SoCon Off-season thread - 2021-2022

[FUBeAR]

Welp…since ALL of our many Playoff Teams are out of the running & it’s NSD1, might as well start the Off-Season.

Recruiting Classes? Post ‘em up

Players who your programs gave maybe their only shot to play D1 Football coming out of HS & then developed them into ‘stars,’ who have now decided they would rather play in front of 3k fans on a Tuesday night for a G5 Team? Post ‘em up.

Coaching changes or lamentations over no Coaching changes? Post ‘em up?

Y’all know the drill…any SoCon Football ‘stuff’ that happens between now & Summer Practice that you feel are post-worthy? Post ‘em up (here).

GO!

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR will start…

DANG! SoCon Champ ETSU ran off their Head Coach, their best Offensive Player, their best Offensive Lineman, and their Best Defensive Player almost as soon as the Flight Attendant said they could open their electronic devices when they were wheels down from Fargo.

Trouble right here in River….er, I mean, Johnson City?

Think the Bucs’ best WR & best returning DB (and Punt Returner), the Huzzie brothers, can be far behind the rest of the crowd taking an UberPool out of the mountains?

[Milktruck74]

Looks like the Mocs are bringing in 7 guys during the early period. Of the known Commits, all three have FBS offers.

The Portal has been quiet for the Mocs so far. Jett Lee and Avery Williams have entered, but neither of saw much action. We hate to lose anyone, but these guys are probably going down a division to find playing time.

[MR. CHICKEN]

32358


......WESTERN CAROLINA.....CLEANS YER CLOCKS...NEXT SEASON......WILL MAKE UP....FO'....HOW MANY YEARS UH FUNK...........DON'T GET IN DEY'RE WAY......GONERS........BRAWK!

[caribbeanhen]

32358


......WESTERN CAROLINA.....CLEANS YER CLOCKS...NEXT SEASON......WILL MAKE UP....FO'....HOW MANY YEARS UH FUNK...........DON'T GET IN DEY'RE WAY......GONERS........BRAWK!

Kerwin was my guy back in 2016 but Rocco was already locked in

Rocco and son turned away at Pennsylvania border rumored to be at a South Carolina Shoneys planing next move

[FUBeAR]

32358


......WESTERN CAROLINA.....CLEANS YER CLOCKS...NEXT SEASON......WILL MAKE UP....FO'....HOW MANY YEARS UH FUNK...........DON'T GET IN DEY'RE WAY......GONERS........BRAWK!As Samford has done, Samford 2.0 (AKA, WCU) will compete for the SoCon Championship with Coach Bell at the helm, but also like Samford, they won’t win it…until they figure out how to put a Championship Defense on the field. Despite the Playoff Selection Committee’s refusal to recognize the obvious, there are 5 or 6 Playoff worthy programs in the SoCon…and 4 of those (Mercer, Furman, Chattanooga, and ETSU) play rugged D.

SoCon games only stats


SCORING DEFENSE
G
TD
FG
XPT
2XP
DXP
Saf
Points
Avg/G


1.
Chattanooga
8
13
13
11
1
0
0
130
16.2


2.
Mercer
8
24
4
23
0
0
0
179
22.4


3.
Furman
8
24
10
22
0
0
0
196
24.5


4.
ETSU
8
27
8
24
2
0
0
214
26.8



As Coach Hatcher and his Bullpups have proven year-in & year-out, astronomical Offensive Stats will not win a SoCon Championship…and just may leave your Team @ 3-5.

[MR. CHICKEN]

Kerwin was my guy back in 2016 but Rocco was already locked in

Rocco and son turned away at Pennsylvania border rumored to be at a South Carolina Shoneys planing next move

......SHOPPIN' FO' FIREWORKS..??........DON'T HALFTA DRIVE DAT FAR....ANYMO'......AWK!

[The Cats]

43-42.

'nuff said...

[The Cats]

Watch this years recruiting class concentrate on defensive players.....

[MR. CHICKEN]

....NO D...IN KERWIN.......HOWEVERAH...HE ONCE HELD YOU-DEE...TA 14........ON 'FINS WAY...TA 20...............BAWK!

[kdinva]

VMI's Offensive Coordinator has moved to the same position at U. Richmond.

Eight early signees so far:

Michael Perry, 6'4", 300, OL, Fredericksburg, VA

Tyrel Dobson, 5'11", 215, LB, Radford, VA

Isaiah Crockett, 6'5", 190, WR, Woodbridge, VA

Ivan Thorpe, 5'8", 175, WR/Ath., Philadelphia, PA

Stephen Dean, 6'2, 215, LB, Mineral VA

Ebenezer McCarthy, 6', 195, HB, Charlottesville, va

Kouri Crump, 6'3", 185, DB, Charlotte, NC

Isaiah Lemmond, 5'11", 190, WR, Ashburn, Va.

[HootyHoo]

https://allongeorgia.com/chattooga-sports/trions-rob-brown-the-most-underrecruited-player-in-georgia/

Hooty is very pleased with KSU's signing class. If the unwashed masses of the SOCON are interested in who will be ending their season, take a look at Rob Brown. RB1

[MR. CHICKEN]

As Samford has done, Samford 2.0 (AKA, WCU) will compete for the SoCon Championship with Coach Bell at the helm, but also like Samford, they won’t win it…until they figure out how to put a Championship Defense on the field. Despite the Playoff Selection Committee’s refusal to recognize the obvious, there are 5 or 6 Playoff worthy programs in the SoCon…and 4 of those (Mercer, Furman, Chattanooga, and ETSU) play rugged D.

SoCon games only stats


SCORING DEFENSE
G
TD
FG
XPT
2XP
DXP
Saf
Points
Avg/G


1.
Chattanooga
8
13
13
11
1
0
0
130
16.2


2.
Mercer
8
24
4
23
0
0
0
179
22.4


3.
Furman
8
24
10
22
0
0
0
196
24.5


4.
ETSU
8
27
8
24
2
0
0
214
26.8



As Coach Hatcher and his Bullpups have proven year-in & year-out, astronomical Offensive Stats will not win a SoCon Championship…and just may leave your Team @ 3-5.



......COODN'T HELP BUT NOTICE....CHATTY HELD W. CAROLINA...TA 17........MERCER 24.......ETSU 35....FURBALLS 43........'TWEEN 'UM....30 PT AVG.........GOOD RUGGED D....LADS.....AWK!

[FUBeAR]

https://allongeorgia.com/chattooga-sports/trions-rob-brown-the-most-underrecruited-player-in-georgia/

Hooty is very pleased with KSU's signing class. If the unwashed masses of the SOCON are interested in who will be ending their season, take a look at Rob Brown. RB1
Awww…ain’t he still just the cutest thing. In here trying to post up with real Teams from a real Conference. It’s just precious.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/13/05/0813051e1d11806e2bdc5ee0322d4d1f.gif

[FUBeAR]

......COODN'T HELP BUT NOTICE....CHATTY HELD W. CAROLINA...TA 17........MERCER 24.......ETSU 35....FURBALLS 43........'TWEEN 'UM....30 PT AVG.........GOOD RUGGED D....LADS.....AWK!
I guess poultry is partial to pitted fruits…

https://img.japankuru.com/prg_img/img/img2018050304455325840500.gif

Aww…and ain’t it cute that the CAA peeps wanna play here too…the Conference whose (now) 2nd best Team (E*Loan) lost to a SoCon Team that went 0-for-the-SoCon (0-8).

[HootyHoo]

Awww…ain’t he still just the cutest thing. In here trying to post up with real Teams from a real Conference. It’s just precious.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/08/13/05/0813051e1d11806e2bdc5ee0322d4d1f.gif

To be fair, KSU is between conferences at the moment. Hooty is glad the SOCON thinks better of themselves now. It's much more satifying to beat you when you have hope.

[MR. CHICKEN]

......TURNIN' ON DUH CHICKEN...NICE........YOUSE...GOOD 'OL BOYS......FRIENDLY....AS DUH BIZONZZZZZ'S......AWK!

[caribbeanhen]

......TURNIN' ON DUH CHICKEN...NICE........YOUSE...GOOD 'OL BOYS......FRIENDLY....AS DUH BIZONZZZZZ'S......AWK!

Southern Hospitality ain’t what it used to be

[FUBeAR]

VMI's Offensive Coordinator has moved to the same position at U. Richmond.

Eight early signees so far:

Michael Perry, 6'4", 300, OL, Fredericksburg, VA

Tyrel Dobson, 5'11", 215, LB, Radford, VA

Isaiah Crockett, 6'5", 190, WR, Woodbridge, VA

Ivan Thorpe, 5'8", 175, WR/Ath., Philadelphia, PA

Stephen Dean, 6'2, 215, LB, Mineral VA

Ebenezer McCarthy, 6', 195, HB, Charlottesville, va

Kouri Crump, 6'3", 185, DB, Charlotte, NC

Isaiah Lemmond, 5'11", 190, WR, Ashburn, Va.
The Keydets lost this Commit today…
https://twitter.com/cjexpress50/status/1460762405848469504
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1471135524064833541
Athletic O-Lineman from GA 7-A undefeated (15-0) State Champs (ranked as high as #3 Nationally), Collins Hill. Former Mercer Bear is on the Collins Hill staff and that Bear’s Dad is the Head Coach there. Was gonna be hard for VMI to hold on to him one once Mercer offered. FUBeAR has another friend/FU Teammate on the Collins Hill Staff who can’t say enough good things about this young man.

[FUBeAR]

Southern Hospitality ain’t what it used to becuz y’all are overunnin’ us down here…can’t swing a dead cat in ATL without hittin’ someone wearing a Patriots jersey & a Yankees cap.

[HootyHoo]

......TURNIN' ON DUH CHICKEN...NICE........YOUSE...GOOD 'OL BOYS......FRIENDLY....AS DUH BIZONZZZZZ'S......AWK!

Mr. Chicken, on behalf of these uncouth ruffians, Hooty apologizes for their rudeness. It is Hooty's fault. These peasants have been unruly since the Owls let them win a game in December for once.

[MR. CHICKEN]

cuz y’all are overunnin’ us down here…can’t swing a dead cat in ATL without hittin’ someone wearing a Patriots jersey & a Yankees cap.


....AH SEE DUH DESIRE....TA BE WINNERS....IS RAMPANT...IN CORN LIQUEUR COUNTRY.........BRAWK!

[MR. CHICKEN]

Mr. Chicken, on behalf of these uncouth ruffians, Hooty apologizes for their rudeness. It is Hooty's fault. These peasants have been unruly since the Owls let them win a game in December for once.


...YAH HOOTY.......K STATE'S.....SOUFFERN DOMINANCE........HAS FLESHED.OUT....DUH COON SKINNED CROWD...........BAWK!

[FUBeAR]

....AH SEE DUH DESIRE....TA BE WINNERS....IS RAMPANT...IN CORN LIQUEUR COUNTRY.........BRAWK!
Yes…yes it is!

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Duoejq-wahQoWSFaIJTKDC-1Ec4=/1400x1050/filters:format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22993340/1236373797.jpg

[MR. CHICKEN]

.....NOT PIGGY BLING.....xsmhx....AWK!

[ScrappytheOwl]

Since KSU historically has been the unofficail champion of the SOCON I figured this would be a good place to post.

-At this point, we pulled a very small recruiting class of 14 guys. This makes me wonder if KSU is using the extra year of eligibility due to Covid year for a lot of our seniors or we will see a lot of transfers coming up.
-Rob Brown is a monster. He has the 14th most rushing yards in a season in the state of Georgia. The 12th and 13th spots belong to Nick Chubb. Brown was heavily under recruited. He flew under the radar in previous years and really broke out this year.
-We got a center transfer from Missouri State named Mike Fangman. KSU desperately needed OL help so that was a good get. If any Missouri State fans have input on him please pass along.
-We got another couple of south georgia lber brother commits. Donelius Johnson II is a really good player. His brother looks okay but not the caliber of DJII. They really remind me of the Benyard Brothers we picked up last year. The benyards were key contributor to the owls as true freshman.
-We also pulled a speed merchant pass rusher named Juandarion Silas.
-We snagged Nick Sawyer who is our QB of the future after losing Arendez Fedd to the transfer portal a few weeks back. Dont worry SOCON fans. You will still have to deal with the dominance of Shepherd and Murphy for the next 2-3 years.
-KSU got a DB named Joe Williams. He had offers from Liberty, Kansas State, and Georiga State. Looks like a nice Player.

[FUBeAR]

I figured this would be a good place to post.
KSU Program Cover - Game #1 2022


“BLOOD FEUD REMATCH”
REINHARDT @ KSU
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NMuF7zUFL._SX342_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Hooty (AKA Harry) & Scrappy (AKA Lloyd)
both of the 2 total KSU Fans are excited for
this Season in Conference TBD!



*TBD = any conference that will have us

[walliver]

Wofford has picked up 2 JuCo transfers so far. Hopefully not a long-term trend, but Conklin needs to make something big happen this year.

[FUBeAR]

Wofford has picked up 2 JuCo transfers so far. Hopefully not a long-term trend, but Conklin needs to make something big happen this year.
Brought in a few JUCO’s last year too, didn’t he? Seems it was about 4, but could be wrong…of course.

[HootyHoo]

KSU Program Cover - Game #1 2022


“BLOOD FEUD REMATCH”
REINHARDT @ KSU
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NMuF7zUFL._SX342_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Hooty (AKA Harry) & Scrappy (AKA Lloyd)
both of the 2 total KSU Fans are excited for
this Season in Conference TBD!



*TBD = any conference that will have us

Not so much. We travel to Samford for the opener and then play current CFB playoff participant Cincinnati week 2.

[The Cats]

Western Carolina early signing.... so far... This will be the #1 class in the SoCon...

2022 Newcomer Roster:




Updated
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Class
Hometown (Previous School / High School)


9:30 am
Hayward McQueen III (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/HaywardMcQueen_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB
6-1
190
Fr.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy


10:17 am
Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/ChristianMurphy_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB
6-1
220
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Dillard HS)


10:20 am
Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/BrandonSmiley_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL
6-2
305
Fr.
Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)


10:25 am
Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JeremiahNoel_SOCIAL.jpg)
DB
6-0
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)


10:50 am
Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JaylinTerzado_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR
5-10
160
Fr.
Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)


11:00 am
Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DesmondReid_SOCIAL.jpg)
RB
5-8
170
Fr.
Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS)


1:03 pm
Justin Wallace (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JustinWallace_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL
6-1
230
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)


3:41 pm
Censere Lee (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/CensereLee_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Tampa, Fla. (Clearwater HS)


4:12 pm
Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DarianAnderson_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB
5-9
160
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian HS)


4:40 pm
Samuel Cornett (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/SamuelCornett_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB
6-6
220
Fr.
Lexington, Ky. (Frederick Douglass HS)




2022 Newcomer Bios:

Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DarianAnderson_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB – 5-9 – 160 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School)
Prior to Western Carolina: Team captain as a senior, recorded five career interceptions and had eight total returns for touchdowns as a prep … Added four receptions for 199 yards and three TDs as a senior … Also played on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner … Was a second-team defense selection as an athlete in the 2020 Independent All-State football team compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com … Played for the Florida Fire 7v7 All-Star football team … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247sports and a two-star athlete by Rivals.com – was also a three-star from On3DB … Also runs track as a prep.

Samuel Cornett (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/SamuelCornett_SOCIAL.jpg)
QB – 6-6 – 220 lbs.
Bellevue, Wash. (Frederick Douglass (Ky). HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: A pro-style quarterback who was a team captain as a senior, transferring from Bellevue, Wash., and Bellevue Christian School to Frederick Douglass High in Lexington, Ky. … Completed 166-of-266 passes for 2,604 yards with 26 TDs as a senior, adding 102 rushing yards with a pair of scores on the ground in guiding FDHS to the Kentucky state finals … In an abbreviated 2020 season, guided FDHS to a 7-2 record by completing 102-of-163 passes for 1,565 yards and 26 touchdowns … Selected first-team All-District in both 2020 and 2021 … Was originally committed as a preferred walk-on at the Univ. of Louisville.

Censere Lee (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/CensereLee_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR – 5-11 – 160 lbs.
Tampa, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Caught 57 passes for 1,262 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 97.1 receiving yards per game in his final season as a prep … Added 181 punt return yards with two touchdowns including a 91-yard return for a TD in the playoffs … Was the MaxPreps Player of the Game four times in 2021 including twice as the overall player of the game, once on offense, and the final time on special teams … Listed as a three-star athlete by 247sports … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Hayward McQueen III (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/HaywardMcQueen_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB – 6-1 – 190 lbs.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)
Prior to Western Carolina: Is a hybrid-style linebacker … Was a second-team Class 2-A Independent All-State team selection in the 2020 Independent All-State football team compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com … Posted 90+ tackles with 15 tackles for loss and five sacks, forcing a pair of fumbles as a senior … Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/ChristianMurphy_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB – 6-1 – 220 lbs.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at St. Thomas Aquinas High … Helped guide Dillard HS to a tri-county championship in 2020 … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com

Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JeremiahNoel_SOCIAL.jpg)
DB – 6-0 – 185 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at Miami Christian … Finished his prep career at Killian HS … Credited with 85 total tackles at safety as a prep senior, averaging 7.7 tackles per game with five sacks and an interception, according to MaxPreps … Listed as a two-star athlete by Rivals.com.

Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DesmondReid_SOCIAL.jpg)
RB – 5-8 – 170 lbs.
Hollywood, Fla. (Miramar HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Rushed for 1,536 yards and 22 touchdowns a season ago in guiding his high school to the second round of Florida's 7-A playoffs … Caught 13 passes for 243 yards and three scores … Added a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns … Listed as a three-star athlete by 247Sports and a two-star athlete by Rivals.com … Also runs track as a prep competing in both the 100 and 200-meter dash events.

Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/BrandonSmiley_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL – 6-2 – 305 lbs.
Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played his high school football at Riverside High in Durham before finishing at Palmetto Prep in West Columbia, S.C., in 2021 … Recorded 58 tackles including 36 solo stops, averaging 7.3 tackles per game in his final season at Riverside High, adding 12 quarterback hurries and five passes defended.

Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JaylinTerzado_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR – 5-10 – 160 lbs.
Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at North Miami High before finishing at Champagnat Catholic … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports … Caught 26 passes for 560 yards with six touchdowns as a senior at Champagnat.

Justin Wallace (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JustinWallace_SOCIAL.jpg)
DE – 6-3 – 240 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Killian HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at Palm Beach Central High … Recorded 81 tackles with 30 for loss and 23 sacks as a senior, helping guide his high school to a 12-1 seasonal record … Forced and recovered two fumbles and tallied an interception … Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

[FUBeAR]

Well…guess FUBeAR should do this since he started the thread and all…

Each of these Signees are future FCS All-Americans for the Bears…and then, 2 or 3 years from now, you can catch them all playing for one of your favorite G5 Teams on Tuesday nights in an empty stadium.

Also they were all 4.0 students, are going to major in Pre-Med, Pre-Law, or dual major in Nanophysics & Biomedical Engineering. They are all pillars of their communities and volunteered at nursing homes, church camps, and spent their summers building homes in Haiti.

In addition Mercer met every need they have at every position and expect each of these Signees to compete for playing time & make significant contributions during their 1st year in the program.

Honestly though…this does look like a nice class for the Bears. I’m sure Coach Cronic & Staff are pleased and will do a nice job of developing these young men.


Mercer Football NSD1 2021 Signees



#
Name
Position
HT
(in)
WT
City
ST
High School / Previous College
FUBeAR Comment


1
Christian Hanson
KAT
73
226
Sharpsburg
GA
Trinity Christian HS
Looked impressive in GA State Championship game


2
Daniel Shoch
QB
75
215
East Coweta
GA
East Coweta HS
Size & mechanics are nice. High ceiling for this one.


3
Isaiah Washburn
KAT
74
230
Clearwater
FL
Calvary Christian HS / Air Force Prep
Great looking Athlete. Mercer has had GREAT success w/AF Transfers


4
Chris Joines
S
75
190
Pfafftown
NC
Reagan HS / Myrtle Beach Prep



5
Marcus Christian
KAT
76
215
Thomasville
GA
Thomas County Central High School



6
Josh Pickett
S
70
172
Valdosta
GA
Lowndes HS
They grow ‘em swift & tough down in Winnersville, GA


7
Jose Gonzalez
OL
75
270
Warner Robins
GA
Warner Robins HS
Nice looking athlete


8
Eli Edwards
OL
76
293
Cumming
GA
North Forsyth HS
Looks “country strong”


9
Cedric Richardson
OL
75
250
Lawrenceville
GA
Collins Hill HS
VMI de-commit. NIL package ‘demands’ < Teammate Travis Hunter’s


10
Riley Bell
OL
76
280
Tallapoosa
GA
Haralson County HS



11
Xavier Brantley
Joker
72
180
Mt. Vernon
GA
Montgomery County HS



12
Andrew Lane
TE
76
230
Lawrenceville
GA
Archer HS
Memphis de-commit. Great frame. Could see big things from this one.


13
Sawyer Burt
TE
76
235
Fort Payne
AL
Fort Payne HS



14
Robert Johnson
DL
72
265
Carrollton
GA
Carrollton HS / Jacksonville State
Hope he can play DL, but he sure can strum his guitar & sing the Delta Blues


15
Myles Weston
CB
72
170
Venice
FL
Venice HS
Looks like Mercer went hard for under the-radar kids from Championship programs.#Culture



Christian Hanson | KAT | Trinity Christian High School | Sharpsburg, Ga
A 6-1, 226 lbs linebacker will line up as a KAT for the Bears this season. Hanson brings winning experience to the Mercer football program after winning the 2021 state championship. This season, the Trinity Christian linebacker was named the Region 4A private defensive player of the year for the second straight season. He was named first team all-state and first team all-region in 2019. Hanson is undecided on what he plans to study at Mercer.

Daniel Shoch | QB | East Coweta High School | East Coweta, Ga
Standing 6-3 and weighing 215 lbs, Daniel Shoch will suit up at quarterback for the Bears. Playing at East Coweta High School, Shoch was a four-year letter-winning, leading the team to the 2020 region championship. He was named to the All-Region team in 2020 and First Team All-Region in 2021. He plans to study business and pre dental at Mercer.

Isaiah Washburn | KAT | Calvary Christian High School | Air Force Prep
A 6-2, 230 lbs linebacker will play KAT for the Bears. He will be joining the Mercer football program from Air Force Prep. At Calvary Christian high school, Washburn was a four-year honor roll recipient, earning letters all four years in both football and basketball. He was named first team all-county during his junior year. During his senior season, he averaged 8.9 tackles per game with 24 solo tackles and 71 total tackles. Washburn plans to study business management at Mercer with the hopes to open his own business.

Chris Joines | S | Reagan High School | Myrtle Beach Prep | Pfafftown, NC
Chris Joines comes to Mercer University from Reagan High School in Pfafftown, N.C. He prepped at Myrtle Beach Prep. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 190 lbs, Joines will add some length to our defensive backfield, as we will be suiting up as safety. Joines was a three-sport athlete at Reagan High School, playing football, basketball and track & field. Joines was all-state and all-county in football. He was also a state champion in track and field in the 4x100 in 2021.

Marcus Christian | KAT | Thomas County Central High School | Thomasville, Ga
At 6-4, 215 lbs Marcus Christian will suit up as a KAT for the Bears. Christian was a three-year letter winner at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Ga. During his senior season, Christian had 42 tackles, 34 of which were solo to average 4.7 tackles per game during his senior season campaign. He posted 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a blocked field goal this past season. He is undecided on what he would like to study at Mercer.

Josh Pickett | S | Lowndes High School | Valdosta, Ga
Josh Pickett will suit up at safety for the Bears. The 5-10, 172 pounder comes to Mercer from Valdosta, Ga. where he was a four-year letter winner. He helped lead Lowndes High School to a region championship. He earned first team all-region honors. He was also named outstanding defensive player for Lowndes High School. He plans to study nursing at Mercer University.

Jose Gonzalez | OL | Warner Robins High School | Warner Robins, Ga
A 6-3, 270 lbs offensive lineman local to Warner Robins, Ga. is officially a Bear. Gonzalez is a four-year letter winner at Warner Robins High School. He will bring winning experience to the Bears as a two-time 5a State Champion and a two-time State runner up. Gonzalez was named to the all-region team in 2021 and all region honorable mention team in 2020. He plans to study either business or the sciences here at Mercer.

Eli Edwards | OL | North Forsyth High School | Cumming, Ga
The 6-4, 283 lbs offensive lineman comes to Mercer from North Forsyth high school in Cumming, Ga where he was a three-year letter winner. Edwards earned first team all-region honors and second team all-county honors. During his wrestling career, he earned third and fourth place in the region. He plans to study business or sport management at Mercer University.

Cedric Richardson | OL | Collins Hill High School | Lawrenceville, Ga
Cedric Richardson joins the Bears from Collins Hill High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. Standing 6-3 and weighing 250 lbs, Richardson helped lead his team to two regional championships and one state championship, earning second team All-County honors. The Lawrenceville, Ga. native is a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and track & field. He plans to study computer science at Mercer University.

Riley Bell | OL | Haralson County High School | Tallapoosa, Ga
Riley Bell comes to Mercer from Haralson County high school in Tallapoosa, Ga. Bell comes in at 6-4 and 280 lbs and will play offensive line for the Bears. At Haralson County High School, Bell recorded 72 tackles with 54 being solo tackles during his senior season. He also recorded 16 tackles for loss, four sacks and 11 passes defended during his senior year.

Xavier Brantley | Joker | Montgomery County High School | Mt. Vernon, Ga
Xavier Brantley comes to the Bears from Montgomery County High School in Mt. Vernon, Ga. At 6-0, 180 lbs, Brantley will suit up as a joker for Mercer. Brantley earned all-state and all-region honors during his career at Montgomery County High School where he earned four letters. Brantley plans to study sport management at Mercer University.

Andrew Lane | TE | Archer High School | Lawrenceville, Ga
A three-star recruit, Andrew Lane joins Mercer from Lawrenceville, Ga. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 230 lbs, Lane will suit up as a tight end of the Bears. Lane took snaps at both tight end and quarterback for the Tigers, earning four letters in his four years on the football team. He also played baseball for the Archer High School baseball team. His brother, Ethan plays offensive line at North Carolina State. He plans to study kinesiology at Mercer with the plan to be a sport physician.

Sawyer Burt | TE | Fort Payne High School | Fort Payne, Ala
Sawyer Burt joins the Bears from Fort Payne, Alabama where he played his high school ball at Fort Payne High School. Standing at 6-4, 235 lbs, Burt will suit up at tight end for the Bears. He earned three varsity letters playing at Fort Payne high school, earning All-Region honors in 2020.

Robert Johnson | DL | Jacksonville State | Carrollton High School | Carrollton, Ga
At 6-0, 265 lbs Robert Johnson played his high school ball at Carrollton High School. He was a first-team all-region and first-team all-area performer for the Trojans as a senior. He was also named to the All-Gradick defensive team. During his senior season he raked up 70 tackles, 44 solo tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and 15 QB hurries. He also wrestled and competed in track & field in high school. He spent the 2021 season at Jacksonville State.

Myles Weston | CB | Venice High School | Venice, Fla.
Myles Weston is coming to Mercer from Venice, Fla. At Venice High School he played on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. He had 33 catches for 533 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games during his senior season. The 6-0, 170 pounder will suit up as a cornerback for the Bears.

[caribbeanhen]

Western Carolina early signing.... so far... This will be the #1 class in the SoCon...

2022 Newcomer Roster:




Updated
Name
Pos.
Ht.
Wt.
Class
Hometown (Previous School / High School)


9:30 am
Hayward McQueen III (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/HaywardMcQueen_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB
6-1
190
Fr.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy


10:17 am
Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/ChristianMurphy_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB
6-1
220
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Dillard HS)


10:20 am
Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/BrandonSmiley_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL
6-2
305
Fr.
Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)


10:25 am
Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JeremiahNoel_SOCIAL.jpg)
DB
6-0
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)


10:50 am
Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JaylinTerzado_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR
5-10
160
Fr.
Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)


11:00 am
Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DesmondReid_SOCIAL.jpg)
RB
5-8
170
Fr.
Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS)


1:03 pm
Justin Wallace (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JustinWallace_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL
6-1
230
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)


3:41 pm
Censere Lee (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/CensereLee_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Tampa, Fla. (Clearwater HS)


4:12 pm
Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DarianAnderson_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB
5-9
160
Fr.
Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian HS)


4:40 pm
Samuel Cornett (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/SamuelCornett_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB
6-6
220
Fr.
Lexington, Ky. (Frederick Douglass HS)




2022 Newcomer Bios:

Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DarianAnderson_SOCIAL.jpg)
CB – 5-9 – 160 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School)
Prior to Western Carolina: Team captain as a senior, recorded five career interceptions and had eight total returns for touchdowns as a prep … Added four receptions for 199 yards and three TDs as a senior … Also played on special teams as a kickoff and punt returner … Was a second-team defense selection as an athlete in the 2020 Independent All-State football team compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com … Played for the Florida Fire 7v7 All-Star football team … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247sports and a two-star athlete by Rivals.com – was also a three-star from On3DB … Also runs track as a prep.

Samuel Cornett (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/SamuelCornett_SOCIAL.jpg)
QB – 6-6 – 220 lbs.
Bellevue, Wash. (Frederick Douglass (Ky). HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: A pro-style quarterback who was a team captain as a senior, transferring from Bellevue, Wash., and Bellevue Christian School to Frederick Douglass High in Lexington, Ky. … Completed 166-of-266 passes for 2,604 yards with 26 TDs as a senior, adding 102 rushing yards with a pair of scores on the ground in guiding FDHS to the Kentucky state finals … In an abbreviated 2020 season, guided FDHS to a 7-2 record by completing 102-of-163 passes for 1,565 yards and 26 touchdowns … Selected first-team All-District in both 2020 and 2021 … Was originally committed as a preferred walk-on at the Univ. of Louisville.

Censere Lee (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/CensereLee_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR – 5-11 – 160 lbs.
Tampa, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Caught 57 passes for 1,262 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 97.1 receiving yards per game in his final season as a prep … Added 181 punt return yards with two touchdowns including a 91-yard return for a TD in the playoffs … Was the MaxPreps Player of the Game four times in 2021 including twice as the overall player of the game, once on offense, and the final time on special teams … Listed as a three-star athlete by 247sports … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Hayward McQueen III (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/HaywardMcQueen_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB – 6-1 – 190 lbs.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)
Prior to Western Carolina: Is a hybrid-style linebacker … Was a second-team Class 2-A Independent All-State team selection in the 2020 Independent All-State football team compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com … Posted 90+ tackles with 15 tackles for loss and five sacks, forcing a pair of fumbles as a senior … Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.

Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/ChristianMurphy_SOCIAL.jpg)
LB – 6-1 – 220 lbs.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at St. Thomas Aquinas High … Helped guide Dillard HS to a tri-county championship in 2020 … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com

Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JeremiahNoel_SOCIAL.jpg)
DB – 6-0 – 185 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at Miami Christian … Finished his prep career at Killian HS … Credited with 85 total tackles at safety as a prep senior, averaging 7.7 tackles per game with five sacks and an interception, according to MaxPreps … Listed as a two-star athlete by Rivals.com.

Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/DesmondReid_SOCIAL.jpg)
RB – 5-8 – 170 lbs.
Hollywood, Fla. (Miramar HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Rushed for 1,536 yards and 22 touchdowns a season ago in guiding his high school to the second round of Florida's 7-A playoffs … Caught 13 passes for 243 yards and three scores … Added a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns … Listed as a three-star athlete by 247Sports and a two-star athlete by Rivals.com … Also runs track as a prep competing in both the 100 and 200-meter dash events.

Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/BrandonSmiley_SOCIAL.jpg)
DL – 6-2 – 305 lbs.
Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played his high school football at Riverside High in Durham before finishing at Palmetto Prep in West Columbia, S.C., in 2021 … Recorded 58 tackles including 36 solo stops, averaging 7.3 tackles per game in his final season at Riverside High, adding 12 quarterback hurries and five passes defended.

Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JaylinTerzado_SOCIAL.jpg)
WR – 5-10 – 160 lbs.
Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at North Miami High before finishing at Champagnat Catholic … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports … Caught 26 passes for 560 yards with six touchdowns as a senior at Champagnat.

Justin Wallace (http://catamountsports.com/images/2021/12/15/JustinWallace_SOCIAL.jpg)
DE – 6-3 – 240 lbs.
Miami, Fla. (Killian HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at Palm Beach Central High … Recorded 81 tackles with 30 for loss and 23 sacks as a senior, helping guide his high school to a 12-1 seasonal record … Forced and recovered two fumbles and tallied an interception … Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Bell Knows Florida

[Catamount87]

So Mercer recruited the Joker. Who recruited Batman?

[MR. CHICKEN]

]Bell Knows Florida[/B]


......AN' HE KNOWS......"D"......NEEDS TA IMPROVE.......7...UH FIRST 10.....R...HEADKNOCKERS.........UP IN CULLOWHEE......COMES UH BUBBLIN' CRUDE.......TALENT DAT IS.........BRAWK!

[FUBeAR]

ETSU peeps…what up wit announcing (only via Twitter) just 1 single signee on NSD1?

At first blush, that seems HIGHLY problematic. No?

[caribbeanhen]

ETSU peeps…what up wit announcing (only via Twitter) just 1 single signee on NSD1?

At first blush, that seems HIGHLY problematic. No?

peeps? As in plural?

[MR. CHICKEN]

.....YAH.....HOMER 'N EARL.........AWK!

[wcugrad95]

The “rankings” might change (they frequently do when kids sign at FCS schools), but when we signed them, I believe 5 of the 10 WCU recruits had 3* per 24x7 and 4 of them were 2* by Rivals. All of the kids had multiple offers. And as a couple of you already noted, it is heavily concentrated on D given we have basically 10 starters back on O. Bell’s philosophy is not going to change from wanting to score 60 points, but he wants a more balanced team. But he did go after a 6’6” QB who can sling it and a couple of good looking WRs along with a RB. He wants competition at all positions.

It is no secret South Florida has arguably the most high school football talent in the country, so Bell’s connections are paying dividends in this class. I would expect to go after another couple of D-lineman, and some guys via the portal to round this out.

[wcugrad95]

And I know some of you will start the argument about stars not mattering, but you can’t deny they indicate that people at least think kids who have them are pretty good. Like many teams in the SoCon, Bell needs guys that fit his system - just very differently than say what Cronic needs for his O at Mercer or Citadel needs for theirs. I think Bell is getting both sought-after recruits with loads of speed who fit his schemes.

And at the FCS level, that is what really matters. We will have no idea how good any of these classes are until September. And because of the portal and fluidity of rosters now, kids that can play at every school I expect to see on the field much earlier than we ever have in the past.

[Smitty]

Stars for recruits are almost as pointless as the ranking the class as soon as they are released...

[FUBeAR]

This is an easy argument to settle. This applies to every fan of every Team.

If the entire signing class and/or a signee for a Team I support has Stars/Rankings/Ratings, those Stars/Rankings/Ratings matter. If the entire signing class and/or any signee for a Team I support does not have Stars/Rankings/Ratings, then the Stars/Rankings/Ratings they/he don’t/doesn’t have don’t matter. And, of course, if the entire signing class and/or a signee for a Team I don’t support has Stars/Rankings/Ratings, those Stars/Rankings/Ratings don’t matter. If the entire signing class and/or any signee for a Team I don’t support does not have Stars/Rankings/Ratings, then the Stars/Rankings/Ratings they/he don’t/doesn’t have do matter.

We all clear now?

[ElCid]

Any stars/ratings/rankings are simply made up by people who need you to believe they matter so you will click on their links. Are they correlated with a players true worth or potential? Eh. It's a crap shoot based on some data and some opinion. Lots of former 5 star bubbas sitting on the bench or in the portal. It's all part of an industry. And we all know that stars appear and disappear based on whether a player decides to go FBS, or FCS, or a lower division.

[wcugrad95]

All clear :D

At the FCS level, most teams will not have that many kids with "stars" in their recruiting dossier. And as Smitty and I pointed out, there is no real way to know anything about these signings until we actually see them on the field. I am happy so far with the WCU class because of the speed I see and the holes we are trying to fill. Just like I am sure every other school will tout their class.

But WCU had at least a few years under Speir where we were deemed "the best signing class in the SoCon" or the "best class ever" at the school. That translated into 0 playoff appearances. I believe in the WCU coaching staff we have now, and have to trust they are getting the guys we need. We'll all see come about mid-season.

At the same time, there is a reason that Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, etc. find themselves at the top. Sure you have guys that are misses, but I am also sure that everybody would like to have a class full of 4 and 5 star kids! Talent at the FBS level is the big difference, where fit and coaching at the FCS level tend to make or break teams.

[FUBeAR]

All clear :D

But WCU had at least a few years under Speir where we were deemed "the best signing class in the SoCon" or the "best class ever" at the school. That translated into 0 playoff appearances.

Oh, FUBeAR didn’t realize that Speir had been at WCU since the season after 1983. Thought his tenure was a bit shorter than that.

[caribbeanhen]

Some of Danny Rocco’s cronies pumped up a Delaware class from a few years ago and we saw what happened to Rocco

Only accurate way to measure a ⭐️’s brightness is magnitude via the nautical almanac

[walliver]

All clear :D

At the FCS level, most teams will not have that many kids with "stars" in their recruiting dossier. And as Smitty and I pointed out, there is no real way to know anything about these signings until we actually see them on the field. I am happy so far with the WCU class because of the speed I see and the holes we are trying to fill. Just like I am sure every other school will tout their class.

But WCU had at least a few years under Speir where we were deemed "the best signing class in the SoCon" or the "best class ever" at the school. That translated into 0 playoff appearances. I believe in the WCU coaching staff we have now, and have to trust they are getting the guys we need. We'll all see come about mid-season.

At the same time, there is a reason that Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, etc. find themselves at the top. Sure you have guys that are misses, but I am also sure that everybody would like to have a class full of 4 and 5 star kids! Talent at the FBS level is the big difference, where fit and coaching at the FCS level tend to make or break teams.

I believe Rodney Allison at Chatty also had #1 in the SoCon recruiting classes.

The problem with star rating at FCS level is that some coaches seem to recruit based on somebody else's evaluation (stars) instead of personal observation and needs assessment.

[wcugrad95]

Well, I predicted we would go down into this rabbit hole even in the post I mentioned stars but followed up by saying multiple times we won’t know anything about any of the kids who were signed (at any school) until they show up and the pads go on. I even said that the kids who had stars will probably lose them after signing with an FCS program. I also said WCU has had what were supposed to be good/great signing classes and they didn’t result in anything other than a couple of high-scoring, 7 win seasons that weren’t good for a trip to the dance.

Back to discussing the signing classes, on paper and based on our needs, I think Coach Bell and staff are making our roster better. WCU signed 10, and I continue to see Twitter posts about other kids getting offers. For the other SoCon schools, how many guys do you expect to sign between this and the “regular” signing period? I know there have been several high profile kids from VMI, Furman, and now ETSU who are hitting the portal. Anybody else losing starters/key contributors? WCU of course lost our QB to graduation, but most of the other kids we have in the portal are due to them looking for playing time.

[PaladinNation]

Furman signed 11 during the early signing period, another strong looking class on paper.
ILB Dylan Chiedo is the star of the first signing period (7 FBS offers), Corner Charles Ingram also had power 5 offers, getting QB Carson Jones to commit to the Dins over Mercer (sorry FuBear) is another big get. TB Jayquan Smith looks like he's ready to play now, and will join a deep stable of running backs.

For Furman maybe the key part of this class is the linemen signed on both sides of the ball.

2021 Furman Football Signees (Dec. 15-17 NCAA Early Signing Period)
Eli Brasher, OT, 6-4, 280, Fr., Black Mountain, N.C. / Christ School
Dylan Chiedo, ILB, 6-2, 225, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. / Bartram Trail
Maddox Epperson, C, 6-1, 275, Fr., Dallas, Texas / Aledo High School
Malachi Harrison, DL, 6-1, 275, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. / Christian Academy Of Knoxville
Charles Ingram V, CB, 5-11, 180, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. / Ensworth High School
Carson Jones, QB, 6-2, 205, Fr., Maryville, Tenn. / Maryville High School
Caleb Lyons, OG, 6-3, 310, Fr., Piqua, Ohio / Piqua High School
Tre' McLeod, DB, 6-2, 180, Fr., Darlington, S.C. / Trinity Collegiate
Thomas Pilon, DL, 6-3, 260, Fr., Montreal, Canada / McCallie (Tenn.) School
Jayquan Smith, TB, 6-0, 190, Fr., Braselton, Ga. / Cherokee Bluff High School
Caleb Williams, DB, 5-11, 180, Fr., Tampa, Fla. / Tampa Jesuit


Eli Brasher, OT
6-4, 280, Freshman
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Christ School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 27...also entertained offers from Richmond, Elon, Jacksonville State, and Bucknell...projected 2022 graduate of Christ School (NCISAA-4A)...football coach was Chad Walker...played offensive and defensive lines...two-time first team all-state selection...member of 2020 state championship team that beat Harrells Christian, 55-21, for the title -- the first in school history...also competed in track & field.




Dylan Chiedo, ILB
6-2, 225, Freshman
Jacksonville, Florida
Bartram Trail High School


High School: Committed to Furman on November 23 after entertaining offers from 11 schools, including Iowa State, Maryland, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Liberty, UConn, Florida Atlantic, Dartmouth, Penn, and Stetson...projected 2022 graduate of Bartram Trail (8A) High School...football coach was Darrell Sutherland...credited with 98 tackles in 2021 leading his team to a 9-3 record...logged 107 tackles in 10 games in 2020 campaign that saw Bartram Trail go 11-3 and advance four rounds into the state playoffs...member of four district championship teams...two-time all-conference selection...also played basketball.




Maddox Epperson, C
6-1, 275, Freshman
Dallas, Texas
Aledo High School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 19...had offers from Eastern Kentucky, Missouri State, and Morehead State, among others...projected December graduate of Aledo (5A-D2) High School who plans to enroll at Furman in January and take part in spring practice...football coach was Tim Buchanan...played center, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle during his prep career, which included two seasons at Fort Worth's All Saints Episcopal...three-time all-district selection...member of Aledo's 13-1, state championship team in 2020...2021 Aledo team went 12-1 and advanced into the third round of the state playoffs.




Malachi Harrison, DL
6-1, 275, Freshman
Knoxville, Tennessee
Christian Academy Of Knoxville


High School: Committed to Furman on Oct. 4...also had an offer from Army, among other schools...projected 2022 graduate of Christian (D2-AA) Academy Of Knoxville...football coach was Travis Mozingo...helped league CAK to an 8-3 record and quarterfinal round appearance in the state playoffs in 2021 after going 11-1 and winning a region title in 2020...three-time all-region selection and was a 2020 Tennessee Sportswriters Association All-State pick... 2021 all-state teams yet to be announced...member of CAK's 2019 state championship wrestling team.




Charles Ingram V, CB
5-11, 180, Freshman
Nashville, Tennessee
Ensworth High School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 30 over offers from Kansas, Syracuse, and Army, as well as FCS Richmond, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Eastern Kentucky...projected 2022 graduate of Ensworth (D2-3A)...played cornerback, safety, and running back...football coach was Roc Batten...earned all-region honors after helping Ensworth to a 7-5 record and state playoff appearance... 2021 all-state teams yet to be announced...recipient of Tennessee East-West All-Star Game West Defensive MVP honor, as well as the National Football Foundation's William P. Lawrence Award...credited with 41 tackles and two interceptions in his career while also rushing for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns.




Carson Jones, QB
6-2, 205, Freshman
Maryville, Tennessee
Maryville High School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 20...had offers from Gardner-Webb and Mercer before committing to the Paladins...projected 2022 graduate of Maryville (6A) High School...football coach was Derek Hunt...played quarterback...serving as team captain, completed 158-of-206 passes (76.7 percent) for 2,175 yards and 28 TDs (1 INT), and added 9 TDs rushing as a senior in helping Maryville to a 13-1 record and state playoff semifinal finish, where the Rebels fell to eventual state champion Oakland, 24-14...named Region 2-6A Region Player of the Year...Mr. Football semi-finalist...2021 all-state teams yet to be announced...connected on 152-of-198 passes for 2,001 yards, 22 TDs (1 INT), and rushed for five TDs his junior year...helped Maryville to a 26-2 record as a starter...member of four region championship teams and 15-0 state championship team in 2019...four-year record in the program was 53-4...also lettered in baseball and basketball.




Caleb Lyons, OG
6-3, 310, Freshman
Piqua, Ohio
Piqua High School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 31...had offers from Air Force, Army, and Fordham, among others...projected 2022 graduate of Piqua (Division 2) High School...played offensive guard and defensive tackle...football coach was Bill Nees...2021 first team All-Ohio and All-Southwest District selection...two-time first team All-Miami Valley League (MVL) pick...helped Piqua to a 12-1 record MVL championship in 2021...also played basketball and ran track.




Tre' McLeod, DB
6-2, 180, Freshman
Darlington, South Carolina
Trinity Collegiate School


High School: Committed to Furman on July 16 over offers from Navy, Air Force, Army, and Fordham...proejcted 2022 graduate of Trinity (SCISA-3A) Collegiate School...football coach was Jared Amell...saw action at running back and defensive back...two-time all-region selection...voted 2021 Region II Offensive Player of the Year,.first team SCISA 3A All-State as an athlete, and Prep Redzone FAB 50 All-State after helping lead his team to 11-2 record and state runner-up finish...rushed for 1,466 yards and 19 touchdowns...also caught three touchdown passes...credited with 82 tackles, six interceptions, and one forced fumble...member of Trinity Collegiate's 2019 state championship team.




Thomas Pilon, DL
6-3, 260, Freshman
Montreal, Canada
McCallie (Tenn.) School


High School: Committed to Furman on November 10...also had an offer from Wofford...projected 2022 graduate of McCallie (D2-3A) School...football coach was Ralph Potter...played end, tackle, and nose guard during his prep career...began high school in his native Canada, earning first team All-Canadian...member of McCallie 2020 & '21 state championship teams...all-conference and all-state teams in yet to be announced.




Jayquan Smith, TB
6-0, 190, Freshman
Braselton, Georgia
Cherokee Bluff High School


High School: Committed to Furman on December 1, choosing the Paladins over a number of offers, including Georgia State, Miami-Ohio, Air Force, Arkansas State, Charlotte, Richmond, Austin Peay, Yale, Tennessee Tech, Southern Illinois, and Gardner-Webb...football coach was former Paladin offensive lineman Tommy Jones...registered 220 carries for 1,750 yards, and 22 touchdowns in 2021 in helping Cherokee Bluff to an 11-1 record and second straight region championship...named Region 7-3A Offensive Player of the Year...all-state teams yet to be announced...ran 34 times for 305 yards and three touchdowns in 38-17 first round playoff victory over Greater Atlanta Christian...ran for 1,200 yards and 14 TDs in 2020, his junior year...played a key role in the improvement of Cherokee Bluff's new football program, beginning his freshman year when the program went 0-10, progressing to 3-7 record as a sophomore, before going 11-2 in 2020 and 11-1 in 2021




Caleb Williams, DB
5-10, 180, Freshman
Tampa, Florida
Tampa Jesuit High School


High School: Projected 2020 graduate of Tamps Jesuit (6A) High School...also had offers from Gardner-Webb and Bryant...played cornerback and safety...football coach was Matt Thompson...elected team captain...has played a leading role in Tampa Jesuit's current 14-0 season and into his team's Dec. 18 state championship game appearance versus Pine Forest...credited with 92 tackles along with six interceptions and three fumble recoveries...2021 all-state honors yet to announced in Florida...registered 125 tackles, five interceptions, and two fumble recoveries his junior season, helping Tampa Jesuit to a 14-1 record and semifinal round appearance in the state playoffs..2020 first team FloridaHSFootball All-State selection...also competed in track & field

[FUBeAR]

https://footballscoop.com/news/fcs-furman-etsu-george-quarles

Dang… So Chatt has Rusty Wright & Mercer has Drew Cronic, both from the Furman Coaching Staff.

So, 4 of 9 SoCon HC’s have cut their teeth in Travelers Rest. Not sure if FUBeAR is proud or mad about that.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

The ETSU coaching search got a little more interesting. Tyler Roehl, NDSU's OC, just interviewed for the job.

Roehl’s name has popped up at ETSU after former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher interviewed for the position. Furman offensive coordinator and associate head coach George Quarles is also reportedly being considered. ETSU defensive coordinator Billy Taylor and offensive coordinator Mike Rader are also candidates.

FuBeAR, is that you?

https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/north-dakota-state-offensive-coordinator-interviews-for-etsu-job/article_417ab980-62cd-11ec-963d-8b4f49b5da53.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social

In other news, Jeff Fisher withdrew his name from the ETSU coaching search. This came one night after he was compared to a certain former head coach at Big Brother on a Big Brother-centered fan YouTube podcast.

[FUBeAR]

The ETSU coaching search got a little more interesting. Tyler Roehl, NDSU's OC, just interviewed for the job.

Roehl’s name has popped up at ETSU after former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher interviewed for the position. Furman offensive coordinator and associate head coach George Quarles is also reportedly being considered. ETSU defensive coordinator Billy Taylor and offensive coordinator Mike Rader are also candidates.

FuBeAR, is that you?

https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/sports/north-dakota-state-offensive-coordinator-interviews-for-etsu-job/article_417ab980-62cd-11ec-963d-8b4f49b5da53.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialPretty sure Football Scoop’s report is accurate. FUBeAR has solid sources, usually pretty dang reliable, but he posts nothing until other media sources report the info he already knew/heard.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Update: George Quarles to be named ETSU's head coach tomorrow. It will be his first HC job since his dream tenure at Maryville HS, winning 250 games and 11 TSSAA state titles. Quarles scored a natty while a player at Furman, so there's that. Like his predecessor, he is an East Tennessee native (Jefferson City).

https://footballscoop.com/news/fcs-furman-etsu-george-quarles

[Milktruck74]

GQ getting VERY mixed reviews from the MountainPirate faithful... Some are very optimistic since he has a serious winning record as a HS HC. Others are skeptical, since he has no College HC experience and his college coaching tree only runs through Furman for the last few years.

The mood i'm vibing up here in JC is much like the mood that was in Chattanooga when Tom Arth came to town...very polarized...Time will tell if the similarities translate to the record.

1. When TA came to Chattanooga he had a .833 win percentage as a HC at a much lower level.
2. He replaced a beloved coach.
3. He took over a team that had some pretty good recent success.
4. He actually took over a team that was starting to dry up on talent, lots of key guys graduating and leaving (pre portal...so...that)
5. His coaching tree only extended a few years at a single school.

Not saying GQ can't keep it going at ETSU, but the similarities to TA are there.


I guess one major difference is GQ knows and is well known in the TN HS ranks and should be able to walk in and have solid recruiting connections. He is well respected amongst HS coaches and should be able to go into most any school in the area and get the players he wants (if the HC has a say).

[PaladinNation]

Furman got a it's second Christmas present today…
https://twitter.com/xstephens98/status/1474781767408263175

earlier in the week…
https://twitter.com/_tylerhuff/status/1474160289520234505

[Libertine]

Mostly unrelated, but a quick look at Tyler Huff's Twitter feed makes it look like Presbyterian's entire roster hit the transfer portal as soon as the season ended and they're committing elsewhere all over the place. I really really want to make a terrible joke about there being a run on the Hose but, good Lord, this feels more like a refugee situation.

[PaladinNation]

Mostly unrelated, but a quick look at Tyler Huff's Twitter feed makes it look like Presbyterian's entire roster hit the transfer portal as soon as the season ended and they're committing elsewhere all over the place. I really really want to make a terrible joke about there being a run on the Hose but, good Lord, this feels more like a refugee situation.

I think your right… PC appears to be having a mass exodus of players. Huff lost his starting role under the new coach that just left. Tyler played multiple positions for the Hose. This will put Furman at either 3 or 4 scholarship quarterbacks for 2022 depending on what Hamp Sisson does.

Furman loses a few key pieces on the D-Line after the 2021 season. Furman gets back Matt Sochovka (DT 6-4 289) and Bryce Stanfield (DE/DL 6-2 252) from injuries. FU signed Malachi Harrison (DT 6-1 278) the TN Region II-AA Defensive player of the year, and Canadian Thomas Pilon (DL/DE 6-3 260). IMO Xavier Stephens (6-3 260) is a huge get. He played a good bit as a true freshman for Lehigh, he's ready to play for the DINS. When you add on the returning players, the redshirts, and the 2022 class of defensive signees Furman's building what looks to be a solid, deep defense.

The big question for Furman in the off-season is how does CCH fill the void of George Quarles? Does Furman promote Brian Bratton WR/Passing game coordinator to OC? The complication is Furman also needs a new QB coach. Will Furman stay inside the Furman family (Patrick Covington OC Lamar or Ingle Martin HC at CPA), or go outside?

[wcugrad95]

So on the internal boards of FU football, not sure there is a whole lot of upset people that GQ left given the rather pedestrian offenses the Paladins have fielded since he took over and Drew Cronic left. Quarles is a top-notch human being, and was clearly a generational HS head coach (although I think the guy before him won a state championship and the guys that have followed him are like 80-5 at Maryville High since he left). ETSU will be OK because they are returning a ton of good players, but I would say it is a question mark on what they will be in the next 2-5 years. Quarles will have to pull a lot of guys from outside the state of TN to keep things going. I'd also say it is probably an opportunity for Furman to get better on offense given how good their defense has been recently.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Not saying GQ can't keep it going at ETSU, but the similarities to TA are there.


I guess one major difference is GQ knows and is well known in the TN HS ranks and should be able to walk in and have solid recruiting connections. He is well respected amongst HS coaches and should be able to go into most any school in the area and get the players he wants (if the HC has a say).

I agree that Quarles knows the lay of the land in this state and that finding players that will fit his system will not be that hard. But Sanders left the program better than he found it so I do not see a significant falloff right away. George Quarles also received the Tony Basilio Seal of Approval the other day, so that counts a lot.

[SU DOG]

Being excited about terrific talent signing with Samford for the past few years has proven to be an exercise in futility. Unless it picks up significantly in the latter signing, this looks like a very meh class. Not only that, but we have lost most of our better players to graduation and also to the Portal.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

So on the internal boards of FU football, not sure there is a whole lot of upset people that GQ left given the rather pedestrian offenses the Paladins have fielded since he took over and Drew Cronic left. Quarles is a top-notch human being, and was clearly a generational HS head coach (although I think the guy before him won a state championship and the guys that have followed him are like 80-5 at Maryville High since he left). ETSU will be OK because they are returning a ton of good players, but I would say it is a question mark on what they will be in the next 2-5 years. Quarles will have to pull a lot of guys from outside the state of TN to keep things going. I'd also say it is probably an opportunity for Furman to get better on offense given how good their defense has been recently.

I think Quarles will find a way to maximize the potential of the ETSU offense. He was a certified high school coaching beast and if he is half the coach he was at Maryville High, ETSU will remain a contender fot the SoCon title for as long as Quarles is there.

[wcugrad95]

Again, HS coaching success is kinda like college success going to the pros. The guys before and after Quarles have had success at the same high school, and he has had less than stellar performances as the OC at Furman. That doesn’t mean he won’t be successful now that he has control of the team, but I wouldn’t bank on a bunch of high school wins from 5 years ago translating to college success. It might, and ETSU is talented enough to still be good the next year or two. But this hire will take 4+ years to be properly evaluated.

I personally know him from my short time playing at Furman, and I think he is a great guy and a knowledgeable football coach. But I am not sure he is who I would have gone after given the success ETSU enjoyed this season. If he loses a bunch of the current staff who have ETSU ties it might get interesting. Again - you never know about new coaches kind of like you don’t know about the kids you sign until they show up and you see how they turn out.

[FUBeAR]

Again, HS coaching success is kinda like college success going to the pros. The guys before and after Quarles have had success at the same high school, and he has had less than stellar performances as the OC at Furman. That doesn’t mean he won’t be successful now that he has control of the team, but I wouldn’t bank on a bunch of high school wins from 5 years ago translating to college success. It might, and ETSU is talented enough to still be good the next year or two. But this hire will take 4+ years to be properly evaluated.

I personally know him from my short time playing at Furman, and I think he is a great guy and a knowledgeable football coach. But I am not sure he is who I would have gone after given the success ETSU enjoyed this season. If he loses a bunch of the current staff who have ETSU ties it might get interesting. Again - you never know about new coaches kind of like you don’t know about the kids you sign until they show up and you see how they turn out.
George Quarles has exactly the same record as the Head Coach of a D1 FCS Scholarship Team today as Kerwin Bell had when he became the Head Coach at WCU.

That is also the same record as Drew Cronic, Clay Hendrix, Randy Sanders, Scott Wachenheim, Rusty Wright, Brent Thompson, and Josh Conklin had as D1 FCS Scholarship Head Coaches before they became the Head Coaches at SoCon programs. Among active (and recently retired) SoCon Head Coaches, only Chris Hatcher had prior experience as a Head Coach at this level (or above).

[walliver]

George Quarles has exactly the same record as the Head Coach of a D1 FCS Scholarship Team today as Kerwin Bell had when he became the Head Coach at WCU.

That is also the same record as Drew Cronic, Clay Hendrix, Randy Sanders, Scott Wachenheim, Rusty Wright, Brent Thompson, and Josh Conklin had as D1 FCS Scholarship Head Coaches before they became the Head Coaches at SoCon programs. Among active (and recently retired) SoCon Head Coaches, only Chris Hatcher had prior experience as a Head Coach at this level (or above).

One of those names is not like the others.

[wcugrad95]

Everybody has to be a first-timer at some point in all that we do. I actually hope Quarles does well. He had success as a player and coach wherever he has been. I was just saying his most recent role in the SoCon would seem more relevant than his days leading Maryville High. That being said, guys like Mike Houston made meteoric rises from the high school ranks into college. Several of the guys FUBeAR mentioned are doing well with little to no FCS head experience (I see how you slid “scholarship” in there to cover up Bell’s previous FCS success).

Quarles will work hard, is a great guy, will focus on academics and service, etc. I don’t think somebody hiring him is bad. I am just saying it will take a little while to figure out how good (or bad) of a hire this is.

[FUBeAR]

I see how you slid “scholarship” in there to cover up Bell’s previous FCS success
Bell’s record against current FCS scholarship Teams, while Head Coach at Jacksonville U., was 11-12, with 8 of those wins over Campbell, which was non-scholarship at the time. His Jacksonville Teams also beat Charleston Southern 2x and Delaware once. So, really, prior to taking the reins at WCU, we could say that he did have 1 ‘good’ D1 FCS Scholarship win under his belt during his prior 9 years as a Head Coach of an FCS Team…but FUBeAR was trying to be nice.

[caribbeanhen]

Bell’s record against current FCS scholarship Teams, while Head Coach at Jacksonville U., was 11-12, with 8 of those wins over Campbell, which was non-scholarship at the time. His Jacksonville Teams also beat Charleston Southern 2x and Delaware once. So, really, prior to taking the reigns at WCU, we could say that he did have 1 ‘good’ D1 FCS Scholarship win under his belt during his prior 9 years as a Head Coach of an FCS Team…but FUBeAR was trying to be nice.

Coach Bell made two trips to Newark, Delaware with his Jacksonville team. Don’t think he wasn’t inquiring about the job when Brock was fired in 2016, but unfortunately the AD was already locked in on Rip Van Rocco.

[wcugrad95]

FUBeAR those Pioneer games count as FCS wins. Something you should probably remind the guys doing schedules at Mercer 😀

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR those Pioneer games count as FCS wins. Something you should probably remind the guys doing schedules at Mercer 
Yep - the Big Sky & MVFC scheduling peeps seemed to have learned that paradox quite well.

That said, the PFL is, in general, a slightly more polished level of D3 Football, which FUBeAR loves, btw. Regardless of what the Management Company for the P5 Homeowner’s Association (formerly, the NCAA) says, PFL is not the same level of Football as the rest of D1 FCS plays. The point…and oddly, I have one, is that based upon Head Coaching record at the same level of Football, George Quarles is, today, no more or less of a risk than every other current (and recently retired) Head Coach in the SoCon was when they were selected for their positions, other than Chris Hatcher.

Incidentally, Hatcher had a 45-45 (.500) D1 Scholarship FCS record when hired into his current role and is currently sporting a .526 win percentage that seems to be trending toward .500. So the 1 example we do have would seem to indicate same level past results have a solid predictive correlation to expected future results, fwiw.

[Milktruck74]

I agree that Quarles knows the lay of the land in this state and that finding players that will fit his system will not be that hard. But Sanders left the program better than he found it so I do not see a significant falloff right away. George Quarles also received the Tony Basilio Seal of Approval the other day, so that counts a lot.

No Doubt RS left the team better than he found it, but it is not the same team that went 11-2. There were some key defections (portal, graduation and pro) so this is not the same team. The Fan base at ETSU (at least the ones I know, and I know a bunch) seem to see the previous ceiling as the minimum expectations....and that is not going to happen in 22. GQ is not going to walk in and win the SoCon in year 1, and the fan base thinks he is. FRom 11-2 to 7-4 (which is realistic and a decent year) will blow up and have people calling for his scalp. I think they are probably a legit 8 win team in 22....but time will tell.

[FUBeAR]

Looks like the Passing wing of the SoCon is gonna expand.

Coach Quarles hired his OC from D2 Slippery Rock. They were the #2 ranked Passing O in D2 and slung it about 40x/game.

[UpstateBison]

Looks like the Passing wing of the SoCon is gonna expand.

Coach Quarles hired his OC from D2 Slippery Rock. They were the #2 ranked Passing O in D2 and slung it about 40x/game.

Hatcher 2.0. I really wish the SoCon would be relevant again. My flight leaves GSP at 2pm Thursday for DFW. Would be fun wearing my Bison gear on a flight full of SoCon fans.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mocs123]

Looks like the Passing wing of the SoCon is gonna expand.

Coach Quarles hired his OC from D2 Slippery Rock. They were the #2 ranked Passing O in D2 and slung it about 40x/game.

That's an interesting hire as that seems to be very different than what the Bucs were successful doing this year. When you have a coach taking over a team that's been successful you would think they would attempt to keep the same formula in place since the program already has players recruited and on the roster that excel at that style. I realize when you take over a bad program you can completely change the scheme and rebuild. I mean WCU fans were ecstatic about a 4-7 season with a new coach changing the scheme, my guess is Buc fans won't be happy if they go 4-7 in 2022.

[wcugrad95]

I agree with what you are saying. Reading the ETSU board, staying with most of the staff they had and keeping things going the way they were would have seemed to appease many of the Buc fans. ETSU loses a lot of big names, but they also return quite a bit of talent. The biggest thing for ETSU will be can George Quarles and whatever his new staff ends up being keep that magic going where the Bucs win almost every single close game and have all the bounces go their way? I don't know how much of that was due specifically to Randy Sanders, but his entire time in Johnson City he seemed to have them make the plays that had to be made to win.

WCU needed to change, and we are excited primarily because of the 4-1 finish, the close games that we "coulda" won, and the FL recruiting pipeline that Bell is tapping into. ETSU still has some dudes and a rebuild could cost them some games.

[PaladinNation]

That's an interesting hire as that seems to be very different than what the Bucs were successful doing this year. When you have a coach taking over a team that's been successful you would think they would attempt to keep the same formula in place since the program already has players recruited and on the roster that excel at that style. I realize when you take over a bad program you can completely change the scheme and rebuild. I mean WCU fans were ecstatic about a 4-7 season with a new coach changing the scheme, my guess is Buc fans won't be happy if they go 4-7 in 2022.

I think we still have a shoe to drop in the SoCon - why does Dru Duke (a young coach) leave his alma mater to coach the same position at ETSU?
Combined with Quarles the past Furman OC and QB coach leaving this opens up some interesting opportunities for Hendrix to fill these offensive positions and address at times what I've felt his frustration with the offense.

I believe Hendrix and Quarles are great friends. That said when Hendrix became head coach he chose Drew Cronic as his first OC. Under GQ Furman had offensive inconsistency. Part of this is the youth and experience of our quarterbacks. With Hamp Sisson moving on Med School Furman will have three young quarterbacks with sophomores being the most experience. The QB coaching position is a biggie.

It's no secret Hendrix wants a multiple offense. It's going to be interesting to see how Clay rebuilds the offensive coaching.

[Catamount87]

When I first heard about Quarles being hired my gut went straight to feeling this has danger all over it. On the surface it sounded like a solid hire but something about it just didn't sit right. My thought went straight to wondering if ETSU is about to have a Bobby Lamb experience. No doubt about it, Coach Lamb is a good coach and a guy you'd want to coach/lead your son. But his teams have always flirted with great success only to ultimately achieve moderate success. Is that about to happen at ETSU? How long will their fans stand for moderate success now that they've tasted nearly great success?

[walliver]

There are great coordinators who don't do well as well as non-coordinators who are very successful as head coaches. Any new head coach is a gamble. Any move-up head coach is a gamble.

ETSU has had great recent success, but doesn't stand out above the rest of the league the way ASU and GSU used to do. Hopefully expectations will be kept in check.

[FUBeAR]

In kinda, sorta SoCon news you may have missed…in the “jeez, how many years will these kids play for how many different schools?” category…


Spiders pick up QB Reece Udinski as a grad transfer from Maryland. He will reunite with Billy Cosh the newly hired OC.

2021 Stats at Maryland…


G
Cmp
Att
Pct
Yds
TD
Int


4
11
15
73.3
100
1
1

[caribbeanhen]

In kinda, sorta SoCon news you may have missed…in the “jeez, how many years will these kids play for how many different schools?” category…



2021 Stats at Maryland…


G
Cmp
Att
Pct
Yds
TD
Int


4
11
15
73.3
100
1
1




well he didn’t play much at Maryland ..,must of seen the writing on the wall

The Portal is out of control

[FUBeAR]

well he didn’t play much at Maryland ..,must of seen the writing on the wall

The Portal is out of control
He played 3 full seasons @VMI (2017, 2018, 2019)…get his ‘free’ Covid year for the 4 games he played in 2020…so had 1 season left when he went to MD…BUT…only played in 4 games, so guessing 2021 is his ‘redshirt year’ and he’ll have 1 year to play for Richmond…unless he plays a few games, catches a nasty hangnail on his throwing hand, and then gets a medical hardship year or 2.

[FUBeAR]

SoCon Players trolling Chatt Football for quitting last Spring. PSYCH!!!

https://twitter.com/londonlewis59/status/1479618509965516800


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqORgRYf454

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

well he didn’t play much at Maryland ..,must of seen the writing on the wall

The Portal is out of control

Given that he walked into a situation where the QB position was secured by the brother of a one-time SEC/now NFL starter, yeah I can see why.

[JSUSoutherner]

SoCon Players trolling Chatt Football for quitting last Spring. PSYCH!!!

https://twitter.com/londonlewis59/status/1479618509965516800


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqORgRYf454
Trolling UTC is fun.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

That's an interesting hire as that seems to be very different than what the Bucs were successful doing this year. When you have a coach taking over a team that's been successful you would think they would attempt to keep the same formula in place since the program already has players recruited and on the roster that excel at that style. I realize when you take over a bad program you can completely change the scheme and rebuild. I mean WCU fans were ecstatic about a 4-7 season with a new coach changing the scheme, my guess is Buc fans won't be happy if they go 4-7 in 2022.

Quarles was smart to keep Billy Taylor (DC) and the entire defensive coaching staff intact. It should be noted that ETSU was one of only two teams this fall to have held NDSU scoreless in the first quarter. Offensively, I was not impressed with Mike Rader's performance as OC. It was probably the reason why ETSU had so many games decided by one score. I do foresee a fall off but if ETSU ends up 4-7 this season, this could be a sign of things turning for the worse.

[PaladinNation]

Looks like Furman's got it's man at OC - nothing official yet - the rumor is Justin Roper, OC Holy Cross.

[Milktruck74]

SoCon Players trolling Chatt Football for quitting last Spring. PSYCH!!!

https://twitter.com/londonlewis59/status/1479618509965516800


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqORgRYf454

He is headed to Jax State....His word and commitment is about as good as theirs. Actually, I can't blame him, if he wanted to go somewhere he was good enough to get playing time, Chattanooga probably wasn't the school for him!!!

[FUBeAR]

He is headed to Jax State....His word and commitment is about as good as theirs. Actually, I can't blame him, if he wanted to go somewhere he was good enough to get playing time, Chattanooga probably wasn't the school for him!!!In today’s edition of Aesop’s Fables, MilkTruck will play the Fox & London Lewis will be playing the (appropriately purple) grapes.

[FUBeAR]

Woffy hires highly experienced OC…with A LOT of stickers on his suitcase…

https://twitter.com/woffordterriers/status/1481688199793631240



Coaching career (HC (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_coach) unless noted)


1982
Southern Illinois (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Illinois_Salukis_football) (GA (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduate_assistant))


1983–1984
Illinois (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_Fighting_Illini_football) (GA)


1985
Illinois (TE/OT)


1986
Illinois (WR)


1987–1989
Miami (OH) (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_RedHawks_football) (TE)


1990–1991
Miami (OH) (WR)


1992–1993
Miami (OH) (QB/RC)


1994–1996
Southern Illinois


1997–1998
Northwestern (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_Wildcats_football) (QB)


1999
Colorado (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Buffaloes_football) (QB)


2000–2005
Colorado (OC (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offensive_coordinator)/QB)


2006
Nebraska (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Cornhuskers_football) (TE/RC)


2007–2010
Nebraska (OC/QB)


2011–2013
Louisville (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisville_Cardinals_football)(OC/QB)


2014–2015
Texas (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Longhorns_football) (AHC/QB)


2016
Indiana (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Hoosiers_football) (OQC)


2016
Indiana (QB)


2017–2018
Pittsburgh (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Panthers_football) (OC/QB)


2019
Georgia (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_Bulldogs_football) (OQC)


2020–present
Northern Iowa (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Iowa_Panthers_football) (OA/QB)

[PaladinNation]

Interesting to see the different directions Furman and Wofford went with OC/QB.

https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1480967868695351296

[FUBeAR]

Interesting to see the different directions Furman and Wofford went with OC/QB.

https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1480967868695351296
FUBeAR thinks it is interesting that Woffy had 2 Offensive Coordinators in 2021 and both of them are still listed as Woffy’s OC’s on the website and on their individual Twitter profiles.

Guess they have 3 OC’s now…so, now they have 2 more OC’s than the number of wins in the prior year.

[FUBeAR]

A few interesting developments in Maconga in the past week…

Future Mercer Hall-of-Famer & most recently RB Coach for the Bears, John Russ, has moved to the Athletic Development side of things at Mercer. (FUBeAR is proud to have been his 1st ‘renewal’ donor (with an upgrade, of course)).
https://twitter.com/mercerbears/status/1480651499290214404

To backfill Russ’ role, the Bears went to Mecca and hired Reinhardt’s OC as the new RB Coach & Running Game Coordinator, Fred Jones. In this role, Coach Fred Jones will be Coaching star RB, Fred Davis & working closely with Mercer QB, Fred Payton. That should put the Bears right up against the Fred Cap, FUBeAR thinks.
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1482015233594073091

Finally, Mercer added additional talent to what should be a very strong returning Secondary. The Bears landed a pair of FBS G5 Transfers from Georgia State (Cam Sims) & Coastal Carolina (Shiheem Watkins). Both have starting experience with their prior Teams and will certainly, at the least, add depth & Special Teams talent to the Bears’ units.
https://twitter.com/flyeaglesfly0/status/1482077634842566661
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1480927657831370764

[kdinva]

From LexVegas: Jakob Herres will play in 2022 at U Richmond with Udinski, RB/KR Korey Bridy will delay graduation and stay at VMI for Fall '22. (Similar to pre-covid ninth semester Cadet Athletes who have a RS year to use). DT Warren Dabney will play at W. Michigan

[caribbeanhen]

From LexVegas: Jakob Herres will play in 2022 at U Richmond with Udinski, RB/KR Korey Bridy will delay graduation and stay at VMI for Fall '22. (Similar to pre-covid ninth semester Cadet Athletes who have a RS year to use). DT Warren Dabney will play at W. Michigan

KD, what is your opinion of Micheal Jackson? Not the Thriller

Delaware just offered him

[FUBeAR]

KD, what is your opinion of Micheal Jackson? Not the Thriller

Delaware just offered him
FUBeAR’s opinion - rather have (a well) Herres, but would happily take either (Mercer offered Jackson).

Surprised Herres didn’t go P5, or at least G5. I know the relationship with UR’s new OC & Xfer QB…but FUBeAR thinks Herres has NFL chops and suspected he wanted to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage. Wondering if schools were leery because of his latter season injury. Don’t know exactly what it was, but would guess a fairly serious shoulder issue that req’d off-season surgery. Maybe he won’t be able to go in Spring & that scared off the FBS peeps. Since we’re still waitin’ on KD’s Jackson vs. Herres analysis, maybe we can get some more scoop on Herres.

With VMI’s OC & 2 of VMI’s most outstanding Players, Richmond just got A WHOLE HELLUVA LOT BETTER.

SoCon Talent - top-to-bottom, is clearly superior to CAA talent…as 0-8 in the SoCon Wofford beating the CAA’s 3rd best Team this year definitively proved.

[caribbeanhen]

FUBeAR’s opinion - rather have (a well) Herres, but would happily take either (Mercer offered Jackson).

Surprised Herres didn’t go P5, or at least G5. I know the relationship with UR’s new OC & Xfer QB…but FUBeAR thinks Herres has NFL chops and suspected he wanted to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage. Wondering if schools were leery because of his latter season injury. Don’t know exactly what it was, but would guess a fairly serious shoulder issue that req’d off-season surgery. Maybe he won’t be able to go in Spring & that scared off the FBS peeps. Since we’re still waitin’ on KD’s Jackson vs. Herres analysis, maybe we can get some more scoop on Herres.

With VMI’s OC & 2 of VMI’s most outstanding Players, Richmond just got A WHOLE HELLUVA LOT BETTER.

SoCon Talent - top-to-bottom, is clearly superior to CAA talent…as 0-8 in the SoCon Wofford beating the CAA’s 3rd best Team this year definitively proved.

Elon third best team in CAA this year? Haha

you did say this year .... so you must be accounting for JMU leaving and the Elon QB being gone in 2022?

I admit the talent level in the CAA is nowhere near what it used to be and has possibly sunk to level of the Southern Conference, just an embarrassing state of affairs.

I also know Ryan Carty is aware and is hitting the portal hard, already got a commitment from WR Witcher from Presby and now offers Jackson

offered Sammy RB Jefferson as well

back to Elon, my initial thought is they were one of the worst CAA teams this past year but we had several teams that were just not any good so congrats to Woffy for taking down mighty Elon.

[MR. CHICKEN]

FUBeAR’s opinion - rather have (a well) Herres, but would happily take either (Mercer offered Jackson).

Surprised Herres didn’t go P5, or at least G5. I know the relationship with UR’s new OC & Xfer QB…but FUBeAR thinks Herres has NFL chops and suspected he wanted to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage. Wondering if schools were leery because of his latter season injury. Don’t know exactly what it was, but would guess a fairly serious shoulder issue that req’d off-season surgery. Maybe he won’t be able to go in Spring & that scared off the FBS peeps. Since we’re still waitin’ on KD’s Jackson vs. Herres analysis, maybe we can get some more scoop on Herres.

With VMI’s OC & 2 of VMI’s most outstanding Players, Richmond just got A WHOLE HELLUVA LOT BETTER.

SoCon Talent - top-to-bottom, is clearly superior to CAA talent…as 0-8 in the SoCon Wofford beating the CAA’s 3rd best Team this year definitively proved.

32383


.....ELON WAS PICKED.....DEAD LAST IN CAA COACHES POLL....&....BAH LINDY'S.....TWAS FIRST GAME UH SEASON.........ELON GOT BETTERAH......WOFFY GOT WORSE..........WOFFY WAS PICKED 5th......BAH LINDY'S.....SO IFIN' DIS IS YER PROOF........YOUSE NEED UH SIDE BAR.......WHIFF DUH JUDGE..........BAWK!

[FUBeAR]

No idea what either of you Cluckers are clucking on about, but FUBeAR does know what Coach Parcells meant

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCSePg5VkAAz4KT.jpg

….and he was talking Elon & the CAA. Outright 3rd best Team in the CAA & lost to the absolute worst the SoCon has to offer.

https://caasports.com/images/responsive/caa-football.png2021 Football Standings




SCHOOL
CAA
OVERALL


James Madison (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2719)
7-1
12-2


Villanova (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2728)
7-1
10-3


Elon (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2718)
5-3
6-5

[caribbeanhen]

No idea what either of you Cluckers are clucking on about, but FUBeAR does know what Coach Parcells meant

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCSePg5VkAAz4KT.jpg

….and he was talking Elon & the CAA. Outright 3rd best Team in the CAA & lost to the absolute worst the SoCon has to offer.

https://caasports.com/images/responsive/caa-football.png2021 Football Standings




SCHOOL
CAA
OVERALL


James Madison (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2719)
7-1
12-2


Villanova (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2728)
7-1
10-3


Elon (https://caasports.com/schedule.aspx?schedule=2718)
5-3
6-5




Elon was 5-3 in the CAA? Wow, the CAA needs to pick it up fast

I think Delaware will at least

[MR. CHICKEN]

FUBeAR’s opinion - rather have (a well) Herres, but would happily take either (Mercer offered Jackson).

Surprised Herres didn’t go P5, or at least G5. I know the relationship with UR’s new OC & Xfer QB…but FUBeAR thinks Herres has NFL chops and suspected he wanted to demonstrate his skills on a larger stage. Wondering if schools were leery because of his latter season injury. Don’t know exactly what it was, but would guess a fairly serious shoulder issue that req’d off-season surgery. Maybe he won’t be able to go in Spring & that scared off the FBS peeps. Since we’re still waitin’ on KD’s Jackson vs. Herres analysis, maybe we can get some more scoop on Herres.

With VMI’s OC & 2 of VMI’s most outstanding Players, Richmond just got A WHOLE HELLUVA LOT BETTER.

SoCon Talent - top-to-bottom, is clearly superior to CAA talent…as 0-8 in the SoCon Wofford beating the CAA’s 3rd best Team this year definitively proved.


........AN' AGIN.......ELON TALENT GOT BETTER.....POOCHIE'S TALENT.....WAS LEFT @...DUH HYDRANT.........AWQ!!

[FUBeAR]

........AN' AGIN.......ELON TALENT GOT BETTER.....POOCHIE'S TALENT.....WAS LEFT @...DUH HYDRANT.........AWQ!!
OR…

Elon then played a slew of lesser Teams (AKA, The CAA)

AND

Wofford then played a buzzsaw of very talented Teams (AKA, The SoCon)

[walliver]

Don't worry. We will have a new offense which is better than last year's new offense which was new from last Spring which was new from the year before.
This offense will be really really new. And better than the previous new offenses.

[kdinva]

KD, what is your opinion of Micheal Jackson? Not the Thriller

Delaware just offered him

Jackson is a legit FCS top receiver, sort of busted out in spring 2021

[Mocs123]

Don't worry. We will have a new offense which is better than last year's new offense which was new from last Spring which was new from the year before.
This offense will be really really new. And better than the previous new offenses.


Conklin just announced the Terriers will be implementing a new Air Raid offense in 2022. He also announced that he will be coaching all games remotely from his office while he polishes his resume looking for a P5 DC job.

[caribbeanhen]

Jackson is a legit FCS top receiver, sort of busted out in spring 2021

Thanks! Keeping an eye on him

[PaladinNation]

So Furman just hired Matt McCutchan as our new OL coach.
I didn't pay attention when he left ETSU. I just knew Quarles brought Dru Duke with him.
This looks to be a great hire. Unless Buc fans have another view?

[OpTimeGuy]

So Furman just hired Matt McCutchan as our new OL coach.
I didn't pay attention when he left ETSU. I just knew Quarles brought Dru Duke with him.
This looks to be a great hire. Unless Buc fans have another view?

Great coach. Hated to see him go.

[PaladinNation]

Great coach. Hated to see him go.

I always thought the BUCS had a physical well-coached OL.

[ElCid]

Oh joy. Our H&H with SC State got pushed back a year due their playing a money game next year. Which left us with only 10 games. So we filled in with, not a D2, not a D3, not even a NAIA, but a National Christian College Athletic Association team. Just wonderful. And late in the season as well. I'd have taken another money game instead even if it meant one less home game. Not bad planning, just bad timing in regard to SC State.

[walliver]

Oh joy. Our H&H with SC State got pushed back a year due their playing a money game next year. Which left us with only 10 games. So we filled in with, not a D2, not a D3, not even a NAIA, but a National Christian College Athletic Association team. Just wonderful. And late in the season as well. I'd have taken another money game instead even if it meant one less home game. Not bad planning, just bad timing in regard to SC State.
I was somewhat surprised by that schedule, but last minute changes do happen. Virginia University at Lynchburg is a small step ahead of College of Faith. Was Pointe not available.

Is the Citadel dropping Ladson Southern long term?

[ElCid]

I was somewhat surprised by that schedule, but last minute changes do happen. Virginia University at Lynchburg is a small step ahead of College of Faith. Was Pointe not available.

Is the Citadel dropping Ladson Southern long term?

I thought we had them again for a long contract of like 5 years. I have to go look some.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

So Furman just hired Matt McCutchan as our new OL coach.
I didn't pay attention when he left ETSU. I just knew Quarles brought Dru Duke with him.
This looks to be a great hire. Unless Buc fans have another view?

McCutcnan struck me as a good coach. His O-Line was one of the reasons ETSU was as good as it was all of this past calendar year.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Conklin just announced the Terriers will be implementing a new Air Raid offense in 2022. He also announced that he will be coaching all games remotely from his office while he polishes his resume looking for a P5 DC job.

(Big Brother Hat on) And here's hoping Conklin never sniffs any consideration to come back to Knoxville if and when Tim Banks were to leave. If by some sense, semblance, miracle or the grace of God Con Man Conklin comes back, he would be to Heupel what Bob Shoop was to Butchslapped Jones. I would sooner see Heupel and Disneyland Danny drive two Brinks trucks to Billy Taylor's house and see what he has to say about it (assuming Banks were to leave).

[FUBeAR]

I was somewhat surprised by that schedule, but last minute changes do happen. Virginia University at Lynchburg is a small step ahead of College of Faith. Was Pointe not available.

Is the Citadel dropping Ladson Southern long term?hey now…Point University is NAIA. They are in the same conference as powerhouse Reinhardt, who, darling-of-the-FCS-polls, Kennesaw, just eked by last season.

OTOH…looks like VUL hasn’t updated their Football website in 2 years and their Head Coach’s Twitter feed is mostly about his own son, a HS Athlete in Charlotte, NC…and he was involved previously with one of those College of Faith type of programs in Charlotte.

No sir, VUL is who Point schedules so they can blow a Team out by 56. Absolute bottom-fishing for the bellhops to come up with this game. I know the Coach there is looking to save his job, but they might as well have scheduled Burke HS’s JV Team and saved everyone a lot of trouble.

[FUBeAR]

(Big Brother Hat on) And here's hoping Conklin never sniffs any consideration to come back to Knoxville if and when Tim Banks were to leave. If by some sense, semblance, miracle or the grace of God Con Man Conklin comes back, he would be to Heupel what Bob Shoop was to Butchslapped Jones. I would sooner see Heupel and Disneyland Danny drive two Brinks trucks to Billy Taylor's house and see what he has to say about it (assuming Banks were to leave).https://assets.leevalley.com/Size4/10107/99W2203-pair-of-secret-decoder-rings-u-1407-e.jpg

Got it…

[FUBeAR]

Welp…looks like Craig Haley has, once again, ended all doubt and determined the 2022 SoCon Champions. That’s right…he’s predicting the 2021 (imaginary) SoCon & (imaginary) FCS National Champion Chattanooga Mocs will ‘repeat’ and actually will win the SoCon Championships they imagined they won in 2020 (Spring 2021) and 2021. Can’t wait to hear all the Mocs Fans talking about their (imaginary) 3Peat…

https://theanalyst.com/2022/01/fcs-football-craig-haleys-way-too-early-2022-preseason-top-10/

10. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon [3rd...behind ETSU & Mercer])

The Skinny: Surely a wild card in the national picture, the Mocs are primed for a big step under fourth-year coach Rusty Wright. The key players return in the two front defensive units, led by SoCon defensive player of the year Devonnsha Maxwell on the edge and linebackers Ty Boeck and Jay Person. McClendon Curtis will anchor the O-line for a deep running backs unit, including Ailym Ford and Reggie Davis.
How About This: The Mocs led the SoCon in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and passing defense.


BTW - He picks Kennesaw, last seen losing to SoCon (real) Champion, ETSU, at #7.

[walliver]

Welp…looks like Craig Haley has, once again, ended all doubt and determined the 2022 SoCon Champions. That’s right…he’s predicting the 2021 (imaginary) SoCon & (imaginary) FCS National Champion Chattanooga Mocs will ‘repeat’ and actually will win the SoCon Championships they imagined they won in 2020 (Spring 2021) and 2021. Can’t wait to hear all the Mocs Fans talking about their (imaginary) 3Peat…

https://theanalyst.com/2022/01/fcs-football-craig-haleys-way-too-early-2022-preseason-top-10/

10. Chattanooga (6-5, 5-3 SoCon [3rd...behind ETSU & Mercer])

The Skinny: Surely a wild card in the national picture, the Mocs are primed for a big step under fourth-year coach Rusty Wright. The key players return in the two front defensive units, led by SoCon defensive player of the year Devonnsha Maxwell on the edge and linebackers Ty Boeck and Jay Person. McClendon Curtis will anchor the O-line for a deep running backs unit, including Ailym Ford and Reggie Davis.
How About This: The Mocs led the SoCon in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense and passing defense.


BTW - He picks Kennesaw, last seen losing to SoCon (real) Champion, ETSU, at #7.

It's time Chatty made some noise. I find Chattownmocs much less annoying than HootyHoo.

[caribbeanhen]

It's time Chatty made some noise. I find Chattownmocs much less annoying than HootyHoo.

Nah, Hootyhoo knows what’s up and is just entertainment

Chatty might of actually believed what he posted

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

ETSU welcomes a brand new director of football operations by the name of David Blackburn. If that name sounds familiar, he should. He was at Big Brother for quite some time until heading off to Chattanooga as an AD and later MTSU.

https://www.etsubucs.com/football/news/2021-22/18460/quarles-welcomes-blackburn-as-director-of-operations/

[Mocs123]

Too bad you didn't hire him a few weeks earlier. He could have brought Tom Arth to ETSU after he lost his Akron gig.

Despite the failed Tom Arth experiment, Blackburn did a decent job as AD in Chattanooga. Blackburn is an experienced administrator but DoFO seems like an odd job for a guy who's retired twice. DoFO jobs are normally filled by 25 year old former players looking to get into either coaching or administration. This hire reeks of a good ole boy hire so Blackburn can draw a check while hitting the golf course daily. We had a few AD's like that in the past!

[walliver]

Wofford has brought in a new co-defensive coordinator to go with the new OC.
https://woffordterriers.com/news/2022/1/26/football-names-andrew-warwick-co-defensive-coordinator.aspx

This year Conklin will have his own coaching staff to match his own players.
If things don't go well, he'll have no excuses.

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

Too bad you didn't hire him a few weeks earlier. He could have brought Tom Arth to ETSU after he lost his Akron gig.

Despite the failed Tom Arth experiment, Blackburn did a decent job as AD in Chattanooga. Blackburn is an experienced administrator but DoFO seems like an odd job for a guy who's retired twice. DoFO jobs are normally filled by 25 year old former players looking to get into either coaching or administration. This hire reeks of a good ole boy hire so Blackburn can draw a check while hitting the golf course daily. We had a few AD's like that in the past!

Blackburn was the one who gave now ETSU AD Scott Carter his first big break at Big Brother. I quite frankly was not aware of that. In defense of the hire, the Phranchise served in a similar capacity at the jump before he resurfaced as AD. I'll bet you a dollar had he hired someone like Sam Pittman, he keeps his job.

One final note on the Big Brother AD opening that went to Disneyland Danny, Carter was mentioned as a possible replacement (FootballScoop). No offense to Carter but comparing his body of work to White's body of work is like comparing a small apple to a Big Orange.

[FUBeAR]

This year Conklin will have his own coaching staff to match his own players.
If things don't go well, he'll have no excuses.
Wanna bet?

[The Cats]

"In an effort to emphasize its long-term commitment to membership in the Southern Conference, the 10-member Southern Conference Council of Presidents unanimously voted to increase the exit fee provision."

“In a rapidly changing college athletics landscape, this decision represents our member institutions’ collective interest in furthering the strong sports tradition of the Southern Conference and its steadfast commitment to the student-athlete academic experience,” said UNC Greensboro Chancellor Dr. Franklin D. Gilliam Jr., chair of the SoCon Council of Presidents.

The exit fee was doubled to $2 million with proper notice. The decision was made to underscore Southern Conference member school commitment in the midst of changes among other conferences.

[Sir William]

"In an effort to emphasize its long-term commitment to membership in the Southern Conference, the 10-member Southern Conference Council of Presidents unanimously voted to increase the exit fee provision."

“In a rapidly changing college athletics landscape, this decision represents our member institutions’ collective interest in furthering the strong sports tradition of the Southern Conference and its steadfast commitment to the student-athlete academic experience,” said UNC Greensboro Chancellor Dr. Franklin D. Gilliam Jr., chair of the SoCon Council of Presidents.

The exit fee was doubled to $2 million with proper notice. The decision was made to underscore Southern Conference member school commitment in the midst of changes among other conferences.


This should put to rest any discussion or speculation that any current SoCon member (playing football or basketball in SoCon) will be leaving to join the CAA or ASUN or any other FCS conference at this point. Ain't gonna happen. It does allow for healthy conversation as to the possibility of other schools in other conferences desiring to be considered for membership in the SoCon. Big South members need not apply, unless you're a blue and gold team with a great athletic program and fantastic band located in Greensboro NC. ASUN members need not apply - you made your bed (though EKU would probably be a good fit). CAA? Better scramble, yanks - you've got several that would be great long-term fits for us.

[UNAPride]

This should put to rest any discussion or speculation that any current SoCon member (playing football or basketball in SoCon) will be leaving to join the CAA or ASUN or any other FCS conference at this point. Ain't gonna happen. It does allow for healthy conversation as to the possibility of other schools in other conferences desiring to be considered for membership in the SoCon. Big South members need not apply, unless you're a blue and gold team with a great athletic program and fantastic band located in Greensboro NC. ASUN members need not apply - you made your bed (though EKU would probably be a good fit). CAA? Better scramble, yanks - you've got several that would be great long-term fits for us.

That's not what I'm hearing this morning.

[caribbeanhen]

KD, what is your opinion of Micheal Jackson? Not the Thriller

Delaware just offered him

ABC

123

[caribbeanhen]

Thank you VMI

WR Micheal Jackson is a Bluehen

his last 4 games were fantastic

http://hosted.stats.com/cfb/players.asp?id=290478

[FUBeAR]

Thank you VMI

WR Micheal Jackson is a Bluehen

his last 4 games were fantastic

http://hosted.stats.com/cfb/players.asp?id=290478
CAA top Teams continue trying to catch up to the SoCon’s Talent Level

Picking a few cherries isn’t going to be enough though.

[caribbeanhen]

CAA top Teams continue trying to catch up to the SoCon’s Talent Level

Picking a few cherries isn’t going to be enough though.

dont look back because somebody might be gaining on ya

Delaware and Richmond very active in portal

Albany and Towson as well

[Mocs123]

Richmond is starting to look like VMI-East.

Michael Jackson was a really good receiver for VMI. Congrats to the Hens.

[FUBeAR]

Richmond is starting to look like VMI-East.

Michael Jackson was a really good receiver for VMI. Congrats to the Hens.
Yes - Definitely a Top 10 SoCon Retriever. Probably not as good as the top guys from Samford, WCU, Furman, ETSU, and Mercer who all ranked similarly in stats.

FUBeAR would predict he will blow away the lesser talented secondaries in the CAA & lead the league…except Herres will have SoCon-QB-talent-level with Udinski throwing to him & lighting up CAA DB’s for Richmond…so Herres will probably be the top CAA Retriever with Jackson right behind

It’ll be fun watching those ‘fish’ succeed in a less talented ‘pond’

[caribbeanhen]

Richmond is starting to look like VMI-East.

Michael Jackson was a really good receiver for VMI. Congrats to the Hens.

indeed, it seemed like he exploded with production in last 4 games by the stats and by eye, a tough character in the RZ that knows how to make tough catches

next target is your all confidence OL but he has lots of offers

[Mocs123]

I think Herres was injured the last four games of the season, which probably is somewhat of an explanation on why his production exploded. Herres was VMI's top target until he got hurt.

[Mocs123]

The question for Keydet fans is are they deep enough to sustain these losses? VMI has put together a few really good years - the best in recent memory for the Keydets and I wonder if that is sustainable or not. Perhaps he has no desire to go anywhere, but I'm surprised Wach hasn't gotten some looks from other schools. It took him a while, but he's done wonders at VMI.

[caribbeanhen]

I think Herres was injured the last four games of the season, which probably is somewhat of an explanation on why his production exploded. Herres was VMI's top target until he got hurt.

Well that would makes sense, Jackson certainly answered the call.

[Libertine]

Richmond is starting to look like VMI-East.

Richmond's new OC is VMI's old OC so it makes sense.

[caribbeanhen]

The CAA is coming back strong thanks to some southern conference hospitality

Hopefully some OOC Matches next year to get even for Elon’s embarrassing loss to Wofford

[kdinva]

The question for Keydet fans is are they deep enough to sustain these losses?

I think so: Knox, Brimigeon, DaSilva, Thomas, Cooper will get most of the reps, expect four more underclassmen to return, and 3 or 4 newcomers to add depth.

[PaladinNation]

CCH has completed his staff.
Justin Roper at OC and QB coach
Matt McCutchan OL
Tommy Spangler DB and Special Teams

https://twitter.com/JohnDBrice1/status/1488664727924482048

[kdinva]

VMI Signees for Feb 2nd (will be a few more later).

Amari Baylor - OLB/DE, 6'4 – 215 lb. - Varina High School - Henrico, Virginia
Jason Cole - DB, 6'0 – 190 lb. - Kings Fork High School - Suffolk, Virginia
Wyatt Hagan - QB, 6'0 – 175 lb. - St. John's College High School - Chantilly, Virginia
Jahleel Porter - CB, 6'0 – 185 lb. - West Ashley High School - North Charleston, South Carolina
Jordan Smith - DB, 6'2 – 185 lb. - Louisa County High School - Louisa, Virginia
Kaden Sonnabend - TE, 6'5 – 215 lb. - New Hampstead High School - Savannah, Georgia
Ryan von Brandt - TE/QB, 6'7 – 215 lb. - Appoquinimink High School - Middletown, Delaware

[Libertine]

CCH has completed his staff.
....
Tommy Spangler DB and Special Teams

Sorry, PN, but you've got a typo there. It should read, "CCH has hired the person who will inevitably take his job." xcoolx

[wcugrad95]

WCU class (so far) - I think we can still sign a few more, but it is pretty obvious Coach Bell leaned on his FL connections:

Dec. 15 Hayward McQueen III LB 6-1 190 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)
Dec. 15 Christian Murphy LB 6-1 220 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Dillard HS)
Dec. 15 Brandon Smiley DL 6-2 305 Fr. Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)
Dec. 15 Jeremiah Noel DB 6-0 185 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Dec. 15 Jaylin Terzado WR 5-10 160 Fr. Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)
Dec. 15 Desmond Reid RB 5-8 170 Fr. Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS)
Dec. 15 Justin Wallace DL 6-1 230 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Dec. 15 Censere Lee WR 5-11 160 Fr. Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
Dec. 15 Darian Anderson CB 5-9 160 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian HS)
Dec. 15 Samuel Cornett CB 6-6 220 Fr. Lexington, Ky. (Frederick Douglass HS)
Jan. 9 Aiava Lealaimatafao LB 6-1 230 R-Jr. San Antonio, Texas (Cisco College / Warren HS)
Jan. 9 Neyland Walker OL 6-5 285 R-Fr. Canton, N.C. (Charleston Southern / Pisgah HS)
7:50 am Antoine Bell WR 6-4 215 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Berry Academy)
7:52 am Aaron Sanez OL 6-2 290 Fr. Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
7:55 am Antarron Turner LB 6-2 230 Fr. Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown HS)
8:26 am Marquis Lymon DB 5-10 195 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)
9:12 am Evan Carney OL 6-3 290 Fr. Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
9:24 am Jhamari Pierre-Louis DB 5-11 175 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)
9:37 am Ja'morri Downing DB 6-0 180 Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)
9:53 am Derek Simmons OL 6-6 315 R-Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Abilene Christian / Fletcher HS)
10:24 am Cole Gonzales QB 6-1 180 Fr. Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic HS)
11:01 am Ken Moore Jr. DB 5-10 162 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)
11:07 am Deandre Tamarez WR 5-10 185 Fr. Opa Locka, Fla. (Carol City HS)
11:32 am Justin McMullen DB 5-10 170 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)
12:17 pm Trey Rose TE 6-3 205 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Fletcher HS)
12:38 pm Richard Garrett DL 6-4 230 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Andrew Jackson HS)

A couple of transfers, and a lot of guys on the defensive side of the ball. I am still hopeful if we get another couple that they might be big defensive lineman (and prefer a couple from the portal who have experience). This is a very athletic and fast group, but of course they are mostly 18-year old incoming FR that we have to see about. Many of our best returning players will also be SOs and JRs, so it will be a young WCU squad that hopefully translates to a good team for the next few years.

Hope springs eternal every year around this time!!!

[caribbeanhen]

Let’s see how all those Florida boys like the Appalachia but today, you gotta like that class

[PaladinNation]

Furman adds two more…

Ben Ferguson WR Woodlands TX | 5-11 190
https://twitter.com/benferguso_n/status/1488869244712411143

Ethan Harris WR Rolesville NC | 6-2 188
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1488867789129531396

https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2022/2/2/football-furman-inks-two-wide-receivers.aspx

[PaladinNation]

Sorry, PN, but you've got a typo there. It should read, "CCH has hired the person who will inevitably take his job." xcoolx
Great point!
Seriously getting Spangler on the staff feels to like a great move.

[FUBeAR]

Sorry, PN, but you've got a typo there. It should read, "CCH has hired the person who will inevitably take his job." xcoolx
https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/6a6/a81/93681b10b3506bc9470ec6e904e55fb383-frank-sideeye-010.h473.w710.gif

[ElCid]

Let’s see how all those Florida boys like the Appalachia but today, you gotta like that class

I was thinking the same thing. Sylva ain't Ft Lauderdale. Don't get me wrong I love it,...I live 30 or so miles from WCU, but some of these youngins might have buyers remorse. Unless of course they really want to go to WCU for the degree instead of only playing ball.

[wcugrad95]

I think it is about Coach Bell! We signed several more on top of the ones I listed - including several more FL guys, a 3* speedster at RB, and a transfer JR at WR. I think the tally is 29 signees, with 4 or 5 from the transfer portal. I’ve also seen a ton of tweets of guys who have PWO offers that honestly look kind of like some of the players our previous staff would have maybe made scholarship offers to.

We may lose some of these kids if they get homesick, but right now most of Catamount country is pretty excited. Of course like most years and most schools, we get excited pretty much every year. But this feels a little different with this staff and adding the kind of athletes they really want.

[FUBeAR]

Updated - Added 10

Well…guess FUBeAR should do this since he started the thread and all…

Each of these Signees are future FCS All-Americans for the Bears…and then, 2 or 3 years from now, you can catch them all playing for one of your favorite G5 Teams on Tuesday nights in an empty stadium.

Also they were all 4.0 students, are going to major in Pre-Med, Pre-Law, or dual major in Nanophysics & Biomedical Engineering. They are all pillars of their communities and volunteered at nursing homes, church camps, and spent their summers building homes in Haiti.

In addition Mercer met every need they have at every position and expect each of these Signees to compete for playing time & make significant contributions during their 1st year in the program.

Honestly though…this does look like a nice class for the Bears. I’m sure Coach Cronic & Staff are pleased and will do a nice job of developing these young men.


Mercer Football NSD1 2021 & 2022 NSD2 Signees



#
Name
Position
HT
(in)
WT
City
ST
High School / Previous College
FUBeAR Comment


1
Christian Hanson
KAT
73
226
Sharpsburg
GA
Trinity Christian HS
Looked impressive in GA State Championship game


2
Daniel Shoch
QB
75
215
East Coweta
GA
East Coweta HS
Size & mechanics are nice. High ceiling for this one.


3
Isaiah Washburn
KAT
74
230
Clearwater
FL
Calvary Christian HS / Air Force Prep
Great looking Athlete. Mercer has had GREAT success w/AF Transfers


4
Chris Joines
S
75
190
Pfafftown
NC
Reagan HS / Myrtle Beach Prep



5
Marcus Christian
KAT
76
215
Thomasville
GA
Thomas County Central High School



6
Josh Pickett
S
70
172
Valdosta
GA
Lowndes HS
They grow ‘em swift & tough down in Winnersville, GA


7
Jose Gonzalez
OL
75
270
Warner Robins
GA
Warner Robins HS
Nice looking athlete


8
Eli Edwards
OL
76
293
Cumming
GA
North Forsyth HS
Looks “country strong”


9
Cedric Richardson
OL
75
250
Lawrenceville
GA
Collins Hill HS
VMI de-commit. NIL package ‘demands’ < Teammate Travis Hunter’s


10
Riley Bell
OL
76
280
Tallapoosa
GA
Haralson County HS



11
Xavier Brantley
Joker
72
180
Mt. Vernon
GA
Montgomery County HS



12
Andrew Lane
TE
76
230
Lawrenceville
GA
Archer HS
Memphis de-commit. Great frame. Could see big things from this one.


13
Sawyer Burt
TE
76
235
Fort Payne
AL
Fort Payne HS



14
Robert Johnson
DL
72
265
Carrollton
GA
Carrollton HS / Jacksonville State
Hope he can play DL, but he sure can strum his guitar & sing the Delta Blues


15
Myles Weston
CB
72
170
Venice
FL
Venice HS
Looks like Mercer went hard for under the-radar kids from Championship programs.#Culture


16
Cam Sims
CB
73
180
Memphis
TN
Lausanne Collegiate HS / Georgia State

2021 2-Deep regular @ GaSt


17
Juwan Johnson
S
71
190
Savannah
GA
Calvary Day School



18
Shi’heem Watkins
S
72
195
Columbia
SC
Blythewood HS / Coastal Carolina
2-deep regular for Coastal, including several Starts


19
Isaac Prince
LB
73
215
Snellville
GA
Shiloh HS
If he’s as good as Mercer’s other All SoCon LB named Isaac from Shiloh HS, that will be helpful


20
CJ Miller
RB
72
235
Rainbow City
AL
Gadsden City HS
Big back may fit in well in the Bears’ Offense


21
Kamaree Wells
S
74
190
Richmond
VA
Varina HS
Nice length


22
Joe Miller
LS
72
200
Buford
GA
Buford HS



23
Arias Nash
DL
75
260
Belmont
NC
Stuart Cramer HS



24
Caden Camese
DL
75
290
Bellevue
NE
Bellevue West HS
Nice size


25
Travion Solomon
ATH
71
170
Macon
GA
Northeast HS
Twitter looks like Mercer hoops offered him also



Christian Hanson | KAT | Trinity Christian High School | Sharpsburg, Ga
A 6-1, 226 lbs linebacker will line up as a KAT for the Bears this season. Hanson brings winning experience to the Mercer football program after winning the 2021 state championship. This season, the Trinity Christian linebacker was named the Region 4A private defensive player of the year for the second straight season. He was named first team all-state and first team all-region in 2019. Hanson is undecided on what he plans to study at Mercer.

Daniel Shoch | QB | East Coweta High School | East Coweta, Ga
Standing 6-3 and weighing 215 lbs, Daniel Shoch will suit up at quarterback for the Bears. Playing at East Coweta High School, Shoch was a four-year letter-winning, leading the team to the 2020 region championship. He was named to the All-Region team in 2020 and First Team All-Region in 2021. He plans to study business and pre dental at Mercer.

Isaiah Washburn | KAT | Calvary Christian High School | Air Force Prep
A 6-2, 230 lbs linebacker will play KAT for the Bears. He will be joining the Mercer football program from Air Force Prep. At Calvary Christian high school, Washburn was a four-year honor roll recipient, earning letters all four years in both football and basketball. He was named first team all-county during his junior year. During his senior season, he averaged 8.9 tackles per game with 24 solo tackles and 71 total tackles. Washburn plans to study business management at Mercer with the hopes to open his own business.

Chris Joines | S | Reagan High School | Myrtle Beach Prep | Pfafftown, NC
Chris Joines comes to Mercer University from Reagan High School in Pfafftown, N.C. He prepped at Myrtle Beach Prep. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 190 lbs, Joines will add some length to our defensive backfield, as we will be suiting up as safety. Joines was a three-sport athlete at Reagan High School, playing football, basketball and track & field. Joines was all-state and all-county in football. He was also a state champion in track and field in the 4x100 in 2021.

Marcus Christian | KAT | Thomas County Central High School | Thomasville, Ga
At 6-4, 215 lbs Marcus Christian will suit up as a KAT for the Bears. Christian was a three-year letter winner at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville, Ga. During his senior season, Christian had 42 tackles, 34 of which were solo to average 4.7 tackles per game during his senior season campaign. He posted 10.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a blocked field goal this past season. He is undecided on what he would like to study at Mercer.

Josh Pickett | S | Lowndes High School | Valdosta, Ga
Josh Pickett will suit up at safety for the Bears. The 5-10, 172 pounder comes to Mercer from Valdosta, Ga. where he was a four-year letter winner. He helped lead Lowndes High School to a region championship. He earned first team all-region honors. He was also named outstanding defensive player for Lowndes High School. He plans to study nursing at Mercer University.

Jose Gonzalez | OL | Warner Robins High School | Warner Robins, Ga
A 6-3, 270 lbs offensive lineman local to Warner Robins, Ga. is officially a Bear. Gonzalez is a four-year letter winner at Warner Robins High School. He will bring winning experience to the Bears as a two-time 5a State Champion and a two-time State runner up. Gonzalez was named to the all-region team in 2021 and all region honorable mention team in 2020. He plans to study either business or the sciences here at Mercer.

Eli Edwards | OL | North Forsyth High School | Cumming, Ga
The 6-4, 283 lbs offensive lineman comes to Mercer from North Forsyth high school in Cumming, Ga where he was a three-year letter winner. Edwards earned first team all-region honors and second team all-county honors. During his wrestling career, he earned third and fourth place in the region. He plans to study business or sport management at Mercer University.

Cedric Richardson | OL | Collins Hill High School | Lawrenceville, Ga
Cedric Richardson joins the Bears from Collins Hill High School in Lawrenceville, Ga. Standing 6-3 and weighing 250 lbs, Richardson helped lead his team to two regional championships and one state championship, earning second team All-County honors. The Lawrenceville, Ga. native is a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and track & field. He plans to study computer science at Mercer University.

Riley Bell | OL | Haralson County High School | Tallapoosa, Ga
Riley Bell comes to Mercer from Haralson County high school in Tallapoosa, Ga. Bell comes in at 6-4 and 280 lbs and will play offensive line for the Bears. At Haralson County High School, Bell recorded 72 tackles with 54 being solo tackles during his senior season. He also recorded 16 tackles for loss, four sacks and 11 passes defended during his senior year.

Xavier Brantley | Joker | Montgomery County High School | Mt. Vernon, Ga
Xavier Brantley comes to the Bears from Montgomery County High School in Mt. Vernon, Ga. At 6-0, 180 lbs, Brantley will suit up as a joker for Mercer. Brantley earned all-state and all-region honors during his career at Montgomery County High School where he earned four letters. Brantley plans to study sport management at Mercer University.

Andrew Lane | TE | Archer High School | Lawrenceville, Ga
A three-star recruit, Andrew Lane joins Mercer from Lawrenceville, Ga. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 230 lbs, Lane will suit up as a tight end of the Bears. Lane took snaps at both tight end and quarterback for the Tigers, earning four letters in his four years on the football team. He also played baseball for the Archer High School baseball team. His brother, Ethan plays offensive line at North Carolina State. He plans to study kinesiology at Mercer with the plan to be a sport physician.

Sawyer Burt | TE | Fort Payne High School | Fort Payne, Ala
Sawyer Burt joins the Bears from Fort Payne, Alabama where he played his high school ball at Fort Payne High School. Standing at 6-4, 235 lbs, Burt will suit up at tight end for the Bears. He earned three varsity letters playing at Fort Payne high school, earning All-Region honors in 2020.

Robert Johnson | DL | Jacksonville State | Carrollton High School | Carrollton, Ga
At 6-0, 265 lbs Robert Johnson played his high school ball at Carrollton High School. He was a first-team all-region and first-team all-area performer for the Trojans as a senior. He was also named to the All-Gradick defensive team. During his senior season he raked up 70 tackles, 44 solo tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and 15 QB hurries. He also wrestled and competed in track & field in high school. He spent the 2021 season at Jacksonville State.

Myles Weston | CB | Venice High School | Venice, Fla.
Myles Weston is coming to Mercer from Venice, Fla. At Venice High School he played on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. He had 33 catches for 533 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games during his senior season. The 6-0, 170 pounder will suit up as a cornerback for the Bears.

Cam Sims | CB | Georgia State | Lausanne Collegiate High School | Memphis, Tenn.
A 6-1, 180 lbs cornerback will suit up at cornerback for the Bears this season. Cam Sims comes to the Bears from Georgia State where he saw action in six games this past season. During the 2020 season he posted career highs of four tackles at Arkansas State and also grabbed an interception against Troy. In high school, Sims was a first team all-state recipient.

Juwan Johnson | S | Calvary Day School | Savannah, Ga.
Standing 5-11 and weighing 190lbs, Juwan Johnson will suit up as Safety for the Bears this season. Johnson comes to Mercer after playing four years of varsity football at Calvary Day School. He helped lead his high school to the Region 3-A private title and the second round of the GSHA Class A Private playoffs. Johnson accumulated 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, five interceptions, and four passes defended on his way to earning All-Greater Savannah first-team honors and an All-Region 3-A Private first team selection.

Shi'heem Watkins | S | Coastal Carolina | Blythewood High School | Columbia, SC
Shi'heem Watkins comes to Mercer as a graduate transfer from Coastal Carolina. Standing 6-0 and weighing 195 lbs, Watkins will suit up as a safety for the Bears. At Coastal, the Columbia, South Carolina Native played in 10 or more games in all three seasons he played. In his most recent season, he totaled 31 tackles and 11 solo stops on the season. During his high school career at Blythewood High School, Watkins was a four-year letter winner on the football field, being named defensive back of the year his senior season. He also lettered in soccer in high school.

Isaac Prince | LB | Shiloh High School | Snellville, Ga.
Isaac Prince will be joining the Bears from Shiloh High School in Snellville, Georgia. Prince stands 6-1 and weighs 215 lbs and will line up as a linebacker for Mercer. The four-year varsity letter winner brings a slew of accolades with him to Mercer. He has earned all-county, all-region, and most recently all-state recognition for his performance on the field. Prince plans to study biology at Mercer.

CJ Miller | RB | Gadsden City High School | Rainbow City, Ala.
CJ Miller joins the Bears from Gadsden City High School. At 6-0, 235 lbs, Miller will line up at running back for the Bears. Miller has made his name known across the state of Alabama, earning 7a All-State honors on two different occasions. Additionally, he has earned All-County honors twice. He will now bring his talents to the state of Georgia and suit up for Mercer.

Kamaree Wells | S | Varina High School | Richmond, VA
Kamaree Wells will join the Bears from Varina high school in Richmond, VA. At 6-2, 190 lbs, Wells will add some length to the Bears secondary as he will be suiting up as a safety for Mercer. Wells will bring winning experience to Mercer, winning a Virginia state championship with Varina high school. His talents were individually recognized as we earned first team all-state honors.

Joe Miller | LS | Buford High School | Buford, GA
Joe Miller comes to the Bears from Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. The 6-0, 200 lbs incoming Bear will suit up as a long snapper. Miller will bring winning experience to the Bears, as he's been crowned state champion an outstanding three times with his high school. Individually, he has earned all-region honors. Miller plans to earn a dual degree in civil engineering and business administration.

Arias Nash | DL | Stuart Cramer High School | Belmont, NC
Arias Nash will line up on the defensive line for Mercer. The 6-3, 260 lbs big man accumulated 208 solo tackles, 371 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns during his career at Stuart Cramer high school. He averaged 9.8 tackles per game during his career. His impressive work on the field earned him three-time first team all-conference accolades, second team all-state honors and the Big South 3A Defensive Player of the Year. Nash plans to study computer engineering at Mercer.

Caden Camese | DL | Bellevue West High School | Bellevue, NE
Caden Camese will be coming to Mercer from Bellevue, Nebraska. At 6-3 and 290 lbs, the big man will line up at defensive line for the Bears. Camese brings plenty of winning experience to the Bears, being crowned district champs all four years he played varsity football and earning the Nebraska Class A State Title in 2019. Individually, Camese earned All-State honors his sophomore through senior season. He plans to study computer science at Mercer.

Travion Solomon | ATH | Northeast High School | Macon, Ga.
Travion Solomon is staying home in Macon to play football for the Mercer Bears. The 5-11, 170 lbs athlete played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track while at Northeast High School. Solomon comes to Mercer with tons of accolades, including two-time region player of the year, AJC All-State, Macon Touchdown Club player of the year, and Middle Georgia Player of the year honors. He is undecided on what he plans to study at Mercer.

[The Cats]

WCU class (so far) - I think we can still sign a few more, but it is pretty obvious Coach Bell leaned on his FL connections:

Dec. 15 Hayward McQueen III LB 6-1 190 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)
Dec. 15 Christian Murphy LB 6-1 220 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Dillard HS)
Dec. 15 Brandon Smiley DL 6-2 305 Fr. Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)
Dec. 15 Jeremiah Noel DB 6-0 185 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Dec. 15 Jaylin Terzado WR 5-10 160 Fr. Hialeah, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)
Dec. 15 Desmond Reid RB 5-8 170 Fr. Miramar, Fla. (Miramar HS)
Dec. 15 Justin Wallace DL 6-1 230 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Killian HS)
Dec. 15 Censere Lee WR 5-11 160 Fr. Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
Dec. 15 Darian Anderson CB 5-9 160 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian HS)
Dec. 15 Samuel Cornett CB 6-6 220 Fr. Lexington, Ky. (Frederick Douglass HS)
Jan. 9 Aiava Lealaimatafao LB 6-1 230 R-Jr. San Antonio, Texas (Cisco College / Warren HS)
Jan. 9 Neyland Walker OL 6-5 285 R-Fr. Canton, N.C. (Charleston Southern / Pisgah HS)
7:50 am Antoine Bell WR 6-4 215 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Berry Academy)
7:52 am Aaron Sanez OL 6-2 290 Fr. Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)
7:55 am Antarron Turner LB 6-2 230 Fr. Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown HS)
8:26 am Marquis Lymon DB 5-10 195 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)
9:12 am Evan Carney OL 6-3 290 Fr. Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
9:24 am Jhamari Pierre-Louis DB 5-11 175 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)
9:37 am Ja'morri Downing DB 6-0 180 Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)
9:53 am Derek Simmons OL 6-6 315 R-Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Abilene Christian / Fletcher HS)
10:24 am Cole Gonzales QB 6-1 180 Fr. Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic HS)
11:01 am Ken Moore Jr. DB 5-10 162 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)
11:07 am Deandre Tamarez WR 5-10 185 Fr. Opa Locka, Fla. (Carol City HS)
11:32 am Justin McMullen DB 5-10 170 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)
12:17 pm Trey Rose TE 6-3 205 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Fletcher HS)
12:38 pm Richard Garrett DL 6-4 230 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Andrew Jackson HS)

A couple of transfers, and a lot of guys on the defensive side of the ball. I am still hopeful if we get another couple that they might be big defensive lineman (and prefer a couple from the portal who have experience). This is a very athletic and fast group, but of course they are mostly 18-year old incoming FR that we have to see about. Many of our best returning players will also be SOs and JRs, so it will be a young WCU squad that hopefully translates to a good team for the next few years.

Hope springs eternal every year around this time!!!


Three-Star Recruits:
Darian Anderson, CB – 247Sports *
Censere Lee, WR – 247Sports
Jordy Lowery, DB – 247Sports *
Marquis Lymon, DB – 247Sports & Rivals *
Ken Moore Jr., DB – 247Sports *
Christian Murphy, LB – 247Sports
Corey Reddick Jr., RB – 247Sports *
Desmond Reid, RB – 247Sports *
Jaylin Terzado, WR – 247Sports
Neyland Walker, 247Sports

Two-Star Recruits:
Darian Anderson, CB – Rivals *
Jordy Lowery, DB – Rivals *
Hayward McQueen III, LB – Rivals
Ken Moore Jr., DB – Rivals *
Jeremiah Noel, DB – Rivals
Corey Reddick Jr., RB – Rivals *
Desmond Reid, RB – Rivals *

[bonarae]

ETSU:

https://www.etsubucs.com/football/news/2021-22/18485/coach-quarles-reveals-2022-signing-class/

Just 8 joining us.




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


--
Andy Boykin, Jr. (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12209/andy-boykin-jr/)
DL
6-4
315
LaGrange, Ga. (Univ. of Arkansas)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7607712/5dac7c273deaa50d783aa14b)


--
Chris Everhart (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12210/chris-everhart/)
OL
6-3
308
Greeneville, Tenn. (Marshall University)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7586781/5c08425e0c538102d49a8225)


--
William Riddle (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12211/william-riddle/)
QB
6-1
186
Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie School)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9716880/616c7334f56aeb039cddbd74)


7:44
Tommy Winton, III (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12212/tommy-winton-iii/)
WR
5-10
189
Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4742515/616214dc90ef3209f8187be5)


8:01
Jayvon Henderson (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12213/jayvon-henderson/)
DB
5-10
185
Auburn, Ga. (Mill Creek HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11677610/61754743bed6e40854297bcb)


8:11
Tyree Rainey (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12214/tyree-rainey/)
DB
6-0
182
Donalsonville, Ga. (Seminole County HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11238537/61953b36042898089cdec31f)


8:14
Amir Dendy (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12215/amir-dendy/)
RB
6-1
192
Anderson, S.C. (Westside HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11314974/61854ab54205bd07fc8dfe95)


8:44
Jaylen George (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12216/jaylen-george/)
DE
6-2
245
Suwanee, Ga. (Collins Hill HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11677989/618d42cfff0210089c7c617f)

[wcugrad95]

Full 1st and 2nd signing day WCU listing per the school's site...



FULL NAME
POS.
HT.
WT.
YR.
HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL
PREVIOUS SCHOOL


Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/darian-anderson/10629)
CB
5-9
160
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Dade Christian School



Antoine Bell (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/antoine-bell/10639)
WR
6-4
215
Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. / Berry Academy



Evan Carney (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/evan-carney/10640)
OL
6-3
290
Fr.
Nashville, Tenn. / Christ Presbyterian Academy



Samuel Cornett (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/samuel-cornett/10630)
QB
6-6
220
Fr.
Bellevue, Wash. / Frederick Douglass (Ky.) HS



Ja'morri Downing (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/ja-morri-downing/10641)
DB
6-0
180
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / Stranahan HS



Richard Garrett (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/richard-garrett/10657)
DL
6-5
230
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Andrew Jackson HS



Cole Gonzales (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/cole-gonzales/10643)
QB
6-1
180
Fr.
Ocala, Fla. / Trinity Catholic HS



Aiava Lealaimatafao (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/aiava-lealaimatafao/10655)
LB
6-1
230
R-Jr.
San Antonio, Texas / Warren HS
Cisco College


Censere Lee (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/censere-lee/10631)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Clearwater, Fla. / Clearwater HS



Jordy Lowery (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jordy-lowery/10644)
DB
5-11
170
Fr.
Bartow, Fla. / Bartow HS



Marquis Lymon (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/marquis-lymon/10645)
DB
5-10
195
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Justin McMullen (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/justin-mcmullen/10646)
DB
5-10
170
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS



Hayward McQueen III (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/hayward-mcqueen-iii/10632)
LB
6-1
190
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / TRU Prep Academy



Ken Moore Jr. (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/ken-moore-jr-/10647)
DB
5-10
162
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Christopher Columbus HS



Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/christian-murphy/10633)
LB
6-1
220
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / Dillard HS



Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jeremiah-noel/10634)
DB
6-0
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Miami Killian HS



Jhamari Pierre-Louis (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jhamari-pierre-louis/10648)
DB
5-11
175
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Corey Reddick Jr. (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/corey-reddick-jr-/10649)
RB
5-10
175
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/desmond-reid/10635)
RB
5-8
170
Fr.
Hollywood, Fla. / Miramar HS



Trey Rose (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/trey-rose/10650)
TE
6-3
205
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher HS



Aaron Sanez (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/aaron-sanez/10651)
OL
6-2
290
Fr.
Clearwater, Fla. / Clearwater HS



Derek Simmons (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/derek-simmons/10654)
OL
6-6
315
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher HS
Abilene Christian


Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/brandon-smiley/10636)
DL
6-2
305
Fr.
Durham, N.C. / Palmetto Prep



Deandre Tamarez (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/deandre-tamarez/10652)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Opa Locka, Fla. / Carol City HS



Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylin-terzado/10637)
WR
5-10
160
Fr.
Hialeah, Fla. / Champagnat Catholic HS



Antarron Turner (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/antarron-turner/10653)
LB
6-3
230
Fr.
Kannapolis, N.C. / A.L. Brown HS



Neyland Walker (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/neyland-walker/10656)
OL
6-5
285
R-Fr.
Canton, N.C. / Pisgah HS
Charleston Southern


Justin Wallace (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/justin-wallace/10638)
DE
6-3
240
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Killian HS



David White (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/david-white/10658)
WR
6-4
190
Jr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Westside HS
Valdosta State

[ElCid]

Full 1st and 2nd signing day WCU listing per the school's site...



FULL NAME
POS.
HT.
WT.
YR.
HOMETOWN / HIGH SCHOOL
PREVIOUS SCHOOL


Darian Anderson (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/darian-anderson/10629)
CB
5-9
160
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Dade Christian School



Antoine Bell (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/antoine-bell/10639)
WR
6-4
215
Fr.
Charlotte, N.C. / Berry Academy



Evan Carney (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/evan-carney/10640)
OL
6-3
290
Fr.
Nashville, Tenn. / Christ Presbyterian Academy



Samuel Cornett (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/samuel-cornett/10630)
QB
6-6
220
Fr.
Bellevue, Wash. / Frederick Douglass (Ky.) HS



Ja'morri Downing (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/ja-morri-downing/10641)
DB
6-0
180
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / Stranahan HS



Richard Garrett (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/richard-garrett/10657)
DL
6-5
230
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Andrew Jackson HS



Cole Gonzales (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/cole-gonzales/10643)
QB
6-1
180
Fr.
Ocala, Fla. / Trinity Catholic HS



Aiava Lealaimatafao (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/aiava-lealaimatafao/10655)
LB
6-1
230
R-Jr.
San Antonio, Texas / Warren HS
Cisco College


Censere Lee (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/censere-lee/10631)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Clearwater, Fla. / Clearwater HS



Jordy Lowery (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jordy-lowery/10644)
DB
5-11
170
Fr.
Bartow, Fla. / Bartow HS



Marquis Lymon (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/marquis-lymon/10645)
DB
5-10
195
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Justin McMullen (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/justin-mcmullen/10646)
DB
5-10
170
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Booker T. Washington HS



Hayward McQueen III (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/hayward-mcqueen-iii/10632)
LB
6-1
190
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / TRU Prep Academy



Ken Moore Jr. (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/ken-moore-jr-/10647)
DB
5-10
162
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Christopher Columbus HS



Christian Murphy (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/christian-murphy/10633)
LB
6-1
220
Fr.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. / Dillard HS



Jeremiah Noel (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jeremiah-noel/10634)
DB
6-0
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Miami Killian HS



Jhamari Pierre-Louis (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jhamari-pierre-louis/10648)
DB
5-11
175
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Corey Reddick Jr. (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/corey-reddick-jr-/10649)
RB
5-10
175
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla. / Atlantic HS



Desmond Reid (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/desmond-reid/10635)
RB
5-8
170
Fr.
Hollywood, Fla. / Miramar HS



Trey Rose (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/trey-rose/10650)
TE
6-3
205
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher HS



Aaron Sanez (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/aaron-sanez/10651)
OL
6-2
290
Fr.
Clearwater, Fla. / Clearwater HS



Derek Simmons (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/derek-simmons/10654)
OL
6-6
315
Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Fletcher HS
Abilene Christian


Brandon Smiley (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/brandon-smiley/10636)
DL
6-2
305
Fr.
Durham, N.C. / Palmetto Prep



Deandre Tamarez (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/deandre-tamarez/10652)
WR
5-11
160
Fr.
Opa Locka, Fla. / Carol City HS



Jaylin Terzado (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/jaylin-terzado/10637)
WR
5-10
160
Fr.
Hialeah, Fla. / Champagnat Catholic HS



Antarron Turner (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/antarron-turner/10653)
LB
6-3
230
Fr.
Kannapolis, N.C. / A.L. Brown HS



Neyland Walker (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/neyland-walker/10656)
OL
6-5
285
R-Fr.
Canton, N.C. / Pisgah HS
Charleston Southern


Justin Wallace (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/justin-wallace/10638)
DE
6-3
240
Fr.
Miami, Fla. / Killian HS



David White (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/david-white/10658)
WR
6-4
190
Jr.
Jacksonville, Fla. / Westside HS
Valdosta State



Good list. But you probably needed that many with so many in the portal? Sorry, couldn't resist. Things are headed in the right direction still for y'all.

We have a small list, concerning it's so small, but we really didn't lose that many.

[wcugrad95]

Nice story about some of our South Florida signees. Maybe they will be happy in the mountains!!!

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2022/02/02/national-signing-day-western-carolina-impressed-recruits-snow-day-aid/6637884001/

Also, we signed another transfer - Ed Jones comes over as a JR linebacker from Cisco College (https://catamountsports.com/sports/football/roster/ed-jones-iv/10659). That gives us 30 new guys, and who knows - maybe a couple more are out there.

[Milktruck74]

I'll spare the list, but the Mocs signed 13 HS kids and 1 Grad Transfer...And while that is the Mix I much prefer, it scares the hell out of me.

Serious question...given the current transfer portal rules, is it better for an FCS school to sign a JR transfer that is already seasoned and proven and has experience, or to sign a high school kid and develop their talent with the understanding that after you pour in two years of work, he may potentially enter the portal and leave you?

IF I'm coaching in todays world (especially at the FCS level) I'm going to have a difficult time balancing building for the long term and creating a culture vs signing a College "Free Agent" to fill a gap every year? Thoughts?

[wcugrad95]

I think ideally you have a mix. For WCU, we saw several kids that got brought in this past season that the coaches knew at the college level and although it took 1/2 a season, that made a huge difference in the end vs going with all new guys. And we just signed a ton of high school kids that "fit" this staff's schemes and systems, but that was made possible because of how many kids we had leave. With transfers you typically will have some actual college film and knowledge about them vs high school guys you are hoping that those kids are going to be "college ready". What we are seeing now is like you said - you almost have to play guys early so they don't leave, and then if they are really good they will be looking for something bigger and better in a season or two anyway.

Guys who are trying to save their jobs will probably tend to lean heavily on the portal. Programs that are pretty stable and sound will plug their holes as best they can, probably focusing on high schoolers with a couple of transfers to be immediate starters. New coaching staffs will probably have to do a lot of both. I am not sure we will know what is better in this new way of filling rosters for another season or two.

[PaladinNation]

Milltruck—great question. As a Furman fan the transfer thing is frustrating.

I know enough to know for Furman transfers and grad transfer aren't going to ever creep up to the mix wcugrad is alluding too.
For the most part transfers into the football program — Furman recruited them in HS (X Stephens (Lehigh) or they're connected AFA (Ethan Harris).
Tyler Huff (PC) is unique - no prior connection as far as I can tell and QB.
BUT — with Spangler joining the FU coaching staff, some dots connect to Huff as he was Huff's original connection to PC.

I still believe in the end you have to build depth and develop players from recruiting at the FCS level. You can get lightning in a bottle every now and then with transfers but should that be a programs go-to strategy moving forward???

I know this is a SoCon football thread but IMO Bob Richey is worth bringing into the conversation about the grad transfers and building a program with recruiting. While many SoCon teams reload every year with transfers Furman keeps winning with players within the system getting better year after year. The one except is grad transfer Conley Garrison.

Back to football — Furman has 16 starters returning. Furman's strengths should be defense, offensive line, tight end, and a large stable of running backs. The achilles heel for Furman for years has been the inconsistency and turnover at QB. Jace Wilson is back for his sophomore season, Huff should compete for PT and hopefully Carson Jones can redshirt. If this plays out that way Furman should take a big step forward on offensive production. I'm also optimistic the departure of Quarles to ETSU was the best thing to happen to Furman's offense. I can't wait to see what a Roper/Bratton combo cook up for the Furman offense.

[Milktruck74]

Obviously it is pure speculation and we won't really know for a few years, but.... I wonder how many of the 22's that signed directly out of HS are still with their original team in 24 0r 25? With the old transfer rules, an FCS school that signed 20 kids, with normal attrition (grades, injury, etc) would be lucky to have 10 of them on the roster 4 seasons later ...I'll bet that number drops to 5 or 6 in 2026....Our FCS programs are quickly becoming FBS farm systems.

[wcugrad95]

Guess I'll start the back-patting - WCU is currently listed as the top recruiting class in the SoCon by a couple of outlets (per 247sports link below). At the same time, I am not sure how updated this is (I see at least 1 guy they list as a hard commit for the Cats who actually signed). And I also self-admittedly point out by sheer numbers, signing 30 guys should pretty much guarantee the math should make us #1.

https://247sports.com/college/western-carolina/Season/2022-Football/Commits/

Rankings and stars don't matter - it is what the kids do when they show up and put pads on. But thought I would try and spurn some more signing class conversation. Who do you think your possible game-changers are?

[Mocs123]

I'm not saying WCU didn't have a good class or those guys might not end up being game changers for the Catamounts......but remember Rodney Allison had a top ranked SoCon recruiting class too and you see how that ended up!

I think our short term game changer for the class is QB Transfer Preson Hutchinson from Eastern Michigan. It's no secret that QB play was not stellar for the Mocs in the fall and Hutchinson should add some immediate competition to that room. We already had a crop of good young wideouts, but Jalen Jude could be a name we see play in 2022 as he's a BIG body that we didn't have on the roster after Reggie Henderson graduated.

[wcugrad95]

Yep - I said we have the top class primarily because we signed twice as many players! WCU has had "best SoCon recruiting classes" before and it didn't lead to much. For us, I am not sure who would be considered the top signee. I expect with the Bell's track record we are going to score points, so I am more interested in seeing if the 14 guys we signed on defense will make a difference given how much experience we lost in our LBs. The Cats will have a lot of talented players, but we'll be very young and we have to prove we can stop somebody AND will have to see Carlos Davis or one of the other QBs take the reins of the offense.

[ElCid]

Huh? Looks like we are going to lose our now veteran QB, Adams. He got his degree and had one year remaining, or maybe 2 with Covid. Off the find a place to get a masters and hopefully some playing time. Not as if he is on any NFL radar.

He was ok, and still improving, but I think he might have saw the handwriting on the wall and had some rising competition. But he was probably secure. His passing was never great. He was quick, but on the small side. We've got three or four to choose from, but not much game experience there. We will see who steps up. Change can sometimes be good but I'm an optimist.

[FUBeAR]

Huh? Looks like we are going to lose our now veteran QB, Adams. He got his degree and had one year remaining, or maybe 2 with Covid. Off the find a place to get a masters and hopefully some playing time. Not as if he is on any NFL radar.

He was ok, and still improving, but I think he might have saw the handwriting on the wall and had some rising competition. But he was probably secure. His passing was never great. He was quick, but on the small side. We've got three or four to choose from, but not much game experience there. We will see who steps up. Change can sometimes be good but I'm an optimist.
Kinda odd that he would decide to enter the portal after participating in a week of Spring Practice. Any insight related to that? Hard to see a 2+ year Starting QB bolting because of rising competition. Different if he’s clearly being replaced/unseated or the O is being overhauled. Bellhops moving to Spread, maybe?

[walliver]

Huh? Looks like we are going to lose our now veteran QB, Adams. He got his degree and had one year remaining, or maybe 2 with Covid. Off the find a place to get a masters and hopefully some playing time. Not as if he is on any NFL radar.

He was ok, and still improving, but I think he might have saw the handwriting on the wall and had some rising competition. But he was probably secure. His passing was never great. He was quick, but on the small side. We've got three or four to choose from, but not much game experience there. We will see who steps up. Change can sometimes be good but I'm an optimist.

I'm not sure where a TO QB can transfer and get playing time. Maybe he can find a D2 offer to play running back, or find a school running the triple option with some type of graduate program.

I hope he has a destination in mind, otherwise it looks like he is giving up a free year of graduate school.

I wish the NCAA would publish statistics about how many graduate transfers actually earn masters degrees (other than sports marketing).

[Mocs123]

Where does a Citadel QB go? I mean there aren't many schools that run the option, and most of those don't take transfers. Does he move to another position?

[ElCid]

Where does a Citadel QB go? I mean there aren't many schools that run the option, and most of those don't take transfers. Does he move to another position?

That's my guess. Running back of some sort.

[ElCid]

Kinda odd that he would decide to enter the portal after participating in a week of Spring Practice. Any insight related to that? Hard to see a 2+ year Starting QB bolting because of rising competition. Different if he’s clearly being replaced/unseated or the O is being overhauled. Bellhops moving to Spread, maybe?

It is strange. But he got his degree and is moving on. Maybe we get more details. Maybe not. But doing it now points to competition. A month ago I would say no. Maybe we are integrating "more" passing and he isn't that great of a passer. He can't even see over his O-line.

[Mocs123]

Kinda odd that he would decide to enter the portal after participating in a week of Spring Practice. Any insight related to that? Hard to see a 2+ year Starting QB bolting because of rising competition. Different if he’s clearly being replaced/unseated or the O is being overhauled. Bellhops moving to Spread, maybe?

Maybe we'll see 700 yards of passing offense when the revamped spread offenses of Wofford and The Citadel face off on October 15th in the fall!

[FUBeAR]

Seems with NC A&T going to CAA (plus the other additions to the CAA) that FUBeAR’s 12 Team SoCon Dream of…

SoCon North
ETSU
NC A&T
Richmond
VMI
WCU
William & Mary

SoCon South
Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer
Samford
The Citadel
Wofford

w/play all 5 in Div. & rotating 3 from other Div. (except VMI & CIT and ETSU & Chatt play every year)…or…

5 & 2 + Championship Game in Charlotte (or Raleigh) & final week ‘Flexi-Schedule’ (a FUBeAR copyrighted concept) for Teams not in Championship Game, but ‘affected’ by Teams that are.

…is not going to happen…just yet.

Oh well…we’ll get ‘em next year :)

[caribbeanhen]

Seems with NC A&T going to CAA (plus the other additions to the CAA) that FUBeAR’s 12 Team SoCon Dream of…

SoCon North
ETSU
NC A&T
Richmond
VMI
WCU
William & Mary

SoCon South
Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer
Samford
The Citadel
Wofford

w/play all 5 in Div. & rotating 3 from other Div. (except VMI & CIT and ETSU & Chatt play every year)…or…

5 & 2 + Championship Game in Charlotte (or Raleigh) & final week ‘Flexi-Schedule’ (a FUBeAR copyrighted concept) for Teams not in Championship Game, but ‘affected’ by Teams that are.

…is not going to happen…just yet.

Oh well…we’ll get ‘em next year :)

That proposal is a pretty good bait and switch with the goal being to make the Southern Conference rise again

[Sandlapper Spike]

Seems with NC A&T going to CAA (plus the other additions to the CAA) that FUBeAR’s 12 Team SoCon Dream of…

SoCon North
ETSU
NC A&T
Richmond
VMI
WCU
William & Mary

SoCon South
Chattanooga
Furman
Mercer
Samford
The Citadel
Wofford

w/play all 5 in Div. & rotating 3 from other Div. (except VMI & CIT and ETSU & Chatt play every year)…or…

5 & 2 + Championship Game in Charlotte (or Raleigh) & final week ‘Flexi-Schedule’ (a FUBeAR copyrighted concept) for Teams not in Championship Game, but ‘affected’ by Teams that are.

…is not going to happen…just yet.

Oh well…we’ll get ‘em next year :)

There are a few schools that could substitute for North Carolina A&T under that scenario, including at least two that have not been previous members of the SoCon.

I'm not sure they would have divisions though, even in a 12-team setup. Perhaps instead, each school would have two or three annual "rival" games and then play the remaining members on a rotating basis every two years.

[ElCid]

There are a few schools that could substitute for North Carolina A&T under that scenario, including at least two that have not been previous members of the SoCon.

I'm not sure they would have divisions though, even in a 12-team setup. Perhaps instead, each school would have two or three annual "rival" games and then play the remaining members on a rotating basis every two years.

I would hate it. I hate other conference that have more than 9 teams. 9 is the golden number. I don't want to end up like some who get teams with 9-2 records who suck because they don't have to face the top three teams in a given year.

If we somehow join the bandwagon of expansion, not that I think we will, I would favor divisions with existing, and created, rival games for all teams in cross div play to keep scheduling easy and predictable. So for 12 teams each team would have 3 games against other div with one solid every year. That way, no two teams would miss each other for more than 1 year. I still hate it, but that is what I could live with.

[kdinva]

..... I hate other conference that have more than 9 teams. 9 is the golden number. I don't want to end up like some who get teams with 9-2 records who suck because they don't have to face the top three teams in a given year.
.

....This.....

- - - Updated - - -


..... I hate other conference that have more than 9 teams. 9 is the golden number. I don't want to end up like some who get teams with 9-2 records who suck because they don't have to face the top three teams in a given year.
.

....This.....

[FUBeAR]

I don't want to end up like some who get teams with 9-2 records who suck because they don't have to face the top three teams in a given year.

That issue is highly mitigated by…

“5 & 2 + Championship Game in Charlotte (or Raleigh) & final week ‘Flexi-Schedule’ (a FUBeAR copyrighted concept) for Teams not in Championship Game, but ‘affected’ by Teams that are.”

[ElCid]

That issue is highly mitigated by…

“5 & 2 + Championship Game in Charlotte (or Raleigh) & final week ‘Flexi-Schedule’ (a FUBeAR copyrighted concept) for Teams not in Championship Game, but ‘affected’ by Teams that are.”

Yuck.

[FUBeAR]

Yuck.
https://i.giphy.com/media/K2g83n6kzUlUI/giphy.webp

[wcugrad95]

5+3 would seem to be better in terms of consistency and more predictable schedules. It would ensure you play every team from the other division across every two seasons, but would probably mean you have to build the “rivalries” into the divisional make-up. Or we could add some additional larger schools and have “big” vs “small” (not necessarily private vs public) divisions. But then you will basically have 2 conferences so you might as well expand more and create 2 that have a partnership for OOC games.

Trying to be realistic, adding geographical fits from what’s left of the Big South and OVC would be doable (Campbell I think would be a great fit as a relatively larger private similar to Mercer, Gardner Webb would be another smaller private very convenient to Furman, Wofford, and WCU). I’m not sure of a 3rd school that all the membership would approve, and honestly it seems like the conference must be pretty happy with the 9 we have, because A&T would have seemed like a no-brainer to me. My guess is they would have been, but there must not have been 2 more people agreed on.

As for the “bunch of 9-2” teams, that just seems to be the norm now. We all complain about how some of the other conferences are able to leverage that for extra playoff bids, so why should we ***not*** want to do that, too? And really thinking outside the box, we could even do like Wake Forest and UNC have done a few times and play a “non-conference” game against cross-division teams not on our conference schedule to assist in scheduling at least 10 FCS games per year when needed. But that will probably never happen.

[FUBeAR]

Wofford to go full-bore, lightning tempo, West Coast, spread Offense.

The Terriers 4th OC since June describes it here…
https://m.soundcloud.com/user-216756026/swatson-half

The Conk Wonk? The Conk & Fire O?

[BlackNGoldR3v0lut10n]

ETSU:

https://www.etsubucs.com/football/news/2021-22/18485/coach-quarles-reveals-2022-signing-class/

Just 8 joining us.



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


--
Andy Boykin, Jr. (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12209/andy-boykin-jr/)
DL
6-4
315
LaGrange, Ga. (Univ. of Arkansas)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7607712/5dac7c273deaa50d783aa14b)


--
Chris Everhart (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12210/chris-everhart/)
OL
6-3
308
Greeneville, Tenn. (Marshall University)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/7586781/5c08425e0c538102d49a8225)


--
William Riddle (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12211/william-riddle/)
QB
6-1
186
Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie School)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9716880/616c7334f56aeb039cddbd74)


7:44
Tommy Winton, III (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12212/tommy-winton-iii/)
WR
5-10
189
Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4742515/616214dc90ef3209f8187be5)


8:01
Jayvon Henderson (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12213/jayvon-henderson/)
DB
5-10
185
Auburn, Ga. (Mill Creek HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11677610/61754743bed6e40854297bcb)


8:11
Tyree Rainey (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12214/tyree-rainey/)
DB
6-0
182
Donalsonville, Ga. (Seminole County HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11238537/61953b36042898089cdec31f)


8:14
Amir Dendy (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12215/amir-dendy/)
RB
6-1
192
Anderson, S.C. (Westside HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11314974/61854ab54205bd07fc8dfe95)


8:44
Jaylen George (https://www.etsubucs.com/football/2022-signing-day/2022-23/12216/jaylen-george/)
DE
6-2
245
Suwanee, Ga. (Collins Hill HS)
Click Here (https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11677989/618d42cfff0210089c7c617f)




William Riddle is the younger brother of Chattanooga and ex-Mercer QB Robert Riddle. If he's as good as his brother or better, we look to be in good hands once Carrot Top graduates.

[SU DOG]

Seventeen total with 10 of them xfers for Samford's signing class. This class did not rank very highly with star-studded talent. I know that we have had several outstanding classes in the past few years, but our success never seemed to equal our expectations. This is the last year on Hatcher's contract, and I have not seen any announcement of an extension. We are excited about our new president who seems to be very interested in athletic success. Hopefully, he will not be tolerant towards mediocrity. Another thing is the exodus of not only players, but also assistants. They have left in droves, and I don't even know who is currently on the staff. Hatcher may come through with a terrific season, but there might be a new HC after this year. This, however, is Samford so who knows?

[Mocs123]

Seventeen total with 10 of them xfers for Samford's signing class. This class did not rank very highly with star-studded talent. I know that we have had several outstanding classes in the past few years, but our success never seemed to equal our expectations. This is the last year on Hatcher's contract, and I have not seen any announcement of an extension. We are excited about our new president who seems to be very interested in athletic success. Hopefully, he will not be tolerant towards mediocrity. Another thing is the exodus of not only players, but also assistants. They have left in droves, and I don't even know who is currently on the staff. Hatcher may come through with a terrific season, but there might be a new HC after this year. This, however, is Samford so who knows?

That's not too surprising as I'm sure Hatcher has pressure to win now, and knows if he doesn't recruiting that kid that needs a year or two to develop isn't going to do him any good as he won't be around to see it. I know I've said it before the Hatch attack can beat anyone when everything is running like clockwork, but sometimes things don't run like clockwork and his system has problems overcoming adversity when things don't run to precision. Struggles can spiral out of control pretty quick compared to a more traditional offense.

If it's truly Hatchers last year on his contract and he's effectively a lame duck coach, I can see it being hard to keep and hire assistants. He could take guys with him to another HC gig (D2?) somewhere, but my guess is he'll end up as an OC somewhere if he gets canned at Samford.

[FUBeAR]

And now for something completely different…

https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1498802509925781507

FUBeAR will have to miss this one. Already committed to the FU Golf Tourney that weekend.

Fishing Tournament? That may work well in Middle & South GA. Should be interesting. Anyone ever heard of such for a Football Program Event/Fund Raiser?

[Milktruck74]

And now for something completely different…

https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1498802509925781507

FUBeAR will have to miss this one. Already committed to the FU Golf Tourney that weekend.

Fishing Tournament? That may work well in Middle & South GA. Should be interesting. Anyone ever heard of such for a Football Program Event/Fund Raiser?

I did fundraising right out of college (circa 99), one of our events was a Bass Tourney... with sponsorships (and we sold the hell out of them) we netted about $200,000 (over three years...about $35k/$65k/$100k). Golf Tourneys seem to be tapped out (not as bad a 5ks) but Bass Tourneys are low hanging fruit... Go get it. Maybe these guys can come down and win the thing!!!

https://twitter.com/MoonPie/status/501806199613177856

[FUBeAR]

I did fundraising right out of college (circa 99), one of our events was a Bass Tourney... with sponsorships (and we sold the hell out of them) we netted about $200,000 (over three years...about $35k/$65k/$100k). Golf Tourneys seem to be tapped out (not as bad a 5ks) but Bass Tourneys are low hanging fruit... Go get it. Maybe these guys can come down and win the thing!!!

https://twitter.com/MoonPie/status/501806199613177856

Doubtful.

Most likely, they’d come down to Maconga, TURNOVER their boat 5 times, lose at the final weigh-in, and then inexplicably imagine they actually won, somehow, because they decided, despite clear video evidence to the contrary, that those TURNOVERS were “unforced.”

[walliver]

I could see this evolving into another Title IX sport for women.

[ElCid]

Hmm. A wild rumor, I read on our board mentioned Wofford considering cutting scholarship football. Another poster said no way, not true. Anybody hear anything either way?

[FUBeAR]

Hmm. A wild rumor, I read on our board mentioned Wofford considering cutting scholarship football. Another poster said no way, not true. Anybody hear anything either way?Old news. They already did that after the 2019 season. How else could they only have won 2 of their last 20 scheduled games?

[walliver]

Hmm. A wild rumor, I read on our board mentioned Wofford considering cutting scholarship football. Another poster said no way, not true. Anybody hear anything either way?

Since that would require leaving the SoCon for all sports, that is extremely unlikely. Neither VMI, or Davidson enjoyed their time in the Big South. Since there is no real strong mid-major non-football basketball conference in the South, it would be a big downgrade for basketball also.

Longer term, with the current professionalization of D-I athletics, there will be significant changes and there likely will be a movement towards a different level of athletic funding, but that would likely be done as a group with other institutions.

It wouldn't surprise me that there were discussions. I suspect most FCS schools are having private discussions about their futures in the new D-I landscape.

[ElCid]

Since that would require leaving the SoCon for all sports, that is extremely unlikely. Neither VMI, or Davidson enjoyed their time in the Big South. Since there is no real strong mid-major non-football basketball conference in the South, it would be a big downgrade for basketball also.

Longer term, with the current professionalization of D-I athletics, there will be significant changes and there likely will be a movement towards a different level of athletic funding, but that would likely be done as a group with other institutions.

It wouldn't surprise me that there were discussions. I suspect most FCS schools are having private discussions about their futures in the new D-I landscape.

I can buy that. It's a shame that there are some who only see dollar signs instead of it's intended purpose. Maybe we need a shakeup to get rid of those types.

[FUBeAR]

Since that would require leaving the SoCon for all sports, that is extremely unlikely.
WOW!

So…you’re saying Woffy Football has been this awful since 2019 (2 wins in the past 20 scheduled games) using Players that were, essentially, PAID to come to SparkleCity, enroll in the College there, don the Black & Pedestrian Beige, and take the field for Uncle Jerry’s Team?

https://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Shocked.gif

[The Cats]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMOPtFPXoAM-4Nh?format=jpg&name=large

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR’s Facebook popped up a memory from 2014 today…FUBeAR & FUBeAR Jr. took a quick getaway Spring Break trip and stopped in to check on the bellhops Spring Game. FUBeAR got a bit misty-eyed when he saw the accompanying pic.
https://i.postimg.cc/3RzN2WGd/F3-C01-D8-F-3011-40-F9-9119-39509-FE0-D077.jpg
Are they sure the lead paint was that bad? Really miss them having a real stadium down there…

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1503866814635327498?s=20&t=TMXIebgd1p4OuCuOw9pxPw

[FUBeAR]

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1503866814635327498?s=20&t=TMXIebgd1p4OuCuOw9pxPw
https://twitter.com/catamounts/status/1503866814635327498

[The Cats]

Chazmon Scales Elevated to Defensive Coordinator
Western Carolina head football coach Kerwin Bell (https://catamountsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1215) this week officially announced that Chazmon Scales (https://catamountsports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1268) has been elevated to defensive coordinator after sharing the duties as a co-coordinator a season ago.

https://catamountsports.com/common/controls/image_handler.aspx?thumb_id=27&image_path=/images/2021/7/23/ChazScales_HEAD_2021.jpgScales joined the Catamount coaching staff in early July 2021 to coach WCU's safeties after spending the previous two seasons at Central Arkansas helping guide the Bears to the 2019 Southland Conference Championship. He also worked with cornerback Robert Rochell, who went on to be a fourth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL.

In his first year in Cullowhee, Scales mentored All-Southern Conference selection in safety Andreas Keaton (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9057), who was selected as the SoCon Freshman of the Year by the league's head coaches and was among the 23 finalists for the Jerry Rice Award. Keaton finished his rookie season with 45 total tackles including 29 solo stops, starting all 11 games in the defensive secondary. He finished with a team-best three interceptions as a part of nine passes defended.




https://catamountsports.com/news/2022/3/16/football-chazmon-scales-elevated-to-defensive-coordinator.aspx

[kdinva]

VMI Spring Practice info:

https://vmikeydets.com/news/2022/3/24/new-look-coaching-staff-highlights-vmi-spring-football.aspx

[kdinva]

From LexVegas: Jakob Herres will play in 2022 at U Richmond with Udinski, RB/KR Korey Bridy will delay graduation and stay at VMI for Fall '22. (Similar to pre-covid ninth semester Cadet Athletes who have a RS year to use). DT Warren Dabney will play at W. Michigan

Also NOT transferring, but rearranging his academics to play a fifth year/ninth semester in Lexington: 3 year OT starter Marshall Gill.

[caribbeanhen]

https://theanalyst.com/na/2022/03/ranking-the-fcs-conferences-heading-into-the-2022-season/

I don’t know it’s just one guy’s opinion but Fubear ....you better get busy

Haley is not buying the Southern Conference rising again mantra

[FUBeAR]

https://theanalyst.com/na/2022/03/ranking-the-fcs-conferences-heading-into-the-2022-season/

I don’t know it’s just one guy’s opinion but Fubear ....you better get busy

Haley is not buying the Southern Conference rising again mantra
Where from he gonna get more clicks…a 14 (or whatever) Team Conference primarily located in the most dense (pun for optional consideration) population area of the US or a 9 Team Conference located in places like Cullowhee, Johnson City, Homewood, Macon, Travelers Rest, and SparkleCity?

He gotta pay his bills too.

[caribbeanhen]

Where from he gonna get more clicks…a 14 (or whatever) Team Conference primarily located in the most dense (pun for optional consideration) population area of the US or a 9 Team Conference located in places like Cullowhee, Johnson City, Homewood, Macon, Travelers Rest, and SparkleCity?

He gotta pay his bills too.


lol

[PaladinNation]

Furman fills its last coaching spot with another impressive hire.
I'm curious how Furman lured Dudzik from East Carolina?
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1511708746526900232

[FUBeAR]

Furman fills its last coaching spot with another impressive hire.
I'm curious how Furman lured Dudzik from East Carolina?
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1511708746526900232Maybe he can get the ‘Dins over the hump vs. VT next time they show up on the schedule…
https://www.pilotonline.com/resizer/9gxLZ-rZpx7wd1B7kf7xmQAxdg4=/415x284/top/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-tronc.s3.amazonaws.com/public/PMHL6ZSX25F63OEMQW7C5YU3DI.jpg
JMU’s Drew Dudzik, right, goes for a touchdown against Virginia Tech

[Milktruck74]

My Mocs had their first (somewhat) significant player enter the portal yesterday. there were two that entered back after the season that had not seen the field, except during that mercer scrimmage...but Brock Bethea a Sophmore OL had played in 8 games with a start or two last year. HE was probably slated to start this year, or at least compete for a spot. Anyway, we wish him luck, but glad most of our guys see the vision and decided to stick it out.

Also, with the Portal signing date for being eldgible being 5/1 this year, I don't expect too much portal activity after the next week or two.

[FUBeAR]

My Mocs had their first (somewhat) significant player enter the portal yesterday. there were two that entered back after the season that had not seen the field, except during that mercer scrimmage...but Brock Bethea a Sophmore OL had played in 8 games with a start or two last year. HE was probably slated to start this year, or at least compete for a spot. Anyway, we wish him luck, but glad most of our guys see the vision and decided to stick it out.

Also, with the Portal signing date for being eldgible being 5/1 this year, I don't expect too much portal activity after the next week or two.
You spelled ”season-ending, one of 4 in the most recent 5 years, big, fat, f’in, LOSS” wrong



Season
Location
Football Result for Chattanooga when playing Mercer


2021
Macon
LOSS


2020
Home
LOSS


2019
Macon
Win…shockingly


2018
Home
LOSS


2017
Macon
LOSS

[PaladinNation]

Furman picked up a 6-4 240 TE from Mich State.
Parks Gissinger
https://twitter.com/ParksGissinger/status/1512896619175366658

[walliver]

Furman fills its last coaching spot with another impressive hire.
I'm curious how Furman lured Dudzik from East Carolina?
https://twitter.com/PaladinFootball/status/1511708746526900232

He probably got tired of Eastern North Carolina vinegar Bar-B-Q.

[FUBeAR]

He probably got tired of Eastern North Carolina vinegar Bar-B-Q.
https://c.tenor.com/dExGXdkSY0oAAAAM/uncle-buck-blasphemy.gif

[FUBeAR]

Just in case anyone heard this on the news and is wondering…

Furman, South Carolina is down near Charleston, South Carolina & Savannah, Georgia. Thus, it’s a whole lot closer to The Citadel & Georgia Southern than it is to Furman University.

https://nypost.com/2022/04/17/nine-injured-at-south-carolina-restaurant-shooting/


NOTE: THOUGH NOT REALLY FCS FOOTBALL, THIS IS NOT A POLITICAL POST/CONVERSATION IN ANY WAY. JUST GEOGRAPHICAL. NO POLITICALLY-ORIENTED RESPONSES PLEASE!!!

[ElCid]

Heck I didn't even know there was a Furman SC. And I sort of know that neck of the woods.

[Milktruck74]

With all the movement (and rumored movement) going on in the other conferences, I'm thinking our 9 (+uncG) schools look pretty smart for bumping up the buyout and holding fast. I have to admit the initial Jump with Jax State looked enticing at first, but I'm more than happy our President didn't explore that option!!!

[OrangeAndBlack]

With all the movement (and rumored movement) going on in the other conferences, I'm thinking our 9 (+uncG) schools look pretty smart for bumping up the buyout and holding fast. I have to admit the initial Jump with Jax State looked enticing at first, but I'm more than happy our President didn't explore that option!!!

I couldn't be happier for Mercer to be in the SoCon long term. It feels like the perfect spot. The top of FBS is a closed off society. Schools need to be honest with themselves about how far they can "move up". I'm sure that's the conversation that UTC and others have had. Would we rather be in a very nice SoCon, or a bottom tier FBS with stability issues? Not only that, it sounds like a ton of work to put on your staff to change conferences and updates all the branding/paperwork. Establish new travel, new professional contacts, new recruiting expectations, etc etc. There's nothing wrong with doing that, it just better be worth it.

[Milktruck74]

I couldn't be happier for Mercer to be in the SoCon long term. It feels like the perfect spot. The top of FBS is a closed off society. Schools need to be honest with themselves about how far they can "move up". I'm sure that's the conversation that UTC and others have had. Would we rather be in a very nice SoCon, or a bottom tier FBS with stability issues? Not only that, it sounds like a ton of work to put on your staff to change conferences and updates all the branding/paperwork. Establish new travel, new professional contacts, new recruiting expectations, etc etc. There's nothing wrong with doing that, it just better be worth it.

Agreed, there is something about the devil you know....stability is worth quite a bit.

[ElCid]

I couldn't be happier for Mercer to be in the SoCon long term. It feels like the perfect spot. The top of FBS is a closed off society. Schools need to be honest with themselves about how far they can "move up". I'm sure that's the conversation that UTC and others have had. Would we rather be in a very nice SoCon, or a bottom tier FBS with stability issues? Not only that, it sounds like a ton of work to put on your staff to change conferences and updates all the branding/paperwork. Establish new travel, new professional contacts, new recruiting expectations, etc etc. There's nothing wrong with doing that, it just better be worth it.

Nicely put. Schools that are capable of moving up due to solid support in the fan base and comfortable finances are fine when they do. But those on the edge wanting to do it so they can achieve those situations are rolling the dice. Marshal, App St, GaSo, JMU all had depth of support built over years. Not so sure that ODU, GaSt, UMass, or a bunch more had both the solid support and resources to do it even though a couple of those used FCS as a planned stepping stone. You can't manufacture support overnight. Takes years, decades. And with economic uncertainty in the future, some schools are on the ragged edge.

The SOCON looks really stabile right now. I think we could add a couple more if the opportunity presents itself and the schools were a good fit. I think Campbell, W&M and/or Richmond if the CAA football implodes, but any of those would require a public school of some sort to maintain balance. And that might be hard to find.

[Sir William]

Nicely put. Schools that are capable of moving up due to solid support in the fan base and comfortable finances are fine when they do. But those on the edge wanting to do it so they can achieve those situations are rolling the dice. Marshal, App St, GaSo, JMU all had depth of support built over years. Not so sure that ODU, GaSt, UMass, or a bunch more had both the solid support and resources to do it even though a couple of those used FCS as a planned stepping stone. You can't manufacture support overnight. Takes years, decades. And with economic uncertainty in the future, some schools are on the ragged edge.

The SOCON looks really stabile right now. I think we could add a couple more if the opportunity presents itself and the schools were a good fit. I think Campbell, W&M and/or Richmond if the CAA football implodes, but any of those would require a public school of some sort to maintain balance. And that might be hard to find.

William & Mary is public.

[walliver]

With the unravelling of the NCAA and increasing professionalization, FBS football is going to become much more expensive and less profitable for everyone not in the Big 10 or SEC. If they are not careful, some of the lesser P5 schools and most of the G5 is at significant risk of being priced out of the market

A geographically compact conference will be beneficial going forward at FCS level. The Geography may be awkward for Samford and VMI, but works well for everybody else.

[Milktruck74]

With the unravelling of the NCAA and increasing professionalization, FBS football is going to become much more expensive and less profitable for everyone not in the Big 10 or SEC. If they are not careful, some of the lesser P5 schools and most of the G5 is at significant risk of being priced out of the market

A geographically compact conference will be beneficial going forward at FCS level. The Geography may be awkward for Samford and VMI, but works well for everybody else.

Yeah, those two spend a little more time (on average) on the bus than the rest of us, but it really isn't all that bad. It really isn't much different than the old days when we went to Statesboro and Huntingdon.

[ElCid]

With the unravelling of the NCAA and increasing professionalization, FBS football is going to become much more expensive and less profitable for everyone not in the Big 10 or SEC. If they are not careful, some of the lesser P5 schools and most of the G5 is at significant risk of being priced out of the market

A geographically compact conference will be beneficial going forward at FCS level. The Geography may be awkward for Samford and VMI, but works well for everybody else.

I need to do an average or total milage to every other school. WCU, ETSU, Wofford, Furman, and UTC obviously have the lowest being in the center. I would bet Wofford has the lowest without actually checking. WCU is probably the most remote in terms of interstate connections. I think VMI has the highest by a little, followed by Sanford, then I think it's The Citadel, then Mercer but those last two are close, along with UNCG. It's a long way to the coast. But I'll do some cyphering.

In any event, we have it fairly good. I'm within 1:45 of 4 schools and within 4-4.5 hours for three more.

[ElCid]

Ok, that didn't take long at all. Think I got it right. I did stadium to stadium, one way trip from home, to the other nine schools. Or in Greensboro's case by their field house. I used Google maps and it looked like they used the best routes although your mileage may vary by experience, and familiarity.

I was almost right on Wofford being the best. Best time, but not mileage by 1 mile. VMI was the longest followed by Samford then The Citadel (it's a long way to the beach) and Mercer. Here are the down and dirty details.




School
MILEAGE
TIME HR:MIN
FURTHEST TRIP


FURMAN

1,813
28:53
VMI 340


WOFFORD
1,814
28:46
Samford 324


WCU
1,881
31:13
VMI 335


ETSU
1,999
32:36
Samford 368


UNCG
2,449
39:22
Samford 480


UTC
2,500
39:00
The Citadel 414 by 3 miles vs VMI


MERCER
2,664
41:58
VMI 526


THE CITADEL
2,907
46:58
Samford 447 by 3 miles vs VMI


SAMFORD
3,169
49:19
VMI 561


VMI
3,306
51:39
Samford 561

[Milktruck74]

A few notes here.

1. You live in brevard, so you are well accustom to not having interstates close...but you do have Mike pouring at Brevard Brewing and he makes up for the lack of easy driving.
2. This is good for BB, because every team goes to every place once a year...but can probably do it in a mini-bus, and not a full 53 passenger.
3. Football, equals out, after 2 years.
4. I wonder how this compares with other FCS conferences or the lower level G5 conferences.
5. due to sheer numbers, FB is always going to have a high travel budget, but MBB, WBB, Tennis, CCX, Volleyball, Golf....all the "van Ride" sports add up...especially if you are having to go to NM or UTSA...You ain't taking a van trip from CLT to UTEP, and getting back before Monday classes!!!

[MR. CHICKEN]

A few notes here.

1. You live in brevard, so you are well accustom to not having interstates close...but you do have Mike pouring at Brevard Brewing and he makes up for the lack of easy driving.
2. This is good for BB, because every team goes to every place once a year...but can probably do it in a mini-bus, and not a full 53 passenger.
3. Football, equals out, after 2 years.
4. I wonder how this compares with other FCS conferences or the lower level G5 conferences.
5. due to sheer numbers, FB is always going to have a high travel budget, but MBB, WBB, Tennis, CCX, Volleyball, Golf....all the "van Ride" sports add up...especially if you are having to go to NM or UTSA...You ain't taking a van trip from CLT to UTEP, and getting back before Monday classes!!!

....NOT NECESSARILY...IN DUH CAA......THIS SEASON WILL MARK....DUH FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW....DELAWARE GOES TA RHODE ISLAND...2019/20/21/22.........BRAWK!

[ElCid]

A few notes here.

1. You live in brevard, so you are well accustom to not having interstates close...but you do have Mike pouring at Brevard Brewing and he makes up for the lack of easy driving.
2. This is good for BB, because every team goes to every place once a year...but can probably do it in a mini-bus, and not a full 53 passenger.
3. Football, equals out, after 2 years.
4. I wonder how this compares with other FCS conferences or the lower level G5 conferences.
5. due to sheer numbers, FB is always going to have a high travel budget, but MBB, WBB, Tennis, CCX, Volleyball, Golf....all the "van Ride" sports add up...especially if you are having to go to NM or UTSA...You ain't taking a van trip from CLT to UTEP, and getting back before Monday classes!!!

I love not being near an interstate. I26 is about 25 miles away. I take my dad on drives and we wander up to Cullowhee occasionally. It's about 45 miles or so. Furman is just over 30 miles. Windy roads from me to both places. Wofford is a little further at about 70 miles, but I don't get to Sparkle City much. One of these days I am going to take US 64 over to Chattanooga. That is a good drive. Been out a ways but never that far.

[Milktruck74]

I love not being near an interstate. I26 is about 25 miles away. I take my dad on drives and we wander up to Cullowhee occasionally. It's about 45 miles or so. Furman is just over 30 miles. Windy roads from me to both places. Wofford is a little further at about 70 miles, but I don't get to Sparkle City much. One of these days I am going to take US 64 over to Chattanooga. That is a good drive. Been out a ways but never that far.


I did that late one evening after looking at a road atlas (back when those were still a thing) because the line was very short....The semi in front of me had just about stop to make the turn about 20 times...I'm sure it is a nice ride, but I got over it really quickly that evening!!!!

[caribbeanhen]

I did that late one evening after looking at a road atlas (back when those were still a thing) because the line was very short....The semi in front of me had just about stop to make the turn about 20 times...I'm sure it is a nice ride, but I got over it really quickly that evening!!!!

I miss my Rand McNally

[MR. CHICKEN]

....AHH....DUH CHICKEN 'MEMBERS DUH BACK ROADS UH CAROLINAS..........AS AH BOUGHT UH USED.....'65 CHEVELLE 327....IN SEPTEMBER 1968.....FO' DUH DRIVE TA KELLY AFB...IN SAN ANTONIO.....AFTERAH MAH 30 DAY LEAVE...HOME FROM JAPAN.........I-95.....WAS IN MIDDLE UH CONSTRUCTION.....AN' DERE WERE DETOURS....ALL ALONG DUH WAY..........SAW MAYBERRY .....FIRST HAND.....ONE PUMP GAS....AN' ALL DUH SKOAL SIGNS.......YA COOD READ.....DOODLE-DOO!

[walliver]

....AHH....DUH CHICKEN 'MEMBERS DUH BACK ROADS UH CAROLINAS..........AS AH BOUGHT UH USED.....'65 CHEVELLE 327....IN SEPTEMBER 1968.....FO' DUH DRIVE TA KELLY AFB...IN SAN ANTONIO.....AFTERAH MAH 30 DAY LEAVE...HOME FROM JAPAN.........I-95.....WAS IN MIDDLE UH CONSTRUCTION.....AN' DERE WERE DETOURS....ALL ALONG DUH WAY..........SAW MAYBERRY .....FIRST HAND.....ONE PUMP GAS....AN' ALL DUH SKOAL SIGNS.......YA COOD READ.....DOODLE-DOO!

How many Stuckey's did you pass?

[MR. CHICKEN]

How many Stuckey's did you pass?


...AS UH KID.........AH REMEMBER UH STUCKEYS....ON RT. 40.......GLASGOW...AREA......NEAR MARYLAND/DELAWARE LINE.........MERRYLAND ROLLER RINK...WAS CLOSE BY.........AWK!

.........AH CAN TASTE DUH PECAN LOGS........LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY......BRAWK!

[FUBeAR]

...AS UH KID.........AH REMEMBER UH STUCKEYS....ON RT. 40.......GLASGOW...AREA......NEAR MARYLAND/DELAWARE LINE.........MERRYLAND ROLLER RINK...WAS CLOSE BY.........AWK!

.........AH CAN TASTE DUH PECAN LOGS........LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY......BRAWK!Don’t recall a Stuckey’s there when FUBeAR was a resident of nearby Bear, DE in the mid to late ‘90’s…but he was a regular at First State Liquors on RT 40 in that general virginity.

[MR. CHICKEN]

........STUCKEYS....IS LONG GONE......WAS AH KID....LIKE 12 OR SO....(1958-59).....MAH UNCLE LIVED IN GLASGOW.....WE RODE BIKES DOWN TA STUCKEYS......AWK!

[kdinva]

Some VMI Spring Ball stuff:

New Look Coaching Staff Highlights VMI Spring Football - Virginia Military Institute (vmikeydets.com) (https://vmikeydets.com/news/2022/3/24/new-look-coaching-staff-highlights-vmi-spring-football.aspx)

VMI Spring Football Heads into Home Stretch - Virginia Military Institute (vmikeydets.com) (https://vmikeydets.com/news/2022/4/25/vmi-spring-football-heads-into-home-stretch.aspx)

last practice was saturday, lots of group and 7 on 7 work.

[Catamount87]

FUBeAR and Mr Chicken, you'll be happy to know that Stuckey's is still around. Go ahead and find your nearest store here, https://stuckeys.com/find-a-stuckeys/.

[kdinva]

FUBeAR and Mr Chicken, you'll be happy to know that Stuckey's is still around. Go ahead and find your nearest store here, https://stuckeys.com/find-a-stuckeys/.

God is good! xnodx xbowx

[TribeNomad1]

Pecan Log Roll!!

[Bisonoline]

https://i.imgur.com/aGTHkCz.jpg

[SU DOG]

This video might be of some interest:

Central Georgia family wants to revive Stuckey's convenience stores - Bing video (https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=stucky%27s&docid=608007661058201192&mid=0686B45DEF0B2871B81A0686B45DEF0B2871B81A&view=detail&FORM=VIRE)

[Milktruck74]

Stucky's Pecan Logs are like Claxton's Fruit Cakes....there were only like 40 of them ever in existance, but since nobody ever actually purchased them, they were the same 40!!!

[caribbeanhen]

I remember stopping at a Stuckey's as a kid and got the pecan roll and was like no thanks, Where can I throw this away

[FUBeAR]

bellhops bringin’ in another non-member of their corps of cadets (graduates from GT this spring w/3 years to play football for the bellhops) who will wear “Honor,” “Respect,” or “Duty” on the back of his jersey…

https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1521954709887717378

https://romeocompany.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/2014honordutyrespect.png?w=640

[ElCid]

bellhops bringin’ in another non-member of the corps of cadets* to play football wearing “Honor,” “Respect,” or “Duty” on the back of his jersey…

https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1521954709887717378

https://romeocompany.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/2014honordutyrespect.png?w=640

* Probably. Unclear if he will be a grad transfer or not, but after 3 full years at GT, even though he has 3 years of eligibility remaining, hard to imagine him taking a knob year and being part of the corps when CIT offers undergraduate (and graduate) classes for non-corps members.

Jealous? He probably has wanted to be a Bulldog ever since we beat Georgia Tech. He could easily have a degree already, or at least after some summer classes, who knows. But only shows two years on the GaTech site, 19 and 20. Nothing at all for 21. So who knows what his situation is academically. I'm sure we will find out soon.

[FUBeAR]

Jealous? He probably has wanted to be a Bulldog ever since we beat Georgia Tech. He could easily have a degree already, or at least after some summer classes, who knows. But only shows two years on the GaTech site, 19 and 20. Nothing at all for 21. So who knows what his situation is academically. I'm sure we will find out soon.
You responded pre-edit. FUBeAR has confirmed he is a Grad Transfer.

He will not spend 1 minute in the Citadel Corps of Cadets, but will be held out as distinctive from other ‘regular’ student athletes as if he is a Player for Army, Navy, or Air Force, who have all already enlisted in the service of our country and will be obliged to serve 5 years if they are in their 3rd or 4th year playing there.

Jealous? Nope. Calling out hypocrisy where it is obvious? Yep

[ElCid]

You responded pre-edit. FUBeAR has confirmed he is a Grad Transfer.

He will not spend 1 minute in the Citadel Corps of Cadets, but will be held out as distinctive from other ‘regular’ student athletes as if he is a Player for Army, Navy, or Air Force, who have all already enlisted in the service of our country and will be obliged to serve 5 years if they are in their 3rd or 4th year playing there.

Jealous? Nope. Calling out hypocrisy where it is obvious? Yep

This is a FUBear issue. Nobody else cares. These players play for our team. The team has a right to use the different uniform. Get over it.

[FUBeAR]

This is a FUBear issue. Nobody else cares. These players play for our team. The team has a right to use the different uniform. Get over it.
It’s wrong for The Citadel to have this NCAA exemption AND to use Players whose experience there and future direction is no different than the student athletes at hundreds of other NCAA institutions.
1) Somebody cared about it enough for the NCAA to make a rule about what can/cannot be on the backs of Players’ jerseys. FUBeAR did not make this rule.
2) Somebody from The Citadel cared enough to seek an exemption to the rule. FUBeAR did not seek this exemption.
3) With the advent of The Citadel using Graduate (or, now, possibly even undergraduate) Transfers that never spend a day in the Corps of Cadets, the exemption should have been rescinded
4) Even if the exemption has not been rescinded, The Citadel should have enough respect for their own Corps of Cadets to realize the disservice it does to them and the hypocrisy of trotting out ‘regular’ student athletes sporting platitudes on their uniforms as if they are somehow set apart from 1000’s of other ‘regular’ NCAA Student Athletes. This “FUBeAR only” issue clearly resides in the same neighborhood as Stolen Valor issues. Hard to understand how, as a Veteran, you don’t see it that way, but I do know the color of the lenses in your sunglasses, so…I get it…sorta.

[ElCid]

FUBear gets bent out of shape over the silliest things.

[Milktruck74]

Call it The Strange Effect...

When you have an OL get drafted in the first round you have a HUGE hole to fill, but that departure has garnered a huge influx of talent desiring to be the next Cole Strange. The Mocs have added 5 (and a rumored one more) OLs from the portal. 2 P5s. a G5 with 12 starts last season, a 12 game FCS starter and another FCS guy with 8 games experience. Everybody wants to block for the F150!!!

[Milktruck74]

Call it The Strange Effect...

When you have an OL get drafted in the first round you have a HUGE hole to fill, but that departure has garnered a huge influx of talent desiring to be the next Cole Strange. The Mocs have added 5 (and a rumored one more) OLs from the portal. 2 P5s. a G5 with 12 starts last season, a 12 game FCS starter and another FCS guy with 8 games experience. Everybody wants to block for the F150!!!

And the Rumored 6th just signed....another P5 out of Purdue.

[FUBeAR]

OMG - Chatt has a slew of “big time” inbound transfers! Stop the presses!! This has never happened before in the history of…

…checks actual history…

…um, nevermind

[garland823]

This is a FUBear issue. Nobody else cares.

This Keydet also thinks it's pretty lame.

[kdinva]

This Keydet also thinks it's pretty lame.

The fifth year rent a player didn't do Duggar any good in BBall

[Utgrizfan]

Any word what the announcement for SELA was that was supposed to happen yesterday?

[FUBeAR]

Any word what the announcement for SELA was that was supposed to happen yesterday?
https://img.ifunny.co/images/adf0c7e250b98e2cf9a071c81a60a0a20343b7a370838ea5c0 8691787c1ed037_1.jpg

[Milktruck74]

OMG - Chatt has a slew of “big time” inbound transfers! Stop the presses!! This has never happened before in the history of…

…checks actual history…

…um, nevermind

While I can appreciate you sarcasm, Chattanooga Coach Rusty Wright did work the portal to his advantage and did pick up a total of 10 kids...and filled some holes.