Penn State Football's Darkest Hour
James Franklin inherited the Penn State coaching job in one of the darkest times in the program's storied history. The Jerry Sandusky scandal was one of the most horrific and tragic cases in the history of sports. The actions of one despicable man and the cover up by university officials, left many to wonder if the Nittany Lions could ever climb back from the depths of NCAA Football Hell. Below are the sanctions handed out by the NCAA, per New York Times.
"The N.C.A.A. announced significant penalties against Penn State and its football program Monday, including a $60 million fine and a four-year postseason ban, in the wake of the child sexual abuse scandal involving the former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
The N.C.A.A. stopped short of shutting down Penn State’s program, but officials insisted that the breadth and significance of the penalties were nearly as debilitating. It is expected to be almost a decade before Penn State will be in a position to attempt to regain its place as one of the sport’s elite programs. The punishment also included the loss of 10 scholarships per year for the next four years, with a limit of 65 total scholarship players on the roster, as opposed to the typical 85, for four years beginning with the 2014 season. The university must also vacate all its victories from 1998 to 2011, meaning that Joe Paterno is no longer the major-college career leader in football coaching wins. The university was also placed on probation for five years."
"In announcing the penalties, Mark Emmert, the N.C.A.A. president, called the case the most painful “chapter in the history of intercollegiate athletics,” and said it could be argued that the punishment was “greater than any other seen in N.C.A.A. history.”
Coach Bill O'Brien
Coach O'Brien really inherited the mess from the Sandusky fall out, after Joe Paterno was fired and was named the 15th head football coach at Penn State University. Bill O'Brien started a re-building project and after the 2012 season in which the Nittany Lions went 8-4, was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. A record of 8-4 normally does not get you this award in college football today, but with the intense scrutiny and pressure that came with this particular job, Coach O'Brien did masterfully in his first season. His name then started popping up for NFL head coaching jobs. After interviewing with multiple teams, O'Brien stated, "I’m not a one-and-done guy. I made a commitment to these players at Penn State and that’s what I am going to do. I’m not gonna cut and run after one year, that’s for sure."
Coach O'Brien shortly after replaced Gary Kubiak as the Houston Texans head coach, leaving Penn State in shock and very unsure of the future of the Penn State football program. Coach James Franklin - The Man For The Job
Coach Franklin's football roots start in the state of Pennsylvania, where he was born in Langhorne, PA and played QB for four years at the University of East Stroudsburg. Franklin was a PSAC legend, as he set 7 school passing records and was a D2 football player of the year nominee. Franklin started his coaching career in the PSAC at Kutztown University and a long career as an assistant coach and recruiting master found him as the head football coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores. Coach Franklin was able to lead the Commodores to 3 straight bowl appearances and two top 25 nationally ranked seasons, before being named the 16th head football coach at Penn State University. He has coached under as much scrutiny as Coach O'Brien did and relished the adversity in re-building the historic Penn State Nittany Lions back to national prominence. In his first two seasons he went 7-6, and the Penn State offense sputtered out time and time again, as this was a daunting task with the stigma of Big Ten play. But the recruiting extraordinaire was able to land athletes like Saquon Barkley and Walter Camp Award Watch List QB Trace McSorley who have been able to perform remarkably under Coach Franklin's tut-ledge. After two 11-win seasons and only missing the BCS playoffs by a few points in a one point loss against Ohio State (39-38) and a 27-24 loss on a last second field goal to Michigan State. So, are the Nittany Lions in a re-building year again or will we see improvement under the very impressive Coach James Franklin?
What to Expect from the 2018 Penn State Nittany Lions?
Trace McSorley has thrown at least one touchdown pass in his last 28 games and with the departure of some key components to last years offense, will look to Miles Sanders to produce in the running game. This will open up the passing game so McSorley can find returning receivers Thompkins and Johnson downfield for big plays. Justin Shorter who is a prolific 5-Star Receiver, will look to make a early impact for the Lions, as he headlines a top 5 national recruiting class that makes the future even brighter in happy valley. With the Penn State offensive line returning 5 players with at least 9 games of playing experience from the years prior, McSorley should have a successful "Heisman hopeful" type of season if the Lions stay healthy in tenacious Big Ten play. The Penn State defense had over 30 players contribute at least 5 tackles last season and Coach Pry loves to keep his defensive units fresh. This philosophy has the Lions looking very strong up front, as they return 9 of the 12 d-linemen from last season and have a plethora of options to look to in their solid linebacker core. Their defensive backs will be tested at home against Ohio State, as the Buckeyes will be looking to air it out in Happy Valley. If the Lions can run the table and make it to Michigan with anbh unblemished record, we could be looking at a historic match-up and season for the Penn State Nittany Lions and one Coach Franklin will cherish for the rest of his young career.
Did Joe Paterno deserve to have his wins re-instated?
"To completely restore, in a sense, Joe Paterno's heretofore pristine reputation, I regret that," Boni said. "He did a world of good, but he made a huge, huge error in judgment in helping cover up Sandusky's pedophilia, and even posthumously I think that has to be recognized." Michael Bono (Attorney of victim in case)
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The 2018 Clemson Tigers Football PreviewDabo Swinney's Coaching Philosophy
Over the last three seasons, the Clemson Tigers are 40-4 with two of those wins coming in the playoffs. Over the course of the program’s ascendancy, Dabo Swinney has earned a reputable title for himself as an elite head coach, and has often been compared to Nick Saban as a dominating powerhouse in the world of college football. Many athletes, coaches, and even musicians often don’t like being compared to their competition or even their predecessors, Swinney, a reverent Christian seems to appreciate the comparison, as it indicates to him that he doing something right. Despite the growing rivalry between their two programs, both coaches appear to have the utmost respect for one another.
The Swinney-Saban coaching foundations
Reading and listening to how these two head coaches define their processes, I have noticed some important parallels between their leadership philosophies. According to Swinney, the culture he has installed in the Clemson program is driven by ‘The Why’ of what he, his staff and his athletes do–not just how they do it, but why. As such, his leadership style is highly focused on intent and purpose.
Similarly, in a recent speech given a camp at Alabama, Coach Saban emphasized the importance of choice to the young athletes in attendance. Much like Swinney’s philosophy of why, Saban aims to instill conscientious action and decision-making in his student-athletes. While working for a publication that also covers college football prospects, I have found these lessons are likely the most imperative in guiding young athletes. Half of the submissions we receive from high school athlete requesting help in their recruiting process show a disturbing lack of purpose and sincerity, and it’s clear that the recruit has yet to ask themselves why they want to play college football. I have also seen this pattern of haphazardness in top rated, 4-5-star recruits. I’m not saying it’s wrong or condemnable for an 18 year-old to not have a meticulous life strategy, but it is imperative for rising college football players, FBS or otherwise, to reflect on the whys: Why do you want to play college football? Why did you choose to play football in the beginning, and why is it still a big part of your life? Why do you want to play in college and not in a minor professional league? Why did you pick the school you play for? These questions are so important in the recruiting process and in the greater realm of college football because when a young player’s motivations are driven one-dimensionally, they are setting themselves up to make destructive choices and even subconsciously sabotage themselves on the field. The parallels in leadership between these two powerhouse programs demonstrate why they are where they are and why there will be no shortage of competitive Clemson-Alabama match-ups in future college football playoffs as long as they continue to re-install these core values in these young men. Coach Saban and Coach Swinney - Building young men through life coaching
Offense: the QB Question
After leading Cartersville High School to two state championships and ending his high school career 52-2 with 13,908 passing yards and 161 touchdowns, breaking several Georgia state records set by former Tiger Deshaun Watson, it's no wonder Tigers fans are clamoring to see the highly recruited Freshman QB Taylor Lawrence perform at the next level. However, those set on seeing the long-haired dual-threat QB start for the Tigers this season are likely to be disappointed. In the eyes of Coach Swinney, none of the freshman's renowned high school achievements or national popularity can equate to Kelly Bryant's experience leading the 2017-18 Clemson Tigers to the playoffs and a 12-2 record (with the only regular season loss resulting from Bryant's absence due to a concussion experienced mid-game).
"Obviously, Kelly's won a conference (championship) and taken us to the playoffs, and he's got great experience," Swinney said. "The other guys are right there and battling." Much like Saban's, Swinney's coaching philosophy stresses savvy, conscientious decision-making in players. This perhaps why both head coaches trust their more experienced college football QB over the fresher, younger choice, even when the vast majority of fans, critics and popular opinion think otherwise. Though Lawrence's ability as an accomplished passer seem like the obvious solution to Bryant's ineffectiveness in getting the ball downfield on long passes last year, the freshman will be of much better use after spending time learning from a seasoned QB with a winning record and playoff experience. Bryant's passing yards last season may have fell short of the standard set by Clemson, but he still has a lot to offer and should not be dismissed so quickly just before there is a flashy new dual-threat QB in town. Learn the Story of Kelly Bryant and how he overcame crones disease his junior year of high school!
All-Star Defensive Line
With returners Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant, Brent Venables is basically running a pro-level defensive line with a number of backups that would be starters in most other programs. Unlike other CFB Playoff contenders like Georgia who have had to rebuild essential parts of their defense after losing a number of top-preforming players to the NFL Draft, Swinney is working with a highly developed and familiarized defensive unit.
Prediction: 12-0 Before Rematch with Alabama
Last year, the Tigers' only regular season loss was handed to them by Syracuse when QB Kelly Bryant suffered a concussion mid-game. Hopefully, no injuries or harm comes to Kelly, but in case something does happen, Freshman Taylor Lawrence will be ready to step-in and ball. Sh** happens, but as long as the Tigers stay focused and detail-oriented, they should be able to put up an 11-0 regular season and an ACC Conference Title, all leading up to a much anticipated CFB Playoff rematch against Alabama.
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First and Foremost - R.I.P Heisman Trophy Winner - Rashaan Salaam
Steven Montez has been named on the Maxwell Trophy watch list and Colorado received one first place vote as PAC-12 champs, which leaves you wondering what the Buffs have in store for us after another sub-par season in 2017. The 2016 season left high hopes, as the Buffs were able to win ten games in the very talented PAC-12 for the first time under Coach MacIntyre. But instead of top recruits headlining Buffs news, it was a domestic violence case, which shed a negative light on the university and the football staff in Boulder. This led to another sub-par season in Boulder, which they are hoping this year will be different with a solid nucleus of leaders in the locker room returning and some key JuCo transfers that we highlight below.
With coach's abysmal 22 -38 record at CU, he can only hope that the plethora of talent coming in this year can save not only this season, but Coach MacIntyre's job, as the word is around town, his seat is getting rather hot. If the Buffs can eliminate needless distractions this season and figure out their 'why'? Then they can put the season into proper perspective and be able to operate on the gridiron at full capacity and have a great season in PAC-12 play. Rashaan Salaam brought fire and energy to the Kordell Stewart led offense in 1994 and was able to hoist the Heisman Trophy when it was all said and done. I would like send my condolences to his family as I know it was very hard to understand why such a talented and loving young man would take his own life. After studying immensely the effects of CTE and constant brain trauma the hard way, I was able to realize that without proper holistic medicines and rehabilitation, all could be lost very quickly. This matter is becoming terrifying for football players globally because of the presentation of the subject. We must learn from our mistakes in the past that wound up costing families close loved ones or the game will fade into a cataclysm of lawsuits and anguish. Players To WatchCan the Buffs compete this year in the PAC-12?
Steven Montez had a memorable freshmen season, as the Buffs won ten games and were on their way to returning to national prominence. His sophomore season was productive, as he broke a school record with 172 pass attempts without an interception. Montez currently ranks 19th all-time in passing yards in CU history in only 22 games played and after a very competitive summer at the Manning Passing Academy, has found himself on the Maxwell Award "Watch List". This award honors College Football's top player every year and Montez will benefit intrinsically with the veteran leadership of former Hokie star running back Travon McMillian, a graduate transfer. This experience in the backfield will provide some much needed stability for Montez and will provide more openings to push the ball downfield, via play-action. JuCo Product Darrion Jones will bring a red-zone target and create match-up problems, as he reminds me a lot of a young Antonio Gates as a TE/H-Back. He runs routes like a wide receiver, as you can see below and comes to Boulder, Colorado from the city of Compton, California. With a unproven receiving core, Jones can provide instant offense for Montez and the Buffs, as they will face some stellar PAC-12 defenses.
Defensively, the Buffs went out and grabbed two more outstanding JuCo players in Davion Taylor and Delrick Adams Jr. With many returning players on the defensive side of the ball and the outstanding leadership shown by the Buffs 2018 team captains, we ranked the Buffs 19th in the Nation in our FBS Top 25. Is this a little to high? Possibly, but a week one rivalry match-up will need to be won handily against Colorado State in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, and the Buffs will have to handle business on the road against Coach Scott Frost and the mighty Huskers of Lincoln, Nebraska in order to remain in the Top 25. With some of the talent that they have brought in this season, can Coach MacIntyre get his team to mold as a unit and keep his staff from causing off the field distractions? I guess time will tell, as we are in Denver, Colorado at the Crown Plaza preparing for the 2018 match-ups that will be featured here in beautiful Colorado. The Miracle at Michigan
So there was the Miracle at Michigan where we had featured Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam, NFL Star "Slash" Kordell Stewart, and Rae Carruth. The story of Carruth is one of the saddest in sports and one that should be told for the simple fact of it not being condoned and/or happening again. One man let his ego take control of not only his life, but the lives of his pregnant girlfriend and at the time a baby Chancellor. Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam was adored by many off the field but fought internal battles daily after football. A 86 report found by Boulder police stated
"The 86 pages of interviews and evidence shed light on the last days of a man who, behind that signature smile, was tortured. Friends and family described a man haunted by his short-lived NFL stint, unable to find a career after football, and weighed down by a trophy he never felt he lived up to." Kordell Stewart went on to be known as "slash" and had a great NFL career in my opinion. He also struggled with personal issues and recently won 3 million dollars in a settlement against the man who spread false accusations of his sexual orientation. I wore #10 to school after hearing the accusations, as I was always told, "all press is good press" growing up by another former Pittsburgh Steeler, my father David Trout. My father always used to say this when I would bring up anything negative said about me or any other athlete in the press. He took it as a sign that "you were doing something right", so once again Mr.Trout was right because Kordell Stewart is still one of the most versatile football players to ever take the field. As you can see, there is much more to life than football and how we deal with the little things will keep u you happier down the road. If you are feeling any type of internal anguish or emotional discomfort please reach out to a family member or friend. If you cannot do this, please go see a doctor or someone who specializes in post-traumatic head injuries.
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The Coach Scott Frost Era Has Begun
The Scott Frost era has begun in Nebraska after he led UCF to an undefeated season and a so-called tie with Alabama for the National Championship. Undoubtedly, UCF would have lost a few games in the SEC that year, so a 'national championship' to me is invalid and they need to work on moving to a power 5 conference if they want to boast a REAL title. Taking nothing away from Coach Frost's accomplishments with UCF football, but he surely had much more to work with than he does this year in Husker land. Their is no Tommy Frazier, Mike Rozier or Eric Crouch that is going to emerge from this unit, as all we have seen come out of Nebraska this off-season is trash talk against the likes of Michigan and Coach Harbaugh. The land of 10 boldly stated that Scott Frost, not Jim Harbaugh was the real QB whisperer of the Big 10. This article goes on to state that: if you were a highly rated QB, who would you be committing to play for--Frost or Harbaugh? Frost is not the real QB whisperer of the Big Ten. I believe this was a ploy by the Nebraska press in coagulation with the Huskers to land a big time QB, by using negative re-enforcement in the big time QB recruits' heads. Because as you will see, Coach Frost might have played for and coached with some of the best in the game, but his resume simply is not that of Coach Jim Harbaugh's just yet. Honestly, he is not even the best QB to put in a Nebraska uniform or wear the same number of Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch (as seen below). Are the two comparable? Yes. Did Scott Frost have the same weaponry that Crouch had? Maybe not. All in all, it's about wins and losses, and what he was able to do at UCF was flat-out remarkable, but can he bring that same tenacity and style of play to Nebraska Football in the coming years? I am not seeing it this season, as it appears he is going to have to prepare either a walk-on QB or a freshmen starter. Now, if you can put the entire picture together you will see why Nebraska media has come after the legendary Coach Harbaugh to obtain a big time QB in the class of 2019. They did however land Luke McCaffery, whom I heard through my resources in Colorado is best athlete in that amazingly talented football family. So that being said, the future is very bright in Husker land with Coach Frost at the helm of this historic program.
We Think Bipartisan
Nebraska had 28 Top 10 finishes from 1963 to 2001 and ran the triple-option/power offense that the legendary Tom Osbourne was able to win 3 of the 5 national titles that have been brought back to Lincoln. Growing up, I (Merf Trout), modeled my game after legendary Heisman Trophy winner (and arguably the best college QB of ALL-TIME) Eric Crouch. I watched this style of offense, which is now seen more ran with the Iowa Hawkeyes and their smack-you-in-the-mouth mentality, make them one of the best college football teams to ever take the field. When it was time to throw the ball, not to many had the footwork that Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch exhibited, as they would use various forms of "play action" to leave receivers wide open downfield for touchdowns. This offense was one of the most diverse power football schemes we have ever witnessed, and it had plenty of elite athletes to deploy such a strategy. Scott Frost ran pretty much the same offense when with the Huskers, as seen above next to Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch. Frost was selected in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the N.Y Jets, where he played special teams and safety. He ended his career in Tampa Bay in 2003 and was coached by some of the best to ever play the game. This list includes, Bill Walsh (Stanford), Tom Osbourne, Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, and the Bucs' John Gruden and Mike Tomlin. Frost also worked under Chip Kelly in Oregon as the WR coach and Coach Mark Helfrich, as he is partly responsible for instilling toughness in the Oregon receiving corp that enhanced Oregon's powerful running game. In 2014, Frost was a finalist for the Broyles Award, as he was now coaching the likes of Marcus Mariota and the high scoring Oregon offense, as the O-Coordinator and QB Coach.
What to expect out of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2018
Freshmen 4-star QB Adrian Martinez and 4-star (JR) QB Tristan Gebbia have been competing for the starting job, and both could be used this season as they both possess unique skill sets. All in all, I do believe that Martinez is the better fit for the "speed and more speed" spread-option style attack that Coach Frost uses. 4-star TE Cameron Jurgens out of Beatrice, NE will provide a big target and can operate as a H-Back with his diverse skill set. Watching the spring game below, Adrian Martinez could surprise the Big 10 in his first season, as he operates the spread style attack very well and has a very fluent throwing motion. With Coach Frost's "QB Whisperer" knowledge, this offense could surprise opponents this season, and it will be up to the Nebraska defensive unit to step up to the challenge and play with more physicality and discipline. Nebraska has been in the Big Ten for 7 seasons now and have made it to the Big 10 championship once, only to get smoked by 39 points. We have no idea what Frost has in store for the long term, as we know very little about how he maintains a program, or if he can handle the pressure of being a "home town boy" for the Husker faithful. Coach Frost is going to try and beat Big 10 defenses with "speed and more speed" as that is what his style of offense requires. But can this style of play hold up in one of the most physical conferences in all of collegiate football? The Huskers of old made it a statement to play fast, but with unmatched physicality in all phases of the game, even at the QB position. Senior All-Conference Guards Tanner Farmer and Jerald Foster return, along with four other starters from last season on the offensive line. This should provide the new developing QB's with some confidence when facing some of the best pass rushing defenses in all of collegiate football. New JuCo transfers that will be added to the already talented receiving corp in (SR) Stanley Morgan Jr. and (SO) JD Spielman, as they obviously possess electric speed that Coach Frost covets in his Oregon Ducks style attack. New players including speed rush end Caleb Tannor, who we believe can be an instant impact player for the Husker Defense are featured below. As you will see--in my opinion--Nebraska could shock some people this season in Big Ten play and nationally if Tre Bryant can stay healthy.
The "Black-Shirt" defense (110th nationally)
I believe with Coach Frost's distinguished football mind, the Huskers will rebound and score early and often with the new additions to the offensive unit. The big question is going to be can the "black-shirt" defense return to national prominence, or at least be better than 110th in the nation, according to SB Nation. This is quite uncommon in Husker land, as their defenses have been ranked 8th or better from 1993-2003 and the last 14 seasons just have not been the same for the black-shirts. Bo Pellini had the Husker defense ranked number one in 2009 and then the steady decline began, as in his final three seasons his defenses ranked an average of 50th nationally. Last season their defensive ranking fell to 110th. This must improve drastically if they have any chance of competing in Big Ten play and returning to national prominence. The Nebraska defense was 128th in rushing success rate and 122nd in passing success rate, along with being the least disruptive defense in the nation, at 130th! They will have an experienced defense, which could not be a good sign for the Huskers, as they return most of last year's starters. They have added JuCo transfers and star-studded freshmen in4-star safety Cameron Jones, speed pass rusher Tate Wildeman and ILB Will Honas. Nebraska will rely heavily on their 2018 recruiting class and former UCF defensive coordinator Erik Chinander's concepts that were ranked 74th in the nation, but were able to help produce the historic rebuilding of the UCF program. Nebraska needs help in many areas and their special teams will have to step up this season and be reliable in the close contests that the Big Ten is known for producing. If they can find a way through the first three games at 3-0, it will open up a chance to upset Michigan and only then, can we claim that Coach Frost is moving towards the best QB coach in the Big Ten.
Nebraska Football 2018 Prediction
Coach Frost and staff took UCF from 0-12 to 12-0 in two short seasons using their vast knowledge of the game, along with molding them into a cohesive unit. I expect the same turnaround this year and Nebraska to win more games then they did last season. We predict that they will finish 7-5 or 6-6 with the tough schedule they are facing. But we are not counting them out as a 'dark horse' in Big Ten play, if one of the Huskers new QB's can claim stake to the position. If the defense can move up into the Top 50 again and special teams can hold their own, Nebraska will finyujd themselves in prime position to move into Big Ten title talks and a birth to the BCS Playoffs.
AuthorMerf Trout College Football Today's #24 ranked FBS team in the Nation
The Legendary Coach Kirk Ferentz
Kirk Ferentz has established one of the most solid programs in all of college football, as he embarks on his 20th season as the Head Football Coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes. In Coach Ferentz 29th season with the Hawkeyes, he has managed to become the winning-est coach in Hawkeye history with his 143rd 27-20 victory in the Pin Stripe Bowl against Boston College. The Hawkeyes have made 15 bowl appearances since 2001 and are taught these core principles that every man should live by daily by the legendary Kirk Ferentz.
Coach Trout and his ties to the University of Iowa
Coach Ferentz coached my father David Trout at the University of Pittsburgh in 1980, under the tutledge of the legendary Jackie Sherrill and brought all of the core concepts that Coach Sherrill was able to dominate with at the University of Pittsburgh. My Father's 1980 Pitt team was able to go 11-1 and finish ranked #2 in all of college football. The following season, he joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as their O-Line coach. He then was hired as the University of Maine's Head Coach and spent three seasons with the Black Bears, only to be hired by the legendary NFL Coach Bill Belichick, who was then with the Cleveland Browns. He rejoined the Hawkeyes in 1999 and now is in his 20th season as Head Coach.
Iowa Hawk-Eye Football - The StandardHARD WORK - Success looks a lot like HARD WORD!
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College Football Today prediction - 10 + win - Big Ten Championship
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The Future of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini
Lovie Smith has not had a very good start at the University of Illinois as he was faced with a major re-building project that has left him with a record of 5-19 in his first two seasons in Champaign, IL. There were reports of Lovie being "miserable" at the University of Illinois, per ESPN and after my visit to the fighting Illini campus and seeing how happy his players were, I believe he has either turned the corner or these reports were embellished. Lovie's recruiting class of 2019 is one of the best in the country in terms of landing big time prospects at a program that has notoriously struggled in Big Ten play. I believe Coach Smith's ties to the NFL and his overall demeanor is the main reason he has been able to land recruits like 5 Star recruit Isaiah Williams, who will get to sling the rock to4 star recruit Marquez Beason next season for the Illini. The key to landing Williams, who was offered by the likes of Alabama and many other Power 5 programs, was the fact that he will have the opportunity to play QB for the Illini, instead of lining up as a slot receiver, as other programs had offered.
New Coaches in Champaign
Bringing over offensive coordinator Rod Smith was a huge win for Coach Lovie Smith and the Illini football program, as Coach Rod Smith was the QB coach for WVU legend Pat White and Michigan's Denard Robinson. When you look at those two dynamic dual-threat QB's and what came out of that process of refinement, you begin to wonder how far Lovie and Rod can take this young man. We believe at College Football Today that Isaiah Williams is not only the best player in the State of Missouri, but if you plucked him from the ATH category and put him in the "Dual-Threat" category, Williams still would be atop that list. Williams will have one of his coaches on staff as well at the University of Illinois , as Lovie Smith hired Cory Patterson from Williams' high school football team, Trinity Catholic High School.
Deer going missing or question marks at QB?
With Deer statues going missing and being placed on Illini players rooftops in Champaign, this seems to be the biggest news coming this year, after ranking at the bottom of the Big Ten in recruiting last year. The big question is at the QB position heading into this fall, as the Illini had only sophomore Cam Thomas this spring with a slew of unproven freshmen. That being said, they do have former Nebraska and Virginia Tech QB A.J. Bush using his 5th year as a graduate transfer to hopefully bring the Illini some hope to the most important position on the field. The fact that the Illini have not had a 1,000 yard rusher since 2010 is a statement to their poor offensive line play and backs simply not running with any meaningful purpose. With a injury ridden backfield last year, four backs only were able to grind out 800 yards for a entire season, which has to improve if the Illini are to become bowl eligible in 2018. Nick Allegretti is the only senior on the offensive line and with four freshmen on the O-Line the bulk of the 2017 season, things can only look up with Allegretti's leadership and tenacity in the trenches.
The Fighting Illini Defense
Defensively the Illini have good edge rushers in last years freshmen Bobby Roundtree and Isaiah Gay who saw extensive time as freshmen towards the end of the 2017 season. Tymir Oliver is an inside force on the defensive line and will look to provide a blockade in the run game and hold up the interior linemen in order for linebackers (SR) Nickerson and Phillips who led last year's team in tackles. Bennett Williams was able to lead the defensive backfield for the Illini with 3 total picks in the 2017 season, in a defensive backfield that only had 9 interceptions total for the season. Stanley Green and Nate Hobbs will look to create more turnovers this season in order for the Illini to reach 6 wins for the 2018 season and become bowl eligible.
Australians can boom it!
Australian Punter Blake Hayes was quite a busy man last year with a total of 77 punts for a average of 42 yards for the season. Special Teams coach Bob Ligashesky expects this to improve over the course of his final three seasons in Champaign, as this young man has NFL potential. Kicker Chase Mclaughlin was perfect inside of 40 yards for the 2017 season and 12-17 overall on field goal attempts. He will be a very reliable leg for the Illini to count on this season in the loaded Big Ten conference. More production in both the kick and punt return game will be needed for the Illini to set up their offense with great field position, along with giving them the confidence they need to win in Big Ten play.
What does the future hold for the Fighting Illini?
In Conclusion, I think the Fighting Illini will be able to compete in Big Ten play this season and will look to no longer be the "door mat" of Big Ten Football. With the recruiting class that is coming next year, the Illini just need to show some improvement from the wretched 2-16 Big Ten conference play record to prove that next year they will be legit contenders in Big Ten conference play. With Lovie Smith's extensive professional and collegiate background, He certainly was and still is the man needed to rebuild the Illini to National Prominence, like in 2008 when they earned a bid to the prestigious Rose Bowl. At College Football Today, we would like to see nothing less than Coach Lovie Smith and the Fighting Illini of Illinois, to once again reign supreme in the Big Ten and wish him the best moving forward!
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THE Ohio State Buckeyes
The Legacy of Urban Meyer
FIRED? The Story of Meyer and Zack Smith coming soon?
Will Coach Schiano take his place for the 2018 season?
Born in Toledo,OH, Coach Meyer played defensive back and placeholder for the University of Cincinnati and started his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at St.Xavier High School. Coach Meyer was a assistant coach for 13 years before landing his first head coaching job at Bowling Green University, where he coached BGSU to one of the biggest turnarounds in NCAA history. Now with a record of 17-6 in two seasons at BGSU and a Mid-Atlantic Conference Coach of the year award. Coach Meyer departed for the Utah Utes in 2003 and once again was able to engineer a 10-2 season and was able to hoist yet another Coach of the Year award in the Mountain West, along with being named National Coach of the year by The Sporting News. Coach Meyer was able to use his innovative offense to assist QB Alex Smith and the Utes offense to a undefeated season, along with being the first ever team from a non-qualifying conference to earn a birth to a BCS Bowl game. Urban Meyer's offensive scheme at Utah was accredited to assisting Alex Smith in being named a NFL first round draft pick in 2005. Urban Meyer departed Utah for the University of Florida the following season and was able to produce 2 national titles in 5 seasons before retiring from the Gators. coaching job.
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Coach Meyer led Ohio State to a 12-0 season in his first year as the Head Coach, but were under NCAA recruiting sanctions from years prior and could not participate in post season play. Coach Meyer was able to obtain his 3rd national championship in 2014 and has been in national championship talks ever since. That being said, according to 247 sports rating system, this years Ohio State is the most talented to play at the "Horseshoe" since Coach Meyer has arrived.
With a Greg Schiano led defense, who has been nothing short of spectacular at Ohio State after leading Rutgers to national prominence as Head Coach. The number of blue-chip recruits on defense for a defensive mastermind like Coach Schiano to work with including several veteran returners are quite impressive, especially after losing so many Horseshoe heroes to the NFL Draft. With names like Nick Bosa anchoring the highly rated "blue chip" defensive line, they will be able to apply pressure on the QB to create interceptions for players like Kendall Sheffield and Jordan Fuller. When it's all said and done, I believe the Buckeyes will once again have a Top 5 nationally ranked defense, even though the offensive unit has the potential to be one of the best the Big 10 has ever witnessed.
With a Greg Schiano led defense, who has been nothing short of spectacular at Ohio State after leading Rutgers to national prominence as Head Coach. The number of blue-chip recruits on defense for a defensive mastermind like Coach Schiano to work with including several veteran returners are quite impressive, especially after losing so many Horseshoe heroes to the NFL Draft. With names like Nick Bosa anchoring the highly rated "blue chip" defensive line, they will be able to apply pressure on the QB to create interceptions for players like Kendall Sheffield and Jordan Fuller. When it's all said and done, I believe the Buckeyes will once again have a Top 5 nationally ranked defense, even though the offensive unit has the potential to be one of the best the Big 10 has ever witnessed.
Dwayne Haskins had Ohio State fans calling his name last year as soon as J.T Barrett began to struggle and looked very comfortable working in the pocket. Haskins brings a dynamic passing game to the Ohio State offense that is loaded with future NFL draft picks. With the two headed monster of Mike Weber and JK Dobbins, Haskins will be able to establish Ohio State's power run game, early and often. This will give him time to prepare in his first two match-ups against Oregon State and Rutgers, which should be easy match-ups for the Buckeyes. Going on the road at TCU will be this young Quarterback's first real test against another BCS contender and he must be ready to transform the Ohio State offense into the three-headed Monster that he was destined to lead. With mostly all last year's receiving core returning for the 2018 season and an offensive line that returns two all conference performers and key returners with experience, along with a few highly touted prospects to provide depth. Looking at this roster, the depth on the offensive line seems to be the only real question going into the 2018 college football season.
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The real question is, can Urban Meyer catch the legendary Woody Hayes and win two more national titles?
Urban Meyer will go down as one of the best coaches in college football history and is known for his innovative concepts, that combine smash mouth football and the spread-option attack that have made many offenses shine bright in the horseshoe. With more weapons than ever before and after being snubbed from the BCS national playoffs, this very well could be the year Urban Meyer gets one title closer to his legendary predecessor Woody Hayes, who won 5 national titles.
Check out our "Vintage" College Football Today Store below!
A very brief history of Coach Dana Holgorsen
The mountaineers are facing one of the toughest schedules in all of college football and will play 11 power 5 conference programs this up and coming season. Coach Holgorsen was quite adamant about this at the Big 12 media day, as he feels this is "not quite fair" and points to the fact that most teams on average only play 9 in other power five conferences nationally. Coach Holgorsen and any offense he coaches has a long history of producing some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL today, along with video game numbers that are unparalleled in college football today. With a 53-37 overall coaching record, Holgorsen is known for his "Air Raid" offense, which in his first year at offensive coordinator, Coach Holgorsen helped lead the Red Raiders offense to #4 in the nation in overall yards gained. in 2007, Coach was able to assist Quarterback Graham Harrall and Michael Crabtree lead the Red Raiders to the to offense in all of collegiate football. As Coach Holgorsen evolved his offense at the University of Houston with QB Case Keenum, he became known as one of the brightest offensive minds in all of college football, as Case became the NCAA's all time leading passer with more touchdowns than any QB in the history of college football. Oklahoma State was able to obtain Coach Holgorsen's services in 2010 and he shattered almost ever offensive record at Oklahoma State that season, along with producing another Bilietnikoff award winner in Justin Blackmon, Doak Walker finalist Kendall Hunter and NFL QB Brandon Weeden.
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WVU Football - The Holgorsen Era (2011-Present)
Coach Holgerson enjoyed a great start with a 10-3 season in the former Big East after former WVU Football legend and athletic director Oliver Luck made him the Head Coach of the Mountaineers. After finishing the season defeating the mighty Clemson Tiger 70-33 in the Orange Bowl, the WVU Football team would make the transition to much better Big 12 play. After sub par seasons in their first five seasons of Big 12 play, WVU found a way to win consistently in 2016, as they were able to go 10-3 overall and 7-2 in Big 12 conference play, compared to floating around .500 or below prior. Last year they did not live up to expectations, as they finished the season 7-6 with a loss in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.
The 2018 West Virginia Mountaineers
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Learn about the College Football recruiting process by clicking HERE!
Can the Mountaineers compete for the Big 12 Title and a chance at the BCS National Championship in 2018?
With nearly 3,500 yards through the air last year and operating the Holgerson led "Air Raid Offense", along with a talented receiving core with targets like David Sills. Quarterback Will Grier will undoubtedly light up the score board at Milan Puskar once again for the Mountaineer faithful, but will it be enough against opponents like TCU, Oklahoma State, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and the rest of the talent rich Big 12? Can the Mountaineers find a way to win on the road, as they have historically struggled when traveling? I believe the mountaineers will have to rely heavily on players like LB David Long to play disciplined, yet fast paced defense to create key turnovers all season if the Mountaineers stand a chance to climb into not only Big 12 Title contention, but the BCS playoff discussion at the end of the 2018 regular season. Targets like Senior WR Gary Jennings, who was able to haul in a Big 12 leading 96 receptions and 1,096 yards last season, will need help aiding Alabama transfer receiver T.J Simmons, who could make a huge impact this year in this star studded receiving core. The Mountaineers have a very experienced defense with 9 out of 11 starters returning this season led by LB David Long Jr and S Toyous Avery. If more play-makers are able to step up in big time moments for the mountaineers defensively and on special teams this season, we could be talking about a very special season in Morgantown, WV.
2018 West Virginia Mountaineers Prediction
Grad transfer DT Jabril Robinson comes to WVU from Clemson for his 5th year, with defensive linemen, Kenny Bigelow from USC and Brenon Swift from Penn State. Truthfully, the interior offensive line is the only real question mark heading into the 2018 season. Heisman hopeful Quarterback Will Grier is back healthy after a remarkable 2017 campaign, where he threw for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns. If Grier can replicate his thrilling 2017 season with a QB rating of 162.72 in his 11 games played before injury and stay healthy for the entire season, we could be seeing WVU's first trip to the BCS playoffs. If they can tip-toe through the gauntlet of 11 FBS Power 5 opponents. I do not think Holgorsen really minds who is on the other side of the football and neither do the Mountaineers, as this season they bring not only arguably the best offense in all of NCAA football, but also a very balanced and experienced defense that has a major statement to make this year in the Big 12.
Oklahoma vs West Virginia Nov.23rd
The Sooners have averaged over 50 points a game ever since the Mountaineers came into the Big 12, but this is the best WVU defense the Big 12 has seen according to multiple sources. This contest will not only tell us if West Virginia is ready for the BCS playoffs or whether it will be another year of "what if's?" for the Mountaineers of West Virginia.
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Updates to FBS Top 25!
7/15/2018
Hawaii Warriors @ Colorado State rams - August 25th 2018 (5:30PM MT) - CBS Sports Network
Read Now
Hawaii Warriors
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Colorado St Rams
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Coach Nick Rolovich brings "Run and Shoot" offense back to hawaii Warriors
June Jones is a good football coach and was able to run Norm Chow's offense successfully for many years. The one thing I learned about this offense is that it requires a special QB with a very quick "fast twitch" release, as they are relied on to make quick and decisive reads. This offense also takes each receiver knowing their individual role in the "scheme" and also reacting off of what alignment the defense gives them pre/post snap. The best QB to ever operate in the Run and Shoot was Colt Brennan, who took advantage of this high scoring offense, after spending time at the University of Colorado Boulder. Coach Rolovich also personally ran the run and shoot for Coach June Jones, as a University of Hawaii QB and will hope to pass his knowledge on to Sophomore QB Cole Mcdonald and the rest of the warriors offense.
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Does Hawaii Have the talent to operate the Run and Shoot efficiently ?
The run and shoot has seen new "zone blitzing" concepts that have nearly left this historic offense that was a product of the United States Football League (USFL). There have been many other variations of the run and shoot that have been implemented in other offenses like the "Air Raid" and other offenses that are pass heavy. If the proper reads are not made and/or the receiver and QB are not on the same page, this offense can also produce many turnovers. In high scoring affairs, defenses who can create the most turnovers for their team normally will reign supreme. I do however, think this match-up between the Warriors and the Rams is going to be extremely fun to watch on August 25th at Canvas Stadium in beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Hawaii Rainbow Warriors 2018 Roster
| Name | # | Pos. | HT | WT | Class | High School | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akoteu, Samiuela | 91 | DL | 6020 | 320 | RS SO | Junipero Serra | Inglewood, Calif. |
| Armstrong-Brown, Marcus | 85 | WR | 6030 | 200 | JR/TR | Justin-Sienna HS | Napa, Calif. |
| Augafa, Justice | 26 | DB | 5110 | 205 | SO | South Anchorage | Anchorage, AK |
| Aviu, Ramsey | 76 | OL | 6020 | 300 | FR | 'Aiea | 'Aiea, O'Ahu |
| Bernal-Wendt, Stephen | 71 | OL | 6030 | 315 | FR | Salesian | Honolulu, O'ahu |
| Borden, Noah | 1 | LB/LS | 6010 | 215 | JR | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama | Pearl City, Hawaii |
| Borengasser, Austin | 25 | DB | 6020 | 205 | RS SO | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Boyle, Michael | 52 | K | 6010 | 175 | FR | Camas | Washougal, WA |
| Brown, Dru | 2 | QB | 6000 | 200 | JR/TR | Los Gatos HS | Monte Serano, Calif. |
| Brownholtz, Cole | 17 | QB | 6040 | 210 | RS SO/TR | Jesuit HS | Carmichael, Calif. |
| Carter, Cole | 89 | DL | 6040 | 265 | RS FR | Fork Union | Ashburn, Va. |
| Choi, Zeno | 99 | DE | 6030 | 260 | JR | Kaiser High School | Honolulu, O'ahu |
| Chung, Kaiwi | 47 | RB | 5110 | 240 | RS JR | Kamehameha | Honolulu, HI |
| Collie, Dylan | 23 | WR | 5100 | 175 | RS JR/TR | Oakridge | El Dorado Hills, Calif. |
| Dale, Elijah | 27 | RB | 5100 | 210 | JR/TR | St. Ignatius | San Francisco, Calif. |
| Dalton, Donovan | 29 | DB | 6040 | 200 | FR | Saguaro | Scottsdale, Ariz. |
| Dominique, Jay | 11 | DB | 6020 | 195 | FR | Old Montreal Cegep | Montreal, Quebec |
| Eldridge, Tevarua | 43 | ILB | 6020 | 230 | RS JR | Baldwin | Wailuku, HI |
| Eli, Asotui | 65 | OT | 6040 | 315 | RS JR | Kealakehe | Kailua-Kona, HI |
| Elkington, Ra | 68 | OL | 6050 | 330 | FR | Kahuku | Laie, O'ahu |
| Faagau, Wesley | 61 | DL | 6000 | 220 | RS FR | Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama | Wai'anae, O'ahu |
| Falemalu, Rashaan | 58 | LB | 6010 | 230 | RS JR | Kahuku | Hau'ula, HI |
| Farris II, Rojesterman | 18 | DB | 6010 | 180 | RS SO | Coral Springs Charter HS | Coral Springs, Fla. |
| Ford, Eugene | 19 | DB | 6020 | 195 | FR | University HS | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| Francisco, Akil | 23 | DB | 6000 | 160 | FR | Encinal | Alameda, Calif. |
| Furuta, Dayton | 53 | LB | 5110 | 230 | RS SO | Mililani HS | Mililani, Hawaii |
| Gallup, Kyle | 18 | QB | 6020 | 210 | RS SO/TR | Chaparral HS | Parker, Colo. |
| Gaudion, Stan | 99 | P | 6030 | 210 | RS FR | Scotch College | Melbourne, Australial |
| Gifford, Ka'aumoana | 94 | DE | 6040 | 275 | RS JR | Kamehameha | Wai'anae, HI |
| Gouveia, Dalton | 52 | LB | 6010 | 225 | RS SO | Charlotte Christian HS | Mooresville, N.C. |
| Graves, Emil | 59 | OL | 6030 | 275 | JR/TR | N/A | Lynwood, Calif. |
| Greeley, Kade | 83 | TE | 6060 | 220 | FR | Vista Murrieta | Murrieta, Calif. |
| Greeley, Karson | 16 | QB | 6050 | 210 | FR | VIsta Murrieta | Murrieta, CA |
| Hauani'o, Josh | 67 | OL | 6040 | 300 | RS FR | 'Iolani School | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Hayes, Cameron | 28 | S | 5110 | 180 | RS SO | Junipero Serra | Gardena,CA |
| Hendrie, Max | 92 | DL | 6040 | 245 | RS FR | The Scots College | Sydney, Australia |
| Hensley, J.R. | 57 | OG | 6050 | 310 | RS SO | Edmond Santa Fe | Edmond,OK |
| Hicks, Kalen | 16 | DB | 6030 | 200 | SO | Bishop Gorman HS | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Holly, Freddie | 21 | RB | 6000 | 210 | RS FR | Norte Vista HS | Riverside, Calif. |
| Hudson-Rasmussen, Manu | 14 | DB | 6000 | 185 | JR/TR | Tigard | Tigard, Ore. |
| Ito, Genta | 29 | RB | 5080 | 195 | JR/TR | Hosei Daini HS | Inabe, Japan |
| Keliiliki, Hekili | 44 | RB | 6020 | 225 | FR | Bentonville | Bentonville, Ark. |
| Kipper, Brandon | 67 | OL | 6060 | 270 | FR | Columbia | Nampa, Idaho |
| Leeth, Isaia | 88 | WR | 6030 | 190 | FR | Madison | Portland, OR |
| Look, La'Akea | 54 | LB | 6000 | 225 | SO | Punahou School | Waipahu, Hawaii |
| Mageo, Malachi | 38 | LB | 6020 | 210 | RS JR | Serra | Carson, CA |
| Manuwai, Makai | 48 | DL | 6010 | 255 | FR | South Medford | South Medford, Ore. |
| Matautia, Solomon | 27 | S | 6010 | 230 | RS SO | Campbell | Ewa Beach,HI |
| McCarthy, Shawn | 43 | LS | 6040 | 250 | JR/TR | Punahou School | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| McDonald, Cole | 13 | QB | 6040 | 205 | RS FR | Sonora HS | La Habra, Calif. |
| McLean, Damario | 12 | DB | 6010 | 185 | FR | Elk Grove | Elk Grove, Calif. |
| Mermea, Anthony | 93 | DL | 6040 | 300 | FR | Vista Murrieta | Murrieta, Calif. |
| Meskell, Ryan | 94 | K | 6000 | 180 | SO | Palm Beach | Gold Coast, Australia |
| Moala, Viane | 98 | DL | 6070 | 270 | SO | Tafuna HS | Ili'Ili, American Samoa |
| Moananu, Eperone | 66 | DT | 6020 | 290 | RS SO | Tafuna | Pago Pago,AS |
| Mulanga, Dany | 40 | DB | 6030 | 200 | RS JR | Trinity | Bedford, TX |
| Noa, Kumoku | 87 | WR | 5110 | 175 | RS FR | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Nuuanau-Kuhiiki, Joey | 70 | DL | 6030 | 260 | RS FR | Wai'anae HS | Wai'anae, Hawaii |
| Okeke, Ikem | 22 | LB | 6000 | 220 | SO | Bishop Gorman HS | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Padello, K.K. | 56 | LB | 5110 | 215 | JR/TR | Mililani | Mililani, Hawaii |
| Padello, Kaimana | 96 | DL | 6000 | 205 | SO | Mililani HS | Mililani, Hawaii |
| Pang Kee, Austin | 34 | DB | 5100 | 155 | RS SO | Damien | Kaneohe, Hawaii |
| Patterson, Don'Yeh | 35 | WR | 6000 | 195 | RS JR | Carson HS | Carson, Calif. |
| Pavihi, Penei | 33 | LB | 6030 | 225 | FR | Tafuna | Pago Pago, American Samoa |
| Peapealalo, Fanupo | 90 | DL | 6030 | 245 | JR | Oceanside | Oceanside, CA |
| Picanco, Kana'i | 53 | LB | 6010 | 230 | JR | Damien | Kane'ohe, O'aho |
| Pritchard, Jeremiah | 10 | LB | 6000 | 210 | SO | Silverado HS | Leone, American Samoa |
| Reed, Miles | 26 | RB | 5080 | 190 | FR | Centennial | Corona, Calif. |
| Russell, Doug | 62 | DB | 6050 | 270 | FR | O'Dea | Seattle, Wash. |
| Sanitoa, Scheyenne | 42 | DB | 6000 | 200 | RS FR | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Samoana HS |
| Santiago, Keela | 13 | DB | 6000 | 200 | SO | Kahuku HS | Kahuku, Hawaii |
| Sayles, Terrence | 17 | DB | 6020 | 170 | RS JR | Kerens | Kerens, TX |
| Scott, Paul | 15 | LB | 6010 | 205 | FR | McClymonds Senior | Oakland, Calif. |
| Scruton, Ben | 36 | DB | 6010 | 200 | SO/TR | Carey Baptist Grammer | Melbourne, Australia |
| Seei, Azia | 69 | DL | 5100 | 250 | JR | West | West Valley City, UT |
| Sharsh, Jason-Matthew | 89 | WR | 6030 | 180 | JR | MOANALUA | HONOLULU, O'AHU |
| Smith-Bejgrowicz, Kayson | 35 | DB | 6030 | 195 | SO | Kamehameha Schools-Kapalama | 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu, Hawaii |
| Stallworth, Drake | 82 | WR | 6020 | 185 | FR | Folsom | Folsom, Calif. |
| Stubblefield, Devan | 89 | WR | 6000 | 190 | RS JR | Saint Louis | Ewa Beach, HI |
| Sunia, Alesana | 77 | DL | 6030 | 305 | RS FR | Leone HS | Leone, American Samoa |
| Tavai, Jahlani | 31 | LB | 6040 | 235 | RS JR | Mira Costa | Redondo Beach, CA |
| Timoteo, Kalakaua | 81 | WR | 6010 | 190 | SO | Mililani HS | Mililani, Hawaii |
| Tolliver, Mykal | 24 | DB | 6000 | 175 | RS FR | St. John Bosco HS | Bellflower, Calif. |
| Torres, Dakota | 45 | TE | 6020 | 245 | RS JR | Punahou | Wai'anae |
| Trifonovitch, Alex | 46 | PK | 6010 | 180 | RS SO | Punahou | Honolulu,HI |
| Tuileta, Larry | 14 | QB | 6020 | 200 | JR | PUNAHOU | HONOLULU, O'AHU |
| Tuinei, Tumua | 88 | DB | 5090 | 210 | JR | Punahou | Honolulu, O'ahu |
| Tullis, Davine | 30 | WR | 6010 | 195 | SO | Ballard HS | Seattle, Wash. |
| Tuulima, Taaga | 63 | DL | 6020 | 280 | RS FR | 'Iolani School | 'Ewa Beach, Hawaii |
| Uahinui, Justin | 10 | QB | 6030 | 195 | FR | Farrington | Honolulu, O'ahu |
| Ulu-Perry Jr., Fred | 64 | OG | 6020 | 305 | RS SO/TR | Saint Louis | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Ursua, John | 5 | WR | 5100 | 165 | RS SO | Cedar City HS | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii |
| Vanterpool, Micah | 55 | OL | 6060 | 285 | FR | Central | Phoenix, Ariz. |
| Williams, Manly | 49 | DL | 6020 | 220 | RS SO | Farrington HS | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Wilson, Zach | 20 | DB | 5110 | 170 | SO/TR | Upland HS | Diamond Bar, Calif. |
Colorado State has not had a defense in the top 80 since 2006.
The warriors are going to come out with the pass heavy run and shoot offense that has been "diminished" in some respect nationally. The fact that the Rams have struggled tremendously in defending the pass over the past 11 seasons is not a good sign and will leave the rams defensive backs high and dry. That being said, the Rams are looking for a breakout season with having obtained 52, "3-Star" recruits, according to SB nation.
— George Helow (@georgehelow) July 15, 2018
Rams Recruiting Insider Information
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Safeties Coach George Helow - Click here to Read Rams Bio
Safeties Coach George Helow has worked his way up from being a intricate piece on the Hargrave Military Academy's national championship roster and an Ole Miss Rebel, to being a recruiting extraordinaire for the CSU Rams. The rams are able to get players in the South Eastern part of the USA in talent rich states like Georgia and Florida because of George Helow's exclusive knowledge of the recruiting process and what it takes to succeed at the next level. Learning at a young age from Big 12 recruiter of the year Robert Prunty, who is now Head Coach of the Hampton Pirates. George opened up recruiting pipelines for the Rams that have helped Coach Bobo and many others produce high quality college football programs.
Graduate Transfer Former Washington Husky K.J Carta-Samuels at the helm of the Colorado State offense.
K.J has served as the back-up QB for the UW Football team, as they have risen to national prominence. Carta-Samuels was rated a 4-star prospect coming and #10 pro style QB in the nation coming out of high school by Rivals.com and was as top 25 QB on Scout.com, along with ESPN CFB. With not seeing much action as a Husky in his four years as a back-up, K.J walks into an offense that is re-building and will rely on a young and unproven receiving core to assist him in producing yards for the rams offense. Luckily, he has one of the best sophomore tight ends in the nation in Cameron Butler, who played in all 13 games as a freshmen. You can check both of these key Colorado State offensive players below!
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Colorado State Rams 2018 Roster
| Name | # | Pos. | HT | WT | Class | High School | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awunganyi, Robert | 2 | DB | 6000 | 170 | SO | John Burroughs | Riverside, Calif. |
| Birrell, Chandler | 86 | WR | 6000 | 195 | RS SO | McIntosh | Peachtree City, Ga. |
| Bjorklünd, Tyler | 73 | OL | 6040 | 290 | JR/TR | Valencia | Santa Clarita, Calif. |
| Blasco Jr., John | 76 | OL | 6070 | 305 | FR | Stadium | Tacoma, Wash. |
| Boddie, Rashaad | 28 | RB | 6000 | 225 | RS FR | Skyline | Sammamish, Wash. |
| Brooks, Scott | 64 | OL | 6030 | 275 | FR | Moorpark | Moorpark, Calif. |
| Bryan, Wyatt | 96 | K | 6010 | 175 | RS JR | Douglas County HS | Larkspur, CO |
| Butler, Cameron | 16 | TE | 6020 | 225 | FR | Ridge View | Columbia, S.C. |
| Campbell, Darius | 25 | DB | 5100 | 165 | FR | John Ehret | Marrero, La. |
| Carnessale, Dante | 45 | DB | 5110 | 165 | RS FR | Valhalla | El Cajon, Calif. |
| Clem, Tanner | 58 | LB | 6020 | 215 | FR | J.K. Mullen | Conifer, CO |
| Colon, Christian | 4 | DT | 6030 | 340 | RS FR | Independence | Charlotte, N.C. |
| Cumber, Christian | 20 | DB | 6000 | 180 | FR | J.K. Mullen | Denver, Colo. |
| Davis, Braxton | 83 | K | 5110 | 170 | JR | Poudre | Fort Collins, CO |
| DeLine, Joe | 67 | K | 6000 | 200 | RS FR | Steamboat Springs | Steamboat Springs, Colo. |
| Donohue, Connor | 49 | DB | 6010 | 195 | RS FR | Diamond Bar | Diamond Bar, Calif. |
| Drachslin, Chandler | 89 | WR | 6030 | 195 | RS SO | Riverside Polytechnic | Riverside, Calif. |
| Dunkelman, Charles | 42 | FB | 5110 | 225 | RS FR | Loveland | Loveland, Colo. |
| Erickson, Judd | 12 | QB | 6050 | 200 | FR | Mountain Vista | Highlands Ranch, CO |
| Falls, Justin | 40 | FB | 6000 | 195 | RS JR/TR | Valor Christian | Denver, Colo. |
| Firment, Kieran | 66 | OL | 6040 | 315 | FR | West Allegheny | Oakdale, Pa. |
| Foster, Colton | 99 | DL | 6030 | 295 | RS SO | Frontier HS | Bakersfield, CA |
| Fox, Jamori | 90 | DL | 6010 | 320 | RS SO/TR | Cherokee | Marietta, Ga. |
| Freismuth, John | 80 | WR | 6050 | 225 | RS JR | Loveland HS | Loveland, CO |
| Fulton, Brenden | 39 | WR | 5090 | 180 | RS SO | Northridge | Greeley, Colo. |
| Gaoa, Salofi | 74 | OT | 6060 | 285 | RS SO | Rocky Mountain | Fort Collins,CO |
| Garcia, Nicho | 72 | OL | 6050 | 285 | RS JR/TR | Blue Valley Northwest | Overland Park, Kan. |
| Giusti, Anthony | 34 | LB | 6010 | 220 | JR/TR | Marin Catholic | Novato, Calif. |
| Hammer, Griffin | 88 | TE | 6040 | 225 | FR | St. Charles North | South Elgin, Ill. |
| Harker, Conrad | 96 | DL | 6080 | 265 | RS SO/TR | Southwest | Lincoln, Neb. |
| Harris, Drue | 49 | RB | 5110 | 220 | SO | Fountain-Ft. Carson | Fountain, CO |
| Hawkins, Anthony | 14 | CB | 5110 | 185 | SO | Bowie HS | Arlington, Texas |
| Hicks, Jamal | 7 | DB | 6030 | 185 | SO | Narbonne | Gardena, Calif. |
| Hill, Collin | 15 | QB | 6050 | 210 | SO | Dorman | Moore, S.C. |
| Hubbard, Ellison | 98 | DL | 6010 | 270 | FR | Grayson | Loganville, Ga. |
| Jackson, Warren | 9 | WR | 6050 | 205 | FR | Bishop Alemany | Mission Hills, Calif. |
| Jean, Arjay | 54 | DE | 6030 | 240 | SO | St. Thomas Aquinas | North Miami Beach, Fla. |
| Johnson, Olabisi | 81 | WR | 6000 | 195 | JR | Bear Creek | Lakewood,CO |
| Jones, Emmanuel | 33 | LB | 6040 | 245 | FR | Woodland | Cartersville, Ga. |
| King, Richard | 95 | DE | 6040 | 275 | RS SO | Rangeview | Aurora,CO |
| Kinsey Jr., Marvin | 5 | RB | 6010 | 190 | SO | Riverwood | Atlanta, Ga. |
| Knox, Ben | 78 | OL | 6060 | 325 | RS JR/TR | DeLand | DeLand, Fla. |
| Kone, Lassine | 79 | DL | 6020 | 330 | FR | Manual | Denver, Colo. |
| Lebron, Luis | 65 | OL | 6040 | 350 | FR | Sandalwood | Jacksonville, Fla. |
| Lucas, Nathan | 59 | LS | 6020 | 230 | RS JR | Pine Creek HS | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Maka, Nikolas | 26 | DB | 6010 | 185 | RS JR/TR | Serra | San Mateo, Calif. |
| Matthews, Isaiah | 24 | RB | 6000 | 220 | JR | Enterprise | Redding,CA |
| May , Darius | 6 | RB | 6010 | 195 | RS FR | McDonough 35 | New Orleans, La. |
| McBride, Toby | 97 | DE | 6030 | 255 | SO | Fort Morgan | Fort Morgan, Colo. |
| McCoy, Justice | 2 | QB | 6010 | 185 | FR | St. Augustine | New Orleans, La. |
| McCullough, Jackson | 68 | OL | 6060 | 280 | RS FR | Cathedral Catholic | San Diego, Calif. |
| McDonald, Max | 31 | LB | 6020 | 220 | SO | Rocky Mountain | Fort Collins, Colo. |
| McElroy, Marcus | 32 | RB | 5100 | 210 | FR | J.K. Mullen | Denver, Colo. |
| Meeks, Colby | 51 | OG | 6030 | 310 | JR | Dr. Phillips | Orlando,FL |
| Moody, Patrick | 51 | LB | 6010 | 225 | FR | Vero Beach Senior | Vero Beach, Fla. |
| Pannunzio, Isiah | 82 | TE | 6020 | 235 | RS FR | Pueblo South | Pueblo, Colo. |
| Paogofie, Livingston | 92 | DL | 6010 | 260 | FR | Bowie | Arlington, Texas |
| Phillips, Joctavis | 70 | OL | 6040 | 310 | FR | Neville | West Monroe, La. |
| Prentice, Adam | 46 | FB | 6000 | 230 | RS SO | Clovis | Fresno, Calf. |
| Putallaz, Nathon | 63 | OL | 6020 | 300 | RS SO/TR | N/A | Johnstown, Colo. |
| Robles, J.C. | 10 | QB | 6050 | 215 | RS SO | El Diamante | Visalia,CA |
| Ryken, Nate | 45 | FB | 6010 | 235 | RS JR | Berthoud | Berthoud, CO |
| Scott, Braylin | 18 | S | 6030 | 185 | JR | Liberty | Bakersfield,CA |
| Scott, E.J. | 3 | WR | 6010 | 185 | FR | McEachern | Powder Springs, Ga. |
| Smith, Anthony | 47 | DE | 6020 | 270 | RS FR | Desert Pines | Las Vegas, Nev. |
| Smith, Caleb | 53 | LB | 6030 | 255 | RS JR | Santa Monica | Inglewood, Calif. |
| Smith, Trey | 27 | WR | 6000 | 195 | RS JR | Douglas County HS | Castle Rock, CO |
| Smith, Tyler | 19 | WR | 5110 | 180 | FR | McEachern | Atlanta, GA |
| Stonehouse, Ryan | 41 | P | 5110 | 170 | FR | Mater Dei | Santa Ana, Calif. |
| Sutton, Trey | 13 | LB | 6010 | 230 | RS FR | Westminster Christian | Miami, Fla. |
| Tapia, Corte | 50 | LB | 6020 | 235 | FR | Windsor | Windsor, Colo. |
| Taylor, Jeff | 71 | OL | 6030 | 305 | SO | Jonesboro | Jonesboro, Ga. |
| Tennant, Alex | 26 | WR | 6030 | 200 | RS SO/TR | N/A | Littleton, Colo. |
| Thomas, Tre | 52 | LB | 6010 | 215 | RS JR | Overland HS | Denver, CO |
| Walker, Emmanuel | 57 | LB | 6000 | 200 | FR | Vista Ridge | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Walker, Jadon | 9 | DB | 6000 | 175 | FR | Chapel Hills | Lithia Springs, Ga. |
| Watson, Josh | 55 | LB | 6020 | 240 | RS JR | Blue Springs South HS | Blue Springs, MO |
| Wesley, Barry | 69 | OL | 6060 | 310 | FR | Bear Creek | Morrison, CO |
| Williams, Preston | 11 | WR | 6040 | 210 | JR/TR | Lovejoy | Hampton, Ga. |
| Wilson, Marcus | 23 | WR | 5100 | 190 | RS JR | Valor Christian HS | Aurora, CO |
| Wise, Darius | 18 | DB | 5090 | 165 | FR | Beaver Area | Midland, Pa. |
Prediction/Odds
Colorado State (-14)
Hawaii (+14)
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Prediction: 11-1 Birth to the College Football BCS Playoffs
First things first: that Lincoln riley comment
I am going to address Oklahoma Head Coach Lincoln Riley's dig at Georgia's offense very briefly to get it out of the way. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy celebrity feuds from time to time. However, seeing that the Sooners do not match up against the Bulldogs in the 2018 regular season, Riley's comment seems less like a weighted shot the Dawgs' SEC defense and more like a Jack Russell Terrier barking at a Labrador from the other side of a metal fence–neither will have to face repercussions for their words in the near, foreseeable future. Let me be clear, I'm not saying Lincoln Riley is a Jack Russell Terrier, but when it doesn't serve to preface a showdown between bitter rivals, trash talk, regardless of its validity, is merely noise that belongs in gossip columns. In fact, Georgia does not have single Big 10 or Big 12 match-up in their regular season.
While the Sooners did manage to put up 48 points against their defense in the 2018 Rose Bowl, the Dawgs still pulled off a 54-48 W in overtime, thanks to the effectiveness of their coaches' game-planning and the dominance of their weaponized offense.
While the Sooners did manage to put up 48 points against their defense in the 2018 Rose Bowl, the Dawgs still pulled off a 54-48 W in overtime, thanks to the effectiveness of their coaches' game-planning and the dominance of their weaponized offense.
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Roster
Offense
QB Jake Fromm (So.) - Recently injured his non-throwing hand in a wake-boarding accident, but there is little evidence that Kirby Smart will replace him with Justin Fields (Fr.). Fromm's timing with his explosiveness receivers looked off in the spring. This will improve with more reps moving into the fall, as timing with your receivers in the passing game is pivotal for success.
OC Lamont Gaillard (Sr.) - After making an effective transition from the defensive line, Gaillard has been instrumental in leading this highly productive offense,
allowing for the Dawg's running game to rush for 3,876 yards in the 2017 season (1,390 more than in 2016), and has recently been named to the watchlist for the Remington Award. A Dawg Nation favorite for his humility and football IQ, this 6'2", 300-pound Center will undoubtedly be a revered veteran and leader that the Bulldogs will lean on.
RB D'Andre Swift (So.) - As a freshman tailback/all-purpose back, Swift ran for 618 yards and 3 touchdowns on 7.6 yards per carry, not to mention 153 receiving yards and a touchdown on 17 total receptions. Named the No. 10 Running Back in college football by USA Today, the five-foot-nine powerhouse* is expected to be an unstoppable force for the Dawgs.
WR Mecole Hardman Jr (Jr.) - Hardman became a big time play maker and one of Kirby's strongest offensive weapons his Sophomore year in some of UGA's most competitive match-ups. Following his 80-yard TD catch during the 2018 CFB National Championship against Alabama, the 20 year-old receiver is expected to be a top performer this Fall.
WR Terry Godwin (Sr.) - This past year, Georgia lost a number of its star players to the NFL, such as ILB Roquan Smith and DT Trenton Thompson. Luckily, Godwin, remembered this season for his one-handed leaping catch at Notre Dame, will be returning for his senior year, joining several other returning starters to solidify Georgia's receiving core as a dynamic force this season.
Defense
CB Deandre Baker (Sr.) - For this lock-down corner, who didn't allow a single touchdown to his receiver throughout the 2017 season, returning to Athens for his senior year is about more than honing his skills and improving his secondary before entering the league. Since the National Championship loss to Alabama this past January, Baker has been highly motivated "to come back and do something great with [his] teammates" by helping to mold much of the young talent of the 2018 Georgia Bulldogs.
DT Tyler Clark (Jr.) - In the 12 games Tyler started this past season, this 6'4", 300-pound D-Tackle from a tiny town in the South of Georgia managed 41 tackles and was also a disruptive force as a pass-blocker. With several top defensive performers lost to the NFL and a cavalry of green athletes in need of solid leadership, there's a lot of pressure on Clark and other returning defensive players to pick up the extra slack against other SEC systems.
S J.R. Reed (Sr.) - Recently named in Athlon's 50 Most Underrated Players, Reed, a Tulsa transfer/redshirt sophomore with little to no name recognition for himself made big waves in his 2017 season with 40 solo tackles (79 total), 5 pass breakups, 6 quarterback pressures, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble and 2 recovered fumbles. As the son of former NFL Receiver Jake Reed, resiliency and a hunger for success run in this ascendant defensive back's blood. Georgia fans should sleep well putting their trust in Reed to lead the Dawgs in the secondary.
Special Teams
K Rodrigo Blankenship (Jr.) - Nicknamed "Hot Rod," Blankenship won hearts across the nation during the postseason for nailing a 55-yard field goal while memorably wearing goggle behind his helmet. Blankenship however, is more than just a fan favorite, as Hot Rod's ability to consistently 30 to 50-yard game-winning field goals will end up being one of Georgia's most solid weapons.
QB Jake Fromm (So.) - Recently injured his non-throwing hand in a wake-boarding accident, but there is little evidence that Kirby Smart will replace him with Justin Fields (Fr.). Fromm's timing with his explosiveness receivers looked off in the spring. This will improve with more reps moving into the fall, as timing with your receivers in the passing game is pivotal for success.
OC Lamont Gaillard (Sr.) - After making an effective transition from the defensive line, Gaillard has been instrumental in leading this highly productive offense,
allowing for the Dawg's running game to rush for 3,876 yards in the 2017 season (1,390 more than in 2016), and has recently been named to the watchlist for the Remington Award. A Dawg Nation favorite for his humility and football IQ, this 6'2", 300-pound Center will undoubtedly be a revered veteran and leader that the Bulldogs will lean on.
RB D'Andre Swift (So.) - As a freshman tailback/all-purpose back, Swift ran for 618 yards and 3 touchdowns on 7.6 yards per carry, not to mention 153 receiving yards and a touchdown on 17 total receptions. Named the No. 10 Running Back in college football by USA Today, the five-foot-nine powerhouse* is expected to be an unstoppable force for the Dawgs.
WR Mecole Hardman Jr (Jr.) - Hardman became a big time play maker and one of Kirby's strongest offensive weapons his Sophomore year in some of UGA's most competitive match-ups. Following his 80-yard TD catch during the 2018 CFB National Championship against Alabama, the 20 year-old receiver is expected to be a top performer this Fall.
WR Terry Godwin (Sr.) - This past year, Georgia lost a number of its star players to the NFL, such as ILB Roquan Smith and DT Trenton Thompson. Luckily, Godwin, remembered this season for his one-handed leaping catch at Notre Dame, will be returning for his senior year, joining several other returning starters to solidify Georgia's receiving core as a dynamic force this season.
Defense
CB Deandre Baker (Sr.) - For this lock-down corner, who didn't allow a single touchdown to his receiver throughout the 2017 season, returning to Athens for his senior year is about more than honing his skills and improving his secondary before entering the league. Since the National Championship loss to Alabama this past January, Baker has been highly motivated "to come back and do something great with [his] teammates" by helping to mold much of the young talent of the 2018 Georgia Bulldogs.
DT Tyler Clark (Jr.) - In the 12 games Tyler started this past season, this 6'4", 300-pound D-Tackle from a tiny town in the South of Georgia managed 41 tackles and was also a disruptive force as a pass-blocker. With several top defensive performers lost to the NFL and a cavalry of green athletes in need of solid leadership, there's a lot of pressure on Clark and other returning defensive players to pick up the extra slack against other SEC systems.
S J.R. Reed (Sr.) - Recently named in Athlon's 50 Most Underrated Players, Reed, a Tulsa transfer/redshirt sophomore with little to no name recognition for himself made big waves in his 2017 season with 40 solo tackles (79 total), 5 pass breakups, 6 quarterback pressures, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble and 2 recovered fumbles. As the son of former NFL Receiver Jake Reed, resiliency and a hunger for success run in this ascendant defensive back's blood. Georgia fans should sleep well putting their trust in Reed to lead the Dawgs in the secondary.
Special Teams
K Rodrigo Blankenship (Jr.) - Nicknamed "Hot Rod," Blankenship won hearts across the nation during the postseason for nailing a 55-yard field goal while memorably wearing goggle behind his helmet. Blankenship however, is more than just a fan favorite, as Hot Rod's ability to consistently 30 to 50-yard game-winning field goals will end up being one of Georgia's most solid weapons.
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overview
Despite the setback of losing a number of instrumental starters on both sides of the football, Georgia will continue to dominate in their SEC match-ups, which are their primary competition for the regular season.
In fact, many opinion leaders in college football including Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer agree that Georgia is up to par with Alabama, and it's difficult to imagine a CFB Playoff without these to two SEC power houses.
With the amount of both offensive and defensive (and Hot Rod, too) that Kirby Smart has in his artillery, Georgia's regular season will be exciting for fans to watch. However, if the Bulldogs are aiming to claim a National Championship, they will need to focus considerable energy in developing their underclassmen.
In the long run, the UGA football program under Head Coach Kirby Smart has laid a foundation that will separate itself from the rest of the SEC East. It's likely that we will be seeing a lot of the Bulldogs in post-season match-ups for many years to come.
In fact, many opinion leaders in college football including Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer agree that Georgia is up to par with Alabama, and it's difficult to imagine a CFB Playoff without these to two SEC power houses.
With the amount of both offensive and defensive (and Hot Rod, too) that Kirby Smart has in his artillery, Georgia's regular season will be exciting for fans to watch. However, if the Bulldogs are aiming to claim a National Championship, they will need to focus considerable energy in developing their underclassmen.
In the long run, the UGA football program under Head Coach Kirby Smart has laid a foundation that will separate itself from the rest of the SEC East. It's likely that we will be seeing a lot of the Bulldogs in post-season match-ups for many years to come.
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