Barner featured in mini series. Beginning on Thursday, many collegiate football players will have their childhood dreams come true when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reads out their name at the NFL draft in New York City. Several Ducks are expected to be drafted, including Dion Jordan, and many have been picked up somewhere in the top five.

In addition to Jordan, former Oregon running back Kenjon Barner is anticipating hearing his name called at some point during the three-day event.

After his breakout senior season, Barner is anticipated to go somewhere around the third or fourth round.

Yahoo’s “Dream Chasers” series takes a closer look at Barner’s early life and the steps he has taken to prepare for his shot at professional football.

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Man U clinches EPL. With the help of Robin van Persie’s three-goal game, Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 3-0 to clinch their 20th league title on Monday. Not only did the win wrap up the title for United, it also meant that Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad reclaimed the title away from their crosstown rivals, Manchester City.

United has dominated play for a majority of the season and wrapped up their league title with four games still to go on the schedule.

ESPNFC.com provides a full recap and analysis of the win here.

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George wins Most Improved. Paul George has had quite the season this year. Averaging over 17 points and six rebounds per game, the 6-foot-8 small forward from Fresno State won the NBA’s Most Improved Player in landslide fashion.

George has been a consistent player in his first several years in the association, but his 2012-13 effort apparently seemed to come out of nowhere. He really came into his own after the Pacers’ leader and arguably best player, Danny Granger, injured his knee and missed nearly all of the season.

In addition to winning Most Improved Player, George was also selected to his first All-Star Game this past season.