Charlie NT 73

Regarding Rick Shaw- Friend of mine at NT. The last time I saw Rick was several years ago in San Antonio at the airport. I beleive he said he was in pharmacutical sales. His sr year at NT, he was a DB for Hayden Fry.

I remember Stan Blackman- played BB for NT. Fry got Stan to try out for FB, played TE, later drafted by the Packers if I remember correctly. I beleive Stan only played FB for one season. Fry also tried to lure another BB player, Tom Wolf, (from Boston), played point guard for NT, to RB. Wolf was a real good point guard on the BB team.

While looking at EastTexasMG's photos of spring practice, I saw #78, Nick Foster- man is he a big guy! That sparked a question in my mind. Who were the some of the biggest O/D linemen that have played for NT? I remember Rex Humbarger (sp?), DE, that played for Hayden Fry who was 6-9, 270lbs, signed as a free agent to the Pittsburg Steelers. Remember that Fry's DE's would use a stand up stance at DE position. Rex would bat down passes left and right! I always liked the DE's to stand up. Another player, Brad Woolsley (sp?) OT, was around 6-8, 290lbs. Do you guy's recall any other behemoth's that played for NT?

Fake Lonnie- Good story, I did not know BSU, and FSU were picking up the non qualifiers. I was wondering why Koetter was not successful at Az State.

EastTexasMG- Thanks again for the updates, great photos, and your work! All of the fans at GMG really like notes/stats/details-- Big pass plays, runs, who knocked the snot out of who, fights! You know, normal FB stuff! Good stories! Thanks again! Charlie

Great reports! Thanks for the photo's--anyway you could make notes on the players in each photo, names/numbers? My understanding is that offensive players are in white and defensive players in green-correct? You mentioned Santiago was on the defense--I thought he was moved to OT. If he is at DT, great! I would like to see DT #77 Santiago against OG #78 Foster-wow I bet that is a war! #17 Brain Nelson at WR that is interesting. Davenport is playing at what position? Did you get a roster that you could post? Thanks

I really beleive the game was there for the taking! Man, NT was running even with memphis, keeping control of the game, leading, then in a quick minute and a half, the the game slips away. I kept hoping for a comeback, hit some 3's, turn it around--but turnovers, missed shots, fouls --thats the ball game! Regardless, I am very proud of the whole team! What a season! Real champions! Basketball is back!!! Thank you!!!

I managed to hide, and get on the cbs sports line- 28-37 memphis-half time Looks like the the 3-4 turn overs in the last minute and a half hurt- and memphis hits a 3 -- CRAP! Come on Mean Green!

When I lived in Helena Al, (just south of B'ham), I would go through Clanton Al Just off I65, little southern town, good folks--if you are in the area, stop off and visit the Clanton Peach Farm--great peaches and watermelons!

Man, I was walking out the door -- just got trapped-- at work--CRAP!!!! PLEASE post updates on the game! Charlie

Over on the memphis board, there is a posting regarding "talking heads" national sports media personalities, namely Tim Brando of the Sporting News Radio-- Tim predicts a North Texas win over memphis! Needless to say, this really set off the no respect moaning with the memphis fans- I did not see or hear anything about Tim Brando's statement-- Anyone have any info on this? If so, please review-

Over on the Memphis board, they really beleive this game is a blow out by 20-30 points! I am with FFR, I did not come here to lose!

Any idea on the number of walk on's? Was there a roster available with names that you could share? How did the o-line look? Any work on the defense?

This is one point that has been in the back of my mind- Coach Jones is friends with Coach Blakley. Coach Jones is close friends with his mentor, Coach Dale Brown. I am sure, Coach Jones has talked to both Blakley and Brown about the Memphis game--sharing ideas, strategies, and how to handle memphis! I think Coach Jones has developed a good game plan to slow down the high power memphis attack, and a good game plan to score points! I beleive there is something here that we do not know about. If I were Coach Jones, I sure as hell would talk to both of these great coaches!

I say NT will WIN, by 7, 81-74! Memphis is way over confident thinking NT is going to roll over! This is basketball! NT is on a roll and the team is ready and wants this game! I beleive our defense will be the key in screwing up the high powerd memphis offense. They are stating all types of stats, ESPN fan voting, and quotes from so called BB experts. Looks like American memphis Idol voting!! Memphis is in for a major shock to their pipe dreams!

I have been over to memphistigers.org, reading some of their posts- Several coments about not being able to register with GMG. Man, all the Memphis fans beleive they are in the final 4 already- and guessing who they will play for the National Championship. Every one of their fans beleive they will win big against NT-- I posted on thier board that all the Memphis fans were counting their chickens before they hatch, were over confident about NT, and that NT was a good BB team-- There were 10 replys to my post, in about 10 seconds, reviewing past history, stats, etc--meaning NT does not have a chance against the tigers! I beleive they are overconfident, and looking to the next round- I beleive NT has a very good shot at a big win over the tigers, because the NT team has bonded toether, and they play off each players strengths. I see a WIN for NT!

According to some of their posts ( look at Dockery-Finch Sports Forum ) Memphis has sold all of their ticket allotments, with a notes about NT still has tickets available, directing Memphis fans to call NT for tickets. Another poster claims there will be 5-7k fans on Friday in NO. They are also selling "thunder sticks", with supplies running out. They also have "GoMeanGreen.com" listed under NCAA Tournament Forum- Needless to go over all of their chatter, because all of their posts are about how bad NT is, quality of competition, how they are going to kick our asses, and other delusions. To the Memphis fans lurking here at GoMeanGreen.com -- Just wait till Friday! You guy's will find out this NT team is very good!

I do not care about who, when, where, seeds, or rankings for the first game. Get it on, and win it! I would rather get the first game over with, get the jitters out, and get on a roll for the tournament!

I agree that early recruiting/commitments is becoming the rave of college football, but, this practice is not always good for the student athlete and the university. Many things can happen between now and next February's signing day, such as injury,grades,pulling away offers, or change of mind. I think junior days should only be for a visit to the school, with no offers presented by the school. I do like the way Coach Dodge is handling recruiting. To have over 90 kids and their family come to NT for a visit is outstanding! Tie-in the QB/WR camps, player evaluation camp, HS coaches camp, and all the friends and contacts that Coach Dodge and his staff have, I am sure our recruiting efforts will be rewarded far greater than we could ever expect! Coach Dodge needed skill players this year, and he signed kids that are top quality players. Next year, I would venture to say, OL/DL players will be key targets. I am sure Coach Dodge and his staff have many kids on the NT recriuting lists right now, and will add more this fall season. NT recruiting is going to fun to watch with Coach Dodge!

I was able to see the Fox 4, 9pm sports-- had good coverage and interviews. I watched the channel 11 sports at 10, Babe L. had a good report, video coverage was very good, interviews with JJ and CW. Their video reflected a good crowd at the pep rally! I did not see channel 5 or 8's sports. ( I do not care for Dale at all ) What was surprising, is that both channel 4 and 11, had their NT reports first, then the very next story was about the $muts losing in the first round of the cusa tournament! How sweet is that!

Congratulations to the North Texas Basketball Team, Coaches and Staff! You guy's are GREAT! I am very happy for all of you! You make us old time NT backers very proud of your hard work and accomplishments! Congratulations again to the Sunbelt Conference Champions! Give 'em Hell in the Big Dance! We will be supporting you guys all the way!

Great story Medpilot21! You should be in the booth with George! Change the WR's to our Surface to Air Missles--our SAM's-- Dibrell and Roberson! You know Stoops will be blitzing on every play- Let Vizza chunk it deep and get them beat!

If I won, Yes- I would pay for both the football and baseball stadiums! That would still leave a big pile of cash to play with!

Yes, I would like to know about the kids that came in. Were these kids from the DFW area only, or from across the state and/or states. Any big names? Any commitments?

My post was refering to OT's only, but, I do like opinions regarding the other OL guys. I agree with Harry, that during the past years, NT has never had great tackles. With Coach Dodge's offense, the tackle position is important. I like the fact that our OT's are young and tall, and have had a full year of workouts. Hopefully, bigger/stronger. From my armchair coaching position, I would like to see a solid starter and a solid backup at both LT and RT, without one guy rotating both LT and RT. Peachy was a backup at both LT and RT last year. From the OT players I saw, they were ok. With Coach Leftwich back, these ok guys will become much better D1 level OT's. During spring training, I can see several players being moved or tried at different OL positions. This is for sure, at least NT has 8-10 linemen that can play. It is up to Coach Dodge and his staff to figure out the OL.