LSC Roundup 12-28

New ASU coach lends confidence - San Angelo Standard Times
Even before the announcement on Thursday that Will Wagner will be Angelo State University’s new head football coach, there was a sense that the Rams program is on the way back.

All four finalists — Wagner, Pierce Holt, Steve Warren and Todd Whitten — offered impressive credentials. The fact that such accomplished people, and presumably others who didn’t make the final cut, want the job is a sign the program is in good shape and poised to rebound.

Wagner, 36, comes to ASU from Northwest Missouri State, where he has been associate head coach of one of the most successful Division II programs in the nation. During his time at the school, it has played in the national championship game seven times, winning three titles.

It seems unlikely that a coach who is accustomed to that level of success would take a job at a school that didn’t have the potential to compete for championships.


Recruiting Tidbit - Booker played ‘big’ for Eagles in 2010 - Mike Keeney, Star Courier
Gayron Booker wasn’t the biggest guy on the Eisenhower Eagles defense, but he sure came up big during the 2010 season.

Booker played outside linebacker for the Eagles, who finished second in District 18-5A. Although he stood 5-71/2 and weighed in at 188-pounds, Booker made plays all over the field in helping his team make a return trip to the playoffs.

During his senior season, Booker recorded 52 tackles, eight sacks and recovered one fumble. That output earned him the Northeast News’ Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2010 season...

Thompson said he knows Booker’s height will probably keep him from earning a Division 1 scholarship, but he said Abilene Christian University (ACU) has an interest in him and that might be the perfect place for the deeply religious young man.

ACU may not be a Division 1 school, but it has produced a number of NFL players in the last decade such as defensive back Daniel Manning of the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Johnny Know, also of the Bears and Cincinnati Bengals running back Bernard Scott.

“I really think he can play at the next level,” Thompson said. “He can play outside or could be a good nickel back. He’s quick and smart and knows how to get to the football. He has a lot of natural instincts. He plays with a motor and was a playmaker for us he also understands the game. He watched a lot of film while he was here to learn his opponent.”