UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

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David Frank Athletic Center

David Frank Athletic Center Officially Open

Mar. 2, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — North Florida University, today, held its ribbon cutting event for the David Frank Athletic Center, and already it's obvious that this building is a springboard to enthusiasm not only for the football team but for all athletes and students at UNF University.

Women's track, soccer, volleyball, and softball have taken full occupancy of their individual locker rooms within the unnamed women's suite. The football team's off-season strength and conditioning program is taking advantage of the magnificent state-of-the-art weight training and cardio-vascular machines.

“We’re all happy to call such a thing ‘ours’,” said Lukas Gaines, UNF student government.

The David Frank Center has become the talk of the campus, and each day students bring their friends to see the addition. The interplay between athletes and the general student body has become even better in result.

“It’s really cool, it serves its purpose plus it’s bringing the community together every day,” said Brandon McNamara, a Bethune-Cookman transfer who followed Coach Jenkins to North Florida.

Each coach's success in the recruiting field makes it evident that this building stands as a clarion call for the clear and undisputed statement that UNF takes great pride in its athletic teams. Results already show that facilities do make a difference-not only for this year but for the decades that lie ahead.

It is easy to stand back, observe our young athletes in action and feel extremely proud of improvement at every moment. Attendance is up. Funding is rising. School spirit is sprouting. Campus life has been enhanced. The Ospreys of North Florida continue to make the right tracks.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

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The Dream is Almost Here

May 4, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The prospect of a football team has always loomed around the UNF campus. Last year the idea got intense, especially when the NCAA granted our university approval for a team. Now here we are in the month of May, a week removed from spring practice, and the Ospreys stand just three months away from fielding their first football game in school history. In celebration, perhaps the program is due for an accounting of all that has transpired over the years.

$13 million has been raised by the Fortune 100’s Landstar Inc. and 1,500 Osprey Fund boosters. Ten coaches have been joined by a full athletic off-field staff. UNF has hired teams of marketers, advertisers, and public relations.

“The progress we’ve made here is second to none,” said Head Coach Brian Jenkins. “A lot of it we must thank the community for. They seem to be just as excited about this project as I, my staff, and all of our players are. This is going to be a big thing in Jacksonville.”

Capitalizing on the recruiting advantage as a jump-star program, UNF’s coaching staff surpassed all expectations by bringing 35 of the nation’s finest players to the North Florida territory. These scholarship athletes will be joined by a number of walk on players this upcoming fall.

The university dedicated local businessman David Frank, a UNF alum and donor, with the David Frank Athletic Center, a 48,000 sq. ft. $6 million structure that gives football and all sports a competitive edge in recruitment. It has impelled the campus’ sports teams in their efforts to be the best.

“We all love the fact that the school board is putting together so much to ensure we’re in the best position to grow and succeed in the future,” said Shyla Davis, a UNF women’s soccer player.

EverBank Field has been secured as North Florida’s home for three years in anticipation of the move to our campus location by the end of the term. Twelve fellow FBS football opponents have signed on with six of those games to be played on our home field with the inaugural home game scheduled for mid-September.

As the UNF program and personnel members stop to reflect on the aggressive time line, most are overwhelmed seeing how far ahead of the game we stand, a much stronger position than even the most optimistic of us could have hoped for.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

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2016 Opponents

May 25, 2016

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — I'd like to introduce you to North Florida University's inaugural season opponents.

It begins September 13 at 1:00 on the road against Texas A&M. The highly regarded Aggies return a number of talented letterman from last year’s roster that finished 9-4 under Head Coach Kevin Sumlin as the NCAA ranked the SEC power #21 in the seasons’ final poll.

UNF will continue its road trip the following week with another difficult task at hand as they travel across state for Tallahassee to face Florida State who routes a 10-4 season led by halfback Dalvin Cook and All-American cornerback Jalen Ramsey who won both the Bednarik and Thorpe Award in 2015.

Region Wars

UNF will get its first intercollegiate look inside the EverBank Field on September ? where they’ll play hosts to USF in the developing rivalry game that’s already been dubbed as Florida's “Region War” between the north and south. The Bulls wrapped up with a down year in 2015, going 5-7 record under Head Coach Willie Taggart.

Back on the road, in week five the Ospreys will travel by caravan to the bordering state of Louisiana where they’ll take part in a match against Louisiana Tech who played in their program’s seventh bowl game last year in a 28-18 loss against Louisville.

Clemson and their five All-American players will be the grounds of UNF’s ensuing week match on the road. Prestigious NCAA Head Coach Dabo Swinney led the Tigers to a 10-3 season and #7 final ranking last season en route to a Rose Bowl appearance where UCLA got the best of the Tigers, winning 20-7.

EverBank Field is the site of the October 11 match-up against Head Coach Dan McCarney and the Eagles of North Texas. The Denton, TX based team went 7-6 last season, finishing with the second best defense in their respective Conference-USA.

Playing in their season’s fourth game against a power conference school, North Florida will head up to Oxford, Mississippi for a showing against the Rebels of Ole Miss who finished the year of 2015 at 8-5.

UNF will embark on the schedule’s less challenging portion starting with a match against Connecticut at the EverBank Field. The Huskies of UConn return only a chunk of talent at the helm of Bob Diaco who began his head coaching tenure in 2014.

In the following week fans will enjoy another showing at the EverBank Field as Kent State makes the trip from Ohio to Jacksonville to face off against our Ospreys. Head Coach Paul Haynes and his staff are looking for improvement after reaching six wins in 2015, but falling short of a bowl berth.

Arkansas will be UNF’s last look a power conference opponent as the SEC’s Arkansas plays host to the new program on November 8 at 3:30. The Razorbacks of Fayetteville will introduce former South Carolina Head Coach Steve Spurrier as their new head man after hiring the NFL Hall of Fame inductee in January, talking him out of retirement.

North Florida will hold its “Senior Day” on November 15 against Head Coach PJ Fleck and his Western Michigan Broncos who finished 4-8 a season ago. Although UNF hasn’t grown a crop of seniors, the team roster currently contains a total of 10 senior athletes, all who transferred over from Bethune-Cookman, where UNF Head Coach Brian Jenkins coached from 2009-2014.

The inaugural year ends on November 22 with an 11:45 p.m. night game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome against Tulane and Head Coach Curtis Johnson. The Green Wave finished last year just a win shy of bowl eligibility at 5-7.

Every fan can be proud that we've been able to assemble these long-time traditional football teams. Our schedule might be the most exciting and challenging first year of any team. A successful season against such mature programs should considered a huge success and preparation for a more challenging 2016 season and beyond.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

Sorry for dumping so many post. I'd already made them but intended to post then periodically... I always have trouble with that 😂

But that covers most of the building year, I'll look to write about a few more things before we get to the season

Too bad to hear you feel that way about your Miami dynasty. I can say that I've felt that way about my UConn 'chise at times as well, a good break can help, or simply making changes to how you operate (I changed up my Around the NCAA format over the past two seasons for this reason). Hopefully you'll find it in you to keep it up. Looking forward to this one!

You are probably right about changing the layout, but at the same time I really like the layouts I've got with Miami, they're probably the best I've ever put together. This, though, has been a lot easier writing because its so simple.

I think I'll be able to continue with Miami, I was already only updating on weekends so I think I can probably keep it up. Thanks for commenting guru, hope you enjoy this

[TheOtherPotterGuy]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

You always have awesome stuff man. I am definitely following this one.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

You always have awesome stuff man. I am definitely following this one.

Thanks , really looking forward to getting this going. Got a lot of things planned!

[scdb12]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

It may be too late but one of the things I did for my New Hampshire state Dynasty was the first year make all my home games neutral sites, so it would not effect the teams home record until the next year.

I used Gilette Stadium (UMASS) as the home stadium for the first year. I made year 3 the official home opener of the stadium.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

It may be too late but one of the things I did for my New Hampshire state Dynasty was the first year make all my home games neutral sites, so it would not effect the teams home record until the next year.

I used Gilette Stadium (UMASS) as the home stadium for the first year. I made year 3 the official home opener of the stadium.

That's what I did. The EverBank isn't our actual TeamBuilder stadium. I think that's what you mean.

If you mean the "building" season then no I didn't do that. Would've been a good idea though

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

I'm currently sitting at the preseason stage where I can still create recruits so if anybody wants to make one then feel free to post

Name:
Position:
Year:
Height:
Weight:
High School:
Appearance:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Caliber (4*, 5*, etc):
Backstory:

[FootballFanatik]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Edition to the Sunshine State

Name: Ryan Malloy
Position: HB
Year: FR
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 213 lbs.
High School: Mamaroneck, NY
Appearance: Any face model with blonde hair will do. Stocky build
Strengths: Trucking, Strength, Break Tackle
Weaknesses: Speed, Catching
Caliber (4*, 5*, etc): 3*
Backstory: A small town kid trying to make it into a big name school

[SilverBullet19]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

I love a good team builder startup program. I'll give this a follow in part due to the shoutout to me lol. Love the team name BTW, very unique

[TheOtherPotterGuy]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

Name: William Berry
Position: QB
Year: Freshman
Height: 6'6
Weight: 240
High School: Odessa High
Appearance: Dark skin, Buzz-cut, Tight sleeves, Long TC sleeves on both arms, QB wrist on left and Nike glove on the right.
Strengths: Throw Power, Strength, Agility, Speed, Acceleration
Weaknesses: Throw Accuracy, Awareness
Caliber (4*, 5*, etc): 4*
Backstory: William Berry is a big and physical athlete from Odessa, Texas. He played basketball throughout Junior High and his freshman and sophomore year in high school. After observing him during a game, the head football coach asked him to try out for the team. Berry made it and exploded onto the scene in his junior year, setting records for most rushing yards and most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. After hearing criticism about his throwing ability, Berry spent all summer working on his passing mechanics and is ready to show that he can be a dangerous passer as well.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

I love a good team builder startup program. I'll give this a follow in part due to the shoutout to me lol. Love the team name BTW, very unique

Thanks for checking it out. I know I haven't commented on your dynasty but ive been following it pretty much since the beginning. And yes, I love the name especially how it correlates with ucf and usf

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

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ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS | ARCHIVES

MORE HEADLINES

2016 Opponents The Dream is Almost Here David Frank Athletic Center Officially Open UNF Football Signings Time Will Tell UNF Receives First Ever Commitment Construction Continues On UNF Venues UNF Announces Stadium Deal UNF Holds Tryouts

Signing Day Explanation

May. 25, 2016
Commentary: Brian Jenkins

Commentary: Brian Jenkins

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — It’s a question that’s probably had you stumped since National Signing Day back in February. Why did three of UNF’s top recruits sign on as preferred walk-ons? There’s an easy, yet unfortunate cure to your curiosity.

QB Caleb Poinsette and RB Antoine Bowers were our highest rated recruits at No. 1 and 2. Slide to the fourth slot and Myles Flanagan appears. What do all three of these preferred walk-ons have in common? Far proximities: to be specific, a range of 500 to 3,000 miles out from our Jacksonville territory. Until late January, we had little-to-no knowledge of these three young men due to their distance from campus.

Poinsette (Hillsboro, OR), Bowers (Sevierville, TN), and Flanagan (Green Bay, WI) knew about North Florida, however.

“UNF,” Poinsette announced during his commitment conference. “The minute I read about those guys I was hooked. Unfortunately, it was an inconvenient time, but nevertheless I’m going to be happy when I get there this fall— scholarship or not.”

It was a moment of mixed emotions when my staff and I heard Caleb Poinsette elaborate on his criticized decision to attend our UNF campus this fall. On one hand, we’d landed possibly our quarterback of the future, then on the other hand this determined, poised athlete had just said in front of his family and friends that he was walking-on at a startup football program 3,000 miles away from home.

We would’ve offered him, Bowers and Flanagan the very first week of recruiting if we had the luxury of recruiting pipelines throughout the country. Unfortunately, we haven’t reached that stage. We’d done much of our recruiting either in-state or regional. Due to this, all 25 of our NCAA regulated scholarships had already been distributed without second thought. Surely it would’ve been inconsiderate to pull offers just days prior to National Signing Day.

We figured amongst the office that we’d simply missed out on the trio of talent, yet in the midst of the 20 other commitments we received on the day, we got word that these three would indeed be attending UNF, taking the path less traveled as walk-ons.

Poinsette, Bowers, and Flanagan were borderline FCS-FBS prospects. They’d each been offered by multiple Division-1 AA schools but had yet to receive a scholarship from the FBS division despite being on numerous radars throughout their senior seasons, according to recruiting sources.

That being said, no matter what you think of their decisions, this was an act that took a lot of character. We’ve reeled in three young men that really want to play for our program, and that isn’t always true for school’s recruits.

This is for sure; Caleb Poinsette, Antoine Bowers and Myles Flanagan will be scholarship athletes at UNF as soon as possible.

[beast10]

Re: UNF Ospreys Football: The Newest Addition to the Sunshine State

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ROSTER | SCHEDULE | STATS | ARCHIVES

MORE HEADLINES

Signing Day Explanation 2016 Opponents The Dream is Almost Here David Frank Athletic Center Officially Open UNF Football Signings Time Will Tell UNF Receives First Ever Commitment Construction Continues On UNF Venues UNF Announces Stadium Deal

UNF Unveils Football Uniforms for Inaugural NCAA Season

Jul. 21, 2016

Junior SS Keenan Lever

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — UNF’s upcoming inaugural football season has been the talk on campus for quite some time now. The program, today, brought upon more anticipation as the team’s uniform for the historic season were released to the public.

“I had kids coming to me everyday ask when the uniforms would be released,” said Brian Jenkins, UNF Head Coach and Director of Football Operations. “Well here it is.”

Jenkins will coach UNF football in its first-ever NCAA game against Texas A&M at Kyle Field on September 13th, and the new look will be on display.

The new uniforms are manufactured by Nike, who also provides for the UNF basketball, soccer, and baseball programs. The football team will get the same top-notch quality of Nike apparel as they embark on their inaugural season.

The home uniforms are navy blue with “OSPREYS” print on the chest. Unlike most uniforms, the shoulder area on UNF’s uniform draws contrasts as its filled entirely gray. Names are left out on the jersey’s back but on the side of each helmet are players’ individual numbers, similar to Nike’s Alabama uniforms. Overall, the home look focuses on navy and gray.

“I like them,” said Brandon McNamara, who models as #1. “Deion (Sanders) said it right, you look good you play good.”

The road uniforms are much of a flip-reversal of the home, as usual. There is a large, ”UNF” text placed at center while the shoulder takes on the navy look to cover the upper portion of the white jersey. Though it isn’t pictured, UNF will have at their disposal an alternative set of navy pants that are complimented with a white stripe at its side. These will likely be used mostly on the road.

“They’re our first ever uniforms,” said Jenkins. “These have set a vibe for many of our players. We’ll have a lot of true freshman wearing these jerseys on the field this season, we want them to take pride in their uniforms and the letters across their chests.”