On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
When Utah targets a cornerback, it's usually for a good reason, and their latest offer is no different as Sharrief Shah has set his sights on Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Donovan Saunders.
Saunders spent his first two seasons with Cal Poly and had a breakout campaign in 2023 as he recorded 17 total tackles (16 solo), 11 passes defended, and three interceptions. As a result, the SEC powerhouse went after Saunders, but it didn't work out as this season, he only played in two games recording two total tackles.
The 6'3", 195-pound cornerback was a three-star prospect coming out of Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California, and Utah has been his first and only offer up to this point in the transfer portal window.
Utah's track record with developing defensive backs can't be ignored, especially when they go after athletes who are flying under the radar amid all of the portal chaos, and if Saunders ends up with the Utes, he will flourish, especially since he's already shown his defensive capabilities.
The Utes have made five portal additions thus far and seem far from done. Something that isn't shocking at all, considering Utah faceplanted this past season and went from preseason Big 12 favorite, to finishing 5-7.
More must-reads:
- Bulls sign HC Billy Donovan to multiyear extension
- Nikola Jokic’s agent sparks LeBron James to Denver speculation with Instagram post
- The 'MLB mascot names' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Young budding superstar defender primed for a breakout season for Oklahoma Sooners after successful offseason
The Oklahoma Sooners pulled off arguably this staff's biggest recruiting win when they signed five-star defensive tackle David Stone as part of their 2024 class. Stone is one of the highest-ranked recruits in Oklahoma history, and his upside is through the roof. Despite playing a limited snap count in his freshman season, Stone made plenty of impactful plays on film, and is looking to build off of that in his second season. In the words of defensive tackles coach and assistant head coach Todd Bates, Stone is on the verge of a breakout season after his offseason. At the OU Football Coaches Luncheon this week, Bates said Stone has "shown all the things that he's going to take the next step". People around the team have raved about how he has attacked this offseason in the weight room, and he's stood out throughout the spring and summer. If Stone has taken steps to add more weight and get stronger to hold up in the run game, his snaps are likely going to skyrocket. Last season, he was stuck behind Gracen Halton, Damonic Williams, and Jayden Jackson. While all three of them return this season, Stone earning more snaps from them will only make the unit stronger. Oklahoma's new offense could also help influence Stone's success this season. Last season, Oklahoma's anemic offense allowed teams to have more confidence playing possession and relying on the run game, forcing Jayden Jackson and Damonic Williams, two run stuffers, into the lineup fairly regularly. If the Sooners can put more pressure on opposing offenses and force them to pass more often, Stone's natural tools will shine in those frequent one-on-one situations and boost his production. While there's no guarantee, the buzz about Stone has only continued to build throughout the offseason. As he grows under Venables and Bates, his potential feels sky-high.
Yankees add needed infielder in trade with Nationals
The New York Yankees had been on the search for a right-handed hitting infielder. They found their man late Saturday night. Jack Curry from YES Network reported that the Yankees acquired infielder Amed Rosario from the Nationals. In exchange, the Yankees are sending pitcher Clayton Beeter and minor league outfielder Browm Martinez to Washington. The Yankees had been looking for a right-handed hitting infielder in the wake of acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon on Friday. Rosario is exactly the type of player the Yankees had sought - a solid option capable of playing second and third. He had posted a .270/.310/.426 batting line in 158 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting five homers and eight doubles. Rosario's greatest attribute for the Yankees is his ability to hit left-handed pitching. He has a .299/.333/.483 batting line in 99 plate appearances against lefties this season, with three homers and seven doubles. He and McMahon should form a solid platoon at the hot corner in New York. However, the Yankees paid a steep price to bring Rosario on board for the next several months. Beeter had been ranked as the Yankees' 20th-best prospect per MLB.com, with his upper-90s fastball and wipeout slider both considered plus offerings. He has operated strictly as a reliever this season, where both his ability to miss bats and questionable command have been apparent. Martinez had been considered a player to watch heading into the season by FanGraphs, citing his solid contact rates and projectability. The 18-year-old is years away from making an impact, but has posted an impressive .404/.507/.632 batting line in 69 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League, hitting three homers and four doubles while stealing 13 bases. His ability to make contact has been impressive, as Martinez has drawn six walks with just eight strikeouts this season. A promotion stateside could be in the cards before the end of the year.
Yankees manager provides major update on Aaron Judge's injury
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
Cowboys fans send animated two-word message to Jerry Jones
Dallas Cowboys fans appear to have one thing on their mind during training camp, and they made sure to let team owner Jerry Jones know about it on Saturday. Hundreds of Cowboys fans showed up to the team's annual "Opening Day Ceremony" on Saturday in Oxnard, California. Jones addressed the crowd, and the 82-year-old was greeted with a lot of restless supporters when he took the microphone. As Jones began talking about how disappointed he was with his team's 7-10 season last year, many fans shouted the same two-word message: "Pay Micah!" The fans eventually settled enough for Jones to urge them to take note of all the changes the Cowboys have made this offseason. "I was shocked last year when we ended up with the record that we had. I never saw that coming. I want you to know, and I want you to look for as you watch practices this week, I want you to watch what we've done in the areas that we needed to work on," Jones said. "Look at what we've done in this offensive line. Look at what we've done, if you will, with our receiver cops. Look at what we're doing with our defense. A lot of changes out here -- a lot of coaching changes, a lot of player changes." Parsons is set to make $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season. He is undoubtedly seeking to become the highest-paid defensive player in football, which would mean topping the $41M per year T.J. Watt recently got with his new deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parsons had 12 or more sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons. Jones has hinted that he is playing hardball with the star linebacker in contract negotiations, and Cowboys fans do not seem to appreciate it.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
