The Sports Network: I-AA Wide Receivers

[cosmo here]

Extra Point - I-AA WRs: Records made to be broken

By Matt Dougherty, The Sports Network

Philadelphia, PA - None of this year’s I-AA wide receivers will match the professional accomplishments of Jerry Rice.

That’s not a slight, and it’s not exactly a bold statement, either. The top I-A receivers won’t challenge Jerry Rice’s records. Even the best NFL receivers are going to pale in comparison to the greatest wideout and arguably the greatest player in the history of the game.

Rice retired before the 2005 season with NFL records in receptions (1,549), yards (22,895) and touchdown receptions (198) in his career and single-season marks in yards and touchdowns. He also holds NFL records for most seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards (14), games with at least 100 receiving yards (76) and consecutive games with at least one reception (274).

The regular season numbers are gaudy, but Rice’s postseason heroics cemented his place among NFL legends. Rice ranks as the top wide receiver in postseason and Super Bowl history in receptions, yardage and touchdowns. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 1988, earned AP Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1987 and 1993, and was a member of the NFL All-Decade Team in both the 1980s and 1990s. And those three championship rings with the San Francisco 49ers are more significant than any individual accolades.

Star players will come and go, but it would take a lot of personal and team success to supplant Rice’s name from the regular season, postseason and Super Bowl record book. But while many of Rice’s NFL marks figure to remain untouchable for a long time, some of his I-AA records are in serious jeopardy after more than 20 years at the top spot.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=/cfoot2/news/AGN4025141.htm

1. David Ball, UNH
2. Laurent Robinson, Illinois State
3. Tony Kays, UC Davis
4. Henry Tolbert, Grambling State
5. Tyrone Timmins, MVSU
6. Michael Caputo, SF (Pa.)
7. Maurice Price, Charleston Southern
8. Charlie Spiller, Alcorn State
9. Sam Logan, Indiana State
10. Duvaughn Flagler, Gardner-Webb

The Next 15

11. Roosevelt Kiser, Florida A&M
12. Andrae Brown, Towson
13. Jerome Simpson, Coastal
14. Taurean Stephens, Tenn.-Martin
15. Andy Birkel, No. Colo.
16. Clyde Edwards, Grambling State
17. Larry Shipp, Tennessee Tech
18. Luke Palko, SF (Pa.)
19. Joe Nicholas, William & Mary
20. Chris Turner, Wagner
21. Shaheer McBride, Delaware State
22. Arel Gordon, Maine
23. Corey Mazza, Harvard
24. Ashley Wright, Yale
25. Justin Stepp, Furman

Tandems
1. St. Francis (Pa.)
2. Grambling State
3. Gardner-Webb
4. Towson
5. UMass

Tight Ends
1. Patrick Bugg, EKU
2. Daniel Bettis, ASU
3. Jonathan Allen, Norfolk State
4. Joe Kinard, Wagner
5. Boomer Moore, Western Illinois

[cosmo here]

by my count, only five WRs from AGS top 25 teams are on this list.

13 of the top 25 RBs play for top 25 teams, as do the top three "others receiving votes".

8 of the top 20 QBs, along with the passers from WKU (AGS 27) and Lehigh (AGS 29). what do you make of this ?

[TigerFan17]

I think Marcus Lee will be on this list soon enough, also from Towson.

[TexasTerror]

Clyde Edwards, not on this list?

Guess he's part of that Grambling "tandem"...but still, Edwards is on my top 10 I-AA WRs...

[cosmo here]

Clyde Edwards, not on this list?

Guess he's part of that Grambling "tandem"...but still, Edwards is on my top 10 I-AA WRs...

He's in Matt's top 16 :)

[colgate13]

by my count, only five WRs from AGS top 25 teams are on this list.

13 of the top 25 RBs play for top 25 teams, as do the top three "others receiving votes".

8 of the top 20 QBs, along with the passers from WKU (AGS 27) and Lehigh (AGS 29). what do you make of this ?

I make of it that it may be easier to be a standout wide receiver when you are the main threat on the team. Ari Confessor at HC two years ago comes to mind.

[TexasTerror]

He's in Matt's top 16 :)

Top 16 isn't good enough...

He should be top 10, no question...Edwards is a gem...:thumbsup:

[ngineer]

by my count, only five WRs from AGS top 25 teams are on this list.

13 of the top 25 RBs play for top 25 teams, as do the top three "others receiving votes".

8 of the top 20 QBs, along with the passers from WKU (AGS 27) and Lehigh (AGS 29). what do you make of this ?

You don't have to play for the 'big boys' to get noticed if you're good enough. And that the top teams don't necessarily need a lot of 'stars'. Football is, still, primarily a team game and championship teams are those that play well as a unit, not with a lot of individualism.

[slostang]

I am sure that all the WR on the list are great receivers and deserve to be there, but I think that Matt missed on one WR that in my opinion belongs in the same group as any of the WR on the list. Cal Poly Ramses Barden is 6'6" 225 and will be a Soph. this coming season. He did not start the first few games of last year because Cal Poly returned three starters at WR (2 seniors) from 2004. Ramses was to talented to stay on the bench and work his way into a starting role mid way through the season where he led Cal Poly in receiving with 40 rec. for 655 yards and 9 TDs as a redshirt freshman. What makes it more impressive is that Cal Poly is an option team. Another area were Ramses shined was on run blocking. Ask the Montana fans what they think of him. I am sure that before the 2006 season is over most people who follow I-AA will know his name.

[umassfan]

JJ Moore, if he didnt break his ankle, would have been in the top 25 easy. The kid was at or near the top of every stat before breaking his ankle.

[blukeys]

by my count, only five WRs from AGS top 25 teams are on this list.

13 of the top 25 RBs play for top 25 teams, as do the top three "others receiving votes".

8 of the top 20 QBs, along with the passers from WKU (AGS 27) and Lehigh (AGS 29). what do you make of this ?


Having a running game is always important in football. Passing wins fans running the ball and defense wins championships. :nod:

[aggie6thman]

Tony Kays is going to explode with another huge year for the Ags. He is going to be Jon Grant's biggest offensive weapon for the second year in a row. Good to see the Ags have the #4 QB and the #3 WR in the land!

[UAalum72]

by my count, only five WRs from AGS top 25 teams are on this list.
Of the 30 players named, three WRs and a tight end (and the top tandem) are from the Northeast Conference

[Uncle Buck]

Strange not seeing a Hofstra receiver on the list, then again nobody has really proved anything just yet.

[MR. CHICKEN]

UNK...COHEN WILL SHOVE IT DOWN DUH D'S.....CHOPS..(RUNNIN' DUH PIGGY)...LEARNED DAT FROM KEELER......AWK!

OH YEAH...AN' GET READY FER....PRIDE'S....STINGY DEFENSE!

[fuEMO]

I think Justin Stepp is a little underrated. If anyone saw the Richmond playoff game you know what I mean. 46 catches 676 yards, 8 touchdowns as a junior. With the Furman running game being stronger in 06 look for more man coverage for Stepp and more points.

John Rust was a wide receiver that played tightend last season. Brad Bell is a tightend. Brads coming out party was the playoff game against APP. I look for Bell to earn post season honors because of his blocking, great hands, he will be a terror on the option. I would look for Bell splitin time with redshirt Larry Hedden at 6-5, 250 he runs better than Rust has great hands, but he's still developing as a blocker.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Door Matt strikes again....

4. Henry Tolbert, Grambling State
6. Michael Caputo, SF (Pa.)


16. Clyde Edwards, Grambling State
18. Luke Palko, SF (Pa.)


Tandems
1. St. Francis (Pa.)
2. Grambling State

[golionsgo]

We're young and don't have anyone that should be included on the pre-season list but I predict by season's end our WRs will stack up with anyone as a group. We signed four BIG TIME HS receivers and have several young receivers coming back who are ready to step up where Huggins, Taylor, Gonzales, etc. left off. And we'll have one of the biggest groups of wideouts in the country as far as size.

Crawford Kilpatrick, 6-5, 205, Fr. (Rated No. 1 WR recruit by Showingblitz)
Robbie Scates, 6-4, 215, Sr.
Krishna Mohammed, 6-4, 205, So.
Merrick Lanaux, 6-4, 190, So. (No. 7 WR recruit in 2005 by Showingblitz)
Luis Sobalvarro, 6-3, 195, Fr. (No. 17 WR recruit in 2006 by Showingblitz)
Kendrick Walls, 6-2, 205, Fr. (Big game in Bayou Bowl, LA/TX All-Star game)
Chad Panepinto, 6-2, 190, Jr.
Jamarr Garrett, 6-2, 185, Fr. (Honorable Mention in 2006 by Showingblitz)
Donald Frazier, 6-1, 185, Jr.
Byron Ross, 5-10, 190, Jr.
Jerren Pierce, 5-10, 190, Sr.
Glenn Moore, 5-10, 175, Sr.

[Tribe4SF]

Nice to see Joe Nicholas on the list. He leads a strong Tribe receiver group this year, with Elliott Mack another star in the making, and D.J. McAuley bringing extreme speed to the rotation. Tribe also has two fine possession receivers in John Taylor and R.J. Archer.

If the o-line can keep the dogs off Jake Phillips, this group should have a big year.

[Uncle Buck]

UNK...COHEN WILL SHOVE IT DOWN DUH D'S.....CHOPS..(RUNNIN' DUH PIGGY)...LEARNED DAT FROM KEELER......AWK!

OH YEAH...AN' GET READY FER....PRIDE'S....STINGY DEFENSE!


Not to get off topic, but I can't wait to see how Cohen leads this program. I have a feeling he is a great addition.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Kendrick Walls, 6-2, 205, Fr. (Big game in Bayou Bowl, LA/TX All-Star game)


This guy is strong.

[Maroons]

Anybody have a tight end that will challenge Patrick Bugg's gaudy numbers?

[GannonFan]

Anybody have a tight end that will challenge Patrick Bugg's gaudy numbers?

UD's got a Duke transfer this year in Ben Patrick - he had 30 catches last year for Duke and was their offensive MVP. At 6'4", 270 lbs he'll be a nice target for whomever is the QB, especially with a still suspect WR corps. TE might be a top target. Agnone, a transfer from Pitt, could make some noise at TE as well. UD could be a TE heavy team this year.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Anybody have a tight end that will challenge Patrick Bugg's gaudy numbers?

The Duke Blue Devils offensive player of the year for 2005, Ben Partick, has transferred to Delaware. His position was described as more of an "H" back at Duke, but will likely be used more in a traditional TE role at Delaware. At 6-4 270 with speed, he is certainly a big target and should be a large part of the Hen's offense in '06. Will he put up Bugg type numbers? Hard to say at this point, but Delaware fans are hoping for a significant contribution from Mr. Patrick.

Edit - GF beat me to the draw.

[Maroons]

UD's got a Duke transfer this year in Ben Patrick - he had 30 catches last year for Duke and was their offensive MVP. At 6'4", 270 lbs he'll be a nice target for whomever is the QB, especially with a still suspect WR corps. TE might be a top target. Agnone, a transfer from Pitt, could make some noise at TE as well. UD could be a TE heavy team this year.

Interesting... any idea why is he is transferring? Did he realize he wanted to play the highest level of championship football?

[813Jag]

These are 2 big "ifs" but if J.C. Lewis can stay on his feet and the running game can come back around and be a factor. Gerard Landry has a chance to put up good numbers at Southern. I look for him to be on this list next year. Junior Joseph and Antonio Overstreet as well if they can stay on the field.

[touchdown]

I am sure that all the WR on the list are great receivers and deserve to be there, but I think that Matt missed on one WR that in my opinion belongs in the same group as any of the WR on the list. Cal Poly Ramses Barden is 6'6" 225 and will be a Soph. this coming season. He did not start the first few games of last year because Cal Poly returned three starters at WR (2 seniors) from 2004. Ramses was to talented to stay on the bench and work his way into a starting role mid way through the season where he led Cal Poly in receiving with 40 rec. for 655 yards and 9 TDs as a redshirt freshman. What makes it more impressive is that Cal Poly is an option team. Another area were Ramses shined was on run blocking. Ask the Montana fans what they think of him. I am sure that before the 2006 season is over most people who follow I-AA will know his name.

I agree he is a difference maker in CP SLO system, they force one on one matchups and throw it up to him, he makes plays!
As far as a polished route runner goes, he is not there yet, that might be the only knock i can see on him at this point!
I can't imagine how the No.Colorado WR is rated higher then him!

[golionsgo]

This guy is strong.

You hit the nail on the head with that one. Me thinks we got a major steal!!!:smiley_wi :nod: :nod:

[MACHIAVELLI]

You hit the nail on the head with that one. Me thinks we got a major steal!!!:smiley_wi :nod: :nod:

No doubt. He attended Melvin Spears football camp in 2005. I thought for sure he would be catching passes for THE ICON in 2006. We have another guy from down that way called Terrence Dunn :thumbsup: He is a thriller.

[CrunchGriz]

Having a running game is always important in football. Passing wins fans running the ball and defense wins championships. :nod:

With some notable exceptions (see Montana, 1995, with Dave Dickenson throwing for 5676 yards to lead the Griz to the championship--yeah, the defense was decent, but the passing offense was the thing).

Montana's team in 1995 was the exception to the rule, for sure. It took Montana's greatest player ever (Dickenson) and a great group of wide receivers to get there.

[datruth4u]

Door Matt strikes again....

4. Henry Tolbert, Grambling State
6. Michael Caputo, SF (Pa.)


16. Clyde Edwards, Grambling State
18. Luke Palko, SF (Pa.)


Tandems
1. St. Francis (Pa.)
2. Grambling State


This list has some eye brow raisers. Someone please explain to me how both WR's from Gram are ranked higher then St. Francis WR, but yet as a tandem they are ranked higher then Gram. Tyrone Timmons from MVSU is a not a better receiver then Clyde Edwards.

[golionsgo]

No doubt. He attended Melvin Spears football camp in 2005. I thought for sure he would be catching passes for THE ICON in 2006. We have another guy from down that way called Terrence Dunn :thumbsup: He is a thriller.

He came to Dennis Roland's camp also and was very impressive from what I was told. Should make an immediate impact along with Kilpatrick, Sobalvarro, and Garrett at the WR position.

[SU Jag]

Henry Tolbert is the real deal!:nod: He isnt real big or flashy but he gets the job done!:nod:

[MACHIAVELLI]

Henry Tolbert is the real deal!:nod: He isnt real big or flashy but he gets the job done!:nod:

Just got finished talking with Henry.

[SU Jag]

Just got finished talking with Henry.

That my boy right there! I havent seen him since the Winter break. I remember when he was at Parker with Mike Mitchell in the backfield with him:hurray: , that was a hell of a tandem!:thumbsup: He beat be for a TD in the 03 Bayou Classic but I put a hell of a lick on him in the 04 game though!:nod:

Hey Mach, did Tyrone leave GSU? I was reading the pre-season Athlon mag and he's on Alabama's roster, again!

[MACHIAVELLI]

Hey Mach, did Tyrone leave GSU? I was reading the pre-season Athlon mag and he's on Alabama's roster, again!

Tyrone? So that is you on Henry's highlight reel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diRvPTv7bN8

[SU Jag]

Tyrone King, wore number #8 last year! He walked-on at UA out of high school but transfered to GSU after his freshman year in 05, now he back at UA, I think.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Tyrone King, wore number #8 last year! He walked-on at UA out of high school but transfered to GSU after his freshman year in 05, now he back at UA, I think.

Yes he is gone.

[SU Jag]

Tyrone? So that is you on Henry's highlight reel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diRvPTv7bN8


Hightlight reel? I know you didnt!

[SU Jag]

Yes he is gone.

What the heck was he thinking? Is he thinking? He signed with A&M out of high school but ditched them for UA, left UA and went to GSU and now he's back at UA. I bet his parents own a lot of " my son's #" t-shirts.

[SU Jag]

Tyrone? So that is you on Henry's highlight reel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diRvPTv7bN8

Can you hook me up a highlight reel? I got all of the game footage!:nod:

[MACHIAVELLI]

What the heck was he thinking? Is he thinking? He signed with A&M out of high school but ditched them for UA, left UA and went to GSU and now he's back at UA. I bet his parents own a lot of " my son's #" t-shirts.

I was told his father played for UA. He asked for his release an coach immediately gave it to him. It was the same day GSU played su in basketball in Baton Rouge. We had just left the game.

[SU Jag]

I was told his father played for UA. He asked for his release an coach immediately gave it to him. It was the same day GSU played su in basketball in Baton Rouge. We had just left the game.


I hope it works out for him!

[Ronbo]

Craig Chambers (6'5" 210lb, 4.4 speed) will dominate the Big Sky Conference. Will he be a top 5 in the Country? Hard to say because Montana will use such a balanced attack with our excellent running game. Our QB will average 25-30 throws a game. But Craig was University of Washington's top receiver the last two years and we are looking for big things from him in 2006 and 2007. Craig is a Junior.

http://streamingmedia.montanagrizzlies.com/umgriz/2005_2006_an/Media/Football/2006_Recruit/chambers.wmv

Ryan Bagley (6'4" 205lb), our leading receiver from 2005 is back. He has great hands and good speed (track sprinter in HS). Ryan had 50 catches as a Sophmore. Ryan is a Junior this season.

Eric Allen (6'3" 205lb) transfer from Oklahoma State had a great spring and will have a breakout season. Eric was the #2 ranked HS receiver out of Colorado, the #1 guy went to Colorado. Eric is a Junior this season.

This threesome could be a three headed monster for Defenses to cover. Do you double up Chambers? That frees up Bagley or Allen. Hmmm.... it's going to be a nightmare for Defensive Coordinators.:nod: xlolx

[coop]

UNH trio of Ball (87 Catches) Levan (51 Catches) & Brown (43 Catches) doesn't get mention as a group, interesting. Add return specialist Boyle who arguably had the best spring & TE Lynch. That has to be the best in the country..... THe Qb isn't to shabby either.

[FlyYtown]

I don't care what the Sports Network says, when You see Louis Irizarry and his 6'5 body, you will see this guy is Top 5 in I-AA......

They forget he was ranked the best TE in 2003 coming out of high school?

Other than that, the rest looks right.

http://ysusports.com/football/bios/headshots05/irizarry.jpg

[MACHIAVELLI]

UNH trio of Ball (87 Catches) Levan (51 Catches) & Brown (43 Catches) doesn't get mention as a group, interesting.

How many yards and TD's did they have each?

[JohnStOnge]

I don't know how McNeese is going to do this year but the team is probably more loaded than it's ever been at this position. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see the offense change some as a result. They've got one guy in particular (Quinten Lawrence) that I wouldn't trade for anybody I saw play in person or on TV last season. At least I hope they have him. His bio at the McNeese site said he didn't participate in the Spring but is expected to play. Don't know what's going on with that. He was a AAAAA (highest LA classification) state champion high jumper and ran a leg on the state champion 4 x 400 meter relay team while in high school, has great hands, and has great body control. He just has "it."

Even without him, though, they are incredibly loaded at wide receiver. It's just that their usual offensive style would not exploit the talent concentration in that area.

[Ronbo]

Behind the three guys listed above we have some up and coming talent.

Mike Ferriter - 6'1" 195lbs. Mike is that type of receiver that has a knack for getting open and he catches everything thrown at him. As a Freshman Mike caught 20 balls in a backup role. A sprinter in HS he is a member of the State record 400 relay team. Mike is a Sophmore.

Matt Troxel - 5'9" 175lbs. Matt is a Coach's son and his Dad QB'd the Griz 1972-1975. Matt's been around the football field all his life and knows the game. Matt was Idaho Player of the Year his Senior year in HS. He had 14 grabs his Freshman season. Matt is a Sophmore and should see the field a lot more this season.

Tyler Palmer - 6'3" 200lbs. Tyler redshirted last year. In HS he led the state in receiving, was All State and Confernce MVP. He was a finalist in HS in the 100 meters and runs a 10.9. As a Freshman this year Tyler should see some playing time.

With the talent at #1 through #6 Montana is stacked with WR's for Josh Swogger to go to. :nod:

[LBPop]

I think Marcus Lee will be on this list soon enough, also from Towson. I'm assuming that he is the unmentioned part of the "tandem" that was ranked fourth. :nod:

[rcny46]

UNH trio of Ball (87 Catches) Levan (51 Catches) & Brown (43 Catches) doesn't get mention as a group, interesting. Add return specialist Boyle who arguably had the best spring & TE Lynch. That has to be the best in the country..... THe Qb isn't to shabby either.

Boyle is also a very good receiver when they utilize that part of his game,and Lynch,IMHO,will prove to be an excellent TE now that he has a chance to start.He has very good hands,plays a physical game,and is a better blocker than Jonathan Williams was.

[lucchesicourt]

It seems many people are talking about their great receivers. The one thing you must not forget is to be a great receiver you need a QB to get the ball to you. That's exactly why Jerry Rice put up his gaudy numbers. He had Young and Montana throwing to him. No matter how good a receiver is physically, if a QB can't get him the ball, it does not matter, he will never fall into Santos and Ball category. Being a great receiver and QB go hand in hand. You really cannot separate the two too much.
Maybe, people should be looking at their combo, QB and receivers, rather than each one individually.

[Ronbo]

It seems many people are talking about their great receivers. The one thing you must not forget is to be a great receiver you need a QB to get the ball to you. That's exactly why Jerry Rice put up his gaudy numbers. He had Young and Montana throwing to him. No matter how good a receiver is physically, if a QB can't get him the ball, it does not matter, he will never fall into Santos and Ball category. Being a great receiver and QB go hand in hand. You really cannot separate the two too much.
Maybe, people should be looking at their combo, QB and receivers, rather than each one individually.

I agree, but also a great receiving corps can elevate a QB's stats. Freshman Murietta in 2003 had two Pro quality receivers and put up some gaudy numbers for NAU. He hasn't been the same since. Having both is ideal, especially having a good QB and 2 or 3 very good receivers. Having just one really good receiver can be troublesome because teams can double him and shut him down. Having a great QB or a great receiving corps can also be good because one elevates the other. In 2001 Montana had an average QB take us to the Championship because he had a great receiving corps, a very good back, and a good OLine. The defense wasn't too shabby that year either shutting out Furman till the final hail mary of the game.

[kats89]

Seems receivers are getting bigger these days. We have young guys with good size and speed. Not Montana size, but still good size. Tight Ends continue to be our strength continuing with good size tight ends with great athletic ability and great hands

Wide Receivers (starting 3)

WR 5 Michael Malone 6-3 206 Sr Friendswood

WR 3 Brian Christian 6-2 176 So Decatur

WR 89 Brandon Perry 6-4 196 Sr

Backups
83 Vitan Moore WR 6-3 193 So-Tr
88 Jake Lebens WR 6-4 192 Fr-RS
15 Justin Wells WR 5-10 175 So-1L
26 Skylar Albritton WR 5-11 218 Fr-RS



Tight Ends

TE 84 Blake Martin 6-3 236 Jr (Can play slot WR as well)
86 Dustin Dziuk 6-5 229 So
87 Josh Brown TE 6-5 239 Jr-2L

[lucchesicourt]

A great receiver still needs someone who can get the ball in an area where a receiver can get his hands on the ball. A receiver who catches a ball in stride, has a much better chance of adding YAC, than a receiver who has to stop or go down to catch a pass. Also, an average QB with an excellent running game can put up great numbers, because of the defenses attempts to stop the run. All these things make a QB better. A line that gives a QB time, also increases the success of the QB. The QB is the KEY to a successful passing game. But, a great QB with no time to set up, will only be average at best, as he will always be hurrying passes. Athletic. big, fast receivers with great hands, are out there. Some will never put up numbers, because of the QB factor. Also, some recivers can make a QB's numbers better because of YAC.
Probably the best way to rank WR's is by number of catches/number of catches+dropped passes, and a YAC factor. I really think the number of TD's scored should be ranked in two different categories. The first would be passes caught in the end zone vs. passes caught and brought to the house. The former would be a little more relying on the QB, though you need to give credit to the receiver for finding the open spot( this would be the case for all passes caught anyway), and the second would be more to the credit of the receiver for avoiding tackles, and picking up his blocking on the way to the end zone.
Tony Kays for instance has GREAT hands (just does not drop passes) and gets open easily, and always seems to get the first down near the goal line in crunch time (ask Stanford and Cal Poly). But, for some reason he does not get to the end zone like other receivers do. Davis Ball is great at both.
A good thing to look at would be number of dropped passes, whether caused by a hit or just poor concentration. Some recievers hold onto the ball after the catch better than others. But, I don't think you will ever see such numbers published.

[McNeese72]

I don't know how McNeese is going to do this year but the team is probably more loaded than it's ever been at this position. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see the offense change some as a result. They've got one guy in particular (Quinten Lawrence) that I wouldn't trade for anybody I saw play in person or on TV last season. At least I hope they have him. His bio at the McNeese site said he didn't participate in the Spring but is expected to play. Don't know what's going on with that. He was a AAAAA (highest LA classification) state champion high jumper and ran a leg on the state champion 4 x 400 meter relay team while in high school, has great hands, and has great body control. He just has "it."

Even without him, though, they are incredibly loaded at wide receiver. It's just that their usual offensive style would not exploit the talent concentration in that area.

Bio was last season's bio. They haven't updated the website. He participated in the spring and caught passes in the spring game.

Below, a picture from the first spring scrimmage...

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/fs31066run2.jpg

Doc

[McNeese75]

Bio was last season's bio. They haven't updated the website. He participated in the spring and caught passes in the spring game.

Below, a picture from the first spring scrimmage...

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/fs31066run2.jpg

Doc

I think Ga Southern Fans might remember him as well :)

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/gsu05g6td1.jpg

[CrunchGriz]

In 2001 Montana had an average QB take us to the Championship because he had a great receiving corps, a very good back, and a good OLine. The defense wasn't too shabby that year either shutting out Furman till the final hail mary of the game.

Ronbo, I'd take exception to this characterization of John Edwards. While he was certainly no Dave Dickenson or Craig Ochs, he was hardly "average." He ended up 4th in the Payton voting that year, after all. He didn't put up astronomical stats, but he made very few mistakes and was a threat on the ground, which added greatly to the Griz attack. Also, under Joe Glenn's offensive philosophy, JE was never asked to put up huge passing numbers. That wasn't Glenn's style. The offense wasn't Air Bear by a long shot by that time--by design.

We Griz fans are just showing how spoiled we are if we think John Edwards was merely "average."

[lucchesicourt]

CruchGriz, I know what you mean by being spoiled. At UCD, Jon Grant is considered average by many of our fans, and 1AA has him as the 4th ranked QB. I know we have been spoiled tremendously by our past QB's. It really is not fair to expect more from your current QB (he shouldn't have to deal with this type of pressure), when the numbers fom past QB's were so great and difficult for anyone to match.

[Ivytalk]

Harvard's Mazza is the real deal. He got hurt early last year, and his absence really hampered the Crimson, both at the WR position and as a return man on special teams.

[McNeese72]

I think Ga Southern Fans might remember him as well :)

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/gsu05g6td1.jpg

That catch was nice but this 40 yard TD catch ended up being the game winner.

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/gsu05g6td2.jpg

Doc

[Freightliner]

A couple of receivers to watch out for at Texas State.

While senior Markee White has departed (56 catches -786yds 5 TD's), the Cats return:

Justin Williams: 20 catches 354yds 1TD

Ronnie Miller: 10 catches-163 0TD's (was lost for the '05 season against SLU but will return in 06 at full steam)

Tyrone Scott: 29 catches 383yds 6TD's

Look for Morris Crosby, Clellan Cook, and Adrian Thomas to elevate their game.

Also watch out for Utah State Transfer Cameron Luke - he's gonna be special!

[MACHIAVELLI]

This list has some eye brow raisers. Someone please explain to me how both WR's from Gram are ranked higher then St. Francis WR, but yet as a tandem they are ranked higher then Gram.

A week later and it still doesn't make any sense. I like to hear Door-matt explain that one away.

[MACHIAVELLI]

This list has some eye brow raisers. Someone please explain to me how both WR's from Gram are ranked higher then St. Francis WR, but yet as a tandem they are ranked higher then Gram.

A weeks later and it still doesn't make any sense.

[slostang]

A week later and it still doesn't make any sense. I like to hear Door-matt explain that one away.
Hey Mach, I agree it does not make sense, but lay off the personal attacks on Matt. It was probably an oversight and I for one enjoy reading his articles even when I do not completely agree with him. I know he puts in a lot of effort and research into his articles and does a better job than most that cover I-AA. If you know so much, why don't you grace us with your own break down of the top receivers in I-AA. Then we can all sit back and rip your choices.

[MACHIAVELLI]

I stopped reading after this.....

Hey Mach, I agree it does not make sense...

[GeauxColonels]

I don't thinkw e have wide receivers at Nicholls anymore. We throw the ball all of 3 times a game (usually to running backs out of the backfield)

[slostang]

Hey Mach, I agree it does not make sense, but lay off the personal attacks on Matt.
:nod::nod: :nod:

[lucchesicourt]

I can see how it would be possible to rate indivudual receivers higher than a tandem. The first reason I can think of is BLOCKING. In that, if you rate a receiver (individually) on his abilities to catch and run only, a receiver could receive higher marks as hecannot block for himself. But, in a tandem, you get some teamwork in that one catches and the OTHER blocks. This may not be the case when you rate them as individuals.

[MACHIAVELLI]

I can see how it would be possible to rate indivudual receivers higher than a tandem. The first reason I can think of is BLOCKING. In that, if you rate a receiver (individually) on his abilities to catch and run only, a receiver could receive higher marks as hecannot block for himself. But, in a tandem, you get some teamwork in that one catches and the OTHER blocks. This may not be the case when you rate them as individuals.

Blocking..... That is a NFL scout and wide receiver coach stat. Why not say yards after catch, yards after contact or yards per catch. But with that being said...it was never mentioned. He didn't even included the tandems total yards or total td's.

Top Wide Receiver Tandems
1.St. Francis (PA) - (Caputo and Palko) - The senior duo combined for 177 catches in 2005, and return with the chance to go down in history as the most prolific duo in I-AA history. Both players are in the top five among active receivers in career receptions, and Caputo is also in the top three in yards and touchdowns.

[mikebigg]

Clyde Edwards, not on this list?

Guess he's part of that Grambling "tandem"...but still, Edwards is on my top 10 I-AA WRs...

Mach won't agree with this, but I think he's the better of the two (between he and Tolbert).

[lucchesicourt]

Mach. I said that may be the case. I really do not know what he was thinking. I am just trying to find a REASON why a tandem can be ranked higher than the higher ranked individuals of a tandem.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Mach won't agree with this, but I think he's the better of the two (between he and Tolbert).

Edwards has played that position longer. He looks smoother.

[datruth4u]

Mach won't agree with this, but I think he's the better of the two (between he and Tolbert).


The funny thing about it is that netiher one of those receivers will have the best season. The guy who will have the best season isn't even mentioned. It's gonna be a long years for our opponents. Starting with Hampton, but thats another issue!xlolx

[mikebigg]

The funny thing about it is that netiher one of those receivers will have the best season. The guy who will have the best season isn't even mentioned. It's gonna be a long years for our opponents. Starting with Hampton, but thats another issue!xlolx

I've heard good things, but until he catches a pass and does it in an actual game there's no way I'm putting him ahead of Edwards and Tolbert.

Mach: I feel ya on that one... Edwards does have all the moves of a polished receiver. That's why I give him an edge. I know you like to look at the numbers but that's more a product of the passer preference than anything else. We both know that Bruce has always favored the slot receivers.

[MACHIAVELLI]

I've heard good things, but until he catches a pass and does it in an actual game there's no way I'm putting him ahead of Edwards and Tolbert.
or Abney, Jackson, Kuuan, Hills, Carter. But LB is a burner :D :thumbsup:

[UNHcats]

Dave Ball best wide receiver in the game hands down.......best wide receiver possibly in 1 AA history, if you've seen him play you know what im talking about

[Tribe4SF]

Dave Ball best wide receiver in the game hands down.......best wide receiver possibly in 1 AA history, if you've seen him play you know what im talking about

Ball is definitely among the best I've seen in I-AA. He reminds me alot of Finneran, when he was at Villanova. Not as tall, but elevates just as well, and I think he is faster than Finneran.

It will be interesting to see if Ball can break Musinski's A-10 yardage record, or even catch Jerry Rice. He's got a shot.

[datruth4u]

or Abney, Jackson, Kuuan, Hills, Carter. But LB is a burner :D :thumbsup:


He is the truth.:hurray:

[Mr. C]

Dave Ball best wide receiver in the game hands down.......best wide receiver possibly in 1 AA history, if you've seen him play you know what im talking about
As good as Ball is, he is not Jerry Rice. Jerry Rice was a stud in I-AA at Mississippi Valley State (with one of the all-time greats at QB, Willie Totten throwing him the ball) and developed into maybe the best player in NFL history. I think you will have little debate that Rice is the best receiver in football history. If people want to say Ball is the best in I-AA since then, that is a more reasonable debate.

[MR. CHICKEN]

IFIN' DAVEY OVERAH TAKES...JERRY'S I-AA RECORDS...DEN HE IS DUH BEST...EVERAH IN I-AA....DOY??.....WHIFF UH LAD NAMED SANTOS........CHUCKIN' DUH PIGGY!.....NOW JERRY IN DUH NFL IS UH HORSE O' 'NOTHERAH COLOR!....TIL BALL IS CHOSEN...LIKE....IN DUH EARLY ROUNDS..(WHAT PRO SCOUT WILL TURN HIS BACK ON DUH LAD...DAT CLEANED JERRY'S I-AA CLOCK?)......:twocents:......BRAWK!

[JohnStOnge]

As good as Ball is, he is not Jerry Rice. Jerry Rice was a stud in I-AA at Mississippi Valley State (with one of the all-time greats at QB, Willie Totten throwing him the ball) and developed into maybe the best player in NFL history. I think you will have little debate that Rice is the best receiver in football history. If people want to say Ball is the best in I-AA since then, that is a more reasonable debate.

I don't know. As much as I hate to say this I think that if I were building a team and had to choose between Randy Moss in his prime and Jerry Rice in his prime I'd pick Moss. I think Rice was to some extent a product of his system. Don't get me wrong...he was still really, really good. But I think he did benefit some from coming along at time when that system came on the scene and I think it fit his skills.

Randy Moss may never pile up the numbers Rice did. And he's not the most likeable guy. But if I were sitting there deciding who's going to be on my team that's going to most improve my chance to win the game...I'm picking Moss. Moss in his prime was just way too physically superior to Rice in his prime.

Put it this way: If you'd have stuck a freak like Randy Moss on the San Francisco 49er teams Rice played on all those years and let him catch those short crossing patterns then run with the ball I think his numbers would've been absolutely mind boggling if he'd stayed healthy.

If a Randy Moss had somehow played on that old Mississippi Valley State team I think the numbers there would've been pretty mind boggling as well. The guy may have scored TDs on more than half this touches. That might be an exaggeration but...is it really? I mean, you've seen what the guy is capable of.

[MR. CHICKEN]

MAH MIND IS BOGGLED.............: retard :..........BRAWK!

[JohnStOnge]

I think I see why I said I wouldn't trade Quinten Lawrence for anybody I saw last year. I looked at the NCAA stats and he averaged 21.19 yards per catch. That was fifth among the top 100 yardage receivers in I-AA plus the top provisional receivers last year but only one player from a playoff league, Rondriekas Darby, SC State at 21.69, had a higher YPC average.

The thing is that Lawrence was both a AAAAA state champion sprinter (on the 4 x 400 relay champion) and high jumper (individual title) in a "speed" state. He's a very impressive athlete. It could be that the last impression is influencing me as he had 7 catches for 199 yards during the last game of the season at Nicholls State...including a 45 yard TD where he really showed first his leaping ability to sky over the defender then hit the afterburners. He was a sophmore then and I think the chances of him emerging and building upon the way he ended last season are good. I think if this guy would've played for in a pass oriented offense such as, say, Southeastearn Louisiana's, he'd very will could've had stats that would've caught everybody's notice.

Just for kicks, here is the list of the top receivers listed at the top of this thread with their average yards per catch. I know that's not the end all of being a receiver and can be impacted by many things. But, believe me, Lawrence's 21.19 ypc was not an artifact. The guy is very explosive. He's also very smooth, with very good body control, and very good hands (at least while I was watching).

1. David Ball, UNH 17.83
2. Laurent Robinson, Illinois State 17.03
3. Tony Kays, UC Davis 13.04
4. Henry Tolbert, Grambling State 18.8
5. Tyrone Timmins, MVSU 17.08
6. Michael Caputo, SF (Pa.) 15.58
7. Maurice Price, Charleston Southern ???
8. Charlie Spiller, Alcorn State 20.80
9. Sam Logan, Indiana State 11.03
10. Duvaughn Flagler, Gardner-Webb 15.02

The Next 15

11. Roosevelt Kiser, Florida A&M 11.56
12. Andrae Brown, Towson 13.81
13. Jerome Simpson, Coastal ???
14. Taurean Stephens, Tenn.-Martin 10.85
15. Andy Birkel, No. Colo. 18.84
16. Clyde Edwards, Grambling State 18.48
17. Larry Shipp, Tennessee Tech 16.06
18. Luke Palko, SF (Pa.) 9.55
19. Joe Nicholas, William & Mary 14.06
20. Chris Turner, Wagner 14.42
21. Shaheer McBride, Delaware State 14.4
22. Arel Gordon, Maine 6.91
23. Corey Mazza, Harvard ???
24. Ashley Wright, Yale 13.03
25. Justin Stepp, Furman 14.7

[UNHcats]

[QUOTE=Mr. C]
Jerry Rice was a stud in I-AA at Mississippi Valley State


Don't get me wrong, Rice was one of the best, loved watchin him growin up but what kind of competition did Miss Valley State have. They didnt play anyone close to the caliber of A10 teams now a days. Umass had one of the best defense's i've seen in a while and Dave Ball scored four touchdowns, with unbelievable catches and runs into the endzone

[JohnStOnge]

MAH MIND IS BOGGLED.............: retard :..........BRAWK!

I hope you're not talking about the Randy Moss vs. Jerry Rice thing. I mean, Rice was good in the NFL for a long period of time but Randy Moss in a football game playing with a decent team completely changes the game. He walked in as a rookie for the Vikings and immediately looked like a man among boys at the NFL level.

And in I-AA...it wasn't even fair.

Mind you, Moss is not my favorite player. Not at all. I just can't deny the incredible freak of nature ability he has.

[JohnStOnge]

Below, a picture from the first spring scrimmage...

http://www.geauxcowboys-eastside.org/images/fs31066run2.jpg

Doc

I never thought I'd say something like this because I love run oriented football...but this guy as well as some of his cohorts at the wide receiver position this year is making me hope McNeese changes its offensive style some this year to fit its personnel. I think there's potential for opposing teams seeing an awful lot of Lawrence from the angle depicted in your photo if the Cowboys will fully exploit the threat I think he represents.

[umassfan]

[QUOTE=Mr. C]
Jerry Rice was a stud in I-AA at Mississippi Valley State


Don't get me wrong, Rice was one of the best, loved watchin him growin up but what kind of competition did Miss Valley State have. They didnt play anyone close to the caliber of A10 teams now a days. Umass had one of the best defense's i've seen in a while and Dave Ball scored four touchdowns, with unbelievable catches and runs into the endzone
Those catches were pure David Ball vs UMass... there is nothing anyone could do to stop them. He made some crazy catches vs our D last year. I came away saying he should be POY hands down after that game. Others just didnt think the same.

[CrunchGriz]

I hope you're not talking about the Randy Moss vs. Jerry Rice thing. I mean, Rice was good in the NFL for a long period of time but Randy Moss in a football game playing with a decent team completely changes the game. He walked in as a rookie for the Vikings and immediately looked like a man among boys at the NFL level.

And in I-AA...it wasn't even fair.

Mind you, Moss is not my favorite player. Not at all. I just can't deny the incredible freak of nature ability he has.

I have to agree with JSO on this one. Jerry Rice is the greatest receiver in NFL history, and he has excellent natural skills, but he made his substantial mark on the game because of his work ethic. Randy Moss, on the other hand, has freakish skills and can dominate a game, but will never rise to Rice's level career-wise because he has nowhere near Jerry's drive.

As far as pure skills, though, Moss is ridiculous. I remember very unfondly what he did to a great Montana team in 1996 (a team that came into the championship game 14-0 and had beaten Troy St. 70-7 earlier in the playoffs, not to mention Oregon State at OSU 35-14). He pretty much dominated the whole game, leading to a convincing 49-29 Marshall win. There wasn't anyone on the Griz who could cover him. H-ll, there hasn't been anyone in history on Montana's roster who could have covered him.

[Tubby Raymond]

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling:
JJ Moore, if he didnt break his ankle, would have been in the top 25 easy. The kid was at or near the top of every stat before breaking his ankle.

[GAD]

[QUOTE=Mr. C]
Jerry Rice was a stud in I-AA at Mississippi Valley State


Don't get me wrong, Rice was one of the best, loved watchin him growin up but what kind of competition did Miss Valley State have. They didnt play anyone close to the caliber of A10 teams now a days. Umass had one of the best defense's i've seen in a while and Dave Ball scored four touchdowns, with unbelievable catches and runs into the endzone
The SWAC was very different in the 80's

[JohnStOnge]

The SWAC was very different in the 80's

I thought about posting what I think is a suggestion of the level of competition in the SWAC in 1984 last night but decided not to. I'll go ahead and do it now.

During the 1984 regular season, Mississippi Valley State went 9-1 during the regular season, scoring 609 points to its opponents' 236 (so average score about 61 - 24). It's one loss was by 42-28 to Alcorn State. The Delta Devils' non conference opponents were Kentucky State, Washburn, and Langston.

Alcorm State went 10-0 while outscoring its opponents 354 - 118 (average about 39 - 13).

Playoff time rolled around. Mississippi Valley State drew Louisiana Tech while Alcorn State got a first round bye. Louisiana Tech smothered the Delta Devils 66-19. Then, in the second round, Louisiana Tech beat Alcorn State 44 - 21 (the maxium score previously allowed by the Alcorn State defense was 28 to Mississippi Valley...and nobody else had scored more than 16).

Over the next two weeks Lousiiana Tech beat Middle Tennessee State by 21 - 13 in the semis then lost by 19 - 6 to Montana State in the championship game.

Another interesting note is that Louisiana Tech was a defense oriented team. While the Bulldogs scored 110 points in their two games against Mississippi Valley and Alcorn State, they only scored 200 in their other 13 contests. Meanwhile, the Tech defense gave up only 12 points per game to other I-AAs (14 ppg overall).

So, on one hand, it appears that Mississippi Valley ran into a very good I-AA defense when it took on Louisiana Tech. On the other hand, one has to wonder how good SWAC defenses were that year when Louisiana Tech scored more than half as many points against its two SWAC opponents as it did in its other 13 games combined; including 44 against a defense that had only once given up more than 16 points and never more than 28 during SWAC play.

[JohnStOnge]

Randy Moss, on the other hand, has freakish skills and can dominate a game, but will never rise to Rice's level career-wise because he has nowhere near Jerry's drive.



I think that the fact that Jerry Rice played for one of the greatest nucleus' of players of all time in a system suited to his skills was big too. Rice was quick but not a fast wide receiver by NFL standards. Here's a bio indicating that he was a 4.6 guy when he came out of college:

http://www.geocities.com/ricecollector80/bio.html

I think San Fransisco's "horizontal" passing game really helped him. He was not really called upon the stretch the field vertically.

And the team he played on was truely great. He had two hall of fame quarterbacks to play with (I think arguably the top 2 ever...certainly arguably two of the top five). There were great defenses to support the offense and allow it to spend a lot of time on the field. There were great receivers opposite of him, at tight end, and in the backfield.

I think people tend to underestimate the importance of where players play to great careers. I think it very likely that, had Randy Moss come along when Jerry Rice did and played for the team Jerry Rice played for (and stayed healthy as well as out of trouble to a reasonable extent) he very well could have posted stats superior to Rice's.

[umassfan]

:bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling: :bawling:
Have you taught your kids how to catch the ball yet?:read:

[UNH 40]

UNH trio of Ball (87 Catches) Levan (51 Catches) & Brown (43 Catches) doesn't get mention as a group, interesting. Add return specialist Boyle who arguably had the best spring & TE Lynch. That has to be the best in the country..... THe Qb isn't to shabby either.


I am glad someone mentioned Levan, Brown, Boyle and Lynch. These four along with Ball gives UNH the best recieving corp in I-AA and it is not even an arguement. These four have gone unnoticed becuase they have played in the shadows of Ball and Williams. Levan and Boyle are very quick and shifty and will go accross the middle without even thinking about it. They are both also extremely productive. Brown provides another big athletic target who catches well and is a deep threat as well. Lynch is the unknown among the group. He is 6'2" and in the 250-260 lbs range, he is very strong, is a great blocker, and has above average hands. He also has found the endzone often in games that he has played, He had three TD's in two games against Central Connecticut and Central Michigan as a true freshman while filling in for an injured Jon Williams. The production will be better than ever this for UNH's wide recievers, because of the fact that teams are going to focus so much of there attention on Ball it will open up the rest of the field for these for guys. And with Santos throwing the ball around again the numbers should be unreal.

You know what is funny about this group none of them were offered anywhere but UNH, and Ball and Levan are both former walk-ons.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Clyde Edwards, not on this list?

Guess he's part of that Grambling "tandem"...but still, Edwards is on my top 10 I-AA WRs...

TT just for you.
Clyde Edwards Highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0GdqFbH-bg)

[Chi Panther]

Kid can play!!!:thumbsup:

[*****]

How many TDs did Bruce "TD KING" Eugene throw him?

[mikebigg]

Edwards is nice...and he's an honor student. Tolbert really had a breakout season last year. He was recruited as a running back but has made the transition well.

Mach, I looked at the Ab Kuaan highlight video. We need to run the ball a bit more.

[Tailbone]

Anybody have a tight end that will challenge Patrick Bugg's gaudy numbers?

Maybe.

http://streamingmedia.montanagrizzlies.com/umgriz/2005_2006_an/Media/Football/2006_Recruit/overton.wmv

:eek:

[*****]

Maybe...He said PATRICK BUGG... consensus best. The correct answer is NOT AT THIS TIME SIR. xlolx :nod:

[GrizFoo]

Ronbo,

I would drop Troxel from your list, unless he somehow gains some speed sent down from the heavens, he might as well go DII if he wants pt. He's not going to see much playing time, and certainly won't be seeing much of the ball. I like him, he's tough, works hard, and he never stops his feet. But being of mediocre speed and ball security, there are other options.
Instead add in no scholarship Marianni. A kid with good speed, real good hands, and toughness. Now if Phenicie will only give him a chance.
Palmer will be very interesting to see. He seems to have more speed than Bagely, more get up and go for sure.
My only worry about Chambers is that it appears his eligibility is in the hands of the NCAA. That is never a sure thing, and probably more often than not, a bad thing.
Allen will be light years better than he was last year though. And if Bradshaw or Coleman aren't used as WRs, or Hilliard, I'm equal opportunity, then it will be a travesty. Or if none of the above RB's are used as slots or WR then at least get Brooks-Fletcher some experience out there. He was one of the best all purpose backs in WA two years ago. He might be the smartest kid on the team as far as learning the O, and possibly in the classroom too. If he knee is good, I want to see him tear up other teams like he tore up our own D during a couple practices.
Possibly the best WR the Griz may have depending on Chambers' eligibility is a little known, under weighted TE named Beaudin. Better hands than Walden, adjusts to the ball as good at any WR we have, pretty fast, but probably not evey 230. It will make it interesting having a TE who is more of a WR instead of more of a big body to block. Will he get the ball thrown his way more than Ja'Ton or Walden?

[Tailbone]

He said PATRICK BUGG... consensus best. The correct answer is NOT AT THIS TIME SIR. xlolx :nod:

Yeah, I know.
But, ya gotta admit - the snippet where Overton runs down the running back is pretty impressive. :nod:
Lookin' forward to watching this kid play!

[MACHIAVELLI]

How many TDs did Bruce "TD KING" Eugene throw him?

10...Why?

[*****]

10...Why?Because the King could throw some mighty missives. Just wondered how many Clyde got.

[mikebigg]

Because the King could throw some mighty missives. Just wondered how many Clyde got.

I noticed that some of the highlight footage was with Landers at qb his freshman year. Landers isn't Bruce but I think he's gonna be a good one for us. He showed his nuttz as a 17 year old freshman. He got blitzed silly against AAMU (I think he was sacked 11 times and hurried even more) but still hung in there. Now that he knows the right reads, he should do a better job. However, all of that wasn't his fault. Tolbert(rs soph) and Edwards (fresh) had to move into the starting lineup and they too struggled early before emerging later in the year.

[MACHIAVELLI]

I noticed that some of the highlight footage was with Landers at qb his freshman year. Landers isn't Bruce but I think he's gonna be a good one for us.

He will constantly be compared to Bruce it is unavoidable. As long as he does not buy in that he needs to be Bruce for us to win. I am sure our conference foes are thinking that. They thought that we were gonna fall off when we lost QB Randy Hymes, but Bruce came in as a soph and re-wrote records. I believe that Landers is in the position of Randy Hymes. He will rank in the top 4 qb's in the conference and will be successful because of his teams experience, coaching and talent. Plus he has a freshman phenom on his heels.

[mikebigg]

He will constantly be compared to Bruce it is unavoidable. As long as he does not buy in that he needs to be Bruce for us to win. I am sure our conference foes are thinking that. They thought that we were gonna fall off when we lost QB Randy Hymes, but Bruce came in as a soph and re-wrote records. I believe that Landers is in the position of Randy Hymes. He will rank in the top 4 qb's in the conference and will be successful because of his teams experience, coaching and talent. Plus he has a freshman phenom on his heels.

With the emergence of the Freshman, will Kerlegan be switched to receiver. He's too talented to just sit!