Spring Meeting Ends: Sun Belt to remain at 11 and future bowl tie-ins possible

Sun Belt get's a little tough on school departures and looking to move forward!

Sun Belt Conference held its Annual Spring Meeting this week in Destin, Florida, Commissioner Karl Benson and company went through a normal meeting with very little getting accomplish in my view. Conference Athletic Directors, Coaches and Presidents all participated in the annual meeting including new conference members Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, New Mexico State, Idaho, Texas State, Georgia State and UT-Arlington. Here are some of the items that were on the agenda, discussed and came with a decision.

In basketball the conference will play 20 games and the basketball tournament will feature the standard No. 1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7 and so on format for women, but a double-bye format for men.

The conference tournaments will move from Hot Springs, Ark., to New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA, and the tournament formats will remain the same with the top eight teams in the league advancing to the tournament. There is no divisional play - and the tournament beginning with a No. 1 seed vs. No. 8 seed, No. 2 vs. No. 7, No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5 first round. It will remain that way on the women's side for 2014.

In football the Sun Belt Conference has decided to play a eight conference game schedule beginning in 2014, with 11 playing members on the rooster if the conference decides against adding a 12^th program for now.

The Sun Belt Conference also has released it new official logo and branding on Sunday for the conference beginning July 1^st. The new logo will be represented by each of the 11 programs of the Sun Belt Conference, which I think is a great logo. It could have been better but it certainly will work. The new logo is located at the left of this post.

We also have learned that the Sun Belt Conference has extended its TV contract with Cox Sports and Comcast Sports Southeast for one year. Sun Belt Network will air seven high-definition football broadcasts as part of a minimum of 39 broadcasts that the network will air. We should expect to see more programming on ESPN 3 as usual and where I live we will be excluded from watching because we don’t have these networks and we are in the South Alabama media market. UMM!

We all want to know about who the Sun Belt Conference will add as a 12^th team and if so when. According to today’s press conference with Commissioner Karl Benson and Conference President Jack Hawkins, the league will remain at 11 members for now. “There is no urgency to add another program, per Benson.” So we will not see a 12^th team for now, maybe and again maybe in the future but no guarantee.  “There was and will continue to be ongoing discussion about national realignment and the membership options for the Sun Belt,” said Benson. “However, for the time being we are moving the conference forward with our membership as is. The most important thing to come out of the meeting regarding membership was that our institutions are committed to taking the Sun Belt to the next level. With our recent additions and the strength of our current members, the pieces are already in place for us to take the next step as a stronger conference.”

The Sun Belt Conference also updated its by-laws in regards to program departures. Sun Belt teams no longer allowed early departures a program must give at least 12 months’ notice of departure. According to Benson the Commissioner, the league also changed it exit fee but did not release any info on how much that would be. The 12 month early departure notice is non-negotiable.

Commissioner Benson also stated at the press conference that the $12 million dollars coming from the new College Playoff System will offset the loss of not having a conference title game.

In case you may already have heard the rumors, the Sun Belt Conference may add an additional bowl game in 2014 is still possible. The new bowl game is possible and could be played in Little Rock, AR. This would give the SBC three bowls –tie ins, at least the Commissioner is confident in this matter.

Now, that all of this is over for now at least this season, we move on and wait to see what the conference do to be proactive and not reactive. Commissioner Benson is the leader of the Sun Belt Conference along with the Conference President and neither has seemed to be in a proactive mode, except looking to remain a FBS but not a proactive conference that is looking to go to another level. In many ways some may argue they have and is, and I might agree to some. But there is a debate on how and when.

In my opinion, I would have never passed up the opportunity of adding a 12^th team to the league and I’m pretty sure many of you are agreeing with me right now. A 12^th team would add so much value to the league in creating a conference championship game in football. Also would have helped the league continue a two divisional play in all other sports such as basketball and football. It would have added additional revenue to the league in a championship standpoint for football. As we all know football is where the money is.

The fans was looking and hoping for this creation with the Sun Belt Conference. Oh, but no one in the conference leadership is telling us the fans or media on why they decided against adding a program such as Liberty. Thought I forgot-NO! They rejected Liberty saying they don’t fit the Sun Belt Conference. We as fans still want answers on that…and on why? I have a few but I would rather wait and let them tell you since they lead and I follow if they ever decide to do so.

Other news and decision from the Sun Belt Conference Meeting:

There was some changes and new appointments made in the conference leadership panel. You would be surprised at this – LOL.

According to the SBC website, The Sun Belt Conference also made appointments to significant leadership positions at the meeting. There were several key positions that had terms expire or were vacated, filling these positions are:

• Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Board of Managers - Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Troy Chancellor
• Bowl Championship Series (BCS) AD Advisory Group – Terry Mohajir, Arkansas State Athletic Director
• Sun Belt Conference President – Dr. Nick J. Bruno, Louisiana-Monroe President
• Sun Belt Conference Vice President – Dr. Denise M. Trauth, Texas State President
• Sun Belt Conference Treasurer – Dr. Joel E. Anderson, UALR Chancellor
• Sun Belt Conference Chair of Athletic Directors – Scott Farmer, Louisiana-Lafayette Athletic Director
• Sun Belt Conference Chair of Faculty Representatives – Fred Green, Troy Faculty Representative

Did you see who is appointed to the Chair of Athletic Directors? – LOL Louisiana Lafayette AD Scott Farmer. Scott Farmer is an AD in the Sun Belt that has acknowledged on several occasions that he would like to take his programs to another conference if possible. Basically he wants out of the Sun Belt Conference. And then you have Dr. Nick J. Bruno appointed as the new Conference President – LOL I dare comment on that one, only if you knew. What a joke SBC?

The Sun Belt Conference developed a formula to distribute $600,000 in net revenue that was produced from the Sun Belt Conference’s four bowl games in 2012. The revenue will be distributed to the six football playing members eligible for end of year revenue distribution – Arkansas State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Troy and Western Kentucky. Basically each program will receive an estimated $100,000 in revenue from the bowl revenue.

BRANDING & NEW LOGO: The Sun Belt Conference having unveiled a new logo and branding campaign, the league has committed $50,000 to each institution to help implement the new logo for the upcoming academic year.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS: The following sites were selected to host Sun Belt Conference Championships for 2013-14:

Women’s Golf – Steelwood Country Club, Loxley, Ala.

Men’s Golf – Grand Bear Golf Course, Saucier, Miss.

Men’s and Women’s Tennis – City Park Tennis Center, New Orleans, La.

The following sites were selected to host Sun Belt Conference Championships for 2014-15:

Cross Country – South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.

Soccer – South Alabama, Mobile, Ala.

Volleyball – Texas State, San Marcos, Texas

Outdoor Track and Field – Louisiana-Lafayette, Lafayette, La.

Softball – Texas State, San Marcos, Texas

Baseball – Troy, Troy, Ala.

Don’t anyone ever get wrong on this, I love the Sun Belt Conference and I am a big fan of the conference. I just want the conference to be a better conference for its fan and become the best conference in the new group of five. I would love to see this conference offer its members more in revenue and its fans a football championship game. It would help recruiting and add additional revenue to the league.

That is it for now on Spring Meetings for the Sun Belt Conference, if anything else develops I will be sure to inform you. Moving on now I will be releasing my Pre-Season Insider – All Sun Belt Team next month, along with my player watch list plus much more stay tuned.

Two Players Leave Cajuns Football Program

Ragin’ Cajuns football seniors Bradley Brown and Jalen Fields have left the program and intend to transfer to another school, head coach Mark Hudspeth announced Thursday.

“I would like to thank both Bradley and Jalen for the contributions that they have made to the Ragin’ Cajuns football program and we wish them well,” Hudspeth said.

Brown, a 5-10, 180-pound wide receiver from Baton Rouge, La., caught 15 passes for 187 yards as a reserve in 2012. He joined the program in 2011 after two seasons at Northwestern State and redshirted.

Fields, a 6-5, 280-pound senior defensive lineman from Dalton, Ga., played in eight games as a reserve on the defensive line in 2012, making nine tackles. Prior to joining

South Alabama RB Demetre Baker wants transfer papers

University of South Alabama Athletics Director has confirmed Demetre Baker release. 

A surprise to me and a surprise too many others, that a star running back that transferred to South Alabama from the University of Georgia name Demetre Baker wants his transfer papers now, so he can transfer away from South Alabama.

RB Demetre Baker 

Just as when South Alabama Jaguars enter into the Football Bowl Subdivision as a full fledge member, and looking for a winning season on the FBS level find themselves losing a quality player.  In my interview with Demetre Baker on today, he claims the school coaches refuse to talk to him and explain what he did wrong to get voted off the team. Baker has been allegedly voted off the South Alabama Jaguars team by his fellow senior team mates for being late for team meetings. It’s not confirmed on how many meetings Baker missed.

This news comes as a surprise when I first learned about it over social media. It surprises many that all this has been keep a secret by the University and school officials.  Demetre Baker commented on his (Facebook) social media page that “All he wants is his transfer papers!” Baker has helped the South Alabama Jaguars when they didn’t have any help in the key running back position. Now he can’t get an answer from any of the coaches or staff at South Alabama. 

Demetre Baker has been cut from the team for about three weeks now; Baker says he been cut after being voted off by fellow team mates for being late for team meetings, says he did participate in spring drills and practices after being classified as ineligible after failing two classes in the fall.  Not only has he been cut from the team, Baker says he has been banned some offices and campus facilities.

"Mr. Baker is entitled to his own opinion and through a press on Monday, Mr. Baker has been released from the team. We handle each athlete according to the NCAA guidelines, said Dr. Erdmann". 

I asked Baker did he apologize for his team violation of missing team meetings. Baker replied “Yes I did, and they seem to not listen or take into consideration my apology.” Baker future explained to me that he believes that decision to cut him from the team was a personal decision and discrimination toward him.  Baker wants to remain with the team and help the team get to where they would like to go and be champions. However, Baker claims that he is not getting any cooperation from school officials, coaches and staff. Baker insists that if he can’t get honest answers, then all he wants is his papers to transfer with his scholarship.

Baker agrees that’s he has committed some mistakes, but not any that is major to where he embarrassed his team or school or deserves to be voted off the team. Baker also claims that a blogger published some lies about him and his thoughts about the team, which Baker claims is not true. Baker says he believes that may also have played a part in all of this confusion.

After talking with Baker about his dismissal from the team; your Insider found out some more surprisely news. Baker claims that South Alabama current football team may not meet NCAA (APR) requirements. Demetre claims that South Alabama is having a bad spring semester right now and it’s not funny. Baker said the current team is currently failing their classes. Baker said South Alabama can’t bring any new recruits and freshmen to the school if they don’t meet their APR.  After speaking with Dr. Erdmann on Thursday, May 2, 2013, Mr. Erdmann failed to confirm or deny that that program will or will not meet their APR requirements. "We will not know the current APR for about another 5 to 6 months, said Erdmann." 

After revealing this news, I asked Baker does this play into the 4-star recruit Blanchard that is also a running back and signed with South Alabama in February coming to South in the fall. He said sure, he believes that the coaches got rid of him so they can have a scholarship to give to Blanchard. 

Baker wants his release papers, but claims the school will not give them to him. Baker said that he will try again and also meet with other school officials before taking the matter to the NCAA. Baker said he loves his team, and there is nothing that he has against his school, Baker wants to play for the Jaguars if they allow him to do so. Demetre Baker said if not, he is ready to move on. Before coming to South Alabama, Baker says he had offers from Arkansas State, Texas A&M, North Alabama and a few others. According to Dr. Erdmann the AD at South Alabama says that Mr. Baker release will be issued once a request has been received in writing. 

Stay tune for more on this matter, Baker will be live this week for a interview on my show “The Edge” where we will get more in dept about his transfer and dismissal from South Alabama football program. You will be surprise on what else he has to say and what is or may have happen with the team mates and program.

This is not the first report of some sort of happening of this nature at South Alabama. Several people that wish to remain anonymous believe the school to be racist toward African Americans. What do you think of this? Let us know and for your thoughts are important. 

Future SBC member New Mexico State to play at LSU in 2014

It looks like the Aggies are have updated their 2014 schedule and are headed to play in the big Tiger Stadium in the fall of 2014.

New Mexico State will travel to face LSU at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on Sept. 27, 2014. The Aggies and the Tigers have played each other before and it wasn’t a friendly matchup between the two. In 1996 the Tigers beat the New Mexico State Aggies 63-7. The Aggies are ready for a re-match just as the new College Football Playoffs come into play.

Although an official announcement has yet to be made, the game is listed on NMSU’s official website and reportly have a signed contract.

New Mexico State currently has other games scheduled for 2014 to include Cal Poly, New Mexico, at Rice, and at UTEP. One of those games has to be canceled to round out a 12 game schedule, once the Aggies join the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2014. Playing a big name school as LSU in 2014 could help Aggies in recruiting some talented players that want to play on a team that will be playing against an SEC team. 

Liberty University a possible addition for the Sun Belt Conference in 2014

The flames have what it takes and needs to be on the FBS level, and that could happen with the Sun Belt Conference

We all know that college football is the driving force behind all the conference re-alignment, and it has not slow down yet. Several changes have taken place over the past week in the Sun Belt Conference and others that will make you say – what’s next?

Over the past week we have seen the Sun Belt Conference add two FCS powerhouses in Appalachian State and Georgia Southern; the SBC also added two former disbanded WAC football members New Mexico State and Idaho that are now independents and formers members of the Sun Belt Conference as well. All four of these teams will be added on July 1, 2014.

On today conference re-alignment took another twist with Western Kentucky announcing they are leaving the Sun Belt Conference for Conference USA beginning in 2014. WOW, big surprise Western Kentucky, lol! According to SBC Commissioner Karl Benson, the SBC was prepared and waiting for the moment to happen with Western Kentucky and there is no surprise on April fool day.

With Western Kentucky leaving, that creates an open spot in the Sun Belt Conference and a newly anticipated eastern division that will stage a conference championship game beginning in 2014. The Board of Directors and AD’s have work hard to create a 12 member conference in all sports and create a conference football championship game.  This is a move that I applaud the SBC for making over the past week. Now that WKU is leaving, that 12^th member will receive an invitation soon from the Sun Belt Conference, but the question still remains –who?

There are many speculations and rumors on who is next or at the top of the Sun Belt list to become the 12^th member. There are many reports that JMU (James Madison University) is the top favorite to become that 12^th. Then you have others that say LU (Liberty University) is the top favorite for the #12 spot. Your guess is better than mind.

Liberty University is a Christian program that would make an outstanding addition to the Sun Belt Conference in all sports. Liberty is located in Lynchburg, VA (Do the SBC want to expand to Virginia? I’m pretty sure they do for a quality program.) Liberty is located in the 65^th media market if that makes any difference, sounds ok to me; Liberty has over 12,000 residential students and over 75,000 online students, 220 Programs of Study with an 968 average APR. Liberty is expected to add a law school and medical school by 2014. There are 26 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans at Liberty.

Is Liberty ready for TV production-YES with a 20,000 seat stadium and is expected to expand to over 25,000 seats; their basketball arena holds 8,000 with a 3-court practice facility. Liberty has 6 NCAA D1 National Champions teams with 35 NCAA Championship appearances and 20 full funded scholarships teams. Not only that, Liberty has that cash to go with it.  Who wouldn’t be looking for a program like that?

Sun Belt Commissioner Karl Benson released a statement today saying he is confident in the Sun Belt future, and is prepared to add another program to the conference. In order to stage that conference football championship game in 2014 and have six eastern division members a new member must be added before June 1^st in order for them to declare they are moving up from FCS to FBS. Sun Belt will not have 12 all sports members in 2014 if they don’t add a program by June 1^st, unless they are willing to add another already FBS program; which I don’t know who that will be.

Liberty, James Madison, Jacksonville State, Sam Houston State, Lamar, Missouri State, and maybe a couple of Louisiana FCS programs are all possibilities at this point. So when will we know, that remain to be answered; but do expect an answer by the end of April or the beginning of May. 

Report: Western Kentucky is headed to CUSA

Over the past few days many reports and rumors have surfaced that Western Kentucky is headed to Conference USA a conference that would look like the old Sun Belt Conference soon.

It is reportedly that WKU will move all of it’s athletic programs to CUSA and a official announcement could come as early as Monday. I have learn today that a special called meeting has been called and scheduled with the Board of Regents on Monday; so this is a sign of truth for the Hilltoppers that want out of the Sun Belt Conference.

Western Kentucky has denied and continued to deny any communication with CUSA, however the silence didn’t last too long. Western Kentucky will be replacing Tulsa after they bolt CUSA for the un-named conference in 2014. Western Kentucky is not expected to leave early but will depart the SBC in 2014.

It is rumored as well that the Sun Belt Conference will invite James Madison Dukes as its newest member to replace Western Kentucky in a soon to be eastern division of the Sun Belt Conference. Other FCS candidates have been mention as well such as Liberty, Lamar, UT-Chattanooga and etc. However everyone believes James Madison is that leading candidate.

Stay Tuned! 

ULL Cajuns Add Marquis White To 2013 Signing Class

Marquis White - DL

Defensive Lineman From Orlando, Fla. Will Have 

Three Years Of Eligibility Remaining

The Ragin Cajuns has added another addition to their defense in Marquis White, a 6-5, 315-pound defensive lineman from Orlando, Fla., has signed a national letter of intent to attend Louisiana and play football beginning in the fall of 2013.

White will join the program in June and take part in the summer conditioning program with the Ragin’ Cajuns.

“Marquis is a defensive lineman who can really move,” head coach Mark Hudspeth said.  “He has only played football for two seasons but the growth that he has displayed in that time makes him a player who should quickly fit into our program.”

A native of Orlando, Fla., White played basketball at Olympia High before playing football for one year at North Carolina Tech, a prep school based out Charlotte, N.C.

In his lone season at North Carolina Tech, White had 36 tackles with 4.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and four pass breakups, finishing second among defensive linemen in tackles.  He was voted the team’s most improved defensive lineman and the most athletic lineman.

White signed with South Florida in 2011 and redshirted.  He left the school in January, 2012 and attended Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS.

In his lone season with the Greyhounds, he saw action in seven games, making nine tackles with half of a quarterback sack and one forced fumble.

Boise State, Louisiana Tech & Southern To Come To Cajun Field

UL-Lafayette puts some finishing touches to their future non-conference schedules.

Home-and-home series with Boise State and Louisiana Tech and home games vs. Akron and Southern highlight additions to the future Ragin' Cajuns football schedules.  The non-conference schedules through the 2016 season were announced on Tuesday.

“We have been able to put together schedules for the next couple of seasons that follow the blueprint we desire,” Louisiana director of athletics Scott Farmer said.

“Our goal is to play at least six games at Cajun Field each season.  The remaining non-conference games should be against regional opponents that are close enough to allow our fans to make the trip if possible.

“We are always looking for a home-and-home series against a team that our fans will enjoy watching.  To get a team like Boise State to visit speaks volumes about how far this program has come in recent years,” Farmer added.

“I like the direction that our schedule is going,” third-year head coach Mark Hudspeth said. “It is great to play a program like Boise State anywhere, and it is even better to have a game scheduled at Cajun Field.  It will be a great measuring stick for our program because Boise State has already built a national successful program similar to what we are seeking to accomplish.”

The 2014 non-conference schedule was completed last week when the Cajuns agreed to a home-and-home series with Boise State.  Louisiana will visit the Broncos on Sept. 20, 2014 with Boise State playing in Lafayette to open the 2016 season.

Louisiana will open the 2014 season at home against Southern on Aug. 30 before making road trips to Ole Miss (Sept. 13) and Boise State (Sept. 20).  The non-conference slate ends with an Oct. 4 home game vs. Louisiana Tech, the first game in a home-and-home series with the Bulldogs.

In 2015, the Cajuns are at home on either Sept. 19 or 26 against Akron in the return game of the home-and-home series that will be started this fall.  The Cajuns then complete the series with Louisiana Tech on Oct. 3.  Two games are left to schedule, a road game at a FBS opponent and a home contest, most likely against an FCS opponent.

The 2016 schedule features a season-opening home game vs. Boise State (Sept. 3) and a return game to Tulane (Oct. 8) to complete the home-and-home series began in 2012.  The Cajuns need one home and one away date to complete the schedule.

Future Ragin’ Cajuns Football Schedules

2014
Aug. 30  Southern
Sept. 13  at Mississippi
Sept. 20  at Boise State
Oct. 4  Louisiana Tech
Sun Belt:  4 Home, 4 Away

2015
Sept. 5  at BCS Opponent
Sept. 19 or 26  Akron
Oct. 3  at Louisiana Tech
Date TBA  Home vs. TBA
Sun Belt:  4 Home, 4 Away

2016
Sept. 3 Boise State
Oct. 8  at Tulane
Date TBA   1 Home/1 Away
Sun Belt:  4 Home, 4 Away

Sun Belt Conference added Georgia Southern & Appalachian State today; expected to add two more in NMSU and IDAHO

 The football rivalry continues on the FBS level!

On today the Sun Belt Conference expanded by adding two FCS powerhouses in Georgia Southern and Appalachian State.

Georgia Southern and Appalachian State announced Wednesday it is leaving the Southern Conference to join the Sun Belt Conference in 2014. Both Georgia Southern and Appalachian State football teams will begin playing Sun Belt games and will be a revenue sharing member of the conference in 2014 and eligible for the Sun Belt title, but will not be eligible to play in a bowl game. In 2015, Georgia Southern and Appalachian State will become a full member of the conference and be bowl eligible.

Sun Belt Conference commissioner Karl Benson was on hand at Georgia Southern on Wednesday to help welcome the Eagles to the Sun Belt Conference.   

Now that Georgia Southern and Appalachian State is in, Idaho State Board approved their move to the Sun Belt Conference today; which they are expected to announce by tomorrow or end of this week along with New Mexico State.

Appalachian State Football 

Now that the Sun Belt Conference has added four new members, the conference can now stage a conference championship game. Commissioner Benson made it known today that the conference is looking to begin that championship in 2014 season, but no more details was given. We do know that the team with the best record will host the conference championship in 2014 and beyond.

Also a few details were given that the Sun Belt will retire its current logo and introduce a new one during the re-branding process in a few months. Commissioner Benson made mention of it during the press conference at Georgia Southern.  Today was a great day for the Sun Belt and I am happy for this conference I really believe they made a wise decision.

Rumors have Western Kentucky receiving an invite from C-USA after Tulsa announces their intentions to join the new Big East conference.  The Sun Belt Conference will move to replace WKU with another program possibly from the FCS ranks. Liberty, James Madison and Sam Houston State tops the lists now among others. 

South Alabama may have an exciting home schedule in 2013

With the Sun Belt Conference scheduled to release their official 2013 Conference schedule on next month. South Alabama may get an exciting home schedule in 2013, which will feature some of the SBC top performers and 2013 SBC bowl teams.

South Alabama will be playing a five game non-conference schedule and two of those games will be in Mobile, Alabama at Ladd Pebbles Stadium with Kent State and Southern Utah.  Kent State was also a top 25 ranked team in 2012 and appeared in the Mobile’s GoDaddy.com Bowl against Sun Belt Conference member Arkansas State where they was defeated by the Red Wolves of Arkansas State.

There are a few news coaches that may be making their way to Mobile as well to take on the Jaguars of South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference. South Alabama will also welcome to new members to the conference in Texas and Georgia State. South Alabama suppose to open the 2013 season the first weekend in September, but with defection in the SBC the Jags had to add another non-conference game and they choose a competitive FCS team to open the season on August 29.

I am also projecting that South Alabama will take on its in-state conference rival Troy on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Hey I might be wrong but a guess don’t hurt.

Here is a look at South Alabama possible 2013 Schedule…..

8/29 – Southern Utah

9/7 – at Tulane                                                                            

9/28 – at Tennessee

10/19 – Kent State

11/16 – at Navy

*Conference schedule *

at Troy

Arkansas State (Ladd Pebbles Stadium) Mobile, AL

at Texas State

Louisiana Lafayette (Ladd Pebbles Stadium) Mobile, AL

Louisiana – Monroe (Ladd Pebbles Stadium) Mobile, AL

at Georgia State

Western Kentucy (Ladd Pebbles Stadium) Mobile, AL

It’s also possible that South Alabama get two bye weeks this fall, however that is not guaranteed.  It seems that the Jaguars have another competitive schedule as they did last year. This year the difference is that the Jags are more experienced and have a lot more talent to take to the field. Don’t count the Jags out in 2013. I believe that the defense will create some problems for a lot of teams in the SBC and a few in the non-conference schedule. South Alabama have brought on some talent from Alabama to coach the defensive side of the ball, so it will be interesting to see this new full FBS team compete for the Sun Belt Conference title and a post season bowl game.

South Alabama is set to begin spring practice on February 28 and host it’s annual spring game on April 6, 2013 at Ladd Pebbles Stadium. 

South Alabama campus editor tries to slam the Insider

I am writing this post just because I want to inform you my faithful followers about what is happening with your Insider. I do believe that I should keep you all informed.

During this off season I haven’t posted much, because I also write on politics and operate a Satellite radio network. However I am devoted to bringing you informed information always.

Recently, about a week about I posted here on the Insider about South Alabama football coach hiring two new assistants, which you will find below. I want to inform you on what’s happening. When I post here on my blog I also share what I post in other groups on other sites such as face book and twitter.

I recently posted my blog post in a South Alabama Jaguars group page on Face Book as I always did. When I share the post, I once again received questioning from a South Alabama on campus newspaper editor. That’s right once again, because it’s not the first time he has questioned me, and I will not call names, because that’s not of my character.

But I want to make sure am I right or wrong, and I would like to get some feed back from you my followers and visitors on this matter.  The last time I checked, I am a blogger and not a press service. I also thought I have a right to free speech as well and a right to my own opinion.

The young man questioned me and asks me why do I re-quote what al.com says in my posts on my blog, well maybe because al.com gets most of their info from South Alabama website as I do, but not all the time. Not only that he stated that the Athletics Department at South Alabama was very and highly upset with me, because I post about their program on my blog.

Let me clear up something here, I post on anything that is made public by the university itself. When South Alabama issue a news release or media release it becomes public and also if it’s posted on its website its public.

I also believe that I can re-quote a local newspaper if I mention them in my posts.

I also asked this young, why can’t South Alabama Athletics Department contact me and inform me that they are very upset with me and have a concern with me? He couldn’t and would not answer.

Once again it’s the hatred that comes from this campus and those that have a little authority and want South Alabama world to be centered around them only. For some time many fans of South Alabama have been in disagreement on how the Athletics Department is ran out there at South Alabama. And you see that constantly by all of the games that they hold on campus, when fans don’t even come out to support any of the teams.  The Mitchell Center is half empty at basketball games, and now they have football and the attendance there has drop heavily since the program started a few years ago.

Here at the Insider I created this blog to help bring more positive and informed news on what’s happening around the Sun Belt Conference. I am a supporter and fan of South Alabama sports. I live here in Mobile and always wanted South Alabama to have a football program in the FBS and glad that it has come to pass. But I see there are haters out there that don’t want to see you do well, and don’t want any attention taken away from them.

However I am glad that I am not that type of person and I will never be. I will continue to write here on my blog on whatever I feel I should write on with my opinions.

So the floor is now open, and you can share your thoughts!

Troy adds nine mid-year signees

On Thursday Troy head football coach Larry Blakeney announced the additions of nine mid-year enrollees to their football program for the spring semester of 2013. Looking at each of the individuals that were announced, look like Blakeney and his staff have added some great talent.

The following enrollees to Troy all signed in February of 2012 and took a grayshirt year in the fall and each of the enrollees did not use a year of eligibility.

Defensive back Rishad Goode (Madison, Ala.-Bob Jones HS), 6’0, 190lbs
Linebacker Terris Lewis (Linden, Ala.-Linden HS), 6’3, 195lbs
Linebacker Mitchell Roland (Auburn, Ala.-Auburn HS), 6’1, 230lbs
Quarterback Brandon Silvers (Gulf Shores, Ala.-Gulf Shores HS) 6’3, 200lbs
Defensive end Jamal Stadom (Melbourne, Fla.-Melbourne HS) 6’2, 226lbs

Wide receiver Antonio Johnson of Oklahoma City, OK and cornerback Keion Payne of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. joins Troy football team after spending the 2012 season at Hutchinson Community College. Payne, who was a four-star prospect out of high school, played at Miami for two seasons before transferring to Hutchinson to continue his college career. It is unknown at this time how much of eligibility Payne has left.

Freshmen OL Aaron Herring of Alachua, Fla.-Sante Fe HS, and Jonathan Boring of Lexington, S.C.-Lexington HS also enrolled as mid-year enrollees.

Each of these players seems to be a great fit for the Trojans football program, they all should bring dept and great talent to Troy.

Texas State is recruited out west

Texas State has stayed within the State of Texas for most in fact nearly all of its 2013 recruits, but now the Bobcats of Texas State is eyed a recruit out west and landed their 13th commitment in Brandon Jones.  

Juco Cornerback Brandon Jones of Santa Rosa, Calif/ Santa Rosa Junior College made the decision to commit to Texas State during a official visit last weekend.

"The coaching staff really made me feel at home," Jones said. "It felt like a big family and I already feel like I'm a part of it after just a couple of days there. They are new to FBS, but I feel like we can win a lot of games and go to a bowl game."

All I can say is that is what counts on the feel that type of mentality from players.

Joe Miday hired at Western Kentucky

Coach Joe Miday

Joe Miday has been hired at WKU after six seasons on the strength and conditioning staff at Marshall University, including the last two seasons as the head strength and conditioning coach with the Thundering Herd football team. Miday will oversee the entire WKU football strength and conditioning program.

I am really excited to add Joe to our staff and can't wait to see the impact he will have on our football program," WKU head coach Bobby Petrino said. "Joe did an outstanding job as the head strength and conditioning coach at Marshall and I feel like he will be a great fit for us here at WKU."

Arkansas State hires Brad Bedell to the Offensive Line

Coach Brad Bedell 

Bryan Harsin the new head football coach at Arkansas State has announced the hiring of former All American and NFL player Brad Bedell as the new offensive line coach. Bedell has spent the last season at New Mexico State where is was over the offensive line.

Prior to New Mexico State, Bedell served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at UC Davis in 2011. During his one season at UC Davis, Bedell coached two First Team All-Great West? Conference selections in offensive linemen Sean Davies and Ray Wilburn.

"Coach Bedell brings six years of experience as a player in the NFL?with him, and he was recognized as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation as a college player," said Harsin. "He has been able to apply what he learned from those experiences to what he is doing on the field and in recruiting as a coach, so he will be a valuable part of this staff and we are excited to have him here at Arkansas State."

Coach Thomas Brown headed to Georgia State

Coach Thomas Brown

Trent Miles the new head coach at Georgia State has officially hired Thomas Brown from Tennessee-Chattanooga. Thomas Brown was at UTC for only one season and now he is headed to Georgia State to take on position in an FBS program.

Brown is no stranger to the Atlanta area, he is a native of the Atlanta suburb of Tucker and was Georgia assistant strength and conditioning coach, when he was hired at UTC last February.

Not sure just yet on what position he will be holding at the Panthers.

Tennessee Chattanooga will visit Georgia State this fall in the Georgia Dome on September 7, 2013. 

Louisiana Ragin Cajuns adds 7 to their football roster

The spring semester is in full swing and 

UL-Lafayette football roster is getting some additions.

With Wednesday serving as the start of spring semester classes on campus, Louisiana head football coach Mark Hudspeth announced the addition of seven players to the Ragin’ Cajuns roster for the 2013 season.

Joining the Ragin' Cajuns are Dominick Bilich (Metarie, La./Archbishop Rummel), Stephen Brauchle (Perkinston, Miss./Mississippi Gulf Coast CC), Nick Byrne (Rogers, Ark./Har-Ber HS), Daniel Cadona (Darwin, NT, Australia/Toowoomba), Johnny Kight (Louisville, Miss./Nanih Waiya HS/East Central CC).

Hudspeth also announced that Ricky Johnson (Lafayette, La./Carencro/Tulsa) and Evan Tatford (Lafayette, La./St. Thomas More/Tulane) have transferred into the program.  Johnson will be able to play in 2013 and have one season of eligibility while Tatford, will sit out the 2013 campaign and have two seasons of eligibility remaining.

“This is a pretty good group we have joining us now,” Hudspeth said. “There is a lot of talent in the group and it comes at spots where we have positions to fill.  By being with us for spring drills, they will get a good jump towards next year by being able to learn our system and get ready for fall camp.

“We've addressed a couple of important positions,” Hudspeth added. “With Brett Baer graduated (who had the dual role of both kicker and punter), we've gone out and found both a kicker and punter who can come in and compete with the two scholarships kickers that are returning.

“We lost both of our starting offensive tackles to graduation, so Johnny Kight will immediately help us with our depth at the position and should challenge our returning linemen.

“Even though we have both of our tight ends coming back, they will both be seniors. Nick Byrne and Evan Tatford will have time to adjust to our offense.”

Bilich, a 6-3, 285-pound offensive lineman, earned first team all-state honors and was rated the top center in Louisana as a senior in 2011.  The Rummel High product originally signed with the Cajuns last February, but delayed enrolling until this semester.  He will be a freshman this fall.

Brauchle, a 6-1, 205-pound kicker, earned honorable mention NJCAA All-America honors this past year at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC after making seven-of-nine field goal attempts and 50-of-54 extra points.  He helped the team to a 10-2 record, a second place finish in the state and No. 6 ranking nationally.

Brauchle will be a sophomore this year with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Byrne, a 6-3, 215-pound freshman tight end, earned all-state honors as a senior after catching 43 passes for 715 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Ranked as the No. 7 player in Arkansas by some scouting services, he totaled 72 catches for 1,182 yards and 17 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Har-Ber High School.

Cadona, a 6-4, 203-pound junior, is the leading candidate to take over the punting chores from first team All-SBC punter Brett Baer.  Although the former Australian Rules Football and Rugby standout has never punted in an official football game, he caught the attention of college coaches when he averaged almost 50 yards per punt at a kicking camp in Las Vegas.

Kight, a 6-6, 270-pound offensive lineman, started at right tackle this past year at East Central Mississippi CC.  Accoring to scout.com, Kight, who will be a junior, had offers from Memphis, South Alabama and UAB before choosing Louisiana.

Johnson, a 6-2, 217-pound, senior wide receiver, played 35 games during three seasons at Tulsa, making 44 catches for 659 yards (15.0 avg.) and seven touchdowns.

The Carencro alum caught 22 passes for 351 yards (16.0 avg.) and a touchdown in 2010 and came back in 2011 to make 14 grabs for 197 yards (14.1 avg.) and four touchdowns.  He enrolled at UL for the fall 2012 semester and will be eligible to play this fall.

Tatford, a 6-5, 247-pound junior tight end, was a two-year regular for Tulane, playing 24 games.  He caught seven passes for 58 yards, including six receptions for 20 yards this past season.

A member of the National Honor Society in high school, he was named to the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2011 for having a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better.

Louisiana tied the school record for wins in 2012, posting its second consecutive 9-4 season, and defeated East Carolina, 43-34, in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.  The Ragin’ Cajuns are scheduled to begin spring practice on March 11.

South Alabama Running Back Coach headed to North Texas

Another coach leaves South Alabama 

As a New Defensive Coordinator is hired and comes in, and the staff is taking shape, Tommy Perry is heading away from South Alabama to take a job at soon to be former Sun Belt Conference member North Texas.

An announcement on Tommy Perry is expected sometime Monday, Perry held the position of Running Backs & Special Teams Coach.  Now that Perry is leaving for North Texas, there are two more vacancies that must be filled on South Alabama football coaching staff.

There is a lot of talent out there to choose from, now that South Alabama is in the FBS and is a full member, who will they hire and will it be someone with FBS experience? 

Kevin Sherrer headed to South Alabama as Defensive Coordinator

Kevin Sherrer the current director of player development at Alabama is expected to be named the new Defensive Coordinator at South Alabama on Friday according to multiple of sources.

South Alabama defensive coordinator position came open when Bill Clark who spent five years with the program was hired as Jacksonville State head coach. Kevin Sherrer is expected to replace Bill Clark. Sherrer is in his third season as the director of player development at Alabama.

Sherrer a former tight end for the Crimson Tide (1993-95), Sherrer lettered at the school in 1995. After graduation from Alabama he spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Tuscaloosa County High School, which won a state championship in 1997.

Sherrer has some experience on defense, but not enough as a coach or coordinator in my view. In 1998, he returned to Alabama as a graduate assistant coach on defense, serving a three-year stint in that role. Sherrer earned his Master’s degree in higher education at Alabama in 2000.

He spent four seasons as a defensive assistant coach at Spain Park High School (2001-04), followed by five seasons at Hoover High School, three of those as defensive coordinator. Hoover won two state championships during his time there.

It will be very interesting to hear what coach Joey Jones will have to say on why he hired Kevin Sherrer as defensive coordinator. I would also like to know who all applied for the position and who was the final six candidates. There is no transparency in this process, this whole process is be closed to the public and fans.

In my view going into Division 1 FBS play, I would think more experience would have been required. It looks like Joey Jones continues to put to together a high school program or maybe a prep college program. It will be interesting to see how all this play out and the outcome of South Alabama defense, especially going up against some big name offense coming this fall. 

South Alabama football adds Six “JUCO” transfer to their rooster for 2013

JUCO's signs with South Alabama 

Six junior-college transfers is headed to the University of South Alabama football program in the spring after signing National Letters-of-Intent with the school on Wednesday, head coach Joey Jones announced.

1.       Cristobal Dinham from Independence (Kan.) C.C.,

2.       Steffon and Steven Fuller from East Central (Miss.) C.C., both are twins.

3.      Navarro (Texas) J.C.'s Montell Garner, Jay Jones -- who attended Northeast Mississippi C.C. in the fall  

4.      Desmond LaVelle of Northwest Mississippi C.C.

Each JUCO will enroll in school in January and be eligible to participate in spring drills, and earn a spot on the South Alabama Jaguars rooster for playing time as a starter. Each of these JUCO comes with playing experience but must learn Division 1 play.

"I think we have upgraded our team for sure,” said Coach Joey Jones.

South Alabama is now a full fledge NCAA Division 1 member, and they can now compete for the Sun Belt Championship and Post Season Bowl Games.