Charlie NT 73

Read 97and03's posting about FAU. Yes, according to the article, the FAU 's defense will lose 8 defensive starters, 3 LB's, 2 safeties, 1 CB, 1 DT. For the team, 22 seniors are gone. For the offense, QB Rusty Smith and all the top receivers return. Both TE's, LY's starting RB are gone, and 1 OL player. The article also states the coaches are "tinkering with the OL", which really does not mean alot. Losing 22 seniors does mean something, as well as losing 8 defensive starters. FAU must make alot of personell changes this spring. FAU will be the 4th NT game of the season. I agree with Fake Lonnie, this game is important. If NT can compete with Ball State, win the Ohio game, and not get blasted by Bama, NT just may be able to beat FAU this season. The NT offense may be able to take advantage of the new FAU defense. If our defense shapes up, and is able to contain Rusty Smith, the match up might work out. I would take a 2-2 record, with a SBC win, to start the SBC race.

My schedule did not allow me to attend practice this past week, so I will try for tommorrow, Friday. The practice will be at Fouts, starts around 3-330pm. Any MG fans going to practice tommorrw?

I found this report off the Ncaabbs.com Sun Belt forum. Caden Dickenson, Argyle HS, a 6-4, 195lbs shooting guard, signed with WKU. Argyle is only 8 miles from Denton. Did Johnny Jones try to recruit Dickenson?

Side Show Joe, thanks for your practice report! I believe the interior DL and the DE's will be strong this season, and will have much needed added depth at each positions. I spoke to Coach Nelson, who is now coaching the entire DL as a group. Coach Nelson said there are a number of players, that will make the difference this season. Coach Nelson has 30+ years coaching the DL play, including stints at BCS level programs. Coach Nelson has developed a large number of all conference and all american type players. For Coach Nelson to say there are a number of DL players that will make the difference with the NT defensive front, I think his endorsement about these players has creditability. DL- the players I know DE's/Depth: Gilmore, Russo, Owusu-Hemeng, Stewart, Brown, (note- Cantly was working at DE when he twisted his knee), JUCO Weber. I noticed two new DE names, DE Brian Murray, 6-4, 237, Watauga TX, (East Central Oklahoma- walk on/transfer?), and DE Joseph Nailor, 6-2, 235,Houston TX, (Univ of Idaho, walk on/transfer?) My projected starting DE's are Gilmore and Russo. DT's/Depth - the players I know: Ross, DeSoto, Franklin, Cantly, Hawthorne, (Brown played DT LY) Incoming JUCO's Atkinson, Jackson, true fresh Kyle White. My projected starting DT's are Ross and DeSoto. The incoming JUCO's will have to prove they can push out the starters. If the JUCO's can prove they are the #1 player, great! My projected starters are not going to conceed their positions because JUCO's are coming this fall. More trench wars are coming, and I like the way the competition is developing! I am sure Coach Nelson and Coach DeLoach like the competition too!

I am planning on going to one practice next week, if my schedule permits me to sneak away from the office. Maybe Mon or Tues- I will write a report on what I see. Since the athletic dept does not report much, we must handle reporting on our own. Anyone else going to practice next week? I would like to request that any NT fans that live in Denton, to watch a practice or two, then update the MG fans with a practice report. Thanks- Charlie

I picked U Conn vs Ohio, because Ohio comes down to Denton, Sept 12th. I want to see how Ohio will handle the U Conn Huskies, Ohio's first game. The Ohio Bobcat's, MAC, HFC is Frank Solich, the ex-Neb HFC, who is entering his 5th year at Ohio. From the Ohio Bobcat's board, the Bobcat fans are not too happy with the results Solich has produced. Early predictions in the MAC, shows Ohio in the middle of the pack again. Currently, no mention of any contract renewals or contact extensions with Solich. The Bobcat's have several 5th seniors that began with Solich, while the following recruting classes have been average to good. NT opens with MAC power Ball State on Sept 3rd at their house. Ball State is loaded, and favorite to win the MAC crown again. As with all MG fans, we will see if NT can compete against a very good football team that will be in the top 25 next season. U Conn is a good team too, but not any where close to Ball State. Ohio will travel to U Conn. These two teams will be more of a even match up, with the favorite being U Conn, but not by much. If Ohio loses to U Conn, I do like our chances against Ohio. I beleive this game would be a good match up for NT, with NT having the edge.

I have talked to a few MG fans that have watched the team practice. Several of these fans report that a RB, #48 is drawing alot of attention with his tough running, and power. I reviewed the roster that BV just put up on his blog. #48 is listed as "Charles Monroe", RB. Does anyone have any background information on this player?

Stebo's posting says it all. The fight against breast cancer is growing momentum everyday, nation wide. I am impressed with the Orlando Sports Foundation plan, and even more impressed with their choice of the Sun Belt Conference to support their cause. The marketing alone for this bowl will be huge. Major corporations will jump at the chance to use their name and their support, with this bowl game. TV networks will be right in there too. Not only fans of the particapating teams will attend, but people from all over the country will come to Orlando. This bowl is not about North Texas, it is about a great cause. Support the Orlando Sports Foundation and complete their request. Help make this bowl a reality. http://www.bringabowltoucf.com/ Here are some views by SBC fans: http://ncaabbs.com/showthread.php?tid=353399

I want to go up to Denton this afternoon to watch practice. Brett Vito said in his blog, all remaining practices will be held at the Darrell R Dickey Football Practice fields. Now I am hearing today's practice may be at Fout's Field. Usually, any practice at Fout's is closed to the public. I called the FB office, no answer, but I did get voice mail, so I left a message about today's practice. Anyone have any updates about practice today?

Chad comes in weighing at 370lbs but his name is "Little"? I am confused!

During my days at NT, I remember talking to Fred Graham several times. Graham was a good guy, and always talking about NT athletics. He loved NT just like all of us. I would like to see Fred Graham honored with a induction into the NT sports hall of fame.

When I spoke to Coach Nelson at the signing day event, I was very impressed. His resume is full of all conference players, and NFL players. His expertise is coaching not only DT's, and DE's, but coaching the entire DL as a unit. I like this coaching move. I think Coach Nelson will have alot of input to Coach DeLoach with defensive game plan development. I also like he hiring of Scotty Conely, knows Texas, has contacts, will work with recruiting, and experience at D1 programs. Maybe these injured players are being held out for precautionary reasons? JJ Johnson recovering from injury? That is too bad. I did not know he was injured. Tyler Bailey, had a severe broken leg that required surgery. Alex Lott, Sam Owusu-Hemeng,Jeremi Mathis (I know Mathis has been injured a long time-so I wonder if he applied for a Med R/S status?). Micah Mosley, I thought he was injured LY, stayed out for a while, but played in the last 2 games? I hope all of these players recover and come back in the fall. I like the current position moves too. Cook from CB to Safety, Jeremey Phillips from safety to LB. (I think all NT fans wanted this move). Joe Hawthorne from DE to DT. Joe must be a good DT candidate now. JUCO Jeremey Bean, 6-5, 310, learning both OT and OG positions, is a good idea. Now, Sam Roberson from O-WR to S-WR? I thought Roberson would also work out at TE? At 6-4, 220lbs, he would present a big target. This makes me think something is in the works at all WR positions. I thought Roberson was going to be the deep threat go to guy or does the staff see more value with Roberson as a big slot reveiver? Stradford will be working out at O-WR, but no news on his eligibilty in 2009. DB Justin Chatman, 5-9, 165, 4.4 speed. This is a big surprise! Transfer from MN. I know MN and WI, hit the DFW area hard during recruiting. With that many D1 offers, Rivals had only a 5.3 rating on Chatman. How was Chatman able to be eligible for 2009? I would take a 4.4 CB from any of the DFW area schools! A Big Ten conference player, coming to NT, that can play in 2009, great! Now if we can get OU transfer WR Tyler Stradford eligible for 2009! That would be great news too!

I made a error on my postings. I misspelled Coleman Feeley's last name. My apologies to Coleman. The OG position. Last year, center Kelvin Drake suffered his ankle injury, and Tyler Bailey broke his leg. Both were out. J.J Johnson took over the center position, and Coleman Feeley took over the R-OG position. Both Johnson and Feeley played very well. Gabe Hollivay, started at L-OG, and just contolled the interior line. I was very impressed with all 3 players, and looking forward to see how they perform in spring ball. I think all 3 will be the starters for 2009. Now, Kelvin Drake was a all SBC center, and is returning from his ankle injurty. Tyler Bailey, is a very good OG, who had become the L-OG starter until his injury. Will Drake stay at Center or move to OG, or play both positions as a rotation player? Can he push Johnson out as the starting center? Nick Leppo is in this fight too. Tyler Bailey is a very good OG, so can he push Hollivay out at L-OG or Feeley out at R-OG? Drake and Bailey will provide a very interesting situation for the staff. Remember also, Santiago was the starting R-OG, but was moved to R-OT. Does Santiago stay at R-OT? JUCO transfer Jeremy Bean play's R-OT. Another battle to watch, Santiago vs Bean. Regardless of how these battles end, the OL wins. There will be a solid 1st team, and a sound rotation of players, both at OG and center, that can step in when needed. Can this group of offensive linemen become a very good OL? Yes, I do believe they will become a very good OL!

Dang, I failed to mention DE Kyle Russo! My apologies. LY Russo was 6-3, 240+ range, and played very well. With a year of conditioning with Coach Ausmus, Russo will just get bigger and stronger. I do expect Russo will play in the DE rotation, and battle for a starting position. I would think Russo has a leading edge for the DE spot during spring ball, since he did play alot last year. JUCO transfer DE John Weber cannot practice until 2 a days this summer, so I see another major battle developing at DE. Gabe Hollivay is a OG, so I did not mention him. I was talking about the OT position. Gabe was a suprise as well as Coleman Freely. Both are powerful OG's. I hear Gabe has shed alot of fat, down to 330. The coaches were hoping not to play Freely in 2008, and use 2008 as a R/S year. The coaches knew he could step right into the rotation, but due to injuries, Freely got a early chance at OG. Freely has the OG position locked up, and moving Freely out will be very difficult. I think Drake will move to OG, Johnson and Leppo will be the centers, and Troy Kokjohn, the deep snapper. No more Eddrick Gilmore handling deep snaps, Gilmore is a DE not a deep snapper! Kokjohn does not get alot of attention. This kid is a player, and takes his role seriously. The center, DS, and OG positions look very solid and strong. Now, add in 2 big, strong, experienced OT's to this OL. 300lb players from tackle to tackle. Now that is beef! I sure hope I am not drinking too much green kool aid, but, the OL just seems to be getting bigger and stronger. No wonder Coach Leftwich has a big smile on his face when talking about his OL players. Here is another prediction. I would not be suprised to see WR Sam Roberson working at TE during the spring.

Spring practice starts next Monday, finally some football for us Football Junkies. The 2009 team will have multiple players at key positions in the mix this spring, which will create some very interesting battles. First note, that C/OG Kelvin Drake, OG/OT Tyler Bailey, OT Matt Tomlinson, RB Lance Dunbar, and RB Micah Mosley, all are healthy now, and will participate in spring ball. Trench warfare- very interesting situations here. NG/DT: Jessie DeSoto, Draylen Ross, Troy Franklin, Tevinn Cantly, and Joe Hawthorne. I think DeSoto will be the # 1 DT, and Ross the #1 NG. DeSoto was drawing double teams LY, and Ross, can be a dominate NG. At the Signing day press conference, Coach Dodge said the defense will start with Ross. New DT Coach Mike Nelson said NT has several good DT's that opponents will find very tough to handle. The JUCO DT's will go through summer workouts, but, the JUCO's must push someone out to start in the fall. DT/NG depth looks real good. Adding 3 JUCO's during 2 a days, will build quite a DT/NG/DE rotation! DE: Eddrick Gilmore, is now 6-6,270, will be one of the DE's. Charlie Brown moves back to DE, Sam Owusu-Hemeng, Marquise Sykes, and Jonathan Stewart will played many snaps at DE LY. JUCO John Weber can't practice until 2 adays. I know there is a question that lingers on one player, but if he comes through, he could be a NFL prospect. Will R/F DT Joe Hawthorne work at DE? The DE group looks good. Now, the OT position. Matt Tomlinson, 6-5, 300+ returns to the field, finally. New JUCO OT Jeremey Bean, 6-5, 300+ is in school now. Current OT starters- Victor Gill was a TE, converted to OT, very strong but a little light for a OT. Will Gill bulk up for 2009? Esteban Santiago is a very good OG, then moved to OT. Both Gill and Santiago played OT for the first time LY. Matt Menard plays both OG/OT. With the OG, and center positions solid, will Coleman Freeley move over to OT or has Freeley taken a starting OG position? Jacob "Big Jake" Kaiser was a R/S, Arron Fortenberry and Dan Holt are freshmen, and Nate Jenkins-well you know his story. The "Ace in the Hole" card is true fresh John Noble, 6-6, 300+. Noble is a very good OT, and a possible R/S candidate. Only thing here is Noble is a very good player! Size, speed, moves very well for a big man. Noble could see playing time. The OT position will have more players with experience, speed, and size, that Coach Leftwich is very happy to have. Everything begins in the "trenches", so let the trench warfare begin! Yes!!

Dodge2007 You have made several amazing comments, regarding steroid use by NT athletes. Wow, you are a man in the know! Are you in the athletic department? Prove your claims- 1. "a kid that 2 months ago was 200lbs". Who would this kid be? 2. "SLC Pharmacy- just ask Padron". I want you to call up Padron, and you ask him to go public with his secret knowledge, and confirmation with names, dates, and how the SLC Pharmacy is managed. With the Padron brothers at $MU, I would guess you would also say the $MU team is using juice? 3. What is a "Big Bottled Headed" kid anyway? I have never heard that one. 4. UNT2012 is right on? Right on about what? I think your comment on steriod use is just gossip crap that you want to beleive, and now, try to throw it out to the Mean Green fans. Why don't you go visit with Rick V, to prove you point. Bring Padron along for fun too. Brett Vito would be there is a heartbeat, so do not leave Brett out. Steriod use by the NT football team? Jeez-where does this crap come from?

Ohio Univ. Bob Cats had 8 away games in the 2008 season. 7 of the 8 away games were on TV. Ohio finished at 4-8. 08-30-08 @ Wyoming, "The Mountain" network 09-06-08 @ Ohio State, ESPN, national 09-20-08 @ Northwestern, "The Big Ten" network 10-11-08 @ Kent St, "FSN Ohio" 10-21-08 @ Temple, ESPN 2 10-28-08 @ Buffalo, ESPN U 11-28-08 @ Miami (OH), ESPN U 4 games with the ESPN network. Note, 3 ESPN network games in October. ESPN loves the MAC.

Another pre-season review. Scroll dpwn to North Texas. http://myespn.go.com/blogs/others

This morning, I reviewed the web sites of the Ohio Bob Cats, Ball St Cardinals, and the Army Black Knights. Ball State: Thier new HFC is Stan Parrish, who has been Ball St's QB/OC coach the past 4 years. Parrish is the reason for Ball St's quick improvement. 38yrs in coaching, including 4yrs as the QB/OC coach at Michigan-won the BCS championship in 1997, and 3yr's as the QB coach for Tampa Bay, with a Super Bowl Championship. Ball St has 13 coaches(including grad asst's). Ball St has set records in offense and defense the past 4 yrs. Ball St is loaded with talent, huge OL/DL, and the favorite to be MAC champs again for 2009. There are 8, 5th yr sr's, and very strong depth at each position.Ball St runs a TE set spread offense like Tulsa. Ohio Univ Bob Cats. HFC Frank Solich is entering his 5th year, so his first recruiting class will be Sr's, but, there are not to many left. Ohio finished 4-8 LY, still runs the Nebraska power I. Projected to finish in the middle of the MAC again in 2009. Alot of pressure on Solich to improve. No mention of any contract renewal for 2010. Army Black Knights: New HFC Rich Ellberson, has 30yrs in college football, comes from Cal Poly (FCS). Ellberson is a triple option expert, spent 4yrs with Paul Johnson. Cal Poly has finished in the top 25 FCS last 4 yrs, with two top 10 rankings. Set offense records each of the last 4 yrs. Avg 400+ total offense, with 300+ rushing avg, and scoring, 49pts in 11 games, with 2, 50+ point games LY . Army's roster has a ton of skill position players (14 QB's are the roster now). What I found suprising was the low number of OL/DL players, with only 1 at 300lbs. Most at 260-285 range. Army ran the wish bone LY, so Ellberson will no trouble converting to the double wing option. Prediction for OOC games- I would say 2-2, with Ohio and Army being our best chance. I think NT will match up very well aginst these 2 teams, and both games are at home which is to NT's advantage. Two OOC wins here! Loss at Bama- Bama has pay back in mind for any SBC team after losing at home to UL-Mon. Satan will be angry, needless to say, and the fans rapid for payback, big time. Bama is loaded with NFL talent across the board, and contending for a National Title. Loss at Ball St- Ball St will win the MAC easily, gain another bowl game, and enter the top 25. Very experienced team, loaded with big time talent, looking to gain national rankings. 1st game of 2009, the new HFC will show the fans he can run the Ball St show.

Babe of the Day- Go to http://ncaabbs.com/ this brings up the main web site page. Look for "Lounge Main", look to the right side of this heading and you will find "Babe of the Day", and click this site. For conferece news, slide down the main page. The SBC forum is farther down this page.

I was checking out this web site, which features a SBC section. Scroll down the main page for the SBC. Then I noticed the "Babe of the Day" link, listed in the Lounge Main section. Click this on, very impressive "Babes of the Day". I would not say a xxx rating but a soild xx for sure.

Here is a tread from GoTroyTrojans.com regarding CUSA and the GMAC Bowl http://www.gotroytrojans.com/forums/showtread.php?=12720

Each SBC team has a review, and a Scout prediction for the 2009 season. Each SBC team review has notes on key players leaving and key players returning. General overviews with interesting reading. Scroll down to find all the SBC team reviews and predictions. http://cfn.scout.com/2/838421.html

Here is one of several postings from their board "Ponyfans.com" "Kaboooom!" http://www.ponyfans.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=37575 Debates on- #1: June Jones is trimming down the roster to meet the 85 scolarship limit. #2. Cleaning house, maybe 3 more players to go. "JJ grew a pair!" #3: Under acheiving players, very little playing time, not good enough for the team. #4. Recruiting, "Hi Mom, if your son comes to $MU, he may be cut in a year or two." #5. Tution at $MU = $40,000 yr, can these players afford to stay at $MU? #6. JJ has "placed these players into other programs?" And I found this too. A&M bought out their contract for the 4 game, home and home series, with $MU. Jone's said A&M paid alot of $$$ for canceling the contract and more $$$ in penalities too. Jones mentions a series with Hawaii. http://www.ponyfans.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=37581

Wow! We are debating who starts where, only many of us are now thinking and saying "what about this guy" or "don't forget that guy" at each position! You mean to tell me there are multiple quality players at each position? Hell yes! The offensive staff and the defensive staff will have a tough time to determine who is the number 1 guy, the # 2 guy, and the # 3 guy will be at each position! Not one player is the #1 guy right now. The competition is starting, and will be very firece during spring ball and the fall 2 a day training season. Let the trench wars begin!