2014 and 2015 recruiting classes

[Paul C]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.)
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.)
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

[AstroDin]

geez… that is depressing.

So, Riley Gessner was 2015 — a high 3 star TE had all kinds of offers — had an injury stopped playing football, still, a student at Furman believe he plays rugby.

Those classes had quite a few players that didn't pan out, wow!

[gofurman]

Deleted for post below

[gofurman]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

[FUBeAR]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

So...you're saying that in the 4th or 5th year after they signed, 25 of 36 (56%) should be (or have been) significant contributors. And, right now we are at 42% (15 of 36) because of the "sins of prior recruiting."

I don't have any idea what the 'right answer' to this is, but I did find it interesting to go back and look at another recent recruiting class and see how they did. They were 10 of 23 (43% - about where we are today) contributing substantially by their Sr or R-Sr years, and most of those 10 throughout their careers. There were 2 others, who only contributed early in their careers, but were sidelined after a season or 2 due to career-ending injuries. I didn't count them.

So...the "sins" of that 'recent' Recruiting Class led to winning 5 SoCon Championships and laying the foundation for many more. That was FU's Recruiting Class of 1978.

I guess my point is...Naturally, the Goals are near-100% Retention, 100% Significant Contribution by those Retained, AND 100% graduation for those Retained; but none of those targets will ever be attained by ANY school. The closer to 100%, the better, of course...but plenty of good things can happen in the present and in the future...even while a SNAPSHOT of Recruiting is "sinning" down in the low 40% range...as we 10 BIG Sinners from the Recruiting Class of '78 were.

Not a metric that I think we should get 'hung up on' nor one that, necessarily, needs to limit, nor be a reason (some may read "excuse" here) for limiting the 2018 Furman Football Team, IMO.

[AstroDin]

FuBear, you make a great point — this is a reality check for us fans — 100% retention, contribution, graduation isn't very realistic - it does make me curious about other SoCon schools? My guess is some fill in with transfers.

What did stand out to me was the attrition and lack of contribution at tight end — Gessner, Kedar Bryant, and Ajay Williams. Which on paper would make you think the cupboard would be bare for 2017. Here comes Andy Schumpert… by the way, last season Schumpert had only one catch for 13 yards in the first two games. Schumpert broke out against NCST (4-107-1) had zero catches against Colgate, then went (4-72-2) against ETSU.

[The Jackal]

FuBear, you make a great point — this is a reality check for us fans — 100% retention, contribution, graduation isn't very realistic - it does make me curious about other SoCon schools? My guess is some fill in with transfers.

What did stand out to me was the attrition at tight end — Gessner, Kedar Bryant, and Ajay Williams. Which on paper would make you think the cupboard would be bare for 2017. Here comes Andy Schumpert… by the way, last season Schumpert had only one catch for 13 yards in the first two games. Schumpert broke out against NCST (4-107-1) had zero catches against Colgate, then went (4-72-2) against ETSU.

There are a few positions, TE and ILB specifically, where we had high attrition rates for whatever reason.

We don't have enough scholarships to go 4 deep at every position. Realistically, one guy's untimely departure from the program is going to create a hole. Hendrix was pretty clear at the outset of his tenure that they weren't going to give a scholarship to guys just because they had one burning a hole in their pocket.

[AstroDin]

FuBear, you make a great point — this is a reality check for us fans — 100% retention, contribution, graduation isn't very realistic - it does make me curious about other SoCon schools? My guess is some fill in with transfers.

What did stand out to me was the attrition at tight end — Gessner, Kedar Bryant, and Ajay Williams. Which on paper would make you think the cupboard would be bare for 2017. Here comes Andy Schumpert… by the way, last season Schumpert had only one catch for 13 yards in the first two games. Schumpert broke out against NCST (4-107-1) had zero catches against Colgate, then went (4-72-2) against ETSU.

There are a few positions, TE and ILB specifically, where we had high attrition rates for whatever reason.

We don't have enough scholarships to go 4 deep at every position. Realistically, one guy's untimely departure from the program is going to create a hole. Hendrix was pretty clear at the outset of his tenure that they weren't going to give a scholarship to guys just because they had one burning a hole in their pocket.

ding ding… I felt like we did that quite a bit in the latter Lamb season's with o-linemen boy did we stack the depth chart. CCH appears to be very conservative so far recruiting o-linemen… in 2017 Cole Neely, and walk-on Bo McKinney who started last week, in 2018 Anderson Tomlin, and so far 2019 Evan Jumper.

[FUBeAR]

FuBear, you make a great point — this is a reality check for us fans — 100% retention, contribution, graduation isn't very realistic - it does make me curious about other SoCon schools? My guess is some fill in with transfers.

What did stand out to me was the attrition at tight end — Gessner, Kedar Bryant, and Ajay Williams. Which on paper would make you think the cupboard would be bare for 2017. Here comes Andy Schumpert… by the way, last season Schumpert had only one catch for 13 yards in the first two games. Schumpert broke out against NCST (4-107-1) had zero catches against Colgate, then went (4-72-2) against ETSU.

There are a few positions, TE and ILB specifically, where we had high attrition rates for whatever reason.

We don't have enough scholarships to go 4 deep at every position. Realistically, one guy's untimely departure from the program is going to create a hole. Hendrix was pretty clear at the outset of his tenure that they weren't going to give a scholarship to guys just because they had one burning a hole in their pocket.

ding ding… I felt like we did that quite a bit in the latter Lamb season's with o-linemen boy did we stack the depth chart. CCH appears to be very conservative so far recruiting o-linemen… in 2017 Cole Neely, and walk-on Bo McKinney who started last week, in 2018 Anderson Tomlin, and so far 2019 Evan Jumper.

Well, you won’t get any argument from me THERE - critically important for a Team to recruit (and retain) the right high-quality O-Linemen for the Offense they want to run. Of those 10 cited, 3 were O-Lineman (all All SoCon) & we also had a recruited walk-on (not included in the 10 cited) in that class become an All SoCon O-Linemen...and I know there were at least 3 future All-SoCon OLmen in the ‘79 class...and 3 Jacobs Blocking Trophy’s won by OLmen in those 2 Classes.

I would bet if we could bring in an average of 3.5 All SoCon OLmen & 1.5 Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winners in every Recruiting Class, a lot of other ‘issues’ might just ‘take care of themselves.’

[gofurman]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

So...you're saying that in the 4th or 5th year after they signed, 25 of 36 (56%) should be (or have been) significant contributors. And, right now we are at 42% (15 of 36) because of the "sins of prior recruiting."

I don't have any idea what the 'right answer' to this is, but I did find it interesting to go back and look at another recent recruiting class and see how they did. They were 10 of 23 (43% - about where we are today) contributing substantially by their Sr or R-Sr years, and most of those 10 throughout their careers. There were 2 others, who only contributed early in their careers, but were sidelined after a season or 2 due to career-ending injuries. I didn't count them.

So...the "sins" of that 'recent' Recruiting Class led to winning 5 SoCon Championships and laying the foundation for many more. That was FU's Recruiting Class of 1978.

I guess my point is...Naturally, the Goals are near-100% Retention, 100% Significant Contribution by those Retained, AND 100% graduation for those Retained; but none of those targets will ever be attained by ANY school. The closer to 100%, the better, of course...but plenty of good things can happen in the present and in the future...even while a SNAPSHOT of Recruiting is "sinning" down in the low 40% range...as we 10 BIG Sinners from the Recruiting Class of '78 were.

Not a metric that I think we should get 'hung up on' nor one that, necessarily, needs to limit, nor be a reason (some may read "excuse" here) for limiting the 2018 Furman Football Team, IMO.

FUBeAR, I think the metric itself is of some merit - as does PaulC etc. ... I mean at some point you hit the tipping point. If only 3 of 15 recruits pan out you aren't going to do well. So the metric is worth watching...

That said - we may agree that at 40% or whatever we are ok.. but the overall metric is interesting.

THose are two different points - 1) is the metric worth watching? 2) is 40% ok?

*ANother point - its very much a positional thing too ! I don't think there was a QB in 2015 - back to the point AstoDin and I were discussing about not having an elder QB

[FUBeAR]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

So...you're saying that in the 4th or 5th year after they signed, 25 of 36 (56%) should be (or have been) significant contributors. And, right now we are at 42% (15 of 36) because of the "sins of prior recruiting."

I don't have any idea what the 'right answer' to this is, but I did find it interesting to go back and look at another recent recruiting class and see how they did. They were 10 of 23 (43% - about where we are today) contributing substantially by their Sr or R-Sr years, and most of those 10 throughout their careers. There were 2 others, who only contributed early in their careers, but were sidelined after a season or 2 due to career-ending injuries. I didn't count them.

So...the "sins" of that 'recent' Recruiting Class led to winning 5 SoCon Championships and laying the foundation for many more. That was FU's Recruiting Class of 1978.

I guess my point is...Naturally, the Goals are near-100% Retention, 100% Significant Contribution by those Retained, AND 100% graduation for those Retained; but none of those targets will ever be attained by ANY school. The closer to 100%, the better, of course...but plenty of good things can happen in the present and in the future...even while a SNAPSHOT of Recruiting is "sinning" down in the low 40% range...as we 10 BIG Sinners from the Recruiting Class of '78 were.

Not a metric that I think we should get 'hung up on' nor one that, necessarily, needs to limit, nor be a reason (some may read "excuse" here) for limiting the 2018 Furman Football Team, IMO.

FUBeAR, I think the metric itself is of some merit - as does PaulC etc. ... I mean at some point you hit the tipping point. If only 3 of 15 recruits pan out you aren't going to do well. So the metric is worth watching...

That said - we may agree that at 40% or whatever we are ok.. but the overall metric is interesting.

THose are two different points - 1) is the metric worth watching? 2) is 40% ok?

*ANother point - its very much a positional thing too ! I don't think there was a QB in 2015 - back to the point AstoDin and I were discussing about not having an elder QB

Didn’t say it’s not interesting to look at it.

Just, very frankly, hate to see it used as an excuse or blame-transfer tool...as it so often is...by fans & coaches (not FU’s Coaches...from what I’ve heard). “Coach XYZ really screwed us. He left the cupboard bare.”

In this thread alone, ‘we’ fans have already ‘blamed’ Coach Lamb (whose last recruited class of Furman players finished playing 4 or 5 seasons ago) and Coach Fowler; both fine men, who would never, intentionally, do such a thing.

We got what we got. Now Coach ‘em up. Get them to play hard(er) & execute. Eliminate mental errors, turnovers, and DAP’s...and you can win a whole lot of FCS Football games. And go get some better ones next year.

BTW - the only QB in that ‘78 Class became an outstanding player for Furman...at Strong Safety...and no QB’s recruited in the ‘79 Class (don’t remember if there were any or how many) ever played much or at all. A ‘77 QB Recruit ‘passed the baton’ to an ‘80 QB Recruit...who passed it to an ‘82 QB Recruit. Don’t have to hit on a good QB Recruit every Recruiting class, every other is nice; but every 3rd can work. Blazejowski was ‘14 & Roberts was ‘14 also, but redshirted...So, sorta ‘15...and Lincoln (who I think can be good) was ‘17...Not ideal...but not a dereliction of duties or a completely untenable situation. If I’m not mistaken, I believe a few of those 13 SoCon Championships have been won without All-World Talent taking the snaps.

[fufanatic]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

So...you're saying that in the 4th or 5th year after they signed, 25 of 36 (56%) should be (or have been) significant contributors. And, right now we are at 42% (15 of 36) because of the "sins of prior recruiting."

I don't have any idea what the 'right answer' to this is, but I did find it interesting to go back and look at another recent recruiting class and see how they did. They were 10 of 23 (43% - about where we are today) contributing substantially by their Sr or R-Sr years, and most of those 10 throughout their careers. There were 2 others, who only contributed early in their careers, but were sidelined after a season or 2 due to career-ending injuries. I didn't count them.

So...the "sins" of that 'recent' Recruiting Class led to winning 5 SoCon Championships and laying the foundation for many more. That was FU's Recruiting Class of 1978.

I guess my point is...Naturally, the Goals are near-100% Retention, 100% Significant Contribution by those Retained, AND 100% graduation for those Retained; but none of those targets will ever be attained by ANY school. The closer to 100%, the better, of course...but plenty of good things can happen in the present and in the future...even while a SNAPSHOT of Recruiting is "sinning" down in the low 40% range...as we 10 BIG Sinners from the Recruiting Class of '78 were.

Not a metric that I think we should get 'hung up on' nor one that, necessarily, needs to limit, nor be a reason (some may read "excuse" here) for limiting the 2018 Furman Football Team, IMO.

FUBeAR, I think the metric itself is of some merit - as does PaulC etc. ... I mean at some point you hit the tipping point. If only 3 of 15 recruits pan out you aren't going to do well. So the metric is worth watching...

That said - we may agree that at 40% or whatever we are ok.. but the overall metric is interesting.

THose are two different points - 1) is the metric worth watching? 2) is 40% ok?

*ANother point - its very much a positional thing too ! I don't think there was a QB in 2015 - back to the point AstoDin and I were discussing about not having an elder QB

Didn’t say it’s not interesting to look at it.

Just, very frankly, hate to see it used as an excuse or blame-transfer tool...as it so often is...by fans & coaches (not FU’s Coaches...from what I’ve heard). “Coach XYZ really screwed us. He left the cupboard bare.”

In this thread alone, ‘we’ fans have already ‘blamed’ Coach Lamb (whose last recruited class of Furman players finished playing 4 or 5 seasons ago) and Coach Fowler; both fine men, who would never, intentionally, do such a thing.

We got what we got. Now Coach ‘em up. Get them to play hard(er) & execute. Eliminate mental errors, turnovers, and DAP’s...and you can win a whole lot of FCS Football games. And go get some better ones next year.

BTW - the only QB in that ‘78 Class became an outstanding player for Furman...at Strong Safety...and no QB’s recruited in the ‘79 Class (don’t remember if there were any or how many) ever played much or at all. A ‘77 QB Recruit ‘passed the baton’ to an ‘80 QB Recruit...who passed it to an ‘82 QB Recruit. Don’t have to hit on a good QB Recruit every Recruiting class, every other is nice; but every 3rd can work. Blazejowski was ‘14 & Roberts was ‘14 also, but redshirted...So, sorta ‘15...and Lincoln (who I think can be good) was ‘17...Not ideal...but not a dereliction of duties or a completely untenable situation. If I’m not mistaken, I believe a few of those 13 SoCon Championships have been won without All-World Talent taking the snaps.

Thanks for all the good info FuBear. You kinda touched on it in an earlier post, but I'm curious of those 10 mentioned, how many were all-SoCon? Because while I agree that the ratio doesn't necessarily matter a ton, I do think that the ones you do hit on better be elite talents if you're going to miss on so many.

[FUBeAR]

Here are the classes of 2014 and 2015 recruits. In a mature, developed program these would be the core of this years team. It would be the RS-Sr's and RS Jr's who would provide experienced leadership.

Class of '14 had some really good players that got pressed into action and never had a chance to RS. PJ, Terrell Bush, Matt Schmidt, Antonio Wilcox...

Other than that I've "bolded" the players that I feel are starters or key contributors to this years squad.

2014
*P.J. Blazejowski, QB, 6-0, 174, Fr., St. Augustine, Fla. (Bartram Trail H.S.)
Hunter Branch, WR, 6-0, 175, Fr., Birmingham, Ala. (Mountain Brook H.S.)
Jack Bryant, OL, 6-3, 273, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
Kedar Bryant, TE, 6-4, 230, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
*Terrell Bush, OL, 6-3, 310, Fr., Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa Academy)
Daniel Butler, DL, 6-4, 268, Fr., Enterprise, Ala. (Enterprise H.S.)
Kealand Dirks, RB, 6-0, 228, Fr., Lewisville, N.C. (West Forsyth H.S.)
***. Joe Farrar, DB, 5-10, 189, Fr., Tucker, Ga. (Tucker H.S.). ***
Issac Garcia, RB, 5-10, 195, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Olympic H.S.)
Ridge Gibson, FB, 5-11, 206, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Walton H.S.)
A'lencio Graham, WR, 6-0, 173, Fr., Lawrenceville, Ga. (Flowery Branch H.S.)
***. Jon Croft Hollingsworth, PK/P, 5-11, 152, Fr., Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood H.S.). ***
Connor Jackson, DE, 6-2, 254, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida State University School)
Evan Jager, ATH, 6-2, 200, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep)
Bradford Lemmons, WR, 6-3, 177, Fr., Columbia, S.C. (Dreher H.S.)
Chinedu Okonya, DE, 6-2, 200, Fr., Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale H.S.)
Jaylan Reid, DL, 5-11, 266, Fr., Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove H.S.)
Harris Roberts, QB, 6-2, 175, Fr., Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth H.S.)
*Matthew Schmidt, OL, 6-3, 287, Fr., Stokesdale, N.C. (McMichael H.S.)
Chris Wade, OL, 6-4, 278, Fr., Charlotte, N.C. (Independence H.S.)
*Antonio Wilcox, S, 6-2, 190, Fr., Fitzgerald, Ga. (Fitzgerald H.S.)
Ajay Williams, TE, 6-4, 241, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)

2015
Aaquil Annoor, DB, 5-10, 164, Fr., Nashville, Tenn. (Brentwood Academy)
Jonathan Bockhorst, OL, 6-3, 265, Fr., Cincinnati, Ohio (St. Xavier H.S.)
Chris Breedlove, OL, 6-2, 266, Fr., Dothan, Ala. (Dothan H.S.)
Alex Burch, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Knoxville, Tenn. (West H.S.)
Kavajae Ellis, DB, 6-0, 176, Fr., Elm City, N.C. (Beddingfield H.S.)
Jacque Evangelister, DB, 5-9, 160, Fr., Auburn, Ga. (Dacula H.S.)
Riley Gessner, TE, 6-4, 235, Fr., Atlanta, Ga. (Dunwoody H.S.)
Andy Godwin, OL, 6-4, 283, Fr., Neptune Beach, Fla. (Providence H.S.)
Evan Horst, OL, 6-4, 264, Fr., Loveland, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller H.S.)
Triston Luke, RB, 5-8, 190, Fr., Clarksville, Tenn. (Rossview H.S.)
Deon Sanders, RB, 6-0, 209, Fr., Franklin, Tenn. (Centennial H.S.)
Tyler Voyles, LB, 6-0, 201, Fr., Dacula, Ga. (Mill Creek H.S.)
Chris Washington, LB, 6-0, 240, Fr., Jacksonville, Fla. (Duncan V. Fletcher H.S.)
Quandarius Weems, DB, 6-0, 173, Fr., Griffin, Ga. (Griffin H.S.)

That's 11 players either starting or contributing this year from 36 signees. If you add PJ, Bush, Schmidt and Wilcox that's a success rate of 15 players out of 36 from across those 2 classes.

I think we saw the effect of that on Saturday.

Lots of youth, still having to throw true-Fr into the fire, with the corresponding struggles.

Last year we took two steps forward, this year might be a step back as the roster still needs alot of work.

100% agree Paul. 100%. These coaches may be great ... But we are STILL paying for the sins of prior recruiting. Now some of those were unavoidable - as Astro says, Gessner got hurt.. And I think Connor Jackson was going to be a good one - he was already playing as a FR or Soph but then transferred. A few I.E. I think the hit rate is probably 20 out of 36 given injuries and transfers. But your point is absolutely valid. When in FCS at 63 scholarships you need to have a better batting average. Maybe 25 of 36? Think if just FOUR/ FIVE of those guys were just decent Seniors. Maybe two on OL ? That's an enormous difference. Huge.

EDIT - I would count Joe Farrar as a definite player though. I think he started about 20 games for us. I would also count John Croft Hollingswoth. He was a starter too

So...you're saying that in the 4th or 5th year after they signed, 25 of 36 (56%) should be (or have been) significant contributors. And, right now we are at 42% (15 of 36) because of the "sins of prior recruiting."

I don't have any idea what the 'right answer' to this is, but I did find it interesting to go back and look at another recent recruiting class and see how they did. They were 10 of 23 (43% - about where we are today) contributing substantially by their Sr or R-Sr years, and most of those 10 throughout their careers. There were 2 others, who only contributed early in their careers, but were sidelined after a season or 2 due to career-ending injuries. I didn't count them.

So...the "sins" of that 'recent' Recruiting Class led to winning 5 SoCon Championships and laying the foundation for many more. That was FU's Recruiting Class of 1978.

I guess my point is...Naturally, the Goals are near-100% Retention, 100% Significant Contribution by those Retained, AND 100% graduation for those Retained; but none of those targets will ever be attained by ANY school. The closer to 100%, the better, of course...but plenty of good things can happen in the present and in the future...even while a SNAPSHOT of Recruiting is "sinning" down in the low 40% range...as we 10 BIG Sinners from the Recruiting Class of '78 were.

Not a metric that I think we should get 'hung up on' nor one that, necessarily, needs to limit, nor be a reason (some may read "excuse" here) for limiting the 2018 Furman Football Team, IMO.

FUBeAR, I think the metric itself is of some merit - as does PaulC etc. ... I mean at some point you hit the tipping point. If only 3 of 15 recruits pan out you aren't going to do well. So the metric is worth watching...

That said - we may agree that at 40% or whatever we are ok.. but the overall metric is interesting.

THose are two different points - 1) is the metric worth watching? 2) is 40% ok?

*ANother point - its very much a positional thing too ! I don't think there was a QB in 2015 - back to the point AstoDin and I were discussing about not having an elder QB

Didn’t say it’s not interesting to look at it.

Just, very frankly, hate to see it used as an excuse or blame-transfer tool...as it so often is...by fans & coaches (not FU’s Coaches...from what I’ve heard). “Coach XYZ really screwed us. He left the cupboard bare.”

In this thread alone, ‘we’ fans have already ‘blamed’ Coach Lamb (whose last recruited class of Furman players finished playing 4 or 5 seasons ago) and Coach Fowler; both fine men, who would never, intentionally, do such a thing.

We got what we got. Now Coach ‘em up. Get them to play hard(er) & execute. Eliminate mental errors, turnovers, and DAP’s...and you can win a whole lot of FCS Football games. And go get some better ones next year.

BTW - the only QB in that ‘78 Class became an outstanding player for Furman...at Strong Safety...and no QB’s recruited in the ‘79 Class (don’t remember if there were any or how many) ever played much or at all. A ‘77 QB Recruit ‘passed the baton’ to an ‘80 QB Recruit...who passed it to an ‘82 QB Recruit. Don’t have to hit on a good QB Recruit every Recruiting class, every other is nice; but every 3rd can work. Blazejowski was ‘14 & Roberts was ‘14 also, but redshirted...So, sorta ‘15...and Lincoln (who I think can be good) was ‘17...Not ideal...but not a dereliction of duties or a completely untenable situation. If I’m not mistaken, I believe a few of those 13 SoCon Championships have been won without All-World Talent taking the snaps.

Thanks for all the good info FuBear. You kinda touched on it in an earlier post, but I'm curious of those 10 mentioned, how many were all-SoCon? Because while I agree that the ratio doesn't necessarily matter a ton, I do think that the ones you do hit on better be elite talents if you're going to miss on so many.

Not exactly sure - a high % - no less than 6 and as many as all 10...I think. I’m counting 2nd Team as “All SoCon” and those honors (actually, to be completely accurate, there was no “2nd Team” in those days; they called it “Honorable Mention”) are not recorded in the SoCon Football Media Guide records. 5 of the 10 were 1st Team (2 OL, 1 LB, 1 DB, and 1 TE). I’m sure 1 other OL was HM. I believe another LB, a TE, a DB, and a RB may have also been HM.

[Paul C]

Well I posted a long diatribe about the math behind the depth chart and it disappeared. So here is the condensed version.

We have 63 scholarships. We have 44 spots on the 2-deep. Assuming we sign 16 kids a year, redshirt half our freshman, lose a 2-3 kids per class to transfer, etc, and some recruits just don't "work out"....here is how a "stable" roster should look. (this assumes no partials which is a bad assumption)

Sr - 13
Jr - 13
So - 13
RS Fr - 8
True Fr - 16 (8 RS and 8 play)

With 44 + 2 specialists on 2-deep it's unreasonable to expect more than half the 2-deep to be Jr's and Sr's. Assuming a couple of the Sr's and Jr's just don't work out athletically, probably the best we can hope for is half the 2-deep to be those upper classman. The other half will always be Sophs, RS Fr and a smattering of True Fr.

It just reinforces to me the importance on hitting on a majority of signed recruits, finding a couple diamonds in the rough among walk-ons (Bo McKinney appears to maybe be one) and figuring out how to share a couple of full rides and get 4-6 quality kids for the price of 2-3 scholarships.

Here is what our 2-deep looks like this year

Sr's - 7
Jr - 11
So - 18
RS Fr - 5
Tr Fr - 3 (doesn't include DeJuan Bell or Corey Watkins who are listed 3rd on depth chart)

[The Jackal]

I think it also helps to "hit" on guys that are "athletes."

You may not pan out as a [fill in high school position here], but you may well be a really good [fill in position of need here].