[BTG: OL talk with Coach Simmonds]

I had an OL conversation with Coach Simmonds this morning after practice.  We talked about his new-look line, camp battles, a very coachable player and street fighters.   

 Simmonds OL Talk.mp3

[*BTG: Day 1 of Fall Camp (video)*]

Sights and sounds from day 1 of fall camp.  

 

This is an example of the direction BTG will be heading in conjunction with GMG.  The idea is to provide this type of video content and much, much more.  On our most recent podcast we lined out the details, so if you haven't already, give it a listen.  Hopefully everyone enjoys this clip and is eager to see more down the road.  Don't forget that I will be in the chat room this evening (starting at 8:00 pm) to discuss the scrimmage and will also be able to answer any questions regarding the future of BTG.  I should be posting another video tomorrow evening (spoiler alert: its from the scrimmage).   GO MEAN GREEN 

 

[McNair signing and what it means]

 

This signing definitely complies with the interviews from our last podcast.  The fact is North Texas is getting more recognition, even with the disappointing season in 2014.  Our last two recruiting classes are proof of that and hopefully there is success on the horizon.  Perhaps the recruiting plan is taking shape and there certainly does seem to be more interest in the program.  Last season we had significant contributions from freshmen Kishawn McClain, Willy Ivery, Tillman Johnson and Jeffrey Wilson.  

 

I caught up with Coach Patrick over the weekend  and while he couldn't talk directly about McNair (at the time), he did offer a few bites regarding NT recruiting.  "Don't just look at one kid," said Patrick.  "And pay more attention to the kind of guys we're bringing in.  Its not always about stars.  HS coaches want their kids to be surrounded by good people and thats what he have here.  A few more games go our way last year and we're 7-5.  Kids see that.  Our plan is coming into place.  I'm more excited now than I've ever been."

 

I could tell he was excited and while signing McNair is great, I do believe the story here is the sum of our class.  Guys like Combs, Young, Finney and DaMarcus Smith could (and should) contribute this year.  The past two classes are solid even if the players weren't all "rated" very high.  It also doesn't always matter who offers a kid, but I'm sure McNair didn't only reach out to NT after MSU pulled his offer, he has other suitors.  He's a three star now, but was once a four star player.   

 

This recent signing might not equate to any victories, but its a tribute to our staff for getting a kid from a state that likes to churn out athletes.  McNair also isn't the only kid who has coaches that want him to go to North Texas.  

[Former Texas Tech OL transfers to UNT]

Trey Keenan, a former Argyle OL and three-star recruit, has transferred to UNT.  He will be eligible to play in 2016.  

More info on this to come.  Below is a story from January on his decision to leave TT.  

 

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com/2015/01/texas-tech-loses-two-lineman-including-former-argyle-standout-trey-keenan.html/

 

 

[Beyond The Green]

I wanted to give everyone an update on the status of Beyond The Green.  Unfortunately, the series will not be continuing.  The athletic department may be moving forward with something similar, in-house, but I will not be producing.  My relationship with the department and coaching staff is still very strong and has nothing to do with the decision to discontinue the show in its previous format

 

I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout the series.  I thoroughly enjoyed producing the series and being able to cover my alma mater was an extremely enjoyable experience.  Coach Mac and his staff were always very inviting and the show’s success should be attributed to them and the athletic department for allowing me the access.  

 

The good news is that I have another project in the works that will involve North Texas football.  Harry Miers will be a part of this as well and I will be able to share more about the project as we finalize all the details.  So stay tuned for more information.  

 

Again, thanks for the support and Go Mean Green.  

 

 

 

-Ashton Campbell

 

[Beyond the Green DVD Seasons I and II]

There are some potential licensing issues, but that is still being worked out.

It could also depend on if the series gets renewed or not. As of right now, nothing is set. The episodes from season 1 were originally going to come down when season 2 began. Obviously they remained there and that could be the case moving forward.

[Beyond the Green DVD Seasons I and II]

(Spoiler Alert: this account is ran by the BTG guy)

I'm glad there is a lot of interest in the DVD. Like Harry said, everything is still getting finalized and I'll keep everyone posted on the status.

Here are a few things that I can address:

At some point this offseason the episodes will be coming down from YouTube. So there will not be an online version of seasons 1 and 2.

Most likely, and I emphasize most likely, it will be released as a DVD and not Blu-Ray. There are multiple reasons for this but the main one is that, Blu-Ray players will play DVDs (with 1080p upconversion via HDMI in most cases), while Blu-Ray discs cannot be played in DVD players. I would rather make the set available to everyone and not only those who own a Blu-Ray player. Yes, the series is mastered in 720p (1080 for the CSN broadcast) and I would love to see it in truest form, but it just doesn't seem fair to exclude anyone.

It will be under 100 bucks, I can promise that ($99.99 at the most....)

There will be unreleased footage as part of the extras. There was a large amount of sideline and locker room moments that were left on the cutting room floor, just saying.

I'll continue to update the status as I get everything finalized. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of this series. That means a lot.

GMG

-Ashton