A look at the schools that are overlooked by the ESPNs of the world.


Friday, June 1, 2012

Fall Preview: North Texas

Fall Preview for the North Texas Mean Green

QB
#07 Thompson, Derek QB 6-4 220 RJr. Glen Rose, TX (Glen Rose HS)--11 games played. 3 rushing TD. 157-272 passing for 1759 yards and 11 TD. 2 tackles.
#15 McNulty, Andrew QB 6-1 197 So. Iowa City, IA (Iowa City HS)--7 games played. 1 rushing TD. 28-51 passing for 352 yards and 1 TD. 2 tackles.
#11 Osborn, Brent QB 6-4 215 Jr. Valley, AL (Northwest Mississippi CC)--3 games played. 4 carries for 16 yards. 13-21 passing for 127 yards and 2 TD.
#19 Dodson, John QB 6-0 195 Sr. Dallas, TX (Bishop Lynch HS)--No stats in 2011.

Redshirt junior Derek Thompson is the leading candidate for the quarterback in 2012 after making 11 starts in 2011 and passing for over 1700 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Sophomore ANddrew McNulty and junior Brent Osborn look to battle for the backup spot this fall.

RB
#24 Byrd, Brandin RB 5-10 211 Jr. Copperas Cove, TX (Copperas Cove HS)--11 games played. 20 carries for 83 yards and 1 TD. 1 catch for 16 yards. 9 kickoff returns for 12 yard average.
#20 Brown, Jeremy  RB 5-8 183 Sr. Whitewright, TX (Whitewright HS)--11 games played. 5 carries for 24 yards. 1 kickoff return for 21 yards. 7 tackles.
#39 Sashington, Konockus RB 6-1 209 So. Austin, TX (Akins HS)--No stats in 20011.
#26 Wilhite, Dimitri RB 5-8 195 Jr. Denton, TX (Guyer HS)--No stats in 2011.
#38 Monroe, Bryan RB 5-8 197 Jr. Prosper, TX (Prosper HS)--No stats in 2011.
#22 Jimmerson, Antoinne RB 5-9 207 RFr. Dallas, TX (DeSoto HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#23 Whitfield, Zac RB 5-9 180 RFr. Sherman, TX (Sherman HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

Losing the top 2 running backs of 2011 puts the Mean Green in a rough situation in 2012 with running the ball. Junior Brandin Byrd and senor Jeremy Brown look to compete for the carries and look to be part of a rotation that should include one or maybe two other players this fall.

TE
#01 Power, Andrew TE 6-5 258 Sr. Myrtle Beach, SC (Arizona Western CC)--12 games played. 2 tackles. 1 fumble return for touchdown. 16 catches for 142 yards and 1 TD.
#86 Miller, Drew TE 6-1 253 Jr. Prosper, TX (Prosper HS)--12 games played. 1 tackle. 6 catches for 105 yards.
#89 Prior, Daniel TE 6-2 240 Sr. Henderson, TX (Henderson HS)--12 games played. 4 catches for 23 yards. 1 kickoff return for 0 yards. 2 tackles. 1 forced fumble.
#88 Smith, Tanner TE 6-3 243 So. Fort Worth, TX (Nolan Catholic HS)--No stats in 2011.
#92 Burks, Raymond TE 6-3 230 So. Noblesville, IN (Noblesville HS)--No stats in 2011.
#08 Jones, Cooper TE 6-4 205 RFr. Lone Oak, TX (Lone Oak HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#84 Smith, Marcus TE 6-4 223 Fr. San Antonio, TX (Warren HS)--Incoming freshman.

Senior Andres Power leads the tight end depth chart after a junior season that saw him catch 16 passes and one touchdown. Drew Miller and Daniel Prior look to get into the rotation after both playing in all 12 games in 2011. The others could contribute on special teams in the fall.

WR
#10 Delgado, Ivan WR 6-2 205 Sr. Killeen, TX (Killeen HS)--11 games played. 0-1 passing. 26 catches for 305 yards and 2 TD.
#03 Chancellor, Brelan WR 5-9 177 Jr. Copperas Cove, TX (Copperas Cove HS)--12 games played. 4 carries for 46 yards. 0-1 passing. 37 catches for 457 yards and 3 TD. 11 punt returns for 2.8 yard #81 #81 Bynes, Christopher WR 6-1 220 RSr. Lauderdale Lakes, FL (Coffeyville CC)--12 games played. 37 catches for 442 yards and 5 TD. 1 punt return for 3 yards. 1 kickoff return for 2 yards.
average. 50 kickoff returns for 21.9 yard average.
#17 Pleasant, Lynrick WR 6-2 205 Jr. Mesquite, TX (Mesquite HS)--6 games played. 4 tackles. 1 forced fumble.
#16 Teegarden, Derrick WR 6-0 187 So. Odessa, TX (Odessa HS)--3 games played. 1 catch for 22 yards.
#34 Caldwell, Carl WR 5-10 170 So. Whitehouse, TX (Kansas Wesleyan)--No stats in 2011.
#14 Sampson, Chaz WR 6-5 183 RFr. Grand Prairie, TX (Timberview HS)--Redshirted in 2011.

With such a low number of wide receivers on the roster, starters Delgado, Chancellor, and Bynes must be team leaders this fall. The three combined for 100 catches and 10 touchdowns in the 2011 season. Pleasant, Teegarden, Caldwell and Sampson should all get playing time and make some big catches for the Mean Green in 2012.

OL
#62 Lemon, Cyril RG 6-3 313 So. Marble Falls, TX (Marble Falls HS)--Projected starter at right guard.
#60 Fortenberry, Aaron C 6-4 300 Sr. Era, TX (Era HS)--Projected starter at center.
#57 Y'Barbo, Mason LG 6-2 312 So. Sulphur Springs, TX (Sulphur Springs HS)--Projected starter at left guard.
#71 Johnson, Antonio LT 6-5 285 So. Diboll, TX (Diboll HS)--Projected starter at left tackle.
#63 Summerfield, Nicolas C 6-1 268 Sr. Killeen, TX (Killeen HS)--Backup at center.
#70 Feeley, Coleman LG 6-5 305 Sr. Austin, TX (Anderson HS)--Backup at left guard.
#64 Anyiam, LaChris OL 6-4 292 Jr. Allen, TX (Allen HS)
#74 Feldt, Cam OL 6-5 308 So. Pilot Point, TX (Arkansas)
#65 Thompson, Micah OL 6-4 307 So. Jones, OK (Jones HS)
#77 Ellard, Travis OL 6-3 282 RFr. Deer Park, TX (Deer Park HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#68 Shaw, Grant OL 6-5 287 RFr. Forney, TX (Forney HS)--Redshirted in 2011.


DL
#93 McCoy, Brandon DE 6-2 270 Jr. Carrollton, TX (Creekview HS)--12 games played. 44 tackles, 7.5 for loss. 4.5 sacks, 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#44 Bellazin, Aaron DE 6-2 255 Jr. Everman, TX (Everman HS)--9 games played. 10 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
#96 Cantly, Tevinn DT 6-4 311 Sr. Arlington, TX (Lamar HS)--12 games played. 17 tackles, 4 for loss. 1 sack, 2 blocked kicks.
#90 Boutwell, Ryan DT 6-3 261 Jr. China Spring, TX (China Spring HS)--12 games played. 28 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 1.5 sacks.
#95 Lincoln, Alexander DE 6-2 249 So. Cibolo, TX (Steele HS)--8 games played. 2 tackles. 1 fumble recovery.
#49 Mason, Daryl DE 6-3 209 So. Garland, TX (Rowlett HS)--6 games played. 1 tackle.
#97 Abbe, Richard DT 6-4 319 Jr. Lubbock, TX (Monterey HS)--12 games played. 7 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pd.
#48 Obi, K.C. DE 6-2 249 Sr. Mission Hills, CA (Bishop Alemany HS)--10 games played. 20 tackles, 2.5 for loss.
#58 Ladner, Michael DT 5-11 280 Jr. Blue Ridge, TX (Blue Ridge HS)--No stats in 2011.
#91 Orr, Austin DE 6-4 245 RFr. Seabrook, TX (Clear Lake HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#69 Astorga, Joe DT 6-1 272 Fr. Dallas, TX (W.T. White HS)--Incoming freshman.

The defensive line is fairly experienced in 2012 with the projected starters all being juniors and seniors. Tevinn Cantly is the possible breakout starter this fall with his athleticism shown from blocking two kicks in 2011. The reserves that should get into the rotation include Abbe and Obi who combined for 27 tackles including 3 for loss.

LB
#52 Akunne, Derek LB 6-0 250 So. Garland, TX (North Garland HS)--10 games played. 20 tackles, 2.5 for loss.
#13 Stojkovic, Michael LB 6-2 211 So. Katy, TX (Valley Forge Military Academy)--12 games played. 48 tackles, 5.5 for loss. 2 sacks, 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 forced fumble.
#35 Orr, Zachary LB 6-0 231 Jr. DeSoto, TX (DeSoto HS)--9 games played. 74 tackles, 7 for loss. 2 sacks, 1 interception, 3 pbu, 4 pd, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble.
#45 Phillips, Jeremy LB 6-3 215 Sr. Waller, TX (Waller HS)--6 games played. 21 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks.
#11 Wright, Will LB 6-2 217 Jr. Garland, TX (South Garland HS)--11 games played. 31 tackles, 2.5 for loss. 2 pbu, 2 pd. 1 blocked kick.
#50 Lewis, Robert LB 6-0 223 Jr. Mesquite, TX (Mesquite HS)--No stats in 2011.
#54 Dunham, Blake LB 6-1 215 So. Argyle, TX (Argyle HS)--No stats in 2011.
#53 Washington, Kendall LB 6-2 197 RFr. Mansfield, TX (Legacy HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#42 Polk, Chad LB 6-0 203 RFr. Dallas, TX (Woodrow Wilson HS)--Redshirted in 2011.
#59 Lynn, Jarrod LB 6-0 235 Fr. Grapevine, TX (Grapevine HS)--Incoming freshman.
#38 Campbell, Brendan LB 6-2 210 Fr. Killeen, TX (Harker Heights HS)--Incoming freshman.
#36 Davis, Brandon LB 6-0 215 Fr. DeSoto, TX (Duncanville HS)--Incoming freshman.

The linebacker corps looks solid and are led by junior Zachary Orr who had 74 tackles in 2011 on only 9 games played. Sophomores Derek Akunne and Michael Stojkovic added 68 tackles for the defense and should be solid players for the Mean Green defense in 2012. With 5 players either redshirt or true freshmen, the rotation should include some young players this fall.

DB
#06 Jackson, Hilbert CB 6-1 183 Jr. Rowlett, TX (Rowlett HS)--12 games played. 15 tackles. 2 pbu, 2 pd.
#27 Lee, Lairamie DB 5-10 183 So. Tyler, TX (Chapel Hill HS)--11 games played. 10 tackles. 1 blocked kick. 1 punt return for 19 yards.
#15 Marshall, Mike DB 6-0 196 So. Grand Prairie, TX (South Grand Prairie HS)--8 games played. 5 tackles.
#21 Warner, Freddie DB 5-10 176 So. Dallas, TX (Pinkston HS)--7 games played. 18 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks, 1 pbu, 1 pd.
#02 Johnson, D. Q. DB 5-11 185 Jr. Des Moines, Iowa (Iowa Western CC)--No stats in 2011.
#17 Maduka, Kevin DB 5-10 170 Sr. Carrollton, TX (Creekview HS)--No stats in 2011.
#08 Trice, Marcus DB 5-8 190 Jr. Mesquite, TX (Oklahoma)--No stats in 2011.
#37 Igboeli, Joseph DB 6-2 175 Jr. Grand Prairie, TX (Texas Southern)--No stats in 2011.
#19 Allen, Brandon DB 6-0 180 Fr. Arlington, TX (Summit HS)--Incoming freshman.
#31 Buyers, Kenny DB 5-11 175 Fr. Hurst, TX (L.D. Bell HS)--Incoming freshman.
#46 Hubbard, Willie DB 5-10 170 Fr. Euless, TX (Trinity HS)--Incoming freshman.

The secondary for the Mean Green looks to be very inexperienced with only junior Hilbert Jackson on the depth chart for the 2011 season finale. There is a large group of players led by Lee, Marshall, and Warner that will compete for the other starting positions but in all reality, all positions are open for anyone.

P
#41 Atterberry, Will P 5-11 199 Sr. Lewisville, TX (Lewisville HS)--12 games played. 74 punts for 43.5 yard average with 26 punts inside the 20 yard line and 16 over 50 yards. 1 tackle.

Senior Will Atterberry is a returning All-Sun Belt performer who averaged 43.5 yards per punt and had over 1/3 of his punts land inside the opponent 20 yard line. He is a weapon for the Mean Green special teams and should pin many opponents deep in their own territory and allow the offense great field position.

K
#37 Olen, Zach PK 5-10 221 Jr. Richardson, TX (Berkner HS)--12 games played. 8-16 field goals. 3-4 from inside 40 yards. 3-10 from 40-49 yards. 2-2 from 50+. 3 blocked kicks. 32-33 extra points. 55 kickoffs with 9 touchbacks. 2 tackles.

Junior Zach Olen is back for his junior season after an up and down 2011 season that saw him struggle mightily from 40-49 yards only making 3-10 attempts. Surprisingly, Olen was a perfect 2-2 from over 50 yards. Olen had 3 kicks blocked so better protection should see his kicking percentage increase.


Overall, 5-7 was a pleasant surprise for the Mean Green in 2011 when not many were expecting a very good season. The Mean Green have higher expectations but are playing a challenging non conference schedule with trips to LSU, Kansas State, and Houston and a home game versus Texas Southern. 1-3 is the best chance for the Mean Green out of conference. The in-conference schedule includes home games versus Arkansas State and ULL and no FIU on the schedule but a difficult season finale at Western Kentucky. 5-7 would be another pleasant surprise for the Mean Green as they lost alot especially in the secondary from 2011 and need many players to step up this fall.

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