G
Gizmo
Guest
I watched the game tonight between the Lakeland Dreadnaughts and Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas on TV. As most of you know, our recent commit Dan Wenger is the center for STA, and we are still targeting their left tackle Sam Young.
I was extrememly impressed with both players. They looked like men among boys out there, but their tenacity was what I liked the most. On every running play both were able to push their man upfield, and when STA's QB stepped back to pass he had plenty of time in the pocket (this didn't stop him from throwing 2 interceptions however). They never gave up on plays and were always looking to make the next block downfield. Wenger (and hopefully Young) will fit perfectly into our "nasty" system. In addition I counted zero sacks and zero penalties between them.
As far as Wener is concerned, I didn't see a DT get past the line of scrimmage on a pass play and he seemed to be at least 5 yards upfield on every run. The announcer was correct in saying that STA's best running plays were up the middle behind Wenger, not behind tackles Young and Marcus Gilbert (who is also a big-time prospect). Not to say Young and Gilbert played poorly, but more to say Wenger played that well.
I particularly liked Young's size and speed, and I would love to see him in an Irish uniform. I think he would do a great job keeping DEs outside the pocket and with his height he would be able to keep their arms down. In addition, Young played some DT during the 2nd half because Lakeland was running the ball at will. At halftime Young said he was waiting until after the season to make his visits, but that academics will be the most important factor in his decision. He's got a full head of red hair too, so how can he not be Irish?
Lakeland was the #1 team in the country, but St. Thomas Aquinas was no slouch at #4 in the nation. Had it not been for 4 turnovers by STA they might have stood a chance, but they lost big in the end. The score was more a reflection of STA losing the turnover battle and their inability stop the run than anything else.
Lastly, does anyone have any information about Chris "Rainman" Rainey? He was Lakeland's feature back and he was amazing. He was strong and fast with good instincts, and he made some great moves to get into the endzone. He's a junior so I was curious who may be recruiting him.
OT: It's been a while since I've seen or heard a high school band, but it really makes you appreciate the great band we have at ND. I'm looking forward to seeing them out in Tempe.
I was extrememly impressed with both players. They looked like men among boys out there, but their tenacity was what I liked the most. On every running play both were able to push their man upfield, and when STA's QB stepped back to pass he had plenty of time in the pocket (this didn't stop him from throwing 2 interceptions however). They never gave up on plays and were always looking to make the next block downfield. Wenger (and hopefully Young) will fit perfectly into our "nasty" system. In addition I counted zero sacks and zero penalties between them.
As far as Wener is concerned, I didn't see a DT get past the line of scrimmage on a pass play and he seemed to be at least 5 yards upfield on every run. The announcer was correct in saying that STA's best running plays were up the middle behind Wenger, not behind tackles Young and Marcus Gilbert (who is also a big-time prospect). Not to say Young and Gilbert played poorly, but more to say Wenger played that well.
I particularly liked Young's size and speed, and I would love to see him in an Irish uniform. I think he would do a great job keeping DEs outside the pocket and with his height he would be able to keep their arms down. In addition, Young played some DT during the 2nd half because Lakeland was running the ball at will. At halftime Young said he was waiting until after the season to make his visits, but that academics will be the most important factor in his decision. He's got a full head of red hair too, so how can he not be Irish?
Lakeland was the #1 team in the country, but St. Thomas Aquinas was no slouch at #4 in the nation. Had it not been for 4 turnovers by STA they might have stood a chance, but they lost big in the end. The score was more a reflection of STA losing the turnover battle and their inability stop the run than anything else.
Lastly, does anyone have any information about Chris "Rainman" Rainey? He was Lakeland's feature back and he was amazing. He was strong and fast with good instincts, and he made some great moves to get into the endzone. He's a junior so I was curious who may be recruiting him.
OT: It's been a while since I've seen or heard a high school band, but it really makes you appreciate the great band we have at ND. I'm looking forward to seeing them out in Tempe.
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