The 5 uproven guys that have to step up immediately

[kmoose]

So while Hendrix has a ton of tools, he is way, way behind Tommy and Golson in terms of reps.

Actually, Hendrix is way, way AHEAD of Golson in the only reps that really count: D-IA College football reps.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

If no halfback emerges as our short yardage guy, I could see Kelly putting Hendrix in and running a lot of Tebow type of sneaks.

 

[Irishnuke]

So nobody believes Hendrix will start?

 

[woolybug25]

So nobody believes Hendrix will start?

I think he has a better chance than Rees, but no.

 

[North Buffalo Irish]

So nobody believes Hendrix will start?

I think he will.

 

[irishroo]

So nobody believes Hendrix will start?

I think he'll be the starter at the beginning of the season, but if he struggles Golson will get his shot quickly

 

[irishog77]

My five (in no particular order)

-Powlus
-Kamara
-Heggie
-Shaq Evans
-O'Leary

 

[Irish8248]

IN an important sense, Golson is one of the most experienced throwers in America. He started his So., Jr., and Sr. years in high school, and threw a ton of passes at a record-setting pace in a prolific, throw-first, spread offense. Hendrix, on the other hand, was QB in a run-heavy high school offense. He just does not have much game experience throwing and making those kind of decisions. It makes a huge difference. This is what catapulted Tommy over Hendrix and even over Crist (who was injured throughout high school and college). So while Hendrix has a ton of tools, he is way, way behind Tommy and Golson in terms of reps.

you can throw against a HS defense all you want, while its a measuring stick, its completely different than in the college game. Everyone is faster, defenses are more complex, and coverages are hidden -- so unless Golson faced that kind of competition, HS doesnt do much for him... Tommy passed AH and DC because of his ability to comprehend the blitz pickup, audible to a different play, and managing a game. Hendrix did not have that tool and Crist showed at times that when the times got tough, the wheels came off. Tommy has hit a ceiling, i dont think hes going to be better than what he is, but i do expect a light to turn on and he will be a better manager than his soph yr.

Any of the three remaining QBs who can understand the playbook, blitz packages, and checks, will be pushed to the front. If they cant do that then expect TR to be the guy

 

[woolybug25]

I'll bet any of you 100,000 vbucks that the starter will either be Golson or Kiel. I'll give the you the field.

So yes.... if Heggie wins the job, you win.

 

[Redbar]

I think he has a better chance than Rees, but no.

This.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

My five (in no particular order)

-Powlus
-Kamara
-Heggie
-Shaq Evans
-O'Leary

Shaq Evans...that hurts. Shaqevansisgod is crying right now.

 

[NDPhilly]

I'll bet any of you 100,000 vbucks that the starter will either be Golson or Kiel. I'll give the you the field.

So yes.... if Heggie wins the job, you win.

this. IMO it will be Kiel or Golson

 

[STLDomer]

1) Ben Councell or Danny Spond ( a true DOG linebacker )
2) Shembo, Fox, or Calbrese (WILL)
3,4) TJ Jones, Davaris Daniels, Daniel Smith, Justin Ferguson, or John Goodman (Split End and Flanker)
5) Gunner, Golson, Tommy, or Hendrix (QB)
Also a number 6 for the new starters on the right side of the line

 

[eNDzone]

IN an important sense, Golson is one of the most experienced throwers in America. He started his So., Jr., and Sr. years in high school, and threw a ton of passes at a record-setting pace in a prolific, throw-first, spread offense. Hendrix, on the other hand, was QB in a run-heavy high school offense. He just does not have much game experience throwing and making those kind of decisions. It makes a huge difference. This is what catapulted Tommy over Hendrix and even over Crist (who was injured throughout high school and college). So while Hendrix has a ton of tools, he is way, way behind Tommy and Golson in terms of reps.

The only thing that got Tommy past Hndrix was EE.

 

[eNDzone]

I'll bet any of you 100,000 vbucks that the starter will either be Golson or Kiel. I'll give the you the field.

So yes.... if Heggie wins the job, you win.

The bet is on, I can't believe you gave me Heggie too,

 

[rtrn2glory]

1. One of Hendrix/Golson/Kiel
2. Lombard
3. Bennett/Jalen/J Atkinson
4. TJ Jones
5. DD

 

[GBdomer]

1. George Atkinson he will be a WR if Amir is cleared.
2. Golson- Nuff said
3. Councell- Please no more Shembo
4. Grace- Please no Fox
5. Tee Sheppard- Swag
6. Davaris Daniels- No Goodman.
7. Ishaq- Kids a freak athlete just needs to put it all together.

 

[Irish2015]

Shembo is one of the harder workers on the team. I wouldn't be so fast to wish Councell over him.

 

[rtrn2glory]

i'm sure salvi is a hard worker too, but if someone's better...get them on the field.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Shembo seems like a CAT not a DOG; the move back will help him.

The only thing that got Tommy past Hendrix was EE.

I really disagree with that. It would make sense his freshman year, but Hendrix did not play last year until things were truly desperate. His interception in the FSU game, the one that was caught, was comical. He'll play this year, but it will be packages, IMO, because he is just not a natural yet.

Highschool football doesn't matter? So why not just recruit the best athlete and make him your QB? He won't learn anything until he plays at college speed anyway. Clausen sure seemed ahead of the curve, but that was just pure talent. he was such a freak athlete!

People can say that reps against lesser competition don't matter, but that is just not true. Its a given that playing at college speed is different. But the difference is speed. If any part of the exercise becomes second nature to you (moving your feet while looking downfield, sensing a rush coming, reading down to your third option, knowing whether you can make certain throws in certain situations) you have that much less to think about. Reps are essential to anything that requires skill, and QB requires skills. Kelly's whole practice system is based on number of reps. Also, when you are 15, you are lesser competition yourself. Why should a 15 yo have to outrun 21 yos? If you don't think it matters that Golson had to throw his team to a state title with Javevedon Clowney rushing him every play, I think you are being a little stubborn.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Shembo seems like a CAT not a DOG.

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[Redbar]

Shembo seems like a CAT not a DOG; the move back will help him.



I really disagree with that. It would make sense his freshman year, but Hendrix did not play last year until things were truly desperate. His interception in the FSU game, the one that was caught, was comical. He'll play this year, but it will be packages, IMO, because he is just not a natural yet.

Highschool football doesn't matter? So why not just recruit the best athlete and make him your QB? He won't learn anything until he plays at college speed anyway. Clausen sure seemed ahead of the curve, but that was just pure talent. he was such a freak athlete!

People can say that reps against lesser competition don't matter, but that is just not true. Its a given that playing at college speed is different. But the difference is speed. If any part of the exercise becomes second nature to you (moving your feet while looking downfield, sensing a rush coming, reading down to your third option, knowing whether you can make certain throws in certain situations) you have that much less to think about. Reps are essential to anything that requires skill, and QB requires skills. Kelly's whole practice system is based on number of reps. Also, when you are 15, you are lesser competition yourself. Why should a 15 yo have to outrun 21 yos? If you don't think it matters that Golson had to throw his team to a state title with Javevedon Clowney rushing him every play, I think you are being a little stubborn.

Nice logic, Agreed!

 

[BurningRiver]

What about Brindza? With Ruffer gone, we're going to need a kicker to step up this year.

 

[woolybug25]

Yo... Domina..... can you fix the spelling of immediately in the title?

If it is driving me nuts, then dshans is in his basement constructing a pipe bomb as we speak.

 

[returnofthemack]

Yo... Domina..... can you fix the spelling of immediately in the title?

If it is driving me nuts, then dshans is in his basement constructing a pipe bomb as we speak.

*unproven as well

 

[STLDomer]

What about Brindza? With Ruffer gone, we're going to need a kicker to step up this year.

we also have tausch

 

[Irish8248]

Shembo seems like a CAT not a DOG; the move back will help him.



I really disagree with that. It would make sense his freshman year, but Hendrix did not play last year until things were truly desperate. His interception in the FSU game, the one that was caught, was comical. He'll play this year, but it will be packages, IMO, because he is just not a natural yet.

Highschool football doesn't matter? So why not just recruit the best athlete and make him your QB? He won't learn anything until he plays at college speed anyway. Clausen sure seemed ahead of the curve, but that was just pure talent. he was such a freak athlete!

People can say that reps against lesser competition don't matter, but that is just not true. Its a given that playing at college speed is different. But the difference is speed. If any part of the exercise becomes second nature to you (moving your feet while looking downfield, sensing a rush coming, reading down to your third option, knowing whether you can make certain throws in certain situations) you have that much less to think about. Reps are essential to anything that requires skill, and QB requires skills. Kelly's whole practice system is based on number of reps. Also, when you are 15, you are lesser competition yourself. Why should a 15 yo have to outrun 21 yos? If you don't think it matters that Golson had to throw his team to a state title with Javevedon Clowney rushing him every play, I think you are being a little stubborn.

1. Hendrix didnt play until things got desperate? We were essentially 4-2 when he first appeared against air force. I say that bc the game was well in hand despite the 33 points. Maybe you meant desperate in the game? Where was he in MSU or Purwho? BK relied on Tommy to be a manger, that was the only way we were going to salvage a recruiting class and a season at the time. If BK starts AH or EG it signals he gave up on the season and it wouldve likely meant the season was over anyways.

2. Reps in general discussion: Reps are a HUGE HUGE HUGE factor in performance. Im not doubting that, but the reps you receive in HS and the reps you receive in college are completely different. its just the nature of the beast. This is exactly why we did not see anyone else other than TR on the field when ND was cruising to victory. BK stated on several occasions that he needed to get TR the most reps possible so he can see every type of defense, become comfortable with the audibles, and ultimately learn to quit throwing interceptions. -- That to me, tells me, that throwing an unproven QB into the mix is not what BK wants to do at all unless he has to. Andrew Hendrix has literally two quarters and a chunk of plays of experience, Golson has zero, Kiel has 0. Golson didnt run our offense last year, he was mostly scout.

3. HS doesnt really matter --- sorry. I mean thats why you see kids from all types of HS's get recruited. Sure some are more likely to produce talent than others, but ultimately that doesnt mean squat when you jump up. HS is a venue to show off your talent. Coaches use HS film to see what they can work with. Some 5 stars bust and some 2 stars shine. Its a crap shoot. But if you want to argue that him throwing so much in HS makes him a natural passer, i wont deny that at all, but i will say its not the #1 trait BK is looking for in his QB. Hendrix may not be as much of a polished passer but he proved he knows more of the playbook than EG did. Now they will have a full year to compete, whoever learns the playbook coupled with checks and performance, naturally wins the job. I just dont see a QB with no experience, despite what his HS tape shows, coming in and winning the job unless hes really cracking down on memorizing the playbook. Its no secret that BK and CM want to EXPAND the playbook and the field this year, which means thats going to be even more that Golson has to learn compared to AH and TR

4. EG has all the tools, wont deny that. I am pleasantly shocked that he is a pass first QB, that is a huge battle that hes already won. but like above theres more elements to it

5. JC is a perfect storm situation. We had 3 QBs with little to no exp and frankly Sharpley shouldve started that season. JCs freshman stats were not all that impressive, not all his fault, but he starts because of a perfect storm. TR tons of experience over EG, that is going to weigh heavily in his favor. AH more experience over EG, albeit not much. EG 0.

6. you dont recruit the best athlete every time because an athlete is a jack of all trades but not so much a master of any. Again certain exceptions to the rule, but typically thats why they are classified as athletes... Davonte Neal is an athlete, could play CB, do you think he has a better chance at starting over Tee?

just my opinion from experience

 

[IrishLax]

We're going to be absolutely fine at OLB even if the light doesn't go on for Ishaq. Expect Shembo to move back over to that side and split time with him. At DOG you're going to see Councell/Spond/maybe some other guys... I really think we've got the bodies to be successful no matter what. Talking about guys that need to step up starts with:

1. Zeke Motta. He lacks foot speed, but if he can simply play more instinctive football/cover better it's going to go a long way. If he can't, Austin Collinsworth better step up.

2. One of Tee Shephard/Josh Atkinson/Jalen Brown needs to be, at minimum, a "solid" DI corner from week #3 onward. If none of those guys can play starter quality football, we are SCREWED.

3. Whatever QB gets the nod. Enough said.

4. Dan Fox. He's going to get tapped over Carlo and he needs to go from sometimes in the right place and making a play to consistent in coverage and routinely making athletic plays. If we can get the other ILB alongside Manti to play at a high level we're going to be nasty against the run.

5. The new RG/RT. Both Dever and Robinson played "solid" and whoever gets tapped needs to play to at least that level and hopefully higher.

I'm honestly not worried about WR at all. I think that situation is going to work itself out and having a new QB who has a bigger arm/ability to run is going to go a long way to getting people open.

 

[Domina Nostra]

3. HS doesnt really matter --- sorry. I mean thats why you see kids from all types of HS's get recruited. Sure some are more likely to produce talent than others, but ultimately that doesnt mean squat when you jump up. . . . But if you want to argue that him throwing so much in HS makes him a natural passer, i wont deny that at all, but i will say its not the #1 trait BK is looking for in his QB. Hendrix may not be as much of a polished passer but he proved he knows more of the playbook than EG did. Now they will have a full year to compete, whoever learns the playbook coupled with checks and performance, naturally wins the job. I just dont see a QB with no experience, despite what his HS tape shows, coming in and winning the job unless hes really cracking down on memorizing the playbook. Its no secret that BK and CM want to EXPAND the playbook and the field this year, which means thats going to be even more that Golson has to learn compared to AH and TR

Great post and good points.

The only thing I disagree with is what Kelly is looking for. I think Kelly is looking for a play-maker. What I am really trying to say about Golson and reps is that he is a natural talent and has honed his craft. Hendrix is a specimen, but without the reps he will have a hard time catching up. No doubt the transition to college is HUGE, but Golson is a Sophomore now. He'll know enough of the playbook to let his talent carry him and separate himself from the other QBs, IMHO.

I think Hendrix will know the playbook, be able to make most of the plays, and is a great runner, but in the end he is just not a natural thrower, and this will cost him the starting job because Kelly loves throwing it! I see him as a package QB next year, and I think he'll get reps. I think we'll create goal-line packages for him.

 

[Domina Nostra]

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Dogs and Cats

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