All-MVFC, Niekamp FOTY, Blakemore NOTY

[Dmills]

Blakemore, Niekamp Earn Valley Football Top Honors; Nine Redbirds Named All-MVFC Performers - Illinois State University Athletics

Illinois State standouts Mason Blakemore and Tye Niekamp had breakout debut seasons for the Redbirds and for their efforts they earned 2023 Missouri Valley Football

goredbirds.com

Love to see this. Congrats to Niekamp, Blakemore and the rest of the guys!

 

[Dmills]

I've been big on Sobkowicz this year. I feel he got screwed. He's a 1st teamer in my book. I could see him being HM all-American but probably not after being picked for second team.

 

[Dmills]

Happy for Zack. The QB class this year was loaded.

 

[ChiRedbirdfan]

I've been big on Sobkowicz this year. I feel he got screwed. He's a 1st teamer in my book. I could see him being HM all-American but probably not after being picked for second team.

Just from watching the games I thought he was very impressive this year. As a football sophomore it seems as though he could play in the big league and get many benefits ($$$, enhanced facilities, enhanced publicity..etc) not available at this level. Got my fingers crossed hoping he does not explore the portal. He was damn fun to watch.

 

[Dmills]

All 3 of our 1st teamers were newcomers. 2 were even D2 transfers. Coaching staff deserves a lot of credit for landing these guys. To me, this helps corroborate the fact that we we won the portal last year. Now, we *should* be bringing back 6 all-MVFC players. Lets go out and win the portal again this year.

 

[Redbird15]

I've been big on Sobkowicz this year. I feel he got screwed. He's a 1st teamer in my book. I could see him being HM all-American but probably not after being picked for second team.

LaVoise-Deontae McCoy got screwed not even a HM- The third spot on WR 1st team could have went to Sobkowicz or the other 2 on the 2nd team. The kid Jadon Janke, South Dakota State did not have no where near the stats as any on the second team. But then again theres a reason to take accolades a dime of dozen always politics etc involve in selections.

 

[Dmills]

As expected I'd say

 

[Dmills]

2023 Football All-Conference Teams (PDF) - Missouri Valley Football Conference

valley-football.org

Abdullah was tied for 2nd in the MVFC DPOY vote

 

[Dmills]

Grandy deserves a long look from the NFL

 

[Dmills]

 

[fourthandshort]

Grandy deserves a long look from the NFL

So we have 2 D-II transfers who had big years .. TE Grandy and LB Abdullah ... nice works players, and coaches/scouts !!!