Sports Network Position Rankings

[smallcollegefbfan]

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/AGN4027123.htm

[colgate13]

Complaints from my area of interest:

1 - Dan Adams from Holy Cross is the 16th best linebacker in the nation? Puh-leeze. I'll be surprised if he earns 1st team all-PL this year. 2nd team isn't even a given.

2 - Cody Williams deserves some consideration at cornerback. 2nd team all PL with 63 tackles, four INTs, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He will be one of the best corners in the PL.

[*****]

2 SWAC guys out of 100 players named?

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Not surprising, but not a single Hen on the entire list. I believe Cuff was the only UD player mentioned in any of TSN postion ranking. I guess it will either be a long season, or we will get a chance to see some guys have breakout years. Can't wait to see how it plays out. :thumbsup:

[catbob]

Homer me this, but I am a little surprised to see not one MSU player on the defensive side of the ball. I know a lot of the players are deserving, but a couple MSU players will surprise this year, I guess.

[Catmendue2]

2 SWAC guys out of 100 players named?




The last draft answered that question for you. Hope you having a Great time in the Bay area.


Actually I saw 4 players from the SWAC.

[cosmo here]

1 - Dan Adams from Holy Cross is the 16th best linebacker in the nation? Puh-leeze. I'll be surprised if he earns 1st team all-PL this year. 2nd team isn't even a given.

He wasn't first or second team last year, "leading" the nation in solo tackles. It's well known around the Patriot League that the defensive stats at Holy Cross suck. There are two old guys who don't know how to give out assisted tackles.

Adams at home last year:

Sacred Heart - 8 S, 1 A
Georgetown - 7 S, 2 A
Harvard - 8 S
Dartmouth - 5 S
Colgate - 21 S, 0 A
Lafayette - 14 S, 2 A (I didn't even notice him on the field)

That's 63 solo and 5 assisted tackles in six games at home, including 21 without an assist in one game. The PL coaches have already said he's not Superman. Those guys in the box should get a raise just for getting Adams on this list.

[McNeese72]

Not surprising, but not a single Hen on the entire list. I believe Cuff was the only UD player mentioned in any of TSN postion ranking. I guess it will either be a long season, or we will get a chance to see some guys have breakout years. Can't wait to see how it plays out. :thumbsup:

Don't feel alone. I think the only McNeese player mentioned on the lists will probably have to sit out one season due to academics.

Doc

[bobcatfan06]

I'll take 3 Texas State players.

Walter Musgrove will come back from Hodgkin's and will be one of the most dominant CB's in the Southland. I guarantee it.

[colgate13]

He wasn't first or second team last year, "leading" the nation in solo tackles. It's well known around the Patriot League that the defensive stats at Holy Cross suck. There are two old guys who don't know how to give out assisted tackles.

Adams at home last year:

Sacred Heart - 8 S, 1 A
Georgetown - 7 S, 2 A
Harvard - 8 S
Dartmouth - 5 S
Colgate - 21 S, 0 A
Lafayette - 14 S, 2 A (I didn't even notice him on the field)

That's 63 solo and 5 assisted tackles in six games at home, including 21 without an assist in one game. The PL coaches have already said he's not Superman. Those guys in the box should get a raise just for getting Adams on this list.
Thank you for taking the time to point out what I was saying! :nod:

My best guess: Marcus Taylor from Fordham will get some notice, with the rest of the all-PL linebackers this year will be from Colgate, Lehigh or Lafayette! (well, maybe Georgetown too. ;)) But Holy Cross? That defense was horrible. :twocents:

[Retro]

Don't feel alone. I think the only McNeese player mentioned on the lists will probably have to sit out one season due to academics.

Doc

Trey Bennett is also mentioned.. I guess you were referring to Jackson.

[cosmo here]

Thank you for taking the time to point out what I was saying! :nod:

My best guess: Marcus Taylor from Fordham will get some notice, with the rest of the all-PL linebackers this year will be from Colgate, Lehigh or Lafayette! (well, maybe Georgetown too. ;)) But Holy Cross? That defense was horrible. :twocents:

Don't forget Dorian Petersen from Bucknell, either, along with Taylor from Fordham. The other four: Justin Stovall from Lafayette, one each from Colgate and Lehigh, and then whoever steps up to support the best LB from the PL champion.

[Saint3333]

5 ASU players added to good rankings from our RB, Richardson, and TE, Bettis, looks great to me.

The depth at WR and LB hurts their individual rankings, but overall I'd say ASU will be better at these positions than they were last year.

I'm being to get paranoid however with all this hype :eek:

[Ronbo]

The way he's ranked Cal Poly with top returning players at almost every position they should be run away National Champions. Montana has a couple players named Offense and Defense including skill positions. Cal Poly has what 10? I predict a battle against them but Montana will win. Might be because 80% of the Griz starters will be underclassmen.

[GeauxColonels]

Here's the breakdown by conference:

Centers
Gateway - 2
A-10, SoCon, Great West - 1

Guards
Big Sky - 3
A-10, Southland - 2
Great West, Ohio Valley, SoCon - 1

Tackles
Big Sky - 2
A-10, Gateway, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Patriot, SoCon, Southland - 1

Defensive Tackles
Great West, Southland -2
A-10, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, SoCon, SWAC - 1

Defensive End
A-10, Patriot, SoCon - 2
Big Sky, Big South, MEAC, SWAC - 1

Linebackers
SoCon, Southland - 3
A-10, Big South, Patriot - 2
Big Sky, Gateway, Great West, Ivy, MEAC, NEC, Ohio Valley, SWAC - 1

Cornerbacks
A-10, Gateway, Great West - 2
Big Sky, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Southland - 1

Safeties
SoCon, Southland - 2
A-10, Great West, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Patriot - 1

Kickers
Gateway - 2
A-10, Big Sky, MEAC - 1

Return Specialists
Gateway, Great West, Pioneer, SoCon, SWAC - 1

Punters
A-10, Great West, MEAC, Ohio Valley, SoCon - 1

Overall:
[1] A-10 (14)
[2] SoCon (13)
[3] Southland (11)
[4] Great West (10)
[t5] Big Sky, Gateway (9)
[7] MEAC (8)
[8] Ohio Valley (7)
[9] Patriot (6)
[t10] Ivy, SWAC (4)
[12] Big South (3)
[13] NEC, Pioneer (1)

[GeauxColonels]

On a personal note, the return specialist from Southern Illinois, Craig Turner, graduated from my high school Alma Mater and I watched him his entire senior season on the way to the Louisiana 5A State Championship over Evangel Christian in 2003. He was part of a 2 back system (the other back being Darius Reynaud who now plays at the University of West Virginia as a receiver). They were one of the best RB combos I ever saw in HS. Turner is a MONSTER. He's fast, powerful and not afraid to hit anyone. He cracked the shells of several helmets over the course of his senior year.

[Pard4Life]

He wasn't first or second team last year, "leading" the nation in solo tackles. It's well known around the Patriot League that the defensive stats at Holy Cross suck. There are two old guys who don't know how to give out assisted tackles.

Adams at home last year:

Sacred Heart - 8 S, 1 A
Georgetown - 7 S, 2 A
Harvard - 8 S
Dartmouth - 5 S
Colgate - 21 S, 0 A
Lafayette - 14 S, 2 A (I didn't even notice him on the field)

That's 63 solo and 5 assisted tackles in six games at home, including 21 without an assist in one game. The PL coaches have already said he's not Superman. Those guys in the box should get a raise just for getting Adams on this list.

I agree too with 13. The only reason this guy has so many tackles is because the opposing offense is always making plays that end up being tackled. I'd rather have less tackles and more pass-breakups, opposing INCs, and sacks.

[McNeese72]

Trey Bennett is also mentioned.. I guess you were referring to Jackson.

Yes. I must have missed Trey when I quickly skimmed the article.

Doc

[GrizFoo]

The way he's ranked Cal Poly with top returning players at almost every position they should be run away National Champions. Montana has a couple players named Offense and Defense including skill positions. Cal Poly has what 10? I predict a battle against them but Montana will win. Might be because 80% of the Griz starters will be underclassmen.

Their (Cal Poly) Frosh WR wasn't in the WR list, I don't think. He is a freakin freak and will spell trouble this year. He would be on my WR list, and will be on most WR lists next year I'd bet.

Ramses Barden
Wide Receiver 6-6 220
Altadena, CA / Flintridge Prep HS

[I-AA Fan]

Not surprising, but not a single Hen on the entire list. I believe Cuff was the only UD player mentioned in any of TSN postion ranking. I guess it will either be a long season, or we will get a chance to see some guys have breakout years. Can't wait to see how it plays out. :thumbsup:


Nothing to worry about. UD is like many clubs that play as a team...therefore it is too difficult for a single player to stand out. I thought the exact same thing when I did not see a single YSU linebacker selected in what is normally their strength. Although untested, I think 1 or 2 will be the "cream" in the milk. I think you can expect the same thing from the Hens; especially on offense. Over the last few years, the Hens offense has become more of a unit than in recent years prior ...with the exception of the QB slot ...which is exactly the way you want it to be. It is only June.

[fuEMO]

I'll be a homer.

No John Kivett at OT and no Wesley Bray at DT. Bray might be a stretch but these two guys will be All SoCon performers.

I'm glad to see A Jones get some pub, he will bring big numbers at middle linebacker. Furman has alot of young defensive players who need to step up and make people notice.

[skinny_uncle]

On a personal note, the return specialist from Southern Illinois, Craig Turner, graduated from my high school Alma Mater and I watched him his entire senior season on the way to the Louisiana 5A State Championship over Evangel Christian in 2003. He was part of a 2 back system (the other back being Darius Reynaud who now plays at the University of West Virginia as a receiver). They were one of the best RB combos I ever saw in HS. Turner is a MONSTER. He's fast, powerful and not afraid to hit anyone. He cracked the shells of several helmets over the course of his senior year.
Folks in Salukiland are delighted to have Turner back returning punts and kickoffs. He scored a TD on each last year and generally gets good yardage. He is a lot of fun to watch.
http://bestsmileys.com/sports2/6.gif

[GeauxLions94]

What? No Jim Hall at Punter (only led SLC in punting last season), no Duriel Adams at safety (ranked in top-10 in interceptions) and Donald Usry at center (3-year starter, though he is subject to injury) :confused:

[GOKATS]

Here's the breakdown by conference:

Centers
Gateway - 2
A-10, SoCon, Great West - 1

Guards
Big Sky - 3
A-10, Southland - 2
Great West, Ohio Valley, SoCon - 1

Tackles
Big Sky - 2
A-10, Gateway, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Patriot, SoCon, Southland - 1

Defensive Tackles
Great West, Southland -2
A-10, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, SoCon, SWAC - 1

Defensive End
A-10, Patriot, SoCon - 2
Big Sky, Big South, MEAC, SWAC - 1

Linebackers
SoCon, Southland - 3
A-10, Big South, Patriot - 2
Big Sky, Gateway, Great West, Ivy, MEAC, NEC, Ohio Valley, SWAC - 1

Cornerbacks
A-10, Gateway, Great West - 2
Big Sky, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Southland - 1

Safeties
SoCon, Southland - 2
A-10, Great West, Ivy, MEAC, Ohio Valley, Patriot - 1

Kickers
Gateway - 2
A-10, Big Sky, MEAC - 1

Return Specialists
Gateway, Great West, Pioneer, SoCon, SWAC - 1

Punters
A-10, Great West, MEAC, Ohio Valley, SoCon - 1

Overall:
[1] A-10 (14)
[2] SoCon (13)
[3] Southland (11)
[4] Great West (10)
[t5] Big Sky, Gateway (9)
[7] MEAC (8)
[8] Ohio Valley (7)
[9] Patriot (6)
[t10] Ivy, SWAC (4)
[12] Big South (3)
[13] NEC, Pioneer (1)

Fixed it for ya. :)

[seantaylor]

For GSU, Dedric Bynum should be on there for safety, and Charrod Taylor for DT.

[Lionsrking]

What? No Jim Hall at Punter (only led SLC in punting last season), no Duriel Adams at safety (ranked in top-10 in interceptions) and Donald Usry at center (3-year starter, though he is subject to injury) :confused:


I agree that Donald Usry and Duke Adams should be considered among the elite at their positions. Usry is as good a center as you'll find anywhere at the I-AA level and he'll be a four year starter. Ditto for Duke Adams.

And I'll take Pinkne Hardiman over any LB in the Southland Conference.

[kats89]

SHSU had no representation in that article, but not suprising. Kats had a crappy year and didn't garner much attention. There is one I would add to the list though from SHSU if one was to go on there and that would be Lance Hancock, 6-5,295 OT. Has started 4 years at SHSU and been a VERY good player for us over that time being the anchor of the line at left tackle. Wouldn't be suprised to see him at the next level.

[ngineer]

I have never liked these pre-season lists. In the words of Mr. Natural, "Don't mean sheeeeeeet"...As pointed out by several, questionable stats for some, and too much based on the PR ability of SIDs. Almost as bad as the "Heisman" pre-season lists. Only purpose is to generate interest in the off season. No one should take these things seriously.

[cosmo here]

I have never liked these pre-season lists. In the words of Mr. Natural, "Don't mean sheeeeeeet"...As pointed out by several, questionable stats for some, and too much based on the PR ability of SIDs. Almost as bad as the "Heisman" pre-season lists. Only purpose is to generate interest in the off season. No one should take these things seriously.

well apparently Lafayette's SID stinks, since we only got Hurt at no. 22 RB and Saint Germain (1st team Lindy's) at no. 8 T, no Snipes (2nd team Lindy's DE) or Maurer at QB and Threatt is on The Sports Network list. :(

[colgate13]

well apparently Lafayette's SID stinks, since we only got Hurt at no. 22 RB and Saint Germain (1st team Lindy's) at no. 8 T, no Snipes (2nd team Lindy's DE) or Maurer at QB and Threatt is on The Sports Network list. :(

Basically it sounds like Matt Dougherty at the SN doesn't like Lafayette!

[HPCAT]

I have said it before and I will say it again, TXST will field a quality team in 2006.

IMHO, the best player from last year's defense is coming back in Castillo. The secondary will be improved and the defense will once again be in the top 10-15 in the nation.

Look for TXST in the playoffs once again.

[SoCon48]

Overall:
[1] A-10 (14)
[2] SoCon (13)
[3] Southland (11)
[4] Great West (10)
[t5] Big South, Gateway (9)
[7] MEAC (8)
[8] Ohio Valley (7)
[9] Patriot (6)
[t10] Ivy, SWAC (4)
[12] Big South (3)
[13] NEC, Pioneer (1

Northeast media influence faded a bit.

A-10 12 teams 14 players
SoCon 8 teams 13 players

[GeauxColonels]

Folks in Salukiland are delighted to have Turner back returning punts and kickoffs. He scored a TD on each last year and generally gets good yardage. He is a lot of fun to watch.
http://bestsmileys.com/sports2/6.gif
Personally, myself, my dad and several other people that watched him in HS couldn't believe that he wasn't being recruited harder in Louisiana by the I-AA schools. Surely he would have fit in nicely in the multiple-back triple option offense Nicholls State runs and I'm sure McNeese and Northwestern would have loved a physical bruising back that can block and run.

[kats89]

Look for TXST in the playoffs once again.:nono:

Target on your backs and Barrick Nealy is gone. Don't kid yourself about what Nealy did for your team last year. I have said it before that Wasson is not your answer at QB. Tx State will be competitive,but I don't see them returning to the playoffs in '06. I think the SLC will send two teams to the playoffs, but I think they will come out of Louisiana, McNeese St. and SE Louisiana.:twocents:

[LCFan21]

Basically it sounds like Matt Dougherty at the SN doesn't like Lafayette!

He must be still upset that they got the at large and not his Youngstown team.......get over it already Matt!!!!

[HPCAT]

:nono:

Target on your backs and Barrick Nealy is gone. Don't kid yourself about what Nealy did for your team last year. I have said it before that Wasson is not your answer at QB. Tx State will be competitive,but I don't see them returning to the playoffs in '06. I think the SLC will send two teams to the playoffs, but I think they will come out of Louisiana, McNeese St. and SE Louisiana.:twocents:

Wasson will prove a lot of folks wrong this year. He is a real competitor and you do not win a 5A player of the year award in Texas without some gonads to suck it up when the going gets tough. And he does not have to be the total solution at QB. After he breaks it for 50 on you, like he did against SHS 2 years ago, George will come in and lead the passing attack, to keep the offense as balanced as it was last year.

It is going to be another fun year, I can't wait. :nod:

No disrespect to SLU, but I think even their fans do not believe they have the depth to win the SLC. And that is if they come out injury free after the 3 IA games.

[blukeys]

I have never liked these pre-season lists. In the words of Mr. Natural, "Don't mean sheeeeeeet"...As pointed out by several, questionable stats for some, and too much based on the PR ability of SIDs. Almost as bad as the "Heisman" pre-season lists. Only purpose is to generate interest in the off season. No one should take these things seriously.


Agreed, barring injury Aaron Love at UD will turn some heads as a WR and Punt returner but as of today he is under the radar. That is the way it is for many excellent I-AA players. Those complaining about lack of recognition should take comfort in the fact that it is wins that truly counts and not preseason rankings in Sports Network, Lindy's, etc, etc,etc,:nod: :nod: :nod:

[golionsgo]

No disrespect to SLU, but I think even their fans do not believe they have the depth to win the SLC. And that is if they come out injury free after the 3 IA games.

Where did you get that idea? I think you'll be surprised at our depth, especially on defense and at the skill positions on offense. Because we're young, 2007 will more than likely be THE YEAR but we have plenty enough talent and depth to make some noise in 2006.

[skinny_uncle]

Personally, myself, my dad and several other people that watched him in HS couldn't believe that he wasn't being recruited harder in Louisiana by the I-AA schools. Surely he would have fit in nicely in the multiple-back triple option offense Nicholls State runs and I'm sure McNeese and Northwestern would have loved a physical bruising back that can block and run.
The Salukis have had a pipeline of players from Louisiana for many years. Several players on the 1983 NC team hailed from St. Augustine High in New Orleans. We still get players from there (fortunately).

[Stang Fever]

I personally like the fact that there are some CP guys on the list.....ask me Kyle Shotwell is a little low for my taste. his numbers were off the chart.

as for the griz fan who was mad about that

C. White is worth a 1-3 spot
Courtney Brown is without a doubt a 1-2 Corner back

[Ronbo]

Not mad just amused. We could have the best team since since 2001, maybe a better team than 2001 and we have two guys on those lists. But it's understandable. Hauck platoons almost everyone except QB. Most starters play about 60% of the games including Lex Hilliard. This creates great depth and keeps players fresh, but at season's end stats are at best unimpressive. Lex gets 20 carries a game, our leading tackler had 95 tackles for 2005, and our leading sacker had 8. These stats don't get you on any lists. But the team returns a lot of experience when backups from 2005 played 30-40% of the snaps.

[Pard94]

Basically it sounds like Matt Dougherty at the SN doesn't like Lafayette!

In my humble estimation St. Germain is the best lineman in the League and maybe the best to come out of Lafayette ever. And that is saying something. I think he is the Leopard's all around best player.

[Stang Fever]

Not mad just amused. We could have the best team since since 2001, maybe a better team than 2001 and we have two guys on those lists. But it's understandable. Hauck platoons almost everyone except QB. Most starters play about 60% of the games including Lex Hilliard. This creates great depth and keeps players fresh, but at season's end stats are at best unimpressive. Lex gets 20 carries a game, our leading tackler had 95 tackles for 2005, and our leading sacker had 8. These stats don't get you on any lists. But the team returns a lot of experience when backups from 2005 played 30-40% of the snaps.


I believe Bill Blachke (New England Head Coach) said it the best. Im not looking for Pro Bowlers, Im looking for Super Bowlers. thats always the case, i would rather have a GREAT TEAM then a bunch of ALL STARS, cause at the end of the season its all about the National CHampionship