*SPOILERS INCLUDED* Last Chance U Season 5: Laney was released on Tuesday and I was able to finish it last night. Here are some of my thoughts:
Coach Beam is the most likeable and seemingly knowledgeable coach in the series history, both from an X's and O's standpoint and a knowing how to individually coach his team standpoint. Coach Buddy Stephens (EMCC) knows the game well but doesnt know how to relate to his players. Hes a good CEO type coach; darn good recruiter of both players and assistants but couldnt connect with his players and was out of control of his emotions from time to time. Jason Brown (Indy) was a good recruiter, but poorly organized, lazy, and undisciplined in game plan and keeping himself in check. Beam knows how to respect his players while also telling them the truth, not mincing words. He told them straight up where they stand in the recruiting process. He seems to understand the game well, have decent assistants (not featured prominently, tough to tell), and can relate to his players on a personal level. That moment after Rejzohn got injured was very touching. He also seems the most normal, when compared to the other two head coaches.
He held that team together and responded to adversity after that 0-2 start with no healthy QB's and managed to put together a nice streak to end the season at 6-4 (4-1 in conf). That shows character through adversity and an ability to keep a team believing despite awful circumstances.
I enjoyed this season as their weren't many egos and D1 bouncebacks. It seemed like the more typical JUCO experience for the have nots of the JUCO world. They were local guys, not from all over the nation and they cared about the program not just getting that offer and getting out after one year. They weren't uber-talented and had to have superb gameplans to win. They really started clicking offensively after Ryan Mackey got back from injury and improved as the season went on. The players bought into the rivalry with the San Fran CC. They were pissed that they were dancing on their field, their turf.
Like all seasons, the players stories are heartbreaking at times, which makes the big plays and schollys that much more fulfilling when they come. Hopefully Dior's dad can get past his pride and start making the right moves to mend that relationship with his son. Rejzohn has that swagger one needs to be successful at the D1 level. Hopefully he can convert it into more confidence than swagger, however. It will be cool to watch him and his bro suit up for a terrible Oregon St team. Lockdown corner brothers would be cool to see if theres a season. Nu'u has a very likeable personality and I could tell he values the importance of being a good father. Hopefully he can find the drive in the classroom at Murray State as that paper fiasco was dumbfounding. How can you turn in a total copy and paste of someone else's paper as a rough draft and expect to get away with it? RJ Stern's family is waaayyyy out there and I hope he becomes more coachable at Tusculum this Fall. They also had a DT that wasnt featured go D1 at Washington St.
Overall it was a great season in my opinion. Refreshing not to have an out of control coach and all the drama that can come with that. I'd rank the season as follows:
Season 1 EMCC: most likeable players, compelling stories.
Season 1 Laney: best coach, real JUCO feel to it.
Season 1 Indy: incredibly entertaining, good to get a fresh start, lots of talent.
Season 2 Indy: Malik drama was wearying, coach unorganized, still good storytelling.
Season 2 EMCC: just a dark season overall, coach started hating the cameras being around.
What are your thoughts on this season? Are you sad that they are done with football and are transitioning to basketball and not returning to Laney? Who was your favorite player this season and why? Is Coach Beam the best coach of the three schools in your opinion? Will you watch the basketball Last Chance U version? What compelled you about this season? What were your favorite seasons of Last Chance U football and why?
