SoCon Offseason 2017-18

[PaladinFan]

With initial signing day past, I thought I would start a thread for offseason SoCon news. There's been a good bit of it.

[PaladinFan]

As stated on other threads, Furman looks to be in the market for a few transfer players this offseason.

One rumor with the most legs appears to be that Clemson DB Amir Trapp maybe heading to Greenville. https://clemsonsportstalk.com/s/682/defensive-back-amir-trapp-to-transfer-from-clemson

Furman recruited Trapp out of high school, but he took a greyshirt offer from Clemson. He played a good bit for the Tigers this season (an admittedly deep defense), so he certainly seems like a guy that can play ball.

I would argue that Furman's biggest defensive weakness in 2017 was a young and inexperienced CB corps. I think Furman started 5 different players out there over the course of the season before settling on a converted WR (Bradford Lemons) and a true freshman (Darius Kearse). The group got better as the season progressed, but adding a quality player out on the corner would be a big boon for a Paladin defense that returns 11 starters and 21 players off the two-deep on that side of the ball.

[PaladinFan]

Football scoop reporting that Mercer QB coach Tre Lamb is heading to Tennessee Tech as OC.

It also appears UTC is losing two defensive assistants (including the DC) to Kent State.

Also reported that Ted Roof is heading from GT to NCState and the Yellow Jackets are eyeing App State's DC Nate Woody. I know some Wofford fans were holding out hope that Woody may be a name that surfaced in the Wofford coaching search (though that seemed unlikely).

[SU DOG]

Samford D-Line Coach Victor Cabral returns to Georgia Southern. No replacement named yet.
WR, T D Marshall reportedly transferring to UAB, but did not sign in early period. Highly touted and very talented player never had the impact(some injury issues) that was expected at Samford.
Not ONE single player in the normal 2-deep offensive rotation was a Sr. this year. Seventy plus of the roster were Fr./Soph.
Early signing went well - three star OL Gavin Orr is a really BIG get for the Bulldogs.

[PaladinFan]

Speculating, but I imagine Samford will be preseason no. 1 going into next season.

[FUBeAR]

Just to get earlier announcements all in 1 thread...

* Wofford’s Head Coach, Mike Ayers retired on 12/13. OC, Wade Lang, was named Interim HC. No other announcements since.

* Jerry Richardson, Wofford’s & Wofford Athletics’ primary benefactor & owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers has been accused of racial & sexual harassment. The NFL has assumed the investigation of this issue from the Panthers. Apparently, the Panthers, in recent years, have settled multiple lawsuits related to this situation. Mr. Richardson has announced that he will sell the Team at end of the 2017-18 season. How this will (or will not) impact Wofford & Wofford Football in the future remains to be seen.

* East Tennessee State’s Head Coach, Carl Torbush, announced his retirement and Randy Sanders, most recently Florida State’s Offensive Coordinator, was named as ETSU’s new Head Coach.

* ETSU’s Offensive Line Coach, Dewayne Alexander, was named the new Head Coach at Tennessee Tech, thus will not be joining Sanders’ Staff at ETSU.

* Furman’s Offensive Coordinator & QB Coach, Drew Cronic, accepted the Head Coach position at Lenoir-Rhyne, a D2 school in NC, whence came the current FCS Head Coaches of JMU, The Citadel, and Jacksonville U. Furman’s Associate Head & Tight Ends Coach, George Quarles, was named as Furman’s new Offensive Coordinator.

* VMI’s Starting QB, Duncan Hodges, younger brother of Samford’s QB, Devlin Hodges, is leaving the Keydets and transferring to North Alabama. UNA is transitioning to FCS and will be joining the Big South Conference.

[FUBeAR]

This just in on the RUMOR WIRE...

* Former Mercer QB, John Russ, a 4-year Starter there & currently on the Coaching Staff at Georgia State, is very interested in the QB Coaching job at Mercer if the rumors are true that current Mercer QB Coach, Tre Lamb, is headed to TTU as their new OC.

I am certain there is not much that would please Mercer Fans more than to see John Russ back in Orange & Black helping Mercer win Football games.

[ElCid]

Our Coaching news has been quiet, so good there. Although we did lose our AD to UTEP.

We lose only two on the offense two deep, both starters. QB (Allen) and A back (Jackson), they were real good obviously, but we have a good number to fill their shoes.

One odd bit of news is that our starting B-Back (Rainey), chosen for the Coaches All SOCON Freshman Team, is moving to QB. He was a QB in HS. He was a bit on the smallish size for a Fullback in any event. Our #2 QB this year (Black) has seen quite a bit of playing time this year and last year so should be no hiccup there.

We take it in the teeth on D next year though. Like we did this year on O. We lose 5 outright starters and 2 more on the two deep.

We only had two sign early. Not sure there is any significance there. These guys need to make sure they pick the right school, especially when it come to us. No need to hurry. I hate seeing guys leave because it is not for them.

[FUGameBreaker]

As stated on other threads, Furman looks to be in the market for a few transfer players this offseason.

One rumor with the most legs appears to be that Clemson DB Amir Trapp maybe heading to Greenville. https://clemsonsportstalk.com/s/682/defensive-back-amir-trapp-to-transfer-from-clemson

Furman recruited Trapp out of high school, but he took a greyshirt offer from Clemson. He played a good bit for the Tigers this season (an admittedly deep defense), so he certainly seems like a guy that can play ball.

I would argue that Furman's biggest defensive weakness in 2017 was a young and inexperienced CB corps. I think Furman started 5 different players out there over the course of the season before settling on a converted WR (Bradford Lemons) and a true freshman (Darius Kearse). The group got better as the season progressed, but adding a quality player out on the corner would be a big boon for a Paladin defense that returns 11 starters and 21 players off the two-deep on that side of the ball.



Great for FU signing so many quality guys early, should allow us to focus all remaining resources on a few more signings and transfers that we really really want without having to keep revisiting those other guys since we already have them on board, saves lots of time and money!

[Milktruck74]

Matthew Feeney will be taking over as the Mocs' defensive signal-caller in 2018. Feeney succeeds Tom Kaufman, who left for an associate head coach/defensive coordinator position at Kent State. Also leaving for the Football Bowl Subdivision program is defensive line coach Brian Cochran. Arth also promoted outside linebackers coach Shelton Felton to assistant head coach.

I like Feeney, he gets the 3-4 and has a great defensive mind. I look to see our D improve next year.

[kdinva]

In addition to VMI losing Hodges (one waaay out rumor is that he didn't want to again compete for the starting job, but I can't confirm, and I do not believe), OLB Keuony Deng is leaving, looking for a school that an NFL team will find him (this ain't the '60s).....FB Alex Ramsey is rumored to leave also (Hodges and him room together?), starting HB Daz Palmer is on the fence; Va. Tech transfer LB Hubbard left school in early November (had a sub-one GPA).....

[ElCid]

In addition to VMI losing Hodges (one waaay out rumor is that he didn't want to again compete for the starting job, but I can't confirm, and I do not believe), OLB Keuony Deng is leaving, looking for a school that an NFL team will find him (this ain't the '60s).....FB Alex Ramsey is rumored to leave also (Hodges and him room together?), starting HB Daz Palmer is on the fence; Va. Tech transfer LB Hubbard left school in early November (had a sub-one GPA).....

That's a shame because most likely those leaving are looking to be in the spotlight a bit more, as you said. But they will end up somewhere and while they may end up getting a little bit more notice, they will most likely live on NFL dreams when they could have lived the reality of a VMI degree. Nothing wrong with following your dreams, but perspective is crucial.

[PaladinFan]

That's a shame because most likely those leaving are looking to be in the spotlight a bit more, as you said. But they will end up somewhere and while they may end up getting a little bit more notice, they will most likely live on NFL dreams when they could have lived the reality of a VMI degree. Nothing wrong with following your dreams, but perspective is crucial.

Perhaps. It's also tough to lose 16 in a row.

It is certainly not good to have some of your better players getting out of the program. VMI was only competitive in one or two games this year. I'm not sure what they need to do to turn it around.

[kdinva]

they will most likely live on NFL dreams when they could have lived the reality of a VMI degree. Nothing wrong with following your dreams, but perspective is crucial.

Yes, both VMI and The Citadel preach the "4 years for 40 years" approach.

[ElCid]

Yes, both VMI and The Citadel preach the "4 years for 40 years" approach.


We have lost quite a few baseball players to the pros in the last few years. I scratch my head because they were like Juniors and nearly all will most likely have a few years in the minors or a tiny percent of them a coupe years in the majors and then .... nothing. I guess some might try and finish their degree, but it puzzles me. I think they are getting steered wrong somewhere along the line. If a career in the pros would not wait a year, then they probably were not good enough to begin with.

[CID1990]

We have lost quite a few baseball players to the pros in the last few years. I scratch my head because they were like Juniors and nearly all will most likely have a few years in the minors or a tiny percent of them a coupe years in the majors and then .... nothing. I guess some might try and finish their degree, but it puzzles me. I think they are getting steered wrong somewhere along the line. If a career in the pros would not wait a year, then they probably were not good enough to begin with.

You can thank Fred Jordan (and a few other factors) for that. The entire system, to him, was an annoyance and something to be skirted. He passed that mentality on to many players.


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[PaladinFan]

Nice writeup on new Furman WR signee DeJuan Bell (http://chronicle.augusta.com/high-school/sports/2017-12-24/north-augusta-s-bell-all-area-south-carolina-player-year)

Furman's signing of Bell and RB Corey Watkins continue to show a heavy focus on infusing speed throughout the Paladin offense. The offense sports a number of guys that can run, but the lack of depth in that department showed itself late in the season against playoff-caliber defenses that could physically matchup with Furman's inside run game.

[woffordgrad94]

I can promise that nothing related to Jerry Richardson’s latest issues will affect Wofford one iota at all.

[PaladinFan]

I can promise that nothing related to Jerry Richardson’s latest issues will affect Wofford one iota at all.

Well, I mean, it is going to affect them in terms that they’d prefer that the allegations would have been leveled against someone other than their largest benefactor.

But, I agree with you. I don’t know what Richardson would have to do to have Wofford refuse his millions, but it’s probably more than what he’s been accused of.

[Smitty]

I can promise that nothing related to Jerry Richardson’s latest issues will affect Wofford one iota at all.

Well his issues wouldn't exactly cause an issue, but a new owner could move their training camp from the Wofford campus to somewhere else.

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford is rumored to hire Pitt DC Josh Conklin as our new head coach. Conklin was an assistant for us about 10 years ago for about 3 seasons.

I don't know how I feel about it, to be honest.

[UpstateBison]

I will give Wofford the benefit of the doubt but this does not sound good to me. My experience in Spartanburg says they need to keep it in house. I hope Richard Johnson knows this is a good decision.


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[Reign of Terrier]

If Conklin clears house and we end up with 5 or less wins next year I will be concerned, but there's no indication quite yet that that's on the table so I'll remain undecided on this hire until next year.

[PaladinFan]

Sort of a strange hire if you ask me.

I don’t know Conklin or his capabilities, but he does seem like a guy that has already made a handful of stops the past 7 or 8 years. I also don’t see the benefit to Wofford to hire a young defensive coach when their already good defense is run by a young defensive coach. If you are going that route, why not just have hired your defensive coordinator?

How does Ayers retire after a long storied career and it least appears like Wofford wasn’t really sure who was going to replace him?

[Reign of Terrier]

Confirmed: Conklin will be the next coach.

Terrier Diaspora seems to like this hire, I must be in the minority.

[PaladinFan]

Confirmed: Conklin will be the next coach.

Terrier Diaspora seems to like this hire, I must be in the minority.

I think the fan base will always be encouaging for a new hire. Most Furman fans, I think, were optimistic about Bruce Fowler, who had a SEC defensive coordinator pedigree and ties to the school. He ended up not being particularly well suited for the head coaching position.

As far as retaining assistants, I imagine that is more of a financial calculation than whether Conklin wants to keep them. Wofford does not strike me as a place that’s going to buy out a bunch of assistants’ contracts.

And, again, he’s got to keep some semblance of stability with a short window until signing day. For that reason alone I think the recruiting coordinator (Wood, I think) has to stay on board.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Conklin was UT's safeties coach and he took the position under some trying circumstances (turned out to be Dooley's last year). At least the UT football team that year did not quit like they did this past season.

[PaladinFan]

https://twitter.com/sportstalksc/status/948970931044667392

[PaladinNation]

https://twitter.com/sportstalksc/status/948970931044667392

Furman transfers announced:

Melton Brown DE 6-3 260 GSU
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3713769/57bb0df10aff7a1ce8d25ec7

Cooper Hardin RB 6-1 225 NAVY
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3774322/5721cb2e0c5e681224a276ba

Amir Trapp DB/KR 5-8 170 CLEMSON
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/1552720/5721bac70c5e6812248bb2ab

[FUGameBreaker]

Furman transfers announced:

Melton Brown DE 6-3 260 GSU
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3713769/57bb0df10aff7a1ce8d25ec7

Cooper Hardin RB 6-1 225 NAVY
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3774322/5721cb2e0c5e681224a276ba

Amir Trapp DB/KR 5-8 170 CLEMSON
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/1552720/5721bac70c5e6812248bb2ab




That seems to be a good haul, now interested to see how the QB spot plays itself out. Still in the mix for the UNC transfer and the Conway HS kid I assume

[PaladinFan]

That seems to be a good haul, now interested to see how the QB spot plays itself out. Still in the mix for the UNC transfer and the Conway HS kid I assume

None of these guys are Ingle Martin, but they do help with perhaps Furman’s most glaring weakness - quality depth.

Furman has one commit and one other known offer at QB. If the Paladins can land Darren Grainger (out of Conway) and lock a few of these rumored linebacker targets, they’d have a heckuva offseason recruiting wise.

[Nor Eastern]

Wofford's ILB coach takes a D job at App.

http://appstatesports.com/news/2018/1/4/football-app-state-adds-gasparato-as-defensive-assistant.aspx

[PaladinFan]

Reports are that Furman will hire former South Carolina standout Connor Shaw as its new TEs coach.

I don't know Shaw, but folks seem to think this is an outstanding hire for Furman. He's a guy with NFL experience, is a household name in South Carolina, and is well-connected to North Georgia.

[FUBeAR]

Reports are that Furman will hire former South Carolina standout Connor Shaw as its new TEs coach.

I don't know Shaw, but folks seem to think this is an outstanding hire for Furman. He's a guy with NFL experience, is a household name in South Carolina, and is well-connected to North Georgia.

The Shaws are well-known/connected in South Georgia and Metro ATL also - http://onlineathens.com/sports-college-sports/2011-12-14/no-regrets-georgia-southern-qb-shaw-glad-he-transfered-georgia-tech

Very strong, young talent add for the FU Staff.

[PaladinFan]

Furman football gets its second $1million gift in five months. This one to establish an endowed offensive coordinator position. The earlier gift established one for the head coach.

http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2017-18/releases/20180111dqu0bo

Pretty incredible what Furman's football program has done over the past year.

[FUGameBreaker]

Furman football gets its second $1million gift in five months. This one to establish an endowed offensive coordinator position. The earlier gift established one for the head coach.

http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2017-18/releases/20180111dqu0bo

Pretty incredible what Furman's football program has done over the past year.



Phenomenal news!!!

[kdinva]

ETSU Coach Sanders completes his staff:

http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop/

East Tennessee State (FCS): Randy Sanders is hiring Marcus Satterfield (OC/QBs), Steve Brown (DBs) and Matt McCutchan (OL). Additionally, he has retained Billy Taylor (DC/ILBs), Mike Rader (WRs), Gary Downs (RBs), Daryl Daye (DL/STC), Dylan Lewellyn (OLBs) and Al Johson (strength).

[Reign of Terrier]

Wofford DC Sheil Wood heading to Georgia Tech to coach Safeties.

Dominoes are falling

[ElCid]

Wofford DC Sheil Wood heading to Georgia Tech to coach Safeties.

Dominoes are falling

You guys going to field a team next year?

[PaladinFan]

Wofford DC Sheil Wood heading to Georgia Tech to coach Safeties.

Dominoes are falling

Called it.

[FUBeAR]

Wofford DC Sheil Wood heading to Georgia Tech to coach Safeties.

Dominoes are falling

Yeah - Just learned that Coach Conklin’s father-in-law is EVP of Gibbs International. Wofford’s Stadium is named after Mr. Gibbs, who is, reportedly, Woffy’s 2nd largest donor (after Carolina Panthers’ soon-to-be-Former owner, Jerry Richardson).

With Coach Ayers not publicly (that I have seen) supporting Conklin’s hire & 5 or 6 fairly long-term Assistants pulling the Ejection seat lever within 2 weeks or so of the hiring announcement, I would be a bit antsy if I were a RatDog Fan. This whole situation just doesn’t seem to pass ‘the smell test’ to me, especially in light of Wofford Football’s history of stability & success. Also, if Conklin and the revamped staff don’t do well, the decision to make a change might be a rather difficult one to make considering his family ties to such deep black & gold-lined pockets.

Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe all of this is just part & parcel of “The Wofford Way” and it’s going to work out just great.

Stay tuned...

[PaladinFan]

Accord to Wofford’s “beat writer,” Todd Shanesy, there’s a lot of changes going on right now http://www.goupstate.com/news/20180112/woffords-shiel-wood-joins-staff-at-georgia-tech

The Terriers may not skip a beat, but having most of your coaching staff leaving or trying to leave (including the recruiting coordinator) two weeks before signing day isn’t a great look.

[ElCid]

Seems to be a lot of rat dogs leaving the ship.

[kdinva]

In addition to VMI losing Hodges ......starting HB Daz Palmer is on the fence; ..

Palmer has become a daddy, has transferred to Virginia State......Hubbard and Deng are enrolled at Independence Comm. College......

[ElCid]

Palmer has become a daddy, has transferred to Virginia State......Hubbard and Deng are enrolled at Independence Comm. College......

When it rains, it pours.

[Smitty]

Palmer has become a daddy, has transferred to Virginia State......Hubbard and Deng are enrolled at Independence Comm. College......

Does this mean VMI is the underdog for every game next year before the schedule is even completed?

[PaladinFan]

Does this mean VMI is the underdog for every game next year before the schedule is even completed?

They lost pretty much every decent player off of a team that wasn't competitive in any game this year.

[gofurman]

The Shaws are well-known/connected in South Georgia and Metro ATL also - http://onlineathens.com/sports-college-sports/2011-12-14/no-regrets-georgia-southern-qb-shaw-glad-he-transfered-georgia-tech

Very strong, young talent add for the FU Staff.

I wait to judge on EVERY hire. We were all excited over Fowler and his dedication to running the ball too. NONE of that panned out - not winning or really running the ball.

As PaladinFan says, every school gets excited over a lot of hires. Only time will tell. Shaw seems a great guy but no real coaching experience. Might be best thing ever. Might not. We shall see

[gofurman]

Accord to Wofford’s “beat writer,” Todd Shanesy, there’s a lot of changes going on right now http://www.goupstate.com/news/20180112/woffords-shiel-wood-joins-staff-at-georgia-tech

The Terriers may not skip a beat, but having most of your coaching staff leaving or trying to leave (including the recruiting coordinator) two weeks before signing day isn’t a great look.

Ayers gone

D. ILB coach gasparato gone to App
D. DL (and recruiting?) guy Raise interviewing at GT. In flux - might or might not be gone
O. OL coach Nash gone

I think that's what I see so far

doesn't raise do recruiting?

[UpstateBison]

I think Wofford has some challenges. Who is the SoCon auto bid next year? It has been 10 years since a SoCon team has been in the NC.


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[PaladinFan]

I think Wofford has some challenges. Who is the SoCon auto bid next year? It has been 10 years since a SoCon team has been in the NC.


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Some of that is because the two teams most likely to be in the national title left the conference.

Sitting in mid-January, I think Samford is the clubhouse leader followed by Furman. Samford has a sure thing in Devlin Hodges and Furman’s QB situation is up in the air.

Wofford probably loses as much as any team in the SoCon, and their coaching situation is unsettled. Even if everyone stayed on, Conklin is a complete wild card. Also, in 2018 Wofford will have all of their likely toughest games (Furman, WCU, Samford) on the road whereas they had all three at home in 2017.

[ElCid]

Some of that is because the two teams most likely to be in the national title left the conference.

Sitting in mid-January, I think Samford is the clubhouse leader followed by Furman. Samford has a sure thing in Devlin Hodges and Furman’s QB situation is up in the air.

Wofford probably loses as much as any team in the SoCon, and their coaching situation is unsettled. Even if everyone stayed on, Conklin is a complete wild card. Also, in 2018 Wofford will have all of their likely toughest games (Furman, WCU, Samford) on the road whereas they had all three at home in 2017.

I think my Bulldogs may be a dark horse of sorts. Our o line will be a year older and our qb situation will be less tag team and probably a tad bit more passing. Our new starting FB will be better, bigger. Defense takes a few losses, but not catastrophic.

That said, I think Samford is in the drivers seat. Especially with Woffords coaching issues. I can see us winning the opener against them due to that and also putting them in a hole. Not a given, but I like our chances.

[dungeonjoe]

The SoCon faithful here in January...love it!
Ayers set up the transfer to FCS/SoCon and now it's time for the next man up to carry it forward. It is not realistic to expect no impact on recruiting or issues in the 2018 season. I believe Hendricks was the exception and not the rule in 2017. This will be Conklin's program now... especially with half of the coaching staff his.

What will be interesting to me is if he will be as aggressive with transfers as Furman seems to be now. I never thought the day would come that a school as academically rigorous as Furman would look like Transfer U, but I guess things do change.

Even at Wofford--after 30 years.

[FUBeAR]

The SoCon faithful here in January...love it!
Ayers set up the transfer to FCS/SoCon and now it's time for the next man up to carry it forward. It is not realistic to expect no impact on recruiting or issues in the 2018 season. I believe Hendricks was the exception and not the rule in 2017. This will be Conklin's program now... especially with half of the coaching staff his.

What will be interesting to me is if he will be as aggressive with transfers as Furman seems to be now. I never thought the day would come that a school as academically rigorous as Furman would look like Transfer U, but I guess things do change.

Even at Wofford--after 30 years.
LOL - I’m sure PaladinFan will address this much more adequately, but this snark is pretty funny.

3 transfers that were all offered (therefore, academically qualified) by FU out of high school. No (known) behavior issues. One is a Service Academy guy...just like Woffy’s Transfer QB who scored the TD on the Fake FG in the Playoff game vs FU and recent Woffy DLman, Chris Boudreaux. The DB from Clemson was also recruited by Duke and graduated HS as a 16 year old. Don’t know much about the GaSou DLman, but I’m sure if Coach Hendrix is taking him, he’s a solid student & citizen. Besides, I view it as a mission of mercy anytime anyone is assisted in leaving the morass that is StinkBurro.

[PaladinFan]

The SoCon faithful here in January...love it!
Ayers set up the transfer to FCS/SoCon and now it's time for the next man up to carry it forward. It is not realistic to expect no impact on recruiting or issues in the 2018 season. I believe Hendricks was the exception and not the rule in 2017. This will be Conklin's program now... especially with half of the coaching staff his.

What will be interesting to me is if he will be as aggressive with transfers as Furman seems to be now. I never thought the day would come that a school as academically rigorous as Furman would look like Transfer U, but I guess things do change.

Even at Wofford--after 30 years.

I think Furman is a long way from “Transfer U.” They didn’t have a single transfer player on their roster and really haven’t accepted one since Bobby Lamb was the head coach.

The three players that transferred into the program were all players Furman heavily recruited and offered out high school. At least two of them had offers from Air Force as well and were recruited by Clay Hendrix.

I don’t know how “aggressive” Furman will be with transfers. Hendrix stated early on that he would rather put scholarships in his pocket than extend them to players who didn’t meet his criteria.

[PaladinFan]

LOL - I’m sure PaladinFan will address this much more adequately, but this snark is pretty funny.

3 transfers that were all offered (therefore, academically qualified) by FU out of high school. No (known) behavior issues. One is a Service Academy guy...just like Woffy’s Transfer QB who scored the TD on the Fake FG in the Playoff game vs FU and recent Woffy DLman, Chris Boudreaux. The DB from Clemson was also recruited by Duke and graduated HS as a 16 year old. Don’t know much about the GaSou DLman, but I’m sure if Coach Hendrix is taking him, he’s a solid student & citizen. Besides, I view it as a mission of mercy anytime anyone is assisted in leaving the morass that is StinkBurro.

Melton Brown - the GSU defensive linemen - had 14 D1 offers including Furman, Air Force, Navy, Mercer, and Samford. He was also high school teammates with Furman NG Parker Stokes.

Incidentally, I don’t know how good Jefferson County High School was in 2016, but I know how good Parker Stokes is and Brown was arguably better (at least had far more attention from D1 schools). I imagine they made things difficult for high school offenses.

[Smitty]

Sitting in mid-January, I think Samford is the clubhouse leader followed by Furman. Samford has a sure thing in Devlin Hodges and Furman’s QB situation is up in the air.

Bah... I've had Samford competing or winning the league for the past couple years but they have not done it yet. Until they actually do something they will probably stick around 3 or 4.

Basically if Wofford is in shambles after losing almost everybody, you have Furman and Samford. Western should be up there but we lost some starters. I don't think anybody from the SoCon will compete for the national title.

[PaladinFan]

Bah... I've had Samford competing or winning the league for the past couple years but they have not done it yet. Until they actually do something they will probably stick around 3 or 4.

Basically if Wofford is in shambles after losing almost everybody, you have Furman and Samford. Western should be up there but we lost some starters. I don't think anybody from the SoCon will compete for the national title.

The knock on Samford was their complete inability to stop teams on defense and win key games. They showed the ability to do both in 2017.

I like Western, I just thought they were out-physicaled at times last season. For whatever it is worth, Furman will have Wofford, Samford, and Western in Greenville this year.

Speaking of Western, Furman has a commitment from a QB who looks every bit like a bigger version of Tyrie Adams - https://www.hudl.com/profile/4722301/darren-grainger

[ElCid]

The SoCon faithful here in January...love it!
Ayers set up the transfer to FCS/SoCon and now it's time for the next man up to carry it forward. It is not realistic to expect no impact on recruiting or issues in the 2018 season. I believe Hendricks was the exception and not the rule in 2017. This will be Conklin's program now... especially with half of the coaching staff his.

Exception? Lest we forget Thompson in 2016. Started 10-0 and SOCON champs. Or am I reading your intent wrong. It is a tad diffetent, I realize, since he came from within. I will be a little surprised if there are no issues with Wofford next season, but I expect them to have some. Just got to wait and see how much. I really think there will, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.

[PaladinFan]

Exception? Lest we forget Thompson in 2016. Started 10-0 and SOCON champs. Or am I reading your intent wrong. It is a tad diffetent, I realize, since he came from within. I will be a little surprised if there are no issues with Wofford next season, but I expect them to have some. Just got to wait and see how much. I really think there will, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.

Of course, Thompson took over a 9 win team and made very few changes. Clay Hendrix took over a 3 win team, hired a virtual entirely new coaching staff, and installed completely different systems on both sides of the ball.

[PaladinFan]

I think my Bulldogs may be a dark horse of sorts. Our o line will be a year older and our qb situation will be less tag team and probably a tad bit more passing. Our new starting FB will be better, bigger. Defense takes a few losses, but not catastrophic.

That said, I think Samford is in the drivers seat. Especially with Woffords coaching issues. I can see us winning the opener against them due to that and also putting them in a hole. Not a given, but I like our chances.

I think the Citadel will be tough. Hard to look past the shelacking they took in Greenville, though.

[walliver]

So far, Wofford only has one coaching loss on offense. Most losses have been on defense, which is Conklin's forte. A new coach is always a question mark, but an outright collapse a la Chattanooga is unlikely. Conklin's base defense is basically the same defense run at Wofford by Nate Woody and his protégés. Offensive changes may come at some point, but major changes this year are unlikely.

We won't be preseason favorites, but should compete for a playoff spot. Samford should be the top dog on paper, but always seems to find a way to lose a few they shouldn't.

[PaladinFan]

So far, Wofford only has one coaching loss on offense. Most losses have been on defense, which is Conklin's forte. A new coach is always a question mark, but an outright collapse a la Chattanooga is unlikely. Conklin's base defense is basically the same defense run at Wofford by Nate Woody and his protégés. Offensive changes may come at some point, but major changes this year are unlikely.

We won't be preseason favorites, but should compete for a playoff spot. Samford should be the top dog on paper, but always seems to find a way to lose a few they shouldn't.

I just found the whole process strange. During his press conference, Conklin indicated that Wofford was not even on his radar when Ayers announced his retirement. Reports also suggested that he wanted to keep the staff together, but a chunk of coaches (many of whom are Wofford grads) have jumped ship.

To echo FuBear's post, there's just something that does not seem to add up. it just all strikes me as way too slapshod for a school like Wofford, who has essentially built its entire program off of consistency. You would have thought after 30 years, the Terriers would have essentially hand-picked a successor for Mike Ayers.

I don't see anyway they don't take a significant recruiting hit this year. Just my opinion, of course.

[walliver]

Recruiting is a real concern for this year. It will be interesting to see how the early signing period affects things. Many schools have already used a number of their scholarships, and even with a few left over may have already filled certain positions. Players waiting for traditional signing day will likely have fewer opportunities.

[ElCid]

I think the Citadel will be tough. Hard to look past the shelacking they took in Greenville, though.

Yeah, but you know as well as I do, they knew they done. Lacked motivation after the WCU loss. They had a fork in them that no motivation could pull out.

[PaladinFan]

Yeah, but you know as well as I do, they knew they done. Lacked motivation after the WCU loss. They had a fork in them that no motivation could pull out.

That game would concern me if I was a Citadel fan. It's one thing to lose, and even lose badly, but another to lay down and let a rival just run up your backside.

[PaladinFan]

Recruiting is a real concern for this year. It will be interesting to see how the early signing period affects things. Many schools have already used a number of their scholarships, and even with a few left over may have already filled certain positions. Players waiting for traditional signing day will likely have fewer opportunities.

I've always been of the impression that with college recruiting the early bird gets the worm. The longer you wait, the less chance that opportunity is going to be there.

[longtimemocfan]

The Mocs have hired “Last Chance U” D Line coach Davern Williams to the same position at Chattanooga to fill one of the 3 vacant coaching spots on defense.

[ElCid]

That game would concern me if I was a Citadel fan. It's one thing to lose, and even lose badly, but another to lay down and let a rival just run up your backside.

Eh, there is a difference between laying down and not expending too much energy on a losing cause. Once a game gets away from you, you can play tough, but not go as crazy as if there was more on the line. Same with a lot of things in life. And cadets are experts at energy management.

[dungeonjoe]

LOL - I’m sure PaladinFan will address this much more adequately, but this snark is pretty funny.

3 transfers that were all offered (therefore, academically qualified) by FU out of high school. No (known) behavior issues. One is a Service Academy guy...just like Woffy’s Transfer QB who scored the TD on the Fake FG in the Playoff game vs FU and recent Woffy DLman, Chris Boudreaux. The DB from Clemson was also recruited by Duke and graduated HS as a 16 year old. Don’t know much about the GaSou DLman, but I’m sure if Coach Hendrix is taking him, he’s a solid student & citizen. Besides, I view it as a mission of mercy anytime anyone is assisted in leaving the morass that is StinkBurro.

I can always count on you to the FU rescue :) Boudreaux has been gone a couple of years and the AFA transfer you mention was recruited by Wofford too (since the "we recruited them heavily") seems to be a viable defense. Three in one signing class seems to be way above par, does it not?

[dungeonjoe]

Exception? Lest we forget Thompson in 2016. Started 10-0 and SOCON champs. Or am I reading your intent wrong. It is a tad diffetent, I realize, since he came from within. I will be a little surprised if there are no issues with Wofford next season, but I expect them to have some. Just got to wait and see how much. I really think there will, but that might be wishful thinking on my part.
yep, internal "promotion" Hendricks came from outside.

[dungeonjoe]

I just found the whole process strange. During his press conference, Conklin indicated that Wofford was not even on his radar when Ayers announced his retirement. Reports also suggested that he wanted to keep the staff together, but a chunk of coaches (many of whom are Wofford grads) have jumped ship.

To echo FuBear's post, there's just something that does not seem to add up. it just all strikes me as way too slapshod for a school like Wofford, who has essentially built its entire program off of consistency. You would have thought after 30 years, the Terriers would have essentially hand-picked a successor for Mike Ayers.

I don't see anyway they don't take a significant recruiting hit this year. Just my opinion, of course.

During the season, Wofford was criticized for a predictable vanilla offense that needed to adapt to make it far into the playoffs. Now Wofford football is criticized because a new coach looks to shake things up...somehow that looks shoddy or some such. I get the impression that there will always be people who aren't content regardless.

It will be a transition year. There may be a few kinks to work out, but it won't be the end of the world.

[ElCid]

.

It will be a transition year. There may be a few kinks to work out, but it won't be the end of the world.

Is it ever? Looking forward to labor day.

[ElCid]

Recruiting is a real concern for this year. It will be interesting to see how the early signing period affects things. Many schools have already used a number of their scholarships, and even with a few left over may have already filled certain positions. Players waiting for traditional signing day will likely have fewer opportunities.

I think we just snatched one from you. Milan Howard.

https://mobile.twitter.com/mhowardd2?lang=en


RB Milan Howard 5'11" 180 lbs. 4.40 Charlotte Catholic High
http://www.hudl.com/profile/6646867/milan-howard
offers from Elon, Wofford, Charlotte, Chatty, EKU, ETSU, Richmond

[FUBeAR]

I can always count on you to the FU rescue :) Boudreaux has been gone a couple of years and the AFA transfer you mention was recruited by Wofford too (since the "we recruited them heavily") seems to be a viable defense. Three in one signing class seems to be way above par, does it not?
Boudreaux played in 2016 and...

No, I don’t think 3 is an inordinate number of transfers in a single offseason IF they are all good students & good citizens with at least 2 or 3 years of eligibility remaining. In today’s world (if you have a grad school), I think you can add the occasional Grad Transfer QB on top of that, especially if there is no proven incumbent, and still be shy of the TRouble zone.

I might not have felt that way if I hadn’t watched closely as Mercer has brought in 5-7 per year - (almost) all good citizens & students, who fit right in. Granted some differences with a startup program at a school with a broader set of academic offerings, but with FU having a very limited Recruiting period in 2017 and implementing new schemes on both sides of the ball, I think that ‘allows’ more leeway AND if 3 kids they wanted previously have now seen how the new Staff might/will do and have decided they do want to be Paladins after all, I sure don’t hold that against them nor wish to deprive them of a superior education.

[PaladinFan]

During the season, Wofford was criticized for a predictable vanilla offense that needed to adapt to make it far into the playoffs. Now Wofford football is criticized because a new coach looks to shake things up...somehow that looks shoddy or some such. I get the impression that there will always be people who aren't content regardless.

It will be a transition year. There may be a few kinks to work out, but it won't be the end of the world.

I don’t recall anyone saying that Wofford needed to “adapt” their offense to make it far in the playoffs. Most Wofford fans do not seriously contest the point that their offense isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard.

Their playoff run ended because they ran into a much better football team. If Wofford was criticized for anything last season, it was their inability to put teams away.

Further, I’m not criticizing Wofford for “shaking things up.” I don’t think they are doing that, though. I’m suggesting they seemed unprepared for Ayers’ departure and are losing a lot of coaches that have deep ties to the university. That’s my perception.

[PaladinFan]

The Mocs have hired “Last Chance U” D Line coach Davern Williams to the same position at Chattanooga to fill one of the 3 vacant coaching spots on defense.

Seems like a unique character. Glad to see him get a chance in D1 football. Gives the Mocs a little “star power”

[longtimemocfan]

Seems like a unique character. Glad to see him get a chance in D1 football. Gives the Mocs a little “star power”

After last year we could use a little “star power” lol.

[PaladinFan]

After last year we could use a little “star power” lol.

Not really sure how you "fix" UTC. I think even the most irrational among us wouldn't have expected the Moc's collapse in 2017.

I like Copeland a lot. He is going to struggle to be successful if the Mocs rush for 78 yards a game, though. They really seemed to have lost that toughness and edge that they had the past few years.

[longtimemocfan]

Not really sure how you "fix" UTC. I think even the most irrational among us wouldn't have expected the Moc's collapse in 2017.

I like Copeland a lot. He is going to struggle to be successful if the Mocs rush for 78 yards a game, though. They really seemed to have lost that toughness and edge that they had the past few years.

When we played you guys that’s all true, but the last 3 games the defense was lights out holding 2 out of the last 3 opponents to their season low in yardage. We’ll just have to see on offense. Arth recruited a bunch of O Lineman including a transfer. He also brought in a lot of big running backs. We’ll see if that translate to the field at all.

[dungeonjoe]

Boudreaux played in 2016 and...

No, I don’t think 3 is an inordinate number of transfers in a single offseason IF they are all good students & good citizens with at least 2 or 3 years of eligibility remaining. In today’s world (if you have a grad school), I think you can add the occasional Grad Transfer QB on top of that, especially if there is no proven incumbent, and still be shy of the TRouble zone.

I might not have felt that way if I hadn’t watched closely as Mercer has brought in 5-7 per year - (almost) all good citizens & students, who fit right in. Granted some differences with a startup program at a school with a broader set of academic offerings, but with FU having a very limited Recruiting period in 2017 and implementing new schemes on both sides of the ball, I think that ‘allows’ more leeway AND if 3 kids they wanted previously have now seen how the new Staff might/will do and have decided they do want to be Paladins after all, I sure don’t hold that against them nor wish to deprive them of a superior education.

a. Mercer starting a program gives them a viable out, IMO.
b. So by your count wofford had 2 transfers in 4 years and FU hasn't had one since BL was there and 3 isn't high for one year?

[FUBeAR]

a. Mercer starting a program gives them a viable out, IMO.
b. So by your count wofford had 2 transfers in 4 years and FU hasn't had one since BL was there and 3 isn't high for one year?

Not my ‘count.’ Just top of mind knowledge to support that Service Academy transfers shouldn’t really be thought of as “Transfers” by any program. Many reasons for this, of which I have extensive personal knowledge, but I don’t feel like CoachSplaining them right now. So, I only think of FU’s situation as 2 Transfers.

And, I believe there have been others at Wofford, but the AnkleBiters don’t always show that they are transfers on the roster data. For example, scroll down to #93 (Boudreaux) at this link - http://woffordterriers.com/roster.aspx?path=football&roster=252 - no mention of Air Force until you click through to the full bio & I ain’t tryin’ to do that for 4 years of RatDogs.

And, as I said, when a Team changes their O & D schemes/personnel as drastically as FU has under Coach Hendrix, they get semi-startup-status in the FUBeAR O-SO-Judgy Book.

So, you can keep on snarkin’ as retribution for my posts about the “Just outside the PortaJohn” smell-o-meter reading of the PorchYappers HC hire, but that LittleDog just ain’t gonna hunt.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

ETSU Coach Sanders completes his staff:

http://footballscoop.com/the-scoop/

East Tennessee State (FCS): Randy Sanders is hiring Marcus Satterfield (OC/QBs), Steve Brown (DBs) and Matt McCutchan (OL). Additionally, he has retained Billy Taylor (DC/ILBs), Mike Rader (WRs), Gary Downs (RBs), Daryl Daye (DL/STC), Dylan Lewellyn (OLBs) and Al Johson (strength).

I like this staff, Sanders strikes me as someone who knows what he's doing

[SoconDude]

I just found the whole process strange. During his press conference, Conklin indicated that Wofford was not even on his radar when Ayers announced his retirement. Reports also suggested that he wanted to keep the staff together, but a chunk of coaches (many of whom are Wofford grads) have jumped ship.

To echo FuBear's post, there's just something that does not seem to add up. it just all strikes me as way too slapshod for a school like Wofford, who has essentially built its entire program off of consistency. You would have thought after 30 years, the Terriers would have essentially hand-picked a successor for Mike Ayers.

I don't see anyway they don't take a significant recruiting hit this year. Just my opinion, of course.


I am all for giving Coach Conklin time to see if this was a good hire or not. It is not his fault for the way things happened.

Just ask yourself a few more questions for the "smell test"
Would Coach Ayers spring this retirement on all of his loyal assistant coaches?
Would he prepare for sit down with AD to go over next year? And retire soon after?
If you were Coach Ayers would you "vouch" for the new hire or at least make some public statement about the health of the program?

Looking back it seems to me there are more questions than answers.
For the record, I do have faith in Coach Conklin- just put in a rough situation following in the footsteps of Coach Ayers

[chattownmocs]

I like this staff, Sanders strikes me as someone who knows what he's doing

Good staff based on the names I recognize.

[dungeonjoe]

Not my ‘count.’ Just top of mind knowledge to support that Service Academy transfers shouldn’t really be thought of as “Transfers” by any program. Many reasons for this, of which I have extensive personal knowledge, but I don’t feel like CoachSplaining them right now. So, I only think of FU’s situation as 2 Transfers.

And, I believe there have been others at Wofford, but the AnkleBiters don’t always show that they are transfers on the roster data. For example, scroll down to #93 (Boudreaux) at this link - http://woffordterriers.com/roster.aspx?path=football&roster=252 - no mention of Air Force until you click through to the full bio & I ain’t tryin’ to do that for 4 years of RatDogs.

And, as I said, when a Team changes their O & D schemes/personnel as drastically as FU has under Coach Hendrix, they get semi-startup-status in the FUBeAR O-SO-Judgy Book.

So, you can keep on snarkin’ as retribution for my posts about the “Just outside the PortaJohn” smell-o-meter reading of the PorchYappers HC hire, but that LittleDog just ain’t gonna hunt.

Mercer gets the out for transfers in my book for truly starting a program. FU not so much...I just hope they are not dropping their previously high standards to become a win at any cost program.

So you can keep on snarkin for my posts about the high number of transfers from previous years of the Purple Puke Program, but that bear is just...unbearable :)

[FUBeAR]

So you can keep on snarkin for my posts about the high number of transfers from previous years of the Purple Puke Program, but that bear is just...unbearable :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVcn4lznUOs

[PaladinFan]

Mercer gets the out for transfers in my book for truly starting a program. FU not so much...I just hope they are not dropping their previously high standards to become a win at any cost program.

So you can keep on snarkin for my posts about the high number of transfers from previous years of the Purple Puke Program, but that bear is just...unbearable :)

1. Furman does not have a high number of transfers. They have 3 on the entire roster.

2. No academic standards are changed. All three players were recruited and offered scholarships by Furman coming out of high school. Two of them had offers from the service academies. One actually is transferring in from a service academy, which, of course, has high standards. I don’t see how that could remotely be construed as “lowering” standards. All three players are well known to Furman and met their criteria for admission out of high school.

3. While Furman is not a startup, they completely changed their systems on both sides of the ball. Josh Conklin, for instance, comes into Wofford and by all accounts is going to run the same offense and defense that Mike Ayers did. Hendrix completely changed the offense and completely changed the defense. That requires needs at certain positions you simply cannot just fill in a single recruiting class.

None of these guys are Ingle Martin. They are, however, players that should slot into Furman’s regular rotation and help provide depth where we can actually redshirt some of the incoming class instead of having to play them immediately.

[PaladinNation]

I didn't think Furman would get this commit but… Furman just picks up a commitment from Hamp Sission…
I seriously think Sisson as a true freshman could play a role in who starts next season.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4310270/59aedf6a4ba8730e3023baa2

[PaladinFan]

I didn't think Furman would get this commit but… Furman just picks up a commitment from Hamp Sission…
I seriously think Sisson as a true freshman could play a role in who starts next season.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4310270/59aedf6a4ba8730e3023baa2

Had offers from Wofford, Jacksonville State, the Citadel, Army, Air Force, etc.

My gut tells me he's going to play a lot of meaningful snaps at Furman.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

I think my Bulldogs may be a dark horse of sorts. Our o line will be a year older and our qb situation will be less tag team and probably a tad bit more passing. Our new starting FB will be better, bigger. Defense takes a few losses, but not catastrophic.

That said, I think Samford is in the drivers seat. Especially with Woffords coaching issues. I can see us winning the opener against them due to that and also putting them in a hole. Not a given, but I like our chances.

I would not count out ETSU. We got ourselves a killer coach, killer QB and a more than serviceable defense. I do think Samford and Furman will duke it out for the top spot.

[PaladinFan]

I would not count out ETSU. We got ourselves a killer coach, killer QB and a more than serviceable defense. I do think Samford and Furman will duke it out for the top spot.

If the Bucs are going to seriously contend, they have to do better than 66 rushing yards a game in conference play. They aren't a good enough passing team to be that bad running the ball.

Herink's a good QB, but he isn't transcendent. ETSU has to figure out how to move the ball and give him some help or I imagine 2018 will look a lot like 2017.

[PaladinFan]

Appears Furman has gotten a commit from Travis Blackshear, an "athlete" from powerhouse Benedictine in Savannah. The fellow is jackrabbit fast.

I know everyone is bullish on their recruiting class in February, but Furman has landed some absolute burners this offseason. Furman's biggest weakness last year on offense was the lack of a speedy compliment to Darius Morehead, which more disciplined and physical defenses started to exploit late in the season. Furman has landed a number of those type of players in this class.

[PaladinFan]

Wofford folks, I noticed Sam Siefkes on twitter is listed as ILB coach for Wofford. Doesn't look like he's been formally announced by the University. Apparently from Wisconsin-Plattville.

[FUBeAR]

Mercer announced the 2018 Schedule



Date
Opponent
Location
Stadium


Sept. 1
at Memphis
Memphis, Tenn.
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium


Sept. 8
Jacksonville
Macon, Ga.
Five Star Stadium


Sept. 15
at Samford*
Birmingham, Ala.
Seibert Stadium


Sept. 22
The Citadel*
Macon, Ga.
Five Star Stadium


Sept. 29
at VMI*
Lexington, Va.
Foster Stadium


Oct. 6
BYE
--
--


Oct. 13
at Yale
New Haven, Conn.
Yale Bowl


Oct. 20
Western Carolina*
Macon, Ga.
Five Star Stadium


Oct. 27
at Wofford*
Spartanburg, S.C.
Gibbs Stadium


Nov. 3
ETSU*
Macon, Ga.
Five Star Stadium


Nov. 10
at Chattanooga*
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Finley Stadium


Nov. 17
Furman*
Macon, Ga.
Five Star Stadium



3 SoCon games before the calendar turns to October with 2 of those on the road. Bears need to be READY for the season to start or they will be out of the race with 2 months to play.

[PaladinFan]

It is interesting to see a schedule where a team spend all season alternating home and road dates. I'm not sure I've seen that before. Does not provide much of an opportunity to settle in.

I think its a good schedule minus Jacksonville. I think the SoCon should start levying fines for playing Pioneer or NAIA schools.

[FUBeAR]

It is interesting to see a schedule where a team spend all season alternating home and road dates. I'm not sure I've seen that before. Does not provide much of an opportunity to settle in.

I think its a good schedule minus Jacksonville. I think the SoCon should start levying fines for playing Pioneer or NAIA schools.

For the most part alternating, but there are 2 consecutive away games wrapped around a bye week...so the Bears don't have a home game in Macon from 9/22 -10/20. If the Bears stumble out of the gate and play themselves, essentially, out of the SoCon race by the end of September and then 'disappear' for a month, I think Mercer will have a hard time generating Fan interest / attendance for those final 3 home games.

And this, "I think the SoCon should start levying fines for playing Pioneer...schools" is just silly. It's the FBS version of playing a 'qualifying' FCS school. Only 3 Non-Conference games in an 11 game season - 1 FBS, 1 Solid OOC (in this season, Yale), 1 Beatable (hopefully) opponent that doesn't hurt Playoff considerations is the perfect OOC slate, IMO.

You did know the PFL's San Diego has knocked off Big Sky Conference Teams in the 1st round of the Playoffs that past 2 years, right? Jacksonville WAS the East Coast version of San Diego when these games were initially contemplated as Mercer was transitioning from the PFL to the SoCon and after Jacksonville at Mercer in 2013 was one of the most exciting and fun Football games I have ever seen. Jacksonville beat the CAA's Delaware in 2015. Jacksonville is better than VMI and PC, IMO and may be better than more than a few Patriot League Teams. Also, as they are now running the option, it's a VERY helpful game for Mercer's D since they will face El Cid 2 weeks later.

[kdinva]

I think the SoCon should start levying fines for playing Pioneer

I agree with "Bear"......we should be playing Davidson/Morehead/Jacksonville instead of D2.......yet again VMI is playing a good D2 program (Tusculum) in '18.....

[PaladinFan]

I agree with "Bear"......we should be playing Davidson/Morehead/Jacksonville instead of D2.......yet again VMI is playing a good D2 program (Tusculum) in '18.....

I think D2 programs are probably better. VMI needs to schedule as many Ws as they can.

The Pioneer teams are only scheduled because they "count" as a D1 win despite really not being competitive. They are imminently beatable teams that help you qualify for the post season. Sort of. They rarely help bubble teams. In my view, if you aren't capable of beating 7 or 8 D1 scholarship teams, you probably don't need to be in the post season anyway.

San Diego is and has long been an outlier. Of course, SoCon teams aren't scheduling San Diego either.

At bottom, scheduling Pioneer teams does nothing to help the conference's profile. The games are often blowouts and rarely competitive. In an 11 game season, schedule an FBS money game and then find two scholarship FCS teams to play. This should not be difficult.

[FUBeAR]

Put this together from the cool STATS Recruiting Website http://www.fcs.football/cfb/recruiting.asp - thought it might be interesting to look at all SoCon Teams' Recruiting (to date, per STATS) in one place...
indicates a Transfer.



CHATTANOOGA






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Nyvin Nelson
LB
6-0
220
Cartersville, Ga. (Cartersville)


*Harrison Moon
OL
6-5
290
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Mississippi State)


Logan Pitts
TE
6-2
210
Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville)


T.J. Horton
WR
6-3
175
Cartersville, Ga. (Cartersville)


Simon Miskelley
LB
6-1
210
Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville)


Isaiah Cobb
RB
6-0
200
Maryville, Tenn (Maryville)


Dylan Cole
OL
6-4
280
Dalton, Ga. (Dalton)


Kohl Henke
DB
6-2
195
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Boyd-Buchanan)


Lameric Tucker
WR
5-11
170
Cleveland, Tenn. (Bradley Central)


Josiah Futral
RB
6-0
200
Marietta, Ga. (Kell)


*Chris James
QB
6-3
215
Ellijay, Ga. (Hutchinson CC)


Mychal Austin
DL
6-2
250
Apopka, Fla. (Apopka)


*Tyrell Price
RB
6-0
220
Abbeville, Miss. (East Mississippi CC)







ETSU






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Cam Lewis
QB
6-3
200
McDonough, Ga. (Eagle's Landing)


*Kendell Wright
DL
6-4
285
Indianola, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln CC)


Nate Adkins
TE
6-3
220
Knoxville, Tenn. (Bearden)


*Nick Vines
OL
6-4
315
Hattiesburg, Miss. (Jones County JC)





FURMAN






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Devin Abrams
RB
6-1
205
Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida)


Dejuan Bell
WR
5-9
160
North Augusta, S.C. (North Augusta)


Cameron Coleman
NG
6-3
285
Elizabethton, Tenn. (Elizabethton)


Braden Gilby
ILB
6-2
220
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jesuit)


Jonah Griffin
DB
5-11
180
Savannah, Ga. (Benedictine Military School)


Louis Hall
WR
6-0
180
Canton, Ga. (Woodstock)


Taylor Hodge
DT
5-9
255
Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek)


Ryan Miller
TE
6-1
205
Jackson, Tenn. (University School of Jackson)


Anderson Tomlin
OT
6-5
275
Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook)


Corey Watkins
TB
5-9
185
Evans, Ga. (Evans)


*Melton Brown
DE
6-3
260
Louisville, Ga. (Jefferson County/Georgia Southern)


*Cooper Hardin
RB
6-1
225
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Farragut/Navy)


*Amir Trapp
CB/RS
5-8
170
Clemson, S.C. (Daniel/Clemson)





MERCER






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Tyrese Cohen
OL
6-4
310
Aiken, S.C. (Midland Valley)


DeMond Ellison
WR
6-3
212
Canton, Ga. (Cherokee)


Collin Foster
OL
6-3
258
Buford, Ga. (Lanier)


Gavan George
OL
6-5
270
McDonough, Ga. (Eagle's Landing Christian Academy)


Coby Germany
DL
6-2
253
Grovetown, Ga. (Evans)


Isaiah Goolsby
OL
6-4
330
Macon, Ga. (Southwest)


Bryce Lawrence
QB
6-3
200
McDonough, Ga. (Olal)


D.J. McDaniel
DL
6-1
262
Indian Trail, N.C. (Porter Ridge)


Xavier Perkins
DL
6-2
240
Atlanta (Druid Hills)


Kareem Rogers
RB
5-11
182
Stockbridge, Ga. (Woodland)


Kermit Solomon
DB
6-2
176
Albany, Ga. (Lee County)


D.Q. Wilkerson
DB
6-0
185
LaGrange, Ga. (Callaway)





SAMFORD






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Tay Berry
DL
6-2
280
Madison, Miss. (Madison Central)


Mitchell Fineran
PK
5-10
165
Fort Valley, Ga. (Peach County)


Austin Guyse
OL
6-4
282
Trinity, Ala. (West Morgan)


Ty King
WR
6-0
155
Louisville, Ga. (Jefferson County)


Beau Myers
OL
6-4
270
Thompson Station, Tenn. (Independence)


Gavin Orr
OL
6-3
275
Southside, Ala. (Southside)


Braeden Royal
DL
6-2
270
Northport, Ala. (Tuscaloosa County)





THE CITADEL






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Nkem Njoku
RB
5-10
195
Hampton, Ga. (St. Pius Catholic School)


Kyler Estes
LB
6-1
215
Tallahassee, Fla. (North Florida Christian)





VMI






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Jaelen Adkins
DB
6-0
185
Richmond, Va. (Henrico)


Warren Dabney
DL
6-1
285
Farmville, Va. (Fuqua School)


Nick Hartnett
OL
6-3
285
Springfield, Va. (West Springfield)


Ayden Jilson
OL
6-5
305
Fredericksburg, Va. (Colonial Forge)


Carter Johnson
LB
6-3
210
Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville)


Jacob Peace
OL
6-6
300
Berryville, Va. (Clarke County)





WESTERN CAROLINA






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Chris Campbell
OLB
6-1
225
Vanceboro, N.C. (West Craven)


Devlin Olawumi Jr.
OLB
6-0
195
Atlanta (Westlake)


D.J. Atkins
RB
5-9
160
Hogansville, Ga. (Callaway)


A.J. Curry
QB
6-5
205
Mt. Airy, Ga. (Habersham Central)


Mahari Stribling
WR
6-3
180
Loganville, Ga. (Grayson)


*Brandon Bawn
S
6-1
195
Macon, Ga. (Rutland/Georgia Military College)


*Nate Mullen
WR
5-9
170
Harrisburg, N.C. (Hickory Ridge/Charlotte)





WOFFORD






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)


Elijah Ball
DL
6-2
280
Rome, Ga. (Darlington School)


Randy Fuller
OLB
5-11
200
Trenton, Fla. (Trenton)


Quashon Greenlee
OL
6-2
265
Anderson, S.C. (T.L. Hanna)


Al Hogan
OL
6-4
285
Fayetteville, Ga. (Landmark Christian)


Corey Prince
DL
6-0
280
Lauderhill, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna)


Colby Wood
RB
5-10
190
Jefferson, Ga. (Jefferson)

[PaladinFan]

Wofford announces their coaching staff: http://woffordterriers.com/news/2018/1/26/conklin-announces-wofford-football-coaching-staff.aspx

It appears to be a mix between the old and the new. Their coaching staff gets significantly younger than it was with Mike Ayers at the helm.

Just guessing, but I don't expect to see Wofford really change what they are doing. The long-time OC is still in place, so I would expect the offense to stay the same. Conklin is also a 3-4 guy, so the defense will probably stay largely unaltered too.

I'm interested to see how the defense responds to a lot of new blood. The new DC is coming from a D3 school in Wisconsin. As we saw last year with Tom Arth, the jump from a successful D3 school to SoCon is pretty big.

[Milktruck74]

FURMAN






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)









*Cooper Hardin
RB
6-1
225
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Farragut/Navy)










Farragut is in Knoxville, did this kid commute 100 miles to HS every day? Just struck me as odd.

[FUBeAR]

FURMAN






Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)









*Cooper Hardin
RB
6-1
225
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Farragut/Navy)










Farragut is in Knoxville, did this kid commute 100 miles to HS every day? Just struck me as odd.
Dunno - could be an error. STATS has this one...



*Melton Brown
DE
6-3
260
Louisville, Ga. (Jefferson County/Georgia Southern)




...listed as “Louisville, KY”...but I knew he was from Jefferson County High in GA, which is in Louisville, GA; so I changed it.

I also added the
for Amir Trapp. They show that he’s coming from Clemson, but omitted his *.

Still a very good job by STATS to compile this info and publish it in a very nice format.

[FUBeAR]

Wofford announces their coaching staff: http://woffordterriers.com/news/2018/1/26/conklin-announces-wofford-football-coaching-staff.aspx

As we saw last year with Tom Arth, the jump from a successful D3 school to SoCon is pretty big.

How about jumping from a total of 1 year of college Coaching as a Grad Asst TE’s Coach at a far-away D2 School to replacing a 15 year veteran OL Coach?

[PaladinFan]

How about jumping from a total of 1 year of college Coaching as a Grad Asst TE’s Coach at a far-away D2 School to replacing a 15 year veteran OL Coach?

There are a lot of question marks.

[FUBeAR]

There are a lot of question marks.

BTW - Only 1 TE played for that far-away Team during that 1 year and he only played in 8 of 10 games, only started 6 of 10, and registered no stats.

Young man may be the next Bill Belichick, but he’s stepping into that OL job at Woffy with what amounts to a couple of years of part-time (I believe) high school OL Coaching experience. And, he’ll be Coaching an OL with only 1 returning Starter and that had only 3 Soph’s & 2 Freshmen in the 2 deep. Can’t get much greener than that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PaladinFan]

BTW - Only 1 TE played for that far-away Team during that 1 year and he only played in 8 of 10 games, only started 6 of 10, and registered no stats.

Young man may be the next Bill Belichick, but he’s stepping into that OL job at Woffy with what amounts to a couple of years of part-time (I believe) high school OL Coaching experience. And, he’ll be Coaching an OL with only 1 returning Starter and that had only 3 Soph’s & 2 Freshmen in the 2 deep. Can’t get much greener than that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree. I see that across the board. All of their new hires have little or no experience at this level doing the jobs they are hired to do.

Now, Wofford may not miss a beat. They may handle the change just fine in 2018, especially on defense, with their returning starters. I think this question will be held open for a season or two.

[Milktruck74]

BTW - Only 1 TE played for that far-away Team during that 1 year and he only played in 8 of 10 games, only started 6 of 10, and registered no stats.

Young man may be the next Bill Belichick, but he’s stepping into that OL job at Woffy with what amounts to a couple of years of part-time (I believe) high school OL Coaching experience. And, he’ll be Coaching an OL with only 1 returning Starter and that had only 3 Soph’s & 2 Freshmen in the 2 deep. Can’t get much greener than that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

To be fair (and not a dig), the Wofford Blocking Scheme is not that complex. IF he can teach those kids to lock on to something in front of them and push, he has done his job....and Wofford will still average like 900 yds/game rushing!!!!!

[PaladinFan]

Furman announces spring practice dates: http://www.furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2017-18/releases/20180129l7zih8

Paladins return 52 lettermen and all 11 starters on defense. Another year in Chad Stagg's system with the addition of Amir Trapp and Melton Brown and Furman could be real tough on that side of the ball

[kdinva]

Just heard that VMI OLB Brian Lipscomb, who had a breakout 2017 season, will graduate in May and be a 5th year Grad transfer somewhere else....xmadx

[PaladinFan]

Just heard that VMI OLB Brian Lipscomb, who had a breakout 2017 season, will graduate in May and be a 5th year Grad transfer somewhere else....xmadx

I think there's a genuine concern with what is going on with VMI right now. They are 5-29 over the last three seasons and have lost 17 straight. I don't really see any "maybe" wins in 2018 until Tusculum the second last game of the season.

Coaches are leaving, players are leaving, and the Keydets are looking at the possibility of being the worst conference team in decades.

[FUBeAR]

I think there's a genuine concern with what is going on with VMI right now. They are 5-29 over the last three seasons and have lost 17 straight. I don't really see any "maybe" wins in 2018 until Tusculum the second last game of the season.

Coaches are leaving, players are leaving, and the Keydets are looking at the possibility of being the worst conference team in decades.

Yes - (So far)...Losing 4 Coaches (2 Coordinators - Rec & ST), the Starting QB, the leading RB, the leading Receiver, the Top 4 or 5 Defenders (3 to 'normal' attrition - eligibility expiration), as well as an FBS Transfer LB, a promising young, rangy LB, and a big young OLman off of an 0-11 Team that was only truly competitive in their 1 game vs. a D2 Team, I think, would be cause for DIRE concern.

Honestly, if I were a VMI Alum or part of the powers-that-be at VMI, I would be pushing the idea of talking to the PFL about moving to that league and asking the SoCon for 'forgiveness' on the usual buyout. I'm not trying to be 'mean' as I do like VMI - not sure why, but I always have. I just think the PFL would be a good place for their Football program. I felt/feel the same about PC. To be honest, having followed the PFL very closely for a couple of years 2012, and particularly in 2013, I really enjoyed 'my time' there. The Football was not bad (usually) and, while the stadiums left a lot to be desired, the locations that I visited were fun from a Fan's perspective. Of course, Mercer didn't play at Drake, Butler, Morehead State, Dayton, or Valpo - so I don't know about those. I attended or have otherwise visited all of the other locations and they are/can be fun trips - NYC, San Diego, Greenville (Clinton (PC) is just down the road), Jacksonville, DeLand (Daytona & Orlando nearby) are all fun spots.

Any thoughts on that?

[SU DOG]

I don't really know enough about the military academies to chime in here, but, IMO VMI needs to do whatever The Citadel does to be competitive. There seems to be quite a contrast in rules, commitment, and emphasis between these two institutions. Maybe someone who knows can elaborate. I would be interested to learn what those differences are. I can't understand why there should be such a disparity. If The Citadel can do it why not the Keydets?

[ElCid]

I don't really know enough about the military academies to chime in here, but, IMO VMI needs to do whatever The Citadel does to be competitive. There seems to be quite a contrast in rules, commitment, and emphasis between these two institutions. Maybe someone who knows can elaborate. I would be interested to learn what those differences are. I can't understand why there should be such a disparity. If The Citadel can do it why not the Keydets?

Location, location, location. There are other differences though. VMI is a tad bit more Spartan. That has a little effect. We can also have grad studs as well. That has a little bit more effect. VMI Is a bit smaller as well. I think they at 1500 or so. We are at 2300 or so. I am talking the Corps in both cases. I am not sure of any specific football cultural differences that may also have an impact on recruiting and keeping players. From a big picture view though, VMI has been down for so long, getting good players,who want to go to a military school is that much harder. At least we have had some success here and there. Not great, but acceptable.

[kdinva]

I think there's a genuine concern with what is going on with VMI right now. Coaches are leaving,

I have heard 2nd hand what some VMI assistants salaries are (not just FB), and I almost threw up.......one would think the Admin there was working off a 1995 Salary scale...... xdrunkyx xpissedx

[FUBeAR]

I don't really know enough about the military academies to chime in here, but, IMO VMI needs to do whatever The Citadel does to be competitive. There seems to be quite a contrast in rules, commitment, and emphasis between these two institutions. Maybe someone who knows can elaborate. I would be interested to learn what those differences are. I can't understand why there should be such a disparity. If The Citadel can do it why not the Keydets?

kdinva will need to weigh in on this for 100% accuracy, but I know (or think I know) of a few of the differences...

* Lexington vs. Charleston - You and I may think Lexington is beautiful, but most 18 year olds, IMO, are going to put Charleston much higher on their hit list.
* In-State Requirements - I don't know the details/numbers on this, but I know VMI peeps complain about having to have X% of their roster be VA HS kids
* Access to recruiting in GA, particularly ATL - Let's face it - Georgia & particularly the Atlanta area is an absolute HOTBED of HS Football Talent - Charleston is less than 5 hours from ATL and VMI is over 7. That makes a difference in getting there and in kids/families wanting their sons to go away there. Also, it's about 90 miles from The Citadel to the Georgia state line. 376 miles from VMI.
* Graduate School - The Citadel has one, VMI does not. That matters for retention of Redshirt Sr's and in Recruiting
* Fairly recent tradition of success - If I'm not mistaken, VMI's last good Football Team was in 1981. It's a shame that Team didn't win the SoCon by beating Furman in Lexington in the next to last game of the year - shoulda never put that 'graveyard' in the endzone with the names of Furman's offense on the crosses lined up in a I-Formation :D. The Citadel has been SoCon Champions recently and in other years that aren't too far distant. The Bellhops have also notched a few FBS wins along the way. That matters to Recruits. Both of these things do.
* Coaching turnover - I'm not sure how VMI's has been overall, but it is AWFUL this year and I don't think it's been great in the past. El Cid didn't even lose more than 1 or 2 Coaches when Coach Houston went to JMU.

I'm sure kdinva and maybe some of the El Cid peeps can add to (and correct, if necessary) this info.

EDIT - Sorry, I took a phone call and didn't check back to see that others had weighed in with many of the same comments.

[FUBeAR]

...and just like that...some GOOD news for the Keydets...

VMI (FCS): Seth C. Payne is the new defensive line coach at VMI, per source. Payne was previously an assistant defensive line coach at Wake Forest.

All-in-all...looks like a good pickup for the Keydets to me. He's been a 'real' Coach, albeit at a D3 school, and he's seen the 'inside' of a very successful FCS Program (Villanova) and a P5 ACC program (Wake Forest) as a GA. Young enough to relate well to the Players, but brings 7 years of continuous good experience to the table AND he's been recruiting in the PA, NJ area - probably an area that VMI should hit harder...if they can.

[ElCid]

kdinva will need to weigh in on this for 100% accuracy, but I know (or think I know) of a few of the differences...

* Lexington vs. Charleston - You and I may think Lexington is beautiful, but most 18 year olds, IMO, are going to put Charleston much higher on their hit list.
* In-State Requirements - I don't know the details/numbers on this, but I know VMI peeps complain about having to have X% of their roster be VA HS kids
* Access to recruiting in GA, particularly ATL - Let's face it - Georgia & particularly the Atlanta area is an absolute HOTBED of HS Football Talent - Charleston is less than 5 hours from ATL and VMI is over 7. That makes a difference in getting there and in kids/families wanting their sons to go away there. Also, it's about 90 miles from The Citadel to the Georgia state line. 376 miles from VMI.
* Graduate School - The Citadel has one, VMI does not. That matters for retention of Redshirt Sr's and in Recruiting
* Fairly recent tradition of success - If I'm not mistaken, VMI's last good Football Team was in 1981. It's a shame that Team didn't win the SoCon by beating Furman in Lexington in the next to last game of the year - shoulda never put that 'graveyard' in the endzone with the names of Furman's offense on the crosses lined up in a I-Formation :D. The Citadel has been SoCon Champions recently and in other years that aren't too far distant. The Bellhops have also notched a few FBS wins along the way. That matters to Recruits. Both of these things do.
* Coaching turnover - I'm not sure how VMI's has been overall, but it is AWFUL this year and I don't think it's been great in the past. El Cid didn't even lose more than 1 or 2 Coaches when Coach Houston went to JMU.

I'm sure kdinva and maybe some of the El Cid peeps can add to (and correct, if necessary) this info.

EDIT - Sorry, I took a phone call and didn't check back to see that others had weighed in with many of the same comments.


We hit about the same issues. In state requirements is a good one. We have a requirement, but I think VMI may be more restrictive.

[kdinva]

In state requirements is a good one. We have a requirement, but I think VMI may be more restrictive.

VMI's Supe wants xx% of in-state recruits.......quality be damned...

[PaladinFan]

Seems like VMI would go full bore after an option coach. The triple option offers an opportunity to level the playing field a bit.

I don't see how the Keydets can be successful running a prostyle scheme at teams that are bigger, stronger, and faster than they are at every position.

[ElCid]

Seems like VMI would go full bore after an option coach. The triple option offers an opportunity to level the playing field a bit.

I don't see how the Keydets can be successful running a prostyle scheme at teams that are bigger, stronger, and faster than they are at every position.

I have wondered that as well. They may have been thinking that but they had a stud QB and may have put it off. Who knows now.

[PaladinFan]

In a bit of a strange announcement, two Furman players announced their are leaving the program in the days leading up to the start of spring practice.

Reynard Ellis started at ILB for the Paladins for much of the season as a true freshman. I have no idea what the story is, but Scott Keeler, Furman's beat writer of sorts, said Ellis and Furman had "mutually agreed to part ways." I think that's a big loss.

Probably related, it appears Navy transfer Cooper Hardin, who was announced as a fullback, is now listed as a linebacker. He played both in high school and is a big kid (6'1 228). I assume we will see a lot of him in the middle of the Paladin defense.

Less impactful is the announced departure of WR Bailey Rogers. He tweeted a nice farewell, but seems to suggest that he wasn't getting enough playing time. He spent most of last season injured and looks to have been buried on the depth chart a bit.

[kdinva]

Seems like VMI would go full bore after an option coach. The triple option offers an opportunity to level the playing field a bit.
.

Lots of VMI followers say the same thing......and they point to what the three Federal Academies, Citadel, and even D3 Washington and Lee (next door) who all run some sort of the Erk Russell/Paul Johnson triple.....W&L has been to 3 of the past 4 D-3 playoffs....

[FUBeAR]

Lots of VMI followers say the same thing......and they point to what the three Federal Academies, Citadel, and even D3 Washington and Lee (next door) who all run some sort of the Erk Russell/Paul Johnson triple.....W&L has been to 3 of the past 4 D-3 playoffs....
...and W&L's Head Coach for the past 6 years and OC for 5 years before that, Scott Abell, just moved up (?) to become Davidson's new HC...coulda taken a somewhat bigger step up without relocating.

[PaladinFan]

...and W&L's Head Coach for the past 6 years and OC for 5 years before that, Scott Abell, just moved up (?) to become Davidson's new HC...coulda taken a somewhat bigger step up without relocating.

Just a wager, but that probably requires buying out the current coach's contract, which they seem unwilling to do.

Maybe they could target Drew Cronic in the future, who ran a successful wing-t offense at Reinhardt, led Furman to all sorts of offensive numbers this year, and is now in an FCS headcoach incubator or sorts at Lenoir Rhyne.

[FUBeAR]

Just a wager, but that probably requires buying out the current coach's contract, which they seem unwilling to do.

Maybe they could target Drew Cronic in the future, who ran a successful wing-t offense at Reinhardt, led Furman to all sorts of offensive numbers this year, and is now in an FCS headcoach incubator or sorts at Lenoir Rhyne. The Keydets would be fortunate to get Coach Cronic if/when they are ready to make that move. I'm not sure that it would be a good career move for him though; unless some of those aforementioned 'differences' (from El Cid) are addressed. Things didn't work out so well for the last former Furman Assistant Coach who became the Head Coach at VMI as he went 1-20 and 0-fer the SoCon during his almost 2 seasons ('97-'98) there. That lone win?...Lenoir Rhyne.

[PaladinFan]

The Keydets would be fortunate to get Coach Cronic if/when they are ready to make that move. I'm not sure that it would be a good career move for him though; unless some of those aforementioned 'differences' (from El Cid) are addressed. Things didn't work out so well for the last former Furman Assistant Coach who became the Head Coach at VMI as he went 1-20 and 0-fer the SoCon during his almost 2 seasons ('97-'98) there. That lone win?...Lenoir Rhyne.

I agree. VMI either has to commit to the program or start looking to the Pioneer.

The question I have is whether the SoCon starts to push them that way. Just rough googling suggests that VMI is going to be the furthest road trip for virtually every SoCon school except ETSU. Are the Mercers and Samfords of the world going to grow weary of busing 8+ hours to play a replacement level team. By the same token, is VMI going to grow weary of long trips to virtually conference road game.

[PaladinNation]

In a bit of a strange announcement, two Furman players announced their are leaving the program in the days leading up to the start of spring practice.

Reynard Ellis started at ILB for the Paladins for much of the season as a true freshman. I have no idea what the story is, but Scott Keeler, Furman's beat writer of sorts, said Ellis and Furman had "mutually agreed to part ways." I think that's a big loss.

Probably related, it appears Navy transfer Cooper Hardin, who was announced as a fullback, is now listed as a linebacker. He played both in high school and is a big kid (6'1 228). I assume we will see a lot of him in the middle of the Paladin defense.

Less impactful is the announced departure of WR Bailey Rogers. He tweeted a nice farewell, but seems to suggest that he wasn't getting enough playing time. He spent most of last season injured and looks to have been buried on the depth chart a bit.

from what I remember, Cooper Hardin was a linebacker target last year as was Ellis. Furman wanted both but –– I felt Hardin was the #1 target. Coop committed to Navy and then Ellis committed to Furman.

I hate that Ellis and Furman couldn't work things out but Hardin steps in (he's not a true freshman - he's coming to Furman after a year at Navy Prep) - and this means two more interesting true freshmen - Gilby and Hackett will see the field in 2018. I have faith in Lamendola and Staggs.

[PaladinFan]

from what I remember, Cooper Hardin was a linebacker target last year as was Ellis. Furman wanted both but –– I felt Hardin was the #1 target. Coop committed to Navy and then Ellis committed to Furman.

I hate that Ellis and Furman couldn't work things out but Hardin steps in (he's not a true freshman - he's coming to Furman after a year at Navy Prep) - and this means two more interesting true freshmen - Gilby and Hackett will see the field in 2018. I have faith in Lamendola and Staggs.

Hardin transferred in as a sophomore.

Furman returns 13 of their top 14 tackle makers even with the departure of Ellis. ILB has been a tough spot to Furman to really fill out depth with departures and injuries. I do think you will probably see Hardin and McKoy start in their. I imagine the incoming freshmen will be given opportunities to get meaningful snaps as well.

At fullback, flipping Hardin likely opens the door to Deon Sanders. I liked Sanders a lot, who missed a lot of time due to knee injuries. Ideally, I'd love to have another big back in there.

The good news is, I think Furman's entire recruiting operation is centered right now on big bodied FB/LB types. That's the guy they probably most need on both sides. Fortunately, those guys are often the same player.

[PaladinNation]

Furman just picked up another commitment Braylin Fisher (6-1 215) MLB from N. Paulding High… I'm guessing he's a partial or PWO.
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4764394/582e8c66c124de2a444afa79

[PaladinFan]

Sorry to fans from other schools. They are moving servers on the Furman forum (or so I understand), so we'll probably just be parked here.

[FUBeAR]

I hate that Ellis and Furman couldn't work things out but Hardin steps in (he's not a true freshman - he's coming to Furman after a year at Navy Prep) - and this means two more interesting true freshmen - Gilby and Hackett will see the field in 2018. I have faith in Lamendola and Staggs.

Hardin shows up on the 2017 roster of the Naval Academy - http://www.navysports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cooper_hardin_1050256.html.

Pretty sure that means he was at the Academy in Annapolis as a Direct Admit instead of Navy Prep (NAPS), located in Newport, RI. He, apparently, didn't play in any games for the Academy, but the Navy JV did have 4 games - 2 vs. Navy Prep and 1 each vs. Jireh Prep (NC, I think) & Milford Academy (CT). I'm not sure about the rules these days, but in 2011, playing Academy JV Football counted as a year of NCAA eligibility used. Since the Academies don't redshirt, they don't 'care' about Freshmen losing this year and it does give the MANY youngsters on the roster (Navy had 175 Players / 51 Freshman on their 2017 roster; probably another 50 or so up at the Prep School) an opportunity for some game experience. I see Furman is listing him as a Soph on the roster, so the above makes sense.

EDIT - Sorry - Didn't see PaladinFan's post that he saw / knew Hardin is coming in as a Soph. Oh well, I always like sharing a little bit of info about Academy Football. REALLY tough numbers game for kids football-wise.

[PaladinFan]

Well, I didn't know why Hardin transferred in as a sophomore and the AF Prep guys came in as freshmen. That explanation seems to ferret that out.

[PaladinFan]

Sort of an interesting turn, but Spartanburg linebacker Connor Shugart, who was courted by both Furman and Wofford, announced he was signing with North Greenville, a D2 school.

I think both fan bases are a little bummed not to land a really good linebacker, but glad that he didn't end up with their rival.

[Purpleglasses]

Color me Surprised...NGU over many 1 FCS schools? Sounds like the recruiting battle Alabama is in with Princeton QB commit...

[ElCid]

Color me Surprised...NGU over many 1 FCS schools? Sounds like the recruiting battle Alabama is in with Princeton QB commit...

Eh, you never know. Could be family connections. NGU has a nice program and a pretty nice stadium. Got to see it when we had to relocate game during that Hurricane in 16. They are right down the mountain from me on the way to Greenville.

[Purpleglasses]

BTW...FU Spring (winter) practice kicks off today...

[FUBeAR]

Sort of an interesting turn, but Spartanburg linebacker Connor Shugart, who was courted by both Furman and Wofford, announced he was signing with North Greenville, a D2 school.

I think both fan bases are a little bummed not to land a really good linebacker, but glad that he didn't end up with their rival.

Also offered by & took an Official Visit to Mercer in January. Additional offers from Air Force, Army, Gardner-Webb, Duquesne, and PC.

Thought it was interesting that he announced when his commitment announcement (via Twitter) would be & then posted his ‘announcement’ 30 minutes after the announced time via a ‘suspenseful’ video of a 3 minute highlight reel including several scenes of his post-play celebrations, one of which was him running between his Team’s bench & the stands almost the length of the sideline doing the (now infamous) Johnny Manziel money-sign to the crowd. I saw somewhere that he may want to be a Preacher. I expect that (and maybe a big fish/small pond preference) figured into his decision to go the NGU route. My sense is we’ll probably see him raising money for his ministry on GSP local-access TV stations in the not too distant future. ;-)

Seriously though, best of luck to this young man. I’m just being funny (or trying to be) & enjoying the innocence & exuberance of youth. Glad we didn’t have social media in my day. My ‘video announcement’ probably would have been on the scale of a Cecil B. DeMille Classic & used by my FU Teammates to tease me to this day. Whew - blessed that I chronologically dodged that bullet!

[PaladinFan]

Color me Surprised...NGU over many 1 FCS schools? Sounds like the recruiting battle Alabama is in with Princeton QB commit...

It wouldn't shock me if the offers were not full rides. I'm sure there are people out there that would opt to play football at North Greenville over Furman, Wofford, or Mercer, but I doubt there are many.

Furman has been in on a bunch of linebackers and has been locking up commits (presumped pwos) for the last few weeks. Maybe some of those available offers weren't as available this late in the game.

I say this often, but at the FCS level, a lot of recruits are interchangeable. Some are better than others, but on average, you can probably trade one 6'1 195 lbs linebacker for another at a different school. Those type of players are widely available. I think sometimes recruits assume they are probably more special than they are (not saying that is the case here, but generally). They'll wait around and that scholarship ends up going to a guy that looks and plays a whole lot like you do.

[PaladinFan]

Also offered by & took an Official Visit to Mercer in January. Additional offers from Air Force, Army, Gardner-Webb, Duquesne, and PC.

Thought it was interesting that he announced when his commitment announcement (via Twitter) would be & then posted his ‘announcement’ 30 minutes after the announced time via a ‘suspenseful’ video of a 3 minute highlight reel including several scenes of his post-play celebrations, one of which was him running between his Team’s bench & the stands almost the length of the sideline doing the (now infamous) Johnny Manziel money-sign to the crowd. I saw somewhere that he may want to be a Preacher. I expect that (and maybe a big fish/small pond preference) figured into his decision to go the NGU route. My sense is we’ll probably see him raising money for his ministry on GSP local-access TV stations in the not too distant future. ;-)

Seriously though, best of luck to this young man. I’m just being funny (or trying to be) & enjoying the innocence & exuberance of youth. Glad we didn’t have social media in my day. My ‘video announcement’ probably would have been on the scale of a Cecil B. DeMille Classic & used by my FU Teammates to tease me to this day. Whew - blessed that I chronologically dodged that bullet!

I can tell you where I would be had I engaged in post-play shenanigans on defense - cutaways and windsprints after practice.

In four years, I think I did the "safe" sign one time after making a tackle four or five yards in the backfield and got lectured about that. I cannot imagine what would have happened if I took a victory lap for doing my job.

[FUBeAR]

FYI - FU Fans...UFFP is back online...sorta

[Catamount87]

I can tell you where I would be had I engaged in post-play shenanigans on defense - cutaways and windsprints after practice.

In four years, I think I did the "safe" sign one time after making a tackle four or five yards in the backfield and got lectured about that. I cannot imagine what would have happened if I took a victory lap for doing my job.

This memory is burned into my brain.

Coach: (In a semi-quiet quizzical tone) Son, were you out there jawing it up then celebrating on the sidelines after you made that play?
Me: (In a cocky tone) Yes coach I was and did you see that run and hit?
Coach: (Full on yell) BOY, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO MAKE PLAYS! DON'T YOU EVER CELEBRATE WHEN YOU DO WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU! NOW SIT YOU @$$ DOWN, SHUT YOUR PIE HOLE AND CELEBRATE LIKE A FAN SITTING IN THE STANDS!!
I sat the rest of the game and if I uttered a word I got the death glare.

That was one serious humility lesson I learned. I never again talked trash or celebrated a routine good play. In fact, I believe the whole team learned the lesson. We never trash talked or celebrated excessively again.

[PaladinFan]

Realistically, playing iron man ball and snapping for kicks, I was too tired to do anything besides go back to the huddle. It worked out.

[walliver]

It wouldn't shock me if the offers were not full rides. I'm sure there are people out there that would opt to play football at North Greenville over Furman, Wofford, or Mercer, but I doubt there are many.

Furman has been in on a bunch of linebackers and has been locking up commits (presumped pwos) for the last few weeks. Maybe some of those available offers weren't as available this late in the game.

I say this often, but at the FCS level, a lot of recruits are interchangeable. Some are better than others, but on average, you can probably trade one 6'1 195 lbs linebacker for another at a different school. Those type of players are widely available. I think sometimes recruits assume they are probably more special than they are (not saying that is the case here, but generally). They'll wait around and that scholarship ends up going to a guy that looks and plays a whole lot like you do.

The difference between North Greenville and the others you listed is the NGU is an evangelical school - that may be something that is important to him.

[PaladinFan]

The difference between North Greenville and the others you listed is the NGU is an evangelical school - that may be something that is important to him.

Maybe. You can be an evangelical and go to Furman too.

[PaladinNation]

I got the impression… take it for what its worth - that Furman moved on - picking up Dae'one Wilikins to play OLB/Spur that would be the same position I think Shugurt could have played for the Dins.

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5506230/59ab4fb67bd31421a430a9a5

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Football Financials

These are the 2016 numbers according to the data that I extracted which is available at the US Department of Education's Equity in Athletics Data Analysis website https://ope.ed.gov/athletics/#/compare/confirm - I tried to derive a "Student Aid" number for Football-only, but I couldn't make the math work. Maybe one of you really smart peeps can figure that out and add it into the table below...

NOTE: No info there for VMI. I didn't see it included as part of #GOPMemo either...so, I guess we'll have to get a warrant to get the Keydets secrets released.



Category / TEAM
Furman
The Citadel
Samford
Wofford
Mercer
Chattanooga
ETSU
WCU
VMI


Revenue
$7,131,648
$6,602,237
$5,478,355
$4,963,325
$4,931,350
$4,361,612
$3,420,456
$3,132,692
n/a


Operating Expenses (may not include Recruiting Expense)
$647,436
$896,783
$620,194
$556,734
$747,819
$501,069
$411,683
$338,941
n/a


Revenue Less Expenses (apart from "Student Aid" Impact)
$6,484,212
$5,705,454
$4,858,161
$4,406,591
$4,183,531
$3,860,543
$3,008,773
$2,793,751
n/a



Thoughts?

[Milktruck74]

SoCon Football Financials

These are the 2016 numbers according to the data that I extracted which is available at the US Department of Education's Equity in Athletics Data Analysis website https://ope.ed.gov/athletics/#/compare/confirm - I tried to derive a "Student Aid" number for Football-only, but I couldn't make the math work. Maybe one of you really smart peeps can figure that out and add it into the table below...

NOTE: No info there for VMI. I didn't see it included as part of #GOPMemo either...so, I guess we'll have to get a warrant to get the Keydets secrets released.



Category / TEAM
Furman
The Citadel
Samford
Wofford
Mercer
Chattanooga
ETSU
WCU
VMI


Revenue
$7,131,648
$6,602,237
$5,478,355
$4,963,325
$4,931,350
$4,361,612
$3,420,456
$3,132,692
n/a


Operating Expenses (may not include Recruiting Expense)
$647,436
$896,783
$620,194
$556,734
$747,819
$501,069
$411,683
$338,941
n/a


Revenue Less Expenses (apart from "Student Aid" Impact)
$6,484,212
$5,705,454
$4,858,161
$4,406,591
$4,183,531
$3,860,543
$3,008,773
$2,793,751
n/a



Thoughts?

What is included in Operating Expenses? Team travel, uniforms, salaries? Seems a little light, when the HCs are making $200k. Just wondering.

[FUBeAR]

What is included in Operating Expenses? Team travel, uniforms, salaries? Seems a little light, when the HCs are making $200k. Just wondering. There is a separate "Tab" that deals with Coaches (Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches - numbers of and aggregate/average salaries), but no way to separate out Football. Perhaps, since they show that data on that Tab, they don't include it in the Revenue/Expenses Tab. I'm wondering now if the "Error" I was getting in trying to derive the Student Aid number could be, essentially, "Coaching Salaries." Could be....it was coming out as about 50% of the derived Student Aid numbers, which were in the 3-4.5 Million range...so, 1.5 - 2.25 Mil for Total Coaches Salaries for Football...maybe a little high...but possible, I guess.

Too much of a SWAG for me to be interested enough to go back and grind out/add those numbers....Unless someone else wants to cipher it up...for purposes of 'discussion' going forward, I think we can probably assume Coaching Salaries are NOT included in the numbers in the Table.

[Milktruck74]

There is a separate "Tab" that deals with Coaches (Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches - numbers of and aggregate/average salaries), but no way to separate out Football. Perhaps, since they show that data on that Tab, they don't include it in the Revenue/Expenses Tab. I'm wondering now if the "Error" I was getting in trying to derive the Student Aid number could be, essentially, "Coaching Salaries." Could be....it was coming out as about 50% of the derived Student Aid numbers, which were in the 3-4.5 Million range...so, 1.5 - 2.25 Mil for Total Coaches Salaries for Football...maybe a little high...but possible, I guess.

Too much of a SWAG for me to be interested enough to go back and grind out/add those numbers....Unless someone else wants to cipher it up...for purposes of 'discussion' going forward, I think we can probably assume Coaching Salaries are NOT included in the numbers in the Table.

While this seems high at first glance. Think about the total package, not just salaries...also the staff consist of more than just the coaches. Dir of Opps, Dir of Player personnel, etc... Secretaries.... IT could creep up to 1.5-2 mil pretty quickly when you are looking at 12-15 people and their benefits packages too.

[FUBeAR]

While this seems high at first glance. Think about the total package, not just salaries...also the staff consist of more than just the coaches. Dir of Opps, Dir of Player personnel, etc... Secretaries.... IT could creep up to 1.5-2 mil pretty quickly when you are looking at 12-15 people and their benefits packages too. Yeah - but that other Tab just deals with "Coaches" - Full-Time AND Part-Time - my sense is they would use the NCAA Definition of Coaches/Sport...so I would think non-Coaches Salaries would be part of the Operating Expenses that are stated.

Anyway...Would love for anyone to go back and do a better job than I did at pulling out more detailed/accurate data. Maybe there's really no value in even looking at / discussing the info we do have considering these uncertainties and the different accounting methodologies ("Oh, Yeah; we count Sodas sold, but not Popcorn because our Popcorn Man is an Independent Contractor") that each school may use....Dunno...

[Milktruck74]

It is a good snapshot. I was thinking about travel cost for a game. Figuring 60 players, coaches, equipment managers, trainers....probably 50 hotel rooms at $100 each (provided your players don't steal the phones and alarm clocks), 2 charter buses at about $1500/day each, maybe an extra van or two for the extra staff, a Uhaul for the team equipment at about $1000 (gas and rental), Food at $50/day per person ..... It probably cost $15k-20k for a road game. And I'm sure I'm not thinking of something.

[PaladinNation]

sorry to have to bring this up on AGS… but I'm having a serious UFFP withdraws and I'm getting tired of people asking me what's going on with the site. Stumpy just posted that GoDaddy lost the database… and I'm guessing Stumpy will have to rebuild the site, and he's questioning does he have the time and desire.

Furman folks are you guys with me to start a new if Stumpy decides to pull the plug?

[PaladinFan]

sorry to have to bring this up on AGS… but I'm having a serious UFFP withdraws and I'm getting tired of people asking me what's going on with the site. Stumpy just posted that GoDaddy lost the database… and I'm guessing Stumpy will have to rebuild the site, and he's questioning does he have the time and desire.

Furman folks are you guys with me to start a new if Stumpy decides to pull the plug?

Haven't the slightest clue how to do it, but I'll be there.

[FUBeAR]

sorry to have to bring this up on AGS… but I'm having a serious UFFP withdraws and I'm getting tired of people asking me what's going on with the site. Stumpy just posted that GoDaddy lost the database… and I'm guessing Stumpy will have to rebuild the site, and he's questioning does he have the time and desire.

Furman folks are you guys with me to start a new if Stumpy decides to pull the plug?Furman Hoops Coaches very thankful The UFFP is down right about now. Losing to Rival Bellhops by 8 after being up by 17 with 9 minutes to play. OUCH!

[FUGameBreaker]

Furman Hoops Coaches very thankful The UFFP is down right about now. Losing to Rival Bellhops by 8 after being up by 17 with 9 minutes to play. OUCH!


Yep, that was bad

[ElCid]

Furman Hoops Coaches very thankful The UFFP is down right about now. Losing to Rival Bellhops by 8 after being up by 17 with 9 minutes to play. OUCH!


Yep, that was bad


I am not a Hoops fan, but I turned it on right at the end of regulation to see what was going on...and enjoyed every minute of OT. I think my boys may have turned the corner. We look totally different than we did earlier in the season.

[PaladinFan]

I am not a Hoops fan, but I turned it on right at the end of regulation to see what was going on...and enjoyed every minute of OT. I think my boys may have turned the corner. We look totally different than we did earlier in the season.

Brutal to watch. The Citadel's style of play sometimes opens the door to big scoring runs, but they were hitting everything they threw up in the last two minutes. Furman scored 80 something points in regulation, which should be good enough to win most days.

[ElCid]

Brutal to watch. The Citadel's style of play sometimes opens the door to big scoring runs, but they were hitting everything they threw up in the last two minutes. Furman scored 80 something points in regulation, which should be good enough to win most days.

Yup, we went on a 30-13 run to tie. That was impressive to watch. Normally we just curl our toes up and die. Something changed the last few games. We are on a run.

[PaladinFan]

T-minus 3 days until signing day part deux.

Paladins locked in 10 early. They've got another handful that should be signing on the line this week. Fortunately, I do not think Furman is going to have to rely on nearly 30 freshmen playing this season like they did last year, so that should bode well for the depth chart.

[PaladinFan]

Eagles scored in the Super Bowl on the same goalline play Furman attempted against Wofford in Week 1 this year.

I've seen the exact same play run at least four times this season. Furman was the only team that didn't score a touchdown. Dah!

[FUBeAR]

FWIW - Here are the current 247Sports Football Recruiting/Rankings for the SoCon...



247 FCS Rank
Team
247 Points
Total # of Players
3-Star Players
Average Player Rank


18
Furman
34.46
5
0
77.11


23
Chattanooga
30.22
3
2
80.17


24
Mercer
30.14
3
1
80.13


26
Western Carolina
28.54
3
1
79.59


32
Citadel
24.53
2
2
82.29


61
Wofford
8.92
2
0
74.47


67
Samford
7.42
1
0
77.42



NOTE 1: ETSU & VMI 'not pictured' - I guess they don't have any Commits/Signees that are tracked by 247
NOTE 2: The SoCon has no "4 or 5 Star" Commits/Signees

[PaladinFan]

Does that take into account those "already in the boat?"

[FUBeAR]

Does that take into account those "already in the boat?"Yes...IF they have a profile on 247.

[PaladinNation]

Does that take into account those "already in the boat?"

I think it does, those ranked… as a minimum 2 star.

It doesn't include, the three transfers, with 247 ratings.

Amir Trapp - Clemson transfer 3star 0.8069
Cooper Hardin - Navy transfer 2 star 0.7954 - just missed being a 3 star
Melton Brown - GSU transfer 2 star 0.7824

To those signed or committed Hamp Sisson is the highest rated 2 star 7.903
Just to show how skewed this stuff is Darren Grainger considered by many to be the jewel of the recruiting class.
His ding is he's only played quarterback one year, this season. His film speaks for itself… getting a 6-4 185 athlete of his ability is a great get. http://www.hudl.com/profile/4722301/Darren-Grainger

[FUBeAR]

I think it does, those ranked… as a minimum 2 star.

Don't have to have any "Stars" to be included in a Teams rankings. Many Players on 247 have 0 "Stars."

Do have to have a Player Profile on there and the Peeps at 247 have to have put the Signee/Commit/Transfer into the right "bucket."

[JSUSoutherner]

Eagles scored in the Super Bowl on the same goalline play Furman attempted against Wofford in Week 1 this year.

I've seen the exact same play run at least four times this season. Furman was the only team that didn't score a touchdown. Dah!
The direct snap HB pass?

[PaladinNation]

true dat… I was just going by the fact that 247 has Furman ranked 18 with 5 players… no 3 stars.
When you got to Furman commits… those five are the players 247 has given stars.
Furman has several others committed that are listed on 247… Travis Blackshear no stars.

[PaladinFan]

The direct snap HB pass?

That's the one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99VNGCU18Rs&t=191s

Go to 8:07 mark. The only difference really is that I think the Eagles had the TE in the backfield and he threw the pass instead of the WR. Furman's freshman RT just seemed to run right by the LDE for Wofford, who blew the play up.

Same play, though.

[PaladinFan]

I think it does, those ranked… as a minimum 2 star.

It doesn't include, the three transfers, with 247 ratings.

Amir Trapp - Clemson transfer 3star 0.8069
Cooper Hardin - Navy transfer 2 star 0.7954 - just missed being a 3 star
Melton Brown - GSU transfer 2 star 0.7824

To those signed or committed Hamp Sisson is the highest rated 2 star 7.903
Just to show how skewed this stuff is Darren Grainger considered by many to be the jewel of the recruiting class.
His ding is he's only played quarterback one year, this season. His film speaks for itself… getting a 6-4 185 athlete of his ability is a great get. http://www.hudl.com/profile/4722301/Darren-Grainger

I'm in the minority, but I still think Grainger is going to play the WR/TE hybrid for Furman. He didn't run a very sophisticated HS offense, which seemed to be largely reliant on just "out-atheleting" teams. It will be fun to see where he goes with some coaching.

You watch his film, and you see a lot of Tyrie Adams, who is a little shorter but similarly built. I also see a lot of Terrell Robinson, the former WR/QB player for UTC who just went bonkers on defenses once the UTC coaching staff decided just to stick him at WR.

[Milktruck74]

I'll try and stay on topic.... SoCon players, recruiting.... So, JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED and TO becomes the first Moc to be enshrined in Canton. TO was not the highest regarded recruit in the Mocs 1992 class, he wasn't even the highest regarded Mocs recruit from his own HS that year. The Mocs coaching staff had a commitment from Derek Hall from the same HS and decided to offer a very athletic (but not as refined) Teammate (TO) of Hall's. They drove down to watch a BB game and make the offer (back then it was pretty much all done in person). On the way back HC Buddy Nix recalled being told by his asst coach, "Derek will help us next year, but we may see that other kid play on Sundays." And he was right. TO was a show boat (which is funny, because I never really saw that as his teammate), but there in no denying his talent. Not being voted in on the first ballot is absolutely ridiculous. Congrats to my Teammate, congrats to Chattanooga, and all this recruiting and stars is pretty pointless. How many Stars did Wentz have? I also had another teammate from Fork Union that didn't have too many stars in HS, but he managed to pull down 3 SoCon Defensive POY honors along with a pair of Buchanan Awards during his tenure at App State.

[FUGameBreaker]

Furman forum is back up guys, sorta

http://migration.theuffp.com/smf/index.php

[PaladinFan]

I'll try and stay on topic.... SoCon players, recruiting.... So, JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERVED and TO becomes the first Moc to be enshrined in Canton. TO was not the highest regarded recruit in the Mocs 1992 class, he wasn't even the highest regarded Mocs recruit from his own HS that year. The Mocs coaching staff had a commitment from Derek Hall from the same HS and decided to offer a very athletic (but not as refined) Teammate (TO) of Hall's. They drove down to watch a BB game and make the offer (back then it was pretty much all done in person). On the way back HC Buddy Nix recalled being told by his asst coach, "Derek will help us next year, but we may see that other kid play on Sundays." And he was right. TO was a show boat (which is funny, because I never really saw that as his teammate), but there in no denying his talent. Not being voted in on the first ballot is absolutely ridiculous. Congrats to my Teammate, congrats to Chattanooga, and all this recruiting and stars is pretty pointless. How many Stars did Wentz have? I also had another teammate from Fork Union that didn't have too many stars in HS, but he managed to pull down 3 SoCon Defensive POY honors along with a pair of Buchanan Awards during his tenure at App State.

I have found the stars on a player to be just slightly more useful than "completely useless."

A lot of kids look like animals in high school against lesser competition. Those same kids get really mediocre really quickly when lined up against players as big, as strong, and as fast as they are.

I say this a bunch, but I think most FCS players are largely interchangeable. Many are superb high school athletes and football players, but I do not think there is much difference between one player from School A and a similarly sized and skilled player from School B. In my view, the goal is to get these guys into the program and let coaching take over. Good coaching makes a world of difference.

In my opinion, you want a class with a lot of quality players. Maybe you can land a raw talent from a market inefficiency. Find a guy or two that is overlooked, undersized, whatever, but is truly a stellar talent. Players like Jayson Foster and Armanti Edwards and even Terrell Owens were misfits of sorts. Beyond that, find the top players on really good high school programs. Team captains. All State and All Region players. You get a lot of those guys and a diamond in the rough, you've got a pretty stellar class in my book.

[Milktruck74]

I have found the stars on a player to be just slightly more useful than "completely useless."

A lot of kids look like animals in high school against lesser competition. Those same kids get really mediocre really quickly when lined up against players as big, as strong, and as fast as they are.

I say this a bunch, but I think most FCS players are largely interchangeable. Many are superb high school athletes and football players, but I do not think there is much difference between one player from School A and a similarly sized and skilled player from School B. In my view, the goal is to get these guys into the program and let coaching take over. Good coaching makes a world of difference.

In my opinion, you want a class with a lot of quality players. Maybe you can land a raw talent from a market inefficiency. Find a guy or two that is overlooked, undersized, whatever, but is truly a stellar talent. Players like Jayson Foster and Armanti Edwards and even Terrell Owens were misfits of sorts. Beyond that, find the top players on really good high school programs. Team captains. All State and All Region players. You get a lot of those guys and a diamond in the rough, you've got a pretty stellar class in my book.


I guess STARS are a snapshot, but ultimately they are just an opinion and they are a moving target. When he was at Chattanooga (and I'm sure now too) Will Healy would lobby the Stats and Rivals folks to get the stars bumped up on recruits so the class looked better. Not a bad strategy, but does it impact the W-L record? I've also said I would rather have a 1 star guy that is a hard working, coachable kid with a ton of heart, over a 3 or 4 star that is resting on his laurels. Sometimes (and often times in FCS) the FIT is much more important than the number of stars.

[ericsaid]

I guess STARS are a snapshot, but ultimately they are just an opinion and they are a moving target. When he was at Chattanooga (and I'm sure now too) Will Healy would lobby the Stats and Rivals folks to get the stars bumped up on recruits so the class looked better. Not a bad strategy, but does it impact the W-L record? I've also said I would rather have a 1 star guy that is a hard working, coachable kid with a ton of heart, over a 3 or 4 star that is resting on his laurels. Sometimes (and often times in FCS) the FIT is much more important than the number of stars.

That could be the case with anyone. Appalachian hasn't had a top ranking class in the Sun Belt or G5 of FBS yet continuously produce to levels at the top of the conference and of the G5 conferences. Georgia Southern has been an even better example; many of their recruits are not highly regarded by recruiting services, especially their lineman, but their scheme allows them to be successful, despite their supposed lack of talent. FCS is even more impacted by this; North Dakota State regularly defeats P5 teams, even if those P5 teams are bottom dwellers, while having a significant lack of star power.

The problem for the SoCon currently is the lack of power at the top. The vacuum left by App and Southern has not been filled by anyone other than North Dakota State and JMU, rather than someone in conference.

[PaladinFan]

That could be the case with anyone. Appalachian hasn't had a top ranking class in the Sun Belt or G5 of FBS yet continuously produce to levels at the top of the conference and of the G5 conferences. Georgia Southern has been an even better example; many of their recruits are not highly regarded by recruiting services, especially their lineman, but their scheme allows them to be successful, despite their supposed lack of talent. FCS is even more impacted by this; North Dakota State regularly defeats P5 teams, even if those P5 teams are bottom dwellers, while having a significant lack of star power.

The problem for the SoCon currently is the lack of power at the top. The vacuum left by App and Southern has not been filled by anyone other than North Dakota State and JMU, rather than someone in conference.

I don't think App State and GSU left a "vacuum." Everyone knew that the conference shake ups a few years ago were going to cause instability. We expected it, and it came. The departure of those two programs coincided with another historically strong program, Furman, being as bad as they have been in decades.

I do think you will see the universe right itself a bit in 2018. I expect the SoCon will be as strong as it has been since probably 2012. Most of the conference teams return a bunch of talent. I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 3 teams (Furman, Samford, Wofford) begin ranked in the top 15.

I do think the perceived vacuum as at least a little bit to do with regionalization in the post season. Instead of SoCon teams facing one another in the semi-finals (like 2001, 2005), they are facing one another in the second round.

[PaladinFan]

Well, Dino Hackett's son is officially a Paladin. http://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2018-19/bios/hackett_jax_k63b?view=bio

[PaladinNation]

Well, Dino Hackett's son is officially a Paladin. http://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2018-19/bios/hackett_jax_k63b?view=bio

I believe he chose Furman over Coastal… kinda a weird relationship between Furman and APP.
Bobby Lambs son plays for APP. Lamb of course was a big Furman hero as a player and sometimes as a coach ;-)
Dino Hacketts son signs with Furman. Hackett was a stud for APP and had a very good NFL career.

Also more good news - Furman gets both of it's committed QB's signed.
Darren Grainger - 6-4 190 Conway, SC
Hamp Sisson - 6-0 185 Mountain Brook, AL

btw… Sisson's high school numbers playing for a 7A team in Alabama. That's big time football.
Completed 321-of-485 passes for 5,845 yards and 43 touchdowns in his career.
Served as a team captain.
Fashioned a stellar 2017 season, passing for 2,451 yards and 18 TDs, completing 131-of-198 passes (66.1%).

didn't mean to leave out Grainger stats, only played QB this season: .connected on 120-of-233 passes for 2,125 yards and 18 touchdowns, and rushed 115 times for 641 yards and four scores.

[PaladinFan]

I had not seen Sisson's numbers, but those are pretty impressive stats. In Furman's offense, a guy that can throw for a high completion percentage and run a bit is going to be a tough guy to stop.

If memory serves, he has an almost identical build to Blazejowski when he was signed out of high school.

[FUBeAR]

As of 11:00 AM Eastern today, here is 247's Rankings of the SoCon Recruiting Classes...FWIW... https://247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/CompositeTeamRankings?Conference=Southern

OBVIOUSLY - not all signees are included and 247 does not do a very good job of even getting the Players they do have in their system to the right school...but it's something...I guess



Rank
Team
Total # of Players
# of 3 Star Players
# of 2 Star Players
Avg Rating
247 Points


1

Chattanooga
11
5
6
79.42
89.73


2
Mercer
10
4
6
79.06
80.24


3
WCU
4
2
2
80.23
40.25


4
Furman
5
0
5
77.11
34.46


5
Citadel
2
2
0
82.29
24.53


6
Samford
2
0
2
77.42
14.79


7
Wofford
2
0
2
74.47
8.92



* NOTE 1: No info listed for ETSU or VMI.
* NOTE 2: No 4 or 5 Star Players shown
* NOTE 3: Not sure how 247 came up with the Total # of Players shown on the overall SoCon list. They have varying numbers of Players in different categories and the counts of which ones they are/are not counting don't match up with any consistency (that I could determine) across the various Teams.
* NOTE 4: I counted the number of 2-Star Players shown on each Team's Full list, regardless of the category to which they are currently assigned by 247, and added that number to the table above

[walliver]

As of 11:00 AM Eastern today, here is 247's Rankings of the SoCon Recruiting Classes...FWIW... https://247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/CompositeTeamRankings?Conference=Southern

OBVIOUSLY - not all signees are included and 247 does not do a very good job of even getting the Players they do have in their system to the right school...but it's something...I guess



Rank
Team
Total # of Players
# of 3 Star Players
# of 2 Star Players
Avg Rating
247 Points


1
Chattanooga
11
5
6
79.42
89.73


2
Mercer
10
4
6
79.06
80.24


3
WCU
4
2
2
80.23
40.25


4
Furman
5
0
5
77.11
34.46


5
Citadel
2
2
0
82.29
24.53


6
Samford
2
0
2
77.42
14.79


7
Wofford
2
0
2
74.47
8.92



* NOTE 1: No info listed for ETSU or VMI.
* NOTE 2: No 4 or 5 Star Players shown
* NOTE 3: Not sure how 247 came up with the Total # of Players shown on the overall SoCon list. They have varying numbers of Players in different categories and the counts of which ones they are/are not counting don't match up with any consistency (that I could determine) across the various Teams.
* NOTE 4: I counted the number of 2-Star Players shown on each Team's Full list, regardless of the category to which they are currently assigned by 247, and added that number to the table above

Back in the late 1990's and early 2000's, Chattanooga and WCU would routinely have the "highest rated" SoCon classes year after year and still struggle to win 4 or 5 games between the two.

Once you get beyond the P5 recruits, "stars" are not particularly helpful. Do you really think your Bears are going to stomp your Pukes in the next few years? After all, their recruiting class would seem to be twice as good.

[FUBeAR]

Back in the late 1990's and early 2000's, Chattanooga and WCU would routinely have the "highest rated" SoCon classes year after year and still struggle to win 4 or 5 games between the two.

Once you get beyond the P5 recruits, "stars" are not particularly helpful. Do you really think your Bears are going to stomp your Pukes in the next few years? After all, their recruiting class would seem to be twice as good.

I think you would be better served by leading the push for appointment of a special counsel to investigate collusion/influence in the recent retirement/hiring of your Head Football Coaches than worrying about Recruiting in Travelers Rest and Maconga. :)

[Milktruck74]

Well, Dino Hackett's son is officially a Paladin. http://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-footbl/2018-19/bios/hackett_jax_k63b?view=bio


Dino's son played with HS with my Nephew (actually since about 5th grade)....Not surprising he chose Furman over being a legacy at App. two reasons: 1. He is a Solid FCS kid, probably not FBS (and dad knows it and gives good advice). 2. He is a pretty academic kid, so Furple gives him a considerable advantage in that realm over ASU.

[FUBeAR]

Speaking of Mercer's and Furman's Signing Classes...here they are...with some additional 247 Info...where available & FWIW...







FURMAN





247 Info









Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)
# of Stars

Rating


Position
National
Rank


Overall
State
Rank



Devin Abrams
RB
6-1
205
Pensacola, Fla. (West Florida)










Dejuan Bell

WR

5-9

160

North Augusta, S.C. (North Augusta)










Cameron Coleman

NG
6-3

285
Elizabethton, Tenn. (Elizabethton)
2
0.7842
114
75


Braden Gilby

ILB

6-2

220
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jesuit)










Jonah Griffin

DB
5-11

180

Savannah, Ga. (Benedictine Military School)










Louis Hall

WR

6-0

180
Canton, Ga. (Woodstock)










Taylor Hodge

DT
5-9
255
Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek)










Ryan Miller

TE
6-1
205
Jackson, Tenn. (University School of Jackson)
2
0.7580
260
113


Anderson Tomlin

OT
6-5
275
Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook)










Corey Watkins

TB
5-9
185
Evans, Ga. (Evans)
2
0.7597
210
287


*Melton Brown

DE
6-3

260

Louisville, Ga. (Jefferson County/Georgia Southern)
2*
0.7842*
125*
298*


*Cooper Hardin

RB
6-1
225
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Farragut/Navy)
2*
0.7954*
96*
57*


*Amir Trapp

CB/RS
5-8
170
Clemson, S.C. (Daniel/Clemson)
3**
0.8069**
161**
28**


Travis Blackshear

CB

5-10

175

Savannah, Ga. (Benedictine Military School)











Darren Grainger

QB

6-4

190

Conway, S.C. (Conway High School)











Jax Hackett

ILB

6-2

205

Greensboro, N.C. (Southeast Guilford High School)











Zach Peterson

WR

6-2

180

Roswell, Ga. (Wesleyan School)











Hamp Sisson

QB

6-0

185

Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook High School)

2
0.7903
87
91


Dae'one Wilkins

S

6-0

200

Spring Hope, N.C. (Southern Nash High School)






* 2017 Ratings/Rankings
** 2015 Ratings/Rankings




MERCER








247 Info








Player
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Previous School)
# of Stars
Rating

Position
National
Rank


Overall
State
Rank



Tyrese Cohen
OL
6-4
310
Aiken, S.C. (Midland Valley)










DeMond Ellison
WR
6-3
212
Canton, Ga. (Cherokee)
3
0.8299
230
153


Collin Foster
OL
6-3
258
Buford, Ga. (Lanier)










Gavan George
OL
6-5
270
McDonough, Ga. (Eagle's Landing Christian Academy)
2
0.7497
298
301


Coby Germany
DL
6-2
253
Grovetown, Ga. (Evans)
2
0.7943
166
225


Isaiah Goolsby
OL
6-4
330
Macon, Ga. (Southwest)










Bryce Lawrence
QB
6-3
200
McDonough, Ga. (Olal)
3
0.8054
72
192


D.J. McDaniel
DL
6-1
262
Indian Trail, N.C. (Porter Ridge)










Xavier Perkins
DL
6-2
240
Atlanta, Ga. (Druid Hills)










Kareem Rogers
RB
5-11
182
Stockbridge, Ga. (Woodland)
2
0.7798
177
264


Kermit Solomon
DB
6-2
176
Albany, Ga. (Lee County)
2
0.7597
241
294


D.Q. Wilkerson
DB
6-0
185
LaGrange, Ga. (Callaway)
2
0.7853
203
249


Brandon Mays
WR
6-0
175
Irwinton, Ga. (Wilkinson County)










Brandon Shelnutt
TE
6-4
245
Lawrenceville, Ga. (Archer)
3
0.8054
94
196


DJ Bullard
OLB
6-3
220
Seminole, Fl. (Osceola)
2
0.7697
158
450


Tony Jones
WR
6-0
180
Fairburn, Ga. (Langston Hughes)
3
0.8265
244
161


Michael Campbell
CB
6-0
170
Darien, Ga. (McIntosh County Academy)






David Durden_____WR__6-0__200_Midville, Ga. (Emmanuel County Institute/Boston Red Sox)

[Milktruck74]

The Mocs rankings are led by two outstanding gets... Both 3 stars (I know its means nothing, but)... WR Genuine Potts from Powder Spring Ga and PROBABLY the highest rated recruit to ever sign with Chattanooga a NG Josh Walker out of IMG Academy in FL. Not sure who promised what to Josh, but he chose the Mocs over Many P5 schools. He actually De-committed from Arizona to be a Moc. Excited to watch this guy clog the middle for the next few years!!!! I really think he comes in and plays right away.

[FUBeAR]

The Mocs rankings are led by two outstanding gets... Both 3 stars (I know its means nothing, but)... WR Genuine Potts from Powder Spring Ga and PROBABLY the highest rated recruit to ever sign with Chattanooga a NG Josh Walker out of IMG Academy in FL. Not sure who promised what to Josh, but he chose the Mocs over Many P5 schools. He actually De-committed from Arizona to be a Moc. Excited to watch this guy clog the middle for the next few years!!!! I really think he comes in and plays right away.

Haven't see Walker's vid, but I really liked what I saw from Potts. I think Mercer offered him; not sure about Furman. So...FU to Chatt for landing him! Most of those kids from McEachern tend to pan out pretty well too. Head Coach there does a nice job. Plus, I would just like having a Player on my Team named Gen-U-INE!

[PaladinNation]

I had not seen Sisson's numbers, but those are pretty impressive stats. In Furman's offense, a guy that can throw for a high completion percentage and run a bit is going to be a tough guy to stop.

If memory serves, he has an almost identical build to Blazejowski when he was signed out of high school.

Maybe the best numbers for Sisson: 4.0 GPA 35 ACT have seem it reported as 36 ACT.

I think your right Sisson and Blaze are very similar in size. My fan-view of Sisson is he's a very polished high school quarterback, Blaze was flashy on his high school film, Sisson is a technician.

[Milktruck74]

Haven't see Walker's vid, but I really liked what I saw from Potts. I think Mercer offered him; not sure about Furman. So...FU to Chatt for landing him! Most of those kids from McEachern tend to pan out pretty well too. Head Coach there does a nice job. Plus, I would just like having a Player on my Team named Gen-U-INE!

Def the Moc's nominee forName of the year!!!

[Catamount87]

Back in the late 1990's and early 2000's, Chattanooga and WCU would routinely have the "highest rated" SoCon classes year after year and still struggle to win 4 or 5 games between the two.

Once you get beyond the P5 recruits, "stars" are not particularly helpful. Do you really think your Bears are going to stomp your Pukes in the next few years? After all, their recruiting class would seem to be twice as good.

If we had $1 every time it was said we had one of the highest rated SoCon and/or FCS recruiting classes our coffers would be overflowing. Good grief that #$%^ Wagner that we had as a coach would have these "highly rated" classes that ended up being 2-9 and 1-10 teams. So, I think I can speak for every Catamount fan and say we put almost zero stock in recruiting class ratings.

[kdinva]

VMI Signings; 7 Feb. (maybe 3 more this month?)

http://www.vmikeydets.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=43765&SPID=3895&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211696290&DB_OEM_ID=9800


Korey Bridy, RB, 6-0, 185, Chesterfield, Va. (Monacan)
Ethan Caselberry, OLB, 6-4, 190, Sparkman, Ala. (Sparkman)
DJ Dennis, DB, 5-11, 180, Stafford, Va. (Colonial Forge)
Syour Fludd, QB, 6-1, 185, Richmond, Va. (Monacan)
Marshall Gill, OL/DL, 6-4, 275, West Point, Va. (West Point)
Jakob Herres, WR/TE, 6-4, 195, Easton, Pa. (Easton Area)
Michael Jackson, WR, 6-2, 170, Henrico, Va. (J.R Tucker)
Liam Kauthen, ILB, 6-1, 200, Fredericksburg, Va. (Colonial Forge)
Jalen Moore, OL, 6-3, 275, Axton, Va. (Tunstall Sr.)
Tim Smith, SAF, 6-3, 185, Fort Mill, S.C. (Nation Ford)
Jon Tobin, TE, 6-4, 210, Forest, Va. (Jefferson Forest)
Eric Weaver, DL, 6-3, 290, Fort Meade, Md. (Meade)
Khalil Woods, OLB, 6-4, 205, Linden, N.J. (Linden)

[The Cats]

2018 WCU CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL INCOMING CLASS:



UPDATED
NAME
POS.
HT.
WT.
HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS SCHOOL)


Dec. 20, 2017
Chris Campbell (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124134.jpeg)
OLB
6-1
225 lbs.
Vanceboro, N.C. (West Craven HS)


Dec. 20, 2017
Devlin Olawumi Jr. (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124123.jpeg)
OLB
6-0
195 lbs.
Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake HS)


Dec. 20, 2017
D.J. Atkins (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124144.jpeg)
RB
5-9
160 lbs.
Hogansville, Ga. (Callaway HS)


Dec. 20, 2017
A.J. Curry (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124133.jpeg)
QB
6-5
205 lbs.
Mt. Airy, Ga. (Habersham Central HS)


Dec. 22, 2017
Mahari Stribling (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124135.jpeg)
WR
6-3
180 lbs.
Loganville, Ga. (Grayson HS)


Jan. 16, 2018
Brandon Bawn (Jr.) (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124122.jpeg)
S
6-1
195 lbs.
Macon, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Rutland HS)


Jan. 16, 2018
Nate Mullen (R-Jr.) (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124132.jpeg)
WR
5-9
170 lbs.
Harrisburg, N.C. (Charlotte / Hickory Ridge HS)


8:29 am
Clayton Bardall (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124149.jpeg)
TE
6-3
220 lbs.
Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth HS)


8:34 am
Charles Gadie (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124148.jpeg)
DB
5-9
165 lbs.
Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County HS)


8:47 am
Garrett Bowman (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124153.jpeg)
OL
6-4
240 lbs.
Arab, Ala. (Arab HS)


8:50 am
K.J. Milner (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124181.jpeg)
DL
6-4
240 lbs.
Hinesville, Ga. (Bradwell Institute)


8:54 am
Alex McConnell (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124138.jpeg)
OL
6-4
245 lbs.
Boone, N.C. (Watauga HS)


9:00 am
Trevon Poole (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124182.jpeg)
DL
6-2
270 lbs.
Cincinnati, Ohio (Winton Woods HS)


9:05 am
Angel Rivera (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124180.jpeg)
OLB
6-2
220 lbs.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)


9:05 am
A.J. Rogers (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124187.jpeg)
DB
6-0
170 lbs.
Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)


9:09 am
Jarquavius Wortham (Jr.) (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124188.jpeg)
LB
6-1
220 lbs.
LaGrange, Ga. (Georgia Military College / Callaway HS)


9:35 am
Kalen Allen (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124210.jpeg)
LB
6-0
230 lbs.
Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek HS)


9:35 am
Ronald Kent Jr. (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124208.jpeg)
DB
5-10
170 lbs.
Harrisburg, Pa. (Harrisburg HS)


9:35 am
Torrion Stevenson (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124209.jpeg)
DL
6-1
315 lbs.
Branchville, S.C. (Branchville HS)


9:45 am
Tyler Smith (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124211.jpeg)
OL
6-6
275 lbs.
Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County HS)


10:38 am
Luke Britt (http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wcar/sports/m-footbl/auto_original/10124272.jpeg)
TE
6-6
210 lbs.
Calypso, N.C. (North Duplin HS)

[ElCid]

The Citadel current list. Includes two ESPN Top 100 (#48 and 91), three star, RBs. Although I shrug at star ratings. Looks like a promising bunch. Still some work going on apparently.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/playerrankings/_/position/runningback/class/2018/view/position

2018 CITADEL FOOTBALL SIGNEES

http://citadelsports.com/news/2018/2/6/-nsd18-2018-citadel-football-signing-class.aspx

Jaylan Adams DB 5-10 165 Johnson City, Tenn.
Science Hill High School

Chris Beverly DB 5-10 181 Tallahassee, Fla. Wakulla High School

Marquise Blount DE 6-3 223 Charlotte, N.C. Vance High School

Joshua Bowers DB 5-10 172 New Port Richey, Fla. East Lake High School

Matthew Campbell K/P 6-1 227 Dacula, Ga. Mill Creek High School

Caleb Deveaux LB 6-1 213 Waxhaw, N.C. Marvin Ridge High School

Tyrell Earl OL 6-3 295 Lawrenceville, Ga. Central Gwinnett High School

Kyler Estes* LB 6-2 220 Tallahassee, Fla. North Florida Christian

Clay Harris RB 6-0 203 Atlanta, Ga. Norcross High School

Mason Kinsey DE 6-2 228 Arlington, Texas Mansfield Legacy

Destin Mack DB 195 195 Macon, Ga. Tattnall Square High School

Javonte Middleton QB 6-0 180 Savannah, Ga. H.V. Jenkins High School

Nkem Njoku* RB 5-10 195 Hampton, Ga. St. Pius X Catholic

Emeka Nwanze RB 6-0 215 John's Creek, Ga. Centennial High School

Von Ramsey DB 5-11 190 Hodges, S.C. Greenwood High School

Johnathan Toole OL 6-1 287 Spring, Texas Klein Collins High School

Keefe White RB 5-11 190 Montgomery, Ala. Montgomery Academy

[PaladinFan]

Hat tip to Wolfpacker for pointing this out (it may have been mentioned, but I'm too lazy to find it).

In this recruiting class (including transfers), Furman brings in another 6 guys that are track sprinters (Blackshear, Wilkins, Trapp, Bell, Griffin, Watkins).

Ryan Miller, who is ticketed for the Paladins hybrid TE/WR position, is a high jumper.

[Milktruck74]

Mocs Class looks strong!!!! Genuine Potts looked to be the top get of the class....but Josh Walker is actually the 3rd highest FCS signee this year, per 247sports.



Time
Signee
Highlights
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Last School)


7:28 a.m.
Ty Boeck (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6349)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3761)


LB
6-2
215
Soddy Daisy, Tenn. (Soddy Daisy HS)


8:34 a.m.
Ben Brewton (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6350)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3763)
OLB
6-4
220
Savannah, Ga. (Beach HS)


9:49 a.m.
Zach Fox (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6352)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3762)
OL
6-4
265
Decatur, Ala. (Austin HS)


10:25 a.m.
Josh Walker (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6353)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3757)
DT
6-1
305
Carrollton, Ga. [IMG Academy (Fla.)]


10:44 a.m.
CaMiron Smith (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6355)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3766)
DB
5-9
175
Cedar Hill, Texas (Trinity Christian)


10:45 a.m.
Chandon Page (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6356)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3767)
DL
6-2
305
Nashville, Tenn. (Pearl-Cohn HS)


11:02 a.m.
Dre Butler (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6357)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3753)
OLB
6-5
245
Covington, Ga. (Newton HS)


11:10 a.m.
Tavi McLean (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6358)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3759)
DL
6-3
255
Lewisburg, Tenn. (Marshall County HS)


1:11 p.m.
Genuine Potts (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6359)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3755)
WR
6-3
200
Powder Springs, Ga. (McEachern HS)


December Signees


Time
Signee
Highlights
Pos
Ht
Wt
Hometown (Last School)


8:06 a.m.
Nyvin Nelson (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6265&path=)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3691)


LB
6-0
220
Cartersville, Ga. (Cartersville HS)


8:23 a.m.
Harrison Moon (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6264)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3689)
OL
6-5
290
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Mississippi St.)


8:23 a.m.
Logan Pitts (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6266)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3692)
TE
6-2
210
Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville, Ala.)


8:41 a.m.
T.J. Horton (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6262)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3688)
WR
6-3
175
Cartersville, Ga. (Cartersville HS)


10:07 a.m.
Simon Miskelley (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6263)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3690)
LB
6-1
210
Trussville, Ala. (Hewitt-Trussville, Ala.)


12:13 p.m.
Isaiah Cobb (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6258)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3684)
RB
6-0
200
Maryville, Tenn (Maryville HS)


1:15 p.m.
Dylan Cole (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6259)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3684)
OL
6-4
280
Dalton, Ga. (Dalton HS)


1:30 p.m.
Kohl Henke (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6261)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3684)
DB
6-2
195
Chattanooga, Tenn. (Boyd-Buchanan HS)


1:45 p.m.
Lameric Tucker (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6267)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3694)
WR
5-11
170
Cleveland, Tenn. (Bradley Central HS)


1:50 p.m.
Josiah Futral (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6260)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch/?Archive=3686)
RB
6-0
200
Marietta, Ga. (Kell HS)


3:45 p.m.
Chris James (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6268)

QB
6-3
215
Ellijay, Ga. (Hutchinson (Kan.) CC)


5:00 p.m.
Mychal Austin (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6257)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch?Archive=3682)
DL
6-2
250
Apopka, Fla. (Apopka HS)


8:00 p.m.
Tyrell Price (http://gomocs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6269)
http://graphics.fansonly.com/schools/okla/graphics/auto/tiny_video_icon.gif (http://www.gomocs.com/watch?Archive=3693)
RB
6-0
220
Abbeville, Miss. (East Mississippi CC)



Quick Notes on Chattanooga's 2018 Recruiting Class

- Three-star recruit (6) – Austin, Henke, Moon, Pitts, Potts, Walker.
- Most three-star recruits in one signing class ... previous high was three in 2014 and 2016.

- Two-star recruit (5) – Cobb, McLean, Nelson, Smith, Tucker.
- Second-most two and three-star recruits combined in one class ... 12 in 2013 is the record.

- With Academic Honors (10) – Boeck, Boring, Burks, Cole, Fox, Henke, Smith, Moon, Page, Potts.
- Tied for the most Academic Honors in one class ... set in 2011, 2014 and 2015.

- All-State (16) – Boeck, Boring, Brewton, Burks, Cobb, Cole, Futral, Henke, McLean, Miskelley, Moon, Page, Pitts, Smith, Tucker, Walker.
- Most all-state signees in one class ... previous high was 12 in 2014.

- State Champions (6) – Austin, Cobb, Horton, Moon, Nelson, Smith.
- Most signees with at least one state title in their careers in one signing class.

[bonarae]

ETSU has 24 signees, including a couple of ex-Temple players transferring down xeekx

http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/



Time
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Hometown/Previous School
Highlights


--
Nate Adkins (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9716/nate-adkins/)
TE
6'3"
220
Knoxville, Tenn. (Bearden HS)
Click Here (http://www.hudl.com/profile/4529699/Nate-Adkins)


--
Cam Lewis (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9714/cam-lewis/)
QB
6'3"
200
McDonough, Ga. (Eagle’s Landing HS)
Click Here (http://www.hudl.com/profile/6133496/Cameron-Lewis)


--
Kendell Wright (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9717/kendell-wright/)
DL
6'4"
285
Indianola, Miss. (Copiah-Lincoln CC)
Click Here (http://www.hudl.com/profile/4691365/Kendell-Wright)


7:11
Donovan Manuel (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9718/donovan-manuel/)
LB
6'1"
195
Ellenwood, Ga. (Stockbridge HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3958467/59cfb32c42066a0e345d3289)


7:46
Will Huzzie (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9719/will-huzzie/)
WR
6'3"
185
Duluth, Ga. (Duluth HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4119045/59fb0a86578dd031ec2c4086)


8:09
Juliun Lane (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9720/juliun-lane/)
DB
6'2"
180
Mosheim, Tenn. (West Greene HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4094735/5a1db70d0c5eb30f008edb68)


8:18
Javion Heard (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9721/javion-heard/)
DE
6'2"
245
Monroe, Ga. (Monroe Area HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5645029/59ba94bd9676d6239c0e9c14)


8:30
Dilan Henderson (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9722/dilan-henderson/)
ATH
5'11"
185
Pinson, Ala. (Pinson Valley HS)
Click Here (https://ww.hudl.com/video/3/5261919/59d19f005eec56112c12698b)


8:59
Quinn Smith (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9723/quinn-smith/)
DB
5'10"
175
Cincinnati, Ohio (Winton Woods HS)
Click Here (https://ww.hudl.com/video/3/4083964/59c99b6615f5c7240c5cabc7)


9:42
Desi Lester Jr. (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9724/desi-lester-jr/)
WR
6'1"
160
Vienna, Ga. (Dooly County HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5644403/5a027ef902b19a1e8854a17b)


9:49
Jalyn Williams (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9725/jalyn-williams/)
RB
5'9"
170
Swainsboro, Ga. (Swainsboro HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6018280/59cbd7854797642b28e637d1)


9:51
Dru Bowens (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9726/dru-bowens/)
OLB/DE
6'4"
210
Palm Coast, Fla. (Matanzas HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4127130/59ff3272bd74db0f1873212d)


9:55
Cason Setzekorn (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9727/cason-setzekorn/)
OL
6'6"
285
Gainesville, Ga. (Fork Union Military Academy)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9994471/59f38d79ff01a7071cae8dca)


10:40
Nick Rideout (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9728/nick-rideout/)
OL
6'4"
300
Greeneville, Tenn. (Greeneville HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4575587/5a2736b6b019f617acd779ed)


10:41
Chandlor Mullins (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9729/chandlor-mullins/)
LS
6'0"
315
Elizabethton, Tenn. (Elizabethton HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6297493/5a1cd8615eed910e041ad0aa)


10:52
Dawson Pierson (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9730/dawson-pierson/)
OL
6'2"
260
Kingsport, Tenn. (Dobyns Bennett HS)
Click Here (https://ywww.hudl.com/video/3/4518775/5a09c49cff0bc80ff8cfcd9c)


10:52
Caman Cody (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9731/caman-cody/)
OL/DL
6'2"
260
Dandridge, Tenn. (Jefferson County HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8896795/599c1e210660a61c888f63b5)


10:55
Logan Bowers (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9732/logan-bowers/)
P/K
5'10"
185
Knoxville, Tenn. (Knox West HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5163818/59da5a16bd6aed0bc8f274aa)


12:41
MJ Woods (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9733/mj-woods/)
DB
6'1"
195
Seale, Ala. (Central HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4748735/5a1d77350c5eb30f008ebbe8)


12:56
Jacob Saylors (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9735/jacob-saylors/)
DB
5'11"
190
Jasper, Tenn. (Marion County HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4240284/59d04be6a019c22500d6fe87)


12:57
Chris Armstrong (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9734/chris-armstrong/)
DB
6'0"
200
Foley, Ala. (Foley HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4603100/59e1da28ab92f8107c58209b)


2:47
Jalen Porter (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9736/jalen-porter/)
LB
6'2"
220
Gallatin, Tenn. (Gallatin HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5147318/5a0a700ca680620e0cf64a97)


3:41
Jared Folks (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9737/jared-folks/)
LB
6'1"
235
Harrisburg, Pa. (Temple University)




3:45
Logan Marchi (http://www.etsubucs.com/football/2018-signing-day/2018-19/9738/logan-marchi/)
QB
6'0"
205
Bristol, Conn. (Temple)

[Smitty]

I always find it amazing when people share these lists, it always seems like a bunch of names. I can't wait to recognize 1 or 2 of these names in 3 years

[FUBeAR]

From the online roster (DAVID DURDEN (http://mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5395)), it appears that Mercer Football is getting back a 2017 6-2, 200 WR Signee, who spent a year in the Boston Red Sox organization (David Durden - Outfield (http://www.soxprospects.com/players/durden-david.htm)).

Durden also had offers from Troy, Richmond, and Charleston Southern when he was a HS Sr.

I like his size & athleticism. Could be a nice bit of lagniappe on a strong 2018 Recruiting Class for the Bears. Wonder why they didn't 'reannounce' him?

www.hudl.com/v/28dgAa (http://www.hudl.com/v/28dgAa)

[Catamount87]

I always find it amazing when people share these lists, it always seems like a bunch of names. I can't wait to recognize 1 or 2 of these names in 3 years

That is does. But in looking at the lists, it looks like a good number of the SoCon programs had strong recruiting. Now let's hope that means the SoCon gets that much stronger in FCS. Of course WCU needs to be the strongest and all the others fighting it out for 2nd place. :)

[SU DOG]

That is does. But in looking at the lists, it looks like a good number of the SoCon programs had strong recruiting. Now let's hope that means the SoCon gets that much stronger in FCS. Of course WCU needs to be the strongest and all the others fighting it out for 2nd place. :)

DITTO - Tremendous year for the SoCon IMO. Seems that every team did really well.

[Milktruck74]

DITTO - Tremendous year for the SoCon IMO. Seems that every team did really well.


Yes, the quality of kids coming into the SoCon was improved this year. I think that the 3 star kids are starting to buy into the Big fish little pond mentality. And now, with ESPN3, they are on TV (ish) every weekend.... Glad to see the SoCon on the rebound. Lots of guys out of our league are playing on Sundays, so kids are also realizing they do not have to go to Alabama to get that deal.

[PaladinFan]

Yes, the quality of kids coming into the SoCon was improved this year. I think that the 3 star kids are starting to buy into the Big fish little pond mentality. And now, with ESPN3, they are on TV (ish) every weekend.... Glad to see the SoCon on the rebound. Lots of guys out of our league are playing on Sundays, so kids are also realizing they do not have to go to Alabama to get that deal.

I agree. Everyone tends to be bullish about their signing class, which is to be expected. Certainly seems like a lot of guys are opting for the FCS instead of low level FBS programs. It is good for the conference.

I'm am really excited with how Furman's class panned out. In just over a year, Clay Hendrix has completely remade the roster with a heavy focus on team speed and the defensive front 7. I'm pumped to see what Furman can do in year two returning most of the roster and no real pressing needs to rely on freshmen.

[ElCid]

Nice story on one of our newly signed cadet athletes. Seems like he has his head on straight. Can't wait to see him on the field.

http://www.southernpigskin.com/recruiting/javonte-middleton-more-than-a-football-player/


Javonte Middleton has always seen the big picture. As a quarterback for H.V. Jenkins, he helped the Warriors win their first region championship since 1966, then go back-to-back while also going undefeated for the first time in school history. As a young leader in the community, Middleton has been a constant in civic engagements. The notion of being a true student-athlete is one that he has long taken seriously, also embracing the responsibility that football sometimes brings.


On National Signing Day, Middleton, true to his convictions, signed with The Citadel. Football is only part of his potential......

[The Cats]

SouthernPigskin ranks the SoCon signing classes......

www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2018-socon-recruiting-class-rankings/ (http://www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2018-socon-recruiting-class-rankings/)


1- Chattanooga
2- Furman
3- The Citadel
4- Mercer
5- Western Carolina
6- wofford
7- Samford
8- VMI
9- ETSU



What do you think?signing classes.....

[FUBeAR]

SouthernPigskin ranks the SoCon signing classes......

www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2018-socon-recruiting-class-rankings/ (http://www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2018-socon-recruiting-class-rankings/)

1- Chattanooga
2- Furman
3- The Citadel
4- Mercer
5- Western Carolina
6- wofford
7- Samford
8- VMI
9- ETSU

What do you think?
I think all of those Players & Players' Families should be very proud of themselves/their young men and I think they all have a lot of field/weightroom/book work ahead of them if they want to be successful in Football, School, and Life.

BTW - Here are 247's SoCon 2018 Recruiting Rankings, FWIW...Same Top 5 and same Bottom 4 as SouPig.



SoCon Rank
FCS Rank
Overall Rank
Overall "Composite" Rank?
Team
# of Players
# of 4-Star Players
# of 3-Star Players
# of 2-Star Players
# of 1-Star Players
Average Rating
Points


1
7
137
134
Mercer
10
0
4
6
0
79.06
80.23


2
8
138
142
Chattanooga
9
0
5
4
0
79.77
80.04


3
24
154
154
Furman
5
0
0
5
0
77.11
34.46


4
30
160
191
Western Carolina
3
0
1
2
0
79.59
28.54


5
38
170
161
Citadel
2
0
2
0
0
82.29
24.53


6
55
187
188
Samford
2
0
0
2
0
77.42
14.79


7
68
204
199
Wofford
2
0
0
2
0
74.47
8.91


8
n/a
n/a
n/a
ETSU
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a


8
n/a
n/a
n/a
VMI
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

[kdinva]

Nice story on one of our newly signed cadet athletes. Seems like he has his head on straight. Can't wait to see him on the field.

http://www.southernpigskin.com/recruiting/javonte-middleton-more-than-a-football-player/


xthumbsupx

[Milktruck74]

Both the 247 and SouthernPig are close on their rankings with all but Mercer. It is obviously ALL subjective, but What is 247 seeing in that class that SPS is not? Everybody else is within a spot or so.

[Milktruck74]

http://www.southernpigskin.com/archives/chattanoogas-big-day/

Here is a fun one to look at from 2010...Each SoCon team has 3 recruits mentioned, and I know it has been 7 years, but I really don't remember any of them...and barely remember those on my Mocs....Huitt played some, but he never panned out to be much more than a 3rd teamer (maybe 300-400 yards for his career) and the other two left after a single season (not even sure if they saw the field). Kind of puts recruiting and stars (especially on the FCS level) into perspective!!!!

[FUBeAR]

http://www.southernpigskin.com/archives/chattanoogas-big-day/

Here is a fun one to look at from 2010...Each SoCon team has 3 recruits mentioned, and I know it has been 7 years, but I really don't remember any of them...and barely remember those on my Mocs....Huitt played some, but he never panned out to be much more than a 3rd teamer (maybe 300-400 yards for his career) and the other two left after a single season (not even sure if they saw the field). Kind of puts recruiting and stars (especially on the FCS level) into perspective!!!!

Always fun to look back at expectations vs. results...I think this was the 2011 Recruiting Class...

The ones I remember from this list...Mackey (FU), Skogen (FU), Glover (CIT) Miller (CIT), Mabry (CIT), and Bromelow (Sam) were all good players

[ElCid]

Both the 247 and SouthernPig are close on their rankings with all but Mercer. It is obviously ALL subjective, but What is 247 seeing in that class that SPS is not? Everybody else is within a spot or so.

247 is not even up to date. I don't know how they rank them, but they don't even have all the latest data so their ranking is obviously suspect.

I suppose they don't care about FCS so much, so they take their time getting the latest player lists.

I am not too big on these for the same reasons most people are not. Its kind of interesting, but "generally" these rankings really do not predict very well for the long run. Occasionally they do, but not enough to give most folks confidence in their prognostications.

[FUBeAR]

Just for fun, I went back and looked at Southern Pigskin's other years' rankings/Players...and I've bolded the ones that I know/remember as being good Players for the schools listed. Could have, certainly, missed/forgotten about some...don't @ me...

2012
4. Samford - Recruits Mentioned: DL Brandon Teeling, DL Ben Tamburello
5. Wofford - Recruits Mentioned: RB Treyous Jarrells (Nope - but here's a fairly recent update - https://hightimes.com/culture/former-ncaa-player-trey-jarrells-talks-quitting-football-for-marijuana/, DL Tom Bove, LB Drake Michaelson
6. Chattanooga - Recruits Mentioned: WR Al Thompson
7. Western Carolina - Recruits Mentioned: RB Darius Ramsey
8. The Citadel - Recruits Mentioned: RB Brent O'Neal
9. Furman - Recruits Mentioned: LB Cory Magwood, DB Reggie Thomas, QB Reese Hannon, QB Terry Robinson

2013
3. Furman - Top recruits: OL Aaron Black, DE James Elliott, LB Nic McBride
4. Chattanooga - Top recruits: DT Taylor Reynolds, RB Derrick Craine, OL Jacob Revis
5. Samford - Top recruits: LB Justin Cooper (transfer from Texas Tech), DB Sam Pettway, OL Connor Rafferty
6. Western Carolina - Top recruits: DL Andrew Mayton, DB Fred Payne, RB Garry Lewis
7. The Citadel - Top recruits: WR Jorian Jordan, LB Tevin Floyd, RB DeAndre Schoultz
9. Wofford - Top recruits: DB Nick Ward, DE Boston Bryant, WR Dakota Hopper

2014
1. Wofford - Top Prospect: RB Chase Nelson - Also Mentioned: None
2. Chattanooga - Top Prospect: LB Dale Warren - Also Mentioned: QB Penny Smith
3. VMI - Top Prospect: LB Tony Richardson - Also Mentioned: None
4. Samford - Top Prospect: QB Devlin Hodges - Also Mentioned: QB Michael Eubank, DL Xavier Forrest, LB Deion Pierre
5. Mercer - Top Prospect: DB LeMarkus Bailey - Also Mentioned: None
6. Furman - Top Prospect: WR A'lencio Graham - Also Mentioned: None
7. The Citadel - Top Prospect: OL Tristan Harkleroad - Also Mentioned: None
8. Western Carolina - Top Prospect: WR/TE Brett Walker - Also Mentioned: DE Kendall White
9. East Tennessee State University - Top Prospect: OL Matthew Pyke

2015
SouPig, apparently, ranked the SoCon Stadiums instead of the Recruiting Classes in 2015. Mercer's Five Star Stadium and Furman's Paladin Stadium were ranked #1 & #2...so I'm good with that.

2016 (Obviously, some/many of these may have 2 or 3 years left to play; so, if they aren't already, they could still become "good players" for their Teams)
1. Chattanooga - Highlights: QB Zach Weatherly, DB Rashun Freeman, TE Jack Keebler, DL Jalen Harvey
2. Samford - Highlights: LB Aaron Atkinson, WR TaDarryl Marshall, OL Nate Lee, DB Kembel Laguines
3. Furman - Highlights: OL/DL Noah Turnley, LB Dru Seabrook, DB Bryan Okeh, QB Avery Armstrong
4. Mercer - Highlights: DB Harrison Poole, OL Jake Flath, RB Charlie Davidson, ATH Julian Burris
5. The Citadel - Highlights: DL AJ Stokes, ATH Gus Karres, OL Drew McEntyre, LB Denzel Wright
6. Western Carolina - Highlights: WR Lavell Ellerbe, DL Holden Edwards, OL Bailey Byrum, DL Jake Helms
7. Wofford - Highlights: RB Jamison Chapman, LB Brandon Brown, OL Blake Jeresaty, DL Mikel Horton
8. ETSU - Highlights: WR Keith Coffee, OL Cameron Parker, ATH Jeremy Lewis, OL Conner James
9. VMI - Highlights: QB Duncan Hodges, WR Rohan Martin, DB Kaelin Snead, RB Tyain Smith

2017 (SouPig only ranked the Top 5 and showed a Tweet from 1 of those Teams' Signees - that must have taken well over 10 minutes to put together!!!)
1. Mercer - Copied Tweet of composite pic of the Class - No individuals cited
2. Chattanooga - Tweet from UTC about DB Jabril Malone
3. ETSU - Tweet from ETSU about DB Karon Delince
4. Western Carolina - Tweet from QB Dakarai (DJ) Thorpe
5. Furman - Tweet from RB Devin Wynn

[PaladinFan]

In an interview Clay Hendrix said Furman had their recruiting class well locked up through most of January and had only one player take an official visit that did not commit. That's a pretty solid percentage right there.

[Milktruck74]

Just for fun, I went back and looked at Southern Pigskin's other years' rankings/Players...and I've bolded the ones that I know/remember as being good Players for the schools listed. Could have, certainly, missed/forgotten about some...don't @ me...

2012
4. Samford - Recruits Mentioned: DL Brandon Teeling, DL Ben Tamburello
5. Wofford - Recruits Mentioned: RB Treyous Jarrells (Nope - but here's a fairly recent update - https://hightimes.com/culture/former-ncaa-player-trey-jarrells-talks-quitting-football-for-marijuana/, DL Tom Bove, LB Drake Michaelson
6. Chattanooga - Recruits Mentioned: WR Al Thompson
7. Western Carolina - Recruits Mentioned: RB Darius Ramsey
8. The Citadel - Recruits Mentioned: RB Brent O'Neal
9. Furman - Recruits Mentioned: LB Cory Magwood, DB Reggie Thomas, QB Reese Hannon, QB Terry Robinson

2013
3. Furman - Top recruits: OL Aaron Black, DE James Elliott, LB Nic McBride
4. Chattanooga - Top recruits: DT Taylor Reynolds, RB Derrick Craine, OL Jacob Revis
5. Samford - Top recruits: LB Justin Cooper (transfer from Texas Tech), DB Sam Pettway, OL Connor Rafferty
6. Western Carolina - Top recruits: DL Andrew Mayton, DB Fred Payne, RB Garry Lewis
7. The Citadel - Top recruits: WR Jorian Jordan, LB Tevin Floyd, RB DeAndre Schoultz
9. Wofford - Top recruits: DB Nick Ward, DE Boston Bryant, WR Dakota Hopper

2014
1. Wofford - Top Prospect: RB Chase Nelson - Also Mentioned: None
2. Chattanooga - Top Prospect: LB Dale Warren - Also Mentioned: QB Penny Smith
3. VMI - Top Prospect: LB Tony Richardson - Also Mentioned: None
4. Samford - Top Prospect: QB Devlin Hodges - Also Mentioned: QB Michael Eubank, DL Xavier Forrest, LB Deion Pierre
5. Mercer - Top Prospect: DB LeMarkus Bailey - Also Mentioned: None
6. Furman - Top Prospect: WR A'lencio Graham - Also Mentioned: None
7. The Citadel - Top Prospect: OL Tristan Harkleroad - Also Mentioned: None
8. Western Carolina - Top Prospect: WR/TE Brett Walker - Also Mentioned: DE Kendall White
9. East Tennessee State University - Top Prospect: OL Matthew Pyke

2015
SouPig, apparently, ranked the SoCon Stadiums instead of the Recruiting Classes in 2015. Mercer's Five Star Stadium and Furman's Paladin Stadium were ranked #1 & #2...so I'm good with that.

2016 (Obviously, some/many of these may have 2 or 3 years left to play; so, if they aren't already, they could still become "good players" for their Teams)
1. Chattanooga - Highlights: QB Zach Weatherly, DB Rashun Freeman, TE Jack Keebler, DL Jalen Harvey
2. Samford - Highlights: LB Aaron Atkinson, WR TaDarryl Marshall, OL Nate Lee, DB Kembel Laguines
3. Furman - Highlights: OL/DL Noah Turnley, LB Dru Seabrook, DB Bryan Okeh, QB Avery Armstrong
4. Mercer - Highlights: DB Harrison Poole, OL Jake Flath, RB Charlie Davidson, ATH Julian Burris
5. The Citadel - Highlights: DL AJ Stokes, ATH Gus Karres, OL Drew McEntyre, LB Denzel Wright
6. Western Carolina - Highlights: WR Lavell Ellerbe, DL Holden Edwards, OL Bailey Byrum, DL Jake Helms
7. Wofford - Highlights: RB Jamison Chapman, LB Brandon Brown, OL Blake Jeresaty, DL Mikel Horton
8. ETSU - Highlights: WR Keith Coffee, OL Cameron Parker, ATH Jeremy Lewis, OL Conner James
9. VMI - Highlights: QB Duncan Hodges, WR Rohan Martin, DB Kaelin Snead, RB Tyain Smith

2017 (SouPig only ranked the Top 5 and showed a Tweet from 1 of those Teams' Signees - that must have taken well over 10 minutes to put together!!!)
1. Mercer - Copied Tweet of composite pic of the Class - No individuals cited
2. Chattanooga - Tweet from UTC about DB Jabril Malone
3. ETSU - Tweet from ETSU about DB Karon Delince
4. Western Carolina - Tweet from QB Dakarai (DJ) Thorpe
5. Furman - Tweet from RB Devin Wynn


Of the 11 players listed for Chattanooga on this list, about half of them never saw the field. Many transferred out after a year or two. In fairness, the other half were show stoppers!!!! But it goes to show how often the recruiting services miss. And sadly with 63 scholarships, you can not afford to miss that much.

[PaladinFan]

Of the 11 players listed for Chattanooga on this list, about half of them never saw the field. Many transferred out after a year or two. In fairness, the other half were show stoppers!!!! But it goes to show how often the recruiting services miss. And sadly with 63 scholarships, you can not afford to miss that much.

Furman landed two highly regarded 3 star recruits in the past few years. One was the aforementioned Aaron Black. The other was Riley Gessner, a TE with 13 or so offers from FBS/FCS schools including Georgia Tech.

Neither player played a single snap for Furman. For whatever reason (not that it matters), both left the program. It makes for interesting message board fodder, but realistically some of these guys may never see the field.

I hate reading the Southernpigskin recruiting reviews, by the way. There is extremely little content and never seems to offer "why" or any argument for putting one player/team over another. There's more useful content on the last two or three pages of this thread than that website has produced on the subject in the last 6 years.

[PaladinNation]

based on Coach Hendrix's comments after the national signing day event… he said he told Sisson and Grainger that both will be given the chance to compete in July for the QB job.

Just when US fans and opposing teams thought they knew what Furman was going to do on offense - there appear to be changes a-comin' - pretty excited to see what Quarles does as OC.

[PaladinFan]

based on Coach Hendrix's comments after the national signing day event… he said he told Sisson and Grainger that both will be given the chance to compete in July for the QB job.

Just when US fans and opposing teams thought they knew what Furman was going to do on offense - there appear to be changes a-comin' - pretty excited to see what Quarles does as OC.

I don't really see it that way.

Furman does not have an heir apparent starter at QB. It looks like Hendrix is going to go with the guy that gives us the best chance of winning regardless of class.

Realistically, I look at all four options and don't see any real signal we are screwing too much with the offense. All four guys can run and have impressive arms downfield. I expect they will see what they have first before committing to any one player.

The Paladin QB is not going to have to win games by himself. He's going to have to limit mistakes and keep the train running on time.

[PaladinFan]

Just because

https://twitter.com/FurmanHoops/status/962445401512030208

[PaladinFan]

I hope Hendrix can work out a deal with Bob Richey to get Clay Mounce in uniform for redzone situations. Mounce is 6'7 and I'm not sure I can remember many SoCon players with his sort of elevation. Stick a jersey on him and put the ball about 10 feet in the air.

[SCPALADIN]

I hope Hendrix can work out a deal with Bob Richey to get Clay Mounce in uniform for redzone situations. Mounce is 6'7 and I'm not sure I can remember many SoCon players with his sort of elevation. Stick a jersey on him and put the ball about 10 feet in the air.

He may be the most naturally athletic, yet not athletic looking, player we've had on our basketball team in a while. He just doesn't look the part...then all of a sudden he's dunking over you on a alley-oop inbound play.

[PaladinNation]

I don't really see it that way.

Furman does not have an heir apparent starter at QB. It looks like Hendrix is going to go with the guy that gives us the best chance of winning regardless of class.

Realistically, I look at all four options and don't see any real signal we are screwing too much with the offense. All four guys can run and have impressive arms downfield. I expect they will see what they have first before committing to any one player.

The Paladin QB is not going to have to win games by himself. He's going to have to limit mistakes and keep the train running on time.

I might have misheard something… but I thought I heard CCH say they were putting in a new offense in the spring.

I would imagine… it's not a completely different scheme - but I'm guessing there will be some differences.

[PaladinFan]

I might have misheard something… but I thought I heard CCH say they were putting in a new offense in the spring.

I would imagine… it's not a completely different scheme - but I'm guessing there will be some differences.

Good question. I have not heard that, but I'm not saying it isn't accurate.

The offense last year was a mashup of a lot of different styles. Cronic was more of a wing-t guy, though not necessarily a lot of option. Quarles', I understand, was primarily a run-pass-option coach at Maryville. Maybe you see a bit more shotgun RPO stuff than we saw last season.

I still don't think you'll see us get away from the heavy dose of the running game.

[FUBeAR]

In case any of you non-Furmans want to post on the Furman Fans’ Message Board or just spy on ‘Dins Fans, the inimitable & indefatigable Stumpy has recreated the former Unofficial Furman Football Page (TheUFFP) at a new URL: http://gopaladins.com

[PaladinFan]

Samford releases their schedule: https://samfordsports.com/news/2018/2/14/football-releases-2018-schedule.aspx

First, fine them for playing Shorter. They were 0-11 last year and were only competitive in a single game. They are the VMI of D2.

Second, the rest of the slate is going to be a tough one. The stretch with at FSU, Mercer, at UTC, at KSU, and WCU is going to be brutal. They also finish with three of their last four on the road, all of which will be long road trips.

I still have Samford as my likely favorite in 2018, but I'm vacillating on that a little bit after looking at this.

Incidentally, I think Wofford will face both Furman and Samford coming off their bye weeks. That would concern me if I were a Terrier fans. Both of those teams should have pretty good defenses and an extra week to get ready for the option.

[FUBeAR]

The stretch with at FSU, Mercer, at UTC, at KSU, and WCU is going to be brutal.Exactly my thoughts when I saw their schedule.

I'm willing to bet right now that Mercer's Offense, in 2018, will not put up more points for Samford than they do for Mercer; as they did in the 2017 game, when they scored 4 for Sammy and only 3 for Mercer. Whatever it was the Bears were doing (actually, TRYING to do is more accurate) on Offense that day will never be seen again. If it is, I suspect President Underwood will pull a Ted Turner of 1977 and assume the Coaching reins before halftime.

And we saw what a less-than-standard Chatt Team did to Sammy last year...as well as KSU...and WCU led the Bullpups with 7 minutes left last year. They can clear the bench in the 2nd quarter vs. Shorter, but the next 5 weeks straight could be quite a tough row to hoe for the boys from Homewood.

[PaladinFan]

Exactly my thoughts when I saw their schedule.

I'm willing to bet right now that Mercer's Offense, in 2018, will not put up more points for Samford than they do for Mercer; as they did in the 2017 game, when they scored 4 for Sammy and only 3 for Mercer. Whatever it was the Bears were doing (actually, TRYING to do is more accurate) on Offense that day will never be seen again. If it is, I suspect President Underwood will pull a Ted Turner of 1977 and assume the Coaching reins before halftime.

And we saw what a less-than-standard Chatt Team did to Sammy last year...as well as KSU...and WCU led the Bullpups with 7 minutes left last year. They can clear the bench in the 2nd quarter vs. Shorter, but the next 5 weeks straight could be quite a tough row to hoe for the boys from Homewood.

That's a big early season conference game. Unfortunately for Mercer, I don't think they are going to know a whole lot about Samford after watching game film against Shorter and Florida State.

[ElCid]

That's a big early season conference game. Unfortunately for Mercer, I don't think they are going to know a whole lot about Samford after watching game film against Shorter and Florida State.

Yeah, we get stuck with two games out of the chute...again. That is good if we win, we lose, and obviously not so good. Puts you in the hole early. We had two to start in 2016 and luckily won both. Not sure how we got stuck again so fast with two to start. We got Wofford to start, which I actually like given their turmoil, although that may be a bit strong of a word or simply wishful thinking. And then Chatty. Not bad if we can pull them both off. I think I would rather have Alabama first instead of last.

[PaladinFan]

I happened to circle back on this article from last year, suggesting UTC may consider a move to the SunBelt or OVC. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/sports/college/story/2017/may/07/football-attendance-decline-may-lead-utc-look/426797/

UTC's attendance was up in 2017 to 9,170. Hard to gauge, really, how a new regime that suffered through a long season impacted that. Of course, their two biggest gates were against JSU and UT-M.

I do still wonder whether the SoCon would/could manage to expand its footprint westward. For a long time, I thought Jacksonville State was destined for the FBS, but it certainly seems like they would have jumped if they were going to. I'm less certain about Kennesaw State, who, while a big school, has a transient fan base and drew home attendance less than schools a fraction of its size.

I realize those schools don't perfectly fit the profile of the current SoCon members, but I can see great benefit to member schools if, say, Jacksonville State and their fans/band ventured to Samford and UTC in alternating years. I also imagine there would be a nice gate for Kennesaw playing at home against a school like Furman, with their large Atlanta area alumni base. I guarantee they'd do better than playing home games against Monmouth or Charleston Southern.

[Mocs123]

Most Chattanooga fans consider JSU our biggest rival due to a couple of factors:
1.) They have a large energetic fan base that travels well to Finley and is at near capacity for home games.
2.) We have a history of close, competitive games.
3.) The past few years both teams have been ranked.
4.) We have had several “rivalry incidents” on both sides . Rodney Allison said “I didn’t come here (UTC) to beat Jacksonville State” which of course was bulletin board material. A few years later JSU said we “trashed” the visitor locker room after a loss. JSUs coach “forgot” to shake Huesman’s hand after a game. A JSU player flipped UTC fans off after a playoff game, got into an argument with UTC students and entered the visitors section of the stands.

Many Chattanooga fans would like to see JSU and Chattanooga in the same conference (though I think most would prefer that be the SoCon than the OVC) and I think almost all UTC fans would like to play JSU every year even if we remain in separate conferences.

I was for a move to the OVC the last time it was discussed (~2007) as the OVC was a marginally? Better basketball conference (which utc has traditionally been strong in) and we would be more competitive in football (we had been bad in the SoCon for a long time), but we didn’t move to the OVC, we hired Huesman and proved we can be competitive in the SoCon and nationally in football. I have no interest in the OVC now. The SoCon added ETSU, Samford, and Mercer to keep it from being the “Carolina Conference” - I think Chattanooga fans were happy with those additions. The SoCon also added VMI which most Moc fans didn’t care for but made The Citadel happy.

I don’t see us going the OVC as long as we can be competitive in SoCon football.

Chattanooga couldn’t afford to go FBS and I am not sure I would be interested in that anyways. To most Chattanoogans the SunBelt, the OVC, and the SoCon are all “D2”.

[GreenGlasses]

Chattanooga couldn’t afford to go FBS and I am not sure I would be interested in that anyways. To most Chattanoogans the SunBelt, the OVC, and the SoCon are all “D2”.

I'll take the bolded statement one step more. For the most part in Tennessee if you don't root for the Vols then you don't exist.

[ElCid]

I'll take the bolded statement one step more. For the most part in Tennessee if you don't root for the Vols then you don't exist.

Did they field a team this last year?xlolx

[FUBeAR]

FWIW - Hero Sports Top 30 Signees in the SoCon - https://herosports.com/fcs/recruiting-southern-conference-rankings-2018-class-ajaj? - I bolded some...cuz I wanted to...

THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TOP 30


RK
FCS CHOICE
POS
PROSPECT
HOMETOWN
HGT
WGT
OTHER OFFERS


1
CHATTANOOGA
DT
Josh Walker
Bradenton, FL
6'2"
285
Arizona decommit - 41 total offers


2
THE CITADEL
RB
Emeka Nwanze
Roswell, GA
5'11"
205
Penn decommit; several ACC offers


3
THE CITADEL
RB
Clay Harris
Atlanta, GA
6'0"
205
Purdue decommitment - 3 FBS offers


4
CHATTANOOGA
S
Kohl Henke
Chattanooga, TN
6'2"
190
Virginia, Navy, JSU, APSU, Mercer


5
THE CITADEL
LB
Caleb Deveaux
Waxhaw, NC
6'0"
195
Pittsburgh


6
MERCER
WR
Tony Jones
Fairburn, GA
6'0"
175
Tennessee - 15 offers


7
MERCER
RB
Kareem Rogers
Stockbridge, GA
5'10"
180
Syracuse, Navy, S. Alabama, Tulane, JMU


8
WESTERN CAROLINA
QB
A.J. Curry
Mount Airy, GA
6'4"
200
FAU, S. Alabama


9
CHATTANOOGA
DE
Mychal Austin
Apopka, FL
6'1"
250
Minnesota - 9 offers


10
WOFFORD
OL
Al Hogan
Fairburn, GA
6'3"
285
Virginia, Air Force, Citadel, Buffalo, Kennesaw, Fordham


11
WESTERN CAROLINA
WR
Mahari Stribling
Loganville, GA
6'3"
180
Boston College, Tulane


12
MERCER
WR
DeMond Ellison
Canton, GA
6'3"
200
Ga. Southern, Chattanooga


13
WESTERN CAROLINA
DB
Charles Gadie
Douglasville, GA
5'9"
165
Purdue, Tulane - 5 FBS offers


14
MERCER
TE
Brandon Shelnutt
Lawrenceville, GA
6'4"
230
3 FBS - 7 total offers


15
CHATTANOOGA
WR
Genuine Potts
Powder Springs, GA
6'3"
195
Wake Forest, West Virg - 27 offers


16
MERCER
QB
Bryce Lawrence
McDonough, GA
6'3"
185
FAU, Western Illinois, Eastern Ky


17
CHATTANOOGA
WR
Logan Pitts
Trussville, AL
6'1"
210
Citadel, Tenn. Tech - committed early


18
ETSU
ATH
Chris Armstrong
Foley, AL
6'0"
200
8 FBS offers, 14 total


19
FURMAN
QB
Hamp Sisson
Birmingham, AL
5'11"
185
Air Force, Army - 7 total offers


20
SAMFORD
OL
Gavin Orr
Gadsden, AL
6'4"
270
6 FBS offers - 13 offers total


21
WOFFORD
OL
Elijah Ball
Rome, GA
6'3"
290
Navy, Ga. Southern, Ball St., Austin Peay


22
SAMFORD
DE
Justin Hayes
Smyrna, GA
6'3"
250
UCF, Navy - 10 total offers


23
FURMAN
DE
Cameron Coleman
Clarksville, TN
6'3"
285
UTSA, ETSU


24
WOFFORD
RB
Colby Wood
Jefferson, GA
5'10"
180
Navy


25
FURMAN
RB
Corey Watkins
Evans, GA
5'8"
185
Academies - 6 total offers


26
VMI
DB
Ethan Caselberry
Harvest, AL
6'3"
190
Marshall PWO, Samford, UT Martin


27
WOFFORD
DT
Corey Prince
Hollywood, FL
6'0"
265
FAU


28
WESTERN CAROLINA
DB
Ronald Kent
Harrisburg, PA
5'10"
170
8 total offers


29
MERCER
DE
Coby Germany
Evans, GA
6'3"
245
Georgia State, Samford


30
ETSU
QB
Cam Lewis
McDonough, GA
6'3"
200
Old Dominion, Southern, Jackson St



Mercer wins the "Quantity Award" with 6 of the Top 30. Chatt comes in 2nd with 4 and WCU & Wofford tie for 3rd with 4 each.

CIT wins the "Quality Award" with the average ranking of their 3 on the list at 3.33. Chatt is next at 9.20 with Mercer being 3rd with 14.00.

Per Hero's opinion, it seems that ETSU and VMI bring up the "Recruiting Rear" with WCU, Wofford, Samford, and Furman in the middle of the pack trailing the "Recruiting Winners" - Mercer, Chattanooga, and The Citadel.

BTW - 18 of 30 from GA (60%), 5 from AL (16.67%), 3 from FL (10%), 2 from TN (6.67%), 1 from NC (3.33%), 1 from PA (3.33%)

NOTE: Hero Sports does not include Transfers (4-year or JUCO) in their Signee Rankings

[Milktruck74]

FWIW - Hero Sports Top 30 Signees in the SoCon - https://herosports.com/fcs/recruiting-southern-conference-rankings-2018-class-ajaj? - I bolded some...cuz I wanted to...

THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE TOP 30


RK
FCS CHOICE
POS
PROSPECT
HOMETOWN
HGT
WGT
OTHER OFFERS


1
CHATTANOOGA
DT
Josh Walker
Bradenton, FL
6'2"
285
Arizona decommit - 41 total offers


2
THE CITADEL
RB
Emeka Nwanze
Roswell, GA
5'11"
205
Penn decommit; several ACC offers


3
THE CITADEL
RB
Clay Harris
Atlanta, GA
6'0"
205
Purdue decommitment - 3 FBS offers


4
CHATTANOOGA
S
Kohl Henke
Chattanooga, TN
6'2"
190
Virginia, Navy, JSU, APSU, Mercer


5
THE CITADEL
LB
Caleb Deveaux
Waxhaw, NC
6'0"
195
Pittsburgh


6
MERCER
WR
Tony Jones
Fairburn, GA
6'0"
175
Tennessee - 15 offers


7
MERCER
RB
Kareem Rogers
Stockbridge, GA
5'10"
180
Syracuse, Navy, S. Alabama, Tulane, JMU


8
WESTERN CAROLINA
QB
A.J. Curry
Mount Airy, GA
6'4"
200
FAU, S. Alabama


9
CHATTANOOGA
DE
Mychal Austin
Apopka, FL
6'1"
250
Minnesota - 9 offers


10
WOFFORD
OL
Al Hogan
Fairburn, GA
6'3"
285
Virginia, Air Force, Citadel, Buffalo, Kennesaw, Fordham


11
WESTERN CAROLINA
WR
Mahari Stribling
Loganville, GA
6'3"
180
Boston College, Tulane


12
MERCER
WR
DeMond Ellison
Canton, GA
6'3"
200
Ga. Southern, Chattanooga


13
WESTERN CAROLINA
DB
Charles Gadie
Douglasville, GA
5'9"
165
Purdue, Tulane - 5 FBS offers


14
MERCER
TE
Brandon Shelnutt
Lawrenceville, GA
6'4"
230
3 FBS - 7 total offers


15
CHATTANOOGA
WR
Genuine Potts
Powder Springs, GA
6'3"
195
Wake Forest, West Virg - 27 offers


16
MERCER
QB
Bryce Lawrence
McDonough, GA
6'3"
185
FAU, Western Illinois, Eastern Ky


17
CHATTANOOGA
WR
Logan Pitts
Trussville, AL
6'1"
210
Citadel, Tenn. Tech - committed early


18
ETSU
ATH
Chris Armstrong
Foley, AL
6'0"
200
8 FBS offers, 14 total


19
FURMAN
QB
Hamp Sisson
Birmingham, AL
5'11"
185
Air Force, Army - 7 total offers


20
SAMFORD
OL
Gavin Orr
Gadsden, AL
6'4"
270
6 FBS offers - 13 offers total


21
WOFFORD
OL
Elijah Ball
Rome, GA
6'3"
290
Navy, Ga. Southern, Ball St., Austin Peay


22
SAMFORD
DE
Justin Hayes
Smyrna, GA
6'3"
250
UCF, Navy - 10 total offers


23
FURMAN
DE
Cameron Coleman
Clarksville, TN
6'3"
285
UTSA, ETSU


24
WOFFORD
RB
Colby Wood
Jefferson, GA
5'10"
180
Navy


25
FURMAN
RB
Corey Watkins
Evans, GA
5'8"
185
Academies - 6 total offers


26
VMI
DB
Ethan Caselberry
Harvest, AL
6'3"
190
Marshall PWO, Samford, UT Martin


27
WOFFORD
DT
Corey Prince
Hollywood, FL
6'0"
265
FAU


28
WESTERN CAROLINA
DB
Ronald Kent
Harrisburg, PA
5'10"
170
8 total offers


29
MERCER
DE
Coby Germany
Evans, GA
6'3"
245
Georgia State, Samford


30
ETSU
QB
Cam Lewis
McDonough, GA
6'3"
200
Old Dominion, Southern, Jackson St



Mercer wins the "Quantity Award" with 6 of the Top 30. Chatt comes in 2nd with 4 and WCU & Wofford tie for 3rd with 4 each.

CIT wins the "Quality Award" with the average ranking of their 3 on the list at 3.33. Chatt is next at 9.20 with Mercer being 3rd with 14.00.

Per Hero's opinion, it seems that ETSU and VMI bring up the "Recruiting Rear" with WCU, Wofford, Samford, and Furman in the middle of the pack trailing the "Recruiting Winners" - Mercer, Chattanooga, and The Citadel.

BTW - 18 of 30 from GA (60%), 5 from AL (16.67%), 3 from FL (10%), 2 from TN (6.67%), 1 from NC (3.33%), 1 from PA (3.33%)

NOTE: Hero Sports does not include Transfers (4-year or JUCO) in their Signee Rankings


Let's pull this list out in 2022. I'll bet there are 10 that never see the field and another 5 that aren't on a SoCon roster for the 2020 season. It's sad, but true. And there is some Walk-on that has decided to go to Ciatdel or Wofford that will end up being 4th on the all time leading rushing list for the conference.

[OL FU]

Most Chattanooga fans consider JSU our biggest rival due to a couple of factors:
1.) They have a large energetic fan base that travels well to Finley and is at near capacity for home games.
2.) We have a history of close, competitive games.
3.) The past few years both teams have been ranked.
4.) We have had several “rivalry incidents” on both sides . Rodney Allison said “I didn’t come here (UTC) to beat Jacksonville State” which of course was bulletin board material. A few years later JSU said we “trashed” the visitor locker room after a loss. JSUs coach “forgot” to shake Huesman’s hand after a game. A JSU player flipped UTC fans off after a playoff game, got into an argument with UTC students and entered the visitors section of the stands.

Many Chattanooga fans would like to see JSU and Chattanooga in the same conference (though I think most would prefer that be the SoCon than the OVC) and I think almost all UTC fans would like to play JSU every year even if we remain in separate conferences.

I was for a move to the OVC the last time it was discussed (~2007) as the OVC was a marginally? Better basketball conference (which utc has traditionally been strong in) and we would be more competitive in football (we had been bad in the SoCon for a long time), but we didn’t move to the OVC, we hired Huesman and proved we can be competitive in the SoCon and nationally in football. I have no interest in the OVC now. The SoCon added ETSU, Samford, and Mercer to keep it from being the “Carolina Conference” - I think Chattanooga fans were happy with those additions. The SoCon also added VMI which most Moc fans didn’t care for but made The Citadel happy.

I don’t see us going the OVC as long as we can be competitive in SoCon football.

Chattanooga couldn’t afford to go FBS and I am not sure I would be interested in that anyways. To most Chattanoogans the SunBelt, the OVC, and the SoCon are all “D2”.

I have long been supportive of JSU in the SoCon. At one time they would have jumped quickly. Would be interesting to know if there is still an interest.

[Mocs123]

I don’t know. They have a pretty easy road to the playoffs in the OVC.

[PaladinFan]

I don’t know. They have a pretty easy road to the playoffs in the OVC.

I would say they have the easiest road to the national championship of any team in FCS football.

[Mocs123]

Losing to Kennessaw State in the playoffs when JSU was heavily favored probably hurt them this year. I am not sure what their OOC looks like this year, but unless they have some "quality" wins in the eyes of the committee, they may not get seeded as high after the disappointment. Of course they draw really well, which means more $$ for the NCAA.

- - - Updated - - -

Chattanooga's spring practice starts February 24th for those that are interested.

[PaladinFan]

Losing to Kennessaw State in the playoffs when JSU was heavily favored probably hurt them this year. I am not sure what their OOC looks like this year, but unless they have some "quality" wins in the eyes of the committee, they may not get seeded as high after the disappointment. Of course they draw really well, which means more $$ for the NCAA.

- - - Updated - - -

Chattanooga's spring practice starts February 24th for those that are interested.

JSU plays in a weak conference. Their slate typically has one conference team (right now, UT-M or APU) that could potentially defeat them. I think they have to fall apart to not get seeded, especially with their home attendance. So, they can rack up a lot of wins, and sit at home for much of the playoffs after a bye week.

Last season maybe wasn't that big of a surprise in context. The OVC had only 4 teams finish above .500, and two were 6-5. JSU benefitted heavily from beating a bad Chattanooga team in the first week of the season which, at the time, looked like a marquee matchup. Many of the SoCon teams trounced UTC this year by a far larger margin than JSU won by.

In 2017, Jacksonville State was soundly thumped by Georgia Tech, and racked up 10 wins by playing only 1 team that finished better than 6-5 (APU). They then lost to the first good team they had played in months (Kennesaw State).

[FUBeAR]

Someone asked in another thread about a composite FCS Schedule. Here is one for the SoCon, FWIW. Please let me know if you see any errors.



Team
/Date
TBD
Thu, Aug 30
Sat, Sep 1
Sat, Sep 8
Sat, Sep 15
Sat, Sep 22
Sat, Sep 29
Sat, Oct 6
Sat, Oct 13
Sat, Oct 20
Sat, Oct 27
Sat, Nov 3
Sat, Nov 10
Sat, Nov 17
Date
/Team


Chattanooga

Tennessee Tech

@The Citadel
@UT-Martin
Samford
@ETSU
Wofford
@WCU
OPEN/BYE
VMI
@Furman
Mercer
@South Carolina
Chattanooga


ETSU
Mars Hill



@Tennessee
@VMI
Furman
Chattanooga
Gardner-Webb
@The Citadel
@Wofford
WCU
@Mercer
OPEN/BYE
Samford
ETSU


Furman


@Clemson
@Elon

Colgate
@ETSU
WCU
OPEN/BYE
Wofford
Samford
@The Citadel
Chattanooga
@VMI
@Mercer
Furman


Mercer


@Memphis
Jacksonville
@Samford
The Citadel
@VMI
OPEN/BYE
@Yale
WCU
@Wofford
ETSU
@Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer


Samford

Shorter

@Florida State
Mercer
@Chattanooga
@Kennesaw State
WCU
VMI
@Furman
OPEN/BYE
Wofford
@The Citadel
@ETSU
Samford


The Citadel


@Wofford
Chattanooga
Charleston Southern
@Mercer
@Towson
OPEN/BYE
ETSU
@VMI
Furman
@WCU
Samford
@Alabama
The Citadel


VMI


@Toledo
@Wofford
ETSU
@WCU
Mercer
OPEN/BYE
@Samford
The Citadel
@Chattanooga
Tusculum
Furman
@Old Dominion
VMI


WCU


Newberry
OPEN/BYE
@Gardner-Webb
VMI
@Furman
@Samford
Chattanooga
@Mercer
@ETSU
The Citadel
Wofford
@UNC

WCU


Wofford


The Citadel
VMI
@Wyoming
OPEN/BYE
@Gardner-Webb
@Chattanooga
@Furman
ETSU
Mercer
@Samford
@WCU
Presbyterian

Wofford

[Derby City Duke]

Apparently WCU has picked up Tripp Weaver, our cornerback coach and recruiting coordinator; good get as our secondary was lights out last year. Our corners had 16 picks w/Rashad Robinson 3rd in the country.

https://jamesmadison.rivals.com/news/search-for-dukes-new-cbs-coach-begins

[PaladinFan]

Not football related, but these are Furman men's basketball coach Bob Richey's postgame comments after Furman's win over VMI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8bFNUMkeZ8&sns=tw

The Paladins recognized 4 seniors that who signed on to come to a program that had long accepted apathy in an attempt to change the culture and direction of the program. If you want to hear some great commentary on FCS/mid-major athletics, give it a listen.

[Sir William]

Not football related, but these are Furman men's basketball coach Bob Richey's postgame comments after Furman's win over VMI.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8bFNUMkeZ8&sns=tw

The Paladins recognized 4 seniors that who signed on to come to a program that had long accepted apathy in an attempt to change the culture and direction of the program. If you want to hear some great commentary on FCS/mid-major athletics, give it a listen.

This is great! So glad we promoted Richey...the kind of coach our program needs and deserves.

[longtimemocfan]

JSU plays in a weak conference. Their slate typically has one conference team (right now, UT-M or APU) that could potentially defeat them. I think they have to fall apart to not get seeded, especially with their home attendance. So, they can rack up a lot of wins, and sit at home for much of the playoffs after a bye week.

Last season maybe wasn't that big of a surprise in context. The OVC had only 4 teams finish above .500, and two were 6-5. JSU benefitted heavily from beating a bad Chattanooga team in the first week of the season which, at the time, looked like a marquee matchup. Many of the SoCon teams trounced UTC this year by a far larger margin than JSU won by.

In 2017, Jacksonville State was soundly thumped by Georgia Tech, and racked up 10 wins by playing only 1 team that finished better than 6-5 (APU). They then lost to the first good team they had played in months (Kennesaw State).

I think the lack of competitiveness for JSU in the OVC hurts them come playoff time. The more competitive conferences seem to fare better come playoff time.

[Reign of Terrier]

Good morning:

Wofford started spring ball this week and had a scrimmage yesterday. Couple takeways based upon Wofford's beat writer reporting:

1) Wofford is incorporated RPOs. Conklin said we had too many 2nd and 10s/3rd and 7s last year. It seems the strategy will be to take advantage of angles on the perimeter when the defense is loading the box in run defense. I agree. I welcome the change.
2) Wofford threw the ball roughly 45% of the time.
3) We're really depleted by injury right now, but I expect us to be fine by the time the season starts
4) Joe Newman looks to have won the starting position. Many have criticized his passing ability but apparently he has far surpassed expectations. Considering how slippery he is as a runner, this is good.

5) I'm not going to re-open the can of worms on recruiting, but I think the coaching carousel had minimal effect. Maybe it didn't give us the best class possible, but I don't think it really hurt us *that* much.

Despite all of the above, I think if you're Wofford your baseline expectation is 6-5 or 7-4. Because of the player personnel we bring back, I think it's more likely that we over-achieve than under-achieve.

You could say my median expectation is 6-5 or 7-4. The socon is really tough and in many ways we underachieved last year, but there's so many transitions in coaching that it's hard to tell if we lost what made things better than the baseline. I wouldn't be that surprised if we won 8 or struggled to 5. Anything outside of that 5-8 window I would be *very* surprised.

You could say that's kind of bullish or homerish, but when you think about Wofford won 10 games in each of the last 2 years, in the 3 years before that we sat at about 5 D1 wins per year.

Long story short: there will be transition this year, but given the information we have right now, we should be favored against Gardner Webb, PC, ETSU, VMI, and Mercer (the last of which, only because it's at home and Mercer hasn't quite broken through yet).

Our away stretch is going to be rough (Furman--we suck in Greenville, improving Chattanooga, Western Carolina).

I think we have it in us to pull one over on Wyoming, but who knows

[PaladinNation]

Furman had its spring game (Purple and White scrimmage) yesterday. Might be the earliest of anyone?
Furman had ten players sitting out due to the flu and injuries.

It was just the spring game but - the Paladins are going to be fine at quarterback.
The Purple was led by Senior Harris Roberts 6-8 112 yards passing and one touchdown.
The White was led by Redshirt Freshman JeMar Lincoln 7-8 80 yards passing and a score, 3 rushes 22 yards.
I dare say Furman hasn't had that level of speed at quarterback since Chris Forcier.
I'd call it a draw - it will be interesting to see what happens in the pre-season when Hamp Sisson and Darren Grangier jump into the battle.

Cam Burnette Furman's 6-2 210 soph wide receiver - played very well - 3 catches 70 yards and a score.
With Quarles now the OC, it appears Furman is making some additional offensive adjustments. The slot receivers had very good games.

Maybe the most wow moment of the scrimmage… over 200 junior recruits were in attendance. Looks like Hendrix and winning again is attractive. I've never felt so small standing next to players without shoulder pads and cleats.

[PaladinFan]

Good morning:

Wofford started spring ball this week and had a scrimmage yesterday. Couple takeways based upon Wofford's beat writer reporting:

1) Wofford is incorporated RPOs. Conklin said we had too many 2nd and 10s/3rd and 7s last year. It seems the strategy will be to take advantage of angles on the perimeter when the defense is loading the box in run defense. I agree. I welcome the change.
2) Wofford threw the ball roughly 45% of the time.
3) We're really depleted by injury right now, but I expect us to be fine by the time the season starts
4) Joe Newman looks to have won the starting position. Many have criticized his passing ability but apparently he has far surpassed expectations. Considering how slippery he is as a runner, this is good.

5) I'm not going to re-open the can of worms on recruiting, but I think the coaching carousel had minimal effect. Maybe it didn't give us the best class possible, but I don't think it really hurt us *that* much.

Despite all of the above, I think if you're Wofford your baseline expectation is 6-5 or 7-4. Because of the player personnel we bring back, I think it's more likely that we over-achieve than under-achieve.

You could say my median expectation is 6-5 or 7-4. The socon is really tough and in many ways we underachieved last year, but there's so many transitions in coaching that it's hard to tell if we lost what made things better than the baseline. I wouldn't be that surprised if we won 8 or struggled to 5. Anything outside of that 5-8 window I would be *very* surprised.

You could say that's kind of bullish or homerish, but when you think about Wofford won 10 games in each of the last 2 years, in the 3 years before that we sat at about 5 D1 wins per year.

Long story short: there will be transition this year, but given the information we have right now, we should be favored against Gardner Webb, PC, ETSU, VMI, and Mercer (the last of which, only because it's at home and Mercer hasn't quite broken through yet).

Our away stretch is going to be rough (Furman--we suck in Greenville, improving Chattanooga, Western Carolina).

I think we have it in us to pull one over on Wyoming, but who knows

I think Wofford will be fine this season, though probably a step behind where they were in 2017. They will return a lot of talented players on defense. I think the real question is what they look like in 2019 and beyond.

Going into 2018, I will likely have them behind Samford and Furman in the preseason for a number of reasons: (1) coaching change, (2) attrition of talented players, particularly on offense, and (3) the schedule. Last season Wofford played most of their toughest games at home. This year their toughest games will be on the road.

Realistically, Wofford had a lot of "grit" or SHD or whatever you want to call it last season, but they were close to losing a lot of football games. The Terriers were one of the few veteran teams in a league full of really young programs. Their season will be defined, I think, by how quickly those young programs have closed the gap.

[PaladinFan]

Furman had its spring game (Purple and White scrimmage) yesterday. Might be the earliest of anyone?
Furman had ten players sitting out due to the flu and injuries.

It was just the spring game but - the Paladins are going to be fine at quarterback.
The Purple was led by Senior Harris Roberts 6-8 112 yards passing and one touchdown.
The White was led by Redshirt Freshman JeMar Lincoln 7-8 80 yards passing and a score, 3 rushes 22 yards.
I dare say Furman hasn't had that level of speed at quarterback since Chris Forcier.
I'd call it a draw - it will be interesting to see what happens in the pre-season when Hamp Sisson and Darren Grangier jump into the battle.

Cam Burnette Furman's 6-2 210 soph wide receiver - played very well - 3 catches 70 yards and a score.
With Quarles now the OC, it appears Furman is making some additional offensive adjustments. The slot receivers had very good games.

Maybe the most wow moment of the scrimmage… over 200 junior recruits were in attendance. Looks like Hendrix and winning again is attractive. I've never felt so small standing next to players without shoulder pads and cleats.

I am as excited about Cam Burnette as I've been about any Furman player in quite some time. I think he has the potential to terrorize the Southern Conference. He's big, fast, a good blocker, and has superb hands.

He worked in a bit last year into a veteran receiving corps as a freshman. Only 9 catches, but 210 yards and 23+ yards per catch and 2 scores.

[ElCid]

We had a few expected starters out at the first scrimmage. Looks like the o-line is progressing. They were pretty young last year. The most intriguing situation to me is moving our FB to QB. Rainey looked pretty good apparently moving back to his HS position of QB. Our expected starter at QB, Jordan Black, got worked hard, but Rainey may give him a run for it. I am interested to know how Rainey's year at running as FB will impact his QB play in regard to his option decisions.

[DoWe]

I think we have it in us to pull one over on Wyoming, but who knowsYou may have it, but it's not going to happen.

[PaladinFan]

According to some on our forum, Furman was expecting 50 juniors at their spring game. They had 200.

I agree with PaladinNation, Hendrix is bringing winning back to Greenville.

[ElCid]

I agree with PaladinNation, Hendrix is bringing winning back to Greenville.

Then I'm glad we play in Charleston this year. 😀

[SU DOG]

Then I'm glad we play in Charleston this year. 

xlolxxlolxxlolx