Hey folks. The weather is miserable and I have a little time on my hands. What would you like to ask about the 2013 season and the pending 2014 campaign. Also, happy to take suggestions for potential off season film review topics and off topic questions as well.
Here, we, go.
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What are you most concerned with and most confident about with this team for the 2014 season?
Also, film review topics: all of them. LB play, line play, pro sets vs. spread concepts (QB, RB, line technique), etc.
Mo film reviews = mo bettah.
I am most concerned about depth and size on the defensive line. I think Nigel Williams is going to be one hell of a player, but both he and Luther Maddy both have played mostly as three technique defensive tackles who are more likely to shoot a gap and get up field than stand up to double teams. Maddy, who had a great season, has one technique flaw, and that is when he tries a leverage move and gets too high, he is susceptible to being driven well off the ball by a double team. You have to assume that Maddy, as the bigger body, will move over to nose tackle. Woody Baron is in the mix, but at 260 pounds soaking wet, it would be a tough task for him to be an every down player right now.
Behind them really is a mystery. There are no more defensive tackles on the roster (which I am praying doesn't mean that Teller moves back to defensive tackle) for the spring. With Dadi, Marshall (assuming he is back) Ekanem, Alford, Dooley, and Mihota all at end, I would assume that Matt Roth and D3 transfer Wade Hansen move inside to tackle. Ricky Walker will definitely be a three technique tackle when he comes to Blacksburg, and with the guys they have now, would likely be the number two three tech if Maddy moves to nose. Derek Nnadi is exactly the guy they need, and I think day one he goes in the two deep at nose.
In your head without seeing spring practice and the game, who becomes the early offensive and defensive leaders of the 2014 team?
Both in stats and leadership.
Not knowing the locker room chemistry of the team but just watching how they interact on the field, I would look at Kyshoen Jarrett on defense. If Foster can find a dependable third corner, Jarrett will return to his role of playing down low and would be leaned heavily upon to make tackles while the young linebackers grow up. Or, while it is a long shot, Foster may have to move Bonner back to corner (playing nickel) and moving Jarrett to free safety (which would require him to be better in man coverage against trips formations), with Clark, Greene, or maybe Fisher or Reavis taking over the rover role.
Offensively is a tougher question. If you are looking for a lead by example guy, I think Byrn, Edmunds, McLaughlin, and Farris have all impressed me with their competitive streaks. But, in interviews at least, none really come across as vocal guys. Whoever wins the quarterback job, we better hope they have a major alpha-male leadership quality.
dont expect it to be McLaughlin! see him at parties, the dude is a huge jerk. not a nice guy. sorry to break the bad news to readers of TKP.
I down voted this. I don't think it has any place on a football board. I can't speak to any kid's personality, and I don't think saying a guy is a jerk behind the anonymity of a website is indicative of what this community is about. And, even if he isn't a friendly guy, not every leader on a football team has been a nice guy. Johnny Unitas, by all accounts, was a very difficult team mate and not a friendly man. Joe Dimaggio was by all accounts a jerk behind the scenes. Hall of Fame offensive tackle Bob Brown was disliked by coaches, team mates, and the media, but Boomer had the best forearm shiver in football.
Leaders set a good example and compete at their highest level even when they are getting beaten. For better or worse, the kid got put into the toughest position on the OL as a true freshman, and the coaches have said time and again that he had success because of his compete level. That translated on film. The film is what I will go on.
upvoted for setting me straight
We will encounter jerks in all walks of life...I certainly have a bunch of jerks at work. As long as they aren't doing anything illegal or getting in trouble, then we can tolerate it.
Please don't downvote me for calling my co-workers jerks....
I agree, lets focus on JGlock on the field and on his film. We also have to remember is is what, 18 years old?
Where did Andrew Miller rank among our O-linemen? How great of a loss will he be and who will take his place?
I'm gonna go ahead and take a crack at this. Best lineman this year, big loss, possibly Alston Smith, Benedict or one of the more advanced younger guys.
I think Miller struggled a bit with the lingering effects of his injury, and he struggled a bit in space early in the season, especially against Marshall. Loeffler sort of worked around Miller's initial lack of mobility by using him as a down blocker and pulling Caleb Farris (see inverted veers.) As Miller's quickness improved, he became much more effective. He was the team's best lineman against UVA and UCLA.
As for who replaces him, that is a bit of a mystery. I still think Brent Benedict is better suited for the guard position, and he has the most experience. Both Shuman and Conte got repetitions inside (although my faith that Shuman can be productive took a big hit with his poor play after returning from injury.) The staff is very high on Alston Smith, but some guys are more comfortable playing one side or the other, but he will have a better opportunity to get on the field immediately if he moves to right guard.
Then of course, you have Wyatt Teller looming. Given his past experience and tremendous mobility, does Grimes look at moving Gibson inside to right guard and play Teller at right tackle? And, if Andrew Ford does win the job in the spring, you have a left QB. Does that mean that McLaughlin and Teller flip flop so McLaughlin still has blind side protection responsibilities? It will be a fun spring.
I was wondering this the other day. I figured that was how it worked but I had never considered it. How much would that affect McLaughlin? I can see where your body and brain could adapt to blocking a certain direction and flipping to the other side of the line could throw you off slightly?
When I played, I always thought if you were right handed, it was easier to pass block on the left side (because you could make initial contact with your stronger hand and force them outside) and run block on the right side. For some guys, it may not make a bit of difference. Offenses tend to run more to the throwing hand of the QB, so the left tackle would need to be a much better run blocker at the point of attack with a left QB, while your right tackle would need to be a better pass blocker.
I think McLaughlin would ultimately be better as a strong side tackle, as he has a bit of a struggle handling a really quick pass rusher, but unless Teller is ready and as quick on offense as he looked on defense, expect McLaughlin to be a fixture on the blind side.
Do you think these considerations factor into the pending QB battle? That is, I would think it would benefit the entire offense to settle on a QB as early as possible to get the line set and moving in the right direction. What I'm really getting at is, if Ford doesn't win the job in the spring, then whoever the more senior guy is (Leal or Motley) will be the QB regardless of summer camp? Or is it still possible to make shifts on the line in the summer and have enough time to get the needed reps if guys switch around because of it?
I don't think they weigh that heavily. In order for Ford or Durkin to win the starting job, they must outperform Leal and Motley by a wide margin. Durkin also isn't getting the benefit of spring ball. Both Ford and Durkin will be taking reps initially with 2nd and 3rd string groups against a complex and aggressive defense. If the competition is even close, I would imagine that Beamer will take the safe route and redshirt Ford and Durkin and take lumps with Leal or Motley. But, if Ford and Durkin are the special players we think they might be, then they should be good enough to beat out the returners. With more guys leaving early, Coach Beamer is less inclined to shirt guys who are better that incumbents. Fuller and Facyson are great examples where they beat out Riley and Manning for spots.
Wouldn't you think that even in Leal wins the job that Ford or Durkin ends up #2? I would think that one of those kids is going to get some game action in 2014 to better prepare for 2015. Not guaranteed that who ever that is wins the job in 2015, but I can't see them both getting shirted next year. Now if one of them WINS the job and Leal stays, then I think the other one obviously redshirts.
Again, you can't discount Motley from winning the job. If one of the freshmen finish #2 in the QB derby, I expect them to play if the starter is hurt or has a sustained period of awful play. If the starter plays well, they will dress the freshman every game, but Beamer will try to keep the redshirt on them and play the upperclassman in mop up duty. That was the plan with Randall, Glennon, and Taylor until the LSU debacle.
If I was a gambling man, i would bet that Durkin is a lock for the shirt, mainly because he won't have the benefit of spring practice to get up to speed for the season. But, he did indicate that the reason he changed from Michigan State was the opportunity for early playing time, and Rivals has him ranked higher than Ford.
I think if Loeffler wants to play a Florida style offense, Durkin may end up being the guy. Ford looks more like a guy who is comfortable throwing a bunch and he is an outside running threat. I think it will be an exciting battle.
Is it realistic to think Virginia Tech will be competing for a national championship within the next three years (based off the players/recruits we have right now)?
That is a tough question, because I have always been of the opinion that there are only a few schools who are ever "National Championship or the season is a failure" legitimate. The empty trophy case was always a bit of a Quixotic dream.
What I would prefer is that the Hokies continually get the best players that fit the best for their system (see misses like Jonathan Allen, Marquise Williams, and Stephone Anthony), coach them up (something that we have not seen from the past offensive staff), be dominant at home, and be considered an elite program in the ACC again. For a national championship season, you need to have all those things in place, and then luck out by having superstars emerge from your foundation. You need depth for that to happen, and they have not had that depth since around 2006. If you get that, and you are healthy and well coached, you have a punchers chance. Remember, even Oregon, which has TONS more resources and national exposure than VT, has only gotten to one title game. It requires a truly special season with a bunch of luck in today's college football, even at the programs that have a leg up like Alabama, USC, Texas, etc.
And, with the playoff looming, the chances of it happening for every team improve.
That's the best I have seen that question answered.
Reminds me of the John Wooden statement about never mentioning the word "win," only prepare yourself to be at your best and let the chips fall where they may.
I think, especially with a decent preseason ranking, a National Championship run for a school in VT's position isn't that far out of the question. We've had better chances of going undefeated in our conference than some other national powers. If we win the ACC at 12-0 instead of 10-2 or 11-1, we go to the show, regardless of conference perception.
I think with the carousel in the 1-2 positions that seems to occur every year, the "luck" factor would make up for weaknesses in other areas. We get a "catch" instead of an incompletion on replay, one less mystery PI or block in the back...
In the last decade, yes. There were some years that opportunities were not taken advantage of. But, let's recognize that the ACC is much stronger right now than it was in 2004-2010. At VT's peak in the ACC, FSU, Miami, and Clemson were as down as they have been since I was born. VT stepped into the vacuum. If they become dominant in the ACC, that means much more now than it did then. If they can compete on the same level as FSU and Clemson, a national title run may be in the works. They need depth to do it. You can't be a rolled ankle away from JuJu Clayton being your QB, like they were in 2011. 2010 would have been the year if they could have mustered any defensive line talent, but for reasons I still don't understand, defensive line recruiting really took a dip. Derrick Hopkins was forced into starting, and you could have made the case then that Gayle and Collins should have started over Friday and Drager. That DL grouping was bad.
If Foster had a nickel corner and this year's defensive line, the 2010 team plays for a national title. No doubt in my mind they beat Boise and JMU. And they shelled Florida State even with a lousy run defense.
2010 was undefeated #1 Auburn vs undefeated #2 Oregon. With the perception of the ACC vs the SEC and PAC 10, would we have even gotten in? Don't forget Boise lost late in the season. On the other hand, Oregon didn't play a conference championship game. The BCS would've been screwed.
And while we're retrospectively wishing for things, how about a Whip?
I kinda liked JuJu
I always thought it was unfair of people to speak badly of Juju. yes, he was not the best player, but he put in the years and dedicated his time to VT football more than any fan has. He woke up for every early practice, watched younger kids jump him on depth chart, ran scout teams, sat bitch to every QB before him and ran signals for 3 years without complaint or ever a thought of quitting or transferring.
Would I have traded him for a competent QB that could be a starter? Sure. But I appreciate the dedication he had and effort he put in to the football team.
(No, not saying this is what French said. Just a general comment about negativity against Juju.)
That's basically what "normal programs" should expect out of their two-star/walk-on players. I feel Hokies are a little spoiled when it comes to the Luther Maddy/Danny Coale/Jack Tyler/Cody Grimms of the world.
replace all "Juju Clayton" with "Mark Leal" and this is why I still think Motley or Ford starts next year.
i don't disagree that Motley and Ford are going to be in the mix or even the ones to beat, but Leal is a MUCH better QB than Juju was. I was not impressed with the Sun Bowl but I think Leal has a legitimate chance. The same could not have been said for Juju.
Leal has a MUCH better arm than JuJu. Arm strength isn't an issue with Leal.
Counterpoint to pro-JuJu arguments:
That was Cory Holt, not Juju
Juju did what he had to do under less than ideal situations (not starting, etc). Most of us can't remember the kid. Since the competition for starting QB in 2014 between Leal and Juju is a hypothetical (last I looked) and we're now posting stuff that isn't even germane.
Can't we just pay the kid our respect and let him be? Not saying much about Leal if we've devolved the conversation from will he start next year to well he's better than so and so. I don't know much, but Leal and Juju deserve a little more respect.
...and agreed completely on the "quixotic dream" as it also became a damning statement to the goal(s) of the program because of so many factors en route to a possible national championship berth...
To quote Reese Bobby, "...well said, grandson."
This was actually meant for French's comment below -can't figure out how to remove/redact my statement.
That is a tough question, because I have always been of the opinion that there are only a few schools who are ever "National Championship or the season is a failure" legitimate. The empty trophy case was always a bit of a Quixotic dream.
What I would prefer is that the Hokies continually get the best players that fit the best for their system (see misses like Jonathan Allen, Marquise Williams, and Stephone Anthony), coach them up (something that we have not seen from the past offensive staff), be dominant at home, and be considered an elite program in the ACC again. For a national championship season, you need to have all those things in place, and then luck out by having superstars emerge from your foundation. You need depth for that to happen, and they have not had that depth since around 2006. If you get that, and you are healthy and well coached, you have a punchers chance. Remember, even Oregon, which has TONS more resources and national exposure than VT, has only gotten to one title game. It requires a truly special season with a bunch of luck in today's college football, even at the programs that have a leg up like Alabama, USC, Texas, etc.
And, with the playoff looming, the chances of it happening for every team improve.
You can say that again.
That
After his performance in the bowl game, which to an untrained eye looked pretty good, do you see a role for Jerome Wright in an already crowded backfield?
Yes, and I ask that I leave it at that until my film review on Loeffler's offensive game plan comes out on Monday. While I still am of the opinion that one of the freshman tailbacks makes an impact next year, Wright played well enough that we could see a scenario where two guys emerge from Edmunds/Coleman/Mangus/Wright/Caleb, and all the true freshmen running backs redshirt. I wouldn't discount a position change or a transfer at the RB position either. Even without Williams, McKenzie, and Taylor, it is already a crowded backfield.
In my opinion, I think Caleb has great potential at running back, but I fear that he may be left out because of the time it will take to develop into a great running back. Coleman just doesn't seem to fit into our running scheme, other than using sweeps or screens. I would like to see Caleb get more of an opportunity, as I think he could surprise some people.
Caleb could fit in a bunch of areas, but ultimately he has to force the coaches to play him. If Coleman, Mangus, and Wright were getting carries in the Sun Bowl, that means Caleb was either still hurt, or not good enough to beat out those three. And while all three played well against UCLA, none of them are Adrian Peterson back there
Sidebar- I really wanted to say "none of them are Christian Okoye back there" but then I realized that would make me sound really really old.
only gif I could find, but clearly not the one to illustrate your point
Kyshoen Jarrett = Steve Atwater? I like it.
I remember watching that game live. With one hit, Steve Atwater ended Okoye. But man, him and Barry Word was a scary huge back combo along with Kevin Mack and Ernest Byner.
The Nigerian Nightmare!!! Unstoppable in Tecmo...unless he fumbled
You wanna go super-retro and offer up a "Riggo" as homage to all you folks in/from the D.C. area?
I played 4th and 1 on my dad's tape of Super Bowl XVII that it's almost non-existent now.
film review idea: improvement of different guys/units over the course of the year, and what the next steps would be in your opinion.
Who are the starting linebackers next year and their top backups? And will we see the continued death of the true whip position or will it make a comeback with RVD?
I think the whip stays, especially given how well RVD can cover guys.
In the spring, my guess is that your starters will be RVD-Williams-Clarke, but Devin Vandyke may have been the most noticeable player on the field in the spring game, and Moutuapaka is the perfect archetype for a Bud Foster mike linebacker. With their trust in Clarke probably shaky, I could see Williams playing at backer and (likely) DVD playing at mike. His instincts and jumping through gaps to make tackles for losses were a revelation at the spring game.
Chuck Clark... FS or CB?
Safety. Also, don't sleep on Anthony Sheggog.
Sheggog... whip, rover, or FS? More than one over the course of his career?
Free or Whip.
that's interesting. If he could play FS or whip, why not rover? More about someone else's ability to play rover / lack of suitedness to FS/whip than about something in Sheggog's game that makes him not the best rover candidate?
Rover is put in man-to-man coverage against slot WR more frequently than the Whip or FS. We might run a Cover-1 or Cover-0 against 4-wide where the Whip or FS covers the other slot, but genereally the Whip gets a TE/FB/RB or zones to the flat, and the FS zones deep.
I know you have talked about this a little in the past but what is the configuration of players at linebacker you would like to see? Do you think that Bud would be better off trying to find more of a Kyle Fuller type player to essentially run his base defense with Nickel personnel, as opposed to trying to find Whips that have recently had some difficulty in coverage?
Perhaps Holland Fisher will be the answer to your question!
I hope so. That would be ideal.
Of the young offensive line recruits, who has the best chance to see lots of playing time? Second, which offensive freshman will be starting by the end of the season?
Well, I would guess that they would prefer to redshirt the whole bunch, with Teller, Smith, Conte, Arkema, Benedict, Shuman, Osterloh, Willenbrock, and Chung all back this season. Mitchell and Taylor are probably the closest to being ready to play, with Petit being very close as well. Smith and Gallo are longer term projects. Smith needs to get bigger without losing his speed, and Gallo needs to learn the protections.
with the amount of numbers they have to juggle to get down to the NCAA limit do you see Willenbrock keeping his scholarship?
I have to take a break for a little while. I will be back on shortly. Keep them coming.
In your opinion, who is the best returning player at each group (Offensive Backs, WRs, OL, DL, LB, Secondary) and what type of pie best relates to them?
Last offseason after Loeffler came in you gave a few reviews on offensive systems he may have been looking to implement from Auburn/Florida, and what we could expect. Since the schemes never fully formulated with Logan as QB, if you think they will come back with Leal/Ford/Motley/Durkin/Kendall Fuller/am I missing someone?, I'd personally love a refresher on their basics of those and which QB would be suited to each.
Working on this in more detail for the off season. He recruited Ford and Durkin for a reason, because he thinks he can be successful with both. I don't know of any QBs on the Hokie radar for next year (I am not an expert at who is talking to who recruiting wise) so I would think that he sees the winner of their battle as "the face" of his offense when the critical mass year of 2016 comes around. And it may be sooner.
I can tell you that he has coached a wide variety of quarterbacks stylistically, but it seems that all have been pretty big-bodied guys. If he retains all the "Florida" offense that we saw this season, he will need a guy who can contribute in the running game.
Give me a letter grade on Loeffler, Season 1.
If pressed, I would give him a B-. He gets bonus points for creating a decent, ball control offense that complimented the defense despite some major talent gaps. He loses points from me by underutilizing Chris Mangus, for being overly cute some games and then beating Logan half to death in others. The Malleck injury, based on what I saw, devastated his game plan.
Agree with you 100% on Mangus. There's a reason why we recruited him and it wasn't to sit on the bench.
Well I don't think they recruit anyone to sit on the bench, but it happens
I think Fisk means that he was more productive than Coleman running, and he have them a spark as a receiving threat. I think, if not for any other game) he should have been utilized more against Georgia Tech. The beating Thomas took against GT and Pitt Definitely had an impact on later games where he struggled. It is one thing to run Thomas less. It is quite another to completely stop using him, unless he is banged up.
I mean sometimes people just get buried on the depth chart - I get that. But JCC wasn't 100% healthy and Mangus brings a similar skillset to the table. He was also an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield that should've been utilized a little more.
I agree on all points. I think it is worth noting how much Mangus improved in the offseason last year. In the spring game, he looked like a Human Victory Cigar tailback at best. He not only was tentative, but he almost seemed to try to avoid contact in the spring game. In fall camp, he was running much more assertively.
1. True freshman other than QBs/RBs with best chance to play next season?
2. Where will Joel Caleb play?
3. Will you be doing film reviews/comparisons of the other QBs (Motley, Ford, Durkin)?
2. Unfortunately, I fear Joel Caleb will be transferring unless he is moved to another position almost immediately. (just a hunch, but considering he never even got a carry in the sun bowl...)
I think that is a strong possibility too.
On offense: Cam Phillips. I think he could very likely supplant Knowles. If Harrison does stick with VT, I think he will get a look situationally, if not, Holland could get play. They at least one immediate deep threat and a guy who can beat press coverage on the boundary this year.
Defense: Ricky Walker (and Derrick Nnadi if he commits). I think Fisher and Reavis will get serious looks in the secondary as well.
Is Bucky done at QB? We joked about moving him to TE and it has happened? The only thing I've heard is he spent sometime at TE on the scout team.
We stopped joking around the Miami game. He's looked really good there, from all accounts. That, coupled with his size, athleticism, mechanical throwing issues, and talented newcomers makes a switch very likely.
I don't know. I had major concerns about his arm strength when I watched film on him last year, and he looked like he was struggling with some of the basics of quarterback play at the August 17th scrimmage. Logan was standing right behind him, pointing things out, on his handful of snaps. But, I am not going to regard him as a tight end until I see him at the position. People can talk about 6'8 and athletic all they want, but a tight end has to be a decent blocker and be a precise route runner who gets chucked at the start of every route. With Malleck back and Cline's upside, if Bucky has moved to tight end he has awhile to learn the position.
If you were Grimes, who would start on the OL next season?
EDIT: Grammar
Not sure how they would work as a unit, but the biggest-strongest-most athletic group would be McLaughlin-Farris-Wang-Gibson-Teller. Again, that doesn't take into account timing and chemistry, and, as much as I would HATE it, there is the possibility of Teller moving back to defensive tackle because they are so thin and inexperienced at the position.
Please note, if I am Wyatt Teller, I would resist such a move kicking and screaming. His NFL dollars are at tackle, and he would make for one hell of a goal line HBack if he isn't ready to start.
What do you think of Benedict being the 6th O-lineman? If we do convert to a power run-game, it seems to me that Benedict could be that guy that comes in on certain plays to replace TEs or WRs similar to Stanford, BC, etc. Does he have enough sporadic burst to be that guy?
I don't know what to do with Benedict. The guy has the tools, and he is a great power blocker at tackle. But, he just struggles so much with a speed pass rusher when he is out there. And, although he blocked well, Gibson's quickness forced ends to play a little wider to keep contain against the stretch play. It is no accident that there was more space on the interior when Gibson was in the game. Benedict blocked just as well (sometimes even better) but because his quickness was limited defensive ends could squeeze the play more without being as worried about him reach blocking them.
At the same time, when he was at guard, he has never fully looked comfortable zone blocking. Ultimately, I expect that he and Gibson will both keep rotating at tackle, which I am sure doesn't make either guy happy.
Regarding using an extra lineman in power sets, if Teller isn't a starter on the OL, that would be a great role for him. He played a bunch of hback and tight end in high school and is good in space.
I just legged every one of your posts on this thread, and you are still over 5k legs in arrears to the top of the leaders board.
To what do you attribute this, and what strategies do you have to up your game? (Aside from the sad double post up thread. I went ahead and gave you a pity leg for that. I'm a softie.)
leg for the word "arrears"
French deserves more turkey legs than me for being a core reason why this site is so awesome. Mine mostly come from being a loudmouth on game days, and several from my favorite meme subject, Mike London.
I guess I should try harder?
I think you wrote about it somewhere before but I can't remember, but who do you think has the best chance to be the starting Qb next year and have success right away? Also does Hodges have much of a chance to be that guy or is he going to be a TE
Say we pick a qb in the spring (I'll say leal for all purposes) and he struggles really badly in the first few weeks of the season. Could you see veamer pulling the plug on his season and giving someone else a chance? Or do you think beamer is going to stick with his choice throughout the entire season? Can't say I remember the last time our QB situation was so undecided
Well, I would have never guessed in a million years that he would have taken the shirt off Tyrod when they were getting crushed by LSU after he left the shirt on Vick even though the 98 season was going up in smoke, but things have changed. If Ford is THE GUY and takes over the team, he will win the job. If it is close, Beamer will go with an upperclassman to start. If Ford or Durkin is much better than the loser between Leal and Motley, he will dress one as the 3rd QB with the shirt still on them and will only play them if an injury occurs. He will then use the veteran for mop up duty.
So you doubt he would bring in ford if leal doesn't preform throughout the season like he did with tyrod?
It's a little different this time around. Tyrod Taylor was one hell of an athlete, regardless of his ability to play QB. Even though his pure throwing skills and ability to read a defense were extremely raw at that point, he was going to be able to make plays with his feet.
Neither Ford nor Durkin has that type of athleticism, and unless one of them comes into August with a much greater feel for the offense than Leal or Motley they're not going to get that chance.
how do you feel the game has changed in the last decade regarding redshirts? Do coaches use them more now from a fear that their stud recruit might be a liability in pass blocking etc, versus trying to squeeze an extra year out them? Or do coaches seriously underestimate their star potential and early draft prospects? I always thought it was silly in hindsight to redshirt Vick and RMFW; KJ was still gone in 3 years without one.
I'm still upset that Vick didn't play in '98...
French, much has been made (especially in the second half of the season) about the defense's ability to contain mobile quarterbacks. What, if anything, do you see Bud doing to tweak the defense, or is it all player (mis)execution of a capable scheme?
I am going to do a bigger piece on this later in the year, but the injury to Kyle Fuller played a big part. When Bonner started playing at the nickel, Jarrett was forced to play more deep safety. This took away the Hokies most dependable tackler in space away from the line.
Part was playcalling. The long Hundley touchdown came on a zone blitz. Both linebackers came on the outside, with the ends stunting into the guards, but both defensive tackles dropped back into short zones. If Hundley throws a quick slant or crossing route, we may have a fat guy INT. Instead he ran, leaving him one on one with Hopkins in space. Now, I love Derrick Hopkins, but him having to make a tackle one on one against Brett Hundley is just about an impossible task. When Foster brought six and accounted for every gap, Hundley was ineffective as a runner but it opened up things in the passing game.
I don't think Foster changes his scheme much. First he needs to upgrade talent. Hundley was just better. Second, he may change his archetype for linebacker. DVD is smaller than RVD, but he was a dynamo in spring ball. Does he turn to a gap shooting athletic, but smaller guy at mike? Or does he stick with the straight ahead, stout, gap filler type like Vince Hall (Mouatuapaka)?
I am going to do a bigger piece on this later in the year, but the injury to Kyle Fuller played a big part. When Bonner started playing at the nickel, Jarrett was forced to play more deep safety. This took away the Hokies most dependable tackler in space away from the line.
Part was playcalling. The long Hundley touchdown came on a zone blitz. Both linebackers came on the outside, with the ends stunting into the guards, but both defensive tackles dropped back into short zones. If Hundley throws a quick slant or crossing route, we may have a fat guy INT. Instead he ran, leaving him one on one with Hopkins in space. Now, I love Derrick Hopkins, but him having to make a tackle one on one against Brett Hundley is just about an impossible task. When Foster brought six and accounted for every gap, Hundley was ineffective as a runner but it opened up things in the passing game.
I don't think Foster changes his scheme much. First he needs to upgrade talent. Hundley was just better. Second, he may change his archetype for linebacker. DVD is smaller than RVD, but he was a dynamo in spring ball. Does he turn to a gap shooting athletic, but smaller guy at mike? Or does he stick with the straight ahead, stout, gap filler type like Vince Hall (Mouatuapaka)?
In your heart of hearts..would Trey Edmunds be a better tailback or linebacker?
I think he would be elite at the backer position (critical to note, backer, not mike.) But, they have vested two years of development into him as a tailback, and it obviously is the position where he wants to play and where he is needed the most. People pointed to his yards per game as not being impressive, but he rarely got the work. When he did (Miami, UVA, Alabama, and Marshall) he delivered. Remember, he scored 12 touchdowns this year. David Wilson only scored 10, with many more touches. He isn't the big play threat that Wilson offered, but he is a very good workhorse back and he has a nose for the goal line.
What roll do you see Edmunds having in the future? Do you see him finishing his career as the primary back or will he be a secondary back to an incoming player?
My thoughts on Trey are well documented. He is heads and shoulders above every back on the roster this season.
I will reserve judgement on Williams and McKenzie until I can see them against the speed of the DI game. Everyone looks great on a highlight reel. I think both can be 1000 yard backs at VT but that doesn't take into account touches, surrounding cast, and health. I do like both better than I did Coleman and Mangus on their HS films.
Most memorable fishing experience?
1) Going catching topwater amberjacks with my dad. It was his first time going offshore and the captain got a huge school of reef donkey's up on the surface. You could literally pick which one you wanted... all between 25-40 pounds. Dad and I basically went three straight hours of hooking the fish, fighting them on spinning tackle for 15 minutes, releasing them, and starting over. That was about as happy as I have ever seen him.
2) Catching my first big striped bass on my own from the shore in Annapolis. With most fishing, I learned from others. Catching striped bass (and I am not great at it) was the one kind I learned completely by the seat of my pants, and there were a bunch of failures before I got lucky.
3) Watching my mom and dad work together to land their first trophy bluefin. I had landed five before this trip, but always on makeup charters where I didn't know anyone else on the boat. That was my mom's first time offshore, and she hooked into a brute.
Impressive fish, sir!
good looking fish man.
Looking at our 2014 schedule. Starting out with the big away game at OSU, and our home schedule, how do you feel about how we'll do? Plus how you see our whole offense improving?
I notice the Emory & Henry sweatshirt. What is your connection there? My college choice came down to playing ball at E&H or trying to walk on at Tech. Just curious.
I played there from 96-99. Grew up less than five miles away.
How bout that. I probably watched you play; I had a recruiting overnight there during the 98 season; you went 10-0 I believe, yet missed the playoffs? Impressive program at the time. I opted to pursue the larger class setting, plus the private school tuition will "really get after ya". I participated in the walk-on tryouts at Tech in 2000, but didn't have the speed for D-1 ball. I'll always have a fondness for the Wasps and what they were able to accomplish in the late 90's. I understand your handle now; number 60, OL, E&H. Right or left guard I presume? I also have to ask, what is the connection to VPI? Growing up in SW VA, have you always been a fan? Graduate studies there? Just curious, your knowledge of the program exceeds most alums I know.
Yep. I was a back up right tackle and right guard on that team. The team the year before was more talented, but lost a fluke game in a monsoon at Randolph Macon to ruin an undefeated season.
My dad played there about fifty years before you. He also was from that area. Used to take us to E&H games when Sonny Wade played.
Who did your tour/stay with on your visit?
Out of all the players we've lost the last 3 years to various forms of attrition, who are the ones you think were/are the biggest losses? Which ones make you think, "man, I wish we had that guy this year."?
Brooks Abbott lol
I had high hopes for Adam Taraschke. He impressed me a great deal taking snaps as a second team guard in the spring. If he stays in the program, Alston Smith may have stayed at defensive tackle and he would have likely been in the two deep this year. Then again, if Smith turns out to be a great guard it may not matter.
On defense, I would say Telvion Clark. He had good ability and size at the backer position, and he would have helped on special teams and given them depth at linebacker. He had an outstanding season at Towson this year.
But really, other than Jake Johnson and Clark, I can't think of a guy who washed out at VT that has had success elsewhere recently.
Do you mean Alston Smith may not stay in the program?
No, if Tarashcke stays, he would be the #2 guard. Smith would have stayed at defensive tackle, making Smith the #2 nose tackle going into the spring.
gotcha. Ok then next question, Alston said he asked for the switch to OL and feels more natural there. Was there anything from what you saw on his DL workouts that would lead you to believe he can become a monster on the OL?
Ok, this is a reach, and getting way ahead of myself, and only half-kidding, but here goes:
Much was made of Jimbo Fisher modeling his program after the SEC. With the new AD search supposedly concluding next month, and the same head hunter being used that found FSU's new AD (per http://www.dailypress.com/sports/teel-blog/dp-teel-time-todd-virginia-te...), do you feel that the FSU NC has put any pressure on the selection committee to lean towards an SEC-minded AD? If so, I believe we would be in for a big name hire for Beamer's eventual replacement....like a Lane Kiffin following a few years under Saban...that's right, next head coach of VT....Lane Kiffin.
ok, i'm done.
I think I just threw up a little in my mouth when I read that last bit. For the love of all things Hokie, keep Kiffin away from our program!
I would rather give birth to a flaming porcupine while dressed in a bowtie marching in a Philadelphia Flyers Stanley Cup parade than have Lane Kiffin associated in any way shape or form with my program.
that imagery.....MIND=BLOWN.
I'm definitely not hoping for Lane Kiffin, but I wouldn't mind an SEC bred AD and coaching staff. Either that or to get rid of that damn empty trophy case. Everytime I see it, it just feels like a distraction and like the program is trying to get ahead of itself. Yes it's important to have goals, but this is the way I feel it should be:
Short term goal = today's practice
Long term goal = the upcoming game
Do you see a problem with the way the backs were rotated this year and how would you grade Shane's performance as the RB coach? Also, how much of Loeffler's playbook gets thrown out the window now that the 6'6 250lb smasher QB has graduated?
In college football you have to have a stable of good running backs, but I don't think you can have more than one guy who is your primary ball carrier. It is ok to use guys situationally, but this notion where you play your top back X number of series and then you play your backup a series, and use that backup in every situation even if they are ill suited for a specific situation continues to be a major frustration of mine. Edmunds should have been the every down back. If he is tired, you can use Coleman or Mangus. But, if Coleman or Mangus are in and you get a 3rd and 1, you put a back in who can break a tackle. If you need a blitz pickup, you take guys out who struggle in pass protection. If you want to split a back out, you put in a guy with good hands who is comfortable catching a pass as a wide receiver (it is very different catching the ball on the edge instead of as a back coming out of the backfield.)
Of the two top incoming rb's Williams and McKenzie and disregarding McKenzie's injury (assuming a great recovery from the leg break) who do you see being better for the future of the program? Additionally, how do you think they look on film compared to our current rb's at the same stage in their careers.
Believe shai has a torn acl, Edmunds has the broken leg
It really depends on what Loeffler's system will look like down the road. Williams is a big, powerful runner who is very quick on short subtle cuts in tight spaces, but he really doesn't look like a guy who will be comfortable running to the sideline and then turning it up on a stretch play. McKenzie is quicker and looks more comfortable on the outside, but he has a longer stride and isn't as quick to cut and adjust in tight quarters and may not has as much power as Williams. Also, you never know how he will recover from injury (see George Bell, who was one of the three best high school backs I ever saw, but he wasn't able to recover from a bad knee injury.)
I am biased, because I prefer the 20-25 carry a game big workhorse back, but I think both guys could be 1000 yard backs at Virginia Tech. Other than Edmunds, I don't see any other backs that can be every down guys.
Nice name drop on George Bell. He was a Stud in HS.
I won three Heismans and three BCS titles with George Bell on one of the old NCAA games. Hell of a video game running back.
not really sure of the reason for the DV but I evened you out
Automatic down votes for anyone that mentions video games as if they are analogous to real life.
I don't think he acted like it was analagous. He even said he was a heck of video game running back. Not a heck of a real life running back.
well that's a pretty terrible reason to downvote a comment.....I'm not really sure your comment warrants a downvote either, so despite the fact I seriously disagree with you, I'll even you out too...for consistency
Wait, you're telling me we don't currently hold national titles for the entire last decade? /s
Elan Lewis from Phoebus, too. I'm convinced that he would have been huge for us if he wasn't plagued with injuries.
I have a great feeling that Holland Fisher will start this upcoming season because he is that good. But im just not sure what position he will play. Ive heard he will be in the 2ndary, but then I have heard he will play Whip or another backer spot. The kid is up to 220lbs or little more. Where do you see him fitting in best?
Again, this is a total shot in the dark without any information, but if he starts against Ohio State, the only position where he fits that doesn't have a clear starter would be backer. He doesn't have the experience in the secondary (he was a linebacker in high school and at Fork Union) to come in and handle the communication required at free safety, and Jarrett isn't losing a job at rover. RVD is the whip, and he will be an every down player because he is excellent in coverage. Perhaps Foster creates a set where he moves over to backer on passing downs and they use a nickel corner.
I am planning on going back and watching film on Fisher to see how quick he is. With all the man that Foster has played the last two seasons, he can't play a safety that can't cover. I ask that I hold my opinion on his best position until then. But, he is so violent in run support that he will make an impact somewhere even if he isn't a starter.
Here is some footage of Fisher practicing at defensive back. He looks pretty fluid in coverage here with a VERY limited sample size
Fisher worked out as a DB/Safety exclusively at recruiting camps, and stated in more than one interview he was only interested in playing Safety in college and schools who saw him as an LB shouldn't recruit him.
He's also listed as a DB on Fork Union's roster, curious where you heard that he was playing LB this past fall.
http://www.forkunion.com/sites/default/files/2013%20PG%20Roster.pdf
Didn't LT say he was only interested in TE and those that were interested in him as a QB shouldn't recruit him? I feel like I remember that.
I watched some film on Fisher when I wrote the post, and he was playing exclusively at middle linebacker and a strong side SAM in a 4-3. He definitely looked like a guy who could play backer. But, little did I realize that the film was all from 2012, not 2013.
According to this, Coach Shuman had him at free safety this season. I would imagine that he could be a free safety or a rover if he plays in the secondary. At 220, he would be much bigger than Devin Vandyke at mike linebacker.
http://blogs.roanoke.com/insiders/2013/11/notebook-plus-shuman-talks-abo...
I am really liking the idea of guys like Fisher and Sheggog, with their size and speed, just blowing guys up from the FS and rover positions while Fuller and Facyson hound receivers on the edge. If we could just get big, fast, athletic LBs to match...
As for him being bigger than DVD, it's not a bad thing. Fisher is NFL sized FS. DVD is an undersized LB (in the grand scheme of things - not necessarily for our chronically undersized defense) . I'm really hoping when DVD weighs in this spring he's added 15 lb of muscle.
As do I. I absolutely love Fisher in run support. He has that perfect form tackle (drops the hips and wraps the arms) that I loved about Trey Edmunds. And he has absurd closing speed.
True feelings about Caleb. I want him to succeed in the worst way and am excited when I see him on the field and disappointed when he doesn't get a touch. The coaches always clam or about how much of a playmaker he is yet he doesn't seem to be given that much of a chance in games. Is his injury limiting him that much or is he not panning out? I was surprised that he didn't even get any try's as a kickoff or punt returner. Does he get buried on the depth chart, transfer or emerge at some position and play up to his talked about ability?
He has to force the staff to play him. That is it. Whatever the position, when he gets a rep in practice, he needs to dominate that rep. Until that happens, he will be in the same position. He doesn't have Barry Sanders and Jerry Rice in front of him. Opportunities are there.
I think Shane Beamer thinks Coleman is Barry Sanders with the amount of reps he gets.
Ummm....Who cut your hair?...
Sorry, I couldnt resist. I appreciate all that frenchy does here, since I live in midst of indian river in brevard county,,fl, I really love the fishin stories! great stuff every week. Love this site!
Assuming for a second we don't pick up WRs Isaiah Ford & Javon Harrison how much improved do you think the WRs we have now will be come time for our matchup tOSU?
As I said above, they need to get a guy who can beat man coverage. The Hokies best plays were crossing routes where they would get guys matched up on linebackers. When Loeffler didn't get that advantage, nobody could get open.
Josh Stanford has the most promise. He has shown the ability to beat man coverage sometimes on the boundary. But he has a bad habit of being a "body catcher" ie: letting the ball get into your body/stomach rather than catching it with your hands. That leads to drops.
Byrn thrived in that role of running routes against linebackers, but I don't think he is a guy who gives you that deep threat unless he has an advantageous matchup. If he is man to man against a good corner, he isn't getting open.
Knowles great speed gets him open, but with his wheels, he should have been more of a deep threat. Also, he FAR too often got alligator arms in traffic. I think Phillips will take his spot at some point.
IMHO this one point/post was key to understanding our season. Obviously against some squads this was less true and I think it opened up more options. Add in a new system, inexperienced RB, and we had an offense that was very easy to gameplan against.
Hope we sign some freshman who can change this dynamic. If not I hope some of these kids get into an aggressive and successful offseason workout regime that can elevate their physicality. Maybe speed is inborn in many, but you would be surprised how many guys can improve their speed and cutting ability with the right coach and focus. Speed is very complex from a muscle development and timing perspective. I am convinced too many don't work hard enough to develop it.
Manual or Automatic?
Manual.
Manual.
Left hand clutch.
Left hand clutch? How in the hell do you drive a car? I always use my left leg...
Bike**
What he said ^.
Will we see #ALLMAROONEVERYTHING next season?
Honestly, I am not particularly worried about jerseys, although if given my preference, I have always liked maroon jerseys, maroon helmets, white bracketed orange stripes, and a white face mask.
Circa 1995 Helmet?
Nailed it.
thoughts on Grimes + Loeffler... Do they complement each other well? Would Loeffler want a similar-style OL coach if Grimes were to leave, something else, or be flexible?
How did JR Collins* go from arguably the Hokies' best defensive player at the beginning of the season to one of the least talked about guys on the team by the season's end? Was there a significant drop off in his level of play or were teams scheming to take him out of the picture because of his early-season success?
*Edited to the correct player
Is this supposed to be about Corey Marshall? He didn't play at all this year.
No, it was supposed to be about JR Collins, thanks for the correction.
if Corey Marshall plays like JR Collins did this year, I think we will all be very happy.
I would love to know. He dominated Cyrus Koundijo one on one in the Kickoff Classic. CK, for all the faults I find in his game, is going to get paid a ton of money in the NFL. Collins was good until Georgia Tech. If you have followed the Hokies and my column over the last couple of seasons, there are certain guys who just are not the same after Georgia Tech. Collins stopped getting off blocks and became almost a non-factor on the pass rush (he had four sacks going into GT, none after.) Then, he got suspended. I have no idea why. Against UVA and UCLA, he was much more active and disruptive, but most of the pressures that Bud Foster used got the linebackers in the face of Greyson Lambert at the expense of the DE's.
If the suspension wasn't there, I would think that he was physically beat up against GT and it took several games to get his legs back.
Maybe we can all contribute to the FIRE PAUL JOHNSON fund.
I hate that cut blocking stuff. GT wants him gone just don't want to pay out the $.
He wants to be gone but wants the buyout money.
CK was fascinating to me in their bowl game. By all accounts hes a top draft pick but he was just getting smoked against Oklahoma.
French,
I have one question about the TE position, and specifically Ryan Malleck. Something that I've pondered all year was how Loeffler wanted to use Malleck that would have made him such an integral part of the offense. On one hand, you can say a pass-catching and good blocking TE is a phenomenal asset to any offensive system. I however, want to submit another theory.
In Loeffler's time at Auburn, he used Lutzenkirchen as a lead blocker from the backfield a good amount. This helped pave the way for Mason to rush for 1000 yards and the whole stable of RB's from Auburn to average 5+ YPC even when the rest of the offense was absolutely dreadful.
I don't know if using Lutzenkirchen as a lead blocker out of the backfield is more of a holdover from what Malzhan did and Loeffler re-using some of his playbook (Malzhan loves lead blockers such as Lutzy and Jay Prosch in 2013), or if it's part of Loeffler's style and thus a situation in which a blocker like Malleck could be used in Loeffler's system. In my mind, Loeffler's comments when he lost Malleck point more towards him being used similarly to Lutzenkirchen at Auburn than pointing towards losing Malleck's blocking at the LoS and pass catching ability as a traditional TE.
I know we have Sam Rogers as a FB and blowing-up-people blocker, but it strikes me that Malleck may have been a more refined blocker than the walk-on Rogers, no matter his level of effort and hustle.
Thoughts? I may be reading further into it than is warranted, but it's an intriguing idea to me, especially if Cline can develop his blocking skills and Hodges similarly develops into a blocker and pass catcher.
***Edited for spelling.
That's a really, really, really interesting point.
Your Mad Bomber reference made you seem old. Okoye was only 20 years ago. Daryle Lamonica was 60's/early 70's.
I didn't see Lamonica live. The first Super Bowl I can remember watching was the Giants and Broncos. But, I am a historian of the Game and I love reading and watching videos on the NFL in the 50's, 60's, and 70's.
One thing I can't figure out...expectations for each individual position on offense in 2014 seem pretty high (TEs are stacked, plenty of talent at RB, good incoming class of WRs + returning group, Grimes seems to be doing well with the OL...QB might be the biggest question mark but seems like we will have good options / competition). It also seems we generally think SL does a good job with games planning, utilizing talent, etc.
Yet, it also seems expectations for the offense as a whole are pretty low for 2014. Why do you think that is?
QB is definitely the biggest question mark- and by far the most important factor in the performance of the offense. that's why expectations are so low.
I know this is French's version of an AMA, and at the risk of being seen as "butting in", I'll give my 2 cents.
Each individual position had issues and question marks this year, and that will continue into next season. RB was a bit of a mess, although Edmunds looked good down the stretch before his injury. WR's had a good year, but a lack of talent causing a lack of separation or ability to out-muscle DB's for balls shows there can be lots of improvement. Grimes is doing well with the OL this year, and it could be a strength of the team next year. A new QB is a huge question mark, but hopefully it allows us to gameplan around an improved running game to take pressure off the new QB. Another year in Loeffler's program will help the entire offense.
That said, VT's offense was really really really bad this year and was predicated entirely off of the best playmaker on offense, LT3. Without LT3 in the mix and another year in Loeffler's scheme, the offense should come out with a nice identity.
The crux of this argument is that we expect a lot of things to happen. In reality, if 2 of the 4 things happen (WR improvement, TE improvement, OL improvement, Loeffler system implementation improvement), we're only going to be as good as we were this year on offense. Having 3/4 or 4/4 of those things happening, while we can reasonably expect them to happen, probably won't happen for one unforeseen reason or another. Losing recruits, injuries, grade problems, the list goes on. There are too many question marks about this offense to expect anything a whole lot better than the output we had this year.
Just my $0.02, but we have no playmakers on offense. Plenty of solid players, but no home run threat. Edmunds has shown potential, but except for one run against Bama, he has not shown that he can be a Evans/RW/DW quality back. Our receivers are tremendously improved, but no one on the current roster can go up and bring down a 'jump ball.'
Let me pose a question: It's 3rd down, and VT desperately needs to convert. Who on our returning roster do trust to make a play time and time again? There's no Danny Coale who somehow finds a way to get open. There's no Boykin, who can catch a ball over the middle of the field, receive a huge hit, and still hold on to the ball. There's no Tyrod to scramble 31 yards and miraculously run to the first down marker. There's no RW to break 5 tackles. There's not DW who can get to the edge and then accelerate... So who's going to make a play for us?
Every great team has play makers. This year, Auburn could almost always rely on Tre Mason to get yards when they needed. On FSU, Benjamin always seemed to come down with the ball when he needed to. We haven't seen this from any returning skill player at VT.
Also, this. To return to 10 wins, a lot of things need to go our way. The sheer likelihood of everything going our way just isn't that likely.
I will need to take a little time to tackle some of the bigger questions, but right now, if the Hokies are in a must make 3rd and 4, I run a route that isolates Byrn on a linebacker, and then I sneak Edmunds on a circle route in the vacated space. Edmunds was making some plays in the passing game towards the end of the year and should be utilized more if he is healthy.
I like the Edmunds in space play.
Well, as many others have pointed out, Logan Thomas was a special player and the focal point of the offense. Replacing him doesn't just mean replacing his ability to be a thrower and a runner, but you are replacing the guy who everyone looked at to make plays for the last two season. Mark Leal and the other QB candidates may throw as well or better. But, you just don't know if they have "the stuff" to make plays and lead a team. There is no amount of film that can show that quality, and until we see all of them in an apples to apples quarterback battle this spring, there will be uncertainty. Defenses keyed on Logan, and that opened up some things for other players. Now Logan isn't there. Who would you say right now would be the guy defenses would be focused on stopping? Edmunds is really the only guy, and he is coming back from a serious injury. That is enough to create concern.
Whoever the QB is, I think we can expect to see the tight ends heavily featured. Malleck was being utilized as a motion guy and Hback in all of the preseason until he got hurt, and Loeffler threw a ton of stick routes to Malleck as a slot receiver.
One of my off seasons pieces will be highlighting stick routes, and we will discuss why Malleck was so important on those routes (and why Cline was not utilized on them.)
Position changes this spring? A few suggestions: Caleb possibly to Rover? The guy is an incredible athlete and we need to get our athletes on the field, I just don't see him seeing the field as a RB due to the huge crowd at the position. Also, with all of the talk about doing away with 'whip' position should the coaches think about (this may sound crazy) sliding RVD to backer due to the lack of depth/experience/maturity (Deon Clark) at LB? He's a sure tackler with good speed and doesn't lack toughness; but is he big enough and would it be too big of a task for him to learn the position? If they were to do that and go to a full out 4-2-5 nickel defense wouldn't it be smart to switch Bonner to nickel (which is where he excels the best) and let one of the younger guys fight it out for the free safety spot (Greene, Clark, Shegog, Fisher)?
Does Bonner excel at nickel?
He's better there than at FS in my opinion...
I don't think I agree with this...
I''d like to see Caleb on defense, but that means they have wasted two years of development on the kid. If the running back situation had not been so dire, he should have stayed at receiver. Maybe he was slow to "get it," but a 6'3 guy who can run like a deer and go up and fight for a deep ball was the missing component that the offense needed. As I said before in the thread, if you are a good football player, they will find a way to get you on the field. The fact that he didn't tells me, he isn't a good football player yet. That happens sometimes with guys who are great athletes, and high school coaches just put them at quarterback, don't teach them anything, and let them run wherever they want. When they come to a precision offense, they struggle.
People ask the RVD question all the time, and while he is big enough to play the back position, I don't think people realize how good a cover guy he is. When JoeTKP and I went to the preseason public scrimmage before the 2012 season, Foster rotated JGW and RVD on defense. When JGW was in the game in passing situations, he always rushed the passer or dropped into a short zone, and the free safety would play man coverage to that side. When RVD was in the game, even against a true wide receiver in the slot, he lined up in press man coverage. We watched him closely, and he was only beaten once (on a post corner by Corey Fuller, who ended up being pretty damn good that season). The guy can cover, and yet give Foster another athletic, big body around the line of scrimmage. His problem in 2012 was that, once he got a chance to play, you could tell he was thinking too much about assignments and he wasn't fluid and natural. It looked like a completely different guy from practice. By all accounts, Foster said it was clicking for him this year before his injury. If he is great at whip, I could see the Hokies nickel corner replacing the backer or mike instead of always replacing the whip against spread teams.
The backer position has Clarke there, who has all the tools to be great. Williams played the backer some in 2012 and knows both positions. If DVD is ready to play and Clarke isn't, Williams can slide to backer. The staff has always hyped up Williams, but he has always been behind Tyler, Taylor, and Edwards. Now is his time to step up and be a leader.
As for Bonner, I grew frustrated with some of his poor play in run support last season. But I thought he was really solid playing as a deep safety behind Kendall Fuller and Facyson early in the season. His experience as a corner allowed Foster to move pieces around and play combination coverages that confused the defense. Sometimes you had Bonner and Facyson playing man, and Kendall would play robber in a short zone. Sometimes Bonner would take a deep route working to the middle of the field, and Facyson was free to be the robber and read the QB. It gave Foster a ton of flexibility while teams stayed away from Kyle Fuller on his boundary island. When Kyle and Exum were no longer options, Foster lost some of that flexibility, as Clark, Greene, and Frye were not as steady as deep help.
Keep in mind, the free safety and the rover also have to be communication guys and relay the signals to the corner. Foster likes experienced players at the position, especially free safety.
Honestly, I find situations like Caleb extremely frustrating. He was THE recruit that year and for some reason we can't find a position for him to play. Everyone says he is a play maker but he's not out there making plays. I'm not really blaming the coaches. As you said, Caleb needs to force the coaches to play him, however, I think there is something in the way Hokies do business that prevents pure Athletes from succeeding.
So my question is, when was the last ATHLETE recruit that came and really made significant contribution? starter, team leader, etc. Right now I wouldn't be surprised or upset if Caleb transfers to play for another program and I am sure we will be kicking ourselves when he succeeds there.
Marcus Davis was the last ATH starter that I can remember. He definitely had the tools
without going into the pros and cons of Davis' contribution at VT, I wouldn't classify him as a resounding success.
He would have changed this team DRAMATICALLY for the better. Even if he didn't block a lick. This team needed a #1 WR. Even when MD got rung up publicly they only kept him out a half because they needed him to stretch the field.
Then Stanford or Knowles would have had more opportunities as a #2, and teams would have had to cover alot more field against our #1, #2 WRs and that would have made our RBs better and even our QB runs more effective. Maybe even TE but I didn't watch to see who the opposing team put on Cline.... sometimes they'll zone up a TE or put a S on him. Most teams would have been reluctant to do that with Davis on the field.
no arguments here. His potential was undeniable. He could have been the biggest game changer VT had in a long time but I think his legacy is more about his potential and less about his production.
From a production standpoint, his 2012 receiving yardage total was the second best in Virginia Tech history.
Part of me sees his blocking in the infamous video and thinks "c'mon, man" but the other part of me wonders how many other players would grade out poorly in a video highlighting only their worst plays.
Maybe I'm just soft, but the guy did produce.
Not sure if you recall our video package versus the one that went viral, but it wasn't just blocking (although I have never seen a guy who time after time would not only not block, but be turned around walking to the huddle before his guy was tackled.) He also quit on routes, often. Or, he would quit on the route and he would be screaming at the official for a flag before the ball had even touched the ground. On several of those, if he just stays in stride he has a chance to catch the ball.
Right along with DeAngelo and Marcus. Good Riddance.
And then there's that! LOL
Ashame as the kid really did put up some numbers, and to me was the first real #1 WR we've had for a while.
We need a guy to come in like the kids at Clemson and Md did.... just light it up as a true Freshman and make the ACC quiver in fear of two or three more years of that kid.
I didn't start reading TKP til around Bowl season last year, so I missed yall's videos. I've never completely defended him, but I've always found it a bit strange how a guy who was responsible for so many big plays took so much flak from the fans. It is conceivable that I've been giving him a bit too much benefit of the doubt.
Problem with arguing is that French has got the film. Hard to argue with the film.
Yes I'm going overboard with the stupid pictures.
THIS
I think he had separated shoulders during time at VT. Was getting them treated after trying out for the NYG, NYJ this year. If I had to wager your money, I'd bet his shoulders were not right while at VT. Last thing you want to do is publicize it so that your opponents, the NFL, etc understands whats going on with the shoulders.
Took me like two years to rehab my one shoulder. I think he might have had two. I could raise my arm and have full extension but not much else... no dips very little military press, etc, etc. Lotsa pain when someone messed with them.
This is a very valid point. I've separated a grand total of 6 shoulders during my rugby career (yes, I was stupid and came back a bit too early for most of them, I'm enthusiastic, so sue me). They're not fun and a pain (to put it mildly on a family-friendly forum) to rehab from. I've never spent so much time with a can of soup in my life. Still have a lump on my AC joint from the last separation and I never even needed surgery. MD had shoulder surgery after his senior year, so you can bet they weren't right during the season. I'll be as critical as the next guy when it comes to WRs blocking (or calling for flags while the ball is in the air), but I'm also ready to give the benefit of the doubt here.
Slacker and I debated this in another Forum as well. It's not that I don't believe he had issues with his shoulders nor that it impacted his game. However, I would have thought that had it been an issue that was causing so much problem then at some point we would have heard about it. Either Gentry, Sherman, Stiney, Beamer would had made mention of it. Especially after the video surfaced.
Heck, even Davis didn't say anything in his interview after the video. You could make an argument that he may have been trying to keep it quiet for NFL scout so it didn't impact his stock. But I don't think that Beamer would have kept that quiet after such a negative light was shone on the program with that viral video.
You're a walking HIPAA violation.
If your opponent knows you have a shoulder problem you have a big problem. Its just that simple.
I don't think the coaches have any kind of duty to disclose kids injuries, but do think they have to respect privacy rights. I think we all know alot less about injuries that happen than we think and thats just the way it has to be.
Beyond that my 11 year old daughter has been lying for a couple of years about chronic conditions to her parents and coaches because she wants to play. She is not unique to the sports world. I am getting my Phd in knowing when she is lying to me... her coaches can't tell at all because they have too many kids to manage.
Yeah, kids lie about being hurt to play and it happens at every level of the game. But every week there is an injury report and they don't appear shy to tell everyone exactly who is hurt and what type of injury. Even players have been known to say "I'm only about 80% back but I can play. I'm going to play for the team." Something like that.
Plus, Gentry and his staff are liable for conditioning of the players. If one is hiding an injury like this it would affect their workouts and he would know very quickly.
Again I'm not saying he didn't have an injury but I think in this case it would have come up.
MD was listed at 6'5 and pretty heavy with a 40" ish jump and some good 40 speed. Think he ended up 6 3 or 6 4 with an elevator, but clearly he fit the mold of a tall WR to scare the under 6 ft corners.
Caleb by is VT bio is 6'2" 205.... this is a bit of a tweener, and who knows maybe he's not 6 2. This is at least one of the risks you run with an athlete. Yes you've got height at 6 2, but you probably need separation at WR and/or at least really good route running. At RB 205 is still light so if you don't have explosive speed you are unlikely to stand out.
Hope the kid still believes in his ability to develop. Improving measureables (power / weight), route running, and/or putting on good weight might put him in a sweet spot. Unfortunately it would be best for his development if we knew what position that sweet spot is for him. Hope he crushes it developmentally spring and summer. Bump up some measureables some weight and hope someone puts you in a spot where you can succeed.
You would also be wasting two years of Caleb's development if he transfers. Or if he stays at #4 RB his entire career. Development time is development time, you're not getting that back. Right now is all that matters and he's got 3 years of eligibility left, how can he help the program?
Just want to start by saying I love your pieces, I have learned a lot about the more technical side of footall thanks to you.
My question, What happens first, a 1200-yard rusher or a 1200-yard receiver? Are those potential studs on the current roster?
2 part Question....Best player you ever played with at E&H? Who wins in a fight Jamie Harless vs. Thor?
Jamie Harless was a senior in high school when I was a freshman and went out for football the first time. He was a bad bad bad man. At EHC, he was so good as a junior that EHC's center was named first team All Conference even though he was terrible. Harless made every other center look that bad. His double teams opened up space for Mike Kasnove, who had transferred from East Carolina, to be an All American pass rusher from the defensive end spot.
Pee Dee Peterson was a special safety. Both he and Harless had no business playing D3 ball. They were really good players. John Carmody, Mikey Hughes, Larry Arwood, Chris Ratcliffe, and of course Oliver Jordan were all great D3 football players.
I was a stiff, but they didn't throw me out. Good times.
Harless wins the fight. If I said otherwise, it is more likely that Harless would kill me versus Thor killing me.
With Shai and Edmunds coming off of injuries do you think that opens the door for Williams to step up and be the primary back going into the season?