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PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers have a player that will get a chance to impress scouts, as he looks to start his professional career.
Sixth year linebacker Brandon George is one the roster for the Tropical Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 19 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. It is an all-star game that allows players to perform in front of NFL scouts and meet with teams ahead of the draft.
George hails from Reading, Pa. and played for Berks Catholic. He starred on both sides of the ball, making 347 tackles at linebacker and rushing for 2,753 yards and 41 touchdowns at fullback.
He accrued 108 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and an interception and rushed 123 times for 959 yards, 7.8 yards per carry, and 13 toucdowns as a senior in 2018.
George held a four-star rating from 247Sports, rating him the No. 19 outside linebacker and No. 5 recruit in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2019. Rivals rated him as a three-star and the No. 20 inside linebacker.
He committed to Pitt and played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2019 on special teams, making five tackles.
George would play in all 11 games in 2020, again on special teams and as a reserve linebacker. He made 16 tackles on the year, with a season-high four stops in the home win over Virginia Tech in Week 11 and blocked a punt in the season opener vs. Austin Peay.
He played in all 14 games of the 2021 season, mostly on special teams and sometimes at linebacker, helping Pitt win their first ACC Championship. He made 34 tackles (18 solo) and five tackles, setting a season-high of eight tackles in the Week 4 home win over New Hampshire and also making four tackles vs. Michigan State in the Peach Bowl.
George would only play in the first three regular season games of the 2022 season and also in the Sun Bowl vs. UCLA, as he dealt with injury, utilizing a medical redshirt. He had 13 tackles (six solo), two tackles for loss and one sack that campaign.
He served as the backup at middle linebacker for the Panthers in 2023, playing all 12 games. He made 49 tackles (24 solo), five tackles for loss, one sack and an interception vs. Notre Dame.
George would enter the transfer portal following that season, but ended up withdrawing and returning for his sixth season at Pitt in 2024.
He started all 13 games at middle linebacker this past season, making 80 tackles (29 solo), six tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception vs. Syracuse, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He made a season-high 11 tackles twice vs. Cal in Week 7 and in the GameAbove Sports Bowl vs. Toledo.
George finished his Pitt career playing in 65 games, making 198 tackles (90 solo), 18 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
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Ryan Grubb's offense could be a recipe for disaster at Alabama
The first year under the new Kalen DeBoer era didn’t conclude with the championship hopes that the Alabama Crimson Tide were expecting. The Tide finished the season with a 9-4 record and a tough loss to the Michigan Wolverines in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Among the biggest faults for the Tide last season was the inconsistency of the offense. DeBoer expects the offense to click under new offensive coordinator and longtime Fresno State and Washington assistant Ryan Grubb. On July 31, Grubb discussed the offense that the Tide will be using this upcoming season. Grubb said in the Tide’s second fall practice that Alabama will be running a pro-style offense with a dynamic passing attack. This type of offense would be great for past experienced quarterbacks like Bryce Young or Tua Tagovailoa. There are, however, some concerns with this offensive style, especially Grubb's lackluster performance last season in the same role with the Seattle Seahawks. Last season, the Seahawks ranked eighth in passing yards per game (236.5) behind the great play of quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf. They were also 18th in the league in points per game (22.1) as they were often inefficient in the red zone and third-down conversions. One of the reasons was the offense’s lack of usage of the run game. Seattle had 383 running plays, which was the fifth fewest in the league. As a result, the Seahawks ranked 28th in rushing yards per game (95.7) and 29th in first downs by runs (88). While a bad offensive line was competent, Grubb relied on the passing offense, which made them predictable. One of the reasons the Tide’s offense struggled late in the season despite a Heisman-like performance from quarterback Jalen Milroe was that they were too predictable in the passing game. While Grubb will look to make the Tide more dynamic in the passing game, they’ve already shown they won’t rely on a run game early and often. The Tide will have a new starting quarterback this fall, likely redshirt junior Ty Simpson. While Simpson has shown progress this offseason, there is going to be a lot of pressure on him to carry the offense if they choose to run a pass-heavy pro-style offense. This form of offense under a second-year head coach, with DeBoer still trying to prove himself, could be a recipe for disaster and make the offense stagnant and underachieving. Time will tell if Milroe’s last season collapse was due to the offense being a product of the laziness in play-calling. This could be a similar situation that might have DeBoer and Grubb in trouble, this time in their stint together at Alabama.
One NFL training-camp surprise for every team
A full schedule of preseason games is on tap this week. Let the overreactions begin! While teams continue to shape rosters, Yardbarker NFL writers identify the major surprises — good or bad — for each team during training camp. NFC East DALLAS COWBOYS | Running back Jaydon Blue | The Cowboys will likely use multiple backs this season. Texas rookie Jaydon Blue is third on the opening depth chart, but his ability to run inside and out has raised his profile to "potential prime back." NEW YORK GIANTS | QB Jaxson Dart | Russell Wilson has secured No. 1, but first-rounder Jaxson Dart is barely third behind Jameis Winston and over Tommy DeVito. The Giants are hoping Dart is No. 2 so he can take over next season. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES | Edge-rusher Jalyx Hunt | The Eagles needed pass-rushing help, and second-year player Jalyx Hunt has stepped up. Left tackle Jordan Mailata said Hunt is "going to be a star," and edge-rusher Nolan Smith Jr. called him "the best thing since sliced bread." WASHINGTON COMMANDERS | Running back Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt| He was supposed to be a special teamer. However, one electrifying cut on a physical play awakened the seventh-rounder’s chances of possibly starting soon. — Rick Snider NFC West ARIZONA CARDINALS | OL Isaiah Adams | Adams has a lot of pressure to perform entering his second season, but he came to camp prepared. Adams has earned praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon and won many feisty, one-on-one reps against an aggressive Cardinals defense. LOS ANGELES RAMS | QB Matthew Stafford | The Rams are all-in for 2025 as they attempt to maximize what’s left of Matthew Stafford’s career. However, the QB has already missed multiple practices because of an aggravated disc in his back and received an epidural to help with the issue, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Rams fans shouldn't panic yet, but this situation bears watching. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | CB Upton Stout | The third-round pick has outperformed the rest of the 49ers' 2025 draft class. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has not named him the starting nickelback, but the Western Kentucky product is impressing the coaching staff. Stout has also earned snaps with the first-team defense in less than two weeks of practice. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | WR Tory Horton | The fifth-round pick may be the biggest riser on the roster. Horton is already taking first-team reps and building chemistry with QB Sam Darnold. It’s unclear where Horton will slot on the depth chart, but he is pushing for a pivotal role. — Sterling Bennett NFC North CHICAGO BEARS | WR JP Richardson | Bears fans are understandably excited about second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, but Richardson, an undrafted WR out of TCU and Oklahoma State, is turning heads. The undersized (5-foot-11, 192 pounds) rookie has a long way to go to make the roster, but he’s off to a hot start. DETROIT LIONS | Edge Aidan Hutchinson | Hutchinson missed most of last season after suffering a fractured tibia and fibula in Week 6, but you wouldn’t know it by his performance in training camp. The star defensive end has been so dominant in practice that head coach Dan Campbell implemented a Hutch rule that allows the offense to finish its rep after Hutchinson beats the offensive line for a "sack." GREEN BAY PACKERS | WR Matthew Golden | The Packers drafted Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to inject speed at wide receiver, but they probably didn’t expect him to shine this brightly. According to QB Jordan Love (via ESPN's Kevin Clark), "He’s been playing lights out. He’s gonna be a stud." MINNESOTA VIKINGS | CB Jeff Okudah | Okudah, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, has underwhelmed in the NFL. That's why the Vikings signed him to a cheap, $2.35M deal this offseason. The once-promising talent is exceeding expectations at training camp — enough to challenge Isaiah Rodgers for a starting CB spot next to Byron Murphy Jr. — Jack Dougherty NFC South ATLANTA FALCONS | WR David Sills V | Sills last played a regular-season down in 2023 (when he was on the field for 16 snaps in three games) and has 13 career receptions in three seasons. Early in camp, he formed a quick connection with backup QB Kirk Cousins, with Falcons.com’s Terrin Waack highlighting his performance during the second day of camp and starting QB Michael Penix Jr. noting his production with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) absent. CAROLINA PANTHERS | Defense | Last season, the Panthers had the league’s worst defense, allowing 31.4 points and 404.5 yards per game. But second-year head coach Dave Canales recently praised the unit’s "dominant" practice, a promising development as it looks to pull its way out from rock bottom. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS | Secondary | The past 12 months haven’t been kind to the defensive backfield, with Marshon Lattimore being traded at last season’s trade deadline, Paulson Adebo leaving for the New York Giants in free agency and Tyrann Mathieu retiring at the start of camp. Those losses haven’t been felt this summer, with second-year pro Kool-Aid McKinstry, in particular, standing out as a potential lockdown corner with a string of excellent performances. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS | RB Rachaad White | The Buccaneers found a jewel in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft when they landed running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 1,122 yards last season, at No. 125 overall. His emergence has made White, a 2022 third-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, potentially expendable. But head coach Todd Bowles recently shut down that line of thinking, labeling White as the team's best blitz pickup back and increased quickness after slimming down during the offseason. — Eric Smithling AFC East BUFFALO BILLS | QB Mike White | The 30-year-old journeyman, signed by the Bills to their practice squad in 2024, went 3-of-11 for 28 yards in the team’s regular-season finale but has been splitting second-team reps with Mitchell Trubisky in early practices. He could be a more cost-effective option with a $1.1M cap hit for 2025. MIAMI DOLPHINS | LB Grayson Murphy | Murphy joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but suffered a season-ending knee injury in Miami’s first preseason game. Once healthy, Murphy used a quick first step to shine in early OTA practices and could steal a roster spot from linebackers Cameron Goode or Channing Tindall, who combined for six tackles and no sacks last season. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | TreVeyon Henderson as a receiver | New England’s rookie running back has impressed as a receiver, with some using words like "special" and "difference-maker" to describe his pass-catching abilities. Henderson averaged a career-high 7.1 yards per carry for 1,016 yards and 10 rushing TDs in 2024 with Ohio State. But he also had 77 catches for 853 yards and six TDs in four years with the Buckeyes and could prove to be a reliable target for second-year QB Drake Maye. NEW YORK JETS | WR Arian Smith | Smith had 48 catches for 817 yards and four TDs for Georgia in 2024 and posted the fifth-fastest time (4.36) in the 40-yard dash of any receiver at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. A fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, Smith has earned praise from head coach Aaron Glenn for his explosive plays and ability to catch in traffic, and could make an impact paired with fellow receiver Garrett Wilson. — Bruce Ewing AFC West DENVER BRONCOS | WR Troy Franklin | Franklin, who had only two touchdown catches in 16 games during his rookie season in 2024, is making explosive plays in camp. Per DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens, he had multiple TD catches during Tuesday’s practice, including a 25-yarder from QB Bo Nix. Denver offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said Tuesday the Oregon product has "stood out" throughout camp. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | WR Tyquan Thornton | Thornton had just two touchdown catches in his first three seasons with the Patriots, but he’s developing chemistry with QB Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has said that "there’s a lot of trust building" between the QB and WR. With WRs Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (ankle) and Rashee Rice (groin) battling injuries, expect Kansas City to keep giving the Baylor product more reps. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | QB Trey Lance | Chargers QB Justin Herbert is entrenched as the starter, but Lance has looked like a dependable backup. The former San Francisco 49ers/Dallas Cowboys bust completed 13-of-20 passes for 120 yards and two TDs during L.A.’s 34-7 win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh complimented the QB’s poise in a postgame news conference. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | TE Michael Mayer | After second-year TE Brock Bowers had the league’s third-most receptions (112 in 17 games) in 2024, Mayer seemed like a cut candidate. However, the 2023 second-round pick has been "among the offensive standouts" at camp (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden). Perhaps new Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be running plenty of 12 personnel (one running back, two TEs) this season. — Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE RAVENS | WR Devontez Walker | Walker spent the 2024 season playing primarily as a special-teams contributor, catching just one pass all season. But he has developed an early chemistry with QB Lamar Jackson and beaten first-team Ravens defenders such as CB Jaire Alexander. CINCINNATI BENGALS | Rookie linebackers | The Bengals invested heavily in their defense in the draft, and rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight II (second round) and Barrett Carter (fourth round) have been early standouts. A lot of the defensive improvements will come from first-round DE Shemar Stewart, but if Knight and Barrett can help transform their linebacker group, it could be a big game-changer for a team that needs a defensive boost. CLEVELAND BROWNS | WR Gage Larvadain | The Browns do not have much proven wide receiver depth after Jerry Jeudy, but the undrafted Larvadain is making a strong case for a roster spot. He is one of the biggest surprises in the passing game and landed in a great spot (a team without a lot of proven wide receivers) to maybe make an immediate impact. PITTSBURGH STEELERS | TE Darnell Washington | Washington is a mountain of a man (listed at 6-foot-7, 264 pounds) who has primarily been used as a blocking tight end over the first two years of his NFL career. He is still mauling defenders in camp, but he has also been a dominant red-zone target in the passing game and showed breakaway speed that could give OC Arthur Smith a dream three-tight-end set with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. — Adam Gretz AFC South HOUSTON TEXANS | RB Nick Chubb | Chubb rushed for only 332 yards in eight games with the Browns after returning from a knee injury in 2024, but he may not be out of gas. Texans HC DeMeco Ryans said Tuesday he’s improved every day in camp. That bodes well for Houston, as starting RB Joe Mixon is expected to miss the preseason with a right foot injury. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | WR Adonai Mitchell | Mitchell had zero touchdown catches in 17 games during his rookie season but could be poised for a second-year breakout. Former Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Johnson praised the Texas/Georgia product after he dominated Wednesday’s joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts need Mitchell to become a dependable target for Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, who are competing for the starting QB job. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS | CB/WR Travis Hunter | Letting Hunter play both ways was always going to be challenging for the Jaguars, but it seems their plans are working. New head coach Liam Coen has said the 2024 Heisman winner doesn’t seem overwhelmed by his workload. TENNESSEE TITANS | LB Cody Barton | Tennessee may have found a steal in Barton, whom it signed to a three-year, $21M deal in free agency. According to ESPN’s Turron Davenport, he led all Titans in interceptions (two) through the first eight practices. Fellow LB James Williams told Davenport, "He’s a defensive coach on the field." — Clark Dalton
The Lakers could have another undrafted gem on their hands
In a summer dominated by LeBron James and Luka Doncic headlines, the Los Angeles Lakers may have quietly struck gold once again in the UDFA market, this time with former Villanova standout Eric Dixon. After initially agreeing to a two-way contract following the 2024–25 NBA Draft, Dixon’s path to the professional ranks was temporarily delayed due to injury, forcing him to miss Summer League. The Lakers, however, remained invested in the 24-year-old forward, eventually signing him to an Exhibit 10 deal, a move that keeps him in the pipeline and positions him as a potential breakout candidate through the G League. Dixon brings one of the most decorated resumes in college basketball. The 6-foot-8, 255-pound forward led all Division I scorers last season, averaging 23.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 40.7% from beyond the arc on 7.2 attempts per contest, a remarkable transformation for a player once seen as a traditional low-post presence. He concluded his five-year career at Villanova as the school’s all-time leading scorer, finishing with 2,314 points and etching his name into Big East history. While concerns around his age and lateral quickness may have contributed to him being passed over in the draft, Dixon’s refined skill set and ability to stretch the floor make him a strong fit in today’s NBA. He delivered in big moments throughout the season, including a 38-point outburst against Maryland on Nov. 11, and consistently carried the offensive load for the Wildcats. With his Exhibit 10 deal, Dixon is expected to begin the season with the South Bay Lakers, where he’ll aim to prove he’s healthy and ready to make an immediate impact. If he performs as expected, a return to a two-way contract, and possibly NBA minutes, could be on the horizon. The Lakers have developed a reputation for identifying and nurturing overlooked talent, with Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso emerging as prime examples. Dixon, with his offensive versatility and physical readiness, could be next in line. In a loaded Western Conference, unearthing low-cost contributors is more important than ever. Dixon might just be the next hidden gem to emerge from the Lakers’ development pipeline.
'Clearly separated himself': Why one QB is winning Browns' competition
Recent reports have indicated that veteran Joe Flacco holds a significant lead in the Cleveland Browns' quarterback competition over Kenny Pickett, 2025 third-round draft pick Dillon Gabriel and 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders. For an article published on Wednesday, Lance Reisland of the Cleveland Plain Dealer explained why Flacco "has clearly separated himself from the quarterback competition" heading into the Browns' preseason opener at the Carolina Panthers on Friday. "His performance is rooted in elite mechanical consistency in his footwork, balance and ability to transfer weight efficiently through his throws," Reisland said about Flacco. "These traits have allowed him to remain composed under pressure, stay on time through full field progression reads, and consistently deliver accurate passes at all three levels of the field." During the 2023 season, Flacco won four of five starts while playing under head coach Kevin Stefanski to guide the Browns to a playoff berth. None of Cleveland's other active quarterbacks has ever taken a meaningful in-game snap in Stefanski's offense. Gabriel seemingly won't be ready for regular-season action anytime soon, and Pickett missed a handful of practice days while dealing with a hamstring injury. Sanders reportedly will start against Carolina, but he's Cleveland's fourth option at the position. Even if he looks like a revelation on Friday night, all signs point to Stefanski going with Flacco for Cleveland's Week 1 game against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7. As of Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook had Flacco as a -265 betting favorite to get the nod for the Cincinnati matchup. "Flacco’s blend of polish, poise and veteran field-command paired with his ability to operate from under center or in shotgun, against pressure or in structure, makes him the clear best option to start Week 1," Reisland continued. "He’s executing with rhythm and timing, manipulating coverages and elevating the offense every time he’s under center. He looks fully prepared to lead this team on day one." While that doesn't necessarily mean Flacco will start when Cleveland faces the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 on Sept. 14, it appears the Browns' QB1 gig is his to lose.
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