February 1st may mark the start of a new month for some, but for avid sports fans, the beginning of February signals National Signing Day. It is the first day when high school student athletes can sign their letters of intent to play for the college of their choice.
The ACU football team didn’t miss out on the fun as head coach Ken Collums added 13 players yesterday to the Wildcat squad for 2012.
As a proud supporter of ACU football, I immediately went to YouTube to check out highlights of the incoming recruits. I will give you some of my thoughts for a few of the players, but keep in mind I am no Mel Kiper.
Cade Stone, QB, Ft. Worth Christian HS – In his senior year, Stone threw for 18 touchdowns while also contributing 13 more with on the ground. Although he was the quarterback for the FWC Cardinals while in high school, his immediate impact to the Wildcats will be through the kick and punt return game. He has speed plus moves, a deadly combo, and can be a nice compliment to receiver Taylor Gabriel in the return game. Oh, and he picked ACU over Air Force.
Chad Quisenberry, TE, Frenship HS – The loss of Ben Gibbs leaves a hole at tight end for ACU and at 6’2″, 235 lbs., and although he might not make an immediate contribution, Quisenberry could be a part of the future at that spot for the Wildcats. He can catch and run which is good, but he can also block, a must with any tight end. He was recruited by New Mexico and Colorado State, so he is a big get for ACU.
Eric Frain, CB, L.A. Pierce College – A junior college transfer, Frain brings one major asset to the table – speed. According to acusports.com, Frain has been clocked at a 4.2 40-yard dash. If you need a reference to how fast that is, it is faster than Johnny Knox. With a weak secondary, ACU needs help badly and Frain as well as other defensive back signees should provide that.
Josh Bloom, DT, Kingwood Park HS – Listed at 6’1″ 300 lbs., Bloom will be able to contribute in a big way to the ACU defensive line. The loss of all-American Aston Whiteside hurts a lot for the Wildcats, so any signee on the defensive line will be critical for the ‘Cats.
Robbie Goldschmidt, LB/FB, The Woodlands HS – Although I am sure Goldschmidt can play football, I wanted to note his family’s baseball prowess. His brother Paul currently plays first base for the Arizona Diamondbacks and is considered one of the best young talents in the majors.
In my opinion, Collums did a good job at addressing the needs of his team with this class. He was able to sign two offensive linemen, three defensive backs and three defensive linemen, currently shallow positions for the Wildcats. The biggest name though is Stone and if highlights on YouTube are any indication, should be a great talent at ACU.
