Harry

It is disturbing that Ransom is not even mentioned in this article. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Outstanding news!

I do believe it was his throwing shoulder. However - he seems to be shaking off the rust and I know he is working out very hard.

Found these on the internet: http://texasprepxtra.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=169737 http://www.richardson.k12.tx.us/schools/ph...n%20pearce'

Also sounds like Vengas is back in the fold as well. Hope he has his head on straight because the kid has talent.

I was thinking the same thing. I know for a fact that Travis has two years left. Lineberry signed in 2002 along with his teammate Kevin Moore from Houston Northshore. The weird thing is that Moore is listed a a junior on the UNT website. My guess is that Lineberry is a junior like Moore but with all of his eligibility issues who knows.

But back to topic, knowing that our best olineman is back is huge. I feel really good about Lineberry, May, Foster and Brown. They are all pretty proven players. My concern would be more in terms of depth and also how well Rose fits in early. I think the tight end position will be significantly stronger from a blocking perspective. It will be interesting to see how Ajani Banks and Bryan Glass figure in. There are also several walk-ons, including Frank Gray and Gary Elmore who could be in the mix. I know that life without Brewster will be hard but overall this is a pretty strong group on paper that has some time in our system. With the two running backs we have that makes for a nice combination.

I was very relieved to see that Lineberry will be back with the team this Fall! This is from the official site. http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle...0&ATCLID=158456 Mean Green Heavy Hitters Vital To Success In 2005 Courtesy: University of North Texas Release: 08/01/2005 Joel Foster, along with Dylan Lineberry, will lead the Mean Green offensive line into the 2005 season. In anticipation of two-a-days next week, MeanGreenSports.com breaks down the 2005 North Texas football team position by position. We begin today with the unheralded heroes behind the Mean Green's success - The Offensive Line. A powerful offensive line is the key to the North Texas rushing attack, and with the previous two national rushing champions in the Mean Green backfield, the line becomes more important than ever. The 2005 offensive line will be highlighted by Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year Dylan Lineberry. In his first season of eligibility, Lineberry started every game and graded out as the team’s second-best overall offensive lineman. The guard is one of the most physical and strongest players on the team and is considered one of the top one-on-one blockers in the league. Lineberry was a second team all-conference selection in 2004, but did not participate in spring drills in order to work on his academic progress. The senior will be with the team this fall and is expected to be the leader of the line. Joel Foster also started every game last season for the Mean Green and was able to hone his craft as the season progressed. A converted defensive end, the tackle graded out better than 80 percent in four of the last five games. In his best game of the season, Foster graded out at 89 percent and led the team with 21 knockdowns in the regular season finale at Arkansas State. Jeremy Brown started the first four games at tackle last season before coming down with Mono. Brown was impressive early, but missed the next three games and never returned to full strength. This season, the tackle is fully recovered and will provide a veteran presence on the line. Jason May sat out last season, but will look to return to form after a stellar 2003. May earned his first letter by starting in nine games and playing in all 12 two years ago. Redshirt freshman Chad Rose will have the task of replacing two time all-conference center Andy Brewster. Brewster is the only lineman in North Texas history to block for four-straight 1,000 yard rushers. Other who will look to make an impact on the offensive line include sophomores Josh Alexander and Adam Venegas and senior Ephraim Patterson. Check back tomorrow when MeanGreenSports.com takes a look at the 2005 wide receivers and tight ends.

We're working on it - hang tight...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/.../24529_pbp.html

I continue to be impressed with the caliber of athletes we are in on at this stage. This really bodes well for the 2006 class. We have some new names and updates on earlier additions.

This quote came from Eisenhower coach Larry Haynes last football season: "He (Jack Crumes) our best true offensive lineman. It's his first season to play football and is the starting post for our basketball team."

Ken had that been the case they would have probably instituted it in the Spring. Two weeks just isn't enough time to change your base defense. Now that being said they have played 3-4 in the past. They call it their Okie sets and the key to being able to do that effectively is to have a big time nosetackle (like BK) and two defensive ends that have size to stop the run and can rush the passer. Not sure we have that yet this year - hopefully Ike Thomas will emerge and Willie Ransom is the real deal. Another aspect of running the 4-3 is having true cover corners. If TJ and Jamel are all what we hope them to be we will have a lot more options in terms of defensive sets and blitz packages. In years past we had to limit the blitzing because we didn't want to leave our corners on an island.

Safety is a big question mark. Losing Allan Harrison hurt. I think Cotton and Higgs have a legit shot but will have to play very well in two a days. Desmond Chatman is a physical specimen and Marikeith Knowlton proved that a true freshman can play the position. I think Weathers is a very good football player and he has skins on the wall. If I was to make a guess, I would say they put Weathers at the strong and Cotton at the free spot but that is subject to change. Higgs still has to prove himself to be a physical player every play. I feel a lot better about corner. Branch can play, and Covington is an NFL draft choice if he keeps his head on straight. Deavin Cox is a capable backup and there are several freshmen who could play right away. Safety is the biggest question mark of this team followed closely by the front four. QB is a concern but in this offense it is not critical. If you can't stop anybody it doesn't matter who is under center.

I think what I like so much about Mendoza is the physical aspect of his game. The guy is big (248?) strong and will punish you every single time. Plus as a former walk-on he's hungry! With the depth at all three positions it will push all of them to become better players.

The linebacker corp should be pretty deep this year. The incoming starters appear to be SLB - Monroe, MLB - Mendoza, WLB - Early. Monroe will get a heavy battle from Maurice Holman who came on very strong at the tail end of last year and actually led the team in tackles (10) against USM in the Bowl Game as a redshirt freshman. The problem in my mind is that Monroe could be the most athletically gifted player on the entire defense. Monroe was a TRUE freshman last year and let me tell you, Spencer/Hurd/Kassell and Casey did not play like that as true freshman. Mendoza's nemesis is Travis Thompson and you can bet that the Mustang, OK native will not give the job to Mendoza easily. Thompson is a headhunter, he is very quick and has excellent technique. He is not a speed demon so I doubt you will see him on the outside. At the WLB, we all thought that Early may have a long recovery from his knee injury but the reports I get are that he has recovered well and should be 100% by August 9th. Early's biggest competition will be Phillip Graves. Graves is an amazing athlete and the light really seemed to go off last season. These are the top 6. I think that if Early falters you could see Colt Mahan get some playing time as he has been busting up the weight room something fierce. Nwigwe should be able to redshirt. Davenport could factor in depthwise and as a RS freshman he has a really bright future in this program. The linebackers should be the strength of this defense for 2-3 years. We really need them to step up early as out front four has some major question marks to answer. I sometimes refer to DT Michael Pruitt as the invisible man because no one noticed him last season and his heroic efforts plugging up the middle. He has graduated now and we desparately need someone to fill his shoes.

Korey Washington's dad Mike Washington was an All-American quarterback for Jim Wacker at Texas Lutheran University when it won the national championship back in 1974-75.

Bump!

The NTExes are looking for all individuals who would like to serve on chapter Board of Directors; especially in Dallas and Tarrant counties. I know some here have inquired about getting involved in a Tarrant County Chapter. Barbara would be the person to contact. Barbara Sanders Director of Chapter Development for the North Texas Exes email: bsanders@unt.edu phone: 940.565.3162

NT EXES SENIOR SEND-OFF PARTIES 2005 AUGUST REGARDING ALL FIVE PARTIES RSVP TO: BARBARA SANDERS at bsanders@unt.edu or 940.565.3162 PLEASE RSVP BY DEADLINE. YOUR NAME MUST BE ON THE RSVP LIST IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE PARTY. THANK YOU! 1). Monday, August 1, 2005 - Tarrant County - Joe T. Garcia's (2201 North Commerce St. in Ft. Worth) from 6:30-8:30 PM RSVP DEADLINE For Joe T.'s Event is Tuesday, July 26 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2). Thursday, August 4, 2005 - Austin Area - County Line BBQ (On the Lake - FM 2222 – just before 360 in Austin) from 7:00- 9:00 PM RSVP DEADLINE For County Line Event is Monday, August 1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3). Saturday, August 6, 2005 - Dallas County - Pappasito’s (10433 Lombardy Lane in Dallas) from 2 - 4 PM RSVP DEADLINE For Pappasito's Event is Wednesday, August 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4). Tuesday, August 9 - Denton County - Razzoo’s (1990 South Stemmons Frwy in Lewisville) from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. RSVP DEADLINE For Razzoo's Event is Friday, August 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5). Thursday, August 11 - Gulf Coast Area - Spaghetti Warehouse (901 Commerce Street in Downtown Houston) from 6:30 –8:30 p.m. RSVP DEADLINE For Spagetti Warehouse Event is Monday, August 8 THANK YOU FROM THE NT EXES ASSOCIATION!!!

Good thread Gray. My take - Hull was moved to Tight end in the spring and I imagine he will stay there although when you take into account the arrival of Chaney, Brown and Gilmore there are a lot of numbers at the tight end position. Someone is going to be asked to move to tight end. The only sure bet is probably Chapman on the strong side. He's not a difference maker but he looks like a solid player. Hutcheson is a really interesting player. When I watch film of him from last year, he has his moments and shows bursts of speed that you love to have out of a rush end. the problem is he plays out of control, often overrunning the play and he gets dominated at times against the run. At the weakside position they don't need a runstopper but they do need a speed pass rusher. Hutcheson hasn't proven to be a consistent threat to sack the passer and make offside plays. That is why Ransom was such a big sign - they think he can feel that role. They have high hopes for Burriss who has the size. He has shown some flashes in limited minutes. I think he's still weak against the run. Durodoye and Rexrode - for now - appear to be backups at best. Durodoye is undersized and Rexrode is trying to convert to DEnd from a high school quarterback and runningback. Walk-on Chad Cooley is a very interesting player that could surprise. He's undersized but athletic and plays very smart.. While not a dominating end like an Awasom, Cooley is sound in his technique and typically not going to hurt you. He's coming off some off season surgery but should be ready by two a days. David Collins is a very athletic kid that should be redshirted unless he comes on very strong in two a days. Another player that may figure in is former linebacker Lawrence Brown from Houston. Brown is 6-3 210 dripping wet but very fast and will push to get some time at the weakside spot. The biggest key to this group is Ransom. If he is as advertised, he could give us a weakside end that teams have to account for. We haven't had that since Darrell Daniels. Until Ransom proves himself I see this as an area of concern. They really need a big, strong run stopper and Chapman may not quite be there yet. It wouldn't surprise me to see them bring in a late juco walk-on strong side defensive end that can stop the run just for insurance. My penciled in starters would be Chapman on the strong side and Ransom as the rush end. Burris and Hutcheson would be in the rotation.

You need ADOBE to download this. It's the new Regal Raffle Flyer! http://www.gomeangreen.com/mgr/REGAL.pdf

Feel free to drop Mean Green Athletics blurbs, including the importance of attending games, purchasing tickets, season tickets and of course gomeangreen.com is a must for any new graduate. http://web2.unt.edu/paisweb/poll/viewall.cfm

Very well stated SUMG - We have to build our MGC numbers. It's time to raise the bar. The thing about it - it's a good deal. You get parking and access to the deck (cold beer) and other perks. I realize that not everyone is in a position to give but I encourage those that can to give it a try. You don't have to break the bank and it really makes a difference. They have several payment options and you can spread it out over a year and minimize the impact to your wallet.

Found this on the MUTS board...Good and accurate IMHO. http://www.bonesville.net/Articles/DennyOB...1205_OBrien.htm Now would be the appropriate time for N.C. State coach Chuck Amato to remind us of the unfair recruiting advantage East Carolina holds over the state's other Division I-A schools. With the recent announcement that former Georgia signee Jamar Bryant would enroll at ECU, the timing couldn't be better. As such, Amato might consider himself justified for unleashing a 'told you so' in reference to past statements about his opposition to future showdowns with the Pirates in football. Who could blame him? After the painful display that took place when the Pack and Pirates renewed their rivalry in Charlotte last November, the talent gap between the two couldn't be more clear. But rest assured that East Carolina wasn't the one boasting the improved horsepower when the two last met. So perhaps Amato wasn't too far off the mark with his comments about certain in-state schools enduring a decided disadvantage along the recruiting trail. Because since the unveiling of the Bowl Championship Series in the late 90's, ECU has seen the quality of its recruiting harvests decline considerably. In contrast, North Carolina, N.C. State, and even Wake Forest have celebrated the last several Signing Days with plentiful bounties. "Recruiting against (the BCS) has been very difficult," Pirates coach Skip Holtz said recently. "I think that this is a different age than it was 15 years ago when there was no BCS. "All of a sudden, you kind of have the haves and the have-nots. You have the teams that have the chance to compete for the BCS and those who don't. And I think that gap has been getting wider between the two of them. So, legitimate obstacle? Yes, an obstacle that East Carolina didn't have to fight 15 years ago in the early 90's when they built this program into what it was." Back then, recruits made their college selections based primarily on the coaches who pursued them and the schools that were represented during the process. While conference affiliation may have factored somewhat into those decisions, its presence on the radar wasn't nearly as visible as it is today. With the BCS, league association has become one of the primary factors. In fact, a recent report in USA Today suggests that a recruit nowadays is more likely to pledge his allegiance to a bottom feeder from a BCS conference than a more traditionally successful program from a league that is not guaranteed yearly access to one of the cartel's bowls. Such is the current climate in which Holtz and many of his peers are now victims of a stacked deck when it comes to drawing cards from the deck of talent. It has led to a scenario that forces them to sometimes take gambles on gifted players who have been passed over by BCS schools because of academic question marks. Examples like Bryant, a jack-of-all-trades from the fertile soil of Richmond County who actually may be deemed eligible this fall, are growing by the day. They are growing because programs like ECU have been left with little choice but to occasionally roll the dice on players who some would consider to be academic risks. Otherwise they are left to fish from a talent pool that has been depleted of solid blue chippers. Naturally there are those who would argue that academic partial and non-qualifiers are deeply rooted in the culture of East Carolina football. To a certain degree that mindset has some merit, though not nearly to the extent that some insist. Throughout ECU's gridiron history, coaches have made the occasional exception by extending scholarship offers to players who may not have met the academic requirements of rival programs that also were recruiting them. However, you would be hard-pressed to find a single time when the Pirates' roster was stacked with more than a handful of student-athletes who did not meet the admissions standards at most Division I schools. It just so happens that most of the players in question had celebrated high school careers that garnered recruiting attention throughout the Southeast. And it also should be noted that the majority of them were model citizens who went the extra mile once they entered school. Moving forward, the recruiting challenges will become far greater for ECU. Not only must Holtz face the barricade created by the BCS, but also the new standards the NCAA recently introduced with the Academic Progress Rate. The latter may force him to be even more reluctant to accept non-qualifiers than he already is. In cases where a recruit has impeccable character and there is confidence in his willingness and ability to handle the academic workload, Athletics Director Terry Holland should give Holtz the green light. Otherwise it might be prudent to apply the brakes, regardless of how talented the player might be. The margin for error at East Carolina has always been more narrow than at other in-state schools. The increasing challenges it faces on the recruiting trail provides even less wiggle room. Yep, it sure looks like ECU has a recruiting chokehold over the rest of North Carolina.