Under the Radar Teams and Players

[Gard-dawg]

Now that many of our posters have perused the football publications, team media guides, and conference media days in an effort to predict the probability that a certain team or player will or should have success in the upcoming season, my thoughts now turn to those teams and players, that for whatever reason, are "flying under the radar", and in spite of the lack of documented statistical support, might very well surprise the pundits in 2010. In my mind it is far easier, and by far, less exciting, to predict a conclusion or result that "on paper" seems to already state the obvious. If history tells us anything many, and often times most, of our predictions based upon statistical proof alone fails to consider the intangibles from which the "dark horses" are born. Yesterday's "unknowns" are often times the superstars of today!

So who are these "sleepers" and possible game changers that we are failing to mention? Every team has them and because of their projected contributions may very well elevate their respective teams to respect in the upcoming season.

If you know of any enlighten the rest of us and explain why you hold your opinion. By it's very nature this exercise calls for some subjectivity and foresight and you will not, or at least should not, be ridiculed for "going out on a limb"

[CatMom]

I think our dark horses may be some players on the D. We are having to find a new NG and we have a kid coming in that was All State at that position. A tall order (pun intended) in Texas. He's a little on the short side (5'11") but I just got to see him play in the THSCA all-star game and was impressed. Won't even know if he'll be our new starter until near the end of camp, but I'm going to keep tabs on him.

Dre Williams - CB - transferred from Iowa State 2 years ago. He made a big difference in 2008 but had a medical RS last year. The kid is quick, has the skills, is intelligent and reads the opposing O well. Even UT wouldn't throw the ball into his coverage at the 7 on 7.

Jarrad Stewart - DB - RS transfer from Utah - Haven't seen him play yet, except at a 7 on 7 but he comes with accolades from former teammates and coaches (then again, don't they all?) Will have to wait and see how camp goes.

On offense
Watch for Cody Matthews - RS freshman WR - with a plethora of receivers I feel Cody will see his fair share of PT this season. It may not be his break-out year but he will be a gamer the next 4 seasons. UT had a hard time covering him.

If you mean teams then sorry for the post

[guinzone]

Only two teams I think people are overlooking are Missouri State and Youngstown State. Each team finished 6-5 last season and were a touchdown or two away from being 7-4 or 8-3 in reality.

Missouri State really impressed me against Youngstown State last year, holding us to just 7 points. Kirby is back again and they got some weapons on offense and defense. The question with MSU is will they finally get over the hump.. I personally think yes. They are an above average team and if they catch some breaks, they will be a force to be reckoned with. The only way you can beat them is if you shut down their passing game, which will be very tough to do.

Youngstown State, as previously mentioned, finished 6-5 last season and due to how mediocre our program became, we fired our entire coaching staff and brought in Eric Wolford and a coaching staff loaded with BCS, FCS, and two high school coaches. They brought in a transfer QB at Purdue (Najee Tyler) and the top QB in Ohio (Patrick Angle) according to former Ohio State QB Greg Frey. They lost 15-20 kids from the Heacock team and brought in quite a few transfers and freshman that could play right away. Looking ahead, they have 5 commits already in the 2011 class, including a local kid named Landon Smith who chose YSU today over Indiana, Syracuse, and a bunch of MAC schools: http://www.letsgoguins.com/recruiting/f ... commitment" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Both teams should finish with at least 7 wins this year, with one of the two going 8-3 and making it to the playoffs.

[Gard-dawg]

Catmom: Your post is exactly what I am looking for! Teams or Players can't have one without the other.

[Screamin_Eagle174]

He might not be too much under the radar, as he's definitely not to EWU fans, but LB Zach Johnson. As a RS Freshman in 2008 he led the team in tackles at 96. 11 TFL, 1 INT, 7 passed broken up and 1 blocked kick. He was out all last year with a blood clot in his knee that he had surgery on. We'll have him back at full health this year and starving to make plays (especially since his twin brother SS Matt Johnson was making a lot of them last year). Our LB corps will be one of the best in the FCS.