Final HJS of the YR!

Sadly, I regret to inform you loyal listeners that today is our final show of 2009. But, boy do we have a ton to discuss.

We will begin with GW Basketball and the 5-1 start that was capped off with a dismantling of rival George Mason last night. We will also discuss the NFL's stretch run, the college football and basketball landscape and even get to the MLB Offseason hotstove.

As always we will have our final Half Jewish first-year faceoff and make our final game picks of this calendar year.

So sit back, relax, and make sure to tune in to gwradio.com today from 4-6 as we entertain you for one final time.

Karl Hobbs Interview with HJS

Here is Karl Hobbs' interview with Half Jewish Sports. Highlights include:

- Coach discussing this upcoming season
- His recruiting philosophy and how it has changed
- His relationship with the fans and whether or not he felt betrayed by them
- His renewed confidence on getting back to the basics
- And much much more

Karl Hobbs Interview

HJS with Karl Hobbs (GW Men's Basketball Coach) REVISED COACH IN-STUDIO AT 4:30!

As promised, WRGW's Half Jewish Sports will continue its GW Basketball pre-season coverage by having Coach Karl Hobbs on our airwaves for a 30-minute interview today. We are thrilled to have Coach on the air with us, and for those who do not know where to listen live, just go to gwradio.com and click the"listen live" icon.

Because he is calling in, we will not be able to have live on-air callers speak directly to coach, but if you have specific questions you would like asked please email me at wrgwasstsportsdirector@gmail.com and I will do my best to get as many of your questions on air.

In addition to the interview, we will also preview the Atlantic-10 conference season, as well as discuss the big Pats- Colts matchup and get to some MLB hot stove and NBA as well.

Its another jam packed show on Half Jewish sports, so make sure you tune in at 4 O'clock today!

-Julian

Brian Ellerbe Interview Part 1 & 2

Below are both parts of Half Jewish Sports' interview with GW Assistant Basketball Coach Brian Ellerbe.

Part 1

Part 2

Half Jewish Sports (11/5) In-Studio with GW Asst. Coach Brian Ellerbe

Half Jewish Sports is thrilled to be joined live in-studio today by the new GW Asst. Basketball Coach Brian Ellerbe today at 4 PM. Ellerbe, was the coach of Michigan's basketball program from 1997-2001, and he was the last coach to guide them to the NCAA tournament, until this past season when John Beilein did it a decade later.

We will preview the GW Basketball season with coach as well as discuss his background and his past coaching experience at Michigan, Loyola (MD), UVA, George Mason and Rutgers

Those of you who want to call-in to ask Coach Ellerbe a question may do so at any point in the interview, and if you would like to email him a question to be asked on-air, email me at wrgwasstsportsdirector@gmail.com

We also will be discussing, yes, the World Series and the 27th Championship for the Bronx Bombers.

We will also get to the NFL and NCAA FB in the 2nd hour, along with our freshman face-off and making our picks.

It's a jam packed show, so make sure to listen in today at gwradio.com from 4-6!

HJS 10/22

With the World Series on the horizon, the NFL Trading deadline passing oh so quietly, and the BCS rankings out, there is much to discuss in our 2-hour window.

We will hit upon the projected Yanks-Phils world series, which may come to fruition (much to my dismay) later today. We will look ahead to week 7 in the NFL and also discuss the BCS rankings.

We also will finally give our first take on the GW Basketball schedule and today's first-year faceoff may be the best of the season.

You won't want to miss any part of the show today so make sure to tune in to gwradio.com today from 4-6 PM on WRGW

Jeers to Tears- A testimonial of a Jet fan's son

Entry 1- My cousins are my saviors

Where do the Jets keep the millions of hearts they’ve captured and broken? I’m just glad my cousins from New York got to me early and made me a Giants fan. However, I feel empathetic for my dad- The one who raised me, played catch in the backyard with me, took me to games, all the while rooted for his Jets, maintaining hope that the his beloved team would return to the glory days when Broadway Joe and his AFC powerhouse triumphed over the Baltimore Colts. Sadly this franchise has faltered since that epic year in 1969. Thus, last years’ emotional rollercoaster once again captivated Jet faithful. “Maybe they’ve turned it around?” the fans thought. As usual, the 6-2 contenders found their way into a season-ending tailspin.

But why do they always fall short? Firstly this organization has failed develop talent internally. Because of the salary cap and increasing salary, all the top teams mold a core of young draft picks into impact players who know the system from day one. However, since winning the Super Bowl 40 years ago, only 23 of their draft picks have been selected to the Pro Bowl team. 13 of these players have earned the honor in the past 10 years, including 7 last year. As a result, the front office has relied greatly on free agency. This organization has also lacked winners. Especially in the past decade, this team has struggled in the clutch. Their most recent collapse just last year was characterized as a failed QB experiment. Needless to say their famed acquisition didn’t work out in their Fav-re. In the 2003 playoffs, Herm Edwards and his squad rumbled into Oakland after their rout the Colts, 41-0. After fighting as even battle in the first half, the men in the green and white gave up 20 unanswered points and lost 30-10. Although this defeat was disappointing, the 1999 meltdown in which a 10-0 third quarter lead dissipated in a tragic loss to Denver epitomizes the Jets’ postseason woes. In any case, the underlying factor is lack of youth and winners. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but apparently the Jets have a hard time understanding the fundamentals of running a football team. Keyshawn Johnson, Kevin Mawae, and Brett Favre are not leaders around which you build a team.

Will the Jets finally conquer their most elusive goal-winning a Super Bowl? I think they can. Their coaching staff headed by Rex Ryan seems to have instilled a new life and chemistry in the team. The addition of veteran free agents such as Bart Scott, Kris Jenkins, Alan Faneca, Thomas Jones, and the mid-season signing of Braylon Edwards has provided talent, leadership, and passion. Moreover they have done a very good job of drafting and developing impact players in recent years like Revis, Mangold, Fergeson, Harris, Cotchery, Rhodes, Washington and more. Then again, reflecting upon the childhood memories of my dad pacing methodically in front of the T.V. and watching his jeers turn to tears, I may be a victim of the cruel trap that is the New York Jets.

Episode 6: HJS

Welcome back from what I hope was a fun-filled Columbus Day Weekend. Here at Half Jewish Sports, we take no breaks. On today's program we will discuss and breakdown both Championship League series in the MLB, we will get to Week 6 in the NFL and talk about the Giants and Saints' showdown in the Superdome. We also will talk College Football today with a multitude of top 25 teams facing off head-to-head.

As always we will have our first-year faceoff, Yael's Trivia and we will make our weekly picks in the 5:40 segment. We also today will be joined in the first-hour by WRGW alumni David Earl who will give all GW students a sneak-peak at Colonials Invasion tomorrow night in the Smith Center.

Make sure to listen live by going to our new and improved website gwradio.com and clicking the listen live icon at 4 PM!

Week 5: Mike Myers is on the air

Welcome back to this birthday-filled edition of Half Jewish Sports. We are thrilled to invite Mike Myers to the program today at 4:30, as it will mark the first time in Half Jewish Sports' history that we have had a professional athlete grace our airwaves.

We will discuss the baseball playoffs today as well as week 5 in the NFL and the big SEC showdowns between LSU and Florida and Alabama and Ole Miss. As always we will have our first-year faceoff and Yael Linker's Trivia.

We finally will celebrate three birthdays on air today as Yael Linker turned 20 on October 5th, Ben Topiel turned 19 on October 6th, and today yours truly turned the big 2-1.

You won't want to miss any of this today so make sure to tune in live to the newly revamped gwradio.com and click the listen live icon today from 4-6 PM.

-Julian

Week 4 Half Jewish Sports (Jeff Pearlman on at 4:30)

As promised, Jeff Pearlman of SI and ESPN will be joining us today at 4:30 to discuss his most recent article about Sal Fasano, as well as the NFL and MLB. We also will discuss his books, two of which have become NY Times best-sellers. Please feel free to email me questions or im Scott during the show if there is something you want to have asked.

We also will get into the NFL Week 4 and the Baseball PLayoffs which begin next week. We will make picks on all of that as well as talk College Football with 3 big top 25 matchups on tap

We finally will have our third First-Year Faceoff today between Dan, Ben and Ryan...and if we have time yes we may even preview the NHL

Its a loaded Half Jewish Sports today, so make sure you tune in at 4PM on gwradio.com

The Fall 2009 season of Half-Jewish is in full force, and each week only provides for better entertainment than the previous week. But, I feel a sudden urge to return to my old roots and give all you readers a taste of my emotional finish on The Real Deal (Spring '08). I want you to share my sentiments and really feel what college radio is all about. So here goes nothing...

Download The Real Deal - Scott's Real Deal Closing Speech

Half Jewish Sports Episode 3!

We hope you've been tuning in for our first two weeks, and today's show is filled with talk about the NFL, CFB and the MLB playoff race. We will have all the usual's calling in, and our 2nd Freshman Faceoff of the year will take place today at 4:40. Be sure to tune in at 4, on WRGW. Go to gwradio.com and click listen live!

-Julian

Half Jewish Sports Episode 2

We have once again another great show in store today for all of you. We will speak at length about the NFL's opening week, and what it means for the rest of the season. We will also do some MLB and touch upon CFB as well.

Plus you wont want to miss our first freshman-face-off of the year and hear us make our picks now during the 5:40 segment of the show. It all starts at 4PM on gwradio.com!

Julian's 2009 NFL Picks

I realize it is late, but I did make these a week or so ago:

NFL Picks 2009

AFC East:
New England
New York Jets
Miam Dolphins
Buffalo Bills

AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns

AFC South:
Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West:
San Diego Chargers
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Cheifs
Oakland Raiders

NFC East:
NY Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys
Washington Redskins

NFC North:
Chicago Bears
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions

NFC South:
New Orleans Saints
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers
St. Louis Rams

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to all the loyal Half Jewish listeners. We unveil our new cast this year as we'll discuss the NFL, MLB, Top College Football games and the U.S. Open. Make sure to tune in live today at 4 PM at gwradio.com

Can't wait to be back on air, and hope everyone had an awesome summer.

-Julian

Perry's Official Mock

1. Detroit - Matthew Stafford
2. St. Louis - Jason Smith
3. Kansas City - Aaron Curry
4. Seattle - Mark Sanchez
5. Cleveland - Michael Crabtree
6. Cincinnati - Eugene Monroe
7. Oakland - Jeremy Maclin
8. Jacksonville - B.J. Raji
9. Green Bay - Andre Smith
10. San Francisco - Brian Orakpo
11. Buffalo - Tyson Jackson
12. Denver - Aaron Maybin
13. Washington - Michael Oher
14. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins
15. Houston - Brian Cushing
16. San Diego - Robert Ayers
17. New York Jets - Darrius Heyward-Bey
18. Denver - Josh Freeman
19. Tampa Bay - Everette Brown
20. Detroit - Clay Matthews
21. Philadelphia - Knowshon Moreno
22. Minnesota - Kenny Britt
23. New England - Chris Wells
24. Atlanta - Peria Jerry
25. Miami - Percy Harvin
26. Baltimore - Rey Maualuga
27. Indianapolis - Evander Hood
28. Buffalo - Brandon Pettigrew
29. New York Giants - James Laurinaitis
30. Tennessee - Vontae Davis
31. Arizona - Donald Brown
32. Pittsburgh - Eben Britton

Julian's Mock Draft

After seeing Stat Matt and Perry make their picks, here are mine:

Julian's mock with no trades

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford (QB, Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)
4. Seattle Seahawks – Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)
5. Cleveland Browns – B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College)
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)
7. Oakland Raiders –Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia)
9. Green Bay Packers – Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)
10. San Francisco 49ers – Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)
11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin (DE, Penn St.)
12. Denver Broncos – Brian Orakpo (DE, Texas)
13. Washington Redskins – Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)
14. New Orleans Saints – Malcom Jenkins (CB, Ohio St.)
15. Houston Texans – Clay Matthews (LB, USC)
16. San Diego Chargers – Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)
17. New York Jets – Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)
18. Denver Broncos – Everette Brown (DE, Miami)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Josh Freeman (QB, Kansas State)
20. Detroit Lions – Rey Malaluaga (LB, USC)
21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knoshown Moreno (RB, Georgia)
22. Minnesota Vikings – Percy Harvin (WR, Florida)
23. New England Patriots – Darius Butler (CB, UConn)
24. Atlanta Falcons – Brian Cushing (LB, USC)
25. Miami Dolphins – Hakeem Nicks (WR, UNC)
26. Baltimore Ravens – Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)
27. Indianapolis Colts – Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)
28. Buffalo Bills - Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State)
29. New York Giants – Clint Sintim (LB, Virginia)
30. Tennessee Titans – Eben Britton (OL, Arizona)
31. Arizona Cardinals – Donald Brown (RB, UConn)
32. Pittzburgh Steelers - Evander “Ziggy” Hood (DT, Missouri)

This is why StatMatt is StatMatt

An excerpt from StatMatt's Thursday afternoon:

#1 Detroit Lions University of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford
With less than forty-eight hours until the draft, I expect the Lions to take Stafford in an attempt to solve the mystery on who will be their franchise quarterback. At just above 6’2” and 220 lbs. Stafford comes into the league with a similar stature to a former SEC Quarterback in Jay Cutler. In my mind, Stafford projects out in a similar manner to Cutler. He has a very strong arm that is accurate on most throws. Stafford at times can get himself into trouble by forcing throws into receivers. The Lions will take the same route the Falcons did year ago by drafting Stafford here at #1 and an offensive-lineman at pick # 20.

SHOULD TAKE: I am a believer that the Lions should take Wake Forest Linebacker Aaron Curry with the first pick. While Culpepper is definitely not the answer to saving the Lions, I’m not sure any single player truly makes the Lions that much better. Curry can step in on day one and become a leader in the middle of the defense. A trio of Ernie Simms, Curry, and Paris Lenon could give the Lions a young group of talented linebackers. Recently signed free agent Ryan Neece could be used in passing downs. While an offensive tackle also makes sense here, the Lions drafted Gosder Cherilus last year at RT and have a starter at LT in Jeff Backus who has not missed a start in his eight year NFL career.

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Jason Smith, Trade Down

#2 St. Louis Rams University of Virginia OL Eugene Monroe
Monroe or Smith – Smith or Monroe, either way both Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson will be very happy to see the Rams upgrade their offensive line. At the combine Monroe measured 6’5” 309 and did 23 reps on the bench. Monroe comes from a University of Virginia program that has recently produced such O-Lineman as D’Brickshaw Ferguson and Branden Albert, and rumor has it NFL execs feel Monroe has better technique than both of those mentioned. Monroe is large and strong, but also very athletic and plenty capable of reaching the second-level on blocks. Monroe is ready to step in at LT and replace released veteran Orlando Pace.

SHOULD TAKE: Eugene Monroe

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Jason Smith

#3 Kansas City Chiefs University of Texas DE Brian Orakpo
The Chiefs have acquired linebackers Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, and Monty Beisel this off-season and with Derrick Johnson, Demorrio Williams and Tamba Hali already on the roster I see the Chiefs passing on Aaron Curry. The Chiefs were dead last in the NFL a year ago with only 10 sacks and Turk McBride, Tank Tyler, and Glenn Dorsey currently occupying spots on the D-Line, the Chiefs would be getting a big upgrade in Orakpo. Orakpo finished 2008 with 11.5 sacks and 17.5 TFL. Orakpo can step in and be rush-end opposite of Glenn Dorsey.

SHOULD TAKE: Orakpo

OTHER POSSIBILITY: Jason Smith, Aaron Curry, Michael Crabtree

#4 Seattle Seahawks University of Baylor OT Jason Smith
With Jason Smith, the Seahawks walk away with a player who some feel could go #1 to Detroit. As a former tight end, Smith is athletic and light on his feet. He also plays powerful and can pass protect very well. With Walter Jones coming off of an injury and entering his 14th year, Smith can step in as the Seahawks part ways with Jones. Jim Mora is too fond of Hasselback to select Sanchez here and with the addition of Houshmanzadeh they can comfortably pass on Crabtree. Aaron Curry would be an interesting pick here as well, but with unknown skills as a pass-rusher, I see the Seahawks playing it safe and adding the big beef up front.

SHOULD TAKE: Smith or Monroe

OTHER POSSIBILITY: Aaron Curry

#5 Cleveland Browns Texas Tech University WR Michael Crabtree
Braylon Edwards will likely be gone by the start of the season and it is unlikely Donte Stallworth will be thinking about playing football this season, that leaves David Patten, Josh Cribbs, and Snydric Steptoe as the Browns top three receivers. Needless to say, the Browns and Brady Quinn could use some targets to throw the ball to.

SHOULD TAKE: Michael Crabtree

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Curry

#6 Cincinnati Bengals University of Alabama OT Andre Smith
If there were any team in the league that would take the shenanigans of Andre Smith, it would be the Bengals. The Bengals finished ’08 with an offensive line that was beyond bad (29th run / 30th pass). They lost a starting tackle from a year ago (this might be a good thing) and Levi Jones missed six games a year ago, they need help in a lot of places, but Smith fills a need and protecting Carson Palmer is always a good idea.

SHOULD TAKE: Smith

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Any player with a criminal past.

#7 Oakland Raiders University of Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Mr. Bey, welcome to the Bay Area. Al Davis loves one thing more than anything, speed. Heyward-Bey is the fastest receiver in the draft and at 6’2” is a bigger target than Missouri wideout Jeremy Maclin. Heyward-Bey is still somewhat raw, but I see him being the type of guy that Davis falls in love with.

SHOULD TAKE: B.J. Raji
The Raiders gave up an average of 160 yards on the ground a game last year, needless to say that’s bad. Raji is above all else a HUGE man who can take up two blockers inside. Raji reminds me of a Marcus Stroud type, and if he were able to play next to Gerrard Warren, I think the Raiders defense would be improved.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Raji, Maclin

#8 Jacksonville Jaguars Wake Forest University LB Aaron Curry
The Jaguars under Jack Del Rio took a step backwards with a disappointing season. The loss of Marcus Stroud hurt the team’s ability to stop the run and now the loss of Mike Peterson leaves room for someone like Aaron Curry to step in right away and make a big impact. Jack Del Rio would love to have a guy like Curry to run his defense. Curry is extremely intelligent on the field and uses his instincts to make plays against both the run and the pass. The Jags used two picks last year in Quentin Groves and Derrick Harvey to rush the passer; this would make Curry’s lack of experience rushing the passer more acceptable. The Jaguars will likely have their phone ringing constantly as teams look to acquire this pick in an attempt to draft Mark Sanchez.

SHOULD TAKE: Curry

OTHER POSSIBILITY: Mark Sanchez, B.J. Raji

#9 Green Bay Packers Boston College DT B.J. Raji
With the Packers and DC Dom Capers planning a switch to the 3-4, the Packers will almost certainly look to acquire either an outside rush-end or a monster in the middle. With Brian Orakpo gone, I see the Packers going for the man in the middle than can take up space with the best of them. At 6’1” 330, Raji is a space-eater who can free up linebackers behind him. I think the Packers can find quality rush-ends in round 2 whereas no one measures up to what Raji brings.

SHOULD TAKE: Raji

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Tyson Jackson, Aaron Maybin

#10 San Francisco 49’ers University of Southern California QB Mark Sanchez
A California boy to a California team, Sanchez heads up north to take over a team that missed on Alex Smith several years ago and has had erratic QB play ever since. Despite only being a starter at USC for one year, he has the arm strength to make it in the NFL. He is clearly the #2 QB in this class and the 49’ers would be wise to select him here. They could look to go for a defensive-end to pair with Justin Smith, if they go this route look for Florida State University DE Everette Brown. In addition, the team could use a wide-out with game breaker ability, this could also land Jeremy Maclin in San Fran.

SHOULD TAKE: Sanchez

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Everette Brown, Jeremy Maclin

#11 Buffalo Bills University of Mississippi OT Michael Oher
With the recent trade of tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles, the Bills have a large hole to fill. While the Bills also have a need at defensive end, the drop off after Oher is too big to pass up. Oher is a strong and physically gifted lineman who started four years at Ole Miss without missing a game. Oher’s nasty on the field yet quiet and driven off the field. He is a hard worker who can step in at left tackle immediately. This pick will allow the Bills to focus on a pressure rush-end with their second first round pick later in the round.

SHOULD TAKE: Oher or any of Smith, Smith, Monroe

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Aaron Maybin

#12 Denver Broncos Penn State University DE Aaron Maybin
Like the Packers picking at #9, the Broncos are also making the transition to the 3-4 defense. The Broncos defense has kept them from being successful the past few seasons and with Jay Cutler now out of town, the team will have trouble winning games with their offense. Maybin is a bit undersized, but has tremendous speed for a defensive end. At 20 years old, he’s a bit young, but still has room to grow. For now, Maybin could be a designated rush-end or an outside backer.

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Brian Cushing

#13 Washington Redskins Florida State University DE Everette Brown
With a 4.66 40 speed, Everette Brown can bring pressure on opposing quarterbacks. After breaking the bank to sign Albert Haynseworth this off-season it would make sense to add another lineman to reach the quarterback. With Andre Carter at one end and Philip Daniels currently at the other end, Brown’s explosiveness makes him a viable option at this spot in the draft.

SHOULD TAKE: Brown

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Tyson Jackson, Robert Ayers

#14 New Orleans Saints The Ohio State University CB Malcolm Jenkins
The Saints currently only have one pick in the first three rounds and their biggest weakness appears to their secondary. At Ohio State, Jenkins was a lockdown corner who was very physical against opposing wide receivers. He’s a sure tackler but technique can break down at times. At the combine struggled with his 40 and their remains question his overall speed.

SHOULD TAKE: Jenkins

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Chris Wells, Tyson Jackson

#15 Houston Texans University of Southern California LB Clay Matthews
I would be very surprised if the Texans did not select a USC Linebacker with this pick. As of now I believe Matthews is the guy because of his non-stop motor that allows him to be one of the top blitzing linebackers in the draft. Uncle Bruce Matthews is currently a coach on the Texans and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Texans went with Matthews over Cushing for that reason. If Matthews were paired with Demecco Ryans in the middle, the Texans defense would be set at linebacker for many years to come.

SHOULD TAKE: Brian Cushing
OTHER POSSIBILIES: Cushing, Tyson Jackson, Robert Ayers

#16 San Diego Chargers Louisianna State University DE Tyson Jackson
The Chargers defense failed to get pressure on the quarterback last year and it created some troubles in the secondary. The team gets Merriman back at linebacker and signed Kevin Burnett to play a middle-backer position. The team did lose Igor Olashansky from the D-line and this creates a spot for an impact player like Tyson Jackson. At 6’4” and nearly 300 lbs, he has the size to play a defensive end position in the 3-4 system. In addition, his power and bust will be a nice compliment on the outside of a guy like Jamal Williams who demands a double team. Putting Jackson in front of Phillips and Merriman should help the Chargers pressure the quarterback this year.

SHOULD TAKE: Jackson

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Chris Wells, Brian Cushing, Robert Ayers

#17 New York Jets Kansas State University QB Josh Freeman
Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff just don’t cut it as starting quarterbacks in the NFL. At 6’5” 250 and possessing a rocket arm, Josh Freeman has the making of a big time quarterback. In a sense, he is similar to a Jamarcus Russell who went #1 overall, the difference between the two was the talent surrounding them during their time in college. Freeman’s accuracy can get him in trouble at times but his arm strength is something that cannot be ignored. The Jets will likely try to find a way into Mark Sanchez, but if they are unable to trade up, Freeman seems like the pick.

SHOULD TAKE: Freeman

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Maclin, Harvin

#18 Denver Broncos University of Tennessee DE Robert Ayers
Having taken Aaron Maybin with their first pick, the Broncos use this pick to take another player capable of rushing the passer. Ayers could play either defensive-end or an outside linebacker position opposite of Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos could look at linebacker or the #2 cornerback Vontae Davis.

SHOULD TAKE: Vontae Davis

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Davis, Cushing, Maualuga

#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Georgia Tech University DE Michael Johnson
With the pick I can see the Buc’s going in a handful of different directions. For one, I think if Josh Freeman falls past the Jets, the Buccaneers would be hard-pressed to pass on him. In addition, they could be tempted to take Jeremy Maclin as a way to get another threat on offense. If they look past Maclin and if Freeman is gone, I see the Bucs focusing in on three defensive players: USC LB Brian Cushing, Mississippi DT Peria Jerry, and Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson. In the end, I see the team going with Johnson, a freak of an athlete who can put tremendous pressure on the quarterback. At 6’6”, 265 lbs, the mid 4.6 40 he possesses is quite impressive. He has great lateral quickness and closing speed, he gets into trouble at times with poor technique as he can at times solely rely on his speed. The Bucs could create a formidable pass rushing duo with Johnson and Gaines Adams.

SHOULD TAKE: Brian Cushing

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Cushing, Maualuga

#20 Detroit Lions University of Connecticut OL William Beatty
After passing on the elite left-tackle prospects at the top of the draft, the Lions are now in a position where they can grab a very good prospect to protect #1 pick Matthew Stafford. Beatty possesses light feet that allow him to get into good blocking position quickly. Strong initial contact and good fundamentals could allow Beatty to project as a starting left-tackle. This move would also allow the Lions to move Jeff Backus to guard, which would further improve the team’s offensive line.

SHOULD TAKE: Beatty

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Eben Britton

#21 Philadelphia Eagles The Ohio State University RB Chris Wells
With Correll Buckhalter out of the picture in 2009, the Eagles could definitely use a backup to protect the team from injury to Brian Westbrook. With both Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno on the board at this point, the Eagles could go with either one. Wells is a strong back who is capable of running through tacklers. The difference between Wells and Moreno is their ability to get to the outside. Wells is a bit faster than Moreno and that could be the difference. Concern over Wells may arise when it comes to his durability, but I think his ability will override the concern of the Eagles.

SHOULD TAKE: Wells

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Moreno, Jeremy Maclin

#22 Minnesota Vikings University of Arizona OT Eben Britton
The Vikings had a desire to improve their offensive-line in the off-season when they were preparing to make runs at both Jordan Gross and Vernon Carey. With Steve Hutchinson and Bryant McKinnie on the left side of the line, the Vikings can grab Britton and insert him at right tackle immediately. Britton has long arms and strength that keep defensive lineman away from the quarterback. His athleticism and ability to push rushers wide would allow for a quarterback like Tavaris Jackson to step-up into the pocket or take off running through the hole.

SHOULD TAKE: Britton

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Maclin, Max Unger, Alex Mack

#24 New England Patriots University of Southern California LB Brian Cushing
With Mike Vrabel and Junior Seau gone, the Patriots have a need at linebacker. Last year the team landed a great young linebacker in Jerod Mayo and if they were able to land a player of the caliber of Brian Cushing the Patriots would be filling a hole with a highly skilled player. Cushing is strong in all facets of the game. Cushing is quick to read and react and has the physical tools to do it all. Cushing can blitz the quarterback and drop into coverage, both man and zone. He also possesses strong leadership qualities and a desire to win that would fit right in with the Patriots.

SHOULD TAKE: Cushing

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Moreno, James Laurinaitis

#24 Atlanta Falcons Oklahoma State University TE Brandon Pettigrew
The current group of Falcon tight ends combined for 19 receptions in 2008. After the success of Matt Ryan in 2008, it would seem logical to give your young leader another target. Pettigrew is both an excellent blocker and receiver who gained 40% of his yardage after contact. His size and athleticism make Pettigrew a mismatch for defenders and an ideal target for his own quarterback. Pettigrew would be a great asset for both Ryan and running-back Michael Turner for many years to come.

SHOULD TAKE: Pettigrew

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Louis Delma, Peria Jerry

#25 Miami Dolphins University of Illinois CB Vontae Davis
The difference between Davis and Jenkins as the #1 corner in the draft is small and seeing Davis available at this point in the draft is a great sight for Bill Parcells. The Dolphins brought in Eric Green on a 2-year deal but could still use another quality corner. Davis has a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that can make him a strong corner at the NFL level. Davis is also a solid tackler who can bring the lumber on receivers.

SHOULD TAKE: Jeremy Maclin

OTHER POSSIBILITIES: Maclin, Rey Mauluaga

#26 Baltimore Ravens University of Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin
Maclin has the potential to go in the top 10 of the draft but with teams passing on him due to drafting other needs, the Ravens get a steal with this pick. After top receiver Derrick Mason, Joe Flacco spread the ball around several targets including Todd Heap and Mark Clayton. Maclin’s speed and ability to make defenders miss make him an offensive version of Ed Reed. Maclin would be a big time threat in the slot to begin his career and would also make a very dangerous return man next to Yamon Figurs.

SHOULD TAKE: Maclin

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Mauluaga, Percy Harvin, James Laurinatis

#27 Indianapolis Colts University of Mississipi DT Peria Jerry
The Colts lost both Quinn Pitcock (retirement) and starter Ed Johnson (off-the-field issues) this off-season and are in desperate need to find a big man to place in between Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Jerry is capable of playing both over and next to the nose and he uses his speed to beat blocks off of the snap. Strength and size a bit of a concern, but this is often overlooked in Indi on the defensive side of the ball. Similar to former Colt DT Booker McFarland.

SHOULD TAKE: Jerry

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Ziggy Hood, Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks

#28 Buffalo Bills Northern Illinois University DE Larry English
In order to fill the hole vacated by Jason Peters with pick #11, the Bills passed on DE’s Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson, and Robert Ayers. The top players on the board don’t seem to fit any needs the Bills have so they take a bit of a reach on Larry English. English has strength and long arms that allow him to shed blockers and defend the run. He’s best suited as a pass rusher and his ability to anticipate the snap allows him to use his strength and quickness to get by linemen. His tenacity and explosiveness keep him focused and into the game for the entire sixty minutes.

SHOULD TAKE: English

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Maualuga, Connor Barwin

#29 New York Giants Rutgers University WR Kenny Britt
After releasing Plaxico Burress, the Giants are left with Hixon, Smith, and Manningham as their top three receivers. Unless they are able to acquire someone like Boldin or Edwards via a trade, the Giants best chance to acquire a receiver with size is Kenny Britt. While Percy Harvin is the best receiver on the board, his diminutive size would be a concern for the team. Britt at 6’3”/220lbs, still runs a 4.5 40 and is capable of playing going up to make catches in traffic. Britt uses his hands to catch the ball away from his body and snatch the ball wherever it is thrown. His size helps him create separation from corner at the line and break tackles once he catches the ball.

SHOULD TAKE: Britt

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Harvin, Nicks

#30 Tennessee Titans University of Florida WR Percy Harvin
The Titans are currently looking at starting the 2009 season with second year receiver Lavelle Hawkins as the teams primary slot receiver. The Titans could dramatically upgrade this situation with Percy Harvin here at pick #30. Harvin falls in the draft due to both his size and the rumor that he failed a drug test at the combine, however at this point of the draft the Titans could a playmaker on the outside of the caliber of Harvin. Harvin’s speed would give the Titans another playmaker to go along with Chris Johnson.

SHOULD TAKE: Harvin

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Darius Butler, Alphonso Smith

#31 Arizona Cardinals University of Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno
Edgerin James finished the year unhappy and Tim Hightower came out of nowhere to have a productive season. With that said, the Cardinals go into the draft looking to acquire another quality running back. With Moreno being the second best running back in the draft, getting him at pick #31 would be a great thing for the Cardinals. Moreno has a burst to run the ball up the middle and the tough yardage that can keep drives alive for Kurt Warner. Moreno is physical and does not shy away from conflict; in addition he has the ability to make players miss when in the open field.

SHOULD TAKE: Moreno

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Donald Brown, Alex Mack,

#32 Pittsburgh Steelers University of California C Alex Mack
The Steelers offensive line really struggled in 2008 and as a result the team struggled at times to both run the ball and protect Big Ben. Mack is extremely agile for a man of his size and has the ability to hit linebackers and create room for his running backs. As a center at Cal, he showed he has the ability to call out protection schemes and pass block as well. He struggles at times with big physical defensive tackles, but with a veteran Steeler line he can fit in at guard in his rookie year and move over to center when Justin Hartwig moves on.

SHOULD MAKE: Mack

OTHER POSSIBILITES: Eric Wood, Max Unger, Duke Robinson

Half Jewish Sports March 5th

Julian will be out this week and next due to various commitments so I will be hosting in his stead. Today we will have Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post calling in at five to talk about sports going on in the District. Also we'll cover all of the hoopla surrounding the dismissal of Terrell Owens and the finalizing of the Manny Ramirez deal. Also we'll talk a little spring training, nba, and cover the Shaq Stan Van Gundy Feud.

Half Jewish Sports Episode 18

Ladies and Gentleman, today's special show will lead off with an interview of Washington Post columnist and New York Times best-selling author John Feinstein who will be a part of our program from the onset until close to 4:30 PM.

We also will discuss GW Basketball, NFL Free Agency, the College Hoops scene and Spring Training which has finally begun.

Listen Live from 4-6 PM at gwradio.com

GW Basketball: My One Hope

As a GW sophomore this is what I have left to hope for...

Step 1- After this year

Karl Hobbs gets fired. That's a given. If he stays things aren't getting better. The wheel only gets you so far.

We hire a new coach who understands that basketball is played with five guys on the court. A new coach who understands a basic offensive system is necessary to score and therefore win on a consistent basis. GW has no offense. GW has plays, but there is no OFFENSE! See the difference? Running the wheel or setting a high screen for whomever is playing the five every time down doesn't constitute an offense. An offense is a basic system that requires players to go through the same basic motions each time down the court with different variations substituted into the mix. GW simply runs simple set of a few individual plays. My 7th grade rec center league basketball team had a more complicated scheme.

Bobo on GW hoops cited a Greivis Vazquez quote saying GW was a disorganized team. Now if you aren't familiar with the antics of Greivis Vazquez, I assure you, he isn't one of Mayrland's best and brightest. If he can figure this out, one has to imagine any coach who plays us can easily game plan for the X's and O's master Karl Hobbs.

Step 2-Next year (My junior year)

Hire a new guy, but have a terrible rebuilding year.

If you think this is bad, just wait. Wait till we fire Hobbs Magic and hire some inept assistant manager at Maryland Eastern Shore. On the off chance we hire a coach with a shred of competence, a horrific rebuilding year is still necessary. There will be an exodus of recruits and current players, some will of course stay, but the team will be devastated. The A-10 tournament is a possibility, but the best one can hope for is a 89-41 first round exit at the hands of X. GW puts up 12 points in the first half.

Step 3-My senior year

Respectability?

Maybe. The general rule of thumb is that the minimum amount of time a coach can rebuild a program back to where it once was is three years. Now, "where it once was" is a debatable term for GW, but for sake of argument let's say a winning A-10 record and 18 wins in a season as the bar, with a tournament birth every 3 years. Now I don't think that is an achievable mark in a new coach's second year at a mid major program, but as of now GW does have some young talent. By this time Tony Taylor, Travis King, and Joe Katuka will all be more experienced and potentially well coached. I don't think a winning A-10 record is possible, but maybe 15 wins and a plus .500 record.

I'd take that. At least Longwood would seem beatable again.

The next year and beyond.

It would likely take longer than a three year period for a coach to reach his maximum expectations at a school like GW, but with the new Smith Center, which will bring the arena up from poor to somewhat respectable, although still nothing special, things could look up.

Hey Perry the Lakers Won!!!

We Like Sportz

For my first blog post, I'd like to give a shoutout to all of the diehard sports fanatics out there. I think this video captures the spirit of what I'm trying to say:

Half Jewish Sports Episode 16

After a week of mega-sports news tune in to Half Jewish Sports today at 4PM to hear us discuss the A-rod situation, Favre's retirement, the baseball hot-stove and the college basketball rivalries.

We also will be joined by James Beale of the Philly City Paper to discuss his article yesterday on Karl Hobbs' inability to coach his team properly all while continuing our ongoing discussion of the GW Men's and Women's basketball teams.

Tune in by going to gwradio.com and clicking listen live.

I just though I'd share this today, the day of another rematch in the long history of Celtics victories over the Lakers.

Half Jewish Returns with THE SCHWAB!!!!

Welcome Back for another semester of Half Jewish Sports. We know you have all been anxiously awaiting our return and to reward you for the wait, at 4:20 PM today we will be joined by none other than The Schwab himself from ESPN. Their resident stat man will be on the airwaves today to discuss life at ESPN, how he accumulated his sports knowledge and about creating his niche in Bristol. If you have questions please email them to me at jayg33@gmail.com.

We also should be joined by Paul Kenyon of the Providence Journal to preview some A-10 Basketball and most specifically the matchup between GW and URI This Sunday at the Smith Center.

We will also discuss the NFL Playoffs, the NBA Mid-season, The College Hoops world as well as give our take on the GW Basketball situation as it stands currently. We hope you tune in to gwradio.com today at 4PM because you won't be disappointed.