Mississippi’s Robert Nkemdiche is in stable condition after falling 15 feet from a wall
While Robert Nkemdiche might not have been as productive as many expected during his college career, his size, strength and athleticism will excite any defensive line coach. He’d be a good end to put opposite J.J. Watt in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 scheme. Team needs: TE, DE, OG, S
Police said star Mississippi football player Robert Nkemdiche was hospitalized after falling from a wall at an Atlanta hotel.
Department spokeswoman Kim Jones said it appeared that Nkemdiche, 21, broke a hotel room window, walked about 15 feet, climbed over a wall and fell roughly 15 feet late Saturday night.
Jones said Nkemdiche was alert and conscious when emergency responders arrived and he was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Jones said authorities found what appeared to be a small amount of marijuana in Nkemdiche’s room and he was hospitalized in stable condition.
Nkemdiche, a junior, is a defensive tackle from Loganville, Ga.
Ole Miss Coach Hugh Freeze sent out a release through the school on Sunday saying: “We are still learning about the matter, but obviously Robert’s well-being is our greatest concern.”
The 6-foot-4, 296-pound Nkemdiche is considered a potential first-round NFL draft pick this spring. He was the consensus top recruit in the country three years ago, anchored the Rebels’ defensive line this season and was selected to the Associated Press All-America second team on Sunday.
Ole Miss, which has a 9-3 record this season, will face Oklahoma State in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The Rebels are scheduled to begin practice for the Sugar Bowl on Monday.
Henry highlights AP team
Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry of Alabama and finalists Deshaun Watson of Clemson and Christian McCaffrey of Stanford highlight the Associated Press All-America team.
The team features Henry and Leonard Fournette of Louisiana State as first-team running backs. Watson is the quarterback on the first team. McCaffrey, who set an NCAA record for all-purpose yards this season, made the first team as an all-purpose player.
No. 2 Alabama and No. 18 Baylor have the most players on the first team with three apiece.
UCLA senior Ka’imi Fairbairn was the first-team kicker.
USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster made the second team, and Trojans linebacker Su’a Cravens made the third team. UCLA defensive tackle Kenny Clark also made the third team.
Coach hired
East Carolina hired Duke offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery as its head coach, Athletic Director Jeff Compher announced.
Montgomery will be formally introduced Monday and will start his new job Jan. 1. Contract details were not immediately available.
In searching for a replacement for the fired Ruffin McNeill, Compher said he wanted “a fierce competitor who will lead our football program to championships, while equally demanding academic success.”
This is the first head coaching position for the 37-year-old Montgomery, who has served two stints at Duke with a three-year run on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ staff in between.
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