USFBullsFan11's Dynasty - Operation Sports

Friday, July 12, 2013

Shame To Fame Preseason Preview and Thoughts

Posted on July 12, 2013 at 02:29 PM.

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Season Preview

As South Alabama moves up to the FBS level, they bring in a new coach in coach Jake Degnan. Degnan is known for his recruiting prowess as he proved in a short virtual stint at Army. Unfortunately while coach Degnan was able to put amazing recruits on the field, he struggled to produce anything more than a few BCS bowl victories, never quite making the title game. Coach Smith gave Degnan some conference troubles in the past and seemingly always ended up being the coach to upset Degnan's attempts towards a title. This brings an interesting story line as coach Smith will also be heading to a new team and a likely rivalry will immediately spark up between Smith's Georgia State team and Degnan's Jaguars.

In a recent interview with coach Degnan, he said this about the upcoming year:
"Honestly, I'm super excited. While it is tough to leave Army behind without feeling like I ever fully achieved what I went there to do, I'm confident that I can bring the University of South Alabama to that next level. Before I'm done at USA, I will lead this team to not one, not two, but at least five National Championships at the FBS level. You can write that down in your little notebooks, post it on twitter, or facebook your mom with it. It's happening, here, and it's starting today! This team has shown that they can perform well at the FCS level, and while the initial jump to FBS may seem like a tough one, I believe in the players and staff which we have, and after a couple of build-up years this team will be able to beat anyone. Our goal for year one is to take the Sun Belt Champions trophy home with us and I will accept no less from this team. Let's get excited people! Go Jags!"

Players To Watch:
Senior QB Ross Metheny: He may be the quality of a 2nd or 3rd string player at most other schools in the country, but at this school he runs the show. He has very little help from his WR's and the HB's in the backfield with him are practically non-existant, yet somehow this young man is able to thrive. Look out for this guy to get himself on the conference All-American team and hopefully become an award finalist as well.
Senior Inside Linebacker Enrique Williams. Once again this guy may not even see the field at a larger school, but anything can happen at South Alabama and this Senior is hands down the leader and center of the young defense. Williams looks to set a school record for tackles in a single season and aspires to get his name onto an awards semi-finalists list.

Recruiting Needs: WR, C, DT, CB, P

Predicted Season Outcome:
South Alabama will become bowl eligible with either 7 or 8 wins on the season and possibly a Sun Belt Title. If they do not go to the Sun Belt title game they will only miss it by 1 loss. Metheny will be a semi-finalist for the O'brian. Coach Degnan will land at least one 4 star recruit

More info as well as pictures and video can be seen on the Shame to Fame site here.