Clemson’s Dabo Swinney in the middle of LGBT issue

By Kevin McGuireMay 26, 2015, 2:39 PM EST

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is a man committed to his religious beliefs, and those beliefs have created some off-field drama in the past. It appears it may we have another chapter to write in this tale.

As reported by Outsports.com, Swinney is scheduled to appear at a fundraiser for the Palmetto Family Council on June 2. The organization is dedicated to fighting against equality for the LGBT community and same-sex couples. Swinney’s role in the fundraising event is drawing plenty of attention and leading many to publicly request Swinney withdraw from the event entirely.

“Coach Swinney has an obligation to the players he leads and all students that attend Clemson to use his considerable profile to promote causes that bring us together, not tear us apart,” GLAAD vice president Zeke Stokes said in response. “The Palmetto Family Council’s values are out of line with the values of love and acceptance for all people, and I hope the Coach will reconsider the message that his [alignment] with them sends.”

Nobody has a right to step in and tell Swinney he is wrong to support his beliefs, no matter how backwards you think they may be on this subject, but it might be wise for Swinney to think about what his actions are saying. Swinney may promote a bit of a religious setting around his program, but what would his decision be if he knew he had a gay player on his roster?

Whatever the case may be, it is clear we still have some work to do to provide the same human rights to those in the LGBT community. Swinney would be a great example and leader for that effort if he backed out of this event, but that is his call to make.

Helmet sticker to Outsports.com.

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Tennessee hires Penn State’s Bob Shoop as defensive coordinator

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By Zach BarnettJan 9, 2016, 8:30 PM EST

What’s the old saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, hire ’em?”

As Vanderbilt’s defensive coordinator from 2011-13, Bob Shoop led the charge in securing the ‘Dores first back-to-back victories over Tennessee since 1925-26. Now, two years later, Butch Jones has hired him to run the Volunteers’ defense.

“We are very excited about the addition of Bob Shoop to our coaching staff,” Jones said in a statement. “Bob has established himself as one of the premier coordinators in all of college football and is very well-respected as a recruiter, football coach and person. He brings a wealth of experience at the highest level and possesses all the qualities we were looking for as we went through this process. He has directed units that have finished in the Top 25 nationally in each of the last five years and he will do a great job of developing our players on the defensive side of the ball.”

Shoop spent the past two seasons working for James Franklin at Penn State, where he helped the Nittany Lions rank third (2014) and 15th (this fall) in yards per play allowed despite not playing with a full deck of scholarships. Penn State placed 42nd nationally in the year prior to his arrival.

“I would like to thank Mr. Hart and Coach Jones for giving me this opportunity,” Shoop said. “I also want to thank Coach Franklin, the Penn State players and coaches and the Penn State community for an incredible two seasons. This was not an easy decision and one that I didn’t take lightly. Over the last 24 hours I had an opportunity to meet with Coach Jones and his staff. It became evident to me that he is building a great program, a program on the rise and certainly one that will compete for an SEC Championship. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the team.”

Word out of Knoxville says Shoop will make the SEC-coordiantor standard seven figures, but he’ll be responsible for his own $800,000 buyout.

From a source, deal with Shoop is 3 years, $1.15 million and Tennessee is not responsible for his buyout.

— Dustin Dopirak (@TennesseeBeat) January 10, 2016

My bad. Was typing really fast. It is $1.15 million per year, not over three years. And that's from UT.

— Dustin Dopirak (@TennesseeBeat) January 10, 2016

Alabama voted as a team to delay NFL Draft evaluations until after the title game

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By Zach BarnettJan 9, 2016, 7:36 PM EST

To hear members of last year’s squad tell it, evaluations for the 2015 NFL Draft arrived during the middle of the second quarter of last year’s Sugar Bowl, single-handedly causing the Tide to turn a 21-6 lead into a 42-35 national semifinal loss to Ohio State.

Of course, that didn’t actually happen, but a perceived “lack of focus” was the reason Alabama — from Nick Saban on down — touted for blowing a shot last season’s national championship.

Whether that’s truly the reason or a convenient excuse, Alabama has vowed to not let it happen again.

Speaking to ESPN’s Joe Schad, Tide tight end O.J. Howard said the entire roster voted to delay results of NFL Draft feedback requests until after Monday night’s date with Clemson.

“All our focus is on one game,” Howard said.

Alabama has four underclassmen ranked among ESPN’s top 45 prospects.

Report: FSU QB Sean Maguire to undergo ankle surgery, will miss spring practice

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By Zach BarnettJan 9, 2016, 6:03 PM EST

The ankle injury Sean Maguire suffered during the Peach Bowl didn’t just cost his team a loss to Houston, it will also rob him of appearing in spring practice.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Maguire suffered a fractured ankle on a first quarter hit that briefly knocked him from the game. The paper reports he is set to surgically repair the ankle next week.

Maguire came back in and finished the game, hitting 22-of-44 throws for 392 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions in the Seminoles’ 38-24 loss to Houston. For the season, Maguire appeared in eight games, completing 112-of-189 passes for 1,520 yards with 11 touchdowns and six picks.

A rising senior, Maguire has been a good soldier for Florida State, backing up Jameis Winston for two seasons and splitting time with Everett Golson this fall. He’ll likely be behind the eight-ball when he returns to action as he will fight with redshirt freshman Deondre Francois and incoming freshman Malik Henry — four-stars, both of them — for the ‘Noles vacant starting position.

VIDEO: Watch every commitment from the U.S. Army All-American Game

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By Zach BarnettJan 9, 2016, 4:54 PM EST

The West downed the East 37-9 Saturday afternoon in San Antonio during the annual U.S. Army All-American Game. But the results on the field are always the least important happenings during high school all-star games, though this double reverse flea-flicker touchdown pass from Shea Patterson to Simi Fehoko was pretty sweet.

What actually matters in these games? Commitments. And we’ve got them all for you right here.

Wide receiver Dylan Crawford chooses between Michigan, UCLA, Miami and Oregon.

Defensive lineman Ross Blacklock picks between TCU, Texas A&M and Houston.

The nation’s top tight end target Isaac Nauta chooses between Georgia, Michigan and Alabama.

Wide receiver Donnie Corley picks Michigan State, Ohio State or Tennessee.

Wide receiver Javon McKinley decides between Notre Dame, Washington and Oregon.

In the end, Ole Miss commit Shea Patterson was named Game MVP for his two first half touchdown passes. See full game highlights here.

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