Giants legend Antonio Pierce promoted to DC at Arizona State
Antonio Pierce worked his way up from undrafted rookie to captain of a defense that stifled Tom Brady and the most prolific offense in NFL history in Super Bowl XLII. Now he is climbing the ladder again – in the coaching ranks.
This week, the former Giants linebacker was promoted to defensive coordinator at Arizona State University.
Pierce spent the 2020 season as the team's associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator, helping run the defense alongside former NFL head coach Marvin Lewis. Lewis will now take on a different role as special assistant to the head coach, leaving full responsibility of the defense to Pierce.
The legendary Giants defender first joined the Sun Devils in 2018, where he coached the linebackers for two seasons while also serving as the program's recruiting coordinator.
Prior to jumping to the college ranks, Pierce spent four years as the head coach of Long Beach Poly High School. This was the nine-year NFL veteran's first job in coaching after he spent several years as an NFL analyst for ESPN. He retired from the NFL following the 2009 season.
"I've said it before and it is worth saying again that Antonio Pierce has proven his worth as a person, as a football coach and as a leader of young men while on our staff at ASU," Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards said. "His pedigree and wealth of experience fits perfectly within our Pro Model and with how we do things in our program. I'm so proud of him and I think he is set up to be a Sun Devil for a long while."
Pierce adds the title of defensive coordinator while retaining his positions as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.
"I am looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity to be the Defensive Coordinator at Arizona State," Pierce said. "I have learned so much from Coach Lewis and Coach Edwards during my time here and can't wait to apply that knowledge in this new role. We are excited about the group that we have returning and can't wait to continue to bring in talented Sun Devils."
PFF's top edge defenders in 2021 NFL Draft
The 2021 NFL Draft is still over three months away, but it is never too early to start taking a look at some of the top prospects available in this year's draft class.
One position group the Giants may look to add to this offseason is their edge defenders.
While the free agent class of edge rushers is rather deep this year, there are several intriguing names that will be available in the draft.
Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo released his list of all of the top edge defenders available this offseason, but today we are focusing solely on the draft.
Here are Palazzolo's top nine edge defenders in this year's draft class:
- Kwity Paye, Michigan
- Gregory Rousseau, Miami
- Jayson Oweh, Penn State
- Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
- Carlos Basham Jr., Wake Forest
- Jaelan Phillips, Miami
- Payton Turner, Houston
- Joseph Ossai, Texas
- Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina
Photos of 2021 NFL Draft prospect, Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye.
Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) stops Rutgers running back Raheem Blackshear (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye plays during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) celebrates one of his sacks against Minnesota in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) rushes the quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) defends against Minnesota in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) reaches in on Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) sacks Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) is stopped by Michigan defensive linemen Carlo Kemp (2) and Kwity Paye (19) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye plays against Middle Tennessee in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan's Kwity Paye, top, tackles Northwestern's Clayton Thorson during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Jim Young)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) and Lavert Hill (24) stop Iowa running back Mekhi Sargent (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye reacts after sacking Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) tries to escape a tackle from Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye, bottom, in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey (12) is tackled from behind by Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye, left, in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Ramsey escaped the tackle and rushed for a first down. Michigan won 31-20. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) sacks Rutgers quarterback Artur Sitkowski (8) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye poses for a portrait Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Phoenix. (Todd Rosenberg/NFL)
Photos: 2021 Senior Bowl participants
The 2021 Senior Bowl takes place on January 30 down in Mobile, Alabama.
Before the game kicks off next Saturday, get to know the players who have accepted an invite to this year's festivities in the gallery below.
View photos of players to accept an invite to the 2021 Senior Bowl.
Texas Tech offensive lineman Jack Anderson looks to make a block during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 31-15. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Purdue defensive end Derrick Barnes (55) in action as TCU played Purdue in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Aaron Banks (69) during the second half of the Atlantic Coast Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Wake Forest defensive lineman Carlos Basham Jr. (9) looks to the bench during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Missouri safety Joshuah Bledsoe during an NCAA football game against SEMS on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) throws a pass in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Alabama in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Ohio State linebacker Tuf Borland plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Baylor's William Bradley-King (99) makes a tackle during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Auburn linebacker K.J. Britt (33) lines up against Alabama State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Oklahoma cornerback Tre Brown (6) carries during an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Alabama offensive lineman Deonte Brown (65) prepares to block against Norte Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning (5) pass rushes during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Ohio State defeated Penn State 38-25. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
California cornerback Camryn Bynum, left, intercepts a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
North Carolina running back Michael Carter carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Michigan long snapper Camaron Cheeseman (33) celebrates a 29-yard field goal with in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Michigan won 31-20. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jonathon Cooper (0) makes a move on the field during an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Georgia offensive lineman Ben Cleveland (74) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
South Alabama linebacker Riley Cole (4) during the first half of an NCAA football game against Georgia Southern on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020 in Statesboro, Ga. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Michigan wide receiver Nico Collins (4) runs after a catch in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
LSU defensive back Jabril Cox (19) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
California offensive lineman Jake Curhan (71) lines up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington Statein Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back DJ Daniel (14) moves in position against the Vanderbilt Commodores during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Arizona State wide receiver Frank Darby (84) runs against Sacramento State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Florida defensive back Shawn Davis (6) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Virginia Tech defensive back Divine Deablo (17) plays against Pittsburgh in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Alabama offensive lineman Landon Dickerson (69) sets up to hike the ball against New Mexico State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Kentucky punter Max Duffy (93) punts the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Adrian Ealy (59) during an NCAA college football game against Kansas State Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) throws a pass against Colorado during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg (74) plays against Pittsburgh during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Western Michigan's D'Wayne Eskridge (1) scores a touchdown against Toledo during an NCAA football game on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Western Michigan won 41-38. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan running back Chris Evans rushes for a touchdown against Minnesota in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 49-24. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
UCLA running back Demetric Felton (10) runs to the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Saturday, Dec 12, 2020, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
West Virginia linebacker Tony Fields II (1) intercepts a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Brody Schmidt)
Northwestern linebacker Paddy Fisher (42) lines up on defense during an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-3. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Louisville wide receiver Dez Fitzpatrick runs after a catch for a touchdown against Wake Forest in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. Louisville won 62-59. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Arkansas quarterback Feleipe Franks (13) throws a pass during warmups before an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Missouri safety Tyree Gillespie covers a play against Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. (4) pulls away on an interception return for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Friday, Nov. 23, 2018. Oregon won 55-15. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez)
Ta'Quon Graham (49) celebrates after his sack during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Southern Methodist tight end Kylen Granson (83) competes against Texas State during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 in San Marcos, Texas. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)
Central Florida defensive back Richie Grant covers a Stanford play during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Duke tight end Noah Gray lines up against Alabama during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Florida wide receiver Trevon Grimes (8) sets up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Miami Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Robert Hainsey (72) blocks against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Pittsburgh defensive back Damar Hamlin (3) plays against Virginia Tech in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Alabama running back Najee Harris (22) runs against Florida during the second half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Daelin Hayes (9) plays against New Mexico in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Virginia Tech running back Khalil Herbert (21) carries the ball against Duke during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Durham, N.C. (Nell Redmond/Pool Photo via AP)
Georgia defensive lineman Malik Herring (10) against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill (8) carries during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Justin Hilliard (47) in coverage during an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Oklahoma offensive lineman Creed Humphrey (56) sets up against Oklahoma during the NCAA Cotton Bowl college football game Wednesday, Dec.30, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Kentucky center Drake Jackson (52) calls out instructions to teammates during the second half of the NCAA college football game against Toledo, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019, in Lexington, Ky. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Iowa offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (77) looks to make a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes (76)in the second half overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Boulder, Colo. Colorado won 34-31 in overtime. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
South Dakota State wide receiver Cade Johnson during an NCAA football game against Minnesota Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton- King)
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Patrick Jones II (91) plays against Virginia Tech in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Middle Tennessee offensive lineman Robert Jones (64) plays against North Texas in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a touchdown pass during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Buffalo Bulls defensive end Malcolm Koonce (50) in action against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first half of an NCAA football game on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, in DeKalb, Ill. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (70) plays against Notre Dame during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Georgia defensive back Richard LeCounte (2) drops into coverage in the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Boston College tight end Hunter Long (80) plays against Louisville during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Michigan fullback Ben Mason (42) signals that he's gained a first down in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Maryland in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. Michigan won 42-21. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Georgia tight end Tre' McKitty runs a pattern during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Racey McMath plays against Vanderbilt in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. LSU won 41-7. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Louisiana-Lafayette running back Elijah Mitchell runs up field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Washington defensive back Elijah Molden in action against Oregon State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) passes down field against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. in College Station, Texas. A rare, four-year starting quarterback in the SEC, Mond has become the program's all-time passing leader while guiding the seventh-ranked Aggies to a 3-1 start. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Bowling Green tight end Quintin Morris (80) in action against the Kent State during an NCAA football game on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 in Bowling Green, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Florida State defensive back Hamsah Nasirildeen pursues a play in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
Mississippi lineman Royce Newman (72) blocks against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman (12) throws a pass during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl NCAA college football game against Michigan State Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Oklahoma defensive back Tre Norwood (13) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Vanderbilt defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo (10) picks up a sack against Western Kentucky for a 7-yard loss in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. Vanderbilt won 31-17. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
UCLA defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa (92) stands on the field during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State in Pullman, Wash., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Notre Dame defensive lineman Adetokunbo Ogundeji (91) plays against Alabama during the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Washington defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike (95) picks up a quarterback hit during the first half of the Pac-12 Conference championship NCAA college football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, Nov. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
Tennessee wide receiver Josh Palmer pulls down a reception during the first quarter of the teams NCAA college football game against Missouri on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Memphis place kicker Riley Patterson (36) practices kicking field goals during warmups before an NCAA Cotton Bowl college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)2
Virginia's Tony Poljan scores a touchdown against Virginia Tech during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Blacksburg, Va. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP, Pool)
Clemson's Cornell Powell (17) warms up before an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Dakota State tackle Dillon Radunz blocks against Central Arkansas in the second quarter an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Fargo, N.D. North Dakota State won 39-28. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Oregon State's Hamilcar Rashed Jr. (9) celebrates the team's 41-38 win over Oregon following an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Georgia linebacker Monty Rice (32) warms up before an NCAA college football game against South Carolina Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Columbia, S.C. Georgia won 45-16. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
Central Florida defensive back Aaron Robinson (31) follows a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida State's Janarius Robinson checks his defensive position against Syracuse during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 in Tallahassee Fla. Florida State won 35-17. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)
Clemson's Amari Rodgers (3) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Missouri running back Larry Rountree III (34) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Tulane defensive end Cameron Sample, right, stops a Houston running back during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Ohio State running back Trey Sermon (8) runs with the ball during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame wide receiver Ben Skowronek plays against Boston College during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith (73) blocks against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith runs against Florida after a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith runs for a touchdown against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden (11) in action during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/ Andrew Shurtleff)
LSU safety JaCoby Stevens covers a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Oklahoma running back Rhamondre Stevenson carries the ball in the second half of the team's Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game against Florida in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Houston wide receiver Marquez Stevenson (5) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. (Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.)
Houston linebacker Grant Stuard is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game against BYU, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Washington defensive back Keith Taylor in action against Oregon State during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Michigan defensive back Ambry Thomas plays against Rutgers in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Penn State defensive end Shaka Toney (18) pass rushes during an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney (1) catches a touchdown pass against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask throws a pass during the first half of the team's Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Southern California defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu (93) celebrates after fumble recovery against Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Houston defensive lineman Payton Turner (98) rushes during an NCAA football game against Central Florida on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020 in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Oklahoma State wide receiver Tylan Wallace (2) carries during an NCAA college football game against Texas Tech in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
TCU linebacker Garret Wallow (30) looks on against Oklahoma State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 29-22. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
University of Alabama at Birmingham receiver Austin Watkins starts his route against the University of Akron during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Akron, Ohio. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Rashad Weaver (17) plays against Virginia Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Pittsburgh. Weaver was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team defense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Georgia defensive back Mark Webb covers a kick off against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Cincinnati safety James Wiggins, right, intercepts a pass-attempt in the final moments of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Rodarius Williams during an NCAA football game on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)
Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson (21) fires off the line during an NCAA football game against Boise State on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi tight end Kenny Yeboah (84) plays against Vanderbilt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
