Browns new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has hired his son Blake as linebackers coach and added Jerod Kruse to assist with defensive backs.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns new defensive coordinator  Gregg Williams has hired his son Blake Williams to coach linebackers, a league source told cleveland.com.

He's also added Jerod Kruse as assistants defensive backs coach.

The Browns have yet to announce any of the new assistants.

Blake Williams, a former defensive back from Princeton, was a coaching assistant with the Redskins in 2006-07 and a defensive assistant with the Jaguars in 2008. He went on to coach in New Orleans and then spent time working for his dad with the then-St. Louis Rams, now the Los Angeles Rams.

Williams replaces Johnny Holland, who was fired last week, along with six other Browns' assistants. Another, Pep Hamilton, left on his own to take over the Michigan offense under Jim Harbaugh.

Kruse, who came from the college ranks, will assist new defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker, who was hired last week.

Walker, 56, spent the past four seasons as defensive backs coach in Jacksonville, were he coached safety Tashaun Gipson last season.

He's previously worked with both Gregg Williams and Hue Jackson.

The Browns have also talked about hiring Bob Wylie as offensive line coach. He worked with Jackson in Oakland.

The overhauled coaching staff will head to Mobile, Ala. next week to coach the South team in the Senior Bowl, the college all-star game.

Cleveland Browns fans have watched Taylor Gabriel have some great games for Atlanta. What does that say about the Browns ... and Gabriel?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If the Cleveland Browns had to do it over again, I doubt they'd cut Taylor Gabriel.

But understand the former Browns receiver would not have had anything close to the success he's experienced with the Atlanta Falcons this season.

Gabriel has become a late-season sensation for the high-flying Falcons.

With Atlanta, Gabriel is catching passes from Matt Ryan.

Depending upon the season, Ryan is either a pretty good quarterback -- or very good.

Browns fans would love to see him in an orange helmet.

He's throwing to Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones.

He's also throwing to Mohamed Sanu, a solid veteran receiver.

He's handing the ball to Devonta Freeman, a 1,000-yard rusher.

The 5-foot-8 Gabriel is one of many talented players on the roster.

Consider this:

1. In 2015, Gabriel caught 28 passes for the Browns, an average of 8.6 yards per catch. Zero touchdowns.

2. In 2016, he caught 35 passes for Atlanta. But he averaged 16.5 yards per catch. Six touchdowns.

3. In 2015, he ran the ball four times with the Browns. Gained 10 yards. Zero touchdowns.

4. In 2016, he ran the ball four times with Atlanta, gaining 51 yards -- including a 27-yard TD dash.

Here's the point: In Atlanta, Garbiel is in position to excel and show off his speed because so many other players demand attention from the defense.

THE EX-BROWNS

Making it even harder for local fans is the heavy Browns influence on the Falcons.

1. The Browns could have drafted Jones in 2011. Instead, they traded down. Here's who they drafted instead -- Phil Taylor, Greg Little, Owen Marecic and Brandon Weeden. Only Weeden (Houston) is still on an NFL roster.

2. Former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan now has the same job with Atlanta. He left the Browns after the 2014 in a dispute with the front office.

3. Former Browns center Alex Mack is now a Pro Bowler with Atlanta. I have written before how the Browns missed chances to sign Mack earlier in his career.

4. The Browns didn't think it was wise to keep two 5-foot-8 receivers. They chose veteran Andrew Hawkins over Gabriel. Hawkins had played for Hue Jackson in Cincinnati. The Browns coach thought the 30-yard-old veteran would help the younger receivers.

5. The Browns also drafted four receivers. They knew Gabriel was better than some of them right now, but they hope some rookies will develop.

6. There are plenty of ex-Browns on good teams. Dion Lewis had a big playoff game for New England. He is much like Gabriel, a small, quick athlete who can look very good with a talented team. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady has made a lot of role players sparkle.

7. Hawkins caught 33 passes -- two fewer than Gabriel. He caught three TD passes. He averaged 9.8 yards per catch. But with the 1-15 Browns who used five different quarterbacks ... well, I sense Gabriel's production would have been similar had he remained in Cleveland.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN

So how can Browns fans stop making lists of former Cleveland players in the postseason while their favorite team is once again dreaming of the draft?

Obviously, they need impact players.

Just as obvious, the draft is where you find most of them.

And the Browns need to begin building up what Joe Thomas calls "the middle class."

He means signing the younger players before they hit unrestricted free agency. Right now, that applies to Isaiah Crowell, Joel Bitonio, Chris Kirksey and Jamie Meder. Those four are worth signing to some type of long-term deal now, and they are eligible to do so.

Unrestricted free agents are Jamie Collins, Terrelle Pryor and Austin Pasztor. The Browns could easily lose any/all of them if they reach the open market.

That probably will mean "over-paying" some of the players to convince them to stay. If that's what it takes, so be it.

There has to be some stability in the front office and coaching staff so team building can begin coherently and continue along a defined road.

The new front office has a chance to begin to assemble a base of viable NFL players by keeping some of their own -- and then adding impact players in the draft.

Only then will fans begin to see the true value of specialists and role players such as Taylor Gabriel.

Kansas gets the most No. 1 votes, but Villanova rises to No. 1 in the latest AP Top 25 poll. But the teams to watch are Gonzaga, West Virginia and Creighton.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Villanova moved back into the top spot in Monday's weekly release of the Associated Press Top 25 men's basketball poll.

Villanova had been No. 1 for five weeks before falling out of the top spot last week after suffering its first loss of the season. The Wildcats, now 17-1, got 28 of 65 first place votes for 1,580 points, just ahead of No. 2 Kansas (16-1), which had more first-place votes (32) and 1,562 points.

UCLA (18-1) is third and received three first-place votes, while Gonzaga, at 17-0 the only remaining undefeated team in the country, got two first-place votes and stands at No. 4.

Rounding out the top 10 are Kentucky, Baylor, West Virginia, Creighton, North Carolina and Florida State.

Elton Alexander's breakdown: As we noted last week, this is an extremely weak year for college basketball. The eye test says defending champion Villanova, Gonzaga and Creighton are the cream of the crop. UCLA, North Carolina and Kentucky have the overall talent to challenge, while West Virginia has its unique style of play to contend.

After that, unless some team greatly improves over the next six weeks -- and there are a few out there which could -- the Top 25 ranks and NCAA Tournament field will have to be looked at with a pirate's patch over the eye.

The measuring stick is fast becoming, "are you beating teams you are supposed to beat" as opposed to stepping up and pulling upsets. Undefeated Gonzaga is the perfect example. Other than a late-season game at St. Mary's, the Bulldogs will just be trying to avoid the upset bug.

That's why my latest poll vote includes a pair of mid-majors at the back end to hold up the list, instead of regurgitating another power conference team coming off a hot week.

UNC-Wilmington has been getting a few votes over the course of the season as the Seahawks (17-2), out of the Colonial Athletic Association, counter losses to Middle-Tennessee State and Clemson with wins over teams from the Missouri Valley, MAC and Atlantic-10 conferences to arguably be the best mid-major on the board.

Akron gets the final nod as the 14-3 Zips, like Wilmington, are undefeated in conference play. And if you dismiss the season-opening loss to Youngstown State as a wake-up call, then competitive Top 25 losses to Creighton and Gonzaga stand up ... at least for this season. More importantly Akron hasn't stubbed its toe since.

In the end, only nine other teams received top 25 votes this week, down from 11 last week as evidence grows for a weak 2016-2017 season.

AP TOP 25 MEN'S BASKETBALL POLL

The top 25 teams in The Associated Press' college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Jan. 15, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking

Others receiving votes: TCU 29, Southern Cal 14, SMU 8, Nevada 7, Northwestern 7, UNC Wilmington 6, Iowa St. 5, Akron 1, Kansas St 1.

ELTON ALEXANDER'S BALLOT

1. Kansas
2. Villanova
3. UCLA
4. Gonzaga
5. Baylor
6. Kentucky
7. Creighton
8. West Virginia
9. North Carolina
10. Oregon
11. Florida State
12. Louisville
13. Arizona
14. Duke
15. Butler
16. Wisconsin
17. Virginia
18. Notre Dame
19. Xavier
20. Purdue
21. St. Mary's
22. Cincinnati
23. Florida
24. NC-Wilmington
25. Akron

The Cavaliers and Warriors has become the NBA's fiercest rivalry in a relatively short period of time, no matter what LeBron James says. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James says Cavs-Warriors is not a rivalry.

So what exactly have they been stoking for the past couple seasons? An affiliation? A partnership?

Maybe you'd downplay it, too, if it were still five months before the NBA Finals or if you didn't want to acknowledge any game as bigger than any other in a marathon season.

James can say what he wants. He can even believe it to be true. But somebody should tell him he risks making Pinocchio look like Honest Abe Lincoln.

"I don't think we have a rival in our game today," James told reporters on the eve of Monday night's game at The Oracle. "I had the same thing with San Antonio when I was in Miami. We weren't rivals."

He meant playing against the same team for a NBA championship more than once. And if that's all that happened over the past two years between the Cavs and Golden State - the splitting of two gripping playoff series -- he might have a point.

But that's not close to all that's happened.

 LeBron's Heat didn't troll the Spurs at a Halloween party as his Cavs trolled the Warriors with "3-1" signage and a stuffed Curry doll to step over at the entrance.

The Spurs didn't ask out loud if James got his feelings hurt, or offer up a baby bottle emjoji on Twitter as Golden State felt empowered to do in last year's finals.

Nobody found reason to call James' Heat "childish" as Klay Thompson did in regard to the Halloween festivities.

From afar, and now up close, Kyle Korver sees the obvious.

Nobody wore a version of James' "Ultimate Warrior" t-shirt to a victory parade in Miami, even if by accident (that's James story and he's sticking to it.)

One team didn't spend a year ruminating how injuries sabotaged them in the Finals. The other team, beaten the second time around despite holding a commanding lead, didn't curse a Game 5 suspension of its most versatile player.

Nobody hit anybody in the privates either.

So Cavs-Warriors passes all the tests as a rivalry. It's as snarky as it is competitive.

The fans on both sides obviously recognize it for what it is. The players do, too, even if professional detachment doesn't allow all of them to admit it.

"It's a rivalry it feels like," Cavs' shooting guard Kyle Korver told reporters after practice Sunday. "I don't know how many of them there are in the NBA right now, but this feels like it's at the top."

Monday's game comes with caveats as regular season NBA games always do. It's the final game of the Cavs' West Coast trip. The Cavs are still working Korver into their offense.

So...what.

It's still the league's best rivalry. A third consecutive meeting in the Finals isn't necessary to stamp it as such, but that is already greatly anticipated.

 Warriors' coach Steve Kerr called Cavs-Warriors "good for the game,  good for us, good for them, and it should be fun."

All that, even if the headliner can't or won't admit it.

Catch up on the rivalry between the Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors before they square off Monday night in California. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors will be squaring off Monday night at 8 p.m. in Oakland, Calif., for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day showdown.

The last time these rivals met was Christmas, which ended with a 109-108 Cavs victory in Cleveland thanks to an amazing shot by Kyrie Irving in the last seconds. 

Both teams continue to say Monday's game is not important and that they will treat it like any other game, but how hard they play on the court speaks for itself. 

Watch the video above to relieve the past few years of battles between these two teams. 

Related: How to tune in for Monday's game

The death of David Modell brought back painful memories for many Cleveland Browns fans. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The death of David Modell from lung cancer over the weekend brought back memories for many Cleveland Browns fans.

Some very sad, very painful memories.

It's about what the Modell family did to Cleveland and its own legacy when they took the Browns out of Cleveland.

Did the Browns really have to move to Baltimore?

We talk about it in this video.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will wear their alternate wine-colored jerseys instead of their black sleeved championship jerseys tonight against Golden State.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- If LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are going out of their way to downplay their rivalry with the Golden State Warriors, tonight's choice of uniforms might be an indication to that end.

The Cavaliers will don their alternate wine jerseys with "Cavs" across the chest, rather than the black sleeved "championship" jerseys they wore the last time the team played at Oracle Arena -- in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.

It's a trivial, cosmetic decision, for sure. But is it also one that sends a message to Stephen Curry and Co.?

Monday's game could be viewed by fans as an opportunity to once again troll Golden State by wearing the same uniforms from last year's Finals Game 7 win on their home court.

Instead, the message tonight evidently is: this is game No. 40 on the schedule. Nothing more.

James said as much Sunday when talking to reporters about the rivalry after practice.

"We don't put all our eggs in one basket for one game," he said.

Tell us what you think about the Cavs' uniform choice for tonight's game. Are they de-emphasizing the rivalry, or are they saving something for a possible Finals rematch?

Take the poll below, and then defend your response in the comments section.

The Buckeyes got their first Big Ten win on Sunday in part by shooting better than 40 percent from deep against Michigan State. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, without being asked about it really, volunteered several times just how shocked he was that Ohio State shot 43 percent on 3-pointers in the Buckeyes' win over the Spartans on Sunday.

"I did not think they'd shoot like that to be honest with you," Izzo said. "They hadn't shown that all year. I wouldn't consider this a great shooting team. I did not think they'd do that."

Really, he can blame JaQuan Lyle.

Lyle made five of his seven 3-point attempts, setting a new career high in makes and matching his career high in attempts. It was surprising to see him go off like that. But should it have been?

"The 3-point shot is definitely in my bag. I got it," Lyle said.

He's at his best when he's using his 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame to get to the rim. When Lyle's got his jump shot working like he did against Michigan State, he's one of the toughest players to guard in the Big Ten. His 3-point shooting has seen a significant improvement this year.

Lyle's percentage on 3s is up more than 11 percent from 25.2 last year to 36.4 this year. In Big Ten play, he's shooting a robust 52.4 percent from deep.

The Buckeyes, who were stuck in a serious 11-for-62 3-point cold streak over a three-game stretch in December, have been 35 percent or better in three of their five Big Ten games.

Their shooting from deep made a huge difference in the win over Michigan State. Was that a one-time thing? Or should the Buckeyes start shooting more 3s? Watch the video here to hear Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis discuss.

Some other thoughts on Ohio State's 3-point shooting:

* Shooting more 3s would be a serious deviation from what head coach Thad Matta and assistant coach Chris Jent seem to want from their offense. Ohio State averages 18.6 3-point attempts per game, the most since 2009-10. The Big Ten average is 21.2. The last time Jent was in charge of the offense, it shot 17.2 3s per game in 2012-13 and 15.3 in 2011-12.

See some of Lyle's 3s from the Michigan State game below:

* In Big Ten play, Lyle is taking 4.2 3s per game, while Marc Loving (36.4 percent this season) and Kam Williams (39 percent) are at 3.4 and 3.8, respectively. On the season as a whole, Lyle is at 3.1 attempts per game, while Loving (4.2) and Williams (4.5) were shooting more in the nonconference slate.

* Freshman center Micah Potter should get more opportunities to shoot. He leads the team at 41.7 percent, but averages less than two attempts per game. He's often open for a pick-and-pop look off screens, but rarely gets the ball.

"I don't think we've used it quite enough," Jent said in December. "He definitely has that ability to shoot the basketball and we have to not only -- you can't call a play every time for it to be a pick-and-pop -- it just doesn't work like that. So we have to allow him at times to pop within the flow of our offense. It's basically just a call, if it's an empty corner where there's not an offensive player in that corner, he can pop."

* What's the deal with C.J. Jackson? The junior college transfer shot 45 percent on 3s last year at the JUCO level. The Big Ten uses the same floor dimensions, and Jackson is getting open looks. Yet he's shooting 21.1 percent this year. He hasn't hit multiple 3s in a game since the win over Virginia on Nov. 30.

But he hit a big one against Michigan State that helped seal the win. Maybe that can get him going.

"I've been saying it with C.J., I know he can shoot the basketball," Matta said. "When that went in in the corner, I was so excited."

The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in a rout to the Golden State Warriors Monday. It was important for the Warriors to send a message. And now we wait (and hope) they meet again in June. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Draymond Green and LeBron James didn't escape Monday's game without running into each other. No surprise there.

The flagrant collision on a Cavs fast break sent James sprawling. Green mimicked James' reaction, letting everyone know he believed James sold it to refs by flopping.

James said he didn't see Green coming and he might not have. But a guy with the peripheral vision of a fighter pilot might want to come up with a different take.

Both calls were right. The ref's and Green's. It was a flagrant foul. And James did react as if he'd been struck by an incoming missile.

* But making fun of James the way Green did? When has that ever backfired on the Warriors?

[?]

-- Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) June 12, 2016

* "I'm all right," James said, when asked about the run-in with Green. "I'm a football player."

James is smart to try to sell a foul on Green as a flagrant. Why not?

Just the same, it was fair after watching him fall and lie face down for a few seconds to ask if he meant football football or soccer football.

* Green didn't try to hide the fact he considers Cavs-Warriors a rivalry. For some reason James doesn't see it that way, but there's no harm in recognizing the obvious.

Maybe LeBron didn't want to acknowledge it prior to a game he suspected the Cavs would lose?

"We're still a work in progress," James told reporters, via ESPN.com. "I've been telling you that. It's nothing new. It's nothing new under the sun. We're a work in progress.

What does that make the Brooklyn Nets?

* Various Cleveland media have felt the need to say Monday was just one game in January. OK. True enough. Just as the win over Golden State on Christmas Day was just one game in December.

Nobody will get in the other guy's head until June, if we're all lucky enough to watch a rematch.

* If there was any message at all, it was delivered in the first half when the Warriors scored 78 points. They had 26 assists in 24 minutes. 

Monday's game was the sixth of a 12-day trip for the Cavs but they hadn't played since Friday. That first half was more of what you'd expect on the tail end of a back-to-back.

To back-to-back.

* Steph Curry says he's not worried about how much money he's making in relation to Klay Thompson, Green and Kevin Durant. He's fourth on that list.

"If I'm complaining about $44 million over four years then I've got other issues in my life," he said.

Weird coincidence. That's my cutoff for complaining, too.

If it's $43 million, I'm livid.

* Seattle's Michael Bennett ripped into a reporter after the team's loss to the Atlanta Falcons because he didn't appreciate being asked about the Seahawks' inability to get to quarterback Matt Ryan.

According to the Seattle Times, Bennett told Bill Wixey of Q13 to get out of his face, saying, "What adversity you been through?"

Turns out Wixey survived Hodgkins lymphoma.

Every media person who hasn't survived such an illness could nevertheless answer Bennett's question. They could say they've faced the adversity of dealing with a guy who assumes he's the only one who's been through adversity.

* Seattle could get fined for failure to report an injury to Richard Sherman, who apparently played a chunk of the season with a MCL problem.

"I didn't realize that we hadn't even revealed it," head coach Pete Carroll said.

Sure.

You know football coaches. Not at all detail oriented.

* Bill Belichick was asked about Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown's lame-brained Facebook live post from the Pittsburgh locker room that showed head coach Mike Tomlin rallying his guys for the trip to New England by referring to the Patriots with a familiar pejorative.

"As you know I'm not on SnapFace and all that so I don't really get those," Belichick told WEEI. "I'm not really too worried about what they put on InstantChat or whatever it is."

Belichick is expected to coach a few more years before leaving the NFL to become a social media consultant.

* Something tells me Belichick isn't offended at Tomlin's word choice. Ask any former Browns player from Belichick's days here and he'll tell you the coach could make an Andrew Dice Clay monologue sound as tame as a Sunday sermon.

* You want to get an appreciation for what it's like to coach in 2017? Part of the Tomlin speech to his players was about lying low this week in preparation for the Patriots.

"We'll be ready for their (butt)," he told them after a 18-16 win over Kansas City, "but you don't got to tell 'em we're coming,"

Sounds good, Antonio Brown must've thought, as soon as I'm done posting this video.

* A Steelers player is heard off camera saying, "Keep cool on social media. This is about us, nobody else man."

At least for a couple hours, it was just about them and the 900,000 people who clicked on the inside look.

* Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce of Cleveland Heights will have less spending money after his post-game remarks.

The Chiefs lost after a two-point conversion was nullified by a holding call.

"No. 51 shouldn't be able to wear a zebra jersey ever again," Kelce said, referring to ref Carl Cheffers. "He shouldn't be able to work at Foot Locker."

Tackle Eric Fisher's block on James Harrison looked like a lot of holds that get called in NFL games. The situation - so late in the game and on a two-point conversion to tie -- made it seem questionable.

Saying Cheffers should never work again is like saying a tight end who dropped a critical pass in the red zone and got a bad unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the same game should be immediately cut.

* Two friends have turned a $300 bet into $28,213. So far. They could make more.

Looking for a team that needed to win out to make the playoffs several weeks ago, they picked the Green Bay Packers and rolled the winnings into a new bet week after week.

On one hand, it's bold to keep betting the Packers and not just take the payout - a plan they will follow through the NFC title game in Atlanta.

On the other, it doesn't seem fair you can make that much money betting on Aaron Rodgers to be Aaron Rodgers.

* Rodgers' wizardry in the final seconds set up a game-winning field goal against Dallas over the weekend, ruining a terrific season for the Cowboys.

As a native Philadelphian who watched the Cowboys go 20-2 against the Eagles from 1968-78, I can't tell you how sad that Green Bay win made me.

* Rajon Rondo was asked about the importance of a high-assist point guard in today's NBA. His answer to NBA.com's David Aldridge: "I hate to keep talking about last year but you couldn't name three people on my team, the Sacramento Kings, and I led the league in assists."

First, I'm glad he named the team he played for last year.

Two, his take is sure to upset DeMarcus Cousins and, you know, all those other guys.

he Ohio State football program will sign wide receiver Jaylen Harris on Feb. 1 as part of its recruiting class for National Singing Day 2017. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State football program will sign wide receiver Jaylen Harris on Feb. 1 as part of its recruiting class for National Singing Day 2017. Here is an in-depth look at this member of the Buckeyes' recruiting class. 

Jaylen Harris

Position: Wide receiver  

Height, weight: 6-foot-5, 201 pounds

247Sports Rating: Harris is rated the No. 28 cornerback and the No. 178 overall player in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings. 

Other schools: Michigan State, Penn State, Alabama, Iowa, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, West Virginia and others. His other two finalists were Tennessee and Penn State. 

What's his deal? Though it always seemed as if Harris was going to end up Ohio State's recruiting class, Harris basically held off until the last minute. Ohio State had been battling a numbers crunch for months before Harris committed, and it didn't help that the Buckeyes had two other five-star receivers already pledged. 

Harris, however, never rushed his decision and never succumbed to the worry that there may not be enough room for him to be a Buckeye. Urban Meyer and Zach Smith always maintained that there would be a spot for him, and, in the end, that was true. 

Coincidentally, one of the five-star receivers that had been committed -- Tyjon Lindsey of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman -- left the Buckeyes' class only days before Harris' commitment. 

How he fits into Ohio State's plans: Ohio State has some youthful talented receivers on its roster like Austin Mack, Binjimen Victor and K.J. Hill, but Meyer's class was in need of a few stud receivers. The Buckeyes got them with Harris and five-star Trevon Grimes of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas. 

Ohio State lost Noah Brown to the NFL and Torrance Gibson transferred to Cincinnati, so getting a big-bodied guy into the program like Harris should give the wide receivers room some needed diversity. 

Freshmen don't play often at Ohio State, so it's not a stretch to imagine that Harris will redshirt his first year. But Harris' body changed dramatically during his senior season at Cleveland Heights and he could step into a major role as soon as his second year in the program. 

Projections for 2017: Though Grimes, Ohio State's other big-bodied wide receiver in the class, is coming off a major knee injury, there probably isn't going to be much room for Harris in the game plan. Ohio State has three players more advanced than him in Mack, Victor and Hill, so he'll either redshirt or play special teams. 

Player comparison: How about Brian Robiskie? He was a Northeast Ohio prospect who starred at Ohio State from 2005-08 before going on to an NFL career. Robiskie was 6-foot-4 deep threat who scored 24 touchdowns in his Ohio State career, which is what the Buckeyes envision Harris will become. 

Why he's important to the best class in Ohio State history: Ohio State's 2017 class has gone really national, so getting a pledge from Harris in January brings a little more "Ohioness" to the class. Plus, Harris is the type of receiver that could turn out to be a legitimate NFL star given his body type, so consider him underrated. Need proof of that? Look at his scholarship offers list. Also, it's good for Ohio State to keep him away from Penn State or Michigan State. 

Highlights:

What we've written about Harris: 

Watch our Harris commitment video

Inside Harris' commitment

Harris on OSU's numbers crunch: "They'd make it work"

In the NFC, it's the Green Bay Packers vs. the Atlanta Falcons and in the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the New England Patriots. Who are your picks to win a trip to the Super Bowl?

The Conference Championships are set for Sunday, Jan. 22. In the NFC, it's the Green Bay Packers vs. the Atlanta Falcons and in the AFC, the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the New England Patriots. Who are your picks to win a trip to the Super Bowl? 

In the Divisional Round, the Packers beat the Dallas Cowboys 34-31. And the Falcons won against the Seattle Seahawks 36-20. Now in the NFC Conference Championship game, it's the Packers versus the Falcons on Sunday at 3:05 p.m. ET.

The Packers pulled an upset when they beat the Cowboys. The team has run the table, and Rodgers is on fire. Now he must face another star quarterback -- Matt Ryan. But beyond the team's winning streak, the Packers' upset victory proves they are the underdogs that can pull off a win, maybe all the way to the Super Bowl.

The Falcons beat the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. And now the team is favored to beat the Packers in the championship game. The Falcons scored more points in the regular season than any other team. The unit averaged 33.8 points per game on the offense in the regular season. Some experts argue that the Falcons' strong offense will take the team to the Super Bowl.

1st @packers game I will attend will be the NFC Championship next weekend in Atlanta!! Hopefully we pull out a win! #GoPackGo

-- Michael Campbell (@mikecam94) January 16, 2017

I don't think the Packers defense can stop the Falcons Offense [?]

-- Quezo [?] (@Thtkid_Quez) January 16, 2017

Both the Steelers and the Patriots have been on winning streaks, but that'll end for one of the teams. 

In the Divisional Round, the Steelers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 18-16. And the Patriots won against the Houston Texans 34-16. Now in the AFC Conference Championship game, it's the Steelers versus the Patriots on Sunday at 6:40 p.m. ET.

The Steelers beat the Chiefs in the Divisional Round. But after a nine-game winning streak, the Steelers will take on the Patriots for a spot in the Super Bowl. The team's winning streak is indication that they will fight their way to another win and hence -- the Super Bowl.

The Patriots beat the Texans in the Divisional Round. And the Patriots unit is still a favorite to win the Super Bowl. Fox Sports listed three reasons why. First, competition is limited. Secondly, despite major departures -- it has made the team better. And lastly, star quarterback Tom Brady is out for blood and to win it all.

Patriots will beat the steelers by 21 next week.

-- daniel (@bergtholdtd) January 16, 2017

Wrong again the steelers Will beat the dolphins , chiefs and patriots remember this tweet https://t.co/LuJ3vK8Qa3

-- ___ (@Nws_ImToronto) January 2, 2017

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

Relive the battles between the Cavaliers and Warriors over the past few years. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers-Golden State Warriors matchup on Martin Luther King Jr. Day ended in a dominating 126-91 victory for Golden State. 

It was the latest matchup between the powers, although some players downplayed the game and say it is not a rivalry. There was even some "football" action with LeBron James and Draymond Green in the second quarter. 

Related: I'm a football player

Watch the video above to relive all the battles between the Cavaliers and Warriors over these past few years, including the past two NBA Finals.

Smith will be one of three new members on the playoff committee this year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith is one of three new additions to the College Football Playoff selection committee. His appointment was reported last week by ESPN, and made official on Tuesday.

Smith joins former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and Robert Morris University president Chris Howard as the three newest members of the committee.

Smith, Beamer and Howard will begin three-year terms on the committee this spring.

"This is a tremendous honor and privilege to be appointed to this committee," Smith said in a statement released by Ohio State. "The sport of football has given so much to me and I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to be able to give back."

They replace Barry Alvarez and Condoleezza Rice -- who will each see their three-year term on the committee come to end next month -- and former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who stepped down from the committee for health reasons.

"Frank, Chris and Gene will each bring a wealth of knowledge to the selection committee," College Football Playoff Executive Director Bill Hancock said in a statement. "All three played college football. And they will continue the CFP tradition of committee members with high integrity and a passion for college football."

The College Football Playoff has rules in place as it pertains to committee members discussing and voting on teams from which they or a family member receives compensation, or if they have a professional relationship with a school. Committee members with such ties recuse themselves when the school in question is being voted on or discussed.

From the College Football Playoff website:

"A recused member shall not participate in any votes, nor be present during deliberations involving the team's selection or seeding, but may answer factual questions about the institution from which the member is recused. The recusal policy is virtually identical to the NCAA men's basketball committee policy."

Recused committee members are not allowed in the room during any discussions regarding their school's selection or seeding.

The College Football Playoff on Tuesday also announced that chair Kirby Hocutt and committee member Bobby Johnson have each had their terms extended. Hocutt and Johnson each served two incomplete two-year terms as replacements for Oliver Luck and Archie Manning.

Hocutt has been extended through February 2018, while Johnson has been extended through February 2019.

With that, the committee is back to 13 members after operating with only 12 this past season. Here are the expected College Football Playoff committee members for next season:

College Football Playoff selection committee

* Kirby Hocutt, committee chair, Texas Tech AD (term expires Feb. 2018.)

* Gene Smith, Ohio State AD (term expires Feb. 2020)

* Frank Beamer, former Virginia Tech head coach (term expires Feb. 2020)

* Chris Howard, Robert Morris University president (term expires Feb. 2020)

* Jeff Bower, former Southern Miss head coach (term expires Feb. 2019)

* Bobby Johnson, former Vanderbilt head coach (term expires Feb. 2019)

* Herb Deromedi, former Central Michigan head coach (term expires Feb. 2019)

* Rob Mullens, Oregon AD (term expires Feb. 2019)

* Tom Jernstedt, former NCAA executive vice president (term expires Feb. 2018)

* Jeff Long, Arkansas AD (term expires Feb. 2018)

* Dan Radakovich, Clemson AD (term expires Feb. 2018)

* Steve Wieberg, former USA Today reporter (term expires Feb. 2018)

* Tyrone Willingham, former Notre Dame/Stanford/Washington head coach (term expires Feb. 2018)

The club revealed its minor-league staff at each level for the new year on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There will be plenty of familiar faces returning to their roles throughout the Indians' organization in 2017.

The club revealed its minor-league staff at each level for the new year on Tuesday. Carter Hawkins, previously the Indians' farm director, was promoted to assistant general manager after the 2016 season. Newly hired James Harris will serve as director of player development in 2017. Harris will be assisted by Alex Eckelman and Matt Blake.

Chris Tremie will manage Triple-A Columbus for the fifth consecutive season. The Clippers fell to Gwinnett in the International League semifinals in 2016.

Managers Mark Budzinski (Double-A Akron) and Tony Mansolino (High-A Lynchburg) will each move up one level. David Wallace, recognized by Baseball America as the 2016 Minor League Manager of the Year for Double-A Akron, will switch over to a new role as special assignment coordinator. Wallace stepped down as manager after the 2016 campaign, reportedly to spend more time with family.

Larry Day will shift into the managerial position at Class A Lake County after serving as hitting coach at Lynchburg and short-season Mahoning Valley. Luke Carlin will serve as Mahoning Valley's manager. A former catcher in the Indians' system, Carlin coached at Akron last season. 

Travis Fryman will again serve as a special assistant to the Indians' front office. Robby Thompson will occupy the same role. Johnny Goryl, Minnie Mendoza and Tim Tolman will serve as advisors.

Here is the full staff:

Coordinators

Field coordinator: Tom Wiedenbauer

Assistant field coordinator: Julio Rangel

Pitching coordinator: Ruben Niebla

Lower-level pitching coordinator: Mark Allen

Hitting coordinator: Jim Rickon

Infield coordinator: John McDonald

Cultural development: Bruce Chen

Performance coordinator: Todd Kubacki

Strength and conditioning: Ed Subel

Minor league strength staff: Juan Acevedo, Scott Nealon, Paul Synenkyj, Hasani Torres

Rehab coordinator: Andrew Pipken

Pitching programs/rehab: Ken Knutson

Latin American strength/condition: Nelson Perez

Performance coaches: Ceci Clark, Brian Miles, Oscar Gutierrez

Special assignment: David Wallace

Special assistants: Travis Fryman, Robby Thompson

Advisors: Johnny Goryl, Minnie Mendoza, Tim Tolman

Triple-A Columbus

Manager: Chris Tremie

Pitching coach: Steve Karsay

Hitting coach: Rouglas Odor

Bench coach: Jerry Owens

Athletic trainer: Chad Wolfe

Double-A Akron

Manager: Mark Budzinski

Pitching coach: Tony Arnold

Hitting coach: Johnny Narron

Bench coach: Omir Santos

Athletic trainer: Jeremy Heller

High-A Lynchburg

Manager: Tony Mansolino

Pitching coach: Rigo Beltran

Hitting coach: Kevin Howard

Bench coach: TBD

Athletic trainer: Bobby Ruiz

Class A Lake County

Manager: Larry Day

Pitching coach: TBD

Hitting coach: Justin Toole

Bench coach: Junior Betances

Athletic trainer: Matt Beauregard

Short-season Mahoning Valley

Manager: Luke Carlin

Pitching coach: TBD

Hitting coach: Pete Lauritson

Bench coach: Grant Fink

Athletic trainer: Jake Legan

Arizona Rookie League

Manager: Anthony Medrano

Pitching coach: Joe Torres

Hitting coach: Dennis Malave

Hitting coach: Bobby Magallanes

Athletic trainter: Ted Blackwell

Dominican Summer League

Field coordinator: Jose Mejia

Pitching coach: Jesus Sanchez

Pitching coach: Carlos Jan

Hitting coach: Freddy Tiburcio

Infield coach: Carlos Fermin

OF/Baserunning coach: Jesus Tavarez

Tryout coach: Reyful Moreno

Strength coach: Moises Cuevas

Strength assistant: Fernando Cabral

Athletic trainers: Gabriel and Edwin Garcia

Cleveland.com sports columnists Bud Shaw and Doug Lesmerises tackle the topic of Manny Ramirez' Hall of Fame credentials as part of their video debate series Prepare for List Off. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The legend of Manny Ramirez includes his unnatural ability to hit a baseball here, there, everywhere.

He could hit it to right, to left, out of the park. He could even hit it using a bat belonging to a teammate as he sometimes did just for fun.

Let's just say if Alvaro Espinoza's bat didn't have any hits left in it, it's because Manny had been using it.

The rest of his legacy: A World Series champion in Boston, several knuckle headed plays while playing primarily for the Indians, Red Sox and Dodgers. A total of 555 home runs.

Questionable claims of injuries. An ugly incident with a traveling secretary in Boston. And two drug suspensions - after baseball announced, in response to the laissez fair of the Steroid Era, that it would enforce random testing to clean up the game.

Does that legacy recommend Manny for the Hall of Fame or argue against his inclusion?

Does he get the benefit of the doubt because of his playful personality: just Manny being Manny?

Do his Cooperstown-lock numbers trump all else?

What did Manny do well besides hit? Base running? Defense?

Was he a clubhouse leader? Not by any traditional definition.

We discuss Ramirez's Hall of Fame credentials as part of our video series, Prepare for List Off.

Cleveland.com sports columnist Doug Lesmerises is pro-Manny. I'm less so.

Not because I don't recognize him as one of the greatest righthanded hitters of all-time. But because nothing else -- in or out of uniform -- recommends him.

Hear us out and come back and tell us who got it right, or righter. My guess is you'll side with Doug on this one.

The Cleveland Cavaliers loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday showed how the team has fallen into some very bad habits on defense.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Cleveland Cavaliers recent road trip, which ended Monday with a loss to the Golden State Warriors:

Question: Should Cavs fans be worried about their team repeating?

Answer: Based on losing to Golden State ... no ... it was one game.

Q: That's your answer?

A: I thought the Cavs played between mediocre and poor for most of the trip, and that is a concern.

Q: They were on a six-game trip that went from Brooklyn to Oakland, so what's wrong with a 3-3 record?

A: They rarely defended, that's what is wrong.

Q: You care to explain?

A: They played three good teams on the trip -- and lost all three games. They lost 100-92 to the Utah Jazz. They lost 102-86 to the Portland Trail Blazers ...

Q: But wasn't that Portland game the one during the snowstorm when the Cavs arrived at 4 in the morning?

A: Yes, indeed. And Portland was flying in from their road game, and arrived early in the afternoon, just a few hours before the game. The Blazers had more travel problems then the Cavs, and they totally outplayed the Cavs.

Q: But it's the regular season, so who really cares?

A: That is a problem with the NBA. The 82-game season has so many meaningless games. The Cavs can play at 80 percent capacity and win most games. Their talent is overwhelming. In their three victories on the trip, they scored 120 points twice and 116 points in the third game. But they gave up at least 100 points in all six games.

Q: What did Tyronn Lue say?

A: After the 126-91 loss to the Warriors, the coach explained how it was "one game." He explained how the Cavs had won the previous four games -- dating back to the 2016 Finals. But Lue added, "Give them credit. That's what champions do ... they played like a team with its back against the wall. They punished us."

Q: Doesn't the Golden State loss bother you?

A: It does because the Cavs had two days off before the game. So there was time to prepare. And it was a nationally televised game. In terms of the regular season, it was a big game. No matter how LeBron James tries to downplay it, this is a real rivalry. The two teams have met the last two years in the NBA Finals.

Q: Why does James say that?

A: He said, "I don't think we have a rival in our game today." He told that to the media the day before the Warriors-Cavs game. He talked about facing San Antonio in back-to-back years (2013-14) in the Finals when he was with Miami. He just dismisses it, I'm not sure why.

Q: Are they rivals?

A: Of course they are rivals, the biggest in the NBA. And no matter what James says, he has to know it.

Q: What does Golden State think?

A: The obvious -- it's a rivalry. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told the media: "We wanted to win. We weren't happy with our Cleveland game on Christmas Day. Any time you are facing a team that you know is one of the best in the league, you are going to be up for it. We definitely were up for it."

Q: So why didn't the Cavs respond better?

A: Because they'd played rather sloppy basketball on much of the trip. James talked about J.R. Smith (thumb surgery) being out and adding Kyle Korver in a trade as adjustments to be made. But the Cavs were not ready for the intensity delivered by the Warriors. Then they didn't have the defensive mind-set needed to get back into the game. My goodness, they gave up 78 points in the first half!

Q: Wasn't it embarrassing?

A: I think so. It is one game. The Finals don't begin until June 1. The Cavs are 28-11, the best record in the Eastern Conference, so I don't want to go wild about this.

Q: So what is your point?

A: Right now, the Cavs rank 14th in defensive efficiency, that compares to 10th a year ago.

Q: What else?

A: They rank 15th in opponent's field goal percentage. They rank 19th defending the 3-point shot. They are 16th in rebounding.

Q: So how are they 28-11?

A: They are in the top five in scoring, 3-point shooting, offensive efficiency. Many nights, they simply shoot opponents right off the floor.

Q: What about Golden State?

A: The Warriors are first in defensive efficiency, steals, blocked shots and simply are a very athletic team that can really defend. The Cavs' Big Three (Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving and James) shot 13-of-43 (30 percent) Monday night. Love didn't play in the second half (back problems). James and Irving shot a combined 12-of-37. The Warriors made it hard for them.

Q: How good are the Warriors?

A: Based on what we've seen so far with the addition of Kevin Durant, they are elite. They are winning games by an average of 12 points. They are 34-6 and have come together much faster than I expected. They are playing as if on a mission after losing to the Cavs last year. Adding Durant has added to that sense of purpose.

Q: What about the Cavs?

A: They are about where they were a year ago. The record (28-11) is exactly the same. They are winning, but not in high gear. They are scoring more, but not defending quite as well.

Q: Bottom line, time to worry?

A: The Cavs beat the Warriors, 93-89, to win Game 7. They beat the Warriors 109-108 on Christmas Day. In both games, defense was the key. Yes, even in the 109-108 victory. On Christmas, the Cavs came from behind (14 points) to win. In the last 9:40 of that game, they outscored the Warriors, 29-14. Defense turned the game in the Cavs favor.

Q: So no time to panic about failing to repeat?

A: Obviously, it's way too early -- but it is time to get serious about what it takes to win big games -- starting with improving the defense and rebounding.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have rosters filled with players from the Mid-American Conference.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL Championship games will get settled on Sunday when the Green Bay Packers face the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC title and the Pittsburgh Steelers play at the New England Patriots for the AFC crown.

And in each of those games, the Mid-American Conference will be well represented. The Steelers, Packers and Patriots all have players from that conference on their roster, including several top performers. Only the Falcons don't have a MAC player on the roster.

Here's a list below of MAC players on NFL teams participating in this weekend championship games:

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Name: Antonio Brown
Position: Wide receiver
College: Central Michigan
Postseason stats: 11 catches, 232 yards and two TDs.

Name: James Harrison
Position: Linebacker
College: Kent State
Postseason stats: 16 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Name: Mike Mitchell
Position: Safety
College: Ohio University
Postseason stats:12 tackles and one fumble recovery.

Name: Roosevelt Nix
Position: Fullback
College: Kent State
Postseason stats: None.

Name: Ben Roethlisberger
Position: Quarterback
College: Miami of Ohio
Postseason stats: 421 yards, 67.3 completion percentage, two TDs.

Name: L.T. Walton
Position: Defensive end
College: Central Michigan
Postseason stats: Two tackles.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Name: Jayrone Elliott
Position: Linebacker
College: Toledo
Postseason stats: None.

Name: T.J. Lang
Position: Offensive lineman
College: Eastern Michigan
Postseason stats: None.

Name: Quinten Rollins
Position: Safety
College: Miami of Ohio
Postseason stats: Has not played in the postseason due to injury.

Name: Jacob Schum
Position: Punter
College: Buffalo
Postseason stats: Nine punts (46.2 average). Longest punt 66 yards.

Name: James Starks
Position: Running back
College: Buffalo
Postseason stats: Has not played in the postseason due to injury.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Name: Julian Edelman
Position: Wide receiver
College: Kent State
Postseason stats: Eight receptions for 137 yards.

ATLANTA FALCONS

None.

Horn could garner more international attention with an upset, but critics argue Pacman will easily beat the "fighting schoolteacher."

Boxing legend Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is set to fight Australian boxer Jeff Horn on April 23. The Brisbane schoolteacher turned boxer might be an underdog in this fight, but Horn ranks No. 2 as a WBO welterweight. Horn could garner more international attention with an upset, but critics argue Pacman will easily beat the "fighting schoolteacher." Who do you think will win?

PERSPECTIVES

Some critics don't think Horn is in the same league as Pacman. But Horn's fans believe in the welterweight. So, is this an easy win for Pacman on his retirement tour?

According to the Geelong Advertiser, the undefeated Horn thinks he can beat Pacquiao. And Australian boxing legend Jeff Fenech agrees. Fenech argues Pacman has been beat by an Australian boxer before; if Horn crowds Pacman and cuts off his space to put in his work, then Horn can win.

And let's not forget, who doesn't love to root for an underdog with an inspiring story? Horn is a former schoolteacher and now a rising welterweight who became a boxer to protect himself from bullies. If Horn beats the welterweight champion and legend Pacman then he would be propelled into international superstardom as a boxer.

thetylt.com 

But again -- Pacquiao is a welterweight champion and a legend. This is his first fight in his retirement tour. And critics think this is too easy of a challenge for him. Some fans want Pacman to fight a more worthy opponent, like Terence Crawford. At least Crawford would give the champion a real fight.

The Roar writer Justin Faux wrote:

The unbeaten 29-year-old is an incredibly dangerous opponent for Pacquiao and would jeopardise the plans for a second multi-multi-million dollar bout against Mayweather.
....Instead of biting on the high risk, low reward fight, Pacquiao is taking on Horn - a fighter with even less of a profile internationally than Crawford.

Veteran referee Bruce McTavish agrees! He says Pacman is too strong for Horn. He told the Manila Times in a phone interview: 

I was one of the judges when I saw Jeff Horn won by knockout against an African opponent during an IBF (International Boxing Federation) event last December. To tell you the truth, Horn is a very nice kid, former schoolteacher, clean cut, a good boxer, but he has no real talent. He may have won by a knockout against the other guy and did it pretty well, but I think he's too young and raw for Manny.

thetylt.com 

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.

The Golden State Warriors hammered the Cleveland Cavaliers, 126-91, Monday night in Oakland, Calif. They have every right to feel good about it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- OneUp Sports called to ask about the Golden State Warriors' dismantling of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

The final was 126-91. And it wasn't even that close.

The Warriors were awesome and the Cavs were awful. Simple as that.

OneUp host Noah Coslov and I talked about what it means -- and doesn't mean.

Jim Hilvert will leave Cincinnati LaSalle High School to become the new football coach at Baldwin Wallace.

New Baldwin Wallace coach Jim Hilvert.Baldwin Wallace 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Baldwin Wallace announced today that Jim Hilvert will become the school's new football coach. Hilvert replaces John Snell, who stepped down at the end of last season.

Hilvert comes to Baldwin Wallace after leading Cincinnati La Salle High School to back-to-back Division II state titles. The hire makes Hilvert just the fourth head football coach at BW since 1957.

Prior to leading La Salle, Hilvert was the coach at Thomas More College, where he finished 67-19. The Saints appeared in four straight NCAA Division III playoffs from 2008-2011 and won six Presidents Athletic Conference titles. 

In a written release, BW athletics director Kris Diaz said: "Jim is an intense competitor who is focused on winning and is committed to developing student athletes for success on and off the field. Jim's excitement, energy and drive are contagious and we look forward to welcoming him to BW."

Also in the same release, Hilvert said he believes in building lifetime relationships with his players as a coach and mentor and his goal is to win a conference and national title.

Prior to Thomas More, Hilvert was an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at then College of Mount St. Joseph. He's a graduate of St. Joseph's College in Indiana and he received his master's from Western Michigan University.

He starts at BW on Monday. He will relocate to Northeast Ohio along with his wife Jennifer and three children.

The Yellow Jackets open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 at Defiance College.