FSU Football: Where Willie Taggart ranks among first year coaches
By Nate Collins
No. 9 – Herm Edwards, Arizona State (7-6) lost Las Vegas Bowl to Fresno State
Everyone wondered how Edwards would do after returning to coaching after a long hiatus. It appears to be a fairly successful hire so far, however things could get rougher in 2019. The Sun Devils lose their starting QB Manny Wilkins, who threw for 3,025 yards and star wide receiver N’Keal Harry, who declared for the NFL draft.
Edwards brought in six four star recruits over the past two years, which is impressive at ASU, and he returns stud RB Eno Benjamin, who ran for 1,642 yards and 16 TDs. Five or six wins is likely for the Sun Devils.
No. 8 – Matt Luke, Ole Miss (5-7)
Luke’s Rebels started the season 5-2 then lost five games to end the season. Luke is losing important talent, including offensive tackle Greg Little (to the draft), WR AJ Brown (to the draft) and QB Jordan Ta’amu (who threw for 3,918 yards) is graduating. Luke also lost his OC and DC, who got head coaching jobs.
However, he made good hires with former Colorado head coach Mike MacIntyre as defensive coordinator and Rich Rodriguez as offensive coordinator. He has recruited well with the 32nd and 23rd ranked classes, which include six four-star recruits, including Long Beach Poly QB stub Matt Carroll. With a new staff and many new players, six or seven wins would be a success, as they build to the future.
No. 7 – Scott Frost, Nebraska (4-8)
The Cornhuskers started the season 0-6 including a loss to Troy, but ended strong going 4-2. Nebraska is losing its leading RB and WR to graduation, but returns WR Adrian Martinez, who passed for 2,617 yards and ran for 629. Frost also adds transfers RB Greg Bell, 2018’s second ranked junior college RB along with Tyjon Lindsey, a top 100 WR in 2017.
Nebraska also brought in the 23rd and 24th ranked classes the past two years, which include 12 four-star prospects. Frost is putting his team together just like he did at Central Florida so expect them to challenge soon for the division title in the weak Big Ten West. Look for seven or eight wins in 2019.