Signing Day - Sam Houston State and NDSU

It is time to look at some of the big news from the FCS and that is recruiting. Now, signing day is a little different in the FCS as big star athletes seldom come to the FCS, so not as many immediate impact players are coming. But still as NDSU proved good signing classes still lead to titles. We will look at some FCS power houses, but no reason not to start with the title game participants.

NDSU is the champ and so they are up first. And they had a very good class, but they also have a few holes to fill in their line up. NDSU has 18 players on the way with a 19th (Devon Dwiddle from a community college) probably on his way. Craig Bohls has said that four or five guys can play right away from this class and one would have to think that it includes Jack Plankers a 6'7" 290lbs O-Lineman. That kind of size is rare and it can make a huge impact with their running game up there. Brett Pierce a 6'6" 250lbs DE could be another. Bohl continues to take players from NE as well getting Sam Hahn a 6'6" 260lbs OL, who the university of Nebraska tried to get as a walk-on, but he took the scholarship from NDSU instead. QB Derek McGuinnis from Crete, NE signed as well. Bo Liekhus a safety from Bellevue, NE also signed with NDSU.

NDSU needed the most help at Running back, but Dwiddle will be the only one in the class. Dwiddle has had knee problems in the past (at K-State), but seems healthy now. Apparently John Crockett might be eligible academically. Interesting who will be the RB up in Fargo.

Sam Houston State has a lot of players returning, and so almost none of these 16 players will see much time and most will be red shirted. Although for the future you may want to keep your eye on Roclain Drain a 6'4" 255lbs O lineman and Steven Hicks the only RB in the group. The one exception to not playing this year may be Quaylon Ewing-Burton a DB transfer from Boise State.

The Big problem that Sam Houston State is going to have is the loss of the Offensive Coordinator and the O Line coach to New Mexico. The Bearkats had a potent offense, and now they will have to learn a new one. How smoothly that goes is a big factor in Sam Houston challenging again for the title.