It seems like only a few short days ago when the San Antonio Marshalls decided to select Beau Montgomery seventh overall in the S11 DSFL draft. However, that draft was over two months ago and the season has already been put in the books; the Marshalls managed to take first place in the SFC South division with a respectable 9-5 record. The man drafted one spot before Montgomery, Asipi III is a large reason for the Marshall's record; his league-leading 1817 yards on the ground were monstrous and really kept the high tempo offence on the field for long stretches of time. If it were not for Asipi and Wozy peppering the opposing defences it is entirely possible that San Antonio's own defenders would not have had the season they did. While the Pythons held the title of best defence this season, the Marshalls and Coyotes were not all that far behind the league Champions.
Montgomery had an impressive rookie campaign, finishing in a tie for the fourth most tackles in the DSFL. Beau had planned on being more of a sack master/pass rushing linebacker but the Marshall's saw the potential in him to be an all-purpose player who could make an impact behind the line but also deeper down the field. Montgomery still managed to finish with 5 sacks, 3 off the league lead, but, he only amassed 6 tackles for a loss. The big linebacker also showed a knack for getting hands on the ball with two interceptions and eight defended passes; Montgomery himself did not know he had that kind of ability and hopes to improve those numbers at the next level.
The 8-6 Colorado Yeti, with the league-worst defence, allowing almost 30 points against per game, decided that it was time to shore up the defence this past draft. After using their 5th overall pick on speedy wide-out, James Bishop, the Yeti elected to shore up their linebacker position. The 12th and 13th. picks saw the Yeti come away with Logan Lejune and Beau Montgomery; one a run-stuffing backer and the later a speed rushing linebacker. The Yeti dipped into the offensive well again as they used the 14th pick on another speedy wide receiver in Rylant Wright, then the Yeti drafted who they hope will be their future signal caller, Luke Boechler. The Yeti once again turned to defence after those picks and drafted big brick wall, Sam Garrad at 29th, balanced LB, Soupy McBrain at 37th and they finished off with a defensive end, Joey Sachs at 45th.
All in all, this draft has serious potential to help the Yeti get to the top of the NSFC. However, Colorado needs to hit on most of their prospects for that to work. If they don't get 3 or more impact players out of this class then it could be seen as a failure down the road. Early on, it seems that Bishop, Lejune and Montgomery are locks to develop into stars but it is entirely possible that Boechler, Wright, McBrain or Garrad could also blossom into stars later down the road. For now, I am sure the Yeti will be happy to leave this draft with three day one starters.
Beau Montgomery was contacted after the draft and gave the following quote: "I wasn't surprised to land with Colorado, they did a thorough scouting process and really made me feel like I was going to be a part of their team from the moment they reached out. I wasn't overly familiar with the team and their management before the draft but now that I am here seeing first hand what they are capable of, I couldn't have asked for a better landing spot. I think Montgomery will fit the Yeti brand like a glove and it will not be long before we ascend to league champs. I have been working hard on getting faster and stronger and I believe that I will be a completely different player by the time the season rolls around. I look forward to making my managers proud that they selected me".
It would appear that the rookie linebacker is brimming with confidence but are the league pundits feeling the same way? One source was quoted as saying "The Yeti are good, not great, and they have some nice pieces to build around right now but this team is far from an elite championship squad. The team has more holes than a piece of swiss cheese and it will take some serious hard work and development to get the young guys up to speed. That isn't saying it can't be done, but it will be very hard and unlikely".
Colorado is led by kicker turned quarterback, Micycle McCormick and electric wideout, Howard Miller. The two form a dynamic duo on offence that should see some help from younger guys like Cansino and Bishop as they mature into bonafide stars. The Yeti has an offence that can compete, today! The defence is what they lack and even if the players they have on the roster now reach their full potential they will still need a few more players before the roster is set. The team seriously lacks players in the secondary and without a stud corner or two then teams will be able to pass for big chunks. Management has to really buckle down and do their homework the next few seasons but it appears they are up to the task.
Montgomery had an impressive rookie campaign, finishing in a tie for the fourth most tackles in the DSFL. Beau had planned on being more of a sack master/pass rushing linebacker but the Marshall's saw the potential in him to be an all-purpose player who could make an impact behind the line but also deeper down the field. Montgomery still managed to finish with 5 sacks, 3 off the league lead, but, he only amassed 6 tackles for a loss. The big linebacker also showed a knack for getting hands on the ball with two interceptions and eight defended passes; Montgomery himself did not know he had that kind of ability and hopes to improve those numbers at the next level.
The 8-6 Colorado Yeti, with the league-worst defence, allowing almost 30 points against per game, decided that it was time to shore up the defence this past draft. After using their 5th overall pick on speedy wide-out, James Bishop, the Yeti elected to shore up their linebacker position. The 12th and 13th. picks saw the Yeti come away with Logan Lejune and Beau Montgomery; one a run-stuffing backer and the later a speed rushing linebacker. The Yeti dipped into the offensive well again as they used the 14th pick on another speedy wide receiver in Rylant Wright, then the Yeti drafted who they hope will be their future signal caller, Luke Boechler. The Yeti once again turned to defence after those picks and drafted big brick wall, Sam Garrad at 29th, balanced LB, Soupy McBrain at 37th and they finished off with a defensive end, Joey Sachs at 45th.
All in all, this draft has serious potential to help the Yeti get to the top of the NSFC. However, Colorado needs to hit on most of their prospects for that to work. If they don't get 3 or more impact players out of this class then it could be seen as a failure down the road. Early on, it seems that Bishop, Lejune and Montgomery are locks to develop into stars but it is entirely possible that Boechler, Wright, McBrain or Garrad could also blossom into stars later down the road. For now, I am sure the Yeti will be happy to leave this draft with three day one starters.
Beau Montgomery was contacted after the draft and gave the following quote: "I wasn't surprised to land with Colorado, they did a thorough scouting process and really made me feel like I was going to be a part of their team from the moment they reached out. I wasn't overly familiar with the team and their management before the draft but now that I am here seeing first hand what they are capable of, I couldn't have asked for a better landing spot. I think Montgomery will fit the Yeti brand like a glove and it will not be long before we ascend to league champs. I have been working hard on getting faster and stronger and I believe that I will be a completely different player by the time the season rolls around. I look forward to making my managers proud that they selected me".
It would appear that the rookie linebacker is brimming with confidence but are the league pundits feeling the same way? One source was quoted as saying "The Yeti are good, not great, and they have some nice pieces to build around right now but this team is far from an elite championship squad. The team has more holes than a piece of swiss cheese and it will take some serious hard work and development to get the young guys up to speed. That isn't saying it can't be done, but it will be very hard and unlikely".
Colorado is led by kicker turned quarterback, Micycle McCormick and electric wideout, Howard Miller. The two form a dynamic duo on offence that should see some help from younger guys like Cansino and Bishop as they mature into bonafide stars. The Yeti has an offence that can compete, today! The defence is what they lack and even if the players they have on the roster now reach their full potential they will still need a few more players before the roster is set. The team seriously lacks players in the secondary and without a stud corner or two then teams will be able to pass for big chunks. Management has to really buckle down and do their homework the next few seasons but it appears they are up to the task.