2022 preseason thread

[Seattle Eagle]

I'm interested in everyone's thoughts on what next year's team looks like. We all know the Special Teams need a lot of work but other than that looking at the roster and the schedule it looks to be a rebuilding season for the Eags. For those in the "know" what does our Qb situation look like? I know Gunnar Talkington has been the #2 for the past couple of seasons but I don't know if he's the guy going forward especially when you look at everyone on the roster. I also think we are probably going to pick up some additional help at LB and a few other key positions. Best doesn't like to rely on transfers but if there's some guys who will have an immediate impact I say go for it.

 

[marceagfan5]

At Oregon, At Florida, At Montana, At Weber….next year could be rough…

 

[ewueagfan]

At Oregon, At Florida, At Montana, At Weber….next year could be rough…

+1. Next year will be one to gain some valuable experience for what will be a very young team. I’m also interested in who the next great Eagle Qb will be.

 

[GoldenEagle]

I know one thing, I will feel fortunate to have the opportunity to support the EAGS.

 

[eaglesfootball]

I know one thing, I will feel fortunate to have the opportunity to support the EAGS.

Hell yeah.

 

[luckyintheorder]

I'm interested in everyone's thoughts on what next year's team looks like. We all know the Special Teams need a lot of work but other than that looking at the roster and the schedule it looks to be a rebuilding season for the Eags. For those in the "know" what does our Qb situation look like? I know Gunnar Talkington has been the #2 for the past couple of seasons but I don't know if he's the guy going forward especially when you look at everyone on the roster. I also think we are probably going to pick up some additional help at LB and a few other key positions. Best doesn't like to rely on transfers but if there's some guys who will have an immediate impact I say go for it.

Here was a breakdown of the QB situation posted a couple of months ago... None have left the program that I'm aware of. Agree, if there are a couple of impact transfers would like to see the Eag's pick them up... There's another thread for that conversation too.

Tough going back and seeing all the great recruits who are no longer in the program... Imagine still having Ojoh and Afernee Gurley on this defense as an example :nod:

Same EB3
[media]http://www.hudl.com/video/3/2654154/5721c10dbd746d007c5e2687[/media]

In no particular order:

Kekoa Visperas QB 6-0 190 Spanaway, Wash. / Bethel HS '21 he also played a lot of WR... a lot of similarities with EB3. BIG arm.
[media]https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10211820/5dd6e49bab92020fc850d131[/media]

Trey Turner QB 6-1 190 Pittsburg, Calif. / Pittsburg HS '19 -- wish his HUDL showed him pushing the ball down field
[media]https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3695340/5ba1c27664debf0c8ce9f93a[/media]

Simon Burkett QB 6-3 185 Bellingham, Wash. / Meridian HS '18 was running for his life, could play anywhere
[media]https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4718949/5a2b8685ff0c5e3a1827fe0f[/media]

Ryan Kelley QB 6-3 Transfer from Arizona State Assume he didn't transfer to sit. Deceptively fast, makes all the throws, biggish arm, shoulder issues over 75K Hudl views
[media]https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3698560/584e1af4b5345a17f40fa295[/media]

Gunner Talkington QB -- heir apparent??
[media]https://www.hudl.com/video/3/2140743/5806f0ae7bddf73ae086c8fd[/media]

Michael Taras - yes he's a WR now. I liked his Hudl a lot when he signed. Quick release, accurate and good wheels
[media]http://www.hudl.com/v/2E5LsZ[/media]


As far as I can tell Eagles have lost
Kellen Kranc QB 6-3 180 Enumclaw, Wash. / Enumclaw HS '19 now at PLU
[media]http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5345160/5ba707f0a68098092cb2aed9[/media]

Shane Jennings - I thought Shane had the most upside when he signed... not sure where he went.
[media]http://www.hudl.com/v/2Eq58J[/media]

Nick Moore QB 6-0 180 Newhall, Calif. (Hart HS '17) Dunno

 

[KJEagle]

I think we’re actually ok in a lot of areas. Just young. Obviously Qb is the biggest concern in this offense and we’ll never really had a season without an elite Qb.

 

[marceagfan5]

Next year will be very telling… We have a brutal schedule, and have to replace quite a few. We have a ton of talent waiting for their turn so it will be interesting how next year plays out. It’s a big year for Coach Best….

Our AD needs to get our 3rd non conference game scheduled, at home, against an easy FCS team…

We’ve won 1 total playoff game the past 3 seasons, we need to improve on that….

 

[Obzerver]

I know one thing, I will feel fortunate to have the opportunity to support the EAGS.

Hell yeah.

Respect

 

[clawman1]

We have a 15 year season long winning streak going, will it continue?

 

[Obzerver]

Next year gonna be tuff...real tuff even with good stock coming back and in the wings. Next season will depend who surfaces as our next QB. He will have 'Trial by Fire" and he must be good.

 

[Obzerver]

Joshua Wood QB 6-3 Graham Kaposin who is going to be an Eag currently having a great game in WA state chamionship lead 21-0 over Lake Stevens so far.

 

[tomq04]

I hate to be the downer, but this is the end of the Baldwin recruits.

I expect the next 10 years to be full of 7-4 “what could have been” seasons as long as Best is the captain. We will be able to beat any team, but we will throw away a few head scratchers when we get out coached.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Joshua Wood QB 6-3 Graham Kaposin who is going to be an Eag currently having a great game in WA state chamionship lead 21-0 over Lake Stevens so far.

Damn. Big win.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mo...-over-lake-stevens/ar-AARuaEL?ocid=uxbndlbing

Thanks for sharing O. Wonder if Eastern will be able to hold onto the commit. Eastern has a lot of very capable QB's on the roster, not sure who has the "it" factor. I've a couple of favorites but haven't seen anything on the field from any of them.

 

[luckyintheorder]

I hate to be the downer, but this is the end of the Baldwin recruits.

I expect the next 10 years to be full of 7-4 “what could have been” seasons as long as Best is the captain. We will be able to beat any team, but we will throw away a few head scratchers when we get out coached.

The team on the field this year was mostly RS Sophomores (avg.) ... The recruiting in 2019 was the second best class in the FCS. Those left on the field from the last vestige of Baldwin that had any impact this year was EB3, Sendelbach, Criner and Merritt... Graham was a transfer. All the db's are young, OL is young, LB is young and RB is youngish.

The bigger question is can the kids on the field be coached up with a winning mentality for me. Best is a HC who still lets the moment get the better of him, but at Eastern with all the tumult, turnover and budgetary issues, is likely still the best option for the Eagles. He is a hardcore fan of Eastern and being a cheerleader with passion has translated into reliable recruiting. This is not a talent level issue, recruiting has been good; but a 6-5 or worse season could put Eastern further behind the 8 ball as Montana, MSU and the Cali schools surge into next season and beyond. IMO..

 

[EWU98]

Budget issues have been a problem for as long as I can remember. Nothing new, but yes magnified in the last few years. Coach Best knows the situation and can navigate through it probably better then anyone right now. I have a issue with anyone thinking a change is needed. Yes some of the calls and play was gut wrenching (WEBER - 3 fake punts & special teams in general). But nothing I saw was something that requires him to be removed.
Now if your talking him leaving for greener pastures (coordinator or head coach) of a lower D1 program ...that would not shock me and wouldn't blame him as if I am seeing all that money being thrown around at the upper division for hires one would have to seriously think about it...that's life changing money.

As far as who I would like behind center....I like Gunner, but him being there for only a year as a starter then being gone is not something I am a fan of. I would prefer someone who is a sophomore or RS freshman who can lead us for a few years. Not sure if we have that, but at the very least a Junior with a couple years of eligibility. Nothing against Gunner because he has done his part. This WR core is going to make any QB look good, but I really want to see whoever it is be able to make better short passes...the bombs every so often. I think we fell a little too much in love with the deep bombs and afraid of QB running. Our RB look great. My favorite coming into next year is Justice...he's going to tear it up!
Looking at the offense we will be just fine. Defense is definitely improved. Schedule wise we go from the best one in school history to the MOST CHALLENGING in school history.
Really looking forward to next year! Go Eags!

 

[Obzerver]

I really like Best, he's good for the program, represents EWU with class, enthusiasm, he would take a bullet for EWU and I think he can play the game. The new game being one of portals and transfers along with recruiting one reason Big Sky was strong this season. If he moves on so be it, gotta look our for your family.
This was our year. A great team with a great schedule and after watching every FCS playoff there's not a team better. I mentioned before season a bit of luck plays into winning the title. The bit we missed was the seed. Hmmmm every seeded team cept Sac State are left and 4-5 minutes more and Sac State woulda won.
Gonna be a long ass year next year and any year if we are destined to try and play two money games. It seems like we can meet that challenge because we have a storied program but this admin. best step up..step up! We will have a good QB that stable is strong and we have a great foundation to build on. Making the playoffs is doable. I'll be there.
This taste in my mouth will take many moons to go away...tastes like &#2*!

 

[luckyintheorder]

I really like Best, he's good for the program, represents EWU with class, enthusiasm, he would take a bullet for EWU and I think he can play the game. The new game being one of portals and transfers along with recruiting one reason Big Sky was strong this season. If he moves on so be it, gotta look our for your family.
This was our year. A great team with a great schedule and after watching every FCS playoff there's not a team better.

Best isn't going anywhere unless Eastern's lauded administration or AD gets involved. "I'm from the Administration and I'm here to help"

Guess fans should feel lucky athletics, especially para military sports like football, are still funded. :roll: Best is hard not to like, at least the public persona. Are there deficiencies as a coach? I could list a myriad of perceived on the field failings, poor prep and non-existent half time adjustments... Most of us noted some instances this season. My WISH is he'd learn faster from mistakes but coaches are a different breed and don't change or adapt new behaviors well. How many examples of coaches changing their approach are we aware of as fans? I'm not talking about on the field scheme changes. Can't say I understand this mentality.

The net net: Best is the HC and he isn't going anywhere. (Prognostications are not guaranteed)

Here is what I found for the schedule but don't know if it's accurate.: Brutal

2022 Eastern Washington Football Schedule

Sep. 10 Oregon Ducks Football Schedule
at Oregon Ducks
Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR

Sep. 24 Montana State Football Schedule
Montana State Bobcats
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Oct. 1 Florida Football Schedule
at Florida Gators
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

Oct. 8 Weber State Wildcats Football Schedule
at Weber State Wildcats
Stewart Stadium, Ogden, UT

Oct. 15 Sacramento State Football Schedule
Sacramento State Hornets
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Oct. 22 Cal Poly Football Schedule
at Cal Poly Mustangs
Alex G. Spanos Stadium, San Luis Obispo, CA

Oct. 29 Portland State Vikings Football Schedule
Portland State Vikings
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Nov. 5 Idaho Vandals Football Schedule
at Idaho Vandals
Kibbie Dome, Moscow, ID

Nov. 12 Montana Football Schedule
at Montana Grizzlies
Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT

Nov. 19 Northern Colorado Bears Football Schedule
Northern Colorado Bears
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

 

[EWU98]

I really like Best, he's good for the program, represents EWU with class, enthusiasm, he would take a bullet for EWU and I think he can play the game. The new game being one of portals and transfers along with recruiting one reason Big Sky was strong this season. If he moves on so be it, gotta look our for your family.
This was our year. A great team with a great schedule and after watching every FCS playoff there's not a team better.

Best isn't going anywhere unless Eastern's lauded administration or AD gets involved. "I'm from the Administration and I'm here to help"

Guess fans should feel lucky athletics, especially para military sports like football, are still funded. :roll: Best is hard not to like, at least the public persona. Are there deficiencies as a coach? I could list a myriad of perceived on the field failings, poor prep and non-existent half time adjustments... Most of us noted some instances this season. My WISH is he'd learn faster from mistakes but coaches are a different breed and don't change or adapt new behaviors well. How many examples of coaches changing their approach are we aware of as fans? I'm not talking about on the field scheme changes. Can't say I understand this mentality.

The net net: Best is the HC and he isn't going anywhere. (Prognostications are not guaranteed)

Here is what I found for the schedule but don't know if it's accurate.: Brutal

2022 Eastern Washington Football Schedule

Sep. 10 Oregon Ducks Football Schedule
at Oregon Ducks
Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR

Sep. 24 Montana State Football Schedule
Montana State Bobcats
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Oct. 1 Florida Football Schedule
at Florida Gators
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL

Oct. 8 Weber State Wildcats Football Schedule
at Weber State Wildcats
Stewart Stadium, Ogden, UT

Oct. 15 Sacramento State Football Schedule
Sacramento State Hornets
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Oct. 22 Cal Poly Football Schedule
at Cal Poly Mustangs
Alex G. Spanos Stadium, San Luis Obispo, CA

Oct. 29 Portland State Vikings Football Schedule
Portland State Vikings
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Nov. 5 Idaho Vandals Football Schedule
at Idaho Vandals
Kibbie Dome, Moscow, ID

Nov. 12 Montana Football Schedule
at Montana Grizzlies
Washington-Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, MT

Nov. 19 Northern Colorado Bears Football Schedule
Northern Colorado Bears
Roos Field, Cheney, WA

Yes Brutal - but two things come to mind....1 is both the big boy teams are breaking in new coaches....new schemes and such. You never know. 2...here is looking at you WSU (Cougs). The opposition has potentially zero tape on our QB remember what Gubrud did. Just saying.....we have a shot I feel at at least one of those games.

 

[luckyintheorder]

Yes Brutal - but two things come to mind....1 is both the big boy teams are breaking in new coaches....new schemes and such. You never know. 2...here is looking at you WSU (Cougs). The opposition has potentially zero tape on our QB remember what Gubrud did. Just saying.....we have a shot I feel at at least one of those games.

Like the positive waves... Potentially Eastern could sneak up on someone. WSU is not Oregon or Florida I've no idea who will emerge at QB or if McCann will be the future OC. Think the coaches are heads down recruiting right now, so not expecting any big announcements until after the early period Dec 15th.