David Wallis interview with ESPN Richnond: https://www.espnrichmond.com/episode/randolph-macon-david-wallis-on-his-nfl-opportunity/?rand=2045473097

W&L has one of their larger rosters, with 24 first years, 21 sophomores, 18 juniors and 23 seniors. That's about the most seniors I can remember, maybe a year or two with 24 or 25 would be the max. Total of 86. I've seen the roster as small as the lower 70s and as high as 88 I think, so this one looks about as full as it gets. That usually bodes well for W&L, as years where the roster is smaller injuries have played a role.

The biggest thing that stands out to me is the whole roster only lists 2 qbs, one a sophomore and one a first year. Sophomore Ty Collins got in a few games last year, but not much action, and he is the only returning QB listed. Last year the roster listed 6 qbs, Senior Stephen Murrin played all 11 games, and boy is that a rarity for a W&L QB given what is usually asked of them, with a lot of hits playing the option. But typically W&L has started at least 2 if not 3 or more qbs at times during a season due to injuries.

Last year behind Murrin was a junior, Hildebrandt, who played in 5 games, and sophomore, Anderson, who played in 3 games, as well as two other sophomores who may have seen mop up action in a game or two. Finally, there was Collins, who is the sophomore listed on the roster this year. He saw a little action in 3 games, but the season stat line is 2 passing attempts, three rushes. Not a lot of game experience.

None besides Collins are listed on the roster. W&L does list 13 slot backs and running backs, and if push comes to shove this won't be the first time the Generals have moved an RB to QB in an emergency, but 2 qbs given the system is very, very thin. I'd say maybe the whole roster isn't up yet, but with 86 names I suspect what I see is what there is.

I wonder if the change at OC has something to do with the loss of qbs or if it's something else. As is typical, attrition is pretty small for W&L, so to lose 4 qbs is kind of unusual. If the Generals come out with a whole new offense this year, going away from what has worked so well for over 15 years, it's going to be shocking. But a new OC and a lot of turnover at QB has me pondering. The roster does list 14 WRs and TEs.

Interesting scenario at WLU.  WLU is always tough, so I'm confident they'll figure things out.

As to the outcome for Wallis, the experience he's having now is priceless.  Hoping he continues to do well and makes the team, but regardless he'll have memories for a lifetime.

David Wallis kickoff return vs Eagles: https://x.com/NFL/status/1824254313935376636

Quote from: jknezek on August 14, 2024, 12:36:40 PMW&L has one of their larger rosters, with 24 first years, 21 sophomores, 18 juniors and 23 seniors. That's about the most seniors I can remember, maybe a year or two with 24 or 25 would be the max. Total of 86. I've seen the roster as small as the lower 70s and as high as 88 I think, so this one looks about as full as it gets. That usually bodes well for W&L, as years where the roster is smaller injuries have played a role.

The biggest thing that stands out to me is the whole roster only lists 2 qbs, one a sophomore and one a first year. Sophomore Ty Collins got in a few games last year, but not much action, and he is the only returning QB listed. Last year the roster listed 6 qbs, Senior Stephen Murrin played all 11 games, and boy is that a rarity for a W&L QB given what is usually asked of them, with a lot of hits playing the option. But typically W&L has started at least 2 if not 3 or more qbs at times during a season due to injuries.

Last year behind Murrin was a junior, Hildebrandt, who played in 5 games, and sophomore, Anderson, who played in 3 games, as well as two other sophomores who may have seen mop up action in a game or two. Finally, there was Collins, who is the sophomore listed on the roster this year. He saw a little action in 3 games, but the season stat line is 2 passing attempts, three rushes. Not a lot of game experience.

None besides Collins are listed on the roster. W&L does list 13 slot backs and running backs, and if push comes to shove this won't be the first time the Generals have moved an RB to QB in an emergency, but 2 qbs given the system is very, very thin. I'd say maybe the whole roster isn't up yet, but with 86 names I suspect what I see is what there is.

I wonder if the change at OC has something to do with the loss of qbs or if it's something else. As is typical, attrition is pretty small for W&L, so to lose 4 qbs is kind of unusual. If the Generals come out with a whole new offense this year, going away from what has worked so well for over 15 years, it's going to be shocking. But a new OC and a lot of turnover at QB has me pondering. The roster does list 14 WRs and TEs.

Watch for Ian Gallimore led Mt Airy to two straight State Championships even though he was recognized for his defense heard good things.

Quote from: IAMTINMAN67 on August 20, 2024, 08:57:46 AMWatch for Ian Gallimore led Mt Airy to two straight State Championships even though he was recognized for his defense heard good things.

Well I hope they have something up there sleeve. Just 2 QBs in any system is thin. In an option system, it's full on "wing and prayer" time.

I assume there are scrimmages today.  Does anyone know for sure?

Quote from: Macon on August 24, 2024, 01:59:01 PMI assume there are scrimmages today.  Does anyone know for sure?

We beat CNU 10-0 in Ashland Saturday but from reports from friends who went we didn't play many starters at all and I'm quite sure CNU did the same, although my friends didn't know the CNU team well enough to know.

^^  Thanks for the update!

David Wallis placed on waivers by the Patriots:https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/8/27/24229701/2024-nfl-roster-cuts-full-list-patriots-moves

Quote from: y_jack_lok on August 27, 2024, 09:18:39 PMDavid Wallis placed on waivers by the Patriots:https://www.patspulpit.com/2024/8/27/24229701/2024-nfl-roster-cuts-full-list-patriots-moves

Oh wow they waived Zappe too.

Hopefully the Patriots or some other team find room for Wallis on their practice squad. That's not a terrible place to be.

Quote from: Pat Coleman on August 28, 2024, 10:23:54 AMHopefully the Patriots or some other team find room for Wallis on their practice squad. That's not a terrible place to be.

Just got a text from one of my football alumni buddies that the Vikings may pick him up off waivers to return kicks- he was 2nd in the NFL in the preseason in kick returns so far!
https://www.emilysportnews.com/2024/08/29/great-news-vikings-have-confirmed-their-primary-punt-returner-following-the-shocking-release-of-kene-nwangwu/

Quote from: rmc1982 on August 27, 2024, 09:21:05 AM

Quote from: Macon on August 24, 2024, 01:59:01 PMI assume there are scrimmages today.  Does anyone know for sure?

We beat CNU 10-0 in Ashland Saturday but from reports from friends who went we didn't play many starters at all and I'm quite sure CNU did the same, although my friends didn't know the CNU team well enough to know.

CNU starters didn't travel for the scrimmage. I heard that for the most part, both teams were looking at 2nd and 3rd teams. Not unusual for a scrimmage. Good luck to RMC this year!!

Quote from: rmc1982 on August 29, 2024, 09:17:56 AM

Quote from: Pat Coleman on August 28, 2024, 10:23:54 AMHopefully the Patriots or some other team find room for Wallis on their practice squad. That's not a terrible place to be.

Just got a text from one of my football alumni buddies that the Vikings may pick him up off waivers to return kicks- he was 2nd in the NFL in the preseason in kick returns so far!
https://www.emilysportnews.com/2024/08/29/great-news-vikings-have-confirmed-their-primary-punt-returner-following-the-shocking-release-of-kene-nwangwu/

I'm a huge Vikings fan. I will keep an eye out for that transaction. It hasn't been posted as of this morning. SKOL!