As signing day nears many high school athletes are trying to turn their dreams into realities. For many, this day could determine the rest of their lives. So, the importance of it is astronomical. UTSA had a less than stellar season and could clearly use some help from incoming recruits. There are many holes to fill on both sides of the ball. UTSA finished the year with a record of 3-9 and are looking to improve on a season in which they substantially regressed.
#RowdyBoutIt19 pic.twitter.com/uer3xggmdu
— UTSA Football 🏈 (@UTSAFTBL) December 19, 2018
UTSA Signing Day Review
The Roadrunners finished fifth in the Conference USA-West standings just ahead of UTEP and Rice who won a combined three games. The Roadrunners were clearly overmatched this season. In every aspect of the game, the ‘Runners looked more than a step behind. Whether this is because of poor coaching or sub-par talent on the field, changes must soon be made. Certain positions are clearly in question and will need revamping with the youthful class of 2019. UTSA Signing Day Review will cover what positions need the most help and the recruits that can be of most value.
Offense
UTSA’s offense looked atrocious all year. They struggled to find a consistent quarterback to lead the team on Saturday’s. This is the spot that clearly needs the most help. For the season, UTSA ranked 129th out of 130th in points per game. They averaged only 14.2 points in each outing and this can be mostly attributed to poor quarterback play. Cordale Grundy led the team for the majority of the season. However, he never found any success. He passed for less than 1,000 yards in nine appearances and only racked up six total touchdowns to go along with three interceptions. This position needs the most help because an offense is only as good as its quarterback and UTSA has still yet to find that person.
Quarterback
UTSA has only one quarterback from the class of 2019 that is signed and that is Suddin Sapien. The 6’4”, 221 lb, three-star quarterback from Midland, Texas is hoping that he can produce an instant impact on this struggling offense. Sapien is the 80th ranked quarterback in this years recruiting class. In the 2018 season, Sapien completed 155 passes out of 315 attempts for 2,211 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. His statistics are not too eye-popping, however, UTSA needs any help that they can get at the position. Currently, Sapien would be sitting behind Grundy, Jordan Weeks, Bryce Rivers, and the explosive Frank Harris who was unable to play this season. Sapien will have his work cut out for him, however, with the current quarterback issues for the team, the opportunities are there.
Running back
The running back position was also weak in the 2018 season. The leading rusher for the Roadrunners was B.J. Daniels who only gained 322 yards on 87 rushing attempts. In fact, out of 347 total team rushing attempts, the Roadrunners only gained 1,054 yards. Also, for the year, UTSA had a meager seven total rushing touchdowns. This offense has had relatively zero production from either of its two most key positions. This statistic is frightening for Roadrunner fans and they are hoping for instant impact in their recruits.
The Explosive Runners
UTSA signed two three-star running backs in an attempt to add some firepower to their offense. UTSA bagged Sincere McCormick and Ronnie Jackson in early signing day. McCormick who played at Judson high school in Converse, Texas is hoping to be the missing piece that the ‘Runners need. In his final season, McCormick had 126 carries and rushed for 1396 yards on his way to 21 rushing scores. He is an explosive and athletic playmaker that will be able to open up the passing game with his abilities.
The Roadrunners also went after and signed Ronnie Jackson. Jackson is a three-star, 101st ranked running back in the nation. He attended Edna Karr high school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Jackson rushed for 1,078 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season. His abilities are often overlooked by his national ranking. However, the buzz surrounding this kid is real and the Roadrunners hope it all pans out.
Defense
The Roadrunners unquestionably struggled in the secondary all year. UTSA was constantly beaten by the deep ball down the field and gave up long plays all year. This team was nationally ranked in many defensive statistics in 2017, so this year was a complete regression. In 2017, the team ranked eighth in the nation in opponents’ points/game, however, this year they ranked 88th. As a result, the ‘Runners went out and recruited some high-level talent to fill in the holes.
Safeties
In an effort to improve their secondary, the Roadrunners signed two three-star safeties and a three-star corner. These players are Rashad Wisdom, Sean Berry, and Kenneth Robinson. Wisdom, who is the 83rd ranked safety in the nation, is the Roadrunners best signee in terms of his rating so far. Wisdom also went to school at Judson High School, so he will be playing alongside his teammate Sincere McCormick. The safety out of Converse is an all-around athlete as he played some offensive stats this year, however, his defensive skills are what set him apart. He had a total of 83 tackles in his senior season to go along with three interceptions and one fumble recovery. The stats may not look overly impressive, however, his IQ and athleticism on the field are what sets him apart.
Y'all ready? 👀 More talent from @JudsonFootball coming to #UTSA. 😤
Welcome to the UTSA family, Sincere McCormick and Rashad Wisdom!#RowdyBoutIt19#BirdsUp🤙 pic.twitter.com/pGI3cpj2Jn
— UTSA Football 🏈 (@UTSAFTBL) December 19, 2018
Berry is an athletic cornerback out of Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas. He is the 188th ranked safety in the nation. In 2018, Berry had 51 total tackles, four sacks, and three fumble recoveries. He is someone to look out for as a difference maker for this weak Roadrunner secondary.
Cornerback
Kenneth Robinson was also signed in an attempt to improve the secondary. Although, Robinson is the 231st ranked corner in the nation he should not be overlooked. In his time at South Grand Prairie High School, Robinson helped lead his team to the playoffs and racked up some district accolades. He is a solid player that can help this struggling defense out.
The Roadrunners were able to secure some solid players in this early signing period. The addition of some key position players on the offense should help improve on their terrible 2018 campaign. As for the defense, adding some talent in the secondary will make the field smaller for opposing offenses as the Roadrunners hope to rely on solid performances from their secondary. Also, with these signees, depth is added in many key positions.
