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An early look at the 2023 football season.
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Jerry Weaver Offline
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Post: #81
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-10-2023 05:08 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  So a few thoughts here related to a few recent posts in this thread.

1. I will post things I hear from Alex, other players, and players' parents when I think it will add to the conversation and I think it's appropriate. Early on in my time here I was asked by the coaches through Alex to be careful what I post because some of what I had posted back then was stuff they didn't want getting out to their opponents ahead of game time. I also will not post anything negative about a specific player or coach, nor anything I feel deserves confidentiality. On more than one occasion I have bit my tongue regarding info I'm aware of that just wouldn't be appropriate for me to share here.

2. While JUCOs and transfer pool OL players can bring a good deal of experience, they aren't always everything a 24/7 or Hudl rating or game film cracks them up to be. Particularly with JUCO's, the physical stats are sometimes overinflated as far as height goes, and underinflated as far as weight. I have heard about JUCO guys coming in who are 30 to 40 pounds heavier than what their JUCO roster listing indicated. Also, there is a step up from JUCO and Division 2 to Division 1 when it comes to game speed and player strength. Not as much as there is for kids coming out of high school, but that step up can be a challenge for some guys to adapt to. So a guy who looks great on JUCO film may not look as good when he hits the gray turf.

3. There is also a risk if a guy has been in the transfer pool for a while, as once they enter the pool, they can no longer work out with their team. If someone has been in the pool for a while and hasn't taken the initiative to keep themself in shape, they may arrive at EMU as a "not ready for prime time player," and wind up being a work in progress for a while until they are ready to play.

4. While most of the OL guys recruited from high school and who have committed themselves to this program are good and will ultimately be capable of playing at least a backup role as they develop, a couple of guys from that group to keep an eye on include Zach Conti and Daniel Warnsman. Word I get is that each of them is a solid player who could see field time in 2023. That's not to say there aren't other guys close to that level, just that I've heard on more than one occasion and from a couple of different sources that these guys are ones to be watched.

5. We know Douglas and Rewolinski are solid players and already have game experience, so it's no surprise they should be in the mix somewhere. Where they might go on the line could vary, but you're sure to see them, even if it's just in rotations. As far as the Center position goes, there has been considerable talk here about Carson Lee as a candidate, but don't forget about Broderick Roman. He was injured this whole past season so wasn't available, but he is a solid player who was graded by 24/7 as the #1 Center in the Class of 2019 in Michigan. As we get into Spring Ball, Center might be one of the more exciting positions to watch with Douglas, Lee, and Roman each bringing something to the table.

Fabulous post as usual!

I had never considered how important "when" a player entered the portal was.
01-10-2023 05:24 PM
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steve4840 Offline
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Post: #82
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-10-2023 05:08 PM)cidbearit Wrote:  So a few thoughts here related to a few recent posts in this thread.

1. I will post things I hear from Alex, other players, and players' parents when I think it will add to the conversation and I think it's appropriate. Early on in my time here I was asked by the coaches through Alex to be careful what I post because some of what I had posted back then was stuff they didn't want getting out to their opponents ahead of game time. I also will not post anything negative about a specific player or coach, nor anything I feel deserves confidentiality. On more than one occasion I have bit my tongue regarding info I'm aware of that just wouldn't be appropriate for me to share here.

2. While JUCOs and transfer pool OL players can bring a good deal of experience, they aren't always everything a 24/7 or Hudl rating or game film cracks them up to be. Particularly with JUCO's, the physical stats are sometimes overinflated as far as height goes, and underinflated as far as weight. I have heard about JUCO guys coming in who are 30 to 40 pounds heavier than what their JUCO roster listing indicated. Also, there is a step up from JUCO and Division 2 to Division 1 when it comes to game speed and player strength. Not as much as there is for kids coming out of high school, but that step up can be a challenge for some guys to adapt to. So a guy who looks great on JUCO film may not look as good when he hits the gray turf.

3. There is also a risk if a guy has been in the transfer pool for a while, as once they enter the pool, they can no longer work out with their team. If someone has been in the pool for a while and hasn't taken the initiative to keep themself in shape, they may arrive at EMU as a "not ready for prime time player," and wind up being a work in progress for a while until they are ready to play.

4. While most of the OL guys recruited from high school and who have committed themselves to this program are good and will ultimately be capable of playing at least a backup role as they develop, a couple of guys from that group to keep an eye on include Zach Conti and Daniel Warnsman. Word I get is that each of them is a solid player who could see field time in 2023. That's not to say there aren't other guys close to that level, just that I've heard on more than one occasion and from a couple of different sources that these guys are ones to be watched.

5. We know Douglas and Rewolinski are solid players and already have game experience, so it's no surprise they should be in the mix somewhere. Where they might go on the line could vary, but you're sure to see them, even if it's just in rotations. As far as the Center position goes, there has been considerable talk here about Carson Lee as a candidate, but don't forget about Broderick Roman. He was injured this whole past season so wasn't available, but he is a solid player who was graded by 24/7 as the #1 Center in the Class of 2019 in Michigan. As we get into Spring Ball, Center might be one of the more exciting positions to watch with Douglas, Lee, and Roman each bringing something to the table.

Cid, thank you for the info and post. Like all others we feel confident with Dooley and Howie returning but the unknown had us concerned. I love hearing that Conti and Warnsman are trending well. We have been very fortunate with a very good line and perhaps we are spoiled with that. I feel confident we have talent here now and look forward to the line in '23
01-10-2023 05:44 PM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #83
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(12-25-2022 05:31 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  
(12-25-2022 09:40 AM)emu steve Wrote:  No one has noted that we lose our DC who made adjustments late in the season.

Lest I be wrong we had the same players the last third of the season as we did the first third. We got different coaching from our de facto OC and different schemes from our DC.

As seasoned MAC fans know, the difference between 8 - 4 and say 5 - 7 isn't much. Maybe new schemes which turned a probable 'L" into a "W".

Steve your analysis is indeed solid. It WAS coaching this year that turned the season around. That said, I don't see any consistent return to the 4-2-5 defensive alignment that is incredibly run vulnerable. Nor do I see our offense returning to the prior approach of sitting on a lead in the fourth quarter. Without those changes, I could have easily seen Ball St, Kent and CMU as potential losses.

BTW, O/T but my comments could have also been said of the Lions. Everyone thinks the Lions HC, OC, and DC are geniuses based on how the Lions played the 2nd half of the season.
(This post was last modified: 01-10-2023 05:49 PM by emu steve.)
01-10-2023 05:48 PM
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emu79 Offline
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Post: #84
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
I think we did play the 4-2-5 the change was the DBs playing man to man vs zone coverage and playing off the ball. Glad to be corrected.

Letting the QB coach act as OC instead of CC calling the plays was also a sound move and let Cfocis on managing the team asca whole.

Both bode well for 2023.
01-10-2023 05:53 PM
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EagleHawk Offline
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Post: #85
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."
(This post was last modified: 01-11-2023 10:07 AM by EagleHawk.)
01-11-2023 10:06 AM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #86
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-11-2023 10:06 AM)EagleHawk Wrote:  2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."

Man, you knew this was coming. He was getting acclaim and that means, "Time to say goodbye" as Andrea Boccelli would sing.
01-11-2023 10:24 AM
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dansplaining Offline
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Post: #87
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-11-2023 10:24 AM)emu steve Wrote:  
(01-11-2023 10:06 AM)EagleHawk Wrote:  2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."

Man, you knew this was coming. He was getting acclaim and that means, "Time to say goodbye" as Andrea Boccelli would sing.

Super Unsurprising
01-11-2023 10:33 AM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #88
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-11-2023 10:33 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  
(01-11-2023 10:24 AM)emu steve Wrote:  
(01-11-2023 10:06 AM)EagleHawk Wrote:  2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."

Man, you knew this was coming. He was getting acclaim and that means, "Time to say goodbye" as Andrea Boccelli would sing.

Super Unsurprising

And this is why we don't have G5 dynasties. Get a good coach or recruiter and he will get scooped up by the bigger boys.
01-11-2023 10:40 AM
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emu79 Offline
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Post: #89
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-11-2023 10:06 AM)EagleHawk Wrote:  2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."

We launched his career and enhanced it and now he is gone. Time for another. Needham is still here.
01-11-2023 10:43 AM
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emu steve Offline
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RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(01-11-2023 10:43 AM)emu79 Wrote:  
(01-11-2023 10:06 AM)EagleHawk Wrote:  2 coaching vacancies on the defensive side of the ball now:

https://footballscoop.com/news/sources-h...g-williams

"Hugh Freeze is set to bolster Auburn's support staff by bringing Vontrell King-Williams to the Plains, sources told FootballScoop on Wednesday.

King-Williams is currently the defensive tackles coach at Eastern Michigan and will be a defensive analyst and the assistant D-line coach for Auburn."

We launched his career and enhanced it and now he is gone. Time for another. Needham is still here.

The most frustrating thing about being a fan of a G5 team is that they can be plucked over the way the Tigers pluck over the Toledo Mud Hens.

The amount of talent in CFB, MBB, etc. we lost since I have been following EMU is astounding.

From USA Today:

Washington: Kalen DeBoer
►$75,000: Sixth win, eligible for non-CFP bowl game

►$25,000: Pac-12 co-coach of the year
01-11-2023 10:57 AM
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Sellers dweller Offline
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Post: #91
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
I copy and pasted by original post with updates after the second signing day.

Quarterback
Should be back: Smith, McCoy, Blount
Coming in: Udengwu
Gone: Powell
Excitement level: 5 out of 10

This is one of the two key position groups for next season in my mind. Powell really came on late in the year and played great. He obviously isn't much of a running threat, but when given time he could really sling it. Smith showed some potential, but can continue to develop, make all his reads and become more accurate. Udengwu has some impressive film and put up good numbers, but this a very different level than what he was playing at. It wouldn't shock me if they add a grad transfer like Powell, I think someone mentioned Bowman from UofM, that would be the kind of player I would expect if we were to bring someone in. Either way, a lot of question marks at this position since there is so much unproven, if one of these guys can separate themselves we could have a very special season.

UPDATE: No changes.

Running back
Should be back: Evans, Jackson, Jackson-Anderson, Moss
Gone: Boone
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This should be a great group! Even if a guy or two transfer out, having Evans and Jackson back should be a great combo. Those two really compliment each other well and some of the young guys like Jackson-Anderson and Moss were pretty big recruits and have shown flashes. Given what we have coming back on the O-line, this group could have a big year! Especially breaking in a new QB, these guys will need to carry the team for the first few weeks and I have no doubt they can do it.

UPDATE: Boone transferred out. While he was a solid player, with our depth here it doesn't really change my opinion on this group.

Wide receivers
Should be back: Knue, Lassiter, Mitchell, Keefe
Coming in: Wood, Walker, Lockett, Swinton
Gone: Drummond, Beydoun, Summers
Excitement level: 8 out of 10

Losing Drummond and Beydoun will hurt no question. They are two of the best to ever do it at Eastern. Having Knue and Lassiter back is a great starting point though, they have both been fantastic. Summers played a bit early last year and hasn't done much since. Mitchell and Keefe always show up on the depth chart but I don't remember either of them doing anything. I would assume those three would be the favorites for bigger roles next year. I've included our two recruits (Wood and Walker) since this is a sport we are going to have some holes to fill and they are two of our biggest recruits. I wouldn't be surprised to see a them try to add a JUCO by February. I wanted to say 8/10 on this just because Creighton and crew always seem to find WR, but kept it at 7/10 because there are questions about the guy who will be throwing them the ball.

UPDATE: Summers is stepping away from football. Adding Lockett and Swinton was huge! I'm excited about those two, they were both highly recruited and got a little bit of playing time at P5 schools. I'm hoping they are the the WR group's version of Joe and Chase. I upped by excitement level for this group to 8/10.

Tight end
Should be back: Getzinger, Paaske, Reese
Coming in: Horton
Gone: Oakes, Jackson
Excitement level: 9 out of 10

Oakes was a solid player, and I'll always remember his last catch, run, and jump for that first down which was one of the final nails in SJSU coffin. He isn't a player that is irreplaceable. Hopefully Jackson is back, I think he has potential. Paaske I think could really be in for a bigger and better role! For a young guy he played great and I think could be come a bigger threat in the passing game going forward. Getz is a good blocker and could be used in those short yard plays. Reese is the X-factor. He was a huge recruit and has the potential to be a true game changer at the tight end. I like this group a lot.

UPDATE: Jackson transfers out, but we bring in JUCO transfer CJ Horton. Honestly, I don't think this changes much for this group. I didn't see Jackson playing a huge role, and don't think Horton will either (at least his year). It's still the main group of Getzinger, Paaske, and Reese. Given that is a pretty young group and we added Horton and the two high school seniors, this groups should be pretty good for awhile.

Offensive line
Should be back: Rewolinski, Howie, Douglas, Dooley
Coming in: Mayo, Snively, Sunderman
Gone: Sow, Bates, Johnson
Excitement level: 7 out of 10

Sow is obviously one of the greatest players we've had and will be a huge loss. Thankfully we have three guys (Howie, Johnson, Dooley) all back who have started for years and are good players. Rewolinski and Douglas both have started in spots and should be able to fill in and play well. I've also read or heard good things about some of the young guys (Jackson, Warnsman, Indestad, Anderson, Lee) so there should be a healthy competition for those spots. We may take a slight step back losing Sow, but overall this should be a good group.

UPDATE: Losing Johnson stinks! A multi-year starter, all-conference type is going to hurt. We basically lose the whole left side now. No worries on Dooley and Howie, and it is nice to have both Rewolinski and Douglas who have been part-time starters to fill the void left by Sow, Bates, and Johnson. Our transfer group looks really good, highly recruited, P5 experience. I did downgrade this group from an 8 to a 7 out of 10 due to the loss of Johnson, and the fact while the transfer group looks impressive they haven't had a ton of playing time. This group could still be very good, just a little more uncertainty at this point.

Defensive line
Should be back: Zelinsky, Gaines, Evans, Miles, Bogard, Manior, Merritt, Price, Coleman, Haney, Grant-Randall, Swindle
Coming in: Nosike
Gone: Crawford, Ramirez, Trueman
Excitment level: 6 out of 10

This is the other big question mark in my mind. Ramirez is a huge loss, an all-american, a great great pass rusher...big loss. Trueman also had a great year on the edge and replacing those two will be difficult. Crawford was also a solid space eating tackle. There is A LOT of talent and a A LOT of potential here though. Price has really come along the last two years and could be an all-conference player I think. Haney and Merritt were both productive players before their injuries, hopefully they can come back and play well. It is a huge season for those guys on the edge (Gaines, Evans, Bogard, Coleman) they were all big recruits, have a few years in...its time some of them need to step up, and with Ramirez and Trueman on their way out the opportunity is there. Same thing with Swindle in the middle. I know a lot of people are excited about Messiah Blair (and rightfully so) but I think it will be hard to come in and make an impact as a true freshman, especially with the guys ahead of him.

UPDATE: No changes

Linebackers
Should be back: Kline, Sparacio, Cameron, Scheidt
Gone: Speights
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

Kline and Sparacio are great, and having them back is huge! They might be the best pair of linebackers we have had in the Creighton area, they both seem to be great leaders, tacklers, they can rush and cover. Excited to have them back. Cameron and Schedit both provide serviceable depth. I know part of a linebackers success is based on the guys in front of them, but this group is awesome!

UPDATE: No changes

Defensive backs
Should be back: Peavy, Scott, Smith, Lee, Shine, Scandrett
Coming in: Jenkins
Gone: Bogan, Vaden, Hernandez
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This group should be very good! Shine and Scott should be one of the best combo of corners in the MAC and maybe the whole G5! I think Scandrett and Smith have the making of a great pair of safeties. Peavy is the big hitter back there...I think there is a lot to like about this group.

UPDATE: No changes, other than I moved Hernandez from the back category to the gone category. Since he wasn't listed as part of senior day I thought he would be back, but he is no longer on the roster.

Special teams
Should be back: Gomez, Tomasek, Bird, Jackson, Pohl
Gone: Drummond
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

With both Gomez and Tomasek back as well as Bird at long snapper and Jackson as a returner there is a lot to love here. Not only are those guys back, but they are super talented! I believe Pohl is even back for kickoffs. Really the only guy we loose on special teams is Drummond as a punt returner. Honestly I don't feel like that is a huge loss. As a whole Dylan is a massive loss, but as a punt returner specifically Dylan wasn't a big game breaker like Jackson is as a kickoff returner. Dylan was just a steady, smart guy who would catch the punt (which don't get me wrong, there is a big time value in that). At the very least I think we should be able to find a guy that can do that.

UPDATE: No real changes, other than maybe Swinton or Lockett will return punts?

Overall, I still have the same thoughts on the team. If one of the QBs can take the reins and it clicks for all the young talent on the D-line then this will be a 9-10 win team that could win the MAC. Even if those things don't happen, it's still a talented enough roster that we'll at least be a bowl team.
(This post was last modified: 02-02-2023 07:53 AM by Sellers dweller.)
02-02-2023 07:52 AM
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EAGLE KING Offline
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Post: #92
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 07:52 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  I copy and pasted by original post with updates after the second signing day.

Quarterback
Should be back: Smith, McCoy, Blount
Coming in: Udengwu
Gone: Powell
Excitement level: 5 out of 10

This is one of the two key position groups for next season in my mind. Powell really came on late in the year and played great. He obviously isn't much of a running threat, but when given time he could really sling it. Smith showed some potential, but can continue to develop, make all his reads and become more accurate. Udengwu has some impressive film and put up good numbers, but this a very different level than what he was playing at. It wouldn't shock me if they add a grad transfer like Powell, I think someone mentioned Bowman from UofM, that would be the kind of player I would expect if we were to bring someone in. Either way, a lot of question marks at this position since there is so much unproven, if one of these guys can separate themselves we could have a very special season.

UPDATE: No changes.

Running back
Should be back: Evans, Jackson, Jackson-Anderson, Moss
Gone: Boone
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This should be a great group! Even if a guy or two transfer out, having Evans and Jackson back should be a great combo. Those two really compliment each other well and some of the young guys like Jackson-Anderson and Moss were pretty big recruits and have shown flashes. Given what we have coming back on the O-line, this group could have a big year! Especially breaking in a new QB, these guys will need to carry the team for the first few weeks and I have no doubt they can do it.

UPDATE: Boone transferred out. While he was a solid player, with our depth here it doesn't really change my opinion on this group.

Wide receivers
Should be back: Knue, Lassiter, Mitchell, Keefe
Coming in: Wood, Walker, Lockett, Swinton
Gone: Drummond, Beydoun, Summers
Excitement level: 8 out of 10

Losing Drummond and Beydoun will hurt no question. They are two of the best to ever do it at Eastern. Having Knue and Lassiter back is a great starting point though, they have both been fantastic. Summers played a bit early last year and hasn't done much since. Mitchell and Keefe always show up on the depth chart but I don't remember either of them doing anything. I would assume those three would be the favorites for bigger roles next year. I've included our two recruits (Wood and Walker) since this is a sport we are going to have some holes to fill and they are two of our biggest recruits. I wouldn't be surprised to see a them try to add a JUCO by February. I wanted to say 8/10 on this just because Creighton and crew always seem to find WR, but kept it at 7/10 because there are questions about the guy who will be throwing them the ball.

UPDATE: Summers is stepping away from football. Adding Lockett and Swinton was huge! I'm excited about those two, they were both highly recruited and got a little bit of playing time at P5 schools. I'm hoping they are the the WR group's version of Joe and Chase. I upped by excitement level for this group to 8/10.

Tight end
Should be back: Getzinger, Paaske, Reese
Coming in: Horton
Gone: Oakes, Jackson
Excitement level: 9 out of 10

Oakes was a solid player, and I'll always remember his last catch, run, and jump for that first down which was one of the final nails in SJSU coffin. He isn't a player that is irreplaceable. Hopefully Jackson is back, I think he has potential. Paaske I think could really be in for a bigger and better role! For a young guy he played great and I think could be come a bigger threat in the passing game going forward. Getz is a good blocker and could be used in those short yard plays. Reese is the X-factor. He was a huge recruit and has the potential to be a true game changer at the tight end. I like this group a lot.

UPDATE: Jackson transfers out, but we bring in JUCO transfer CJ Horton. Honestly, I don't think this changes much for this group. I didn't see Jackson playing a huge role, and don't think Horton will either (at least his year). It's still the main group of Getzinger, Paaske, and Reese. Given that is a pretty young group and we added Horton and the two high school seniors, this groups should be pretty good for awhile.

Offensive line
Should be back: Rewolinski, Howie, Douglas, Dooley
Coming in: Mayo, Snively, Sunderman
Gone: Sow, Bates, Johnson
Excitement level: 7 out of 10

Sow is obviously one of the greatest players we've had and will be a huge loss. Thankfully we have three guys (Howie, Johnson, Dooley) all back who have started for years and are good players. Rewolinski and Douglas both have started in spots and should be able to fill in and play well. I've also read or heard good things about some of the young guys (Jackson, Warnsman, Indestad, Anderson, Lee) so there should be a healthy competition for those spots. We may take a slight step back losing Sow, but overall this should be a good group.

UPDATE: Losing Johnson stinks! A multi-year starter, all-conference type is going to hurt. We basically lose the whole left side now. No worries on Dooley and Howie, and it is nice to have both Rewolinski and Douglas who have been part-time starters to fill the void left by Sow, Bates, and Johnson. Our transfer group looks really good, highly recruited, P5 experience. I did downgrade this group from an 8 to a 7 out of 10 due to the loss of Johnson, and the fact while the transfer group looks impressive they haven't had a ton of playing time. This group could still be very good, just a little more uncertainty at this point.

Defensive line
Should be back: Zelinsky, Gaines, Evans, Miles, Bogard, Manior, Merritt, Price, Coleman, Haney, Grant-Randall, Swindle
Coming in: Nosike
Gone: Crawford, Ramirez, Trueman
Excitment level: 6 out of 10

This is the other big question mark in my mind. Ramirez is a huge loss, an all-american, a great great pass rusher...big loss. Trueman also had a great year on the edge and replacing those two will be difficult. Crawford was also a solid space eating tackle. There is A LOT of talent and a A LOT of potential here though. Price has really come along the last two years and could be an all-conference player I think. Haney and Merritt were both productive players before their injuries, hopefully they can come back and play well. It is a huge season for those guys on the edge (Gaines, Evans, Bogard, Coleman) they were all big recruits, have a few years in...its time some of them need to step up, and with Ramirez and Trueman on their way out the opportunity is there. Same thing with Swindle in the middle. I know a lot of people are excited about Messiah Blair (and rightfully so) but I think it will be hard to come in and make an impact as a true freshman, especially with the guys ahead of him.

UPDATE: No changes

Linebackers
Should be back: Kline, Sparacio, Cameron, Scheidt
Gone: Speights
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

Kline and Sparacio are great, and having them back is huge! They might be the best pair of linebackers we have had in the Creighton area, they both seem to be great leaders, tacklers, they can rush and cover. Excited to have them back. Cameron and Schedit both provide serviceable depth. I know part of a linebackers success is based on the guys in front of them, but this group is awesome!

UPDATE: No changes

Defensive backs
Should be back: Peavy, Scott, Smith, Lee, Shine, Scandrett
Coming in: Jenkins
Gone: Bogan, Vaden, Hernandez
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This group should be very good! Shine and Scott should be one of the best combo of corners in the MAC and maybe the whole G5! I think Scandrett and Smith have the making of a great pair of safeties. Peavy is the big hitter back there...I think there is a lot to like about this group.

UPDATE: No changes, other than I moved Hernandez from the back category to the gone category. Since he wasn't listed as part of senior day I thought he would be back, but he is no longer on the roster.

Special teams
Should be back: Gomez, Tomasek, Bird, Jackson, Pohl
Gone: Drummond
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

With both Gomez and Tomasek back as well as Bird at long snapper and Jackson as a returner there is a lot to love here. Not only are those guys back, but they are super talented! I believe Pohl is even back for kickoffs. Really the only guy we loose on special teams is Drummond as a punt returner. Honestly I don't feel like that is a huge loss. As a whole Dylan is a massive loss, but as a punt returner specifically Dylan wasn't a big game breaker like Jackson is as a kickoff returner. Dylan was just a steady, smart guy who would catch the punt (which don't get me wrong, there is a big time value in that). At the very least I think we should be able to find a guy that can do that.

UPDATE: No real changes, other than maybe Swinton or Lockett will return punts?

Overall, I still have the same thoughts on the team. If one of the QBs can take the reins and it clicks for all the young talent on the D-line then this will be a 9-10 win team that could win the MAC. Even if those things don't happen, it's still a talented enough roster that we'll at least be a bowl team.

Need to add in surprise signing of Gabe Hoffman to the TE group.
02-02-2023 08:28 AM
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Sellers dweller Offline
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Post: #93
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 08:28 AM)EAGLE KING Wrote:  
(02-02-2023 07:52 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  I copy and pasted by original post with updates after the second signing day.

Quarterback
Should be back: Smith, McCoy, Blount
Coming in: Udengwu
Gone: Powell
Excitement level: 5 out of 10

This is one of the two key position groups for next season in my mind. Powell really came on late in the year and played great. He obviously isn't much of a running threat, but when given time he could really sling it. Smith showed some potential, but can continue to develop, make all his reads and become more accurate. Udengwu has some impressive film and put up good numbers, but this a very different level than what he was playing at. It wouldn't shock me if they add a grad transfer like Powell, I think someone mentioned Bowman from UofM, that would be the kind of player I would expect if we were to bring someone in. Either way, a lot of question marks at this position since there is so much unproven, if one of these guys can separate themselves we could have a very special season.

UPDATE: No changes.

Running back
Should be back: Evans, Jackson, Jackson-Anderson, Moss
Gone: Boone
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This should be a great group! Even if a guy or two transfer out, having Evans and Jackson back should be a great combo. Those two really compliment each other well and some of the young guys like Jackson-Anderson and Moss were pretty big recruits and have shown flashes. Given what we have coming back on the O-line, this group could have a big year! Especially breaking in a new QB, these guys will need to carry the team for the first few weeks and I have no doubt they can do it.

UPDATE: Boone transferred out. While he was a solid player, with our depth here it doesn't really change my opinion on this group.

Wide receivers
Should be back: Knue, Lassiter, Mitchell, Keefe
Coming in: Wood, Walker, Lockett, Swinton
Gone: Drummond, Beydoun, Summers
Excitement level: 8 out of 10

Losing Drummond and Beydoun will hurt no question. They are two of the best to ever do it at Eastern. Having Knue and Lassiter back is a great starting point though, they have both been fantastic. Summers played a bit early last year and hasn't done much since. Mitchell and Keefe always show up on the depth chart but I don't remember either of them doing anything. I would assume those three would be the favorites for bigger roles next year. I've included our two recruits (Wood and Walker) since this is a sport we are going to have some holes to fill and they are two of our biggest recruits. I wouldn't be surprised to see a them try to add a JUCO by February. I wanted to say 8/10 on this just because Creighton and crew always seem to find WR, but kept it at 7/10 because there are questions about the guy who will be throwing them the ball.

UPDATE: Summers is stepping away from football. Adding Lockett and Swinton was huge! I'm excited about those two, they were both highly recruited and got a little bit of playing time at P5 schools. I'm hoping they are the the WR group's version of Joe and Chase. I upped by excitement level for this group to 8/10.

Tight end
Should be back: Getzinger, Paaske, Reese
Coming in: Horton
Gone: Oakes, Jackson
Excitement level: 9 out of 10

Oakes was a solid player, and I'll always remember his last catch, run, and jump for that first down which was one of the final nails in SJSU coffin. He isn't a player that is irreplaceable. Hopefully Jackson is back, I think he has potential. Paaske I think could really be in for a bigger and better role! For a young guy he played great and I think could be come a bigger threat in the passing game going forward. Getz is a good blocker and could be used in those short yard plays. Reese is the X-factor. He was a huge recruit and has the potential to be a true game changer at the tight end. I like this group a lot.

UPDATE: Jackson transfers out, but we bring in JUCO transfer CJ Horton. Honestly, I don't think this changes much for this group. I didn't see Jackson playing a huge role, and don't think Horton will either (at least his year). It's still the main group of Getzinger, Paaske, and Reese. Given that is a pretty young group and we added Horton and the two high school seniors, this groups should be pretty good for awhile.

Offensive line
Should be back: Rewolinski, Howie, Douglas, Dooley
Coming in: Mayo, Snively, Sunderman
Gone: Sow, Bates, Johnson
Excitement level: 7 out of 10

Sow is obviously one of the greatest players we've had and will be a huge loss. Thankfully we have three guys (Howie, Johnson, Dooley) all back who have started for years and are good players. Rewolinski and Douglas both have started in spots and should be able to fill in and play well. I've also read or heard good things about some of the young guys (Jackson, Warnsman, Indestad, Anderson, Lee) so there should be a healthy competition for those spots. We may take a slight step back losing Sow, but overall this should be a good group.

UPDATE: Losing Johnson stinks! A multi-year starter, all-conference type is going to hurt. We basically lose the whole left side now. No worries on Dooley and Howie, and it is nice to have both Rewolinski and Douglas who have been part-time starters to fill the void left by Sow, Bates, and Johnson. Our transfer group looks really good, highly recruited, P5 experience. I did downgrade this group from an 8 to a 7 out of 10 due to the loss of Johnson, and the fact while the transfer group looks impressive they haven't had a ton of playing time. This group could still be very good, just a little more uncertainty at this point.

Defensive line
Should be back: Zelinsky, Gaines, Evans, Miles, Bogard, Manior, Merritt, Price, Coleman, Haney, Grant-Randall, Swindle
Coming in: Nosike
Gone: Crawford, Ramirez, Trueman
Excitment level: 6 out of 10

This is the other big question mark in my mind. Ramirez is a huge loss, an all-american, a great great pass rusher...big loss. Trueman also had a great year on the edge and replacing those two will be difficult. Crawford was also a solid space eating tackle. There is A LOT of talent and a A LOT of potential here though. Price has really come along the last two years and could be an all-conference player I think. Haney and Merritt were both productive players before their injuries, hopefully they can come back and play well. It is a huge season for those guys on the edge (Gaines, Evans, Bogard, Coleman) they were all big recruits, have a few years in...its time some of them need to step up, and with Ramirez and Trueman on their way out the opportunity is there. Same thing with Swindle in the middle. I know a lot of people are excited about Messiah Blair (and rightfully so) but I think it will be hard to come in and make an impact as a true freshman, especially with the guys ahead of him.

UPDATE: No changes

Linebackers
Should be back: Kline, Sparacio, Cameron, Scheidt
Gone: Speights
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

Kline and Sparacio are great, and having them back is huge! They might be the best pair of linebackers we have had in the Creighton area, they both seem to be great leaders, tacklers, they can rush and cover. Excited to have them back. Cameron and Schedit both provide serviceable depth. I know part of a linebackers success is based on the guys in front of them, but this group is awesome!

UPDATE: No changes

Defensive backs
Should be back: Peavy, Scott, Smith, Lee, Shine, Scandrett
Coming in: Jenkins
Gone: Bogan, Vaden, Hernandez
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

This group should be very good! Shine and Scott should be one of the best combo of corners in the MAC and maybe the whole G5! I think Scandrett and Smith have the making of a great pair of safeties. Peavy is the big hitter back there...I think there is a lot to like about this group.

UPDATE: No changes, other than I moved Hernandez from the back category to the gone category. Since he wasn't listed as part of senior day I thought he would be back, but he is no longer on the roster.

Special teams
Should be back: Gomez, Tomasek, Bird, Jackson, Pohl
Gone: Drummond
Excitement level: 10 out of 10

With both Gomez and Tomasek back as well as Bird at long snapper and Jackson as a returner there is a lot to love here. Not only are those guys back, but they are super talented! I believe Pohl is even back for kickoffs. Really the only guy we loose on special teams is Drummond as a punt returner. Honestly I don't feel like that is a huge loss. As a whole Dylan is a massive loss, but as a punt returner specifically Dylan wasn't a big game breaker like Jackson is as a kickoff returner. Dylan was just a steady, smart guy who would catch the punt (which don't get me wrong, there is a big time value in that). At the very least I think we should be able to find a guy that can do that.

UPDATE: No real changes, other than maybe Swinton or Lockett will return punts?

Overall, I still have the same thoughts on the team. If one of the QBs can take the reins and it clicks for all the young talent on the D-line then this will be a 9-10 win team that could win the MAC. Even if those things don't happen, it's still a talented enough roster that we'll at least be a bowl team.

Need to add in surprise signing of Gabe Hoffman to the TE group.

I mentioned him as being one of the two high school seniors we brought in (him and Anton), but I only included guys I think should/could play a big part on this year's team. With Getzinger, Paaske, Reese, and now Horton I don't see either Hoffman or Anton playing much, if at all, this year as true freshmen.
02-02-2023 01:24 PM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #94
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
And I would mention, Conti, by name, for the OL group per a comment above about the OL.
02-02-2023 01:38 PM
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emu79 Offline
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Post: #95
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
I feel very good about the 2023 season.
02-02-2023 02:50 PM
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Sellers dweller Offline
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Post: #96
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
Going into spring ball, this would be my best guess at the two-deep (I have three listed in some spots). I'm basing this on a mix of past performance, past depth charts, reports/insider info, and recruiting rankings:

QB: Smith-McCoy-Udengwu
RB: Evans-Jackson
WR: Knue-Keefe
WR: Lassiter-Mitchell
WR: Swinton-Lockett
TE: Getzinger OR Paaske-Reese
LT: Mayo-Janvier
LG: Rewolinski-Jackson
C: Douglas-Lee
RG: Howie-Snively
RT: Dooley-Conti

DE: Evans-Haney
DT: Price-Grant Randell
DT: Merritt-Swindle
DE: Coleman-Miles
LB: Kline-Scheidt
LB: Sparacio-Cameron
CB: Shine-Gulley
CB: Scott-Lee
FS: Smith-Carter
SS: Scandrett-Hines
DOG:Peavy-Daniel
02-02-2023 08:17 PM
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TheWoodenNickle Offline
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Post: #97
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 08:17 PM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  Going into spring ball, this would be my best guess at the two-deep (I have three listed in some spots). I'm basing this on a mix of past performance, past depth charts, reports/insider info, and recruiting rankings:

QB: Smith-McCoy-Udengwu
RB: Evans-Jackson
WR: Knue-Keefe
WR: Lassiter-Mitchell
WR: Swinton-Lockett
TE: Getzinger OR Paaske-Reese
LT: Mayo-Janvier
LG: Rewolinski-Jackson
C: Douglas-Lee
RG: Howie-Snively
RT: Dooley-Conti

DE: Evans-Haney
DT: Price-Grant Randell
DT: Merritt-Swindle
DE: Coleman-Miles
LB: Kline-Scheidt
LB: Sparacio-Cameron
CB: Shine-Gulley
CB: Scott-Lee
FS: Smith-Carter
SS: Scandrett-Hines
DOG:Peavy-Daniel
Sounds like a winner.

One thing is for sure, as the years go by the EMU team gets deeper and deeper. There are a lot of good players not on your list and those guys on your list are going to have to fight to earn those spots. The days of Eastern starting true freshmen in the trenches are in the past.
02-02-2023 09:15 PM
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Post: #98
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 02:50 PM)emu79 Wrote:  I feel very good about the 2023 season.

Agreed.

HOWEVER, if we don’t get good QB play, it will be an exercise in frustration. That group is a ginormous unknown.
02-02-2023 11:12 PM
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emu79 Offline
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Post: #99
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 11:12 PM)holybovine Wrote:  
(02-02-2023 02:50 PM)emu79 Wrote:  I feel very good about the 2023 season.

Agreed.

HOWEVER, if we don’t get good QB play, it will be an exercise in frustration. That group is a ginormous unknown.

I agree, but Smith did his teams to win last year and has some great game experience. Our backups lack experience. We are making offers to QBs in the 2024 class-see thread. Of course that doesn't help this year. I agree with Wooden we now have an assembly line at the Factory where frosh come in and redshirt and aren't thrown under the play em now bus as it was before.
02-03-2023 03:58 AM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #100
RE: An early look at the 2023 football season.
(02-02-2023 11:12 PM)holybovine Wrote:  
(02-02-2023 02:50 PM)emu79 Wrote:  I feel very good about the 2023 season.

Agreed.

HOWEVER, if we don’t get good QB play, it will be an exercise in frustration. That group is a ginormous unknown.

I'm close to Bovine on this. We may go as far or as short (not far? weird wording) as our QBs take us or don't take us.

We need at least one QB who can force the defense to defend the long ball.
02-03-2023 04:56 AM
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