Saturday, September 14, 2024

It's Finally Game Week


With a week to go before the 2024 season finally kicks off, it's time to begin regular coverage of the season for the Lions.

Information out of the Athletic Department has been sparse during training camp. But that was really made up for with an email new Head Coach Jon Poppe sent out today providing the most solid and specific preseason positional information I've ever seen from a Columbia head coach in my 38 years of following this team week-by-week. 

Poppe has asked to keep the details of the email private, so I will just give a brief overview based on what I've already reported, etc. 

The key info we knew already, including the fact that the QB starter will indeed be sophomore Chase Goodwin and the backup will be junior transfer Cole Freeman.

We also already knew 5th year senior Joey Giorgi and senior Malcom Terry will be the starting running backs. But Poppe did mention another RB who has impressed in camp at RB. 

Poppe was especially complimentary of the tight end corps, but did not mention a specific starter. He was also very glowing when describing the core group of two seniors and three juniors who will start on the offensive line. 

Poppe didn't have any surprise names to offer as far as D-line starters, but he did mention a late-blooming footballer that I flagged as a hidden gem in January 2022 has been the biggest star of the preseason. 

The veteran secondary, (three returning starters), includes a battle for that last open starting spot. A good looking freshman is one of the two finalists. 

Sorry for the caginess here, but we will try to reward Poppe's rare candor about the roster with some secrecy for now. 

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

LAFAYETTE is rolling over Marist today. I’m glad we will be seeing them at home. I agree about the coach’s letter-very informative.

Anonymous said...

Based upon my reading of Jake's archives from January, 2022, the "hidden gem" appears to be defensive lineman Ayden Baker. I guess we will know for sure when the two-deep is issued later in the week.

Anonymous said...

I'm excited that the Lions new quarterback is from the Great State of Texas, and particularly the City of Houston. There is something special about Texas quarterbacks. The Michigan Wolverines found that out last week.

Anonymous said...

Remarkable that a freshman is in the running to start in the defensive backfield given the returning talent.

Anonymous said...

Will be a rough game next week against Lafayette. Buckle up.

DOC said...

Glad we have experience returning on the OL, RB's ,and WR's. Our new QB is going to benefit for sure !

Anonymous said...

Who is the third RB behind Giorgi and Terry?

Anonymous said...

Let’s go Lions. Less than a week away and we take it to Lafayette.

Anonymous said...

Let's Go!!!

Anonymous said...

Let’s do it!!!

alawicius said...

Can anybody answer or even give a clue about the third running back?

Anonymous said...

Lions are locked in. Going to be a good game with Lions on top

Anonymous said...

Does terry have another year of eligibility?

Anonymous said...

Go Lions! Win time

Anonymous said...

Seymour Butts is the backup