Published Tuesday, August 18, 2009 12:10 AM

Comments

Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/22/2009

Comment Title: Miller58 and Seeing Stars need to admit they were wrong, again!!!
COLLEGE STATION — Junior-college cornerback Coryell Judie has been cleared to play for Texas A&M, Aggies coach Mike Sherman said Saturday. "Coryell is here and (will) begin his first day of a five-day acclimatization period," Sherman said. "Since the players have Sunday off, his second day will be Monday." Judie, a Marlin High product who starred at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College the past two seasons, should bring much needed help to A&M's secondary. He's expected to compete for a starting job at cornerback immediately. Judie, who's 5 foot 11 and 185 pounds, missed the first two weeks of camp as he wrapped up his junior-college courses in order to gain academic eligibility to A&M. Judie's A&M biography says he has "the speed and athleticism to be a true lockdown corner." He collected seven interceptions over the past two seasons, including six as a freshman before teams started throwing away from him. He also returned punts and kicks at Fort Scott. SuperPrep named him a Top 10 junior-college recruit

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/22/2009

Comment Title: re- dirtyred
Absolutely not. Miller will be 2-point to get going quicker. One of the problems with the 3 tackles and miller (jack) is that, like with any 3-4 defense, the 3 tackles cannot be relied upon to collapse the pocket every time against 5 O-linemen AND the 3 tackles have EVERY gap unlike 4-3. To help with this, the 4 linebackers (including the jack) will mix up the blitzer between the 4 so the O-line is unsure who to go after. We need another quick guy opposite miller on the other end which I assume will be williams. You HAVE GOT TO GET TO THE QB QUICK in a 3-4 or you will also get burned by the pass. This means cornerbacks have got to get physical with the receivers at the line of scrimmage so the QB does not have the immediate 3-yard target which gives time for miller and company to get there. Can we do that? I dont think so but we will see. To get started on your end what I need you to do is type in your subject line : FOOTBALL 101: DEFENSIVE LINE ALIGNMENTS. Click on the one that starts with, "nfl 4-3, 3-4". I think you can get started here then we can discuss the details and philosophy behind the "jack". I couldnt coach this but I could play it and therefore have an understanding of what is trying to be accomplished. See if this helps.

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/22/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
Please enlighten me with your sites. I have not seen the defense in person so what I am going by is the written record. Does Miller line up in a 3-point stance? I don't know. And the point of my previous post to which you were responding was that the DTs have to get a push for this scheme to be successful. It sounds like we are in agreement on that point. The listed starters on the 2-deep right now are Brown at 285 and Jerod-Eddie at 256, both a little light in the pants. Second stringers are Dorsey at 305 and Davis at 305, more along the lines weight-wise you would be looking for for DTs.

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/21/2009

Comment Title: re-dirtyred
A "jack" is a linebacker, not a defensive end. PERIOD !! He is the FOURTH linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. If you have a "jack" on the field you are in 3-4. Otherwise, you have a defensive end on the field and you are in 4-3. A "jack" has different physical and athletic characteristics than a defensive end. ALL responsibilities change from 3-4 to 4-3. The main one being that in a 3-4 the the 3 down linemen have a primary responsibility of keeping the O-line from getting to the linebackers because the linebackers (including "jack") are getting the tackles and glory as a result. They must be large because they have to demand a doubleteam otherwise an O-linemen would be free to go after the linebackers. The "jack" and "sam" will provide the pass rush and mix it with the "mike", the "will", and at times the cornerbacks. Sometimes one, sometimes two. The 3-4 plays 3 down linemen on the nose of the center and the 2 offensive tackles. Each of the 3 down linemen has two gaps, one on each side of the player he is lined up on. The 4-3 plays one defensive tackle in the weakside A-gap and one in the strong side B-gap, usually in a weak side 1 and strong side 3 position. If you put a "jack" type player in as a defensive end in a 4-3 you can expect trouble from the run as well as screens and counters to that side because of his size. That is also what Seeing Stars has been trying to get across to some of you. Yes, Von Miller will be an excellent "jack" but we do not have the other large linemen to keep the O-line off the linebackers and when Miller rushes, as a "jack" does, they will simply block the linebackers and run the ball or step up into the pocket and throw because your DT's did not get a push. Miller58 has noted the physical differences between the 4-3 and 3-4 tackles that we do not have. You have seen this occur already several times in our scrimmages and practices as even freshmen are breaking HUGE runs on our defense on a MUCH too frequent basis. We just do not have defensive ends so I guess the coaches are choosing the lesser of the two evils. Sherman and Kines cannot limit both the run and the pass in this league so they have chosen to try and take away the pass hoping they do not face matured, seasoned run games in this pass-happy league. Saying you are running a 4-3 with a "jack" is like calling a safety a cornerback or a tight end a flanker. In general, I know what I am talking about and I can tell you may possibly be a little challenged in this area so I would be happy to source a few sites for your enlightenment if you would like. If I have misunderstood your post, my apologies.

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/21/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
Sister, it sounds like you think A&M is running a 3-4. In fact, the scheme is a 4-3, with 2 defensive tackles and 2 defensive ends, one being called the "Jack". So, there won't ever be a big nose in this scheme. That puts a lot more resonsibility on the middle linebacker, at this point Mangan, to plug up the middle, and by the reports I have read, he is doing a very good job. To me, the players that MUST step it up this year and outpreform are the DTs. The success or failure of the rest of the unit rest with their performance. No DT line-push and everyone else is just chasing down the play.

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Posted by: Well done Sherman! On: 8/20/2009

Comment Title: Well done Sherman!
Every coach deserves more than one season to get a new staff in place, change schemes and get rid of the dead wood.____________________ _______ He has out recruited 13 of the 2009 AP Top 20 during 2008 and 2009____ and now has the No 7 class in the nation for 2010. That is a miracle given where our program was when he came in. Well done Sherman!

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Posted by: Aggies # 7 in National Recruiting On: 8/20/2009

Comment Title: Aggies # 7 in National Recruiting
Aggies # 7 in National Recruiting

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Posted by: coach k On: 8/20/2009

Comment Title: agspinmachine details
Goodson can be seen on monday night football its true. he can be seen fumbling the ball several times, tripping over his own feet once, and getting a taunting penalty after scoring against a third string defense which also did not sit well with the head coach.

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/20/2009

Comment Title: RE : WHY A&M IS IN LAST PLACE?
My personal opinions:_____Interesting, shows Which 6 A&M coaches have recruited 0 difference makers this year; and less than half of what tu is recruiting!_____miller58

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Posted by: Aggie Spin Machine On: 8/20/2009

Comment Title: Miller again is WRONG!!!!
Dude, JerMichael Finley (the tu TE stud), went into the same draft as MB. Bennett went pro because he was ready. Sherman supported it and it is to the Cowboy's and MB's advantage. Get your info right!BTW, Miller posts here all the time because he is on staff at the eagle. Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009 Comment Title: MIKE SHERMAN'S INABILITIES? My personal opinions:_____Last year, Martllus chose not to stay and play for Sherman?____Last year, tu's stud tight end chose to stay and play for Mac._____This year, A&M's fastest and best back, Mike Goodson chose not to play for Sherman?_____This year, Colt McCoy chose to stay and play for Mac._____MIKE GOODSON ENJOYING HIS NEW NFL FOUR YEAR CONTRACT, CAN BE SEEN THIS WEEK ON MOMDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL._____miller58

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Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Coryell Judie
Status has been the sam for over a month. Type in CORYELL JUDIE in your subject line. Select: CORYELL JUDIE-COLLEGE FOOTBALL RECRUITING 2009-ESPN. Select: VIEW FULL ON THE TRAIL. Last update on 8/19/2009 states: "HOPES TO GRADUATE IN DECEMBER AND ENROLL IN JANUARY". Seems like recruits are not the only ones being slow played. Now the fans are getting their turn. Waiting on the clearinghouse? I sort of doubt it. (Unless something very unusual is going on they surely have known this for a while).

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: WHY A&M IS IN LAST PLACE?- DIFFERENCE MAKER RECRUITING BY COACH?
my personal opinions:_____CURRENT RECRUITING CLASS DIFFERENCE MAKER COMMITS BY COACH?_____McMillan 3;_____Jordan 2:_____Turner 1;_____Malone 1;_____Rossley 0;_____Kines 0;_____Doll 0_____Sherman 0;_____wyatt 0;_____Cromwell 0;_____A&M Coaches Total 7;_____tu Coaches Total 16?_____miller58

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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Excellent points, Stars..
Kudos.

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: __________________JUDIES STATUS TODAY?
My personal opinions:_____DID A&M COACHES BLOW THIS ONE UP, BY NOT FOLLOING THROUGH, AND GETING ADMISSONS TO TELL THE KID WHICH COURSES HE NEEDS TO COMPLETE TO GET INTO A&M?____miller8

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: re- dirtyred
Almost forgot, if you are looking for players that play their high school "natural" position I would advise you not to look too closely at our roster.

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: re- dirtyred
Alrightey then !!! First and most importantly I will use one of the sherman camp's arguments that he MUST know who would be best suited for the position or they wouldnt be there. You know, shoot down this miller58 argument that he struggles with evaluating personnel. These coaches strted realizing some of what those who face these new college offenses have known for a while. You will give up size to get speed. You see DB's moving to LB slots and LB's moving to DE slots. It will happen. It should happen. The 3-4 defense is installed in pro ball in part because it is much more difficult to find good DE's coming out of college. So you go 3-4 with the fourth LB called a "jack" that goes with "will", "sam", and "mike". The perfect "jack" is a quick player who is a little small for DE and not quite fluid enough for LB. Guess who? VON MILLER !!! Problem is he has no help in the middle. No big nose tackle and off tackle to absorb double teams so the other LB's can make tackles. No big guys to collapse the pocket. Teams will simply run the ball on us and he will be a non-factor. Look at the last scrimmage. Everybody is running wild. Oh yeah, he can pressure the passer, if he ever sees one. And just about the time he doesnt rush is when they WILL throw. Now to your high school LB's. I'll bet you NONE of them played a 3-4 defense where the responsibilities are a lot different. So here comes the learning curve again. You think miller has the size to turn a run upfield with a lead back. He is a speed rusher, period. On top of that, what do you think we will be doing with all the DE's we are recruiting. Going back to a true 4-3 with another learning curve. It may get too late because who is your blue chip QB in three years?

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
Almost forgot, but you are right on your last point, that last year's version did get the the WRONG place faster. Let's hope this years group doesn't get to the WRONG place SLOWER (I don't think they will).

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
Okay, Sister, I'm going to poke holes through your entire argument. I will grant you that on paper, last years LBs posted faster 40 times as recruits. But here is where it gets interesting. Who of the three you mentioned (Miller, Featherson, and Dixon) played LB in high school and was recruited to that position at TAMU? Done scratching your head? The answer is zero. Dixon, the speediest, was a CB in high school and recruited as a DB, Miller played and was recruited as a DE as was Featherston. Did any of those three really look comfortable on the field in their assigned positions last year? I didn't think so, either. Now, looking at the 2009 2-deep, we see the starting LBs listed as Cavanaugh, Mangan and Williams. Guess which one of them did NOT play LB in high school. Garrick Williams...he played wide receiver in high school. Mangan played and was recruited as an inside LB, Cavanaugh played and was recruited as an outside LB. Matt Moss is listed at DE, he was recruited as a Strong Side DE and Miller is the Jack/DE, DE being his natural position since high school. So, I will give you that in a 40 yard dash, last years starts might have been faster flat out, but are you going to argue that those three LBs played that fast, given they were all out of position? Or will you admit that even though a guy is slower in the 40, he can play his natural position FASTER given his experience and familiarity in that position? We are, after all, talking about the difference on the inside of 0.10 seconds and on the outside of 0.12 seconds. As for me, give me the player in his natural position all day long, thank you.

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Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: RE: Pablo
The basic philosophy is spread the offense from sideline to sideline which moves defenders away fro the ball. Spurrier felt like if he split someone out you had to account for him by sending a defender with him which was effectively like blocking the guy. Meyer spreads you out then lets you choose whether to stop the run or the pass. You can do one but defenses have trouble doing both. Now if my defense has equal or better athletes than the offense at all positions then we have just made the offenses job a little tougher. If I can blitz you, take away the pass, and you cannot run you wind up with Florida beating Oklahoma or Oklahoma over Texas Tech. Tech is good but relies WAY too much on the pass. Take a look at Rushing Attempts/Passing Attempts in the south last year: OK (589/517), tu (508/447), Baylor (481/290), Ok St (582/326), and tt (317/662). So if you can pressure harrell and take away the pass you have a good chance of beating them because they just DO NOT run the ball. Problem has been that teams have usually not been able to get to him like Ok did. Normally however, if you take away the pass you do not have the ability to stop the run UNLESS you have superior athletes to the oposition.

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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Sister, what state are you from?
I am a show me kind of person as well, so we agree on that premise. It will be interesting to watch Von Miller this season and see what's a the fuss about, but I like the idea of pressuring the QB as a means of taking a team like Tech out of their game. We'll see.

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Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Sorry Bill
Sorry Mr Knotts. I was thinking of something a little more recent, like say the last 60 years. I think Coach Russell was at SMU about 1950. Did they play with 11 on a side then? Just kidding here.....if you go back that far I'll bet you have some great memories and better stories. You need to share some of them with us.

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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Stars..
I went back and read a few articles (before posting) about the egg that Tech laid at Norman last year. Even on TT website they were quite upset that the OLine did not protect better. Rivals was quoted as saying Harrell's Heisman hopes to a hit, "it’s going to be hard for voters to forget the stench emanating from Saturday night’s beatdown. OU put consistent pressure on Harrell, and he wilted badly."____ I think they DO realize that the Spread IS the system to beat if we ever hope to climb over OU and UT... just take a step back and you can see some of the pieces falling into place.

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Posted by: Bill Knotts'51 On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Spread Offense
The SWC first saw the spread when a coach named Russell introduced it at SMU.I think his son was the eventual QB.

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Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: RE: Pablo
I mentioned before that the SWC first saw the spread in the Houston Run & Shoot offense. Today's versions are many and varied. It works well against the blitz because the QB is only taking a 2 step drop and hitting a 3-5 yard pattern. The ball is gone like immediately. The top spread quarterbacks MUST make quick reads and very fast decisions just like the style of West Coast A&M is trying to implement. You have heard sherman comment recently on Johnson needing to make quicker decisions AND get rid of the ball. That same quarterback has also got to be a downfield threat. If he is not, the safetys will gang closer to the line of scrimmage helping the cornerbacks take away the quick route and NOW the blitz is effective. Even if you get to the QB he can slow you down with counters and screens to your side. Point is, these offenses are so quick it is hard to get pressure on the QB. It also should be noted if your two defensive tackles cannot get a push and collapse the O-line back to the QB he will just step forward into the pocket and around the blitz. The blitz up the middle seems to be the more annoying to a QB because even if they don't get to him they may knock the ball down or deflect it. And that gives us .04 cents.

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: SHOW ME
I am a show me kind of person and you must admit that replacing last years linebackers of Miller (4.51), Featherston (4.50), Dixon (4.48) with this years Williams (4.60), Mangan (4.60), and Cavanaugh (4.50) then trying to convince someone you got FASTER would be quite a task. Dont give me the football speed answer either unless you have shuttle times to stack against the other three and he said/she said is weak as well. Miller REPLACED Williams last year if you remember. Add to this the half to full second it takes for these new guys to process what is going on in front of them because they are in new positions and it gets slower. Also add in they are learning a new jack scheme which changes their responsibilities depending on who is blitzing (miller, moss, or one of them). You have to max out the mental quickness before the physical quickness or you will just get to the WRONG place faster.

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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Since we are all tossing in our .02
Recent feature on ESPN was the piece on the Spread formation. Was a great read for understanding the origins and possible future of football offenses to come. At the same time it was pointed out how this was not really a new offense, but one that has morphed from offenses in the past. Is it possible that the weapon of choice against such an attack is QB pressure? Is that why OU blitz the bejeezus outta Graham Harrell? Maybe, just maybe that 'ol coach knows a thing or two about the Spread and how to beat it? Then again..

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
There is no arguing that the defense was abysmal last year. Several factors contributed to that weakness, including lack of speed and/or talent, implemention of a new system, lack of offensive production providing defense a rest, and a TON of youth. It would be interesting to see what the yards per carry were when broken down by quarter or by half. My instinct tells me that as the games wore on, that number increased, probably dramatically. Unfortunately, the team has to take its lumps while it tries to build into the 4-3 scheme, which, coincidentally, tu and ou both run, and I think they have the best D in the league, bar none. So, I think Kines' scheme is appropriate, but like everything else with this squad, it needs time to take root and grow.

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: re- dirtyred
"disappointed with 6 and 6 and anything else will raise questions".....agree with that. Also agree the season needs to play out. Just looks bad from where I sit. Like Seeing Stars says, the defense will kill us. I just do not understand some thinking. Our B-12 South opponents actually run the ball more than they throw (excluding tt) yet we are weakening our run defense by installing more blitzing speed with the jack and removing a true defensive end. Nobody found it necessary to throw on us last year as they ran the ball 507 times for 2631 yards at 5.2 yards per carry and only threw the ball on us 365 times. They seemed to throw out of convenience rather than need. At 5.2 yards per carry they were not in passing situations too often. Our rush defense was #114 in the nation. They would probably rather run than throw for game management (clock) issues as well. I think Stars has some valid points that even sherman verified in todays Eagle (Aggies Want More Sacks, QB Pressure) when he stated it is "easier to negate the rush with different schemes". Start bringing Moss from the other end and defending the run will get real ugly real quick. I just do not get it. The 4-2-5 of the previous defense was a more sound philosophy against these B-12 offenses but reduced the number of roster linebackers and increased the number of roster defensive backs. When Kines got here he (in my opinion) tried to "force" a 4-3 defense before he had the players (linebackers) to do it and that is my gripe. The only answer (again my opinion) for this years defense is finally Kines has figured out this is not the 1999 SEC and we do not face power run games but now he has no defensive ends to man a 4-2-5. Look at the number of defensive ends being recruited as they scramble to get the 4-3 on the field in the future rather than using some imagination with other style defenses in the present. That has got to be the only answer and the reason I believe we will be 4-8 once again and with a lot of luck 5-7.

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Re: Sister
Sister, I hear your argument, but please, provide FACTS. Who, what publication, when, etc. with the predictions? That being asked, I will acknowledge that expections were high for 2008, just as I think (my opinion) that expectations are low for 2009. During the course of the season, you may recall, more and more of the comments regarding the disappointment with the unfolding season turned to the lack of talent and depth to put on the field. That theme has carried into the 2009 season. The 2006 recruiting class was rated an average score of 24 while the 2007 class was scored on average 34.5 (Rivals & Scout). Those weak classes are why so many freshman played in 2008 and why so many more will play in 2009. As for the results on the field, it is difficult for true freshmen, even red-shirt freshmen, to compete with juniors and seniors, no matter how talented those freshmen are. That is my take on the 2008 season. Others will argue that it was all coaching, or lack thereof, which is fine. My argument is that you cannot lay the results at the feat of a coaching staff that has put in an entirely new system on both sides of the ball. One spring and one fall camp is not enough to prepare a team with a new system, no matter how intelligent, motivated and talented that team is. My opinion is Sherman needs 3 years before anyone starts crying for his job. I will be watching closely this fall and I expect a 7-5 result with an outside shot at 8-4. I will be somewhat disappointed with 6-6 and anything worse will raise questions. How about after November 26th we take up the conversation again? In the meantime, let the team and coaches operate without all the negative background noise.

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Posted by: The Real Me On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: RE: Delusional 58
If you are suggesting that Shepard and Johnson were ready to sign on the dotted line for Fran's recruiting class, you need to put down the crack pipe my friend. You are so far off, that doesn't even qualify as spin, but pure BS.. BTW, seems to reason that your boy Mack also lost out on those two also, no?????

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: re- dirtyred
So last year before the season got started most people, experts and fans, picked this team to win seven or more games. They knew the talent level, they knew there was a new coaching staff, they knew of the current injuries and that there would be more, and the knew there was a new scheme. The team winds uo 4 and 8 and everybody is all of a sudden on the no-talent bus. The talent issue was why we were picked to go 7 and 5 not 10 and 2. How can we switch gears to no-talent when pre-season predictions said otherwise?

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Re: Inside recruiting 2005-2010
Well, it looks like Miller58 has nothing to say when presented with numbers and facts, which is expected given his misinformation. As my post from earlier clearly shows, the numbers bear out that Aggie recruiting was in decline from 2005 through the end of Fran's tenure. Miller58 tries to argue that Fran was succeeding in the recruiting game when the numbers actually prove he was an abject failure. No matter how Miller58 tries to spin it, the fact remains, Aggie recruiting was in decline. The won-loss record since 2007 bears this out. Miller58 wants to count the 2008 recruiting class as 100% Sherman's when, in fact, less than 30% (7 out of 24) of the signed players were Sherman's recruits, and the ones he did recruit include Fuller, Gray, Cavanaugh, Brown and Hunter (I don't think I need to use first names because anyone the least bit familiar with Aggie football knows who these players/starters are). While the Dallas Morning News Article from Nov. 2007 has the class rated #11 (UNSIGNED, of course), the Rivals and Scout average for the SIGNED class was #15.5. That is exceptional given a coaching change 2.5 months prior to signing day. So, while Miller58 and his negative spin mentality pines away for the good ole days of Fran, I'll gladly look forward to a bright future for Texas A&M football under the current coaching regime. Oh, and that drivel about holding back scholarships for unnamed 4 and 5 star recruits, recruits figuring out when to graduate because of limited scholarships, blah, blah, blah, what a pile of BUNK. That, folks, is the basis of an argument rooted in conjecture and falicy.

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: RE : Observer - John
My personal opinions:_____Observer, John, a couple of more names for your list. I already listed them by position, but din't have their names>_____Quarterback 5* Russel Shepard signed with lsu and lockdown corner 5* Patrick Johnson signed with lsu!_____miller58

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: re- pablo
"Wins and losses will be the judge of Sherman"..........Great post !!! (so very true).

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: AGGIE SPIN MACHINE
My personal opinions:_______________?_______________miller58

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Posted by: Pablo On: 8/19/2009

Comment Title: Don't take your eye off the ball Aggies!
Miller and Co. are the spin masters, haven't you figured that out yet? It is easy to spin how bad things are or were when you only win 4 games. Who gives a crap about the past? I am definitely interested in the NOW and near future. And I am telling everyone for the umpteenth time WINS and LOSSES will be the judge of Sherman not a bunch of scuttle-butt!

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Posted by: Miller.58.Longhorn On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Miller, you need a life.
"The evil Aggie Spin Machine"??? Something tells me you see Mack Brown as Darth Vader who will bring the Death Star to Kyle Field in November too! Dude, you need to get out of your parents basement every now and then. I bet you still believe the government is hiding aliens too!. Get a life Luke....uh, I mean Miller.

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Posted by: Observer On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Re; miller58
I personally started OBSERVING the situation about September 2007. Recently, I was trying to find a third party reference concerning where our recruiting actually stood when fran was fired and the Dallas Morning News article has been all I could dig up at present but it did paint the picture. I knew we lost some, gained some, but overall lost ground. I just could not put together any supporting evidence. I remembered some players decommitting when sherman happened but could not remember the details. Your post below has caused me to recall a lot of the players in question. When I see their names it serves to remind me of the recruiting program status at that time. While I cant remember them all I do remember the situation with 5 of those you mention and I do recall the closeness of some of the players in the group. Thanks for the info.....WOW !!!

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Posted by: miler58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: RE:" HOLDING FRAN's 24 SOLID COMMITS RIVALS NATIONAL #11 RANKED CLASS WILL BE SHERMAN"S HARDEST TASK?" 11/27/ 2007 ARTICLE DALLAS MORNING NEWS BRIAN DAVIS!
My personal opinions: _____Observer, thanks for posting this Archived article below!_____But you have to realize that confirming what I said, with posting of this article, will drive the AGGIE SPIN MACHINE to distraction trying to lie and spin their way out of this, the next few days!_____I'm just going to sit back and laugh and count the spin posts_____It should get intense!_____Miller58

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: RE: John - Observer Perhaps I can help.
My personal opinions:____Fran was running out of scholarships for 4 and 5 star recruits: with 24 committed, 4 more max, optional january graduates involved, 4 stars being slow played because there were other 4 and 5 star players that could block and tackle better. a couple of players not expected to quaify, etc; and Fran was going to try to fit them all in either in the 2008 or 2009 classes someway?_____ These kids all wanted to play together, had become close and it was a bonanza for A&M?_____As I remember:_____5* S Loston decommited to Clemson, then lsu:_____4* Martin was so shook by the Sherman thing that he decommitted to ou and a week later to okie lite:_____4* Corner Harris decommitted to ou;_____4*LB/DE Stephens decommitted to 'ole miss;_____4* DT Davis decommitted Sherman and later recanted____4* DE Lewis-Moore decommited to Notre Dame:_____ 4* hall did not make it in:_____ Another 4*? help, did not make it in:_____5* WR Williams from Virginia, dropped A&M When Sherman happened:_____5* corner ? from Florida,Dropped A&M wHen Sherman happened, signed with lsu;_____5* Quarterback Loston's cousin, There were 3 other four stars, a RB, a TE and an O-line that dropped as soon as Sherman happened:_____ Of course 4* WR Fuller and 4*RB Gray were recruited by Fran for 10 months, but were not as high ranked as some of the others?_____Then there was WR Johnson decommitted to isu:_____These are the main ones that all had committed verbally to Fran as I recall; and were just workin out scholarships and when to graduate and enter A&M! There are 3 or 4 more 4*'s that we were in the top 3 for, but were also being slow played as they were ranked behind some of the front runners and we didnt have the room even withthe 2 not expected to qualify._____ Hope that helps you get started with the list of names?_____miller58

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Inside recruiting 2005-2010
Since Miller58 is so adamant about beating the poor recruiting drum, I thought it might be insightful to look back a few years to see how current recruiting stacks up against classes going back to 2005. Here is what the numbers show, and I am AVERAGING the class rank from both Scout and Rivals (not very scientific as there are some wide margins between the two rating services, but for brevity's sake). 2005 - #12.5, 2006 - #24, 2007 - #34.5, 2008 - #15.5, 2009 - #17, 2010 - #8. Does anyone else spot the trend? Since Miller58 seems to be numbers obsessed, how about these: 2005-07, average class rank #23.67, 2008-10, average class rank #13.5. Anyone that wants to rail on the won-loss record from 2008 should look at the roster first and see that it is littered with players from the classes with an average nat'l rank of 23.67. Why did TAMU go 4-8 in Sherman's first year? Start with Frans's poor recruiting, sprinkle in a coaching change, stir with a system change and bake. Result 4-8. The numbers do not lie, Sherman is bringing in better, faster, smarter talent than Fran did during his last 3 years, ON AVERAGE. Sherman must be allowed to coach through no less than 3 full recruiting classes to get a true assessment of his abilities. As for the numbers provided above, they are available for all to see at rivals.com and scout.com. BTW, Miller58, further proof you are a negative, whining, tu troll with nothing positive to say. Go away.

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Posted by: Observer On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Re; John
That is what puzzled me as well. I know miller refers to that happening and the quote from the Dallas Morning News was written 11/28/07. Maybe someone else can provide names. That is why I posted the article. Seven have to be accounted for.

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Posted by: John On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Freshman starting to add up
Observer, after Sherman was hired, he added, Brown, Cavanaugh, Davis, Frederich, Fuller, Gray, and Hunter. Since we signed 24, who were the 7 that Fran had committed that we lost?

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Miller58's Post on Denver Post
This was cut and pasted directly from the Denver Post last week following an article entitle, "The Eyes of Texas Look Down on A&M." I am waiting from Miller58's explanation for his apparent split personality. So far, all I hear is crickets____________John, perhaps you should stick to the Oregon Ducks and stay out of the Big XII... My opinions: ____Sherman is going to get it done at Texas AM, he is bringing in elite talent____2009 had one 5-star, four 4-star players, and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____2010 already has seven 4-star players and 6 high-3-stars (5.7 rating on rivals)____This year the Ags will make a bowl game going 7-6 (with a bowl win) or better____In 2010 and 2011, the Aggies will be pushing for the ocnference championship as all these elite younger players turn into juniors and seniors____Texas AM did poorly in year one of Mike Sherman, true, but with a new team-focus, better athletes, faster players, and more depth at each position, look for the Aggies to improve drastically in 2009____miller58

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Posted by: Observer On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title:
Just found a piece of archived news that may lend support to what miller58 has to say about the '08 recruiting class. Brian Davis/Dallas Morning News, 11/28/2007....."One of the problems Sherman faced the day he was hired was keeping intact a strong recruiting class assembled by Dennis Franchione. On the day he was hired the Aggies had 24 strong commits and were ranked 11th nationally by RIVALS.com".

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Posted by: John On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Freshman starting to add up
Poor Miller58, even you could learn to be happy. Like move to Waco and support your bbbaylllor bears.

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Posted by: travster23 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: math
Miller's obviously not an A&M grad, in addition to not having good grammar, he's not very good at math either.

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: SPIN HIDING SHERMAN RECRUITING DISASTER SINCE 2007: ONLY 45% OF THE SPEED, ATHLETICISM AND SIZE OF MAC BROWN RECRUITING!
My personal opinions:_____Sherman with 76 commits in 4 classes, has only 6 defensive difference makers and 13 offensive difference makers committed since 2007, a complete recruiting disaster, especially on defense:_____Class'08 A&M 7 tu 12;_____class'09 A&M 5 tu 14:_____Class'10 A&M 7 tu 16: Class'11 A&M 0 tu 0:_____totals A&M 19 tu 42 or 45%?_____With only 9 players plus attrition to get to the 85 man ncaa limit to 2013, the Aggie Spin Machine can't spin only 6 defensive difference makers any way, but more blow out losses guaranteed to 2013?_____miller58

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Posted by: Seeing Stars On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO
Here is what was being said by many in August 2008 about A&M football as summed up in the Dallas Shipp site @tamu.scout.com. (QUOTE)..."The Texas A&M defensive line has shown improvement over the last couple of seasons, and that should be the case once again in 2008. With SIX RETURNING UPPERCLASSMEN, including seniors Michael Bennett, Amos Gbunblee, and Cyril Obiozor on the roster, expect to see A LOT MORE PRESSURE ON THE QUARTERBACK this fall, which will also help the Aggie secondary defend against the pass. Obiozor LED THE AGGIES with 39 tackles (17 solo tackles) and 9.5 tackles for a loss last season and should be able to team with Bennett, who earned HONORABLE MENTION ALL BIG-12 HONORS IN 2007 COMING OFF THE BENCH, to compile an extremely effective pass rush off the edge of the line. As far as THE INTERIOR LINE is concerned, junior Kellen Heard has emerged as ONE OF THE DOMINANT DEFENSIVE TACKLES IN THE LEAGUE OVER THE PAST TWO SEASONS, and Lucas Patterson is CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYERS ON THE TEAM BY THE NEW TEXAS A&M COACHING STAFF. A&M defensive back Devin Gregg says he believes ALL OF THE LINEBACKERS are capable of answering the call. 'COACH HAS THEM WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO BE PRODUCTIVE AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH,' Greegg says. 'THEY'RE ABLE TO COVER THE GUYS OUT OF THE BACKFIELD WITH THE SPEED THEY HAVE, THEY'LL ALSO BE VERY GOOD BLITZERS'. Gregg will head up the Aggie secondary---which will be ONE OF THE MOST EXPERIENCED UNITS ON THE FIELD WITH 97 COMBINED STARTS--after a couple of KEY POSITION CHANGES IN THE SPRING. Juniors Jordan Peterson and Jordan Pugh have SWITCHED POSITIONS from a year ago. Peterson, who has PLAYED CORNERBACK FOR THE PAST TWO SEASONS, will move to free safety while the speedier Pugh MOVES from safety to cornerback. Senior Alton Dixon will also be in the mix at safety after EARNING THE REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE BIG-12's HARDEST HITTING SAFETYS LAST SEASON, while seniors Arkeith Brown and Danny Gorrer have the potential to be LOCK DOWN corners this season.".....(END QUOTE). That unit never came close to achieving anywhere near its potential and it clearly was not due to talent or experience. Coaching and scheme would be the culprits and they should have known better. Not a Big-12 Champion but certainly not a national #114 defense. So I would suggest a little wait-and-see would be in order before buying into the idea of realizing marked improvement this year. Hope for the best, prepare for the worse, trust but verify.

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Posted by: Ranger0482 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title:
I can't believe how much trust people put into the comments of some beat writer from Wisconsin who once wrote that Sherman was fired from Green Bay because of his inability to evaluate talent. I think that was disproved this past year when all he did was mention publicly that Stephen McGee should be a pro quarterback and the pros snatched him up in the third round. The GMs and scouts essentially said "Sherman knows what he's talking about." As far as his personnel decisions on the field, Sherman is not nearly as short-sided as Aggie fans. He was not coaching for a championship season last year and I doubt that he is this year. He's looking long term and I have a sneaking suspicion that next year is his do-or-die season (believe me, my source is better than yours). Despite what miller58 says, Sherman is doing an outstanding job of recruiting. That statement is not followed by "considering how disappointing the program has been over the past few years." He is going a great job of recruiting, period. Patience, fans. This is a tough hill to climb, but A&M has the resources (money, personnel, facilities, talent pool, fan base) to reach the top.

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Posted by: On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title:
Maybe he was being outdone and maybe he wasnt. just because sherman chooses one over another doesnt make the decision correct. We chose fran over meyer and sherman chose kines over anybody else you would like to name.

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Posted by: Cotton79 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: RESPONSE TO "ROTTEN79"
Response to the miller58 wannabe (the one who was trying to be cute and call me "ROTTEN79"): have some juevos, young man, and post under your own handle. I don't agree with the thought process of the GENUINE miller58, but he would never post such juvenile tripe as this. You're just trying to be some flippant provacateur. But I'll address you hollow argument. Watch and learn, my dear paduwan: First, Rod Davis has a head injury, not a "serious" one. Coaches are doing the right thing and holding him out of practive for a while. (And furthermore, I NEVER wish ill-will on injured players.) Second, he was a 4* out of HS that miller58 hawks so much, but the truth is he was being outdone last year by 3* fish, Eddie Brown.

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Re: Mike Goodson's decision to leave early as printed in Sports Illustrated
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) -- It isn't often Steve Smith says anything positive about a rookie, yet he's been heaping praise on Mike Goodson. Carolina's coaching staff is similarly impressed, and the fans at training camp routinely gasp at some of the speedy running back's shifty moves. So what in the heck happened to him at Texas A&M, where his numbers declined each year before he declared early for the draft? "I wanted to do a lot more in college," Goodson said. "But that's thinking in the past. I'm on a great team now and it's a great opportunity. I'm going to try to make up here what I didn't do there." The Panthers hardly needed help at running back going into the draft. They had the top rushing duo in the NFL last year in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. But with their extra fourth-round pick they received from San Francisco in a draft-weekend trade, the Panthers took the 6-foot, 212-pound back. "When we drafted him somebody told me to go on YouTube and look at him. I watched it and I was like, 'Wow.' He was phenomenal," said Smith, Carolina's four-time Pro Bowl receiver. "I think he's a great asset to the team. I think he's explosive, he's smart, he makes a lot of moves." It just didn't translate into success at Texas A&M. After rushing for a team-best 847 yards as a freshman, he dipped to 711 yards a year later. Last season, in which he was slowed for a while with a sore knee, he managed only 406 yards rushing under new coach Mike Sherman. "With a guy like Mike, we ought to be better," Sherman said midway through last season. Goodson said he's not sure why he struggled, but acknowledged he didn't click with Sherman, the former Green Bay Packers coach. "But I think when you say that it comes across that Sherman is a bad guy. He's not that at all. He's a great guy," Goodson said. "I think that I didn't have enough time with him. I was there for one year and I was out. I think if we had a little more time it would have worked out better." There wouldn't be a second year together. Facing family financial problems -- his father, Mike Sr., is in prison after a mortgage fraud conviction -- Goodson decided to turn pro despite his sliding draft stock. Goodson used part of his $492,000 signing bonus to pay off his mother's mortgage and remodel their home in Klein, Texas. Then he came to Carolina intent on resurrecting his career, whether it be at running back, slot receiver or kickoff returner. "Very early on we noticed he's a very explosive guy no matter how you get the ball in his hands, as a runner or a pass receiver," coach John Fox said. "He's still learning, being a rookie, but he's still been able to show that explosiveness even as he's feeling his way through learning the offense." With Stewart sidelined for much of camp with lingering Achilles' tendon pain, Goodson has been getting a number of carries with the first team. His shiftiness has befuddled the defense and impressed his veteran teammates. "On the run his feet don't stop. I think a lot of times you can't coach or teach that and he already has those instincts," Smith said. "I think he has a lot to learn, but I also think he has a lot to give to the team." Once Stewart gets healthy, the Panthers could use Goodson as a third-down back or as a slot receiver on passing downs. Goodson also is a top candidate to win the kick returner job. Goodson will likely get plenty of work in Monday's preseason opener at the New York Giants. It'll be his first game since last season's finale at Texas A&M, when he carried six times for five yards in a 49-9 loss to Texas. "I'm not really sure why it turned out the way it did," Goodson said, "but I'm happy that I'm here now." Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/08/15/panthers.camp.ap/index.html#ixzz0OY7KooDw

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: ROTTEN 79, YOU AREREALY SICK TO ATTACK A YOUNG AG 2ND YEAR 4 STAR D-LINEMAN NOT IN THE ROTATION BECAUSE OF A SERIOUS HEAD INJURY!
My personal opinions:_____Rotten79, you are really sick to attack a young Ag 2nd year, 4 star lineman not in the rotation now because of a serious head injury?_____Apologize to him, now!_____miller58

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Posted by: Agforlife93 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Let Miller Continue to Post
At some point Miller will be proven wrong of all the crap he spews on the blog. Ags have not been great lately, but the true Ags still support the team and hope for the best. I believe Sherman is heading in the right direction and it will be proven on the fields, not in a blog with miller lite. As far as Tellus and Goodson are concerned, they both seek individual accolades and the team comes second. That along with the money was reason enough to leave CS. Sherman is putting together a group of guys that want to win for each other, their school and then for themselves. Finding the right attitude and talent takes time and Sherman is coming into his second full recruiting class this coming year in 2010. Stars mean jack s%^t once these guys strap on the pads and play college ball. If you think there is a difference between jv and varsity, multiply that by 100 at a minimum. Miller does not know a jock from his panties so I surely don't expect him to know anything about college football. He just knows what he reads on rivals and other blogs and he just likes to rant and I don't mind reading and responding. Keep 'em coming miller lite you candya$$.

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Posted by: travster23 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: McGee draft level
So Fran put McGee in the position to be drafted high? How do you explain what happened to Reggie McNeal? The truth is, fran killed any chance Reggie had by using him as a run option QB--after having an outstanding year passing. McGee was recruited as a passing QB, then fran ruined him in the option. The only reason McGee was getting consideration in the NFL was precisely because of Sherman._____The fact that Nealy is turning out well proves that Sherman is a good evaluator of talent, despite how many times miller states that he was let go from Green Bay b/c of poor talent evealuation. If Sherman could see that Nealy had talent when rivals didn't, then maybe he is recruiting better than advertised.____Martellus did what most elite players do--he took the money. Smart decision, good Aggie sense. He would have done the same had fran stayed.

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Posted by: On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Re; Cotton79
And who belongs to who sir. And who evaluates who sir. Is it frans or shermans recruit/ Has the correct evaluation been made? Just because sherman and his coaches make a decision it doesnt mean it is correct. We have a year under our belt to prove that out. If you want to be 99% Aggie and 1% football analyst that is great. Just dont let being an Aggie sway your decision more than being objective when it comes to making decisions about the ability of the program and the players chosen to start at their positions. If he could get it right we would not keep shifting players around. Why take patterson off defense to boost offensive line production when it causes a larger production depletion on defense.

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Posted by: dirtyred On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Coaching-staff ability to evaluate talent
Nealy is definitely a great case of the coaching staff picking up a kid that was under the radar. They obviously saw something in him that other top-flight coaches (mac and stoops for Miller58) missed. He had a huge game in the Coaches All-Star game earlier this summer, along with 3-star, yes only 3 star, recruit Dustin Harris. So, contrary to Miller58's weak opinion, this coaching staff appears to be able to evaluate talent quite well. Regarding Mike Goodson's early departure, he cited in a story over the weekend that his reason for leaving TAMU were strictly financial. I may be slightly off on the exact details but he stated in the article that his mom's house was being foreclosed on and the family was in dire financial straits (unlike USC, I guess TAMU doesn't pay the players/families a la Reggie Bush). I think there was also something in there about his dad going to or being in prison. That article came out of Carolina and was available through the links on TexAgs.com. So, yet again, Miller58's negativity is nothing more than white noise. I feel it necessary to debunk him, though, as many people might take is OPINIONS as facts.

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Posted by: Cotton79 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: RESPONSE TO MILLER58 RE NEALY
For your edification, miller58, here's on oft-used phrase by General Eisenhower: Q.E.D. Quod Erat Demonstrandum. "That which is to be proven," or more simply: the results speak for themselves. It appears young Mr. Nealy (who BTW was the Defensive Player of the Yr in San Antonio), will indeed get some playing time this year. Yet according to your mind-numbing rant about "4*'s and up," he doesn't count. Not a factor. Here's a tip, miller: we have a 4* DL who is in his 2nd year and still trying to get into the rotation; Nealy, on the other hand, has been on campus maybe 3 months and is already rotating in. BOTTOMLINE: I think I'll trust the coaches on this one, NOT your favorite rant from some recruiting website.

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Posted by: Sister On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: re- Chaching
AMEN BROTHER !!!! c h a c h i n g !!!! First 2 sentences !!!

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: MIKE SHERMAN'S INABILITIES?
My personal opinions:_____Last year, Martllus chose not to stay and play for Sherman?____Last year, tu's stud tight end chose to stay and play for Mac._____This year, A&M's fastest and best back, Mike Goodson chose not to play for Sherman?_____This year, Colt McCoy chose to stay and play for Mac._____MIKE GOODSON ENJOYING HIS NEW NFL FOUR YEAR CONTRACT, CAN BE SEEN THIS WEEK ON MOMDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL._____miller58

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Posted by: Chaching On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Its called freedom of speech
Many of the Ags who comment are conservative to the point of not wanting to read anything negative about Aggieland--the Karl Rove/Dick Cheney mentality. Miller58 has the right to express his opinions--his freedom of speech is no less valuable than anyone else's. The truth is that the Ags have been in the toilet bowl for years, while tu and ou are dominant. That is not likely to change so long as the Ags put an inferior product on the field. This is the frustration that Baylor has faced for years. However, there is absolutely no excuse for it at Texas A&M. When the football program is down for an extended period at Texas A&M, you can point in only one direction--poor leadership--at the athletic director and head football coaching positions.

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Posted by: On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: miller58
I don't know why you let this miller58 clown keep posting. It's pretty darn obvious he's what's called a "troll" in message board parlance, which means he's not really an Aggie, but just making stuff up to try to make ol' Ags look dumb. Come on Eagle, you are better than that.

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Posted by: 12Aggie On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: McGee and Fran
Yeah, under Fran McGee was an option quarterback, which are highly sought after types....Miller58 a joke and clueless. Your simple mind makes me smile.

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Posted by: 12Aggie On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Miller58
McGee was hurt last year. Boy you sure are dim.

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: Rivals 2* 5.4 STRONG DEFENSIVE END SPENCER NEALY 6-5 250 4.7!
My personal opinions:_____Rival.com free profile page showed Nealy with an offer from tcu as well as A&M._____Spencer Nealy was not among rivals list of 60 ranked strong defensive ends for 2009.____miller58

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Posted by: miller58 On: 8/18/2009

Comment Title: POOR COACHING TO KEEP 5* RB CHRISTINE MICHAEL FROM BEING A TOP 5 NFL PICK?
My personal opinions:____Poor coach definitely kept A&M's last elite 4* QB Steven McGee from being a first rounder?____Under Fran, Steven was heading into his senior season looking like a late first rounder (per NFL scouts)?____After receiving only 42.5% of the coaching under Sherman (compared to Brown and Stoops' players) top A&M player's are guaranteed not to be looked over due to Sherman's inability to evaluate player personnel?____miller58

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