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GAINESVILLe, Fla.-- The Florida Gators have officially signed Bridgton Academy (ME) punter Hayden Craig during the Early Signing Period on Wednesday.
He ranked as the No. 11 punter and No. 28 kicker in the country by Kohl’s Kicking. Additionally, he is ranked as the No. 7 overall punter in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.
Gamechanger!
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 4, 2024
Time to shine, @craighayden05 ‼️#GRIND25HINE x #NSD25 pic.twitter.com/WRRjgChBcH
This is an important signee for the Gators as starter Jeremy Crawshaw’s eligibility will run out after the bowl game. Craig’s offer from Florida will include a full-ride scholarship, per Gators Online’s Corey Bender.
Craig was one of the earlier commits in the Gators' 2025 class, announcing his commitment all the way back in June. He is also one of three specialists for Billy Napier with the Gators having kicker Evan Noel and long snapper Mack Mulhern in the fold.
Read Kohl’s Kicking comments below for an insight on Craig’s talents:
“Craig competed at Kohl's National Scholarship Camp in July of 2024. He scored well in all areas. He scored 104.9 points in punting, 24/36 points on field goals, and 107.5 points on kickoffs. He also scored 18 points on rollout punts. His athleticism and upside is as high as anyone in the 2025 class! He also attended the 2024 Kohl's Eastern Showcase Camp in May. He had a strong showing and a well-rounded day. Craig scored 12/15 points on field goals and 104.15 points on kickoffs. His best kickoff was a 65-yard kickoff with 4.00 seconds of hang time. His punting drill work was at the D1 level and he scored 105.6 points on his punt charts. Craig has one of the best leg talent as a combo athlete in the 2025 class. Craig earned a rating of 4.5-stars in December of 2023 with a good day at a Winter Showcase Camp. He scored 11 points on field goals,106.4 points on kickoffs, and 103.4 points on punts. His biggest kickoff traveled 71 yards and had 3.75 seconds of hang-time. His best punt went 46 yards and had 4.31 seconds of hang-time. Craig is a very good combo kicker/punter who will improve a college team's roster with his leg talent!”
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2025 College Football Top 25 Rankings Plus Each Team’s Most Important Player
#1 Texas Longhorns Most Important Player: QB Arch Manning Why: Manning steps into the starting role after backing up Quinn Ewers. His ability to lead a talented roster with a rebuilt offensive line against a tough schedule, including a Week 1 clash with Ohio State, will define Texas’ national title hopes. His dual-threat potential (939 passing yards, 9 TDs, 4 rushing TDs in 2024) is critical. #2 Ohio State Buckeyes Most Important Player: WR Jeremiah Smith Why: Smith, a dynamic freshman in 2024 (15 TD catches, 17.3 yards per reception), is the centerpiece of Ohio State’s offense with a new QB (Julian Sayin) and new coordinators. His ability to stretch defenses will be vital for a repeat title run. #3 Penn State Nittany Lions Most Important Player: QB Drew Allar Why: Allar’s development as a passer is key for Penn State to overcome their Ohio State hurdle. With 2024’s top receivers gone, his ability to elevate a new receiving corps will determine if the Nittany Lions can compete for a Big Ten title. #4 Georgia Bulldogs Most Important Player: QB Gunnar Stockton Why: With Carson Beck transferring, Stockton takes over a Georgia team with 13 NFL Draft losses. His ability to manage a talented but retooled roster against a tough SEC schedule will dictate Georgia’s success. #5 Clemson Tigers Most Important Player: QB Cade Klubnik Why: Klubnik’s breakout 2024 season (3,600+ yards, 36 TDs) makes him the engine of Clemson’s ACC title defense. His consistency against top teams like South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers will be crucial. #6 LSU Tigers Most Important Player: QB Garrett Nussmeier Why: Nussmeier’s 2024 stats rivaled Jayden Daniels’ pre-Heisman year. With a strong receiving corps and a bolstered line, his growth could push LSU toward an SEC title, especially in night games at Tiger Stadium. #7 Oregon Ducks Most Important Player: QB Dante Moore Why: Moore, a transfer, replaces Dillon Gabriel and must maintain Oregon’s high-powered offense after a 13-0 2024 season. His adjustment to a new system and ability to lead against Ohio State in the playoffs will be pivotal. #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Most Important Player: RB Jeremiyah Love Why: Love’s breakout 2024 season makes him the focal point of Notre Dame’s offense, especially with a QB battle (Carr vs. Minchey). His versatility will be key against a tough schedule, including Miami. #9 Alabama Crimson Tide Most Important Player: QB Ty Simpson Why: Simpson is the likely QB1 for the Crimson Tide this season. His leadership and playmaking will be critical for Alabama to rebound under Kalen DeBoer. #10 Miami Hurricanes Most Important Player: QB Carson Beck Why: Beck, a transfer from Georgia, brings elite experience to Miami’s high-powered offense. His ability to gel with a reloaded roster will determine if the Hurricanes can challenge Clemson in the ACC. #11 Illinois Fighting Illini Most Important Player: QB Luke Altmyer Why: Altmyer’s return gives Illinois continuity after a 10-win 2024. His leadership against a tough Big Ten schedule (USC, Ohio State) will decide if the Illini can sustain their sleeper status. #12 Arizona State Sun Devils Most Important Player: QB Sam Leavitt Why: Leavitt’s return after a Big 12 title run is critical without star RB Cam Skattebo. His connection with WR Jordyn Tyson will drive ASU’s offense against a challenging road schedule. #13 Florida Gators Most Important Player: QB DJ Lagway Why: Lagway’s emergence in 2024 gives Florida a dynamic QB. His development with receivers like J. Michael Sturdivant and a tough SEC schedule will shape the Gators’ ceiling. #14 South Carolina Gamecocks Most Important Player: QB LaNorris Sellers Why: Sellers’ dual-threat ability nearly upset Clemson in 2024. His growth as a passer and leader will be crucial for South Carolina to navigate a brutal schedule and contend for a CFP spot. #15: BYU Cougars Most Important Player: WR Chase Roberts Why: With top receivers gone, Roberts is the primary target for BYU’s passing game. His ability to create mismatches will be vital for the Cougars to stay in the Big 12 race. #16 Michigan Wolverines Most Important Player: QB Bryce Underwood Why: The five-star freshman is Michigan’s future, and his early impact could elevate a retooling offense. His performance will determine if the Wolverines can stay in the Big Ten hunt. #17 Kansas State Wildcats Most Important Player: QB Avery Johnson Why: Johnson’s dual-threat ability and chemistry with RB Dylan Edwards make him the centerpiece of K-State’s offense. His growth in Year 2 as a starter is key for a Big 12 title push. #18: Tennessee Volunteers Most Important Player: QB Joey Aguilar Why: Aguilar, a UCLA transfer, steps in after Nico Iamaleava’s departure. His ability to adapt to Josh Heupel’s system will determine if Tennessee can leverage their defensive strength. #19 SMU Mustangs Most Important Player: TE RJ Maryland Why: Maryland’s return (17 TD catches in three years) is critical for SMU’s passing game after losing six key receivers. His health and production will drive their ACC title hopes. #20 Iowa State Cyclones Most Important Player: QB Rocco Becht Why: Becht’s experience as a third-year starter is vital with top receivers gone. His connection with transfer WR Sowell will determine if Iowa State can repeat their 2024 success. #21 Ole Miss Rebels Most Important Player: QB Austin Simmons Why: Simmons replaces Jaxson Dart, and his ability to lead a transfer-heavy roster will be key for Ole Miss to stay competitive in the SEC under Lane Kiffin. #22 Texas A M Aggies Most Important Player: QB Marcel Reed Why: Reed’s dual-threat ability and new weapons like KC Concepcion make him critical for Texas A M’s offense. Generating a pass rush will complement his impact. #23 Iowa Hawkeyes Most Important Player: QB Brendan Sullivan Why: Sullivan, a transfer, must improve Iowa’s passing game, which has been a weak point. His performance will determine if the Hawkeyes can exceed their 8-5 2024 record. #24 Texas Tech Red Raiders Most Important Player: QB Behren Morton Why: Morton’s recovery from shoulder surgery and ability to lead a revamped defense with transfer additions will be crucial for Texas Tech to climb the Big 12 standings. #25 Auburn Tigers Most Important Player: QB Jackson Arnold Why: Arnold, an Oklahoma transfer, must stabilize Auburn’s offense under Hugh Freeze. His experience and fit with playmakers like Cam Coleman will determine Auburn’s improvement.
Longtime Maple Leafs Defenseman in Serious Contract Dispute With His New Team
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Maple Leafs Top Prospect Shatters Expectations at World Junior Showcase
The World Junior Summer Showcase is in full swing, and Maple Leafs top prospect Ben Danford is shattering expectations, truly proving how good of a player he can be. The Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive prospect, Ben Danford, is among the 44 players who were invited to Hockey Canada's World Juniors Summer Showcase. Hockey Canada finally unveiled the 44 prospects who will head to Minnesota for the showcase, after they held the roster release back while the organization dealt with several injuries, which begins Sunday and runs through August 2 in Minneapolis. Defensive prospect Ben Danford is the only Maple Leafs player invited to the annual showcase, where Canada's World Junior staff will get their first look at what their team might look like for the 2026 World Juniors, which will also take place in Minnesota in December. Danford is being called the best player at the World Juniors Summer Showcase Danford has been exceeding expectations, and one source revealed that he has been the best player at the World Junior Showcase so far. The source said Danford is steady, smart, and hard to ignore on the ice. 'Ben Danford has been the best player at the World Junior Showcase he's steady, smart, and impossible to ignore. Makes every shift count, whether he's breaking up plays or starting the rush. Canada's blue line is in good hands.' - An unnamed source The Maple Leafs selected Danford with their first pick (31st overall) at the 2024 NHL Draft. During his visit to Toronto's development camp earlier this month, the defender revealed that he's receiving mentorship from current Leafs defensemen as well as some alumni like Mark Giordano. The 6-foot-2 Danford could make for an excellent fit for Canada should he make the team. He is responsible in his own end, and he demonstrated leadership capabilities when he was named captain of the Oshawa Generals ahead of the 2024-25 OHL season.
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Kirk Cousins makes notable leadership move after Falcons practice
Kirk Cousins might be relegated to the job of backup quarterback, but he is showing veteran leadership to his Atlanta Falcons teammates. Following Sunday's practice, Cousins pulled aside rookie defensive end James Pearce to encourage the first-round pick after his fourth practice in the league at Flowery Branch, Georgia. "QB Kirk Cousins pulled aside Pearce after practice to compliment him on a pass batted down," wrote Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Cousins reportedly had a solid day of practice on Sunday, going 7-of-12 passing against the first-team unit. If Cousins wants out of Atlanta, he's not showing it at practice. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback is competing on the field and being a good teammate around the facility. Cousins' actions on the field backed up what Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot praised Cousins for before the team's practice on Sunday. “Outside, it's a lot more of a deal than it is in the building,” Fontenot said to the media about the idea of friction between the Falcons and Cousins, per video from D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “He shows up, he does his job, just like anybody ... We've gotta build the best 70-man roster so we can go win games. "That's what we're focused on, and Kirk, just like all the other players, is focused on coming in here and doing their job. That's what he's been doing." Fontenot didn't dismiss the idea that Atlanta would trade Cousins before the season. He said the Falcons will do whatever it takes to make the team better, but stressed that Cousins has been a professional throughout the process of being replaced by Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick from the 2024 draft. “In terms of making moves, whether it's trades or acquiring players, we're always looking at those factors," Fontenot said. "We're gonna do whatever we can do to make this team the best it can possibly be. But he's been a great professional, and he's handled himself well.” Cousins is coming to work in a manner that will make another owner want to take a chance on the veteran quarterback. That could be one of his best-selling points before he plays in his 13th season in the league.
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