Our young secondary was tremendously exposed due to a very inept defensive line. When you don’t get any pressure on a quarterback and you can’t stop the run it is a recipe for disaster. There are so many things about Dodge’s entry into the Division I arena that I know he wishes he could take back; a late start to the recruiting class of 2007 when he won the state championship has turned out to be a major error as that class has provided some big misses due to the time that wasn’t given into their backgrounds and history. Having to deal with Mendoza - almost to the level of a Captain Queeg of the Caine Mutiny - put the defense at a tremendous scheme disadvantage and we are still trying to recover, rebuild. Dickey left him very little and Deloach came back too late to make a diff in 2008. The talent was so depleted from whence DeLoach was there before.

They are addressing the speed issue and doing their best on the defensive line. They signed two Juco WR’s, that is clear evidence of their need to win now.  You know that signing so many Juco’s has to hurt their strategy of focusing on the high school coaches who they put so much hope and expectations on. 

They (The Mean Green )  have positives. Vizza enters as a qualified and capable starter at the most important position. RB Cam Monty has a what could be a special senior season possibility. Speedy Lance Dunbar returns for a full season to exhibit his speed. Hopefully, Kelvin Drake will return for a big year. Drake’s return is absolutely critical to turning this ship around. The rest of the offensive line could be good and NEO Juco Bean (6-5, 305) adds size at tackle. I like the line.   JJ Johnson, Santiago and Drake make for a good nucleus and the surprise could be Redshirt Freshman Nick Leppo. Now Sophomore Feeley shows potential and Matt Menard could finally blossom - he certainly looks the part. Does the gamble on Tomlinson pay off for them?  It could.

I am truly interested in how the remaining scholarship offers go. I really think they have to offer at least one more Juco defensive tackle and end. Atkinson could be a nice player for us at nose but he will not be arriving till the Fall. Will Gilmore make the grade? That is a huge question heading into potentially Dodge’s last hurrah at the D-I level.  

The suspense heading into next season is heavy - you can feel it already. Dodge has to show improvement. Another 2007-08 campaign record and he is gone. There don’t appear to be any major coaching changes save special teams with Drake leaving. Can this team forge some Sun Belt wins and turn things around? I hope so - I truly do.

I was one of those Dodge Hire fans who felt for the limited money we had he provided the most upside. And he did for a period of time. In the Spring of 2007 I witnessed the largest crowd I had ever seen for a North Texas Spring scrimmage. He brought tons of press coverage and on opposing message boards we truly sensed envy about a head coach in the first time since Hayden Fry.

But the honeymoon was short lived. Dodge - through loyalty - fell victim to a primarily novice high school coaching staff that struggled at times in the basics of D-I football, defense and special teams. To bring quality assistants into this situation now is not a realistic option.

The 2009 season will make or break the Dodge regime. He - and his staff - will try to land difference makers for next season that are difficult to find.  I like who they have landed so far.  As bad as the last two seasons have been, I see 2009 as a very interesting season for the fans and the direction of the program. I sincerely hope that Dodge will get some wins and re-establish his hold on this program and the future.  It won’t be easy in 2009.

Talk about this article in our Mean Green Football Forum

ShareThis

Scattershooting while wishing former UNT Coach and Kansas State rehire Bill Snyder would not have retained former linebacker, UNT letterman and recent K-State special teams coach Jeff Rodgers and he (either Rodgers, Synder or both) would have ended up here…  

…Then again for the most sentimental of reasons this program could not currently be thought of as a vacation getaway for a coach either…Gotta feel fairly good about UNT’s 9 verbals to date, as I was getting ready to hit the panic button after the loss of offensive lineman Keenan Flax from Cypress Ridge to Houston.  Wish there were more lineman but honestly they are the toughest and take the longest to land and that has always been the case and always will be. They have finally addressed defensive tackle – in a big way – with the addition of Ft. Scott Community College transfer Shevod Atkinson (6-1, 310 and can run).  Atkinson is a physical playmaker that UNT has needed so badly.  Joe Miller was a nice player and all but this kid Atkinson is the real deal.  Now we just need a couple more juco defensive tackles or nose tackles that can play right away.  Oh and a couple of juco defensive ends or four wouldn’t hurt either.  Let’s scratch that building from the high school ranks strategy!…UNT nabbed some key verbals early with athlete Daniel Mayberry, corner Hilbert Jackson and defensive end Ryan Boutwell.  Here recently they made a big splash landing highly rated linebacker Daniel Pryor (no relation to Richard) from Henderson (East) Texas.  Pryor had some very respectable offers including SMU, Rice, La. Tech among others.  He is a little on the small side probably 6-1 and 205 but he reminds me so much of former Baylor star Joe Pawelek who showed up there about the same size.  Today it was confirmed that UNT would gain the services of talented corner Ira Smith from Gulf Coast Community College in Mississippi.  Ira can flat out fly, is a dangerous kick returner and will be a welcome addition to the Mean Green secondary at a corner spot.  Smith will push the learning process for the kids and make us a better defensive unit…My dark horse of the class so far and I repeat this is SO FAR because a lot can change but I really like the raw size and ability of Garland Sachse defensive back Chevy Bennett (6-1, 185, 4.5).  Make sure and watch the video on his link.  No – he did not have any offers in hand, but you had to think a kid – who excelled in an outstanding 5A district – like Bennet, might really help this team on special teams and possibly at safety where we graduate Kylie Hill after the 2009 season…I like Justin Howerton but dontcha think Johnny Jones is wondering if the faith he put in him was justified…UNT Flyer reported on the Mean Green Football Message Board that a stadium completion project plan had been posted on the official UNT website indicating a 9/15/11 completion date.  If true I would be thrilled although I worry about this economy.  If you own and stocks, mutual funds or have a broker named Bernie Mader you will empathize. You can read the entire document here…  For those dreamers out there, just imagine how cool it will be when we bring our recruiting targets into the new stadium where their high school highlights are being played on the brand new 1080i Hi Def LCD Diamond vision Screen while the fans are cheering on the loudspeakers.  Imagine a recruiting party being held in one of the brand new state of the art luxury suites where we are peering down on the field while sipping crown in nice glasses…Where to go from here Mean Green faithful that you are and always will be except for our good friend Aquila Viridis.  Well my hope is that UNT will land another Juco defensive lineman or two.  Doesn’t have to be a star but durable and with some decent size.  I am still really nervous about both tackle and end.  You’d love to think that some guys, who haven’t proved themselves will due to maturity or a light bulb, take your pick.  I remain skeptical.  I think we can improve at all three positions sans Atkinson and that is hoping that he will be eligible (no I have nothing on that just real paranoid after the Alonzo Horton fiasco last year.  A junior college offensive lineman – if he were big and proven – would be a nice insurance policy wouldn’t it?  And not to mention – a position that has to be addressed, punter where all conference Truman Spencer leaves a huge void… Nice to see former UNT Defensive Coordinator Fred Bliel help lead a Texas State program to the playoffs this season.  Texas State or SWT as I will always remember it fondly, came up short against a talented Montana State program 31-13…

Come share your thoughts in the Football Forum!

ShareThis

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.

 Talk about this Blog Entry on the Mean Green Football Forum by Clicking Here.

ShareThis

Discuss this in our http://www.gomeangreen.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44668#mce_temp_url#.

ShareThis

ShareThis

My biggest complaint with Dodge has been the positions he has focused his recruiting capital on, in particular I don’t think enough attention was played to our depleted front lines. This is nothing new at UNT, we like many mid-major programs struggle in getting quality linemen. I would spend at minimum 10-12 schollys on them in this 2009 class. It is going to take some creativity and hard work to make this happen, but I think it will because there is just too much talent in our backyard that wants to stay closer to home. The Dodge staff has shown good energy in knocking on high school doors now they need to do a better job closing on linemen.

I also think they need stronger contacts with the JUCO’s because you need quality jucos to rebuild a program quickly. I’ve seem some posts on here remembering fondly the Dickey days and there were some good ones for sure. But towards the tail end of his tenure, there is no question our talent level dropped dramatically. This after unparalleled historical success! So Dodge did not inherit a well oiled machine, rather a broken one that had fallen on tough times. Match that with a conference that is truly rising both in talent and stature and you have a recipe for disaster.

I am not saying Dodge and RV et al are without blame here. Bringing in a staff of mostly career high school coaches - was in hindsight - convenient but not prudent. Dodge would surely have fared better in every facet with more experienced assistants across the board. The sad irony is that there were several of these from the Dickey regime who wanted to stay and were shown the door. Every regime change does not have to be Machiavellian in nature. I think President elect Obama is getting high praise for his well qualified appointments and retaining leaders like Gates who have have experience and been successful.

The most important issue with any regime change is how do you pay for it?  For those who continue to list available coaches ad rant about how a change needs to be made right away, please break out the checkbook and show us the money. *crickets* Dodge should be given some time and a chance to infuse his own players and system before he is judged too harshly. Same thing for DeLoach.

Since many of Dodge’ s second class redshirted this year he is really only operating with one recruiting class. The guy wants to get this thing fixed, and I don’t think anyone questions his work ethic and desire. He has maintained a positive attitude through all of this and never once pointed a finger at anyone other than himself. Besides the financial ramifications, I think keeping Dodge in place - given his actions - is just the right thing to do.

Rather than blame Dodge entirely for the situation, let’s support him and give him the tools needed to succeed at this level.  I would rather see any additional funds be directed at bringing in quality, college experienced assistants that can recruit.  There is a lot of turnover of staffs already this year and that means there are quality assistants who need work.  

I’m not proposing that we stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best either.  If we don’t see marked improvement after next season it is probably time to start moving in another direction.  I think Dodge knows and accepts this.  It’s time our fans did as well.

ShareThis

ShareThis

This episode we talk about the victory over the Hilltoppers, and where we go from here………

Talk about it in the forum

ShareThis

Pumpkin by forum member yyz28

talk about it here

ShareThis

This episode we talk with DRC beat writer Brett Vito….we also touch on the Troy game, homecoming and upcoming basketball season.

Talk about it on the boards here

ShareThis