CC.com: What is the general mindset like for the Bobcats during this transition period to FBS? Obviously replacing Wright with Franchione is a huge step up in terms of motivation.
CC.com: How excited are you guys for JUCO Tight End Chase Harper? Any eligibility concerns?
BR.com: It’s kind of been a big whirlwind over the last year, but I think both fans and players are equally excited about the move and the hiring of Franchione and his staff played a big part in that. In the last year Texas State got their official invite from the WAC, athletic director Larry Teis went out and made a big-name hire when he brought in Franchione, and there’s construction all around the football stadium which includes major improvements to the stadium and a brand new track and field complex next to Bobcat Stadium. With all the construction as well as WAC banners and billboards around San Marcos it’s kept excitement pretty high locally because of all the daily reminders. Motivation is the right word this fall with Fran’s staff. There’s a mixture of experience and youth in the coaching staff and we’ve have several players comment to us about how fired up and animated assistant coaches like James Washington are every day.
CC.com: Where are the weakest/strongest positions for Texas State at this point in time?
There is a lot of excitement with Bobcat fans about Harper, but it’s not near the level of talk that there was last fall about incoming QB Tyler Arndt even though Harper is probably a higher rated prospect. That’s just the difference between a quarterback and tight end. Harper has been as advertised through two weeks of practice impressing coaches as both a receiver and blocker. He’s expected to step in and be a playmaker from day one, and if he lives up to his potential over the next two years then he’ll be playing on Sundays.
Harper had trouble qualifying academically with the three schools he committed and/or signed with before coming to Texas State, so there will always be questions about him remaining eligible. It’ll be up to the coaches and especially the academic support staff at Texas State to help make sure he’s as successful off the field as he is on it.
CC.com: How is Tyler Arndt's knee holding up so far this fall? Is he a lock to start under center?
Our weak spots are defensive end and tackle. We have some talent at the positions but players will need to step up. They are getting better since the first day of camp but still have a long road ahead. Getting Adley Eshraghipour back and healthy will definitely help. I expected to see more from Tylond Robertson than what I’ve seen. He seems to still be in the learning phase and not letting his pass rushing instincts take over.
On a positive note, our corps of running backs should be a strong point with Marcus Curry leading the way. The group did take a hit this week in that we lost Dexter Imade to an ACL injury and will miss the entire 2011 season. Look for sophomore running back Brandon Lewis and redshirt freshman Terrence Franks to get more reps in Imade absence.
BR.com: Tyler has fully participated in all drills during camp. At the first few practices, I felt like he was holding back a little. But after seeing him again last weekend, I can honestly say he looked a lot more comfortable running and cutting on the knee. I don’t see any reason he won’t be under center when the Bobcats take the field in Lubbock against Texas Tech.CC.com: Texas State already has seven commitments for this recruiting cycle. Who is the most impressive in your eyes?
BR.com: Dallas McClarty is a kid that really stood out to me. Even though he was looked over by a lot of big schools. He is a high motor kid, and his tape impressed me. He will be a welcomed addition on the defensive line. QB Fred Nixon also has a chance to be special. He could be scary for defenses to try to defend. He chose Texas State over offers from UTEP and Tulsa.CC.com: What's the progress on stadium expansion looking like?
BR.com: It's really coming along nicely. They are working on the foundation and building pad, and putting in 6 day work weeks to try to get as much done before the start of the football season as possible. The track stadium is 95% complete looks really good. Everything looks to be on tap to be ready for the start of the 2012 Season.CC.com: How do you anticipate Texas State competing in the WAC come 2012 and beyond?
BR.com: I look for Texas State and UTSA to both make some noise in the WAC sooner rather than later. It will be important to have some success early with all the uncertainty surrounding the conference. I don’t see why either school should not be competing for a WAC championship in the next 3-4 years. If the Bobcats can go .500 in the conference the first year in the WAC, I would be ecstatic. Looking at the 2012 schedule, it’s something a lot of the Bobcat faithful have been waiting a long time for. It’s an exciting time around both the UTSA and Texas State campuses.CC.com: What can fans expect to see from Bobcat Report after joining the Rivals network? Any hope for a Rivals site for UTSA fans?
We plan on continuing to bring Texas State fans the best recruiting and inside information available. Joining the Rivals team opens up some additional resources that will make BobcatReport even better. For the Roadrunners, I don’t see a reason UTSA would not be considered for a Rivals site in the very near future.
Thanks to Ryan and Fletcher from Bobcatreport.com taking time out of their very busy schedules to answer our questions. We wish the Bobcats the best of luck this season and in the future (except for when they're playing UTSA).
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