Matt Crock Coaching Career Dynasty (PreSeason Year 1) - Mr2Nice's Blog

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Matt Crock Coaching Career Dynasty (PreSeason Year 1)

Posted on November 8, 2012 at 04:14 PM.

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Coach Walker In Hot Water
By Steve Gale

Welcome to the very first publish of The Las Cruces Voice. Your new home to your New Mexico State Aggies & NCAA Football.
The upcoming 2012-2013 will be a very important one for Head Coach DeWayne Walker. With both coordinators gone, and only 2 years remaining on his contract the pressure is on. this will be the third straight off season Coach Walker will be looking for a Offensive Coordinator.
DeWayne Walker took over the program on Dec 31st 2008. He has compiled a 9-29 overall record. During his tenture he has a record of 4-19 record in The WAC.
A season full of milestones best describes the 2011 season for Walker and the Aggies. NM State finished the year at 4-9 overall with wins over Big Ten opponent Minnesota, the first in school history, a third straight victory against in-state rival New Mexico, a home win over Idaho and a program first victory against Fresno State. The Aggies won two road games on the season, accomplishing this feat for just the second since 2002.

With all this being said I think its very important for Coach Walker to continue on the success of last season if he hopes to keep his job. Aggies football has been in a abyss of losing. The "Woodson Curse" as some Aggies fans call it due to the fact the program its been 51 years since the Aggies have been to a bowl game the longest in FBS. New Mexico State has just had 4 winning seasons and 2 Conference Titles in 1976 & 1978.

For you younger Aggie fans the "Woodson Curse" refers to the firing of Warren B. Woodson. He was the Head Coach from 1958-1967. He had a record of 63-36-3 with The Aggies. He was 9-6 overall when the Aggies were in The Border Conference.

I hope you fans enjoyed the read.

David Elson Named Defensive Coordinator
By Steve Gale

Earlier today Head Coach DeWayne Walker announced the hiring of David Elson to be his next defensive coordinator. Coach Elson will also be in charge of coaching the Linebackers.

Last season he was the defensive coordinator at Franklin-Simpson High School in Kentucky. They reach the Class 4A state championship game. The defense only allowed 16.5 points per game.

In 2010 he spent the season as The Defensive Quality Control Coordinator at Indiana.

What he is best known as being the former Head Coach for The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers for 7 seasons. He guided the Hilltopper football team through the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision. WKU began the move in 2007, and became a full-fledged FBS member in 2009.

At the time of his hiring, Elson was the youngest head coach in Division I football. He won 39 games during his seven seasons at the helm, and was part of 100 total victories over 14 seasons on the Hilltopper staff. Prior to making the move the FBS, WKU advanced to the NCAA 1-AA playoffs on six occasions - including a string of five straight appearances from 2000-04.

My thoughts are this hire was a very good choice for the situation that the Aggies program currently is in. With 50 years of losing, a head coach in hot water, and a program that doesn't really spend much in terms of payroll the hiring of Davis Elson is a good hire.

It'll be a tough road ahead for Coach Walker and Elson to make the defense stingy. With a lack of impact players on the defensive side of the ball they will have to coach up the players they do have and hope to land some recruits in the process.

Matt Crock Named Offensive Coordinator
By Steve Gale

[size="3"][font="Arial Narrow"]New Mexico State & Coach Walker have found their new Offensive Coordinator. That man is Matt Crock. With the hire Matt Crock at the age of 22 is the youngest FBS offensive coordinator beating out newly hired Brian Johnson of Utah who is 25.

Matt Crock is a Ohio native who spent last season as the Wide Receivers Coach at Mississippi State under Dan Mullen. Coach Crock along with being the OC also will take the titles of QB Coach and Recruiting Coordinator.

Before arriving to Mississippi State he spent the 09 and 2010 season as a Graduate Assistant to the offense at Bowling Green.

It was also released that the Aggies will keep the Spread Offense but switch to more of a Spread Option Power Attack similar to that of Mississippi State.

My Thoughts

With Senior RB Robert Clay, Redshirt Sophomore QB Andrew Manley & Sophomore WR Austin Franklin already being on the roster. Coach Crock will have a few weapons to play with.
I question though if this is the right choice. With a Head Coach that needs to win now its a gamble to bring in such unknown and unproven coach. That and switching how the spread will be operating will take time for the players to learn.
Hopefully I am wrong and that Coach Crock can bring some excitement and points to a team that will need them if they have any hopes of making a bowl this season.

Junior College Transfers Head The 2012 Class
By Steve Gale

Welcome Back to The Las Cruces Voice your new home of all things New Mexico State Football & NCAA Football. Signing Day completed earlier today.

New Offensive Coordinator & Recruiting Coordinator Matt Crock had the 98th best recruiting class,but did bring in the 3rd best recruiting class in the WAC. Which says a lot for only having a few months to recruit players to the program.

The recruiting class has 10 Junior College Transfers, and 9 true freshman. Junior OLB Trashaun Nixon & Sophomore RB Akeelie Mustata lead the Junior College Transfers. As for the true freshmans Tackle Abram Holland & Guard Isaiah Folaso Lutui lead the incoming players.

My Thoughts

I am rather impressed with the class that Coach Crock was able to bring here to Las Cruces. The Junior College players I expect to contribute right away, while I feel a few of the true freshmans will not be redshirted and might even start.

Below is info on your new Aggie Players. I hope you continue to enjoy our coverage of The New Mexico State Aggies.

2012 Incoming New Mexico State Recruits Recruiting - 2012
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Andrew McDonald (Pocket Passer/65 rating)	QB	JUCO Jr	Newport Beach,CA	6'2	210
Akeelie Mustata (Balanced/70 rating)	HB	JUCO So	Cypress,CA	5'10	180
Tiger Powell (Balanced/58 rating)	HB	JUCO Jr	Lakeside,FL	5'11	215
Zach Jones (Run Block/64 rating)	TE	HS	Highlands Ranch,CO	6'4	245
Abram Holland (Pass Block/70 rating)	T	HS	Rio Rancho,NM	6'2	275
Peter Foreman (Balanced/62 rating)	T	HS	Houston,TX	6'4	310
Dada Richards (Balanced/60 rating)	T	JUCO Jr	Hesperia,CA	6'4	245
Isaiah Folaso Lutui (Run Block/67 rating)	G	HS	Corona,CA	6'3	335
DJ Means (Run Block/56 rating)	G	HS	The Colony,TX	6'2	305
Nick Oliva (Balanced/62 rating)	DE	JUCO Jr	Pittsburgh,CA	6'3	315
Thomas Sheppard (Balanced/61 rating)	DE	HS	Denver,CO	6'4	225
Kalvin Cruz (Balanced/69 rating)	DT	JUCO Jr	Columbine,CO	6'2	275
Eric Ramos (Pass Rusher/50 rating)	DT	JUCO Jr	Lahaina,HI	6'0	215
Inuka Rhaheed (Balanced/62 rating)	DT	HS	West Pensacola,FL	6'2	305
Trashaun Nixon (Coverage/70 rating)	OLB	JUCO Jr	Oxnard,CA	6'1	225
Robert Wagner (Coverage/58 rating)	MLB	HS	Ontario,CA	6'2	225
Cameron Fuller (Hard Hitter/62 rating)	CB	JUCO Jr	Berkeley,CA	5'11	175
Dominique Love (Coverage/55 rating)	CB	HS	Alice,TX	6'1	180
Dele Junaid (Hard Hitter/64 rating)	SS	JUCO Jr	Houston,TX	6'1	200

My Interview with Coach Crock
By Steve Gale

I am pleased to announce that here at The Las Cruces Voice we have signed a contract to do a Weekly Interview with Offensive Coordinator Matt Crock. This will begin as a regular feature the week before the 2012-2013 season.

Coach Crock at 22 is the youngest coordinator in FBS football. We know he plans to bring the Spread Option attack offense here to Las Cruces. I imagine it will look similar to that of Mississippi State. Though in the play calling, and clock management Coach Crock is a wildcard.

So with that all being said I thought it would be a great idea to interview Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach Matt Crock. Coach Walker has given him complete control over the offense. It will be interesting as Spring Practice approaches how he molds the offense.

Here is my interview with OC Matt Crock.

Gale: Let me first off welcome you to Las Cruces and The New Mexico State program. What was your first impression on our city?

Crock: Thank you for the welcoming Mr.Gale. I am really excited about coming here to New Mexico State. As for Las Cruces I would say my first impression was amazement. Before accepting the position I didn't really know anything about Las Cruces. I did some research on the internet and saw how amazing the environment is. The majestic Organ Mountains, and the incredible White Sands. The people here has well have been very welcoming and are very passionate about their Aggies.

Gale: As you probably have heard that you will be the youngest coordinator in FBS Football. What strengths do you feel you will bring to our program despite your lack of experience?

Crock: I am a very confident person. I won't say cocky though. I feel the difference between confident and cocky is a confident person knows what his weaknesses are while a cocky person doesn't think he has any. I also feel my age will help in the players and I forming a bond quicker. We both are from the same generation. Also with my age, you just never know what kinda play I may call on the field. That is something I plan to use to my advantage.

Gale: Who are some of your coaching role models? Also what coaches have you spoken to since getting the job at New Mexico State?

Crock: Role Models.. I would say I have quite a few. Woody Hayes,Phil Jackson,Coach K,Nick Sabin,Urban Meyer,and Dan Mullen just to name a few. As for coaches I have spoken to its been quite a few. I feel getting advice and insight and then mixing them up to fit your own style will only benefit you as a coach. I have spoken to Dan Mullen (HC at Mississippi State),Les Koenning(OC at Mississippi State),Mark Helfrich (OC at Oregon) and Tom Herman (New OC at Ohio State) among others. I also spoken with some defensive coordinators and coaches to get some insight as well.

Gale: We know you plan on running the Spread Option Attack. What are your philosophies and principles in running this style of offense?

Crock: First off I would say its more of a Spread Option Power Attack. I know the big craz is to run the spread but to throw it 40-50 times a game. I feel the running game is way under rated. It helps wear down the opponents defense, it also helps your defense stay fresh. We are going to run the football, we also at times are going to run it right between the tackles. Our tempo is going to be put the pedal to the metal. If we run the ball the way I think we can, it will setup big pass plays for when we take our strikes down the field.

Gale: Now that you'll have a full season coming up to recruit prospects to New Mexico State, what are you looking for in the student athletes you are going to bring here?

Crock: Coach Walker has formed that plan since the first day he took the job here at New Mexico State. Hard work,commitment, and discipline. Those are the core things in any recruit we will be bringing to New Mexico State. From there just finding players that fit what we are tryin to do on offense and defense.

Gale: With Spring practice coming up. What do you want your players to take out of it, and what do you wanna learn from it?

Crock: The offensive players I want them to know we are going to bring it. Its going be a grind. Thats what it takes to be a winner. You have to work hard to gain success. Trust me when I say they will know what that means after spring practice. As for me, I wanna know who is really in it to take this program to the next level. I hope to have a good idea of the depth chart after spring practice as well.

Gale: Last question. On offense, what are your Season Goals as you head into the 2012-2013 season?

Crock: Thats easy. Theres 2. Work hard and improve each week. If we do that it will be a great foundation for the following practice,game and etc.

I hope you enjoyed the read. We will have a Offense and Defense breakdown after the conclusion of The 2012 Spring Practice.

2012 Redshirts for The Aggies
By Steve Gale

With one week remaining in the 2012 Spring Practice. Coach DeWayne Walker announced the redshirt players for the Aggies. 12 players have been redshirted for the upcoming season.

After looking over the list of players there are 6 freshman,4 sophomores,a junior and a senior. Its rare to see a junior and/or senior being redshirted unless its due to injury. After looking at the depth chart I think the coaching staff is looking to have a few experienced players on the defensive side in future years.

Here is the list of players who will be redshirted. The ratings are provided by Scouts.com. Hopefully this group in future years will be a contributing factor for the Aggie program.

Sophomore HB Akeelie Mustafa (70 rating) a balanced style,5'10/180 pds from Cypress,CA.
Sophomore HB Brandon Betancourt (62 rating) a speed style,5'10/180 pds from Las Cruces,NM
Sophomore WR Joseph Matthews (66 rating) a balanced style,6'2/190 pds from Tempe,AZ
Sophomore WR Adam Shapiro (59 rating) a balanced style,6'0/180 pds from Alamogordo,NM
Freshman T Abram Holland (70 rating) a pass block style,6'2/275 pds from Rio Rancho,NM
Freshman DE Thomas Sheppard (61 rating) a balanced style,6'4/225 pds from Denver,CO
Freshman DT Inuka Rhaheed (62 rating) a balanced style,6'2/305 pds from West Pensacola,FL
Freshman G DJ Means (56 rating) a run block style,6'2/305 pds from The Colony,TX
Senior MLB Alexander Lavoy (67 rating) a run stopper style,6'2/230 pds from Reno,NY
Freshman MLB Robert Wagner (58 rating) a coverage style,6'2/225 pds from Ontario,CA
Freshman CB Dominique Love (55 rating) a coverage style,6'1/180 pds from Alice,TX
Junior SS George Callender (63 rating) a balanced style,6'1/195 pds from Miami,FL

At the end of spring practice the Coaches Poll Top 25 poll should be released along with the Preseason Heisman Watch. We will have that information for you.The All-WAC Preseason teams, and projections should be released shortly after.

Also we are expecting Coach Walker to release the depth chart sometime next weeks as well. The Aggies face Sacramento State for their first game of the 2012-2013 season.

Continue to back here as The Voice is your newest home of New Mexico State football and the rest of The NCAA Football.

Honey Badger Dismissed from LSU

By Steve Gale

CB/KR Tyrann Mathieu aka The Honey Badger has been dismissed from the team at LSU. He was arrested and now his dreams of a Heisman, National Title, SEC Championship, NFL Draft stock have all but vanished. Let this be a lesson to all high school and college students that sometimes even if your star your life can change if you continue to make mistakes.

When The Coaches Poll & The Preseason Heisman were released I was going to start with a story about Notre Dame, but with the news about Mathieu of course plans had to change. I enjoyed watching the Honey Badger. I thought he was a over rated Cornerback, but he was something special to watch as a kick returner. The loss of Mathieu will definitely will hurt LSU's chances of getting back to The National Title Game.

Here's the release of The Coaches Poll Top 25, and Top 4 Hesiman Watch. We won't get the full 123 ranking of FBS teams till the end of the week. I am very interested in seeing where New Mexico State Aggies land.

NCAA Football Rankings - Coaches Poll - Updated: Jul 1, 2012
RK	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	Alabama (35)
2	USC (21)
3	LSU (3)
4	Oregon (1)
5	Oklahoma (1)
6	Georgia
7	Arkansas
8	Florida State
9	Michigan
10	West Virginia
11	South Carolina
12	Michigan State
13	Kansas State
14	Clemson
15	Virginia Tech
16	Wisconsin
17	TCU
18	Ohio State
19	Nebraska
20	Stanford
21	Boise State
22	Texas
23	Oklahoma State
24	Notre Dame
25	Florida

Heisman Watch - Updated: Jul 1, 2012
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
Matt Barkley	QB	USC	Senior/98 Rating
Montee Ball	HB	Wisconsin	Senior/98 Rating
Denard Robinson	QB	Michigan	Senior/93 Rating
Landry Jones	QB	Oklahoma	Redshirt Senior/95 Rating

Aggie's 2012 Depth Chart
By Steve Gale

The 2012 New Mexico State Depth Chart was announced today by Head Coach DeWayne Walker. The most important player to the teams success will fall on the shoulders of Senior HB Robert Clay. With the switch to the Spread Option Power Attack.

As you noticed the Fullback position is left blank. The New Mexico State Aggies do not have a fullback listed on their roster. I was told by OC Matt Crock that the fullback position will be filled by committee. HB Germi Morrison,TE Andrew Dean, & TE Trevor Walls.

Tomorrow the release of the 123 FBS Preseason Rankings will be released. Along with the Conference Outlook of The WAC, ALL-WAC, & etc. I will also give my own preseason WAC Conference predictions. So be sure to check that out.

Heres your 2012 New Mexico State Aggies Depth Chart

New Mexico State Aggies Depth Chart - 2012
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	(SO) Austin Franklin (71 rating)	(RS SR) Kevan Walker (64 rating)	(JR) Jerrel Brown (59 rating)
TE	(FR) Zach Jones (64 rating)	(RS SO) Andrew Dean (67 rating)	(RS SR) Trevor Walls (54 rating)
LT	(JR) Davonte Wallace (73 rating)	(FR) Peter Foreman (62 rating)
LG	(FR) Isaiah Falasa Lutui (67 rating)	(RS FR) Andy Cunningham (66 rating)
C	(RS FR) Houston Clemente (65 rating)	(SO) Valerian Ume Ezoke (67 rating)	(RS SO) Ryan Arbelaez (64 rating)
RG	(SR) Andrew Kersten (74 rating)	(RS FR) Alexander Trujillo (66 rating)
RT	(RS FR) Faison McKinnis (67 rating)	(JR) Dada Richards (60 rating)
WR	(SR) Kemonte Bateman (69 rating)	(RS SR) Darrius Preston (60 rating)	(RS FR) Joshua Brown (51 rating)
QB	(RS SO) Andrew Manley (76 rating)	(SO) Travaughn Colwell (52 rating)	(JR) Andrew McDonald (65 rating)
HB	(SR) Robert Clay (83 rating)	(RS JR) Germi Morrison (64 rating)	(JR) Tiger Powell (58 rating)	(SO) Jesse Forte (57 rating)
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	(RS JR) Chance Roberts (69 rating)
LDT	(JR) Kalvin Cruz (69 rating)	(SO) Mark Brown (67 rating)
RDT	(SR) Walton Taumoepeau (69 rating)	(SR) Eric Ramos (SO)
RDE	(RS SR) Donte Savage (65 rating)	(JR) Nick Oliva (62 rating)	(RS SR) Anthony Smith (56 rating)
WLB	(RS JR) Bryan Bonilla (75 rating)	(RS FR) Matthew Heard (59 rating(
MLB	(RS SR) BJ Adolpho (73 rating)	(RS SO) Anthony Joyner (63 rating)
SLB	(JR) Trashaun Nixon (70 rating)	(JR) Dylan Davis (56 rating)	(RS FR) Deontae Ragas (52 rating)
CB	(JR) Darien Johnson (66 rating)	(JR) Cameron Fuller (62 rating)	(RS FR) Kadeem Thomas Davis (60 rating)
SS	(RS JR) Dele Junaid (65 rating)	(RS JR) Anthony Edwards (52 rating)
FS	(JR) Justin Franklin (65 rating)	(JR) Davis Cazares (62 rating)
CB	(RS FR) Samuel Oyenuga (65 rating)	(SR) Jeremy Harris (61 rating)
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	(SR) Tyler Stampler (70 rating)	(RS FR) Brock Baca (66 rating)
P	(JR) Jake Caparo (74 rating)
PR	(SO) WR Austin Franklin (90 rating)	(RS SR) WR Darrius Preston (77 rating)	(JR) CB Cameron Fuller (86 rating)	(JR) CB Darien Johnson (85 rating)
KR	(SO) WR Austin Franklin (90 rating)	(RS SR) WR Darrius Preston (77 rating)	(JR) CB Cameron Fuller (86 rating)	(JR) CB Darien Johnson (85 rating)

Preseason Predictions for the 2012-2013 Season
By Steve Gale

The NCAA predictions were finally released today. As expected New Mexico State is in the bottom half of The WAC. Nationally they do not fare any better.

The hope for the defense to be competitive will be on the shoulders of LOLB Redshirt Junior Bryan Bonilla. The defense lacks depth and playmakers so the task. Head Coach DeWayne Walker & DC David Elson will have to coach up the players and have some creative schemes if they hope to hold other teams offense.

Tomorrow, I'll have another sitdown with OC Matt Crock. So make sure you check that out. Below are the NCAA Predictions of The WAC I have also included my own predictions.

Next week is the start of the 2012-2013 season. Season tickets are still for sale. Also The Aggies face Sacramento State next week at Aggie Memorial Stadium and tickets are still available.

Preseason 2012-2013

The New Mexico State Aggies are predicted as the 118th best team out of 123. Aggie Memorial Stadium also is ranked as the 117th Toughest Place to play. The Aggies are 193-198-7 ALL-TIME at home with a average attendence of 15,138.

On a bright note, Senior HB Robert Clay has earned Preseason 1st Team ALL-WAC. Clay was the only player to earn a preseason honor.

Heres The Preseason 2012-2013 WAC Prediction along with my own.

WAC 2012-2013 NCAA Predictions Conference Standings - Updated: Aug 13, 2012
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Utah State Aggies
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Idaho Vandels
San Jose State Spartans
New Mexico State Aggies
Texas State Bobcats
UTSA Road Runners

WAC 2012-2013 Preseason My Predictions Conference Standings - Updated: Aug 13, 2012
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
Utah State Aggies
San Jose State Spartans
New Mexico State Aggies
Texas State Bobcats
Idaho Vandels
UTSA Road Runners

Interview with OC Matt Crock
By Steve Gale

[size="3"][font="Arial Narrow"]As promised we have our weekly interview with OC Matt Crock as the 2012-2013 season begins this Saturday. The Aggies play host to The Sacramento State Hornets to open the 2012-2013 season.

Upcoming this week we will have a Week 1 Preview for The WAC, another for the rest of The NCAA and a Matchup Preview vs Sacramento State. I think you will enjoy all features. Hopefully this season will end our bowl drought.

Don't forget to take the family and go out and support your New Mexico State Aggies! Heres my interview with Coach Crock.

Gale: Now that you have had time to analyze Spring Practice and last weeks practice. What grade would you give the players has a whole to adjusting to your offense?

Crock: As a whole I'd say a B. They did better than what I expect in certain things, but are behind on certain things that I thought we would be a little better at. Hopefully with this weeks practice leading up to the game we and improve on those.

Gale: I was wondering in particular how is the team adjusting to your up tempo style?

Crock: In knowledge of knowing the playbook, I would say very well. I think they have about 80-85% of it down cold. Which is saying alot. Conditioning on the other hand is lacking. Its not something we can really do much about during the season. At times and in certain positions we will have to rotate players in and out. So some backups will be asked to play in key roles.

Gale: To start the season you have 3 Freshman on your offensive line. What are you expecting from them?

Crock: I expect from them no more and no less that I expect from anyone else that is to minimize their mistakes and continue to improve from week to week. In the future I feel that they will become one of the strengths of the offense.

Gale: What are your concerns about not having a true fullback on the roster?

Crock: I am confident in the players we have. I think we have 3 to 4 players who can fill that need by committee this season.

Gale: What player has most impressed you since taking over the offense?

Crock: With out a doubt QB Andrew Manley. Going in I was not sure how'd he would exactly fit. He has enough speed to be effective. He is a good passer, and has great command of the playbook. With him only being a sophomore I feel if he continues to work hard he could develop into a great dual threat QB.

Gale: With facing Sacramento State as the opening game for the 2012-2013 season, What will be your keys to the game to be successful?

Crock: Keep the penalties down. We don't need to be in third and longs. Stay focused on the task your given. Most important not turning the ball over. I think as we get into the game and settle down the offense will look better and better each drive. We got quite a few sophomore's and freshmans starting so I am sure they will be a little over amped for the game.

As noted earlier we will have alot of info upcoming for the 2012-2013 season. We at Las Cruces Voice would like to thank you for your support and hope you will come back here for your New Mexico State Aggies coverage.