Leading Into the 2014 Football Season

[VULB#62]

The summer is upon us, the new track is being constructed around venerable Brown Field, we have a new HFBC and a brand new recruiting class with some interesting and promising talent. This winter and spring, there were a number of separate FB strings that we were all previously adding to.  As we head into the next season, I thought it appropriate to start a new string just for the new season where we could begin to speculate    , theorize    , wish  , hope  , anguish    and articulate     our thoughts about a new era in Crusader Football.  I also anticipate that, as in the past, we'll have a new string for each game.

To prime the pump, here are a few morsels to stimulate the summer-focused mind:

#  I'm encouraged by the fact that the staff is still recruiting for 2014 -- we just signed a 6'1" 255 OL out of Peru Meridian, IN (yes, another in-state kid).  This on the heels of getting Steven Kelly, a 6'4" receiver out of Maryland.
#  I'm hoping for a respectable showing against WIU.  Respectable to me at this point is like a 45-13 loss.
#  I'm excited to attend the first home game vs. St Joe's on September 6th.  With the new track installed, the place should look like a really respectable small college (because that is what we are) venue.
#  I'm heartened by comments on other strings by posters like VUDad and FloridaFootball that noticed the defensive side is tightening up
#  I'm impressed by Dave Cecchini's presence and ability to communicate, having met him at a UWM MBB pre-game function in Milwaukee.
#  I'm also pleased that Cecchini is also the QB coach (but Jason Miran, the Receivers Coach is the OC), which better allows 1-on-1 QB coaching during games.  Carlson was  OC, play caller and QB coach   .

[covufan]

I just looked at the 2014 Football schedule and it looks like we have 12 games, with a Homecoming Game against Missouri Baptist.  Don't bother looking up what MOBaptist did last year, it is their inaugural season in 2014.  Somehow, I don't think this team will be any comparison to Mercer last year. 

[valpopal]

I created this graphic of the football schedule for reference on the thread. I am not ready to predict a number of wins yet, but I'm optimistic we will see a definite beginning of a turnaround for the program this season.

[VULB#62]

 

[bbtds]

I just looked at the 2014 Football schedule and it looks like we have 12 games, with a Homecoming Game against Missouri Baptist.  Don't bother looking up what MOBaptist did last year, it is their inaugural season in 2014.  Somehow, I don't think this team will be any comparison to Mercer last year. 

It's been a while but the fact that Missouri Baptist is a first year program was discussed before.

It was discussed in the "2014 Football Schedule" thread from January and February.

[usc4valpo]

I feel optimistic about what Cecchini can do in turning this football debacle around.  If this team wins 4 games, that would be an outstanding start. My feeling is that he will do well, have success and move on.  As for the Valpo football program and its committment from the university, that is an optimally realistic scenario.

[LaPorteAveApostle]

I love all your work, pal, and this may be the first nit I've ever picked with you...or will...but could you please maybe make a version with a more manly font and not purple italics?

Like IMPACT or something.  With BOLD and brown or gold font. 

Something that screams FOOBAW!! and that I will make my desktop wallpaper until September while my wife says "you do have an extremely cute toddler you could put up there instead, you know."

[valpopal]

Here you go, Apostle! I have worked in editing and publishing, selecting fonts and artwork for decades, and I was going for a contrast between the two sides of the graphic. However, I understand your valid point and like your suggestion. Also, I appreciate anyone with a sensitivity to fonts.

The new top font is used by Cooper Tires, and the lower font is used by Sports Illustrated. That should be "manly" enough. Just glad you didn't ask for a change on the player side, since I'm sure VULB#62 would have objected. 

[VULB#62]

If only I had that much hair 

[usc4valpo]

the beard could use some help however.  Most hockey player beards in the Stanley Cup looked better than that!!

[VULB#62]

Happened to be checking the 2014-15 FB roster.  Conspicuous by his absence was Bama Powell.  That kid was a load as a freshman and played some solid minutes.  At 6'3" and 320 he would have been a big presence in the middle of the D-Line.

[valpopal]

Yes, I was sorry when I learned 'Bama won't be back with the team. He is a great character who was a presence on the field and on the bench. He gave all he had and always seemed spent when he came to the sidelines—red-faced and breathing heavily. Also, he was a great subject for my photos!

[VULB#62]

Where did he go?

[Pgmado]

Reached out to him via Twitter today. He isn't playing football anywhere. Taking classes back home and then likely heading to Alabama.

[vu72]

Reached out to him via Twitter today. He isn't playing football anywhere. Taking classes back home and then likely heading to Alabama.

[/b]

You mean home right?  Or is he thinking if he can start at Valpo why not the Crimson Tide???

[usc4valpo]

Interesting.  In the Pioneer League, you have to pay to play.  Maybe it wasn't worth it for him - he is an engineering major and that is a big time committment!

[ballmom]

Thank you for the kind words of support for my son. We will miss our Crusader family very much; what a great group of young men to be associated with. Go Cru!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VULB#62]

Ballmom, we are going to miss Bama too.  No opportunity for reconsideration, huh?   

[ballmom]

No darlin I'm afraid it's out of our hands. Y'all be sweet and take care! GoCru!! [emoji458][emoji172][emoji471]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[valpopal]

[tweet]485787578671443968[/tweet]

[valpo64]

Love the uniform!  Now if the baseball program would just wake up and improve theirs.

[VULB#62]

BTW They just signed another P/K  specialist.  Jacob Simpson from Wyandotte, MI.  Hudl tapes show KOs to the 5 and end zone from the 40.  No info on longest or consistency from 30+ yards on FGs.

https://twitter.com/valpoufootball/status/484419257086668800

There are now 4 on the 2014-15 roster:

Josh Young 5' 9''  170 - Soph
Mike Pando 5'11" 170 Sr.
And...
Jacob Newman, also a Soph, from last year who came on board as an Indiana High School Football Associated Press All-State First Team Selection in 2012...Indiana High School Football Coaches Association All-State Senior Team member in 2012.

Nothing brings out the best in all players as competition.  And we NEED good special teams.  Now if we could only clone Greg Wood for a couple of years.

[VULB#62]

[tweet]485787578671443968[/tweet]

What a great photo!

However, IMO, if they wear black socks with that cool uni, it'll go south real fast. 

White socks! White socks!!

[VULB#62]

I'd add one more thought about the future of Valpo FB.  Coach Cecchini and his staff have got to retain the really good players going into 2015 and 2016 seasons.  We can't lose the Bama Powell's (DT, 6'3', 320) and the Jalen Johnson's (DE, 6'8', 225 - played in 2012) after just one year.  RETENTION of top grade talent must be a high priority.  Maybe the new performance room and the new Brown Field setting will help.  But it usually comes down to $$.  Jalen Xferred to a state school where the cost is lower from the get go. I don't know about Bama, but I'm guessing that cost is  a factor.  In my mind Bama, if he had stayed, might have been an FCS All-American by his senior year -- AND .... a VU engineering major!

[valpopal]

[tweet]486912634722086912[/tweet]