Not to rub dirt on the wounds but it appears highly raved S&C Coach Alex Curtis has left for Central Michigan
Unfortunately at this level it is to be expected.
Quote from: valpofb16 on February 11, 2021, 09:42:30 PM
Not to rub dirt on the wounds but it appears highly raved S&C Coach Alex Curtis has left for Central Michigan
It may be that he wanted to be solely a football strength coach. No doubt due to budget issues, he was being asked to serve in that capacity for other sport teams. That was not how he was introduced.
Central Michigan is simply a better position for him. He'd probably be doing himself a disservice not looking for and taking that spot. It's not as if he's going to a Div III school because it would be football only S&C.
Coach Curtis will work with both football and WBB at CMU much like he did at Valpo. However, based on the numbers posted when he was hired and CMU's position announcement, Curtis will get a ~$10k/year raise. Step forward for him in just about every possible way.
#31 Michael Scarsella 2 year starting safety has left the team, injury prone last two years
I think it will be interesting to see how we approach this season as far as playing people. I am really curious how many on the OL get snaps.
Valpo has six kickers?!?!?!
Quote from: Pgmado on February 24, 2021, 04:21:14 PMValpo has six kickers?!?!?!
I presume they or their parents have access to a checking account which is the key. Not position.
Was anybody on the zoom with Coach yesterday? I missed it but was wondering what insights he may have had.
Quote from: Pgmado on February 24, 2021, 04:21:14 PM
Valpo has six kickers?!?!?!
Well, in the Carlson years we may have worn out a few punters.
Shields Up!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
VU72 was on the zoom
Interesting stuff, said they will limit freshman that play. Have a commitment for 5-7 5th year guys. Two FR who he said will play this spring season are LG Jeremiah Orr is a starter and WR Braden Contreras. They are experienced on D. Chris Duncan sounds like he has been optimal professional throughout whole covid process.
#50 Landon Robbins appears to have left team, twitter profile still has a lot of Valpo on it. Wondering if him and Scarsella are injured
Quote from: valpofb16 on March 02, 2021, 08:52:24 PM#50 Landon Robbins appears to have left team, twitter profile still has a lot of Valpo on it. Wondering if him and Scarsella are injured
Would a player who was not available to play (iow out for the season) not appear on the roster during a "normal" season? I can't recall.
FYI, Butler is not selling any tickets, they probably are giving them to family & friends of the players, for the March 13, Valpo Brown & Gold at Butler Bulldogs only winter football game at Sellick Bowl.
I'm wondering why Robert Washington isn't on the two deep at RB. I thought he was so highly regarded. Injury or am I thinking of someone else?
Interesting tidbits on two deep
I too was surprised to see Washington not in the two deep. Who knows they may come out and start him just throwing off Butler. Riley Allison who seemed a top recruit in 2018 also not in 2deep
-O'Doherty is not starting after starting the last 8 games last year (FR and a DL are over him)
-Gedrys is not starting after starting the vast majority of the last 33 games, Germain who started last year not on 2Deep, Twigg who has played in 30 games also not in 2deep
-We are rail thin at linebacker (not addressed in recruiting) and DT (addressed in recruiting)
-3 transfers a a freshman in the two deep at DB...
Overall it is a plus we are playing football this spring, had a roster of about 120 at beginning of Fall Camp, now down to mid 90's
Tidbit on Washington, Committed to Syracuse before having to reclassify then go to Charlotte, then transferred to Liberty for spring before playing for Old Dominion. From everything has all the talent in the world, would love to know his story
Exactly. Washington is the most intriguing player for me to watch this season. I can't help but say to myself, 'why in the hell is he at Valpo?' Seemed like a legitimate threat to be a top RB, really for the first time since Jeff Horton? I had figured he would transfer out before a season would get played.
I wonder if Washington not being on the 2 deep is more of a make him earn it deal than anything else. The 2nd running back listed after Haugh is 5ft5 and 170lbs. So Allison and Washington not being listed is a story I think.
Congrats to Washington on the PFL Offensive Player of the Week award!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2020-21/20291/washington-named-college-sports-madness-pfl-offensive-player-of-the-week/
Wow, so much for depth charts. When was the last time a Valpo RB had a game like that? Outstanding!
Did Washington get hurt in this game? I see that we didn't run him when we had 1st and Goal, running Allison 3 times
Quote from: valpotx on March 20, 2021, 02:29:02 PM
Did Washington get hurt in this game? I see that we didn't run him when we had 1st and Goal, running Allison 3 times
On like the second play of the game. Left knee though he was walking around on the sidelines, Might see him in the second half bur kinda doubt it.
Drake's defense is very good but watching the offense attempt to operate without Washington has been painful. It just appears disorganized as it did for a while last year as well.
Duncan's been a bit of a mess as well. Inaccurate and some really bad decisions on the throws. Not running him much as well which is strange.
The decision to run out of the shotgun at 4 and a couple of inches to the goal line made absolutely no sense.
Yes, if we have to throw more than 20 times in a game, we will lose. Our defense is doing all that it can, without any offensive support
Our chances at having a good season hinge on Washington being ok. Our offense is crap without him
Watched the game
#1 our defense has an opportunity to be elite, relative to competition, but we should be in every game we play in
#2 Duncan is an excellent leader : teammate by all accounts , he is a below average starter in the PFL. I think you let him ride out the season if you don't have anything to build with/on. If you think you can get 2 quality seasons out of Nimz or 4 out of Lawson you open things up
#3 future of the run game is bright but we need need need a vertical threat to keep defenses honest
Nimz looked like he could spin it pretty good but that doesn't always make for a good QB.
Nimz was loved by the Cecchini staff, hasnt been given much of a shot with Fox, tbh with Chris running ability he probably gives our OL more of a chance for success. That being said if you think 2021 spring experiences helps set up 2022/2023 with Nimz I think you have to take a look. Either way don't expect our offense to crack 300 yards multiple times this spring regardless of who is back there. Not a shot at them, just think Fox is a run the ball play good D type of guy
It's a big weekend for several sports against Futler! Any time that we run into our hated rival, I am reminded of my time on campus. Even though Mr. Brandon Vickery will say that this is not 'in recent memory,' I think that it is a neat comparison of 2001/2002 and the present, as it relates to Football.
Many of you may be aware that our Baseball program would bring the WWE (then known as WWF) in for a live house show every year, and as players, Coach Twenge would have us work the concessions stand, as well as act as ushers/Security for this event. The Football players were also acting Security as part of 'Event Staff.' As an avid wrestling fan (guilty), I loved these events. Since we helped with the setup for the event, in addition to working the event itself, we got to see many well-known stars practicing in the ring before fans were allowed to enter, and even enter the ring itself for a moment. John Cena, who is much more well-known now, versus the events in the early 2000s, had it as his shtick at the time, to bash any school/arena that they were participating, by comparing to their rival. Before one of the events, Cena came over to me, a teammate, and 2 Football players, to have a little small talk (mentioning that he was only a few years out from playing college football at D3 Springfield College in MA), before eventually asking who our key rival was. My teammate and I quickly said, 'either Butler or Oral Roberts.' The Football players looked at us like we were aliens, and quickly corrected us to say, 'no, it's Dayton.' I look at them with a 'seriously wtf' type of glance, as no one at our school, outside of the Football team, would have said such a thing. They weren't/aren't a rival for our athletics program. We ASPIRED to beat them in Football, but there was no way that they could be considered a rival. Needless to say, Cena gets on the mic before his bout, and references something about seeing better fans at the University of Dayton...crickets, as a response. I bring this up, as our current Head Coach and team seem to understand that our university rival is FUTLER. I love it.
On another note, tied to this event, we were also tasked with escorting the wrestlers to their cars in the ARC side parking lot, after each was leaving for the night. I was one of 4-5 guys that had the pleasure of escorting/surrounding The Big Show and 'Mr. A$$' Billy Gunn, as they left the arena. Can you imagine a bunch of 5'10" to 6'0" guys escorting and providing Security for 6'9"/6'10" and 6'5" guys, that were absolutely huge compared to each of us? I am sure that they felt really secure lol. A male fan yelled to The Big Show, 'can you sign my chest?' Billy Gunn responded, 'not on your life, kid, he does not want to do such a thing.'
4th quarter Duncan has made a few crucial mistakes, also his legs have kept us in game.
Maybe a change of OC could help but after 32 games you would think your QB knows to throw to sticks on 3rd down
Quote from: valpofb16 on March 27, 2021, 03:20:53 PM4th quarter Duncan has made a few crucial mistakes, also his legs have kept us in game. Maybe a change of OC could help but after 32 games you would think your QB knows to throw to sticks on 3rd down
I'd agree. Two wins though.
If we can keep Duncan between 10-15 pass attempts/game, that is the best mix, when you look at his legs and a non-injured Washington. He made great decisions on the ground, but still has issues throwing while on the run. Good win, regardless!
Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Hoosier Helmet have a Crusader on our side?
What is better than beating Butler....beating them twice!!
Quote from: valpotx on March 27, 2021, 04:04:43 PMIf we can keep Duncan between 10-15 pass attempts/game, that is the best mix, when you look at his legs and a non-injured Washington. He made great decisions on the ground, but still has issues throwing while on the run. Good win, regardless!
He misses some very easy throws. He's missed WR screens all year long which should be an easy completion. I think he should be run more.
Drake next week will be coming off what amounts to a bye as their game with Stetson was cancelled for today.
And all is right with the world! Baseball beats em 7-1. A pretty solid day!
To be honest without the Del Castillo caught ball (heck of a play should have been picked maybe twice) the game is completely different.
2 wins is great! If we can round out with 4 somehow that would be awesome, don't see it though.
We have a very solid class coming in and it looks like we have found some great players in transfer portal, wonder if we use it again
Quote from: IndyValpo on March 27, 2021, 04:09:37 PM
Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the Hoosier Helmet have a Crusader on our side?
What is better than beating Butler....beating them twice!!
Yes, it's the older, even more funky brown/blobby-looking one.
GREAT WIN at Drake! First win ever at their place and the first win since 2003, the last time we won the title. I've got an autographed football from the 2003 team on my bookcase. May need to finally put some air in it as we seem to finally have something to cheer about! GO VALPO! :thewave:
Yes, great defensive effort, and just enough offense to get the win! First win against Drake since my last year at Valpo!
Kicking game was phenomenal.
Really great win, Fox is one heck, I mean heck, of a defensive coach, whether he is or his staff he assembled , they have the guys playing
Annis and Peifer are really good, Martins really good, Gedrys, Orlandini, Hutcherson, Sciarroni, Turner , Hebdas just give it up for those guys.
Offensively Duncan cut down on turn overs and it was good enough to win. And as long as Fox is here, we can win, as long as the offense plays well enough to win
I didn't notice during the game, but were the stands mostly full? I see an attendance of 6,566.
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2021, 12:50:45 AM
I didn't notice during the game, but were the stands mostly full? I see an attendance of 6,566.
I guess the cameras were showing the Valpo side because it looks like maybe a hundred, not thousands.
Quote from: valpotx on April 04, 2021, 12:50:45 AMI didn't notice during the game, but were the stands mostly full? I see an attendance of 6,566.
This was a mistake in the initial box score -- they meant to type 656 and typed 6566, so not quite a packed house haha. Regardless of how many were there to see it in person, this was a very good win; I'm thrilled for our team and coaching staff.
Maybe Brandon can shed some light on this, Wondering where a few of the seniors have been Germain/Twigg/Stablein, are they doing internships and will be back in the fall? or have they been outperformed/recruited
https://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/former-four-star-recruit-robert-washington-finds-a-home-at-valparaiso/article_33e449c1-f4d4-5b8a-8507-77713458e256.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
Good story, and seems like a good kid. Even if he decides to use his last year at a scholarship FCS or FBS program, we can only be thankful that he has followed through on his commitment to Valpo this season. Maybe he stays next season, and does something phenomenal, becoming one of those non-FBS players to make the NFL. There are people in the NFL from places like Chadron State, Trinity University (TX, D-3), San Diego, etc, so why not?
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 05, 2021, 12:53:23 PM
Maybe Brandon can shed some light on this, Wondering where a few of the seniors have been Germain/Twigg/Stablein, are they doing internships and will be back in the fall? or have they been outperformed/recruited
Variety of factors in play, some of which you touched on -- injuries are also a factor for a few of the guys you mentioned. I don't have a clear/complete list of which seniors are expected to return for the additional year of eligibility in the fall as of yet, but I'm hoping to have that by season's end.
I think if Robert has serious aspirations of the NFL returning is his best option
1) It will show he can stay committed to something more than 12 months
2) He will be running behind 5 returning offensive linemen
3) He will get North Dakota State and Dartmouth next year to show if he is above average PFL good, or above average FCS good
Still of the guys who have had realistic chances (Wood,Barkley,Kuramata,Guilford,Norberg,Nunes) only Wood has gotten the call to come to mini camp as a punter for the Bears. That being said it is extremely hard no matter what type of athlete you are to make it. Hoffman and Newman played indoor arena, Nunes played in the Spring League, Jay Slone in China, Sam Manternach in London.
Hope Washington comes back and leaves his mark at Valpo and gets the degree. If he has a promise to make money for football, then go for it. If not get that piece of paper and start making cash
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 08, 2021, 03:15:01 PM
I think if Robert has serious aspirations of the NFL returning is his best option
1) It will show he can stay committed to something more than 12 months
2) He will be running behind 5 returning offensive linemen
3) He will get North Dakota State and Dartmouth next year to show if he is above average PFL good, or above average FCS good
Still of the guys who have had realistic chances (Wood,Barkley,Kuramata,Guilford,Norberg,Nunes) only Wood has gotten the call to come to mini camp as a punter for the Bears. That being said it is extremely hard no matter what type of athlete you are to make it. Hoffman and Newman played indoor arena, Nunes played in the Spring League, Jay Slone in China, Sam Manternach in London.
Hope Washington comes back and leaves his mark at Valpo and gets the degree. If he has a promise to make money for football, then go for it. If not get that piece of paper and start making cash
David Macchi played in Belgium, correct? We also had a QB play many years of Arena League, but I forget his name, as he was before my time.
Edit: Never mind, Macchi was Italy - https://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/hofmembers/2009-10/3897/david-macchi/
Quote from: valpotx on April 08, 2021, 05:01:28 PM
David Macchi played in Belgium, correct? We also had a QB play many years of Arena League, but I forget his name, as he was before my time.
Edit: Never mind, Macchi was Italy - https://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/hofmembers/2009-10/3897/david-macchi/
Perhaps you are thinking of Nick Browder? http://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/hofmembers/2003-04/2828/nick-browder/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/hofmembers/2003-04/2828/nick-browder/)
Yep, that is him. I remember hearing about him in the AFL, while I was in school.
Football in Germany may be an option. I have been watching the "journey" on YouTube of Nick Alfieri who played football at Georgetown and is currently playing professional football in Germany for the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns. This is pretty serious football and the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns have been pretty dominant in European Football for the last few years. Nick also went to USC film school and is working on a documentary on the Unicorns program and American football in Europe for the past year, and it's almost finished. I really have found this to be interesting Nick Alfieri German Football League Highlights (https://youtu.be/4R8NErf2gmg). This small town in Germany has gone pretty nuts for this team, just look at the crowds, obviously pre-COVID.
Sit Duncan. It's time.
Coaches agreed. If that is it for the Duncan era he ends up being about 30 games under .500
Not all his fault 2 OCs thrust into action, his legs helped us. His decision making and ability to throw deep never improved from 2018.
By all accounts was a great leader and teammate, will serve him well later in life. Hopefully between Nimz, Kaplan, Appel, or Lawson can become an average to above average PFL QB
I very much respect Duncan for coming back this season. He has great decision-making ability overall, but has trouble with executing passes, which has killed us at times over the years.
Presbyterian looking like they will beat Davidson.
PFL championship and Playoffs in reach if we can pull off a comeback
Key interception for the Blue Hose, to seal the win against Davidson! I look forward to playing against Presbyterian, as I played college Summer ball with a few guys on Presby's baseball team, back when they were D-2. I hope to get bragging rights over them :)
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 10, 2021, 12:33:31 PMPresbyterian looking like they will beat Davidson. PFL championship and Playoffs in reach if we can pull off a comeback
I don't believe Presbyterian's games count in the league schedule this season. So it won't be a league loss for Davidson.
Humongous fumble by Larose looks like it may cost Valpo.
Quote from: JD24 on April 10, 2021, 01:36:57 PM
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 10, 2021, 12:33:31 PMPresbyterian looking like they will beat Davidson. PFL championship and Playoffs in reach if we can pull off a comeback
I don't believe Presbyterian's games count in the league schedule this season. So it won't be a league loss for Davidson.
Presby's conference games count, they are just not eligible for the championship. Unfortunate loss for us, as that game was there for the taking. Our QB play is rough.
Quote from: valpotx on April 10, 2021, 02:20:19 PMQuote from: JD24 on April 10, 2021, 01:36:57 PMQuote from: valpofb16 on April 10, 2021, 12:33:31 PMPresbyterian looking like they will beat Davidson. PFL championship and Playoffs in reach if we can pull off a comeback
I don't believe Presbyterian's games count in the league schedule this season. So it won't be a league loss for Davidson.
Presby's conference games count, they are just not eligible for the championship. Unfortunate loss for us, as that game was there for the taking. Our QB play is rough.
Yeah. Looks like that is correct.
The QB play hasn't been good but the passing game has, and has for two years, looked very disorganized to me. There is never a snap, step back, plant, throw and catch.
Agreed JD think that is a combo of things. Looked like that for Duncan between two sets of OCs , QB coaches, and WR coaches.
It did not look much better for Nimz although he made some throws we haven't seen in a while.
A change of OC could be in cards but that could mean new OL, RB, WR coaches. Colder/Gladney to recruit very well. Bustle had the young OL competing. Might be worth keeping together. Need to find a QB somewhere. Maybe transfer market?
I think the program is CLEARLY on the right path and if we beat San Diego next week I would expect Coach Fox to start getting interest from other schools. The team just shows toughness and determination and without the fumble in the end zone we win this game. Nimz is clearly a better option because of his ability to throw. I'm guessing the kid coming in as a freshman next year may be "the guy" going forward. And that Washington kid is pretty good!
Hard to say Kaplan will be the guy, yes he came from Norcross but Appel is quite a fine prospect himself.
I'm not out on Nimz and Lawson both came from very successful programs and showed flashes.
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 10, 2021, 03:37:21 PMAgreed JD think that is a combo of things. Looked like that for Duncan between two sets of OCs , QB coaches, and WR coaches. It did not look much better for Nimz although he made some throws we haven't seen in a while. A change of OC could be in cards but that could mean new OL, RB, WR coaches. Colder/Gladney to recruit very well. Bustle had the young OL competing. Might be worth keeping together. Need to find a QB somewhere. Maybe transfer market?
While the running game has been better, I'm wondering how much that has to do with the line as no other back seems to ever do anything given the opportunity. This leads me to think it's all Washington.
I'm not trying to over sourpuss the program and the defense in particular is a different animal than we are used to seeing. I'm not a fan of what I see on offense which looks disorganized even when something good happens.
Great defensive battle, and we are right in it! Hopefully we can get Washington some more holes in the second half, and take this one!
Davidson's game with Stetson was canceled, so they get the automatic bid, but if we win this game, we get to be co-champs with Davidson, San Diego, and pending the result for Morehead State. This is due to the agreement made before the season, that if uneven games are played, any team within 1 league game of the leader, would be considered tied, if the leader is the one with uneven games.
Awesome. First victory against San Diego since my last year on campus. They keep saying second place tie, but shouldn't it be co-champs, since Davidson didn't play the same amount of games?
Excellent win.... knee jerk reactions
1. This is best coached Valpo team I have seen since my beginning with program 2011. Defense flies to the ball , and they have a next play mentality.
2. Offensively , outside of Washington this year and Butler, we were very dysfunctional, we played well enough to win 4 times. Of the 11 starters 9 are scheduled to be back
2021 recap, our defense became a top of the ladder defense in the pfl. Peifer, Annis, Psota, Sherman, Hutcherson all return in the fall. Outlook looks great
Offense we saw freshman Robinson, Lawson, Woody, Orr, Maxwell, Woody all played roles, sophomores Conlin Monahan Bingham Parrish Files were all in mix. We were very young.
Here's to a second winning season since 03, 2/4 years, program has taken a major step out of gutter. I hope local talent and transfers begin recognizing this
If Coach Fox is not PFL Coach of the Year then there is no such award.
Paul
Fabulous win and showed how football games can be won in many fashions. Fabulous defense and special teams but I'd like the offense to show more coherency more often.
When was the last time that we had negative rushing yards (stat guys/gals)? Why do sacks count against the QB's rushing yards in the college game, but not in the NFL?
Really pgmado, another Wisconsin reference in the press conference? At least you didn't bring up the Packers. Always remember the great duo of John Elway/Terrell Davis, and 31-24 :)
If we were to look into a new OC (which I hope not, more continuity the better, Fox d will keep us competitive)
Some really fun names to watch
Quinn Schafer - Uindy OC Valpo QB 09-12
Keith Larson - Bucknell WR Valpo DB 10-13
Fred Gladney- WR Coach Valpo WR
10-14
Hopefully Brandon gets the list of seniors leaving/coming back soon. Great year!
Wow! 4-2 and competitive in every game? I'm impressed! Maybe the fortunes have turned positive at long last for Valpo football! That's great to see! Congrats on a great season and hopefully the team can build on it and do even better next season!
Realistic chance for what? To play in Belgium?
Quote from: usc4valpo on April 19, 2021, 07:06:54 AMRealistic chance for what? To play in Belgium?
Is there a prize being given to whoever comes up with what this post is referencing?
It will be interesting to see if Maxwell (KO yds/attempt) and Turner (takeaways) come back. Leading FCS in any national statistical category, you are going to have some folks reach out to you on the side.
In the winning season in 2017 our best freshman WR/DB transferred
Scargle ended up not making team/playing at USF, Navarro ended up getting 2/5 years paid for at Illinois.
Outside of Novarro transfer portal had not produced many starters at other schools in past 10 years.
I think Navarro ended up with a retroactive scholarship for the Illini, if I remember the Lovie Smith announcement correctly. He still has 1 more year, as well:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/4249535/donny-navarro
jD24, 1314 - my bad and my apologies. I was trying to copy 16's quote about various former Valpo players having a realistic chance of going pro, which was ridiculas and loaded with overindulgence of brown and gold Kool Aid.
Usc4valpo ,
Realistic to go pro is very possible as there have been alum do it , not the NFL but they get paid to play football. Might not be a ton of money, but they do.
Robert Washington is a very atypical Valparaiso football player. He has started at the FBS level, was a 4* recruit. So when considering his options you'd have to imagine that he has the same lower hanging fruit options as Europe/Arena Indoor football, and can maybe break CFL/NFL barrier
Quote from: valpofb16 on April 21, 2021, 07:16:38 AM
Usc4valpo ,
Realistic to go pro is very possible as there have been alum do it , not the NFL but they get paid to play football. Might not be a ton of money, but they do.
Robert Washington is a very atypical Valparaiso football player. He has started at the FBS level, was a 4* recruit. So when considering his options you'd have to imagine that he has the same lower hanging fruit options as Europe/Arena Indoor football, and can maybe break CFL/NFL barrier
Exactly, we are not saying NFL, but we've had players get paid to play football over the years. I wholeheartedly agree with Washington. If he comes back, and has an even bigger season, he can play somewhere.
Ok, thank you for the clarification.
Post season awards in league
Robert Washington Offensive Player of Year
Ben Niesner Co Special teams player of year.
Thought Keyon got snubbed for Defensive freshman
Turner was snubbed and Niesner should not have shared the award with anyone, let alone a guy who didn't even lead the league in return yards, avg. per return or returns for touchdowns...but we did have a guy (Charlie Maxwell) that not only led the league in these categories, but was also #1 in the country in return average and returns for TD. Bizarre choice to go with Nichols.