Messages

According to his twitter profile Prevost is now with Cope Plastics. So not coaching Valpo OL in 2024 -- or anywhere.

All in all, a pretty good recuiting class.  Very encouraged with the OL amd WR additions.  I think they may add another LB or 2 before fall camp.

With this large incoming class the roster has to be over the fall camp limit. Guys better show out in spring ball or risk not getting invited back.  That is a good problem to have - competion is good for everyone.

Now, let's avoid losing a key member of the coaching staff in the Spring so they can build relationships and develop these guys!

Here we go...   Signing Day 2024.  Let's hope the staff can get all the "committs" over the goal line.  If so, this will be a very good class. 

Get your popcorn ready! 

Recruiting is going strong. Can't imagine there are many more roster spots to fill.  Let's hope the coaching staff can get all these "commits" to sign their NLI on Feb 7.  Let's go Valpo!!!

I like how this recuiting class is shaping up.
Glad to see the OL committs since OL is the biggest need this off season (follwed by LB).  Would still like to see an OL transfer or 2 to fill immmediate holes so Valpo is not starting true freshmen. Let's keep the momentum going!

Agreed - there is a LOT of talent on this roster.

Don't want to assume.  What is obvious?

Just rewatched the game on ESPN+.  Painful to watch, but it confimed what I saw in the stands on Saturday.

Pick 1 - Noseguard beats Valpo LG and is right in Mikey's face when ball is thrown.  Noseguard deflected the pass and it goes right to IWU LB.

Pick 2 - Fade route at the goal line (yuck).  Corner absolutely THROWS the Valpo WR to the ground and catches the jump ball uncontested.  No pass interference penalty called.  I'd love an explanation from the zebra on this one.

Pick 3 - tunnel screen (yuck).  Valpo RT gets beat and the DE is in Mikey's face when he throws.  Valpo RG gets beat by the DT and the DT gets a hand on the pass.  Once again the deflected ball bounces right to the IWU LB. 

Pick 4 - Davis beats the corner deep, corner grabs Davis' shoulder pad to slow him down and then somehow catches the pass (great catch by the corner).  You could argue this ball was underthrown a tick, but it should have been pass interference or defensive holding at the least. 

Pick 5 - 4 seconds to go, last play before halftime, had to throw it deep.  Deep safety came over and picked off the hail mary.  No harm done on this one - had to take the shot.

IWU beat Lawrence Tech University 56-7 in week 1,
IWU also beat LTU 35-0 in 2022.

Not sure what that means... I know nothing about LTU.

Biggest question to this point has been the O-Line.  After watching the scrimmage yesterday, I feel much better about this group.  The first unit is starting to gel behind Coach Prevost's leadership.  If they can stay healthy it's going to be a fun offense to watch.   

I'm cautiously optimistic...

Scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday, Aug 12 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Brown Field.  What do you want to see?  What questions need to be answered?

Valpo Director of Football Operations position posted on footballscoop in case any of you are looking for a new gig:

Valparaiso (FCS - IN): Valparaiso University is accepting applications for the position of Director of Football Operations / Recruiting. This is a full-time, 12-month position with benefits. Reporting directly to the Head Coach Football, this position will coordinate the day-to-day logistical processes and recruiting operations for the program. Please send resume, cover letter, and references to Landon Fox at landon.fox@valpo.edu.


I'm assuming this means Coach Offit has moved on.  He had the position in the Spring.

Valpo picks up a JUCO WR,  Brandon Barthel 6'0 195 lbs from American River Junior College.

Defense had a good day yesterday.  They are going to be very good.  Geiman is the real deal at corner - great addition.  DL and LBs are the strength of the team at this point.

Offense is a work in progress.  OL is the biggest concern - must get them some help for the fall.  I love the OL recruiting class that's coming in, but, they are freshmen and likely won't be ready to contribute this season.  In my opinion, they need a couple portal guys up front.

Bright spots on offense:
* Cam Livingston had a nice day at WR.  He had 4-5 catches. 
* Ryan Mann runs the ball hard.  He busted multiple runs over 10 yards.  Don't be surprised if he's the starting RB this fall.
* Appel had 2 long drives inside the red zone.  First one was a missed FG.  2nd one was 1st & G before the running clock expired at halftime.
* Rowan Keefe is healthy and led a scoring drive.  Glad to see him on the field after missing most of the fall

Valpo Football Parent group on facebook is your best bet.  They had a live stream for the Junior Day on April 15. 

Agrred - the fall camp roster is full.  In fact, there will likely be a few players that are participating in spring practice (now) that will not be invited to fall camp to make room for all the committed recuits and the summer transfers.  That is a good thing!  This coaching staff continues to do well in recruiting and is raising the talent to what is hopefully a PFL championship contending level. 

Danny Files and Matt Ross are still at Valpo. Any chance they return to the team in the fall?

#2 was TE Jalen Jones.  The TE room is rock solid.

Beautiful day on campus yesterday for the first of 2 recuitimg "Junior Days" and a scrimmage.  Huge turnout of recruits and their families. The team scimmaged for a little over an hour.  Quick observations:

1. Defense is going to be legit.  The energy and excitment they are playing with is fun to watch.
2. Offense is very similar schematically to last season.  Appel looked confident and in contol - leading the offense to a couple scores.
3. The RB trio of Mann, Labas, Vercher was solid. 
4. Davis (WR) did not participate.  Hopefully nothing serious.  Without him, the offense lacked a deep threat.
4. OL is a work in progress.  Only 7 players dressed for practice yesterday.  They battled all day, but are going to need some help for the fall.
5. Place Kicker (sorry, don't know his name) was a pleasant surprise.   He's going to be an asset. .

All in all - it was a good day for Valpo football.   Can't wait to see them compete again in the spring game on April 30. 

We'll get an idea on Saturday, April 15th.  Team is having a Junior Day recruiting event and will have a scrimmage. 


Only question that can be answered to this point is the 3rd QB.  Jeffrey Jackson is still with the team.

Great to hear the young guys in the WR room are stepping up.  Hope they seize the opportunity in front of them.  With Symmes and Appel - there should be plenty of catches to go around.

Davis (WR) and Vercher (RB) are going to be home run hitters.

3rd and 5 guys?  Hmmm....
That list starts with Evan Jernegan (TE).  Then I'd go Barett Labus (Slot/RB) and Ryan Mann (RB).   Still looking for that posession WR who runs great routes and catches everything. He might be on the roster - I just haven't seen him yet.

For sure - there are holes to fill.  In my mind, OL is the biggest concern.  RJ & Fox brought in a couple transfers for the spring, and I expect them to do the same for the fall.  Between the returning vets, the incoming Freshmen and a transfer (or 2), Prevost needs to find 5 brawlers up front that want to battle for 60 minutes (3600, right?  ).  And, Prevost and Symmes have to scheme to hide and any weaknesses (or at least slow down the edge rushers that gave us problems last year).  This is a big opportunity for everyone in the OL room -- players and new coach alike.  Have to believe they will take advantage of that opportunity and surprise us all. 

WR is another concern.  Davis is returning - that's a good thing.  He could have a monster year and will be the leader in the WR room.  Big question is who will step up in the other 2-3 spots.  Heard the staff has shuffled a few guys to give them opportunities to get on the field at WR, but haven't heard how that's going.  Anyone heard what Matt Ross is going to do?  I believe he is still at Valpo and has eligibility left.  It would be a huge boost if he returned for another season.

Lots of work to do!

Pretty pumped about the new additions to the coaching staff -- especially on the offensive side of the ball.  No disrespect to the guys who left, but the thought of a wide open offense that attacks for 4 quarters has to have the offensive players extatic.  This is going to be fun to watch (assuming Fox let's Symmes do his thing).  Couple that with a defensive that should be at the top of the PFL, and it could be a special season at Brown Field.

There's a lot of work to do, but I can't wait to see them scrimmage on April 15.

That's good news!   I'm glad to hear they made things right with RJ.  He has done a great job recruiting and is a rising star leading Valpo's stongest position group (DLine).  Nice move.