Former Buffalo FB Players Blake Hiligh, Zachary Pilarcek Charged with Animal Cruelty
Jun 30, 2023
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 18: A view of a Buffalo Bulls players helmet on the bench during a game against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers at UB Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Former University of Buffalo football players Blake Hiligh and Zachary Pilarcek have been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty after they were seen on video allegedly beating a dog with a belt.
In a press release from Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, Hiligh and Pilarcek were formally charged with overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance.
The dog, a four-year-old miniature poodle named Kobe, was transported to the SPCA and remains under their care. He was treated for bruises and abrasions.
Per TMZ Sports, both men pleaded not guilty, and Hiligh's attorney spoke to reporters after the arraignment.
"My client regrets the actions," the attorney said. "We love our dogs. We love our pets. Sometimes they do frustrate us. Sometimes we do discipline them sometimes. I don't believe it was in a cruel manner."
Per the D.A.'s press release, the alleged incident took place on June 13 around 9 p.m. local time and the SPCA Serving Erie County seized the dog the following day.
Both men face a maximum one-year prison sentence if they are convicted of the charge.
Pilarcek is scheduled for a court appearance on July 27 at 9:30 a.m. local time. Hiligh is due back in court on Aug. 3 for further proceedings. They were released from custody since the charge is a non-qualifying offense for bail.
TMZ noted prosecutors said Hiligh and Pilarcek were dismissed from the Bulls football team as a result of the alleged incident.
Hiligh, 19, plays cornerback and was going into his redshirt freshman season. Pilarcek, 20, didn't appear in a game for the Bulls as a freshman in 2022.
Desjuan Johnson NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Toledo DL
Apr 15, 2023
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Braxton Burmeister (5) runs the ball against Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Desjuan Johnson (1) during a college football game between the Toledo Rockets and the San Diego State Aztecs on September 24, 2022, at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2⅛"
WEIGHT: 285
HAND: 9¾"
ARM: 31¾"
WINGSPAN: 78⅜"
40-YARD DASH: 5.02
3-CONE: 8.03
SHUTTLE: 4.5
VERTICAL: 29"
BROAD: 9'0"
POSITIVES
– Lightning quick off the ball, quick to react to the snap and has elite acceleration off the line of scrimmage.
– Takes on blocks with good leverage and keeps his feet moving through contact, which, combined with his get-off, can allow him to get penetration or reset the line of scrimmage.
– Attacks the man he's lined up across from and can disrupt the offensive lineman's path to the second level against combo blocks.
– Hustle player with a good pass-rush motor.
– Versatile. He played up and down the defensive line for Toledo, lining up as wide as a 5-technique and as far inside as a nose tackle.
NEGATIVES
– Undersized with poor arm length for an NFL defensive tackle.
– Takes on blocks with his shoulders and head instead of his hands, making getting extension and getting off blocks from offensive linemen difficult.
– Offensive linemen who can either match his leverage or absorb contact will be able to push him out of his gap. Struggles to fight back against pressure from down blocks or if slanting puts him in a bad position.
– Use of hands as a pass-rusher is almost nonexistent.
– Doesn't have a pass-rush move he'll be able to win with.
2022 STATS
– 14 G, 65 total tackles (26 solo), 16.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 1 INT
Desjuan Johnson is an extremely quick defensive tackle, as the first thing that stands out on his tape is his get-off. That can allow him to get penetration and be a disruptor because he'll catch unsuspecting offensive linemen off guard. His quickness and efficient footwork when slanting can be a problem for offenses, too. However, his game is narrow beyond that.
Johnson has a few physical limitations that will be bigger issues at the next level. Most notably, his arms are very short for the position, and that's going to cause him issues when trying to get off blocks as his extension against offensive linemen will be limited.
Also, he's a little light and could afford to get stronger, as he'll get pushed around by linemen who can survive his initial surge at the point of attack.
As a pass-rusher, the Toledo product leaves a lot to be desired. He doesn't use his hands much and lacks a go-to move, as the majority of his production stems from effort/his pass-rush motor. The latter is great to have but won't cut it in the NFL.
Overall, Johnson's position versatility and rare get-off will make him an intriguing developmental prospect for teams. He has experience playing up and down the defensive line in college, which could make him a solid rotational piece down the line.
Jose Ramirez NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Eastern Michigan Edge
Mar 24, 2023
YPSILANTI, MI - SEPTEMBER 21: Eastern Michigan Eagles defensive lineman Jose Ramirez (55) rushes the passer during the Eastern Michigan Eagles versus Central Connecticut Blue Devils game on Saturday September 21, 2019 at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 242
HAND: 8 ¾"
ARM: 32 ¾"
WINGSPAN: 79 ½"
40-YARD DASH: 4.73
3-CONE: 6.95
SHUTTLE: 4.3
VERTICAL: 34.5"
BROAD: 9'10"
POSITIVES
– Good get-off, solid at timing up the snap and accelerates off the line of scrimmage well. Can win with speed when rushing.
– Has a handful of finesse moves he can win with as a pass-rusher; ghost rush (best move), dip-rip and outside stick.
– Does a good job of engaging with a blocker and using his quickness along with a decent push-pull move to escape blocks versus the run and as a counter off his bull rush when rushing the passer.
– Very bendy to turn tight corners at the top of the rush.
– Stays tight to the line of scrimmage when unblocked against the run and has the speed to make plays a few yards past the line from the backside.
– Has enough strength against outside zone to set the edge versus tight ends and is agile enough to avoid getting reached by offensive tackles.
NEGATIVES
– Needs to add size and strength to become an every-down player.
– Lacks the strength and power to win with a bull rush or when turning speed to power in the NFL.
– Doesn't use his hands when working inside stick moves. Has the quickness and athletic ability, but struggles to knock the offensive lineman's hands down, allowing them to catch him and recover.
– Not strong enough to fight back against pressure when slanting. Will get kicked inside.
– Will struggle to shed blocks in the NFL if he can't disengage using his athleticism.
– A 2-star JUCO recruit in the 2019 class, No. 37 DT, per 247 Sports
– 2022 Honors: MAC Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-MAC
– 2021 Honors: Third-Team All-MAC
OVERALL
Jose Ramirez is an impressive athlete who is quick-twitched and very bendy as a pass-rusher. His best move is the ghost rush, and he has a few other tools in his toolbelt that could help him carve out a career as a third-down rusher in the NFL.
However, Ramirez is undersized and needs to get stronger to be an every-down player in the NFL.
Ramirez would be a good scheme fit as a standup outside linebacker for a team that uses odd fronts. Even-front teams might take a flier on him and use him exclusively as a rusher, but it's hard to see him having a career as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end.
The Eastern Michigan product will be a good value pick as a late-round pass-rusher.
Karl Brooks NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Bowling Green DL
Mar 21, 2023
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 25: Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers avoids a rush by Karl Brooks #44 of the Bowling Green Falcons in the second quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Falcons defeated the Golden Gophers 14-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
– Quick off the ball and can get penetration with his get-off alone.
– Sets up his pass-rush moves well by getting to square during the stem phase of the rush and giving himself a two-way go. Also has some quickness and agility to him to get offensive linemen off-balance.
– Has a plethora of inside pass-rush moves that he can win with like a cross chop, hand swipe, swim and spin moves.
– Decent at turning speed to power as a pass-rusher to take advantage of offensive tackles with a weak inside shoulder.
– Against the run, he has some pop to his hands and solid upper-body strength to get some extension.
NEGATIVES
– His two worst games last season came against the highest level of competition he faced, UCLA and Mississippi State, with only one total tackle and no sacks in the two games combined.
– Stands up out of his stance and has poor knee bend, causing him issues holding ground as a run defender, especially against double-teams, and will diminish the effectiveness of his bull rush at the next level.
– Also has wide hand placement as a run defender and isn't strong and violent enough to shed blocks from NFL offensive linemen.
– Late with his hands as a pass-rusher. Better offensive linemen will make the first significant contact.
– Runs out of gas quickly against no-huddle and/or on two-minute drives, diminishing his get-off and explosiveness.
Karl Brooks made a name for himself at this year's Senior Bowl. In Mobile, he had a few impressive wins in the one-on-one pass-rush drills against a higher level of competition than he faced during the season, which has helped elevate his draft stock. He has plenty of upside/potential to be a good interior pass-rusher with his quickness and athleticism.
However, I have concerns about Brooks as a run defender in the NFL, especially as he transitions from college edge to the inside in the pros. His pad level is probably his biggest issue and that's fixable, but he's also a fifth-year senior who still has this problem.
There's also a level of concern with his play strength, and it doesn't help that he struggled against the run versus the only Power Five schools he faced last season. Also, there are some questions about how much his pass-rush production will transfer to the NFL as he benefited from poor offensive tackle play and drawing matchups with tight ends in college.
Brooks' upside is worth taking a flier on in the later rounds/Day 3 of the draft. His tape should catch the eyes of a team looking for a 3-technique who can put pressure on the quarterback. It helps that he has some versatility, having played up and down the defensive line at Bowling Green.
Brett Gabbert, Miami (OH) Top North Texas to Win 2021 Frisco Football Classic
Dec 23, 2021
FRISCO, TX - DECEMBER 23: Miami (Oh) Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) passes during the Frisco Football Classic Bowl between North Texas and Miami (OH) on December 23, 2021 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Miami RedHawks finished the 2021 season with a 27-14 win over the North Texas Mean Green in the Frisco Football Classic on Thursday at Toyota Stadium to finish with a 7-6 record. It was the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
It was a fitting end to the season for the RedHawks, who won four of their final six regular-season games to become bowl eligible. It was also a nice bounce-back win for Miami as it fell short of winning the MAC East Division title with a 48-47 loss to Kent State on Nov. 27.
Before Thursday, Miami hadn't won a bowl game since the end of the 2010 season. It's also the team's third winning season since recording 11 winning campaigns in a row from 1995-2005.
Notable Stats
Brett Gabbert, QB, MU: 22/31 for 228 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT
Austin Aune, QB, UNT: 15/32 for 228 YDS, 0 TD, 2 INT and 9 CAR for 28 YDS, 1 TD
Jack Sorenson, WR, MU: 7 REC for 116 YDS
Kenny Tracy, RB, MU: 14 CAR for 92 YDS, 1 TD
Damon Ward Jr., WR, UNT: 6 REC for 70 YDS
Brett Gabbert, Miami Offense Dominate
It comes as little surprise Gabbert, the brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert, had an impressive evening against the Mean Green.
The sophomore completed 22-of-31 passes for 228 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions. It was his sixth straight game with at least 200 passing yards and two passing touchdowns.
It has been quite the turnaround for Gabbert, who has upped his game over the last several weeks. Though it's worth noting the RedHawks had the best passing offense in the MAC during the regular season, having averaged 282.6 yards in the air over 12 games.
Gabbert entered Thursday's game with a 167.6 passing efficiency rating over his last five games, per Sports Reference. He also threw for 1,682 yards and 17 touchdowns against four interceptions in that span, so it should come as no surprise that he showed out against North Texas.
He made big plays when necessary, including an 11-yard strike to open up the second half to put Miami up 27-14, and didn't turn the ball over once.
It should also be mentioned that Miami entered Thursday's game with a subpar third-down conversion percentage at 38 percent, which ranked 79th in the FBS. Gabbert and Co. converted 50 percent (8-of-16) of their third downs against North Texas, which is a big reason why they won.
However, Gabbert isn't the only reason for Miami's turnaround success.
Senior wide receiver Jack Sorenson finished Thursday's game with seven catches for 116 yards. He entered with 961 yards and six touchdowns in his last seven games, a significant turnaround from the 329 yards and four scores he recorded in the team's first five games of the season.
Freshman running back Kenny Tracy was also impressive, finishing Thursday's game with 14 carries for 92 yards and one touchdown. It was his best game of the season, as his previous high was 50 rushing yards.
Mean Green's Rushing Offense Suffers Without DeAndre Torrey
North Texas' offense had been very one-dimensional during a five-game winning streak to close out the regular season. The Mean Green averaged 283 rushing yards per game in that span, largely because of DeAndre Torrey.
Torrey, who recorded 1,214 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games, missed Thursday's game against Miami for unspecified reasons. However, North Texas was expected to perform well on the ground against Miami as Ikaika Ragsdale and Ayo Adeyi entered having rushed for 511 and 479 yards, respectively.
But Torrey's absence was glaring, as the North Texas offense finished with just 89 rushing yards and two rushing scores among Austin Aune, Ragsdale, Isaiah Johnson and Adeyi.
Further highlighting the team's issues on the ground, the Mean Green entered Thursday's game averaging 246.2 rushing yards per game (fourth in FBS). They didn't even come close to that mark against Miami.
In addition, the Mean Green's passing offense underperformed. Quarterback Austin Aune completed 15-of-32 passes for 228 yards and no touchdowns against two interceptions. One of those turnovers was costly, as the RedHawks charged down the field for a touchdown to go up 20-14.
The Mean Green's offensive struggles highlight how well the RedHawks defense played. Miami's rush defense entered having ranked third in the MAC, allowing just 150.7 yards per game on the ground. With that said, it explains why North Texas' rushing offense struggled.
Oregon OC Joe Moorhead Reportedly Expected to Be Named Akron Head Coach
Dec 1, 2021
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 02: Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead of the Oregon Ducks talks with quarterbacks Tyler Shough #12 and Bradley Yaffe #16 before the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at State Farm Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Akron is expected to finalize the hiring of Oregon offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead following the Pac-12 championship game, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports first reported the Zips identified Moorhead as their top target in their head coaching search.
Bringing the 48-year-old back to Northeast Ohio—he worked on Akron's staff from 2004 to 2008—will be a signal of intent from the school.
The Zips made a pair of bowl games under Terry Bowden in 2015 and 2017 but were unable to establish themselves as an upper-tier Group of Five program. They proceeded to take a big step backward under Tom Arth, posting a 3-27 record over the past three seasons.
Moorhead has served as an offensive coordinator for two schools routinely in the College Football Playoff discussion (Oregon and Penn State), and the former Fordham quarterback spent two years as Mississippi State's head coach with a 14-12 record and two bowl games (both losses).
The 48-year-old's hiring would be a major coup for Akron and a surprise given his profile.
Seriously Moorhead seemed like a guy with pretty decent prospects and he steered straight into the most thankless one.
Perhaps Moorhead is looking to rebuild his reputation as a head coach to put himself in the frame for a Power Five gig in a few years. Winning 10 games with the Zips would almost certainly help him achieve that aim.
The Pittsburgh native may instead be looking to emulate Frank Solich.
Solich was fired by Nebraska in 2003 despite a 58-19 record and landed on his feet at Ohio in 2005. He remained with the Mid-American Conference program for 16 years as the Bobcats became a fixture in bowl season.
While every coach wants to win championships, having long-term job security and becoming a school legend at a program outside the blue bloods can provide a different type of fulfillment.
Considering the state of Akron, Moorhead probably won't yield immediate returns even if he targets reinforcements through the transfer portal. But he should have plenty of time to get the Zips back to relevancy.
Bowling Green HC Scot Loeffler Becomes 1st Coach Ejected Under NCAA Rule from 2016
Oct 30, 2021
Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler looks up at the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. Notre Dame won 52-0. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler made history during Saturday's 56-44 win over Buffalo.
Per ESPN's Heather Dinich, Loeffler became the first coach to be ejected from a game for receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties since the NCAA implemented the rule change in 2016.
The penalties came on back-to-back drives in the third quarter. The first was when Buffalo had the ball and was lining up for a 3rd-and-2 play from Bowling Green's 17-yard line.
The officials called Loeffler for a second penalty during a television timeout after Buffalo scored a touchdown to help cut its deficit to 28-16.
After the second penalty was called, a Bowling Green running back Terion Stewart stepped in to pull his coach away from the officials.
Per The Athletic, the official rule calls for "an automatic ejection for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for any coach or player."
Loeffler's ejection could have been bad news for Bowling Green, as he also serves as the offensive play-caller. Associate head coach Steve Morrison took over play-calling duties for the rest of the game.
Morrison seemed to push all the right buttons in his expanded role. Bowling Green scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to earn its first conference win of the season.
Loeffler is in his third season as Bowling Green's head coach. The 46-year-old has a 6-20 record with the program, including Saturday's victory.
Central Michigan QB John Keller in Serious Condition After Shooting at Party
Apr 25, 2021
Central Michigan's Chippewa Champions Center construction project in the north end zone of Kelly/Shorts Stadium is shown following an NCAA football game against Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Mount Pleasant, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Central Michigan quarterback John Keller is in serious condition after a shooting at an off-campus party Saturday night, per Chris Low of ESPN.
CMU President Bob Davies confirmed the news Sunday that two individuals were shot and both were students. The other student is currently in stable condition.
"Local law enforcement, led by the Isabella County Sherriff, continues to investigate the incident and is searching for the suspect or suspects involved," Davies said.
According to the Central Michigan student newspaper (via Low), a fight broke out at a party, and someone retrieved a weapon from their vehicle before returning and firing at the individuals.
Keller was initially aunranked recruitout of Canton, Ohio, before signing with Cincinnati in the 2018 class. He transferred to JUCO program Pearl River after one year before returning to the Division I level with a transfer to Central Michigan in January 2020.
He sat out last season due to the NCAA transfer rules.
Top Highlights of Buffalo RB Jaret Patterson's Historic Day vs. Kent State
Nov 28, 2020
FILE - In this Sept. 7, 2019, file photo, Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson (26) carries the ball during an NCAA college football game against Penn State in State College, Pa. Patterson's 31 career rushing touchdowns are just four short of breaking the school record held by former NFLer James Starks. What's equally impressive, is how sophomore running back has combined for 490 yards and 11 touchdowns (one receiving) in his past two games alone. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File)
University at Buffalo junior running back Jaret Patterson turned in one of the greatest rushing performances in college football history Saturday, running for 409 yards and eight touchdowns in a 70-41 win over the Kent State Golden Flashes.
Patterson set the single-game Mid-American Conference and Buffalo records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He also tied Illinois running back Howard Griffith for the single-game FBS rushing touchdown record and finished with the second-most rushing yards by an FBS player in a single game.
He surpassed former Wisconsin and current Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon for second place on the single-game rushing yardage list and fell just 18 yards short of matching former Oklahoma and current Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine's record of 427 yards.
Additionally, Patterson became only the second player in FBS history to rush for 300 or more yards in consecutive games, joining Ricky Williams, who accomplished the feat in 1996 for Texas.
Patterson, who entered the game with 511 yards and eight touchdowns in just three contests for the now-4-0 Bulls, padded his stats in a big way against 3-1 Kent State.
The Glendale, Maryland, native accounted for each of Buffalo's five first-half touchdowns, as he scored on runs of three, 31, 42, 49 and one yards, and also rushed for 267 yards on 18 carries in the first half:
Jaret Patterson is wearing the No. 41 today to honor Solomon Jackson who passed away in 2016. Patterson today has 4 rushes for 101 yards and 2 TDs. pic.twitter.com/wh49C7YpZi
By virtue of Patterson's dominance, UB entered the locker room with a 35-24 lead in a game that was huge in deciding which team represents the East division in the MAC title game.
With Patterson leading the way, Buffalo rushed for 293 yards in the first half and racked up 389 yards of offense.
Patterson could have stopped there, but he was far from done, as he rushed for 142 more yards and three more touchdowns in the second half.
The record-setting running back's second-half touchdowns came from seven, 11 and 58 yards out:
Jaret Patterson ties his career high for rushing touchdowns in a game with SIX!! pic.twitter.com/GGXD3m84ap
Patterson had a chance to break the FBS single-game rushing yardage and touchdown records on UB's final drive, but head coach Lance Leipold pulled him in favor of backup Kevin Marks, who rushed for 97 yards and two scores on the day.
Overall, UB rushed for 515 yards as a team and gained 663 total yards. It also took firm control of the MAC East and is currently in line to play for the MAC title.
While Patterson will not receive Heisman Trophy consideration since he plays in the MAC and the Bulls will play no more than seven games, it can be argued there is no better running back in college football.
Patterson will almost certainly shatter most career UB rushing records if he returns in 2021 for his senior season, though he could be one of the top backs off the board in the 2021 NFL draft.
Regardless of what the future holds for Patterson, Buffalo's success in the 2020 campaign rests solely with his legs.
Video: Western Michigan Shocks Toledo with Fake Spike on Game-Winning TD
Nov 12, 2020
Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby, left, reacts to pressure BYU linebacker Sione Takitaki (16) in the second half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl an NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 21, 2018, in Boise, Idaho. BYU won 49-18. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Film session is not going to be much fun for Toledo's football team on Thursday. On the other hand, it'll be a riot for Western Michigan.
The Broncos (2-0) pulled off an incredible fake spike with 20 seconds left in regulation and trailing by four for the game-winning touchdown as a stunned Rockets team helplessly stood by.
Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby marched the Broncos 51 yards in four plays, reaching the Toledo 9-yard line with an 18-yard pass to D'Wayne Eskridge. With the clock running, Eleby hurried his offense to the line and motioned for a spike. Toledo bought it, never noticing Jaylen Hall take off from the line of scrimmage and become the only player on either team inside the end zone.
All Eleby needed was a soft pass to a wide-open receiver to capture the 41-38 victory.
The Broncos scored 13 straight points and recovered an onside kick with 44 seconds remaining to keep the game alive. It paid off in a massive way only moments later.
