recently and will miss the Senior Bowl, according to his agent, Pat Dye. Tannehill broke a fifth metatarsal in a passing drill, an injury that might require surgery. The Senior Bowl is Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. Even if he has the surgery and misses throwing at the NFL scouting combine, he may be able to throw in March, before the NFL draft. The 23-year-old Tannehill is one of the highest-rated QB prospects in the next NFL draft. - Joe Schad, ESPN
01/10/12 - Knile Davis, Jr, Arkansas, 6-0, 226 (DS#999 RB) Arkansas running back Knile Davis says he will return to school next season. Davis, who missed this season after fracturing his left ankle during a preseason practice, had considered leaving for the NFL but decided to stay with the Razorbacks. His decision was announced Tuesday. The junior led all Southeastern Conference running backs with 1,322 yards rushing as a sophomore last season, but he went down Aug. 11 when a defensive lineman fell on his ankle during a scrimmage. It was the third time he had broken an ankle, dating to high school, though the other two were the right one. Arkansas finished the season 11-2 and won the Cotton Bowl without Davis. - AP Sports
01/09/12 - Josh Chapman, rSr, Alabama, 6-1, 310 (DS#16 DT) Scouting the Alabama run defense: Few teams can hope to run the ball with any consistency against the Crimson Tide. LSU is one of them as it has a solid O-line and a stable of backs which offer different attributes. As long as DT Josh Chapman wins his share of plays at the scrimmage line, though, it's hard to see Alabama getting gashed that often. - The Sports Xchange
01/09/12 - Josh Chapman, rSr, Alabama, 6-1, 310 (DS#16 DT) PLAYERS TO WATCH: DT Josh Chapman (knee) is another player who will benefit from having 43 days between the Auburn game and the LSU rematch. Chapman missed a Nov. 19 win over Georgia Southern and returned at Auburn, but should be at full strength for LSU. - The Sports Xchange
01/07/12 - Devon Ramsay, rSr, North Carolina, 6-2, 250 (DS#6 FB) The NCAA has granted North Carolina fullback Devon Ramsay a hardship waiver, giving him an extra year of eligibility in 2012. Team officials announced the NCAA's decision Saturday. Ramsay tore several ligaments in his left knee in the 2011 season opener against James Madison. He had surgery in mid-September and missed the rest of the season. He missed the 2007 season with a shoulder injury and played in only four games in 2010 before being ruled permanently ineligible for academic misconduct during its NCAA investigation of the football program. He appealed, and the NCAA later reversed its decision and restored his eligibility, saying Ramsay hadn't committed a violation. - AP Sports
01/05/12 - Mikail McCall, Fr, Southern Illinois, 5-11, 215 (DS#999 RB) Iowa freshman running back Mika’il McCall is leaving the program. Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said Wednesday that McCall intends to transfer. The 18-year-old McCall had a promising debut, rushing for 61 yards in the season opener before breaking his ankle. He returned in late November, but had just 4 yards rushing in a win over Purdue. McCall, from Dolton, Ill., was suspended for the final two games because of an undisclosed violation. - AP Sports
01/03/12 - *Donte Paige-Moss, Jr, North Carolina, 6-4, 260 (DS#16 DE) Heading into the 2011 season many regarded North Carolina junior defensive Donte Paige-Moss as every bit the first round candidate as his more celebrated teammate Quinton Coples. Estimated to be 6-4, 260 pounds, Paige-Moss recorded 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks as a sophomore, including a dazzling all-around performance (six tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, blocked kick) in North Carolina's Music City Bowl win over Tennessee that seemed to establish him as a young star on the rise. Unfortunately, like a lot of the UNC Tar Heels, it seemed as though Paige-Moss entered the 2011 season caught up in his own hype. The explosiveness and relentlessness that had been evident in his game earlier in his career wasn't as apparent as the 2011 season began. Though Paige-Moss saw action in all 13 games in 2011, he was passed up on the depth chart by sophomore Keenan Martin and didn't start a game. The frustration of seeing his playing time and statistics cut (29 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks in 2011) had pushed Paige-Moss to explore leaving UNC for a shot at the NFL. Paige-Moss was active early against Missouri in the Independence Bowl, recording three tackles and again demonstrating the combination of athleticism and size that had led talent evaluators from 4-3 and 3-4 teams, alike, to value him. Unfortunately, Paige-Moss suffered a torn ACL in his right knee against the Tigers, putting at least the beginning of next season in doubt. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/03/12 - *Donte Paige-Moss, Jr, North Carolina, 6-4, 260 (DS#16 DE) Rather than consider redshirting next season and recovering from the injury, Paige-Moss informed UNC officials Monday that he is leaving early for the NFL. Though it had been known that Paige-Moss was considering making the jump, once news of his injury spread I, for one, presumed he'd return. The Tar Heels may have been surprised, as well, as they officially announced the junior's decision via their Twitter feed rather than offer up the press conference and/or statement traditionally associated with news of this magnitude. Scouts can't help but acknowledge Paige-Moss' athletic gifts. However, considering his play regressed this season, his injury and the fact that Paige-Moss has had run-ins with authorities in the past, the junior pass rusher is going to have a hard time convincing teams to spend anything more than a late round pick on his services this April. Paige-Moss has been listed as high as 3rd on NFLDraftScout.com's ratings for defensive ends in the 2013 class. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
01/03/12 - *Donte Paige-Moss, Jr, North Carolina, 6-4, 260 (DS#16 DE) North Carolina says junior defensive end Donte Paige-Moss has told Tar Heels coaches he plans to enter the NFL draft. Paige-Moss played all 13 games and finished with 29 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Tar Heels’ loss to Missouri in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 26. Paige-Moss’ numbers fell significantly from his sophomore season, when he started 12 games. He had 49 tackles, 13 1/2 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2010, but found himself playing behind touted NFL prospect Quinton Coples and sophomore Kareem Martin this season. - AP Sports
12/31/11 - Ryan Tannehill, rSr, Texas A&M, 6-4, 222 (DS#3 QB) Ryan Tannehill threw for 329 yards and a touchdown and Ben Malena ran for two more scores to lead Texas A&M to a 33-22 win over Northwestern on Saturday in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Northwestern led 7-3 early in the second quarter before A&M reeled off 27 straight points to take a decisive lead and then fight off a late rally to capture its first bowl victory since 2001. Texas A&M broke a five-game bowl losing streak in a win the team dedicated to fired coach Mike Sherman and offensive lineman Joseph Villavisencio, who was killed in a car accident last week. Malena ran for 77 yards, filling in ably for Cyrus Gray, who missed his second straight game with a stress fracture in his left shoulder. Northwestern hasn’t won a bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl, a span of nine losses. A&M won a bowl for the first time since a 28-9 victory over TCU after the 2001 season. That also came in Houston, when this game was called the Galleryfurniture.com bowl and played next door at the Astrodome. - AP Sports
12/31/11 - Matt Patchan, rJr, Florida, 6-6, 292 (DS#999 OT) Florida will be without starting right tackle Matt Patchan against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Coach Will Muschamp says Patchan injured his upper back during practice and has been ruled out for Monday’s game. Xavier Nixon, who has struggled all season and was eventually benched, likely will move back into the starting lineup against the Buckeyes. The Gators also could be without guard Dan Wenger, who has missed practice with an ankle injury. Muschamp says he is questionable. Patchan’s injury is his latest in a long list. The junior from Tampa has missed time because of a gunshot wound, a torn pectoral muscle, a knee injury that resulted from an on-campus scooter accident and a broken right wrist. Patchan has started seven games, all this season. - AP Sports
12/31/11 - Ryan Tannehill, rSr, Texas A&M, 6-4, 222 (DS#3 QB) PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Ryan Tannehill completed 61.1 percent of his passes, but his season was marred by 14 interceptions, many of which proved costly in tight outcomes. He threw for 3,415 yards and had to overcome injuries to the Aggies' two leading rushers, Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael, which thrust even more pressure on the quarterback. Still, Tannehill was unable to exert the leadership many expected after took over the starting role last season and led A&M on a six-game winning streak to close the regular season. - The Sports Xchange
12/31/11 - Coryell Judie, rSr, Texas A&M, 5-11, 190 (DS#17 CB) Scouting the Texas A&M pass defense: The threat A&M poses to sack quarterbacks, led by the Big 12 leader with eight sacks, LB Sean Porter, is far and away the best defense the Aggies can muster against the pass. Quarterbacks who buy time can usually spot open receivers. A&M ranked last in the Big 12 and 113th nationally in pass defense, allowing 280.5 yards on average and a 62 percent completion rate. A lingering hamstring injury suffered by lockdown CB Coryell Judie contributed to problems defending the pass. Judie should be able to use the bowl preparation period to adequately heal a strained hamstring that kept him out of three games and still limited him late in the season. - The Sports Xchange
12/30/11 - Xavier Rhodes, rSo, Florida State, 6-1, 215 (DS#3 CB) With a come from behind victory over Notre Dame in Thursday night's Champ Sports Bowl, the Florida State Seminoles took a significant step towards re-establishing themselves as a national force. Unfortunately, redshirt sophomore cornerback Xavier Rhodes, one of the key players expected to help the Seminoles take the next step in 2012, suffered an ugly knee injury in the third quarter that could impact his ability for next season. Though an ESPN sideline reporter characterized the injury as a "sprained knee" during the telecast, a source at the game said the injury "looks bad" and anticipated an MRI being ordered for Rhodes Friday. Though only a redshirt sophomore, Rhodes had already established himself as one of the more intriguing press cornerback prospects in the country. The 6-1, 215 pound Rhodes had been enjoying a strong game matched up one on one with Notre Dame star Michael Floyd, proving the hype he'd begun to build with his play was well deserved. Though targeted on several occasions, Rhodes had helped limit Floyd, NFLDraftScout.com's top senior receiver for the 2012 draft, to only 3 catches for 22 yards in over a half of work. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
12/30/11 - Xavier Rhodes, rSo, Florida State, 6-1, 215 (DS#3 CB) On the Champ Sports Bowl play in which he was injured Rhodes collided with Floyd and safety LaMarcus Joyner competing for a pass down the left sideline. All three players hit the ground hard. Rhodes initially popped up quickly off the sideline but then dropped suddenly to the ground, grasping his left knee in obvious pain. Florida State doctors quickly converged on him, and after a few moments, carefully helped off the field. Quickly thereafter it was announced that Rhodes had been ruled him out for the rest of the game with a sprained knee. Floyd was able to return for a few plays, catching two passes for 19 yards, including a juggling five yard toughdown on the drive. He was limited the rest of the game due to what an ESPN sideline reporter characterized as a shot taken to his midsection. His absence clearly limited the Irish offense as they were out-scored 15-0 in the fourth quarter and eventually lost 18-14. Floyd's inability to get back onto the field was disappointing. His injury, however, isn't likely to have any real effect on his pro stock. For Rhodes, who some suggest had requested a grade from the NFL Advisory Committee, the extent of his injury could have a much greater impact. Including the Champs Sports Bowl, Rhodes recorded 43 tackles in 2011. He also defended five passes, with one interception this season. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
12/28/11 - Ben Habern, rJr, Oklahoma, 6-3, 292 (DS#4 C) Junior center Ben Habern said Wednesday that he at least filed the necessary paperwork to get a projection from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. Even though he missed several games with a broken forearm, he figured there was no harm in getting the grade. Habern wasn't certain whether the report also came with tips for what to work on as a senior. “I wanted to do it, just to see what it was,” Habern said. “I don't really know what I'm going to do, but you might as well if it's available. If I'm old enough to be able to do it, I'll just see what would happen.” - Berry Tramel, News Oklahoma
12/28/11 - Danny Noble, rSr, Toledo, 6-5, 248 (DS#30 TE) TE Danny Noble broke a bone in his leg in the early October win over Eastern Michigan and was lost for the remainder of the season. Head coach Tim Beckman has left the door open for Noble to possibly play in the bowl game. - The Sports Xchange
12/27/11 - Ralph Bolden, rJr, Purdue, 5-09, 190 (DS#999 RB) Leading rusher Ralph Bolden won't play in the bowl game after suffering a torn ACL in this right knee against Indiana. It's Bolden's third knee injury since high school. - The Sports Xchange
12/27/11 - Andrew Rodriguez, So, Nebraska, 6-6, 325 (DS#4 OG) Offensive lineman Andrew Rodriguez of No. 21 Nebraska has been ruled out of the Capital One Bowl against No. 10 South Carolina because of a sprained foot. Coach Bo Pelini said Tuesday that the left guard didn’t make the trip with the team but could be at the bowl site late in the week. Rodriguez has missed the last three games. Seung Hoon Choi started in his place against Penn State and Michigan, and Jeremiah Sirles started against Iowa. Tight end Ben Cotton, who has missed two games with a left shoulder injury, returned to practice and is expected to play in the game on Jan. 2. Pelini also announced that linebackers coach Ross Els will take over new defensive coordinator John Papuchis’ role as special teams coordinator next season. - AP Sports
12/21/11 - Ryan Tannehill, rSr, Texas A&M, 6-4, 222 (DS#3 QB) Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is concentrating on his final days of college competition before his life takes a dramatic turn. He's getting married next month, then will begin preparing for April's NFL draft. Tannehill said he's already accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, which is a mini-NFL scouting combine. Tannehill said he hasn't had a chance to meet Sumlin. He was taking a final exam when Sumlin met with the Aggies on Dec. 12, the day A&M's new coach was officially introduced. Tannehill, however, has talked to Sherman, who helped mold Tannehill's career as he evolved from a receiver to starting quarterback. Tannehill relayed the conversation he had with Sherman. "He said: 'Win this game and pull your teammates together and go out and play hard,'" Tannehill said. "He wants us to just continue on doing the things he's taught us throughout his time here. I think we can honor him that way.'' - Suzanne Halliburton, The Austin American-Statesman
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