Author: Chris Ashworth

Picking up where we left off, we are counting down the top 10 returning players to suit up for App State this upcoming season. The Top 5 Appalachian State Players Returning in 2024 #5 Makai Jackson, Wide Receiver Makai Jackson appeared in all 14 games last season for the Mountaineers. He had an impressive 15.5 yards after catch on just 27 receptions which was good for 418 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Jackson made an impressive 29-yard touchdown catch against Marshall, and then an even more impressive 44-yard touchdown reception to open the second quarter at Georgia State. Five of…

As we approach the doldrums of summer, where football is nothing more than a distant memory and also a far-off oasis, let’s looks at the top 10 returning players to suit up for App State this upcoming season. The Top 10 Appalachian State Players Returning in 2024 #10 Ethan Johnson, Cornerback App State has produced some exciting and memorable players in the secondary, and Ethan Johnson is par for the course. Opposing teams tested him last season, and for the most part, he passed those tests. In his 2023 season, Ethan made 56 tackles (42 solo), including four tackles for…

As Bryce Young heads into his second season with the Carolina Panthers, he’s feeling good about where the team currently is, but cautions others to not compare this upcoming season to the abysmal 2023 outing. “We don’t really talk about last season, we have new players and a new coaching staff so it’s a new team and a new season. For us, it’s not about being better than last season, it’s about being the best version of who we are this year, and everyone has bought into the program.” -Bryce Young Bryce Young Embraces the Leadership Role He is also…

App State and Boise State are arguably the two best G5 programs in the country. If stats are any indication then there really is no argument, for App State and Boise State rank first and second in wins by Group of Five schools over the last decade. For App State fans, this has been a dream in the making for at least 10 years. While App has its own rich traditions that have propelled it to greatness, the way Boise State seamlessly transitioned into FBS was a springboard and blueprint on how App could do the same. Blue Ridge Meet…

The Carolina Panthers know a good thing when they see it. Last season, Jonathan Cooley oversaw a unit that allowed 171.5 passing yards per game, marking that as the lowest in a season in Panthers franchise history and the third lowest in the league last season. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 64.2% of their passes and the unit allowed the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns in 2023 (19). The Carolina Panthers recently promoted Cooley to Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and he spoke to reporters about his view on the defense and coaching staff. Carolina Panthers Are In a Good Place “I think we’re…

Andy Dalton has always been stoic, but he seemed enthused about the progress the Carolina Panthers are making this offseason saying the Panthers are “in a really good place right now.”  Andy Dalton On Coach Canales While Dalton hasn’t spent too much time with head coach Dave Canales, he has enjoyed that time, saying “It’s been fun for me to get to be around him. Kinda knowing what he’s done, his time in Seattle and obviously last year in Tampa.” Dalton, on his fifth team, knows what it’s like to be a new face in the huddle, but has noticed…

Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales spoke to reporters today about a myriad of topics and he says he’s “encouraged by [Panthers Coaches] teaching.” Canales also discussed his thoughts on the new renderings of the proposed upgrades to 28-year-old Bank of America Stadium. Dave Canales Learned from the Best For 13 seasons, Canales worked under arguably one of the best coaches in the entire football world, Pete Carroll. In fact, Pete Carroll is just one of three coaches to win both a college football national championship and a super bowl (along with Barry Switzer and Jimmy Johnson). In those…

App State has received hard commits from two explosive offensive players, bolstering an already potent offense. Quarterback Jett Niu and running back Max Guest both made their intentions known they plan to suit up for the Mountaineers in 2025. App State Goes Almost Transcontinental It’s not often a player travels down the mountain to App State, but that’s exactly what will happen with Jett Niu, their most recent commit. Jett will make the descent from Lehi, Utah (4,564 ft) to Boone, North Carolina (3,333 ft), almost 2,000 miles away come 2025. Jett made an unofficial visit to Boone on March…

Bryce Young appears to have been eating the breakfast of champions this offseason as his arms appear to have grown like tree trunks. Young’s new guns were on full display Monday as the Carolina Panthers began their first session of organized team activities in Charlotte. Bryce Young Trusts the Process After being drafted as the first overall pick in 2023’s draft, Bryce Young spoke with reporters on a myriad of things, including his size and how the Panthers plan to address that. “For me, I trust the strength and conditioning staff here,” he told reporters back on June 14, 2023. “We have…

App State head coach Shawn Clark recently shared his thoughts on a myriad of topics from the transfer portal to the upcoming 2024 season. App State Has Their Man On returning quarterback Joey Aguilar, Coach Clark said App State is very fortunate to have him back, noting the surfer boy from California received a lot of fanfare and attention from other schools towards the end of last season and in the offseason, but he’ll be back in the Black and Gold for his senior season.  After battling for the starting quarterback position all summer, the decision came down to the…