Buchananology- Week 8

[smallcollegefbfan]

WATCH LISTS UPDATE- OCTOBER 26, 2010

Before I get into the 20 candidates I picked for each award and my top 5 for each along with my top players not on my top 20 list, here is a look at the four categories of players you find in these type races.

Just like in the FBS we have different categories of players in the FCS. Here is my take.

BUCHANAN PRESEASON FAVORITES
LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.
DE Christian Anthony, Grambling State, Sr.
FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Sr.
CB Justin Rogers, Richmond, Sr.
LB Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.

BUCHANAN PRESEASON CANDIDATES FALLEN FROM THE LIST
These players had prolific seasons in 2009 but are either not playing this year or struggling due to injury or have just had bad seasons.

DE Christian Anthony, Grambling State, Sr.
DE Christian Clark, Sacramento State, Sr.
S Mike McElroy, Southern Illinois, Sr.
S Jason House, Southern, Sr.

BUCHANAN SURPRISE CANDIDATES
These players were nowhere near the radar screen or even known coming into the season.

DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.
LB Ryan Lewis, Bethune-Cookman, Jr.
LB Mark Newbill, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.
CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina, Jr.

BUCHANAN WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION BUT NO SHOT
These players either have no shot because of the position they play, league they play in, or lack of national exposure but are legit top 20 candidates.

DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.
DT Ibraham Abdulai, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.
LB Ryan Lewis, Bethune-Cookman, Jr.
CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina, Jr.

Now that we have the categories identified here is my look at the top 20 for each award and notable players.

MY 20 BUCHANAN BATTLE CANDIDATES
DE Jabari Fletcher, Appalachian State, Sr.- 35 TT, 11 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 7 QBH, 3 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.
DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.- 39 TT, 15.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 6 QBH, 2 FF in 8 games.
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 32 TT, 15 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FF in 7 games.
DT Ibraham Abdulai, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Sr.- 41 TT, 13.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 5 QBH, 2 FR, 3 FF in 7 games.
DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 63 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 6 games.
DT Martin Parker, Richmond, Sr.- 61 TT, 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 7 QBH, 1 BLK in 7 games.
DT Brent Russell, Georgia Southern, Soph.- 28 TT, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR in 7 games.
LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 71 TT, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 INT, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 7 games.
LB Ryan Lewis, Bethune-Cookman, Jr.- 40 TT, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, FR returned for TD, 4 FF in 7 games.
LB Mark Newbill, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 79 TT, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.
LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 91 TT, 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 8 games.
LB Bryce Smith, Samford, Sr.- 86 TT, 4 TFL, 0.5 sack, 1 INT, 2 PBU in 7 games.
LB D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Sr.- 75 TT, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR in 7 games.
LB Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 71 TT, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU, 2 FR in 7 games.
CB Trumaine Johnson, Montana, Jr.- 37 TT, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INTs/returned 2 for TDs, 5 PBU, 1 carry, 11 yds, 6 KR, 137 yds, 22.8avg in 8 games.
CB Torez Jones, Western Carolina, Jr.- 50 TT, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 6 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR in 8 games.
CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois, Sr.- 26 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 PBU in 7 games.
CB Justin Rogers, Richmond, Sr.- 34 TT, 2 INT/returned one for TD, 5 PBU, 2 FF, 5 carries, 12 yds, 1 catch, 8 yds, 15 KR, 297 yds, 19.8avg, 9 PR, 160 yds, 17.8avg in 7 games.
FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Sr.- 35 TT, 5 INT, 5 PBU in 7 games.
SS Eugene Clifford, Tennessee State, Sr.- 58 TT, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INT, 6 PBU in 8 games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
DE Coulter Boyer, North Dakota Sate, Jr.- 37 TT, 8 TFL, 1 sacks, 3 PBU, 6 QBH, 3 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
DE Kenneth Charles, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.- 39 TT, 11 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 FF in 7 games.
DE Erik Clanton, The Citadel, Sr.- 45 TT, 11 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 FR, 3 FF in 8 games.
DE Chris Donald, Chattanooga, Jr.- 37 TT, 10.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 7 games.
DE Zack Nash, Sacramento State, Jr.- 26 TT, 9 TFL, 7 sacks, 2 QBH, 4 FF in 7 games.
DE Ben Obaseki, Indiana State, Soph.- 43 TT, 14.5 TFL, 8 sacks, 2 QBH, 1 FF, 1 SAF in 7 games.
DE/LB Brandon Peguese, Hampton, Sr.- 50 TT, 13 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 10 QBH in 7 games.
DE Andrew Schaetzke, Georgetown, Jr.- 46 TT, 10.5 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FF, 1 BLK in 8 games.
DT Ronnie Cameron, Old Dominion, Jr.- 41 TT, 11.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 5 QBH in 7 games.
DT Andre Caroll, Delaware State, Sr.- 67 TT, 12 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 4 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.
LB Josh Bey, UT Martin, Sr.- 68 TT, 8 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF in 8 games.
LB John Eddy, Northern Colorado, Sr.- 72 TT, 6.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 PBU, 8 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK in 8 games.
LB Matt Evans, New Hampshire, Soph.- 93 TT, 7 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 2 FF in 8 games.
LB Kyle Glazier, Western Illinois, Sr.- 103 TT, 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
LB Eric McBride, Richmond, Sr.- 74 TT, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.
LB Tyler Osborne, Southern Utah, Jr.- 42 TT, 16.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 1 PBU, 5 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.
LB Keith Pough, Howard, Soph.- 61 TT, 17 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 3 PBU, 4 QBH, 3 FF in 7 games.
LB A.J. Storms, Idaho State, Jr.- 90 TT, 6 TFL, 2 PBU in 7 games.
LB Antoine Wilkinson, Missouri State, Sr.- 57 TT, 6.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 3 PBU, 1 BLK in 7 games.
CB Shawn Abuhoff, Dartmouth, Jr.- 30 TT, 0.5 TFL, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 7 PBU, 1 FF, 9 PR, 69 yds, 7.7avg, 1 TD, 13 KR, 350 yds, 26.9avg in 6 games.
CB Moses Ellis, Prairie View A&M, Sr.- 26 TT, 1 TFL, 5 INT, 13 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF in 7 games.
CB Tyrone Grant, Delaware, Sr.- 44 TT, 1 TFL, 4 INT/returned one for TD, 6 PBU in 8 games.
CB EJ Jones, Illinois State, Sr.- 24 TT, 6 INT, 1 PBU, FF in 8 games.
CB Ryan Steed, Furman, Jr.- 43 TT, 4 INT/returned 2 for TDs, 7 PBU, 2 FF in 7 games.
CB Dino Vasso, New Hampshire, Sr.- 39 TT, 1.5 TFL, 5 INT, 6 PBU in 8 games.
FS Tylor Brock, Southeast Missouri State, Soph.- 36 TT, 0.5 TFL, 5 INT/returned one for TD, 1 PBU in 8 games.
FS Thomas Broussard, Samford, Sr.- 24 TT, 3 TFL, 0.5 sack, 6 INT, 1 PBU in 7 games.
SS Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.- 60 TT, 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 2 FF in 7 games.
SS Erik Stoll, Montana, Sr.- 49 TT, 2 TFL, 5 INT/returned one for TD, 3 PBU in 8 games.
SS James Vercammen, Dayton, Sr.- 74 TT, 12 TFL, 5 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 1 FR, 3 FF in 8 games.

BUCHANAN TOP FIVE

1. LB J.C. Sherritt, Eastern Washington, Sr.- 91 TT, 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 2 QBH in 8 games.

Sherritt is not a clear cut number one and we have plenty of games left to play which could change this but so far the preseason favorite has been great. He leads EWU in tackles (91) and has made plays in the backfield (7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks) and shown he can cover (3 INT, 3 PBU). This award doesn’t have a sexy pick at this point but Sherritt has been tough, consistent, and productive over the last two years and would make a quality Buchanan winner at this point.

2. FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Sr.- 35 TT, 5 INT, 5 PBU in 7 games.

LeGree is tied for fifth nationally in interception (5) and leads the nation’s No. 1 team. He has wreaked havoc either breaking up the pass or picking it off every time the ball has been near him. In front of several NFL teams and media he played very well against the Citadel while their top NFL prospect was burned for three touchdowns. He will definitely play on Sundays because of his ball skills and intelligence but needs to get faster and improve against the run.

3. DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 32 TT, 15 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FF in 7 games.

Pall has quietly led the nation in sacks (10.5) and is second in tackles for loss (15). He is a big reason Wofford is giving up just 21.3 points per game and has over half of his team’s sack production by himself. He also has six quarterback hurries and has proven to be among the best pass rushers in the nation and has the best numbers of any defensive linemen and we all know how voters love to throw votes to high sack and tackle for loss totals.

4. DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton, Sr.- 63 TT, 10.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 6 games.

Ellis is a beast plain and simple. He has missed one game and still has 10.5 tackles for loss and 63 tackles despite teams running away from him because he clogs the middle of the field so well. His size, strength, and ability to stop the run make him one of the most feared players in the nation. If not for his off field issues he would be a top 100 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

5. CB Korey Lindsey, Southern Illinois, Sr.- 26 TT, 2.5 TFL, 5 PBU in 7 games.

I don’t see Lindsey finishing in the top five because SIU has been down and he lacks big numbers but he has completely shut down his side of the field all season long. He won the game against UNI with a nice pass breakup in overtime earlier in the season and has shown the skill set to be a top 100 draft pick but at just 5’10 ½ 185 pounds his ceiling on draft day will likely be the fourth round.

[smallcollegefbfan]

2011 FRONT RUNNERS
Here is an early look at five candidates primed and ready to consider for next year. (in no order)

BUCHANAN
DE Ameet Pall, Wofford, Jr.- 32 TT, 15 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 6 QBH, 1 FF in 7 games.
DE Mario Kurn, San Diego, Jr.- 39 TT, 15.5 TFL, 10.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 6 QBH, 2 FF in 8 games.
DT Brent Russell, Georgia Southern, Soph.- 28 TT, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 QBH, 1 FR in 7 games.
LB Tyler Holmes, UMASS, Jr.- 71 TT, 9.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 3 INT, 1 PBU, 2 FF in 7 games.
CB Trumaine Johnson, Montana, Jr.- 37 TT, 3.5 TFL, 0.5 sack, 4 INTs/returned 2 for TDs, 5 PBU, 1 carry, 11 yds, 6 KR, 137 yds, 22.8avg in 8 games.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

SCFBF - How do you not have EWU SS Matt Johnson on your watch list?

63 TT
1.5 TFL
4 INT
1 FF
7 PBU

[WoCoTerrier]

Apparently, you are pretty wrong about Ameet Pall. He hasn't even been considered.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Apparently, you are pretty wrong about Ameet Pall. He hasn't even been considered.

Actually I told this on CS.com but must have forgot to point that out here. I am putting the 20 names I would have on the list and how I think the top 5 should go based on the list. Haley is a very different list of 20 than I do. His list is just a list of recommendations for voters. We are allowed to write other names in and I will likely do so right now with my ballot if Pall is not added. I have had to write in a person twice in five years so it is not something that can't be done.

[Maroon&White]

Why are you always so concerned about how a player will fare in the NFL or in being picked up by an NFL team? That has nothing to do with the award.

[smallcollegefbfan]

SCFBF - How do you not have EWU SS Matt Johnson on your watch list?

63 TT
1.5 TFL
4 INT
1 FF
7 PBU

I'm glad you asked. I feel he is the third best defensive player for your team and considering the second best Renard Williams does not have very good numbers, his play is much better than you would expect. To put three from one side of the ball the team I try to leave that for a top 5 team and since EWU is not quite that high I left him off. Just didn't want to put three from several different teams and water it down unless they had three very productive players and Williams didn't quite have the production to warrant me listing him right now.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Why are you always so concerned about how a player will fare in the NFL or in being picked up by an NFL team? That has nothing to do with the award.

If that was true I would not have JC Sherritt first for the Buchanan. I try to take everything into account such as their impact to the defense, production, athletic ability, consistency, and even consider NFL stock. I don't use NFL stock to determine these lists but if a player is likely to get drafted or have a career in the NFL it makes their qualifications sound even more impressive. Renard Williams, Norman White, and several other players have high NFL potential but don't have very good numbers so I left them off. The only player I put on here whose numbers aren't that great and allowed their NFL stock to prop up my reason why is Korey Lindsey. The reason I did that is because Lindsey is a likely mid round draft pick who has been a two-time All-American and he is not getting tested. Teams are throwing completely away from him and not giving him a chance to make plays. Some have described his side of the field as Lindsey Island because he sits out there all alone and is so rarely tested he can't possibly have good numbers but it does not mean he is not a great player. Corner is a position that the truly great seniors don't have to have big numbers if other teams are completely staying away.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

I'm glad you asked. I feel he is the third best defensive player for your team and considering the second best Renard Williams does not have very good numbers, his play is much better than you would expect. To put three from one side of the ball the team I try to leave that for a top 5 team and since EWU is not quite that high I left him off. Just didn't want to put three from several different teams and water it down unless they had three very productive players and Williams didn't quite have the production to warrant me listing him right now.

Matt's numbers are very comparable to others on your list. But since you left Renard out, you'd only have two on the list. If Renard were putting up the stats that you, myself and others had projected, then I'd see your quandary, but since he isn't your reasoning doesn't make much sense to me.

[Mr. C]

Is that like Josh Buchanan-ology?

[Mr. C]

I don't think there is a clear front-runner right now. Mark LeGree has the best name recognition, being a finalist the past two years and a high finisher.

I saw Kendrick Ellis play on Saturday night's TV game with South Carolina State. What an absolute beast of a player.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Matt's numbers are very comparable to others on your list. But since you left Renard out, you'd only have two on the list. If Renard were putting up the stats that you, myself and others had projected, then I'd see your quandary, but since he isn't your reasoning doesn't make much sense to me.

Maybe I wrote it wrong. Let me explain again. To have three players from one defense I would like for the team to be undefeated or a one loss team at this point ranked in the top 5 and I just don't think Matt can go on this list without putting Renard Williams. Williams has made a lot of plays that don't show up in the stat column like pushing the pocket and getting pressure to force a bad throw in which Matt or JC picked off. Or he forced the QB out of the pocket and he made a bad throw. Just saying I didn't want to put 3 EWU defensive players on the list and if I put Matt I feel like I have to put Renard as well. Since Renard's numbers aren't great I won't put him on the list and I try not to put a player on the list over a guy who I think is a better player.

Matt is on my expanded list but I took out a lot of names just so it would not be so watered down.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I don't think there is a clear front-runner right now. Mark LeGree has the best name recognition, being a finalist the past two years and a high finisher.

I saw Kendrick Ellis play on Saturday night's TV game with South Carolina State. What an absolute beast of a player.

I'm like you on Ellis. He is a beast. Best defensive tackle in FCS. Not even close.

Ameet Pall should be on the list. I would be interested to hear why Haley did not add him or if he was waiting to see how he finishes to add him.

[Mr. C]

I'm like you on Ellis. He is a beast. Best defensive tackle in FCS. Not even close.

Ameet Pall should be on the list. I would be interested to hear why Haley did not add him or if he was waiting to see how he finishes to add him.

Ellis may be the best defensive lineman, or maybe even the best defensive player in FCS.

It's hard NOT to have the FCS sack leader on the Buchanan list. I don't see why Pall is missing either. Besides the stats, he is the top defender on one of my top-10 teams in the country.