Key Players Club Members-
With the depth chart and game week press conferences fresh on everyone's minds, I am sure questions abound about the 2016 Hokies. Use this thread to ask questions and I will share my opinions and thoughts.
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CJF said a couple weeks ago that the O-line is the least of his concerns. Do you feel the same way? Does our O-line actually look like our strength this year?
I am an offensive line guy at heart, and I think that often some of the issues pass protecting have been more about scheme and failure by the staff to adjust the way that the offensive line set protections than just poor blocking.
That being said, there are worries. With all due respect to Colt Petitt, he has not impressed me in pass protection drills, and run blocking is a concern because he has had a serious of shoulder injuries. I would love nothing more than for him to have a great game, but I don't know how Wyatt Teller isn't not only their top guard, but their top OL across the board.
Outside of the left guard spot, I regard Augie Conte as a potential liability even though this staff appears to be just as enamored with Augie as the last staff. Conte is incredibly stiff in the hips and struggles against both stunts and athletic defenders. I thought the Hokies would have been well served last season to give Osterloh some game repetitions at Conte's guard spot to see if he would be an upgrade. Interestingly, Osterloh got work this fall at every position except center and Conte's right guard spot.
I am comfortable with the tackles. Nijman has looked spectacular in pass protection. If he can upgrade his run blocking, the left side of the line becomes much better. McLaughlin is a smart strong veteran, but he had to be protected as a left tackle and isn't quite as balanced as Nijman. McLaughlin has a chance to make an NFL team as a swing tackle, and getting experience on the right side will make him more attractive to possible suitors.
I was perhaps the only person in the Hokie talking head universe that suggested that Tyrell Smith could potentially play at the left tackle spot when he signed his LOI with the Hokies. You can't teach his reach and footwork. Initially, the coaching staff tried him on the interior, but as fall camp progressed, Smith ended up being more effective that JUCO Demetri Moore at that spot. Moore worked some all over, while Plantin established himself as a guy who can contribute at tackle behind Osterloh and McLaughlin. I have been really impressed with TJ Jackson in passing drills. The "project" is huge, moves laterally well, and stays on balance. He has great athleticism and reach. He has to improve his strength (I have heard that run blocking is still a bit of an adventure) but he looks like a potential franchise left tackle when watching him in those pass blocking drills.
Braxton Pfaff is a guy who I have been high on. He is very mobile (the best pulling lineman besides Teller.) When he was healthy in past scrimmages and spring work, he looked like a guy who was game ready when in space. He struggled on back side scoops and power blocking at the point of attack. I think that Osterloh would step in at guard if there was an injury, but Pfaff is a nice option to have.
Didnt expect such a detailed response from my short question. Thank you very much!
To get things going, I know folks are curious about what kind of squad Liberty has. The guy to watch defensively is defensive end Juwan Wells. Wells was a part time player last season (behind Big South defensive player of the year Chima Uzowihe) as a freshman. With limited snaps and only 8 games, Wells still put up 7.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He has power 5 size (6'2 255) and tremendous twitch. He will present some defensive problems.
Last season, Liberty was more pass first and had a nice controlled passing attack against West Virginia (the only film on Youtube.) Their quarterback graduated, and per Bud Foster the new quarterback presents more of a running threat. With Tennessee and Josh Dobbs ahead, they should present a decent replica.
On a scale of 1 to Fully Dipped, how pumped are you that football season is starting?
Honestly, this season has kind of jumped up on me. Parenthood, changes in work, and some other things have kind of put me behind the 8 ball. I am really hopeful for a great season, but without seeing the team live it is really difficult to have a good feeling for how good they should be. I stay away from predictions because each season is it's own animal, but in my opinion if they get decent quarterback play, I don't know how they couldn't be better than last year, and that gives me a quiet optimism.
How much of a threat is Liberty? I mean, is an upset a possibility?
Go away!
Join the Key Players Club and he will answer your question with a resounding no.
What these fine members of the community at large are trying to say is, french offered this thread as a place for Players Club members to pose questions. So as not to feel left out, there are other threads/film reviews/opportunities for your question to be answered.
As for me, I can't tell anyone what to say or not, but I think it best to just leave these questions without replies, so as not to push anyone off the site.
On a scale of 1 to Brandon Flowers, let's talk corners. Who is going to fit best jumping routes from leverage zones? Who has potential to be a great lock down press man guy? (outside of Alexander, who needs to figure out how to play his cushion better). Who are some guys you would like to land moving forward on the recruiting trail or guys within the program right now who you think will contribute down the line.
3- I have a ton of anxiety about the corner spot. I wrote extensively about Foster wanting to "get more eyes on the football" by playing more zone. I have not been quiet about having a gut feeling that "more zone" isn't really the change we will see. Brian Mitchell coached corners that played a ton of man under/press man coverage at West Virginia. This was true press man- no leverage help. They truly were on islands, even against Baylor. When I see drills (see yesterday's snap chat) I see a ton of work where the cover guys are pressed, and the receivers (positive for the offense) are doing a great job of getting separation and catching the football. Snapchat has provided a VERY limited window, but it sure seemed like Hodges, Ford, and to a certain extent Devin Wilson were getting open deep.
Alexander has the most upside- his two highlight plays versus UVA were busted coverages and Tulsa was less effective throwing the ball to their top guy when Alexander was on him. When they switched Facyson to him, Garrett started making some plays. Alexander has to be better technique-wise, and I have concerns about his ability to close on plays over the top, but if he figures it out, he could be very good.
Facyson- everything is about his health. He is a guy who excelled when Foster could zone to the field side like his freshman year. He is good on the inside leverage and boundary play, but when he is on an island he becomes much more limited as a playmaker. He is a guy who would benefit from more zone.
Stroman- I need to see it from Greg. He is athletic enough to be a good corner. I haven't seen the ballskills yet that makes me think he can win 50/50 balls.
I have not seen a single clip of Tyree Rodgers. His high school film showed me a kid with tremendous hips that is well suited for press man. Foster went out of his way to praise Rodgers today. For a kid the Hokies stole from ODU, his stock has risen significantly.
Recruiting is such a strange thing. I decided last season to try an avoid watching film on kids until they sign their LOI. I know there is a ton of talk about Devon Hunter, but Hunter isn't a kid that elevates coverage. He is more of a strong safety/rover guy who makes a defense better in the running game. I would need to take a look at their targets to get a better feel.
I do know I would say this is a 10 win team if a healthy Kendall Fuller was back. He changed the dynamic so much when he was on the field, even hurt last year, that his presence would cover up a ton of flaws.
Yes, after reading your article and a few things I have seen on twitter I think we are at least another year away from being able to mix zone/man coverages as much as Foster would like. I am cautiously optimistic we will see more zone than last year though (wouldn't be hard task to accomplish).
there could be a philosophy change where they play man under and two deep safeties. But, that would require some major scheme changes up front because Bud relies on the safety being the alley defender in the run game.
No scheme will matter if the front six don't start WINning battles up front after they gap fit.
Agreed. In my experience two deep man under is (usually) a conservative defense against the run, and if the front 6/7 aren't enough to stop the run we will be playing more like the UNC defense and relying on offenses to beat themselves/sputter in the redzone and rely on our offense to score. In theory, it works because our offense will (hopefully) outscore opponents, but it works both ways, the break don't bend defense giving up some big plays and a few scores also thrives with an offense that can outscore opponents.
It worked well for UNC because their offense was so explosive. They also were excellent in the red zone. Bud pulled it off before (see 2010) to the tune of an ACC title.
2010 kept coming to my head as I typed it. I seem to recall us running a lot of inverted cover 2 robber that year (I just remember Hosley making a lot of picks free safety style). I trust whatever Foster thinks is best. He has adjusted our defense many times around the personnel/talent.
Do you envision McClease or Peoples having a big impact (this year)? I am high on both those guys abilities in this offense - especially catching the ball out in space.
Also, will Shai Guy or Juice be back with a vengeance?
Thanks for all the insight. Always enjoy reading your thoughts/takes on VT Football
When we had a bunch of film to watch of fall camp in 2015, I thought Peoples was a better blocker than Sam Rogers. I think he will have a role at HBack. That being said, I have no idea what kind of receiver Peoples is. He isn't a big target, and that could limit him, as I know Fuente does not want to have a situation where a particular HBack signals a run versus a pass with a different guy.
Chris Cunningham (who was listed as the starter on today's depth chart) is more of a prototypical HBack and is an excellent receiver based on his high school film. We know how much Fuente relied on Alan Cross as a blocker. I saw this depth chart as an indicator that Cunningham's blocking had improved significantly since the spring. We will see.
As for McClease, I have not seen much of him. I do know he has some really nice cutting ability and he played with a tough attitude at Ocean Lakes. I could envision him in the Sam Craft role- aligning in the slot and motioning across for touches.
With Shai, I don't think I have seen him in any of the videos, so I will take a raincheck on him. Marshawn looked like he was moving well. I wouldn't sleep on Marshawn being a key contributor when the ACC schedule gets going up.
Will TKP have film review of Liberty and other future opponents leading up to each week's game?
I will do them when I can. I won't be doing one of Liberty because
A) They have a new QB and a new OC. The only film available is of them against West Virginia's goofy 3-3 stack defense. The film is pretty useless.
B) They lost their best defensive player.
I am going to do my best to review the Tennessee vs Appy State game and provide a short preview of the Vols. We will see down the road. Bandwidth is going to be tough this year, but I will review every Hokie game and share tidbits on upcoming opponents when I can.
I regret that I have but one leg to give you for this. Looking forward to it.
Marry, Fuck, Kill
Mike London, Al Groh, Rich Rodriguez
Brooke Langton, Sophia Bush, spots so I can use their heads for drum bait.
Rich Rod is crotch rot.
Damnnn Alum, back at it again with the savage KFM
French I don't have a question just a huge thank you for everything you do here on TKP.
If you are ever down here in Myrtle Beach area, the pie is on me.
Which do you think will be the greater amount - Plays of over 35 yards for or against VT?
That is a toss up. We won't have a good feel until we see the scheme against Tennessee.
With Lawson not being listed in the 2-deep what are the odds he transfers?
*sorry couldn't help it even though I couldn't stand all the previous Lawson jokes.....
1) Thoughts on Bucky listed as a WR instead of a TE?
2) Breakout WR this year?
3) Plans to travel to any games?
1) Worst kept secret since we learned Jerome Bettis was from Detroit.
2) I don't know that any break out. I think Ford and Bucky could have huge seasons if the running game is effective.
3) Working on tickets for Notre Dame. My work schedule screwed me right out of Bristol. Eat at Pals for me.
Depth chart has Divine Deablo backing up Bucky. Do find this as interesting as I do?
I think it indicates that my man Divine has shown out this summer, and will be on the field a lot when Bucky is not split out wide and is lined up at TE. (Bucky WILL be lined up at TE at some point. Depth chart be damned.)
I would be stunned if Bucky comes off the field much, and I don't believe for a second he will line up at HBack/Y. He will be out wide at all times. Deablo will get work because Fuente wants to keep the top guys fresh so they will block at 100%,
1. Do you expect to see more less odd man fronts on the D, and more 5 man or 3 when we do?
2. Does Fuente's offensive attack tend to do better against certain base defenses,schemes or coverages than others, or is it more of a personnel thing?
3. Do you expect having the D go against Fuente's offense more often in practice, rather than a multiple one, to have an effect on their preparation for different systems?
1) I think you will see fewer odd fronts. However, I think Foster likes the idea of playing Tremaine Edmunds out on the edge. I'd expect to see some Bear front, but more I think you will see four guys with their hand on the ground and Edmunds standing up on the boundary.
2) Temple and Navy had the best defensive efforts against Memphis. Navy had success playing a 3-4 look where their outside linebackers (aligned like the "edge" players in a Bear front) did a terrific job of slow-playing reads and staying at home. Behind them the defense played soft Cover 3 and Cover 4. Memphis got yards, but had mistakes at key times that killed drives.
Temple ran mostly an even front, and in all honesty, Memphis should have put up more. The Tigers had some drops and missed opportunities. The biggest difference-maker was Tyler Matekevich from his inside linebacker spot. Watching him closely, it didn't seem to matter what kind of motion or counter action was employed. He was reading the play correctly and was on the football. It was the best performance I have seen from a linebacker in some time. (Also- Lynch got his ankle rolled up near the end of the first quarter. He still played, but his accuracy and mobility were limited.)
How do you think our special teams will look under Shibest (Spelling?). Haven't heard too much about anything he's doing on that front.
I am not sure. The return game at Memphis was excellent. Fuente and his staff clearly believe in the idea of infusing the entire team with ball skills. Everyone is encouraged to work on punt and catch drills. How that translates to the field is a bit of a mystery.
The certainty is that Joey Styles is a very good kicker.
Has teller really pissed off the new coaching staff or is it possible we have 5 better olmen
On the team?
I wish I knew. This isn't a new thing. Recall Kyle Chung starting over Teller vs NC State last year.
Whos the next closest matchup nightmare behind Bucky?
related question:
are you only answering questions from Key Players? Just making sure I understood the title.
Looks like a couple people not in the club were answered.
My record may not be perfect (was trying to answer via mobile on some), but yes, I am trying to answer TKPC folks first.
Hmmmmm I'll do something different....Setting over/under for a few categories against Liberty. What are your takes?
Evans Total TDs - 3
Defensive Scores - .5
INTs - 2
Number of players getting 5 or more carries- 6
Number of VT Players to take a snap - 3
over
over
under
under
under
Get a win that allows the back ups to play the full 4th quarter, and get out injury free. No idea otherwise.
Will we block a kick this season?
Yes, yes we will.
At least three.
Question for French, or really anybody. Whats up with the punting situation? I haven't heard anything about that are there any concerns there?
Also who ends the year more important to us, our defense or offense? Are we going to trend into an offensive team under fuente or will we still be known for our stout defense and just happen to have a good offense as well? (more of an identity question i guess)
Ludwig is going to be the starting punter. I haven't heard much about him outside of the generic "Can improve" since the beginning of camp. I know Slye got some practice punting but I think that is just for emergency situations. The team brought on a walk on punter to back up Ludwig, so my guess is Slye will only punt if Ludwig gets hurt on the road.
it's simple. we just won't punt.
Mitchell Ludwig inherited the job. The Abingdon product has had some time as the kickoff guy since he arrived in Blacksburg. Joey Slye is the back up, and that isn't a good thing because he covers kick offs and that adds to the chances he could get hurt. Let's hope Fuente's offense can do more to flip field position, because the punt game could be a weakness.
Virginia Tech is 8-7 all time vs Pitt.
We were 3-1 @Pitt since the series started in 1993 until 1999. ( We only first played Pitt in 1993?!)
BUT.....we are 0-4 @ Pitt since then.......
WTF?
I'll hang up and listen.....
I was all alone in an upper deck section two years ago. It is a dank, depressing atmosphere. I can't speak to the poor efforts prior to Narduzzi's arrival, but he is a stellar defensive coach.
1) What's the difference in French wasp and the ol' American rascal roaming around stinging people?
2) On a scale from 1 to creek bed crawling with fish, how refreshing will it be to see a new offense?
1) I am fatter
2) Ultimately, if the offense is ugly and scores, so be it. Watching from an aesthetic standpoint, it is critical to understand that Fuente put up huge numbers at Memphis without an offensive line blowing people up. The offense worked because the design and layering of plays causes defenders to be out of position. Memphis didn't "whip" Ole Miss. Ole Miss defenders were running out of position and the ball went into the space that the defender had vacated.
It better work. I get the feeling that the beat writers are ready to shred Fuente because of the limited access. The fan base is embittered and expects results. Beamer at least had an old guard that understood how much he had advanced the program and was willing to defend him even when the on the field product dipped. Fuente has engendered excitement, but he doesn't have long term credit built up with that core fan base. And Fuente will likely lose Isaiah Ford and Bucky Hodges after this season- two generational talents. I preach patience and I think he will prove to be a tremendous hire. And they may be awesome right out of the gate (I refuse to believe they won't be improved as long as they get decent QB play.)
If you absolutely had to pick a cheese of which you would eat an amount equivalent to one (1) Kraft slice (approx 3.5in. x 3.5in., 20g, less than 1oz), what cheese would it be?
So, I have a confession to make. I attended a birthday party on Saturday. My friend spent way more than he should have on entertaining us (versus us entertaining him) and he ordered Papa John's pizza. In order not to make a fuss, I forced myself to eat 3 pieces of Papa Johns with sausage, pepperoni, and yes, cheese. Fortunately for me, Papa John's has the most bland, tasteless cheese, so I was able to force it down without anyone but Ms. Susie Cue noticing. That is only the second cheese I have knowingly eaten since 2011, and it was painful.
Plot twist.
It was horrible. I don't recommend it. Eat Jersey Mikes, Pals, and Arby's instead.
I am shocked this scandal didn't get more traction. I figured that I would never hear the end of it.
meh...cheese...big deal
do you consider cheese to be an acceptable bait for fish and if so, would you ever eat a fish that eats cheese?
No, and no.
Alright I have a question that's been eating at me. We've hardly heard of a singe injury during fall camp. That sounds promising or is that just another part of the Fuente Cone of Silence. I'd love to get your take on this French.
I am sure someone is hurt. I just have no idea who.
As for the cone of silence, I get that there is some gamesmanship. But, dominance comes from being great at what you do... not surprising people. You don't have to let Butch Jones in the film room. But, one open scrimmage where you run vanilla scheme to do personnel evaluation in front of the fan base won't tip anything.
French, I recently discovered Austin Lucas. You like?
have not had the pleasure. If he is like Poetry of the Deed and early Frank Turner, I will need to check him out. If he is post-Poetry of the Deed Frank Turner, not so much.
I have been on a huge Outkast-ATLiens and Stankonia and Motown kick lately.