SoCon Off-season thread - 2022-2023

[FUBeAR]

Early National Signing Day seems like a good time to start this thread.

Furman & Mercer are signing nothing but future 1st Team FCS All-Americans today.

Here are a few. Remember their names…

2022 Furman Football Signees (Dec. 21-23 NCAA Early Signing Period)

OFFENSE
Brody Balliew, OL, 6-5, 265, Fr., Calhoun, Ga., Calhoun High School
Hayden Garner, OL, 6-5, 280, Fr., Roanoke Rapids, N.C., Roanoke Rapids High School
Chris Luna, OL, 6-3, 275, Fr., Wesley Chapel, Fla., Tampa Catholic High School

Brock Chappell, TE, 6-5, 250, Fr., Holly Springs, N.C., Cardinal Gibbons High School
Brennan Tormey, TE, 6-7, 221, Fr., Montgomery, Ala., Pike Road High School

Nehuel Garcia, QB, 6-3, 190, Fr., La Mirada, Calif., La Mirada High School

Colton Hinton, WR, 5-11, 175, Fr., Ashburn, Va., Stone Bridge High School
John Holbrook, WR, 6-4, 195, Fr., Bradenton, Fla., IMG Academy

DEFENSE
Marquis Vincent, DL, 6-1, 260, Fr., Richmond, Va., Varina High School
Caldwell Bussey, DE, 6-3, 252, Fr., Hoover, Ala., Spain Park High School

David Alabi, BAN, 6-2, 240, Fr., Pickerington, Ohio, Pickerington High School North
Ryan Earl, LB, 6-2, 225, Fr., Peachtree City, Ga., Trinity Christian School
Raleigh Herbert, LB, 6-2, 215, Fr., Cumming, Ga., West Forsyth High School

AK Burrell, DB, 6-0, 190, Fr. Baton Rouge, La., Dutchtown High School
Brayden Holmes, DB, 6-1, 170, Fr., Alpharetta, Ga., Milton High School

https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605654303183499264
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605595324352933891
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605564996041117696
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605563278670733312
https://twitter.com/furmanpaladins/status/1605561820936183808
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605560988110974977
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605560287729315840
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605559637901598721
https://twitter.com/furmanpaladins/status/1605557541437444096
https://twitter.com/furmanpaladins/status/1605551353358475265
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605543085924126727
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605548085882470401
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605548402619490304
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605549469960769536
https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1605550319383023619


Mercer Football: 2023 National Signing Day

OFFENSE
* Amarii Atchison | OL | 6-7, 280 | Douglasville, Ga. | Alexander HS
* Avery Ferris | OL | 6-2, 268 | Auburn, Ala. | Auburn HS
* Demetri Robinson | OL | 6-2, 285 | Coral Springs, Fla. | Dodge City Community College
* Sam Albee | TE | 6-5, 225 | Roswell, Ga. | Fellowship HS
* Drew Moore | QB | 6-2, 172 | Goose Creek, S.C. | Goose Creek HS
* Tyrell Coard | RB | 5-11, 198 | Huntersville, N.C. | Cox Mill HS
* Adjatay Dabbs | WR | 6-0, 170 | Greenville, Tenn. | Greenville HS
* Kendall Harris | WR | 6-1, 183 | Concord, N.C. | Cox Mill HS

DEFENSE
* Walter Goggins | DL | 6-2, 260 | Tuscumbia, Ala. | Deshler HS
* Brayden Manley | DL | 6-3, 240 | Vanceboro, N.C. | West Craven HS


https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605596943178006528
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605584725086707713
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605580691521028099
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605572380612608001
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605568806767599617
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605565674083983361
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605561646927192066
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605557646496387072
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605553954858754048
https://twitter.com/mercerfootball/status/1605548242342551552

[PaladinNation]

The length in Furman's class is eye-popping!
6-6 and 6-5 tight-ends.

Brennan Tormey TE 6-6 220 - Jackson St, Austin Peay, Tulane, Georgia St, Alabama St, Georgia Southern

A 6-4 WR that looks like a Ryan Miller clone.

John Holbrook WR/TE 6-4 200 - Indiana St, Brown, Air Force, Army, Navy, Alcorn St

You're now seeing a pattern of what Furman values in offensive linemen, long bodies (tackles) that can move, as well as physical guards.

Brody Balliew OL 6-5 275 - Penn, Holy Cross, Tenn Tech, Richmond, Bryant, Samford, Austin Peay, Southern Illinois, Colgate, Georgia Southern, Fordham, Gardner Webb, Army, Mercer, Air Force, Buffalo

To FuBear's point, this linebacker class of future DINS is impressive:

Raleigh Herbert ILB 6-2 225 - Lafayette, Air Force, Brown, Army, Delaware, Colgate, Samford, Richmond, Lehigh, W&M, UAB, Bowling Green, Georgia Southern, Fordham, Jacksonville St, Kent St, Georgia St

Ryan Earl OLB 6-2 225 - Navy, Lafayette, Lehigh, Penn, Bucknell, Columbia, Stetson, Wofford, Air Force, Army

David Alabi OLB 6-2 240 - Fordham, E Michigan, Lehigh, Army, Ball St

[kdinva]

VMI and their NEW Head Coach Rocco signed 15 this morning:

Nathan Lhotsky; TE, 6'4, 225, Bridgeport WV
Cade Cox, QB, 6'3, 200, Chesapeake VA
Jacob Moore, DL, 6'2, 280, Richmond
Noah Fathy, DE, 6'5, 240, Marcus Hook, PA
Luke Scott, DL, 6'4, 240, Johnson City, TN
Robbie Dunn, DL, 6'3, 275, Midlothian va
Egypt Nelson, WR, 6'3, 200, Chesapeake, VA
Marcus Roser, OL, 6'3, 285, Ashburn, VA
Isaiah Grevious, LB, 6'1, 205, Charlottesville, va
Elijah Brooks, DL, 6'2, 285, Louisa, VA
E J Wilbourne, DB, 6', 185, Fredericksburg, va.
Andrew Kocan, OL, 6'4, 280. Canonsburg, PA
Zyron Bacote, DB, 5'11, 175, Virginia Beach
Henry Berling, LB, 6'2, 220, Richmond, va
Tristan Woodley, OL, 6'4, 300, Virginia Beach.

[PaladinNation]

VMI and their NEW Head Coach Rocco signed 15 this morning:

Nathan Lhotsky; TE, 6'4, 225, Bridgeport WV
Cade Cox, QB, 6'3, 200, Chesapeake VA
Jacob Moore, DL, 6'2, 280, Richmond
Noah Fathy, DE, 6'5, 240, Marcus Hook, PA
Luke Scott, DL, 6'4, 240, Johnson City, TN
Robbie Dunn, DL, 6'3, 275, Midlothian va
Egypt Nelson, WR, 6'3, 200, Chesapeake, VA
Marcus Roser, OL, 6'3, 285, Ashburn, VA
Isaiah Grevious, LB, 6'1, 205, Charlottesville, va
Elijah Brooks, DL, 6'2, 285, Louisa, VA
E J Wilbourne, DB, 6', 185, Fredericksburg, va.
Andrew Kocan, OL, 6'4, 280. Canonsburg, PA
Zyron Bacote, DB, 5'11, 175, Virginia Beach
Henry Berling, LB, 6'2, 220, Richmond, va
Tristan Woodley, OL, 6'4, 300, Virginia Beach.

Fast work by Rocco…

[kdinva]

Fast work by Rocco…

Did TONS of re-recruiting.....four of these just gave their verbals in the past eight days.

[The Cats]

https://soconsports.com/images/2022/11/10/NSD_1.jpg?width=1440&quality=80%
The following NLIs were submitted and verified by the Southern Conference office by 4 p.m. on Dec. 21.


ETSU (7)
Ray Coney
Miada Jones
Brenden Leblanc
Christian Mathis
Denzel Taylor
Joshua Wade
Braxton Wilson

Furman (15) (https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2022/12/21/furman-football-lands-15-on-national-signing-day.aspx)
David Alabi
Brody Balliew
Akyrian Burrell
Robert Bussey
Brock Chappell
Ryan Earl
Nehuel Garcia
Hayden Garner
Raleigh Herbert
Colton Hinton
John Holbrook
Brayden Holmes
Christopher Luna
Brennan Tormey
Marquis Vincent

Mercer (10)
William Albee
Amarii Atchison
Tyrell Coard
Adjatay Dabbs
Jacob Ferris
Julian Fox
Kendall Harris
Andrew Moore
Demetri Robinson
Brayden Smith

Chattanooga (7) (https://gomocs.com/news/2022/12/21/football-national-signing-day-class-of-2023.aspx)
Martez Cooksey
William Donald
Isaiah Harvey
Malachi Jeffries
Jamarr Jones
Dalton Restelli
Zion Rutledge

VMI (15)
Zyron Bacote
Henry Berling
Elijah Brooks
Caden Cox
Robert Dunn III
Noah Fathy
Isaiah Grevious
Andrew Kocan
Nathan Lhotsky
Jacob Moore
Egypt Nelson
Marcus Roser
Lucas Scott
Eric Wilborne Jr.
Tristan Woodley

Western Carolina (12) (https://catamountsports.com/signingday/fb/fb/11/)
Zion Booker
Patrick Boyd Jr.
Rashad Davis
Marselle Felton
Santana Fleming
Bennett Judy
Trevaughn Martinez
Antonio Simpson
Ashton Travis
Corey Washington
Zachary Watson
Zayveon Wells

Wofford (8) (https://woffordterriers.com/news/2022/12/21/2023-football-early-signing-day.aspx)
Tyler Boyce
Adonis Garcia
Jacobi Ray Hatter
Santana Haynes-Goodman
Benjamin Holmes
Jvion Luster
Jacob Seeley
Egypt White

[The Cats]

CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL - 2023 INCOMING CLASS ROSTER




Name
Position
Time
Hometown
More Info.


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/ZACH_WATSON_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Zach Watson (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12589)

OL
8:26 am
Waycross, Ga.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12589)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/ZION_BOOKER_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Zion Booker (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12577)

WR
8:26 am
Charlotte, N.C.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12577)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/BENNETT_JUDY_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Bennett Judy (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12583)

QB
8:26 am
Simpsonville, S.C.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12583)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/MARSELLE_FELTON_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Marselle Felton (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12581)

OL
8:26 am
Ackworth, Ga.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12581)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/TREVAUGHN_MARTINEZ_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Trevaughn Martinez (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12584)

DB
8:50 am
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12584)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/21/ANTONIO_SIMPSON_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Antonio Simpson (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12586)

DB
8:58 am
Altamonte Springs, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12586)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/ASHTON_TRAVIS_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Ashton Travis (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12585)

OL
10:04 am
Omaha, Neb.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12585)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/ZAYVEON_WELLS_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Zayveon Wells (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12588)

DB
10:05 am
Sumter, S.C.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12588)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/COREY_WASHINGTON_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Corey Washington (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12587)

WR
10:46 am
Miami, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12587)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/RASHAD_DAVIS_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Rashad Davis (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12579)

WR
11:42 am
Miami, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12579)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/PATRICK_BOYD_JR_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Patrick Boyd Jr. (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12578)

WR
11:45 am
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12578)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/TARON_DICKENS_SIGNED_2.jpg?width=60
Taron Dickens (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12580)

QB
1:20 pm
Miami, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12580)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/21/StevenHamby_PWO.jpeg?width=60
Steven Hamby (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12594)

OL
PWO
Statesville, N.C.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12594)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/21/TylerBailey_PWO.jpeg?width=60
Tyler Bailey (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12595)

OL
PWO
Sylva, N.C.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12595)


https://catamountsports.com/images/2022/12/20/SANTANA_FLEMING_SIGNED.jpg?width=60
Santana Fleming (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12582)

WR
2:59 pm
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
BIO (https://catamountsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=12582)

[FUBeAR]

https://soconsports.com/images/2022/11/10/NSD_1.jpg?width=1440&quality=80%
The following NLIs were submitted and verified by the Southern Conference office by 4 p.m. on Dec. 21.


ETSU (7)
Ray Coney
Miada Jones
Brenden Leblanc
Christian Mathis
Denzel Taylor
Joshua Wade
Braxton Wilson

Furman (15) (https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2022/12/21/furman-football-lands-15-on-national-signing-day.aspx)
David Alabi
Brody Balliew
Akyrian Burrell
Robert Bussey
Brock Chappell
Ryan Earl
Nehuel Garcia
Hayden Garner
Raleigh Herbert
Colton Hinton
John Holbrook
Brayden Holmes
Christopher Luna
Brennan Tormey
Marquis Vincent

Mercer (10)
William Albee
Amarii Atchison
Tyrell Coard
Adjatay Dabbs
Jacob Ferris
Julian Fox
Kendall Harris
Andrew Moore
Demetri Robinson
Brayden Smith

Chattanooga (7) (https://gomocs.com/news/2022/12/21/football-national-signing-day-class-of-2023.aspx)
Martez Cooksey
William Donald
Isaiah Harvey
Malachi Jeffries
Jamarr Jones
Dalton Restelli
Zion Rutledge

VMI (15)
Zyron Bacote
Henry Berling
Elijah Brooks
Caden Cox
Robert Dunn III
Noah Fathy
Isaiah Grevious
Andrew Kocan
Nathan Lhotsky
Jacob Moore
Egypt Nelson
Marcus Roser
Lucas Scott
Eric Wilborne Jr.
Tristan Woodley

Western Carolina (12) (https://catamountsports.com/signingday/fb/fb/11/)
Zion Booker
Patrick Boyd Jr.
Rashad Davis
Marselle Felton
Santana Fleming
Bennett Judy
Trevaughn Martinez
Antonio Simpson
Ashton Travis
Corey Washington
Zachary Watson
Zayveon Wells

Wofford (8) (https://woffordterriers.com/news/2022/12/21/2023-football-early-signing-day.aspx)
Tyler Boyce
Adonis Garcia
Jacobi Ray Hatter
Santana Haynes-Goodman
Benjamin Holmes
Jvion Luster
Jacob Seeley
Egypt White



CIT move to D2 & Samford move to OVC?

[ElCid]

CIT move to D2 & Samford move to OVC?

Unfortunately with our coaching change we have seemingly dropped the ball a bit. Not overly worried as our recruiting is a bit specialized, but we will likely suffer some. With the popularity of our new coach, I think we will do ok this year and much better in future years than we have been doing.

[gofurman]

Unfortunately with our coaching change we have seemingly dropped the ball a bit. Not overly worried as our recruiting is a bit specialized, but we will likely suffer some. With the popularity of our new coach, I think we will do ok this year and much better in future years than we have been doing.

Long term it is worth the short term suffering (and this from a Furman fan.. lol). Good play to get the right coach and miss on some recruits for one year.

[gofurman]

I have a different question:

*all this dmn transfer portal / 6th year junk...

Which Key guys are definitely leaving each team?
Please reply for each team:

I will work on figuring out Furman as I know who is moving on .. I think our Center (Evan Jumper) who is very key - when out for Charleston Southern we almost lost! - is going elsewhere as he wants a different grad program. I THINK.

Who is definitely leaving each team as key player?? thanks in advance

[Milktruck74]

https://soconsports.com/images/2022/11/10/NSD_1.jpg?width=1440&quality=80%
The following NLIs were submitted and verified by the Southern Conference office by 4 p.m. on Dec. 21.


ETSU (7)
Ray Coney
Miada Jones
Brenden Leblanc
Christian Mathis
Denzel Taylor
Joshua Wade
Braxton Wilson

Furman (15) (https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2022/12/21/furman-football-lands-15-on-national-signing-day.aspx)
David Alabi
Brody Balliew
Akyrian Burrell
Robert Bussey
Brock Chappell
Ryan Earl
Nehuel Garcia
Hayden Garner
Raleigh Herbert
Colton Hinton
John Holbrook
Brayden Holmes
Christopher Luna
Brennan Tormey
Marquis Vincent

Mercer (10)
William Albee
Amarii Atchison
Tyrell Coard
Adjatay Dabbs
Jacob Ferris
Julian Fox
Kendall Harris
Andrew Moore
Demetri Robinson
Brayden Smith

Chattanooga (7) (https://gomocs.com/news/2022/12/21/football-national-signing-day-class-of-2023.aspx)
Martez Cooksey
William Donald
Isaiah Harvey
Malachi Jeffries
Jamarr Jones
Dalton Restelli
Zion Rutledge

VMI (15)
Zyron Bacote
Henry Berling
Elijah Brooks
Caden Cox
Robert Dunn III
Noah Fathy
Isaiah Grevious
Andrew Kocan
Nathan Lhotsky
Jacob Moore
Egypt Nelson
Marcus Roser
Lucas Scott
Eric Wilborne Jr.
Tristan Woodley

Western Carolina (12) (https://catamountsports.com/signingday/fb/fb/11/)
Zion Booker
Patrick Boyd Jr.
Rashad Davis
Marselle Felton
Santana Fleming
Bennett Judy
Trevaughn Martinez
Antonio Simpson
Ashton Travis
Corey Washington
Zachary Watson
Zayveon Wells

Wofford (8) (https://woffordterriers.com/news/2022/12/21/2023-football-early-signing-day.aspx)
Tyler Boyce
Adonis Garcia
Jacobi Ray Hatter
Santana Haynes-Goodman
Benjamin Holmes
Jvion Luster
Jacob Seeley
Egypt White




As far as Chattanooga goes, this is only 7 of the 8 HS kids that signed (one was late in the day and may have been after the 4pm verification), but it does not include any of the 8 transfers.

[Milktruck74]

I have a different question:

*all this dmn transfer portal / 6th year junk...

Which Key guys are definitely leaving each team?
Please reply for each team:

I will work on figuring out Furman as I know who is moving on .. I think our Center (Evan Jumper) who is very key - when out for Charleston Southern we almost lost! - is going elsewhere as he wants a different grad program. I THINK.

Who is definitely leaving each team as key player?? thanks in advance

This is completely subject to change once the guys see who was signed and if they feel they were recruited over, but currently the Mocs have 4 on the list and one of them actually entered the portal last summer (not sure if there is a re-declaration thing or what), but none of them were key players. two fo the 3 were contributors, but not really anything that couldn't be replaced. Again, it may completely change tomorrow, but based on the guys coming in from the portal vs the guys leaving for the portal, the Mocs are WINNING THE PORTAL GAME!!!

[PaladinNation]

zero transfers for Furman so far…

"Given the changing landscape of college football, which impacts everyone, we're going to stay true to our primary philosophy of signing high school student-athletes and developing them. It's served us well over the years, and we're confident it will remain that way for us."
— Clay Hendrix

That said I would be surprised if Furman doesn't bring in a transfer or two. I like Furman's philosophy and focus of signing and developing high schoolers. But, let's be realistic, Furman's past recruiting classes have given our coaches the ability to build the program, layer by layer over trying to fix things on a year to year basis. Furman's depth played a key role in its success in 2022.

Just my guess, I don't currently see any of the signees starting in 2023. I could see several making an impact; Holbrook (WR/TE), Alabi (Bandit), and Hinton (Slot). Furman does need to replace the NG position (Furman loses Coleman and Johnson to graduation). It looks like Furman is shifting to more athletic, speed guys on the defensive line. We will see if the transfer portal is where Furman brings in a few nose guard types.

[Milktruck74]

zero transfers for Furman so far…

"Given the changing landscape of college football, which impacts everyone, we're going to stay true to our primary philosophy of signing high school student-athletes and developing them. It's served us well over the years, and we're confident it will remain that way for us."
— Clay Hendrix

That said I would be surprised if Furman doesn't bring in a transfer or two. I like Furman's philosophy and focus of signing and developing high schoolers. But, let's be realistic, Furman's past recruiting classes have given our coaches the ability to build the program, layer by layer over trying to fix things on a year to year basis. Furman's depth played a key role in its success in 2022.

Just my guess, I don't currently see any of the signees starting in 2023. I could see several making an impact; Holbrook (WR/TE), Alabi (Bandit), and Hinton (Slot). Furman does need to replace the NG position (Furman loses Coleman and Johnson to graduation). It looks like Furman is shifting to more athletic, speed guys on the defensive line. We will see if the transfer portal is where Furman brings in a few nose guard types.

I think we would all prefer to see our schools recruit only HS players who all took a Redshirt year to prepare, a RS-FR/Soph season to contribute in a supporting role, and 2/3 years of production...and a continuous cycle of this. Sadly, that is not realistic in today's environment. Some schools will go all in on the portal and sign a sprinkling of HS kids and some schools will double down on the HS kids, but will still have to use the portal to augment their squad. Chattanooga went 50/50 this season. THe 8 transfers seem to be good fits and should be productive, two of the 8 are one and done grad transfers, one has 3 years left, and the other 5 have two....

Unfortunately the game has changed over the last 3 years or so. There will still be schools that are all in on HS players (Citadel, VMI, and others), but there are still buggy whip makers...just not nearly as many as there were before Henry Ford opened his plant!

[caribbeanhen]

LB Herbert looks like a player

Furman

[FUBeAR]

SoCon FCS to FCS Transfers - In (9) and Out (5) as of 12/19
Player Name (Pos.) Old FCS Team → New FCS Team


Kamron Smith (DB) Charleston Southern → Samford
Brock Bethea (OL) Chattanooga → Rhode Island
Marvion Field (DL) Elon → Samford
Jace Wilson (QB) Furman → Texas Southern
Zach Borisch (RB) Idaho → ETSU
Clay Fields III (DB) Marist → Chattanooga
DaMonta Witherspoon (RB) Murray State → Samford
Zaire Thornton (WR) Tennessee State → Chattanooga
Ethan Greenwood (QB) The Citadel → Long Island University
Garrett Morris (LB) UPenn → Samford
Rory Starkly Jr. (WR) UPenn → Samford
Tahjae Mullix (DL) Western Illinois → Western Carolina
Al Hogan (OL) Wofford → Kennesaw State
Irvin Mulligan (RB) Wofford → Jackson State


SoCon Transfers to FBS as of 12/18
Player Name (Pos.) Old FCS Team → New FBS Team

Alijah Huzzie (DB) ETSU → UNC
Chandler Martin (LB) ETSU → Memphis
Dominic Morris (DB) Furman → Colorado State
Aljareek Malry (DB) VMI → Ball State
Carlos Davis (QB) Western Carolina → UMass
Raphael Williams (WR) Western Carolina → San Diego State

[caribbeanhen]

Carlos Davis bailed on Kerwin Bell for UMass? I’m Surprised

[Jiggs]

Samford's early signing day list:

Birmingham, Ala. – The Samford football program signed 15 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to begin the early signing period for the 2023 class, head coach Chris Hatcher (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-hatcher/1601) announced Wednesday.

The start of the 2023 class includes six high school signees, six transfers and a trio of junior college transfers. Included in the class are seven offensive players, seven defensive players and a punter.

Additional signees are expected and will be announced at a later date.

Below is a short bio on each signee.

Tyler Douthit (OL, Woodstock, GA/Woodstock HS)
Douthit prepped at Woodstock High school in Georgia… Named first team All-region… Named Woodstock High School's offensive Most Valuable Player.

Duncan Johnson (OL, Augusta, GA/Aquinas HS)
Johnson prepped at Aquinas High school in Georgia… Helped the Irish to a 7-4 record in 2022… Named first team All-region.

Noah Watts (OL, Alabaster, AL/Thompson HS)
Watts prepped at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama... Helped the Warriors to four-straight 7A state championships… Named second team All-Shelby County.

Will Thorley (P, Torquay, Australia/Prokick Australia)
Thorley trained at ProKick Australia… ProKick Australia sends multiple punters to the United States including Houston Texans punter Cameron Johnston (Ohio State), and Ray Guy Award winners Mitch Wishnowsky (Utah) and Michael Dickson (Texas).

Jackson Beatty (WR, Mountain Brook, AL/Mountain Brook HS)
Beatty prepped at Mountain Brook High School in Mountain Brook, Alabama… Helped the Spartans to 6A State Championship Game appearance in 2022… Named second team All-State in 2021… Hauled in 769 yards and 12 touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a junior… Won a state championship on the hardwood in 2021.

Thad Ransier (DE, Meridian, MS/Lamar School)
Ransier prepped at The Lamar School in Mississippi… Named a MAIS All-Star in 2022… Named a team captain in 2022…

Darrian King (OL, Oak Grove, MS/East Mississippi Community College)
King spent the last two seasons at East Mississippi Community College… Helped the Lions to a MACCC championship in 2022… Prepped at Oak Grove High School.

E. Jai Mason (WR, Jackson, MS/Northwest Mississippi Community College)
Mason spent the last three seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College… Helped the Rangers to a 10-2 record and an appearance in the MACCC Championship Game… Caught 36 passes for 384 yards and five touchdowns in 2022… Helped NWMCC to a MACCC title in 2021… Hauled in 47 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns in 2021… Caught 17 passes for 217 and two scores in 2020… Prepped at Clinton High School.

Jaden Mosley (DB, Mobile, AL/Hutchinson Community College)
Mosley spent the last season at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas… Helped the Blue Dragons to a KJCCC Championship and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship Game… Collected 25 tackles and a pair of interceptions in 2022… Earned KJCCC honorable mentions honors… Ranked a three-star prospect by 247 sports coming out of high school… Prepped at McGill-Tollen HS in Mobile.

RJ Starkey (WR, Atlanta, GA/Penn)
Starkey comes to Samford as a transfer from Penn… Played in 10 games for the Quakers in 2022… Led Penn in receiving with 56 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns… Named second team All-Ivy… Caught 24 passes for 391 yards and a team-leading three scores in 2021… Became the 22nd player in program history to record 1,000 receiving yards… Totaled 1,549 receiving yards at Penn which ranks eighth-most in program history… Prepped at Hapeville Charter Academy in Atlanta… Helped the Hornets to a state championship in 2017… Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 coming out of high school.

Garrett Morris (LB, Auburn, AL/Penn)
Morris comes to Samford as a transfer from Penn… Played in 10 games for the Quakers in 2022… Led Penn with 71 tackles including 37 solo stops… Tallied 9.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks… Added an interception and a trio of pass breakups… Named first team All-Ivy… Collected 45 tackles in 10 games for the Quakers in 2021… Prepped at Auburn High School… Named second team All-Area in 2017… Named first team All-State in 2016… Ranked as a two-star recruit by 247 coming out of high school.

Damonta Witherspoon (RB, East St. Louis, IL/Murray State)
Witherspoon comes to Samford as a transfer from Murray State… Played in nine games for the Racers in 2022… Led Murray State with 146 carries for 580 yards and a touchdown… Totaled 912 rushing yards on 212 carries with eight scores for the Racers in 2021… Was named to the second team All-OVC and OVC All-Newcomer team in 2020 after rushing for 501 yards and five touchdowns… Prepped at East St. Louis HS in Illinois…Racked up 1,742 yards and 35 touchdowns as a senior… Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 coming out of high school.

Marvion Field (DL, Hampton, GA/Elon)
Field comes to Samford as a transfer from Elon… Played in 12 games for the Phoenix in 2022… Collected 14 tackles including nine solo stops and 3.5 for loss… Tallied 10 tackles in 11 games for Elon in 2021… Prepped at Westlake High School… Attended Jireh Prep after graduation.

Kamron Smith (DB, Bonaire, GA/Charleston Southern)
Smith comes to Samford as a Transfer from Charleston Southern… Played in 10 games for the Buccaneers in 2022… Tallied 37 tackles including 25 solo stops… Broke up 13 passes and forced one fumble… Caught two passes for 19 yards and a score on the offensive side of the ball… Named first team All-Big South… Collected 22 tackles and two interceptions for the Buccaneers in 2021… Prepped at Veterans High School… Was a two-time All-State Region selection.

Tyrese Ross (DB, Jacksonville, FL/South Carolina)
Ross comes to Samford as a transfer from South Carolina… Played in six games for the Gamecocks in 2022… Collected eight tackles on the year… Had one tackle in seven games for South Carolina in 2021… Transferred to South Carolina from Washington State after the 2020 season… Had 35 tackles in 17 games as a Cougar from 2018-20… Prepped at Westlake High School in Atlanta… Ranked as a three-star recruit by 247 coming out of high school… Father, Dominic, played with Samford head coach Chris Hatcher (https://samfordsports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/chris-hatcher/1601) at Valdosta State in the early 1990s and won Super Bowl XXX with the Dallas Cowboys in 1996.

[PaladinNation]

LB Herbert looks like a player

Furman

Herbert looks like a prototype Furman Mike.
Reminds me a lot of ex-Furman great Will Bouton.
Also had a slew of offers from FBS schools and the CAA.

The more film I see of AK Burrell a Louisiana product, the more I 'likes.'
Bang, Bang!
https://twitter.com/DutchtownFB/status/1605938027666309127

[The Cats]

As far as Chattanooga goes, this is only 7 of the 8 HS kids that signed (one was late in the day and may have been after the 4pm verification), but it does not include any of the 8 transfers.

As the post states, this is a list of the kids that signed NLI, so, why would it include "transfers"?

[The Cats]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FkmSXI3WYAMG0-S?format=jpg&name=small

[FUBeAR]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FkmSXI3WYAMG0-S?format=jpg&name=small
WCU joining the Collegiate Sprint Football League next season?

https://sprintfootball.com/about/rules/

[The Cats]

WCU joining the Collegiate Sprint Football League next season?

https://sprintfootball.com/about/rules/


https://twitter.com/CatamountsFB/status/1606007489132052480

[SCPALADIN]

https://twitter.com/CatamountsFB/status/1606007489132052480


Where are these rankings?

[MIBT]

WCU joining the Collegiate Sprint Football League next season?

https://sprintfootball.com/about/rules/Some schools with NCAA programs also have Sprint League teams.

Sent from my SM-S906U using Tapatalk

[The Cats]

Where are these rankings?


https://twitter.com/The__Bluebloods/status/1605942075580719105

[The Cats]

More About WCU’s Newcomers in the NSD23 Early Period

By Position (5 defense, 13 offense):

Defensive Back (3): Trevaughn Martinez, Antonio Simpson, Zayveon Wells
Defensive Line (2): Tahjae Mullix, Keynon Partridge

Offensive Line (6): Tyler Bailey (PWO), Blake Ellsworth (PWO), Marselle Felton, Steven Hamby (PWO), Ashton Travis, Zach Watson
Wide Receiver (5): Zion Booker, Patrick Boyd Jr., Rashad Davis, Santana Fleming, Corey Washington
Quarterback (2): Taron Dickens, Bennett Judy

By Location:
Florida (7): Patrick Boyd Jr. (Fort Lauderdale); Rashad Davis (Miami); Taron Dickens (Miami); Santana Fleming (Fort Lauderdale); Trevaughn Martinez (Fort Lauderdale); Antonio Simpson (Altamonte Springs); Corey Washington (Miami)
Georgia (5): Blake Ellsworth (Kennesaw); Marselle Felton (Ackworth); Tahjae Mullix (Covington); Keynon Partridge (Decatur); Zach Watson (Waycross)
South Carolina (2): Bennett Judy (Simpsonville); Zayveon Wells (Sumter)
North Carolina (3): Tyler Bailey (Sylva); Zion Booker (Charlotte); Steven Hamby (Statesville)
Nebraska (1): Ashton Travis (Omaha)

Three-Star Recruits:
Patrick Boyd Jr., WR – 247Sports
Rashad Davis, WR – 247Sports *
Taron Dickens, QB – 247Sports *
Santana Fleming, WR – Rivals & 247Sports
Trevaughn Martinez, DB – 247Sports *
Zayveon Wells, DB – 247Sports *

Two-Star Recruits:
Rashad Davis, WR – Rivals *
Taron Dickens, QB – Rivals *
Marselle Felton, OL - Rivals
Trevaughn Martinez, DB – Rivals *
Zayveon Wells, DB – Rivals*


* - denotes multiple rankings

[FUBeAR]

https://twitter.com/The__Bluebloods/status/1605942075580719105
Interesting…1 playoff Team on that list of 10 Teams…and that 1 Team lost in the 1st round to a Team that lost to a SoCon Team in the next round.

FCS Recruiting Rankings are completely worthless. They’re fun, sure…but wholly meaningless. Pretty sure we all know that, right?

[The Cats]

Interesting…1 playoff Team on that list of 10 Teams…and that 1 Team lost in the 1st round to a Team that lost to a SoCon Team in the next round.

FCS Recruiting Rankings are completely worthless. They’re fun, sure…but wholly meaningless. Pretty sure we all know that, right?

So you wouldn't be pushing them if Furman or Mercer were on the list? Yeah, sure!!!

You just have to put down ANYTHING that is posted that shines a good light on any other SoCon team other than Furman or Mercer, it really gets old, looks like you'd get tired of this crap at some point...

But, I guess not, since it makes your day in your attempt to belittle others!!!!

[ElCid]

FCS Recruiting Rankings are completely worthless. They’re fun, sure…but wholly meaningless. Pretty sure we all know that, right?

Everyone knows it. But those from schools high on the list choose to forget it, for a time.

I'm sure it's been done, maybe not, but does anyone, other than those who do the rankings, go back and grade these rankings themselves? You know, like 4 or 5 years later? How many are actually playing, starting, on all conf teams, etc. It doesn't necessarily mean they were wrong, but would be just as much fun as looking at the initial rankings.

[FUBeAR]

So you wouldn't be pushing them if Furman or Mercer were on the list? Yeah, sure!!!

You just have to put down ANYTHING that is posted that shines a good light on any other SoCon team other than Furman or Mercer, it really gets old, looks like you'd get tired of this crap at some point...

But, I guess not, since it makes your day in your attempt to belittle others!!!!
FUBeAR would give, and has given, rankings of Mercer and/or Furman Recruits all of the merit such rankings deserve.

Heck, he already posted here that each & every one of Furman’s & Mercer’s signees this week were future 1st Team FCS All-Americans.

FUBeAR’s optimism is limitless. Too bad The Cats so often chooses to be so negative.

[The Cats]

Heck, he already posted here that each & every one of Furman’s & Mercer’s signees this week were future 1st Team FCS All-Americans.

You are so full of it... and I guess you think that's negative too.

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR would give, and has given, rankings of Mercer and/or Furman Recruits all of the merit such rankings deserve.

Heck, he already posted here that each & every one of Furman’s & Mercer’s signees this week were future 1st Team FCS All-Americans. (Bolding added by The Cats)

You are so full of it...
????

From Post #1 in this thread…



Furman & Mercer are signing nothing but future 1st Team FCS All-Americans today.

This may be helpful for you - https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/words-and-their-stories-tongue-in-cheek/4396971.html … just think of FUBeAR as your message board Mark Twain or Will Rogers and you might keep your panties a whole lot more wrinkle-free.

[SU DOG]

I guess you can just write Samford off because I can't even find them on the 247 list. Jiggs has posted our list of signees and I am glad he did, but the official site list contains very little detail about our 15 signees. I would like to take it by position but will not include every one of them, although I could. Here are, IMO, the highlights. With Hiers to return, I'll start with WRs.

Jai Mason - Coming out of HS in Mobile, Mason was rated as high as a 4**** who had offers from Arkansas, Miss State, Florida and others. He was listed as one of the top 50 WRs in the nation. Coming out of junior college, he was offered by Louisville last week.
Rory Starkey - Transfer from Penn. A 2nd team All-Ivy League player, he stands 6-2, 215.

O-Linemen
Tyler Douthit - 6-5, 280 High School Woodstock GA. Rivals 2** who had offers from Ga Southern, South Florida, Maryland and others.
Noah Watts - "Cornbread" is a 6-3, 285lb. four-year starter for perennial state champion Thompson High School. He drew lots of attention with his play in the state Playoffs this year. Fortunately, Samford got on him early last spring. Has a 3.9 GPA. Had an early UTC offer.
Darrian King - A 6-4 305 EMCC juco xfer. Had scads of FCS offers for transferring including SoCon teams ETSU and Mercer.

D-Linemen
Marvion Field - Transfer from Elon who has played 32 games with the Phoenix but will still have 2 years of eligibility.
Thad Ransier - Miss. HS DE who is 6-4, 250. Two times All-State player had several FCS offers, a 31 ACT score and 4.0 GPA.

LB
Garrett Morris - Only one LB, but I think he is a really good one. Transfer from Penn who had 71 tackles in 10 games this season. Made the All-Ivy League First Team Defense. Played his HS ball at Auburn HS.

DBs
Kamron Smith - Transfer from CSU Bucs. Smith was All-Big South and was actually a HeroSports Soph. All-American this season.
Jaden Mosley - Juco transfer who played HS ball in Mobile. A big DB at 6-2 203, Mosely was a 3*** recruit out of HS and was offered by P5s like Tennessee, Texas A&M and Indiana.

RB
Damonta Witherspoon - Transfer from Murray State. The versatile All-OVC RB was also a 3*** recruit out of HS in Saint Louis.

I did not mention DB Tyree Ross from South Carolina because I'm not sure that his xfer has gone through. Matter of fact I don't think any transfer is complete until that player attends class. Well, now maybe you won't feel sorry for Samford and our lack of a seemingly stellar class. Actually, I think with so many stars and big school offers that ours might be one of the best in FCS. Of course, some would prefer not to go heavy on transfers, and that philosophy is understandable also.

[The Cats]

????

From Post #1 in this thread…


… just think of FUBeAR as your message board Mark Twain or Will Rogers and you might keep your panties a whole lot more wrinkle-free.

I don't think anyone on this board thinks of FUBear as Mark Twain or Will Rogers, certainly I don't. However, I'm curious why you're so interested in my underwear? ...but since you are, my boxers are pretty wrinkle-free.

[UNHWildcat18]

I don't think anyone on this board thinks of FUBear as Mark Twain or Will Rogers, certainly I don't. However, I'm curious why you're so interested in my underwear? ...but since you are, my boxers are pretty wrinkle-free.

we think of him more as a mix between Peter griffin (physically) and Patrick Bateman(mentally). Just let him rabble to himself, you’ll be happier for it

[PaladinNation]

Kudos Cats fan on the class… No sour grapes here for team getting 3 star and 2 star players.

I learned a long time ago the star rankings can be head-scratchers. The criteria seems to be uneven and influenced at times by an early FCS offer.
I did take stock of Hero Sports recruiting rankings when B Mac actually verified offers and based his rankings on teams who actually offered and who those teams were.

Furman's All-SoCon and All-American junior offensive lineman Jake Johanning. Had no stars, and two offers coming out of high school; Furman and Wofford. I doubt WCU had Johanning on its radar. Same for Domenic Roberto a NC HS product. Had two offers Elon (LB), Furman (RB).

Furman's two most offered players in the 2023 class:

Raleigh Herbert ILB 6-2 225, West Forsyth, GA
Zero Stars
FBS offers (7): Air Force, UAB, Bowling Green, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville St, Kent St, Georgia St
FCS offers (9): Lafayette, Brown, Delaware, Colgate, Samford, Richmond, Lehigh, W&M, Fordham
Five offers from teams that were in the playoffs.


Brody Balliew OL 6-5 275, Calhoun, GA
Zero Stars
FBS offers (4): - Georgia Southern, Army, Air Force, Buffalo
FCS offers (12): - Penn, Holy Cross, Tenn Tech, Richmond, Bryant, Samford, Austin Peay, Southern Illinois, Colgate, Fordham, Gardner Webb, Mercer
Five offers from teams that were in the playoffs.

Furman did sign a player with 3 stars.
Brayden Holmes DB 6-0 180, Milton, GA
Holmes had an early offer from Arizona State, not sure what happened.
He then committed to Holy Cross, made a visit to Furman, and flipped to Furman
Holy Cross, Colgate, Gardner Webb, Albany St, Charleston Southern, Tenn Tech, Lehigh

[The Cats]

Kudos Cats fan on the class… No sour grapes here for team getting 3 star and 2 star players.

I learned a long time ago the star rankings can be head-scratchers. The criteria seems to be uneven and influenced at times by an early FCS offer.
I did take stock of Hero Sports recruiting rankings when B Mac actually verified offers and based his rankings on teams who actually offered and who those teams were.

Furman's All-SoCon and All-American junior offensive lineman Jake Johanning. Had no stars, and two offers coming out of high school; Furman and Wofford. I doubt WCU had Johanning on its radar. Same for Domenic Roberto a NC HS product. Had two offers Elon (LB), Furman (RB).

Furman's two most offered players in the 2023 class:

Raleigh Herbert ILB 6-2 225, West Forsyth, GA
Zero Stars
FBS offers (7): Air Force, UAB, Bowling Green, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville St, Kent St, Georgia St
FCS offers (9): Lafayette, Brown, Delaware, Colgate, Samford, Richmond, Lehigh, W&M, Fordham
Five offers from teams that were in the playoffs.


Brody Balliew OL 6-5 275, Calhoun, GA
Zero Stars
FBS offers (4): - Georgia Southern, Army, Air Force, Buffalo
FCS offers (12): - Penn, Holy Cross, Tenn Tech, Richmond, Bryant, Samford, Austin Peay, Southern Illinois, Colgate, Fordham, Gardner Webb, Mercer
Five offers from teams that were in the playoffs.

Furman did sign a player with 3 stars.
Brayden Holmes DB 6-0 180, Milton, GA
Holmes had an early offer from Arizona State, not sure what happened.
He then committed to Holy Cross, made a visit to Furman, and flipped to Furman
Holy Cross, Colgate, Gardner Webb, Albany St, Charleston Southern, Tenn Tech, Lehigh

No doubt you are correct, stars don't mean performance on the college field, and a lack of stars doesn't a player won't turn out great.

However, give me a choice, and I'll take the team full of three & two star players, vs. the team without any stars. I'm just hoping that the last two recruiting classes at WCU, increases the chances of more wins in the future. Just hoping we can move up to the top two or three in the conference... hoping Chattanooga, Furman, Mercer, & Samford dread playing the Cats, rather than marking their schedule each season as a sure win against WCU... a conference championship for the Cats would be nice as well - that's why we are grateful to be recruiting those stars...

[SU DOG]

The #1 WR (Rec/gm) in the SoCon this season was a walk-on, A Samford Teammate, who was also a walk-on, was #3 in the conference and just this week signed on with a CFL Team. Believe me or not, I have also seen these star ratings change in what I consider a way that is unjustified and prejudiced toward the FCS. Samford recruited a 3*** OL a few years ago who made a hard commitment in the summer. Before his high school senior season even started the same service had this player listed as a 2** and that is not the only case of this kind that has happened.

I do agree with The Cats, however, that you want to get players with stars. It is also important to see what other teams have offered (not just recruited) these players. Sure, lots of times the best bio signees don't pan out, but more often than not they do. These stars and big offered players that sign we brag about. Lack of such and we use the old cliches' to excuse our (apparent) under rated class. Trying to compare one teams' class to another is often a game of futility, especially in the FCS. Futile or not, however, for many it is entertaining, satisfying and fun. Fans have to be optimistic regardless of how impressive or mundane their list appears.

[Milktruck74]

Stars are pretty meaningless. Over the years, Chattanooga has signed 15 three star guys (according to24/7, so legit 3 stars) and 9 of them never started a single game...5 never even took the first snap. #1 and #3 never made the travel squad...so Stars! yep, not a great indicator....but that is all we really have, unless you know how to evaluate film versus inferior talent. That 6'2 WR looks awesome against slow 5'7 DBs...and that Huge OL never gave up a sack because he just just bigger/stronger than anyone he played against...that changes at the next level...every body you go up against was THE BEST PLAYER on their HS team!!!

[SU DOG]

Well, Chattanooga has just signed another 3*** xfer player. This one from the B'ham area. How do I know this? Because the UTC list tells us that he is a 3*** rated player. What he does in the future is not the issue right now. You are completely right when you say that the stars are our only indicator, and certainly not a guarantee of success. Still, most lists will include a star rating if there is one, and obviously there is a reason for that. Again, especially at the FCS level, this star gazing is good for fans' discussion and entertainment.
Cats fans may need to correct me, but I think that around 2008 or 2009 Dennis Wagner had the #1 rated class in all of FCS. Four years later and Western Carolina had won all of 3 total FCS games.

[UpstateBison]

Well, Chattanooga has just signed another 3*** xfer player. This one from the B'ham area. How do I know this? Because the UTC list tells us that he is a 3*** rated player. What he does in the future is not the issue right now. You are completely right when you say that the stars are our only indicator, and certainly not a guarantee of success. Still, most lists will include a star rating if there is one, and obviously there is a reason for that. Again, especially at the FCS level, this star gazing is good for fans' discussion and entertainment.
Cats fans may need to correct me, but I think that around 2008 or 2009 Dennis Wagner had the #1 rated class in all of FCS. Four years later and Western Carolina had won all of 3 total FCS games.

Stars are meaningless at the FCS level. Let’s be honest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tribe4SF]

Stars are meaningless at the FCS level. Let’s be honest.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Amen. None of W&M's 2023 class of 14 has any stars despite several having multiple FBS offers and as many as 18 total offers. Rivals, 247 etc. toot their own horns as though they actually look at every player which they do not.

[ElCid]

Amen. None of W&M's 2023 class of 14 has any stars despite several having multiple FBS offers and as many as 18 total offers. Rivals, 247 etc. toot their own horns as though they actually look at every player which they do not.

As I mentioned in another thread, wouldn't it be nice to have some data on how these players with stars have done at the 4 and 5 year point. It's just a game with little accountability for those making these ratings. Most people know this. But it is funny to see how people like to tout their recruiting class stars while ignoring history. And also as I mentioned, they may not be wrong. They are talking about perceived potential. Life happens to some of these players; injuries, an unstarred player wins the starting position, grades, family issues, etc. But it would be an interesting data point to see in any event.

[Mocs123]

I'll refrain from posting our signing day info and pounding our chest about how we had the best signing day as pretty much every team in the country "wins" signing day. We'll see how we do in the fall. On paper at least, it appears to me that we met most of our needs. The success of the Mocs - like a lot of other schools, depends on how well we can keep our core kids from entering the portal. Currently we have 3 that have entered the portal , and only one of those was a contributor in FY22.

[caribbeanhen]

Stars are pretty meaningless. Over the years, Chattanooga has signed 15 three star guys (according to24/7, so legit 3 stars) and 9 of them never started a single game...5 never even took the first snap. #1 and #3 never made the travel squad...so Stars! yep, not a great indicator....but that is all we really have, unless you know how to evaluate film versus inferior talent. That 6'2 WR looks awesome against slow 5'7 DBs...and that Huge OL never gave up a sack because he just just bigger/stronger than anyone he played against...that changes at the next level...every body you go up against was THE BEST PLAYER on their HS team!!!

So true, I have often joked that I know how to overlay good players on these recruiting videos. The truth is I try but getting it wrong is easier than getting it right

[SU DOG]

Stars ARE important. My contention here is not that they will guarantee future success. There are only 2 teams left that have fan bases with an upcoming game to discuss. So, what else is there for discussion right now? A few things sure but signing classes would be the main topic. Also, where does each team rank in the 247-recruiting list? Hey, 247 lists by STARS. Most any team's list will have star information listed in the signee's bio. Whether that starred player has future success is not my issue here. The 247-recruiting ranking will probably be WAY OFF. So what? It makes nice conversation for the fans, especially those whose team is picked high on the list.

[FUBeAR]

3 Star MVFC Bear QB gonna become a SoCon Bear QB instead…

https://twitter.com/springfieldnl/status/1349100088048685057
https://twitter.com/hesshorne/status/1608892614086111233

[FUBeAR]

Mercer also picked up a commitment from All-State / Region POY & highly desired LB Julian Fox from Crisp County, GA. Fox selected the Bears over 8 FBS Offers - Tulane, Liberty, Troy, South Alabama, Appalachian State, Army, Air Force, and Buffalo; as well as FCS offers from ETSU, SEMO, FAMU, et al.
https://twitter.com/officialfox25/status/1608866560927731712

[The Cats]

But wait, I didn't think stars were important or mean anything to fubear....

I know he will come back with some kind of crap about not saying anything about stars, BUT he did include a tweet about "former 3 star Horn to Missouri State"..... So, they must mean something if the kid goes to Mercer or Furman?

[FUBeAR]

But wait, I didn't think stars were important or mean anything to fubear....

I know he will come back with some kind of crap about not saying anything about stars, BUT he did include a tweet about "former 3 star Horn to Missouri State"..... So, they must mean something if the kid goes to Mercer or Furman?


FCS Recruiting Rankings are completely worthless. They’re fun, sure…but wholly meaningless. Pretty sure we all know that, right?
FUBeAR likes to have fun too. You aren’t some kind of old sourpuss who would deny FUBeAR having fun, are you?

[The Cats]

FUBeAR likes to have fun too.

It's too bad that fubear likes to "have fun" at the expense of others...

[FUBeAR]

It's too bad that fubear likes to "have fun" at the expense of others...
That’s what Paul Allen said…
https://www.themarysue.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/christian-bale-american-psycho-dance.gif?

[gofurman]

Stars are SOMEWHAT meaningless. Generally they are in FCS. Furman has only one guy in NFL. Nine year player and often starter in Dakota Dozier on OL. NO STARS. LOL. How does any 300 pound 6’4” OL not get at least one star in HS?? He had to be killing and flattening HS DL. Now 9 year NFL career. 0 stars in HS. Crazy

that said there are legit Comps. Best recent QB Furman ever had? Ingle Martin. Three years of backup in NFL. Transfer who started some games at Florida. True recruiting offers and interest from Bama, Florida, Tennessee and LSU !!! Chose Florida. When you have LEGIT SEC QB offers and you actually start at QB for Florida that’s different.

[gofurman]

Regular Posting isn’t working. Edit to above. Found that Ingle Martin was the 123rd ranked recruit nationally. So a true ESPN 300 guy and the 11th rated pro style passer Nationally

That kind of thing is different. And RARE. I fully agree the line between 1, 2 and 3 star guys is very thin. Unfortunately now you can transfer FBS to FBS without penalty . Back then you had to come to FCS or else sit out a year in FBS.

[Milktruck74]

AS the portal frenzie is coming to a close, there are 79 SoCon Kids that entered the portal...and as of this morning, 14 of them have have landed on a D1 roster (6FCS, 8FBS).

Many see the portal as a great opportunity to move up...but that is the bill of goods the portal sells them!!! It ain't all it is cracked up to be.

[PaladinNation]

KT - Kendall Thomas has withdrawn from the portal and will continue his career at Furman.
Great news—I'm a big fan of KT.

Furman seems to be looking at the transfer portal for a few specific positions;
TE, DT, OL, DB. My guess is Furman might only sign a TE and a DT.

Furman is in the mix for Norte Dame TE Cane Berrong.
Berrong was a 4 star recruit from Georgia, he torn his ACL his freshman year.
If Furman can woo him into the program, he'd be a big pickup. His offer list keeps growing.

[SU DOG]

Coach Hatcher has been influential on both FBS teams' coaches that are playing for all the marbles Monday. ESPN article.

Chris Hatcher's impact on Sonny Dykes and Kirby Smart (espn.com) (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35378254/chris-hatcher-impact-sonny-dykes-kirby-smart)

[FUBeAR]

Coach Hatcher has been influential on both FBS teams' coaches that are playing for all the marbles Monday. ESPN article.

Chris Hatcher's impact on Sonny Dykes and Kirby Smart (espn.com) (https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/35378254/chris-hatcher-impact-sonny-dykes-kirby-smart)
Awesome!

Where do you think Coach Hatcher will be Coaching in 2023. With his Samford contract having ended and no renewal announced, FUBeAR is interested to see where his next step will be as well as who Samford will be hiring to replace him.

[FUBeAR]

Many of y’all have some people here you’re gonna wanna go vote for…

https://twitter.com/thetandd/status/1604899882459926564

FUBeAR voted for…

Stanford Jennings, Furman RB 1980-1983 (3x SoCon PoY)…if you don’t also vote for him, you should just delete your account here and anywhere else that has anything to do with SoCon Football

Brian Ruff - CIT LB - he was really TOUGH - not ‘fake’ tough like most of the bellhops that followed him

Mike Ayers - Woffy - obvious

Clyde Simmons - WCU DT - also a really, really good Player

Joe Morrison (legacy) - on there because of his Gamecock work, but his Chatt Teams were REALLY good and played really hard

…and for Furman’s TE/Retriever Ryan Miller to win the 2022 SC “Heisman” - y’all should vote for him too. He smoked all of your Teams on the regular for the past 5 years.


…voted

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR can’t edit posts…so no idea how this will look.

Point of posting that SoCon is finally getting some long overdue respect in the Computer Ratings. All 4 of these Teams are still rated too low, but it’s better. SoCon should have 2 Top Ten Teams to start the 2023 season and 2 or 3 more in the Top 25.

Let’s not let the pundits et al devalue the SoCon during the off-season.




Rank
Team
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA



7
Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/6987)

11-20.846

32.8
25.5
6-01.000

37.0
24.0
5-20.714

29.1
26.7
8-01.000

38.6
23.0



8
Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/2800)

10-30.769

33.1
20.2
5-10.833

40.7
21.3
5-20.714

26.6
19.3
7-10.875

34.1
20.3



16
Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/4649)

7-40.636

38.2
22.1
4-10.800

39.4
15.0
3-30.500

37.2
28.0
5-30.625

37.0
21.8



19
Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/7809)

7-40.636

29.1
20.6
4-10.800

35.6
16.6
3-30.500

23.7
24.0
5-30.625

30.1
20.3

[ElCid]

Lots of good info hopefully coming out in this press conference. Excited about the changes.

Rumour mill says we will not depart entirely from Triple Option, but make some scheme changes to cope with the new, silly restrictions. We saw a little if it towards the end of the season.

https://citadelsports.com/news/2023/1/8/football-drayton-introductory-press-conference-set-for-jan-12.aspx

[FUBeAR]

FUBeAR can’t edit posts…so no idea how this will look.

Point of posting that SoCon is finally getting some long overdue respect in the Computer Ratings. All 4 of these Teams are still rated too low, but it’s better. SoCon should have 2 Top Ten Teams to start the 2023 season and 2 or 3 more in the Top 25.

Let’s not let the pundits et al devalue the SoCon during the off-season.




Rank
Team
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA
Record
PF
PA



7
Samford (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/6987)
11-20.846
32.8
25.5
6-01.000
37.0
24.0
5-20.714
29.1
26.7
8-01.000
38.6
23.0



8
Furman (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/2800)
10-30.769
33.1
20.2
5-10.833
40.7
21.3
5-20.714
26.6
19.3
7-10.875
34.1
20.3



16
Mercer (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/4649)
7-40.636
38.2
22.1
4-10.800
39.4
15.0
3-30.500
37.2
28.0
5-30.625
37.0
21.8



19
Chattanooga (https://masseyratings.com/cf2022/7809)
7-40.636
29.1
20.6
4-10.800
35.6
16.6
3-30.500
23.7
24.0
5-30.625
30.1
20.3




Final Coaches Poll - not as respectful as Massey, but OK…

Through Games JAN. 8, 2023

RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

POINTS

PREVIOUS



RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

POINTS

PREVIOUS



7
Samford
11-2
472
9


10
Furman
10-3
419
11


21
Mercer
7-4
105
18


T-24
Chattanooga
7-4
69
22

[caribbeanhen]

Hey FuBeaR

any CAA SoCo matchups coming up next year?

[FUBeAR]

Hey FuBeaR

any CAA SoCo matchups coming up next year?
Doubtful that Elon and the rest of the Can’t Achieve Anything (or is Currently Adding Anyone?) conference will have recovered from the severe PTSD they are suffering from the beat down the Paladins delivered to the Formerly Fightin’ Former Christians during the Playoffs. Maybe after some extensive therapy.


JK, JK - don’t know, got some coming up in the years ahead, not sure bout 2023 … but you might be intrigued by this idea (bold below) that FUBeAR floated on the FU Board earlier this week…

Currently…
* the FCS Playoffs are not currently profitable for the participating schools, nor for the NCAA (if FUBeAR’s sources are correct)
* 3 Conferences / 26 schools / 20% of the subdivision have no interest in participating in the Playoffs as currently structured
* The Selection / Seeding / Pairing / Bidding process is CLEARLY broken as demonstrated by the Committee’s shoddy work this year and the total BS logic they tried to sell as excuses for their horrible process.

The only way to fix these issues is to make changes and try new things - much like FU has totally revamped how we view/execute Football Game Day for fans with outstanding results.

If significant changes are not made before the 2024 Playoffs, FUBeAR would like to see FU and the SoCon pull out of the Playoffs and set up a Post-Season Bowl Series with the CAA - Top 6 Teams in each Conference - maybe 3 Host Cities - Atlanta, Charlotte, Philly perhaps - 4 Teams at each location and play 2 games on the same day - SOMETHING DIFFERENT …. ANYTHING … make it fun, make it exciting , make it fair, make it make money.

MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!

Now…it does not.

[FUBeAR]

Hey FuBeaR

any CAA SoCo matchups coming up next year?
GIFY…

Woffy @ Bill & The Beeyatch on 9/9/23.

Mercer still needs a game. So does Samford. And ETSU needs 2. 4 slots available. Get your CAA’s w/open dates on the horn ASAP!

[FUBeAR]

GIFY…

Woffy @ Bill & The Beeyatch on 9/9/23.

Mercer still needs a game. So does Samford. And ETSU needs 2. 4 slots available. Get your CAA’s w/open dates on the horn ASAP!

uh oh - ETSU just added JaxState - only 3 opptys remain - better tell those CAA AD’s to HURRY!

[FUBeAR]

Apparently TCU’s Head Coach foolishly decided he needed to put The Citadel’s name in his mouth with a disparaging comment (he should know that’s FUBeAR’s job). No worries though - a former Furman QB and Furman’s Cheerleading Coach had the bellhops’ and the SoCon’s backs…

https://twitter.com/__justblaze__/status/1612657222118510592
https://twitter.com/coachace_fu/status/1612635968254664705

[FUBeAR]

From the “If you can’t beat them, hire them” file folder…

Looks like the bellhops have hired a former Furman OLman as their new OC

https://twitter.com/craighaley/status/1613923130157809665

Patrick Covington is a good man. We actually have a 3rd SoCon school ‘in the mix’ with this story. Patrick’s Dad, Dwight, played at WCU, but he got smarter and is now Director of Athletic Ticket Sales at Furman. Also, a very good man. Congrats to all. FUBeAR is happy for Patrick & family…even though he’s gonna be a bellhop.

[ElCid]

Here is what someone posted on our board regarding our new staff. Lots of positive vibes.

--------------------------------------
Maurice Drayton‘s new staff:

Raleigh Jackson defensive coordinator, he last was linebackers coach at Central Arkansas. He played at The Citadel for Kevin Higgins. His dad was a HS coach in South Carolina for 30 years

Patrick Covington- offensive coordinator. Comes from Lamar. Started at Air Force, spent a decade plus at Coastal Carolina. OC at Coastal for playoff runs in FCS and led the Offense to Sunbelt excellence in their 2nd and 3rd year in G5 football. Furman player for Bobby Lamb – Captain -All American So Con Champion as a player.

Keith Jones last coached at SCST. 40 years of college coaching with great success at Virginia Tech and Navy. Played at the Citadel for Red Parker and Bobby Ross.

David Sollazzo – last coached at Oceanside HS. Started at Guilford, Maryland, The Citadel, Villanova, had a 2nd time as a Maryland coach, UMass. David had 35+ years as a college coach. Citadel coach when the Citadel won a 1992 SoCon title, and had wins over Arkansas, App, Army, Navy, Furman and South Carolina. Citadel player for Bobby Ross and Ross had a legendary staff then that included assistants Beamer, Laycock, Friedgen, O’Leary.

Everette Sands- Last was a Coordinator Catawba – Coached for over 25 years at UTSA, Coastal, South Carolina, NCST, ETSU, Ohio and The Citadel. Former Citadel All-American fullback. He was why Travis Jervey didn’t start his first 4years at The Citadel. Played for Charlie Taaffe. Citadel player when the Citadel won a 1992 SoCon title, and had wins over Arkansas, App, Army, Navy, Furman and South Carolina.

Danny Lewis, Head Coach Heathwood Hall. 20 years of college experience with South Carolina State, Citadel Charleston Southern. He played Charleston Southern for David Dowd -assistant coach Jim Tomsula.

Jordan Pu'u-Robinson, who has coached at Mercer and Hawaii. Played for Norman Chow at Hawaii.

Joe Call who is retained from the old staff. He is the grandson of John McKissick the legendary Summerville Head Coach. Joe was his grandfather’s successor at Summerville HS as head football coach. Played for Don Powers and Ellis Johnson at the Citadel.

[FUBeAR]

Don’t think Patrick was OC @ CCU and, yes, he played for Coach Lamb as the Head Coach at Furman, but he is a Coach Hendrix ‘disciple.’ He played for Clay as his position Coach @ FU and then spent a year @ CCU doing S&C Coach stuff before Clay took him out to Air Force with him…until he went back to CCU as their OL Coach.

[The Cats]

Congratulations to Samford, Furman, Mercer, and Chattanooga on your top 25 final poll standings. Should make for a good start for the upcoming the 2023-24 season.

[SU DOG]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Western Carolina also makes that list next season.

[The Cats]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Western Carolina also makes that list next season.


xthumbsupx

[The Cats]

Lots of folks say that preseason poll means little, but try working your way to, then up the top 25 list, IF you are not on that initial preseason poll...

[Milktruck74]

Lots of folks say that preseason poll means little, but try working your way to, then up the top 25 list, IF you are not on that initial preseason poll...

Unfortunately this is sooooo true. Too many people want to be voters but don't want to put the time in to watch the games and see who is worthy of moving up. so they just look at a score a slot teams up or down!

[ElCid]

Unfortunately this is sooooo true. Too many people want to be voters but don't want to put the time in to watch the games and see who is worthy of moving up. so they just look at a score a slot teams up or down!

The whole slot voting concept is a little bit overblown. Teams move up and down slowly for various reasons. Mainly because people have a perception of a team, watched or unwatch, and ONE game isn't going to sway them to all of a sudden move them up 5 or ten slots just because they looked like world beaters in that game. Win two, three, four or five more, against decent competition, looking like that same outstanding team, and they will move up. I hate people moving untanked teams up 15 spots because they happen to beat a top ten team because they had a top season performance in one game, had the ball bounce their way or the other team was way off. Sure it might warrant jumping a team or two, but not necessarily. Same applies to high ranked teams who may have a WTF game to an unranked. Consistency, in both extremes, is usually required before any major reshuffling of teams happens.

I just think people who criticize voters for simply "slot" voting aren't always looking at the big picture. Not accusing you necessarily, but you did mention it. As always the true answer most likely lies somewhere between. Not to mention that everyone has their own glasses to weigh what matters while ranking. And we know that includes some who think winning isn't the always top factor. Which is funny. My musing and ramblings anyway.

[caribbeanhen]

Wouldn't surprise me in the least if Western Carolina also makes that list next season.

who will take over at QB ?

[FUBeAR]

The whole slot voting concept is a little bit overblown. Teams move up and down slowly for various reasons. Mainly because people have a perception of a team, watched or unwatch, and ONE game isn't going to sway them to all of a sudden move them up 5 or ten slots just because they looked like world beaters in that game. Win two, three, four or five more, against decent competition, looking like that same outstanding team, and they will move up. I hate people moving untanked teams up 15 spots because they happen to beat a top ten team because they had a top season performance in one game, had the ball bounce their way or the other team was way off. Sure it might warrant jumping a team or two, but not necessarily. Same applies to high ranked teams who may have a WTF game to an unranked. Consistency, in both extremes, is usually required before any major reshuffling of teams happens.

I just think people who criticize voters for simply "slot" voting aren't always looking at the big picture. Not accusing you necessarily, but you did mention it. As always the true answer most likely lies somewhere between. Not to mention that everyone has their own glasses to weigh what matters while ranking. And we know that includes some who think winning isn't the always top factor. Which is funny. My musing and ramblings anyway.
FUBeAR doesn’t know what “slot voting” is and he doesn’t care to know.

What FUBeAR sees and believes is wrongheaded is what we might call “Inertia Voting” - ‘a Team at the bottom tends to stay at the bottom’ and the obvious corollary, ‘a team at the top tends to stay at the top.’

So this probably goes directly against ElCid’s post proposing Teams should have to win up to 5 MORE games after they’ve “looked like world beaters” before they should move up. 6 games is over half the season! Votes are taken every week. If such a Team doesn’t “look like world beaters” the next week, very simply move them back down. The only reason not to do so is because voters take pride in their prior week vote being perfectly accurate…which, of course, it never is, nor could it or should it be.

Samford, this past season, was a perfect example of that. After beating #7 Kennesaw, many voters didn’t rank them and it took them almost all season to finally break into the Top 10 - when their only loss was was by 4 scores less, on the road, than the FBS runner-up lost to the FBS Champion on a neutral field. If voters had properly given their due, perhaps they would have been the #2 Seed in the Playoffs and wouldn’t have had to go the FCS Visitors certain Playoff Death in Fargo.

Just FOOLISHNESS.

In striking contrast to the Inertia Voting we see in FCS, when unranked Florida beat #8 Utah, the Gators went into the Top 10 the following poll…and dropped out after losing a few. All good. Samford didn’t lose…and if they had been installed (properly) into the Top 10 after beating Kennesaw, maybe they would have been in position to move into a more appropriate spot in the Top 3 or so by the end of the season.

It works the other way too. Teams at the top should be held to a higher standard. When they don’t win, they need to drop - a lot - Top Teams don’t lose. Don’t care if they are playing an also highly ranked Team. One of them needs to drop 6-10 spots and show they deserve to be where they were by getting back on the winning track - as Utah did - winning the PAC12 Championship and finishing in the Top 10 after dropping to around #20 when Florida beat them.

#StopInertiaVoting
#DefundTheCommittee

[ElCid]

FUBeAR doesn’t know what “slot voting” is and he doesn’t care to know.

What FUBeAR sees and believes is wrongheaded is what we might call “Inertia Voting” - ‘a Team at the bottom tends to stay at the bottom’ and the obvious corollary, ‘a team at the top tends to stay at the top.’

So this probably goes directly against ElCid’s post proposing Teams should have to win up to 5 MORE games after they’ve “looked like world beaters” before they should move up. 6 games is over half the season! Votes are taken every week. If such a Team doesn’t “look like world beaters” the next week, very simply move them back down. The only reason not to do so is because voters take pride in their prior week vote being perfectly accurate…which, of course, it never is, nor could it or should it be.

Samford, this past season, was a perfect example of that. After beating #7 Kennesaw, many voters didn’t rank them and it took them almost all season to finally break into the Top 10 - when their only loss was was by 4 scores less, on the road, than the FBS runner-up lost to the FBS Champion on a neutral field. If voters had properly given their due, perhaps they would have been the #2 Seed in the Playoffs and wouldn’t have had to go the FCS Visitors certain Playoff Death in Fargo.

Just FOOLISHNESS.

In striking contrast to the Inertia Voting we see in FCS, when unranked Florida beat #8 Utah, the Gators went into the Top 10 the following poll…and dropped out after losing a few. All good. Samford didn’t lose…and if they had been installed (properly) into the Top 10 after beating Kennesaw, maybe they would have been in position to move into a more appropriate spot in the Top 3 or so by the end of the season.

It works the other way too. Teams at the top should be held to a higher standard. When they don’t win, they need to drop - a lot - Top Teams don’t lose. Don’t care if they are playing an also highly ranked Team. One of them needs to drop 6-10 spots and show they deserve to be where they were by getting back on the winning track - as Utah did - winning the PAC12 Championship and finishing in the Top 10 after dropping to around #20 when Florida beat them.

#StopInertiaVoting
#DefundTheCommittee

I never said five was mandatory. That is gravy, but I was trying convey that you must have CONSISTENCY. Doing well, while losing gets you only so far. Winning one, then two, then three, then four, then five, etc, all against decent competition should move you up. Maybe jumping other winning teams, maybe not. Winning one game against a good opponent should only get you on the radar on the minimum. A bigger picture is needed. Maybe move a couple, few spots depending on the who, where, how. But looking at one game doesn't show anything that might warrant going from a non ranked to a top 10 or even 15. I've seen too many people rank teams way too high for a win or two only to drop them when reality set in because a voters view was too narrow.

[FUBeAR]

I never said five was mandatory. That is gravy, but I was trying convey that you must have CONSISTENCY. Doing well, while losing gets you only so far. Winning one, then two, then three, then four, then five, etc, all against decent competition should move you up. Maybe jumping other winning teams, maybe not. Winning one game against a good opponent should only get you on the radar on the minimum. A bigger picture is needed. Maybe move a couple, few spots depending on the who, where, how. But looking at one game doesn't show anything that might warrant going from a non ranked to a top 10 or even 15. I've seen too many people rank teams way too high for a win or two only to drop them when reality set in because a voters view was too narrow.
And what was the harm of “ranking them too high…only to drop them when reality set in?” FUBeAR asserts the only harm is the voter’s pride and perhaps fragile ego is briefly damaged.

FUBeAR has already demonstrated the harm of Inertia Voting, so he’ll save the redundancy of restatement.

He will go further and augment his prior post though. In this, the Portal Era, pre-season rankings, always an exercise in digital pub darts, has now removed the feathers from those electronic missiles. Nobody is going to stop doing pre-season rankings because they are fun and generate clicks. So, pontificating about how they shouldn’t be done is a pipe dream and/or just so much puffery. Instead, though, voters could and should be even more open to what they have been so averse (as FUBeAR’s good friend, ElCid embodies) to do - completely blow up their rankings every week based on results on the field, as opposed to sticking with biased and FAR less informed preseason dart boards, which almost always now must include the 5 feet of surrounding wall space to contain ALL of the preseason misses - like Kennesaw, MiseryState, et al were in 2022. By about week 8-10, things MIGHT calm down. Until then, every voter SHOULD start each week with a blank board and 25 new projectiles with a few more feathers than they had the week before.

#StopInertiaVoting
#DefundTheCommittee

[ElCid]

Well as I mentioned initially, going to either extreme is probably a bad thing. The truth, the correct placement, probably lies somewhere in-between.

[FUBeAR]

Well as I mentioned initially, going to either extreme is probably a bad thing. The truth, the correct placement, probably lies somewhere in-between.
Maybe…before the Portal Era. Not now though, with some Teams - 3 in the SoCon come immediately to mind - turning over 30, 40, or even 50% of their roster in a year.

Rack ‘em & re-rack ‘em every week - start ‘em wherever you want - use last year’s performance, your in-depth analysis of their Coaching / Roster turnover, Alphabetically, or by your assessment of the relative ferocity of their mascots (FUBeAR is a Western Illinois man using that metric). It doesn’t matter. Re-rack ‘em after Week 1 and Week 2 - still doesn’t matter…much. Some limited clarity / separation should begin to emerge in Week 3. More in Weeks 4 & 5. While still allowing for multiple Helium Balloons or Freighter Anchors in Weeks 7-9, a fairly informed assessment is somewhat achievable. By the final weeks, assuming most poll voters have avoided Inertia Voting and have fought very, very, very, very, very hard to remove their own personal and pre-season / early season biases on the loading dock, a poll should be fairly reflective of Teams’ performances during the season in question.

Or we can just do what we’ve always done, ignore the changes the portal has wrought upon us, stand pat with our pockets full of that fool’s gold known as “conventional wisdom,” and give our ego’s the fulsome stroking they merit.

[SCPALADIN]

Would love to hear ppl's thoughts on where SoCon teams may be ranked in the pre-season polls.

[FUBeAR]

Would love to hear ppl's thoughts on where SoCon teams may be ranked in the pre-season polls.
FUBeAR has FU in the Top 3. Assuming Samford reloads via the portal and hires a solid replacement for Coach Hatcher, gotta have those Bulldogs in the Top 5. Mercer should be in the Top 10 just ahead of Chattanooga, who should also be in the Top 10. WCU may be Top 15, but think they need to prove their way there - no lower than #20 though.

Might include ETSU in the Top 25, but that’s a bit of stretch. Wofford, CIT, and VMI will all field improved Teams and will win OOC games and upset some of the Top 6 as they make their way thru the SoCon gauntlet, but hard to see any of those 3 ranked in the pre-season.

[The Cats]

Fubear is very generous with his SoCon preseason rankings today...

[SU DOG]

FUB what is this with the continuous Hatcher is gone? His contract isn't up until after this 2023 season, and Samford sure isn't buying him out after last season's success. I don't follow your logic unless you were thinking it was up after the 2022 campaign.

[The Cats]

FUB what is this with the continuous Hatcher is gone? His contract isn't up until after this 2023 season, and Samford sure isn't buying him out after last season's success. I don't follow your logic unless you were thinking it was up after the 2022 campaign.

He's just stirring the pot...

[FUBeAR]

FUB what is this with the continuous Hatcher is gone? His contract isn't up until after this 2023 season, and Samford sure isn't buying him out after last season's success. I don't follow your logic unless you were thinking it was up after the 2022 campaign.
Yeah - thought it was only thru 2022 season. Still, seems after last season, Samford might wanna lock him down. Used to be that Recruits cared if a Coach was recruiting them with less than 4-5 yrs on their contract, but with the new raft of new 1 year Players Samford brought in last year and again this year (with more to come, most likely), probably doesn’t matter to the mercenaries quite so much.

[PaladinNation]

Coach Hendrix again appears to have replaced an assistant coach with another impressive coach.
Wilcox leaves to coach RB at UCON.
Furman hires ETSU grad Corey Colder.
Colder has coached running backs at Davidson the last two years.
From comments he's also an elite recruiter.
https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2023/1/13/cory-colder-joins-furman-football-staff.aspx

In an interesting move, Furman has promoted André Bernardi to Associate Head Coach. If you're saying who is that, I don't blame you. Bernardi's other titles are Assistant AD/Director of Strength and Conditioning. Bernardi's work was on display with this season's football teams, physicality, and stamina.

Final note, this isn't a football topic but it again highlights the investment made in Furman Basketball. Furman Basketball has received a 10 million dollar pledge from Alum Ravenel Curry for the complete renovation of Timmons Arena.FYI that is the biggest gift in Furman Athletics history. Furman appears to have already secured 25 mill towards the whopping 40 mill needed. There are some accidental posted images of the design out there on the interwebs. My point here is Furman AD and the Furman Admin appear to be all in on Furman BB being a top player in Mid-Major Basketball.

https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2023/1/17/mens-basketball-ravenel-curry-pledges-historical-gift-for-furmans-timmons-arena-renovation.aspx

[kdinva]

fine story on VMI's long-snapper Robert Soderholm.....all star games, USA reservist, NFL hopeful.

https://roanoke.com/sports/college/bowls-to-give-vmi-long-snapper-soderholm-chance-to-impress-nfl-teams/article_610819f6-9d22-11ed-ba3d-17cd8557446e.html

[PaladinNation]

Signing day part two starts today.
Furman by my count has 8 commitments—a few of those I believe are PWOs.

Per CCH's interview on Monday, Furman is leaving a few spots open for a few players that will be graduating in May and plan to be grad transfers.

[FUBeAR]

https://mercerbears.com/news/2023/2/2/football-mercer-north-alabama-to-meet-in-2023-fcs-kickoff.aspx

Mercer, North Alabama To Meet In 2023 FCS Kickoff

Ninth annual FCS Kickoff to be played Saturday, Aug. 26 at historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery

[ElCid]

Looks like our new coach and staff have hit the ground running. Snapped up a couple local fellas that were looking hard at a couple G5s, but were convinced to stay in the Low Country. I like the additions of a couple TEs.

Not mentioned here is a Grad Transfer QB as well, from Harvard. Not sure how he fits as an apparent pocket passer. But that was rumor on our board. Don't have anything definitive on him.

In any event, apparently lots of excitement in Charleston. Having a bunch of capable grads on staff may be what was needed to give us a seriously needed jolt of enthusiasm all around. I'm optimistic. Can't wait to see how our O scheme flushes out. I'm not keen to abandon the option, but at the very least a new option look, with some innovative wrinkles, is in order given the new pansy blocking rules pushed by the P5 powers that be.

https://citadelsports.com/news/2023/2/1/football-bulldogs-announce-signing-class.aspx

[FUBeAR]

Thoughts?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NKeYay-Pp8

[Milktruck74]

Still not as good as Hot Hot Hot!!!

But how can you write an Ode to a town and not mention the BEST part about the entire place? He didn't say a single word about the 43 (this number has been verified by my 9 and 10 yr olds on two separate trips) different places to get a taco or burrito on Hwy 25 between the Berea Post office and 185!!! A Furple OL could eat at a different Mexican place before every game of their career and still wouldn't double up before their senior year!!!! And for Ol Fubie, I think I saw a Mexican Buffet!!!!! Now that is Livin on the edge!!!

[PaladinNation]

Furman fills it's DB coaching slot-with what appears to be an excellent hire:
https://twitter.com/JohnDBrice1/status/1633506889873911808

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1636195142095851523

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1639408056340475905

[ElCid]

Well, looks like we will be forced to give up our primary option scheme. The FBS crybabies got their way in changing the blocking rules. Ultimately they hated having to prep for it and all but the most disciplined teams could get burned, which we did on occasion. They certainly didn't like that. I think the talk about mostly staying with running in the article below is just talk for those fans who were dead set against changing it. I'm sure we will see very little of our standard option. But I could be wrong. We will see.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/citadel/the-citadel-opens-spring-practice-with-new-coach-new-offense-and-new-attitude/article_aed21ebe-c8d5-11ed-a2c7-c3c68beeeebf.html

From the article:

Graeson Underwood almost did a double take when he saw The Citadel’s new offensive playbook.

Gone was the run-heavy, three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense that the Bulldogs have run for much of the past decade.

In its place, new head football coach Maurice Drayton will install more of a spread offense, utilizing shotgun formations with three, four and sometimes five wide receivers.

While the option game will still be a central component of The Citadel’s offensive attack, expect to see the ball in the air a little more this fall.

[caribbeanhen]

Well, looks like we will be forced to give up our primary option scheme. The FBS crybabies got their way in changing the blocking rules. Ultimately they hated having to prep for it and all but the most disciplined teams could get burned, which we did on occasion. They certainly didn't like that. I think the talk about mostly staying with running in the article below is just talk for those fans who were dead set against changing it. I'm sure we will see very little of our standard option. But I could be wrong. We will see.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/citadel/the-citadel-opens-spring-practice-with-new-coach-new-offense-and-new-attitude/article_aed21ebe-c8d5-11ed-a2c7-c3c68beeeebf.html

From the article:

Graeson Underwood almost did a double take when he saw The Citadel’s new offensive playbook.

Gone was the run-heavy, three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense that the Bulldogs have run for much of the past decade.

In its place, new head football coach Maurice Drayton will install more of a spread offense, utilizing shotgun formations with three, four and sometimes five wide receivers.

While the option game will still be a central component of The Citadel’s offensive attack, expect to see the ball in the air a little more this fall.

Well for lack of better phraseology ….that sucks

[ElCid]

Well for lack of better phraseology ….that sucks

Yeah. And since we had recruited for the option, like a somewhat smaller O line by design, our pass blocking is not exactly sterling. Throw in utilizing the shotgun, and I can see just a few errant snaps initially. Unless it comes together fast, we will be in for a learning curve and most likely a disappointing season.

[Libertine]

Well, looks like we will be forced to give up our primary option scheme. The FBS crybabies got their way in changing the blocking rules. Ultimately they hated having to prep for it and all but the most disciplined teams could get burned, which we did on occasion. They certainly didn't like that. I think the talk about mostly staying with running in the article below is just talk for those fans who were dead set against changing it. I'm sure we will see very little of our standard option. But I could be wrong. We will see.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/citadel/the-citadel-opens-spring-practice-with-new-coach-new-offense-and-new-attitude/article_aed21ebe-c8d5-11ed-a2c7-c3c68beeeebf.html



I don't know how you got "forced to give up the option" anywhere out of that article. In fact, Drayton specifically says the opposite:


“The option is our identity and it’s the core of who we are,” Drayton said. “We are an option-based outfit, we’re just going to have some different bells and whistles to it.”

It sounds like you guys are just going to be more multiple in your sets which, if anything, makes you harder to prepare for.

[caribbeanhen]

Yeah. And since we had recruited for the option, like a somewhat smaller O line by design, our pass blocking is not exactly sterling. Throw in utilizing the shotgun, and I can see just a few errant snaps initially. Unless it comes together fast, we will be in for a learning curve and most likely a disappointing season.

like Wofford 2.0

[ElCid]

I don't know how you got "forced to give up the option" anywhere out of that article. In fact, Drayton specifically says the opposite:



It sounds like you guys are just going to be more multiple in your sets which, if anything, makes you harder to prepare for.

It wasn't in the article. The latest blocking rules, enacted last year I think, pushed by certain well know FBS coaches, really hamstring options teams. Navy, AF, us, anyone who runs it was negatively affected. And as I said, he is probably talking as he is for the masses, and not what will happen.

[ElCid]

like Wofford 2.0

Yeah, took them a bit to get out of the starting gate.

[The Cats]

Catamount Football Through 10 Practices This Spring - Western Carolina University (catamountsports.com) (https://catamountsports.com/news/2023/4/1/catamount-football-through-10-practices-this-spring.aspx)

(https://catamountsports.com/news/2023/4/1/catamount-football-through-10-practices-this-spring.aspx)
https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1642593423164071936

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1642206429200220160

[ElCid]

Catamount Football Through 10 Practices This Spring - Western Carolina University (catamountsports.com) (https://catamountsports.com/news/2023/4/1/catamount-football-through-10-practices-this-spring.aspx)

(https://catamountsports.com/news/2023/4/1/catamount-football-through-10-practices-this-spring.aspx)
https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1642593423164071936

https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1642206429200220160

Except it was not a beautiful spring Saturday though, as mentioned above. Yuck. Cloudy and gale force winds all over western NC all day Saturday. Nicer today.

[SU DOG]

Samford welcomes back TE Michael Vice who entered the Portal of 2022 and played at Troy. At Samford in 2021 he was the 2nd leading receiver behind only superstar Montrell Washington. That season Vice had 44 receptions for 518 yds and 4 TDs. This past season at Troy he didn't have a bad year with 105 yds and 1 TD. I imagine he had expected to be targeted more, however. At any rate, Samford is happy that the local has returned. At 6-4 and about 255, Vice is an outstanding blocker and obviously a great receiver (see his 58 yard TD vs Florida that put Samford ahead at the time).

The more I look at our players for this upcoming season, the more optimistic I become.

[Mocs123]

Well, looks like we will be forced to give up our primary option scheme. The FBS crybabies got their way in changing the blocking rules. Ultimately they hated having to prep for it and all but the most disciplined teams could get burned, which we did on occasion. They certainly didn't like that. I think the talk about mostly staying with running in the article below is just talk for those fans who were dead set against changing it. I'm sure we will see very little of our standard option. But I could be wrong. We will see.

https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/citadel/the-citadel-opens-spring-practice-with-new-coach-new-offense-and-new-attitude/article_aed21ebe-c8d5-11ed-a2c7-c3c68beeeebf.html

From the article:

Graeson Underwood almost did a double take when he saw The Citadel’s new offensive playbook.

Gone was the run-heavy, three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense that the Bulldogs have run for much of the past decade.

In its place, new head football coach Maurice Drayton will install more of a spread offense, utilizing shotgun formations with three, four and sometimes five wide receivers.

While the option game will still be a central component of The Citadel’s offensive attack, expect to see the ball in the air a little more this fall.

I agree, that is a real shame. Not that watching the option was always pretty, but I always thought it was the identity for The Citadel and fitting for them. In all honesty, I thought it was a great equalizer for both The Citadel and Wofford, where they might not be able to recruit the top athletes in FCS but played smart, tough, and gritty.

[The Cats]

Championship or Bust!!!

(https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1647387511948460032)
https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1647387511948460032

[FUBeAR]

Championship or Bust!!!


(https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1647387511948460032)
https://twitter.com/Catamounts/status/1647387511948460032


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gz-yA8CtsfQ/hqdefault.jpg

[The Cats]

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gz-yA8CtsfQ/hqdefault.jpg


Here's hoping you got that one wrong. I think it's finally our time to shine...

[kdinva]

VMI Spring update;

https://roanoke.com/sports/college/new-vmi-coach-danny-rocco-scrapping-air-raid-offense/article_92932b86-dd33-11ed-b0df-df0ff11a8f70.html

Air raid about gone.....more two-back sets, slight changes to the defense.

[SU DOG]

Five Offseason Questions For Samford Football by Sam Herder - HERO Sports

FCS: 5 Offseason Questions For Samford Football - HERO Sports (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-2023-offseason-questions-samford-bzbz/)

Legit questions, that are food for thought, but unanswerable at this time of course. Just some thoughts that I have (barring injuries and unforeseen of course) is that the offense is ready made. I see absolutely no drop off in WRs, O-Line, or RBs. We expect Hiers to be Hiers. With all that said the offense may actually be a bit better than last year.

Defense is totally another story. Another season where some players have to step it up. Plenty of talent to provide a good unit, but will new players mesh? I am optimistic, but many more questions here than on the offensive side.

I also agree that the non - D-1 opponent could hurt us, but actually it is the lack of another D-1`win that could bring unfavorable consideration at Playoff selection time.

[FUBeAR]

Five Offseason Questions For Samford Football by Sam Herder - HERO Sports

FCS: 5 Offseason Questions For Samford Football - HERO Sports (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-2023-offseason-questions-samford-bzbz/)

Legit questions, that are food for thought, but unanswerable at this time of course. Just some thoughts that I have (barring injuries and unforeseen of course) is that the offense is ready made. I see absolutely no drop off in WRs, O-Line, or RBs. We expect Hiers to be Hiers. With all that said the offense may actually be a bit better than last year.

Defense is totally another story. Another season where some players have to step it up. Plenty of talent to provide a good unit, but will new players mesh? I am optimistic, but many more questions here than on the offensive side.

I also agree that the non - D-1 opponent could hurt us, but actually it is the lack of another D-1`win that could bring unfavorable consideration at Playoff selection time.
Biggest question around Samford’s potential to repeat as SoCon Champions is how they will overcome the loss of Thomas Graham.

[SU DOG]

The old term 'Beating a Dead Horse' has just been taken to a whole nother level.

[FUBeAR]

The old term 'Beating a Dead Horse' has just been taken to a whole nother level.
https://twitter.com/soconsports/status/1576950374606327808
https://w0.peakpx.com/wallpaper/93/657/HD-wallpaper-never-forget-thumbnail.jpg

[Catamount87]

FUBeAR, are you going to be like Dallas Cowboys fans screaming "IT WAS A CATCH"?

[Reign of Terrier]

like Wofford 2.0


Yeah, took them a bit to get out of the starting gate.


I agree, that is a real shame. Not that watching the option was always pretty, but I always thought it was the identity for The Citadel and fitting for them. In all honesty, I thought it was a great equalizer for both The Citadel and Wofford, where they might not be able to recruit the top athletes in FCS but played smart, tough, and gritty.

I will beat a dead horse and say that the reason Wofford sucked the last couple years had little to do with pivoting to the option and much to do with our head coach being an absolute jerk that everyone pretty much hated. That may sound like excuse making but when your veteran OC who was facilitating the transition from option to pro-set retires because football's not fun anymore (when we were scoring points in the new system), you have 2 all conference players transfer mid-season, and rumors flying that players are basically telling people they're not giving 100% because they want him fired, it's not the option.

I think "the top athletes of the FCS" is sort of a misnomer. There's lot of parity at this level, and it's really coaching staffs that develop players at this level. Okay, *maybe* one can get FBS transfers that don't work out at a higher level, but those that do often find themselves at schools with great coaching staffs. It's no coincidence that NDSU had 3 QBs drafted and that most all-conference lists comprise of upperclassmen.

As for offseason updates, here's what's happened at Wofford:

The terriers made some shuffling on the coaching staff, switching our tight end coach (who used to be a pretty good OL coach at limestone fwiw) with our OL coach (who wasn't doing a good job). So now Dane Romero is passing game coordinator and tight end coach. We had our "co-defensive coordinator" leave staff for a job at Troy. I don't think that coach was a bad coach, but I don't think he was ready for the responsibility of full-time DC work. Warwick is now our sole DC, and our head coach Watson is also the OC (by himself).

Lot of folks in Terrier world wished we interviewed or hired another head coach, but I sincerely think Watson is doing the small things right. If you told me when Ayers retired that our offensive coordinator would be the former OC at Texas and our defensive coordinator was the former DC at Jacksonville State, I'd think we'd be in a good position.

We still have a fairly young staff, and there's a lot to clean up from Conklin, but I'm genuinely optimistic about this upcoming season. There was noticeable improvement in our offense after JC was fired, and sure, some of that may be attributed to a drop off in competition (I can't remember?), but we played well against Samford on short notice, and Weirick's performance was measurably leaps and bounds better. From what little I hear nowadays about the vibe in Spartanburg, it's head and shoulders better than last year.

The Socon is always the wild west, and I am obviously a Wofford homer, but I do think we can get .500 or above this season. I'll get roasted for saying this, but I think we can take the fight to William & Mary, simply because I think the aggregate socon schedule is tougher than the CAA, and I think they'll be looking past us and underestimating us. I could be wrong about that, but a dark horse Socon team upsetting W&M in Williamsburg has happened before. Again, I could be wrong - but I'm confident that the floor on this Wofford team is higher than most people who get paid to write about them think it is.

[Tribe4SF]

I will beat a dead horse and say that the reason Wofford sucked the last couple years had little to do with pivoting to the option and much to do with our head coach being an absolute jerk that everyone pretty much hated. That may sound like excuse making but when your veteran OC who was facilitating the transition from option to pro-set retires because football's not fun anymore (when we were scoring points in the new system), you have 2 all conference players transfer mid-season, and rumors flying that players are basically telling people they're not giving 100% because they want him fired, it's not the option.

I think "the top athletes of the FCS" is sort of a misnomer. There's lot of parity at this level, and it's really coaching staffs that develop players at this level. Okay, *maybe* one can get FBS transfers that don't work out at a higher level, but those that do often find themselves at schools with great coaching staffs. It's no coincidence that NDSU had 3 QBs drafted and that most all-conference lists comprise of upperclassmen.

As for offseason updates, here's what's happened at Wofford:

The terriers made some shuffling on the coaching staff, switching our tight end coach (who used to be a pretty good OL coach at limestone fwiw) with our OL coach (who wasn't doing a good job). So now Dane Romero is passing game coordinator and tight end coach. We had our "co-defensive coordinator" leave staff for a job at Troy. I don't think that coach was a bad coach, but I don't think he was ready for the responsibility of full-time DC work. Warwick is now our sole DC, and our head coach Watson is also the OC (by himself).

Lot of folks in Terrier world wished we interviewed or hired another head coach, but I sincerely think Watson is doing the small things right. If you told me when Ayers retired that our offensive coordinator would be the former OC at Texas and our defensive coordinator was the former DC at Jacksonville State, I'd think we'd be in a good position.

We still have a fairly young staff, and there's a lot to clean up from Conklin, but I'm genuinely optimistic about this upcoming season. There was noticeable improvement in our offense after JC was fired, and sure, some of that may be attributed to a drop off in competition (I can't remember?), but we played well against Samford on short notice, and Weirick's performance was measurably leaps and bounds better. From what little I hear nowadays about the vibe in Spartanburg, it's head and shoulders better than last year.

The Socon is always the wild west, and I am obviously a Wofford homer, but I do think we can get .500 or above this season. I'll get roasted for saying this, but I think we can take the fight to William & Mary, simply because I think the aggregate socon schedule is tougher than the CAA, and I think they'll be looking past us and underestimating us. I could be wrong about that, but a dark horse Socon team upsetting W&M in Williamsburg has happened before. Again, I could be wrong - but I'm confident that the floor on this Wofford team is higher than most people who get paid to write about them think it is.

As to how seriously the Tribe will take the Terriers it will have more to do with how you perform against Pitt than anything else. Game week preparation will be the same as for any other game. W&M is a mature team and I doubt we will overlook anyone. We'll also have two extra days to prepare.

Expectations are high in Williamsburg with 17 starters returning and 41 of 48 on last year's 2-deep. The eight top rushers all return and 17 of the top 20 tacklers on D.

[FUBeAR]

Expectations are high in Williamsburg with 17 starters returning and 41 of 48 on last year's 2-deep. The eight top rushers all return and 17 of the top 20 tacklers on D.Same bunch that lost to Elon last year, who was then blown the <F> out of the stadium by the SoCon runner-up…and the same bunch last seen losing by nearly half a hundred?

Expecting those 5 new starters and 2 other new peeps on the 2-deep can really BRING IT, FUBeAR would assume.

[Tribe4SF]

Same bunch that lost to Elon last year, who was then blown the <F> out of the stadium by the SoCon runner-up…and the same bunch last seen losing by nearly half a hundred?

Expecting those 5 new starters and 2 other new peeps on the 2-deep can really BRING IT, FUBeAR would assume.

xlolx The horse is dead. You can stop beating it now.

[Reign of Terrier]

The reality )that no one who follows FCS really humors) is that every game has a spectrum of possible outcomes that may or may not reflect the "true" quality of each team.

Just look at the current NBA playoffs (if you're into such things). Just look how close Furman played Incarnate Word on the road and how IW played NDSU (and contrast that with how Samford minus their starting QB did).

In this way, I'm bullish on uncertainty in prognosticating these things and on most FCS teams with full scholarship allotment (minus the regular tier 1 teams like NDSU, SDSU, etc.) being at basic parity with each other.

One of Wofford's worst teams in the last generation "only" lost to a playoff Elon team by 26, and if they lined up a couple months later, I think we'd be more competitive.

I don't know how good Wofford will be this year other than better than last year. Given how improved and competitive we were down the stretch last year, how tough the socon is, and how our schedule may shape up, this game could give Wofford at large considerations with a victory.

If Wofford is a bubble team (and it doesn't take much at this level to elevate oneself to bottom feeder to bubble), they can beat William & Mary.

[Tribe4SF]

The reality )that no one who follows FCS really humors) is that every game has a spectrum of possible outcomes that may or may not reflect the "true" quality of each team.

Just look at the current NBA playoffs (if you're into such things). Just look how close Furman played Incarnate Word on the road and how IW played NDSU (and contrast that with how Samford minus their starting QB did).

In this way, I'm bullish on uncertainty in prognosticating these things and on most FCS teams with full scholarship allotment (minus the regular tier 1 teams like NDSU, SDSU, etc.) being at basic parity with each other.

One of Wofford's worst teams in the last generation "only" lost to a playoff Elon team by 26, and if they lined up a couple months later, I think we'd be more competitive.

I don't know how good Wofford will be this year other than better than last year. Given how improved and competitive we were down the stretch last year, how tough the socon is, and how our schedule may shape up, this game could give Wofford at large considerations with a victory.

If Wofford is a bubble team (and it doesn't take much at this level to elevate oneself to bottom feeder to bubble), they can beat William & Mary.

All true. Need only look at the improvement the Tribe made from 2021 to 2022.

Will be good to have you guys in town. We haven't played since 1988 and only twice all time.

[FUBeAR]

#
Player
Position
SoCon Affiliation
Most Recent College Team
Signed / Tryout with…


1
Ryan Miller
WR/TE
Furman
Furman
Tampa Bay Bucs


2
David Durden
WR/RS
Mercer
West Florida
Dallas Cowboys


3
McClendon Curtis
OL
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Las Vegas Raiders


4
Devonsha Maxwell
DL
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Cincinnati Bengals


5
Ty Boeck
LB
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Indianapolis Colts


6
Lucas Lavin
OL
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Ottawa RedBlacks (CFL)


7
Reece Udinski
QB
VMI
Richmond
Seattle Seahawks


8
Rob Soderholm
LS
VMI
VMI
Seattle Seahawks


9
Kris Thornton
WR
VMI
JMU
Baltimore Ravens


10
Cameron McCutcheon
CB
WCU
WCU
Los Angeles Rams


11
Jacob Saylors
RB
ETSU
ETSU
Cincinnati Bengals


12
Tyree Robinson
CB
ETSU
ETSU
Michigan Panthers (USFL)


13
Artevius Smith
CB
ETSU
ETSU
Wrocław Panthers (European League)


14
Nate Adkins
TE
ETSU
South Carolina
Denver Broncos


15
Nathan East
LB
Samford
Samford
Los Angeles Chargers


16
Kendall Watson
WR
Samford
Samford
Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)


SoCon-related Free Agent Signings / Draft Picks.
Feel free to post any FUBeAR misses and he will try to add them to the table…

[Catamount87]

#
Player
Position
SoCon Affiliation
Most Recent College Team
Signed / Tryout with…


1
Ryan Miller
WR/TE
Furman
Furman
Tampa Bay Bucs


2
David Durden
WR/RS
Mercer
West Florida
Dallas Cowboys


3
McClendon Curtis
OL
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Las Vegas Raiders


4
Devonsha Maxwell
DL
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Cincinnati Bengals


5
Ty Boeck
LB
Chattanooga
Chattanooga
Indianapolis Colts


6
Reece Udinski
QB
VMI
Richmond
Seattle Seahawks


7
Rob Soderholm
LS
VMI
VMI
Seattle Seahawks


8
Cameron McCutcheon
CB
WCU
WCU
Los Angeles Rams


9
Jacob Saylors
RB
ETSU
ETSU
Cincinnati Bengals


10
Tyree Robinson
CB
ETSU
ETSU
Michigan Panthers (USFL)


11
Artevius Smith
CB
ETSU
ETSU
Wrocław Panthers (European League)


12
Nathan East
LB
Samford
Samford
Los Angeles Chargers










SoCon-related Free Agent Signings.
Feel free to post any FUBeAR misses and he will try to add them to the table…

Wouldn't it be great if every one of these guys not only made the roster but became integral parts of each of the teams as either starters or top 2nd stringers.

I've always felt often the talent is there in the SoCon and FCS but what's missing is the stronger coaching/teaching of FBS/P5 in how to make it at the next level. I'll use WCU's Detrez Newsome as an example. He clearly had the skills but the other backs on the Chargers had better college coaching that prepared them for the NFL.

[caribbeanhen]

As to how seriously the Tribe will take the Terriers it will have more to do with how you perform against Pitt than anything else. Game week preparation will be the same as for any other game. W&M is a mature team and I doubt we will overlook anyone. We'll also have two extra days to prepare.

Expectations are high in Williamsburg with 17 starters returning and 41 of 48 on last year's 2-deep. The eight top rushers all return and 17 of the top 20 tacklers on D.

No pressure but a nice 38-14 drubbing of Wofford is a must

[Milktruck74]

When people think Raider OLs, the mind goes to Art Shell, Gene UpShaw. (maybe the center that had a mental meltdown the night before the superbowl and went AWOL for the game), but..... McClendon Curtis as a Raider reminds me so much of "Killer" Henry Lawrence.

Both are HUGE MEN.
Both are from small schools (famu/utc)
Both are everybody's favorite teammate
Both are truly gentle souls
Both are the a coach's dreams...hardest working man on the field
Both had to constantly prove themselves at every stop on the way
Both are multi-talented off the field as well

Killer Curtis!!!!

[Mocs123]

Not sure if you're tracking the CLF or not, but Lukas Lavin was drafted by the Ottawa RedBlacks....

https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/1653421124246446083

[FUBeAR]

Not sure if you're tracking the CLF or not, but Lukas Lavin was drafted by the Ottawa RedBlacks....

https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/1653421124246446083Sure - FUBeAR loves the RedBlacks. One of the youth, middle school, and HS Players he Coached is their star Punter. Played QB/Punter/Kicker for FUBeAR’s Teams. Great kid.

Congrats to the the SwedishSanFranciscanColoradoanChattanooganCanadian TrainShoeBirdSnakeRedBlack!!! Added to the list/table.

[Mocs123]

Lukas has certainly used football to be able to see the world.

[SU DOG]

Well, if we are going CFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders recently signed Kendall Watson, WR Samford.

[FUBeAR]

Hey MilkTruck - FUBeAR is otw to see his 92 year old MamaFUBeAR in Raleigh. GPS for a lunch stop is set for Speedy’s Barbecue in Lexington. LittleMissFUBeAR is taking future SILFUBeAR up to meet her Grandma before the nuptials in 3 weeks (taking place up pretty darn close to ElCid’s nape of the woods).

Speedy’s is YOUR place, right? You wanna call ahead to make sure we get the full MilkTruck treatment? ETA is 2:04 PM ET.

[FUBeAR]

Well, if we are going CFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders recently signed Kendall Watson, WR Samford.
Congrats to Mr. Watson; added.

[TribeNomad1]

Well, if we are going CFL, the Saskatchewan Roughriders recently signed Kendall Watson, WR Samford.

So, elementary that he was chosen?

[FUBeAR]

Hey MilkTruck - FUBeAR is otw to see his 92 year old MamaFUBeAR in Raleigh. GPS for a lunch stop is set for Speedy’s Barbecue in Lexington. LittleMissFUBeAR is taking future SILFUBeAR up to meet her Grandma before the nuptials in 3 weeks (taking place up pretty darn close to ElCid’s nape of the woods).

Speedy’s is YOUR place, right? You wanna call ahead to make sure we get the full MilkTruck treatment? ETA is 2:04 PM ET.
https://i.postimg.cc/nctqNQCG/IMG-1600.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/LsyrbpDj/IMG-1602.jpg

[Bisonoline]

https://i.postimg.cc/nctqNQCG/IMG-1600.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/LsyrbpDj/IMG-1602.jpg

What the hell is that stuff?????

[FUBeAR]

What the hell is that stuff?????
Lexington (NC) style pulled pork (shoulder) BBQ plate with potato salad, slaw, and hush puppies!!

YUM! - Eastern NC style BBQ is better, but this is plenty good!!!

[caribbeanhen]

Lexington (NC) style pulled pork plate with potato salad, slaw, and hush puppies!!

YUM! - Eastern NC BBQ is better, but this is plenty good!!!

I thought you might be in New Orleans with the Mardi Gras look

[Milktruck74]

Lexington (NC) style pulled pork (shoulder) BBQ plate with potato salad, slaw, and hush puppies!!

YUM! - Eastern NC style BBQ is better, but this is plenty good!!!

So FuBear....How does SPeedy's compare to Stamey's? I always felt that Speedy's got the slight nod due to the ambiance of the block wall and brick building with the gravel parking lot and the paper wrapped sammies in a grease soaked brown paper bag (BBQ ain't supposed to be all fancy)....but now that the buildings aren't much different, the Hog Rock might slide on up there beside.

[Milktruck74]

Just doing a little end of the semester portal tracking for the SoCon. Looking at those that enterend the portal (out) vs those that were picked up from it (in) and looking at D1 only (FCS/FBS)..

Chattanooga +5 (11 in 6 out)
ETSU -20 (6 in 26 out)
Furman - 2 (1 in 3 out)
Mercer -3 (3 in 6 out)
Sammy +5 (10 in 5 out)
Citadel -2 (1 in 3 out)
VMI -18 (0 in 18 out)
WCU -6 (13 out 7 in)
Woffy -7 (11 out 4 in)

As for the conference as a whole, 91 kids entered the portal and 29 have found D1 spots (13 FCS/16 FBS). The conference picked up 43 D1 players out of the portal (16 FCS/27 FBS).

So about 1/3 of the SoCon kids that entered the portal have found a D1 home....this is on par with the national numbers for FCS...1076 entered and 400 have found D1 homes.

[SU DOG]

Just doing a little end of the semester portal tracking for the SoCon. Looking at those that enterend the portal (out) vs those that were picked up from it (in) and looking at D1 only (FCS/FBS)..

Chattanooga +5 (11 in 6 out)
ETSU -20 (6 in 26 out)
Furman - 2 (1 in 3 out)
Mercer -3 (3 in 6 out)
Sammy +5 (10 in 5 out)
Citadel -2 (1 in 3 out)
VMI -18 (0 in 18 out)
WCU -6 (13 out 7 in)
Woffy -7 (11 out 4 in)

As for the conference as a whole, 91 kids entered the portal and 29 have found D1 spots (13 FCS/16 FBS). The conference picked up 43 D1 players out of the portal (16 FCS/27 FBS).

So about 1/3 of the SoCon kids that entered the portal have found a D1 home....this is on par with the national numbers for FCS...1076 entered and 400 have found D1 homes.

Interesting data Milktruck. Samford got 2 more FBS DBs this weekend. Just wonder if those are included?

[FUBeAR]

Also interesting…

6-7 250 TE w/2 National Championships on his resume…

https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1658156257331621895

[PaladinNation]

Ivan Yates (Furman DB) has withdrawn from the portal and is staying at Furman.
Furman also announced the signing of another grad transfer.
Mason Pline, 6-foot-7, 250-TE from Ferris State. Pline originally signed with Ferris to play basketball, and started playing football the last two seasons.

Furman's getting a big bump in TE size this off-season;
Mason Pline 6-7 250 Grad
Brennan Tormey 6-7 220 Fr
Brock Chappell 6-5 250 Fr

Sorry for posting after Bear's post…

[Milktruck74]

Interesting data Milktruck. Samford got 2 more FBS DBs this weekend. Just wonder if those are included?

Not sure if they are, but I use the Redshirt sports data and it is fairly up to date, as best as I can tell.

[Catamount87]

It would be interesting to see how many from each were grad transfers. IMHO, those should be 'discounted' to a degree since they are leaving for 'further educational' purposes while undergrads most likely are transferring for other reasons.

As for our somewhat large number out, Cullowhee is rural and can "chew up and spit out" anyone who's not fully into the outdoors, expects anything and everything to be at or a few steps away from their doorstep or is highly introverted.

[SU DOG]

Not sure if they are, but I use the Redshirt sports data and it is fairly up to date, as best as I can tell.

I don't know Milktruck, they still have the big headliner picture of Marvion Field from Elon to Samford. Field actually went through Spring Training at EKU. I'm sure it's hard to track when a commitment is only validated once the player is attending classes.

[Milktruck74]

Yeah, It is not perfect, but it is fairly decent to track total numbers in the portal and out. I assume the data is be fan instigated and staff verified. SO it is only as good as rumors, but for these purposes it works. I'm attaching a copy of the link in case anyone wants to DM them corrections.

https://www.redshirtsports.xyz/2023-fcs-transfer-portal-tracker

[Milktruck74]

Also interesting…

6-7 250 TE w/2 National Championships on his resume…

https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1658156257331621895

There is really not too much difference in a high level D2 kid and FCS coming out of HS...after a year or two those differences tend to be even smaller. Chattanooga picked up a LB from carson Newman a few years back and he ended up being a 2 year starter. Often times the D2 kids are a little lighter or shorter (probably not this case) than the FCS recruit...or maybe didn't play all 4 years or come from a school without a winning tradition... When they get to college and have a legit strength coach, they put on good weight (or take off the bad) and sometimes gain a few inches. Kid seems like a good addition.

[caribbeanhen]

Just doing a little end of the semester portal tracking for the SoCon. Looking at those that enterend the portal (out) vs those that were picked up from it (in) and looking at D1 only (FCS/FBS)..

Chattanooga +5 (11 in 6 out)
ETSU -20 (6 in 26 out)
Furman - 2 (1 in 3 out)
Mercer -3 (3 in 6 out)
Sammy +5 (10 in 5 out)
Citadel -2 (1 in 3 out)
VMI -18 (0 in 18 out)
WCU -6 (13 out 7 in)
Woffy -7 (11 out 4 in)

As for the conference as a whole, 91 kids entered the portal and 29 have found D1 spots (13 FCS/16 FBS). The conference picked up 43 D1 players out of the portal (16 FCS/27 FBS).

So about 1/3 of the SoCon kids that entered the portal have found a D1 home....this is on par with the national numbers for FCS...1076 entered and 400 have found D1 homes.

A school like VMI seems hamstrung by the direction of college football meaning the Portal probably isn’t a good thing for them …. Tell me ?

[ElCid]

A school like VMI seems hamstrung by the direction of college football meaning the Portal probably isn’t a good thing for them …. Tell me ?

The only reason it isn't devastating for us as well is the fact that we have a graduate school and a night school, of sorts, that doesn't require Corps participation. But I'm not liking that at all, along with many other grads. There is a big chance that it's expanded use could destroy the always tenuous connection between the corps and athletics.

[caribbeanhen]

The only reason it isn't devastating for us as well is the fact that we have a graduate school and a night school, of sorts, that doesn't require Corps participation. But I'm not liking that at all, along with many other grads. There is a big chance that it's expanded use could destroy the always tenuous connection between the corps and athletics.

thanks for that insight ElCid

[kdinva]

A school like VMI seems hamstrung by the direction of college football meaning the Portal probably isn’t a good thing for them …. Tell me ?

All of VMI's coaches are/should be telling recruits that they DON'T have to worry about anyone transferring in to take playing time from them, a couple of years down the road. Kids in the portal want to go to a school just to play ball, and take 12 not-stressful academic hours.

[SteelSD]

There is really not too much difference in a high level D2 kid and FCS coming out of HS...after a year or two those differences tend to be even smaller. Chattanooga picked up a LB from carson Newman a few years back and he ended up being a 2 year starter. Often times the D2 kids are a little lighter or shorter (probably not this case) than the FCS recruit...or maybe didn't play all 4 years or come from a school without a winning tradition... When they get to college and have a legit strength coach, they put on good weight (or take off the bad) and sometimes gain a few inches. Kid seems like a good addition.
Totally agree. One of the key players in our run to the Natty was a 5'9 200# former NAIA All American Linebacker. The dude totally balled out for us and had the dagger Int in the Natty prior to us twisting it with the pass to Janke.

[Milktruck74]

I spent a year at FUMA in the early 90s. We had 28 D1 Schollys on the team (probably split even between A and AA), another 20+ D2 kids and probably 10 D3 guys.... The talent on that team was incredible and there really wasn't much difference between the guys that went 1A and D2. Some of the D3 guys were a step behind, but the guy that went to Ohio State as an OT would often get beat by the edge that went to Shepherd College. THe main difference was the eye test...The OT (older brother of Randy Moss) was 6'8" and 310# and the Edge was stretching to get to his listed 6'1". Also had an LB that was 5'9" and was probably headed to Newberry until he was lucky enough to have a 1AA squad take a chance on him...and Dexter became the only 2 x DPOY in 1AA/FCS History, a 10 year NFL starter, and a 3 time pro bowler. Most of these guys are just a little small, but sometimes they grow when they get there.

And for KDINVA, I spent that year making holes for a little bitty 5 foot nothing 150# RB named Haskins. He turned out OK too.

[Milktruck74]

Being Realistic, I see the Mocs going 7-4 this season and being 5-3 in the SoCon. I think there may be a shot at moving one of those three into the W column, but traveling to Homewood and MAcon are tall tasks. I think the best shot at gaining one more is probably Furman. Not because they are an easier out, but because they have to travel to Chattanooga and by the time November rolls around, who knows which players are still healthy and contributing???? Where do you see your team finishing?

Yes, FuBear, we know Mercer and Furple are meeting in Frisco and will probably both be granted a Natty after a draw is declared after 100 OTs....Oh, I said REALISTIC above....

[TribeNomad1]

I spent a year at FUMA in the early 90s. We had 28 D1 Schollys on the team (probably split even between A and AA), another 20+ D2 kids and probably 10 D3 guys.... The talent on that team was incredible and there really wasn't much difference between the guys that went 1A and D2. Some of the D3 guys were a step behind, but the guy that went to Ohio State as an OT would often get beat by the edge that went to Shepherd College. THe main difference was the eye test...The OT (older brother of Randy Moss) was 6'8" and 310# and the Edge was stretching to get to his listed 6'1". Also had an LB that was 5'9" and was probably headed to Newberry until he was lucky enough to have a 1AA squad take a chance on him...and Dexter became the only 2 x DPOY in 1AA/FCS History, a 10 year NFL starter, and a 3 time pro bowler. Most of these guys are just a little small, but sometimes they grow when they get there.

And for KDINVA, I spent that year making holes for a little bitty 5 foot nothing 150# RB named Haskins. He turned out OK too.


Headed to and fro Charlottesville yesterday and commented on the exit sign noting FUMA. I know of a couple of guys that were there......they were not there for sports

[caribbeanhen]

All of VMI's coaches are/should be telling recruits that they DON'T have to worry about anyone transferring in to take playing time from them, a couple of years down the road. Kids in the portal want to go to a school just to play ball, and take 12 not-stressful academic hours.

You can bet your last dollar Danny Rocco has already told them, perfect coach for VMI

[SU DOG]

One of Samford's best cover DBs this past year was Fred Flavors. Fred came to Samford from D-3 Huntingdon College in Montgomery AL. He gained D-3 All-American status there before transferring to Samford. He was an immediate starter who played in all 13 games. Flavors had 53 tackles, 17 pass BUs, and 2 blocked kicks. Fred is a small DB, but is lightning fast and very athletic. His only game where he had a real problem was trying to cover Ty James, but that Mercer WR couldn't be stopped by anybody that day. Fred Flavors was a Sr, but has enrolled in Grad School, gone through spring training, and is expected to play a big role in Samford's defense this fall.

[The Cats]

I don't know much about the Ivy League, but Harvard's Charlie Dean committed to Western today. How would you rank this move for the Catamounts?

https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351

(https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351)

[PaladinNation]

It looks like one of the many ETSU players that entered the portal has landed.
ETSU OL Fred Norman, Jr has updated his twitter profile to being an offensive lineman at Furman.
This makes sense players are on campus for summer conditioning.

Norman is 6-6 330, has two years of eligibility, and is a grad transfer.
I'm pretty sure Norman started for the Bucs as Redshirt Freshman and a Redshirt Sophomore.
Furman's OL is coached by his former OL coach Matt McCutchan.

Furman hasn't made an official post about Norman, rumor is there is another grad transfer yet to be named.

[Catamount87]

Definitely a depth addition. Here are his stats from Harvard, https://gocrimson.com/sports/football/roster/charlie-dean/25162



I don't know much about the Ivy League, but Harvard's Charlie Dean committed to Western today. How would you rank this move for the Catamounts?

https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351

(https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351)

[The Cats]

Western also added a big transfer from Austin Peay....


https://twitter.com/CraigHaley/status/1665470460828499972

[ElCid]

I don't know much about the Ivy League, but Harvard's Charlie Dean committed to Western today. How would you rank this move for the Catamounts?

https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351

(https://twitter.com/farrellportal/status/1664805727007801351)











Yeah, this guy was on our radar as a grad transfer. People weren't too keen on him fitting in with our scheme. Whatever that will be with our new coach. Looked like he has two years eligibility left. Can't believe he'd pick Cullowhee over Charleston. Lol.

[The Cats]

So, why do you live in Brevard, and not Charleston?

For those that don't know western NC, Brevard is about 25 miles (as the crow flies) from Cullowhee, around 50 miles by car.

[ElCid]

So, why do you live in Brevard, and not Charleston?

For those that don't know western NC, Brevard is about 25 miles (as the crow flies) from Cullowhee, around 50 miles by car.

Because I'm not a young college football player? Just funning. Eh. Too expensive for me. Too crowded. Sold a house in Charleston a couple years ago. Just didn't want to deal with that place anymore.

And yeah it isn't far from me to Cullowhee. I end up there every few weeks on drives, just because I can. Been on just about every back and forest road between Cashiers, Cullowhee, and Highlands. We are always waterfall hunting.

[The Cats]

Because I'm not a young college football player? Just funning. Eh. Too expensive for me. Too crowded. Sold a house in Charleston a couple years ago. Just didn't want to deal with that place anymore.

And yeah it isn't far from me to Cullowhee. I end up there every few weeks on drives, just because I can. Been on just about every back and forest road between Cashiers, Cullowhee, and Highlands. We are always waterfall hunting.

You should get season tickets, I think you'd enjoy football in Cullowhee this year...

[ElCid]

You should get season tickets, I think you'd enjoy football in Cullowhee this year...

I probably would go to more games, plus some at Furman, but it's hard as I am almost a full time caregiver.

[The Cats]

I probably would go to more games, plus some at Furman, but it's hard as I am almost a full time caregiver.

I understand, but hope to see you at a game sometime. If you can make a game, give me a heads up, I usually have two season tickets, and my wife rarely makes any of the games...

[ElCid]

I understand, but hope to see you at a game sometime. If you can make a game, give me a heads up, I usually have two season tickets, and my wife rarely makes any of the games...

Sweet. Thanks!

[Mike296]

Western also added a big transfer from Austin Peay....


https://twitter.com/CraigHaley/status/1665470460828499972

You guys got a good one there. Hope he does well for you.

[The Cats]

You guys got a good one there. Hope he does well for you.

Thanks, Western had a good recruiting season and we're hoping for the best...

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/CoachDarveau/status/1666881804836405259

[The Cats]

I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

For Western, I think it's week #2 when we play Samford in Cullowhee. Nothing like starting conference play with the defending SoCon champs!!!

[MR. CHICKEN]

I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

For Western, I think it's week #2 when we play Samford in Cullowhee. Nothing like starting conference play with the defending SoCon champs!!!


.......PLAY 'UM....EARLIER DUH BETTER......CATCH 'UM...'TWEEN SHORTER?....AN' AUBURN.............BRAWK!

[caribbeanhen]

I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

For Western, I think it's week #2 when we play Samford in Cullowhee. Nothing like starting conference play with the defending SoCon champs!!!

Question

I’m not trying to troll you because I like Kerwin and Cade Bell, but generally how many of those Florida recruits are still at W Carolina?

Your QB transferred out right?

[ElCid]

I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

For Western, I think it's week #2 when we play Samford in Cullowhee. Nothing like starting conference play with the defending SoCon champs!!!

For the first two items I'm thinking week 2 against Campbell. Of course we might get surprised in week 1, but FBS games are crap shoots. We looked asleep last year at a decent but up and down Campbell and especially fell victim to their hurry up style. In general we got into a habit of starting slow in games, and not being able to shake it off for a couple quarters. We will see what the new coach can do to turn this around. This will be evident fairly quick. For the last item, week 3 at Chatty. They should be pretty good again. I'm not sure how long it's going to take, but as expected, these two games should tell us a lot.

[Milktruck74]

Question

I’m not trying to troll you because I like Kerwin and Cade Bell, but generally how many of those Florida recruits are still at W Carolina?

Your QB transferred out right?

I think this is a fair question. When I was not practicing in college, I was on a trail or a river either in my kayak or in waders...the Whee would have been a great place for me, but I could see how it would be a very tough place for an inner city guy to try and entertain themselves outside of football. I think they show off the area and kids commit not really knowing what rural mountain life is really like.

[The Cats]

Question

I’m not trying to troll you because I like Kerwin and Cade Bell, but generally how many of those Florida recruits are still at W Carolina?

Your QB transferred out right?

Last years QB starter, Carlos Davis did transfer to UMass. He was not a Florida recruit however, he joined the Catamount football team as a mid-semester transfer in January 2020 from East Mississippi Community College. Most of the Florida recruits are still in Cullowhee...

[The Cats]

I think this is a fair question. When I was not practicing in college, I was on a trail or a river either in my kayak or in waders...the Whee would have been a great place for me, but I could see how it would be a very tough place for an inner city guy to try and entertain themselves outside of football. I think they show off the area and kids commit not really knowing what rural mountain life is really like.

Yeah, you guys are just hoping all the Florida guys go home... LOL

As you probably know, the NC mountains are prime vacation spots for Florida folks, also these kids know what Bell is creating in Cullowhee, most are staying.

[caribbeanhen]

Last years QB starter, Carlos Davis did transfer to UMass. He was not a Florida recruit however, he joined the Catamount football team as a mid-semester transfer in January 2020 from East Mississippi Community College. Most of the Florida recruits are still in Cullowhee...

gotcha thanks

Bell going into year 3 now, it’s time to get some results

[The Cats]

Western had something like 8 QBs on the roster last season (lost 5), it was inevitable to lose some of those, also, grad transfers (lost 4) taking advantage of that free covid year. We had 3 Florida guys depart the program...


WCU lost to the transfer portal...
Samuel Cornett (QB) — from Woodstock, GA
Parish Metzger (QB) — from Matthews, NC
Bryson Grabowski (QB) — from Copperhill, Tenn
Carlos Davis (QB) — grad transfer - from Baltimore, MD
Kason Lincke (QB) — Mobile, AL
Brandon Dickerson (P) - grad transfer - from Indian Land, SC
Jacob Harris (DB) — from Greer, SC
Kevin Thompson (LS) — grad transfer - from Rock Hill, SC
Antoine Bell (WR) - from Charlotte, NC
Samari Saddler (OL) — from Cincinnati, OH
Timothy Jamison (DE) grad transfer - from Lexington, SC
Toler Keigley (WR) — from Pensacola, FL
Jaylin Terzado (WR) - Liberty City, FL
Raphael Williams (WR) — from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

[FUBeAR]

Question

I’m not trying to troll you because I like Kerwin and Cade Bell, but generally how many of those Florida recruits are still at W Carolina?

Your QB transferred out right?
FUBeAR is considering reprising the 'roster churn' data analysis he did for the SoCon last year...and since WCU recently did an online roster update, he started with the Catamounts. Just some preliminary (did this analysis based upon mid-July posted online rosters last year - things will change in the next 6 weeks or so) info below - some of which addresses your question and some which does not.

Caveats - 1) this info may not be complete or accurate 2) FUBeAR's analyses are always subject to errors as he is a bear of very little brain...

* WCU currently shows 39 "New" Players on their updated roster.
_____* 9 of those are from Florida.
_____* 10 of the 39 "New" Players show a "Prior School" (are Transfers of some type)
_____* 1 of the 9 "New" Players from Florida shows a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 31 "Departed" (left with APPARENT (based on class listing) eligibility remaining) Players on their updated roster.
_____* 9 of those were from Florida
_____* 10 of the 31 "Departed" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 2 of the 9 "Departed Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 7 Players "Graduated" - FUBeAR's term for Players that MAY have run out of eligibility based on their Class Year listed. With "Covid Years," this info is rather unreliable
_____* 3 of those 7 "Graduated" Players were from Florida
_____* 5 of the 7 "Graduated" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* All 3 of the "Graduated" Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

Based on the numbers FUBeAR derived, these 'churn' numbers (> "New" | > "Departed" | < "Returning) for WCU, while much lower than last year's still seem a bit higher than the 2022 average in the SoCon. WCU clearly had the most 'roster churn' in the SoCon in 2022 (see below - bold indicates MAX in SoCon in 2022)...



Team
# of Returning Players
Total # of Players Departed
# of Players Departed with Eligibility Remaining
Total # of New Players
# of New Players who are Inbound Transfers
Total # of Transfers on Roster


WCU
58
57
42
65
16
35



BUT...

* WCU is showing 80 "Returning" Players - that's a solid 'core' of "Returning" Players and would be very similar to 'normal' "Returning" numbers prior to the Portal era and FREE "Covid Years"
_____* 28 of those 80 "Returning" Players are from Florida
_____* 19 of those 80 "Returning" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 6 of those 28 "Returning Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU's Current Roster ("New" + "Returning" Players) shows
* 119 Players
_____* 37 of those 119 Players are from Florida
_____* 29 of those 119 Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 7 of those 37 Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

*Updated 6/23/23

[ElCid]

FUBeAR is considering reprising the 'roster churn' data analysis he did for the SoCon last year...and since WCU recently did an online roster update, he started with the Catamounts. Just some preliminary (did this analysis based upon mid-July posted online rosters last year - things will change in the next 6 weeks or so) info below - some of which addresses your question and some which does not.

Caveats - 1) this info may not be complete or accurate 2) FUBeAR's analyses are always subject to errors as he is a bear of very little brain...

* WCU currently shows 35 "New" Players on their updated roster.
_____* 8 of those are from Florida.
_____* 9 of the 35 "New" Players show a "Prior School" (are Transfers of some type)
_____* 1 of the 8 "New" Players from Florida shows a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 31 "Departed" (left with APPARENT (based on class listing) eligibility remaining) Players on their updated roster.
_____* 9 of those were from Florida
_____* 10 of the 31 "Departed" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 2 of the 9 "Departed Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 7 Players "Graduated" - FUBeAR's term for Players that MAY have run out of eligibility based on their Class Year listed. With "Covid Years," this info is rather unreliable
_____* 3 of those 7 "Graduated" Players were from Florida
_____* 5 of the 7 "Graduated" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* All 3 of the "Graduated" Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

Based on the numbers FUBeAR derived, these 'churn' numbers (> "New" | > "Departed" | < "Returning) for WCU, while much lower than last year's still seem a bit higher than the 2022 average in the SoCon. WCU clearly had the most 'roster churn' in the SoCon in 2022 (see below - bold indicates MAX in SoCon in 2022)...



Team
# of Returning Players
Total # of Players Departed
# of Players Departed with Eligibility Remaining
Total # of New Players
# of New Players who are Inbound Transfers
Total # of Transfers on Roster


WCU
58
57
42
65
16
35



BUT...

* WCU is showing 80 "Returning" Players - that's a solid 'core' of "Returning" Players and would be very similar to 'normal' "Returning" numbers prior to the Portal era and FREE "Covid Years"
_____* 28 of those 80 "Returning" Players are from Florida
_____* 19 of those 80 "Returning" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 6 of those 28 "Returning Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU's Current Roster ("New" + "Returning" Players) shows
* 115 Players
_____* 36 of those 115 Players are from Florida
_____* 28 of those 115 Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 7 of those 36 Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

This makes my head hurt.

[FUBeAR]

This makes my head hurt.
OK...here's FUBeAR's TL/DR summary...

* WCU's extreme roster churn (which likely was by design) since HCKB arrived is still high, but appears to have slowed
* Yes, they have brought in a lot of Players from Florida.
* Some of those Players have been transfers, but more have been HS recruits.
* Some of the Florida recruits have departed - several of those, particularly some of the transfers who were brought in, were, apparently, out of eligibility.
* The Florida recruits do not appear to be departing early at a more rapid pace than recruits from other states.

[Catamount87]

Dude, I'm starting to wonder if you have too much time on your hands. LOL!

That said, this is a very interesting analysis and would be a good methodology to apply to every school. One suggestion, add in Grad Transfers. My thought is grad transfers out are less indicative of potential program challenges/issues that are often implied within transfer analysis in general.



FUBeAR is considering reprising the 'roster churn' data analysis he did for the SoCon last year...and since WCU recently did an online roster update, he started with the Catamounts. Just some preliminary (did this analysis based upon mid-July posted online rosters last year - things will change in the next 6 weeks or so) info below - some of which addresses your question and some which does not.

Caveats - 1) this info may not be complete or accurate 2) FUBeAR's analyses are always subject to errors as he is a bear of very little brain...

* WCU currently shows 35 "New" Players on their updated roster.
_____* 8 of those are from Florida.
_____* 9 of the 35 "New" Players show a "Prior School" (are Transfers of some type)
_____* 1 of the 8 "New" Players from Florida shows a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 31 "Departed" (left with APPARENT (based on class listing) eligibility remaining) Players on their updated roster.
_____* 9 of those were from Florida
_____* 10 of the 31 "Departed" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 2 of the 9 "Departed Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU shows 7 Players "Graduated" - FUBeAR's term for Players that MAY have run out of eligibility based on their Class Year listed. With "Covid Years," this info is rather unreliable
_____* 3 of those 7 "Graduated" Players were from Florida
_____* 5 of the 7 "Graduated" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* All 3 of the "Graduated" Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

Based on the numbers FUBeAR derived, these 'churn' numbers (> "New" | > "Departed" | < "Returning) for WCU, while much lower than last year's still seem a bit higher than the 2022 average in the SoCon. WCU clearly had the most 'roster churn' in the SoCon in 2022 (see below - bold indicates MAX in SoCon in 2022)...



Team
# of Returning Players
Total # of Players Departed
# of Players Departed with Eligibility Remaining
Total # of New Players
# of New Players who are Inbound Transfers
Total # of Transfers on Roster


WCU
58
57
42
65
16
35



BUT...

* WCU is showing 80 "Returning" Players - that's a solid 'core' of "Returning" Players and would be very similar to 'normal' "Returning" numbers prior to the Portal era and FREE "Covid Years"
_____* 28 of those 80 "Returning" Players are from Florida
_____* 19 of those 80 "Returning" Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 6 of those 28 "Returning Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

* WCU's Current Roster ("New" + "Returning" Players) shows
* 115 Players
_____* 36 of those 115 Players are from Florida
_____* 28 of those 115 Players show a "Prior School"
_____* 7 of those 36 Players from Florida show a "Prior School"

[Catamount87]

He was a grad transfer which my thought is a bit different than undergrad transfers which are more likely issues related to the program or playing time.



Question

I’m not trying to troll you because I like Kerwin and Cade Bell, but generally how many of those Florida recruits are still at W Carolina?

Your QB transferred out right?

[caribbeanhen]

He was a grad transfer which my thought is a bit different than undergrad transfers which are more likely issues related to the program or playing time.

I’m with you on that

Who will be the QB this year? Opinions are most welcome

[The Cats]

I’m with you on that

Who will be the QB this year? Opinions are most welcome

Now with Harvard transfer Charlie Dean in the mix, I'd say he is the favorite coming into the summer workouts. I'd say it depends on how quickly Dean can master the WCU offensive playbook. There's three QBs on the roster, Cole Gonzales; Brody Palhegyi; and Bennett Judy - all three are young but good quarterbacks. Gonzales has the most experience with Bell's offense and has some start under his belt.

IMO, it's Dean's job to lose...

[FUBeAR]

a very interesting analysis and would be a good methodology to apply to every school. One suggestion, add in Grad Transfers. My thought is grad transfers out are less indicative of potential program challenges/issues that are often implied within transfer analysis in general.If FUBeAR does an analysis of this type, just as he did last year (see below), he will do it for all SoCon schools - unless, as with the case with ETSU’s website; the juice isn’t worth the squeeze - and that’s despite your persistent and odd claims of some inordinate Anti-WCU feelings harbored by FUBeAR.

FUBeAR just did this preliminary analysis of WCU only because posters were asking about the retention of WCU’s FL recruits and he saw WCU did a recent roster update.

FUBeAR, as he does with all SoCon schools, harbors Anti-feelings for WCU, and the others, in the exact amount they have earned from him since 1977.
—————————————
FUBeAR’s 2021 to 2022 SoCon Roster Change Analysis…



Team
# of Returning Players
Total # of Players Departed
# of Players Departed with Eligibility Remaining
Total # of New Players
# of New Players who are Inbound Transfers
Total # of Transfers on Roster


Chattanooga
57
39
22
27
16
36


ETSU
?
?
?
?
?
?


Furman
75
34
23
33
5
6


Mercer
57
41
34
59
11
16


Samford
71
46
31
49
25
38


The Citadel
66
46
41
57
13
14


VMI
84
23
16
33
0
0


WCU
58
57
42
65
16
35


Wofford
78
33
11
35
6
?


TOTAL
546
319
209
358
92
145


8 Team AVG (rounded)
68
40
26
45
11
18

[Keeper]

FUBeAR ROCKS.

As comparison statistics wise: Cats lose 36% Defensive game starts and 28% tackling data. Offense loses 47% game starts overall, 58% passing yards, 43% rushing yards, and 41% receiving yards. Just 31% offensive line starts.

On average this year, losses are trending at around 44% (higher than last year).

[caribbeanhen]

If FUBeAR does an analysis of this type, just as he did last year (see below), he will do it for all SoCon schools - unless, as with the case with ETSU’s website; the juice isn’t worth the squeeze - and that’s despite your persistent and odd claims of some inordinate Anti-WCU feelings harbored by FUBeAR.

FUBeAR just did this preliminary analysis of WCU only because posters were asking about the retention of WCU’s FL recruits and he saw WCU did a recent roster update.

FUBeAR, as he does with all SoCon schools, harbors Anti-feelings for WCU, and the others, in the exact amount they have earned from him since 1977.
—————————————
FUBeAR’s 2021 to 2022 SoCon Roster Change Analysis…

Tell me ur doing all of this on your iPhone and I will be impressed

[FUBeAR]

Tell me ur doing all of this on your iPhone and I will be impressed
Could w/Google Sheets, but … nah.

[caribbeanhen]

https://herosports.com/fcs-2023-furman-football-preview-bzbz/

Returning 2022 All-Conference Players (7)1st Team
OL Jacob Johanning
OL Pearson Toomey
FS Hugh Ryan
2nd Team
RB Dominic Roberto
CB Travis Blackshear
LB Braden Gilby
RS Wayne Anderson Jr.
Players In 2023 FCS Positional Rankings (7)No. 21 QB Tyler Huff (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-quarterbacks-bzbz/)
No. 16 RB Dominic Roberto (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-running-backs-bzbz/)
No. 17 OL Pearson Toomey (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-offensive-linemen-bzbz/)
No. 9 OL Jacob Johanning (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-offensive-linemen-bzbz/)
No. 23 LB Braden Gilby (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-linebackers-bzbz/)
No. 6 S Hugh Ryan (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-defensive-backs-bzbz/)
No. 15 CB Travis Blackshear (https://herosports.com/fcs-football-top-returning-2023-defensive-backs-bzbz/)
Transfer Portal MovementTransfers Lost To The FBS (2)
Evan Jumper (OL) to Coastal Carolina
Dominic Morris (DB) to Colorado State
Transfers Lost To The FCS (1)
Jace Wilson (QB) to Texas Southern
Transfers Coming In From The FBS (2)
Marc Hernandez (DL), Army
Tex Elliott (OL), Colorado State
Transfers Coming In From The FCS (1)
Fred Norman Jr. (OL), ETSU

[PaladinNation]

Thanks to Sam we know who the other Furman OL transfer is:
Tex Elliott (Colorado State) 6-4 295.
I believe there is still one more OL transfer from a D2 school.

Furman appears to be starting off 2024 recruiting with a bang.
Three known commits:
Jeremiah Gavin Hall (5-11 178) RB/Slot offers from Marshall, Army, Navy, APSU, CSU, Lafayette
Bruce Knauber (6-2 290) DT/NG offers from The Citadel, Chattanooga, Wofford, CSU

The big pickup is 3 star QB Trey Hedden from Tampa Catholic.
Hedden is a big QB 6-3 210, held offers from AppSt, South Florida, Toledo, and many offers.
https://twitter.com/JerisMcIntyre/status/1669140694018019329

[SU DOG]

Serious question: Does 247 have him listed as a 3***? I know Rivals has him as a 2** but I missed a 247 rating at all. The reason I ask is this. I have seen 247 lower their evaluation when a kid commits to a FCS Team. It happened to Samford. A few years ago, a 3*** early summer OL committed to the Dogs and before the season started, he was suddenly a 2**. This may not be the case here as I might have missed something, but it caused me to wonder.

[TribeGuy]

[QUOTE=The Cats;3128649]I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

YES - Have At It!
I'm always interested in what real FCS fans think of their team.

Week 2 - Wofford @ W&M

Whaddya say Terriers?

Nostalgia - VMI @ W&M - my first stadium football game. 6-yr-old boy.

Future - Tribe vs. Wofford, VMI, & Furman. SoCon vs. CAA. FCS At-Large bid adversaries?

Go FCS football!

[FUBeAR]

[QUOTE=The Cats;3128649]I saw this on the CAA thread, and I hope they don't mind that I stole it...


SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

YES - Have At It!
I'm always interested in what real FCS fans think of their team.

Week 2 - Wofford @ W&M

Whaddya say Terriers?

Nostalgia - VMI @ W&M - my first stadium football game. 6-yr-old boy.

Future - Tribe vs. Wofford, VMI, & Furman. SoCon vs. CAA. FCS At-Large bid adversaries?

Go FCS football!

After Furman beats an FBS P5 SEC Team (South Carolina) in Week 2, we can feel confident that if they don't lose more than 1 game, the Paladins should make the Playoffs and, hopefully, get a home game in Round 1.

After Mercer beats an FBS P5 SEC Team (Ole Miss) in Week 2, we cannot, unfortunately, feel confident the Bears will make the Playoffs unless they win the SoCon's AutoBid. Even then, the best Playoff draw that can be expected is a 1st round home game.

[SU DOG]

HeroSports looks at Samford.

Some defensive questions for sure, but lots to make me feel optimistic. Plenty that wasn't covered in this article that is very important, such as the return of Michael Vice from Troy to Samford and a couple of juco gets that were former 3*** players. One of those was a roommate of QB Michael Hiers who was also offered by Louisville this year and by 4 SEC schools out of HS.

https://herosports.com/fcs-2023-samford-football-preview-bzbz/

[Milktruck74]

SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

At this point, I'll make all three determinations on November 5th.

[FUBeAR]

SoCon fans.... Which week will you know your team is:
- in a rebuild year?
- turning around?
- fine as a contender?

At this point, I'll make all three determinations on November 5th. Really?

Mocs Fans not boldly predicting the captures of Chatt’s 3rd (or is it 4th?) consecutive, albeit imaginary, SoCon and National Championships this year?

[FUBeAR]

POSSIBLE PROJECTED NUMBER OF TRANSFERS ON 2023 SoCon Rosters (FWIW)

FUBeAR started doing some of the 'roster analysis' that FUBeAR likes to do, but it's too early for very good data. A convo on the FU Board led FUBeAR to 'publish' this info there, so he thought he would share with the larger group...Below are PRELIMINARY NUMBERS - based on Current online rosters and a recent Hero Sports preview of Samford.... these rosters WILL change before the season starts and their current accuracy is rather suspect. A few explanatory notes have been added for most Teams. Also - "Transfer," for these purposes, includes any type of transfer - Prep School, JUCO, Community College, 4 Year College, etc. - i.e., coming to a school from anywhere other than directly from a "high school" AND expressly listed by the SoCon school as such. FUBeAR ain't goin' into bios to find out if it ain't on the roster.

Expected # of Transfers on 2023 SoCon Rosters (by Team - most to fewest)

1) CHATTANOOGA 33
2) WCU 29 (believe there may be a few more to add)
3) SAMFORD 27 (based on 2022 Roster + Hero article cited above)
4) ETSU 25* (No update to 2022 Roster - this is ETSU's 2022 number)
5) MERCER 17
6) WOFFORD 17
7) THE CITADEL 11 (no incoming 'new' Players have been added to the 2023 online Roster - this number will be higher)
8) FURMAN 10 (there are just 1 or 2 more to be added to Furman's roster)
9) VMI 0

*Updated 6/23/23

[PaladinNation]

Furman picked up another commitment today. I'm guessing that Trey Hedden's commit didn't hurt Furman's chances on landing this one.

Devin Hester, Jr. WR/KR
Cedar Shoals HS | Athens, GA
5-10 165

FBS Offers: App St, Liberty, Wake Forest, Kent St, Memphis, Florida Atlantic, Army, Navy, MTSU, EMU, GaSo, WMU
FCS Offers: Alabama A&M, Austin Peay, Bryant, Dartmouth, Furman, Mercer, Tennessee St, Wofford

https://twitter.com/3seazon/status/1671956976127942656

[FUBeAR]

Furman picked up another commitment today. I'm guessing that Trey Hedden's commit didn't hurt Furman's chances on landing this one.

Devin Hester, Jr. WR/KR

Name sounds familiar...doesn't it?

[Milktruck74]

I believe Prof. Massey's algorithm needs data to correct itself and it is flawed until the 5th or 6th week in the season...then it starts to get enough input to be useful. That said, I don't really know where they are getting starting point data...is it based on last seasons finish? Does it take into account returning players or transfers in/out? Is it just some random murmurings of a mystical troll that frolics on the banks of Mossy Creek and whispers in the ear of Kenneth Massey? Whatever it is, I would probably take this as a finish for this season. 8-3, 6-2 in conference with 3 point losses at Sammy and Mercer, and loss to Bama....that could have an outside chance at a share of the conference title (outside...but 6-2 has been enough before) and would most likely get the Mocs a playoff bid...



North Alabama
80
(0-0)
87 %
37
17



Sat 09-09
06:00.PM.ET

Kennesaw
45
(0-0)
82 %
34
20



Sat 09-16
06:00.PM.ET

Citadel
50
(0-0)
88 %
31
14



Sat 09-23
at
Samford
13
(0-0)
44 %
27
30



Sat 09-30
at
Wofford
47
(0-0)
75 %
31
21



Sat 10-07
04:00.PM.ET

W Carolina
46
(0-0)
79 %
35
21



Sat 10-14
04:00.PM.ET
at
Mercer
15
(0-0)
44 %
24
27



Sat 10-21
01:30.PM.ET

ETSU
34
(0-0)
74 %
31
21



Sat 10-28
at
VMI
67
(0-0)
85 %
34
17



Sat 11-04
01:30.PM.ET

Furman
10
(0-0)
52 %
28
27



Sat 11-18
at
Alabama
(0-0)
0 %
6
48

[FUBeAR]

I believe Prof. Massey's algorithm needs data to correct itself and it is flawed until the 5th or 6th week in the season...then it starts to get enough input to be useful. That said, I don't really know where they are getting starting point data...is it based on last seasons finish? Does it take into account returning players or transfers in/out? Is it just some random murmurings of a mystical troll that frolics on the banks of Mossy Creek and whispers in the ear of Kenneth Massey? Whatever it is, I would probably take this as a finish for this season. 8-3, 6-2 in conference with 3 point losses at Sammy and Mercer, and loss to Bama....that could have an outside chance at a share of the conference title (outside...but 6-2 has been enough before) and would most likely get the Mocs a playoff bid...




Sorry - Mr. Massey’s prediculation machine has Mercer & Samford tying for the SoCon Championship at 7-1 with Mercer securing the SoCon autobid via a 2 point home win over Samford in the de facto SoCon Championship Game in the final week of the season. Your 6-2 ties you with 8-3/6-2 Furman.

With Mercer and Samford both at 9-2 / 9-1 FCS, it will be fun to watch how the Playoff Committee avoids seeding either of those in the Top 8 while also finding a way to exclude 8-3 / 8-2 FCS Furman & Chatt from the Playoffs.

Something like … “Those 4 losses to SEC Teams (Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, and South Carolina) just left the Committee doubting the overall strength of the top 4 Teams in the SoCon.”

[MR. CHICKEN]

[QUOTE=Milktruck74;3129918]I believe Prof. Massey's algorithm needs data to correct itself and it is flawed until the 5th or 6th week in the season...then it starts to get enough input to be useful. That said, I don't really know where they are getting starting point data...is it based on last seasons finish? Does it take into account returning players or transfers in/out? Is it just some random murmurings of a mystical troll that frolics on the banks of Mossy Creek and whispers in the ear of Kenneth Massey? Whatever it is, I would probably take this as a finish for this season. 8-3, 6-2 in conference with 3 point losses at Sammy and Mercer, and loss to Bama....that could have an outside chance at a share of the conference title (outside...but 6-2 has been enough before) and would most likely get the Mocs a playoff bid...



North Alabama
80
(0-0)
87 %
37
17



Sat 09-09
06:00.PM.ET

Kennesaw
45
(0-0)
82 %
34
20



Sat 09-16
06:00.PM.ET

Citadel
50
(0-0)
88 %
31
14



Sat 09-23
at
Samford
13
(0-0)
44 %
27
30



Sat 09-30
at
Wofford
47
(0-0)
75 %
31
21



Sat 10-07
04:00.PM.ET

W Carolina
46
(0-0)
79 %
35
21



Sat 10-14
04:00.PM.ET
at
Mercer
15
(0-0)
44 %
24
27



Sat 10-21
01:30.PM.ET

ETSU
34
(0-0)
74 %
31
21



Sat 10-28
at
VMI
67
(0-0)
85 %
34
17



Sat 11-04
01:30.PM.ET

Furman
10
(0-0)
52 %
28
27



Sat 11-18
at
Alabama
(0-0)
0 %
6
48






[/QUOTE

QUESTIONS....ANSWERED HERE.......BRAWK!

Kenneth Massey is an American sports statistician known for his development of a methodology for ranking and rating sports teams in a variety of sports. His ratings have been a part of the Bowl Championship Series since the 1999 season. He is an assistant professor of mathematics at Carson–Newman University in Tennessee. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Massey)

[ElCid]

From his site regarding how Massey determined starting rating:

https://masseyratings.com/theory/massey.htm#pre

"Preseason Ratings:
Preseason ratings are typically derived as a weighted average of previous years' final ratings. As the current season progresses, their effect gets damped out completely. The only purpose preseason ratings serve is to provide a reasonable starting point for the computer. Mathematically, they guarantee a unique solution to the equations early in the season when not enough data is available yet."

So yeah, it could be improved, but how? He uses history of previous performance. He doesn't use fan hype, sport writers opinion, coaches prognostications, etc. Might the "weight" be allocated differently? Sure.

In regard to returning players, the fan thinks that the returning starters will be even better and more experienced. BUT, they might just perform as they did last year. They could be banged up as well. It ain't a given that they will be better. Probably, but losing a bunch of starters that went 4-7 might be a good thing. That was an example for illustration. I realize conventional wisdom says otherwise, but my whole point is that this is a bit subjective. Historical W/L and SOS are not.

[Milktruck74]

Mr. Chicken and ElCid,

I appreciate you attempts to research the factual starting point of the Massey Predictor...but I prefer the to believe the Mossy Creek Troll has something to do with it!!!

I mean, Who doesn't like mystical creatures?

[MR. CHICKEN]

Mr. Chicken and ElCid,

I appreciate you attempts to research the factual starting point of the Massey Predictor...but I prefer the to believe the Mossy Creek Troll has something to do with it!!!

I mean, Who doesn't like mystical creatures?

.......🦄.................BRAWK!

[FUBeAR]

.......濾.................BRAWK!Unicorn = IMAGINARY Creature

FUBeAR feels ya, Mr. Chicken. You are a SLY bird!

[FUBeAR]

Some Massey SoCon stuff, FWIW…


FCS Rank Team
10 Furman
13 Samford
14 Chattanooga
15 Mercer
34 ETSU
46 W Carolina
47 Wofford
50 Citadel
67 VMI


…but, Massey Matchup sez Mercer gets the Autobid, tying with Samford at 7-1 in the SoCon, but beating the Bulldogs in the de facto SoCon Championship Game in the season’s final week. Mercer loses to Furman only and Samford loses to Mercer only. Chatt ties for 3rd with Furman, but takes the head to head matchup with the Paladins…so…


1) Mercer 9-2 / 7-1
2) Samford 9-2 / 7-1
3) Chatt 8-3 / 6-2
4) Furman 8-3 / 6-2
5) ETSU 5-6 / 4-4
6 The Citadel 5-6 /3-5
7) Wofford 3-8 / 2-6
8) WCU 2-9 / 1-7
9) VMI 2-9 / 0-8

[caribbeanhen]

From his site regarding how Massey determined starting rating:

https://masseyratings.com/theory/massey.htm#pre

"Preseason Ratings:
Preseason ratings are typically derived as a weighted average of previous years' final ratings. As the current season progresses, their effect gets damped out completely. The only purpose preseason ratings serve is to provide a reasonable starting point for the computer. Mathematically, they guarantee a unique solution to the equations early in the season when not enough data is available yet."

So yeah, it could be improved, but how? He uses history of previous performance. He doesn't use fan hype, sport writers opinion, coaches prognostications, etc. Might the "weight" be allocated differently? Sure.

In regard to returning players, the fan thinks that the returning starters will be even better and more experienced. BUT, they might just perform as they did last year. They could be banged up as well. It ain't a given that they will be better. Probably, but losing a bunch of starters that went 4-7 might be a good thing. That was an example for illustration. I realize conventional wisdom says otherwise, but my whole point is that this is a bit subjective. Historical W/L and SOS are not.

thanks for posting that El Cid

Also, his formula is not influenced by bias, superstitions, reverse jinxes and #book its.... Massey performs very well in the pick em games on here so I would say to those who are quick to criticize, just make sure you can beat the computer

[The Cats]

Some Massey SoCon stuff, FWIW…


FCS Rank Team
10 Furman
13 Samford
14 Chattanooga
15 Mercer
34 ETSU
46 W Carolina
47 Wofford
50 Citadel
67 VMI


…but, Massey Matchup sez Mercer gets the Autobid, tying with Samford at 7-1 in the SoCon, but beating the Bulldogs in the de facto SoCon Championship Game in the season’s final week. Mercer loses to Furman only and Samford loses to Mercer only. Chatt ties for 3rd with Furman, but takes the head to head matchup with the Paladins…so…


1) Mercer 9-2 / 7-1
2) Samford 9-2 / 7-1
3) Chatt 8-3 / 6-2
4) Furman 8-3 / 6-2
5) ETSU 5-6 / 4-4
6 The Citadel 5-6 /3-5
7) Wofford 3-8 / 2-6
8) WCU 2-9 / 1-7
9) VMI 2-9 / 0-8

It's going to be a very disappointing season, if Massey is anywhere near correct with these projections. However, we been disappointed many, many time before...

[The Cats]

https://twitter.com/The__Bluebloods/status/1673373412050489344

[The Cats]

news about ETSU...

https://twitter.com/WJHL11/status/1673482035434749952

[FUBeAR]

news about ETSU...

https://twitter.com/WJHL11/status/1673482035434749952
Wow…ETSU had a SoCon Top Tier Men’s T&F & XC Team in most recent results - Nearly 30 Student Athletes displaced…from those Teams

..and cutting Football Roster by 28…need further definition on that. Gonna assume that’s NOT cutting scholarships to 35…not sure they can do that and stay in SoCon…probably just allowing fewer walk-ons. Bucs had 108 on their roster last year. Guessing they want to cap that at 80 and will ‘uninvite’ some of those walk-on’s to return this Summer/Fall. 80 is enough to run full practices / scrimmages, but it does limit the ability to find those ‘diamonds in the rough’ among the 28 more that they might have had on their roster.

Be interesting to see how this develops…

UPDATE/EDIT: Just re-read this Indoor Track only? How many Athletes only do Indoor and not Outdoor - Javelin, Discus, and Hammer throwing specialists?…makes no sense to FUBeAR? Anyone know more and how this makes sense to ‘true up’ for Title IX?

[OpTimeGuy]

Doc Sanders has always been transparent about moves such as these. Part of the issue appears to be related to TitleIX. Some may be related to the goings on in the Athletic Department under the previous AD.

As to the reduction of rosters it appears to be only walk-ons with no reduction in scholarships.

I look for Doc to clarify this at some point this week.

Edit to add link:

https://www.wjhl.com/sports/college-sports-2/etsu-bucs/etsu-athletics-to-make-additional-changes-to-comply-with-title-ix/

[The Cats]

Doc Sanders has always been transparent about moves such as these. Part of the issue appears to be related to TitleIX. Some may be related to the goings on in the Athletic Department under the previous AD.

As to the reduction of rosters it appears to be only walk-ons with no reduction in scholarships.

I look for Doc to clarify this at some point this week.

Edit to add link:

https://www.wjhl.com/sports/college-sports-2/etsu-bucs/etsu-athletics-to-make-additional-changes-to-comply-with-title-ix/

Does not make sense, they eliminate a program, but keep the players... they eliminate the indoor track & field team, but keep the outdoor program (same student athletes). So this is balancing the books by smoke & mirrors...


The decision does not affect the entirety of the men’s track and field program at ETSU. Men’s outdoor track & field and cross-country events will continue as usual. Women’s indoor track & field also is unaffected.

[The Cats]

Even if the ETSU football program only drops non-scholarship players to make up the 28, it will still effect their depth at many positions, which will hurt in the long run...

[The Cats]

There are 13,303 students including 10,316 undergraduate and 2,987 graduate students at East Tennessee State University for academic year 2021-2022.

By attending status, there are 10,279 full-time and 3,024 part-time students with gender distribution of 4,870 male and 8,433 female students.

[OpTimeGuy]

This is a better explanation of what is going on from AD Richard "Doc" Sanders

https://soundcloud.com/sandos-and-the-sidekick/jay-keith-episode-75?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252 Fsandos-and-the-sidekick%252Fjay-keith-episode-75

This is about 25 minutes long...20 minutes is used on discussion with the AD

[kdinva]

There are 13,303 students including 10,316 undergraduate and 2,987 graduate students at East Tennessee State University for academic year 2021-2022.

By attending status, there are 10,279 full-time and 3,024 part-time students with gender distribution of 4,870 male and 8,433 female students.

that ratio is way higher than JMU, Winthrop, etc.....

[McCowboys]

There are 13,303 students including 10,316 undergraduate and 2,987 graduate students at East Tennessee State University for academic year 2021-2022.

By attending status, there are 10,279 full-time and 3,024 part-time students with gender distribution of 4,870 male and 8,433 female students.

Hi, I have sent you a private message, The Cats.

[kdinva]

Nice piece on Coach Rocco:

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-vmi-danny-rocco-head-coaching-comeback-dsds/

[caribbeanhen]

Nice piece on Coach Rocco:

https://herosports.com/fcs-football-vmi-danny-rocco-head-coaching-comeback-dsds/


“Rocco won’t be able to lean on (or into) the transfer portal with nearly as much frequency as many of his rivals due to his squad’s status as a military school with stringent entry requirements and limited precedent for grad school options”

VMI is a perfect fit for Danny Rocco and I mean that in a good way

He was a players coach to a fault….. stubbornly kept better underclassmen players on the bench too long

[FUBeAR]

POSSIBLE PROJECTED NUMBER OF TRANSFERS ON 2023 SoCon Rosters (FWIW)

FUBeAR started doing some of the 'roster analysis' that FUBeAR likes to do, but it's too early for very good data. A convo on the FU Board led FUBeAR to 'publish' this info there, so he thought he would share with the larger group...Below are PRELIMINARY NUMBERS - based on Current online rosters and a recent Hero Sports preview of Samford.... these rosters WILL change before the season starts and their current accuracy is rather suspect. A few explanatory notes have been added for most Teams. Also - "Transfer," for these purposes, includes any type of transfer - Prep School, JUCO, Community College, 4 Year College, etc. - i.e., coming to a school from anywhere other than directly from a "high school" AND expressly listed by the SoCon school as such. FUBeAR ain't goin' into bios to find out if it ain't on the roster.

Expected # of Transfers on 2023 SoCon Rosters (by Team - most to fewest)

See 7/5 Update below



We have a new leader....7/5 Update

Expected # of Transfers on 2023 SoCon Rosters (by Team - most to fewest)

1) SAMFORD 44 (based on recent roster update)(47 New Players (30 transfers) / 68 Returning Players (14 transfers) / 36 Departing Players (17 were transfers in); 10 with eligibility remaining)
2) CHATTANOOGA 33
3) WCU 30
4) ETSU 25* (7/5 - Still no update to 2022 Roster - this is ETSU's 2022 number)
5) MERCER 19
6) WOFFORD 17
7) FURMAN 12
8) THE CITADEL 9 (Roster updated 7/5 - Lost 6 Transfers from 2022 Roster; all out of eligibility. Only added 3 Transfers to 2023 Roster in the 23 New Players added)
9) VMI 0

[kdinva]

.. stubbornly kept better underclassmen players on the bench too long


sounds like Jim Reid during his two years in Lexington. He learned quickly he could not redshirt the entire freshmen class, like he did at Richmond

[Milktruck74]

I got a decent source telling me talks are going on with two schools for expansion of the socon, however I was told not to get too excited, because FB was not part of it right now. Not sure what "right now" meant. but stay tuned.

[FUBeAR]

I got a decent source telling me talks are going on with two schools for expansion of the socon, however I was told not to get too excited, because FB was not part of it right now. Not sure what "right now" meant. but stay tuned.
Schools joining SoCon except Football OR Schools joining SoCon that don't currently HAVE any Football or don't have D1 FCS Scholarship Football?????

No 'decent source,' but FUBeAR would speculate it's the latter - Winthrop, USC-Upstate, UNC-A, Queens, High Point, Lipscomb, or Belmont types. FUBeAR would speculate UNC-A and Belmont would be most attractive to SoCon hoops peeps and guessing (FUBeAR knowledge REALLY limited here) that those 2 might be interested in joining SoCon hoops...UNC-A particularly.

FUBeAR wants Richmond (private) and William & Mary (public) to leave that sorry-a$$ conference they're in now and come home to their SoCon roots...and he ain't shy about letting folks know about it. Richmond would have to bring their hoops team too and that's a bit of a long shot. Oh...and they can bring NC A&T (public) with them...to give the SoCon 12 Football schools....FUBeAR don't love a conference of that size, but it seems to be 'all the rage!'

[caribbeanhen]

FuBeaR

you leave Richmond and Williamsburg alone

[FUBeAR]

FuBeaR

you leave Richmond and Williamsburg alone
https://i.imgflip.com/7rps6l.jpg

[Milktruck74]

Schools joining SoCon except Football OR Schools joining SoCon that don't currently HAVE any Football or don't have D1 FCS Scholarship Football?????

No 'decent source,' but FUBeAR would speculate it's the latter - Winthrop, USC-Upstate, UNC-A, Queens, High Point, Lipscomb, or Belmont types. FUBeAR would speculate UNC-A and Belmont would be most attractive to SoCon hoops peeps and guessing (FUBeAR knowledge REALLY limited here) that those 2 might be interested in joining SoCon hoops...UNC-A particularly.

FUBeAR wants Richmond (private) and William & Mary (public) to leave that sorry-a$$ conference they're in now and come home to their SoCon roots...and he ain't shy about letting folks know about it. Richmond would have to bring their hoops team too and that's a bit of a long shot. Oh...and they can bring NC A&T (public) with them...to give the SoCon 12 Football schools....FUBeAR don't love a conference of that size, but it seems to be 'all the rage!'


I like your list and feel any two of those would make sense for the conference....However, Lipscomb, UNCA, and probably HPU would all be easy decisions for me!

[Milktruck74]

And it is possible that many of those with FBS aspirations are changing their tune as the $5MM buyin number starts to float!

[kdinva]

https://i.imgflip.com/7rps6l.jpg

xlmaox

[caribbeanhen]

And it is possible that many of those with FBS aspirations are changing their tune as the $5MM buyin number starts to float!

Well yes but if 5 million is really gonna scare em away they had no business thinking FBS but I guess that’s the point

and if Richmond and The Burg went southern so to speak how long would it be until Delaware just went FBS independent ?

[FUBeAR]

Posted this on the “Famous Athlete RIP” thread, but thought, given Coach Sheridan’s prominence during his SoCon Head Coaching tenure, and beyond, that it should also be posted in this thread.

————————-
NCAA FBS & FCS Coach of the Year, NCAA College Football Hall of Fame Member, and someone FUBeAR loves.

You may not be a Furman Football fan or an NC State Football fan, but if you Played for, Coached under (both of which FUBeAR had the privilege to do for a total of 7 years), or Played/Coached against him, you know how special he was.

RIP Coach

https://twitter.com/paladinfootball/status/1677043283564920832
All-Time SoCon Football Coaching Records while Coaching a SoCon Team - from Founding (1921) thru Coaches that began Coaching in the SoCon in 1985 - Coach Sheridan's final year in the SoCon



Rk
Coach
From
To
Yrs
School(s)
G
W
L
T
PCT




1
Bob Neyland (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bob-neyland-1.html)
1926
1932
7
Tennessee (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/tennessee/)
68
61
2
5
0.934


2
Frank Thomas (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/frank-thomas-1.html)
1931
1932
2
Alabama (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/alabama/)
20
17
3
0
0.850


3
Joe Morrison (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/joe-morrison-1.html)
1977
1979
3
Chattanooga (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/chattanooga/)
33
25
6
2
0.788


4
William Kline (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/william-kline-1.html)
1922
1922
1
Florida (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida/)
9
7
2
0
0.778


5
Jim Tatum (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/jim-tatum-1.html)
1942
1951
6
North Carolina, Maryland
60
44
11
5
0.775


6
Wallace Wade (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/wallace-wade-1.html)
1923
1950
24
Alabama, Duke
230
171
49
10
0.765


7
Dan McGugin (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/dan-mcgugin-1.html)
1922
1932
11
Vanderbilt (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/vanderbilt/)
103
75
21
7
0.762


8
S.D. Tilson (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/sd-tilson-1.html)
1942
1942
1
Virginia Tech (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/virginia-tech/)
10
7
2
1
0.750


9
Dick Sheridan (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/dick-sheridan-1.html)
1978
1985
8
Furman (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/furman/)
94
69
23
2
0.745


10
J.A. Van Fleet (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ja-van-fleet-1.html)
1923
1924
2
Florida (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/florida/)
19
12
3
4
0.737


11
Pat Dye (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/pat-dye-1.html)
1974
1976
3
East Carolina (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/east-carolina/)
33
24
9
0
0.727


12
Bear Bryant (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bear-bryant-1.html)
1945
1945
1
Maryland (https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/maryland/)
9
6
2
1
0.722

[Sandlapper Spike]

RIP to Coach Sheridan. I'll always think of him as the title-winning coach at Orangeburg-Wilkinson, but then, I have a natural affinity for the famed maroon and orange...

---

As for SoCon additions, I would be on board with Richmond and William & Mary. I cannot see UR's basketball program ever leaving the A-10, though. Maybe the Spiders could be a football-only member and the league adds another school to get to 12 in both football and men's hoops.

[The Cats]

Here's the "Game-by-game and regular-season record predictions for Furman" in the 2023 season.

but, to give you the short version, Furman runs the SoCon table with only one conference loss.... that loss comes in Cullowhee...


https://twitter.com/SamHerderFCS/status/1678503444338835456

[ElCid]

Here's the "Game-by-game and regular-season record predictions for Furman" in the 2023 season.

but, to give you the short version, Furman runs the SoCon table with only one conference loss.... that loss comes in Cullowhee...


https://twitter.com/SamHerderFCS/status/1678503444338835456

Nothing earth shattering here. But as always there will be an unexpected game, or two. Always is.

[walliver]

I don't really see many attractive, and realistic, SoCon additions. As much as I would like to see W&M and Richmond, I am not holding my breath.

UNC-A and USC-Upstate are commuter schools. Asheville is fairly small by public school standards and Upstate has horrible basketball facilities. Two teams in Charleston didn't work, so I doubt two teams in Sparkle City would do better. Winthrop hasn't done much since Greg Marshall left. UNC-Wilmington is somewhat interesting although not really close to any other school in the SoCon. Presbyterian has no interest from me.

It is hard for me to pick an non-football school in the Big South, MEAC, or A-Sun which ups the ante for SoCon basketball.

At this point, the only additions I would want for the SoCon would be for replacement of a departing member leaving for the Big XII, or the two dream teams listed in my first sentence.

The last basketball expansion with UNCG, the College of Knowledge, and Davidson didn't really help hoops overall. Even with UNCG's recent success, we are still a one-bid conference.

[FUBeAR]

Extracting this from an NCAA.com / Stan Becton article - written in April - don’t think FUBeAR saw it then.

Found his ‘tiering’ of the Teams and his description of the Tiers, um, interesting…

The step above the rest tier


No SoCon Teams


The Frisco-or-bust tier - These teams should have their eyes set on lifting the trophy at the end of the year.


No SoCon Teams


The potential-playoff-seeds tier - All the teams in this category could earn a top-eight seed in the playoffs.


Samford
Furman


The playoff-contenders tier - This tier is full of teams that could make the playoffs, likely as an at-large or teams that could compete for conference titles in what have been one-bid leagues in past seasons.


Chattanooga


The good-but-not-great tier - This tier has teams that should finish the season around the six to seven-win mark.


Mercer


The unproven potential tier - The teams in the year have a chance at being better than last season, leading to a surprise rise up conference standings. However, until they prove it on the field, they stay put.


ETSU


The meh tier - This tier features teams that won't be the worst teams in their conferences, but they won't contend either. Think of 4-5 win teams that are competitive in most games... for at least a quarter or two.


Western Carolina
The Citadel


The bottom tier - After last season these teams round out the bottom of the tiers list. The good news is they can only go up from here.


VMI
Wofford


So - what do y’all think? Did he nail it? Perfectly characterize the SoCon? Did he slot and accurately describe your Team’s potential / trajectory for 2023

[BEAR]

Any Western Carolina fans coming to Little Rock to watch the game? xeyebrowx

[SU DOG]

Way-too-early FCS tiers for every team entering the 2023 season | NCAA.com (https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2023-04-13/way-too-early-fcs-tiers-every-team-entering-2023-season)

Since he has selected Michael Hiers as the best QB in the FCS for this season, I can't completely discredit Mr. Becton. I do, however have some issues with the "tier" article.

First off, there is only one team mentioned in the Step Above Tier. Not that I disagree with the team, but can only one of anything represent a tier?

Frisco or Bust Tier - I like the Tribe, but what did W&M do to make this tier? Shouldn't the loss to Elon and blowout in Playoffs make you wonder about this?

Top 3 conferences are Big Sky, MVFL, and CAA. Hmmm..I might disagree.

Samford picked to win its conference? While I certainly think there is a good chance of that happening and I hope so, most lists have Furman at the top.

Playoff Contenders Tier - UTC listed here, but not Mercer?

I do like speculation articles like this in the offseason because what else is there to generate some excitement?

[caribbeanhen]

Way-too-early FCS tiers for every team entering the 2023 season | NCAA.com (https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2023-04-13/way-too-early-fcs-tiers-every-team-entering-2023-season)

Since he has selected Michael Hiers as the best QB in the FCS for this season, I can't completely discredit Mr. Becton. I do, however have some issues with the "tier" article.

First off, there is only one team mentioned in the Step Above Tier. Not that I disagree with the team, but can only one of anything represent a tier?

Frisco or Bust Tier - I like the Tribe, but what did W&M do to make this tier? Shouldn't the loss to Elon and blowout in Playoffs make you wonder about this?

Top 3 conferences are Big Sky, MVFL, and CAA. Hmmm..I might disagree.

Samford picked to win its conference? While I certainly think there is a good chance of that happening and I hope so, most lists have Furman at the top.

Playoff Contenders Tier - UTC listed here, but not Mercer?

I do like speculation articles like this in the offseason because what else is there to generate some excitement?


Stan thinks it’s cool that Cam Newton was at some of the games, not sure if little brother is back this year though

[Catamount87]

ETSU as the lone "unproven potential tier" team? Did the writer no see how they absolutely imploded last year?

I'd move WCU into somewhere between unproven potential and good but not great tier right now, Mercer to playoff contenders tier and move Chatt to a new tier nickname the dreamers tier.




Extracting this from an NCAA.com / Stan Becton article - written in April - don’t think FUBeAR saw it then.

Found his ‘tiering’ of the Teams and his description of the Tiers, um, interesting…

The step above the rest tier


No SoCon Teams


The Frisco-or-bust tier - These teams should have their eyes set on lifting the trophy at the end of the year.


No SoCon Teams


The potential-playoff-seeds tier - All the teams in this category could earn a top-eight seed in the playoffs.


Samford
Furman


The playoff-contenders tier - This tier is full of teams that could make the playoffs, likely as an at-large or teams that could compete for conference titles in what have been one-bid leagues in past seasons.


Chattanooga


The good-but-not-great tier - This tier has teams that should finish the season around the six to seven-win mark.


Mercer


The unproven potential tier - The teams in the year have a chance at being better than last season, leading to a surprise rise up conference standings. However, until they prove it on the field, they stay put.


ETSU


The meh tier - This tier features teams that won't be the worst teams in their conferences, but they won't contend either. Think of 4-5 win teams that are competitive in most games... for at least a quarter or two.


Western Carolina
The Citadel


The bottom tier - After last season these teams round out the bottom of the tiers list. The good news is they can only go up from here.


VMI
Wofford


So - what do y’all think? Did he nail it? Perfectly characterize the SoCon? Did he slot and accurately describe your Team’s potential / trajectory for 2023

[PaladinNation]

This could be a program defining off-season for Furman. All of the SoCon coaches are in the heat of recruiting; especially those schools that still recruit HS athletes.
Furman is ahead of its typically early recruiting with 12–13 commits.

There are a couple of things that make this off-season recruiting different for Furman this season. Compared to Wofford and The Citadel, Furman in recent years signs far fewer in-state prospects. I'm told its getting harder for Furman to find the mix of academics and talent in state and then getting that player to commit. It's not that Furman doesn't offer them, the reality has been many of these players have chosen FBS schools, like Marshall, App, UAB, Army, Navy AFA, Miami of Ohio, etc… this hasn't just affected Furman's program, it's also affected the DOGS and the Terriers.

Landing local DT Bruce Knauber started the ball rolling, despite offers from the academies and schools like UAB, Knauber committed early. Yesterday, the in-state news outlets reported that Broome's big OT Steven O'Dell has decided to stay in state and committed to Furman. O'Dell is a 6-6, 290 lineman, he report 24 official offers, choosing Furman over JMU, UAB.

https://twitter.com/Steveno_77/status/1662532258853539842

The flip side is under OC Justin Roper Furman's offensive recruiting has expanded its footprint. When Furman offered Arizona WR Santino Varvel I gave the DINS little chance to beat out UC-Davis, North Dakota, Buffalo, Bowling Green to name a few… but he committed: https://twitter.com/Santino_varel13/status/1678576826279694336

Furman has also gone into the heart of the Southland and plucked Safety Tre Edwards of New Orleans. https://twitter.com/_TreBrown20/status/1679907574265544707

Is this the same ole solid Furman recruiting class or is this a next level of recruiting? From what I'm hearing this group of Furman coaches are the best group of recruiters Furman's had in a long time. Many SoCon schools pull off some recruiting gems getting 3 stars and an occasional 4 star, tip of the hat to Western.

This Furman class feels different—these commits aren't undersized talented players. I think we will see quickly if this class is as special as it appears next year as Tre Hedden come in to battle to start as a true freshman at QB.

[FUBeAR]

Welp - Every SoCon Team has now posted a 'current' 2023 Roster. Samford took theirs down for some reason, but not before FUBeAR 'captured' it. Certainly they are not all finalized and FUBeAR had to sort of 'compile' Chatt's from their "Signing Day" roster...but anyway....there's enough there to start doing some 'analysis'....

Due to impacts of Transfer Portal & COVID 'Free Years," the Focus of this analysis is on "Roster Churn" - Highs and Lows in each column are BOLDED

Your thoughts?



TEAM

# on
Roster
# of
Transfers
on
Roster
Transfers
as % of
Roster

# of
New
Players
Transfers
as % of New Players

# of
Returning
Players
Transfers
as % of Returning
Players

# of 'Lost'
Players from 2022 Roster
Transfers
as % of 'Lost'
Players

# of 'Lost'
Players
with
Eligibility
Remaining
Transfers
as % of 'Lost'
Players
with
Eligibility
Remaining

AVG
HT
AVG
WT


Samford

113
43
38.1%

47
63.8%

66
19.7%

38
47.4%

12
25.0%

73
220


Chattanooga

100
39
39.0%

39
43.6%

61
35.1%

37
48.6%

23
43.5%

73
228


WCU

122
31
25.4%

41
26.8%

81
24.7%

38
36.8%

31
29.0%

72
218


ETSU

96
23
24.0%

35
31.4%

61
19.7%

47
27.7%

40
17.5%

73
225


Mercer

100
20
20.0%

50
24.0%

50
16.0%

29
17.2%

24
8.3%

73
220


Wofford

114
17
14.9%

36
13.9%

78
15.4%

31
0.0%

8
0.0%

74
226


Furman

129
12
9.3%

40
15.0%

89
6.7%

17
0.0%

6
0.0%

73
219


The Citadel

92
9
9.7%

22
13.6%

70
8.6%

41
14.6%

27
0.0%

73
218


VMI

123
0
0.0%

49
0.0%

74
0.0%

40
0.0%

21
0.0%

73
214
























TOTALS

989
194


359


630


318


192






AVERAGES

110
22
20.0%

40
25.8%

70
16.3%

35
21.4%

21
13.7%

73
221




*FUBeAR was surprised to see that Woffy has the Tallest and Heaviest roster in the SoCon - BIG Dogs, it seems we will have to call them now.
**UPDATE - Chatt added some new beef to roster. Woffy no longer heaviest...that didn't last long.