When looking at the official Fall Camp 2011 roster there were some immediate thoughts that came to mind. 

Rumors
Thunder Lake Lodge
  1. Highly recruited 3-star LB Aarin Smith was not on the roster.   We have not received official confirmation as to why but there is an usual reason why that it may be.  Academics would be the first thing that comes to mind.  He signed with UND meaning he is obligated to go there until released.  He has not been released.  We are thinking he could end up at a Junior College and join UND at a later date-but we do not know that.  If he does not turn up on a JC roster this fall then it could mean is not going to play football at all.  It’s unfortunate but is certainly not unusual.  This actually happens every year but most kids are not as high profile as Smith is. 
  2. Weslee Kavanaugh is the only other 2011 signee not on the roster.  No reason known as to why but this seems like it could be similar to the Smith situation. 
  3. There is some pretty nice speed and athleticism in those lower numbers (1-5).  Ivery, Garman, Miller, Brown, and McGill combine to make an impressive collection of talent. 
  4. The four freshman OL (#60 Hellman, #70 Windfeldt, #63 Meehan, and #71 Anderson) stand 6’5″ or taller. 
  5. Nice to see #99 Milhomme Jean-Charles on the roster.  He will add much needed depth at the DL position.  He should be versatile enough to play all three positions. 
  6. There were a handful of walk-ons that are no longer on the roster:  DB Ben Buchl, DB Karl Hager, RB Payton Decoteau, OL Karl Holm, OL Brock Keller, LB Nick Albano, DL Brent Cole, TE Brendan Mochoruk.  We have also found out that TE Tyler Jenson had an injury that forced him to quit playing football.
  7. Hearing good things about #7 Kenny Watkins and how he has progressed going into his senior year both as a player and a leader.
  8. The depth is starting to build on the OL with some good size and athleticism.  Just a couple years ago this position group was rail thin.
  9. ILB is a group that cannot sustain any injuries.  There is a lack of depth there after #35 Hendrickson, #56 Goertz, #53 Goodman, and #52 Ben Peters. 
  10. No freshman QB’s on the roster.  This will be a major point of emphasis for the Sioux come the fall/winter recruiting season.
  11. Look for #21 Javen Butler to get a serious look at playing time as a true freshman.  He has the size (6’2″-190) and speed to help the Sioux immediately.
  12. Depending on injuries, one of the true freshman RB’s (#27 Sparks, #2 Garman, #20 Bridges) could get also get their shirt pulled. 
  13. The TE position is starting to come around also.  This was a position that was also thin just a couple years ago and now they have added #81 Taylor Grant and former QB #15 Seth Nichols, who turned some heads in spring ball during this first reps at the position.  Both stand 6’5″. 
  14. If #85 Seth Stanchik is able to come back from injury that will give the DL much needed depth.  They appear to be 3 deep at all three positions but that can change rather quickly. 
  15. #86 Blair Townsend’s return will help the WR group immensely.  #84 Greg Hardin proved himself as a big-play receiver but they are going to need a viable #2 and also somebody that has some size to make a play on the ball.  Townsend could be both.  #5 RJ McGill and #1 Tyhre Ivery should both be factors this fall as guys who quickly get the ball in space and try to make the defender miss.