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

March 29, 2023 | Georgia Bulldogs

Stetson Bennett gets drafted to the NFC South in the seventh round of latest ESPN mock draft

Despite a phenomenal college career, Bennett's designation as a likely seventh-round pick isn't polarizing. A former walk-on at Georgia, Bennett has never been highly valued by scouts.

March 29, 2023 | Tennessee Titans

Titans GM gives update on Derrick Henry trade rumors

Derrick Henry is likely staying in Tennessee after general manager Ran Carthon shut down rumors that the team was shopping Henry in trade talks.

March 28, 2023 | Iowa Hawkeyes

NBA legend praises Iowa's Caitlin Clark with bold claim

He offered huge praise of the Iowa guard on Tuesday, declaring her the second best player in the history of women's college basketball.

March 28, 2023 | Tennessee Volunteers

New QB emerges as surprising top-five pick in former GM's mock draft

It's hard to envision a 25-year-old rookie coming off an ACL tear having many suitors in the first round. Hecould be a steal in the second round. Using a top-five pick on him is a reach.

March 28, 2023 | Minnesota Vikings

Are the Vikings noncommittal on Kirk Cousins past 2023?

Minnesota escaped the quarterback carousel this offseason but head coach Kevin O'Connell laid the foundation for the team leaping into the market next year.

March 28, 2023 | Washington Commanders

Ron Rivera sparks idea Commanders could add a QB in the draft

Ron Rivera's remarks at the annual league meeting on the state of the Commanders QB position suggest the battle might not only be between Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell.

March 27, 2023 | NFL

Reporter rips NFL for suggested Thursday night flex

The NFL's reported interested in introducing flux scheduling to its Thursday night games was described by NFL reporter Peter King as "a punch in the face to the fans" in his weekly column for Pro Football Talk. He isn't wrong.

March 24, 2023

Watch: Texas forward makes halfcourt buzzer-beater to wrap blistering first half

Watch: Texas Longhorns forward Timmy Allen came through with a half-court buzzer beater during Friday's Sweet 16 matchup with Xavier.

March 24, 2023

Angel Reese's unprecedented run launches LSU to Elite Eight

Reese has already done things no one else has at LSU, and her most recent run is unlike anything we've seen in two decades among any basketball player. Her season unlike any other means the Tigers can still go places they've never been, either.

March 24, 2023 | San Francisco 49ers

Analyst calls 49ers QB an 'under-the-radar' trade candidate

The San Francisco 49ers' QB room might get less crowded in the coming weeks, according to one NFL analyst.

March 24, 2023 | Atlanta Falcons

Three biggest concerns for Atlanta Falcons before the draft

Enough weaknesses remain on this year's roster for the team to worry about as it finalizes a plan for the NFL Draft. Here are three areas of concern.

March 24, 2023 | Carolina Panthers

Three biggest concerns for Carolina Panthers before the draft

While Panthers faithful have many reasons for optimism heading into the 2023 season, the team also must answer key questions in the lead-up to the April 27-29 NFL Draft.

March 24, 2023

Watch: Julian Strawther hits shot from logo to send Gonzaga to Elite Eight

The Bulldogs won a thriller, 78-76, and were led by a phenomenal performance from senior forward Drew Timme. But it was the hometown product Strawther who ended UCLA's season with his unbelievable 3-pointer.

March 23, 2023 | NFL

Lions have a lot to prove before taking C.J. Gardner-Johnson's comments seriously

Newly-signed Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson turned heads earlier this week when he suggested his new team has more talent than his old one, the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

March 22, 2023 | New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson injury update provides little hope to Pelicans during playoff push

If Williamson has a promising update, he could feasibly return for the games against the Grizzlies and Knicks, as well as the season finale at Minnesota (36-37, ninth in Western Conference), but any slip-up over the next two weeks could make the team's decision to bring Williamson back or not a whole lot easier.