The Ace-The Coaching Career of Jordan James

[HARLEE23]

Quote: Originally Posted by thesportsguru11

Aight, I'm in. If you need any help, don't hesitate to PM. Another new dynasty! Loving it!

Thanks and I for sure will! I updated post 2 of the thread with the coach bio and introduction!

[HARLEE23]

WHO?

James hires offensive coordinator Henry

In his first major move as Head Coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls Jordan James has hired a no-name offensive coordinator to join his staff. Dalton Henry, a long time friend of James, is set to takeover the reigns as the offensive coordinator effective immediately. The 22 year old is without a doub the youngest offensive coordinator in the nation. The hiring has been under some scrutiny considering Henry's only experience as a coach was his two years as a graduate assistant at Ohio State.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

They can say what they want, I was always told to surround yourself with people who are on the same mission as you. I have known Coach Henry for a long time and I know he has what it takes. He will come help build this program up with me. He knows my system just as well as I do and I need him here. He is great with quarterbacks and is a great addition to the Owl Nation.

James will however be keeping Roc Bellantoni on staff as the defensive coordinator.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Roc is a great guy and just happens to run an extremely similar defensive philosophy to mine. He knows FAU football and he will be staying here.

[kswgrad2012]

Lotta similarities between you and me. Same home states, same alma maters, similar coaching styles. Interested to see how this goes.

If you don't mind, I'd like to discuss your offense. I liked the description of your philosophy as it sounds a lot like mine. I think of my style as a mix of the Wisconsin power-run game & the Auburn spread-option. PM me if you like.

[HARLEE23]

Quote: Originally Posted by kswgrad2012

Lotta similarities between you and me. Same home states, same alma maters, similar coaching styles. Interested to see how this goes. If you don't mind, I'd like to discuss your offense. I liked the description of your philosophy as it sounds a lot like mine. I think of my style as a mix of the Wisconsin power-run game & the Auburn spread-option. PM me if you like.

Shooting you one right now!

[HARLEE23]

MEET THE OWLS

The Offense

Quarterback Jaquez Johnson last season

At Quarterback Jaquez Johnson, the junior from Starkville, Mississipp will be running the show from under center. Jaquez is an excellent runner and the best thrower on the roster, which isn't saying much. With just 80 throw power and throw accuaracy (best in both categories) Johnson won't be asked to throw too many intermediate routes this year.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Johnson will thrive in the offense. He has the speed and ability to run which I value extremely. Games will be won on his legs this year. He can also throw the ball when needed, and with Coach Henry working with him he has shown improvement everyday so far in camp.

Running back Jay Warren in practice
Running back will be by committee this year as no running back showed enough to solidify himself as the number one back. Redshirt sophomore Jay Warren looks to lead the rotation. He doesn't have the blow away speed but can be very shifty and break tackles. Greg Howell is a true freshman who will get some time. He makes up for his average speed with his excellent vision on the field.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Yeah we will be a committee this year. To say that no running back showed that he was the number one back shouldn't be taken as an insult. I find that we have 2 or 3 backs who can give us production on the field and that is definitely a good thing. Some games Jay may have 20 carries and others he may have 10, same with Greg and the others. If a guy is hot we are gonna roll with him but as of right now it is running back by committee.

Standout receiver William Dukes smiles after burning a corner
At receiver the position will be headlined by senior William Dukes. The 86 OVR 6'4 receiver is looking to have a breakout year that could possibly send him into the draft. Other than Dukes, the Owls have about 4 guys who could all contribute at receiver. Freshman Trey Rodriguez is a name to look out for whether he in in the slot or on the outside. Senior Lucky Whitehead could make an impact as well this year. Tight end Alex Deleon has the speed to beat linebackers and the size to be a matchup nighmare for safeties. He could be a huge weapon for Coach James this year.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Dukes has been flat out killing it in practice. He is big, fast, and has hands like a Tijuana hooker. Look for a big year from him. Trey has the speed where he could beat guys on the outside deep but he also could play a little in the slot this year he is my ideal slot guy. He may even get some carries this year. Overall I am very excited about our receiving core, our passing attack could surprise some people this year.

Quarterback Jaquez Johnson behind the line in practice
If you had to surprise the offensive line in one word it would be "Youth". With only 3 of the 13 offensive linemen being upperclassmen the Owls have a lot of growing up to do this fall. Reginald Bain could anchor the LT spot for 4 years after he redshirts this year. But with 3 offensive linemen rate 78 and up and a starter no less than 74 this line could be pretty solid this year. Tackles Eric Minemeyer (Senior RS 79 OVR) and Vinny Davino (Junior RS 78 OVR) will control the outside linemen positions while Isaac Edwards (Sophomore RS 79 OVR) will start at left guard while Braden Lyons (Senior 76 OVR) will be snapping the ball this season

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

From the numbers it looks like we are very young on the line and that is right. But that can be a good thing as well. We start two seniors and a junior, a long with a redshirt sophomore so it's not like we are throwing out babies we just have a lot of young depth. There will be a battle for the the spot at right guard but other than that everything is pretty solidified so far and I am just really happy we have all these young guys to help mold and develop a long the way. We have 5 freshmen, and I could feel comfortable playing all of them but most will probably see a redshirt this year to save a year of eligibility and they're comfortable with that they see the bigger picture.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Overall I believe this offense is good and will get better throughout the year. The guys have been working hard and I am looking forward to seeing it pay off in my first year here. Lots of playmakers, lots of depth on the line. Everyone has done a good job of learning a very complex system and I excited to get the games started,

[HARLEE23]

MEET THE OWLS
The Defense

Brandin Bryant is a force on the Owl defensive line

The defensive line this year at FAU has some youth. Not as much as the offensive line, but they do have some young guys who can produce very well. With two potential all-conference players at defensive tackle in Brandin Bryant and Trevon Coley, they will make the Owl inside run defense very strong. Redshirted this year, freshman Josh Kendall may not stay on the defensive side of the ball. Coach James believes he realistically could play both ways next year if he works hard in his redshirt year. Defensive tackle Derek Butcher will provide depth on the interior. Defensive end will be a pass rusher by committee this year as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

The interior of our defensive line is one of the strongest parts of our team. I don't expect many teams to be able to successfully run up the middle against us. We do have some quality pass rushers on this team as well. Robinson Eugene and Trey Henrickson will get the bulk of the snaps, but we will rotate as much as possible to keep guys fresh. Shalom Ogbonda is a guy I am really excited to see this year based on his versatility. He is a guy I decided to switch from tackle to end, but he could provide depth on the interior while also getting a quality amount of snaps on the end. Haiden Nagal will also rotate in and see the field a bunch.

Senior Middle Linebacker Andrae Kirk against Bama

At linebacker in Coach James system you have to have speed and he has just that. Senior impact player and leader David Lozandier will lead the efense at outside linebacker. David is the prototypical linebacker in Coach James system. Andrae Kirk, another senior leader on the defense, will be the man in the middle. He's an athletic linebacker who is excellent in coverage and provides excellent run support. Josh Ballesteros is a sophomore who is a stronger clone of David Lozandier. He will be seen out of place sometimes looking confused on the field sometimes though.

[quote=Coach James]You can't teach speed, and these guys have it. We are very fortunate to have as many leaders as we do. David is the captain of this team and just brings 110% on every play and expects the same out of his teammates. He knows what every position is doing on the field and is like another coach. Kirk will bring the wood up the middle this season and Josh has been working hard to get everything right. I told him from day one if he is going to mess up he better mess up going 100 miles an hour. You will also see Kris Harris true freshman outside linebacker at every linebacker position this year. He is so talented you have to have him on the field at some point. Overall I am very excited about what our linebacking corp this year."

Cornerback D'Joun Smith running after an interception

D'Joun Smith will lead the corners and take on the number one receiver each game. He is the most athletic of all the corners and looks to have a big senior year. Cre'Von LeBlanc is a junior who will be looking to make an impact as well at the other corner. The nickel guy will be true sophomore Reggie Brown and Anthony Hamilton the redshirt freshman safety will come in to play the dime corner. Hamilton is also the backup to both safety positions behind seniors Christian Milstead and Damian Parms. Very experienced secondary.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

D'joun and the rest of the corners have worked hard all camp to better themselves each and every day. The reason you will see Anthony Hamilton all over the depth chart is because of his versatility and overall skill. He's a redshirt freshman and is too good to keep off the field. He's a free safety but could fill in wherever is needed. Reggie Brown is another player who can play every position in the defensive backfield but he plays corner. Teams better not sleep on our secondary

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James

Overall I think our defense is full of tough kids who are gonna come out and lay the wood down on some teams. We are a fast physical defense who will be looking to crack some heads this year and it al starts week one against Miami.

[HARLEE23]

COACH JAMES RELEASES FALL DEPTH CHART

Florida Atlantic Owls Depth Chart - 2014-15
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	William Dukes (85)	Trey Rodriguez (72)
TE	Alex Deleon (70)	Michael Harrop (68)
LT	Vinny Davino (77)	Arthur Crouse (69)
LG	Isaac Edwards (79)	Dillon Deboer (65)
C	Braden Lyons (77)	Shane Blair (71)
RG	Mikingson Marsaille (73)	Dillon Deboer (65)
RT	Eric Minemeyer (78)	Arthur Crouse (69)
WR	Lucky Whitehead (70)	DJ Juste (71)	Jenson Stoshak (70)
QB	Jaquez Johnson (78)	Greg Hankerson (69)
FB	N/A
HB	Committee	Jay Warren (75)	Greg Howell (71)	Tony Moore (69)
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	Robinson Eugene (70)	Shalom Ogbonda (69)
LDT	Brandin Bryant (83)	Derek Butcher (67)
RDT	Trevon Coley (79)	Derek Butcher (67)
RDE	Trey Hendrickson (73)	Haiden Nagel (68)
WLB	David Lozandier (80)	Kris Harris (72)
MLB	Andrae Kirk (82)	Kris Harris (72)	Nate Ozdemir (67)
SLB	Josh Ballesteros (79)	Kris Harris (72)	Robert Relf (67)
CB	D'Joun Smith (74)	Reggie Brown (71)	Anthony Hamilton (66)
SS	Damian Parms (74)	Anthony Hamilton (70)	Reggie Brown (69)
FS	Chrstian Milstead (74)	Anthony Hamilton (73)	Reggie Brown (71)
CB	Cre'von Leblanc (74)	Reggie Brown (71)	Anthony Hamilton (66)

[HARLEE23]

2014-15 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Preseason Polls

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 1, 2014
RK	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	Florida State
2	Oregon
3	Alabama
4	Oklahoma
5	Auburn
6	Texas A&M
7	Baylor
8	Notre Dame
9	Michigan State
10	Ole Miss
11	UCLA
12	Georgia
13	South Carolina
14	Mississippi State
15	Arizona State
16	Stanford
17	LSU
18	USC
19	Wisconsin
20	BYU
21	Nebraska
22	Ohio State
23	East Carolina
24	Oklahoma State
25	Kansas State

Heisman Preview

Heisman Watch - Updated: Aug 1, 2014
NAME	POS	SCHOOL		SEASON STATS
Jameis Winston	QB	Florida State
Marcus Mariota	QB	Oregon
Braxton Miller	QB	Ohio State
Melvin Gordon	HB	Wisconsin
Todd Gurley	HB	Georgia

Conference USA 2014 Preview Conference Standings - Updated: Aug 1, 2014
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	STRK
Louisiana Tech
Western Kentucky
Marshall
North Texas
Midd. Tennessee State
UTEP
Rice
Florida Atlantic
Southern Miss.
Florida International
UAB
UTSA
Old Dominion

Predicted conference player of the year: Rakeem Cato Marshall QB