Gus Malzahn - Statewide Tour

JONESBORO (5/10/12) – The Arkansas State Department of Athletics announced Thursday that a statewide speaking tour for new head football coach Gus Malzahn is set for May 15-17, when he will make stops in 14 different Arkansas cities to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the Red Wolves football team.Malzahn has been considerably active within the state borders with numerous speaking engagements and also been visible on a national level through media coverage since he was named the Red Wolves’ head coach on Dec. 14.

Similar in concept to the football program’s statewide recruiting efforts called the A-State Ambush, next week’s speaking tour will give ASU fans maximum exposure to Malzahn’s thoughts on on the Red Wolves’ spring camp, offseason, upcoming season and much more. In addition to hearing from and visiting with Malzahn, those in attendance at each location will have the opportunity to hear from ASU Director of Athletics Dr. Dean Lee and gather information about the Red Wolf Club and season football tickets. Free admission will be granted at all stops on the tour.

Gus Malzahn Speaking Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 15

• Noon: Searcy, Ark. (First Security Bank, 314 North Spring St.)
• 2:00 p.m.: Beebe, Ark. (ASU-Beebe Student Center Cafe)
• 4:00 p.m.: Heber Springs, Ark. (ASU-Heber Springs Administration Building/Entergy Room)
• 7:00 p.m.: Mountain Home, Ark. (ASU-Mountain Home Community Center Grand Hall)

Wednesday, May 16

• 9:00 a.m.: Springdale, Ark. (Cross Church)
• 10:30 a.m.: Springdale, Ark. (First Security Bank, 2500 West Sunset)
• 12:30 p.m.: Ft. Smith, Ark. (Pendergraft Park, 200 Garrison)
• 2:30 p.m.: Russellville, Ark. (Cracker Barrel, 211 East Harrell Drive)
• 4:30 p.m.: Conway, Ark. (First Security Bank, 1390 Hwy 64 West)
• 7:00 p.m.: Little Rock, Ark. (War Memorial Stadium)

Thursday, May 17

• 9:00 a.m.: Bryant, Ark. (First Security Bank, 5619 Hwy 5 North)
• 11:00 a.m.: Pine Bluff, Ark. (Harbor Oaks)
• 2:00 p.m.: El Dorado, Ark. (Corrine Court, 234 Main St.)
• 4:00 p.m.: Fordyce, Ark. (Civic Center)
• 7:00 p.m.: Hot Springs, Ark. (Convention Center)

Full Press Release:

Q: “Where do things stand, Gus, with his (Dyer) petition to be eligible to play this upcoming season?” – Radio Host

A: “As of right now he’ll (Dyer) still have to sit out a year and that’ll probably end up being what it’ll end up.” – Malzahn

Dyer transferred to Arkansas State from Auburn just a few months ago and participated in the ASU spring game last month. The spring game may very well be the only time in 2012 that Red Wolves fans get to see Dyer in a game like atmosphere.

The next logical question from Red Wolves fans are “what about 2013?” and that exactly was the next question from the show’s hosts. They asked about the rumors and speculation that Dyer might sit out this season and then jump to the NFL before ever playing a game at Arkansas State. Malzahn responded said he expects Dyer to play in 2013.

“I really expect [Dyer] to play. He likes college football. He does have a goal to play at the next level, but he likes it here. He’s closer to home. We’re probably an hour and 30 minutes away, hour and 45 minutes away from Little Rock. [Dyer] likes it here. [Dyer] likes his teammates. And I really expect him to be on the field.” – Malzahn

We first saw this information at ArkansasSports360.com
Player with audio here: http://www.973thezone.com/Player/101366391/

Offense

Quarterback
#16 Ryan Aplin
#11 Phillip Butterfield or #10 Zach Davis

Running Back
#6 Frankie Jackson or #27 Sirgregory Thorton or #35 Rod Smith

Tight End
#19 Darion Griswold
#87 Kenneth Rains

H-Back
#84 Anthony Kincy or #18 Andre Smith
#19 Darion Griswold

Wide Receiver-9
#2 Taylor Stockemer
#24 J.D. McKissic

Wide Receiver-5
#1 Carlos McCants
#7 Julian Jones

Wide Receiver-2
#83 Earl Lucas or #82 R.J. Fleming

Wide Receiver-3
#24 J.D. McKissic or #30 Kelsey Collins

Left Tackle
#67 Aaron Williams
#85 Kedric Murry

Left Guard
#60 Steven Haunga
#59 Jake Campbell

Center
#55 Eric Allen
#58 Tyler Greve

Right Guard
#63 Cliff Mitchell
#69 Alan Wright

Right Tackle
#74 Zach McKnight
#71 Steven Stevens

Defense

Defensive End
#91 Tim Starson
#93 Darius Dunaway

Defensive Tackle
#97 Amos Draper
#90 Ronnell Wright

Nose Tackle
#65 Ryan Carrethers
#94 Markel Owens

Bandit Defensive End
#54 Shervarius Jackson
#42 Chris Stone

Mike Linebacker
#40 Nathan Herrold
#48 Qushaun Lee

Stinger Linebacker
#53 Nick Nelms
#42 LaAngelo Albright

Free Cornerback
#32 Andrew Tyron or #25 Chaz Scales

Blind Corner
#17 Terrious Triplett or #10 Artez Brown

Rover
#12 Kyle Coleman
#20 Cole Lorigan

Free Safety
#11 Sterling Young
#33 Jonathan Victorian

Wolf
#5 Don Jones
#29 Charleston Girley

A total of 721 players* were selected based on the following criteria

• Being a starter or a significant substitute in one’s last year of eligibility at an accredited NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, or an NAIA college or university
• Achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study
• Meeting all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements and graduation.

NFF Chairman Archie Manning:

“The Hampshire Honor Society allows us to showcase how much football matters in building tomorrow’s leaders, and we strongly encourage every football-playing school in the country to get involved.”

About the Hampshire Foundation
The Hampshire Foundation is the charitable arm of The Hampshire Companies, a privately-held, fully-integrated real estate firm that has over 50 years of hands-on, cycle-tested experience in acquiring, developing, leasing, repositioning, managing, financing and disposing of real estate. Founded by Jon F. Hanson, who served as NFF Chairman from 1994-2006, Hampshire is headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, has 33 employees, and currently owns and operates a diversified portfolio of 224 properties in 31 states totaling over 14.7 million square feet. Learn more at www.hampshireco.com.

Press Release:

*Arkansas State was the only Sun Belt school to have multiple players awarded

ASU Spring Game Attendance 6,115

Gus Malzahn asked for 10,000 fans to show up for the spring game. Even though that didn’t happen this was still a very successful event.

Malzahn has been talking about the “next level” ever since he was hired as head football coach at Arkansas State University. Telling fans to get ready and jump on board as he plans to change the culture at ASU. Saturday’s spring game is the latest event that proves people believe what Gus Malzahn is saying.

A few weeks back the athletic department let fans know there would be a $5 charge to attend this year’s spring game. The immediate response was confusion and shock. Past spring games weren’t the biggest attraction and those games were free. Nearly everyone who chimed in on local sports radio in Jonesboro couldn’t believe ASU would charge to attend a spring game. The general call-in theme was “they need to capitalize on the excitement, not push people away”. If they pushed people away you sure couldn’t tell.

The attendance for this year’s spring game was listed at 6,115 – about 6X that of previous games. The day consisted of live music, food, merchandise, inflatables and even Howl showed up to watch the game. This wasn’t just a spring game, it was an event. In the past there wasn’t even a concession stand. As you can see below, this year the concession stand line stretched nearly 50 yards.

Arkansas State Spring Game

The entire bottom section on the home side of the field was filled with people. There wasn’t a chair back seat available in the top section and the remaining people filled in the bottom rows. It felt like a game day atmosphere and was an impressive site to see.

You could feel the excitement in the stands. As the teams lined up for the first play you could hear whispers in the crowd “That’s him. Right there, #5, Michael Dyer“. On the second play of the scrimmage Dyer busted outside for his first ever rushing attempt, in public, as a Red Wolf. As soon as Dyer tried to take the play outside people started to stand, hoping he’d take it the distance. In the end it was a modest gain, but exactly what everyone wanted to see. Michael Dyer in an Arkansas State uniform.

Give Gus Malzahn credit. He said he was taking this thing to the next level and today felt like he’s on his way.

Spring Game Stats

Ryan Aplin: 26-33 for 313 yards & 4 touchdowns. 4 rush attempts for 40 yards.
Michael Dyer: 15 rush attempts for 85 yards. 2 receptions for 18 yards & a TD.
Rod Smith: 16 rush attempts for 97 yards.
J.D. McKissic: 9 receptions for 73 yards.
Carlos McCants: 4 receptions for 105 yards & a TD.
*Entire spring game stats

JONESBORO (4/11/12) – The Arkansas State Athletic Department has released the following statement from head football coach Gus Malzahn regarding ASU junior running back Michael Dyer’s testimony in a Lee County (Alabama) Circuit court case earlier today.

“I am fully aware of Mike’s circumstances,” said Malzahn. “He knows very well the high standard we have of all our players here at Arkansas State, and I’m confident that he will meet those expectations.”

“I regret that I made some mistakes during my time at Auburn that unfortunately I cannot go back and change, but I’m back home now, a changed person and moving forward with the help of my family and coaches at ASU,” said Dyer.

Dyer, a two-year letterman at Auburn and the Offensive MVP of the 2010 BCS National Championship Game, transferred to Arkansas State and signed a scholarship to play for the Red Wolves at the conclusion of the 2011 season. Dyer will have two years of eligibility remaining at Arkansas State and is participating in the Red Wolves’ 2012 spring camp.

One thing to note is that Malzahn doesn’t answer the question as to whether or not he knew about Michael Dyer’s previous drug use. I wouldn’t be surprised if this comes up again the next time Malzahn talks to the media.

The last few months have been full of excitement and speculation at Arkansas State regarding the new Auburn duo of Malzahn and Michael Dyer. The question is asked on a daily to weekly basis, “anything new with Dyer and his reinstatement?“, but maybe that isn’t the question Gus Malzahn should be answering. How about, “To what extent did you know about Michael Dyer’s use of spice and marijuana“? Arkansas State fans, students and alumni deserve an answer to that question.

If you’re interested in more information about Dyer’s testimony check out the following twitter accounts. Both @auburnbeat and @chambc1 have been live tweeting the events in the courtroom.

Over the last few weeks we’ve highlighted former Arkansas State WR Dwayne Frampton’s attempt to make an NFL roster. We started with details about his injury from the GoDaddy.com Bowl. Then we took at look at his workouts and rehab. Including the fact that he is working out in Florida with former NFL WR Chris Chambers who runs Chambers Fitness. In this article you’ll get to hear from Chris Chambers and get his thoughts on how well Dwayne is progressing. Chambers  talks about where he thinks Dwayne will fit in the NFL as well as many other interesting topics. A transcript of the interview is below along with a video of Frampton working on his routes at “The Chamber“.

Discussing Dwayne Frampton

He was already a pretty naturally gifted athlete. We had targeted him. I kinda knew about him some.

From one of the first conversations I had with him I asked him what kind of receiver he is… He said he was a Wes Welker type. I kind of had to stop him there because I played with Wes Welker for a few years in Miami. Wes Welker is one of the top and toughest players in the NFL. When I got to play along side him I got to watch him excel and when he got to New England he kind of took off. So when people say that, I gotta kind of see you first. And then once I got a chance to see Dwayne. He does have that feel. He does have that mold. He’s extremely quick in the slot. He has great hands. His hand are almost ten inches. His hands are close, almost as big as mine, for a guy that’s only 5ft 9in that’s pretty impressive. He has some of those similarities that Wes Welker does have, as far as his body type, his toughness, his catching ability and his quickness. And I told him that that’s a good mix for what some of these teams are looking for as a slot receiver. Plus he can return the ball. – Chris Chambers

What are you having Dwayne focus on?

I’m trying to teach him more NFL routes. I know he probably had the base college routes. I know they had a pretty good passing game there, but I’m trying to shock their mind with some of this stuff. On the field and off the field to tell you the truth, from the mental aspect of the game. – Chris Chambers

Where do you see Dwayne fitting in the NFL?

From inside to out he’s pretty solid both ways. He’ll primarily be a slot receiver. He’ll be a guy who can possibly line up in the backfield and come out of the backfield depending on what a team wants to do with him. A lot of screen game, reverses, punt/kick returner and I definitely see him as that 3rd down receiver guy who can come in and get you those tough yards. If you sleep on him a little bit he can probably break a tackle and take it the distance. There are some systems that like guys like that. New England is one of em.

Some teams like to have that short, slot type receiver in there working the middle and a lot of teams are trying to go towards that. Teams like Philadelphia like the short quick guys. It just depends on the system. Out of those 32 teams it only takes one team to absolutely love him and get him in the NFL.

I know there’s teams just extremely hurting for receivers anyway. Jacksonville. Teams like that, that just really don’t have those type of guys in their system that are looking for guys like him to have an immediate impact.

Being in the NFL for 10 years has got help when it comes to having contacts…

I’m calling GMs. Scott Pioli. Norv Turner. All the coaches, GMs and scouts that I know personally. I made a scouting report and tape for each of my guys and sent that out to them. Because I know with my name on it, they’ll actually look at it. I think that is one huge advantage that guys had by coming to me and training with me, with the respect that I have around the league and some of my networks and my connections that I can possibly get these guys in with.

Who do you see drafting Dwayne or signing him as a free agent?

I know he’s talked to several teams and they’re telling him it’s between him and some other guys who around his same stature. They’re just waiting for him to run that time, which is in the 4.3 to low 4.4 range. Which I believe he can do. he probably has one of the best hands of the group I had and those guys pretty much caught everything thrown to em. He can really catch the ball. He can make some spectacular catches. I’ve seen him catch a couple one-handed passes. I’ve seen him jump up for a few passes. So catching the ball and route running is not even gonna be a problem for him. I told him that if he can go down there and dig out a safety or a linebacker or a D-end every once in a while, that’s just icing on the cake. If he can return some punts and kicks and kind of get in that game as well. It’ll be easy for him to get on and be successful and probably last in the league for a long time.

Dwayne Frampton Working On Routes

Link to YouTube video

Part 1: Dwayne Frampton Nearly Back To 100%
Part 2: Dwayne Frampton Preparing For Arkansas State Pro Day

The Arkansas State football team will begin its first spring camp under new head coach Gus Malzahn on March 14 and will hold 15 practices, including the Red Wolves’ Spring Game on April 14, over a five-week period.

The defending Sun Belt Conference champions will hold their first two spring practices March 14 and 16, just prior to Arkansas State University’s spring break week. The Red Wolves will then resume their camp schedule with over three consecutive weeks of practice dates.

The Spring Game is set to kickoff at ASU Stadium on April 14 at 1 p.m., when fans will have the opportunity to get their first look at the Red Wolves’ under Malzahn. In addition to the on-field action, the ASU band will be in attendance as a game day atmosphere is expected. All other spring camp practices will be closed to the public. – Arkansas State University Athletic Department

2012 Arkansas State Spring Camp Practice Schedule

• Spring Practice #1: Wed., March 14 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #2: Fri., March 16 7:30 a.m. (Closed)

University Spring Break

• Spring Practice #3: Mon., March 26 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #4: Wed., March 28 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #5: Fri., March 30 7:30 .m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #6: Sat., March 31 1:15 p.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #7: Mon., April 2 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #8: Wed., April 4 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #9: Fri., April 6 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #10: Mon., April 9 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #11: Wed., April 11 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #12: Fri., April 13 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Game: Sat., April 14 1 p.m., ASU Stadium (Available to public)
• Spring Practice #14: Mon., April 16 7:30 a.m. (Closed)
• Spring Practice #15: Wed., April 18 7:30 a.m. (Closed)

Could we see Dwayne Frampton doing this on Sundays?

Last week we talked with former ASU WR Dwayne Frampton and detailed his injury as well as his rehab. In this article we dive more into the NFL draft and what Dwayne Frampton is doing to prepare.

Right now Frampton is living in Florida working with various individuals preparing for the NFL draft. It’s six days a week of rehabbing, visiting his doctor, working out, drills and working on his speed. A typical day consists weight training in the morning, everything from squats to bench press, some stretching and then right back to lifting more weights.

In the afternoon he focuses on the running and speed portion of his workouts. During these sessions Frampton works with a Jamaican track coach who once competed in the Olympics. They work on his stride, speed drills and even working on his forty-yard dash time.

Later in the day Dwayne will work on his route running with former NFL wide receiver Chris Chambers. At night Chambers will tutor Dwayne during film sessions, showing him how to improve his routes.

And at some point Frampton manages to visit his doctor three times a week to make sure his knee is healing.

When Frampton first began these workouts, while his knee was still healing, he was running around a 4.7 forty-yard dash. Now that he’s back to almost 100% Frampton has knocked his forty time to 4.43 and is hopeful he can get close to a 4.39 by the time his pro day is here on March 27th.

The Arkansas State pro day is maybe the most important day before the NFL draft for Frampton. It will be his one chance to show his talents to scouts from all over the league. Because of his knee injury in the GoDaddy Bowl, Frampton was unable to compete in the combine, senior bowl or other any similar events. But teammates Demario Davis and Kelcie McCray participated and impressed scouts at those events. The added attention on Davis and McCray will benefit Frampton come pro day. This was something that wasn’t lost on Frampton and when we spoke to him he was very appreciative of the added attention Davis and McCray will bring.

So who’s got their eye on Dwayne Frampton? The Jets and Buccaneers have both showed interest in the wide receiver, as well as the New England Patriots. The Jets and Bucs have been in contact with his agent and Frampton has had discussions in the last month with people on the New England draft board. All three teams are expected to be at ASU on March 27th for pro day.

This is the 2nd of a 3-part series detailing Dwayne Frampton’s road to the NFL draft. Our next article will be our discussion with former NFL WR Chris Chambers and how he is helping Dwayne prepare for his pro day.