MARK LONG Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, center, performs a drill as defensive end Arik Armstead (91) looks on during a team NFL football practice, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Mass in the past: Josh Hines-Allen and his Jaguars teammates slim down in hopes of turning up

June 7, 2025

Josh Hines-Allen tipped the scales like never before in 2024. The seventh-year pro beefed up to 285 pounds at the behest of former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whose “mass kicks ass” motto was a mainstay during the offseason and in training camp. It was catchy — and ultimately consequential. Hines-Allen and several defensive teammates swelled past the point of stout, and it showed on the field. The Jaguars ranked 31st in the NFL in total defense last season. With Nielsen gone, so is the weight. Hines-Allen and several defensive teammates have slimmed down in hopes of turning up their performance this season.

President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts the 2025 NCAA Champion, University of Florida men's basketball team in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington, as head coach Todd Golden, listens at right. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Florida coach Todd Golden reaps rewards of national title, including reloading his roster

May 22, 2025

It would be tough to top the month Florida coach Todd Golden has enjoyed since winning the national championship. Golden and the Gators visited the White House, a trip that included an invitation to the Oval Office. He landed one of the top guards in the transfer portal, Arkansas’ Boogie Fland. He threw out the first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game. He received the Winged Foot Award at the New York Athletic Club — along with a yearlong membership to the famed golf club. And he signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract extension. Golden says “there’s no guarantee that you’ll ever get this opportunity again.”

FILE - Arkansas guard Boogie Fland (2) runs a play against Florida during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)

Former Arkansas standout Boogie Fland commits to national champion Florida

May 20, 2025

Former Arkansas standout Boogie Fland, widely considered the top guard in the transfer portal, has chosen to play for defending national champion Florida. Fland committed to coach Todd Golden following a two-day visit to Gainesville and posted his decision on Instagram. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Fland averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 21 games with the Razorbacks last season. He joins Princeton transfer Xaivian Lee and Ohio University transfer AJ Brown in Florida’s revamped backcourt.

MARK LONG Sports Writer.

Mass in the past: Josh Hines-Allen and his Jaguars teammates slim down in hopes of turning up

Florida coach Todd Golden reaps rewards of national title, including reloading his roster

Former Arkansas standout Boogie Fland commits to national champion Florida

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