I spoke with newly signed rookie Jacksonville Jaguar guard (and Appalachian State graduate), Will Corbin, earlier in the summer and asked him about his expectations for the Mountaineers heading into their second season in the Sun Belt Conference.
He expressed confidence in his band of brothers.
“I feel like Appalachian State is going to do great especially on the offensive line side,” Corbin said. I know we lost our left tackle with Kendall transitioning to the NFL (Kendall Lamm is with the Houston Texans). That’s a huge spot you gotta fill (Davante Harris will take the role over), because Kendall was an anchor tackle. You have 4 guys on the offensive line who played all last year. We are still going to be competitive up front. We are still going to run.”
Corbin discussed the depth at running back.
“We got Marcus Cox, still got (Terrence) Upshaw, I’ve always been a huge fan of Ricky Ferguson. He’s going to go out there and perform, and we’ve got one of the best receiving corps in the Sun Belt,” he noted.
Corbin went on to talk about all the weapons at receiver, “One of the best receiving corps I have ever seen”.
In addition to Malachi Jones the team has plenty of other pass-catching weapons.
“(Simms) Mcelfresh, Shaedon (Meadors), Bobo (Beathard), you’ve still got receivers coming in younger with a lot of speed, and a lot of want to,” Corbin said. “I feel like the offensive side for App State is stacked. They have a stable of running backs, they’ve got a bunch of receivers that are going to get you the ball. They’ve got a quarterback that’s one of the best in the game right now, Taylor Lamb, and I know he’s going to go out there and he’s going to do everything he can to bring App State to a win.”
But Corbin doesn’t think the program’s strengths are all on the offensive side of the ball.
“On the defensive side you’ve got two players that the NFL is already seeing, with Ronald Blair (defensive end) and Doug Middleton (safety). They are tremendous players. They want to. They are going to hit the person, they are going to hit the receiver, hit the quarterback. Of course with John Law (linebacker) roaming the middle. He’s going to do the same.” He continued, “I know App State is going to perform.”
The NFL player has high expectations for his old program.
“They are going to bring back a ring this year, especially with the coaching staff we’ve got,” he promised. “The defensive coaches are going to put the defensive players in the right spot. The offensive coaches are going to call the best plays to win the game.”
Last Word on Sports have picked the Mountaineers to finish second in the Sun Belt this season, but most agree with their 20 returning starters they will be in the mix to win their first title since joining the conference last season. Appalachian will begin that quest with their first conference game at Georgia State on October 10th.
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