Since spring ball is starting to wind down, who are the rising stars and players to watch out for on your team?
For EWU -
Brandon Kaufman for starters. He should be a legit Payton candidate after posting 1,214 yds, 15 TDs, and earning All-American and Playoffs MVP honors... as a sophomore.
However, there's a guy that is looking to steal some of Kaufman's thunder at WR. Keep an eye out for Bo Levi Mitchell's brother Cory. Although two years older than Bo, he redshirted last year and has been absolutely tearing it up in Spring Ball. Through 3 scrimmages, he has 221 yards on 13 receptions and 3 TDs. He had a sick one handed grab from his brother today along the edge of the endzone for a TD. He's made some impressive catches.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 4:09 pm
by ODUalum11
In regards to ODU I think the Monarchs have numerous players who have the potential to breakout in 2011...
On offense...
Running backs Colby Goodwyn and Angus Harper - Harper was sidelined the whole 2010 season and was forced to redshirt in his freshman season. He showed glimpses this spring of the type of power runner he can be. As time goes on and he matures he has the potential to be a great player for the Monarchs. Goodwyn was the guy who tookover and played as a true freshman to replace the loss of Harper. He set records as a kickoff returner and one of his notable performances was against Cal Poly. He also had a critical TD run against WM. However, I believed he missed most of the 2nd half of the season due to injury. I think its safe to say he will only get better as time goes on. Goodwyn was critical on special teams and at times on offense and people actually think Harper might be the better running back.
Along the offensive line I think it has to be David Born. A JUCO transfer who arrived in Norfolk this past January he is at the top of the depth chart right away. He is a monster of a man at 6'8" and around 330 pounds and I believe he is only a redshirt freshman. He originally committed to Sacramento State before transferring to Bakersfield. He also had other offers from FBS schools such as UTEP, Idaho, Missouri, UCLA and USC.
In regards to Wide Recievers we have tremendous depth...we already have Reid Evans and Prentice Gill but a possible sleeper is Antonio Vaughan. He has showed tremednous potential for his size. In fact here is an article talking about him in today's virginian pilot...
Gill and Evans were the two leading recievers for the Monarchs last season.
On defense....
Along the defensive line we have CAA veteran Ronnie Cameron from Hofstra. I think his experience alone will help not only the defense but the whole team as whole. Eddie McClam (record set in block PAT's/FG's in '09), Chad King, Chris Burnette and others have already established themselves as talented defensive lineman. I wouldn't be surprised if Nate Barnes has a breakout season as he was noticed to have grown the most throughout last year's offseason.
Linebackers, Craig Wilkins has already established himself among the the position. I think Michael Colbert (INT today in the spring game) will be another leader on the defensive side along with JJ Williams who had to sit out most of last season with injuries.
Among the defensive backs, possibly Paul Morant. He might be the best overall athlete on the team so again I wouldn't be surprised if he has a breakout season. I think he will also be one our KO and Punt returners in 2011 with the departure of Montey Smalley. I think the leader among the group will be Carvin Powell. He had a nice hit today in the spring game as well as a INT in one of the other open scrimmages. However, this might be the weakest part of our team.
In terms of specialists, no surprise in all-american punter John Plisco. Expect him to be leading the country once again in punt yard average. Jarod Brown will be our placekicker. He has struggled most of this spring but when he isn't struggling I believe he can hit from anywhere. I think at the spring game today he was consistently hitting field goals from around mid-field. He is also a transfer from West Virginia.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 5:02 pm
by EWURanger
Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:Since spring ball is starting to wind down, who are the rising stars and players to watch out for on your team?
For EWU -
Brandon Kaufman for starters. He should be a legit Payton candidate after posting 1,214 yds, 15 TDs, and earning All-American and Playoffs MVP honors... as a sophomore.
However, there's a guy that is looking to steal some of Kaufman's thunder at WR. Keep an eye out for Bo Levi Mitchell's brother Cory. Although two years older than Bo, he redshirted last year and has been absolutely tearing it up in Spring Ball. Through 3 scrimmages, he has 221 yards on 13 receptions and 3 TDs. He had a sick one handed grab from his brother today along the edge of the endzone for a TD. He's made some impressive catches.
How'd Bronson look compared to the other backs? I heard Pulu is beastin' it up out there as well.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 5:08 pm
by DJH
Player to watch for UNI is QB Terrell Rennie. Put up some eye popping numbers, mostly in the rushing game, last year in his first year in DI football. If he becomes more efficient in the passing game, he will be a legit Payton candidate.
Rising star from UNI is RB/WR David Johnson. Nobody knows who he is right know. Everybody will know who he is at the end of the year.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 5:57 pm
by Screamin_Eagle174
EWURanger wrote:
Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:Since spring ball is starting to wind down, who are the rising stars and players to watch out for on your team?
For EWU -
Brandon Kaufman for starters. He should be a legit Payton candidate after posting 1,214 yds, 15 TDs, and earning All-American and Playoffs MVP honors... as a sophomore.
However, there's a guy that is looking to steal some of Kaufman's thunder at WR. Keep an eye out for Bo Levi Mitchell's brother Cory. Although two years older than Bo, he redshirted last year and has been absolutely tearing it up in Spring Ball. Through 3 scrimmages, he has 221 yards on 13 receptions and 3 TDs. He had a sick one handed grab from his brother today along the edge of the endzone for a TD. He's made some impressive catches.
How'd Bronson look compared to the other backs? I heard Pulu is beastin' it up out there as well.
Bronson looked good, and runs hard. Watched him get popped, and spun right off the guy and fell forward for another 4-5 yards. He's going to be great in the short yardage situations. Conversely, I can't wait for teams to try and run it on us in short yardage situations. Having Pulu out there is like having two Renards. They're about the same size, and are making life hell for the O-line... and our O-line is good. Pulu is a great run stuffer... he makes it look easy. I'm excited to see what our D-line can do to teams this year. UW should be a great first test. If we can sack Price or Montana or whoever they decide to put in there two or more times, the rest of the Sky better watch out.
I did a small writeup of my thoughts from the scrimmage today on our forum. We're lookin' good.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 9:50 pm
by FargoBison
LT Billy Turner- Started as a true freshman last year and he continues to improve steadily. He has an imposing 6-6 297 pound frame, most coaches on our staff still don't can't figure out why he flew under the radar of so many FBS schools.
RB DJ McNorton- Had a breakout season last year and with our OL being the strength of the team I would expect another great year but Sam Ojuri could push him. Ojuri is a back with a lot of talent who has struggled with some off the field issues but now seems to have his head on straight. I've heard a lot of great things about him this spring.
WR Trevor Gebhart could also be a sleeper. He was a player that the coaches wanted to play right away as a true freshman but a collarbone injury forced the coaches to redshirt him. I was told he impressed with his work on the scout team late last year and this spring he has really progressed into a probable starter.
CB Marcus Williams might be one of the best defensive backs in the FCS. Great hands, great athlete and he continues to make plays throughout spring ball just like he did through most of last season as a freshman. Might be NDSU's best cornerback since Tyrone Braxton.
A player to watch is DE Kyle Emmanuel who is supposedly the strongest guy on the team. From what I've heard of him is that he has the potential to be an impact player like Gratzek was for us last year on our DL. We have some great offensive lineman and many struggle with trying to block him.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 4:24 am
by Tribe4SF
Jake Trantin's return at MLB after missing 2010 was the highlight of the spring for W&M. The sleepers were mostly along the defensive front, where a number of redshirt freshmen excelled, in particular DT Keli Doe (6'1" 320) and DE Mike Reilly (6'4" 260).
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:34 am
by CatBlitz22
You all know DeNarius, but a star sleeper could be who he throws to. #86 Tanner Bleskin. Watch out.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:47 am
by Skjellyfetti
Brian Quick or DeAndre Presley are our stars.
As for sleeper... I'm going to go with Steven Miller. First Team Junior College All American running back from New Jersey. I'm expecting big things from him... looks damn good.
[youtube][/youtube]
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 2:15 pm
by uofmman1122
Trumaine Johnson will be as good as ever, and will probably make a push for the Buchanon Award.
If our o-line plays well enough, you could see Peter Nguyen or Jordan Canada having breakout seasons, although a lot of fans don't have a lot of faith in Nguyen after last season.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 3:48 pm
by bpcats
For MSU:
DeNarius QB- Had outstanding freshman year and turned Bobcat offense into a high scoring threat.
Zach Minter DT - Probably the most athletic DT in the Big Sky. Will push Renard Williams from EWU for 1st team honors in the conference. Tied for the team lead in interceptions a year ago. Added 20lbs to his frame this offseason. Success will depend on who the Cats can line up beside him. More athletic Ogden type player. He has been unblockable this past spring.
Sleeper -
Tyler Thomas OG - transfer from Oregon State who will bring a lot of size and some needed nastiness to the position. The Cats needed to get stronger in the middle of their o-line and establish a push in the middle.
Preston Gale DE - 6'3" 240 lb+ So. that ran a 4.5 40 during the spring. Still a little raw in terms of technique but really started to come on strong towards the end of last year. When Minter wasn't crashing the middle of offensive line Gale was coming around the edge for sacks.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 6:03 pm
by houndawg
Stars and Sleepers is a nice description of our safties - Last year's pre-season AA FS, Mike McElroy, returns on a medical redshirt after missing last season with injury. Soph SS Boo Rodgers had the two loudest hits in the spring game.
Real sleeper - DE Ken Boatwright transferred from an NAIA school and moved onto the 1st string, replacing last years MVC leader in sacks, Kyle Russo, an FBS xfer from North Texas State. Something you don't see every day.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 6:49 pm
by Screamin_Eagle174
uofmman1122 wrote:Trumaine Johnson will be as good as ever, and will probably make a push for the Buchanon Award.
If our o-line plays well enough, you could see Peter Nguyen or Jordan Canada having breakout seasons, although a lot of fans don't have a lot of faith in Nguyen after last season.
[youtube][/youtube]
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 7:54 pm
by uofmman1122
Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
uofmman1122 wrote:Trumaine Johnson will be as good as ever, and will probably make a push for the Buchanon Award.
If our o-line plays well enough, you could see Peter Nguyen or Jordan Canada having breakout seasons, although a lot of fans don't have a lot of faith in Nguyen after last season.
[youtube][/youtube]
40 seconds into that video, I spit Mountain Dew all over my monitor.
You bastard.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:05 pm
by Screamin_Eagle174
uofmman1122 wrote:
Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
[youtube][/youtube]
40 seconds into that video, I spit Mountain Dew all over my monitor.
You bastard.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:44 am
by McNeese72
As a McNeese fan, I'm looking for a breakout season for this guy. RB Javaris Murray, who missed all of last season rehabbing a knee injury from the 2010 spring workouts.
Also, it will be interesting to see if this transfer can live up to his billing.
There are quite a few other young guys that are looking promising. Fall workouts will tell us more.
Doc
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 8:10 am
by tampajag
For Southern:
star - honestly nobody could really be considered a star. I guess maybe K William Griswold, but there's been talk of him not playing this year.
sleeper - looking at the results of last season and the spring I'd say the whole team is asleep
Just like last season, I expected lots of freshman to see action, last year, 22 freshman saw crucial playing time. I can see QB JP Douglas from Roswell, Ga to challenge for playing time as well as most of the incoming linemen (on both sides of the ball)
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:38 am
by Silenoz
uofmman1122 wrote:Trumaine Johnson will be as good as ever, and will probably make a push for the Buchanon Award.
If our o-line plays well enough, you could see Peter Nguyen or Jordan Canada having breakout seasons, although a lot of fans don't have a lot of faith in Nguyen after last season.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:50 am
by GannonFan
For UD the easy star is AP - Pierce was a beast last year as a true freshman and there's no reason why he won't be again this year, especially with 4 seniors coming back on the OL and a deep bench of OL as well. Plus, there's real talent behind AP at the RB position so he won't have to carry the ball as much this year.
For sleepers for UD, Nihja White is primed to have a real breakout year at the WR position - he started to be the go to receiver late in the year last year and just looks to be continuing that. And on defense, the Maryland transfer Hawkins has all the makings of being a real big transfer for UD - plus he's filling a spot that UD is weak in this year, defensive backfield.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:05 pm
by clenz
GannonFan wrote:
For sleepers for UD, Nihja White is primed to have a real breakout year at the WR position - he started to be the go to receiver late in the year last year and just looks to be continuing that. And on defense, the Maryland transfer Hawkins has all the makings of being a real big transfer for UD - plus he's filling a spot that UD is weak in this year, defensive backfield.
Wait...UD's got a nihnja on the team?
UD wins the title.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:32 pm
by blueballs
For GSU the stars are pretty obvious: Brent Russell and Laron Scott will be pre-season all americans.
For sleepers watch out for Robert Brown. Brown went for over 1000 yards rushing as a true FR behind a line that had two FR starters in the first year in a new system. He also missed 3+ games. He will be the featured back this year on what promises to be an improved offense that returns all 22 on the final two deep from 2010. Also, backup QB and SB Jerrick McKinnon has the "it" with the ball in his hands. Keep an eye on him too.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:44 pm
by uofmman1122
Silenoz wrote:Jordan Canada
He's excited me more than any other player this spring. If he busts into open field, he is gone. No one is going to catch him. I watched a scrimmage where he slipped through a hole in the line one play, was OMFG gone, and I immediately thought, "Holy shit! When did LaMichael James transfer here?"
But that's why I qualified it with "If our O-Line play is solid." Our running game might be ass if these guys don't play better than they did last year.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:56 pm
by Screamin_Eagle174
uofmman1122 wrote:
Silenoz wrote:Jordan Canada
He's excited me more than any other player this spring. If he busts into open field, he is gone. No one is going to catch him. I watched a scrimmage where he slipped through a hole in the line one play, was OMFG gone, and I immediately thought, "Holy shit! When did LaMichael James transfer here?"
But that's why I qualified it with "If our O-Line play is solid." Our running game might be ass if these guys don't play better than they did last year.
So he's like a less talented version of Taiwan? We'll see.
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 4:57 pm
by Screamin_Eagle174
clenz wrote:
GannonFan wrote:
For sleepers for UD, Nihja White is primed to have a real breakout year at the WR position - he started to be the go to receiver late in the year last year and just looks to be continuing that. And on defense, the Maryland transfer Hawkins has all the makings of being a real big transfer for UD - plus he's filling a spot that UD is weak in this year, defensive backfield.
Wait...UD's got a nihnja on the team?
UD wins the title.
He played in the NC game this past season...
Re: Stars and Sleepers
Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 5:01 pm
by Grizalltheway
Screamin_Eagle174 wrote:
uofmman1122 wrote:He's excited me more than any other player this spring. If he busts into open field, he is gone. No one is going to catch him. I watched a scrimmage where he slipped through a hole in the line one play, was OMFG gone, and I immediately thought, "Holy shit! When did LaMichael James transfer here?"
But that's why I qualified it with "If our O-Line play is solid." Our running game might be ass if these guys don't play better than they did last year.
So he's like a less talented version of Taiwan? We'll see.
Get ready to hear this a few times if you're attending the game this year:
He originally committed to Sacramento State before transferring to Bakersfield. He also had other offers from FBS schools such as UTEP, Idaho, Missouri, UCLA and USC.
