It is way too early, but not really, because the early signing period is only four weeks away and the staff has seemingly been aggressively recruiting mid-year JUCO recruits.

We will have a fairly good feel for the 2018 team after the early signing period because we'll know the returnees, the redshirts, and the mid-year JUCOs, which combined should account for most of the 2018 2-deeps.

Looking at the 2-deeps depletion. We lose 6 starters on offense; 4 on defense.

1). We lose all four starting receivers: Niupalau, Bailey, Porter and Buschman.

2). QB Roback and FB Robinson.

3). Both starting DTs, Dawson and Granger.

4). Both starting LBs, Spearman and Beck.

However:

5). We return all starting OL and most of the depth.

6). We return our entire stable of running backs, except FB, Robinson

7). We return both star DEs, Crosby and Harris.

3). We return all 5 starting DBs and almost all backups.

As far as redshirt frosh what stands out.

1). We have a number of WRs who redhsirted.

2). We also have DBs to go with a very deep position.

Off the top of my head, since I have no real information, I'd guess the key redhsirts, hopefully make the 2-deeps, are:

1). Sow - OL (assume he is an OT),

2). Hunt - DL (assume he is a DT),

3). Jean - WR

4). Boyd - LB

5). All the redshirting QBs.

I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

I agree. The DC has a straightforward job, as Sam indicates:

1). More DTs,

2). More LBs.

Otherwise, say one more DE.

The talent, including depth, is there at DB.

If DC hits it with redshirts or mid-year JUCOs he is sitting pretty. It is nice to be fully staffed at DE and 5 DB slots. That equals 7 of the 11 defensive positions.

The cupboard is not bare.

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

Kelly, LaBarbera, Figueroa, Hendricks 1st 4 DT's

Harris, Crosby, Holford, Valasti, 1st 4 DE's

Very solid base, assuming Harris has a full and speedy recovery. Looks like staff is still trying to add a Juco or 2 for depth.

The following year is when it gets a little scary, when 5 of the 8 above are gone. Cupboard pretty bare as well, will need to hit the Juco market really hard next year.

(11-22-2017 11:56 AM)EagleTough Wrote:  

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

Kelly, LaBarbera, Figueroa, Hendricks 1st 4 DT's

Harris, Crosby, Holford, Valasti, 1st 4 DE's

Very solid base, assuming Harris has a full and speedy recovery. Looks like staff is still trying to add a Juco or 2 for depth.

The following year is when it gets a little scary, when 5 of the 8 above are gone. Cupboard pretty bare as well, will need to hit the Juco market really hard next year.

Or H.S. kids to redshirt.

We have one, I think, well regarded Rf DT, Hunt. I'd go for at least one more h.s. DT and DE in this year's class.

Or maybe easier just to link the list of 2018 verbals which address some of these issues (e.g., H.S. DT and DE).

*********

2018 Football Recruiting
Lot of the recruits being mentioned for unofficial visits, camps, etc. are 2018 recruits...
Probably best to put them in this thread to separate them from 2017 recruits.

I'll update this initial post as 2018 recruits verbal to EMU (I've request this thread be promoted).

Verbals:

1. Aaron Jackson, QB, Cass Tech (04/08).

2. Mikey Haney, DT, Maumee, OH (06/24).

3. Marcellus Johnson, G, Normal IL (06/25).

4. Timarcus Simpson, ATH/CB, Tampa, FL (07/24)

5. Logan Giordano, WR, Hollywood, FL (07/24).

6. Charles Gadie, ATH/CB/WR Douglasville, GA (08/01).

7. Carter Stagner, DE, Birmingham, MI (08/02).

8. Brian Dooley, OL, Toledo, OH (08/02).

9. Dylan Drummond, WR, Cleveland, OH (08/10).

10. EJ Williams S/LB, Indianapolis, IN (09/xx).

11. Robert Daniel, CB, Oak Park, MI (10/5)

(11-23-2017 08:08 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(11-22-2017 11:56 AM)EagleTough Wrote:  

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

Kelly, LaBarbera, Figueroa, Hendricks 1st 4 DT's

Harris, Crosby, Holford, Valasti, 1st 4 DE's

Very solid base, assuming Harris has a full and speedy recovery. Looks like staff is still trying to add a Juco or 2 for depth.

The following year is when it gets a little scary, when 5 of the 8 above are gone. Cupboard pretty bare as well, will need to hit the Juco market really hard next year.

Or H.S. kids to redshirt.

We have one, I think, well regarded Rf DT, Hunt. I'd go for at least one more h.s. DT and DE in this year's class.

Or maybe easier just to link the list of 2018 verbals which address some of these issues (e.g., H.S. DT and DE).

*********

2018 Football Recruiting
Lot of the recruits being mentioned for unofficial visits, camps, etc. are 2018 recruits...
Probably best to put them in this thread to separate them from 2017 recruits.

I'll update this initial post as 2018 recruits verbal to EMU (I've request this thread be promoted).

Verbals:

1. Aaron Jackson, QB, Cass Tech (04/08).

2. Mikey Haney, DT, Maumee, OH (06/24).

3. Marcellus Johnson, G, Normal IL (06/25).

4. Timarcus Simpson, ATH/CB, Tampa, FL (07/24)

5. Logan Giordano, WR, Hollywood, FL (07/24).

6. Charles Gadie, ATH/CB/WR Douglasville, GA (08/01).

7. Carter Stagner, DE, Birmingham, MI (08/02).

8. Brian Dooley, OL, Toledo, OH (08/02).

9. Dylan Drummond, WR, Cleveland, OH (08/10).

10. EJ Williams S/LB, Indianapolis, IN (09/xx).

11. Robert Daniel, CB, Oak Park, MI (10/5)

Gotta think 2 years ahead with HS kids. EMU must add an RB to this class because there are 3 senior backs next year. Also, there's a need for playmakers at WR.

Dear steve,
Not to disagree with your initial assessment of wide receivers, but Sexton started some games as the season went on, and I believe he could be a Braverman like receiver that Western had a couple of years ago. He (Sexton) made some very nice catches this year, and as I've already implied, could be very good next year.

(11-26-2017 10:37 AM)Ken Barna Wrote:  Dear steve,
Not to disagree with your initial assessment of wide receivers, but Sexton started some games as the season went on, and I believe he could be a Braverman like receiver that Western had a couple of years ago. He (Sexton) made some very nice catches this year, and as I've already implied, could be very good next year.

I agree. I don't think the wide receiver cabinet is exactly bare. Daugherty and Sexton have a lot of game day experience and Aristilde has potential on potential on potential. I mean sure I'd love to see them maybe get a JUCO guy but I won't be heartbroken if they don't. Especially if they run the ball more next year.

Lets not forget Hutchinson and myrick both who played as true frosh

(11-26-2017 01:03 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Lets not forget Hutchinson and myrick both who played as true frosh

Not sure of your point.

Should I have added them to the redshirt group (even though they aren't).

(11-26-2017 01:11 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(11-26-2017 01:03 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Lets not forget Hutchinson and myrick both who played as true frosh

Not sure of your point.

Should I have added them to the redshirt group (even though they aren't).

Spring depth chart is the topic yes so why limit the discussion to just redshirt frosh

(11-26-2017 01:21 PM)emu79 Wrote:  

(11-26-2017 01:11 PM)emu steve Wrote:  

(11-26-2017 01:03 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Lets not forget Hutchinson and myrick both who played as true frosh

Not sure of your point.

Should I have added them to the redshirt group (even though they aren't).

Spring depth chart is the topic yes so why limit the discussion to just redshirt frosh

I was talking about players whom we had not seen yet, e.g., redshirts, mid-year JUCO signees next month, etc. but yes they will have their chance in spring.

Toledo above UM. EMU at 68 and above WMU and CMU. Interesting.

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/20...-130-teams

(11-26-2017 01:03 PM)emu79 Wrote:  Lets not forget Hutchinson and myrick both who played as true frosh

BTW, I know nothing about Myrick, but I thought he was a very good LB recruit.

I assume he gets a real chance in 2018 with LBs ahead of him lost to graduation.

All juco so far dec Grad whiich means spring practices

(11-22-2017 06:47 AM)emu steve Wrote:  It is way too early, but not really, because the early signing period is only four weeks away and the staff has seemingly been aggressively recruiting mid-year JUCO recruits.

We will have a fairly good feel for the 2018 team after the early signing period because we'll know the returnees, the redshirts, and the mid-year JUCOs, which combined should account for most of the 2018 2-deeps.

Looking at the 2-deeps depletion. We lose 6 starters on offense; 4 on defense.

1). We lose all four starting receivers: Niupalau, Bailey, Porter and Buschman.

2). QB Roback and FB Robinson.

3). Both starting DTs, Dawson and Granger.

4). Both starting LBs, Spearman and Beck.

However:

5). We return all starting OL and most of the depth.

6). We return our entire stable of running backs, except FB, Robinson

7). We return both star DEs, Crosby and Harris.

3). We return all 5 starting DBs and almost all backups.

As far as redshirt frosh what stands out.

1). We have a number of WRs who redhsirted.

2). We also have DBs to go with a very deep position.

Bumping this up. Once again these are the 10 starters who were lost to graduation plus a quick synopsis of returning talent.

In the previous posts, posters discuss specific positions (e.g., DT, DE, etc.) in more detail.

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

I'm very optimistic about us filling needs.

As we've been noting, two TEs with different games was a must.

Seems that Neal could make his mark at LB.

I believe Sow has potential to be a really good one on the OL, I assume OT.

As far as JUCOs and redshirts, we just need one here and there to step up.

Wish I knew more about Boyd, Jean, Myrick (lost his redshirt), etc. Couple of LBs + WR. Hunt (DT) is another redhsirt I'd love to know if he is going to be as good as I hoped when signed.

(11-22-2017 11:04 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  I'd like to see us add some more JUCO DT's. Both Kelly and LaBarbera (or Figueroa) will be solid as starters, but our depth takes a huge hit losing Dawson, Granger, Maclean, and Dunlap. LB might also be a concern, losing 3 seniors from the depth chart, but Rachwal and Pickett have each looked good in spurts. Maybe a youngster like Boyd, as Steve mentioned, makes a move for a starting spot.

Our defense should still be very good again. Crosby, Harris, and probably Hoying will get some preseason hype.

Don't forget Hendricks in there, he has played a lot, solid DLineman. Can always use more depth on the DLine though.

Rob Pavletich wrote a tweet that he's leaving.