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Allen
Kamis, 26 Agustus 2010
Rabu, 25 Agustus 2010
Ferrum shows well in scrimmage against N.C.Tech
While I do not know a lot of details, I am happy to report that Ferrum looked strong against a usually strong N.C.Tech team in a scrimmage at Ferrum. Final: Ferrum 27- NC Tech 14. According to information I have received, Ferrum was up 24-0 at one point.
N.C. Tech is a preparatory school utilized by DI college programs to send recruits to get them prepared academically, and physically. They are never short of talent, and usually dominate the teams they play. Ferrum scrimmaged them last year and lost 41-10. This is a good sign for the Panthers!
Next up- E&H
N.C. Tech is a preparatory school utilized by DI college programs to send recruits to get them prepared academically, and physically. They are never short of talent, and usually dominate the teams they play. Ferrum scrimmaged them last year and lost 41-10. This is a good sign for the Panthers!
Next up- E&H
Selasa, 24 Agustus 2010
NFL Power Rankings
Each NFL season seems to bring a lot of turnover among the best teams in the NFL, as free agency and the draft can cause a lot of attrition in the League. However, it's always fun to try and predict which teams will be at the top of the heap once the season ends.
At the top of any power rankings should be the New Orleans Saints, simply because they are the defending Super Bowl champions. They did not experience a whole lot of roster turnover, and so there will be a lot of the same faces. The offense should again be very explosive, as they will be quarterbacked by Drew Brees, the MVP of the League. Sean Payton is also in place, as he makes all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together. If Gregg Williams can captain the defense to be as opportunistic as they were last season, the Saints will be strong contenders for the Super Bowl once again.
The Indianapolis Colts will be one of the best teams in the NFL as long as they still have Peyton Manning. He is one of the best QBs in the history of the game, and always seems to be make everyone around him perform at a higher level. They had two rookie WRs last year and an inconsistent running game, and still they were among the best teams in the NFL and almost won the Super Bowl. With the continuity that he provides for the offense, the Colts will be a great team once again.
Now that Brett Favre has returned from retirement, the Minnesota Vikings should again be among the top teams in the NFL. They have a lot of playmakers on offense, which will make them very difficult to gameplan against. If the Offensive Line can adequately protect Favre, they will put up a ton of points. The defense is getting older, but they are still among the best units in the League. They will be very hungry to get over the hump after just falling short last season.
It is shaping up to be a great NFL season, as there are a lot of great teams. The Saints, Colts, and Vikings were three of the best last season, and they look like three of the best heading into this season. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the best teams this year.
At the top of any power rankings should be the New Orleans Saints, simply because they are the defending Super Bowl champions. They did not experience a whole lot of roster turnover, and so there will be a lot of the same faces. The offense should again be very explosive, as they will be quarterbacked by Drew Brees, the MVP of the League. Sean Payton is also in place, as he makes all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together. If Gregg Williams can captain the defense to be as opportunistic as they were last season, the Saints will be strong contenders for the Super Bowl once again.
The Indianapolis Colts will be one of the best teams in the NFL as long as they still have Peyton Manning. He is one of the best QBs in the history of the game, and always seems to be make everyone around him perform at a higher level. They had two rookie WRs last year and an inconsistent running game, and still they were among the best teams in the NFL and almost won the Super Bowl. With the continuity that he provides for the offense, the Colts will be a great team once again.
Now that Brett Favre has returned from retirement, the Minnesota Vikings should again be among the top teams in the NFL. They have a lot of playmakers on offense, which will make them very difficult to gameplan against. If the Offensive Line can adequately protect Favre, they will put up a ton of points. The defense is getting older, but they are still among the best units in the League. They will be very hungry to get over the hump after just falling short last season.
It is shaping up to be a great NFL season, as there are a lot of great teams. The Saints, Colts, and Vikings were three of the best last season, and they look like three of the best heading into this season. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the best teams this year.
Senin, 23 Agustus 2010
Jumat, 20 Agustus 2010
The Search for a New Head Football Coach
When coach Dave Davis announced that he would be stepping down as the head football coach at Ferrum College, a chain reaction of emotions and questions began. Coach Davis, the fifth head coach in the 55 year history of Ferrum football, has reached the point that everyone looks forward to...retirement. A time for hanging up the clipboard, closing the playbook, and opening the next chapter in his life. Coach Davis has had a successful career, and has provided many young men inspiration, and leadership. His selection as the successor to Hank Norton, speaks volumes, and he has maintained the standard that Norton and the coaches before him set. There is no question that Ferrum College is a better place because of the dedication and devotion that coach Davis has exhibited.
While this announcement signaled the end of a wonderful career, it has also signaled the beginning of the questions as to who will be the sixth head coach. While it is easy to offer opinions as to who one thinks should be the next head coach, I will refrain from doing that, and rather offer a little insight as to the process for the selection of the next head coach.
In a letter dated August 16 from Dr. Jennifer Braaten, President of Ferrum College, and Kim Blair, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, it was revealed that the College would be forming a search committee in the next few months. This committee will be tasked with the selection of a new head coach.
How will this work? This is pure speculation on my part, but I see it working something like this: First, there will have to be criteria that the new coach must meet.
Experience- The candidate should have already been a head coach with a successful record, or an assistant coach in college. As this is a Division III program, it is not likely that there will be much interest from DI schools, but it is quite possible that assistant coaches at the DII and DIII levels will be interested.
Philosophy- Is this coach understanding that the student athlete is a student first and an athlete second? Winning, while important, cannot take the place of the academic challenges that players will face.
Recruiting experience- Has this person been actively involved in recruiting, and can they represent the College in a positive, and honest manner while following NCAA recruiting guidelines? Can this person implement recruiting strategies that will bring a high quality student athlete to Ferrum?
Budgeting and Expense Management- The candidate must realize that while this program has a history of success, it is a Division III private college. It is not blessed with an endless cash flow from donors and alumni. The person will have to assess the condition of equipment, and facilities, and make the best purchases to support the success of the program within budgetary guidelines.
These are some of the areas that the search committee may consider in the selection process. It is also important to understand that DIII coaches do not usually garner a huge salary. They pretty much do their job for the love of the game, and to foster a program that the student athlete will be proud to participate in. The likely salary limitations will limit the applicant pool. I am not expecting Joe Paterno to suddenly leave Penn State to come to Ferrum, or for Bobby Bowden to come out of retirement for the job. No it will probably attract applicants looking to take their first college head coaching job.
It will be a challenge for the selection committee. There will possibly be a nationwide recruiting campaign for a coach, and the field of interested applicants will be culled down to a select few for interviews. from there a round of second interviews will likely be the final step to the selection process. I would expect that this process will begin shortly after the end of the season, and that an announcement will be made in the early spring of 2011. It is an important process that will be dealt with hoping to achieve the best result for Ferrum College football.
While this announcement signaled the end of a wonderful career, it has also signaled the beginning of the questions as to who will be the sixth head coach. While it is easy to offer opinions as to who one thinks should be the next head coach, I will refrain from doing that, and rather offer a little insight as to the process for the selection of the next head coach.
In a letter dated August 16 from Dr. Jennifer Braaten, President of Ferrum College, and Kim Blair, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, it was revealed that the College would be forming a search committee in the next few months. This committee will be tasked with the selection of a new head coach.
How will this work? This is pure speculation on my part, but I see it working something like this: First, there will have to be criteria that the new coach must meet.
Experience- The candidate should have already been a head coach with a successful record, or an assistant coach in college. As this is a Division III program, it is not likely that there will be much interest from DI schools, but it is quite possible that assistant coaches at the DII and DIII levels will be interested.
Philosophy- Is this coach understanding that the student athlete is a student first and an athlete second? Winning, while important, cannot take the place of the academic challenges that players will face.
Recruiting experience- Has this person been actively involved in recruiting, and can they represent the College in a positive, and honest manner while following NCAA recruiting guidelines? Can this person implement recruiting strategies that will bring a high quality student athlete to Ferrum?
Budgeting and Expense Management- The candidate must realize that while this program has a history of success, it is a Division III private college. It is not blessed with an endless cash flow from donors and alumni. The person will have to assess the condition of equipment, and facilities, and make the best purchases to support the success of the program within budgetary guidelines.
These are some of the areas that the search committee may consider in the selection process. It is also important to understand that DIII coaches do not usually garner a huge salary. They pretty much do their job for the love of the game, and to foster a program that the student athlete will be proud to participate in. The likely salary limitations will limit the applicant pool. I am not expecting Joe Paterno to suddenly leave Penn State to come to Ferrum, or for Bobby Bowden to come out of retirement for the job. No it will probably attract applicants looking to take their first college head coaching job.
It will be a challenge for the selection committee. There will possibly be a nationwide recruiting campaign for a coach, and the field of interested applicants will be culled down to a select few for interviews. from there a round of second interviews will likely be the final step to the selection process. I would expect that this process will begin shortly after the end of the season, and that an announcement will be made in the early spring of 2011. It is an important process that will be dealt with hoping to achieve the best result for Ferrum College football.
Senin, 16 Agustus 2010
Coach Dave Davis announces retirement at the end of this season
Coach Dave Davis, Ferrum's head football coach announced in a team meeting that this will be his last season at the helm of the Ferrum football program.
Click Link Below:
Davis Announces Retirement
Click Link Below:
Davis Announces Retirement
Rabu, 04 Agustus 2010
USA South Coaches Poll: Ferrum to finish fourth. NCW to take conference championship
At the USA South Media day at Maryville College, the annual coaches poll was released, and breaks down as follows:
1. North Carolina Wesleyan 45 points- 5 first place votes
2. Averett 41 points- 2 first place votes
3. Christopher Newport 40 points 1 first place vote
4. Ferrum 28 points
T5. Greensboro 21 points
Maryville 21 points
7. Shenandoah 20 points
8. Methodist 8 points
In the coaches poll, points are awarded, and first place votes are tallied. Comparing this to my predictions, its pretty clear that the Coaches poll, has the group divided into three teams that are head and shoulders above the rest, and the remaining five that are less likely to be in the mix as conference champion. I have the same three teams predicted in the top three, with Averett and CNU swapped. The largest difference comes by my selecting Shenandoah fourth, and the coaches having them seventh. The coaches have Ferrum fourth, and I have to say I hope they are correct, but I really look for the Hornets to surprise some people this year. We both have Greensboro fifth, but they have the Pride, and Maryville tied for that spot. I have the Panthers finishing sixth, and Maryville 7th. Both have Methodist in the basement.
So it has already been asked how I concluded that Ferrum would finish so low. First, let me say that I am looking for a season that has more parity this year than any other. My outlook for Ferrum was based mostly on them losing several key players. Dobson, Lucas, Goode, Hardy, Keesler, Hollingsworth, and Hinds among them. This coupled with Zach Lewis and Makaya Jackson not returning necessitates a lot of line up changes. I recognize that the Panthers do have their entire D-line returning. This is a boost to the team as they will bring back talent and experience. While I am sure that the Panthers will be competitive in all of their games, I think with the extensive holes to fill, they may struggle. I hope I am wrong. The first few games may tell the story. The Ferrum offensive backfield will again be solid, but I wait nervously to see who will take over at QB. The likely candidate is Tyler Brubaker. This rising sophomore is a local Franklin County product, and led the Eagles at quarterback while there. While he has no playing experience from last year, sources say he looks strong. I am looking for the holes on the O-line to be filled without much of a problem.
The saying is "defense wins championships" and this will be the challenge for Ferrum....especially as it relates to the secondary. Last year, Ferrum ranked 8th in the conference for pass defense, and 151st in the nation. You have to look no further than the Greensboro and Methodist games to see that the Panthers were susceptible through the air. If this area of the defense is blessed with more speed this year, and the young linebackers are effective early, then Ferrum will surprise a lot of teams. There are a lot of holes to fill, but Ferrum can compete if the pieces fall into place. Like last year, I think they will improve as the season goes on. I hope they hit the ground running, and prove me and the USA South coaches poll wrong.
1. North Carolina Wesleyan 45 points- 5 first place votes
2. Averett 41 points- 2 first place votes
3. Christopher Newport 40 points 1 first place vote
4. Ferrum 28 points
T5. Greensboro 21 points
Maryville 21 points
7. Shenandoah 20 points
8. Methodist 8 points
In the coaches poll, points are awarded, and first place votes are tallied. Comparing this to my predictions, its pretty clear that the Coaches poll, has the group divided into three teams that are head and shoulders above the rest, and the remaining five that are less likely to be in the mix as conference champion. I have the same three teams predicted in the top three, with Averett and CNU swapped. The largest difference comes by my selecting Shenandoah fourth, and the coaches having them seventh. The coaches have Ferrum fourth, and I have to say I hope they are correct, but I really look for the Hornets to surprise some people this year. We both have Greensboro fifth, but they have the Pride, and Maryville tied for that spot. I have the Panthers finishing sixth, and Maryville 7th. Both have Methodist in the basement.
So it has already been asked how I concluded that Ferrum would finish so low. First, let me say that I am looking for a season that has more parity this year than any other. My outlook for Ferrum was based mostly on them losing several key players. Dobson, Lucas, Goode, Hardy, Keesler, Hollingsworth, and Hinds among them. This coupled with Zach Lewis and Makaya Jackson not returning necessitates a lot of line up changes. I recognize that the Panthers do have their entire D-line returning. This is a boost to the team as they will bring back talent and experience. While I am sure that the Panthers will be competitive in all of their games, I think with the extensive holes to fill, they may struggle. I hope I am wrong. The first few games may tell the story. The Ferrum offensive backfield will again be solid, but I wait nervously to see who will take over at QB. The likely candidate is Tyler Brubaker. This rising sophomore is a local Franklin County product, and led the Eagles at quarterback while there. While he has no playing experience from last year, sources say he looks strong. I am looking for the holes on the O-line to be filled without much of a problem.
The saying is "defense wins championships" and this will be the challenge for Ferrum....especially as it relates to the secondary. Last year, Ferrum ranked 8th in the conference for pass defense, and 151st in the nation. You have to look no further than the Greensboro and Methodist games to see that the Panthers were susceptible through the air. If this area of the defense is blessed with more speed this year, and the young linebackers are effective early, then Ferrum will surprise a lot of teams. There are a lot of holes to fill, but Ferrum can compete if the pieces fall into place. Like last year, I think they will improve as the season goes on. I hope they hit the ground running, and prove me and the USA South coaches poll wrong.
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