FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[hsbsballcoach7]

I think it will be between Evans-Morris, Nero and Choat to begin the season, but they can't take it easy bc there are at least 3 incoming freshmen that are pretty talented. I've been told that previously E-M didn't grade out as high as others, but the staff liked him. Personally, I think Choat can be the complete back that we need, but time will tell. Dear (Jackson) and Ladson (GlenOak) are big/hard runners and the other 2 I'm thinking of are more Jamal Johnson type of guys, but a little bigger physically.

I'm not worried about defense with DL returning a lot, DBs Berry, White, Groves, Cox and Crenshaw. Linebackers returning are Dear, Robinson and Williams.
My concern is who fills in on the Oline. We've got the QBs, WRs, TE and enough talented RBsto score against the OAC, but you need a great Oline to go far in the playoffs.

[Dr. Acula]

I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but sometimes we just want to rush to the next guy.  A LOT of us did that to Mitchell.  I'll try not to do it to Evans-Morris if he's the starter (but it's hard!) 

I am intrigued by Nero because he's about 20 lbs bigger than the other 2 guys.  I'm intrigued by Choat because he looked like he could do it all and he was a freshman so you always think "what if".   Poor Evans-Morris just gets put by the wayside in my mind because I want a shiny new toy.  All he's done is be productive when given his chances (679 yds, 9 TD, 6.3 ypc).  As hsbsballcoach7 said, that trio is plenty good enough to win OAC and early playoff games.  But against the top teams you need a nasty O line and a guy that can get tough yards.

p.s. I think that's one of the main reasons Davis has the edge at QB too.  He looked the most athletic running the ball and it definitely seems like they want to keep the read option intact, especially now with a new RB and some OL turnover.       

[gizzmo13]

I forgot about Choat.. he may be the one.

[ITH radio]

From Doug Samuels of FB Scoop:

http://footballscoop.com/news/one-top-small-college-coordinators-moving-call-side-ball/

[hsbsballcoach7]

I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but sometimes we just want to rush to the next guy.  A LOT of us did that to Mitchell.  I'll try not to do it to Evans-Morris if he's the starter (but it's hard!) 

I am intrigued by Nero because he's about 20 lbs bigger than the other 2 guys.  I'm intrigued by Choat because he looked like he could do it all and he was a freshman so you always think "what if".   Poor Evans-Morris just gets put by the wayside in my mind because I want a shiny new toy.  All he's done is be productive when given his chances (679 yds, 9 TD, 6.3 ypc).  As hsbsballcoach7 said, that trio is plenty good enough to win OAC and early playoff games.  But against the top teams you need a nasty O line and a guy that can get tough yards.

p.s. I think that's one of the main reasons Davis has the edge at QB too.  He looked the most athletic running the ball and it definitely seems like they want to keep the read option intact, especially now with a new RB and some OL turnover.     

I think we all do get caught up in the young talented players being the next big one, but there are those important players that have put in the time to deserve a chance to play as seniors. Look at last year with Dwayne Aaron giving us important time at RB. Even as a high school coach, I get excited about young and talented upcoming players, but when you see them everyday, sometimes you just need that experienced player in your lineup bc the young ones aren't ready. I have a feeling that replacements on the Oline will be guys that have put in the time and understand the culture. I'm as excited for this year as ever, as I think this team will be very solid from all positions.

Speaking of young guns, I'm excited to see Justin Hill improve from what he did last season as well as Wynn at WR, Tre Reid and Pastor on DL contribute more, Williams/Thomas/Hall/Dostal at LB and Choat earn more PT as well. I know there are more Freshmen that will become good players, but those guys already have some playing experience last year.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

MTU Coaching Announcements Today:

VK - DC
CK - OC
Josh Colbert - Assistant WR (Was MTU Track Coach)
Brooks Jenkins - Assistant OL (MTU '17)
Trent Poelker - Assistant ST (Former OC and DC at McKendree)

Saw these on Twitter.

[Dr. Acula]

I'm as guilty of this as anyone, but sometimes we just want to rush to the next guy.  A LOT of us did that to Mitchell.  I'll try not to do it to Evans-Morris if he's the starter (but it's hard!) 

I am intrigued by Nero because he's about 20 lbs bigger than the other 2 guys.  I'm intrigued by Choat because he looked like he could do it all and he was a freshman so you always think "what if".   Poor Evans-Morris just gets put by the wayside in my mind because I want a shiny new toy.  All he's done is be productive when given his chances (679 yds, 9 TD, 6.3 ypc).  As hsbsballcoach7 said, that trio is plenty good enough to win OAC and early playoff games.  But against the top teams you need a nasty O line and a guy that can get tough yards.

p.s. I think that's one of the main reasons Davis has the edge at QB too.  He looked the most athletic running the ball and it definitely seems like they want to keep the read option intact, especially now with a new RB and some OL turnover.     

I think we all do get caught up in the young talented players being the next big one, but there are those important players that have put in the time to deserve a chance to play as seniors. Look at last year with Dwayne Aaron giving us important time at RB. Even as a high school coach, I get excited about young and talented upcoming players, but when you see them everyday, sometimes you just need that experienced player in your lineup bc the young ones aren't ready. I have a feeling that replacements on the Oline will be guys that have put in the time and understand the culture. I'm as excited for this year as ever, as I think this team will be very solid from all positions.

Speaking of young guns, I'm excited to see Justin Hill improve from what he did last season as well as Wynn at WR, Tre Reid and Pastor on DL contribute more, Williams/Thomas/Hall/Dostal at LB and Choat earn more PT as well. I know there are more Freshmen that will become good players, but those guys already have some playing experience last year.

The other exciting thing on defense is that there are a couple guys who started as sophomores that may be poised to emerge as big time players as juniors...Robinson and White.  Both flashed serious play making ability last year at times. 

[VA Guy]

Hello, I am excited for the season. For full disclosure, my nephew is headed to Mount. Attended powerhouse Hermitage HS in Richmond, Va. Check him out...http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5260082/58331225dfd8b905a80b1286 and https://youtu.be/w7ApPidLAEM. Let's get it!

[Craft_Beermeister]

Hello, I am excited for the season. For full disclosure, my nephew is headed to Mount. Attended powerhouse Hermitage HS in Richmond, Va. Check him out...http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5260082/58331225dfd8b905a80b1286 and https://youtu.be/w7ApPidLAEM. Let's get it!

Welcome aboard VA Guy.  We are excited too.

[joelmama]

Hello, I am excited for the season. For full disclosure, my nephew is headed to Mount. Attended powerhouse Hermitage HS in Richmond, Va. Check him out...http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5260082/58331225dfd8b905a80b1286 and https://youtu.be/w7ApPidLAEM. Let's get it!

I like the way he tackles.  Looks like a returner to me also.

[Fido0650]

Street & Smith's 2017 College Football issue is out.  Their top five out of the top 25 is as follows:
1.  Mount Union
2. Mary Hardin-Baylor
3.  Wisconsin-Whitewater
4.  Saint Thomas
5.  Wisconsin-Oshkosh
John Carroll ranked #7.
Should Mount be ranked ahead of Mary Hardin-Baylor?

[ITH radio]

Street & Smith's 2017 College Football issue is out.  Their top five out of the top 25 is as follows:
1.  Mount Union
2. Mary Hardin-Baylor
3.  Wisconsin-Whitewater
4.  Saint Thomas
5.  Wisconsin-Oshkosh
John Carroll ranked #7.
Should Mount be ranked ahead of Mary Hardin-Baylor?

Check out the ATN podcast. Lots of discussion around that topic.

[Dr. Acula]

Hello, I am excited for the season. For full disclosure, my nephew is headed to Mount. Attended powerhouse Hermitage HS in Richmond, Va. Check him out...http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5260082/58331225dfd8b905a80b1286 and https://youtu.be/w7ApPidLAEM. Let's get it!

I like the way he tackles.  Looks like a returner to me also.

And at 5'10" 184 and athletic he's that hybrid athlete VK loves on his defense.  Kennedy Sanders was the freshman last year that kind of fit that mold and earned some PT.  Good luck to your nephew, VA Guy and welcome!

[VA Guy]

Thanks for the warm welcomes. He will be on campus tomorrow. Looking forward to it! Go Mount Go!

[Craft_Beermeister]

I have confidence in Davis because the staff clearly has confidence in him.  He went out and won that job.  He did not play well in those games, but we're talking about a freshman carrying the expectations of being the Mount Union QB on his shoulders.  That's a lot to ask of him (or any frosh).  To me the true test is how he handles it this year.  Those jitters need to be gone now.  I expect to see much more consistent QB play regardless of which one of them is in there.  I was impressed at times by each of those kids (Davis, Poorman, Taitt, Fulford).

All of the QBs are good and should be much improved this year.  Luke Poorman is the one I expect to move to front of the pack.