North Carolina announces 17 new football signees

AP

(Below are the bios released by North Carolina on the 17 new members of its 2013 recruiting class.)

Mikey Bart
Defensive End
6-3, 245
Buford, Ga. (Buford)

Pronounced MIKE-ee • Prepstar All-Southeast Region • Finished second in the county with 12.5 sacks • Earned first-team all-state as a defensive end and tight end • Played in the state championship game four times and won three of those • Was named the county player of the year • Ranked the No. 24 tight end in the country by ESPN.com, No. 33 by Scout.com and No. 81 by 247sports.com • Considered the No. 114 player in Georgia by ESPN.com • Team captain • Gwinnett County TD Club Player of the Year • Played at the same high school as current Tar Heel Nathan Staub • Coached by Jess Simpson • Helped lead his team to the state championship in baseball • Born Michael Joseph Bart on March 26, 1995 • Son of Karen and Tom Bart.

Lucas Crowley
Offensive Line
6-3, 270
Ponte Vedra, Fla. (Nease)

Rated the No. 5 center in the country by ESPN.com • Considered the No. 12 center in the country and one of Florida’s top 100 prospects by Rivals.com • Listed as the No. 20 center in the nation by Scout.com • Ranked the No. 50 offensive guard in the nation by 247sports.com • Named first-team All-First Coast • Member of the Jacksonville Times-Union Super 24 team • First-team all-state • MaxPreps Second-Team Medium Schools All-America selection • Prepstar All-Southeast Region selection • Coached by Shane Matthews • Born Lucas Wisham Crowley on Sept. 7, 1994 • Son of Dan and Laurie Crowley.

Dajaun Drennon
Defensive End
6-4, 230
Clementon, N.J. (Timber Creek)

Pronounced duh-WAN • Listed as the No. 4 weakside defensive end in the country by 247sports.com • Considered the No. 10 player in New Jersey and the No. 19 weakside defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com • Ranked the No. 29 defensive end in the country by Scout.com • Ranked the No. 20 outside linebacker by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming • Played in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Houston • Played for Team USA at the 2012 IFAF World Championships • Helped lead Timber Creek Regional to the South Jersey Group IV state championship • Considered the No. 49 defensive end in the nation by ESPN.com • Racked up 60 tackles and had 14 quarterback sacks as a senior • Participated in the US Army Combine • Coached by Rob Hinson • Born Dajaun Raleigh Drennon on Oct. 18, 1994 • Son of Ann and Raleigh Drennon.

Jordan Fieulleteau
Wide Receiver
6-3, 200
Raleigh, N.C. (Wakefield)

Pronounced fee-ALL-toe • Enrolled at UNC in January • Honorable-mention Parade All-America • Named to the North Carolina Associated Press All-State team and the NCPreps.com All-State team • Received the most votes on the AP all-state team • Prepstar All-Atlantic Region • Member of the ESPN 300 team • Ranked the No. 9 player in North Carolina by ESPN.com and the No. 43 receiver in the nation • Made 111 catches for 1,669 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior • Led the team in scoring • Wakefield was 11-2 and advanced to the state playoffs • As a junior, posted 86 receptions for 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns • Third-most touchdown receptions in state history and second-highest reception total in a season • Has the most touchdown catches in the nation in past two seasons • Coached by Rod Sink • Son of Kendra Clarke • Born June 10, 1995.

Khris Francis
Running Back
5-9, 195
Durham, N.C. (Hillside)

Enrolled at UNC in January • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Considered the No. 29 running back in the country by ESPN.com • Ranked the No. 95 running back in the country by Scout.com • Listed as the No. 18 running back in the country by 247sports.com • Prepstar All-Atlantic Region • Ran 251 times for 2,100 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior • Also had 328 yards and five touchdowns receiving • Was twice named the conference offensive back of the year • Rushed for 2,251 yards with 31 touchdowns as a junior • Also added 90 yards in receptions with one touchdown • Coached by Antonio King • Son of Chris and Bobbi Hadersbeck • Born December 25, 1993.

Marquis Haynes
Bandit
6-3, 220
Jacksonville, Fla. (University Christian)

Pronounced mar-KEECE • Member of the Jacksonville Times-Union Super 24 team • Prepstar All-Southeast Region • Considered the No. 32 weakside defensive end in the nation by 247sports.com, No. 43 by Rivals.com and the No. 44 overall defensive end by ESPN.com • Ranked among the top 175 defensive ends in the country by Scout.com • Helped lead University Christian to a come-from-behind victory over Dade Christian in the 2-A state championship game • Named first-team All-First Coast on defense with 73 tackles and 25 sacks as a senior • Also had 219 yards receiving and two touchdowns as a tight end and served as the team’s kicker • Registered 21 sacks as a junior • Coached by David Penland • Also plays basketball • Born Marquis Jacori Haynes on Dec. 16, 1993 • Son of Maurice and Kim Haynes.

Brad Henson
Offensive Line
6-5, 295
Surf City, N.J. (Monsignor Donovan)

Named the No. 13 guard in the nation by CBSSports.com • Listed the No. 25 guard in the country by Scout.com • Rated the No. 11 player in New Jersey and the No. 26 offensive guard in the country by Rivals.com • Four-year starter • Named first-team all-state • Ranked among the top 25 offensive guards in the nation by ESPN.com • Coached by Dan Duddy • Born Bradley Winn Henson on Nov. 28, 1993 • Son of Bradley and Elizabeth Henson.

Johnathan Howard
Wide Receiver
6-4, 195
Rochelle, Ga. (Wilcox County)

2012 MaxPreps Small School All-America selection • Named to the ESPN 300 list of the nation’s top recruits • Listed as the nation’s No. 24 wide receiver and No. 22 player in Georgia by ESPN.com • Class A all-state selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution • Named the AJC’s Offensive Class A Player of the Year • Invited to the Macon Touchdown Club as one of the Super Seven athletes in middle Georgia • Had the second-highest single-season receiving total in Georgia history with 1,630 receiving yards as a senior • Also scored 19 total touchdowns and finished the season with 115 catches • Ranked the nation’s No. 75 wide receiver by Scout.com • Considered among the top 100 players in Georgia and the No. 92 wide receiver in the country by Rivals.com • Coached by Mark Ledford • Born Johnathan Jamaul Howard on Nov. 28, 1994 • Son of Lonnie and Veronica Howard.

Nazair Jones
Defensive Lineman
6-5, 250
Roanoke Rapids, N.C. (Roanoke Rapids)

Pronounced nah-ZEER • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Prepstar All-Atlantic Region • Competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Houston • Considered the No. 10 player in North Carolina and the nation’s No. 26 strongside defensive end by Rivals.com • Listed as the No. 9 player in North Carolina and the No. 17 strongside defensive end by 247sports.com • Ranked the No. 11 player in North Carolina and the No. 40 defensive end in the country by Scout.com • Also played at defensive tackle and on the offensive line • Born Nazair Tyrron Jones on Dec. 13, 1994 • Son of Tammy Jones.

Desmond Lawrence
Defensive Back
6-1, 175
Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)

Prepstar All-Atlantic Region • Ranked the No. 8 player in North Carolina and the 28 safety in the country by Scout.com • Considered the No. 20 player in North Carolina and the nation’s No. 39 safety by Rivals.com • Played in the Oasis Shrine Bowl Game, an all-star game for players from private schools in North and South Carolina • Named 2012 All-Observer Team • Two-time all-conference and all-state performer • Received the Gridiron Great award for South Charlotte • Was a nominee for the US Army Bowl • Played on both sides of the ball and was an accomplished tailback as well as a standout defensive back • Rushed 139 times for 1,299 yards and 11 touchdowns to lead his team to the NCISAA 3-A championship • Also had 14 catches and a touchdown • Coached by Jason Estep • Born Desmond Lanell Lawrence on Nov. 30, 1994 • Son of Val Watters and Frank Lawrence.

T.J. Logan
Running Back
5-10, 180
Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford)

Prepstar All-America • Honorable-mention Parade All-America • Rated a top-100 player in the country by CBSSports.com’s Tom Lemming • Member of Prepstar’s Dream Team (top 150 players in the country) • Ranked the No. 4 all-purpose back in the country by Rivals.com and the No. 2 overall player in North Carolina • Considered the No. 13 running back in the country by Prepstar • Listed as the No. 10 all-purpose back in the country and a top five player in North Carolina by 247sports.com • Earned AP all-state honors and was named North Carolina’s AP player of the year for 2012 • MaxPreps Medium Schools First-Team All-America selection • Rushed for 3,146 yards and 47 touchdowns as a senior, averaging more than 10.7 yards per carry, despite playing I the fourth quarter only twice • Had 25 receptions for 344 yards and six touchdowns • Also completed all eight pass attempts for 144 yards and had 12 punt returns for 241 yards (20.1 avg.) • Rushed for 5,614 yards and 85 scores his last two seasons in at Northern Guilford • Set NCHSAA records with 510 yards and eight touchdowns in the state championship game as Northern Guilford completed an undefeated season and won the 3AA title • Coached by Johnny Roscoe • Born Tyrone Courtney Logan on Sept. 3, 1994 • Son of Tyrone and Sheila Logan.

Donnie Miles
Defensive Back
5-11, 200
Lawrenceville, Ga. (North Gwinnett)

Prepstar All-Southeast Region • Ranked among the top 100 players in Georgia by Rivals.com and ESPN.com • Considered the nation’s No. 38 safety by Scout.com • Is the No. 66 rated safety in the country by Rivals.com • Played defensive back and running back • Posted more than 50 tackles as a junior and rushed for 674 yards and nine touchdowns splitting time at tailback • Also made 24 catches for 269 yards • Team finished 11-2 and was ranked the No. 4 team in Georgia • Team won back-to-back 7-AAAAA championships • Coached by Bob Sphire • Grew up in Carol City, Fla., outside of Miami • Born Donnie Ray Miles on Aug. 3, 1994 • Son of Donnie Miles Sr. & Diane Turner.

R.J. Prince
Offensive Lineman
6-6, 300
Albemarle, N.C. (Albemarle)

Enrolled at UNC in January • Prepstar All-America • Named to the North Carolina Associated Press All-State team and the NCPreps.com All-State team • Named to the Charlotte Observers’ All-Observer First Team • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl • Ranked the No. 33 offensive tackle in the nation by 247sports.com • Listed as the No. 41 tackle by Rivals.com • Considered the No. 36 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com and one of the top 10 in the South • Listed as the No. 34 offensive tackle by ESPN.com • Coached by Danny Akins • Son of Valerie and Roger Prince Sr. • Born April 19, 1995.

Ryan Switzer
Athlete
5-10, 175
Charleston, W.Va. (George Washington)

First-team Parade All-America selection • Named to the East team roster at the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl • Rated the No. 7 wingback by Tom Lemming • Two-time winner of the Kennedy Award, given to the West Virginia state player of the year • Only the sixth two-time winner in the award’s 66 years • Twice named the West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year • Twice named the Kanawha Valley Football Player of the Year by The Charleston Daily Mail • Class AAA all-state selection • Twice named the conference player of the year • Three-time first-team all-state • Two-time first-team all-state captain • Finished his senior season with 206 carries for 2,379 yards and 32 touchdowns • Also caught 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns and returned three interceptions for scores • Had another 40 rushing touchdowns as a junior • Scored 103 touchdowns in his prep career and finished in the top five in West Virginia history in touchdowns and points • Had more than 8,100 all-purpose yards • Is George Washington’s all-time leader in rushing, scoring total yards • 2012 Under Armour National Combine champion • 2011 SI.com honorable-mention All-America • Prepstar All-Atlantic Region selection • Coached by Steve Edwards • Helped lead George Washington to the 2011 AAA state basketball title • Was the AAA state track champion in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays • Son of Michael and Ashley Switzer • Born Nov. 4, 1994.

Mitch Trubisky
Quarterback
6-3, 205
Mentor, Ohio (Mentor)

Pronounced truh-BISS-kee • Enrolled at UNC in January • Named Mr. Football in the state of Ohio by the Associated Press, an annual award given to the top high school player regardless of division • Ranked the No. 19 quarterback in the country by Scout.com • Prepstar All-Midwest Region • Honorable-mention Parade All-America • Member of the ESPN 300 team • Is the most prolific passer in the Greater Cleveland area, becoming the first to pass for more than 9,000 career yards and more than 4,000 yards as a senior • Rated the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback by 247sports.com and the No. 3 player in Ohio • Passed for 4,063 yards as a senior, including 1,593 in four playoff games • Also rushed for 899 yards • Scored 108 points and was responsible for 51 touchdowns • Threw for 42 touchdowns and rushed for 18 • Team finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinals • Mentor was 30-8 during his three-years the quarterback • Among the top 10 passers in Ohio history with 9,126 yards and 92 touchdowns • Also rushed for 1,559 career yards and 33 touchdowns, averaging 4.1 per carry • Also served as Mentor’s punter in 2012 and had a 40.8 average • Coached by Steve Trivisonno • Son of Jeanne and Dave Trubisky • Born August 20, 1994.

Brian Walker
Defensive Back
5-11, 175
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek)

Member of the ESPN 150 team (top 150 players in the country regardless of position) • Considered the No. 14 cornerback in the country by ESPN.com • Member of the Rivals 250 team • Prepstar All-America and All-Atlantic Region • Member of North Carolina’s Shrine Bowl team • Named to the NCPreps.com All-State team • Named to the Charlotte Observers’ All-Observer First Team • Considered the No. 12 player in North Carolina and the No. 39 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com • Listed as the No. 12 player in the state by 247sports.com • Ranked the No. 20 player in North Carolina and No. 59 cornerback in the country by Scout.com • Twice named I-Meck 4A all-conference • Picked off six passes as a senior and added 13 pass breakups • Team finished 13-1 and advanced to the state semifinals • As a junior, he had 30 tackles, 12 pass breakups and three interceptions • Coached by Mike Palmeiri • Born Brian Keith Walker on Nov. 7, 1995 • Son of Kelvin and Latonia Walker.

Greg Webb
Defensive Tackle
6-2, 310
Erial, N.J. (Timber Creek)

Prepstar All-America • Member of Prepstar’s Dream Team (top 150 players in the country) • Considered the No. 10 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com and one of the top 100 players regardless of position • Considered the nation’s No. 12 defensive tackle by 247sports.com composite rankings • Ranked the No. 14 defensive tackle in the country by Prepstar • Member of the ESPN 300 • Listed as the No. 6 player in New Jersey, the No. 15 defensive tackle and the No. 159 player regardless of position by ESPN.com • Played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl following his senior season • Considered New Jersey’s No. 5 player and is ranked the No. 20 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com • Had a dominant junior campaign with 94 tackles, 24 tackles for losses, 13 sacks and three fumble recoveries • Missed the first two months of his senior season with a torn ACL • Returned for the NJSIAA South Jersey IV final and helped lead his team to a 57-27 victory in the championship game • Was a high school teammate of Dajaun Drennon at Timber Creek Regional High School • Posted 57 tackles, 24 tackles for losses and six sacks as a sophomore • Coached by Rob Hinson • Born Greg Jerome Webb III on Jan. 16, 1995 • Son of Virginia and Greg Webb Jr.

AP

But of course.

A member of the Nebraska football program, defensive end Avery Moss (pictured, No. 94), has a trial date set for late July for an incident that occurred late last year, the Omaha World-Herald is reporting.  Moss is facing a July 23 bench trial on charges of public indecency, disturbing the peace and failing to appear.

The soon-to-be sophomore has pleaded not guilty to the three charges, all of which are considered misdemeanors.  The failure-to-appear charge stemmed from a missed court date back in January

In mid-December, a female employee of a convenience store accused Moss of twice exposing himself to her in the span of four hours.  The alleged victim filed a complaint with the university police department, and subsequently picked Moss out of a photo lineup.

Cornhuskers head coach Bo Pelini is aware of the situation involving Moss, who could face up to six months in jail if convicted.

As a three-star member of NU’s 2012 recruiting class, Moss played in three games before using his redshirt as a true freshman due to a shoulder injury.  Moss was expected to continue competing for a starting job in summer camp, although it’s unclear what if any impact his legal situation will have on that front.

Meandering our way through the offseason, a single one-liner at a time…

– Washington Post: No ruling in ACC’s motion for dismissal of Maryland lawsuit.

– Tulsa World: College transfer rule that limited Wes Lunt must be changed.

– Athletic director Mark Hollis explains Michigan State’s process that resulted in the hiring of Mark Dantonio.

– Here’s a position-by-position recap of Auburn’s spring, courtesy of al.com.

– The Iowa City Press-Citizen takes a look at how Big Ten realignment will impact fans’ pocketbooks.

– Virginia Tech’s trip to the Russell Athletic Bowl cost over $1.6 million, but the athletic department still expects to come out in the black financially.

– Syracuse’s post-spring depth chart reveals some position changes.

– UT-San Antonio head coach Larry Coker lauded by the Texas legislature.

– USC All-American receiver Marqise Lee fails to advance beyond the semifinals in the long jump at the NCAA West Regionals.

– Snoop Lion/Dogg’s football-playing son receives another offer, this one from LSU.

– Clemson’s pruning of the Peach State on the recruiting trail is setting up a solid football future for the Tigers.

– Ohio State lands an in-state verbal commitment from four-star linebacker Dante Booker, who was also considering Michigan and Notre Dame.

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The Big Ten may be swearing off scheduling cupcakes, but at least one Pac-12 school will continue gorging itself on the delectable football treats for the foreseeable future.

Oregon announced Thursday that it has scheduled three games with opponents from the FCS level – South Dakota on Aug. 30, 2014: UC Davis on Sept. 3, 2016: and Southern Utah on Sept. 2, 2017.  Obviously, all three games will be played in Autzen Stadium.

The South Dakota game completes the Ducks’ 2014 non-conference slate.  It’s 2015 three-game slate is also complete.

Oregon had previously scheduled games against FCS programs Nicholls State (2013) and Eastern Washington (2015).

It’s not all creampuffs for the Ducks, though, as UO has games scheduled against Tennessee (2013), Michigan State (2014 and 2015), Virginia (2016), Texas A&M (2018 and 2019) and Ohio State (2020 and 2021).  The Ducks are on the hunt for a marquee game in 2017, possibly at a neutral site in a one-off-type deal.

AP

Houston may have lost its leading rusher from the 2012 season to transfer, but the Cougars are apparently bringing in a player on the other side of the ball with the potential to start.

Lee Hightower announced on his Tumblr account that he will be transferring to Houston and will play for the Cougars.  The move comes after the defensive back had visited the school last weekend.

“Really dope city and school and I’ll be here for the next 3 years,” Hightower wrote.

Hightower was indefinitely suspended in early February for violating unspecified team rules and subsequently released by Boise State head coach Chris Petersen.  It was Hightower’s second suspension in less than four months.

The initial suspension came after Hightower had started the first seven games of the 2012 season at strong safety.  He did not play again last season.

Hightower becomes the second Broncos transfer to land at an FBS program in Texas this week.  Defensive lineman Sam Ukwuachu, dismissed earlier this month, announced that he will be enrolling at Baylor.

(Tip O’ the Cap: Idaho Statesman)

The mini-deluge of departures continues Thursday afternoon, with Michigan State the latest to see its football roster thinned.

In a press release, the Spartans announced that wide receiver Juwan Caesar has asked for and been granted a release from his MSU scholarship.  There’s no word on where the Miami, Fla., native may transfer.

A three-star member of the Spartans’ 2011 recruiting class, Caesar was rated as the No. 67 receiver in the country and the No. 77 player in the state of Florida.

Caesar’s true freshman season was derailed by a foot injury and he took a redshirt.  He did not play as a redshirt freshman in 2012, and was moved to tight end during bowl practices.

(Photo credit: Michigan State athletics)

AP

Following up on Steven Bench‘s self-reporting earlier today, USF has confirmed the addition of a new player to its football program.

The Bulls announced via a press release that the quarterback is indeed transferring to the school.  Bench announced late last month that he would be transferring from Penn State, and USF has been considered one of the front-runners to land the Cairo, Ga., product.

“We’re definitely excited that Steven decided to join the USF family,” head coach Willie Taggart said in a statement. “He is a coach’s son, who brings a lot of toughness to the game. His addition will also elevate the competition at quarterback, which will be good for all the players at the position. We’re looking forward to his arrival on campus so he can start working out with the guys, while getting acclimated to the way we do things.”

The release further noted that Bench is allowed to play in 2013 due to the Nittany Lions’ NCAA sanctions and will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Bench, a three-star member of the Nittany Lions’ 2012 recruiting class, told Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times that one of the biggest reasons for opting for the Bulls was that the coaching staff made it clear they not only “needed a quarterback, but they made me feel like they needed me to be their quarterback, and that goes a long way.”

AP

Some links from around college football on a Thursday…

• Matt Hayes of the Sporting News does think there’s inequality in the SEC’s scheduling model… and that Alabama is benefitting.
• Arizona State head coach Todd Graham has close ties to Oklahoma as well. Naturally, he was worried when Monday’s events unfolded.
• Toledo is also looking into selling beer and wine at football games.
• Rarely-used defensive end Ricardo Williams and receiver Robert Lockhart are no longer at Miami.
• Checking in with Tulane safety Devon Walker as he faces life with paralysis. An outstanding update from Yahoo! Sports.
• Former Rutgers quarterback Ryan Hart can pursue a lawsuit against EA Sports after winning an appeal in federal court. Similar to the O’Bannon lawsuit.
• Former Alabama athletic director Mal Moore was posthumously named Athletic Director of the Year by the Sports Business Daily.

AP

Nearly a month to the day it was announced that he would be transferring from Penn State, Steven Bench has found a new home to continue his playing career.

On his Twitter account Thursday morning, the quarterback revealed that he has “decided to attend the University of South Florida and become a [B]ull!!”  USF was one of a handful of schools that Bench had considered since leaving the Nittany Lions last month.

The Bulls have not yet officially announced Bench’s addition to the football program.

As has been previously noted, Bench will be eligible to play immediately in 2013 because of Penn State’s NCAA sanctions.  He will have three years of eligibility remaining plus a redshirt season.

Along with the Bulls, Bench had also visited Mississippi State and North Carolina State. Both FIU and Temple were reportedly in the mix at some level.

As a true freshman last season, Bench appeared in two games and attempted seven passes.

AP

‘Tis the season for transfers, apparently.

Following up on some hints from Kansas coach Charlie Weis on Wednesday, Kansas announced that evening that former Miami (OH) wide receiver Nick Harwell would be joining the program. Harwell was dismissed from the school last week by the dean’s office following an arrest in March that also resulted in his suspension from spring practices. As a result, he was no longer considered part of the football team.

Harwell pleaded guilty to one count of attempted theft on May 9 and was sentenced to 90 days in jail with 89 days suspended for the incident.

Despite his off-the-field issue, Harwell was an extremely productive receiver for the RedHawks. He led the team in receiving yards (870) and touchdowns (eight), and finished second in receptions (68) — all while missing three games with injuries. Harwell was also the NCAA’s second-leading receiver in 2011 with 129.6 receiving yards per game, finishing his sophomore campaign with 97 receptions for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns.

Harwell leaves Miami as the school’s second all-time leading receiver in career receptions (229) and yards (3,166), as well as third in receiving touchdowns (23).

It’s not clear if Harwell will be eligible to play right away for the Jayhawks, but Weis has stated he’s looking for players who can make an immediate impact (much of KU’s 2013 signing class was made up of JUCO players).

And keep in mind that no Kansas wide receiver caught a touchdown last year.

AP

Though Aaron Murray will be looking to the likes of Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome to make plays at the tight end position, Georgia’s depth at that spot has taken a bit of a hit.

The school confirmed Wednesday that sophomore  Ty Flournoy-Smith was transferring from the program. It’s not exactly certain where he’ll go, but it appears the JUCO route is the early favorite. Bulldogs coach Mark Richt even said there’s a possibility Smith could return to the team at a later point.

Smith had some off-the-field trouble this past February when he was arrested for falsely reporting a crime. Smith claimed his textbooks were stolen, whereas police found out he tried to sell them back to the bookstore.

Smith played in eight games last season, but did not record a reception.

(Hat tip: Athens Banner-Herald) 

AP

In January, Houston running back Charles Sims announced he would bypass the NFL draft and return for his senior season with the Cougars. Now it appears that plan may not be in the cards for Sims.

According to Rob Sellers of CougarsDen.com (giggity), Sims is leaving the program, though exactly why isn’t clear. In a release from the school a short time later, UH said Sims was simply weighing his future options. One thing the release made clear was that Sims has not asked for his release, something he’d have to do if he wished to transfer. Sims has already graduated from Houston and would be eligible to play immediately if he decided that was the route he wanted to go.

“We congratulate Charles on receiving his degree last week and becoming a Cougar for life,” coach Tony Levine said in a statement, adding Sims “has been a leader for our program both on and off field with number of accomplishments.”

Another option for Sims could be the NFL’s supplemental draft in June. Obviously, this is all a bit out of the blue considering he’s just months removed from electing to return to UH for another year.

Wherever he ends up, some team, whether at the college or pro level, is getting an excellent running back. Sims was a first-team All Conference USA selection in 2011 and a second-team selection last season. Despite nagging injuries, he still finished 2012 with 851 yards rushing and six yards per carry — still good enough to lead the team. He’s also a noted pass-catcher and can be a versatile weapon for any offense.

Updated 9:15 p.m. ET: In a statement released to CougarsDen.com, Sims confirmed he is departing Houston. As you’ll read below, what the running back’s future holds still remains unclear.

“It is with regret and deep humbling, that I am ending my playing career at the University of Houston. I have a lot of great memories that I will carry with me forever. I want to thank the University of Houston for allowing the opportunity to be a part of its football program.

I have worked extremely hard while I have been here at U of H and made every attempt to carry myself in a manner that would reflect the utmost integrity upon the school and this program.

I don’t know what my next step will be. I have one more year of eligibility, therefore I may look to play (1) more year of college football or I may enter the NFL Supplemental Draft later this year.

My family and I will continue to discuss my options and we will make a decision in the near future.”

AP

Nevada coach and Pistol offense innovator Chris Ault stepped down as the Wolf Pack’s head coach last December after nearly three decades of service. Less than six months later, he’s getting a well-deserved honor.

In a Wednesday press conference, Nevada-Reno president Marc Johnson announced that the field at the university’s Mackay Stadium would bear Ault’s name going forward. So, officially, it’s now Chris Ault Field at Mackay Stadium.

“I was always blessed at this University but my biggest blessing was always my family,” Ault said at the presser. “Though there is only one name on the field, I’m hoping it reflects a University and community that supported us, and players and coaches who did so much for our program. This is not about one person.”

Sure, but there’s no denying Ault is synonymous with Nevada football. Ault had three separate stints as Nevada’s coach — 1976-92, 1994-95 and 2004-present.  He was also the school’s athletic director from 1986-2004, guiding the Nevada football program from the Div. II level to Div. I-AA to the FBS level (then-Div. I-A) in 1992.

In all, Ault spent 41 of the past 48 years at his alma mater as a player, coach and/or administrator. His final record over his coaching career was 233-109-1.

Ault was hired earlier this month by the Kansas City Chiefs as a consultant, demonstrating just how far his influence with the Pistol has gone.

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Oregon reportedly met with the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions last month — perhaps around April 19th or 20th — over alleged recruiting violations dating back to 2008 in the Chip Kelly era. The hearing was a result of the university’s bid for a summary disposition with the NCAA falling through late last year.

According to documents obtained by the Eugene Register-Guard, UO received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA on Dec. 5, 2012. The NOA lists seven specific allegations of wrongdoing under Kelly, who became the coach of the Philadelphia Eagles toward the beginning of this year, that, per the paper, ”closely resemble — almost to the word — the allegations listed in Oregon’s failed attempt at a summary disposition…” Said to be included in those allegations is a failure to monitor charge that may include Kelly.

Additionally, the NOA states Oregon could be subject to penalties under the repeat violator rule because alleged recruiting misconduct involving J.J. Arrington in 2004. If Oregon is considered a repeat violator by the NCAA — a major violation would have to occur within five years of another major violation — it would shed light on why the summary disposition failed last year.

From the Oregonian on March 8, 2012:

In its online glossary of terms, the NCAA defines summary disposition as “a cooperative process between the school, involved individuals and the NCAA enforcement staff.”

It continues, explaining how an in-person hearing in front of the Committee on Infractions can be avoided. But then, in bold print, is the kicker:

“A school that would become a repeat-violator cannot use the summary disposition process and must go before the Committee on Infractions.”

In April, multiple outlets reported that Oregon and the NCAA previously “agreed” that major violations occurred in the use of recruiting services. However, the NCAA’s enforcement staff noted in the documents that there was “no finding of lack of institutional control and no finding of unethical conduct.” Because Oregon’s attempt at a summary disposition ultimately failed, the findings in the documents weren’t necessarily binding.

In March of 2011, Yahoo! Sports and ESPN.com published reports that called into question the financial relationship between Oregon and a pair of so-called recruiting services.  One of those services was Complete Scouting Services and its owner Willie Lyles. Among the items of interest in the business relationship between UO and Lyles stems from a “2011 National Package” sold to the Ducks in 2010 at a price of $25,000 that contained no recruits that would make up the following year’s class. Impermissible phone calls and too many coaches on the recruiting trail are among the other allegations said to be facing the program.

Oregon has proposed a two-year probation period and a reduction of one scholarship for each of the next three seasons as a result of the alleged violations. The COI can add additional sanctions to the program, at which time UO can either accept the them or appeal. The university’s policy regarding the ongoing case, as it has been along, has been that of “no comment.”

Getty Images

Some links from around college football on a Wednesday… 

• Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated projects the major conference bowl lineups starting in 2014.
• Renovations to San Jose State’s football stadium were approved on Tuesday.
• As he does every year, Bruce Feldman ranks his top-20 freaks in college football. Take a crack at who you think is No. 1.
• Oh my. Florida State’s Orange Bowl rings are very cool.
• Paul Finebaum is set to reappear on ESPN. The Wall Street Journal has the details.
• Michigan footballs: Made in the USA, not in Ohio.
• The AAC (formerly the Big East) has been looking into creating a new bowl game for a while, but that game could be held at Marlins Park in Miami.

AP

Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater ended the 2012-13 season as one of the early preseason Heisman favorites for the upcoming year. Whether he makes it to New York next December remains to be seen, but if he does, the junior doesn’t want any help from the school.

Per WDRB.com, Bridgewater asked his coaches for no Heisman campaign from the program.

“He went to the coaches not wanting a Heisman-type campaign,” UL SID Rocco Gasparro said. “He wanted it to be about team and if we won as a team individual recognition would come anyway. It says a lot about the character of Teddy, I think, and how much his team means to him.”

If nothing else, it’s a departure from his tone toward the Heisman last month. When asked in April if he would mind the school putting on a Heisman campaign for him, Bridgewater said ”Not at all. It’s something that I’ve been training for my whole life to be in these shoes, and at this stage, I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

That’s because there isn’t, but if Bridgewater really is more focused on the bigger picture, good on him. If he — if Louisville — has a great year with the more than manageable schedule the Cardinals face, he’ll probably be in New York either way.