Appalachian State’s football program has come a long way since they sent shockwaves around the football world with a historic win in Ann Harbor over Michigan in 2005 as a then Division 1-AA team.
By: Uri Piterberg
In just their second season in the Sun Belt Conference the Mountaniers finished the regular season with a 10-2 record and earned an invite to their first bowl game since 1955, when they were playing NAIA football. Their opponents, the Ohio Bobcats, rode an undefeated November to finish their regular season at 8-4 and earn their 7th bowl invitation in head coach Frank Solich’s 10th season as head coach.
Appalachian State
Malachi Jones, WR (6’1 218)
Big bodied receiver with vines for arms. Shows some nice quickness off the line, freezing opposing corners with a sudden jab step which he accelerates out of smoothly. Moves fluidly for a receiver built a bit like a tall running back and has the ability to flip his hips and maintain his stride down the field.
Ronald Blair, DE (6’5 273)
Shows some quick twitch lateral movement and can be very effective crossing the face of offensive linemen. Good upper body strength and with his wingspan flashes the ability to violently disengage. Gathers himself and stays impressively low for a kid his height when closing in on the quarterback. Gave Clemson’s offensive line fits
Doug Middleton, DB (6’0 210)
One of the more versatile defensive backs in this class. Shows good fundamentals when asked to play in the box and isn’t afraid to explode downhill and attack ball carriers. His home however may be as a center fielder type free safety, as he shows excellent recognition and anticipation, as well as an extra gear to close in on the ball.
Ohio
Mike McQueen, OT (6’6 287)
Long, angular offensive tackle prospect who is a little lighter in the trunk than what pro-scouts would prefer. What McQueen does have is outstanding length which he knows how to use to extend and lock, and good all-around lower body flexibility which allows him to turn his body smoothly and stay behind his arms
Ian Wells, CB (5’11 202)
Physical, wiry strong press corner. Has nice length and can extend his arms to gain control and reroute opposing receivers. Comes out of his backpedal smoothly and plays the ball well as is made evident by his 10 passes broken up.
Devin Jones, S (6’0 202)
Aggressive in-the-box strong safety. Gets on his horse quickly when coming down hill and can arrive at the ball carrier with authority. Also broke up 8 passes this season
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