Arkansas sees third offensive lineman go down with injury

By John TaylorAug 8, 2018, 7:33 AM EDT

It’s been a rough stretch, to say the least, for the Big Uglies in Arkansas’ trenches over the last couple of months.

Colton Jackson had been expected to start at left tackle for the Razorbacks, but will instead miss the first six games of the 2018 season, at least, because of a back issue. Another tackle, Ryan Winkel, will very likely miss the entire 2018 season because of a torn pectoral muscle.

Tuesday, Chad Morris confirmed that offensive guard Deion Malone will be sidelined for all of the upcoming season because of a significant knee injury. The lineman suffered the injury during a pass-rush drill in Monday’s practice.

That night, Malone underwent surgery to repair the unspecified damage.

Malone spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at the junior college level. The Mississippi native transferred to the Razorbacks in 2016, but took a redshirt that year. He did not see the field in 2017, either, but had been expected to be a part of the Razorback’s line rotation in some form or fashion prior to the injury.

Former Navy coach Niumatalolo joins UCLA staff

Associated PressMar 31, 2023, 6:34 PM EDT

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LOS ANGELES – Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is joining UCLA’s coaching staff as director of leadership.

The school said in an announcement Friday that Niumatalolo will serve as an advisor to the Bruins’ football staff and players.

Niumatalolo led Navy for 15 years and was the winningest coach in school history at 109-83. The Midshipmen, however, finished with losing records the past three seasons, including 4-8 the past two.

Navy played in 10 bowl games under Niumatalolo. He also was the only coach to win his first eight games in the storied Army-Navy rivalry.

Troy, Jon Sumrall agree to new 4-year contract through 2026

Associated PressMar 27, 2023, 8:45 PM EDT

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TROY, Ala. ⁠— Jon Sumrall agreed to a new four-year contract as Troy’s coach after leading the Trojans to a Sun Belt Conference championship and national ranking in his debut season.

The school announced the deal, which runs through 2026, but didn’t release details.

The Trojans went 12-2 and won their final 11 games, second only to national champion Georgia, including the league championship game and the Cure Bowl against UTSA. For the first time, they finished a season ranked, ending up 19th in The Associated Press Top 25.

“When we appointed Coach Sumrall in December 2021, we challenged him to return Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt Conference,” Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “It didn’t take long, as the 2022 season was the best in our FBS history.”

Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, beating UTSA 18-12. The Trojans beat Coastal Carolina 45-26 in the Sun Belt title game.

“Last year was an amazing accomplishment for everyone associated with Troy football and was the product of relentless effort from our players and staff, athletic administration and university leaders,” Sumrall said.