Ex-Stanford star TE Yurosek commits to Georgia
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Pete Thamel, ESPN
Former Stanford star Benjamin Yurosek, one of the top tight ends in the NCAA transfer portal, has committed to play at Georgia for the 2024 season, he told ESPN.
Yurosek caught 108 balls for 1,342 yards while starting the past three years at Stanford, including leading the Cardinal in receiving yards in 2021 with 658.
He was attracted to how Georgia uses the tight end position and to the competition level in the SEC.
“Obviously Georgia has the best of both worlds,” Yurosek said. “They have big-time football and the use of tight ends.”
Yurosek said the Georgia coaching staff pitched him on the versatility in the tight end position there, which All-American Brock Bowers highlighted resplendently in recent seasons. Bowers emerged as one of the best tight ends in college football and projects as a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Yurosek noted that Georgia used Bowers in the passing game, in blocking schemes and in running the ball, aspects highlighted in Yurosek’s recruitment by coach Kirby Smart, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and tight ends coach Todd Hartley.
Yurosek played just six games in 2023, catching 16 passes for 239 yards, due to a shoulder injury that is not expected to impact him going forward. He also had 11 carries for 53 yards, and he noted that the Bulldogs used Bowers for the occasional handoff as well.
“I like to do everything the tight end can offer,” Yurosek said.
Yurosek said he is finishing up his degree from Stanford this quarter in science, technology and society. That will allow him to maximize his experience at Georgia, as he hopes to have a big season and emerge as a top NFL draft prospect.
After the 2022 season, Yurosek seriously considered going to the NFL draft. He finished second on the team that season with 49 catches and had 495 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. That included a 10-catch performance against Arizona State that was the second-most catches in a game by a tight end in the David Shaw era, behind only Zach Ertz.
Yurosek returned with the idea of establishing himself as a top tight end in the sport in 2023, which the shoulder injury prevented him from doing. He is excited to prove himself against the top competition in the SEC and is expected to be fully healthy for the 2024 season.
Georgia’s tight end room includes Oscar Delp, a rising junior who was an ESPN 300 recruit and started 10 games for the Bulldogs last year, catching 24 balls.
Georgia has a history of using a lot of 12 personnel, which features two tight ends. In 2022, the Bulldogs used it 59% of the time, which was third-highest in the FBS, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That number dipped to 27% last year, in part because of Bowers’ injury.
“This year is going to be about my development in football and preparing myself for next steps for the future,” Yurosek said. “I’m going to make sure I get the most Georgia has to offer, but keep football the main priority.”
Tyler Johnson has announced his retirement after playing 13 NHL seasons and winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Johnson called it a career in a lengthy message posted on social media Monday. Johnson had battled injuries in recent years and is set to turn 35 on July 29.
“As a short kid from a small town, I saw my chances of playing in the NHL as very slim,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “But my family — my parents, Ken and Debbie, and my grandparents — believed in me when doubt clouded my mind. Their unwavering faith turned that dream into reality.”
Listed at 5-foot-8 and 191 pounds, Johnson won at just about ever level, capturing the Western Hockey League and Memorial Cup championships in 2008 with his hometown Spokane Chiefs and the Calder Cup championship with Norfolk of the American Hockey League in 2012.
The NHL brought more success, as he skated in 863 regular-season and playoff games since debuting in the league in 2013, putting up 498 points. Johnson was part of the Lightning’s core when they reached the final in 2015 and helped them hoist the Cup back to back in 2020 and ’21.
Johnson finished with Chicago, playing three seasons with the Blackhawks, and Boston, signing with the Bruins early last season following his training camp tryout.
“After a lifetime devoted to hockey, I’m ready for what’s next,” Johnson said. “This moment is bittersweet, but I leave the game with no regrets.”
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Mammoth re-signed center Jack McBain to a five-year contract worth $21.25 million on Monday.
McBain will count $4.25 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season, which was announced a little more than 24 hours since the team elected salary arbitration with the restricted free agent forward.
“He is a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “Jack is an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building, and we look forward to having him back on our roster for the foreseeable future.”
McBain, 25, is coming off setting a career high with 27 points and playing all 82 games. He was one of six players to skate in every game of the organization’s first season in Salt Lake City.
“Jack’s versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win, are all critical elements to our future team success,” president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said.
McBain has 82 points in 241 games with the franchise, which moved to Utah from Arizona. Since debuting in April 2022, he ranks third in the league with 832 hits.
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