More of a gain rather than a loss

photo courtesy of niuhuskies.com

A pair of redshirt freshmen stole the spotlight today. Harnish to Palmer. Harnish to Palmer. We'll be hearing that combo being heard over and over again in the next few years. In case you didn't hear, we only lost by 4 points to a (good) Big 11 team 27-31.


Quarterbacks

Chandler Harnish was everything we wanted to see and more. His poise was unbelievable going 17 for for 29 for 326 yds and 2 TDs. He was able to make a few plays with his feet, running 8 times for 30 yds. I haven't been this excited for an NIU QB since I started going to school here in '05.

Running Backs

Justin Anderson was disappointing rushing for only 38 yds on 13 carries. I really think that Minnesota D must have been keying in on our running game, forcing our freshman QB to make most of the plays.

Montell Clanton must have been a little bit rusty finally returning to the football field after being injured for the last 2 years. He showed some burst, but fumbled the ball on one play and didn't play much after that. Me'co Brown looked solid in limited playing time. I have no idea why Brown was in there for a 3rd and short on one play, as he looked a bit timid and couldn't manage to plow through for a 1st down.

There were also a couple blatant facemask penalties that weren't called against our RBs, which is disappointing.

Wide Receivers

WR Britt Davis showed off his improved hands leading the team with 4 catches. The offensive star of the game was #81 Nate Palmer who caught 3 receptions for 170 yds and 2 TDs. He is an unbelievable deep threat for this team. Matt Simon caught a few nice balls and was very consistent. TE Reed Cunningham looks like a solid contributor.

I feel as though 2 or 3 pass interference calls weren't made by these Big 10 officials. The one that really killed us was there at the end where #7 Britt was bumped by one of the Minn DBs before the ball even got there. I can only wonder why such blatant calls were not made in this game.

Offensive Line

This unit was disappointing because our running game only averaged 2.3 yds per carry and I barely saw any holes being opened up for the running backs. The unit did a good job in pass blocking, giving Harnish time to throw more often than not.

Defensive Line

DE Larry English made everybody on the field seem silly, even our own players. He was causing pressure all day which resulted in 2 TFL including a sack, while also recovering a fumble. And for some strange reason, he was out running all of our Linebackers and Secondary 2 times chasing down the Minnesota player who was making a big play. All of our team should look up to this man and his motor.

I'm a little worried otherwise though. I think that DE Craig Rusch got hurt during this game, because I didn't see him in there much later in the game and he only got 1 tackle. DE Brandon Bice made a great play shoving the Minnesota OT down to the ground and sacking the QB. Our goal-line defense wasn't too impressive, but they held their own.

Linebackers

MLB Tim McCarthy is back and he is healthy and productive, making 7 tackles including 2 for loss. WLB Cory Hanson looked lost in coverage half the time and let the TEs fly all over the place, which should have been taken care of by SLB Josh Allen. Allen had some good hits, but whoever is playing SLB needs to cover those TEs better. Didn't see too much of Alex Kube, which was disappointing.

Secondary

David Bryant looked great at FS making 7 solo tackles and causing a key fumble. I was also unimpressed by CB Melvin Rice who didn't take a great angle at one of the scoring TDs, but did manage to strip the ball on another scoring try by the Gophers. Again, I don't know where those safeties were covering those playmaking TEs.

Special Teams

K Mike Salerno was extremely impressive kicking field goals of 39 and 49 yds. He easily replaces last year's start Chris Nendick. Me'co Brown wasn't too impressive returning kickoffs, but he didn't make any critical mistakes. He should flourish in the next couple games.

Our Kickoff coverage was bad. REALLY BAD. This may have cost us the game. This will be a main focus on the game film and in practices. Kill wants his ST to be superior.

Players that shined were #25 DB Tracey Wilson who helped with the blocked punt and made a key tackle on ST. #28 RB Chad Spann was credited with blocking the punt, but I could have sworn that it was #25 Wilson. Can somebody help me out here?


Overall, I was very impressed with this team and we can learn a lot from this game. I am a lot more confident about next week's trip to Kalamazoo, which hopefully I will be attending.

Interviewing the Enemy: Minnesota

Here is part of a blog exchange with the vaunted Daily Gopher, your #1 stop for Golden Gopher information. Completely off the cuff on both sides.


I hear you have Eric Decker on offense. Expand on his abilities and do you have any other threats on that side of the ball?

Eric Decker is a very good athlete and poised to be one of the best receivers in the Big Ten. In the second half of last season he became a favorite target of quarterback Adam Weber's. When we throw the ball he will likely be the first target on most plays and you should expect to see offensive coordinator move him around in an effort to get favorable match ups and one-on-ones. But before Decker comes Weber who is our biggest threat offensively. As a redshirt freshman in 2007 he set several school records. One might assume it was because were throwing the ball all the time because we were behind, but that is not necessarily the case. On the season we threw the ball about 51% of the time which isn't a crazy pass:run ratio. He is deceptivelly athletic and is capable of beating you with his legs as well as his arm.The hope here is that Weber reduces mistakes and takes big strides in leading this offense.

There is a large gap in experience between our two teams. How specifically do you think that will affect the game tomorrow?

I think that NIU's experience advantage will be negated by the fact that it is a new system for them. I watched Minnesota in 2007 take a while to adjust to their new offensive and defensive systems. Now in year two we are hearing how everyone is much more comfortable and worrying about execution rather than where to line up. I would not underestimate this for the Huskies. By the time they hit MAC play they should be executing better but I believe this will have an affect on Saturday's game. And for Minnesota it should be noted that their key offensive players and their entire defensive line are alll returners.

Again, are these new players ready to step in and play D-1 ball right away? Especially on defense?

Are they ready? I don't know. But particularly on defense they are bigger and faster than what we had a year ago. Having a revamped secondary that at least has the tools to cover people will help them tremendously. I don't know if they are ready to actually stop Big Ten caliber players but as I said they are bigger and they are faster which allows them to recover from their mistakes. I am extremely anxious to see if they are indeed ready to step in and make a difference.

Is Tom Brewster another Ron Zook-esque fellow that is only going to recruit top players and coach horribly? Is there any hope in your minds that he will succeed in the X's and O's?

Excellent question and my excellent answer is I have NO IDEA. What I do appreciate about Brewster is that from day one he said he wants to bring in top notch assistants and let them do their job. I think we have experienced and talented coordinators so if Brewster can continue to bring in talented players and if he truly does let Mike Dunbar and Ted Roof do their thing on offense and defense then maybe Brewster has a chance to succeed on the field. There is no doubt he can recruit and there is little doubt that his players love playing for him. I sincerely hope the Zook comparisons stop at some point but to date is an apt comparison.

Absence

Hey guys, sorry for the lack of content in the last week and a half. I've been busy getting ready and settling in for my final year at NIU. There will definitely be more content this week leading up to the Saturday game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Week 1 OOC Picks

Looking over the schedules for all of the MAC Conference teams, I have rounded up 20 specific matchups that I find to be the most interesting. Most of these take place in the first 4 weeks of the season, while a few take place later in the season.


1. Week 1 (Aug. 28) - Vanderbilt @ Miami OH
TV: 6:30 PM CST on ESPNU (HD)

This is one of the best chances a MAC team has all season long in knocking off a BCS team. Miami OH should be one of the top teams in the East if they can settle down on a QB to lead their team. However, Vanderbilt is in complete rebuilding mode and fields one of their worst teams in years. These teams played each other last year in Nashville and Vandy only won by 11 points 24-13. A hungry Miami returns 17 starters in this rematch game, while the Commodores only return 9 (3 on offense). Vandy lost their leading WR, RB and their entire O-Line, but their whole secondary returns on D.

2. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Northern Illinois @ Minnesota
TV: 6:00 PM on Big Ten Network (HD)

This game is huge for both teams who want to wash the taste from their mouths they got from last season. Both of these teams combined for 3 wins all of last year. For NIU, this is their biggest chance in years to get over the 20-year hump of not beating a Big 10 team (Wisconsin '88). Minnesota is in year 2 of a slow, trodding rebuilding mode and 2nd year HC Tim Brewster still has to prove he can coach as well as well as he can recruit top talent. NIU has turned from one of the least experienced teams to one of the most experienced in just one year, returning basically all 22 starters.

3. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Western Michigan @ Nebraska
TV: 6:00 PM on FSN PPV

WMU may be the most talented team in the West and face a tough challenge in their opener in Lincoln, NE. The Broncos have the top defense in the MAC, fielding the best secondary by far and strong D-Linemen and Linebackers. With weapons abound on offense, JR QB Tim Hiller just needs to find a way to get the ball to them without making the same mistakes he did last year throwing 15 INTs. It's a good matchup between a transitioning middle of the Big 12 team against a top MAC team. An upset is very possible and would be huge for the program in Kalamazoo. Nebraska has to rebound from the horrible defensive year they had last year and has a new, more balanced offensive attack with former LSU DC Bo Pelini as their new HC.

4. Week 1 (Aug. 30) - Boston College @ Kent St (Cleveland)
TV: 6:30 PM on ESPNU (HD)

This is an interesting matchup because it is going to be played in the Cleveland Browns Stadium, which should provide an exciting atmosphere to start the season. I'm happy this is on TV, because we all get a chance at watching RB Eugene Jarvis who is one of the best talents the MAC has to offer. The unfortunate part is that he will be running in to the brick wall that is the BC defense, who was #2 in rushing D last season. Kent's D is nothing to shout about, with an especially shallow secondary, so we'll see how the Kent O can perform in a tough matchup for the Golden Flashes.

Harnish takes upperhand in QB battle...and more

The news in Huskieland has been, albeit, dry the last couple weeks and in that time I've found times to vacation and golf or whatever have you before it gets crazy and school starts. But there has been some interesting notes as of lately:


There was a lot of hype for NIU Alum TC Dantzler coming in to the Olympics this year wrestling at the 74kg/163lbs weight class. A problem for him and the rest of the wrestlers was that their scale was off by 5 lbs, forcing Dantzler to lose 23 lbs over a 2-week period. Peter Basci of Hungary beat TC in the 3rd round 3-0 and managed to make it all the way to the Semi-Finals. One more match won by Basci to get in to the finals and TC would have been able to compete for a Bronze, which unfortunately didn't happen. For more info on Dantzler, you can check out his website at http://tcdantzler2008olympian.com/ Just getting to the Olympics was the 37-year-old's dream, something he is proud he has accomplished.


Earlier on Tuesday, there was a scrimmage going on inside Huskie Stadium. rFR Chandler Harnish went 10 of 15 passing for 175 yds and 2 TDs, outdoing rSR Dan Nicholson who went only 2 of 6 for 12 yds and an INT in limited action. Nicholson was described as being "sore" from throwing a lot in the last week since shoulder surgery in the off-season. That isn't good news for Dan N, who appears to be on a short leash. The next big scrimmage is on Saturday the 16th which is also "Fan Day" where you can get autographs from the players.

LB-turned RB-turned DB David Bryant has picked off one of FR Brandon Rogers' passes. I'm pretty sure that kid is going to redshirt, because whenever he is mentioned he is throwing a pick. He should be good in the future though. SR Matt Simon, SO Landon Cox and walk-on rFR Willie Clark stoodout all having 3 catches a piece.


Jerry Kill thinks that the D-Line can be the strength of the team this year, barring injuries (knock on wood). I'll be first to admit that our DEs are pretty sick with SRs Craig Rusch and Larry English manning the helms, while the interior contains less heralded prospects such as sophomores Mike Krause and DJ Pirkle. Backup DEs JR Brandon Bice, JR Mike Kritikos and SO Jason Cruikshank are pushing the starters hard every practice.

Kill also mentioned how true frosh defensive linemen Adam Coleman, Brian Lawson and Sean Progar-Jackson have already mad a strong impact and will push for playing time this year. Add SR Alex Krutsch and SO Ed Jackson to the mix and you have a nice D-Line depth for once.


Other position battles to watch this camp that are wide-open:

Fullback (my guess at a depth chart)

JR Anthony Antonnaci
SO Kyle Skarb
SO Connor Flahive
rFR Pat McAvoy
FR Victor Jacques

Tight End

JR Reed Cunningham
FR Dan Edem
FR Jason Schepler

5 teams that will hate the MAC in 2008

1. Army

The Games:

Aug. 29 (Week 1): Temple @ Army
Sep. 20 (Week 4): Akron @ Army
Oct. 11 (Week 7): Eastern Michigan @ Army
Oct. 18 (Week 8): Army @ Buffalo

Projected Record against the MAC: 1-3

Even though Army is an independent, it might as well join the Mid-American considering they play 4 teams in our conference this year. The Black Knights are in a definite rebuilding mode with only 8 returning starters, so it might be hard to notch up even one win against a MAC team. Army's best bet is to beat one of the projected last place teams in EMU or Akron, in which they get both teams at home.

2. Navy

Sep. 5 (Week 2): Navy @ Ball St
Nov. 1 (Week 10): Temple @ Navy
Nov. 25 (Week 13): Navy @ Northern Illinois

Projected Record: 0-3

Navy is another military academy that is in a rebuilding mode with a new coach this year and a loss of some key players, returning only 5 on offense. I'm assuming the defense can only improve from the horrible numbers they had last year. This year is tough against MAC teams, having to face top West teams in Ball St and NIU on the road. The Temple game is a rematch from last year, while Temple returns all 22 of their starters.

3. Indiana

Sep. 20 (Week 4): Ball St @ Indiana
Nov. 1 (Week 10): Central Michigan @ Indiana

Projected Record: 0-2

Indiana had a landmark year last year with a 7-6 record and went to their first bowl game in 14 years. This year will be a lot different with the loss of their career leading WR James Hardy. QB Kellen Lewis is going to run around all day, but is not going to have anybody to throw it to. They run in to a buzzsaw, getting 2 of the top MAC teams at home. The Ball St game is a rematch, with Ball State having the stronger team this year, while CMU is the defending MAC champs. They better come up with something to make the offense go or this Hoosier team is going to fall back to the bottom of the Big 10.

4. Minnesota

Aug. 30 (Week 1): Northern Illinois @ Minnesota
Sep. 6 (Week 2): Minnesota @ Bowling Green

Projected Record: 0-2

Minnesota is another one of those Big 10 teams that will probably be in the cellar thi upcoming season. Last year they were only 1-11 with new coach Tim Brewster. Minnesota did lose to Bowling Green in OT last year so it won't be a big surprise if the Falcons beat them again on their own turf. The opener against NIU should be a battle, but I'm confident that my Huskies have enough expeirence and talent to beat a rebuilding Minnesota team.

5. Michigan

Sep. 6 (Week 2): Miami OH @ Michigan
Oct. 11 (Week 7): Toledo @ Michigan

Projected Record: 1-1

Michigan has a new HC in Rich Rodriguez, who brings in an offensive system that is unfamiliar to the current roster that the Wolverines currently have. Every part of this offense is rebuilding with only 3 starters returning on that side of the ball. I'm gonna give Michigan the benefit of the doubt that they can win at least one of these games, but I wouldn't be that confident in their abilities on the offensive side of the ball. Both Toledo and Miami OH are teams flying under the radar that could surprise and take down the Wolverienes, which would be great in my mind.

2008 MAC Unit Rankings: The RBs

In what is expected to be a passing league in the MAC this year, a strong running back that can keep the first down marker going while making sure the other offense doesn't get on the field is a must. These strong RBs may just be the difference between winning the Conference or falling behind to the rest of the pack.


1. Kent St


#6 JR Eugene Jarvis led the MAC in rushing LY with 1,669 yds breaking Kent St's single season record, all while averaging almost 6 ypc! Also is on the 2008 Maxwell Award List for most outstanding RB. Is a small guy at 5'5" 170 lbs but so was Garrett Wolfe.

2. Central Michigan


The thing that makes CMU so special is their depth at RB. Both #3 SR Justin Hoskins and #28 SR Ontario Sneed have starting experience. Hoskins is a highly touted player that transferred from Notre Dame LY and Sneed led the team in rushing in '05 and '06. Both players have a ton of experience and that should fare well for the young Chippewas of Mt Pleasant.

Sneed Youtubage:



3. Northern Illinois


#21 JR Justin Anderson is the next great RB at Northern Illinois. He continued the 1,000 yd streak last year and hopes to make it 10 straight seasons NIU has had a 1,000 yd rusher in 2008. Got beat up a little bit toward the end of last year, but is in much better shape this year with a lot of help around him.

Youtubage:



4. Buffalo


#19 JR James Starks has quietly been one of the top players the last couple years, making 2nd Team All-MAC twice. Last year he was the first Buffalo Bull player ever to exceed the 1,000 yd mark in rushing. He hopes to lead the Buffaloes to a winning record and a bowl game this year for the first time.

Youtubage:



5. Western Michigan


#2 JR Brandon West had a lot of production last year rushing for 910 yds, but scoring only 4 TDs. A lot of the Goal-Line scoring went to graduated SR Mark Bonds who was more of a power back. Hopefully, West's speed can get it done next year for the Broncos.

6. Toledo


#22 JR DaJuane Collins led the MAC in ypc last year with 6.42 yds every touch while also scoring 7 TDs! Runs a 4.45 40 and has potential through the roof.

7. Akron


#7 SR Andrew Johnson just transferred to Akron from University of Miami. When the "Miami of Florida" recruited this guy he was the #6 ranked RB in the Nation. He tore up an ACL while playing for the Hurricanes, but hopes to be the main guy for the Zips this year. Backing him up is #3 SR Dennis Kennedy, who saw some time LY and was 2nd Team All-MAC as a Sophomore.

9. Ball St


#33 JR MiQuale Lewis, #2 SO Frank Edmonds and the rest of the Cardinal RBs were hampered with injuries LY. Both rushed for around 500 yds last year and hope to be finally healthy this year. This RB corps has a lot of experience and potential and will be successful as long as they stay on the field.

8. BGSU


#28 SO Willie Geter is now the man at the RB spot since #17 SR Anthony Turner has changed his postition to WR. Geter is small (5'7" 167), but was productive lst year, averaging over 6 ypc. Is the speedy type that can be successful in BG's offensive scheme.

10. Miami OH


#34 SO Thomas Merriweather has limited experience playing LY rushing for 156 yds and 4 TDs, but is highly touted and expected to be the man for the Redhawks this year.

11. Ohio


#2 JR Chris Garrett has some HUGE shoes to fill in trying to replace the Ohio career rushing leader Kalvin McRae. Luckily he has a pretty good skillset and Ohio is usually pretty good at running the ball. Is a converted WR so could be a good catcher out of the backfield.

12. Temple


#3 SO Marquise Liverpool and #26 RS FR Joe Jones are the men at the RB spot for the Temple Owls. The highly touted Marquise is switching over from the WR spot and played as a true freshman. The also-highly touted Jones injured his knee in camp LY and redshirted.

13. EMU


#36 SR Terrence Blevins and #22 SO Dwayne Priest are the 2 guys vying for the starting spot with the Eagles. Blevins has the experience and can supposedly run under a 4.5 and bench 405 lbs, so he is on the fast track to start for EMU for the first time as a Senior.


Publication rankings:

Phil Steele

1. Kent St
2. Central Michigan
3. N Illinois & BGSU
5. Buffalo
6. Toledo & Akron
8. Western Michigan, Ball St & Miami OH
11. E Michigan & Temple
13. Ohio

Athlon

1. Central Michigan
2. Western Michigan
3. Kent St
4. Toledo
5. Buffalo
6. Northern Illinois
7. Akron
8. Ohio
9. Bowling Green
10. Ball St
11. Eastern Michigan
12. Miami OH
13. Temple

MAC News & Notes

Former NIU starting pitcher Trevor Feeney flirts with a no-hitter as part of the Detroit Tigers minor league organization.

Senior TE David Koronkiewicz will forego his senior season at NIU. Not so bad for him considering he'll finish his Masters this Fall. It's a shame he had to be injured so much during his career here.

Akron allegedly gets a super-athlete in Devoe Torrence to come to their team. It has since been confirmed. Brookhart likes him at RB, we'll see how that goes.

Kent State is almost done installing their new High-Definition Scoreboard continuing renovations at Dix Stadium. We really need one of those. And a new sound system. All in due time of course.

Further hurting CMU in the secondary, backup safety EJ McLaughlin has been declared academically ineligible for the 2008 season.

And finally a top player we offered in Wisconsin LB AJ Klein commits to Iowa State of all places.

Recruiting Time Machine: The 2005 Class

I'm sick and tired of people saying we're in a rebuilding mode. Last year was rebuilding mode. This year we have to perform. The talent and potential on this team is on par in my opinion with the great Huskie teams of the past. Even with the coaching change, I feel as though we have enough talent to succeed in the gauntlet that is the MAC West this year. Here is the previous entry to this series of looking back at recruiting classes and how they will possibly shape this upcoming season:

Recruiting Time Machine: The 2004 Class

U of I: 11/22/04 - Fired Ron Turner, 12/7/04 - Hired Ron Zook. We had just won a bowl game. We were kings of Illinois at the time, while the boys down south were in turmoil.

Coincidentally, Akron beat us in recruiting and the MAC Championship in 2005.


This class takes in account the 4-year guys including Seniors who never redshirted and the Juniors who did and have that extra year of eligibility to return next year for their 5th.


Class Rankings

Phil Steele - #2 in the MAC (behind Akron)
Rivals - #1 in the MAC (tied with Akron), #83 Overall
Scout - #6 in the MAC, #97 Overall

Class Size - 20 of 24 remain + 3 transfers and 5 walk-ons

Location: 14 - IL, 4 - WI, 3 - MN, 2 - IN, 1 - MO


Top of the Class (In Alphabetical Order)

50 C Eddie Adamski
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #424 OL

Eddie has started at Center the past 2 seasons and last year graded out the highest out of any other offensive lineman.

21 TB Justin Anderson
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #65 Athlete, #29 player in IL
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #54 QB
Other offers: Illinois

Became the 5th straight running back to record over 1,000 yds rushing to keep the 9-year streak alive. Voted 2nd Team All-MAC and Soph All-American. Anderson is surprisingly good at catching passes out of the backfield catching 45 balls last year which placed him 2nd in receptions. Look for him to be slimmer and speedier this upcoming season.

SR 36 CB Chase Carter
JUCO Tranfer
Scout rating: 2-stars

This transfer from Coffeyville CC in Wichita Kansas has been phenomenal from day one starting at CB for the Huskies. He stays healthy, causes turnovers and has some speed to his game that makes him invaluable this upcoming season.

SR 18 P Andy Dittbenner
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #68 K

It took him a while, but Andy finally got the hang of things last year with a punting avg of 43.5 yds which was good to set an NIU record, rank 5th in the MAC and 16th nationally. He deservedly won NIU's most improved player at the end of the season LY.

SR 2 CB Melvin Rice
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #41 Cornerback
Scout rating: 2-stars, #96 CB
PS ranking: #73 DB
Other offers: Akron, Ball St

Mel Rice leads all NIU defenders with 12 career pass breakups. Those Morgan Park boys doesn't mess around. He will hit you hard, very hard. He still has a ton of potential and I can't wait to see what he does with the new defensive scheme.

59 OT Kevin Skatrud
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #533 OL

Was rock-solid LY starting all but one game at Left Guard. Will have to help out whoever ends up playing LT for us a ton.


Potential Breakout Players

SR 9 LB Josh Allen
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #143 QB

Now that I look at it, Josh Allen led all Linebackers and placed 3rd on the team with 89 tackles last year. He started all 12 games (avoiding the injury bug) and had 9 TFL in addition to 2 sacks. However, in the post-spring media guide, he was 2nd string SLB behind converted SS Alex Kube! I hope JA gets pissed and regains some sort of spot in the starting lineup.

49 FB Anthony Antonacci
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #256 DL

Tony A has the fast-track to become the first ever starting fullback in the Kill era for the Huskies as long as he's recovered from his knee injury he endured early last season.

56 DE Brandon Bice
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #345 LB

Bice works and works to become better at that LE spot, but is obviously going to be overshadowed by the guy on the other side in Larry English. He started 11 games last year and hopes to be a force alongside the reigning MAC MVP to help not only our rush defense, but putting pressure on the QB helping the secondary.

52 LB Phil Brown
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5, #46 Outside linebacker, #28 player in IL
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #156 LB
Other offers: Ball St

Phil Brown played in 11 games last year, starting 3. He is unfortunately not in the starting lineup at the moment buried behind Alex Kube and Josh Allen. However, he has a ton of untapped talent and would be a force if he became a full-time linebacker. Played a little DE last year filling in for injured players.

83 TE Reed Cunningham
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 4.9
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #220 TE

This is Reed's job to lose. He's shown flashes of vast potential in the past, but last year he was hampered by various knee and ankle injuries starting 4 games and only playing in 6. Could be the next star at TE even though Kill doesn't think much of him so far.

26 LB Cory Hanson
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #479 DB

Yet another current backup LB that can start. Started 12 of 13 as a redshirt Freshman. LY appeared in 8 and started 6 while flirting with injuries.

57 LB Zach Larsen
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #175 LB

I think we can call this "The Linebacker Class". Larsen played in 11 games and started the last 6. Was co-winner of most-improved award.

SR 24 DB Bradley Pruitt
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #338 DB

Along with Patrick George, Bradley will be filling in as the 3rd CB in nickel and dime situations this year. Played in all 12 games starting 11 LY, all while switching back and forth from CB to S. Finished 2nd on the team with 92 tackles, although the little guy got dragged on a few of those takedowns.

SR 17 WR Greg Turner
Walk-on
PS Ranking: #139 DB

Slated in as the 3rd WR this year. He appeared in 10 games LY starting 4 of them and is known as more of a posession guy. Hopefully he gained some speed this off-season to match Coach Kill's liking.

11 K/P Mike Salerno
Winona St Tranfer
Scout rating: 3-stars, #8 Kicker

Salerno's kicking job to lose. If he can hold the walk-on from Joliet JC Steve Ivanisevic off. A virtual unkown other than he was highly touted by scout coming out of high school and has set some Winona Stat records for kicking already.

27 SS Spencer Williamson
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #525 LB

Spencer is the main "3rd guy" coming out to play the safety position. He has good size and I bet he could cause a few "oohs" and "aahs" this year.


The Backups

4 RB David Bryant
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #468 LB

This converted linebacker was Justin Anderson's backup for most of last year while all of the other RBs went down with injuries. He's behind Clanton & Spann but is still a guy that may get some carries.

32 FS Jeff Fontana
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #355 DB

Well, well, well. Jeff had a tough time last year with coverage. Hopefully this year he can step it up and push the new starting safeties for their spots.

66 OT Tony Holmes
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.4
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #514 OL

Current 3rd string tackle that saw time in 8 games last year. A little on the big side weighing 330 lbs.

48 LB Mike Kritikos
Walk-on

Good luck seeing time being Larry English's backup. Will have to add some weight to his 220 lb frame if he wants to stick on that line.

1 DB Anthony Mason
Valparaiso Transfer

Ant Mason was a spark-plug for the Special Teams and nickel/dime back last year. Is ballsy for taking Wolfe's old number.

77 OG Tim Mayerbock
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.3
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #333 OL
Other offers: Akron

Tim started the first 4 games at LG last season but has fell off since. Kill's post-spring depth chart has him behind both Skatrud and Tense for the LG spot this year.

15 QB Ryan Morris
Walk-on

Ryan performed mop-up duty for Dan Nicholson when he was dinged up last year. Has had his moments filling in, but doesn't have the arm strength or accuracy to be the starter full time over Dan Nicholson or Chandler Harnish this year.

12 DB David Pratt
Walk-on

Pratt walked-on LY as a Junior and redshirted. I should have done this. Probable practice squad guy.

9 TB Matt Schiffler
Walk-on

Solid special teams guy who will only make an appearance at RB in the Spring Game or when we blow out Indiana State (2006 and week 4 this year)

64 OT Jake Wertz
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #331 OL

Another guy with limited experience that only played against Indiana St in 2006. I hope we actually have more of a rotation in the offensive line this year more than we did last year with the same guys playing the entire game with nobody subbing in.

82 WR Preston Williams
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.1
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #475 WR

Probably is more famous for being mentioned in a DMS song than the football field.


Who are these guys?

OL Ethan Gill
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.2
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #675

Quit before 2006 season

DL Adam Grimm
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking: #238 OL

Career ending back injury.

WR Orlando Moore
Rivals rating: 3-stars, 5.5
Scout rating: 2-stars
PS ranking - #48 WR
Other offers: Michigan St, Bowling Green & Toledo

Was highly touted coming in, but ended up having grade issues. One day I going to class, some coach was lecturing him about this same issue. Remember what Mr. T says: "Don't be a fool, stay in school"

WR Justin Williams
Rivals rating: 2-stars, 5.0
Scout rating: 1-star
PS ranking: #475 WR

Quit before 2006 season, ?

All-Novak Team

Offense

QB - #10 Josh Haldi (2002-04)
TB - #32 Michael Turner (2000-03)
TB - #1 Garrett Wolfe (2004-06)

WR - #85 Justin McCareins (1997-2000)
WR - #82 PJ Fleck (1999-2001, 2003)
WR - #84 Sam Hurd (2002-05)
TE - #89 Brad Cieslak (2002-04)

OL - #74 Ryan Diem (1997-2000)
OL - #62 Doug Free (2003-06)
OL - #66 Jake VerStraete (2001-04)
OL - #79 Ben Lueck (2003-05)
OL - #65 Brian Van Acker (2003-05)

Defense

DL - #55 Vinson Reynolds (2000-03)
DL - #56 Travis Moore (2001-04)
DL - #96 Quince Holman (2003-05)
DL - #51 Larry English (2005-08)

LB - #26 Larry Williams (1999-2002)
LB - #45 Nick Duffy (2000-03)
LB - #38 Brian "The Beast" Atkinson (2001-04)

FS - #9 Lionel "Boogie" Hickenbottom (2001, 2003-04)
SS - #21 Akil Grant (2000-03)
CB - #17 Vince Thompson (1999-2002)
CB - #18 Randee Drew (2000-03)

Special Teams

P -
K - #13 Steve Azar (2000-03)

PR - #5 Dan Sheldon (2001-04)
KR -


2000 -
2001 -
2002 -
2003 -
2004 -
2005 -

MAC Schools in 2009 Princeton Review College Rankings

Note to self: Go to our next road trip to Ohio U whenever that may be.

Miami University

#11	Alternative Lifestyles Not an Alternative
#17	Best Campus Food
#4	Homogeneous Student Population
#2	Little Race/Class Interaction
#19	Major Frat and Sorority Scene

Ohio University--Athens

#5	Lots of Beer
#1	Lots of Hard Liquor
#5	Party Schools

State University of New York--University at Buffalo

#15	Diverse Student Population
#19	Professors Get Low Marks

Temple University

#5	Diverse Student Population

Other Schools on Princeton Review that weren't ranked in their "Best 368 Colleges":

The entire MAC West

Ball State University

Central Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University

Northern Illinois University

University of Toledo

Western Michigan University

MAC East

The University of Akron

Bowling Green State University

Don't think they even have anything about Kent State on there.