The Following

[SnDvls]

This is my first attempt at a dynasty report and I liked one I read so much on here that I’m imitating it, I hope you all enjoy it. This will be similar to the “Band of Brothers” that was done on here recently, if you haven't read it yet I suggest you do, but I will follow a few of the top recruits throughout their senior year of high school and the recruiting process all the way through to the NFL (hopefully) and then retirement. Please feel free to comment good or bad and let me know if there is something more you want and I will try to make it better.

So let’s begin…

SEASON 1 – The Recruits

1) Lenny Durham – 5’8” 180 lbs RB (NY) no favorite, 3.56 GPA 1265 Test Score
Lenny is the #1 rated recruit overall from Starpoint High School in Lockport, NY. He wishes to major in accounting and lists his selection emphasis on Distance and Team Prestige.

2) Fernando Newton – 6’2” 241 lbs DE (CA) UCLA favorite , 3.61 GPA 1334 Test Score
Fernando is the #2 rated recruit overall from Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, CA. He wishes to major in nursing and lists his selection emphasis on Academics and Team Prestige.

3) Courtney McGregor – 6’2” 206 lbs QB (GA) no favorite, 3.25 GPA 1193 Test Score
Courtney is the #4 rated recruit overall and #1 rated QB from Dacula High School in Dacula, GA. He wishes to major in electrical engineering and lists his selection emphasis on Team Prestige and Distance.

4) Sammie Welch – 5’11” 188 lbs QB (CA) no favorite, 2.83 GPA 1032 Test Score
Sammie is the #9 rated recruit overall and #2 QB from Rosemead High School in Rosemead, CA. He wishes to major in algebra and lists his selection emphasis on Academics and Team Prestige.

5) Darrell Brady – 6’1” 211 lbs QB (MS) no favorite, 3.66 GPA 1443 Test Score
Darrell is the #10 rated recruit overall and #3 QB from Amanda Elzy High School in Greenwood, MS. He wishes to major in jurisprudence and lists his selection emphasis on Distance and Academics.

6) Lester Knight – 5’8” 169 lbs WR (OH) no favorite, 2.75 GPA 1012 Test Score
Lester is the #11 rated recruit overall and the #1 WR from Elida High School in Elida, OH. He wishes to major in trigonometry and lists his selection emphasis on Team Prestige and Academics.

[SnDvls]

All six of the players have gathered for the Rivals recruiting radio show hosted by Eric Shaw.

Eric Shaw: Thanks for being here and listening at home. Well fellas, you come from the south, Midwest and both coasts and you have all allowed us to follow you through your recruiting process sharing with us your thoughts as you go through the recruiting and through your college careers. Fernando, let’s start with you because you are the only one who has a favorite college going into this process. Tell us about UCLA and your feelings on them.

Fernando Newton: Well I’ve always had a soft spot for the Bruins growing up and it has always been a dream of mine to play for them at the Rose Bowl so hopefully I can do that next year, but this is a long process and we’ll see if they like me as much as I like them.

ES: So will you take any other offers?

FN: Yes, because I want to make sure next year I’m with the right team and have the right fit.

ES: Fair enough. Lenny, how is it different for you being from New York and not having a favorite going into the process?

Lenny Durham: Well I’d like to stay close to home, but also play for a great team, you know get some exposure hopefully for the next level. I just want to be wanted and fit in.

ES: Darrell, Sammie and Courtney not only are you all competing for a scholarship, but also you are the top three QB’s in this years class. You all have to be competing against each other for the best offer.

Sammie Welch: Well I might have it a little easier than either of them ‘cause I’m on the west coast and all, but we’ve all been to the elite QB camps together and I think I speak for all of us when I say we all want to see each other be happy and succeed.

ES: Finally, Lester you’ve seen these three throw the ball. How bad would you like to be on the receiving end of a pass from one of them?

Lester Knight: I think I’d be great, but we’ll have to see where this whole process takes us, won’t we. They have to decide on the right fit, as do I.

ES: That is true. Guys I’ll catch up with you in a week to see how the process is going then.

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Thank you all for joining us again to update the listeners at home four of our six recruits have already been contacted and offered a scholarship by such prestigious programs as Nebraska, USC, UCLA and Oklahoma. This has to be exciting for you four, but for Courtney and Lester how is it going seeing that you haven’t been offered or even contacted yet?

Lester Knight: I’m not too worried, the offers will come in and then I’ll get to pick the right one.

Courtney McGregor: Sure it’s frustrating especially when two of the guys who are getting the offers play the same position as me. But, like Les said, they’ll come eventually so we’ll just wait and see.

ES: Fernando, you got your childhood dream last week in an offer from UCLA, but the cross-town rival USC isn’t going to let you make an easy decision are they?

Fernando Newton: It’s nice to know that the local kid is getting looked at by the big schools in USC and UCLA. It’s nice and it also allows me to weight all my options. If I fit in better with the Trojans so be it, but it’s early and we’ll see what happens someone else may swoop in and blow me away with their school.

ES: Both Lenny and Darrell got offers from Nebraska. Darrell how would it be to play in the same backfield with Lenny?

Darrell Brady: I think it’d be great to play with the best RB recruit and play all four years together, but he has to make his own decision and we’re only one week into it, strange things always happen in the recruiting process.

ES: Sammie you got an offer from Nebraska’s Big Twelve rival Oklahoma what are your feelings?

Sammie Welch: It’s cool. I mean how neat would it be for us to lead our two teams up against each other in a conference title game.

ES: Gentlemen, thank you again for coming together, I know how hard this process is so nest week I’ll give the listeners a quick update on your process and we’ll get some of you together in two weeks to talk about what has happened up to then.

***Week One Review***

Lenny Durham and Darrell Brady received an offer from Nebraska
Fernando Newton received offers from UCLA and USC
Sammie Welch received an offer from Oklahoma
Courtney McGregor and Lester Knight did not receive any offers this week

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Thanks for tuning in this week. We don’t have any of the players in this week, but I will give you a run down on what we know thus far two weeks into the recruiting process.

ES: Lenny Durham has received four more offers this week bringing his total offers up to five. He had already had Nebraska, but Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St. and Ohio St. all offered this week to the top rated RB and Lenny did decide to visit Ohio State as well this week.

ES: Fernando Newton received offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame and Oklahoma to bring his offer total to five and did in fact set up a visit to UCLA. Looks like Nebraska is going after as many of the top players it can.

ES: Courtney McGregor got his first offers this week as Alabama, UCLA and Florida all offered the number one rated QB out of Georgia.

ES: Sammie Welch and Darrell Brady did not receive any new offers or contact this week keeping them both at one by Oklahoma and Nebraska respectively.

ES: Finally, Lester Knight had the most offers and activity this week with offers from UCLA, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame and Washington. The top rated WR and #11 overall recruit will have many options to weigh when deciding on where to go next year.

***Week Two Review***

Lenny Durham –
Week one offers from Nebraska
Week two offers from Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St. & Ohio St.
Visiting Ohio State

Fernando Newton –
Week one offers from UCLA & USC
Week two offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame & Oklahoma
Visiting UCLA

Courtney McGregor –
No week one offers
Week two offers from Alabama, UCLA & Florida

Sammie Welch –
Week one offers from Oklahoma
No week two offers

Darrell Brady –
Week one offers from Nebraska
No week two offers

Lester Knight –
No week one offers
Week two offers from UCLA, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame & Washington

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Welcome to the Rivals recruiting radio show. Today in studio joining us to talk about their past two week are three of our six recruits we’ve been following this year, Lenny Durham, Darrell Brady and Lester Knight. We will give you listeners at home an update at the end of our show on the other three recruits and then next week have them in before bringing them all back in studio in two weeks. Let me first go to you Lenny. Seven schools have contacted you with six offers to attend their college and university it must be exciting.

Lenny Durham: Yes and no. You don’t want to disappoint any coach who comes to visit you, but it’s nice to be wanted.

ES: Since last week you had three more schools contact you and two offers correct?

LD: Yes, USC contacted me, but did not offer anything yet and Maryland and Virginia Tech did contact me and offer me a scholarship.

ES: I’m sure you’ll be getting more and more attention as the process goes on. Latter on we’ll find out your top three thus far. Darrell you are on the opposite end of the spectrum from Lenny as you still only have the one offer from Nebraska correct?

Darrell Brady: Yup. It’s very frustrating. I know what I can offer, but right now no one wants me…yet.

ES: Give it time Darrell I’m sure they will roll in all of the sudden.

DB: Thanks I hope so.

ES: Lester let’s go to you now. You’ve gotten the most interest so far how’s that feel?

Lester Knight: Good, real good. But as Len said it’s tough. Each school is trying to sell you and sell you hard. Before each coach leaves or hangs up the phone they want you to commit to them, it’s just hard to tell them you are interested, but want to weigh all you options.

ES: Lester, give us an update to what has happened this past week.

LK: Well both Tennessee and Wisconsin contacted me and offered me scholarships this past week and I made two decision on where I’m going to visit setting up trips to both UCLA and Michigan.

ES: Sounds like things are shaping up for you Lester. Let me quickly run down what has happened for the other three recruits and then ask you all for your top three choices right now. Fernando Newton has gotten an offer from Miami (FL) since the last show and has set up an official visit to USC. I guess he really is going to weigh all factors before deciding on what school to go to, but I have a feeling UCLA might still win out for his services. Courtney McGregor keeps getting offers as four more schools have offered him, Arkansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech and Tennessee. Courtney also informed me that he has set up a visit to the campus of Tennessee. Finally, Sammie Welch received two more offers this week from Alabama and USC and he set up a visit with the hometown Trojans as well.

ES: Well I have the others top choices, but let’s start with you Lenny who are you favoring now?

LD: Right now I’d have to say no one’s out of it, but since I only have one visit lined up now I’ll say Ohio State, then Virginia Tech and probably Maryland right now.

ES: And you Darrell?

DB: I really don’t have a top three right now, but once I do I’ll let you know.

ES: Fair enough. Lester you?

LK: Michigan, Notre Dame then Tennessee with UCLA closing in fast, we’ll see how the visit goes.

ES: Well thanks guys for coming in we’ll see you all in two weeks. To update the listeners at home Fernando lists his top three as UCLA, USC and Oklahoma. Courtney lists an all SEC lineup for his leaders in Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. While Sammie gives us USC, UCLA and Oklahoma with offers from two of them. Thanks for joining us and see you in one week.

***Week Three Review***

Lenny Durham –
Week one offers from Nebraska
Week two offers from Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St. & Ohio St.
Visiting Ohio State
Week Three offers from Maryland & Virginia Tech. Contacted by USC

Fernando Newton –
Week one offers from UCLA & USC
Week two offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame & Oklahoma
Visiting UCLA
Week three offers from Miami (FL)
Visiting USC

Courtney McGregor –
No week one offers
Week two offers from Alabama, UCLA & Florida
Week three offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech & Tennessee
Visiting Tennessee

Sammie Welch –
Week one offers from Oklahoma
No week two offers
Week three offers from Alabama & USC
Visiting USC

Darrell Brady –
Week one offers from Nebraska
No week two offers
No week three offers

Lester Knight –
No week one offers
Week two offers from UCLA, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame & Washington
Week three offers from Tennessee & Wisconsin
Visiting UCLA & Michigan

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Welcome to the fourth week in our process of following these six recruits through their process of selecting a college. This week in studio with us is Fernando Newton, Courtney McGregor and Sammie Welch. Gentle welcome and thanks again for allowing us to follow you through this process. Fernando let’s start with you, you’ve had another offer correct?

Fernando Newton: Yes Cal contacted me this past week and offered me a scholarship.

ES: And…

FN: Well I also set up a visit to the campus as well.

ES: So is UCLA still the leader at this point?

FN: It’s tough, real hard to see how well each coach and school has treated me, but right now I’m not sure. I’d say it’s 60/40 for UCLA over USC, but now Cal is in the mix and I still have the other offers from Nebraska, Oklahoma and Notre Dame so we’ll see.

ES: Courtney any new news this past week?

Courtney McGregor: I did get an offer from Notre Dame, but I still haven’t set up any other visits than Tennessee. I enjoyed my visit and someone else will have to really impress me to make me decide different right now.

ES: I see so is that a commitment to the Vols?

CM: No, no. Not yet, but it’s going to be a hard sell to make me think differently.

ES: Sammie, you finally set up two more visits this past week right?

Sammie Welch: Yes, both UCLA and Michigan offered me this last week and asked for visits so I set them up. Like Fernando has said it’s nice to see the local kid get a look by the LA schools so we’ll see what comes of it.

ES: Well to update you all and the listeners at home on the other three Lenny finally received an offer from USC who had just contacted him the week prior, but UCLA and Florida State followed it up with offers as well. He did set up another visit to Maryland so we’ll see where that leads us next week. Darrell did get contacted by two more schools this past week as both Florida and Tennessee expressed interest, but only Tennessee offered him a scholarship. Finally, Lester got another offer, this time from Northern Illinois and Hawaii contacted him. I have a feeling both are very long shots and have come a courting just a little too late. Lester did set up a visit with Wisconsin as well. Thanks for tuning again this week we’ll see you all back here next week with all six of you in studio.

***Week Four Review***

Lester Knight –
Week one offers from Nebraska
Week two offers from Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St. & Ohio St.
Visiting Ohio State
Week three offers from Maryland & Virginia Tech. Contacted by USC
Week four offers from UCLA, Florida St. & USC
Visiting Maryland

Fernando Newton –
Week one offers from UCLA & USC
Week two offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame & Oklahoma
Visiting UCLA
Week three offers from Miami (FL)
Visiting USC
Week four offers from Cal
Visiting Cal

Courtney McGregor –
No week one offers
Week two offers from Alabama, UCLA & Florida
Week three offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech & Tennessee
Visiting Tennessee
Week four offers from Notre Dame

Sammie Welch –
Week one offers from Oklahoma
No week two offers
Week three offers from Alabama & USC
Visiting USC
Week four offers from UCLA & Michigan
Visiting UCLA & Michigan

Darrell Brady –
Week one offers from Nebraska
No week two offers
No week three offers
Week four offers from Tennessee. Contacted by Florida

Lester Knight –
No week one offers
Week two offers from UCLA, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame & Washington
Week three offers from Tennessee & Wisconsin
Visiting UCLA & Michigan
Week four offers from Northern Illinois. Contacted by Hawaii
Visiting Wisconsin

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Ladies and Gentlemen we have big news this week and one of the recruits, live on our show, will give his verbal commitment to one of his schools this week. Will it be hometown hero Fernando Newton? Or will the #1 rated recruit Lenny Durham finally tell us where he’ll carry the ball next year? Maybe it will be small town QB Darrell Brady from Mississippi who will commit stay tuned and see.

ES: Welcome to week five of the Rivals recruiting radio show. Let’s start off with the big news this week one of you has verbaled to a school who is it?

Sammie Welch: Eric, I took a visit to three schools and I fell in love with the campus, coaches and coeds and this past week I gave the Trojans a verbal to play college ball there next year.

ES: Sammie, congratulations.

SW: Thank you.

ES: Anything stick out that made USC the choice.

SW: It just felt right. I went there first and then to UCLA and Michigan and neither of those two schools made me feel like I did when I left USC so instead of torturing myself and sitting around and waiting I decided to let them know that I wanted to be a Trojan.

ES: Congratulations again. Anyone else have so exciting news to share? (long pause) Well then, Lenny two more offers huh?

Lenny Durham: Yes from Oklahoma and Michigan State.

ES: Dose either realistically stand a chance for your services coming to you this late in the recruiting process.

LD: Sure they do if the fit is there. I mean I want to stay close to home so Oklahoma is a longer shot, but you never know.

ES: Fernando you set up another visit this week to Notre Dame. Do you still favor the Bruins?

Fernando Newton: Yes they are still the leader, but I wanted to visit the Irish like I said I would and give them a shot. I think I’ll probably have a decision in the next couple of weeks.

ES: Lester you and Darrell had nothing new happen this past week is there a reason for that?

Lester Knight: I think people have started to shy off of me due to my GPA, but I’m a hard worker and I’ll get in where every I need to and make it work.

Darrell Brady: Nothing new here, but it’s been like that from the beginning. Now that Sammie is gone I think it will pick up some for me though.

ES: Courtney you had the most interest this past week getting offers from Oregon, Penn State and Virginia Tech what else has happened?

Courtney McGregor: Well I also set up a visit with Penn State as well, but it’s exciting to be able to see all the different programs from each coast want me and I have just about one school from every major conference wanting me so it’s nice.

ES: Well that brings our show to and end again. Thanks for joining us again this week and we’ll see you all next week.

***Week Five Review***

Lester Knight –
Week five offers from Michigan State & Oklahoma

Fernando Newton –
No week five offers
Visiting Notre Dame

Courtney McGregor –
Week five offers from Oregon, Penn State & Virginia Tech
Visiting Penn State

Sammie Welch –
Week five committed to USC

Darrell Brady –
No week five offers

Lester Knight –
No week five offers

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: You thought last week was exciting, but this week three more verbals will be announced including a shocking surprise by Lenny Durham. Fernando let’s start with you, a life long dream has been fulfilled as you committed to UCLA this past week after taking trips to the Bruins, Trojans and Irish.

Fernando Newton: It was meant to be. The others tried, but in the end UCLA was number one all along.

ES: So now you get to go after Sammie once a year.

FN: Yeah he and I talked about it earlier today on the phone. He better watch out, I’ll be gunning for him each year, and hopefully it’ll mean a shot at the Rose Bowl is on the line.

ES: Courtney you too found a school to play for correct?

Courtney McGregor: Tennessee just felt right and I’ll have a chance to compete right away.

ES: What about Penn State?

CM: Too little too late, but they treated me well so I paid them a visit and listened to what they had to say. Tennessee is also closer to home so my family will have a better chance to come see me play on Saturdays.

ES: Lenny tell us what went down this last week. A school entered the mix and then what happened?

Lenny Durham: Well Syracuse’s coaches came to my house this last week and said they wanted me there and offered me right away. Because I want to stay close to home and everyone else was just a bit too far I jumped at the chance and took it. They are an up and coming program and hopefully I’ll be able to turn them around and help bring a National Championship back.

ES: Darrell any new news?

Darrell Brady: Nothing yet, but as I said now that both Sammie and Courtney are gone I’m sure I’ll get some more offers soon. It’s kind of like being the third man all the time, but once I get out there you never know what can happen.

ES: Lester you had a first this week when Wisconsin pulled their offer and rescinded their visit request.

Lester Knight: It was a total shock to me too. The coaches said they were worried about me qualifying, but I know that’s not totally true. They signed another WR so it is tough to buy their reason. I’m just glad I hadn’t wasted my visit yet, I’ve still got several offers so we’ll go with them for now and see what happens.

ES: Well we’re down to two more verbals left so we’ll see you two next week. To the rest of you gentlemen we’ll talk once next year starts.

***Week Six Review***

Lester Knight –
Week six committed to Syracuse

Fernando Newton –
Week six committed to UCLA

Courtney McGregor –
Week six committed to Tennessee

Sammie Welch –
Week five committed to USC

Darrell Brady –
No week six offers

Lester Knight –
No week six offers
Wisconsin pulled offer and visit
Visiting Notre Dame

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Well now we’re down to only one as Lester Knight will be sharing with us some big news this week he has made a decision. Lester please share with us your great news.

Lester Knight: After giving it some thought and seeing the tradition at Notre Dame and then thinking about what happened with Wisconsin I decided to commit to Michigan and play for the Wolverines next year.

ES: So the Wisconsin decision did play a part in your decision?

LK: I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. I want to make then realize each year we play them what a mistake they made and see what could have been.

ES: Lester you can relate to what Darrell is going through as Tennessee pulled their offer from Darrell this past week. Darrell you have only one offer now and only two players rated above you haven’t signed with a school yet. How frustrated are you?

Darrell Brady: Very frustrated. I am visiting Nebraska this week and keeping my head up I saw what happened with Lenny and hopefully some school will come in like what happened to him and want me bad right away and offer.

ES: Well we wish you the best. Now that Lester has committed we will wait and see what happens this next week and Darrell have you in once you have a decision.

DB: Sounds good, maybe it’ll be next week or later, but I’ll be here to announce it.

ES: Thanks and we’ll see you all soon.

***Week Seven Review***

Lester Knight –
Week six committed to Syracuse

Fernando Newton –
Week six committed to UCLA

Courtney McGregor –
Week six committed to Tennessee

Sammie Welch –
Week five committed to USC

Darrell Brady –
No week seven offers
Tennessee pulled offer
Visiting Nebraska

Lester Knight –
Week seven committed to Michigan

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: With five of our six recruits already committed to a school only Darrell Brady could bring us such good news, but no commitment yet. Darrell finally got the good news he’s been waiting on for eight grueling weeks as he received offers from Michigan, Florida, Air Force and UTEP. All of the schools except for Florida made their initial contact this week. Darrell has set up visits to all of the schools in hopes of having a decision next week. Only one higher rated recruit, #8, remains above Darrell now.

***Week Eight Review***

Lester Knight –
Week six committed to Syracuse

Fernando Newton –
Week six committed to UCLA

Courtney McGregor –
Week six committed to Tennessee

Sammie Welch –
Week five committed to USC

Darrell Brady –
Week eight offers from Michigan, Florida, Air Force & UTEP
Visiting Michigan, Florida, Air Force & UTEP

Lester Knight –
Week seven committed to Michigan

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Well Darrell if we have you in studio it means you have a decision to share with us.

Darrell Brady: That I do Eric.

ES: It has been a tough time for you to see all of these other guys get so many offers and then you just had to sit an be patient, but you seem to be very happy with your decision.

DB: I am, I feel that this school is the right choice for me to meet my academic needs and to challenge me both in the classroom and on the field. I have decided to commit to play college ball next year at Air Force.

ES: Wow! That is surprising. Air Force huh? I thought Lenny and his choice of Syracuse was big, but this has to be not only a big get for Air Force, but also for you to pick them being that they are so far from your home in Mississippi.

DB: Well it’s going to be a challenge for me and the Falcons, but we’ll see where it brings us.

ES: Well folks that’s it for the Rivals recruiting radio show we’ll be back at the end of the season to give you a quick review and tell you how each recruits school of choice did this past season.

***Week Nine Review***

Lester Knight –
Week six committed to Syracuse

Fernando Newton –
Week six committed to UCLA

Courtney McGregor –
Week six committed to Tennessee

Sammie Welch –
Week five committed to USC

Darrell Brady –
Week nine committed to Air Force

Lester Knight –
Week seven committed to Michigan

[SnDvls]

1) Lenny Durham – 5’8” 180 lbs RB (NY) none, 3.56 GPA 1265 Test Score

Lenny is the #1 rated recruit overall from Starpoint High School in Lockport, NY. He wishes to major in accounting and lists his selection emphasis on Distance and Team Prestige.

Week one offers from Nebraska
Week two offers from Florida, Miami (FL), Kansas St. & Ohio St.
Visiting Ohio State
Week three offers from Maryland & Virginia Tech. Contacted by USC
Week four offers from UCLA, Florida St. & USC
Visiting Maryland
Week five offers from Michigan St. & Oklahoma
Week six committed to Syracuse

Syracuse went 7-5 overall (4-3 conference) in the regular season tying for third in the Big East and then lost to LSU in their bowl game for an overall record of 7-6. Syracuse finished with a ranking of 44 to end the season.


2) Fernando Newton – 6’2” 241 lbs DE (CA) UCLA, 3.61 GPA 1334 Test Score

Fernando is the #2 rated recruit overall from Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest, CA. He wishes to major in nursing and lists his selection emphasis on Academics and Team Prestige.

Week one offers from UCLA & USC
Week two offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame & Oklahoma
Visiting UCLA
Week three offers from Miami (FL)
Visiting USC
Week four offers from Cal
Visiting Cal
No week five offers
Visiting Notre Dame
Week six committed to UCLA

UCLA went 10-2 overall (7-1 conference) in the regular season for first in the Pac-10 and then lost to Miami (FL) in their bowl game for an overall record of 10-3. UCLA finished with a top 10 ranking placing 10th in the final polls to end the season.


3) Courtney McGregor – 6’2” 206 lbs QB (GA) none, 3.25 GPA 1193 Test Score

Courtney is the #4 rated recruit overall and #1 rated QB from Dacula High School in Dacula, GA. He wishes to major in electrical engineering and lists his selection emphasis on Team Prestige and Distance.

No week one offers
Week two offers from Alabama, UCLA & Florida
Week three offers from Arkansas, Georgia, Georgia Tech & Tennessee
Visiting Tennessee
Week four offers from Notre Dame
Week five offers from Oregon, Penn State & Virginia Tech
Visiting Penn State
Week six committed to Tennessee

Tennessee went 9-3 overall (6-2 conference) in the regular season to place third in the SEC North
then lost in their bowl game to Wisconsin for an overall record of 9-4. Tennessee finished in the top 25 with a final ranking of 15 to end the regular season.


4) Sammie Welch – 5’11” 188 lbs QB (CA) none, 2.83 GPA 1032 Test Score

Sammie is the #9 rated recruit overall and #2 QB from Rosemead High School in Rosemead, CA. He wishes to major in algebra and lists his selection emphasis on Academics and Team Prestige.

Week one offers from Oklahoma
No week two offers
Week three offers from Alabama & USC
Visiting USC
Week four offers from UCLA & Michigan
Visiting UCLA & Michigan
Week five committed to USC

USC went 9-3 overall (6-2 conference) in the regular season to tie for second in the Pac-10 and then lost to Auburn in their bowl game for an overall record of 9-4. USC finished in the top 25 with a final season ranking of 19.


5) Darrell Brady – 6’1” 211 lbs QB (MS) none, 3.66 GPA 1443 Test Score

Darrell is the #10 rated recruit overall and #3 QB from Amanda Elzy High School in Greenwood, MS. He wishes to major in jurisprudence and lists his selection emphasis on Distance and Academics.

Week one offers from Nebraska
No week two offers
No week three offers
Week four offers from Tennessee. Contacted by Florida
No week five offers
No week six offers
No week seven offers. Tennessee pulled offer.
Visiting Nebraska
Week eight offers from Michigan, Florida, Air Force & UTEP
Visiting Michigan, Florida, Air Force & UTEP
Week nine committed to Air Force

Air Force finished 7-5 overall (3-4 conference) in the regular season to tie for forth in the Mountain West then lost to Toledo in their bowl game to finish with an overall record of 7-6. Air Force finished with a final ranking of 58.


6) Lester Knight – 5’8” 169 lbs WR (OH) none, 2.75 GPA 1012 Test Score

Lester is the #11 rated recruit overall and the #1 WR from Elida High School in Elida, OH. He wishes to major in trigonometry and lists his selection emphasis on Team Prestige and Academics.

No week one offers
Week two offers from UCLA, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Notre Dame & Washington
Week three offers from Tennessee & Wisconsin
Visiting UCLA & Michigan
Week four offers from Northern Illinois. Contacted by Hawaii
Visiting Wisconsin
No week five offers
No week six offers. Wisconsin pulled offer and visit.
Visiting Notre Dame
Week seven committed to Michigan

Michigan finished 8-4 overall (4-4 conference) in the regular season for a fifth place tie in the Big 10 then beat Oregon in their bowl game to finish 9-4 overall to end the regular season. Michigan finished in the top 25 with a final ranking of 14.

[SnDvls]

Penn State won the National Championship over Florida
23-20.

Syracuse signed 3 top 100 players
UCLA signed 6 top 100 players
Tennessee, USC, and Air Force each signed 1 top 100 players
Michigan signed 11 top 100 players

[tucker342]

great setup!:)

I'll be following along

[kingfc22]

Very nice read. Glad to see that UM is involved in another one of these dynasties. :)

[Blade6119]

can we get their highschool stats and awards?...great read so far though, from one Sundevil to another!

[SnDvls]

tucker342 & kingfc22 - thanks for following along (no pun intended)

Blade6119- I ment to include them, but alas I forgot to save it just prior to that and did not get them. My bad and mistake. sorry I hope you'll still follow. Go Devils!!!

[Blade6119]

ill follow this, but after this horrible season i will be hard pressed to be so excited about the football team at school.

[SnDvls]

(Everyone started off the year red-shirting, however one player did have his red-shirt removed for his team's last game and the bowl game in which he started both games. Since nothing significant happened I'll give you a quick break down of who is ahead of each player and then tell you about the one who did play in two games. Also because no one really gets any playing time this year I'm not going to talk about how many years a player has left above them in the depth chart until next year.)

Eric Shaw: Welcome to our first season following these six young men in their first year of college ball. We have been informed by all the college coaches that baring injuries all six will red shirt this year in anticipation for next season. Let me give you a quick breakdown on each player's team and the depth ahead of him.

ES: Lenny Durham and the Syracuse Orangemen look to have an uphill battle this year starting out ranked #49 overall and #46 in both the coaches and fan polls. Lenny has the best shot of playing this year if injuries hamper the RB's at Syracuse as there are only three RBs ahead of him and all are seniors. Worst case is that it will be Lenny's show next year.

ES: Fernando Newton and the Bruins of UCLA are rated #15 overall and pick up a top ten ranking in the coaches poll at #10 while the fans see them at only #26. It looks as though they could go either way. Fernando has a lot in front of him and I would bet he won't start this year and might even be behind most of these guys going into his sophomore year. Fernando looks up at the depth chart with four seniors, two are walk ons, one junior, one sophomore walk on, and another red shirt freshman waiting along with him. We'll see what next year brings.

ES: Courtney McGregor and Tennessee are rated #8 overall and they pick up the #1 spot in the fans poll, but the coaches don't see them as that good placing them at #11. Courtney has 6 QBs in front of him but five are walk ons. The only non-walk on is a junior who is red shirtting this year as well. The other's look like this; one senior, one junior, three sophomores.

ES: Sammie Welch and the Trojans are the most consistent in the polls ranking #17 overall and #17 & #18 in the coaches and fans each. Sammie could have a long shot at some playing time this year, but three QBs would have to suffer season ending injuries for that to happen or strugle really bad. Sammie has another red shirt freshmen sitting on the bench with him looking up at two senior QBs and one junior walk on.

ES: Darrell Brady will have the most to prove once he plays and that might be this year. Like Lenny and the RBs at Syracuse there are only three other QBs on the Air Force team; one other red shirt freshmen, a sophomore, and a senior walk on. Darrell has a battle though as the Falcons are picked #59 overall #61 in the coaches poll and #58 by the fans.

ES: Lester Knight and his Michigan teamates take a #6 overall rating into this year along with a #5 coaches poll spot and a #13 fan poll. Lester might be two years away from getting significant playing time as he sits next to another red shirt WR and behind 1 senior, 4 juniors (one walk on), and two sophomores including one walk on.

ES: We wish all the teams good luck this year and hope to see all of the players next year.

[SnDvls]

Lenny Durham did have to suit up for Syracuse this year as the Orangemen put him in the starting lineup against Auburn. Syracuse won 7-3 and Lenny's debut was just as exciting as the score; he carried ten times for 17 yards, his longest gain was for 8 yards recieving 4 stokes for the game.

Lenny also started in his teams bowl game against Fresno where
Syracuse won again this time 27-6 and Lenny got past his first game gitters. He didn't produce with is rushes 6 attempts for 6 yards and a long of 5, but he did with his recieving skills catching the ball 3 times for 42 yards, 18 yard long, but did catch a 12 yard TD strike in the third quarter earning 3 stokes for the game.

Lenny finished the year with 2 starts in his 2 games played with 23 yards on 16 carries, long of 8 yards and 3 receptions for 42 yards, 18 long and one TD.

Lenny and Syracuse end up going 9-3 overall (5-2 in conference) winning their bowl game over Fresno and tying for second in the Big East and taking in a top 25 ranking of 15 to end the year.

Fernando and UCLA went 9-3 (6-2 in conference) placing third in the Pac-10 and winning their bowl game over Colorado and taking in a #17 season ending ranking. Fernando did not play a down this year.

Courtney and the Vols came out of the shoot and finished #11 with a 9-3 (5-3) recordincluding a bowl win over Wisconsin, finishing fourth in the SEC North. Courtney did not play this year.

Sammie and the Trojans started off going 7-0 before ending 10-2 (7-1) for a top five finish in the year at #5 and winning the Pac-10 and their bowl game over Florida State. Sammie did not play a down this year.

Darrell watch Air Force go 8-4 (5-2) losing thier bowl game to TCU but second in the Mountain West for a #40 ranking to end the year. Darrell did not play a down this year.

Lester watched Michigan to 10-3 (6-2) and lose their bowl game to Oklahoma and taking third in the Big 10 with a #12 ranking to end the year. Lester did not play a down this year.

Miami (FL) won the National Championship over Nebraska 31-7

[SnDvls]

Team/Overall Rank/Coach’s Poll Rank/Fan’s Poll Rank/Player/Overview

Air Force/48/45/54/Darrell Brady/ Darrell will be competing with last years regular returning starter Brenden Lee (JR) who started 10 games going 127 for 222 with 1721 passing yards 12 TDs and 4 INTs and two years of eligibility left. He will also be up against three senior QBs two of which are walk ons. The senior scholarship QB was Air Force’s 2003 starter with only two years of eligibility left. He’ll also have to hold off a freshmen red shirting this year down the road if he wins the starters job, which looks to be almost certain.

UCLA/17/14/27/Fernando Newton/ Fernando is stuck behind three senior DEs who all exhaust their eligibility this year and only one is a returning starter, Vinny Lemon. Vinny raked up 11 sacks and 30 tackles, 17 for loss, last year and will retain his role, but the other spot is up in the air. Fernando will see some snaps this year and might start later in the year, but it doesn’t look like it’s his position to begin with as he’ll also have to hold off another sophomore from his recruiting class and two red shirt freshmen sitting on the bench now. Fernando is the most talented of the DEs so expect him to be in a lot of games and starting down the line.

Michigan/11/10/14/Lester Knight/ Lester is buried on a deep WR list at Michigan with one returning starter in Kennedy Turnbull, 14 receptions for 860 yards and 7 TDs, and one sport starter in Sherman Brandon, 25 receptions for 562 yards and 4 TDs. Brandon and another WR, Hugh Coleman were the Wolverine’s starters in ’03 and both are back again. The good news is that all three of the experienced WRs, Turnbull, Brandon and Coleman will be gone after this year along with one other senior, but it still leaves one more senior, three juniors, one sophomore and a red shirt freshman to challenge for minutes. Lester is the fifth best WR on the team behind four seniors and has the most potent ional so if not this year he’ll be a starter next year for sure. Expect some spot duty for Lester.

USC/8/9/7/Sammie Welch/ Sammie should start this year, as there are only four returning QBs to the Trojans, two of which are suspended for the year, and all are walk ons with no playing time. Of the eligible QBs on the roster one is a senior, one a sophomore and a red shirt freshmen sit on the bench. Sammie should start for the Trojans for this year and at least next, then it all depends on who USC brings in to challenge for his job after that.

Syracuse/23/25/24/Lenny Durham/ Lenny got two starts last year and will be the starter for Syracuse this year holding off two average freshmen and one spot starting senior RB. Look for Lenny to make something of himself this year if his line opens some holes for him. Lenny has this job until someone knocks him out for the year or the coaches tire of him.

Tennessee/9/11/3/Courtney McGregor/ Courtney will have to beat out Tennessee’s two-year starter of senior Harry Poole who still has a year left of eligibility. Last year Poole went 223 of 354 for 2968 yards 27 TDs and 11 INTs. Courtney might also find himself behind another senior QB as well, but he’ll at least be third string as there are three junior walk ons, one senior walk on and a red shirt freshman sitting on the bench ready to challenge for the starters role in a year. Courtney is a long shot to start and will only see action in mop up duty or is a major injury hits Tennessee. He might even find himself never starting for Tennessee if the freshman red shirting this year passes him.

[SnDvls]

Each player did see action this season, but some were the stars and others were just in for mop up duty.

Courtney McGregor (QB Tennessee) saw very little action this year playing in only five games with no starts. He went 10 of 14 for 113 yards 2 TDs and 0 INTs. The highlight for Courtney was when he got to play in the season opener throwing an 18 yard TD on his first college snap. Courtney saw his team Tennessee go 11-2 (7-1) and claim the SEC North crown and win the SEC title game, but lose to USC in the Sugar Bowl 27-24 for a final ranking of #7.

Fernando Newton (DE UCLA) made it into 10 games including the Bruins bowl game against NC State, but never started and was lucky to get any stats for the year recording 2 tackles both for a loss and 1.5 sacks. His best game would be in his debut game where he recorded one tackle and one sack. Fernando watched his UCLA team go 11-1 (7-1) to take second in the Pac-10 and a 45-23 win over NC State in the Orange Bowl to claim a #2 ranking to end the year.

Lester Knight (WR Michigan) saw action in 12 games, including the bowl game, for Michigan with no starts. He ended the year with 28 catches for 557 yards and 6 TDs. Against Wisconsin, the school who pulled their offer on him, he had 2 catches for 14 yards and a TD, but his best game came against Michigan St. with 4 receptions for 91 yards and 1 TD. Lester helped Michigan to a 9-3 (6-2) record with a win over Texas in the Cotton Bowl to end up #9 overall to end the year and tied for second in the Big Ten.

Darrell Brady (QB Air Force) started all 11 games for Air Force leading them to a 7-4 (4-3) record, but short of a bowl game. He finished the year going 116 for 238 with 1639 passing yards 7 TDs and 8 INTs. Darrell’s best game came in week 7 against New Mexico going 12 of 25 for 207 yards with 3 TDs and 0 INTs. Air Force ended up tied for third in the Mountain West with a final ranking of #46.

Lenny Durham (RB Syracuse) started all 12 of the Orangemen’s games this year rushing 57 times for 267 yards with 2 TDs. He did add 328 receiving yards with 2 TDs on 23 receptions. Lenny’s best performance came in week 10 with 57 yards on 5 rushes with 1 TD. Syracuse went 9-3 (5-2) for third in the Big East and a Motor City Bowl win over Boise State 34-28 and a top 25 finish at #17.

Sammie Welch (QB USC) played in 11 games and started 10 for the Trojans and would have been in them all if not for a late season shoulder injury. For the year Sammie went 185 of 293 for 2713 yards with 29 TDs and 10 INTs earning All Pac-10 Second Team QB honors. Sammie led USC to a 11-1 (8-0) record for first place in the Pac-10 and a Sugar Bowl win over Tennessee 27-24 and a final #3 ranking to end the year. Sammie’s best game performance came in week 9 against Washington St. going 20 of 28 for 321 yards 3 TDs and 0 INTs.

Notre Dame won the National Championship over Penn State 44-21

[SnDvls]

Season 3 will be broken down from “worst” in the overall rank to “best” and each subsequent series will be that way until the end of their college careers then I will list them in order drafted from then on assuming all are drafted.

Team/Overall Rank/Coach’s Poll/Fan’s Poll/Player/Position/Overview

Air Force/50/47/60/Darrell Brady/QB/ After leading the Falcons last year to a 7-4 record Darrell hopes to improve not only his stats, but his team going into his second season as the starting QB. The 2003 starter is using up his last year of eligibility this year so if Darrell struggles expect to see Brenden Lee brought back off the bench and in his place. Another possibility if the Air Force coach is really desperate is starting red shirt freshman Sean Utley, but that seems unlikely unless injury hits the QB position. Darrell needs to improve his TD to INT mark and with a heavy run oriented offense he’ll be expected to carry more of the load this year.

Syracuse/16/18/19/Lenny Durham/RB/ Lenny is the team leader this year and is expected to perform like a top rated recruit should especially for the hometown team. Lenny has the starters job until he leaves Syracuse, but he needs to perform to make everyone happy. Lenny is a very average at best running back stats wise and needs to help his team and improve on his 237 yards and 2 TD performance of last year. With a year as the starter Lenny should do just that or he may be seen as another blue chip bust.

UCLA/12/10/15/Fernando Newton/DE/ Fernando finally will get to start as he is one of only two returning DEs with playing experience and he has the most from last year. The rivalry that he and USC QB Sammie Welch dreamed of might happen this year with each team trading the Pac-10 title and wins over each other in the last two years. Fernando looks like he will have a break out year and will need to with a young defensive line returning to help him out.

Tennessee/11/13/5/Courtney McGregor/QB/ Courtney will again sit behind three-year starter Harry Poole and with the awards Harry won last year, second team all SEC QB and All Academic SEC QB, Courtney won’t get any significant playing time with out an injury to him. Harry threw for 3323 yards 39 TDs and 9 INTs so Courtney’s best hope is to play back up this year and get quality time in when he can to take over next year.

Michigan/9/9/10/Lester Knight/WR/ Lester looks to start this year as the only significant contributor at WR returning however he does have some competition in three seniors, another junior and a sophomore to battle against. Lester hopes to help Michigan back into another top 10 finish and move up the depth chart to starter this year I’d give him an 80% chance at starting.

USC/4/4/3/Sammie Welch/QB/ Sammie and the Trojans are looking to repeat as Pac-10 champions and are aiming for a National Championship as well. Sammie is the returning starter with no true challenger behind him. Barring an injury he will start every game for USC and lead them to a top tier bowl if not the title game. The only loss they suffered last year was to eventual National Champion Notre Dame, whom they’ll get a shot at in their season opener in week 2. Sammie should be All Pac-10 First Team QB and will probably win the MVP award for the league as well.

[SnDvls]

Well the title "The Starters" holds true for all of our players except poor Courtney McGregor (QB Tennessee). Courtney is buried deep on the bench with All SEC 2nd Team QB Harry Poole, but the good news is Harry has graduated, the bad news is that is looks like Courtney will never get a chance to start in Tennessee. This past year he watched as the Vols went 8-4 (6-2) for third in the SEC North losing to fellow recruit Lenny Durham and Syracuse in the Music City Bowl 28-17. Courtney got into one game this past year going 2 for 3 with 22 yards passing 0 TDs and 0 INTs. Tennessee ended the year ranked #17 in the country.

Lester Knight (WR Michigan) had his best year starting all 12 games for Michigan, but the team was the worst it has been going 6-6 (5-3) to tie for fourth in the Big Ten and lose to South Florida in the Liberty Bowl 24-21. Lester was a first time regular starter with 42 receptions for 706 yards and 8 TDs, but Michigan ended out of the top 25 ranked #44 to end the year.

Lenny Durham (RB Syracuse) improved on his numbers from last year and helped lead his team to a 9-3 (5-2) record for a second place tie in the Big East and a Music City Bowl win over Tennessee 28-17. Lenny started all 12 games for the Orangemen rushing for 681 yards on 122 carries with 11 TDs. He also began punt and kick return duties with one kick return for a TD to go along with his 394 recieving yards. Syracuse ended the year at #16.

Fernando Newton (DE UCLA) started 10 games for the Bruins and played in all 12 racking up 39 tackles 15 TFL and 11.5 sacks to help UCLA to a second place Pac-10 finish at 10-2 (6-2) and a win over LSU in the Holiday Bowl 24-21. Even though he lost to cross-town rival Sammie Welch and USC he did get a half a sack on him. UCLA ended the year ranked in the top 10 again with a final season rank of #5.

The break out year came from Darrell Brady (QB Air Force) as he and his team improved to 7-5 (4-3) and tied for third in the Mountain West. The Falcons did however lose in the Las Vegas Bowl to Marshall getting shut out 40-0. For the year Darrell started all 12 games going 142 for 240 for 2018 yards 15 TDs and 8 INTs to greatly improve on his numbers from last year even adding 479 rushing yards and 7 rushing TDs. Darrell was selected Second Team All Mountain West QB and lead Air Force to a final ranking of #36.

Finally, Sammie Welch (QB USC) continues to be the star of the class thus far leading USC to a 10-2 (8-0) mark, winning the Pac-10 again, and a #4 final season ranking. Sammie started all 12 games for the Trojans going 219 for 355 with almost 3000 yards passing at 2958 22 TDs and 9 INTs. USC beat Purdue in the Orange Bowl 28-17 to end the season while Sammie was also able to pick up so individual awards in the Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year, Pac-10 Top Offensive Player, and First Team All Pac-10 QB.

Notre Dame beat Georgia 41-20 for the National Championship

[SnDvls]

Team/Overall Rank/Coach’s Poll/Fan’s Poll/Player/Position/Overview

Air Force/42/40/48/Darrell Brady/QB/ Darrell cannot get any respect for Air Force, but he will start again for the Falcons and has no competition to his role. Look for improved numbers again and maybe even a 1st team all Mountain West.

Syracuse/17/17/18/Lenny Durham/RB/ This is Lenny’s last year and he will hopefully get a head start on his fellow recruits in the NFL next year. He needs to have a great year to improve his draft status. Lenny will of course start again this year and will not need to worry about losing his starting spot.

Michigan/13/13/16/Lester Knight/WR/ Lester is the only returning WR for Michigan and he and fellow teammates want to make up for last year’s horrible showing. Michigan is thin at WR so even someone surprises Lester and takes his starting spot, very unlikely, he’ll still see plenty of playing time.

Tennessee/12/12/7/Courtney McGregor/QB/ Finally gets his shot at leading the Vols, but he might get beat out and never start for Tennessee. Will this be his year? He was the highest rated QB coming out of high school, but of the three we follow he is the lowest on the depth chart now. A young freshman arm is ready to challenge him, as the starting role is up for grabs after all SEC everything QB Harry Poole graduated.

UCLA/7/5/14/Fernando Newton/DE/ Fernando will start again this year, but will need to worry next year, as the Bruins are back loaded with youth. Look for an improvement on his 11.5 sacks from last year.

USC/2/2/3/Sammie Welch/QB/ This is still Sammie’s team the only questions are weather he’ll lead them to a National Title and if he’ll come back for his senior year or join Lenny in the NFL.

[tucker342]

Great stuff so far!:)

One thing you might want to add is their overall rating.

[SnDvls]

What was supposed to be the break out year for several of our star recruits turned into a nightmare for the most decorated as he suffered through a rash of injuries.

Sammie Welch (QB USC) had a bitter sweet season as he witnessed his Trojans go 10-2 (7-1) as he suffered through injuries starting and playing in only 6 games this year after finishing as the MVP of the Pac-10 last year. The year had to be good though as the Trojans again took the Pac-10 title by beating UCLA in the final regular season of the year and then meeting them again in the Sugar Bowl for one more victory over them 38-17. Sammie went 79 for 137 with 1067 yards 8 TDs with 3 INTs for a final USC ranking of #8.

Fernando Newton (DE UCLA) was the started in all 12 games for the Bruins this year, but his number fell off from last year recording 36 tackles 13 TFL and only 7.5 sacks. He lead UCLA to a 10-2 (7-1) season, tied record wise for 1st in the Pac-10 but 2nd in the standings, and a final ranking of #5. Newton and his teammates lost back to back games to rival USC as they met in the Sugar Bowl losing 38-17 after their season ending loss to them.

Lester Knight (WR Michigan) was able to help keep Michigan in the top 10 finishing at #10 to end the season with a Rose Bowl win over Alabama 28-17, a first place Big Ten title and a 9-3 (6-2) record for the year. Lester started all 12 games for the Wolverines having his best year with 51 receptions for 885 yards and 10 TDs. Lester also earned all Big Ten First Team WR honors on the year.

Darrell Brady (QB Air Force) is bringing respect to Air Force with a #40 ranking to end the year, however the Falcons still failed to win in their bowl game falling to TCU 45-17 in the Hawaii Bowl and ending the year with a 7-5 (4-3) record. He started all 12 games for Air Force going 133 for 269 with 2031 yards 14 TDs and 10 INTs. Darrell also took home All Academic Mountain West QB honors.

Courtney McGregor (QB Tennessee) finally got his chance to shine for Tennessee started all 13 games for the Vols as he lead them to a 10-3 (7-1) record, tied for 1st in the SEC North, and a loss in the SEC Title game. Courtney went 181 for 321 with 2529 passing yards 23 TDs and only 7 INTs to lead Tennessee in a Holiday Bowl win over Cal 43-13 and a #9 season ending ranking.

Lenny Durham finished his career at Syracuse taking them to an 11-1 (7-0) record, a Big East title, and an Orange Bowl win over Maryland 34-31 in his final year. In his last year he started all 12 games for the Orangemen with 194 carries and 977 yards to compliment his 12 TDs. Syracuse finished ranked #2 to end the season thanks in large part to Lenny. To end his career Lenny finished in the Top ten in several categories at Syracuse and in the Big East record books although nothing in the top 10 for the NCAA record books.

For his career in the Big East Lenny finished;

4th in Rushing TDs with 25
Tied for 4th in TDs scored with 33
6th in All Purpose Yards with 3,842

For a Season in the Big East Lenny finished;

3rd in Yards Per Carry with 5.5 in 2006
4th in TDs Scored with 16 in 2007

At Syracuse for his career Lenny finished;

2nd in Rushing Attempts with 389
1st in Rushing Yards with 1,948
1st in Rushing TDs with 25
3rd in Receptions with 90
3rd in Receiving Yards with 1,092
5th in Receiving TDs with 7
Tied for 1st in TDs scored with 33
2nd in All Purpose Yards with 3,842

For a Season at Syracuse Lenny finished;

4th in Rushing Attempts with 194 in 2007
9th in Rushing Attempts with 122 in 2006
3rd in Rushing Yards with 977 in 2007
6th in Rushing Yards with 681 in 2006
2nd in Rushing TDs with 12 in 2007
4th in Rushing TDs with 11 in 2006
1st in Yards Per Carry with 5.5 in 2006
2nd in Yards Per Carry with 5.0 in 2007
5th in Receptions with 35 in 2006
8th in Receiving TDs with 4 in 2007
1st in TDs Scored with 16 in 2007
5th in TDs Scored with 12 in 2006
2nd in All Purpose Yards with 1,636 in 2006
4th in All Purpose Yards with 1,546 in 2007

In Single Game Records at Syracuse Lenny finished;

10th in Rushing Attempts with 25 in 2007 vs Pitt
6th in Rushing Yards with 145 in 2007 vs Akron
7th in Rushing Yards with 137 in 2006 vs Rutgers
10th in Rushing Yards with 128 in 2007 vs Auburn
Tied for 2nd in TDs Scored with 3 in 2007 vs Miami (FL)
10th in All Purpose Yards with 189 in 2007 vs Akron

Career Stats for Lenny Durham are 389 rushes for 1,948 yards 25 TDs including 90 receptions for 1,092 yards 7 TDs and one kick return TD. Lenny never received any award in his college career and now he hopes to take his talents to the NFL.

Texas won the National Championship over Notre Dame 14-13

[SnDvls]

Lenny Durham (RB) is the 4th highest rated RB and the first of our recruits to break into the NFL it looks like he might be a low first or high second round pick.

***With the 19th Pick in the 2008 NFL draft the New England Patriots select Lenny Durham, running back out of Syracuse.***

[SnDvls]

Eric Shaw: Well Lenny here we are at the NFL draft and you have fulfilled one of your dreams, being drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots.

Lenny Durham: Wow, what a dream. I mean I come out of high school and get to play close to home at Syracuse and then I’m a first round pick and the Patriots select me in the first round I’m just so happy.

ES: How shocked were you to go that high?

LD: Very, I was told to expect low first or early second, but I knew the Pats were interested in me, but I thought they’d have to pass.

ES: New England went 9-6-1 last year and they have missed the playoffs since 2003 what do you expect from them and you?

LD: Well it looks like they brought in a new QB from the Dolphins and they are pretty young, but I’m pretty sure I have a shot to get some early playing time and I might even start as they let their all time leading rusher go via free agency. Man I just can’t wait until the other boys get here.

ES: Lenny we wish you well this year and we’ll catch back up with you next year.

[SnDvls]

Week 1 Lenny turned down offer of $13.85 mil for 5 years

[SnDvls]

Lenny signed a $10.14 mil contract for 4 years the week just prior to training Camp with a $1.13 mil signing bonus.

[SnDvls]

2008 Preseason

This is their senior years and the proving period for the NFL scouts. Each and every one of the recruits left wants to make it to the next level and see what they can do like their good friend Lenny Durham gets to try this year.

Team/Overall Rank/Coach’s Poll/Fan’s Poll/Player/Position/Overview

Air Force/38/39/42/Darrell Brady/QB/ Darrell has one last shot at getting the Falcon in the Top 25. He will start again at QB and hopefully lead Air Force to a Mountain West title and high ranking before trying his game at the NFL.

UCLA/3/3/7/Fernando Newton/DE/ Fernando hopes to bounce back from a bad year last year. He will start next to 1st team all Pac-10 DE Mo Craig, but if he struggles he will only drop down to third string.

Michigan/11/11/14/Lester Knight/WR/ Lester starts again at WR and wants to lead the Wolverines to the National Championships, but in order to do that he’ll have to have a better team around him.

USC/4/4/4/Sammie Welch/QB/ Sammie has had the best shot at a title, but one loss each year has made them come up just short and last year he spent more time injured than playing. Sammie will bounce back and will only improve his stock for the NFL all that is left is getting what all teams and players want…the ring.

Tennessee/9/10/5/Courtney McGregor/QB/ Just when Courtney gets to start he just might be sent back to second string as his back up last year, Omar Nichols, just may pass him up and take away his dream of starting for the Vols.

New England/Lenny Durham/RB/ Lenny will find himself behind journeymen Shawn Bryson on the Pats depth chart who is playing on his sixth team in as many seasons. Bryson started 16 games with the Eagles last year for 788 yards on 181 carries with 10 TDs. Lenny will get some quality carries and could challenge if he has a good training camp if not he’ll play back up. The Patriots haven’t been in the playoffs for the last five years and hope the addition of Lenny will get them there.

[SnDvls]

2008 In Review

Darrell Brady (QB Air Force) set out to improve the Falcons this year, but was only able to sit and watch as they struggled to a 5-6 (3-4) record, 5th in the Mountain West, without a bowl appearance. Darrell started only 7 games this year as he was injured late in the year and had his worst year of production going 94 for 165 with 1,262 passing yards 13 TDs and 7 INTs. Darrell also earned 2008 All Academic Mountain West QB and the Falcons ended up ranked #64.

For his career in the Mountain West Darrell finished;

4th in Pass Completions with 485
3rd in Passing Yards with 6,950
4th in Passing TDs with 49

For his career at Air Force Darrell finished;

1st in Pass Completions with 485
1st in Passing Yards with 6,950
1st in Passing TDs with 49
2nd in Rushing Attempts with 434
6th in Rushing Yards with 1,085
Tied for 3rd in Rushing TDs with 15
5th in TDs Scored with 15
9th in All Purpose Yards with 1,085

For a season in the Mountain West Darrell finished;

9th in QB Rating with 143.6 in 2006

For a season at Air Force Darrell finished;

2nd in Pass Completions with 142 in 2006
3rd in Pass Completions with 133 in 2007
5th in Pass Completions with 116 in 2005
6th in Pass Completions with 94 in 2008
2nd in Passing Yards with 2,031 in 2007
3rd in Passing Yards with 2,018 in 2006
5th in Passing Yards with 1,639 in 2005
6th in Passing Yards with 1,262 in 2008
2nd in Passing TDs with 15 in 2006
3rd in Passing TDs with 14 in 2007
4th in Passing TDs with 13 in 2008
Tied for 6th in Passing TDs with 7 in 2005
1st in QB Rating with 143.6 in 2006
2nd in QB Rating with 138.6 in 2008
5th in QB Rating with 122.6 in 2007
6th in QB Rating with 109.5 in 2005
8th in Rushing Attempts with 126 in 2007
Tied for 9th in Rushing Attempts with 123 in 2005
Tied for 9th in Rushing Attempts with 123 in 2006
Tied for 5th in Rushing TDs with 7 in 2006
Tied for 8th in TDs Scored with 7 in 2006

In Single Game Records at Air Force Darrell finished;

Tied for 1st in Pass Attempts with 35 in 2005 vs Wake Forest
Tied for 1st in Pass Attempts with 35 in 2005 vs Hawaii
Tied for 1st in Pass Attempts with 35 in 2007 vs Wake Forest
Tied for 6th in Pass Attempts with 30 in 2005 vs Colorado St.
Tied for 6th in Pass Attempts with 30 in 2008 vs Missouri
Tied for 6th in Pass Attempts with 30 in 2008 vs Utah
Tied for 10th in Pass Attempts with 28 in 2006 vs Colorado St.
1st in Pass Completions with 19 in 2008 vs New Mexico
Tied for 3rd in Pass Completions with 18 in 2006 vs Colorado St.
Tied for 3rd in Pass Completions with 18 in 2008 vs Missouri
Tied for 5th in Pass Completions with 17 in 2008 vs Wyoming
Tied for 7th in Pass Completions with 16 in 2006 vs Wake Forest
1st in Passing Yards with 287 in 2006 vs San Diego St.
2nd in Passing Yards with 263 in 2008 vs Missouri
4th in Passing Yards with 242 in 2007 vs UNLV
5th in Passing Yards with 287 in 2008 vs New Mexico
6th in Passing Yards with 241 in 2006 vs Hawaii
7th in Passing Yards with 240 in 2005 vs Hawaii
8th in Passing Yards with 238 in 2006 vs Colorado St.
10th in Passing Yards with 231 in 2008 vs Wyoming
10th in Rushing Yards with 142 in 2006 vs Utah

Darrell finished his career at Air Force playing in 42 games starting all 42 of them. He went 485 for 912 with 6,950 yards with 49 TDs in 33 INTs. Darrell rushed for 1,085 yards on 434 carries with 15 TDs. In 2006 Darrell was named 2nd Team Mountain West QB, and he was named back-to-back 2007 & 2008 Mountain West All Academic QB. Darrell should play in the NFL, but will probably be a late pick for a team.

Sammie Welch (QB USC) had a great year for himself, but the Trojans could not get in done on the field going 8-4 (4-4) on the year, tied for 4th in the Pac-10, and getting a Holiday Bowl win over LSU 45-15. Sammie started all 12 games for USC coming back from his injuries last year going 211 for 348 with 3,217 passing yards 25 TDs and 15 INTs. Just like in 2006 Sammie took home Pac-10 1st Team QB honors along with 2008 Pac-10 Conference Top Offensive Player and MVP, he also was a finalist for the Heisman this year. USC ended up ranked #16 to end the year.

For his career in the NCAA Sammie finished;

9th in Passing Yards with 9,955

For his career in the Pac-10 Sammie finished;

2nd in Pass Completions with 694
2nd in Passing Yards with 9,955
2nd in Passing TDs with 84

For his career at USC Sammie finished;

1st in Pass Completions with 694
1st in Passing Yards with 9,955
1st in Passing TDs with 84
4th in Rushing Attempts with 363
4th in Rushing Yards with 638
6th in Rushing TDs with 8

For a Season in the Pac-10 Sammie finished;

2nd in Pass Completions with 219 in 2006
4th in Pass Completions with 211 in 2008
9th in Pass Completions with 185 in 2005
1st in Passing Yards with 3,217 in 2008
5th in Passing Yards with 2,958 in 2006
3rd in Passing TDs with 29 in 2005
Tied for 8th in Passing TDs with 25 in 2008
2nd in QB Rating with 166.6 in 2005
5th in QB Rating with 153.3 in 2008
9th in QB Rating with 147.0 in 2006

For a Season at USC Sammie finished;

2nd in Pass Completions with 219 in 2006
3rd in Pass Completions with 211 in 2008
5th in Pass Completions with 185 in 2005
7th in Pass Completions with 79 in 2007
1st in Passing Yards with 3,217 in 2008
3rd in Passing Yards with 2,958 in 2006
5th in Passing Yards with 2,713 in 2005
7th in Passing Yards with 1,067 in 2007
2nd in Passing TDs with 29 in 2005
4th in Passing TDs with 25 in 2008
5th in Passing TDs with 22 in 2006
Tied for 6th in Passing TDs with 8 in 2007
1st in QB Rating with 166.6 in 2005
3rd in QB Rating with 153.3 in 2008
4th in QB Rating with 147.0 in 2006
7th in Rushing Attempts with 157 in 2008
8th in Rushing Yards with 372 in 2008
Tied for 9th in Rushing TDs with 4 in 2008

In Single Game Records in the Pac-10 Sammie finished;

Tied for 9th in Pass Attempts with 41 in 2006 vs Notre Dame
Tied for 9th in Pass Attempts with 41 in 2006 vs Washington St.
1st in Pass Completions with 29 in 2006 vs Washington St.
2nd in Pass Completions with 27 in 2005 vs Arizona St.
Tied for 3rd in Pass Completions with 26 in 2006 vs UCLA
Tied for 10th in Pass Completions with 25 in 2008 vs UCLA
2nd on Passing Yards with 413 in 2006 vs Washington St.
5th in Passing Yards with 394 in 2005 vs Oregon St.
6th in Passing Yards with 391 in 2008 vs Cal
Tied for 2nd in Passing TDs with 5 in 2005 vs Mississippi St.
Tied for 2nd in Passing TDs with 5 in 2006 vs Washington St.

In Single Game Records at USC Sammie finished;

Tied for 1st with 41 in 2006 vs Notre Dame
Tied for 1st with 41 in 2006 vs Washington St.
3rd with 40 in 2008 vs UCLA
Tied for 4th with 39 in 2008 vs Stanford
6th with 38 in 2007 vs Cal
7th with 36 in 2006 vs UCLA
Tied for 8th with 35 in 2005 vs ASU
Tied for 8th with 35 in 2006 vs Georgia
Tied for 8th with 35 in 2008 vs Oregon St.
1st in Pass Completions with 29 in 2006 vs Washington St.
2nd in Pass Completions with 27 in 2005 vs Arizona St.
3rd in Pass Completions with 26 in 2006 vs UCLA
4th in Pass Completions with 25 in 2008 vs UCLA
6th in Pass Completions with 24 in 2006 vs Purdue
Tied for 9th in Pass Completions with 21 in 2005 vs Oregon St.
Tied for 9th in Pass Completions with 21 in 2008 vs Washington St.
1st in Passing Yards with 413 in 2006 vs Washington St.
2nd in Passing Yards with 394 in 2005 vs Oregon St.
3rd in Passing Yards with 391 in 2008 vs Cal
5th in Passing Yards with 344 in 2005 vs Cal
7th in Passing Yards with 339 in 2008 vs UCLA
9th in Passing Yards with 323 in 2006 vs Purdue
10th in Passing Yards with 321 in 2005 vs Washington St.
Tied for 1st in Passing TDs with 5 in 2005 vs Mississippi St.
Tied for 1st in Passing TDs with 5 in 2006 vs Washington St.
Tied for 3rd in Passing TDs with 4 in 2005 vs Arizona St.
Tied for 3rd in Passing TDs with 4 in 2008 vs Auburn
Several Ties for 10th in Passing TDs with 3 in various years vs various opponents


Career Stats for Sammie Welch are playing in 41 games while starting in 40 of them going 694 for 1133 with 9,955 passing yards throwing for 84 TDs and 37 INTs. Sammie also rushed for 638 yards on 363 carries with 8 TDs. Sammie was a finalist for the Heisman in 2008 and also received 2005 Pac-10 2nd Team QB, 2006 & 2008 Pac-10 1st Team QB, 2006 & 2008 Pac-10 Top Offensive Player, and 2006 & 2008 Pac-10 Conference MVP. With all his skills Sammie should make an easy transition to the NFL and provide for a pro team.


Lester Knight (WR Michigan) had another solid year starting all 12 games for the Wolverines this year and helping them go 9-3 (5-3) with a Sun Bowl win over Stanford 16-13 to end up tied for 3rd in the Big Ten. Lester had 49 receptions for 828 yards and 6 TDs to end the year and took home 2nd Team All Big Ten WR honors, but he suffered a torn ACL in the bowl game. Michigan finished #11 to end the year.

For his career in the Big Ten Lester finished;

4th in Receptions with 170
3rd in Receiving Yards with 2,976
2nd in Receiving TDs with 30
8th in TDs Scored with 32

For his career at Michigan Lester finished;

2nd in Receptions with 170
1st in Receiving Yards with 2,976
1st in Receiving TDs with 30
3rd in TDs Scored with 32
3rd in All Purpose Yards with 3,105

For a season at Michigan Lester finished;

2nd in Receptions with 51 in 2007
3rd in Receptions with 49 in 2008
Tied for 10th in Receptions with 42 in 2006
2nd in Receiving Yards with 885 in 2007
5th in Receiving Yards with 828 in 2008
10th in Receiving Yards with 706 in 2006
1st in Receiving TDs with 10 in 2007
Tied for 2nd in Receiving TDs with 8 in 2006
Tied for 6th in Receiving TDs with 6 in 2005
Tied for 6th in Receiving TDs with 6 in 2008
Tied for 7th in TDs Scored with 10 in 2006
Tied for 7th in TDs Scored with 10 in 2007

In Single Game Records at Michigan Lester finished;

Tied for 2nd in Receptions with 7 in 2007 vs Alabama
Tied for 2nd in Receptions with 7 in 2008 vs Penn St.
3rd in Receiving Yards with 183 in 2007 vs Alabama
8th in Receiving Yards with 127 in 2008 vs Notre Dame
Tied for 2nd several times in Receiving TDs in various years vs various opponents


For his career Lester played in 48 games starting in 36 of them. He had 2,976 yards receiving on 170 receptions with 30 TDs. Lester was named 2007 Big Ten 1st Team WR and 2008 Big Ten 2nd Team WR. Lester has the skills to play in the NFL, but the question is does he have the work ethic. Lester should be a third round or better draft pick.

Courtney McGregor (QB Tennessee) held onto his starting job for the entire year starting all 12 games for the Vols and leading them to a 9-3 (5-3) record and a 34-0 Outback Bowl victory over Michigan St. Courtney was 197 for 318 with 2,709 yards 21 TDs and 7 INTs and like Sammie Welch he too was a finalist for the Heisman this year. Courtney however did not receive any individual awards this year, but did help Tennessee finish #12 to end the season.

For his career in the SEC Courtney finished;

Tied for 7th in Passing TDs with 46

For his career at Tennessee Courtney finished;

2nd in Pass Completions with 390
2nd in Passing Yards with 5,373
2nd in Passing TDs with 46
6th in Rushing Attempts with 185
8th in Rushing Yards with 633
5th in Rushing TDs with 10

For a season at Tennessee Courtney finished;

5th in Pass Completions with 197 in 2008
6th in Pass Completions with 181 in 2007
4th in Passing Yards with 2,709 in 2008
5th in Passing Yards with 2,529 in 2007
3rd in Passing TDs with 23 in 2007
5th in Passing TDs with 21 in 2008
9th in Passing TDs with 2 in 2005
4th in QB Rating with 150.8 in 2008
6th in QB Rating with 141.7 in 2007
Tied for 8th in Rushing TDs with 5 in 2007
Tied for 8th in Rushing TDs with 5 in 2008

In Single Game Records at Tennessee Courtney finished;

3rd in Passing Attempts with 41 in 2008 vs Vandy
4th in Passing Attempts with 40 in 2007 vs Florida
2nd in Pass Completions with 27 in 2008 vs Vandy
4th in Passing Yards with 342 in 2008 vs Vandy
7th in Passing Yards with 333 in 2007 vs Florida
9th in Passing Yards with 329 in 2008 vs Auburn
Tied for 10th in Passing TDs with 4 in 2007 vs Mississippi St.
Tied for 10th in Passing TDs with 4 in 2008 vs New Mexico St.


For his career Courtney finished playing in 31 games starting 25 games. He went 390 for 656 with 5,373 yards 46 TDs and 14 INTs. He also rushed for 633 yards on 185 carries with 10 TDs. Courtney will be an excellent QB in the NFL and hopefully he won’t have to wait on the bench as long as he had to at Tennessee.


Fernando Newton (DE UCLA) had a rebound year starting 12 games for the Bruins and getting 51 tackles 27 TFLs and 15.5 sacks for the year helping UCLA go 12-0 (8-0) and be the first and only of our recruits to capture the National Championship in a Fiesta Bowl win over Florida 31-7. Fernando was named 2nd Team All American DE, All Senior Team DE, and 1st Team Pac-10 DE for his performance this year. UCLA ended up #1 in the final polls.

For his career in the Pac -10 Fernando finished;

5th in Sacks with 36
6th in Tackles For Loss with 57

For his career at UCLA *** finished;

5th in Tackles with 128
2nd in Sacks with 36
2nd in Tackles For Loss with 57

For a season in the Pac-10 *** finished;

Tied for 8th in Sacks with 15.5 in 2008
Tied for 3rd in Tackles For Loss with 27 in 2008

For a season at UCLA *** finished;

3rd in Sacks with 15.5 in 2008
8th in Sacks with 11.5 in 2006
Tied for 2nd in Tackles For Loss with 27 in 2008

In Single Game Records in the Pac-10 Fernando finished;

Tied for 2nd in Tackles For Loss with 6 in 2008 vs USC

In Single Game Records at UCLA Fernando finished;

2nd in Sacks with 3.5 in 2008 vs Florida
Tied for 3rd in Sacks with 3.0 in 2006 vs LSU
Tied for 10th in Sacks with 2.5 in 2006 vs ASU
Tied for 10th in Sacks with 2.5 in 2008 vs Idaho
1st in Tackles For Loss with 6 in 2008 vs USC

Fernando finished his career at UCLA playing in 46 games and starting in 34 of them. He recorded 128 Tackles with 57 TFL and 36 Sacks in his career. Fernando was named 2008 Pac-10 1st Team DE, 2008 All Senior Team DE, and 2008 2nd Team All American DE. He also led his team to an undefeated season and the National Championship in 2008. Fernando will be drafted next year in the NFL the question is weather we’ll see the 2006 and 2008 player or the one from 2007, only time will tell.

Lenny Durham (RB New England Patriots) was the back up running back for the Pats this year getting in all 16 games, but never starting once. He did have 131 carries for 607 yards and 5 TDs. Lenny now ranks 5th All Time on the Patriots rushing list with his yards this year showing you how poor their running attack has been in the past. The Patriots finished the year 9-7 and only needed to win one of their last two games to make the playoffs, but failed and sat home again this year.

[kingfc22]

Great career recaps of all the players.

[tucker342]

I agree, great recaps:)

[SnDvls]

kingfc22 & tucker342- thanks I hope you enjoyed reading them

[SnDvls]

Season 6:The NFL???

With the third pick in the fourth round the Arizona Cardinals select Fernando Newton, Defensive End out of UCLA.

With the fifteenth pick in the sixth round the Buffalo Bills select Lester Knight, Wide Reciever out of Michigan.

None of the Quarterbacks, Sammie Welch, Courtney McGregor, or Darrell Brady were selected.

[SnDvls]

Season 6: Offseason

Eric Shaw: Well guys thanks for all six of you joining me tonight. You've all taken different paths to get here and how different they have become. First, Lenny you have a redshirt year burned for two games in your freshmen year at Syracuse and then you are a first round pick sitting second in the depth chart for the Patriots. Then the other five of you have from great college careers to above average with your teams and the three QBs don't even get drafted, while Lester goes in the sixth round and Fernando goes in the fourth. Tell me how's it feel right now?

Lenny Durham: For me it's kind of bitter sweet. I get to play and I'm in the big time, however three of my boys are sitting waitng for a chance just to get on a team it's hard.

Courtney McGregor: I went through this at Tennessee, I'll survive. I know I can play at this level I just need a chance to show what I can do. This was a loaded QB draft and once and if I get the oppertunity I'll be successful. I just don't understand how Sammie is still not on a team.

Sammie Welch: You and I both. I think the fact that I was hurt for parts of the last two years hurt me, but like Courtney and I'm sure Darrell will tell you. If we get a shot we'll help someone, if not it wasn't ment to be and we'll be cheering on Lenny, Lester and Fernando.

Lester Knight: It's really a dream come true for me beign here in the NFL. The Bills only have one returning WR on their team from last year and they've brought in a few guys, but I have a legit shot at some quality playing time. I'll be in the ear of my coach and hopefully I can get one of these guys to get a shot and help them have a target to throw the ball to.

Darrell Brady: Thanks Les. You know I didn't think I'd get drafted so I'm not upset at the fact I'm a free agent. That way who ever picks me up really wants me and needs me so we'll see what happens.

ES: Fernando, tell us about the Cardinals.

Fernando Newton: Well I hate to say it, but they are bad. Real bad, but that's good for me. The whole D-line is new to the Cards which means I can go prove myself right away, but we're gonna be bad for a while, I think in the last five years they've only won 17 games so we've got a lot of work to do, but I'm ready for the challenge.

ES: Well to the three of you good luck on this year and I hope you bring your teams a lot of success. To the three QBs I wish you luck on hooking up with a team this year.

[SnDvls]

Season 6: 2009 Offseason

Lester Knight turned down a 3 year $1.59 Mil offer

Fernando Newton signed a 4 year $3.06 mil contract with $170,000 signing bonus

[SnDvls]

Season 6: Offseason continued

Lester Knight signed a 3 year $1.67 Mil offer with a $40,000 signing bonus

[SnDvls]

Season 6: Preseason

Lester Knight, WR, Buffalo Bills; Lester is second on the depth chart behind started Darrin Walls, FL, who started 16 games for Denver last year with 942 yard and 9 TDs. Lester will see plenty of action this year in 3 or 4 WR sets and if Walls suffers an injury the starting job is his.

Fernando Newton, DE, Arizona Cardinals; Fernando is the first LDE off the bench playing behind John Engelberger who last year played for Kansas City starting 16 games with 35 Tackles and 8.5 Sacks. Like Lester and Lenny Fernando will get some quality time this year.

Lenny Durham, RB, New England; Lenny finds himself still as the backup to Shawn Bryson who had his best year ever yards wise. Lenny could sneek in here and there, but it the backup for the year. He still might be another two years away from starting because of Bryson's contract with the Pats.

[SnDvls]

Season 6: Recap

None of the three QBs was picked up

Lester Knight (WR Buffalo Bills) played in 9 games starting 4 of them getting 24 receptions for 288 yards and 0 TDs. The Bills went 5-11 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona Cardinals) played in 16 games starting 1 of them getting 4 tackles and 0 sacks. The Cardinals went 6-10 and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Lenny Durham (RB New England Patriots) played in 11 games getting 368 yards on 98 carries with 5 TDs. The Patriots went 10-6 and made the playoffs winning their division with a first round bye.

[SnDvls]

Season 6: Playoffs

Lenny had 4 carries for 6 yards in a Patriot's win over Jacksonville 23-3 in the conference semi-finals

Lenny had 3 carries for 9 yards in a Patriot's loss to Cincinnati 24-21 in the league championships.

Dallas beat Cincinnati in the Super Bowl 27-17

[SnDvls]

Season 7

The three QBs never played last year in the NFL and have left the league.

Lenny Durham (RB New England) finally gets his chance to shine as the Pats waived Shawn Bryson so it's Lenny's job this year we'll see how he does.

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona) moved to RDE and will start this year for the Cardinals.

Lester Knight (WR Buffalo) is still second string, but again he should get into the game in the multi-reciever sets and might get a start if an injury happens.

[SnDvls]

Season 7: Playoffs

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona Cardinals) went 3-13 with the hapless Cards but did starting all 16 games while recording 44 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He failed to make the playoffs with the Cards again.

Lenny Durham (RB New England Patriots) went 6-9-1 with New England starting and playing in 15 games this year while gaining a career high 964 yards on 250 carries getting his usual 5 TDs he also got 219 recieving yards on 29 receptions with 1 TD. The Patriots failed to make the playoffs this year.


Lester Knight (WR Buffalo) went 8-8 and won the division and qualified for the playoffs. He played in 15 games starting in 2 of them with 39 receptions for 425 yards and his first ever professional TD. Buffalo will play Denver in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

[Peregrine]

Wow, bad luck on the three QBs! I have noticed that quite often good TCY QBs never translate into good FOF QBs, which of course is like real life. But all three is just bad luck.

[SnDvls]

Wow, bad luck on the three QBs! I have noticed that quite often good TCY QBs never translate into good FOF QBs, which of course is like real life. But all three is just bad luck.

Of the three I thought Sammie had a legit shot, but mabey with the injury he suffered his senior year hurt him and FOF picked up on that, then again it didn't hurt Lester so who knows. One thing I did notice is if you reimport a draft you can get different stats/rankings for draftees which I didn't do to keep it realistic, but I suppose I could have to continue it. I think when these three that are left retire I'll start the process all over again continuing on with some real college records to see if they can break those.

[pskov]

I suggest that you look at the top 10 or so HS recruits, just to increase the chances of getting an NFL star.

Great Dynasty, btw. The format is very good.

[SnDvls]

I suggest that you look at the top 10 or so HS recruits, just to increase the chances of getting an NFL star.

Great Dynasty, btw. The format is very good.

I actually used the #1, 3, 4,9,10 & 11 rated recruits and #'s 4,9,& 10 didn't make it just goes to show you how TYC and FOF could effect and differ the outcome.

Again I knew going into this that there were no guarantees and it could have all blown up in my face had none of them been drafted.

Thanks for reading

[SnDvls]

I actually used the #1, 3, 4,9,10 & 11 rated recruits and #'s 4,9,& 10 didn't make it just goes to show you how TYC and FOF could effect and differ the outcome.

Again I knew going into this that there were no guarantees and it could have all blown up in my face had none of them been drafted.


I should say #2 was a tackle (not much fun to write stats on)
#5 & 6 were offensive linemen
and the others were defense and like you saw with Fernando there wasn't much to write about with a DE sometimes.

[pskov]

I know that you chose top recruits, but I meant follow the whole top ten. :)

I can see your point about linemen though, v. boring I imagine.

[SnDvls]

Season 7: Playoffs

Lester had 1 reception for 24 yards in a Bills win over Denver 34-24 in the wild card round of the playoffs

But...

Lester had 4 receptions for 72 yards in a Bills loss to Baltimore 30-27 in the divisional round of the playoffs

Dallas won the Super Bowl 38-10 of Kansas City

[SnDvls]

Season 8: Offseason

Lester Knight (WR) was released by the Buffalo Bills

Lenny Durham (RB) was released by the New England Patriots

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis Rams) signed a 2 year $2.34 million contract with a $50,000 signing bonus

[SnDvls]

Season 8

Lester Knight (WR) still is a free agent prior to the pre season and it looks like his playing days may come to an end soon

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona) is sent back to second string RDE as the Cardinals brought in former Panther starter Elton Patterson to take his job and position. We'll have to see if Fernando can regain his starting job or he might get cut at the end of the year.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) has won the starting job for the Rams and looks to take out his frustration from being cut by the Patriots on his opponents this year.

[SnDvls]

Season 8: Update

Lester Knight (WR Arizona) was signed to a one year contract for $600,000 by the Cardinals, but is placed on the inactive roster so he'll only get playing time if an injury happens.

[SnDvls]

Season 8: End of Season

Well none of the boys saw the post season this year so on to the stats.

Lester Knight (WR Arizona) got into 8 games with 7 receptions for 104 yards and 1 TD. Lester looks like he'll soon be out of the league and was lucky the Cards picked him up for one year. If he doesn't get signed in the offseason look for this to be Lester's last in the NFL.

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona) played in all 16 games starting 8 of them racking up 10 Tackles and 1.5 Sacks in a 7-9 season for Arizona, their best so far. Fernando has a year left on his current contract and should be back as a backup for the Cards.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) made the most out of his new home with the Rams starting all 16 games, but having a below average season. He carred the ball 190 times for 644 yards and 2 TDs, however he did have career highs in recieving yards with 265 on 43 receptions with 2 TDs. The Rams went 4-12 and failed to make the playoffs.

Jacksonville beat Tampa Bay 14-6 in the Super Bowl

[SnDvls]

Season 9: Offseason

Lenny Durham (RB) was waived by the St. Louis Rams.

Lester Knight (WR Arizona) resinged with the Cardinals for one year at $890,000 with a $140,000 signing bonus.

Lenny Durham (RB Miami) signed a 3 year contract for $3.95 million with a $60,000 signing bonus with the Dolphins.

[SnDvls]

Season 9

Lester Knight (WR Arizona) is the third string FL and will get minimal playing time, but gets to see his career extended one more year in the NFL.

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona) regains his starting RDE position, due to cutting the previous started, and hopes to improve on his stats from the last time he was the regular started there.

Lenny Durham (RB Miami) looks to prove himself again with another team going back to play his origianl team, New Englad, twice a year. He will be the starting RB just like he was with the Rams last year and will be expected to carry the load as the three backs behind him have combined 2 starts in 10 seasons.

[kingfc22]

Looks like Lenny is the going to be the only guy to have a career and a mediocre one at best. Very good dynasty though.

[SnDvls]

Season 9: Recap

Lester Knight (WR Arizona) actually got into 13 games and started 2 of them having 12 receptions for 127 yards and 0 TDs

Fernando Newton (DE Arizona) played in 14 games starting all of them, but he wasn't able to do much as he got 30 Tackles and 1 Sack for the year and the Cardinals fell back to their usual selves with a 1-15 records, and like usual they failed to make the playoffs.

Lenny Durham (RB Miami) helped the Dolphins make the playoffs going 11-5 for second in thier division. Lenny rushed for 1049 yards on 257 carries with 4 TDs in 14 games in which he started all of them. He also set another career record in recieving yards with 432 on 45 receptions and 3 TDs.

[SnDvls]

Looks like Lenny is the going to be the only guy to have a career and a mediocre one at best. Very good dynasty though.

Looks that way. Thanks for reading, I'm pretty sure once the three of these guys retire I'll keep it going with some more recruits.

[SnDvls]

Season 9: Playoffs

Lenny Durham (RB Miami) is out with a hyperextended elbow and did not play, but Miami won 33-13 over Oakland in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

Lenny did not play again as Miami won 19-17 over Pittsburgh in the Divisional Playoff Round.

Lenny was healthy enought to start against Jacksonville in a win 20-7. He had 25 rushed for 64 yards 0 TDs and 2 receptions for 11 yards and 1 TD. Miami and our first player made the Super Bowl.

[SnDvls]

Season 9: Super Bowl

Lenny Durham (RB Miami) helped lead the Dolphins over Tampa Bay 31-27 for his first championship carring the ball 26 times for 123 yards and 1 TD. Lenny is the first player of the original six recurits to make it this far and win the Super Bowl. He joins Fernando Newton as the only players to win a championship in either the college or pro ranks.

[SnDvls]

Season 10: Offseason

Lester Knight (WR) became a free agent and was not signed after the first free agent period.

Fernando Newton (DE) became a free agent and was not signed after the first free agent period.

Lenny Durham (RB) was released by Miami in what seems to be an annual ritual for him.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) signed a 5 year $30.62 million contract with a signing bonus of $1,470,000 and the final year voidable if he rushes for 600 yards. Lenny will be joining St. Louis for a second time in his career.

[SnDvls]

Season 10: Offseason continued

Fernando Newton (DE Jacksonville) signed a 2 year $2.59 million contract with a $180,000 signing bonus.

Lester Knight (WR) still was unsigned after the second phase of free agent signing.

[SnDvls]

Season 10: pre season

Lester Knight (WR Jets) signed a one year contract worth $930,000 with no bonus with the Jets to prolong his career. He will be the second string WR and will be able to add to his career stats and will probally get a start or two due to injury, but don't expect much more from him.

Fernando Newton (DE Jacksonville) will begin the year as the starting RDE for the Jags upseting last years starter. If he wishes to stay here next year he needs to produce more than the 1 sack he had last year.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) begins his second stint with the Rams and coming in right where he left off as the teams starting RB. Hopefully this time he'll stick with the team for more than one year and his experience with Miami will rub off on the Rams.

[kingfc22]

Win a Super Bowl and get cut. Harsh. At least Durham got a nice payday in his return to the Rams.

[SnDvls]

Season 10: End of Season

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) started all 16 games for the Rams rushing for a career high 1088 yards with 275 carries and 5 TDs. He also had 327 recieving yards on 41 receptions with 0 TDs, but the Rams went 7-9 and missed the playoffs.

Lester Knight (WR New Jersey Jets) only got into 2 games this year before suffering an ACL knee injury getting 40 yards on 3 catches. The Jets went 7-9 and missed the playoffs. This is Lester's second major injury, one in his senior of college and now this one.

Fernando Newton (DE Jacksonville) helped lead the Jags to a league leading 14-2 record while having his best year ever starting all 16 games getting 46 tackles and 8 sacks.

Sammie Welch (QB) was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame.

[SnDvls]

Season 10: Playoffs

Fernando Newton (DE Jacksonville) lost to Baltimore 34-20 in the Conference Semifinals. Fernando had 4 tackles in the game.

The Giants beat the Dolphins 31-7 in the Super Bowl

[SnDvls]

Season 11: Offseason

Fernando Newton (DE) was released by Jacksonville

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) signed a renegotiated contract for 5 years $20.27 million with a $2,480,000 signing bonus.

[SnDvls]

Season 11: Offseason Continued

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) signed a 4 year $26.64 million dollar contract with a signing bonus of $2,360,000.

Lester Knight (WR) is still recovering from his injury and went unsigned.

[SnDvls]

Season 11

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) is the starting RDE for the Broncos hoping to last his four year contract out with Denver as this may be the last big contract he signs.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) will return as the starting RB for the Rams and after renegotiating his contract looks to be with the Rams for the long haul this time hopefully getting them to the playoffs and beyond.

[SnDvls]

Season 11

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) had a down year to go along with his team's 5-11 record. He had 998 yards with 223 carries and 4 TDs starting all 16 games. He also had 4 recieving TDs with 437 yards and 57 receptions. However, the Rams failed to make the playoffs.

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) started 16 games for the Broncos with 52 tackles and 6 sacks. Denver went 7-9 though and missed the playoffs.

Lester Knight (WR) spent the year as an unsigned free agent.

Washington beat Miami 27-20 to win the Super Bowl

[SnDvls]

Season 12: Offseason

Lester Knight (WR) spent part of the year recovering from his ACL injury and then then unsigned so at the end of the year he retired from football ending an unimpressive pro career. Being a 6th round draft pick, 15th of the round, by the Buffalo Bills he played from 2009-2013 with three teams, the Bills for two years, the Cardinals for two years and one year with the Jets. For his career he had 85 receptions for 984 yards and 2 TDs playing in 47 total games and starting 8 of them.

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) signed a renegotiated contarct with the Broncos for 4 years $25 million with a signing bonus of $3,800,000 for the first three years and $1,440,000 for the final year.

[SnDvls]

Season 12

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) returns again as the Broncos' starting RDE hoping to improve on last season's record of 7-9 and making the playoffs and have some success like he did in college at UCLA.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) has a tight grasp on the starting RB job for the Rams. Now only if he could break the 6 TD barrier and have a superior year. Lenny needs to perform like a first round pick, only it's a few years too late to make up for lost time.

[SnDvls]

Season 12: Playoffs

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) missed the playoffs going 7-9 again with the Broncos. He had an off year with only 4.5 sacks, but he did post a career high 60 tackles in the 16 games he started.

Lenny Durham (RB St. Louis) just missed the playoffs going 10-6. The Rams needed to win thier last game of the year against Seattle, but fell short 17-6 and missed out on the postseason. Lenny ended up losing his starting job to second year man and past 1st round pick Van Christman in the preseason in a shocking move by the Rams. He did play in all 16 games having 390 yards on 83 carries with 3 TDs.

Cleveland beat Seattle in the Super Bowl 19-16

[SnDvls]

Season 12: End of Year

Lenny Durham (RB) has finally called it quits ending his 8 year NFL career. Lenny finally saw that his time had passed once he was suddenly second string for the Rams last year. While never gaining any individual honors he was always a team player and was able to get one Super Bowl ring in 2012. Lenny played for 3 teams in his pro career; 3 with New England where he was the 19th overall draft pick by the Patriots, 4 years with the Rams over two different stints, and one year with Miami. He played from 2008-2015 gaingin 6,108 yards on 1,507 carries in 120 games with 77 starts and 33 rushing TDs. His recieving performance was 244 receptions for 1,879 yards and 10 TDs. Lenny ranks 4th overall in career rushing yards with New England, 8th in career rushing yards with Miami, 1st in career rushing yards with St. Louis, and 32nd in his career in rushing yards in the NFL. What a great ride it has been with Lenny and he'll be missed in the NFL.

[SnDvls]

Season 13

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) is the last of the six still active and for this year he has moved backed to his first position of LDE and will start for the Broncos there. Fernando still has at least two years in him, unless he gets injured, but this might be his last as a starter. Hopefully he can get the Broncos over that 7-9 hump they've been in the last two years.

[SnDvls]

Season 13: Post Season

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) started all 16 games for the Broncos leading them to a 10-6 record and into the playoffs. He recorded 34 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his 16 games .

Denver beat Cleveland 22-17 in the Wild Card round and Fernando had 3 tackles and 0 sacks in the game.

Denver lost 24-3 to Pittsburgh in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs while Fernando had 3 tackles and 0 sacks in the game.

The Giants beat the Colts 23-20 in the Super Bowl

[SnDvls]

Season 14: Offseason

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) signed a renegotiated contract for 3 years $24.65 million with a signing bonus for $7,790,000 for year one, $5,430,000 for year two, and $3,990,000 for year three.

[SnDvls]

Season 14

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) returns as the starting LDE, but he now has turf toe that isn't healing and this may prove to be his last year.

[Peregrine]

If you decide to start over with new players, SnDvls, I'd like to see some different defensive players, like possibly a linebacker, included. It also might be nice, if possible, to see if any top recruits sign with small schools, I usually see one or two in the top 100 do this, and I think it might liven up the dynasty by including that angle. Not only that but they're a lot more likely to be a starter at a smaller school.

[SnDvls]

If you decide to start over with new players, SnDvls, I'd like to see some different defensive players, like possibly a linebacker, included. It also might be nice, if possible, to see if any top recruits sign with small schools, I usually see one or two in the top 100 do this, and I think it might liven up the dynasty by including that angle. Not only that but they're a lot more likely to be a starter at a smaller school.

That would be an interesting twist. Sounds like something fun as well. I'm going to continue it for sure with six more players. I really don't have any control over who the player signs with, but I can see if he has a favorite already and try that. Presuming that the top player is a QB/RB/WR they will be in there. The break down in an ideal world would be 2-3 QBs, 2-3 RBs, and 1-2 LBs or CBs and then 1 other position that gives stats of more than key run blocks or punts/kicks. Believe me I'm all for special teams and the O-line, but they arent' much fun to write about. Look for "The Following 2: The Second Wave" soon as Fernando looks like he might retire soon.

[SnDvls]

Season 14: Playoffs

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) saw his team fall back into the 7-9 rutt they have been in since he got there except for one year. He did play in 9 games starting all of them getting 24 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He suffered a torn calf muscle which held him out toward the end of the season.

Indianapolis beat Tampa Bay 21-18 in the Super Bowl

[Peregrine]

I really don't have any control over who the player signs with, but I can see if he has a favorite already and try that.

Well I'm not saying you should run through the recruitment and look for good players in small schools, then do the writeups afterward...or well maybe I am saying that! :)

[SnDvls]

Season 15

Fernando Newton (DE Denver) has healed from all his injuries and is again the starting LDE for the Broncos. Hopefully he'll be able to get out of the 7-9 funk he's been in for the last couple of years and make the playoffs.

[SnDvls]

The Following 2: The Second Wave

According to Rivals.com top 100 these players are some of the best at their positions and should have schools from all over calling them and recruiting them to come play at their school. Unlike the first group of six these young men are not as highly rated, but are still some of the top players in their position. We'll introduce you to them this week and then give you some more information next week prior to the recruiting process begining.

The first recruit we'll look at is the #3 rated overall recruit and #1 RB out of Locust Fork High School in Locust Fork, Alabama, his name is Marco Mueller.

The second recuit is out of Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York. He is the #1 rated WR and the #7 overall prospect, his name is Darryl Fallon.

Our third recuirt is Wayne Cooley an OLB from Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia. Wayne is the #1 rated OLB and the #12 overall recruit.

Kevin Slayton #1 rated CB and #13 overall is the fourth recruit is from Grand Ledge High School in Grand Ledge, Michigan.

Kim Daniels the #1 rated QB and #27 overal recruit is from Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose, California and will be our fifth recurit.

Our sixth and final recurit is #2 rated QB and #30 overall, Thomas Ellard from Northfield High School in Northfield, Minnesota.