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Articles by Aaron Ball
From Economic to Entrepreneurial Geology
In my last article I talked about the transferable skills of a geoscientist: The skills of the exploration geologist are transferable to other industries. Whether mapping mineral deposits for petroleum prospects, delineating pollution for damage-cost assessments or using mapping software to measure geographic features of the Earth, the skills of exploration are transferable to a variety of industries. Let’s dig deeper into this thought. Economic analysis is familiar to many AAPG members.
Exploration Geologists Are a Critical Resource
In my last article, “Criticality and Energy Minerals,” you read about the term “criticality” and learned some of the context behind it from a risk-assessment standpoint. You also read about the duality of industrial and military utilization that plagues critical-mineral supply chains. It is important that we understand that “criticality” refers to a single point of failure in the critical-mineral supply chain.
African American History Month: The 9 Greatest HBCU Grads In The NFL Ever
HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) have been defining football as we know it since 1892, when Biddle College and Livingstone College faced off in the snow (my article on that game is here). Many mark that day in sports as the day that black college football was born. Due to systemic racism, HBCUs are often underfunded and overlooked.
2024 New York Giants Draft Needs
With the NFL 2023 season over and the draft coming soon, the New York Giants draft must be perfect. For the New York Giants’ draft needs, they must fix their offensive line in the first round next season. The Giants’ offensive line was one of the worst throughout the last season and needs fixing. Another fix for the Giants is addressing their wide receiver with potential talent in the second round. The Giants could add more to help the team, even with the current receiver core.
2024 Jacksonville Jaguars Mock Draft: Big Additions Up Front
With the Jaguars’ 2023 season ending in disappointment, there are a lot of positions to address in the 2024 offseason. Both sides of the ball deserve attention, and the 2024 NFL draft presents an opportunity for the Jaguars to make their roster better. In this Jaguars mock draft, the Jaguars will address key needs along both lines, as well as add much-needed depth to the cornerback room.
Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Draft Guide
The Minnesota Vikings had a turbulent year last season. Turnovers hampered them as they started the season 1-4. Next, the team rattled off five straight victories including signature wins over Green Bay and San Francisco. Finally, after quarterback Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles injury, the team went into a nosedive going 1-6 to end the season. The Vikings enter their postseason with more questions than answers. Cousins and edge Danielle Hunter are both free agents.
Buffalo Bills: 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Looking forward to this year’s upcoming 2024 NFL draft, as this time it will be held in the motor city of Detroit, Michigan. It will be held from April 25 to April 27. The Buffalo Bills will boast 10 draft selections, emphasizing adding more big-play receivers, while increasing their Interior d-line. They had nine picks but earned an additional compensatory pick from the Chicago Bears, by releasing former LB Tremaine Edmunds in 2023 during free agency.
African American History Month: Rookie Coach and Player Show Black Excellence In 2024
In honor of African American History Month 2024, we will talk about one of the most talented pairs of black rookies ever in the NFL. As we know, black quarterbacks are still significantly underrepresented, along with African American head coaches. The combination of a brand new starting QB and head coach being both black and on the same team is unprecedented. Both being of pro-bowl quality in their first year is even rarer.
49ers Defensive Coordinator Watchlist
Just days following the Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator, Steve Wilks was relieved of his duties. Now it is time to look for a new coordinator, and attempt to pick up where they left off. The San Francisco defense did well stopping Patrick Mahomes in the big game, but there were still numerous issues throughout that season. Whatever the reasons he was let go, it is now time to look at who the next 49ers coordinator will be.
4 New Rules-Combined-From USFL in Year One of Merger
Saturday, Mar. 30, and Sunday, Mar. 31, 2024, will be the first two days of the UFL season. By kicking off another new edition of Professional Spring football, this season will hopefully prove that the merger between the XFL-USFL will finally be the solution to have spring football be permanent. On Feb 24, all eight UFL teams will report to their respective training camps. This way, the teams, coaches, and players will have time to transition to getting into shape and getting to know one another.
African American History Month 2024: Black Women Excellence In The NFL
To kick off African American History Month 2024, we will discuss all of the black women’s excellence in the NFL. Particularly all of the black women who are the first to accomplish incredible things. We should have had black women in these positions and more far before, but we’ll celebrate that it is happening. As a white woman, I experience the impacts of sexism in the NFL and sporting world.
New York Jets' Breece Hall Snubbed from Consideration From
Breece Hall, the New York Jets Running Back, is not being considered for a top award among athletes. The second-year back was only a few yards shy of 1,000 rushing yards this season. In Week 18’s 17-3 victory over the New England Patriots, Hall registered 37 carries for 178 yards. Hall finished this season with 994 total yards rushing. He also racked up 1,585 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns for the season.
Syracuse Football: Adding Key Players for 2024 Season
While the NFL season is coming to a close, college football recruiting is still going strong. If you’re Syracuse football, you appreciate the value Fran Brown is bringing with how he has attracted top players to come to play football in the Northeast. Before the new coaching staff arrived, you have to go back to the Dick McPherson and Paul Pasqualoni days when Syracuse football used to be a recruiting machine and a big-time powerhouse in the Northeast region.
10 Scariest Players In The NFL
The 10 scariest players in the NFL come from past decades, mostly from a lack of rules and regulations back in the day. Players today would be able to raise their scary factor exponentially if they didn’t have to worry about the whole player safety thing. Where are these well-seasoned, scary former players today? The Sportster created a fantastic list of the 10 scariest NFL players ever.
What areas Do you Think the Buffalo Bills should improve on?
Another season has come and gone and the Buffalo Bills quest for their first Super Bowl trophy continues. This may sound like a broken record, but this team isn’t that far from accomplishing the ultimate prize. They just needed to make one or two more plays against the Kansas City Chiefs and instead, they maybe would be talking about how they defeated the Baltimore Ravens on the road.
Christian McCaffrey's 2023 Season One for the Books
Christian McCaffrey has been having a monster season for the San Francisco 49ers. It is safe to say that making the trade for him in 2022 was worth it. This year he has not slowed down one bit. As we await the NFC Championship Game that will take place this weekend, take a look back at McCaffrey’s 2023 season and what makes him such a great player. Christian McCaffrey’s 2023 Season McCaffrey played in 16 games for the 49ers throughout the regular season.
The 1991 Detroit Lions: What Things Were Like For The Playoff Winning Team
We haven’t seen the Detroit Lions win a playoff game since most readers have been alive. We know all the great things going on for the Lions this playoff-winning season—Dan Campbell, Jared Goff’s revenge tour, Sam La Porta, Aidan Hutchinson, the sun god Aman-Ra St. Brown, etc.—but what about 1991? What was going on the last time they won a playoff game? Get In The Time Machine It’s time to go back to the future and check out 1991.
BREAKING: Jim Harbaugh named Chargers head coach
Harbaugh heads to LA: After leading the Michigan Wolverines to a 15-0 season and a National Championship, Jim Harbaugh has accepted the head coach position for the Los Angeles Chargers. Harbaugh, who went 86-25 during his tenure as the Wolverines coach, makes his return to the NFL. From 2011 to 2014, Harbaugh was the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers where he posted an impressive 49-22-1 record and led the 49ers to three consecutive NFC championship games including one Super Bowl appearance.
Vikings 2024 Quarterback Conundrum
Minnesota Vikings fans know all too well what a disaster the team’s quarterback situation was in the last half of the season. The roller coaster that was Jaren Hall to Josh Dobbs to Nick Mullens, back to Hall, and finally Mullens again was dizzying. The Vikings and their fans fully realized how much they missed the talent, consistency, and durability of long-time starter Kirk Cousins.
Big Hits and Misses from 2024 Dispersal Draft
The UFL Dispersal Draft took place from Jan 5-15, 2024. Due to it not being covered live by any major radio or television stations, it was covered on social media with independent UFL media members giving updates on either X, Instagram, or Facebook. The updates were from teams that were poaching talented players from a team that did not make season one of the merger.
Jaguars Hire Ryan Nielsen For Defensive Coordinator: Big Changes Coming in 2024
After a frustrating end to the season from the Jaguars defense, Mike Caldwell was fired. Shortly after that, the Jaguars made a move for their defensive coordinator position. The Jaguars hire Ryan Nielsen to fill that role, in the first of many moves in the Jaguars offseason. Jaguars Hire Ryan Nielsen For Ryan Nielsen, he comes over from the Falcons defensive coordinator position.
Spencer Rattler: Growth & 2024 NFL Draft
Spencer Rattler’s Journey Spencer Rattler is an anomaly of sorts. A truly unique figure in college football that has seemingly defied the odds and “underperformed” all at the same time. Before we get into any statistical analysis or NFL projection, I believe it’s important to note the impressive journey Rattler has been on. Once a Five-Star prospect & Lincoln Riley protégé, Rattler had to rebuild from the ground up after Caleb Williams took over the starting job while both were at Oklahoma.
Rutgers Players Featured in NFL Playoffs
The 2023 regular season is officially over which means that it is time for playoffs. Rutgers University will be well represented with a decent number of former players on playoff teams. Here is a look at the former Rutgers players on teams in the league, and how they did throughout the season. The players listed have played this season, some more known than others. Baltimore Ravens – Gus Edwards Runningback, Gus Edwards, is a player that NFL fans know.
2024 NFL Draft: Position Rankings 2.0
2024 NFL Draft Rankings 2.0: The 2023 college football season is over and the 2024 NFL Draft season is upon us. Midway through the season, I gave my initial rankings. With variance in consistency, surprising draft risers due to on field play, and even more surprising prospect returns to college (NIL is great), this version of the rankings is vastly different.
Florida Gators Add Three Players and an Operations Staffer, Lose Another Starter via Transfer Portal
The Florida Gators have stayed busy recruiting the transfer portal even after it has officially closed on January 2nd, but they lost another starter along the offensive line. The Gators are also continuing to make changes to their operations staff and have done so with more moves to come.
Five More Florida Gators Entered Transfer Portal Before It Closed January 2nd
The Florida Gators saw five more players enter the transfer portal ahead of its officially closing on January 3rd. Nickel cornerback Jaydon Hill, offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua, and LB Scooby Williams, safety Miguel Mitchell, and cornerback Jalen Kimber, all five of which being starters for the Gators either most of or a majority of the 2023 season, have all entered their names into the transfer portal.
Jordan Morgan 2024 Draft Profile
Jordan Morgan 2024 Draft Profile Jordan Morgan OT, Arizona Senior Jordan Morgan was primed to enter the 2023 draft as a relatively high draft pick, but had an unfortunate twist of fate after he suffered a torn ACL on a non-contact injury in late November 2022. He opted to play out his fifth year of eligibility and further maximize his draft stock in an absolutely loaded 2024 offensive tackle class. And it paid off. He somewhat betted on himself and it worked out.
Breaking Down the 2024 Florida Gators Recruiting Class after Early Signing Day
The early signing period for the 2024 college football recruiting cycle opened on Wednesday and the Florida Gators signed 18 high school prospects and four transfers. After the initial group of signees, according to 247Sports, the Florida Gators class ranks 16th overall (8th in the SEC) with official signing day still looming on February 7th next year. Here is the full list of signees the Gators secured signed letters of intent from on Wednesday. (All information is via 247Sports).
Strong Gophers 2024 Class
Led by three 4-Star recruits, head coach P.J. Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers Football team introduced their 2024 recruiting class. The class comprises eight position groups, 14 defensive players, and 12 offensive players. On defense, the Gophers added five defensive linemen, one linebacker, and eight defensive backs. On offense, Minnesota signed three quarterbacks, three running backs, two tight ends, two offensive linemen, and two wide receivers.
Laiatu Latu 2024 Draft Profile
Laiatu Latu DL/EDGE, UCLA Senior Measurables (via UCLA Football) Height: 6’5” Weight: 265 lbs. BIO If you’re a fan of comeback stories, Laiatu Latu’s collegiate career is pretty remarkable. From a medical retirement after a neck injury in 2020 to being a potential top ten pick in next year’s draft is quite a revivaling feat. He was a popular recruit coming out of Jesuit High School in Sacramento, CA, earning a 4-star rating from ESPN and 247 Sports.
2023 SEC Championship Game: Key Matchups
Two weeks ago, the SEC Championship Game was solidified. Alabama clinched the SEC West title with a 49 to 21 victory over Kentucky that morning. Georgia stamped the SEC East crown with a 52 to 17 win over Ole Miss later that night. Since then, we’ve watched both teams make history. Alabama defeated Chattanooga to mark their 16th consecutive 10 win season – an NCAA record. This past Saturday, they defeated in-state nemesis Auburn in the Iron Bowl to secure their 13th consecutive 11 win season.
2023 Broyles Award: Strong defensive candidates emerge
Broyles History The Broyles Award is an annual trophy awarded to the most outstanding assistant coach in college football. Not only is it considered one of the more prestigious honors in the coaching world, we usually find the next crop of big time head coaches from the recipient list. Recent winners include the likes of Kirby Smart, Lincoln Riley, Brent Venables, & Gus Malzahn. Founded in 1996, the award is named after former Arkansas head coach turned athletic director Frank Broyles.
2023 CFB Tight Ends: Underrated Prospects
Tight End isn’t exactly the most glamourous positions in the sport of football – far from it, actually. In most offensive systems, the tight end is essentially an extra offensive lineman. At the collegiate level, you rarely see tight ends featured into gameplans outside of tendency breakers or gadget plays. Due to the lack of target share, the position can get swept aside by the masses. Breaking down a HUGE week for Nebra...
Almost Pro: The USC football podcast that's changing the game
The podcast market is extremely saturated – overly saturated if you ask most people. While they’ve opened doors for the everyday person to build a voice and have a platform, they’ve also lead to serious push back & burnout. Regardless, when you get the right combination of hosts, topics, & chemistry, you can’t deny the magic. Student-Athlete? I'm Going Pro,... In the athletic podcast sector, you typically see current professional or retired athletes dominating the scene.
Former Oklahoma State Star Opens up on NIL Issues at Program
Former Oklahoma State defensive lineman and First Team Big-12 member Brock Martin, emphasized the significance of NIL at OSU during an interview with us earlier this week. Nebraska Football Chat: Recruiting,... Martin, a former All-Big-12 member, received much attention last week after posting his opinions of NIL on X. However, Martin recently sat down with us to delve deeper into the topic and discuss its implications for Oklahoma State following two straight losses and the program’s future.
Mike Gundy Reportedly Downplayed NIL in Front of Major Donors Before Season Start
According to sources, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy delivered a speech to a group of OSU staff and donors about his disapproval of NIL and the current state of college football. In early August, Coach Gundy addressed a group of around 100 people, including the Pokes with a Purpose team, staff, and top donors of OSU.
2023 CFB Offensive Lineman Rankings: Top 10 OL in CFB
Rundown The offensive line is the heartbeat and foundation of any football team. Despite their irrefutable significance, the men in the trenches can go long periods without being acknowledged let alone highlighted. While there has definitely been a conscious effort to improve general knowledge of the position group, there’s still plenty of work to do bridging the gap.
History says don't panic
Arguably the biggest question surrounding any team going into the 2023 college football season is who will take the opening snap for the Alabama Crimson Tide when they take the field for the first time. To be honest, regardless of who takes the first snap, thatâs when the battle truly begins. Nick Saban has shown us time and time again â he has no problem replacing starting quarterbacks, or making in game switches throughout the duration as Alabama head coach.
Demond Williams Commits to the University of Arizona
4 star QB recruit stays in Arizona Demond Williams, the dynamic QB recruit from Basha High School (Chandler, AZ), announced his commitment to the University of Arizona Wildcats on Monday, July 31st. He had recently decommitted from Ole Miss earlier in July after initially pledging to the Rebels back in December of 2022. The poised playmaker decided to stay in-state as he looks to be the heir-apparent to Jayden de Laura and the ascending Wildcat’s program.
Elijah Rushing Commits to Arizona
5-star EDGE stays in Tucson On Thursday (7/6), the highest-rated EDGE rusher in high school football, Elijah Rushing, announced his commitment to the University of Arizona. It will be an easy transition for Rushing as he stays in-city coming from Salpointe Catholic High School in Tucson, AZ. The 5-star commitment gives the Wildcats the highest-rated recruit in program history from the modern ranking era.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Land 2024 DB/WR
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have landed a 2024 three-star recruit. The Rutgers football team landed Kevin Levy, who plays both wide receiver and defensive back. The announcement came on July 15th, making it another important 2024 recruitment for Rutgers University. This is a versatile player and another big recruit for Rutgers within the last week. Not only did Levy commit to Rutgers, but he also picked the university over several Power Five schools.
Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft
The Dallas Cowboys are approaching their bread and butter; The NFL Draft. Undoubtedly their main source of talent acquisition for over a decade. We already discussed a month ago what a raw mock draft could look like. Now, all the meetings have taken place, the official visits, the pro days, and the scouting combine. All that’s left is for the boards to finalize and for the picks to be submitted.
3 Potential Cap Casualties For The Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a successful but odd season. They won the NFC North but had an unceremonious playoff loss to the New York Giants. They won many one-score games this season some in unbelievable fashion (see the Buffalo Bills game). They now go into the offseason with a lot of questions. The Vikings are $23 million over the cap with a lot of aging players, especially on defense. Here are 3 potential cap casualties for the Minnesota Vikings.
3 Under the Radar Free Agents the Indianapolis Colts Must Re-sign
Indianapolis Colts T Dennis Kelly (77). (Photo by Michael Conroy/AP Photo) The Indianapolis Colts have a TON of off-season decisions to make, some seemingly more important than others. They must decide either to resign five starters or let them walk (Yannick Ngakoue, Parris Campbell, Chase McLaughlin, Matt Haack, and Bobby Okereke). I have detailed my opinions on these players in previous articles.
Super Bowl Recap + AFC South Preview
On today’s episode of The Defiant Takes Football Show, Nick Merriam, Noah Ashley and Kyron Samuels start with the Super Bowl Recap! After that the guys preview the AFC South for the offseason! -Super Bowl Recap w/ Nick Merriam Noah Ashley, and Kyron Samuels of Defiant Takes Football -AFC South Offseason Preview -Defiant Takes Football: @DefiantTakes -Max Dean: @TheMaxDean -Nick Merriam: @nickwithsports -Kyron Samuels: @kyronsamuels -Noah Ashley: @Noashtraysports Max will be back Thursday LIVE...
The Detroit Lions Open as Strong NFC Favorites in Vegas
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. (Photo by Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports) Somehow and someway, the U.S. government confirming UFO sightings over lake Michigan wasn’t the strangest thing occurring in the Mitten State this week. The beloved Detroit Lions have opened as +2500 in Vegas to win Super Bowl LVIII in 2024. The fresh line has Michiganders over 50 scratching their heads in confusion while those in their 20s deposit student loan money into their fan duel accounts.
Three Arizona Cardinals that Must be Re-signed in 2023
Cardinals DE Zach Allen (94) – MSA/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images After an underwhelming season in the basement of the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals have a ton of players entering free agency. The dismal 4-13 record didn’t truly reflect the talent that exists on the Cardinals roster. The real question is: can they retain that young talent? With 31 players hitting free agency, 28 of which hitting the open market, the Cardinals do have to be selective about who truly fits this team’s future.
Imagining the Indianapolis Colts Under Shane Steichen
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Shane Steichen. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Indianapolis Colts wanted a piece of the Super Spotlight today. After informing more possible head coach candidates that they would no longer be in the running, the Colts also made it clear that Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen was their number-one choice for the job.
Green Bay Packers: 2022 Rookie Grades
The 2022-23 season is coming to an end. For the Green Bay Packers, it is now time to reflect on what went well and what needs work. The 2022 draft class played key roles on the year’s team. Many rookies were thrust into starting roles due to lack of depth or injuries. Now that the season is over, here are my 2022 Green Bay Packers rookie grades. Green Bay Packers: 2022 Rookie Grades I am going to score an incomplete on a couple players.
3 Green Bay Packers Who Need To Make A Jump Next Year
The Green Bay Packers season ended in disappointment with a loss to the Lions. They missed the playoffs and go into an offseason with a lot of questions. However, some players simply didn’t play up to their potential. Here are 3 Green Bay Packers who need to make a jump next year for the team to succeed. Josh Myers C Myers showed huge promise in his rookie season but dealt with some injuries. This season he struggled with any sort of consistency. It wasn’t that Myers played poorly.
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