## Stepping into Loveland's Shadow

Marlin Klein is stepping onto a stage set by Colston Loveland, the former Michigan tight end who was drafted tenth overall by the Chicago Bears in 2025. Now, Klein is tasked with carrying the mantle of success at a program known as "Tight End U."  

Klein’s path to this point has been unique. He only began playing football a few years before arriving at Ann Arbor, and Loveland's injury struggles throughout 2024 gave him valuable experience in preparation for his current role. While he might have been green, Klein never doubted his ability. Tight ends coach Steve Casula pushed him to be the best, challenging him in a way Klein describes as entering “the jungle.”

“Yeah, I always thought that I belonged,” Klein said. "I knew it was going to take me a little longer than some others...  So I knew there was going to be a lot of challenges for me, but that's what I put myself in, because I wanted to be the best." 

Casula's grueling training regimen wasn’t about tearing Klein down; it was about building him up to meet the Michigan standard.

"It was really the most critical time of my life," Klein said. "It was never good enough, but that was really just because he tried to push me to my best… And he helped me to the standard. Which is the Michigan standard, and the Michigan standard is a championship standard."


Klein seized opportunities in 2024 when Loveland was sidelined, embodying the “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” mentality. With that experience and Casula’s intense training behind him, Klein feels prepared to take on the No. 1 tight end role.

"I think it prepared me," he said. "Everything can be stripped away from you the same day... So I knew I was going to be prepared… Like I knew I was going to be ready when the time came."  


## Stepping into Loveland's Shadow

Marlin Klein is stepping onto a stage set by Colston Loveland, the former Michigan tight end who was drafted tenth overall b

Marlin Klein emerges from ‘jungle’ to take Michigan’s top TE

Marlin Klein emerges from ‘jungle’ to take Michigan’s top TE spot in 2025

## Atlas Lions Sharpen Skills Ahead of Kenya Showdown

Morocco's local national football team is stepping up its preparations for Sunday’s crucial CHAN 2024 clash against Kenya.  The team conducted a rigorous training session at the SAKO Police Stadium in Nairobi on Thursday, honing their technical and tactical skills under the watchful eye of head coach [name withheld].


**Focus on Finesse**

Thursday's session emphasized precise passing, strategic positioning, and fluid movement, showcasing the team’s commitment to  tactical refinement. 


## Atlas Lions Sharpen Skills Ahead of Kenya Showdown

Morocco's local national football team is stepping up its preparations for Sunday’s crucial CHAN 2024 cla

Morocco’s local national team continues preparations for CHA

Morocco’s local national team continues preparations for CHAN 2024 clash against Kenya

## New Wales Boss Finds Grounding in Home Village

**Tonmawr's pride welcomes their newly appointed national rugby coach**

Fresh from leading Scotland to victory in New Zealand and accepting the mantle of Wales head coach, Steve Tandy sought solace in his hometown.  The 45-year-old, who officially takes on the role September 1st, enjoyed a brief respite at Tonmawr RFC after a busy July filled with matches against the Maori All Blacks, Fiji, Samoa, and the announcement of his return to Wales.

"I went up to the rugby club to watch the third Test in the morning with my brother and loads of my mates, it was awesome," Tandy said. “That's where your roots are and the brilliant part about Wales is the community part of it that leads to the game out at Principality Stadium.”

While national success awaits, Tandy's roots remain firmly planted in Tonmawr.  He credits his early coaches and the village for instilling his love for the sport. “It is with massive pride that I feel I’m representing the village, who have been there through thick and thin,” he explained.

**"The Lions Is The Pinnacle"**

Tandy's visit to Tonmawr coincided with the British & Irish Lions Test against Australia. Although only Welsh flanker Jac Morgan featured from the bench in the series, Tandy expressed his desire for more Welsh players on the next tour to New Zealand in 2027.

“At the end of the day the Lions is the pinnacle isn't it?” he said. “I would love to see more the next time it comes around and know when I was with Scotland the pride that we had, then you see the growth around that.”


**Facing the Music:  From Assistant to Head Coach**

While Tandy has honed his skills as a Test assistant coach, his new role demands a greater public presence. He acknowledges the increased scrutiny and expectations but remains determined to navigate the challenges.

“A role like this does change for me because I can't remember every doing a press conference with so many people and so much formality. But it is something that you have to embrace and part of my growth has been from getting uncomfortable with things."


After Wales' recent struggles, the entire nation eagerly awaits Tandy's leadership and hopes for a brighter future for Welsh rugby.  


## New Wales Boss Finds Grounding in Home Village

**Tonmawr's pride welcomes their newly appointed national rugby coach**

Fresh from leading Scotland to victo

Toast of Tonmawr Tandy aiming to make more Welsh Lions

##  Can Comeback Kid Russell Gage Save the 49ers' Receiving Corps?

The San Francisco 49ers are desperate for help at wide receiver, and an unlikely contender might be stepping up. Veteran Russell Gage, sidelined by injuries since 2022, is making a surprising push to earn a roster spot.

**Gage’s Long Road Back**

After tearing his patellar tendon in training camp last year following a neck injury suffered the previous season, Gage appeared destined for retirement.  He briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad before landing with the 49ers in November. His performance in limited opportunities, due to injuries plaguing other receivers, has caught the eye of head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“Yeah, he’s definitely given himself a chance,” Shanahan told reporters after Thursday's joint practice with the Denver Broncos. “I think Russ had a really good offseason. You know, I've always been a fan of Russell since he came out of college. I was a huge fan of his when he was in Atlanta and he signed that big deal with Tampa. Then he had some really bad luck with some injuries that almost ended his career, and I think he took about a year and a half off, I'm going to guess. We got him last year to put on our practice squad and you could see him throughout the whole year working to get his legs back and to get back in receiver shape and be able to handle the cuts after his injuries. I think the way he finished last year was really positive. He put the work in this offseason and I think he's back to being a really good NFL player now and fighting to make this team."

**A Vital Piece for San Francisco?**


With Brandon Aiyuk recovering from a knee injury, Jauan Jennings sidelined with a calf issue, and Jacob Cowing out with a hamstring injury, the 49ers receiving corps is riddled with question marks. Gage’s experience – 74 NFL games under his belt – could provide much-needed stability.


His success would be a major win for San Francisco, offering a veteran presence to a group lacking proven production.  


##  Can Comeback Kid Russell Gage Save the 49ers' Receiving Corps?

The San Francisco 49ers are desperate for help at wide receiver, and an unlikely contender m

49ers may get some much-needed WR help from player whose car

49ers may get some much-needed WR help from player whose career almost ended

## Cardinals Face Chiefs in Preseason Opener

Arizona wrapped up training camp at State Farm Stadium and will take the field this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game, which takes place Saturday at State Farm Stadium, marks the first preseason matchup for both teams, with starting quarterback Kyler Murray expected to play. However, the length of his playing time remains unclear. 

To dissect the upcoming game and delve into other Cardinals-related topics, hosts Seth Cox and [Your Name] have released a new podcast episode. 

**Preseason Strategies**

Starting at the 1:00 mark, the hosts discuss the significance of starting players appearing in the preseason opener. They also speculate on whether starters will see additional playing time after facing the Chiefs.  

**A New Addition to the Line?**

The possibility, now a reality, of adding guard Will Hernandez to the roster is explored at the 15:25 mark. The hosts analyze this potential move and its implications for the Cardinals' offensive line. 

 **Eyes on the Chiefs Game**

Looking ahead to Saturday's matchup, the hosts share their expectations for the Cardinals at the 32:00 mark. They outline specific areas they want to see improvement in during the game against Kansas City.  


You can catch the full episode via the embedded player above or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don't forget to leave a five-star rating! 


## Cardinals Face Chiefs in Preseason Opener

Arizona wrapped up training camp at State Farm Stadium and will take the field this weekend against the Kansas Cit

Cardinals preseason: Starters playing, Will Hernandez&#39; r

Cardinals preseason: Starters playing, Will Hernandez&#39; return, Cardinals-Chiefs preview

## Legacy Runs Deep: Nehews of Raider Legends Spark Preseason Tie

The spirit of Raider Nation runs deep, sometimes even through the family tree. 


**Family Ties on the Field**

Two nephews carrying legendary names took the field for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Seattle Seahawks on August 8th: Qadir Ismail, nephew of former Raider great Raghib 'Rocket' Ismail, and Shedrick Jackson, grandnephew of iconic Bo Jackson. Both players made their mark in a tie game that saw both teams fight to the end.

**Qadir Leads Early Charge**


Qadir Ismail had a solid showing in the first half, hauling in several catches for the Raiders. His efforts helped put the team in field goal range before halftime, although Daniel Carlson's 55-yard attempt fell short.

**Jackson Shines with Spectacular Touchdown**



Shedrick Jackson stole the show in the second half, leading the Raiders in receiving with two catches for a total of 52 yards. His highlight reel moment came on a 41-yard touchdown reception from Cam Miller, where he executed a dazzling double move to leave his defender in the dust.

 *"Lost him with the double move 😮" * - tweeted the NFL account following Jackson's impressive play.  



**Jackson Drives for Final Push**


In the game's final moments,  the Raiders needed a field goal to secure victory. Cam Miller looked to Jackson, who reeled in two crucial catches: a 20-yard grab followed by a four-yard gain that set up Daniel Carlson for another shot at a 55-yard field goal. The attempt was blocked, ending the game in a tie.

**A Fitting Location for Jackson's Display**



The outcome may have been a draw, but Shedrick Jackson's performance couldn't be ignored. His impressive showing took place in Seattle, where Bo Jackson's legendary run into the tunnel and his famous declaration "all the way to Tacoma"  happened years ago. 




## Legacy Runs Deep: Nehews of Raider Legends Spark Preseason Tie

The spirit of Raider Nation runs deep, sometimes even through the family tree. 


**Family Ti

2 players with legendary Raiders bloodlines catch passes in 

2 players with legendary Raiders bloodlines catch passes in preseason opener vs Seahawks

##  Moroccan Duo Earns Ballon d'Or Recognition

**Two Moroccan stars, Yassine Bounou and Ayoub Bouaddi, have been shortlisted for prestigious awards at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.**


Bounou, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy. This award recognizes the world's best goalkeeper.  

Rising star Ayoub Bouaddi also secured a spot on the shortlist for […]. 




##  Moroccan Duo Earns Ballon d'Or Recognition

**Two Moroccan stars, Yassine Bounou and Ayoub Bouaddi, have been shortlisted for prestigious awards at the 2025

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awa

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awards

## Hakimi Makes Cut for Prestigious Ballon d'Or 

**Paris Saint-Germain Star Among Elite Group of 30**

French magazine *France Football* unveiled the coveted list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, recognizing the world's best footballer. Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi secured his place among the elite, earning recognition for his stellar performances last season, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup.


The nomination highlights Hakimi’s  rise as a global football icon and reinforces Paris Saint-Germain's status as a powerhouse club on the international stage. 


## Hakimi Makes Cut for Prestigious Ballon d'Or 

**Paris Saint-Germain Star Among Elite Group of 30**

French magazine *France Football* unveiled the coveted l

Achraf Hakimi nominated for Ballon d&#039;Or award

##  Lawrence Wants His New Toy: Travis Hunter on Offense

Trevor Lawrence just got himself a new toy in Jacksonville: Travis Hunter, the two-way star who made waves at Colorado. 

### A College Star Joins the NFL


Hunter, like Lawrence a First-Team All-American, was known for his dominant performances on both sides of the ball during his college career, even running for the Heisman Trophy in 2024.  While Lawrence captured a national championship in 2018 with Clemson, Hunter’s electrifying dual-threat skills have Jaguars fans buzzing.

The Jacksonville team snagged Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding him to a roster that already boasts the former No. 1 overall pick from 2021: Lawrence himself.


###  Lawrence’s Wish List: More Touchdowns, Please

Despite Jacksonville easing Hunter into both positions, Lawrence has made his preference clear.

“Selfishly, yeah, I definitely want him on offense more,” Lawrence told reporters. "I told him, it's like: Do you want to come catch touchdowns or do you want to maybe break up a pass or two a game?” 


Lawrence continued, “He’ll make plays no matter where he’s at, honestly, and of course as a quarterback I hope he plays more offense. But wherever he needs to play to make our team better, because he will make us better, is what's going to happen. So I’m all for whatever that is.”


###  A Balancing Act in Jacksonville

While the Jaguars have listed Hunter as a second-string cornerback on their first depth chart, reports indicate he is considered a starting wide receiver. 

It seems Lawrence has already begun strategizing ways to unleash Hunter's offensive potential. For fans, this new dynamic pairing promises exciting possibilities for the upcoming season. 


##  Lawrence Wants His New Toy: Travis Hunter on Offense

Trevor Lawrence just got himself a new toy in Jacksonville: Travis Hunter, the two-way star who made w

Travis Hunter&#39;s teammate &#39;selfishly&#39; desires him

Travis Hunter&#39;s teammate &#39;selfishly&#39; desires him to play more offense

## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. With a postseason culminating in the state finals on November 1st, anticipation is building for another exciting season.   

### Boys: Returning Standouts

**Judah Hershberger (Dalton):** After placing 79th at last year’s Division III state meet – the highest of any Dalton boy runner – Hershberger is poised to lead his team as a senior.  

**Tripp Wingate (Norwayne):**  A Division II state qualifier last year, Wingate finished 92nd overall with a best time of 15:59.80. The Norwayne senior looks to improve on that performance this season.

**Luke Snyder (Rittman):**  Snyder is a name to watch in Division IV. The reigning back-to-back Division III state champion, he dominated the competition with wins in 2023 (14:58.13) and 2024 (15:23.10). His quest for a three-peat will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

**Caleb Bolender & Bryen Valerio (Rittman):** These Rittman teammates played crucial roles in their team's ninth-place finish at last year’s Division III state meet.  Valerio placed 61st with a best time of 16:30.87, while Bolender finished 109th (17:06.28).

**Jackson & Jaydon Varner (Waynedale):**  These senior brothers are known for their consistency. Jackson earned All-Ohio honors with a 16th-place finish at the Division III state meet, while Jaydon came in 43rd.

**Wyatt Moore (Waynedale):** Along with the Varner brothers, Moore helped Waynedale secure a sixth-place overall team finish at last year’s state meet.


### Girls: Returning Stars

**Lillith Dreibelbis (Norwayne):** Dreibelbis aims to lead Norwayne as their top runner after placing 51st at last year's Division III state meet.

**Adyson Fosen & Annabelle Snyder (Rittman):** These sophomore teammates both earned All-Ohio honors with podium finishes last season. Fosen placed 15th, and Snyder came in 18th.  

**Brooke Bowlby & Selah Amos (Rittman):** Both played key roles in Rittman’s third-place finish at the Division III state meet last year. Bowlby placed 41st, while Amos finished 85th. The team looks to build on their success with a strong return.

**Kaitlyn Carr (Smithville):** A three-time track and field state champion, Carr’s only missing achievement is a cross country title.  After placing third at the Division III state meet in both 2023 (18:02.70) and 2022 (17:49.86), she has another shot at the crown as a senior.

**Maryn Erdman (Smithville):** Carr’s track teammate, Erdman is also poised for success in Division IV. After placing 27th at last year's Division III state meet and earning All-Ohio honors, she aims to climb the podium this season.


**Piper Polen (Waynedale):**  Polen made a strong debut as a freshman, qualifying for the Division III state meet and finishing 95th. Her best time was 19:46.20.

**Iriel Mena (West Holmes):** As a freshman, Mena made the Division II state meet, placing 69th and contributing to West Holmes' tenth-place team finish.





## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. Wit

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runne

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runners in Wayne/Holmes County

## Patriots Offense Outshines Commanders D in Scrimmage

While the Commanders defense showed flashes of potential, the New England Patriots offense proved dominant in Wednesday's joint scrimmage. Monumental Sports analyst Mitchell Tischler offered insights into the matchup on Team 980's "Hoffman Show."

### Maye Impresses Under Center

Tischler highlighted the performance of Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. “He looked really good," Tischler said. "He looked way better today than the limited action I saw him last year. He was decisive with the football, and he did a good job of finding open receivers.” 

### Patriots Receivers Find Success Against Commanders Secondary

Among those open receivers was Patriots slot receiver Demario Douglas, who “had a very good day,” according to Tischler. Maye connected with Douglas repeatedly, often against coverage from Commanders second-year slot corner Mike Sainristil. While praising Douglas, Tischler noted that the Patriots receivers were generally getting open throughout the scrimmage, with each of the three Commanders corners – Sainristil, Marcus Lattimore and Trey Amos – facing challenges at times.

###  Amos Stands Tall Against Diggs

Tischler singled out Amos’ performance against wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “He did a good job when they were jamming at the line of scrimmage, getting his hands on him and kind of staying in his hip pocket, right behind him. He did a really nice job on a couple of deep balls."


### Lattimore Makes Plays

On the other side of the field, Tischler praised Marcus Lattimore's consistency. “I thought he was a little more consistent on the other side,” he said. "You see these guys wanting to fill the Joe Whitt, Dan Quinn style of football with turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. You know, go get those picks, go get those picks. Mikey had a tip at the end of the two-minute drill on a tip drill off of Bobby Wagner, which is a really nice play.”

### Commanders Defense Not Quite There Yet


In his concluding remarks, Tischler acknowledged the Patriots' offensive dominance but offered cautious optimism for the Commanders defense. "The Commanders' defense wasn’t as good as the Patriots' offense, but ultimately I think some of that was playing an ultra-aggressive style and we’re going to see a little less of that come the regular season." 


## Patriots Offense Outshines Commanders D in Scrimmage

While the Commanders defense showed flashes of potential, the New England Patriots offense proved domin

How did the Commanders cornerbacks fare in practice against 

How did the Commanders cornerbacks fare in practice against Patriots?

## Jaguars Face Preseason Decisions as New Faces Arrive

The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a crucial moment to assess the development of younger players. 

Head coach Liam Coen remains undecided on whether starters will see action, emphasizing a need to evaluate the team's performance during the next two padded practices.  "We wanted to kind of get through these next two padded days, to evaluate, see where we're at as a group, before making that decision," Coen said. "We've obviously had conversations as a staff and with Tony [Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli] and James [General Manager James Gladstone] as well, but we're going to let these two days play out, see what it looks like, and make a decision from there."


**Hunter Adds Flexibility**

The Jaguars' newest addition, Travis Hunter, is generating significant buzz. He is expected to play both offense and defense full-time, potentially giving the team flexibility in roster decisions at receiver and cornerback. 

Despite the influx of new talent, several familiar faces are facing an uncertain future as General Manager James Gladstone aims to build a team that thrives on its collective strengths. "By being nothing more than who they are, they'll likely elevate the team," Gladstone stated.  


**53-Man Roster Projection**

Here is our projected 53-man roster after Week 1 of training camp:


* **Quarterbacks (2)**
    * Starter(s): Trevor Lawrence
    * Reserves: Nick Mullens
* **Running backs (4)**
    * Starter(s): Travis Etienne OR Tank Bigsby
    * Reserves: Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr. 

* **Wide receivers (6)**
    * Starter(s):Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown
    * Reserves: Parker Washington, Trenton Irwin, Eli Pancol
* **Tight ends (3)**
    * Starter(s): Brenton Strange
    * Reserves: Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt 

* **Offensive linemen (9)**
    * Starter(s): Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison
    * Reserves: Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim, Tremayne Anchrum
    * IR: Cole Van Lanen 

* **Defensive ends (4)**
    * Starter(s): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker
    * Reserves: Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot

* **Defensive tackle (5)**
    * Starter(s): DaVon Hamilton, Maason Smith
    * Reserves: Austin Johnson, Tyler Lacy, Jordan Jefferson
    * IR: Arik Armstead 

* **Linebackers (6)**
    * Starter(s): Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller
    * Reserves: Yasir Abdullah, Dennis Gardeck, Jack Kiser
    * IR: Jalen McLeod

* **Cornerbacks (7)**
    * Starter(s): Travis Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis
    * Reserves: Jarrian Jones, De'Antre Prince, Christian Braswell, Levi Wallace 
    * IR: Montaric 'Buster' Brown

* **Safeties (5)**
    * Starter(s): Eric Murray, Andrew Wingard
    * Reserves: Darnell Savage, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane III

* **Specialists (3)**  
    * Starter(s): Cam Little, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik





## Jaguars Face Preseason Decisions as New Faces Arrive

The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers,

#Sports

Marlin Klein emerges from ‘jungle’ to take Michigan’s top TE spot in 2025

Morocco’s local national team continues preparations for CHAN 2024 clash against Kenya

Toast of Tonmawr Tandy aiming to make more Welsh Lions

49ers may get some much-needed WR help from player whose career almost ended

Cardinals preseason: Starters playing, Will Hernandez' return, Cardinals-Chiefs preview

2 players with legendary Raiders bloodlines catch passes in preseason opener vs Seahawks

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awards

Achraf Hakimi nominated for Ballon d'Or award

Travis Hunter's teammate 'selfishly' desires him to play more offense

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runners in Wayne/Holmes County

How did the Commanders cornerbacks fare in practice against Patriots?

Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster prediction: Who stays, who goes ahead of preseason?