While 2008 was a season to forget in more ways than one, it is important that we look back and see what happened from a roster perspective.  Coach Dodge and his staff will need to evaluate the players he has and address the areas of need through recruiting.  As we inch closer to the mid term Juco signing period, let’s take a look back at the players who made up the 2008 season.  I took a look at who is graduating, who comes back, how they performed and most importantly can they be counted on to get this ship turned around.  I have listed the entire 2008 UNT roster and included my comments in bold.  You can link to the official Mean Green Sports player bio by clicking on the players name.

51-Acton, Jared-OL-5-11-284-Fr.-Southlake, TX (Carroll HS) – Undersized Walk-on that was redshirted in 2008.

22  -Adams, Adryan-DB-6-0-178-Jr.-Oklahoma City, OK (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) - Adams has good speed and showed ability at times during the season - he should battle for a starting spot as a senior in 2009.

14  -Adeboyejo, Tobi-DB-5-7-165-Fr.-Cedar Hill, TX (Cedar Hill HS) - Undersized Walk-on that was redshirted in 2008.

13-Agbottah, Kartey-DB-6-3-198-Jr.-Irving, TX (MacArthur HS) – Once felt to be the future at safety, Kartey – after starting against Kansas State - has basically disappeared with the emergence of juco Kylie Hill and true freshman Derrian Williams. 

47  -Akpunku, Brandon-LB-6-1-206-Fr.-Cedar Hill, TX (Cedar Hill HS) – As a true freshman Akpunku was part of a disastrous special teams unit but I thought he was a bright spot if that is even possible.  I still like his speed and ability and think he fits into the future.

57  -Bailey, Tyler-OL-6-2-296-Jr.-Lexington, KY (Paul Dunbar HS) – Bailey disappeared this year after being slated for a starting spot.  Some say this was due to injury other say off the field issues.  The nephew of former UTEP coach Charlie Bailey is a smallish but serviceable D-I lineman and could help the team next year if he is available.

29  -Baine, Chase-WR-5-11-202-Fr.-Lake Dallas, TX (Lake Dallas HS) - Walk-on that was redshirted in 2008.

81  -Barrett, Kenny-WR-6-2-193-Fr.-Mart, TX (Mart HS) – Talented receiver that redshirted in 2008.  Should fit into the plans for 2009.

1  -Brigham, Desmond-WR-6-1-176-Fr.-Caddo Mills, TX (Caddo Mills HS) - Talented receiver that redshirted in 2008.  Should fit into the plans for 2009.

84  -Brown, Greg-WR-6-0-190-Fr.-Grand Prairie, TX (Grand Prairie HS) – Decent walk-on that saw limited time in 2008.

84  -Brown, Charlie-DT-6-4-258-Jr.-Muskogee, OK (Hilldale HS) – Brown was unfairly put into the defensive tackle position where he was undersized and outmatched.  A hard worker, look for Brown to move to his natural position defensive end in 2009.

35  -Bush, Antoine-DB-5-10-186-Jr.-Tyler, TX (John Tyler HS) – The former Dickey signee is still the best cover corner UNT has and will be back as a rare 4-year starter for his senior year in 2009.

96  -Cantly, Tevinn-DT-6-4-310-Fr.-Arlington, TX (Lamar HS) – As expected, Cantly redshirted in 2008.  Has the size to contribute in a major way to a depleted defensive line in 2009 

69  -Carter, Sterling-OL-6-2-279-Fr.-Houston, TX (Strake Jesuit HS) - Walk-on that was redshirted in 2008.

90  -Cole III, Mack-DE-6-4-232-Jr.-Topeka, KA (Fort Scott CC) – Cole was a scholarship juco transfer that had limited impact in 2008.   Finished the season with a 4-tackle effort against Arkansas State.

10  -Cook, DeWaylon-DB-6-0-193-Fr.-Dallas, TX (Samuell HS) – Cook saw significant playing time as a true freshman in 2008 at defensive back and on special teams.  Cook is a key building block in the rebuilding process for UNT.

48  -Davenport, Ryan-DE-6-2-250-Sr.-Fredricksburg, TX (Air Force Academy Prep) – Graduates after doing his best at a new position.

86  -Davidson, Christian-LB-6-2-216-Jr.-Spring, TX (Klein Oak HS) – Deep snapper who they hope shoulder injury does not impact him for 2009 season.  Key issue is his health because it would require them to use a scholarship in a year where they don’t have one to spare.

36  -Davis, Marquese-LB-6-1-232-Fr.-Atlanta, TX (Atlanta HS) -  A real mystery man who came to UNT from East Texas with accolades.  Had very limited playing time in his freshman season after redshirting last year.  Right now a disappointing recruit that they were counting on.

39  -Dawson, Germaine-DB-6-1-210-Sr.-Rockdale, TX (Rockdale HS) – A Dickey recruit who showed ability early in his career.  Never caught on with Dodge’s staff and graduates after limited to no playing time in his senior season.

29  -Deans, Trent-PK-6-0-184-Fr.-Sherman, TX (Sherman HS) – Backup kicker who redshirted in 2008.

54  -Deheck, Robbie-LB-6-2-219-Fr.-Azle, TX (Azle HS) - Walk-on that played on special teams in 2008.

95  -DeSoto, Jesse-DT-6-1-286-So.-San Antonio, TX (Lee HS) – Original Dodge recruit who has seen very limited production after a redshirt year.  Registered 3 tackles in the final game against Arkansas State and the staff hopes he may be turning a corner.

80  -Dickerson, Kevin-WR-5-10-190-Jr.-Fort Worth, TX (Calvary Christian Academy) – Journeyman Dickey recruit that helped fill a WR void in limited reps during the 2008 season.

11  -Dodge, Riley-QB-6-0-182-Fr.-Southlake, TX (Carroll HS) – Dodge played in two games at receiver before being redshirted.  Clearly he has ability as a receiver and athlete but remains a question mark from a durability perspective.  Another big key building block to the Dodge recovery plan.

68  -Drake, Kelvin-C-6-2-302-Jr.-Galveston, TX (Ball HS) – Drake took a medical redshirt this season.  He is no question UNT’s best lineman and his loss impacted the offense tremendously in 2008.  There have been rumors that due to personal reasons he may not return.  He has two years of eligibility left and you can bet that Dodge will do everything in his power to keep him at UNT as it has major implications in the rebuilding plan.

5  -Dunbar, Lance-RB-5-9-189-Fr.-Haltom, TX (Haltom HS) – An explosive athlete who showed great moments before being lost to injury for the season. There is no question that his loss hurt this team in 2008 as he was a perfect speed complement to Cam Montgomery. Dunbar is another key impact player that Dodge will rely on in 2009 and beyond because of his BCS caliber speed and agility.

70  -Feeley, Coleman-OL-6-4-318-Fr.-Austin, TX (Anderson HS) – Feely was forced to action in a probable redshirt year and showed promise and was also at times outmatched.  Needs to develop his strength in the offseason.  Could be a factor in 2009.  Promising young player that was called to action too early.

87  -Fitzgerald, Casey-WR-5-11-191-Sr.-Red Oak, TX (Red Oak HS) – A Dickey recruit and UNT’s most prolific receiver graduates and hopes for NFL opportunity.  A class act that will be sorely missed.

60  -Fortenberry, Aaron-OL-6-4-265-Fr.-Era, TX (Era HS) - Walk-on that was redshirted in 2008.

74  -Franklin, Troy-DT-6-4-277-Fr.-Celina, TX (Celina HS) – Franklin had a foot injury that did not allow him to participate in contact until 3 games into the season and was basically a non-factor for 2008.  Definitely burned a year of eligibility as he recorded one assist against Arky State.  With the needs at defensive line this team has one can only hope that Franklin excels in the Spring.  His freshman campaign earned him an incomplete.

64  -Gill, Victor-OL-6-4-250-So.-Argyle, TX (Argyle HS) – Victor filled in admirably in a very difficult situation, moving from a tight end to an offensive tackle due to injury and poor planning.  He was undersized and often outmatched.  The key for Gill is putting on strength and size in the offseason as he could be a special player if he adds 25-30 pounds.

94  -Gilmore, Eddrick-DE-6-5-240-Jr.-Houston, TX (Alief Hastings HS) – Gilmore did not play for much of the first part of 2008 due to academic issue but returned with a vengeance and was clearly UNT’s most productive front four player.  If Gilmore can have a productive Spring and stay ahead of the curve academically, he could be an All Sun Belt caliber defensive end, which would dramatically help UNT’s rebuilding efforts in 2009. 

73  -Glass, Bryan-OL-6-0-285-Jr.-Paris, TX (Paris HS) – Reserve scholarship player that saw limited minutes in 2008.

27  -Gordon, Robbie-DB-6-0-180-So.-Ardmore, OK (Ardmore HS) – talented but misunderstood player saw limited minutes and was active on special teams.  Has the speed to impact this team.  Needs some direction.

41  -Hager, Bron-LB-6-1-210-Fr.-Austin, TX (Westlake HS) – Did this guy ever even set foot on campus at UNT?  I never saw him play but he is reportedly on scholarship.

2  -Hamilton, James-DB-5-8-168-Fr.-Cedar Hill, TX (Cedar Hill HS) – Hamilton was one of the few bright spots for UNT, in particular his special teams play and then later in the season his performance at running back and receiver.  Explosive athlete that will be a key component to the rebuilding process.

97  -Hawthorne, Joe-DT-6-4-253-Fr.-Arlington, TX (Martin HS) – Redshirt that they will hope can add size and aid them in the front four at either dt or de in 2009.

30  -Henderson, Keronna-RB-6-0-228-Sr.-Carthage, TX (Carthage HS) – Former fullback recruited by Dickey that will be remembered as the somewhat odd focal point of the offense in the 2008 opener against K-State.  Graduates.  Had a productive career at UNT in a behind the scenes way.

63  -Highfill, Zachary-OL-6-2-254-Jr.-Denton, TX (East Central University) – Undersized walk-on.

37  -Hill, Kylie-DB-5-10-186-Jr.-Bristow, OK (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) – Kylie had a nice first season, despite the record.  Very physical and improving on the coverage side, he seems to have a nose for the ball.  With a Spring and full season under his belt he will be poised for a big season.

21  -Hill, Royce-DB-5-11-173-Fr.-Houston, TX (Cypress Ridge HS) – Royce had a baptism by fire as a true freshman but no one on the staff questions his heart and ability.  Another key building block that struggled at times this season but will return as a more seasoned and capable player in 2009.

62  -Hollivay, Gabe-OL-6-3-360-Jr.-Hamilton, MS (Itawamba CC) – Gabe did a fairly nice job in his first of two seasons at UNT.  He came into Fall camp overweight but slowly worked his way into the starting lineup and at the end of the season was one of UNT’s best run blockers paving the way for a decent 900+ yard season showing for Cam Montgomery.  Key for Gabe is that he lay of the buffets and come into the next season around 320.

58  -Holt, Dan-OL-6-4-270-RFr.-McKinney, TX (Midwestern State) – walkon that did not play in 2008.

38  -Jackson, Jamel-WR-5-9-167-Jr.-Killeen, TX (Northwestern State) – Injured early in the season and should be eligible for a medical redshirt.  Explosive returner that could impact 2009 in a positive way if healthy.

79  -Jenkins, Nate-OL-6-3-378-Jr.-Hattiesburg, MS (Pearle River CC) – Nate came in way out of shape and never played a down in 2008.  I would not see him being a factor and his evaluation process appeared to be flawed.  Hopefully I am wrong.

17  -Johnson, Breece-WR-6-0-172-So.-Colleyville, TX (Heritage HS) – Breece had his moments in 2008 and could be a decent possession receiver in this offense.  Not an explosive player but solid.  He will be counted on in 2009. 

56  -Johnson, J.J.-C-6-2-280-Fr.-Plano, TX (Plano West HS) – One of the few bright spots for UNT was the play of Johnson who took over the quarterbacking of UNT’s offensive line as a freshman center.  Johnson will be an All Sun Belt Caliber player if he stays healthy.

88  -Johnson, Roderick-WR-6-2-196-Sr.-Garland, TX (Naaman Forest HS) – Graduates after long run with the Mean Green as a reserve.

66  -Kaiser, Jacob-OL-6-7-288-Fr.-Greensburg, PA (Central Catholic HS) – Project that barring a major change would likely be several years away from helping this program.

49  -Knott, Jeremy-PK-6-3-182-Jr.-Tulsa, OK (Northeastern Oklahoma A&M) – Had a decent not spectacular year.  My biggest issue with him is his leg strength on kickoffs which continues to be problematic.  With the loss of Truman Spencer and Knott only having one year of eligibility remaining, special teams will need to be a key focus in the next two recruiting classes.

78  -Kokjohn, Troy-OL-6-2-278-Fr.-Carrollton, TX (Hebron HS) –The heir apparent to Christian Davidson was a flawless four for four in extra point snaps against ASU. Troy played in four games….Kansas State (7 punt snaps & one extra point snap), FAU (one XP), Middle Tennessee (2 XP) and Ark State (4 XP). 

76  -Krider, Kail-OL-6-3-249-So.-Leonard, TX (Leonard HS) – Krider was thought by the Dickey regime to be the next Evan Cardwell.  I am sorry but at this point Krider is no Evan Cardwell.  Another in a long line of scholarship defensive linemen that aren’t contributing.

94  -Kubala, Tyler-DE-6-0-240-Fr.-Tulsa, OK (Metro Christian) – Undersized walkon that redshirted.

9  -Lewis, B.J.-WR-6-1-195-So.-Waco, TX (Robinson HS) – One of the strangest disappearing acts ever seen at UNT.  Was chosen as one of the few UNT freshmen to burn their redshirt last season at wide receiver and did not see any time in 2008.  Hopefully he received a redshirt,

86  -Lockhart, Bryan-WR-6-2-195-Jr.-Carrollton, TX (Tyler JC) – Walkon who saw limited time.  Son of former Cowboy linebacker Eugene,

2  -Lott, Alex-WR-5-9-165-So.-Plano, TX (Texas Lutheran) – Undersized but showed promise after massive wide receiver injuries and defections opened up an opportunity in 2008.  Not a franchise player but could fill a role in 2009.

40  -Mahan, Colt-LB-6-1-213-Sr.-Keller, TX (Keller HS) – Graduates after a respectable career at UNT.  Good kid.

24  -Mathis, Jeremi-RB-6-1-203-Fr.-Arlington, TX (Martin HS) – Redshirted this year but will be looked at closely as a backup for Cam Montgomery who graduates after 2009.

7  -Meager, Daniel-QB-6-2-201-Sr.-Dallas, TX (Pearce HS) – Dan played as a reserve in 2009 and graduates after an up and down career.  Set a career passing record against SMU in 2007.

71  -Menard, Matthew-OL-6-3-305-So.-Spring, TX (Westfield HS) – Another major mystery man, Menard started at tackle last season and showed signs of being the prototypical left tackle who just needed to fill out.  He shows up at close to 300 pounds in 2008 and was promptly moved to guard by line coach Spencer Leftwich.  Definitely a guy that has the physical tools that you would like to see come together in his final two seasons.

65  -Miller, Joseph-DT-6-3-269-Sr.-Pflugerville, TX (Pflugerville HS) – One of the saddest stories to the 2008 season, Miller was injured early in the season and never returned, ineligible for a medical redshirt and graduating without the finale he deserved.  A good player that unfortunately played in a down period at UNT.

53  -Millhollon, Levi-DE-6-1-225-So.-Gainesville, TX (Gainesville HS) – Walkon in a reserve role.

26  -Montgomery, Cam-RB-6-1-210-Jr.-The Woodlands, TX (NE Miss. JC) – possibly the brightest spot of an otherwise dismal 2008.  Montgomery returned after a medical redshirt season to have a very productive 2008 campaign gaining over 900 yards.  He returns as a focal point in 2009 as Dodge continues to modify his passing offense to win ballgames.  Sheldon Gamdy the assistant who recruited Montgomery should be given carte blanche in the Juco transfer recruiting for landing this guy.

54  -Moore, Cody-P-6-0-160-Fr.-College Station, TX (A&M Consolidated) - Walkon in a reserve role.

32  -Mosley, Micah-RB-6-0-210-So.-Nederland, TX (Nederland HS) – Suffered a severe shoulder injury early in the year and just never was able to get back as Montgomery excelled.  Timing was bad as with Dunbar’s injury, Mosely could have seen significant time this season.  Mosely will work hard in the Spring to get back in the picture but will face competition from Jeremi Mathis and Lance Dunbar.

58  -Mumphrey, Cordero-LB-5-11-204-Jr.-Tyler , TX (Tyler JC) - Walkon in a  reserve role.

34  -Neal, Chris-DB-5-9-182-So.-Kaufman, TX (Kaufman HS) – An amazing high school player that has disappeared at UNT.

31  -Nurudeen, Latif-DB-6-0-191-Sr.-Friendswood, TX (Baylor) – Graduates after being unseeded by more talented younger players at his position.

44  -Nwigwe, Tobe-LB-6-1-251-Jr.-Houston, TX (Alief Elsik HS) – You can’t question his numbers but you wonder why the defense struggles so much as he is so productive.  Bottomline, he is a very talented player that had an amazing season and should receive some post-season consideration from New Orleans.  Returns in 2009 for his senior season and has the size and speed to be a legitimate NFL prospect.  In his defense he played behind a very weak defensive line this year.

52  -Owusu-Hemeng, Sam-DE-6-2-244-So.-Arlington, TX (Seguin HS) – Sam is and always will be an undersize defensive end that struggles against the run but he remains productive as a pass rusher as evidenced by his sack against Arkansas State who has the best o-line in the belt.  Could play a role in passing situations next year.

59  -Penson, A.J.-LB-6-1-213-So.-Lufkin, TX (Lufkin HS) – Penson is either one of two things, he is a talented player that is burdened by a weak defensive line and young secondary or he is a weak link of an otherwise talented linebacking corp.  Regardless of which, he will be a back and should play a role in the rebuilding process.

45  -Phillips, Jeremy-DB-6-3-196-Fr.-Waller, TX (Waller HS) – redshirted but will be looked on to contribute in 2009, perhaps at linebacker.

18  -Phillips, Matt-QB-6-1-230-Sr.-San Angelo, TX (Lakeview HS) – Graduates after a respectable career as a holder and quarterback.

8  -Roberson, Sam-WR-6-4-217-Fr.-Somerville, TX (Somerville HS) – Blessed with physical tools, I just did not see the toughness in his first season.  I do think he will get better with time and they need him to improve as Casey graduates and the recruiting capital needs to focus on other areas.  I think his first season was moderately disappointing.

42  -Robertson, Craig-LB-6-0-226-So.-Stafford, TX (Stafford HS) – Craig – a Dickey recruit - struggled at times this year behind a shaky defensive line.  Still he is probably the most versatile defensive player who with two seasons remaining should be a star. 

67  -Rose, Chad-OL-6-3-285-Sr.-Round Rock, TX (Westwood HS) – Graduates after a respectable career at UNT.

92  -Ross, Draylen-DT-6-4-286-Jr.-Fort Worth, TX (Diamond Hill-Jarvis HS) – I was really down on Ross after expectations were set so high for him.  I did see some signs that he was coming around at times, but the reality is he was a part of the worst defensive line in the Sun Belt.  I like Ross but we can do better at that position.

89  -Rucker, Forrest-WR-6-6-220-Fr.-Hearne, TX (Hearne HS) – Showed tremendous promise, injure his collarbone and then medical redshirted.  Later he was involved in an off the field situation that puts his career at UNT in jeopardy. 

93  -Russo, Kyle-DE-6-3-231-Fr.-Southlake, TX (Carroll HS) – A bright spot.  Had a very solid freshman campaign and will only get better with time.  Shouldn’t have had to play as much as he did this season but will pay off for him and the program down the road.  Russo is a lunch pail type of player that just gets the job done.  Would like to see him add another 10-15 pounds of strength in the off-season.

77  -Santiago, Esteban-OL-6-3-285-So.-El Paso, TX (Coronado HS) – A solid two-year starter that will only get better with time.  Definitely one of the key building block players that Dodge will depend on in his rebuilding effort.

27  -Schutza, Casey-WR-5-10-170-Fr.-Euless, TX (Trinity HS) - Walkon in a reserve role.

91  -Scoggins, Jordan-DT-6-2-281-Fr.-Euless, TX (Trinity HS) – He’s young, so it is too early to pass judgement, but did not show signs that he can impact the defensive line in a major way in the short term.

83  -Seidle, Bryant-LB-6-2-221-Jr.-Cypress, TX (Cy-Fair HS) – Will look to be an option in 2009 as Dodge incorporates more of the tight end into his offense.

18  -Shorter, John-DB-6-0-190-Fr.-Dallas, TX (Lake Highlands HS) – talented player that saw a lot of game action in 2008.  Look for Shorter to return as a starter and returner in 2009.  A key player that Dodge is counting on to turn the ship around in the future.

21  -Smith, Bret-PK-5-9-151-Fr.-Carrollton, TX (Creekview HS) - Walkon in a reserve role.

46  -Smith, Isiah-DB-5-10-170-Sr.-Denton, TX (Denton HS) – Graduates after a respectable career.

25  -Spencer, Truman-P-6-3-218-Sr.-Mesquite, TX (Horn HS) – One of the very best punters to ever play at UNT and that is saying something.  Will be sorely missed as he graduates and hopefully lands with an NFL team.

31  -Squier, Weston-RB-5-8-146-Fr.-Sanger, TX (Sanger HS) - Walkon in a  reserve role.

61  -Stewart, Jonathan-DT-6-2-249-Jr.-Arlington, TX (Seguin HS) – A defensive tackle that was moved to defensive end because of his size.  I like Jon but he is another example of a defensive line scholarship that is not providing production.

82  -Stickler, Brock-WR-6-2-225-Sr.-Lampasas, TX (Lampasas HS) – Graduates after a very respectable career at UNT.  Will be missed as a possession receiver.

43  -Sykes, Marquis-LB-6-2-245-So.-Coppell, TX (Coppell HS) – Has talent but did not even play a down against Arkansas State.  Disappointing season in a player that they hoped would turn a corner.

3  -Taylor, Willie-WR-5-10-165-Fr.-Dallas, TX (Hillcrest HS) – talented player who redshirted and will be counted on to help them at possession receiver in 2009. 

99  -Thomas, Isaac-DT-5-11-299-Sr.-Mansfield, TX (Summit HS) – High expectations, health issues and lack of performance lead to a overall disappointing career for a player thought originally to be another Brandon Kennedy.

72  -Tomlinson, Matt-OL-6-5-298-Fr.-Klein, TX (Klein HS) – medical redshirt that they hope will help them at tackle in 2009 but is still probably a year away.

6  -Tune, Nathan-QB-6-4-203-So.-Celina, TX (Celina HS) – Comes back next season as the #2 or #3 guys depending on what Riley does.

15  -Vizza, Giovanni-QB-6-1-204-So.-San Antonio, TX (Alamo Heights HS) – Ok, so he had a sophomore slump, but does anyone question the ability or leadership of this guy?  Expect Vizza to come back with a vengeance in 2009 and hopefully an improved o-line and defense will provide him support.  Dodge’s hopes of turning around the program lie directly at Gio’s feet and I believe he is up to the task.

14  -Walker, Evan-WR-5-10-192-Fr.-Colleyville, TX (Heritage HS) – talented receiver that did not play in 2008 due to off the field issues but hopes to get back on the field in 2009.

16  -Warren, Steve-LB-6-1-227-Jr.-Burleson, TX (Burleson HS) – Steve, an original Dickey signee – truly resurrected his career in 2008 and looks to be a key special teams and 5^th defensive back linebacker in passing downs in 2009.  I would nominate Warren as comeback player of the year in 2009 as he really had some nice games.

23  -Williams, Darien-DB-5-10-185-Fr.-Vernon, TX (Vernon HS) – extremely talented athlete that was fed to the wolves as a true freshman.  Williams brought a violent nature to the UNT defense, which was so greatly needed.  He struggled at times against the pass, but with a Spring and Fall ahead of him in the system he will return as a more experienced player in 2009.  A key player that Dodge needs to make the turnaround of the program possible.

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