Final 2021 Predictions
For the final post of the 2021 Pre-Season, On Cannon Green is going to take a stab at some season long predictions/projections. Football is a crazy sport, so we will be lucky if half of these come true, but here is the final guesses at statistical leaders, regular season record, and Offensive and Defensive depth chart heading into Week 1.
Statistical Leaders
Passing:
Start with an easy one, Austin Reed. No reason to believe he wont beat his 2019 marks for completion % (56.9%) and yards per game (272.72).
Rushing:
In an absolutely loaded room, there may end up being three or four guys with roughly similar output. Our bet is on Shomari Mason to lead the Running Backs in yards and TDs because of his explosive ability with the ball, while Anthony Johnson Jr. leads the team in attempts. Mason could also be a major threat to catch the ball out of the backfield this season.
Receiving:
This might be the hardest to predict of all the major statistical categories, three guys stand out among a group of up to nine who are expected to contribute, Ka’Ron Ashley, Rodney Coates, and David Durden. On Cannon Green is going to predict Ashley leads the way in yards but Durden will be the big play guy and will finish best in yards per catch and TDs. This is another group where the top three players could just end up having comparable seasons.
Tackles:
Three veteran defenders probably lead the way here as things stand, MLB Shea Campbell, Nickel Trent Archie, and Strong Safety D’Anthony Bell. Safe bet is on the MLB to lead the way in tackles in basically any defense (which was the case for the Argos in 2019 and 2018), but we are going to give the nod to Archie who lead the Argos in 2016 and was top 3 in 2017 and 2019.
Chaos Plays:
Chaos Plays are turnovers, TFL, and sacks. D’Anthony Bell was tied for the team lead in 2019 with 2 INT and also tied for the team lead in PBU with 9. The senior will lead the team again, improving on his 2019 total, and projects as one of the top overall playmakers for the Argonaut defense. The 2019 team leader in TFL (Ian Bush) is gone and leading sack artist and TFL number two (Gael Laurent) is playing inside with a couple of other guys, and not outside at WLB. De’Marco Artis looks to be the starter at WLB, an attacking position in the West Florida defense so we will go with him and the history of production at the position to say he will breakout lead the team in TFL and Sacks. On Cannon Green also expects a big jump from Defensive Lineman Matthew Gotel who contributed 6.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks in 2019.
Regular Season Record
It is crazy to predict an undefeated season, right? So much has happened since the last season and it is impossible to know how exactly things have changed until we start to see the product on the field. On top of that, we are talking about the GSC and a schedule with an FCS team and a top 10 out of conference game. This week is tough, but a winnable game, and while TAMU Commerce is really good they could potentially be without their star QB in two weeks. UWF should be solidly favored against everyone else on the schedule except Valdosta State, who is replacing two time GSC Offensive Player of the Year Rogan Wells. The Delta State game could be a sneaky hard one, Cleveland is a tough place to play and the Statesmen should have a very solid offense. All that being said, I think if the Argonauts win this weekend it is more likely they finish the season undefeated than finishing with two losses. It is a tough schedule, but the Argos are so good all over the roster with talent and experience.
Final Prediction: 11-0
Depth Chart
Quarterback
Austin Reed | Trevor Jordan OR Brett Nezat
Running Back
Shomari Mason OR Jervon Newton OR Anthony Johnson Jr.
Wide Receiver
Ka’Ron Ashley | Evan Mitchell
Wide Receiver
David Durden | Kenneth Chanelle | Zac Offord
Wide Receiver
Rodney Coates | Larry Rembert | Jared Smith
Tight End
Jacure’ Jackson | Maverick Wolfley
Left Tackle
Jacob Bruce | Parker Thomas
Left Guard
Dalton Simpler | Juac Angoi
Center
Zac Elam | Dalton Simpler
Right Guard
Mike Dilla | Oake Stipe
Right Tackle
Kenneth Roman | Nash Nelson
Strong Defensive End
Matthew Gotel | Ja’Quize Cross
Nose Tackle
Myles Meyer | Brendan Cotilla-Delgado
Defensive End
Brandon Penerton | Aiden Swett
Weakside Linebacker
De’Marco Artis | Kee Whetzel
Middle Linebacker
Shea Campbell | Stephon Williams
Strongside Linebacker
Stephon Williams OR Gael Laurent
Nickel
Trent Archie | Shannon Showers Jr.
Cornerback
Marcus Clayton | De’Mareyae Givens
Strong Safety
D’Anthony Bell | TJ Limehouse
Free Safety
Kion Holder | Shannon Showers Jr.
Cornerback
Sharod Oliver | Anthony Johnson Jr.
