Halfway Through the NFL 2013

Around the halfway point of the NFL season, here are how the DuvALUMNI have fared this year. (by position)

Running Backs:
CJ Spiller (Union Cty) has battled injuries in what was hoped to be a breakout year in Buffalo. Still he has run for 362 yards (4.0 ypc)
Daniel Thomas (Hilliard) has run for 178 yards with 2 rushing TDs and 1 receiving TD for the Dolphins in a backup role.
Daryl Richardson (Sandalwood) has run for 176 yards on 61 carries for the Rams.
Leon Washington (Jackson) has seen limited action in any position for the Patriots this year.

Wide Receiver
A.J. Jenkins (Parker) was traded to the Chiefs just before the season began and has yet to find a significant role on the undefeated team. He has just 1 catch this year.

Tight End:
Gary Barnidge (Middleburg)  has 6 receptions so far for the Browns, starting 7 of 8 games.

Kicker:
Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine) has been a steady kicker for the Dolphins his rookie season. He is 11 for 15 on FG attempts (80% from within 50 yards) with a 54 yard long this year.

Defensive Line:
Cliff Avril (Clay) battled injury this year, appearing in 6 games for the Seahawks with 7 tackles and 3 sacks
Letroy Guion (Bradford) has started all games for the Minnesota Vikings at DT.
Ricardo Matthews (Sandalwood) has 6 tackles for Indianapolis Colts

Linebackers:
Stephen Nicholas (Lee) has battled injuries this season, contributing with 10 tackles for the Falcons
Sam Barrington (Parker) has seen limited action (mostly special teams) in his rookie season for the Packers.
Kion Wilson (Raines) has seen limited action with the Steelers, having been on the practice squad a portion of the year, currently activated.

Defensive Backs:
Champ Bailey (Charlton Cty) is the dean of the current DuvALUMNI (15 years), but has missed much of the season with injury. He has played in the past couple of games for Denver with 3 pass defenses.
Tony Carter (Mandarin) has contributed off the bench and started two games for the Broncos with 9 tackles and an interception.
Nolan Carroll (Clay) has been steady for the Dolphins this year with 19 tackles, 1 interception and 4 passes defended.
Rashean Mathis (Englewood) sees much playing time for the Lions, in on 27 tackles.
Darius Slay (Brunswick) has steadily improved through his rookies year with the Lions, in on 23 tackles.
Leodis McKelvin (Ware Cty) has 33 tackles for the Buffalo Bills, starting all but one game this year.

Brunswick's Wainwright the sole DuvALUMNI in 2013 World Series

Adam Wainwright (Glynn Academy) will start Game One of the 2013 World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals as they take on Boston. Wainwright carried over his stellar regular season (19-9) into the postseason (2-1, ERA under 2). Since Wainwright broke into the big leagues in 2005, the Cardinals have reached the post season five times, though he was out with injury for their last World Series in 2011. He was in the role of the closer in St. Louis' 2006 World Series victory over Detroit, finishing three games and allowing no runs. Wednesday night will be his first start in a World Series. Which begs the question:

 Who was the last DuvALUM to start a World Series game?

Go back to 2008 when Brett Myers (Englewood) started for the Phillies against the Rays.

Before that? Unless I overlooked someone, you have to go back to 1983 when Storm Davis (University Christian) started for the Baltimore Orioles against the Phillies.

                                                   Wainwright after NLDS victory

Derrick Henry hits a long one for Bama

Derrick Henry (Yulee) picks up where he left off in high school, breaking off a long touchdown run in the waning moments of Saturday's game with Arkansas.

Tennessee's Peterman injured hand has him out

used with permission from Rivals.com

University of Tennessee Quarterback Nathan Peterman (Bartram Trail) has a tough first start for his college starting debut; it ended even worse.

The freshman started his first game against one of the best defenses in the country in the Florida Gators and his 4 for 11 (for 5 yards with two picks) performance was far from stellar. It actually got worse. He injured his hand during the game and will be out for an undetermined amount of time. Here is more

FCS DuvALUMNI

Kade Bell (michael wooley photo)

Jameel Franklin (AP photo)

Not all of the FCS schools have started play (Ivy League kicks off this weekend), but let's give a quick shout out to some DuvALUMNI playing well in the FCS division.

Offense player of the week - Quarterback Kade Bell threw for 276 yards and 3 tds in JU's victory over Morehead State.
Defense player of the week - Jameel Franklin was in on 9 tackles, including three for loss and a sack in Mississippi Valley State's game with Alcorn State.

Offense

OL - Alex Monroe (First Coast) - Bethune-Cookman.
OL - Kevin House (White) - FAMU
OL - Blake Stone (Atlantic Coast) - Charleston Southern
OL - Casey Bessemer (Fletcher) - Holy Cross
OL - Dylan Bostick (Fletcher) - Jacksonville
TE - A.C. Leonard (University) - Tennessee State
WR - Justin Osborne (First Coast) - Elon
WR - Markis Merrill (St. Augustine) - Jacksonville State
RB - Jacobi Green (White) - Richmond
RB - Duane Brady (St. Augustine) - Murray State
QB - Damien Fleming (Ribault) - FAMU
QB - Kade Bell (Providence/Fleming Island) - Jacksonville

Defense

DL - Selwyn Carroll (Trinity) - SE Missouri St.
DL - Max Tejada (Bolles) - Towson
DL - Jordan Hawkins (Wolfson) - Furman
DL - Tarek Odom (St. Augustine) - Wofford
LB - Jameel Franklin (First Coast) - Mississippi Valley St.
LB - Donnelle Williams (Bradford) - Presbyterian
LB - Corey Addison (Jackson) - Murray State
DB - Chavon Mackey (Eagles View) - North Dakota
DB - Matt Hardy (Trinity) - Charleston Southern
DB - Cameron McCurry (Fleming Island) - Villanova
DB - Jake Giusti (Fletcher) - Delaware
   P - Colby Blanton (Atlantic Coast) - FAMU

NFL DuvALUMNI Week 2

spiller

carter

 A 100 yard rusher and a busy Defensive Back led the DuvALUMNI in the NFL's second week. C.J. Spiller (Union Cty) ran for over a hundred yards in Buffalo's thrilling last-second victory over Carolina. Tony Carter (Mandarin) had a busy day for the Broncos; though he doesn't officially start, he is a major part of the DB rotation for Denver. He had three tackles, an interception and four passes defended.

On offense, Daryl Richardson (Sandalwood) had 80 total yards from scrimmage in a starting role with St. Louis. Running Back Leon Washington (Jackson) played sparingly for the Patriots; AJ Jenkins (Parker) played a few snaps for the Chiefs. TE Gary Barnidge (Middleburg) started for Cleveland; Daniel Thomas (Hilliard) ran for 30 yards and added ten more yards receiving for Miami. Kicker Caleb Sturgis (St. Aug) kicked a 54 yard field goal for the Dolphins.

On defense, DuvALUMNI starters were CB Darius Slay (Brunswick) for the Lions; Letroy Guion (Bradford) at DT for the Vikings; Leodis McKelvin (Ware Cty) at DB for the Bills; Kion Wilson (Raines) for Pittsburgh; and Nolan Carroll (Clay) starting at Corner for the Dolphins.

DE Cliff Avril (Clay) is the pass rush specialist for the Seahawks and forced a fumble with a quarterback sack in Seattle's big win over San Francisco. LB Stephen Nicholas (Lee) played for the Falcons, Rashean Mathis (Englewood) saw time in the Lions' nickel package; Ricardo Matthews  (Sandalwood) saw playing time for the Colts.

Sam Barrington (Parker) made a special teams tackle for Green Bay; Champ Bailey (Camden Cty) did not play due to injury.

FBS DuvALUMNI All Stars

With over 100 area players playing at FBS schools and 100+ more playing at FCS schools, we thought we'd break up the divisions and reward all-stars for each level this year. The FCS schools will come later this week.

QB- Jake Medlock - FIU The Fletcher grad has a 102 passing efficiency as the starter for FIU. After two duvALUMNI QBs graduated last year (Kawaun Jakes, Ryan Aplin) Medlock is now the lone starting QB from the area playing at an FBS school.

RB - An injury and a withdrawal from school has left this position wide open. Tahj Kimble (Fernandina) was expected to get more carries for Boston College, but is coming off of surgery and has yet to carry the ball for the Eagles. Andrew Buie (Trinity) who led West Virginia in rushing in 2012 has withdrawn from the school. No news on where he may end up. So, no starters at RB from the area, we'll give it to Daron White (First Coast), who has carried a few times for Troy. All-Everything Derrick Henry (Yulee) will soon make the list, but so far he has one carry for minus three yards for Alabama.

WR - Javontee Herndon (Bolles) is Arkansas' leading receiver this year, as is Ryan Lankford (Paxon) for Illinois. Sean Tapley (Raines) has six catches for North Carolina.

TE - Bobby Wolford (Kenny) Wolford excelled at Linebacker at Kenny, but switching to tight end at Wake Forest has already paid off. He has seven receptions and a touchdown so far for the Eagles.

OL - Some big hosses load up the offensive line; all of these starters: Brett Benedict (Bolles) for Virginia Tech; John Theus (Bolles) Georgia; Laremy Tunsil (Lake City) for Ole Miss; Frank Souza (Nease) Wake Forest; Kaleb Johnson (White) Rutgers; Christopher Chappell (W Nassau) FAU.

K - Cairo Santos (St Joseph) won the Groza Award for best kicker last year at Tulane and he's back for more.

DL - Timmy Jernigan (Lake City) has been impressive in Florida State's two games. Louis Nix (Raines) is the returning All American at Notre Dame. Tavaris Barnes (First Coast) has played well in his limited time at Clemson; DeMarcus Walker has received ample playing time as a true freshman at FSU.

LB - Season-ending injuries will keep Shakeel Rashad (Episcopal/UNC) out this year. Terrence Plummer (Orange Park) is starting for UCF; Isaiah Bruce (Providence) returns as a starter for West Virginia. Tony Steward (Menendez) has seen some action at Clemson

DB - Sam Smiley (Raines/UNC) is lost to season-ending injury. Jared Singletary (Clay) starts for Middle Tennessee; Dwayne Norman (University) starts for Duke; Ahmad Christian (Trinity) has double-digit tackles for South Carolina; Lynn Griffin (Providence) has played at Georgia Tech.

Tebow adamant about QB position?

Reports are coming out that Tim Tebow has turned down a switch to another position and that he still wants to pursue becoming an NFL quarterback. story here

NFL DuvALUMNI 2013

There are nineteen players on NFL rosters from the area, plus two on practice squads. Here is the lineup of DuvALUMNI for NFL 2013:

DE Cliff Avril (Clay), Seattle

CB Champ Bailey (Charlton Cty), Denver

LB Sam Barrington (Parker), Green Bay

TE Gary Barnidge (Middleburg), Cleveland

DB Nolan Carroll (Clay), Miami

DB Tony Carter (Mandarin), Denver

DT Letroy Guion (Bradford), Minnesota

WR A.J. Jenkins (Parker), Kansas City 

CB Rashean Mathis (Englewood), Detroit

DE Ricardo Matthews (Parker), Indianapolis

CB Leodis McKelvin (Ware Cty), Buffalo

LB Stephen Nicholas (Lee), Atlanta

RB Daryl Richardson (Sandalwood), St. Louis

CB Darius Slay (Brunswick), Detroit

RB C.J. Spiller (Union Cty), Buffalo

K   Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine), Miami

RB Daniel Thomas (Hilliard), Miami

RB Leon Washington (Jackson), New England

LB Kion Wilson (Raines), Pittsburgh

on practice squad:

RB Shaun Chapas (Bolles) Dallas

RB Jawan Jamison (Bolles) Washington

NFL Cut Day comes to DuvALUMNI

And then there 18...cut day in the NFL affected about 600 players yesterday, with some being asked back on a practice squad as early as noon today. But the NFL dream may have ended for some with yesterday's cuts, including six area players, the most famous being Tim Tebow (Nease). NFL.com has talk of where Tebow could go next. The cuts leave 18 DuvALUMNI still on NFL rosters

The DuvALUMNI cut yesterday are:

QB Tim Tebow -New England
OL Ryan Seymour (Camden Cty) - Seattle
LB Nigel Carr (First Coast) - Baltimore
RB Jawan Jamison (Bolles) - Washington (signed to practice squad)
QB Rusty Smith (Paxon/Sandalwood) - Tennessee
FB Shaun Chapas (Bolles) - Detroit (signed to practice squad)
CB Xavier Brewer (Bartam Trail) - Dallas
CB Rashard Hall (St. Augustine) St. Louis

Final pre-season game - cut week

The final pre-season game was a week off for many of the our NFL DuvALUMNI - but some were fighting for a roster spot.
Tim Tebow (Nease)  threw 2 touchdown passes to hopefully impress the Pats to keep him. He was 6 for 11and had his customary 30 yards rushing as well. Rusty Smith (Paxon/Sandalwood) played a good portion for the Titans, going 13-21 with a touchdown pass. Nigel Carr (First Coast) started for the Ravens and had four combined tackles. Shaun Chapas (Bolles) started at fullback for the Lions, carrying 3 times for 11 yards. Jawan Jamison (Bolles) got his most playing time of the pre-season for Redskins, running for 34 yards and catching a pass. Ryan Seymour (Camden Cty) played on the O-line for the Seahawks. Xavier Brewer (St. Augustine) had 2 tackles for the Cowboys. Rashard Hall had 2 tackles.

Sam Barrington (Parker) had 6 total tackles including a sack for Green Bay in his most productive game of his rookie year. Darius Slay (Camden) started at CB for Detroit and has been impressive this pre-season. Caleb Sturgis (St. Aug) has won the kicking job in Miami and continued his perfect preseason, going 3 for 3 in field goals with a 44 yard long. A.J. Jenkins (Parker) had two catches for his new team in KC. Leon Washington (Jackson) had a few catches and continued his punt return duties for New England.

All NFL teams must be down to 53 players by Saturday August 31 at 6pm.

Summers cut by Vikings

Wide receiver Chris Summers (Ribault) was the only DuvALUM cut on Tuesday. The Liberty University grad had signed with the Minnesota Vikings, catching two passes in game two but collecting no other stats in the other two preseason games. Bolles alum Jason Spitz was released last week by the Jaguars, joining Summers as the only DuvALUMNI cut so far this preseason. Final cuts down to 53 are Saturday.

NFL Preseason Week 3

With only one more pre-season game to go, the DuvALUMNI have 21 players on active rosters in the NFL. A few didn't play due to injuries this week: Denver CB Champ Bailey (Charlton Cty) was, as Al Michaels would say, "out with a foot" and Atlanta LB Stephen Nicholas (Lee) will be out for the remainder of the preseason. Seattle's Cliff Avril (Clay) and Ryan Seymour (Camden Cty) sat out with injuries. Others not seeing action (not injury-related) were Washington RB Jawan Jamison (Bolles) and New England QB Tim Tebow (Nease). Rosters must be down to 53 players by this Saturday.

The rest saw action this week: Minnesota DL Letroy Guion (Bradford Cty) started without collecting any stats. Others who got "played/no stats" status were Baltimore LB Nigel Carr (First Coast), Tennessee QB Rusty Smith (Paxon/Sandalwood), Minnesota WR Chris Summers (Ribault), Kansas City WR A.J. Jenkins (Parker), and Detroit RB Shaun Chapas (Bolles).

Stat grabbers for the week: Buffalo RB C.J. Spiller (Union Cty) started, with 8 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown. Denver CB Tony Carter played with 1 tackle and 1 pass defended. Detroit CB Darius Slay (Camden Cty) started and had 4 tackles. former Jag Rashean Mathis (Englewood) played his first game as a Detroit Lion and had 1 tackle and 1 pass defended. Green Bay LB Sam Barrington (Parker) had a tackle for loss. Miami K Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine) was 3 for 3 in field goals. Miami DB Nolan Carroll (Clay) had a tackle and a PD. 

Running backs Daniel Thomas (Miami/Hilliard) and Leon Washington (New England/Jackson) had 15 and 16 total yards respectively.

yada yada this past week about our guys:
Rashean Mathis
Ryan Seymour
Rusty Smith
Tim Tebow - I know he just doesn't get enough coverage

Jaguars release Bolles Alum Jason Spitz

Offensive lineman Jason Spitz (Bolles) has been released from the Jaguars. He joined the Jags in 2011, playing sparingly, including time on injured reserve. He joins a list of other players released by the Jags. More here

MLB DuvALUMNI UPDATE

With a little over a month left in the 2013 season, here is the latest on our local baseball heroes. (click on their names to get to their stat page on mlb.com)

Jonathan Papelbon - 2013 marks the ninth MLB season for the Bishop Kenny grad, his second with the Phillies after 7 seasons with the Red Sox, 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA 21 saves

Brett Myers -  Indians pitcher Brett Myers (Englewood), who has been sidelined with a right elbow ailment since late April, continues to feel discomfort in his arm when throwing off a mound.

Manager Terry Francona said Myers, signed to a one-year contract worth $7 million this winter to be Cleveland's No. 3 starter, feels no pain while playing catch on flat ground. "To his credit, he keeps trying," Francona said. "I think he feels like he signed his contract and he wants to play it out. As long as he wants to try, we appreciate it. He's giving it everything. He keeps trying. It just keeps getting to that point where he gets on the elevated part and it hurts."

Howie Kendrick: (West Nassau High) An MRI on Kendrick's left knee revealed no structural damage, prompting the club to give the 30-year-old an extra four to five days to see how he responds. But, as Angels manager Mike Scioscia said, "He's still sore." Kendrick, with a .301/.341/.437 slash line on the season, traveled with the team to Cleveland, but was getting treatment all day and didn't go on the field for workouts. His likely DL stint -- his first since May 2011 -- would be retroactive to Tuesday, allowing him to return as soon as Aug. 21

Jake Dunning: Dunning (Clay High) has appeared in a couple of games so far his rookie season for the San Francisco Giants. He was sent down to AAA in July. According to MLB.com "Manager Bruce Bochy said Dunning's demotion was not a result of his performance -- he had a 2.84 ERA in 20 games since joining the Giants. He said the Giants needed a full bench and that Dunning would have been unavailable the next day or two after pitching on four consecutive days earlier this week. "He did really a terrific job," Bochy said. "He came up ahead of schedule and I loved the way he handled himself and his poise."

Darren O'Day: O'Day (Bishop Kenny) O'Day, in his 6th season in the bigs is 5-2 with a 2.36 ERA in his set-up job with the Orioles.

Billy Butler The Wolfson graduate is the star of the Kansas City Royals in his seventh season with another solid season and has led the Royals to their best record at this time of the season in over a decade. Butler has been absolutely mashing over his past 15 games, hitting safely in 13 of them and batting .379 (22-for-58) with four doubles, three long balls and nine RBIs over that span. That hot hitting has boosted his season average from .275 to its current .289.

Daniel Murphy: Murphy (Englewood) has had a solid season at second base for the Mets with 10 hr 57 rbi and batting .275.

Michael Kirkman: The Lake City Columbia High grad has spent portions of the past three seasons in the big leagues. This year he was forced on the DL due to a battle with skin cancer. here's the story

Adam Wainwright: Wainwright (Brunswick) Another stellar year for Wainwright, 14-7 with a 2.66 ERA for the Cards.

Mat Gamel: Sadly, another injury -- this time a torn ACL -- that has kept Gamel (Bishop Kenny) out for the entire 2013 season.

NFL DuvALUMNI Preseason Week 2 Results

Stephen Nicholas (Lee) Atlanta Falcons - starting LB (2 total tackles) 

Nigel Carr (First Coast) Baltimore Ravens - LB (2 tackles) 

C.J. Spiller (Union Cty) Buffalo Bills - starting RB (7 carries 27 yards) 

Champ Bailey (Charlton Cty) Denver Broncos - starting CB (2 tackles 2 assist) 

Tony Carter (Mandarin) Denver Broncos - CB (1 pass defended) 

Rashean Mathis (Englewood) Detroit Lions - CB just signed with Detroit (8/17)

Darius Slay (Brunswick) Detroit Lions -{ROOKIE}  CB (2 tackles) Battling for a starting job for the Lions

Shaun Chapas (Bolles) Detroit Lions - FB (played, no stats) 

Sam Barrington (Parker) Green Bay Packers - {ROOKIE} LB (2 tackles, 1 pass defended)

Jason Spitz (Bolles) Jacksonville Jaguars - OL (played) UPDATE: Has been released by the Jaguars (8/19)

Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine) Miami Dolphins - {ROOKIE} K (2 for 2 FG 44 yard long)  Sturgis beat out incumbent Dan Carpenter for the kicking job in Miami with a solid training camp and field goal perfection so far in the pre-season.

Nolan Carroll (Clay) Miami Dolphins -  DB (2 tackles) 

Daniel Thomas (Hilliard) Miami Dolphins - RB (4 carries 25 yards; 1 catch 27 yards)

Letroy Guion (Bradford) Minnesota Vikings - starting DL (no stats) 

Chris Summers (Ribault) Minnesota Vikings - (2 catches 23 yards).

Tim Tebow (Nease) New England Patriots - (passing 1 for 7, for -1 yards and an interception; running 6 carries for 30 yards)

Leon Washington (Jackson) New England Patriots - RET/WR - (1 PR 6 yards, KOR 1 -26 ) 

Ryan Seymour (Camden) Seattle Seahawks - {ROOKIE} OL (played no stats) 

Cliff Avril (Clay) Seattle Seahawks - DE  Seahawk free agent signee Avril has been hampered by a hamstring injury that has had him out of much of training camp. Coach Pete Carroll said he could be out a couple more weeks.

A.J. Jenkins (Parker) Jenkins had no stats in his final game as a 49er. He has been traded to the Chiefs. 

Rusty Smith (Paxon/Sandalwood) Tennessee Titans - QB (4-8 25 yards passing) 
Jawan Jamison (Bolles) Washington Redskins - {ROOKIE} RB (5 carries 20 yards) 

A.J. Jenkins traded

The questions about A.J. Jenkins (Parker) time with the 49ers has been answered. He was traded. NFL.com has more

Report: Rashean gets a team

From the roar of a Jaguar to a roar of the a Lion, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that DuvALUMN Rashean Mathis (Englewood) has signed with the Detroit Lions. The Lions were lit up in the secondary Thursday night against the Browns, certainly giving them worry about their defensive backfield. Getting Mathis in camp cannot hurt. Mathis made the Pro Bowl for the Jags in 2006, but injuries have kept him out for parts of the season for most of the past few years. The Jaguars let Mathis go back in March. He turns 33 in a couple of weeks. Mathis joins fellow area player Darius Slay, a rookie from Brunswick, in the secondary for the Lions.

What will the Cubs do with Baez?

Shortstop Javier Baez (ACD) is a quickly rising through the Cubs minor league system. The problem is the Cubs have a young shortstop already in the bigs in Starlin Castro who could be there for a while. What are the Cubs thinking now for the former Arlington Country Day Apache? The latest here

Expect more playing time for Daniel Thomas; Jenkins struggling

Miami Dolphins Running Back Daniel Thomas (Hilliard) is currently 2nd on the depth chart, but look for more of him this year. Miami Herald article here.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/13/3558853/miami-dolphins-expect-big-things.html

A.J. Jenkins (Terry Parker) struggling through Niners camp this year. the latest here

NFL Pre-season: who is where?

Now that we've had a full week of pre-season under our belt, let's see where the DuvALUMNI have landed for this year's season. As of now there are 26 area players on NFL rosters. A few of the stalwarts have moved on such as Brian Dawkins (Raines, retirement). Here are the twenty-six as they stand right now (and their game participation for the first full week of the preseason ). As always if I've left someone out, holler!

Stephen Nicholas (Lee) Atlanta Falcons - starting LB (1 assist) Nicholas is entrenched as a starter and did not see much action this week.

Nigel Carr (First Coast) Baltimore Ravens - LB (4 tackles) Carr finished the 2012 season on the Ravens' practice squad, trying again to make the final cuts.

C.J. Spiller (Union Cty) Buffalo Bills - starting RB (4 carries 36 yards) 1,000 yard rusher last year, this looks to be the major breakout year for Spiller.

Champ Bailey (Charlton Cty) Denver Broncos - starting CB (1 assist) The future Hall of Famer is back for another year with the Broncos.

Tony Carter (Mandarin) Denver Broncos - CB (played, no stats) Carter worked his way onto the Bronco roster last year, hopefully seeing more playing time in 2013.

Rashean Mathis (Englewood) Detroit Lions - CB just signed with Detroit (8/17)

Darius Slay (Brunswick) Detroit Lions -{ROOKIE} starting CB (no stats) The rookie started the game this week for the Lions, impressing the staff with his speed and athleticism so far through training camp. He was applauded for playing "relatively mistake-free football" in his debut, where he played 44% of the defensive snaps.

Shaun Chapas (Bolles) Detroit Lions - FB (1 reception, 1 yard) Chapas finished last season on the Lions' practice squad, hoping to make the roster this year.

Sam Barrington (Parker) Green Bay Packers - {ROOKIE} LB (3 tackles, 1 assist) Late-round draft pick out of South Florida, Barrington saw time and contributed on defense and special teams in his debut

Jason Spitz (Bolles) Jacksonville Jaguars - OL After missing all of 2012 on the IR, Spitz played 39 snaps for the Jags Friday night.

Caleb Sturgis (St. Augustine) Miami Dolphins - {ROOKIE} K (2 for 2 FG 58yard long)  Sturgis looks to win the job as kicker for the Dolphins, catching the attention of the NFL with a 58 yarder at Everbank Field Friday night.

Nolan Carroll (Clay) Miami Dolphins -  DB (4 tackles 1 pass defended) Carroll has worked himself into a mainstay on the Dolphins defensive backfield rotation.

Daniel Thomas (Hilliard) Miami Dolphins - RB (4 carries 19 yards) Thomas is fighting for a starting role with Lamar Miller, but should see plenty of time on the field this year.

Letroy Guion (Bradford) Minnesota Vikings - starting DL (1 tackle) Guion is an anchor in the middle for the Vikes.

Chris Summers (Ribault) Minnesota Vikings - The tall (6'5") Wide Receiver from Ribault via Liberty University played and was targeted for a pass once, but no stats.

Tim Tebow (Nease) New England Patriots - QB (4-12 55 yards passing; 31 yards rushing) Tebow came in earlier than expected when second-string QB Ryan Mallette went down with an injury. Tebow showed the inconsistencies he's been known for in his NFL career, as well as the shining moments that still give people hope.

Leon Washington (Jackson) New England Patriots - RET/WR - (1 catch 15 yards, KOR 20 avg.) The veteran's debut with the Pats was solid, contributing out of the backfield as well as returning punts and kickoffs.

Ryan Seymour (Camden) Seattle Seahawks - {ROOKIE} OL (played no stats) Rookie debut for the Seahawks.

Cliff Avril (Clay) Seattle Seahawks - DE  After monster years with the Lions, Avril has been hampered by a hamstring injury that has had him out of much of training camp. Coach Pete Carroll said he could be out a couple more weeks.

A.J. Jenkins (Parker) San Francisco 49ers - WR (1 catch 11 yards) With injuries depleting the Niners' receiving corps, Jenkins had his opportunity to shine in 2013, but unfortunately has had a bumpy go of it in camp, losing a fumble and only catching one ball for 11 yards in the game.

Rusty Smith (Paxon/Sandalwood) Tennessee Titans - QB (7-10 75 yds., 1 TD) Smith had the stats this week, 7 for 10 passing with a Touchdown, giving him a heft QB rating of 125. Smith has been mainly used as the emergency QB for the Titans, often not on the game day roster. More games like this could get the attention of the other 31 teams looking for a solid number 2 QB.

Jawan Jamison (Bolles) Washington Redskins - {ROOKIE} RB (played, no stats) Jamison was the last player by the Redskins, hoping to make the roster. The website The Bleacher Report had a nice write-up on him earlier this year.

Gary Barnidge (Middleburg) Cleveland Browns TE - signed with the Browns as an unrestricted free agent this spring.

Ricardo Mathews (Parker) Indianapolis Colts DE - begins fourth year with the Colts

Leodis McKelvin - the two-time All Pro from Waycross begins is 6th year with the Bills

Kion Wilson  (Raines) LB Wilson signed with Pittsburgh this year.


College football cranks up in a few weeks! Over 100 DuvALUMNI grace FBS rosters and another 100+ are on FCS school teams. We will keep you updated on them throughout the season.

Former Trinity star in legal trouble

Since Jamie Harper (Trinity) was released by the Tennessee Titans other NFL teams haven't shown much interest. This isn't going to help his chances. Read more here.

Papelbon riffs on Puig

Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon (Kenny) had a thing or two to say about LA Dodgers sensation Yasiel Puig and the fact that there is buzz about Puig possibly being named to the MLB All-Star Game.
Read what he said on MLB radio here

Love for Chipper in the ATL

Chipper Jones (Bolles) was swarmed with love at a ceremony retiring his jersey in Atlanta.

DuvALUMNI UFA's

Many of today's NFL stars started their careers as undrafted free agents. That must be encouraging to know for a few DuvALUMNI who were not drafted but signed with teams as UFAs. Here is the latest list of signings.

QB Ryan Aplin (Fleming Island / Arkansas St) - Cleveland Browns

RB Montel Harris (Trinity / BC - Temple) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CB Jose Cheeseborough (Lee / FIU) - Baltimore Ravens

Aplin starred at Arkansas State putting up great numbers as a senior. Harris set records at Boston College, later transferring to Temple. After a year at Edward Waters College,  Cheeseborough walked on to the FIU team and hopes to walk on to a roster spot for the Ravens. Congrats and best wishes for all of the DuvALUMNI - drafted and undrafted - chasing the NFL dream!

DuvALUMNI drafted on days two and three

They had to wait until the second and third day of the 2013 NFL draft but five area players were officially invited to join NFL clubs for camp. Brunswick High School graduate Darius Slay (pictured) was taken by the Detroit Lions number 36 overall. Slay finished at Mississippi State after playing junior college ball out of high school. St. Augustine High's kicker Caleb Sturgis(Florida) gets to stay in his home state, taken by the Dolphins in the fifth round. The seventh round saw three area players taken: Camden County's Ryan Seymour  (Vandy)was picked by the Seattle Seahawks; running back Jawan Jamison (Bolles/Rutgers) was selected by Washington and USF linebacker and Terry Parker grad Sam Barrington went to Green Bay.

Minor Leagues 2013

Many Duvalumni are moving their way up through the minor leagues. Some are playing in the rookie league and in independent leagues that both start later in the year. We will have those players once they are assigned to their squads and their season starts. For now, AAA, AA, A+ ball players. As always, holler if I've missed someone.

Corey Wimberly –(Ribault) AA Pensacola (CIN)  OF

Mycal Jones - (Wolfson) AA Mississippi (ATL) OF

Kyle Parker (Bartram Trail) AA Tulsa (Colo) OF

Ben Gamel (Kenny) A+ Tampa (NYY)  OF

Ronald Melendez (ACD) A Lansing (TOR) OF

Javier Baez (ACD) A Daytona (Cubs) SS

Patrick Leonard (Creekside) A Bowling Green (Tampa Bay) IF/DH

Austin Maddox (Eagles View ) A Greenville (Boston) P

Hayden Hurst (Bolles) Rookie Gulf Coast League (PITT) P

Hunter Scantling (Episcopal) A- Connecticut (DET) P

Avery Romero (Menendez) A short season - Batavia (MIA) 3B

Jonathan Murphy(Providence) A - Cedar Rapids (MINN)  OF

Major League Baseball Duvalumni

Chipper has retired but many Duvalumni are gracing Major League Baseball rosters:

Jonathan Papelbon - 2013 marks the ninth MLB season for the Bishop Kenny grad, his second with the Phillies after 7 seasons with the Red Sox, still one of the preeminent closers in the game.

Brett Myers - the current senior member of the MLB Duvalumni, Myers (Englewood)
 is in his 12th season and his first with the Cleveland Indians. After spending 2012 coming out of the bullpen for Houston and the White Sox, Myers begins the year in the Indians starting rotation.

Howie Kendrick: Kendrick (West Nassau High) begins his eighth season after an All-Star season in 2012 as the Angels second baseman.

Jake Dunning: Dunning (Clay High) has appeared in a couple of games so far his rookie season for the San Francisco Giants.

Darren O'Day: O'Day (Bishop Kenny) begins his second season as the Orioles set-up man, his sixth in the major leagues.

Billy Butler The Wolfson graduate is the star of the Kansas City Royals, entering his seventh season.

Daniel Murphy: Murphy (Englewood) begins his fifth season with the Mets, playing second base.

Michael Kirkman: The Lake City Columbia High grad has spent portions of the past three seasons in the big leagues. He starts the 2013 season on the Rangers roster, coming out of the bullpen.

Adam Wainwright: Wainwright (Brunswick) bounced back in 2012 after missing 2011 with injury. In 29 innings so far this year, he has yet to issue a walk.

Mat Gamel: Sadly, another injury -- this time a torn ACL -- that will keep Gamel (Bishop Kenny) out for the entire 2013 season.

Louis Nix...ball carrier?

Notre Dame's Louis Nix (Raines) was in the offensive backfield often last year; uh, the opponent'soffensive backfield. But now it seems Notre Dame is trying him in theirs.http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/notre-dame-350-pound-dl-louis-nix-iii-161831206--ncaaf.html

Solomon Poole joins Tech hoops early

Solomon Poole

Solomon Poole, one of the most talented basketball players from the area, took his early graduation from North Florida Education Institute and joined the Georgia Tech squad. Solomon Poole, whose older brother Stacey Poole, Jr. transferred into Tech from Kentucky this year, played the final four minutes in the Miami loss, getting a steal, an assist and hitting a 3-pointer. Not a bad start.

Poole had also played at Providence and Terry Parker High before finishing at NFEI, playing his final high school game against national powerhouse Montverde on December 7th.