I posted a few tweets from UNT’s media day this afternoon and some of this has already been covered, but here’s a quick review of the news of media day and some thoughts on what transpired:
News: Ryan Boutwell is out for the first couple of games of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.
Take: It’s a tough blow for UNT, especially considering that Boutwell and since graduated defensive end Brandon Akpunku were two of the Mean Green’s best defensive linemen. The good news is that — at least on paper — UNT’s season does not get interesting until after two money games against LSU and Kansas State and one that should be a gimme against Texas Southern. The games that will determine how UNT fares compared to expectations begin in week four at home against Troy.
News: Tight end Daniel Prior is out for the season.
Take: UNT could use Prior, but the Mean Green is deep enough to do fine without him.
News: There were some interesting tidbits on the depth chart: Jarrian Roberts is second team at outside linebacker, Zac Whitfield is a backup cornerback as is Devante Davis.
Take: UNT has some good young players in the pipeline. They had better be ready to go early because they are going to be thrown into the fire. And secondly, now people can quit wondering if Davis is going to play corner. UNT has been planning to play him there all along.
News: Tevinn Cantly has dropped 20 pounds
Take: UNT will still be plenty big up front. Cantly is still listed at 333.
News: Alexander Lincoln is a starter at defensive tackle.
Take: UNT is going to be awfully young and inexperienced up front defensively early in the season. It’s also pretty clear Lincoln has made an impression.