I don't know about you but I always thought Hackett was the best single-season for an App defender in school history. However, I feel the 4-year career of Coakley, the fact he played like 10-11 years and was a multi-year Pro Bowler put him as the GOAT. Coakley went to 3 Pro Bowls and Hackett went to 1.NewApp wrote: ↑Fri Dec 27, 2019 9:36 pmAppStFan1 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2019 9:36 pmCoakley is the GOAT for App State and that is not debatable. As you said he would play in any era. 99% of those who played at App in the 50s, 60s, and 70s would not even make the 2-deep today based on athletic ability. They were too small and not fast enough. Players of all levels have gotten bigger and faster over time. The average D3 OL now is what the NFL OL looked like in the 1950s. It is just how it is. However, Coakley could indeed play in any era. If Edwards had come through today I suggest not only would he have had a great career in the SBC but he would have gotten a legit chance at QB in the NFL now.Black Saturday wrote: ↑Thu Dec 26, 2019 9:05 pmThis argument is like arguing Jordan was the best basketball player Carolina ever had. Even though most ALL would argue he was the greatest pro basketball player ever, there are some players at UNC that can be argued that they had better collegiate careers. Literally, MJ, probably was not the best UNC basketball player ever, but the best at the next level. It is purely speculation and conjecture.
Same for who was the best APP football player at what position question. Each player contributed in a way that isn't going to be apple to apple by the fact they played different teams and eras with different styles and different scholarship levels leagues. To give any player credit for what they did at a professional level or camp doesn't do justice to each individuals importance collegiately whether or not they were invited to play in a higher league. My following dates back to the end of the Working football era after which APPs success which has been trending higher. Since then we can can make a LONG list of APP players that were damned great at their positions. Also, that wouldn't be fair to the players before my memory to exclude them from a conversation or argument. Different attributes and skills and the way each player was used throughout the decades can be argued who might have been the particular best. The way the game is played continues to evolve.
However, the one player that transcends the ages would have to be LB Dexter Coakley who as it turned out could have played for anybody. That is the epitome of the APP program-finding undersized and overlooked with potential, and developing them into champions.
Also, undersized and overlooked for the ACC, KR came from a NC 2-A high school and was named with highest accolades in the region in which he played that included players from the big 4-A schools in Fayetteville and Cape Fear region. Early on he may not have understood the adjustment of the game and commitment moving up to the next level, but thank God for APPs sake he didn't give up, a testament to his heart and toughness. He may not have had it for the NFL, but KRs accolades and records and contributions to APPs football history and championships should allow him to be in all conversations for one of the best at his position.
It's about what they gave to APP, not their measurables in a different era or a higher league.
How about Dino Hackett who played LB in the 80's and starred for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Who would be your top 4 all-time Apps if you include school awards, talent, and NFL career? I figured Coakley is the top man with Hand, Settle, and Edwards. I figured Hackett would just barely miss the cut. Hackett was an amazing player. Truly one who developed a lot from his freshman to senior year.
