2011 Judson Team

[nevaplayedk9]

what's the early predictions?

[uhsfilmcrew]

cant wait for this team too, what happened to "atwell jroc"?

[bowiedawgs01]

Mr. Atwell passed away last July.

[LeanderLions3033]

what's the early predictions?

I predicct an early predistrict beatdown by Leander similar to what happened in 06-07 ;). On a serious note, i was wondering the same thing. I know quite a bit about Desoto, and Cedar Park, but i know little to nothing about Judson and Bowie (thats something that i might have to PM you about bowiedawgs01)

[uhsfilmcrew]

Mr. Atwell passed away last July.

WHAT! :eek: wow i remeber talking to that guy

[Rocketman]

Judson will go further this year getting back a pretty good team or young team. new district will be fun to watch. Judson and Steele have really good RB's ,should be exciting season for all. can't wait.

[T-ROCK]

I feel this team will be very good IF they find some OL. If they are able to do that then they can go at least 14 games into the season. I think the only team that they will play that will be a problem is N.B. I think the distict will finish like this:

Judson
NB
Steele
Wagner
SM
Seguin

[T-ROCK]

I predicct an early predistrict beatdown by Leander similar to what happened in 06-07 ;). On a serious note, i was wondering the same thing. I know quite a bit about Desoto, and Cedar Park, but i know little to nothing about Judson and Bowie (thats something that i might have to PM you about bowiedawgs01)

If you play at Judson no chance if you play at home you will have a shot. I think either way it will not be a beatdown. Judson returns about 14 starters, they might say 8 to 10 starters but 14 kids played a ton that were Juniors or Sophmore's. They have a great back that ran for about 1600 yards that only played half the games and he will be in the 11th grade this year. They return about 7 kids on defense and all the DB's are back. They have about 32 letterman coming back so right now they look solid. They place that will always be a problem is they can be out coached and you have a great coach.

[J-Rock Mom]

We will have a great team this coming year. I can't wait for the season to start.
Alot of talent and experience will be on the field.

[Rocketman]

what does Judson's schedule look like this coming year?

[J-Rock Mom]

week 0 McArthur
week 1 Leander
week 2 Roosevelt
week 3 Churchill
week 4 Madison
I think week 5 is a bi
week 6 Wagner
week 7 Seguin
week 8 Steele
week 9 San Marcos
week 10 New Braunfels

Looks like we will have a hard non district schedule but that is fine just prepares the boiz for district!!! I can't wait!!:heli::rofl:

[Rockets8805]

went to the steele spring game last night...looks like they have some good young talent coming up as well

[clemensbuff]

went to the steele spring game last night...looks like they have some good young talent coming up as well


I was there last night and will agree that they have some 9th and 10th graders that looked to have something. The Soph QB (will be Jr) looked fairly sharp on his passes and ran the ball well. Of course, Malcolm Brown, Ryan Simmons, and Marquese Anderson did not play a single down yesterday. I was hoping to at least see MB get the ball 4-5 times. Just looking at him from the stands when they did the coin toss he appears to have put on some more muscle. It wouldn't surprise me if he is 225+ this year.

If they can shore up an O-line and fill in the 3 holes left by graduation in the secondary, they have a chance to be very good. I'm really looking forward to the games between Steele, Judson, Wagner, and New Braunfels this year. They ought to be some good ones!

[Rocketman]

In the coming year's Steele will end up being as good as the old Judson, Alot of new homes are being built in the steele area. Steele will be a powerhouse for years to come. I think Coach Jinks is going to have some good teams for a while. I love the Rockets but steele will be King of the Hill in that district. Will be a really good game when Judson plays steele this year. Can't leave out NB but just don't think NB has the team speed that Judson and Steele will have this year.

[MAAAVRICKS]

It's gonna feel like old home week, with 26-5a teams playing you guys this year. good luck this year Rockets!

[clemensbuff]

In the coming year's Steele will end up being as good as the old Judson, Alot of new homes are being built in the steele area. Steele will be a powerhouse for years to come. I think Coach Jinks is going to have some good teams for a while. I love the Rockets but steele will be King of the Hill in that district. Will be a really good game when Judson plays steele this year. Can't leave out NB but just don't think NB has the team speed that Judson and Steele will have this year.

It is going to be interesting to see where Steele goes from here simply because they have re-drawn the boundaries to take some of the kids out of Steele and back into SC the next few years. But, with substantial growth still happening all around Cibolo it probably will leave Steele at 5a, albeit low
5a numbers for several years to come. I know that there is land already purchased for a 3rd HS and 3 years ago it was projected to be completed 2012-2013 but that is probably pushed back now since the growth slowed a bit.

I have always been a Rocket supporter throughout the years and continue to be unless of course it is Steele or SC playing them! LOL I know that Steele, CJ, and Wagner will put more speed on the field then NB but they just play good, solid, smashmouth football and find a way to get it done. There will be some great district games in this district this year!!!

[T-ROCK]

In the coming year's Steele will end up being as good as the old Judson, Alot of new homes are being built in the steele area. Steele will be a powerhouse for years to come. I think Coach Jinks is going to have some good teams for a while. I love the Rockets but steele will be King of the Hill in that district. Will be a really good game when Judson plays steele this year. Can't leave out NB but just don't think NB has the team speed that Judson and Steele will have this year.


Not quite ready to give up the throne to Steele yet. I heard that Judson's Freshman teams were very very good and I know that Woodlake Hills teams beat the rest of the Judson district middle schools and they feed Judson. I think Steele will give Judson all they can handle but my money this year is on Judson, if they can rebuild the OL but the same can be said for Steele, NB and Wagner. I believe the fastest team will be Wagner in the district.

[nevaplayedk9]

Judson had alot of talent returning......the key is to get these young guys focused and hungry for a title.....i agree the level of competition in the non district will help tremendously for district and the hard smash mouth competition during district play will let us know if they are ready for a playoff run

like i always say........FIRE UP ROCKETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[J-Rock Mom]

Not quite ready to give up the throne to Steele yet. I heard that Judson's Freshman teams were very very good and I know that Woodlake Hills teams beat the rest of the Judson district middle schools and they feed Judson. I think Steele will give Judson all they can handle but my money this year is on Judson, if they can rebuild the OL but the same can be said for Steele, NB and Wagner. I believe the fastest team will be Wagner in the district.

You are correct on this, last year's freshman team was great only one loss and that was to SV. When the team was at Woodlake they were bi district champs with only one loss to Metzger. I am thinking that this year's and next year's team will have great year's, alot of returning players and alot of players being moved up. I am counting down the days, I just can't wait!!!!

87 days 6 hours and 29 minutes!!!

[nevaplayedk9]

where all my Rocket Fans????

[J-Rock Mom]

where all my Rocket Fans????

I have been asking the same question all summer. I felt like there was no one here. I have been lurking and I just did see anyone or anything about Judson!:Censor:

[clemensbuff]

I have been asking the same question all summer. I felt like there was no one here. I have been lurking and I just did see anyone or anything about Judson!:Censor:


Hey J-Rock Mom, was your son on the Judson Freshman team last year? Looks like they had a heck of a year!!! My buddy coaches Steele's freshman and they went undefeated last year as well so it looks like the Judson / Steele matchup could be a heck of a game for the next few years. I know I'm really looking forward to it. In fact, I've got a friend who attended Judson and wears a championship ring who'll be going to the game with me this year so it should be a real blast.

[J-Rock Mom]

Hey J-Rock Mom, was your son on the Judson Freshman team last year? Looks like they had a heck of a year!!! My buddy coaches Steele's freshman and they went undefeated last year as well so it looks like the Judson / Steele matchup could be a heck of a game for the next few years. I know I'm really looking forward to it. In fact, I've got a friend who attended Judson and wears a championship ring who'll be going to the game with me this year so it should be a real blast.

Yes my son was the QB. I think this year district should be great for us, the past years just had nothing for us. So I am looking forward to the season. Yes my neighbor is also wearing a ring from Judson and they have been going to alot of the games so hopefully my boy will see some playing time on Varsity or JV we shall see.


GO ROCKETS GO!!!!

[TexasRed6x]

Its good to see the boys from 5A football do not think highly on this years team, in a way that just how I like it. When you rank Reagan over Judson then HOUSTON you have a problem. I feel this years team will be as good as the 2007 and 2005 team if not better and I believe they both played in the championship games if not mistaken. I believe that Respect is earned, but by the first playoff games some heads will be turning. I expect that both NB and Steele will be ranked above Judson and so be it but I feel the Rockets will win the district this year with little problems. I do not need stupid polls to tell me what I know.

[Mean DT]

week 0 McArthur
week 1 Leander
week 2 Roosevelt
week 3 Churchill
week 4 Madison
I think week 5 is a bi
week 6 Wagner
week 7 Seguin
week 8 Steele
week 9 San Marcos
week 10 New Braunfels

Looks like we will have a hard non district schedule but that is fine just prepares the boiz for district!!! I can't wait!!:heli::rofl:Get ready to get spanked by Mac.:heli:

[TexasRed6x]

Get ready to get spanked by Mac.:heli:


That will be quite an accomplishment if that were to happen I think Judson is like 50-2 all time against Mac.

[J-Rock Mom]

Get ready to get spanked by Mac.:heli:

I really don't think that is going to happen!!!!

[Empire strikes back]

where all my Rocket Fans????

Sorry Rocketgrl94 is on Facebook alot so you might not see her till football season starts. :D Permian vs Judson needs to happen this year or the next because it would be awsome. :)

[STEELEhypeOHLETSdoit]

Judson is always tough. Some years they are tougher than other years but who doesnt have a down season every so often?

It seems to me that Judson will do really well this season. I wish the Rockets the best of luck and I look forward to competitive games with Judson and Wagner.

[aftermath]

Optimism is a great thing, but it's hard to believe that the Judson team that got completely dismantled at home by Westlake in the playoffs, is going to be a contender. They have sure been good over the years, but Steele, New Braunfels, and the emerging San Antonio teams have put a big road block in the path for Judson.

[TexasRed6x]

Optimism is a great thing, but it's hard to believe that the Judson team that got completely dismantled at home by Westlake in the playoffs, is going to be a contender. They have sure been good over the years, but Steele, New Braunfels, and the emerging San Antonio teams have put a big road block in the path for Judson.

When over half yor team is made up of Sophmores and Juniors and you paly a state finalist it happens. Like I said already I do not need silly polls to tell me what I know. I have seen them play for more than 35 years and on paper they are loaded, but you don't play on paper. I am hoping that others pass them off and feel that others like Steele and N.B. and emerging S.A. teams have thrown a road block in Judson way, but I wonder how many of those teams have even played in a 5A playoff game or beter yet have played in a 5A championship game, I still like our chances.

[BlakeJ]

TexRed,

I saw in the "who will be the best team after years end" thread...you picked "other". After reading all of your stuff here...Im kind of under the assumption that you think Judson will be the team to beat this year.

I also read that you have issues with the rankings or polls. I agree with you...I think rankings are pretty worhtless and are really used to entertain the readers. Not saying these rankings are worthless or the KT's know nothing...because they do...just saying rankings dont help you win a football game.

So I guess Im curious as to who you think is the team to beat...and also am curious how far you thik Judson is going this year. I read something about you like their chances at a title game appearance. You're aware that to get there...they have to meet up with a NS, Katy, Cinco, BWB...etc. at some point...not to mention the R4 teams who are pretty strong this year.

Just curious to how good you think this Judson team is and why. Thanks.

[TexasRed6x]

TexRed,

I saw in the "who will be the best team after years end" thread...you picked "other". After reading all of your stuff here...Im kind of under the assumption that you think Judson will be the team to beat this year.

I also read that you have issues with the rankings or polls. I agree with you...I think rankings are pretty worhtless and are really used to entertain the readers. Not saying these rankings are worthless or the KT's know nothing...because they do...just saying rankings dont help you win a football game.

So I guess Im curious as to who you think is the team to beat...and also am curious how far you thik Judson is going this year. I read something about you like their chances at a title game appearance. You're aware that to get there...they have to meet up with a NS, Katy, Cinco, BWB...etc. at some point...not to mention the R4 teams who are pretty strong this year.

Just curious to how good you think this Judson team is and why. Thanks.

I think they will be a good team, but I believe that Region 4 as a whole will be down. The loss of the Austin schools and SV will hurt the rest of region 4, and that includes Judson. The past 2 years they have played what was a very weak district with most games decided by halftime and it did little to help Judson when the playoffs began. I feel that they have great talent on defense, and a relly good RB in Jones, which will not get the hype that Brown and Green will get and again I understand why. I do not know if they will get to the championship this year and realize that to do so they will have to go through Region 3. The biggest thing I worry about is the coaching, which everyone on this site knows I have issues with. I am just hoping that talent will again carry any coaching issues we might have. The feeder systems that feed Judson a really good and last years Freshman team out scored most teams by 40 points, so I feel that Judson has good kids coming up. The thing that get under my skin so to speak is that most feel that Judson is through, finished and washed up and I do not see that at all.

[jrp83]

I think they will be a good team, but I believe that Region 4 as a whole will be down. The loss of the Austin schools and SV will hurt the rest of region 4, and that includes Judson. The past 2 years they have played what was a very weak district with most games decided by halftime and it did little to help Judson when the playoffs began. I feel that they have great talent on defense, and a relly good RB in Jones, which will not get the hype that Brown and Green will get and again I understand why. I do not know if they will get to the championship this year and realize that to do so they will have to go through Region 3. The biggest thing I worry about is the coaching, which everyone on this site knows I have issues with. I am just hoping that talent will again carry any coaching issues we might have. The feeder systems that feed Judson a really good and last years Freshman team out scored most teams by 40 points, so I feel that Judson has good kids coming up. The thing that get under my skin so to speak is that most feel that Judson is through, finished and washed up and I do not see that at all.

What issues with the coaching do you have? I ask because you are not the first I have seen with concerns in that area. As far as the head coach, I feel coach Rackley has done a pretty good job. Have I always been satisfied with his on field decisions during games? NO!, but he has taken the team to three state championship games, winning one, during his tenure as head coach so far. I am one who thinks the coaching issues are with the assistant coaches. It seems to me that when Wagner opened, the better coaches on Judson's staff, other than Rackley, went over there.

As far as the teams chances this coming season, I like them. If they can stay somewhat healthy and continue to improve each week as in the past, I like their chances to not only win district, but to make a deep run in the PO's. I like that this new district has more competitive teams than the past two years. While I would agree that lately Judson has not performed to the level of their heyday years, they still had no business being in a district with the likes of South San, Highlands, and the Corpus teams. I mean no disrespect to those teams, but as already mentioned, most of those games were over by halftime. I don't know if I like that Steele seems to be the consensus pick to win district, but I do know that any team that sleeps on Judson will probably end up paying for it.

Go Rockets!!

[T-ROCK]

What issues with the coaching do you have? I ask because you are not the first I have seen with concerns in that area. As far as the head coach, I feel coach Rackley has done a pretty good job. Have I always been satisfied with his on field decisions during games? NO!, but he has taken the team to three state championship games, winning one, during his tenure as head coach so far. I am one who thinks the coaching issues are with the assistant coaches. It seems to me that when Wagner opened, the better coaches on Judson's staff, other than Rackley, went over there.

As far as the teams chances this coming season, I like them. If they can stay somewhat healthy and continue to improve each week as in the past, I like their chances to not only win district, but to make a deep run in the PO's. I like that this new district has more competitive teams than the past two years. While I would agree that lately Judson has not performed to the level of their heyday years, they still had no business being in a district with the likes of South San, Highlands, and the Corpus teams. I mean no disrespect to those teams, but as already mentioned, most of those games were over by halftime. I don't know if I like that Steele seems to be the consensus pick to win district, but I do know that any team that sleeps on Judson will probably end up paying for it.

Go Rockets!!.

There are many issues with coaching and agree wih the poster that said so. I know that if you would take a poll at the games that you would find more that would say the same thing. It is nice that he has taken Judson to 3 championship games but it is more like what have you done for me lately. The district has gotten rid of better head coachs than you can shake a stick at that where on the staff but left because of a ton of issues. At this point it is a moot point because we have what we have. I know that folks think that the few that think Judson will be good must be crazy and that is ok, because what have they really done the past 2 years. I agree with the KT's about region 4 and have said the same thing on more than one occassion. I hate to think that Reagan is the favotite to win region 4 because that does not say a ton the region. I feel that many people get caught up in the past but it is just that the past.

[STEELEhypeOHLETSdoit]

Maybe it is just because I am not all that major into Judson's program but I feel that Rackley is a great coach and does well with the players that line up for him.

Judson will be strong this year.

I also do not feel that Reagan will be the region's best team this year.

[nevaplayedk9]

TexRed,

I saw in the "who will be the best team after years end" thread...you picked "other". After reading all of your stuff here...Im kind of under the assumption that you think Judson will be the team to beat this year.

I also read that you have issues with the rankings or polls. I agree with you...I think rankings are pretty worhtless and are really used to entertain the readers. Not saying these rankings are worthless or the KT's know nothing...because they do...just saying rankings dont help you win a football game.

So I guess Im curious as to who you think is the team to beat...and also am curious how far you thik Judson is going this year. I read something about you like their chances at a title game appearance. You're aware that to get there...they have to meet up with a NS, Katy, Cinco, BWB...etc. at some point...not to mention the R4 teams who are pretty strong this year.

Just curious to how good you think this Judson team is and why. Thanks.

It's called ROCKET PRIDE......unless you belong to it, are a part of it or believe in it.....it's hard to explain.

Judson can go all the way this year and next........why? cuz WE BELIEVE......

[STEELEhypeOHLETSdoit]

J----JUD---SON----ROCKET PRIDE...WE GOT THAT ROCKET PRIDE...


GO JUDSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'''



:heli::heli::heli::heli::heli:

[J-Rock Mom]

It's called ROCKET PRIDE......unless you belong to it, are a part of it or believe in it.....it's hard to explain.

Judson can go all the way this year and next........why? cuz WE BELIEVE......

I second that!!!!

[jrp83]

.

There are many issues with coaching and agree wih the poster that said so. I know that if you would take a poll at the games that you would find more that would say the same thing. It is nice that he has taken Judson to 3 championship games but it is more like what have you done for me lately. The district has gotten rid of better head coachs than you can shake a stick at that where on the staff but left because of a ton of issues. At this point it is a moot point because we have what we have. I know that folks think that the few that think Judson will be good must be crazy and that is ok, because what have they really done the past 2 years. I agree with the KT's about region 4 and have said the same thing on more than one occassion. I hate to think that Reagan is the favotite to win region 4 because that does not say a ton the region. I feel that many people get caught up in the past but it is just that the past.

I would say that 3 trips to the finals, winning one and very close in another, along with another trip to the semi's in the last 9 yrs is pretty recent. You talk like Judson has done nothing for a decade. Also, since I consider coach Rackley the best coach in Judson's district, which better coaches in the district that Judson is in have left or gotten fired. Again, I will repeat myself, I feel the coaching issues at Judson are with the assistants. You can just tell that the demeanor of the players are not Rocket like and have not been since Wagner opened. Anyone who has played in a big time program, and I consider Judson a big time program, knows that the assistant coaches handle a large load of the work. The quality of the OC & DC will factor in on how successful the program is. In the early 80's when Judson first started making noise, their OC was a coach named Dennis Parker. He moved onto coach Marshall, TX after DW, who was the DC during the same period, was named head coach after coach Arnold, who was the head coach during that time, became the AD. Coach Parker's Marshall, TX team beat Judson in the 1990 big school state championship game. We all know how DW's career as a head coach was. I would bet that every successful program, at any level, has good or great OC's & DC's. In Judson's case, since Wagner's opening, they have, IMO, had mediocre OC's & DC's. Now I know what you are going to say, the head coach is the one in charge of the whole program, and you would be right. If coach Rackley has been sub par in any area, it would be his selection of his assistants. He absolutely needs to do a better job in that area. But nobody even knows how much longer he will continue to coach. I just hope that whoever replaces him, is someone who knows what Rocket Pride is, and will instill it into every player. Maybe Judson can lure Jinks, former Judson QB, from Steele when that time comes.

Go Rockets!!

[clemensbuff]

I would say that 3 trips to the finals, winning one and very close in another, along with another trip to the semi's in the last 9 yrs is pretty recent. You talk like Judson has done nothing for a decade. Also, since I consider coach Rackley the best coach in Judson's district, which better coaches in the district that Judson is in have left or gotten fired. Again, I will repeat myself, I feel the coaching issues at Judson are with the assistants. You can just tell that the demeanor of the players are not Rocket like and have not been since Wagner opened. Anyone who has played in a big time program, and I consider Judson a big time program, knows that the assistant coaches handle a large load of the work. The quality of the OC & DC will factor in on how successful the program is. In the early 80's when Judson first started making noise, their OC was a coach named Dennis Parker. He moved onto coach Marshall, TX after DW, who was the DC during the same period, was named head coach after coach Arnold, who was the head coach during that time, became the AD. Coach Parker's Marshall, TX team beat Judson in the 1990 big school state championship game. We all know how DW's career as a head coach was. I would bet that every successful program, at any level, has good or great OC's & DC's. In Judson's case, since Wagner's opening, they have, IMO, had mediocre OC's & DC's. Now I know what you are going to say, the head coach is the one in charge of the whole program, and you would be right. If coach Rackley has been sub par in any area, it would be his selection of his assistants. He absolutely needs to do a better job in that area. But nobody even knows how much longer he will continue to coach. I just hope that whoever replaces him, is someone who knows what Rocket Pride is, and will instill it into every player.

I believe you are exactly right!!!

Maybe Judson can lure Jinks, former Judson QB, from Steele when that time comes.

Forget it and don't even think this though again, much less say it...........TROUBLE MAKER! :D

[jrp83]

I believe you are exactly right!!!



Forget it and don't even think this though again, much less say it...........TROUBLE MAKER! :D

Not trying to make trouble. Just thought how great it would be to have the next coach at Judson be someone who is familiar with Rocket Pride and the in's & out's of the program. Jinks would be perfect. He is a former player and played under DW to boot. He has done a great job so far at Steele. I wouldn't be surprised if he's using the Judson model at Steele. I think he would do a great job at Judson as well. Again, not trying to ruffle any feathers, just thinking out loud!

Go Rockets!!

[jrp83]

Wow, almost a week has gone by since I posted on the 10th, and no other posts. This certainly isn't what I am used to from fellow Rockets fans. I myself don't post very often as my post count indicates. Believe it or not I have been posting for years here. Just not very often. Anyway, can't wait until the season gets started. I'm curious to see how Judson fares in this new district.

Go Rockets!!

[TheScout]

In town forThe convention just ate at freddys steakburger on Olympia and i35. Pretty good. Sorry for the interuption

[nevaplayedk9]

Not trying to make trouble. Just thought how great it would be to have the next coach at Judson be someone who is familiar with Rocket Pride and the in's & out's of the program. Jinks would be perfect. He is a former player and played under DW to boot. He has done a great job so far at Steele. I wouldn't be surprised if he's using the Judson model at Steele. I think he would do a great job at Judson as well. Again, not trying to ruffle any feathers, just thinking out loud!

Go Rockets!!

he is........and yes, he'd be great as a head coach who learned from DW.

[nevaplayedk9]

keep it goin.....football's around the corner

[J-Rock Mom]

keep it goin.....football's around the corner

Exact time is 21 days, 10 hours, 1 minute!!!

[jrp83]

Exact time is 21 days, 10 hours, 1 minute!!!

I'm really looking forward to this season. IMO, Judson is in a better district, competitively speaking, and return a number of key players. They will be more experienced than last year and hopefully won't take as long to get going as in recent years. I know Steele has gotten a lot of press and in some district previews are the favorites, mainly due to their stud RB, but I still think Judson should be the favorites to win district. I know Steele has a great RB and a good coach, but I feel top to bottom, Judson is the better team. I know the Rockets haven't performed like past Judson power house teams, but they still have the talent and coaching to make a deep PO run. That of course depends on if they can stay relatively healthy. We'll all see soon enough!

Go Rockets!!

[nevaplayedk9]

If the O-line can hustle and get focused early, then build on that.....J-rock can contend with anybody

[baylordad]

i think they will go undefeated in regular season with super tough games with Madison, Steele and NB.

[J-Rock Mom]

i think they will go undefeated in regular season with super tough games with Madison, Steele and NB.

Good one nice poke!!

[DiamondJ2]

Good article on Chris McAllister in Express-News today. He is vieing for a starting LB position with Baylor. While redshirting last year, he was able to watch and learn from the outstanding LB Pawlek form Smithson Valley, That will be some big shoes for Chris to fill, but he is very capable of picking up where Pawlek left off.

[clemensbuff]

Good article on Chris McAllister in Express-News today. He is vieing for a starting LB position with Baylor. While redshirting last year, he was able to watch and learn from the outstanding LB Pawlek form Smithson Valley, That will be some big shoes for Chris to fill, but he is very capable of picking up where Pawlek left off.

Post a link here if you can, I'd like to read it.

[DiamondJ2]

Baylor redshirt freshman Chris McAllister isn't listed as the team's starting middle linebacker — yet. But coaches and teammates see possibilities. They see speed and size and the ability to think on the field, not to mention a work ethic that has prompted Bears linebackers coach Larry Hoefer to say that the former Judson standout will battle senior Chris Francis for the starting job. Baylor's season opener is Sept. 4 against Sam Houston State.

“It's between those two,” Hoefer said. “They competed very well in the spring, and that competition continues.” Baylor head coach Art Briles said a few months ago that McAllister played as well as anyone on the team during spring practices. Hoefer said this week that McAllister continues to impress.
“His work ethic is really unbelievable,” Hoefer said. “He's one of the hardest workers we've got on the team. That's the reason he's come so far.”

Since McAllister arrived in Waco a year ago, he has worked so hard on physical development that the Bears' coaches were compelled to take notice.
“He came in here about 218 pounds, and now he's about 240,” Hoefer said. “He does all the little things we ask. That redshirt year was really beneficial for him and us.”

McAllister said one of his individual goals this season is to hit No. 1 on the depth chart at middle linebacker. But he said he would happily trade that and anything else if the Bears can win a bowl game. “I want to play and eventually start this year, and I'd like to make the All-Big 12 freshman team,” McAllister said. “But the No. 1 goal is the team goal, and that's winning a bowl game. If my individual stuff doesn't happen, as long as we win, you know, I'm happy with that.”

Francis and McAllister face the daunting task of replacing All-Big 12 middle linebacker Joe Pawelek, the former Smithson Valley star who is now in the Seattle Seahawks' camp. Francis may have the edge initially because of his experience.
“He's been under the bright lights and played in front of the big crowds and all that,” Hoefer said. “But we don't think it will take (McAllister) long to adjust.” McAllister said he talked often to Pawelek last season. Pawelek tried to explain the importance of not only watching game tape but taking time to make notes and analyze tendencies.

A year later, perhaps the next standout Baylor linebacker from the San Antonio area has already compiled one notebook full of diagrams and analysis on Baylor's 2009 opponents and is working on one for 2010.
“I look for little keys here and there,” McAllister said. “Which way the guard goes, which way the tackle blocks — is it a pass or a run? (Joe) said, ‘Don't watch tape just to be watching the game. Watch it to see what you're supposed (to do).' You know, put yourself in the tape.” Another lesson McAllister carries with him is one he learned from Judson coach Jim Rackley.“With Coach Rackley, it was just heart and effort,” McAllister said. “He talked about giving effort on every play. You might not win on every play, but it's the effort that's going to get you through the game.”

[clemensbuff]

Thank DiamondJ2! I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the young man ends up starting this year and eventually becomes an All Big12 player! Sounds to me like the guy doesn't shy away from what it takes to get there.............plenty of hard work in the off season!

[J-Rock Mom]

It was a really good article about Chris. It is great to hear about a Ex Rocket that has gone on.