MeanGreen61

Alexander aims for Fall return 12:17 AM CDT on Friday, April 6, 2007 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Offensive lineman Josh Alexander has decided to take a risk in an effort to make it back in time for North Texas’ upcoming season. Alexander missed all of last season with a partially torn patella tendon in his knee after undergoing surgery just before the beginning of the season. The stitches in the tendon tore during Alexander's rehabilitation regiment. "I have the option to try to get strength back in my leg and try to play and then have surgery after the season," Alexander said. "That is the plan at this point. If I had surgery today, I wouldn't be ready in time." Alexander has resumed running, but will not be able to participate in drills in spring practice. UNT's coaches are hoping that he can be ready in time for two-a-day practices in the fall. "All we can do is hope that Josh will be able to play," UNT head coach Todd Dodge said. "We will have to check him out in two-a-days and he will need a good summer to get into shape." While UNT isn't sure if Alexander will be able to make it back in time for the season, the Mean Green's coaches are certain he could make an impact after seeing film of his performance two years ago. "It would absolutely help us if he comes back," Dodge said. "I think we would be good for him and he dang sure would be good for us with the experience he has. What I have been impressed with is that he does not miss meetings, and when a play is called he knows what it is. Human nature when you are hurt is to stand aside. He is right in there, getting as many mental reps as he can." UNT is short on tackles heading into its first season under Dodge. Joel Foster graduated after starting at left tackle last season, while starting right tackle Jeremy Brown elected not to return to the team. Sophomore Robert Peachey was UNT's backup at both tackle spots last season. Redshirt freshman Matthew Menard is working at left tackle in spring practice. "My knee has gotten a lot better," Alexander said. "I don't have any pain, but it is pretty weak. I am having problems getting strength back in it." Alexander will continue to workout throughout the summer before deciding if he will play this season. "There is a chance I could rupture it completely," Alexander said. "But that is a chance I am willing to take to get back and help this team." Coaches clinic draws crowd UNT's first coaches clinic under Dodge attracted more than 100 high school coaches to campus Wednesday and Thursday. The event is one Dodge hopes will help the Mean Green down the line in recruiting. "It's absolutely going to help us to have these coaches here," Dodge said. "They know that our door is always open. They will be able to help us when it comes time to recruit. Coaches want their players to go places where their kids will be taken care of. After being here, they will trust us." The high number of coaches who attended the clinic continued a trend that has seen dozens of area coaches show an interest in Dodge's first season with the Mean Green. Dodge said 85 coaches attended a practice just before spring break, even though there was no special event taking place that day. Washington settling in Korey Washington appears to have finally found a permanent spot in UNT's lineup. The former Cedar Park quarterback switched from wide receiver to defensive back multiple times last season under former head coach Darrell Dickey, but appears as if he will become a slot receiver for good under Dodge. Washington caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Meager in the Mean Green's first scrimmage last week and has continued to be impressive in practice. Dodge said he went through the Mean Green's media guide in the first few days after he arrived at UNT and immediately recognized Washington's name. "I saw Korey play against Lufkin in the playoffs and he was electric with the ball," Dodge said. "Before we knew if he could catch, we moved him to receiver. He fits there. We are very excited about him." Washington has not played wide receiver on a full-time basis since his sophomore year in high school, but said he is comfortable with his role. With UNT moving to four-receiver sets, Washington should get plenty of opportunities to show his 4.4-second speed in the 40-yard dash. "It's looking pretty good," Washington said. "I am comfortable at either defensive back or wide receiver and am ready to do whatever it takes for the team to get better." Briefly … Defensive back Latif Nurudeen will be eligible to play immediately at UNT. Nurudeen walked on and played at Baylor last season before leaving the school to walk on at UNT. … Linebackers Justin Padron and A.J. Penson, offensive lineman J.J. Johnson, wide receiver B.J. Lewis and quarterback Giovanni Vizza will all play in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star Game this summer, Dodge said. BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com.

Vito Blog UNT lands first hoops recruit Midland College point guard Ryan McCoy confirmed what has long been suspected on Thursday. He is headed to North Texas. McCoy said in a phone interview that he has orally committed to UNT and will sign with the Mean Green next week. McCoy was teammates with Calvin Watson at Houston Madison and signed with Tulsa before spending two years in junior college. He won a JUCO national title at Arkansas-Fort Smith before transferring to Midland, where he won a second straight national title last season. McCoy is expected to play the point for UNT and provide a veteran backup for Ben Bell while also playing some at the shooting guard spot. McCoy was the 40th ranked player in Texashoops.com's state rankings after his senior year at Madison. The 5-11 guard has never been a high scorer on the college level, but can handle the ball and hand out assists while running a team's offense. For more on McCoy, see tomorrow's edition of the Denton Record-Chronicle or check our web site at www.dentonrc.com late tonight.

Student athletes required to meet with academic advisers Wendy Moore Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: Student athletes will have to hustle to their academic advisers' offices before taking the field or court, said Cinnamon Sheffield, associate athletic director for student services. Sheffield said the athletic department decided to make meetings with academic advisers mandatory for all athletes beginning in February. Sheffield said the new step is intended to secure the academic success of athletes by cutting back unnecessary classes and helping to prevent students from choosing majors that do not suit their goals. Sheffield said she noticed that the athletic department did not use the college advisers' help. "I didn't think we were doing a good job of connecting with our campus and using the resources we have on campus," Sheffield said. "In order for our advisers and myself to be successful, we needed the help of the other advisers on campus." She said more than 300 athletes attend NT and the athletic department only has three athletic advisers to help them schedule their classes around their sports obligations. She said because student athletes have such demanding schedules which require them to divide their time between classes, practice, travel and competitions, it is easy to overlook some classes they need to take for their major. Sheffield said the academic advisers can help the athletes avoid those setbacks and guide them toward majors that suit their strong points. Athletes have to complete several steps before registering for classes. First they have to get an advisery form from the athletic student services and take it to the adviser for the college of their major, Sheffield said. During the meetings, advisers help the athletes determine what classes are needed to stay on track and graduate in a timely manner, she said. They narrow the selection to six to eight classes that could be taken the next semester, and the advisers must sign the athlete's advising form. The athletes take their signed forms to their athletic advisers, and based on their sports schedules and class availability, they choose which of the courses the athletes can take, Sheffield said. "The athletes are required to take at least 15 hours of classes," Sheffield said. NT track athlete Shayla Hart, Rowlett sophomore, said they are not allowed to drop below 12 hours to compete in sports so the advisers urge them to take 15 hours in case they have to drop a class. She said she thinks the new system is better because she had more guidance on what classes to take than before. "If I don't stay on track academically, I can't run," Hart said. "I take the classes that help me run and finish my major in time to graduate." Sheffield said preparation for a semester is done early so the athletes can register for classes a week before registration begins for other students. She said it is necessary for the athletes to register early because they have more school-related conflicts and the jump start allows them to lock in their schedules for the upcoming semester before they have to compete with other students just to get into the few classes they are able to take. Sheffield said it is important for other college students to know that the student athletes do not have their schedules created for them or receive special treatment. "They have several steps and requirements that a normal student does not have to do," Sheffield said.

High school coaches at UNT The saying "The gang's all here" appears as if it will take on new meaning at North Texas this week. Approximately 75 high school coaches were at practice on Wednesday, the first day of the North Texas Clinic for high school football coaches. UNT head coach Todd Dodge said he expected the number to double to 150 today. The coaches at the clinic watching practice might well out number the players working out. The clinic is designed to teach high school coaches a new trick or two, but could really end up helping UNT more in the long run. UNT will be on the road recruiting players from high schools that had coaches at the clinic. There is little doubt those coaches will walk away with a good impression of UNT that they will pass along to their players. UNT will also have an open house event for coaches on the 11th. Dodge said after practice that high school coaches will be the lifeblood of his program. If UNT's clinic is any indication, the Mean Green is off to a good start in making those coaches feel welcome.

T-shirt is NOT IN GOOD TASTE.

Semi-intelligible comments from the great unwashed Silk Stocking Hill crowd. THREAD http://www.ponyfans.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.p...asc&start=0

"All I did was take cash. I didn't break any laws and I get kicked off the team, but there's people on the team that are breaking laws and failing drug tests and stuff like that, and there's nobody getting kicked off the team for that type of stuff." -- J.D. Quinn ESPN article http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2825084

It seems that NO ONE is stopping by. In the past we've had posters who provided us with the latest tidbits more than the RC.

Us out of towners are always info starved.

Mighty considerate of ya.

When can the LOI's be signed? Isn't it some time in April ?

Agree. There will probably be some type of recognition for vets from all services.

Won't happen.

One thing you won't see is an Air Force fly-over at a Navy game or visa-versa

A statement by Meager in the DRC article about Friday's scrimmage. "A lot of us were in similar offenses in high school. It's not that big a change for some of us, and our coaches have done a good job of teaching it to us and simplifying it." Meager came out of high school as a fairly well rated QB & was probably headed to a Big XII school before his leg injury. Apparently a number of folks though he had the tools to succeed. He certainly didn't succeed in UNT's run first, run second offense, was injury prone and non-productive. Kinda like a 'deer in headlights' much of the time. QUESTIONS: 1. Can/will Meager become the type of quarterback people thought he was coming out of high school running an offense he's more comforable & familiar with ? 2. Is TD giving Meager the confidence that he seems to have lacked the past two season ? 3. Will the quick releases called for in TD's offense help protect Meager from the concussions & other injuries he's experienced?

Meager looks sharp in scrimmage 11:50 PM CDT on Friday, March 30, 2007 By Brett Vito / Staff Writer Daniel Meager is back on top in the race to become North Texas’ starting quarterback. Meager threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Korey Washington in the opening series of the Mean Green's first scrimmage of spring practice on Friday, and continued to work with the first team throughout a 120-play workout at Fouts Field that was cut short by a rainstorm. "Over the first four practices, Daniel has been the most accurate," new UNT head coach Todd Dodge said. "As we go through spring practice we want to get more continuity. The guys that handle the no-huddle communication and distribute the football are going to get the leg up." Meager has adapted to Dodge's new spread offense quickly and edged ahead of fellow juniors Matt Phillips and Woody Wilson and redshirt freshman Nathan Tune. Meager, Wilson and Phillips all started for UNT at different points last season. Meager and Dodge said UNT has a long way to go, but both were pleased with the way the Mean Green is starting to adapt to its new offense. "We still have strides to make and things to learn, but overall as a unit we did well," Meager said. "A lot of us were in similar offenses in high school. It's not that big a change for some of us, and our coaches have done a good job of teaching it to us and simplifying it." Dodge was particularly pleased with the way Meager has cut down on the number of mistakes he is making. "There were some things Daniel did, mistakes that he made before spring break, that he absolutely corrected today," Dodge said. "That is what we are looking for. It's all right to make a mistake, just don't make the same one over and over again." While Dodge said Meager is at the top of the pecking order at this point in spring workouts, the competition for the starting job will continue. Dodge also has yet to consider moving any of his quarterbacks to another position. Nurudeen making impression Latif Nurudeen is quickly making an impression at UNT. The former Baylor walk-on has only been with the Mean Green for a short time, but is working with the first-team defense. The top four cornerbacks on UNT's depth chart from last season all returned this year. "It's great to have a guy land in your program with that kind of frame and that kind of speed who is very coachable and conscientious about getting better," Dodge said. "He is getting a lot of looks right now." Nurudeen (6-1, 190) played seven games at Baylor last season. "The coaches have high expectations for me," Nurudeen said. "They want me to influence the group in a positive way." Nurudeen played at Friendswood High School near Houston before walking on at Baylor. Defensive front strong One of Dodge's key concerns after taking over as UNT's head coach in December was how much talent he would inherit in the Mean Green's defensive front. A solid outing by UNT's defense during Friday's scrimmage helped quiet some of those concerns. Senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Chapman had a big day and sophomore defensive end Eddrick Gilmore caused a fumble in one of his first outings after sitting out last season. UNT's linebackers also came up with several key plays. "Our strength defensively is going to be our depth," Dodge said. "We have a lot of guys with experience playing college football. We are going to play to that. They are all receptive to the new scheme." Tackle spots a concern UNT continued working with several young offensive tackles in its scrimmage, including redshirt freshman Matthew Menard. The Mean Green lost starter Joel Foster to graduation, and Jeremy Brown elected not to return to the team. Sophomore Robert Peachey returned but did not participate in the scrimmage. Menard struggled at times during the scrimmage while facing Chapman. "We think Matthew Menard will be a really good player for us," Dodge said. "The thing I like about him is that he is one of the most conscientious players I have been around in a long time. He is a worker, has a good frame and long arms." Youngsters look good Dodge said several players have made an impression early in practice, including redshirt freshman linebacker Craig Robertson. "He just jumps out at you as a football player," Dodge said. Dodge also said he was pleased with Gilmore, defensive linemen Isaac Thomas and Montey Stevenson, cornerbacks Antoine Bush and Robbie Gordon and safeties Aaron Weathers, Roy Loren and Kartay Agbottah. Briefly … Johnny Quinn, UNT's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at UNT's pro day. Offensive lineman Dylan Lineberry did 28 bench repetitions at 225 pounds. … Former UNT tight end Beau Davidson has joined the coaching staff as a graduate assistant. BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com. Print E-mail this article Forums

"The forward pass" is a book by TD that will be out very soon at a special price of $9.95 for MGC members.

1.Who is #26 ? Cam Montgomery ? 2. Most impressive/consistant QB ? 3. How did J-Mo do with the new offense?

A Post from the Sun Belt board. Feds charge player in University of Toledo point-shaving scheme March 30, 2007 By DAVID ASHENFELTER and GEORGE SIPPLE FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS A running back for the University of Toledo Rockets has been charged with recruiting fellow athletes to shave points and fix games on behalf of a Macomb County gambler. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit said the player, Harvey “Scooter” McDougle Jr., 22, a senior, recruited football and basketball players to participate in the scheme spearheaded by a Sterling Heights man identified only as “Gary.” Gary’s recruitment of players allegedly included inviting the athletes to gamble and dine at Greektown Casino in Detroit. The complaint said one player was offered $10,000 to sit out a football game. Other players received cash, groceries, merchandise and other gifts, the complaint said. McDougle told the FBI that he received a car, telephone and other things of value from Gary, but insisted that he never changed the way he played to affect the outcome of games. McDougle, of East Cleveland, Ohio, was expected to make a brief appearance today in U.S. District Court in Detroit. He could not be reached for comment. There was no immediate comment from school officials. No other players were identified in the complaint, so it is unclear how many players or teams at Toledo were involved in the scheme, or whether teams at other schools are being investigated. There was no indication in the complaint that players threw any games because of the scheme. In November 2005, the Detroit FBI began intercepting phone calls to and from Gary’s residence to find out about his illegal gambling and sports bribery operation and who it involved. The wiretaps stopped in December 2006. Gary was identified only as an Iraqi male. The complaint said Gary, McDougle and others bribed Toledo athletes to influence the final score of specific games, so Gary and the others could bet on the games with illegal sports bookmakers. Gary met the players through a Toledo cellular phone store where university athletes shopped. He eventually was introduced to a Rockets football player at the store, who introduced Gary to other school athletes. In the months that followed, Gary invited the players to Detroit, where he wined and dined them at restaurants and invited them to gamble at casinos. Once he evaluated the players, he would ask them to participate in a point shaving scheme in exchange for cash and gifts. On Dec. 2, 2005, the complaint said, FBI agents saw McDougle and other Toledo players meet with Gary at a Detroit restaurant before heading to the VIP area of the Greektown Casino. The complaint said Gary would ask trusted players to recruit other players for the scheme. Players who agreed to participate were told about the betting line, the point spread for a particular game. If the team were a three-point favorite, anyone who bet on the Rockets would win if the Rockets won by four points or more. Anyone who bet on the opponent could still win if the opponent lost by three points and less, the complaint said. “Once Gary and the players knew the line, they would decide if they could beat the spread,” the complaint said. “If they were picked as an underdog by 10 points, they would decide if they could beat the 10 point spread. If they were picked as a favorite by a certain number of points, the players would decide if they would most likely win by that much.”

Thank you, thank you, thank you

From the official Sun Belt site http://www.sunbeltsports.org/ViewArticle.d...p;ATCLID=835560 National Football Recruiting Analyst Gives Sun Belt 2007 Class High Marks Courtesy: Sun Belt Conference Release: 03/29/2007 Tom Lemming, highly respected national recruiting analyst for CSTV, said the respective 2007 recruiting classes for the Sun Belt Conference are very strong across the board. “The conference really looks like it is moving in a positive way, particularly this season,” Lemming said. “I typically only interview players that are projected to go to the top six conferences (SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big East, Pac 10, Big 10), and a lot of these players were signed by Sun Belt schools. They signed a lot of talent. They appear to be mirroring the success of the SEC, in that they have some new coaches coming in who have raised the competitiveness.” Lemming felt the conference’s eight football playing schools all signed solid classes, and he said the following about each school: Arkansas State – “They and Troy had the conference’s best classes in my opinion, and they signed a lot of players. They addressed their needs at quarterback and offensive line and probably signed the most athletic class for Arkansas State in years, a class that will go a long way in defining their program.” Florida Atlantic – “They had a good, solid class and filled their needs particularly at running back. They signed a running back that was a national recruit who fell threw the cracks, and the kicker they signed was one of the top three in the state of Florida.” Florida International – “They helped themselves by signing a lot of skilled players and got three good quarterbacks. They really filled their needs at quarterback and wide receiver.” Louisiana-Lafayette – “They needed help at quarterback and the secondary and they got it. It looks like a very good class, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.” Louisiana-Monroe – “The state of Louisiana is one of the most underrated states for high school football talent, and they got of lot of good ball players from Louisiana. They helped themselves with every single position with this class.” Middle Tennessee – “They had a good year, and they got some of their best players from the state of Florida. Most of their top players were on the defensive side of the ball. They signed a big-time defensive lineman, an athletic quarterback and a very talented receiver.” North Texas – “They had a good, solid class and got most of their players from the traditionally strong state of Texas. They got a late start because of their coaching change, but Todd Dodge is a good recruiter with connections and still was able to land a strong class.” Troy – “They had without a doubt the best class in the conference. I interviewed half the guys they signed. Every single position on their team was helped. This class should make Troy difficult to beat in the future.”

Spread the word - UNT optimistic ! 10:31 PM CDT on Thursday, March 29, 2007 By BRETT VITO / Denton Record-Chronicle bvito@dentonrc.com DENTON – Ever since Todd Dodge arrived at North Texas in December, Brandon Jackson has spent a lot of time talking about his new coach – frequently with people he doesn't even know. "When I go to the mall and have my North Texas stuff on, people will stop me to ask about Coach Dodge," the senior wide receiver said. "That's how I know that people are excited about Coach Dodge and the season." The experience has been a common one the last few weeks for UNT players and coaches, who will take the next step in the program's new era today with the first scrimmage of spring practice. The 3:30 p.m. workout at Fouts Field will be the first of two scrimmages leading up to the Mean Green's spring game April 22. UNT's workouts have already attracted more attention than in previous seasons thanks to the arrival of Dodge, who left one of the most successful high school programs in the country at Southlake Carroll to try to revive a UNT team that went 5-18 over the last two years. Dozens of high school coaches and fans have packed the sidelines at UNT's workouts to see Dodge install the offensive and defensive philosophies that helped him lead Southlake Carroll to four Class 5A state titles in five seasons. "I definitely sense a feeling of excitement around the program, and the most important people that is true of is the players," Dodge said. "They have a little spark in their eyes right now. Everyone on this team has a new beginning." UNT athletic director Rick Villarreal attributes that feeling largely to Dodge and his efforts to connect with the Mean Green's fan base. "There is a very positive feeling with our coach out speaking all the time about what he feels can be done here," Villarreal said. "The players are echoing that feeling. When they are out in the public saying those things, it has a natural way of creating excitement." That excitement is due in large part to the offense Dodge is installing. UNT used a ground-based attack that produced a pair of national rushing champions under former coach Darrell Dickey, but is now turning to a spread offense that features the passing game. UNT is also moving back to a 4-3 defense after playing in a 3-4 last season. Mean Green players say the transition has been a smooth one so far. "It's been a new experience," UNT linebacker Maurice Holman said. "There is a lot of opportunity. Everyone is upbeat, wants to work hard and comes in with the mentality that we have to work hard. We are adjusting well." Today's scrimmage will offer UNT players one of their first opportunities to make an impression on the new staff. Dodge declared the competition for starting spots open in his first spring practice and has been happy with the way his players have responded. "We are really pleased," he said. "[Wednesday's] practice was significantly better than our first day in pads and the tempo was outstanding." UNT players attributed that improvement to the atmosphere that has surrounded the workouts since Dodge's arrival. "Everything is a lot more enthusiastic and positive," senior defensive end Jeremiah Chapman said. "It's been inspiring to be with Coach Dodge and his staff. It's nice to have a proven winner here." Higher salaries: The football team's assistant coaches will earn a combined $649,000 under the terms of the contracts they signed earlier this year, 10.5 percent more than the assistant coaches who worked under Dickey last season. The average salary of the new assistants is $72,111, up from $65,278 for last season's assistants. The high salary is $93,000. The high among last season's assistants was $79,000. Villarreal said the increase is part of the school's effort to increase coaches' salaries across the board to make them competitive with other programs across the country. Dodge hired a completely new set of assistant coaches when he took over in December. SCHEDULE Sept. 1 at Oklahoma Sept. 8 at SMU Sept. 22 Florida Atlantic Sept. 29 at Arkansas Oct. 6 at La.-Lafayette Oct. 13 La.-Monroe Oct. 20 at Troy Oct. 27 Mid. Tennessee Nov. 10 Navy Nov. 15 at Arkansas St. Nov. 24 Western Kentucky Dec. 1 at Fla. International

Good stuff. Thanks !