“I’m working every day to get on that plane,” Files said

[catscratchfever4]

With 41 lettermen returning from last year’s team and 16 redshirt freshmen ready to contribute, it was widely expected that most of North Alabama’s incoming freshmen would redshirt this season.

Many of those freshmen, however, do not share that expectation. In the first week and a half of practice several newcomers are making it difficult for the coaches to redshirt them.

www.timesdaily.com/sports/top_sports_rotator/una-football-making-a-push/article_a4126186-4ae8-5f93-a71c-08c5049592cc.html

[unafied]

I'm a little torn on the freshmen this year. Obviously, it would be better for us to win as many games as possible, even this year. Recruiting is already hampered enough by the playoff restriction. You certainly don't want recruits to also think we're going the wrong way as a program.

But, I would also really like to redshirt as many of these guys as possible. With the relatively large number we redshirted last year, that could help make for some exciting teams in 3-4 years. I would definitely sacrifice a win or two now if it means having a team ready to win the conference when we are playoff eligible again. Hopefully this is where the 4-game redshirt rule can really help us decide who's ready for D1 competition and who's not.

Meanwhile, as for QB... I don't know what to make of this. Is Files really just *that* good? Are the JUCO guys we brought in not the players we hoped for? A little of both? Or should I just shut up and remember we're only a week into fall practice? Yeah, probably that last one.

[catscratchfever4]

As far as redshirts, I think we have to put the best players on the field if they are trult the best and ready. Hopefully the upper classmen have the pride and talent to fight off the cubs allowing them to redshirt. If not, you have to play the new kids on the block. We need to win every game we can during the transition to avoid a bad rep and recruit like a house afire! The more wins, the better the recruiting. We don't want to have to "settle" for players. The good thing about FCS, you won't have a bunch of your top players leaving early for the nfl every year.

I'm hoping it's a case of the QBs really impressing despite the O-line problems.

[roaringsince96]

I also think he got to go up against the twos. The first string defensive line stayed in the backfield more than the offensive players. I know Weaver got frustrated at the little amount of time he had to pass or make one read. Our oline better find the right combination and get it shored up in a hurry. Two freshman running backs may be the best two we have? I also hope CJ can battle back from his injury, he looked special in fall camp last prior the injury.

[lion1979]

Files did mostly go with the 2's I believe. We will really start seeing some separation between Weaver, Lopez, and Files this Saturday when they all get snaps with the 1 offense against the 1 defense in my opinion. Also, does Damon Cox finally "Take over" the running back position this year, or does a freshman maybe take it? A lot of questions leading up tp week 1 and I sure am excited to see some guys prove themselves.

[brandon]

From what I witnessed the other day, they have pound the trenches O-Linemen and running the speed spred. You have to recruit to what you run. Or adjust to what you have.