Maybe it’s just us, but something seems missing this upcoming season.
For the past several years it seemed the App State record book was constantly being re-written. LeGreedy. Sticks. K-Rich. Rauch. DJ.
In that same span, there was a near-definite, much-talked-about NFL prospect on the roster. AE. The Quickness. Kilgore. Superman. Jackson.
Heck, the App State team that won in App Arbor boasted seven future NFLers. Seven!
So many historic stats. So many historic standouts.
But we now wonder – Who are the ultimates this season? Is the elite talent level still deep?
There are two immediate nominees.
Jeremy Kimbrough and Demetrius McCray continued to rake in preseason all-America accolades when College Sporting News named the App State duo to its first team.
Kimbrough and McCray also earned first-team preseason all-American recognition from The Sports Network and are both on the official watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the nation’s top NCAA Division I FCS defensive player.
Kimbrough is a 5-11 linebacker who was among the SoCon’s top tacklers last season, with 105.
McCray nabbed five INTs last year, among the national leaders, and fifth on the team in stops.
The two were joined by quarterback Jamal Jackson on the SoCon’s preseason first team.
Three great Mountaineers. No doubt. But we have yet to read their names on any NFL watch lists. We know of no countdowns to school milestones upcoming.
We’re not sure how to process this. Are there some diamonds in the rough being overlooked? Or is the program missing the no-doubt standout we expected to see every season?
Any QB is going to have a ton of work to do to approach AE's records.
Probably the best pro prospect on the roster is Price, and he's a freshman. BQ wasn't getting NFL love until his junior year.
I boldly predict that both Kimbrough and McCray will be drafted, or at least make the combine.
I know it isn't a superstar position but Sam Martin should get some looks as a punter.
I actually am glad we do not have a superstar on the team yet. We are a TEAM. This season reminds of me 2005 when we didn't really have a superstar yet. Richie of course ended that way but we started with no superstars.
I think the past we have relied to heavidly on said superstars and this year we have a better core group. Looking forward to sinking the ship on September 1.
Agreed asu7. I said the entire year the reason we won big against the "little guys" like Savannah State were because we had a few extremely good players (Cadet, Quick, etc.) But when it came to beating a good, solid, fundamental team (see Maine, Furman) we struggled.
A team can only win on talent for so long. At one point, it takes 30+ men to win consistently.
Doug Middleton…kid is a beast in the return game and on defense. One to watch for!
I am just happy that everyone on this team will have to earn it this year. Nothing is giving. No titles or roles are being handed down. You have to earn it baby!!! LETS SHINK THE SHIP!!!!!
Not surprising when you have a football AD
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2012/08/21/soc…
+1 with Middleton. He was one of the suprising bright spots last year. I was excited to see what he could do this year. Until Blackmon was out for the season, Middleton was going to play the star position, as unfortunate as blackmons injury was, I like the increased playing time for Doug. What impressed me more than his special teams play was the monster hit he put on sumler (I think). He came from behind the play on the visitors side and made a big hit to stop him short of the goal line. He is a ball hawk with great football instincts and lightning quick speed and a heavy hitter. I predict him taking the safety spot from blaylock at some point this year.
Sean Price has all the ingredients to be a major superstar not only for this team but at the next level.
Just needs a different number – #14 should be retired.
Lots of young talented players on this team that could become "stars"; there are 3 or 4 young guys at LB/Bandit alone that could become monsters. There are at least 4 receivers that could become "stars" this year. Nothing wrong with having a very balanced team with lots of very talented players so that teams can't focus on stopping just one or two.
Grier and Counts