The All SoCon Preseason Team per SP

[youcanbankit]

Enjoy!!!.....Interesting picks....


http://www.southernpigskin.com/socon/all-socon-preseason-team/

[Milktruck74]

I think some of the late FBS transfers shake up this list.....Kareem Orr being one!!!!

[smallcollegefbfan]

I think some of the late FBS transfers shake up this list.....Kareem Orr being one!!!!

That is always the case. I put together a preseason All-SoCon team recently. SP did not have anyone that was not at least on my 2nd team.

I haven't had a chance to find out if anyone on my list has left their team but you can get an idea of my first draft.


2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: S Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Roo Daniels, Wofford, Sr.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Jared Jacon-Duffy, Wofford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Mercer, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Reggie Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Soph.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, Soph.
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, Soph.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Thomas Gordon, Furman, Soph.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Mikel Horton, Wofford, Soph.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Datavious Wilson, Wofford, Soph.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB George Gbesee, Wofford, Soph.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Joe Farrar, Furman, Jr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.


Honorable Mention
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, Soph.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Kareem Orr, Chattanooga, Jr.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

[FUBeAR]

That is always the case. I put together a preseason All-SoCon team recently. SP did not have anyone that was not at least on my 2nd team.

I haven't had a chance to find out if anyone on my list has left their team but you can get an idea of my first draft.


2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: S Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Jacob Revis, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Roo Daniels, Wofford, Sr.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
TE Ryan Swingle, VMI, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Montrell Pardue, Chattanooga, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Reggie Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Hunter Townson, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Soph.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Jared Jacon-Duffy, Wofford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Thomas Gordon, Furman, Soph.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Mikel Horton, Wofford, Soph.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Datavious Wilson, Wofford, Soph.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Joe Farrar, Furman, Jr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.


Honorable Mention
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, Soph.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, Soph.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

i believe Jacob Revis has 'retired' http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/college/story/2016/dec/25/football-mocs-still-have-talent-holes-fill-es/404511/

&

Marquise Irvin plays WR for Mercer, not Woffy.
http://mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4859

[smallcollegefbfan]

You are right on both. Revis did retire and the Irvin thing was a typo. I updated it. I did this list while back so like I said could be some mistakes in here. Just a rough draft but figured I would post it for chatter since one has been posted.

[Mocs123]

I don't think Hunter Townsend is coming back for his SR year either.

Montrell Pardue is no longer with the team

[citdog]

I think some of the late FBS transfers shake up this list.....Kareem Orr being one!!!!

Don't count on it. Orr is useless against Wofford and The Citadel as he doesn't like contact. In this league if you are going to play DB you must TACKLE. He doesn't.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I don't think Hunter Townsend is coming back for his SR year either.

Montrell Pardue is no longer with the team

Just checked the roster to verify those two and I don't see them. I remember Pardue was arrested so he must have been dismissed.

I replaced them with Malcolm White of Chattanooga and a Wofford DB.

[kdinva]

VMI's Swingle graduated three weeks ago...

[Mocs123]

Yes, Pardue was arrested and dismissed. I think he is at West Georgia (D2).

[smallcollegefbfan]

VMI's Swingle graduated three weeks ago...

I just checked and see he is no longer on roster. The others from VMI are on it. I have updated my list above by moving up the Wofford and Samford players.

[citdog]

There is a name that all will be familiar with at the end of the season and his name is Rod Johnson.

http://www.citadelsports.com/images/2016/8/11/Johnson_Rod_16_38.JPG?width=300




EDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2016): Appeared in nine games with two starts … rushed 37 times for 320 yards and five touchdowns and caught four passes for 37 yards … touchdowns total tied for 3rd on team … scored career-high three rushing touchdowns on six carries and totaled 69 rushing yards in 37-14 victory at Western Carolina … three rushing touchdowns tied for highest single-game output in SoCon and for 18th in FCS in 2016 … rushed for career-high 76 yards and one touchdown on four carries and added nine-yard reception in 38-14 win at North Greenville … gained 66 yards and one touchdown on seven carries in addition to 12-yard reception in 31-24 win at Gardner-Webb … had eight-yard carry in 22-14 victory vs. No. 5 Chattanooga … gained 20 yards on four carries in 24-21 win at Wofford … rushed three times for 12 yards in 45-10 victory vs. ETSU … recorded career-long 15-yard reception and rushed five times for 48 yards at North Carolina … caught one pass and rushed seven times for 21 yards in second round of FCS Playoffs vs. No. 19 Wofford

[PaladinFan]

I think a guy that could quietly become one of the most feared offensive threats in the SoCon is Furman WR Thomas Gordon.

Gordon really didn't get involved in Furman's offense until about 1/3 of the way through the season. He still finished top 10 in all purpose yards as a freshman.

While there is a lot of speculation about what Furman may do offensively in 2017, I do think Gordon is going to be a big part of whatever it is. With a renewed focus on the running game and play action, Gordon can be a guy that can take the lid off the defense down field. He won't have the sheer number of catches, but I predict he will have an incredibly high yards per catch and a lot of scores.

[Cat-in-GA]

Tyler Sexton will be returning at tight end for the Catamounts after missing last year due to injury. He was 1st team all conference in 2015.
Aubrey Paine is our other TE. He was on the 2016 Freshman All Conference Team.

[FUBeAR]

There is a name that all will be familiar with at the end of the season and his name is Rod Johnson

seems a bit redundant...

[PaladinNation]

I think a guy that could quietly become one of the most feared offensive threats in the SoCon is Furman WR Thomas Gordon.

Gordon really didn't get involved in Furman's offense until about 1/3 of the way through the season. He still finished top 10 in all purpose yards as a freshman.

While there is a lot of speculation about what Furman may do offensively in 2017, I do think Gordon is going to be a big part of whatever it is. With a renewed focus on the running game and play action, Gordon can be a guy that can take the lid off the defense down field. He won't have the sheer number of catches, but I predict he will have an incredibly high yards per catch and a lot of scores.

Gordon was one of the few offensive bright spots in 2016. This pre-season list just shows how far Furman has to go to get back to deserve levels of respect. Schmidt, Bush, Annoor, Reid, Okonya have a pretty good chance of being on some SoCon lists by the end of this season.

The unknown with the most potential for Furman is a Clay Hendrix offense. Clay's track record at Furman and Air Force speaks for itself when you add Drew Cronic and George Quarles it becomes very interesting. I think it's not too optimistic to think that Furman will have an offensive player or players make some noise in the SoCon in 2017.

Possible 2017 Offensive Breakout Players
Blaze might be the most underrated QB in the SoCon… hopefully, Cronic can help him slow the game down and be more consistent.
Darius Morehead played only one complete game in 2016… MichSt: 20 rushes 83 yards, 2 receptions 25 yards. He's fast!
Bailey Rogers could be a key piece in the new Furman offense, Rogers reminds me of Christian McCaffrey a little, he can play in the return game, run sweeps, and is dangerous after the catch.
Finally, Clay Hendrix knows how to develop and coach offensive linemen, all of us Paladins have moaned about our offensive line woes since Clay departed for Air Force. Furman has young offensive linemen they should develop quite well under Hendrix's coaching.

[PaladinFan]

I don't dicker with pre-season lists much. For instance, Joe Farrar is listed as a second team DB. Farrar has mostly played linebacker (and is listed as an OLB on the current roster). I also think that if you are going to name one Paladin defensive back, it needs to be Aquil Anoor. Anoor had more tackles than Farrar to go along with 7 pass breakups and can play both CB and S.

I, personally, don't see why Furman should get a ton of "respect." We haven't been good in a while. Even 2013, where Furman won a share of the SoCon title and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, the offense was poor and the team rode an unsustainably high turnover margin and non-offensive touchdowns.

Now, I do think Furman is closer to the top of the conference than the bottom. Last year is pretty clear indication of that. We probably should have beaten both Wofford and the Citadel and lost to UTC by a score. Simultaneously, Furman kicked the crap out of VMI, WCU, and ETSU. That, at least to me, indicates Furman is closer to the top of the conference talent-wise. Coaching, I think, has been a big problem.

In 2017, there are just tons of unanswered questions. Furman lost a lot of players to graduation, and have lost a number of depth chart guys to attrition with the coaching change. I do think that Coach Hendrix's system is going to be tailor made for PJ Blazejowski, who has shown flashes of superb play during his time at Furman punctuated by a lot of head scratching. Darius Morehead looks like a guy that is worth the hype. With Blazejowsi, Morehead, Gordon, and Rogers on the field at the same time, Furman could easily have the fastest team in the conference. All four of those guys can fly.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I don't dicker with pre-season lists much. For instance, Joe Farrar is listed as a second team DB. Farrar has mostly played linebacker (and is listed as an OLB on the current roster). I also think that if you are going to name one Paladin defensive back, it needs to be Aquil Anoor. Anoor had more tackles than Farrar to go along with 7 pass breakups and can play both CB and S.

I, personally, don't see why Furman should get a ton of "respect." We haven't been good in a while. Even 2013, where Furman won a share of the SoCon title and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, the offense was poor and the team rode an unsustainably high turnover margin and non-offensive touchdowns.

Now, I do think Furman is closer to the top of the conference than the bottom. Last year is pretty clear indication of that. We probably should have beaten both Wofford and the Citadel and lost to UTC by a score. Simultaneously, Furman kicked the crap out of VMI, WCU, and ETSU. That, at least to me, indicates Furman is closer to the top of the conference talent-wise. Coaching, I think, has been a big problem.

In 2017, there are just tons of unanswered questions. Furman lost a lot of players to graduation, and have lost a number of depth chart guys to attrition with the coaching change. I do think that Coach Hendrix's system is going to be tailor made for PJ Blazejowski, who has shown flashes of superb play during his time at Furman punctuated by a lot of head scratching. Darius Morehead looks like a guy that is worth the hype. With Blazejowsi, Morehead, Gordon, and Rogers on the field at the same time, Furman could easily have the fastest team in the conference. All four of those guys can fly.

If a player has changed positions I did not flip them yet. I'll check the rosters and depth charts in July and put a strong list together based on new positions and players who are no longer eligible, transfers, etc.

I put this list together as a rough draft based on info I had in January. I figured it would show the level of talent that teams are returning, for the most part.

I'm also going to add in a few players who were hurt last year and return.

[PaladinFan]

If a player has changed positions I did not flip them yet. I'll check the rosters and depth charts in July and put a strong list together based on new positions and players who are no longer eligible, transfers, etc.

I put this list together as a rough draft based on info I had in January. I figured it would show the level of talent that teams are returning, for the most part.

I'm also going to add in a few players who were hurt last year and return.

Farrar is one of those "tweeners" who gets lost in the world of defensive terminology. He's 5'11 190 lbs and came to Furman as a safety. Bruce Fowler's system tended to heavily use such players as nickles/third safety/undersized linebackers.

Of course, a lot of Furman's defensive staff has ties to Charleston Southern. The Bucs used an OLB/Safety hybrid player like Farrar heavily in their schemes. So, he may well go from being a tweener role player last year to a central figure in this year's defense.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I went ahead and checked rosters. ETSU is the only one who has not posted a 2017 roster yet. I put two transfers on the 3rd team.


2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: S Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Roo Daniels, Wofford, Sr.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Jared Jacon-Duffy, Wofford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Mercer, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Rod Johnson, The Citadel, Soph.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, Soph.
OL Antwan Johnson, Samford, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, Soph.
TE Tyler Sexton, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Thomas Gordon, Furman, Soph.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Mikel Horton, Wofford, Soph.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Datavious Wilson, Wofford, Soph.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB George Gbesee, Wofford, Soph.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Tyriuq Trotman, VMI, Jr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.


Third Team Offense
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, Soph.
RB K’rondis Larry, Samford, Sr.
RB Daz Palmer, VMI, Soph.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Soph.
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel, Soph.
OL Nathan Dalton, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Ben Blackmon, ETSU, Soph.
OL Walker Lanning, Western Carolina, Soph.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
WR Chandler Curtis, Mercer, Sr.

Third Team Defense
DL Tremond Ferrell, ETSU, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
DL Nasir Player, ETSU, Soph.
DL Taylor Reynolds, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Daniel Riddle, Western Carolina, Sr.
LB Myles Pierce, The Citadel, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB C.J. Fritz, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Kareem Orr, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Paul Hunter, ETSU, Sr.
DB Aaquil Annoor, Furman, Jr.

Third Team Specialists
K Jacob Godek, The Citadel, Soph.
P Colin Brewer, Chattanooga, Soph.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

[kdinva]

I went ahead and checked rosters. ETSU is the only one who has not posted a 2017 roster yet.

neither has VMI....but Swingle was not on the Spring roster, if that was your point of reference....

http://www.vmikeydets.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9800&SPID=3895&SPSID=43760&KEY=&Q_SEASON=2017

[smallcollegefbfan]

neither has VMI....but Swingle was not on the Spring roster, if that was your point of reference....

http://www.vmikeydets.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9800&SPID=3895&SPSID=43760&KEY=&Q_SEASON=2017

A couple schools only had a 2017 spring roster but I counted that. ETSU did not have anything for 2017 posted at all so there could be some factual errors for ETSU on my updated list.

[FUBeAR]

I went ahead and checked rosters. ETSU is the only one who has not posted a 2017 roster yet. I put two transfers on the 3rd team.

2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

First Team Offense
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Roo Daniels, Wofford, Sr.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Jared Jacon-Duffy, Wofford, Jr.

Second Team Offense
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, Soph.
OL Antwan Johnson, Samford, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, Soph.

Third Team Offense
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Soph.
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel, Soph.
OL Nathan Dalton, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Ben Blackmon, ETSU, Soph.
OL Walker Lanning, Western Carolina, Soph.


A couple of Bear-related OL questions...

Since you started considering transfers, did you give any thought to David May, C, R-JR (Graduate Transfer), for Mercer http://www.mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4895? He's 6-4, 297 and started as a R-FR & R-SO at Valdosta State, a top D2 program. He was All-Conference, All Super-Region and Freshman All-American in 2015 http://www.vstateblazers.com/news/2015/12/1/FB_1201155542.aspx?path=football. Not sure why his 'honors' went away in 2016, but it looks like he may have missed a few games & they did acquire Kerwin Bell as their new Head Coach; not sure.

Speaking of O-Linemen from Mercer...hard to believe that 3-year starter at Left Tackle, SR, Thomas Marchman http://www.mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4868, is not getting any 'love.' John Russ didn't put up his commendable stats over the past 3 years worrying about his blind side and Mercer hasn't been in the upper tier of the SoCon rushing stats without the ability to run the ball left. Marchman is as athletic as any OT in the SoCon and has continued to add strength each year. Yeah, he may still have chicken legs, but he's very effective and consistent.

His bowling and gymnastics games are on point as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWGwA3Lu3vo

[citdog]

Khafari Buffalo DB


http://www.citadelsports.com/images/2016/8/10/Buffalo_Khafari_16_34.JPG?width=300

REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2016): Appeared in all 12 games … All-Southern Conference Freshman Team … recorded eight tackles, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery … also returned four kickoffs for 73 yards … made collegiate debut in season-opening, 24-23 win at Mercer and had 19-yard kickoff return … recovered fumble in 19-14 victory vs. Furman … made solo tackle in 31-24 win at Gardner-Webb … had season-high two tackles in 38-14 victory at North Greenville … made solo stop in 22-14 win vs. No. 5 Chattanooga … had one tackle in 24-21 win at Wofford … recorded one tackle and one pass breakup in 45-10 victory vs. ETSU … made one tackle and gained 39 yards on two kickoff returns in 37-34 win vs. No. 20 Samford … had one tackle and one 15-yard kickoff return in 30-20 victory at VMI

[FUBeAR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ4T9CQA0UM

Khafari Buffalo DB
http://www.citadelsports.com/images/2016/8/10/Buffalo_Khafari_16_34.JPG?width=300

[Mocs123]

Thanks for putting together the lists. I am from the camp that thinks that pre-season rankings are little more than conversation starters for fans in the offseason, but it's June and I am ready for the season to start so lets discuss.

With the coaching changes in Chattanooga and the resulting scheme changes I am not sure what to expect. On the defensive side we are going from a 4-2-5 to a 3-4-4 and I think Derek Mahaffey is going to have a big year at Nose. It's not a big stats position, but arguably the most important position in a 3-4.

One player I am excited about seeing is Hawk Schrider at OLB. What little I have seen he is a high motor kid that reminded me a little of Davis Tull.

Tae Davis has moved to inside linebacker and he is a great football player too. He has paid his dues being a special teams monster, and I think he shine in a starting role.

On the offensive side of the ball, watch wideout Alphanso Stuart a big experianced player with good hands who has been bangged up the past few years. If healthy, he could play a big part in the passing game.

Dark horse is Running Back Darrel Bridges who is a graduate transfer from Presbyterian. He played at nearby Ridgeland HS and wanted to play at UTC, but we wanted him as a LB (signed RB Derrick Craine in the same class) and he wanted to play RB. Well he is getting his chance to play RB for his hometown school now. He may end up as our starting back, or he may end up third string, I have no idea. His sophomore year at Presbyterian was pretty impressive but he seemed to take a little bit of a step back this year. It will be interesting to see if he is more successful having a better supporting cast than he had with the Blue Hose and how he handles not being the main (only) offensive option.

[VictoryViking]

The SoCon is loaded with Talent this year!

2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Nate Lee, Samford, So.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Mercer, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Trey'von Paulk, Samford, Jr.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, So.
OL Antwan Johnson, Samford, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, So.
TE Tyler Sexton, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Jai Creamer, Samford, So.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB George Gbesee, Wofford, So.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Sam Pettway, Samford, Sr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Offense
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, So.
RB K’rondis Larry, Samford, Sr.
RB Daz Palmer, VMI, Soph.
OL Mike Williams, Samford, So.
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel, So.
OL Nathan Dalton, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Reed Hulgan, Samford, So.
OL Walker Lanning, Western Carolina, So.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
WR TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Defense
DL Tremond Ferrell, ETSU, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
DL Nasir Player, ETSU, Soph.
DL Taylor Reynolds, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Daniel Riddle, Western Carolina, Sr.
LB Myles Pierce, The Citadel, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB C.J. Fritz, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Kareem Orr, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Paul Hunter, ETSU, Sr.
DB Aaquil Annoor, Furman, Jr.

Third Team Specialists
K Jacob Godek, The Citadel, So.
P Colin Brewer, Chattanooga, So.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

[smallcollegefbfan]

A couple of Bear-related OL questions...

Since you started considering transfers, did you give any thought to David May, C, R-JR (Graduate Transfer), for Mercer http://www.mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4895? He's 6-4, 297 and started as a R-FR & R-SO at Valdosta State, a top D2 program. He was All-Conference, All Super-Region and Freshman All-American in 2015 http://www.vstateblazers.com/news/2015/12/1/FB_1201155542.aspx?path=football. Not sure why his 'honors' went away in 2016, but it looks like he may have missed a few games & they did acquire Kerwin Bell as their new Head Coach; not sure.

Speaking of O-Linemen from Mercer...hard to believe that 3-year starter at Left Tackle, SR, Thomas Marchman http://www.mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4868, is not getting any 'love.' John Russ didn't put up his commendable stats over the past 3 years worrying about his blind side and Mercer hasn't been in the upper tier of the SoCon rushing stats without the ability to run the ball left. Marchman is as athletic as any OT in the SoCon and has continued to add strength each year. Yeah, he may still have chicken legs, but he's very effective and consistent.

His bowling and gymnastics games are on point as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWGwA3Lu3vo

I don't know the deal on May since he left so I left him off. As for the other one I almost put him on 3rd team.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The SoCon is loaded with Talent this year!

2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Nate Lee, Samford, So.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Mercer, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Trey'von Paulk, Samford, Jr.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, So.
OL Antwan Johnson, Samford, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, So.
TE Tyler Sexton, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Jai Creamer, Samford, So.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB George Gbesee, Wofford, So.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Sam Pettway, Samford, Sr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Offense
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, So.
RB K’rondis Larry, Samford, Sr.
RB Daz Palmer, VMI, Soph.
OL Mike Williams, Samford, So.
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel, So.
OL Nathan Dalton, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Reed Hulgan, Samford, So.
OL Walker Lanning, Western Carolina, So.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
WR TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Defense
DL Tremond Ferrell, ETSU, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
DL Nasir Player, ETSU, Soph.
DL Taylor Reynolds, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Daniel Riddle, Western Carolina, Sr.
LB Myles Pierce, The Citadel, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB C.J. Fritz, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Kareem Orr, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Paul Hunter, ETSU, Sr.
DB Aaquil Annoor, Furman, Jr.

Third Team Specialists
K Jacob Godek, The Citadel, So.
P Colin Brewer, Chattanooga, So.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

When it comes to a few positions like WR, LB, and OL I think there is a lot of talent for the FCS level but this is the worst I have seen the league when it comes to NFL talent in a long time. I expected this to happen though after 4-5 years with CCU, App, Ga Southern all gone and Charlotte, Georgia State, and ODU forming programs in the last 8 years or so. It has finally thinned the league of NFL talent.

The only NFL talent I see at this point among seniors is Newsome of WCU and maybe the DB Williams but I only see them as free agents. I'm not sure anyone will get drafted or go to the combine. There could be someone surprise and put up a great senior year but I don't see a Keionta Davis or Corey Levin at this point.

[VictoryViking]

I agree for the most part, but disagree on a few positions. There are a number of WR, LB, CB, OL, DL, and P's that have pro potential in the the SOCON. Pro scouts are looking at guys across the league. Most will be free agent pick ups, but on the radar. I have not seen or heard any pro scouts circling SoCon QB's or RB's yet. With that said, there are couple in the wings that have possibilities.


When it comes to a few positions like WR, LB, and OL I think there is a lot of talent for the FCS level but this is the worst I have seen the league when it comes to NFL talent in a long time. I expected this to happen though after 4-5 years with CCU, App, Ga Southern all gone and Charlotte, Georgia State, and ODU forming programs in the last 8 years or so. It has finally thinned the league of NFL talent.

The only NFL talent I see at this point among seniors is Newsome of WCU and maybe the DB Williams but I only see them as free agents. I'm not sure anyone will get drafted or go to the combine. There could be someone surprise and put up a great senior year but I don't see a Keionta Davis or Corey Levin at this point.

[Cat-in-GA]

The SoCon is loaded with Talent this year!

2017 PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TEAMS

PRESEASON OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.

First Team Offense
QB Devlin Hodges, Samford, Jr.
RB Detrez Newsome, Western Carolina, Sr.
RB Cam Jackson, The Citadel, Sr.
OL Josh Cardiello, Chattanooga, Sr.
OL Nate Lee, Samford, So.
OL Matthew Schmidt, Furman, Sr.
OL Ross Demmel, Wofford, Jr.
OL Brendan Loftus, Samford, Jr.
TE Chandler Gouger, Wofford, Sr.
WR Kelvin McKnight, Samford, Jr.
WR Marquise Irvin, Mercer, Jr.

First Team Defense
DL Miles Brown, Wofford, Jr.
DL Tyler Vaughn, Wofford, Sr.
DL Isaiah Buehler, Mercer, Jr.
DL Ahmad Gooden, Samford, Jr.
LB Shaheed Salmon, Samford, Sr.
LB Dale Warren, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Ryan Francis, VMI, Sr.
DB Kailik Williams, The Citadel, Sr.
DB Omari Williams, Samford, Sr.
DB Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Devin Watson, Wofford, Jr.

First Team Specialists
K JJ Jerman, ETSU, Jr.
P Austin Barnard, Samford, Sr.
RS Mason Dermott, VMI, Jr.


Second Team Offense
QB Alejandro Bennifield, Chattanooga, Sr.
RB Trey'von Paulk, Samford, Jr.
RB Jajuan Stinson, ETSU, Jr.
OL Malcolm White, Chattanooga, So.
OL Antwan Johnson, Samford, Jr.
OL Zach Weeks, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Tyler Davis, The Citadel, Jr.
OL Nick Nixon, Samford, So.
TE Tyler Sexton, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Terryon Robinson, Western Carolina, Sr.
WR Jai Creamer, Samford, So.

Second Team Defense
DL Ken Allen, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Jaylan Reid, Furman, Jr.
DL Isaiah Mack, Chattanooga, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
LB Dylan Weigel, ETSU, Jr.
LB Alan Cratsenberg, VMI, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB Greg Sanders, VMI, Sr.
DB George Gbesee, Wofford, So.
DB Trevor Wright, Chattanooga, Sr.
DB Sam Pettway, Samford, Sr.

Second Team Specialists
K Cole Fisher, Mercer, Jr.
P Ian Berryman, Western Carolina, Jr.
RS TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Offense
QB Tyrie Adams, Western Carolina, So.
RB K’rondis Larry, Samford, Sr.
RB Daz Palmer, VMI, Soph.
OL Mike Williams, Samford, So.
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel, So.
OL Nathan Dalton, Western Carolina, Jr.
OL Reed Hulgan, Samford, So.
OL Walker Lanning, Western Carolina, So.
TE Sam Walker, Mercer, Jr.
WR James Stovall, Chattanooga, Sr.
WR TD Marshall, Samford, So.

Third Team Defense
DL Tremond Ferrell, ETSU, Jr.
DL Xavier Forrest, Samford, Sr.
DL Nasir Player, ETSU, Soph.
DL Taylor Reynolds, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Daniel Riddle, Western Carolina, Sr.
LB Myles Pierce, The Citadel, Sr.
LB Deion Pierre, Samford, Sr.
DB C.J. Fritz, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Kareem Orr, Chattanooga, Jr.
DB Paul Hunter, ETSU, Sr.
DB Aaquil Annoor, Furman, Jr.

Third Team Specialists
K Jacob Godek, The Citadel, So.
P Colin Brewer, Chattanooga, So.
RS Quinlan Washington, The Citadel, Jr.

I understand that you are a homer, but don't be stupid. Samford's punter is good, but he is not first team SoCon. WCU's punter is the active career average leader in the FCS. He's been one of the best in the FCS for 2 years, and as it sits right now no other punter in the FCS is close to him.

[VictoryViking]

No need for name calling. Homer means home run right?? Hears another home run....The reason WCU's punter looks good on paper is because he gets plenty of practice because the WCU offense sucks. He also is always punting into an 80 yard open field. That helps. The kid from Samford is the real deal and first team SOCON. If the offense from Samford doesn't score every series this year, maybe you will get to see him punt some time.


I understand that you are a homer, but don't be stupid. Samford's punter is good, but he is not first team SoCon. WCU's punter is the active career average leader in the FCS. He's been one of the best in the FCS for 2 years, and as it sits right now no other punter in the FCS is close to him.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I agree for the most part, but disagree on a few positions. There are a number of WR, LB, CB, OL, DL, and P's that have pro potential in the the SOCON. Pro scouts are looking at guys across the league. Most will be free agent pick ups, but on the radar. I have not seen or heard any pro scouts circling SoCon QB's or RB's yet. With that said, there are couple in the wings that have possibilities.

There are a few underclassmen with a shot, such as the WCU P, but not a lot right now. There will always be some free agent pickups and tryouts but I'm talking about draftable players. This is the weakest for draftable players I have ever seen for the league. Usually by this point someone can name a player who will definitely be drafted or is likely to but this year I don't see one.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I understand that you are a homer, but don't be stupid. Samford's punter is good, but he is not first team SoCon. WCU's punter is the active career average leader in the FCS. He's been one of the best in the FCS for 2 years, and as it sits right now no other punter in the FCS is close to him.

This person clearly took my list and made just a few adjustments, mostly with Samford players being added. At first I thought it was mine and you were calling me a homer against the WCU punter but I have him as a top 3 punter in FCS. It is not even close.

[citdog]

I understand that you are a homer, but don't be stupid. Samford's punter is good, but he is not first team SoCon. WCU's punter is the active career average leader in the FCS. He's been one of the best in the FCS for 2 years, and as it sits right now no other punter in the FCS is close to him.

WCU also has maybe the second best punter in the league too.

[Cat-in-GA]

No need for name calling. Homer means home run right?? Hears another home run....The reason WCU's punter looks good on paper is because he gets plenty of practice because the WCU offense sucks. He also is always punting into an 80 yard open field. That helps. The kid from Samford is the real deal and first team SOCON. If the offense from Samford doesn't score every series this year, maybe you will get to see him punt some time.

LOL. OK. More statements with nothing to back them up. BTW, Samford's punter punted 12 more times than WCU's last year.

[Cat-in-GA]

WCU also has maybe the second best punter in the league too.

He's the FCS career leader, so right now he is at the top with 2 more years to go.

[Cat-in-GA]

This person clearly took my list and made just a few adjustments, mostly with Samford players being added. At first I thought it was mine and you were calling me a homer against the WCU punter but I have him as a top 3 punter in FCS. It is not even close.

Not trying to be confusing. Samford's punter is good. WCU's punter has had the best past two seasons. He has 2 more years ahead of him and is getting better. He may also end up being the kicker this year as well.

[SU DOG]

Not trying to be confusing. Samford's punter is good. WCU's punter has had the best past two seasons. He has 2 more years ahead of him and is getting better. He may also end up being the kicker this year as well.

I would have to agree. Samford's punter is very good, but from last year's stats, Berryman would have to get the nod.

[citdog]

http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/8546ad3c10b9455187316f1c74e2506e/november-21-columbia-south-carolina-usa-citadel-qb-dominique-allen-f70bht.jpg

This guy has a pretty good record as a Quarterback...

You know the guy who NONE of you beat last year during the season?

[FUBeAR]

The SoCon is loaded with Talent this year!

First Team
OL Nate Lee, Samford, So.

Unless I'm mistaken, I believe this young man started a total of 1 game (though Sammy's stats don't show it) for Sammy in 2016...and that was due to injury...and it was in Sammy's debacle against ETSU, which was, unquestionably, Sammy's worst Offensive performance of the season; maybe in several seasons. And he only shows as seeing action vs. Mars Hill, VMI, FU, and ETSU - 4 games. Now, he just may be a future NFL 1st round draft choice, but I think he's gonna need a few more reps on Sammy's 1st Team before we can think about naming him 1st Team All SoCon. Being a Sammy Homer is one thing, but how can even a Homer of the highest magnitude rate a previous non-starter ahead of another young man on the "Home Team" who started most of the season as a true Freshman at Left Tackle (Nate Nixon - played in 10 & started 9).

Something just seems bad wrong about that.

[FUBeAR]

As for the other one I almost put him on 3rd team.

OK - It's your Team. You realize you have a total of 6 OLmen from WCU & Sammy on here though. 40% of your All SoCon OL selections. And you saw them play last year, right?

[PaladinFan]

There is a lot more parity in these lists than their used to be.

Just for interest, I pulled up the 2005 All SoCon team. 25 players listed on the first team, only 6, I think, didn't play for ASU, GSU, or Furman.

http://www.soconsports.com/pdf5/24321.pdf

When your second team offense begins with Ingle Martin, Jerome Felton, Eldra Buckley, and Matt Isenhaur, you know the league was deep on talent.

[Mocs123]

I don't remember Isenhaur, but those other 3 were GREAT players.

[Mocs123]

Citdog- It is very hard for an option QB to be first team All Conference. I am not saying it's right nor am I saying they may not really be the best, but the system isn't condusive to putting up the stats people look for in a QB. Of course the System Sammy uses is designed to put up HUGE numbers in the categories people look at.

I will be very surprised if Hodges isn't our 1st Teamer next year, but just remember it's the Wins and Losses that count, not how many are all conference selections.

[PaladinFan]

I don't remember Isenhaur, but those other 3 were GREAT players.

http://www.appstatesports.com/news/2014/8/4/209534561.aspx

App State Hall of Famer, 2x All American, 3x All SoCon selection, won Jacobs Blocking Award in 2005.

So, the guy that won the award as the SoCon's top blocker was second team on that list. The guy that won the next two Jacob's Blocking Awards (App's Kerry Brown) was also second team.

[youcanbankit]

As usual, you dont know all the facts about Nixon's current status or Lee's or other important information. Lets see how it turns out. I would give Lee a second/third team nod. I like to find the sleepers in the group too. I like this kid. When I saw the spring game and did the research with regional coaches that offered him out of high school (Georgia Southern and Troy), they loved this guy. They say he has the potential. 4.45 in the shuttle drill (thats running back speed), 5.02 40yd dash, 6'5" 320, also he is doing really well in the spring versus the all SOCON DT's. I agree with you, Lee is young and needs to get the snaps under his belt. The kids a gamer though.

I also like Trey'von Paulk and Jai Creamer from Samford to have a great year. That will surprise a lot of folks. Nick Tiano at Chattanooga is another sleeper that needs to be listed.

Probably couldn't find anyone at Mercer to surprise people with. lol xpeacex Any idea's?


Unless I'm mistaken, I believe this young man started a total of 1 game (though Sammy's stats don't show it) for Sammy in 2016...and that was due to injury...and it was in Sammy's debacle against ETSU, which was, unquestionably, Sammy's worst Offensive performance of the season; maybe in several seasons. And he only shows as seeing action vs. Mars Hill, VMI, FU, and ETSU - 4 games. Now, he just may be a future NFL 1st round draft choice, but I think he's gonna need a few more reps on Sammy's 1st Team before we can think about naming him 1st Team All SoCon. Being a Sammy Homer is one thing, but how can even a Homer of the highest magnitude rate a previous non-starter ahead of another young man on the "Home Team" who started most of the season as a true Freshman at Left Tackle (Nate Nixon - played in 10 & started 9).

Something just seems bad wrong about that.

[PaladinFan]

As usual, you dont know all the facts about Nixon's current status or Lee's or other important information, I am not at liberty to put on the forum. Lets see how it turns out. Lee could end up second team. I like to find the sleepers in the group. When I saw the spring game and did the research with regional coaches, they love this guy. They say he has the potential. 4.45 in the shuttle drill (thats running back speed), 5.02 40yd dash, 6'5" 320, doing really well in the spring versus the all SOCON DT's. Lee is young and needs to get the snaps under his belt. The kids a gamer though. Not saying he is an NFL draft pick. Just an opinion. Trying to bring a few names in the mix not recognized as of yet.

When you say HOMER I hear HOME RUN. . I also like Trey'von Paulk and Jai Creamer from Samford to have a great year. That will surprise a lot of folks. Nick Tiano at Chattanooga is another sleeper that needs to be listed. Since its not probable he will start the first couple of games, I left him off.

Couldn't find anyone at Mercer to surprise people with. lol xpeacex Any idea's?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say those times are exaggerated. Mr. Lee may be a fine lineman, but your reported times would make him the second fastest at the NFL combine this year in the 40 and his shuttle time would obliterate virtually every other lineman's mark by 3 or 4 seconds.

I could be wrong, but I doubt the nation's most athletic lineman is a career backup at Samford.

[youcanbankit]

Could be right. I was able to verify the shuttle drill time at 4.47 from a Nike combine and the height/weight through Samford. The verifiable 40 time is 5.13 and came from a former speed coach he worked with.


I'm going to go out on a limb and say those times are exaggerated. Mr. Lee may be a fine lineman, but your reported times would make him the second fastest at the NFL combine this year in the 40 and his shuttle time would obliterate virtually every other lineman's mark by 3 or 4 seconds.

I could be wrong, but I doubt the nation's most athletic lineman is a career backup at Samford.

[VictoryViking]

These picks are based on a lack of consideration for SOCON players I believe to be worthy of mention. Based on your comments below, you probably don't know Nick Nixon's status as questionable. As far as Lee, we will see. Didnt pick Hodges to be the player of the year, because I believe his stats will be impacted this year versus last year.

Haters gonna hate....and you and paladin fan just hate Samford. You sound like members of the liberal media.


Unless I'm mistaken, I believe this young man started a total of 1 game (though Sammy's stats don't show it) for Sammy in 2016...and that was due to injury...and it was in Sammy's debacle against ETSU, which was, unquestionably, Sammy's worst Offensive performance of the season; maybe in several seasons. And he only shows as seeing action vs. Mars Hill, VMI, FU, and ETSU - 4 games. Now, he just may be a future NFL 1st round draft choice, but I think he's gonna need a few more reps on Sammy's 1st Team before we can think about naming him 1st Team All SoCon. Being a Sammy Homer is one thing, but how can even a Homer of the highest magnitude rate a previous non-starter ahead of another young man on the "Home Team" who started most of the season as a true Freshman at Left Tackle (Nate Nixon - played in 10 & started 9).

Something just seems bad wrong about that.

[citdog]

samford hasn't been around long enough for anyone to feel ANY way about them The SoCon hatred is ancient. We do know that you will always underachieve because you have a coach who is not a winner.

[FUBeAR]

Based on your comments below, you probably don't know Nick Nixon's status as questionable. As far as Lee, we will see.

You say Nate Nixon's status is "questionable," yet you placed him on your 2nd Team Pre-Season All SoCon O-Line. That makes almost as little sense as putting a 2016 'non-starter/barely even played' on your 2017 1st Team Pre-Season All SoCon O-Line.

VV & alter-ego YCBI seem to be reaching for...something...

BTW...anyone know Lowndes High School's mascot? Asking for a friend...

[Mocs123]

BTW...anyone know Lowndes High School's mascot? Asking for a friend...

Vikings

[smallcollegefbfan]

OK - It's your Team. You realize you have a total of 6 OLmen from WCU & Sammy on here though. 40% of your All SoCon OL selections. And you saw them play last year, right?

Not a ton of guys returning with starting experience. I thought from the SoCon film I saw those guys were solid. It is really a crap shoot past 1st team these days anyway.

[smallcollegefbfan]

There is a lot more parity in these lists than their used to be.

Just for interest, I pulled up the 2005 All SoCon team. 25 players listed on the first team, only 6, I think, didn't play for ASU, GSU, or Furman.

http://www.soconsports.com/pdf5/24321.pdf

When your second team offense begins with Ingle Martin, Jerome Felton, Eldra Buckley, and Matt Isenhaur, you know the league was deep on talent.

With those teams who came and left the SoCon plus the fact that so many new teams have started in the last 10 years it has depleted the league badly. The SoCon had to have 24 teams invited to the playoffs to get more than 1 team and has had years with just 1 team in the playoffs anyway. The SoCon used to have 3 of the top 15 teams in the country and put out 1-3 draft picks a year, about 12-20 plus players would get a NFL shot, and use to have several national title contenders.

The funny thing is there were second teamers back then who got in the NFL and stuck for a little bit.

Look at the 2017 draft class for the SoCon and you can see how far the league has fallen off in terms of individual talent.

3 players in a major all-star game, 1 draft pick, 4 signings, and 8 tryouts. 13 total and usually there was around 10-15 but still just 4 signings and 1 draft pick is low for the league. And even now you have Samford and Chattanooga carrying the league. Samford had a deep senior class while Chattanooga had Davis, Levin, Board, and McMillian. If Dee Virgin had not been kicked off he would have padded their number a little more.



Rd
Pick
Team
PP
First Name
Last Name
School


6
217
Tennessee
OG
Corey
Levin
Chattanooga



Signed
Baltimore
WR
Clarence "C.J."
Board
Chattanooga



Tryout
Seattle
DE
Vantrel
McMillan
Chattanooga



Tryout/Signed
NY Giants
SS
William "Trey"
Robinson
Furman



Tryout
Tampa Bay
OG
Bret
Niederreither
Mercer



Signed
Cincinnati
WR
Karel
Hamilton
Samford



Tryout
Jacksonville
FS
Jamerson
Blount
Samford



Tryout
NY Giants
OG
Fritzner "Armando"
Bonheur
Samford



Tryout
Jacksonville
OG
Royus
Amos
Samford



Tryout
San Francisco/Chicago
WR
Dlvwarevin "Emmanuel"
Obajimi
Samford



Signed
Atlanta
FB
Tyler
Renew
The Citadel



Tryout
Arizona
ILB
Tevin
Floyd
The Citadel



Tryout
Kansas City/Seattle
OG
Anton
Wahrby
Wofford



It use to be App, Ga Southern, Furman, and Marshall who carried the league but now UTC has stepped up with nobody else putting players in NFL camps besides Samford and then maybe 1 or 2 max from others. Several teams aren't regularly getting players in camps. It use to be the whole league except VMI and even Western Carolina would have 1-2 get a shot yearly or every other year.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Right now in 2017 there are just 5 SoCon players in camps with 1 draft pick. Look back to just 2013 (2008-2009 recruiting classes). There were 5 draft picks and 7 signings. So 12 players went to training camp (more than double) and another 7 who got tryouts.

6 of the total went to App and 3 went to Georgia Southern. Of the 5 drafted, 3 went to App or GSU. Without those two programs there would have only been 10 instead of 19 get a shot and just 2 draft picks instead of 5.



Rd
Pick
Team
Pos
First Name
Last Name
School


5
165
Detroit
P
Sam
Martin
Appalachian State


7

210
Jacksonville
CB
Demetrius
McCray
Appalachian State



Signed
Washington
ILB
Jeremy
Kimbrough
Appalachian State



Signed
Detroit
RB
Steven
Miller
Appalachian State



Signed
Atlanta
SS
Troy
Sanders
Appalachian State



Tryout
Washington
RB
Roderick "Rod"
Chisholm
Appalachian State


7
238
Baltimore
WR
Merle "Aaron"
Mellette
Elon



Tryout
Baltimore
TE
Chris
Harris
Elon



Signed
Minnesota
RB
Jerry "Jerodis"
Williams
Furman



Signed
Minnesota
TE
Colin
Anderson
Furman



Tryout
New Orleans
DE
Joshua "Josh"
Lynn
Furman


3

80
Dallas
SS
James "J.J."
Wilcox
Georgia Southern



Signed
Chicago
DT
Brent
Russell
Georgia Southern



Signed
Minnesota
FS
Darius
Eubanks
Georgia Southern


7
223
Pittsburgh
DT
Nicholas "Nick"
Williams
Samford



Tryout
Seattle
DE
Christopher "Chris"
Billingslea
The Citadel



Tryout
NY Giants
P
Cass
Couey
The Citadel



Tryout
Carolina
FB
Steven "Eric"
Breitenstein
Wofford



Tryout
Cleveland
ILB
Michael "Mike"
Niam
Wofford




Not to mention there were 8 players who went to a major all-star game (played on TV) that year.

It just goes to show how much the talent has fallen off in the league.

[youcanbankit]

More Samford Guys on the way to the NFL the next few years. Good information!


With those teams who came and left the SoCon plus the fact that so many new teams have started in the last 10 years it has depleted the league badly. The SoCon had to have 24 teams invited to the playoffs to get more than 1 team and has had years with just 1 team in the playoffs anyway. The SoCon used to have 3 of the top 15 teams in the country and put out 1-3 draft picks a year, about 12-20 plus players would get a NFL shot, and use to have several national title contenders.

The funny thing is there were second teamers back then who got in the NFL and stuck for a little bit.

Look at the 2017 draft class for the SoCon and you can see how far the league has fallen off in terms of individual talent.

3 players in a major all-star game, 1 draft pick, 4 signings, and 8 tryouts. 13 total and usually there was around 10-15 but still just 4 signings and 1 draft pick is low for the league. And even now you have Samford and Chattanooga carrying the league. Samford had a deep senior class while Chattanooga had Davis, Levin, Board, and McMillian. If Dee Virgin had not been kicked off he would have padded their number a little more.



Rd
Pick
Team
PP
First Name
Last Name
School


6
217
Tennessee
OG
Corey
Levin
Chattanooga



Signed
Baltimore
WR
Clarence "C.J."
Board
Chattanooga



Tryout
Seattle
DE
Vantrel
McMillan
Chattanooga



Tryout/Signed
NY Giants
SS
William "Trey"
Robinson
Furman



Tryout
Tampa Bay
OG
Bret
Niederreither
Mercer



Signed
Cincinnati
WR
Karel
Hamilton
Samford



Tryout
Jacksonville
FS
Jamerson
Blount
Samford



Tryout
NY Giants
OG
Fritzner "Armando"
Bonheur
Samford



Tryout
Jacksonville
OG
Royus
Amos
Samford



Tryout
San Francisco/Chicago
WR
Dlvwarevin "Emmanuel"
Obajimi
Samford



Signed
Atlanta
FB
Tyler
Renew
The Citadel



Tryout
Arizona
ILB
Tevin
Floyd
The Citadel



Tryout
Kansas City/Seattle
OG
Anton
Wahrby
Wofford



It use to be App, Ga Southern, Furman, and Marshall who carried the league but now UTC has stepped up with nobody else putting players in NFL camps besides Samford and then maybe 1 or 2 max from others. Several teams aren't regularly getting players in camps. It use to be the whole league except VMI and even Western Carolina would have 1-2 get a shot yearly or every other year.

[youcanbankit]

As my alter ego said....haters gonna hate. I understand the pain of pulling for a team that just cant get over the hump. Lets see if Samford can deliver on the field. We shall see. After you see the Lee guy play and meet him, let me know what you honestly think. They are coming to Macon to play your boys on November 4th. I'm telling you, he is an undiscovered talent in SoCon. So is Nick Tiano UTC, and Jarious Creamer Samford.


You say Nate Nixon's status is "questionable," yet you placed him on your 2nd Team Pre-Season All SoCon O-Line. That makes almost as little sense as putting a 2016 'non-starter/barely even played' on your 2017 1st Team Pre-Season All SoCon O-Line.

VV & alter-ego YCBI seem to be reaching for...something...

BTW...anyone know Lowndes High School's mascot? Asking for a friend...

[youcanbankit]

Huh? Get your bias straight. Chris Hatcher is a winner. He is 134-67. Best Lifetime record among active coaches in the SoCon. You sound like a member of the leftist media talking about Trump.



samford hasn't been around long enough for anyone to feel ANY way about them The SoCon hatred is ancient. We do know that you will always underachieve because you have a coach who is not a winner.

[Mocs123]

As my alter ego said....haters gonna hate. I understand the pain of pulling for a team that just cant get over the hump. Lets see if Samford can deliver on the field. We shall see. After you see the Lee guy play and meet him, let me know what you honestly think. They are coming to Macon to play your boys on November 4th. I'm telling you, he is an undiscovered talent in SoCon. So is Nick Tiano UTC, and Jarious Creamer Samford.

Nick Tiano will get his shot as a JR and SR to showcase his talent. I tend to think barring an injury that Bennifield is the guy this year though. We may see them both on the field from time to time - at least we would if Huesman was still coaching. I have no idea how Arth will use them both. Tiano and Orr are both huge talents and I am glad they have come home to Chattanooga.

[Mocs123]

Huh? Get your bias straight. Chris Hatcher is a winner. He is 134-67. Best Lifetime record among active coaches in the SoCon. You sound like a member of the leftist media talking about Trump.

Hatcher's FCS record isn't all that good.

2007 7-4 Georgia Southern
2008 6-5 Georgia Southern
2009 5-6 Georgia Southern
2010 6-5 Murray State
2011 7-4 Murray State
2012 5-6 Murray State
2013 6-6 Murray State
2014 3-9 Murray State
2015 6-5 Samford
2016 7-5 Samford

Not a ton of improvement of his teams either. That being said, if he ever gets a defense, watch out. Much like the Donnie Kirkpatrick coached Chattanooga teams.

Hatcher is 58-55 in FCS and 31-25 as a SoCon coach.

If you are going by all time head coaching record, Chattanooga's coach is 48-4 :).

[youcanbankit]

Should have clarified through actual games played (2016). Did not include Arth since he hasn't coached a game yet. We can talk about the Georgia Southern years, the post Hatcher era at GS using guys he recruited and brought in was phenomenal. He did not get the chance or the time to play his players prior to getting into a riff with the AD and leaving. Murray State is no mans land for football. So not surprising. Especially since Hatcher's specialty is recruiting the lower southeast. Kids there want to go to the SEC, ACC, Sunbelt, or Southern Conference. Back in his element now.


Hatcher's FCS record isn't all that good.

2007 7-4 Georgia Southern
2008 6-5 Georgia Southern
2009 5-6 Georgia Southern
2010 6-5 Murray State
2011 7-4 Murray State
2012 5-6 Murray State
2013 6-6 Murray State
2014 3-9 Murray State
2015 6-5 Samford
2016 7-5 Samford

Not a ton of improvement of his teams either. That being said, if he ever gets a defense, watch out. Much like the Donnie Kirkpatrick coached Chattanooga teams.

Hatcher is 58-55 in FCS and 31-25 as a SoCon coach.

If you are going by all time head coaching record, Chattanooga's coach is 48-4 :).

[Reign of Terrier]

Right now in 2017 there are just 5 SoCon players in camps with 1 draft pick. Look back to just 2013 (2008-2009 recruiting classes). There were 5 draft picks and 7 signings. So 12 players went to training camp (more than double) and another 7 who got tryouts.

6 of the total went to App and 3 went to Georgia Southern. Of the 5 drafted, 3 went to App or GSU. Without those two programs there would have only been 10 instead of 19 get a shot and just 2 draft picks instead of 5.



Rd
Pick
Team
Pos
First Name
Last Name
School


5
165
Detroit
P
Sam
Martin
Appalachian State


7
210
Jacksonville
CB
Demetrius
McCray
Appalachian State



Signed
Washington
ILB
Jeremy
Kimbrough
Appalachian State



Signed
Detroit
RB
Steven
Miller
Appalachian State



Signed
Atlanta
SS
Troy
Sanders
Appalachian State



Tryout
Washington
RB
Roderick "Rod"
Chisholm
Appalachian State


7
238
Baltimore
WR
Merle "Aaron"
Mellette
Elon



Tryout
Baltimore
TE
Chris
Harris
Elon



Signed
Minnesota
RB
Jerry "Jerodis"
Williams
Furman



Signed
Minnesota
TE
Colin
Anderson
Furman



Tryout
New Orleans
DE
Joshua "Josh"
Lynn
Furman


3
80
Dallas
SS
James "J.J."
Wilcox
Georgia Southern



Signed
Chicago
DT
Brent
Russell
Georgia Southern



Signed
Minnesota
FS
Darius
Eubanks
Georgia Southern


7
223
Pittsburgh
DT
Nicholas "Nick"
Williams
Samford



Tryout
Seattle
DE
Christopher "Chris"
Billingslea
The Citadel



Tryout
NY Giants
P
Cass
Couey
The Citadel



Tryout
Carolina
FB
Steven "Eric"
Breitenstein
Wofford



Tryout
Cleveland
ILB
Michael "Mike"
Niam
Wofford




Not to mention there were 8 players who went to a major all-star game (played on TV) that year.

It just goes to show how much the talent has fallen off in the league.

Worth noting that Brenton Bersin has been a wide receiver for the Panthers the last 3 years or so. not just camp, but on the gameday roster. I skimmed this thread and am not 100% the context of this point, but I figured it was worth correcting

[citdog]

The job of a college football program is not to be a minor league for the NFL. Smallcollege is the only one lamenting the "loss" of those who are gone. App had ALL that NFL talent and got run out of their own stadium the last time The Citadel played there and lost the last game in the series as well in Charleston. I'll be just fine with winning SoCon Championships and occasionally placing someone on a Sunday football roster.

[Mocs123]

Great college players don't always make great NFL players - see Tim Tebow one of the best college QB's of all time statistically. From the SoCon there wasn't a better college player than Armanti Edwards and he didn't exactly excel in the NFL.

Jacob Huesman who was one of the best players in Chattanooga history was never going to be an NFL QB.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Worth noting that Brenton Bersin has been a wide receiver for the Panthers the last 3 years or so. not just camp, but on the gameday roster. I skimmed this thread and am not 100% the context of this point, but I figured it was worth correcting

My main point was in reply to someone who said the talent in the SoCon is great right now and I just said it has declined by using past and current NFL draft pick and signings stats. I noted that the reasons are schools moving up to FBS in the region and those who left the SoCon. Among current SoCon teams the best in putting players in NFL camps are Samford and Chattanooga but obviously you see Wofford, Citadel, and Furman getting someone in camp each year or at least every few years. It is just that nobody is having players drafted and signed quite like those programs who left right now.

There will always be some talent in the league and someone who makes it in the NFL. It is just that there has not been as many. Among current SoCon programs The Citadel, Chattanooga, and Furman have had the most historically but we are seeing Samford join Chattanooga as the leaders as of late.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The job of a college football program is not to be a minor league for the NFL. Smallcollege is the only one lamenting the "loss" of those who are gone. App had ALL that NFL talent and got run out of their own stadium the last time The Citadel played there and lost the last game in the series as well in Charleston. I'll be just fine with winning SoCon Championships and occasionally placing someone on a Sunday football roster.

Georgia Southern and App both had most of the NFL talent but obviously The Citadel has done a good job of having some players get a shot, which is tough to do for a military school. Yes the Citadel and Chattanooga have taken the reigns and done a nice job of winning titles with Furman taking a step back and seeing the departure of Marshall, App, and GSU in the last 25 years.

From 1980 to 2012, the combo of Marshall, App, GSU, and Furman won an outright title or a share of it 30 times. Now that App, GSU, and Marshall are all gone you lose a ton of those.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Southern_Conference_football_champions#Cha mpions:_1933.E2.80.93present

SoCon titles since 2010: Chattanooga- 3; Citadel- 3; App- 2; GSU- 2; Wofford, Furman, Samford- 1. Keep in mind that App and GSU have not been in the league or eligible for the title since 2013.

I have a feeling App and GSU both will be in the Big 3 for the SBC and win plenty of titles there, about as often as they did in the SoCon. Both already have won the league outright or shared it in a short time.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sun_Belt_Conference_football_champions

[smallcollegefbfan]

Great college players don't always make great NFL players - see Tim Tebow one of the best college QB's of all time statistically. From the SoCon there wasn't a better college player than Armanti Edwards and he didn't exactly excel in the NFL.

Jacob Huesman who was one of the best players in Chattanooga history was never going to be an NFL QB.

Yes there are great players who don't make it in the NFL but you know there is not anyone currently in the SoCon who is near the level of either of those players and they were both still drafted in the top 100 selections. One is in the CFL and the other is playing minor league baseball right now. They were freak athletes.

My point is that the NFL talent has been thinned out in the league and you don't see as many draft picks or players signing deals to play pro ball as we use to see.

The SoCon did bounce back in terms of FCS this past year though and I think it is now back among the top 3 leagues in FCS as long as Citadel, Chattanooga, and Samford keep it up. The landscape has changed though because it use to be CAA and SoCon are the top 2 leagues but now there is competition among the CAA, SoCon, and Big Sky to become the 2nd best league behind the MVFC.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Citdog,

With Delaney gone, who do you expect to be your next NFL player? Even when you guys haven't had a winning record you seemed to have someone drafted or signed as a free agent a good bit. Do you feel this coming year will only produce a tryout type player, if anything, or is there someone that you expect to develop into a prospect? This is the first year I can remember, in a long time, where you guys don't appear to have anyone on the NFL radar early.

[citdog]

Citdog,

With Delaney gone, who do you expect to be your next NFL player? Even when you guys haven't had a winning record you seemed to have someone drafted or signed as a free agent a good bit. Do you feel this coming year will only produce a tryout type player, if anything, or is there someone that you expect to develop into a prospect? This is the first year I can remember, in a long time, where you guys don't appear to have anyone on the NFL radar early.

Dee Delaney is our next NFL player. He graduated a couple of weeks ago.


Cam is probably a CFL type of back but I'd watch Rod Johnson. He can REALLY move.

[PaladinNation]

All four of these guys could make some noise in the SoCon this season.
By the looks of the new photos showcasing Furman's new uniforms, the goal of getting Furman players, stronger, faster, and lighter is ahead of schedule. And thank you Coach for getting Furman purple right, and not Barney purple.

Jay Reid DT #75 Antonio Wilcox RB #25 Mattew Schmidt C #62 Dillon Woodruff LB #11

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25202&stc=1

[smallcollegefbfan]

Dee Delaney is our next NFL player. He graduated a couple of weeks ago.


Cam is probably a CFL type of back but I'd watch Rod Johnson. He can REALLY move.

Unfortunately for The Citadel and the SoCon is he is now a Miami player. A player from Mars Hill transferred to Miami and went in the 7th round this year but Mars Hill can't claim him. Believe it or not though, Miami loses more transfers than they gain. They also had an OT just go to UCLA. Delaney is considered a PFA at this point, according to NFL resources, but he definitely has a shot to get drafted. At a year when Miami got cleaned out by graduation and early entry to the draft they should still have at least 1 player get a shot due to Delaney.

[catamount man]

Tyler Sexton will be returning at tight end for the Catamounts after missing last year due to injury. He was 1st team all conference in 2015.
Aubrey Paine is our other TE. He was on the 2016 Freshman All Conference Team. Thank God. Tyler was SORELY missed in 2016. GO CATS!!!

[catamount man]

All four of these guys could make some noise in the SoCon this season.
By the looks of the new photos showcasing Furman's new uniforms, the goal of getting Furman players, stronger, faster, and lighter is ahead of schedule. And thank you Coach for getting Furman purple right, and not Barney purple.

Jay Reid DT #75 Antonio Wilcox RB #25 Mattew Schmidt C #62 Dillon Woodruff LB #11

http://www.anygivensaturday.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25202&stc=1

Congrats on going back to REAL purple. I hate to say this, but I think Hendrix is about to bring Furman back in a monster sort of way. Hope someday our pieces will finally fit. See y'all in the WHEE 3 days before Halloween! GO CATS!!!

[smallcollegefbfan]

I watched some Samford film tonight and their CB Omari Williams belongs on All-America teams and should get NFL looks. I had not seen coach tape on him during the fall so I was not sure but after seeing it I am a firm believer he will attract a lot of NFL attention. It would not surprise me to see some grade him as a PFA or as high as a 5th-6th round pick.

[kdinva]

http://triblive.com/sports/college/district/12435615-74/highlands-grad-cratsenberg-aims-for-big-senior-season-with-vmi-football-team

[SU DOG]

I watched some Samford film tonight and their CB Omari Williams belongs on All-America teams and should get NFL looks. I had not seen coach tape on him during the fall so I was not sure but after seeing it I am a firm believer he will attract a lot of NFL attention. It would not surprise me to see some grade him as a PFA or as high as a 5th-6th round pick.

Thanks for bringing this up. Our coaches certainly agree with you. Also, about those Miami transfers, we believe we just got a good one from the Canes in OL Brendan Loftus. At 6-7, 299 lbs. he definitely has the size.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Thanks for bringing this up. Our coaches certainly agree with you. Also, about those Miami transfers, we believe we just got a good one from the Canes in OL Brendan Loftus. At 6-7, 299 lbs. he definitely has the size.

I have not seen Loftus play yet but I think Williams is definitely a guy with a shot. There still is not much SoCon talent from the 2016 season who I see at the next level though. Levin, Williams, Davis, and maybe Karel Hamilton were about the only ones who I saw as players who could last more than 2 years in the NFL. I know Renew and a few others got a shot but I don't see them as more than a 1-year practice squad type or someone who is brought in for 1-2 years as a camp body but doesn't really make it.

I looked back at the SoCon awards in the 90s there was always a ton of talent in the SoCon and now I would say about 3/4 of those who made the 1st team back then would be in FBS somewhere today. Did you guys realize that the entire 1st team All-SoCon in 1995 made it to the NFL with 2 of them getting drafted and all 4 of them playing at least 1 NFL season. The worst of the group was Coleman from App State who left school early due to grades, went to the NFL Combine, and was a journeyman type with the Vikings who ended up having a very good AFL career. Both Abraham from ETSU and Stevens from App went in the 3rd round while Sutton from App also went to the NFL Combine like the other 3 and played a couple years with the Bears. Not to mention the league had others like UTC RB Marrio Grier, Citadel RB Travis Jervey both get drafted along with David Patten who played a long time, Randy Moss went in the 1st round and played 1 year in the league, and then you had a ton of talent at Marshall. There were many others. One year I looked at the 1st team and all but like 4 or 5 players got a shot in the NFL back then.

With that said, hopefully more transfers like Loftus who have the size to at least get a look will transfer down. I remember 10-20 years ago the MAC would swoop in and take a lot of talent from the CAA (A-10) and SoCon teams but now with Marshall, App, Ga Southern, UMASS, and now Liberty all moving up along with the creation of programs like Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, etc it has certainly watered down the east coast talent and allowed the MVFC, and a few other leagues, to rise and catch up to or pass the CAA and SoCon in overall talent.

[PaladinFan]

No offense, of course, but I'm not terribly concerned about the SoCon's talent pipeline to the NFL.

I like watching SoCon football. I am happy for those that make it to the next level if it is something they want to pursue, but if not a single SoCon player makes the NFL, I won't lose sleep over it.

Transfers probably mean even less to me. Collectively, we could probably come up with a small handful of transfers from FBS schools that actually made a meaningful difference. Just my observation, but most of those guys simply are not that good, which is primarily the reason they weren't seeing the field at their original institution.

[smallcollegefbfan]

No offense, of course, but I'm not terribly concerned about the SoCon's talent pipeline to the NFL.

I like watching SoCon football. I am happy for those that make it to the next level if it is something they want to pursue, but if not a single SoCon player makes the NFL, I won't lose sleep over it.

Transfers probably mean even less to me. Collectively, we could probably come up with a small handful of transfers from FBS schools that actually made a meaningful difference. Just my observation, but most of those guys simply are not that good, which is primarily the reason they weren't seeing the field at their original institution.


No question it is still a good brand to watch. I just thought it is interesting that we haven't seen quite the elite next level stars that we use to see all the time. There will always be a few big time players in the league each year regardless.

Yes transfers usually don't pan out to be that good unless they leave solely due to a coaching change or perhaps they played and got hurt and lost their job to a 5-star so they left for FCS just to play right away.

I don't have exact stats but I would bet that about 10% of FBS to FCS transfers actually turn out to be a good starter (all-conf or all-america) for their FCS program. There are so many and yet I would guess that out of 100 in a single year only about 10 of them are standout players who are better than just a role player or backup when they transfer down.

If they change transfer rules in the ways I'm reading in articles, then I bet we see the transfer numbers drop in half or more as many will just go to a G5 program when they leave a SEC or ACC team.

[youcanbankit]

If they change transfer rules in the ways I'm reading in articles, then I bet we see the transfer numbers drop in half or more as many will just go to a G5 program when they leave a SEC or ACC team.

I dont know. IMO....I think they transfer to get back closer to home and to play. Moving to a G5 will not be an option for a lot these guys, since most of the G5 have the talent pipeline.

[citdog]

I have not seen Loftus play yet but I think Williams is definitely a guy with a shot. There still is not much SoCon talent from the 2016 season who I see at the next level though. Levin, Williams, Davis, and maybe Karel Hamilton were about the only ones who I saw as players who could last more than 2 years in the NFL. I know Renew and a few others got a shot but I don't see them as more than a 1-year practice squad type or someone who is brought in for 1-2 years as a camp body but doesn't really make it.

I looked back at the SoCon awards in the 90s there was always a ton of talent in the SoCon and now I would say about 3/4 of those who made the 1st team back then would be in FBS somewhere today. Did you guys realize that the entire 1st team All-SoCon in 1995 made it to the NFL with 2 of them getting drafted and all 4 of them playing at least 1 NFL season. The worst of the group was Coleman from App State who left school early due to grades, went to the NFL Combine, and was a journeyman type with the Vikings who ended up having a very good AFL career. Both Abraham from ETSU and Stevens from App went in the 3rd round while Sutton from App also went to the NFL Combine like the other 3 and played a couple years with the Bears. Not to mention the league had others like UTC RB Marrio Grier, Citadel RB Travis Jervey both get drafted along with David Patten who played a long time, Randy Moss went in the 1st round and played 1 year in the league, and then you had a ton of talent at Marshall. There were many others. One year I looked at the 1st team and all but like 4 or 5 players got a shot in the NFL back then.

With that said, hopefully more transfers like Loftus who have the size to at least get a look will transfer down. I remember 10-20 years ago the MAC would swoop in and take a lot of talent from the CAA (A-10) and SoCon teams but now with Marshall, App, Ga Southern, UMASS, and now Liberty all moving up along with the creation of programs like Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, etc it has certainly watered down the east coast talent and allowed the MVFC, and a few other leagues, to rise and catch up to or pass the CAA and SoCon in overall talent.

Yeah Tyler Renew already outlasted a guy from a P5 school, who the Falcons cut, and with a good camp will be a STARTER for Atlanta. You really should keep up Bro.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Yeah Tyler Renew already outlasted a guy from a P5 school, who the Falcons cut, and with a good camp will be a STARTER for Atlanta. You really should keep up Bro.

Who did Atlanta cut that makes you believe they will keep Renew on the 53? The expectation was that Derrick Coleman will be their main FB since their Pro Bowler left in free agency.

I could see Renew making the practice squad for a year or two but I would be very surprised if he made the 53.

[citdog]

Who did Atlanta cut that makes you believe they will keep Renew on the 53? I could see him making the practice squad for a year or two but I would be very surprised if he made the 53.

There is only one other fullback on the roster now and that is Derrick Coleman who has done absolutely nothing in 4 seasons. The guy they cut went to the other USC. The FB Job in Atlanta will go to either Tyler or Coleman and I like Tyler's chances.

[PaladinFan]

There is only one other fullback on the roster now and that is Derrick Coleman who has done absolutely nothing in 4 seasons. The guy they cut went to the other USC. The FB Job in Atlanta will go to either Tyler or Coleman and I like Tyler's chances.

The Falcons waived Soma Vainuku on June 5. Vainuku has played college ball at Southern Cal and had spent 2016 with the Texans. He was one of two fullbacks added to replace Patrick DiMarco.

Atlanta cut him a few months after signing him, but notably did not cut Renew. Coleman is likely the favorite, but Renew lasted this far.

[PaladinFan]

I dont know. IMO....I think they transfer to get back closer to home and to play. Moving to a G5 will not be an option for a lot these guys, since most of the G5 have the talent pipeline.

There are any number of reasons a kid transfers.

My point is generally that everytime someone says "hey, we got a transfer from [insert big school here]," that player usually turns out not to be very good, or at least not the type of player that takes a good team to a great team.

The standard here is Ingle Martin. Martin had the pedigree, he was the odd man out after a coaching change at an SEC school, and joined a Furman team loaded with talent at every position but QB. Guys like that are once a generation, in my observation.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Worth noting that Brenton Bersin has been a wide receiver for the Panthers the last 3 years or so. not just camp, but on the gameday roster. I skimmed this thread and am not 100% the context of this point, but I figured it was worth correcting

This list is just the rookies from that season.

[smallcollegefbfan]

The Falcons waived Soma Vainuku on June 5. Vainuku has played college ball at Southern Cal and had spent 2016 with the Texans. He was one of two fullbacks added to replace Patrick DiMarco.

Atlanta cut him a few months after signing him, but notably did not cut Renew. Coleman is likely the favorite, but Renew lasted this far.

Soma was not very good so I was not shocked to see that. They wanted to keep DiMarco but did not want to pay him what he is worth.

[citdog]

Soma was not very good so I was not shocked to see that. They wanted to keep DiMarco but did not want to pay him what it was worth.

You were not shocked because you DIDN'T SEE IT. You didn't even know about it until like 10mins ago when I brought it up.

[smallcollegefbfan]

You were not shocked because you DIDN'T SEE IT. You didn't even know about it until like 10mins ago when I brought it up.

Yes I don't pay attention to every player cut who is a long term vet so by seeing it when I did I was not shocked. But knowing what I knew about those players I would expect Soma to go because there is no way they keep him and Coleman due to cap space. Coleman is the better player.

Some inside info on Renew is that the Falcons were the ONLY NFL team to call about him. In fact, a good source in Atlanta told me their position coach is the one who did the leg work while doing cross checks and he said some of their area scouts completely rejected Renew. They offered him and nobody else even offered a tryout. If Renew does not make it there I would expect him to have to go to the AFL or CFL but I could see him being really good in one of those leagues.

I hope he makes the practice squad because he could be a good practice player for multiple roles but I know NFL teams usually keep bigger guys to be a hammer and to be honest they will see a huge decline because both guys are light (5'11 217, 6'0 233) and not near as good as DiMarco.

[PaladinFan]

Yes I don't pay attention to every player cut who is a long term vet so by seeing it when I did I was not shocked. But knowing what I knew about those players I would expect Soma to go because there is no way they keep him and Coleman due to cap space. Coleman is the better player.

Some inside info on Renew is that the Falcons were the ONLY NFL team to call about him. In fact, a good source in Atlanta told me their position coach is the one who did the leg work while doing cross checks and he said some of their area scouts completely rejected Renew. They offered him and nobody else even offered a tryout. If Renew does not make it there I would expect him to have to go to the AFL or CFL but I could see him being really good in one of those leagues.

I hope he makes the practice squad because he could be a good practice player for multiple roles but I know NFL teams usually keep bigger guys to be a hammer and to be honest they will see a huge decline because both guys are light (5'11 217, 6'0 233) and not near as good as DiMarco.

Of course, Patrick Dimarco was also undrafted. He was also cut twice before the Falcons signed him. Perhaps NFL teams need better scouts in the state of South Carolina.

I also don't think it is terribly shocking that the Falcons were the only team to call about him. There are not that many NFL teams that utilize the fullback, and with roster restrictions, most teams that do carry only one. So, the number of teams potentially needing a fullback in any given year is probably pretty small.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Of course, Patrick Dimarco was also undrafted. He was also cut twice before the Falcons signed him. Perhaps NFL teams need better scouts in the state of South Carolina.

I also don't think it is terribly shocking that the Falcons were the only team to call about him. There are not that many NFL teams that utilize the fullback, and with roster restrictions, most teams that do carry only one. So, the number of teams potentially needing a fullback in any given year is probably pretty small.

DiMarco would have been a highly sought after player if he had not been forced to move to TE as a senior. I believe had he stayed at FB he would have been at the NFL Combine or at least been a top tier PFA instead of a guy who had to keep trying, in order to make a roster.

You would be surprised that many scouts who go to South Carolina live up in Charlotte, Raleigh, somewhere in Georgia, or in Florida. Some do live in South Carolina but probably less than half who scout the state.

I have thought that Renew was the 3rd best RB that The Citadel has had since I have been scouting but the top two were pretty good. Travis Jervey and Nehemiah Broughton were the other two and they both got drafted.