Off Goes the Training Wheels

Here at NextGen Sports, it is not our primary job to report on just the NFL. We leave the the world of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees to the ESPN family of networks, among other broadcasting giants. So, we decided to blend College Football and the NFL in our Training Camp Preview.

This week, we’ll focus on the NFC North, starting from the worst team and ending with the division champions. Today, we’ll have the Lions, followed by the Bears, Packers and finally, the Vikings.

Player Watch-

One of the main attractions of training camp is that the players from fans' favorite college teams try to play their way into the big-time. As they attempt to play their way towards NFL stardom, we look at who could be on the rise under coach Jim Schwartz.

Suh disrupting a Chase Daniel pass.

Ndamukong Suh – An obvious choice. Detroit received a gift at second overall, after Sam Bradford went to the Rams. Last season at Nebraska, Suh’s play was off the charts. Honestly,dominance does not even apply because the 6 foot 4 inch 307 pound defensive tackle eclipsed the word completely. He will start alongside veteran Corey Williams, anchoring a much improved defense. Of course, Suh (right) has to be a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

Jahvid Best – The speedster was Detroit’s second first round selection, and he should replace injured starter from last season, Kevin Smith. The former California Golden Bear star running back possesses breakaway speed and above average elusiveness. Best looks to start the entire 2010 season, complementing emerging quarterback Matthew Stafford, but be wary of Best’s injury-filled past. Around the league, NFL executives wonder if he can stay healthy for 16 games.

Marquee Matchups

Outside linebacker – Ernie Sims was traded to Philadelphia, and the Lions need a viable option opposite Julian Peterson. The likely candidate for the job is Zack Follett, the second year linebacker from California. Last season, he impressed coaches with his tenacious play, moving from the practice squad to an important part of the special teams unit. If Follett falters, expect Jordon Dizon, one of the longest tenured Lions, to start.

Cornerback – The Lions front office revamped a unit that was picked apart often last season. Detroit traded for Chris Houston, a three year starter in Atlanta, and they signed former Rams starting cornerback Jonathan Wade via free agency. Jim Schwartz likes Houston’s ability to play man coverage, but he thought Wade was the best cornerback in offseason workouts. Look for third round pick Amari Spievey to possibly steal a starting cornerback spot from Houston or Wade, come mid-season. The Iowa product is too talented to be left on the bench, except for passing situations only. Veteran Dre’ Bly was signed in the offseason, as well. He has clearly lost a step, but Bly’s ball skills are unmatched. He should an excellent fourth cornerback.

Strong Safety ­–Obviously, Louis Delmas will anchor the secondary at free safety, but the Lions lack a strong safety to bolster the run defense along with cover tight ends. Last year’s starter Ko Simpson is not an option. He suffered a knee injury early in November of 2009, and ensuing microfracture surgery will severely limit him early on. Therefore, Detroit looks to one of two veterans safeties, Jonathan Hefney or C.C. Brown. Neither exhibits the ability to excel in all the responsibilities of the position, but unless the Lions acquire another safety, Hefney or Brown will have to start the season.

Individual Spotlight

Campbell looks to make his way onto the Lions roster, in 2010

Caleb Campbell ­– Initially selected in the 7^th round last season, Campell was not allowed to sign his three year contract with the Lions. The Army product was forced into service duty, which was part of a military rule, and he was not allowed to play professional football in 2009. Yet, the rule was later suspended, allowing Campbell to become an unrestricted free agent before the 2010 season. The Lions immediately signed the young linebacker to a one year deal.

Although he won’t play on defense this upcoming year, Campbell looks to mirror the path of Zack Follett. I expect Campbell to contribute on the practice squad and later on the scout team for Detroit. The following season, however, should be more interesting. Granted, Campbell impresses coaches coupled with the Lions shaky linebacking core, he could really contribute down the road. Remember, Julian Peterson is nearing the end of his NFL career, after over a decade of professional football. It would be quite a spectacle to see Campbell as his replacement.

-Daniel Radov

NFL Time, At Last

A huge part of sports is coaching, and because we cover the future of sports here at NextGenSports.net, it’s only fitting that we let you know about the future of coaching. Over the next few weeks, we’ll chronicle the best young coaches in the “Big 6” U.S. sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAA Football, NCAA Basketball).

We discussed Brad Stevens a few weeks ago as the best young coach in college basketball, this week we'll shift drastically to the biggest and most popular league in America, the NFL. To qualify, coaches must have less than 5 years of head coaching experience and must be under 50 years old. Without further ado, the best young coach in the NFL is...... 


John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens: 47 Years old
As the NFL’s coaching atmosphere continues to experience an influx of young talent, John Harbaugh (left) is a perfect example of a young coach doing a fine job with his team. Hired as the Ravens’ head coach after being the Eagles’ special teams coordinator and later defensive backs coach, Harbaugh had a fair share of doubt coming his way from Ravens fans, most of them citing a lack of leadership experience. After having Brian Billick lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2001 and turning them into a yearly contender, the naysayers wanted a bigger-name coach at the helm, and expected Harbaugh to have a short, uneventful stint with the Ravens.

In his first year taking over a team that had an extremely talented defense with an offense, of course, that was a bottom-dweller in the NFL, Harbaugh led the team to an 11-5 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game. While this type of success isn’t completely atypical for rookie coaches, Harbaugh became the first coach in the NFL’s history to win 2 playoff games with a rookie quarterback (Joe Flacco). Throughout the season, he won over fans with his charisma during press conferences, and the brother of former Ravens QB Jim Harbaugh impressed his players with his blue-collar attitude towards preparation for Sundays. He instituted intense, two-a-day practices during training camp and, while Billick would let his stars mostly have their own way, Harbaugh treated each player equally, neglecting to offer any special privileges. Needless to say, the team started to jell from both offense and defense.

After a 9-7 season in 2009 that could have easily been 11-5 or 12-4 if not for a couple of stupid penalties or missed field goals, the Ravens came out in the Wild Card round, and they stomped all over the New England Patriots 33-14. Tom Brady netted a career-low passer rating of 49.1, unable to bring his back following a 24-0 hole. Baltimore lost the subsequent week to Indianapolis.

Ultimately, Harbaugh has established himself as one of the NFL’s best coaches. With three playoff wins in just two seasons, he is poised to continue that success with a 2010 Ravens squad that has added several weapons on both sides of the ball. Just remember, one Super Bowl win, and Harbaugh will forever surpass mentor Andy Reid. The current Eagles' coach is just 1-4 in NFC Championship Games along with 0-1 on Super Bowl Sunday, in which the sole appearance was a 20-17 loss to the mighty Patriots.

-Edgar Walker

Run, Reggie, Run

Bush (above) pictured with the Heisman Trophy in 2005.

Well, it's official. The 2005 Heisman Trophy no longer belongs to one of the most electrifying players in college football history, Reggie Bush. The NCAA and Heisman Trust made quite clear to the national media, USC, and Bush himself, that he hopped a clearly marked boundary in the world of prep and collegiate athletes: accepting extra benefits from agents and "handlers".

An eight month official NCAA investigation concluded this past week, with the final statement that Bush's award for being the best player in the country will be nullified in the record books. Though he will be able to keep his own trophy, USC will give back their's and also remove all mementos and images pertaining to Bush on campus. Over his tenure in Southern California, Bush and his family allegedly accepted up to $100,000 dollars worth of limousine rides, high price vacations, and paid rent from handlers; all under the table and all violations as well. These efforts were in attempt to woo the San Diego product to sign with their agencies before he left for the NFL. Once Bush took the money, he gave up his status as an amateur, and became a paid professional.

In the end, though, Reggie has "outrun" the NCAA, just as he did to hapless defenders back in college. He and his family still did not have to pay a cent for most expenses throughout his collegiate career, and now he is making millions in the NFL. The folks who will really take the hit from the situation's fallout are the USC athletic program, and all others across the country who might have, at one time or another, paid an athlete. USC had to vacate all wins from their 2004 and 2005 (Years Bush was playing), including their 04 BCS Championship. All of a sudden now, the issue with professional agents from the NFL in the college football landscape has been thrust to the forefront of the sports world. It seems like every day we hear of a new player or school under official investigation for rule infractions, almost always concerning agents and handlers.

This past Monday, former Florida standout offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey was accused that he accepted around $100,000 from an agent before the Gators' appearance in the Sugar Bowl. Though Pouncey ferverently denied ever being in contact with an agent, photo evidence from a nightclub proved otherwise. Maurkice and his brother Mike, another Florida lineman and NFL talent, were shot hanging with an agent's alleged "runner" (a person who gets close to an athlete while in high school/college and tries to coax them to their employer's company through gifts and other expendables). Florida is now in danger of losing their Sugar Bowl victory from last year. Does that sound familiar USC? It is illegal if a college athlete performs in a sporting event after being paid or given extravagant gifts from an agent. Whether or not the school knows this happened, it must suffer the consequences the ineligible athlete created.

Continuing the recent string of NCAA probes, a group of players was questioned about their attendance of a lavish South Beach party earlier in the summer hosted by a NFL player agent. North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin and wide receiver Greg Little both were in attendance, as well as South Carolina tight end Weslye Saunders and Alabama defensive end Marcel Dareus. The NCAA was eager to know about who paid for the players' transportation to Miami, as well as who picked up the check for their hotel and food. Unless something unprecedented happens, we could see all four of these players begin next year suspended.

Agents and runners in the college game are an infection. Plain and simple. Alabama coach Nick Saban put it best when questioned about the situation his own player, Dareus, is in, saying how these handlers bring about an "entrapment of young people at a very difficult time in their lives." It will be almost impossible for the NCAA by themselves to stop agents in the college ranks. As long as there is money, and players willing to take it, this corruption will continue. If the NFL got involved with controlling their own envoys more rigorously we might not hear as many stories related to illegal player benefits anymore. Former NFL executive Joe Mendes is a counselor employed by SEC schools who works with players and their families on how to avoid falling into trouble with agents and runners. Even if more programs like Mendes's were held throughout the country, you couldn't ensure that players will make the right decision. Its tough to do that when money is offered to you after you've seen so little for so long.

-John Stoller

A Rising European Golf Power?

Golf and South Africa are synonymous. The now iconic phrase, "You drive for show and putt for dough" was coined by countryman, Bobby Locke. In fact, he was the original face of South African golf, winning four British Open Championships and popularizing the sport in a once football obsessed country. Fast forward half a century, Gary Player has risen to legendary status among the golfing world. Of course, he was the first man to approach the gentlemen's sport of golf with a physical mindset. Player emphasized the necessity of working out on a constant basis to overcome his 5 foot 7 inch frame, Plus, Ernie Els is a three-time Major Champion, Louis Oosthuizen just demolished the field at St. Andrews' last week, and Tim Clark won the Players' Championship. Moreover, South Africa boasts the 2008 Masters winner Trevor Immelman, the talented, yet streaky Rory Sabbitini and a rising star in Charl Schwartzel.

In short, Locke led South Africa into a golf craze by building courses. He knew that the beauty alone would entice people around the country, specifically the affluent population, to seriously play golf. Not to mention, Locke was cool. South Africans looked up to him as a sign that an everyday citizen could thrive on the world stage.

Oddly enough, Germany has been mired in a national campaign against golf for decades. The country, as a whole, not only has viewed the sport as elitist, but also as innately insulting to one's masculinity. Dylan Bawden, an English teaching professional, now works at a golf club in Hamburg, Germany, and he recounts one student who was afraid to tell his friends about his love of golf.

I guess such a mentality makes a bit of sense in Germany. The country carries a blue-collar label, and all citizens are committed to work. Golf is viewed as leisure. Certainly, you don't need to be in peak physical condition, and the sport lacks face-to-face competition. Soccer, on the other hand, plays to the competitive nature of the German people, and, coupled with the fact that the country is so successful, it is incredibly popular.

There is hope for golf in Germany, however. It comes in the form of a 25 year old, and his name is Martin Kaymer (left). Nearly 6 feet tall, the Dusseldorf native practically drips with golf savvy. Kaymer won his first professional tournament at only age 19. Nevertheless, he had not cemented his status as a major champion contender until this year. Yes, he had finished in the top 10 at the PGA Championship in 2009, but Kaymer, to that point, had not truly battled against the world's toughest courses in the most grueling of conditions.

Clearly, all question have been answered surrounding the German star,  as Kaymer enters Whistling Straits for the last major championship of 2010. Battling with winds up to 40 miles per hour, he finished tied for 7th at the British Open. He showed that his tied for 8th finish at Pebble Beach was no fluke. Moreover, Kaymer exhibited the ability to drive ball well, regardless of the circumstances. How he fares off the tee this August will determine his success. Don't forget, the Whistling Straits is designed after the links courses of Great Britain and Ireland. Kaymer, therefore, will surely be familiar with nuances of the course.

If Kaymer were to capture the PGA championship, Germany could emerge as a home to professional golfers overnight. The country is filled with unrefined talent, and, in the spirit of the 2010 World Cup, one moment might change everything.

-Daniel Radov

Hughes Clues

Much ignored in wake of the deaths of both Bob Sheppard and George Steinbrenner is the success of the Yankees' pitching rotation. Of course, CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte have produced as always, but Phil Hughes (right) has emerged to infuse youth into the staff.

He grew up in California, just minutes away from Angels Stadium. Hughes, the son of a Vietnam War veteran, was instilled with the values of hard work from a young age. Heading into his sophomore season in high school, unfortunately, he rode the bench. Hughes was small, scrawny kid, and the consensus of coaches believed that his future was certainly not in baseball. All such opinions changed during that spring, however. Hughes grew six inches, and he would go on to lead his high school team for the next three seasons.

In 2004, Hughes entered the draft as a surefire first round pick, and the Angels had the 12th overall pick. With this in mind, Hughes’s dad had told Anaheim's front office that his son would sign immediately following his selection. The Angels, on the other hand, decided to draft star college pitcher Jered Weaver from Long Beach State. Needless to say, the entire Hughes family was crushed.

The 6 foot 5 inch pitcher dropped to the New York Yankees at number 23 in the first round. Although the family was noted Red Sox fans, Hughes signed with the club soon after.

In his first three professional seasons, he excelled in the minor leagues, to say the least. Averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings, Hughes drew comparisons to fellow Yankee great, Roger Clemens. Added New York slugger Jason Giambi in 2006, “He's young, but that fastball, it's late. I don't care what the radar gun says, it seems like it's on top of you. He's got good stuff."

Come 2007, Hughes was producing on the major league level as a starting pitcher. Yes, his ERA was 4.46, but the power right hander struck out 7 batters per nine innings. His walk totals weren’t too high, as well, especially for a then-21 year old rookie. Nevertheless, Hughes began the subsequent year in the minor leagues. He again made his way into the Yankees’ rotation by September, but various injuries caused Hughes to struggle in 2008. He walked almost as many batters as he struck out, and the Mission Viejo native had an ERA upwards of six. At season’s end, the Yankees decided to send Hughes to the Arizona Fall League for extra repetition.

Hughes found a role on the major league roster in 2009. He was responsible for the 8th inning, acting as a bridge to Mariano Rivera. Obviously, Hughes did his job well enough. The Yankees went on to win their 27th World Series Championship, but the once hailed prospect failed to dominate big league hitters. In short, Hughes seemed to not be living up to his hype.

All questions were answered this season. Hughes found himself as the team’s number five starter on Opening Day, and he has relished the role. Through 91 games, the former setup man is 11-2 with a 3.65 ERA. Hughes, furthermore, was named to the American League All-Star team. The game itself this year was played in Anaheim, just minutes away from Hughes's hometown. Granted, the best indicator of his dominance is that Hughes has totaled more strikeouts than hits allowed in 2010.

So, why has Hughes suddenly broken out in his sixth year of professional baseball? Well, the answer is maturity, in my opinion. At 24 year old, he has learned to truly pitch to hitters, manipulating them with his pitches. In terms of pitching repertoire, nothing has changed. Hughes’s location might be a bit improved, yet his trio of fastball, curveball and changeup had always been tough to handle. In the words of manager Joe Girardi, “He has become a man.”


-Hamzah Raza

College Football Countdown Team Spotlight: LSU Tigers

LSU Tigers

2009 Record: 9-4

Highest/Final Ranking: 4/17

Bowl: Capital One Bowl, Lost 17-19

They're getting restless in Baton Rouge. After winning the 2007 National Championship, Coach Les Miles and LSU have yet to get another 10 win season or bowl victory. The Fighting Tigers and their fan base are yearning for another try at a National Championship after two relatively "down" years. This year in a weakened SEC they should first concentrate on winning the conference. With a strong recruiting class coming in, and returning talent on both sides of the ball, the Bayoux Bengals should absolutely be in the conversation with Alabama for the SEC West.

The Tigers have possibly more unearthed potential on offense than any other team in the country. Sophomore converted wide receivers Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle were Rivals.com top ten blue chips coming out of high school, and the gems of LSU's 2009 recruiting class. Both are former quarterbacks who have size (Shepard is 6'1", Randle is 6'3") and explosive playmaking ability. Shepard, in particular, can also kick return and play tailback as well. NFL scouts are already projecting Randle and Shepard as future high first round picks. The cornerstone of this very talented receiving corps is veteran Terrance Toliver. The 6'5" senior was LSU's second leading receiver last year, catching 53 passes for 3 touchdowns and 735 yards. Look for Toliver to be one of the SEC's leading pass catchers by years end thanks to his crisp route running and physical stature. The Bayoux Bengals' ground game will be headed up by the former prep Parade All-American Michael Ford. Ford will be a redshirt freshman this year, and is fast and exciting to watch. Keep an eye on five star recruit and true freshman Spencer Ware though. A 5'11", 225 pound power back, Ware might be used in goal line situations and on third downs.

The talent of the Tigers' offense will shine through only if junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson (right) is able to step up his game this upcoming season. Last year, the 6'5" Jefferson was brought along slowly but was efficient, throwing for 2166 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. New wide receiver coach Billy Gonzalez will not only be counted on to manage the high pedigree pass catchers LSU has, but also add life to a Tigers' passing game that finished 97th in the FBS last year. The offensive line protecting Jefferson has been shifted around by coordinator Gary Crowton to compensate for player departures. This unit is anchored by senior Joseph Barksdale, while talented sophomore Alex Hurst has used a strong showing in the spring game to be the leading candidate at right tackle.

The Bayoux Bengals defense doesn't lack star power, but might not be as effective as it should be this year. Leading the squad is one of the best players in the nation, cornerback Patrick Peterson (above). Standing at 6'1" and weighing 220 pounds, Peterson can play physical on a wide receiver at the line of scrimmage or tackle a running back in the open field. His 4.2 hand timed 40 yard dash proves that he has blazing speed to accompany his strength. Also, Peterson has ball skills and soft hands, as his 2 interceptions and 15 passes defended from last year show. NFL Scouts stoutly believe he is the best defensive back in all of college football, and a future top 5 draft selection. The rest of the LSU secondary are speed merchants, too. The junior cornerback opposite of Peterson, Ron Brooks ran a 4.23 40. The safeties Jai Eugene and Brandon Tyler are both veterans who will assure that nobody will be passing over the top of the LSU defense. The Tigers' front seven isn't nearly as deep or skilled as the secondary. Middle linebacker and All-America candidate Kelvin Sheppard might be the only bright spot in a depleted linebacking corps and defensive line. Three of the four starters on the defensive line have departed, as well as two of Sheppard's partners at middle linebacker. The 6'3", 239 pound Sheppard will have to be the vocal leader of an inexperienced group, and try to keep them organized.

Les Miles in his first five years as the head man in Baton Rouge has already placed himself third on LSU's all time wins list with 51. Now, with an offense littered with young stars ready to break out and a defense that has talent but little experience, to get this group to working as a unit could be his most challenging job yet. If Miles is able to get LSU out of a difficult month of September undefeated, with games against North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, and West Virginia, the Tigers could very well find themselves in the nation's top ten once again and ready for another run at college football glory.


-John Stoller

Some Buried Pirate Treasure

If you are a Pittsburgh Pirates’ fan, you already know that the pitching in the City of Champions has recently, well, been terrible. As a whole, the staff is easily the worst in the league, in my opinion. Considering that the Pirates haven’t had a winning record since the early 90’s, many people have been wondering what can be done to fix this glaring weakness on the team. The answer, in the short team, is bleak, but very promising in the years to come.

The Pirates need to find their defacto ace of the staff, and currently, Zach Duke (left) is not the answer. He has a 5.49 ERA, which is the worst of any headline starter in all of baseball, and the Clifton, TX native has really struggled with runners on base. In such cases, Duke’s entire mindset on the mound completely has shifted to anxiety. On a positive note, his progress, thus far, has to be a bonus for the Pittsburgh organization. He was drafted in 2001 in the 20th round, 594th overall, so expectations were initially nonexistent.

Coming in 2010, Ross Ohlendorf, the team’s number two starter, was supposed to dazzle. The potential is certainly there, but such national hype has not been met by results this season. Although he has struck out more batters per 9 innings than last year, Ohlendorf has walked 3.74 batters per 9 innings, among the worst marks in the entire national league. Furthermore, opponents are batting near .300 against the Pirates’ second best pitcher. The only potential hope for Ohlendorf is that he will eventually figure out the science of pitching. I mean, he graduated from Princeton with a near perfect GPA. If anyone can learn how to succeed in the major leagues, the man would be Ohlendorf.

Regarding the future of the pitching staff, Pirates’ general manager Neal Huntington first looks to right hander Brad Lincoln (right). Ranked among the best prospects in Pittsburgh’s organization, he should be in the major leagues by the end of 2010. I love his fastball that touches 95 miles per hour with movement, and his curveball can be tough to handle. Lincoln needs to refine his changeup more to truly excel in the major leagues, yet his ability to throw strikes is always a bonus. He is often compared to star Rangers’ pitcher Cliff Lee, in terms of mindset on the mound.

Further down the road, expect to see Zack Von Rosenberg and Colton Cain in Pittsburgh’s starting rotation. The 19 year old Von Rosenberg does not have overpowering stuff on the mound, yet his skills are polished to the point where scouts believe he could be in the major leagues by next season. Cain, on the other hand, is a power pitching left-hander. If he can really develop both his curveball and changeup to complement a wicked fastball, the Pirates’ 8th round selection last year should excel in the major leagues.

For now, Pirates fans will have to endure their 18th consecutive losing season, a feat in which no one take pride. I guess Paul Maholm, who has been the team’s best pitcher all year, will continue to anchor a staff that contends with many Triple-A affiliates.

-Zach Parnes

Who's Next ... Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson

Height/Weight: 6'6"/200 lbs

Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

School: Washington State

Year: Junior

Klay Thompson is best 20 point per game scorer you've probably never heard of. One would think that the talented son of a former NBA number one overall draft pick (Mychal Thompson) would have a bigger following from scouts and fans around the country, but that's not the case. The tall wingman hailing from Los Angeles is low-key, quiet, and lets his explosive game do the talking. At Washington State, he is lighting up the conference with his well rounded skill set, and drawing comparisons in the process to former Player of the Year, Evan Turner.

Thompson was unanimously ranked by scouting powers Rivals and Scout as a 4 star recruit coming out of Santa Margarita Catholic High. As a prep senior, the wingman averaged 21 points per game and lead his school to a California Division III state championship. The accolades began to come in fast in furious for Thompson: EA Sports Second Team All America, Divison III State Player of the Year, and League MVP. With so much attention from the media, you would imagine that Thompson's skills would demand the attention of major college hoops programs far and wide. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. Michigan was the only storied power to offer him a scholarship, while Washington State, Pepperdine, and Notre Dame tried to get in the mix for the Los Angeles product as well. Thompson didn't have too much to choose from, but in the end Washington State was the pick. Being a Cougar would give him a premier role on the team and an opportunity to shine in the Pac-10.

As a freshman, Thompson started very strong and carried his momentum throughout the season. He was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team, averaging 12.5 points per game while starting all 33 contests. His sophomore year, though, Thompson took his game to another level. He averaged 19.6 points and 5 rebounds a game, while having several simply dominant performances against the opposition. Thompson dropped 43 points on San Diego during a November home game, and 28 against Cal, just to name a few. Performances like these landed him a spot on the All Pac-10 first team.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Thompson seems to be primed for another dominant stretch. This summer he showed off his game at the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron Ohio, impressing many pro scouts and even King James himself. Thompson's a natural scorer, and can shoot the three as well as he can drive the lane. As mentioned before, everything about his game screams "Evan Turner", because of both their abilities to lead an offense at the "point forward" position. Even though Thompson only averaged 2 assists a game this past season, that doesn't reflect how good he was facilitating the Cougars attack. He drew almost all the pressure from opposing defenses, and was not exactly surrounded by elite talent to finish opportunities he created. Despite not being the best athlete, Thompson's ball skills allow him to slip through defenders. On the defensive side of the ball, he is stellar, always staying in front of his man and rarely letting them get wide open.

Scouts now view Klay Thompson as a potential top ten draft pick if he's able to carry the momentum from this summer into the upcoming year. Though not mentioned on many Pre-Season All American Teams, here at NextGen Sports we believe Thompson will crack the first or second team by year's end, and perhaps make a strong case for National Player of the Year in the process.

Link: Klay Thompson posterizes hapless Eastern Washington defender.

-John Stoller

Jimbo Fisher Ready to Revive FSU

In 1976, a middle aged coach from the mountains of West Virginia descended upon Tallahassee. He carried a 42-26 career record, yet was best remembered throughout the nation as a true gentleman. This legend of a man was Bobby Bowden.

He arrived at Florida State University, looking to ignite a program that had won just four games in the previous three years. In the next 34 season, Bowden would emerge as one of college football’s greatest coaches of all time. The Alabama native won two national championship in 1993 and 1999, and numerous former Seminoles have went on to excel in the NFL, including Deion Sanders, Anquan Boldin, and Fred Biletnikoff. 

Last season, however, was a disappointment. The Seminoles stumbled to a 7-6 record, with a 4-4 record in the weak ACC. Furthermore, Bowden had wins vacated after the NCAA found that Florida State had used ineligible players in the past. At season’s end, he decided to step from the heading coaching position, and, as a result, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher (above, right) was named head coach. 

Evidently, history is repeating itself in Tallahassee. Fisher, who also has West Virginia ties, will look to revive Florida State into a national football contender once again. He has gotten off to a great start, delivering the fifth best recruiting class in the entire country. 

With a bevy of linebackers entering the football program, expect the defense to improve in 2010. The combination of Christian Jones, Jeff Luc, Telvin Smith, Holmes Onwukaife, and Nigel Terrell should bolster a unit that lacked athleticism last season. Jones, in particular, was ranked as the best inside linebacker in the entire country, and Luc was the top overall outside linebacker, as well. 

To provide a new voice on the defensive side of the ball, Fisher decided to hire Mark Stoops as the defensive coordinator. He replaces Mickey Andrews, who had held the position for 26 years. Stoops had previously been the defensive coordinator under his older brother Mike Stoops at the University of Arizona. The Wildcats last year allowed the second fewest yards per contest in the entire Pac-10. 

Offensively, Fisher looks to freshmen Kenny Shaw, Christian Green, and De’ Joshua Johnson to produce immediately in Tallahassee. Regarding Shaw, he lacks elite speed, capable of only running the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, but the Orlando native’s skills are quite refined. He is the best route runner of this Florida State wide receiver group. 

Johnson, like Shaw, is a four star recruit. He, however, failed to academically qualify for Florida State, and the 5 foot 11 inch wide receiver will play two years in Junior College, before entering the Seminole program. When eligible, Johnson is electrifying in the open field, reminding many of a young Donte Stallworth. 

That being said, I believe that Florida State has a very good chance at the ACC title in 2010. Christian Ponder should have a Heisman-type season for the Seminoles under center, and with the conference in such disarray, Jimbo Fisher’s team could squeak its way into a BCS Bowl Game.


-Justin Silberman

The Next Star in Dodger Blue

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in flux. Owner Frank McCourt went through an incredibly ugly divorce, which cost the team over $200 million. It was for this reason that the Dodgers spent little money on free agents in the off season. Come July, McCourt finds himself in even more financial trouble, and the Dodgers have neglected to seriously consider trading for an additional, expensive asset. As a result, general manger Ned Colletti looks to his farm system to bolster an already talent ball club in the hunt for first place in the National League West.

Here is a look at a few potential gems playing in the Dodgers' organization:

DEE GORDON, SS
His father is three-time All Star Tom Gordon, so he definitely has the family name to live up to, but Dee Gordon (above, right) doesn't seem to be bothered. He continues to impress since his selection in the fourth round of the 2008 draft. Ranked as the 36th best prospect in baseball, the Seminole Community College graduate can best be compared to his idol, fellow shortstop Jimmy Rollins. At 5 feet 11 inches and just 150 pounds, Gordon earned Midwest League MVP honors last year for Single-A Great Lakes, tripling 12 times and stealing 73 bases. In 2010, he has excelled in the lead off spot for Double-A Chattanooga. Gordon has already stolen 33 bases in a half season's work.

Recently, Gordon hit in the number two spot in the All- Star Futures’ Game in Anaheim. He picked up a hit and later scored for the United States' team. If all goes as planned, Gordon should find himself playing regularly in Chavez Ravine sometime next season, likely as a mid-season call-up. At such a point in time, the organization must decide on the future of current shortstop Rafael Furcal.

ETHAN MARTIN, P
Martin, who was also ranked as a top-50 prospect in baseball, has been plagued by injury in a short professional career. Drafted in the first round in 2008, he first saw action in the following season, registering a 10.8 K/9 ratio. Clearly, Martin is a power pitcher, using a mid-nineties fastball coupled with a knee-dropping curveball to dominate hitters. With Class-A Inland this season, Martin has already won nine games, in which he held opposing batters to a .240 average. As his command improves, expect Martin to help headline the Dodgers' pitching rotation. He could form an overpowering trio alongside Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley. The Toccoa, Georgia native, however, could supplement an already solid bullpen for Joe Torre's team at the earliest case scenario.

JOSH LINDBLOM, P
He was a second round draft pick by the Dodgers in the 2008 amateur draft. At 6 feet 5 inches, Lindblom scares hitters on the mound. Add in a mid-nineties fastball along with a solid splitter, and one receives the 2010 Dodgers Spring Training Player of the Year. Nevertheless, he had somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde season in 2009. As a starter with Chattanooga, he disappointed with a 3-5 record and a 4.71 ERA. Following a mid season promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque, however, Lindbloom saw his ERA drop to 2.54, working primarily as a reliever out of the bullpen. In my opinion, a solid ending to 2010 in the minor leagues, and he will likely taste a bit of September action with the Dodgers. Lindbloom should battle for the middle reliever position next season in Los Angeles.


Other players of note:
Chris Withrow, P- Flaunting a high-nineties fastball and sharp curveball, Withrow must overcome apparent homesickness if he wants to move through the minors. Despite an ERA of 3.00 at home games this season, he has been god awful on the road with an ERA of a whopping 15.82
Scott Elbert, SP - Since being drafted in 2004, he has been a starter in the Dodgers’ farm system. Elbert boasts a filthy curveball and reliable fastball. The problem is command, which really didn’t hold up in his three stints in the majors over the past three years, leading to a 6.84 ERA. If all goes as planned, he could provide a strong arm out of the pen in the 2011 season.

-Billy Ford

Best High School Basketball Factories

As NBA Free Agency has dominated the headlines in the summer months of baseball, we, at NextGenSports, decided to turn out attention to the high basketball season. In recent years of McDonalds’ All-Americans and constant scouting, the high school level t has become a star-driven brand of basketball. Nevertheless, we wanted to get back to the roots of the next NBA stars around the country, looking at the schools themselves. Starting from 10 and making our way to number one, we will be profiling the best high school basketball teams in the land. Look for #9 coming soon…

Number 10:  Montverde Academy, Montverde, Florida

2009-2010 record: 23-5

Coach: Kevin Sutton

Last season, expectations were high once again. Yes, star center Ruslan Pateev had graduated, and he has attended Arizona State on a basketball scholarship. More important, however, James Bell (right) returned for his senior season. The 6 foot 5 inch point guard was considered one of the best shooters in the country. Bell skyrocketed up national prospect rankings towards the end of last season, excelling specifically against fellow powerhouse Findlay Prep.   Scouts loved the Orlando native’s prowess in the paint, as well. He utilized his size often to overpower smaller guards, similar to Denver Nuggets’ guard, Chauncey Billups.

At forward, Jamail Jones did it all. He was extremely versatile, able to play shooting guard, small forward and power forward. Jones possessed a unique maturity about the game of basketball, and he recognized the importance of shot selection. Therefore, he was a guy who will always have a high field goal percentage. After committing to Marquette, Jones had been compared to former Golden Eagles’ star and current Jazz swingman Wes Matthews. Personally, the Georgia product considers himself in the mold of Carmelo Anthony.

Anyone close to the Maryland program cannot wait for Montverde swing man Haukur Palsson. Born in Iceland, he is not very athletic, but what Palsson lacks in natural ability is compensated in the competitive department.  The incoming college freshman will undoubtedly bring his best every night, which shall be crucial to the team’s success. 


Opposing teams often struggled again Montverde especially when Palsson and Jones were effective consistently, opening the court up to James Bell throughout the game. Then the star point guard was open to issue serious damage.

If we look at the entire basketball program, the list of famous alumni is rather short. The reasoning lies within the school, where, Montverde Academy did not start building a high profile, national powerhouse until the early 2000s. Without future a due, here is the short list:

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is arguably the most well-known product. He left Montverde and starred at UCLA for coach Ben Howland. In Westwood, the African prince established himself as a defensive specialist. Drafted in 2^nd round by the Milwaukee Bucks, Mbah a Moute quickly worked himself into the starting lineup with his tenacious play.

Solomon Alabi, the former center from Florida State, was recently drafted with the 50^th pick by the Dallas Mavericks, but later traded to the Toronto Raptors. In Tallahassee, Alabi exceeded expectations, and he was projected to be a lottery pick early into his sophomore campaign. Health issues, however, caused his stock to fall dramatically.

LD Williams emerged as a leader and defensive specialist at Wake Forest last season. 

-Will Baldwin

College Football Countdown: Quarterback 'Diaper Dandies'

As we continue to examine the top up-and-coming college football teams to look out for this fall in our "College Football Countdown Team Spotlight" series, the crew at NextGenSports.net will bring you information on the top freshmen to look out for not only this year, but throughout their college careers. 

The series will be broken down into positions, and for our first edition, Edgar Walker will discuss the top 10 quarterbacks in the incoming class. A highlight video will be included with each player if available. Remember that these are the 10 players who will make the most impact over their college careers, not necessarily a ranking of how good they are. Multiple QBs are unfortunate enough to be behind other top recruits or already-established signal callers on their team's depth charts.

#10: James Franklin, Missouri-

Right when you take a look at him, you'll instantly think Franklin (left) knows what he's doing. With a 6-foot-3, 215 pound frame, the Lake Dallas HS (Texas) product has great size and has a nice feel for the QB position to go along with it. He runs a 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and can make a whole lot of something out of nothing if his passing options break down. In addition to the foot speed, he's got a big arm, which will be perfect for the Big 12. After drawing interest from Baylor, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, LSU and Nebraska, Franklin picked Mizzou in the March after his junior season.

Touchdown Pass

55-yard scramble

#9: Bryan Bennett, Oregon-

While he's rated a bit lower on several recruiting sites, I'd like to bump Bennett up from the 15-25 range to the top 10. With Jermaine Masoli being kicked off the team, the Ducks' QB spot is up for grabs, and Bennett could win it with a strong summer. Another 6'3" guy, Bennett bests Franklin's 40 time, as he clocks in with a 4.6-second time. While he's got the invaluable speed for Oregon's offense, the Encino (CA) native sees the field very well and with some strong receivers, he could blow up the stat sheet both in the air and on the ground. With 25 passing touchdowns and only 5 interceptions last season in a very tough league, Bennett should be up to the challenges the Pac-10 throws at him.

Game Highlights (58-0 win)

#8: Barry Brunetti, West Virginia-

Brunetti is an interesting case. I've seen him ranked in the top 5 of some QB rankings, and as low as the mid-thirties in others. You can say what you want about his size (barely 6 feet), but you have to agree that he has all the tools to be a great college quarterback. A big-time threat both on the ground and in the air, Brunetti could be the second coming of Pat White for the Mountaineers. The main difference is that Brunetti is a much, much better passer. Scary, huh? He's built a bit like a running back, which helps him avoid injuries and break off big runs in the open field. He should be a force to be reckoned with in Morgantown for the next four years.

Highlight Reel

#7: Scotty Young, Texas Tech-

If you just take a look at his high school stats from the last two seasons, you can tell that Young was a prospect whose scouting report Mike Leach salivated all over before he was terminated in Lubbock. With 8,962 passing yards, 129 touchdowns and only 24 interceptions in his junior and senior seasons, the former Ryan High School QB looks like the heir apparent to Taylor Potts. With one year of Potts left, the Red Raiders may redshirt Young to preserve his four years of eligibility and have him learn the prolific system for a year before taking over the starting job. And just for what it's worth, he runs a 4.8-second 40-yard dash. 

Highlight Reel

#6: Paul Jones, Penn State-

Jones' toughest competition in college may have already started, as rising sophomore Kevin Newsome and fellow blue-chip prospect Robert Bolden are both gunning for the Nittany Lions' starting spot with Jones this season. Coming in at a nice 6'3" and 226 pounds, Jones has the size and build of an NFL quarterback and the big arm that comes with it. Boasting what could be the biggest arm of the class and great accuracy to boot, the only knock on Jones is that he's not much of a dual threat. The pass-only quarterback is a dying breed among major college programs, but Jones should be good enough to overcome that hurdle.

Highlight Reel

#5: Brett Nottingham, Stanford-

Nottingham is a bit like Tim Tebow as a quarterback, but I have this peculiar suspicion that ESPN won't say the name "Nottingham" over 1,000 times in a telecast like they did with the former Heisman winner. He's 6'4" and possesses great passing accuracy. Also a Divison 1 baseball prospect, Nottingham is a top-notch athlete, as his 4.7-second time in the forty would suggest. After committing to UCLA during the Fall, the Monte Vista High School (CA) product changed his mind in January, after deciding that his athletic pedigree and 3.9 GPA would be better suited in Palo Alto than Westwood.

6 TDs in One Game

Season Highlights

#4: Devin Gardner, Michigan-

Devin Gardner is the ultimate dual-threat quarterback. Not only can he run the ball better and faster than most of the running backs in the class (4.5-second forty time), Gardner's as legitimate of a passer as they come. With a tall 6'4" frame, instant comparisons to Terrelle Pryor emerge. Gardner is a great leader on the field and has a great feel for passing the football. He'll undoubtedly face some tough competition from Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson for the starting job, but it's possible he could feature in a custom-made formation or just be the outright starter on a Michigan offense that gets much scarier with Gardner behind center.

Playoff Highlights

Rushing Mix

Junior Season Highlights

#3: Connor Wood, Texas-

Why is it that the rich just keep getting richer? After graduating campus legend Colt McCoy, the Longhorns add a blue chip recruit in Wood to battle rising sophomore Garrett Gilbert for the starting spot. Wood has the ability to win the job, as he combines great physical gifts with a ton of maturity, both of which are always evident on the field at all times. While being 6'4" and over 210 pounds may suggest that he's a slow, immobile pocket passer, Wood has great scrambling ability and can keep a defense guessing.

Highlight Reel

#2: Philip Sims, Alabama-

As for the rich getting richer, this is just flat out unfair. After winning the BCS Championship last season and returning most of their weapons this year, the Crimson Tide land the consensus #2 quarterback in this class. The all-time leader in passing yards in Virginia high school history, Sims is the complete package. He's built like a linebacker and can throw the ball like a young Peyton Manning. The only knock on the Chesapeake (VA) native is that he doesn't scramble as well as people might like for a guy who runs a 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. Regardless, he'll be a stud once Greg McElroy graduates.
Highlight Reel

#1: Jake Heaps, BYU- 
Now for what everyone's been waiting for. The top quarterback (right) in this freshman class, a guy who's been there from the start and hasn't lost his place in the process, is going to....BYU? Heaps is a polished quarterback already, and can make any pass, no matter the degree of difficulty, look like a pass any QB could complete. His accuracy is unheralded and he has outstanding poise under center. With questions lingering about when he'll complete his Mormon mission and whether a freshman will be ready to step into the veteran-friendly BYU offense and succeed, Heaps does have his doubters. Despite these questions, Heaps is just too good not to succeed as a Cougar. 2009 Highlights

Best of the Rest:

-Jesse Scroggins, USC

-Blake Bell, Oklahoma

-Tyler Bray, Tennessee

-Zach Lee, LSU

-Robert Bolden, Penn State


-Edgar Walker