'13 FL RB Greg Bryant (R.I.P.)

[Irish Insanity]

I'm completely ignorant when it comes to the X's and O's of football. But I say we line up with Troy tight to the right and Amir on the same side in the slot with a few of our other Wrs, DD on the left. Throw it out to Amir on a WR screen once or twice, and go the other way to DD if he has one on one coverage. Seems either would be easy big yardage in the right situation. But then again, I know absolutely nothing about X's and O's

 

[phgreek]

It's not just Kelly's offense which is complex. Lou Holtz didn't start freshman RBs in his option attack. And let's be candid, the RB didn't have any decisions to make. It was the QB that made the read and the decision to hand off or not to the FB. Then it was the QB's decision again make the next read and pitch the ball or keep it. IF the QB pitched it, the RB had to catch the pitch and make one decision, go wide or cut inside. Rod Culver and other talented freshman like him STILL had to work themselves into the rotation by demonstrating capablity. Blocking was a skill Holtz expected his RBs to do. Most HS stud RBs do little of that in HS.

When Julius Jones was a freshman, he got used sparingly in the first 5 or 6 games and fans groaned loudly. He was a much better athlete than those playing ahead of him. After he finally got to start he was interviewed and asked about having to stand on the sidelines in those early games. He commented that he needed every bit of that time to learn the plays, the audibles, and the skills he hadn't HAD TO develop earlier. The speed of the game was faster but his legs could deal with that. It was his brain that had to work harder to process all the new material and be on the same page with his QB.

When Clausen was a freshman some fan was screaming for a new RB to start as the playbook wasn't so difficult. I replied, "It is pretty simple to memorize a few hundred pages. But the price for not being fully ready to play will be clear when the ref calls a time out and the cameras zoom in on the trainers working on a motionless form on the ground you'll hear in the background from that rookie RB, "Sorry man, I didn't realize that audible made be blitz protection. I though I was supposed to run a wheel route. Can you move your legs yet, Jimmy"

It's not just about which hole to hit.


Right now ND has two QBs, Rees and Hendrix. Looking at Tommy's limited mobility viz a viz the Lombard Whiff, and then the 4th quarter offense without Rees, ND can't afford a RB on the field that can't adjust to audibles seamlessly, can't read blitz, nor be able to provide pass protection when it's necessary. Otherwise we'll be down to one QB.

Bryant and Folstean are still asking directions to get around campus. Alford, Martin, and Kelly will have then on the field as they show they can handle all the aspects of the position.

I should have just saved the key strokes and let you deal with this...

Amen.

 

[Irish#1]

My theory...

(1) GAIII and Cam McD are good RBs, that do some things very well, but appear to be a step below Riddick and Wood, in my estimation.
(2) We know that highly-ranked freshman RBs often perform at a very high level early in their careers, even in the SEC.

(3) However, Kelly talks as if RBs have a ton to learn in an offense. This stands somewhat in contrast to what I see around the country, but I assume this is because his offense is a little different.

(4) Learning an entire offense is one thing, learning 5 or 6 plays is another.


Taking these together, I think it is pretty likely that Kelly was saving Bryant and Folston for Michigan. He got them in enough that they got to feel the college game, but not enough to give Michigan tape on the 5or 6 plays that they have really mastered throughout the camp. Since Michigan is so early in the season, this deems like a possibility to me.

It's equally possible that he was just playing the best players. And some people get outraged at the suggestion anyone holds anythign back ever. But that was Temple, we got up early, and Michigan was only one week away.

Damn it, you beat me to the punch. I was going to say something similar. Get them a little taste against Temple, but not enough for Hoke to get a feel for them. Then turn them loose against scUM maybe the second series after they haven't gotten used to GAIII.

 

[ulukinatme]

It's not just Kelly's offense which is complex. Lou Holtz didn't start freshman RBs in his option attack. And let's be candid, the RB didn't have any decisions to make. It was the QB that made the read and the decision to hand off or not to the FB. Then it was the QB's decision again make the next read and pitch the ball or keep it. IF the QB pitched it, the RB had to catch the pitch and make one decision, go wide or cut inside. Rod Culver and other talented freshman like him STILL had to work themselves into the rotation by demonstrating capablity. Blocking was a skill Holtz expected his RBs to do. Most HS stud RBs do little of that in HS.

When Julius Jones was a freshman, he got used sparingly in the first 5 or 6 games and fans groaned loudly. He was a much better athlete than those playing ahead of him. After he finally got to start he was interviewed and asked about having to stand on the sidelines in those early games. He commented that he needed every bit of that time to learn the plays, the audibles, and the skills he hadn't HAD TO develop earlier. The speed of the game was faster but his legs could deal with that. It was his brain that had to work harder to process all the new material and be on the same page with his QB.

When Clausen was a freshman some fan was screaming for a new RB to start as the playbook wasn't so difficult. I replied, "It is pretty simple to memorize a few hundred pages. But the price for not being fully ready to play will be clear when the ref calls a time out and the cameras zoom in on the trainers working on a motionless form on the ground you'll hear in the background from that rookie RB, "Sorry man, I didn't realize that audible made be blitz protection. I though I was supposed to run a wheel route. Can you move your legs yet, Jimmy"

It's not just about which hole to hit.


Right now ND has two QBs, Rees and Hendrix. Looking at Tommy's limited mobility viz a viz the Lombard Whiff, and then the 4th quarter offense without Rees, ND can't afford a RB on the field that can't adjust to audibles seamlessly, can't read blitz, nor be able to provide pass protection when it's necessary. Otherwise we'll be down to one QB.

Bryant and Folston are still asking directions to get around campus. Alford, Martin, and Kelly will have then on the field as they show they can handle all the aspects of the position.

Well said. I think a lot of us are still drunk with freshmen goggles on at this point. It probably didn't help that we got to see 10 freshmen take the field against Temple in special packages, special teams, and garbage time. Nevertheless, these guys are freshmen and it's more than just picking up a playbook. It's footwork, making the right reads, practicing with the team and getting on the same page as guys that have been there for 2, 3, 4 years. Just about every position requires a lot of learning, and typically you see freshmen starting when theres a severe lack of depth at a position, or the veterans have just struggled learning the position themselves.

 

[Junkhead]

I honestly think by years end they need to look at GAIII, as a defensive back.

Maybe....as a safety had they started him out there as a Frosh. I don't think he has the quickness or flexibility to play CB. I feel kinda bad seeing everyone bag on the kid, he's done some good things for ND. There is a ton of talent on that bench though, I'm not sure how long he can hold them off. I trust the staff will to find a way to use his speed effectively.

 

[stlnd01]

To those suggesting GAIII switch positions: Really? How?

He's got one year of eligibility remaining, for starters. Tough time in his career to switch positions with the aim of the NFL. And at WR there's no evidence he's got better ball skills than Daniels or Brown (who's nearly as fast). At CB there's no reason to think he'd outplay Russell or Luke (and his trouble lowering the shoulder would be even worse if he's tackling in space). We're pretty stacked at safety as it is. I just don't see it.

Hopefully either the light comes on soon for him as an every down back or he finds a niche as a situational deep threat, running counters and wheel routes and stuff that gets him clear of the line. Otherwise he might wind up a great athlete without a true position - aside from kick returner, of course.

 

[AvesEvo]

To those suggesting GAIII switch positions: Really? How?

He's got one year of eligibility remaining, for starters. Tough time in his career to switch positions with the aim of the NFL. And at WR there's no evidence he's got better ball skills than Daniels or Brown (who's nearly as fast). At CB there's no reason to think he'd outplay Russell or Luke (and his trouble lowering the shoulder would be even worse if he's tackling in space). We're pretty stacked at safety as it is. I just don't see it.

Hopefully either the light comes on soon for him as an every down back or he finds a niche as a situational deep threat, running counters and wheel routes and stuff that gets him clear of the line. Otherwise he might wind up a great athlete without a true position - aside from kick returner, of course.

I think I remember hearing on ISD a while ago that GAIII has terrible hands.

 

[Eddie.Smith Irish]

I think I remember hearing on ISD a while ago that GAIII has terrible hands.

So did Alfalfa, but he found ways around it.

 

[dublinirish]

I think I remember hearing on ISD a while ago that GAIII has terrible hands.

Dont worry GA2* can hook him up with some Stick'em from his Raiders days

*This aint GA2 in the photo

 

[Redbar]

Dont worry GA2* can hook him up with some Stick'em from his Raiders days

*This aint GA2 in the photo

That is Lester Hayes. The reason stick'em was banned.

 

[Andy in Sactown]

Dont worry GA2* can hook him up with some Stick'em from his Raiders days

*This aint GA2 in the photo

That is Lester Hayes. The reason stick'em was banned.

Stickum is a sticky adhesive substance that was introduced to Hayes when he was a rookie in 1977 by Hall of Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff. But instead of just using a little on his hands to help him hold onto the football, Hayes also started slathering it all over his arms and even on his uniform, drawing more and more attention to himself and the gooey Stickum

Source

And if you want to have some nice football reading, List of NFL nicknames named after NFL figures

P.S. And since this is Greg's thread; we're all excited to see you play. No doubt, about that. Irish fans around the globe are behind you, young man. Just keep working hard and the game will come to you.

 

[TDHeysus]

Dont worry GA2* can hook him up with some Stick'em from his Raiders days

*This aint GA2 in the photo

dont mean to derail the GB thread, but I am a lifelong Raider fan, and Lester the Molester is my favorite Raider of all time. Seeing this pic of Lester brings me back to days when the Raiders actually won games....

 

[irishpat183]

Source

And if you want to have some nice football reading, List of NFL nicknames named after NFL figures

P.S. And since this is Greg's thread; we're all excited to see you play. No doubt, about that. Irish fans around the globe are behind you, young man. Just keep working hard and the game will come to you.

Miami Pound Machine: Nickname for the 1980s Dolphins defense, named in honor of Gloria Estefan's group "Miami Sound Machine". Gloria and her manager-husband Emilio Estefan would become minority owners of the 'Phins before the 2009 season.

LOL

 

[phgreek]

dont mean to derail the GB thread, but I am a lifelong Raider fan, and Lester the Molester is my favorite Raider of all time. Seeing this pic of Lester brings me back to days when the Raiders actually won games....

Back when QBs were just another football player at a skill position, and D-backs weren't second class citizens to receivers...

...it used to be fun to be the defender...now, meh...I'd never have gone to that side of the ball had I grown up in the last 15 years...

seriously, how can you NOT win your matchups at receiver most of the time...next year they'll probably have a gross breath penalty for Dbacks who still dare press...

...Still love the game, but to play O doesn't take a lot of courage anymore...

 

[CanadalovesND]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Grind gone turn into yo shine BE PATIENT</p>— Greg Bryant #⃣1⃣ (@GB6for6) <a href="https://twitter.com/GB6for6/statuses/381106372210720770">September 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Regarding Bryant's "frustration" and possible transfer rumours

 

[stlnd01]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Grind gone turn into yo shine BE PATIENT</p>— Greg Bryant #⃣1⃣ (@GB6for6) <a href="https://twitter.com/GB6for6/statuses/381106372210720770">September 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Regarding Bryant's "frustration" and possible transfer rumours

He means be patient while he's sitting out a year while he transfers, right?

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

I have no idea what the heck that means

 

[koonja]

I think it means hard work will pay off. But I'm not a street doctor.

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

I think it means hard work will pay off. But I'm not a street doctor.

Thats what I am hoping it means.

 

[GoIrish41]

I have no idea what the heck that means

I'll translate, because it took me a couple of read-thrus too.

The grind is going to turn into the shine. (My hard work and pain right now is just going make me better later). At least I think that is what he was saying.

 

[koonja]

Thats what I am hoping it means.

Pretty sure it does. Grind = working hard. Shine = awesomeness.

We'll have to wait for Dshans for final ruling.

 

[Kanye West]

Yup he needs to work harder to become better and to enjoy his success.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Lol I thought it would be pretty easy to understand

For me, "BE PATIENT" were the more notable words in that tweet

 

[wizards8507]

Pretty sure it does. Grind = working hard. Shine = awesomeness.

We'll have to wait for Dshans for final ruling.

Maybe "shine" equals "money." So he's transferring to the SEC...

 

[Booslum31]

Maybe Kelly gave him a wink and a nod after the game and he's going to get some reps.

 

[ShawneeIrish]

Lol I thought it would be pretty easy to understand

For me, "BE PATIENT" were the more notable words in that tweet

Yeah, cmon man! Grind and shine are not hard words to decipher.

 

[Ironman8]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Grind gone turn into yo shine BE PATIENT</p>— Greg Bryant #⃣1⃣ (@GB6for6) <a href="https://twitter.com/GB6for6/statuses/381106372210720770">September 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Regarding Bryant's "frustration" and possible transfer rumours

That tweet was also before today's game.

 

[CanadalovesND]

Maybe Kelly gave him a wink and a nod after the game and he's going to get some reps.

Maybe, but if you are referring to what Bryant said in his tweet in addition to your comment of Kelly's "wink and nod", Bryant tweeted that yesterday, not after today's game.

 

[Booslum31]

Maybe, but if you are referring to what Bryant said in his tweet in addition to your comment of Kelly's "wink and nod", Bryant tweeted that yesterday, not after today's game.

Crap...didn't notice that. thanks

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

I'll translate, because it took me a couple of read-thrus too.

The grind is going to turn into the shine. (My hard work and pain right now is just going make me better later). At least I think that is what he was saying.

Thanks for the clarification. They should all feel that way.