Ashly Elam had the same reaction I did to this article. Texasfootball is not up to date with their knowledge about PNG.
One, the 2023 Indians defense is not inferior to the ‘22 team. With all due respect, the ‘23 defense, and overall tram is BETTER team in different ways. That’s not surprising given that so many starters returned from last season and a talented group of backups that played often are now starters.
Yes, some terrific position players were lost to graduation. Crippen, Prosperie, Guarnere, Ware, Droddy, Hinton, Baker, Loftin, Landry, Pena and others. But overall a very good player has filled into each position and performed just as well. For example, we miss the heart and motor of a Mason Droddy on defense but look what 6-2 205 Mason Wuenschell is doing at the outside linebacker position this year.
And second, DCTF must have forgotten that Cole Crippen was the starting QB in 2022 instead of Shea Adams. A 2-year starter who passed for over 5,000 yards in his career and led the Indians offense to the championship game with his arm as the passing game improved and made a big difference in the outcomes of key games.
The oversight might be contributed to the fact that SE TX is small and tucked away in the corner with little significant media coverage. Our nearest metro area sports coverage practically ignores PN-G. They prefer to publish mascot controversy topics rather than recognizing student excellence.
As PN-G continues to walk onto the big stage and remind the state of the school's legacy, I hope and believe that will change.