Gameplan's 2017 SoCon Preview

[SU DOG]

I don't agree with all of this, but it's interesting anyhow. xcoffeex

http://footballgameplan.com/fbgps-2017-southern-conference-season-preview/

[ElCid]

I don't agree with all of this, but it's interesting anyhow. xcoffeex

http://footballgameplan.com/fbgps-2017-southern-conference-season-preview/

I agree, I think he has some things wrong, but it is just be a crapshoot predicting until the first whistle blows and we see how things shake out the first couple games. I am a bit worried at our personnel losses, but who knows. I don't think they gave you all much love. They did point out the lack of running games as being key for your Bulldogs. Gave Mercer, and dare I say it, my Bulldogs too much love. I am worried about our OL. Not sure about Wofford. Everything seems to be lined up for them nicely on paper, so they will probably blow it. UTC and Furman are big question marks due to new coaches, but I don't expect much drop off from the Mocs and Furman should perk up a bit. Mercer is a puzzle as well with their first class, including QB gone. I know they got more talent each year, but they obviously lost a lot of that early leadership. Not sure if they will experience any let down. WCU could be good if they find a D. Their QB is only going to get better. VMI is hurting due to Cobb gone. He was really good and kept them in games. ETSU could make occasional waves again as they gain some confidence and their new stadium as well. As always it will a blast to see unfold.

[kdinva]

Another "expert" who "assumed" Ryan Swingle was returning to VMI.....and happy Palmer was named 1st team RB....and VMI"s LBs will be heard from.....

[chattownmocs]

Considering the vital information he missed on chattanooga who has probably the most media coverage in the conference, I wouldn't put much stock in it.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Another "expert" who "assumed" Ryan Swingle was returning to VMI.....and happy Palmer was named 1st team RB....and VMI"s LBs will be heard from.....

I always list a player who a school had as an underclassmen unless I see a release on them transferring or they tell me the player is not coming back for sure. I have seen players removed from a roster in the spring but return in the summer for various reasons. With that said, it is okay if the mistake is made in April or May but by July we know if they are going to play or not pretty much. I am surprised he had this after we talked about Swingle before. It is a true loss for you guys. He was a solid player.

Some other errors is that he has Revis from UTC who won't play. I also don't think Blackmon of ETSU is expected to be their best OL for the Bucs but who knows.

While I am way off with him in several spots on offense I think his defense is pretty close to what the coaches picks should be.

Here is what I have. I am very up in the air at kicker. I thought it was the toughest to pick.

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.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Considering the vital information he missed on chattanooga who has probably the most media coverage in the conference, I wouldn't put much stock in it.

Yes bad misses on UTC. His draft prospects are way off. 3 things.

1. He spelled the Mercer WR wrong on the top draft prospects list.

2. As the summer progresses you will likely see draft websites jump on the Samford CB Omari Williams bandwagon. NFL teams gave him a draftable grade in the spring and I liked him as well.

3. I would not have listed so many in the league. As of now I don't think there are more than 2 slam dunk NFL guys. This year is critical for a lot of seniors to prove themselves.

[kdinva]

I always list a player who a school had as an underclassmen unless I see a release on them transferring or they tell me the player is not coming back for sure..

I can respect that.....but the VMI SID office rarely does those sort of pressers.....

[smallcollegefbfan]

I can respect that.....but the VMI SID office rarely does those sort of pressers.....

Schools honestly need to put out a 2017 roster by May, at the latest, and announce when an all-conference player is definitely not returning. I remember a few years ago Hampton had an OT who ended up signing in the NFL and played in an all-star game but they took him off the roster in the off-season and actually did not even add him back until the week of their first game due to some off field issues. Ever since then I'm very skeptical unless the school says this player will definitely not be back in the fall.

[BisonFan02]

Consider the source.

[chattownmocs]

To anyone else making a preseason list...let me help you...

OL Revis, OL Townson "retired." OL Cadwell was selling drugs, he is almost certainly done. Montrell Pardue resisted arrest and yelled racial comments at police, at another school gone.

On the flip side. They added a lot of transfers. But 2 that must be mentioned are Kareem Orr, and Darrell Bridges. Orr was a first-team FBS freshman All-american and led the Pac12 in ints. Bridges is a 2000+ yd career rusher. Then there is a guy like hawk shrider who transferred from Richmond last year and is no eligible. Someone who, I believe will be a top 5 player on our D.

And then you have a returner like Isaiah Mack, who completely is being disrespected, who knows why.

Also chattanooga is transitioning to a 3-4. There aren't many questions about the D-line. If that's a big question mark then we're going to be terrible.

[youcanbankit]

Not very accurate and working off of old information. I am glad the SOCON is getting some coverage though. Even if its bad.

[smallcollegefbfan]

To anyone else making a preseason list...let me help you...

OL Revis, OL Townson "retired." OL Cadwell was selling drugs, he is almost certainly done. Montrell Pardue resisted arrest and yelled racial comments at police, at another school gone.

On the flip side. They added a lot of transfers. But 2 that must be mentioned are Kareem Orr, and Darrell Bridges. Orr was a first-team FBS freshman All-american and led the Pac12 in ints. Bridges is a 2000+ yd career rusher. Then there is a guy like hawk shrider who transferred from Richmond last year and is no eligible. Someone who, I believe will be a top 5 player on our D.

And then you have a returner like Isaiah Mack, who completely is being disrespected, who knows why.

Also chattanooga is transitioning to a 3-4. There aren't many questions about the D-line. If that's a big question mark then we're going to be terrible.

I have Mack on my 2nd team. I fully expect the coaches to put him on their 1st or 2nd team.

[Scrappy94]

Has some good points, but overall not that good.