Archives for April 2020

‘With Epenesa going at No. 54, he’s in line for a $5.8 million contract and a $1.8 million signing bonus, according to Spotrac.com.’

‘The 6-foot-6, 280-pound all-American led the Hawkeyes in sacks in each of the past two seasons and led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks as a junior while earning all-conference honors despite playing a reserve role as part of a rotation at an end position on the Hawkeye defensive line.’

‘Epenesa said during a conference call Friday he was somewhat disappointed when he wasn’t taken earlier, but likes the idea of joining a defense which ranked third in the NFL in fewest yards allowed. “This defense has proven what it can do and they’re adding me to it, so they believe that I can contribute,” Epenesa said. “My mindset coming in is that I’m helping team as much as I can.”‘

‘Bills starter Josh Allen was the first player Epenesa sacked in his first college game in 2017.’

‘Epenesa will join a Buffalo team on the rise. The Bills placed second in the AFC East with a 10-6 record a year ago. Buffalo dropped a 22-19 decision to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card Game.’

‘Within minutes of AJ’s name being called, neighbors quickly flocked to the Epenesa front yard to wish the newest member of the NFL good luck with a champagne celebration and horns honking.’

‘Moss, last season’s Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,416 yards and 16 touchdowns, was projected as a likely second-day pick, but was selected after a handful of running backs he was predicted to go before. Moss was ultimately the eighth running back taken on Friday night between the second and third rounds.’

‘Moss returned to the Utes for his senior campaign in 2019 after having his junior season cut short by injury, and he responded by surpassing Eddie Johnson as the program’s all-time leading rusher by midseason, finishing his Utah career with 4,167 rushing yards. He broke six school records in 2019, was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the year and ended the season with 1,416 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in earning All-America honors.’

‘“He’s calm off the field,” said Chaminade-Madonna coach Dameon Jones, who coached Moss for his senior season with the Chargers, “but on the field he’s a monster.”’

‘“He was an all-around back,” said Jones, who is now the head coach at Chaminade-Madonna. “He was a gamer. There were a lot of games he won by himself. Just talking about a kid with tremendous power and strength and speed and vision for a back. And he catches the ball just like a receiver coming out of the backfield. I knew he was going to be special.”’