SUMG

Coach posted that we got two commits y'day. So maybe we got both???

For those who don't know: Chris Blakely is Coach Bill Blakely's grandson. He was a GA for us.....for a year or two under Grant. Now coaching at Allen.

https://247sports.com/player/deandre-thomas-46150017/

I just looked it up. PS money used to be $7,000 a week or so. It's gone up considerably: Rookies and second-year players will earn a minimum of $12,500 for every week they spend on a practice squad. The minimum for veterans with at least three years of experience is $16,800 per week with the maximum salary set at $21,300 per week.

So it looks like our NFL representation is this: Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins roster Nate Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals practice squad Jalen Guyton, LV Raiders practice squad Kemon Hall, Dallas Cowboys practice squad Jaelon Darden, Cleveland Browns practice squad Zac Orr, Baltimore Ravens Def. Coordinator is that it?

Must have just happened....and am happy to see that.

I thought Kemon was at the very least a lock for the Cowboys' PS. Anyway....Cleveland signed Darden to their PS: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-practice-squad-tracker-team-by-team-roster-signings-ahead-of-2023-season

Plus....Ridge Texada came to us from McNeese State.

Intrigued by our huge backup LT.....Keon Johnson. 6'4", 396. Not much on him at the official site....as it looks like some of the info in the bio is wrong. He's from Akron Ohio.....and was good enough as a junior to visit Syracuse. I don't remember him in any signing class. He's listed as a R-Fr. https://www.si.com/college/syracuse/recruiting/massive-2023-ol-keon-johnson-enjoys-syracuse-visit-hoping-for-offer

I think we'll win....and I think our D will be a pleasant surprise. UNT 33 USA 17

Nice story by Ethan at 247. Really glad to see those two freshmen DL. Impressive class. https://247sports.com/college/north-texas/article/standout-freshmen-who-will-travel-with-the-mean-green-in-2024-235030545/

Might I add......they have the sense to play Mizzou on November 4. Not on Election Night (when we're playing Evansville)

He also told an interesting story. This was in the 90s as I recall. He was our campus liason down in Austin. And would travel down there every day. And back home at night. But as I recall....the school had him an executive apartment in Austin. Anyway....he told about talking to an attractive young woman (in the elevator or parking lot). Said she was very friendly. Walt found out later....the woman was Sharon Stone. (back when she was at her smoke show finest).

Walt Parker?

Kemon is starting to get some notice. DMNews writer Calvin Watkins listed him as a longshot possibly for the 53 man Cowboys roster. And y'day I e-mailed beat reporter (and UNT alum) David Moore. He told me that he thinks the Cowboys would love to have Kemon on their Practice Squad....at the very least. In case you don't know....if another team wants one of your Practice Squad guys for their 53-man roster....you have to let them go. Feeling really good about our NFL guys. They're all either somewhat established (JWil and Guyton) or are guys who are having really good camps. (Kemon, Nate Brooks, Darden)

No...it's permanent. They got it from the UFL. It's for player safety. But, they seem to think it will lead to more KO returns. It had gotten in the NFL....that a KO return for a TD....was almost a thing of the past. So while the new KO is odd (at the moment)....it might help our guy Darden have some flashy moments.

What a night for Kemon Hall, Dallas......3 tackles (2 solo).....but one 69 yard PIC SIX was the best moment. Same game....Jalen Guyton (Raiders).....2 catches for 8 yards Jeff Wilson, no stats for Miami. Probably didn't play....but am not sure. McDaniel (the coach) likes Jeff (brought him over from SF)...so I think he's in pretty good shape. Jaelon Darden, Cleveland..........2 catches for 21 yards........1 KO return for 29.......2 punt returns for 16 yds. (These new KO rules may really help his chances) Nate Brooks, Cincy..........3 tackles (1 solo)

Great. thanks for posting...

We had Texas in 1980....and I think 1981 as well. (And also Vic Trilli got Tom Penders to give us a game in Denton.....in '97?) In 1980.....we were down 69-60 with 1:07 left....came back and tied the game in regulation (71-71) on a half court shot (by Pat Hicks). We won in overtime. (This was before the 3 point shot, btw). By the way....I think we got two games out of Texas, back when Abe Lemons was their coach. At least one. And here's how we got those game(s): We had a great player named Fred Mitchell....played for Coach Blakely '75-'78. Fred's brother was a stud out of Amarillo...named Victor. Victor was committed to us. He wanted to get out of his commitment to go to UT. Coach Blakely got with Abe....and we agreed to free Victor....if Texas would give us a home game. (Like I said....I think we got two...but am not sure). Anyway......long story short....Victor signed with Kansas.

The easiest prediction in the world....is that the G5 rep in the playoff.....will eventually be eliminated. You had asshats like Paul Finebaum and Herbstreit......raising Hell...because Liberty took a spot last year in the NY6 game.

Been wanting this. At least they're being proactive. https://sports.yahoo.com/the-new-college-football-playoff-is-here-are-more-changes-coming-in-the-near-future-120010322.html

"snitches get stitches" j/k