2015 Early Payton, Buchanan Award Candidates- Who is missing?

[smallcollegefbfan]

I expanded each list to 25, instead of 20, since TSN did that with the official lists.

2015 EARLY PAYTON WATCH LIST
QB John Robertson, Villanova, Sr.
QB Vernon Adams, Eastern Washington, Sr.
QB Dakota Prukop, Montana State, Jr.
QB Vad Lee, James Madison, Sr.
QB Jacob Huesman, Chattanooga, Sr.
QB Tre Roberson, Illinois State, Sr.
QB Alex Ross, Coastal Carolina, Sr.
QB Dalyn Williams, Dartmouth, Sr.
RB Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State, Sr.
RB Dy’Shawn Mobley, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.
RB Chase Edmonds, Fordham, Soph.
RB Darius Victor, Towson, Jr.
RB Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T, Jr.
RB Xavier Finney, Idaho State, Sr.
RB Khairi Dickson, Saint Francis PA, Sr.
RB Alex Lakes, Mercer, Soph.
RB Mikal Abdul-Saboor, William & Mary, Sr.
RB De’Angelo Henderson, Coastal Carolina, Jr.
WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington, Jr.
WR Darrin Peterson, Liberty, Sr.
WR Chris King, Duquesne, Sr.
WR Jake Wieneke, South Dakota State, Soph.
OT Joe Haeg, North Dakota State, Sr.
AP Johnta’ Hebert, Prairie View A&M, Sr.
AP Ed Eagan, Northwestern State, Sr.

WORTHY OF MENTION
QB Josh Woodrum, Liberty, Sr.
QB Chris Brown, Cal Poly, Sr.
QB Kade Bell, Jacksonville, Sr.
QB Troy Mitchell, Western Carolina, Sr.
QB RJ Noel, Sacred Heart, Jr.
RB Kori Garcia, Cal Poly, Jr.
RB Stacey Bedell, Stony Brook, Jr.
FB Nick Butier, Northern Arizona, Sr.
WR Seth DeValve, Princeton, Sr.
WR/RS Ellis Henderson, Montana, Sr.

TOP 5 (IN NO ORDER)
QB John Robertson, Villanova, Sr.
QB Vernon Adams, Eastern Washington, Sr.
QB Vad Lee, James Madison, Sr.
RB Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State, Sr.
WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington, Sr.


2015 EARLY BUCHANAN WATCH LIST
DE Jonathan Woodard, Central Arkansas, Sr.
DE James Cowser, Southern Utah, Sr.
DE Derek Rivers, Youngstown State, Jr.
DE Deon King, Norfolk State, Sr.
DE Keionta Davis, Chattanooga, Jr.
DE Chima Uzowihe, Liberty, Sr.
DE Victor Ochi, Stony Brook, Sr.
DE P.J. Hall, Sam Houston State, Soph.
DE Trevor Bates, Maine, Sr.
DT Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State, Sr.
DT O.J. Mau, Gardner-Webb, Sr.
DT Devaunte Sigler, Jacksonville State, Sr.
DT Al Page, Wagner, Sr.
LB Don Cherry, Villanova, Sr.
LB Connor Underwood, Indiana State, Sr.
LB Chinedu Ahanonu, Southern Utah, Jr.
LB Luke Rhodes, William & Mary, Sr.
LB Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga, Maine, Jr.
LB Jonathan Jackson, Murray State, Jr.
LB Darnell Sankey, Sacramento State, Sr.
LB Kourtney Berry, Alabama State, Jr.
LB Pat Meehan, Illinois State, Sr.
CB Harlan Miller, Southeastern Louisiana, Sr.
CB Casey DeAndrade, New Hampshire, Jr.
S Donald Payne, Stetson, Jr.

WORTHY OF MENTION
DE Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington, Jr.
LB Akil Anderson, New Hampshire, Sr.
LB Justin Cooper, Samford, Sr.
LB James Rentz, Sacred Heart, Jr.
LB Aaron Cook, Gardner-Webb, Jr.
LB Donelle Williams, Presbyterian College, Sr.
LB Tyler Ward, Mercer, Jr.
LB Brett McMakin, Northern Iowa, Jr.
CB Jermaine Hough, Jacksonville State, Sr.
CB DeAndre Houston-Carson, William & Mary, Sr.
CB James Bradberry, Samford, Sr.
S Lucas Webb, Chattanooga, Soph.

TOP 5 (IN NO ORDER)
DE Jonathan Woodard, Central Arkansas, Sr.
DE James Cowser, Southern Utah, Sr.
DT Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State, Sr.
LB Don Cherry, Villanova, Sr.
LB Connor Underwood, Indiana State, Sr.

[WrenFGun]

I'd put Sean Goldrich on the worthy of mention list on the offensive side of the ball; with Steriti, Harris, Owens, Spears and Giansante graduating, UNH will be WAY more reliant on him than in years past. I'd expect video game numbers.

On the other side, I don't think Akil Anderson is a Buchanan candidate. Personally, he'd rank behind Casey DeAndrade and Daniel Rowe on my defensive ratings at UNH. DeAndrade, on the other hand, is one of the best corners in FCS and should be under consideration. Rowe had an excellent year at S this year, but it's hard to win the Buck as a secondary player.

[smallcollegefbfan]

I'd put Sean Goldrich on the worthy of mention list on the offensive side of the ball; with Steriti, Harris, Owens, Spears and Giansante graduating, UNH will be WAY more reliant on him than in years past. I'd expect video game numbers.

On the other side, I don't think Akil Anderson is a Buchanan candidate. Personally, he'd rank behind Casey DeAndrade and Daniel Rowe on my defensive ratings at UNH. DeAndrade, on the other hand, is one of the best corners in FCS and should be under consideration. Rowe had an excellent year at S this year, but it's hard to win the Buck as a secondary player.

So many QBs and Goldrich didn't have a big year in 2014 so I left him off. As for defense, I put Anderson because it's much easier for a LB to make it. I wanted to put DeAndrade but he doesn't have the name of the others and Anderson could end up with over 130 tackles, which would make him a potential candidate.

[Professor Chaos]

Carson Wentz perhaps?

Have you heard anything about him being a pro prospect? I heard that there were some scouts in attendance for the NDSU/SDSU playoff game to watch Zenner/Emmanuel/etc and the player they wanted to talk to coaches the most about was Wentz. I would think he has the measurables that NFL teams love and he certainly seems to have the arm strength.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

Lehigh's defense has sucked the last two years but Colton Caslow has been a talking machine. If the team turns it around I could Colton attracting some attention....

[Herder]

Ya, make sure you have OT Joe Haeg on that list, and maybe you should add a couple Centers, Kickers, and Punters too. Ha, ha!

Right, guys like Johnson, Zenner and Coprich can't even get a sniff in the top 3, but you are adding OL? All it takes to win the Payton is being a QB with video game numbers, and winning is optional. Walter would be rolling over in his grave at the direction of his award. Not knocking this year's winner, but 3 QBs in the top 3 is not the direction the award should be going.

[PantherRob82]

Do you think Coprich and Roberson being on the same team hurts the chances of either of them winning?

[Tribe4SF]

W&M RB Mikal Abdul-Saboor and CB Deandre Houston-Carson.

[mvemjsunpx]

WR Ellis Henderson, Montana, Jr.(?)

If he gets his illness situation sorted out…

[BEAR]

Bear fans thought that when the new coaxh changed the defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4 that DE Jonathan Woodard being double teamed more would hurt his numbers....nope...they actually went up this year!

2013:49 tackles 33 solo 10 for loss
2014: 56 tackles 18.5 solo 10.5 for loss

Less solo tackles but thats to be expected with being double teamed with kess guys on the line and the fact teams picked on our weak secondary to the tune of nearly 300 yards a game. his senior year with those community college linemen added will be something to see!

[FUBeAR]

Payton Award
Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
Chandler Curtis, WR,KR, PR, Mercer (13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Ya, make sure you have OT Joe Haeg on that list, and maybe you should add a couple Centers, Kickers, and Punters too. Ha, ha!

Right, guys like Johnson, Zenner and Coprich can't even get a sniff in the top 3, but you are adding OL? All it takes to win the Payton is being a QB with video game numbers, and winning is optional. Walter would be rolling over in his grave at the direction of his award. Not knocking this year's winner, but 3 QBs in the top 3 is not the direction the award should be going.

Who from the top 3 this year do you remove and replace the others? These lists can't be all MVFC players. If that's the case then the MVFC better have all 4 semifinal teams every year.

As for putting an OL. The Payton is suppose to go to the best offensive player in the country and Haeg is one of the top 20. He may not get many votes because very few of the voters have a real scout's eye and they don't have stats (because many voters simply vote off a stat sheet instead of watching all the games).

Johnson and Zenner graduate and I have Coprich in the projected top 5 for next year.

As for how this year's results went. I had a RB in my top 3 and I did not have Arias in there. I had 2 QBs, 2 RBs, and 1 WR in my top 5 when I voted.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Do you think Coprich and Roberson being on the same team hurts the chances of either of them winning?

I think it can hurt a little but both of them deserve mention. I could see TSN going with the W&M or a Cal Poly guy instead of Roberson just to prevent having 2 from ISU. The issue there is that ISU is a top 5 team and Roberson was the 1st team All-MVFC QB so it's hard to leave him off.

There is buzz that agents have gotten in the ear of Coprich and want him to declare early for the NFL Draft. If Coprich does leave (which is a HUGE mistake on his part) then Roberson definitely makes the official list.

- - - Updated - - -


WR Ellis Henderson, Montana, Jr.(?)

If he gets his illness situation sorted out…

I don't know his situation so I left him off as of now. I'm sure it will change by April or June.


I added to the worthy of mention section because I felt there were several others who should at least have their name in the conversation. Would be surprised if anyone who would be considered a big snub is not mentioned now.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Payton Award
Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
Chandler Curtis, WR,KR, PR, Mercer (13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

With the SoCon clearly being below the CAA, Big Sky, MVFC, and Southland this year I went lighter on SoCon players overall than normal. I think those Mercer guys you are mentioning could play their way on but I'm not ready to put them on yet. If those guys are all worthy of those lists then Mercer has to be a top 10 team next year. Do you think Mercer will be that good? I'm under the impression that Mercer may be a power team in 2016 but is going to be just a year away this coming year. I think all of those guys you are mentioning are sophomores, or juniors next year...correct?

[jmuwishyouhadadukedog]

Not confirmed yet but there are rumblings on the JMU board that Noah Spence, former Ohio State Defensive End and #1 Defensive End prospect of the 2012 recruiting class is headed to JMU. He was second team All Big 10 in 2013.

You've got to figure that if he can stay clean he will be in the running for the Buchanan in 2015. Again, that's assuming there is some creedence to the rumor and that he can stay clean.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Who from the top 3 this year do you remove and replace the others? These lists can't be all MVFC players. If that's the case then the MVFC better have all 4 semifinal teams every year.

As for putting an OL. The Payton is suppose to go to the best offensive player in the country and Haeg is one of the top 20. He may not get many votes because very few of the voters have a real scout's eye and they don't have stats (because many voters simply vote off a stat sheet instead of watching all the games).

Johnson and Zenner graduate and I have Coprich in the projected top 5 for next year.

As for how this year's results went. I had a RB in my top 3 and I did not have Arias in there. I had 2 QBs, 2 RBs, and 1 WR in my top 5 when I voted.



NDSU's Haeg is very good but the best lineman is coming back next year for the Bison from injury. (my opinion) The OL for the Bison will be outstanding next year.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Not confirmed yet but there are rumblings on the JMU board that Noah Spence, former Ohio State Defensive End and #1 Defensive End prospect of the 2012 recruiting class is headed to JMU. He was second team All Big 10 in 2013.

You've got to figure that if he can stay clean he will be in the running for the Buchanan in 2015. Again, that's assuming there is some creedence to the rumor and that he can stay clean.

A lot of "ifs" there. I would throw in to mention that many All-Big Ten players who have issues that have come to FCS have not been as good as predicted. I would not be surprised if he was a 2nd team All-CAA pick with a strong finish after not doing much early on and then having the big time season in 2016, assuming he stayed. He was a big time talent in high school. He would certainly be a good replacement for Lee and Harold.

- - - Updated - - -


NDSU's Haeg is very good but the best lineman is coming back next year for the Bison from injury. (my opinion) The OL for the Bison will be outstanding next year.

I would have put him on the list if he had played this year. Between those two you certainly will have a great OL. Johnson and Haeg, in my mind, will be as good or better than Turner was in 2013.

[BisonFan02]

Its early, but NDSU's offense next year COULD put up video game type numbers:

1) OL in tact/improved with Johnson
2) Wentz is a senior
3) Vraa medical RS?

The key will be replacing Crockett. This year has been a bit of an anomaly since the Bison usually roll with 2 RB sharing reps...need to find Frazier help next season (Morlock or current RS?)

[CasualFan]

I'll add my homer picks to the discussion:

I predict Richie Sampson from CCU (safety) will play himself into consideration for the Buck. But I think it is correct to not include him in the first look. He missed the last few games in 2014 due to injury after a strong start.

Ross vs. Henderson for the Payton is interesting. I think QB Ross will benefit from having almost all of his targets back, where RB Henderson may be hurt by the replacement of 3/5 of the O line. I think you've slotted them correctly.


Avatar challenge. Go Chants.

[Grizalltheway]

WR Ellis Henderson, Montana, Jr.(?)

If he gets his illness situation sorted out…

Boy, watching him run the fly sweep...xholyx

[Bisonator]

I'd definitely add Wentz to the list. Given what he's accomplished this year, his first as a starter. He probably won't have the numbers to win it but he'll be in the conversation IMO.

[FUBeAR]

With the SoCon clearly being below the CAA, Big Sky, MVFC, and Southland this year I went lighter on SoCon players overall than normal. I think those Mercer guys you are mentioning could play their way on but I'm not ready to put them on yet. If those guys are all worthy of those lists then Mercer has to be a top 10 team next year. Do you think Mercer will be that good? I'm under the impression that Mercer may be a power team in 2016 but is going to be just a year away this coming year. I think all of those guys you are mentioning are sophomores, or juniors next year...correct?

Added their 2015 Eligibility YR's below.

I have no idea how good Mercer will be next year. They took an FCS playoff seeded quarterfinalist, who romped all over the #1 seed (except on the scoreboard), down to the wire in '14...and they were only truly 'out of' one game (OK, I'll say maybe 2 - so my WCU 'fans' don't scream) that they lost in '14 - the rest came down to less than 1 score. That said, they were 6-6 and only beat VMI in the SoCon.

I'm not sure I agree with your premise that having 5 Award-List worthy individuals makes a team a Top 10 team though...especially with a new program that most likely will continue to have experience and depth issues until 2017 or so. While it's obvious that individuals on more successful teams receive more awards, I'm not sure that's 'fair,' with the exception, perhaps, of the QB position, where part of his job IS to make the whole team better. Regardless of all that - these 5 dudes are exceptional players with exceptional statistics and, IMHO, should be seriously considered for any SoCon and FCS Awards for which they are eligible.

Payton Award
R-SO - Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
SO - Chandler Curtis, WR,KR, PR, Mercer (13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
R-JR - John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
JR - Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
R-SR - Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

[lionsrking2]

Added their 2015 Eligibility YR's below.

I have no idea how good Mercer will be next year. They took an FCS playoff seeded quarterfinalist, who romped all over the #1 seed (except on the scoreboard), down to the wire in '14...and they were only truly 'out of' one game (OK, I'll say maybe 2 - so my WCU 'fans' don't scream) that they lost in '14 - the rest came down to less than 1 score. That said, they were 6-6 and only beat VMI in the SoCon.

I'm not sure I agree with your premise that having 5 Award-List worthy individuals makes a team a Top 10 team though...especially with a new program that most likely will continue to have experience and depth issues until 2017 or so. While it's obvious that individuals on more successful teams receive more awards, I'm not sure that's 'fair,' with the exception, perhaps, of the QB position, where part of his job IS to make the whole team better. Regardless of all that - these 5 dudes are exceptional players with exceptional statistics and, IMHO, should be seriously considered for any SoCon and FCS Awards for which they are eligible.

Payton Award
R-SO - Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
SO - Chandler Curtis, WR,KR, PR, Mercer (13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
R-JR - John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
JR - Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
R-SR - Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

Sounds like your SIDs should be up for a COSIDA Award.

[HailSzczur]

Robertson/Cherry for the Nova sweep. Almost happened this year, they'll follow through next year

[Daytripper]

Payton: Jalen Overstreet, RB Sam Houston State.

[FUBeAR]

Sounds like your SIDs should be up for a COSIDA Award.

I have no idea what this means, but OK....if you say so.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Added their 2015 Eligibility YR's below.

I have no idea how good Mercer will be next year. They took an FCS playoff seeded quarterfinalist, who romped all over the #1 seed (except on the scoreboard), down to the wire in '14...and they were only truly 'out of' one game (OK, I'll say maybe 2 - so my WCU 'fans' don't scream) that they lost in '14 - the rest came down to less than 1 score. That said, they were 6-6 and only beat VMI in the SoCon.

I'm not sure I agree with your premise that having 5 Award-List worthy individuals makes a team a Top 10 team though...especially with a new program that most likely will continue to have experience and depth issues until 2017 or so. While it's obvious that individuals on more successful teams receive more awards, I'm not sure that's 'fair,' with the exception, perhaps, of the QB position, where part of his job IS to make the whole team better. Regardless of all that - these 5 dudes are exceptional players with exceptional statistics and, IMHO, should be seriously considered for any SoCon and FCS Awards for which they are eligible.

Payton Award
R-SO - Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
SO - Chandler Curtis, WR,KR, PR, Mercer (13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
R-JR - John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
JR - Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
R-SR - Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

First of all. Nobody will ever put 3 players on any of those lists from the same team unless it's a hand down #1 team or something like that.

If all of these players are among the top 5-7 at their position then yes you guys would be a top 10 team or close to it.

I do expect Mercer to be top 25 next year. As you said, they lost a lot of close games. This team should win at least 8 games in 2015.

I added Lakes and Ward. Avant got 2nd team All-SoCon this year. He was not a complete snub. Just a 1st team snub.

[chattownmocs]

Huesman was coming on stronger as the season progressed. 4500 total yards and 45 total tds could be on the way in 2015.

[FUBeAR]

First of all. Nobody will ever put 3 players on any of those lists from the same team unless it's a hand down #1 team or something like that. Not "nobody" - They are on MY list. xsmiley_wix

If all of these players are among the top 5-7 at their position then yes you guys would be a top 10 team or close to it. OK

I do expect Mercer to be top 25 next year. As you said, they lost a lot of close games. This team should win at least 8 games in 2015. From your keyboard to the Football Gods' screens!

I added Lakes and Ward. THANKS! GO BEARS!! MAUL 'EM!!!

Avant got 2nd team All-SoCon this year. He was not a complete snub. Just a 1st team snub. Thanks for catching that, but it was the Media-Selected Team only. I don't put a lot of 'salt' in the media selections, but glad somebody picked him. He really is a heckuva player, a heckuva kid, and is from a heckuva family!


Comments above in BOLD

[smallcollegefbfan]

Huesman was coming on stronger as the season progressed. 4500 total yards and 45 total tds could be on the way in 2015.

I think you are embellishing those numbers a bit but no question he could have a big year. I think Huesman, Lee, Adams, Woodrum, and Prukop will have better years. A couple of them mainly if they stay healthy but Huesman and Lee both had a slower start and did better as they want. Although you can also say Huesman played weaker competition in the SoCon so the numbers are inflated.

There are some scouts who don't like Tull and Lott at all and then some who do like them both. Some have pointed directly to the lower level of comp in the SoCon as the reason they had inflated numbers this year. I for one think all 3 are good players. Tull is the best pro shot while Lott is 2nd and Huesman needs a strong year in 2015 to be a PFA or better. Either way I think Huesman is a top 10 pick preseason for the Payton. He's the best offensive player in the SoCon for sure.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Comments above in BOLD

Well nobody who does the official lists haha.

As for you great kid comment. The NFL has rapists, murderers, wife beaters, etc. in it. I'm not sure I want a choir boy on my NFL defense because you better be mean and willing to knock a head off to play in that league LOL.

[FUBeAR]

Payton Award
* Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
* Chandler Curtis, WR, KR, PR, Mercer (CFPA 2014 FCS Return Specialist of the Year, BSN 1st Team All-American Punt Returner (only SoCon player named to 1st team), 13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)
* John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
* Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
* Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR) - Completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

Updated to add Chandler Curtis' latest honors (in bold)

[smallcollegefbfan]

Updated to add Chandler Curtis' latest honors (in bold)

NCAA only recognizes AP, Sports Network, Walter Camp, and AFCA on the All-America lists that are official. If nothing from those then technically the player just has conference awards.

[FUBeAR]

NCAA only recognizes AP, Sports Network, Walter Camp, and AFCA on the All-America lists that are official. If nothing from those then technically the player just has conference awards.

OK....updated again with a new 'recognized' honor...in BOLD ALL CAPS xnodx

Payton Award
* 2015 R-SO - Alex Lakes, RB, Mercer (8th in Rice voting this year - more exp'd OL in front of him next year)
* 2015 SO - Chandler Curtis, WR, KR, PR, Mercer (SPORTS NETWORK 3rd TEAM OFFENSE ALL-PURPOSE PLAYER, CFPA 2014 FCS Return Specialist of the Year, BSN 1st Team All-American Punt Returner (only SoCon player named to 1st team), 13th in Rice voting this year - didn't play much WR until 1/2 way thru '14 season)* 2015 R-JR - John Russ, QB, Mercer (Rice finalist in '13 - more tools & more exp. around him in '15)

Buchanan Award
* 2015 JR - Tyler Ward, LB, Mercer (104 tackles, 5 TFL)
* 2015 R-SR - Alex Avant, DB, Mercer (58 tackles, 2 TFL, 3 INT, 16 PBU's, 2 FF, 1 FR, 2nd Team All SoCon Media Selection) - Almost completely & inexplicably snubbed in post-season honors in '14. I didn't see a better CB in the SoCon this season. I'm sure he will be playing with a GIANT chip on his shoulder in '15 due to that snubbing.

[SFA 93]

QB: Zach Conque 6-5; 230 (Jr.)

- 2014 SLC New Comer of the Year
- 2014 ALL-SLC Team (Honorable Mention)
- SLC Offensive Player of the Week
- National Offensive Player of the Week

GP:13;ATT:385;CMP:249;CMP%:65;YDS:2,733;TD:15;INT: 9/RYDS:626;TD:13;TOTAL YARDS:3,359;TD:28

[number1]

Willie Quinn WR/SP Southern University
Lenard Tillery RB Southern University
Danny Johnson CB Southern University

[kdinva]

Keydet Greg Sanders, DB, 5'10, 177, Soph to be.....

3 interceptions for 72 return yards, 4 pass break ups & 7 passes defended, 1 blocked kick, one forced fumble, 38 total tackles (and he really didn't get significant reps until game #5).
20 KO returns, for 388 yards.

[Panther-State]

Ronelle McNeil will be a Buchanan candidate if his knee recovery goes well. He was arguably our most explosive and productive D-Lineman until that fluke injury.

[katstrapper]

I think you can move PJ Hall from your "Worth Mentioning" list to your "Early Buck Buchanan" nominee list. He matched Kyle Emanuel (2014 Buck Buchanan winner) in EVERY statistic this year..

Kyle Emanuel (NDSU)

93 TT 30 TFL 19.5 Sacks 1 Int 3 PBU 4 Pass Def 3 Forced Fumbles 0 Block Kicks

PJ Hall (SHSU)

93 TT 30 TFL 12 Sacks 1 Int 8 PBU 9 Pass Def 4 Forced Fumbles 5 Block Kicks


I think this kid should be a serious contender for this award in 2015.

[DetroitFlyer]

Hearing the Dayton's Connor Kacsor may return for a 5th year. If so, just about have to add him.

[NDSU Fan]

LB: Nick DeLuca - NDSU

[chattownmocs]

I think you can move PJ Hall from your "Worth Mentioning" list to your "Early Buck Buchanan" nominee list. He matched Kyle Emanuel (2014 Buck Buchanan winner) in EVERY statistic this year..

Kyle Emanuel (NDSU)

93 TT 30 TFL 19.5 Sacks 1 Int 3 PBU 4 Pass Def 3 Forced Fumbles 0 Block Kicks

PJ Hall (SHSU)

93 TT 30 TFL 12 Sacks 1 Int 8 PBU 9 Pass Def 4 Forced Fumbles 5 Block Kicks


I think this kid should be a serious contender for this award in 2015.

You make a statement and then post stats that contradict it.

[ngineer]

Lehigh's defense has sucked the last two years but Colton Caslow has been a talking machine. If the team turns it around I could Colton attracting some attention....

+1 Fully agree. This kid could be another "Groome" with more quickness. Should be the leader of the D.

Also, Troy Pelletier rising sophomore at WR will also grab some attention, and while only a sophomore should start garnering attention down the road.

[smallcollegefbfan]

Hearing the Dayton's Connor Kacsor may return for a 5th year. If so, just about have to add him.

Very early list and I was not sure when I wrote it out on his status. If he returns he definitely moves into the top 20.

I feel like after accurately projecting the winner of the 3 major awards just about every time that it's good to do an early list, continually watch film for updates, etc. I have no problem improving the list by adding someone who was not expected to return that may get a 6th year.