2015 Preseason All-Southland Teams

[smallcollegefbfan]

2015 Preseason All-Southland Conference Football Teams


First-Team Offense













Pos.

Name

University

Ht.

Wt.

Cl.

Hometown



QB

Jared Johnson

Sam Houston State

6-1

215

Jr.

Grand Prairie, Texas



RB

De’Andre Brown

Abilene Christian

5-9

190

So.

Lewisville, Texas



RB

Michael Henry

Nicholls

6-2

225

Sr.

Baton Rouge, La.



TE/HB

Cole Wick

UIW

6-7

255

Sr.

Hallettsville, Texas



WR

Ed Eagan

Northwestern State

5-10

181

Sr.

New Orleans, La.



WR

Reggie Begelton

Lamar

6-0

210

Sr.

Beaumont, Texas



WR

Cedric Gilbert

Abilene Christian

6-2

215

Sr.

Lancaster, Texas



OL

Donald Jackson III

Sam Houston State

6-2

277

Sr.

Kilgore, Texas



OL

Byron Williams

Stephen F. Austin

6-4

302

Sr.

Dickinson, Texas



OL

Pace Murphy

Northwestern State

6-6

279

Sr.

Houston, Texas



OL

Quentin Marsh

McNeese State

6-3

310

Sr.

Dickinson, Texas



OL

Codey Funk

Abilene Christian

6-5

320

Jr.

Gridley, Ill.



AP

Ed Eagan

Northwestern State

5-10

181

Sr.

New Orleans, La.



PK

Luc Swimberghe

Sam Houston State

6-0

197

Jr.

Tyler, Texas



















First-Team Defense













Pos.

Name

University

Ht.

Wt.

Cl.

Hometown



DL

P.J. Hall

Sam Houston State

6-1

270

So.

Seguin, Texas



DL

Jonathan Woodard

Central Arkansas

6-6

271

Sr.

Brentwood, Tenn.



DL

Leroy Armstrong

Northwestern State

6-1

242

Sr.

Natchitoches, La.



DL

Corey Lee

UIW

6-0

285

Jr.

Humble, Texas



LB

Wallace Scott

McNeese State

6-1

211

Sr.

Weyanoke, La.



LB

Bo Brown

McNeese State

6-1

232

Sr.

Katy, Texas



LB

Myke Chatman

Sam Houston State

6-2

216

Jr.

Sealy, Texas



DB

Trenier Orr

Sam Houston State

5-11

180

Sr.

Orlando, Fla.



DB

Harlan Miller

Southeastern La.

6-1

180

Sr.

Kentwood, La.



DB

Denzel Thompson

Southeastern La.

6-3

200

Sr.

Tampa, Fla.



DB

Brent Spikes

McNeese State

6-1

196

Sr.

Newton, Texas



DB

Adam Jones

Northwestern State

6-2

196

Jr.

Katy, Texas



P

Lachlan Edwards

Sam Houston State

6-5

214

Sr.

Victoria, Australia



KR

Jatavious Wilson

Central Arkansas

5-9

171

Jr.

Bastrop, La.



PR

Ed Eagan

Northwestern State

5-10

181

Sr.

New Orleans, La.



















Second-Team Offense













Pos.

Name

University

Ht.

Wt.

Cl.

Hometown



QB

Zach Conque

Stephen F. Austin

6-6

237

Jr.

Little Rock, Ark.



RB

Jalen Overstreet

Sam Houston State

6-2

212

Jr.

Tatum, Texas



RB

Kade Harrington

Lamar

5-9

190

Jr.

Kingwood, Texas



TE/HB

Jamie Walker

Abilene Christian

6-3

240

Sr.

North Richland Hills, Texas



WR

Desmond Smith

Central Arkansas

6-1

201

Jr.

Bentonville, Ark.



WR

LaDarius Brown

Sam Houston State

6-2

220

Sr.

Waxahachie, Texas



WR

Yedidiah Louis

Sam Houston State

5-8

187

So.

Richardson, Texas



OL

Brandon DeWitt

Sam Houston State

6-3

277

Jr.

Lawton, Okla.



OL

Riley Mayfield

Abilene Christian

6-7

315

So.

Spokane Valley, Wash.



OL

Justin Brock

Lamar

6-5

310

Sr.

Beaumont, Texas



OL

Kyle Stouffer

Central Arkansas

6-7

316

Sr.

Dallas, Texas



OL

Anthony Pullins

Stephen F. Austin

6-3

296

Jr.

Cedar Hill, Texas



AP

Xavier Roberson

Southeastern La.

5-9

180

Sr.

Atlanta, Ga.



PK

Nik Grau

Abilene Christian

6-1

210

Jr.

Grapevine, Texas



















Second-Team Defense













Pos.

Name

University

Ht.

Wt.

Cl.

Hometown



DL

Omar Tebo

Lamar

6-0

330

Jr.

Liberty, Texas



DL

Mouf Adebo

Sam Houston State

6-1

230

Jr.

Mansfield, Texas



DL

A.J. Bowen

Southeastern La.

6-2

320

Sr.

Olive Branch, Miss.



DL

Lance Skyler

Stephen F. Austin

6-2

285

Sr.

Lancaster, Texas



LB

Sam Denmark

Abilene Christian

6-1

225

So.

Canyon, Texas



LB

Ricky Wyatt

Central Arkansas

5-11

222

Sr.

Monroe, La.



LB

Herbert Harris

Southeastern La.

6-1

225

Sr.

Clinton, Miss.



DB

Xavier Bethany

Lamar

6-1

195

Jr.

Burton, Texas



DB

Jordan Batiste

Southeastern La.

5-10

185

Sr.

Gramercy, La.



DB

Micah Eugene

Southeastern La.

5-10

188

Sr.

Lafayette, La.



DB

Mikell Everette

Sam Houston State

5-11

185

Sr.

Covington, Wash.



DB

Dillion Winfrey

Central Arkansas

5-8

174

Sr.

Bryant, Ark.



P

Christian Guzman

Houston Baptist

5-9

160

So.

Brookshire, Texas



KR

Xavier Roberson

Southeastern La.

5-9

180

Sr.

Atlanta, Ga.



PR

Jonathan Epps

Abilene Christian

5-10

165

Sr.

Fort Worth, Texas





http://southland.org/news/2015/7/22/FB_0722151639.aspx

[Nickels]

There's a decent chance the SLC preseason #1 Qb may not even start.

[smallcollegefbfan]

There's a decent chance the SLC preseason #1 Qb may not even start.

I really think Conque is going to be the 1st team QB over him regardless.

[Catatonic]

I really think Conque is going to be the 1st team QB over him regardless.

ACU's QB Parker McKenzie passed for more yards, more TD's, and had a higher efficiency rating than Conque. Jest sayin'

McKenzie is a good example of a system QB with a high QB IQ who reads defenses well and makes adjustments. He doesn't do any one thing that grabs attention nor do his physical measurements fit the prototype for a QB. He simply "delivers the mail" (gets the ball in the right hands). He does not have a future in the NFL, as Conque might...but it's interesting that despite better stats than any returning QB in the SlC, he is overlooked.

[smallcollegefbfan]

ACU's QB Parker McKenzie passed for more yards, more TD's, and had a higher efficiency rating than Conque. Jest sayin'

McKenzie is a good example of a system QB with a high QB IQ who reads defenses well and makes adjustments. He doesn't do any one thing that grabs attention nor do his physical measurements fit the prototype for a QB. He simply "delivers the mail" (gets the ball in the right hands). He does not have a future in the NFL, as Conque might...but it's interesting that despite better stats than any returning QB in the SlC, he is overlooked.

Parker has much better talent around him so his numbers were better. Outside of Gus Johnson, SFA really didn' have any good skill players. They were very slow at WR. I expect a big year from Conque because he is a very good athlete who I have heard has been training with some good coaches this off-season. Expect a big year from Conque. I also like McKenzie though and feel the SLC has a very talented group of QBs this year.

[Catatonic]

Parker has much better talent around him so his numbers were better. Outside of Gus Johnson, SFA really didn' have any good skill players. They were very slow at WR. I expect a big year from Conque because he is a very good athlete who I have heard has been training with some good coaches this off-season. Expect a big year from Conque. I also like McKenzie though and feel the SLC has a very talented group of QBs this year.

I'd say that's a fair assessment. I gotta smile a little at the "he (McKenzie) has much better talent around him" comment though. With the exception of Gilbert, our receivers were all D2 recruits, our running back was a freshman, and most of our O Line were D2 guys. Not saying it isn't true. I agree. That speaks volumes about where SFA was recruiting wise prior to Conque....as well as to the high level of play by top D2 recruits.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I'd say that's a fair assessment. I gotta smile a little at the "he (McKenzie) has much better talent around him comment though. With the exception of Gilbert, our receivers were all D2 recruits, our running back was a freshman, and most of our O Line were D2 guys. Not saying it isn't true. I agree. That speaks volumes about where SFA was recruiting wise prior to Conque....as well as to the high level of play by top D2 recruits.

Yes it does. It will change with Conque there. They are recruiting better. SHSU and SLU are recruiting very well and taking in a lot of transfers so I know it will be tough for SFA or ACU to unseat them but I do expect the talent to be better. Rumor is that SLU is going to get that player Alabama recently kicked off the team.

[Catatonic]

Yes it does. It will change with Conque there. They are recruiting better. SHSU and SLU are recruiting very well and taking in a lot of transfers so I know it will be tough for SFA or ACU to unseat them but I do expect the talent to be better. Rumor is that SLU is going to get that player Alabama recently kicked off the team.

The one who has now been dismissed from two SEC teams (Georgia and Alabama)?

[smallcollegefbfan]

The one who has now been dismissed from two SEC teams (Georgia and Alabama)?

Yes, John Taylor. Because of the late transfer he may not impact early but he will be the most talented defender in the SLC if he indeed shows up.

[Catatonic]

Yes, John Taylor. Because of the late transfer he may not impact early but he will be the most talented defender in the SLC if he indeed shows up.

I am all for giving players a second chance---but---Taylor was arrested twice at Georgia, once for theft and once for criminal assault, and was charged with two more counts of assault at Alabama. Taylor may be an impact player, but he will have go stay out of prison to demonstrate his abilities.

[SFA 93]

Who Conque will be surrounded by for 2015...

Probable Starters at WR


WR:#81
Aaron Thomas
6-1
188
Sr.
2X ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35;REC:125;YDS:1,745;TD:10





WR:#5
Justice Liggins
6-1
210
Jr.
** (Rivals)
GP:15;REC:22;YDS:207;TD:1





WR:#19
Robert Sylvester
6-0
184
So.

GP:15;REC:10;YDS:139;TD:0




Returning


WR:#8
Braxton Bearden
5-11
186
Sr.

GP:24;REC:30;YDS:215;TD:3





WR:#17
Bradley Krall
5-10
188
Jr.

GP:14;REC:2;YDS:14;TD:0





WR:#88
Aaron Piper
5-9
180
So.
*** (Rivals) #175 WR (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:18;YDS:125;TD:0





WR:#11
A.J. Jones
6-2
205
So.
*** (247Sports) #99 ATH/ Iowa
GP:9;REC:1;YDS:14;TD:0





WR:#87
Jordan Barnard
6-2
190
So.







WR:#82
Jimmie Houston
6-1
184
R/Fr.





WR:#80
Darrion Ardoin
6-3
190
R/Fr.
** (Rivals)





Transfers


WR:#21
Judah Jones
5-11
180
So.
*** (Rivals) / Kansas State






WR:#41
Cole Carter
6-1
190
So.
Transfer from West Virginia






WR:#83
De'Quann Ruffin
6-2
192
Jr.
** (Rivals) JUCO/Navarro College




WR:#
Edwin Mims Jr.
5-8
180
Jr.
JUCO/Navarro College





2015 Recruits


WR:#25
Reggie Daniels
6-2
180
Fr.
** (247Sports) #206 WR






WR:#89
Kiki Hill
6-3
216
Fr.
** (Rivals)




WR:#33
Jonathan Sam
6-1
205
Fr.






Probable Starter at Tight End


TE:#86
Will Taylor
6-3
248
So.
** (Rivals) #93 TE (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:2;YDS:25;TD:1




Returning


TE:#85
Jayson Clements
6-2
235
So.

GP:10;REC:9;YDS:78;TD:2



TE:#91
Barrett Cain
6-2
232
So.






Transfer


TE:#84
Lucas Askew
6-6
235
R/Fr.
** (Rivals) #95 TE (247Sports)/Texas State





Probable Starter at Running Back


RB:#12
Fred Ford
6-0
212
Sr.
*** #81 RB (Scout) ** (Rivals)
GP:30;R:139;YDS:749;AVG:5.4;TD:6/REC:13;YDS:38;TD:0




Returning


RB:#23
Joshawa West
5-10
185
Jr.

GP:25;R:102;YDS:498;AVG:5.0;TD:3/REC:36;YDS:206;TD:0





RB:#27
Cameron Washington
5-10
185
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College
GP:10;R:11;YDS:48;AVG:4.4;TD:1




Transfers


RB:#
Spencer Cowley
6-2
215
Jr.
Transfer from North Texas






RB:#
D.J. Witherspoon
5-10
190
Jr.
JUCO/Blinn College





2015 Recruits


RB:#34
Jordan Martinez
5-11
190
Fr.
** (Rivals)




RB:#35
Marcalas Johnson
5-9
186
Fr.
** (Rivals) #218 RB (247Sports)




RB:#32
Loren Easly
5-11
200
Fr.





RB:#40
Jacolby Whitaker
5-11
195
Fr.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I am all for giving players a second chance---but---Taylor was arrested twice at Georgia, once for theft and once for criminal assault, and was charged with two more counts of assault at Alabama. Taylor may be an impact player, but he will have go stay out of prison to demonstrate his abilities.

He is a big impact player. If he was not, he would not have been given these chances. He does have a lot of baggage and likely will not get drafted at all because of it but he will still get a chance in the NFL once his time is served and he gets back on the field. If he does not play this fall I'm sure he will next year, if he doesn't get arrested again.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Who Conque will be surrounded by for 2015...

Probable Starters at WR


WR:#81
Aaron Thomas
6-1
188
Sr.
2X ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35;REC:125;YDS:1,745;TD:10





WR:#5
Justice Liggins
6-1
210
Jr.
** (Rivals)
GP:15;REC:22;YDS:207;TD:1





WR:#19
Robert Sylvester
6-0
184
So.

GP:15;REC:10;YDS:139;TD:0




Returning


WR:#8
Braxton Bearden
5-11
186
Sr.

GP:24;REC:30;YDS:215;TD:3





WR:#17
Bradley Krall
5-10
188
Jr.

GP:14;REC:2;YDS:14;TD:0





WR:#88
Aaron Piper
5-9
180
So.
*** (Rivals) #175 WR (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:18;YDS:125;TD:0





WR:#11
A.J. Jones
6-2
205
So.
*** (247Sports) #99 ATH/ Iowa
GP:9;REC:1;YDS:14;TD:0





WR:#87
Jordan Barnard
6-2
190
So.







WR:#82
Jimmie Houston
6-1
184
R/Fr.





WR:#80
Darrion Ardoin
6-3
190
R/Fr.
** (Rivals)





Transfers


WR:#21
Judah Jones
5-11
180
So.
*** (Rivals) / Kansas State






WR:#41
Cole Carter
6-1
190
So.
Transfer from West Virginia






WR:#83
De'Quann Ruffin
6-2
192
Jr.
** (Rivals) JUCO/Navarro College




WR:#
Edwin Mims Jr.
5-8
180
Jr.
JUCO/Navarro College





2015 Recruits


WR:#25
Reggie Daniels
6-2
180
Fr.
** (247Sports) #206 WR






WR:#89
Kiki Hill
6-3
216
Fr.
** (Rivals)




WR:#33
Jonathan Sam
6-1
205
Fr.






Probable Starter at Tight End


TE:#86
Will Taylor
6-3
248
So.
** (Rivals) #93 TE (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:2;YDS:25;TD:1




Returning


TE:#85
Jayson Clements
6-2
235
So.

GP:10;REC:9;YDS:78;TD:2



TE:#91
Barrett Cain
6-2
232
So.






Transfer


TE:#84
Lucas Askew
6-6
235
R/Fr.
** (Rivals) #95 TE (247Sports)/Texas State





Probable Starter at Running Back


RB:#12
Fred Ford
6-0
212
Sr.
*** #81 RB (Scout) ** (Rivals)
GP:30;R:139;YDS:749;AVG:5.4;TD:6/REC:13;YDS:38;TD:0




Returning


RB:#23
Joshawa West
5-10
185
Jr.

GP:25;R:102;YDS:498;AVG:5.0;TD:3/REC:36;YDS:206;TD:0





RB:#27
Cameron Washington
5-10
185
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College
GP:10;R:11;YDS:48;AVG:4.4;TD:1




Transfers


RB:#
Spencer Cowley
6-2
215
Jr.
Transfer from North Texas






RB:#
D.J. Witherspoon
5-10
190
Jr.
JUCO/Blinn College





2015 Recruits


RB:#34
Jordan Martinez
5-11
190
Fr.
** (Rivals)




RB:#35
Marcalas Johnson
5-9
186
Fr.
** (Rivals) #218 RB (247Sports)




RB:#32
Loren Easly
5-11
200
Fr.





RB:#40
Jacolby Whitaker
5-11
195
Fr.







I saw some of those recruits in high school and those transfers and I fully expect Conque to have a much more talented unit this fall. What is going to be interesting is 2016 when Conque is a senior and his full group are players brought in from FBS/JC and the 2 years worth of better high school talent brought in.

[SFA 93]

Many of those D2 players at ACU have gone on to the NFL.

[McNeese72]

I don't get too worked up over the preseason All-SLC teams. Historically, all they do is take last year's final All-SLC team. If you were underclassmen and made the final one last season, you are automatically on the preseason one.

That said, we suck, because we only have four players on all the All-SLC teams.

Doc

[smallcollegefbfan]

Many of those D2 players at ACU have gone on to the NFL.

Most of the ones who did were JC transfers like Johnny Knox, Bernard Scott (who actually started off at UCA I think), and then those offensive tackles who did were JC as well. They had a couple true D2 players who went to the NFL but most were actually transfers due to bad grades out of high school of off field issues. They were not your typical D2 recruits. Many of them were true 3 or 4 star caliber players had they not had those issues.

- - - Updated - - -


I don't get too worked up over the preseason All-SLC teams. Historically, all they do is take last year's final All-SLC team. If you were underclassmen and made the final one last season, you are automatically on the preseason one.

That said, we suck, because we only have four players on all the All-SLC teams.

Doc

It makes sense because typically that's the safest way to go. McNeese will be better than most people expect but I do think SLU and SHSU should be the top two teams, not just because of how much individual talent returning but because they also are bringing impact transfers in.

The issue with both of those teams is that you can't win the big one with 1-2 year transfers like that. They will win the SLC and go to the playoffs but they always struggle to beat the programs who are loaded with seniors and juniors who have been together for 3-5 years.

[Catatonic]

Many of those D2 players at ACU have gone on to the NFL.

Not off last year's team that played against y'all. Historically, you are correct though.

[Catatonic]

Most of the ones who did were JC transfers like Johnny Knox, Bernard Scott (who actually started off at UCA I think), and then those offensive tackles who did were JC as well. They had a couple true D2 players who went to the NFL but most were actually transfers due to bad grades out of high school of off field issues. They were not your typical D2 recruits. Many of them were true 3 or 4 star caliber players had they not had those issues.

- - - Updated - - -





The last two we sent to the pros were Taylor Gabriel (WR-Cleveland) Charcandrick West (RB-Chiefs). Both came to ACU as freshmen, although West was technically a transfer--he enrolled at LA Tech for summer school before switching to ACU in time for fall practice.

[Catatonic]

Most of the ones who did were JC transfers like Johnny Knox, Bernard Scott (who actually started off at UCA I think), and then those offensive tackles who did were JC as well. They had a couple true D2 players who went to the NFL but most were actually transfers due to bad grades out of high school of off field issues. They were not your typical D2 recruits. Many of them were true 3 or 4 star caliber players had they not had those issues.

- - - Updated - - -



It makes sense because typically that's the safest way to go. McNeese will be better than most people expect but I do think SLU and SHSU should be the top two teams, not just because of how much individual talent returning but because they also are bringing impact transfers in.

The issue with both of those teams is that you can't win the big one with 1-2 year transfers like that. They will win the SLC and go to the playoffs but they always struggle to beat the programs who are loaded with seniors and juniors who have been together for 3-5 years.

I agree overall, with the exception that I don't think Sam Houston will rely heavily on transfers this fall. They return virtually their entire team from last year and placed 13 guys on the pre-season team. Southeast LA's defense figures to be awesome...and I agree that McNeese will be tough again. UCA can never be counted out either.

More than half of ACU's two deep will be made up of freshmen and sophomores. I expect us to struggle against more experienced teams. Our goal is to be competitive in 2017, when we are eligible for the play offs for the first time. We are moving in that direction but we aren't ready to challenge the elite teams in the Southland.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The last two we sent to the pros were Taylor Gabriel (WR-Cleveland) Charcandrick West (RB-Chiefs). Both came to ACU as freshmen, although West was technically a transfer--he enrolled at LA Tech for summer school before switching to ACU in time for fall practice.

I did say MOST! lol. Gabriel is the only one who has made an active roster for any period of time who was not a transfer that I can remember since my scouting with the NFL over the last 10 plus years or so. I think you have had a couple others who went to camps but no more than maybe 1 who made it who was not a transfer. You guys have certainly had some great players come through though.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I agree overall, with the exception that I don't think Sam Houston will rely heavily on transfers this fall. They return virtually their entire team from last year and placed 13 guys on the pre-season team. Southeast LA's defense figures to be awesome...and I agree that McNeese will be tough again. UCA can never be counted out either.

More than half of ACU's two deep will be made up of freshmen and sophomores. I expect us to struggle against more experienced teams. Our goal is to be competitive in 2017, when we are eligible for the play offs for the first time. We are moving in that direction but we aren't ready to challenge the elite teams in the Southland.

A few of the guys on the All-SLC team for SHSU are transfers like Brown, Orr, etc. They do return a lot more of their own players but still have several players who transferred in last year and return. Once a transfer always a transfer lol.

[Catatonic]

I did say MOST! lol. Gabriel is the only one who has made an active roster for any period of time who was not a transfer that I can remember since my scouting with the NFL over the last 10 plus years or so. I think you have had a couple others who went to camps but no more than maybe 1 who made it who was not a transfer. You guys have certainly had some great players come through though.

West falls under the "once a transfer always a transfer" rule since he had six credit hours at LA Tech? lol.

I suppose a guy like Clyde Gates (WR-Titans) is technically a transfer as well, even if he played juco ball in another sport? He had never played football until he enrolled at ACU and tried out for football based on the recommendation of his cousin, Darrel Richardson, who was an ACU rb at the time.

Your rules are tough. :)

[smallcollegefbfan]

West falls under the "once a transfer always a transfer" rule since he had six credit hours at LA Tech? lol.

I suppose a guy like Clyde Gates (WR-Titans) is technically a transfer as well, even if he played juco ball in another sport? He had never played football until he enrolled at ACU and tried out for football based on the recommendation of his cousin, Darrel Richardson, who was an ACU rb at the time.

Your rules are tough. :)

Doesn't matter how long. If you started out at FBS for any amount of time on scholarship then you are technically a true FBS player and not a HS recruit. Not my rules, just how it is.

I would include Gates since he did technically transfer. When NFL teams do those stats if you started out somewhere else for any reason you are a transfer. Did they ever transfer? If yes, then why would they not be a transfer? lol

[lionsrking2]

A few of the guys on the All-SLC team for SHSU are transfers like Brown, Orr, etc. They do return a lot more of their own players but still have several players who transferred in last year and return. Once a transfer always a transfer lol.

Once they transfer, they're your own players and just like anybody else on the roster. It's a different process but a lot of transfers have to be recruited, and some were recruited out of high school and already have a relationship with the staff where they end up. Not saying you, but some folks make too big of a deal out of it.

[BEAR]

Looking over some of the SLC teams rosters I see a bunch of new players except for Sam's team. Good transfers and a bunch returning.

UCA will not fall off on offense and added some experienced defenders so they should be better. Will it be enough to push them over Sam..probably not but with all these new names who knows. That's what makes it exciting for fans. If the spring game is any indication of what these kids have to offer at their positions it will be a very good year for the Bears, all conference or not. But will it be enough to put them on top. Who knows.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Once they transfer, they're your own players and just like anybody else on the roster. It's a different process but a lot of transfers have to be recruited, and some were recruited out of high school and already have a relationship with the staff where they end up. Not saying you, but some folks make too big of a deal out of it.

They are your players but here is what I'm saying. When scouts look at players and we see a guy who started out in FBS it's more likely that that the player was wanted or didn't have a unique situation coming out of high school, which can sometimes tell you if the player is going to get better or is at his peak potentially. A player who comes to SLU with no offers who played 1 year of HS football is viewed differently than a player who transferred from TCU who was 4 stars and had 15-20 offers out of HS who played football since 8th grade. They are your own players but are still classified as a true FBS player.

For instance, when people say who the big boys missed you have about 1/4 of those drafted or who go to the combine each year from a small school who were not missed by the big boys and just had to transfer down due to baggage. Currently 3 of my top 20 FCS NFL prospects this year did not start out in FCS. They started out at big programs and thus aren't your typical small school prospect.

You guys have 4 seniors getting strong NFL looks right now and 3 of the 4 are true small schoolers. There is prejudice and some people will give the benefit of the doubt more to someone who started out at LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Alabama, etc if they aren't the All-American over a kid who is an All-American who is a typical FCS type player. They know there is more upside unless there is a special situation like the player only played 1 year of HS football or he played another sport or whatever the situation may be.

Still, SLU has been more talented than they have gone in the playoffs and I firmly believe having so many 1-2 year transfers and not having 80-90% of the stars on the team play together for more than a year and a half or so has provided less team chemistry than teams like NDSU are. NDSU has virtually no 3 or 4 star recruits while SHSU and SLU have several but yet NDSU is the better team. A lot of that is team chemistry and the atmosphere. Being transfer U in FCS will get you in the playoffs but typically will not get you a national title.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Looking over some of the SLC teams rosters I see a bunch of new players except for Sam's team. Good transfers and a bunch returning.

UCA will not fall off on offense and added some experienced defenders so they should be better. Will it be enough to push them over Sam..probably not but with all these new names who knows. That's what makes it exciting for fans. If the spring game is any indication of what these kids have to offer at their positions it will be a very good year for the Bears, all conference or not. But will it be enough to put them on top. Who knows.

Check the rosters again in 3 or 4 weeks. There will be more transfers. Several players land in August. That's what happened to SHSU last year landing a few key players who did not show up until about a week or two before the season.

[lionsrking2]

They are your players but here is what I'm saying. When scouts look at players and we see a guy who started out in FBS it's more likely that that the player was wanted or didn't have a unique situation coming out of high school, which can sometimes tell you if the player is going to get better or is at his peak potentially. A player who comes to SLU with no offers who played 1 year of HS football is viewed differently than a player who transferred from TCU who was 4 stars and had 15-20 offers out of HS who played football since 8th grade. They are your own players but are still classified as a true FBS player.

For instance, when people say who the big boys missed you have about 1/4 of those drafted or who go to the combine each year from a small school who were not missed by the big boys and just had to transfer down due to baggage. Currently 3 of my top 20 FCS NFL prospects this year did not start out in FCS. They started out at big programs and thus aren't your typical small school prospect.

You guys have 4 seniors getting strong NFL looks right now and 3 of the 4 are true small schoolers. There is prejudice and some people will give the benefit of the doubt more to someone who started out at LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, Alabama, etc if they aren't the All-American over a kid who is an All-American who is a typical FCS type player. They know there is more upside unless there is a special situation like the player only played 1 year of HS football or he played another sport or whatever the situation may be.

Still, SLU has been more tlaented than they have gone in the playoffs and I firmly believe having so many 1-2 year transfers and not having 80-90% of the stars on the team play together for more than a year and a half or so has provided less team chemistry than teams like NDSU are. NDSU has virtually no 3 or 4 star recruits while SHSU and SLU have several but yet NDSU is the better team. A lot of that is team chemistry and the atmosphere. Being transfer U in FCS will get you in the playoffs but typically will not get you a national title.

Considering we had ZERO playoff history prior to Ron Roberts arrival, I'm not the least bit concerned about his roster building methods. We've played in three playoff games the last two years ... one, we defeated the FCS runner's up from the previous season (for the second time in three weeks, after beating us 70-0 the previous season); the following week, we were 30 seconds away from going to the semifinals, with a banged up football team; and this past year, lost late on the road to an eventual semifinalist with an even more banged up football team. I don't think lack of "team chemistry" had much to do with it. As for comparisons with NDSU, nobody compares to them right now. I'm just glad we're competitive and putting ourselves in position to make the playoffs ... we'll cross the bridge of winning multiple games and going deep, once we get there.

And for the record, we have two preseason 1st team All-SLC selections at cornerback (Denzel Thompson and Harlan Miller) ... both were signed out of high school with zero stars, and have been in our program four and five years. Xavier Roberson was a high school signee, had zero stars ... many of our top players were high school kids, with zero stars.

[Nickels]

I really think Conque is going to be the 1st team QB over him regardless.
Wouldn't surprise me. Although what a lot of people don't realize is that JJ had a jacked up shoulder last year (also a leg injury for part of the season). He had surgery to remove scar tissue this offseason. Him being healthy (hopefully) and having an actual offseason with starters will be huge IMO. Also a bigger and better conditioned line will help.

Again don't be surprised if Brisco (UAB transfer) ends of being the starter. From what I heard the kid can fling it. At the same time it's Johnsons job to lose IMO.

Good discussion BTW. Although I really wish the Louisiana teams would quit making injury excuses. Every team is beat up come playoff time. Johnson was beat up, Hill was beat up, ALL TE's were out. Punter was out. The list goes on. Part of being a good team is having quality depth.

[lionsrking2]

Part of being a good team is having quality depth.

That's exactly the point. We had enough depth to still make the playoffs and be in position to win.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Considering we had ZERO playoff history prior to Ron Roberts arrival, I'm not the least bit concerned about his roster building methods. We've played in three playoff games the last two years ... one, we defeated the FCS runner's up from the previous season (for the second time in three weeks, after beating us 70-0 the previous season); the following week, we were 30 seconds away from going to the semifinals, with a banged up football team; and this past year, lost late on the road to an eventual semifinalist with an even more banged up football team. I don't think lack of "team chemistry" had much to do with it. As for comparisons with NDSU, nobody compares to them right now. I'm just glad we're competitive and putting ourselves in position to make the playoffs ... we'll cross the bridge of winning multiple games and going deep, once we get there.

And for the record, we have two preseason 1st team All-SLC selections at cornerback (Denzel Thompson and Harlan Miller) ... both were signed out of high school with zero stars, and have been in our program four and five years. Xavier Roberson was a high school signee, had zero stars ... many of our top players were high school kids, with zero stars.

I actually think what Roberts decided to do was take transfers for the quick fix, recruit smart, and hope that in a couple years from now he can rely mostly on high school players. In fact most of your players will not have stars. That's just how it is. You guys have talked about before how many SEC transfers you guys have. Remove all your FBS transfers and your secondary goes from 7 deep to just 3 solid players and so on. The transfers have certainly helped you guys and like I said before, you have become a highly ranked team after being so bad. I'm just saying that teams who build like NDSU are going to be national champions more often than not over those who build with transfers. Look back at the big powers like Ga Southern, App State, Montana, NDSU, etc. and none of them were ever big on taking transfers. Roberts is a heck of a coach who will always have you guys in the hunt but I'm just saying I don't expect teams who have 10 plus transfers starting or playing a lot and most of them being key players to make it past the quarterfinals or semis.

You guys have great depth and that is clearly due to transfers. You guys have not just brought in transfers but have gotten quality ones and recruited solid high school talent so your team is not a top 2-3 type team but always going to be a top 10 team for sure, or at least it should be.

I looked back at NDSU's roster and don't hardly have any transfers or players who had stars in high school. While I love what SLU is doing and think Roberts is a high level FBS caliber coach, NDSU has clearly found the secret to winning national titles and have proven that you can do it without taking many transfers at all.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Wouldn't surprise me. Although what a lot of people don't realize is that JJ had a jacked up shoulder last year (also a leg injury for part of the season). He had surgery to remove scar tissue this offseason. Him being healthy (hopefully) and having an actual offseason with starters will be huge IMO. Also a bigger and better conditioned line will help.

Again don't be surprised if Brisco (UAB transfer) ends of being the starter. From what I heard the kid can fling it. At the same time it's Johnsons job to lose IMO.

Good discussion BTW. Although I really wish the Louisiana teams would quit making injury excuses. Every team is beat up come playoff time. Johnson was beat up, Hill was beat up, ALL TE's were out. Punter was out. The list goes on. Part of being a good team is having quality depth.

Part of winning titles is depth. People use the injuries as excuses but NDSU is winning titles because they have good players at every position and are deep. They rarely have more than 2 or 3 All-Americans but they certainly have a loaded roster with no weak links, which is the difference between them and everyone else right now.

[lionsrking2]

Again, you can't compare NDSU to the typical FCS situation. They're a flagship school in an area with little competition for high school players and have a setup similar to the old school Nebraska approach. They'll be in the FCS national championship hunt for as long as they want to be, or until the entire D-I model is rearranged. Montana much the same way. We would all like to be like them in a perfect world. It's not a perfect world. We're a regional school with a ton of competition, and do what we can to stay competitive and give ourselves the best chance. All I know is in three years, we've gone from not even being a blip in the conversation to being competitive on a national stage. Remains to be seen whether or not we can take the next step.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Again, you can't compare NDSU to the typical FCS situation. They're a flagship school in an area with little competition for high school players and have a setup similar to the old school Nebraska approach. They'll be in the FCS national championship hunt for as long as they want to be, or until the entire D-I model is rearranged. Montana much the same way. We would all like to be like them in a perfect world. It's not a perfect world. We're a regional school with a ton of competition, and do what we can to stay competitive and give ourselves the best chance. All I know is in three years, we've gone from not even being a blip in the conversation to being competitive on a national stage. Remains to be seen whether or not we can take the next step.

NDSU had competition from SDSU, USD, and UND before they were able to take that next step. One thing you have to take into account is that NDSU is recruiting from states who don't have nearly the talent. You have about 10 times the talent in your region than they do. The Dakotas and the surrounding states are most of the states in the bottom when it comes to producing NFL talent.

The only star player on the NDSU roster who even came from the Dakotas is their QB and he was just plain missed by Big Ten schools. NDSU is doing a great job of finding talent in a lot of states. They are recruiting the Dakotas, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Iowa heavily but also have gone down to Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. The states where they have basically no competition are not the states providing them with the most top tier talent.

In fact, most of their top senior stars last year came from Nebraska and Wisconsin where the are Big Ten schools who should have had those players. They are nailing evaluations about as good as you can from states that don't produce a ton of NFL talent and hitting on just about every player that the big boys are missing.

[SFA 93]

Conque has gone a long way in getting a team with depth

Projected 2-Deep



QB:#2
Zach Conque
6-6
237
Jr.
SLC New Comer of the Year; All-SLC (HM) ** (Rivals)/UTSA
GP:13;ATT:385;CMP:249;PCT:65%;YDS:2,733;TD:15;INT: 9/R:154;YDS:626;TD:13



QB:#15
Jake Gnacinski
6-2
220
Fr.
** (Rivals)/Army; #139 QB (247Sports)














RB:#12
Fred Ford
6-0
212
Sr.
*** #81 RB (Scout) ** (Rivals)
GP:30;R:139;YDS:749;AVG:5.4;TD:6/REC:13;YDS:38;TD:0



RB:#23
Joshawa West
5-10
185
Jr.

GP:25;R:102;YDS:498;AVG:5.0;TD:3/REC:36;YDS:206;TD:0













WR:#81
Aaron Thomas
6-1
188
Sr.
2X ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35;REC:125;YDS:1,745;TD:10



WR:#8
Braxton Bearden
5-11
186
Sr.

GP:24;REC:30;YDS:215;TD:3













WR:#5
Justice Liggins
6-1
210
Jr.
** (Rivals)
GP:15;REC:22;YDS:207;TD:1



WR:#11
A.J. Jones
6-2
205
So.
*** (247Sports) #99 ATH/ Iowa
GP:9;REC:1;YDS:14;TD:0













OL:#72
Travis Wiggins
6-4
300
Jr.
*** (247Sports) #109 OT
GP:21



OL:#70
Marshall Womack
6-5
285
Jr.
Transfer from Montana State
GP:0













OL:#76
Byron Williams
6-4
302
Sr.
ALL-SLC (1st Team)
GP:36



OL:#60
Shane Roberson
6-2
304
So.

GP:10













OL:#68
Anthony Pullins
6-3
300
Jr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:21



OL:#78
Jake Wallace
6-0
285
Jr.
Transfer from Nicholls State
GP:4













OL:#75
Terran Vaughn
6-3
315
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35



OL:#71
Devonte Jones
6-2
305
Fr.
*** (247Sports) #68 OG/Baylor














OL:#77
David Dane
6-6
316
Sr.

GP:33



OL:#52
AJ Brown
6-2
300
Fr.















TE:#86
Will Taylor
6-3
248
So.
** (Rivals) #93 TE (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:2;YDS:25;TD:1



TE:#85
Jayson Clements
6-2
235
So.

GP:10;REC:9;YDS:78;TD:2













WR:#19
Robert Sylvester
6-0
184
So.

GP:15;REC:10;YDS:139;TD:0



WR:#21
Judah Jones
5-11
180
So.
*** (Rivals) / Kansas State






DE:#97
Kedrick Harrison
6-2
246
Jr.

GP:25;TKL:62;TFL:17.5;SCK:6.5;FF;3;FR:1;PD:1



DE:#44
Jamal Allen
6-0
240
Jr.
** (Scout)
GP:22;TKL:24;TFL:6.5;SCK:3.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:1













DT:#92
Lance Skyler
6-2
285
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM) *** (ESPN) Top 160 DE
GP:37;TKL:103;TFL:15.0;SCK:7.0;FF:2;FR:2;PD:0



DT:#94
Demetrion Amie
6-5
275
Fr.
2X All-State/TCU














DT:#95
Donald Bryant
6-2
285
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM) *** (Rivals) #96 DT/Baylor
GP:25;TKL:77;TFL:10.5;SCK:4.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:3;INT:1



DT:#90
Shayvion Hatten
6-4
300
Sr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas A&M
GP:25;TKL:68;TFL:10.0;SCK:2.5;FF:0;FR:0;PD:4













DE:#99
Mitchell Zimmerle
6-3
262
So.

GP:13;TKL:14;TFL:5.5;SCK:2.0;FF:1;FR:0;PD:0



DE:#96
Darrell Vanerson
6-3
280
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #9 SDE; #29 State JUCO
GP:?;TKL:50;TFL:9.5;SCK:7.0













LB:#30
Justin Owens
6-1
224
Sr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference
GP:13;TKL:80;TFL:6.0;SCK:2.0;FF:0;FR:1;PD:0



LB:#49
Price Miller
6-1
235
Jr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference
GP:?;TKL:95;TFL:5.5;SCK:3.5;FF:0;FR:0;PD:7
n












LB:#39
Chance Barney
6-1
226
So.
** (247Sports) #90 ILB
GP:13;TKL:24;TFL:2.5;SCK:0.0;FF:1;FR:3;PD:1



LB:#54
Spencer Choka
6-1
220
Fr.
*** (247Sports) #59 ILB














LB:#4
George Stone
6-1
220
Jr.
JUCO ** (Scout) Top 150 LB (247Sports) #18 OLB




LB:#50
Ryan Woods
6-1
220
Fr.















CB:#7
Hipolito Corporan
6-1
184
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #96 CB (247Sports)/Utah
GP:13;TKL:13;TFL:1.0;SCK:0.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:4;INT:0



CB:#1
Tre Rosser
5-10
180
Jr.
*** (Rivals) JUCO
GP:?;TKL:37;PD:20;INT:6













S:#14
Patrick Martin
5-9
186
Jr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:26;TKL:96;TFL:9.5;SCK:1.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:8;INT:2



S:#31
Alex Miller
6-1
190
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College
GP:13;TKL:43;TFL:0.0;SCK:0.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:0;INT:2













S:#3
Germod Williams
5-11
190
Jr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas State (247Sports) #140 S
GP:17;TKL:44;INT:5



S:#6
Zack Starnes
5-9
184
Jr.
JUCO All-American; Conference Defensive POY
GP:?;TKL:88;TFL:15.0;SCK:8.0;PD:21;INT:5













CB:#26
Demundre Freeman
5-11
185
Sr.

GP:34;TKL:72;TFL:1.0;SCK:0.0;FF:2;FR:1;PD:4;INT:1



CB:#20
Tarrin Mitchell
5-10
180
Fr
*** (ESPN) #91 CB; (247Sports) #84 CB/Houston















This defense is something special based on practice and the spring game they are dominating.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Conque has gone a long way in getting a team with depth

Projected 2-Deep



QB:#2
Zach Conque
6-6
237
Jr.
SLC New Comer of the Year; All-SLC (HM) ** (Rivals)/UTSA
GP:13;ATT:385;CMP:249;PCT:65%;YDS:2,733;TD:15;INT: 9/R:154;YDS:626;TD:13



QB:#15
Jake Gnacinski
6-2
220
Fr.
** (Rivals)/Army; #139 QB (247Sports)














RB:#12
Fred Ford
6-0
212
Sr.
*** #81 RB (Scout) ** (Rivals)
GP:30;R:139;YDS:749;AVG:5.4;TD:6/REC:13;YDS:38;TD:0



RB:#23
Joshawa West
5-10
185
Jr.

GP:25;R:102;YDS:498;AVG:5.0;TD:3/REC:36;YDS:206;TD:0













WR:#81
Aaron Thomas
6-1
188
Sr.
2X ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35;REC:125;YDS:1,745;TD:10



WR:#8
Braxton Bearden
5-11
186
Sr.

GP:24;REC:30;YDS:215;TD:3













WR:#5
Justice Liggins
6-1
210
Jr.
** (Rivals)
GP:15;REC:22;YDS:207;TD:1



WR:#11
A.J. Jones
6-2
205
So.
*** (247Sports) #99 ATH/ Iowa
GP:9;REC:1;YDS:14;TD:0













OL:#72
Travis Wiggins
6-4
300
Jr.
*** (247Sports) #109 OT
GP:21



OL:#70
Marshall Womack
6-5
285
Jr.
Transfer from Montana State
GP:0













OL:#76
Byron Williams
6-4
302
Sr.
ALL-SLC (1st Team)
GP:36



OL:#60
Shane Roberson
6-2
304
So.

GP:10













OL:#68
Anthony Pullins
6-3
300
Jr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:21



OL:#78
Jake Wallace
6-0
285
Jr.
Transfer from Nicholls State
GP:4













OL:#75
Terran Vaughn
6-3
315
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:35



OL:#71
Devonte Jones
6-2
305
Fr.
*** (247Sports) #68 OG/Baylor














OL:#77
David Dane
6-6
316
Sr.

GP:33



OL:#52
AJ Brown
6-2
300
Fr.















TE:#86
Will Taylor
6-3
248
So.
** (Rivals) #93 TE (247Sports)
GP:12;REC:2;YDS:25;TD:1



TE:#85
Jayson Clements
6-2
235
So.

GP:10;REC:9;YDS:78;TD:2













WR:#19
Robert Sylvester
6-0
184
So.

GP:15;REC:10;YDS:139;TD:0



WR:#21
Judah Jones
5-11
180
So.
*** (Rivals) / Kansas State






DE:#97
Kedrick Harrison
6-2
246
Jr.

GP:25;TKL:62;TFL:17.5;SCK:6.5;FF;3;FR:1;PD:1



DE:#44
Jamal Allen
6-0
240
Jr.
** (Scout)
GP:22;TKL:24;TFL:6.5;SCK:3.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:1













DT:#92
Lance Skyler
6-2
285
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM) *** (ESPN) Top 160 DE
GP:37;TKL:103;TFL:15.0;SCK:7.0;FF:2;FR:2;PD:0



DT:#94
Demetrion Amie
6-5
275
Fr.
2X All-State/TCU














DT:#95
Donald Bryant
6-2
285
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM) *** (Rivals) #96 DT/Baylor
GP:25;TKL:77;TFL:10.5;SCK:4.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:3;INT:1



DT:#90
Shayvion Hatten
6-4
300
Sr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas A&M
GP:25;TKL:68;TFL:10.0;SCK:2.5;FF:0;FR:0;PD:4













DE:#99
Mitchell Zimmerle
6-3
262
So.

GP:13;TKL:14;TFL:5.5;SCK:2.0;FF:1;FR:0;PD:0



DE:#96
Darrell Vanerson
6-3
280
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #9 SDE; #29 State JUCO
GP:?;TKL:50;TFL:9.5;SCK:7.0













LB:#30
Justin Owens
6-1
224
Sr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference
GP:13;TKL:80;TFL:6.0;SCK:2.0;FF:0;FR:1;PD:0



LB:#49
Price Miller
6-1
235
Jr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference
GP:?;TKL:95;TFL:5.5;SCK:3.5;FF:0;FR:0;PD:7
n












LB:#39
Chance Barney
6-1
226
So.
** (247Sports) #90 ILB
GP:13;TKL:24;TFL:2.5;SCK:0.0;FF:1;FR:3;PD:1



LB:#54
Spencer Choka
6-1
220
Fr.
*** (247Sports) #59 ILB














LB:#4
George Stone
6-1
220
Jr.
JUCO ** (Scout) Top 150 LB (247Sports) #18 OLB




LB:#50
Ryan Woods
6-1
220
Fr.















CB:#7
Hipolito Corporan
6-1
184
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #96 CB (247Sports)/Utah
GP:13;TKL:13;TFL:1.0;SCK:0.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:4;INT:0



CB:#1
Tre Rosser
5-10
180
Jr.
*** (Rivals) JUCO
GP:?;TKL:37;PD:20;INT:6













S:#14
Patrick Martin
5-9
186
Jr.
ALL-SLC (HM)
GP:26;TKL:96;TFL:9.5;SCK:1.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:8;INT:2



S:#31
Alex Miller
6-1
190
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College
GP:13;TKL:43;TFL:0.0;SCK:0.0;FF:0;FR:0;PD:0;INT:2













S:#3
Germod Williams
5-11
190
Jr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas State (247Sports) #140 S
GP:17;TKL:44;INT:5



S:#6
Zack Starnes
5-9
184
Jr.
JUCO All-American; Conference Defensive POY
GP:?;TKL:88;TFL:15.0;SCK:8.0;PD:21;INT:5













CB:#26
Demundre Freeman
5-11
185
Sr.

GP:34;TKL:72;TFL:1.0;SCK:0.0;FF:2;FR:1;PD:4;INT:1



CB:#20
Tarrin Mitchell
5-10
180
Fr
*** (ESPN) #91 CB; (247Sports) #84 CB/Houston














This defense is something special based on practice and the spring game they are dominating.

Conque is a very good coach. They will be a solid team. If you took away the transfers from SLU and SHSU then I would say SFA would have a great shot to beat them both. The depth from stacking transfers is going to be the difference. SFA is deep on defense in areas and at some skill spots now but just need more overall experience and some OL depth.

[lionsrking2]

If you took away the transfers from SLU and SHSU then I would say SFA would have a great shot to beat them both.

You do realize SFA has a number of transfers too, including Clint's son.

[smallcollegefbfan]

You do realize SFA has a number of transfers too, including Clint's son.

Not nearly as many impact transfers but yes I know they have a few. I think they added a couple of JUCOs. Conque is from UTSA, which is basically a FCS level program. They don't have any SEC transfers, which are much higher caliber athletes than the typical players you can get from UTSA. They have 1 or 2 from Baylor but of their 4 preseason All-SLC picks 3 are true FCS players while Conque is coming from a FBS school that recently moved up from FCS and probably wouldn't be top 3 in the SLC.

[Catatonic]

Not nearly as many impact transfers but yes I know they have a few. I think they added a couple of JUCOs. Conque is from UTSA, which is basically a FCS level program. They don't have any SEC transfers, which are much higher caliber athletes than the typical players you can get from UTSA. They have 1 or 2 from Baylor but of their 4 preseason All-SLC picks 3 are true FCS players while Conque is coming from a FBS school that recently moved up from FCS and probably wouldn't be top 3 in the SLC.

15 or 16 transfers this year alone (see the list '93 posted in the Summer Recruiting thread). Conque appears to have taken a "I want to win now" approach.

[SFA 93]

At the press conference of his first recruiting class here at SFA, Conque said we do not rebuild, we reload. So, yes we have many transfers.




QB:#2
Zach Conque
6-6
237
Jr.
** (Rivals)/UTSA

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QB:#15
Jake Gnacinski
6-2
220
Fr.
** (Rivals)/Army; #139 QB (247Sports)

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RB:#27
Cameron Washington
5-10
185
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College

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RB:#
Spencer Cowley
6-2
215
Jr.
North Texas

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RB:#
D.J. Witherspoon
5-10
190
Jr.
JUCO/Blinn College

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WR:#83
De'Quann Ruffin
6-2
192
Jr.
** (Rivals) JUCO/Kilgore College

n




WR:#
Edwin Mims Jr.
5-8
180
Jr.
JUCO/Navarro College

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WR:#21
Judah Jones
5-11
180
So.
*** (Rivals) / Kansas State

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WR:#88
Aaron Piper
5-9
180
So.
*** (Rivals) #175 WR (247Sports)/Tennessee State

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WR:#11
A.J. Jones
6-2
205
So.
*** (247Sports) #99 ATH/ Iowa

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WR:#41
Cole Carter
6-1
190
So.
West Virginia

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TE:#84
Lucas Askew
6-6
235
Fr.
** (Rivals) #95 TE (247Sports)/Texas State

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OL:#70
Marshall Womack
6-5
285
Jr.
Montana State

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OL:#78
Jake Wallace
6-0
285
Jr.
Nicholls State

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OL:#71
Devonte Jones
6-2
305
Fr.
*** (247Sports) #68 OG/Baylor

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DE:#96
Darrell Vanerson
6-3
280
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #9 SDE; #29 State JUCO/Copiah-Lincoln JC

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DT:#95
Donald Bryant
6-2
285
Sr.
ALL-SLC (HM) *** (Rivals) #96 DT/Baylor

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DT:#90
Shayvion Hatten
6-4
300
Sr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas A&M

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DT:#94
Demetrion Amie
6-5
275
Fr.
2X All-State/TCU

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LB:#30
Justin Owens
6-1
224
Sr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference/Fullerton College

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LB:#49
Price Miller
6-1
235
Jr.
JUCO 1st Team All-Conference/Golden West College

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LB:#4
George Stone
6-1
220
Jr.
JUCO ** (Scout) Top 150 LB (247Sports) #18 OLB/Sac

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S:#31
Alex Miller
6-1
190
Sr.
JUCO/Navarro College

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S:#6
Zack Starnes
5-9
184
Jr.
JUCO All-American; Conference Defensive POY/Sierra C.

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S:#3
Germod Williams
5-11
190
Jr.
*** (Rivals)/Texas State (247Sports) #140 S

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CB:#7
Hipolito Corporan
6-1
184
Jr.
*** (Rivals) #96 CB (247Sports)/Utah

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CB:#1
Tre Rosser
5-10
180
Jr.
*** (Rivals) JUCO/Tyler JC

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CB:#20
Tarrin Mitchell
5-10
180
Fr
*** (ESPN) #91 CB; (247Sports) #84 CB/Houston

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[Sammy94]

NDSU has virtually no 3 or 4 star recruits while SHSU and SLU have several but yet NDSU is the better team. A lot of that is team chemistry and the atmosphere. Being transfer U in FCS will get you in the playoffs but typically will not get you a national title.

You can't compare many FCS schools in Texas or La. to others, many kids move off and then realize they miss home when mom and dad can't watch them play as much. How many 3/4 star recruits come out of North Dakota? I am willing to bet the Dallas area alone has more rated recruits than most entire states. If you start playing football in Texas in the 7th grade, you are far behind, that is just the facts. SLC schools will always have an abundant amount of transfers. Some coaches know how to make that work with chemistry and leadership others not so well.

[SFA 93]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKh2ciTUAAAE1Fl.jpg