Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Watch: Panthers' Carter Verhaeghe strikes first in Game 5

Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe wouldn't be denied on Florida's first goal of Game 5 against the Lightning.

Watch: Derrick White's scorching start gives Celtics early lead

Celtics guard Derrick White had a monster start to Game 4 of Boston's first-round series against the Heat. The Celtics raced out to a 34-24 first-quarter lead in large part due to White's 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4 of 5 from deep.

Winners and losers from Day 3 of 2024 NFL Draft

After 257 picks, the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. The three-day event ended with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.

Saints end historic NFL Draft drought by selecting potential 'heir apparent' to Derek Carr

He played at South Carolina the past two seasons and completed 67.5 percent of his passes.

Bucks' playoff hopes take another blow with devastating Damian Lillard update

The Bucks are teetering on the brink of elimination. 

Broncos add Bo Nix's favorite college target after trading up in fourth round

Bo Nix will have a familiar face to throw to with the Broncos.

Winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft

A wild first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books. The league broke the record for most offensive players selected to start a draft (14), most offensive players drafted overall (23) and the fewest amount of picks needed for six quarterbacks to come off the board (12).

Falcons make awful draft decision with No. 8 overall pick

The Falcons had their top pick for edge-rusher in their hands at No. 8 overall, but like a 28-3 lead in a Super Bowl, they blew it.

Watch: Malik Nabers shows up to 2024 NFL Draft with incredible jacket

Nabers could line a couple of jackets with the highlights he produced at LSU.

Report: 49ers considering questionable move during first round of 2024 NFL Draft

NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on Thursday that the 49ers are trying to move up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, a potential move that could cost them dearly.

Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list

 Maybe this will get Yankees fans off Aaron Judge's back. The 2022 AL MVP blasted home run No. 261 of his career on Wednesday against the A's, passing Yankees legend Derek Jeter on the franchise's all-time home run list.

Pelicans' Zion Williamson provides major update on hamstring injury

Williamson played a career-high 70 games for the Pelicans during the regular season and was poised to make his playoff debut this year.

NBA Draft analyst shares positive outlook on Zach Edey's pro potential

Two-time college basketball Player of the Year Zach Edey officially declared for the NBA Draft on Tuesday, and the intriguing pro prospect already has one fan.

Watch: Auston Matthews goal leads to Maple Leafs tying series against Bruins

Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews' first goal of the 2024 postseason couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  

ESPN NBA analyst to interview for league head-coaching opening

Could the ESPN color commentator be trading in his headset for a spot on an NBA bench?

Recent report confirms Chiefs HC Andy Reid isn't retiring anytime soon

On Monday, ESPN's Field Yates reported that Reid, general manager Brett Veach and team president Mark Donovan each received contract extensions.

2021 quarterback class sets worrisome precedent ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

NFL front offices and fans might want to wait on pumping their fists if their team drafts a quarterback on Thursday night.

Deion Sanders, Colorado land former Ohio State RB via transfer portal

Colorado scored an impressive transfer portal commitment on Monday when former Ohio State running back Dallan Hayden announced he's headed to Boulder.

MLB 30-day stock report: Why the Mets and Astros are headed in opposite directions

The New York Mets have been one of the pleasant surprises in baseball this spring. The Houston Astros, one of the biggest disappointments. Taking stock for the first 30 days of the MLB season.

10 bold 2024 NFL Draft predictions: Several records broken, QB prospect drops to Day 2

After months of speculation and rumors, we're only days away from the 2024 NFL Draft. Here are 10 bold predictions for this year's event.

Watch: Jim Harbaugh commemorates NCAA title with '15-0' tattoo

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is a man of his word.

Rangers' top pitching prospect has forgettable MLB debut

Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter's MLB debut started so promising, but the ending? Not so much.

Who's next? Examining the CFB QBs set to take over for 2023 stars

Spring is in the air, and with it is college football fans' first glimpse of several quarterbacks stepping into the massive shoes left behind by future NFL pros.