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  • The 5 Best Prog Metal Covers of Black Sabbath Songs

    The 5 Best Prog Metal Covers of Black Sabbath Songs

     

    Chris Walter, WireImage / Ethan Miller, Getty Images / Scott Dudelson, Getty Images

     

    Paul Natkin, Archives Photos/Getty Images

    Opeth, “Solitude”

    Recorded live at Stockholm’s Sodra Teatern in 2012, Opeth’s rendition of Master of Reality’s penultimate cut is the only Black Sabbath song they’ve ever formally covered. It released as a bonus track on 2014’s Pale Communion, and according to frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt, they’d been playing it since “the early ‘90s.”

     

    In a nutshell, Opeth stick very closely to the Birmingham quartet’s surprisingly gentle and pastoral vision, with a bit less Moody Blues-esque psychedelic floweriness and a bit more Middle Eastern twang thanks to its marginal increase in fancy guitarwork. It’s slightly more biting and grounded (and less dreamy) as well, and it could just as easily be an Opeth original.

     

    It’s perhaps the safest entry here, yet also one that epitomizes how the best covers are often as authentic to the initial creators as they are to the artists reimagining them.

     

    Queensrÿche, “Neon Knights”

    Heaven and Hell is routinely voted as one of Black Sabbath’s strongest LPs, and explosive opener “Neon Knights” plays as large a role in that distinction as anything else in the collection. That’s why Queensrÿche had quite the task in front of them when they chose to tackle it on 2007’s appropriately named Take Cover (which was sandwiched between two of their weakest efforts: 2007’s Operation: Mindcrime II and 2009’s American Solider).

     

    They may’ve been lacking artistically when it came to their own material during that time, but they pretty much sound as energized and focused as ever on “Neon Knights.”

     

    It’s almost identical structurally and Geoff Tate’s soaring voice still doesn’t outdo Dio’s show-stopping performance. Even so, they do a killer job injecting their own flavors into Black Sabbath’s template with respectfulness and resourcefulness.

     

    In that way, it’s an endearing example of a quintessential progressive metal forebear bowing down and paying homage to one of their eminent forefathers.

     

    Coheed and Cambria, “Heaven and Hell”

    Given that they rarely border on straightforward heavy metal, you might not expect Coheed and Cambria to throw a Black Sabbath song into one of their trademark emo/prog rock/prog metal live sets. However, they toured with Heaven and Hell back in 2009, and they performed “Heaven and Hell” periodically during the second half of 2012.

     

    Whereas the eponymous Side A closer of Black Sabbath’s 1980 album (their first with Ronnie James Dio replacing Ozzy Osbourne) was typically sludgy, gritty and gloomy, Coheed and Cambria pass some of that muckiness through a brighter, cleaner and more vibrant and epic filter.

     

    Singer Claudio Sanchez’s distinctively high-pitched outcries make their version operatic, too, and although they lose the calm acoustic guitar outro, their electrifying closing jam is sufficiently awesome and idiosyncratic.

     

    It’s not as “proggy” as some might anticipate, but it’s nonetheless a resourceful revision that wouldn’t have been too out of place on one of their early 2010s sequences.

     

     

    Faroese foursome Týr are commonly credited as a power/folk/Viking metal ensemble, but they also incorporate ample amounts of progressive metal into their legendary conqueror persona. Their adaptation of “I” showcases that well by mixing the core rage and dynamic range of the Dehumanizer standout with Týr’s requisite sleek production and triumphant/motivational war-ready edge.

     

    In a sense, their fiercer tone and multilayered arrangement is what might happen of Black Sabbath’s design was retooled for the newer God of War video games or any other recent pop culture depiction of Norse or Greek mythology.

     

    Both instrumentally and vocally, it’s twice as adrenaline-fueled and magnificent, with the chorus sounding like it’s being sung by a dozen warriors ready to charge into battle.

     

    Interestingly, they also covered “Stargazer” by Rainbow on the limited edition of 2011’s The Lay of Thrym (so listeners got a double dose of Viking-tinged prog metal Dio fury).

     

    Green Carnation, “Solitude”

    “Solitude” is among the greatest Black Sabbath ballads, so it deserves two spots on this list (especially since it gave way not only to Opeth’s traditional take but also to this bolder and richer interpretation).

     

    Lifted from the Norwegian sextet’s sixth and latest LP – 2020’s Leaves of Yesteryear – its lusher and slower trajectory is apparent right away.

     

    Forlorn acoustic guitar arpeggios, soothing keyboard backdrops and distressing piano notes (among other rustic/tribal tones) instantly give it a hauntingly symphonic coating. Meanwhile, Kjetil Nordhus’ tender lead vocals and evocative harmonies add to its chilling classiness.

     

    The heart of Black Sabbath’s blueprint remains, of course, but it wouldn’t be wrong for fans of folk/goth/doom metal mainstays such as Katatonia and Borknagar to prefer Green Carnation’s execution.

     

    Favorite Black Sabbath Album of 21 Rock + Metal Legends

    Members of Metallica, Iron Maiden, and even Sabbath themselves reveal their favorite titles from the band’s catalog.

    James Hetfield, Metallica

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Master of Reality

    What he said about it:

    “(Tony Iommi) can go from the heaviest doom riff into a happy mode and it would still sound heavy. We can’t do happy, but Tony can pull it off. My favorite track is ‘Into the Void.’”

    —James Hetfield (Classic Rock)

    ozzy osbourne performs with black sabbath in 2016

    ozzy osbourne performs with black sabbath in 2016

    Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “Our last truly great album, I think… And with the music, we’d managed to strike just the right balance between our old heaviness and our new, ‘experimental’ side.”

    —Ozzy Osbourne (I Am Ozzy)

    smashing pumpkins, sighommi

    smashing pumpkins, sighommi

    Theo Wargo, Getty Images

     

    Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “Creepy, spooky, and heavier than God in brief, fleeting moments. This album always makes me think of the soundtrack Sabbath would make to a final day of Earth.”

    —Billy Corgan (Music Radar)

    billy corgan in 2025

    billy corgan in 2025

    Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “Creepy, spooky, and heavier than God in brief, fleeting moments. This album always makes me think of the soundtrack Sabbath would make to a final day of Earth.”

    —Billy Corgan (Music Radar)

    lzzy hale, halestorm

    lzzy hale, halestorm

    Lzzy Hale, Halestorm

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Heaven and Hell

    What she said about it:

    “This album changed my life tonally for guitar. It definitely put me in the right direction to be a hard rock artist. I’ve been listening to Dio and Black Sabbath since I was a kid… and this was one of the first albums that I owned and listened to. I kind of got introduced to Sabbath during the Ronnie James Dio years and then I had to go back and rediscover Black Sabbath with Ozzy. It was the gateway drug.”

    —Lzzy Hale (AXS TV)

    tom morello, rage against the machine

    tom morello, rage against the machine

    Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Paranoid

    What he said about it:

    “The world may never recover”

    —Tom Morello on the 50th anniversary of the album’s release.

    Lars Ulrich, Metallica

    Lars Ulrich, Metallica

    Suzanne Cordeiro, AFP via

     

    Lars Ulrich, Metallica

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabotage

    What he said about it:

    “Side A, if you look at vinyl, is probably the strongest 20 minutes of Black Sabbath. And then ‘Symptom of the Universe,’ – the simplicity in the riff, the down-picking, the chug – it’s obviously the blueprint for the core of what hard rock and metal ended up sounding like … up through the ’80s and ’90s.”

    —Lars Ulrich (Rolling Stone)

    Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath

    Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath

    Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath

    Favorite Black Sabbath albums:

    Black Sabbath, Paranoid and Dehumanizer

    What he said about them:

    “It has a raunchy sound, something I think has been missing from Sabbath over the last few years. This is very much a classic Black Sabbath record. In fact, I didn’t expect it to come out quite this good.” – Tony Iommi on Dehumanizer (Far Out)

    iron maiden singer bruce dickinson performing solo with arm outstretched and beanie on head

    iron maiden singer bruce dickinson performing solo with arm outstretched and beanie on head

    Mariano Regidor, Redferns

     

    Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “I was a kid and got this album and I was still a virgin, which made me open it up and go, ‘Oh, my God. Look at those women.’ But what a great record. What a great album.”

    —Bruce Dickinson (Qobuz)

    Judas Priests Rob Halford performs at The Joint in Las Vegas, 2019

    Judas Priests Rob Halford performs at The Joint in Las Vegas, 2019

    Rob Halford, Judas Priest

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Black Sabbath

    What he said about it: “This album, recorded in a day, is magic for me. It captures the roots of what they are in the truest sense. You feel like you are in the studio with the lads.”

    —Rob Halford (Radio.com)

    Kirk Hammett, Metallica

    Kirk Hammett, Metallica

    Kirk Hammett, Metallica

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabotage

    What he said about it:

    “They created the genre in those first three albums, and then there was Vol. 4, which was just like another shift in their sound. And then Sabotage came out, which is another shift in their sound. They got a little bit more progressive, the playing got a little bit more advanced. The arrangements got a little bit more sophisticated.”

    “And they wrote the riff that I think encapsulates the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and thrash metal as as we know it, and that riff is ‘Symptom of the Universe.’ That song literally breathes new life into heavy metal … That riff in itself shifted heavy metal and I have to give that album and that particular song a lot of credence.”

    —Kirk Hammett (Consequence)

    Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath

    Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath

    Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “It was a great time to be in Sabbath cause we’d established ourselves. We had a few quid in the bank and things were just great. It was really good. Everybody was enjoying being together.”

    —Geezer Butler (Loudwire)

    Zakk Wylde

    Zakk Wylde

    Zakk Wylde

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabotage

    What he said about it:

    “To me, Sabotage is insane good. Ozzy’s vocal performance on that… I love his vocal performance on all of them, but I mean Sabotage, specifically, is just — I’ll put that up against anybody.”

    —Zakk Wylde (SiriusXM)

    dave grohl

    dave grohl

    Maya Dehlin Spach, Getty Images

     

    Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Mob Rules

    What he said about it:

    “In fact, Mob Rules got Dave Grohl and people of that generation into Sabbath. And then, of course, they go back and listen to the other stuff. I know that Dave Grohl was saying Mob Rules was one of his favorite albums.”

    Dimebag Darrell, Pantera

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Master of Reality

    What he said about it:

    “I’ve recorded so many compilation cassettes of Black Sabbath records that I feel like I only know one long, long album of theirs. Still, this one’s in my jukebox. It’s killer! We’ll still be talking about it in 40 years.”

    —Dimebag Darrell (Rock Hard)

    Bill Ward, Black Sabbath

    Bill Ward, Black Sabbath

    Bill Ward, Black Sabbath

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Master of Reality

    What he said about it:

    “I liked it because the band was, by that time, very much a completely on-the-road, touring band. We hadn’t come off the road for several years and there’s a maturity about it. There’s something about Master; there’s something different about it. It’s always been one of my favorites.”

    —Bill Ward (Rolling Stone)

    slash

    slash

    Slash, Guns N Roses

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Black Sabbath

    What he said about it: “In my opinion, there is no more ominous rock n’ roll record than this one. I don’t care what band you come up with – Black Sabbath’s first album tops them all. On every level, it’s the sound of pure evil.”

    Collin McDaniel / Circuit of the Americas

     

    Kerry King, Slayer

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Sabotage

    What he said about it:

    “Something about the vibe on that record. It’s cool. I mean, they’re all cool, but something about that one. Maybe ‘Symptom of the Universe.’ I don’t know. It’s nonstop badassery.”

    Scott Ian, Anthrax

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Master of Reality

    What he said about it:

    “It’s only 34 minutes but you have ‘Sweet Leaf,’ ‘After Forever,’ ‘Children of the Grave,’ ‘Lord of this World’ and ‘Into the Void’ on it … An album with one of those songs on it would blow people’s minds. But all [five] of those songs are on one album.”

    —Scott Ian (Guitar World)

    Glenn Danzig, Misfits

    Glenn Danzig, Misfits

    Glenn Danzig, Misfits

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Black Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “I played it when I got home (from the record store) and I was like, this is incredible. So then I took it around my neighborhood and started playing it for all of my friends, saying, ‘You got to hear this record, you’ve got to hear this band.’ Nobody knew who the fuck Black Sabbath was.”

    —Glenn Danzig (Revolver)

    Henry Rollins

    Henry Rollins

    Henry Rollins

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Master of Reality

    What he said about it:

    “This album not only has Tony Iommi capturing one of the greatest tones ever committed to tape, but Ward and Butler swinging as hard as they’re crushing it. This is a perfectly balanced bit of playing.”

    —Henry Rollins (Goldmine)

    Rick Rubin

    Rick Rubin

    Rick Rubin

    Favorite Black Sabbath album:

    Black Sabbath

    What he said about it:

    “This album is really the beginning of riff rock, which I really like. It sounds huge and scary, and slow and sludgy, and has a kind of otherworldly aspect to it that moves me.”

    —Rick Rubin (Gibson)

    23 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Black Sabbath

    Thanks to a career spanning nearly five decades, an estimated 70 million albums sold around the world, and more timeless songs than you can shake a crucifix at, Black Sabbath have certainly earned their standing as the godfathers of heavy metal. But even one of rock’s most notorious and newsworthy bands has its fair share of little-known details in their history, so we set out to compile 23 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Black Sabbath:

    Only One Session

    Only One Session

    Alex Pantling, Getty Images

     

    Only One Session

    It only took one session for Black Sabbath to record its self-titled first album in 1969.

    Tony Changed His Mind

    Tony Changed His Mind

    Robert Cianflone,

     

    Tony Changed His Mind

    Black Sabbath nearly broke up before recording a single song, when guitarist Tony Iommi left to join the more established Jethro Tull in 1969, but he luckily changed his mind.

    Story Behind The Name

    Story Behind The Name

     

     

    Story Behind The Name

    Black Sabbath say their name was inspired by a 1963 Boris Karloff film. While some have speculated the name could have come from the debut album by American psych rockers Coven (released months before Sabbath’s debut) that boasted a song named “Black Sabbath,” Black Sabbath the band have remained steadfast that it was inspired by the film.

    Anybody Know Her?

    Anybody Know Her?

    Rhino, Warner Bros./Canva

     

    Anybody Know Her?

    The name or whereabouts of the woman shown on the cover of Sabbath’s debut album or even the image’s photographer were a mystery up until a 2020 interview.

    Warpiggers?

    Warpiggers?

    Black Sabbath via YouTube

     

    Warpiggers?

    War Pigs almost ended up with a different name. Ozzy said in his 2009 autobiography that the song was initially called Warpiggers, “which was a term for a black magic wedding or something.”

    “Then, we changed it to War Pigs, and Geezer came up with the heavy-duty lyrics about death and destruction. No wonder we never got any chicks at our gigs.”

    No Time For Soundcheck With Rod Stewart

    No Time For Soundcheck With Rod Stewart

     

     

    No Time For Soundcheck With Rod Stewart

    Sabbath’s first U.S. show was at Ungano’s in New York City. Their second gig was opening for Rod Stewart and Faces at Fillmore East.

    Apparently, the two bands didn’t necessarily get along despite being on the same bill.

    “We were pissed off with the Faces, actually, because they didn’t give us any time for soundcheck,” Ozzy wrote in his 2009 autobiography. “And Rod kept well out of our way. Looking back now, I don’t suppose he was too happy having Black Sabbath supporting him.”

    Metal To The Face

    Metal To The Face

    Black Sabbath via YouTube

     

    Metal To The Face

    Sabbath played a show in Memphis during their second U.S. tour. It was on that night Ozzy said in his 2009 autobiography that a fan in a “cloak” jumped on stage.

    Annoyed by the fan’s antics, Ozzy pushed the fan toward Tony. Before he could make it to the guitarist, a roadie slammed a metal bar into the face of the cloaked fan. It was later revealed that the man was carrying a dagger under his cloak.

    “I almost fell backwards into one of the speaker cabinets. I was so freaked out,” Ozzy recalled. “If it hadn’t been for our roadie, Tony might have been a goner.”

    Phoning A Friend

    Phoning A Friend

     

     

    Phoning A Friend

    Seeking to finesse their sound for 1973’s “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” the band called in a favor from Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, whose alcohol consumption was as legendary as his musical talents.

     

     

     

    Ozzy was a fan of soul music in his younger days. He lists Sam and Dave among his favorite acts.

    They Did WHAT On The Escalator?!?!

    They Did WHAT On The Escalator?!?!

     

     

     

    Black Sabbath hired respected art designers Hipgnosis to craft a sophisticated cover for 1976’s “Technical Ecstasy,” but Ozzy later dismissed it as “two robots screwing on an escalator.”

     

    Ozzy Osbourne officially parted ways with Sabbath in 1979, but the singer had actually already quit the group in late ’77, forcing them to recruit former Savoy Brown singer Dave Walker for a single TV performance.

     

     

     

    Who recommended Ronnie James Dio as Ozzy’s replacement? Band manager Don Arden’s daughter Sharon Arden … later known as Sharon Osbourne.

     

    When Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan joined Sabbath in 1983, their plan was to start a new band. Gillian would stick around to sing on “Born Again;” in addition, 1986’s “Seventh Star” (with Glenn Hughes on vocals) was supposed to be an Iommi solo LP; but both were released under the Black Sabbath name at the behest of record label suits.

    Never Interrupt A Sabbath Show

    Never Interrupt A Sabbath Show

     

     

    Never Interrupt A Sabbath Show

    The song “Fairies Wear Boots” was inspired by an encounter with combat boot-wearing skinheads who disrupted one of Sabbath’s early concerts.

    Original Four Comeback Album

    Original Four Comeback Album

    Getty Images

     

    Original Four Comeback Album

    The four original members of Black Sabbath almost recorded a comeback album with producer Rick Rubin in 2001, but Ozzy’s solo commitments and hit MTV show, “The Osbournes,” derailed their plans.

    Miss Me Deadly

    Miss Me Deadly

     

     

    Miss Me Deadly

    Tony Iommi was briefly engaged to wed metal goddess Lita Ford. But after the album he produced for her was shelved indefinitely, Lita broke off the engagement and was soon singing a duet with Ozzy on the “Close My Eyes Forever” single.

    It Doesnt Make Sense

    It Doesnt Make Sense

    Warner Bros./Canva

     

    It Doesn’t Make Sense

    The “Paranoid” album’s artwork has also perplexed fans

  • Ten Longhorns make Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason All-Texas college teams

    Ten Longhorns make Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s preseason All-Texas college teams

     

     

    Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, known as the bible of Texas football, has released its preseason All-Texas college team and ten Longhorns made the cut.

     

    The Longhorns had seven players make the first team and three players earn a selection to the second team. Arch Manning was named as the best quarterback, Colin Simmons was named the best defensive lineman, Anthony Hill was named the best linebacker, and Michael Taaffe was named the best defensive back.

     

    Manning, DeAndre Moore, and DJ Campbell were named to the first-team offense. CJ Baxter, Trevor Goosby, and Mason Shipley were named to the second-team offense.

     

     

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    On defense, Simmons, Hill, Taaffe, and Malik Muhammad were named to the first team. No Longhorns were added to the second team defense.

     

    Texas’ 10 selections were first among the FBS programs in the Lone Star State, with Texas A&M’s nine right behind. Texas Tech had eight selections, Baylor had seven, SMU earned six, and TCU posted five. Houston, North Texas, UTSA, Rice, UTEP, and Texas State all had 1-2 selections apiece.

  • Jameson Williams contract projection: Lions can lock in early to get a potential discount

    Jameson Williams contract projection: Lions can lock in early to get a potential discount

     

    Rohan Chakravarthi has contributed to SB Nation’s NFL coverage since 2022.

    One of the more polarizing draft picks in recent years for the Detroit Lions was taking wide receiver Jameson Williams in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

     

    After selecting Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 pick that year, the Lions made a massive move up, trading pick Nos. 32, 34, and 66 for pick Nos. 12 and 46, ultimately selecting Williams at No. 12.

     

    It was a gamble for Detroit, not only because of the fact that they moved up 20 spots, but also due to Williams recovering from a torn ACL that he sustained in his final year of college.

     

    The recovery kept Williams out for much of his rookie season, as the wideout played in just six games. Then, in 2022, Williams was suspended for the first six games (eventually reduced to four) for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. He played in 12 games that year, catching 24 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns.

     

    2024 was Williams’ true breakout campaign, as the former first-rounder caught 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns, turning into an explosive play machine. He went for over 100 yards three times, while reaching the 75-yard mark another eight times, becoming the No. 2 option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.

     

    The Lions were clearly pleased with Williams’s breakout season, as they picked up his fifth-year option for 2026, guaranteeing the wideout a $15.493 million salary. Of course, with picking up the option comes extension talks, as Detroit has done a good job of keeping their homegrown stars over the past few years.

     

    This offseason, the Lions have already extended safety Kerby Joseph and linebacker Derrick Barnes. Last year, it was Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, DJ Reader, Graham Glasgow, and David Montgomery.

     

    Now, it could be Williams’s turn, as the Lions may look to secure a long-term extension for the speedy wideout ahead of the season. Wide receiver prices are only going up, and Williams could secure himself a massive contract with another 1,000-yard season.

     

    So, what could an extension look like?

     

    Baseline numbers for a Jameson Williams contract extension

    There have been a couple of massive extensions at the wide receiver position this offseason, but those aren’t the only deals to keep an eye on.

     

    Quality wideouts such as Khalil Shakir, Rashod Bateman, and Darius Slayton each earned multi-year extensions worth at least $12 million annually.

     

    Shakir earned the biggest deal, landing a four-year, $53 million deal from the Buffalo Bills. Bateman recently got a three-year, $36.75 million extension, while Slayton got a three-year, $36 million deal much earlier in the offseason.

     

    Honestly, those three contracts seem like the floor for Williams after his 2024 campaign. He’s more than a year younger than both Shakir and Bateman and four years younger than Slayton. Additionally, neither of those three receivers has yet to put up a 1,000-yard season like Williams has.

     

    A better comparison might be Jerry Jeudy, who earned a three-year, $52.5 million deal with $41 million guaranteed after being traded to the Cleveland Browns last offseason. Jeudy was a year older, entering his age-25 season, but had more consistency with three seasons over 750 yards in his first four years.

     

    Still, it feels like Williams should do even better than that, given the rising market for wide receivers and his breakout 2024 campaign.

     

    Projecting a new Jameson Williams deal

    The Lions have inked several of their top young talents to extensions in recent years, and a new contract for Williams could be the next one in line.

     

    Several of those extensions have been for four years, including ones for Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, Alim McNeill, Kerby Joseph, and even Jared Goff. But, given that Williams is coming off one strong season and still has two years of team control left on his rookie contract with the fifth-year option, it feels a three-year deal may be more reasonable.

     

    That provides the Lions with a little more security, while allowing Williams to cash in and also bet on himself, potentially hitting free agency after his age-28 season.

     

    When looking at the average annual value, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Lions’ wideout push the $20 million-per-year range. Yes, that would be a bit of a chance considering his resume. But, Williams does have two years and $18.13 million remaining on his rookie deal.

     

    When projecting a three-year deal worth around $20 million, Williams would have a total compensation of five years and $78 million, which is just over $15 million a year and on par with some of the comparisons we listed above.

     

    I see Williams coming in slightly above that $20 million range, with the guarantees evening out to give Detroit some flexibility.

     

     

  • SEC quarterback rankings: Arch Manning headlines loaded list

    SEC quarterback rankings: Arch Manning headlines loaded list

     

    How good is this crop of SEC quarterbacks? Consider, the quarterback ranked last on this list owns a victory as a starter against Nick Saban’s Alabama.

     

    And the No. 1 quarterback on my list? Well, he requires no introduction.

     

    The SEC became the nation’s best conference because of its superiority at the line of scrimmage, punishing running backs and speed on the perimeter. Somewhere along the way, though, this conference began attracting the best quarterback talent, too.

     

    That’s especially reflected this season.

     

    Consider this list as a collection of tiers. The top five quarterbacks compromise the top tier, and each would rank highly on a national list of quarterbacks. The middle tier offers stability and parity, and the quarterbacks ranked Nos. 6 through 9 could be scrambled into a different order.

     

    Five projected starters transferred to their new schools this past offseason. Some schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Tennessee, have not named a starter. The quarterbacks listed reflect our best estimation of the team’s starter.

     

    Here’s how I rank this impressive batch of SEC quarterbacks:

     

    1. Arch Manning (Texas)

    Manning is far from the most proven quarterback on this list, even if he’s got the most famous surname.

    This ranking is based on Manning’s potential for a lofty ceiling after he looked the part of budding star in two spot starts and backup opportunities last season. He should be ready to break out in Year 3 playing for Steve Sarkisian, one of the nation’s top quarterback developers. Manning’s arm is sharp, and his mobility and size are an X-factor, although he must improve his internal clock of knowing when to scramble when under duress.

     

    Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half against Texas-San Antonio at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

    2. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

    If you want to know what scouts mean when they say a quarterback has a “live arm,” watch Nussmeier sling a pass toward the sideline.

    He’s got zip. He needs to reduce his throws into impossible windows and stop telegraphing to the defense where he’s going with the ball. His 12 interceptions tied for the most in the SEC, but his 29 touchdown passes ranked just two off the conference lead. He’s an established veteran with a big arm, and he’s the SEC’s returning leader in passing yards. Plus, he’s surrounded by a talented receivers.

     

    3. LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina)

    Sellers steadily improved throughout his redshirt freshman season, to the point that he threw for 353 yards and five touchdowns in a November triumph over Missouri. He’s an excellent runner, too. Ask Clemson about that.

    His quarterback efficiency rating in conference games leads all SEC returning quarterbacks. He’s accurate, but he needs to improve his processing time. Ball security is his other area for improvement after he fumbled 11 times. If he speeds up his decision-making, he should see those fumble numbers reduce.

     

    4. DJ Lagway (Florida)

    Lagway is a big play waiting to happen. He throws a good deep ball and averaged 10 yards per pass attempt as a true freshman. He should make more plays with his legs, too, after a hamstring injury slowed him last season. Injuries are a concern.

    A throwing shoulder injury limited his spring practice participation. By May, though, he was throwing three times per week. Along with his health, he needs to improve his midrange accuracy and reduce interceptions. He threw nine picks in 192 pass attempts last year, but he oozes upside.

     

    5. John Mateer (Oklahoma)

    Mateer produced awesome stat lines last season at Washington State. He passed for more than 3,100 yards and rushed for more than 800. He’s efficient, as well as tough, strong and incredibly athletic.

    He can throw on the move and from multiple arm angles. He’s got plenty of tools in his belt. Why not rank him higher? He’s unproven against SEC competition. Two of his worst passing performances last year came in his two games against Power Four competition.

     

    6. Austin Simmons (Mississippi)

    Rebels coach Lane Kiffin describes Simmons as a “really talented thrower” with “a high ceiling.” You’d likely hear no argument from Kirby Smart. Simmons looked the part in a relief appearance against Georgia that resulted in a touchdown drive.

    He threw just 32 passes as a backup last season but looked good doing so. He played college baseball before opting to focus exclusively on football. On the mound, he fired fastballs that topped 90 mph. Is he ready to be the guy in a system that asks a lot of the quarterback? That’s the question he must answer.

     

    7. Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt)

    Vanderbilt’s Tasmanian Devil of a quarterback runs on moxie, and he’s at his best when facing the state of Alabama.

    This cocksure sixth-year senior spurred Vanderbilt’s upsets of Alabama and Auburn, and he previously beat the Tigers while quarterbacking New Mexico State. Pavia values possession, throwing only four interceptions last year. He’s a good runner, but the hits he absorbed took a toll. Pavia passed for fewer than 190 yards in each of his final six games. He lacks top-end arm strength, but he has a nose for playmaking.

     

    8. Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)

    Would the real Reed please stand up? The Aggie ignited in September after giving the offensive keys to Reed but fizzled in November, as Reed threw six interceptions in his final five games. The quick-footed Reed showed an ability to extend plays and knife through defenses. He’ll need to improve his consistency from the pocket and polish his deep ball. Texas A&M returned a lot of production. As Reed goes (or doesn’t go), so will the Aggies.

     

    Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed (10) throws during the first quarter against Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium.

    9. Taylen Green (Arkansas)

    Green is a mobile, hard-nosed runner with a strong arm. He can challenge defenses with downfield strikes. He became more accurate as the season progressed and flourished in an October upset of Tennessee, despite the Vols boasting one of the SEC’s top defenses. His next steps are to improve decision-making, navigating through his progressions and sharpening his midrange throws.

     

    10. Gunner Stockton (Georgia)

    The Bulldogs rallied around Stockton after he took the reins midway through the SEC Championship. It’s easy to picture him becoming Georgia’s heartbeat.

    He doesn’t match predecessor Carsen Beck’s arm talent, but he’s more mobile, and there’s a certain “Je ne sais quoi” about him that appeals to his teammates. He flashed accuracy when his line protected him, and he’s skilled in play-action. Whether he’ll stretch defenses downfield remains a question.

     

    11. Ty Simpson (Alabama)

    Simpson hasn’t proven himself yet. A former five-star recruit, he’s entering Year 4 at Alabama and he’s thrown just 50 career passes, with a 58% completion clip. A natural pocket passer, he possesses some mobility, too, and improvisational skills. Coach Kalen DeBoer desires more consistency from Simpson, the quarterback who’s first in line to replace predecessor Jalen Milroe.

     

    12. Blake Shapen (Mississippi State)

    Shapen looked sharp as Mississippi State’s quarterback for four games last September before a shoulder injury shelved him for the rest of the season. He’s back for a sixth season, and the former Baylor quarterback grasps coach Jeff Lebby’s offense. Shapen’s return offers the Bulldogs reason for optimism, considering he completed 68.5% of his passes before the injury.

     

    13. Jackson Arnold (Auburn)

    Arnold struggled as Oklahoma’s starter, losing his job before regaining it and starting in the Sooners’ upset of Alabama. That result must give Auburn hope that the junior shouldn’t be written off after a rough season playing behind a porous Oklahoma offensive line.

    Arnold struggled to connect consistently on throws beyond about 10 yards. Arm strength and mobility are assets. Maybe, this former five-star recruit will regain his confidence at Auburn, where he’ll have a better offensive line and receivers.

     

    14. Beau Pribula (Missouri)

    In Pribula’s most extensive playing time as a Penn State backup, he showed a steady hand in relief of injured Drew Allar in a win against Wisconsin. He’s a quality pickup for Missouri, which needed to replace starter Brady Cook.

    Pribula hasn’t been named for the job, but he seems like he’d be the front-runner in a competition with Sam Horn, Missouri’s seldom-used backup. Pribula is an electrifying runner who pairs athleticism with toughness. His running ability provided Penn State with an effective wrinkle to its system. To become a starter, he must prove himself as a consistent pocket passer.

     

    15. Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)

    Aguilar showed a fearless streak while starting at Appalachian State. A best-case scenario for Tennessee is that he develops into something like what Pavia became for Vanderbilt. Aguilar can extend plays outside the pocket.

     

    Fearless can’t mean reckless, though. He led the nation in interceptions at App State. Aguilar previously transferred to UCLA, but he left for Tennessee on the backside of the Bruins plundering Nico Iamaleava from the Vols. Aguilar’s preseason checklist must include improving pocket poise, ball security and learning a new offense at warp speed.

     

    16. Zach Calzada (Kentucky)

    Calzada started in Texas A&M’s upset of Alabama, way back in 2021, and he now prepares for his seventh season with his fourth program. Calzada never developed enough midrange accuracy at Texas A&M, but he threw a good deep ball, and he’s coming off a monster season with Incarnate Word of the Championship Subdivision. He’s more intriguing than plenty of past Kentucky quarterbacks.

     

    Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s national college football columnist. Email him at

  • ‘Everything Else is Noise’ – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Silences Critics as she Eyes World Championships

    ‘Everything Else is Noise’ – Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Silences Critics as she Eyes World Championships

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce silenced her critics with a strong third-place finish at the Jamaican Championships, proving she is ready for one final shot at global glory in Tokyo.

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has silenced critics following her stunning performance at the Jamaican Championships, which saw her finish third in the women’s 100m race.

     

    Tina Clayton and Shericka Jackson came in first and second in times of 10.81 seconds and 10.88, respectively, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce sealing the podium in 10.91.

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is now looking forward to donning the Jamaican jersey at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in what would be her final time competing in a global championship.

     

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

    ‘She Showed That I Should Have Stayed Longer’ – Usain Bolt Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: I Have a Job to Do

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time on Jamaican soil for a spot on the world championships team to Tokyo

    As she lined up against a stacked field for the women’s final at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was aware of what she needed to do.

     

    She disclosed that in the build-up to the championships, she put in the work and silenced all the people who doubted her, admitting that it was the only way she could show up and manage to finish on the podium.

     

    Analysing her race tactics at the trials, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce added that she did not have the best starts, but is glad that there is still time for her to work on that and hopefully be ready before the World Championships.

     

    ‘I Almost Lost Faith’ – Oblique Seville Opens Up After 100m Battle with Kishane Thompson

    “It was pretty much the same, to be honest, you know I have a goal and a task, and I have a job to do, and that is to come out here and run my race. Everything else is noise, and I have to block that noise out and get to my race and do my best,” Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said.

     

    “After that, I can marvel in the celebration and look forward to what is to come. My focus was to come out here and execute a good race, and I knew the field was going to be challenging. Now, I’m looking forward to representing Jamaica again, for one last time.”

     

    As Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce prepares for what could be her final bow on the global stage, her performance at the Jamaican Championships serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

     

    American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co

    American Legend Justin Gatlin on Specific Thing Kishane Thompson Must Embrace to Dominate Akani Simbine and Co

    With her eyes now set on Tokyo, she carries not only the hopes of a nation but also the weight of her own legacy, one she is determined to honour with every stride.

  • Commanders’ best-kept secret is turning heads at the perfect time

    Commanders’ best-kept secret is turning heads at the perfect time

     

    Mike Sainristil is going to be a household name before long.

     

    Mike Sainristil | Timothy Nwachukwu

    Jayden Daniels hogged the headlines as the franchise quarterback everyone associated with the Washington Commanders desperately needed. But that doesn’t detract from the fact that Adam Peters struck gold with one of his second-round picks for good measure.

     

    This went relatively under the radar in comparison. But judging by Sainristil’s approach over Washington’s offseason program, the fiery cornerback is going to become a household name sooner rather than later.

     

    The Commanders thought they had a tremendous player on their hands when Sainristil fell to No. 50 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. His production at Michigan needed no introduction. He won over those in power with an elite-level mentality throughout the team’s comprehensive assessments. The questions centered on whether his lack of size would prove complicated in the pros.

     

    Mike Sainristil proved his worth as future Commanders franchise cornerstone

    Sainristil answered these concerns emphatically. He thrived early on as the nickel option. When the Commanders switched him outside, he transitioned seamlessly, never backing down from a challenge and displaying the high-class consistency that made the defensive back an instant fan favorite.

     

    The second-year pro is only going to get better. Sainristil is eager to build on his rookie exploits and was lauded for his outstanding impact during offseason workouts. Washington’s cornerback room could be an area of strength next season. The additions made over the spring should also allow him to go back inside, where his skills are best suited.

     

    That’s a big positive. But having this added experience on the boundary makes Sainristil more well-rounded. Dan Quinn agrees, highlighting his savvy mindset and adjustability as reasons why the sky’s the limit.

     

    “Mike’s somebody that, he’s hard to fool. Much like Jayden, he’s got a little bit of an older soul about him, he takes to coaching quickly, he doesn’t repeat mistakes. And so, for him, the opportunity, when it comes to go and nail it — he delivered on that.”

    Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

    Sainristil is well on his way to becoming a franchise cornerstone. He embraced Washington’s culture shift, learning from the veterans and quickly coming out of his shell. This is just the start, so fans should expect more of the same when competitive action begins in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

     

    This is a superstar in every sense of the term, so soon into his NFL journey. If Sainristil enhances his performance levels next season and the Commanders go deep into the playoffs once again, his best-kept secret status will evaporate quickly.

  • She’s a big deal’ – From one GOAT to another, Usain Bolt pays glowing tribute to Fraser-Pryce’s legendary career

    She’s a big deal’ – From one GOAT to another, Usain Bolt pays glowing tribute to Fraser-Pryce’s legendary career

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt after a dominant year in 2013

    The Usain Bolt was present to cheer on Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in her last race on Jamaican soil and had positive messages for the GOAT of women’s sprinting.

    Track legend Usain Bolt was present for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s last race on Jamaican soil, and he had nothing but glowing tribute towards the sprint queen.

     

    Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time in front of her home crowd, racing in the women’s 100m semifinals and final for a spot on the Jamaican team to the World Championships in Tokyo this summer.

     

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce competed for the last time on Jamaican soil for a spot on the world championships team to Tokyo

    The five-time world champion didn’t disappoint, giving her all to finish third in a Season’s Best (SB) of 10.91s and make her thirteenth Jamaican team to a major international championship.

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: 7 iconic moments of Jamaican sprint queen’s legendary career

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: 7 iconic moments of Jamaican sprint queen’s legendary career

    Tia Clayton proved again why she’s in the best shape of her life by storming to a massive personal best of 10.81s (0.1) to claim her first senior national title, ahead of Shericka Jackson who clocked an SB of 10.88s for second.

     

    Bolt who was present at the stadium to support and cheer on Fraser-Pryce, spoke glowingly of the sprint icon’s career, inspiring longevity, and what she means to Jamaica.

     

    “She’s a big deal. I’d say as big as I am, she has done so much, so much gold medals, she was the first woman to win 100m for Jamaica, so she has done tremendously for the country. Even after I retired, she kept on winning gold medals just to show that longevity and the work that she puts in is just outstanding,” said the eight-time Olympic champion in an interview with Citius Mag.

     

     

    Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt ushered in a new era of Jamaican sprinters. Image source: Jamaican T&F Updates X

    When asked about how connected they are considering they both ushered in a new era of dominant Jamaican sprinters on the world scene, Bolt said:

     

    “I think we came through the ranks together. I think over the years we won in the juniors, we kind of came together to the seniors and did great together. I retired early, she showed that I should have stayed longer. But I’m very proud of her, she has done wonderful for the country.

     

    Easy-Peasy for Kishane Thompson as he storms to new PB and World Lead to win Jamaican 100m title

    Easy-Peasy for Kishane Thompson as he storms to new PB and World Lead to win Jamaican 100m title

    “I’m really proud of her and this is my opportunity to get to see her one last time and hopefully I can go to the world championship this year and also see that race.”

     

    By making the Jamaican team to Tokyo, Fraser-Pryce sealed her thirteenth appearance at an international championship and it’ll be her eighth time at the world championships.

  • The Jets are walking a contract tightrope with Quincy Williams

    The Jets are walking a contract tightrope with Quincy Williams

     

    Keep your eyes on this ticking time bomb.

     

     

    The New York Jets are going to have a decision to make on Quincy Williams, and it won’t be an easy one. The clock is ticking, as his current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season.

     

    Quincy Williams is good — really good. No one disputes that, but a lot of players are really good who make more than they’re worth. The Jets must determine just how valuable he is to them, what portion of the cap makes sense to devote to him, and if he is at all aligned with this vision.

     

    It sounds relatively simple. You offer a guy a number, he decides if he wants it, and if not, he goes to a new team that will pay him his number. This is a tale as old as free agency, or even employment as a concept.

     

    But the Quincy Williams situation isn’t that simple. There are layers here that make the decision both difficult and significant.

     

     

    The Jets recently locked up his fellow linebacker Jamien Sherwood on a three-year, $45 million deal, which includes $30 million guaranteed. This figure dwarfs the $6.5 million base salary that Williams will make this year.

     

    Whether you believe Sherwood or Williams is the more valuable piece, one thing’s clear — Williams doesn’t see himself as worth less than anyone. It wouldn’t be surprising if his agents have been in constant contact with the Jets’ front office since news of Sherwood’s contract broke.

     

    No one knows exactly what Quincy Williams is thinking, only he does. But it’s hard to imagine he’s thrilled about playing on a contract that pays him significantly less than a teammate at his own position.

     

    Almost any team would be dealing with this same circumstance if they had two Pro Bowl-caliber linebackers due to make money around the same time. That part is far from unique.

     

    What’s especially unique about the Jets’ situation is that Williams’ older brother, Quinnen, is not only the team’s defensive leader but arguably its best player, and he’s never been shy about speaking his mind when something doesn’t sit right.

     

    We all remember his “eye-roll” tweet following the news that the Jets were moving on from Aaron Rodgers. Though he has since apologized, it’s notable.

     

    So yeah, he doesn’t stay quiet when something is bothering him, and upsetting his little brother poses a high potential of bothering him. This makes the entire situation very delicate for all involved.

     

    The Jets not only have to determine the value of their young, talented linebacker, but they must also gauge how his family is going to react to their decision. This makes for quite the tightrope that general manager Darren Mougey must walk.

     

    What is Quincy Williams’ value?

    The easy answer to this question is that I don’t know. Paying two linebackers top dollar at the same time is expensive, but replacing two high-level starters in their prime isn’t easy either. It’s a valuable asset, no doubt, but it comes at a steep cost.

     

    Despite the recent shift toward the running game, the NFL in 2025 and beyond remains a passing league. Committing significant resources to linebackers is a tough sell. It makes more sense to allocate the bulk of your budget to pass rushers and defensive backs.

     

    That being said, talent is talent. And you don’t know that you’ll always have the talent in the secondary to justify a high-cap percentage. We know what Williams and Sherwood are together, and it isn’t a bad duo for the Jets to tie themselves to for the next couple of years.

     

    In four seasons in New York, Williams has never failed to eclipse 100 tackles or 15 games started. He has tacked on nine sacks and 50 tackles for loss. It jumps off the screen that he is a game-breaker.

     

    On the open market, Williams’ value is likely comparable to Sherwood’s. So the real question isn’t what Williams is worth, it’s whether the linebacker position as a whole is worth their combined price tag.

     

    What should the Jets do?

    The Jets must not act impulsively. Based on the fact that Williams isn’t holding a new contract yet, and all the evidence we’ve seen thus far, don’t expect Mougey to rush this.

     

    The 2025 season will serve as a major audition for Quincy Williams. If he struggles in a contract year, that might say everything you need to know. But if he delivers another standout season, the decision may become much clearer.

     

    Either way, the answer is to wait. They cannot let Quinnen Williams dictate their money, and they cannot make long-term commitments before they have to. This rebuild will be a process, and it is crucial that the Jets remain shrewd and don’t rush that process.

  • Jon Gruden Sends Strong Arch Manning Message at Manning Passing Academy

    Jon Gruden Sends Strong Arch Manning Message at Manning Passing Academy

     

    Every summer for nearly 30 years, some of the best coaches and players from across all levels have gathered for the iconic Massing Passing Academy.

     

    Led by Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning, the camp is designed to go over fundamentals for younger players in grades 8-12 at positions such as wide receiver, running back, tight end and of course, quarterback.

     

    One of the best aspects of the camp is that some of the top quarterbacks in college football attend the camp as counselors to help spread their knowledge. Among the more notable counselors in attendance is someone who has grown up around this camp, Texas quarterback Arch Manning.

     

    The biggest name in college football, despite having just two career starts, is the grandson of Archie and nephew of Peyton and Eli. With three-year starter Quinn Ewers off to the NFL, Manning has been tabbed as the guy in Austin.

     

    While expectations are sky high for him, seemingly everyone who encounters Manning expects him to do great. The latest example of this is former Super Bowl-winning head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jon Gruden.

     

    The former coach-turned-content creator took to social media to express his high expectations for Manning.

     

    “The future in Austin, Texas it’s Arch Manning,” Gruden wrote. “What an awesome kid with a bright future ahead of him, let’s go ARCH!”

     

    This past season saw the youngest Manning throw for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, while also racking up 108 yards rushing with four touchdowns on the ground.

     

    Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning.

    Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning. Scott Wachter-

    The Manning era will begin in Columbus, Ohio, as Texas will be taking on the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, who ended the Longhorns’ season in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.

     

     

  • Texas’ versatility at linebacker allows Pete Kwiatkowski to create a murky picture for opposing offenses

    Texas’ versatility at linebacker allows Pete Kwiatkowski to create a murky picture for opposing offenses

    One of the big developments of the 2025 offseason was the move of Trey Moore from Buck to off-ball linebacker. Moore, who had a standout first season in Austin after several strong years with UTSA, made a number of plays over the course of the season splitting time with Colin Simmons at Buck.

     

    And though Moore may not be full time off the opposing offensive tackle, Steve Sarkisian isn’t going to let that move take one of the Longhorns’ best pass-rushers away from defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.

     

    “Everyone’s under this idea that Trey Moore is not going to rush the passer anymore,” Sarkisian said on 3rd and Longhorn. “I’m not that dumb, okay? The dude had six sacks last year and probably missed another 12.

    He’s going to rush the passer, I’m just trying to expand his toolbox for the next level knowing his ability to play off-the-ball backer, he’s going to need to do that. If he can start to do both those things, now I’m starting to get position flexibility.”

     

    Sarkisian and Kwiatkowski have a defensive system that hybridizes multiple positions, allowing for Kwiatkowski to muddy the picture for opposing quarterbacks and offenses. The hybrid positions help to break some of the rules opponents follow, or make them harder to follow. If more and more players can do more and more things for the burnt orange, then who is taking on what role is almost impossible for the offense to decipher pre-snap.

     

    There are some positions that can’t be hybridized. Nose tackles have to be nose tackles. Corners have to be solid in coverage. But athletic linebackers that can succeed in space and also against offensive linemen is something Texas has in quality numbers. And Sarkisian is going to utilize them.

     

    “No different than, at some point, Colin is going to need to do some of those things in his career,” Sarkisian said. “Brad Spence is another guy in that role. These guys can do multiple things. I’m just adding up. You take Anthony Hill at ‘backer and let him rush the passer. If I add up those four guys, just last year alone you’re looking at 30 sacks, 20-something sacks with those four guys alone.”

     

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    Of course, these mysteries are made even more difficult to sort through on third down, when Texas can pick and choose who needs to take on certain roles.

     

    “If I’m an opponent, where’s Colin Simmons? Where’s Anthony Hill? Where’s Trey Moore? Where’s Brad Spence?” Sarkisian said. “All the while, we can interchange them and we can make the same call defensively, two guys are just changing positions, and the whole picture is looking different for the opponent.”

     

    It’s not something Texas can just do at the snap of a finger. Learning multiple hybrid positions is not an easy task. But should they get there before the season, it’ll be because the Longhorns have their system down to a tee.

     

    “We can change the picture a lot, as long as we understand the rules in the parameters of the defense,” Sarkisian said.