Derrick Miller TE Signed....

Angry Pope

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The Oakland Raiders have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent TE Derrick Miller (Maryland). The deal is for one year, but financial terms are not known.
 
We also signed....

QB Kent Smith - Central Michigan

WR Jacob Brown - Central Michigan
 
Kent Smith


Hometown:

Toledo, Ohio

High School:

Start

Height / Weight:

6-5 / 215

Position:

QB

Experience:

Sr./Sr.



Returns for his second season as the starting quarterback for the Chippewas ... has continued to show steady progress ... has excellent size with big-play capability on the ground... left handed ... started 10 games last season after not seeing the field in 2003 ... played in four games as a redshirt freshman in 2002 while starting against Western Michigan (11/23/02) ... finished in the top 10 in CMU history in five single-season categories last year ... set CMU single-game records for completed passes (29) and total offense (446) in a loss at Toledo (10/23/04) last season and tied an 85-year-old school record with five TD passes in a four-overtime game against Eastern Michigan (11/6/04).

COLLEGE

2004: Started 10 games behind center ... ranked sixth in the MAC and 35th nationally in total offense with 239.5 yards per game ... completed 56.5 percent of passes going 188-for-333 for 2,284 yards ... tossed 16 TDs to eight interceptions and rushed for another 10 TDs ... tallied an efficiency rating of 125.12 ... averaged 207.6 yards passing per game to rank seventh in the league ... rushed 112 times on the year for 351 yards ... named MAC West Division "Offensive Player of the Week" after completing 21-of-39 passes for 205 yards and a TD and running for a career-high 72 yards and a score in a home, comeback win over rival Western Michigan (10/30/04) ... set CMU single-game records for completed passes (29) and total offense (446) in loss at Toledo (10/23/04) while going 29-for-42 for 385 yards with two TD passes and rushing 15 times for 61 yards and a score ... the 385 passing yards against Toledo was the third most in school history ... in CMU single-season history, ranked second for passes attempted (333) and completed (188) and fourth in yards passing (2,284) and TD passes (16) ... threw for five touchdowns and rushed for another two to have a hand in all seven of CMU's touchdowns in a dramatic four-overtime loss to Eastern Michigan at Ford Field (11/6/04).

2003: Did not see the field.

2002: Played in four games ... completed 3-of-16 passes for 33 yards in first career start against Western Michigan (11/23/02) ... was 3-of-9 for 22 yards against Toledo (11/9/02) and rushed five times for 69 yards and a score.

2001: Redshirted.

HIGH SCHOOL:
Earned three letters in football and three in basketball at Start High ... all-conference, all-district, and honorable mention all-state in football ... set school record with 3,071 yards in career passing ... northwest Ohio offensive "Player of the Year" ... all-city and all-district in basketball.

PERSONAL: Born 9/5/83 ... parents are Kent and Beverly Smith ... nicknamed "Big Smooth" ... sister, Kentrah, plays in the WNFL ... most memorable moment in athletics was CMU's win over Ball State in 2004 after trailing 27-0 ... graduated in May with a degree in entrepreneurship.
 
Kent Smith: Small School, Big Talent

Written by Chad Kraai
Monday, 17 April 2006

Kent Smith is a big, talented quarterback prospect out of Central Michigan. He has limited experience, but is one of the most physically gifted signal callers in this year's draft. Learn more about one of the draft's most interesting developmental players.

Being the underdog is nothing new to Central Michigan University quarterback Kent Smith. Smith attended Start High School in Toledo , Ohio and was Northwest Ohio Player of the Year. Despite throwing for over 3,000 yards in his high school career, some college programs such as Bowling Green did not think Smith could make it as a quarterback and recruited him to play other positions.

The Chippewas of CMU were willing offer Smith a scholarship with the opportunity to play quarterback and he took their offer. After sitting on the bench for two full seasons, Smith finally got the opportunity to start his junior season. Smith had to learn the Chippewas’ new offense brought to CMU by new head coach Brian Kelly.

“There were a lot of similarities with our old offense, but the terminology all changed and there was a lot more of throwing the ball down the field with coach Kelly,” said Smith. “Everyday and every game was a learning experience.”

After his junior season, Smith worked hard to learn the intricacies of the pass-happy offense deployed by Kelly. In Smith’s senior season he thrived under the shotgun system.

Nicknamed, “Big Smooth” by his freshman basketball coach for his calm demeanor, Smith finished the 2005 campaign with 2,762 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 443 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns.

Smith completed 60.5 percent of his passes and threw only six interceptions on 418 attempts. The former All-City and All-District basketball star used his 6-5 height to see over the line and complete 46 of 70 passes for 460 yards versus Western Michigan University , all were school records.

Smith led CMU to a 6-5 record in 2005 and performed well against Northern Illinois , Miami (OH), and Toledo . Smith threw for 382 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in a loss to NIU, and threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns in a thrilling 38-37 win over Miami (OH).

Smith also led CMU to an upset victory against his hometown Toledo Rockets where he threw for two touchdowns and ran another for the 21-17 victory.

“Every year I put an “X” on my calendar when we play Toledo ,” Said Smith. “I have a lot of family and friends there rooting for me, and a lot of family and friends rooting against me. I have played pretty well against them over the years, and it feels good.”

Smith will once again be thrown into the underdog role as he enters the NFL Draft. Coming from a small school with limited starting experience, Smith may need another chance like he was given from CMU to prove himself.

Smith said surrounding himself with good coaching, good talent around him, and just playing with good players would make him a quality quarterback in the NFL.

“As a dual threat quarterback, I have the ability to make plays with my arm and my legs,” said Smith. “If the protection breaks down, I am able to make plays with my legs and also find people throwing the ball.”

At 6-5, 215 lbs, Smith will need to bulk up and put on weight if he wants to compete at the next level. Working on his five and seven step drops is another thing Smith said he will continue to work at, as he played in a system that used the shotgun, learning to play under center will be important.

Smith’s athleticism and mobility is above average for NFL standards and may propel him to be drafted on day two. Smith has been projected anywhere from round 5 to an un-drafted free-agent.
 
Smith to Play in All-American Classic


Kent Smith By: CMU Sports Information

Date: Nov 11, 2005

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University senior quarterback Kent Smith of Toledo (Ohio) Start High School will play in the Las Vegas All-American Classic in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 14, 2006.

The all-star contest is in its second year at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas and will be televised on CSTV: College Sports Television. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Tickets are available online at www.unlvtickets.com or by calling (702) 739-3267.

Kent Smith is in his second season as the Chippewas' starting quarterback. He has completed 186-of-308 passes for 2,012 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, while also running for 363 yards and seven scores.

Entering Saturday's game at Western Michigan, Smith ranks second all-time at Central Michigan in total touchdowns (46; 29 passing, 17 rushing), fourth in completions (384) and attempts (673), fifth in touchdown passes (29) and sixth in passing yards (4,392). His 186 completions in 2005 is the third-highest single-season total in school history, while his 2,375 yards of offense this season is the fourth-best single-season mark.

Smith holds CMU single-game records for attempts (51), completions (33) and total offense (478 yards) and shares the record for touchdown passes (5).

Smith has run and thrown for a touchdown in the same game 10 times in his career. He has been named Mid-American Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Week three times in 2005.

CMU (5-4 overall, 4-2 MAC) visits WMU on Saturday. The contest is the MAC Television Game of the Week and is available on Comcast Local, Comcast Sports Net Chicago, Fox Sports Net Ohio, and Adelphia 13 in Buffalo. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
 
Jacob Brown

Hometown:

Saginaw, Mich.

High School:

Bridgeport

Height / Weight:

6-2 / 215

Position:

TE

Experience:

Sr./Sr.


Played wide receiver his first three years ... moved to tight end prior to spring drills where his speed should be a tremendous asset ... came out of spring drills as the starter ... good leader who is respected by his teammates.

COLLEGE

2004: Redshirted.

2003: Had eight catches for 133 yards and a score ... made two catches for 79 yards, including a 72-yard TD grab at Ball State (9/20/03) ... caught two balls for 11 yards and made two tackles on special teams against Northern Illinois (10/11/03).

2002: Caught six balls for 46 yards ... grabbed a career-high four receptions for 31 yards versus Ball State (11/16/02) ... made two catches for 15 yards against Northern Illinois (10/19/02).

2001:
Played as a true freshman ... totaled four receptions for 46 yards on the year ... snagged first career catch at Michigan State (9/8/01).

HIGH SCHOOL: Earned three letters in football and track at Bridgeport High ... first team all-conference as a defensive back as a senior and second team at quarterback as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born 6/10/83 ... parents are Michael and Portia Brown ... brother, Isaac, plays for CMU ... uncle, Monty, played football for the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots ... most memorable moment in athletics was beating WMU ... hobbies include drawing, surfing the Internet, and singing ... majoring in graphic design
 
Jacob Brown Profile

Senior brings speed to the tight end position.



Sept. 27, 2005


By Eric Caldwell
Sports Information Student Assistant


The name Jacob Brown is synonymous with versatility and unselfishness around the Central Michigan University football program.

A converted wide receiver now playing tight end, Brown has shown an ability to play all over the field, including on special teams.

After recording his best season statistically in 2003 (eight catches, 133 yards, one touchdown), Brown redshirted in 2004 and is now penciled in as the starting tight end.

He was asked to move to tight end at the beginning of spring drills this season in order to utilize his speed downfield and create mismatches coming off the line of scrimmage.

Brown has the athleticism of any wide receiver in the MAC and it is going to be extremely hard for any linebacker to match up with someone with his ability.

"I have complete trust in coach (Brian) Kelly and his philosophy to move me to tight end," Brown said of the position switch. "Forcing linebackers throughout the Mid-American Conference to have to cover someone with wide receiver speed at the tight end position will open up a lot of opportunities for our offense downfield."

Brown's versatility became evident early on while he was in high school. He earned three letters in football and also in track and field while attending Bridgeport High School. The talented athlete was named first team all-conference as a defensive back during his senior season. Brown was also recognized on the offensive side of the ball his junior season receiving second team all-conference laurels as a quarterback.

His ability to contribute anywhere on the field allowed him to see game action as a true freshman in 2001. He filled in at wide receiver and had four receptions for a total of 46 yards on the season. Brown used that playing time to better prepare himself for his sophomore, junior, and upcoming senior seasons.





Brown is part of a family tree full of football tradition and skill. His uncle, Monty, played professional football for the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots, and his brother Isaac is a junior linebacker at CMU. Jacob admits there is friendly competition between Isaac and him, but insists, "I always try to finish ahead of my brother."

That friendly competition was forgotten for at least one day during the offseason. Jacob and his wife, Jami, were married on July 30, with Isaac standing as the best man.

While preseason camp meant long hours away from his new wife, her support of his football career has helped Brown balance the added responsibility of football and family.

"She's my backbone and my number one supporter," Brown said. "She always takes care of me when I come home from practice tired and sore. She understands that there are long hours during the season and she knows that this is what I love to do."

Brown has high hopes and expectations for this upcoming football season. He is solely focused on winning the MAC championship and defeating rival Western Michigan University one last time.

"Our long-term goals are to win a MAC championship and get a bowl ring," Brown said. "Those are the same every year. But right now we're taking it one thing at a time, and the most important thing right now is preparing to beat Indiana."
 
Kent Smith

Name Kent Smith
School Central Michigan
Class 2006
Height 604.6
Weight 216
Speed 4.57 (Combine)
Position QB




Stats

188-333, 56.5%, 2284 yds, 15 td, 8 int in 2004.

10 rushing td in 2004.


253-418, 60.5%, 2762 yds, 16 td, 6 int in 2005.


7 rushing td in 2005.


Kent Smith is a sleeper quarterback prospect for the 2006 NFL Draft. He has the size to play in the NFL, and adds athletic ability as a quarterback who can also run with the ball. Smith, a lefty, has progressed at Central Michigan, and continues to show signs of further improvement. He threw for 15 touchdowns in 2004 to go along with 10 scores on the ground. Accuracy is not his strength, but Smith still has the potential to get better and has performed well as a senior, finishing off with over 60% completions. In week two Smith led Central Michigan to a 38-37 win over one of the better teams in the MAC- Miami Ohio. Smith earned conference-player-of-the-week honors for his 400+ total-yards performance. Really a one-man show on a pretty unexplosive CMU offense, Smith may look to run more than NFL scouts like, but can throw also. Even though he is somewhat unknown, Smith could end up being one of the first ten QB's taken in the draft, and will likely be looked at on day two.
 
Name Jayson Boyd
School Texas-El Paso
Class 2006
Height 603.3
Weight 222
Speed 4.57 (Pro Day)
Position WR




Stats

2005: 12 catches for 222 yards (18.5 avg) Only had stats in 4 games this year.

2004: 42 catches for 560 yards, (13.3 avg) 5 TDs. Named seecond-team All-WAC, but will now play in C-USA.


2005:(Senior): With only 4 games played this year , Boyd's stats were down this season. Blessed with a terrific size, speed combo but limited action in '05. Jayson Boyd will need to turn some heads at his pre-draft workouts to have a chance of making a NFL camp. Current Draft Outlook: UDFA

2004 (JUNIOR): Second team All-WAC...ranked first on the team in receptions (42), as well as second in yardage (560) and touchdowns (five)...also threw two incomplete passes to Chris Francies on wide receiver throwbacks...played in all 12 games, making a start against SMU...seven catches for 140 yards and one touchdown against Colorado in the EV1.net Houston Bowl...six receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown against SMU...four catches for 91 yards and a TD at Tulsa...reeled in five passes for 46 yards and a score at San Jose State...caught four passes for 21 yards and a TD against New Mexico State...long reception of 52 yards came at Tulsa...ran the 40 in 4.39 in preseason testing.

PRIOR TO UTEP: Played one season (2002) at Oregon State...registered 10 catches for 169 yards, including a touchdown versus Eastern Kentucky, as a redshirt freshman at OSU...also had three rushes for 11 yards while appearing in 10 games...forced a fumble against UCLA...started a pair of contests (Eastern Kentucky, Arizona State)...had season-highs for catches (three) against Temple and Arizona State, and yardage (77) versus Eastern Kentucky...longest catch of the year went for 41 yards against Eastern Kentucky...ran for 18 yards on a reverse versus California...saw action at wide receiver and cornerback at John W. North High School in Riverside, Calif...was tabbed a first team prep All-American by SuperPrep Magazine, and was rated the 19th-best high school wideout in the country by that publication...ranked 76th among all prep receivers by Rivals.com...listed as the 21st-best player in California by SuperPrep...named to PrepStar's All-Western Region team...chosen first team All-CIF (5A), first team All-League and first team All-County as a junior and senior...snared 56 passes for 961 yards (17.1 avg.) with eight touchdowns as a senior...also scored three touchdowns off punt returns...totaled 39 catches for 481 yards (12.3 avg.) with three scores his junior year, when he was appointed honorable mention All-State...three-year starter on the varsity team...also lettered three times in track and field, competing in the high jump, 200 meters and 400 meters...top times were 22.5 seconds in the 200 and 50.0 seconds in the 400...selected All-County and All-CIF in track and field...high school coach was Mark Paredes...lists his biggest sports thrill as being chosen the player of the game in a three-overtime victory over Riverside Poly his junior season.

PERSONAL: Parents are Jeff and Saundra Boyd...father played at Colorado and is in the CFL Hall of Fame following a stint with Winnipeg...has one brother and two sisters...full name is Jayson William Boyd...Randy Moss is his favorite athlete...born 9/29/83 (Riverside, Calif.)...sociology major.
 
Jason Boyd...

Position: WR Number: 01
School: UTEP Height: 6'4
Status: Senior Weight: 200


-This is a player at the wide receiver position that shows excellent athletic skill and size

-He is a transfer from Oregon St. who is a phenomenal athlete at his position, he posses as an imposing receiver for most defenders to cover both defensive backs and linebackers

-He places many defenses at a disadvantage in that he is usually too big, physical and strong for most defensive backs, and too quick & fast for linebackers to cover coming into pass patterns

-He is a playmaking presence anywhere on the field of play, and makes his presence felt once the ball is snapped and thrown in his direction, every ball thrown in his area he feels should be his and he takes ownership of

-When the ball is thrown his way he attacks balls with an aggressiveness that makes him a beast, and with his ability to jump out of the stadium gives even more reason for defenders to be aware where he lines up on every down

-He also has a knack for consistently gaining extra yardage with (YAC) yards after contact, that is where his physical play comes into importance, and is excellent at positioning himself for the catch while the ball is in the air, and meeting the ball at it's highest point to where only he will come down with it

-He is an unknown beast at his position that has the athletic skill level to be All-American, but with the lack of both exposure and an offense where he is not featured, he may never receive the attention he so deservedly deserves


Last Updated: Sep-04-2005
 
Jason Boyd

Strengths:

Has excellent size and a big frame...Extremely athletic...An outstanding leaper with great ball skills...A deep threat who can stretch the field...A willing and able blocker...Is tough and physical...Was very productive...Still has some potential.

Weaknesses:

Does not have the most reliable hands...Timed speed is only average...Is not the greatest route runner...Overall technique needs work and he needs to master the finer points of the position...Won't do much in terms of running after the catch.

Notes:

Father, Jeff, played at Colorado and is in the CFL Hall of Fame following a stint with Winnipeg...Began his career at Oregon St. before transferring...Really has all the physical tools that you look for and will be an intriguing late round possibility.
 
Kent Smith

QB, Central Michigan



Strengths: Has good size with the room to add bulk. Is elusive; rarely gets sacked. Is a strong runner with good speed, vision and agility. Has a quick release. Shows nice touch and timing on short routes, giving receivers chances to run after catches. Freezes linebackers nicely with play-action fakes. Continues to improve.

Weaknesses: Lacks the arm strength to throw deep-out routes. Locks on to primary receivers too soon and leads them into traffic. Lacks the velocity to complete perimeter passes or fit passes into tight windows. Is too inconsistent on intermediate routes. Must learn to make better decisions. Holds the ball too long on downfield routes.

Bottom line: Smith, a great athlete, is most effective on the run and on quick routes. He must develop a stronger arm and better efficiency on intermediate and downfield routes to make an NFL roster. Smith hasn't faced much elite competition, further hindering his draft stock. He may sneak into the seventh round, but most likely, he won't be drafted.
 
Another one...

The Deseret Morning News reports the Oakland Raiders have signed undrafted rookie free agent WR John Madsen (Utah).
 
John Madsen

Name John Madsen
School Utah
Class 2006
Height 605.0
Weight 220
Speed 4.60 (Unofficial)
Position WR




Stats

2005: 55 catches for 672 yards with 6 TD's.


John is a fine collegiate possession receiver who really knows how to win the battle for the ball. He is a glider who gets to the right position quickly, shields the defender well using his body, and uses his soft hands to make effortless grabs. Many think that he does not possess great speed, but he has ran a 4.6 forty and is 4th on his team in the 10 yard sprint(1.63). The one time walk on could the second coming of Ed McCaffery, with his toughness, finesse, and soft hands. I really like John in this draft, but he will still be a late round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
 
John Madsen

Class:

Senior

Hometown:

West Valley City

Last College:

Snow College

Height / Weight:

6-5 / 220

Position:

WR

Experience:

2VL







UTAH: All-conference candidate will start at Z receiver ... 6-foot-5 stature and 37.5 inch vertical jump make him very hard to defend ... deceptively quick and fast, he ranks fourth on the team in the 10-yard sprint (1.63 seconds) and runs a 4.6 40 ... one-time walk-on has since earned a scholarship and a starting position.

2004-Played all 12 games and started 9 ... versatile receiver played mostly at E (7 starts), but also filled in a X (1 start) and Z (1 start) ... 27 grabs for 377 yards ... averaged 14.0 yards per catch and caught 5 TD passes ... career-high 6 catches for 50 yards and a TD vs. North Carolina ... 4 receptions vs. Utah State (69 yards and 1 TD) and Pittsburgh, in the Fiesta Bowl (27 yards, 1 TD) ... 3 receptions against both Texas A&M (53 yards, 1 TD) and San Diego State (62 yards) ... career-long 58-yard reception vs. SDSU ... returned one kickoff for 21 yards vs. Wyoming.

2003-Played in all 12 games and started against Colorado State and San Diego State ... walk-on led Utes with 2 catches for 82 yards and 1 TD against Texas A&M ... 1 reception for 15 yards against UNLV ... also played for special teams ... lettered.


PRIOR TO UTAH: Did not play high school football ... first year playing football was in 2002 at Snow College (practiced with Snow in 2001 but did not play) ... Snow went 8-2 and ranked 16th in the nation in 2002 ... lettered three years in baseball and two years in basketball for Hunter High School (Utah) ... all-conference in baseball twice and basketball once ... honor roll every term.


PERSONAL: Son of John and Leann Madsen ... one sister ... enjoys fishing and golfing ... economics major ... full name is John Christopher Madsen ... born May 9, 1983.
 
We have signed Jabari Levey....

Former Gamecocks Sign As Free-Agents

(Columbia) - Offensive Lineman Na’Shan Goddard signed with the New York Giants. Goddard told Barrie earlier today he was “excited at the opportunity to play in New York.” Goddard was regarded as the most consistent performer along the offensive line for Carolina. Goddard made 37 career starts for USC.

Another former offensive lineman has found an NFL home. Jabari Levey has signed with Oakland Raiders. Levey was hailed as first day draft selection by the Sporting News. Levey made 28-career starts, second behind Na’Shan Goddard.

And defensive tackle Chris Tucker has signed with the Redskins. Tucker is an explosive player and most consistent defensive lineman for the Gamecocks. He was the only defensive player other than Ko Simpson to start all eleven games.

Linebacker Lance Laury has signed with the defending NFC champions Seattle Seahawks. Laury made nine starts this season, and finished second on the team with 57 tackles.
 
Jabari Levey

Name Jabari Levey
School South Carolina
Class 2006
Height 605.9
Weight 326
Speed 5.50 (Unofficial)
Position OT




Stats

2002: Played in four games at guard and tackle.
2003: Started seven games and appeared in 11 at left guard.
2004: Started and appeared in 11 of 11 games at left tackle.
2005: Started and appeared in 11 of 12 games at left tackle.




Jabari Levey is the best offensive linemen on the Gamecock squad and pairs with Na'Shan Goddard to form one of the better OL tandems in the SEC. Levey has outstanding size and the frame to continue to grow and add muscle. He also displays very good strength. Despite his enormous frame, Levey moves fairly well. His straight-line speed won't impress anyone, but he plays with a good quickness and is able to get out on the speed rushers most of the time, although he does struggle at times against the better ones. Levey has very good hands and a good initial punch and plays a very physical style of tackle. He's a hard-worker and plays until the whistle blows.

Despite all the positives, Levey needs to show a lot more consistency to be a solid NFL player. He understands how to play the game, but needs to increase his strength and improve his footwork to make it as a starter at the next level. Because of his size, strength, and production in a big-time conference, Levey should be a mid- to late-second day pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
 
Jabari Levey | #78

Offensive Tackle - South Carolina

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 316

Jabari Levey is a very solid overall prospect. He is a pretty big guy, but despite that, he moves well on the offensive line. He is strong, well built, and displays a good physical side. I really like Levey's determination, as he never gives up when blocking, and will fight until the very end. In the pass blocking game, he is solid, but could still use some room for improvement in run blocking. I feel that one of Levey's biggest problems is his consistency in a lot of different areas of the game. He sometimes can hold up the speed rushers, but at other times he can't. Overall, he needs to work on playing better against defensive ends faster then him. Levey has to show more consistency or he will be a second day pick. If Levey can show that he is more consistent, then I can see him being selected in the first day.

Strengths:

• Shows a good physical upside
• Moves pretty well for his size
• Good in pass blocking

Weaknesses:

• Needs to be more consistent against faster defensive ends
• Still needs work in his pass blocking
• Doesn't really excell at one thing
 
This player is leaning towards signing with us....

Javon Nanton said he has been offered a free agent contract by Oakland, and could be heading to the West Coast, but he said nothing was finalized as of 1 p.m. He said he also got offers from Green Bay, Minnesota, Detroit and the Giants.
 
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