Harry

Beloved QB Will Be Remembered Posted on Sunday 08 August @ 23:02:06 The Mean Green Nation mourns the loss of one of its heroes today. Quarterback Andrew "Drew" Smith Jr. was tragically killed in an automobile accident early Saturday morning. Smith was on his way from his hometown of Bay City, Texas to Denton for two-a-day practices, which start later this week. His truck was on Highway 6 near Calvert, Texas early Saturday when he collided with an 18-wheel tractor trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith was just 21-years old. Smith was an outstanding quarterback in high school leading his Bay City Black Cats to the Texas 4A State Championship in his senior year. He passed for 2,281 yards and 23 touchdowns and was selected honorable mention All-State. In 2002, as a redshirt freshman quarterback, he led the University of North Texas football team to their first bowl victory in 56 years, defeating Cincinnati 24-19 in front of a nationally televised audience. Drew was blessed with one of the strongest arms I have ever seen. He could literally throw a frozen rope. He was also a player that could be counted on to come through in the clutch. I will never forget the play that Drew made to seal the huge bowl victory against Cincinnati. He needed 4 yards to get the first down to ice the game late in the 4th quarter. UNT had a narrow 5-point lead and momentum was in the Bearcats favor. He ran an option play left, outran a defensive back and came up with just enough to get to the sticks. The determination on his face as he came around that corner to seal the win was inspirational to everyone associated with North Texas. He proved on that day that UNT could win a big game, and in doing so took our program to another level. I know I was one of many fans that hugged Drew that night after the victory in New Orleans. That night was electric, and clearly the high water mark for Mean Green fans. What made it so special was that Drew was so happy and proud of the program. He didn't have unbelievable passing statistics in that game, or that season. But he did what he needed to do to win. He knew that by unselfishly doing his part, good things would happen. His teammates remember Drew as a fierce competitor that you wanted on your side. But more than that, he was a friend, someone that you could count on when the chips were down. Although Scott Hall returned from injury to reclaim the starting QB role in 2003, Andrew never quit and did his best to push Scott and better the team. The fact that he and Scott remained so close through all of their competition speaks volumes about Drew and his character. He set a very important example for the program and his teammates by his unselfish actions. Just prior to the accident, Drew made his way down to Bay City to spend time with his family and a younger brother who plays QB for the Black Cats. I understand that he was working with his brother after practice on improving his passing technique. He loved his family and they loved him dearly. I can't begin to think or even comprehend their sorrow. His father and mother were dedicated Mean Green fans and wonderful people that were at every game cheering on the team. We will all miss his bright smile, infectious laughter and big heart. Rumor has it that his jersey (#12) will be retired and that the team plans on dedicating this season in his honor. This is a fitting tribute and just illustrates how special this young man was to all of us. The collective hearts of the Mean Green Nation of fans go out to the Smith family, his friends, coaches and teammates. We will fondly remember his ability, leadership and accolades on the field of play. But his determination, work ethic and willingness to put the team before his own personal interests will remain his lasting legacy. Comments - Post Comment The comments are owned by the poster. We are not responsible for its content. Threshold:Display -1 : 80 : 81 : 02 : 03 : 04 : 05 : 0 NO Comments Nested Threaded Flat Oldest First Newest First Lowest Scores First Highest Scores First -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post your memories and thoughts of Andrew here | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 10:20:09 Mean Green Nation, friends and family, feel free to post your thoughts, memories of Andrew as well as your condolences to his family here. [ Reply ] DallasGreen | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 10:35:17 The outpouring of support and prayers has been overwhelming on this board and especially those from other universities all across the nation. Drew may be gone, but he will always be remembered as the first NT QB to lead his team to a bowl win in 50+ years. He will always have that noteable legacy. We must each live each day one at a time as this tradgedy shows us that it could be our last. Goodbye Drew-- the Mean Green Nation will never forget you! [ Reply ] Eagle-96 | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 11:12:00 When I saw the news on Sunday morning my jaw dropped and I couldn\'t beleive my eyes. I had to read the headline on dallasnews.com a few times before I beleived it. My fiance cried and I felt like I was having a bad dream. Andrew stepped in as a redshirt when the odds were stacked against him, he led the Mean green to an undefeated run through conference, he led us to our first bowl win in 50 years, he held his head high when he was demoted to 2nd team, he stepped back to let Hiram take some snaps in his last game against ASU, he stuck with the team when he could have transferred. He was a fine example of taking what is given to you and making the most of it, even when what is given to you is not what you wanted. He will be missed by his family, his friends, his team, and by the entire Mean Green Nation. GMG #12 [ Reply ] My heart goes out to the Mean Green | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 11:25:31 God must have needed a quarterback. --An Aggie Friend [ Reply ] Prayers | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 17:44:05 Prayers are with this family at such a tragic time. May God Bless this team also as they grieve this great loss. Concerned LSU fan [ Reply ] RE:Prayers | (Score: 0) by: on: Monday 09 August @ 23:08:04 Having learned through experience that my leadership skills are not built to quarterback or manage a team, let me say how proud I am of Andrew...this guy was a leader. When the opportunity wasn\'t there to lead on the field, he led by his actions on the sidelines. I did not know Andrew. I admired him from the stands. Every team needs a back up quarterback. NT was fortunate to have two starters that cared deeply about the program, led when called to. Andrew, even in death, impacts people across the country. God Bless the Smith family. Even having lost two children myself, I can\'t pretend to understand your pain. Prayers to you and thank you for sharing your son\'s many talents with the Mean Green Nation. Scott Flower Mound [ Reply ] Thinking of the Mean Green | (Score: 0) by: on: Thursday 12 August @ 10:36:56 Well, if I remember correctly, I had the opportunity to meet Andrew on one occasion, and was quite impressed by the young man. While my move to Jonesboro has taken me away from the day to day happenings of Mean Green football, I was greatly saddened by his death. Thinking of the Mean Green, Mitch Maher [ Reply ] A Winner All the Way | (Score: 0) by: on: Saturday 14 August @ 17:57:33 When I first saw Andrew Smith play football, it was easy to see that he was a winner. The state championship game pitted Andrew\\\'s Bay City Blackcats versus the Ryan Raiders. I rooted hard for Ryan that day at Texas Stadium. But, one couldn\\\'t help but notice the cool customer and leader that Andrew was for Bay City in leading them to the state title. A few months later, I was ecstatic to learn that he was going to be coming to UNT. Just a few years after leading Bay City to the state title, Andrew showed his leadership skills in leading the Mean Green through a turn around season and to the New Orleans Bowl win. Yes, Andrew was definitely a winner on the field. Mean Green fans - we can even be prouder of all the great things we heard about Andrew\\\'s off the field character. He was a good man, a family man, and a person his teammates rallied around. He was a leader not just on the field, but also in life. During this tough time, let\\\'s all celebrate the fact that we were lucky enough to have Andrew Smith at UNT. I liked the statement that heaven must have needed a quarterback. But, heaven also now has another winner who made an impact on many on this earth. Thank you Andrew for dawning the Green and for making us so proud of on and off the field. Dan Leal [ Reply ]

Looks like he stayed in Denton and is doing well: http://www.plumblineunt.com/plumbline_site...re_staff.htm#02

Mean Green Chat http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.pl?id=73780 Mean Green Radio (KNTU FM) http://www.kntu.fm

Will Ajani Banks show up at 6-3, 325 ready to crack the starting lineup? Is Evan Robertson a Jamel Branch clone with more raw speed? Will "Special K: Korey Washington play corner or quarterback? Will Dominique Green be the explosive athlete we expected? Is Bryan Paris a small school phenom that is undersized or can he be this team's version of Andy Brewster at center? Is Kartey Agbottah the real deal at safety? Will super athlete Desmon Chatman end up at safety? The two "naturals" lineman Jonathan Stewart and Jack Crumes both played just one year of high school football. Are they shockingly able to help us now, diamonds in the rough or wishful thinking? Which walk-on will be the Derek Mendoza or Chris Hurd of the future? Who will be the one that doesn't make it, doesn't show up in shape or gets homesick? Perhaps this player will realize that the raod to playing time is too long like Thomas Pratt last year? What about Eddrick Gilmore? Will he stay at a loaded tight end position or help the team at defensive end? Who - if anyone - won't make their grades? Hopefully everyone will be eligible. What about DE Willie Ransom? Is he the real deal? Is he the tenacious pass rusher we need so desparately? Are Joseph Miller and Robert Peachey projects that have years before they contribute or does one of them show up bigger, stronger and faster than the coaches expected? What about the young QB's? Will Steve Warren impress coach Flanigan more than Matt Phillips? Will Muskogee's finest Charley Brown find his niche at a deep tight end position? It's these questions that make this time of year so damn interesting and fun! GMG!

They would both be good options SUMG. Frankly, Fort Worth right now has a better downtown than Dallas. It's close and there are plenty of good places that we could party etc. It can't hold a candle to New Orleans but the cost of getting up to New Orleans keeps some of our fans from going. I really think we could get a nice contingent to Fort Worth especially if the opponent was recognizable... I hope like hades we get them both because it would be really nice for the conference.

Your Eagle status is based on the number of posts you have made in your time at GMG.com. You start out as a fledgling, then you become a bald eagle etc., etc, Platinum Eagle is a pretty high status on here so you should be proud of that.

http://www.gomeangreen.com/mgr

Shout out to Eric Capper for getting this to us! practice begins wed the 10th media day is also wed the 10th starting at 11:30 at the new ac center - 2-days on mon-wed-fri at 8 and 4 (also on thurs. the 11th) - one practice on tue & thurs. at 8 a.m. - first two days freshman in the morning, varsity in the afternoon - no afternoon practice on Friday the 12th (per ncaa rules) - one practice on Saturday the 13th at 8 a.m. - practice on Sunday 14th at 8 a.m. - this is the first day of full pads - practice on Sunday the 21st and 28th at 4 p.m. GMG!

It is disturbing that Ransom is not even mentioned in this article. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Outstanding news!

I do believe it was his throwing shoulder. However - he seems to be shaking off the rust and I know he is working out very hard.

Found these on the internet: http://texasprepxtra.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=169737 http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/schools/ph...n%20pearce'

Also sounds like Vengas is back in the fold as well. Hope he has his head on straight because the kid has talent.

I was thinking the same thing. I know for a fact that Travis has two years left. Lineberry signed in 2002 along with his teammate Kevin Moore from Houston Northshore. The weird thing is that Moore is listed a a junior on the UNT website. My guess is that Lineberry is a junior like Moore but with all of his eligibility issues who knows.

But back to topic, knowing that our best olineman is back is huge. I feel really good about Lineberry, May, Foster and Brown. They are all pretty proven players. My concern would be more in terms of depth and also how well Rose fits in early. I think the tight end position will be significantly stronger from a blocking perspective. It will be interesting to see how Ajani Banks and Bryan Glass figure in. There are also several walk-ons, including Frank Gray and Gary Elmore who could be in the mix. I know that life without Brewster will be hard but overall this is a pretty strong group on paper that has some time in our system. With the two running backs we have that makes for a nice combination.

I was very relieved to see that Lineberry will be back with the team this Fall! This is from the official site. http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle...0&ATCLID=158456 Mean Green Heavy Hitters Vital To Success In 2005 Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/01/2005 Joel Foster, along with Dylan Lineberry, will lead the Mean Green offensive line into the 2005 season. In anticipation of two-a-days next week, MeanGreenSports.com breaks down the 2005 North Texas football team position by position. We begin today with the unheralded heroes behind the Mean Green's success - The Offensive Line. A powerful offensive line is the key to the North Texas rushing attack, and with the previous two national rushing champions in the Mean Green backfield, the line becomes more important than ever. The 2005 offensive line will be highlighted by Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year Dylan Lineberry. In his first season of eligibility, Lineberry started every game and graded out as the team’s second-best overall offensive lineman. The guard is one of the most physical and strongest players on the team and is considered one of the top one-on-one blockers in the league. Lineberry was a second team all-conference selection in 2004, but did not participate in spring drills in order to work on his academic progress. The senior will be with the team this fall and is expected to be the leader of the line. Joel Foster also started every game last season for the Mean Green and was able to hone his craft as the season progressed. A converted defensive end, the tackle graded out better than 80 percent in four of the last five games. In his best game of the season, Foster graded out at 89 percent and led the team with 21 knockdowns in the regular season finale at Arkansas State. Jeremy Brown started the first four games at tackle last season before coming down with Mono. Brown was impressive early, but missed the next three games and never returned to full strength. This season, the tackle is fully recovered and will provide a veteran presence on the line. Jason May sat out last season, but will look to return to form after a stellar 2003. May earned his first letter by starting in nine games and playing in all 12 two years ago. Redshirt freshman Chad Rose will have the task of replacing two time all-conference center Andy Brewster. Brewster is the only lineman in North Texas history to block for four-straight 1,000 yard rushers. Other who will look to make an impact on the offensive line include sophomores Josh Alexander and Adam Venegas and senior Ephraim Patterson. Check back tomorrow when MeanGreenSports.com takes a look at the 2005 wide receivers and tight ends.

We're working on it - hang tight...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/.../24529_pbp.html

I continue to be impressed with the caliber of athletes we are in on at this stage. This really bodes well for the 2006 class. We have some new names and updates on earlier additions.

This quote came from Eisenhower coach Larry Haynes last football season: "He (Jack Crumes) our best true offensive lineman. It's his first season to play football and is the starting post for our basketball team."

Ken had that been the case they would have probably instituted it in the Spring. Two weeks just isn't enough time to change your base defense. Now that being said they have played 3-4 in the past. They call it their Okie sets and the key to being able to do that effectively is to have a big time nosetackle (like BK) and two defensive ends that have size to stop the run and can rush the passer. Not sure we have that yet this year - hopefully Ike Thomas will emerge and Willie Ransom is the real deal. Another aspect of running the 4-3 is having true cover corners. If TJ and Jamel are all what we hope them to be we will have a lot more options in terms of defensive sets and blitz packages. In years past we had to limit the blitzing because we didn't want to leave our corners on an island.

Safety is a big question mark. Losing Allan Harrison hurt. I think Cotton and Higgs have a legit shot but will have to play very well in two a days. Desmond Chatman is a physical specimen and Marikeith Knowlton proved that a true freshman can play the position. I think Weathers is a very good football player and he has skins on the wall. If I was to make a guess, I would say they put Weathers at the strong and Cotton at the free spot but that is subject to change. Higgs still has to prove himself to be a physical player every play. I feel a lot better about corner. Branch can play, and Covington is an NFL draft choice if he keeps his head on straight. Deavin Cox is a capable backup and there are several freshmen who could play right away. Safety is the biggest question mark of this team followed closely by the front four. QB is a concern but in this offense it is not critical. If you can't stop anybody it doesn't matter who is under center.

I think what I like so much about Mendoza is the physical aspect of his game. The guy is big (248?) strong and will punish you every single time. Plus as a former walk-on he's hungry! With the depth at all three positions it will push all of them to become better players.

The linebacker corp should be pretty deep this year. The incoming starters appear to be SLB - Monroe, MLB - Mendoza, WLB - Early. Monroe will get a heavy battle from Maurice Holman who came on very strong at the tail end of last year and actually led the team in tackles (10) against USM in the Bowl Game as a redshirt freshman. The problem in my mind is that Monroe could be the most athletically gifted player on the entire defense. Monroe was a TRUE freshman last year and let me tell you, Spencer/Hurd/Kassell and Casey did not play like that as true freshman. Mendoza's nemesis is Travis Thompson and you can bet that the Mustang, OK native will not give the job to Mendoza easily. Thompson is a headhunter, he is very quick and has excellent technique. He is not a speed demon so I doubt you will see him on the outside. At the WLB, we all thought that Early may have a long recovery from his knee injury but the reports I get are that he has recovered well and should be 100% by August 9th. Early's biggest competition will be Phillip Graves. Graves is an amazing athlete and the light really seemed to go off last season. These are the top 6. I think that if Early falters you could see Colt Mahan get some playing time as he has been busting up the weight room something fierce. Nwigwe should be able to redshirt. Davenport could factor in depthwise and as a RS freshman he has a really bright future in this program. The linebackers should be the strength of this defense for 2-3 years. We really need them to step up early as out front four has some major question marks to answer. I sometimes refer to DT Michael Pruitt as the invisible man because no one noticed him last season and his heroic efforts plugging up the middle. He has graduated now and we desparately need someone to fill his shoes.

Korey Washington's dad Mike Washington was an All-American quarterback for Jim Wacker at Texas Lutheran University when it won the national championship back in 1974-75.