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re: Spring football discussion
Posted on 4/19/17 at 12:57 am to oleyeller
Posted on 4/19/17 at 12:57 am to oleyeller
O-line picture is clearing up.
It is going to be Richmond, Jones, Robertson, Smith, Kendrick from L to R in all likelihood.
Thomas with an outside shot to win the C job (which would push Robertson to LG and Jones to 6th man).
If Hall is healthy (very doubtful) you would see Kendrick, Smith, Robertson, Jones, Hall
Coaches love the Jones/Hall and Kendrick/Smith combos so those guys are going to stick together if possible.
It is going to be Richmond, Jones, Robertson, Smith, Kendrick from L to R in all likelihood.
Thomas with an outside shot to win the C job (which would push Robertson to LG and Jones to 6th man).
If Hall is healthy (very doubtful) you would see Kendrick, Smith, Robertson, Jones, Hall
Coaches love the Jones/Hall and Kendrick/Smith combos so those guys are going to stick together if possible.
This post was edited on 4/19/17 at 12:59 am
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Posted on 4/19/17 at 6:03 am to volfan30
I love to hear that Richmond is locking down the LT position. I think for the first time since 2012 OL will be a strong suit of this team which should really elevate out QB/RB play.
Posted on 4/19/17 at 7:47 am to volfan30
quote:
Thomas with an outside shot to win the C job (which would push Robertson to LG and Jones to 6th man).
I bet this happens. Is there confidence that Richmond is going to be able to at least hold his own? A new S&C and line coach could be huge for him, but last year he was getting manhandled at times.
Love the potential this line has but Wells is an unknown.
Posted on 4/19/17 at 9:26 pm to Kraven Moorehed
I don't see how Wells could do much worse than Mahoney
Posted on 4/20/17 at 2:46 am to Wishnitwas1998
quote:I've found myself saying this a surprising amount of times over the past 10 or so years, and I've found myself being unpleasantly surprised a just as many times.
I don't see how [...] could do much worse than [...]
Posted on 4/20/17 at 6:11 am to InVolNerable
That said, a lot of people not associated with the program have had good things to say about hiring Wells. I do agree that he's an unknown but he seems to be putting some dog into the player's mentality. Same thing with Hoke. Other than DT depth I think line play on both sides will be the strong suit of this year's team.
Posted on 4/20/17 at 8:23 am to InVolNerable
quote:
've found myself saying this a surprising amount of times over the past 10 or so years, and I've found myself being unpleasantly surprised a just as many times.
I thought I would never see a defense at UT worse than what they fielded in 2012.... Then the Vandy, Kentucky, Mizzou, A&M, and Alabama games happened
Posted on 4/20/17 at 9:32 am to oleyeller
I know everyone is now of the opinion that QD is the starter. However, one guy who goes to practices says you have to see JG to believe it -- that his passes are simply that good. FWIW, he was also a QD fan before he started attending practices.
That said, JG may not be consistent enough yet. Annnd he's taking to many sacks. *But* this is is first Spring and he'll surely improve -- might even separate come fall.
QD has been through 3 Springs so he's used to the speed and has gained the vision it takes to see the whole field. He knows what our defense is likely to run and that's a big advantage. I won't be surprised if he maintains his lead in the the Fall and is our Day 1 starter but I'm def. not counting JG out.
As an aside... It looks like Sheriron Jones has improved by leaps and bounds this Spring. He's not really in the 2 man race *but* he's proven to be a good backup which will be crucial if QD transfe. (I think JG is too young and his fam invested to transder should he lose out). Regardless, S. Jones wins the energy award and is a fantastic motivator/leader. We're lucky to have him imo and I hope we're in the position to get him some playing time.
That said, JG may not be consistent enough yet. Annnd he's taking to many sacks. *But* this is is first Spring and he'll surely improve -- might even separate come fall.
QD has been through 3 Springs so he's used to the speed and has gained the vision it takes to see the whole field. He knows what our defense is likely to run and that's a big advantage. I won't be surprised if he maintains his lead in the the Fall and is our Day 1 starter but I'm def. not counting JG out.
As an aside... It looks like Sheriron Jones has improved by leaps and bounds this Spring. He's not really in the 2 man race *but* he's proven to be a good backup which will be crucial if QD transfe. (I think JG is too young and his fam invested to transder should he lose out). Regardless, S. Jones wins the energy award and is a fantastic motivator/leader. We're lucky to have him imo and I hope we're in the position to get him some playing time.
Posted on 4/20/17 at 10:50 am to volfan30
I have mixed feeling about putting Robertson at C. I think he'd do great that but he's also an AA guard. And he might be of help to Smith at RT. I'm just not sold on Kendrick. He's serviceable enough and lord knows he's gotten better since his early years but I like to run on that side behind the RG and RT and ideally Robertson would be RG and Smith would be RT this season. That said, don't get me wrong - we will be fine with Kendrick there (just not as good as we can be but that may have to wait).
Posted on 4/20/17 at 1:12 pm to InVolNerable
quote:
e found myself saying this a surprising amount of times over the past 10 or so years, and I've found myself being unpleasantly surprised a just as many times.
True
Posted on 4/20/17 at 5:47 pm to Prof
Updates from VQ on the final practice prior to the O&W game. Some great news imo:
quote:
Couple quick things from ShoopBest news for fans is that he said Justin Martin closed the spring as his most consistent defensive back. That's high praise considering how deep in the doghouse Martin seemed to be last fall.
Added that Warrior tapered off a bit in the last 3-4 practices but overall had a really nice spring. Says he feels great about the depth at the safety spot.
As for the potential play some more three LB sets Shoop said they'll be better suited to do that against personnel groupings that require it. Noted that Austin Smith and Dillion Bates had gotten work at SAM and he likes what he's seen from them. Added that he envisions Quarte Sapp competing with McDowell at WLB in the fall.
Up front he's happy with what Alexis Johnson has gotten done. Likes his commitment and feels he took a major step this spring.
Said he feels really good about Kongbo and Taylor as his top two ends. Added that Deandre Johnson will probably have to play early and it's something he feels Jonson is ready for
Posted on 4/20/17 at 6:23 pm to volfan30
quote:
O-line picture is clearing up.
It is going to be Richmond, Jones, Robertson, Smith, Kendrick from L to R in all likelihood.
I've gone full blown negaVOL but this has me cautiously optimistic, at least up front
Posted on 4/20/17 at 6:30 pm to TRUERockyTop
quote:
Best news for fans is that he said Justin Martin closed the spring as his most consistent defensive back. That's high praise considering how deep in the doghouse Martin seemed to be last fall.
It would be nice but I will believe it when I see it. Maybe the new DB coach has actually reminded our corners they have the ability to turn their heads.
quote:
As for the potential play some more three LB sets Shoop said they'll be better suited to do that against personnel groupings that require it. Noted that Austin Smith and Dillion Bates had gotten work at SAM and he likes what he's seen from them. Added that he envisions Quarte Sapp competing with McDowell at WLB in the fall.
I like McDowell but he seems to be a bit on the slow side. Give me Sapp for some SPEED
quote:
Said he feels really good about Kongbo and Taylor as his top two ends. Added that Deandre Johnson will probably have to play early and it's something he feels Jonson is ready for
WGWTFA and Dongbo could have some cute little pass rushing opportunities if the DTs can control the LOS.
Posted on 4/20/17 at 7:48 pm to Prof
Smith will be playing guard, not tackle.
Richmond is the weak link on this line if there is one. Need to hope Hall gets healthy.
I do not claim to be an expert on the o-line, just going based on what I hear from people who are familiar with the coaches thinking.
They are very comfortable with Robertson, Kendrick and Smith at this point. Other two spots are based on Hall's health vs. Richmond and who comes out of the Jones/Thomas competition in camp. Both guys had rough years last year but Jones from what I hear is much stronger and smarter.
Richmond is the weak link on this line if there is one. Need to hope Hall gets healthy.
I do not claim to be an expert on the o-line, just going based on what I hear from people who are familiar with the coaches thinking.
They are very comfortable with Robertson, Kendrick and Smith at this point. Other two spots are based on Hall's health vs. Richmond and who comes out of the Jones/Thomas competition in camp. Both guys had rough years last year but Jones from what I hear is much stronger and smarter.
Posted on 4/20/17 at 7:58 pm to Prof
They want people they can trust to do their jobs and not blow assignments is the bottom line. Often times you will see something happen up front and it might look like Hall whiffed or got beat inside when in reality Jones was supposed to be helping or a guy doesn't recognize the front and makes a bad call to the tight end.
Apparently that has been a big issue the last few years under Mahoney especially with all the turnover and mixing and matching. Kerbyson, Wiesman, Kendrick and Robertson have been the 4 guys they have been able to trust to always make the right calls. Not a coincidence that the best line they've had was 2 years ago when all those guys played almost the entire season despite maybe not being as physically gifted as some guys behind them.
Hall I don't think is too big of a liability in this sense either and early returns on Smith are really good especially for a freshman, but Richmond, Thomas, Boulware, Jones, etc. you are holding your breath every play if you are the coaching staff.
Apparently that has been a big issue the last few years under Mahoney especially with all the turnover and mixing and matching. Kerbyson, Wiesman, Kendrick and Robertson have been the 4 guys they have been able to trust to always make the right calls. Not a coincidence that the best line they've had was 2 years ago when all those guys played almost the entire season despite maybe not being as physically gifted as some guys behind them.
Hall I don't think is too big of a liability in this sense either and early returns on Smith are really good especially for a freshman, but Richmond, Thomas, Boulware, Jones, etc. you are holding your breath every play if you are the coaching staff.
Posted on 4/21/17 at 12:29 pm to David Ricky
quote:
aybe the new DB coach has actually reminded our corners they have the ability to turn their heads.
Idk about their heads but mine may explode if i have to suffer through another season of watching that pathetic bullshite
And I fully expect to
Posted on 4/21/17 at 12:52 pm to volfan30
I've heard Smith was cross training between G and OT and that he'd probably start at guard. And I know some project him as a guard at this level and beyond too. I just disagree on that point. I think Smith is a tackle all the way and that his future is there even if he plays G this season. It's crucial to get your best 5 on the field and Smith starting at tackle would def. help.
As for blown assignments and teaching, I think we've really upgraded. Wells has done wonders with Richmond and I think he knows how to teach players in a way Mahoney didn't. Wren it comes to teaching ya have it or ya don't and I do believe Wells has it.
Coaching appears to be a lot like academia at the college level -- you have guys who are brilliant minds that colleagues love but who can't teach/coach a lick. That keeps them around a lot longer than they should be because the other coaches already know what the guy is saying. I think Azzani was like that and it wouldn't surprise me if Mahoney wasn't the same way (he ran some really exotic OL packages at times).
At any rate, I think we're set at OL as long as the injury bug doesn't strike again. Wells knows how to teach and that's no small thing. You can go a long way on an OL with even mediocre players so long as they can do a few things right but I think our talent is better than that.
I'm also happy with our depth. Can Hall redshirt? If he can he really should. He's a monster when healthy but I don't think he'll be ready and for once we have the numbers to allow a player of his quality to RS.
On paper anyway, this is the best OL we've had since Fulmer. Hopefully it turns out as good as some of his.
ETA: Excited to see what Tatum can do this season. And as an aside, this year's in-state OL group is ridiculous so much so that we couldn't take all of them even if we wanted too but most of the ones we want likewise want to be Vols. It's good to be in that position.
As for blown assignments and teaching, I think we've really upgraded. Wells has done wonders with Richmond and I think he knows how to teach players in a way Mahoney didn't. Wren it comes to teaching ya have it or ya don't and I do believe Wells has it.
Coaching appears to be a lot like academia at the college level -- you have guys who are brilliant minds that colleagues love but who can't teach/coach a lick. That keeps them around a lot longer than they should be because the other coaches already know what the guy is saying. I think Azzani was like that and it wouldn't surprise me if Mahoney wasn't the same way (he ran some really exotic OL packages at times).
At any rate, I think we're set at OL as long as the injury bug doesn't strike again. Wells knows how to teach and that's no small thing. You can go a long way on an OL with even mediocre players so long as they can do a few things right but I think our talent is better than that.
I'm also happy with our depth. Can Hall redshirt? If he can he really should. He's a monster when healthy but I don't think he'll be ready and for once we have the numbers to allow a player of his quality to RS.
On paper anyway, this is the best OL we've had since Fulmer. Hopefully it turns out as good as some of his.
ETA: Excited to see what Tatum can do this season. And as an aside, this year's in-state OL group is ridiculous so much so that we couldn't take all of them even if we wanted too but most of the ones we want likewise want to be Vols. It's good to be in that position.
This post was edited on 4/21/17 at 1:08 pm
Posted on 4/22/17 at 3:04 am to Prof
I can't wait 4 and a half more months
Posted on 4/22/17 at 6:13 am to VolInBavaria
quote:
I can't wait 4 and a half more months
Unrelieved even by EA Sports CFB.
Posted on 4/22/17 at 10:54 am to WhiskeyPapa
My house was broken into a couple months ago and the frickers took my PS3 with NCAA14 in it. Still have the PS4 but I played that game so much!
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