In just two months, college football will begin again, and around this time of year pre-season polls typically make their way into the head lines; putting high expectations on the top seeded teams. With only two full seasons of football, the UWF Argos enter the 2018 season as Division II’s #1 team in the pre-season polls.
We’re ready for tomorrow. Are you? #GoArgos #Arete pic.twitter.com/SrIWmff0nh
— UWF Football (@UWFFootball) April 20, 2018
The Argos started playing college football in 2016. The Argos did not even have a proper locker room, weight room, are a proper practice area, but going into the 2018 season the Argos have a brand new locker room and weight room with a #1 ranking.
The Argos made one of the greatest runs in Division II football history when the beat 5 straight ranked teams to get to the Division II National Title game in Kansas City, Kansas. The Argo would lose the championship to Texas A&M-Commerce by only 10 points.
Some may say the Argos got lucky, but what we saw on film was a team with heart and the ability to rise when the game is on the line. The Argos return almost every single player that was on that 2017 championship run roster. One of the key players to the 2017 run was Antoine Griffin. In the championship game he recorded 8 receptions for 112 yards. But there are others Argos who we should be key contributors to UWF 2018 season.
Mike Beaudry, Quarterback, Redshirt Sophomore
Beaudry had an up and down 2017 season under center. He was more of a game manager that needed to keep the ship going in the right direction without hurting the team. The Argos defense were like a safety net for Beaudry if he made a mistake. But for 2018, Beaudry should be a huge strength for the Argos.
Great group of college QBs. Good chance a few of these guys will be wearing suits and/or tuxedos come December. #MPA2018 pic.twitter.com/tuKJ6CqAJz
— Manning Passing Academy (@mpa_info) June 23, 2018
Beaudry was invited to the Manning passing academy in June. He should learn some invaluable information that should help him become a better quarterback. Beaudry will have the help of returning wide receivers Antoine Griffin, Rodney Coates, and Ka’Ron Ashley in 2018 with 1 year under their belts together.
Ka’Ron Ashley, Receiver, Redshirt Sophomore
Ashley has come a long way from his redshirt year in 2016 and his injury he suffered in spring practice leading into the 2017 season. Ka’Ron played a significant role for the Argos as he made many plays when it counted. Ashley is a very consistent player that runs solid routes for his Quarterback. Ashley has the ability to out jump many DB’s that are matched up against him. The former high school basketball player has turned into a reliable target.
Ka’Ron Ashley is your Argos Player of the Game against Chowan! pic.twitter.com/fQJ35AT6q4
— UWF Football (@UWFFootball) September 17, 2017
Coming into the 2018 season, Ashley will be entering his Sophomore season, and will be expected to match or exceed his 2017 numbers. in 2017 Ashley recorded 36 receptions, 478 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. He lead all Argo receivers in touchdown receptions.
Johnathan Coleman, Linebacker, Senior
Can you say baller. Coleman is the type of player that will stick his helmet anywhere and come out with the tackle. Coleman is a rising senior with high expectations. He was 4th in tackles for the Argos in 2017. He played well in the national title, where he recorded 11 solo tackles and forced a fumble.
In 2018, Coleman will be looked upon by his teammates to lead the defense and the Argos to another National Title run, but this time finishing what they started in 2017.