From a UMass website (LINK) about linebacker Jalen Mackie '22 being named to the 2022 Pro Football Network All-Independent first team:
One of the most consistent UMass players from game one, Mackie was the team leader with 100 tackles this past season (38 solo) while adding 3.5 sacks and 15.0 TFL from the middle linebacker position. He had a season-high seven solo tackles in the season opener at Tulane. Mackie, who is from Miramar, Florida, closed out the season with 21 tackles against Army (six solo) including two TFL's.
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This is kind of fun. Rivals has a transfer tracker and look who comes in at No 100 with a three-star rating:
Find the former Dartmouth linebacker's page HERE.
Heffernan is the only Dartmouth player listed. Former Penn defensive lineman Jake Heimlicher, who is headed to UCLA, comes in at No. 19.
Speaking of UCLA, also headed that way is Princeton punter Will Powers. (LINK)
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Old friend Holy Cross gave No. 1 South Dakota State one heckuva battle in the FCS playoffs yesterday.
The game was tied, 21-21, entering the fourth quarter and the Crusaders had a chance to take the lead only to miss a field goal early in that final period. The Jackrabbits went ahead 28-21 on the ensuing possession but it was still a one-score game until 2:39 remained.
South Dakota State ended up winning, 42-21, but the score isn't remotely indicative of how close the game was until the final two-plus minutes. Holy Cross has a game report HERE.
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And speaking of the postseason, I find it interesting that Ivy League league, which has made it clear it doesn't believe in the value of postseason football, is once again partnering with the Grandaddy of Them All "to host a press conference and reception, presented by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®, to bestow the Asa S. Bushnell Cup to the League's Football Players of the Year on Dec. 12 at the New York Athletic Club." (LINK)
To watch the presentation on Monday CLICK HERE.
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EXTRA POINT
Most of us know the Winter Solstice is on Dec. 21.
But did you know that as of last night sunset is now setting later? It's true.
Sunset Friday in our little town in Vermont: 4:11:41 p.m.
Sunday Saturday in our little town in Vermont: 4:11:42 p.m.
And today it will be 4:11:45 p.m.
Days are still getting shorter because sunrise is later, but when in comes to sunset we're heading in the right direction. Hooray!
