Would 49ers gamble on risky but talented WR Green-Beckham?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers say they want high-character players. But might they be tempted to take talented wideout Dorial Green-Beckham with the 15th pick, a player with off-field issues? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-Draft-49ers-Character-Values-May-be-Tested-294387741.html

Some have questions about Carr's real potential

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: While the Raiders are excited about Derek Carr at QB, one analytic of his rookie performance casts doubt about his future worth. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Was-Solid-but-Some-Have-Questions-About-His-Future-294380321.html

Would Ricky Jean Francois return to 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Would Ricky Jean Francois return to 49ers? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Return-of-Ricky-Jean-Francois-to-49ers-Not-a-Sure-Thing-294220311.html

Who might step in at center if Wisniewski leaves Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Stefen Wisniewski leaves, who plays center for the Raiders? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Have-Alternatives-if-Wisniewski-Walks-294214651.html

Cobb could be a nice fit with Raiders and GM McKenzie

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Packers connection with Reggie McKenzie may lure Randall Cobb to Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Reported-to-be-Very-Interested-in-Randall-Cobb-294045311.html

49ers' Culliver may have multiple suitors in free agency

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver hits free agency, he's expected to be highly coveted. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Market-Could-be-Strong-for-49ers-Culliver-294040391.html

Harvard goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer is succeeding at her dream school

By the time she was 13, Emerance Maschmeyer of Alberta, Canada, already had determined she wanted to play hockey at Harvard. Now the goaltender is one of the best in NCAA Div. I hockey. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/483050?referrer_id=1093254

LSU cornerback may be enticing to 49ers in first round

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jalen Collins, a physical and fast cornerback from LSU, was impressive at the NFL Combine and could be attractive to 49ers in the first round. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-Believe-49ers-Could-Take-Cornerback-With-First-Pick-293861731.html

Raiders will need a replacement for Roach at middle linebacker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With it looking more certain that Nick Roach won't play again in 2015, what will the Raiders do at middle linebacker? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-to-Find-Replacement-for-Roach-293855621.html

After Combine, it's evident Raiders are in a great spot

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The top of this upcoming NFL draft is loaded with talent, and Oakland is certainly going to profit. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Combine-Over-Raiders-Are-Sitting-Pretty-293677671.html

Now, it's possible Gore may remain with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Frank Gore may play another season in San Francisco, after all: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gore-May-Stay-With-49ers-292939981.html

Kikkan Randall, the most decorated cross country skier in U.S. history, is known for her shocking pink hair, speed in the sprints, multiple championships ... and her ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime

Kikkan Randall says it takes a lot of work to stay near the top of the world's elite cross country skiing ranks, and provides a glimpse into her formula for success. My story on Randall for ESPNW: http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/12343852/6-things-keep-kikkan-randall-top-american-nordic-skiing

American ski jumper Nita Englund soaring into World Championships

Nita Englund missed qualifying for the 2014 Sochi Games, but she's rapidly making up ground this season on the World Cup circuit and goes into this week's World Championships as the top-ranked U.S. ski jumper. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/February/18/Frequent-Flier-Nita-Englund-Leads-US-Ski-Jumpers-Into-Worlds

Baalke loves the work being done by Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Trent Baalke likes what he's hearing from Colin Kaepernick's offseason workouts. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Excited-by-Kaepernicks-Offseason-Work-292659501.html

Raiders will be aggressive in free agency

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM Reggie McKenzie says Oakland will go after impact players in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Will-be-Aggressive-in-Free-Agency-292653681.html

Will Vernon Davis' price tag force him off 49ers' roster?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tight end Vernon Davis is due to make a load of money in 2015 after his worst season since 2006 -- unless the 49ers release him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Future-of-Vernon-Davis-With-49ers-is-in-Doubt-292404801.html

Streater's return will boost Raiders' passing game

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rod Streater, Oakland's No. 1 wideout, missed almost all of last season, but will return in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Offense-Will-Get-Boost-From-Streaters-Return-292398471.html

After throwing away the cigarettes and following his wife's lead, San Diegan is now a long-distance hiker and runner

Dax Ross was dating a runner in college and used to smoke his cigarettes at her track meets. But since quitting several years ago, he's now so fit he's done rim-to-rim runs of the Grand Canyon and quickly hiked the John Muir Trail. My profile of Dax Ross for the Active San Diego feature of the Health section of U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/feb/17/ross-hiker-trail-runner/

Lexi Bender took a long route to get to Boston College

Not even a new puppy could dissuade Lexi Bender from leaving her home in Washington at 14 to further her hockey education. Now she's a key piece in top-ranked Boston College's program. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.pattykaz.com/news_article/show/480261?referrer_id=718465

Deep crop of running backs available to 49ers in draft

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners, picking in the middle rounds, could add a very good running back in the draft. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Likely-to-Dip-Into-Deep-Pool-of-Running-Backs-292219151.html

Del Rio says Raiders can win now

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jack Del Rio says he has very little patience and expects to win very soon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Del-Rio-is-Eager-to-Win-Now-Not-Later-292213321.html

49ers' 2015 schedule ranked third toughest

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers -- with new coach and many new players -- will have to succeed against a very tough schedule in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-a-Daunting-Schedule-in-2015-292079211.html

Norton ready to tackle Raiders' problems with tackling

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders were among the worst-tackling teams in the NFL, according to a study by Pro Football Focus. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Norton-Has-a-Problem-to-Tackle-on-Raiders-Defense-292076431.html

Teams would line up to sign Iupati in free agency

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's still undetermined if the 49ers will re-sign All-Pro guard Mike Iupati, but there's no question he'd be coveted in free agency. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Guard-Mike-Iupati-Would-be-Coveted-in-Free-Agency-291846031.html

Del Rio wants to change Raiders' conditioning methods

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New head coach Jack Del Rio wants the Raiders to be "cutting edge," even when it comes to conditioning and facilities. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Del-Rio-Wants-to-be-Cutting-Edge-291842181.html

How can McKenzie equal his draft class of 2014?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders draft class was the best in the NFC West in 2014, but they need GM Reggie McKenzie to score a similar haul in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Replicating-2014-Draft-Success-a-Key-for-Raiders-291664571.html

Despite questions, 49ers still rank among NFL's most talented teams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers are 10th in NFL in one roster ranking, but have holes to fill and questions to answer: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Questions-49ers-Remain-a-Talented-Team-291674731.html

Crabtree's route toward 2015 season remains undefined

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Where will Michael Crabtree be playing in 2015? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Future-Uncertain-for-Michael-Crabtree-291532861.html

Raiders' Carr excited about Musgrave's new no-huddle offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr ran a no-huddle offense at Fresno State, so he's eager to run it with Raiders this season under new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Carr-Eager-to-Play-in-No-Huddle-Attack-291527781.html

Defenseman Erin Ambrose has been a multipurpose star for NCAA champion Clarkson

Erin Ambrose has been a big scorer in the past for Clarkson, but in her junior year, Ambrose now is focusing even more on her roles as a key defender and leader on what is now a young team. My story on her for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/477285?referrer_id=1093254

Can McGaughey add a spark to 49ers' return game?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2014, the 49ers' punt- and kickoff-return units were mostly ineffective. Can new special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey Jr. change them for the better? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-New-Special-Teams-Coach-Faces-Challenges-291399731.html

49ers' Hyde eager to build on rookie season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Frank Gore return in 2015? It's not yet certain. But whether he comes or goes, Carlos Hyde says he will work hard this offseason to be a much better running back. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hyde-Ready-to-Work-to-Get-Better-in-2015-291278291.html

Some see Raiders as potential rising team in 2015

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the right moves in free agency and the draft, is it possible Oakland could be a playoff team in 2015? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-See-Raiders-as-a-Team-on-the-Rise-291273031.html

49ers' Dawson had slight fall-off in 2014 from 2013

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kicker Phil Dawson was fine in many ways in 2014, but not near as good as he was a season before. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Need-Dawson-to-be-Better-in-2015-291057791.html

Raiders need to bolster running back corps

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Latavius Murray is nice, but Oakland needs more than Murray in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Need-More-Than-Murray-in-the-Backfield-291054941.html

National perception: 49ers have fallen from NFL's elite ranks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In predictions for 2015 NFL season, the 49ers are mostly out of the picture. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Now-49ers-Have-Fallen-From-Elite-Status-290927041.html

In 2015, 49ers' backup QB will need to be mobile, also

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With an emphasis on building an offense suited to Colin Kaepernick's skill set, the 49ers also will need a mobile backup QB, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/In-49ers-Offense-No-2-QB-Also-Will-Need-to-be-Mobile-290793811.html

With 4th pick in draft, do Raiders go for receiver or defensive lineman?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders are in a similar position to 2014 when GM Reggie McKenzie was able to pick between high-impact prospects. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-in-Great-Position-With-Fourth-Pick-in-Draft-290789531.html

Four young, high-scoring national team forwards have become a force in women's college hockey

Hannah Brandt, Alex Carpenter, Dani Cameranesi and Kendall Coyne rank among the six scorers in NCAA hockey and are top contenders this season for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the nation's best player. My story for USA Hockey: http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/474221?referrer_id=752796

At 64, life is a wonderful, long recess for former teacher and current senior softball player and runner Pat Kelly

Pat Kelly's life these days is filled with activity, from playing softball, to doing yoga, to sprinting with a senior track team. A profile of Kelly for U-T San Diego's Active San Diego series in the Health section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/feb/03/kelly-competitive-womens-softball/?#article-copy

49ers will need to win at home in 2015 to have a chance

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going 4-4 at home again won't cut it for the 49ers in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Will-Need-to-Win-at-Home-in-2015-290662001.html

Raiders' salary cap position will enable some big moves

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With an expected roster salary about $50 million under the cap this offseason, the Raiders could make some big moves. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Are-Well-Positioned-to-Spend-Big-Money-290667221.html

Let it snow, let it snow ... the marathoners will still turn out to run the annual Groundhog Day Marathon in Grand Rapids, Mich.

What's the attraction for runners to come out to the Groundhog Day Marathon in Grand Rapids, Mich.? Knee-high snow, temperatures usually in the low teens and horrible times, plus hot chili, hot chocolate and cold beer. It's a marathon for "crazy people." My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section. http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/12247375/endurance-sports-groundhog-day-marathon-takes-tough-weather-looping-course-super-bowl-sunday

Despite disappointing season, 49ers among faves to win Super Bowl 50

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Las Vegas oddsmakers put the 49ers at 25-1 to win next year's Super Bowl, which will be at Levi's Stadium. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Among-Favorites-to-Win-Super-Bowl-50-290535651.html

Super Bowl 49: The Good, the Bad & the Very Ugly

Jermaine Kearse gets two thumbs up for that juggling catch, as do the esurance commercials. But what the heck was Pete Carroll thinking on that final call ... and what was that ugly thing Katy Perry was wearing? My story for NBC national websites: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/Super-Bowl-XLIX-The-Good-The-Bad-and-the-Ugly-290491551.html