Thursday, December 25, 2008

This is my Christmas wish list for DFW football

By Todd E. Jones of College Football Top Ten

Photo not provided by the FWSO

North Texas has a "Sanders Claus." Randy Galloway from Galloway and Company calls himself “Randy Claus" sometimes. Up in the North Pole, they have this guy, well, I think his name is Santa Claus. If I were Santa Claus, I guess I would be "Toddler Claus." If I were "Toddler Claus," I would have a good chance of delivering a Christmas wish list. But, I am not Toddler Claus or Santa Claus, so I will present my Christmas wish list for DFW football if I knew Santa would be granting my requests.

Gary Patterson

First on the wish list is TCU head football coach Gary Patterson. I would like to see Patterson get two things. First, I hope his TCU Horned Frogs finish in the top ten in the final polls after their big win over Boise State. They have earned it. Second, I hope that Patterson sees 40,000 plus fans at every home game next year at Amon G. Carter Stadium. To have a program which is that good and not have better crowds is absolutely shameful.

June Jones

Next on the wish list is SMU head football coach June Jones. I wish two things for him. First, I hope that the Mustang season next year results in at least six wins and a bowl game. Second, in order for him to do that, I hope that the Mustangs land a stellar recruiting class at defensive line.

Todd Dodge

Todd Dodge has finished two season as the head football coach at the University of North Texas, and they have been very disappointing with only three wins in two years. I hope that Dodge is able to find the pieces he needs to make his defense a lot better. I also hope Dodge has better luck with things like grades, injuries, and drugs.

Casey Fitzgerald

Casey Fitzgerald is one of the best stories in the area the last couple of years. Fitzgerald a former walk-on out of Red Oak, TX has earned some recognition as a starter the last two years for the North Texas Mean Green while becoming one of the best in school history. For all of his hard work and dedication, I hope Fitzgerald gets a shot at the NFL.

University of North Texas Athletics

Casey Fitzgerald is the top receiver in the NCAA, leading the nation with an average of 9.4 receptions per game

Drew Combs

It was announced that Drew Combs is a finalist for the Rudy Award to be given out in January. Combs was born with a left arm that ends just below the elbow, but he has been the starting kick-off specialist the last two years at TCU. I hope that Drew Combs wins the Rudy Award.

Tommy Poynter

Tommy Poynter was recently named an inaugural Conference-USA Spirit of Service Award winner. Poynter, a former walk-on, speaks to middle school FCA programs and high schools about the importance of hard work. Poynter, also a nominee for the Rudy Award, has already finished his bachelor’s degree, and now he is working on his MBA. If that is not enough, Poynter is a three-time member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll. My hope for Poynter is that kids in the DFW area will see guys like Poynter as a role model.

Texas United Football League

With the suspension of play in the Arena Football League for 2009, fans will have to find new avenues for football in the spring. Enter the Texas United Football League and the local teams in the DFW area such as the Stampede, the Avengers and the Bullets. My hope for these teams is that they will see their biggest crowds ever this season. These guys essentially raise money to play the game they love, and they provide a reasonably priced family entertainment on Saturday nights.

Dallas Diamonds

My wish for the Dallas Diamonds, the DFW area women’s pro football team, is to win a fifth straight world championship. The Diamonds are currently the best pro football team in the DFW Metroplex. Maybe the Cowboys should takes notes from the girls.

There you have it, my Christmas wish list for DFW football. Hopefully, Santa can come through. From Collegefootballtopten.com and Pegasus News, Merry Christmas!

Pegasus News content partner - College Football Top Ten

Information courtesy of the respective organizations

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