Tag Archives: 2012

54 Days!!!

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:D ASU #54 :thumb:

Small, Darian

DL 6-2 285

Fr. Hampton, Ga.

(Dutchtown)

The big question for Small for 2012 is whether or not he plays. Small was a big recruit, being courted by Georgia Southern as well, but never wavered in wanting to come to Appalachian. Small does not take after his name at all, as he is already a big kid, and whether his game is ready at 18 years of age will be determined in August. Defensive tackle is an area of need based solely on the unknown. Appalachian currently lists two redshirt freshmen in the starting role. Thomas Bronson and Stephen Burns will likely rotate quite a bit and its very possible we see Small in 2012.

Baseball: Billy Jones named Head Coach

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This story hit the social media world last night. GoASU has a full biography and group of quotes from colleagues. Jones seems like a blue collar guy who knows how to identify talent, which in baseball, is a vital asset to have in order to build a program. Jones has helped recruit and teach a number of major league players in his time at Oklahoma State, Arizona State, North Carolina State and Oregon State. It does say a lot about him that he coached at schools from power conferences, rich with baseball tradition.

The link here is obvious with Jones spending three seasons at NC State from 2002-04 while current Appalachian athletic director Charlie Cobb was also employed by the Wolfpack. If there is one sour note to this hire, is that Billy Jones was an assistant on a staff that was just recently replaced at Oklahoma State. It happens all the time in college athletics, but if that is the only red flag on his resume, Appalachian should be in good shape. This may cause some turnover on the current roster as is expected, but it will be interesting to see which players stick around. It will also be interesting to see if Jones keeps Chris Moore or Craig Scheffler on the staff.

63 Days!!!

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#63 Shaq Counts
Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 295
Year: Freshman
City/State: Irmo, S.C.
High School: Irmo

Shaq is penciled in to start at left guard after redshirting last season. Shaq was overwhelmed in fall practice last year as he tried several positions on the line, including center. His footwork needs to improve, but expect to see Shaq blocking downfield and finishing blocks on the inside. Left Guard is the most inexperienced position on the line with Counts’ backup being UNC transfer Alex Couthard.

67 Days!!!

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:D ASU #67 :thumb:

Ian Barnard

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Position: Offensive Line
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 277
Year: Junior
City/State: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Wesleyan School

Ian is slotted to start at right guard this fall. Despite being a junior, Barnard has played for the most part at either right guard or left tackle in his career. Barnard appeared in nine games last year, starting in the last five games of the season, mostly at left tackle. Barnard did not participate in three games last season. In 2010, Barnard made seven apperances primarily at right guard.

Tailgate Menu 2012

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Sat, Aug 18 Fan Fest
Burgers & Hot Dogs

Sat, Sep 8 Montana
TBA

Sat, Sep 15 The Citadel
Baby Back Ribs

Sat, Sep 29 Coastal Carolina
Fried Chicken

Sat, Oct 6 Elon (Homecoming) *
Traditional Thanksgiving – Fried & Smoked Turkey and fixins

Sat, Oct 20 Wofford
Pork Butt

Sat, Nov 10 Furman (Black Saturday)
Chili

Some of you may wonder, why is the Montana game undecided upon?? Well, a good majority of us will have to miss that game, so it will be up to remaining members to work something out. Talk among yourselves, and work out something that is good for all.

Secondly, we might, switch the Coastal Carolina game and Citadel game around. In the past, the Coastal game would match up for being the night game, usually starting at 6pm. However, we have also had The Citadel as a night opponent as well. It always makes more sense to do Ribs for the night game to allow for cook time, so we will keep an eye out for the kickoff times to be released later this summer.

By now, everyone knows the drill. We have plenty of funds left over from last year to give us a good start on buying supplies for this season. We have done the $50 for singles, $100 for couples for a couple of years now, and luckily we have been able to stay ahead of inflation. Also, donating on a game by game basis works just as well.

Last season was monmumental, winning the Tailgate of the Year award, and becoming the first tailgate to win the award twice. Can we win it again? Sure, we have the goods to do it. However, it is not very likely to repeat. Still, that should not stop us from being the best we can be on a weekly basis, which we all know, is better than anyone else has to offer.

80 Days!!!

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:D 8-) ASU #80 :thumb: :notworthy:

Starks, Chris

WR 6-1 170 Fr.

Lithonia, Ga. (Miller Grove)

Chris is part of the 2012 recruiting class and was one of the last high schoolers to commit to the Mountaineers. Starks supposedly has a sub 4.4 forty yard dash. Starks played all over the field in high school, including kick return, safety, running back, and special teams; blocking field goals and punts.

2011 Highlights

81 Days!!!

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:D :notworthy: ASU #81 :thumb:

Bobo Beathard

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Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 191
Year: Freshman
City/State: Haymarket, Va.
High School: Battlefield

Another receiver who redshirted in 2011. Has a popular name but we have not seen much from him in spring or fall practices. Has a ways to go to work up the depth chart, but plenty of time to do so. Bobo has good size  for a slot receiver.

83 Days!!!

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8-) ASU #83 8-) :thumb:

Simms McElfresh

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Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 173
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Charlotte Christian

 

Simms is one of fourteen receivers listed on Appalachian’s current roster. Currently slated as the back up at the “M” receiver to Andrew Peacock. The “M” receiver in the Mountaineer offense lines up in the slot, or inside. Peacock is a possession receiver so we can imagine the same qualities in McElfresh as Peacock. We have not seen much from Simms, as last year he redshirted.

84 Days!!!

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:D 8-) ASU #84 :thumb:

Zac Baker

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Position: Tight End
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 238
Year: Junior
City/State: Tunnel Hill, Ga.
High School: Northwest Whitfield

 

Zac had to move to the offensive side of the ball, basically because of bad luck. When he first came to Appalachian, the linebacking corps was stacked. When Appalachian went to a 3-4 defensive scheme,  his position was basically eliminated. The move to tight end will allow Zac’s athleticism to shine in goal line and two tight end formations.