Sunday, April 29, 2007

Mixed day for Sun Devil / Raider fans

Al Davis sent mixed signals to Sun Devil nation yesterday. First, he drafted JaMarcus Russell and traded for Josh McCown, effectively ending Andrew Walter's career in Oakland. (Of course, one could argue that this will be best for Andrew in the long run, since he was going to get killed behind that porous line in Oakland.)

However, the silver-and-black then drafted Zack Miller in round two. Zack should be able to catch some of those 60 yard passes that Russell will be throwing from his knees this season.

While on the subject of the draft, it was a rough day for the Pac-10, with Cal's Marshawn Lynch the only player selected in Round One . For now we'll assume it's an aberration.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

While we were gone...

Random events in Sun Devil land. The Sun Devil Marching Band unveiled new uniforms (the band even has its own message board!); TBone is looking for Sun Devils in Texas (not 100% sure what he plans to do with them); I found a site that everyone else has probably known about for a long time, which allows me to track news stories about Dennis Erickson; Gaddabout wrote a brief ASU recruiting history; Uni Watch discussed why one member of the baseball team has been wearing a green undershirt for each game.

Lame poll, but we need to support Sparky nontheless

CBS SportsLine is running a poll to determine the "Most Dominant College Mascot on Earth".

Obviously I'm not a big fan of these types of thing, but it's our obligation to promote ASU whenever possible, so go ahead and vote for Sparky, especially to avoid the embarrassment of losing to Southern Utah.



Of course, Sparky's greatest ever appearance in pop culture was in Nissan's commercial that ran during last year's lead-up to the Heisman presentation.

Oregon State turn to Brandi Chastain for uniform advice

Unbelievably, Oregon State has managed to "out-ugly" their in-state rivals in the uniform wars.

As noted by Uni Watch, the Beavers must "really like how the front of the jersey looks like a sports bra."

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

4VRADVL knows his hoops!

Well, the ESPN Tournament Challenge has ended, and one of our own had a pretty impressive showing. 4VRADVL ended up ranked 13,147 nationally, which puts him in the top half percentile.

On a related note, how freaking jealous are you of the University of Florida? Can you imagine being a 20 year-old junior at UF right now? You've just watched your school win three national championships in 12 months. Life must be good.

Monday, April 2, 2007

Barrett named to Lott Trophy watch list

ASU safety Josh Barrett has been named to the Lott Trophy watch list. Based on reports from spring drills, it's too bad Troy Nolan doesn't have a season under his belt to qualify for the watch list, too.

Nolan has been so good, ASU felt comfortable moving all-around sophomore athlete Ryan McFoy to outside linebacker, allowing McFoy to potentially follow in the footsteps of other ASU safety/linebacker hybrids: Darren Woodson, Pat Tillman, and Adam Archuletta.

Part of ASU's secondary problems last year had to do with the inexperience among the safety depth chart. One figures that to not only improve, but it appears to be a truth strength of next year's defense. With the cornerbacks also showing some improvement -- both in skill and depth -- perhaps ASU can gamble more in the front 7 without getting burned as often.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Corner help on the way?

Fresh off the high-speed Canadian sports wire ...

CSN.ca Staff

3/31/2007 10:41:31 PM

Université Laval defensive back Leaf Bondoot has received permission to transfer, most likely to an American university, the school announced Saturday.

Laval spokesman Alain Vinzioto said Bondoot wishes to seek more exposure in the U.S., as well as pursue an emphasis on Latin American studies.

"It is our policy not to restrict student-athletes who do not wish to remain a member of our community," Vinzioto said during a phone interview. "We released Leaf with best wishes for his future pursuits, whatever they may be."

Bondoot's father, Gunther, said no decision has been made on a future school, but the family has received interest from Arizona State University.

"We are looking for a school that sends football players to the NFL, and where Leaf can pursue his academic dreams," Gunther said. "Right now, Arizona State appears the very best option."

The 19-year-old Bondoot, a 6'3", 205-lbs. cornerback, played in the final four games as a freshman for the Rouge last season, collecting three interceptions and 10 tackles. He grabbed national attention two years ago by running a 10.38 100 meters -- in bare feet -- in a national outdoor preparatory meet, just three days shy of his 17th birthday.

Laval had high hopes for Bondoot, despite his only playing one year of organized football. Coaches pointed to his family history of athletic accomplishment. Gunther, now a medical records clerk in Montreal, was an alternate member of the 1984 500m Iceland speed skating team. His mother, Azami, has two older brothers who competed in last month's Nihon Sumo Kyokai Grand Sumo Tournament.

Laval head coach Glen Constatin had no comment about Bondoot's decision to transfer. The coach raved about Bondoot's potential and ability early last season.

"You cannot teach natural ability," he said. "He's like a ballet dancer in the body of a warrior."