Who is Likely Next (2013)

[Jebediah Springfield]

Right, the reality is that no one is going to have to choose between Carlo and Mack. We have a spot reserved for an elite DB; if Mack wants it, he better speak up, or it's going to Redfield/Hawkins/Willis/Moore/Luke. Even if someone else speaks up first, and then Mack decided he wanted in, we could probably still take Mack instead of Folston/other slot/RB player. Not sure how bad the staff wants another slot/RB, but I don't see that we really need one this year; could be wrong. But that's the hard choice: between Mack and another offensive 2013 player. There is no choice between an experienced ILB like Carlo and Mack, when we NEED experience at ILB next year and we don't need four cornerbacks in the 2013 class.

This is where things get tricky. Fox and Carlo play the same position, so only one will be on the field and IMO that's where experience helps the most (See Zeke showing players what to do before the snap). At Mike we have Grace who will be a Jr and Moore will be Sr, they shouldn't need that much help.

The only thing is injuries, if Fox gets hurt then it will likely be a walk on in Schmidt or a true freshman playing.

Lastly never said it had to be Mack (although he is most likely going all the way to SD which makes him an obvious candidate). I'm saying we have X spots if we take back all 5 5th year guys. So who gets bumped if a star wants to come, I say Carlo every time.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

This is where things get tricky. Fox and Carlo play the same position, so only one will be on the field and IMO that's where experience helps the most (See Zeke showing players what to do before the snap). At Mike we have Grace who will be a Jr and Moore will be Sr, they shouldn't need that much help.

The coaching staff has allegedly been telling recruits that the physical profiles and responsibilities of Diaco's WILB and MILB are virtually identical. The main difference is that the MILB "quarterbacks" the front-7 by calling out shifts, etc. Thus, it's very possible that Calabrese could end up as our starting MILB, given his extensive experience, instead of Grace.

 

[Grahambo]

U can move people out of position to play OLB in NDs scheme...but its important to have a middle linebacker at middle linebacker. Spond is an outside guy who can work in space. MLB is the exact opposite. Fox as we all know showed that it takes a full yr to get used to playing inside. Its alot more than just learning plays. Its recognition/exp/flow...thats something you dont tinker with.

Reps.

 

[Luckylucci]

Thought it would post this in here and not sure what to make of it. But some of the pretty consistant USC posters on rivals have already written off Redfield stating he's eventually gonna be on his way here. Now that could be classic over reaction to recruiting like we all know and love. Or maybe they have heard something more substantail. The same guy also said that Hawkins isn't going anywhere and that his dad already posted that today. However I wasn't able to find that.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

So you guys are willing to trade 3/4 years of a player like Mack for 1 more year of Carlo???

Read my orig post the on the prev page

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Read my orig post the on the prev page

Missed it, so who is the 5th year that is not asked back if Redfield, Mackensie, Willis or Treadwell want in when the class is full.

 

[Ricochet]

So you guys are willing to trade 3/4 years of a player like Mack for 1 more year of Carlo???

Yes. Willing to trade a 5th year players for elite prospects majority of the time. Carlo is a nice player but IMO if Fox is back there is no question you trade Carlo for one of the elite prospects.

 

[jason_h537]

Carlo is far from useless, he is a run stuffing middle linebacker. He struggles against coverage but he plays with a mean streak the team needs. He should be playing Te'os position but obviously that spot is taken. I do not know whether they will bring him back or not but I am certain Kelly will not bring back both Fox and Calabrese.

 

[JD Irish]

Bring back both, slide Calabrese over to Manti's spot.

 

[ryno 24]

It sounds like Grace and Moore will be playing Manti's spot next year. They fit the mold better I believe. Correct me if I am wrong?

 

[jmurphy75]

U can move people out of position to play OLB in NDs scheme...but its important to have a middle linebacker at middle linebacker. Spond is an outside guy who can work in space. MLB is the exact opposite. Fox as we all know showed that it takes a full yr to get used to playing inside. Its alot more than just learning plays. Its recognition/exp/flow...thats something you dont tinker with.

Exactly

 

[Irishman77]

Exactly

Good thing nonemof our starters ever switch positions. Can you imagine if a rb was asked to play defense? Impossible! Who needs versatility in kellys system....forgot italics. Anyay like i said i would only consider this if councell was a boss next year. Ayway love the debate and opposing views.

 

[jmurphy75]

Good thing nonemof our starters ever switch positions. Can you imagine if a rb was asked to play defense? Impossible! Who needs versatility in kellys system....forgot italics. Anyay like i said i would only consider this if councell was a boss next year. Ayway love the debate and opposing views.

I'm not saying a position change can't be done, I'm saying why risk it if you have 2 proven starters able to return.

 

[NDhoosier]

I dont think we should ask back both Fox and Calabrese either... Grace has been praised quite a bit by Diaco... The only reason he isnt playing that much is because he is playing behind Te'o. I think we all can admit that is a pretty good reason to be benched. If you think about it, the only spots we will be seeing "new" people at is Safety (Motta's spot) and MLB (Teo's spot). Only two spots we need to replace, I think having Grace step in there and prove he is a stud that has been sitting only because he was playing behind a legend is acceptable. I would rather replace 2 spots every year instead of 8 spots every 2 years.

2 DBs, only if one is elite (Redfield, Alexander, Willis)
A. Muhammad
Folston

 

[pkt77242]

I dont think we should ask back both Fox and Calabrese either... Grace has been praised quite a bit by Diaco... The only reason he isnt playing that much is because he is playing behind Te'o. I think we all can admit that is a pretty good reason to be benched. If you think about it, the only spots we will be seeing "new" people at is Safety (Motta's spot) and MLB (Teo's spot). Only two spots we need to replace, I think having Grace step in there and prove he is a stud that has been sitting only because he was playing behind a legend is acceptable. I would rather replace 2 spots every year instead of 8 spots every 2 years.

2 DBs, only if one is elite (Redfield, Alexander, Willis)
A. Muhammad
Folston

DE as well as KAP is gone.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

So I've been considering our roster in light of the scholarship crunch and the remaining "big fish" we've got a good shot at closing with, and there seems to be a disconnect between those kids and our positions of need.

QB: 5/4.
RB/ Z WR: Assuming Wood goes pro, 8/8.
X/W WR: 8/8, though Robinson could end up at TE.
TE: 4/4, though one could argue we need more than 4 TEs with Kelly's new-found love of 12 and 13 personnel.
OL: 13-15, depending on Watt and Z. Martin.
DL: 9/12.
ILB: 6-7, depending on Carlo & Fox; Rabasa likely moves back inside.
OLB: 8-9, though Rabasa and Mattingly could get moved.
CB: 8/8, though Shumate could move back to SS.
S: 7/8, though Shumate could fill it out.

The only real position of need for us is on the DL, particularly at DT. But most of the big names left on our board are DBs, RBs, and an OLB. Do we simply not have a shot with any other elite DL this year, or am I missing something with our DL numbers? And what if Matuska ends up at TE for some reason?

 

[DCIrish]

The only real position of need for us is on the DL, particularly at DT. But most of the big names left on our board are DBs, RBs, and an OLB. Do we simply not have a shot with any other elite DL this year, or am I missing something with our DL numbers? And what if Matuska ends up at TE for some reason?

I also think think they need more DL in this class. The DL is big reason why this team is winning and they need as much depth as possible to make sure that continues. The only player I think they may have a shot with right now is Austin Hooper.

 

[Emcee77]

Yep this has been bothering me as well. Puzzling that it obviously doesn't bother the staff. It has been clear that they are fine with Matuska and Rochell in this class. Bear in mind that the thinking is that A. Muhammad will bulk up into a DL, but it has always seemed to me that we need at least one more pure DL.

 

[Irishman77]

I agree about dt and think that is the focus in 14. Trumbetti,jay hayes,enoch smith and Mr. Malik Mcdowell would do....

 

[IrishLax]

Assuming, as some have said, that A. Muhammad is already factored in... do you think the staff takes Folston? That'd leave only ~1 spot for another DB.

Also, the way things are going right now, I wouldn't be totally shocked to see Wood come back for another year... which most people aren't counting on right now.

 

[woolybug25]

Assuming, as some have said, that A. Muhammad is already factored in... do you think the staff takes Folston? That'd leave only ~1 spot for another DB.

Also, the way things are going right now, I wouldn't be totally shocked to see Wood come back for another year... which most people aren't counting on right now.

I would be shocked at Cierre leaving too. This is his stat line halfway through the season.

ATT YDS AVG LNG TD REC YDS AVG LNG TD
47 279 5.9 37 2 2 9 4.5 9 0

Unless he is fine with being drafted in rounds 4-6, then he should consider coming back for a big senior season.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Assuming, as some have said, that A. Muhammad is already factored in... do you think the staff takes Folston? That'd leave only ~1 spot for another DB.

Also, the way things are going right now, I wouldn't be totally shocked to see Wood come back for another year... which most people aren't counting on right now.

I don't think Martin has played at an NFL level either to be honest. If we bring back Wood, Martin and Watt then only one of Carlo or Fox could come back. Also are we really only going to have one kicker on the entire roster in Brindza?

 

[woolybug25]

I don't think Martin has played at an NFL level either to be honest. If we bring back Wood, Martin and Watt then only one of Carlo or Fox could come back. Also are we really only going to have one kicker on the entire roster in Brindza?

I know this isn't the popular answer, but I think we should. I know Tausch got hurt this year, but Brindza is a big, strong kid and kickers don't battle a lot of injuries. If he got hurt, there is someone on the team could finish out a game for us. Then after that, scout the soccer team for a replacement.

Kickers, man...

 

[dublinirish]

dont sleep on Jude Rhodes!!

 

[PANDFAN]

I know this isn't the popular answer, but I think we should. I know Tausch got hurt this year, but Brindza is a big, strong kid and kickers don't battle a lot of injuries. If he got hurt, there is someone on the team could finish out a game for us. Then after that, scout the soccer team for a replacement.

Kickers, man...

i agree 100% with you...but if he does somehow get injured on a KR or punting...game on the line and we need a FG to win....my tune would change..

win win: preferred walk on ???

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I know this isn't the popular answer, but I think we should. I know Tausch got hurt this year, but Brindza is a big, strong kid and kickers don't battle a lot of injuries. If he got hurt, there is someone on the team could finish out a game for us. Then after that, scout the soccer team for a replacement.

Kickers, man...

Haha, who? Is Heggie gonna kick it? I am good with not using another scholly on a kicker but we definitely need to pick someone up from interhall.

 

[felkey72]

I think we will be fine with dine as long as we get a good crop next year, and maybe the staff feels better about next years class. What worries me is nose tackle, if Nix were to leave we would be screwed.

 

[IrishLax]

You should be able to find 5-10 kids who are pretty good at kicking/punting and want an elite education. Then you find the 2-3 that can afford it as walk-ons and sign them up. There is absolutely no reason to use a scholarship on a backup K/P in our current situation... you tell them they can earn a scholarship a la Ruffer if they play well.

 

[woolybug25]

Haha, who? Is Heggie gonna kick it? I am good with not using another scholly on a kicker but we definitely need to pick someone up from interhall.

I don't know who, but I promise you that if the coaches had a 15 minute tryout for any player currently on the team that wanted to be the backup punter/kicker that one of them would be able to do it. It's kicking dude. I can kick an extra point and punt at least 30 yards, I have no doubt that there is an athlete currently on the roster that could do the same. If Brindza actually got hurt, we could look at interhall, but we could cross that bridge if we came to it.

Heggie can probably kick bombs, just sayin'...

 

[NDdomer2]

dont sleep on Jude Rhodes!!

This kid is only a junior and is a walk-on so we would have a back up.

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