FB: Ohio Athletic Conference

[bluestreak66]

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/fball/2020-21/releases/20200423gb66nr?fbclid=IwAR2OFSP_3jTB-Q3G5rGNLJUARvvupx94FCNDBx7Lqmqk_S3IlB7KlJZ0FZo

More Mount Union Football on Saturday.

ugh. the '14 game. Bad memories of that one. But the tailgate before the game was great! 

[MUC57]

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/fball/2020-21/releases/20200423gb66nr?fbclid=IwAR2OFSP_3jTB-Q3G5rGNLJUARvvupx94FCNDBx7Lqmqk_S3IlB7KlJZ0FZo

More Mount Union Football on Saturday.

ugh. the '14 game. Bad memories of that one. But the tailgate before the game was great! 

66

Hey, at least we let you tailgate.
How ya been, big guy? Haven't heard from you or little brother for a while.
Stay safe and stay well! 😷 🍺

[raiderpa]

Apparently the Mount receiver and QB did not get any interest in post draft signings, a shame. I thought the receiver would get a look for sure.  Shows how little I know.

[HScoach]

I thought maybe Hill had an outside chance at a free agent camp spot, but was worried about his overall speed being his issue.  He has excellent ball skills, but lacks the blazing speed of Cecil Shorts and physicality of Pierre Garcon.  Not overly surprised he hasn't signed yet.  Hopefully things re-open in time for him to get a camp invite this summer and can at least make a practice squad somewhere.

[gizzmo13]

If Hill doesn't get a shot somewhere I'll be shocked. 4.56 is not a blazing 40, its not awful  I'm sure he can improve that a little. Hes got great hands , ball skills , willing blocker dude can catch anything just throw it near him. If Mount had not lost so early in playoffs he woulda went over 2000 yds and prob 30 something tds. What more can a player do really. Things would be totally different if he even ran a 4.49 . I think all scouts see is the 4.5 and think this isn't a 4.4 guy. Game speed is different, hes fast. Someone give this kid a chance.

[hsbsballcoach7]

Apparently the Mount receiver and QB did not get any interest in post draft signings, a shame. I thought the receiver would get a look for sure.  Shows how little I know.

I didn't think Hill would be drafted, but I thought for sure he'd get an immediate camp offer from someone. The knock I saw on him is that IMO, he took some plays off at times during his career. I thought last year had a great year, but I remember him looking to the sideline and raising his hands as if to say, "I don't know" in his first couple of years. I like Hill and I hope he catches on somewhere!

Fulford has a very good arm and athleticism, but his delivery and holding onto the ball probably hurt him. I'm just not sure if his opportunity will be there with a shortened off season, unless he can catch on in a different league first.

[edward de vere]

Gil Brandt's lengthy list of the top undrafted players by position.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001111597/article/top-undrafted-rookie-free-agents-following-the-2020-nfl-draft

[HScoach]

Apparently the Mount receiver and QB did not get any interest in post draft signings, a shame. I thought the receiver would get a look for sure.  Shows how little I know.

I didn't think Hill would be drafted, but I thought for sure he'd get an immediate camp offer from someone. The knock I saw on him is that IMO, he took some plays off at times during his career. I thought last year had a great year, but I remember him looking to the sideline and raising his hands as if to say, "I don't know" in his first couple of years. I like Hill and I hope he catches on somewhere!

Fulford has a very good arm and athleticism, but his delivery and holding onto the ball probably hurt him. I'm just not sure if his opportunity will be there with a shortened off season, unless he can catch on in a different league first.

Hill was great.  Made plays all over the field and caught a lot of balls that probably shouldn't have been caught.   However in the big picture he wasn't head and shoulders above everyone else.   He was excellent,  but not a man amongst boys, which in my mind is what's needed when you're at D3. 

Watching Garcon manhandle people physically was downright sick.  I can remember almost feeling bad for the opposing DB that he just decleated.   He was like watching your starting high school RB playing on the junior high team.  He simply looked and played different than everyone else.

Shorts could flat out fly and had the benefit of being on the heels of Garcon so the NFL was paying more attention.   Regardless, Cecil had the wheels and decent size to make them notice.   If you can run like that at 6' tall you're going to get a chance.

Hill was one of the best Mount receivers ever.  In the team photo with Bubonics, Marino, Gollate, Knestrick, etc.  Likely the best contested ball catcher of them all.  But unfortunately he didn't run well enough to overcome the D3 stigma.  I agree with Gizzmo, that 1/10 of a second makes all the difference in the world.   

[hsbsballcoach7]

Apparently the Mount receiver and QB did not get any interest in post draft signings, a shame. I thought the receiver would get a look for sure.  Shows how little I know.

I didn't think Hill would be drafted, but I thought for sure he'd get an immediate camp offer from someone. The knock I saw on him is that IMO, he took some plays off at times during his career. I thought last year had a great year, but I remember him looking to the sideline and raising his hands as if to say, "I don't know" in his first couple of years. I like Hill and I hope he catches on somewhere!

Fulford has a very good arm and athleticism, but his delivery and holding onto the ball probably hurt him. I'm just not sure if his opportunity will be there with a shortened off season, unless he can catch on in a different league first.

Hill was great.  Made plays all over the field and caught a lot of balls that probably shouldn't have been caught.   However in the big picture he wasn't head and shoulders above everyone else.   He was excellent,  but not a man amongst boys, which in my mind is what's needed when you're at D3. 

Watching Garcon manhandle people physically was downright sick.  I can remember almost feeling bad for the opposing DB that he just decleated.   He was like watching your starting high school RB playing on the junior high team.  He simply looked and played different than everyone else.

Shorts could flat out fly and had the benefit of being on the heels of Garcon so the NFL was paying more attention.   Regardless, Cecil had the wheels and decent size to make them notice.   If you can run like that at 6' tall you're going to get a chance.

Hill was one of the best Mount receivers ever.  In the team photo with Bubonics, Marino, Gollate, Knestrick, etc.  Likely the best contested ball catcher of them all.  But unfortunately he didn't run well enough to overcome the D3 stigma.  I agree with Gizzmo, that 1/10 of a second makes all the difference in the world.

I'm not saying Hill wasn't great because like you said, his hands were fantastic (I truly don't remember too many drops), but Garcon would man handle guys when blocking them (I specifically remember him drilling guys down field) and same when catching contested balls in the air. Shorts and Garcon were stronger, as well as, slightly faster. Shorts speed asking with cutting ability was NOT D3 level. I loved watching Hill play and make big catches and we will miss him and Fulford until the team gets to practice (not sure how that will look this year) and hits it's stride.

[formerd3db]

HScoach:

You mean 1/10 of a second as far as being drafted is concerned. That doesn't mean that he doesn't have the talent to actually make an NFL team if someone just gives him a chance.🙂 The scouts have been wrong before.

[Kira & Jaxon's Dad]

With the Covid-19 situation, I'm guessing mini-camp invitations are down this year.

[hsbsballcoach7]

I was bored the other night, so I rewatched lots of the NCC game. I got to thinking about next years team....long way off, I know, but please bare with me. Wayne Ruby stuck out to me when catching the ball. On one catch late in the game, I thought it was Hill that went up high, between two defenders on the sideline, but it was Ruby. It seemed like Rutter knew which matchup he was going to exploit before every snap.  I forgot that Mounts defense held NCC in check in the 4th quarter to give the offense a chance. I have not heard anything new on if Kappas is staying as D coordinator or any new defensive coaches and this could also impact strategy.

I have lots of faith in this staff and returning players, that this will be a fun season to watch again. Quick rundown from my view (please chime in.... I'm bored):
QB
There's going to be a good QB no matter who Dartt chooses
Plunk - likely starter with experience, good arm and good accuracy
CJ Shedd - great arm and accuracy (highlights) and seems to read defenses well. Throws well under pressure and spreads it around.
Xavier Williams - nice arm and touch on throws. Good mobility in pocket, keeps eyes downfield for open guys.

RB
Petro - will carry the load, but I hope we keep him fresh
Parker - got lots of time last year and showed talent, just need consistency
Redmon - He came on at the end of the year, Nemeth-like runner to me. I really like this group.

Oline
Presutti (only returning starter)
Daniel (returning starter - if he returns with his 5th year after injury)
John Valentine - 2 deep in 2019
Jake Penko - 2 deep in 2019
They've got lots of talented guys to push this group and fill in spots. This should be a strength.

WR
Wayne Ruby - very athletic and playmaker
Edwin Reed - showed flashes last 2 years and I expect him to put up numbers
Jordan Lee/Jaden Manley/Robby Kirchner - short, quick, slot type guys

TE - Not sure what Dartt will do here as the offense hasn't used tight ends, but in certain matchups
Weygandt returns and is athletic. They seemed to use him in the slot last year. He has nice hands.

Defense - I don't know X's and O's like some of you, but I wish that the Purple Raiders would return to a 4 man Dline. I understand that most D3 teams use a spread offense and you want more athletic guys to combat that, but IMO pressure on a QB does more to throw off a play rather than an extra guy in coverage. I'm not saying that it should be the base defense, but it needs to be used in games. I feel that it would help vs the top D3 offenses (NCC, Wheaton, UWW, UMHB, St Johns, St Thomas or JCU). IMO the best defense that Mount had recently in 2015 had a great 4 man Dline that would put pressure on teams. Of course if they don't have the guys for the scheme that changes everything.

DL - lots of questions here with the defense as a whole (as there should be)
Eli Beers - in 2 deep at DE
Nate Brunson - in 2 deep at DT
Duke Hill/Brady Maxwell - were on playoff roster

LB
O'Hara - returning starter
Ford - returning starter although, I'm not sure he's a LB
Labuda - in 2 deep
Kovath - in 2 deep (typical Mount LB, tackles well and makes things happen)
Cyvas - in 2 deep

Safeties
Vail - returning starter
Henwood - 2 deep
Britt - returning starter
Bowker - 2 deep (one of few freshmen to be on playoff roster and he played lots)

CB (with Griffin and Williamson transferring)
Murrary - 2 deep
Bradley - returning starter

As usual, there is some young talent waiting in the shadows with incoming freshmen and JV guys. They're chomping at the bit to prove they deserve a shot when a "varsity" guy isn't performing up to expectations. Again, I'm just throwing some thoughts out there as I miss sports!

[Pat Coleman]

I would add, it was a tough year for *everyone* outside of D-I FBS. Only nine non-FBS players were drafted and while I don't have numbers on how other divisions' players were affected in post-draft pickups, it's clear that players were hurt by not having the opportunity to work out for teams.

[bluestreak66]

http://athletics.mountunion.edu/sports/fball/2020-21/releases/20200423gb66nr?fbclid=IwAR2OFSP_3jTB-Q3G5rGNLJUARvvupx94FCNDBx7Lqmqk_S3IlB7KlJZ0FZo

More Mount Union Football on Saturday.

ugh. the '14 game. Bad memories of that one. But the tailgate before the game was great! 

66

Hey, at least we let you tailgate.
How ya been, big guy? Haven't heard from you or little brother for a while.
Stay safe and stay well! 😷 🍺

I've been doing pretty well, all things considered. In a bit of despair due to the lack of everything lol!
Stay safe!

[SaintsFAN]

I was bored the other night, so I rewatched lots of the NCC game. I got to thinking about next years team....long way off, I know, but please bare with me. Wayne Ruby stuck out to me when catching the ball. On one catch late in the game, I thought it was Hill that went up high, between two defenders on the sideline, but it was Ruby. It seemed like Rutter knew which matchup he was going to exploit before every snap.  I forgot that Mounts defense held NCC in check in the 4th quarter to give the offense a chance. I have not heard anything new on if Kappas is staying as D coordinator or any new defensive coaches and this could also impact strategy.

I have lots of faith in this staff and returning players, that this will be a fun season to watch again. Quick rundown from my view (please chime in.... I'm bored):
QB
There's going to be a good QB no matter who Dartt chooses
Plunk - likely starter with experience, good arm and good accuracy
CJ Shedd - great arm and accuracy (highlights) and seems to read defenses well. Throws well under pressure and spreads it around.
Xavier Williams - nice arm and touch on throws. Good mobility in pocket, keeps eyes downfield for open guys.

RB
Petro - will carry the load, but I hope we keep him fresh
Parker - got lots of time last year and showed talent, just need consistency
Redmon - He came on at the end of the year, Nemeth-like runner to me. I really like this group.

Oline
Presutti (only returning starter)
Daniel (returning starter - if he returns with his 5th year after injury)
John Valentine - 2 deep in 2019
Jake Penko - 2 deep in 2019
They've got lots of talented guys to push this group and fill in spots. This should be a strength.

WR
Wayne Ruby - very athletic and playmaker
Edwin Reed - showed flashes last 2 years and I expect him to put up numbers
Jordan Lee/Jaden Manley/Robby Kirchner - short, quick, slot type guys

TE - Not sure what Dartt will do here as the offense hasn't used tight ends, but in certain matchups
Weygandt returns and is athletic. They seemed to use him in the slot last year. He has nice hands.

Defense - I don't know X's and O's like some of you, but I wish that the Purple Raiders would return to a 4 man Dline. I understand that most D3 teams use a spread offense and you want more athletic guys to combat that, but IMO pressure on a QB does more to throw off a play rather than an extra guy in coverage. I'm not saying that it should be the base defense, but it needs to be used in games. I feel that it would help vs the top D3 offenses (NCC, Wheaton, UWW, UMHB, St Johns, St Thomas or JCU). IMO the best defense that Mount had recently in 2015 had a great 4 man Dline that would put pressure on teams. Of course if they don't have the guys for the scheme that changes everything.

DL - lots of questions here with the defense as a whole (as there should be)
Eli Beers - in 2 deep at DE
Nate Brunson - in 2 deep at DT
Duke Hill/Brady Maxwell - were on playoff roster

LB
O'Hara - returning starter
Ford - returning starter although, I'm not sure he's a LB
Labuda - in 2 deep
Kovath - in 2 deep (typical Mount LB, tackles well and makes things happen)
Cyvas - in 2 deep

Safeties
Vail - returning starter
Henwood - 2 deep
Britt - returning starter
Bowker - 2 deep (one of few freshmen to be on playoff roster and he played lots)

CB (with Griffin and Williamson transferring)
Murrary - 2 deep
Bradley - returning starter

As usual, there is some young talent waiting in the shadows with incoming freshmen and JV guys. They're chomping at the bit to prove they deserve a shot when a "varsity" guy isn't performing up to expectations. Again, I'm just throwing some thoughts out there as I miss sports!

IF they play, this will be the most interesting season for Mount Union since the days before Ballard.  Lots of holes to fill and while they have seemed to just plug in kids into these holes in the past, it was under a Kehres.  It will be fascinating to see how all these position groups gel and play together and doing it under a new regime.