NDSU roster review for next year

[MplsBison]

Posted this on BisonSports as well, just wanted to run down the roster for next year. I would love to see what other NDSU fans think, agree, disagree, etc.


Secondary
6 Bowman, Richard CB 5-8 172 Jr. Houston, Texas (North Shore HS)
- should start at corner
32 Colvin, Derrius CB 5-9 170 So. South Holland, Ill. (Thornwood HS)
- will fight for time at corner
12 Mitchell, Courtney CB 5-8 176 Jr. Houston, Texas (Booker T. Washington HS)
- will fight for time at corner
13 Banks, Freddie DB 5-8 175 So. Harvey, Ill. (Mercyhurst College, Pa.) (Thornwood HS)
- will fight for time at corner
20 Bigley, Chris DB 6-1 196 So. Menomonee Falls, Wis. (Menomonee Falls HS)
- can he stay healthy? Seems a little heavy for corner, probably a good saftey if he can hit
31 Jackson, Kevin DB 5-11 185 Fr. Grand Rapids, Mich., Mich. (Kentwood HS)
- could fight for time at corner but still young
11 Purcell, Darius DB 5-11 229 RFr. Chicago, Ill. (Illinois) (Hubbard HS)
- left the team, no idea if he will come back next semester, my guess is no but you never know Mitchell left and now is back
7 Eaves, Daniel FS 6-0 188 RFr. Harvey, Ill. (Thornton Township HS)
- should start at Free
22 Osborne, Jordan FS 5-11 180 Fr. The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)
- could fight for time at saftey but still young
30 Thomas III, Melvin FS 5-11 172 Fr. Houston, Texas (Eisenhower HS)
- could fight for time but still young
15 Belmont, Kyle SS 5-11 195 Jr. Battle Lake, Minn. (Battle Lake Public HS)
- should start at strong saftey
14 Gion, Brock SS 5-11 190 Fr. Regent, N.D. (Mott-Regent HS)
-could fight for time but still young
35 Kolstad, Isaac SS 6-1 215 Fr. Mankato, Minn. (East HS)
-could fight for time but still young
36 Lemon, Cyrus SS 5-10 195 So. Minneapolis, Minn. (DeLaSalle HS)
- could start at free, but not sure if he's fast enough

- Gatlin from Science seems like he could start if he learns the defense in time, which depends if he will be here for spring ball or not

- seems like we have a lot of guys on the roster at safety, good for special teams but maybe not as good for the team when only two safeties are going to see the field per game


D Line
92 Boyer, Coulter DE 6-4 248 RFr. Hurley, S.D. (Hurley HS)
- should start at DE
96 Hagen, Ricky DE 6-3 222 Fr. Colfax, Wis. (Colfax HS)
- seems too small for DL, still young
90 Johnson, Garrett DE 6-4 250 RFr. Chaska, Minn. (Chaska HS)
- should start at DE
98 Stoczynski, Scott DE 6-2 236 RFr. Hoffman Estates, Ill. (Hoffman Estates HS)
- seems too small for DL, but will likely play some at DE
97 Danilkowicz, George DT 6-3 267 RFr. Green Oaks, Ill. (Vernon Hills HS)
- way too small for interior DL, but probably too slow for DE. not sure what is going to happen to him.
70 Gratzek, Matthew DT 6-2 280 So. Argyle, Minn. (Stephen Argyle Central HS)
- should start at DT
59 Rossi, Anthony DT 5-11 283 Jr. Sioux City, Iowa (Morehead State) (Rochelle Township, Ill.)
- walk on, no idea if he will play
94 Taufete'e, Yuen DT 6-0 295 Jr. Pago, Pago, American Samoa (Butte-Glenn CC) (Nu'uuli Poly Tech HS)
- should play at NG, solid in back up roll
99 Fairbairn, Mike NG 6-2 298 Jr. LaGrange, Ill. (Lyons Township HS)
- should start at NG, will be a 4 year starter
95 Phillips, Matt NG 6-4 276 So. DePere, Wis. (Notre Dame Academy)
- moved to DT, should play at DT, solid in back up roll

- need some back ups at DE! Not sure if Stoczynski could hold up at his weight. Seems like help is coming this year, might even see some true FR play

- interior is solid 2 deep with Gratz, Fair, Yuan and Phillips. Danilkowicz and Rossi are not going to cut it.

- not listed Offerman and Reid due to they were not on the team. Offerman should be solid at DT and it sounds like Reid will be moved from LB to DE. Also, is it just me or does it seem like Bussey should also be moved to DE? 250 seems too big for MLB unless he's just a freak like Mays, if that were true why didn't he play this year?

Backs
33 Hushka, Drew FB 6-0 230 So. Fargo, N.D. (Shanley HS))
- walk on, special teams player, don't think he will play much at FB unless we have no one else which in that case we should be going single back
35 Papke, Zach FB 6-0 244 So. Chaska, Minn. (Chaska HS)
- was a walk on DT, not sure what happened, is he still on the team? Didn't see him out there at FB or DT
46 Vandal, Lee FB 6-0 235 So. Rolla, N.D. (Rolla HS)
- solid FB, might be the best FB we've had since Johnny Frank, got caught up in bulls&%# alcohol charges, should be good to go now that he's legal age
28 Blincoe, Pete HB 5-7 180 Jr. Imperial, Calif. (Imperial HS)
- it will be interesting to see if he can compete for time or if he got passed up during his injury
45 Horner, Josh RB 5-8 186 Fr. Fargo, N.D. (South HS)
- still young be will be interesting to see if he can see the field this year
8 McNorton, D.J. RB 5-10 193 RFr. Channelview, Texas (Channelview HS)
- needs to see the field any way he can (WR, RB, returner), he might actually do the team better by playing out in space vs. being a straight ahead, between the tackles runner
2 Paschall, Pat RB 6-0 198 Jr. St. Louis, Mo. (Dodge City CC) (Chattahoochee HS)
- should start at HB
23 Voigtlander, Matt RB 6-0 212 RFr. Lino Lakes, Minn. (Centennial HS)
- should split time at HB

- Paschall and Voit should do well running between the tackles in our bread and butter offense
- love seeing DJ on screens, quick outs, etc. out in space, but he doesn't do so well running traditional style between the tackles, dances too much, doesn't hit the hole and trust it
- will be interesting to see how Blincoe and Horner can contribute

Special teams
27 Bibeau, Shawn K 5-11 215 Jr. White Bear Lake, Minn. (White Bear Lake HS)
- did not earn a scholarship, if he gets one, will be interesting if he wins the job this spring
39 Obarski, John K 5-9 248 Jr. Burnsville, Minn. (Minnesota-Crookston) (Apple Valley HS)
- congrats to him for sticking with the program with Bibeau being the starter, hope he can compete for the job in the spring
50 Curtis, Jeff LS 6-3 233 Jr. New Hope, Minn. (Robbinsdale Cooper HS
- does an excellent job in a thankless role, will be a 4 year starter
38 Obarski, Jason P 5-10 211 Fr. Burnsville, Minn. (Apple Valley HS)
- should compete for the starting job
19 Prelvitz, John P 6-2 203 So. Roseau, Minn. (Roseau HS)
- did a great job this year, congrats for sticking with the program with Drago around and then Ja Obarski signing

- do any of these guys get scholarships?
- Bibeau by far has the highest profile role and by far did not do his job last year
- would like to see every kicker we have try out for the opportunity to kick fieldgoals
- would like to see Jo Obarski have kickoff duty, he has a cannon leg (and gut, LOL!), maybe that would let Bibeau focus on scoring points? something!

Linebacker
48 Anderson, Matt LB 6-2 225 So. Cavalier, N.D. (Cavalier HS)
- should start at OLB, great player if he can stay healthy!
43 Beson, Eddie LB 6-2 218 RFr. Appleton, Wis. (Menasha HS)
- should see playing time at OLB, again if he can stay healthy
45 Bussey, Fred LB 6-0 250 Jr. Thomaston, Ga. (College of DuPage) (Upson-Lee HS) (Georgia Southern)
- Like I mentioned above, maybe should be moved to DE? Seems too big to play LB at DI level. I would rather have a rangy quick guy who can play centerfield in the tampa 2 vs. a brick wall who can't cover that well
55 Evans, Preston LB 5-11 223 Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D. (Roosevelt HS)
- Should start at MLB, he's that good. Scary good as a true FR. Shame that he can't play for 5 years
42 Hazley-Freeman, Josh LB 6-1 215 RFr. Houston, Texas (Kempner HS)
- Seems to have been passed up on the depth chart, will he see the field this year?
37 Henry, Tyler LB 6-2 230 Jr. Bloomington, Minn. (Jefferson HS)
- Seems much more to be a natural OLB to me. I would much rather have him covering the TE/slot receiver than be the guy in the middle. I would have him starting over Beson or Anderson at OLB with Evans in the middle, but we'll see what coach wants to do
26 Kittelson, Matt LB 5-11 218 Jr. Velva, N.D. (Velva-Sawyer HS)
- should rotate in at OLB, but see most action on special teams
57 Poppel, Luke LB 6-1 220 Fr. Breckenridge, Minn. (Breckenridge)
- still young, probably won't crack the depth chart much next year, I believe he was a walk on
53 Sczepanski, Blake LB 6-0 218 RFr. Stephen, Minn. (Stephen-Argyle Central HS)
- walk on who played this year due to injuries. Should play at OLB and special teams
47 Senger, Luke LB 5-11 221 RFr. Bismarck, N.D. (Bismarck)
- passed up on the depth chart by Evans. If I got my way and Henry was moved to OLB and Bussey was moved to DE, Senger would probably be back up MLB. Doubt that will happen
58 Yaggie, Alex LB 5-11 209 RFr. Thief River Falls, Minn. (Lincoln HS)
- another walk on LB, not sure if he will play much this year, maybe special teams?

- not listed is Wyoming transfer who seems like another guy who could play at OLB
- we have a ton of guys who can legitimately play at OLB
- might need to move some guys to other positions?
- special teams coverage better lead the league next year with all these excess LBs

[MplsBison]

(part 2)

O Line
52 Arndt, Michael OG 6-6 310 So. LaMoure, N.D. (LaMoure HS)
- Should split time with Ebel at left tackel
65 Foster, Ryan OG 6-2 295 Jr. Eleva, Wis. (Eleva-Sturm HS)
- should start at right guard
66 McGregor, DJ OG 6-2 315 So. Warren, Minn. (Warren-Alvarado-Oslo HS)
- walk on center/guard, not sure if he will see playing time
68 Beckius, Ty OL 6-3 310 Fr. Mahnomen, Minn. (Mahnomen HS)
- walk on, not sure if he will see playing time
61 Britt, Will OL 6-2 280 RFr. Brooklyn Center, Minn. (DeLaSalle HS)
- walk on, not sure if he will see playing time
78 Cornick, Paul OL 6-5 290 RFr. Orono, Minn. (Orono HS)
- gotta step up next season, need someone to give Buckman a rest at RT and then need a starter at RT for 2010, plus what if he gets hurt? need someone for RT, in other words
71 Landingham, Carlin OL 6-2 305 Fr. Muskegon, Mich. (Muskegon HS)
- still young, but seems like he could be a back up guard if he has a good spring
73 Lund, Joe OL 6-1 285 Fr. Bloomington, Minn. (Kennedy HS)
- should start at center if he's half as good as he was in high school, could be a 4 year starter
62 Manowske, J.J. OL 6-3 280 Fr. Fond du Lac, Wis. (St. Mary's Springs HS)
-left the team
63 Richard, Austin OL 6-2 322 RFr. Fargo, N.D. (South HS)
- should start at left guard
74 Vadnais, Jordan OL 6-3 280 RFr. Fargo, N.D. (South HS)
- walk on, not sure if he will see the field this year
76 Buckman, Keith OT 6-5 312 Jr. Belfield, N.D. (Belfield HS)
- should start at RT
75 Ebel, Gerry OT 6-6 308 Jr. Yankton, S.D. (Yankton HS)
- should start at LT, split time with Arndt
69 Wellenstein, Chris OT 6-7 305 RFr. Centerville, S.D. (Centerville HS)
- is he still on the team? Injury prone, not sure if he can stay healthy long enough to play? Would seem to be a natural tackle, maybe RT?

- what's with the lack of signed OL staying on the team? we're averaging like 2 per year. That is not going to cut it with injuries.

QB
13 Fabry, Andrew QB 6-4 205 RFr. Green Bay, Wis. (Arizona State) (Notre Dame Academy)
- is he still on the team? seems like a natural drop back guy who would slide right into our system with his height. Has he been given a chance? seems like he's #4 on the depth chart, I guess this spring will be his shot
10 Jackson, Troy QB 6-1 235 Jr. Los Angeles, Calif. (Los Angeles Valley CC) (Fairfax HS)
- in hind sight it was probably a wasted scholarship to bring the young man out from CA. Don't think he will ever see the field in anything other than mop up, Mertens will be the starter and now Jose is being labeled the next guy
18 Mertens, Nick QB 6-1 215 Jr. East Grand Forks, Minn. (East Grand Forks HS)
- Of the 4 he is still the best guy due to his experience with and knowledge of the offensive system. Also very athletic. Seems like he would do better in a shotgun spread option offense. Very good runner out of the shot gun and has the ability to make strong, accurate throws. Just does not have it on gameday it seems. We'll see, maybe he will turn it around?
3 Mohler, Jose QB 5-11 172 Fr. Cardiff, Calif. (La Costa Canyon HS)
- If you thought the pressure on Mertens was bad last season, Jose is going to have the weight of the entire Bison nation on him if Mertens starts out next season cold and Jose is brought in to fix it. Hope he can deliver! Seems small, hope he can take a hit without breaking

-The west coast offense can not function without solid QB play, as we found out last year. Need someone to step up if we are going to run that same type of offense.

Tight End
87 Brown, Thor TE 6-4 255 Jr. Fall Creek, Wis. (Fall Creek HS)
- great blocking TE, like a Kliensasser, won't catch many balls
86 Hines, Jared TE 6-4 238 Jr. Ellsworth, Wis. (Ellsworth HS)
- has been passed up on the depth chart, not sure if he will see the field much at TE, maybe special teams?
89 Shannon, Patrick TE 6-3 236 So. Golden Valley, Minn. (Benilde-St. Margaret's HS)
- has been passed up on the depth chart, not sure if he will see the field much at TE, maybe special teams?
84 Smith, Landon TE 6-2 234 So. Dickinson, N.D. (Trinity)
- Note sure about him. He's a good pass catcher but he's too short to be the every down TE. Might be good as a change of pass slot receiver? Maybe move to DE?
82 Veldman, Matt TE 6-7 244 RFr. Becker, Minn. (Becker HS)
- Should split time with Brown at TE. He should be the main target pass catching TE
88 Vetter, Austin TE 6-2 215 Fr. Minot, N.D. (Bishop Ryan HS)
- What's with these short TE? Same boat as Smith except he's still young yet

- Why are we recruiting 6-2 220s type TEs? They are not tall enough to be effective targets in the middle of the field and are not fast enough to play outside. We end up with excess guys who never see the field.

-Lot of excess TE, I hope they can contribute on special teams

Wide Out
16 Duchscher, Reed WR 6-1 197 Fr. Rugby, N.D. (Rugby HS)
- Still young, could fight for time
14 Felten, Kirk WR 6-0 178 So. Austin, Minn. (Southland HS)
- Walk on, probably will no see the field as a receiver, maybe special teams?
81 Holloway, Warren WR 6-1 186 RFr. Houston, Texas (Galena Park HS)
- Great size, but so far as underachieved in my opinion, hope he has a break out year next season, we will need him!
21 Schultenover, Jordan WR 6-3 205 Jr. Minnetonka, Minn. (Hopkins HS)
- Should be the go to receiver next year, great pass catcher. Underused the last two seasons in my opinion
24 Schuring, Victor WR 5-10 185 So. Andover, S.D. (Andover HS)
- Walk on, probably will no see the field as a receiver, maybe special teams?
1 Washington, Shamen WR 5-6 147 Sr. St. Petersburg, Fla. (Boca Ciega HS)
- Not sure if he will get to play next year, but he was not announced with the rest of his class for the last game, so they must be hoping he will. If he could stay healthy, he is a game changer at returner and out in space. Not an every down type of receiver.
85 Williams, Gary WR 5-11 176 So. Humble, Texas (North Shore HS)
- Like Holloway, has got to step up next year!


- Looks like the Schultenover show next year unless Holloway and Williams step up.
- Not much depth, have to assume that Shaman won't be back
- Would be a dream if we could steal a stand out high school WO from the lower level FBS schools who could play next year as a true Fr.




Overall: hard to tell on some of the younger guys who don't see the field much unless you're out watching practice every day.

[JackTwice]

How the heck has Shamen Washington not graduated. Hasn't he been around since the first year of transition?

[Grizalltheway]

More importantly, are they going to be able to beat Youngstown next season? xeyebrowx

[MplsBison]

How the heck has Shamen Washington not graduated. Hasn't he been around since the first year of transition?

They're trying to get him a 6th year.

I am not optimistic but I don't know anyone on the inside, so it's possible.


Honestly, I would rather just move on. But the fact is, IF he's 100% healthy he is a game changer. I know the coach will give him a scholarship if he can go.

[TexasTerror]

Can we get a schedule analysis? How many home games, how many away games? Any neutral site games, FBS games? Will Bison have too many big games on the road, that they may have a hard time getting into the playoffs?

[roadwarrior]

Home games:
Illinois State
Northern Iowa
Missouri State
Youngstown State
TBA

Away games:
Sam Houston State
Southern Illinois
South Dakota State
Western Illinois
Indiana State

FBS:
Iowa State

[slostang]

Home games:
Illinois State
Northern Iowa
Missouri State
Youngstown State
TBA

Away games:
Sam Houston State
Southern Illinois
South Dakota State
Western Illinois
Indiana State

FBS:
Iowa State

MplsBison post about not going to SHSU in 3.....2.......1......

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

More importantly, are they going to be able to beat Youngstown next season? xeyebrowx


We need 1 home game....Grizz available???xwhistlex xwhistlex

[Ronbo]

Nope we're tied up with home and homes with Cal Poly and UCDavis.

[uofmman1122]

Nope we're tied up with home and homes with Cal Poly and UCDavis.Are we only playing three OOC games next season?

[Ronbo]

Are we only playing three OOC games next season?

Yes, but with an away game with Davis we will fill game number 11 with a home game. If we accepted an away game for the 11th game we would only have 5 home games. At $500,000 + a home game you do the math.:)

[MplsBison]

We also need a home game.

It's looking more and more like UND will be coming to Fargo on Nov 7th.


It's the perfect game for us: guaranteed 19k attendance and no need to pay them any guarantee money.

Plus we can finally bring the Nickel home where it belongs in Fargo.

[Thundar]

We also need a home game.

It's looking more and more like UND will be coming to Fargo on Nov 7th.


It's the perfect game for us: guaranteed 19k attendance and no need to pay them any guarantee money.

Plus we can finally bring the Nickel home where it belongs in Fargo.

And your info comes from..................yeah whatever, UND will not be coming Nov. 7th! there will be a home non-con game Sept. 12thxpeacex

[Thunderstruck84]

We also need a home game.

It's looking more and more like UND will be coming to Fargo on Nov 7th.

It's the perfect game for us: guaranteed 19k attendance and no need to pay them any guarantee money.

Plus we can finally bring the Nickel home where it belongs in Fargo.
xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx xlolx

That made my day.

[TexasTerror]

With all those greater Houston area kids (especially in the secondary), it makes so much sense for NDSU to come to Huntsville, Texas...

[MplsBison]

And your info comes from..................yeah whatever, UND will not be coming Nov. 7th! there will be a home non-con game Sept. 12thxpeacex

There isn't a single non-conf game that can provide more than UND can provide at a cheaper price.

Not even close.


If we have any brains at all, UND is already signed.

[TexasTerror]

If we have any brains at all, UND is already signed.

So, it's doubtful considering the AD has gone against many of the things which you considered solid bets in the past.

[Thundar]

There isn't a single non-conf game that can provide more than UND can provide at a cheaper price.

Not even close.


If we have any brains at all, UND is already signed.


Your logic is stupid, there is NO WAY Gene lets the guys go 5 weeks without a home game or the ticket holders, none zero, there WILL BE A GAME THE 12th!! waiting till Oct. 3rd for a home game isn't an option for Fan support, get used to it. Also 11-06-09 is Deer Hunting opener i'll bet my left AND right nut there isn't a game that weekend!xcoolx

[MplsBison]

Make it a night game, easy way to go around deer opener.


Fargo can wait just fine until Oct 3rd. They'll wait if it means a home game with UND!

[MplsBison]

Make it a night game, easy way to go around deer opener.


Fargo can wait just fine until Oct 3rd. They'll wait if it means a home game with UND!

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Make it a night game, easy way to go around deer opener.


Fargo can wait just fine until Oct 3rd. They'll wait if it means a home game with UND!



Bison/Sue will play soon but not next year. Nov date will be a bye and the Sept date will be a home game....probably against another FCS opponent.

[Thundar]

Bison/Sue will play soon but not next year. Nov date will be a bye and the Sept date will be a home game....probably against another FCS opponent.

I already tried to reason that with him, but its like talking to a brick wallxrotatehx xrotatehx xrotatehx

[rutlandbison]

Make it a night game, easy way to go around deer opener.


Fargo can wait just fine until Oct 3rd. They'll wait if it means a home game with UND!

xdeadhorsex

[MplsBison]

Bison/Sue will play soon but not next year. Nov date will be a bye and the Sept date will be a home game....probably against another FCS opponent.

IF we can find a legitimate FCS team willing to come to Fargo for a guarantee game, then you are likely correct.


But it will not be the end of the world if we have no home games in Sept. Hardly.


And IMO for a home game with UND it's worth it!

[semobison]

Your IMO has always gotten you in trouble! We will NOT be playing UND next year. (Although personally, I hope the rivalry is renewed at some point.) We Will be playing a home game in Sept. against sombody yet to be named.

[MplsBison]

Your IMO has always gotten you in trouble! We will NOT be playing UND next year. (Although personally, I hope the rivalry is renewed at some point.) We Will be playing a home game in Sept. against sombody yet to be named.

How can you be so sure that there will be an available FCS team that is willing to make the trip to Fargo for a one-and-done game?


If there is such a team, then I agree with you.



I'm holding out hope that no team will agree, which will then force us to schedule UND on Nov 7th.

[Thundar]

How can you be so sure that there will be an available FCS team that is willing to make the trip to Fargo for a one-and-done game?


If there is such a team, then I agree with you.



I'm holding out hope that no team will agree, which will then force us to schedule UND on Nov 7th.


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ they will get someone!

[MplsBison]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ they will get someone!

I guess we'll see.


I think it's ludicrus to pay a team to come to Fargo that won't draw 19k when we can get UND for free.

[TexasTerror]

I think it's ludicrus to pay a team to come to Fargo that won't draw 19k when we can get UND for free.

How do you get UND for free? I thought you were not willing to do a home-and-home with the Sioux. xconfusedx

Of course, I thought you were not willing to play at Sam Houston State and you are on our schedule.

[stevdock]

When was the last time that the first home game was not a sellout?? It's been a while now. You can not have a legit schedule for fans or our athletes without having a home game before October. If that were the case the season might be over before one home game. That would be really rough on attendance the rest of the season.

[NDB]

Even though I have him on ignore, it appears that my new year's wish of mplsbison being lost in a snowbank until june may not have come to fruition.

oh, that's right. it's new year's resolution, not wish.

dammit.

[Thundar]

How do you get UND for free? I thought you were not willing to do a home-and-home with the Sioux. xconfusedx

Of course, I thought you were not willing to play at Sam Houston State and you are on our schedule.

TT we have always said our AD is good for the return game!! and no we cannot get UND for free, and Austin Peay last year was PAID to come to Fargo and yes it sold out, so its all just hot air!! Lokking forward to the SHSU game!

[MplsBison]

TT we have always said our AD is good for the return game!! and no we cannot get UND for free, and Austin Peay last year was PAID to come to Fargo and yes it sold out, so its all just hot air!! Lokking forward to the SHSU game!

We could get them for free and the AP game did not have 19k attendance.