Riley Dodge -- why not play somewhere relevant?

[GoFarmers]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...

[TXFOOSBALL]

Riley Dodge's future is in coaching. UNT was the best place for him to learn.

[GoFarmers]

Riley Dodge's future is in coaching. UNT was the best place for him to learn.

Interesting.

[dragonsdaddy]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...
these same convictions could have described boise state not to many years ago. i hope you are as wrong as they were then.

[GoFarmers]

these same convictions could have described boise state not to many years ago. i hope you are as wrong as they were then.

Umm... wrong. Boise State hasn't been anything special until late, but there was not a moment in the last ten years (at least) that I would have taken UNT over Boise St.

Also, their blue field kicks :Censor: .

[SLC93]

Riley Dodge's future is in coaching. UNT was the best place for him to learn.

these same convictions could have described boise state not to many years ago. i hope you are as wrong as they were then.

Both of these points are spot on. Also, don't underestimate the chances of UNT putting together a nice program in Denton. If this college season has taught us anything it's that there are good players making big plays all over t he country. Will UNT ever beat an LSU or Florida? More than likely, no, however Appalachain State rocked the big house this season so who knows?

[GoFarmers]

Both of these points are spot on. Also, don't underestimate the chances of UNT putting together a nice program in Denton. If this college season has taught us anything it's that there are good players making big plays all over t he country. Will UNT ever beat an LSU or Florida? More than likely, no, however Appalachain State rocked the big house this season so who knows?

Yeah, but Appalachian State is GOOD. They are a perennial powerhouse in D2. UNT will not be a top-25 ranked team in the next 25 years. Just pull up this post from the archives any time in the future if I'm wrong. I'm tempted to say if Boise St. and Rutgers can do it, than anyone can, but UNT is too close to UT AND OU for good players to be willing to pull this team out of the basement.

[shooter]

Both of these points are spot on. Also, don't underestimate the chances of UNT putting together a nice program in Denton. If this college season has taught us anything it's that there are good players making big plays all over t he country. Will UNT ever beat an LSU or Florida? More than likely, no, however Appalachain State rocked the big house this season so who knows?

What happened to going to a university you feel comfortable with and play for a coach you like and more importantly get an education? If the NFL is in the cards they will come calling. Anyone remember where Steve McNair came from? You might be a SLC Hater but I am a UNT alumni and while we are not UT or TXAM or LSU you can actually get a good job as assistant manager of the dollar store with your UNT diploma not just a casher like most people will tell you…

[GoFarmers]

you can actually get a good job as assistant manager of the dollar store with your UNT diploma not just a casher like most people will tell you…

LOL!

[AHSeagles]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...

I really don't think Riley Dodge is good enough to go contend for a starting job at a major program. I'm not saying the kid isn't good but he's small and I think more than anything he's a system QB. He'll do great at UNT he knows the system and obviously the coach, but if he were to go to UT where he first committed, he would probably not ever touch the field as a QB. Of course I could be dead wrong, look how Chase Daniel turned out.

[GoFarmers]

I really don't think Riley Dodge is good enough to go contend for a starting job at a major program. I'm not saying the kid isn't good but he's small and I think more than anything he's a system QB. He'll do great at UNT he knows the system and obviously the coach, but if he were to go to UT where he first committed, he would probably not ever touch the field as a QB. Of course I could be dead wrong, look how Chase Daniel turned out.

Exactly right about Chase Daniel. I don't want to turn this into "who was a better HS QB, Daniel or Dodge", but at one point Daniel was the quarterback of the #1 ranked college team in the NATION, and Riley Dodge's college choice assures that he will simply never be in that position.

[AHSeagles]

Exactly right about Chase Daniel. I don't want to turn this into "who was a better HS QB, Daniel or Dodge", but at one point Daniel was the quarterback of the #1 ranked college team in the NATION, and Riley Dodge's college choice assures that he will simply never be in that position.

I doubt UNT ever makes any great run anytime soon. However My guess is they become Southlake Carroll University and end up eventually having some descent teams.

[toonman]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...

As good a high school QB that Riley Dodge is, I do not think he would start at a major college - UT for example, where Riley was recruited as an athlete. I do not think that RD is a potential NFL quarterback or any other position for that matter. Very few high school football players make it to the NFL.

A college scholarship should firstly be a means to a college education and degree, with a select few making it to the NFL. I saw a post saying that Riley is destined to be a football coach - I could not agree more. UNT is a good choice for Riley, where he is (almost) assured of being a starting QB and will gain a college degree, without having to rely on the possibility of entering the NFL draft for his future career.

[AHSeagles]

As good a high school QB that Riley Dodge is, I do not think he would start at a major college - UT for example, where Riley was recruited as an athlete. I do not think that RD is a potential NFL quarterback or any other position for that matter. Very few high school football players make it to the NFL.

A college scholarship should firstly be a means to a college education and degree, with a select few making it to the NFL. I saw a post saying that Riley is destined to be a football coach - I could not agree more. UNT is a good choice for Riley, where he is (almost) assured of being a starting QB and will gain a college degree, without having to rely on the possibility of entering the NFL draft for his future career.

Exactly!

[GoFarmers]

I doubt UNT ever makes any great run anytime soon. However My guess is they become Southlake Carroll University and end up eventually having some descent teams.

Interesting. They don't even have to change their colors.

[AHSeagles]

Interesting. They don't even have to change their colors.

No but they did take on the Under Armour uniforms and went with the white helmets rather than green and in short look alot like Southlake Carroll haha.

[t-long20]

Riley Dodge is not the ideal size for a DIV I quarterback(so says the D1 collges).So that should tell you why he chose North Texas over UT. Even Chase Daniels who is doing wonderful at Mizzou isn't getting any talks about entering the draft as a qb because of his size

[Boss Hawgette]

Easy, you're talking about my alma mater here. The NFL, past and present, has been stocked with football players from UNT type colleges who never made a dent in college football history. If there is a professional caliber player out there, whether at podunk college or the U, the NFL scouts will find him. What did Mississippi Valley State ever do? Crank out one of the best receivers to ever play the game. What did Sonoma State do? Crank out one of the best O linemen (Larry Allen)...they don't even have a football program anymore.

[AHSeagles]

Easy, you're talking about my alma mater here. The NFL, past and present, has been stocked with football players from UNT type colleges who never made a dent in college football history. If there is a professional caliber player out there, whether at podunk college or the U, the NFL scouts will find him. What did Mississippi Valley State ever do? Crank out one of the best receivers to ever play the game. What did Sonoma State do? Crank out one of the best O linemen (Larry Allen)...they don't even have a football program anymore.

Yes but pumping out a QB is a completely different matter. Dodge will have Texas Tech like stats at UNT but there's a reason no QBs from Tech ever get looked at as anything more than a possible 3rd stringer. Plus like it was stated, Dodge isn't typical size for a QB.

[SLC93]

Yeah, but Appalachian State is GOOD. They are a perennial powerhouse in D2. UNT will not be a top-25 ranked team in the next 25 years. Just pull up this post from the archives any time in the future if I'm wrong. I'm tempted to say if Boise St. and Rutgers can do it, than anyone can, but UNT is too close to UT AND OU for good players to be willing to pull this team out of the basement.

UNT will be after the same kind of talent that lands at Boise St. Neither of those schools, regardless of their success or failure will ever be consistently winning the battles for talent against a UT or OU.

[SLC93]

I really don't think Riley Dodge is good enough to go contend for a starting job at a major program. I'm not saying the kid isn't good but he's small and I think more than anything he's a system QB. He'll do great at UNT he knows the system and obviously the coach, but if he were to go to UT where he first committed, he would probably not ever touch the field as a QB. Of course I could be dead wrong, look how Chase Daniel turned out.

All qb's are system qb's. In the right one they'll flourish, in the wrong one they'll flounder.

[BigRing5311]

Yes but pumping out a QB is a completely different matter. Dodge will have Texas Tech like stats at UNT but there's a reason no QBs from Tech ever get looked at as anything more than a possible 3rd stringer. Plus like it was stated, Dodge isn't typical size for a QB.

I guess you were a personal consultant to Potts before he took that scholly to Tech...

[ACM Dad]

The school and athlete need to be a good fit for each other. In this case, it appears that it is.

Also, I seem to recall the schools that showed him hte most interest had him projected as an ATH or wideout, not a QB. The kid gets to keep playing for his dad. I'm not sure there is anything better in life than hanging with your family. Why begudge the young man the opportunity to get to continue to do that?

If you're not NFL material, does it really matter where you play?

[drgnbkr]

Riley Dodge is not the ideal size for a DIV I quarterback(so says the D1 collges).So that should tell you why he chose North Texas over UT. Even Chase Daniels who is doing wonderful at Mizzou isn't getting any talks about entering the draft as a qb because of his size

Wrong on that one..Chase is testing the NFL waters as we speak, about possibly coming out early....Drew Brees doesn't have an inch on Chase in the heighth department and seems to be tall enough to play anywhere in the NFL.

[dragonsdaddy]

it really does matter where you play your college ball if you want to play on sundays.

signed

danielle manning-acu '05

[SC606]

I also recall a quote from Riley when he changed from UT to UNT that he didn't want his mom to have to choose between watching his or his dad's team play each weekend.

[AHSeagles]

All qb's are system qb's. In the right one they'll flourish, in the wrong one they'll flounder.

I don't know a whole lot of pro teams that run a wide open no huddle like they do at UNT.

[AHSeagles]

I guess you were a personal consultant to Potts before he took that scholly to Tech...

I actually wanted Potts to take the Michigan scholarship, but no I don't know Potts nor did I consult him on his decision.

[maxtor]

What happened to going to a university you feel comfortable with and play for a coach you like and more importantly get an education? If the NFL is in the cards they will come calling. Anyone remember where Steve McNair came from? You might be a SLC Hater but I am a UNT alumni and while we are not UT or TXAM or LSU you can actually get a good job as assistant manager of the dollar store with your UNT diploma not just a casher like most people will tell you…

I myself am an educated man as I too went to college..... longest 2 weeks of my life.:D

[DrEdward]

Yeah, but Appalachian State is GOOD. They are a perennial powerhouse in D2. UNT will not be a top-25 ranked team in the next 25 years. Just pull up this post from the archives any time in the future if I'm wrong. I'm tempted to say if Boise St. and Rutgers can do it, than anyone can, but UNT is too close to UT AND OU for good players to be willing to pull this team out of the basement.

Just as a matter of clarification, Appalachian State is not a Division 2 team, it is what used to be referred to as a Division 1AA team. Appy State is not some small college tucked away in the mountains. It is one fo the larger univerisities in North Carolina. As far as geographic proximity, Appy State is pretty close to Clemson, Virginia Tech and Tennessee and yet has managed to draw a good deal of football talent. So UNT may well be in the same position down the road.

[twcpfan1]

I'm not sure I'd want to go to a University where I'd have to see my Dad everyday. Most kids his age would want to finally get away. For the next few years anyway. Must be a pretty special relationship.

[Boss Hawgette]

Yes but pumping out a QB is a completely different matter. Dodge will have Texas Tech like stats at UNT but there's a reason no QBs from Tech ever get looked at as anything more than a possible 3rd stringer. Plus like it was stated, Dodge isn't typical size for a QB.

Doug Flutie wasn't typical size for an NFL QB but look how he turned out. I'm not trying to argue size or whether or not he's NFL material, but if he's got what it takes then the NFL scouts will take care of finding him.

[DrEdward]

I'm not sure I'd want to go to a University where I'd have to see my Dad everyday. Most kids his age would want to finally get away. For the next few years anyway. Must be a pretty special relationship.

I think there is a special relationship between the two of them. There is also a real bond between Riley and his grandfather. By going to UNT, his mother, father, sister and grandparents can see him play every weekend rather than having to choose between Todd and Riley.

[twcpfan1]

I think there is a special relationship between the two of them. There is also a real bond between Riley and his grandfather. By going to UNT, his mother, father, sister and grandparents can see him play every weekend rather than having to choose between Todd and Riley.

As good a reason to stay close to home as any.

[TXFOOSBALL]

Yeah, but Appalachian State is GOOD. They are a perennial powerhouse in D2. UNT will not be a top-25 ranked team in the next 25 years. Just pull up this post from the archives any time in the future if I'm wrong. I'm tempted to say if Boise St. and Rutgers can do it, than anyone can, but UNT is too close to UT AND OU for good players to be willing to pull this team out of the basement.

UNT currently has 5 (3-star) commits for their 2008 class. Dodge has got just as many 3star players at UNT in the 2008 class as UNT has had in the past 5 years combined. One current commit just switched his commitment from TCU to UNT. Their recruiting class (thus far) is ranked ahead of several other Texas schools.....UTEP, Houston, TCU, Rice, SMU, and also Boise St.

[iceaxe]

I do not think that RD is a potential NFL quarterback or any other position for that matter. Very few high school football players make it to the NFL.

On the other hand, virtually every NFL player played at a High School somewhere. 17 or 18 years old is too soon to tell in most cases.

And as for UNT, there was this one guy named Joe Greene...

[Plano]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...


he went to UNT becuse it's the only place he could play texas was one of those 2 for 1 special because of trey newton, when dodge found out he wasn't playing he decided to go to daddy and make sure he got a spot. Good thing too because thats the last thing texas needs is a dodge.

[green day]

he went to UNT becuse it's the only place he could play texas was one of those 2 for 1 special because of trey newton, when dodge found out he wasn't playing he decided to go to daddy and make sure he got a spot. Good thing too because thats the last thing texas needs is a dodge.

Excellent post Plano. Can we all look forward to more of your amazing insight in 2008? This one is pure gold... like when you said that when he found out last summer he wasn't playing, he decided to go to daddy.. wow, how do you know so much?

[AbEagleFan]

Perhaps both Riley and his dad feel they can turn the program around and become contenders.

A real winner accepts a challenge.

[t-long20]

Wrong on that one..Chase is testing the NFL waters as we speak, about possibly coming out early....Drew Brees doesn't have an inch on Chase in the heighth department and seems to be tall enough to play anywhere in the NFL.

Drew Brees is 6'0''. Chase Daniels is 5'9'' Thats a big difference to NFL couts. But evenTroy Smith got into the NFL so anything is possible

[fireaway]

Who says just being at UNT wont get you in the SUNDAY GAMES anyway....thats not what they told MEAN JOE GREEN......Riley is good but will have more advantage and oppurtunity to do well at UNT

[DrEdward]

he went to UNT becuse it's the only place he could play texas was one of those 2 for 1 special because of trey newton, when dodge found out he wasn't playing he decided to go to daddy and make sure he got a spot. Good thing too because thats the last thing texas needs is a dodge.

1) Punctuation matters.
2) Texas has already had a Dodge playing for them and he did pretty well both as a player and as a head coach.
3) Riley would be a solid player for a number of schools at the college level.
4) It would seem a number of high school kids would like to play for Todd Dodge.

[SLCbacker]

he went to UNT becuse it's the only place he could play texas was one of those 2 for 1 special because of trey newton, when dodge found out he wasn't playing he decided to go to daddy and make sure he got a spot. Good thing too because thats the last thing texas needs is a dodge.

It truly amazes me how people will comment as though they are informed or have first hand information. I guess it is just out of jealousy of success, or simply ignorance.

If you know the Dodge family, you would know that decision for Riley to go anywhere is based 100% on what is best for Riley's future and nothing else. Todd and E are great parents that put their childrens needs first, just like any of us. Unfortunately for them, their lives are more public than the rest of us.

Riley is a great kid. His HS football career speaks for itself. He will be successful at UNT, and in whatever walk in life he chooses beyond UNT.

[TXFOOSBALL]

Drew Brees is 6'0''. Chase Daniels is 5'9'' Thats a big difference to NFL couts. But evenTroy Smith got into the NFL so anything is possible

Haha.....Chase is not 5 foot 9.

[Trinity Alum]

Why not let the kid do what he wants and not question him about it?

[drgnbkr]

Drew Brees is 6'0''. Chase Daniels is 5'9'' Thats a big difference to NFL couts. But evenTroy Smith got into the NFL so anything is possible

Sorry dude.. they are the same size...whatever that is..I've been around both of them....Chase's size works out well for Brees, so I guess it is good enough..

[slcdragonfan]

One thing I would add, it is my understanding that Riley's grandfather has moved to North Texas from Westlake due to health problems, and Riley wanted to be near not only his father but his grandfather. This is among the other reasons stated. I think everybody ought to just back off of Riley, if you EVER saw him play, you know he is a contender, a great QB, and very talented. He is also a very fine young man who is close to his family. He has played tough as a starter for SLC for two years, and you may not like him, but he is a kid deserving of respect. The way I like to look at it is, how would I feel about him if he was on my team.

Relevant? Warren Moon went to the CFL because the NFL wasn't going to play him as a QB. Romo wasn't drafted. Chase wasn't recruited by Texas until he had already accepted Missouri. Reesing @ Kansas. Was the CFL relevant? Was Romo relevant? Was Missouri relevant? Was Kansas relevant?'

Trinity Alum, your answer is one of the many reasons I like Trinity. You'll get the same nonsense about Samir. Ask Judson if he can play. Sometimes, the player MAKES the relevance.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

[AE 8008]

riley will do fine. well much more than fine

[CCBoy]

I would't care what reason he chose to go to UNT, whether it was his grandad, father, god brother, or whoever. If he chose UNT that is great! Personally, I would have played for my dad, because I'm pretty sure I would get some good playing time. He is also a proven talent as well. I like underdogs, and I wish UNT and Todd Dodge success against the BIG BOYS!

[v2the4]

the only thing I wonder about him going to UNT is if his dad, Coach Dodge, will be pressured to play him if Cravazzona(? on spelling), who was the starter this year, struggles next year with another year of spring ball? That will put his dad in an unfavorable light, showing favortism to his son......We dont see too many father/son combo's in major college football.

additionally, with the non conference schedule UNT takes on, it will be darn near impossible for Dodge to see his son take punishment from the likes of LSU and Kansas State, who are two of their non conference opponents next year, and they have a sandwich game at Rice between the two of them.

[DrEdward]

the only thing I wonder about him going to UNT is if his dad, Coach Dodge, will be pressured to play him if Cravazzona(? on spelling), who was the starter this year, struggles next year with another year of spring ball? That will put his dad in an unfavorable light, showing favortism to his son......We dont see too many father/son combo's in major college football.

additionally, with the non conference schedule UNT takes on, it will be darn near impossible for Dodge to see his son take punishment from the likes of LSU and Kansas State, who are two of their non conference opponents next year, and they have a sandwich game at Rice between the two of them.

At Carroll, for whatever such an example may be worth, Coach Dodge did not start his son ahead of Greg McElroy. He did give Riley some valuable playing time in preparation for when Riley would take over the following year. I would be surprised if Riley were to play this coming season, as he will not be going through Spring ball at UNT. He had planned to do so, but changed his mind. The season-ending shoulder separation and subsequent surgery simply meant he would not have been able to participate this spring even had he still planned on doing so.

[FeeltheHaka]

To me this is a no brainer. He has a better chance to start at UNT. He knows the offense. If he succeeds, then if he wants to; he can transfer. He has a chance to be on the ground level of a program that has potential to become something special.

[slorch]

As many others have said, relevance is all relative.

Who wouldn't love to play college ball for their Dad? Just think about that for a moment.

Who wouldn't, as a competitor, want to try and create your own legacy while taking an also-ran to winning football?

Who wouldn't want to go to a school and play the position you want to try, rather than what the school insists upon? Nobody's knocking Crabtree for following his dream, now, right?

I think it is very unfair to question the value in Dodge's decision, when it is obvious why he would do it. I admire him for sticking to what's important to him, when others say he should be greedy or just follow the prestige of the storied DI program that Texas is. 30 years later, what's going to mean more to Dodge, telling his kids about playing DI college QB for their Grandad on the sideline, or getting to play his Senior year of DB at Texas? This is all speculative, but hopefully, you can follow my reasoning there, too.

I say family should always win in that decision.

[TigerHat]

I really don't think Riley Dodge is good enough to go contend for a starting job at a major program. I'm not saying the kid isn't good but he's small and I think more than anything he's a system QB. He'll do great at UNT he knows the system and obviously the coach, but if he were to go to UT where he first committed, he would probably not ever touch the field as a QB. Of course I could be dead wrong, look how Chase Daniel turned out.

I would like to comment on the "system player" concept. What the "system" schools in this state turn out is players who play really good football, period.

I could create a "system" team that never won anything and turned out bad football players regardless of their physical abilities. All I would have to do is teach the ridiculous football I was taught in High School and the players from my "system" would play really bad football, period.

I have seen both Riley Dodge and Chase Daniel. Dodge is the better quarterback. The job of the quarterback is to distribute the ball to the playmakers. The job of the quarterback is not to be 6'5" and look like he can really do the job of quarterback - which is a fact most college and pro coaches miss.

The question that you have to ask about any quarterback is: "How good a job does he do of getting the ball to the playmakers?". If he does a great job of distributing the ball to the playmakers he is a great quarterback - end of discussion.

The job of an offensive lineman is to keep the defensive players from making plays. Katy's offensive linemen - year in, year out, do a better job of doing that than anyone in the state - they are great offensive linemen - and yet because they come from a "system" school nobody ever looks at them. Some college coach needs to look at film on those guys, evaluating them for how well they do their jobs, then offer the best of the last 4 to 6 years worth of Katy linemen - who are mostly just standing around doing nothing, scholarships. He would get a great offensive line out of that. Look, the Katy kids blocked the other players when they were in high school, they would block them in college too - they're simply great offensive linemen.

[Dynastybegan86]

I haven't read any of the thread so it could have already been said, but I think the answer is simple, he is a system qb. Somewhere like Tech or even Mizzou would be a great place for him. I think he just wants to play for his dad, that way he'll get to play:D just kidding of course!! He will be a good college qb.

[Band Dad 79]

Riley will be fine. What you can't measure is heart and desire - Riley can go up against anyone in those areas.

Few of us know the pressure that he must have felt in winning one for his dad last year. He handled it with flying colors.

I have watched him since he was in the 7th grade and wish this young man only the best.

[caveman]

Riley Dodge's future is in coaching. UNT was the best place for him to learn.
Agreed. Interesting direction. Todd Dodge knew a bit about something the rest of us did not know a few years ago, when he started in Southlake. Already starting intrigue and 2008 has not even started.

[Football4life]

I understand Riley wants to reunite with his dad, but the best he can do at UNT is win the Sunbelt conference (YAY!) and get to play in the prestigious New Orleans Bowl someday :rolleyes: ... all indications I get from this board is that he's good enough to grow into a starting job for a contending university. So why not? Won't simply playing at UNT hurt his chances of ever making it professionally?

Now, I am an admitted SLC hater, but if this kid is really as talented as I have been led to believe, I want to see him succeed at the highest level possible. You don't get too many chances to watch a bigtime NCAA school or NFL team and say you're familiar with a player's high school playing career. Last I checked, of the approx. 230 NCAA Div. 1 schools, UNT was not in the top 200, and they will never do anything remotely relevant to the world of college football. So I find it an interesting choice, unless it's your goal to go from the face of Texas High School football to absolute obscurity.

Thoughts...

I think UNT will be better than you think if dodge goes there. They just seems really bad because Todd Dodge redshirted all of the freshman class this year

[Lonestar 48]

Just some interesting numbers;

From the NCAA; in 2005 there were 1,071,775 high school football players, 61,252 NCAA football players, and 250 college players were drafted. Of those high school football players, .057% played in college, and .00023% were drafted. .0004% of the college players were drafted.

This means several things. First, a high school player is a longshot just to play at any NCAA college, and has virtually no hope of ever playing professional football. To be considered to play in college says a lot about a player, and, to even be thought about for the NFL is incredible! So, when you talk to a guy who had a shot at the pro level in any sport, (basketball is the greatest stretch), they really were something special in their given sport.

Last, the NFL says that the average height of their quarterbacks is 6'2", and their offensive linemen average 6'3". Now days, height does help the qb at that level.

[chap fan]

One thing I would add, it is my understanding that Riley's grandfather has moved to North Texas from Westlake due to health problems, and Riley wanted to be near not only his father but his grandfather. This is among the other reasons stated. I think everybody ought to just back off of Riley, if you EVER saw him play, you know he is a contender, a great QB, and very talented. He is also a very fine young man who is close to his family. He has played tough as a starter for SLC for two years, and you may not like him, but he is a kid deserving of respect. The way I like to look at it is, how would I feel about him if he was on my team.

Relevant? Warren Moon went to the CFL because the NFL wasn't going to play him as a QB. Romo wasn't drafted. Chase wasn't recruited by Texas until he had already accepted Missouri. Reesing @ Kansas. Was the CFL relevant? Was Romo relevant? Was Missouri relevant? Was Kansas relevant?'

Trinity Alum, your answer is one of the many reasons I like Trinity. You'll get the same nonsense about Samir. Ask Judson if he can play. Sometimes, the player MAKES the relevance.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

While I am acquainted with Riley's grandfather, I do not know the family personally. I can, however, report, that our neighborhood newspaper has reported in the last few weeks that Ebbie Neptune has moved back to his Westlake home. Donations were solicited this fall to help defray the cost of making it accessible for him.

I wish Riley and his grandfather well--I think they're both a class act!

[Down n' Out]

I think there is a special relationship between the two of them. There is also a real bond between Riley and his grandfather. By going to UNT, his mother, father, sister and grandparents can see him play every weekend rather than having to choose between Todd and Riley.

What is going to happen to Giovanni Vizza? Is he going to be the odd man out? He did a good job this year in a new system, but he's not Riley.

[DrEdward]

What is going to happen to Giovanni Vizza? Is he going to be the odd man out? He did a good job this year in a new system, but he's not Riley.

Guess we will first just have to see how Riley's shoulder and arm recover from that shoulder separation surgery. I would tend to think that Riley with Riley not being able to go through spring ball with UNT, that the current QB will have the inside position going into next season. But Riley Dodge is a competitor and might be able to challenge him for the starting job. Clearly Riley knows the system pretty well by now and is more than comfortable operating in it.

[fireaway]

What is going to happen to Giovanni Vizza? Is he going to be the odd man out? He did a good job this year in a new system, but he's not Riley.

I bet they will do a double attack...no i bet you they will switch series' and Riley will go in at receiver similar to Brad Smith at ...the Jets? I think thats right. no matter what they will be set...they wont have any problems...plus if im right by my grandfather (who lives in denton, goes to all the games) he says it truly isnt a matter of scoring....they're doing fine at that...we need to stop the other team

[SLC93]

Just some interesting numbers;

From the NCAA; in 2005 there were 1,071,775 high school football players, 61,252 NCAA football players, and 250 college players were drafted. Of those high school football players, .057% played in college, and .00023% were drafted. .0004% of the college players were drafted.

This means several things. First, a high school player is a longshot just to play at any NCAA college, and has virtually no hope of ever playing professional football. To be considered to play in college says a lot about a player, and, to even be thought about for the NFL is incredible! So, when you talk to a guy who had a shot at the pro level in any sport, (basketball is the greatest stretch), they really were something special in their given sport.

Last, the NFL says that the average height of their quarterbacks is 6'2", and their offensive linemen average 6'3". Now days, height does help the qb at that level.


I agree with all of that but just wanted to say that Riley played behind a line that was close to that average heighth, if not taller, for two years and had no issues. I realize it would be a little different in a "conventional" offense where he would take most snaps from under center but the kid isn't 5'7. This is not an arguement that RD is NFL material just a counterpoint to the heighth point.

[caveman]

A good education is quite relevant. Its about preparation. Playing for your father can be one way to achieve that.
Being washed over with the 'splash' of larger schools; opportunities can be ignored with that (at times) faulty logic, IMO.
Actually it is a different environment in "city-sized" universities...not bad, just different.
From that old saying, "Reality is relative". Not knowing anything about the Dodges' situation, it may be more relevant.
or put another way; 100k UNT scholarship = 100k UT scholarship or from another side: Bio 101 is the same on either campus;)

[Boss Hawgette]

A good education is quite relevant. Its about preparation. Playing for your father can be one way to achieve that.
Being washed over with the 'splash' of larger schools; opportunities can be ignored with that (at times) faulty logic, IMO.
Actually it is a different environment in "city-sized" universities...not bad, just different.
From that old saying, "Reality is relative". Not knowing anything about the Dodges' situation, it may be more relevant.
or put another way; 100k UNT scholarship = 100k UT scholarship or from another side: Bio 101 is the same on either campus;)

are you a politician? 'cause you sure said a lot that sounded good, but in the end I really didn't get what you were saying...caveman for President! ;)

[caveman]

are you a politician? 'cause you sure said a lot that sounded good, but in the end I really didn't get what you were saying...caveman for President! ;)
I try not to do that...UNT (not sounding like I know UNT or the Dodge's) is relevant. Smaller schools are actually better than big schools in some very important ways. Sorry I can't be president, my wife's honey-do list would just grow longer...:D

[TrojanMom88]

I think UNT will be better than you think if dodge goes there. They just seems really bad because Todd Dodge redshirted all of the freshman class this year

First, I would like to say, I hope and pray that Riley Dodge's shoulder is well enough for any of these issues to be a problem.

Second, with out a doubt redshirting the freshman class, which included a couple of Trojans, shows that Todd Dodge has a plan! Isn't an amazing the program he is responsible for building at South Lake?

Stranger things have happened!!!

[STJL41]

I bet they will do a double attack...no i bet you they will switch series' and Riley will go in at receiver similar to Brad Smith at ...the Jets? I think thats right. no matter what they will be set...they wont have any problems...plus if im right by my grandfather (who lives in denton, goes to all the games) he says it truly isnt a matter of scoring....they're doing fine at that...we need to stop the other team

Very true...the biggest problems we had at games this year were (1) a porous defense and (2) turnovers. The team was pretty close to abysmal this year, but I have full faith that Coach Dodge will produce plenty of winning seasons at UNT once he has a roster full of guys he has recruited for his program.

As far as someone talking about Riley's NFL prospects, I don't feel that he really has any. Then again, plenty of successful NFL players have come from schools that don't matter in Div I football, so I don't think we can sell Riley short just because he chose to go to UNT.

[Sakatha]

What I am about to post prolly doesn't mean squat to most, as I think the perception is that the * ratings don't always amount to anything... If you look @ Rivals, however, Dodge already has more 3* recruits just THIS YEAR than Dickey did in his last 3 classes combined... There's simply no question that Todd is bringing in better athletes and attracting better players...

Anyone know a status on Mendoza or any of the other Defensive coaches?

~DnM

[SLC93]

What I am about to post prolly doesn't mean squat to most, as I think the perception is that the * ratings don't always amount to anything... If you look @ Rivals, however, Dodge already has more 3* recruits just THIS YEAR than Dickey did in his last 3 classes combined... There's simply no question that Todd is bringing in better athletes and attracting better players...

Anyone know a status on Mendoza or any of the other Defensive coaches?

~DnM

Which, to the dismay of all the Dodge haters, is a fairly solid confirmation that the cupboards were beyond dry when Dodge hit campus last January. I think that the 3 star recruits are what he will specialize in, picking off the good talent that maybe marginal at a big DI program. Riley's choice was not unwise or made on a whim. I look forward to UNT in the next couple of years being a good program on solid ground.

[Sakatha]

17 3* players for Boise St. from 04-07...

5 3* players in this class for UNT thusfar... UNT is actually on a better pace in Dodge's first year than Boise has been the last 4 years.

UNT, to my knowledge, has never had a 4* recruit(and of course never a 5*). Boise had *1* 4 star guy in the last 5 years.

~DnM

[Trinity Alum]

Let the kid be and remember, he is doing want he wants, not want you want.

[The Warrior]

Let the kid be and remember, he is doing want he wants, not want you want.

Close to home, a system he knows like the back of his hand, playing for his dad. Sounds like a sound decision.:notworthy

[caveman]

Close to home, a system he knows like the back of his hand, playing for his dad. Sounds like a sound decision.:notworthy
It what this whole thing is about for all these kids, one good childhood per kid, ( well young adulthood here) right?;)

[chickenheart1]

I doubt UNT ever makes any great run anytime soon. However My guess is they become Southlake Carroll University and end up eventually having some descent teams.

Yea, except the new UNT offense broke a ton of school records this year. Fix the defense and they will contend over the next 4 years.

[farmerfan]

Defense will be led by a new general next season. Word out of Denton is that Mendoza has been fired and Dodge will conduct a nationwide search for a new DC.

[Sakatha]

Defense will be led by a new general next season. Word out of Denton is that Mendoza has been fired and Dodge will conduct a nationwide search for a new DC.

One of the downfalls of hiring someone that's a friend as your DC. That must've been tough...

We all knew it was coming after the first few weeks... You can't play a straight man up scheme with those athletes...

~DnM

[SLCFan]

One of the downfalls of hiring someone that's a friend as your DC. That must've been tough...

We all knew it was coming after the first few weeks... You can't play a straight man up scheme with those athletes...

~DnM

Yeah it's unfortunate, but probably the best thing for the program.

http://www.meangreensports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=9058&SPID=562&DB_OEM_ID=1800&ATCLID=1363229

[Lonestar 48]

It what this whole thing is about for all these kids, one good childhood per kid, ( well young adulthood here) right?;)

In pee-wee and high school its about the kids and helping set the direction they will take in life, but in NCAA football, it has nothing to with the kid unless they can help the team live up to expectations. Its about the alums with means, the AD, the media, and anyone else who has a stake in the school's success, but it is not about making sure the kid has a good experience. Look at the qb from Oklahoma State who is going to transfer and sit out a year just to play one more year. Do you think Gundy really cares that the kid is upset about not being the starter? I don't. Gundy cares about the wins and who can best help the team achieve them, and in what role they can do that. I'm sure Dodge feels the same way.

[caveman]

In pee-wee and high school its about the kids and helping set the direction they will take in life, but in NCAA football, it has nothing to with the kid unless they can help the team live up to expectations. Its about the alums with means, the AD, the media, and anyone else who has a stake in the school's success, but it is not about making sure the kid has a good experience. Look at the qb from Oklahoma State who is going to transfer and sit out a year just to play one more year. Do you think Gundy really cares that the kid is upset about not being the starter? I don't. Gundy cares about the wins and who can best help the team achieve them, and in what role they can do that. I'm sure Dodge feels the same way.

The fun fair fantastic soccer mom's league ends what at kids' 10 yo?

"Good experience" here(this post)= any particular student's college year's success. Hypothetical for this discussion; Young Mr. Riley Dodge with his Dad. (And I know nothing of this story).

I do know of some very successful kids getting exposure on smaller campuses, and coming out with a much better education for them, e.g., individualized development. Just like a bigger school is right for some other kids.
Bigger schools can be oversold; IMO, depending on each kids needs/ goals.
UNT English 101 is not much different in curriculum content than UT English 101. Here, hypothetically speaking UNT's "Coaching Program" may be better for this student than UT's (who know's; need to ask those involved their rationale).
My overall point counters the general response when one hears, "Why leave UT for UNT?"
Sure looks like those folks involved have done good so far.

[farmerfan]

UNT is a horrible school that offers a horrible education. What in the hell is Riley Dodge thinking :eek:

[Lonestar 48]

Of course being down the road from TWU isn't going to hurt at all!

[farmerfan]

Of course being down the road from TWU isn't going to hurt at all!

Me thinks you've never walken or driven down Bell Street in Denton. It's not a pretty sight :eek:

[SLC93]

Me thinks you've never walken or driven down Bell Street in Denton. It's not a pretty sight :eek:

:puke:puke:D:notworthy........watch your back, Farmer. Something about hell, a woman and scorn!

[farmerfan]

:puke:puke:D:notworthy........watch your back, Farmer. Something about hell, a woman and scorn!

Just wait for this one, it's an old one but it's been known around UNT for a long time that TWU stands for Two Women United. :eek: Now I really need to duck

[SLC93]

Just wait for this one, it's an old one but it's been known around UNT for a long time that TWU stands for Two Women United. :eek: Now I really need to duck

Duck, hell, man. I got some frequent flyer miles you can use. One word, RELOCATION!:D

[farmerfan]

Duck, hell, man. I got some frequent flyer miles you can use. One word, RELOCATION!:D

:DLOL:D
Thanks. Any chance you could fly me back out to Athens?

That said, I'll be fine I think. I still got some celebrity status going in Denton. :eek:

[SLC93]

:DLOL:D
Thanks. Any chance you could fly me back out to Athens?

That said, I'll be fine I think. I still got some celebrity status going in Denton. :eek:

I had no idea you were THAT guy!:notworthy:D

[farmerfan]

I had no idea you were THAT guy!:notworthy:D

:D Ain't life Grand! :cool:

[caveman]

UNT is a horrible school that offers a horrible education. What in the hell is Riley Dodge thinking :eek:
Only seen UNT passing on I-35 taking my kid to college.:notworthy:confused::notworthy
Still think Coach Dodge has a plan.

[coogs78]

I still expect exciting things to happen at UNT under Dodge.
One would expect that UNT will follow a similar path to success as Missouri.
Heck, they were competitive in most of their games this year against what turned out to be some really stout opponents.

I'm surprised about Mendoza because I think his defensive units at SLC were just as impressive as their offensive units. What's he gonna do next? Is some lucky high school gonna get him as a coach, or is he staying in the college ranks?

[Trinity Alum]

I still expect exciting things to happen at UNT under Dodge.
One would expect that UNT will follow a similar path to success as Missouri.
Heck, they were competitive in most of their games this year against what turned out to be some really stout opponents.

I'm surprised about Mendoza because I think his defensive units at SLC were just as impressive as their offensive units. What's he gonna do next? Is some lucky high school gonna get him as a coach, or is he staying in the college ranks?

There is a big difference between High School and College. End of subject!

[toonman]

There is a big difference between High School and College.

You are so correct.