Dolphins’ Howard, Sanders lauded
Miami Dolphins standout cornerback Xavien Howard and rookie kicker Jason Sanders were both honored this week by the Pro Football Writers of America for their performance during the 2018 NFL season.
Howard, the third-year cornerback who was arguably the Dolphins’ best player this past season, was named to the PFWA All-AFC team on Monday.
Howard, a Pro Bowl starter, finished the regular season tied for the league lead with seven interceptions despite missing the final four games to recover from a meniscus injury in his left knee.
No Dolphins players were recognized on PFWA’s AllNFL team, as Howard was passed over by Kyle Fuller and Stephon Gilmore at the cornerback position.
Fuller also had seven interceptions and led the league with 21 pass deflections for the Chicago Bears, while Gilmore was second with 20 pass deflections with just two interceptions for the New England Patriots.
The Dolphins also had a standout rookie recognized as Sanders, a seventh-round pick out of New Mexico in the last year’s NFL draft, was named to PFWA’s All-Rookie team on Tuesday.
Sanders made 18 of 20 field goals, and converted 35 of 36 extra-point kicks during his first season with the Dolphins.
Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush says UCF coach Josh Heupel and his staff made him feel comfortable about becoming a Knight.
Wimbush announced on Instagram Tuesday he is transferring to UCF.
He is expected to compete with Darriel Mack Jr. for the starting job as back-to-back American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year McKenzie Milton recovers from a severe leg injury.
Wimbush posted the news after visiting the UCF campus during the weekend. The post read:
“The journey continues on... A sincere thank you to Notre Dame for giving me endless opportunities on and off the field. Words truly can not describe what this incredible University and the PEOPLE mean to me and always will mean to me. I’m truly thankful. Cannot say it enough.
“With that being said, I am excited to announce that UCF has granted me an awesome opportunity to play my last year of collegiate football for their great university. Thank you to Coach [Josh] Heupel, and ... [offensive coordinator Jeff ] Lebby for this incredible opportunity. ”
Wimbush, who declared his intention to transfer from Notre Dame following the regular season, started 16 games for the Fighting Irish but was replaced three games into the 2018 season by Ian Book. Wimbush passed for 719 yards with four TDs and six interceptions.
Wimbush chose the Knights over Penn State, among others. He’ll be immediately eligible to play next season as a graduate transfer.
Associated Press contributed.