The college football talking season begins as SEC Media Days get underway today in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron is one of three coaches who will speak today. 24-7 sports college football writer Brandon Marcello says the Tigers could contend for an SEC title this year after a 5-and-5 campaign in 2020

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A pair of LSU defensive backs in Derek Stingley Jr. and Elias Ricks have been named to the pre season Bednarik Award watch list, which is given to the best defensive player in college football.  Also on the list is Ragin Cajuns junior safety Bralen Trahan, who led the Cajuns with four interceptions last season.

Also LSU sophomore receiver Kayshon Boutte and ULL senior quarterback Levi Lewis have both been named to the pre-season Maxwell award watch list, presented yearly to the outstanding player in college football.

A couple of more players from Arizona are following new LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to Baton Rouge. Third-year pitcher Bryce Collins says he’s transferring to LSU. He has not pitched since 2019. And Left-hander Riley Cooper has also made the decision to join the Tigers. He made 29 appearances last season and had 4.88 ERA for the Wildcats.

LSU sophomore outfielder Mitchell Sanford has entered the NCAA transfer portal. While LSU starting pitcher A-J Labas has signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent.

Live Oak catcher Blaise Priester has committed to LSU. He hit .426 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI as a senior. He also threw out 55-percent of the base runners who tried to steal against him.

Lafayette Christian defensive back Jordan Allen has committed to Penn State. 24-7 sports ranks Allen as the 34th best safety in the nation. L-C-A has two players committed to Power 5 schools, Lineman Fitzgerald West Junior has given a verbal pledge to LSU.

In a sign that the football season is right around the corner, SEC Media Days kicks off today in Birmingham, Alabama. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron will speak at 1:40 PM. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 5-and-5 season and there are questions about Orgeron’s long-term job security, especially if LSU has another mediocre campaign. But LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network, Glen Guilbeau, says there’s also an expectation among media members that the Bayou Bengals could have a really good season this year…
cut 13 (11) “…pretty high”
Florida and South Carolina will also take the stage at SEC Media Days today.

Collin Morikawa won the British Open yesterday. It’s the second major championship for the 24-year-old from California. He won the PGA Championship eleven months ago.

A couple of more players from Arizona are following new LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to Baton Rouge. Third-year pitcher Bryce Collins says he’s transferring to LSU. He has not pitched since 2019. And Left-hander Riley Cooper has also made the decision to join the Tigers. He made 29 appearances last season and had 4.88 ERA for the Wildcats.

LSU sophomore outfielder Mitchell Sanford has entered the NCAA transfer portal. While LSU starting pitcher A-J Labas has signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent.

Live Oak catcher Blaise Priester has committed to LSU. He hit .426 with 10 home runs and 44 RBI as a senior. He also threw out 55-percent of the base runners who tried to steal against him.

Lafayette Christian defensive back Jordan Allen has committed to Penn State. 24-7 sports ranks Allen as the 34th best safety in the nation. L-C-A has two players committed to Power 5 schools, Lineman Fitzgerald West Junior has given a verbal pledge to LSU.

The NFL has announced Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata will be suspended without pay for the first six games of the upcoming season. That’s the result of testing positive for a banned substance. In a post on Instagram, Onyemata says he’s never knowingly took anything that could cause a positive test and he’s still trying to figure out what supplement he took that led to it. He will be eligible to return for the Saints’ Week 8 game on October 31st. Onyemata had 6.5 sacks last season.

Former Saints wide receiver Ted Ginn Junior has retired after a 14-year career in the NFL. The former Ohio State standout played for the Black and gold for three seasons, 2017 to 2019. He caught 100 passes for 14-hundred yards and eight touchdowns during that time.

Tonight is Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The series is tied at two games apiece between the Suns and Bucks. Game 5 is in Phoenix at 8 PM.

There’s a lot of LSU baseball news to get to today. A couple of more players from Arizona are following new LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to Baton Rouge. Third-year pitcher Bryce Collins says he’s transferring to LSU. He has not pitched since 2019. And Left-hander Riley Cooper has also made the decision to join the Tigers. He made 29 appearances last season and had 4.88 ERA.

LSU sophomore outfielder Mitchell Sanford has entered the NCAA transfer portal. While LSU starting pitcher A-J Labas has signed with the Twins as an undrafted free agent.

This week, Johnson completed his staff with the hiring of Marc Wanaka, who has been with Johnson for the last eight years at Nevada and Arizona. Johnson says Wanaka will be his volunteer hitting coach…
cut 17 (12) “…of time”

Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata announced on his Instagram page that he will be suspended for part of the upcoming season after testing positive for a banned substance. Onyemata says he’s surprised and disappointed with this news, but he’s responsible for what he puts in his body. He says he never knowingly took anything to cause a positive test. No word on what the substance was or how long he’ll be suspended.

Saints safety Marcus Williams will play the 2021 season on the franchise tag after failing to reach a long-term contract with New Orleans by yesterday’s 3 PM deadline. Williams will make about 13-million dollars this season.

Louisiana Tech has signed men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol to a contract extension that would keep him in Ruston through the 2025-26 season. In six seasons at Tech, Konkol has a 129-and-65 record. The Bulldogs have won 20-plus games in five of those seasons.

Louisianans in 47 parishes can now play online fantasy sports through Draft Kings after the Gaming Control Board approved a license for them. Louisiana Gaming Enforcement Division Trooper Joseph Hall says they conducted a thorough background check of Draft Kings…
Cut 13 (07) “…industry.”
DraftKings launched the first mobile fantasy gaming app in 2013 and is available in 43 states.

Devin Fontenot is one of several LSU Tigers coming back next season to play for new head coach Jay Johnson. Fontenot has served as the Bayou Bengals closer the last couple of seasons, but the right-hander hopes to earn a spot in the starting rotation in 2021….
cut 18 (18) “…better”
There are open spots available. Landon Marceaux and A-J Labas were weekend starters last season are not expected to return.

The Saints and Safety Marcus Williams did not agree on a long-term contract by a Thursday three o’clock deadline and Williams will play this season on a franchise tag. Williams will make 13-million dollars this season and the Black and Gold could place Williams on the franchise tag again next year

The Southland Conference has announced its preseason All-Conference teams and Southeastern Louisiana leads the way with 16 selections. Southeastern quarterback Cole Kelley, the reigning Walther Payton Award winner was named first-team quarterback. Nicholls wide receiver Dai’Jean Dixon and Northwestern State running back Scooter Adams were also first-team selections.

Louisiana Tech has signed men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol to a contract extension that would keep him in Ruston through the 2025-26 season. In six seasons at Tech, Konkol has a 129-and-65 record. The Bulldogs have won 20-plus games in five of those seasons.

With The MLB draft in the books, LSU coach Jay Johnson can get a feel for what his roster may look like next season. The Tigers return every starting position player from last year’s team and several key pitchers elected to return to LSU. Johnson says a veteran presence is a positive
Cut 16 (16) “…high level”

In 2018, voters in 47 parishes approved the legalization of online fantasy sports betting and the Louisiana Gaming Control Board yesterday approved a license for Draft Kings to operate in those 47 parishes. State Police Gaming Division Audit Director Jeff Traylor says on how much tax revenue Draft Kings could generate for Louisiana…
cut 14 (06) “…state”

The NBA finals is now tied at two games a piece as the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Phoenix Suns last night 109-103.  Khris Middleton led the way offensively for the Bucks, pouring in a team-high 40 points.  Former Pels guard Jrue Holiday added 13 points with seven rebounds and seven assists.  Former New Orleans star Chris Paul had his worst game of the season, scoring just 10 points and had five turnovers.

D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers reports that LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has hired Marc Wanaka as his volunteer coach. Wanaka has spent the last six seasons at Arizona with Johnson and he’ll assist hitting in Baton Rouge.

Southeastern Louisiana University unveiled a new look as new branding beginning in the 2021 football season.  The new branding was part of a university-wide initiative to enhance the Southeastern image and visual presence.  The school will also have a new turf field at the football stadium.

The Manning Passing Academy will return to the Nicholls State campus this summer after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp put on by the Manning family has several college quarterbacks helping out as counselors.  Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says it’s exciting to have the camp back in action.

Cut 10 (13) “university”

LSU quarterbacks Max Johnson and Myles Brennan will both be counselors.

McNeese head baseball coach Justin Hill has signed a three-year contract extension with a fourth-year rollover after guiding the Cowboys to a second consecutive Southland Conference Tournament championship and a NCAA Regional appearance this past season.  In eight seasons with the program, Hill has compiled a 332-192 career record, ranking him second in school history for wins.

The Milwaukee Bucks evened up the NBA Finals last night at two games apiece with an entertaining 109- to 103 victory over the Suns. Former Pelican Jrue Holiday had 13 points, seven assists, and three steals. One of those steals occurred with 32 seconds left. Chris Paul was the one who gave the ball up. C-P-3 had five turnovers and just ten points. Game five is Saturday in Phoenix.

D-1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers reports that LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has hired Marc Wanaka as his volunteer coach. Wanaka has spent the last six seasons at Arizona with Johnson and he’ll assist with the offense.

The Sun Belt announces Commissioner Keith Gill has signed a contract extension and will remain the top decision-maker of the league through June 30, 2026. Gill has been leading the Sun Belt since March 2019. He’s the first black Commissioner in F-B-S history and is also serving on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Committee.

The Manning Passing Academy makes its first return to the Nicholls State campus today as over one thousand high school quarterbacks and receivers will participate at the nation’s premier football camp. Nicholls athletic director Jonathan Terrell says the South Louisiana Economic Council estimates the M-P-A injects as much as 4.5 million dollars into the local economy…
cut 11 (12) “….through us”
LSU Quarterbacks Max Johnson and Myles Brennan will serve as camp counselors, along with U-L Lafayette’s Levi Lewis, McNeese’s Cody Orgeron and Nicholls Lindsey Scott, plus dozens of other college QBS from across the country.

Former Saints tight end Ben Watson will serve as a studio analyst this college football season for the SEC Network.

If the Saints were interested in signing veteran cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, they probably are not anymore. The former Seahawk and 49er is expected to make his first court appearance today after an alleged domestic violence incident and hit-and-run.

We are just 52 days away from the start of LSU’s 2021 football season as they will take UCLA in the Rose Bowl to open the season.  The Tigers return five starters from last year’s offensive line but will have to adjust to a new coach a Brad Davis replaces James Cregg as LSU’s offensive line coach.  Offensive Lineman Austin Deculus says he’s excited about coach Davis.

Cut (23) “very beneficial”

Deculus will represent LSU at SEC media days next week along with Derek Stingley Jr.

Game four of the NBA Finals is tonight as the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks will face off.  Phoenix has a 2-1 series lead.

The LSU baseball team lost pitchers Landon Marceaux and Jaden Hill to the MLB draft but were able to retain every starting position player as well as pitchers Ma’khail Hilliard and Devin Fontenot.  AJ Labas was not selected in the draft and could possibly return.  New LSU recruiting coordinator Dan Fitzgerald says the current roster really doesn’t have any holes.

Fitzgerald (09) “the mound”

LSU will add Southeastern Louisiana left-hander Trey Shaffer to the rotation.  He struck out 59 batters in just 40 innings of work this past season for the Lions.

A couple of Ragin Cajuns were drafted yesterday. Pitcher Conor Angel was selected in the 15th round by the Rays while catcher Drake Osborn went in the 19th round to the New York Mets.

Louisiana Tech center fielder Parker Bates was drafted in the 9^th round by the Kansas City Royals.

The Saints announce they will begin training camp practices on Thursday July 29th. There will be seven practices open to the public starting on July 30th at the team’s training facility in Metairie. Fans wishing to attend can register at new-orleans-saints-dot-com. Tickets are free.

Will the Superdome be filled to capacity when New Orleans hosts Green Bay in the season opener? Health officials are concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations as a result of the Delta variant. The city’s health director says they need to see what happens with this more dangerous strain.

SEC Media Days are next week in Birmingham. Coach Ed Orgeron is scheduled to speak on Monday. Orgeron says star cornerback Derek Stingley Junior and veteran offensive tackle Austin Deculus will also represent LSU on that day.

Game 4 of the NBA Finals is tonight. Phoenix has a two games to one lead over Milwaukee.

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No LSU players were selected on the final day of the Major League Baseball Draft and a bunch of players announced they are coming back to play for the Tigers next season, including veteran pitchers Devin Fontenot and Ma’Khail Hilliard. Fontenot may get the opportunity to start next season.

Also returning are position players Gavin Dugas, Giovanni DiGiacomo and Drew Bianco. The Tigers have also added a transfer pitcher from Southeastern Louisiana. Left-hander Trey Shaffer had an ERA near five last season, but struck out 59 in 40 innings.

A couple of Ragin Cajuns were drafted yesterday. Pitcher Conor Angel was selected in the 15th round by the Rays while catcher Drake Osborn went in the 19th round to the New York Mets.

For the eighth straight year the American League defeated the National League in the M-L-B All-Star game. The A-L won five to two. Former LSU Tiger Kevin Gausman did not pitch in his first All-Star game experience.

No LSU players were taken during the third and final day of the Major League Baseball Draft. So that means just two Tigers were selected during the 20 round draft, pitchers Jaden Hill and Landon Marceaux, who are expected to sign professionally. Closer Devin Fontenot, left fielder Gavin Dugas and starting pitchers A-J Labas and Ma’Khail Hilliard could have been drafted but were not. Fontenot, Dugas and Hilliard have all announced they are returning.

And Southeastern Louisiana left-hander Trey Shaffer announces he’s transferring to LSU. He had 4.95 ERA last season for the Lions.

Louisiana Tech All-American centerfielder Parker Bates was drafted in the ninth round by the Kansas City Royals. The Tyler, Texas native led the Conference USA in on-base percentage this past season.

The Ragin Cajuns lost two pitchers in the draft as Spencer Arrighetti and Connor Cooke were taken in the sixth and tenth rounds respectively. Righetti was selected by the Astros while the Blue Jays picked Cooke.

There’s no guarantee that Saints will be at full capacity this season. New Orleans Health Director Doctor Jennifer Avegno expressed concern today about the Delta variant and the increasing number of COVId cases and hospitalizations across Louisiana. 63-percent of Orleans Parish residents are fully vaccinated, but that percentage is much lower statewide. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we need to concentrate on reversing the surge as soon as possible, and 94-percent of the COVID cases since May, are among those unvaccinated.

SEC Media Days are next week. Coach Ed Orgeron told ESPN Baton Rouge this morning that star cornerback Derek Stingley Junior and starting right tackle Austin Deculus will represent LSU.

Brandon Chambers has been named assistant to the head coach for the LSU men’s basketball program. He’s spent the last two seasons as an assistant at Texas Southern, before that he was at the University of Nevada for three seasons.