Touring around college football’s headlines for Tuesday, April 21, Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara is after the opportunities that he couldn’t get at Alabama; the Oregon Ducks are chasing the champion they’ve yet to win; and a former Arizona State tight end is seeking his chance at professional sports stardom Down Under.
Ducks Still Have A Title to Chase
Austin Meek, The Register-Guard
On a Monday in which the Ohio State Buckeyes were paying a visit to the White House to commemorate their College Football Playoff championship, the runner-up Oregon Ducks were involved in spring workouts.
Austin Meek juxtaposes the Buckeyes’ celebration with the Ducks’ refocus on the championship that still eludes the program.
“Everyone is going to think that a million times — ‘It could have been us,’” quarterback Jeff Lockie said. “But someone had to lose, and that was us. Luckily we’ve got another chance to go do it next year.”
Alvin Kamara Eager to Provide Boost to Tennessee Run Game
Steve Megaree, Associated Press
Alvin Kamara was among the many highly touted running back prospects signed to Alabama in recent years, but the 2013 recruit failed to see the field his first year in the program.
He’ll get his chance to rush in the SEC next season as part of Tennessee’s backfield, teaming with stud sophomore Jalen Hurd.
Alvin Kamara told the Associated Press: “Not everybody gets the chance we get, to come out here and play in front of some of the best fans in the country. Just being out here and competing with my teammates and in front of these fans, it’s amazing.”
Former Arizona State Tight End Chris Coyle to Play Professional Rugby
Dan Bickley, The Arizona Republic
Chris Coyle, a standout tight end on the 2013 Pac-12 South-winning Arizona State Sun Devils, is pursuing a professional career in rugby.
How serious is Coyle about his new endeavor? He’s moving from the United States to Canberra, Australia, as Dan Bickley details.
“I’m going to be as ready as I possibly can,” said Coyle, who will compete in Saturday’s Rugby Bowl at Scottsdale Stadium. “I’m running a few miles every day and staying physical. The level of physicality out there is amazing. It’s just like the NFL with the high-speed collisions. And they’re so quick at moving the ball around. I’m just hoping I can keep up with them. But I’d rather have trial by fire.”
Marshall QB Race Hits Home Stretch
Derek Redd, Charleston Daily Mail
Rakeem Cato etched his name in Marshall football history, alongside other Thundering Herd quarterbacks like Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich.
Replacing Cato is no small feat: He left Marshall with 14,079 passing yards and 131 touchdowns.
Vying for his old job are Michael Birdsong, a transfer from FCS James Madison; Gunnar Holcombe, Rakeem Cato’s back-up last season; and freshman Chase Litton.
West Virginia Becomes Home for RB Rushel Shell
Craig Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
A highly touted recruit out of high school, Rushel Shell’s winding road to college football stardom took several details. Shell is now an integral part in West Virginia’s spread attack and, as this Pittsburgh Post-Gazette piece examines, he’s making strides to breakout in 2015.
