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Harry
Welcome back Mean Green Fans!  On this episode, Evan, Harry and Ashton talk about the excitement regarding this upcoming football season with the 2016 football season 9 days away.  Many subjects are discussed including new Head Coach Seth Littrell, AD Wren Baker, Beyond the Green Show, new player additions, key players by position, the SMU game, and much much more.   We also welcome special guest and DRC Beat Writer Brett Vito and his reports from the ground in Denton.
Click here to link to the show:  http://www.gomeangreen.com/forums/podcast/gmgpod162.mp3
Harry
Welcome back Mean Green Fans!  On this episode, Evan, Harry and Ashton talk about the excitement regarding this upcoming football season with their 2016 football season kick-off show.  Many subjects are discussed including new Head Coach Seth Littrell, AD Wren Baker, Beyond the Green Show, 1st Scrimmage, key players, SMU game, and much much more.   We also welcome special guest and DRC Beat Writer Brett Vito and his reports from the ground in Denton.
Click here to link to the show:  http://www.gomeangreen.com/forums/podcast/gmgpod161.mp3
Harry
DENTON (UNT), Texas − Today, the University of North Texas System Board of Regents voted unanimously to appoint Wren Baker as the new UNT Vice President and Director of Athletics, effective Aug. 22.
Baker, who currently is the interim Director of Athletics at the University of Missouri, will be officially introduced to the UNT community during a press conference at 10 a.m., Monday Aug. 1, 2016, in The Hub Club (Level 3) of Apogee Stadium.
"Wren Baker's passion for college sports is unmatched, and he is a proven effective leader with critical experience in hiring coaches, efficiently administering an athletics department, increasing support across the board and taking care of student-athletes," UNT President Neal Smatresk said. "I believe he will move athletics at UNT to the next level of success, and I am excited for the future."
Read what athletics leaders are saying about Wren Baker.
In 2015, Baker began his tenure as the Deputy Director of Athletics at Missouri, where he was responsible for assisting the athletic director with the administration of the SEC athletics program. He led the athletic department's external relations team, including development, marketing, licensing, the ticket office and strategic communications. During his first year at Missouri, Baker oversaw the implementation of a new annual fund model and restructured the external team.
"I am grateful to President Smatresk, the search committee and the UNT System Board of Regents for their confidence in me, and I am humbled to serve our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans," Baker said. "I consider it a great honor and privilege to join the Mean Green family. I look forward to working with all of our fans and constituents to build an athletics program that will be recognized nationally for competitive excellence and academic achievement. UNT and the Denton community provide everything we need to be successful, and I can't wait to get started."
Prior to arriving at Missouri, Baker served as the Deputy Athletics Director from 2013 to 2015 at the University of Memphis, where he oversaw external relations and assisted in department operations. At Memphis, Baker initiated a complete reorganization that resulted in improved efficiencies and hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings while increasing revenues in ticket sales, annual fund support, major gifts and multimedia rights, including setting a record for football suite sales, major gifts and overall donations.
Baker served as the Director of Athletics at NCAA Division II power Northwest Missouri State University from 2010-2013. He also served as the first Director of Athletics and Head Men's Basketball Coach at Rogers State University, where he led the formation of the athletic department while posting an inaugural 20-11 record before stepping down to become the full-time Athletics Director.
Baker will succeed Rick Villarreal, who stepped down in June after nearly 16 years as UNT's Director of Athletics. UNT's Department of Athletics has 16 NCAA Division I teams competing in Conference USA, including football, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The Mean Green have earned 123 conference championships and four national championships.
Here’s what some are saying:
Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics: "I have known Wren Baker for many years throughout his career journey, and I can say with total confidence that he is truly one of the rising leaders within intercollegiate athletics and will do a great job at North Texas. I've been a huge fan of Wren's since I watched him build the Rogers State athletics program from scratch. The blend of Wren's background in coaching, administrative experience and character, along with his innate ability to develop positive relationships with all key stakeholders within a campus community, will continue to serve him well. Wren and his wife, Heather, will be key contributors to the enhancement of the student-athlete experience and in strengthening the entire Mean Green athletic program. Congratulations to Wren and UNT."
Michael L. Aresco, Commissioner of the American Athletic Conference: "This is a spectacular hire. Having known and worked with Wren while he was at Memphis, he is an extremely experienced, personable and capable executive and will do a great job for North Texas. The college sports landscape has never been more challenging, and Wren's intelligence and vision will be enormously important to North Texas and Conference USA."
Mack Rhoades, Baylor University Vice President for Athletics: "Wren Baker is a rising leader in our industry. He is an extremely talented administrator and person of great character. His background in coaching and administration and dedication to the student-athlete experience will serve UNT Athletics terrifically well. He will establish positive relationships with student-athletes, coaches, staff, the University community, alumni/fans/donors, media and other key constituents. Wren is the perfect person to lead North Texas Athletics and the UNT family will love Wren, his wife Heather and their two children, Addisyn and Reagan."
Bubba Cunningham, University of North Carolina Director of Athletics: "The University of North Texas has made a great hire in Wren Baker. Wren has an uncanny ability to relate to people and create a positive, enthusiastic, and winning attitude with students, coaches, fans and alumni. He has a wonderful family and will be an outstanding addition to the University of North Texas community. His affinity for students and coaches is heartfelt and genuine. Wren will be a galvanizing leader for the campus community, and I wish him and his family all the best. Congratulations to all."
Eddie Sutton, Former Oklahoma State Men's Basketball Head Coach: “Wren is a terrific choice to lead the UNT athletics program. He is one of the brightest and hardest working staff members I've had work for me. He was wonderful for us at OSU. Our coaches and players loved him. He will be a great ambassador for the university and community. He will be tireless in his pursuit for excellence. I am happy for Wren and North Texas."
Tom Bowen, University of Memphis Director of Athletics: "Wren Baker is one of the finest people I have had the pleasure to work with. He is a bright and highly talented athletic leader and is the perfect choice for North Texas. I am very happy for Wren and his family and know he will do a fantastic job."
 
Harry
Attention -- All North Texas Mean Green Athletics Lettermen:   The University of North Texas needs your feedback so we can work together to make our athletic program the very best it can be.   Our former players are the lifeblood of our program and it is extremely important that you have a voice in our restructuring process.   You are invited to participate in an open meeting being held at the Club level of Apogee Stadium on June 21, 2016 from 7-9pm.  This meeting will provide for an open, honest discussion regarding the state of the athletic department.   The goal of the meeting will be to outline steps which will better engage and involve our former players and their families.   I realize that not everyone will get this message, so please help us by passing this invitation along to your teammates and let them know how important their feedback is to us.   This is a critical juncture in the history of our athletic program and your input and support is very much appreciated.   Go Mean Green!
Harry
The boys @Evan @BeyondTheGreen and @Harry discuss the end of the RV era, and what the future may hold in terms of a new athletic director.  They also welcome in special guest and Denton Record Chronicle beat writer @Brett Vito for his insight on everything Mean Green.    @TheReal_jayD also pays a visit and provides the latest Mean Green recruiting news on a pretty airplane-delivered terrorist kite of hate speech day for the future of the program.
Click here for the Audio Link to Barbershop Podcast #160
Harry
DENTON (UNT), Texas  - After nearly 16 years as the top administrator for intercollegiate athletics at the University of North Texas, Rick Villarreal announced today that he is stepping down as the university’s Athletic Director effective June 20, 2016.
“UNT President Neal Smatresk and I recently have been in discussions about the future of the university’s athletic program and a transition of athletic leadership, and we have come to this mutual agreement,” said Villarreal. “With the support of dedicated staff members, I have accomplished almost everything that I imagined possible here. I am satisfied that the work we have undertaken together has placed our coaches and student athletes in a better position to succeed, both on and off the field.”
Under Villarreal’s leadership, improvements were made in many key areas, including facilities, student-athlete academic achievement and support for gender equity.
Nearly every facility used by student-athletes has been newly built or renovated under his leadership, including the Student-Athlete Academic Center; Apogee Stadium and the adjacent football, training and administrative complex; Waranch Tennis Center; Lovelace Softball Stadium; Kuehne Basketball Practice Facility; Women’s Soccer Complex; golf and volleyball practice facilities; and improvements to the Super Pit in the Coliseum. Villarreal helped to raise millions in gifts and pledges to fund facilities and student scholarships.
UNT moved from the Sun Belt Conference to Conference USA, earned more than 30 conference championships, participated in 5 Bowl Games and two NCAA Basketball Tournaments during Villarreal’s tenure. And importantly, Academic Performance Rates and graduation rates were among the highest in the department’s history and within the conference.
Villarreal’s accomplishments reflect his love of sports and this university and his dedication to our student-athletes said President Smatresk.
“Rick has taken pride in helping to put our coaches and teams in the position to succeed, and he is one of the most effective community advocates in the history of our university,” Smatresk said. “But his biggest contribution of all is to the bright futures of our student-athletes. And for that, especially, Rick will always have a place in the heart of this university. We all appreciate and respect what he has accomplished.”
Villarreal says that while the complex and multifaceted job of serving as UNT’s Athletic Director has sometimes been challenging, it also has been very rewarding.
“I’ve taken pride in serving as this university’s Athletic Director. Even when the work was challenging, it was gratifying. I will miss being part of daily campus life, but will forever treasure memories of the experiences I’ve had at UNT.”
President Smatresk will identify an Interim Athletic Director and make decisions about a national search for a new Athletic Director at a future date.
Discuss  this with other fans on the GoMeanGreen.com Football Forum.
Harry
The boys @Evan @BeyondTheGreen and @Harry discuss the 2016 Spring scrimmage, and overall thoughts on Camp Littrell, and also welcome in special guest and Denton Record Chronicle beat writer @Brett Vito for his insight.    @TheReal_jayD also pays a visit and provides the latest Mean Green recruiting news.
Click here for the Audio Link to Barbershop Podcast #159
Harry
The boys are back in town and ready to talk everything Mean Green.  Evan, Ashton and Harry discuss their thoughts on the 2016 North Texas signing class and welcome special guest J.D. who shares his thoughts on Mean Green recruiting.  Discussion on the coaching staff, Denton proper, spring training and many other interesting items are included in this version of the big show.
Click here for the Audio Link to Barbershop Podcast #157
Harry

 
GMG.com UNT Football 2016 Signing Class
 

1). WR - Deion Hair-Griffin (5-8, 150) Fort Worth, Texas (Arlington Heights HS) [June 15th] Signed LOI
• Two-star Rivals, Scout, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• 165th-ranked athlete in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 180th-ranked athlete in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 303rd-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• 354th-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 composite rankings.
• District 7-5A MVP as a senior and junior.
• As a junior, helped lead Arlington Heights to the area round of the Texas 5A Division I UIL State Football Championships.
• Led Arlington Heights back to the Texas 5A Division I state playoffs as a senior.
• As a dual-threat quarterback, completed 107-of-177 passes for 1,895 yards with 25 touchdowns.
• Also rushed 111 times for 1361 yards and another 23 touchdowns during his senior season.
• Threw for another 1,595 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for another 682 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.
 

2).  OL - TJ Henson  (6-5, 305) Plano, Texas (Plano East HS/Trinity Valley JC) [Dec 16th] Mid-term signee Signed LOI

• Played tackle at Trinity Valley but can also play guard or center.
• Two-time second-team District 10-5A selection at Plano East Senior High his senior and junior years.
• Chose North Texas over offers from Iowa State, Nevada and East Carolina.
 


3).  DE - Joshua Wheeler  (6-3, 240) Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS/Tyler JC) [Dec 17th] Mid-term signee Signed LOI
• Honorable mention All-American in 2015 and finished third in the nation with 16 sacks.
• Notched 9.5 tackles for loss to go along with 49 tackles in 10 games last season for Tyler Junior College.
• Wheeler finished his career at Tyler Junior College with 25 sacks.



4).  DE - Joseph Ozougwu  (6-3, 230) Houston, Texas (Alief Taylor HS) [Dec 17th] Mid-term signee Signed LOI
• Finished his senior season with 78 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
• An all-district 23-5A player and a team captain.
• Enrolled at North Texas in the fall and will join in the football team in the spring.
• His older brother Cheta Ozougwu played at Rice and was a seventh-round draft pick of the Houston Texans.
 

5). DT - Bryce English - (5-11, 295) DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto HS/Kansas State) [Jan 5th] Mid-term signee (Kevin Patrick) Signed LOI
• Redshirted at Kansas State in 2015 before transferring to North Texas.
• Rated the 30th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com, 35th by ESPN and 40th by Scout.com.
• His senior season, English had 56 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles.
• Named the 2014 District 8-6A co-Defensive Player of the Year. • Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors and all-area honors from the Dallas Morning News.
• His father, Lee, played at North Texas from 1978-81 and was a four-year letterman as a running back, rushing for 1,028 yards and five touchdowns.
 

6). QB - Alec Morris - (6-3, 233) Allen, Texas (Allen HS/Alabama) [Jan 12] Mid-term signee Signed LOI
• A graduate transfer from Alabama, will be eligible for the 2016 season.
• Spent four seasons at Alabama and was with the Crimson Tide during their national championship seasons in 2012 and 2015.
• Served as Alabama's No. 3 quarterback in 2014 and 2015 and saw action in three games in 2015 and four games in 2014.
• At Allen, Rivals.com rated him 30th among pro-style quarterbacks and Scout.com rated Morris as the 37th best quarterback.
• Averaged 270.7 passing yards a game in 2011 with 35 touchdown passes, and threw for 2,534 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior in 2010.
 


7). WR - Rico Bussey - (6-2, 175) Lawton, Oklahoma (Lawton HS) [Jan 17] (Graham Harrell) Signed LOI
• Three-star 247 recruit.
• Two-star Rivals, Scout and 247 composite recruit.
• 12th-ranked recruit in the state of Oklahoma according to the 247 rankings.
• 29th-ranked recruit in the state of Oklahoma according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 159th-ranked wide receiver in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 301st-ranked wide receiver in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• Member of The Daily Oklahoman Super 30.
• Accounted for 2,059 all-purpose yards as a senior and 1,805 all-purpose yards as a junior.
• Caught 74 passes for 833 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.
• Rushed 62 times for 508 yards and three touchdowns as a senior.
• Hauled in 66 passes for 1,233 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior.
 


8). DB - Khairi Muhammad - (5-9, 170) DeSoto, Texas (DeSoto HS) [Jan 19] (Troy Reffett) Signed LOI
• Two-star Scout, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• 199th-ranked athlete in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 362nd-ranked athlete in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 426th-ranked athlete in Texas according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 443rd-ranked athlete in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• Honorable mention All-District 8-6A selection playing wide receiver as a senior.
• Hauled in 21 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns as a senior.
• On the defensive side, totaled 26 tackles and broke up four passes playing cornerback as a senior.
• His cousin is fellow North Texas signee Bryce English, another DeSoto High School product.
 


9). DB - Dee Baulkman - (5-10, 200) Yuma, Arizona (Arizona Western CC) [Jan 24] (Mike Ekeler) Signed LOI
• Two-star Rivals, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• As a sophomore at Arizona Western, totaled 56 tackles, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.
• Helped lead Arizona Western to a 7-4 record and a win in the El Toro Bowl.
• Was teammate of fellow signee Darius Turner at Arizona Western.
 


10). QB - Mason Fine - (5-10, 170) Locust Grove, Oklahoma (Locust Grove HS) [Jan 25] (Graham Harrell) Signed LOI
• Two-star Rivals, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• 27th-ranked recruit in Oklahoma according to the 247 rankings.
• 34th-ranked recruit in Oklahoma according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 91st-ranked pro-style quarterback in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 119th-ranked pro-style quarterback in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• MaxPreps Small Schools All-American Team selection.
• The first and only two-time Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year.
• Set Oklahoma high school career records for passing yards (13,081) and touchdown passes (166).
• His 13,081 yards ranks eight nationally in high school football history, and his 166 touchdowns is tied for fifth nationally in high school football history.
• Helped lead Locust Grove to a 42-8 record, including a 37-3 record in his final three years.
• As a senior, completed 251-of-284 passes for 4,227 yards with 53 touchdowns, leading Locust Grove to the Class 3A state quarterfinals.
• Completed 329-of-485 passes for 5,006 yards with 71 touchdowns, leading Locust Grove to the state semifinals during his junior season.
 

11). DB - Darius Turner - (6-1, 172) Nashville, Tennessee (Arizona Western CC) [Jan 30] Signed LOI
• Two-star 247 recruit.
• As a sophomore at Arizona Western, totaled 22 tackles with two pass break-ups.
• Helped lead Arizona Western to a 7-4 record and a win in the El Toro Bowl.
• Teammate of fellow signees Dontavious Baulkman and William Johnson at Arizona Western.
• All-Metro and all-conference choice as a senior at McGavock High School in Nashville.
• Participated in the 2010 Tennessee East vs. West All-Star Game
 


12). LB - William Johnson - (6-3, 225) Coral Springs, Florida (Pompano Beach HS/Arizona Western CC) [Jan 30]
• Four-star 247 and ESPN recruit; three-star Rivals, Scout and 247 composite recruit.
• Member of the ESPN Junior College 50 and Rivals Juco 100. No. 2 junior college outside linebacker and No. 17 junior college recruit according to the 247 rankings.
• No. 3 junior college outside linebacker and No. 43 junior college recruit according to the 247 composite rankings.
• No. 3 junior college outside linebacker and No. 25 junior college recruit according to ESPN.
• No. 8 junior college linebacker and No. 77 junior college recruit according to Rivals.
• Ranked third on Arizona Western with 74 tackles and fourth with 11.5 tackles for loss.
• Helped lead Arizona Western to a 7-4 record and a win in the El Toro Bowl.
• Teammate of fellow signees Dontavious Baulkman and Darius Turner at Arizona Western.

 

13). OL - Chandler Anthony - (6-7, 280) Tuttle, Oklahoma (Tuttle HS) [Jan 31] Signed LOI
• Two-star Rivals, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• 192nd-ranked offensive tackle according to the 247 rankings. • 199th-ranked offensive tackle according to the 247 composite rankings. • 33rd-ranked player in the state of Oklahoma according to 247 and 247 composite rankings. • Second-team All-State selection and Little All-City section on the Daily Oklahoma's teams. • Selected to the Oklahoma Coaches Assocation's All-State game. As a senior, helped lead Tuttle to a 10-0 undefeated regular season and the Oklahoma Class 4A playoffs.
 

14). RB - Nic Smith - (5-10, 175) Arlington, Texas (Martin HS) [Jan 31] Signed LOI
• Three-star ESPN, Scout, 247 and 247 composite recruit; two-star Rivals recruit.
• 57th-ranked running back in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 86th-ranked running back in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 123rd-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• 156th-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 13th-ranked running back in Texas and the Midlands region, and 75th-ranked running back in the nation according to Scout.
• 118th-ranked running back in the nation, 220th-ranked Texas recruit, 287th-ranked Midlands regional recruit according to ESPN.
• All-time leading scorer in Arlington ISD and the leading rusher in school history.
• Rushed for 3,803 yards and 66 touchdowns for his career, including 1,828 yards and 35 touchdowns as a junior and 1,439 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore.
• Despite missing part of his senior season, rushed 98 times for 536 yards and 12 touchdowns.
• Helped lead Arlington Martin to three straight 10-3 season and three-straight appearances in the regional round of Texas state playoffs.
• High school teammate of fellow signee Tyler Wilson.

15). WR - Tyler Wilson - (5-10, 170) Arlington, Texas (Martin HS) [Jan 31] Signed LOI
• Two-star 247 recruit.
• 356th-ranked wide receiver in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 406th-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• Two-time district utility player of the year.
• Accounted for 2,615 all-purpose yards and 21 total touchdowns during his junior and senior season.
• As a senior, rushed 29 times for 285 yards and four touchdowns, caught 48 passes for 770 yards and six touchdowns, and returned 14 kicks for 587 yards and three touchdowns.
• Helped lead Arlington Martin to three straight 10-3 season and three straight appearances in the regional round of Texas state playoffs.
• High school teammate of fellow signee Nic Smith.
 


16). DB - Jameel Moore - (5-10, 170) Cedar Hill, Texas (Cedar Hill HS) [Feb 1] Signed LOI
• Two-star Rivals, Scout, 247 and 247 composite recruit.
• 236th-ranked cornerback in the nation according to the 247 rankings.
• 256th-ranked cornerback in the nation according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 362nd-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 383rd-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• Second team All-District 8-6A selection as a senior.
• As a senior, helped lead Cedar Hill to a 9-2 record and a bi-district round of the Texas 5A Division I UIL State Football Championship.
• Member of a Texas 6A Division II UIL State Championship team.
 


17). LB - Ejiya Ejodamen - (6-3, 235) Minneapolis, Minnesota (Spring Lake Park HS/North Dakota College of Science)  [Feb 1] Signed LOI
• NJCAA All-America honorable mention.
• Totaled a team-high 62 tackles and four sacks.
• Helped lead North Dakota SCS to an 8-3 record, a division championship and an appearance in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference state championships.
• Second-team all-state selection and first-team all-Metro selection at Spring Lake Park High School in Minneapolis.
 


18). OL - Cody Hayes - (6-5, 305) Fort Worth, Texas (Eastern Hills HS/Navarro JC) [Feb 3] Signed LOI
• Three-star 247 recruit.
• 15th-ranked junior college offensive tackle and 14th-ranked junior college recruit in the state of Texas according to 247.
• 162nd-ranked junior college recruit in the nation according to 247.
• First-team All-Southwest Junior College Athletics Conference selection.
• Helped lead Navarro to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the Southwest Junior College Football Conference championship.
• Consensus three-star prospect coming out of Eastern Hills High School in Fort Worth.



19). LB - La'Darius "Hambone" Hamilton - (6-3, 245) Corrigan, Texas (Corrigan-Camden HS) [Feb 3] Signed LOI
• Three-star 247 and 247 composite recruits, two-star Rivals and Scout recruit.
• 46th-ranked strong-side defensive end according to the 247 rankings.
• 88th-ranked strong-side defensive end according to the 247 composite rankings.
• 144th-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 rankings.
• 219th-ranked recruit in Texas according to the 247 composite rankings.
• First team all-district selection as a junior and senior.
• Totaled 83 tackles with three forced fumble and two fumble recoveries as a senior.
• As a senior, helped lead Corrigan-Camden to an 8-5 record and the regional round of the Texas 3A Division II UIL State Football Championships.
• As a junior, helped lead Corrigan-Camden to a 10-2 record and the area round of the Texas 3A Division II UIL State Football Championships.
• Named the District 12-2A-DII defensive newcomer of the year as a sophomore.

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