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

Twitter/X: @ericsmithling

Muck Rack: eric-smithling

July 19, 2023 | New York Jets

Former Jets second-round pick expected to be cut or traded during training camp

According to Jets beat reporter Brian Costello, the New York Jets are planning on releasing or trading 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims.

July 19, 2023 | NFL

NFC South training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

With training camps about to start, it's time to preview the biggest storylines throughout the NFL. Here's what to watch for in the NFC South.

July 19, 2023 | Dallas Cowboys

Report: Cowboys All-Pro OL Zack Martin threatens to skip training camp

Zack Martin is the best guard in football but isn't paid like it. That dichotomy could lead to a standoff between the All-Pro guard and the Dallas Cowboys.

July 18, 2023 | Detroit Lions

Surprising NFC team emerges as most popular bet at sportsbooks

The franchise last reached the postseason in 2016 and has yet to advance past the wild-card round since 1991, when it lost in the NFC Championship Game, but bettors seem to believe this is the year.

July 18, 2023 | Los Angeles Rams

Aaron Donald makes history with 'Madden 24' rating

Aaron Donald is a member of the 99 Club in the "Madden" video game franchise for a record seventh time, EA Sports announced on Tuesday.

July 17, 2023 | Texas A&M Aggies

Jimbo Fisher discusses what Bobby Petrino's hiring means for Texas A&M offense

The Jimbo Fisher-Bobby Petrino partnership is one of the most fascinating coaching storylines of the 2023 season. While anything will be an improvement for the Aggies from their trainwreck 2022, how Fisher and Petrino coexist is something plenty are waiting to see.

July 17, 2023 | LSU Tigers

Brian Kelly explains why LSU isn't on the level of SEC rivals Alabama, Georgia

Brian Kelly's only been in the SEC for a year but already knows the conference runs through Athens and Tuscaloosa, not Baton Rouge. At least not yet.

July 17, 2023 | Minnesota Vikings

Vikings' Justin Jefferson reacts to receiving perfect Madden rating

On Monday, Justin Jefferson lived out a childhood dream when Madden revealed he received a perfect 99 grade in "Madden 24." Jefferson's widely hailed as the best receiver in football and the Madden rating only confirms what we already knew.

July 17, 2023 | Tennessee Titans

DeAndre Hopkins signing creates more questions than answers for Titans

The Titans were the least intriguing landing spot for DeAndre Hopkins among the teams he was reportedly choosing between. The signing doesn’t move the needle in the AFC but instead raises doubts about Tennessee’s team-building ethos.

July 16, 2023 | Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz wins epic men's Wimbledon final

Carlos Alcaraz's time has come. The Spanish tennis phenom outlasted Novak Djokovic in an epic, five-set men's final at Wimbledon.

July 15, 2023 | Tennis

Marketa Vondrousova completes improbable Wimbledon championship

Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman to win at Wimbledon, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4 in the finals on Saturday. Voundrousova is the third unseeded player to win the tournament and the first since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001.

July 15, 2023 | Jacksonville Jaguars

Buzz growing around Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence heading into Year 3

The hype surrounding Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence is growing ahead of the team's start of training camp on July 26.

July 13, 2023

Former Seahawks great emerges as potential Shannon Sharpe replacement on 'Undisputed'

Richard Sherman shut down a lot of great receivers during his playing day but for his next role, he might be shutting down Skip Bayless instead. On Thursday,

July 13, 2023 | NFL

Best of the NFC South: QB, draft pick, fans and more

As we speed toward the start of the 2023 season, let's examine who enters the season as the best of the NFC South.

July 12, 2023

Kansas QB wears highlight-playing diamond chain at Big 12 media days

Kansas QB Jalon Daniels sported a highlight-playing watch at Big 12 media days.

July 12, 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles TE recalls play opponents 'hated'

Tight end Dallas Goedert colorfully explained how much opponents disliked the Philly sneak that was a massive part of the team's offense.

July 12, 2023 | College Football

Big 12 commissioner takes shot at Oklahoma, Texas on their way out of the conference

Whether Yormark wants to admit it or not, the Big 12 will take a massive hit once Oklahoma and Texas, two of the biggest football schools in the country, leave for the SEC next July.

July 12, 2023 | NFL

Eight NFC South players with the most to prove in 2023

Whether it's a young player who has yet to live up to expectations or a veteran who hasn't matched the level of his contract, several players every year have much more to prove than others. Here are eight players from the NFC South that have a little something extra on the line in 2023.

July 11, 2023 | New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara's plea deal paves way for future suspension

Alvin Kamara's felony count of battery was dropped on Tuesday as the Saints running back pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor instead. While the development ends his legal saga it also means the NFL will likely issue a suspension in the not-too-distant future.