SoCon Offseason Thread

[PaladinFan]

With signing day around the corner and coaching changes afoot, I thought a SoCon thread concerning offseason maneuvering that doesn't require discussion about playoff bids would be appropriate.

Fire away.

[cx500d]

With signing day around the corner and coaching changes afoot, I thought a SoCon thread concerning offseason maneuvering that doesn't require discussion about playoff bids would be appropriate.

Fire away.

The SoCon seems to start an off-season thread while the season is still going....

[PaladinFan]

The SoCon seems to start an off-season thread while the season is still going....

You're just mad you didn't think of it first.

[cx500d]

You're just mad you didn't think of it first.

Think of what? Repeatedly finishing the season early in the first round so I can start an offseason thread?

[PaladinFan]

Think of what? Repeatedly finishing the season early in the first round so I can start an offseason thread?

You are going to have to troll harder than that.

[cx500d]

You are going to have to troll harder than that.
It never hurts to try

[Catamount87]

Without a DC, OC and recruiting coordinator now and apparently no rumors on replacements, I am concerned we're about to miss the boat on some top recruits.

[walliver]

Without a DC, OC and recruiting coordinator now and apparently no rumors on replacements, I am concerned we're about to miss the boat on some top recruits.

I don't like the early signing period the way it is set up. Allow early signing in August, then wait until February for the rest.
Many teams at all levels are going through coaching uncertainty right now. Other teams will have coaching changes over the next month or two - a few early signees will get unexpected surprises.

[PaladinFan]

I don't like the early signing period the way it is set up. Allow early signing in August, then wait until February for the rest.
Many teams at all levels are going through coaching uncertainty right now. Other teams will have coaching changes over the next month or two - a few early signees will get unexpected surprises.

I can definitely see where the early signing period is an advantage to FCS programs, but also would create a huge burden on teams that are going through coaching changes.

[PaladinFan]

Mercer named Tim Foster "co-offensive coordinator." https://mercerbears.com/news/2019/12/16/football-tim-foster-named-co-offensive-coordinator.aspx

I think that's at least two coaches Cronic is bringing from LR. Maybe there are more.

[FUBeAR]

Mercer named Tim Foster "co-offensive coordinator." https://mercerbears.com/news/2019/12/16/football-tim-foster-named-co-offensive-coordinator.aspx

I think that's at least two coaches Cronic is bringing from LR. Maybe there are more.3...so far...

http://www.mubeardown.com/post/7653/thread

[ElCid]

Furman fans, what is the low down on what is going on? Heard some not so good things happening right now. Is there legs to this? Or is it of questionable validity? Not getting specific due to nature of issue. No need to spread rumors...even if Furman sucks.

[PaladinFan]

Furman fans, what is the low down on what is going on? Heard some not so good things happening right now. Is there legs to this? Or is it of questionable validity? Not getting specific due to nature of issue. No need to spread rumors...even if Furman sucks.

No idea. I've just read what you've read.

[FUBeAR]

3...so far...

http://www.mubeardown.com/post/7653/threadmake that 4

https://mercerbears.com/news/2019/12/17/football-joel-taylor-tabbed-defensive-coordinator.aspx

Hope they can power wash any remaining bellhop crud off of him before he reports for duty in Maconga

[kdinva]

VMI Coach Wachenheim gets 3 year extension!

https://vmikeydets.com/news/2019/12/17/vmi-football-coach-scott-wachenheim-receives-contract-extension.aspx

[PaladinFan]

VMI Coach Wachenheim gets 3 year extension!

https://vmikeydets.com/news/2019/12/17/vmi-football-coach-scott-wachenheim-receives-contract-extension.aspx

Good for him.

[PaladinFan]

I had missed this, but Mercer's Tyray Devezin has announced he has entered the transfer portal.

https://twitter.com/raydevezin/status/1205262012135153664?s=20

I don't think that Devezin ever took a redshirt, so I guess he could feasibly go just about anywhere. It doesn't sound like he is unequivocally transferring, but might be similar to Grayson Atkins in "seeing what is out there."

[FUBeAR]

I had missed this, but Mercer's Tyray Devezin has announced he has entered the transfer portal.

https://twitter.com/raydevezin/status/1205262012135153664?s=20

I don't think that Devezin ever took a redshirt, so I guess he could feasibly go just about anywhere. It doesn't sound like he is unequivocally transferring, but might be similar to Grayson Atkins in "seeing what is out there." Standard contract negotiation ploy in this day of collegiate free agency. 5 extra post-lift smoothies/week & an across the board upgrade in road game swag and #34 re-ups with the Bears.

[PaladinFan]

Standard contract negotiation ploy in this day of collegiate free agency. 5 extra post-lift smoothies/week & an across the board upgrade in road game swag and re-ups with the Bears.

I thought he'd be a great fit in Cronic's offense, too.

My guess is the decision to potentially transfer is related to Cronic's system. In Cronic's offense, Devezin would likely play the FB/RB/B-Back position. Personally, I think he'd be a nightmare for defenses out of that position. However, his current touches would probably reduce significantly.

Just comparing the two, Devezin averaged over 20 touches a game rushing and receiving in Mercer's single back offense. Lenoir Rhyne's FB (the primary ball carrier) had around 12 touches a game.

[PaladinNation]

It's still early 9:45 am Furman has 12 commits signed - on paper I can't think of a Furman class as impressive as this one. Furman's physical weaknesses on the line appears to be a focus with this class three offensive linemen and two defensive lineman. Same can be said concerning linebackers, Furman picks up two inside linebackers, Evan DiMaggio is probably on of the most offered had 12 FBS offers. The gem of this class is Blake Hundley an offensive lineman from Clarksville, TN had offers from South Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas. Glad to see Furman fought off Princeton to snag speedy Texan Kendall Thomas a RB/SB. Furman did lose a big wide out that was committed up until Monday and is signing with Miami of Ohio. Boo!

[kdinva]

VMI Coach Wachenheim gets 3 year extension!

https://vmikeydets.com/news/2019/12/17/vmi-football-coach-scott-wachenheim-receives-contract-extension.aspx

Keydets get 11 signed L O I today..



Culbreath, Jack
P
6'4
185
Fr.
Charlottesville, VA/


Robinson, Evan
DT
6'1
288
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Highland Springs


Dunn, Christian
LB
6'1
230
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Benedictine


DaSilva, Julio
WR
6'1
175
Fr.
Philadelphia, PA/


Knapp, Josh
FS/WR
6'3
187
Fr.
Baltimore, MD/


Dunn, Soloman
WR/QB
6'4
188
Fr.
Johnson City, TN/Science Hill


Twombly, Aidan
TE
6'4
215
Fr.
Waxhaw, NC/


Knox, Chance
WR
5'10
167
Fr.
Charleston, WV/


Oliver, Alex
ath
5'11
175
Fr.
Mechanicsville, VA/Atlee


Cooper, Andre
WR
6'5
188
Fr.
Orlando, FL/


Reid, Will
OL
6'4
280
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Douglas Freeman

[FUBeAR]

Keydets get 11 signed L O I today..



Culbreath, Jack
P
6'4
185
Fr.
Charlottesville, VA/


Robinson, Evan
DT
6'1
288
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Highland Springs


Dunn, Christian
LB
6'1
230
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Benedictine


DaSilva, Julio
WR
6'1
175
Fr.
Philadelphia, PA/


Knapp, Josh
FS/WR
6'3
187
Fr.
Baltimore, MD/


Dunn, Soloman
WR/QB
6'4
188
Fr.
Johnson City, TN/Science Hill


Twombly, Aidan
TE
6'4
215
Fr.
Waxhaw, NC/


Knox, Chance
WR
5'10
167
Fr.
Charleston, WV/


Oliver, Alex
ath
5'11
175
Fr.
Mechanicsville, VA/Atlee


Cooper, Andre
WR
6'5
188
Fr.
Orlando, FL/


Reid, Will
OL
6'4
280
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Douglas Freeman



6 from outside VA & only 5 from VA - have the in-State mandated recruiting %’s, that I think y’all had to live with, changed?

[PaladinNation]

Furman inks 13 during early signing period

Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla. / St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga. / Buford High School
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. / Clarksville High School
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla. / Fleming Island High School
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn. / Baylor School
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla. / Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga. / Milton High School
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney High School
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. / Westlake High School
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas / Stony Point High School
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio / Xenia High School
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga. / Roswell High School
Ty Youngblook, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn. / Greeneville High School

https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2019/12/18/football-furman-adds-13-on-national-signing-day.aspx

[walliver]

It's still early 9:45 am Furman has 12 commits signed - on paper I can't think of a Furman class as impressive as this one. Furman's physical weaknesses on the line appears to be a focus with this class three offensive linemen and two defensive lineman. Same can be said concerning linebackers, Furman picks up two inside linebackers, Evan DiMaggio is probably on of the most offered had 12 FBS offers. The gem of this class is Blake Hundley an offensive lineman from Clarksville, TN had offers from South Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas. Glad to see Furman fought off Princeton to snag speedy Texan Kendall Thomas a RB/SB. Furman did lose a big wide out that was committed up until Monday and is signing with Miami of Ohio. Boo!

Some people just like playing in front of dozens of fans on Thursday nights.

[PaladinFan]

Some people just like playing in front of dozens of fans on Thursday nights.

If you are going to flip a commitment, I can live with flipping a commitment to an FBS school we don't play.

[PaladinNation]

Pretty sure - Caldwell's flip caught the Furman coaches by surprise. His HS over the weekend had made a social post of the schools players that were signing in their college unis. Furman flipped Yates from being a Bucknell commit. These things happen.

[The Cats]

Early Signing Period - Updated Dec. 18, 8:08 p.m.

The Citadel (9)
Anthony Bowen, DB, 6-2, 170, Winston-Salem, N.C./Oak Grove
Ethan Goyette, OL, 6-3, 235, Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Carson Hatchett, DL, 6-3, 260, Blountstown, Fla./Blountstown
Wilson Hendricks, DB, 6-1, 200, Travelers Rest, S.C./Travelers Rest
Colby Kintner, K, 6-2, 210, Anderson, S.C./Olympia
Andrew Lewis, LB, 6-5, 195, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra
Cameron Moewe, OL, 6-4, 250, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny
Ben Steele, P, 5-8, 155, Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage
Graeson Underwood, QB, 6-0, 225, Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork


ETSU (7)
Macho Arza, WR, 6-2, 185, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington
Deven Brantley, LB/DE, 6-2, 215, Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew
Cade Larkins, QB, 6-2, 205, Jonesborough, Tenn./David Crockett
Chandler Martin, LB, 6-0, 215, Lithonia, Ga./Arabia Mountain
George Odimegwu, DB, 6-1, 190, Spring Hill, Tenn./Summit
Colton Webb, DE, 6-4, 255, Powell, Tenn./Powell
Nolan Wishon, T, 6-6, 240, Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee HS



Furman (13)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla./St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga./Buford
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga./Milton
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga./Westlake
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio/Xenia
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Ty Youngblood, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville


Mercer (6)
Carter Peevy, QB, 6-3, 209, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Dyvon McKinney , MLB, 6-0, 207, Fr., Asheboro, N.C./Asheboro
Ethan Dirrim, ATH, 6-2, 205, Fr., Canton, Ga./Creekview
Jordan Swain, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Brunswick, Ga./Glynn Academy
Bryer Touchton , OL, 6-6, 315, Fr. , Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes
Kevin Booker, OL, 6-3, 280, Fr., Gainesville, Fla./Buchholz


Samford (9)
Zach Brown, OL, 6-4, 281, Loretto, Tenn./Loretto
Josiah Cotton, LB, 5-11, 210, Macon, Ga./Mount De Sales Academy
Deuce Flowers, WR, 6-4, 180, Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland
Cooper Frazier, OL, 6-4, 290, Corinth, Miss./Corinth
Donny Hawkins, OL, 6-2, 295, Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley
Noah Martin, LB, 6-1, 230, Chattanooga, Tenn./The Baylor School
J.T. May, DE, 6-5, 250, Millington, Tenn./Tipton Rosemark Academy
Asher Morgan, QB, 6-4, 216, Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia
Lawson Pratt, QB, 6-0, 187, Tuscaloosa, Ala./American Christian Academy


Chattanooga (14)
Gino Appleberry, RB, 5-9, 205, So.*, Atlanta, Ga./Westlake HS/Western Kentucky
Tyron Arnett, WR, 6-1, 185, Jr.*, Belle Glade, Fla./Pahokee HS/Western Mich.
Lucas Brown Jr., ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Red Bank
Ty Gossett, QB, 6-3, 225, Fr.*, Asheville, N.C./T.C. Roberson HS/Jireh Prep
Travon Jones, TE, 6-5, 205, Fr.*, McDonough, Ga./Dutchtown HS/Fork Union
Jeremiah Katt, OL, 6-4, 300, Fr.*, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View HS/Fork Union
Reuben Lowery III, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr.*, Powder Springs, Ga./Hillgrove
Christian Martin, TE, 6-4, 250, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
John Prince, DL, 6-2, 230, Fr.*, Stockbridge, Ga./Stockbridge
Giovanni Reviere, DL, 6-5, 270, Jr.*, Chattanooga, Tenn./McCallie School/Purdue
Haze Solomon, OL, 6-7, 230, Fr., Athens, Ala./East Limestone
Jordan Walker, DB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Lafayette, Ala./Lafayette
Tyler Walker, WR, 6-1, 180, Fr., Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County
Reid Williams, OL, 6-2, 275, Fr., Ringgold, Ga./Ringgold
*January 2020 enrollee



VMI (11)
Andre Cooper II, WR, 6-5, 195, Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona
Jack Culbreath, K/P, 6-4, 175, Charlottesville, Va./Monticello
Julio DaSilva, WR, 6-0, 170, Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic
Christian Dunn, LB, 6-3, 215, Richmond, Va./Benedictine
Solomon Dunn, WR, 6-4, 190, Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill
Josh Knapp, DB, 6-3, 180, Abingdon, Md./Archbishop Curley
Chance Knox, WR, 5-10, 160, Charleston, W.Va./Capital
Alex Oliver, WR, 6-0, 175, Mechanicsville, Va./Atlee
Will Reid, OL, 6-4, 280, Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman
Evan Robinson, DL, 6-1, 195, Richmond, Va./Highland Springs
Aidan Twombly, TE, 6-3, 215, Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge



Western Carolina (7)
Calvin Jones, RB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Charlotte, N.C./East Rutherford
Caleb Carter, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C./Southwest Onslow
Quintin Talley, DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Spartanburg, S.C./Byrnes
Luke Sutton, WR, 5-8, 180, Fr., Concord, N.C./Cox Mill
Willie Hampton, LB, 6-1, 210, R-Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Garden City CC/American Heritage
Mark Wright, QB, 5-11, 190, R-Jr., Douglasville, Ga./Hutchinson CC/Carrollton
Demorian Smith, LB, 6-0, 220 lbs., Fr. Robersonville, N.C. (South Creek HS)


Wofford (12)
Trey Baker, QB, 6-2, 170, Raleigh, N.C./Leesville Road
Wyatt Bartkowiak, TE, 6-4, 215, Inman, S.C./Boiling Springs
John Boyles, OLB, 6-3, 225, Traverse City, Mich./Episcopal (Va.)
John Michael DiRoberto, DB, 5-11, 176, Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Dillon Drooze, TE, 6-3, 240, Roebuck. S.C./Dorman
Cecil Fisher III, OL, 6-3, 285, Decatur, Ga./Columbia
Cario Googer, DB, 5-9, 170, Atlanta, Ga./Mays
Ryan Ingram, RB, 5-11 , 200, Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson
Briggs Kearse, OL, 6-4, 285, Blackville, S.C./Barnwell
Harrison Morgan, OLB, 6-3, 205, Easley, S.C./Wren
Chuck Smith IV, DL, 6-2, 250, Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett
Garrett Vernon, WR, 6-2, 185, Elkin, N.C./East Wilkes

[PaladinFan]

Kendall Thomas, RB, was just voted first team all state for Texas Class 6A. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2019/12/19/2019-texas-associated-press-sports-editors-class-6a-all-state-football-team-jaxon-smith-njigba-named-offensive-player-of-the-year/

He adds to a really deep group of Furman running backs. The Paladins return the entire offensive backfield next season.

[FUBeAR]

Early Signing Period - Updated Dec. 18, 8:08 p.m.

The Citadel (9)
Anthony Bowen, DB, 6-2, 170, Winston-Salem, N.C./Oak Grove
Ethan Goyette, OL, 6-3, 235, Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Carson Hatchett, DL, 6-3, 260, Blountstown, Fla./Blountstown
Wilson Hendricks, DB, 6-1, 200, Travelers Rest, S.C./Travelers Rest
Colby Kintner, K, 6-2, 210, Anderson, S.C./Olympia
Andrew Lewis, LB, 6-5, 195, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra
Cameron Moewe, OL, 6-4, 250, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny
Ben Steele, P, 5-8, 155, Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage
Graeson Underwood, QB, 6-0, 225, Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork


ETSU (7)
Macho Arza, WR, 6-2, 185, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington
Deven Brantley, LB/DE, 6-2, 215, Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew
Cade Larkins, QB, 6-2, 205, Jonesborough, Tenn./David Crockett
Chandler Martin, LB, 6-0, 215, Lithonia, Ga./Arabia Mountain
George Odimegwu, DB, 6-1, 190, Spring Hill, Tenn./Summit
Colton Webb, DE, 6-4, 255, Powell, Tenn./Powell
Nolan Wishon, T, 6-6, 240, Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee HS



Furman (13)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla./St. Stephen’s Episcopal School
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga./Buford
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga./Milton
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga./Westlake
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio/Xenia
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Ty Youngblood, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville


Mercer (8)
Carter Peevy, QB, 6-3, 209, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Dyvon McKinney , MLB, 6-0, 207, Fr., Asheboro, N.C./Asheboro
Ethan Dirrim, ATH, 6-2, 205, Fr., Canton, Ga./Creekview
Jordan Swain, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Brunswick, Ga./Glynn Academy
Bryer Touchton , OL, 6-6, 315, Fr. , Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes
Kevin Booker, OL, 6-3, 280, Fr., Gainesville, Fla./Buchholz
Will Robertson, OL, 6-6, 290, R-Fr., Acworth, Ga./Etowah/Coastal Carolina
Brock Mattison, DE/OLB, 6-1, 217, R-Fr., Duluth, Ga./Buford/Appalachian State

Samford (9)
Zach Brown, OL, 6-4, 281, Loretto, Tenn./Loretto
Josiah Cotton, LB, 5-11, 210, Macon, Ga./Mount De Sales Academy
Deuce Flowers, WR, 6-4, 180, Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland
Cooper Frazier, OL, 6-4, 290, Corinth, Miss./Corinth
Donny Hawkins, OL, 6-2, 295, Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley
Noah Martin, LB, 6-1, 230, Chattanooga, Tenn./The Baylor School
J.T. May, DE, 6-5, 250, Millington, Tenn./Tipton Rosemark Academy
Asher Morgan, QB, 6-4, 216, Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia
Lawson Pratt, QB, 6-0, 187, Tuscaloosa, Ala./American Christian Academy


Chattanooga (14)
Gino Appleberry, RB, 5-9, 205, So.*, Atlanta, Ga./Westlake HS/Western Kentucky
Tyron Arnett, WR, 6-1, 185, Jr.*, Belle Glade, Fla./Pahokee HS/Western Mich.
Lucas Brown Jr., ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Red Bank
Ty Gossett, QB, 6-3, 225, Fr.*, Asheville, N.C./T.C. Roberson HS/Jireh Prep
Travon Jones, TE, 6-5, 205, Fr.*, McDonough, Ga./Dutchtown HS/Fork Union
Jeremiah Katt, OL, 6-4, 300, Fr.*, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View HS/Fork Union
Reuben Lowery III, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr.*, Powder Springs, Ga./Hillgrove
Christian Martin, TE, 6-4, 250, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
John Prince, DL, 6-2, 230, Fr.*, Stockbridge, Ga./Stockbridge
Giovanni Reviere, DL, 6-5, 270, Jr.*, Chattanooga, Tenn./McCallie School/Purdue
Haze Solomon, OL, 6-7, 230, Fr., Athens, Ala./East Limestone
Jordan Walker, DB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Lafayette, Ala./Lafayette
Tyler Walker, WR, 6-1, 180, Fr., Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County
Reid Williams, OL, 6-2, 275, Fr., Ringgold, Ga./Ringgold
*January 2020 enrollee



VMI (11)
Andre Cooper II, WR, 6-5, 195, Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona
Jack Culbreath, K/P, 6-4, 175, Charlottesville, Va./Monticello
Julio DaSilva, WR, 6-0, 170, Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic
Christian Dunn, LB, 6-3, 215, Richmond, Va./Benedictine
Solomon Dunn, WR, 6-4, 190, Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill
Josh Knapp, DB, 6-3, 180, Abingdon, Md./Archbishop Curley
Chance Knox, WR, 5-10, 160, Charleston, W.Va./Capital
Alex Oliver, WR, 6-0, 175, Mechanicsville, Va./Atlee
Will Reid, OL, 6-4, 280, Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman
Evan Robinson, DL, 6-1, 195, Richmond, Va./Highland Springs
Aidan Twombly, TE, 6-3, 215, Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge



Western Carolina (7)
Calvin Jones, RB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Charlotte, N.C./East Rutherford
Caleb Carter, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C./Southwest Onslow
Quintin Talley, DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Spartanburg, S.C./Byrnes
Luke Sutton, WR, 5-8, 180, Fr., Concord, N.C./Cox Mill
Willie Hampton, LB, 6-1, 210, R-Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Garden City CC/American Heritage
Mark Wright, QB, 5-11, 190, R-Jr., Douglasville, Ga./Hutchinson CC/Carrollton
Demorian Smith, LB, 6-0, 220 lbs., Fr. Robersonville, N.C. (South Creek HS)


Wofford (12)
Trey Baker, QB, 6-2, 170, Raleigh, N.C./Leesville Road
Wyatt Bartkowiak, TE, 6-4, 215, Inman, S.C./Boiling Springs
John Boyles, OLB, 6-3, 225, Traverse City, Mich./Episcopal (Va.)
John Michael DiRoberto, DB, 5-11, 176, Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Dillon Drooze, TE, 6-3, 240, Roebuck. S.C./Dorman
Cecil Fisher III, OL, 6-3, 285, Decatur, Ga./Columbia
Cario Googer, DB, 5-9, 170, Atlanta, Ga./Mays
Ryan Ingram, RB, 5-11 , 200, Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson
Briggs Kearse, OL, 6-4, 285, Blackville, S.C./Barnwell
Harrison Morgan, OLB, 6-3, 205, Easley, S.C./Wren
Chuck Smith IV, DL, 6-2, 250, Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett
Garrett Vernon, WR, 6-2, 185, Elkin, N.C./East WilkesAdded 2 Transfers to Mercer who, today, announced themselves as joining the Bears

[PaladinNation]

Kendall Thomas, RB, was just voted first team all state for Texas Class 6A. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2019/12/19/2019-texas-associated-press-sports-editors-class-6a-all-state-football-team-jaxon-smith-njigba-named-offensive-player-of-the-year/

He adds to a really deep group of Furman running backs. The Paladins return the entire offensive backfield next season.

Watching his film Thomas is perfect for the DINS offense.
https://twitter.com/KendallTxii/status/1201252150522892291

[gofurman]

It never hurts to try

cx, be happy with your success. No need to troll others

[gofurman]

Kendall Thomas, RB, was just voted first team all state for Texas Class 6A. https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2019/12/19/2019-texas-associated-press-sports-editors-class-6a-all-state-football-team-jaxon-smith-njigba-named-offensive-player-of-the-year/

He adds to a really deep group of Furman running backs. The Paladins return the entire offensive backfield next season.

i agree. Two concerns and then positives -

1). How do these guys REALLY stack up Nationally. The SoCon is weaker now. Only time will tell.
2) Furman needs some help at WR. SPEED. Can any of these guys possibly play WR?

3) glad to see us addressing OL and DL. I posted in the Furman forum mid-year I felt our DL was starting to get pushed around.. especially on interior DL. Caught some flack for that post. No one really denies it now. We were beat to hell by Woff and Cit and Apy on the OL and DL. Woff really pushed us around

[PaladinFan]

None of these recruits are targeted as WR. They did have a quality recruit at WR, who flipped days before signing day to Miami (OH).

I don't know what the coaches thought on this are, but remember, the Paladins have two QBs who have played a lot of WR (Grainger and Shiflett). Furman lined Grainger up at WR against Wofford.

[PaladinFan]

I went back and looked through Hero Sports FCS recruit rankings published in October. A lot of changes off that list, which I'm sure will eventually be updated. https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2019-southern-conference-socon-recruiting-oct-ajaj

Conscripting the earlier thread to include Hero Sports rankings:

The Citadel (9)
Anthony Bowen, DB, 6-2, 170, Winston-Salem, N.C./Oak Grove
Ethan Goyette, OL, 6-3, 235, Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Carson Hatchett, DL, 6-3, 260, Blountstown, Fla./Blountstown
Wilson Hendricks, DB, 6-1, 200, Travelers Rest, S.C./Travelers Rest
Colby Kintner, K, 6-2, 210, Anderson, S.C./Olympia
Andrew Lewis, LB, 6-5, 195, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra
Cameron Moewe, OL, 6-4, 250, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny
Ben Steele, P, 5-8, 155, Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage
Graeson Underwood, QB, 6-0, 225, Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork

ETSU (7)
Macho Arza, WR, 6-2, 185, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington [#9]
Deven Brantley, LB/DE, 6-2, 215, Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew
Cade Larkins, QB, 6-2, 205, Jonesborough, Tenn./David Crockett
Chandler Martin, LB, 6-0, 215, Lithonia, Ga./Arabia Mountain
George Odimegwu, DB, 6-1, 190, Spring Hill, Tenn./Summit
Colton Webb, DE, 6-4, 255, Powell, Tenn./Powell
Nolan Wishon, T, 6-6, 240, Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee HS

Furman (13)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla./St. Stephen’s Episcopal School [#2]
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga./Buford [#1]
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School [#21]
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga./Milton [#6]
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney [#24]
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga./Westlake [#17]
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point [#26]
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio/Xenia [#3]
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga./Roswell [Ranked #2 on Patriot League list]
Ty Youngblood, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville [#16]

Mercer (6)
Carter Peevy, QB, 6-3, 209, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Dyvon McKinney , MLB, 6-0, 207, Fr., Asheboro, N.C./Asheboro
Ethan Dirrim, ATH, 6-2, 205, Fr., Canton, Ga./Creekview
Jordan Swain, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Brunswick, Ga./Glynn Academy
Bryer Touchton , OL, 6-6, 315, Fr. , Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes
Kevin Booker, OL, 6-3, 280, Fr., Gainesville, Fla./Buchholz [#15]

Samford (9)
Zach Brown, OL, 6-4, 281, Loretto, Tenn./Loretto [#20]
Josiah Cotton, LB, 5-11, 210, Macon, Ga./Mount De Sales Academy
Deuce Flowers, WR, 6-4, 180, Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland
Cooper Frazier, OL, 6-4, 290, Corinth, Miss./Corinth
Donny Hawkins, OL, 6-2, 295, Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley [#11]
Noah Martin, LB, 6-1, 230, Chattanooga, Tenn./The Baylor School [#10]
J.T. May, DE, 6-5, 250, Millington, Tenn./Tipton Rosemark Academy
Asher Morgan, QB, 6-4, 216, Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia [#30]
Lawson Pratt, QB, 6-0, 187, Tuscaloosa, Ala./American Christian Academy [#27]

Chattanooga (14)
Gino Appleberry, RB, 5-9, 205, So.*, Atlanta, Ga./Westlake HS/Western Kentucky
Tyron Arnett, WR, 6-1, 185, Jr.*, Belle Glade, Fla./Pahokee HS/Western Mich.
Lucas Brown Jr., ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Red Bank
Ty Gossett, QB, 6-3, 225, Fr.*, Asheville, N.C./T.C. Roberson HS/Jireh Prep
Travon Jones, TE, 6-5, 205, Fr.*, McDonough, Ga./Dutchtown HS/Fork Union
Jeremiah Katt, OL, 6-4, 300, Fr.*, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View HS/Fork Union
Reuben Lowery III, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr.*, Powder Springs, Ga./Hillgrove
Christian Martin, TE, 6-4, 250, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
John Prince, DL, 6-2, 230, Fr.*, Stockbridge, Ga./Stockbridge
Giovanni Reviere, DL, 6-5, 270, Jr.*, Chattanooga, Tenn./McCallie School/Purdue
Haze Solomon, OL, 6-7, 230, Fr., Athens, Ala./East Limestone
Jordan Walker, DB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Lafayette, Ala./Lafayette
Tyler Walker, WR, 6-1, 180, Fr., Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County
Reid Williams, OL, 6-2, 275, Fr., Ringgold, Ga./Ringgold [#28]
*January 2020 enrollee

VMI (11)
Andre Cooper II, WR, 6-5, 195, Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona [#19]
Jack Culbreath, K/P, 6-4, 175, Charlottesville, Va./Monticello
Julio DaSilva, WR, 6-0, 170, Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic
Christian Dunn, LB, 6-3, 215, Richmond, Va./Benedictine
Solomon Dunn, WR, 6-4, 190, Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill
Josh Knapp, DB, 6-3, 180, Abingdon, Md./Archbishop Curley
Chance Knox, WR, 5-10, 160, Charleston, W.Va./Capital
Alex Oliver, WR, 6-0, 175, Mechanicsville, Va./Atlee
Will Reid, OL, 6-4, 280, Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman
Evan Robinson, DL, 6-1, 195, Richmond, Va./Highland Springs
Aidan Twombly, TE, 6-3, 215, Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge

Western Carolina (7)
Calvin Jones, RB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Charlotte, N.C./East Rutherford [#7]
Caleb Carter, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C./Southwest Onslow
Quintin Talley, DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Spartanburg, S.C./Byrnes
Luke Sutton, WR, 5-8, 180, Fr., Concord, N.C./Cox Mill
Willie Hampton, LB, 6-1, 210, R-Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Garden City CC/American Heritage
Mark Wright, QB, 5-11, 190, R-Jr., Douglasville, Ga./Hutchinson CC/Carrollton
Demorian Smith, LB, 6-0, 220 lbs., Fr. Robersonville, N.C. (South Creek HS)

Wofford (12)
Trey Baker, QB, 6-2, 170, Raleigh, N.C./Leesville Road
Wyatt Bartkowiak, TE, 6-4, 215, Inman, S.C./Boiling Springs
John Boyles, OLB, 6-3, 225, Traverse City, Mich./Episcopal (Va.)
John Michael DiRoberto, DB, 5-11, 176, Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Dillon Drooze, TE, 6-3, 240, Roebuck. S.C./Dorman
Cecil Fisher III, OL, 6-3, 285, Decatur, Ga./Columbia
Cario Googer, DB, 5-9, 170, Atlanta, Ga./Mays
Ryan Ingram, RB, 5-11 , 200, Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson [#4]
Briggs Kearse, OL, 6-4, 285, Blackville, S.C./Barnwell [#23]
Harrison Morgan, OLB, 6-3, 205, Easley, S.C./Wren [#29]
Chuck Smith IV, DL, 6-2, 250, Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett
Garrett Vernon, WR, 6-2, 185, Elkin, N.C./East Wilkes

Did Not Sign/Decommitted/Uncommitted
# 5 Davon Wells (Mercer)
# 8 Mack McCluskey (Mercer)
# 12 Diondre Glover (Mercer)
#13 Jaden Blount (Mercer)
#18 Mendez Jean-Baptiste (Samford)
# 22 Justin Lewis (WCU)

Committed to Different School
#14 Ambe Caldwell (Furman - Miami (OH))
#25 JR Martin (WCU - Elon)

[FUBeAR]

I went back and looked through Hero Sports FCS recruit rankings published in October. A lot of changes off that list, which I'm sure will eventually be updated. https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2019-southern-conference-socon-recruiting-oct-ajaj

Conscripting the earlier thread to include Hero Sports rankings:

The Citadel (9)
Anthony Bowen, DB, 6-2, 170, Winston-Salem, N.C./Oak Grove
Ethan Goyette, OL, 6-3, 235, Stafford, Va./Mountain View
Carson Hatchett, DL, 6-3, 260, Blountstown, Fla./Blountstown
Wilson Hendricks, DB, 6-1, 200, Travelers Rest, S.C./Travelers Rest
Colby Kintner, K, 6-2, 210, Anderson, S.C./Olympia
Andrew Lewis, LB, 6-5, 195, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra
Cameron Moewe, OL, 6-4, 250, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny
Ben Steele, P, 5-8, 155, Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage
Graeson Underwood, QB, 6-0, 225, Irmo, S.C./Dutch Fork

ETSU (7)
Macho Arza, WR, 6-2, 185, Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington [#9]
Deven Brantley, LB/DE, 6-2, 215, Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew
Cade Larkins, QB, 6-2, 205, Jonesborough, Tenn./David Crockett
Chandler Martin, LB, 6-0, 215, Lithonia, Ga./Arabia Mountain
George Odimegwu, DB, 6-1, 190, Spring Hill, Tenn./Summit
Colton Webb, DE, 6-4, 255, Powell, Tenn./Powell
Nolan Wishon, T, 6-6, 240, Bristol, Tenn./Tennessee HS

Furman (13)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla./St. Stephen’s Episcopal School [#2]
Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga./Buford [#1]
Blake Hundley, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn./Clarksville
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School [#21]
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga./Milton [#6]
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney [#24]
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga./Westlake [#17]
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point [#26]
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio/Xenia [#3]
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga./Roswell [Ranked #2 on Patriot League list]
Ty Youngblood, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville [#16]

Mercer (6)
Carter Peevy, QB, 6-3, 209, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer
Dyvon McKinney , MLB, 6-0, 207, Fr., Asheboro, N.C./Asheboro
Ethan Dirrim, ATH, 6-2, 205, Fr., Canton, Ga./Creekview
Jordan Swain, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Fr., Brunswick, Ga./Glynn Academy
Bryer Touchton , OL, 6-6, 315, Fr. , Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes
Kevin Booker, OL, 6-3, 280, Fr., Gainesville, Fla./Buchholz [#15]

Samford (9)
Zach Brown, OL, 6-4, 281, Loretto, Tenn./Loretto [#20]
Josiah Cotton, LB, 5-11, 210, Macon, Ga./Mount De Sales Academy
Deuce Flowers, WR, 6-4, 180, Cleveland, Tenn./Cleveland
Cooper Frazier, OL, 6-4, 290, Corinth, Miss./Corinth
Donny Hawkins, OL, 6-2, 295, Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley [#11]
Noah Martin, LB, 6-1, 230, Chattanooga, Tenn./The Baylor School [#10]
J.T. May, DE, 6-5, 250, Millington, Tenn./Tipton Rosemark Academy
Asher Morgan, QB, 6-4, 216, Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia [#30]
Lawson Pratt, QB, 6-0, 187, Tuscaloosa, Ala./American Christian Academy [#27]

Chattanooga (14)
Gino Appleberry, RB, 5-9, 205, So.*, Atlanta, Ga./Westlake HS/Western Kentucky
Tyron Arnett, WR, 6-1, 185, Jr.*, Belle Glade, Fla./Pahokee HS/Western Mich.
Lucas Brown Jr., ATH, 6-1, 180, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Red Bank
Ty Gossett, QB, 6-3, 225, Fr.*, Asheville, N.C./T.C. Roberson HS/Jireh Prep
Travon Jones, TE, 6-5, 205, Fr.*, McDonough, Ga./Dutchtown HS/Fork Union
Jeremiah Katt, OL, 6-4, 300, Fr.*, Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View HS/Fork Union
Reuben Lowery III, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr.*, Powder Springs, Ga./Hillgrove
Christian Martin, TE, 6-4, 250, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School
John Prince, DL, 6-2, 230, Fr.*, Stockbridge, Ga./Stockbridge
Giovanni Reviere, DL, 6-5, 270, Jr.*, Chattanooga, Tenn./McCallie School/Purdue
Haze Solomon, OL, 6-7, 230, Fr., Athens, Ala./East Limestone
Jordan Walker, DB, 6-3, 190, Fr., Lafayette, Ala./Lafayette
Tyler Walker, WR, 6-1, 180, Fr., Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County
Reid Williams, OL, 6-2, 275, Fr., Ringgold, Ga./Ringgold [#28]
*January 2020 enrollee

VMI (11)
Andre Cooper II, WR, 6-5, 195, Orlando, Fla./Lake Nona [#19]
Jack Culbreath, K/P, 6-4, 175, Charlottesville, Va./Monticello
Julio DaSilva, WR, 6-0, 170, Philadelphia, Pa./West Catholic
Christian Dunn, LB, 6-3, 215, Richmond, Va./Benedictine
Solomon Dunn, WR, 6-4, 190, Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill
Josh Knapp, DB, 6-3, 180, Abingdon, Md./Archbishop Curley
Chance Knox, WR, 5-10, 160, Charleston, W.Va./Capital
Alex Oliver, WR, 6-0, 175, Mechanicsville, Va./Atlee
Will Reid, OL, 6-4, 280, Richmond, Va./Douglas Freeman
Evan Robinson, DL, 6-1, 195, Richmond, Va./Highland Springs
Aidan Twombly, TE, 6-3, 215, Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge

Western Carolina (7)
Calvin Jones, RB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Charlotte, N.C./East Rutherford [#7]
Caleb Carter, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Jacksonville, N.C./Southwest Onslow
Quintin Talley, DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Spartanburg, S.C./Byrnes
Luke Sutton, WR, 5-8, 180, Fr., Concord, N.C./Cox Mill
Willie Hampton, LB, 6-1, 210, R-Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Garden City CC/American Heritage
Mark Wright, QB, 5-11, 190, R-Jr., Douglasville, Ga./Hutchinson CC/Carrollton
Demorian Smith, LB, 6-0, 220 lbs., Fr. Robersonville, N.C. (South Creek HS)

Wofford (12)
Trey Baker, QB, 6-2, 170, Raleigh, N.C./Leesville Road
Wyatt Bartkowiak, TE, 6-4, 215, Inman, S.C./Boiling Springs
John Boyles, OLB, 6-3, 225, Traverse City, Mich./Episcopal (Va.)
John Michael DiRoberto, DB, 5-11, 176, Roswell, Ga./Roswell
Dillon Drooze, TE, 6-3, 240, Roebuck. S.C./Dorman
Cecil Fisher III, OL, 6-3, 285, Decatur, Ga./Columbia
Cario Googer, DB, 5-9, 170, Atlanta, Ga./Mays
Ryan Ingram, RB, 5-11 , 200, Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson [#4]
Briggs Kearse, OL, 6-4, 285, Blackville, S.C./Barnwell [#23]
Harrison Morgan, OLB, 6-3, 205, Easley, S.C./Wren [#29]
Chuck Smith IV, DL, 6-2, 250, Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett
Garrett Vernon, WR, 6-2, 185, Elkin, N.C./East Wilkes

Did Not Sign/Decommitted/Uncommitted/Offer Withdrawn
# 5 Davon Wells (Mercer)
# 8 Mack McCluskey (Mercer)
# 12 Diondre Glover (Mercer)
#13 Jaden Blount (Mercer)
#18 Mendez Jean-Baptiste (Samford)
# 22 Justin Lewis (WCU)

Committed to Different School
#14 Ambe Caldwell (Furman - Miami (OH))
#25 JR Martin (WCU - Elon) AYP (A = Augmented)

[PaladinNation]

i agree. Two concerns and then positives -

1). How do these guys REALLY stack up Nationally. The SoCon is weaker now. Only time will tell.


PaladinFan put the SoCon Rankings next to the signed FU players. I've reordered them based on ranking.
As of Nov. 20th HeroSports had the 2020 Furman class ranked 7th nationally. JMU is ranked 3rd, NDSU is ranked 5th.
Since that ranking Furman picked up two big commitments Ivan Yates (#2 Patriot, #48 National), the other now signed commit is Blake Hundley. Hundley is now Furman's highest ranked signed recruit ever — per 247, Hundley is a 3 star 0.8265 held offers from SC, Kentucky, Kansas. Not sure where BMac will rank Hundley with 3 P5 offers? He could be ranked #10ish.

Concerning the strength of player quality - time will tell of course. In years past many of us Furman fans lamented that Furman was signing players only offered from Big South schools or some other lesser program. Under CCH Furman has become aggressive in recruiting. Furman is spending resources in Texas that has produced two tailbacks, and could produce more in the Feb. signing class. Furman is getting players with large lists of offers from FBS schools, DiMaggio had 12 FBS offers.


Evan DiMaggio, ILB, 6-3, 225, Fr., Buford, Ga./Buford [#1] (#23 N)
Dylan Davis, OL, 6-4, 270, Fr., Bradenton, Fla./St. Stephen’s Episcopal School [#2] (#43 N)
E.J. Wilson, OL, 6-4, 280, Fr., Xenia, Ohio/Xenia [#3] (#46 N)
Ivan Yates, CB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Roswell, Ga./Roswell [Ranked #2 on Patriot League list] (#48 N)
Jack Rhodes, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga./Milton [#6]
Ty Youngblood, ILB, 6-0, 215, Fr., Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville [#16]
Micah Robinson, CB, 5-11, 170, Fr., Atlanta, Ga./Westlake [#17]
Seth Johnson, DL , 6-2, 280, Fr., Chattanooga, Tenn./Baylor School [#21]
Caden Richards, S, 6-1, 185, Fr., Gaffney, S.C./Gaffney [#24]
Kendall Thomas, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Round Rock, Texas/Stony Point [#26]
Jeremiah Jackson, DE, 6-0, 250, Fr., Fleming Island, Fla./Fleming Island
Ryan Leavy, P, 6-1, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep

[PaladinFan]

I would also note that few recruits "stack up nationally."

Most of these kids play regionally at whatever high school that was nearby where they happened to grow up. Sometimes you get to see a kid play against other top competition, but it doesn't happen all that often.

[PaladinNation]

I would also note that few recruits "stack up nationally."

Most of these kids play regionally at whatever high school that was nearby where they happened to grow up. Sometimes you get to see a kid play against other top competition, but it doesn't happen all that often.

great point - it's been quite a few years back Furman signed Max Lerner out of Hoover and TV fame - Hoover went toe to toe with Tim Tebow's Florida HS team and I believe Lerner made a big stop on Tebow to end a late scoring drive. Max was a good player for Furman, he came with a lot of hype, I wouldn't say he was a great player.

Getting a perspective on incoming recruits is tricky. Devin Wynn's only offer was Furman, played at a small GA school, so you can never tell. But I would say the chances are good that a Texas 6A 1st Team All-State running back is the real deal. Same goes for a Georgia 7A First Team All State safety, and the leading tackler for the 5A Georgia State Champs.

[HootyHoo]

Just in case anyone is interested, KSU hauled in the 141st class in the country according to the 247 composite. There were no SOCON teams in the top 150. The best player is Gary Osby, a 5'10 220 pound running back who will probably end several of your seasons before his career is concluded.

[cx500d]

Just in case anyone is interested, KSU hauled in the 141st class in the country according to the 247 composite. There were no SOCON teams in the top 150. The best player is Gary Osby, a 5'10 220 pound running back who will probably end several of your seasons before his career is concluded.

Let me guess, you are now going to run a triple option nobody has ever seen before too?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ElCid]

Just in case anyone is interested, KSU hauled in the 141st class in the country according to the 247 composite. There were no SOCON teams in the top 150. The best player is Gary Osby, a 5'10 220 pound running back who will probably end several of your seasons before his career is concluded.

Dude, we are know what recruiting rankings are worth. It ain't much. When anyone starts trotting out number of stats or rankings, I have to laugh, even if it's my Bulldog fans. It's just a gimmick that doesn't pan out more often than it does.

[kdinva]

Just in case anyone is interested, KSU hauled in the 141st class in the country according to the 247 composite. There were no SOCON teams in the top 150. The best player is Gary Osby, a 5'10 220 pound running back who will probably end several of your seasons before his career is concluded.

another novice regarding HS Senior rankings. How good everyone's signees are, will be determined by on the field performance in 2021 and 2022..

[PaladinFan]

Dude, we are know what recruiting rankings are worth. It ain't much. When anyone starts trotting out number of stats or rankings, I have to laugh, even if it's my Bulldog fans. It's just a gimmick that doesn't pan out more often than it does.

For a lot of these kids, they are the best athletes on the field in high school. Many won't know how good they are until they show up and start playing against guys of equal talent.

[Mocs123]

Dude, we are know what recruiting rankings are worth. It ain't much. When anyone starts trotting out number of stats or rankings, I have to laugh, even if it's my Bulldog fans. It's just a gimmick that doesn't pan out more often than it does.

I'll certainly echo this. Chattanooga has sent 5 players to the NFL in recent years that were zero stars and not superstar signees (I think we were the only D1 offer on at least two of them). The flip side of that is out of our last ten 3-star signees, five left the program without ever stepping on the field, one is still in the program but hasn't played a snap in two seasons, and another has only played special teams thus far. Out of the remaining three, one was a solid player, but only started one year, and two were multi year starters, but only one of the three ever made an all conference team.

I think Chattanooga got a solid class, though probably not one that will receive a lot of fanfare from anyone that isn't a Moc fan. We met some long term needs of the team, if we can retain and develop that talent that we signed. We also got 3 transfers, one from Chattanooga (whom we recruited out of HS), and two more that were recruited by Coach Wright (one while he was at Ga State and another while he was still in Chattanooga) that fill some immediate needs.

I wouldn't be surprised if we get one more transfer and maybe a HS player or two to meet a couple of other needs we didn't get addressed.

[PaladinNation]

I agree rankings are meaningless >BUT< the current SoCon is stubbing it's toes against OOC competition in the regular season and the playoffs. Each school has to do its own thing to get their program where they want it to be. Furman will never restock or build the program around transfers. We get a couple every now and then, under CCH Shiflett and Daniels were both offered by Furman previously.

Furman has to bring in bigger, faster, stronger players, keep them, and develop them if we have any hope of becoming a relevant player in the national conversation. Same goes for Wofford, Chattanooga, The Citadel. Samford, Mercer, ETSU, etc… we now have five coaches who've been leading a SoCon program four years or less. My hope is these five coaches will change the trajectory of the SoCon back into a top FCS conference.

[HootyHoo]

I don't agree at all that recruiting rankings are meaningless. Recruiting is important no matter what level of football. That is not to say that it is an exact science in the FCS. KSU has also struggled to get production out of their 3 star commits. But we're definitely going to keeping offering them schollies. The SOCON is broken if the members think recruiting is a "gimmick". Watch out, The Big South might just pass you guys.

[ElCid]

I don't agree at all that recruiting rankings are meaningless. Recruiting is important no matter what level of football. That is not to say that it is an exact science in the FCS. KSU has also struggled to get production out of their 3 star commits. But we're definitely going to keeping offering them schollies. The SOCON is broken if the members think recruiting is a "gimmick". Watch out, The Big South might just pass you guys.

Didn't say recruiting was a gimmick, just the entire ranking/rating associated with it. Reading comprehension is fundamental.

[PaladinFan]

I don't agree at all that recruiting rankings are meaningless. Recruiting is important no matter what level of football. That is not to say that it is an exact science in the FCS. KSU has also struggled to get production out of their 3 star commits. But we're definitely going to keeping offering them schollies. The SOCON is broken if the members think recruiting is a "gimmick". Watch out, The Big South might just pass you guys.

No one is suggesting recruiting isn't important. It is the life blood of a football program. The point is that recruit rankings - specifically FCS recruit rankings - are mostly objective. FCS teams are largely going after the same type of player often overlooked by bigger schools. The difference is in coaching and development.

There are a bunch of all americans and top FCS players that were lightly recruited out of high school or even walk-ons. It's interesting stuff to think about, and gives wash-ups like us something to talk about, but it really doesn't mean anything until these guys strap on their helmets and hit someone at this level.

So, yes, recruiting matters. Recruit rankings, though, really don't.

[BearDownMU]

I don't agree at all that recruiting rankings are meaningless. Recruiting is important no matter what level of football. That is not to say that it is an exact science in the FCS. KSU has also struggled to get production out of their 3 star commits. But we're definitely going to keeping offering them schollies. The SOCON is broken if the members think recruiting is a "gimmick". Watch out, The Big South might just pass you guys.

You mean the ranking services that have high school players that are zero stars that somehow magically become a 3 star if a P5 school signs them. Or a 3 star that somehow becomes a 2 or no star if they sign FCS? Those services? K.

Here's my favorite ranking service: A Hudl profile and my eyes.

[FUBeAR]

Here's my favorite ranking service: A Hudl profile and my eyes.https://i.giphy.com/media/1Bh3kuNSGCkPi0oUtI/giphy.gif

[SU DOG]

I can cite a perfect example: Current Samford OL Gavin Orr was a 3***(.8111) player after his junior HS season. He was offered by 6 FBS(inc.Troy, App.State, and UAB). He, of course had many FCS offers. In the summer before his senior HS season, he committed to Samford. PRESTO, he dropped to a 2**(.7803) before even playing a single game. Strange huh?

[Mocs123]

Didn't say recruiting was a gimmick, just the entire ranking/rating associated with it. Reading comprehension is fundamental.

There are low standards at Kennesaw State Community College. He'd be in the Big South thread if they had enough fans that cared to have one.

[SU DOG]

Reportedly we have 3 players that are leaving. LB Aaron Atkinson, WR Moise Satine, and RB Antwoine Sims. I don't know what the xfer rules are anymore, but only Sims is listed as an undergrad. This is unusual for Samford, but it may be a sign of the times now in college football. There are way too many factors for someone outside the locker room to try and guess why a player leaves. As for the effect on our team, however, I don't see why there is any real reason for concern. Only Atkinson would possibly have been counted on to a significant extent. Any such rumblings heard at other SoCon schools?

[PaladinNation]

Reportedly we have 3 players that are leaving. LB Aaron Atkinson, WR Moise Satine, and RB Antwoine Sims. I don't know what the xfer rules are anymore, but only Sims is listed as an undergrad. This is unusual for Samford, but it may be a sign of the times now in college football. There are way too many factors for someone outside the locker room to try and guess why a player leaves. As for the effect on our team, however, I don't see why there is any real reason for concern. Only Atkinson would possibly have been counted on to a significant extent. Any such rumblings heard at other SoCon schools?

Grayson Atkins Furman's kicker has put his name in the transfer portal. It's an odd situation he's graduated in three years and is looking for a place to transfer that would match his degree field for a masters. If he doesn't find a match he's looking for he's said he plans to come back next season. Furman has already signed a punter, and has offers out to several kickers. Bo Layton would a rising redshirt senior, he could come back and play his senior season but he's moving on to med school. That's I think all the changes for Furman right now.

[Mocs123]

As much as I would hate that for Furman, I would be very surprised if a school doesn't pick him up as he's an excellent Kicker/Punter. Perhaps Chattanooga would have a graduate degree in his field :)

[PaladinFan]

As much as I would hate that for Furman, I would be very surprised if a school doesn't pick him up as he's an excellent Kicker/Punter. Perhaps Chattanooga would have a graduate degree in his field :)

Unlike a lot of transfers, I think this is less about "exposure" and more about trying to get four years of eligibility to pay for two degrees.

Kicking and punting are really the only areas of a football game where competition level is largely irrelevant.

The good news for Furman is that the Paladins have had almost no trouble the last 20 years or so finding good, consistent kickers. That is one of the few positions where an FCS school can find top talent even against the big programs.

[PaladinNation]

More accolades for Furman early signee Kendall Thomas. Really curious to see how CCH uses the four-game redshirt rule with Thomas.
Wynn - SR, Watkins - JR, Anderson-Abrams-Roberto - SO; you'd think Thomas is a non-brainer for a redshirt?

Thomas had a lot of success running inside, but at the college level, in Furman's offense, Thomas is a weapon on the edge and in space in the passing game. Watching the FU/APSU and FU/WC games Furman struggled at times to get players open, not sure where the rest of the SoCon sits but this area has to improve for the DINS.

https://twitter.com/KendallTxii/status/1209247206538121216

[PaladinFan]

In my estimation, Furman's inconsistency on offense was less about getting players open and more about getting the ball to the guys that were.

This was posted from earlier in the year, but I think is a good example of some of what plagued Furman this year:

https://twitter.com/ReceiverSchool/status/1187875289705144320?s=20

I like this video. It highlights a single play against the Citadel with Furman backed up in their own end zone and really focuses on a great route run by WR Ryan Deluca.

Deluca completely loses his coverage coming out of the break. The Citadel DB does not appear to have any idea where Deluca is on the field. He's wide open. He's so wide open most of us could probably get him the ball. Not just a yard or two, but probably five yards of separation just by his route alone.

The problem, in my view, isn't about getting the man open. The man is open. The problem is getting the ball to him.

I see two issues here. One is that Grainger locks onto Thomas Gordon and does not ever appear to look at Deluca. The late pressure by the Citadel (which teams loved to dial up against Grainger) forced a rushed throw and an incompletion.

The second issue is the blocking. The Citadel brings six, and we have six to block. Someone has to pick up the middle linebacker. That's usually on the OL, which ordinarily takes responsibility for pressure by the MLB. The RG never peels back to pick up the blitzing linebacker through the gap. Even if it wasn't the OL's responsibility, then it was the RB, who goes to block the outside (and less dangerous) rusher. Someone has to get a hat on that guy. He disrupts the entire play and we didn't even look at him much less block him.

If Furman is going to elevate to the national conversation again, they have to fix plays like this. You've got a well designed play in a then-tight game, a wide open receiver who would have run for a while, and we can't get the ball to him because of lack of execution.

[FUBeAR]

Mercer picks up a quality OL Transfer from VT

https://twitter.com/_johnnyharris_/status/1212047231911702529

Saw significant PT @ C & OG for the Hokies in both his R-FR & FR years. Here’s what VT’s OL Coach said about him after his 1st action at Center in 2018, “Harris is a guy that came in, he came from a great program first of all in high school. They have a great program at Mill Creek in Atlanta. He had a great summer and he is a cerebral person who figures everything out. He needs as many reps as I can give him right now. He got to center a little bit faster than I wanted him to, but he is a competitor and a prideful guy. I asked him if he could do it and he had been snapping every day, it’s not like he had never touched the ball before and he said ‘yeah, I’m good’. Obviously, he has been doing well at guard also. He has a bright future for us.”

3 Star coming out of HS with 31 FBS Offers - 19 P5 Offers (3 SEC, 9 ACC, 5 Big 10, 2 Big 12) & 12 G5 Offers - Offers from: North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Georgia State, Appalachian State, Louisville, Tulane, East Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Texas State, West Virginia, Syracuse, Mississippi State, Coastal Carolina, Arkansas State, Memphis, Georgia Southern, Colorado State, Georgia Tech, Minnesota, Kansas, South Florida, Kentucky, Duke, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Illinois



NOTE: I’m guessing Kennesaw had no interest in him as a HS Recruit nor as a Transfer.;)

[PaladinFan]

Furman announces their schedule. https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2020/1/2/furman-announces-2020-football-schedule.aspx

Unfortunately, Furman and Wofford play in Week 1. I have no idea why the SoCon does that. Arguably what is now the league's marquee matchup played in the first week of the season.

Probably good for Furman to get Wofford at home early on. Terriers will be breaking in a lot of new players and probably can't afford to tinker with their systems in a game that important.

[Mocs123]

Presbyterian and Charleston Southern for OOC games? Wins in those games won't do anything to help the SoCon.

It does suck that Wofford and Furman play to start the season, but I do think that is a good thing for Furman. I imagine they are ready to redeem themselves after a surprise beat down by the Govs.

On a side note - Chattanooga always releases their schedule so late - I wish they would release it earlier. We already know when our OOC games are, we are just don't know when our SoCon games are (but obviously the schedule has been decided).

[PaladinFan]

Presbyterian and Charleston Southern for OOC games? Wins in those games won't do anything to help the SoCon.

It does suck that Wofford and Furman play to start the season, but I do think that is a good thing for Furman. I imagine they are ready to redeem themselves after a surprise beat down by the Govs.

On a side note - Chattanooga always releases their schedule so late - I wish they would release it earlier. We already know when our OOC games are, we are just don't know when our SoCon games are (but obviously the schedule has been decided).

Charleston Southern isn't a terrible OOC matchup. The Bucs finished 3rd in the Big South behind Monmouth and KSU (their only BSC losses).

I don't love playing Presbyterian, but that's a team Furman has played a bunch over the years, even going back to their D2 days.

[PaladinFan]

Sad news from the Furman community. Sam Wyche passed away at 74. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/sam-wyche-bengals-super-bowl-dies

[PaladinNation]

https://twitter.com/Bengals/status/1212843578017247232

[FUBeAR]

He’s baaaaaaack!

https://twitter.com/johnruss07

VERY Proud of this #Day1 Mercer Bear & excited to have him back as a part of Mercer Football!!

[Mocs123]

Russ was an under-rated QB while at Mercer. I sort of felt like he was mini version of Jacob Huesman. His stats didn't jump off the screen but he just played good smart football. I think he'll do well as a coach.

[PaladinFan]

Zeus' Beard! Wofford announces a schedule that starts with four straight SoCon games. https://woffordterriers.com/sports/football/schedule/2020

Not only four straight, but open with Furman and the Citadel back to back. Guh.

[Mocs123]

That's a really odd schedule and very front loaded. They will either jump ahead in the conference stadings early, or start out playing catch up. Again with a premier SoCon team not playing a playoff team OOC.

[walliver]

Furman announces their schedule. https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2020/1/2/furman-announces-2020-football-schedule.aspx

Unfortunately, Furman and Wofford play in Week 1. I have no idea why the SoCon does that. Arguably what is now the league's marquee matchup played in the first week of the season.

Probably good for Furman to get Wofford at home early on. Terriers will be breaking in a lot of new players and probably can't afford to tinker with their systems in a game that important.

I fully expect to see the new system on display. The two likely starters at QB can sling the ball around but don't run as well as Joe Newman. 2020 is really when they should have started the offensive transition. I also suspect we will see a slight uptick in defensive aggressiveness as Josh Conklin doesn't really buy into the bend but don't break philosophy which has defined our offense for the last two decades.

I really hate the new schedule.
There should be no conference games in week 1 or 2 unless somebody is paying big money for them, and that ain't going to happen.
We play our two oldest rivals, both potential conference contenders, in the first two weeks. The rest of the season is much less interesting. There is the chance for revenge against SC State, and the possibility of being the second SoCon team to cause Will Muschamp to be fired.

[Mocs123]

Well walliver - I'll definitely be rooting for you to get your revenge on SC State, Gardner-Webb, and two be the second team to get Muschamp fired. No such promises on the other games :)

[Mocs123]

Chattanooga's schedule released

https://gomocs.com/schedule.aspx?path=fb&

[citdog]

2020 is the Year of The 'Dogs!

[kdinva]

2020 is the Year of The 'Dogs!

welcome back!!! how will Furman do?

[citdog]

welcome back!!! how will Furman do?

Thanks. Furman will be good. As long as it doesn't rain.


Furman sucks

[PaladinNation]

Based on Hendrick's comments about the need to add dynamic players at wide receiver I was curious if we'd see Furman take a transfer.

Enrolled this week is Noah Henderson (played at CPA for Ingle Martin) transferring from Charlotte. Henderson had 25 offers representing virtually the entire Southern Conference and Ivy League, as well as five FBS programs. Noah is 6-1, 195 hand-timed running a 4.47.

https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2020/1/15/football-furman-adds-transfer-receiver.aspx

[FUBeAR]

2020 is the Year of The 'Dogs!
Parole or commutation?

[citdog]

Your problem was toughness. All one had to do was punch you in the mouth and the furples folded.


Also rain.

Furman sucks

[citdog]

Parole or commutation?

A little bit of both. With a stern warning from a certain grizzly bear that resembled The Revenant....

[FUBeAR]

A little bit of both. With a stern warning from a certain grizzly bear that resembled The Revenant....
https://i.giphy.com/media/QY5WJIaK29RU4/giphy.gif

Welcome back!

gif is also a 10/10/20 preview

[Redbird 4th & short]

Zeus' Beard! Wofford announces a schedule that starts with four straight SoCon games. https://woffordterriers.com/sports/football/schedule/2020

Not only four straight, but open with Furman and the Citadel back to back. Guh.
Why dont you guys do OOC first to get tuned up for conference games. Is that just the history of SoCon ??

[citdog]

Why dont you guys do OOC first to get tuned up for conference games. Is that just the history of SoCon ??Somebody has to get screwed by the SoCon schedule. May as well be the ankle biters.

[SU DOG]

I too will say welcome back citdog.
Samford has no lower division teams scheduled. The 3 game stretch of Wofford, @ Kennesaw State, @ Furman could be a disaster.

https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/schedule

[ElCid]

Why dont you guys do OOC first to get tuned up for conference games. Is that just the history of SoCon ??

I think the reason has something to do with our usual FBS money games. Many FBS games are scheduled the last couple weeks of the season. A couple might be at the beginning of the season, but there are almost always FBS games the last couple weeks. As a result, the only other time to get the conference games in, is having some in the first couple weeks. Hard to turn down big money from Alabama, Clemson, Florida St, etc. And that is when they usually want to schedule them.

[walliver]

Some of the SoCon scheduling problem is that the game order is constantly being shuffled. There were complaints several years ago that most of the conference played GSU, ASU, and Wofford in consecutive weeks. Now the schedule is shuffled every couple of years.

It really sucks that by September 13th, we will have dispatched our two oldest rivals.

[Scrappy94]

Chattanooga QB Nick Tiano named MVP after leading National past American 30-20 in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001097520/article/tiano-leads-national-to-3020-win-in-nflpa-collegiate-bowl
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/28512030/chattanooga-qb-nick-tiano-named-mvp-leading-national-american-collegiate-bowl

[FUBeAR]

It really sucks that by September 13th, we will have dispatched our two oldest rivals.Need to look at that again - Gardner-Webb game is not until 11/7 & PC, nor Newberry aren’t on the Terriers’ schedule this year.

[citdog]

Some of the SoCon scheduling problem is that the game order is constantly being shuffled. There were complaints several years ago that most of the conference played GSU, ASU, and Wofford in consecutive weeks. Now the schedule is shuffled every couple of years.

It really sucks that by September 13th, we will have dispatched our two oldest rivals.

Woffy's rival is PC. Y'all have a trophy and everything.

[PaladinFan]

Not sure if this was already posted, but Furman PK Grayson Atkins has opted to be a graduate transfer to UNC. He's trying to get two degrees from his four years of eligibility, so I can't really blame him.

It is a big loss for the Paladins. Atkins is an All American and arguably the best kicker in the country and probably the SoCon's top punter as well.

Furman has historically had a lot of success finding kickers, so hopefully they'll have a "next man" ready to go this fall. Still, you hate to lose such a key piece off a contending team to a transfer.

[walliver]

Need to look at that again - Gardner-Webb game is not until 11/7 & PC, nor Newberry aren’t on the Terriers’ schedule this year.

PC did make Furman's schedule. Not a big step up from Point. Point probably has more scholarship players.

[Mocs123]

I too will say welcome back citdog.
Samford has no lower division teams scheduled. The 3 game stretch of Wofford, @ Kennesaw State, @ Furman could be a disaster.

https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/schedule

Nice schedule for the Birmingham Bulldogs. We will all be rooting for you to get revenge against TTU and get a marquee win for the SoCon against KSU (which according to HootyHoo is the best FCS team not named NDSU and is just waiting on their SEC invite).

[PaladinFan]

The real question this year is whether Samford will match their home and road uniforms?

Red or no red. What's it going to be?

[ElCid]

We apparently have our new turf going in. Not sure how long it takes. I guess 2-3 months. No word yet on the visitors side.

[FUBeAR]

We apparently have our new turf going in. Not sure how long it takes. I guess 2-3 months. No word yet on the visitors side.
Geez - now y’all aren’t even going to have turf on the visitors side either. Seems like that won’t necessarily create a home field advantage, but I guess it will match the surroundings.

[FUBeAR]

He’s baaaaaaack!

https://twitter.com/johnruss07

VERY Proud of this #Day1 Mercer Bear & excited to have him back as a part of Mercer Football!!
Apologies for the self-quote & apologies to my FU brothers for the media embedded in this post, but I am SO EXCITED that yet another of my ALL-Time Favorite Day1 Bears (and favorite Football Families) is also...

...baaaaaaack!
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1224454391316406272
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/800115400633556992
...connecting both ends of this game-winning combination on the current staff of Mercer Football

[The Cats]

https://catamountsports.com/images/2020/2/3/2020_FBSchedule_INSIDE.jpg?width=1416&height=797&mode=crop&quality=80&format=jpg

[PaladinNation]

Big day tomorrow for all SoCon teams. BMac at Hero Sports is releasing his SoCon rankings of this year's classes today.

Concerning Furman, Furman is loading up on commits that are some form of running back/slot back/wide receivers.
Based on an interview with one of the commits Furman is wanting him to play the slot. Furman has five players in the 2020 class that you could pencil in as slot backs. Interesting to see what this means in a George Quarles offense.

Furman also is filling two defense assistant positions > defensive line and defensive backs < hope we will hear who by the start of spring ball.

[PaladinFan]

HERO Sports released their SoCon Rankings for recruits - https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2020-recruiting-southern-conference-socon-ajaj

Wofford lands the top overall recruit. Furman has the top class (and half of the top 10 and roughly half of the entire top 30).

HERO's method of ranking recruits - primarily based on total offers - has some obvious flaws, of course. It overlooks talented players that may have had only a few offers for whatever reason (sometimes, simply because a kid committed early in the recruiting process).

It is interesting conversation. Furman has a very strong class on paper. We'll see what happens in the fall.

[walliver]

The problem with "offers" is that many P5 programs offer dozens and dozens of players at some point only to withdraw them later when a better candidate comes along.

[PaladinNation]

The problem with "offers" is that many P5 programs offer dozens and dozens of players at some point only to withdraw them later when a better candidate comes along.

B Mac (Hero Sports) goes into detail about this here:
https://twitter.com/Bison1660/status/1224860329772974081

I agree with B Mac that a verbal offer from say (Clemson or Carolina) counts. Things could change and they not get a written offer. But I think you have to count that in some context - IMO better than just a star ranking.

[SU DOG]

Hatcher has fired so many of his assistants that I can't get too excited about signing day. There were some good coaches and good men that he has let go. Sure, the defense sucked last year, but can it ever be good with his offense? Can he actually hire better? Looking at the track record, I doubt it.

[kdinva]

VMI signs 11 more on 5 February:



McCarthy, Conner
Ath
6'2
187
Fr.
Ashburn/VA


Pitts, Garrett
OL
6'6
270
Fr.
Orange, VA/Orange


Summey, Tahj
CB
5'11
175
Fr.
Chantilly, VA/Westfield


Swinehart, Grant
RB
6'0
202
Fr.
Bridgewater, VA/Turner Ashby


Castle, Stephen
DL
6'5
235
Fr.
Mechanicsville, VA/Hanover


Doyle, Austin
OT
6'5
280
Fr.
Lexington, VA/Rockbridge


Turner, Nick
DB/WR
6'3
185
Fr.
Richmond, VA/Benedictine


White, Austin
DB
5'11
178
Fr.
Harrisonburg, VA/Maury


Eller, Evan
DB
6'1
208
Fr.
Roanoke, VA/Lord Botetourt


Jawara, Abdul
ILB
6'1
218
Fr.
Leesburg, VA/Georgetown Prep


Stevenson, A J
OLB
6'4
210
Fr.
Lynchburg, VA/Brookeville




I believe Coach is looking for one, maybe 2 PWO quarterbacks. all four QBs from last season are back.

[PaladinFan]

The problem with "offers" is that many P5 programs offer dozens and dozens of players at some point only to withdraw them later when a better candidate comes along.

I imagine that holds true of the SoCon as well.

A player may have had an offer from School X, but that offer was rescinded after School X signed the kid from elsewhere.

So, you may have had an offer, but didn't later.

[CID1990]

https://i.giphy.com/media/QY5WJIaK29RU4/giphy.gif

Welcome back!

gif is also a 10/10/20 preview

Hope springs eternal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mocs123]

I'm not always sold on stars (we have several no star guys playing on sundays and have had some 3* guys never really contribute, but it's hard to ignore this recruiting class with seven 3* guys singed in this class. I can't wait for football season.

[PaladinFan]

A note on Furman -

Furman didn't take a QB in this class. They were connected to a few, but it certainly seems like they won't go hard at that position until 2021. For now, it looks like Grainger is the guy.

The Paladins also brought in a few new players that are sort of "tweeners" - speedy high school running backs now listed as wide receivers. I expect these guys will occupy a "slasher" type role in Furman's office similar to what VanCleave does for Wofford.

[PaladinNation]

^^^ This Furman class (I believe) continues the build of the Furman program in the way Hendrix believes will make it successful in the SoCon and what it will take to compete in the playoffs. This class of offensive linemen combined with the last two classes brings a total of seven physical, athletic linemen. This guys are strikingly similar and IMO are the key to Furman's future success. Win or lose — I can't remember a game when Hendrix didn't make a comment about the play of the line.

2018
Anderson Tomlin 6-5 275 OT RSSO
2019
Evan Jumper 6-4 262 C SO (started as a true freshman)
Pearson Toomey 6-3 265 OT RSFR
Jake Johanning 6-3 265 OG RSFR
2020
E. J. Wilson 6-4 280 OG FR
Dylan Davis 6-4 270 OL FR
Blake Hundley 6-3 270 C FR

Part two of the Hendrix plan bring in dynamic skill players. Something Furman was behind on compared to Wofford and Austin Peay.
These two could have an instant impact in 2020.

https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1225061950163505155
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1207308492505268225

[PaladinFan]

Todd Shanesy had an interesting writeup on Wofford's recruiting process. https://www.goupstate.com/sports/20200204/wofford-footballrsquos-new-approach-to-recruiting

I assume this would be a similar approach from other SoCon programs - (1) identify the "prototype" player (2) develop a board of x number of guys you want to recruit.

Furman is certainly gotten to where they are targeting their prototype players at each position.

[citdog]

The big question is can any of these new furples play in the rain?

[SU DOG]

C J Paymon, a 3*** Safety with 11 FBS offers, had a unique way of announcing his school of choice.

https://www.wsfa.com/2020/02/05/bulldog-puppy-steals-show-during-athletes-signing-day-event/

[Smitty]

Anybody have an extra defensive coordinator they want to get rid of? We can't seem to get somebody locked in (Tripp Weaver left for ECU after just getting promoted to DC).

[SU DOG]

Anybody have an extra defensive coordinator they want to get rid of? We can't seem to get somebody locked in (Tripp Weaver left for ECU after just getting promoted to DC).

I'm serious when I say that our DC that Hatcher reportedly just fired is not bad. With something other than this so called Hatch Attack offense to deal with, he would probably do well. He was considered a very good DC before Hatcher came. As of yet, no official word from Samford on the numerous firings or their replacements.

[PaladinNation]

Not bad the SoCon gets six schools in the Hero Sports Top 50 recruiting classes.
Excited to see this Din class come late summer.

https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2020-recruiting-top-50-fcs-team-rankings-ajaj

[citdog]

FCS recruiting rankings mean exactly jack ****. How many times has Chattanooga won the "recruiting championship?"

27-10

[PaladinFan]

Not bad the SoCon gets six schools in the Hero Sports Top 50 recruiting classes.
Excited to see this Din class come late summer.

https://herosports.com/fcs/football-2020-recruiting-top-50-fcs-team-rankings-ajaj

Certainly noteworthy for the Paladins. Doesn't mean much if it doesn't come together in the fall.

[FUBeAR]

https://soconsports.com/news/2020/2/10/football-socon-partners-with-sec-for-officiating-consortium.aspx

SoCon partners with SEC for officiating consortium

SEC will hire SoCon’s coordinator of officials

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference will partner with the Southeastern Conference to coordinate its football officiating, SoCon Commissioner Jim Schaus announced Monday. The SoCon will join the SEC and the Sun Belt Conference in the officiating consortium beginning with the 2020 season.


Can’t get any worse...can it?

[Mocs123]

I'm serious when I say that our DC that Hatcher reportedly just fired is not bad. With something other than this so called Hatch Attack offense to deal with, he would probably do well. He was considered a very good DC before Hatcher came. As of yet, no official word from Samford on the numerous firings or their replacements.

Does the shake up in Samford's staff indicate that Hatcher's seat is getting warm? I know He's had problems getting Samford to the next level, but he's not had a bad season either.

[Mocs123]

FCS recruiting rankings mean exactly jack ****. How many times has Chattanooga won the "recruiting championship?"

27-10

Chattanooga's recruiting coordinator for most of the Huesman years was Will Healey (who went to be the HC at Austin Peay and now Charlotte) actively campaigned to get all his recruits listed on 247 and get stars for the guys that hadn't been evaluated by the site. Tom Arth could recruit them but couldn't keep them or get them on the field (multiple 3-star guys never stepped foot on the field before leaving during his torturous two years) It's obvious Rusty Wright doesn't care about recruiting rankings as we signed four 3* guys on February 5th but only one is listed on 247 (and he's the only HS commitment listed).

While some recruits can step in and help right away, most of the time you really don't know how good your recruiting class is for two-three-or even four years. We've had several 3* star guys that didn't make a huge impact and we currently have several players in the NFL that were zero star guys coming out of HS. At our level it's all about retention and development of talent.

[PaladinNation]

Chattanooga's recruiting coordinator for most of the Huesman years was Will Healey (who went to be the HC at Austin Peay and now Charlotte) actively campaigned to get all his recruits listed on 247 and get stars for the guys that hadn't been evaluated by the site. Tom Arth could recruit them but couldn't keep them or get them on the field (multiple 3-star guys never stepped foot on the field before leaving during his torturous two years) It's obvious Rusty Wright doesn't care about recruiting rankings as we signed four 3* guys on February 5th but only one is listed on 247 (and he's the only HS commitment listed).

While some recruits can step in and help right away, most of the time you really don't know how good your recruiting class is for two-three-or even four years. We've had several 3* star guys that didn't make a huge impact and we currently have several players in the NFL that were zero star guys coming out of HS. At our level it's all about retention and development of talent.

The BMac/HeroSports rankings don't include stars - he throws them out. To your point the top-ranked all-time Furman recruits by 247 were mostly misses. Furman has had more success with highly ranker transfers (Ingle Martin, Chris Forcier) this year Noah Henderson comes in as a high three-star, Luke Shiflett was also a high three-star - we will see if they deliver - I hope so.

I'd not be so quick to throw cold water on the Hero Sports rankings for the top four SoCon Schools the rankings point out that we're beating FBS schools and a lot of FCS schools for talent. As a conference we have to raise the bar on recruiting to compete OOC. This ranking shows that many SoCon schools are raising the bar and selling their respective program well. Kudos to our coaches!

And it never ends Furman just had a player post the first public offer over the weekend for 2021. To compete against the big boys of the FBS - FCS schools have to be in the mix from the beginning…

https://twitter.com/CharliePatt78/status/1226240488489017345 (https://twitter.com/CharliePatt78/status/1226240488489017345)

[PaladinFan]

Does the shake up in Samford's staff indicate that Hatcher's seat is getting warm? I know He's had problems getting Samford to the next level, but he's not had a bad season either.

Usually, a shake up of the coordinators is the last effort before there's a change at head coach.

To me, Samford's defensive issues are a clear result of their offense. Hatcher's offense tries to move so fast that it just leaves their defense on the field for an unbelievable amount of time. Just in the first half of the year last season, Samford's defense was on the field almost twice as many plays as the offense.

You can run that high tempo air raid attack with a player like Devlin Hodges. When you have a step down in quality, though, that offense can get really mediocre really fast. If you can't consistently score, the defense is just going to be left out to dry.

[SU DOG]

Does the shake up in Samford's staff indicate that Hatcher's seat is getting warm? I know He's had problems getting Samford to the next level, but he's not had a bad season either.

I like Chris, but there is a trend that worries many of our fans. Granted Murray is a tough place to recruit to, BUT Hatcher had some success there in his first 2 years going 6-5 and then 7-4. His next 2 years were 5-6 and 6-6, but then in his 5th and final season, Murray State won ONE D-1 game, and finished 3-9. The next year he was announced as the HC at Samford. ONE WIN in your 5th season, and you land a presumably better job?

Now, looking at Samford, 2017 was 8-4, and 6-2 in conference with a Playoff appearance. In 2018, we had THREE All-Americans including a Walter Payton winner, and were the pick to win the SoCon, and we finish 6-5. Last year was Hatcher's 5th at Samford and we go 5-7. Anyone see a trend here?

As for the hot seat, I dunno. Chris was given an extension after(I think) the 2017 year. Right now our MBB coach Scott Padgett, may be on a hotter seat. Our President, Dr. Westmoreland may be looking at retirement in a couple of years, so that could also be something of a factor. Coach Hatcher may surprise us this season, and have much success with a new staff, but the historical trend is concerning. Right now if the 2 marque sports at Samford were lumped as a stock, it would certainly NOT receive the BUY recommendation. With the resources Samford has, however, our outlook has the possibility of changing quickly.

[SU DOG]

Usually, a shake up of the coordinators is the last effort before there's a change at head coach.

To me, Samford's defensive issues are a clear result of their offense. Hatcher's offense tries to move so fast that it just leaves their defense on the field for an unbelievable amount of time. Just in the first half of the year last season, Samford's defense was on the field almost twice as many plays as the offense.

You can run that high tempo air raid attack with a player like Devlin Hodges. When you have a step down in quality, though, that offense can get really mediocre really fast. If you can't consistently score, the defense is just going to be left out to dry.

Exactly PF - EXACTLY!!!

[kdinva]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQptLDyXsAElcPb?format=jpg&name=small

[The Cats]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EQnDqOeUUAArpbe?format=jpg&name=large

[PaladinNation]

Furman announces new DL coach… impressive resume.
Played at VaTech has CAA roots (W&M and Richmond) also coached at Dartmouth.
Was Army's DL coach last year…

https://twitter.com/FurmanPaladins/status/1232024642715619328

[The Cats]

Andy McCollum Hired as Western Carolina Defensive CoordinatorCullowhee, N.C. – A veteran defensive coach with nearly four decades of collegiate experience, Andy McCollum has been hired by Western Carolina head football coach Mark Speir (https://catamountsports.com/staff.aspx?staff=170) as the program's defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. McCollum has been an assistant coach at five different NCAA Division I FBS programs and holds the distinction of being the first FBS – then NCAA D-IA – head coach at Middle Tennessee, a position he held for seven seasons.


https://catamountsports.com/news/2020/2/25/football-andy-mccollum-hired-as-western-carolina-defensive-coordinator.aspx

[kdinva]

Furman announces new DL coach… impressive resume.
Played at VaTech has CAA roots (W&M and Richmond) also coached at Dartmouth.
Was Army's DL coach last year…

https://twitter.com/FurmanPaladins/status/1232024642715619328

Good hire for Furple!

[Catamount87]

Catamounts now adding former player and 15 year NFL vet, Clyde Simmons to the defensive coaching staff. He was a beast on the field at WCU!

https://catamountsports.com/news/2020/2/26/football-former-catamount-clyde-simmons-joins-wcu-coaching-staff.aspx

[bonarae]

The Citadel is planning to use some XFL rules in its spring game on March 7.

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20200228153542908006504&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS

[FUBeAR]

Catamounts now adding former player and 15 year NFL vet, Clyde Simmons to the defensive coaching staff. He was a beast on the field at WCU!

https://catamountsports.com/news/2020/2/26/football-former-catamount-clyde-simmons-joins-wcu-coaching-staff.aspxgot a new AD in cullowhee too, didn’t ya? Another alum. FUBeAR is a big fan of hiring (the right) Alums back into a program.

[FUBeAR]

The Citadel is planning to use some XFL rules in its spring game on March 7.

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20200228153542908006504&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCSCool!

FUBeAR, despite having Kickers, Punters, and Long-snappers as good friends; is a long-time proponent of taking the “Foot” out of Football entirely. With limited resources, scholarships, and roster sizes (NFL), FUBeAR just doesn’t feel good about those resources, scholarships, and roster spots going to “Specialists” whose abilities & physical requirements (training, effort, and risk), generally, though undeniably unique (special), are so far afield from those of other Football (position) Players.

Under current rules, their talent and skills are, unquestionably, critically important to the success of the Team, but we are seeing signs of how rule changes can minimize, and eventually eliminate, the requirement for those skills.

Player Safety is definitely an issue on Kickoffs / Punts. Eliminate those & we are left with only XP’s. The XFL has the right idea...just need to take it a bit further & FUBeAR’s vision will he realized.

[ElCid]

The Citadel is planning to use some XFL rules in its spring game on March 7.

http://www.fcs.football/cfb/story.asp?i=20200228153542908006504&ref=hea&tm=&src=FCS


Yeah that's just a little weird. Also, since our field is getting turf and under construction, I heard the game will be played on the parade field in the middle of campus instead.

31412

[walliver]

I suspect the kick-off as we know it will be gone soon enough. Likely, the only reason it still exists is because no-one has found a safer way to replicate the onside kick in a new fashion. Even if we went with an XFL-style policy of announcing the onsides kick in advance, you still have a potentially dangerous situation of 21 large fast players all blindly converging on the ball simultaneously.

I am not a big fan of the XFL's 1,2 or 3 point idea as many more games would now be decided more on extra point conversions than touchdowns.

It will be interesting to see if the Citadel tries two forward passes on the same play.

[PaladinFan]

Furman knocked out their spring game on Saturday. https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2020/2/29/football-bell-stars-in-purple-white-saturday-scrimmage.aspx

As they've tended to do, Clay Hendrix wants to get "spring" practice over, done with, and host a bunch of juniors on campus when their spring day doesn't conflict with anyone else's.

[ElCid]

It will be interesting to see if the Citadel tries two forward passes on the same play.

Heck, it is sometimes iffy, if we try two passes all game.:D Seriously, we have picked up on the passing game the last couple years.

But I am not sure what the intent of this is. I am sure the coach has his reasons. I trust him. Also, the coaches for this game will be the players. Brandon Rainey will coach one side and Willie Eubanks the other. They are each going to pick their team as well a' la grade school apparently. Pretty interesting event all around.

[citdog]

Furman knocked out their spring game on Saturday. https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2020/2/29/football-bell-stars-in-purple-white-saturday-scrimmage.aspx

As they've tended to do, Clay Hendrix wants to get "spring" practice over, done with, and host a bunch of juniors on campus when their spring day doesn't conflict with anyone else's.

Did it rain? If it did both sides lost. After last season it became clear you baptist pussies can't play when water falls from the sky. No word on if you are any good when total immersion is possible.

[citdog]

Heck, it is sometimes iffy, if we try two passes all game.:D Seriously, we have picked up on the passing game the last couple years.

But I am not sure what the intent of this is. I am sure the coach has his reasons. I trust him. Also, the coaches for this game will be the players. Brandon Rainey will coach one side and Willie Eubanks the other. They are each going to pick their team as well a' la grade school apparently. Pretty interesting event all around.

Have you been paying attention? The best receiver in the SoCon last season was Raleigh Webb. We throw it quite effectively thank you.

[ElCid]

Have you been paying attention? The best receiver in the SoCon last season was Raleigh Webb. We throw it quite effectively thank you.


I know. He is awesome, as I said, we have picked it up nicely the last couple years. Just tongue in cheek a little. The play calling for those passes has been better as well. Usually catches the opponents flat footed. We were a bit predictable previously. We should be on our knees and thanking God they are both coming back.

[ElCid]

The Citadel's Rainey, #7 on list, and VMI's Udinski, "top 10 worthy," get some love from Athlon for best returning QBs in FCS. Plus Rainey gets the cover pic!

Cadets and Keydets making noise!

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/fcs-football-ranking-ten-best-returning-quarterbacks-2020

[SU DOG]

Why would Samford not have an announcement about several assistant hires? That is the question many SU fans would like to know. We found out via Twitter that our new DC is Nick Benedetto from Sioux Falls University. Nothing against this young man, nice resume' but it upsets us that still NO official announcement has been issued. Seems strange and unconscionable that our info source has to come from Sioux Falls S.D.

[citdog]

Why would Samford not have an announcement about several assistant hires? That is the question many SU fans would like to know. We found out via Twitter that our new DC is Nick Benedetto from Sioux Falls University. Nothing against this young man, nice resume' but it upsets us that still NO official announcement has been issued. Seems strange and unconscionable that our info source has to come from Sioux Falls S.D.

Perhaps he entered witness protection. What better place to hide than the Samford Football defensive staff? Ain't nobody looking for anyone there...

[PaladinFan]

Why would Samford not have an announcement about several assistant hires? That is the question many SU fans would like to know. We found out via Twitter that our new DC is Nick Benedetto from Sioux Falls University. Nothing against this young man, nice resume' but it upsets us that still NO official announcement has been issued. Seems strange and unconscionable that our info source has to come from Sioux Falls S.D.

There could be any number of reasons why no official announcement is made. I wouldn't read that much into it. If Samford is anything like Furman, the sports information department is a pretty small operation trying to cover all of the University's athletic programs, not just football.

[Mocs123]

There could also be other technicalities that come into play. I know we had a coach that had a contract with another university for another six months or so (paying more money than we were) so he was a "volunteer coach" until that contract expired and he was officially anounced.

[PaladinFan]

There could also be other technicalities that come into play. I know we had a coach that had a contract with another university for another six months or so (paying more money than we were) so he was a "volunteer coach" until that contract expired and he was officially anounced.

As a fan, it is annoying. As a fan of the program, though, I'm good if the new coach is (1) coaching and (2) recruiting. They'll get around to announcing it at some point.

[SU DOG]

But at least 3 hires, with some being here before Christmas? I don't know what to read into it, but I( and others I have talked to) still think it is a bit weird.

[Mocs123]

Chattanooga spring football practice got one day in before it was suspended. I know Furman is already done, what about the other SoCon Schools?

[walliver]

Wofford completed spring (winter) practice.

[FUBeAR]

Mercer (with a new Coaching Staff) has completed 3 days of Spring Practice. The University, just decided, hours ago, to cancel on-campus classes. It will be interesting to see if the Bears continue practicing...

”Even with instruction moving to an online platform, there will still be students on campus. Larry D. Brumley, Senior VP for Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff with Mercer University, spoke about students remaining on campus. “There are a variety of reasons why we have students who are going to stay on campus and we are going to continue to take care of them, make sure they have access to healthcare, they have access to food.” Brumley said. “And so, we’ll take care of them here if they can’t go home.”

...wouldn’t be the least surprised if one of those reasons for some students staying on campus is to complete Spring Football Practice. Stay tuned...

[PaladinFan]

Mercer (with a new Coaching Staff) has completed 3 days of Spring Practice. The University, just decided, hours ago, to cancel on-campus classes. It will be interesting to see if the Bears continue practicing...

”Even with instruction moving to an online platform, there will still be students on campus. Larry D. Brumley, Senior VP for Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff with Mercer University, spoke about students remaining on campus. “There are a variety of reasons why we have students who are going to stay on campus and we are going to continue to take care of them, make sure they have access to healthcare, they have access to food.” Brumley said. “And so, we’ll take care of them here if they can’t go home.”

...wouldn’t be the least surprised if one of those reasons for some students staying on campus is to complete Spring Football Practice. Stay tuned...

No easy answers. I imagine universities are evaluating these questions daily.

With the White House saying not to gather in groups of more than 10 people, that will certainly impact a football team. I'm not sure how every school is doing it, but I believe UGA has shut down spring sports until at least mid-April.

[walliver]

A lot of schools have issues with students not be able to leave campus. International students may be be able to get flights home. Even domestic students may live in places like New York, Washington State, or San Francisco.

I have even heard whispers that many schools will be offering on-line instruction only this fall. Fortunately, most of us in the SoCon don't have to deal with large crowds, so hopefully the 2020 season will be played as planned.

addendum: Today the SoCon eliminated all spring athletic events. That probably includes spring practice.

[PaladinFan]

I guess this answers the question (https://soconsports.com/news/2020/3/17/baseball-socon-cancels-remainder-of-spring-competition.aspx)


SPARTANBURG, S.C. – By unanimous votes of the league’s Council of Presidents and directors of athletics, the Southern Conference is canceling all athletics-related activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, including competition, championships, organized practices and meetings, due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Commissioner Jim Schaus announced Tuesday.


If the baseball team can't practice in season, I doubt the football teams are practicing either.

[FUBeAR]

Interesting...

https://twitter.com/tman5_15/status/1239955851915300864

[PaladinFan]

I'm not as familiar with how the transfer portals work, but there have been a few notable names that have announced entering the portal, but not announced actually transferring.

There appears to be quite a few players that enter their name in the portal to "shop" other schools. I suppose that allows them to have conversations directly with other coaches and programs, but it does not exactly foreclose the ability to return to their current program. Some coaches, I believe, take the position though that if you enter your name in the portal, you are done with their program.

[walliver]

Interesting...

https://twitter.com/tman5_15/status/1239955851915300864

This is unfortunate, but not unexpected.

He would be a 6th year senior. Wofford offers no post-graduate programs, so a graduate transfer offers him a year of potentially free graduate school.

To be honest, I wish the NCAA would publish the statistics for how many graduate transfers actually finish their graduate programs. I have looked in the past and cannot find this information which suggests the numbers aren't good.

[PaladinFan]

It is unfortunate for smaller programs to lose their best players to bigger programs.

The timing is interesting too - the writeup about Wofford's spring game notes that Mangum was held out to injury. Did he practice this spring?

I think if a kid I was relying on was going to transfer, it'd be nice to know that before the recruiting period.

[FUBeAR]

Interesting...

https://twitter.com/robertriddleiii/status/1241033948601384961

[PaladinFan]

Not sure why I thought this, but I thought you'd have to exhaust your eligibility before applying for a 6th year. Guess I was wrong.

[The Cats]

Western added Presbyterian and Elon to future schedules


Western Carolina and Presbyterian have signed a contract for a single game at Western Carolina’s E.J. Whitmire Stadium in Cullowhee, N.C., on September 17, 2022. Western Carolina will pay Presbyterian a $95,000 guarantee for the contest.

Western Carolina and Elon will compete in a home-and-home series in 2024 and 2025. Elon will host the first game of the series at Rhodes Stadium in Elon, N.C., on September 28, 2024, before the series concludes at E.J. Whitmire Stadium on September 13, 2025.

[kdinva]

Not sure why I thought this, but I thought you'd have to exhaust your eligibility before applying for a 6th year. Guess I was wrong.

...maybe some Coaches have the mindset of: "why, the lad has not yet played 44 games..."....

[FUBeAR]

Not sure why I thought this, but I thought you'd have to exhaust your eligibility before applying for a 6th year. Guess I was wrong.If anyone cares to listen, Robert Riddle discusses the mechanics & timing of his 6th year eligibility waiver situation with the NCAA, during this relatively long interview with a Chattanooga radio station.

https://www.espnchattanooga.com/2020/03/24/press-row-podcast-3-24-mercer-quarterback-robert-riddle/

[ElCid]

Great article on The Citadel, Furman, and Wofford football history.

https://frontporchfootball.com/pride-glory/

[citdog]

Woffy's dropping Senior offensive lineman to the transfer portal like a C of C girl does her knickers on a Fri night.

[PaladinFan]

By my count, Wofford's going to have to replace all 5 starting OL, QB (1 and 2), TE, and top RB.

[citdog]

By my count, Wofford's going to have to replace all 5 starting OL, QB (1 and 2), TE, and top RB.

And you furples have to come to Charleston after we went through you like **** goes through a goose on your own field last season.

[Mocs123]

By my count, Wofford's going to have to replace all 5 starting OL, QB (1 and 2), TE, and top RB.

I wonder if this has anything to do with a planned offensive scheme change at Wofford? It was obvious at the start of last year that Conklin wanted to get away from the TO early last year (with disastrous results). I thought it was crazy that he tried to change the offense of a veteran squad that had been so successful.

[PaladinFan]

I wonder if this has anything to do with a planned offensive scheme change at Wofford? It was obvious at the start of last year that Conklin wanted to get away from the TO early last year (with disastrous results). I thought it was crazy that he tried to change the offense of a veteran squad that had been so successful.

I've said to this point that I am "wait and see" on Conklin. He stepped into a situation after Ayers' retirement where he had a pretty stacked roster, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Those guys have largely burned off now and we are going to really see our first "Conklin team" in 2020.

Even in the best of times, it would be difficult to try and replace everyone Wofford is going to have to replace. They are going to have new starters at basically every position on offense.

If I were a Wofford fan, I'd be super concerned about a number of key players transferring out of the program as seniors. Are they leveraging an opportunity, or are they realizing that 2020 is going to be rough?

[citdog]

I've said to this point that I am "wait and see" on Conklin. He stepped into a situation after Ayers' retirement where he had a pretty stacked roster, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Those guys have largely burned off now and we are going to really see our first "Conklin team" in 2020.

Even in the best of times, it would be difficult to try and replace everyone Wofford is going to have to replace. They are going to have new starters at basically every position on offense.

If I were a Wofford fan, I'd be super concerned about a number of key players transferring out of the program as seniors. Are they leveraging an opportunity, or are they realizing that 2020 is going to be rough?

DT Thad Mangum is now going elsewhere too for Woffy. It just keeps getting worse for the ankle biters.

[citdog]

Mangum has signed with South Florida.

[walliver]

Retaining 5th year seniors has been an issue for us for a number of years. With more players staying on campus over the summer and no graduate programs, there isn't much for 5th year seniors to do other than take the minimum courses required by the NCAA. It seems that once one player decides to leave, the camaraderie falls apart and others leave.

I also wonder whether COVID-19 has a role. There is no guarantee the 2020 season will be played, and players may not want to take the risk of delaying graduate school a year for a season that may not be played or seriously shortened. Even if the 2020 season is played (I have already started to renew my tickets), the playoffs may not take place - especially if the coronavirus follows a flu-like seasonal pattern.

It is awkward that both decided to transfer after spring practice. It would have been nice for their younger replacements to have more time working together - on the other hand we did get to have a spring practice.

[UpstateBison]

Retaining 5th year seniors has been an issue for us for a number of years. With more players staying on campus over the summer and no graduate programs, there isn't much for 5th year seniors to do other than take the minimum courses required by the NCAA. It seems that once one player decides to leave, the camaraderie falls apart and others leave.

I also wonder whether COVID-19 has a role. There is no guarantee the 2020 season will be played, and players may not want to take the risk of delaying graduate school a year for a season that may not be played or seriously shortened. Even if the 2020 season is played (I have already started to renew my tickets), the playoffs may not take place - especially if the coronavirus follows a flu-like seasonal pattern.

It is awkward that both decided to transfer after spring practice. It would have been nice for their younger replacements to have more time working together - on the other hand we did get to have a spring practice.

The Wofford football culture has changed dramatically. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PaladinFan]

The Wofford football culture has changed dramatically. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've been pretty consistent on this the last year or two - I'm in wait-and-see on Josh Conklin.

Conklin inherited a good situation in Spartanburg. He came into a championship-ready team with a stacked defense built by Mike Ayers. What happens from 2020 on is going to really tell the story as many of Ayers' players have moved on.

I say that not because I am anti-Wofford, but because I saw a similar story play out at Furman during the Lamb years.

[kdinva]

For the 2nd consecutive Spring, the Keydets leading receiver for the prior Fall, Jacob Herres, is in transfer portal. :( .....and this one, to me, fails the "sniff test".

[Mocs123]

He was a beast too - we had trouble with big physical receivers all year last fall and Herres ate out lunch. Is he trying to go p5? I wonder if he has the speed?

[PaladinFan]

He was a beast too - we had trouble with big physical receivers all year last fall and Herres ate out lunch. Is he trying to go p5? I wonder if he has the speed?

Furman beat the doors off VMI, but Herres still had 100+ yards receiving.

[PaladinFan]

Was this already reported?

VMI loses their other best player to transfer, except this time to the Citadel https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/vmi-football-all-american-will-transfer-to-rival-the-citadel/article_e895b21e-9476-11ea-8564-9f199668e71b.html

[cx500d]

Was this already reported?

VMI loses their other best player to transfer, except this time to the Citadel https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/vmi-football-all-american-will-transfer-to-rival-the-citadel/article_e895b21e-9476-11ea-8564-9f199668e71b.html

Was that part of his transition?

[kdinva]

Was that part of his transition?

No; ramsey wanted a FBS team to take him in. I had heard earlier his grades this Semester were shaky.....guess not, and will get his diploma in a day or two.

[citdog]

It's on in Charleston.

[ElCid]

It's on in Charleston.

Yeah, that a nice couple pick ups. That offensive lineman from USC is a big boy. Hope Rainey can see over him.:D

[FUBeAR]

Was this already reported?

VMI loses their other best player to transfer, except this time to the Citadel https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/vmi-football-all-american-will-transfer-to-rival-the-citadel/article_e895b21e-9476-11ea-8564-9f199668e71b.html
Ooh...that is some interesting news. When is the Roos vs. bellhops clash in 2020? That’ll be fun to watch.

I know we’re all good citizens and care about sportsmanship & honor & the welfare of the student athletes these days...but, back before we all became so reputable, I know there were many Defensive peeps that I played with @ FU, that if they were playing for VMI in 2020, would make it their personal mission to ensure that Mr. Ramsey would be unable to finish that contest. Will be fun to see how the Keydets play that day.

Honestly, I noticed, last year, their secondary had a penchant for & an ability to tackle in a way that is perfectly legal...almost like a soccer ‘tackle‘ where they grab on to the lower torso (just about waist high) & throw their bodies underneath & into the legs of the ball carrier. That’s how Riddle & Johnson (RB) both came up injured (Riddle severely & Johnson was out for several weeks) during the Mercer game last year. And don’t start giving me crap VMI-peeps. As I said, it’s perfectly legal & thus, not at all ‘dirty.’ Dangerous as all hades for their opponents, and probably not a very ‘sure” tackling technique; but not dirty at all, unless they change the rules about ‘low tackling’ to match the ones they have now about low blocking. Ramsey’s a great back, but he does run a little high...might want to stay extra low and pads down vs. his former teammates.

[FUBeAR]

It's on in Charleston.
On? Like this, you mean? https://onrentals.co.uk/

[PaladinFan]

Ooh...that is some interesting news. When is the Roos vs. bellhops clash in 2020? That’ll be fun to watch.

I know we’re all good citizens and care about sportsmanship & honor & the welfare of the student athletes these days...but, back before we all became so reputable, I know there were many Defensive peeps that I played with @ FU, that if they were playing for VMI in 2020, would make it their personal mission to ensure that Mr. Ramsey would be unable to finish that contest. Will be fun to see how the Keydets play that day.

Honestly, I noticed, last year, their secondary had a penchant for & an ability to tackle in a way that is perfectly legal...almost like a soccer ‘tackle‘ where they grab on to the lower torso (just about waist high) & throw their bodies underneath & into the legs of the ball carrier. That’s how Riddle & Johnson (RB) both came up injured (Riddle severely & Johnson was out for several weeks) during the Mercer game last year. And don’t start giving me crap VMI-peeps. As I said, it’s perfectly legal & thus, not at all ‘dirty.’ Dangerous as all hades for their opponents, and probably not a very ‘sure” tackling technique; but not dirty at all, unless they change the rules about ‘low tackling’ to match the ones they have now about low blocking. Ramsey’s a great back, but he does run a little high...might want to stay extra low and pads down vs. his former teammates.

As I dig in more on Ramsey's career, it's an interesting fit.

Ramsey has been more of a big-bodied volume runner playing in a significantly different offensive system. At VMI, he benefitted from setting up 7+ yards off the ball and working a full head of steam moving downhill. He likely never had his hand on the ground and probably wasn't called on to throw that many blocks against linebackers and safeties in the lane.

What might be an interesting development is whether Citadel attempts to alter things a bit to accommodate Ramsey's skill set. The Bulldogs have been a more "traditional" split veer offense to this point under Brent Thompson, but with Ramsey, I wonder if you might see them incorporate more shotgun sets and begin to look a little bit more like Wade Lang's option at Wofford or how Georgia Southern transitioned into more of a shotgun look in recent years.

[citdog]

As I dig in more on Ramsey's career, it's an interesting fit.

Ramsey has been more of a big-bodied volume runner playing in a significantly different offensive system. At VMI, he benefitted from setting up 7+ yards off the ball and working a full head of steam moving downhill. He likely never had his hand on the ground and probably wasn't called on to throw that many blocks against linebackers and safeties in the lane.

What might be an interesting development is whether Citadel attempts to alter things a bit to accommodate Ramsey's skill set. The Bulldogs have been a more "traditional" split veer offense to this point under Brent Thompson, but with Ramsey, I wonder if you might see them incorporate more shotgun sets and begin to look a little bit more like Wade Lang's option at Wofford or how Georgia Southern transitioned into more of a shotgun look in recent years.

Nope. The 'Dogs do what they do.

[citdog]

On? Like this, you mean? https://onrentals.co.uk/

Like this.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/southstrandnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ed/fed21f04-f7b2-11e6-88bb-3f740d429392/58ab5ee7c2c50.image.jpg

[FUBeAR]

Like this.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/southstrandnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/ed/fed21f04-f7b2-11e6-88bb-3f740d429392/58ab5ee7c2c50.image.jpg

Those 2 rings are very cute.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3VxAxZWkAECl4X.jpg

[cx500d]

Gee, this guy that sat in-front of me at the Natty in January only has five rings...Of course they are all National Championship rings....


31557

[Mocs123]

I didn't see that coming.....Ramsay was an excellent back, but going from VMI to The Citadel?? Isn't that like transferring from North Carolina to Duke, or Alabama to Auburn? He'll be a huge help to the Bulldogs backfield though I'm not sure they needed it.

Still not as good as Ailym Ford :)

[citdog]

I didn't see that coming.....Ramsay was an excellent back, but going from VMI to The Citadel?? Isn't that like transferring from North Carolina to Duke, or Alabama to Auburn? He'll be a huge help to the Bulldogs backfield though I'm not sure they needed it.

Still not as good as Ailym Ford :)

The SC SoCon schools all recruited Ford. It is my understanding he was marginal with the books.

[Mocs123]

To be honest I'm not sure exactly how we ended up with Ford and I sure had no idea when he signed that he would be an immediate impact player. SC is not an area we recruited much (that's changing with Ward on staff but Ford pre-dated Ward). As much as I hate to give Arth credit for anything, the Ford offer was during his tenure and Ford signed in the early signing period when we were without a head coach. His only listed offers per the often incomplete 247Sports were Chattanooga and UConn, which does seem odd since he was a 2-time All State back, so you could be right. Since at Chattanooga he's been a Deans List student. He's a Communications major, so I'm sure it's not like Engineering or Biology, but he's been getting it done in the classroom none the less.

[PaladinFan]

I didn't see that coming.....Ramsay was an excellent back, but going from VMI to The Citadel?? Isn't that like transferring from North Carolina to Duke, or Alabama to Auburn? He'll be a huge help to the Bulldogs backfield though I'm not sure they needed it.

Still not as good as Ailym Ford :)

Personal opinion time. Ramsey is a solid running back, but I would rank him behind Ford and Wynn at least, and probably Holmes and Devezin too.

The good news is that we are entering a new era of the SoCon running back where there are five 1,000 yard backs last season.

[PaladinFan]

To be honest I'm not sure exactly how we ended up with Ford and I sure had no idea when he signed that he would be an immediate impact player. SC is not an area we recruited much (that's changing with Ward on staff but Ford pre-dated Ward). As much as I hate to give Arth credit for anything, the Ford offer was during his tenure and Ford signed in the early signing period when we were without a head coach. His only listed offers per the often incomplete 247Sports were Chattanooga and UConn, which does seem odd since he was a 2-time All State back, so you could be right. Since at Chattanooga he's been a Deans List student. He's a Communications major, so I'm sure it's not like Engineering or Biology, but he's been getting it done in the classroom none the less.

Notably, too, he came out of a big high school program that fairly routinely pumps out college products. I doubt he was off anyone's radar.

Unfortunately, these days I see a kid like Ford and just assume he's going to find a way to graduate early and try to move to a P5 school.

[citdog]

Personal opinion time. Ramsey is a solid running back, but I would rank him behind Ford and Wynn at least, and probably Holmes and Devezin too.

The good news is that we are entering a new era of the SoCon running back where there are five 1,000 yard backs last season.

You should be telling jokes like that on a stage. Not in a club with dancing though. We know how you Baptists feel about that.

[PaladinFan]

You should be telling jokes like that on a stage. Not in a club with dancing though. We know how you Baptists feel about that.

He's a good back, I just don't think he's clearly better than some of the league's other good rushers who put up similar numbers on fewer carries.

[citdog]

He's a good back, I just don't think he's clearly better than some of the league's other good rushers who put up similar numbers on fewer carries.

In run first attacks.

[FUBeAR]

Conference games only rushing stats; (expected) returning players only... argue it out...



RUSHING
Cl
G
Att.
Yards
Avg.
TD
Long
Avg/G


1.
Ailym Ford-UTC
FR
6
146
835
5.7
7
57
139.2


2.
Alex Ramsey-CIT/VMI
JR
8
202
990
4.9
19
49
123.8


3.
Quay Holmes-ETSU
SO
8
147
934
6.4
6
74
116.8


4.
Tyray Devezin-MER
JR
7
157
793
5.1
11
56
113.3


5.
Devin Wynn-FUR
JR
8
116
758
6.5
11
89
94.8


7.
Brandon Rainey-CIT
JR
8
171
620
3.6
12
48
77.5


9.
Jay Stanton-SAM
FR
8
97
555
5.7
5
49
69.4


10.
Clay Harris-CIT
SO
7
114
475
4.2
2
63
67.9

[citdog]

Conference games only rushing stats; (expected) returning players only... argue it out...



RUSHING
Cl
G
Att.
Yards
Avg.
TD
Long
Avg/G


1.
Ailym Ford-UTC
FR
6
146
835
5.7
7
57
139.2


2.
Alex Ramsey-CIT/VMI
JR
8
202
990
4.9
19
49
123.8


3.
Quay Holmes-ETSU
SO
8
147
934
6.4
6
74
116.8


4.
Tyray Devezin-MER
JR
7
157
793
5.1
11
56
113.3


5.
Devin Wynn-FUR
JR
8
116
758
6.5
11
89
94.8


7.
Brandon Rainey-CIT
JR
8
171
620
3.6
12
48
77.5


9.
Jay Stanton-SAM
FR
8
97
555
5.7
5
49
69.4


10.
Clay Harris-CIT
SO
7
114
475
4.2
2
63
67.9



Which school will have 3 of them? One is a quarterback...

[PaladinFan]

In run first attacks.

I was surprised at this, but Ramsey was 95% of VMI's entire rushing attack and accounted for all but 3 of their rushing touchdowns. They were not a run-first offense, but when they did run, he got the ball almost exclusively.

I'd be also interested to know a VMI fans take on this - Ramsey put up big numbers in 2019, but was essentially a backup/bench player for the three years prior. Where was he on truly awful VMI teams in 2017 and 2018?

[kdinva]

I was surprised at this, but Ramsey was 95% of VMI's entire rushing attack and accounted for all but 3 of their rushing touchdowns. They were not a run-first offense, but when they did run, he got the ball almost exclusively.

I'd be also interested to know a VMI fans take on this - Ramsey put up big numbers in 2019, but was essentially a backup/bench player for the three years prior. Where was he on truly awful VMI teams in 2017 and 2018?

I really don't know why Ramsey was not the #1 running option in 2018, did run for 317 yards as the #2.

But Alex was another victim of VMI's outdated fifth year program for undergrads. Five other starters are graduating today, foregoing their last year of eligibility (2 have Army commissions, one [Brewster} says his body has had it).

[PaladinFan]

I really don't know why Ramsey was not the #1 running option in 2018, did run for 317 yards as the #2.

But Alex was another victim of VMI's outdated fifth year program for undergrads. Five other starters are graduating today, foregoing their last year of eligibility (2 have Army commissions, one [Brewster} says his body has had it).

It was something that jumped out to me. RB has a comparatively low learning curve in the jump from high school to college, and most of the top backs are guys who you start seeing make significant contributions as freshmen and sophomores.

It's not strange to me that his workload steadily increased. That happens. What I found peculiar is that VMI, which was really bad in 2017 and 2018, had virtually no ground game, and had a kid on the roster that they just later decided to increase his carries by 200.

Why was Ramsey a 265 carry guy in 2019 but not in 2018 or 2017? It's not like he was buried on a depth chart. VMI stunk. In both years the Keydets top rusher averaged about 34 yards a game.

[FUBeAR]

It was something that jumped out to me. RB has a comparatively low learning curve in the jump from high school to college, and most of the top backs are guys who you start seeing make significant contributions as freshmen and sophomores.

It's not strange to me that his workload steadily increased. That happens. What I found peculiar is that VMI, which was really bad in 2017 and 2018, had virtually no ground game, and had a kid on the roster that they just later decided to increase his carries by 200.

Why was Ramsey a 265 carry guy in 2019 but not in 2018 or 2017? It's not like he was buried on a depth chart. VMI stunk. In both years the Keydets top rusher averaged about 34 yards a game.
New OC @ VMI in 2019 might be primary reason #OccamsRazor

[PaladinFan]

New OC @ VMI in 2019 might be primary reason #OccamsRazor

I mean, maybe.

VMI was a pass heavy offense in 2019 just as they were in 2018. Granted, they were less pass happy in 2019, but still outpaced everyone in the SoCon in terms of attempts (throwing nearly 100 times more than even Samford). So, philosophically, that really didn't change.

Maybe the OC just saw something in Ramsey the prior staff hadn't (despite the same head coach). It's odd to see a SoCon back get 260+ carries, and particularly so when it was a 200 carry increase from his prior year's load.


VMI ran the ball about 70 more times total in 2019 than they did in 2018. That figure alone doesn't explain Ramsey's work load. The question I have is why Ramsey went from having a fraction of VMI's carries to nearly all of them.

[FUBeAR]

I mean, maybe.

VMI was a pass heavy offense in 2019 just as they were in 2018. Granted, they were less pass happy in 2019, but still outpaced everyone in the SoCon in terms of attempts (throwing nearly 100 times more than even Samford). So, philosophically, that really didn't change.

Maybe the OC just saw something in Ramsey the prior staff hadn't (despite the same head coach). It's odd to see a SoCon back get 260+ carries, and particularly so when it was a 200 carry increase from his prior year's load.


VMI ran the ball about 70 more times total in 2019 than they did in 2018. That figure alone doesn't explain Ramsey's work load. The question I have is why Ramsey went from having a fraction of VMI's carries to nearly all of them.FUBeAR was wrong anyway - same guy was there in 2018 & 2019 - fired after 1 year @ Northern AZ after losing 41-10 to non-schollie San Diego in 2017 Playoffs. Left the Roos in Feb 2020 - Now Offensive QC Coach & helping row the boat for PJ Fleck @ Minnesota. #BicDisposableRazor

[PaladinFan]

FUBeAR was wrong anyway - same guy was there in 2018 & 2019 - fired after 1 year @ Northern AZ after losing 41-10 to non-schollie San Diego in 2017 Playoffs. Left the Roos in Feb 2020 - Now Offensive QC Coach & helping row the boat for PJ Fleck @ Minnesota. #BicDisposableRazor

Oddly, the OC at VMI is probably largely forgettable.

[kdinva]

Oddly, the OC at VMI is probably largely forgettable.

Coach Shepherd was a HUGE reason VMI produced the numbers they did last Fall. He WILL be missed, but Coach Cosh (former U of Houston QB) will do fine.

[Mocs123]

VMI's offense has been pretty good the past couple of years. I agree that it is odd that the leader in rushing yards in 2019 barely got any carries on a running deficient team in 2018.

[PaladinFan]

VMI's offense has been pretty good the past couple of years. I agree that it is odd that the leader in rushing yards in 2019 barely got any carries on a running deficient team in 2018.

That's more or less my question.

Others can disagree, but I think Ramsey's rushing yardage is a product of getting 260+ carries. He averaged about the same ypc in 2018 (4.9) as he did in 2019 (5.0). The difference is he had 200 more carries.

Just odd that the coaching staff had a guy on their roster that said "he's a backup" in 2018 and then "he's a 260 carry guy" in 2019. It would be a little different if Ramsey was stuck behind some stud on the depth chart, but he wasn't.

[FUBeAR]

That's more or less my question.

Others can disagree, but I think Ramsey's rushing yardage is a product of getting 260+ carries. He averaged about the same ypc in 2018 (4.9) as he did in 2019 (5.0). The difference is he had 200 more carries.

Just odd that the coaching staff had a guy on their roster that said "he's a backup" in 2018 and then "he's a 260 carry guy" in 2019. It would be a little different if Ramsey was stuck behind some stud on the depth chart, but he wasn't.
FUBeAR concurs with PaladinFan that Ramsey’s Total Net Rushing Yards is a product of his number of carries multiplied by his yards per carry.

FUBeAR further asserts that his yards per carry is a quotient of his total net rushing yards divided by his number of carries.

#FightMe

[cx500d]

FUBeAR concurs with PaladinFan that Ramsey’s Total Net Rushing Yards is a product of his number of carries multiplied by his yards per carry.

FUBeAR further asserts that his yards per carry is a quotient of his total net rushing yards divided by his number of carries.

#FightMe
This is right up there with most Maddenisms

[citdog]

The Citadel has the best and toughest Qb in the league, Rainey should have been SoCon Off POTY last season over Newman, the reigning SoCon Def POTY, the best receiver Webb, and now adds an SEC off lineman Grad player with 2 years left to play, and a consensus All American at B-Back.


https://youtu.be/lSPNQ82Sq4E

[PaladinFan]

The Citadel will assuredly be the best 6 loss team in the FCS. I'll give you that.

[citdog]

The Citadel will assuredly be the best 6 loss team in the FCS. I'll give you that.

27-10. Our boys will beat you worse than at The General.

[PaladinFan]

27-10. Our boys will beat you worse than at The General.

Let's just hope they can get by Samford and VMI.

[citdog]

Let's just hope they can get by Samford and VMI.



5Ot's for Samford with Rainey on one leg. VMI was due. Was nice to whip you in Greenvegas.

[Mocs123]

I agree that The Citadel should be one of the top SoCon teams this year. If they have a disappointing season, will Thompson's seat start getting warm? I think this will be a telling year for both Thompson at Citadel and Conklin at Wofford.

[PaladinFan]

I agree that The Citadel should be one of the top SoCon teams this year. If they have a disappointing season, will Thompson's seat start getting warm? I think this will be a telling year for both Thompson at Citadel and Conklin at Wofford.

Thompson was 10-2 his first season after taking over for Mike Houston. Since then, he's had three straight six loss seasons. He's 16-18 the last three seasons and hasn't finished higher than 4th in the SoCon.

I think Thompson and Hatcher at Samford need good seasons. Conklin has been successful enough to this point to buy some time, but if the Terriers have a bad season, they probably need to sound the alarm.

[citdog]

Thompson was 10-2 his first season after taking over for Mike Houston. Since then, he's had three straight six loss seasons. He's 16-18 the last three seasons and hasn't finished higher than 4th in the SoCon.

I think Thompson and Hatcher at Samford need good seasons. Conklin has been successful enough to this point to buy some time, but if the Terriers have a bad season, they probably need to sound the alarm.

Brent Thompson is in zero trouble at The Citadel.

[citdog]

How does the WCU coach keep his job after each season?

[PaladinFan]

How does the WCU coach keep his job after each season?

Because WCU isn't interested in fielding competitive football teams.

[ElCid]

Thompson was 10-2 his first season after taking over for Mike Houston. Since then, he's had three straight six loss seasons. He's 16-18 the last three seasons and hasn't finished higher than 4th in the SoCon.

I think Thompson and Hatcher at Samford need good seasons. Conklin has been successful enough to this point to buy some time, but if the Terriers have a bad season, they probably need to sound the alarm.


Brent Thompson is in zero trouble at The Citadel.


Yeah, he ain't in any trouble at all. Are you kidding me PaladinFan. His record is ok. He is 26-20 in 4 years with a conf championship. AND he just beat a P5 as well. He is 2-2 against Furman and 3-1 against VMI. All is well Charleston. He will have a job as long as there are no controversies and he hovers around or, obviously, is above .500. Anything can happen, but I got a feeling he may be there for a good long while. When we have a few 3-8 or 2-9 seasons we can revisit. And that ain't happening anytime soon.

[cx500d]

Yeah, he ain't in any trouble at all. Are you kidding me PaladinFan. His record is ok. He is 26-20 in 4 years with a conf championship. AND he just beat a P5 as well. He is 2-2 against Furman and 3-1 against VMI. All is well Charleston. He will have a job as long as there are no controversies and he hovers around or, obviously, is above .500. Anything can happen, but I got a feeling he may be there for a good long while. When we have a few 3-8 or 2-9 seasons we can revisit. And that ain't happening anytime soon.

I guess .500 is considered good for the socon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ElCid]

I guess .500 is considered good for the socon


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No. But when talking about making a coaching change, playing above .500 ball is a good indicator. Besides, we have one of the most balanced conferences. Probably the most balanced right now. Not many conferences where you have to play hard all 8 games.

[PaladinFan]

Yeah, he ain't in any trouble at all. Are you kidding me PaladinFan. His record is ok. He is 26-20 in 4 years with a conf championship. AND he just beat a P5 as well. He is 2-2 against Furman and 3-1 against VMI. All is well Charleston. He will have a job as long as there are no controversies and he hovers around or, obviously, is above .500. Anything can happen, but I got a feeling he may be there for a good long while. When we have a few 3-8 or 2-9 seasons we can revisit. And that ain't happening anytime soon.

I'm not suggesting he needs to be on a hot seat, but I also don't think it is inconceivable that he wouldn't be with another .500 season. He hasn't exactly "wowed" during his tenure nor does it look like the Bulldogs are demonstrably better today than they were when he took over.

I do not believe that's a deal breaker. It is what it is, though.

I agree that I do not see the Citadel finishing 3-8 or worse. I currently see them as the #3 team in the SoCon behind Furman and UTC.

[Mocs123]

To be !st or 2nd in the SoCon we need to step up our defense fix our special teams, and find our QB. I think steps have been taken to help our special teams, we'll have to see what happens with the other two. If the Mocs are able to bolster their defense (getting pressure on the QB was a concern) and have one of our QB's step up the Mocs could have a excellent season, if we're not it could be a meddling season.

I'd feel better, especially at finding the QB, if we'd gotten to have a spring practice.

[PaladinFan]

To be !st or 2nd in the SoCon we need to step up our defense fix our special teams, and find our QB. I think steps have been taken to help our special teams, we'll have to see what happens with the other two. If the Mocs are able to bolster their defense (getting pressure on the QB was a concern) and have one of our QB's step up the Mocs could have a excellent season, if we're not it could be a meddling season.

I'd feel better, especially at finding the QB, if we'd gotten to have a spring practice.

UTC is a bit of a wildcard to me, but I expect them to be a pretty physical team with a strong running game and bell cow that can take over a game. That is a formula that will often give a team a puncher's chance in every game.

[Mocs123]

Our running game should be strong (assuming injuries heal - we had 3 Running backs with ACL injuries in 2019) and I think our Offensive Line will be solid. At QB things are a little less certain. We have a Senior who hasn't played any meaningful snaps in his career. We have a JR who started six games as a true freshman but hasn't played since, and a strong armed true freshman. If our running game is as good as I think it will be, we don't need a QB to throw it 300 yards a game, but we do need someone to be enough of a threat to keep opposing teams from stacking the box and not turn the ball over.

Defensively, we had our worst season in over a decade last year. We weren't bad, but it wasn't the normal Chattanooga defense - hopefully we get that figured out. Special Teams were a disaster, but we seemed to have addressed that in the offseason.

[cx500d]

UTC is a bit of a wildcard to me, but I expect them to be a pretty physical team with a strong running game and bell cow that can take over a game. That is a formula that will often give a team a puncher's chance in every game.

Maybe chattownmocs will let us know how UTC will be this year

[Mocs123]

I think Chattownmocs, Apphole, and all the others must be posting as Bison fans now. Surely a fan of the Bison that have won something like 24 straight national championships playing in the mighty MVFC doesn't need to come troll on the lowly SoCon thread. We're all just optimistic about playing for the chance to go to Frisco for our second place beat down.

[ElCid]

I'm not suggesting he needs to be on a hot seat, but I also don't think it is inconceivable that he wouldn't be with another .500 season. He hasn't exactly "wowed" during his tenure nor does it look like the Bulldogs are demonstrably better today than they were when he took over.

It's hard to be a great deal better than we were in 2015. But we did go undefeated in conf play with a conf championship in 16. That was better. We knocked off a P5 like in 15. That was "as good." The record for the previous 4 years before him was about the same. He is a bit higher I think.

As far as "wowing," show me someone in the SOCON who has done a great deal better. And don't cherry pick criteria, but in general.

[PaladinFan]

It's hard to be a great deal better than we were in 2015. But we did go undefeated in conf play with a conf championship in 16. That was better. We knocked off a P5 like in 15. That was "as good." The record for the previous 4 years before him was about the same. He is a bit higher I think.

As far as "wowing," show me someone in the SOCON who has done a great deal better. And don't cherry pick criteria, but in general.

General proposition, and some may disagree, but I'm usually skeptical of reading too much into a coach that inherits a program from a successful predecessor. Not to say they aren't a good coach, but more that I take a wait and see approach.

Yes, Thompson had a bang up first season on the job. Is he more the 10-2 coach that he was the year after Houston left, or the below .500 coach he's been the three years since?

As to your question, I'd put Hendrix up against just about anyone. Hendrix inherited an awful team with a paper thin depth chart and within three years has multiple playoff appearances, a conference title, playoff win, and has not finished worse than 2nd in SoCon play.

[Mocs123]

Hendrix has done a great job with Furman - it's possibly the best turnaround since Huesman's arrival to Chattanooga in 2009, though Furman was in a lot better place then where the Mocs were. We'd been a punching bag for nearly 30 years.

Perhaps Thompson's seat won't be warm as this seems to be The Citadel's MO where they are cyclical between being really good, to just OK, and their fans seem OK with that. They do seem to have a knack of knocking off P5's though. I think The Citadel is a hard place to be successful as it's a small military school, that has to recruit to a school that has few women, (reasonably) high academic standards, and of course the requirements of being a cadet at a military school. That being said, The Citadel does have a history in football, and a great campus in Charleston, so it's not surprising they seem to be able to compete while VMI has been unable to compete on a regular basis which has similar disadvantages and none of the advantages. That being said, if The Citadel has a .500 season in 2020 it would have to be disappointment to Bulldog fans.

I'm interested to see how Conklin does at Wofford. I always thought they would struggle after Ayers left, and though he's done really well, this should be the first year with Conklin recruits. I'm not sure what he was trying to do the first couple of games last year, but it made me starting questioning his decision making.

I do think Hatcher's seat has to be getting warm. I just can't help but feel he's going to have good, exciting, high scoring teams, that can't get over the hump to great or win when it counts. I think sometimes those are the hardest decisions for an AD to make - Do I fire a coach winning 6-7 games per year even if I think he's underachieving?

[PaladinFan]

Samford had a lot of turnover with assistant coaches this offseason, usually the first sign that the ship is sinking.

[PaladinFan]

Not football, but reports are circulating that Furman is cutting both its mens lacrosse and baseball programs.

I would anticipate that the ripple effect of the finances of college athletics are going to be significant over the coming weeks.

[Mocs123]

I hate to hear about cutting any sports. Chattanooga cut baseball in the mid 1980's and despite a few attempts have never been able to resurrect it. Is Furman competitive in Baseball and Lacrosse?

[walliver]

Not football, but reports are circulating that Furman is cutting both its mens lacrosse and baseball programs.

I would anticipate that the ripple effect of the finances of college athletics are going to be significant over the coming weeks.

Baseball is a little surprising since travel is limited with lots of home games against northern schools early in the season.
Lacrosse has significant travel in the SoCon, but this is a relatively new sport. I always though the purpose of Men's Lacrosse was to recruit kids from wealthy mid-Atlantic states who could pay full tuition for the privilege of playing D-1 lacrosse.
I also thought most baseball players paid their own way.
It almost seems like they are making Title IX cuts.
The loss of this year's March Madness money, and possible football money games will hurt most FCS schools.
I don't know what Wofford is planning. Our fan site has been down for a month. :(

[ElCid]

Perhaps Thompson's seat won't be warm as this seems to be The Citadel's MO where they are cyclical between being really good, to just OK, and their fans seem OK with that. They do seem to have a knack of knocking off P5's though. I think The Citadel is a hard place to be successful as it's a small military school, that has to recruit to a school that has few women, (reasonably) high academic standards, and of course the requirements of being a cadet at a military school. That being said, The Citadel does have a history in football, and a great campus in Charleston, so it's not surprising they seem to be able to compete while VMI has been unable to compete on a regular basis which has similar disadvantages and none of the advantages. That being said, if The Citadel has a .500 season in 2020 it would have to be disappointment to Bulldog fans.


Eh, Charleston probably has a higher percentage of female to male students than any other SOCON location. That they aren't in the same classes is just a happy circumstance, to avoid distraction. The weekends are just fine.

VMI is a bit in the sticks by comparison. Having many friends over the years who went to VMI, I can say they are a little bit more Spartan than we are as well. Still going to any military school, by choice, takes someone with the right mind set. The recruit pool is smaller obviously.

Personally I've been ok with above .500 before I get clinically depressed. Obviously I am happier being 8-3, 9-2, etc. But it is what it is. Having a tight, disciplined, clean team of players who all graduate, a winning record, a winning conf record, beating Furman, VMI, and lately Wofford, a conf championship, beating an FBS, playoff performance are all good goals that increase my happiness. Maybe not in that exact order, but close. Any success is welcome.

[FUBeAR]

Not football, but reports are circulating that Furman is cutting both its mens lacrosse and baseball programs.

I would anticipate that the ripple effect of the finances of college athletics are going to be significant over the coming weeks.
Confirmed

Also FU Prez taking 20% pay cut
AD, & Football, and Basketball HC’s taking 10% pay cut
All employees taking 2 week furlough
Emp’s with greatly diminished summer work taking 10 week furlough

Sad day in Travelers Rest.

[PaladinFan]

Confirmed

Also FU Prez taking 20% pay cut
AD, & Football, and Basketball HC’s taking 10% pay cut
All employees taking 2 week furlough
Emp’s with greatly diminished summer work taking 10 week furlough

Sad day in Travelers Rest.

Hartsell tweeted from the Charleston paper that likely not the end of cuts coming to SoCon programs.

[FUBeAR]

Hartsell tweeted from the Charleston paper that likely not the end of cuts coming to SoCon programs.
https://twitter.com/jeff_fromthepc/status/1262532567011647492

yep...stay tuned xpissedx

[Derby City Duke]

Hartsell tweeted from the Charleston paper that likely not the end of cuts coming to SoCon programs.

Apparently baseball and men's lacrosse getting the axe as well. Sucks all around.

[citdog]

Gotta keep wymmins volleyball, soccer, and golf though... Paying customers flock to those events by the 5's.

[walliver]

Gotta keep wymmins volleyball, soccer, and golf though... Paying customers flock to those events by the 5's.

your attendance at women’s events is that high?

AFAIK, the only female team drawing well is USC Women’s basketball, and that is only because their men’s basketball and football teams suck.

[PaladinFan]

I hate to hear about cutting any sports. Chattanooga cut baseball in the mid 1980's and despite a few attempts have never been able to resurrect it. Is Furman competitive in Baseball and Lacrosse?

Furman isn't terrible in baseball. I would say they hover a little below .500 every season and have recently produced a few major league pitchers (Tom Mastny and Jay Jackson). Their last SoCon tournament title was 2005, I think.

Lacrosse was added maybe 5-7 years ago. The decision to add lacrosse seemed peculiar at the time, and was a project of then president Rod Smolla (who lasted a very short time). They hired a name coach - former HC of Navy lacrosse - and have never been particularly good or notable. As others have said, the decision to add a lacrosse program may have been an attempt to try and make inroads into the mid-Atlantic as it is a sport hardly anyone plays in the south. That's just my feeling, though.

SoCon lacrosse is a hodgepodge of teams, which also includes Air Force and Richmond. The only true SoCon schools in the conference playing lacrosse were Furman, Mercer, and VMI. Mercer started lacrosse about the same time Furman did. VMI has an older program, but, of course, is in Virginia where the sport is significantly more relevant.

[citdog]

From the press conference where Furman dropped two men's sports AD says Furman is looking for "a more appropriate sports profile for our institution." That would scare me if I was a furple.

[PaladinFan]

From the press conference where Furman dropped two men's sports AD says Furman is looking for "a more appropriate sports profile for our institution." That would scare me if I was a furple.

I have no idea what that means.

As I read it, the University looked at its finances and noted that there is very little return on investment in baseball and virtually none in lacrosse (which, in my opinion, was an ill-conceived idea to begin with).

I'm sad about it, as baseball has a long history at Furman. It is far from a flagship program at the University, though. It is arguably the weakest men's sport at Furman and has been for years.

At bottom, if Furman has to sacrifice baseball to pour more resources into football and basketball, then that makes sense. Remember, the AD comes from Villanova, which is about the only school in the country that is championship level in FCS football and nationally relevant in men's basketball. I don't think that is accidental that he was the hire. Basketball makes money. Baseball doesn't.

[citdog]

I have no idea what that means.

As I read it, the University looked at its finances and noted that there is very little return on investment in baseball and virtually none in lacrosse (which, in my opinion, was an ill-conceived idea to begin with).

I'm sad about it, as baseball has a long history at Furman. It is far from a flagship program at the University, though. It is arguably the weakest men's sport at Furman and has been for years.

At bottom, if Furman has to sacrifice baseball to pour more resources into football and basketball, then that makes sense. Remember, the AD comes from Villanova, which is about the only school in the country that is championship level in FCS football and nationally relevant in men's basketball. I don't think that is accidental that he was the hire. Basketball makes money. Baseball doesn't.

45 less scholarships spread out amongst the rest of the sports too including football and basketball. Is less scholarships your definition of "pouring more resources into football and basketball?"

[PaladinFan]

45 less scholarships spread out amongst the rest of the sports too including football and basketball. Is less scholarships your definition of "pouring more resources into football and basketball?"

No, I read it to say that they are cutting their least productive men's programs to maintain relevancy across the other sports.

Remember, Furman is a top two or three program in every men's sport but baseball (lacrosse technically has only three teams). They are nationally relevant in a number of sports (distance running, men's soccer, and now men's basketball).

Plainly too, they are investing in basketball. Furman just moved four home games this season downtown Greenville with great results. They have one of the country's best young coaches. Sky's the limit.

Look, its unfortunate, but it isn't unexpected. If we go through this summer and Furman is the only school cutting athletic programs, I'll be stunned. My guess is we are about to see a great deal of it.

[FUBeAR]

45 less scholarships spread out amongst the rest of the sports too including football and basketball. Is less scholarships your definition of "pouring more resources into football and basketball?"
Hey Col. C. Little ... settle down a bit; your betters aren’t vacating the high ground they’ve always held.

”...including football and basketball” are your hateful words. The actual release states, “...over the next five years, with the reductions spread across multiple sports.”

”Sources” tell FUBeAR it’s not 45 MORE scholarships, 21 went away with Baseball & MLAX. That means 24 more to be phased out over 5 years...so, ‘downsizing’ by about 5/year across 18 sports...except, it’s only 15, because those same sources tell me that FB, MBB, and WBB will not lose any schollies. So, other than not losing to FU in Baseball, the bellhops’ only benefit will be something like not losing so bad to FU in Women’s Soccer. #CELEBRATE

https://www.shopzeus.com/product_images/zeusd1-KIMR-871798.jpg

* Edited to correct the number of sports offered by FU.

[citdog]

Hey Col. C. Little ... settle down a bit; your betters aren’t vacating the high ground they’ve always held.

”...including football and basketball” are your hateful words. The actual release states, “...over the next five years, with the reductions spread across multiple sports.”

”Sources” tell FUBeAR it’s not 45 MORE scholarships, 21 went away with Baseball & MLAX. That means 24 more to be phased out over 5 years...so, ‘downsizing’ by about 5/year across 16 sports...except, it’s only 13, because those same sources tell me that FB, MBB, and WBB will not lose any schollies. So, other than not losing to FU in Baseball, the bellhops’ only benefit will be something like not losing so bad to FU in Women’s Soccer. #CELEBRATE

https://www.shopzeus.com/product_images/zeusd1-KIMR-871798.jpg

Where were your sources before yesterday when you announced you could no longer afford baseball? Over under on furman dropping back to DII 5 years.

[citdog]

Spin it anyway you like but the downward trend in furman athletics will be measured from yesterday. This is a disaster for you. Your athletic dept is now a part time entitity.

[PaladinFan]

Spin it anyway you like but the downward trend in furman athletics will be measured from yesterday. This is a disaster for you. Your athletic dept is now a part time entitity.

I find that amusing coming from a Citadel fan. The Citadel would have the SoCon's worst athletic program if it wasn't for VMI.

I'd take Furman's athletic program 10 times over the Citadel's.

[FUBeAR]

Where were your sources before yesterday when you announced you could no longer afford baseball? Over under on furman dropping back to DII 5 years.
Unlike some other schools, FU doesn’t fit the academic profile of most DII programs; so going that direction, nor to NAIA are just not happenin’.

D3, on the other hand, is always a possibility for a small-ish, private, academics-oriented school. BUT, has any school ever moved from D1 to D3?

Now, the hybrid PFL model - essentially D3 Football / D1 other sports is also a possibility for any such school, and for any an underfunded State school, such as Morehead State (I’m assuming they are underfunded; could be wrong). The bellhops & VMI are in that demographic, aren’t they?

So...we’ll see.

As your favorite beat writer, Mr. Hartsell, said...more to come in the SoCon. Probably not the best time to be trumpeting the less-than-ideal developments of your rivals, but...you do you, Col. Little.