And on to next year...

Jackson Coker


In past years, many of us would be angry when we didn't get the official list of incoming freshmen by early May.

But in a sign of how better management in the Bagnoli era has made us all calm down and learn to trust the new leadership, I haven't heard a peep of complaint so far. And then there are fans like me, who are hoping the delay means some late-deciding blue chip recruits will be added to the list when it is finally released.

A new commit who looks pretty good at WR did make a late decision to join the Lions this week. He's 5-11 170 pound Jackson Coker from Westlake HS in Austin, Texas. BUT he's for the class of 2020... making him the first commit for NEXT YEAR'S freshman Lions.

According to my LionFeeders database Coker will be the third documented Westlake grad to come to Columbia, after Roy Schwartz '15 and Zach Dansby '18.

Late Awards: Defensive Player of the Year

I never finished announcing my choices for the top Lions of 2018.

I did pick and post about RB Ryan Young as Freshman of the Year and K Chris Alleyne as Special Teams Player of the Year.

Now it's (past) time for my choice for Defensive Player of the Year.

In a year riddled with injuries, my choice was someone who came back from an injury-riddled 2017 and also bounced back from injuries minutes after it looked like he'd been knocked out of games for good.

I'm talking about DE Daniel DeLorenzi, who made 1st Team All Ivy and solidified himself as one of the top speed rushers in the Ivies.

The choice wasn't easy. I though graduating senior LB Sean White was a very underrated effective player who covered the run and the pass exceptionally well. And fellow graduating senior Landon Baty was a stalwart in the secondary and also a big emotional leader on the team.

But DeLorenzi stood out just a little bit more and seemed to get key sacks in close games. His final year should be an interesting one at Wien Stadium.