University of Florida Transfer Quarterback Not Named Cam Newton

A tall, athletic quarterback that started his collegiate career off at the University of Florida only to transfer to another school twice; No I’m not referring to Cam Newton, I’m talking about Josh Portis. Josh Portis is a name that not many people have ever heard of, but I consider him one of my sleepers at this year’s NFL Combine.

Here is a little background information on Josh Portis:

Portis is a 6’3, 211 pound, dual threat quarterback out of California University of Pennsylvania. Coming out of Taft High School in Los Angeles, California, Portis chose to attend the University of Florida. He was ranked by Rivals.com as the 4^th best dual-threat QB coming out of high school, and the 13^th best player in the state of California in 2005. After one year at the University of Florida due deep depth at quarterback, he decided to transfer. He ended up at the University of Maryland where he played sparingly in the 2008 season after having to sit out his 2007 season due to the transfer. After the 2008 season, Portis transferred to the Division II school, California University of Pennsylvania which is located just south of Pittsburgh, PA. Being from the Pittsburgh area, many students from my high school attend Cal U, but it’s not really known as an athletic powerhouse although their football team has been bery good in recent years. Portis dominated the Division II competition in 2010 when he set school records with 3421 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns. His domination continued into 2011 where he put up another set of impressive stats. And now he has received an invite to the 2011 NFL Combine.

Similarities to Cam Newton:

His collegiate football career resembles that of Cam Newton. They both started off at the University of Florida playing quarterback, and both saw limited action. Newton and Portis both ended up transferring to two more universities after Florida. Newton was a five star prospect coming out of high school according to Rivals.com and Portis was a four star. Portis was also involved in an academic cheating scandal while he was at the University of Maryland, just like Newton was at Florida. The similarities are there.

Portis at the NFL Combine:

This Sunday I am excited to see what Portis does at the NFL Combine. It was reported that he ran a 4.57 second 40 yard dash coming out of high school. If he could run under a 4.6 second 40 yard dash at the Combine, he would definitely turn heads. He has a strong arm, and the build to go along with it. He could gain some more weight but once he gets into a NFL weight training program, the pounds will come. He does have some off-the-field character issues, which most recently stem from a theft charge in 2010. But with time, maturity, and proper mentorship that could be cured. It also doesn’t hurt that Portis is the cousin of Washington Redskins runningback, Clinton Portis. So when watching the combine this weekend or hearing about it on ESPN, and you see that a quarterback from a small southwestern PA school puts up impressive numbers, you won’t be surprised if you took time to read this blog.

Blaise Taggart's Pre-Combine Top 5 QB's, RB's, WR's in the 2011 NFL Draft

This is the first publishing of Blaise Taggart's top 5 quarterbacks, runningbacks, and wide receivers for the 2011 NFL Draft. After the NFL Combine, I will publish an updated version of each of the lists.

Top 5 QB

1. Cam Newton, Auburn

2. Ryan Mallet, Arkansas

3. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri

4. Andy Dalton, TCU

5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

Quick Overview: Some people thought I was crazy when I said I had Cam Newton as my second overall quarterback right after the season concluded. Newton was second to Andrew Luck, who ultimately decided to stay another year at Stanford. After Newton's public workout, many people have elevated him to the top quarterback spot where I already had him. I am anxiously awaiting to see what Gabbert does at the NFL Combine. I am a huge fan of Mallet. At 6'7, Mallet has the frame and arm to be a great quarterback, although he does need to work on his footwork, but his arm strength makes up for the lack of footwork. Dalton is in my top 5, which you will not see in many other's top 5. Dalton's accuracy has caught my eye, and as everyone knows, he was a winner at TCU in college. An Kaepernick is such a great athlete, and he is also intelligent. With NFL coaching, he could become a solid NFL quarterback.

Top 5 RB

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama

2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois

3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

4. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

5. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh

Quick Overview: This list might change after the combine. Ingram is a great running back that makes great plays. His Heisman trophy just shows what kind of player he is. Leshoure reminds me of another Illinois runningback, Rashard Mendenhall. Williams has the most upside out of anyone on this list. He tore up the ACC, and has the athletic ability to be an all-pro in the NFL. Thomas is your prototypical NFL sized, explosive back who could climb up my top 5 runningbacks chart as the pre-draft process continues. Dion Lewis reminds me of MJD and Ray Rice. Lewis, who I have seen in person many times, is the most underrated runningback in this draft. His low center of gravity propels him to be successful in the NFL.

Top 5 WR

1. Julio Jones, Alabama

2. A.J. Green, Georgia

3. Jon Baldwin, Pittsburgh

4. Austin Pettis, Boise State

5. Greg Little, North Carolina

Quick Overview: People will go into shock when they read my top 5 wide receiver list. I believe that Julio Jones will be a better professional wide receiver than A.J. Green. You can quote me on that and talk to me in three years. Green has great athletic measurables, but I think that Julio Jones is such a rare combination of size and speed, and he knows how to win. Jones was the number 1 receiver coming out of high school, and I believe that is still the case. Baldwin is also a great combination of size and speed. I played Baldwin in high school, and he is quite the athlete. If he improves his route running ability, he could be just as good as Jones and Green in the NFL. Pettis is higher on my list then many other expert's lists but I believe he is solid wide out. His hands are one of the best pairs in the draft. Little is just like another UNC player, Hakeem Nicks, and Nicks has worked out in the NFL thus far.

Super Bowl Prediction

Well, the most awaited sports day of the year has arrived. Two of the most storied franchises, squaring off in the most prestigious game known to mankind. Let's get down to it. I think that this will be one of the most exciting Super Bowls in my recent memory, although the Steelers vs. Cardinals Super Bowl was a pleasant surprise. You have the Steelers who bring the best run defense led by the best DC in the league, Dick LeBeau, and on the opposite side you have the hottest team throughout the entire playoffs with an offense that seems unstoppable. I see this game coming down to a couple of stops by both defenses and may even swing on a defensive TD. All in all, when it's said and done here is my prediction:
Packers 27
Steelers 23

MVP: Clay Matthews

I chose Matthews as my MVP because I think he'll make one or two plays that swing the game, possibly a fumble recovery or a game changing sack.

I don't think this game will disappoint the masses by any means. 

How much worse can things get?

As I stared in astonishment at the highlights being shown, my mind couldn't stop asking the same question: how did things go so wrong? I'm talking about another disappointing showing by the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's really tough to watch being a die hard Cavs fan, especially after what happened to the whole city this past summer. Granted, I don't think anybody in Cleveland expected another year of making the playoffs, but then again I don't think anyone would have expected it to be this painful, I know I sure didn't.

There's something that comes along with being a Cleveland sports fan: disappointment. Yet, we still thrive off that little bit of hope at the beginning of every single season. From my standpoint, I think Cleveland fans are some of the toughest fans out there. Browns fans are absolutely tremendous, selling out all the home games even though year after year they continue to let us down. But like I said, there's always that little glimmer of hope in every fan's heart. I wouldn't trade that feeling for the world.

So as I sit here thinking about Mr. Dan Gilbert's promise and guarantee to the fans of Cleveland, I wonder, when are you going to follow through Dan? I know with a record of 8-37 you aren't really poised to make any drastic moves, but please throw us a bone. In my short lifetime, I have experienced far too much disappointment, teasing, and just straight up embarrassment than any other 19-year old sports fan should.

There's just a different feeling being a Cleveland sports fan, never knowing what's going to happen with your team this year, when, if ever, will Cleveland catch a break, and just the pure thrill and high of when the Indians, Cavs, or Browns are succeeding, and how much we deserve it and yearn for it.

This is why I am damn proud to be a fan of my city, Cleveland, Ohio.

One Hell of a Weekend

This. Is. Why. Parody. Exists. I'm not only talking about this weekend, but this weekend exemplified why it exists. I think parody is good for sports, for any type of sports fan and it makes the game worth playing. First thing that started the weekend of parody and excitement is the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Miami Heat. Maybe it's me being a Cavaliers fan that I enjoyed this as much or maybe even more than the average Clippers fan, but I digress. You have a young team in the Clippers, who are playing their heart out in a David and Goliath game. Granted it's the middle of the season and the game isn't going to define either team's season. But the Heat have since lost two more games in a row, and the Clippers are currently riding a four game win streak. Something like a win against a big team could in the long run go a long way for the Clippers with this confidence builder, as well as developing a little swag. Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon, and Eric Bledsoe are going to be in this league for years to come and if they stay together, the Clippers can turn into the caliber of team the Oklahoma City Thunder now are.

Now onto the NFL playoffs. Hard to believe but some parody has already happened. Usually parody isn't as strong come playoff time, but when a 7-9 team beats the defending Super Bowl champions as a heavy under dog, I'd have to say that's a bit of parody. As expected, the Seahawks cinderella story ended today in a big defeat, but good for them to prove to the world them being in the playoffs wasn't as big a fluke as everyone thought. This is what the NFL is all about. The Jets got absolutely embarrassed by the Pats on national television just a few weeks prior, and with all the jawing from both teams, you just had to assume another blowout loss at the hands of the Pats. Well that didn't exactly go as planned for the Patriots, and the Jets backed up their talk, and saved Rex Ryan several months of public humiliation and being criticized as well. The Packers are probably the team you least want to face if you're a head coach in the playoffs. The Packers offense at this point is resembling the offense the Patriots displayed throughout the regular season, it's crazy how efficient and seemingly effortless their offense runs. As of now, my ideal Super Bowl would be the Jets vs. Packers, and the possibility of that happening is not out of the question, but I just think the Steelers are a winning franchise and will pull this out like they always do.

On the topic of the Steelers, it brings me to my next point. Call me a bad Browns fan if you want, but I would like to first say that the Steelers are the absolute definition of a franchise. As much as it pains me to say it as a die hard Cleveland fan, I think I'm just as much a realist and I know when I see a team that knows how to constantly win. If the Browns want success sooner rather than later, they should model it after the Steelers. I hate saying all this but it's not like the Steelers are a team full of superstars (like my favorite team down south, cough cough), but they have disciplined coaching, a great front office, and players that want to be the absolute best they can.

I'll end this post by saying the following: I. Love. Sports.

Remember, sports make the world go round folks.

NFL Conference Championships Set

If you wonder why the NFL is the most popular league in the United States, look no farther than this year's playoffs. Sunday's Jets/Patriots game capped of a great weekend of NFL football. Only four teams remain in the race for that elusive thing called the Lombardi Trophy.

On Saturday, the Steelers beat the Ravens by a touchdown, after being down 21-7 in the first half. Following that game, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers showed why they were pre-season favorites in the NFC as they demolished the 1st seeded Falcons. On Sunday, the Bears handled the Seahawks, finally ending Seattle's magical run to the Divisional playoff round. The last game on Sunday presented one of the most interesting games of the last decade, as the Jets knocked off their nemesis, the Patriots, 28-21.

This weekend has set up a pair of great conference championships. On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., the NFC Championship will contain another divisional rivalry as the Green Bay Packers come in to Soldier Field to face their rivals, the Chicago Bears. A classic clash of two historic franchises. My experience of NFC Championships has been bitter sweet. Being a Philadelphia Eagles fan, we have been there plenty of times in the last decade, but have only won once (1-4 under Andy Reid). In January of 2009, I actually attended the NFC Championship down in Glendale, Arizona. The Eagles ended up falling short of a Super Bowl birth as they lost 32-25 to the upstart Arizona Cardinals. Conference championship games are like any other game. Of course, the Super Bowl has more significance, but conference championships have a different feel to them. They signify one game away from, arguably, the most prestigious game in all of sports, the Super Bowl. Once your in the Super Bowl, your in the record books, win or lose, you were there. The emotion of being 60 minutes away from a Super Bowl birth is something that is unmatched in football. Only four teams a year get to experience it, but those four teams get to feel something unrivaled in modern sports. In the end, I, as an Eagles fan have taken NFC Championships for granted, I have come to expect to play in it every year, but its difficulty on getting their always ends up humbling me. For this game, in my opinion, it pretty much comes down to this: Jay Cutler vs. Aaron Rodgers. Although many people are not a fan of Jay Cutler, I have always liked his gunslinger mentality, but this mentality brings about inconsistency. Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, is the definition of a professional quarterback. We all know both defenses are considered atop the NFC, but when it comes down to it, the quarterback that makes the most mistakes will lose their team the game. Cliche, but true. Any thing can happen on a snowy day at Soldier Field.

The AFC Championship is headlined by great defenses?...what's new. On Sunday, at 6:00 p.m., Heinz Field in Pittsburgh will once again hold an AFC Championship game, this time being between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers. My experience of an AFC Championship in Pittsburgh was a memorable one. In January of 2002, I witnessed the huge underdog New England Patriots led by an unknown quarterback by the name of Tom Brady, come into town and shock the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship. After the game, my friend and I were two of the only fans to stick around in our seats as we watched the Patriots celebrate, just because we knew what a historic event had just taken place. As a huge Steelers fan, my friend was devastated but he knew the significance of what had just happened. The Steelers are on the road to their 7th Super Bowl title. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I learned to love the game of football. If the Steelers end up winning Super Bowl 45, they will go down undeniably as the best NFL franchise of all-time. For what the NFL has become, a hugely successful league, the city of Pittsburgh would be known as the home of the greatest football franchise in the world. Even if you do not like the Steelers, as many of my classmates here at the University of Cincinnati don't, you have to respect them. As for the Jets, they're the flashy team that talks the talk, but they walk the walk. I like the Jets, Rex Ryan, Antonio Cromartie, Darrelle Revis, and the whole bunch. Why not? It seems like they love what they do. Seeing Rex Ryan run down the sideline when Shonn Greene scored and pretty much ended the game was a great sight. Jets vs. Steelers, if you don't get excited for this game, you don't have a pulse.

Game Picks:

NFC Championship

Green Bay Packers 30 - Chicago Bears 21

AFC Championship

Pittsburgh Steelers 23 - New York Jets 16

In conclusion, I love football. These two games on Sunday will be what I am looking forward to all week. The magnitude of Conference Championships in the NFL is unlike any playoff game in any other sport, you have 60 minutes to reach the greatest game played in all of sports, the Super Bowl.

B-TAGG out.

Mock Draft: January Edition, Part One

1.    Brendan's Mock Draft, First 15

1.         1. Carolina Panthers— Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

---Fairley’s stock rose immensely in the championship, and is probably the best physical talent next to Da’Quan Bowers

2.      2. Denver Broncos— Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

---Bowers is the best physical talent in the draft, he’s got the body and the speed to be a great pass rusher, something the Broncos lacked in 09-10

3.     3.  Buffalo Bills--Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

---Peterson has had an excellent season and pending on the combine, is the best CB in the draft and most pro ready

4.      4. Cincinnati Bengals—Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

---Dareus is your typical SEC defensive tackle and is slightly behind Nick Fairley in pro talent

5.      5.  Arizona Cardinals—Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas

---With Luck dropping out, Mallet becomes the best option at QB body wise and talent, although he will need some work with an offensive oriented coach like Ken Wisenhunt

6.      6. Cleveland Browns—A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

---The Browns need a playmaker type WR more than anything in this draft, and A.J. Green is the biggest playmaking WR in the draft since Calvin Johnson

7.      7. San Francisco 49ers—Blaine Gabbert, QB, Mizzou

---Neither Smith is the answer for the 9ers, and Gabbert had a great game in the bowl game this past year and is next to Mallet with readiness

8.      8. Tennessee Titans—Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

---Titans need defensive help, and although they need a QB, I think Jake Locker is a stretch at #8 and Cam Newton brings back memories of Vince Young

9.      9.  Dallas Cowboys—Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

---The Cowboys biggest weakness this past season was their O-Line, and Solder seems to be the best offensive lineman option

10 10. Washington Redskins—Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

---The Skins need a huge boost at WR, and Moss and Cooley aren’t able to handle the workload; the QB situation is still up in the air, but for now a WR is the biggest need

1    11. Houston Texans—Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

---Prince is a steal at 11 and the Texans had one of the worst pass defenses in the league and Glover Quinn isn’t a good number one option

12    12. Minnesota Vikings—Jake Locker, QB, Washington

---Locker had potential to go top 5 if he had left last year, but his stock actually by staying an extra year in school, but the Vikings have already virtually moved Joe Webb to WR

13    13. Detroit Lions—Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

---Another steal falling out of the top 10 and the Lions could use some more defensive help,  and passing up on Quinn at 13 would be ridiculous

14    14. St. Louis Rams—Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

---Clayborn could have left early last year, but decided to stay and only improved his stock. The Rams need a nice compliment to Chris Long at end

15    15. Miami Dolphins—Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

---Paea is ranked high and is definitely a great option at DT, but the need for ends is more than DT’s. The Dolphins defense underperformed last year, this would be huge for them

 Blaise's Mock Draft, Top 15

-1. Carolina Panthers--Da'Quan Bowers DE/Clemson

The Panthers need more athletes, and Bowers is a great one. Hopefully Bowers will take the place that Julius Peppers left vacant when he signed with the Bears last offseason.

2. Denver Broncos- Nick Fairley DT/Auburn

-With a horrible defense in 2010, the Broncos need to go defense with their first pick. Fairley is an intense, inside defender that can only help the Denver defense.

3. Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn DE/North Carolina

-Quinn started the year as a top-5 pick, but he might fall due to his suspensions. The Bills could use him creating a forceful pass rushing tandem between him and Shawne Merriman.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- Marcell Dareus DT/Alabama

-The Bengals need help with defensive interior linemen, and Dareus is the big, physical player they need.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert QB/Missouri

-Gabbert impressed me throughout the year. He looks like a solid NFL quarterback that could have a nice career in the league. Picture it: Gabbert to Fitzgerald…

6. Cleveland Browns- A.J. Green WR/Georgia

-The Browns desperately need playmakers, and Green fits the playmaker build. Green is ranked as the best WR in the draft by most, but he’s my 2^nd rated WR.

7.  San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson CB/LSU

-Peterson would play opposite Nate Clements which will give the Niners a solid second corner which they have not had in recent years.

8. Tennessee Titans- Ryan Mallet QB/Arkansas

-With Vince Young gone, the Titans need find a new franchise quarterback, Mallet fits the mold.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara CB/Nebraska

-Dallas had one of the worst secondaries in the league last year, and Amukamara is the second best corner in the draft in my opinion, second to only Patrick Peterson.  He would greatly help the pass defense.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones WR/Alabama

-The Redskins need more playmakers, and my first ranked WR is Jones contrary to most other big boards. Jones has a great combination of size and speed that will make him a great NFL wide receiver.

11. Houston Texans- Von Miller OLB/Texas A&M

-The Texans defense was horrible last year. Miller will help strengthen the defense of this potential playoff team.

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cam Newton QB/Auburn

-A better Joe Webb and Tavaris Jackson. Why not take a chance on the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner.

13. Detroit Lions- Gabe Carimi OT/Wisconsin

-The Lions need to protect their franchise quarterback, Matt Stafford, if they wanted to seriously contend for the playoffs.

14. Miami Dolphins- Adrian Clayborn DE/Iowa

-Clayborn could be taken higher, but the Dolphins can only benefit from his athletic, and powerful style of play.

15. St. Louis Rams- Brandon Harris CB/Miami

-The Rams need more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, but since Justin Blackmon opted to stay another year in college, and Jon Baldwin would be somewhat of a reach here at 15, the Rams could use some more playmakers on defense like Harris.