catdaddyp

Great question. We have 3 players who are best suited at RT (Blanchard, Thomas, Walker) but one of them will likely play LT. My best guess is Blanchard since he started there last year before injuries limited most of his season. LT = Blanchard LG = Davis C = Williams RG = Seymore RT = Thomas Coach Rodriguez likes to play anywhere from 8-10 linemen each game so I’m sure if this ends up being the actual lineup we’ll still probably see Walker, Lyons, Fox, Burrell, and Fields work in. If James is ready to be the starter at LT like he was in the spring game, that’d give even more options. Perhaps Shor starts to play up to his potential too? We finally have an experienced OL with enough versatility and depth, should a few players get injured for any length of time, it shouldn’t derail performance like it did last season.

In the process of updating the positions and realized both Fox and Walker were 1st Team JUCO All-Americans this past season. Not sure what went on at Texas State with Walker, but I’d imagine both players will be pushing for starting spots. At first I thought Fox would be the backup (and he still may be the backup), but he should at least push Williams for first team snaps.

Pittsburgh is/was legitimately interested in him, but haven’t offered yet. They still might if they miss on other targets. If that happens, I’m not holding my breath he’ll stick to his commitment.

Both Granger and Walker could end up being sneaky good pickups. They are boom or bust types, so why not take a swing and see what happens. Fox was most recently a JUCO and I assume would be on scholarship. He should compete for the backup center spot. Kumfert is probably a walk-on. I don’t think he played at St. Francis. If he did, it wasn’t much.

This will be Moorhead’s most talented team since his arrival. In that sense there should be plenty of optimism. On the flip side, the three Power games early in the schedule make for a difficult setup to start the season. All the conference games are winnable.

Big time get for us. Syracuse was firmly after him. He took a round of OVs - with one of them being to Syracuse and finished his OVs with us. The staff apparently sealed the deal at that time. The Syracuse insiders at Rivals were all over this one and predicted the commitment to Akron yesterday.

Probably a good career move at this point. UCLA’s football program sounds like it’s a mess.

I think the additions of Reed and DeWalt may have been in response to the losses of Jester and Laing-Taylor. Regardless, I’m looking forward to what they can bring to the table. Hunter was added last year and could be an All-MAC CB if he can stay healthy. He’s dealt with injuries since his time at South Carolina. If he’s healthy he should start opposite of Golden-Nelson. I know Laing-Taylor was working in with the 2s before his issue and I believe Jester was too, so they were both in the running for the two deep. That said, I agree that Greenwood and Lewis will likely at least see starter type of snaps.

I’ll update this thread soon. We only have 14 scholarship seniors by my count and a few of them may have an extra year. With that being the case, it’s not surprising we do not have many high school commitments - especially considering JoeMo prefers to take around 12-15 HS players per class.

My best guess on the OL would be: LT - Blanchard LG - Lyons C - Williams RG - Seymore RT - Thomas Davis could also start in place of Lyons. Wouldn’t be surprised to see James, Morris, and Mann work their way somewhere onto the 2 deep with a strong summer. I’m curious to see how Fields and Shor factor in as well. Regardless of who starts, this will be the most athletic OL we’ve had in Moorhead’s tenure - by far. Disappointing about Laing-Taylor and Jester. Both looked the part.

A few roster notes: OL Keon Kindred is no longer listed. DL LaJoshua Jackson is no longer listed. DB David Jester is no longer listed. DB Zayden Laing-Taylor is no longer listed. JUCO signee WR Jacobi Moore still isn’t listed. He’s probably not coming at this point. DT Zy Brockington (Memphis) has been added. Not that it matters much, but both of the Fraziers are currently listed as DEs. All other signings that were not enrolled in the spring are now listed. 2 Long Snappers, 3 Kicker, and 1 Punter are currently listed.

Spoke to him a while back, before social media briefly buzzed about his last name. Very respectful kid. I hoped we would offer as I think he’ll turn out to be a productive player. Last name isn’t pronounced the way it would get an announcer fired.

Bump for Phil Steele.

It’s that time of year again. Athlon is the first I’ve seen for 2024. Athlon Sports All-MAC Teams 1st Team = CJ Nunnally (DL) and Bryan McCoy (LB) 2nd Team = Alex Adams (WR), Antavious Fish (LB), Darrian Lewis (DB) 3rd Team = N/A 4th Team = Bennett Adler (DL), Devontae Golden-Nelson (DB), Daymon David (DB) Phil Steele All-MAC Teams 1st Team = CJ Nunnally (DL) and Bryan McCoy (LB) 2nd Team = Antavious Fish (LB) 3rd Team = Alex Adams (WR) and Bobby Golden (PR) 4th Team = Lama Lavea (DL)

Antonio Smith to Valdosta State

Bump for addition of BGSU.

Now that the majority of roster moves are complete, I’ll do a somewhat brief run down of all the conference teams we play. I’ll just bump the thread when a new team is added. OHIO REVIEW: 2023 Record = 10-3 (6-2) 2023 At Akron = Win 25-14 As far as offensive production goes, Ohio has lost more than any other team in the MAC. All-MAC QB Kurtis Rourke is gone. Leading running backs Bangura and Allison hit the portal. The top 7 reception leaders either graduated or entered the portal. Only 2 of last year’s starting offensive linemen return. Defensively, 9 of the top 12 tackling leaders either graduated or entered the portal. Both All-MAC linebackers Houston and Thompson are gone. All-MAC defensive linemen Buell and Watkins, as well as sack leader Bonner have exited from the defensive line. Starting defensive backs Birchette, Cox, and Reynolds will need to be replaced. 2024 MAC Comprehensive Recruiting Rank = 6th (9 Players still need a rating) 22 HS/JUCO Signees: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - ILB Jasen Kelly (OH) * (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - ILB Parker Startz (IL) (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - S JT Haskins (KY) (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - S Tony Mathis Jr. (GA) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - RB Duncan Brune (Germany) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Dominic Dorwart (MD) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Kaden Hurst (OH) * (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - WR Max Rodarte (CA) (JUCO) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Nick Segarra (NC) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - TE AJ Miller (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - IOL Seth Anstead (MI) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - IOL Bryce Parson (MO) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - DE Samuel Ehret (FL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DT Andrew Erby (PA) * (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - OLB Brock Arndt (WI) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - ILB Stellan Bowman (MI) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Hunter Thompson (MD) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S DJ Morton (IN) * NR - QB Nick Poulos (CA) (JUCO) NR - OT Benjamin Maldonado (KS) (JUCO) NR - DT Nathan Hale (IA) (JUCO) NR - CB LJ Shumpert (MS) (JUCO) 21 Portal Signees: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - RB Anthony Tyus = Northwestern (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Coleman Owen = Northern Arizona (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Eian Pugh = Illinois (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Ben McNaboe = North Dakota (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - LB Blake Leake = Bucknell (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - S Dustin Johnson = Northern Colorado (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Delaney Crawford = Virginia (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Jake Bruno = St. Francis (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OL Tigana Cisse = Idaho (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DT CJ Doggette = Cincinnati (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Michael Mack = Wisconsin (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Jacob Proche = Coastal Carolina NR - WR Eamonn Dennis = Michigan NR - OL Trent Allen = Davenport NR - OL Carson Heidecker = Notre Dame College NR - OL Zach Reiners = Centre College NR - DE Sinn Brennan = San Diego State NR - DE Cam Rice = West Liberty NR - DE Marcel Walker-Burgess = Nevada NR - LB Reise Collier = UAB NR - S Jaylen Johnson = Memphis Portal Departures: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - QB Kurtis Rourke (2022 MAC POY) = Indiana (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - RB Sieh Bangura (2022 All-MAC 3rd Team) = Minnesota (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - WR Miles Cross = Indiana (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Tyler Walton = Eastern Michigan (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - TE Tyler Foster = Oklahoma State (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - TE Will Kacmarek = Ohio State (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - OL Kurt Danneker = Baylor (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - OL Shedrick Rhodes = Rutgers (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Tristan Cox = N/A (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - DT Rayyan Buell (2023 All-MAC 3rd Team) = Colorado (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - LB Keye Thompson (2023 All-MAC 1st Team) = Pittsburgh (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - CB Torrie Cox = Illinois (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB CJ Harris = California (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB O’Shaan Allison = Austin Peay (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB Bryce Kitrell = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB Quintell Quinn = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Jacoby Jones = UCF (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - WR Aramoni Rhone = Arkansas Pine-Bluff (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Keegan Wilburn = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Alec Burton = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Caden Campolieti = Valdosta State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Cam McCullum = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Ben Johnson = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S John Motton = N/A NR - WR Jailen Hammer = N/A IN MY OPINION: Ohio has brought in some talented pieces from the portal, but replacing the high amount of lost production is not realistic. High school recruiting has been solid for the past few years, so that should help where depth is concerned. However, it will be difficult for this year’s squad to come close to double digit wins again. Losing Rourke to Indiana is a major blow to the offense, especially at a key position like quarterback. The Bobcats have lost a total of 12 players to P4 programs since the regular season ended. THE LINE = 6.5 Vegas probably has this one pegged about right. SCHEDULE: At Syracuse Vs South Alabama Vs Morgan State At Kentucky Vs Akron At CMU At Miami Vs Buffalo At Kent State Vs EMU At Toledo Vs Ball State PROJECTED STARTERS: Offense: QB = Parker Navarro RB = Anthony Tyus WR = Coleman Owens WR =Rodney Harris WR = Chase Hendricks TE = Mason Williams LT = Jacob Dennison LG = Joseph Habonowski C = Parker Titsworth RG = Christophe Atkinson RT = Carson Heidecker Defense: BOWLING GREEN REVIEW: 2023 Record = 7-6 (5-3) 2023 Vs Akron = Win 41-14 The Falcons return both their quarterbacks in Bazelak and Orth, as well as most of their offensive line. All-MAC running back Terion Stewart will be back, but much of the depth behind him will be new faces. Only role players return at wide receiver, meaning BGSU will be counting on those players plus transfers to fill the production void. At tight end, All-MAC Harold Fannin will again be featured. BGSU returns the majority of the defense with the exception of linebacker standouts Cashius Howell and Darren Anders. All-MAC cornerback Jalen Huskey also left for P4 pastures. 2024 MAC Comprehensive Recruiting Rank = 8th (4 Players still need a rating) 21 HS/JUCO Signees (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - RB Nakai Amachree (MI) (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Caleb Goodloe (FL) (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Maurice Hayes (GA) (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - DE Martreece Dillard (GA) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - RB Jaden Copening (CT) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - RB Cameron Pettaway (MI) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB Markel Porter (TX) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - WR Winn Sharp (OH) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - TE Caden Campbell (MI) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - TE Isaac Hill (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Eli Jacon-Duffy (OH) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - IOL Dillon Robinson (OH) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OT Alex Harris (OH) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OT Rico Steele (PA) * (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - DE Malik Moses (GA) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DE Joe Shimko (FL) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - ILB Dorian Pringle (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️️ - OLB Elias Owens (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB TJ Nelson (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Kal-El Pascal (FL) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - S D’Kyah Banks (GA) Portal Signees: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR RJ Garcia = Kansas State (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Malcolm Johnson = Auburn (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - OL Nick Reimer = Merrimack (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Justin Eklund = San Jose State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Ja’Corey Benjamin = Texas Southern (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - CB Edward Rhambo = Northern Arizona (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - S CJ Brown = Northern Illinois (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - K Zach Long = Troy NR - TE Elijah Boyd = UTEP NR - CB Todd Bumphis = Cincinnati Portal Verbals: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Blane Cleaver = Army (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Donovan Stephens = Oklahoma State NR - RB Justin Pegues = Tennessee Tech NR - CB Darius McClendon = FAU Portal Departures: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim = Louisiana Tech (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - OL Armon Bethea = N/A (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Kitione Tau = Nevada (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - LB Cashius Howell (2023 All-MAC 3rd Team) = Texas A&M (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - CB Jalen Huskey (2023 All-MAC 2nd Team) = Maryland (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - CB Deshawn Jones = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB Ta’Ron Keith = Western Kentucky (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB Nick Mosley = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Tae’Shaun Johnson = N/A (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - TE Andrew Bench = South Alabama (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DE Bam Booker = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Marquette Harris = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Davion Mayo = Central Arkansas (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Canaan Williams = Kent State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Romello Flowers = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Justin Lynch = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Shamoun Duncan-Niusulu = Stony Brook (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Davion Daniels = Slippery Rock (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Jordan Jackson = Stony Brook (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - S Steve Lubischer = N/A (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - K Jack Sauder = N/A NR - LB Diego Neri = Western Illinois IN MY OPINION: If BGSU is ever going to win the MAC under Loeffler, 2024 is the year to do it. Funny how even the Falcon fanbase was ready to send Loeffler packing before the 2023 season and now the expectation is no less than a bowl berth. The Falcons have a veteran roster and need to put it all together as there will be many holes to fill come 2025. THE LINE = 6 Quality depth in certain areas could be a problem for BGSU, but if they can stay healthy through the early portion of the schedule, they will have a good chance at 6 or more wins. Toledo and Miami will probably be two of the better teams in the MAC, so that’s a tough draw for the Falcons. SCHEDULE: Vs Fordham At Penn State At Texas A&M Vs Old Dominion At Akron Vs NIU Vs Kent State At Toledo At CMU Vs WMU At Ball State Vs Miami WESTERN MICHIGAN REVIEW 2023 Record = 4-8 (3-5) 2023 Vs Akron = Did not play. WMU returns Hayden Wolff at quarterback, breakout sensation running back Jalen Buckley, most of the receiving production, and the majority of the offensive line. On defense, the Broncos return almost all starters with the notable exception of All-MAC players defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and cornerback Keni-H Lovely. 2024 MAC Comprehensive Recruiting Rank = 3rd (2 Players still need a rating) 23 HS/JUCO Signees (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - WR Jayquan Reid (FL) * (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - OLB Joshua Lloyd (FL) * (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - S Carlos Mitchell (FL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB Jeff Davis (GA) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB Mason Reynolds (IN) (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - WR Najiib Anderson (GA) (5.4) 2 ⭐️️ - WR Terence Marshall (FL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Ryan Brotherton (IN) * (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - IOL Jeremy Schleicher (KS) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OT Joshua Thoman (IN) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OT Gavin Dabo (OH) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OT Conor Kenzinger (IL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DT Jordan Buckley (IL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DE Noah Bishop (MI) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OLB Maddux Babin (FL) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OLB Huston Eubank (MI) * (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - OLB Derek Pennington (MI) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - CB Isaiah Paul (CA) (JUCO) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Cameron Powell (FL) (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - CB La’Varis Stanford (FL) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️️ - S Charles (CJ) Miles (MI) * (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Braden Steely (IN) (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Jameson Young (FL) NR - S Michael Gravely (IL) (JUCO) * Portal Signees: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Rodney McGraw = Louisville (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Popeye Williams = Louisville (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DT Anterio Thompson = Iowa (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Bugs Mortimer = Louisiana-Monroe (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Jordin Parker = New Mexico State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - TE Christopher Toudle = NC State (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - LB Domanick Moon = Purdue NR - CB Ryan Raybuck = Saint Anselm Portal Verbals: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - QB Broc Lowry = Indiana (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OL Quinn Murphy = Notre Dame (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Nyquann Washington = Tennessee Tech Portal Departures: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - TE Mitch Bartol = Illinois State (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - DE Joshua Nobles = Jackson State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB Treyson Bourguet = BYU (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB Jack Salopek = Elon (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - QB Stone Hollenbach = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - RB CJ Hester = UMASS (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - WR Nate Anderson = Bucknell (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - WR Jashawn Johnson = Ferris State (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - WR Tyren Mason = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - WR Henry Wilson = Gardner-Webb (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - OL Brandon Smith = Illinois State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DT Logan Wilson = Cincinnati (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - DT Ryan Wynn = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Naahlyee Bryant = Northern Iowa (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Quinton Cannon = Gardner-Webb (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - LB Marcus Woodley = N/A (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - CB Cam Griffin = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Jeremiah Piper = Western Illinois (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - CB Anthony Romphf = Charlotte (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S SaVeon Brown = Buffalo (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Anthony Enechukwu = N/A (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - S Ryan Kilburg = Eastern Illinois (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - P Carson Voss = Michigan State NR - WR Logan Lester = N/A IN MY OPINION: I thought WMU was poorly scouted by most media outlets in 2023, hence their win projections being off. WMU had more talent returning than what was being accounted for. It’ll be year two of Lance Taylor’s regime and there has been some roster and coaching staff turnover. Most of the players that transferred out were no more than depth pieces. That said, quality depth is important when/if injuries occur. THE LINE = 6.5 WMU probably has the easiest conference slate this season. Even if the team is not significantly better than last year, they should still have a chance to become bowl eligible. SCHEDULE: At Wisconsin At Ohio State Vs Bethune-Cookman At Marshall At Ball State Vs Akron At Buffalo Vs Kent State Vs NIU At BGSU At CMU Vs EMU

He’ll probably start out 3rd on the depth chart there too, behind another 2024 Ohio native QB we offered - Brendan Zurbrugg.

100% agree about our “ifs.” We’re similar in the fact that the talent level has improved dramatically under Moorhead, but have more question marks than anyone would like. Plus it’s such a small margin of error in conference play due to the 3 Power games that will likely be losses. The bright side is most of our conference foes also have plenty of questions. I can’t even pick a conference champ with any confidence. Seems like Toledo would be the answer, but they lost some studs to the portal, draft, and graduation. I know their fanbase is excited for the 2024 QB, but losing a guy like Finn who covered up so many mistakes isn’t going to be easy.

I’ll touch on this some. I think Carolina is a wild card this year. One person in the program who was recently with Oklahoma said Carolina is more talented than last year’s 10 win Oklahoma team, but less disciplined. There are a ton of “ifs” with this team, so I’m not too sure what to think. I will say this, QB LaNorris Sellers could be an up and coming star. He’s bigger than most linebackers at 6’3 240lbs, has a canon for an arm, and can run. He also has a demeanor about him most young QBs lack. At RB, Rocket Sanders transferred in from Arkansas and IF healthy would be a major upgrade. There are a few solid backs behind him that would be adequate. There is a ton of speed at WR, including former 5 star Nyck Harbor who may qualify for the Olympics at 6’5” 242lbs. I still think Harbor would be an eventual 1st round pick at DE, but that’s not what he wants to do. Former Miami (OH) Gage Larvadain will probably be the most targeted WR. The guy just knows how to get open and catches everything. Josh Simon is a name to know at TE. He will be heavily utilized in the red zone especially with Carolina lacking a true aerial threat after Xavier Legette was drafted in the 1st round. The offensive line was a mess before the season even started last year as both starting LT and RT went down. Gamecocks were forced to play several freshmen on the OL, which will be beneficial this year. One of those players ended up becoming a Freshman All-American. The starting OL should be solid, but depth will be an issue if injuries pile up again. 3 true freshman (2 of them could have gone almost anywhere) will likely be on the two deep by the time 2024 kicks off. The defense will be a strength. Defensive tackle TJ Sanders will likely be drafted anywhere from rounds 1-3 after the season concludes. Someone else in the program said Sanders can absolutely wreck a practice when he wants to. The defensive line is deep and experienced. The starting LBs are explosive - led by 1st team All-SEC Debo Williams. Carolina shuttled out their 2 MIKE LBs and upgraded with speed from the portal. They typically run a 4-2-5, but ran a high amount of 3-3-5 down the stretch last season. They plan to run both schemes this year. The starting secondary is excellent in run support, but have struggled in pass coverage at times. Lack of pass rush, inexperience, and injuries played a part in that last year. Safety Nick Emmanwori will be in the NFL probably sooner than later. Nickleback Jalon Kilgore was a Freshman All-American and may already be the most well rounded DB in the secondary. Senior O’Donnell Fortune has everything NFL teams look for in a CB and will likely hear his name called in next year’s draft. The only question mark is at the opposite CB spot (no lack of raw talent) and experienced depth behind the starters. Special Teams used to be some of the best in the nation under Lembo. Beamer will always place an emphasis there, so I wouldn’t think there would be too much of a drop off even with Lembo moving on to Buffalo. I could see this Carolina team winning as few as 4 games and as many as 8. Like I mentioned above, the talent definitely isn’t lacking anymore. It’s actually creeping towards the top tier of SEC at this point. Unfortunately for Carolina, talent alone doesn’t win ballgames.

I did a podcast the other week previewing the Zips for another team and mentioned I’ve never seen a team play 13 one score games over two seasons - and only win 3 of them. One of the hosts couldn’t believe Zips played a total of 7 overtimes last year. We need to be on the winning side of more of those games this season.

Commitment from HS kicker Matt Schramm.

JUCO DB Malcolm Dewalt

Shocky Jacques-Louis 2.0? Built and moves like him. Just doesn’t have the production.

UK DB.