PreSpring Football updates from Sam Webb
For those who don't listen regularly to WTKA or the podcasts, Sam Webb has been playing FB coach interviews in segments over the past few weeks - (I believe more is available behind the paywall.)
Lots of interesting stuff - particularly on the Defense where most of the coaches have worked with the players before. I made list of the things I found interesting below:
D-Line -- Starters appear to (currently) be Chase, Aubrey/Brian, Dwumfor, and #98..some guy named Gary. Sounds like backups are Paye, loser of Aubrey/Brian, Lo Marshall, and Kemp. Others and notes - - Kemp working some a 3-tech (his request) up to 276, Paye up to 256 from 225-230 coming in - from 2 separate comments.."He is STRONG".- D-I-Bey over 300 and looking good. Jeter pushing 300 and coming back from the injury a bit stil. Luigi back but stil recovering from his injury and surgery (news to me on the surgery part). New kid (name?) can really run but is relatively new to football so this spring is all about learning for him. Brian has been losing weight and GMat is on him to build his speed back to where it was post injury. Paea was mentioned when Sam asked - he is up to around 280.
LBs - Don Brown sounded almost giddy when talking about this. I believe the quote was "I am going to just sit back grinning like a Cheshire cat watching the competition. Has never had a group like this. Depth chart sounds like MLB - Bush, Anthony, Singleton WLB - Gil/Ross battle and Singleton. Viper - Hudson and Glasgow with Furbush and Uche in the more traditional SAM role. Singleton (as seen above) will get time at MLB and WLB to find him a place on the field.
CBs - Starters talked up then Watson ("last chance to show out to earn NFL looks") with Ambry and Ben St-J coming along. Spyder Sims is Loooooong - whichwas a focus in the recruiting board based on the D they prefer to play.
D-In General -- Will add even more D-line wrinkles/play calls going into 2018. Don wants to cut big pass plays (18-20 last year but stil very good in his words) by 7-8. Feels biggest room for improvement is cutting explosive run plays.
Much less on Offense as WR, TE, and OL coaches haven't practiced with team yet.
OL - Not a ton but several coaches mentioned Hudson by name.
RB - Top 2 are clearly that going into Spring. Kareem and O'Maury mentioned by both Harbaughs and sounds like they will battle for the 3rd RB spot.
QBs - JH noted that all 3 guys will be competing for the job and he likes them all.
General - Don Brown particulary noted the major use of analytics the staff is using.
Just thought I would share for those who haven't been listening in.
Thanks. Forgot about him. I was thinking of him more as a slot specialist not a true safety.
If Metellus starts this year.
You don't think Josh Metellus can improve? He struggled a bit, yes. He was also quite young, and he has a lot of talent. Since when have all players reached their potential in their true sophomore year?
I'd say this is way premature. Sure, he could get passed. He might also improve substantially; it's not like that doesn't happen from time to time.
Dont let critical thinking get in the way of their narrative.
Yeah any underclassman safety is going to have their tough moments.. But he's got a ton of in-game experience vs. the other guys which I value quite a bit as safety's the last line of defense.
What is it that leads you to believe he has a lot of talent? Brian's recruiting profile predicted him to be "steady and unremarkable" and we were his only Power 5 offer. Typically people refer to players as talented that have high recruiting rankings/offers or that have really good athleticism (ie Combine tests, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, etc.). Meaning they have the ability to make plays and just need the experience or coaching to fine tune their technique. I get the feeling Josh is the opposite...fundamentally sound, but average talent. IMHO while I would expect a guy to improve from 2nd to 3rd year, I personally don't see his skills as "talented" for a UM level football player.
Eh, I won't. He was fine over the course of the year and if he's starting he's the best option. I would be disappointed if someone who was not the best option started. As long as our best player at the position plays, then there's not much else we can ask for. Plus, Metellus was a true sophomore last year. That was his first starting season in D1 football and he's not 20 years old yet. He has plenty of improvement left in him, he can still be very good.
Watson is on the squad next fall. Would be surprised if Furbush is.
As far as I know he took zero snaps on offense and only played a little on defense. I see a bright future for him though.
They both played integral roles last year and were players.
Excuse me, sir, but you are speaking out of a whole that only feces, not words, should exit from.
In his defense hot air oftentimes comes from that hole as well.
March 22nd, 2018 at 10:15 PM ^
March 22nd, 2018 at 10:26 PM ^
But it's actually objectively incorrect. It is not 0% probability that either are on the team in the fall.
March 23rd, 2018 at 12:31 PM ^
There is a chance, but I don't think they will be on the squad. I think they both want to play in the NFL and they need to be full time starters to do that. Too many young guys that are just as good or better that need to be on the field.
Many thanks.
I'd really like to see that guy on the field a ton this year. That kid has some burners and can get around that edge in a hurry. He just adds so much speed to the D.
March 22nd, 2018 at 10:23 PM ^
offense and this could be spectacular. Can't wait for the Spring game ... but bball beckons.
They got hung out to dry so often the past two years.
March 22nd, 2018 at 11:43 PM ^
Don Brown didn't mention Ben Mason when talking about LBs?
Why is Luigi always injured? I was really excited about him and I haven't even seen him play a snap yet in college. I hope he gets healthy.
March 27th, 2018 at 12:28 AM ^
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