Chino Hills High School in California is home to the Ball family, as both Lonzo and LiAngelo atte...

<p>Chino Hills High School in California is home to the Ball family, as both Lonzo and LiAngelo attended the school, while LaMelo is heading into his junior year this fall.</p><p>Their father, LaVar, is well-known for his brashness and his influence over his sons. However, according to LaVar, don't blame him for Chino Hills relieving first-year head coach Stephan Gilling, even though the elder Ball publicly <a href="https://twitter.com/SoCalSports4You/status/846110860497973248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fftw.usatoday.com%2F2017%2F03%2Flavar-ball-shot-chino-hills-basketball-coach-stephan-gilling-lonzo-lamelo-liangelo-ucla-video">said</a> in March that Gilling could not coach and LiAngelo and LaMelo did not want to play for him.</p><p>"He's a really good guy, but I'm just not sure he was experienced enough," Ball said to <a href="http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19279977/chino-hills-high-school-parts-ways-coach-stephan-gilling-one-season">Jeff Goodman of ESPN</a>. "But I wasn't the reason why he's gone. It was protocol that the job is open every year."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gilling led Chino Hill to a 30-3 record in his lone season and his first ever as a head coach. In 2015-16, when Lonzo attended Chino Hills under then head coach Steve Baik, the program went 35-0.</p><p>In a message to ESPN, Gilling confirmed his removal as head coach.</p><p>"As of yesterday, I was relieved of my duties at Chino Hills High School," Gilling said. "Feeling relieved about it. Just want to give a shoutout to the players. Good luck."</p><p>Lonzo declared for the NBA draft immediately after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1114" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1114">UCLA</a> lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> in this year's NCAA tournament and is expected to be a top-three pick. LiAngelo will begin his career with the Bruins this fall as a freshman, while LaMelo is committed to UCLA, but will still have two more years of high school.</p>

LaVar Ball denies being reason for Chino Hills HS firing head coach

Oregon may have been shut out at the NFL draft for the first time in 32 years, but it wasn't all ...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/514" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/514">Oregon</a> may have been <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1291673" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1291673">shut out at the NFL draft</a> for the first time in 32 years, but it wasn't all bad news for the Ducks on Saturday.</p><p>First-year head coach Willie Taggart secured his first big commit in four-star offensive tackle and Oregon native Dawson Jaramillo, who <a href="https://twitter.com/dawsonjaramillo/status/858477156787134464">announced</a> the news on Twitter.</p><p>Jaramillo, the first ranked player to join the Ducks' 2018 recruiting class, is listed at No. 59 overall and No. 7 at his position. He is also the top-ranked player from the state.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 6-foot-5, 297-pound lineman picked the hometown Ducks over the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/664">UCLA</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/677" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/677">Utah</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington</a>, among others, and is the first player with a star rating in Oregon's 2018 class.</p>

Oregon's Taggart secures 1st big commitment

With another NFL draft in the books, and thanks to the internet, it's time to look back to see ho...

<p>With another NFL draft in the books, and thanks to the internet, it's time to look back to see how the star ratings worked when it came to players moving on from college to pro.</p><p>An even 10 players were taken in this year's draft who were given a five-star rating coming into college, which is roughly how many there are in each recruiting class. However, it was the amount of players who did not receive a rating that stood out.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>5-star</th>
<th>4-star</th>
<th>3-star</th>
<th>2-star</th>
<th>1-star</th>
<th>NR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Round 1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 6</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 7</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A whopping 58 players who did not receive any star rankings were selected by teams from Thursday through Saturday, which worked out to just under a quarter of all draft picks. When adding in players who had received two- and one-star ratings, that percentage grows to 28.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Not surprisingly though, was the fact that former four- and three-star players made up the majority of the draft picks, as 98 were picked.</p><p>As these numbers show, it doesn't matter what type of star rating a player is given in order to be drafted, unless it's a two- or one-star classification.</p>

Almost a quarter of 2017 NFL Draft picks weren't ranked as recruits

A total of 95 players with eligibility remaining decided to leave the college level and put their...

<p>A total of 95 players with eligibility remaining decided to leave the college level and put their names in the NFL draft once the 2016 season ended.</p><p>Months later, with the NFL draft complete Saturday night, 28 of those 95 players - 30 percent - didn't hear their names called during the three-day event.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Name</th>
<th>School</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>KD Cannon</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Devin Childress</td>
<td>North Park</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Michael Clark</td>
<td>Marshall</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QB</td>
<td>Jerod Evans</td>
<td>Virginia Tech</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT</td>
<td>Jeremy Faulk</td>
<td>Garden City (JUCO)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Tarean Folston</td>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DT</td>
<td>Isaiah Golden</td>
<td>McNeese State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Jermaine Grace</td>
<td>Miami</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Derrick Griffin</td>
<td>Texas Southern</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DB</td>
<td>Titus Howard</td>
<td>Slippery Rock</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Tim Kimbrough</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Jerome Lane</td>
<td>Akron</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Keevan Lucas</td>
<td>Tulsa</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OL</td>
<td>Damien Mama</td>
<td>USC</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Deon-Tay McManus</td>
<td>Marshall</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Speedy Noil</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Marcus Oliver</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DB</td>
<td>Aaron Peak</td>
<td>Butler County (JUCO)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Devine Redding</td>
<td>Indiana</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Travis Rudolph</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Ricky Seals-Jones</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DE</td>
<td>Garrett Sickels</td>
<td>Penn State</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Damore'ea Stringfellow</td>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Darius Victor</td>
<td>Towson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DL</td>
<td>Charles Walker</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Stanley Williams</td>
<td>Kentucky</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Joe Yearby</td>
<td>Miami</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WR</td>
<td>Ishmael Zamora</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>Related: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1291749" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1291749">Stock market crash: 5 players who should have stayed in college</a></strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>'s Jerod Evans and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/81" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/81">Baylor</a>'s KD Cannon were the two biggest names to not be selected. The latter was the biggest surprise after averaging over 1,000 yards during his three seasons in Waco.</p>

Almost a third of all underclassmen to declare for NFL draft go undrafted

The stock market can be a fickle thing. On one day a certain stock can go up, while the next it c...

<p>The stock market can be a fickle thing. On one day a certain stock can go up, while the next it comes crashing down.</p><p>With the 2017 NFL Draft now over, here are five players who misplayed their draft stock, and should have returned to their respective schools for an extra season:</p><h3><strong>1. Jerod Evans, QB, Virginia Tech</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/205600/cropped_REU_2550395.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>Coming to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a> as a junior college transfer, quarterback Jerod Evans burst onto the scene, leading the Hokies to a 10-4 record. Following the season, Evans scratched many heads by declaring after just one season in Blacksburg and ended up not even being drafted. In fact, Sam Rogers, a <em>fullback </em>from Virginia Tech was taken in the sixth round, the second-highest Hokie drafted.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><strong>2. Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami (FL)</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/150703/cropped_REU_2319777.jpg?ts=1487610316"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>Some were surprised <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami (FL)</a> quarterback Brad Kaaya declared for the NFL draft early, especially with many thinking the Hurricanes would be able to compete for a College Football Playoff berth in 2017. However, more people were surprised when Kaaya dropped to the sixth round and saw eight other quarterbacks picked ahead of the former Miami signal-caller. A chance at a national championship seems a lot more enticing now.</p><h3><strong>3. Elijah Hood, RB, North Carolina</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/145236/cropped_USAT_151073.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>Back in December, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/472" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/472">North Carolina</a> running back Elijah Hood announced he would return for his senior season in Chapel Hill. Then just two weeks later he changed course and instead declared for the draft. However, come draft time, Hood would not hear his name until the seventh round. To make matters worse, Hood wasn't even the first running back taken from North Carolina, as T.J. Logan went two rounds earlier.</p><h3><strong>4. Damien Mama, OG, USC</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/242462/cropped_2017-01-03T025415Z_492979794_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-FOOTBALL-ROSE-BOWL-GAME-PENN-STATE-VS-SOUTHERN-CALIFORNIA.jpg?ts=1493514814"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a> was arguably the hottest team by season's end in 2016, winning nine straight games and a Rose Bowl for the ages. With a top Heisman candidate on the roster in quarterback Sam Darnold and a need for veteran offensive linemen, it seemed guard Damien Mama would be the leader of the group. Instead, Mama declared early and went undrafted while the Trojans gear up for a College Football Playoff run.</p><h3><strong>5. Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/221188/cropped_2015-10-18T000000Z_1_MT1ACI14104023_RTRMADP_3_SPORT.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><p>The No. 1 wide receiver in the 2014 recruiting class and the 17th overall player went to run-heavy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a> and it showed as Malachi Dupre never topped 1,000 yards receiving in his career as a Tiger, let alone 700. Instead of staying to play in Matt Canada's versatile offense under new head coach Ed Orgeron, Dupre elected to skip his senior season and proceeded to get drafted in the seventh round.</p><h3><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></h3><p>Speedy Noil, WR, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/635" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/635">Texas A&amp;M</a> - Undrafted</p><p>Ricky Seals-Jones, WR, Texas A&amp;M, Undrafted</p><p>(Photos courtesy: Action Images)</p>

Stock market crash: 5 players who should have stayed in college

Former Louisville defensive end DeVonte' Fields did not hear his name called during the 2017 NFL ...

<p>Former <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville</a> defensive end DeVonte' Fields did not hear his name called during the 2017 NFL Draft, and the reason for that, he seems to claim, was his original choice of school.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He's since deleted it but...interesting. <a href="https://t.co/B6tS7Ne9f7">pic.twitter.com/B6tS7Ne9f7</a></p>— Mark Ennis (@MarkEnnis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkEnnis/status/858481074791493632">April 30, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Fields originally played at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/628" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/628">TCU</a> in 2012, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. In 2013 though, Fields only played in three games due to injury and suspension, before ultimately being kicked off the team due to a 2014 domestic violence charge. Before his removal, Fields was robbed and shot near his apartment in January of the same year.</p><p>After attending Trinity Valley Community College in 2014, Fields transferred to Louisville in 2015, where he finished his eligibility and ultimately went undrafted.</p>

Undrafted DE DeVonte' Fields wishes he never went to TCU

There may be five conferences that belong to the Power 5, but it was more of a Power 4 during the...

<p>There may be five conferences that belong to the Power 5, but it was more of a Power 4 during the 2017 NFL Draft.</p><p>The SEC once again led all conferences, followed by the ACC and a battle for third between the Pac-12 and Big Ten.</p><p>In fifth spot came the American Conference, which finished with one more pick than the Big 12 and well behind the top four conferences. In fact, even if the American and Big 12 combined draft picks, they still would have finished behind the Big Ten.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Conference</th>
<th>No. of Picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACC</td>
<td>42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Big Ten</td>
<td>35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAC</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Big 12</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>After having just five players taken in the first two days, things did not improve all that much on Day 3 for the Big 12. </p><p>When it came to individual programs, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/407">Michigan</a> led the way, earning the program's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1291440" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1291440">best draft haul</a> in the modern era.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>School</th>
<th>No. of Picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Miami (FL)</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Utah</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>North Carolina</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Wolverines fell one short of tying rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a>'s haul from a year ago, but were three short of the all-time record, set by the Buckeyes in 2004</p><p>On the flip side, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/255" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/255">Georgia</a> only had one player selected, Isaiah McKenzie in the fifth round, which was one less than what Division II <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/713" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/713">West Georgia</a> produced.</p><p>A handful of other big-name schools did not perform well either, which saw Oregon have its <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1291673" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1291673">32-year streak</a> of having at least one player drafted snapped.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>School</th>
<th>No. of Picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Notre Dame</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Penn State</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

American outperforms the Big 12 at the NFL draft, Michigan leads all schools

While teams celebrated having their former players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft, a handful of prog...

<p>While teams celebrated having their former players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft, a handful of programs were left with nothing to cheer about, highlighted by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/514" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/514">Oregon</a>.</p><p>For the first time since 1985, the Ducks did not have a single player drafted.</p><p>Pharaoh Brown was the best hope to keep Oregon's streak alive, but the tight end's off-field issues and major knee surgery in 2014 likely kept teams away.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Star running back <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87537" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87537">Royce Freeman</a> would most likely have been drafted this year had he not decided to return for his senior season.</p><p>Other Power 5 programs that didn't produce a 2017 draft pick were: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/57" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/57">Arizona</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/307" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/307">Iowa State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/328" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/328">Kansas</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/333" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/333">Kentucky</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/388" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/388">Maryland</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/550" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/550">Rutgers</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/573" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/573">South Carolina</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/686" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/686">Virginia</a>.</p>

Oregon shut out in NFL draft for 1st time in 32 years

With former safety Leon McQuay III's selection in the sixth round by the Kansas City Chiefs, 218t...

<p>With former safety Leon McQuay III's selection in the sixth round by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a>, 218th overall, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a> officially had 500 players <a href="https://twitter.com/USC_Athletics/status/858435231258361856">drafted</a> into the NFL - the first school to reach the milestone.</p><p>That total was pushed to 501 when the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> picked defensive tackle Stevie Tu'ikolovatu in the seventh round Saturday, 223rd overall.</p><p>The Trojans are also tied for tops in first overall picks with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>. Each school has produced five players who went at No. 1. This is USC's list:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1968</td>
<td>Ron Yary</td>
<td>Vikings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1969</td>
<td>O.J. Simpson</td>
<td>Bills</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1977</td>
<td>Ricky Bell</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1996</td>
<td>Keyshawn Johnson</td>
<td>Jets</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2003</td>
<td>Carson Palmer</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Trojans could break that tie next year if quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/98048" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/98048">Sam Darnold</a> declares early and enjoys another good season after winning the Rose Bowl during the 2016 campaign.</p><p>USC's also had the most first-round picks of any school. On Thursday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87563" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/87563">Adoree' Jackson</a> became the 80th Trojan to be taken in the first round. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> is three players behind.</p>

USC becomes 1st school to produce 500 draft picks

Being named a five-star recruit is one of the highest honors a football player can receive when c...

<p>Being named a five-star recruit is one of the highest honors a football player can receive when coming out of high school and moving on to college.</p><p>However, through the first three rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft, a selected player was more likely to have never received a star rating than to be a five-star recruit.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>5-star</th>
<th>4-star</th>
<th>3-star</th>
<th>2-star</th>
<th>NR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Round 1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Round 3</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>A total of 23 players were drafted in the first three rounds who weren't ranked coming out of high school, compared to nine five-stars.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/724" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/724">Western Michigan</a>'s Corey Davis was the highest player drafted who did not receive a star rating coming out of high school. He went fifth overall to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/14" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/14">Tennessee Titans</a>.</p><p>It's not surprising that the majority of players chosen were four-stars - 44 total - since there are roughly 300 of those players in each recruiting class. The second-most-common rating through three rounds in the 2016 draft was three stars, with 28 selections having received that designation.</p><p>Though star rankings have proven to be a factor in prospects' success, they're still not the be-all and end-all, and a player should never be discouraged by their rating.</p>

23 players drafted in 1st three rounds weren't ranked in high school

The Big 12 keeps taking hits during the draft.  After two complete rounds, the conference had jus...

<p>The Big 12 keeps taking hits during the draft.</p><p>After two complete rounds, the conference had just two players have their names called.</p><p>To illustrate how bad that is, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/724" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/724">Western Michigan</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/629" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/629">Temple</a> have both had two players selected, giving them two more than the Big 12.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick No.</th>
<th>Name</th>
<th>School</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Corey Davis</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>Tennessee</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Patrick Mahomes</td>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>Kansas City</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Haason Reddick</td>
<td>Temple</td>
<td>Arizona</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>48</td>
<td>Joe Mixon</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>63</td>
<td>Dion Dawkins</td>
<td>Temple</td>
<td>Buffalo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>64</td>
<td>Taylor Moton</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>Carolina</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>To add even more on top of the Big 12's poor showing in the first two rounds, there were just as many players from the FCS and Division II taken as those from the Power 5 conference.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick No.</th>
<th>Name</th>
<th>School</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>44</td>
<td>Adam Shaheen</td>
<td>Ashland (Div. II)</td>
<td>Chicago</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>59</td>
<td>Tanoh Kpassagnon</td>
<td>Villanova</td>
<td>Kansas City</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>With <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> head coach Tom Herman now in charge in Austin, many are hoping that trend will change in the coming years.</p>

Western Michigan, Temple combine for more picks after 2 rounds than Big 12

Washington reclaimed its spot as one of the top programs in college football this past season, wi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington</a> reclaimed its spot as one of the top programs in college football this past season, winning the Pac-12 and qualifying for the College Football Playoff.</p><p>That success directly correlates with the arrival of head coach Chris Petersen, who took what former head coach Steve Sarkisian began to build and put it on (metaphorical) steroids.</p><p>Since the 2014 NFL Draft, the Huskies have produced 10 players taken in the first two rounds, the same amount the program had from 1998-2013.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>Rd.</th>
<th>Pos.</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2014</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>Austin Seferian-Jenkins</td>
<td>Buccaneers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2014</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>Bishop Sankey</td>
<td>Titans</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>Danny Shelton</td>
<td>Browns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Marcus Peters</td>
<td>Chiefs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Shaq Thompson</td>
<td>Panthers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2015</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Hau'oli Kikaha</td>
<td>Saints</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>John Ross</td>
<td>Bengals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Kevin King</td>
<td>Packers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>Budda Baker</td>
<td>Cardinals</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2017</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>Sidney Jones</td>
<td>Eagles</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Both Seferian-Jenkins and Sankey were draft picks under Sarkisian, who saw a total of nine players picked over his five-year tenure in Seattle. Before he arrived, Washington had not produced a draft pick since 2007, a span of three years.</p><p>In three seasons with the Huskies and just two rounds into this year's draft, Petersen has already surpassed Sarkisian's draft total.</p>

Washington's draft success soars under Chris Petersen

Michigan State's football program is trying to recover from a disastrous period on and off the fi...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/408" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/408">Michigan State</a>'s football program is trying to recover from a disastrous period on and off the field. Three unnamed players and a staffer were suspended as part of a high-profile sexual assault scandal in February, which followed a 3-9 season in 2016.</p><p>Head coach Mark Dantonio also <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1285714" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1285714">dismissed</a> defensive tackle Auston Robertson in April due to a third-degree sexual assault charge related to a separate incident.</p><p>Spartan veterans came up with the idea of holding weekly players-only meetings to discuss the team's problems, and the meetings continued throughout the winter.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"If I was outside the program, I would probably think there was something wrong," quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99705" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99705">Brian Lewerke</a> told <a href="http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/19266928/trying-change-perception">Dan Murphy of ESPN</a>. "We're trying to figure it out. Obviously the stuff that happened is not OK. So we're trying to change that perception."</p><p>The weekly meetings lasted for up to an hour at a time, senior <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/88989" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/88989">Brian Allen</a> said, and addressed a variety of topics. Players said the sexual assault allegations were discussed, as well as ways to keep one another out of bad situations and increase the team's sense of unity.</p><p>"People didn't trust as much as they should their teammates the previous season," Allen said. "We wanted to work on that. We're trying to actually be more of a family rather than just talk about it."</p><p>Concerned about cliques, the players instituted a Friday night basketball game and mixed up seating arrangements for meals.</p><p>All their practices were closed to the public during spring camp, while they did not speak to the media until the final week of camp in order to help them stay focused on football.</p><p>Linebacker <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/83767" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/83767">Chris Frey</a> said the sexual assault allegations, while serious, aren't relevant to the team's on-field performance.</p><p>"We know it's a serious thing, but it doesn't matter on the field," the senior said. "We're still going to be the same team and go out there and do everything we can to better ourselves. It's always there, but it didn't faze who we are as a team. I think with the things that have gone on off the field it's only brought us closer on the field."</p>

Michigan State players look to repair program's reputation

Texas Tech received a major blow to their offense Friday, as leading wide receiver Jonathan Giles...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/642" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/642">Texas Tech</a> received a major blow to their offense Friday, as leading wide receiver <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99071" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99071">Jonathan Giles</a> announced on <a href="https://twitter.com/_JonathanGiles/status/858053285751795714">Twitter</a> his intention to transfer from the program.</p><p>"It's with a heavy heart that I inform you all today that I have decided to transfer from Texas Tech University," Giles wrote. "Texas Tech was a dream school for me growing up as a kid, so to wear the double T was truly an honor and privilege. "</p><p>Giles caught 69 passes for 1,158 yards and 13 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2016, leading the team in each category. His 1,158 yards were fourth in the Big 12.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's the second big piece to leave the program, as quarterback <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/89514" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/89514">Patrick Mahomes II</a> declared for the NFL draft early and was picked 10th overall by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/6" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/6">Kansas City Chiefs</a>.</p><p>"No matter where I end up, I will always have a piece of Texas Tech in my heart," Giles wrote.</p>

Texas Tech's Jonathan Giles to transfer

Pitt will have to find a new anchor for its defensive line, as the program dismissed senior defen...

<p>Pitt will have to find a new anchor for its defensive line, as the program dismissed senior defensive tackle Jeremiah Taleni for disciplinary reasons, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/JDiPaola_Trib/status/858051211446104070">Jerry DiPaola of the Tribune-Review</a>.</p><p>Taleni appeared in seven games in 2016, but had 24 tackles (5.5 for loss) and three sacks. In the Panthers' final five games, Taleni recorded 22 tackles and all of his sacks, making it seem he was ready to be relied upon as a senior in the trenches in 2017.</p><p>In three seasons, Taleni finished with 30 tackles (eight for loss) in 21 career games.</p>

Report: Pitt dismisses Jeremiah Taleni

The SEC remained king of producing first-round talent, as 12 players from the conference were sel...

<p>The SEC remained king of producing first-round talent, as 12 players from the conference were selected with the first 32 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft.</p><p>Since 2011, the SEC has been number one six of seven years, with 2015 being the only year the conference did not lead all others in first-round picks.</p><h3><strong>2017 NFL Draft 1st Round</strong></h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Conference</th>
<th>No. of Picks</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Big Ten</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACC</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAC</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Big 12</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MAC</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/635" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/635">Texas A&amp;M</a> defensive end Myles Garrett was taken first overall, giving the Aggies their first-ever top selection in program history, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama </a>saw its streak of having a player taken in the first round extended to nine years.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Crimson Tide had four players taken, the most of any school, eking out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> who had three.</p><p>Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the long Big 12 player picked in this year's first round.</p><p>The ACC had two quarterbacks taken in the first round for the first time in conference history, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/724" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/724">Western Michigan</a> wide receiver Corey Davis became the second MAC wide receiver to be taken in the first, joining legend Randy Moss.</p><p>Outside of Davis, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/629" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/629">Temple</a> linebacker Haason Reddick was the only player from the Group of 5 to be picked.</p>

SEC takes home almost 40 percent of 1st-round selections, Big 12 has 1 pick

It happened a little later than many expected, but it was never in doubt that Alabama would produ...

<p>It happened a little later than many expected, but it was never in doubt that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> would produce a first-round pick for the ninth straight year.</p><p>When the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Baltimore Ravens</a> drafted cornerback Marlon Humphrey 16th overall Thursday, they made it nine straight years that Alabama's had a first-round pick. Teammate Jonathan Allen was selected one pick later by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/20" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/20">Washington Redskins</a> and O.J. Howard was taken 19th overall by the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/31" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/31">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>, giving Alabama 21 total first-round picks since Nick Saban became head coach in 2008.</p><p>By extending their streak to nine years, the Crimson Tide tied <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/233">Florida</a> for the longest such streak in the SEC. The Gators' run went from 1983 through 1991.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The all-time leader for consecutive years with a first-round draft pick belongs to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami (FL)</a>, which went 14 straight (1995-2008).</p>

Alabama ties SEC record for consecutive years with a 1st-round pick

Normally, come NFL draft time, it is the SEC and Big Ten that have dominated of late.  But during...

<p>Normally, come NFL draft time, it is the SEC and Big Ten that have dominated of late.</p><p>But during the first round Thursday, the Pac-12 made a name for itself.</p><p>Three players were taken in the top-10, the most ever by the conference since 1999.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pick No.</th>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>School</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>San Francisco</td>
<td> DE</td>
<td>Solomon Thomas</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Carolina</td>
<td> RB</td>
<td>Christian McCaffrey</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Cincinnati</td>
<td> WR</td>
<td>John Ross</td>
<td>Washington</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Known then as the Pac-10, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/9" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/9">Cincinnati</a> took <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/514" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/514">Oregon</a> quarterback Akili Smith third overall, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/26" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/26">Detroit</a> selected <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a> linebacker Chris Claiborne ninth, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/12" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/12">Baltimore</a> picked cornerback Chris McAlister out of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/57" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/57">Arizona</a> at 10th overall.</p>

Pac-12 has three top-10 picks for 1st time since '99

Texas A&M can now claim they've had a first overall pick after the Cleveland Browns selected defe...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/635" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/635">Texas A&amp;M</a> can now claim they've had a first overall pick after the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Cleveland Browns</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1262542" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1262542">selected</a> defensive end Myles Garrett at the 2017 NFL Draft.</p><p>Previously, the Aggies had players selected second overall three times:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year</th>
<th>Position</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Team</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2013</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>Luke Joeckel</td>
<td>Jaguars</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2011</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Von Miller</td>
<td>Broncos</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1992</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>Quentin Coryatt</td>
<td>Colts</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The edge rusher recorded 48.5 tackles for loss, with 32.5 sacks, in his three seasons in College Station.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MylesLGarrett">@MylesLGarrett</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL">@NFL</a> legend Bruce Smith, all smiles after <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns">@Browns</a> pick Garrett 1st overall in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash">#NFLDraft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/12thMan?src=hash">#12thMan</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mg8cSNJy1s">pic.twitter.com/Mg8cSNJy1s</a></p>— Texas A&amp;M Football (@AggieFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/AggieFootball/status/857750960382382082">April 28, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

Garrett becomes Texas A&M's first No. 1 overall pick

Jimbo Fisher and Co. are making quite the push to have one of the top secondaries in the 2018 rec...

<p>Jimbo Fisher and Co. are making quite the push to have one of the top secondaries in the 2018 recruiting class, as four-star cornerback A.J. Lytton <a href="https://twitter.com/Lil_ajj1/status/857729417392652288">announced</a> his commitment to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> on Thursday.</p><p>Lytton, who ranks as the 28th overall recruit in the 2018 class and third-best at his position, joins fellow four-star cornerbacks Asante Samuel Jr. and Isaiah Bolden.</p><p>Samuel, the son of former NFL great Asante Samuel Sr., is ranked as the fourth overall corner, while Bolden is the 24th.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Both Samuel and Bolden hail from the state of Florida, while Lytton is from Maryland.</p><p>Lytton picked the Seminoles over the likes of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/255" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/255">Georgia</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/407">Michigan</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/509" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/509">Oklahoma</a>, among others.</p>

Florida State continues push for top '18 secondary with another 4-star commit

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