2014 NDSU Bison

[DM05]

Time to look at next year's team:

QB: Wentz
RB: Crockett, Morlock
FB: Bonnet
WR: Vraa, Woods, Perkins, Gebhart
TE: ???
OL: Haeg, Colville, Johnson, ???

DT: ???
DE: Emanuel, Hardie, Ambrosius
LB: Beck, Littlejohn, DeLuca, Thornton, PGT
CB: CJ Smith
S: Heagle, Dudzik

If you take into account that this year's team was DOMINANT, to the point where the 35-7 win over Towson was the closest game in the playoffs, I think next year's team should be at worst a playoff team and at best a title contender. 3 biggest question marks:

1) Carson Wentz; By all accounts he should be servicable at worst, hope they get an OC with some continuity to what he has been doing the past 3 years. If he doesn't turn the ball over and occasionally moves the chains, anything else is gravy. And who knows, he may be a better passer than Jensen (please note I said passer, not QB).

2) Gonna be tough to replace Drevlow, Perry, Luecke. Have to find a couple DT's that can occupy blocks for the LB's, would be nice to get the pass rush that Perry and Drevlow brought every week.

3) Can Lechler and Plankers jump in and help the best OL in the country?

No way we can expect the same type of dominant season, but we also don't have to win every game by 4 touchdowns to win a championship. I think as long as Klieman brings continuity and the younger players continue to develop, the next 4 years can be just as good as the last 4.

[loudsilverado]

Polasek is the OC. We will be fine, people need to stop freaking out.

[EndZoneQB]

Don't assume Wentz is the guy...

[Herd12]

DT will be a rotation of Schaetz and the young kids. TE only has incumbents Albers and Dunn so I wouldn't be surprised if Collins or Jenson has their redshirt lifted. Bonnet might continue to spend time at his H Back position and Cyr at FB. we'll see. Grothmann was an a All American and should be difficult to replace.

[BisonNeil]

Vaadeland has decided to apply for a medical hardship and should have no problem getting it.

The DL will have to be rebuilt, probably talent there but lacking experience. The Bison will probably go as far as the DL will take them but they will have to develop rapidly.

[Tatanka]

Don't assume Wentz is the guy...

You have my attention. Spill it.

[loudsilverado]

Don't assume Wentz is the guy...

Don't tell me we are already going to start with this crap of "he can't be good, he is from ND high school level talent"

[Tatanka]

Don't tell me we are already going to start with this crap of "he can't be good, he is from ND high school level talent"

I'm not making this assumption. EZ, let's hear what you're thinking.

[HerdBoy]

You forgot Champ in your list as a CB. I thought he did a hell of a job replacing Marcus.

[reformedUNDfan]

Vaadeland has decided to apply for a medical hardship and should have no problem getting it.

The DL will have to be rebuilt, probably talent there but lacking experience. The Bison will probably go as far as the DL will take them but they will have to develop rapidly.

whats the story here? I'm not familiar. Great news regardless.

[reformedUNDfan]

Vaadeland has decided to apply for a medical hardship and should have no problem getting it.

The DL will have to be rebuilt, probably talent there but lacking experience. The Bison will probably go as far as the DL will take them but they will have to develop rapidly.

it's not how good they start, it's how good they finish.

[A1pigskin]

So far everyone is focused on offense and defense. Can't forget the specialists. A couple key players such as long snapper will need to be replaced and return specialist. I am thinking Darius Anderson may step in for the KR but not sure about LS.

Nate Tanguay may end up with the starting DT. The TE pick I am not sure of yet.

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Don't assume Wentz is the guy...

Why?

In the few times I saw that guy play live, I wondered why he didnt beat out Jensen at QB. I get it Jensen wins games but as far as talent goes Wentz is better than Jenson at everything, stronger arm, faster, and in a bigger frame. Wentz has damn good footwork and balance for a guy his size. This kid could take your team up a notch when every other fan base thinks you are going to drop off.

You have nobody on your current roster that is as talented or good as Wentz.

[NDSUSR]

Wentz will be QB in 2014.

[loudsilverado]

Wentz will be QB in 2014.

Lazer. Rocket. Arm

[AjaxTheMighty]

Wentz will go down in history as a QB on the 2014 Bison roster! Take it to the bank!

[pucknut9]

Why?

In the few times I saw that guy play live, I wondered why he didnt beat out Jensen at QB. I get it Jensen wins games but as far as talent goes Wentz is better than Jenson at everything, stronger arm, faster, and in a bigger frame. Wentz has damn good footwork and balance for a guy his size. This kid could take your team up a notch when every other fan base thinks you are going to drop off.

You have nobody on your current roster that is as talented or good as Wentz. Hard to believe anyone would even question it. He has been groomed for the past 3 years for his opportunity. Being a 4.0 student doesn't hurt either. Has the brains to go along with all his physical attributes.

[HandoEX]

QB: Wentz, Davis
RB: Crockett, Morlock
FB: Bonnet, Wilson
WR1: Vraa, Woods
WR2: Gebhart, Wrice
TE: Albers, Collins
LT: Haeg, Ziemer
LG: Colville, Johnson
C: Schueller, Hinz
RG: Johnson, Kelly
RT: Plankers, Lechler

CB1: Smith, Colvin
CB2: Champion, Dempsey
SS: Heagle, Liekhus
FS: Dudzick, Smith
OLB: Beck, Thorton
ILB: Littlejohn, DeLuca
OLB: PGT, Stumpf
DE1: Emanuel, Gillins
DT1: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT2: Morgan, Jacobsen
DE2: Hardie, Ambrosius

LS: Fischer
P: LeCompte
K: Keller, LeCompte

KR: Crockett, Warren
PR: Dudzick

I'm prolly wrong on a lot of these.

[HandoEX]

Hard to believe anyone would even question it. He has been groomed for the past 3 years for his opportunity. Being a 4.0 student doesn't hurt either. Has the brains to go along with all his physical attributes.

A lot of us said this about Nick Mertens too. Just sayin'.

Wentz will be the guy next year, no doubt.

[loudsilverado]

A lot of us said this about Nick Mertens too. Just sayin'.

Wentz will be the guy next year, no doubt.

I go back now and blame the Mertens problems on play calling, coaching, and the fact we had no back up QB.

[westnodak93bison]

One of the seniors told me the Wentz kid from FL is looking really good at TE.

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[bisontown]

I go back now and blame the Mertens problems on play calling, coaching, and the fact we had no back up QB.

That is garbage! Mertens was just bad. Why couldn't he have changed the play to work against the D he was facing? He just was a below average football player.

[Tatanka]

In before the inevitable.

[EndZoneQB]

You have my attention. Spill it.

With closed practices, do we know that Davis/McGinnis won't be pushing next year? It wasn't to say that Wentz wasn't good, but that the guys behind him might be that good that they could/will push him. New coach at the helm, you never know how he shakes it up, either. Bohl is a pretty predictable guy so Wentz would be the easy/clear pick for next year with him, but you never know how Klieman or his OC will see it. One of those guys might just fit the "style" we want more than Wentz. If it's not an open competition...well thats not very smart.

[ZHerd]

What I am wondering is if we should save our good luck gimmicks (such as mnlonhorns weekly NDSU loses 52-10...I always love that one) for when/if we feel that vibe of dominance. I have some good luck traditions that have worked 100% over the last three years (I really didn't do them for our 2 losses) but I'm contemplating mentally bubble wrapping them. Your thoughts.

[Tatanka]

With closed practices, do we know that Davis/McGinnis won't be pushing next year? It wasn't to say that Wentz wasn't good, but that the guys behind him might be that good that they could/will push him. New coach at the helm, you never know how he shakes it up, either. Bohl is a pretty predictable guy so Wentz would be the easy/clear pick for next year with him, but you never know how Klieman or his OC will see it. One of those guys might just fit the "style" we want more than Wentz. If it's not an open competition...well thats not very smart.

Fair assessment, as expected. That said, it would be a surprise if Wentz wasn't the guy, and I don't think you're arguing otherwise, just allowing for the possibility.

[ZHerd]

Actually on quick 2nd thought, next years team deserves every chance we can give them. Carry on with all gimmicks.

[NDSUBowler]

The chance someone takes over for Wentz is the same chance as Wentz taking over for Brock following 2011. Theres always a non-zero chance a better QB could come along but we all knew it was essentially a lock that Brock would be starter.

I, personally, think Wentz is physically more talented than Brock and this excited me going forward.

Ezqb is right it isnt a lock, but realistically no one will likely take over.

[Bison bison]

What excites you going backward?

[NDSU1980]

I go back now and blame the Mertens problems on play calling, coaching, and the fact we had no back up QB.

I blame the Mertens problems coaching too. Had the coach had any clue, Mertens wouldn't have been playing, thus he wouldn't have been fumbling, throwing INT's, and getting sacked. That disaster was by far Bohl's biggest mistake while he was here.

[EndZoneQB]

The chance someone takes over for Wentz is the same chance as Wentz taking over for Brock following 2011. Theres always a non-zero chance a better QB could come along but we all knew it was essentially a lock that Brock would be starter.

I, personally, think Wentz is physically more talented than Brock and this excited me going forward.

Ezqb is right it isnt a lock, but realistically no one will likely take over.

I get your point but thats a really bad analogy. It's almost impossible to bench a title winning QB...he has to pretty much throw the season away to justify benching a guy that won you a title. Wentz has proven NOTHING. Don't anoint him the second coming until he plays a meaningful down of football aka slow your roll. Our recruiting has picked up in the last couple of years, you never know what we have on the bench. McGinnis was the MVP of the Nebraska all star game(4tds) and Davis was recruited by Klieman. Not saying he would pull that card, but you NEVER know how things will play out if they are even close in competition. We may have more talent at the QB spot than we've EVER had...

It's obviously a good chance Wentz starts because he's the most experienced...but he's the most experienced in our former system. This year is very different for more reasons than 24 seniors.

[NDSUBowler]

What excites you going backward?

The moonwalk

[loudsilverado]

That is garbage! Mertens was just bad. Why couldn't he have changed the play to work against the D he was facing? He just was a below average football player.

So, how could you not blame the coaches for not pulling Mertens from the line up? He suppose to bench himself?

[bisontown]

So, how could you not blame the coaches for not pulling Mertens from the line up? He suppose to bench himself?

Haha, touché, I'll give you that one!

[pucknut9]

I get your point but thats a really bad analogy. It's almost impossible to bench a title winning QB...he has to pretty much throw the season away to justify benching a guy that won you a title. Wentz has proven NOTHING. Don't anoint him the second coming until he plays a meaningful down of football aka slow your roll. Our recruiting has picked up in the last couple of years, you never know what we have on the bench. McGinnis was the MVP of the Nebraska all star game(4tds) and Davis was recruited by Klieman. Not saying he would pull that card, but you NEVER know how things will play out if they are even close in competition. We may have more talent at the QB spot than we've EVER had...

It's obviously a good chance Wenhtz starts because he's the most experienced...but he's the most experienced in our former system. This year is very different for more reasons than 24 seniors. Pretty sure Carson will adjust to any system thrown at him. He is as athletic as a QB can get. Excelled at basketball,baseball, and hockey. And throw in he is smart and I would be completely shocked he isn't behind center next season. With that said competition at the QB position is a good thing.

[EndZoneQB]

Pretty sure Carson will adjust to any system thrown at him. He is as athletic as a QB can get. Excelled at basketball,baseball, and hockey. And throw in he is smart and I would be completely shocked he isn't behind center next season. With that said competition at the QB position is a good thing.

Oh, I'm sure he will. The point was more that the slate could technically be clean next year. I'm sure it will be entirely similar to the current one, but never know on terminology, etc. Just too many variables for me to comfortably say he's the bell cow without a shadow of a doubt.

[pucknut9]

Oh, I'm sure he will. The point was more that the slate could technically be clean next year. I'm sure it will be entirely similar to the current one, but never know on terminology, etc. Just too many variables for me to comfortably say he's the bell cow without a shadow of a doubt. No one can assume anything although I'd give him a 95% chance of starting.

[td577]

So, how could you not blame the coaches for not pulling Mertens from the line up? He suppose to bench himself?

There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.



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[HandoEX]

There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.



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I disagree 100% with your third point. Our line was very good in 2008 & 2009.

[Bisonator98]

There needs to be and will be competition at every position. That's how you improve as a player and a team. I do think Wentz will be the QB in 2014. He has all the physical tools and the smarts to be a very good QB. The intangibles will tell how far he goes but all signs indicate the QB position should be good.

I think Tanguay and Farnlof will be very good at DT. The oline always seems to reload and someone steps up. Will Illies be ready to challenge at TE by fall?

[VirginiaBison]

So far everyone is focused on offense and defense. Can't forget the specialists. A couple key players such as long snapper will need to be replaced....

Nobody knows who a long snapper is.... can't we just keep him and not tell anyone?

[NDSU1980]

There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.



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In 2009 we had Jose, who was a far better QB than Mertens. Bohl should have let Jose play half the Wagner game to give him experience and then started pulling Mertens when he did the deer in the headlights thing. He probably could have started Jose by the 5th game instead of waiting until the 8th game.

[FFBison]

QB: Wentz, Davis
RB: Crockett, Morlock
FB: Bonnet, Wilson
WR1: Vraa, Woods
WR2: Gebhart, Wrice
TE: Albers, Collins
LT: Haeg, Ziemer
LG: Colville, Johnson
C: Schueller, Hinz
RG: Johnson, Kelly
RT: Plankers, Lechler

CB1: Smith, Colvin
CB2: Champion, Dempsey
SS: Heagle, Liekhus
FS: Dudzick, Smith
OLB: Beck, Thorton
ILB: Littlejohn, DeLuca
OLB: PGT, Stumpf
DE1: Emanuel, Gillins
DT1: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT2: Morgan, Jacobsen
DE2: Hardie, Ambrosius

LS: Fischer
P: LeCompte
K: Keller, LeCompte

KR: Crockett, Warren
PR: Dudzick

I'm prolly wrong on a lot of these.

I think you did pretty well here actually...but could DeLuca move to D-end? Lots of LB depth...figuring how to get those guys on the field will be a challenge.

And I'd like to see both Lechler and Plankers on the O-line.

[A1pigskin]

With the information I know today, Wentz would be QB.

[BisonNeil]

There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.



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I'll give you no viable backup since Bohl's biggest bonehead move as HC was to not recruit a QB for two years following Mertens. But it is pure BS that the OL wasn't any good. If they were so bad how do you explain Paschall leading FCS in rushing when the QB couldn't throw a pass that didn't end up in the cheap seats? Give me a break.

[BisonNeil]

There needs to be and will be competition at every position. That's how you improve as a player and a team. I do think Wentz will be the QB in 2014. He has all the physical tools and the smarts to be a very good QB. The intangibles will tell how far he goes but all signs indicate the QB position should be good.

I think Tanguay and Farnlof will be very good at DT. The oline always seems to reload and someone steps up. Will Illies be ready to challenge at TE by fall?
Farnlof has to come back from his ACL and judging from how long it took Perry to get back into playing form this year that may be asking a lot of him.

[BisonNeil]

In 2009 we had Jose, who was a far better QB than Mertens. Bohl should have let Jose play half the Wagner game to give him experience and then started pulling Mertens when he did the deer in the headlights thing. He probably could have started Jose by the 5th game instead of waiting until the 8th game.
Jose was not an improvement. That dwarf was just too small and nervous in the pocket to accomplish anything. I completely disagree.

[A1pigskin]

Lot's of what if's.

[Rockbear99]

One thing I know for sure is that I am going to be real excited for the Spring Game this year.

[NDSU1980]

Jose was not an improvement. That dwarf was just too small and nervous in the pocket to accomplish anything. I completely disagree.
Jose beat Kansas the next year. People forget that Jose laid the groundwork for this run in 2010.

[EndZoneQB]

I'll give you no viable backup since Bohl's biggest bonehead move as HC was to not recruit a QB for two years following Mertens. But it is pure BS that the OL wasn't any good. If they were so bad how do you explain Paschall leading FCS in rushing when the QB couldn't throw a pass that didn't end up in the cheap seats? Give me a break.

Pass blocking is not run blocking.

[westnodak93bison]

One thing I know for sure is that I am going to be real excited for the Spring Game this year.

No kidding. They better market it

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[KyleK]

One thing I know for sure is that I am going to be real excited for the Spring Game this year.

Yup, can't wait!!!

[Bisonator98]

Jose beat Kansas the next year. People forget that Jose laid the groundwork for this run in 2010.

The defense won that game and quite a few others in 2010. IMO Jose was never a D1 caliber QB.

[Tatanka]

Jose was not an improvement. That dwarf was just too small and nervous in the pocket to accomplish anything. I completely disagree.




:smh: embarrassing to be calling our student athletes (current past or future) names. IMHO, of course.





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[KyleK]

So, about the 2014 NDSU Bison...

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[natstar1]

So, about the 2014 NDSU Bison...

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http://www.bisonville.com/forum/showthread.php?32188-The-Next-Chapter-2014-2015-Team

[td577]

I'll give you no viable backup since Bohl's biggest bonehead move as HC was to not recruit a QB for two years following Mertens. But it is pure BS that the OL wasn't any good. If they were so bad how do you explain Paschall leading FCS in rushing when the QB couldn't throw a pass that didn't end up in the cheap seats? Give me a break.

Pascall was pretty damn good. While I was not happy with much that Mertens did, there is not anything in football that is generally a single player's fault. If you want to give everything else a pass and lay it one guy, then have at it. We can agree to disagree. I think a better QB could have worked with what was there more effectively, but it would have been long season for most QBs.

You can't tell me that we are all so ate up that there is going to be a refusal to admit the weaknesses when they exist? That, actually, would be pure BS.

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[ndsubison1]

Don't tell me we are already going to start with this crap of "he can't be good, he is from ND high school level talent"

wentz still has to prove himself

[hattonbison]

Does Vraa have the option to get a medical hardship? Would have 2 years left then instead of 1. I sure hope he does.

[ndsubison1]

colvin can have a place in this defense. i liked his open field tackling in garbage time yesterday. not sure how he is in coverage

[tony]

colvin can have a place in this defense. i liked his open field tackling in garbage time yesterday. not sure how he is in coverage

His coverage was very good too.

[tolnabison]

colvin can have a place in this defense. i liked his open field tackling in garbage time yesterday. not sure how he is in coverage

I could see him playing the nickel role that Shepherd did for us this year.

I also think Illies will have some say in the starting TE competition. A couple players I talked to raved about him.

[ndsubison1]

QB: Wentz, Davis
RB: Crockett, Morlock
FB: Bonnet, Wilson
WR1: Vraa, Woods
WR2: Gebhart, Wrice
TE: Albers, Collins
LT: Haeg, Ziemer
LG: Colville, Johnson
C: Schueller, Hinz
RG: Johnson, Kelly
RT: Plankers, Lechler

CB1: Smith, Colvin
CB2: Champion, Dempsey
SS: Heagle, Liekhus
FS: Dudzick, Smith
OLB: Beck, Thorton
ILB: Littlejohn, DeLuca
OLB: PGT, Stumpf
DE1: Emanuel, Gillins
DT1: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT2: Morgan, Jacobsen
DE2: Hardie, Ambrosius

LS: Fischer
P: LeCompte
K: Keller, LeCompte

KR: Crockett, Warren
PR: Dudzick

I'm prolly wrong on a lot of these.

heres my projected lineup as of today:

RB: Crockett; Morlock
FB: Bonnett; Wilson
WR: Vraa; Gray
WR: Woods; Perkins
TE: Albers; Illies (Will probably be mainly a committee position early)
LT: Haeg
LG: Johnson
C: Colville
RG: Lechler
RT: Plankers
QB: Wentz; McGinnis

DE: Emmanuel; Ambrosius
DT: Schaetz; Tanguay
DT: Farnlof; Jacobsen
DE: Hardie; Fontaine?
OLB: Beck; Deluca
ILB: Littlejohn; Deluca
OLB: Thorton; PGT
CB: Smith; Dempsey
CB: Champion; Colvin
FS: Dudzik; Smith
SS: Heagle; Board

[natstar1]

are we just going to run the wing T with Crockett and Morlock?

[Kermit]

QB: Wentz, Davis
RB: Crockett, Morlock
FB: Bonnet, Wilson
WR1: Vraa, Woods
WR2: Gebhart, Wrice
TE: Albers, Collins
LT: Haeg, Ziemer
LG: Colville, Johnson
C: Schueller, Hinz
RG: Johnson, Kelly
RT: Plankers, Lechler

CB1: Smith, Colvin
CB2: Champion, Dempsey
SS: Heagle, Liekhus
FS: Dudzick, Smith
OLB: Beck, Thorton
ILB: Littlejohn, DeLuca
OLB: PGT, Stumpf
DE1: Emanuel, Gillins
DT1: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT2: Morgan, Jacobsen
DE2: Hardie, Ambrosius

LS: Fischer
P: LeCompte
K: Keller, LeCompte

KR: Crockett, Warren
PR: Dudzick

I'm prolly wrong on a lot of these.

Good start, Hando!

A few guesses:

TE will be interesting. I've heard that Kevin Vaadeland will likely get a medical hardship and be back. I've heard good things about both Jeff Illies and Connor Wentz. Illies is probably more of an H-back/receiver.

O-line: I'd be very surprised if Colville is moved away from center. I think he will be a 3-year starter there. Hinz, Plankers, Lechler, Kelly, and Ziemer could all be in the mix for the 2 open spots. The guy you didn't mention is Austin Kuhnert. I've been told that he is an absolute stud, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him winning a starting spot somewhere on the o-line next season.

SS: Heagle will start, of course, but I think Chris Board will be noticed. Liekhus was moved to LB this year and he will probably stay there.

DT: Nathan Tanguay will probably start.

[NDSUFan_Sav]

He was handicapped on what plays we could run, his strength was a running QB. They wouldn't let him run because we had no back up qbs.

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[Herd890]

Farnlof has to come back from his ACL and judging from how long it took Perry to get back into playing form this year that may be asking a lot of him.

Farnlof's injury occurred in spring ball where Perry's was in the playoffs last year. Austin will likely have had 6 or 7 months more recovery time come fall camp if comparing the two. This being said, you ever know how someone will recover from an ACL so your point valid.

Does anyone know if Farnlof will be ready for spring ball this year?

[BisonFanMan10]

I'm just pumped for this spring game! These young boys are going to have a lot of opportunities to play this year, meaning even that much better battles at each position. One kid that hasn't been talked about much is Tyler Wrice; said to the very similar to Ryan Smith. also pumped about Collins...will have a huge advantage coming in next week over his class.. in terms of getting the chance to play this fall. Really want to see how these two and all the other youngins perform the spring.

[BattleBorn]

Does Heagle still have a RS to burn? Something I read earlier has me curious.

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[HandoEX]

Does Heagle still have a RS to burn? Something I read earlier has me curious.

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No, he redshirted last season (2012).

[BadlandsBison]

Nobody knows who a long snapper is.... can't we just keep him and not tell anyone?

Ha, give him a different number maybe he'll sneak back in. Murphy is as solid as they come.

[Herd12]

heres my projected lineup as of today:

RB: Crockett; Morlock
FB: Bonnett; Wilson
WR: Vraa; Gray
WR: Woods; Perkins
TE: Albers; Illies (Will probably be mainly a committee position early)
LT: Haeg
LG: Johnson
C: Colville
RG: Lechler
RT: Plankers
QB: Wentz; McGinnis

DE: Emmanuel; Ambrosius
DT: Schaetz; Tanguay
DT: Farnlof; Jacobsen
DE: Hardie; Fontaine?
OLB: Beck; Deluca
ILB: Littlejohn; Deluca
OLB: Thorton; PGT
CB: Smith; Dempsey
CB: Champion; Colvin
FS: Dudzik; Smith
SS: Heagle; Board

I'm not saying that this is what it will be, more of what I would do I guess because I would be lying if I said I had any inclination as to what the new coaching staff will do, really:

QB: Wentz, McGinnis
RB: Crockett, Morlock, Anderson
FB: Cyr, Wilson
H-B: Bonnett
WR: Vraa, Woods
LT: Haeg, Lechler
LG: Johnson, Kuhnert
C: Hinz, Johnson
RG: Colville, Schueller
RT: Plankers, Ziemer
TE: Vaadeland, Albers, Wentz
WR: Gebhart, Gray
SLT: Perkins, Wrice

LE: Hardie, Amrbosius
DT: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT: Tanguay, Jacobsen, Morgan
RE: Emmanuel, Gillins, Menard
SLB: Littlejohn, Thorton
MLB: DeLuca, PGT
WLB: Beck, Stumpf
CB: Smtih, Colvin
FS: Dudzik, Smith
SS: Heagle, Board
CB: Chapmion, Dempsey
NB: Board, DeJong

LS: Freshman TBD
K: Keller
P: LeCompte

This is an unbelievably good looking roster considering it's a team that just won 3 titles in a row and is turning over 24 seniors. I would like to see more depth on the defensive line, especially at the defensive end position. I'm not sure if this would be accomplished by an FBS drop down, a JuCo transfer, or moving DeLuca to DE. Other than that maybe depth at CB is concerning, but that's really grasping at straws.

[HandoEX]

I'm not saying that this is what it will be, more of what I would do I guess because I would be lying if I said I had any inclination as to what the new coaching staff will do, really:

QB: Wentz, McGinnis
RB: Crockett, Morlock, Anderson
FB: Cyr, Wilson
H-B: Bonnett
WR: Vraa, Woods
LT: Haeg, Lechler
LG: Johnson, Kuhnert
C: Hinz, Johnson
RG: Colville, Schueller
RT: Plankers, Ziemer
TE: Vaadeland, Albers, Wentz
WR: Gebhart, Gray
SLT: Perkins, Wrice

LE: Hardie, Amrbosius
DT: Schaetz, Farnlof
DT: Tanguay, Jacobsen, Morgan
RE: Emmanuel, Gillins, Menard
SLB: Littlejohn, Thorton
MLB: DeLuca, PGT
WLB: Beck, Stumpf
CB: Smtih, Colvin
FS: Dudzik, Smith
SS: Heagle, Board
CB: Chapmion, Dempsey
NB: Board, DeJong

LS: Freshman TBD
K: Keller
P: LeCompte

This is an unbelievably good looking roster considering it's a team that just won 3 titles in a row and is turning over 24 seniors. I would like to see more depth on the defensive line, especially at the defensive end position. I'm not sure if this would be accomplished by an FBS drop down, a JuCo transfer, or moving DeLuca to DE. Other than that maybe depth at CB is concerning, but that's really grasping at straws.

Vaadeland graduated.

[17>1]

Vaadeland graduated.

Word on the street is that he's using a medical hardship and coming back.

[Herd12]

Yeah it really does sound like he is going to be back on the team next season. Otherwise It's Albers, Wentz, Illies, Axelson, Arp and Dunn.

[BisonNeil]

Vaadeland graduated.

If you had read the whole thread, I posted early on that he is applying for a medical hardship. He missed his first two seasons due to an ACL injury that happened the second week of fall practice his first year. His father is a good friend of mine so this isn't rumor, it is first hand info. Try to keep up :D

[Herd12]

If you had read the whole thread, I posted early on that he is applying for a medical hardship. He missed his first two seasons due to an ACL injury that happened the second week of fall practice his first year. His father is a good friend of mine so this isn't rumor, it is first hand info. Try to keep up :D

Neil, is he actually graduated or does he have classes left? If not does he have to enroll in graduate stuff to play next year?

[BisonNeil]

Pascall was pretty damn good. While I was not happy with much that Mertens did, there is not anything in football that is generally a single player's fault. If you want to give everything else a pass and lay it one guy, then have at it. We can agree to disagree. I think a better QB could have worked with what was there more effectively, but it would have been long season for most QBs.

You can't tell me that we are all so ate up that there is going to be a refusal to admit the weaknesses when they exist? That, actually, would be pure BS.

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So, back at you. What evidence to you have that the OL was so bad? Paschall led FCS in rushing, another poster said okay but they were not good pass blockers, which you seem to be agreeing with here. But, that OL only gave up 18 sacks, same number of sacks the 2013 OL gave up. So, once again, what evidence do you have other than a poor memory that the OL was a weakness. I'd like to know.

A bad QB does make an offense poor. You don't have to look beyond the Vikings to know that is true.

http://www.gobison.com/custompages/fb/2009/teamcume.htm

[BisonNeil]

Neil, is he actually graduated or does he have classes left? If not does he have to enroll in graduate stuff to play next year?

He does have classes left. As I understand it he changed majors along the way.

[EndZoneQB]

So, back at you. What evidence to you have that the OL was so bad? Paschall led FCS in rushing, another poster said okay but they were not good pass blockers, which you seem to be agreeing with here. But, that OL only gave up 18 sacks, same number of sacks the 2013 OL gave up. So, once again, what evidence do you have other than a poor memory that the OL was a weakness. I'd like to know.

A bad QB does make an offense poor. You don't have to look beyond the Vikings to know that is true.

http://www.gobison.com/custompages/fb/2009/teamcume.htm

What about hurries and/or knockdowns? Sacks don't always mean the Oline was good...

[HandoEX]

If you had read the whole thread, I posted early on that he is applying for a medical hardship. He missed his first two seasons due to an ACL injury that happened the second week of fall practice his first year. His father is a good friend of mine so this isn't rumor, it is first hand info. Try to keep up :D
My bad, I rarely read your posts ;)

[Ndsu84]

Tough competition at qb is a necessity, but Wentz is going to be so awesome, he will shock us all. The Bison are national champs and might be better next year!

A lot of Saturdays great plays were from juniors or even younger.

[BisonNeil]

What about hurries and/or knockdowns? Sacks don't always mean the Oline was good...

Who do you blame for that? A QB perhaps who can't make a decision as to where to throw, taking too much time, or do you blame WRs for not getting open? Why does it only have to be the OL fault for those?

The only real stats we have access to, rush yards and sacks, which strongly suggest the OL was fine, unless your argument is that the current OL sucked also because they gave up 18 sacks. I for one believe the QB situation that year was beyond miserable due to poor and nearly absent recruiting at that position, which Bohl admitted to and said they changed, hence a QB is now recruited very year. Let's face it, Mertens and Mohler were not DI QBs and in between them there was nobody recruited. This whole argument blaming the OL for everything bad that year is completely baseless, IMO.

[EndZoneQB]

Who do you blame for that? A QB perhaps who can't make a decision as to where to throw, taking too much time, or do you blame WRs for not getting open? Why does it only have to be the OL fault for those?

The only real stats we have access to, rush yards and sacks, which strongly suggest the OL was fine, unless your argument is that the current OL sucked also because they gave up 18 sacks. I for one believe the QB situation that year was beyond miserable due to poor and nearly absent recruiting at that position, which Bohl admitted to and said they changed, hence a QB is now recruited very year. Let's face it, Mertens and Mohler were not DI QBs and in between them there was nobody recruited. This whole argument blaming the OL for everything bad that year is completely baseless, IMO.

Who is doing this? You are the one taking it and running with it, bro. Some of us are just suggesting that Mertens wasn't as bad as we all made him out to be and it was a variety of problems all making one worse. To blame Mertens is petty and misguided, at best. I was one of the biggest naysayers of him, but I know it's a team sport. Was he a weak link on a weaker team? Yes, absolutely. But what about our defense that couldn't stop anyone? Remember SHSU? UNI? Clearly the offense runs through the QB so he's going to get a ton of the blame, but how deep was that team? Think about how Mertens might have looked on this 2013 team...

[dgoergs]

My gut feeling tells me next year we will be just fine with a great opportunity to be back in Frisco...may take a few games for both players and coaches to gel, but by the end of the year... watch out!

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[coloradobison]

We might have to play a road game in the playoffs next year, but we should be right near the top. 4 peat.

[dgoergs]

We might have to play a road game in the playoffs next year, but we should be right near the top. 4 peat.

Yea, as much as like a good blowout, I think we will see closer games, with the "good guys" prevailing of course.

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[td577]

Who do you blame for that? A QB perhaps who can't make a decision as to where to throw, taking too much time, or do you blame WRs for not getting open? Why does it only have to be the OL fault for those?

The only real stats we have access to, rush yards and sacks, which strongly suggest the OL was fine, unless your argument is that the current OL sucked also because they gave up 18 sacks. I for one believe the QB situation that year was beyond miserable due to poor and nearly absent recruiting at that position, which Bohl admitted to and said they changed, hence a QB is now recruited very year. Let's face it, Mertens and Mohler were not DI QBs and in between them there was nobody recruited. This whole argument blaming the OL for everything bad that year is completely baseless, IMO.

I agree with you in regards to Mertens not being a good QB, but this whole argument blaming the QB for everything bad that year is completely baseless, IMO. I wasn't blaming any one entity for everything that went wrong. There was a lot of fault to go around. In losses in '09, the Bison offense averaged 24 points per game. Neither QB was terrible, just average. 2008 Mertens had a better year, they won a couple more games, and the defense was a lot better.

Offensively, 2008 to 2009 was almost identical. Defensively, they gave up 9 points more per game, 107 more total yards per game, but actually shrunk the TO margin in half.

There was weakness all over the place and never did I say the OL was solely to blame. Other then the defense dropping off from 2008 to 2009, the OL had only one player who had significant playing time both years through either graduation or injuries. While I would maybe add defense was a major reason for the down year, the inconsistency on the OL still was a contributing factor to the offense.

Mertens wasn't completely to blame. With a more consistent and mature offensive line in 2008, he had a better year. It wasn't exponentially better, but if you want to utilize statistics as a measuring stick, it was a dropoff. What changed?

[Herd12]

why is the 2014 Bison thread about Nick Mertens? I saw him walking around tailgating in Frisco, but that's about the extent of his relevance here. Because his predecessor was a legend and Wentz's predecessor is quite possible the GOAT at QB for NDSU does not mean that Wentz is going to struggle.

[Tony Almeida]

why is the 2014 Bison thread about Nick Mertens? I saw him walking around tailgating in Frisco, but that's about the extent of his relevance here. Because his predecessor was a legend and Wentz's predecessor is quite possible the GOAT at QB for NDSU does not mean that Wentz is going to struggle.

Thank you! I was enjoying this thread except for the Mertens BS every 3rd post...

[td577]

why is the 2014 Bison thread about Nick Mertens? I saw him walking around tailgating in Frisco, but that's about the extent of his relevance here. Because his predecessor was a legend and Wentz's predecessor is quite possible the GOAT at QB for NDSU does not mean that Wentz is going to struggle.

I agree. Each man is in his own situation with his own surroundings.

I will say one last thing about Mertens and I am done talking about it. I am not a Mertens apologist. I just don't think everything that happened during his time here was completely his fault, either. I do know this much though. There was a tremendous amount of pressure on him here at NDSU. From what I have seen from him since then is that he took it all in and learned from it. The learning experience he gained from dealing with adversity as a player can go very far in life. So in the end of his college career, he left with a college education in both the classroom and life that is impossible to replicate in the real world and can make him a better person. That, in itself, should be the goal of supporting our student/athletes. While certainly looking back on his playing days by most is probably not seen as being very successful, in reality his learning experience was exponentially greater than the average college student. For that, I am positive he will personally look back and see the progress of his life being a direct product of that tremendous opportunity to be the QB of the Bison. At least, in my opinion, he should.

[Rockbear99]

Think about how Mertens might have looked on this 2013 team...

He may have looked great handing out water bottles to the players, or he would have gave the water to the other team.:)

[BisonNeil]

Who is doing this? You are the one taking it and running with it, bro. Some of us are just suggesting that Mertens wasn't as bad as we all made him out to be and it was a variety of problems all making one worse. To blame Mertens is petty and misguided, at best. I was one of the biggest naysayers of him, but I know it's a team sport. Was he a weak link on a weaker team? Yes, absolutely. But what about our defense that couldn't stop anyone? Remember SHSU? UNI? Clearly the offense runs through the QB so he's going to get a ton of the blame, but how deep was that team? Think about how Mertens might have looked on this 2013 team...

Here is what TD stated:

Originally Posted by td577
There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.

To point #3 I said bullshit! Blaming the OL for the deficiencies of the QB situation is baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that were not very good, in fact, the evidence states clearly the contrary is true, i.e., lots of rushing yards and few sacks given up!

Satisfied?

[KyleK]

Jeff Kolpack‏@FGOSPORTSWRITER2m
Out for spring fb due to shoulder surgeries: OL Zack Johnson, LB Travis Beck, S Colten Heagle, CB C.J. Smith. K Adam Keller (hip), out.

[EndZoneQB]

Here is what TD stated:

Originally Posted by td577
There were three major issues with Mertens that handcuffed the Bison and none were his fault.

1. I think the coaching staff they you could recruit FBS interested Qbs with the ideas you could sell them on the idea of being 3 to 4 year starters. Then you could offset QB recruiting by every couple of years.

2. No viable backup.

3. The offensive line wasn't very good. Any qb would have struggled without changing the gamelan to try and minimize that deficiency.

To point #3 I said bullshit! Blaming the OL for the deficiencies of the QB situation is baseless. There is no evidence to suggest that were not very good, in fact, the evidence states clearly the contrary is true, i.e., lots of rushing yards and few sacks given up!

Satisfied?

That was point #3...you said "blaming the OL for ALL the deficiencies". No one claimed they were all :)

Satisfied? haha

[BisonNeil]

That was point #3...you said "blaming the OL for ALL the deficiencies". No one claimed they were all :)

Satisfied? haha

Okay. You got me. :D

[DM05]

Why do even post thread title's? Could you guys just start a Nick Mertens Love/Hate thread and continue your conversation over there? Please....how the hell does Nick Mertens get brought up anyway? Stick to next years team...

[tolnabison]

5 players that I think will take the next step.

1. CB Jordan Champion: Will solidify the best secondary (Heagle, Dudzik, and Smith) in the nation and become an equal corner to CJ.
2. DE Brad Ambrosius: Got a taste of things when his redshirt was pulled. Now He will take advantage of spring ball and summer workouts; which will create a 3-man rotation at DE with Hardie and Emanuel.
3. WR Tyler Wrice: I think he will win the battle with Perkins for the slot WR. His HS highlights look awesome and after a year in the program, I'm excited to see how he has developed.
4. DT Nate Tanguay/Nick Jacobsen/Grant Morgan/Bryce Messner/Austin Farnlof: 3 of the 5 need to step up and solidify depth at the defensive tackle spot. Schaetz will start at one spot, the other is up for grabs. Tanguay and Jacobsen offer the most size and both had FBS offers. Morgan is a little undersized, but also had an FBS offer. Messner is a PWO, but earned a chance to be one of the 4 redshirts that dressed at the FCS title game. Farnlof is coming off of ACL surgery. This will be a battle we will all be watching over spring ball and fall camp.
5. QB Carson Wentz: Looks like the total package with size, speed, and arm strength. Hopefully he has the "it" factor that can't be coaches like #16 had. I think he will surprise the teams in our conference and be a huge difference maker.

A couple other things...
- I don't think TE is a pressing need for a guy to step up. In our system they are used very interchangeable between fullback, H-back, and tight end. I think they will find players to fill roles that they can succeed at in different personal. I have heard that Illies has really impressed many coaches and players.
- I remember LB depth used to be an issue. I don't think so anymore. CLJ and Beck are two of the best in the nation. Thorton got better as the year went on. DeLuca looks like an future NFL prospect and will battle for playing time next year. Pierre Gee-Tucker has the looks of a potential stud; hopefully his shoulder heals up right. We redshirted Alex Hahn, James Gates, and Matt Plank.
- Also look out for Carey Woods, I expect his role to grow.

[Siouxfallsbison]

#3 will be opposite vraa next year. Will finally get thrown to. Always open this year.

[Kermit]

Messner is a PWO, but earned a chance to be one of the 4 redshirts that dressed at the FCS title game.

Great honor for Messner. Who were the other 3?

[tolnabison]

Great honor for Messner. Who were the other 3?

I'm not to sure, just heard that from one of Messner's HS classmates.

[tolnabison]

Just talked to Bryce, he said none of redshirts ended up dressing at all. They were planning on dressing four, my source misunderstood him.

[stevdock]

I know this depends on the type of offense we run next year, but I am concerned with the FB position. Yes Grothman was an All-American and you aren't going to be able to fully replace him. But even though Bonnett has a lot of talent I don't see him as the man to open holes for our RB's to run through. Is there anyone else that is ready to push for this position and keep Bonnett in an H-Back position??

[CAS4127]

I know this depends on the type of offense we run next year, but I am concerned with the FB position. Yes Grothman was an All-American and you aren't going to be able to fully replace him. But even though Bonnett has a lot of talent I don't see him as the man to open holes for our RB's to run through. Is there anyone else that is ready to push for this position and keep Bonnett in an H-Back position??

Loss of Grothman may be #1 or 2 biggest holes to fill. What he did was just phenomenal.


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[td577]

Why do even post thread title's? Could you guys just start a Nick Mertens Love/Hate thread and continue your conversation over there? Please....how the hell does Nick Mertens get brought up anyway? Stick to next years team...

So you have 6 posts and are going to lay down the rules? Thread drift is always expected and everyone eventually gets back to talking about the topic. At least learn the culture before you visit a new community.

If thread drift is wrong than even bringing up thread drift isn't right.

Btw, welcome to the board.

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[td577]

Loss of Grothman may be #1 or 2 biggest holes to fill. What he did was just phenomenal.


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I completely agree. He was pretty damn good when he started, but this year he was in a completely different planet. It seemed like it wasn't just about clearing space, it was like he was a direct extension of whoever was behind him. He was a ball carrier at every level before here. He had to react completely different as a blocker. Instead of color flash, move away as a ball carrier; it was color flash, move to by this year rather than just running to a spot and blocking whoever is there.

If Crockett works as hard this off-season as Ojuri did last off-season, I don't think we will visibly notice much of a drop off from the FB spot. What will drop off is the potential for even more per carry than the crazy numbers we'll probably see anyways. It makes that RB's job so much easier when your FB has vision.

Not only does one have to have the physical and mental ability to pull off what Grothman did, they have to have that special kind of fearlessness.

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[56BISON73]

Every year we lose a player that fans think we will have a hard time replacing. EX--- May, Walker, Steffes, etc etc etc. The list is endless and we keep finding guys who play at a higher level.

[Herd12]

In the true fullback position, not the H-Back role that Bonnett plays, (where I think he might be joined by Illies) the main competition as I see it is between Jedre Cyr and Bennie Wilson. Cyr is the true backup to Grothmann as was apparent in the Senior Day game in which Grothmann sat out. I watched Cyr intently for the first 2 or 3 series on offense and while what he did was adequate, Grothmann is on another planet. He needs to have an offseason of improvement or Wilson might take those reps.

[td577]

Every year we lose a player that fans think we will have a hard time replacing. EX--- May, Walker, Steffes, etc etc etc. The list is endless and we keep finding guys who play at a higher level.

True dat.

I am confident someone will step in or up. When you look at the team, there is a lot of experience and skill coming back. When you start looking at individual positions, there is a lot of work to be done. Then you look at guys like Grothman and see how he has evolved from a good FB to a great one at this level, I don't think it is unnatural to think the process will be difficult to duplicate. I do know a couple of things though. The next man up doesn't have to pick up where Grothman left off, he just has to be good, not great and it always seems like the next man up always helps us get over the players who leave.

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[WYOBISONMAN]

I have been looking through the roster and I keep thinking how incredibly deep we really are. There will be a few places to back fill next season, but the 2014 Bison could easily win the conference, and if the right stuff comes together.......Izzy may very well have his car die coming back from Texas about this time in January of 2015. Folks, the cupboard is not bare.....it isn't half empty......the darn cupboard is FULL!!

[Herd12]

If you had read the whole thread, I posted early on that he is applying for a medical hardship. He missed his first two seasons due to an ACL injury that happened the second week of fall practice his first year. His father is a good friend of mine so this isn't rumor, it is first hand info. Try to keep up :D

Do not be surprised if this is not Zach Vraa's last season with the Bison. I have absolutely no inside information whatsoever but his career (injury) path has been nearly identical to Vaadeland's and I would not be surprised if he ended up going out in 2015 with Wentz (with possibly some NDSU receiving records).

[Rixen]

Quick newbie question regarding redshirts and the roster:

Is there any way to distinguish between current freshmen that are redshirted from that those that have started.

For example, Alex Hahn and DeLuca are both listed as Freshmen LBs but to my knowledge Hahn still has his redshirt while DeLuca doesn't.

Would we have to wait until the 2014 roster is released and Hahn would then show as a redshirt freshman and DeLuca a sophomore?

Heagle is a redshirt junior it shows so I just take that as he redshirted one year and played 3.

Mainly wondering about current and future year redshirts and how to distinguish their standing.

Thanks and next year is looking very competitive.

[td577]

Quick newbie question regarding redshirts and the roster:

Is there any way to distinguish between current freshmen that are redshirted from that those that have started.

For example, Alex Hahn and DeLuca are both listed as Freshmen LBs but to my knowledge Hahn still has his redshirt while DeLuca doesn't.

Would we have to wait until the 2014 roster is released and Hahn would then show as a redshirt freshman and DeLuca a sophomore?

Heagle is a redshirt junior it shows so I just take that as he redshirted one year and played 3.

Mainly wondering about current and future year redshirts and how to distinguish their standing.

Thanks and next year is looking very competitive.

Generally, they will be listed on the roster with the R. RFr.. RSo., etc. Maybe the person putting the roster together didn't have all the redshirt information when it was inputted. Edit: If Hahn redshirted, for example, next year he will be listed as a RFr. This year he is just a freshman. Then he will keep the R in front of his year to designate where he is at with eligibility, not necessarily class year. That is what I am gathering from this.

1 Marcus Williams CB 5-11 192 Sr. Minneapolis, Minn. Hopkins HS
2 Brendin Pierre CB 5-9 167 Sr. Miramar, Fla. Miramar HS
2 Tyler Wrice WR 5-7 162 Fr. Papillion, Neb. Papillion HS
3 Trevor Gebhart WR 6-1 193 Jr. Sioux Falls, S.D. Washington HS
4 Shea DeJong DB 5-7 175 So. Sioux Falls, S.D. Roosevelt HS Minnesota State Moorhead
4 Ryan Smith WR 5-7 175 Sr. Wahpeton, N.D. Wahpeton HS
5 Derrick Lang RB 5-11 214 Sr. Wausau, Wis. West HS
5 Shayne Miller DB 5-7 180 RFr. Avondale, Ariz. Westview HS Grand Canyon
6 CJ Smith CB 5-11 183 So. Savage, Minn. Burnsville HS
7 Zach Colvin DB 5-10 167 Jr. Superior, Wis. Superior HS
8 Darius Anderson RB 5-7 184 RSo. Kapolei, Hawai'i Island Pacific Academy Valley City State
9 Esley Thorton LB 6-3 226 Jr. Bismarck, N.D. Bismarck HS
10 Derek McGinnis QB 6-3 209 RFr. Crete, Neb. Crete HS
11 Carson Wentz QB 6-5 222 So. Bismarck, N.D. Century HS
12 Cooper Wahlo WR 6-2 201 Sr. Woodbury, Minn. Woodbury HS
13 Eric Perkins WR 5-8 167 RFr. Kewaskum, Wis. Kewaskum HS
14 Bo Liekhus FS 6-0 207 RFr. Plattsmouth, Neb. Bellevue West HS
14 Daniel Polansky WR 6-0 180 Fr. Gatzke, Minn. Grygla HS
15 Dylan Dunn TE 6-3 234 So. Fargo, N.D. Shanley HS
16 Brock Jensen QB 6-3 225 Sr. Waupaca, Wis. Waupaca HS
17 Adam Keller K 6-1 204 Jr. Lewisberry, Pa. Red Land HS
18 Cole Davis QB 6-3 187 Fr. Kearney, Mo. Kearney HS
19 Ben LeCompte P/K 5-10 200 So. Barrington, Ill. Barrington HS
20 Colten Heagle SS 5-11 202 RJr. Appleton, Wis. Kimberly HS
21 Demitrius Gray WR 6-3 178 RFr. Aurora, Ill. Waubonsie Valley HS
22 Sam Ojuri RB 6-0 212 Sr. Barrington, Ill. Barrington HS
23 John Crockett RB 6-0 202 Jr. Minneapolis, Minn. Totino-Grace HS
24 Bryan Shepherd DB 5-10 180 Sr. Olathe, Kan. North HS Nebraska-Omaha
25 Chase Morlock RB 6-0 198 Fr. Moorhead, Minn. Moorhead HS
26 Keenan HodenfieldDB 5-11 160 Fr. Ray, N.D. Ray HS
26 Jacob Peterson RB 5-8 161 Fr. St. Cloud, Minn. St. Cloud Tech HS
27 Myles Brooks LB 6-0 205 Jr. Bottineau, N.D. Bottineau HS
27 Peter Saintal RB 5-9 185 Fr. Fargo, N.D. Fargo North HS
28 Andrew Smith FS 6-0 201 RFr. Sioux Falls, S.D. Roosevelt HS
29 Tyler Pasterski FB 6-0 205 Fr. De Pere, Wis. West De Pere HS
29 AJ Van Voorhis SS 5-9 185 Sr. Champlin, Minn. Champlin Park HS
30 Jedre Cyr FB 6-0 240 So. Glyndon, Minn. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton HS
31 Tom Barneson K 6-4 206 RFr. Eau Claire, Wis. Memorial HS
32 Jordan Champion CB 5-9 185 So. Avondale, Ariz. Westview HS
33 Tre Dempsey CB 5-10 165 Fr. Lakeland, Fla. Lakeland HS
34 Grant Olson LB 6-0 228 Sr. Plymouth, Minn. Wayzata HS
35 Christian Dudzik FS 5-10 188 Jr. Omaha, Neb. Skutt Catholic HS
36 Chris Board S 6-1 205 Fr. Orlando, Fla. Timber Creek HS
37 Bennie Wilson FB 5-9 239 Fr. St. Michael, Minn. St. Michael-Albertville HS
38 Carlton Littlejohn LB 6-1 216 Jr. Minneapolis, Minn. North HS
38 Dan Sargeant FB 6-2 235 Fr. Chisago City, Minn. Chisago Lakes HS
39 Jeff Illies TE 6-3 198 Fr. Lidgerwood, N.D. Lidgerwood HS
40 Andrew GrothmannFB 6-1 232 Sr. Hillsboro, N.D. Hillsboro HS
41 MJ Stumpf LB 6-2 204 RFr. Harvey, N.D. Harvey HS
42 Justin Axelson TE 6-3 218 Fr. Spring Lake Park, Minn. Spring Lake Park HS
43 Daniel Haugen FB 6-2 220 Fr. Argyle, Minn. Stephen-Argyle HS
43 Kurt Mattox LB 6-1 215 Fr. Brooklyn Park, Minn. Totino-Grace HS
44 Antonio Rodgers LB 5-10 218 Sr. North Miami Beach, Fla. North Miami Beach HS West Hills College
45 Zachary Baker LB 6-0 194 RFr. Ray, N.D. Ray HS
46 Andrew Bonnet FB 6-3 245 So. Council Bluffs, Iowa Underwood HS
47 Pierre Gee-Tucker LB 6-0 208 Fr. Belleville, Ill. Belleville West HS
48 Matt Plank LB 6-0 222 Fr. Gardner, Kan. Gardner Edgerton HS
49 Nick DeLuca LB 6-3 237 Fr. Omaha, Neb. Millard North HS
50 Bryce Messner DL 6-3 250 Fr. McVille, N.D. Dakota Prairie HS
50 Michael Murphy LS 6-0 240 Sr. Hollister, Calif. San Benito HS
51 James Fisher LS 6-2 204 Fr. Bloomington, Minn. Jefferson HS
52 Travis Beck LB 6-0 214 Jr. Munich, N.D. Langdon-Munich HS
53 Kyle Emanuel DE 6-3 246 Jr. Schuyler, Neb. Schuyler Central HS
54 Jeremy Kelly OL 6-6 262 Jr. Somerset, Wis. Somerset HS Minnesota-Crookston
55 Alex Hahn LB 6-1 215 Fr. Oak Creek, Wis. Oak Creek HS
56 Tory Dalbec LB 5-10 211 RFr. Edina, Minn. Edina HS
57 Mike Goergen LB 6-0 197 Fr. Adams, Minn. Southland HS
58 James Gates LB 6-0 187 Fr. Menomonie, Wis. Menomonie HS
59 Joe Haeg OT 6-6 293 So. Lake Shore, Minn. Brainerd HS
60 Ryan Drevlow NG 6-4 281 Sr. Gwinner, N.D. North Sargent HS
60 Max Polson OL 6-3 240 Fr. Coon Rapids, Minn. Coon Rapids HS
61 Brian Schaetz DL 6-1 283 So. Denmark, Wis. Denmark HS
62 Nate Tanguay DT 6-4 288 Fr. Mukwonago, Wis. Mukwonago HS
63 Anthony LaVoy DL 6-4 299 Sr. Mahnomen, Minn. Mahnomen HS Bemidji State
64 Josh Colville OL 6-2 270 So. Deephaven, Minn. Minnetonka HS
65 Adam Schueller OL 6-3 300 Jr. Fergus Falls, Minn. Fergus Falls HS
66 Zack Johnson OL 6-4 317 So. Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview HS
67 Brock Russell DL 6-2 262 So. Mandan, N.D. Mandan HS Bemidji State
68 Zac Johnson OL 6-2 292 Jr. Fargo, N.D. South HS Valley City State
69 Leevon Perry DT 6-4 282 Sr. Cottage Grove, Minn. Saint Agnes HS
70 Jack Plankers OL 6-7 318 RFr. Leonard, N.D. Kindred HS
71 Tyler Gimmestad OG 6-2 304 Sr. Marshall, Minn. Marshall HS
72 Erik Olson OL 6-6 230 Fr. Maple Grove, Minn. Maple Grove HS
73 Zack Ziemer OT 6-4 288 Fr. Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville HS
74 Andrew Nack OL 6-3 297 Sr. Osakis, Minn. Osakis HS
75 Austin Kuhnert OG 6-4 301 Fr. Sioux Falls, S.D. Washington HS
76 Jesse Hinz OL 6-4 299 RJr. Beatrice, Neb. Beatrice HS
77 Billy Turner OT 6-6 314 Sr. Shoreview, Minn. Mounds View HS
78 Landon Lechler OL 6-7 273 RFr. Beach, N.D. Beach HS
80 Nate Moody WR 6-1 193 Jr. Dickinson, N.D. Dickinson HS
81 Isaiah Frandsen WR 6-2 193 Fr. Barron, Wis. Barron HS
82 Zach Vraa WR 6-2 203 Jr. Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Rosemount HS
83 Carey Woods WR 6-0 190 RFr. Bemidji, Minn. Bemidji HS
84 DeSean Warren WR 5-10 156 RFr. Overland Park, Kan. Blue Valley West HS
85 Kevin Vaadeland TE 6-4 245 Sr. Park Rapids, Minn. Park Rapids Area HS
86 Taylor Nelson TE 6-4 253 Sr. Minnetonka, Minn. Minnetonka HS
87 Connor Wentz TE 6-3 238 Fr. Dunnellon, Fla. Dunnellon HS
88 Luke Albers TE 6-5 244 So. Amherst Junction, Wis. Iola-Scandinavia HS
89 Justin Arp TE 6-4 228 RFr. Cogswell, N.D. Sargent Central HS
90 Grant Morgan DT 6-4 266 Fr. Oshkosh, Wis. Oshkosh North HS
91 Mike Hardie DE 6-5 254 Jr. Sioux Falls, S.D. O'Gorman HS
92 Alex Fontaine DE 6-2 214 So. West Fargo, N.D. West Fargo HS
93 Cole Jirik DE 6-5 248 Sr. Northfield, Minn. Northfield HS
94 Danny Luecke DT 6-5 281 Sr. Fargo, N.D. South HS
95 Jeremy Gordon DE 6-1 237 Sr. Milwaukee, Wis. Riverside University HS NDSCS
96 Nick Jacobsen DT 6-3 273 Fr. Prescott, Wis. Prescott HS
97 Brad Ambrosius DE 6-4 235 Fr. De Pere, Wis. West De Pere HS
98 Austin Farnlof DT 6-1 264 RFr. Cave Creek, Ariz. Boulder Creek HS
99 D'Andre Gillins DE 5-10 245 Fr. West Palm Beach, Fla. Suncoast HS

[dgoergs]

Anyone know when the Spring Game is...I believe it was 4/27 last year so I wasn't sure if it would be the same weekend in 2014?

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[BisonNation11]

Anyone know when the Spring Game is...I believe it was 4/27 last year so I wasn't sure if it would be the same weekend in 2014?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Odds are that won't be announced until closer to April or the start of spring ball

[dgoergs]

Odds are that won't be announced until closer to April or the start of spring ball

Thanks...I plan on being up there so I'm trying to plan ahead.

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[Rixen]

Perhaps I am still a bit confused.

I understand the R designation in front of their year to designate that they redshirted. But what about the current 1st year redshirts vs starters.

Hahn and DeLuca are both listed as freshman. DeLuca played and Hahn kept his redshirt yet they are listed the same as Fr.

If you put an Rfr in front of Hahn and just Fr in front of DeLuca, than that throws off the next year. Unless you simply keep Hahn listed as a Rfr for this year and next year and DeLuca a So next year.

Sorry if this confusing and thanks for the help.

[TAILG8R]

Perhaps I am still a bit confused.

I understand the R designation in front of their year to designate that they redshirted. But what about the current 1st year redshirts vs starters.

Hahn and DeLuca are both listed as freshman. DeLuca played and Hahn kept his redshirt yet they are listed the same as Fr.

If you put an Rfr in front of Hahn and just Fr in front of DeLuca, than that throws off the next year. Unless you simply keep Hahn listed as a Rfr for this year and next year and DeLuca a So next year.

Sorry if this confusing and thanks for the help.

Maybe I am wrong but don't they list both as Fr until next year and DeLuca will be a Soph and Hahn will be a Rfr?

[td577]

Perhaps I am still a bit confused.

I understand the R designation in front of their year to designate that they redshirted. But what about the current 1st year redshirts vs starters.

Hahn and DeLuca are both listed as freshman. DeLuca played and Hahn kept his redshirt yet they are listed the same as Fr.

If you put an Rfr in front of Hahn and just Fr in front of DeLuca, than that throws off the next year. Unless you simply keep Hahn listed as a Rfr for this year and next year and DeLuca a So next year.

Sorry if this confusing and thanks for the help.

You are getting it. Next year, DeLuca will be listed as a So. and Hahn will be listed as a RFr. The term redshirt freshman is used to designate an academic sophomore with freshman athletic eligibility. So right now, even though one is playing, they are both freshman. Neither is a redshirt freshman. Then, subsequently, they will be listed a Junior and Redshirt Sophomore, as both will be academic juniors but in different years of eligibility athletically. So you can't be a redshirt freshman until you are an academic sophomore, hence the listing for both as freshmen. The R designation isn't that they are presently redshirted, it is that they were redshirted.

[Herd12]

You are getting it. Next year, DeLuca will be listed as a So. and Hahn will be listed as a RFr. The term redshirt freshman is used to designate an academic sophomore with freshman athletic eligibility. So right now, even though one is playing, they are both freshman. Neither is a redshirt freshman. Then, subsequently, they will be listed a Junior and Redshirt Sophomore, as both will be academic juniors but in different years of eligibility athletically. So you can't be a redshirt freshman until you are an academic sophomore, hence the listing for both as freshmen. The R designation isn't that they are presently redshirted, it is that they were redshirted.

this is accurate.

[JSUBison]

How many starters did we have return following the first two championships versus this next season (2014)?

[HerdBot]

[Starters / big contributers on the 2011 National Championship team not on 2013
Proof we reload

Defense
John Pike
Daniel Eaves
Christian Dudzik (cornerback)
Preston Evans
Chad Willson
Coulter Boyer
Scott Stoczynski
Justin Juckem
Brandon Jemison
Airiel Boyd
Rickey Hagen
Bobby Ollman

OFFENSE
Austin Richard
Joe Lund
Paul Cornick
DJ McNorton
Warren Holloway
Garret Bruhn
Matt Veldman
Andrew Okland

Ryan Jastram
Matt Voightlander[

How many starters did we have return following the first two championships versus this next season (2014)?

[Herd12]

How many starters did we have return following the first two championships versus this next season (2014)?

Starters lost off of '13 team (11):

QB Brock Jensen
RB Sam Ojuri
FB Andrew Grothmann
LT Billy Turner
RG Tyler Gimmestad
WR Ryan Smith (kinda)
LE Cole Jirik
DT Leevon Perry
NG Ryan Drevlow
MLB Grant Olson
CB Marcus Williams

Starters lost off of '12 team (3):

C Joe Lund
CB Andre Martin, Jr.
TE Garret Bruhn (kinda)

Starters lost off of the '11 team (9):

FS Daniel Eaves
RB DJ McNorton
LB Preston Evans
LB Chad Willson
OT Paul Cornick
OG Austin Richard
WR Warren Holloway
TE Matt Veldman
DE Coulter Boyer

[bisonmike2]

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/01/07/in-fcs-huddle-sneak-peek-to-2014-fcs-season/

A match up in Frisco against EWU...I'll take it.

[Herd12]

I hope they show every guy on the team that they are ranked below Eastern. Just awesome.

[56BISON73]

In 2009 we had Jose, who was a far better QB than Mertens. Bohl should have let Jose play half the Wagner game to give him experience and then started pulling Mertens when he did the deer in the headlights thing. He probably could have started Jose by the 5th game instead of waiting until the 8th game.

Wasnt Jose suspended at that time?

[EndZoneQB]

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2014/01/07/in-fcs-huddle-sneak-peek-to-2014-fcs-season/

A match up in Frisco against EWU...I'll take it.

Well, now I know who not to listen to politically.

Here is the real link for those of us that like our news biased:

http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/writers/infcshuddle/index.htm

I actually thought maybe EWU would be #2 below us in this link.

[bisonmike2]

Well, now I know who not to listen to politically.

Here is the real link for those of us that like our news biased:

http://sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/writers/infcshuddle/index.htm

I actually thought maybe EWU would be #2 below us in this link.

For some reason the sports network links don't show up in my google news feed but the fox news links do.

[BisonNeil]

I have been looking through the roster and I keep thinking how incredibly deep we really are. There will be a few places to back fill next season, but the 2014 Bison could easily win the conference, and if the right stuff comes together.......Izzy may very well have his car die coming back from Texas about this time in January of 2015. Folks, the cupboard is not bare.....it isn't half empty......the darn cupboard is FULL!!

I don't disagree that the cupboard is probably full, but the attrition rates of the 2011 and 2012 classes are fairly high which has led to some holes in certain positions, most notably LB and DL.

At DL, after upper classmen Hardie, Shaetz, and Emanuel, you have RFr Farnlof (coming off ACL) and TFr Jacobsen, Tanquay, and Ambrosius. There are also a ton of TFr walk ons also at that position. Basically, very thin on experience and until they hit the field and play we really don't know what we have, talent-wise. Regardless of talent, the experience will take time to develop and that could hurt early on against teams like Montana and Iowa State.

The same is true at LB. After Carlton Littlejohn, Thorton, and Beck as seniors, DeLuca and PGT will be a TSo and Stumpf will be a RSo, none of whom has a lot of experience on the field playing LB. After that there will be RFr Hahn, Plank and Gates.

In other words, at LB and DL there are obvious holes that have been created in the depth chart due to attrition at these two positions from the '11 and '12 classes.

So, while the 40,000 ft birds eye view says the Bison are loaded, there are depth issues as far as I am concerned on the defense.

[td577]

I don't disagree that the cupboard is probably full, but the attrition rates of the 2011 and 2012 classes are fairly high which has led to some holes in certain positions, most notably LB and DL.

At DL, after upper classmen Hardie, Shaetz, and Emanuel, you have RFr Farnlof (coming off ACL) and TFr Jacobsen, Tanquay, and Ambrosius. There are also a ton of TFr walk ons also at that position. Basically, very thin on experience and until they hit the field and play we really don't know what we have, talent-wise. Regardless of talent, the experience will take time to develop and that could hurt early on against teams like Montana and Iowa State.

The same is true at LB. After Carlton Littlejohn, Thorton, and Beck as seniors, DeLuca and PGT will be a TSo and Stumpf will be a RSo, none of whom has a lot of experience on the field playing LB. After that there will be RFr Hahn, Plank and Gates.

In other words, at LB and DL there are obvious holes that have been created in the depth chart due to attrition at these two positions from the '11 and '12 classes.

So, while the 40,000 ft birds eye view says the Bison are loaded, there are depth issues as far as I am concerned on the defense.

I think 2014 is starting to look a lot like 2011, going into the season. A lot of young guys on defense surrounded by some good experience. I am less concerned about the defense because it has become a machine with plug and play parts. As long as the young guys listen and trust the coaches, they'll be fine.

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[NDSU1980]

Wasnt Jose suspended at that time?

Nope, Wagner was the third game that year and Jose was back on the team. Bohl put Jose in very late in the game and he only made one pass the entire game, however, it was for a touchdown. The Wagner game was the only game Mertens would win that year.

[Bison-Knuckle]

Nice article and interview with Haeg.

http://pineandlakes.com/echo-sports/2014-01-14/ndsus-haeg-started-playing-football-in-nisswa

Love the quotes about NDSU being one of the best decisions he ever made.