The Official Draft Corey Lynch Thread

[BowlenBall]

If we don't take Kenny Phillips at #12, this is who we should pray falls to us in the 4th round. Lynch has got "it", that football ninja sense that only a few safeties have (Ronnie Lott, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu). Not saying he'll be as good in the pros as those guys, but definitely worth a flyer. Here are some reasons why I'm so high on him:

1. Amazing production: tackles, interceptions, fumble recoveries, blocked field goals -- this guys was freakin' everywhere! This three time all-american dominated his level of competition.

2. Big game player: Lynch blocked the last second field goal in the Michigan game to secure the victory -- also came up big consistently in the 1-AA playoffs every year.

3. A winner: three-time national champion, three time all-american

4. Smart, tough, a team leader, and an all-around good guy: National honor society member in high school and a team captain in college (Shanny loves team captains....)

Here's his bio (courtesy of Appalachian State) which doesn't include 2007 stats:

Corey Lynch
Number: 47
Class: Sr.
Hometown: Cape Coral, Fla.
High School: Evangelical Christian
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Position: DB
Birthdate: May 7, 1985

Play-making safety returns for his fifth season in the Black & Gold ... looking to become ASU’s first three-time all-American since Dexter Coakley wrapped up his second-straight Buck Buchanan Award in 1996 ... ranks among school’s all-time leaders in interceptions (18) and fumble recoveries (6) ... Appalachian is 32-9 with Lynch in the lineup the past four seasons and 7-4 without him ... an even more telling stat to show that as Lynch goes, so do the Mountaineers: ASU is 15-0 in games when Lynch intercepts a pass ... in addition to being a ball-hawk, the 6-0, 205-pounder is also a sure tackler ... he needs just 73 stops this season to move into Appalachian’s top 10 for all-time tackles.

2006: Earned first-team all-America recognition from College Sporting News and second-team honors from The Sports Network ... a first-team all-Southern Conference selection by the league’s coaches and media ... despite missing two games (regular-season finale and playoff opener) due to an elbow injury suffered versus The Citadel, tied for SoCon and team lead with five interceptions on the season ... five total INTs were good for a tie for ninth nationally ... three of his five interceptions came during the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs, including one in the waning seconds of the national championship game against UMass that sealed ASU’s second-straight national title ... blocked three field goals on the campaign — just one shy of the school’s single-season record for blocked kicks ... two of the three blocked FGs came at critical times in ballgames ... his first FG block came in the fourth quarter of a 14-7 contest versus Wofford ... ASU would up holding on for the seven-point win ... the second came with the Mountaineers tied up with arch-nemisis Furman late in the first half ... Lynch not only blocked the 31-yard attempt by FU’s Scott Beckler, but also scooped up the loose ball and returned it 79 yards to paydirt, turning what would have likely been a 10-7 halftime deficit into a 14-7 halftime lead ... ASU went on to dominate the second half and pick up the most lopsided win in series history, 40-7 ... a week later, Lynch scored his second touchdown in as many weeks when he picked up a fumble forced by fellow all-American Marques Murrell and returned it 25 yards for a score ... in all, he ranked among the ASU’s top three in six different defensive categories — interceptions (5), tackles (85), pass break-ups (6), blocked kicks (3), touchdowns (2) and fumble recoveries (1).

2005: Earned first-team all-America status from I-AA.org and second-team plaudits from the Associated Press and The Sports Network ... first-team all-conference selection by the league’s coaches and media ... started all 15 games at safety ... tied for Southern Conference lead and ranked 30th in the nation with six interceptions ... ranked fifth on the squad with 92 tackles ... was second on team with seven pass break-ups ... recorded multiple tackles in 13 of 15 games ... returned from severe elbow injury in 2004 to pick off two passes in season opener at Eastern Kentucky ... made one of the most important plays of the season when he chased down EKU receiver Andre Ralston at the 1 yard line on the final play of the first half ... notched seven tackles at Kansas ... for the second time in three games, intercepted two passes to help lead rout of nationally ranked Coastal Carolina ... returned the two INTs a total of 50 yards ... fumbled on return of one of the picks, which was scooped up by ASU’s Jason Hunter and taken the rest of the way for a touchdown ... had his fifth interception in four games at The Citadel ...broke up a pass in narrow loss at Furman ... forced a fumble in 24-7 rout over nationally ranked Georgia Southern ... had 10 tackles and a pass break-up versus Chattanooga ... recorded a season-high 11 stops and a PBU in romp over Western Carolina ... totaled 23 tackles and four pass break-ups in first three playoff games ... notched his sixth interception of the season in national semifinal win over Furman.

2004: Preseason first-team all-SoCon honoree played in just two games before suffering a season-ending elbow injury while returning a punt with less than a minute to go versus Eastern Kentucky … picked up where he left off in 2003 as he recovered a fumble in season opener at Wyoming and intercepted a pass and forced a fumble in victory over EKU … made 13 tackles in two contests, including a team-high nine stops at Wyoming … received a medical redshirt.

2003: Led the SoCon in interceptions (6) and fumble recoveries (4) ... lone freshman chosen to either All-SoCon team, earning second-team honors from both the league’s coaches and media ... listed an interception in four of the last five games of the year ... started every game, minus the season opener ... totaled a season-high 12 tackles (5 solo, 7 assists), a fumble recovery and a 28-yard interception return versus Georgia Southern ... recovered two fumbles deep in Mountaineer territory at Furman ... collected a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery against Morehead State ... registered a 31-yard interception return versus Chattanooga ... tallied 11 tackles (6 solo, 5 assists) and an interception at Elon ... made a fumble recovery at The Citadel ... carded two pass deflections and forced a fumble at Wofford.

High School: Rushed for 3,000 yards and registered 31 interceptions over his career ... a two-time Class A all-state and all-Lee County honoree ... twice honored as the District 16 Player of the Year ... as a senior, he rushed 120 times for 1,101 yards and 11 touchdowns, caught 18 passes for 490 yards and seven scores … notched 93 tackles and 11 interceptions on his way to being named Lee County Defensive Player of the Year ... a three-time Fort Myers News-Press all-area pick ... National Honor Society member.

Personal: Full name is Corey Austin Lynch ... born May 7, 1985 (22 years old) ... son of Linda and Brian Lynch ... majoring in physics.

[BowlenBall]

And his 2007 stats were:

111 tackles (71 solo tackles, 40 assists)
6 interceptions (114 returns yards)
3 tackles for loss
11 passes defensed
3 blocked field goals
1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
1 National Championship (3rd consecutive)
1 All-American Selection (3rd consecutive)

FOOTBALL NINJA!

[BowlenBall]

From YouTube -- if you're not a believer yet, just watch this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZqkcubYjQ

[BowlenBall]

From a draft website:

http://nfl-prospects.blogspot.com/20...rey-lynch.html

Spotlight on Safety Corey Lynch



One of the best small school prospect in college football is Appalachian State All American Corey Lynch. He is bar none the best free safety in the D-1 Championship series (1AA), and ranks among the best in all of college football. Lynch has been among the best at every level he has played. In high school, he was named best defensive player in SW Florida (31 career interceptions). He has been a college stand out from the day he turned down a walk-on invitation from University of Florida, for a full ride scholarship to Appalachian State. Lynch is no slouch in the class room either with a double major in Physics and 3.0 GPA.

Major Accolades:

* Started free safety (10 games) as Freshman (2003)
* Only Freshman named to the all Southern Conference team
* Six interceptions as a Freshman (2003)
* Thirteen interceptions by the end his Sophomore year
* One National Championship in 2005
* 2005 all American team
* Eighteen interceptions (18) totaled by Junior year
* 2006 all American team
* Helped Appalachian to their second National championship in
2006
* 2006 broken elbow needing surgery with pins. Played in a cast,
only missed 27 days (tough as nails)
* Begins Senior season among all time ASU leaders in interceptions
#3, fumble recoveries #2, and kick blocks #2
* 2007 pre season all American
* First Appalachian player since Dexter Coakley named Three time
all American?
* Avg. 85 tackles per year, on a team full of all American (how is
that possible)
* Appalachian has not lost a home game with him on the field

No greater complement can be made then when another coach talks about game planning to keep from passing towards Lynch’s side of the field. If you look at the 2003 stats, after his fifth game(4 int’s) as safety, teams quit testing him. In 2005 after his fourth game (5 int’s), teams quit testing him. 2006 Lynch had only one interception in the first nine games against teams that knew better then throwing his way. In contrast, he had four interceptions in the final four games (including playoffs) against teams that didn’t know his history. This summer a coach from the Citadel, said it best, “hours are spent trying to know where Lynch is at on the field”.

After the discussion of Lynch being an excellent cover safety, you need to talk about his ability to make tackles (247) as safety on a team that has more all Americans then any team in America. Two National Championships in a row and the longest current home winning streak (27) in the NCAA, means that the team is full of talent. You have to be a work horse to get those kinds of numbers on a team as good as Appalachian. As a pre-season first team all American, Lynch Knows that people are watching. And if he has a break out season the draft grugrus will have to notice. But, Lynch is not concerned with where they think he will be in the draft, he says “Wherever I go, I pray, great thing happen”.

[BowlenBall]

And he's got a hot wife (just married Cissie Graham, granddaughter of Billy Graham).

[BowlenBall]

Star defender has full plate


by Keith Jarrett, KJARRETT@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
published December 13, 2007 12:15 am


ASHEVILLE — Think you’re busy around Christmas time?
Check out Appalachian State football player Corey Lynch’s to-do list the next couple of weeks.

Win a third straight national championship.
Pick up award as FCS’ best defensive player in the country.
Graduate from college.
Get married to Billy Graham’s granddaughter.

“It’s a pretty hectic time,” Lynch said with a laugh earlier this week as he prepared for Friday night’s FCS national championship game against Delaware.
Lynch is in Chattanooga, Tenn., with his ASU teammates on a quest for history, trying to become the first FCS team to win three consecutive national titles.
And while his mind is focused on the task of trying to defend against one of the top passers in the country, Lynch knows much more than a football game is in his immediate future.
“I’ve got a lot on my list right now,” he said. “I really don’t know how I’m going to get everything done.”
A starter at safety since he arrived on campus five years ago from a small private school in Cape Coral, Fla., Lynch was introduced to Cissie Graham by a teammate three years ago.
Lynch and Graham, the daughter of Samaritan’s Purse founder Franklin Graham and the granddaughter of Billy Graham, will be married Dec. 31 in Montreat.
The three-time All-American is among the finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, an honor for the nation’s top defensive player that will be announced tonight at a banquet in Chattanooga.
He ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in passes defended, interceptions, fumble recoveries, blocked kicks and tackles.
At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Lynch is most famous for the game-clinching block of a field goal against No. 5 Michigan that preserved a 34-32 upset in the first week of this season.
“He has amazing instincts for the ball and a great anticipation for where the play and the ball is going to end up,” ASU coach Jerry Moore said.
“You put him in shorts and time him and his speed won’t impress you. But you put the pads on and watch his closing speed, and you want this guy on your football team.”
Perhaps these are the most telling numbers of all his impressive stats — ASU is 44-11 when he plays and 7-4 when he hasn’t over the past five seasons, and the Mountaineers are 21-0 when Lynch intercepts a pass. He’s had six interceptions in 10 career postseason games.
“To me, a leader is what you show on the football field,” ASU quarterback Armanti Edwards said.
“Anybody can get up and talk, but what Corey does is lead this defense and special teams by making big plays.”
A religious young man, Lynch has earned the admiration of his coach for more than his abilities on the field.
“He’s a great leader on and off the field,” Moore said. “He’s very active in our Bible studies program, and he’s special. A special person.”
Lynch graduates this month and hopes a NFL career is on the horizon, but the immediate plan is to get through two weeks that will provide memories for a lifetime on and off the field.
He already has at least one from this season.
“I really didn’t really realize that (the blocked kick) won the (Michigan) game until I was running down the field and got tackled,” he said.
“I blocked the kick and picked up the ball and started running. I wanted to score a touchdown, but I got tackled, and then it was this great feeling that we had won the game.
“At least it was great until all my teammates jumped on top of me. Then I thought I was going to die.”

[BowlenBall]

Beating the Odds: Lynch has come out of nowhere to be a star for ASU


By Tommy Bowman
JOURNAL REPORTER

One image will be forever etched in Appalachian State football history.
It's of Corey Lynch catching Michigan's last-second field-goal attempt in his chest and heading downfield to seal one of college football's greatest upsets.
Another won't soon be forgotten: Corey Lynch hauling in one of his 22 career interceptions, then pointing skyward to give thanks for the opportunity.
Lynch says that he's been blessed to be part of it all.
"From the time I first started playing football, I remember hearing if the ball is in the air Corey is the one that needs to go get it," said Lynch, a fifth-year senior who will be remembered for an uncanny knack to read and react and to be at the right place at the right time.
"I don't know how it works," said Lynch, a 6-0, 205-pound safety who was named the Southern Conference's defensive player of the year this week. "I just have a God-given ability. I don't exactly know how it works or how I do it."
How he wound up at Appalachian State is almost as much of a puzzle.
He played in relative obscurity, by Florida-football standards, coming from a small private school that Coach Jerry Moore of Appalachian jokingly said was located "on an island out in the ocean near the coast of West Florida."
Lynch had 31 interceptions at Evangelical Christian in Cape Coral. No one at Appalachian knew about Lynch, and Lynch knew only of Appalachian from a grade-school teacher that graduated from there.
Lynch had thoughts of attending Princeton, figured it was too much of a long shot to try to walk on at Florida and was recruited only by Army but wasn't really interested in going there.
Dale Jones and Chris Moore, Appalachian coaches, were in Florida recruiting and happened to spot him in a county all-star game.
"We weren't there looking at anyone specifically," Chris Moore said. "I remember there was this big 6-6 receiver going to Minnesota or Wisconsin or somewhere and he ran a deep post and this kid (Lynch) kind of just spun and did a speed turn on him and knocked the ball down.
"Dale and I just looked at each other like, 'Man, that guy can play right there.' He kept making plays covering guys that were going to SEC and Big Ten schools. He was all over the field.
"We talked to him later and he was from a little private school, a single-A program that really didn't play anybody. We just kind of got lucky on him."
Lynch said: "That was the last high school game I played. It was a blessing to me for them to be there at that point."
Lynch, strong in his Christian faith, accepted an offer from Appalachian and entered a public-school environment for the first time.
"There are a lot of guys that love Jesus on this team, so that turned out to be pretty cool," Lynch said. "But it's also nice that everybody seems to respect each other no matter what their views are. I didn't know what to expect when I first got here. But it's been rewarding."
Football rewards have worked both ways for Lynch and his team.
The Mountaineers, who have won two straight Football Championship Subdivision national titles, have won 41 games with Lynch in the lineup. They are 19-0 in games in which Lynch has an interception.
Lynch will likely become the first three-time All-America at Appalachian since Dexter Coakley. He is three interceptions away from the school record held by Larry Harbin, and he has 330 career tackles, six fumble recoveries and has blocked five kicks, all in the last 18 games.
But, Lynch said, it's been time off the field that has been just as rewarding.
After leading the Southern Conference with six interceptions as a freshman, Lynch sustained a season-ending elbow injury while returning a punt the second game of the next season. If he had played one more game that year, he would not have been able to receive redshirt status and gain an extra year of eligibility. The added year, he said, has been important to his physical development and preparing him for a chance at the next level.
He also met his fiancée, Cissie Graham, the daughter of Franklin Graham, the weekend after the elbow injury. They plan to marry on Dec. 31.
Lynch missed the final regular-season game and first playoff game last year after breaking an arm, but managed to make it back in time to help the Mountaineers win a second straight national title.
Asked about a career highlight, Lynch said: "The Michigan game was pretty cool but, you know, when I broke my arm that was quite an experience. It was a good lesson about finding out what God has planned for your life and about not giving up."
Lynch, who will graduate with a degree in physics, is nearing his final college game. He hopes that it won't be Saturday, when the Mountaineers play James Madison in the first round of the playoffs.
"To make it this far there is no point to being satisfied right now with what you've done," Lynch said.
Lynch hopes that his football career won't be over. He sees what another safety named Lynch, all-pro John Lynch, has done in the NFL. In fact, both wear the same No. 47 although that wasn't by design.
"When I got here, they already had that number for me," Lynch said. "I don't know if they had it in mind when they gave me that number, but I didn't have it in mind. But it's worked out for me. I'm asked about a million times a year if that's why I wear that number. I just say that he's my uncle. I'd love to meet him someday. That would be neat."
Lynch has agents calling, and will likely get a chance in an NFL preseason camp.
"We'll see what happens after the season," Lynch said. "Scouts have said some positive things, and they've said some negative things. I don't like to think about it yet. I have obligations to this team. I'll leave that for when the season is over."
The negatives he has heard?
"Some people don't think I'm fast enough," Lynch said. "But fast on the football field is different than fast on the track. Track guys have to react to one thing, the starting gun. On the football field, read and reaction is what it's all about...."
If an NFL career doesn't work out, Lynch said that he might pursue a graduate degree or travel overseas and do mission work.
"I'm just trusting God for that," Lynch said. "If God opens those doors, I'll walk through. If they're closed, I'll go a different route. My approach to the future is that you can't beat hard work and prayer."

[BowlenBall]

I'm not a God-squadder, but Lynch's religious convictions can only be a positive from a personnel standpoint -- much less likely to be involved in drunk-driving, wife-beating, or drug-running incidents.

Corey Lynch a role model for everyone

By Matt Hill

Most people know Appalachian State's Corey Lynch as the guy who blocked the field goal that secured the Mountaineers 34-32 victory over Michigan on Sept. 1.

However, those of us that have been around him the last few years know him as one of the most humble young men we have ever met.
Not only is Lynch a great football player, he is also a fine person and that showed Saturday in the Mountaineers 38-35 victory over Eastern Washington in the second round of the NCAA Playoffs.
On Saturday, Lynch was a huge reason for Appalachian moving on. He blocked a field goal early, then later recovered a fumble and had a key interception.
However, Lynch wanted absolutely no credit for all those things.
"Obviously, I can't take any credit for that," he said. "I have a God given ability. I don't know how balls come to me and they do and I don't know how I catch them. Jesus has given me that talent and I wish to honor and glorify Him through that."
Two weeks ago against James Madison, the Mountaineers used a forced fumble by Lynch to secure a 28-27 victory over the Dukes in a game that Appalachian was very fortunate to win.
With Lynch's humble nature, he would never admit this, but I don't think the Mountaineers would still be playing right now without him.
I don't think Appalachian would have beaten Michigan without him either.
The blocked field goal to finish off the landmark victory was one that has been been replayed all over the sports channels and on commercials.
However, I was very disappointed that he was basically ignored by the national media following the win.
I think part of that is how he is very outspoken about his Christian faith.
I was able to hear his testimony at a concert recently and I was truly amazed by just how his love for God shines through him.
He is truly an outstanding role model for any young child. "He's a good example of what all of us would like college athletes to be," Appalachian head coach Jerry Moore said. "I can't pick one guy for young people to watch, but Corey Lynch would be on top of the list. If you have a son and you want him to be like Corey Lynch, you've hit a home run."

[socalorado]

Ive been on his bandwagon from day 1!
I've had mocks here with him in it going in the 5th round.
Hes one of those "gamers" who always shows up and gives a 110%
every game no matter what.

*SIDENOTE*
It would be cool to have another Lynch come in and take the #47 jersey!
Be like he never left!

[BowlenBall]

Hmmm... no one's adding to this thread, but I WILL NOT LET IT DIE until we draft Lynch in the 4th round!

From ESPN a few months ago:

Small-school standout of the week
Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State
Like the rest of his Appalachian State teammates, Corey Lynch experienced magical moments last week in Ann Arbor that he will never forget. In addition to holding his own in the secondary against Michigan’s talented receiving corps, Lynch made the game-saving play by blocking Jason Gingell's last-gasp, 37-yard field goal attempt as time expired.
What Lynch may not realize is that he maximized his exposure in front of NFL scouts. Lynch is a 6-foot, 205-pound safety with excellent tackling and ball skills. As a junior in 2006 he finished with 85 total tackles, five interceptions and three blocked kicks. A lack of top-end speed will limit his draft potential but there’s a lot to like about Lynch’s toughness and instincts as a possible late-round pick who could contribute on special teams and as a reserve safety. Lynch is currently ranked 33rd on my board among senior safety prospects but his draft value is obviously on the rise after a remarkable beginning to his redshirt senior campaign.

[SoDak Bronco]

Stalker.......

[BowlenBall]

From the web

[BowlenBall]

From the web page of Senator Richard Burr

Burr, Dole Resolution Commending Appalachian State’s National Championship Passes Senate Senate resolution honors third straight title for Mountaineers

December 19th, 2007 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate last night passed a resolution commending the Appalachian State University Mountaineers for their third straight national title in the Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision. Senators Burr and Dole sponsored the Senate measure. The Mountaineers beat the University of Delaware 49 to 21 at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee on December 14. Appalachian State is the only team to win three straight Football Championship Subdivision titles. The resolution was unanimously approved by the Senate on Tuesday night. Text of the resolution is below: IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Mr. BURR (for himself and Mrs. DOLE) submitted the following resolution; RESOLUTION Commending the Appalachian State University Mountaineers of Boone, North Carolina, for winning the 2007 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division 1-AA) Championship. Whereas, in 2005, Appalachian State University became the first team from North Carolina to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football championship with its victory over the University of Northern Iowa; Whereas, in 2006, Appalachian State University defeated the University of Massachusetts football team to win its 2nd straight championship; Whereas, in December 2007, the Appalachian State University Mountaineers won their 3rd straight NCAA Division 1 national title by winning the Division 1 Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as the Division 1- AA Championship), the first Football Championship Subdivision team in history to accomplish this feat, beating the University of Delaware (Delaware) Blue Hens by a score of 49-2 1; Whereas, in the 2007 championship game, senior tailback Kevin Richardson opened the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown reception on a screen pass from Armanti Edwards; Whereas Delaware responded by driving the ball to the Appalachian State 1-foot line, where the Mountaineers stonewalled the Blue Hens with an impressive defensive stand; Whereas, on the ensuing possession, sophomore Devon Moore extended the lead to 14-0 in a touchdown run that capped a 5-play, 99-yard drive to set an Appalachian State school record for longest scoring drive; Whereas Appalachian State extended the lead to 21-0 with 10:22 remaining in the 2nd quarter as freshman tight end Daniel Kilgore recovered a fumble in the endzone for the touchdown as the Mountaineers scored on their 1st 3 drives of the game; Whereas Delaware broke into the scoring column with only 1:10 remaining in the 1st half, in a play that was originally ruled incomplete, but upon official review was ruled a touchdown to cut the Appalachian State lead to 21-7; Whereas Appalachian State answered the score 26 seconds later as Armanti Edwards threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to senior Dexter Jackson, in his 4th touchdown pass this season to Dexter Jackson for more than 59 yards; Whereas Appalachian State opened scoring in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 35-7; Whereas Delaware countered to cut the Appalachian State lead to 35-14; Whereas Kevin Richardson then ran the lead to 42-14 with a 6-yard touchdown for his 2nd score of the game, in which he posted a total of 111 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving with touchdowns both on the ground arid by air; Whereas Kevin Richardson is Appalachian State’s all-time leading rusher, closing his college career with 4,797 yards on the ground; Whereas sophomore quarterback Armanti Edwards had 198 yards passing, 89 yards rushing and 3 passing touchdowns, and finishes the season with 1,948 yards passing and 1,587 yards rushing, falling just short of becoming the 1st player in NCAA history to pass for 2,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards twice in his career; Whereas Corey Lynch finishes his career with 52 pass breakups, capturing the NCAA Division I record for career passes defended; Whereas the team’s championship victory finished off a remarkable season for the Mountaineers, who, on September 1, 2007, in their 1st game of the 2007 season, beat the University of Michigan Wolverines, ranked 5th nationally at the time, by a score of 34-32 in front of 109,000 spectators at “The Big House” in Aim Arbor, Michigan, marking the 1st time a Division 1-AA team has ever beaten a nationally ranked Division 1-A team; Whereas the Mountaineers finished off this impressive 2007 season with a 13-2 record; Whereas the Appalachian State Mountaineers 2007 All-Americans include Kerry Brown, Corey Lynch, Kevin Richardson, Armanti Edwards, Gary Tharrington, and Jerome Touchstone; and Whereas the Mountaineers enjoy widespread support from their spirited and dedicated fans as well as the entire Appalachian State University community: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— (1) applauds the Appalachian State University Mountaineers football team for its historic season and National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Football Championship Subdivision title; (2) recognizes the hard work and preparation of 7 the players, head coach Jerry Moore, and the assistant coaches and support personnel who all played critical roles in this championship; and (3) requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of the resolution to— (A) Dr. Kenneth E. Peacock, Chancellor of Appalachian State University; (B) Charles Cobb, Athletic Director of the University; and (C) Jerry Moore, Head Coach.

[BowlenBall]

Originally Posted by SoDak Bronco

Stalker.......

I've got a man-crush on Corey Lynch, and I'm not afraid to admit it....

[PRBronco]

Originally Posted by SoDak Bronco

Stalker.......

lol

Haha no joke though, the kid sounds like a gamer. I support this thread though just because "football ninja" cracked me up. What's his projected 40 time?

[ColoradoBuff]

get over it.....

[Inkana7]

I can see his only knock being his timed speed. If he runs well, though, by all means, take a 5th rounder on him.

[BowlenBall]

From NFLDraftScout.com

02/01/08 - Texas vs. the Nation Thursday Practice: On Wednesday's report, I was remiss in not mentioning how Corey Lynch displayed the knack for blocking punts his Appalachian State opponents feared. He blocked at least two, and could have had more if he didn't let up. He finds cracks in the interior line and wiggles through. In today's scrimmage, he proved himself able to quickly get towards the line to support the run as well as reaching the sideline to break up the deep ball.

01/30/08 - Texas vs. The Nation - Nation Wednesday Practice: It's hard to see "Lynch" on his number 47 jersey and not think of long-time NFL safety John Lynch (no relation). Corey looks pretty good getting deep in his drops and can also react quickly to a handoff. Takes good angles to prevent big plays. Will form tackle a back, bringing his hips. Has adequate range to get to the sideline pass.

12/17/07 - 2007 All-SoCon First Team: DB - Corey Lynch, ASU, was selected All-Southern Conference First Team for the 2007 college football season. A finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, Lynch leads the SoCon and ranks 20th nationally with six interceptions on the season. His 24 career interceptions are just one shy of tying ASU’s 43-year-old school record. He also ranks among the conference’s leaders in passes defended (13 — t-fifth) and tackles (103 — t-12th). Lynch is ASU’s first three-time All-American since two-time Buchanan Award winner Dexter Coakley (1994-96) and the school’s first four-time all-conference performer since Chip Hooks (1991-94).. The senior from Cape Coral, Fla. became a household name nationally when he blocked Michigan’s game-winning field-goal attempt as time expired to seal Appalachian’s 34-32 victory at FBS No. 5 U-M in the season opener. - Appalachian State Football

[chaz]

i'll admit it...i'm hopping on the bandwagon. it's guys like lynch, who by the way is a physics major-obviously has a brain in his head, and schmitt we need to draft more of... gamers.

[CBF1]

Did you just eat a crispy creme glaze doughnut or is that man love dripping from your chin

[BowlenBall]

Originally Posted by CBF1

Did you just eat a crispy creme glaze doughnut or is that man love dripping from your chin

Mmmm... Krispy Kreme...

[CBF1]

Originally Posted by ExpatFan

Mmmm... Krispy Kreme...

Laughing my Azz off. Great sense of humor ... I like this guy. Put me on the Lynch bandwagon as well

[BowlenBall]

Two more Maners on the bandwagon.... I won't stop bumping this thread until I've converted you all, dammit!




Around FCS: Shining Stars


By David Coulson, FCS Executive Director
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Like a lot of college football fans, I enjoy watching the slew of all-star games that dot the calendar in January and early February. For me, it is a chance to watch how some of the top seniors in FCS fare against their better-known counterparts from the FBS.
And just about every year, we see our favorite underdogs not only introduce themselves to the larger football world, but shine in these encounters.
Just this year, we watched quarterback Josh Johnson from little, non- scholarship San Diego win most valuable player honors at the 83rd annual East- West Shrine Bowl, and cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie of Tennessee State earn an MVP award at the 59th Senior Bowl.
Johnson, one of the three finalists for the Walter Payton Award last season, completed 5-of-11 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown and rushed three times for 91 to lead the West to a 31-13 victory.
Rodgers-Cromartie had an interception to go with four tackles and a pass breakup to help the South to a 17-16 win in the Senior Bowl.
Both players did wonders for their NFL draft potential with their performances, and a number of other FCS players also improved their draft projections with strong showings.
In a weak year for FBS quarterbacks, Johnson skyrocketed in the eyes of many scouts with his combination of throwing and passing ability. In some NFL eyes, he is considered one of the true sleepers of the draft.
Scouts are also impressed with Johnson's upside and aren't terribly worried about his lack of experience against bigger opponents.
Rodgers-Cromartie opened eyes even wider with his outstanding week of practice and gameday play in the Senior Bowl. Questions about his tackling ability and toughness were answered early. That, and Rodgers-Cromartie's coverage talent, have moved him to a position where he could be drafted as early as late in the first round, or early in the second round.
He wasn't the only player to show well in the Senior Bowl. Hampton defensive end Kendall Langford came up with a key 4th-and-1 stop for the South as the North was trying to run out the clock. That set up a late South drive and a game-tying touchdown on the final play of regulation. The ensuing PAT then lifted the South to its one-point victory.
Northern Iowa tackle Chad Rinehart was highlighted for some key blocks that fueled the North's running game.
Delaware's Joe Flacco had a rough day in the Senior Bowl, hitting just 2-of-7 passes for 22 yards and tossing one interception. But, taking snaps under center for the first time as a collegian, Flacco had one touchdown pass taken away when officials incorrectly applied a rule when his receiver had possession of the ball in the end zone.
Flacco impressed scouts with his strong arm and his 6-6 size in practice, though he struggled with footwork. Some reports in a variety of publications have Flacco being viewed as a second- or third-round choice, while other scouts still have questions about him and look at Flacco as a long-term project.
Flacco helped himself some more on Saturday in ESPN's College Football All- Star Challenge. He won two of the three contests for long toss and scramble, beating out his better-known rivals like Boston College's Matt Ryan, Michigan's Chad Henne and USC's John David Booty. Flacco was third in an accuracy contest won by Hawaii's Colt Brennan.
Another quarterback who could find himself as a draft choice, though probably in the late rounds, is New Hampshire's Ricky Santos. Santos had a rough week of practice for the Hula Bowl, with scouts expressing worry over his arm strength. But when the whistle blew for the game, Santos was his old self, completing 10-of-16 passes for 169 yards, though he was intercepted once. He also had three rushes for four yards in the East's 38-7 thrashing of the West.
A pair of receivers, Appalachian State's Dexter Jackson and Duquesne's Bruce Hocker, made their mark at a pair of all-star games.
Jackson's 4.3 speed grabbed the attention of scouts in practice for the East- West Shrine Bowl, and former NFL coach Dick Vermeil took a special liking to the receiver/returnman. Jackson caught two passes for 38 yards and made enough of an impression that he was called in late to play in the Senior Bowl, when another player was injured.
In just one practice at the Senior Bowl, Jackson again grabbed attention, though he was little more than decoy and returman on game day. His draft stock, however, has jumped to the third- or fourth-round range.
Those around the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference have long known what others are just finding out, that the lanky and athletic Hocker is one of the top receivers in the country.
Hocker showed well in the Hula Bowl, catching a three-yard touchdown pass for the East and finishing with three receptions for 32 yards. He also participated in the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star game in El Paso, TX last week and hauled in one pass for 13 yards.
The Texas vs. the Nation game was quite a showcase for FCS talent, with 28 such players on the two rosters. And, the CSTV announcers did their best to play up some of the biggest FCS stars.
Appalachian State free safety Corey Lynch had already raised eyebrows during practice. Scouts were pleased with his faster-than-expected 40-yard dash time (4.58), and also the fact that he measured at 6-1.
During the game, Lynch made an immediate impact, with a tackle on his first play from scrimmage, and intercepted a pass near the end of the first half with one of his classic breaks on the ball.
Lynch also brought back memories of ASU's upset over Michigan, just missing a blocked punt on Texas State punter Chris MacDonald and later combining with Liberty's Vince Redd to block another MacDonald effort. Lynch recovered the blocked punt, but then fumbled the ball away when he was hit on a return.
All in all, the three-time All-American and 2007 Buck Buchanan Award runner- up may have worked his way into a late-round draft selection.
Richmond tailback Tim Hightower followed up on a strong week of practice with a solid game, running six times for 25 yards. The only downside was a fumble - one of six Nation turnovers in their 41-14 loss to the Texas All-Stars.
Southern Illinois lefty quarterback Nick Hill showed he could run - numerous line breakdowns by the Nation squad had him dashing for his life. Despite the lack of protection, Hill was 2-of-6 for 14 yards and was the only quarterback on his team not to throw an interception. He was a late replacement for injured LSU quarterback Matt Flynn.
Jaymar Johnson of Jackson State was one of the offensive stars for the Nation, grabbing a pair of catches for 46 yards and also showing well on returns. Villanova tight end Matt Sherry also had a pair of nice catches for 31 yards.
Georgia Southern's Jayson Foster, for some reason a member of the Texas squad, didn't get much of a chance during the game after turning in a strong week of practice. The Walter Payton Award winner was moved from his normal quarterback slot back to wide receiver and returnman, but he managed one nifty catch and run for 22 yards.
Some of the best play from the FCS performers in the Texas vs. the Nation game came from defensive linemen.
San Diego defensive end Eric Bakhtiari showed why he led the FCS in sacks with a sack and several pressures on Hill and the other Nation quarterbacks. Rudolph Hardie of Howard and Derrick Gray of Texas Southern were also applying heavy pressure, while Hampton's Marcus Dixon was among the best defensive linemen for the Nation team.
You couldn't blame the porous offensive line play on several FCS performers. Among those who turned heads in practice and on game day were Appalachian State's Kerry Brown, Mississippi Valley State's Thadeus Coleman and Northwestern State's Demetrius Bell.
Mike Dragosavitch of North Dakota State has long been known for having one of the strongest legs in FCS, and he showed off at a pair of all-star games. Dragosavitch had a record 69-yard punt in the Senior Bowl and followed that up with some more booming kicks at the Texas vs the Nation game. With the dust settled after the season of all-star games, you can't help but think it was another fine showing by the FCS. And with the draft combine and various pro days around the country to follow, we should see plenty of FCS players smiling when the NFL holds its draft in April.

[worm]

Gee, I wonder who the Mock Saints are drafting this year in the fourth...

[BowlenBall]

Originally Posted by worm

Gee, I wonder who the Mock Saints are drafting this year in the fourth...