Search Results for 'what is an associate'

[GameForAnyFuss]

Speaking of merch, one thing I think we underestimate is how much the Under Armour deal is holding Utah back.
1. UA’s graphics and design are inferior to other brands, plus the prices are generally 15-20% higher than the others. I think this hurts when it comes to getting the Utah brand out on the streets.
2. The UA brand has less street cred than Nike/Jordan and even Adidas. Yes, UA has a nice niche in the hunting/outdoor segment, which appeals to some college sports fans, but they are definitely a tier behind Nike and Adidas in the mainstream sports markets. I think this might have a negative effect on recruiting.
3. It’s no secret that foot problems are associated with UA shoes. There are articles on Rivals, 247, and other sites about it. UCLA medical center did a study after their track team complained about UA’s shoes causing foot and leg injuries. I think this may drive athletes away from UA schools to some degree.
4. The fact that we have a “whole school” deal with UA hurts individual programs. The more successful programs (think football, skiing, gymnastics) could get a lot more money by being able to have bake-offs among multiple equipment manufacturers in their respective sports, but they can’t because they’re restricted by the UA deal.

I believe that someday, when this deal is over, we’ll realize the full extent to which the UA deal has hurt our athletics on multiple fronts.

[TheNuschler]

Anytime I see this happen to any team, school, or even a campus shooting, I think about hearing the news about Ty and Aaron, which both took my breath away for some time and made me kind of sick for a couple of days. Knowing the story about how it affected players, coaches, and their families, knowing the story more than most, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Wishing the best for all those associated with Baylor’s young teammate. It’s awful no matter the circumstance.

[Caleb]

And the boosters probably aren’t even contacting him directly.

It’s not dissimilar to when football programs reach out to coaches to gauge their interest during the season.

When Florida went after Urban during the 2004 season, they didn’t directly contact him. They had people contact family and friends to gauge his interest. They did the same with a couple other candidates (Bob Stoops was one as was Butch Davis) and both basically came back that they weren’t interested to be ‘included’ in the coaching search. Urban was and became their top target, even as the season was going on (this would have been late October that year).

I don’t think that’s illegal per NCAA rules like tampering might be as a written rule – but it’s the same basic formula: people associated with a booster reaches out to people associated with the player and play it pretty ambiguous – not a direct offer or anything (more like, “imagine if Snowden could make $2 million if he signed with another school…” “oh yeah…he probably would jump at that opportunity.” “Maybe he’ll be lucky enough to get that kind of offer if he entered the portal…”

Some vague s**t like that.

Ultimately, it does no one any good to cry about it. Crying doesn’t fix the issue. Tampering has always existed in college football. I promise you players are talking to other players on other teams who might be in their ear about coming to a team even during a supposed dead period. This is nothing new. The problem is that it’s now money related and unaffiliated with the schools so it generally leads to a grayer area overall.

But it’s the name of the game at this point and Utah either adapts or they’ll completely crater as a program and fall significantly behind BYU.

[UTE98]

Phillip Lindsay was on 104.3 The Fan here in Denver on Tuesday and he was p**sed. Not for himself, but he said since Deion showed up prior legends don’t feel comfortable up at CU. Lindsay then went on to say he’d talked with numerous prior legends at CU who have not had their jerseys retired and they are not happy. He commented Rick George the current CU AD coached the 1990 NC team and should know better.

CU has four jerseys retired. And one of them is not #2 Deon Figures. So Sanders #2 being retired over Figures is a huge slight, I mean huge!!!!

Former Buffs who probably should have had their jerseys retired prior to Hunter and Sanders…

#1 – Eric Bieniemy, RB, 1987-90
Still ranks as CU’s all-time leading rusher, with 3,940 yards. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1988 and 1990, making him the first Buff to rush for 1,000 yards twice (Phillip Lindsay is the only other to do it). He was unanimous first-team All-American in 1990, when he rushed for 1,628 yards and 17 touchdowns, finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting and helped CU to the national title. Bieniemy earned first-team All-Big Eight honors twice.

#94 – Alfred Williams
Arguably the greatest defensive player in CU history, Williams was a first-team Associated Press All-American in 1990 and second-team in 1989 (although he was first-team by some outlets both years). He was the first Buff to win one of the nation’s postseason trophies, taking home the Butkus Award in 1990. Williams was the Big Eight defensive player of the year twice and still ranks as CU’s all-time leader in sacks (35) and tackles for loss (59). A first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, he played nine seasons in the NFL and helped the Denver Broncos win two Super Bowls. In 2010, Williams was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

#3 – Darrian Hagan
In the conversation for the best option quarterback in college football history, Hagan’s greatest accomplishment was in leading the Buffaloes to their first and only national title in football, in 1990. The author of some of the most memorable plays in CU history, Hagan threw for 3,801 yards and rushed for 2,007 in his career, while accounting for 54 touchdowns. He compiled a remarkable 19-0-1 record as a starter in Big Eight games (28-5-2 overall) and led the Buffs to three conference titles. In 1989, he was fifth in Heisman Trophy voting after becoming just the sixth player in NCAA history to reach 1,000 yards passing (1,002) and rushing (1,004) in the same season. He was the Big Eight offensive player of the year in 1989, while earning All-American honors.

#94/98 – Chad Brown

#10 Kordell Stewart

#82 Michael Westbrook

#2 Deon Figures – This is the one causing the most heartache, many former CU Buffs players value him as being more worthy of retirement of the #2 over Shadeur. Won a NC – Check, won national awards – Check
Figures attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, and played for the Colorado Buffaloes football team from 1988 to 1992. As a freshman in 1988, he played in 10 games and intercepted two passes against the Iowa State Cyclones, setting a record for Buffalo freshmen. He did not qualify academically in 1989, but played in all 12 games and compiled 67 unassisted tackles and 18 assists as a redshirt sophomore in 1990. In a non-conference game against the No. 12 Washington Huskies, Figures intercepted a second pass from Huskies quarterback Mark Brunell in the final minute of the game to secure the victory. After winning the Big Eight Conference championship with a 7–0 conference schedule and compiling a 10–1–1 overall record, the Buffaloes faced the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl. Memorably, Figures intercepted a pass from Irish quarterback Rick Mirer as time expired to ice the Buffaloes’ 10–9 victory and win the 1990 national championship.

By the start of his 1991 junior season, opposing Big Eight coaches were well aware of Figures’ defensive skills and sought to direct offensive plays away from him. He managed to record two interceptions and 39 tackles and helped the Buffaloes win a share of their third straight Big Eight championship and another top-25 ranking. As a senior in 1992, he had six more interceptions while logging 38 tackles, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. He was also the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award and Jack Tatum Trophy as the best college defensive back in the country.

What is probably the biggest sticking point is only 4 till now, then two in one year and RIGHT after they played their last season. Nobody is arguing Hunter didn’t deserve it at some time… in the future. Sanders is the one causing the biggest problem. Lindsay basically said, somebody has to be in charge and not let Deion do this now. But sadly nobody will stand up to Deion at CU. Not even a former coach for his own players who are being overshadowed.

[krindor]

DE: Slight edge to Utah
Utah has historically had a very strong DE rotation, but has more questions than normal this year. Fano looks to be a stud, but the spot opposite him and the depth is uncertain. I’d like to see Kash Dillon lock it up, but it’s a battle between him, Fitzgerald, Holtzclaw and Jones.

Meanwhile BYU has Logan Lutui as the only returning quasi-starter (and even that is arguable since Batty and Bagnah were the two main guys), but a whole mess of high-upside potential that hasn’t done anything yet. Tausili Akana (weight struggles that are reportedly being solved), Ephraim Asiata (ongoing weight struggles), Hunter Clegg (inexperience and mission rust), Viliami Po’uha, Kini Fonohema give BYU upside at EDGE that hasn’t existed in a long time. And I haven’t even mentioned Schoonover. He and Lutui have the most experience, but the advanced metrics for those two have been pretty weak so far. Fano vs those guys is enough to be a moderate edge for Utah, but the sheer number of upside youngsters for BYU brings it down to a slight edge for Utah and, if enough of them pop or excel enough, could even flip it to a BYU advantage.

DT: Push
This is another interesting spot, with BYU building around a Utah transfer. And make no mistake, Keanu Tanuvasa can be REALLY good. After all, he started last year for Utah over everyone that is coming back (though he was generally DT2 behind Tafuna). But Tanuvasa was also injured a lot and Dallas Vakalahi replaced him without any drop-off. If you argue Vakalahi = Tanuvasa (defensible, if a bit exaggerated i n my mind), then Vimahi and others at Utah are enough to give Utah the edge. But if Tanuvasa is healthy and the best DT on either team, then it’s closer to a tie or BYU advantage. Overall, I’ll split the difference and call it a push.

LB: Slight advantage to BYU
This is going to be one of my more controversial takes, because Utah has a very good LB group.

Lander Barton finally seems recovered and was playing like an early round draft pick to end last season. Jonathon Hall came over from safety and immediately impressed and Damuni is back for one more year. It’s a REALLY good group

And yet, BYU’s may be just as good or even better with Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, and Harrison Taggart. The biggest difference is that if injuries hit, BYU has just a bit more high end depth with Siale Esera and Ace Kaufusi already having shown what they can do. Utah relies a bit more on true freshman like Cyrus Polu and Christian Thatcher (both highly touted, but still true freshman). It’s a nitpick since both programs have absolutely fantastic LBs, but this one goes slightly to BYU.

Cornerbacks: Slight advantage to Utah
BYU lost both their starting CBs from last year in Jakob Robinson and Marque Collins. Evan Johnson played on the boundary a LOT when Robinson went into the slot and did well, so it’s not a complete rebuild, but I’m more nervous than most about Bamba being picked on. BYU is also counting on Kabeya picking up the slot role. BYU has a great corners coach and deserves the benefit of the doubt, but there’s definitely some questions marks this year. There’s a reason the fanbase so openly courted Snowden to enter the portal.

Interestingly, the same (great coach, benefit of the doubt, some questions) is true for Utah. Snowden is (as mentioned) a stud and Scooby Davis played a lot (and fairly well) last year, but Utah is relying on someone else to step up at the 3rd spot. If Utah had kept Calhoun, they’d be incredibly set – but now need to hope one of Saunders, Cotton or another CB step up. That said, there’s slightly fewer questions and more proven production for Utah so they get the edge for now. My guess is that both schools do well at this position though, just because of the history of the associated coaches.

S: Advantage to Utah
BYU has a lot of good young talent at Safety, none of which really shined above the rest last year. Damuni and Satuala have the most pedigree, and Jay Hill loves Prassas, but most of the starts and snaps last year went to two former walk-ons in Tanner Wall and Crew Wakley. Wakley is gone now and the others have more upside, but until we see it, potential is just code for “haven’t done anything yet”.

Meanwhile Utah has some truly excellent safeties with both Tao Johnson and Rabbit Evans returning, Nate Ritchie (who started as a freshman) still around as a backup, Nate Tilmon impressing as a true freshman and Jackson Benee somehow the big story of spring camp. BYU certainlhy isn’t bad at this spot, but it’s a real strength for Utah.

K/P/returners: Advantage to BYU
Utah and Utah fans are justifiably excited about Dillon Curtis and his massive leg…but it sounds like there’s a bit of work to do regarding accuracy. And BYU’s Will Ferrin is simply a top kicker, finishing first team all-Big 12 last year. So that’s a small BYU advantage for now.

At punter, both schools seem fine, not incredible, but BYU also has some exceptional return talent. Pair that with the consistency of their kicker and they seem to have the moderate advantage on ST for now at least.

[UteFan Vineyard]

I guess it depends what you use as criteria. Here are some of Bogut’s accomplishments in the 2004 – 2005 season. Pretty impressive in my opinion.

ESPN.com National Player of the Year
Basketball Times National Player of the Year
Wooden Award Top 5 Finalist
Naismith Award Top 4 Finalist
Associated Press First Team All-America
USBWA First Team All-America
NABC First Team All-America
Mountain West Conference Player of the Year
Mountain West Conference All-Tournament Team
USBWA District 8 Player of the Year

I guess the reason to leave him off would be that he only played 2 seasons?

[Minnesota Ute]

Off topic but something that still bugs me. I never got a suitable answer for why Jimmy Soto left the color job on ESPN700. Being honest, I really don’t like Mooney as the replacement. He has that rhetorical habit that I associate with politicians, pundits, and wall st high rollers of saying “right” after making a point. I find that condescending, which fits in perfect with his habit of complementing their play with the “good job Ezra” like 1) they are listening to him and 2) like he was ever a player or coach that is qualified to sit in judgement of what is or isn’t good play. He just comes across to me like an annoying elitist (sorry).

So to my question, does what Josh is saying about Craig have something to do with Jimmy’s departure? Was Jimmy critical of Craig for not accepting his help or the help of others (like Josh) who he was close to? Maybe (probably) the two aren’t connected, but makes me wonder.

[hbUte]

Very surprised to hear in Checketts Josh Grant interview that Andre Miller tried to come back to Utah to be an assistant but was never accepted back. I assume from this take this was another example of Smith not wanting to accept any help from anybody who had been associated with Utah BB.

Andre is a head coach in the G league. I would think the next progression for him would be as an NBA assistant coach but it would be fantastic if he were to come back. Having Jensen as head with Andre being the lead assistant would be a dream come true.

[RedRocks]

While it is not my website, I’d be in favor of removing all political posts that don’t directly relate to Utah/college sports.

If people want political information/discussion, there are plenty of echo chambers out there for people to get the feedback they desire.

Discussing politics and religion in a detached online format intended for another purpose (in this case, sports) only really serves to divide. Most people aren’t going to change their political/religious opinion because you shared yours on a sports website.

People probably left after the last discussion because A) Who wants politics on a sports website? and B) Some people find the political opinions of others to be repulsive and no longer want to associate with that person or support their platform (not saying this is right or wrong).

[The Miami Ute]

It really has everything to do with merchandising. In addition to coolers, Yeti sells drinkware, tshirts, hats, camping equipment, etc…with the name “Yeti” affixed to them. These are all things that the Utah “Yeti” would like to sell to their fanbase, also with some version of Yeti branding affixed to it. In addition, the club and the company would kind of be competing in the same space, since they would be selling different versions of the same thing (drinkware, tshirts, hats, etc…). To make things worse, some of the drinkware sold by the club is made by Stanley, which is a direct competitor to Yeti. Are you seeing the complications yet?

Lastly, and this is something that Yeti calls brand dilution, what happens if the Utah “Yeti” suck forever and are associated with mediocrity and mismanagement? Yeti LLC claims that would impact its brand as well due to the closeness of the names.