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Smith to start over Vick in Jets’ preseason opener

By WTOP Staff

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP) — Geno Smith is getting the call for the New York Jets.

No stunner there.

Coach Rex Ryan announced Monday that Smith will start over Michael Vick at quarterback, as expected, in the Jets’ preseason opener Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts.

“I’ve been happy with the way he’s looked, his command and things,” Ryan said.

Smith is looking to retain the starting job in his second season. He has taken about 80 percent of the snaps with the first-team offense during training camp — which had been the plan set by Ryan and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

Vick signed in March after five seasons in Philadelphia, giving the Jets an experienced backup and playmaker who could push Smith and step in if he falters or is injured. Smith was listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the first depth chart of camp released by the team Monday morning.

Ryan said he and Mornhinweg have not determined how long Smith and the starters will play in the game at MetLife Stadium, or if Vick will also take some snaps with the starters.

Both Smith and Vick have been solid — not spectacular — so far this summer. Neither was able to get the Jets into the end zone during the team’s scrimmage Saturday. Vick showed off his running ability in that practice, leading the team with 35 yards rushing, including a 20-yarder.

Because of Vick’s speed and elusiveness, Ryan could have the option of using him as a change-of-pace quarterback — or perhaps even in the wildcat formation.

“Really haven’t thought about that,” Ryan said. “We’re just trying to get through our first preseason game, but clearly he adds that element. There’s no doubt.”

Ryan was then asked if things might get complicated when a team starts using two quarterbacks.

“Well, it never worked out great the last time, did it?” a smiling Ryan said, alluding to the Jets’ use of Sanchez and Tim Tebow in 2012. “We’ll see. But you never say never to things.”

NOTES: There were no surprises on the depth chart, except for the team listing Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell all as starters at RB. Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley are down as starters at WR. Rookie Jalen Saunders currently holds the No. 1 spot at punt returner, while Jacoby Ford leads the team’s kick returners. … Rookie S Calvin Pryor practiced a bit in team drills for the first time since suffering a concussion July 26. Ryan said he had been cleared for some contact, and the team later clarified that Pryor is a full go. His status vs. the Colts was uncertain. … Decker has been limited by foot and hamstring ailments, but Ryan said he thinks “he’ll be fine.” … Ryan confirmed that LB Jermaine Cunningham tore his right Achilles tendon in the scrimmage and needs season-ending surgery.

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Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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