News and notes for the Sun Belt:
Arkansas State
JONESBORO (5/3/12) - Center Tom Castilaw (Flower Mound, Texas) and running back Derek Lawson (Jonesboro), both seniors on the 2011 Arkansas State football team, have been named members of the 2012 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, as announced by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF).
The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football players from all divisions of play who each maintained at least a 3.2 GPA throughout the entire course of undergraduate study and were either a starter or significant substitution on their team. A total of 721 players from 232 schools qualified for membership in the society's sixth year, marking this year's class as the largest since the program's creation in 2007.
A-State has now had seven players named to the NFF Hampshire Honor Society all-time as Castilaw and Lawson join former selections Jeff Blake (2011), Adam Gaston (2011), Alex Carrington (2009), Taylor Clements (2009) and Matt Reibe (2008).
Castilaw, a four-year letterman at ASU, was a First Team All-Sun Belt Conference selection last season and was also on the Rimington Award Watch List. The Phil Steele's Mid-Season First Team All-Sun Belt Conference and Honorable Mention All-America choice started every game at center for ASU's offense that broke the school record for total offense in just 11 games (4,952). Castilaw was a member of both the ASU Athletic Director's and Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Rolls and has earned his bachelor's degree.
Also a four-year letterman at A-State, Lawson busted on to the scene with 695 yards rushing as a freshman and finished his career ranked 12th all-time at ASU in career rushing yards with 1,933 to his credit. He rushed for over 400 yards in three of his four seasons at ASU and had 12 career rushing touchdowns. He had a 209-yard rushing performance in a 2009 home game that ranks as the ninth most ever in ASU Stadium history. He was a member of the Athletic Director's and Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Rolls and has earned his bachelor's degree as well.
http://www.astateredwolves.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=35558&SPID=2798&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205423361&DB_OEM_ID=7200
FIU
By Pete Pelegrin
Indianapolis has long been a city known for speed as in its famous race, the Indianapolis 500. Former FIU and new Indianapolis Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton will certainly maintain the city’s rapid reputation.
Whether it was returning a punt for a touchdown at Kansas the first time he touched the ball in college, scoring the decisive touchdown to secure the 2010 Sun Belt championship or igniting FIU with a kickoff return touchdown in its first bowl game, being on time was never an issue for Hilton during his FIU playing days.
On numerous occasions throughout his four years at FIU, Hilton delivered timely game-breaking play after game-breaking play for the Panthers en route to a prolific record-setting career. But for his NFL Draft party last Friday night at his parents’ home in Miami, Hilton was fashionably late.
The Colts made sure they weren’t tardy on the electric FIU talent. Indianapolis traded up with the San Francisco 49ers into the late third round to draft Hilton with the 92nd pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
"I was kind of anxious most of the night,” said Hilton of not hearing his phone ring as draft picks were taken last Friday. “Then when the Colts called I thought they were going to take me in the fourth round Saturday. But they said, "We just traded up for you." I was so relieved.”
Before the euphoric moment came for Hilton that night, there was a quiet nervousness in the Hilton family room where several family members, Jason Katz -- one of Hilton’s agents, FIU cameraman Chris Necuze and I watched the draft with Hilton. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the historic night for Hilton and the FIU football program after he became the highest drafted FIU player.
http://www.fiusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=49159&SPID=4780&ATCLID=205422674&DB_OEM_ID=11700
FAU
Former Florida Atlantic University football defensive end Kevin Cyrille has agreed to terms on a rookie free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings, following the completion of the NFL Draft on April 28.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 275-pound Cyrille finished his FAU career as the school’s all-time leader in quarterback hurries with 14. He also ranks among the top 10 in five other defensive categories despite only playing three years at the school after transferring from Western Michigan University.
Last season, Cyrille started 11 of FAU’s 12 games, and had 36 total tackles. He was second on the team in both tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (4.5), while leading the team with nine QB hurries.
The Miami native is among 15 Vikings’ rookie free agents that will travel to Winter Park, Minnesota for the team’s rookie mini-camp beginning Friday, May 4.
http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/043012aac.html
BOCA RATON, FL - Former Florida Atlantic running back Alfred Morris was selected by the Washington Redskins in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft on Saturday.
Morris, who is FAU's all-time leading rusher, was selected 173rd overall. In addition to his 3,529 rushing yards, the Pensacola, FL also holds FAU career records for total touchdowns (31), rushing touchdowns (27), and all-purpose yards (3,843). Additionally, he earned invitations to the East-West Shrine Game, the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. He was coached in the Senior Bowl by Redskins Head Coach Mike Shanahan.
FAU has now had a player drafted in the last three NFL drafts. Morris joins Rusty Smith ('10-Tennessee Titans) and Rob Housler ('11-Arizona Cardinals) as former Owls to be drafted. Morris was named offensive MVP of the football team and FAU's Male Student-Athlete of the Year.
http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042812aab.html
ULM
MONROE, La. - Former ULM wide receiver Luther Ambrose signed a free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday following the conclusion of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Ambrose made a huge impact for the Warhawks on special teams during his senior season, earning honorable mention SI.com All-America and second team All-Sun Belt accolades as a kick returner. The native of St. James, La., led the NCAA in returns of 40 or more yards with six and in returns of 50 or more yards with four. He returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns in 2012 to set the ULM school record for a single season and career (3).
A multi-sport athlete for ULM, Ambrose also garnered All-America honors on the track with a third-place finish in the 100-meter dash at the NCAA Championships during the 2010 season. He will be seeking his third straight Sun Belt title in the 100 in two weeks.
http://www.ulmwarhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19000&ATCLID=205422011
ULL
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- University of Louisiana senior cornerback Dwight "Bill" Bentley has been chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 85th overall pick of the third round in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Bentley is 33rd UL player selected all-time in the NFL Draft and the first since defensive end Hall Davis was tabbed by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round (149th pick) in 2010.
“I am very happy for Dwight because his selection tonight is the result of hard work and total dedication to making himself the best player that he can be,” Ragin' Cajuns head coach Mark Hudspeth said. “He was instrumental in the turn around that this program enjoyed this past season and I look forward to watching him play on Sunday’s this fall.”
Bentley, a 5-11, 173-pound defensive back from Pahokee, Fla., was named the co-MVP of the UL defense this past year after ranking fifth on the squad with 71 tackles (53 solo).
A first team All-Sun Belt choice, he started 45 career games at UL, including all 13 this past season. He totaled 232 tackles (183 solo) and seven interceptions in his career.
Bentley intercepted three passes in 2011, including two in the season opener at Oklahoma State. His 38-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Cowboys was one of two touchdowns he scored in 2012.
One of three Sun Belt players taken on the second day of the draft, Bentley joins Arkansas State linebacker Demario Davis (3rd round, 77th pick by Jets) and FIU wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (3, 92, Indianapolis) as the league's draft choices.
Bentley will be given a chance to start for the Lions this fall. The club entered the draft needing help at cornerback, the only position they don’t have a starter returning from last season. The Lions lost cornerback Eric Wright in free agency when he signed with Tampa Bay and has every other key player back from the franchise’s first playoff team since the 1999 season.
http://www.ragincajuns.com/news/2012/4/27/FB_0427121928.aspx?path=football
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- After patiently waiting through the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, University of Louisiana senior Ladarius Green had cause to celebrate early on Saturday when he was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 15th pick of the fourth round (110th overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Green becomes the 34th UL player selected in the draft all-time.
Along with UL teammate Dwight "Bill" Bentley, who was taken by Detroit with the 85th overall pick in the third round, the 2012 draft marks just the fourth time that multiple Ragin' Cajuns have been taken in the same draft.
“I am very proud of all that Ladarius has accomplished,” UL head coach Mark Hudspeth said. “This is the opportunity that he has worked so hard to get and I think that the San Diego Chargers will be a good fit for him. They have a veteran quarterback (Philip Rivers) and Ladarius will get to learn from Antonio Gates, who is one of the best tight ends in the game.”
Green, a 6-6, 238-pound tight end from Pensacola, Fla., earned first team All-Sun Belt honors last fall after catching 51 passes for 606 yards and eight touchdowns.
A December UL graduate with a degree in finance, he was recently named the squad’s co-offensive most valuable player at the annual football awards banquet.
A three-year starter, he closed his Ragin' Cajuns career by making five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown in a 32-30 victory against San Diego State in the New Orleans Bowl.
Green put himself into position for an NFL career following a record-breaking four seasons at the UL, finishing with 149 receptions, 2,201 yards and 22 TDs. He was twice a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end.
Green was the fourth tight end selected in the draft, following Stanford’s Coby Fleener (2nd round, Indianapolis), Clemson's Dwayne Allen (3rd, Indianapolis) and Missouri's Michael Egnew (3rd, Miami).
http://www.ragincajuns.com/news/2012/4/28/FB_0428124125.aspx?path=football
MTSU
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Former Middle Tennessee football players Malcolm Beyah and Colin Boss have signed as free agents in the NFL. Beyah, a wide receiver, has inked with the New Orleans Saints, and Boss has agreed to join the Washington Redskins.
Beyah, out of Chamblee, Ga., ended his career ranked fifth in all-time receptions, seventh in receiving yards, and eighth in touchdown grabs. As a senior, Beyah turned in a career-best 45 receptions for 497 yards and six touchdowns.
Boss, a first team All-Sun Belt pick last year, worked at every position on the offensive line during his career but focused more on center his last two seasons. The Temple Terrace, Fla., native did not allow a sack this past season and registered 43 total knockdowns.
http://www.goblueraiders.com/content.cfm/id/61001
North Texas
DENTON, Texas - The Mean Green Radio Network and KHYI 95.3 The Range have reached an agreement on a new five-year contract to air all North Texas football and men's basketball games. The new contract begins with the 2012 football season and KHYI The Range will serve as the commercial flagship station for North Texas through the 2017 football and men's basketball season.
"This collaboration with KHYI is an exciting new partnership for our Mean Green Radio Network," said Deputy Athletic Director Hank Dickenson. "Not only does 95.3 FM have the reach that will satisfy our core listenership, it also offers a format and a marketing platform that we are anxious to take advantage of. This is truly a win-win situation for the MGRN. We are blessed to be able to continue our longstanding connection with KNTU 88.1 as our technical flagship station as well."
In addition to KHYI, the campus station KNTU 88.1 FM will air all 12 regular season football, men's basketball, and women's basketball games.
"KHYI 95.3 The Range is immensely excited to be the DFW radio home of North Texas Football and Basketball," said General Manager Josh Jones. "We know that Coach McCarney will bring the same kind of passion to the field that 95.3 The Range listeners have about the music they hold so dear. This is a perfect marriage, great music, great sports, and great listeners."
Back for his 24th season, the voice of the Mean Green is popular metroplex personality George Dunham. Dickenson will enter his 17th season paired with Dunham for football games and serves as play-by-play voice for road men's basketball games.
Steven Bartolotta serves as the producer and engineer for all football games and will provide play-by-play for all of the women's basketball games. Chris Wiley serves as the statistician for his 12th straight season.
http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205416798&DB_OEM_ID=1800
WKU
Bowling Green, Ky. - Former Western Kentucky University defensive back Derrius Brooks was one of 14 players to sign a free-agent contact with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday.
A converted wide receiver, Brooks played the last two seasons at DB, earning second-team all-Sun Belt honors in 2011. After serving in a backup role to start the season, the Fortson, Ga., senior started each of the last eight games at cornerback. He ranks fifth on the team with 48 total tackles, including 33 solo stops. His team-best four interceptions are tied for second-most in the conference in 2011, and tied for 23rd nationally. On top of his INTs, Brooks also led the team with 10 pass breakups. He finished with a season-high nine tackles against Louisiana-Lafayette, and had multiple stops in all 12 games. That included four or more tackles seven times.
WKU all-time leading rusher Bobby Rainey has also agreed to a free-agent deal with the Baltimore Ravens, but the organization has not yet made an announcement regarding an official contract signing.
http://www.wkusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=28825&SPID=2242&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205423153&DB_OEM_ID=5400
Bowling Green, Ky. - Former Western Kentucky University defensive lineman Bo Adebayo was selected by the Montreal Alouettes in the third round (18th pick overall) of the 2012 Canadian Football League Draft on Thursday.
A honorable mention all-Sun Belt Conference selection in 2011, Adebayo earned a starting spot at defensive end coming out of training camp last fall, going on to play in all 12 games during his senior campaign, starting nine times. He registered 31 total tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss - meaning over a quarter of his stops came behind the line of scrimmage. The Lawrenceville, Ga., product ranks tied for 17th in the Sun Belt in tackles for loss (0.71 per game) and tied for 13th in sacks (0.33 per game). Three of his four sacks came in conference games, and the other went for a safety at #1 LSU. He was credited with multiple tackles in 11 of 12 games. The entire defensive line helped the WKU defense average 6.58 tackles per loss and 2.33 sacks per game in 2011. Those averages rank fourth and third in the conference, respectively.
In addition to being drafted into the CFL, Adebayo has also been invited to take part in the Detroit Lions' Rookie Mini Camp, May 11-13.
http://www.wkusports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=28825&SPID=2242&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205423346&DB_OEM_ID=5400
USA
No updated news regarding the program.
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