tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37258178815663360512024-03-04T22:56:20.059-06:00Texas State AthleticsOfficial Blog of Texas State University - San Marcos Department of Athletics.Jeff Rubinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10757799443999005353noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-28495937017707558892016-12-03T15:28:00.002-06:002016-12-03T15:28:46.946-06:005 Things To Know: Arkansas State<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I can still remember it like it was yesterday.</div>
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September 28<sup>th</sup>, 2013, at Bobcat Stadium, Texas
State vs Wyoming. That was the date and
site of Tyler Jones’ Bobcat debut. Texas
State was 2-1 going into that game but the offense looked listless in those
first three games and so the decision was made to turn he reigns of the offense
over to the freshman quarterback out of Stephenville.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On Jones’ second play from scrimmage, he raced past
several Cowboy defenders for a 38-yard run. Five plays later, he handed the
ball off to Robert Lowe who ran the ball in for a 1-yard touchdown run, capping
off a successful first drive for Jones as a college quarterback. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There would be a 3 hour, 29 minute lightning delay later
in the game but Jones remained unfazed, throwing his first career touchdown
pass, a 26-yard connection with Ben Ijah to tie the game at 14-14 right before
halftime. Jones would guide the Bobcats
on four more scoring drives the rest of the game as Texas State beat the
visitors from Laramie 42-21. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tyler Jones would start 40 more games after that night
with several other memorable games along the way. His 4<sup>th</sup> and 24 connection with
Ijah later that season in a 33-31 win over South Alabama. A bowl eligible-clinching win at Idaho a week
later. An emotional triple-overtime win
at Tulsa in 2014, a game which saw Jones make play after play in the bonus
football periods. A come-from-behind
victory at ULM and dominating wins against Arkansas State and Georgia State as
well that season. His masterpiece in a
losing effort against Southern Miss last season and his clutch play against
Ohio this year, another triple-overtime thriller that resulted in a Texas State
victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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No quarterback gained more total yards in their career
wearing the maroon and gold than Tyler Jones.
To date, he has 9,847 yards, recently surpassing Barrick Nealy for the
record. He’s second all-time in school
history in passing yards (8,450) and second in touchdown passes (55) and he’s
done it all with a quiet confidence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, Jones’ final season isn’t ending the way
he, or anyone else would’ve liked and the same goes for the other 17 seniors
who are suiting up for the final time on Saturday. There will be no bowl game to go to or
championship to celebrate. But there are
the memories, and Jones and this senior class have given us their share. Perhaps they can give us one more memorable
moment with a win over Arkansas State at Bobcat Stadium. Here are five things to know about the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>1) Arkansas
State has had an unconventional path to success this season<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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To say the Red Wolves struggled to start the season would
be an understatement. The reigning Sun
Belt champions were beaten soundly at home by Toledo in their season opener,
31-10. After (an expected) loss to
Auburn, the Red Wolves lost their next two games as well against Utah State (a
team which finished 3-9) and FCS Central Arkansas (at home). While Arkansas State had bounced back from a
1-3 start the year before to win the Sun Belt, it seemed highly unlikely that
the Red Wolves could pull that trick off again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to a conversation I had with Arkansas State
broadcaster Matt Stolz, the Red Wolf players held a players only meeting after
that loss to Central Arkansas to try and figure out how they were going to dig
themselves out of their 0-4 hole. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Initially, it appeared that meeting had gone for not as
Arkansas State was staring down the barrel of an 0-5 record, trailing Georgia
Southern in its Sun Belt opener 26-20 with just two minutes left to play and
facing 4<sup>th</sup> and 16 at its own 24-yard line. That game, and really the Red Wolves’ season,
looked over. However, quarterback
Justice Hansen scrambled for 18 yards to keep the possession alive and later
threw the game winning touchdown pass to Omar Bayless with nine seconds left.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arkansas State hasn’t looked back ever since. The Red Wolves rattled off six straight wins
after that 0-4 start, a streak that ended last Saturday in a 24-19 loss at
Louisiana. But that was just a minor
bump in the road for the Red Wolves who are still in a position to win a share
of the Sun Belt title on Saturday, what would be the programs’ fifth
championship in six years. All of this
for a team that was 0-4, a play away from being 0-5, and left for dead. Remarkable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>2) The Red
Wolves’ Defensive Line is the Best in the Sun Belt<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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While Arkansas State’s offense improved dramatically
during its six game win streak (from 17 PPG during the 0-4 start to over 32 PPG
since), the Red Wolves’ defense is what has truly led the way to the team’s
in-season turnaround. A-State hasn’t
given up more than 26 points since September 24<sup>th</sup> and in conference
play, the Red Wolves are surrendering just 15.4 PPG. They’ve enjoyed that success with a fearsome
defensive line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the two defensive end positions are Ja’Von
Rolland-Jones and Chris Odom who have combined for 20.5 sacks this season, the
second best sack duo in the FBS. Those
two have more sacks than six Sun Belt teams do all season and a lot of their
damage has come in recent weeks. All but
four of those 20.5 sacks have come in the last five games alone (9 for
Rolland-Jones, 7.5 for Odom). In fact,
Rolland-Jones, who is only a junior, is one of the greatest pass rushers to
ever play in the Sun Belt. His 28 career
sacks are the most ever for a Sun Belt player and are tied for the most in
A-State history. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The job of a defensive end is easier when the secondary
is good (and Arkansas State’s secondary is great) and also when you get some
help from the interior of the defensive line.
Like the secondary, that’s another check for the Red Wolves who have one
of the better nose guards in the country in Waylon Roberson, a pre-season 1<sup>st</sup>
team all-conference defensive lineman.
Roberson, who will likely be drafted this coming spring, measures out at
a massive 6’2”, 341 pounds. Needless to
say, the Bobcats’ offensive line will have its hands full Saturday night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>3) Justice
Hansen is Developing Into a Solid Quarterback<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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The biggest hole to fill for Arkansas State this past
off-season was at quarterback as Fredi Knighten, a veteran and talented
quarterback, had graduated. To fill that
void, the Red Wolves turned to a couple of transfer quarterbacks, first handing
over the reins of the offense to Chad Voytik, a graduate transfer from Pitt. Voytik started the first three games of the
season for Arkansas State and struggled, eventually being sent to the bench
after a poor start at Utah State. The
Red Wolves gave the “keys to the car” to Justice Hansen (a former 4-star
recruit and Oklahoma Sooner) and haven’t looked back since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hansen has been Arkansas State’s starting quarterback
since Week 4, and while he lost his first start to Central Arkansas, he has
since settled in nicely, guiding the Red Wolves to a 6-2 record in his time as
the starter, including a 2-1 record on the road. He’s twice been named as the Sun Belt’s
Offensive Player of the Week and is currently second in the conference in pass
efficiency and is tied for third in touchdown passes with 14. Even in defeat last week, Hansen played well,
completing 35 of 57 passes for 393 yards and a touchdown at Louisiana. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At season’s start, everyone knew Arkansas State would
have a great defense, a veteran offensive line, and great players at the skill
positions but questioned whether or not that would be enough to overcome a lack
of experience at football’s most important position: quarterback. While that in fact seemed warranted during
the first month of the season, this appears to no longer be an issue for
Arkansas State.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>4) The State of
Texas Has Been Good to A-State<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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It should come as little surprise that a good chunk of
Arkansas State’s talent comes from Texas: 17 of the Red Wolves’ players hail
from the Lone Star State. The only state
that Arkansas State draws more players from is from the state of Arkansas. In
fact, the three defensive lineman highlighted a few paragraphs above are all
from Texas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Not only do the Red Wolves poach the state for talent,
but they have a habit of beating teams from Texas as well. Over the past nine years, Arkansas State is
11-1 against teams from the state of Texas.
That lone loss? <span style="color: blue;">I’ll
give you one guess.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>5) It’s Senior
Day at Texas State<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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This of course is something I went into detail earlier,
reminiscing about the great career of Tyler Jones. He isn’t the only player taking the field for
the final time on Saturday, so here is a list of the 18 seniors playing their
final game on Saturday. Please click the
links provided for more information on each player and if you’re at the game,
please be sure to give them your support and make their final college football
experience as memorable as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5185&path=football">QB
Tyler Jones</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5174&path=football">LB
Teron Fitzgerald</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5174&path=football">P/K
Lumi Kaba</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5174&path=football">WR
Fred Nixon</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5153&path=football">S
Damani Alexcee</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5153&path=football">RB
Tyler Siudzinski</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5153&path=football">S
Javante O’Roy</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5168&path=football">NT
Darnell Dailey Jr.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5188&path=football">WR
Kolby Kolek</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5214&path=football">LB
Stephen Smith</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5182&path=football">OL
Darius Hood</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5172&path=football">OL
Steven Eddings</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5195&path=football">NT
Dallas McClarty</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5205&path=football">OT
Nicholas Pletschette</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5166&path=football">C
Giuliano Cattaneo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5197&path=football">OT
Ryan Melton</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5207&path=football">OG
Felix Romero</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5320&path=football">DE
Jeremy Miller</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you to each of them for what they’ve done for the
Texas State Football program, here’s to hoping their careers end on a winning
note Saturday night against Arkansas State.
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And those are five things you should know about
Saturday’s game. Eat ‘Em Up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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- Brant Freeman<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-21712954664810927522016-08-26T07:53:00.001-05:002016-08-26T07:59:04.621-05:005 Things To Know: Training Camp Edition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Ha9isk5d-igBKmAS0y6JoLGTuYTjO9iHO4-Sr3MRDFmDVI3dVXAtC1R1M3J7ZU6gjymgRqUSJPkrqM1k50F7NxyqW-jOAjQt-fXpRc6RtyXwyvALs0_tJCTbNmM26xROQ_jGOuIM78/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Ha9isk5d-igBKmAS0y6JoLGTuYTjO9iHO4-Sr3MRDFmDVI3dVXAtC1R1M3J7ZU6gjymgRqUSJPkrqM1k50F7NxyqW-jOAjQt-fXpRc6RtyXwyvALs0_tJCTbNmM26xROQ_jGOuIM78/s320/camp.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s that time of year again! We are 10 days away from the start of the
2016 football season, so now seems like an opportune time to start cranking out
the “5 Things To Know” column which I started last year. During the season, these columns will focus
on the opponents Texas State’s football team will be facing, but this week I’m
keeping the focus on the Bobcats themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Training Camp has just about wrapped up, and the team is starting to
take shape. On Wednesday, the Bobcats
held their final scrimmage of camp. The team is holding a “mock game” on
Saturday, however, the goals of camp have pretty much been met. The install of the playbook is in, and most
of the roles have been assigned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last two and a half weeks have been dedicated to
self-improvement and separating the wheat from the chaff, so much so that Ohio
hasn’t really come up a whole lot. But that’s about to change. The Bobcats can finally start setting their
sights on, well, the Bobcats. We’ll get
to them next week. For now, let’s look
back at training camp and see where things stand for <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=878&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Head Coach Everett Withers</span></a> and company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></b><!--[endif]--><b><u>Tyler
Jones is the starting QB and could be in store for a special season<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At his <a href="https://twitter.com/Brant_Freeman/status/768494492789846016"><span style="color: blue;">post-scrimmage media session</span></a> on Wednesday, Coach Withers announced that <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5185&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Tyler Jones</span></a> will be the Bobcats’ starting quarterback and deservedly so. Despite being pushed at times by newcomer
(and Missouri transfer) Eddie Printz, Jones has looked sharp throughout most of
camp and had one of his best days during the Wednesday scrimmage. TJ didn’t have a strong finish to his junior
season, and with the new coaching staff coming in, his job was far from safe
heading into the spring. Yet, he’s
continued to prove that he’s up to the challenge and continues to win the respect
of his coaches and teammates-- the latter of which voted him as one of the <a href="https://twitter.com/TXSTATEFOOTBALL/status/768491907668320257"><span style="color: blue;">team
captains</span></a> on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As noted above, Jones did struggle towards the end of the
2015 season, but to be fair the same can be said about the team as a whole, and
we’ve all seen what TJ is capable of when he’s at the <a href="https://youtu.be/Mbw1dQD65Nw?list=PL31DE499F5924B9D4&t=290"><span style="color: blue;">top of
his game</span></a>. That of course is a clip
from Jones’ 470 total yard, 5 touchdown day against Southern Miss from last
season, one of the greatest single game performances ever for a Texas State
quarterback. I don’t know if we’ll see
12 of those in 2016 but I think fans should be optimistic about the chances of
seeing some games like the one Jones had against those Golden Eagles from a
year ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First consider his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks
coach, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=881&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Brett
Elliott</span></a>. At James Madison last year,
Elliott served as Coach Withers’ co-offensive coordinator and QB coach and
helped mold Vad Lee into arguably the best quarterback in the FCS. Lee led the FCS in total offense (375 yards
per game) and in completion percentage (68.3%) and was named as not only the
Colonial Athletic Association’s Offensive Player of the Year, but also as the
best college football player in the state of Virginia. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prior to that, Coach Elliott was the
Offensive Quality Control coach at Mississippi State where he worked with Dak
Prescott who blossomed into one of the best quarterbacks in the FBS, breaking
10 school records in 2014, Coach Elliott’s final season with the Bulldogs. The guy knows his quarterbacks, and now he
gets to work with Jones who’s preparing to embark on his senior season. Speaking of which…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There’s been a pretty solid track record of Bobcat
quarterbacks having stellar seasons as seniors wearing the maroon &
gold. Take a look at the last three
Texas State signal callers who served as the primary starters during their
senior years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">QB (Year)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Comp %<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pass Yds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eff Rating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="90"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rush Yds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.35pt;" valign="top" width="76"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rush TD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 133.85pt;" valign="top" width="178"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Barrick Nealy (2005)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">57.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.05pt;" valign="top" width="69"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2,875<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 42.45pt;" valign="top" width="57"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">21/7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">139.5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="90"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1,057<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.35pt;" valign="top" width="76"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 133.85pt;" valign="top" width="178"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bradley George (2009)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">63.1%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.05pt;" valign="top" width="69"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3,121<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 42.45pt;" valign="top" width="57"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">23/11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">140.4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="90"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">26<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.35pt;" valign="top" width="76"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">0<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 133.85pt;" valign="top" width="178"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shaun Rutherford (2012)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: .75in;" valign="top" width="72"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">64.5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 52.05pt;" valign="top" width="69"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2,137<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 42.45pt;" valign="top" width="57"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15/5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 58.5pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">137.8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="90"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">597<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 2.25pt; border-top: none; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 2.25pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 57.35pt;" valign="top" width="76"><div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few takeaways from that chart: 1) Nealy’s 3,932 total yards and 34 total
touchdowns in 2005 are school records. 2) George averaged 286 yards of offense
in 2009 which is also a school record. 3) Rutherford’s completion percentage in
2012 is the 2<sup>nd</sup> best in school history behind Jones’ 65.4% in 2014.
4) George didn’t run a lot. 5) Those pass efficiency ratings rank as the 5<sup>th</sup>,
7<sup>th</sup> and 8<sup>th</sup> best in the history of Bobcat football. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It goes without saying that a senior year <i>should </i>be a player’s best let alone a
quarterback but if anything, that should make you even <i>more</i> excited about TJ this year.
We’ve seen some great football from him and more could be on the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b><u>Who
else will have the ball in their hands this season?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Good question. Consider
the skill position players the Bobcats are having to replace: Robert Lowe and
Chris Nutall at running back, Brandon Smith, Jafus Gaines and C.J. Best at wide
receiver and Lawrence White and Ryan Carden at tight end. That’s over 8,000 total yards and 60
touchdowns worth of offense from their careers that’s now gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even if the Bobcats had a wealth of returning
backs and receivers, there’s no telling what roles they would have with a new coaching
staff. What the staff has had to work
with is a mix of newcomers and returning players who were either redshirted
last year or had minimal in-game experience.
That led to a lot of shrugging of the shoulders by yours truly when
asked who the playmakers would be on this year’s team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now that training camp is essentially over, the picture
of “what will this team look like” is now a lot clearer. Based on what I’ve observed, here’s a rough-draft
look at the offensive skill position depth chart heading into next week’s
season opener.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1<sup>st</sup> Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quarterback: Tyler Jones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running Back: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5194&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Stedman
Mayberry</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wide Receiver: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5131&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Elijah
King</span></a>, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5219&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Tyler
Watts</span></a>, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5155&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">P.J.
Anderson</span></a>/<a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5193&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Eric
Luna</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tight End: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5211&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Gabe
Schrade</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2<sup>nd</sup> Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quarterback: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5300&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Eddie
Printz</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running Back: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5321&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Jericho
Worrell</span></a>/<a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5150&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Tyler
Tutt</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wide Receiver: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5201&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Fred
Nixon</span></a>, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5137&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Thurman
Morbley</span></a>, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5221&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">L.G.
Williams</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tight End: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5175&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Chris
French</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3<sup>rd</sup> Team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quarterback: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5220&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Connor
White</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Running Back: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5213&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Tyler
Siudzinski</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wide Receiver: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5301&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Mason
Hays</span></a>, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5188&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Kolby
Kolek</span>,</a> <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5189&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Austin
Krawczyk</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tight End: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5159&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Jeff
Banks</span></a>/<a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5190&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Inoke
Langi</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few notes here: this is in no way set in stone, and
there have been a lot of moving parts throughout camp. Several of the “2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>
team” players listed above have run with the 1<sup>st</sup> team offense in
camp. In fact, it’s probably more
appropriate to list this as 1<sup>st</sup> Team-A, 1<sup>st</sup> Team-B and 2<sup>nd</sup>
Team. I could easily see that group of 2<sup>nd</sup>
team receivers getting ample playing time this season and the same goes for Siudzinski
at running back. Siudzinski has the most
game experience of all the running backs, and let’s not forget <a href="https://youtu.be/3lOZuNTXuQo?list=PL31DE499F5924B9D4&t=248"><span style="color: blue;">he
torched Idaho</span></a> for 170 yards in the Kibbie Dome last year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two of the best players in camp have been Mayberry and Worrell. Mayberry had trouble getting playing time
behind the likes of Lowe, Nutall and Terrance Franks the past couple of seasons,
but with an open competition for the starting job this time around, he’s taken
full advantage of the opportunity. Mayberry,
who Coach Withers has called the team’s most explosive running back, seemed to
separate himself from the pack early on in training camp and never let up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, Worrell has been one of the best stories of
camp. A walk-on transfer from Allan
Hancock CC, Worrell caught the attention of the coaching staff with his energy
and enthusiasm and has proven he’s got some talent to go along with that fire. Worrell has gotten some time working with the
first team offense and ripped off a long touchdown run during the Bobcats’
final scrimmage of camp on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As for Tutt, the true freshman will be a factor in Texas
State’s backfield as well. Tutt was one
of the most highly touted players in Texas State’s signing class this past
February and was an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jca33086kFA"><span style="color: blue;">absolute
monster</span></a> at Keller High School. He’s
also had some impressive moments at training camp and could be an offensive
fixture for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With him, Mayberry, Siudzinski and Worrell, the running
back position, which was a question mark heading into camp, is now one of Texas
State’s deepest on the roster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b><u>Okay,
but who’s blocking for them?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also a good question.
Coach Withers has talked a lot about the team lacking enough “2s”, and I
get the sense he’s referring to the offensive line more than any other
position. The Bobcats lost Adrian
Bellard, Zach Crawford and Brandon Sarabia to graduation. Several other offensive linemen left the
program over the offseason. The coaching
staff has had to convert a couple of defensive linemen to the offensive line
just to have bodies. This is simply not
a deep unit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, one of Texas State’s best overall players is at
the premium LT position: <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5197&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Ryan
Melton</span></a>. Guard <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5207&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Felix
Romero</span></a> is back from injury (torn ACL in the conference opener last year)
and has proven to be a special player when healthy. <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5166&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Giuliano
Cattaneo</span></a> started eight games last season despite battling injuries of his
own and will start at center. At the
other tackle and guard positions, it appears starting duties will be held by
sophomore <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5200&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Tryston
Mizerak</span></a> and redshirt freshman <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5209&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Jacob
Rowland</span></a> </span>respectively. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beyond those five players, the offensive line is a mixed
bag. Of all the positions Texas State
can ill afford injury to this year, it’s this one. Whatever lucky charm you have, keep it with
you at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b><u>What
will the defense look like in 2016?<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The easy answer is: a lot different. Putting aside personnel for a moment, simply
seeing Texas State line up in the 3-4 will be a drastic change. I’ve been covering Bobcat Football since 2003,
and this will be the first time I’ve seen a Bobcat team run the 3-4
defense. It’s not exactly a stat that
can be tracked, but I’m curious if the program has ever run it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First-year defensive coordinator <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=880&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Randall
McCray</span></a> ran the 3-4 at Gardner-Webb. In three seasons, his teams had a
penchant for stopping the run and getting off the field--two things Texas
State’s defense struggled to do last year.
Gardner-Webb held opponents to under 100 yards rushing 13 times in
McCray’s three seasons. This past year, the Bulldogs had the third best 3<sup>rd</sup>
down defense in the FCS, yielding just a 25.9% success rate to their
opponents. Last year, the Bobcats
surrendered 259 yards rushing per game (7<sup>th</sup> most in the FBS) and a
49.1% 3<sup>rd</sup> down success rate (5<sup>th</sup> highest in the FBS). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">McCray is here to help clean that up, and
Bobcat fans should feel confident that he can.
When he first arrived at Gardner-Webb, the Bulldogs had the most
improved defense in the country in 2013, going from the 101<sup>st</sup> ranked
defense to 5<sup>th</sup> in his first season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fans wanting to see more turnovers forced by the defense
should also feel good in knowing that in Coach Withers’ last eight seasons of
coaching, his teams had a total of 122 interceptions. That comes out to 15 per
season. Texas State had just three picks
all of last season, so imagine what 12 more of those could do for a
defense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As for the players, the “moving parts” mentioned in the
offense above applies here as well. On
the defensive line, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5195&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Dallas
McClarty</span></a> will be the team’s starting nose tackle (one of the most important
positions in a 3-4 defense), Jordan Mittie will line up at one of the two
starting defensive end spots and you could see a mix of <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5145&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Dean
Taylor</span></a> and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5170&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Ishmael
Davis</span></a> </span>at the other end position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At OLB we saw some shuffling of the deck throughout camp. Towards the end of camp, a lot of first team
reps were going to <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5157&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Easy
Anyama</span></a> and <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5305&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Gavin
Graham</span></a> with <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5142&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Kumonde
Hines</span></a>, <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5174&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Teron
Fitzgerald</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5162&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Karee’
Berry</span></a> in the mix for the back-up spots.
<a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5178&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Frankie
Griffin</span></a> started camp as one of the starters but has been dealing with a
concussion. Coach Withers mentioned in
his post-scrimmage media session just how impressed he’s been by Graham and
Hines, both true freshmen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the topic of 1<sup>st</sup> year Bobcats, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5228&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Gabe
Loyd</span></a>, a junior college transfer, has made an immediate impact on the team
both on and off the field per Coach Withers.
He’s a lock to start at inside linebacker for Texas State and could wind
up as being the Bobcats’ best player on the defensive side of the ball this
season. Opposite of him at the other ILB
spot will likely be <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5192&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Bryan
London</span></a>, a redshirt freshman from Converse.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In Texas State’s secondary, the 1<sup>st</sup> team
cornerbacks appear to be <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5196&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Brandon
McDowell</span></a> and <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5179&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Clarence
Guidry</span></a> while the safety spots will feature <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5202&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Javante
O’Roy</span></a> and either <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5153&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Damani
Alexcee</span></a> or <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5184&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Stephan
Johnson</span></a> as starters. The starting 11
on defense has a mixture of experience (McClarty, McDowell, Alexcee) and new
blood (Loyd, Graham, London), so it’ll be interesting to see how it comes
together. The 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup>
string units have been harder to identify, so again, depth could be an issue.
However, if the starters stay healthy, Texas State’s defense has a chance to be
a difference maker this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b><u>Texas
State’s Special Teams Unit Could Be A Big Strength In 2016<o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Field position is always pivotal, and while the offense
and defense certainly play a role in that, special teams is just as
important. Texas State has weapons at
its disposal on special teams to win those field position battles in
punter/kickoff specialist <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5186&path=football"><span style="color: blue;">Lumi
Kaba</span></a> and McDowell as a returner.
Coach Withers has noted that McDowell will not only return punts this
season, but will also likely add kickoff return duties to his job
description. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kaba finished 2<sup>nd</sup> in the Sun Belt last season,
averaging 44.3 yards per punt. He had 20 punts of 50 yards or more while also
pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 19 times. Even in a tough defensive season like the one
Texas State had last year, the numbers show just how crucial it is to make an opponent
“work” for its points. Bobcat opponents
scored 35% of the time when their drives started from their own 20-yard line or
further back, but that number skyrocketed to 50% when starting a drive with
less real estate. Kaba, named preseason
2<sup>nd</sup> team all-Sun Belt, has the leg to make teams work (<a href="https://youtu.be/DT3MyjfMHP0?list=PL31DE499F5924B9D4&t=81"><span style="color: blue;">and he can
run too</span></a>!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">McDowell meanwhile has <a href="https://youtu.be/JVzMvxxgK30?list=PL31DE499F5924B9D4&t=114"><span style="color: blue;">proven</span></a>
to be a <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://youtu.be/Zt6QCc4wMXg?list=PL31DE499F5924B9D4&t=140" style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">great</span></a>
</span>return man. His ability to create field
position for the offense will be just as crucial as Kaba’s ability to help the
defense. When the Bobcats started from
their own 35-yard line or closer last year they scored 54% of the time. If they started behind the 35-yard line, that
figure plummeted to 25%. McDowell and
Kaba aren’t by any means the only ones responsible for field position but they
play important roles. Also of note
regarding special teams is that Tyler Watts will also get opportunities to return
kickoffs and redshirt freshman Marcus Ripley will be the Bobcats’ place
kicker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While those are the five biggest things you should know
this week, I’d like to bullet point a few other things before I wrap up the
column:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Texas State could possibly make it through the
season without wearing the same uniform combo twice. Tweaks were made from last year’s uniform set
(and I’m not sure all of the team’s unis were included in that vine) and <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TxStCoachGeorge/status/767086205410217984"><span style="color: blue;">as you can
see</span></a>,</span> there’s a lot of different looks the Bobcats could sport this
year. Personally, I like the white
helmet, maroon jersey, white pant look for home games and the white helmet,
white jersey, maroon pant look for road games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The team will also have <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TXST_FootballEQ/status/767484552415555584"><span style="color: blue;">two
different sets of gloves</span></a> </span>to choose from this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The athletic year itself is already underway and
off to a great start as Texas State Soccer is 2-0 after posting impressive wins
over Lamar and Prairie View A&M. Both
wins were by 2-nil scores featuring four different goal scorers and an
advantage in shots of 53-8. BTW, the
last time Texas State started 2-0, the Bobcats won a conference title.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The Texas State Volleyball season starts this
Friday at the North Texas Tournament in Denton and the Bobcats will face Ohio
State in the opener. The home opener is
this coming Tuesday against Baylor. No
one ever accused Coach Chisum of putting together soft schedules and this year
is no different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The first Coach Withers Radio Show is this
coming Wednesday at 7:30 at Chimy’s in downtown San Marcos. Once again, the radio show along with game
broadcasts can be heard on our flagship station AM 1300 The Zone (Austin) or on
affiliate stations 930 AM (San Antonio) and 89.9 KTSW (San Marcos, game
broadcasts only, not the coaches show). To
listen online <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/watch/?Live=1089"><span style="color: blue;">click
here</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That’s all I’ve got for this week, next week’s it’s on to
Ohio! Eat ‘Em Up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">- Brant Freeman</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-84920702322251111032014-08-15T16:16:00.002-05:002014-08-15T18:42:32.818-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold: Fall Camp (New Blood)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbdX2dniLw9Ta5orDxKCGr7ATABeGRRSjpnJrCXqJnNsgQXatQKVSpXqU51Y0LZgqEZNaTh3TZcH4bGKgoKtKVjQHsK_NFE9aS_byEiO6LlvuYCa2Q1tx9aA8NYGXH9ODmHD7wYbaipE/s1600/bobcat+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbdX2dniLw9Ta5orDxKCGr7ATABeGRRSjpnJrCXqJnNsgQXatQKVSpXqU51Y0LZgqEZNaTh3TZcH4bGKgoKtKVjQHsK_NFE9aS_byEiO6LlvuYCa2Q1tx9aA8NYGXH9ODmHD7wYbaipE/s1600/bobcat+camp.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Two
weeks of Fall Camp are just about in the books and it’s at this time that fans
want to know who’s having the best camp and what players to be most excited
about. More often than not, fans are
looking for new names as they know what to expect from the returning players
and it’s just natural to be curious about the “new blood” with so much turnover
from one year to the next in College Football.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Rest
assured, the star players from a season ago, Craig Mager, Mike Orakpo, David
Mayo, Tyler Jones, Ben Ijah, Robert Lowe, Adrian Bellard, etc. are all having
solid camps and will all be leaned upon for big things in 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
who are some unfamiliar names standing out in camp? Well, CB David Mims II (who did play last
season but backed up Mager & Xavier Daniels), OL Ryan Melton, DE Kris Peterson,
WR C.J. Best, LB Darnell Dailey, DE Jeff Banks and DL Will Trevillion have all
been players that either the coaches or their teammates have pointed out as
having strong camps or are much improved from this time last year. As far as true freshman are concerned, they
are all getting in plenty of work but ideally the coaches would like to
redshirt as many as possible this season (such as WRs Demun Mercer & Brice
Gunter last year). But, as we have seen
over the past few seasons, Coach Fran isn’t afraid to play freshman right away
(Jones, Bellard).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">So
the question remains, who is having the best camp, and which newcomer can we
expect to have a huge impact this season?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The
answer to both is RB Terrence Franks.
Franks, a senior, obviously isn’t a newcomer but let me explain. After an outstanding redshirt freshman year
in 2011 (12 games, 8 starts, 863 rushing yards, 9 TDs), Franks hasn’t been the
same the past two seasons (combined 24 games, 4 starts, 470 yards, 7 TDs). There are a few factors that come in to play,
such as an increase in competition (Southland-WAC-Sun Belt) and positional
competition (Marcus Curry, Robert Lowe, Chris Nuttall) eating into his
carries. However, playing time is
earned, and those players simply had better practices, camps and games than
Franks, decreasing his workload. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">That
could change this season. While Robert
Lowe (a Doak Walker candidate for nation’s best RB) will be the Bobcats’ first
team running back, he carried the ball 164 times last year, which out of the
298 carries for the team’s backs comes out to 55%. Assuming that number will be close to the
same in 2014, there will once again be an ample amount of opportunities for
the bench. Chris Nutall had 83 carries
to Franks’ 42 in 2013, but those carries could be more evenly dispersed this
year based on what Franks has done in camp so far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">It
seems that every day throughout camp that Franks is breaking off long run after
long run, and everyone has taken notice.
Co-Offensive Coordinator/RBs Coach Jeff Conway says Franks
entered fall camp self-motivated and that he’s been working “like a maniac”,
realizing that the end of his college career is coming up. Something else that Coach Conway and Coach
Fran have pointed out is that Franks’ pass-protection has vastly improved,
something that kept him off the field in passing situations over the past two
seasons. So when I label Franks as a “newcomer”,
it’s because we’re seeing a Terrence Franks we haven’t seen before at Texas
State.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Other
notes as the Bobcats approach the end of Week 2 of camp:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Coach Conway says the no-huddle
offense could be very beneficial for the team’s running game, with linemen
paving bigger holes for backs to run through against a worn-down defensive
front seven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The offense is really standing
out at camp so far, and Coach Conway gives two reasons for that: 1) The
offensive line is as deep as ever since the ‘Cats moved up to the FBS and 2)
Tyler Jones has been outstanding. The
best Fall a QB has had at Texas State in quite some time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The coaching staff wasn’t
pleased with the play of the defense during Friday’s morning practice. 1<sup>st</sup> year Defensive Coordinator
John Thompson says camp started well for the defense, but the entire unit has
hit a lull and it needs to push through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I asked Coach Thompson if
communication is the issue (several new starters, new defensive coordinator)
and he said it isn’t; it’s more execution right now. Specifically, missed tackles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">When talking about defensive
line, the biggest unknown going into the 2014 season, Coach Thompson harkened
it to a “picture at the mall” (I assume he means those 3D pictures) where it’s
not yet in focus. The staff is still
piecing together the D-line depth chart, and we might see some moving parts as
the season progresses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Two
weeks down, two to go until UAPB. Until
then, we’ll keep you covered. Keep
sending your questions and comments on Twitter with #BobcatAccess<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Eat
‘Em Up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Brant
Freeman (@Brant_Freeman)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Bf17@txstate.edu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-28135783523029819072014-08-08T03:45:00.002-05:002014-08-08T12:06:39.291-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold: Fall Camp (The Trenches)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoJLrfbUUvnPPcWfgtmrVtSv-wkfmtA0yFdqlvYrfzXLrfrIcnf-feeOyljAcERO9h9bGP2sJDSs1hNanG4pqhgc_fUFywT50Zaqmi6M0N9dm0pP8hTeWVMJ2rUcgnsTYgBHoOOm-Yjo/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoJLrfbUUvnPPcWfgtmrVtSv-wkfmtA0yFdqlvYrfzXLrfrIcnf-feeOyljAcERO9h9bGP2sJDSs1hNanG4pqhgc_fUFywT50Zaqmi6M0N9dm0pP8hTeWVMJ2rUcgnsTYgBHoOOm-Yjo/s1600/camp.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The crashing of shoulder pads can now
be heard as the Bobcats are adding more and more (<a href="http://t.co/NFkfs0chLT" target="_blank">and new</a>) gear with the first
week of Fall Camp nearing an end. The
one-on-one drills have been amped up, lineman are able to engage against one
another, and we have also seen the start of the “Bobcat Drill”, where an
offensive player tries to stand up a defensive player and keep him from getting
to a ball carrier. At first glance
yesterday (Day 4 of camp), several starting defensive players got the better
of their offensive counterparts, including projected DL starters Dallas McClarty,
Darius Hood and Michael Odiari. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That was promising to see. Everyone’s eyes lean toward the biggest
position battles in camp, and this season that distinction belongs to the Bobcats’
defensive line. Blake McColloch, D.J.
Yendrey, Jamie Clavell-Head, Jordan Norfleet and Kamu Taulelei are all gone
from last year’s team, each starters at various times (in McColloch’s case, all
36 games for Coach Fran) in their Bobcat careers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In speaking with Defensive Line Coach
Mike Hudson after practice, he named Odiari and McClarty as two d-lineman
standing out in the first week of camp, along with RS Freshman Jeff Banks. The player that Coach Hudson noted as the
most improved over last year was DE Kris Petersen. If you’ll recall, Peterson was recruited to
Texas State as a tight end, but as the season progressed last season, Petersen (6’4”
232 lbs) was slotted onto the defensive line in pass rushing (3</span><sup style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
and long) situations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After a year of experience (not just
in games, but practices which Coach Fran points out is just as important),
Petersen may be more than a “specialist”.
Coach Hudson says that he has a chance to be an every down DE.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Something else to keep in mind, is that
under 1</span><sup style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> year Defensive Coordinator John Thompson, the Bobcats will
be more multiple with their defense, to include the line. We could see a mix of 4- and 3-man fronts
with the linebackers serving as pass rushers.
However, when it comes to playing the position of defensive lineman,
Hudson reiterated that “football is football”.
Beat the guy in front of you and you’ve done your job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Unlike the defensive line, the
offensive line doesn’t have many question marks. There’s only one starter (Devin Baker) gone
from last season, and all of the projected starters have plenty of experience,
the most of which belongs to the line’s only senior (among the starters):
Charlie Will Tuttle. Originally a
walk-on at Texas State, Tuttle has since become a scholarship player and told
me that without a doubt, THIS year’s line is the deepest and most talented when
compared to his previous 3 seasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The projected starting five lineman
are Adrian Bellard and Ryan Melton at tackle, Tuttle and Felix Romero at guard
and Matt Freeman at center. Tuttle, who
has played center, says he will stick to guard this season but is moving from
playing next to Bellard last season to playing alongside Melton this
season. Melton, by the way, was the
answer given to me by Tuttle when I asked him who has been the most improved
offensive lineman since last season.
Offensive line and quarterback were two HUGE question marks last year
and that’s not the case this season which gives reason to believe that Texas
State’s offense (23.9 PPG in 2013) will play much more consistently in 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Other observations from Day 4 of camp:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">- The Bobcats ran a KOR (kick-off return)
drill, sending 10 players deep to receive footballs from a machine. The 10 players were C.J. Best, Craig Mager,
Dila Rosemond, Tyler Watts, Brennan Blakemore, P.J. Anderson, Terrence Franks,
Brandon McDoweell, Jafus Gaines and Brandon Smith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Speaking of Franks, in 11-on-11 near
the end of practice, he stiff-armed Mager on his way to a long run, but didn’t
score. The man who caught him? Mager.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- The two highly touted receivers from
last year’s recruiting class, Brice Gunter and Demun Mercer, were redshirted in
2013 but could each play a significant role in the offense this season. Each got reps with the 1</span><sup style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> team
offense last night, and Gunter in particular was making some pretty incredible
catches all night, whether in drills or in 11-on-11.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- When Mike Orakpo got a breather with
the 1</span><sup style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">st</sup><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> team defense, Trey McGowen was subbed in his place. Not a name we’ve discussed much when it’s
come to LB depth, so that’s definitely something to keep an eye on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- In my last blog, I wondered who would
win the battle of back-up QB to Tyler Jones.
According to Coach Fran, Fred Nixon is the front runner.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><b>#BobcatAccess
question of the day from Felipe (@caldeira8felipe): Who, so far, is looking
like the most improved player since last season?</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I would say David Mims II. He got some playing time last season behind
Mager and Xavier Daniels but his role will increase this season and he’s earned
it. He’s been playing CB with the first
team defense and I haven’t seen too many passes completed against him. The Bobcats will need him to keep it up in
order to keep the pressure off of Mager.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Keep the questions and comments coming
to #BobcatAccess, we’ll try to cover as much as we can leading up to the season
opener (Aug 30</span><sup style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> vs UAPB). We’ll
have a couple of podcasts coming your way next week from the Texas State Media
Days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Until then, Eat ‘Em Up and Go ‘Cats!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Brant (@Brant_Freeman)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bf17@txstate.edu</span></div>
Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-62852267951937124042014-08-06T01:38:00.003-05:002014-08-06T01:55:36.328-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold: Fall Camp 2014 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN7hbAUqrYZFJo1FfCdJ4sCdCse2zxqZLJC3oE20atS_jVchBKLyO_gKLWoDm5KAACHny8pumrw47F9700TUYV_YFeK4PyKTd6u6kwL8k14xbR5GjXpCLS_4nLiki-a8w_e9Y-Y4_V4w/s1600/Fall+Camp+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN7hbAUqrYZFJo1FfCdJ4sCdCse2zxqZLJC3oE20atS_jVchBKLyO_gKLWoDm5KAACHny8pumrw47F9700TUYV_YFeK4PyKTd6u6kwL8k14xbR5GjXpCLS_4nLiki-a8w_e9Y-Y4_V4w/s1600/Fall+Camp+pic.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First, it’s exciting that football
season is almost here and expectations are high after the Bobcats came oh so
close to earning a bowl invite a season ago.
I’m definitely looking forward to covering the 2014 season and as you’ve
probably noticed by now our coverage started at the <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/podcasts.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">SunBelt Conference Media Days</span></a> from New Orleans. There’s more <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2014/7/23/FB_0723145726.aspx?path=football" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">video</span></a></span>, <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2014/7/25/FB_0725143111.aspx?path=football" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">audio</span></a></span> and <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2014/8/4/FB_0804145648.aspx?path=football" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">written content</span></a></span> available online than
there’s ever been before in the lead up to a Bobcat football season. Given where the program is heading, that’s
only going to increase from here on out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On to the football, and as of this
writing the Bobcats are two days into fall camp. Here’s what we know at this stage of the
game:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unlike
last year, the Bobcats know who the starting quarterback will be for Week 1 and
throughout the season in Sophomore Tyler Jones.
That takes a lot of the pressure off of the offense since it can be tailored
to one individual and everyone can buy into one QB instead of favoring one over
the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
will be interesting to find out is who wins the role of Jones’ back-up. Connor White, Randy Price and Fred Nixon will
be battling out for the role of 2<sup>nd</sup> string QB which is obviously a pretty
important job. Just because TJ has a lock on the starting job doesn’t mean we
should ignore QB play throughout camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even
though Jones is the sure-fire starter for the coming season, I had a chance to
speak with him after Day 2. He’s not
taking the job for granted and has put in a lot of work to be ready for the
fall. He looks every bit the part so
far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jones
was 4-3 as a starter last year, and two of those losses were to the 1<sup>st</sup>
and 2<sup>nd</sup> place teams in the Sun Belt: Louisiana-Lafayette and
Arkansas State.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who
will Jones throw to now that Andy Erickson and Isaiah Battle are gone? Ben Ijah was his favorite<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acgpRrzo48c#t=260" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #0070c0;">target</span></a> last year, and <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acgpRrzo48c#t=116" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Brandon Smith</span></a></span> will likely start as
well. CJ Best has been running with the
1<sup>st</sup> team offense early in camp, and I expect we’ll hear from Jones’
old HS teammate Brice Gunter as well.
Very elusive and could be a difference maker this season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the words of Coach Fran, the offensive line finally looks like a legit D-I FBS
group and when looking at the depth it’s easy to agree. Charlie Will Tuttle (SR), Adrian Bellard
(JR), Matt Freeman (JR), Felix Romero (SO) and Ryan Melton (SO) are all
experienced lineman and the youth behind them is promising as well. Freshmen Tryston Mizerak, Jackson Hoskins,
Will Copa, Kian Schoenborn average out at nearly 6’6” 300 lbs. The Bobcats have a total of 16 offensive
lineman on the roster in camp, so look for some intense competition over the
next couple of weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
biggest unknowns on defense are upfront and at the safety position. During some 1<sup>st</sup> team offense vs
defense drills, Michael Odiari and Thomas Evans were getting reps at defensive
end, while Dallas McClarty and Darius Hood were at DT. Kris Peterson will likely factor as a pass
rushing specialist and there are quite a few newcomers from junior colleges who
will get opportunities on the defensive line throughout camp as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
far as safeties are concerned, Colby Targun is the only returning starter from
a year ago now that Aaron Matthews and Justin Iwuji are gone. The Bobcats won’t always have three safeties
on the field under 1<sup>st</sup> year Defensive Coordinator John Thompson, but
when they do, it could be Targun, Germond Williams and Damani Alexcee. The safety’s role in Coach Thompson’s defense
is something to keep an eye on throughout the season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Craig
Mager is a <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLl6sfNkhZQ#t=64" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">really good</span></a></span> cornerback and that puts pressure on the
CB playing opposite of him, and Xavier Daniels played <span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9kQLOkDz8s#t=104" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;">really well</span></a></span> in that position last
season. With “X” now gone, that role is
likely going to fall to David Mims who definitely possesses the speed necessary
to play the position in what is a WR loaded Sun Belt Conference. Establishing depth behind Mager and Mims will
be key in Fall Camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fans
may have noticed that the players have been practicing in the<span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Brant_Freeman/status/496815392086433792/photo/1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0070c0;"> maroon helmets</span></a></span> which were first
introduced last season. The team will
likely alternate between gold and maroon helmets throughout the season so look for
some interesting uniform combos this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only
a couple of days into fall camp and there’s so much to look for over the next
few weeks. There’s a lot of excitement
on both sides of the ball, and one of the assistant coaches told me to
anticipate a lot more scoring from the offense this season. Couple that with a DC with a proven track
record in Coach Thompson and the Bobcats have every reason to feel confident
heading into 2014. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Full
pads on Friday and the first two-a-days session is this Saturday…hope to see
some more fans over the next several practices! Of course if you have any questions you would
like answered in this blog or our podcast, let us know on Twitter with the
hashtag #BobcatAccess<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until
then, Eat ‘Em Up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brant
(@Brant_Freeman)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bf17@txstate.edu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-17065957873742370742012-07-26T16:03:00.000-05:002012-07-29T13:47:25.591-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold: Top 10 Preview (Part 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As promised Bobcat
fans our countdown of the Top 10 things to look for in the 2012 season
continues…for numbers 6-10 </span><a href="http://blog.txstatebobcats.com/2012/07/blogging-maroon-gold-july-23rd-top-10.html" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #660000;">click
here</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> or scroll down I guess…By the way before I get to 1-5, I’d like to
direct you to my new twitter account: @Brant_Freeman. Follow me during the season, I will post
pictures from our road trips as well as fill you on the week’s 2-deep for both
the Bobcats and their opponents! Check </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #660000;"><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://p.twimg.com/Ay_fd_GCEAAizCN.jpg:large" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">these</span></a> </span><a href="https://p.twimg.com/Ay_fn0nCEAA4Bkb.jpg:large" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">out</span></a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">for a preview as to what
I’ll be sharing on twitter…</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#5 Offensive Line</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhiVEF95HokfO2iwqUVn490GBWxOGMtGGu4F0Jqmco3rmOy0tp32OLGMM4xVLNpKbE_JBEj16xzACYq9SNV1s77iIcyrKHE5s9z44741HMfUjFIGjCCAULANat1PPtQugmsaVBgH3OPk/s1600/Charlie+Tuttle+_MG_7711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhiVEF95HokfO2iwqUVn490GBWxOGMtGGu4F0Jqmco3rmOy0tp32OLGMM4xVLNpKbE_JBEj16xzACYq9SNV1s77iIcyrKHE5s9z44741HMfUjFIGjCCAULANat1PPtQugmsaVBgH3OPk/s320/Charlie+Tuttle+_MG_7711.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">D.J. Hall, Michael
Chambers, Jon Vernon, Steven Kenney are all gone (DJ getting ready for camp </span><a href="http://www.jaguars.com/media-gallery/videos/Rookie-101-DJ-Hall/01f0844a-2d3a-41f1-8a2c-a4ede4381c72" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">himself in Jacksonville</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">). Those four seniors
from last year’s team leave voids at both starting guard positions, left tackle
and center. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Just as the Bobcats
addressed the defensive line in the most recent recruiting class, the coaches
also put a big emphasis on the offensive line signing four freshman and one
junior college transfer (</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-raChfaDABc" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">Tyler Potter</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">). In addition to the new
o-lineman, there will be seven players who are coming off of redshirt years
PLUS two players (Adley Eshragipour and Jeff Clermond) making the transition
from defensive lineman to offensive lineman. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of these 14 “new”
players on the o-line, the average height is 6’3 and average weight is 287
pounds with 9 players 6’4 or taller and five tipping the scales at over 295
pounds. That’s a lot of beef not
counting returning starters Charlie Will Tuttle (who earned a full scholarship
after his impressive red-shirt freshman season last year) and Thaddeus Watkins.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Bobcats will
certainly need the depth to go up against big, fast and skilled d-lines of
their FBS opponents this season and help pave the way for a rushing attack
which averaged 195 yards per game last season, but more importantly keep the
quarterback upright. The o-line gave up
21 sacks last year, 7 fewer than the season before. If that number goes down even further this
season against this schedule you can count that as a successful year for men up
front.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#4 - The Quarterback
Position<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcV7WBmCNpn43PG5zIClCoak0SekpkRYiHtR4MYfKJE9_3AHHyciUo67s7mztKuMi7FTWM_tCF40tDlhI9WXOFWsEcrxKrTeMVn6-dOlTbajxRRWNWlTr34vu7RZpqk3fnUtyoWA-pcY/s1600/Shaun+Rutherford+_MG_5203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcV7WBmCNpn43PG5zIClCoak0SekpkRYiHtR4MYfKJE9_3AHHyciUo67s7mztKuMi7FTWM_tCF40tDlhI9WXOFWsEcrxKrTeMVn6-dOlTbajxRRWNWlTr34vu7RZpqk3fnUtyoWA-pcY/s320/Shaun+Rutherford+_MG_5203.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Speaking of
quarterbacks…there will be an intense competition for the starting job this
fall. Shaun Rutherford and Tyler Ardnt
would appear to be the front-runners for the job, Rutherford after starting the
majority of </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">’s games last year (12
TD, 4 INT, 144.7 efficiency rating and over 1,600 yards of total offense) and
Ardnt because he has 8 career starts himself and according to the coaches made
some huge strides during the Spring. And
there’s also JUCO transfer Duke Delancelotti (’12 Spring Game: 10-16, 149 yds,
2 TD) and Jordan Moore who’s capable of making huge plays with his feet, always
important in this particular offense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As for who gets the
job, your guess is as good as mine. If
there’s a favorite right now the coaches haven’t said as much but that’s
probably because they’re looking to make a full and complete evaluation over
the next month before making that decision.
I would also venture that we will see more than one quarterback man the
offense this season with substitutions made based on certain offensive packages
and game situations.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don’t think the
expectations are for the starter to be a 300-yard-a-game passer with 35-40 pass
attempts, but rather one who A) protects the football, B) is pocket savvy, C)
makes the right reads in the option and D) protects the football.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#3 - Chase Harper<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83QLJtoHSVA8xB2G8A9FoLLURO-gW4dgkQ2Ap66gwJtQPrF6slKDog2lz3jdNAbU9A5izIdHpXFOfJhyw5c1XadYw9NeAQd0Jc75gAWDLW6m3wVJgMY1mZLDRfXFG0wDAwhPFZrqTrUI/s1600/chase+harper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83QLJtoHSVA8xB2G8A9FoLLURO-gW4dgkQ2Ap66gwJtQPrF6slKDog2lz3jdNAbU9A5izIdHpXFOfJhyw5c1XadYw9NeAQd0Jc75gAWDLW6m3wVJgMY1mZLDRfXFG0wDAwhPFZrqTrUI/s1600/chase+harper.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If the quarterback
is going to rack up some big passing numbers, odds are Chase Harper will be
involved. </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">’s
2</span><sup style="background-color: white;">nd</sup><span style="background-color: white;"> year tight-end hasn’t played a down of FBS football yet has been
named </span><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/news/2012/5/18/FB_0518125049.aspx?path=football" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">pre-season 2nd team All-WAC</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> and to the </span><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/news/2012/7/10/FB_0710120927.aspx?path=football" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">John Mackey Award Watch List,</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> an honor given to the nation’s top tight end at
the end of the season. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Harper is
deceptively quick despite his large frame (6’5” 260 lbs). He’s an
extremely powerful run blocker and may have the best hands on the team. On top of that (as we mentioned in #8 of the
countdown) the coaches are looking to use Harper on defense in obvious passing
situations at defensive end to send him after opposing quarterbacks. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His numbers from
last year (20 catches, 287 yards, 3 TDs) look modest, but keep in mind that
Bobcat tight ends the previous three seasons COMBINED had 34 catches for 331
yards and 4 TDs. I would expect Harper’s
stats to be even better this season despite the step-up in competition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">There are a lot of
players fans should be excited to see this season but Chase Harper could be the
best of them. May even play well enough
to earn a spot on </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Brant_Freeman/status/223862279823835136/photo/1/large" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">this list</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">. Watch out for #19 (Chase is changing his
number from 88 to 19). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#2 - Bobcat Stadium</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKJzcw70ozN0-R5Puc4cBggsqdBSZakzaPXlcGpp77HwNvKurUB6b985QZWD_n6SAzUrLWJe5bqk8vjdldgHt-gxzTJsZa2l6TD3_WCKOCShY4cJzSkq4wvueF1nwKQesM5NgkhzrA0/s1600/Bobcat+Stadium+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dKJzcw70ozN0-R5Puc4cBggsqdBSZakzaPXlcGpp77HwNvKurUB6b985QZWD_n6SAzUrLWJe5bqk8vjdldgHt-gxzTJsZa2l6TD3_WCKOCShY4cJzSkq4wvueF1nwKQesM5NgkhzrA0/s320/Bobcat+Stadium+3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFeIOQdtVnoeldP4Re_7f9Ota8jzgGtAQ_P7n9JUlw_4hVcw_IGGcWzph0KChcja5z6Hwt31rYUUDcc9e6RL3zwSa2ZzyGzIPijUya7F-o_lyz2cE0yEqTgk-8cFsV2nPkEEFn_7Yu2w/s1600/Bobcat+Stadium+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFeIOQdtVnoeldP4Re_7f9Ota8jzgGtAQ_P7n9JUlw_4hVcw_IGGcWzph0KChcja5z6Hwt31rYUUDcc9e6RL3zwSa2ZzyGzIPijUya7F-o_lyz2cE0yEqTgk-8cFsV2nPkEEFn_7Yu2w/s320/Bobcat+Stadium+1.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDviu4n_wNYjePdtrNPJzr_S8ihT7lujBYJjspBZsUNPmnThshfHhA_1buiFISWreGwa6nE-SYdwK7hwEitCdOrULeI785kb0y95souX8xuzNwQtkC6_xdfCaMqLDlF5tPTTr5cnK9oE/s1600/Bobcat+Stadium+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDviu4n_wNYjePdtrNPJzr_S8ihT7lujBYJjspBZsUNPmnThshfHhA_1buiFISWreGwa6nE-SYdwK7hwEitCdOrULeI785kb0y95souX8xuzNwQtkC6_xdfCaMqLDlF5tPTTr5cnK9oE/s320/Bobcat+Stadium+2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I’ll keep this brief in order to let the pictures speak (mostly) for themselves.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYaIEHiD-Co" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000;">A lot of work</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> has been done to get Bobcat Stadium ready for the program’s FBS debut.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">With the seating capacity increasing by about 13,000 and </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">’s killer home schedule, attendance records will be smashed this season.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">The </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">TEXAS</st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">…STATE chants will be louder than ever.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">State-of-the-art audio and video boards, brand new amenities…everything has been done to give </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;"> fans a true college football experience.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I don’t think they will be disappointed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#1 - The Notoriety</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTPfhUOPxHgWFh1LVUAiXNwmRgXUHfkNpdsBNj4VB5JoI86jW9PM5IVaoqg22xuPpJwSOcx2yDp3pSngyleMbp18GBlaLbsr1HKM8B0tv1wjmDiST-NjG-oVSiAxSnJFFLUf7q4ER-18/s1600/Texas+State+2012+Football+Schedule+Poster+-+Small%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTPfhUOPxHgWFh1LVUAiXNwmRgXUHfkNpdsBNj4VB5JoI86jW9PM5IVaoqg22xuPpJwSOcx2yDp3pSngyleMbp18GBlaLbsr1HKM8B0tv1wjmDiST-NjG-oVSiAxSnJFFLUf7q4ER-18/s320/Texas+State+2012+Football+Schedule+Poster+-+Small%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">With at least four
games on television the Bobcats will receive plenty of exposure in their
inaugural FBS season and every week a new challenge will arise and will give
Texas State Football the opportunity to prove itself in the FBS. They will travel from the east coast (Navy)
to the west coast (</span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">San Jose</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">). The ‘Cats will battle the Big XII (Texas
Tech), the Mountain West Conference (Nevada, New Mexico) and even square off
against a former Southland foe (Stephen F. Austin). </span><st1:placename style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><st1:placetype style="background-color: white;" w:st="on">State</st1:placetype><span style="background-color: white;"> will play into December (</span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">New Mexico</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">) and will go to war against their
I-35 rivals for the first time ever on the gridiron (UTSA). College Football fans from nearly every
corner of the country will get to know the name </span><st1:place style="background-color: white;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The 2012 season is the most highly anticipated season in the
history of the program and one that will never be forgotten. Welcome to FBS football Bobcat fans and get
comfortable, because we’re in for a long and extremely fun ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Eat ‘Em Up!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Brant (bf17@txstate.edu)</span></div>
</div>Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-45607437827886796662012-07-23T10:52:00.000-05:002012-08-08T11:50:47.721-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold (July 23rd): Top 10 Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Well bobcat fans, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>
has been an official member of the FBS for a few weeks now and the highly
anticipated 2012 football season is less than a month and a half away. Couple that with the construction of Bobcat
Stadium nearly complete and these are some exciting times at our
University! For more on the significance
of what the “move up” means, check out my interview with Associate AD Don
Coryell online at <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://kgnb.am/news/podcast-exclusive-texas-state-officially-fbs-school"><span style="color: #990000;">KGNB’s
website. </span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Training Camp is
also on the horizon as players report on Sunday August 5<sup>th</sup> and will
be in helmets and shorts August 6<sup>th</sup> and in full pads for the first
time that Friday, August 10<sup>th</sup>.
Looking forward to covering camp and you can expect some more blogs and
podcasts with myself and my broadcaster partner Bill Culhane all camp
long! Did you know Bill is entering his
19<sup>th</sup> football season at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>? He’s been covering the ‘Cats longer than some
of our players have been alive…(if he’s reading this, Bill feel free to jab me
on air in return sometime this season, I’ll be expecting it…)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In anticipation of
the fall camp and the coming season I would like to take a look at the storylines
I’m most excited to see unfold this season.
And you know me, I love <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://blog.txstatebobcats.com/2011/01/blogging-maroon-gold-january-7th-2011.html"><span style="color: #990000;">Top
10 lists</span></a> </span>so here are my Top 10 things to watch for in 2012…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#10 - Special Teams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYzDUEm9ri6TNOLNU8r5npRoiqs73X1XDK2MLamqlQvTeiE4yH6be08OJpHX6wGbamLUCcw7ZATMoxjjYELKd1LqP2-7I4WuefwcKkT4U6AZbYLLGV-jGWOEBDS94T90N1KPZamTgHtI/s1600/WIll+Johnson_MG_7528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYzDUEm9ri6TNOLNU8r5npRoiqs73X1XDK2MLamqlQvTeiE4yH6be08OJpHX6wGbamLUCcw7ZATMoxjjYELKd1LqP2-7I4WuefwcKkT4U6AZbYLLGV-jGWOEBDS94T90N1KPZamTgHtI/s320/WIll+Johnson_MG_7528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> is up against a <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/schedule.aspx?path=football"><span style="color: #990000;">really tough
schedule</span></a> </span>this season, the toughest the program has ever had (which of
course comes with the territory of being an FBS school for the first
time). To ask the offense to drive 80
yards multiple times week in and week out will be difficult. Turnovers will help create short fields (the
Bobcats were -7 in TOs this past season, a number Coach Fran has pointed out
must improve) but the return game can be a huge asset in this department as
well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think it’s flown
under the radar a bit, but in the past few seasons the Bobcats have been really
good at returning punts and kicks. Did you know that <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>
has had at least one kickoff return or one punt return for a TD in each of the
past four seasons? From Karrington Bush
to DaMarcus Griggs and last year Isaiah Battle and Andy Erickson the ‘Cats have
made opposing special teams units nervous.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speaking of punting,
the Bobcats will start just their fourth different punter since 2003 this
season while place kicker Will Johnson (who could also do
some punting for the Bobcats) will prepare for his second season kicking field
goals and handling kickoff duties.
Johnson was 13-24 on FGs as a freshman (5 FGs from 45 yards or further)
and had 17 touchbacks on kickoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#9 - The Running
Back Stable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT5cjjiWrkczf6-7Y0DkOu-ELMZ-Adj7UZckiz2rboAum_HWlVhF7fnORWNYm8qR5GY7SqkWBQqSwR4MKzwSp5bNGVolKGczMuFPNZqZWIWxZf5A8btvzw2bO8MmWuIAmzUGUQnImn8I/s1600/Marcus+Curry+_MG_7515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT5cjjiWrkczf6-7Y0DkOu-ELMZ-Adj7UZckiz2rboAum_HWlVhF7fnORWNYm8qR5GY7SqkWBQqSwR4MKzwSp5bNGVolKGczMuFPNZqZWIWxZf5A8btvzw2bO8MmWuIAmzUGUQnImn8I/s320/Marcus+Curry+_MG_7515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I don’t think many
people thought that by the end of the season last year that Terrence Franks, a
redshirt freshman who’s career high season yardage in high school was 688
yards, would’ve led the Bobcats in rushing but he did. The former track star from Angleton had 863
yards with a 5.9 yards per carry average and 9 TDs. An explosive back, Franks had 8 rushes of 20
yards or more including runs of 74, 58 and 22 yards at SE-Louisiana en route to
a 234 yard day against the Lions, a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> freshman
record. Marcus Curry (when healthy) has
proven to be a playmaker as well finishing third on the team in all-purpose
yards last season in limited action racking up 736 yards (63 yards/game). Chris Nutall looked good in the Spring and
with Dexter Imade returning from injury this season, the Bobcats should have
plenty of options in the backfield and those running backs will serve a crucial
component of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s spread option
offense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#8 - Pass Rush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcO8-8C4Ijjt4F99FuYMhWJ0os9phvpGG2PFDC2bkAZv3nPTq_lb_tjhO0fvwCrpzoj2Doio49LKovruf0-y5Lg2Ys0y5V-f5uw5wkVR5E0s_mo6wWwg0M8KNZIlVfljBeL8EMewG9Nc/s1600/Jordan+Norfleet+IMG_0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcO8-8C4Ijjt4F99FuYMhWJ0os9phvpGG2PFDC2bkAZv3nPTq_lb_tjhO0fvwCrpzoj2Doio49LKovruf0-y5Lg2Ys0y5V-f5uw5wkVR5E0s_mo6wWwg0M8KNZIlVfljBeL8EMewG9Nc/s320/Jordan+Norfleet+IMG_0457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When training camp
opened last season, not many knew who Michael Ebbit was. He was a transfer from Texas A&M where he
really didn’t get the chance to play. He
wasn’t listed on the two-deep going into the opener at Texas Tech and was
thought of being just “a guy”. It didn’t
take long for Ebbit to shed that label, totaling 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles
for loss. Consider that the season
before that the Bobcat team had 13 sacks TOTAL.
Problem is, last season was the only one for Ebbit in a Bobcat uniform
and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> is left looking to replace that
production. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Defensive
Coordinator Craig Naivar is known for having an aggressive defense, looking to
get pressure on the quarterback from all angles, blitzing linebackers, corners
and safeties. While that shouldn’t
change this season, the more the ‘Cats can get pressure with their front four,
the more other defenders can drop back in coverage and the defense as a whole
will be more effective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the loss of
Ebbit, Bobcat coaches hit the recruiting trail to bring in some beef upfront
and around the edges, evident by the signings of <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2747&path=football"><span style="color: #990000;">Kamu
Taulelei</span></a>, <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2771&path=football"><span style="color: #990000;">Jaryl
Mamea</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2732&path=football"><span style="color: #990000;">Thomas
Evans</span></a>. With the returns of DE Jordan
Norfleet (32 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks) and Blake McColloch (18/3.0/1.0)
among others, the ‘Cats front four will look to bring the heat against opposing
QBs in 2012, and against some pass-heavy offenses they’ll need to do just
that. Also look for Bobcat tight end
Chase Harper to get some snaps at defensive end in obvious passing down
situations…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#7 - The New Guys <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflwwVKjCRUy3TxVV37KqwI3QVJ0ZOFV_XwTpMwWdsaO0Ks_-zurZ6OPi9bwmtQIQS2w_VXp9Q1lY23ZUjFVD-1JwgW2npDoM_iMhDOq-iLrS-lNSIVc0Q_HbtGHoooyO3yhswmDmkGs4/s1600/Michael+Gilmore+IMG_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflwwVKjCRUy3TxVV37KqwI3QVJ0ZOFV_XwTpMwWdsaO0Ks_-zurZ6OPi9bwmtQIQS2w_VXp9Q1lY23ZUjFVD-1JwgW2npDoM_iMhDOq-iLrS-lNSIVc0Q_HbtGHoooyO3yhswmDmkGs4/s320/Michael+Gilmore+IMG_0041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We just touched on a
couple in Taulelei and Evans but that’s just the tip of the proverbial
iceberg. Between last year’s redshirts,
incoming JUCO transfers and a few freshman (assuming a good chunk of freshman
will be redshirted this season), the Bobcats will be as deep as they’ve ever
been. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A lot of coaches
have expressed excitement about RS Fr. Linebacker Joshua ‘E Robinson who had an
impressive spring and fellow RS Fr Matt Freeman is expected to start on the
offensive line. The true freshman
recruits, such as OL Ryan Melton and DB Martell Summers (a pair of three-star
recruits) could be players to watch out for as well should the coaches choose
not to red-shirt them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bottom line is Texas
State is getting an influx of talent like it never has before, and the coaching
staff, the move to the FBS and renovations at Bobcat Stadium have all played a
huge part. Can’ wait to see it translate
onto the field…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">#6 - The Schedule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvhn5FxgzZ1UKX4fAh2EeLveh2p_mVIN3iTwOgJuyzNUlfOCcBgDA3NTtRLtZ8gIDJ95zBY_yMZ9SvBbwLkBhNG4RYYlyCyCxvAQxJQ9z5geIFH-Eue9RdKDPbwjUz931oIo-9hkdZx8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvhn5FxgzZ1UKX4fAh2EeLveh2p_mVIN3iTwOgJuyzNUlfOCcBgDA3NTtRLtZ8gIDJ95zBY_yMZ9SvBbwLkBhNG4RYYlyCyCxvAQxJQ9z5geIFH-Eue9RdKDPbwjUz931oIo-9hkdZx8/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One could argue that
incoming recruits are being sold on <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s schedule as
well. College Football is an event and
prospective student athletes love nothing more than to perform in front of sold-out
crowds and against the best the sport has to offer. The Bobcats have never played more than two
FBS schools in a season in the history of the program. Well, <st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state>
State IS an FBS school now. Just compare
this year’s schedule to <a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/schedule.aspx?path=football&schedule=84"><span style="color: #990000;">last
year’s. </span></a> (An in-state Big XII school is
coming to <st1:city w:st="on">San Marcos</st1:city>!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In road games last
season, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s opposition averaged just over
18,000 fans (a number inflated by the opener at Texas Tech, take away that game
the average plummets to under 11,300).
The teams the Bobcats will visit this season combined to average nearly
25,000 fans a game. The Bobcats will
play two bowl teams this season BOTH here in <st1:city w:st="on">San Marcos</st1:city>
(<st1:place w:st="on">Nevada</st1:place> and
Louisiana Tech). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You will not look at
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Texas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place>’s 2012 schedule this season and
think of the word cupcake. This is going
to be a tough yet challenging and fun schedule.
In the words of NFL linebacker<span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7KSkZxt_zo"><span style="color: #990000;">Bart Scott</span></a></span>…well, you
know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We’ll round out the
top 10 in the next blog coming soon.
Until then…Eat ‘Em Up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">- Brant (bf17@txstate.edu)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-15141378501349699832012-02-14T11:55:00.000-06:002012-02-14T11:56:19.929-06:00Volleyball Thoughts by Coach Huiet<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal">Hey Bobcat Fans!!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I just realized it’s been way too long since I have updated everyone on my life and what’s going on in Bobcat Volleyball.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I can’t believe that it is 2012, where has the time gone?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hope y’all are off to a great start and your best year yet, that’s what we are hoping for in the volleyball world.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After such a successful 2011 season, we are hoping 2012 is even better… things we are looking for in 2012 are a WAC Championship, Top 30 ranking in attendance,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>top 50 ranking on the court and a trip to the NCAA second round or farther- we are going to need your help for these lofty goals!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Right now we are working hard to get physically and mentally ready for it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We practice early in the mornings during the spring usually around 7:15am, so if you are up and have had your cup of coffee then you need to come see us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will be hosting our spring tournament on March 24<sup>th</sup>, starting around 9am so you can come see us play some matches against some good competition, keep checking the website for updates and a schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Calling all golfers, we need you!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We are having our 8<sup>th</sup> annual Jeannie Miller Memorial Golf Tournament on March 23 with a tee time of noon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a great day to enjoy some golf, get to know the current Bobcat team and most importantly support Texas State Volleyball.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We will have some great prizes and really good food from Texas Roadhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again it’s just a great way to support the Bobcats and I promise you a day of fun!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now if golf is not your thing and you want to enjoy some time with us come out for our banquet on March 24<sup>th</sup> celebrating our 2011 Southland Conference Championships.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Getting ready to get into my favorite time of the year- MARCH MADNESS!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Can’t wait to see what both Men’s and Women’s Bobcat Basketball has in store for the end of the season, make sure you are in the stands cheering loud.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have a fun rivalry with both of my brothers, they love North Carolina and I have always been a Duke Basketball (just basketball) fan, if anyone saw that game the other night you know that my brothers got some texts from me rubbing it in!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was a great game and has me ready for the NCAA Tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well Bobcat Fans… I promise it won’t be months before I post again, I will keep you up to date with what’s going on with Volleyball and even my eventful life as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Baseball and softball both open up at home this week- BE THERE!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s a great day to be Bobcat!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Coach Sean </p>Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16383226752049242911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-44167819015905680042011-09-09T10:22:00.007-05:002011-09-09T11:15:03.163-05:00Rocky Mountain High<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">How 'bout them Cowboys...against our Bobcats!</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After jumping out early at the Red Raiders, we all know that the turnovers, some missed tackles, and a few other missteps led to the Bobcat's demise in the season opener. Fortunately, the mistakes are correctable, Texas Tech is officially in the rear-view mirror, and the 'Cats have another opportunity to light the star!<br /><br />Later today (Friday), the Bobcats will head to Wyoming to take on another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FBS</span> program, the Wyoming Cowboys, uh, Pokes. Kickoff is 5PM Central, Saturday, September 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span>. Some of you may know, the Cowboys will return the trip by coming to San Marcos in the 2013 season. Wow, we are going to have some interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">matchups</span> at Bobcat Stadium in the not so distant future!<br /><br />Among the thoughts on the defense's performance at Texas Tech, Coach Craig <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Naivar</span>, our defensive coordinator, said, "...our attitude, our approach, our tenacity was very good, we just didn't finish it. This showed up in our lack of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">redzone</span> defense."<br /><br />"I don't think we responded real well as a defense after those turnovers. It's not our job to pick where we come on the field...it's our job to keep it out of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">endzone</span>", per Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Naivar</span> on maintaining execution regardless of the situation.<br /><br />Coach <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Naivar</span> on facing Brett Smith, Wyoming's true freshman quarterback, "We're going to give him a bunch of different looks. I give the man credit, he threw for 294 yards (vs Weber State), he grew up in the second half and end of the game. If their football team wasn't behind him before, they are now!"<br /><br />Coach Fran on opposing Wyoming's offense, "They do a good job of not overloading him and protecting him (frosh QB, Brett Smith)...we have to get some pressure on him, we have to make him throw off <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">rhythm</span>, make him get out of his comfort zone."<br /><br />"They're a typical Wyoming football team. They are hard-nosed, they are physical, they fight their tails off. They are gap sound, they get off blocks, they are characteristic of what I think of when I think Wyoming football. It's "Cowboy tough" and that's the way they play", Coach Fran on Wyoming's tough, veteran-laden defense.<br /><br />If you are traveling to War Memorial Stadium in Laramie to check out the Bobcats, I hope you have safe and happy travels. In case you won't be at the game, the game will be televised by the Mountain West Conference network (check local listings). You can also listen to the game on ESPN <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Deportes</span>, 92.5FM, Austin, or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">KTSW</span>, 89.9FM, San Marcos. The game audio will be streamed on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">espnaustin</span>.com and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">txstatebobcats</span>.com. Brant Freeman and I will launch our pregame show beginning at 4PM Central, 5PM Kickoff. John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">McElfresh</span> will man the sidelines and provide the halftime and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">postgame</span> thoughts from Coach Fran.<br /><br />If you have any thoughts or comments, please email me at lightthestar@gmail.com.<br /><br />Eat 'Em Up!<br /><br />Bill<br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-6888019355184556272011-09-06T12:24:00.010-05:002011-09-06T15:10:28.130-05:00Inside Bobcat Football Starts Right Now...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Texas State Bobcats Up Close and Personal!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Wyoming Week! For those who made the trip to Lubbock, I hope you had a safe trip home. In case you didn't get a chance to go see the Bobcats take on the Red Raiders, Texas State Athletics and Time Warner Cable's Your News Now (YNN) have teamed up to bring you Inside Bobcat Football.<br /><br />Along with highlights from each Bobcat football game, our head coach, Dennis Franchione shares his thoughts on the team's performance. We will also have other interesting segments covering the world of Texas State athletics. Towards the end of each show, Coach Fran will give his preview of the Bobcat's upcoming opponent. This is your all-access, weekly dose of Bobcat football.<br /><br />The 30 minute show airs on YNN's non-stop sports channel 408 (SD) and channel 1509 (HD) and channel 1408 (On Demand).<br /><br />Air Time: Mondays starting at 8PM through Tuesdays at 7PM (at the top of the hour).<br /><br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com.<br /><br />Eat 'Em Up<br /><br />Bill<br /></span><span style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></strong></span> </span>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-51788811903555837462011-09-02T10:07:00.002-05:002011-09-02T10:17:55.735-05:00QBs/Offense<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ready, break! </span>
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<br />As we are now within a day of Bobcats v Red Raiders, here is my final Countdown to Kickoff blog. I hope you have found them enjoyable and they have given a little insight into your Bobcat football team. As always, we hope to see you and yours at the games. If you still don’t have your season tickets, our home opener is Saturday, September 17th, here is where to <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets">get your tickets</a>.
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<br />We just blogged about our defensive coordinator, Coach Naivar’s return to San Marcos. Well, our offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=329&path=football">Mike Schultz</a>, is no stranger to our fair city, having served here under Coach Fran from '90-'91.
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<br />Barrick Nealy, immediately followed by Bradley George, has meant that the Bobcats have recently had an embarrassment of riches at the quarterback position. Right now, we have two young men who have shown the ability to help lead the Bobcats to points.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=321&path=football">Coach Fran</a> repeatedly talks about being your best on the play right now…then, be your best on the next play, etc, etc… He holds the same belief when it comes to the guys on the field. He wants the best eleven on the field for THAT play. It stands to reason then that we would want our best quarterback on the field for that play, that situation. Shaun Rutherford, a transfer from Blinn, and Tyler Arndt, our returning sophomore, have been sharing reps at quarterback and both will see action. Both signal callers are growing in the offense and been excellent during Fall Camp 2011.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2345&path=football">Shaun Rutherford</a> made it clear that he and Tyler Arndt are looking forward to leading the offense, “I think Tyler and I have done very well. It’s been a great competition throughout practice. Day in, day out, we study film together. We come to practice every day ready to help make each other better.”
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<br />I have noted a marked improvement in Shaun’s passing ability from four months ago. “It was kind of rough getting back into it, but I came up here every morning, every afternoon, worked on my drop backs, my steps, just tried to get my technique back together,” is Rutherford’s explanation for his progress.
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<br />As you know, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2274&path=football">Tyler Arndt</a> has already shown that he can lead a Bobcat football team to victory. Tyler matched Shaun‘s comments on how the quarterbacks are pushing each other to ultimately make the team better, “I think we have clicked really well. Shaun and I are both getting reps with the 1’s. We both bring a lot of leadership. Whoever steps in the huddle, the team knows they can count on us.”
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<br />Arndt agrees dealing with the environment this Saturday at Texas Tech won't be as much of an issue having started his career at Houston in 2010, “I think so. Playing in front of a lot of people, it will really help. I know what to expect.”
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<br />Coach Schultz assessed the Bobcat quarterbacks, “They’ve come a long way since last Spring. We feel like they’ve made good progress. With quarterbacks, you’re never where you want to be, but let me say this, we’re not where we used to be!”
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spread the Love Around</span>
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<br />We have discussed all of the changes on defense and even special teams. As you well know by now, our offense has also gone under modifications since the 2010 season. We have an entirely new offensive coaching staff and will be running, as it’s been explained to me, “the Texas State spread offense”. Meaning, there are many variations of the spread offense across the landscape, but our offense is “the Texas State spread offense”.
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<br />Through camp, it appears that this means we will run and pass the ball and would prefer to be +/- 50-50. Short game, deep game, the entire route tree is in our arsenal. We will run between the tackles, out wide, zone reads, etc… To our future opponents, I hope I haven’t revealed too much.
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<br />“I agree with Coach Fran, we have a lot of moving parts right now. We’ve made a lot of improvement and I think the kids are excited about the offense and what we‘re doing,” Coach Schultz on the offense as a whole.
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<br />The Countdown to Kickoff blogs are now officially over, the crowd roars. I will be stopping by, from time to time, with additional blogs about the world of Texas State athletics. You’ve been warned…
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<br />The Bobcat’s game at Texas Tech this Saturday will be the maiden broadcast on ESPN Deportes, 92.5 FM, 5PM pregame, 6PM Kickoff. You can also listen in at espnaustin.com or txstatebobcats.com. We will speak with you from Lubbock!
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com.
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-68237686196592195602011-09-02T01:42:00.003-05:002011-09-02T01:48:56.498-05:00Safeties and the Defense<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Safe and Sound</span>
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<br />So you thought quarterbacks only played offense, huh? In the Bobcat’s 4-2-5 defense, the safeties take on added importance and responsibility, because they are charged with making the defensive calls = ensuring everyone else is aligned and assigned correctly. Made famous by the movie script of Cool Hand Luke, I hope we rarely hear the words, “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”
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<br />Overall, the Bobcat defense is filled with youth, and the safety group is no different. Where have I typed that before? The safeties are young and relatively inexperienced, however, with that you also get the passion, enthusiasm, and naivete of youth. They might not always go to the right spot at the right time, but they do it 100% and with fire in their eyes. Akin to the team as a whole, the defense will improve as the season goes along…zero doubt.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2326&path=football">Jason McLean</a>, a junior safety from San Antonio, gave an overview of the responsibilities of the safeties in the 4-2-5, “We have to communicate with everyone. It’s a good position to be in and it’s been fun.”
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<br />Jason shared his thoughts on the process of going from talented backup to projected starter, “I had to work a lot over the years to be in this spot right now. I’m at a good position right now, the coaches we have are great, they will put us in good position to make plays.”
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<br />Our Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach, <a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=328&path=football"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Craig Naivar</span></a>, is a man who requires little introduction to anyone who has been around the program since after the 2003 season. All you have to know about Coach Naivar’s resume is that he was the mastermind behind our 2005 national semi-finalist defense. He hails from Central Texas, is well respected in the football community, and has the fire and requisite raspy voice of a defensive coordinator.
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<br />Initially, Coach Naivar focused his thoughts on the value of the safeties in the 4-2-5, “They have picked it up well and done a good job. We’re still trying to get better. A big part of this defense is communicating, have your eyes in the right place, make sure you’re assignment sound so we can play fast.”
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<br />“In this scheme, the safeties are the quarterbacks of our defense. They set coverages, blitzes, blitz checks, formational adjustments…they have to be good communicators, quick communicators,” is just some of the work expected of the safeties per Coach Naivar.
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You Need Me on That Wall</span>
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<br />I , like many of you, have seen every defensive scheme under the lights. The 4-2-5 has yielded significant success in the land of the Bobcats. You put speed on the field, your d-linemen have to be technicians but don’t have to be mammoth, in-game personnel changes aren’t a crisis, offenses in hurry up don’t create panic, you can bring people from an array of angles. I think CJ Carroll used to parachute in for one of his career record sacks (not sure what the call is on that blitz).
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<br />Coach Naivar discussed the Bobcat defense as a whole, “It’s going to be an ever-evolving process. Anytime in a first year system, you work your tail off to put guys in the right position and that will evolve, especially in the first three or four weeks.” There is a balance in preparing the team for the opener at Texas Tech, “We are working hard to make sure guys are in the right spot, doing the right things. We are working hard to make sure we aren‘t doing too much, that we’re fundamentally sound. We’re not where we want to be, but we are a lot better than where we were.”
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<br />Deep breath! Tomorrow, I wrap up the pre-2011 season blogs by covering the quarterbacks and the offense with Coach Mike Schultz.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-86177403269314512492011-09-01T12:57:00.002-05:002011-09-01T13:04:57.290-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Start Spreading the News…</span>
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<br />On August 28th, after months of hard work by members of the Athletic Department, we announced a history making partnership between <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2011/8/28/FB_0828114811.aspx">Texas State and Border Media</a> to broadcast Bobcat football games on ESPN Deportes (KXXS 92.5 FM). In many respects, this represents another wave hitting the beach in terms of media coverage and opportunities for the entire Texas State community.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/staff.aspx?staff=97">Don Coryell</a>, our Associate Athletics Director for External Operations, described what this opportunity represents for Texas State, Border Media, Bobcat fans, and supporters of Texas State, “This agreement gives us a commercial radio broadcast, a presence in the Austin area and we are teaming up with a media group that has the ability to promote Bobcat athletics.”</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />The Bobcats game at Texas Tech this Saturday will be the maiden broadcast on 92.5 FM, 5PM pregame, 6PM Kickoff. As I’ve noted in previous blogs, the broadcast will contain many of the elements from past Bobcat broadcasts.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />In the one hour pregame, we will have visits with <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=321&path=football">Coach Fran</a>, a Bobcat assistant coach, a Bobcat student-athlete, and the Voice of the Opposition. At halftime, along with scores from elsewhere and stats, we will have a visit with Coach Fran and interview with a person of interest in the world of Texas State athletics. The fifteen minute postgame will consist of a wrap up by Coach Fran, highlites, stats, a look ahead, and much, much more. </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />The Team: Along with the professional, dedicated group at KXXS, 92.5 FM, Brant Freeman will handle Bobcat football play by play duties for his ninth season. This will be my eighteenth year of covering Bobcat football, fifteenth in the football broadcast booth. <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/staff.aspx?staff=121">John McElfresh</a>, from the Texas State AD, will man the sidelines for the Bobcat’s 2011 road games. At home games, Maddie Serviente, a KTSW student, will provide the updates from down on the field.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Brant echoed Coryell’s excitement about the partnership with Border Media, "I'm very excited to have Bobcat Football on the air covering a good portion of our fan base which resides in Austin. It's a great relationship to have with the people at ESPN Radio in Austin, and the exposure will do wonders for the product of Texas State University Athletics.” </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Freeman recognized the expansion of the Texas State broadcast footprint, “I'm also thrilled to have network broadcasts available for every road game throughout the 2011 season, given our longtime relationship with KTSW, it's tremendous to have their partnership in the Bobcat Radio Network, and now both ends of the I-35 corridor, both north and south of San Marcos, will be covered."</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />As always, the goal of our broadcasts is to provide excellent service, coverage, and exposure to our coaches, student-athletes, supporters, and our many loyal and passionate Bobcat fans. Coach Fran, who was a part of the broadcast for the 2011 Maroon and Gold game, discussed the impact this agreement will have on the program, “There is so much excitement among our fans for our program, the move to the Western Athletic Conference, and everything that is happening here. It is great that we can reach out to them, have an opportunity for them to hear our games. Hopefully, get them excited to attend our games.”</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Speaking of exposure, remember that <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/8/16/FB_0816102633.aspx?tab=insidebobcatfootball%28tv%29">Inside Bobcat Football</a> will begin airing next week and throughout the 2011 season. </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="mailto:lightthestar@gmail.com" target="_blank">lightthestar@gmail.com</a></span>. <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Eat 'Em Up! </span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bill </span></span>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-46522726301833857672011-09-01T00:26:00.002-05:002011-09-01T01:03:40.641-05:00Carrying the Rock<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carrying the Rock</span>
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<br />Donald Wilkerson, Claude Mathis, Bronson Sanders, Lee Davis, Smokey Sherman, Stan Zwinggi, Karrington Bush. I see their names and faces. I close my eyes and the memories flood my mind. Frames roll by as though brought to life by an ancient reel to reel projector. I see them slicing, spinning, bursting, sprinting towards the glory that the endzone holds in her beckoning hands. The roar of the frenzied Bobcat Stadium crowd reverberating in my mind, echoing into the San Marcos sky, across streets, parking lots, and towards the river. Yes, the slouched shoulders of the opponent's would-be tacklers are in the frames as well. I, along with many, have been blessed to witness greatness in the maroon and gold backfield.
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<br />Who will grab the baton this season? One guy, three backs, how many? While the Bobcat's certainly have talent at the running back position, a point remains. The Bobcats don't have a single back who has played the position, in a live-fire situation, while wearing a Bobcat uniform. The injury to <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2310&path=football">Dexter Imade</a>, a class guy and very good football player, added to the challenges faced by the remaining 'Cats.
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<br />Left to grab the rope, and excellence will emerge from this group, are: <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2289&path=football">Marcus Curry</a>, transfer from Navy, sat out ‘10 with an injury. Has had big time success in big time ballgames, terrific burst. <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2306&path=football">Tim Hawkins</a>, converted Bobcat QB. Coach Fran refers to Tim as "Slash". Overflows with athleticism, elusive in traffic, will make game prep and gameday more cumbersome for opponents. <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2294&path=football">Terrence Franks</a>, young (redshirt freshman), but talented with speed to burn. <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2376&path=football">Tim Gay</a> and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2384&path=football">Chris Nutall</a>, both true freshmen, are clearly very good, but were finishing their high school careers nine months ago.
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<br />From 2001-2004, I admired from afar the success that North Texas put together in winning four straight Sun Belt titles, going 25-1 in SBC games in those years. The architect and mastermind of the Mean Green’s success is our new co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2384&path=football">Coach Darrell Dickey</a>. Note: Since Coach Dickey left UNT, they are a combined 7-34 (no typo)...ouch.
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<br />I visited recently with Coach Dickey and he discussed the RB group overall, “We have a lot of work to do to get where we want to be at our position. We’ve got some good guys to work with, but we’ve still got to work on seeing how our plays develop, where the running lanes are, who we’re responsible for in pass protection. We are a work in progress at the running back position.”
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<br />As mentioned, the backs also have to help with protection. According to Coach Dickey, “I think they’ve made a lot of progress. Working against our defense, (see note below), has made us better. Pass protection is the biggest transition from high school to college…it takes them a while to figure out where they fit in the protection scheme, but they’ve done a very good job.”
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<br />Note: Coach Dickey, with many years of football under his belt, complimented the ‘Cat defense. “One of the things I’ve been impressed with is our defensive football team has some of the best blitzing linebackers that I’ve ever been around…”
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<br />I recall randomly watching Navy v Missouri in the 2009 Texas Bowl, won by Navy 35-13. I saw a Midshipman, Marcus Curry, tear up Missouri’s 12th ranked rush defense for 109 yards on 12 carries. He tacked on 5 receptions for 97 more yards. I thought to myself, “That guy is good.”. Fast forward two seasons, and now Marcus is prepared for his first game action with the Bobcats. Watching him since his arrival in Spring ‘10, I’ve thought to myself, “That guy is good.”
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<br />“I feel we are all playmakers. We all have good speed, we get blocks, we get physical…we do what we have to do to help the team win,” according to Marcus as he evaluated the running back group.
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<br />Marcus laughed and said the younger backs make fun of him for being the “elder-statesman”, “I’m like the old guy and they’re always cracking jokes all of the time.” Curry, the leader, sees a bright future for the youngsters, “I feel like they’re going to go out there and make plays if it’s their time.”
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<br />The Countdown to Kickoff blogs are winding down. We focus on the 4-2-5 defense and safeties with <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=328&path=football">Coach Naivar</a> tomorrow, Thursday. On Friday, we will visit with <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=329&path=football">Coach Schultz</a> to look over the spread offense and quarterbacks. On Saturday, we will, well, you know!
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<br />Spread the word on your facebook, twitter, phone, email, smoke signals, … Bobcat football is on <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2011/8/28/FB_0828114811.aspx">ESPN Austin, 92.5 FM</a>. Online at espnaustin.com or txstatebobcats.com. This marks the ninth season that Brant Freeman and I will bring you Bobcat football from the broadcast booth. John McElfresh will be the voice on the sideline providing insightful updates and visiting with Coach Fran at halftime and during our postgame coverage.
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<br />Also, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/8/16/FB_0816102633.aspx?tab=insidebobcatfootball%28tv%29">Inside Bobcat Football</a> will begin airing next week. Is this the year we earn an Emmy Award? Tune in and you decide!
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-39287248575622902872011-08-31T15:12:00.003-05:002011-08-31T15:24:03.030-05:00Special Forces<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special Forces</span>
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<br />Are you old enough to remember Dana Carvey doing his Church Lady bit, on Saturday Night Live? Remember her, err…his, famous line, “Well isn’t that SPE-CIAL?!” The Church Lady wasn’t a football fan or coach, but if the character were, the Church Lady would have quickly proclaimed that many games are won, or lost, with Special Teams play.
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<br />Hidden yardage, momentum changing plays, field position, quick points, short fields, the list goes on, are all parts of what Special Teams can do for, or against, your football team. A blocked field goal scoop and score, a fourth quarter punt return for a TD, a blocked punt, etc., are all Special Teams plays which Bobcat fans only have to think back to 2010 to recall the impact of Special Teams.
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<br />In close games, and I think the Bobcats will have their share in 2011, a Special Teams play can often be the difference between a W or L, or championships. In 2005, we had five games decided by a touchdown or less. In 2008, we had six such games. Case closed.
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<br />Coach <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=325&path=football">Brad Franchione</a>, who we already “met” when we reviewed the linebackers, is also our Special Teams Coordinator.
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<br />“I believe we made a tremendous amount of progress since the first day of camp,” is how Coach Franchione described ST’s so far. He continued, “I’m excited about what we’re doing kicking the ball, punting the ball. I think that Follis, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2380&path=football">Will Johnson</a>, and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2359&path=football">Lloyd Chisum</a> have shown themselves to be quality at what they do.”
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<br />Covering kicks is a part of the ST’s job description and Coach Franchione is getting happier by the day, “I’ve seen our coverage improve drastically, really in the last five days…probably because we’ve emphasized it more as a coaching staff.”
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<br />Make no mistake, there will be a lot of starters in on the ST units. According to Coach Franchione, “The precedent was set by the head coach many days ago…all the players in our program understand that quality effort, technique, execution on special teams, in some ways, is thought of higher than what they’re doing offensively and defensively.“ “If they can’t do that, then they may not be playing on offense and defense.“
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2293&path=football">Ben Follis</a>, slated to be the Bobcat’s starting punter, is one of the veterans on the 2011 team and has punted (and run the ball!) for the Bobcats the previous three seasons.
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<br />According to Ben, it has been a building block process in getting the ST’s ready for 2011, “We’ve been breaking it down, doing one thing at a time, and then building on that at each practice.”
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<br />On the fifteen yard drop back from punt formation, “I haven’t done a fifteen yard drop back since high school. In the Spring, I was kind of struggling with it, getting my steps down. In Fall Camp, I’ve been a lot better.”
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<br />Spread the word! Bobcat radio can be heard on <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2011/8/28/FB_0828114811.aspx">ESPN Austin</a>, 92.5FM, starting with the season opener, this Saturday, at Texas Tech. “This Saturday”, can it be true?! We’ll speak with you beginning at 5PM with the pregame show. Note: You can also catch Bobcat football online at espnaustin.com or txstatebobcats.com.
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<br />In our next blog, we will run like the wind with the running backs.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-50998326795754941522011-08-30T11:16:00.003-05:002011-08-30T11:45:09.128-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wanted: Fleet of Foot, Nerves of Steel</span>
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<br />In 2011, a lot will be expected of the Bobcat cornerbacks in the 4-2-5. There will be many situations in which the corners will be locked up with a receiver mano y mano style. Multiple thousands of fans in the stands, all eyes locked on you, in the hip pocket of the receiver, here comes the ball…rinse…repeat. Sounds like a pleasant way to spend a Saturday? Oh, and by the way, in your “free time”, on occasion you will be expected to come up and take on a running back as he enters your real estate. Timid and passive need not apply.
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<br />Of course, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2329&path=football">Darryl Morris</a> returns at corner after earning All-SLC 2nd Team honors in 2010. Pass defense, run support, Darryl does it all, along with being on the <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/podcasts/2011/8/23/TXST_BOBcast__Practice_Week_2_.mp3">all-interview</a> team. In part, Fall Camp 2011 was dedicated to identifying the other side along with cultivating the requisite depth. Corner, like most positions, requires a quality rotation to keep everyone on the hop. Even if you’re a Darryl Morris.
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<br />Others who project to contribute at corner are <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2321&path=football">Derek Lopez</a>, who saw significant action in 2010, and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2322&path=football">Craig Mager</a>, a redshirt freshman who has surely impressed. Do you remember, wide receiver, Cedric Alexander? Now I present to you, cornerback, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2271&path=football">Cedric Alexander</a>. Back in 2008, Mo Crosby converted from receiver to corner and it resulted in all-conference honors for the senior. <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2277&path=football">Phillip Benning</a>, who saw time last season, will also be a part of the equation. There are others who battled in Camp 2011 and could propel themselves into a role as the festivities move along.
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<br />Jason Washington, once upon a time a Bobcat who prowled the secondary with authority (when he wasn‘t manning centerfield for the baseball team), returns to Texas State to lead the cornerbacks. You recall that “J-Wash” was our cornerbacks coach from ‘04-’06.
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<br />Coach Washington likes what he sees in the CB group, “All those guys are doing a great job. We talk about being trustworthy, accountable…working and competing each and every day.”
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<br />He likes the leadership in his group, “Seniors Cedric Alexander and Derek Lopez have taken the reigns and have really emphasized the opportunity to work. They make sure every guy is giving their full one hundred percent each and every day.”
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<br />Coach Washington agreed that Darryl Morris is very good and added he has high standards for the Bobcat Junior, “I require of him to do more. We talk about win every drill…win every one on one that you do. Darryl has been focusing on that every time he is out there.”
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<br />We talked about corner responsibilities in run support, “You can’t just be a cover corner. You have to be physical and get involved in the run. We will blitz our corners, get them involved, stick their noses in the action.”
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<br />On Craig Mager, “He has done an unbelievable job. He’s taken great pride in his technique and just takes steps forward to be successful.”
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<br />Speaking of Craig, how valuable is a redshirt year? In my opinion, it is quite rare when you would suggest that a redshirt year is a bad thing, particularly at a position like corner, where one misstep in a thirty yard route can be costly.
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<br />Mager, from nearby Luling, talks about the value of his year off of the game field, “Definitely, the redshirt year was a good thing. I put on around ten pounds by working out in the weight room. My footwork was horrible, because I played offense before I came over here. It gave me a whole year to work on my technique.”
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<br />Craig chuckled and added how it helped with the books, “Ah, school!!! It’s good to have a redshirt year just so you can get used to the transition of going from school to football practice.”
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<br />Craig is playing for more than himself, “I’m really family-oriented. I have three little sisters, so I’m out here trying to “get it” for them.”
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<br />Of course, Fall Camp 2011 is now a memory. Brant and I joined Coach Fran to wrap up camp and discuss the <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/podcasts/2011/8/29/BOBcast__8-29_.mp3">building of the Bobcats</a>, version 2011.
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<br />In the next blog, we review the other third, the Special Teams.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-18257809246140374342011-08-29T11:53:00.009-05:002011-08-29T12:42:53.420-05:00Got Vertical?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Got Vertical?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Take a glance at the calendar. Fall Camp 2011 is officially over, so you know what that means! My esteemed, maroon and gold brethren, it is Game Week! It seems like literally yesterday we were witnessing the Bobcat baseball team in the NCAA Regional...time flies.
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<br />As I think spread offense, the forward pass quickly comes to mind. However, make no mistake, the Bobcats are going to “pound the pavement” as well. That being said, let’s look at the Bobcat wideouts and tight ends who will catch and, rest assured, block in the Bobcat’s 2011 offense.
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<br />After Markee White put together his sensational 2005 season, we pondered how long it would be before another Bobcat receiver could approach, or match, his production. Cameron Luke entered the picture and constructed record setting seasons in ‘07 and ‘08. How long would the next wait be? Hello, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1361&path=football">Da’Marcus Griggs</a>. In ’09 and ’10, Da’Marcus etched his name in the Texas State record books. Will it be a guy, or some form of a committee, who end up on the end of aerials in 2011? This question is just one of the reasons I’m excited about the upcoming season.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=326&path=football">Coach Jason Johnson</a> is the man tasked with developing and identifying the 2011 receiving corps. Coach Johnson, a former quarterback at Western Kentucky, is in his first year at Texas State. Note: Coach Johnson still throws a very good ball!
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<br />Coach Johnson recently gave us his overall evaluation of the receiver group, “We’re still building, still building the foundation of the core receiver group.” He continued, “We’re working together and communicating well. The kids have really embraced each other. We have a lot of different faces than we had in the Spring and everyone has joined in, and bought in….I couldn’t be any prouder as a group and as an offense.”
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<br />Expectations are a big part of any group or organization and Coach Johnson defined his expectations for his student-athletes, “This program is built on trust and accountability, first and foremost. They need to be accountable, not just here in football and the things we ask of them over here, but also on the academic side and socially.”
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<br />As a leading returning receiver, you would expect that <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2278&path=football">Darius Bolden</a> would be called upon to be a key contributor. Coach Johnson has been impressed by Bolden, “Special. Special kid on and off the field…a lead by example type of kid. Always does things the way you want him to do it…he is a kid who is special to me.”
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2371&path=football">Isaiah Battle</a>, seen to the right, transferred to Texas State from Blinn College and is<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXRN83lxZK66bHBqM1BaM7zpRyAWv1GI29Pvt0mzV-qnwnbJUpmiSKgUpoOOgKs8Tnu-nA1Vn37LqBHIMBnxMLlud9Xagsz51MzcYtc6NMp-nY_gXGNo-2rsVeHDBZhI86Vxx4yZ2VMg/s1600/Isaiah+Battle.htm"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXRN83lxZK66bHBqM1BaM7zpRyAWv1GI29Pvt0mzV-qnwnbJUpmiSKgUpoOOgKs8Tnu-nA1Vn37LqBHIMBnxMLlud9Xagsz51MzcYtc6NMp-nY_gXGNo-2rsVeHDBZhI86Vxx4yZ2VMg/s320/Isaiah+Battle.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646330119892925314" border="0" /></a> one of the newcomers Coach Johnson was referring to earlier. Battle is a physical looking football player, makes the catch, and projects to be a “hard guard” for opposing corners.
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<br />I asked Isaiah about the transition to this level, “It wasn’t really a major transition because we all have to play at a certain level all of the time. We have to go hard all of the time, as Coach Fran told us.”
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<br />Isaiah discussed how much of a help Darius Bolden has been to the receiver group, “Darius Bolden is basically the leader of the group. He knows the in’s and out’s of everything, so everyone goes to him if they need to know something.”
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<br />I asked Battle about receivers contributing with the run game, “Blocking is definitely one of the bigger things we emphasize…on the field at this level, we have to be extremely tough. You have to be just as tough as linemen or anybody on the field.”</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />If variety is indeed the spice of life, then the tight end situation at Texas State is hot. I have zero reservations offering that this projects to be the best tight end group I’ve seen in my time at Texas State. Transfer <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2377&path=football">Chase Harper</a>, who I saw play in high school, is the very definition of prototypical tight end. He can run routes, catch, block, and if you come up to tackle, you may want to snap on that chin strap. Talented, physical returner <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2318&path=football">David Lewis</a> and newcomers, i.e., <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2366&path=football">Kyle Doll</a> and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2300&path=football">Colby Goodwin</a> also figure to be in the mix.
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<br />It's true! As I noted in a previous blog, we have a new radio home for Bobcat football! Bobcat football can be heard on ESPN Radio 92.5 FM, in Austin, or streamed on the internet at www.espnaustin.com or www.txstatebobcats.com. The one-hour pregame show will consist of the same elements you've become accustomed to: visit with Coach Fran, a Bobcat player, a Bobcat assistant, Voice of the Opposition, and much more. Each broadcast will conclude with a 15-minute postgame, including words from our head coach, Coach Fran.
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<br />I know you have your tickets. Do you know of any Bobcat friends, family members, or fans who don't have their's yet? Send them this <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets">link</a> ...they'll thank you for it!
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<br />In honor of the season opener being right around the corner, we will visit the Bobcat cornerbacks in our next blog.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />credits: Brant Freeman provided the pic of Isaiah Battle.
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
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<br />Bill
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<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-65549005213016560752011-08-27T16:59:00.014-05:002011-08-29T11:44:18.730-05:00We have your back(ers)<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We Have Your Back(ers)</span>
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<br />In case you just returned from an eight month vacation to Mars and your internet was down during your trip, the Bobcats are returning to the 4-2-5 defensive attack. Did I hear an “Amen!”? Emphasis on “attack”. During prior years when we’ve had the 4-2-5, linebackers like Greg Pitts (our </span><span style="font-size:130%;">all-time tackles leader), Myron Coleman, David Simmons, Jeremy Castillo, etc., have feasted on the tackle and make a play opportunities out of this “linebacker friendly” scheme.
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<br />The formula is D-line fill and own your gaps, secondary shutdown the back end, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">and linebackers let your mama and girlfriend hear your names on the public address system for four quarters. Everyone share the glory. I like.
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<br />To put it concisely, I'm excited about our linebacker unit. Guys like <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2311&path=football">Bryan Iwuji</a>, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2319&path=football">Brian Lilly</a>, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2328&path=football">Josh Minde</a>, and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2276&path=football">Joplo Bartu</a> have played a lot of Bobcat football. Despite the fact that our defense is new to these student-athletes and a w</span><span style="font-size:130%;">ork in progress, you can see from these guys that they were linebackers at birth. These four, and some of our newcomers, will make you keep your head on a swivel in ’11.
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=325&path=football">Brad Franchione</a> was a two-time national champion head coach at Blinn, and will be responsible for the linebackers in his first year at Texas State. As most of you know, Coach Brad Franchione is the son of our head coach, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=321&path=football">Dennis Franchione</a>.
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<br />Coach Brad Franchione gave this appraisal of our linebacker group in Fal</span><span style="font-size:130%;">l Camp, “I’m very excited about their progress…I believe the four or five guys we’re going to count on this year are very smart about the defense, know what their responsibility is, and for the most part have executed well.”
<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV-lQuwUpMIliPMYgNurf3P3OuQ9VZt28YTQ6Ltk91TJxg3l4zmrkkt0t38Uu-I-lYvDKWWmeOO2SHZ1vdFg8xfJtpjpLk4xT1P4y9EC-rkseo1Aoj3ZsZ6959G3vGSuona6Ggx-lJvQ/s1600/Brad+Franchione.htm"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 357px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpV-lQuwUpMIliPMYgNurf3P3OuQ9VZt28YTQ6Ltk91TJxg3l4zmrkkt0t38Uu-I-lYvDKWWmeOO2SHZ1vdFg8xfJtpjpLk4xT1P4y9EC-rkseo1Aoj3ZsZ6959G3vGSuona6Ggx-lJvQ/s320/Brad+Franchione.htm" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646318756058470530" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Coach Franchione, at right coaching up the LB's, also offered why the </span><span style="font-size:130%;">4-2-5 scheme is so good to linebackers for piling up the tackle numbers, “<a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=328&path=football">Coach Naivar</a> (our d-coordinator) makes it real simp</span><span style="font-size:130%;">le for us in coverage. So, we‘re not thinking a lot about what we have to do in pass coverage. We listen to the safeties, they give us a quick call, and we know exactly what we’re supposed to do…”
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<br />With Morrison, Thornton, Bailiff, Williams, Lundin, Langford, Clark, and others, the Bobcats have appreciated success in making it a family affair to suit up for Bobcat football. Many of you will remember that Wellington Deshield was a stalwart for the Bobcat teams from ‘04-’08. He requires no introduction, but I introduce you to his not so little brother, Joplo Bartu.
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<br />Joplo is intelligent, quick, and ends up near the football. In his first two seasons on the field for the ’Cats, Joplo has shown flashes of knock your socks off play (i.e., at SFA, circa 2010, wow!). Based on his progress through this Spring and Fall, I expect 2011 to be a constant beam of light for #31.
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<br />I asked Joplo to explain why he has shown continued improvement as his ‘Cat career moves along, “…it’s about learning the plays and knowing what you’re doing on every single play and busting your butt to be perfect out there every time.”
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<br />Joplo discussed the concept of preparation, “Summer workouts helped, got bigger, put on some pounds.” He added, “The film room works out too, watch a lot of film, know what we‘re doing.”
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<br />For our next blog, we head back to the offense with the wide receivers/tight ends.
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<br />We have a <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/news/2011/8/28/FB_0828114811.aspx?path=football">new radio home</a> for Bobcat football in 2011! You can tune in for Bobcat Football each week on our flagship station, ESPN Radio 92.5 FM, in Austin. Brant and I will kickoff each broadcast with a one-hour pregame show and end with a 15-minute postgame, including a visit with Coach Fran.
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<br />Do you have your precious 2011 season tickets yet? <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets">Check this out</a>.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com.
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<br />credits: Brant Freeman provided pic of Coach Brad Franchione.
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
<br />
<br />Bill
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<br /></span>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-46975867199114531122011-08-25T23:24:00.005-05:002011-08-26T00:13:30.803-05:00To Serve and Protect<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To Serve and Protect</span>
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<br />As the seconds continue to tick away, we will continue our preview of the various position groups as Kickoff 2011 approaches. Today, a quick glance at the offensive line. A coach once said to me, “In an offensive line, it’s got to be a unit. You can’t have five pennies, it has to be a nickle.” My money is on the Bobcats being improved up front.
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<br />You want an excellent football team? Make sure your offensive line play is top shelf. True story - the Bobcats have lit up scoreboards when the o-line has been above solid. The Bobcats obviously have an excellent starting point in three-time, All-SLC, honoree <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2302&path=football">DJ Hall</a> (35 career starts). There are a lot of good players who wouldn’t have stepped on the field with the health situation that DJ had in ‘10. My friends, DJ Hall was in the huddle! DJ understands fire, footwork and leverage as well as any Bobcat offensive lineman who I’ve seen. You can go to the <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/podcasts.aspx?podcast=54">BobCast</a> from Media Day to hear from the Bobcat senior.
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<br />The Bobcats have a solid, veteran foundation when you also combine the likes of <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2315&path=football">Steven Kenney</a> (19 career starts), <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2283&path=football">Mike Chambers</a> (11 career starts), and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2336&path=football">Jon Vernon</a>. However, as 2010 proved, depth is key and something the Bobcats are working to identify in Fall camp. Converted tight end <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2364&path=football">Devin Baker</a>, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2339&path=football">Thad Watkins</a>, along with a few others, appear to be progressing nicely to me. Of course, the proof will be when the pads and tortillas start flying in Lubbock on September 3rd.
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<br />Veteran Coach, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=323&path=football">Dennis Darnell</a>, who is in his first year at Texas State, is the architect of the offensive line. Think the man knows some football? Where were you when Coach Darnell started his coaching career in 1969?
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<br />After a slow start in Fall Camp, Coach Darnell has been impressed with the offensive line lately, “We’re getting more physical, we were soft to begin with.” Coach Darnell knows the offensive line has the physical tools and work ethic, “We’re pretty darn strong. Almost every guy in there benches 400 to 450 pounds, squats 500-600.” He continued, “They’re physically strong enough to do it. Now, we have to be confident and get off the ball and get it done.”
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<br />Coach Darnell discussed the depth of the offensive line, “Every team in the nation feels good if they have three backups that are as good as the starters. We aren’t quite there with that. We’ve really gained ground on that from where we were in the Spring. I think we will be at that eight-person depth, which is where you’d like to be.”
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<br />Mike Chambers has been one of the most pleasant surprises in camp. Mike has always been a good football player for the Bobcats, but has changed his body and challenged himself to raise his level of play. Hardly a practice goes by that you don’t hear Mike earning praise for his play. Strong, good feet, playing with a good motor and echo of the whistle attitude, look out for #55 in 2011.
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<br />Recently, Mike Chambers discussed the work that was put in during the offseason, “I took it upon myself that I had to get heavier, I had to get stronger. Last year I played at 280, so I put on about 15-20 pounds. I worked out with the other offensive lineman in the Summer…they were all in there with me, every day of the Summer, grinding, so I know they’re going to bring it too.”
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<br />Mike may have a future in scouting. I asked him if the high school talent is better in Texas or his native California, “I think we (California) have better teams, but Texas has better athletes.” Some nearby teammates (Texans, of course) gave “critical” reviews on his assessment.
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<br />You still have time to get your <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets">2011 season tickets</a> to support your Bobcats!
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<br />For our next blog, we go back to the defensive side of the ball with the linebacker corps.
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
<br />
<br />Bill
<br /></span>
<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-46489995926971295822011-08-19T21:19:00.006-05:002011-08-19T23:11:14.380-05:00Fall Camp 2011 - Defensive Line<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Front and Center</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />Here is another installment with observations from Fall Camp 2011. A season ago, over the finishing five games in which the 'Cats were 1-4, the defense produced a combined two sacks and exactly 0 interceptions in the final match ups of '10. Those numbers came on 144 pass attempts by the opponents. This season, in particular with the resurrection of the 4-2-5 defense, the front 4 is going to be called upon to make plays, occupy blockers, be in the right place at the right time, and be the foundation for the defense. We've all seen what a Bobcat 4-2-5 defense can produce when the big guys up front are making things happen.
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<br />After an eight-season hiatus, which took he and his family to Sam Houston State and perennial FCS power Montana, <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=327&path=football">Mike Hudson</a> returns to San Marcos. As a matter of fact, this is his third coaching stop in San Marcos. Coach "Hud" will primarily coach up the defensive line.
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<br />Coach Hud described his expectations as follows, "I want our defensive linemen to be accountable to themselves, to their teammates, to their coaches..." In addition, he offered, "I think we need to continue to become stronger mentally and physically. We have to become a more physical unit and become more consistent. We are making progress."
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<br />As he discussed the X's and O's specific to the d-line, Coach Hudson said, "We have to control the line of scrimmage. We have to maintain gap integrity, our gap is our house. They (the rest of the defense) are counting on us to fit the gaps correctly so they can make their correct fits."
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<br />On yet another 100+ degree day, Coach Hud had a quick response when I asked him if it was ever this hot in Missoula, Montana. He grimaced and responded, "No, double No!"
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2342&path=football">Deshun Williams</a> - A year ago, as a true freshman, Deshun played in all eleven games and ended the season with eight stops and a sack. He is expecting bigger and better from himself in his second campaign. "Bull in a china shop" is one way to describe the Bobcat's sophomore defensive tackle. Coming out of Carthage High School as a two-time state champion, Deshun had a reputation for being a defensive force; athletic, strong, quick...and some experience carrying the ball. Huh? Yes, Deshun was also known to carry the rock for the Bulldogs.
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<br />As far as camp up to this point, Deshun said, "Practice has been going good, we've been working hard." He addressed how last season's experience will help him in 2011, "It will help me with the game speed. I know what to expect when I go out there on the field."
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<br />When asked if he has designs on rushing the ball for the Bobcats, in addition to rushing the opposing quarterback, Deshun laughed and said, "No, not yet. Hopefully, we get to that, but not yet."
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<br /><a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2291&path=football">Adley Eshraghipour</a> - The best way to describe Adley is "leader". "Unfortunate" has also been the case for the Bobcat defensive lineman. I would argue that his season-preventing injury a year ago was a huge part of why the Bobcat defensive front struggled at times.
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<br />After a breakout season in 2009, in which the then-sophomore received All-SLC Honorable Mention honors, big #94 missed all of 2010.
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<br />On his health, "I'm feeling great, the best I've felt in a while. It feels good to put pads on and I'll be ready."
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<br />On how things change for the defensive line with the implementation of the 4-2-5, "This is more of an attack style of defense. It helps a lot when you have d-ends playing beside you like <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2330&path=football">Jordan Norfleet</a> and <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2370&path=football">Ron Jackson</a>...the whole defense...it's going to be nice."
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<br />Programming note: Brant Freeman and I will be at practice Saturday morning to put together an expanded BobCast report on Fall Camp 2011. You can listen in to the <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/podcasts.aspx?tab=podcasts">podcast</a> beginning early next week.
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<br />Are you as excited as me about the upcoming 2011 season? Give those vocal chords their final offseason rest, get your maroon and gold gear ready, and get your <a style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/7/29/GEN_0729101145.aspx?id=66">tickets</a> today!
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<br />If you have any questions or comments, please let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
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<br />Eat 'Em Up!
<br />
<br />Bill</span>
<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-32368440096634177292011-08-14T21:35:00.006-05:002011-08-14T22:13:40.571-05:00Countdown to Kickoff 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Countdown to Kickoff 2011</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br />Along with the <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/index.aspx">extensive coverage</a> by the Sports Information and Marketing departments, Brant Freeman and I will be stopping by here, from time to time, to give our observations from Fall Camp 2011...Bobcat style.
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<br />A little over one week of Fall practice is in the books as the Bobcats continue to work out in the drought and record-breaking heat. As expected, there has been no drought in terms of competition for positions as the Bobcats prepare for the 2011 season opener<a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/schedule.aspx?path=football"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">at Texas Tech</span></a> on Saturday, September 3rd. The rising tide lifts all ships and competition during practice elevates the play of everyone. At this point, the depth charts are in pencil so we will hold off on that topic for now.
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<br />Very early observations: We talked about it throughout Spring practice. Under <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=321&path=football">Bobcat Head Coach Dennis Franchione</a> and his staff, the practices are uber-organized and repetitions are precious and maximized. Every drill, station, period is “on the hop”. Having gone through Spring Camp, and now that the newcomers have a week under their belts, it is apparent that everyone knows the when, where, and why. Observing practice, I can’t help but think that this approach will help to slow down the game when the Bobcats lace ‘em up in real game situations.
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<br />In his big picture review of camp to this point, a focused and energetic Coach Fran said, “The guys who went through Spring practice had good retention and carry over which helps the newcomers learn...” “…the guys are in shape…which means we get more done in practice.”
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<br />In talking about the work done during the 8th practice of camp (Friday afternoon), Coach Fran noted, “We are fairly along in situations, today we worked on our 2-minute offense and defense. Most of our installation is in.”
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<br />Game program, get your game program! Coach Fran pointed out that there are some new names in the mix for valuable playing time. Specifically regarding the transfers, “I think there is a good number of the new group who will help us this year.” As far as the incoming freshmen, “I think it’s a little early to qualify any freshman on how big of an impact they will make yet…with the freshmen it‘s to survive the test of time, see the reps, and see how they handle things until the first game.”
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<br />Bobcat fans know that the Bobcats are returning to the 4-2-5 defense which yielded a lot of success for the Bobcats in years past. <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/coaches.aspx?rc=328&path=football">Defensive Coordinator Craig Naivar</a>, who was the DC here from ‘04-‘06, returns to Texas State to orchestrate the deceptive, aggressive, attacking flavor of defense.
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<br />Senior linebacker <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2311&path=football">Brian Iwuji</a> recently pointed out that, regardless of the defensive formation, the basics for the linebackers remain the same, “It doesn’t really matter to us (linebackers) what style of defense we run, we are excited to do our jobs, be aggressive, and make plays.”
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<br />Offensively, like teams across the nation, the Bobcats have arrived at camp with questions to be answered. Two of the concerns centered around the health of sophomore quarterback<span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2274&path=football">Tyler Arndt</a>, who reports, “I am at 100% percent”, and who will take over for record setting wide receiver Da’Marcus Griggs. The Bobcat signal-caller said, “It’s hard to replace a guy like Da’Marcus, but we feel like we have a bunch of guys who are working hard and can get the job done.” Both items are great news for ‘Cat fans who like to see pigskins fill the air at Bobcat Stadium.
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<br />I spoke with <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/staff.aspx?staff=104">Chris Park</a>, Assistant Athletics Director - Development, and he confirmed that all of the luxury suites will be occupied for 2011 and there are fewer than 75 club-level <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/7/29/GEN_0729103700.aspx?id=119">seats available</a>! As Bobcat fans know by now, the Bobcat Club membership numbers continue to climb to new record setting levels on a daily basis. <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcatclub.com/">Join today</a> and become a part of the invaluable team of Bobcat supporters.
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<br />Be a part of history. Do you have your <a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets">2011 season tickets</a> yet?
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<br />If you have any comments or questions, let me know at lightthestar@gmail.com
<br />
<br />Eat 'Em Up!
<br />
<br />Bill
<br /></span>
<br />Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-68130281003918102282011-07-24T18:27:00.039-05:002011-08-14T22:10:40.416-05:00Ministers of Defense - All Time SLC Defense<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Ministers of Defense</span>
<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >
<br />Late last week, Brant and I released the Bobcat’s </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://blog.txstatebobcats.com/">all-time All-Southland Conference offensive team</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >. It is now time, as Brant wrote, to “tackle” the defense. More than a coach or two has said, “You can’t lose if they don’t score.” With the way offensive football has evolved over the years, “three yards and a cloud of dust” and shutouts have gone the way of the dinosaur and leather helmets. However, history shows that the Bobcats have enjoyed their most collective success, during the Southland years, when the Bobcat defense has wreaked havoc on the opposing offenses. We all enjoy the points, but great defense has always been a key ingredient in </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/7/29/GEN_0729105745.aspx?tab=prideandtraditions2">“Light the star on Jackson Hall!”</a>
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Comparing players and defenses over the years isn’t exactly an apples-to-apples exercise. Sure, defense is always about assignments, alignments, and tackles. However, from 1994 through the earliest 2000’s, my initial years of following Bobcat football, the Southland was absolutely littered with premier running backs working out of the “I“, variety of two back, and option. Since the turn of the century, similar to football virtually everywhere, the SLC has added an up tempo component with multi-receiver sets, and expanded passing game. Remember 2009 when practically every team in the SLC had an elite passing quarterback? Heck, even Nicholls has scrapped the option-based in favor of the aerial…huh?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Regardless of the Southland team, points, passing yards, pass attempts, and completion % against have markedly climbed </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=18400&KEY=&ATCLID=204970653&SPID=10812&SPSID=97272">compared to ten years ago and prior</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (go to page 113). As always, coaches are looking for defensive players who can make plays to stifle the current attacks. The guys below would make plays on any day, in any era. Brant and I would stack up this Bobcat all-time All-Southland defense against any old, current, or future offensive system you concoct. As with the offense, here are our Maroon and Gold defenders going back to our entry into the Southland in 1987. Here, our friends in all things Bobcat, are your guardians of the Bobcat turf…</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Note: Honoree (years lettered)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >DEFENSIVE LINE</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Travis Upshaw (’02 – ’05)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Clint Bendele (’96 – ’99)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Fred Evans (’04 – ’05)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Clenton Ballard (’98 – ’01)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
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<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Can’t go wrong with the two DT’s from ’05 can you? </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dfred%2Bevans%2Btexas%2Bstate%2Bfootball%2Bpictures%26fr2%3Dpiv-web&w=810&h=300&imgurl=prod.static.vikings.clubs.nfl.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fimported%2FMIN%2Fphotos%2Fpersons%2Fplayers%2Fplayer-cards%2FEvans_Fred.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vikings.com%2Fteam%2Froster%2FFred-Evans%2F1912c3d7-5d49-4f51-99c4-599ff7346d6d&size=58KB&name=Fred+Evans&p=fred+evans+texas+state+football+pictures&oid=0807dd4b1ba70f95564584f49e59f01e&fr2=piv-web&no=1&tt=12&sigr=12i7604tg&sigi=13f6d18en&sigb=133oku6fm&.crumb=uBQxAYC82sZ#FCar=2b947a8cdae0adfc69596292fe2fc73a">Fred</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > and Travis were literally two big reasons why opponents averaged 3.3 yards a rush that season and just 122 yards/game (the TXST offense ran for an average 233 yards/game that year). “Double Nickels” was to the defense what Barrick was to the offense that season. Ballard is the only one of these players to be named as an All-American more than one season, and Bendele’s sack numbers are impressive. By the way, some great nicknames among this group…</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: Yes, clever monikers, but serious d-linemen. These hard hitters piled up the hardware. Now a </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.vikings.com/team/roster/Fred-Evans/1912c3d7-5d49-4f51-99c4-599ff7346d6d">Minnesota Viking</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >, “Big Fred” was twice selected First Team All SLC and Defensive Player of the Year for the ‘Cats. He was the SLC Newcomer of the Year in 2004, SLC‘s Defensive Player of the Year in 2005, and named to three All American teams in 2005. “Biscuit”, aka </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://sdg.scout.com/a.z?s=102&p=9&c=2&cid=232889&nid=700886&fhn=1&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fsdg.scout.com%2fa.z%3fs%3d102%26p%3d9%26c%3d2%26cid%3d232889%26nid%3d700886%26fhn%3d1">Clenton Ballard</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >, was a two-time First Team All SLC pick in '00 and '01, Bendele in ‘99, and </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/txst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/06History.pdf">Upshaw</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (page 131) in ‘05. Good luck running between the tackles on these guys and you may consider moving the pocket around for your QB.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >LINEBACKERS</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Greg Pitts (‘99-’02)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Glen Mangold (‘86-’89)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brad Fulks (’85-’88)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Honorable Mention: Jeremy Castillo (’03-’06), David Simmons ('03-’05), Chad Coleman ('89-’90)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: Greg, simply made plays all over the field. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pitts</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > was 1st Team All SLC in 2001, our all time leading tackler at 447, our two-time Defensive Player of the Year and is an obvious choice. A guy whose career includes 50 career QB hurries, 44 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks is playing defense for me. Speaking of tackles, Fulks, 1st Team in 1987, is right behind Greg in career tackles and has two of the top four single season tackle marks ever. Mangold, short for “Swiss Army Knife“, was a three-time 2nd Team All SLC pick at three different positions. You add Castillo and Simmons, a combined three 1st Team nods, and I’m thinking of a 3-4 defense package or two.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Remember what I said about the offense and that I was disappointed I didn’t see Claude Mathis play? Ditto for <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/60229172/Black-History-Month-Booklet">Pitts</a> (page 16) who as you highlighted put up some gaudy numbers. A case can be made he’s the best defensive player ever to play at SWT/TXST (more on that in a moment). While neither of them played on a team that finished with a winning record, Mangold and Fulks sure gave Bobcat fans a reason to watch in the infant Southland years (late 80s). Not a bad 1-2 punch at linebacker rivaled only by Castillo and Simmons who were teammates from ’03 – ’05.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >CORNERBACKS</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Walter Musgrove ('03-’06)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=JOHNSAJ01">AJ Johnson</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (’85-’88)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Honorable Mention: </span><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/txst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/06History.pdf"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Darrick Vaughn</span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </span>(page 142) ('96-’99)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Walter is one of my favorite players ever to play at Texas State. Great interview, hard worker, tremendous leader…just an infectious guy to be around. He certainly set the bar high for the position and I didn’t hesitate to put him up on this list. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=320643567072"></a><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://millercards.net/im_ua_large/ua608.jpg&imgrefurl=http://millercards.net/fbcarddetails.php%3FcardID%3D12472&h=349&w=257&sz=18&tbnid=xnsBb-0_mbOymM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=70&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpicture%2Bof%2Baj%2Bjohnson%2Bwashington%2Bredskins%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=picture+of+aj+johnson+washington+redskins&docid=C_jjVCWXiflFwM&itg=1&sa=X&ei=PpUtTu8YiOexAoqnjMEL&ved=0CDcQ9QEwCQ&dur=177"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">AJ</span></a> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >is another player from those late ‘80s teams who could shutdown opposing WRs. Did you know that in the 1st three SLC years, the Bobcat defense posted two shutouts (just five since then) and held opponents to 14 points or less seven times?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: For Walter, now an attorney/agent, I’ll let SLC voters, his coaches, and his teammates provide the testimony. Honored twice as 1st Team All SLC, in '05 and '06, and the ‘06 JC Kellam Award and Jim Wacker “Unbelievable” Award. He cracked the opposition and the books, witness four SLC All-Academic selections and the SLC’s Football Student Athlete of the Year in ‘06. I rest my case, your Honor. AJ is a great choice for the other side. He was a 2nd team All SLC DB in ‘87, but HM in ‘88. Why just HM? Well, he was busy earning 2nd team All SLC honors at wide receiver that season. He was also a top shelf kick returner…did he ever leave the field?!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >SAFETIES</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >CJ Carroll ('97-’00)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Cliffton Black ('95-’99)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Honorable Mention: Epsilon Williams ('03-’06)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Remember the blurb on Pitts about the case can be made that he’s the best defensive player ever for the Bobcats? Meet CJ Carroll who played with Pitts for two seasons (’99 & ’00). Bill will get you all of the numbers and accolades on CJ, but I can tell you that he was the best defensive player on the 2000 team that went 7-4 holding opponents to 13 points or less four times including a shutout of Nicholls in the Southland opener. Looking at CJ, you probably wouldn’t think he’d be the force that he was, but his name is one you continue to hear when talking about best Bobcat players ever. So CJ, Pitts and Cliffton Black all played together? How many career tackles did they have combined Bill, 6,792?</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: Nobody has discovered the number to represent the tackles and plays those guys made. Usually, you hope walk-ons can contribute at some point. By the time he was done, CJ was pound for pound the best defensive football player in SLC history (insert serious face emoticon here). He ran under, over, and around opponents for 32 career sacks, most ever by a Bobcat. CJ was 1st Team All SLC in '99 and '00 and the no-brainer choice for Southland Player of the Year in 2000. Throw in 73 unassisted tackles in 2000, (foreshadowing), tied with Cliff Black for most in a season by a Bobcat. Speaking of Cliff, and homage to earlier nicknames, Cliff was “Tylenol“, due to the headaches he delivered. A second team All League pick in 1999, with him prowling in the secondary, the Bobcats had the Southland's best pass defense in '99. He was named Defensive Player of the Year for a very good Bobcat “D” in 1999.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >KICKER</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Andrew Ireland ('06-’08)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Honorable Mention: Ray Whitehead ('91-’94)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: Once Ireland won the kicking job in ‘06, it was his for the duration. As 10-11 in 2006, 10-15 in 2007, and 14-17 in 2008 will attest to, the equation was simple: Ireland on + kickoff team get ready = put three on the board. He owns a school record-tying 52 yarder against Southeastern Louisiana. I recall fondly his 28 yard game winning FG at Northwestern State in ’07, with one tick left on the clock, that put a fork in the Demons. Ray Whitehead wasn’t short of ice water in his veins. His 36 FGs are the most in a Bobcat career. Against third-ranked Northern Iowa in ‘94, he kicked a game winning 48-yard field goal in the closing seconds at Bobcat Stadium. That was my first blessed taste of “unbelllievaaable”!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Automatic Andrew. His numbers are so darn close to Whitehead’s (Ireland: 34-43 on FGs, 117-119 XPs…Whitehead 36-45 FGs, 70-72 XPs), but like you, I cannot forget the Montana game. A Texas native (Cedar Hill HS) who started his career at Baylor, one would think the coldest conditions he played in was late November in Texas (in what, 65 degree temperatures?). The box score states the game day temp was 41 degrees that day, but it was wet and felt like 21 degrees on the field. He calmly nailed both FG attempts (</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0LU_UvsRsg">47 & 25 yards</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >) (:39 and 7:15 in).</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >KICK RETURNER</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Karrington Bush ('07-’10)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Honorable Mention: Claude Mathis ('94-’97)</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Brant: Ahhh the Ninja. Owner of two of the biggest plays of the year in the ’08 SLC Championship season, both in the same game. But without the first the second doesn’t happen (his 79-yard KO return for a TD when the ‘Cats were down 28-13 in the 3rd quarter in the final game of the season @ Sam Houston State, then scored on the option play on 3rd & Goal to win the game in OT). Every time the ball was kicked to him, you held your breath. Especially if you were the kicking team.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill: He did a lot as a rookie, but like Claude in 1994, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dkarrington%2Bbush%26ei%3Dutf-8%26y%3DSearch%26fr%3Dsfp&w=593&h=430&imgurl=www.mysanantonio.com%2FmediaManager%2F%3FcontrollerName%3Dimage%26amp%3Baction%3Dget%26amp%3Bid%3D390135%26amp%3Bwidth%3D628%26amp%3Bheight%3D471&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mysanantonio.com%2Fdefault%2Farticle%2FTexas-State-31-Southern-Arkansas-17-734492.php&size=57KB&name=Karrington+Bush+...&p=karrington+bush&oid=ce11f3f30bed922e1ded532010c8a72c&fr2=&no=2&tt=15&sigr=12qkc4njv&sigi=13h959jau&sigb=12n3k3clc&.crumb=gvlfn5BV7au#FCar=ce11f3f30bed922e1ded532010c8a72c">Karrington</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > locked up the 2007 SLC Freshman of the Year award through his ahhh-inspiring talent in the kick game. It isn’t common that a guy can rush and return for 1,000 yards. In 2008, “KB” returned an all-time SLC season high 42 kickoffs for a single season best 1,055 yards. My humble opinion, that kickoff return to paydirt at Sam is arguably one of the Top 5 biggest plays in Bobcat SLC history. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/txst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/06History.pdf">Claude Mathis</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > (page 127) in the Bobcat record books is like sand on the South Padre beach…it’s everywhere. This includes kick returns.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Alright Maroon and Gold faithful, let us have it. Did we get it right, almost nailed it, or did we miss by an Elolf punt? Email us at lightthestar@gmail.com with your selections and/or opinions.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Special thanks: John McElfresh, our esteemed and very talented Athletic Video Production expert, for his assistance. Of course, we also take our hats off and thank each and every Bobcat who has ever put on the pads and taken the field for our great university.</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Reminder: <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </span></span><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2011/1/19/FB_0119115547.aspx?tab=footballseasontickets"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Get your season tickets</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" > for your Bobcats and we will see you on </span><a href="http://www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/7/30/GEN_0730101836.aspx?tab=gamedaycentral"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Gameday</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Eat ‘Em Up!</span><span style="font-size:130%;">
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bill and Brant</span>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-15287783385374513282011-07-21T15:45:00.004-05:002011-07-21T16:43:11.022-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold (July 21st, 2011)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bobcat Fans and followers!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let the countdown to the 2011 Texas State Football season begin!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kick-off from Lubbock is just a little more than <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://txstatebobcats.com/schedule.aspx?path=football&tab=football2">six weeks away</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">,</span> and I know many of you can’t wait.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s worth noting that the Bobcats, while playing predominantly a Southland Conference heavy schedule, are NOT an official member of the SLC this coming season (football only).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The reason being is scholarships, Texas State received 11 more than the limit for FCS schools (therefore gaining an “unfair” advantage) and will receive 11 more again for the next recruiting class bringing the total amount of scholarships to the FBS number of 85.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As a result, the Bobcats will not be eligible for the SLC Championship, any SLC awards nor the FCS post-season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">This got myself and my broadcast partner Bill Culhane thinking back to Texas State’s time spent as a member of the Southland Conference and all of the great players to wear the maroon & gold uniform during those 23 years from 1987-2010.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So we thought: “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun to come up with an All-Southland Conference Texas State team?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And while yes, it was fun to come up with this list it wasn’t easy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There have been a lot of great players to play for the Bobcats during that time so some didn’t make the cut but Bill and I feel like we put together a pretty strong list and if you were to put this team on the field it would win a lot of football games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">This will be a two part blog and we’ll start by giving you our All-Southland Texas State Offense, next we’ll “tackle” the defense.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Without further ado, here we go…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">WIDE RECEIVERS (years listed are years player lettered) </span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" >Cameron Luke (’06 – ’08)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Da’Marcus Griggs (’08-’10)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Honorable Mention: Markee White, Eric Tennessee</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Cam had arguably the <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://txstatebobcats.com/custompages/Statcrew%20Files/football/2008/HTML/teamcume.htm">single best season ever</a> for a Bobcat wideout.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He received 1<sup>st</sup> team All-SLC honors in ’07 & ’08 with numerous All-American recognitions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His stats alone make him a no-brainer.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There have only been two 1,000 receiving seasons ever by a Bobcat…both by Mr. Luke in ’07 & ’08.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His 32 career touchdown catches are the most in a career in Southland history, and 13 more than the next closest Bobcat (Johnny Parker had 19 from ‘69-’71).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: Yeah, and 17 of those scores came in that unreal ’08 season from Cam.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Remember how we thought no one will top him?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Da’Marcus came close the <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://txstatebobcats.com/custompages/Statcrew%20Files/football/2009/HTML/teamcume.htm">following season</a> with a single season school record 80 catches in ’09.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Griggs was 2<sup>nd</sup> team All-SLC that year and followed it up with 65 grabs in 2010 and 1<sup>st</sup> team All-SLC honors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>154 catches is 2<sup>nd</sup> most in school history behind Parker and fell just 10 yards short of 2,000 career receiving yards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: That was the one thing that separated those two from Markee, Cam and Da’Marcus had two great seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Markee, who was instrumental in the ’05 run, had that one stellar season during the national semi-final season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">TIGHT END</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-family:"Myriad Pro"; mso-bidi-Myriad Pro"font-family:";font-size:11.0pt;" ></span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brian Forshee (’00 – ‘02) </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: This was a tough position to name a player for, simply because Texas State didn’t have many great pass-catching tight ends during the Southland years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: You may have thought differently had Forshee been able to play more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite an injury at Missouri early in the 2001 season, and a career cut short due to a coaching/offense philosophy change in 2003, Forshee was a legitimate downfield pass catching threat from the tight end position.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Due to his blocking skills, was also an asset in the run game.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">OFFENSIVE LINE</span></u></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Ervin Thomas (’88 – ’91)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Jeff Novak (’87 – ’89)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">DJ Hall (’08 – present)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Adam Means (’94 – ’97)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Spicer Sigman (’90 – ’93)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Honorable Mention: Thomas Keresztury, Luke Horder, Ken Mc<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">K</span>oy</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: In this group, there are a total of 10 1<sup>st</sup> or 2<sup>nd</sup> team All-SLC selections, four All-American nods, one team <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">O</span>ffensive <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">P</span>layer of the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Y</span>ear honor (Novak ’89) and <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">five</span> Texas State top offensive lineman awards (Sigman was the recipient of the first two John O’Hara Memorial Offensive Lineman of the Year awards in ’92 & ’93, Means got the award in ’96 & ’97, <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Hall in 2010</span>).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: And we’ll get to running backs in a moment, but some of the great ones in Texas State Southland history have these guys to thank in part.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Without Sigman, Means and Hall, perhaps Donald Wilkerson, Claude Mathis and Karrington Bush don’t put up the numbers they did.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh, and Novak went on to represent the ‘Cats in the NFL for 8 years with the Giants, Dolphins and <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.kingwoodalumni.com/images/famousalumni/JeffNovak.JPG">Jaguars</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">QUARTERBACK</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Barrick Nealy (’03 – ’05)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Honorable Mention: Bradley George, Spergon Wynn, David Williams, Gilbert Price</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: Most people would say this is a no-brainer and that Barrick is the best player the Bobcats had during the Southland era.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One would have a hard-time arguing against that since Barrick was: <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhP055B-ZE">so fun to watch</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span>(fast forward to the 2:21 mark), electric, a tremendous leader, likeable on/and off the field, and pretty much was the driving force behind the 2005 run.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Here’s Barrick’s ’05 checklist: Finished 5<sup>th</sup> in Walter Payton FCS Player of the Year award, 1<sup>st</sup> team SLC and SLC Player of the Year…2<sup>nd</sup> team All-American and Hula Bowl invitee…Threw for 400 yards and ran for 126 in <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://txstatebobcats.com/custompages/Statcrew%20Files/football/2005/HTML/game12.htm">1<sup>st</sup> Round Playoff win over Georgia Southern</a>…School record 3,932 total yards…1,057 rushing yards in ’05 is most by any QB in a single season in Bobcat history (as well as his 13 rushing TDs).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What…a…season.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Barrick’s ’05 was a season for the ages, but let’s not forget how Bradley George made this a tougher decision than we initially thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look up the numbers and you’ll see that Bradley’s passing numbers were better than Barrick’s, and he too led the Bobcats to the FCS playoffs, almost twice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Spergon Wynn was the Southland Newcomer of the Year in 1998 and, despite just two seasons in maroon and gold, his 3497 passing yards and 24 TD throws are each the sixth most in a Bobcat career.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There’s a reason he got <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/446/948/711563_display_image.jpg?1287243242">drafted by the Browns</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span>in the 6<sup>th</sup> round of the 2000 NFL Draft.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">RUNNING BACK</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Claude Mathis (’94 – ’97)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Donald Wilkerson (’93 –’94)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:95.25pt"><span style=" ;font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;" >Honorable Mention: Karrington Bush, Reggie Rivers, Lee Davis<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Where to start when talking about Claude? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you let me, I could spend the next 1,000 words on the guy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Four-time All SLC selection - one of just five ever to be so honored in SLC history.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Southland's Player of the Year in '96 and '97 - the only SLC player in history to be honored twice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ended his career with the SLC's top two single game rushing records, top two single season rushing records, and the league's career rushing record with 4,691 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He reached the endzone 4<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">9</span> times, 17 of them in 1996!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: The only thing I’m disappointed in when it comes to Claude is I personally didn’t get to see him play.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The gap between him and 2<sup>nd</sup> place in the rushing record books at Texas State is insane.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And those two single game rushing records you speak of?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the history of Bobcat football, there have only been two 300 yard rushing games, both belonging to Mathis (310 vs. SFA in ’96, 308 vs. Jacksonville State in ’9<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">7</span>).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barrick may have had the best single season ever but Claude’s career is probably the best of any Bobcat in the Southland years and probably ever.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Speaking of single seasons, Donald Wilkerson’s ‘94: Named to three All American teams by rushing for an, at the time, SLC single season record 1,569 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Was First Team All SLC and Offensive Player of the Year in ’94.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His 107.1 rushing yards per game in his career are the most ever by a Bobcat.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">FULLBACK</span></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Blake Burton (‘05-‘08)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Two time All-SLC pick was a freight train as a lead blocker and could also catch the ball out of the backfield (30 career receptions).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Remember his TD grab and run <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuhP055B-ZE">at A&M in 2005</a>? (1:04 into the clip)<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: Another position that hasn’t had a lot of “greats” outside of Burton who was one of the few players to be on both of Texas State’s SLC title teams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He was no doubt the best fullback for the Bobcats I’ve ever seen.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">PUNTER</span></u></b><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;" >Cory Elolf </span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">(’03 – ’05)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Honorable Mention: Chris <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">MacDonald</span>, Paul Alsbury</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: The ‘Cats have had some pretty good punters during the SLC years, but the curly haired kid from Judson was the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1<sup>st</sup> team All-SLC in 2003, 2004 and 2005 earning 1<sup>st</sup> team FCS All-American honors in ’04 and is 2<sup>nd</sup> in school history in average yards per punt (41.9).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Bill: Don’t forget, only one other Bobcat player had been named 1<sup>st</sup> team All-SLC three years in a row other than Elolf (Claude got the honor four times).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who could forget Elolf’s school record 86-yard punt vs. McNeese in ’03?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Alsbury went onto the NFL and MacDonald was REALLY good in another tough call.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Brant: No doubt, and there will be more tough decisions to be made for the All-Southland Bobcat Defense coming up in the next blog a few days from now so let the debate continue!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>By the way, would this offense even need a punter?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">Eat ‘Em Up!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:10.0pt;">- Brant & Bill (Questions or comments? Shoot us an e-mail at txstradio@gmail.com)</span></p>Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-72857191259636094192011-06-16T13:42:00.001-05:002011-06-16T13:42:59.320-05:00Blogging Maroon & Gold (June 16th, 2011)<p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Bobcat fans and followers,</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The 2010-2011 chapter of Bobcat Athletics officially closed, but the start of the 2011-2012 chapter is right around the corner, and will be the final year that Texas State will be in the Southland Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let the countdown to the WAC begin!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Recently, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson announced that Seattle will <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.wacsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10100&ATCLID=205159664">join the conference</a> effective July 1<sup>st</sup>, 2012, which brings membership to nine schools: Texas State, UTSA, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, San Jose State, Utah State, New Mexico State, and two non-football schools in Seattle and Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Did you know that Seattle plays basketball at the <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.keyarena.com/">KeyArena</a>?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>An NBA arena that the Seattle Supersonics used to call home, and with the Sonics (ahem) no longer <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.nba.com/thunder/">occupying the building</a>, the fans in Seattle are basketball hungry and show a lot of support for the Redhawk program: their men’s team averaged over 4,600 fans a game this past season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pretty cool to think that the Bobcats and Redhawks will play in the same arena that hosted Games 3, 4, and 5 of the <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19951996.html">1996 NBA Finals</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </span>which featured the 72-10 Chicago Bulls.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">So once Seattle accepted its invitation into the WAC, it got me thinking of how Texas State stacks up against the competition… </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Football: None of the returning teams had a winning record this past season (juggernauts Nevada, Fresno State, Hawaii and Boise State had a lot to say about that), San Jose State had 1 win (Southern Utah), New Mexico State had just two.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>UTSA hasn’t played a down yet, so one would like to think that this conference could very well be up for grabs and could see Texas State competing for the WAC title under Coach Franchione soon.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Men’s Basketball: Tough conference.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Utah State is the bully of the WAC with back-to-back-to-back-to-back regular season titles and three WAC tournament titles the last six years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>New Mexico State has been to the NCAA Tournament twice the last five years, with 7 seasons of 20 or more wins since 1998.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Both Idaho and San Jose State had winning records this past season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The bar has been raised significantly in this sport.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Baseball: Returning WAC members La Tech, San Jose St and New Mexico St won 34, 35, and 34 games respectively this past season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Sacramento State, which plays in the WAC in baseball only, finished 20 games below .500.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Utah State, Denver and Idaho don’t have baseball.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think the Bobcats can compete right away in this conference who’s RPI was below that of the Southland’s <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.boydsworld.com/baseball/rpi/confrpi.html">this past season</a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">.</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Women’s Sports: La Tech’s women’s hoops program is <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Tech_Lady_Techsters_basketball">historically good</a> …Denver’s women’s team made the WNIT this season…the best volleyball team in the conference (<a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii_Rainbow_Wahine_volleyball">and one of the best programs in the country</a>) is leaving (Hawaii), Utah State won 24 matches this season, New Mexico State and Seattle each won 18…La Tech (15 wins), Idaho (14 wins) and San Jose State (12 wins) are all coming off pretty good seasons in women’s soccer…BYU will be a WAC member in Softball and won 40 games this season, New Mexico State won 44.</span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p face="verdana" style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">That’s a look at the competition the WAC has to offer at least for now…By the way, I’ve been a father for over a month now, and for those who are wondering, <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=206392679404784&set=a.206392382738147.64297.100001021597012&type=1">Zoey’s doing great!</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Being a parent changes a lot, and you turn into the kind of person you never thought you would.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am a dog person however, and that won’t change.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Zoey can’t have cats.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why have cats when you can have <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=206392682738117&set=a.206392382738147.64297.100001021597012&type=1">this</a>, <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=206392682738117&set=a.206392382738147.64297.100001021597012&type=1">this</a> and <a style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);" href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=206392682738117&set=a.206392382738147.64297.100001021597012&type=1">this</a> (pics of our dogs…more shameless photos, I know).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bobcats however, are perfectly fine.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Eat ‘Em Up!</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">- Brant (e-mail me at txstradio@gmail.com)</span></p>Brant Freemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12776991989506817063noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3725817881566336051.post-59592333678659201292011-05-30T12:16:00.038-05:002011-05-31T22:18:55.967-05:00The Road to Omaha Begins...<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>SL</strong>i<strong>C</strong>ed and diced! Just one way to describe what our Bobcat baseball team did to the opposition in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Southland</span></span> Conference play this season. Fresh off an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exhilarating</span> five game run in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> tournament, in which the Bobcats had to win twice on back to back days, the Bobcats are again headed to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">NCAAs</span></span>.<br /><br />Congratulations to Coach Harrington, his staff, the student-athletes, and everyone who contributed to what has been earned so far. The kudos most certainly extend to the fans who supported the 'Cats all season long and helped make the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span> tournament extra memorable for all involved. You could light up Paris (Paris, France, not Paris, Texas), for a week with the electricity in Bobcat BallPark on Saturday night during the championship game.<br /><br />As all of Bobcat Nation knows by now, our Bobcat baseball team pulled off the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">trifecta</span></span> by again winning the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Southland</span></span> Conference regular season championship (three in a row), won the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> tournament title, and are travelling north to Austin for the NCAA <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">regionals</span></span>. While it is one thing to be picked to and/or believe you can do something, it's a different mountain to climb to actually go out and reach your goals.<br /><br />At the Bobcat Baseball <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leadoff</span> Banquet back in early February, I asked Bobcat Senior Bret Atwood, aka Superman, to review the 2011 team's goals for the audience. Saturday night Bret touched on the subject again, "We had four goals...leave no doubt in getting in the regional. Our fourth goal is getting to Omaha. We're growing as a team, this week brought us all together, I think right now we have a lot of momentum going into next week."<br /><br />I also visited with a happy, proud and blissfully tired Coach Harrington after the champsionship game. While ecstatic about the performance of the entire team, Ty mentioned the contributions of the 2011 seniors, "...great leadership and determination by our seniors."<br /><br /><strong>Good things do indeed come in threes.</strong> The Bobcats won the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> in 2009 with a 24-7 record, went 23-10 in 2010, and raced away with the league title at 24-9 this season. I got out the calculator and that translates to a 71-26 combined record in the past three seasons. That there is a lot of W's.<br /><br /><strong>That is so offensive.</strong> Go to the<span style="color:#660000;"> </span></span><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/custompages/Statcrew%20Files/Baseball/2011/teamcume.htm?path=baseball"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;">baseball stats</span> </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">page and look at the Bobcat offensive numbers. The one and only significant stat that opponents bested the Bobcats in was triples. On that note...<br /><br /><strong>New bats, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">shmoo</span></span> bats.</strong> The new bats mandated by the NCAA were supposed to remove the power, "gorilla ball", from college baseball. Obviously, the Bobcats didn't get the memo. In 2010, with the "old" bats, the Bobcats launched 47 homers. This season, the Bobcats led the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Southland</span></span> and have hit 58 bombs so far. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">UTSA</span></span> and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi tied for second in the league with 44.<br /><br /><strong>Toeing the rubber.</strong> Bobcat Junior <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">RHP</span></span>, Carson Smith, was deservedly named the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Southland</span></span> Conference Pitcher of the Year for the second year in a row. However, all would agree that it was the pitching staff that helped lead to the 2011 success. For example, did anyone check out J-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vo</span></span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jospeh</span></span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dvorsky,</span></span> on Saturday night vs <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">SFA</span>? Pitching coach Derek <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Matlock</span></span> did an outstanding job in piecing together the group...and they delivered. Get it?..delivered. Sorry.<br /><br /><strong>A little historical perspective.</strong> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> began sponsoring baseball in 1964. In 2011, the Bobcats became the fourth team in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> history to win three regular season crowns in a row. Trinity won from 1964-1966 (in those years "conference competition" was only a tournament). Lamar earned the titles from 1975-1977, shared 1977 with La Tech, and the league consisted of six teams and a 15 game <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">SLC</span></span> schedule. Northwestern State won 1993-1995, 9 team league, 24 game schedule. The Demons didn't win the tournament in any of those three seasons. Note: A team has never won the title four years in a row. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hhmm</span></span>. We are not just watching Bobcat baseball. We are witnessing history!<br /><br /><strong>Been there, done that.</strong> The Bobcats have tasted success before in NCAA <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">regionals</span></span>. In the 1997 Lubbock regional, the Bobcats knocked off Texas Tech and Clemson. In the 2000 Waco regional, the Bobcats beat Baylor. I am fully prepared and willing to add to this paragraph. Now for the strange connections: I have worked at Clemson and Baylor and got my start in broadcasting from a guy from Texas Tech. 2011 regional foes: I have done work on the <strong>UT</strong> campus, grew up on <strong>Kent</strong> Island (Maryland), and went to <strong>Princeton</strong>. Well, actually drove by the campus. Just sayin...<br /><br /><strong>Did you know?</strong> Former Bobcat great and current assistant coach Jeremy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fikac</span></span> helped lead the 1997 team. Former Bobcat football and baseball great, and current assistant Football coach, Jason Washington was an important member of the 2000 team.<br /><br />I asked Coach <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fikac</span> about playing on Bobcat championship teams and now helping coach the Bobcats to trophies. "We have talked about this from day one. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">hardwork</span> that they put in has paid off...it's a total team effort..."<br /><br />Coach <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fikac</span> on the support of Bobcat Nation, "...they were vocal, they were loud, they understood what Joseph <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dvorsky</span> was doing out there and you could see them appreciating his efforts. They were great...a huge part of what went on here this weekend."<br /><br /><strong>Following the 'Cats.</strong> The Bobcat NCAA games will be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">broadcasted</span> on 89.9 by Mason and Weston from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">KTSW</span>. Brant Freeman and I will be on hand to put together <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">BobCasts</span> (podcasts) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">postgame</span> and other coverage. You will be able to find the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">podcasts</span> here: </span><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/podcasts.aspx?tab=podcasts"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error" style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">BobCasts</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Steve <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Applehans</span>, our incomparable SID for baseball, will also be providing stem-to-stern coverage on our </span><a href="http://txstatebobcats.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">Bobcats in Austin</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#660000;">.<br /><br /></span>Fellow member of Bobcat Nation - we will see and hear you in Austin!<br /><br />Any questions or comments, feel free to send an email to me at </span><a href="mailto:lightthestar@gmail.com"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#660000;">lightthestar@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Light the Star on Jackson Hall,<br /><br />Bill</span>Bill Culhanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11839116121115271324noreply@blogger.com0