#SDSU Football

[goldenstatephotographer]

[sports-teller]

New Post has been published on Sports-Teller.com!

New Post has been published on https://sports-teller.com/list-candidates-to-replace-brady-hoke-sdsu/

List of Candidates to Replace Brady Hoke at SDSU

With Brady Hoke Retiring, Who Will be the Next Head Coach for SDSU in 2024? Who are the Candidates to Replace Brady Hoke in 2024? Today, we will review the latest news involving the List of Candidates to Replace Brady Hoke at San Diego State! Before we reveal who those top candidates are, we must go over the whole story regarding Brady Hoke’s retirement. Without further adieu, let’s begin! List of Candidates to Replace Brady Hoke at SDSU Full Story on Hoke Stepping Down as SDSU Aztecs Head Coach With Brady Hoke gone, now is the time for the Aztecs … Read more

[harrisonwoodard-blog]

SMU is ready for Big Boy Football!

[yourbetteragentgilbert]

Open house Saturday January 14……. 11 am to 4 pm 5747 Adobe falls rd unit b San Diego ca 92120 3 beds 2 bath 1368 sqft living area Call me for your Gilbert Gomez Big block Realty (619) 366-7464 Dre 02113096 Immaculate move-in ready home in the highly sought after Smoke Tree Community. This single story Condo lives like a Twinhome! With an attached 2 car garage, vaulted ceilings, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new paint and LVP flooring, large master bedroom with walk in closet, and much more! The French doors open up to the private patio with panoramic canyon views and lots of sunshine. This is one of the few units that also has a private patio off the master bedroom! Amenities include Pool, Spa, Ping Pong table and more! Located close to Mission Trails Park, San Diego State University, Malls, Balboa Park, and Beaches. #sandiegostate #sdsu #sandiego #sandiegostateuniversity #scards #downtownsd #football #aztecs #downtownsandiego #sandiegofitness #pacificbeach #lajolla #sd #nfl #sportscards #socal #tradingcards #thehobby #goaztecs #lsu #california #wildcardstedition #nflcards #footballcards #wildcard #vintagecards #collectibles #sportscardsinvesting #rookie #danmcgwire (at San Diego State University) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnX0-UxyMmn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[uswnt5]

lucky them, they were at the stadium so they didn't see the game start with an overhead shot that literally just showed the faded sdsu football logo and kicked up grass divots

lol I cringed so hard during that zoom in

[sungardenterrace]

Sungarden Terrace have best team to care our residents in California USA

TEAM DETAILS

Susan O'Shaughnessy

Administrator/ Marketing Director

With a degree in Gerontology from SDSU, Susan has over 26 years’ experience in assisted living communities. Susan has been part of the Sungarden Terrace team since 2020, and most enjoys introducing the amenities and staff to new residents. She loves the Padres and the Beatles and believes, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”

Jazelle Gragasin

Community Outreach Manager

Jazelle recently moved to San Diego and joins the team with over 16 years as a healthcare professional working with seniors. With a degree emphasis in marketing management, she truly enjoys making connections and building relationships in the community. She loves quality time spent with family, her 3 dogs, and watching football. 

Claudia Munoz

Care Supervisor 

Claudia has been with Sungarden Terrace since 2007, when she began as a NOC shift caregiver.  In the leadership role of Care Supervisor, Claudia most enjoys advocating for the residents and ensuring that they have all the services they need to thrive and feel comfortable.  When away from Sungarden, Claudia spends all her time with her husband, college-aged son, and middle school daughter.

Cindy Ramos

Culinary Director

Cindy Ramos has a way with food!  Her creativity for making all meals delicious and served with a celebratory flair, brings Sungarden Terrace residents happily to our Dining Room for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Cindy comes to us with nine years’ experience in the food service industry working in restaurants, hotels and country clubs. In 2018, Cindy began her career with Sungarden Terrace and  fell in love with senior living and considers nourishing our residents most rewarding.  In her free time, she volunteers in animal rescue, and is passionate about exercise and wellness.  Cindy believes, “Everyday is a new beginning where you can learn and grow.”

Marcos Sainz

Activities Director

“Hello! My name is Marcos Ramos, I am the Activities Director at Sungarden Terrace.”  Friendly, outgoing and welcoming, Marcos is able to engage even the quietest person in conversation or to participate in a daily activity.  Working with older adults for over seven years, Marcos has learned to “actively listen” and understands the importance of their life stories which span origins, loves, challenges and everything in between.

After receiving his degree in Child Care and Development from Southwestern College, Marcos completed courses in Personal Enrichment for Youth and Older Adults.  Recently, Marcos obtained Activities Director, California certification, specializing in supporting the emotional, spiritual, physical and social lives of seniors.  In his leisure, Marcos enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music and camping.

Raymon “Ray” Rojas

Building Engineer

Raymon “Ray” Rojas is responsible for routine maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting at Sungarden Terrace. Having recently joined the team, Ray was already familiar with the building and staff from his previous work with our corporate office on various sites, including Sungarden Terrace. He enjoys hands-on work and problem-solving, with a dedication to maintaining a beautiful, Community. Ray also loves working with seniors and enjoys listening to their life experiences. Outside of work, he spends quality time with his son.

When choosing the ideal assisted living facility for yourself or a loved one, quality care is the top priority. At Sungarden Terrace, located in beautiful Lemon Grove, California, we take immense pride in offering exceptional care through a compassionate and dedicated team. Our goal is to ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and valued in a warm and welcoming environment.

With a reputation for excellence, Sungarden Terrace has assembled the best team to care for residents in California, making us one of the most trusted assisted living facilities in the state.

A Dedicated Team Committed to Excellence

The strength of Sungarden Terrace lies in its staff. We understand that providing outstanding care is not just about meeting physical needs—it’s about creating a holistic environment that promotes emotional, mental, and social well-being. Our team is carefully selected, highly trained, and genuinely passionate about caregiving.

Why Our Team Stands Out

Compassionate Caregivers Our staff members are empathetic, patient, and attentive to every resident’s unique needs. From assisting with daily activities to offering emotional support, their priority is to ensure the comfort and happiness of our residents.

Highly Trained Professionals Each team member undergoes rigorous training to handle a variety of care needs, including specialized care for memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Resident-Centered Approach We believe every individual is unique. Our team works closely with residents and their families to create personalized care plans tailored to their preferences and requirements.

24/7 Availability Our staff is always available to address the needs of residents, ensuring peace of mind for families and loved ones.

Comprehensive Services at Sungarden Terrace

At Sungarden Terrace, we offer a wide range of services designed to enhance the quality of life for our residents. With the best team to care for residents in California, we provide:

1. Assisted Living

Our assisted living program offers the perfect balance of independence and support. Residents receive assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, medication management, and more while maintaining their autonomy.

2. Memory Care

Our specialized memory care services are designed for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. With a highly trained team, we create a safe, structured environment to support memory retention and cognitive health.

3. Respite Care

We provide short-term care options for families who need a temporary yet reliable solution. Whether recovering from a medical procedure or requiring a short break, our team ensures the highest standard of care.

A Vibrant Community for Residents

Care at Sungarden Terrace extends beyond physical health. We believe in fostering a vibrant and engaging community where residents feel connected and fulfilled.

Activities and Engagement

Our activities team organizes a variety of events, including exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy, and outings. These activities are designed to promote social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical wellness.

Nutritional Excellence

Residents enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals that are nutritious and cater to individual dietary requirements. Our team ensures mealtime is not just nourishing but also a delightful social experience.

Why Choose Sungarden Terrace?

Choosing the right assisted living facility is a significant decision. At Sungarden Terrace, our exceptional team makes all the difference. Here’s why families across California trust us:

Unparalleled Care Standards Our commitment to excellence has made us a leader in senior care in California. Families can rest assured their loved ones are in the best hands.

Comfortable Living Spaces Our residents enjoy beautifully designed, spacious accommodations that feel like home.

Focus on Independence We empower residents to live as independently as possible while providing the necessary support for their safety and well-being.

Convenient Location Situated in Lemon Grove, Sungarden Terrace is easily accessible, surrounded by the serene beauty of East San Diego County.

Testimonials from Happy Families

Nothing speaks louder than the words of those who have experienced our care firsthand:

“The team at Sungarden Terrace goes above and beyond to ensure my mother feels at home. The staff’s kindness and professionalism are unmatched!” – Sarah L.

“My father receives memory care at Sungarden Terrace, and I couldn’t be happier with the attention and respect he is given. The staff truly cares.” – David P.

“This facility is a gem! The caregivers are incredible, and the activities keep my grandmother engaged and happy.” – Emily R.

Experience the Best Care in California

At Sungarden Terrace, we believe that caring for seniors is not just a job—it’s a calling. Our dedicated team ensures that residents receive the love, support, and attention they deserve every day.

If you’re looking for a facility with the best team to care for residents in California, Sungarden Terrace is the perfect choice. Contact us today to schedule a visit and see why families trust us for their loved ones' care.

Please Feel Free To Contact Us:

Sungarden Terrace Retirement Community

Address: 2045 Skyline Drive Lemon Grove, CA 91945

Email: mailto:contact@sungardenterrace.com

Phone Number: 619-464-2273 (CARE)

Fax:+1 (844)-591-9133

Visit our website: www.sungardenterrace.com

[jennyboom21]

Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films opposite Sylvester Stallone, died Thursday, his manager Matt Luber confirmed to Variety. He was 76.

Weathers also starred in 1987’s “Predator” and had a memorable role in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore.” He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his work in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.”

He voiced Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and played a fictionalized version of himself in a recurring role on “Arrested Development.” His other credits include the TV series “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “The Shield,” “Chicago Justice” and “Brothers,” and the films “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt” and “The Comebacks.”

After working with Sandler on the 1996 golf comedy “Happy Gilmore,” Weathers briefly reprised his role in “Little Nicky” and voiced a character in Sandler’s animated Hanukkah comedy “Eight Crazy Nights.”

Born Jan. 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers played a variety of sports including boxing, football, soccer, wrestling and gymnastics. He played football in college at San Diego State University and helped the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. While at SDSU, Weathers also pursued a degree in theatre arts, but in 1970 he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent, and he played in eight games in the NFL as a linebacker across two seasons.

After his stint in professional football, Weathers pivoted more seriously to acting, landing small roles in Arthur Marks’ blaxploitation movies “Bucktown” and “Friday Foster,” as well as TV series including “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” “Cannon” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

In “Predator,” Weathers starred as Colonel Al Dillon alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, who went on to become the governor of California, and Jesse Ventura, who became the Minnesota governor. In 1988, Weathers hosted “Saturday Night Live” and, many years later, he returned to the live sketch show for a spoof segment in which he announces he is running for political office on the basis that he was “the Black guy in ‘Predator.'”

When Stallone asked Weathers for permission to use footage from earlier “Rocky” films for the sixth movie in the franchise, 2006’s “Rocky Balboa,” Weathers refused and lobbied for an actual part in the film, despite his character, Apollo Creed, dying in “Rocky IV.” Stallone said no and hired a lookalike actor to shoot flashback fight sequences. The pair reconciled, and Weathers later allowed Stallone to use his likeness in the “Creed” sequel series, in which Michael B. Jordan plays Apollo Creed’s son.

In his later career, Weathers landed smaller roles in TV procedurals, and he directed episodes of them, too. He earned his first Emmy nomination in 2021 for the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” in which he played Greef Karga in nine episodes across three seasons. Weathers stepped into the director’s chair for Episodes 12 and 20 of the “Star Wars” spinoff.

Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons.

[glowbstory1]

Carl Weathers, ‘Rocky’s’ Apollo Creed and ‘Mandalorian’ Actor, Dies at 76

Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films opposite Sylvester Stallone, died Thursday, his manager Matt Luber confirmed to Variety. He was 76.

Weathers also starred in 1987’s “Predator” and had a memorable role in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore.” He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his work in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.”

He voiced Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and played a fictionalized version of himself in a recurring role on “Arrested Development.” His other credits include the TV series “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “The Shield,” “Chicago Justice” and “Brothers,” and the films “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt” and “The Comebacks.”

After working with Sandler on the 1996 golf comedy “Happy Gilmore,” Weathers briefly reprised his role in “Little Nicky” and voiced a character in Sandler’s animated Hanukkah comedy “Eight Crazy Nights.”

Born Jan. 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers played a variety of sports including boxing, football, soccer, wrestling and gymnastics. He played football in college at San Diego State University and helped the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. While at SDSU, Weathers also pursued a degree in theatre arts, but in 1970 he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent, and he played in eight games in the NFL as a linebacker across two seasons.

After his stint in professional football, Weathers pivoted more seriously to acting, landing small roles in Arthur Marks’ blaxploitation movies “Bucktown” and “Friday Foster,” as well as TV series including “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” “Cannon” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

In “Predator,” Weathers starred as Colonel Al Dillon alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, who went on to become the governor of California, and Jesse Ventura, who became the Minnesota governor. In 1988, Weathers hosted “Saturday Night Live” and, many years later, he returned to the live sketch show for a spoof segment in which he announces he is running for political office on the basis that he was “the Black guy in ‘Predator.'”

When Stallone asked Weathers for permission to use footage from earlier “Rocky” films for the sixth movie in the franchise, 2006’s “Rocky Balboa,” Weathers refused and lobbied for an actual part in the film, despite his character

More

[bongaboi]

South Dakota State: 2023 NCAA Division I FCS National Champions

FRISCO, Texas -- Mark Gronowski ran for a touchdown and threw for another after halftime as South Dakota State won its second straight Football Championship Subdivision title, beating Montana 23-3 on Sunday.

The Jackrabbits (15-0) extended their overall winning streak to 29 games, including their win over North Dakota State in last year's FCS game for their first national title.

South Dakota State had an impressive game-opening drive, but led only 7-3 at halftime. Gronowski, the quarterback starting his third FCS title game, then bulled into the end zone for a 10-yard score midway through the third quarter, and on the next possession threw a 23-yard TD to Jadon Janke.

Gronowski finished 13-of-21 passing for 175 yards and ran eight times for 62 yards. The Jackrabbits outgained Montana 372-273.

Montana's 27 playoff appearances are the most in the second tier of Division I football. National champions in 1995 and 2001, the Grizzlies (13-2) have now finished as the runner-up six times, four under coach Bobby Hauck.

This was the Grizzlies' first title game since 2009, when they were the runner-up for the third time in Hauck's first seven seasons. Hauck then left for FBS team UNLV and also was on staff at San Diego State before returning to Montana in 2018.

Less than two weeks after South Dakota State was crowned champions last year, John Stiegelmeier retired after 26 seasons as head coach. He was succeeded by defensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers, a former Jackrabbits linebacker who was captain of their first playoff team in 2009 -- when they lost to Montana after blowing a 27-point lead.

Both teams had only one possession in the first quarter Sunday. Montana's opening drive spilled into the first play of the second quarter, when on its 15th play, running back Eli Gillman was stuffed by Jackrabbits linebacker Adam Bock for no gain on fourth-and-goal from the 1.

South Dakota State had opened the game with a 75-play, 11-play drive. Gronowski completed his first five passes for 55 yards and converted a third-and-4 with a 9-yard keeper right before Isaiah Davis' 6-yard TD run.

That put the Jackrabbits ahead to stay, though they had a couple of costly mistakes before halftime.

A few plays after Bock's stop, one of his 11 tackles, Gronowski had a pass intercepted by Corbin Walker that Montana turned into a field goal for its only points. South Dakota State also had a turnover when punting, as the ball ricocheted off one of its players and recovered by the Griz, though they punted it back.

THE TAKEAWAY

Montana: Playmaking quarterback Clifton McDowell, who had been 11-0 as the Griz starter, was under increased pressure, especially after halftime. He completed 22 of 39 passes for 165 yards, but was sacked four times. After he was stripped of the ball when being sacked late in the third quarter, 295-yard defensive tackle Ryan Van Marel came up with it.

South Dakota State: In their third title game appearance in four seasons, the Jackrabbits became the first team since North Dakota State (2017-19) to repeat as champions. It was another stellar defensive performance in this playoff run for South Dakota State, which had two lopsided shutout victories (41-0 and 59-0) in its previous three games.

UP NEXT

Montana: The Big Sky champion Grizzlies take on one of SDSU's Missouri Valley Conference rivals in their 2024 opener. They host Missouri State on Aug. 31.

South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits open next season on the road Aug. 31 at Big 12 team Oklahoma State, the first major conference team they will play since a 7-3 loss at Iowa of the Big Ten in the 2022 opener that was their last loss.

[southjerseyweb]

Local Jackrabbit football players are very proud to wear SDSU on their jersey

They rolled up almost …

[mysterymirrors]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: NWOT Limited Edition SDSU Drawstring Cinch Gym Bag - Red.

[sportsminorityreport]

Douchebaggery and the fall of the PAC (part 2)

Continuing where we left off...

6. The PAC Commissioner is not taking enough blame, part 5. President Robbins of Arizona gets a lot of blame for the collapse of the PAC and some of it is valid, but some of it is not. Robbins told everyone that the UofA needed the package to be 50% linear. While everyone WANTED more linear coverage, Arizona said it was mandatory. To present a media package to the Presidents that had NOTHING at all earmarked as linear, when you should have KNOWN that Arizona was the lynchpin of the PAC potentially collapsing, was beyond stupid. At bare minimum, you should have had Apple earmark all of Arizona's HOME basketball games as games promised to be resold to a linear provider. Think about it. Home games are not very valuable to Apple. A large portion of people who want to see those games, go to the game. Away games are much more valuable to a streaming provider. Away games would have driven the Apple TV sales and driven the model. I think that and the SDSU + Gonzaga expansion would have saved Arizona. You could have done the same thing to some Oregon and Washington Home football games and dramatically eased the angst of your "nervous members".

7. Pac Commissioner, George Kliavkoff, is taking too much blame on this one single area…right before Colorado left Kliavkoff had a break through with the linear providers and apparently had 2 offers in his hand, one from the linear providers and one from Apple. The PAC members were going to be able to choose the right plan for them. There were conflicting reports at the time that the pac had the framework of a deal with linear providers and that that was BS. The post mortems suggest it was not BS, but that the departure of Colorado killed the linear deal. Now certainly Kliavkoff lead the whole conference around in the dark for months not giving status, but if you look at things, Colorado was either going to be in a Big 12 where they could recruit but played in a shitty division with no other PAC schools or if they torched things on the way out, they could end up in the Big 12 with affectively their best possible conference wrapped around them. Did Colorado KNOWINGLY leave to torch the PAC 12 Linear TV offer? I cannot discount that. 8. Arizona President Robbins sent in his application for the Big 12 something that generally only happens when you INTEND to leave even as it seemed he was reportedly being strongly encouraged to sign the PAC GOR with ASU and had an Intent to sign the PAC GOR. That was a sneaky ploy that did the bare minimum to allow the Big Ten to pronounce the PAC as compromised and poach Washington, cracking the door to allow Arizona to leave. 9. How did Robbins know to do that? Logic suggests the Big 12 commissioner likely was involved. How did Fox know about the application? Again…Sounds like someone leaked the info to FOX with the hope that Fox would pull Washington and collapse the PAC. Which they did. 10. It should be noted that if you total the projected payouts that ESPN and Fox will end up paying the PAC schools, you end up with the PAC schools averaging about $25-29M….exactly what was the reported amount required to keep the PAC schools from moving to the Big 12. ESPN and Fox intentionally ripped this conference apart. 11. Half of the public in Oregon and Washington may hate Washington's Head Coach because a story broke that the President of Washington went to Kalen DeBoer and said, "Hey we are about to sign a media deal with no linear TV coverage. Should we do this or go to the Big Ten?" That would be like the CEO of a company that makes automobile parts going to the guy who makes gas tank lids and asking them, "Hey should we continue to make lids?" Of COURSE he is going to say Join the Big Ten. He is a football coach. The odds suggest his tenure at Washington won't be more than 5-7 years. Should he really be the one that is making the call on the optimal partnership for the university and not the president who would make an academic driven decision? Look…frankly this looks horrible. This looks like pushing the blame if things go bad on to someone who never should make that call.

[news247planet]

#Huggins #Virginia #Basketball Bob Huggins out at West Virginia, SDSU flirts with Pac-12, Maryland’s new services & how excessive ought to Michigan be ranked? https://news247planet.com/?p=508379

[904sad]

My Facebook Page's Comments Section Wanted A QB Rankings Article. Now You'll Suffer, Too

For the record, I hate QB ranking articles. I hate listicles. I hate blogs that force writers to do listicles (and still don’t pay flat fees for them). Unfortunately, however, I have fostered a community of degenerates, and us degenerates love a chance to spew hot takes from the fires of Lake Minnetonka. We love to see who has the balls to go out on a limb and defend themselves in the comments section.

We’re barbarians. Heathens, even.

As we revel in the hilarity, however, we also practice a slight bit of intellectualism. Here at 904 SAD, you can have any opinion you want.

Well, as long as you can back it up.

This is why writing an article about the best returning quarterbacks in college football is difficult for me. Shedeur Sanders was the best QB in HBCU football last year, but North Carolina Central’s signal caller (and his Right Guard) put on a clinic in the Celebration Bowl last year. Also, NFL wise, we can’t tell who is worse between Zach Wilson and Trey Lance. Mainly because Trey Lance never plays. All that aside, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance were superstars at BYU (a Group of 5 Independent) and North Dakota State (a 1-AA powerhouse). They both went in the Top 3 of the NFL Draft and each of their franchises regret the picks to this day.

So, pro-level projections aren’t gonna be a thing in this article.

A numbered list won’t be present either.

Instead, we are going to use the written word to find out who the *best* returning starter in FBS or FCS college football is. Sorry D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA gunslingers. I’m not being an elitist. Unfortunately, us small school alums know all too well that you’re just gonna end up transferring to a D1 school the first chance you get either way (Why, Austin Reed? Why?).

THE LANDSCAPE

is shit.

Even if you take out the pro potential of the guys available for evaluation, Caleb Williams probably shouldn’t have won the Heisman last year. Come to think of it, Drake Maye wasn’t even a finalist for the damn thing. Unfortunately, that happens when you go 9-5 with a Power 5 schedule. Meaning ya lost 5 games. Meaning it’s hard to be the best player in college football when you can’t beat the best players in college football at least ten times (Lamar Jackson Somewhere: Hey!).

Also, picking Caleb Williams or Drake Maye is too easy. I mean, after all, the correct answer is either one of them. One is being coached by Lincoln Riley and the other one is what Arch Manning is supposed to be.

To make matters even worse, there are a lot of pedestrian fifth-year seniors and pandemmy-waiver dynamos who haven’t even broken 5,000 yards in their entire careers yet. There's also guys like Bo Nix who had one of the best offensive lines in the world, put up some phenomenal stats his first year in a new environment, and still couldn’t leverage his years of SEC experience to make a real run in the Pacific 12. 10-3 ain’t a bad record at all, but Oregon has been pumping out future Hall of Famers and All-Pros for years now. Eventually, somebody has to do what Marcus Mariota did that one time (That One Guy In The Distance: make a fuckin’ playoff, you dorks!).

So, winning obviously has to be a metric when determining who the best returning starter is. Before you guys start: Yes, I’m about to be extremely hypocritical. I wouldn’t be a proper sports journalist (*DEEP COUGH*) if I wasn’t.

MARK GRONOWSKI - South Dakota State

This MF has already led SDSU to the FCS Championship Game TWICE. Once in the spring (that one pandemmy season) and once in the fall last season. Did I mention that Gronowski is going into his Junior year? No? Well, did I tell you that he’s 22-3 as a starter? No? Damn, did I tell you that he’s been a team captain since 2022?

This man is a WINNER, son.

While Group of 5 guys are stat padding in the basement of the Bowl Subdivision, this man is sending an entire state to a promised land it never knew existed.

Throwing or running for a TD against Iowa would have been nice (would have won them the game in a blowout, actually), but at least he didn’t do what sooooo many FCS guys do against Power 5 teams early in the season: completely tank his squad’s chances of winning. Also, you know a QB has the juice when he is winning for programs that are never televised (ESPN+ matters!), rarely have guys taken in the draft (i’m including RD 7, too), and are in parts of the country that have less than 900,000 people in the entire state. Yes, you read that correctly. There are more bandwagon Patriots fans left over from 2018 than the entire state of South Dakota has residents. Gronowski is doing the Lord’s work.

SAM HARTMAN - Notre Dame

Wake Forest would like a word. Sam Hartman is so honored to play for the great cathedral that is Our Lady in Christ, but he made his initial set of bones playing for a…wait…huh? That can’t be right.

How can a Deacon be from Hell?

Anyway, Hartman is a 17th year senior who has 12,967 passing yards under his belt. Unless he has a season BETTER Joe Burrow’s in 2019, he won’t be catching Case Keenum’s all-time record for career passing yards (19,217). HOWEVER, Hartman only needs a measly 1,112 yards to pass Rakeem Cato for 10th all-time in the history of college football. That certainly makes him a name my list should respect, as Hartman also has the chance to play for a program with the resources, tools, and schedule to make a run for the College Football Playoff. This means the Irish signal caller could net that elusive First Team All-American nod he needs to be eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Storylines, people. Storylines.

SHEDEUR SANDERS - Colorado

HEY, why are you booing me??? I’m right!

Sheduer Sanders led Jackson State to its most relevant era on the field in a minute. Yeah, he lost both Celebration Bowls, but the developing star led his team to a 23-3 record while he was under center. Sanders also won the Jerry Rice Award (Best FCS Freshman), the Deacon Jones Award (Best HBCU All-Around Player), and the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2022.

Look, you asked me who the best returning starters in the country were. I answered the question (lul).

Entering into his first Power 5 season, Sanders will have a lot to prove in the Pac-12. Like Sam Hartman, Sanders’ prolific production at his previous school was not enough to earn him a First-Team All-American honor. That means the Head-Buffalo-in-Charge (the Chief Buffalo is his daddy) will probably need to make the College Football Playoff for the first time as a starter to make the media tides swing his way.

JORDAN TRAVIS - Florida State

Mike Norvell probably gets fired if Jordan Travis doesn’t turn the corner last year.

After years of development and struggle, Jordan Travis tossed the rock for over 3,000 yards, led his compadres to a 10-win season, thrashed the Florida Gators (who had a Top 5 NFL Draft pick under center [LUL]), and won a bowl against….

Wait, FLORIDA STATE BEAT OKLAHOMA?!

AUSTIN REED - Western Kentucky

Former National Champion? Check (2019 for West Florida)

Bonkers ass single-season as a passer? Check (9-5 record with 389 completions, 602 pass attempts, 4,744 yards, 40 TDs, and 11 picks in 2022)

CUSA Newcomer of the Year Award? Check (2022)

Bowl game win WITH the MVP to match? CheckCheck (2022 New Orleans Bowl)

The resume speaks for itself. Yes, the National Title for West Florida was won in Division 2, but Reed made the MEGA D2 to FBS jump last year and did the best thing Western Kentucky (or any CUSA team for that matter) could hope to do - Win. A. Bowl. Game. And guess what, he’s suiting up for a college football team in 2023.

Which means….(Isiah Thomas: I fit the criteria).

CAMERON RISING - Utah

Played against the Heisman Winner in the 2022 Pac-12 Championship Game and blew the Heisman Winners’ Malibu doors off the frame and the hinges.

Was efficient and accurate all year with a 64.7% completion percentage.

20-8 record as a starter with 2 Pac-12 Championships to his name.

Uh, yeah. Cue the Isiah Thomas ad-lib again. (Isiah Thomas: I fit the criteria).

AFTER THIS BATCH OF GUYS,

the list gets murky.

Spencer Rattler was supposed to be the #1 overall pick. Then he sucked. Then he transferred to South Carolina and got…hmm.

DJ Uiagalelei got Dabo Sweeney to do something he’s never done before: Give up on his guys. Before we knew it, DJU was benched for a Freshman and Coach Sweeney started looking for new coordinators to replace his new coordinators. Damn, son; that ain’t good.

Bo Nix has a chance to break out (like, REALLY break out), but what will it lead to? Will pretty numbers be enough to win? Or will it all just lead to some team taking a “flyer” on him in the 4th round? We’ll see.

Jalon Daniels? Ha.

Jayden Daniels? Ha. Ha.

Tyler Van Dyke? Ha. Ha. Ha.

Emory Jones? HA. HA. HAAAAAAAAA.

SO, YEAH

The past 2 NFL Drafts have taken a lot out the sport. Even if I scour the rest of the FCS and Group of 5, I’m not gonna find a guy who’s better than Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. That means I have to make a decision based on the guys I already named in this article. And with that, I choooooooseee…

FLORIDA STATE QB JORDAN TRAVIS: The Man Who Saved Multiple Families From A Cold Winter.

Well, not Odell Haggins’. That man ain’t ever gettin fired.