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YSU Penguin Athletics => YSU Penguin Athletics => Topic started by: Penguin Nation on January 15, 2017, 09:11:34 AM
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The final exam in Frisco, Texas, has been taken and grades are in for this year’s Youngstown State football team.
offense
Grade: B
Overall: As much slack as the offense rightly took when YSU was unable to find the end zone with any consistency throughout the middle of the season, this unit had tons of achievements to hang their hats on, including a new school record 394 rushing yards in their first game. At the end of the regular season, the quarterback play of once fourth-stringer Hunter Wells was on full display in a 65-20 win at Missouri State and it was mainly the offense winning huge playoff games at Jacksonville State and Eastern Washington.
Despite four different quarterbacks and suspensions to running back Martin Ruiz and wide receiver Darien Townsend in the playoffs, this unit came together nicely by season’s end.
Quarterback
Who’s gone: Possibly Trent Hosick as he attempts to recover from a broken collarbone.
Who’s returning: Hunter Wells, Ricky Davis, Nathan Mays.
Grade: B-
Overall: Injuries and turnover at the position hurts this grade more than anything. Davis was mostly effective at the beginning of the season as he battled through concussions while it was Wells who grew up quickly midway through the season to lead the team through the playoffs. When the offense was struggling to move the ball, it was mainly because of the quarterback play. But when the offense was dangerous late in the year, it was because Wells was hitting his stride.
Running Back
Who’s gone: Jody Webb, Ruiz.
Who’s returning: Tevin McCaster, Joe Alessi, Devon McNutt, London Person.
Grade: A.
Overall: By far the best offensive unit this year. The two-headed monster of Webb and Ruiz was unstoppable for most defenses and the occasional great game from McCaster made the transition to lean on Webb more a smooth transition once Ruiz was suspended. The experience McCaster gained will be invaluable to the YSU offense next year as he’ll be the only returner with significant experience.
Tight Ends
Who’s gone: Jacob Wood.
Who’s returning: Kevin Rader, Shane Kuhn, Anthony Parente.
Grade: A
Overall: Whether it was helping out in the run game, or being the easy, open target when wide receivers were having trouble getting open, the tight ends were dependable and steady all year long for an offense that was constantly changing in every other area. The catch by Rader to win the FCS semifinal didn’t hurt this grade.
wide receivers
Who’s gone: Nobody.
Who’s returning: Damoun Paterson, Alvin Bailey, Robert Byrd, I’Tavious Harvin, Isiah Scott, Stefan Derrick, Jermiah Braswell, Townsend, Donovan McWilson, Zack Torbert, Lasander Washington, Ryan Emans, Samuel St. Surin, Brad Good, Tre’von Williams, Darius Shackleford
Grade: C+
Overall: The grade might be a little harsh considering this is the unit that was most affected by all the turnover at quarterback. But there were flashes of what players like Bailey and Patterson could become at games like West Virginia, Jacksonville State and Missouri State. A full offseason and fall camp with consistency at quarterback will do wonders for a talented group.
offensive line
Who’s gone: Brock Eisenhuth, Dylan Colucci.
Who’s returning: Jarred Jones, Gavin Wiggins, Justin Spencer, Norman Fox, Connor Sharp, Cameron Fraser, James Wilson, Jacob Zinni, Jason Simx, Jeff Rotherham, Cole Newsome, Vitas Hrynkiewicz, Cole McHenry.
Grade: A-
Overall: This group not only opened up gaping holes for the running backs all year, but had to learn how to play together during a fall camp when the team was trying to pick between four quarterbacks. The injuries at quarterback kept the level of difficulty high. But this group was consistent despite all the inconsistency on the scoreboard.
Defense
Grade: A
Overall: The YSU defense performed and then some this year. From holding Robert Morris to negative rushing yards to holding opposing offenses to well below season averages on a weekly basis, this unit picked up three-and-outs like the Browns picked up losses. When the offense couldn’t find the end zone, it was the defense that you could credit for wins over Indiana State and Northern Iowa.
Defensive Line
Who’s gone: Joshmere Dawson, Avery Moss, Derek Rivers, Rickey Hagood.
Who’s returning: Jamal Smith, Johnson Louigene, Shereif Bynum, Savon Smith, Justin Metzel, Giacamo Cappabianca, Simon Smith, Cody Squiric, Lamont Ragland, Wesley Thompson, Donald Mesier, Fazson Chapman.
Grade: A+
Overall: Rivers and Moss were monsters all year to opposing offenses while defensive tackles Mesier, Savon Smith and Squiric were black holes to opposing run games. This unit was able to consistently make life easier for the rest of the defense by shutting down running attacks and then going after the quarterback once teams abandoned the run.
Linebackers
Who’s gone: Jamar Pinnock, Jaylin Kelly, Cole Kochman.
Who’s returning: Jonathan Pollock, Lee Wright, Nathan Pittman, Malachi Newell, Christian Randall-Posey, Curtis Parks, Armand Dellovade.
Grade: A-
Overall: Dellovade, only a sophomore, led the Penguins in tackles and the unit executed at a high level despite losing Wright for the regular season before seamlessly fitting him back into the lineup for the playoffs. This unit was able to blitz effectively thanks to the double teams the defensive line forced and was able to play pass defense when blitzing wasn’t necessary.
Secondary
Who’s gone: Eric Thompson, LeRoy Alexander, Kenny Bishop, Nate Dortch, Jameel Smith, David Rivers III.
Who’s returning: Kyle Hegedus, Solomon Warfield, Avery Larkin, Jalyn Powell, Billy Nicoe Hurst, D.J. Thomas, Chrispin Lee, Darius Hall, Kieran Winn, Mike Nash, Logan Rhea.
Grade: B
Overall: This unit probably gave up more passing yards due to teams abandoning the run so often. The secondary was susceptible to the deep ball against West Virginia, South Dakota State and Eastern Washington, and gave away momentum in critical moments. Having to go up against EWU’s passing game without Alexander or Smith due to suspensions didn’t help matters. But overall, this unit performed adequately.
Special Teams
Who’s gone: Nobody.
Who’s returning: Nate Needham, Connor McFadden, Steven Wethli, Mark Schuler, Zak Kennedy.
Grade: C
Overall: Schuler was excellent throughout the season, averaging 42.5 yards per punt as a freshman and Townsend’s punt return won the Indiana State game. But Kennedy was consistently inconsistent making 16-19 field goals from 39 or fewer yards and was 3-10 from 40 yards away or more and nearly cost the team the Wofford win in the FCS quarterfinals. Two field goals were blocked and a blocked punt in the National Championship game came at the worst possible moment.
Coaching
Grade: A
Overall: You’d be hard pressed to find a coaching staff who had to deal with more throughout a season. From four different quarterbacks, suspensions to five significant starters and an inconsistent offense, the coaching staff was able to keep this team focused and ready to play each week. Lesser coaching staffs would have gotten a lot less out of this team
http://www.vindy.com/news/2017/jan/15/defenders-score-highest-on-report-card/
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QBs - C at best. Hunter improved a lot this year but his lack of mobility keeps him at C.
DBs - also C at best. With Alexander gone no real stud back there like JMU had.
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I'm not at all high on the DB's. Alexander only "hitter" we had and coverage was marginal overall.
WR has big question marks about getting separation. I didn't see much all season long against anybody with a decent D.
However, I am far higher than a C on Hunter. Did anybody see this team getting to the NC game? He made all the plays down the stretch but the "haters" just don't seem to care.
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Yea the grades are based on performance not athletic ability. He was what 7-2 down the stretch and beat the 2 and 3 seeds on the road. You can't say the D bailed him out in those games. We have posters on here that declared that if Hunter plays it would be an utter disaster and we would never make the play-offs. He was an elite 90 player and what do we get the sound of crickets. I guess performance always silence the "haters"!
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
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However, I am far higher than a C on Hunter. Did anybody see this team getting to the NC game? He made all the plays down the stretch but the "haters" just don't seem to care.
Do McCaster and Webb know Wells "made all the plays"? :D
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However, I am far higher than a C on Hunter. Did anybody see this team getting to the NC game? He made all the plays down the stretch but the "haters" just don't seem to care.
Do McCaster and Webb know Wells "made all the plays"? :D
No more than Rivers and Moss know it. For those haters too dumb to figure it out on their own, when referring to Hunter making "all the plays" I am referring to plays at QB, which is the position he plays.
I’ll tell you what, Webb, McCaster, Rivers and Moss all know without Wells stepping up and putting his uniform back on and stepping back on the field after being trashed by the coaching staff, they would have all been at home watching the playoffs on ESPN3.
Interesting that the haters who questioned Hunter's manhood for not running more, have been suspiciously quiet during our playoff run. I guess watching Hunter tuck and run for some key 1st downs during the last 5 games had shut them up a bit. Don't get me wrong, "run" is a word you should use judiciously when describing Wells, maybe "amble" would be better? But the guy made the plays and only the most virulent haters won't recognize his accomplishments.
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The good new DE is a Cleveland area transfer from the OVC. His name is Steven Pappadakes and he is 6'4" 260 and fast! He had to sit out due to NCAA transfer, but practiced all fall and looks to be really good!
Here is his high school HUDL video:
http://www.hudl.com/video/3/2794926/5721eb309a91677e74b9b866
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I like most of the grades.
I am not as high on our Defense as he and most of you, as we really lack balance in my opinion and many opposing strategists (at least early on), let Rivers and Moss become bigger than they are. That is a good thing for Rivers, Moss and the YSU defense. However, by the end of the season, coaches knew what to do and it was play right at our DE. If coach Carl brought in the run support, just fire the ball down field, or if he did not, then run crossing roots or run the ball. I also felt we were under-prepared for Samford. I think another year of recruiting will do nicely in correcting the need to move players around like that.
Special teams needs to heal and to work. I like that we saw focus on it, but this is a year too late and I am not certain we have a qualified coach. Maybe we do not need one and another spring and summer will be enough? I think the skilled players are fine and hopefully will heal up over the next couple of months.
Offense. The last couple of games showed how much we needed Ruiz. He simply is a rare breed of back that is small/fast enough to get to the next level and also strong enough to play in the MVFC. I fear we go into 2017 needing two backs to accomplish this; maybe a much more traditional offense may be in order. Maybe coach Montgomery and coach Nic can find another Marcus Mason out there. Also we were just getting close to having enough line depth & now we lose Brock and Dylan. Lot's of recruiting needed this year and it may be a few JUCO's that keep us going next year. It would be nice if coach Nic has some connections in GA and AL for us and can bring size and speed.
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
I also the LB transfer from Rutgers. Who redshirted last year
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However, I am far higher than a C on Hunter. Did anybody see this team getting to the NC game? He made all the plays down the stretch but the "haters" just don't seem to care.
Do McCaster and Webb know Wells "made all the plays"? :D
No more than Rivers and Moss know it. For those haters too dumb to figure it out on their own, when referring to Hunter making "all the plays" I am referring to plays at QB, which is the position he plays.
I’ll tell you what, Webb, McCaster, Rivers and Moss all know without Wells stepping up and putting his uniform back on and stepping back on the field after being trashed by the coaching staff, they would have all been at home watching the playoffs on ESPN3.
Interesting that the haters who questioned Hunter's manhood for not running more, have been suspiciously quiet during our playoff run. I guess watching Hunter tuck and run for some key 1st downs during the last 5 games had shut them up a bit. Don't get me wrong, "run" is a word you should use judiciously when describing Wells, maybe "amble" would be better? But the guy made the plays and only the most virulent haters won't recognize his accomplishments.
Just a side note..The quarterbacks they are looking to sign this year out of high school are true Pro style / Pocket passers very similar to Wells. The one player the staff is very high on is Joe Craycraft from Marion Pleasant..He is a mirror image of Wells coming out of high school..Tall and slender and not really known as a dual threat
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
I also the LB transfer from Rutgers. Who redshirted last year
Jonathan Pollock. Hard to get too high on a 3 star 1-A national recruit that can't win a roster spot at 1-AA I'd guess the 6'-0" is probably a couple inches more than actual.
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
I also the LB transfer from Rutgers. Who redshirted last year
Jonathan Pollock. Hard to get too high on a 3 star 1-A national recruit that can't win a roster spot at 1-AA I'd guess the 6'-0" is probably a couple inches more than actual.
He sat the first two games because of allegations with Rutgers. Then before he was scheduled to play at West Virginia he got a bad concussion that forced him to miss 4 weeks of practice. Hence the red shirt. But I'm sure you knew that
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
I also the LB transfer from Rutgers. Who redshirted last year
Jonathan Pollock. Hard to get too high on a 3 star 1-A national recruit that can't win a roster spot at 1-AA I'd guess the 6'-0" is probably a couple inches more than actual.
He sat the first two games because of allegations with Rutgers. Then before he was scheduled to play at West Virginia he got a bad concussion that forced him to miss 4 weeks of practice. Hence the red shirt. But I'm sure you knew that
Nope, I don't track transfers that can't win roster spots. We've seen dozens over the years and every so often one really steps up and helps (Moss), but most never do. The issues they have somewhere else seem to follow them around. (IE Alexander who played great for a season and 1/2 before reverting go his old self or the all-world TE Louis Irizarry who never did anything on the field)
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I also could care very little less than someone's assesment of last year's team. I really care about NEXT year's team. Looks like our 2 best recruits are DE's (1 recruit, 1 transfer) Boy, do we need DEs!
I also the LB transfer from Rutgers. Who redshirted last year
Jonathan Pollock. Hard to get too high on a 3 star 1-A national recruit that can't win a roster spot at 1-AA I'd guess the 6'-0" is probably a couple inches more than actual.
He sat the first two games because of allegations with Rutgers. Then before he was scheduled to play at West Virginia he got a bad concussion that forced him to miss 4 weeks of practice. Hence the red shirt. But I'm sure you knew that
Nope, I don't track transfers that can't win roster spots. We've seen dozens over the years and every so often one really steps up and helps (Moss), but most never do. The issues they have somewhere else seem to follow them around. (IE Alexander who played great for a season and 1/2 before reverting go his old self or the all-world TE Louis Irizarry who never did anything on the field)
I think you are being overly judgmental on a 18 year old kid without knowing there whole story. You have no idea why he transferred. He did win a roster spot and I have told you why he didn't play this past season. I look at who he was offered from in high school. This young man had over 14 D1 offers. He was committed to Mississippi State. Then switched to Rutgers before there previous staff was let go. He was a early High School graduate and choose YSU over D1 schools so he could play close to his family. I will take 20 of those kids every year
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
HIGH SCHOOL: Battled through injuries during senior campaign...helped the Panthers to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the regional final…competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Daytona Beach, Fla….named 2014 FACA All-District...as a junior, collected 94 tackles, 14 TFLs, six sacks, two blocked kicks, an interception and defensive touchdown registered 86 tackles, 17 TFLs, eight sacks and two forced fumbles during sophomore season...named 2013 Class 8A All-State by FloridaHSFootball...competed on the USA U-18 team, serving as a team captain...named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 National Underclassmen Combine in Orlando, Fla....consensus three-star recruit...No. 9 inside linebacker in Florida and rated No. 61 at his position in the country by Scout...rated the 89th-best linebacker by ESPN...a top-150 recruit in the Sunshine State by 247Sports...coach was Rodney Wells.
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
HIGH SCHOOL: Battled through injuries during senior campaign...helped the Panthers to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the regional final…competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Daytona Beach, Fla….named 2014 FACA All-District...as a junior, collected 94 tackles, 14 TFLs, six sacks, two blocked kicks, an interception and defensive touchdown registered 86 tackles, 17 TFLs, eight sacks and two forced fumbles during sophomore season...named 2013 Class 8A All-State by FloridaHSFootball...competed on the USA U-18 team, serving as a team captain...named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 National Underclassmen Combine in Orlando, Fla....consensus three-star recruit...No. 9 inside linebacker in Florida and rated No. 61 at his position in the country by Scout...rated the 89th-best linebacker by ESPN...a top-150 recruit in the Sunshine State by 247Sports...coach was Rodney Wells.
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And what's your point. 8A- All State Junior Year
Number 61 ILB in the country. 89th best linebacker in the country by ESPN.
Like I said I will take 20 of him
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
Mississippi State (1) Rutgers (2) YSU (3) let's check my math, 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 then I am correct, aren't I, he committed to 3 schools? Quitting over a coaching change makes me suspicious. And not only is your math questionable, but your geography seems to be severely challenged. If his father grew up in NE PA but lives in FL, then Youngstown would not be my idea of playing close to his home. Rutgers is much closer to where his father used to be?!??!?
Physically issues were documented on the YSU website. You might want to look.
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
HIGH SCHOOL: Battled through injuries during senior campaign...helped the Panthers to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the regional final…competed in the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Daytona Beach, Fla….named 2014 FACA All-District...as a junior, collected 94 tackles, 14 TFLs, six sacks, two blocked kicks, an interception and defensive touchdown registered 86 tackles, 17 TFLs, eight sacks and two forced fumbles during sophomore season...named 2013 Class 8A All-State by FloridaHSFootball...competed on the USA U-18 team, serving as a team captain...named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 National Underclassmen Combine in Orlando, Fla....consensus three-star recruit...No. 9 inside linebacker in Florida and rated No. 61 at his position in the country by Scout...rated the 89th-best linebacker by ESPN...a top-150 recruit in the Sunshine State by 247Sports...coach was Rodney Wells.
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And what's your point. 8A- All State Junior Year
Number 61 ILB in the country. 89th best linebacker in the country by ESPN.
Like I said I will take 20 of him
You can have 20 of them, be my guest. You'll win a couple too I'm sure, but not many. Nobody loaded with transfers ever does. Find them, recruit them, coach them, win with them. Best way. Ocassional transfer can fill a hole, but 20 of them would be a disaster. Maybe this kick can help with kick coverage.
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He has "committed" to at least 3 schools now, correct? And yes, I am being judgmental on a transfer, with both physical issues and commitment issues (and perhaps geography issues if he thinks YSU is playing close to his Orlando FL home) . They usually don't work out, but occasionally do. Maybe I'm being too judgmental on Pollock, but paying attention to history is the best way to forecast the future, and most don't contribute much. AND lest we forget, Irizarry stayed in school, got a degree and is working as an accountant. MOST of these kids will never make a dime as an athlete, so it's good to see Louis finally "got it".
What physical issues? He played at the highest level of High School football is Florida and was all state as a Junior. Wasn't both wide receivers this year, Bailey and Patterson transfers and both are from Florida. As far as Pollock being away from home. According to his Rutgers profile his father grew up in Northeastern PA and his mother is from Ohio.
Commitment issues, you know nothing about the kid or recruiting obviously. He committed to Miss State as a Freshman and then left Rutgers because of a coaching change.
Mississippi State (1) Rutgers (2) YSU (3) let's check my math, 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 then I am correct, aren't I, he committed to 3 schools? Quitting over a coaching change makes me suspicious. And not only is your math questionable, but your geography seems to be severely challenged. If his father grew up in NE PA but lives in FL, then Youngstown would not be my idea of playing close to his home. Rutgers is much closer to where his father used to be?!??!?
Physically issues were documented on the YSU website. You might want to look.
Yes he was committed to 2 schools prior to YSU. No one questioned that. Not sure why that's a big deal. Also him leaving Rutgers because of a coaching change is not a big deal, he obviously didn't like the new staff, so why stay.
As far as geography is concerned. Yes Rutgers is closer to YSU. But his mothers family is in Ohio, which you conveniently ignored to prove your point. Playing at YSU is closer to his fathers family then playing at San Diego State or USF isn't it.
As far as physical issues go. It says he was hurt during his Senior Season in High School. Nothing since and doesn't say what it was. It could have been nothing more than a bad hamstring pull.
Why don't you go look at his tackles during Rutgers Spring game last spring. Before you pass judgement on him. A little research never hurt anyone and you might not sound so foolish.
My point on taking 20 kids like was for taking a kid who had multiple D1 offers, Team Captain of multiple All American teams. Graduated High School early. All Star player. Never read anything bad about the kid. Not that he is a transfer, but you spin it anyway you like
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Go Guins must be a parent of some kid who's spot got taken by a transfer. Sour grapes it sounds like.
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To be successful we will need transfers. We are not like the Dakotas and the only show in town.
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Go Guins must be a parent of some kid who's spot got taken by a transfer. Sour grapes it sounds like.
Well, you've never been more wrong that that guess! I just watch the players come in and go out without much contribution. Last transfer we had that worked out before Moss was Lamar Mady but he came in with 4 transfers and he was the only one that contributed.
The other thing about these guys is they almost always have only 2 years and it takes one to learn the system etc. LOOK THEM UP, the facts support my position, not the "we need transfers because we have competition for plays etc. excuse making. Good Grief, Ohio has 11,000,000 MORE people than ND. They might be the only game in town, but it isn't much of a town!
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Players who transferred to YSU/2016 achievements:
Most INTs: LeRoy Alexander. Second most INTs: Jalyn Powell
Most receptions: Alvin Bailey
Avery Moss....nuff said
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Players who transferred to YSU/2016 achievements:
Most INTs: LeRoy Alexander. Second most INTs: Jalyn Powell
Most receptions: Alvin Bailey
Avery Moss....nuff said
Players that missed time do to failed drug tests Alexander and Powell. Not sure about Powell, but Alexander has previous issues which followed him and let us down it the biggest games.
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I like most of the grades.
I am not as high on our Defense as he and most of you, as we really lack balance in my opinion and many opposing strategists (at least early on), let Rivers and Moss become bigger than they are. That is a good thing for Rivers, Moss and the YSU defense. However, by the end of the season, coaches knew what to do and it was play right at our DE. If coach Carl brought in the run support, just fire the ball down field, or if he did not, then run crossing roots or run the ball. I also felt we were under-prepared for Samford. I think another year of recruiting will do nicely in correcting the need to move players around like that.
Special teams needs to heal and to work. I like that we saw focus on it, but this is a year too late and I am not certain we have a qualified coach. Maybe we do not need one and another spring and summer will be enough? I think the skilled players are fine and hopefully will heal up over the next couple of months.
Offense. The last couple of games showed how much we needed Ruiz. He simply is a rare breed of back that is small/fast enough to get to the next level and also strong enough to play in the MVFC. I fear we go into 2017 needing two backs to accomplish this; maybe a much more traditional offense may be in order. Maybe coach Montgomery and coach Nic can find another Marcus Mason out there. Also we were just getting close to having enough line depth & now we lose Brock and Dylan. Lot's of recruiting needed this year and it may be a few JUCO's that keep us going next year. It would be nice if coach Nic has some connections in GA and AL for us and can bring size and speed.
We don't need a speed or a bigger size back.....we have one in McCaster...... We also have 4 young great backs behind him. I thought we all saw that within the games he played in this season. I agree with some of the things you said but what last couple of games showed us that we needed Ruiz? Eastern Washington game Jody had what 22 carries for 100 and McCaster had 20+ for 154.....in the championship game....Jody had 20+ and McCaster had 2.....I guess we needed Ruiz to get 20? McCaster has proving that he can carry the load we just have get him and our other backs more touchest. we need to be more concern about the defense.......Defense Ends , corners, safety's.... Try to replace the seniors that left for bigger things. Again we don't need Marcus Mason or no other Mason's unless they play defense.....
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However, I am far higher than a C on Hunter. Did anybody see this team getting to the NC game? He made all the plays down the stretch but the "haters" just don't seem to care.
Do McCaster and Webb know Wells "made all the plays"? :D
No more than Rivers and Moss know it. For those haters too dumb to figure it out on their own, when referring to Hunter making "all the plays" I am referring to plays at QB, which is the position he plays.
I’ll tell you what, Webb, McCaster, Rivers and Moss all know without Wells stepping up and putting his uniform back on and stepping back on the field after being trashed by the coaching staff, they would have all been at home watching the playoffs on ESPN3.
Interesting that the haters who questioned Hunter's manhood for not running more, have been suspiciously quiet during our playoff run. I guess watching Hunter tuck and run for some key 1st downs during the last 5 games had shut them up a bit. Don't get me wrong, "run" is a word you should use judiciously when describing Wells, maybe "amble" would be better? But the guy made the plays and only the most virulent haters won't recognize his accomplishments.
I agree with you Hunter step up and if he didn't step up no one could never point fingers at him. I believe that with hunter and McCaster, # 30 we will have a great back field in 2017..... We just need to fill our defensive secondary with key seniors leaving including defense ends
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I do agree with you Grapestreet and I am not trying to bash McCaster, but he really is a more traditional back. Moves more like a fullback. Although yes he did open his game up a couple of times this year & looked good. Not sure he can do that against a stout run-defense consistently though. That being said I hope I am wrong and want to give him every opportunity in the world to take over at #1. He caught my eye at camp. He will really need to step up his receiving game to take over at #1.
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I like most of the grades.
I am not as high on our Defense as he and most of you, as we really lack balance in my opinion and many opposing strategists (at least early on), let Rivers and Moss become bigger than they are. That is a good thing for Rivers, Moss and the YSU defense. However, by the end of the season, coaches knew what to do and it was play right at our DE. If coach Carl brought in the run support, just fire the ball down field, or if he did not, then run crossing roots or run the ball. I also felt we were under-prepared for Samford. I think another year of recruiting will do nicely in correcting the need to move players around like that.
Special teams needs to heal and to work. I like that we saw focus on it, but this is a year too late and I am not certain we have a qualified coach. Maybe we do not need one and another spring and summer will be enough? I think the skilled players are fine and hopefully will heal up over the next couple of months.
Offense. The last couple of games showed how much we needed Ruiz. He simply is a rare breed of back that is small/fast enough to get to the next level and also strong enough to play in the MVFC. I fear we go into 2017 needing two backs to accomplish this; maybe a much more traditional offense may be in order. Maybe coach Montgomery and coach Nic can find another Marcus Mason out there. Also we were just getting close to having enough line depth & now we lose Brock and Dylan. Lot's of recruiting needed this year and it may be a few JUCO's that keep us going next year. It would be nice if coach Nic has some connections in GA and AL for us and can bring size and speed.
We don't need a speed or a bigger size back.....we have one in McCaster...... We also have 4 young great backs behind him. I thought we all saw that within the games he played in this season. I agree with some of the things you said but what last couple of games showed us that we needed Ruiz? Eastern Washington game Jody had what 22 carries for 100 and McCaster had 20+ for 154.....in the championship game....Jody had 20+ and McCaster had 2.....I guess we needed Ruiz to get 20? McCaster has proving that he can carry the load we just have get him and our other backs more touchest. we need to be more concern about the defense.......Defense Ends , corners, safety's.... Try to replace the seniors that left for bigger things. Again we don't need Marcus Mason or no other Mason's unless they play defense.....
4 great backs behind McCaster? Yes Alessi broke a couple long runs against the worst run defense I've ever seen in MSU, but beyond that.... 4 great backs??? Frankly McCaster seems like he will be OK, but he is far from Martin Ruiz right now. We have no big power back, and if we are going to run a more traditional power set with Wells, then we need a big back and a speed back (Ruiz and Webb) and in my mind we have neither right now.
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Wow I cant believe what I am reading...... I will save this and regurgitate this back to you once the season is under way. If any one of these kids had the opportunity that our seniors ( Webb and Ruiz)had. you would be saying something totally different. none of us really seen these kids play.... ok maybe on HUDl but as we all know its different on this level. I have faith in these kids and the coaching staff. McCaster will be a beast and Alessi will change the game this year. if you remember they said that Jody was to small and Martin need to put on weight..... we need a fullback, etc...... Come on.... we will be fine with the backs that we have along with some red shirt backs coming in this year.
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Wow I cant believe what I am reading...... I will save this and regurgitate this back to you once the season is under way. If any one of these kids had the opportunity that our seniors ( Webb and Ruiz)had. you would be saying something totally different. none of us really seen these kids play.... ok maybe on HUDl but as we all know its different on this level. I have faith in these kids and the coaching staff. McCaster will be a beast and Alessi will change the game this year. if you remember they said that Jody was to small and Martin need to put on weight..... we need a fullback, etc...... Come on.... we will be fine with the backs that we have along with some red shirt backs coming in this year.
I'm looking forward to your regertitation (not really)
McCaster will be a servicable back, I'm not questioning that, but what I am questioning in the no need for additional help and the "four great young backs" behind Tevin. Trust me, if they were great, we'd have seen them carrying the damn ball by now!
It is kind of ironic that one of our first recruites is a big RB named Braxton Chapman to go along with a couple DE's so at least the coaching staff is seeing the same thing as I am, and not blindly going with whatever we've got.
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McCaster is a good back but the addition of a big power back would really solidify our running game.
Also not bashing Wells, he had a good season and showed improvement and courage. But stop our running game and he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game.
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McCaster is a good back but the addition of a big power back would really solidify our running game.
Also not bashing Wells, he had a good season and showed improvement and courage. But stop our running game and he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game.
"he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game." So that is why he lost against SIU and we failed to make the playoffs? Perhaps you should watch the EWU game ending again and then tell me Hunter can't make the plays to win the game? Or Samford or Wofford. Your statement is among the dumbest things I've ever read.
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McCaster is a good back but the addition of a big power back would really solidify our running game.
Also not bashing Wells, he had a good season and showed improvement and courage. But stop our running game and he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game.
"he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game." So that is why he lost against SIU and we failed to make the playoffs? Perhaps you should watch the EWU game ending again and then tell me Hunter can't make the plays to win the game? Or Samford or Wofford. Your statement is among the dumbest things I've ever read.
go guins, why try to peel that scab back? The only response to your comments can be to start listing Hunter's deficiencies. Do you really want that? Why create straw man arguments and dare others to knock them down?
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McCaster is a good back but the addition of a big power back would really solidify our running game.
Also not bashing Wells, he had a good season and showed improvement and courage. But stop our running game and he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game.
"he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game." So that is why he lost against SIU and we failed to make the playoffs? Perhaps you should watch the EWU game ending again and then tell me Hunter can't make the plays to win the game? Or Samford or Wofford. Your statement is among the dumbest things I've ever read.
go guins, why try to peel that scab back? The only response to your comments can be to start listing Hunter's deficiencies. Do you really want that? Why create straw man arguments and dare others to knock them down?
So let me get this straight, this dipstick takes a cheap shot at Hunter Wells and I am supposed to keep quiet, because if I point out the obvious, which I did, then you will be "forced" to straighten me out by pointing out all Hunter's weaknesses? Well go for it, you arrogant ass. Are you going to tell us what we all know, Hunter isn’t much of a runner and that the running QB’s offer a greater variety of play calling options? Well, they also have a greater opportunity to sustain injuries, like Hosick and Davis did, defeating at least a major part of your argument. They left us “stuck” with Hunter and a great run to the NC game. Go ahead tell me how every QB in American is so much better than Wells. I’ll just key up the Samford game, or the Jacksonville State game or the Wofford game, or the EWU game and while away a couple enjoyable hours, ignoring you and the rest of the haters.
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The running game got us into the playoffs & to the championship game.
When JMU got ahead & stopped the running game we were done.
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McCaster is a good back but the addition of a big power back would really solidify our running game.
Also not bashing Wells, he had a good season and showed improvement and courage. But stop our running game and he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game.
"he does not have the athletic ability to take charge and win the game." So that is why he lost against SIU and we failed to make the playoffs? Perhaps you should watch the EWU game ending again and then tell me Hunter can't make the plays to win the game? Or Samford or Wofford. Your statement is among the dumbest things I've ever read.
go guins, why try to peel that scab back? The only response to your comments can be to start listing Hunter's deficiencies. Do you really want that? Why create straw man arguments and dare others to knock them down?
So let me get this straight, this dipstick takes a cheap shot at Hunter Wells and I am supposed to keep quiet, because if I point out the obvious, which I did, then you will be "forced" to straighten me out by pointing out all Hunter's weaknesses? Well go for it, you arrogant a$$. Are you going to tell us what we all know, Hunter isn’t much of a runner and that the running QB’s offer a greater variety of play calling options? Well, they also have a greater opportunity to sustain injuries, like Hosick and Davis did, defeating at least a major part of your argument. They left us “stuck” with Hunter and a great run to the NC game. Go ahead tell me how every QB in American is so much better than Wells. I’ll just key up the Samford game, or the Jacksonville State game or the Wofford game, or the EWU game and while away a couple enjoyable hours, ignoring you and the rest of the haters.
As much as you put the ball on the tee, and handed me the driver, I'm not going there. I've said it all before. He's improved from his 2015 performance and earlier 2016 performance. I'll leave it at that.
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The running game got us into the playoffs & to the championship game.
When JMU got ahead & stopped the running game we were done.
Very simplistic. First, JMU was better across the board. We couldn't run and we couldn't stop their run, and if you are looking for the early turning point, it was clearly special teams. They beat us on O, D and ST, frankly 28-14 was closer than the game I watched.
IF you are saying we couldn't have made it to the finals without the run game, that is absolutely true, but the flip side is also absolutely true, we couldn't have made it to the NC game without Hunter's passing, and without the special teams we would have had at least one, probably 2 more loses and never even been in the playoffs. Football is a team sport, one phase is not more important than any other. My only argument is against the haters who think Hunter Wells is a coward and an inferior athlete. He isn't much of a runner, but more to athletic endeavors than running. Ever watch most MLB pitchers run? Sometimes throwing counts too! Plus Hunter ran for a couple key 1st downs during the playoffs, and while not very graceful, he got the job done when needed most. We should be holding him up as a YSU classic hero instead of beating him up.
Shame on the haters.
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The only reason the running game with Webb and Ruiz got on track this year is because Wells was a legitimate threat in the passing game. He has shown better mobility in the pocket then last year and the ability to pull the ball down and pick up the necessary yards when needed and not get killed in the process. Minus the sacks he had a better yards per carry average then I would have ever expected. As good as JMU's pass rush was we do not have a single quarterback on our roster that could have escaped it
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Wow I cant believe what I am reading...... I will save this and regurgitate this back to you once the season is under way. If any one of these kids had the opportunity that our seniors ( Webb and Ruiz)had. you would be saying something totally different. none of us really seen these kids play.... ok maybe on HUDl but as we all know its different on this level. I have faith in these kids and the coaching staff. McCaster will be a beast and Alessi will change the game this year. if you remember they said that Jody was to small and Martin need to put on weight..... we need a fullback, etc...... Come on.... we will be fine with the backs that we have along with some red shirt backs coming in this year.
I'm looking forward to your regertitation (not really)
McCaster will be a servicable back, I'm not questioning that, but what I am questioning in the no need for
additional help and the "four great young backs" behind Tevin. Trust me, if they were great, we'd have seen them carrying the damn ball by now!
It is kind of ironic that one of our first recruites is a big RB named Braxton Chapman to go along with a couple DE's so at least the coaching staff is seeing the same thing as I am, and not blindly going with whatever we've got.
Go Guins:::::don't be so goulash.... We are just having a conversation about football. We both are penguins fans and we both love the school, we both would like them to succeed in every sport..... I would buy the first round and the second.... also....You make a very good point. Thanks for the feed back....Go Guins......
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Wow I cant believe what I am reading...... I will save this and regurgitate this back to you once the season is under way. If any one of these kids had the opportunity that our seniors ( Webb and Ruiz)had. you would be saying something totally different. none of us really seen these kids play.... ok maybe on HUDl but as we all know its different on this level. I have faith in these kids and the coaching staff. McCaster will be a beast and Alessi will change the game this year. if you remember they said that Jody was to small and Martin need to put on weight..... we need a fullback, etc...... Come on.... we will be fine with the backs that we have along with some red shirt backs coming in this year.
I'm looking forward to your regertitation (not really)
McCaster will be a servicable back, I'm not questioning that, but what I am questioning in the no need for
additional help and the "four great young backs" behind Tevin. Trust me, if they were great, we'd have seen them carrying the damn ball by now!
It is kind of ironic that one of our first recruites is a big RB named Braxton Chapman to go along with a couple DE's so at least the coaching staff is seeing the same thing as I am, and not blindly going with whatever we've got.
Go Guins:::::don't be so goulash.... We are just having a conversation about football. We both are penguins fans and we both love the school, we both would like them to succeed in every sport..... I would buy the first round and the second.... also....You make a very good point. Thanks for the feed back....Go Guins......
Agreed, both YSU fans and both want the same results.
You have me at a substatinal disadvantage because I have no idea what you mean by being "goulash." I'm not Hungarian and I don't wear them, so you've got me.
If you are accusing (need a better, softer word than accuse) me of being "hard" on you, then you may be right. I get frustrated sometimes with the blind reverance to anybody who was recruited in a prior year. We were not good enough to beat JMU and we are substantailly weaker now due to seniors leaving. We need significant help almost everywere, RB DB and DE most of all. You see the backup RB’s as being substantially better than I do. Based on 2017 recruiting class, Bo agrees with me as Chapman and Turner look to be contributors. Maybe Turner will move to WR as we need help there too. He appears to be able to get separation and that was an issue in 2016.
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Not going to beat a dead horse about Hunter we all know what he can and cannot do. All I know I witnessed a hell of run by the team and him. I don't expect us to duplicate the past year. I would hope that To at least make the playoffs. My wish list would to get more athletic on the offensive line. Get a big time WR and and find a couple of ball hawking corners and a safety that will put the boom on when called for Our biggest holes right now is the D line and the secondary. James Madison attacked the secondary right out the box that is our true weakness right now. But we need to focus on the positive and believe in Bo and what kind of kid he is recruiting. He is recruiting a mentality and wants good kids and kids with a good football iQ. Kinda like a team full of Bo's. Next year should be interesting and we will find out how good the coaching staff will be. There was too many positives that happened to us in 2016 and I think the 2017 team will benefit from it.
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Not going to beat a dead horse about Hunter we all know what he can and cannot do. All I know I witnessed a hell of run by the team and him. I don't expect us to duplicate the past year. I would hope that To at least make the playoffs. My wish list would to get more athletic on the offensive line. Get a big time WR and and find a couple of ball hawking corners and a safety that will put the boom on when called for Our biggest holes right now is the D line and the secondary. James Madison attacked the secondary right out the box that is our true weakness right now. But we need to focus on the positive and believe in Bo and what kind of kid he is recruiting. He is recruiting a mentality and wants good kids and kids with a good football iQ. Kinda like a team full of Bo's. Next year should be interesting and we will find out how good the coaching staff will be. There was too many positives that happened to us in 2016 and I think the 2017 team will benefit from it.
Great post, wish I would have written it!
We lost 680 lbs. on the left side of the OL in Colucci and Eisenhuth. I believe the YSU OL was bigger than the Buckeyes or the Browns. Sorry, but 350 is just too heavy to move much. I agree 100% with needing to be more athletic up front. I also like what I see and read about recruits and quality people. I guess getting burned with the drug suspensions struck a cord with the staff? Anyway, IMO things are looking good!