On Monday BGA took a look at which incoming freshmen had relatives who were pro athletes. (link) Today: A look at which players returning next fall have relatives who at some point were paid to play:
- Defensive back Mike Banaciscki's dad, Joe, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles
- Offensive lineman/tight end Pat Hand's father Rich played in the Oakland A's organization
- Defensive back Chai Reece's cousin Marcel Reece is a fullback for the Oakland Raiders.
- Linebacker Tyler Stout's cousin (Wild) Willie Trognitz played with the Cincinnati Stingers of the World Hockey Association.
- Linebacker Eric Wickham's father André was in camp with the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers.
- Wide receiver KJ Booze is a second cousin of former Chicago Bear quarterback Henry Burris.
- Defensive back Paddy Clancy's great uncle, Jack Clancy, was a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers.
- Tight end Sam Laptad's brother, Jake, was signed as a long snapper by the Chicago Bears.
- A.J. Zuttah's brother Jeremy is an offensive lineman with the Tampa Bay Bucs.
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With the Class of '17 set, Ivy League coaches are hard at work identifying the Class of '18. One name that has draw attention – and offers – is Adarius Pickett, a corner from El Cerrito, Calif. From the Cal Golden Blogs:
Another local recruit who is starting to make big waves nationally. Great athleticism and ball skills, watch the tape and you can see why he is starting to get offers from schools across the country.
Cal is high on his list as of now, and I'm guessing the proximity factor is helping in this situation. Looks like he can also get it done in the classroom, as he has a Yale offer that he is apparently taking very seriously, same deal with Dartmouth.
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After going quiet for a couple of weeks, the Columbia football page has resumed postings with a brief note that includes this, presumably from coach Pete Mangurian:While the issues of the last two weeks will continue to be a major focus throughout the summer and into next season, we will continue to build and prepare Team #123. We remain committed to the complete development of the men in this program.
A small number of our players fell far short of our expectations and standards. I see this as an opportunity to grow and improve as a team and as individuals. Our actions from this point determine our success in defining this team. We have a large number of players staying in New York for the summer in order to work and prepare together for next season. We have a plan. We are moving forward.
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Just finished reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. Seabiscuit author Lauren Hillenbrand's recounting of Olympian-turned-POW Louis Zamperini's inspiring story will keep you turning the pages.
