Western Michigan names Esposito D-line coach
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
11:02
PM ET
Western Michigan has hired Lou Esposito as the defensive line coach, the university announced Tuesday.
Esposito spent the past five seasons serving as the head coach at Saint Joseph’s College (Ind.) and was named the Great Lakes Football Conference Coach of the Year.
Esposito also served as the team’s defensive coordinator at Saint Joseph's. He defenses ranked first in the conference in turnover margin and sacks in 2009 and ranked 13th in the nation in turnover margin in 2008.
He is a two-time coach of the year in Great Lakes conference and his team won two conference championships during his tenure. Saint Joseph’s was 30-25 under Esposito and had a 100 percent graduation rate for four-year student-athletes over six years.
Esposito spent the past five seasons serving as the head coach at Saint Joseph’s College (Ind.) and was named the Great Lakes Football Conference Coach of the Year.
“To say I am excited about this opportunity would be an understatement,” Esposito said in a statement released by the school. “Having worked with many members of the WMU coaching staff in the past, I know what type of program Bill Cubit has built in Kalamazoo and I look forward to doing my part to help continue it on a path of success.”
Esposito also served as the team’s defensive coordinator at Saint Joseph's. He defenses ranked first in the conference in turnover margin and sacks in 2009 and ranked 13th in the nation in turnover margin in 2008.
He is a two-time coach of the year in Great Lakes conference and his team won two conference championships during his tenure. Saint Joseph’s was 30-25 under Esposito and had a 100 percent graduation rate for four-year student-athletes over six years.
Colleague Ivan Maisel has a thought-provoking story Tuesday about how teams make their roster numbers add up. The NCAA allows you to enroll 25 signees per year but only have 85 scholarships at one time, and many schools have signed many more than 25 in recent years.
How about in the Big East? Syracuse was the only school to sign more than 25 players this year, with 31. However, seven of those signees enrolled in January and counted against last year's recruiting class, which had only 17 members.
South Florida signed 29 players in 2009, but not every player made it into school. In fact, seven of the Bulls' 2009 signees are not on the current roster.
Schools approach this in different ways. Some sign as many as possible and try to figure out the numbers later on. A team like Pittsburgh, on the other hand, signed 19 in 2008, 20 in 2009 and 24 in 2010.
West Virginia coach Bill Stewart signed 25 guys and has a lot of returning starters from 2009. He said he would like to get to a position where the Mountaineers give out 16 to 18 scholarships per year and two to three maximum per position.
"It’ll take four years to get this all worked out," he said on signing day. "It just doesn’t work itself out overnight."
However each school does it, the math always seems to work out by the time the season starts.
How about in the Big East? Syracuse was the only school to sign more than 25 players this year, with 31. However, seven of those signees enrolled in January and counted against last year's recruiting class, which had only 17 members.
South Florida signed 29 players in 2009, but not every player made it into school. In fact, seven of the Bulls' 2009 signees are not on the current roster.
Schools approach this in different ways. Some sign as many as possible and try to figure out the numbers later on. A team like Pittsburgh, on the other hand, signed 19 in 2008, 20 in 2009 and 24 in 2010.
West Virginia coach Bill Stewart signed 25 guys and has a lot of returning starters from 2009. He said he would like to get to a position where the Mountaineers give out 16 to 18 scholarships per year and two to three maximum per position.
"It’ll take four years to get this all worked out," he said on signing day. "It just doesn’t work itself out overnight."
However each school does it, the math always seems to work out by the time the season starts.
Pac-10 expansion will get earnest consideration
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
6:15
PM ET
Debating Pac-10 expansion is no longer idle chit-chat. Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott made that clear during a teleconference with reporters Tuesday.
"It really is over the next six to 12 months that we'll start having serious analysis and serious conversations," Scott said about potential expansion.
Scott was joined on the conference call by Kevin Weiberg, his new right-hand man. Weiberg, the former Big 12 commissioner and Big Ten executive, was named deputy commissioner and chief operating officer this week.
Scott said he spent the first six months of his tenure listening to administrators throughout the conference. Now he's turning his focus toward action.
"The announcement of Kevin is really the start of changes and repositioning you'll see for the conference over the next 12 to 18 months," he said.
That time period is vital because the conference's TV and media contracts expire after the 2011-12 academic year. The conference needs a significant upgrade in revenue if it is going to keep up with the other BCS conferences, particularly the SEC and Big Ten.
And expansion could make the conference more alluring during negotiations.
"It makes sense [to consider expansion], if you are going to do it, to do it when you can monetize it and get value for it commercially," Scott said.
It also appears that some sort of Pac-10 network -- it could be a partnership with another BCS conference -- will get serious consideration. Scott said Weiberg's experience building the Big Ten network was "very significant."
"A network is absolutely one of the solutions we will look at," Scott said.
Scott said there have been no serious discussions with any potential candidates if the Pac-10 were to expand. He only said he'd noticed an increased "curiosity" about expansion among conference members, which was, in part, inspired by the Big Ten announcing it was looking into expansion.
Still, it's fair to say a subject of seemingly endless debate -- expansion -- might be resolved within the next year.
"It really is over the next six to 12 months that we'll start having serious analysis and serious conversations," Scott said about potential expansion.
Scott was joined on the conference call by Kevin Weiberg, his new right-hand man. Weiberg, the former Big 12 commissioner and Big Ten executive, was named deputy commissioner and chief operating officer this week.
Scott said he spent the first six months of his tenure listening to administrators throughout the conference. Now he's turning his focus toward action.
"The announcement of Kevin is really the start of changes and repositioning you'll see for the conference over the next 12 to 18 months," he said.
That time period is vital because the conference's TV and media contracts expire after the 2011-12 academic year. The conference needs a significant upgrade in revenue if it is going to keep up with the other BCS conferences, particularly the SEC and Big Ten.
And expansion could make the conference more alluring during negotiations.
"It makes sense [to consider expansion], if you are going to do it, to do it when you can monetize it and get value for it commercially," Scott said.
It also appears that some sort of Pac-10 network -- it could be a partnership with another BCS conference -- will get serious consideration. Scott said Weiberg's experience building the Big Ten network was "very significant."
"A network is absolutely one of the solutions we will look at," Scott said.
Scott said there have been no serious discussions with any potential candidates if the Pac-10 were to expand. He only said he'd noticed an increased "curiosity" about expansion among conference members, which was, in part, inspired by the Big Ten announcing it was looking into expansion.
Still, it's fair to say a subject of seemingly endless debate -- expansion -- might be resolved within the next year.
My colleague Ivan Maisel wrote a great piece today on oversigning, the point being that many schools have found a loophole around the NCAA-mandated 25-player recruiting classes. It’s a limit that has applied to FBS schools since 1992. The loophole? The rule says no more than 25 signees may enter the university in the fall term. It says nothing about how many players may sign with the university in February.
How guilty is the ACC of this trend?
Not very.
Since 2006, only 14 of the ACC’s combined 60 total recruiting classes have had more than 25 players sign letters of intent, according to ESPN.com’s recruiting database. Four schools -- Clemson, Georgia Tech, Virginia and Wake Forest -- have never gone above 25. And no school is guilty of doing this more than twice since 2006.
Some were quick to criticize Butch Davis’ class of 28 last year, but that’s nothing compared to how the SEC has recruited. The SEC has combined for 34 recruiting classes with more than 25 players each. Mississippi State did it each of the past five years. Alabama did it four of the past five, as have Arkansas and Auburn. Only one school in the SEC – Vanderbilt – has kept its classes at 25 or under.
In comparison, it doesn't appear to be a trend -- or a problem -- in the ACC.
How guilty is the ACC of this trend?
Not very.
Since 2006, only 14 of the ACC’s combined 60 total recruiting classes have had more than 25 players sign letters of intent, according to ESPN.com’s recruiting database. Four schools -- Clemson, Georgia Tech, Virginia and Wake Forest -- have never gone above 25. And no school is guilty of doing this more than twice since 2006.
Some were quick to criticize Butch Davis’ class of 28 last year, but that’s nothing compared to how the SEC has recruited. The SEC has combined for 34 recruiting classes with more than 25 players each. Mississippi State did it each of the past five years. Alabama did it four of the past five, as have Arkansas and Auburn. Only one school in the SEC – Vanderbilt – has kept its classes at 25 or under.
In comparison, it doesn't appear to be a trend -- or a problem -- in the ACC.
BYU, Southern Miss announce 2010 nonconference schedules
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
3:35
PM ET
Meant to put these up the other day, but got a little sidetracked.
Both BYU and Southern Miss completed their 2010 nonconference conference schedules.
BYU will open the season against Washington on Sept. 4 in Provo, Utah, and will make its first-ever trip to Tallahassee to meet Florida State on Sept. 18. The Cougars return home to play Nevada on Sept. 25 before traveling to Logan, Utah, to finish out the nonconference season against in-state rival Utah State.
BYU last played Washington in 2008 in a controversial game that saw the Cougars block the game-tying extra point to win 28-27. Florida State is 3-0 all-time against BYU, including last year’s 54-28 shocker in Provo. Nevada and BYU will meet for the first time since 2002. The Cougars own a 4-1-2 advantage over the Wolf Pack.
The Cougars and Aggies will meet for the 80th time in this rivalry. Last season, BYU won in Provo 35-17.
Southern Miss opens the 2010 nonconference season against South Carolina on Thurs., Sept. 2. Up until last season, the Golden Eagles had played an SEC foe every year since 1964. Southern Miss will then host Prairie View A&M on Sept. 18 and Kansas on Sept. 25. It will be the first time the Golden Eagles and Panthers have met and the first time Kansas has come to Hattiesburg, Miss.
The Golden Eagles will conclude their nonconference campaign at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 25.
Both BYU and Southern Miss completed their 2010 nonconference conference schedules.
BYU will open the season against Washington on Sept. 4 in Provo, Utah, and will make its first-ever trip to Tallahassee to meet Florida State on Sept. 18. The Cougars return home to play Nevada on Sept. 25 before traveling to Logan, Utah, to finish out the nonconference season against in-state rival Utah State.
BYU last played Washington in 2008 in a controversial game that saw the Cougars block the game-tying extra point to win 28-27. Florida State is 3-0 all-time against BYU, including last year’s 54-28 shocker in Provo. Nevada and BYU will meet for the first time since 2002. The Cougars own a 4-1-2 advantage over the Wolf Pack.
The Cougars and Aggies will meet for the 80th time in this rivalry. Last season, BYU won in Provo 35-17.
Southern Miss opens the 2010 nonconference season against South Carolina on Thurs., Sept. 2. Up until last season, the Golden Eagles had played an SEC foe every year since 1964. Southern Miss will then host Prairie View A&M on Sept. 18 and Kansas on Sept. 25. It will be the first time the Golden Eagles and Panthers have met and the first time Kansas has come to Hattiesburg, Miss.
The Golden Eagles will conclude their nonconference campaign at Louisiana Tech on Sept. 25.
Ball State defensive coordinator Doug Graber announced Monday he will retire after spending one season with the Cardinals. Graber has coached for 35 years.
Tulsa lost two coaches this week, Co-defensive coordinator Ron West went to Illinois and outside receivers coach Clarence James resigned.
Boise State coach Chris Petersen’s new contract is not done and likely won’t be done until April.
Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is still mulling over an offer for the same position at Louisiana Tech.
Nevada coach Chris Ault talks about some of the shady recruiting practices that are going on in college football today.
New Central Michigan coach Dan Enos completes his staff.
Colorado State athletic director Paul Kowalczyk was given a five-year contract extension through June 30, 2015.
Tulsa lost two coaches this week, Co-defensive coordinator Ron West went to Illinois and outside receivers coach Clarence James resigned.
Boise State coach Chris Petersen’s new contract is not done and likely won’t be done until April.
Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is still mulling over an offer for the same position at Louisiana Tech.
Nevada coach Chris Ault talks about some of the shady recruiting practices that are going on in college football today.
New Central Michigan coach Dan Enos completes his staff.
Colorado State athletic director Paul Kowalczyk was given a five-year contract extension through June 30, 2015.
Despite another disappointing record (4-8) in 2009, Indiana finished the season with several reasons to believe things will get better soon.
Those reasons could be found in Indiana's offensive meeting room.
From quarterback Ben Chappell to wide receivers Tandon Doss and Damarlo Belcher to running back Darius Willis, Indiana boasted plenty of weapons to attack its opponents. And for the most part, they're all coming back in 2010, as the Hoosiers lose only three offensive starters, two of whom played on the line.
But offensive firepower rarely is the problem at Indiana. Defensive struggles have doomed the Hoosiers for the last decade, as they finished no better than 71st nationally since 2000. Despite a veteran-laden unit in 2009, Indiana ranked 10th in the Big Ten in points allowed (29.5 points per game), ninth against the pass (241.9 yards per game), ninth against the run (159.1 ypg) and 10th in total yards allowed (401 ypg).
The Hoosiers also lose seven starters on defense, including All-Big Ten end Jammie Kirlew, former national sacks leader Greg Middleton, standout middle linebacker Matt Mayberry and three-fourths of the secondary. Even if IU lights up the scoreboard in 2010, it could have major problems stopping anyone on defense.
That's why head coach Bill Lynch plans to move several offensive players to defense, including versatile wide receiver Mitchell Evans.
Recruited as a quarterback and a safety, Evans began his college career at safety, moved to quarterback for preseason camp in 2008 and eventually switched to wide receiver. He ranked fourth on the team with 33 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns in 2009, but he was perhaps best known for being the trigger man on the Wildcat offense, or, as Indiana folks called it, the Wild-Mitch. Evans took 69 snaps in the Wild-Mitch and rushed for 131 yards on 32 attempts.
This fall, Evans will be patrolling the secondary as a safety.
"He played safety for us as a true freshman," Lynch told me last week. "We're looking at some other guys that we may move to compete at corner and see how they do, knowing that they could go back to offense if it didn't work out."
Last year, wide receiver Ray Fisher moved to cornerback and became Indiana's top cover man. Fisher still contributed on kick returns, recording two runbacks for touchdowns. Evans also could maintain a role on offense, even though he'd be primarily a defensive player.
"He's the kind of kid that could [play both ways]," Lynch said. "It takes a mature guy that's a quick learner and doesn't need a lot of reps, and he's one of those kinds of guys. He's very unique that way."
Wide receiver Matt Ernest, who played safety in high school, also will switch over to defense for 2010. Indiana expects two junior college players, Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles, to fill in at cornerback.
"We don't want to count on freshmen coming in and doing it," Lynch said. "Kates and Kiles will compete right away, and then the next step is some of the guys we're going to move this spring."
Those reasons could be found in Indiana's offensive meeting room.
[+] Enlarge
AJ Mast/Icon SMIMitchell Evans is one of several players who lined up on offense last season but could be on defense in 2010.
But offensive firepower rarely is the problem at Indiana. Defensive struggles have doomed the Hoosiers for the last decade, as they finished no better than 71st nationally since 2000. Despite a veteran-laden unit in 2009, Indiana ranked 10th in the Big Ten in points allowed (29.5 points per game), ninth against the pass (241.9 yards per game), ninth against the run (159.1 ypg) and 10th in total yards allowed (401 ypg).
The Hoosiers also lose seven starters on defense, including All-Big Ten end Jammie Kirlew, former national sacks leader Greg Middleton, standout middle linebacker Matt Mayberry and three-fourths of the secondary. Even if IU lights up the scoreboard in 2010, it could have major problems stopping anyone on defense.
That's why head coach Bill Lynch plans to move several offensive players to defense, including versatile wide receiver Mitchell Evans.
Recruited as a quarterback and a safety, Evans began his college career at safety, moved to quarterback for preseason camp in 2008 and eventually switched to wide receiver. He ranked fourth on the team with 33 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns in 2009, but he was perhaps best known for being the trigger man on the Wildcat offense, or, as Indiana folks called it, the Wild-Mitch. Evans took 69 snaps in the Wild-Mitch and rushed for 131 yards on 32 attempts.
This fall, Evans will be patrolling the secondary as a safety.
"He played safety for us as a true freshman," Lynch told me last week. "We're looking at some other guys that we may move to compete at corner and see how they do, knowing that they could go back to offense if it didn't work out."
Last year, wide receiver Ray Fisher moved to cornerback and became Indiana's top cover man. Fisher still contributed on kick returns, recording two runbacks for touchdowns. Evans also could maintain a role on offense, even though he'd be primarily a defensive player.
"He's the kind of kid that could [play both ways]," Lynch said. "It takes a mature guy that's a quick learner and doesn't need a lot of reps, and he's one of those kinds of guys. He's very unique that way."
Wide receiver Matt Ernest, who played safety in high school, also will switch over to defense for 2010. Indiana expects two junior college players, Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles, to fill in at cornerback.
"We don't want to count on freshmen coming in and doing it," Lynch said. "Kates and Kiles will compete right away, and then the next step is some of the guys we're going to move this spring."
Report: MT OC Franklin to Louisiana Tech
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
2:29
PM ET
The Daily News Journal is reporting Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has taken the same position with Louisiana Tech.
Franklin’s hire is pending approval of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system, but Louisiana could announce the hire as early as Thursday or Friday.
Franklin spent just over a year with the Blue Raiders after being fired as the offensive coordinator at Auburn. During his short stint, the Blue Raiders offense broke the school’s single-season record for total yards and points.
Franklin joining Louisiana Tech means the Bulldogs will have two spread offense gurus working the offense. Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes has been lauded for his work with spread offenses. Both men worked together in Kentucky under Hal Mumme, another spread offense guru, during the late 90s. Dykes worked with tight ends and wide receivers in two different stints with the Wildcats and Franklin coached running backs.
Louisiana Tech will change its offense to a spread system this spring and Dykes said he hopes to have the entire system in place by the fall. Middle Tennessee did not have the personnel to run a spread offense, but Franklin made the most with what he had. He turned quarterback Dwight Dasher into a dual threat and Dasher ranked seventh in the country in total offense.
The spring will be an audition of sorts for every position on the roster, but most importantly quarterback. Starter Ross Jenkins is facing internal discipline after being arrest for driving while intoxicated over the weekend. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on the roster and one coming in with the 2010 class.
Middle Tennessee State is now tasked with finding a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz took the same position at Mississippi State in January.
Franklin’s hire is pending approval of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system, but Louisiana could announce the hire as early as Thursday or Friday.
Franklin spent just over a year with the Blue Raiders after being fired as the offensive coordinator at Auburn. During his short stint, the Blue Raiders offense broke the school’s single-season record for total yards and points.
Franklin joining Louisiana Tech means the Bulldogs will have two spread offense gurus working the offense. Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes has been lauded for his work with spread offenses. Both men worked together in Kentucky under Hal Mumme, another spread offense guru, during the late 90s. Dykes worked with tight ends and wide receivers in two different stints with the Wildcats and Franklin coached running backs.
Louisiana Tech will change its offense to a spread system this spring and Dykes said he hopes to have the entire system in place by the fall. Middle Tennessee did not have the personnel to run a spread offense, but Franklin made the most with what he had. He turned quarterback Dwight Dasher into a dual threat and Dasher ranked seventh in the country in total offense.
The spring will be an audition of sorts for every position on the roster, but most importantly quarterback. Starter Ross Jenkins is facing internal discipline after being arrest for driving while intoxicated over the weekend. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on the roster and one coming in with the 2010 class.
Middle Tennessee State is now tasked with finding a new offensive and defensive coordinator. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz took the same position at Mississippi State in January.
BYU has picked up yet another quarterback recruit, this one for the 2011 class.
Alex Kuresa, a 6-foot, 175-pound signal-caller from Mountain Crest (Hyrum, Utah) became the fourth commitment for the Cougars' 2011 class. Kuresa passed for 3,481 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior last season. He also had 397 yards and five touchdowns rushing.
Kuresa gives the Cougars five quarterbacks so far on the 2011 roster.
BYU also picked up a commitment from Manoa Pikula, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound fullback from Bingham (South Jordan, Utah). However, Pikula likely will play defense in college.
Pikula is the second player to commit to BYU from Bingham. Defensive end Baker Pritchard also committed. He is the brother of BYU fullback/linebacker Iona Pritchard, who is currently serving a mission on the Marshall Islands.
Alex Kuresa, a 6-foot, 175-pound signal-caller from Mountain Crest (Hyrum, Utah) became the fourth commitment for the Cougars' 2011 class. Kuresa passed for 3,481 yards and 39 touchdowns as a junior last season. He also had 397 yards and five touchdowns rushing.
Kuresa gives the Cougars five quarterbacks so far on the 2011 roster.
BYU also picked up a commitment from Manoa Pikula, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound fullback from Bingham (South Jordan, Utah). However, Pikula likely will play defense in college.
Pikula is the second player to commit to BYU from Bingham. Defensive end Baker Pritchard also committed. He is the brother of BYU fullback/linebacker Iona Pritchard, who is currently serving a mission on the Marshall Islands.
Ivan Maisel and Beano Cook 
discuss USC's issues, David Sills' early commitment, next season's schedule and the pros and cons of signing day.
discuss USC's issues, David Sills' early commitment, next season's schedule and the pros and cons of signing day.
Ricky Dobbs didn’t do everything he set out to do in his first season as Navy’s starting quarterback, but he’s confident he can rectify that during his senior season in 2010.
That confidence stems from finally having his injured knee surgically repaired after dealing with pain in it since he was in high school. Dobbs chipped a bone in that knee during his senior season of high school and re-aggravated it against SMU on Oct. 17, 2009.
He missed most of that SMU game and the Wake Forest game that followed, then played through the pain and led the Midshipmen to only the third 10-win season ever and a win over Missouri in the Texas Bowl. Dobbs set an NCAA single-season record for touchdowns by a quarterback with 27.
“My personal goal was to be the best player I could be and maximize my own potential,” Dobbs said. “I think I did that this year. There’s always looking back looking at things I could have done better and there’s always room for improvement from a personal standpoint.”
But Dobbs expects more from himself when he’s 100 percent healthy. He had the surgery on Jan. 21 and doctors said he should be ready by the end of March, right when the Midshipmen begin spring practice. But Dobbs isn’t sure he wants to chance re-injuring the knee while trying to prove something in spring football.
“My mentality is not to try and rush and be back by spring,” Dobbs said. “There’s a precaution to make sure that I actually get to 100 percent. I could feel like 100 percent by the end of March and be out at spring practice and try to cut or something and make it worse. So, I think I’m going to work more toward strengthening and conditioning my knee to get back to 100 percent. It’s 100 percent I haven’t seen since my junior year of high school.”
Dobbs said he’s already seen his leg get stronger after the surgery. He’s able to fire muscles he wasn’t able to fire before and he’s eager to see what else he can do when he’s 100 percent. He said the injury didn’t stop him from doing things last year, but that there were times when subconsciously he wouldn’t make a certain move or cut because he was afraid his knee couldn’t handle it. He’s looking forward to going into his senior season without those fears.
“Had I not got this surgery, I wouldn’t have been able to push myself this hard because I would have had to deal with a lot of the pain and stuff,” Dobbs said. “Before I was working hard and dealing with the pain, but now, once I get to 100 percent, I won’t have any pain and I’ll be able to just work as hard as I can. So, I think it’s an opportunity for me to just maximize my opportunity as far as being the player that I hope to be.”
As for the bone chip that’s been floating around Dobbs’ knee since he was 17 years old, the doctors let him keep it. He has it in a jar in his room and he said he has plans to keep the bone as a symbol of overcoming adversity.
“My mom and my auntie said ‘that’s nasty,’” Dobbs said of keeping the bone. “You can call it what you want to. It’s my bone. I’ll probably make something out of it, like a necklace or something. The bone has history now.”
That confidence stems from finally having his injured knee surgically repaired after dealing with pain in it since he was in high school. Dobbs chipped a bone in that knee during his senior season of high school and re-aggravated it against SMU on Oct. 17, 2009.
[+] Enlarge
Frank DiBrango Icon/SMINavy's Ricky Dobbs is looking forward to being fully healthy for the first time since high school.
“My personal goal was to be the best player I could be and maximize my own potential,” Dobbs said. “I think I did that this year. There’s always looking back looking at things I could have done better and there’s always room for improvement from a personal standpoint.”
But Dobbs expects more from himself when he’s 100 percent healthy. He had the surgery on Jan. 21 and doctors said he should be ready by the end of March, right when the Midshipmen begin spring practice. But Dobbs isn’t sure he wants to chance re-injuring the knee while trying to prove something in spring football.
“My mentality is not to try and rush and be back by spring,” Dobbs said. “There’s a precaution to make sure that I actually get to 100 percent. I could feel like 100 percent by the end of March and be out at spring practice and try to cut or something and make it worse. So, I think I’m going to work more toward strengthening and conditioning my knee to get back to 100 percent. It’s 100 percent I haven’t seen since my junior year of high school.”
Dobbs said he’s already seen his leg get stronger after the surgery. He’s able to fire muscles he wasn’t able to fire before and he’s eager to see what else he can do when he’s 100 percent. He said the injury didn’t stop him from doing things last year, but that there were times when subconsciously he wouldn’t make a certain move or cut because he was afraid his knee couldn’t handle it. He’s looking forward to going into his senior season without those fears.
“Had I not got this surgery, I wouldn’t have been able to push myself this hard because I would have had to deal with a lot of the pain and stuff,” Dobbs said. “Before I was working hard and dealing with the pain, but now, once I get to 100 percent, I won’t have any pain and I’ll be able to just work as hard as I can. So, I think it’s an opportunity for me to just maximize my opportunity as far as being the player that I hope to be.”
As for the bone chip that’s been floating around Dobbs’ knee since he was 17 years old, the doctors let him keep it. He has it in a jar in his room and he said he has plans to keep the bone as a symbol of overcoming adversity.
“My mom and my auntie said ‘that’s nasty,’” Dobbs said of keeping the bone. “You can call it what you want to. It’s my bone. I’ll probably make something out of it, like a necklace or something. The bone has history now.”
Houston hires an offensive coordinator
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
10:49
AM ET
Houston has finally named a replacement for offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who left the program to take the same position at Oklahoma State last month.
Wide receivers coach Jason Phillips will be the Cougars' new offensive coordinator and newly named quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury will be co-offensive coordinator in addition to his quarterback duties.
“Continuity, especially on the offensive of the ball, was very important in all of these decisions,” coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Jason understands what we have been doing here and what we want to continue doing on the offensive side of the ball. Jason has a lot of experience, and he knows the style of offense we prefer. He’ll do a tremendous job.
“Kliff was a tremendous player as a quarterback and has been in the background with our offensive staff for the past two years. This will give him an opportunity to continue the progress and development in the level of quarterback play.”
Involving Kingsbury in the offense makes sense since he played under Holgorsen at Texas Tech and knows the style of offense Houston is trying to play inside and out. Since Kingsbury doesn’t have much experience, pairing him with Phillips, who has been with the Cougars for the past eight seasons, will be a good way to teach him the daily duties of the offensive coordinator.
Kingsbury also has a good rapport with starting quarterback Case Keenum and should be able to help seamlessly guide this offense forward.
Sumlin also promoted special-teams coordinator Tony Levine to assistant head coach. Levine will continue to coach Houston's inside receivers and tight ends. Running backs coach Clarence McKinney will be the recruiting coordinator.
Wide receivers coach Jason Phillips will be the Cougars' new offensive coordinator and newly named quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury will be co-offensive coordinator in addition to his quarterback duties.
“Continuity, especially on the offensive of the ball, was very important in all of these decisions,” coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Jason understands what we have been doing here and what we want to continue doing on the offensive side of the ball. Jason has a lot of experience, and he knows the style of offense we prefer. He’ll do a tremendous job.
“Kliff was a tremendous player as a quarterback and has been in the background with our offensive staff for the past two years. This will give him an opportunity to continue the progress and development in the level of quarterback play.”
Involving Kingsbury in the offense makes sense since he played under Holgorsen at Texas Tech and knows the style of offense Houston is trying to play inside and out. Since Kingsbury doesn’t have much experience, pairing him with Phillips, who has been with the Cougars for the past eight seasons, will be a good way to teach him the daily duties of the offensive coordinator.
Kingsbury also has a good rapport with starting quarterback Case Keenum and should be able to help seamlessly guide this offense forward.
Sumlin also promoted special-teams coordinator Tony Levine to assistant head coach. Levine will continue to coach Houston's inside receivers and tight ends. Running backs coach Clarence McKinney will be the recruiting coordinator.
Three-point stance: FSU, Huskies, Spaziani
February, 9, 2010
Feb 9
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1. When Florida State announced Sunday it would vacate 12 victories in football, it did so without the angst voiced when the NCAA first announced the penalty last year. Then, Seminoles head coach Bobby Bowden dueled with Joe Paterno of Penn State for the lead in career victories. Now, Florida State had forced Bowden to retire, which brought the duel with Paterno to a screeching halt. The announcement Sunday felt like it came with a shrug.
2. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian will not begin spring practice until Mar. 30, when spring quarter begins on campus. Because the Huskies are thin on both the offensive and defensive lines, Sarkisian will spread the 15 practices over five weeks. There will be no practices on consecutive days. “We don’t have the luxury of going back-to-back days,” Sarkisian said. And four mid-year enrollees will be able to ease into the routine without being overwhelmed.
3. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani doesn’t want to relive 2009, which he began with no experienced quarterbacks. That’s why he signed two quarterbacks last week. Most schools don’t sign more than one per year. “We’ve got poor spacing, but we’ve got the numbers,” Spaziani said. “Are we going to take another (one) ? Is there a 13-year-old quarterback in Delaware? Is there somebody really good that we want?” He was kidding about the 13-year-old -- I think.
2. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian will not begin spring practice until Mar. 30, when spring quarter begins on campus. Because the Huskies are thin on both the offensive and defensive lines, Sarkisian will spread the 15 practices over five weeks. There will be no practices on consecutive days. “We don’t have the luxury of going back-to-back days,” Sarkisian said. And four mid-year enrollees will be able to ease into the routine without being overwhelmed.
3. Boston College coach Frank Spaziani doesn’t want to relive 2009, which he began with no experienced quarterbacks. That’s why he signed two quarterbacks last week. Most schools don’t sign more than one per year. “We’ve got poor spacing, but we’ve got the numbers,” Spaziani said. “Are we going to take another (one) ? Is there a 13-year-old quarterback in Delaware? Is there somebody really good that we want?” He was kidding about the 13-year-old -- I think.
SMU's Jones wishes McNeal would have stayed
February, 8, 2010
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SMU coach June Jones acknowledged that he was surprised when running back Shawnbrey McNeal opted to forgo his senior season for the NFL draft.
McNeal had played just one season with the Mustangs -- his best collegiate season -- after transferring from Miami to be closer to his family. McNeal provided SMU a quality running attack it hadn't had in quite some time and rushed for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns. He became the first 1,000-yard rusher that Jones has ever coached.
“He and I had talked about it before the bowl game and he had a lot of family issues so we kind of weighed all the pluses and the negatives for him,” Jones said.
McNeal initially moved home to the Dallas area to be with his mother who suffers from diabetes. His family needed financial help, so he saw the NFL as a way to get that help and SMU a catapult to that dream.
McNeal’s efforts during the 2009 season earned him a spot in the NFL Combine in late February, one of the few junior to earn that honor.
But Jones thinks McNeal probably would have been drafted in the same position and gotten his degree if he had stayed in school.
“I was disappointed that he didn’t just stay for himself because he may get drafted late, but I was trying to express to him the importance of having an SMU and still getting drafted late next year,” Jones said. “But he had some other issues, outside forces, that he just didn’t think he could stay. So, we wish him well and hopefully he’ll make it.”
Jones said McNeal leaving did not alter his recruiting strategy. The Mustangs already had received commitments from Madill, Okla., running back Darryl Fields, who rushed for 1,495 yards and 25 touchdowns on just 145 carries last season and Mt. Enterprise (Texas) running back Kevin Pope, who rushed for 1,401 yards and 17 touchdowns in eight games before tearing his ACL.
Jones said had McNeal stayed, one of the two recruits would have redshirted. But with McNeal gone, both are expected to contribute in 2010.
McNeal had played just one season with the Mustangs -- his best collegiate season -- after transferring from Miami to be closer to his family. McNeal provided SMU a quality running attack it hadn't had in quite some time and rushed for 1,188 yards and 12 touchdowns. He became the first 1,000-yard rusher that Jones has ever coached.
“He and I had talked about it before the bowl game and he had a lot of family issues so we kind of weighed all the pluses and the negatives for him,” Jones said.
McNeal initially moved home to the Dallas area to be with his mother who suffers from diabetes. His family needed financial help, so he saw the NFL as a way to get that help and SMU a catapult to that dream.
McNeal’s efforts during the 2009 season earned him a spot in the NFL Combine in late February, one of the few junior to earn that honor.
But Jones thinks McNeal probably would have been drafted in the same position and gotten his degree if he had stayed in school.
“I was disappointed that he didn’t just stay for himself because he may get drafted late, but I was trying to express to him the importance of having an SMU and still getting drafted late next year,” Jones said. “But he had some other issues, outside forces, that he just didn’t think he could stay. So, we wish him well and hopefully he’ll make it.”
Jones said McNeal leaving did not alter his recruiting strategy. The Mustangs already had received commitments from Madill, Okla., running back Darryl Fields, who rushed for 1,495 yards and 25 touchdowns on just 145 carries last season and Mt. Enterprise (Texas) running back Kevin Pope, who rushed for 1,401 yards and 17 touchdowns in eight games before tearing his ACL.
Jones said had McNeal stayed, one of the two recruits would have redshirted. But with McNeal gone, both are expected to contribute in 2010.
Louisiana Tech starting quarterback Ross Jenkins was arrested for driving while intoxicated early Sunday morning.
Jenkins was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint operated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. According to the Monroe News-Star, Jenkins' blood alcohol level was .228, almost three times the legal limit.
Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes issued a statement Monday morning: “I am deeply disappointed that this has happened. This will be handled by the judicial system and we will discipline Ross internally within our program.”
This isn’t a good way for Jenkins to start off his relationship with a new head coach, especially since Jenkins doesn’t exactly fit into Dykes spread offense system.
All spots are going to be open when spring ball begins, including the quarterback position. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on their roster and added a freshman in this year’s recruiting class.
Dykes is currently in the process of finding a new offensive coordinator to execute the Bulldogs’ offensive transition after former coordinator Frank Scelfo left to be the quarterbacks coach at Arizona. Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is on campus Monday to interview for the position.
Louisiana Tech also hired Rob Likens as its new wide receivers coach Monday. Likens spent the past four seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Central Connecticut State. Central Connecticut State was the Northeast Conference’s top-ranked offense all four years he coached at the school.
Louisiana Tech also announced that offensive line coach Pete Perot and special-teams coach Mark Tommerdahl will be retained in their current positions, and Stan Eggan will be retained as the new defensive line coach.
Jenkins was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint operated by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. According to the Monroe News-Star, Jenkins' blood alcohol level was .228, almost three times the legal limit.
Newly named head coach Sonny Dykes issued a statement Monday morning: “I am deeply disappointed that this has happened. This will be handled by the judicial system and we will discipline Ross internally within our program.”
This isn’t a good way for Jenkins to start off his relationship with a new head coach, especially since Jenkins doesn’t exactly fit into Dykes spread offense system.
All spots are going to be open when spring ball begins, including the quarterback position. The Bulldogs have four other quarterbacks on their roster and added a freshman in this year’s recruiting class.
Dykes is currently in the process of finding a new offensive coordinator to execute the Bulldogs’ offensive transition after former coordinator Frank Scelfo left to be the quarterbacks coach at Arizona. Middle Tennessee offensive coordinator Tony Franklin is on campus Monday to interview for the position.
Louisiana Tech also hired Rob Likens as its new wide receivers coach Monday. Likens spent the past four seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Central Connecticut State. Central Connecticut State was the Northeast Conference’s top-ranked offense all four years he coached at the school.
Louisiana Tech also announced that offensive line coach Pete Perot and special-teams coach Mark Tommerdahl will be retained in their current positions, and Stan Eggan will be retained as the new defensive line coach.
