The top 3 squads in the SoCon this year are App. State (no surprise there), Wofford (not too much there either) and Elon U. (mildly surprising.) If you all remember the App. State upset of Michigan last year at the big house, it was Wofford who brought high-flying App. State back to earth by beating them a couple weeks later. It was then Elon that did the same to Wofford a couple weeks after that, forcing the Phoenix into the upper echelon of the SoCon for the first time in a long time. Well, this year, everything has happened in reverse. Wofford smacked Elon at home a couple weeks ago, then App. State absolutely dismantled Wofford at home in Boone, N.C. this past weekend. App. State QB Armanti Edwards is the Michael Jordan of FCS football, and he had an amazing evening--setting a personal record with 5 TDs and 367 passing yards. At the outset, it appeared that Wofford might make a game of it, as they responded in quick hammer-stroke fashion to both of App. State's first two TDs to knot it at 14-14 midway through the first quarter, but when App. State safety Mark Legree picked off Wofford QB Ben Widmyer (Sr., #3, 6'0", 205) the wheels began coming off the Wofford victory train. This game was a scoring fest right from the start. There were 4 TDs in the ist 8 minutes, 5 in the first 13, 6 in the first 17 and 7 in the first 19, before things calmed down a bit. Edwards was the difference maker as he set about to show pro scouts he could throw the deep ball some--connecting with 6'4" WR Brian Quick for 3 long TD passes (48, 51 and 30.) #2 App. State's destruction of #3 Wofford, sent a loud message to the entire FCS that the 3-time defending national champs are peaking as the playoffs loom into view. Not a good message to receive for the Dukes of James Madison, who currently reside at #1 after beating App. State earlier this season...



SCOUTING SUMMARY:

College: Wofford Conference: Southern Columnist: Bill Carroll

Seth Goldwire 43 5' 10.2" 223 4.63 LB 2009: Not a very good game to be a defensive player for the Wofford Terriers, and nobody really shone on their side of the ball. Goldwire is the best of the bunch, but he too, had a forgettable day at the office. Had a few tackles early and then disappeared. Had a bad missed tackle early that helped App. State start their offensive explosion. Usually in the right place, and flying to the football, but he bit a lot on misdirection in this one, and was often ridden out of the play. His size will kill him at the next level. GRADE: Slightly negative

Andy Strickland 17 5' 11.5" 197 4.62 WR 2009: The Terriers only pass 19% of the time with their triple-option offense, but when they do, Strickland is often the guy on the other end. Had a very impressive sideline grab early on during which he went up high and toe-touched beautifully on the way down. Wofford completed a couple passes to Strickland early, but then stopped going to him and should have just quit throwing altogether, as nothing good came of it. Strickland has the hands and desire to be brought to camp. 4.62 may be generous...GRADE: Neutral


College: Appalachian State Conference: Southern Columnist: Bill Carroll

Tony Robertson 46 6' 1.6" 242 4.78 DE 2009: DNP

Jacque Roman 40 6' 1.1" 241 4.74 LB 2010: Player of the game after Edwards, although S Mark Legree and his three picks rank right up there. Roman is a FBS linebacker who patrols the middle with authority and aplomb. Has pro size and instincts. Had two FRs in this one, and at least 13-14 tackles. Caught flat-footed occasionally, but Wofford will do that to you. Very physical LB, who lacks only elite speed, and perhaps and inch or two from being a draft pick next year. Solid tackler and team leader. GRADE: Slightly positive

Anthony Williams 98 6' 0.6" 292 5.22 DT 2010: Nothing special. Bowling ball physique who is top heavy, and gets bounced around. Made a couple plays and had a TFL, but there is nothing here to make me think he has an NFL future. Holds ground OK in the running game at this level, but will get knocked over and out of the way easily in a pro camp. GRADE: Slightly negative


OTHER NOTES:

App. State: Armanti is the second coming of Randle-El, but he is a better passer. Not a great passer, and even though they tried to feature his long ball for the scouts tonight (and he connected) his long ball floats and the receiver had to wait for two of the three TD passes to come down. His short and intermediate stuff is accurate, and thrown with enough velocity to be effective at any level. He is also 5'10" not 6'0". A slightly taller Flutie, who runs better than Dougie did. Fast, and very shifty in open space. Better runner than Vince Young too, and his size means he may not get killed doing it at the next level (i.e. Being tall and running upright is what gets you killed) especially if he can add 10 pounds to his 180. Pure electric as a runner, and an improving passer, who might have a shot as a change of pace QB, and could be used just like R-E has been.

The announcers hyped OLB Pierre Banks, but I didn't see that much. He was usually the second man in. He was all over the field as advertised, but Roman is the better player even though they were jacking up Banks.

Freshman TE Ben Jorden caught the first two TD passes of the night and looked like he might be a guy to watch in the future. 240 pounds, with the frame to go 255.

FS Mark Legree really impressed with his 3 interceptions (His 7 on the year gives him the lead in the FCS for the season.) Not physically imposing. Pure center fielder type who didn't do much supporting the run.

Wofford: Senior RB #18 Dane Romero showed a bit more of a burst than I thought he had, and may deserve to be in the database if he finishes well, Bill. Big, throwback, FB/HB slasher. Caught and run down on an early 56-yarder. I'd say he's a 4.60 guy, but he plays with heart.

His backup, freshman Gary Breitenstein (#7) began getting more and more carries as they game went on and was very impressive. He is a Romero clone too. Put up 15 for 148 off the bench. (App. State's defense is NOT championship caliber, and they were gashed all night by the run.)

Jr. DE #91 Mitch Clark, started well but disappeard. Same with Sr. NT #93 Layton Baker. Baker, in particular, looked like a player early on, but then the whole defense just seemed to deflate together as the score mounted.

LB James Mitchell (#44) is a future PP who reportedly squats 675.


NOTE for Bill: I have two DVDs here with Elon, Furman and Presbyterian games on them that I may not get too. You want I should mail them out to you? If so, PM your address.