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MARK BRUNELL

Episcopal’s new coach Marcus Wells ready for the challenge

Marcus Wells is the new head football coach at Episcopal. He replaces Mark Brunell, who went to the Detroit Lions to serve as the quarterbacks coach. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Marcus Wells fully understands the challenge in front of him. “From Day One, when I became the coordinator, Mark kind of tagged me as his associate head coach, and just had a lot of faith in me.”Brunell spent eight seasons as the head coach of the Eagles. And it’s a staff that’s dedicated to the school,” Wells said.

Episcopal moves fast, promotes Marcus Wells to head football coach

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Episcopal moved quickly to fill its head football coaching position, promoting Marcus Wells to the top spot on Friday. Wells has been on staff with the Eagles for eight seasons, the past seven of those as the associated head coach and defensive coordinator. “Coach Wells is one of the key reasons for our team’s most recent success, highlighted by back-to-back playoff appearances and three playoff victories,” said Episcopal athletic director Andy Kidd. We are excited to welcome him as our Head Coach for the upcoming season.”AdWells is an Episcopal graduate, wrapping up his high school career there in 1990. Wells went to Cornell out of high school and later finished college at the University of Florida before moving in to the education field.

Former Jaguars QB, WJXT analyst Mark Brunell hired by Detroit Lions

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Episcopal coach and News4Jax sports analyst Mark Brunell is heading back to the NFL, this time as an assistant coach. It marks Brunell’s first experience as an NFL coach. “What drew me to this job was an opportunity to work with our head coach, Dan Campbell. “We are grateful to Coach Brunell for the eight successful years he served as head coach of our football program. We are thankful to Coach Brunell for his service to our football program and school.

As Meyer assembles staff, bigger task awaits with players

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Urban Meyer interviews candidates for key positions on his staff, a more daunting task awaits him. And his players are going to have to know right away, that Urban Meyer is committed to winning a Super Bowl. And that Urban Meyer realizes that he’s can’t do it by himself, as great as he is. “He’s gonna get the respect because he’s Urban Meyer,” Brunell said. I’m more excited about that than being concerned about Urban Meyer not having pro experience.

Jaguars fans want changes after miserable 1-7 start

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Fans are calling for changes after the Jaguars recorded their seventh straight loss in Sunday’s tilt with the AFC South rival Houston Texans. At 1-7, Jacksonville owns the second worst record in the NFL this season. On Monday, News4Jax spoke with some die-hard Jaguars fans who say they still love the team, but they want to see their faith rewarded with more wins. News4Jax Jaguars Analyst and former quarterback Mark Brunell, who led the team to the franchise’s first playoff appearances in 1996 and 1999, said he understands why fans are frustrated. As recently as 2017, the Jaguars won their first AFC South title before falling to the New England Patriots in the conference title game.

Jaguars roster analysis: Young, inexperienced, lacking stars

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The Jaguars set their roster at 53 after making cuts Saturday. One thing is clear, whether you call it a rebuild, blowing up the roster, or a youth movement, this is a very young team, one that needs stars to emerge in 2020. Add to that eight players who were rookies last year, and the Jaguars have 24 players out of 53 who have played one year in the NFL or fewer. Im a firm believer that if you have a young quarterback and in our case, we do have a young quarterback and Gardner Minshew. On a Monday, I would obviously go to the roster, and I would start with the secondary, Brunell said.

News4JAX Insiders chat with Mark Brunell & Cole Pepper

Curious about the Jaguars’ recent moves and wondering how they’ll compete in what promises to be an NFL season unlike any other? Mark Brunell and Cole Pepper, co-hosts of The Mark Brunell Show, addressed those topics in the second in a series of News4JAX Insiders-only live events Tuesday night. SUBSCRIBE: Sign up for your free News4JAX Insider account todayIn case you missed it, Mark and Cole hosted a live chat last week with a dozen Insiders while they talked about the departures of Yannick Ngakoue and Leonard Fournette, the players who must step up to replace their production and the development of Gardner Minshew, among other topics. News4JAX Insider is a membership program that connects you with the inner workings of our newsroom while providing access to exclusive perks. Insiders receive opportunities to share feedback through surveys, view never-before-seen content and get recognition for their contributions to the News4JAX community.

Mark Brunell Show kicks off season with virtual show

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Tuesday night saw the season debut of the Mark Brunell Show. During an exclusive digital event that included select News4Jax insiders in the live virtual audience, Brunell discussed the departure of Leonard Fournette. Things that have gone on in the locker room things that were not privy to but you know, Cole, youve heard things, Ive heard things that dysfunction that has existed for some time now, Brunell said. I wish you didnt ask that question.The next Mark Brunell show, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, will once again be a digital event. When the regular season begins, the Mark Brunell Show will return to the airwaves on CW-17 beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Mark Brunell & Cole Pepper host chat with News4Jax Insiders

Mark Brunell and Cole Pepper, the co-hosts of The Mark Brunell Show, on Monday held the first of two preseason virtual events for News4JAX Insiders. We invited up to 20 Insiders to take part in this event, but everyone was welcome to watch the stream and follow along with the discussion. The Zoom call kicked off at 7:30 p.m., and Mark and Cole talked about the recent developments with Yannick Ngakoue and Leonard Fournette, as well as a host of other Jaguars topics. Thank you to everyone who took part in this event.

Former Jaguars RB Fournette clears waivers, now a free agent

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Leonard Fournette is now a free agent. He also reported that Fournette has filed a grievance against the Jaguars for voiding the guarantees in his contract. Jacksonville wouldnt have to pay that if that is upheld, but would have to pay it should Fournette win that. With Fournettes release, Ryquell Armstead, Nathan Cottrell, Devine Ozigbo, James Robinson and Chris Thompson are the running backs on the Jaguars roster. Jaguars running backs coach Terry Robiskie said on Tuesday that those players benefited from having Fournette in the mix.

Brunell calls Jaguars decision to cut Fournette a stunner

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. If theres anyone at News4Jax who could make sense of the Jaguars abrupt decision to cut running back Leonard Fournette two weeks before the season, its Mark Brunell. But even the former quarterback turned News4Jax Jaguars analyst was scratching his head on Monday. This is a stunner to me, Brunell said in a phone interview on The Morning Show. Leonard Fournette, say what you want, he came into camp healthy. We just cant seem to keep our young players, Bruce, Brunell told News4Jax anchor Bruce Hamilton.

Doug Marrone: ‘Why haven’t we gotten anywhere’ in fight for social justice?

Jaguars coach Doug Marrone had a somber tone on Thursday afternoon as he tried to make sense of another highly visible moment in the battle against racism and calls for social justice reform. Marrone said that he hurts for his players, the bulk of whom are Black and have told him stories of their encounters with racial injustice. “Listen, professional athletes have an incredible platform, and we’re seeing teams choose not to play games, choose not to practice. “As a white guy or white man in this country I can’t even imagine, you know, what it’s like,” Marrone said. Chark said that the discussions from the summer about ways to improve race relations and call for change on social justice issues have continued internally since then.

Chris Conley: Big name NFL players, QBs must use platform for change

Jaguars wide receiver Chris Conley is a middle-of-the roster player in the NFL. Like so many players, even those who have played in the league for years, they know that they are very replaceable. He did join the NFL players coalition in signing a letter calling for a federal investigation into the Ahmaud Arbery shooting. Conley wants players like Brady and other star quarterbacks to do something many of them typically dont do. Lets find the actionable things that people can do to change and lets put pressure on them right now.

Fewer players on NFL rosters in preseason means longer odds to make team for many

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. NFL training camp will start next week and its already shaping up to be quite a different season due to COVID-19. The NFL and the its Players Association have agreed to drop all of this year's preseason games and the league announced on Wednesday that fans will all have to wear face coverings if they attend games. Teams have spent the offseason building their roster to 90 players to enter training camp. Now, in order to create more space in locker rooms the NFL wants teams to enter training camp with no more than 80 players. With smaller rosters and no preseason games this season it will be especially difficult for undrafted rookies, and even late round draft picks, to make the final 53-man roster.

Jaguars Minshew reports for training camp focused & ready for 2020 season

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On Thursday, quarterbacks around the NFL -- including the Jaguars own Gardner Minshew -- reported for training camp. With off-season workouts canceled because of COVID-19, Minshew has had to workout on his own with the help of his personal trainer. Tumbarello said Minshew is coming into the 2020 season focused and ready to prove his doubters wrong. News4Jax sports analyst Mark Brunell is worried that not having off-season workouts or preseason games could hurt Minshews on-the-field development. I needed the practice reps and game reps.

Much more responsibility on Gardner Minshews shoulders for unusual training camp

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Gardner Minshew and the rest of the Jaguars quarterbacks are due to report in for training camp tomorrow. This unusual year in the NFL is going to be tough on rookies and young players because of the lack of offseason practices. Those factors will also put extra responsibility on the veteran players, not just on the field, but off it as well. I think youve got the responsibility to look out for the young guys, especially the rookies--the draft picks, Brunell said. Take quarterback Gardner Minshew, for example.

Mark Brunell: Minshew needs real football reps to take the next step

News4Jax sports anchor Cole Pepper spoke with News4Jax sports analyst Mark Brunell about Gardner Minshews offseason activities. Weve seen videos on social media of Minshew working out and practicing during the pandemic. He was really working we just saw a portion of it, Brunell said. That's one thing about Gardner Minshew, I don't think it's going to surprise anybody that he is going to put the time and he cares about it. Not that he's going to get hit in OTAs or mini camp.

Episcopal soars into second round of state playoffs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Episcopal players went through the handshake line all business Friday night, congratulating their opponent on a tough game. The Episcopal defense forced five turnovers, with interceptions by Jasey, Jack Bogan and Kaiman Clark, who had two picks. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders, said Elksnis, who will head to Penn State to play tight end. But Baldwins first three possessions of the second half were a pair of three-and-outs and a turnover on downs. At the same time, the Eagles first drive of the second half ended with Elksnis second contested catch in the end zone.

Episcopal soars into second round of state playoffs

Episcopal tight end Nick Elksnis holds up the ball in the end zone after catching a touchdown in Friday's 35-25 win over Baldwin in the Region 1-3A playoffs. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Episcopal players went through the handshake line all business Friday night, congratulating their opponent on a tough game. The Episcopal defense forced five turnovers, with interceptions by Jasey, Jack Bogan and Kaiman Clark, who had two picks. It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders," said Elksnis, who will head to Penn State to play tight end. At the same time, the Eagles' first drive of the second half ended with Elksnis' second contested catch in the end zone.

Jaguars homecoming weekend includes Legends Gala, free festival

Events throughout the community will celebrate football from Pop Warner to professional, highlighting Jaguars players past and present and recognizing the next generation of Jaguars fans. The event will feature inflatables, face painting, a zip line, photo opportunities and appearances by Jaguars Legends, Jaxson De Ville and the D-Line. The participating Pop Warner teams were selected by Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. and include the Creeks Outlaws, Sweetwater Cardinals, Westside Wildcats, Arlington Seminoles, Lakeshore Raiders and Henry Brown Panthers. Where: Daily's PlaceJaguars Legends Community GalaWhat: The party continues Saturday night with the Jaguars Legends Community Gala hosted by the Jacksonville Chamber and PRI Productions. The event kicks off with red carpet arrivals, including more than 75 Jaguars legends and local dignitaries.

Minshew Mania hits fever pitch as QB leads Jaguars to victory

Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew is setting social media on fire -- and so is his dad. Minshew's dad, Flint Minshew, became an instant internet sensation when the NFL Network cameras caught him after Gardner's first touchdown pass against Tennessee. Gardner Minshew's dad is full of happy anger. Minshew, I think he is going to do great: 74% completion, that's great," Schneider said. If the Jags can keep the Minshew Mania momentum going on the road against Denver, they could have a packed house: all sporting mustaches.