Three Questions for Training Camp
Training camp 2021 is underway for the defending National Champions and the Argonauts return a strong roster with high levels experience at almost every position. However, the Argos did lose a lot of production and leadership off of the 2019 roster.
There are three position groups where we can probably assume who we will see most often on Saturdays. Coach Shinnick’s Argos return effectively all of the Quarterback production from 2019 in Austin Reed, while Brett Nezat, Corey Wilsher, and Trevor Jordan will fight for the backup role. The Running Backs also return the majority of their production and a group that is three deep with guys who have starting experience, Anthony Johnson Jr., Shomari Mason, and Jervon Newton. On defense the Defensive Back group brings back five with starting experience, including three guys who started 11 or more games last season, D’Anthony Bell, Marcus Clayton, and Sharod Oliver. That’s not to say someone couldn’t burst onto the scene in 2021 at one of those positions, but the odds are the returning starters will see the lions share of snaps, and build on their high level play from 2019.
Aside from those three, everywhere else is looking to replace significant contributors from the National Title team. Lets take a look at the three biggest questions that On Cannon Green has about the Argos for fall camp.
Will the transfers step up at Linebacker?
There are four Linebacker positions in the UWF scheme, and in 2019 the Argos got 56 combined starts of a possible 60 from SLB Kedrick Bradley (15), MLB Chanler Ferguson (15), WLB Andre Duncombe (11), and Nickel Trent Archie (15). Only Archie returns of those four primary starters. Sophomore WLB Gael Laurent does return (13.5 TFL 8.0 sacks), but he missed some time this year with an injury. The good news for the Argos is they will have plenty of options to experiment with going into training camp.
At MLB, we feel pretty confident that West Virginia transfer Shea Campbell will be the starter to begin camp and beyond. He was voted defensive MVP by the team this spring, and he brings starting experience from the FBS level. The backup at MLB could come from the depth chart at one of the other Linebacker positions, but we wouldn’t count out Freshman Will Breland from repping as the second Mike.
In the absence of Gael Laurent, it appears the position is a battle between two more FBS transfers for WLB. De’Marco Artis, a Baylor signee in 2017, played in nine games for the Argos in 2019 and appears to be battling with Kee Whetzel who spent three years at Oregon State before leaving the program in 2019. One of these guys solidifying their position as starter in camp would be big, as WLB tends to be a scheme friendly position, often leading the way in chaos plays (turnovers, tackles for loss, sacks) for the front seven. Eyes will also be on Laurent, if he is able to contribute at any point this year. He lead the group in sacks in 2019, and him returning would be a huge boost.
One player who appears to be in the mix at SLB is Redshirt Freshman Onelio Rios, who was mentioned by Coach Shinnick as a newcomer to watch this year. He signed with UWF in 2019 and redshirted that year. Another name that may end up being a factor here is Valdosta State transfer Stephon Williams. A First Team All-Conference performer in 2019, Williams would bring a lot of experience and an athletic presence at SLB. Someone will Williams’ experience may be hard to keep off of the field, but the coaching staff seems high on Rios.
Add to that a couple guys who saw some run in 2019, Derontae Jordan (13 appearances, 23 tackles) and Peyton Xayasone (4 games, 3 tackles), and another FBS transfer Deontae Grant, and there will be a lot of different looks for the Argos to try out before the season.
Who are the 3rd, 4th, 5th options at Receiver?
It is next man up at Wide Receiver after losing two guys with 1100+ yards, and those next men will be Seniors Ka’Ron Ashley and Rodney Coates. Both guys are seasoned vets with production on their resume, and they go into camp as the obvious 1-2 punch for the Argos. But if you look at history, UWF gets a ton of production from their second line options. In the ‘16, ‘17, and ‘19 seasons the 3-5 receivers accounted for an average of 1196 yards and 12 TDs. When considered as a group, the three spots are worth a little more than the #1 guy in terms of production.
The Argos return a little more than 300 yards combined and two TDs a piece of production from RS Soph. Kenneth Channelle and RS Junior Evan Mitchell, both of whom should see increased targets in 2o21. Channelle could be a major factor in the slot and was clocked as one of the fastest players on the team this spring (4.51). Another potential contributor at the Slot Receiver could be Freshman Zac Offord, who was also tagged as a newcomer to watch.
A trio of transfers are also in the mix to make up some of the slack. Mercer transfer David Durden, who was clocked at a team best 4.38 40 and listed at 6-2 200, will definitely be a factor on special teams but could provide a real deep threat with his speed and experience. Larry Rembert came to UWF after two seasons at Pima CC in Arizona and playing his prep career in Mobile. He was mentioned by Coach Shinnick as a guy whos pushing at Wide Receiver. Finally, Jaylen Zachery is another intriguing size and speed guy at 6-2 with a 4.50 40. Zachery snagged an impressive TD against FAMU.
A player we are interested in seeing this fall is Junior Tight End Jacure’ Jackson. Jackson has been the primary Tight End for UWF for the last two seasons, but mostly was used as a blocker. He could provide a massive target in the middle of the field at 6-5 245.
What does the new Defensive Line look like?
The Argonauts had 11 Defensive Linemen who played in at least 1o games in 2019, only five of those players return. On the defensive front, the starters to open camp are probably the Senior trio of Defensive End Matthew Gotel, Nose Tackle Myles Meyer, and Defensive End Brandon Penerton. The issue the Argos face is the Defensive Line lost 28 TFL and 9.5 sacks, and only brings back 14 TFL and 4 sacks, so who do the Argos look to to make up that lost production?
Gotel (6.5 TFL 2.5 sacks) is the lone returning starter and poised to be one of the top Defensive Linemen in the Gulf South Conference in 2021. His size (6-4 325) gives the flexibility to work inside as well as at End, allowing for a variety of Line packages. After working as the backup at Nose Tackle last year Myles Meyer (29 tackles 2.5 TFL) is the likely replacement for departed starter Daryl Wilson. He is probably being backed up by Brendan Cotilla-Delgado (12 appearances 5 tackles). There could be a battle at the other Defensive End spot, but Brandon Penerton (22 tackles 2.0 TFL 0.5 sacks) is probably ahead of Aiden Swett (10 tackles 2.0 TFL 0.5 sacks) and others going into camp.
Will any one player be able to replace the 15.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks lost from Ian Bush by himself?
Where do the rest of the snaps come from?
A pair of transfer newcomers to watch are Akron transfer Ja’Quize Cross and Vincent McIntosh from Jackson State. Cross originally a Kentucky signee in 2016, appeared in tw0 dozen games for the Zips in three years, starting 12 and recording 6.0 TFL. He didn’t join the team until camp so he will be behind, but brings big experience to the D2 level. McIntosh played in 15 games and recorded 45 tackles in two seasons with the Tigers and is on the same timeline as Cross, starting with the team this week.
Three young guys I have my eyes on are 2020 signee Freshmen Robert Smith (6-2 300), JD Vance (6-1 260), and Jarell Culbreth (6-0 280). Culbreth is an active pass rusher, despite his height, who would fit well in the role that Ian Bush departed. Robert Smith could play Tackle or Strong Side Defensive End (behind Gotel). JD Vance is a converted Linebacker who posted over 110 tackles per year and a combined 6 INTs during his junior and senior seasons. He also recorded over 765 yards of offense and 15 TDs in high school, and he could bring some plus athleticism to the Line.
Chances are there is going to be a name or two or three emerge from deeper down the depth chart as camp unfolds, which the Argonauts will need, since a half dozen guys who have yet to contribute to this team will need to take valuable snaps along the Line.
