Spring Practice Thread 2018

stlnd01

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Right now, I'd put Michael Young in that group. He obviously lacks the size but it sounds like he has a different gear than those 3, which will provide a nice niche for him in the offense.

For sure.
 

Luckylucci

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So, in one of the ND sites video from yesterday (not sure which one) there is a clip of the LB's working on attacking the sled and then shedding the "block". Jonathan Jones absolutely tosses the sled like it's a rag doll. Up next is Tranquill and there is a noticeable difference in the power that he gets relative to Jones. Though on the short side, he looks like an absolute beast right now. This is my venture into making too much, out waaaaaay to little.
 
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koonja

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So, in one of the ND sites video from yesterday (not sure which one) there is a clip of the LB's working on attacking the sled and then shedding the "block". Jonathan Jones absolutely tosses the sled like it's a rag doll. Up next is Tranquill and there is a noticeable difference in the power that he gets relative to Jones. Though on the short side, he looks like an absolute beast right now. This is my venture into making too much, out waaaaaay to little.

You're referencing a small sample, but his cumulative sample is sneaky big. He was blowing 'ish up last spring too, and he looked vicious on the field when he did get in last year, even on ST.

I 100% prefer starting Jones at Buck RIGHT NOW and moving Tranquill back to Rover. Bilal has shown nothing but a lackadaisical effort, and Tranquill is a proven stud at Rover.

Keep Tranquill where he's a proven stud, and let the vicious guy play over the passive guy.
 

dublinirish

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i HOPE Bilal is just there to give the younger guys a target to surpass. I really don't want him in the game plans come Fall.
 

IrishLion

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You're referencing a small sample, but his cumulative sample is sneaky big. He was blowing 'ish up last spring too, and he looked vicious on the field when he did get in last year, even on ST.

I 100% prefer starting Jones at Buck RIGHT NOW and moving Tranquill back to Rover. Bilal has shown nothing but a lackadaisical effort, and Tranquill is a proven stud at Rover.

Keep Tranquill where he's a proven stud, and let the vicious guy play over the passive guy.

This is what spring is for, though. Give Bilal his chance to show that he's ready to go.

You also have to consider that part of convincing Tranquill to return was letting him know he'd get a fair shake at being a traditional LB, in order to improve his draft stock.

If Bilal still looks lost running around come Fall camp, especially in coverage, then you shuffle things.
 
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koonja

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i HOPE Bilal is just there to give the younger guys a target to surpass. I really don't want him in the game plans come Fall.

I'm equally hyped about seeing Jonathan Jones as I am upset that Bilal is taking 1st team reps. They approach the field with polar opposite intensity.
 
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koonja

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This is what spring is for, though. Give Bilal his chance to show that he's ready to go.

You also have to consider that part of convincing Tranquill to return was letting him know he'd get a fair shake at being a traditional LB, in order to improve his draft stock.

If Bilal still looks lost running around come Fall camp, especially in coverage, then you shuffle things.

He won't look lost. He'll just look bored, he'll jog to the play if it's not directly at his chest, he'll get swallowed up in blocks, etc. This is all I've ever seen from him.

Meanwhile Jonathan Jones will be snorting on the sideline looking like he's jacked up on PCP ready to demolish someone.

I'm already sick of it.
 

IrishLion

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He won't look lost. He'll just look bored, he'll jog to the play if it's not directly at his chest, he'll get swallowed up in blocks, etc. This is all I've ever seen from him.

Meanwhile Jonathan Jones will be snorting on the sideline looking like he's jacked up on PCP ready to demolish someone.

I'm already sick of it.

I'm sure he wouldn't have been penciled in as a clear player against TE-heavy teams already if the staff were concerned with a perceived lack of enthusiasm.

Just because Jones looks jacked up on gameday and made a few good pops on special teams or in the goal line package doesn't mean he's ready to play as a two-down LB in the middle of the field.

I say let Spring play out before you commit to being upset about something lol
 

Luckylucci

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You're referencing a small sample, but his cumulative sample is sneaky big. He was blowing 'ish up last spring too, and he looked vicious on the field when he did get in last year, even on ST.

I 100% prefer starting Jones at Buck RIGHT NOW and moving Tranquill back to Rover. Bilal has shown nothing but a lackadaisical effort, and Tranquill is a proven stud at Rover.

Keep Tranquill where he's a proven stud, and let the vicious guy play over the passive guy.

Yea, Jones has shown flashes in actual gameplay. Part of the reason that after Kelly’s first presser I posted that I really hope they keep the door open on the best LB rotation including Tranquill back at Rover.

And I’m not making a declaration that this should be the case but I hope that Jones is getting a fair shot here. With that said, I want all parties involved to be getting a fair shot at their best position, not just Jones. JOK as well, nothing but great things about him athletically, just sounds like he needs to get a better feel for the scheme.
 

Rocket89

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He won't look lost. He'll just look bored, he'll jog to the play if it's not directly at his chest, he'll get swallowed up in blocks, etc. This is all I've ever seen from him.

Meanwhile Jonathan Jones will be snorting on the sideline looking like he's jacked up on PCP ready to demolish someone.

I'm already sick of it.

You and dublin have been on this anti-Bilal thing, it's amazing! You've been saying this about Bilal for 3 years, while calling for Josh Barajas who turned about to be the real lazy one and can't get on the field at D-7 level football.

JonesStopped.gif


BC4thStop.gif


Bilal came in as an under-sized linebacker and has gotten to the point where he's big/strong enough to play Rover near the line of scrimmage. The coaches seem fine with him and having him play against the 2-tight teams seems to suggest he's the opposite of soft or lazy.

This criticism of him is some of the most unfounded I've seen from any player in recent years. Tranquill played so much last year that Bilal didn't see that many snaps. Yet, above are two of the most important defensive stops on the season and he's doing a great job scraping and being strong at the point of attack.
 
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koonja

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You and dublin have been on this anti-Bilal thing, it's amazing! You've been saying this about Bilal for 3 years, while calling for Josh Barajas who turned about to be the real lazy one and can't get on the field at D-7 level football.

JonesStopped.gif


BC4thStop.gif


Bilal came in as an under-sized linebacker and has gotten to the point where he's big/strong enough to play Rover near the line of scrimmage. The coaches seem fine with him and having him play against the 2-tight teams seems to suggest he's the opposite of soft or lazy.

This criticism of him is some of the most unfounded I've seen from any player in recent years. Tranquill played so much last year that Bilal didn't see that many snaps. Yet, above are two of the most important defensive stops on the season and he's doing a great job scraping and being strong at the point of attack.

That's your defense? Falling down on the pile in GIF 1, and almost holding his ground against the vaunted BC offensive line in GIF 2?

If they made GIFs of people getting pushed around, or jogging rather than swarming, I'd crash the site with Bilal GIFs. I'll let it go, but man it's apparent if you pay attention (which many don't to 2nd stringers, so I'll give you that).

Dublin, cheers to you. I did not know you were also ahead of the curve.
 

dublinirish

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You and dublin have been on this anti-Bilal thing, it's amazing! You've been saying this about Bilal for 3 years, while calling for Josh Barajas who turned about to be the real lazy one and can't get on the field at D-7 level football.

JonesStopped.gif


BC4thStop.gif


Bilal came in as an under-sized linebacker and has gotten to the point where he's big/strong enough to play Rover near the line of scrimmage. The coaches seem fine with him and having him play against the 2-tight teams seems to suggest he's the opposite of soft or lazy.

This criticism of him is some of the most unfounded I've seen from any player in recent years. Tranquill played so much last year that Bilal didn't see that many snaps. Yet, above are two of the most important defensive stops on the season and he's doing a great job scraping and being strong at the point of attack.

we never called for Barajas, c'mon now. He was always in the Hamburger Club with Tiassum and Mokwuh from Day 1. Was glad Franklin didn't get him but that was it for him.

The thing with Bilal is everyone say him as a mini Jaylon Smith the the typical In state Bias at play. He just does not act like a football player to me. if Jones is out of position and misses plays but still is jacked up to play every Saturday then i'll take him over Bilal any day of the week.
 

IrishLion

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That's your defense? Falling down on the pile in GIF 1, and almost holding his ground against the vaunted BC offensive line in GIF 2?

If they made GIFs of people getting pushed around, or jogging rather than swarming, I'd crash the site with Bilal GIFs. I'll let it go, but man it's apparent if you pay attention (which many don't to 2nd stringers, so I'll give you that).

Dublin, cheers to you. I did not know you were also ahead of the curve.

I'd actually really like if you found some clips via Youtube of Bilal getting pushed around, or jogging when he should be flying to a pile.

I'm not being a smartass or saying you're wrong, either. I think IE could use more of what Rocket89 provided, so I'd like to see proof of Bilal loafing it.
 

Rocket89

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That's your defense? Falling down on the pile in GIF 1, and almost holding his ground against the vaunted BC offensive line in GIF 2?

Yeah, assisting the tackle on GIF 1 is "falling down on the pile" and being physical against two blockers + the ball carrier is "almost" holding his ground. That's the 25th S&P+ rushing offense, but I'm sure you knew that.

If they made GIFs of people getting pushed around, or jogging rather than swarming, I'd crash the site with Bilal GIFs. I'll let it go, but man it's apparent if you pay attention (which many don't to 2nd stringers, so I'll give you that).

Just admit you saw a one play (probably from a spring practice video) 2 years ago, wrote off Bilal and can't let it go.

You projected enough, not many people do pay attention to some of the backups and you definitely aren't one of them.
 

Rocket89

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we never called for Barajas, c'mon now. He was always in the Hamburger Club with Tiassum and Mokwuh from Day 1. Was glad Franklin didn't get him but that was it for him.

Koon 1000% did call for Barajas at the expense of Bilal being too soft. That's why he won't bring that up or defend it, LOL.

The thing with Bilal is everyone say him as a mini Jaylon Smith the the typical In state Bias at play.

That's not really Bilal's fault. 999 out of 1000 recruits aren't going to meet that hype. And I don't think the comparisons were all THAT strong, outside of their hair and body-type, or being from Indiana.

He just does not act like a football player to me.

WTF does this even mean? This is my point exactly, it's some weird confirmation bias based on what, exactly??
 
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koonja

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we never called for Barajas, c'mon now. He was always in the Hamburger Club with Tiassum and Mokwuh from Day 1. Was glad Franklin didn't get him but that was it for him.

The thing with Bilal is everyone say him as a mini Jaylon Smith the the typical In state Bias at play. He just does not act like a football player to me. if Jones is out of position and misses plays but still is jacked up to play every Saturday then i'll take him over Bilal any day of the week.

Yeah, assisting the tackle on GIF 1 is "falling down on the pile" and being physical against two blockers + the ball carrier is "almost" holding his ground. That's the 25th S&P+ rushing offense, but I'm sure you knew that.



Just admit you saw a one play (probably from a spring practice video) 2 years ago, wrote off Bilal and can't let it go.

You projected enough, not many people do pay attention to some of the backups and you definitely aren't one of them.

Yeah, I don't think I've ever said anything good or bad about Barajas. I forgot he was on the team for essentially the entire time he was here, so IDK where Rocket89 got that.

Watch last year's spring game, watch game film this year. He doesn't play with aggression, and he loves jogging. If you haven't seen it yet, I'm afraid you will in 2018 because sounds like he's in line for a lot of reps.
 

IrishLion

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Yeah, I don't think I've ever said anything good or bad about Barajas. I forgot he was on the team for essentially the entire time he was here, so IDK where Rocket89 got that.

Watch last year's spring game, watch game film this year. He doesn't play with aggression, and he loves jogging. If you haven't seen it yet, I'm afraid you will in 2018 because sounds like he's in line for a lot of reps.

giphy.gif
 

dublinirish

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the spring game from last year really stands out to me. He was mentioned by name by the commentators on his first snap into the game and then Dexter literally ghosts past him on the outside for a long run.
 

anarin

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now I'm officially intrigued about these lazy plays...

Lets get some clips up fellas
 

dublinirish

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now I'm officially intrigued about these lazy plays...

Lets get some clips up fellas

i dont even know if its lazy play or more than he knows so little of what he is meant to be doing assignment wise/his diagnosis of plays is so bad that he just looks like he is doing everything so slowly
 
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koonja

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i dont even know if its lazy play or more than he knows so little of what he is meant to be doing assignment wise/his diagnosis of plays is so bad that he just looks like he is doing everything so slowly

It's as if Joe Schmidt had Lieutenant Dan's legs.
 

Old Man Mike

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My small opinion of Bilal is that he looks like a fine athlete who doesn't have good diagnostic instincts for the game --- i.e. he's a fast guy with a slow reaction to what's actually happening. We had a great athlete named Filer a few years ago that reminds me of him. BK gave him a chance at the beginning of each Spring, but he couldn't "instinct" it. Nothing against these types of guys, they seem to be doomed to be KO-coverage people though.
 

Rocket89

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the spring game from last year really stands out to me. He was mentioned by name by the commentators on his first snap into the game and then Dexter literally ghosts past him on the outside for a long run.

One play from a scrimmage? He's so bad and this is the evidence?

He also had a sack and QB hurry in that scrimmage, which I would surmise, is pretty difficult when he doesn't act like a football player.
 
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koonja

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One play from a scrimmage? He's so bad and this is the evidence?

He also had a sack and QB hurry in that scrimmage, which I would surmise, is pretty difficult when he doesn't act like a football player.

Dude, just watch a game film, any film - you can even pick his 'best' game.

Pay attention when he's in. That's all you have to do.
 

Rocket89

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My small opinion of Bilal is that he looks like a fine athlete who doesn't have good diagnostic instincts for the game --- i.e. he's a fast guy with a slow reaction to what's actually happening. We had a great athlete named Filer a few years ago that reminds me of him. BK gave him a chance at the beginning of each Spring, but he couldn't "instinct" it. Nothing against these types of guys, they seem to be doomed to be KO-coverage people though.

Somewhat agree, although Filer played maybe 50 snaps from scrimmage and was almost exclusively a special teams player. Bilal had as many tackles last year as Filer had in his whole career. He played more from scrimmage as a redshirt freshman than Filer ever did over his career.

I thought Bilal would be better but I haven't seen much to believe he's so bad that he can't be a quality starter.
 

Rocket89

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Dude, just watch a game film, any film - you can even pick his 'best' game.

Pay attention when he's in. That's all you have to do.

Seems pretty easy, why don't you show us all? I'm not the one making bold statements and not backing it up.

Why would I do your homework for you?
 
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