FB: USA South Athletic Conference

[kickerdad]

AUPOP - you've got a good assessment of Averett's spring so far.  With Dixon (2nd Team All-American - returner) and Williams as the wideouts they should be pretty explosive.  TE's are more athletic enabling them to be a greater option in the offense next year.  Overall, the passing game should be strong with the 2nd Team All-Conference QB returning and experienced back-ups. 

The running game is an area which they have to improve upon.  The O-line should be better with a number of returnees but is a critical area for that needs to improve.  Last year, due to size and strength, the O-line often didn't have the ability to blow the D-line off the ball to pick up key first downs in obvious running situations.  The new line coach is making a difference. 

There are also question marks are in the backfield.  FB is a key void to fill and they are thin at running back.  May be looking at incoming freshmen to add depth, but if there is a position you can get away with playing freshman, its running back. 

On defense - the key will be how the linebackers develop.  Lost some key experience there.  Secondary and D-line should continue to be strengths.  With NCWU's QB graduating, there is no returning QB that Averett will face in conference that has put up big passing numbers previously (that doesn't mean one won't emerge) however, it may enable their defensive scheme to have the DB's to be more aggressive on run support to assist the LB's. 

A potentially key area of improvement is the kicking game.  Last year FG's and extra points were somewhat of an adventure at times.  The kicker from Guilford College transferred in and is participating in spring practice raising the level of competition for all the kickers.

Averett should be able to compete again for the USA South conference title but only if they play with the same energy that they did last year.  Even though they were 5 - 2 in conference, they won a number of close games and just as easily could have been 2 - 5.  If they play hard in every game this season, they can be successful again but they're not the type of team that can "just show up" and get a win.

AUPOP - what does the special teams look like this year.  I was concerned about the kicking but see they got a transfer coming in. Have you seen him kick. Is he doing it all or just extra points and Field goals?

[AUPOP]

AUPOP - you've got a good assessment of Averett's spring so far.  With Dixon (2nd Team All-American - returner) and Williams as the wideouts they should be pretty explosive.  TE's are more athletic enabling them to be a greater option in the offense next year.  Overall, the passing game should be strong with the 2nd Team All-Conference QB returning and experienced back-ups. 

The running game is an area which they have to improve upon.  The O-line should be better with a number of returnees but is a critical area for that needs to improve.  Last year, due to size and strength, the O-line often didn't have the ability to blow the D-line off the ball to pick up key first downs in obvious running situations.  The new line coach is making a difference. 

There are also question marks are in the backfield.  FB is a key void to fill and they are thin at running back.  May be looking at incoming freshmen to add depth, but if there is a position you can get away with playing freshman, its running back. 

On defense - the key will be how the linebackers develop.  Lost some key experience there.  Secondary and D-line should continue to be strengths.  With NCWU's QB graduating, there is no returning QB that Averett will face in conference that has put up big passing numbers previously (that doesn't mean one won't emerge) however, it may enable their defensive scheme to have the DB's to be more aggressive on run support to assist the LB's. 

A potentially key area of improvement is the kicking game.  Last year FG's and extra points were somewhat of an adventure at times.  The kicker from Guilford College transferred in and is participating in spring practice raising the level of competition for all the kickers.

Averett should be able to compete again for the USA South conference title but only if they play with the same energy that they did last year.  Even though they were 5 - 2 in conference, they won a number of close games and just as easily could have been 2 - 5.  If they play hard in every game this season, they can be successful again but they're not the type of team that can "just show up" and get a win.

AUPOP - what does the special teams look like this year.  I was concerned about the kicking but see they got a transfer coming in. Have you seen him kick. Is he doing it all or just extra points and Field goals?

No I haven't. Only got a chance to see a couple practices before the wife threatened to take my truck keys if I was going to Danville every 3 or 4 days. Plus I tend to have tunnel vision when I am watching, focus on what the o line is doing. I hear though he is raising the bar in the PK department. Not sure if he is PK and Punting or not, maybe WFU34 knows, got the impression he has been able to see him kick.

[Ryan Tipps]

A new man has been picked to take the reins of Methodist after this coming season.

[abnrgr]

Coach Eavenson is a good man.

He is much younger than Coach S and might bring a little more energy. No hit on Coach S but sometimes a little more pep in the tank helps. By keeping Eavenson on board it does show some faith in their system.

I think Coach E has put his heart and soul in the program and deserves a shot....

Coach S is a good man too

Or they bring in a drunk Sailor like Adm Papi...

[HSCTiger74]

AUPOP - you've got a good assessment of Averett's spring so far.  With Dixon (2nd Team All-American - returner) and Williams as the wideouts they should be pretty explosive.  TE's are more athletic enabling them to be a greater option in the offense next year.  Overall, the passing game should be strong with the 2nd Team All-Conference QB returning and experienced back-ups. 

The running game is an area which they have to improve upon.  The O-line should be better with a number of returnees but is a critical area for that needs to improve.  Last year, due to size and strength, the O-line often didn't have the ability to blow the D-line off the ball to pick up key first downs in obvious running situations.  The new line coach is making a difference. 

There are also question marks are in the backfield.  FB is a key void to fill and they are thin at running back.  May be looking at incoming freshmen to add depth, but if there is a position you can get away with playing freshman, its running back. 

On defense - the key will be how the linebackers develop.  Lost some key experience there.  Secondary and D-line should continue to be strengths.  With NCWU's QB graduating, there is no returning QB that Averett will face in conference that has put up big passing numbers previously (that doesn't mean one won't emerge) however, it may enable their defensive scheme to have the DB's to be more aggressive on run support to assist the LB's. 

A potentially key area of improvement is the kicking game.  Last year FG's and extra points were somewhat of an adventure at times.  The kicker from Guilford College transferred in and is participating in spring practice raising the level of competition for all the kickers.

Averett should be able to compete again for the USA South conference title but only if they play with the same energy that they did last year.  Even though they were 5 - 2 in conference, they won a number of close games and just as easily could have been 2 - 5.  If they play hard in every game this season, they can be successful again but they're not the type of team that can "just show up" and get a win.

AUPOP - what does the special teams look like this year.  I was concerned about the kicking but see they got a transfer coming in. Have you seen him kick. Is he doing it all or just extra points and Field goals?

No I haven't. Only got a chance to see a couple practices before the wife threatened to take my truck keys if I was going to Danville every 3 or 4 days. Plus I tend to have tunnel vision when I am watching, focus on what the o line is doing. I hear though he is raising the bar in the PK department. Not sure if he is PK and Punting or not, maybe WFU34 knows, got the impression he has been able to see him kick.

You might also post your question on the ODAC board. Apparently he is a transfer from Guilford and you could get some info from Hasanova or one of the other GC followers.

[ProudFightingScot]

A new man has been picked to take the reins of Methodist after this coming season.

Congrats to a great career for Coach S.  Good luck in '10 and hope you are 9-1 during your final season at Methodist.

[narch]

Congrats to a great career for Coach S.  Good luck in '10 and hope you are 9-1 during your final season at Methodist.

i think everyone at mu would gladly take 9-1, even if it did involve losing to the scots

coach sypult had a really good run and made mu football relevant at a time that it was a joke...lots of ups and downs, record wise, but the man has always been passionate about mu, mu football and his players - he'll be missed (especially at media day...nobody in the conference is as candid or witty as coach sy)

i think coach eavenson will do great things for the program...first-class person, great recruiter and a good football mind...looking forward seeing him take the reins after this season

[kickerdad]

AUPOP,

So what's the final opinion from what you saw a spring practice. We going to be able to content this coming season. I heard there were a couple of assistant coach changes....anything on that. I spoke with Shaw 2 months ago but nothing was mentioned.

[KEEPING IT REAL]

Time keeps on slippin. Into the future.

[narch]

Time keeps on slippin. Into the future.

believe it or not, i'll be watching the espn scroll over the weekend hoping to see: Tunde Ogun, RB, Christopher Newport

i'm sure this is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for tunde and his family...good luck

[narch]

i hope tunde ogun finds a home as a ufa...i think someone will give the kid a shot

[CNU85]

i hope tunde ogun finds a home as a ufa...i think someone will give the kid a shot

Thanks Narch. let's see what happens. btw....all these nice things about CNU players.....are you running a fever or something??   

[WFU34]

AUPOP & KicerDad,

Saw the final spring practice yesterday, couple of quick observations:

1.  Running back a question - only 4, with 3 being fullbacks.  McCall (soph) is the only tailback with any significant carries last year (and he was the third RB).  This could be a major problem unless there is significant help from incoming freshmen.

2.  TE - should be a key part of the offense this year (really wasn't last year), much improved.  Bodney-Jeter is an athlete.

3.  Wide-outs - need depth but Dixon has gotten bigger.  But can't be the total focus of the passing game or they'll get shutdown.  Again, TE should help.

4.  OL - Improving, but still its in shorts.  Big difference when you put on the pads.  New OL line coach seems to have them moving in the right direction.  Hopefully, if they improve as expected, there are enough RB's to capitalize.

5.  QB - Should be fine there. 2nd team All-Conference QB returning but may have to care more of the load (last year, running/passing games were pretty balanced) due to concerns with depth at running back.  Also has an experienced senior back-up.

6.  DL - Should be a solid area next year.

7.  LB's - Fast but small, lost a lot of experience from last year.  Solid play key for success in 2010.

8.  DB's - Experienced and Fast.  - McCauley and Robinson both extremely fast and good hitters.  Robinson is team's fastest player - 4.4 in the 40.

9.  Specialty Teams- Return Game should be strong with Dixon being the featured return man (2nd team All-American, D-III in 2009, even though he returned only about 1/3 of kicks/punts for Averett last year).  FG/PAT's - seemed to have gained distance but accuracy appeared to still be a challenge.  KO's seemed again short - need some improvement there.  Can't let opponets start at the 35+ yard line every time and be successful next year.  Punting - should be ok there.

10.  Recruits - They had 25+ recruits there.  Did not appear to be much size.  Mostly the kids from VA & NC.  Averett usually does alot of recruiting in Florida so it wouldn't make much sense for any of them to travel up for yesterday's event.  Hopefully there is some running back depth in the incoming class.

Overall - Last year won a number of close games to go 7 -3 that could have gone the other way.  Probably the same situation going into this year.  They will have to be ready for every game, if not, the close games Averett won last year they could lose in 2010.  That being said, they should be competitive and I would think challenge again for the title.  But they are going to have to play smart football.  I don't see them as a team that has alot of margin for error.  Particularly with their schedule, i.e., travel.  They have a number of the longer trips this year to the traditionally upper tier conference schools, i.e., CNU, NCWU.  But with a little luck - they could do it.  We'll find out in September.

[AUPOP]

AUPOP & KicerDad,

Saw the final spring practice yesterday, couple of quick observations:

1.  Running back a question - only 4, with 3 being fullbacks.  McCall (soph) is the only tailback with any significant carries last year (and he was the third RB).  This could be a major problem unless there is significant help from incoming freshmen.

2.  TE - should be a key part of the offense this year (really wasn't last year), much improved.  Bodney-Jeter is an athlete.

3.  Wide-outs - need depth but Dixon has gotten bigger.  But can't be the total focus of the passing game or they'll get shutdown.  Again, TE should help.

4.  OL - Improving, but still its in shorts.  Big difference when you put on the pads.  New OL line coach seems to have them moving in the right direction.  Hopefully, if they improve as expected, there are enough RB's to capitalize.

5.  QB - Should be fine there. 2nd team All-Conference QB returning but may have to care more of the load (last year, running/passing games were pretty balanced) due to concerns with depth at running back.  Also has an experienced senior back-up.

6.  DL - Should be a solid area next year.

7.  LB's - Fast but small, lost a lot of experience from last year.  Solid play key for success in 2010.

8.  DB's - Experienced and Fast.  - McCauley and Robinson both extremely fast and good hitters.  Robinson is team's fastest player - 4.4 in the 40.

9.  Specialty Teams- Return Game should be strong with Dixon being the featured return man (2nd team All-American, D-III in 2009, even though he returned only about 1/3 of kicks/punts for Averett last year).  FG/PAT's - seemed to have gained distance but accuracy appeared to still be a challenge.  KO's seemed again short - need some improvement there.  Can't let opponets start at the 35+ yard line every time and be successful next year.  Punting - should be ok there.

10.  Recruits - They had 25+ recruits there.  Did not appear to be much size.  Mostly the kids from VA & NC.  Averett usually does alot of recruiting in Florida so it wouldn't make much sense for any of them to travel up for yesterday's event.  Hopefully there is some running back depth in the incoming class.

Overall - Last year won a number of close games to go 7 -3 that could have gone the other way.  Probably the same situation going into this year.  They will have to be ready for every game, if not, the close games Averett won last year they could lose in 2010.  That being said, they should be competitive and I would think challenge again for the title.  But they are going to have to play smart football.  I don't see them as a team that has alot of margin for error.  Particularly with their schedule, i.e., travel.  They have a number of the longer trips this year to the traditionally upper tier conference schools, i.e., CNU, NCWU.  But with a little luck - they could do it.  We'll find out in September.

WFU, I caught it as well. Should have looked you up. Think you summed it up pretty well. As usual was pre occupied with the oline so didnt see alot of the other things going on. Dixon is a beast, no other way to describe him. Agree with Bodney-Jeter. Moves more like a WR than a TE. Is C Williams still with team? Listed on spring roster but didnt actually see him.

Like what Coach Newell has done with the oline, very detailed kind of coach and the guys seem to be listning. They look a lot leaner and faster than last year. Only question may be depth. From what I saw think we are pretty solid 7 maybe 8 deep but after that it falls off. Got some guys with nagging type injuries so thats not real deep. Doesnt look like we have any oline recruits this year. Had two uncommitted guys there Sat. but in talking with there folks got the impression they will probably go elsewhere. Little light at the tackle positions but projected starters are pretty athletic so hopefully that will offset the few pounds they will be giving up. Look pretty strong guard to guard and was impressed with the way they moved. Hopefully we can pick up a couple big guys out of the Florida group, hear its fairly good in numbers. Be nice to have a few more 285 pounders available not to mention if no oline recruits this year will be hurting next year. Only have 6, maybe 7 guys back and that would make it pretty tough.

Time to empty the garage and pull out the squat rack, bench press etc. etc. Guess the wifes "honeydo list' is going to have to wait about 3 months before getting done....lol... garage has officially hit gym mode.

[jbyrd]

Congrats to a great career for Coach S.  Good luck in '10 and hope you are 9-1 during your final season at Methodist.

i think everyone at mu would gladly take 9-1, even if it did involve losing to the scots

coach sypult had a really good run and made mu football relevant at a time that it was a joke...lots of ups and downs, record wise, but the man has always been passionate about mu, mu football and his players - he'll be missed (especially at media day...nobody in the conference is as candid or witty as coach sy)

i think coach eavenson will do great things for the program...first-class person, great recruiter and a good football mind...looking forward seeing him take the reins after this season

Coach Sypult was a great coach to play for, he had a way of pulling the best from his players. Coach Eavenson will be an outstanding head coach, I have never been around a more hard working man than him.

Ready Ready Monarchs!