UNDvince97-01

I have never said he isn't worthy and this has nothing to do with my opinion on the kid. I'm simply stating the info and facts that are out there. I also agree that if it ends up working in both parties best interests, it would be great to see him at UND next fall, offer or not.

Let me be clear, Wilkie is a great high school QB and player. I have nothing against him. However, every FCS staff in the upper midwest seems to agree that he's not worthy of an offer yet. That is indisputable. There are reasons for this. Who cares which other FCS schools have a QB verbal at this point? Would you like UND or any other school to offer him now, have him verbal, and then pull the offer later when they land one or 2 QBs they had ranked higher? Every staff is letting it play out and looking out for their own interests in recruiting. The meat and potatoes of the recruiting season doesn't even start until December when they start taking official visits. Just because his dad is an alum doesn't mean UND is required to offer him. This backhanded compliment talk is laughable. If UND (or any other school) offers him later and he is offended by the timing of it (which is pure speculation and I hope not the case), then he should go play somewhere else. Personally, I wouldn't want someone with that high-maintenance, entitled attitude playing at UND. If he would want to be upset with UND(again, hypothetical), then he should be upset with USD, SDSU, ndsu and UNI as well.

I guess my point is that if he was held in such high regard and was that highly sought after, at minimum, he would have offers right now from the regional FCS schools already. But he doesnt. That tells me something. I'm not going to say whether I think he's good enough or not, but it would appear that the coaching staffs of all the Dakota schools are in line with their evaluation of him at this time. All indications are that he attended a few camps this summer, including UND and ndsu. The fact that he doesn't have any offers after attending the camps might be the biggest red-flag of all. Camps are the best evaluation tool a college coach can have. Given what we know now, it's my guess that if an offer is on the horizon from any of the regional FCS schools (Dakota schools, UNI or otherwise), it will only be after that school missed out on their higher-rated top QB targets.

Great job, twins15!!!

Exactly. Nobody has offered Wilkie yet. Nobody.

When our freshman class was told we could leave for conditioning because we performed well in scouts, we all ran for the hills yelling and screaming like lunatics..... In fact in all of my years in the UND Football program, I don't ever remember a freshman staying for conditioning when they were told they could leave. Maybe it's just because I am getting old and have a bad memory. Freshman year is hardest mentally and socially and easiest physically. EDIT: sorry for interrupting.....continue thread drift

.....

Zero. Nothing.

This Montana team scares the hell out of me. They are MUCH better than last year's team that UND beat at Alerus Center. They are also much better and are a more complete team than SDSU, IMO. This Griz team will contend for the BSC title and make a run in the playoffs again. Back to normal in Missoula after a year off. I do not have a good feeling about this game at all. I really hope I am wrong and as always am hoping for the best. Go Sioux.

Barring an unforeseen incident or injury, he will play this week.

He's still on the team.

You'll understand after tonight....

I'd say you have perfect 20/20 vision.

I think UND comes out and establishes the run early. Lots of 21 personnel groups. I think they want their new and young FBs and TEs to get some good work and try get comfy in the run game heading into the SDSU week. I could also see them spreading them out and running the ball out of some 1-back stuff. They very well could throw one up early in the 1st 2 plays, but I see the theme being establishing a running game early on and giving Bartels some easy reads and intermediate throws to gain confidence. I think Valpo will be coached up and ready for the deep throw early. Can't wait.

Wow, Tom Miller really outdid himself on that. I can only hope he continues to do that in the future for each week's game preview. Bravo.

I get it. There's merit to that. Winning definitely helps. But how about having some loyal UND fans with some conviction that don't just front-run all the time too? That would be worth something.

The lack of knowledge by our hockey-only crowd about other UND sports on campus just frustrates me to no end. MafiaMan, I know you are just asking questions and I am glad you are showing interest in UND Football, but there is just almost this elitist attitude of ignorance towards anything non-hockey by many (not you and not all) fans. I just only wish our hockey-only crowd would invest some time into following the other programs and take some interest and attend the games. The UND fanbase for all sports would literally be second fiddle to NO other school at our level. We have a unique advantage with our UND following because of hockey. It would just be so amazing to have everyone pulling in the same direction for all sports. I really hope to see that happen sometime soon. Maybe its wishful thinking, but it would be so great. Sounds like you understand the Valpo scheduling reasoning now though. Hey it's a step in the right direction. Thanks for stopping by and asking about the UND Football program, MafiaMan.

I'm hearing Bartels steam as well. I so wanted Mollberg to win the job, but if Bartels is named the starter for week 1, this competition is still far from over. Joe will get better and injuries happen just like last year. I also think it's way too early to talk about transferring. The Chris Belmore/Reed Manke situation is the perfect example of why not to. There is more than on-the-field football lessons to be taken from this situation in the longview. Ask Reed Manke. I hope Mollberg is mentally strong enough to understand that he just needs to tighten up his belt and go work harder, rather than start thinking about transferring already. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders. Times like these are when we will find out what Mollberg's made of. Best of luck to both kids. Both are very talented and we will no doubt need both of them before all is said and done.

My understanding is that the SID's from each athletic department are required to produce and submit a weekly depth chart to their opponents. I would imagine the "Valpo week" UND depth chart should be released on undsports.com in the next couple of days.

Unless injuries arise to force their hand, I hope they both redshirt.

He's talented enough for sure. But given our depth at WR, there isn't sound reasoning for them to do that. (edit: unless there is some injury we aren't aware of) He's probably just been giving the upperclassmen some breaks on their reps. IMO, no chance they pull his redshirt.

Agreed. Whoever may win the job needs to have some time to settle in and start learning how to lead a team and take command of the offense and the huddle - the sooner the better. Doesn't have to be permanent, but just give them the opportunity to be 'the guy' and adjust from there. I do not agree with the QB by committee approach. The coaches will have had approximately 35-40 practices between spring ball and fall camp to decide. I hope an announcement is made by the end of this week. Excited as hell for this season to start.

Tools are great, but you have to be able to utilize them correctly. If he ends up being 80% of Freund as a QB, I will be thrilled. I think Freund was/is underestimated. Great cerebral QB with lightning quick release and great accuracy. Was also pretty dang athletic himself. That being said, I hope Mollberg utilizes his tools to become a better QB than Freund was. That would be great.

What a great thread! Keep going!

Talk about hockey in the hockey thread.