2010 Starting Lineup Predictions

[HandoEX]

It's early, but who ya got starting for the Bison in 2010? Here's my stab at it. Those in caps and bold are returning starters (I included a few that started multiple games this year like Cornick, Phillips, DJ even though they didn't start every game).

First Team Offense
QB: JOSE MOHLER, So
WR: WARREN HOLLOWAY, Jr
WR: GARY WILLIAMS, Sr
FB: LEE VANDAL, Sr
RB: DJ MCNORTON, Jr
TE: MATT VELDMAN, Jr
T: MICHAEL ARNDT, Sr
G: Joe Lund, So
C: AUSTIN RICHARD, Jr
G: Hank Jacobs, Fr
T: PAUL CORNICK, Jr

First Team Defense
CB: BRENDIN PIERRE, So
CB: Marcus Williams, Fr
FS: Kevin Jackson, So
SS: CYRUS LEMON, Sr
DE: GARRETT JOHNSON, Jr
DE: COULTER BOYER, Jr
DT: MATT GRATZEK, Sr
DT: MATT PHILLIPS, Sr
OLB: BRANDON JEMISON, So
MLB: MATT ANDERSON, Sr
OLB: PRESTON EVANS, Jr

P: John Prevlitz, Sr
K: Ryan Jastram, Jr

I've got everyone on the first team but 3 players (2 on offense: Lund & Jacobs, 1 on defense: Williams) as having previously started or played significant minutes.


Second Team Offense
QB: Dante Perez, Jr
WR: Nick Powell-Calhous, Fr
WR: Cooper Wahlo, Fr
FB: Garret Bruhn, So
RB: Matt Voigtlander, Jr
TE: Landon Smith, Sr
T: Jeff Jerve, Fr
G: DJ McGregor, Sr
C: Will Britt, Jr
G: Carlin Landingham, So
T: Ty Beckius, So

Second Team Defense
CB: Josh Gatlin, Sr
CB: Josh Horner, So
FS: Brock Gion, Fr
SS: Daniel Eaves, Jr
DE: Cole Jirik, Fr
DE: Justin Juckem, Fr
DT: Greg Reid, So
DT: Tyler Gimmestad, Fr
OLB: Dillon Forbes, Jr
MLB: Eddie Beson, So
OLB: Isaac Kolstad, So

[stevdock]

I agree with your whole 1st team except for a few spots. I think Ojuri will win the RB competition. DJ will be moved all over the field to make sure he gets touches in space. And QB, WHO KNOWS?? Mohler showed some of what he's capable to do, but we haven't seen the other 3 play. I would expect Perez and Jensen to compete well for that top spot.

Defense the only change I'd make would be to switch Anderson and Evans. I think they are both better at OLB, but Evans can play the MLB better than Anderson.

[Tatanka]

I really hope there's a true, wide-open, all-hands-on-deck competition for QB next year.

And I hope that Brock wins.

Why? Because if he wins, that means he's better than Jose, who appeared to be pretty decent. Dante could surprise us all, too. You never know.

[SDbison]

Here are my evaluations by position / player using the roster at the start of this thread. I came up with five ratings with the bottom three essentially meaning the player could impress, improve or make room for another player to step up. I could identify only one outstanding player on next years roster. Had a tough time with some positions / players as I didn't know enough about them. Your thoughts?
1. Outstanding
2. Very good as is, could become outstanding
3. Good, some improvement needed
4. Questionable
5. Potential weak spot

First Team Offense
QB: JOSE MOHLER, So.......Questionable
WR: WARREN HOLLOWAY, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
WR: GARY WILLIAMS, Sr.......Questionable
FB: LEE VANDAL, Sr........Very good as is, could become outstanding
RB: DJ MCNORTON, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
TE: MATT VELDMAN, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
T: MICHAEL ARNDT, Sr........Very good as is, could become outstanding
G: Joe Lund, So.......Potential weak spot
C: AUSTIN RICHARD, Jr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
G: Hank Jacobs, Fr.......Potential weak spot
T: PAUL CORNICK, Jr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding

First Team Defense
CB: BRENDIN PIERRE, So.......Good, some improvement needed
CB: Marcus Williams, Fr.......Potential weak spot
FS: Kevin Jackson, So.......Potential weak spot
SS: CYRUS LEMON, Sr.......Good, some improvement needed
DE: GARRETT JOHNSON, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
DE: COULTER BOYER, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
DT: MATT GRATZEK, Sr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
DT: MATT PHILLIPS, Sr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
OLB: BRANDON JEMISON, So.......Good, some improvement needed
MLB: MATT ANDERSON, Sr.......Good, some improvement needed
OLB: PRESTON EVANS, Jr.......Outstanding

P: John Prevlitz, Sr.......Questionable
K: Ryan Jastram, Jr.......Questionable

LS:TBD.......Potential weak spot

[KTF]

Here are my evaluations by position / player using the roster at the start of this thread. I came up with five ratings with the bottom three essentially meaning the player could impress, improve or make room for another player to step up. I could identify only one outstanding player on next years roster. Had a tough time with some positions / players as I didn't know enough about them. Your thoughts?
1. Outstanding
2. Very good as is, could become outstanding
3. Good, some improvement needed
4. Questionable
5. Potential weak spot

First Team Offense
QB: JOSE MOHLER, So.......Questionable
WR: WARREN HOLLOWAY, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
WR: GARY WILLIAMS, Sr.......Questionable
FB: LEE VANDAL, Sr........Very good as is, could become outstanding
RB: DJ MCNORTON, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
TE: MATT VELDMAN, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
T: MICHAEL ARNDT, Sr........Very good as is, could become outstanding
G: Joe Lund, So.......Potential weak spot
C: AUSTIN RICHARD, Jr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
G: Hank Jacobs, Fr.......Potential weak spot
T: PAUL CORNICK, Jr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding

First Team Defense
CB: BRENDIN PIERRE, So.......Good, some improvement needed
CB: Marcus Williams, Fr.......Potential weak spot
FS: Kevin Jackson, So.......Potential weak spot
SS: CYRUS LEMON, Sr.......Good, some improvement needed
DE: GARRETT JOHNSON, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
DE: COULTER BOYER, Jr.......Good, some improvement needed
DT: MATT GRATZEK, Sr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
DT: MATT PHILLIPS, Sr.......Very good as is, could become outstanding
OLB: BRANDON JEMISON, So.......Good, some improvement needed
MLB: MATT ANDERSON, Sr.......Good, some improvement needed
OLB: PRESTON EVANS, Jr.......Outstanding

P: John Prevlitz, Sr.......Questionable
K: Ryan Jastram, Jr.......Questionable

LS:TBD.......Potential weak spot

I like your assessment!! My only change is to label Gratzek outstanding.

[Herd Mentality]

VOIGTLANDER! His touches have spoken for themselves. I want this kid as the feature back, D(ance & )J(ive) McNorton as a change-of-pace back. Plus, he can punt if you need him to.

[99Bison]

A couple comments:
- Would also like to see open competition for RB touches.
- Beason at MLB looks better to me than Anderson.

[IzzyFlexion]

VOIGTLANDER! His touches have spoken for themselves. I want this kid as the feature back, D(ance & )J(ive) McNorton as a change-of-pace back. Plus, he can punt if you need him to.

I wonder if there would be any merit to using Mike Dragosovich as perhaps a part time special teams coach that could work with Voightlander especially in the off-season. Wouldn't it be nice to have a viable punter that could also make tackles if the return man gets through the first wave of coverage?

[99Bison]

I wonder if there would be any merit to using Mike Dragosovich as perhaps a part time special teams coach that could work with Voightlander especially in the off-season. Wouldn't it be nice to have a viable punter that could also make tackles if the return man gets through the first wave of coverage?

No...........!

[Herd Mentality]

I wonder if there would be any merit to using Mike Dragosovich as perhaps a part time special teams coach that could work with Voightlander especially in the off-season. Wouldn't it be nice to have a viable punter that could also make tackles if the return man gets through the first wave of coverage?

This talk is just way to brilliant for Bisonville. Please refrain from posting such forward-thinking ideas in the future.

[IzzyFlexion]

No...........!

Yeah, you're right. Crazy idea. Best not to think creatively when you're 8th in the league in punting.

2009 NDSU PUNTING:-(from the Missouri Valley Website)
Average punt: 35.7 yards.
Average Net: 29.3 yards.
League Rank: 8th.

Bad snaps, fake scenarios......probably not wise to have one of your best overall athletes back there trying to manage that.

[Tatanka]

Yeah, you're right. Crazy idea. Best not to think creatively when you're 8th in the league in punting.

2009 NDSU PUNTING:-(from the Missouri Valley Website)
Average punt: 35.7 yards.
Average Net: 29.3 yards.
League Rank: 8th.

Bad snaps, fake scenarios......probably not wise to have one of your best overall athletes back there trying to manage that.

Geez, what the hell were you thinking?

Actually, I'm pleasantly surprised to see we averaged 35 yards. What, with all the weather conditions one encounters in a dome, all the opportunities to punt, and stuff.

[99Bison]

Yeah, you're right. Crazy idea. Best not to think creatively when you're 8th in the league in punting.

2009 NDSU PUNTING:-(from the Missouri Valley Website)
Average punt: 35.7 yards.
Average Net: 29.3 yards.
League Rank: 8th.

Bad snaps, fake scenarios......probably not wise to have one of your best overall athletes back there trying to manage that.

You obviously don't understand the baggage.

[IzzyFlexion]

Geez, what the hell were you thinking?

Actually, I'm pleasantly surprised to see we averaged 35 yards. What, with all the weather conditions one encounters in a dome, all the opportunities to punt, and stuff.

http://www.loungelightmedia.com/images/smilies/i%20sowwy.jpg
_________________________________________

[IzzyFlexion]

You obviously don't understand the baggage.

Guess not.
http://sloone.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/floyd-landis-doping-baggage.jpg

[HandoEX]

My grades (1-5, 5 being the best) and notes for each starter..

First Team Offense
QB: Jose Mohler, So...3, saw flashes of brilliance in his time in '09, should improve with spring ball and experience
WR: Warren Holloway, Jr...3, showed a lot of improvement, I think he'll catch a ton of balls his junior year
WR: Gary Willians, Sr...2, big play threat when healthy. Fast
FB: Lee Vandal, Sr...4, solid run blocker and decent receiver out of the backfield
RB: DJ McNorton, Jr...4, the kind of kid every team want to have, unselfish and explosive
TE: Matt Veldman, Jr...3, 6'7" and athletic, could be all conference if he stays healthy
T: Michael Arndt, Sr...4, big and solid, started in 2009, excellent tackle
G: Joe Lund, So...2, should get his shot to perform,
C: Austin Richard, Jr...4, stud center, will be his third year starting.
G: Hank Jacobs, Fr...2. this spot could be wide open. Lots of unknowns here
T: Paul Cornick, Jr...3, saw alot of time in '09, should anchor the other tackle spot opposite Arndt

First Team Defense
CB: Brendin Pierre, So...3, started as a true freshman, should see major improvements with a year of spring ball
CB: Marcus Williams, Fr...2, the wild card, one of the best athletes on the field, ineligible for 2009, could be a huge addition to the secondary
FS: Kevin Jackson, So...2, athletic DB with blazing speed
SS: Cyrus Lemon Sr...2, up and down career, started in '08, played less in '09, spot could be up for grabs if Lemon has a poor off season. Eaves will be in the safety mix.
DE: Garrett Johnson, Jr...4, athletic speed rusher, could improve and be very productive, some quality frosh behind him
DE: Coulter Boyer, Jr...4, should also see Scott S and freshmen studs here as well. Outstanding DE group
DT: Matt Gratzek, Sr...5, best player on the team.
DT: Matt Phillips, Sr...3, solid player was stuck behind Fairbarn, could rotate with Gimmestad and make a really solid tackle spot
OLB: Brandon Jemison, So...3, athletic OLB, should be nothing less than spectacular
MLB: Matt Anderson, Sr...3, injured junior year, toss up between Anderson and Beson. Will come down to who is healthy in my opinion.
OLB: Preston Evans, Jr...5, Stud all conference linebacker. Should be very productive and lead team in tackles again.


I think we'll win 7 games.
/kool aid.

[NDSUDude]

Josh Horner could have a shot at CB. He was by far the best special teams player this year, always the first guy onthe ball. I think he could be a real stud if he gets the chance. And if nothing else you could give him a chance at returning a punt, If remember what he did at Fargo South, you know you can make an impact on either side of the ball.

[AEBison1998]

I thought the safety play at the end of the year struggled more than the CB play. I think Horner and Ollman could challenge for those two spots (Eaves and Lemon). My money is on Gatlin and Pierre for the CB with Williams and Jackson seeing the field in the year as well. Jackson will be the nickel guy and play a fair amount.

How about position by position vs. last year:
QB: better
FB: better
HB: worse
WR: better
WR: better
OT: better
OT: worse
OG: worse
OG: worse
C: better
TE: better

DT:better
NG: worse
DE: better
DE: better
MLB: better
OLB: better
OLB: better
CB: better
CB: better
SS: worse
FS: better

That's 16 betters and 7 worse

I'm calling out a 7 win season next year.

[Facts]

The best part about 2010 may be the number 7, as in only 7 seniors. The herd is young and potentially very good if the qb and secondary get their acts together in 2010. 2011 is shaping up very nicely. I hope they give Bohl two more years. But there I go looking to the future...
http://www.talkingproud.us/ImagesPhotoGallery/Whackey/JohnnyCarson.jpg

[coldspot]

does 7 wins get us into the playoffs?

[HandoEX]

does 7 wins get us into the playoffs?

Depends on who we beat, who we lose to. Say we beat Kansas or SIU....plus the playoff field expands next season

[NDSUFan_Sav]

does 7 wins get us into the playoffs?

possibly it'll be on the edge 2 years ago when we went 6-5 if we had beat SDSU and went 7-4 we would of been close and now the playoffs next year will be 20 teams instead of 16, so it might make a difference it also depends on how many better records then 7-4 there are.

[Jay]

I agree with your whole 1st team except for a few spots. I think Ojuri will win the RB competition. DJ will be moved all over the field to make sure he gets touches in space. And QB, WHO KNOWS?? Mohler showed some of what he's capable to do, but we haven't seen the other 3 play. I would expect Perez and Jensen to compete well for that top spot.

Defense the only change I'd make would be to switch Anderson and Evans. I think they are both better at OLB, but Evans can play the MLB better than Anderson.


So you don't agree then :)

[ndsubison1]

Eaves will start at FS... he looked pretty good at times, other times not so much. he should improve and be better next season. i like his potential. he does need to play a little more physical though

[Kevin]

If Voigtlander isn't the starting RB it will be a crime against humanity.

[ndsubison1]

i personally think ojuri will win the starting nod but it will be a RB by committee thing next year

[DjKyRo]

We could always pull a Miami Dolphins and run the Wildcat all day every day...lets us use like 5 RBs. :D

[bisoneer]

I like Voightlander on the field as a tailback or flanker?, he has a very impressive yards per carry and reminds me of Steffes. Plenty of depth here with DJ & Ojuri too so it will be very competetive for the featured back position.

[CaBisonFan]

Anyone have Matt Anderson's medical condition? Did he have neck surgery? Is he coming back for sure?

How about Justin Juckem as a potential starter? Not sure if I spelled his name right? The initial reports on him were that he was good enough to play as a freshman...or at least really outstanding.

[Facts]

Anyone have Matt Anderson's medical condition? Did he have neck surgery? Is he coming back for sure?

How about Justin Juckem as a potential starter? Not sure if I spelled his name right? The initial reports on him were that he was good enough to play as a freshman...or at least really outstanding.

Post injury I have seen Matt around in this order: injured no neck brace, neck brace on (post surgery I assumed), and now no neck brace (rehabing I assume). That is very unofficial, but is what I've seen.

[yippie]

First Team Offense
QB: JOSE MOHLER, So
WR: WARREN HOLLOWAY, Jr
WR: GARY WILLIAMS, Sr
FB: LEE VANDAL, Sr
RB: DJ MCNORTON, Jr
TE: MATT VELDMAN, Jr
T: MICHAEL ARNDT, Sr
G: Joe Lund, So
C: AUSTIN RICHARD, Jr
G: Hank Jacobs, Fr
T: PAUL CORNICK, Jr

First Team Defense
CB: BRENDIN PIERRE, So
CB: Marcus Williams, Fr
FS: Kevin Jackson, So
SS: CYRUS LEMON, Sr -> Belmont was hurt does he have a chance at medical?
DE: GARRETT JOHNSON, Jr
DE: COULTER BOYER, Jr
DT: MATT GRATZEK, Sr
DT: MATT PHILLIPS, Sr
OLB: BRANDON JEMISON, So
[B]MLB: Eddie Beson, ??
OLB: PRESTON EVANS, Jr

P: John Prevlitz, Sr
K: Ryan Jastram, Jr

This team on paper looks like they should be better, but i still question the secondary getting burned. I think Joe Lund will have a huge break out year kind of like austin richards had this year. Eddie Beson i thought was way more impressive then anything i have seen out of Anderson in a long time. People may call me crazy for this but i think rb will be a bigger loss then any of us our talking about because pp was great in pass protection and these guys just haven't had to do the reps for it since pp was a 3rd down back. This team will be hovering around .500 depending upon if this team has "it" or not because there are many toss up games.

[HandoEX]

Sounds like the second red shirt year is very unlikely for Belmont. Would sure be nice to have him back but I don't see it happening.


There were a lot of people worried when Steffes left and a lot of people worried when Roehl left. I am not concerned at all about the RB position. We have amazing talent and experience there with lots of versatility. Our RB crew played 4 other positions between them (punter, wide receiver, full back, and linebacker) plus special teams. These guys are battle tested and ready, IMO.

[steelbison]

Sounds like the second red shirt year is very unlikely for Belmont. Would sure be nice to have him back but I don't see it happening.


There were a lot of people worried when Steffes left and a lot of people worried when Roehl left. I am not concerned at all about the RB position. We have amazing talent and experience there with lots of versatility. Our RB crew played 4 other positions between them (punter, wide receiver, full back, and linebacker) plus special teams. These guys are battle tested and ready, IMO.


totally agree..the least of our worries for next year is RB
What we need is O-line depth and LB depth
A good FS..man did youngstown pick on our safties all game long.

We also need some playmakers at CB....Gatlin when he was healthy looked Ok to me..number 31 needs to learn how to tackle.
I think we can win 7-8 games..if injuries don't hit our o-line and LB's.

If they do we might be in for a long season again..

Oh..and a punter and kicker!!!!!!!

[EndZoneQB]

totally agree..the least of our worries for next year is RB
What we need is O-line depth and LB depth
A good FS..man did youngstown pick on our safties all game long.

We also need some playmakers at CB....Gatlin when he was healthy looked Ok to me..number 31 needs to learn how to tackle.
I think we can win 7-8 games..if injuries don't hit our o-line and LB's.

If they do we might be in for a long season again..

Oh..and a punter and kicker!!!!!!!


I thought he looked extremely timid. Not at all what I expected out of a corner with his size/speed combo. Didn't seem to be very fast or physical. Hopefully he does something this year, he has big time measurables.

[CaBisonFan]

This will still be a relatively young...and extremely talented roster.

I question the coaching more than the players.

If Gratzek stays healthy...I'll predict that he's picked in the draft. Question is...should he enlist first? (kidding...sort of)

[Facts]

I have to say I agree with the talk about Voigtlander. He makes positive things happen on the field, either at RB or on special teams. With our depth at RB and struggles in the secondary, could Voigtlander play Safety? What about Perez? Hallstrom blogged he could see Perez transferring if I gets caught up in the wrong side of the depth at QB. Somebody help me with this cause I don't now much about the difficulty it takes to transition to safety, but it seems like there is A TON of athletism on this team. Why not use what we have instead of waste it?

[rutlandbison]

I think we will put 11 guys on offense and 11 guys on defense. And that's everytime we touch the field.

[Tatanka]

I think we will put 11 guys on offense and 11 guys on defense. And that's everytime we touch the field.

Then this alone is an improvement over this past season, where on occasion, we tried 12.

[Woden]

- Beason at MLB looks better to me than Anderson.


I have heard some people say that Anderson may have a serious injury that would keep him from coming back.

I can't completely vouch for this, but something I have heard.

[westnodak93bison]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that Justin Juckem and Leevon Perry will take at least half the snaps from Johnson and Boyer by mid season.

[A1pigskin]

I think QB is up for grabs.

Ojuri and Voigt should have a spot.

DJ - special teams return. Use as RB as needed.

I am concerned with our corners. Not sure who to put there.

[IzzyFlexion]

Eaves will start at FS... he looked pretty good at times, other times not so much. he should improve and be better next season. i like his potential. he does need to play a little more physical though

I agree with you re: Eaves.
He's gonna gain another ten pounds of muscle coming into to fall ball at 205. His brother was skinny as a rail in HS and bloomed late and is now huge (in a good way).

[BisoninNWMN]

I think QB is up for grabs.

Ojuri and Voigt should have a spot.

DJ - special teams return. Use as RB as needed.

I am concerned with our corners. Not sure who to put there.



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This

[Kermit]

I am concerned with our corners. Not sure who to put there.

Marcus Williams is a big-time talent who could play right away. I'd like to see Josh Horner get a shot at corner. He was moved to safety this fall out of need, but I think he is better suited to play CB. Brendan Pierre will get better. Josh Gatlin needs to have a really good spring.

[tjbison]

Marcus Williams is a big-time talent who could play right away. I'd like to see Josh Horner get a shot at corner. He was moved to safety this fall out of need, but I think he is better suited to play CB. Brendan Pierre will get better. Josh Gatlin needs to have a really good spring.


ok, I can't find it anywhere that states Marcus Williams will be playing for sure yet?? or am I just missing something please please prove me wrong someone

[ndsubison1]

I think we will put 11 guys on offense and 11 guys on defense. And that's everytime we touch the field.

lol that made me think of the quote: "Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?" - - Jim Bouton

[OldBison]

According to the announcers of the YSU game, Anderson's surgery went very well and he said the doctors give him a chance to participate in spring practice, so good news there for those wondering.

However, for the bad news, they said Beson's career might be over. His knee never healed and may never. He will be evaluated in the off season. My prediction is that Forbes will be the MLB, not Evans, Anderson or Beson. The staff felt Forbes had more upside than Beson when they recruited him.

As for other positions, I don't see Jackson beating out Eaves for FS. Didn't do it this year, and in an interview after the last road game he said it felt good to be back at CB where he was going to stay. I am skeptical that Williams will make the grade. NDSU has a very poor track record in academically risky recruits. I think Forbes might be the first to make it and come back.

I think Landingham has a better chance of starting at OG, more so than a RS Fr in Jacobs.

Although I love Gratzek, at 280 he is too light play DT in the pros, sorry CA :hide:

[Kermit]

ok, I can't find it anywhere that states Marcus Williams will be playing for sure yet?? or am I just missing something please please prove me wrong someone

Williams told MinnesotaPreps.com that he intends to play football AND basketball for the Bison next season:

http://minnesotapreps.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?highlight=Marcus+Williams&sid=921&fid=553&tid=134967682&mid=134995520

[tjbison]

Williams told MinnesotaPreps.com that he intends to play football AND basketball for the Bison next season:

http://minnesotapreps.rivals.com/showmsg.asp?highlight=Marcus+Williams&sid=921&fid=553&tid=134967682&mid=134995520

well I will hold my happiness in until its made official by the school.





:nod:

[OldBison]

williams redshirted this year

I'm not sure that is true. If you are academically ineligible, you can't even have a scholarship. He probably grayshirted.:confused:

[Kermit]

My prediction is that Forbes will be the MLB, not Evans, Anderson or Beson. The staff felt Forbes had more upside than Beson when they recruited him.



I am excited that Forbes intends to enroll at the semester break and participate in spring football. I agree that he has an excellent shot at being the starting MLB. I think Evans is better suited to play on the outside. He isn't real big and he got knocked backwards on the goal line a few times this season. I really like Beson and hope that he can regain his health.

[ndsubison1]

I'm not sure that is true. If you are academically ineligible, you can't even have a scholarship. He probably grayshirted.:confused:

whatever it is, but i think he will be playing next year

[IzzyFlexion]

I'm not sure that is true. If you are academically ineligible, you can't even have a scholarship. He probably grayshirted.:confused:

Hey, it's better than being orange shirted.:D
http://thumb1.shutterstock.com.edgesuite.net/display_pic_with_logo/6732/6732,1230149179,1/stock-photo-prisoner-in-orange-jumpsuit-is-being-handcuffed-by-police-officer-full-body-isolated-on-white-22440484.jpg

[IzzyFlexion]

Maybe we should see if this ref has any desire to be an older than average student athlete.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcdWdBgUBqw

[Kermit]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that Justin Juckem and Leevon Perry will take at least half the snaps from Johnson and Boyer by mid season.

Someone from this group, most likely Johnson, could move inside to DT. Johnson sometimes moved inside this year in obvious passing situations.

[westnodak93bison]

How about Cole Jirik? He seems aweful light for a DE unless he is lightning quick? Maybe he would be a good candidate for OLB if he has the speed.
He was supposedly "all over the field" during the MN high school playoffs his SR yr.

[Kermit]

How about Cole Jirik? He seems aweful light for a DE unless he is lightning quick? Maybe he would be a good candidate for OLB if he has the speed.
He was supposedly "all over the field" during the MN high school playoffs his SR yr.

We are thinking alike: http://www.bisonville.com/forum/showpost.php?p=334117&postcount=54

[westnodak93bison]

regarding Dillon Forbes, I remember a conversation I had with a current position coach a few years ago, he was very disappointed Forbes didnt work out at the time,,, said he hits "like a Mack Truck". I respect this coach's opinion... he predicted a big yr from Tyler Roehl and predicted PP was gonna be "real good" in time.

[BisoninNWMN]

Nice to have some LBs in the 230-40 range......200-220 is on the light end for LBs in the MV.

Competition is good.

:nod: :nod:

[Mr. Burgundy]

I heard yesterday that Juckem has plans to be moved inside as he is a beast and that they are very high on Perry and Jirik at DE. That is a really special class of kids that redshirted. Some talent....now prove it on the field boys!

[Bison Dan]

I heard yesterday that Juckem has plans to be moved inside as he is a beast and that they are very high on Perry and Jirik at DE. That is a really special class of kids that redshirted. Some talent....now prove it on the field boys!

Now we need some ball hawking DB's and Saftey's. It's all about pressure.

[ScooterMN]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that Justin Juckem and Leevon Perry will take at least half the snaps from Johnson and Boyer by mid season.

No Way. Unless Boyer and Johnson completely fall apart, which isn't likely, they are the guys that will hold down the end positions for the next two years. Perhaps if they were seniors next year. But not as juniors. The last thing Bohl needs is more inexperience on the defensive line. My prediction is Boyer and Johnson get even better after the solid year of experience they had where as sophomores they found themselves on the leaderboards in the major defensive categories in the conference and they really begin to dominate as a D-end unit. Jirik, Perry, Juckem and all the other D-ends get to watch from the sideline and play only when those guys need a blow. Boyer, Gratzek, Phillips, and Johnson will gel and there is no way in hell that Bohl will break that up if it's clicking. Our defensive problems are not with the line. At least 50% of the snaps midway through the season? Get real. But hey, what are predictions for right?

[stevdock]

I'm not saying that Boyer and Johnson didn't hold there own this season, but where would they be on the leaderboard if you solely took out the WIU game?? A consistent pass rush needs to happen from the first play of the season to the last play of the season. This was lacking as we all know. The best way to do that is by rotating fresh guys in there. 50% probably not, but if the young guys are getting it done, they should play. If Boyer and Johnson are, then they will play.

[RRVBISON]

I'm not saying that Boyer and Johnson didn't hold there own this season, but where would they be on the leaderboard if you solely took out the WIU game?? A consistent pass rush needs to happen from the first play of the season to the last play of the season. This was lacking as we all know. The best way to do that is by rotating fresh guys in there. 50% probably not, but if the young guys are getting it done, they should play. If Boyer and Johnson are, then they will play.

Couldn't agree more. The pass rush got better at the end of the year, but we also played a couple tomatoe cans. We have to rush the passer much better than we did when we play the better teams in the conference.

[BisonNolesFan77]

whatever it is, but i think he will be playing next year

I don't know if they can do it in FCS, but I know in FBS that you can spread your scholarships out over a few classes, in cases where you have freshman signing limits, for example I believe that the SEC is a 25 max per class. Williams for example, even though he didn't play this season his scholarship will be assesed to last years class. Again, thats just going off of what I know about FBS...FCS may be much different as the scholarships limits are different. If anyone knows, please feel free to add.

As for starters next season, I think we will see a few true freshamn starting again next season. Our safety play is def. in need of improvment, I could see Ollman getting a solid look next season. I would consider Pierre a lock at one corner, he got better every game this season and I am real excited to see how he develops next season. Would also really like to see Horner get a shot at CB next season, love the way the kid plays. I am hoping that we can find a MLB so that Evans can go back outside, hopefully Beson can get healthy and stay healthy and Forbes coming in this spring and being with the team for Spring Ball will help a ton, in my mind, if you are going after a JUCO player, getting them in for spring semester and spring ball is the only way to go if you want them to make an immediate impact. I always had a feeling that at least one of the freshman DE's from last years class would move inside, although if I were to put money on it I would have said it would be Perry and not Juckem, wrong there. I think that will be another key to next season is seeing a younger guy stepup at DT, for the future that is. If Jirik can get up to about 250 by the start of season, the kid will be a beast!

As for offense, I think Jose has an edge, and I have a feeling Brock will get a real long look. Even though the OL loses a lot, for some reason I just cant get too worried about them, OL along with RB, is a position that NDSU just reloads at. RB, I would love to see a Voightlander/Ojuri/Sigers rotation with DJ as kind of NDSU's version of Percy Harvin, little bit of time at WR, little bit of RB, lot of special teams, just do whatever they can do get the ball in his hands in space and let him use his talent. WR is the position I am most excited about, and not in a bad way, I think we will be ok, we saw improvment from Holloway, Mack I still think can come through with a solid season, and with Powell-Calhoun, Wahlo Jr., Rogers, and Woods with a year in the system and not just getting thrown into it, I think they could be pretty solid, not to mention a good QB will do nothing but help the WR's...

[56BISON73]

I don't know if they can do it in FCS, but I know in FBS that you can spread your scholarships out over a few classes, in cases where you have freshman signing limits, for example I believe that the SEC is a 25 max per class. Williams for example, even though he didn't play this season his scholarship will be assesed to last years class. Again, thats just going off of what I know about FBS...FCS may be much different as the scholarships limits are different. If anyone knows, please feel free to add.

As for starters next season, I think we will see a few true freshamn starting again next season. Our safety play is def. in need of improvment, I could see Ollman getting a solid look next season. I would consider Pierre a lock at one corner, he got better every game this season and I am real excited to see how he develops next season. Would also really like to see Horner get a shot at CB next season, love the way the kid plays. I am hoping that we can find a MLB so that Evans can go back outside, hopefully Beson can get healthy and stay healthy and Forbes coming in this spring and being with the team for Spring Ball will help a ton, in my mind, if you are going after a JUCO player, getting them in for spring semester and spring ball is the only way to go if you want them to make an immediate impact. I always had a feeling that at least one of the freshman DE's from last years class would move inside, although if I were to put money on it I would have said it would be Perry and not Juckem, wrong there. I think that will be another key to next season is seeing a younger guy stepup at DT, for the future that is. If Jirik can get up to about 250 by the start of season, the kid will be a beast!

As for offense, I think Jose has an edge, and I have a feeling Brock will get a real long look. Even though the OL loses a lot, for some reason I just cant get too worried about them, OL along with RB, is a position that NDSU just reloads at. RB, I would love to see a Voightlander/Ojuri/Sigers rotation with DJ as kind of NDSU's version of Percy Harvin, little bit of time at WR, little bit of RB, lot of special teams, just do whatever they can do get the ball in his hands in space and let him use his talent. WR is the position I am most excited about, and not in a bad way, I think we will be ok, we saw improvment from Holloway, Mack I still think can come through with a solid season, and with Powell-Calhoun, Wahlo Jr., Rogers, and Woods with a year in the system and not just getting thrown into it, I think they could be pretty solid, not to mention a good QB will do nothing but help the WR's...

I believe we can have 65 full ride schollies but we can partial some of those out to get to a max of 85 on some type of schollie. Its been 4 years since I had that conversation on funding and I cant remember all the details right now.

[ndsubison1]

I don't know if they can do it in FCS, but I know in FBS that you can spread your scholarships out over a few classes, in cases where you have freshman signing limits, for example I believe that the SEC is a 25 max per class. Williams for example, even though he didn't play this season his scholarship will be assesed to last years class. Again, thats just going off of what I know about FBS...FCS may be much different as the scholarships limits are different. If anyone knows, please feel free to add.

As for starters next season, I think we will see a few true freshamn starting again next season. Our safety play is def. in need of improvment, I could see Ollman getting a solid look next season. I would consider Pierre a lock at one corner, he got better every game this season and I am real excited to see how he develops next season. Would also really like to see Horner get a shot at CB next season, love the way the kid plays. I am hoping that we can find a MLB so that Evans can go back outside, hopefully Beson can get healthy and stay healthy and Forbes coming in this spring and being with the team for Spring Ball will help a ton, in my mind, if you are going after a JUCO player, getting them in for spring semester and spring ball is the only way to go if you want them to make an immediate impact. I always had a feeling that at least one of the freshman DE's from last years class would move inside, although if I were to put money on it I would have said it would be Perry and not Juckem, wrong there. I think that will be another key to next season is seeing a younger guy stepup at DT, for the future that is. If Jirik can get up to about 250 by the start of season, the kid will be a beast!

As for offense, I think Jose has an edge, and I have a feeling Brock will get a real long look. Even though the OL loses a lot, for some reason I just cant get too worried about them, OL along with RB, is a position that NDSU just reloads at. RB, I would love to see a Voightlander/Ojuri/Sigers rotation with DJ as kind of NDSU's version of Percy Harvin, little bit of time at WR, little bit of RB, lot of special teams, just do whatever they can do get the ball in his hands in space and let him use his talent. WR is the position I am most excited about, and not in a bad way, I think we will be ok, we saw improvment from Holloway, Mack I still think can come through with a solid season, and with Powell-Calhoun, Wahlo Jr., Rogers, and Woods with a year in the system and not just getting thrown into it, I think they could be pretty solid, not to mention a good QB will do nothing but help the WR's...

FBS can give out partial schollys but most choose not to

[Twentysix]

If there is a complete and uttermeltdown at a serious position next year bohl needs to start interviewing the band to play no more of this let them play and lose everygame bullshit.

[Twentysix]

I believe we can have 65 full ride schollies but we can partial some of those out to get to a max of 85 on some type of schollie. Its been 4 years since I had that conversation on funding and I cant remember all the details right now.

Is it 65 or is it a dollar amount? If its a dollar amount more MN SD MNT kids would be economical, More bang for your buck?

or does it not matter if NDSU pays 6 grand a year in tuition or 12, they both count as 1 scholly?

[unbison]

here is what i found 63 full scholarships can be divided by up to 85 playershttp://www.collegesportsscholarships.com/football.htm

[westnodak93bison]

Couldn't agree more. The pass rush got better at the end of the year, but we also played a couple tomatoe cans. We have to rush the passer much better than we did when we play the better teams in the conference.

the pass rush was not there most of the season, the DEs better improve or our defense will not improve. Yeah you can blame our DBs all you want but you cant expect them to cover receivers and TEs forever.

[ScooterMN]

the pass rush was not there most of the season, the DEs better improve or our defense will not improve. Yeah you can blame our DBs all you want but you cant expect them to cover receivers and TEs forever.

Our DBs couldn't cover anyone for 2 seconds. They also can't tackle. They were pathetic this year. If you go back and look at the game replays you'll see that with few exceptions the ball came out so fast that a decent pass rush couldn't even get started. But there certainly is room for improvement on the pass rush. I think that Boyer and Johnson gained a ton of experience and you saw that as they improved through the end of the year. These guys have two full years left. They are going to be good. The starting defensive line with Boyer, Gratzek, Phillips and Johnson will be as good as any in the conference.

[Kermit]

here is what i found 63 full scholarships can be divided by up to 85 playershttp://www.collegesportsscholarships.com/football.htm

That is correct.

[Kermit]

FBS can give out partial schollys but most choose not to

True. In FBS, the limits are 85 scholarships and 85 players on scholarship. So there is no way to use partial scholarships to increase the total number of players on scholarship.

[Bison Dan]

Our DBs couldn't cover anyone for 2 seconds. They also can't tackle. They were pathetic this year. If you go back and look at the game replays you'll see that with few exceptions the ball came out so fast that a decent pass rush couldn't even get started. But there certainly is room for improvement on the pass rush. I think that Boyer and Johnson gained a ton of experience and you saw that as they improved through the end of the year. These guys have two full years left. They are going to be good. The starting defensive line with Boyer, Gratzek, Phillips and Johnson will be as good as any in the conference.

I think your spot on but are the D backs told to play that way? The bend but don't break bullshit.

[AEBison1998]

I think they were told to play that way after the first two games when they had so many long balls.

[DjKyRo]

I think they were told to play that way after the first two games when they had so many long balls.

*snicker* you said "long balls."

[RRVBISON]

Our DBs couldn't cover anyone for 2 seconds. They also can't tackle. They were pathetic this year. If you go back and look at the game replays you'll see that with few exceptions the ball came out so fast that a decent pass rush couldn't even get started. But there certainly is room for improvement on the pass rush. I think that Boyer and Johnson gained a ton of experience and you saw that as they improved through the end of the year. These guys have two full years left. They are going to be good. The starting defensive line with Boyer, Gratzek, Phillips and Johnson will be as good as any in the conference.

I will agree with you about our poor coverage and terrible tackling. We were so bad on defense, we can't blame one aspect. I think we have reason to be optimistic about our future D line play, but I need to see major improvement before I think ours will be one of the better in the conference. We need to improve everywhere..

[ScooterMN]

I will agree with you about our poor coverage and terrible tackling. We were so bad on defense, we can't blame one aspect. I think we have reason to be optimistic about our future D line play, but I need to see major improvement before I think ours will be one of the better in the conference. We need to improve everywhere..

What specifically do you think needs "major improvement?" Our defensive linemen ranked, collectively, higher than any other line in the conference in sacks, tackles for loss, and total tackles. And Johnson had at least 2 games fewer than everyone else with 9 total games and Boyer at least 1 game fewer at 10 total games. So I'd like to know specifically where you think "major improvement" is needed. Arguably, they are already as good as any line in the conference.

[Grizzled]

What specifically do you think needs "major improvement?" Our defensive linemen ranked, collectively, higher than any other line in the conference in sacks, tackles for loss, and total tackles. And Johnson had at least 2 games fewer than everyone else with 9 total games and Boyer at least 1 game fewer at 10 total games. So I'd like to know specifically where you think "major improvement" is needed. Arguably, they are already as good as any line in the conference.

Individual stats don't matter. We ranked in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense, last in passing defense, last in force turnovers, and last in redzone defense. I could really care less where individuals ranked in stats. Maybe that was our problem is the guys cared more about individual stats than just doing their own responsibility and trusting the guys behind or in front of them to do thier job. Its a collective effort. If teams are running the ball than our "solid" d-line should do a better job plugging holes. If teams are throwing quick than we better get our hands up. I didn't see a whole lot of tipped balls this year or any disruption of throwing lanes. We get it Scooter, you love our d-line. I think they are solid as well but everyone takes blame for our performance this season in my book.

[ScooterMN]

Individual stats don't matter. We ranked in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense and last in passing defense. I could really care less where individuals ranked in stats. Maybe that was our problem is the guys cared more about individual stats than just doing their own responsibility and trusting the guys behind or in front of them to do thier job. Its a collective effort. If teams are running the ball than our "solid" d-line should do a better job plugging holes. If teams are throwing quick than we better get our hands up. I didn't see a whole lot of tipped balls this year or any disruption of throwing lanes. We get it Scooter, you love our d-line. I think they are solid as well but everyone takes blame for our performance this season in my book.

I'm not saying everyone shouldn't share in the blame. Just looking for the specifics dude. A claim about major improvement needed from probably the best part of our defense stikes me as odd. And I don't care what you think about the stats, they are an indicator of performance no matter how you look at it. Making tackles means they are in the right spots doesn't it? Making sacks means they are getting pressure doesn't it? Tackles for loss mean they are getting into the backfield and disrupting things doesn't it? So while I agree that it isn't the whole picture, it certainly is an indicator of performance. Do you disagree?

[Bison Dan]

Individual stats don't matter. We ranked in the bottom half of the conference in rushing defense, last in passing defense, last in force turnovers, and last in redzone defense. I could really care less where individuals ranked in stats. Maybe that was our problem is the guys cared more about individual stats than just doing their own responsibility and trusting the guys behind or in front of them to do thier job. Its a collective effort. If teams are running the ball than our "solid" d-line should do a better job plugging holes. If teams are throwing quick than we better get our hands up. I didn't see a whole lot of tipped balls this year or any disruption of throwing lanes. We get it Scooter, you love our d-line. I think they are solid as well but everyone takes blame for our performance this season in my book.

I think a lot of the defensive problems were behind the D-Line. But your right on the tipped balls - I didn't see many.

[Grizzled]

I'm not saying everyone shouldn't share in the blame. Just looking for the specifics dude. A claim about major improvement needed from probably the best part of our defense stikes me as odd. And I don't care what you think about the stats, they are an indicator of performance no matter how you look at it. Making tackles means they are in the right spots doesn't it? Making sacks means they are getting pressure doesn't it? Tackles for loss mean they are getting into the backfield and disrupting things doesn't it? So while I agree that it isn't the whole picture, it certainly is an indicator of performance. Do you disagree?

Coming underneith a tackle and getting a sack can add to your individual stats. Coming underneith a tackle, getting pinned and losing contain as the qb rolls out and throws a pass for a td that costs us the game hurts the entire team and the entire teams stats. Saw that enough this year. And I know it wasn't always the DE's but there where times it was.

So while I don't completely disagree with you there are sometimes where individual stats can be misleading. You obviously know d-line play or have some vested interest in our d-line. I know it as well and know that sometimes you take chances and get out of position. Sometimes you make plays, sometimes you don't. If you take that chance you better make the play, if not bad things can happen. Again, I'm not picking out the d-line at all and think they are the most solid part of our defense, they are very, very good but their play, along with all units on the defense has to improve. Some have to improve more than others but all of them definately have areas to improve.

[stevdock]

Take out the WIU game and where does our D-Line rank?? We had about 2 sacks in the first 6 games or something like that. The D-Line might have been the best part of our defense but they were still average at best for most of the season. Thankfully next season, I think we will have depth at all 4 spots so we can bring waves of pressure at the other team from the first snap of the season all the way through whenever the last snap occurs.

[ScooterMN]

Take out the WIU game and where does our D-Line rank?? We had about 2 sacks in the first 6 games or something like that. The D-Line might have been the best part of our defense but they were still average at best for most of the season. Thankfully next season, I think we will have depth at all 4 spots so we can bring waves of pressure at the other team from the first snap of the season all the way through whenever the last snap occurs.

Last I checked all the teams played WIU.

[tony]

No idea if this is the case but the bottom line is this: the defense gave up 28 points a game this year. In 2006, with two FBS schools on the schedule, NDSU gave up 13 per game.

The defense was awful. Yeah, the DE's had nice stats - but you gotta wonder if they got them by giving up outside contain or something because there were so many times that RBs got to the flat with no Bison anywhere near them. And at critical points in the game, they disappeared. Don't get me wrong - I really like our DEs but nobody on that defense should be happy. We need some mean-ass Bison butt kickings next year not "oh well, our position played pretty well."

I got pretty tired of watching the opposing QB drop the ball, bounce it a couple times, send a text to their mom, wave to their girlfriend, and then, oh yeah, remember that it's time to throw a TD to a guy so wide open that it looked like he must have rolled down the field to the endzone in a 20' diameter hamster bubble. It's not just that our defense didn't make plays - it was that they were hardly ever in position to make them. Hard to make an interception when it looks like you are covering the receiver by trying to follow them on the video monitors.

The defense will be improved but nobody, not even the DEs, should be complacent.

[stevdock]

Last I checked all the teams played WIU.

You are absolutely correct. All teams played them. But how many sacks did we have outside of that game?? They have got to bring pressure each and every play in every game. Part of that has to do with how thin we've been in recent years. That will hopefully change the next couple of years at least.

[Grizzled]

I got pretty tired of watching the opposing QB drop the ball, bounce it a couple times, send a text to their mom, wave to their girlfriend, and then, oh yeah, remember that it's time to throw a TD to a guy so wide open that it looked like he must have rolled down the field to the endzone in a 20' diameter hamster bubble.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[ScooterMN]

Coming underneith a tackle and getting a sack can add to your individual stats. Coming underneith a tackle, getting pinned and losing contain as the qb rolls out and throws a pass for a td that costs us the game hurts the entire team and the entire teams stats. Saw that enough this year. And I know it wasn't always the DE's but there where times it was.

So while I don't completely disagree with you there are sometimes where individual stats can be misleading. You obviously know d-line play or have some vested interest in our d-line. I know it as well and know that sometimes you take chances and get out of position. Sometimes you make plays, sometimes you don't. If you take that chance you better make the play, if not bad things can happen. Again, I'm not picking out the d-line at all and think they are the most solid part of our defense, they are very, very good but their play, along with all units on the defense has to improve. Some have to improve more than others but all of them definately have areas to improve.

I agree. My contention is not that improvement isn't necessary I was arguing that they will be as good as any line in the conference next year. Someone said MAJOR improvement would be needed before he could see that and I asked for specifics. That's all. I just don't see a need for MAJOR improvement on the line. Improvement, yes. Major improvement, not so much.

[RRVBISON]

I agree. My contention is not that improvement isn't necessary I was arguing that they will be as good as any line in the conference next year. Someone said MAJOR improvement would be needed before he could see that and I asked for specifics. That's all. I just don't see a need for MAJOR improvement on the line. Improvement, yes. Major improvement, not so much.

OK. Improvement would be nice. No need for major improvement.