The Ralphie Report: FanShots

Not Good: S Stan McKay Offered By UCLA

2009-01-06T19:51:42Z

Not Good: S Stan McKay Offered By UCLA

It helps to read the comments sometimes. Greg Biggins of ESPN in the comment section of his most recent post said this about Stan McKay in a response to this question:

Q: Greg , nice job as always , keep up the good work . Also do you have a feeling on where LB Poly guys Iuta Tepa and Stan McKay end up ? Thanks ....

A: McKay just got offered by UCLA last night and that's his dream school but one of his coaches told me UW might be in the lead because of how many safeties UCLA has. Tepa plays it close to the vest but the same coach told me he thinks Oregon is the team to beat.

No mention of Colorado with either of these players. I will try and find out more about this.

Per Rivals: DT Latu Heimuli Commits To Utah

2009-01-05T03:35:06Z

Per Rivals: DT Latu Heimuli Commits To Utah

Not a bad week for the Utes; win the Sugar Bowl in convincing fashion, everyone is saying you are the true National Champion and you get the #1 run stopper in the nation in Heimuli. Another one of those players like Jordan Wynn where Buff fans will have to say, "see you in 2012."

This is no good mainly because Florida was recruiting Latu as well so now Edward Nuckols becomes a bigger priority for the Gators. The issue with defensive line just won't go away.

Denver Post: Hawkins Has Had It With Troublemakers

2009-01-04T17:48:37Z

Denver Post: Hawkins Has Had It With Troublemakers

Bryce McNeal Picks Clemson

2009-01-03T20:49:59Z

Bryce McNeal Picks Clemson

No shocker here, the Buffs were never really in the top 2 or 3. At least the Buffs had a hat on the table today for some pub. By the way, I thought Kasa looked pretty good today in the Army All American game.

So ignore the Oregon jargon...this is still a pretty cool video. Corny? Yes. But still, Diante is...

2009-01-03T00:08:18Z

So ignore the Oregon jargon...this is still a pretty cool video. Corny? Yes. But still, Diante is huge and well, I love the kid. Well spoken and definitely going to be a stud as a Buff.

Source: Contra Costa Times

Diante Jackson Answers A Few Questions About His Decision

2009-01-03T00:06:25Z

Diante Jackson Answers A Few Questions About His Decision

From the Contra Costa Times:

Q: What made you change your mind? What does Colorado have that Oregon didn’t?
Diante: When I went up there, first of all, it was beautiful. Right away, the people caught my eye.
Everyone was so welcoming and most of them didn’t even know I was a recruit.

On top of that, the players are all tight and the thing that really caught my eye is it’s a family environment. The players are like that, the coaches are all family guys. It’s easier to talk to them then some coaches I’ve been with in the past.

Oregon just wasn't the right fit for me. Colorado felt like California with mountains around me.

The wide receivers coach (Eric Kiesau) at Colorado is amazing and I’m looking forward to playing with him.

...click the link to see the rest

Recruiting Update on WR Bryce McNeal

2009-01-01T16:40:48Z

Recruiting Update on WR Bryce McNeal

From the free rivals.com section:

Minneapolis (Minn.) Breck wide receiver Bryce McNeal has been pretty good about keeping people in the dark regarding his decision, but sources on Wednesday again confirmed that Oregon is the leader and likely choice. Clemson is the other candidate as it seems that Minnesota and Colorado are out.

Well, if we do lose him, let's hope it is Oregon. That would probably make Diante Jackson a Buff. I would rather have one than none.

The One That Got Away: Nick Kasa Tearing Up U.S. Army All-American Bowl Practices

2009-01-01T16:36:33Z

The One That Got Away: Nick Kasa Tearing Up U.S. Army All-American Bowl Practices

This is about the third or fourth account that I have heard saying Kasa has been one of, if not the most dominating lineman in San Antonio in practice for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The opposition's players are saying that he is the most difficult matchup of any of defender.

According to Rivals.com:

6-7/245, Broomfield (CO) Legacy
Nick Kasa was consistently in the thick of the action on Tuesday morning and afternoon. At 6-foot-7, 250 pounds, Kasa has length that he uses to his advantage. He also has elite speed that was drawing praise from several of his teammates all day. Despite his obvious physical tools, Kasa doesn't get by on those alone. He plays with a very high motor and intensity level and he is a smart player. Don't be surprised if Kasa is the most productive defender on either team on Saturday.
...............
"Kasa is so fast. His first step is like Allen Iverson's," commented Howell. "He is so smooth with his game. And Burfict, he just brings the hurt. I'm glad I'm not on offense, I'm glad he's on my side."
..............
Once again, Kasa was all over the field for the West defense. He had numerous quarterback hurries, was in the right position at the right time against the run and had success against D.J. Fluker despite giving up 50 pounds. Kasa is a heady player who is as technically sound as any defensive linemen at this event.
..................

I didn't know he was so "technically sound" like the reports are saying. Bummer news for us Buff fans.

Rumor is Florida might move him to TE!

Rush DE Iuta Tepa Sets Up Visit With Buffs

2008-12-31T15:34:05Z

Rush DE Iuta Tepa Sets Up Visit With Buffs

This is Stan McKay's teammate from the dominant California program, Long Beach Poly. He would be a major get for the Buffs. Would need to put on weight but has the speed to really wreak havoc in the backfield.

According to ESPN

"I have visits set with Hawaii (Jan. 9), Oregon (Jan. 16), Colorado (Jan. 23) and UCLA (Jan. 30). I'm looking for the best football program, a school with strong academics and support and a place I can play at early."

Wide Receiver Bryce McNeal Down to Four

2008-12-29T00:41:15Z

Wide Receiver Bryce McNeal Down to Four

Minnesota WR Bryce McNeal has narrowed down his options to a final four schools and will make his decision this Saturday at the US Army All-American Bowl. Bryce eliminated Oklahoma and Kentucky and says that he already knows where he is going. McNeal's final four is Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon and Clemson but I personally feel like he will end up at Clemson. I would love for him to prove me wrong and become a Buff!

Big Time DT Jamarkus McFarland Chooses OU over Texas

2008-12-26T16:04:27Z

Big Time DT Jamarkus McFarland Chooses OU over Texas

The New York Times broke the story and the same author who wrote the Darrell Scott article in the Times about the process wrote an article about McFarland. That of course, is enough of a coincidence to make the Longhorn fans call for a recruiting investigation and really act surprised how anyone can choose another school over Texas.

Here is the link to the article in the Times.

Some interesting little pieces include:
McFarland’s mother, Kashemeyia Adams, said she received numerous offers, including one for an interest-free loan for a former classmate, if her son were to choose Texas. She said she did not believe the offers were affiliated with the Texas football staff.

He attended parties, including one in Dallas, where he said there was free alcohol, drugs and young women taking off their clothes. ...includes a description of a wild party hosted by Longhorns fans at an upscale hotel in Dallas after the Oklahoma-Texas game on Oct. 11. "I will never forget the excitement amongst all participants," McFarland wrote. "Alcohol was all you can drink, money was not an option. Girls were acting wild by taking off their tops, and pulling down their pants. Girls were also romancing each other. Some guys loved every minute of the freakiness some girls demonstrated. I have never attended a party of this magnitude." "The attitude of the people at the party was that everyone should drink or not come to the party. Drugs were prevalent with no price attached."

Adams, meanwhile, received only occasional letters and e-mail messages from Texas coaches."Texas went to sleep in the summertime in recruiting J-Mac," she said. "When they went to sleep, Oklahoma woke up."

"Some people who attend the University of Oklahoma seem to represent different values than some people who attend the University of Texas."

Rivalry heated up a little bit with these comments, eh?

CU Buff 2009 Opponent, Miami (Ohio), Hires Former Notre Dame OC Mike Haywood

2008-12-23T18:23:10Z

CU Buff 2009 Opponent, Miami (Ohio), Hires Former Notre Dame OC Mike Haywood

He becomes the 6th African-American coach in FBS football. Somehow, the Buffs will travel to Oxford, Ohio to play next year. Note to the CU Athletic Department...that is embarrassing!

Texas WR Jordan Shipley Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility

2008-12-23T03:33:52Z

Texas WR Jordan Shipley Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility

Looks like WR Jordan Shipley and QB Colt McCoy will be back to face the Buffs next year...Last year, Shipley produced a career-best 79 receptions for 982 yards and 11 touchdowns this season to earn third-team All-America honors from the AP.

"I had a lot of fun, Utah is a great place," Abele said. "I really like the city there and the...

2008-12-22T17:33:32Z

"I had a lot of fun, Utah is a great place," Abele said. "I really like the city there and the people were great. It seems like everyone is real into the football program there and they have great fan support.

"I had a good time on my other trips too but I think this trip might have been the most fun for me. It's a good fit there and I have a lot of interest in Utah."

3* DT Nik Abele May Be Softening On the Buffs - Greg Biggens, ESPN

Reminder: Join The Ralphie Report's College Bowl Pick'em Challenge...Quickly

2008-12-20T12:42:15Z

Reminder: Join The Ralphie Report's College Bowl Pick'em Challenge...Quickly

Woodrow has fired up another pick'em challenge contest for bowl season so if you haven't signed up yet, feel free to join here. It's free, it's easy and there will surely be a prize at the end.

Hurry, though, games start today...

Go Buffs!

Non CU Jargon: Tebow vs. Kiper

2008-12-19T23:27:47Z

Non CU Jargon: Tebow vs. Kiper

It isn't about the Buffs but I consider Mel Kiper to have the third best job in sports so I always keep a keen eye out for his "stuff." I found this article about Tebow asking the draft guru what he, the Tebowner, needs to do so he can be a QB at the next level:

"You tell me this," Tebow said to Kiper during the radio exchange. "What do you think I need to do to be an NFL quarterback? You tell me that."

You tell me? Me Me Me, Look at Me, Me Me Me. Settle down Tim, you will get your chance to prove it, Mel Kiper does not decide your fate.

Kiper dodged the question which anyone would do implying he would be a better tight end. The point of posting this is the consist media attention on Tebowner. Is anyone sick of Tim Tebow? Great college player but the media attention around his "no one will player harder than ME," the red paint (no that wasn't blood or William Wallace from Braveheart) on his face, the "poor Tim Tebow" push after he lost the Heisman and not being seen as a pro quarterback and the CBS love fest that makes you turn the audio off.

All of this Me Me Me makes Me like Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy even more. Those guys are just as good of players but you never hear a peep out of Bradford and McCoy just likes to hunt and fish. 'Bowner just rubs me the wrong way. You don't hear the two Big 12 quarterbacks come out and say, "I can't wait to throw against a SEC defense that hasn't seen a prolific offense all year."

The article then goes on to say:

ESPN’s Joe Schad reported that he had a conversation with Tebow in which Tebow said he was mad that people don’t think he’ll be a great NFL quarterback and mad that he didn’t win the Heisman Trophy, and that his anger might motivate him to leave Florida early.

Go for it Tim. Please leave! Then I can watch SEC football on CBS with the volume on again.

Maybe Tim Tebow should get Gary Danielson to be his agent and talent promoter to make him feel better.

Buff Recruits S Stan McKay and DE Iuta Tepa on TV

2008-12-19T03:51:09Z

Buff Recruits S Stan McKay and DE Iuta Tepa on TV

Fox Sports Rocky Mountain right now 7 - 10 pm. McKay already has a pick and Tepa is wreaking havoc. Long Beach Poly, the team the two recruits play for, is on a 25 game win streak as they play in the CIF Sectional Championship.

Buff Commits S/Ath Parker Orms and OT Jack Harris Highlight All-Colorado Teams

2008-12-18T21:51:01Z

Buff Commits S/Ath Parker Orms and OT Jack Harris Highlight All-Colorado Teams

Orms was also named Colorado Offensive Player of the Year. I sure hope Orms game transfers to the next level because if it does, watch out.

Buff Commits DT Bonsu and WR Darden Make Texas Academic All-State Teams

2008-12-18T21:44:14Z

Buff Commits DT Bonsu and WR Darden Make Texas Academic All-State Teams

I am glad we are getting players who will stay eligible. We saw what that could do this year! Nate Bonsu made second team and Jarrod Darden was honorable mention.

We should be getting an interview scheduled next week with Nate Bonsu and his coach. It was supposed to be this week but preparing for the 5A State Championship was a little more important.

Rivals.com Releases Their Version of Freshman All Big 12 Team

2008-12-18T16:38:03Z

Rivals.com Releases Their Version of Freshman All Big 12 Team

Have to love the offseason...let the season of random list making begin. From Rivals point of view, Buff RB Rodney "Speedy" Stewart and OL Blake Behrens were 1st team All Big 12 Freshman.