Jeremy Harper Arkansas State Athletics, Arkansas State University, Cajuns, Football, G5, Louisiana, Red Wolves, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Sun Belt, Texas State, Troy, Troy Trojans, ULM

Day 2 of 2024 Sun Belt Media Days: Westworld

FunBelt Podcast SBC Media Days, Day 2 Part I

FunBelt Podcast SBC Media Days, Day 2 Part II

FunBelt Podcast SBC Media Days, Day 2 Part III

New Level Bosses Go Online

When new Trojan head coach Gerad Parker steps on the SBC Stage, the moderator mispronounces his name. Coach Parker takes it in stride. I asked him about it when he sits down for FunBelt PC, and he admits that he hears his name butchered on a regular basis. Much like entering his first season as head coach for a conference champion, to mispronounced Parker’s name is no big deal. Football is the big deal.

In many ways, Coach Parker meshes well in Troy because he bears a demeanor similar to former Trojan head coach Jon Sumrall – focused, driven, affable but without nonsense. Much of that can be said for new head coach for ULM, Bryant Vincent, a man with a lean face, a lean build, and a heavy task ahead of him. With the Warhawks picked to finished last in the West, Vincent is focused more on development and culture. He needs the buy-in. As if to underscore his position, he brings with him a 4-year lineman (Elijah Fisher) and a 3-year linebacker (Carl Glass) – true Warhawks Men.

Coaches Bryant Vincent, Gerad Paker and Major Applewhite are welcomed in the Sun Belt.

New Jaguars head coach Major Applewhite is not in his comfort zone here at Sun Belt Media Days. He seems like a guy who’d rather be crunching plays on a whiteboard or pacing the sideline with a whistle in his mouth. But he can spin a yarn as well a anyone. He paints a nice picture of the South Alabama program, which is enjoying administrative and community support. When asked if the profile of the team will change with him at the helm. Coach Applewhite makes it clear that the Jaguars will continue to balance offense and defense.

A-State Slinger and Hitter

Arkansas State Quarterback Jayden Raynor and linebacker Charles Wilekes seems like two jovial guys who will spring a sudden headlock on you and administer to your scalp a playful noogie. Like all of the quarterbacks we spoke to in New Orleans, Raynor is soft spoken but searingly confident. Wilekes, now in his senior year, beams with infectious good cheer. Butch Jones, officially the head coach of the Red Wolves but unofficially the chaperone of Raynor and Wilekes, seems amused by his charges’ bubbly energy.

Jaylen Raynor and Charles Wilekes are in a very good mood.

Jones and his two Red Wolves reps bring a revised Red Wolves attitude to New Orleans. In years past, Jones was cautious, making it known that the hurdles were high and the road ahead steep. This time, he has no qualms. He seems like a coach ready to unleash Rocky’s left hand.

Not Real News

The media always shows up in greater numbers for the Sun Belt West – not because the West has a higher Q-score, but because SBC Media Days is held in New Orleans, which is an easier trip for those residing on the Western territories.

PHOTOS are MINE!