Kelly PC 8/24/10

[Riddickulous]

The positive if Watt beat out Stewart would be that, if Dever or Nuss was granted a fifth year...the entire offensive line would return in 2011.

 

[IHateMarkMay]

Rivals and ISD articles here of the PC:

IrishIllustrated.com - Surprising sophomores compete for starting jobs

Depth Chart Not Yet Settled

Says Cierre may actually start. I wonder if this is more motivation or causing 'some' confusion for Purdue as to who starts or reality.

Please, no confusion anymore. I thought we got rid of Charlie...???

 

[jonesman]

Guys,
A couple thoughts here. First, I stated last week after seeing McDonald that he looked to have more than a one week injury. He was looking really gimpy.

As for all the comments on depth chart, I am convinced some of this is mental motivation tactics. It is obvious that we finally have a real two deep depth chart and Kelly is using every ounce of it as motivation. As a player, you better bring your "A" game every day or your job is up for grabs. A guy like Stewart was probably feeling a little too comfy and kelly is going to make his starting doubtful to the public. I will be shocked if Stew is not starting on Sept 4.

Finally, I am very hopeful that Hendrix can make some serious progress this season. We may need a QB at some point and I feel less than confident with either current option, Montana or Rees.

 

[GreatGolson]

as much as i love the passing attack, i want cierre wood to develop to be ND's go to guy in the future

 

[The Polish Irishman]

Not surprised by Watt. He was a 5 star on Scout and a high 4 star on Rivals. Kid is a beast.

 

[faithfulfan]

I am impressed with the vast improvement from Watt.

Did anyone else notice that when talking about experience on offense he said "and Cave starting at center". I don't know if that is saying Cave has the spot right now, or if that was just a mis-wording on his part.

So now with McDonald out, who is #2 behind Carlo? Does Fox automatically become that guy or is it Shembo? Or am I missing someone? Puz was mentioned there in the spring and I haven't even heard his name since then.

One thing I was disappointed to hear is that it doesn't sound like Shaq is getting many reps. He looked good when on the field last year and then he just disappeared. I really hope he steps up his game.

Also, I like hearing the Cierre is the #2 back right now and pushing Armando for the starting spot. Those two could make a very dangerous tandem in the spread.

I can't wait for Sept. 4, already working out the tailgating plans and trying to find 3 more tickets for the people coming with us.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Please, no confusion anymore. I thought we got rid of Charlie...???

I think the state of flux of the depth chart is entirely about motivation. Every time BK demotes someone, he comes back 2 days later and talks about how hard they are working since the demotion. Charlie, on the other hand, seemed to be throwing stuff against the wall to see if it would stick.

 

[dales5050]

Filer is also cross-training at both. I think that he is such a physical freak that if they keep him mentally in the game, Filer on the field then means very good things. At either position.

That is what has me confused about Filer. From everything I read, he has challenges with the mental aspects of the game. With this being the case, why would they have him cross-train?

Wouldn't it be easier for him to stick with one position?

 

[BGIF]

I think the state of flux of the depth chart is entirely about motivation. Every time BK demotes someone, he comes back 2 days later and talks about how hard they are working since the demotion. ...

I concur that a lot of it, is about motivational inspiration but sometimes the other guy does improves more. Till we see them on the field it's hard to tell whether somebody got DEmoted or somebody got PROmoted. I also think the level of talent has improved to the point where the players above, at most positions, are truly being challenged by those below.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

I concur that a lot of it, is about motivational inspiration but sometimes the other guy does improves more. Till we see them on the field it's hard to tell whether somebody got DEmoted or somebody got PROmoted. I also think the level of talent has improved to the point where the players above, at most positions, are truly being challenged by those below.

It is nice to see these position battles. Something we have not seen in a while. I am definitely thankful to Coach Weis for leaving the program in a better state overall than when he found it. Unfortunately he couldn't get it done in the win column, but he sure left the pantry stocked for the next tenant.

 

[DirtySecret]

This is what I've been saying about Hendrix. This kid is head and shoulders above Rees, Massa and Montana in the raw skill department, arm strength especially.

Plus, he seemed awfully polished in high school, made plays with his feet and looked like someone who could pick up the offense relatively quickly.

I always stood by and said Hendrix was a better prospect than that other kid(remain nameless) we were recruiting this year at QB that went to Nebraska who a lot of people were just in love with on here. I'll say it again, Hendrix was the better prospect. Hate to say he's like Rayn Mallet.

 

[Riddickulous]

as much as i love the passing attack, i want cierre wood to develop to be ND's go to guy in the future

So would I. We need to establish a running game if we want the passing game to remain effective. For example, why wasn't Texas dominating the Big 12 (there was no competition last season, Nebraska and Oklahoma lost 4 games a piece) last year? They couldn't run the football.

Not surprised by Watt. He was a 5 star on Scout and a high 4 star on Rivals. Kid is a beast.

According to the Detroit Free Press, he was the best lineman in the Midwest.

I am impressed with the vast improvement from Watt.

Did anyone else notice that when talking about experience on offense he said "and Cave starting at center". I don't know if that is saying Cave has the spot right now, or if that was just a mis-wording on his part.

So now with McDonald out, who is #2 behind Carlo? Does Fox automatically become that guy or is it Shembo? Or am I missing someone? Puz was mentioned there in the spring and I haven't even heard his name since then.

One thing I was disappointed to hear is that it doesn't sound like Shaq is getting many reps. He looked good when on the field last year and then he just disappeared. I really hope he steps up his game.

Also, I like hearing the Cierre is the #2 back right now and pushing Armando for the starting spot. Those two could make a very dangerous tandem in the spread.

I can't wait for Sept. 4, already working out the tailgating plans and trying to find 3 more tickets for the people coming with us.

I want Watt to start. If he did, we'd have two four year starters blocking for Rees/Hendrix/Massa in 2013 on his blind side. Cave should start, as well. I'm pretty sure he has three years of eligibility left. If there is any doubt with these fifth-year seniors being better than their younger counterparts, bench them and play the younger guys. It pays off in the long run.

I always stood by and said Hendrix was a better prospect than that other kid(remain nameless) we were recruiting this year at QB that went to Nebraska who a lot of people were just in love with on here. I'll say it again, Hendrix was the better prospect. Hate to say he's like Rayn Mallet.

A big lumbering arrogant tool with a cannon arm, but absolutely zero mobility and questionable accuracy? How about no?

 

[Old Man Mike]

I suppose that this is naive, but to me everything that Coach said at the press conference sounded "straight up". He seems to be a rare person who can talk real facts AND use them motivationally at the same time. The other thing about Kelly that is astonishing to me is that he has more confidence in an athlete learning and improving than most other guys seem to have. He's not at all negative about the possibilities of guys stepping up, nor about seeing that an "obvious" situation may not be obvious after all. In this, he seems to be a preternaturally "empirical" sort of evaluator --- show me that you can do it on the field, and the door's open to you. He also knows that he's limited in time, so he has to make some tough decisions that he himself views as unfair [example not giving Henrdrix or Massa a chance yet] but thinking that as time progresses anyone can move up and "the sky's the limit". He seems to have evaluated the Dog/Drop linebacker as the most difficult athletically on the defense, and is putting his freak athlete Fleming there, and backing him up with his other freak athlete Filer [who must have bigger problems with some of the non-physical elements of line-backing.] If guys like Evans aren't challenging the folks in front of them, his disappearance from the one/twos is not going to be mainly psychology, it's going to be "empirical", in that the talented young man isn't performing nearly as well as the people getting the reps --- if he's a competitor, then sure it will be motivational as well. I don't believe that Kelly would be demoting the superior talent just to motivate them. He is all about what's happening on the field. If for instance Cierre Wood is behind Allen, it's because Allen is doing something better --- pass protection, for instance. If Wood plays superiorly in practice, he'll start, and the same will be true everywhere. Kelly's idea about not playing Watt at center comes from Watt not being able to consistently make the shot-gun snap, while the other two can [and are pretty good at the other things.] So, forget last-minute experimenting and let the young man go full-bore at guard, where he understands the job and can compete to help the team. All these things that he said were so cleanly logical and fact-based that I trust them. Plus, it will mean that we have as "fair" a coach as can practically be allowed within the time constraints that he is forced to work. This press conference was one more in a long string of winners by Kelly for me. Now if the players can just execute we'll really have something.

 

[pani_nasz]

Lane Clelland

Lane Clelland

One guy whose name is conspicuously absent in all these conversations is Lane Clelland. Has he completely fallen off the depth chart? As I recall, he was a wrestler in Maryland. Those kind of guys usually bring a good skill set to the OL.

 

[Riddickulous]

One guy whose name is conspicuously absent in all these conversations is Lane Clelland. Has he completely fallen off the depth chart? As I recall, he was a wrestler in Maryland. Those kind of guys usually bring a good skill set to the OL.

He's been bounced around from OL to DL and back again in his career.

 

[GoIrish41]

I suppose that this is naive, but to me everything that Coach said at the press conference sounded "straight up". He seems to be a rare person who can talk real facts AND use them motivationally at the same time. The other thing about Kelly that is astonishing to me is that he has more confidence in an athlete learning and improving than most other guys seem to have. He's not at all negative about the possibilities of guys stepping up, nor about seeing that an "obvious" situation may not be obvious after all. In this, he seems to be a preternaturally "empirical" sort of evaluator --- show me that you can do it on the field, and the door's open to you. He also knows that he's limited in time, so he has to make some tough decisions that he himself views as unfair [example not giving Henrdrix or Massa a chance yet] but thinking that as time progresses anyone can move up and "the sky's the limit". He seems to have evaluated the Dog/Drop linebacker as the most difficult athletically on the defense, and is putting his freak athlete Fleming there, and backing him up with his other freak athlete Filer [who must have bigger problems with some of the non-physical elements of line-backing.] If guys like Evans aren't challenging the folks in front of them, his disappearance from the one/twos is not going to be mainly psychology, it's going to be "empirical", in that the talented young man isn't performing nearly as well as the people getting the reps --- if he's a competitor, then sure it will be motivational as well. I don't believe that Kelly would be demoting the superior talent just to motivate them. He is all about what's happening on the field. If for instance Cierre Wood is behind Allen, it's because Allen is doing something better --- pass protection, for instance. If Wood plays superiorly in practice, he'll start, and the same will be true everywhere. Kelly's idea about not playing Watt at center comes from Watt not being able to consistently make the shot-gun snap, while the other two can [and are pretty good at the other things.] So, forget last-minute experimenting and let the young man go full-bore at guard, where he understands the job and can compete to help the team. All these things that he said were so cleanly logical and fact-based that I trust them. Plus, it will mean that we have as "fair" a coach as can practically be allowed within the time constraints that he is forced to work. This press conference was one more in a long string of winners by Kelly for me. Now if the players can just execute we'll really have something.

this is a great post. couldn't agree more.

 

[DirtySecret]

A big lumbering arrogant tool with a cannon arm, but absolutely zero mobility and questionable accuracy? How about no?

I was talking about arm strength but if you want to really look at it, Rayn Mallet is getting it done in the SEC, isn't he? If Arkansas had a defense they probably would won 3 more games last year i.e. LSU, Georgia, and Florida.. Judging by their schedule they have 9-10 wins and if things go there way 11.

 

[jonesman]

Old man Mike,
Not a bad post, but PLEASE use some paragraphs next time. That is brutal reading. Especially, for us hard of sight.

As for those debating the depth chart issues. I am willing to put some $$ on the left Guard position. Big Stew will be starting on Sep 4. One thing Kelly does realize is that if you have two guys with pretty equal skills, you want to go with the senior on opening day at home with a new coach. That player is less likely to be star struck in that situation. Then you can ease the new guy into the system.

 

[JughedJones]

Not sure if someone has already posted this but the new Primer video is just too much.

"Save Jimmie Johnson FOR ME!"


Oh God I'm so friggin ready.

 

[Old Man Mike]

To Jonesman: My apologies. I thought all you youngsters had good physical tools compared to this oldtimer [you see that someone changed my designator to "Old and Slow"; I used to get upset about that but @#%^*## it's true]. Well, I'll try to do better.------------------------------------------------------------------- New paragraph.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

To Jonesman: My apologies. I thought all you youngsters had good physical tools compared to this oldtimer [you see that someone changed my designator to "Old and Slow"; I used to get upset about that but @#%^*## it's true]. Well, I'll try to do better.------------------------------------------------------------------- New paragraph.

The physical tools are there, but the attention span...is...

...something...

 

[jonesman]

We are all getting old, but not too old to remember our last National Championship in 1993. YES, it was 1993!! Bobby Bowden was given our trophy that year for pitty sake. Still call it BS!!

 

[TerryTate]

Slaughter was held out of practice today for a groin injury, will be okay for Purdue.

Paskorz hurt his knee, no status yet.

Looks like Utupo is almost set to practice again. Kelly signed the Clearinghouse stuff with the Compliance officer at ND. Not sure when he'll be able to suit up though

 

[DirtySecret]

Slaughter was held out of practice today for a groin injury, will be okay for Purdue.

Paskorz hurt his knee, no status yet.

Looks like Utupo is almost set to practice again. Kelly signed the Clearinghouse stuff with the Compliance officer at ND. Not sure when he'll be able to suit up though

Fing NCAA is going crazy about the clearinghouse. They nailed a kid here that attends Tenn with it. What the NCAA should be worrying about is these SEC teams over signing recruits.

 

[TerryTate]

Fing NCAA is going crazy about the clearinghouse. They nailed a kid here that attends Tenn with it. What the NCAA should be worrying about is these SEC teams over signing recruits.

NCAA is too slow and bureaucratic. I don't know how they prioritize their efforts, but it hasn't seemed effective.

 

[TerryTate]

Utupo is cleared. Will be practicing

 

[military_irish]

Utupo is cleared. Will be practicing

Great news, thanks for the update



Edit: accidentally put a smiley face, but don't know how to remove it, but it really don't fit my post. oh well

 

[BGIF]

Great news, thanks for the update



Edit: accidentally put a smiley face, but don't know how to remove it, but it really don't fit my post. oh well

Mod Note: Now it fits your post. The icons are locate below the text entry window. If you want to remove the icon, click on "No icon".