First Impressions

Today's list contained some nice surprises



There are some nice new finds in our announced class of 2012:


1) Ben Evans, OL

Evans comes from the St. Louis area and a high school league that has produced Lion stars including Johnathan Reese, Kirby Mack and Todd Abrams. He's got great size a 6"6 and 275 lbs., leading me to believe he could also end up on the defensive line.



2) Chris Groth, DL

Another big midwestern kid at 6"3 and 280 pounds. Another player who could end up helping the D-line or the O-line.



3) Ryan Haslett, FS

We already knew Haslett was on the way. But the highly-honored high school QB enters as a defensive player at free safety. I take his position change as a positive sign for a lot of reasons as it shows this kid is being flexible and that we're not desperate at the QB slot for now.


4) Bob Hauschildt, OL

Yet ANOTHER 6"6 offensive lineman, this time a 280-pounder. Works for me.


5) 32 Newcomers


This is a nice number, pushing our total team membership over 100 players even before we get some expected news on a transfer or two. Player retention and overall roster size were key goals for this coaching staff and they seem to have achieved that in record time.


6) No Bad Surprises

My personally highest rated recruits, fullback Nico Papas and linebacker Nick Mistretta were indeed on the official list. I would not have been a happy camper if I hadn't seen their names today.