Retro Redemption - Starting over with a oldschool PowerBone Offense (CFB25)

[georgiafan]

2025 Departures

Here we will talk about the 2025 Players leaving the program and break them up into a few categories. We did get some unexpected good news Noah Short the star WR turned HB snuck into the 7th round. He was projected to go undrafted. We will also cover some of the defenses guys leaving. You will also notice most of the key players we are losing are on defense or didn't start. So you see why we are so excited about what next year brings.

Major Loses
HB Noah Short (87 ovr)
Noah was moved to HB (real life position) for his senior year and it was the best move Napier has made in 2 years. He had a monster year and it allowed the pressure off the true freshman HB's. Noah was 1st team all American and barely breaks Napier's rushing record with 1,287. This qualifies him as the 5th best HB he has coached and top 25 all time player. He also becomes the rare Army draft pick.

FS Erick Rose (75 ovr, transfer)
Despite not starting last year Eric makes the list as he transfers out along with another FS and ends up North Carolina State. This leaves just 2 returning safeties on the enter team and It's now scramble mode to find Safeties as 4 CB's also graduate. Erick would have been one of the highest rated guys on the defense.

Key Loses

CB Justin Weaver (81 ovr)
Started last year at CB and had 64 tackles was the highest rated defense player

MLB Kalib Fortner (80 ovr)
The leader of the defense the last 2 years with 80+ tackles each year/

FS Casey Larkin (80 or)
Starter at safety the last few years a high IQ type of player

FB Hayden Reed (78 ovr)
The type of player every coach loves and we also want on our team. He never started, but was a key backup at all 3 HB spots. We knew we were in good shape at those spots as he could fill in if a injury happens. He had 300 yards and 4 TD's last year before taking less of a role this year.

SS Colin Matteson (78 ovr)
A solid starting safety who was unfortunately was hurt some of last year.

QB Dewayne Coleman (68 ovr) / Zach Mindell (64 ovr)
Both players didn't play much with though Coleman was the #2 last year. Both ran about 4.6 (84 speed) and provided depth at a key positions. Army has 1 less QB on scholarship this year.

FS Ryan Grooms (66 ovr, transfer)
He ends up at Virginia in the portal and it hurts as he might could have started next year with a good camp.

Others
OG Tanner Bivins (79 ovr) - Started last year, but wasn't a scheme fit

CB Jayden Mayes (79 ovr) - Nickle CB last year, but Army gets bigger and faster at CB

CB Donavon Platt (77 ovr)

DE Jack Latore (77 ovr) - high rating, but defense produced 1 sack all year

CB Jabil Williams (76 ovr)

OG Ned Brandy (75 ovr)

K Anderson Britton (73 ovr)

OT Royce Poindexter (71 ovr) - Started last year at RT

OLB Andon Thomas (71 ovr)

OLB Eric Ford (71 ovr)

DT Jacob Tuioti (70 ovr)

OT Isaiah Jackson (69 ovr)

WR Liam Fortner (76 ovr) - A high rating and solid starter the last 2 years. But was mostly a blocker

[Lunchpail]

Losing Noah Short suuucks! On a side note.. I didn’t know service academy players could go directly to the draft?

[georgiafan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lunchpail

Losing Noah Short suuucks! On a side note.. I didn’t know service academy players could go directly to the draft?

In 2022 they passed a bill where they could for professional sports and just delay the military commitment. Army has a DE from a few years back with the Vikings now

It took me to till about mid season to figure out how to use Noah since he is was just a speed (94) only guy. Once I did he really went off. I will be loaded at HB so I should be fine at the position. However my
Top guys are all power backs so I could miss his big play ability. Noah has been killing it in real life and they play on espn Thursday night

I’m hoping a elusive back I signed the previous year (92 speed) can improve and get some outside carries. I’ve got two more older guys could possible be a candidates if they improve. I need someone to step up and get those stretch outside runs

So my dang internet went out Monday and I’m crossing my fingers it’s working tomorrow since the technician is coming out. I’ve got like a million updates I want to do as it went off at the worst time ever when I was about to advance to training

[georgiafan]

Army's 2025 Recruiting Class

2025 Offense Recruits Recruiting - 2025
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Amari Kern	QB	HS	New Jersey	6'2	194
***	***		****	**	**
Nathan Rachal	HB	HS	Georgia (impact dev)	5'10	234
Glenn Gore	FB	HS	New Jersey (star dev)	5'11	225
Devante Bradbury	FB / ATH	HS	California	5'9	225
***	**		***
Wes Mcdaniels	WR/ ATH	HS	New Jersey (gem)	6'4	244
Rich England	WR / ATH	HS	Georgia	6'1	204
Glen Howden	TE	HS	Georgia	6'5	230
***	***		****	***	***
Sam Ojomo	OT	HS	New York (impact dev)	6'6	319
George Nienhuis	OG	HS	Texas	6'2	320
Marvin Tongue	OG	HS	California	6'3	314
Johnny Maples	C	HS	Georgia	6'3	301

2025 Defensive Recruiting Class Recruiting - 2025
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Larry Kopp	DE	HS	California	6'5	274
Austin Ghee	DE	HS	Florida	6'5	267
Parker Slater	DT / ATH	HS	New York	6'3	308
John Raines	DT / ATH	HS	Texas	6'3	299
***	**		***	**	**
Josh Browning	OLB / DE	HS	California	6'4	228
Rhett Bajer	OLB / ATH	HS	California	6'0	218
Steve Balducci	MLB	HS	California	6'1	225
Ja'Quan Egnew	MLB	HS	Georgia	5'11	218
***	**		***	***	**
Noah Kane	CB	HS	Maryland (impact dev)	5;10	191
Wade Mangum	CB	HS	Maryland	6'0	167
Jamie Rees	CB	HS	Texas	6'2	177
Tito Bueno	FS	HS	Texas	6'0	185
Dom Droege	FS	HS	Texas	6'2	216
Jesus Guillermo	SS	HS	Texas (impact dev)	5'11	188
Titus Jefferson	K	HS	Georgia	6'2	180

Key Offense Recruits

QB Amari Kern
We are thankful this 3* had us in the top 5 being a local guy even if he has just normal development. We love his hall of fame (purple) road dog badge and could be the #2 QB depending on development on Juan Corp this fall. The 6'2 scrambler isn't a burner just 78 speed, but 86 acceleration. He has a big arm 89 strength and mid 70's accuracy.

HB Nathan Rachel
Nathan is going to be absolute star in this offense and about the highest rated guy we are allowed to recruit at #622. A 234 pound powerback with hall of fame (purple) road dog badge and impact development. When you get a power back 82 strength, 83 carry, 81 break tackle, 79 truck and then throw in 91 speed and 89 acceleration we get excited. We will have to check the legal paperwork on if we get a head coaching job he is allowed to go with us.

FB Glenn Gore
We have gotten super luck 2 years in a row scouting FB's and finding gems on the first tape we watched. This time Glenn's is star so the only one we have had in 2 years. The 3* is a blocker and has 80 lead block already with mid 70's in a lot of categories. Army is absolute loaded at FB so he will be #5 with the top 2 graduating this year. We are anxious to see what his upside is

B back / FB Devante Bradbury
He is officially a FB and would have made a killer OLB with his speed at 225 pounds. His 90 speed and 80 strength means he will mostly be the FB spot in the flexbone. We aren't expecting him to be a great blocker so could play the back up the power HB spot, but not this year. His agility at 79 is noteworthy as being lower then his speed.

WR Wes Mcdaniels
We lost out on the battle to keep the jumbo athletes at OL, so we win this one and keep Wes off the DL. He was projected at TE, but will make the move to WR. We are deep at the position so he will not be needed this year. He fits what we want at WR 6'4 244 with blocking ability and good enough speed (83)

OT Sam Ojomo
Sam is going to do everything he can to make his case to play as a true freshman with impact development and a 3*. His 87 strength, mid to high 70s for power blocking and 81 impact block along with 2 mental abilities. If he starts and at what position will hinge on the development of last years huge OL class.

OG George Nienhuis
A 320 pound OG with 87 strength and 71 run block power. We went heavy on OL last year that will get the offseason training boost so he likely doesn't play this year

C Johnny Maples
Sometimes you get luck and we did with Johnny a average looking 2* recruit. We liked the 85 strength so offer him and he came with impact development. We got lucky and star C Brady Small came back so that combined with his development meant we could play our jumbo athlete at DT. This allows us to fix 2 positions at once time. Since we specialize in offseason training, he (ot last years signee) should jump up next offseason before he is needed to start

DL
We sign 4 DL as we needed depth so a few of these will play. We are the most excited about our jumbo athletes playing DL. Parker Slater is 308 pounds with 89 strength and a finesse move in the 80's. He is projected to start next year

LB
We also need LB and get 4 the two MLB bring some much needed speed to the position. Josh Browning could move to DE in the future as he is a power rusher, but just 228 pounds. We didn't know where to play Rhett Baker just 6'0 and 218 pounds with 90 acceleration and strength.

DB
We also needed DB and all 5 could see the field at some point this year. Jesus Guillermo is the one with a dev trait and S is easily our weakest position as of now. We like the CB group as well Mangum is fast (91) and can play man while Reis is 6'2 with speed and Kane has a dev trait and a slot guy.

Top Recruiting Classes - 2025
RK	TEAM	5	4	3	2	1	TOTAL
1	UGA	5	24	3	0	0	32
2	Notre Dame	4	19	11	0	0	34
3	Miami	2	27	6	0	0	35
4	Oregon	2	27	4	0	0	33
5	Ohio St	2	20	7	0	0	29
6	Alabama	1	16	11	0	0	28
7	Nebraska	2	10	16	0	0	28
8	Texas	0	23	5	0	0	28
9	Washington	2	9	21	0	0	32
10	Auburn	1	14	9	1	0	25
11	Clemson	2	12	10	0	0	24
12	Wisconsin	1	13	16	0	0	30
13	Syracuse	1	10	18	4	0	33
14	USC	1	10	14	0	0	25
15	Virginia Tech	0	13	11	0	0	24
16	Michigan	0	19	13	0	0	32
17	Penn St	0	17	12	0	0	29
18	SMU	0	12	7	16	0	35
19	Tennessee	0	14	20	0	0	34
20	Oklahoma	1	8	18	1	0	28
21	Kentucky	1	8	7	18	0	34
22	LSU	0	10	24	0	0	34
23	TCU	0	8	20	0	0	28
24	Texas A&M	0	11	15	0	0	26
25	Ole Miss	1	5	16	1	0	23

[georgiafan]

HB Depth Chart Muddled After Fall Camp

HB Depth Chart
#	OFFENSE	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
32	Omari Embree (76 ovr)	HB	5'8	195	Sr.	Michigan
27	Samari Howard (75 ovr)	HB	5'7	185	Sr.	Texas
25	George Scheffler (74 ovr)	HB	6'1	187	So.	Florida
18	Tevin Hocker (72 ovr)	HB	5'8	224	So.	Lousianna
24	Tony Keyes (71 ovr)	HB	5'10	234	So.	Califorina
7	John Hajrullah (67 ovr)	HB	5'10	228	So.	Florida
***	****	**	**	**	**	****
6	Kanye Udoh (87 ovr)	FB	6'0	220	Sr.	New Jersey
45	Jake Rendina (76 ovr)	FB	5'11	255	Sr.	Idoha
37	Pat Skool (73 ovr)	FB	6'1	239	So.	New Jersey
42	Glenn Gore (67 ovr)	FB	5'11	225	Fr.	New Jersey
14	Devante Bradbury (56 ovr)	FB	5'9	225	Fr.	California

Looking back to last year's Team Noah Short was the star of the group mostly in the 2nd half of the year. He broke Napier's rushing record with just under 1,300 yards with 9 TD's. He was mostly a speed guy and the inside runs was for other backs. Thats why you still saw Keyes 586 yards and 8 TD's, Udoh 613 yards and 7 TD and Hocker/ Hayden Reed combining for 250 yards and the QB with 400 despite all the sacks.

We want to first want to breakdown the types of roles for all our RB's and the ones we know. The FB group will pretty much be the same Udoh and Rendina are both seniors and shine in their roles. Pat Skool is a upside blocking FB that we got to get on the field.

#1 HB = ?(preferably a power back)
#2 HB = ? (prob will make this the speed guy to simplify subs)
Blocking FB = Jake Rendina
Rushing FB = Kayne Udoh
Power HB = Udoh (as listed on depth chart, iform /heavy formations
Outside / speed HB = ? (pistol formations/ stretch plays etc)

The plan was move Keyes/ Hocker up a notch then find a speed HB to join the mix. Then Nathan Rachel came into camp drawing Adrian Peterson comparisons and some upper classmen improved. While the young power backs last year didn't take huge jumps up. Let's look at the ratings progression which we do specialize in for these positions

Scheffler +14
Howard +12 (includes position change bump)
Hocker +6
Hajrullah +6
Embree +5
Keyes +5

Top Skills
Fastest = Scheffler 92
Acceleration = Howard 92
Agility = Embree 97
Change Of Direction = Embree 95
Strength = Keyes & Rachel 82
Ball Carry Vision = Hocker 85
Break Tackle = Hocker 89
Trucking = Keyes 87
Catching = Howard
Potential = Rachel

Embree (76 ovr)
While his speed is just 86 he makes up for that with 97 agility, 95 change of direction, 90 acceleration make him a good fit for the outside runs

Howard (75 ovr)
We saw the success moving Short from WR so thought we would do it again with another senior. He wasn't going to play at WR as he is just 5'7. His 4 speeds ratings are all around 90 and does have the carrying. He does have a lot of upside, but its late in the game to cash that in. His calling card is catching by far the best of the bunch. He could be put in when trailing

Scheffler (74 ovr)
After a massive jump up prob gets the 1st crack at the speed HB role with 92 speed and 93 agility. Despite being a sophomore not a ton of upside so likely doesn't get past the 70's

Hocker (73 ovr)
He only averaged 2.9 a carry last year, but still has in game experience and has improved. The thing people will point out about him is he has the highest break tackle on the team while having speed (89). He is also pretty much maxed out when it comes to what matters. A nice blend of size and speed for the power HB role.

Keyes (72 ovr)
We are partial to Keys the only 3* we signed in our first class at Army. However isn't the fastest (just 86) or the best breaking tackle when you compare him to Hocker. However he does have the best trucking on the roster. His mid 80's for a power back on all 4 speed topped off with 88 acceleration for Army is just fine. He does have the production rushed for 4.6 per carry last year with 8 TD's and has improved. Outside of some IQ is close to maxed out.

Hajrullah (68 ovr)
He is lowest on the list so will only play in blowouts or injuries. He is another power back with 87 speed. He could move to FB next year.

Rachel (68 ovr)
We can't view his player card just yet, but once we see that it may be as simple as make him the man. The 234 pound power back has a dev trait and starts off with 91 speed, 89 acceleration, 82 strength, 79 trucking. We will prob bring him give him a few carries in week 1 and see how things go. The negative against him would be the 83 agility and 79 change of direction not matching the straight line speed. With his dev trait and assumed upside that rating can go up fast.

[Lunchpail]

Amari Kern is going to be an absolute stud, dude. That Road Dog badge mixed with a mobile, big arm... oh boy. I'm glad to see my Hokies with a Top 15 class

[georgiafan]

2025 Season Preview

QB
At this stage we don't expect the QB to be the star of the offense more of a game manager. Bolden is the clear cut starter for his senior year despite a meh year starting last year. He isn't much of a thrower (86 power 70's accuracy) and just ok straight-line speed (81). He is much better than he was last year so we expect his stats to improve. He does have excellent agility (93) and change of direction (89). All everyone is talking about is the true freshman Amari Kern who has won the backup job. He is without a doubt the future of the position, so we want him to play a little in every game this year. A strong arm (89) with mobility while having mental and physical abilities means he should be good enough to play this year. What sets him apart is the upside he is has upside in every important category with room to grow in power, elusiveness, accuracy and quickness

WR
A good coach will adapt his scheme to his players and while David Clerk (76 ovr) isn't a blocker he is too talented to not be our #1 WR. His blazing 4.3 speed (99) makes him a valuable weapon that will get the ball in a number of different ways. Despite a 99 ranking as a return guy he will only play that role in big games since the last 2 years the KR has got hurt. Matt Overbaugh (67 ovr) a 6'3 physical WR that can jump and block was expected to be #2. However, he got moved down as Juan Bautista (58 ovr) a former projected TE will start. Juan is a similar blocker, but greatly improved his speed (92) over the offseason. Juan is also by far the strongest WR on the team. We have depth at the position if someone gets hurt and senior Kevin Pointer another block would be next man up.

TE
The TE spot is the weakest again on the roster. We returned a lot of bodies. Mohammed Strong(64 ovr) returns as the #1 and he is just a blocker. His bad hands and slow speed (69) does hurt at times. But he still has some upside as a blocker so gets the start. The #2 guy will be a new name despite being a senior Parker Poloskey (63 ovr) is the best blocker on the team so gets the #2 job. Don't expect to hear much from this group on gameday.

OT
This group is where the #1 focus has been since we took over and we finally will see that hard work pay off this year. The OL will be worlds better then the previous year with 3 starters returning. C Brady Small (92 ovr) is back for year #4 starter and is stud and maybe even a 1st round pick. He is actually easily the best C in the game rating wise. The two high upside freshman we threw to the wolves last year are back starting on the left side. Joel Godfrey (79 ovr) and Taylor Romero (73 ovr) will only get better. Carl Vaughn (75 ovr) gets the start at RG despite others being better on paper. Carl gets the start because his run blocking skills and 6'6 321 pound size. We had a lot of options at RT and go with Sophomore Austin Baugher (77 ovr). He not only comes with a high rating he has lot of room for improvement in run blocking. We aren't going to over any backups but we are comfortable starting anyone in our 2nd unit

2025 Depth Chart Depth Chart - 2025
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	David Clerk (75)	Kevin Pointer (65)	Lloyd Benson (76)	Kris Johnson (68)
TE	Mohammad Strong (64)	Parker Poloskey (63)	Randy Farris (68)	Zaire Holt Spencer (69)
LT	Joel Godfrey (79)	Sam Ojomo (69)	Bobby Biggers (72)
LG	Taylor Romero (76)	Bart Ramboo (79)	Sam Meatogo (72)	Marvin Tongue (61)
C	Brady Small (920	Rob Cobbs (77)		Johnny Maples (58)
RG	Carl Vaughn (75)	D.J Zimmer (77)		George Nienhuis (60)
RT	Austin Baugher (77)	Nick Hadley (76)
WR	Juan Bautista (58)	Matt Overbaugh (67)	Wes Mcdaniels (55)
QB	Mitchell Bolden (74)	Amari Kern (64)	Juan Corp (63)	Hellums (61)
FB	Kanye Udoh (87)	Jake Rendina (77)	Pat Skool (74)	Glenn Gore (68)
HB	Tony Keys (73)	Omari Embree (76)	Tevin Hocker (73)	Nathan Rachel (70)
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	Jose Harris (75)	Jaycee Randoloh (78)	Sam Fogg (72)
LDT	Parker Slater (70)	Lenard Gumb (62)	John Raines (58)	Connor Ramsour (out for year)
RDT	Major Mustard (70)	Tye Dewitt (66)
RDE	Sam Virgin (75)	Melvin Knight (75)	Logan Gore (72)
WLB	Daniel Madison (75)	Anthony Morales (78)	Christian Yousefzadeh (72)	Rhett Baker (65)
MLB	Baylor Newsom (83)	Joseph (77)	Ja'Quan Egnew (60)	Steve Balducci (59)
SLB	Oscar Lamm (86)	Josh Boyett (77)	Elo Modozie (82)
CB	Jaxon Hammond (79)	Zach Lefotu (73)	Jamie Rees (61)
SS	Jake Lindsey (78)	Taylor Westbrooks (66)	Jesus Guillermo (59)
FS	Isaiah Carreon (72)	Dom Droege (60)	Tito Bueno (60)
CB	Joseph Stephens (80)	Noah Kane (60)	Wade Mangum (60)

[georgiafan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lunchpail

Amari Kern is going to be an absolute stud, dude. That Road Dog badge mixed with a mobile, big arm... oh boy. I'm glad to see my Hokies with a Top 15 class

I'm super excited to use Kern and see how develops. He is a example of the fun challenge not being able to redshirt with Army. That hall of fame road dog badge is key and one reason why I went for him. As you can see from the pic above if he can max out his potential, he will be dangerous. But none of the coaches have the QB training skill so it may not happen