College Football

MISSOULA, Mont. — Former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams has defended and repeated his contention that the University of Montana is recruiting “thugs” for its football team.

The Democrat, who is now a member of the Board of Regents that oversees the Montana university system, first made his comments in a New York Times story on Thursday.

HELENA, Mont. — Just weeks after a University of Montana student claimed she was raped by the quarterback of the football team, the coach enthusiastically welcomed him back to spring drills and lauded his “character and tremendous moral fiber.”

The woman’s lawyer, Josh Van de Wetering, quickly complained to the athletic department that the comment left his client “less than confident in the university’s commitment to protect her.”

OGDEN — Weber State football coach Jody Sears wants his 2013 football recruiting class to be tough.

“From a character standpoint, from a cultural standpoint, we’ve got to build the toughness of this football team,” he said. “We’ve got to have playmakers.”

Utah State's 2013 football national signings list as of 1 p.m.

BYU’s 2013 nationall football signing list as of 1 p.m.

On Wednesday, high school stars around the state will sign their letters of intent to play college football, as fans breathlessly await the final decisions and pore over the rankings.

Whether the youngsters turn out to be great contributors to their new schools or not, the excitement that comes with signing day is unique.

MOBILE, Ala. — Florida State’s EJ Manuel passed for a touchdown and rushed for another on the South’s first two drives in a 21-16 victory over the North in the Senior Bowl on Saturday.

Manuel and running backs Stepfan Taylor and Mike James combined to put the game for senior NFL prospects away on the South’s final drive. Stanford’s Taylor carried five times for 32 yards and caught a 6-yard pass from Manuel.