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Joe Thomas asked for it, and will now participate in the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown

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Joe Thomas suggested events for Pro Bowl week, and the NFL listened.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Joe Thomas has been selected to participate in the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown, which seems fitting after he took partial credit for the event's rebirth.

Back in December, after he was announced as the Browns' lone Pro Bowl selection, Thomas said he was excited to learn that dodge ball and other events would be part of the week in Orlando.

"Not to take any credit, but I'm taking credit here, that was one of my suggestions to spice up the Pro Bowl," Thomas said in December. "To do skills challenges that aren't specific to your position."

The NFL listened. Along with a game of dodge ball, the skills competitions will include:

Power Relay Challenge: Four team members in a timed relay race.

Precision Passing: Two players on each team try to hit moving targets of varying size and distance.

Best Hands: Quarterback and wide receiver duos try to connect on as many pass attempts as possible before time runs out.

The events, which are expected to also include NFL legends and Hall of Famers, will be held Wednesday and shown Thursday on ESPN (7 p.m. ET).

Thomas announced his participation in the events via Twitter on Wednesday. He also Tweeted a look at what seems to be his AFC teammates in the skills competition.

Thomas is the only offensive lineman on the list, which also includes Geno Atkins (DL, Bengals), Von Miller (LB, Broncos), Jarvis Landry (WR, Dolphins), T.Y. Hilton (WR, Colts), Chris Harris (CB, Broncos), Jay Ajayi (RB, Dolphins), Alex Smith (QB, Chiefs), Andy Dalton (QB, Bengals) and Philip Rivers (QB, Chargers).


Complete list of Indians Radio Network stations released for 2017

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Here's the complete list of affiliates in the Indians Radio Network for the 2017 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians added a Columbus affiliate to the Indians Radio Network, bring the total number of stations broadcasting Tribe games to 27.

The team said Wednesday it has added 105.7 The Zone, which will broadcast most of Cleveland's regular-season games.

Stations in the network cover much of the northern half of the state, stretching about 170 miles west to Bryan, about the same distance south to McConnelsville, and about 100 miles to the east, across the Pennsylvania border to Erie.

Here's the complete list, covering 18 AM and nine FM stations (suggestion: print and leave in your glove compartment or dash storage for your travels):

2017 Indians Radio Network

* WTAM-AM (Cleveland, 1100)

* WMMS-FM (Cleveland, 100.7)

* WAKR-AM (Akron, 1590)

* WFUN-AM (Ashtabula, 970)

* WBNV-FM (Barnesville, 93.5)

* WBLL-AM (Bellefontaine, 1390)

* WBNO-FM (Bryan, 100.9)

* WQEL-FM (Bucyrus, 92.7)

* WHBC-AM (Canton, 1480)

* WXZX-FM (Columbus, 105.7)

* WDLR-AM (Delaware, 1550)

* WJER-AM (Dover, 1450)

* WEOL-AM (Elyria, 930)

* WFIN-AM (Findlay, 1330)

* WFOB-AM (Fostoria, 1430)

* WWSR-FM (Lima, 93.1)

* WMAN-AM (Mansfield, 1400)

* WMRN-AM (Marion, 1490)

* WJAW-FM (McConnelsville, 100.9)

* WMVO-AM (Mount Vernon, 1300)

* WLKR-FM (Norwalk, 95.3)

* WLEC-AM (Sandusky, 1450)

* WCWA-AM (Toledo, 1230)

* WBTC-AM (Uhrichsville, 1540)

* WQKT-FM (Wooster, 104.5)

* WKBN-AM (Youngstown, 570)

* WRIE-AM (Erie, Pennsylvania, 1260)

Brent Musburger, TV sports broadcasting legend, retiring at age 77

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Brent Musburger is calling it a career at ESPN after being the play-by-play man in the booth at sporting events enjoyed by millions of Americans, most prominently when he was the lead voice for CBS Sports in the 1980s. Watch video

NEW YORK (AP) -- Brent Musburger is calling it a career at ESPN after being the play-by-play man in the booth at sporting events enjoyed by millions of Americans, most prominently when he was the lead voice for CBS Sports in the 1980s.

Musburger, who is 77, said he's leaving active sportscasting to help his family get a sports handicapping business started and to use some of the millions of airline miles he's earned for some fun travel.

His last game will be the Kentucky-Georgia men's basketball game on Jan. 31. That takes him back to Rupp Arena, where he called Villanova's historic NCAA championship upset over Georgetown in 1985.

Both Musburger and ESPN say comments about Oklahoma football player Joe Mixon that were criticized as insensitive during the Sugar Bowl earlier this month had nothing to do with his exit. Musburger said he hoped Mixon, who had been suspended for a year after punching a woman and breaking her jaw, would make the most of his second chance and did not initially talk about his victim.

A former sportswriter, Musburger's broadcast fame took off through his work on "NFL Today," the pro football pregame show. He broadcast the NBA, college basketball, the Masters and tennis -- most of CBS' marquee events.

He was behind the mike for one of college football's most memorable plays, Doug Flutie's "hail Mary" pass that beat Miami for Boston College in 1984. He confessed to Flutie later that it took him awhile to identify Gerald Phelan, Flutie's roommate, as the receiver for that pass -- and Flutie told him he didn't know, either, until he had run off the field.

Musburger was abruptly dropped by CBS in 1990 in what was perceived as a salary dump, then came to work for ABC and ESPN.

"Brent made every event feel larger," said Stephanie Druley, ESPN senior vice president for events and studio production. "To me, there is probably not a greater storyteller as a play-by-play person. He can spin a yarn like nobody else and it made games definitely more enjoyable to watch."

Musburger's opportunities for national exposure grew more limited in recent years when ESPN assigned him to its SEC network for college football. But he still called college basketball regularly and even though ESPN has been trying to save money lately by cutting higher-cost talent, Druley said the network had no interest in seeing him leave.

Sportscasting today "has become more and more numbers-driven, advanced statistics and everything," Musburger said. "That's fine. I was never going to change because I'm a people guy. I like pulling up a chair in a saloon with a cold beer and telling stories."

Musburger took heat for backward thinking in 2013 when he extolled the attractiveness of an Alabama quarterback's girlfriend, a controversy he finds silly. "I called a beauty queen beautiful," he said. "Are you kidding me?"

He said he hoped people felt comfortable listening to him.

"Not everyone approved of everything I said," he said. "I understand that. I come from a sportswriting background and I'm not afraid to take a position on certain things from time to time. But for the most part, I thought people should be coming to a game to escape for three hours and forget about what their individual problems are."

He said he's not ready to fully retire ("I don't do shuffleboard well," he said), but his decision lets ESPN escape from an uncomfortable decision. Having a broadcaster of college games publicly identified with a sports handicapping business wouldn't fly. That accounts for the odd timing of his departure in the middle of the college basketball season; his family wants the site fully operational by the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

If anything, the move will force Musburger to change a pat answer when he's approached by fans.

"They always ask me my favorite game and I always say, 'The next one,'" he said.

After next Tuesday, that will no longer be applicable.

Danny Jacobs and Gennady 'Triple G' Golovkin hype continues: Boxing Report 2017 (photos)

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The Danny Jacobs-Gennady Golovkin fight is set for March 18 in New York: Boxing Report 2017.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - We are closer to the bout between middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and Danny Jacobs.

The fight is scheduled for March 18 in New York but Jacobs, a native New Yorker, is training in Oakland. Jacobs is training with Virgil Hunter, the trainer of light heavyweight champion Andre Ward.

This means not only is Jacobs training with one of the best trainers in boxing but he will certainly spar and gain valuable insight with Ward.

But will time with Hunter and Ward be enough?

King of Kings: King of Kings Championship boxing will have fights Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Firebird Sports Complex (480 Northfield Road). Amateur bouts begin 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and championship fights 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Winners will receive a belt and crown. TV 20 will televise Sunday's bouts. Advance tickets start at $10 for general admission to $50 for ringside. For information: 216 334-4480.

New award: More details are to come for a new award named after Devore "Bo" Whitt, a local promoter who died late last year. The award will go to a local amateur boxer who demonstrates commitment, pride, and resolve inside and outside of the ring.

Quick jabs

This week in boxing history

Jan. 24, 2009: Sugar Shane Mosley wins WBA welterweight title following ninth-round knockout of Antonio Margarito.

Boxing schedule

11 p.m., Friday (UniMas):

  • Erick DeLeon vs. Jose Salinas, junior lightweights
  • Arnold Barboza Jr. vs. Johnny Rodriguez, welterweights
  • Alexander Besputin vs. Gilberto Pereira, welterweights
  • Maxim Dadashev vs. Jerome Rodriguez, junior welterweights

10 p.m., Saturday (Showtime):

  • Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz, for Frampton's WBA featherweight title
  • Dejan Zlaticanin vs. Mikey Garcia, for Zlaticanin's WBC lightweight title
  • Lee Selby vs. Jonathan Victor Barros, for Selby's IBF featherweight title

10 p.m., Saturday (HBO):

  • Francisco Vargas vs. Miguel Berchelt, for Vargas' WBC junior lightweight title
  • Takashi Miura vs. Miguel "Mickey" Roman, WBC junior lightweight title eliminator

Who deserves the blame for the Cavaliers' tough start to 2017? -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

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Cleveland sports fans wonder about the Cavaliers' funk in 2017 and the Browns' eternal search for a franchise quarterback.

Shaun Wade National Signing Day 2017 player profile: Ohio State's best recruiting class ever

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Wade is rated the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 17 overall player in the 2017 class in the 247Sports composite rankings.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State football program signed early enrollee Shaun Wade 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. 

Shaun Wade

School: Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity 

Position: Cornerback  

Height, weight: 6-foot-1, 177 pounds

247Sports Rating: Wade is rated the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 17 overall player in the 2017 class in the 247Sports composite rankings.

Other schools: Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, Stanford, UCLA, USC, Utah, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin

What's his deal? Wade was Ohio State's first commit in the 2017 class and he did it the day the Buckeyes beat Oregon to capture the national title in January 2015. Though the commitment was nice for Urban Meyer, the Buckeyes had to continue to recruit Wade for two years as if he never issued the pledge. Recruiting five-star talents from Florida isn't easy. 

Though Alabama and Virginia Tech made late pushes in Wade's recruitment, the talented defensive back opted to stay a Buckeye in the end. Shortly after he reaffirmed his commitment in mid-December, he enrolled early at Ohio State. Now he'll be able to participate in spring practice. 

How he fits into Ohio State's plans: Ohio State lost both of its corners to the NFL when Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore announced their intentions to leave after the Fiesta Bowl. That means there are two open spots, which means opportunity.

Denzel Ward -- who rotated with Conley and Lattimore last year -- and Kendall Sheffield, the junior college transfer, will have the inside position to start. Experience matters at this level. However, Wade is a truly elite talent and because he enrolled early, he has a chance to be in the rotation, if not start. That's rare for any Ohio State freshman. 

Projections for 2017: Meyer likes to talk about how Ohio State never redshirts players, and last year the Buckeyes really improved on that goal. Wade seems like a player who will likely earn a special teams role, but don't be surprised if he ends up in the defensive rotation. That means really playing and contributing. 

Player comparison: You've probably seen a lot of Wade's basketball highlights -- people love crazy dunks. It's just an example of Wade's pure athleticism, which is reminiscent of Chris Gamble, who played both ways on Ohio State's national championship team in 2002. 

Why he's important to the best class in Ohio State history: By committing on the day Ohio State won a national title, Wade set the tone for what will be the deepest, most impressive class in program history. It's also important to note that Ohio State beat out a direct push from Alabama. Wade is one of the faces of this class. 

Highlights: 

 

If only Dabo Swinney's QB evaluations were as good as his Clemson team -- Bud Shaw

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Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says if the Browns pass up Deshaun Watson they'll be passing up Michael Jordan. Cue the laugh track. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - So Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney says if the Browns pass up quarterback Deshaun Watson at No. 1 they'll be "passing up Michael Jordan."

College coaches routinely oversell their players in the media in the months before the NFL draft. The higher a player goes, after all, the better it is for recruiting and the program's overall reputation.

Sometimes coaches oversell for less self-serving reasons -- simply out of affection for the player and appreciation for a job well done.

OK. That's as understanding as we can be about Swinney's ludicrous statement.

Hard to believe his take could influence the Browns, or any other team. There is no remote translation for Michael Jordan in the NFL. There have been a lot more quarterbacks drafted high that turned into Sam Bowie, the Portland big man who went ahead of Jordan at No. 2 overall in 1984 and fought injury after injury.

It's the nature of the position.

Another reason for college coaches to shy away from any grandiose evaluation is that people tend to remember what you say. Darn the luck.

Swinney's Michael Jordan comment got even more play on Twitter because of something the coach said a few years ago about another Clemson quarterback.

The Jets drafted Taj Boyd, but apparently not on Swinney's recommendation. He lasted until the sixth round.

Is Swinney doing Watson more harm than good? You could argue that point since the last thing young NFL quarterbacks need is out-sized expectations.

But by now nobody believes what college coaches say about their own players anyway, unless what they say isn't flattering. And that usually happens in private.

When they're not trying to sell anybody anything. 

Tiger Woods returns: Farmers Insurance Open tee times, TV (PGA Tour 2017)

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Tiger Woods, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson are the featured group at Farmers Insurance Open 2017, which begins Thursday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The PGA Tour season began in mid-October, with the Safeway Open in California, and has consisted of 10 official events. Quality players have provided plenty of highlights and entertainment value.

Understand the reality, though: The PGA Tour season just got real. It has to do with the presence of one man.

Tiger Woods will play in an official tour event for the first time in 17 months when the Farmers Insurance Open begins Thursday at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Calif. Woods is part of a loaded field that includes Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Hideki Matsuyama, Jimmy Walker, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson. And Brandt Snedeker.

Don't sleep on the unassuming Snedeker, who has thrived in this event in recent years and happens to be defending champion.

Farmers Insurance tee times

All-time-great Woods has won 79 PGA Tour official events, including 14 majors. He is an eight-time winner as a pro at Torrey Pines. However, he has not won overall since 2013 (five times) and is major-less since 2008 (U.S. Open).

Woods' previous start in an official event on the PGA Tour came at the Wyndham Championship in late-August 2015. He finished tied for 10th in a season already shortened by injuries. He underwent multiple back surgeries/procedures and did not play again until the unofficial Hero World Challenge at the outset of December 2016.

At Hero in the Bahamas, Woods finished 15th in a field of 18 but led everybody with 24 birdies.

Mickelson, the second-best player of his era, underwent two sports-hernia surgeries in late 2016 before making his 2017 debut last week at CareerBuilder Challenge. He finished tied for 21st.

Thursday's live leaderboard:

PGA TOUR

FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN

Site: San Diego.

Course: Torrey Pines GC. Yardage: 7,698 Par: 72 (South Course); Yardage: 7,258. Par: 72. (North Course).

Purse: $6.7 million (First place: $1,206,000).

Television: CBS Sports (Saturday 3-6 p.m.; Sunday, 3-6:30 p.m.); Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday 3-7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-2:30 p.m.)

Defending champion: Brandt Snedeker.

Last week: Hudson Swafford won the CareerBuilder Challenge.

Notes: Tiger Woods makes his 2017 debut at the tournament he has won seven times, most recently in 2013. ... Also making a debut is the North Course that Tom Weiskopf renovated. The nines have been reversed, bunkers reduced, and the size of the greens expanded. ... Since his previous victory at Torrey Pines, Woods has missed the 54-hole cut (2014) and withdrawn after 11 holes because of tightness in his back. ... This is the first time Jason Day is competing against a full field since the Deutsche Bank Championship in early September. ... The tournament last year finished on a Monday (wind) for the second time in four years. ... Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler entered the tournament. Both were in Abu Dhabi last week. ... Bubba Watson (2011) is the only past champion at the Farmers Insurance Open who is not playing this year -- not including those on the PGA Tour Champions. ... Justin Rose, who missed the cut at Torrey in 2015 and 2016, is playing for the third straight year.

Next week: Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Online: www.pgatour.com

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


Cleveland Indians close to signing Austin Jackson to minor-league contract

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The Indians, looking for outfield protection, are close to signing veteran Austin Jackson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are close to signing veteran center fielder Austin Jackson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league spring training. Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 12.

Jackson, 29, spent last season with the White Sox. He appeared in only 54 games after injuring his left knee and undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He has not played in the big leagues since June 9 of last season.

In his seven-year career, Jackson has primarily been a center fielder. He is best known for his 4 1/2-year run with the Tigers from 2010-14, after which he was traded to Seattle as part of a three-team deal with the Mariners and Tampa Bay.

Jackson hit .277 (743-for-2,678) with 140 doubles, 43 triples, 46 homers and 234 RBI in 670 games with Detroit. Jackson showed speed (78 steals), while leading the AL in triples in 2011 and 2012. He also did a good job covering Comerica Park's vast center field.

He has played with the Mariners, Cubs and White Sox since.

A healthy Jackson could help the Indians in a couple of ways. Jackson, a right-handed hitter, could give them experience in center. Right now it appears Tyler Naquin, coming off a strong rookie season, and Abraham Almonte will go to camp as a center-field platoon.

Rookie center fielders Bradley Zimmer and Greg Allen, two of the Tribe's top prospects, will also be in big league camp.

Jackson could also offer some stability in the outfield if Michael Brantley's right shoulder prevents him from playing regularly this season. Brantley appeared in just 11 games last season.

How will Tiger Woods' PGA Tour 2017 season unfold? (DMan poll)

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Tiger Woods, for as great as he has been in his PGA Tour career, is the ultimate unknown for 2017.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tiger Woods makes his season's debut on the PGA Tour this week at Farmers Insurance 2017 in California. Woods has not played in an official tour event since August 2015.

Woods, 41, has won 79 official events but none since a five-pack in 2013. He has won 14 majors but none since the 2008 U.S. Open. Injuries have been the main culprit.

Buckeyes special teams Superman slides to offense: Ohio State 2017 receiver, running back depth chart projection

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Eric Glover-Williams is moving from safety to H-back, and the Buckeyes in 2017 need to take a look at anyone at the skill positions who can scare defenses. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State's Eric Glover-Williams played Deshaun Watson, Tommy Armstrong and Jabrill Peppers on the Buckeyes' scout team in 2016, two quarterbacks and a Wolverine defender who jumped in on offense.

How'd he do on the offensive side of the ball?

"You've seen his highlights, right?" defensive end Tyquan Lewis asked. "I mean, watch his highlights. That's how he is in practice. The guy can make some moves."

During the prep for the Fiesta Bowl, Glover-Williams drew raves for his duplication of Watson's running ability. During the season, he drew raves for his performance on special teams, as a vital gunner on punt coverage, racing down to make tackles, and on kickoff coverage. 

But as a high school player, he turned heads as Superman. And Superman may just be the kind of boost the Buckeyes could use on offense in 2017.

Glover-Williams recently tweeted a reference to Zone 6, the nickname of Ohio State's receiver group, indicating his desire to get the ball in his hands has been successful. After two seasons as a backup defensive back, he's with the receivers now.

Maybe that shouldn't have been a shock.

"He has a lot of shake. He's a dynamic offensive player," cornerbacks coach and special teams assistant Kerry Coombs said before the Fiesta Bowl. "You always wondered 'what about him on offense?' He can make you miss in a phone booth.

"You've only got 85 scholarships and everybody has got to contribute. There's always special teams, but for some guys, that might mean switching sides of the ball. We haven't done that much here, but he's certainly a guy who could do that."

Glover-Williams was one of just four true freshmen to play and avoid redshirting in 2015, and for two seasons he's earned his way on special teams while serving as second-team safety.

But he's still the 5-foot-9, 178-pound dynamo who showed up at the 2013 Friday Night Lights recruiting event in a Superman T-shirt, a bold sartorial choice in the midst of the nation's top prospects.

He still has the T-shirt.

"Yeah, you know it," Glover-Williams told cleveland.com before the Fiesta Bowl. "Every once in a while I throw it on when I don't have enough clothes to wear."

He may still be that kind of player. So Ohio State should throw him into the offensive mix.

Beyond Curtis Samuel, the Buckeyes didn't have enough players who truly scared defenses. Glover-Williams will enter an H-back competition to replace Samuel that includes K.J. Hill and Demario McCall. But with new offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson aboard, and the three leading receivers from 2016 gone (Samuel, Noah Brown, Dontre Wilson) the Buckeyes should be considering every option at receiver, H-back, tight end and running back.

Glover-Williams always kept that idea in the back of his head.

"When I first came out of high school, offense was the thing I liked to do, have the ball in my hands," Glover-Williams said. "Once I got to college, they wanted me to play defense, and I was like, 'Yeah, I'll play defense.'

"I'm in (receiver) Coach Zach Smith's ear a little bit, let him know I'm here. I'm pretty much just waiting. You've got to be patient."

A year ago, it seemed like safety Malik Hooker and cornerback Marshon Lattimore would have joined Samuel as the three most dangerous Buckeyes with the ball in their hands. We even did an entire podcast based on imaginary position switches based on that fact. 

Ohio State's offense needs more of that in 2017.

* Watch the video at the top for a full projection of Ohio State's 2017 two-deep at receiver, H-back, tight end and running back

Maybe it's from McCall. Maybe it's from sophomore receivers Ben Victor and Austin Mack. Maybe incoming freshmen like Jaylen Harris and Trevon Grimes. Or maybe it's from Glover-Williams.

* WR breakdown: Mack's goal to be better than Michael Thomas

For two years, he did his part on special teams, Superman flying down the field. That's the kind of thing coaches notice.

"I really take it to heart and give it my all because I don't want to let my team down," Glover-Williams said. "Coming into college, you come in thinking you're the man and you get that reality check that you're playing against people who all have the same talent you do. 

"I came in and I had a couple people in front of me, so I can be patient and wait for my time. It's all about the team at the end of the day, and whatever I can do to help the team I'll do to the best of my abilities."

Now that might be on offense. The first pledge to the 2015 recruiting class backed up his Superman nickname in Ohio Stadium in high school, wearing that shirt to prove to Urban Meyer what kind of competitor he was.

On special teams for two seasons, he showed it some more. In 2017, Superman may take flight with the football in his hands again.

Offensive depth chart Buckeye Talk Podcast

 

Defensive depth chart Buckeye Talk Podcast

 

Previous Ohio State 2017 depth chart projections

* Offensive line

* Defensive line

* Linebacker

* Secondary

Cleveland Indians officially sign Austin Jackson to minor-league deal

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Veteran Austin Jackson could help stabilize center field for the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians came close to signing Austin Jackson last winter. This winter they got their man, although under different circumstances.

Jackson, who turns 30 on Feb. 1, signed a minor-league deal with the Tribe on Wednesday with an invitation to big-league camp. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that Jackson will earn $1.5 million if he makes the team. The deal includes incentives that could boost the contract to $4 million.

Last winter Jackson picked the White Sox over the Indians, signing a one-year, $5 million deal. Jackson, however, injured his left knee and played only 54 games. He did not play in the big leagues or minors after June 9.

Jackson has primarily been a center fielder throughout his career. The Indians could use some help in center after losing Rajai Davis to free agency. At the moment, Tyler Naquin and Abraham Almonte are favored to platoon there. The Indians will also get a look at prospects Bradley Zimmer and Greg Allen this spring.

In parts of seven seasons in the big leagues, Jackson is a .272 hitter with 182 doubles, 49 triples, 55 homers and 314 RBI. He was in his prime with the Tigers from 2010-14, but has struggled to maintain that performance level since.

Jackson has played in 40 postseason games with the Tigers and Cubs. He led the AL in triples in 2011 and 2012. In Detroit, the free-swinging Jackson struck out 170 and 181 times, respectively, in 2010 and 2011.

Indians pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 12.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings: Live updates, score and chat Game 44

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Get the latest updates and analysis from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 44 against the Sacramento Kings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday in Game 44 of the 2016 NBA regular season.

Follow along in the comments section as Joe Vardon, Chris Fedor and Joe Noga bring you observations and analysis throughout the game.

Make sure to follow Vardon, Fedor and Noga on Twitter.

Game 44: Cavs (30-13) vs. Kings (17-27)

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM 1100 AM; 87.7 FM (ESP).

Cavs probable starting lineup: LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert, Kyrie Iriving.

Kings probable starting lineup: Garrett Temple, DeMarcus Cousins, Kosta Koufos, Aaron Afflalo, Darren Collison.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here

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Tyronn Lue reacts to LeBron James' request for 'playmaker' (video)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Cavalier head coach Tyronn Lue reacts to comments made by LeBron James after the loss in New Orleans that they need a "playmaker." The loss to the Pelicans was the fifth in the last seven games. Without a backup point guard for Kyrie Irving, James' minutes have increased to a league high 37.5 average per...

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Cavalier head coach Tyronn Lue reacts to comments made by LeBron James after the loss in New Orleans that they need a "playmaker."

The loss to the Pelicans was the fifth in the last seven games.

Without a backup point guard for Kyrie Irving, James' minutes have increased to a league high 37.5 average per game.

The Cavs were left without a backup point guard when Matthew Dellavedova signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and Mo Williams sudden retirement before the season started.

Stay tuned for Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sacramento Kings postgame videos from the locker room. 

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

Cleveland Cavaliers honor fallen Police Officer David Fahey before Wednesday's game

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The Cleveland Cavaliers paused to remember fallen Cleveland Police Officer David Fahey on Wednesday prior to their game against Sacramento. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans paused for a moment Wednesday to honor fallen Cleveland Police Officer David Fahey prior to tipoff against the Sacramento Kings.

Fahey, who worked security at Quicken Loans Arena for the team beginning in 2015, was struck and killed on Interstate 90 Tuesday morning while assisting during another crash.

 


Former Willoughby South star Kareem Hunt hopes his love of football, big plays lead him to the NFL

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Hunt is participating on the North team in the Senior Bowl this year. Watch video

MOBILE, Ala. -- Anyone who saw Kareem Hunt run the football back in high school knew he embodied the "anytime he touches the football, he can score" mentality. Hunt spent his time as a Willoughby South Rebel racking up big yards and big plays.

"It's just part of being a great athlete and loving the game," Hunt told cleveland.com on Wednesday following the North team practice at the Senior Bowl. "I just love football. Even if I wasn't going to get paid millions of dollars, I'd still come out and play. It's just fun to me. I love it. It's exciting."

Hunt took that ability with him to the University of Toledo where all he did was become the school's career rushing leader with 4,945 yards, the third-highest career total in the history of the Mid-American Conference. He rushed for over 100 yards 28 times and averaged 6.3 yards per carry during his career.

Hunt was the MAC's rushing leader as a senior and ranked 15th in the country.

So it's no surprise that he elicited a reaction from his teammates and onlookers after one run in particular on Wednesday.

"It's a great feeling," Hunt said. "I've been doing this a long time and I want to show everybody I can play with the best of the best. I love it. I love the game."

Aside from his big play ability in the run game, Hunt says he can help NFL teams in the passing game, too. Oh, and there's that whole love of the game thing.

"I just love playing the game," Hunt said. "... It's just one thing I like to do."

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Richard Jefferson excused from Cavs for birth of his child

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The team announced late in the first quarter that Jefferson, 36, a reserve forward, was excused "to handle a personal matter."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Richard Jefferson was excused from the Cavs game against the Sacramento Kings because of the birth of his child.

The team announced late in the first quarter that Jefferson, 36, a reserve forward, was excused "to handle a personal matter. His return to the team will be updated at the appropriate time."

Sources confirmed it was to attend to the birth of his child -- a boy -- but it's not exactly a secret. Jefferson disclosed his son was on the way in a recent podcast he does with teammate Channing Frye and Fox Sports Ohio personality Allie Clifton.

The child is Jefferson's second son.

Cleveland Cavaliers' leadership disagrees with LeBron James, believes there's 'enough on team to win championship'

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James, of course, doesn't agree, which is why he vented to Cleveland-based reporters following Wednesday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers' fifth in the last seven games, and then tweeted some thoughts the next day. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the aftermath of LeBron James' recent comments about the Cleveland Cavaliers' flawed roster, head coach Tyronn Lue and general manager David Griffin offered a different view of the East-leading Cavs.

"We have enough on this team to win a championship," Lue said prior to Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. "We can get better. I know Griff is going to make us better and he's going to do the best he can.

"For me, LeBron James, the best player in the world, took a team that was worse to the NBA Finals two years ago. We have a good team. We just have to start playing better as a unit. No excuses."

Lue, who spoke to the team about James' comments on Wednesday following a walkthrough, also admitted the best teams are always striving to improve, citing the Warriors' addition of Kevin Durant following an historic 73-win season. Lue understands James' competitive nature will always drive him to want to get better, to want his teammates to constantly improve as well.

But like Lue, Griffin believes in this version of the Cavs "at a deep level."

"I think we have enough if everyone plays significantly better, but we have a very fine margin for error right now," Griffin said in a gathering with the media moments before tipoff. "I would like to have a greater margin for error, I would like to be more protected against injury in different positions. But if we were 100 percent healthy going into any series I feel pretty good about our situation."

James, of course, doesn't agree, which is why he vented to Cleveland-based reporters following Monday's loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Cavaliers' fifth in the last seven games, and then tweeted some thoughts the next day.

"We're not better than last year, from a personnel standpoint," he said.

He also characterized the roster as being "top heavy" and in need of a playmaker, an area of weakness he has singled out since training camp and has brought up repeatedly, especially after two losses in a six-day stretch to title contenders Golden State and San Antonio.

"The thing we have to do the most is get better from within," Griffin said. "This is the team we have and we really like this team a lot. We need to get better from within and play better, quite frankly. We need to have a greater sense of urgency and start to develop a championship identity. I think it's clear we have not been doing that."

Cleveland is 5-6 since the start of 2017, with the defense slipping out of the top half of the league and the offense dealing with bouts of inconsistency.

Nearly two weeks ago, during the Cavs' six-game road trip, Griffin said he appreciated James' desire to voice his opinions on roster-related issues, believing the thoughts were coming from a good place.

However, James going public this time "wasn't appropriate from a teammate perspective," which is why Griffin wanted to have a one-on-one chat with the star.

"We're all frustrated," Griffin said. "Everyone is frustrated and I can appreciate the fact that he feels that way. The thing you have to love about him and everybody on this team is they're really passionate about what they do and everyone is frustrated. So, I get the sentiment."

Griffin admitted that the organization might not make any changes to the roster, especially after acquiring Kyle Korver earlier this month. Still, there's about a month remaining until the trade deadline, giving Griffin plenty of time to keep looking for the right piece.

As has been the case, there aren't any restrictions from owner Dan Gilbert despite an enormous payroll. So if Cleveland doesn't make a significant addition, it won't be because of complacency.

"We are here to win championships and there is no other solution, there is no other outcome that is acceptable and there never has been," Griffin said.

Is Ohio State gaining late steam in pursuit of 5-star DT Marvin Wilson? Buckeye recruiting odds and ends

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Are the Buckeyes going to land Wilson?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Urban Meyer is going to sign the best recruiting class in the history of the program in seven days.

It can still get better.

Much better. 

Ohio State is still in pursuit of five-star prospect Marvin Wilson of Bellaire (Texas) Episcopal, who is rated the No. 1 defensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings. 

Though Wilson has been quiet on the media front while he takes in-home visits from coaches a week before National Signing Day, there could be clues that Meyer could nab a defensive tackle unlike anyone he's signed at Ohio State. 

Why?

Because five-star cornerback Jeffrey Okudah of Grand Prairie (Texas) South -- who is already at Ohio State as an early enrollee -- posted on his Twitter account a strong implication the Buckeyes are in good shape with Wilson.

Five-star linebacker Baron Browning of Kennedale, Texas, who is also enrolled early at Ohio State, also added a Tweet. 

Wilson is announcing his college decision on National Signing Day and he's still closely considering LSU, Oklahoma and others. If he commits to Ohio State, that would give Meyer six five-star prospects in the class. 

Ohio State already has three of the top six players from Texas. If it adds Wilson, it would complete a legendary recruiting haul from the Lone Star State that may never be matched again. 

Meyer had an in-home with Wilson on Wednesday night. 

* Ohio State extends new WR offer for 2017: Ohio State has been trying to add another wide receiver since it lost the commitment from five-star wideout Tyjon Lindsey of Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman earlier this month. 

On Wednesday, Ohio State offered three-star wideout Damond Johnson of Pensacola (Fla.) Florida Tech, who is currently committed to Duke. 

It's late in the process, but Ohio State would like to get the 6-foot-1, 170-pound receiver in for an official visit this weekend. 

* Meyer visited three-star WR Elijah Gardiner: There's another receiver on the radar in Gardiner of Kemp, Texas, who Meyer and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson visited Wednesday. 

Rated the No. 170 wide receiver in the 2017 class, Gardiner is currently committed to Missouri. He's a 6-foot-5, 185-pound prospect who is completely different from Lindsey, a 5-foot-9, 160-pound speedster. 

 

Wednesday at the Senior Bowl: Video highlights

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Check out some of the highlights from the South team practice on Wednesday in Mobile. Watch video

MOBILE, Ala. -- The second day of practice at the Senior Bowl is in the books. Hue Jackson and his coaching staff held a practice with the south team on Wednesday. Check out some highlights from the practice above.

The Browns coaching staff will lead the South team on Saturday during the Reese's Senior Bowl. The game will air live on NFL Network beginning at 12:30 ET. 

Our coverage of the Senior Bowl will continue on Thursday, the final day of practice here.

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