All-SoCon Teams Announced

[smallcollegefbfan]

www.soconsports.com

SoCon Media All-Conference Football Team Announced
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference Sports Media Association selected its Football All-Conference Team and specialty awards for the 2012 season. Wofford’s Eric Breitenstein earned the Roy M. “Legs” Offensive Player of the Year honor for the second consecutive season, while Chattanooga’s Davis Tull was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year. Appalachian State wideout Sean Price earned the Freshman of the Year Award, while The Citadel’s Kevin Higgins was named the Wallace Wade Coach of the Year.

2012 Media All-Southern Conference Football Team
Roy M. “Legs” Hawley Offensive Player of the Year – Eric Breitenstein, Sr., RB, Wofford
Defensive Player of the Year – Davis Tull, So., DE, Chattanooga
Freshman of the Year – Sean Price, WR, Appalachian State
Wallace Wade Coach of the Year – Kevin Higgins, The Citadel

First Team Offense
QB Jamal Jackson, Jr., Appalachian State
RB Steven Miller, Sr., Appalachian State
RB Eric Breitenstein, Jr., Wofford
OL Mike Sellers, Sr., The Citadel
OL Dakota Dozier, Jr., Furman
OL Dorian Byrd, Jr., Georgia Southern
OL Ryan Dudchock, Sr., Samford
OL Jake Miles, Sr., Wofford
TE Colin Anderson, Sr., Furman
WR Sean Price, Fr., Appalachian State
WR Aaron Mellette, Sr., Elon

First Team Defense
DL Ronald Blair, So., Appalachian State
DL Brent Russell, Sr., Georgia Southern
DL Nicholas Williams, Sr., Samford
DL Davis Tull, So, Chattanooga
LB Jeremy Kimbrough, Sr., Appalachian State
LB Wes Dothard, Jr., Chattanooga
LB Rock Williams, Sr., Western Carolina
DB Demetrius McCray, Sr., Appalachian State
DB Troy Sanders, Sr., Appalachian State
DB Jaquiski Tartt, So., Samford
DB D.J. Key, Jr., Chattanooga

First Team Specialists
PK Cameron Yaw, Sr., Samford
P Sam Martin, Sr., Appalachian State
RS Jerodis Williams, Sr., Furman

Second Team Offense
QB Thomas Wilson, Sr., Elon
RB Jerodis Williams, Sr., Furman
RB Fabian Truss, Jr., Samford
OL Logan Daves, So., Georgia Southern
OL Jacob Kirschenbaum, Sr., Samford
OL Adam Miller, Sr., Chattanooga
OL Calvin Cantrell, Sr., Wofford
OL Ty Gregory, Jr., Wofford
OL (tie) Jared Singleton, Jr., Wofford
TE Faysal Shafaat, So., Chattanooga
WR Andrew Peacock, Jr., Appalachian State
WR Kelsey Pope, Jr., Samford

Second Team Defense
DL Chris Billingslea, Sr., The Citadel
DL Javon Mention, Jr., Georgia Southern
DL Dion Dubose, Sr., Georgia Southern
DL Derrick Lott, Jr., Chattanooga
LB Brandon Grier, Sr., Appalachian State
LB Jonathan Spain, So., Elon
LB Alvin Scioneaux, Jr., Wofford
DB Brandon McCladdie, Jr., The Citadel
DB Darius Eubanks, Sr., Georgia Southern
DB JJ Wilcox, Sr., Georgia Southern
DB Kadeem Wise, Jr., Chattanooga

Second Team Specialists
PK Adam Shreiner, Sr., Elon
P Cass Couey, Sr., The Citadel
RS Fabian Truss, Jr., Samford

Coaches football all-conference teams, awards released
Appalachian State leads the way with 12 all-conference picks
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Southern Conference tri-champion Appalachian State put a league-high 12 players on the all-conference first and second football teams, shared the lead league with five all-freshman honorees, and claimed two of the individual postseason awards, as voted by the league’s nine head coaches and announced by the league office Tuesday.

Sellers becomes the first Citadel player to earn the Jacobs Blocking Award in the 80-year history of the award. The junior is part of an offensive line that has helped the Bulldogs average more than 300 yards per game on the ground this season. The Citadel turned in 3,307 rushing yards on the year, the third-most in school history and most since 1988. Sellers also helped pave the way for The Citadel’s 37 rushing touchdowns, their most since 1994 and third-most in school history.

2012 Coaches All-Southern Conference Football Team

Offensive Player of the Year – Eric Breitenstein, Sr., RB, Wofford
Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Jeremy Kimbrough, Sr., LB, Appalachian State
Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Davis Tull, So., DL, Chattanooga
Freshman of the Year – Sean Price, WR, Appalachian State
Jacobs Blocking Award – Mike Sellers, Jr., OL, The Citadel
Co-Coach of the Year – Kevin Higgins, The Citadel
Co-Coach of the Year – Pat Sullivan, Samford


First Team Offense
QB Jamal Jackson, Jr., Appalachian State
RB Jerodis Williams, Sr., Furman
RB Eric Breitenstein, Sr., Wofford
OL Mike Sellers, Jr., The Citadel
OL Dakota Dozier, Jr., Furman
OL Dorian Byrd, Jr., Georgia Southern
OL Ryan Dudchock, Sr., Samford
OL Jared Singleton, Jr., Wofford
TE Colin Anderson, Sr., Furman
WR Sean Price, Fr., Appalachian State
W Aaron Mellette, Sr., Elon

First Team Defense
DL Josh Lynn, Sr., Furman
DL Dion Dubose, Sr., Georgia Southern
DL Brent Russell, Sr., Georgia Southern
DL Davis Tull, So., Chattanooga
DL Nicholas Williams, Samford
LB Jeremy Kimbrough, Sr., Appalachian State
LB Wes Dothard, Jr., Chattanooga
LB Alvin Scioneaux, Jr., Wofford
DB Demetrius McCray, Sr., Appalachian State
DB JJ Wilcox, Sr., Georgia Southern
DB Jaquiski Tartt, So., Samford
DB Darius Eubanks, Sr., Georgia Southern

First Team Specialists
PK Cameron Yaw, Sr., Samford
P Sam Martin, Sr., Appalachian State
RS Jerodis Williams, Sr., Furman

Second Team Offense
QB Thomas Wilson, Sr., Elon
RB Steven Miller, Sr., Appalachian State
RB Fabian Truss, Jr., Samford
OL Justin Ward, Sr., Elon
OL Jacob Kirschenbaum, Sr., Samford
OL Calvin Cantrell, Sr., Wofford
OL Tymeco Gregory, Jr., Wofford
OL Jake Miles, So., Wofford
TE Faysal Shafaat, So., Chattanooga
WR Andrew Peacock, Jr., Appalachian State
WR Kelsey Pope, Jr., Samford

Second Team Defense
DL Ronald Blair, So., Appalachian State
DL Chris Billingslea, Sr., The Citadel
DL Derrick Lott, Jr., Chattanooga
DL Tarek Odom, So., Wofford
LB Brandon Grier, Sr., Appalachian State
LB Rock Williams, Sr., Western Carolina
LB Mike Niam, Sr., Wofford
DB Troy Sanders, Sr., Appalachian State
DB D.J. Key, Jr., Chattanooga
DB Kadeem Wise, Jr., Chattanooga
DB Blake Wylie, Sr., Wofford

Second Team Specialists
PK Sam Martin, Sr., Appalachian State
P Cass Couey, Sr., The Citadel
RS Tony Washington, Appalachian State

All-Freshman Offense
Shaq Counts, OL, Appalachian State
Malachi Jones, WR, Appalachian State
Sean Price, WR, Appalachian State
Tracey Coppedge, RB, Elon
Reese Hannon, QB, Furman
Jordan Snellings, WR, Furman
Joe Turner, OL, Furman
Tony Philpot, TE, Samford
Jacob Huesman, QB, Chattanooga
Darius Ramsey, RB, Western Carolina
Troy Mitchell, QB, Western Carolina

All-Freshman Defense
Stephen Burns, DL, Appalachian State
Davante Harris, DL, Appalachian State
Mitchell Jeter, DL, The Citadel
James Riley, LB, The Citadel
Mark Thomas, DE, The Citadel
Reggie Thomas, DB, Furman
Patrick Flowe, LB, Georgia Southern
James Bradberry, DB, Samford
Trey Wesley, DB, Samford
Sertonuse Harris, DB, Western Carolina
Jaleel Lorquet, DB, Western Carolina

All-Freshman Specialists
Alex Hanks, PK, Georgia Southern
Cam Flowers, RS, Wofford
Danny LaMontagne, LS, Furman

[Apphole]

Grier got robbed because of a pitty vote for WCU. SMH

[smallcollegefbfan]

Grier got robbed because of a pitty vote for WCU. SMH

He didn't get 1st from either. To be honest if picking 3 LBs, Kimbrough, Dothard, and Scioneaux deserve 1st-team. I think Williams, Grier, and Spain deserve 2nd team. Niam does not belong. He is very good but hurt too much and didn't play enough to merit a spot, IMO.

[Edge316007]

Personally I'm happiest to see 5 on the all-freshman team (most in the conference) while winning the conference. Now if they can find a RB to replace Miller next year

[straightshooter]

Interesting.....GSU leads the entire NCAA (all divisions) in rushing and they can only get one player on the first two teams of offense in both teams.

[SpeedkingATL]

Interesting.....GSU leads the entire NCAA (all divisions) in rushing and they can only get one player on the first two teams of offense in both teams.

Part of that is that they rotate so many players, especially in the backfield.

[PaladinFan]

Personally I'm happiest to see 5 on the all-freshman team (most in the conference) while winning the conference. Now if they can find a RB to replace Miller next year

Tied for most in the conference. Furman has 5 as well.

[blueballs]

Interesting.....GSU leads the entire NCAA (all divisions) in rushing and they can only get one player on the first two teams of offense in both teams.

TEAM me... the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

[blueballs]

All-Freshman Specialists

Alex Hanks, PK, Georgia Southern
Cam Flowers, RS, Wofford
Danny LaMontagne, LS, Furman


That has to be somebody's idea of a sick joke...

[blueballs]

Part of that is that they rotate so many players, especially in the backfield.

... on the o-line too due to injuries.

[CB Eagle]

All-Freshman Specialists

Alex Hanks, PK, Georgia Southern
Cam Flowers, RS, Wofford
Danny LaMontagne, LS, Furman


That has to be somebody's idea of a sick joke...

Probably the only Freshman PK, won by default. If I had to guess.

[PaladinFan]

Probably the only Freshman PK, won by default. If I had to guess.

SoCon has a lot of good kickers right now. Most of those kickers are seniors and juniors. I think Hanks is the only freshman that really saw significant playing time.

[Reign of Terrier]

cue the GSU fans who think Swope is a better back than EB in 3....2.....1......

And yes, that is a thing apparently.

[CID1990]

We have a few monsters coming up on defense. 3 on the all freshman team. Our D was a little snakebit after the first of the season, but next year looks very promising. I look for the preseason polls to put us in about 6th or 7th place overall, which will be just peachy.

Oh, and congrats to ASU on your punter, but I really have to respectfully disagree. Cass Couey was by far the best punter in the SoCon not only this year but probably over the last 10 years. He just didnt punt a whole lot. We will be seeing him on Sundays next year.

[CID1990]

cue the GSU fans who think Swope is a better back than EB in 3....2.....1......

And yes, that is a thing apparently.

Swope was a much better running back against us than Breitenstein was. We pretty much shut him down. Douglas had more YPC on the season, BTW.

Congrats on your win at home though. The streak ends in Chucktown next year.

[CB Eagle]

cue the GSU fans who think Swope is a better back than EB in 3....2.....1......

And yes, that is a thing apparently.

EB has certainly had a better career, thus far (a fantastic one), but I think you are the one wearing the rose colored classes if you don't even think there is an argument to be had. I'm not saying Swope is better, but there is certainly an argument to be made. I do think, barring injury, Swope will end up a better back than EB was when it is all said and done.

[Reign of Terrier]

EB has certainly had a better career, thus far (a fantastic one), but I think you are the one wearing the rose colored classes if you don't even think there is an argument to be had. I'm not saying Swope is better, but there is certainly an argument to be made. I do think, barring injury, Swope will end up a better back than EB was when it is all said and done.

He has to win Socon POTY twice....meaning he has to win it every year he has remaining eligibility. He also has to average roughly 1700 yards in the next couple years to match EB's yardage numbers, when the most he's had in a year is 1000ish so far. Keep in mind as well, EB was not the starter his first year of eligibility and only got about 600 yards rushing or so (including the 2 games he was the starter the year of his injury), so he's averaged about 1500 or 1600 yards rushing per year since the year of his injury. Yeah, that's right, EB has done all he has done after a major knee injury.

Good luck with that, I'm sorry but I don't see how you can say that is a remotely rational comparison at this point other than blind homerism, let alone saying there's an argument to be made that Swope's better.

[CB Eagle]

The fact that Swope is only 100 yds and 3tds behind EBs pace, o ya, with one less game played makes me think that its possible. Don't you? And Swope wasn't the starter for about half the year his Fr. year either. Get off your high horse. Not to mention in the games in which both players were starters... I think the guy in the Blue has the advantage...

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Two questions and one comment....

1) We have the two best safeties in the conference, arguably the best defensive lineman in the FCS, and a first-team defensive end. Why can't we stop the pass?

2) GSU does not have more than one person on the all-SoCon offense because our slots rarely have enough receiving yards to be on the team as receivers or enough rushing yards to be on the team as backs. Our QBs will not be all-SoCon as QBs unless they have good passing yardage (won't happen) or as RBs unless they have good rushing yardage (would have to have a whale of a year with three option teams in the conference). GSU's receivers won't get the ball enough to be considered (BTW, see some of the catches Zach Walker has made this year, wow). That pretty much just leaves the fullback and the OL, and the latter group is a bunch of young players.

3) Nothing against Alex Hanks because I know he and DeMasi have spent more time than is required of them working on kicking, but how does he get all-conference honors?

[GSUhooligan]

B/c our corners are average

[seantaylor]

Westbrooks is good. Cooper pretty much sucks in coverage. And we have no depth at corner.

[seantaylor]

Anyone else think Byrd is not our best OL? That was an interesting selection on the first team.

[PaladinFan]

The fact that Swope is only 100 yds and 3tds behind EBs pace, o ya, with one less game played makes me think that its possible. Don't you? And Swope wasn't the starter for about half the year his Fr. year either. Get off your high horse. Not to mention in the games in which both players were starters... I think the guy in the Blue has the advantage...

If you look just at rushing numbers, Swope belongs in the conversation. However, the top four players in the conference for all purpose yardage are those four running backs. Heck, Fabian Truss (who does not have Swope's rushing numbers) had more receiving yards than any player on Georgia Southern's entire team.

They got this right.

[smallcollegefbfan]

We have a few monsters coming up on defense. 3 on the all freshman team. Our D was a little snakebit after the first of the season, but next year looks very promising. I look for the preseason polls to put us in about 6th or 7th place overall, which will be just peachy.

Oh, and congrats to ASU on your punter, but I really have to respectfully disagree. Cass Couey was by far the best punter in the SoCon not only this year but probably over the last 10 years. He just didnt punt a whole lot. We will be seeing him on Sundays next year.

Couey is a very good punter and I think both have the talent to play at the next level but here is why you may be wrong on Couey making it over Martin or even making it all.

Couey only punts as he does not kickoff or kick field goals. Many good punters are brought in camp and never make it either because there aren't any open spots due to a solid punter returning or the fact that they are one dimensional and can't do other stuff. Teams want someone who can be a backup kicker and kickoff as well as punt.

Just look at the stats too and I think you will see Martin beat him deserving first-team. Couey averaged 42.4 a punt and had 16 fair catches with five punts over 50 yards.

Martin beat him in every stat this year averaging 45.5 per punt with a whopping 24 fair catches and 12 punts of over 50 yards.

Not to mention Martin showed he could kick field goals going 6 of 9 with a long of 47 yards and 62.9 on kickoffs.

I think Couey is very good and has had a good career but it takes an elite punter to make it in the NFL and Sam Martin has not only been good during his career but vastly improved this season. He's become a hot name and I would be shocked if he does not get a shot, which I rarely say about kickers.

With that said, both of them are better than the Carolina Panthers punter and if they both got a shot there they would easily beat him out and come down to Couey and Martin for the job.

[PaladinFan]

Couey is a very good punter and I think both have the talent to play at the next level but here is why you may be wrong on Couey making it over Martin or even making it all.

Couey only punts as he does not kickoff or kick field goals. Many good punters are brought in camp and never make it either because there aren't any open spots due to a solid punter returning or the fact that they are one dimensional and can't do other stuff. Teams want someone who can be a backup kicker and kickoff as well as punt.

Just look at the stats too and I think you will see Martin beat him deserving first-team. Couey averaged 42.4 a punt and had 16 fair catches with five punts over 50 yards.

Martin beat him in every stat this year averaging 45.5 per punt with a whopping 24 fair catches and 12 punts of over 50 yards.

Not to mention Martin showed he could kick field goals going 6 of 9 with a long of 47 yards and 62.9 on kickoffs.

I think Couey is very good and has had a good career but it takes an elite punter to make it in the NFL and Sam Martin has not only been good during his career but vastly improved this season. He's become a hot name and I would be shocked if he does not get a shot, which I rarely say about kickers.

With that said, both of them are better than the Carolina Panthers punter and if they both got a shot there they would easily beat him out and come down to Couey and Martin for the job.

I have no real authority for thinking this, but do the Boone atmospherics support better kicking? App has trended in having the SoCon's better kickers for a while now. Seems reasonable that a ball would travel further at 3,500 feet (Boone) than it would at sea level (Charleston). Baseballs, for instance, have less resistance in Denver than Miami.

Perhaps a better conversation for the offseason.

[Apphole]

B/c our corners are average

and because

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/403374_10152253111390249_1898206421_n.jpg

[eaglewraith]

Two questions and one comment....

1) We have the two best safeties in the conference, arguably the best defensive lineman in the FCS, and a first-team defensive end. Why can't we stop the pass?


Two years ago, we had players on defense that were not as talented as the ones we have now, yet we had a better defense.

You decide what's different.

[Apphole]

I have no real authority for thinking this, but do the Boone atmospherics support better kicking? App has trended in having the SoCon's better kickers for a while now. Seems reasonable that a ball would travel further at 3,500 feet (Boone) than it would at sea level (Charleston). Baseballs, for instance, have less resistance in Denver than Miami.

Perhaps a better conversation for the offseason.

Well wouldn't other SoCon kickers have the same advantage when they played at KBS. In fact, since they practice and usually play in an environment with less air resistance, wouldn't they have an advantage?

[CB Eagle]

If you look just at rushing numbers, Swope belongs in the conversation. However, the top four players in the conference for all purpose yardage are those four running backs. Heck, Fabian Truss (who does not have Swope's rushing numbers) had more receiving yards than any player on Georgia Southern's entire team.

They got this right.

I agree that EB deserved it this year, he had a better year than Swope, no doubt. I'm just saying that Swope might be a better back, or will end up being a better back.

[blueballs]

Swope missed a good amount of time with a concussion, so his cumulative numbers didn't justify selection. Frankenstein, Williams (under rated IMO), the App kid, and Truss were well deserving.

He'll probably be the first team all conference pre-season pick in 2013 and IMO that spot is his to lose the next two years IF he is healthy and not splitting too many carries with Will Banks, who has been a very pleasant surprise in Swope's absence.

I'm also mildly surprised that McKinnon of GSU didn't get some recognition. Since he was inserted into the QB position in the Samford game he has been awfully good, over 950 yards rushing in 7 games... you'd think they create an "athlete" position for him at the very least like they did for Chaz Williams in 2004.

[GlassOnion]

I have no real authority for thinking this, but do the Boone atmospherics support better kicking? App has trended in having the SoCon's better kickers for a while now. Seems reasonable that a ball would travel further at 3,500 feet (Boone) than it would at sea level (Charleston). Baseballs, for instance, have less resistance in Denver than Miami.

Perhaps a better conversation for the offseason.

Thats just conspiracy theory stuff right there. Several App kickers played in the NFL, where "thin air" isnt exactly a weekly advantage. Not to mention, App kickers only play half of their college games in Boone... unfortunately the Socon for some reason makes us play in from of HS crowds throughout the season.

[fc97]

this is the dumbest conversation ever.

boone is 3300 and cullowhee is 2100, burlington and chattanooga are 600.

the air difference is minimal. you're not talking the difference from charleston to denver or mexico city here. if you were playing on top of mount mitchell is might give it to you

[Mr. C]

The biggest thing that puzzles me is that Jerick McKinnon was not the second team QB. Thomas Wilson of Elon is just not that good. He is a stat guy, not a good QB. McKinnon is one of the best athletes in the SoCon and deserved some recognition somewhere, like when Chaz Williams was voted into the backfield when he was the QB at GSU.

[Mr. C]

Swope missed a good amount of time with a concussion, so his cumulative numbers didn't justify selection. Frankenstein, Williams (under rated IMO), the App kid, and Truss were well deserving.

He'll probably be the first team all conference pre-season pick in 2013 and IMO that spot is his to lose the next two years IF he is healthy and not splitting too many carries with Will Banks, who has been a very pleasant surprise in Swope's absence.

I'm also mildly surprised that McKinnon of GSU didn't get some recognition. Since he was inserted into the QB position in the Samford game he has been awfully good, over 950 yards rushing in 7 games... you'd think they create an "athlete" position for him at the very least like they did for Chaz Williams in 2004.
You could make a comparison between Swope and Grier in terms of the injuries and games missed. Swope, in my mind, is an All-American-caliber fullback. He will most likely be second-team behind Breitenstein on any team that picks fullbacks. Grier was one of the best LBs in the country I saw this season when I watched him twice in person. The think that impresses me about McKinnon is how easily he can be effective at just about any spot on the field he is placed. He will definitely be on our 63-man CSJ All-American squad. I've watched him play about five or six different positions, including at DB (he had two interceptions against Maine last year in the playoffs) and he also can return kicks. He probably could play LB, if they wanted to use him there. GSU has also used him as a Wildcat, besides his play at QB.

[Mr. C]

I have no real authority for thinking this, but do the Boone atmospherics support better kicking? App has trended in having the SoCon's better kickers for a while now. Seems reasonable that a ball would travel further at 3,500 feet (Boone) than it would at sea level (Charleston). Baseballs, for instance, have less resistance in Denver than Miami.

Perhaps a better conversation for the offseason.

I would say that ASU has just had good talent at the punting position over the years, all the way back to Mark Royals. He stuck around the NFL for 15 years and was a great directional punter. Harold Alexander was probably the best punter in FCS history and also played in the NFL. He was so good, he was actually drafted, something that does happen to many punters. Sam Martin was the first kicker/punter to receive a scholarship out of high school in Jerry Moore's tenure. Moore has usually relied on walk-ons.

On the subject of elevation, I do know that Northern Arizona and Idaho State are a couple of places where punting has been boosted by elevation over the years, but both of those places are much higher than Boone, N.C.

[biggie]

The biggest thing that puzzles me is that Jerick McKinnon was not the second team QB. Thomas Wilson of Elon is just not that good. He is a stat guy, not a good QB. McKinnon is one of the best athletes in the SoCon and deserved some recognition somewhere, like when Chaz Williams was voted into the backfield when he was the QB at GSU.
Do they look at the position or the player? As in does the QB have to throw so much to be considered a QB and not a RB at the QB position? Is it also a knock on the player when they split time at the position of QB?

[Mr. C]

Do they look at the position or the player? As in does the QB have to throw so much to be considered a QB and not a RB at the QB position? Is it also a knock on the player when they split time at the position of QB?

The coaches can do whatever they want on stuff like that, even creating a spot for someone if they desire. Why would it be a knock on a player that splits time in multiple positions? McKinnon moved to fullback against Appalachian State because GSU had injuries to the top two FBs. Plain and simple, McKinnon should have been on the team somewhere, even if you have to create an all-purpose spot. He is probably the best athlete at Georgia Southern and you can count on one hand where he ranks in the entire conference.

[PaladinFan]

I would say that ASU has just had good talent at the punting position over the years, all the way back to Mark Royals. He stuck around the NFL for 15 years and was a great directional punter. Harold Alexander was probably the best punter in FCS history and also played in the NFL. He was so good, he was actually drafted, something that does happen to many punters. Sam Martin was the first kicker/punter to receive a scholarship out of high school in Jerry Moore's tenure. Moore has usually relied on walk-ons.

On the subject of elevation, I do know that Northern Arizona and Idaho State are a couple of places where punting has been boosted by elevation over the years, but both of those places are much higher than Boone, N.C.

I didn't say my theory was scientific, I just wondered if it held water.

Turns out the SoCon's all time leading punter for average over a career was the great Pumpy Tudors at UTC ('89-'91) at 44.4. The highest average for a season was VMI's Brent Barth who averaged over 47 a kick.

[biggie]

The coaches can do whatever they want on stuff like that, even creating a spot for someone if they desire. Why would it be a knock on a player that splits time in multiple positions? McKinnon moved to fullback against Appalachian State because GSU had injuries to the top two FBs. Plain and simple, McKinnon should have been on the team somewhere, even if you have to create an all-purpose spot. He is probably the best athlete at Georgia Southern and you can count on one hand where he ranks in the entire conference.
For a QB you normally would not expect to split time, RB you are. Especially if you are splitting because the other QB coming in is considered to be the better passer. Guess it just gets weird being a QB in a triple option.

[EdwardNiam]

He didn't get 1st from either. To be honest if picking 3 LBs, Kimbrough, Dothard, and Scioneaux deserve 1st-team. I think Williams, Grier, and Spain deserve 2nd team. Niam does not belong. He is very good but hurt too much and didn't play enough to merit a spot, IMO.

It is clear you've never watched Mike Niam play. He achieves more in one game than most players do all season. His leadership skills, knowledge of the game and physical talents are second to none.

[GlassOnion]

It is clear you've never watched Mike Niam play. He achieves more in one game than most players do all season. His leadership skills, knowledge of the game and physical talents are second to none.

Results matter.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

The biggest thing that puzzles me is that Jerick McKinnon was not the second team QB. Thomas Wilson of Elon is just not that good. He is a stat guy, not a good QB. McKinnon is one of the best athletes in the SoCon and deserved some recognition somewhere, like when Chaz Williams was voted into the backfield when he was the QB at GSU.

I believe the only time GSU has ever had a QB make all-SoCon was the year that Chaz Williams scored all those TDs (2002?). And that year he was on the team as a running back.

Like I said, the fullback and OL are the only positions on our offense where a player can be all-SoCon unless they have a monster year.

[smallcollegefbfan]

It is clear you've never watched Mike Niam play. He achieves more in one game than most players do all season. His leadership skills, knowledge of the game and physical talents are second to none.

You make him sound like he should be a first-round pick. He's big, can run, has good hips, and is a good tackler. His problem is that he is rarely healthy and doesn't produce numbers on the field.

I have seen your son play a lot. He's very good but he was hurt a lot. I just don't think you can put a guy on an all-conference team who played half the season. If he were healthy there is no doubt he would be first-team but he played in 8 games and was 7th on his team in tackles. He had 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 42 tackles. He averaged 5 tackles per game. While he has the physical talent and speed (I agree 100%) his production on the field and lack of health are the two reasons I would not put him on the 1st or 2nd team. I would put him 3rd team or honorable mention because he is talented but he just didn't produce much in the games he was healthy.

Scioneaux is your best defensive player. He's got the length and speed to be a solid NFL prospect and he stays healthy. Your son will get a shot as a free agent while Alvin is probably going to get drafted next year if he continues to develop like he has the last two years.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Results matter.

Exactly. Being a good leader is very good and important but is not as important as being healthy and producing numbers on the field. And I don't want to hear about what a player has done in the past either. It's the 2012 All-SoCon teams, not the Career All-SoCon or 2-year All-SoCon team. lol

[EdwardNiam]

You make him sound like he should be a first-round pick. He's big, can run, has good hips, and is a good tackler. His problem is that he is rarely healthy and doesn't produce numbers on the field.

I have seen your son play a lot. He's very good but he was hurt a lot. I just don't think you can put a guy on an all-conference team who played half the season. If he were healthy there is no doubt he would be first-team but he played in 8 games and was 7th on his team in tackles. He had 2 TFL, 1 sack, and 42 tackles. He averaged 5 tackles per game. While he has the physical talent and speed (I agree 100%) his production on the field and lack of health are the two reasons I would not put him on the 1st or 2nd team. I would put him 3rd team or honorable mention because he is talented but he just didn't produce much in the games he was healthy.

Scioneaux is your best defensive player. He's got the length and speed to be a solid NFL prospect and he stays healthy. Your son will get a shot as a free agent while Alvin is probably going to get drafted next year if he continues to develop like he has the last two years.

Mike Niam should be a first round pick. He'll be a play maker on any NFL team. Wofford's opponents structure their offensive strategy as to whether Mike is on or off the field running and passing the ball as far away from him as possible. Wofford's defense plays at an elevated level when Mike's on the field. Read the following article:

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20121031/ARTICLES/121109994?tc=ar

[smallcollegefbfan]

Mike Niam should be a first round pick. He'll be a play maker on any NFL team. Wofford's opponents structure their offensive strategy as to whether Mike is on or off the field running and passing the ball as far away from him as possible. Wofford's defense plays at an elevated level when Mike's on the field. Read the following article:

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20121031/ARTICLES/121109994?tc=ar

I know he makes them better and I agree he is an all-conference caliber player but he didn't have an all-conference season. He is a guy who can make a difference in your defense and does but like I said he doesn't have the stats in the games he played to support being on the All-SoCon teams at this point. Because of your first round matchup though I could see him having 8-13 tackles, 1 TFL, and a PBU or so this week but he hasn't had a great year in terms of production.

[seantaylor]

LOL. First round pick.

[smallcollegefbfan]

LOL. First round pick.

If you read what he first said it sounded like he was talking about a first round pick or sure fire draft pick.

All I said was that Niam had been hurt and not put up the numbers to truly deserve a spot on the teams this year. When he was a sophomore I thought he would be a 100 plus tackle type player who would have All-America numbers by now but he has been hurt and inconsistent with production so it has not happened. NFL teams tell me he has medical flags and some of them have taken him completely off their board because of that. There are several who have not though and I'm sure someone will give him a shot as a free agent. I hope he can overcome his injury concerns and have a career in the NFL but based on his college career there is a lot of reason to doubt he can hold up in the NFL. The SoCon is very good but if you can't hold up in the SoCon it's hard to imagine you can hold up in the NFL.

[EKU-n-GSU]

Anyone else think Byrd is not our best OL? That was an interesting selection on the first team.


+1 - didn't play but about half the season...his selection is more about the pre-season hype and the media/coaches not wanting to be seen as guessing wrong.

[smallcollegefbfan]

+1 - didn't play but about half the season...his selection is more about the pre-season hype and the media/coaches not wanting to be seen as guessing wrong.

I actually believe that was probably the coaches thinking he was outstanding in the games he played and putting him there because of that. I dropped him down on my second team when I began reading about him missing games. Same reason why I put Cantrell of Wofford on my third team because he missed several games.

[seantaylor]

Our two best olineman are McBurnett and Frye. I'm not really sure Byrd is in our top 4.

[EKU-n-GSU]

Our two best olineman are McBurnett and Frye. I'm not really sure Byrd is in our top 4.

+1

[eaglewraith]

Our two best olineman are McBurnett and Frye. I'm not really sure Byrd is in our top 4.

I'm honestly not sure that I'd put any of our OL as All Conference. They need to become consistent first.

[asumike83]

I believe the only time GSU has ever had a QB make all-SoCon was the year that Chaz Williams scored all those TDs (2002?). And that year he was on the team as a running back.

Like I said, the fullback and OL are the only positions on our offense where a player can be all-SoCon unless they have a monster year.

Was Jayson Foster not all-SoCon when he won the Payton, or not as a QB?

[EKU-n-GSU]

I'm honestly not sure that I'd put any of our OL as All Conference. They need to become consistent first.

Didn't say they should be all SoCon, just that those two played the most consistently. With the exception of the late-game 2nd and 3rd string subs in the JU and Howard games, I know that Frye took every offensive snap through the entire season...only OL to do that.

[PaladinFan]

Was Jayson Foster not all-SoCon when he won the Payton, or not as a QB?

Foster was 1st team WR (2006, Coaches), return specialist (2006, Media), and QB (2007, Coaches and Media).

[blueballs]

Was Jayson Foster not all-SoCon when he won the Payton, or not as a QB?

Without going back and looking I would say that Armanti was 1st team QB and Foster was probably 2nd team or 1st team all purpose.

IIRC the same thing happened in 2002. Chaz Williams was SoCon POTY and I can't remember if he was 1st team QB or not.

[AppAlum2003]

I wouldn't really call the guy that receives the snap in the TO a QB. We need a new name for it... how about "field general"? QB's throw the ball once and awhile.

[Reign of Terrier]

I wouldn't really call the guy that receives the snap in the TO a QB. We need a new name for it... how about "field general"? QB's throw the ball once and awhile.

Yep. very few QBs nowadays in the option I would put up for "all conference." If Ben Widmyer of Wofford's 2008 year wasn't on the same ballot with AE and Riddle, one a legend, the other a stat monster, I think he would have been a clear favorite for All conference (he had 1200 yards passing in an option offense, with 800 yards rushing, he was a monster that year and by far our best QB in the last 10 years by a long shot)

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Without going back and looking I would say that Armanti was 1st team QB and Foster was probably 2nd team or 1st team all purpose.

IIRC the same thing happened in 2002. Chaz Williams was SoCon POTY and I can't remember if he was 1st team QB or not.

Pretty sure Chaz was listed as a RB when he was all-SoCon.
I'm pretty sure Jayson Foster was on the first team as a running back as well.

[PaladinFan]

Foster was never a All-Conference running back. See post above. SoCon media guide says he was all conference as a WR, RS, and QB.

http://epublish.multiad.com/SoCon_FB_2012/#/98/

Interestingly, Foster was selected as All-SoCon quarterback over Edwards in Hatcher's first season. For those that remember that team, Foster was quite literally a one man show. GSU's offense was reminiscent of a lot of high school offenses in south Georgia - put your best athlete in the shotgun and let him run until someone catches him.

[eaglewraith]

Interestingly, Foster was selected as All-SoCon quarterback over Edwards in Hatcher's first season. For those that remember that team, Foster was quite literally a one man show. GSU's offense was reminiscent of a lot of high school offenses in south Georgia - put your best athlete in the shotgun and let him run until someone catches him.

That was an awesome year with some high high's and low low's.

I think it looked more like Oregon really, just with more emphasis with the QB running it. Our RB Lamar Lewis finished with ~990 yards and would have easily been over 1000 if he had not been injured during the season. It wasn't just Foster getting everything.

[seantaylor]

Hatcher would have only lasted 2 seasons if not for the Foster show. The offense the next two seasons looked like Pop Warner rejects

[PaladinFan]

Hatcher would have only lasted 2 seasons if not for the Foster show. The offense the next two seasons looked like Pop Warner rejects

I've said this before, but Georgia Southern fired a coach they never should have fired, made a terrible hire in a coach they never should have hired, and then hired another coach who ran a system they barely had any personnel to run.

It came as a shock to absolutely nobody (perhaps save GSU administration) that the product in Statesboro didn't click along. GSU handed Hatcher small linemen, fifty running backs, a 5'6 quarterback that could not throw, a couple of transfer quarterbacks that were awful, and half a receiving corps and said "here, run your system." If Georgia Southern wanted the program turned around in 3 years, they should have hired someone else. If they wanted long term success, they should have been more patient. All in all, the GSU front office bungled the coaching decision three times in four years.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

I've said this before, but Georgia Southern fired a coach they never should have fired, made a terrible hire in a coach they never should have hired, and then hired another coach who ran a system they barely had any personnel to run.

It came as a shock to absolutely nobody (perhaps save GSU administration) that the product in Statesboro didn't click along. GSU handed Hatcher small linemen, fifty running backs, a 5'6 quarterback that could not throw, a couple of transfer quarterbacks that were awful, and half a receiving corps and said "here, run your system." If Georgia Southern wanted the program turned around in 3 years, they should have hired someone else. If they wanted long term success, they should have been more patient. All in all, the GSU front office bungled the coaching decision three times in four years.

From everything I heard, Hatcher's firing was purely a political move by our previous president, Bruce Grube. Sam Baker, as I understand it, didn't want to fire him and none of our top donors wanted him gone, either. Hatcher would have gotten at least one more year were it not for that.

We could have had a really big disaster ensuing from that, but thankfully Monken came in and some other stuff came together and the program not only has a pulse but is back on its feet.

[Eaglesrus]

From everything I heard, Hatcher's firing was purely a political move by our previous president, Bruce Grube. Sam Baker, as I understand it, didn't want to fire him and none of our top donors wanted him gone, either. Hatcher would have gotten at least one more year were it not for that.

We could have had a really big disaster ensuing from that, but thankfully Monken came in and some other stuff came together and the program not only has a pulse but is back on its feet.

Same as I heard it. Hatcher made statements publicly that Grube didn't like, so Grube ordered Baker to fire Hatcher as soon as the last game was over. There were some fans who agreed, but I think it was a minority. Most thought he deserved another year, at least. In any case, the way it was done was even worse than the decision itself, in my opinion. Water under the bridge, however, and I'm very glad that we have both the coach and president that we have now, and am very optimistic about what we'll see from our new athletic director.

[seantaylor]

I've said this before, but Georgia Southern fired a coach they never should have fired, made a terrible hire in a coach they never should have hired, and then hired another coach who ran a system they barely had any personnel to run.

It came as a shock to absolutely nobody (perhaps save GSU administration) that the product in Statesboro didn't click along. GSU handed Hatcher small linemen, fifty running backs, a 5'6 quarterback that could not throw, a couple of transfer quarterbacks that were awful, and half a receiving corps and said "here, run your system." If Georgia Southern wanted the program turned around in 3 years, they should have hired someone else. If they wanted long term success, they should have been more patient. All in all, the GSU front office bungled the coaching decision three times in four years.

Delusional. Hatcher was handed a team one year removed from the playoffs, with the best player in the FCS, with already a recruiting class in that was made of "Hatcher" type players from VG. Believe me, their offense was basically the exact same thing. Paint by numbers, bs.

Monken was the one who was handed the real dumpster fire, and we all know how that turned out his first year.

Hatcher has continued to prove how inept he is as a coach. The exact same thing is happening at Murray as GSU. He's getting worse the farther away he gets from the previous coaches recruits.

[PaladinFan]

Delusional. Hatcher was handed a team one year removed from the playoffs, with the best player in the FCS, with already a recruiting class in that was made of "Hatcher" type players from VG. Believe me, their offense was basically the exact same thing. Paint by numbers, bs.

Monken was the one who was handed the real dumpster fire, and we all know how that turned out his first year.

Hatcher has continued to prove how inept he is as a coach. The exact same thing is happening at Murray as GSU. He's getting worse the farther away he gets from the previous coaches recruits.

Inept coach is pretty much right. Had a 76-12 record at Valdosta State including a national title, and immediately turned around a terrible Murray State program.

I'm sure Hatcher inherited a ton of talent from one recruiting season from a coach who wanted nothing to do with Georgia Southern.

[blueballs]

Hatcher could recruit and IMO that was his strength. There are some real good football players dressing out this Saturday in Statesboro that Hatcher recruited: Russell, Dubose, Eubanks, Wilcox, Robinson, Sumner, Williford, Barker, Bryant, etc. and with the glaring exception of Shaw and Scott most of the Sr.'s from the past two playoff runs.

I was not a fan of Hatcher's offensive system at all. IMO it is soft, sideways football instead of fast, physical football. I was also not a fan of Hatcher's defensive schemes, although the offensive scheme did very little to help the defensive scheme.

And finally, the two biggest areas Hatcher failed in: He had woeful player retention because he gambled on marginal character guys and strength and conditioning was not up to GSU standards.

IMO Monken's two biggest strengths are polar opposite of Hatcher's biggest weaknesses. GSU has enjoyed the best academic performance in the history of the program since Monken took over (discipline, pride, effort) and the strength and conditioning program under Tom Melton is a huge strength for GSU. Monken runs a tight ship, sets the level of expectation very high for the players, and they respond. To me that is the real "Monken factor."

[boogereagle]

I've said this before, but Georgia Southern fired a coach they never should have fired, made a terrible hire in a coach they never should have hired, and then hired another coach who ran a system they barely had any personnel to run.

It came as a shock to absolutely nobody (perhaps save GSU administration) that the product in Statesboro didn't click along. GSU handed Hatcher small linemen, fifty running backs, a 5'6 quarterback that could not throw, a couple of transfer quarterbacks that were awful, and half a receiving corps and said "here, run your system." If Georgia Southern wanted the program turned around in 3 years, they should have hired someone else. If they wanted long term success, they should have been more patient. All in all, the GSU front office bungled the coaching decision three times in four years.

That's about as good an analysis of the situation as I've ever seen.

But lord, it was painful watching "The Hatch attack" after Foster left.
I liked Hatcher and wish him well. But I'm also beginning to wonder if his success at Valdosta State (72-16, national title) may have been more a product of his assistant coaches there than anything else. Look who he had as assistants at one time or another --- Will Muschamp, Kirby Smart, Mike Leach.

[blueballs]

That's about as good an analysis of the situation as I've ever seen.

But lord, it was painful watching "The Hatch attack" after Foster left.
I liked Hatcher and wish him well. But I'm also beginning to wonder if his success at Valdosta State (72-16, national title) may have been more a product of his assistant coaches there than anything else. Look who he had as assistants at one time or another --- Will Muschamp, Kirby Smart, Mike Leach.

Good points Booger, and let's not forget he had Dusty Bonner and Fabian Walker playing QB. Neither of those players had any business in D2, they were ringers in every sense of the word.

[seantaylor]

Please someone explain to me how the Murray State program has turned around?

[eaglewraith]

That's about as good an analysis of the situation as I've ever seen.

But lord, it was painful watching "The Hatch attack" after Foster left.
I liked Hatcher and wish him well. But I'm also beginning to wonder if his success at Valdosta State (72-16, national title) may have been more a product of his assistant coaches there than anything else. Look who he had as assistants at one time or another --- Will Muschamp, Kirby Smart, Mike Leach.

I don't understand how a guy who had Will Muschamp and Kirby Smart as DC on his staff at one time can't recognize that Ashley Anders is a moron when it comes to defense.