College Football Preview 2014-2015: 18. Clemson Tigers

Charone Peake

18. Clemson Tigers

Coach: Dabo Swinney (6th year)

2013-2014 Record: 11-2 (7-1 ACC)

Schedule:
August 30th @ Georgia
September 6th vs. South Carolina State
September 20th @ Florida State
September 27th vs. North Carolina
October 4th vs. NC State
October 11th vs. Louisville
October 18th @ Boston College
October 25th vs. Syracuse
November 6th @ Wake Forest
November 15th @ Georgia Tech
November 22nd vs. Georgia State
November 29th vs. South Carolina

Dabo Swinney has a huge challenge on his hands this season, replacing three-year starter Tajh Boyd at quarterback and stud receivers Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant, coming off an 11-2 season. Although it was pretty much a very successful season as the Tigers beat Georgia (when they were healthy) and also beat Ohio State in the Orange Bowl. It will be somewhat of a rebuilding season with those studs gone but don't overlook Clemson, who is always in the mix inside the ACC no matter what they lose.

Backfield: Boyd was a fantastic quarterback in his time with the Tigers, but he could never get Clemson over the top and win a national championship, despite winning the conference and making multiple BCS bowls in his time. Senior Cole Stoudt is likely to replace Boyd and he has the arm strength and football knowledge to be pretty successful, even with many offensive weapons around him missing. True freshman Deshaun Watson was one of the nation's top quarterback commits and he could be a great package quarterback this year for Clemson; coming in near the red zone or in short-yardage situations, where they need his great running ability. The unfortunate thing for Stoudt is who tough Clemson's schedule is early in the season, road meetings against Georgia and Florida State don't give the quarterbacks much time to get adjusted to the starting role. The running back situation is a question mark as Roderick McDowell graduated. That leaves senior D.J. Howard, junior Zac Brooks and redshirt freshman Wayne Gallman competing for the bulk of the snaps. Howard had 213 yards last year as a junior and is ready to step up after a career as a backup in Clemson. Brooks' health is a concern and although Gallman is quick he is not a proven ball carrier.

Receivers: The loss of Watkins and Bryant means Clemson is missing 2,292 yards, 143 receptions and 19 touchdowns. Senior Adam Humphries is ready to step up in a big way, he is a speedy possession receiver who is a great route runner. Returning with him is junior Charone Peake, who tore his ACL early last season. When he was healthy, Peake proved to be a very dangerous receiving option making a number of big plays. Humphries and Peake are very talented and experienced but it will be interesting to see if they can handle the increased workload as the top receiving options now. Also returning is explosive sophomore Mike Williams who landed 316 yards and 3 touchdowns, he is a major big-play target. This recruiting class is stocked with young receivers with potential including four-star recruits Artavis Scott, Trevion Thompson and Demarre Kitt. All three have great hands with some playmaking potential and gives these receiving corps some serious depth. At tight end, junior Stanton Seckinger and Sam Cooper will hope to make an impact, but Swinney and staff brought in two tight end commits that make plays in Milan Richard and Cannon Smith.

Offensive Line: The O-Line is not really a strength but it does have some solid pieces including junior center Ryan Norton. Norton is tenacious with pretty nice athleticism for a center. At the two guard slots, expect two seniors to start in David Beasley and Kalon Davis. Both have great size and versatility, they could possibly play multiple positions along the line. The big question on this unit is who will protect Stoudt's blind side at left tackle? Junior Isaiah Battle is a 6'7" beast of a linemen that can push around smaller pass rushers. Three-star Justin Falcinelli is a talented product from Maryland who could compete for playing time either at that left tackle position or possibly on the right side.



Vic Beasley

Defensive Line: Throughout Swinney's team with the Tigers the offense has been one of the best in the nation while the defense has been more of a nuisance, blamed for most of their struggles, including when they let up 70 points to West Virginia in the 2012 Orange Bowl. But, this year they could be one of the nation's best and it starts with the defensive line. Senior Vic Beasley, who would have been a 1st or 2nd round selection, is back for his final season with the Tigers after a monster 2013 season. He put together an All-American campaign, recording 13 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He will spend most of his time at defensive end but he has the athleticism off the edge to make plays as a standup linebacker. The other defensive slot will be manned by senior Corey Crawford who is also a pretty decent pass rusher. He isn't as quick off the edge as Beasley, relying more on instincts and his great size and strength. Up the middle, another senior, Grady Jarrett will hope to make plays. Jarrett doesn't get a lot of respect but he has the motor and size to rack up a lot of tackles at the defensive tackle position. Senior DeShawn Williams will compete for playing time with some others and some true freshman for the other DT spot.

Linebackers: The return of senior Stephone Anthony is also very important for this defense, as the middle linebacker is a great tackler who had 131 tackles in 2013. Anthony has the speed to become a great pass rusher and has a nose for the ball. Along with Anthony, the move of former safety Travis Blanks to linebacker really helps this unit. The junior will likely play the "Sam" position on defense, a safety/linebacker hybrid who will roam all across the field. He has proven to be a hard hitter who can find ways to make plays in the backfield, although he struggles with consistency. The third linebacker position is made for senior Tony Steward. Steward was a former big time commitment for the Tigers but he has struggled with knee problems and finding general consistency throughout his tenure with Clemson. If he can stay healthy he could really make an impact as a pass rusher, because Beasley and Crawford will open up lanes for these linebackers, occupying blockers. Fort Lauderdale product Richard Yeargin III will add important depth at outside linebacker.

Secondary: The move of Blanks to linebacker does mean there is one less impact safety in this defensive backfield, but this unit should still be strong and still does have experience. Senior Robert Smith is an important returner for this secondary, he is a smart veteran who put together a great 2013, collecting 79 tackles. Joining Smith will be another safety in sophomore Jayron Kearse, an athlete who has great size and could be a real help in coverage situations. At cornerback, redshirt freshman Mackensie Alexander could put together a fantastic year after being a five-star stud in the 2013 recruiting class. He has turned heads in the spring with his speed and it is clear he oozes with potential. He could possibly start at cornerback but he also has the versatility to compete for snaps at safety. Swinney and defensive coordinator Brent Venables will need experience at cornerback though, meaning senior Martin Jenkins could start or Garry Peters.

Special Teams: Clemson will definitely miss kicker Chandler Catanzaro, the ACC's No.2 all-time scorer. Whoever will replace him will have huge shoes to replace, it will likely be junior Ammon Lakip. Junior punter Bradley Pinion returns he was pretty impressive last year, averaging nearly 38 yards per punt.

Even with some big names gone, Clemson has turned into a program that can reload and has players ready to step in and make an impact. If weapons step up around Stoudt (like Humphries, Peake or any one of the freshman) this offense could still definitely be explosive and the defense has the chance to be one of the nation's stingiest. Inside the relatively weak ACC, the Tigers are still competitive enough to hang with Florida State inside the Atlantic Division.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 19. Kansas State Wildcats

Daniel Sams

19. Kansas State Wildcats

Coach: Bill Snyder (23rd year)
2013-2014 Record: 8-5 (5-4 Big 12)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. Stephen F. Austin
September 6th @ Iowa State
September 18th vs. Auburn
September 27th vs. UTEP
October 4th vs. Texas Tech
October 18th @ Oklahoma
October 25th vs. Texas
November 1st vs. Oklahoma State
November 8th @ TCU
November 20th @ West Virginia
November 29th vs. Kansas
December 6th @ Baylor

Considering the fact that the Wildcats lost their heart and soul when Collin Klein graduated, going 8-5 and posting a winning mark in the Big 12 was a major success. Junior college transfer Jake Waters and speedy Daniel Sams manned the quarterback position left vacant after Klein, while the defense proved to be one of the Big 12's strongest. With Waters returning at QB and a ton of offensive weapons surrounding him, the Wildcats have the legitimate talent to make a run at a conference championship.

Backfield: Coach Bill Snyder did what he does best; develop a JUCO recruit into a fantastic player at the FBS level. Waters, the top ranked QB recruit coming out of the JUCO ranks last year, threw for 2,469 yards with 18 touchdowns and grew better as the season progressed. He split time with Sams, a dual threat, in 2013-2014 but Sams moved to wide receiver this offseason, resting the quarterback duties fully on Waters. Waters has a huge arm with deceptive mobility and he rarely makes mistakes, he could be a breakout talent this season. John Hubert, who rushed for 1,048 yards last year, is gone at running back, opening up the door for either senior DeMarcus Robinson or talented freshman Dalvin Warmack. Robinson has been very quiet in his career in Manhattan and had just five carries last season but the tools are there for him to have a big year. He is an elusive back with pretty decent speed and he is very shifty. If he doesn't put it together expect Warmack to get some opportunities. Warmack is a speedy offensive weapon from Blue Springs, Missouri who had a monster senior season in high school. Rob Gronkowski's brother, Glenn, is likely the starter at fullback, the sophomore is a decent blocker who can make plays coming out of the backfield as a receiver.

Receivers: Once just a special teams demon, senior Tyler Lockett has developed into one of the nation's best receivers. Lockett had 81 receptions and 1,262 yards in his junior campaign and will benefit from Waters' move to full-time quarterback; the two seemed to have a great connection in 2013. Lockett is a versatile receiver that can burn you deep and can also do severe damage after the catch. Returning alongside him is senior Curry Sexton, another experienced, proven pass-catcher. Not nearly as explosive as Lockett, Sexton relies on his great hands and ability to find the soft spots in defenses. Sams' move from quarterback to receiver should give the 'Cats another explosive threat on the outside to work with. His impressive speed was on display last year when he racked up 807 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground as a QB. JUCO product Andre Davis arrives from Santa Rosa, California, to give K-State another weapon. Senior tight end Zach Trujillo returns and could make some plays in the passing game.

Offensive Line: Even with three-time All-Big 12 center B.J. Finney returning, the offensive line has some notable holes on it. Finney is a great overall center with experience and pretty impressive athleticism. Junior Cody Whitehair is also back, and he could move to left tackle this year, he is gifted with valuable versatility. Starting alongside him on the left side of the line will likely be guard Will Ash, a sophomore with a very high ceiling. Ash towers over defenders, he is 6'2" and nearly 340 pounds, but he still moves pretty well for being that big. Two Colorado commits, offensive tackle Alec Ruth and center Dalton Risner add depth to the unit, very important considering the unit is not very deep at all.



Ryan Mueller

Defensive Line: Defensive end Ryan Mueller came out of nowhere to have a monster 2013 season, racking up 11.5 sacks along with 18.5 tackles for loss. Those 11.5 sacks were good enough for eight nationally and with seven starters gone on this defense, Snyder and the Wildcats will rely on Mueller even more. The senior has great athleticism and the high motor to make plays all across the field, he could put together an even more impressive season. Up the middle, junior Travis Britz returns to give Kansas State another valuable talent on the D-Line. Britz has a big frame, at 6'4", 290+ pounds but he is exceptionally quick for a defensive tackle and he can be very disruptive, he had 3 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. The other defensive tackle slot is a bigger question, as Chris Brown, Valentino Coleman and JUCO commit Terrell Clinkscales will compete for the job. Clinkscales is the fourth-rated DT in this year's junior college class and a four-star stud who has the talent to put together an impressive year; even if he doesn't start he could still find ways to make an impact. The other defensive end spot will be platooned by the combination of Laton Dowling and Marquel Bryant, with Bryant likely getting the bulk of the snaps.

Linebackers: Although Blake Slaughter, the team's leading tackler last season is gone the Wildcats still have some hope for this linebacker group because of the return of Jonathan Truman. Truman was second on the team in tackles in 2013, recording 89 and also managing to rack up 4.5 tackles for loss. Senior Dakorey Johnson returns to man the middle linebacker position and provides valuable experience and is a great wrap-up tackler. The strength of this recruiting class is at the linebacker position as Snyder landed a number of junior college talents and also some other impact recruits. Outside linebacker D'Vonta Derricott is a ferocious beast of the edge who was dominant in the JUCO ranks. He could give them a dynamic pass rusher who can make his impact felt on every single play. Starting at one of the outside linebacker slots should be junior Charmeachealle Moore, an experienced 'backer with great instincts and developed coverage capabilities.

Secondary: Much like the rest of this defense, the secondary also loses a very important contributor, as four-year starter Ty Zimmerman graduated this off season. Zimmerman was an athletic safety who was a hard-hitter who could also be very important in coverage. The loss of Zimmerman will hurt but junior Dante Barnett returns ready for a big year at free safety. Barnett struggled early last year but improved dramatically and was the star of Kansas State's 31-14 beating of Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl. Versatile senior Randall Evans can do it all; the experienced playmaker can play either safety or cornerback and has the athleticism and knowledge to play either very effectively. The other cornerback position could go to another junior college transfer, in Danzel McDaniel. The talent from Dodge City CC in Kansas, has good size and has the makeup of a shutdown corner. The big question is who will replace Zimmerman at that strong safety spot. Nobody emerged in the spring and it could be a glaring weakness for this team. Perhaps true freshman Kaleb Prewett, a young versatile star, can spend time there. Also expect him to contribute at cornerback or even on special teams.

Special Teams: The return of Lockett is not just pivotal in the passing game, the senior can do severe damage as a returner. The explosive athlete has been one of the nation's best kickoff returners for years but has also grown into a player who can make plays as a punt returner as well. Kicker Jack Cantele returns for his senior season after knocking down 11 of 13 on his field goal attempts.

Although once more Kansas State suffers a number of losses on both sides of the ball, Bill Snyder has built a formula for winning: landed junior college players who can fill specific needs. If Waters continues to improve and Sams can develop into a deep threat this offense could be very fun to watch, although perhaps one-dimensional. If defensive end Mueller continues his dominance the defense should still be solid and the Wildcats could very well be a darkhorse in the Big 12 and in the nation.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 20. UCF Knights

J.J. Worton

20. UCF Knights

Coach: George O'Leary (11th year)
2013-2014 Record: 12-1 (8-0 American Athletic)

Schedule:
August 30th vs. Penn State (Dublin, Ireland)
September 13th @ Missouri
September 20th vs. Bethune-Cookman
October 2nd @ Houston
October 9th vs. BYU
October 18th vs. Tulane
October 25th vs. Temple
November 1st @ UConn
November 14th vs. Tulsa
November 22 vs. SMU
November 28th @ South Florida
December 4th @ East Carolina

Despite the fact they were a great program in the Conference USA under the tenure of George O'Leary, 2013-2014 still came as a major surprise. The Knights went 12-1, undefeated in the inaugural year of the American Athletic Conference, beat Baylor in the Fiesta Bowl and their lone loss was a three-point loss to SEC power to South Carolina. Although Blake Bortles and Storm Johnson both left for the NFL early, O'Leary and UCF have developed a staying power and a weaker AAC means they could still be a national title threat.

Backfield: It certainly is not going to be easy to replace Bortles, who threw or 3,581 yards and 25 touchdowns in his junior year before being drafted No. 3 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. A number of different candidates are in serious competition to replace him, including sophomore Justin Holman, redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo and true freshman Tyler Harris. Boise State transfer Nick Patti, who will eligible this year, should also be in the mix. Neither have much experience, Holman is the only player who has thrown a pass in a Central Florida uniform, he was 9 for 14 with 75 yards in mop up duty for Bortles. He should have the slight edge because of how comfortable he is in the Knights' offense but Harris has potential and is a quick learner and DiNovo has a big arm. Johnson left a year early as well, leaving a big hole in the backfield after he rushed for 1,139 yards last season. Sophomore William Stanback is likely to replace him, the powerful back ran for 443 yards and 6 touchdowns last year. He isn't very explosive but he is a short-yardage playmaker and can run over people. Three-star back C.J. Jones should also contend to be in the mix in the backfield; a talent from Port Orange, Florida could be a nice change of pace to Stanback, he is explosive and elusive.

Receivers: Most people might remember senior receiver J.J Worton for his spectacular one-handed grab in the end zone against Temple, perhaps the catch of the year. He can make excellent grabs but he is also a very productive overall pass-catcher. Worton had 47 receptions for 721 yards and also recorded 7 touchdowns. He is a great route runner and has pretty dangerous speed and his superb athleticism enables him to grab everything thrown near him. Also back in the receiving corps is senior Rannell Hall and junior playmaker Breshad Perriman. Hall was the Knights' leading receiver last year and managed 886 yards while Perriman proved to be a big play threat, averaging nearly 21 yards per catch. Tight end Justin Tukes is a proven option in the passing game, while excelling as well as a blocker. He had just one touchdown last year but if he stays healthy he could become a real threat in the red zone. Expect three-star prospects Jordan Franks and Tre'Quan Smith, both dangerous playmakers from Florida. Franks also is gifted with great size, standing at 6'4" and could be very productive his first season in Orlando.

Offensive Line: Some important pieces are gone on Central Florida's offensive line, which was one of the nation's strongest lines in the nation in 2013-2014. All-AAC studs Justin and Jordan McCray graduated this offseason, leaving a big hole on their line. The good news is that senior Torrian Wilson is back, an experienced linemen with real talent. He could move from left tackle to left guard this year to fill the big need at that position. Wilson has an impressive motor with a solid frame and an expansive knowledge of UCF's offensive system. The left tackle slot is likely to be manned by gigantic sophomore Chester Brown, a 6'5", 325 pound beast of a player. Although young, his size is very impressive and he has been very impressive this spring. The right side of the O-Line is a major question mark, as the Knights will have to break in two new starters on that side. Aaron Evans is a redshirt freshman with an NFL body and pretty great athleticism. He could really help Stanback grow as a back with him opening lanes. Two offensive line prospects also come in with this class, both could have an impact. Wyatt Miller, a three-star find from Georgia has the tools to become a really talented offensive tackle and Luke Palmer adds depth.

Defensive Line: The Knights had the nation's 29th ranked defense, allowing just 362 yards per game, much of that is thanks to the defensive line, who can apply pressure to the quarterback. Second-team All-AAC performer Thomas Niles returns at one of the defensive end spots. Niles is a speedy threat off the edge who is a great wrap-up tackler; he had four sacks in 2013. Also back on the D-Line is defensive tackle Demetris Anderson, another junior. Anderson started in all 13 games for Central Florida last year and proved to be a very productive player, recording 24 tackles and 7 tackles for loss. O'Leary and staff raided the junior college ranks by adding talented defensive tackle Lance McDowell (they also added linebacker Errol Clarke II). McDowell, who is from Nassau Community College in New York, has the frame and strength to make some big plays for the Knights' defense. Junior Miles Pace is back at the other defensive end position, who appeared in eight games last season. He recorded 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in those appearances and his athleticism could help him grab some more of those statistics this year.

Terrance Plummer

Linebackers: Senior Terrance Plummer returns to lead the UCF defense, after an impressive 2013 in which he had 110 total tackles and 2 interceptions while also forcing two fumbles. Plummer has great speed and a nose for the ball, he is gifted with incredible instincts, he can make tackles all across the field. He was an All-AAC linebacker who could be even better this year with even more snaps under his belt. Senior Troy Gray is also returning after a strong campaign last year, starting at outside linebacker. Gray had 62 tackles and two interceptions last year, he is not a very dangerous pass rusher but he is an underrated coverage 'backer with great athleticism. Clarke, a JUCO transfer from Garden City Community College (Kansas), could see some serious action this year. He began his career at Cincinnati and was very productive while at Garden City, he was a three-star prospect this year. The other outside linebacker position is a relative question after the team lost Sean Maag. Sophomore Justin McDonald and senior Michael Easton will compete for the open spot.

Secondary: Central Florida's pass defense was a real weakness in 2013, as it allowed nearly 240 yards per game through the air, good for 76th in the entire nation. Though, it could be a real strength this year with all four starters returning in the defensive backfield, including talented safeties Brandon Alexander and Clayton Geathers. Both are playmaking seniors, who can make big plays; Alexander landed three picks and Geathers two, along with 100 tackles, managing an All-AAC season. Both of these safeties are great coverage players, which should help take some pressure off the Knights' cornerbacks. Sophomore Jacoby Glenn was decent in his first year as starter but he has the potential to be great. A great athlete with hard-hitting ability, Glenn should see big improvements this season. The likely starter at the cornerback slot should be senior Jordan Ozerities, who had 59 tackles. The gem of this year's recruiting class is safety Kyle Gibson, a four-star talent who has all the tools to be a great player at the collegiate level. Excellent range with great tackling ability, Gibson could contribute right away.

Special Teams: This could also be a major strength for the Knights, as they return kicker Shawn Moffitt and punter Caleb Houston. The senior, Moffitt, was 21 of 23 from field goals and Houston was quite productive. Worton and Hall aren't just great receivers; they are also both dangerous in the return game, especially Worton, who averaged 12 yards per punt return.

Even with questions at both quarterback and back and also the offensive line, the Knights have the talent to win double-digit games. The AAC is extremely weak with Louisville and Rutgers now gone and outside of early tests against Missouri and Penn State (in Dublin) the Knights have a very favorable schedule. O'Leary and the Knights have reached a point of sustainability where, even with some severe losses, they still have enough talent and experience to be in serious contention.

Post-NBA Draft 2014 Grades

Wiggins to Cleveland

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Andrew Wiggins, G/F
For the second straight year the Cavs went to Canada to snag their No.1 pick. Wiggins will bring immediate athleticism and excitement on the wing but the move does put the future of last year's selection, Anthony Bennett, in question. In a couple years, Wiggins could be far and away the best player in this draft but he is a little bit too inconsistent and timid offensively for this selection to me. Grade: B

2. Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker, F
It was fantastic that Wiggins went to Cleveland, it opened up the door for the Bucks to get Jabari, who they really need. Jabari's versatility and scoring touch should really help Milwaukee's extremely inefficient offense and his character and maturity are at a pro level.
Grade: A-

3. Philadelphia Sixers Joel Embiid, C
Much like last year, Philly took a chance on a talented big man with injury concerns, after selecting Nerlens Noel last season. Embiid is obviously a major risk but if he doesn't play in Year One, it gives the Sixers an opportunity to continue to tank and get more premier NBA prospects, and then he can come on and show what he can do later in his career.
Grade: B+

4. Orlando Magic Aaron Gordon, F
Gordon has drawn plenty of comparisons to Blake Griffin; he is a fantastic dunker and acrobatic finisher around the rim. Though, he has an atrocious jump shot and is a question at the free throw line making him still not even close to the level Griffin was at when he became the Clippers' No.1 pick years ago. This was a real stretch and it might have been a risky decision, considering point guards Dante Exum and Marcus Smart were still on the board.
Grade: C+

5. Utah Jazz Dante Exum, PG
Last year, the Jazz added Michigan star Trey Burke to give them a piece in their backcourt, and they added another one with Exum, a player who only high-profile scouts have seen in person. The Australian has great size and length and the athleticism to get to the rim; if he develops a jump shot he is a great pick here.
Grade: B+

6. Boston Celtics Marcus Smart, PG
Smart had the chance to be the 2013 first overall selection, but he decided to return to Oklahoma State. Although there were some bad moments, Smart's draft stock didn't completely fall apart as the C's get their point guard that could possibly replace Rajon Rondo. Him and Avery Bradley could form a fantastic defensive backcourt and he has an NBA body.
Grade: A-

7. Los Angeles Lakers Julius Randle, F
The Lakers get a forward that they can use in the future with Pau Gasol likely gone and the rest of the frontcourt aging. He is a psychical big man who can rebound very well and seems like he could be a good fit in Los Angeles. If he can develop a more efficient jumper, he could be a steal here.
Grade: B

8. Sacramento Kings Nik Stauskas, G/F
This was perhaps the first major surprise of the draft, although it isn't like Stauskas wasn't expected to be a lottery selection. He really improved from his freshman to sophomore seasons and there is no denying how lethal he is from deep, whether it be creating his shot or coming off a pick and roll situation. Though, the Kings last couple selections have been Ben McLemore and Jimmer Fredette, two shooters who haven't done anything, raising red flags about this pick.
Grade: B-

9. Charlotte Hornets Noah Vonleh, F/C
Every single year players drop in drafts and this year's dropper was Vonleh, although he did still manage to stay in the Top 10. This pick really helps Charlotte because Vonleh is a shooter and floor spacer who can open up Al Jefferson down low and lanes for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who is far from a shooter. His rebounding and size should definitely help as well.
Grade: A

10. Philadelphia Sixers Elfrid Payton, PG (rights given to Orlando)
Philadelphia parlayed this Payton selection into Dario Saric and some future draft selections. Saric won't come to the NBA for at least a couple of years but he has the chance to really grow into a great forward before coming to the league.
Grade: B

11. Denver Nuggets Doug McDermott (rights given to Chicago)
What a day for Denver, who landed Orlando guard Arron Afflalo earlier in the day and then got Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkic and steal Gary Harris, for this pick. Nurkic has the chance to be very productive and Harris' versatility and smarts should really help a struggling and injury-prone Denver backcourt.
Grade: A-

12. Orlando Magic Dario Saric, F (rights given to Philadelphia)
The Magic traded Saric off to Philly to land Payton, an up-tempo, athletic point guard from Louisiana-Lafayette. He is a little bit limited as a scorer, he isn't much of a shooter but he is quick and a great passer and he fills in a major need for the Magic, the point guard position.
Grade: B+

13. Minnesota Timberwolves Zach LaVine, G
Sometimes it is easy to get sucked into the flashiness of a player, and I think that Minnesota got fooled by LaVine. They are going to love his crazy athleticism and insane vertical but he is a tweener, not really fitting in at either guard spot and a below average defender.
Grade: C

14. Phoenix Suns T.J. Warren, G/F
Phoenix used their first selection in this year's draft to snatch up Warren, the ACC Player of the Year in 2013-2014 for NC State. The wing scorer is very strong, he can back down smaller defenders and he also is a hustle player who can be a factor on the offensive and defensive boards. Phoenix really needed a wing, this is a solid selection.
Grade: B

15. Atlanta Hawks Adreian Payne, F
He struggled with injuries during his senior season with Michigan State but when he was healthy, Payne was one of the most dominant college basketball players in the nation. He has great size and good going to the rim with both hands; his shooting touch gives the Atlanta offense a new dimension.
Grade: B+

16. Chicago Bulls Jusuf Nurkic, C (rights given to Denver)
Denver got a real talent with this Bosnian big man but Chicago also got a great player, as they used this pick to land Doug McDermott, or "Dougie McBuckets." The Bulls have been limited offensively at times, so picking up McDermott, one of the best scorers in NCAA history should really help, although he needs to get stronger to compete at the next level.
Grade: B-

17. Boston Celtics James Young G/F
Young is an interesting prospect, because he is a pretty dangerous shooter who can beat defenders off the dribble and get to the rim, but it is inconsistent and lacks defensive awareness. He should still help Boston and give them a valuable athlete on the wing to pair with Jeff Green, assuming they keep him.
Grade: B

18. Phoenix Suns Tyler Ennis, PG
This is a safety pick for the Suns, in case Eric Bledsoe leaves in free agency this offseason. Ennis is a great safety plan, he is an efficient leader who is clutch in big moments and great in the open floor. Although he may not see a lot of early minutes with Dragic on board and Bledsoe still possibly resigning, this is a good move.
Grade: A-

19. Chicago Bulls Gary Harris, SG (rights given to Denver)
See pick No. 16.
Grade: B-

20. Toronto Raptors Bruno Caboclo, SF
This was probably the biggest "What? Who?" pick of the first round. Selecting Caboclo is a swing for the fences move but the Brazilian has the raw tools to be a strong player. It probably will take five years for him to come over, which is why this move doesn't make sense for Toronto, a team that is looking to add somewhat right now to get over the hump and make an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Grade: D+

21. Oklahoma City Thunder Mitch McGary, F
There were rumors the Thunder liked McGary, a stud Michigan forward who was basically forced to declare for the draft after a year-long suspension was handed to him in Ann Arbor. It was pretty surprising he did go this high, but he does give OKC a young, hard-worker who can run the floor and be a great teammate, even though this was a stretch.
Grade: C+

22. Memphis Grizzlies Jordan Adams, G
The Grizzlies have been limited offensively the last couple of years, stacking up on great defenders. Adams can bring valuable scoring to Memphis, he can score everywhere on the court and he is a great athlete. He could put up some big numbers his rookie season for the Grizz.
Grade: B

23. Utah Jazz Rodney Hood, G/F
This was a very nice pickup for the Jazz, who could be losing wing scorer Gordon Hayward in free agency this summer. Hood, a transfer from Mississippi State who excelled this past year at Duke, can do everything right, a gifted shooter who can finish through contact.
Grade: B+

24. Charlotte Hornets Shabazz Napier, PG (rights given to Miami)
The Hornets used the Heat's obvious need for a point guard to trade Napier for D-League star P.J. Hairston. The former UNC wing scorer was the first D-League player ever to go in the first round of the draft, he can score in a variety of ways.
Grade: B-

25. Houston Rockets Clint Capela, F/C
This was obviously going to be an International stash guy, as the Rockets don't want to use any cap space in case they were going to make a run at LeBron or Carmelo. Capela has the size and is a great rebounder, when he does come over he can be a solid contributor.
Grade: C

26. Miami Heat P.J. Hairston (rights given to Charlotte)
With Mario Chalmers likely seeing his last minutes in South Beach, it was clear the Heat wanted a point guard. Landing Napier was really the best situation for them, he is a great leader who can score and play good defense.
Grade: B+

27. Phoenix Suns Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG
With their final selection of the first round, Phoenix landed a stash guy in Bogdanovic, who likely won't see NBA minutes in the next couple years. He is a good athlete and effective shooter, he could do something in a couple years for the Suns.
Grade: C+

28. Los Angeles Clippers C.J. Wilcox, G
I'm a big fan C.J. Wilcox fan, he is a gritty player who provides versatility and he is also a solid defender. Though, I was hoping the Clippers would add a backup point guard or a valuable piece to their frontcourt but instead they went with Wilcox, which doesn't add much to their roster full of shooters.
Grade: C-

29. Oklahoma City Thunder Josh Huestis, F
After making a pretty surprising move on McGary earlier in the draft, the Thunder went with another surprise in Huestis. He is a fantastic defender who can hit the open shot and will give you hustle minutes. He isn't a flashy pick but he is a smart pick; I do wonder if they could have gotten him later, though.
Grade: C+

30. San Antonio Spurs Kyle Anderson, G/F
The Spurs did what the Spurs do, land a sliding prospect who many teams overlook. The 6'9" versatile talent can play a number of positions and handle the ball very well, he could be the next Boris Diaw for San Antonio.
Grade: B

2015 NBA Draft Big Board

Tomorrow, the 2014 NBA Draft will finally conclude, finishing up a process that has been months in the making. No matter who goes No. 1, or what other events happen, there will be a number of teams still looking for pieces in the draft next year to help push them back into contention. Thinking about the 2015 NBA Draft is a little bit crazy, considering we haven't even seen most of the top prospects even play in a collegiate game, but why not? A lot is sure to change before now and late June of 2015, but here are ten of the prospects that are sure to be taken near the top of next year's draft.

1. Jahlil Okafor, C, Duke, Freshman
Okafor, the top player in the 2014 recruiting class, has the size and motor to develop into a dominant big man at the next level. He is strong enough and large enough to carve out space down low, though he may need to add even more bulk against some of the NBA's bigger defenders.

2. Emmanuel Mudiay, PG, SMU, Freshman
Southern Methodist University has never seen a basketball talent even close to the level of Mudiay, the top point guard in the 2014 recruiting class. He has ideal NBA size, standing at 6'5" and crazy athleticism with superb ball handling skills. If he can develop a shooter, he can easily be a double-double machine at the next level.

3. Karl Towns, C, Kentucky, Freshman
Even with how crowded Kentucky's frontcourt will be this year, Towns could stand alone as the most talented and top NBA prospect. The seven-footer is gifted with a massive 7'5" wingspan, ideal for swatting shots and making plays around the rim. He isn't at the level of Okafor yet, but he is still a big man that can be a building block for a franchise.

4. Cliff Alexander, F, Kansas, Freshman
Another talent at the top of this incoming recruiting class, Alexander could put together a huge year for the Jayhawks. He is gifted with valuable versatility and athleticism to finish around the hoop. He is a gritty player and a hard-worker, he definitely has the potential to grow into something great.

5. Kelly Oubre, G/F, Kansas, Freshman
Oubre is another newcomer to Kansas who could make a huge impact and then become a valuable NBA prospect. The wing has crazy athleticism and is lethal in transition; reminds me a lot of former Jayhawk and possible No.1 selection Andrew Wiggins with less hype surrounding him.

6. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, F, Arizona, Sophomore

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Not a lot of people noticed Hollis-Jefferson last year at Arizona because of the play of guard Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon, but he was very efficient when he was on the court. He is always around the ball and can do many different things; powerful forward with rebounding ability and the ability to slash into defenses and finish in the paint.

7. Wayne Selden, G, Kansas, Sophomore
Selden is a wing who has great versatility and was a great shooter in the 2013-2014 season and could develop into an even scarier shooter from downtown. He is also a great ball handler who can bring a gifted playmaker to an NBA team.

8. Stanley Johnson, G/F, Arizona, Freshman
Sean Miller has another dangerous scorer in Johnson, who comes from California high school powerhouse Mater Dei. He also is a versatile talent who can hurt you on the dribble and is a great athlete but needs to continue to develop his jump shot, which is average at the moment.

9. Trey Lyles, F, Kentucky, Freshman
Scoring is not an issue for Lyles, who can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. He has the strength to be a powerful forward in the low post and can also hit shots in the mid range game. If he can become a better athlete and run the floor quicker, he could become a quality lottery selection.

10. Mario Hezonja, G, International, Croatia
Hezonja nearly went pro this season but removed his name late. The Croatian guard has great ball handling skills and a fluid overall game. He has great size and length to play a multitude of different positions and he has a silky smoother jumper. He could be the top International talent in next year's draft and a lottery selection.

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 21. BYU Cougars

21. BYU Cougars
Coach: Bronco Mendenhall (10th year)

2013-2014 Record: 8-5 (Independent, No Conf. Record)

Taysom Hill

Schedule:
August 29th @ UConn
September 6th @ Texas
September 11th vs. Houston
September 20th vs. Virginia
October 3th vs. Utah State
October 9th @ UCF
October 18th vs. Nevada
October 24th @ Boise State
November 1st @ Middle Tennessee
November 15th vs. UNLV
November 22nd vs. Savannah State
November 29th @ California

The Cougars began their season with a three-point loss to Virginia (who would go 1-10 the rest of the season) but soon found their groove and ended up going 8-5 in the first year of offensive coordinator's Robert Anae's go-fast-go-hard offense. Their defense did lose a lot of leadership including linebacker Kyle Van Noy but the offense has the talent to be extremely dangerous, especially on the ground. With a schedule that is pretty favorable, a breakthrough season could be in store for BYU.

Jamaal Williams

Backfield: Junior Taysom Hill had a strong first season as starter in Provo, rushing for 1,344 yards. Not a lot of quarterbacks possess his speed or elusiveness and he could definitely put up 1,000 or more in 2014-2015. Though, his passing game left something to be desired. He completed less than 60% of his pass attempts and threw 14 interceptions. He looks improved this spring and he does have the potential to really grow into a more complete QB this year. Also back is junior back Jamaal Williams, a shifty playmaker who rushed for 1,233 yards. Senior Paul Lasike rushed for 350 yards as well, averaging nearly six yards a carry. Senior Michael Alisa is returning, giving the Cougars an extremely deep stable of fantastic backs. Last year, BYU had the 10th best rush offense in the nation, averaging 267.3 yards per game, that number could increase this season.

Receivers: In order for Hill to take the next step, he will need his receivers to step up around him, so the loss of Cody Hoffman, BYU's all-time leading receiver, does not help. The good news is that the Cougars have a number of incoming playmakers, including UTEP transfer Jordan Leslie and Stanford transfer Keanu Nelson. Leslie, as a sophomore at UTEP reeled in 51 catches for nearly 1,000 yards and could put together an impressive year at BYU. Senior Ross Apo is still in Provo, he is still a player that make plays, although injuries have really impacted his career with the Cougars in a very negative manner. JUCO transfers Nick Kurtz and Devon Blackmon (a four-star prospect) are also ready to make a big impact. Kurtz is a 6'6" talent with great leaping ability who could become reliable for Hill because he can make plays on jump balls. Massive tight end senior Devin Mahina could be ready to make a real impact as an option in the intermediate passing game.

Offensive Line: Injuries really hurt the offensive line last year for BYU but they should be healthier in 2014 and more experienced. Three starters return on the line, and the left side of the O-Line should be a real strength, which is important, considering it is Hill's blindside. Senior tackle De'Ondre Wesley is likely to start at left tackle. Wesley is a 6'7' giant of a man who has great instincts and is stronger than most opposing pass rushers. Guard Solomone Kafu, also a senior, has the chance to start at left guard, he should play an important role in helping this ground game function accordingly. The addition of three-star prospects Chandon Herring and Austin Chambers should help give this line depth and they should also be important players in the future. Both are tackles with considerable upside who already have the size to develop into very productive players. Senior Michael Yeck, who measures in at 6'8" and nearly 300 pounds has the chance to start at right tackle, but has the versatility to do a number of other things.

Defensive Line: The loss of versatile and ferocious defensive linemen Eathyn Manumaleuna, who graduated this offseason hurts, but this defensive line should still be able to put pressure on the opposition. Defensive tackle Remington Peck started 12 games last year and appeared in 13, proving to be a pretty solid pass rusher, recording 3 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Joining Peck in the middle is nose tackle Marques Johnson, an experienced senior who could develop into a monster this year with the correct amount of snaps. He has an immensely high motor and is very disruptive, he recorded 31 tackles in '13. The defensive line was the strength of this recruiting class, four-star defensive end Isaiah Nacua is a local talent who is the No. 28 recruit in the Class of 2014. Also coming in is another pipeline find in three-star defensive tackle Zac Dawe. The defensive end position is a relative question, though junior Graham Rowley brings a lot of experience.

Linebackers: Van Noy meant so much to the BYU defense, he was the heart and soul of it and he always flying all over the field making big plays in pivotal points of the game. To help compensate for the loss, Mendenhall and defensive coordinator Nick Howell moved athletic junior Bronson Kaufusi from defensive linemen to outside 'backer, where he could be a beast. He is a relentless pass rusher, who had four sacks with seven tackles for loss, and also returned an interception for a touchdown. Standing up as a blitzing linebacker off the edge, Kaufusi could put up even more impressive numbers. On the other outside linebacker position senior Alani Fua returns, the 6'5" stud has great range and is also a versatile player. Four-star outside linebacker Fred Warner has the talent and agility to be the next great pass rusher in Provo, they have had a long line of talented pass rushers, including most recently, Ezekiel Ansah and Van Noy. Senior Zac Stout is back, he should start at one of the inside linebacker slots, he could be a tackling machine with his range and his toughness.

Secondary: The secondary also lost some experience and talent when safety Daniel Sorensen exhausted his eligibility. Though this unit still has loads of talent including senior safety Craig Bills, who will more than make up for the loss of Sorensen. He is likely to switch from free safety to strong safety to help replace Sorensen; he is a hard hitting player who doesn't have any durability issues. Also returning is another senior, Skye PoVey, who will take over for Bills at the free safety slot. The cornerback spots are likely to manned by two seniors, Robertson Daniel and Jordan Johnson. Johnson could put together a big year, he already has pretty developed coverage skills and has the speed and jumping to make a number of big plays. Although undersized incoming cornerback Michael Shelton could be a valuable depth player. He comes all the way from Raleigh, North Carolina and is a three-star find for Mendenhall and staff.

Special Teams: The loss of kicker Justin Sorensen, who completed 21 of 26 in 2013, recording a long field goal of 45. He is gone, leaving the kicking duties to sophomore Moose Bingham, who has the leg to be a solid kicker. Senior punter Scott Arellano returns which should definitely help the Cougars in field position. BYU has an abundance of players who can do dangerous things in the return game.

The season hinges on Hill, he has to stay healthy (backup Ammon Olsen transferred to Southern Utah) and take the next step in the passing game. If he does, the Cougars have a legitimate shot of going undefeated or winning at least double-digit games with the way their schedule works out. The team's toughest matchups are Texas (who was definitely struggled stopping the run, BYU's strength) and UCF on the road. If they can get past tough Mountain West meetings with Utah State and Boise State, don't overlook these Cougars.

NBA Mock Draft: Edition 4 (Final Edition)

1. Cleveland Cavaliers Jabari Parker, F
Joel Embiid's health is such a concern the Cavaliers should head somewhere else with this selection. Parker's versatility and offensive playmaking ability will give Cleveland's frontcourt a young, healthy talent.
2. Milwaukee Bucks Andrew Wiggins, G/F

Wiggins (Milwaukee) and Embiid (Orlando)

Philadelphia really loves Wiggins and Wiggins loves Philly, but they won't have a chance as Milwaukee makes a move on him here. Wiggins has struggled to be an aggressive offensive force but as the number one offensive option in Milwaukee, he could be fantastic from the beginning.
3. Philadelphia Sixers Dante Exum, G
With Michael Carter-Williams already on their roster, Philadelphia can add another young backcourt piece in Exum. The athletic Australian has the size to get to the rim and really grow as a defender, he can play shooting guard if they play MCW at point.
4. Orlando Magic Joel Embiid, C
No player in this draft (at least big man) has the ceiling that Embiid has. Injury concerns are such a concern though, scouts are beginning to compare Embiid to Greg Oden. Even so, Orlando could get a major steal here if he does manage to stay healthy and evolve into a dominant offensive force.
5. Utah Jazz Noah Vonleh, F/C
Vonleh still has a long way to go offensively (very average mid range game, still needs to get stronger to be able to battle with some of the better NBA defensive big men) but his size and already polished defensive skills should certainly help the Jazz.
6. Boston Celtics Aaron Gordon, F
The C's are in love with Gordon, for good reason, as he can give them an athletic playmaker that can make a fair share of highlight reel plays. Boston has made it clear if Gordon is still available here, they will pick him up; even though he is talented he shouldn't go higher than 6.
7. Los Angeles Lakers Marcus Smart, G
In order to develop back into the powerhouse franchise they once were, the Lakers will need to pick up a franchise point guard. Smart is the best option here, although character concerns may worry scouts.
8. Sacramento Kings Julius Randle, F
Randle dropping here would be the best case scenario for the Kings, who would love to add another young stud in their frontcourt. Drafting Randle may move Demarcus Cousins to center full time, but if he becomes stronger and more athletic he could become quite the steal here at eight.
9. Charlotte Hornets Doug McDermott, F
Charlotte could go with the high risk-high reward pick here in Zach LaVine, but McDermott is a safer prospect. The four-year star at Creighton can score in so many different ways and his work ethic has never been a question.
10. Philadelphia Sixers Nik Stauskas, G/F
Few players in this draft can hit the three ball quite like Stauskas, who will really help a Sixers team that also lacks established shooters. Jason Richardson obviously isn't going to be part of Philadelphia's future plans and Evan Turner is gone, giving Stauskas the opportunity to contribute early and often.
11. Denver Nuggets Gary Harris, SG
Harris may not have the 46-inch vertical of a Zach LaVine or the automatic three-point shooting of a Stauskas but he is an experienced playmaker who can do so many different things right. He does have superb athleticism still, and is still a very dangerous shooter.
12. Orlando Magic Rodney Hood, G/F
Up until this morning Dario Saric was right here on my board but it was just announced the Croatian has signed a contract with a team overseas, meaning he will not come to the NBA for a long time. Hood can give Orlando another young wing scorer with loads of versatility.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves Adreian Payne, F/C
Payne was fantastic in his four years with Michigan State and he will be ready to make plays with Minnesota from game one. Size and durability are some concerns about him, but the T-Wolves should not pass up on this polished talent.
14. Phoenix Suns T.J. Warren, F
Warren's game is still a little bit old-school and he is rather limited a as a defender but he has the chance to grow into a more complete player. The Suns need some scoring on the wing and Warren is the answer.
15. Atlanta Hawks James Young G/F
Young is a solid prospect who can do a lot of good things, a deadeye shooter with the athleticism and size to become a dangerous slasher. He is still young and prone to mistakes, but the Hawks could be getting a steal here.
16. Chicago Bulls Tyler Ennis, PG
Derrick Rose may come back and actually play this next season but even if he does, a backup point guard with no health concerns is a must for Chicago. Ennis is the perfect fit right here for the Bulls, he is still very young but he acts 10 years older than he is and is extremely mature.
17. Boston Celtics Zach LaVine, G
LaVine is still a tweener, he doesn't fit into a position at all and his shot has a long way to go, but it will become increasingly tough for teams to pass up his crazy athleticism. The Celtics could develop him into a complete player, though it may take some time, or they can use him as trade bait to continue their rebuilding process.
18. Phoenix Suns Clint Capela, F/C
The Swiss big man is a fantastic athlete who can rebound and play above the rim, though he is still pretty raw. Phoenix's frontcourt is still far away from being completed and adding a young piece like Capela would really help.
19. Chicago Bulls Jusuf Nurkic, F/C
With their second pick of the first round, Chicago brings in Nurkic, a Bosnian stud with an impressive 7'2" wingspan. He will give the Bulls, a raw international player with the potential to grow into an impressive shot blocker in their frontcourt.
20. Toronto Raptors Elfrid Payton, PG
Payton, a player who was very productive this past year with Louisiana-Lafayette, has the chance to be the next fantastic scoring guard from a mid-major school.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder Glenn Robinson, F
Being drafted by the Thunder would be a perfect situation for Robinson, he can develop behind Kevin Durant and the stars in Oklahoma City. Robinson is fantastic as a second or third option in the Thunder offense when he is on the court and he can play both forward positions.
22. Memphis Grizzlies P.J. Hairston G/F
After being a very dangerous scorer in his time with North Carolina, Hairston has been fantastic in the D-League. He could be a very lethal offensive option for Memphis, who could definitely add another scorer.
23. Utah Jazz K.J. McDaniels, G/F
It isn't very usual that productive prospects come from Clemson, but McDaniels is definitely an exception. He is an athlete that can score in a variety of ways and can be a very dangerous player in transition.
24. Charlotte Hornets Cleanthony Early, F
Early is a great rebounder, who is a hard-working talent that can be a very productive player off the bench for Charlotte, who could really use a fundamentally skilled player like him.
25. Houston Rockets C.J. Wilcox, G
While at Washington, Wilcox proved to be a very productive four-year player. He doesn't necessarily wow you at anything; he can score off the dribble and is a pretty average shooter. His experience should help give Houston another young backcourt piece.
26. Miami Heat Shabazz Napier, PG
With Mario Chalmers set to become a free agent this offseason and possibly leaving South Beach, the Heat should pick up a young point guard. Napier is the best available here, his shooting and playmaking could give Miami a piece they missed in this year's playoffs.
27. Phoenix Suns Jerami Grant, F
With their third selection of this first round, Phoenix picks up Grant, an undersized forward but a great athlete. They could use this pick for a huge move they are trying to make this offseason (K-Love?) but if they keep it, Grant would be a pretty nice selection with real potential.
28. Los Angeles Clippers Semaj Christon, PG
Christon was the big reason why the Musketeers made a tournament appearance even in the tougher Big East. He isn't much of a shooter but he is a good athlete with great speed and a quick first step and could give the Clippers a great backup to Chris Paul.
29. Oklahoma City Thunder Mitch McGary, F
McGary is a very risky pick because of his injury issues and the fact he wasn't really an impact player until the 2013 NCAA tournament with Michigan. The Thunder should be willing to take the risk, he is an athletic big that can run the floor.
30. San Antonio Spurs Walter Tavares, C
Tavares sneaks into the first round because he just makes sense for a team like San Antonio. A player born in Cape Verde, Tavares is currently making plays in Spain. He is 7'3" who can rebound and block everything in sight, he could be a future presence in the Spurs' frontcourt.

NBA Offseason Predictions

Led by the never-aging Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker, San Antonio got revenge on the Miami Heat, beating them in five games. As Duncan mulls his future in the NBA, there will be a lot of other happenings going on this offseason, an offseason that could be one of the craziest in recent years. The "Big Three" could all leave, including LeBron, Carmelo could go almost anywhere, Kevin Love's future in Minnesota is uncertain and Rajon Rondo may have worn a Celtic uniform for the last time. In preparation for a  summer that will be filled with rumors and interesting moves, I have compiled a list of what I believe will happen to the league's biggest stars.

LeBron and the rest of the Big Three will stay in Miami:
Personally, I would love to LeBron back in a Cleveland jersey playing alongside Kyrie Irving, or Chris Bosh back in Toronto with DeMar DeRozan, but I just don't see it happening. Though, there will be some action in Miami. This team needs a bigger inside presence, especially since Bosh has become more of a shooter than a post playmaker, and Greg Oden is not the answer. Also, Shane Battier has seen his last minutes in the NBA and Ray Allen likely has as well. Plus, point guard has turned into a real issue for the Heat; Mario Chalmers was terrible in the Finals and throughout much of this postseason. Even with those issues, I don't see LeBron or anybody else of the Big Three leaving, at least not so soon.

Carmelo heads to the Windy City:

Carmelo to Chicago?

Carmelo forced his way out of Denver, and it looks like it will be much the same in New York, where his career has been a rollercoaster ride. He could go to Chicago, Houston, maybe even Los Angeles and team up with a healthy Kobe. But, playing in Chicago makes the most sense for Carmelo. Although you wonder how he will fit with this defensively minded roster led by Tom Thibodeau, imagine him with a "Big Three" that includes underrated Joakim Noah and a healthy Derrick Rose, it would be scary. Carmelo's number one priority is to win a title, and he won't be able to do it in New York and he knows it. Staying in the Eastern Conference and playing alongside Noah and Rose gives him the best opportunity to get that elusive ring.

Kevin Love is not traded... Yet:
It is pretty clear that the 2014-2015 season will be Kevin Love's last in Minnesota. The All-Star is drawing a ton of interest, from Chicago, Cleveland, Phoenix, Golden State, Boston and Houston. The situation looks very similar to the Kevin Garnett saga, which ended when he was dealt to Boston for a bunch of players that never ended up doing much with the T-Wolves. Flip Saunders will be asking for a lot, rightfully so, and he will take his time to make a move. He won't rush into a deal and he probably will not make a move this offseason. It could increase the value of K-Love and possibly Flip and fellow star Ricky Rubio will try to convince him to stay. But, he won't that is clear, but don't expect a deal until later down this offseason or into the season.

Bledsoe and Rondo stay put... For now:
Rajon Rondo's future in Boston is extremely uncertain, on one hand it seems sure he will go, but yet there has not been a lot of talk nor rumors about where he may be heading. It seems as though Rondo leaving is inevitable, one way or another, though expect the C's to take their time on this move as well. Eric Bledsoe is a restricted free agent this year for the Suns, he was excellent when he was healthy. If the Suns do land Love, or another top talent, Bledsoe and whoever that is, would form a deadly combination. He is a real talent at just 24, Phoenix cannot allow him to leave just yet.

Other Free Agent Destinations:
Lance Stephenson stays in Indiana
Vince Carter retires (Unrestricted free agent)
Patty Mills goes to New York
Marcin Gortat resigns with Washington
Kyle Lowry leaves Toronto to a team that needs a point guard (Miami?)
Chandler Parsons either stays in Houston or is dealt away in Kevin Love trade
Rudy Gay stays in Sacramento
Duncan, Ginobli and Parker stay put for one more year (None are free agents, Duncan and Ginobli considering retirement)
Mario Chalmers leaves Miami

College Football Preview 2014-2015: 22. Nebraska Huskers

Ameer Abdullah

22. Nebraska Huskers 
Coach: Bo Pelini (7th year)

2013-2014 Record: 9-4 (5-3 Big Ten)
Schedule:
August 30th vs. Florida Atlantic
September 6th vs. McNeese State
September 13th @ Fresno State
September 20th vs. Miami
September 27th vs. Illinois
October 4th @ Michigan State
October 18th @ Northwestern
October 25th vs. Rutgers
November 1st vs. Purdue
November 15th @ Wisconsin
November 22nd vs. Minnesota
November 28th @ Iowa

Even with injuries and a rotating quarterback carousel, Nebraska managed to win 9 games and stay right in the mix for a Big Ten Championship. Coach Bo Pelini enters his seventh year in Lincoln hoping to push his team over the edge and win a Big Ten title (the Huskers haven't won a conference title since 1999). With explosive back Ameer Abdullah and a defense that really showed improvement in 2013, Nebraska could definitely be a major contender in the Big Ten.

Backfield: Taylor Martinez exhausted his eligibility with Nebraska, meaning for the fist time since 2010, the Huskers will have someone else behind center. Sophomore Tommy Armstrong stepped in for Martinez for eight games last year and was fantastic. Armstrong is just as dangerous of a runner as Martinez, but his arm is stronger and he has the potential to really grow into a great quarterback. Though, he struggled with turnovers throughout his time as starter, as he was intercepted eight times. That is to be expected from a freshman thrust into a starting role against some great Big Ten defenses,  but that number has to come down. He won't have to throw the ball a ton, as senior back Ameer Abdullah should get a lot of carries. Abdullah ran for 1,690 yards in his junior year and averaged six yards per carry. Abdullah has tremendous speed and great vision, he could be a real Heisman candidate if he manages to stay healthy.

Kenny Bell

Receivers: Senior Kenny Bell, who seems like he has been playing in Lincoln forever, returns as Armstrong's top option in the passing game. Despite not having a consistent QB to get passes from, Bell had 52 catches and four touchdowns. Bell is a sure-handed receiver who can do real damage after he catches the ball, he is also a great blocking receiver. Senior Jamal Turner is also back along with sophomore tight end Cethan Carter, giving Armstrong a plethora of options. Carter is a threat in the red zone, while Turner is speedy quick and can turn into a legitimate deep threat in 2014. Sophomore Jordan Westerkamp, who made the miraculous catch in Nebraska's Hail Mary victory over Northwestern, returns as well, hoping to play a bigger role this season. Four-star receiver Monte Harrison was a pretty nice pickup for Pelini and staff. The talent from Montana has pretty good size at 6'2" and the ability to hurt defenses in a variety of ways. Junior Sam Burtch is also looking to contribute more after a quiet sophomore year with Nebraska.

Offensive Line: For a team that obviously wants to run the ball and has a young quarterback, losing four starters along it's offensive line is very troubling. The lone returner is left guard Jake Cotton, a senior who should be the anchor and leader of the unit. A product from Southeast High in Lincoln, Cotton has been very productive during his time with the Huskers and is one of the conference's top interior linemen. Former walk-on Mark Pelini, the nephew of Coach Pelini, has the opportunity to start at center or anywhere else along the O-Line, he is a versatile blocker. Senior Mike Moudy will compete for time as well, most likely at the right guard slot, opposite of Cotton. Freshman Tanner Farmer will compete for some playing time in his first year with Nebraska, the four-star prospect was a pretty solid find for the Huskers. Perhaps the biggest question mark is at left tackle, where no player has really emerged. Left tackle is a very important position when a team has a young quarterback, and Nebraska really lacks a standout at the position. Another freshman, D.J. Foster, who will see most time at guard, is ready to make an impact right away.

Defensive Line: Having a fantastic pass rusher has never been a major issue for Nebraska, and junior Randy Gregory is certainly the next big pass rusher in Lincoln. In his first year removed from the JUCO ranks, Gregory had 10.5 sacks. He has grown into one of the best pass rushers in both the Big Ten and in the nation at the defensive end spot, and is getting a ton of attention from NFL scouts. The good news for Nebraska and defensive coordinator John Papuchis is that Gregory isn't the only star on the defensive line. Blossoming sophomore Vincent Valentine is a great run stopper on the inside along with another sophomore, Maliek Collins. Junior Aaron Curry is also an interior pass rusher who can make plays, after a solid sophomore campaign, in which he recorded 26 tackles and two sacks. Joe Keels, another JUCO find, was a really dangerous end in his time at Highland Community College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Keels is a three-star commit who may not see a ton of action his first year with the Huskers but expect him to follow in the footsteps of Gregory and develop into a great end.

Linebackers: Nebraska's front seven is great and that continues with this experienced linebacker corps. Senior Zaire Anderson emerged late last season as a consistent performer and could play a huge role on this Nebraska defense in 2014. Likely playing at outside linebacker, Anderson could be a dangerous pass rusher after recording 3 sacks last year. Also returning is sophomore Michael Rose, who recorded 66 tackles in 2013. Along with another returner, junior David Santos, the talent in this linebacker core is very impressive. The Huskers had the 53rd ranked rush defense in the nation in 2013, not terrible but there is room for improvement. With the experience back and the depth in this unit, it should certainly improve.

Secondary: Even though some talent is gone in the defensive backfield, Nebraska's secondary should still be solid. Shutdown senior Josh Mitchell is going to play a big role for this Huskers' defense. He will defend some of the best receivers in the conference but he is ready. He is a great athlete who can pick off passes or make other big plays. The other returner in the secondary is senior Corey Cooper, who will start at strong safety. Cooper has great size and has the hard hitting to bring intensity to this defense. The most likely starting cornerback alongside Mitchell will be junior Jonathan Rose, a stronger player than Mitchell. Also in the mix will be true freshman Trai Mosley and another freshman, safety Josh Kalu. Both are Texas products who can grow into the future of this Blackshirts' secondary.

Special Teams: Sophomore punter Sam Foltz was fantastic last season for the Huskers, averaging a 41.6 yard average every punt. He returns, but the kicker position is in question where junior Mauro Bondi is going to compete with true freshman Drew Brown. Bondi's experience is obviously his strength but he has really struggled with consistency and Brown was very impressive his senior year of high school; he is a three-star recruit.

Pelini might have his most talented team in his time with the Huskers, if they can stay healthy. But, he has had talented teams before that have underachieved and have been unable to get over the hump and win a conference title. Plus, the schedule is slightly worrying, although the Huskers avoid Michigan and Ohio State, many of Nebraska's tough games happen on the road, at Michigan State, at Iowa and at Wisconsin.

World Cup Preview 2014

After winning the past three major international events (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012)

Spain returns with hopes of their second World Cup victory in the country's history. The usual powerhouses are also returning like the host nation, Brazil, who opens play up against Croatia, Germany and Italy along with Netherlands, the runner-up in South Africa in 2010. Play will begin Thursday and this year will sure to have its fair share of late game heroics, upsets and incredible moments.

Group A
Brazil: The hosts will be favored by many to land their sixth World Cup title, led by explosive scorer Neymar and a fabulous defense that includes Dani Alves and Thiago Silva. This team won the Confederations Cup in 2013, thanks to great play from Neymar (four goals in tournament) and that defense, which was dominant in the event. Along with Oscar and Paulinho, Brazil's explosive offense should easily carry them past the group stage and deep into the Cup.
Croatia: One of the stingiest defensive teams in this year's World Cup, Croatia begins its action against Brazil and could give them some issues. Even though they won't score often, they play smart and have a couple rangy midfielders, including Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic.
Mexico: "El Tri" hopes they have moved past a relatively disastrous qualifying slate, in which they struggled through with four different managers. Back is well known Manchester United playmaker Javier (Chicharito) Hernández and recognizable veteran leader Rafael Marquez, a defensive stalwart. Oribe Peralta will have to show up in a big way, he was their most consistent scorer in qualifying matches.
Cameroon: Quietly, the Indomitable Lions have grown into one of the most consistently strong African countries, playing in their seventh World Cup this Brazil. Star scorer Samuel Eto'o is back, though the 33-year-old has lost some of his speed and playmaking prowess. Maxim Choupo-Moting will have to step up and provide Cameroon with a more dangerous offensive weapon.
Moving On: Brazil, Croatia

Group B
Spain: Much of "La Furia Roja" returns to the World Cup like Andrés Iniesta, midfielder Xavi and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was dominant down the stretch in South Africa. Everybody will be quick to point out how offensively potent Spain is, but they won the World Cup in 2010, mainly based on a stout defense. Defender Sergio Ramos can make a ton of important defensive plays and Casillas is among the best goalkeepers in the world. Unless complete disaster falls upon them, Spain is a pretty sure bet to advance to at least the knockout stage.
Netherlands: The Dutch will meet Spain, whom they lost to in the exciting final of the 2010 World Cup, on June 13th, a match that could decide who wins this group. The Dutch possess dangerous weapons in Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben, but both arrive in Brazil aged and dinged up. The offense was a major strength in 2010, but the defense has been a major question mark and a consistent top notch goalkeeper has yet to emerge in big matches.
Chile: With Spain and the Netherlands, many will forget about the sneaky Chileans, who advanced to the knockout stage in 2010 before an embarrassing loss to Brazil. Barcelona forward Alexis Sánchez is the nation's top talent and he will have to step up big time. Overall, Chile is plenty experienced and could sneak into the knockout stage for the second straight World Cup.
Australia: And then there is Australia. The "Socceroos" are led by veteran midfielder Tim Cahill but he remains one of their few offensive weapons. Australia ran through Asian qualifying but they haven't proven themselves as any type of threat on the world stage.
Moving On: Spain, Netherlands

Group C
Ivory Coast: Long talked about as the most talented country in Africa, the window of opportunity is closing for Ivory Coast. They are still the highest-ranked team inside the continent and still have some notable names: Yaya Touré and Didier Drogba, but both are aging and have struggled in their World Cup appearances. Midfielder Didier Zokora will be counted on, he is a young, exciting playmaker, but he has also struggled on the world stage.
Colombia: Still one of the strongest teams in South America and the world, it has been a tough couple of months for Colombia, learning their superstar, Radamel Falcao, had torn his ACL. He was left off of their 23-man roster, leaving a big hole at striker. Forward Jackson Martinez is a fun player to watch with quick feet and speed but filling Falcao's shoes will be extremely difficult. Colombia should still be fun to watch and should make it out of the group stage, but beyond that is a real question now.
Greece: The Greeks won't wow you with their talent or with their offense, they win matches on grit and defense. Midfielder Giorgos Karagounis is the most recognizable name on Greece, he was one of the big contributors to the country when they won Euro 2004. With their excellent defense, Greece should be able to stick with some of the more talented teams in this event and maybe surprise some people.
Japan: Experience is not an issue for the Japanese, who should have a pretty potent offensive attack. Keisuke Honda is a gifted playmaker, while Shinji Okazaki could have a big World Cup, he has been great in the Bundesliga all season. If the defense holds up, the "Samurai Blue" could also advance to the knockout stage in what is a very deep group.
Moving On: Japan, Colombia

Group D
Uruguay: Led by dangerous scorer Diego Forlan, Uruguay was a pretty surprising semifinalist in South Africa. Forlan is back for Brazil but it is Luis Suárez who should lead the way this time around for "La Celeste". Suárez has had his fair share of crazy and questionable moments but he led the Premier League in goals with Liverpool. Along with Forlan and Suárez, Edinson Cavani is sure to make plays, giving Uruguay one of the most dangerous offenses in the world.
Costa Rica: The longshot of this group is for sure Costa Rica, a defensively minded team that was fantastic near the end of qualifying. This group is filled with heavyweights of soccer on the international level, but don't let Costa Rica fool you, they will compete. Forward Joel Campbell hopes to lead the way for the Ticos offensively.
England: Experience is surprisingly an issue for England, who will be very young offensively. Wayne Rooney is one of soccer's biggest names but he has yet to score in any World Cup appearances. Rooney is an aggressive attacker at times but can also space things out and drop one in from deep; he is too dangerous of a goal scorer not to get one this time around. Goalkeeper Joe Hart is world-class, but the defense surrounding him has been shaky.
Italy: After a rather underwhelming appearance at South Africa in 2010, trying to defend their title earned in '06, the Italians have added some real firepower. It begins with the uber-talented Mario Balotelli, a striker who can drive you crazy at times with his dumb decisions but can then turn around and make a spectacular play. Ciro Immobile will have to be counted on, he has shown a real ability to score from anywhere. In goal, steady Gianluigi Buffon is back for what could be his last World Cup.
Moving On: Italy, Uruguay

Group E
Switzerland: Traditionally, Switzerland has been a rather unexciting team. That should change this World Cup, as the Swiss bring in a number of young stars including Grant Xhaka and Valentin Stocker. Veteran Steve von Bergen will make a number of impact plays behind Switzerland's talented front line. With their high pressure, attacking mindset, the Swiss should easily advance to the knockout stage and could easily win the group.
France: "Les Bleus" is talented enough to do things in this World Cup, even though they had a shaky route getting here. Karim Benzema is one of the most underrated players in Europe, a playmaking talent from Real Madrid. Midfielder Paul Pogba is a playmaking star with speed, stamina and the ability to do so many different things. In goal, Hugo Lloris will man the fort, a quality vet who is very consistent. After the embarrassing 2010 World Cup, France is eager to make a name for themselves again and luckily they were gifted with perhaps the weakest group in this year's Cup.
Ecuador: They may be the weakest South American team in Brazil, but Ecuador should still put up a fight. Forward Felipe Caicedo and midfielder Antonio Valencia lead the way for "La Tri", who has proven they can score in bunches. But, an extremely weak defense is their kryptonite and they lack the consistency to make too much noise in this group.
Honduras: Honduras will hope to gain some points with the help of a number of veterans including rock solid Wilson Palacios, who is always able to make plays. Roger Espinoza will also be counted on to step up, but the firepower offensively is just a major issue. Honduras will have a big challenge even in this soft group.
Moving On: France, Switzerland

Lionel Messi

Group F
Argentina: He is among the best players in the world, but Lionel Messi has yet to bring home a title to Argentina in the World Cup. With an abundance of playmakers surrounding him and a pretty weak group, this could be his year. Striker Gonzalo Higuaín will put in a goal or two and Sergio Aguero has always been a consistent option for Manchester City. If Messi is in top form, Argentina could easily make a very deep run.
Iran: This Iranian team will be young on the pitch but manager Carlos Queiroz has done a great job. Led by MLS playmaker Steven Beitashour and dangerous forward Karim Ansarifad, Iran should not be overlooked. 20-year-old Alireza Jahanbakhsh could make a name for himself in this World Cup, the winger has a chance to really break out. Off the field issues still loom for Iran, but the team could easily be a dark horse.
Nigeria: The Super Eagles are riding a hot streak, winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations and then following it up with an undefeated qualifying performance. Nigeria has a solid core of veterans, including superb goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and midfielder John Obi Mikel. Nigeria is a safe bet to move into the knockout stage; they will play smart and consistent and should be able to find points against both Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: A nation that has been ripped apart by wars and ethnic issues since World War II, Bosnia and Herzegovina is excited to show their improvement on the soccer pitch. Their main star is Edin Dzeko, a Manchester City product who has incredible range and is fun to watch with the ball. Roma's Miralem Pjanic and a number of other playmaking attackers can put pressure on opposing defenses and Bosnia and Herzegovina should put up goals. If their defense can perform pretty well, the Dragons could surprise and survive the group stage.
Moving On: Argentina, Nigeria

Group G
Germany: Even in the "Group of Death" Germany should be a pretty favorable selection to move on. The Germans are led by Mesut Ozil, an Arsenal midfielder with a nose for the ball and aggressive Bastian Schweinsteiger is an important piece to the puzzle. Miroslav Klose, one of the premier World Cup goal scorers of this generation, is approaching the end of the road but he is still good for some great plays. Though, the Germans were dealt a tough blow on Saturday, when talented midfielder Marco Reus was diagnosed with a torn ligament, he will not participate.
Portugal: While there is a lot of pressure on Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney, perhaps the most in this World Cup is reserved for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be dominant but the team continues to struggle, due to the lack of goal-scoring surrounding the superstar. Midfielder Raul Meireles and others will have to step up big time. Portugal should be able to advance into the knockout stage, but beyond that is a question.
Ghana: People will be quick to pluck Ghana out of the 16 in the second round, but the Black Stars were quarterfinalists last year and have knocked the United States out of the last two World Cups. A healthy Michael Essien is very dangerous and forward Asamoah Gyan can look unstoppable at times. The defenses lacks consistency but Ghana should be able to compete, even against two major European powers.
United States: It came as a major surprise to many when U.S. star Landon Donovan was left off of the United States' World Cup roster. Other than him, much of the usual playmakers return, including Clint Dempsey and inconsistent but talented scorer Jozy Altidore. Goalkeeper Tim Howard is solid in net but the defense is young and inexperienced. Perhaps in another group, the U.S. might have a great chance to advance, but not in this one.
Moving On: Germany, Portugal

Group H
Belgium: Quietly, Belgium has turned into a very dangerous team in Europe despite not making a World Cup appearance in 2006 nor 2010. They have a deep and talented roster, including playmaker Eden Hazard and experienced Vincent Kompany. Along with rising 19-year-old Adnan Januzaj, the Red Devils should definitely advance past the group stage.
Algeria: The Fennec Foxes will be playing in their second straight World Cup, and could surprise some casual fans. Dangerous goal scorer Islam Slimani could be looking for a breakout showing and left back Faouzi Ghoulam is a stout defender. Remember, this team gave the United States and England real troubles in 2010 and they could do much the same in Brazil to the rest of Group H.
Russia: After missing out on the World Cup in 2010 and a weak showing in Euro 2012, Russia is eager to prove they are still a soccer power. A great defensive team, the Russians will be led by A;eksandr Kerzhakov and new coach Fabio Capello, who hopes to get this team to make smarter decisions. It is risky, but when the Russians are playing well they are tough to beat, which is why I have them advancing.
South Korea: The South Koreans will hope to be smart with the ball and surprise people with scoring threat Son Hueng-min, a gifted midfielder. They are a possession team but the defense needs work, they were outworked a lot in qualifiers, a worrying sign for a team that isn't very talented in the back.
Moving On: Belgium, Russia

Semis: Germany defeats Brazil and Spain defeats Belgium
Final: Germany defeats Spain
It is a risky move picking the Germans, considering their aging scorers and the loss of important midfielder Marco Reus. But, the Germans are always a consistent contender who can get the job done in big matches and it is tough to imagine, "La Furia Roja" snatching up yet another trophy with all the talented teams in the world.