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Post by acutrackfan on Jul 14, 2021 12:21:50 GMT -6
Last year, Mansell looked good at times, but it was fairly obvious he had not played a lot of football for 3+ years. Stone Earle looked solid against UVA in his starting debut. Neither one are slam dunk superstuds, but both showed potential in 2020. I know that potential can be a very disappointing metric, but there does appear to be some potential at QB.
Now, the question still exists if there is enough at QB (and every other position) to see substantial improvement to the Wildcat's rather woeful 1-5 record from 2020. That will be a conversation for another time -- whenever a thread pops up for predicting the season's W-L record. Right now, I know so little about this team, I don't think I can even hazard a prediction before the first of September and maybe not until after the SMU game.
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Post by wildkitten1489 on Jul 14, 2021 14:58:41 GMT -6
Last year, Mansell looked good at times, but it was fairly obvious he had not played a lot of football for 3+ years. Stone Earle looked solid against UVA in his starting debut. Neither one are slam dunk superstuds, but both showed potential in 2020. I know that potential can be a very disappointing metric, but there does appear to be some potential at QB. Now, the question still exists if there is enough at QB (and every other position) to see substantial improvement to the Wildcat's rather woeful 1-5 record from 2020. That will be a conversation for another time -- whenever a thread pops up for predicting the season's W-L record. Right now, I know so little about this team, I don't think I can even hazard a prediction before the first of September and maybe not until after the SMU game. This is about the time of year that irrational optimism sets in on this board and we start hearing the 8-3 predictions. The coaching staff has an interesting strategy of not developing talent organically while also not recruiting D1 level talent. We'll see if it plays out for them this year better than it has over the past 3.
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Post by Cap'n Cattitude on Jul 14, 2021 15:01:15 GMT -6
I think I am more enthused with our offensive potential than I've been in a long time. We are solid, if not, very good, at QB. I'm supposing Mansell will get the starting nod but I was really impressed with Earle last year and Anderson looks to me to have lots of potential. RB is deeper than we've been in years. If Dobbins is able to fight thru the "sophomore jinx" that hits many RB's and Ant Smith is the real deal with White and McKnight we have a good looking 4-some. Anything that Walton and Lewis add would be gravy. Wide receiver is an interesting mix. Clark is solid if not spectacular. Lewis got lots of experience last year. Neese is getting lots of hype and could be solid. Some of you guys were really high on what you saw in the spring from Holman. Williams has worked his way to a scholarship and had some moments last fall as did Johnson. Blaylock, Spadone and Jimmerson could contribute. I've looked at HUDL films of our two scholarship freshmen (Cole and Bowman) and still think that PWO Frazier is the better receiver but maybe one of these guys can come to the front. A solid--very solid group of receivers. At TE--moving Lutz back to TE will be a plus (on the receiving side) None of the others have any experience, so someone needs to step up. I'd think Miles will play a lot with Stafford, Caldwell and Stripling adding to the mix. I really want to see Colt Cooper in action (wants to be the best TE ever at ACU). I'm hoping he has the talent to be just that. We have upgraded our OL--in depth and quality, methinks. Getting the right combos on the field may take a little time but we surely have numbers to choose from. I hope Reece Moore is everything his 4star rating deserves. Jax Andrews may be our new Dakota Laws, earning a starting job as a first year player. Transfers Simmons and Warner (maybe others) may push for playing time and a starting position. Knox, Tate, Parker, Melrose and Terry have experience and may be coming into their own. Smith, Burke, Howerton, Girty have a year under their belt (really excited about what Ty Smith could bring to the table) so we ought to see some contributions from them. This is a deep position now and if the quality matches the quantity we will be good here for years. Potential is just that until proven to be true or false. Right now we have potential on the offensive side of the ball. Our poor season last year (and in the previous 4) makes me very leary to predict success for this team. Seems it's always something that prevents us from being successful. I'm hoping this is our "breakout" year and from now on we just "reload". What evidence leads you to believe we will be very good at QB? FWIW, both QBs looked very good in the Spring. I could tell the difference from last Fall for sure. I think you will be pleased.
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Post by Outsider on Jul 14, 2021 15:20:12 GMT -6
Last year, Mansell looked good at times, but it was fairly obvious he had not played a lot of football for 3+ years. Stone Earle looked solid against UVA in his starting debut. Neither one are slam dunk superstuds, but both showed potential in 2020. I know that potential can be a very disappointing metric, but there does appear to be some potential at QB. Now, the question still exists if there is enough at QB (and every other position) to see substantial improvement to the Wildcat's rather woeful 1-5 record from 2020. That will be a conversation for another time -- whenever a thread pops up for predicting the season's W-L record. Right now, I know so little about this team, I don't think I can even hazard a prediction before the first of September and maybe not until after the SMU game. This is about the time of year that irrational optimism sets in on this board and we start hearing the 8-3 predictions. The coaching staff has an interesting strategy of not developing talent organically while also not recruiting D1 level talent. We'll see if it plays out for them this year better than it has over the past 3. I think most of us understand that we have a long way to go. My pudding comments still stand. I'll agree with 'Tude that our 2 QBs looked better in the Spring game. Still, that's ony 2 QBs and it's showcasing in a scrimmage. Mansell, needs more experience under his belt and so does Earle. If either of them get hurt, God forbid both, we can be in a hot mess. They both show potential, but that has to translate. I do like our improved depth at RB, but again, I have to see what they do against stout competition. We still have enough receivers to spread the ball around, but no real speed demons. The OL has to be much improved to make any real difference. How are we since the Spring game and how much our Jucos make a difference are still to be determined. Something that's hard is simply the lack of video and communication. As far as coaching goes, I saw better play calling in the Spring game for the offense but not much else. Maybe someone can speak more to that. I don't speak to the defense much yet becasue I am simply not seeing much.
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Post by jCat on Jul 14, 2021 20:44:17 GMT -6
With as many new players, I agree with everyone that hard to tell where we stand. If our O-line and D-line are respectable, I think we've added enough skill players to be competitive. But I do wonder about depth and experience at LB. We do have so much to replace.
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Post by Cap'n Cattitude on Jul 21, 2021 18:16:54 GMT -6
Bumped into Josh Lamberson yesterday and he gave me a little peek at the offense for the fall.
All five OL will be new. Reese Moore will start at left tackle, of course. But Derrick Simmons will very likely start at right tackle. Not only is he huge, but Josh says he is very, very athletic. Collin James will be the center. They love his size and he can get leverage after the snap better than anyone. Then he said that there are lots of candidates for the two guard positions. He mentioned Knox, Marshall, Ty Smith, Tate and a couple of the new guys. He was almost giddy about the OL talent and depth. I asked him if the coaching change helps. He didn’t answer but he did smile.
He also indicated that WR is going to be good and singled out Clark, Davion Johnson, Denver Holman, Spadone and Dax. Also very high on the tight ends and running backs. Lots of depth at both positions. More than at any time since he’s been here.
He also thinks that Peyton and Stone are going to be special
Well, we’ll see what happens, I guess but I sure like the optimism.
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Post by bogeyman on Jul 21, 2021 18:59:50 GMT -6
Surprised he didn't mention Darius Lewis. I thought maybe the UVA game would be his breakthrough. I too think we have 2 very special QB's. I rewatched the UVA game yesterday. Lots to like about our 2 QB's.
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Post by bogeyman on Jul 21, 2021 19:27:26 GMT -6
Just got a return text from Jordan Herrod answering some questions I had. This is his 2nd communication with me since he came on board. I am impressed.
Fall camp starts Aug. 5. Pads the following week. There will be lots of info flowing out about the Cats as the season nears including one week devoted to offense and one week devoted to defense. He mentioned other ways of communicating about the Cats. Makes me excited about the communication flow.
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Post by Cap'n Cattitude on Jul 21, 2021 21:54:33 GMT -6
Surprised he didn't mention Darius Lewis. I thought maybe the UVA game would be his breakthrough. I too think we have 2 very special QB's. I rewatched the UVA game yesterday. Lots to like about our 2 QB's. He did talk about Darius in glowing terms. I’m just old and forgetful. Besides, I was getting a haircut and couldn’t take notes. :-)
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Post by ybp80 on Jul 22, 2021 8:15:35 GMT -6
Last year, Mansell looked good at times, but it was fairly obvious he had not played a lot of football for 3+ years. Stone Earle looked solid against UVA in his starting debut. Neither one are slam dunk superstuds, but both showed potential in 2020. I know that potential can be a very disappointing metric, but there does appear to be some potential at QB. Now, the question still exists if there is enough at QB (and every other position) to see substantial improvement to the Wildcat's rather woeful 1-5 record from 2020. That will be a conversation for another time -- whenever a thread pops up for predicting the season's W-L record. Right now, I know so little about this team, I don't think I can even hazard a prediction before the first of September and maybe not until after the SMU game. This is about the time of year that irrational optimism sets in on this board and we start hearing the 8-3 predictions. The coaching staff has an interesting strategy of not developing talent organically while also not recruiting D1 level talent. We'll see if it plays out for them this year better than it has over the past 3. Reminds me of the persistently annual predictions that the Cowboys will be in the Super Bowl only to end up 8-8. I really hope things come together for a good season.
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Post by OscarWildeCat, Admin on Jul 22, 2021 8:26:10 GMT -6
This is about the time of year that irrational optimism sets in on this board and we start hearing the 8-3 predictions. The coaching staff has an interesting strategy of not developing talent organically while also not recruiting D1 level talent. We'll see if it plays out for them this year better than it has over the past 3. Reminds me of the persistently annual predictions that the Cowboys will be in the Super Bowl only to end up 8-8. I really hope things come together for a good season. The Cowboys have been preseason Super Bowl champions for 10 consecutive years
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Post by mavsman53 on Jul 22, 2021 9:00:14 GMT -6
I'm going to say this as nicely as I can. We do have talent and talented players. To me, the issue the past few years has been play calling. So unless something has drastically changed, this year will be no different than last year.
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Post by bogeyman on Jul 22, 2021 9:55:42 GMT -6
Who calls plays? HC or OC or a combination of both? Why do you think play calling has been a problem? Not looking to criticize, looking for answers.
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Post by mavsman53 on Jul 22, 2021 10:40:28 GMT -6
I think Lamberson sets the plays that he wants to run during the week. Then on gameday, Dorrel calls the plays. That's fine, as many schools do it that way. 2 years ago, the strength of the team was our running backs. Yet, we threw the ball a ton. In fact, there was a game where we did not run the ball once in the 2nd half. The strength of the offense last year was the line, especially up the middle. So what did we do? We ran outside and rarely up the middle. The jet sweep can work, but we run it wrong and too often. Mix it up, run it where everyone is in a tight formation and then run it where you have your outside WR's wide. Too often, we ran everyone tight and if the first block was missed, the play was over. Rarely did we throw the ball deep, and some would say we don't have speed, but that's not true either. We tried to throw it deep against SFA, but that was always to the middle of the field using our smallest receivers. Must I remind us of Sema'J? The first 2 games of the year we were all wondering, why aren't we using him. He was talked about some openly before the season and then nothing. Why?
This year there does appear to be more balance. We are solid at RB and WR. If the OL comes together, that will really help. But if you are starting 5 new OL, it is going to take time.
I have wondered this for some time; is what we show in camp what we actually will do? You might think that is crazy, but I have been on a coaching staff where we would work on certain plays and they would work, and then come gameday, we never did them. Sometimes, it's because of bad matchups, but sometimes, coaches get stubborn and say let's go back to what I know.
Y'all know me. I bleed purple! I've been criticized in the past that I am not critical enough and that I have "too many friends" on the coaching staff. That may be true! However, this is a critical year for this staff.
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Post by acutrackfan on Jul 22, 2021 11:26:49 GMT -6
Bumped into Josh Lamberson yesterday and he gave me a little peek at the offense for the fall. All five OL will be new. Reese Moore will start at left tackle, of course. But Derrick Simmons will very likely start at right tackle. Not only is he huge, but Josh says he is very, very athletic. Collin James will be the center. They love his size and he can get leverage after the snap better than anyone. Then he said that there are lots of candidates for the two guard positions. He mentioned Knox, Marshall, Ty Smith, Tate and a couple of the new guys. He was almost giddy about the OL talent and depth. I asked him if the coaching change helps. He didn’t answer but he did smile. He also indicated that WR is going to be good and singled out Clark, Davion Johnson, Denver Holman, Spadone and Dax. Also very high on the tight ends and running backs. Lots of depth at both positions. More than at any time since he’s been here. He also thinks that Peyton and Stone are going to be special Well, we’ll see what happens, I guess but I sure like the optimism. I certainly like hearing this about our O-line, because there are many questions about the o-line for the 2021 season. I also like what Cap'n says about the WR's, TE's and RB's. All good news. But after several years of the team falling far short of expectations, I will probably go into the 2021 season with very, very low expectations (2-3 wins) and hope that those low expectations are exceeded. I some ways, I am cheered even more by Bogey's post about Jordan Herrod and his desire to amp up the football coverage on ACUSports.com. That would be huge. However, the SID can want to give more coverage, but really can't do so if he/she does not get cooperation from each individual coaching staff. I have spoken with Jordan as well and he wants to have a regular, daily contact with coaches in person. I do hope that leads to far better coverage AND cooperation.
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