North Texas Mean Green

Head Coach

Todd Dodge	2nd year
07-08	2-10
Sun Belt	1-6
FCR	114

Previous Season Wins

Sun Belt Previews –by Tom Farrelly

Head Coach - Todd Dodge enters his second season in charge, the Mean Green were just 2-10 last season but there were some positive signs as the offense ranked 47th and returns eight starters. The defense ranked 113th and needs a major upgrade if North Texas hopes to return to the winning ways that the program has been accustomed to.

Quarterback - At quarterback sophomore Giovanni Vizza set a school freshman passing record with 2,388 yards, he also threw for 20 TD’s including eigth against Navy. He’ll be pushed by incoming freshman Riley Dodge, he is the head coach’s son, and he’s a big time recruit who had previously committed to Texas, expect to see a battle this fall to determine the opening day starter.

Running Backs - Sophomore Micah Mosley got one start last year and improved as the season progressed. He finished with 479 yards rushing and scored 5 TD’s while catching 11 passes. Mosley will step right in and produce and the rushing attack will be much improved this season.

Receivers - The Mean Green are set outside with returning starters Casey Fitzgerald and Brock Strickler, the seniors benefited greatly from the move to four-wide attack. Fitzgerald was named 1st team All-SunBelt, he caught 111 passes for 1,322 yards and 12 TD’s, Strickler added 37 receptions for 391 yards and two scores. Sophomore Sam Dibrell and redshirt freshman Sam Roberson will join the rotation and will have ample opportunities to their skills.

Offensive Line - Upfront they return four starters led by 2nd team All-SunBelt Kelvin Drake, the junior center is an outstanding run blocker. At the tackles sophomore Matt Menard returns on the left side and junior Tyler Bailey will be on the right side where sophomore Esteban Santiago also returns at guard. Victor Gill will be the lone newcomer and he’ll start at left guard but senior Chad Rose will push for time. North Texas must improve in their pass blocking, it’s a pass happy attack and the starting QB must be given more time if they’re to contend this season in the Sun Belt.

Defensive Line - Gary DeLoach returns to North Texas to try to restore the defense they were been noted for, he’s got a tall task in front of him as they finished last season with the 113th ranked defense and were -11 in turnovers. Upfront two starters return with junior Eddrick Gilmore at and defensive tackle senior Joseph Miller, they combined for 83 tackles but had only 1 ½ sacks between them. At defensive end sophomore Marquis Sykes and junior Alonzo Horton will share time and on the inside senior Isaac Thomas will start, Horton is an Auburn transfer who could be a big addition.

Linebackers - The linebackers are led by sophomore Craig Robertson, he had 48 tackles and five interceptions from his weakside position. He’ll be joined by junior Tobe Nwigwe who’ll be in the middle and on the strongside will be sophomore A.J. Penson. Coming out of spring Nwigwe impressed the coaching staff with his run stopping ability.

Defensive Backs - The secondary returns two junior starters in junior Antoine Bush at one corner and at free safety Kartey Agbottah, Bush is a three year starter and will be the units leader. At the other corner will be senior Latif Nurudeen and at strong safety junior Kylee Hill and sophomore Greg Garden will compete for time.

Special Teams - Sophomore placekicker Thomas Moreland returns but following his 8 for 15 performance on his field goal attempts he’ll be pushed by junior Jeremy Knotts for the starting assignment. At punter senior Truman Spencer averaged 41.6 yards last year and has improved each year and could be in line for All- All-SunBelt honors this season. It appears junior walk-on Jamal Jackson will handle the returns for the Mean Green this season.

Schedule - They open the season with four straight no-conference games; at Kansas St, LSU and Rice with a home date with Tulsa mixed in. If they can beat Rice, look for about 120 points to be scored in that one, they’ll be heading into Sun Belt play with a chance to surprise. North Texas will be an improved team in 08’ and will finish the year with 4 wins.