ZACH METTENBERGER
The All-Jayhawk Conference football team was released today, and to nobody’s surprise Butler quarterback Zach Mettenberger was named Offensive MVP and Butler defensive end Cornelius Carradine was named Defensive MVP. The Grizzlies placed 7 players on offense and 4 on defense.
And, rightfully so, Independence’s Steve Carson was named coach of the year.
Thoughts? Great teams. An incredible group of players in all the right spots. The coaches hit this one out of the park. And if you read this blog, you know I’m not a guy that usually agrees with all-conference picks. But I have no beef here.
A few things that stick out:
-Butler wide receiver Marcus Kennard was the only repeat first-teamer, which kind of blows me away. Because guys came back. The competition level spiked and they just couldn’t keep up. Can’t wait to see how he does at K-State.
-No freshmen on the first-team defense.
-Really happy for Hutchinson cornerback Dorrian Roberts, a first-team pick. Once Roberts gave up basketball, the Wichita Heights product became one of the best defensive backs in the Jayhawk and should be headed to a D-I school.
-Speaking of DI offers, keep in mind that Former Butler DE and current Oregon starter Zac Clark was a two-time honorable mention pick. Some really, really good players got left off the first team but it doesn’t mean they aren’t going to big schools. There’s that much talent in the league this year. Just look at the running backs – Independence’s Stephen Houston was a first-teamer, but Hutch’s Angelo Pease was 2nd team and Butler’s Ben Axon was honorable mention. That’s three guys that could be starting in major conferences next year.
-Duron Carter and Nukeese Richardson were shut out. Not 1st team, not 2nd team, not honorable mention. The Coffeyville duo were one of the biggest stories early in the season, coming in from big schools (Carter at Ohio State, Richardson at Tennesse) after running into problems at their respective universities. Both proved that a year of junior-college couldn’t cure what ails them, which in this case is an overriding sense of entitlement. And, in another note to potential recruiters: They got served. Truthfully. Abused by kids from Kansas that couldn’t get a DI offer out of high school and by other supposedly “elite” athletes like themselves. Look at the tape. It don’t lie. And while we’re at it, welcome back to the hot seat, Coach Dulin.
-I told you Cordarelle Patterson was The Truth. Now he’s a first-team wide receiver and return specialist and should have a shot at All-American Awards.
-Speaking of All-Americans: Mettenberger, Butler o-tackle Ryan Schrader, Carradine, Butler corner Victor Daniels and Indy guard Nick Chartain all also have a shot, with Mettenberger and Carradine locks for the first team.
-Carson and the Pirates were an amazing story this year. Recovering from the tragic death of coach Lamar James to make the Region VI playoffs is something that entire community can take pride in.
Out. TA
PS
WHO DAT?