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Spring football thoughts - offense

Started by Biggus Piggus, April 18, 2016, 12:08:39 pm

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Biggus Piggus

Louisiana Tech, at TCU, Texas State, aTm at Arlington - Arkansas has major rebuilding work on offense to get ready for its September football schedule.

Will the offensive line be settled on five starters by the end of spring practices?

The latest depth chart:

LT Colton Jackson, Johnny Gibson
LG Hjalte Froholdt, Jackson Hannah
C Frank Ragnow, Zach Rogers
RG Brian Wallace, Deion Malone
RT Dan Skipper, Jalen Merrick

Also available - T Jake Hall, T Klint Harvey, G Cooper Sone.
Coming - T Paul Ramirez (juco signee), G Jake Heinrich (freshman), possibly more.

I'm thinking the line might be significantly better if the starters were

Jackson/Ramirez | Ragnow | Rogers | Skipper | Wallace

but there's multiple issues.

Wallace very well might be the best right tackle on the team. He does not seem to fit left tackle, needs a search-and-destroy position with pass protection help from the TE. LT is something of a finesse job (a big reason why Skipper isn't LT anymore). Question for now is how long it will take Wallace to learn how to play guard.

Skipper is very good as RT, might be the best guard on the team too, other than Ragnow (who also is the best center).

Much of the complexity in Arkansas's blocking schemes comes in the passing game. If the Razorbacks were going to run the ball 70 times a game, things would be different. But they have to find five players who will know what to do down after down, across a wide mix of sets and run-blocking calls and protections.

The coaches are looking for players who can learn quickly, on the Oline and at TE too. But they also want dominating blockers. That is why you see Froholdt, Ragnow and Wallace playing inside together. They have the physical ability to be dominating run blockers.

There's a possibility that the Oline development is complicated by the quality of the defensive line.

In my view, you can construct this Oline to be good at pass protection. You can build the line to be strong in the run game. Doing both might not be possible with this group. And most likely we'll see the Oline selected on its run-blocking ability, leaving the QB to deal with too much pressure.

Bret Bielema has a philosophical bias in favor of the run, and that might be misplaced this season. The passing game is loaded with receivers, and the QB position is stocked with passers.

The backfield is not in optimal position to run with the football:

* Kody Walker, trying to lean himself down to tailback size, endured yet another injury and has to recover from a broken foot entering his second-senior season.
* Rawleigh Williams, the only other experienced back, is working back from neck surgery and won't see full-contact work until August at the earliest.
* Damon Mitchell isn't completely inexperienced at running back but played QB and WR in the past five years. In scrimmages, he has had a lot of stuffed runs.
* Juan Day is back from two ACL surgeries. He lacks speed/quickness.
* Denzell Evans remains on the roster and appears to be able to handle the basic demands.
* Devwah Whaley and T.J. Hammonds are freshmen who will be in the mix come August.

Not an embarrassment of riches, nor richness of embarrassment.

The Hogs most likely will be stuck with situational substitution at running back for the duration of the 2016 season. Walker is the one who can handle all aspects - running, blocking and receiving - while everybody else will be a compromise in some dimension. It will be a challenge to avoid tipping off plays with the substitution pattern.

Arkansas very much needs Mitchell to succeed. Or the team needs to bring in a graduate transfer who can play right away, allowing Walker, Williams and the young players to play lesser roles.

The schedule allows for only moments of in-season development. The first two games are challenging. The Sept. 17 home game against Texas State should be a breather in front of the SEC opener. After Texas A&M is an Oct. 1 game at Little Rock against Alcorn State.

The Hogs get a break between the Oct. 22 trip to Auburn and a Nov. 5 home game against Florida.

Feels like the kind of season where we will see a battlefield promotion or two in the backfield. The part most likely to work early is the high-% passing game, though sack numbers could climb. How this team protects a lead is a good question. Not throwing out the possibility that the running game could work, but a lot has to come together.

Austin Allen is way ahead of everyone else in his ability to run the offense. My main concern is keeping him upright - that Oline-construction question. And that also stems out to the TE position.

Hunter Henry was Arkansas's "in-line" TE, the player who lined up to the right of the RT and most often took on primary blocking responsibilities. Jeremy Sprinkle was sometimes the "move" TE split out, sometimes lined up tight on the left, and often in a H-back position taking place of a fullback.

If Arkansas had to play a game today, Sprinkle would be the starting in-line TE. The second TE would be redshirt freshman Will Gragg (6-4, 253), who would be in-line TE allowing Sprinkle to split out or be in the backfield. Coaches are not finding much separation between Gragg and fellow redshirts Austin Cantrell and C.J. O'Grady. That is why redshirt Dlineman Jamario Bell (6-5, 261) has been practicing at TE too.

It's possible that the Hogs could wind up playing a blocking specialist at the in-line TE while moving Sprinkle around. Whatever Arkansas chooses will be what it can execute the best.

On the Oline, at RB and TE, the Hogs are trying to balance athletic ability, learning ability and dependability. They do not have these problems at QB and WR.

It is hard to choose a first name to list at WR. Keon Hatcher (still working back from injury), Drew Morgan (same) and Dominique Reed are legitimate, SEC-caliber double threats. They have route-running ability, hands and separation ability.

Not far behind are Jared Cornelius and Cody Hollister (who has improved). The most impressive redshirt seems to be in-stater Deon Stewart, who has big-play potential.

To make this whole package come together in 2016, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bielema bring in grad transfers at RB and OL, while recruiting focuses on longer-term solutions. At a couple of positions, one addition might make a big difference.
[CENSORED]!

longpig

Maaaan I wish DW was an early enrollee!
Don't be scared, be smart.

 

go hogues

Quote from: Leadbelly on September 24, 2019, 09:05:22 pm<br />Dude, our back has been against the wall so long, we are now on the other side of the wall!<br />

Kevin

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.<br />James 4:7
Reject Every Kind Of Evil 1 Thessalonians 5:22

greenie


SooiecidetillNuttgone

Great post.

I don't think we'll end up with running back by committee, but otherwise I agree with this.
His response to me:
Quote from: hawginbigd1 on October 13, 2016, 11:48:33 am
So everyone one of the nationalized incidents were justified? There is no race problems with policing? If that is what you believe.....well bless your heart, it must be hard going through life with the obstacles you must have to overcome. Do they send a bus to come pick you up?

gmarv


Laughing Hog

"Gun control laws are, in effect, a set of occupational safety laws for criminals – They are the OSHA regulations for burglars, muggers, carjackers and other criminal scum" "The 2nd Amendment violates a criminal's right to a safe work environment."<br /><br />Speed Kills and Speed wins, especially in the SEC<br />3*'s DON'T BEAT 5*'s<br /><br />"They" really should bring back halter tops (like puppies in a gunny sack)<br /><br />Marriage is like a tornado. It starts with a lot of sucking and blowing, shaking and howling. When it's over someone loses a house!

CFB_Fanatic

Quote from: SooiecidetillNuttgone on April 18, 2016, 01:35:29 pm
Great post.

I don't think we'll end up with running back by committee, but otherwise I agree with this.

What specifically do you mean by this? I ask because I think CBB has said and shown that his philosophy requires at least 3 RBs that will see meaningful minutes. The past couple of years it has been JWill, KW, Korliss Marshall, AC, and RW in some form or fashion. Just saying I dont see us having a "main" back and a backup. I think there will be at least 2 main backs and at least a 3rd back that will see significant minutes.

Biggus Piggus

Quote from: CFB_Fanatic on April 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pm
What specifically do you mean by this? I ask because I think CBB has said and shown that his philosophy requires at least 3 RBs that will see meaningful minutes. The past couple of years it has been JWill, KW, Korliss Marshall, AC, and RW in some form or fashion. Just saying I dont see us having a "main" back and a backup. I think there will be at least 2 main backs and at least a 3rd back that will see significant minutes.

I expect the rotation to change through the season.
[CENSORED]!

Oklahawg

AC (in particular) and JWill enjoyed blocking. They took pride in protecting BA. It is a special talent for RBs who rarely are anything besides a ball carrier or distraction.

That is what Walker brings to the table immediately, and what Williams can't work on this spring (contact). Mitchell appears to be an outside weapon but not a "between the tackles" option. That suggests also that he is not a blocker. The WRs have been asked to block effectively in the past or they didn't see the field. Same with TEs. Hard to see the new RBs playing much if they can't block.

Learning those reads takes time, and likely means Austin Allen will be planted a time or two, especially early. If Enos can work some illusional magic with scheme then we may be able to avoid being too one-dimensional.

I like that the staff is moving parts to see what works. Better now than in August. That we will likely leave spring drills hoping for a newcomer to help at RB and OL is concerning. Not a problem that is new, though. We saw this a year ago.

I would much prefer seeing TCU another game down the road. But, maybe the not-so-great, good, not-so-great, good rotation in September is the formula we need.

This much is certain - Enos has had plenty of time to warm to his talent and work schemes. I like his mind being on our side of the equation.

One other thought - if the defense is as good as we hope (doesn't have to be 1977 good, mid-80s, or even 2006 or 2014 good would be fine) then that helps explain the offense.
I am a Hog fan. I was long before my name was etched, twice, on the sidewalks on the Hill. I will be long after Sam Pittman and Eric Mussleman are coaches, and Hunter Yuracheck is AD. I am a Hog fan when we win, when we lose and when we don't play. I love hearing the UA band play the National Anthem on game day, but I sing along to the Alma Mater. I am a Hog fan.<br /><br />A liberal education is at the heart of a civil society, and at the heart of a liberal education is the act of teaching. - Bart Giamatti <br /><br />"It is a puzzling thing. The truth knocks on the door and you say, 'Go away, I'm looking for the truth,' and so it goes away. Puzzling." ― Robert M. Pirsig<br /><br />Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.  – Yogi Berra

azhog10

Am I the only one who thinks that in no way is Skipper a guard? I know he played a little there as a freshman (starting 8 games) but I just don't see many 6'10 guards and that seems like a lot to ask of someone. I know he's athletic but it's still hard to get that low being that tall.

gmarv

Quote from: azhog10 on April 18, 2016, 04:12:29 pm
Am I the only one who thinks that in no way is Skipper a guard? I know he played a little there as a freshman (starting 8 games) but I just don't see many 6'10 guards and that seems like a lot to ask of someone. I know he's athletic but it's still hard to get that low being that tall.
I think skipper is a tackle. i haven,t seen them talking about him at guard ?

 

FANONTHEHILL

April 18, 2016, 05:36:36 pm #13 Last Edit: April 19, 2016, 05:16:22 am by FANONTHEHILL
Here's my two cents on the OLine.  Ragnow is the best of the lot and will be a star wherever you put him.  No doubt he's the center. At right guard Wallace has been amazing since moving inside. I don't see them moving Skipper inside. He's experienced at RT and with the lack of experience on the left side, I see a lot of left play action, boot right and roll outs to the right to help the left side.  You need a solid RT to keep the DE out of the QB's face, and Skipper can do that.  Hjalte Froholdt looks like he's been a guard for a lot longer than 3 weeks.  He's strong as a bear and knows what it takes physically to compete. He will be fine.  Colton Jackson looks like a prototype tackle. 6'6", 315, long and athletic.  The play calling I mentioned above would help him greatly. I'm not saying that there won't be growing pains, but in time Colton will be special. 
As for the reserves, Johnny Gibson is big and reliable, Jackson Hannah is strong and very smart, Zach Rogers is strong and a reliable center, Deion Malone came from the JUCO and is picking it up quickly, and Jalen Merrick is simply huge.  Klint Harvey is huge as well and learning the system. Jake Hall may be moving to TE according Coach B. And finally Sone is not big enough yet. He came in at 260 and is now 280. Coach Herbert's plan is for him to weigh 295-300 by the fall. I only know this about Sone since he grew up in my house.  When you add Ramirez and Heinrich this fall, we will have quality, but the lack of experience will have to be overcome. The guys have the utmost confidence in each other and Coach Anderson. The OLine will be a strength for the team by this fall I'm certain.
Favorite quote from practice.  Made to my son:<br /><br /><br />Technique is nice, but it comes down to this.  Block the F'er in front of you. - Sam Pittman 2015

beringer62

How is Cantrell looking? I expected him to make a contribution immediately.

zuko

I'm really hoping that Bielema has something going this year. With Basketball failing and Baseball looking like it's following in the same steps, I don't think it would bode well for the Razorbacks fans.

SooiecidetillNuttgone

Quote from: CFB_Fanatic on April 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pm
What specifically do you mean by this? I ask because I think CBB has said and shown that his philosophy requires at least 3 RBs that will see meaningful minutes. The past couple of years it has been JWill, KW, Korliss Marshall, AC, and RW in some form or fashion. Just saying I dont see us having a "main" back and a backup. I think there will be at least 2 main backs and at least a 3rd back that will see significant minutes.

I think we'll have one 1000 yard runner and another will get close or eclipse 1000 themselves.
I just don't think we'll see a whole lot of situational subbing.
Why?
Because.

I could be completely wrong.  I figure Enos will want the best talent on the field  (with breathers of course) and will use scheme and play calling to hide pass blocking deficiencies until the young talent comes along rather than doing the opposite.
His response to me:
Quote from: hawginbigd1 on October 13, 2016, 11:48:33 am
So everyone one of the nationalized incidents were justified? There is no race problems with policing? If that is what you believe.....well bless your heart, it must be hard going through life with the obstacles you must have to overcome. Do they send a bus to come pick you up?

SooiecidetillNuttgone

Quote from: FANONTHEHILL on April 18, 2016, 05:36:36 pm
Here's my two cents on the OLine.  Ragnow is the best of the lot and will be a star wherever you bout him.  No doubt he's the center. At right guard Wallace has been amazing since moving inside. I don't see them moving Skipper inside. He's experienced at RT and with the lack of experience on the left side, I see a lot of left play action, boot right and roll outs to the right to help the left side.  You need a solid RT to keep the DE out of the QB's face, and Skipper can do that.  Hjalte Froholdt looks like he's been a guard for a lot longer than 3 weeks.  He's strong as a bear and knows what it takes physically to compete. He will be fine.  Colton Jackson looks like a prototype tackle. 6'6", 315, long and athletic.  The play calling I mentioned above would help him greatly. I'm not saying that there won't be growing pains, but in time Colton will be special. 
As for the reserves, Johnny Gibson is big and reliable, Jackson Hannah is strong and very smart, Zach Rogers is strong and a reliable center, Deion Malone came from the JUCO and is picking it up quickly, and Jalen Merrick is simply huge.  Klint Harvey is huge as well and learning the system. Jake Hall may be moving to TE according Coach B. And finally Sone is not big enough yet. He came in at 260 and is now 280. Coach Herbert's plan is for him to weigh 295-300 by the fall. I only know this about Sone since he grew up in my house.  When you add Ramirez and Heinrich this fall, we will have quality, but the lack of experience will have to be overcome. The guys have the utmost confidence in each other and Coach Anderson. The OLine will be a strength for the team by this fall I'm certain.


Thanks for these types of updates.
Keep em coming!
+1
His response to me:
Quote from: hawginbigd1 on October 13, 2016, 11:48:33 am
So everyone one of the nationalized incidents were justified? There is no race problems with policing? If that is what you believe.....well bless your heart, it must be hard going through life with the obstacles you must have to overcome. Do they send a bus to come pick you up?

Rockhawg

I was impressed with the play calling last year and i will not be surprised at all if i see us line up with four wide outs. Enos is all about finding the advantage and exploiting it. We are loaded at Receiver and Austin can make any throw you need him to make. I'm not saying CBB gives up the run, but he does have confidence in Enos. We are going to have more speed in the backfield this year and if we can spread a team out a little, i can see us hitting some long gainers in the run game. It would certainly give the other team something extra to have to prepare for.

Biggus Piggus

I only suggested Skipper back at guard because he would make the move more easily than Wallace is. Wallace excels on certain plays, but he has a lot to learn. He had a hard time learning the tackle positions. Maybe he has an aptitude for guard, but he has to be able to play without mistakes too.

Plus: let me reiterate - this was my view on who would be best right now at each position. The coaches are still trying to stick body types into positions. They are not close to the stage where they have to reevaluate everything, which I'm guessing they will face at some point this season.
[CENSORED]!

JIHawg

Quote from: FANONTHEHILL on April 18, 2016, 05:36:36 pm
Here's my two cents on the OLine.  Ragnow is the best of the lot and will be a star wherever you bout him.  No doubt he's the center. At right guard Wallace has been amazing since moving inside. I don't see them moving Skipper inside. He's experienced at RT and with the lack of experience on the left side, I see a lot of left play action, boot right and roll outs to the right to help the left side.  You need a solid RT to keep the DE out of the QB's face, and Skipper can do that.  Hjalte Froholdt looks like he's been a guard for a lot longer than 3 weeks.  He's strong as a bear and knows what it takes physically to compete. He will be fine.  Colton Jackson looks like a prototype tackle. 6'6", 315, long and athletic.  The play calling I mentioned above would help him greatly. I'm not saying that there won't be growing pains, but in time Colton will be special. 
As for the reserves, Johnny Gibson is big and reliable, Jackson Hannah is strong and very smart, Zach Rogers is strong and a reliable center, Deion Malone came from the JUCO and is picking it up quickly, and Jalen Merrick is simply huge.  Klint Harvey is huge as well and learning the system. Jake Hall may be moving to TE according Coach B. And finally Sone is not big enough yet. He came in at 260 and is now 280. Coach Herbert's plan is for him to weigh 295-300 by the fall. I only know this about Sone since he grew up in my house.  When you add Ramirez and Heinrich this fall, we will have quality, but the lack of experience will have to be overcome. The guys have the utmost confidence in each other and Coach Anderson. The OLine will be a strength for the team by this fall I'm certain.
[/quo
Quote from: FANONTHEHILL on April 18, 2016, 05:36:36 pm


Lots of insight here.  I really appreciate and believe this take.







hoghevn

Quote from: FANONTHEHILL on April 18, 2016, 05:36:36 pm
Here's my two cents on the OLine.  Ragnow is the best of the lot and will be a star wherever you bout him.  No doubt he's the center. At right guard Wallace has been amazing since moving inside. I don't see them moving Skipper inside. He's experienced at RT and with the lack of experience on the left side, I see a lot of left play action, boot right and roll outs to the right to help the left side.  You need a solid RT to keep the DE out of the QB's face, and Skipper can do that.  Hjalte Froholdt looks like he's been a guard for a lot longer than 3 weeks.  He's strong as a bear and knows what it takes physically to compete. He will be fine.  Colton Jackson looks like a prototype tackle. 6'6", 315, long and athletic.  The play calling I mentioned above would help him greatly. I'm not saying that there won't be growing pains, but in time Colton will be special. 
As for the reserves, Johnny Gibson is big and reliable, Jackson Hannah is strong and very smart, Zach Rogers is strong and a reliable center, Deion Malone came from the JUCO and is picking it up quickly, and Jalen Merrick is simply huge.  Klint Harvey is huge as well and learning the system. Jake Hall may be moving to TE according Coach B. And finally Sone is not big enough yet. He came in at 260 and is now 280. Coach Herbert's plan is for him to weigh 295-300 by the fall. I only know this about Sone since he grew up in my house.  When you add Ramirez and Heinrich this fall, we will have quality, but the lack of experience will have to be overcome. The guys have the utmost confidence in each other and Coach Anderson. The OLine will be a strength for the team by this fall I'm certain.

Thanks for your input. I'm very reassured after reading your educated/well versed viewpont vs others who are soley critical, without facts.
Einstein - "The difference between genius and stupdity; genius has limits."

Bacon_Bitz

Quote from: beringer62 on April 18, 2016, 06:35:50 pm
How is Cantrell looking? I expected him to make a contribution immediately.

Coach B said in a presse a couple of days ago that he plays aggressive but makes mistakes - both the same ones over and over again, and then the occasional bust as well. Said he was like a little bit of both O'Grady and Gragg in that respect.

FANONTHEHILL, you are Hogville's Spring 2016 MVP.

SamBuckhart

Best depth that I can remember on offense. Could we see a 5 TE set just to make some DBs doodle their drawers. Wooo pig!
BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL. THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS!!!  WOOO PIG!!!

 

snoop hawgy hawg

Quote from: Rockhawg on April 18, 2016, 07:40:59 pm
I was impressed with the play calling last year and i will not be surprised at all if i see us line up with four wide outs. Enos is all about finding the advantage and exploiting it. We are loaded at Receiver and Austin can make any throw you need him to make. I'm not saying CBB gives up the run, but he does have confidence in Enos. We are going to have more speed in the backfield this year and if we can spread a team out a little, i can see us hitting some long gainers in the run game. It would certainly give the other team something extra to have to prepare for.
so.....you basically want us to stop running the power-o and run the spread...

bennyl08

Quote from: CFB_Fanatic on April 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pm
What specifically do you mean by this? I ask because I think CBB has said and shown that his philosophy requires at least 3 RBs that will see meaningful minutes. The past couple of years it has been JWill, KW, Korliss Marshall, AC, and RW in some form or fashion. Just saying I dont see us having a "main" back and a backup. I think there will be at least 2 main backs and at least a 3rd back that will see significant minutes.

We haven't used a committee approach on the hill since 2012.

So far under CBB, we've used a rb tandem. Tandem is where you have two backs that you feature prominently. They are both a focal point. Last year with Williams hurt, we used a single feature back with an understudy/relief back.

A committee is when you have a multitude of backs all getting nearly equal/significant carries, but whose goal is to keep the offense balanced while none of the individual members is a focal point. It is possible to have a 2 person committee if you have a lot of passing. For example, Ole Miss this season is the prime example of a committee approach. 3 backs over 50 carries, none more than double another, ranging from nearly 400 yards to just over 700 yards. None of them were exactly a star of the offense or a focal point. Contrast that to Arkansas this season. 3 backs over 50 carries, but the top back had 3 times the carries of the second back. The bottom two ranged from 250-400 yards with the top back 4 times the yards of the second back. You have to go back to 2009 to find a Miss team that hasn't used a committee approach. For Arkansas, 13/14 didn't remotely come close to having a 3rd back compare and the top 2 were the focal point of the offense. However, go back to 2012, you have what is a 2, arguably 3 person committee with Dennis, Knile, and arguably JWill all with decent touches but none of whom were a focal point of the offense. DJ and Davis are over twice the carries of JWill though, but he is much closer in yards, hence debates could be made either way.

It is possible, though quite rare to have 3 backs with appx equal carries and numbers that is not a committee because all 3 are a major focal point of the offense. See Bielema's wisconson team. That becomes a 3 headed monster. Also, Arkansas in 2007 if you include Hillis.

Teams that use a committee do so because they don't have any backs good enough to be focal points. LSU (04,06,09,11, and 12). When they have an Addai, Hester, Ridley, Hill, or Fournette, and the back is mature enough to be a focal point, boom, you see them switch from committee to feature back mode. That isn't to say that you can't have success with a committee. Blue, Ware, and Ford were a solid group of guys for the LSU. None of them were great backs, but they have great players all around them and the running game didn't lack for success. If our OL comes together, Evans, Day, and Mitchell could be similarly dangerous as a committee. None of them are going to wow you or go on to win great awards or get drafted highly, but they can be effective as runners.
Quote from: PorkSoda on May 05, 2016, 09:24:05 pm
damn I thought it was only a color, didn't realize it was named after a liqueur. leave it to benny to make me research the history of chartreuse

nwahogfan1

Quote from: Biggus Piggus on April 18, 2016, 07:53:46 pm
I only suggested Skipper back at guard because he would make the move more easily than Wallace is. Wallace excels on certain plays, but he has a lot to learn. He had a hard time learning the tackle positions. Maybe he has an aptitude for guard, but he has to be able to play without mistakes too.

Plus: let me reiterate - this was my view on who would be best right now at each position. The coaches are still trying to stick body types into positions. They are not close to the stage where they have to reevaluate everything, which I'm guessing they will face at some point this season.

How do we know what position Wallace is best suited.  Very little playing time at guard or tackle as  a Razorback.

Theolesnort

Quote from: snoop hawgy hawg on April 18, 2016, 11:21:43 pm
so.....you basically want us to stop running the power-o and run the spread...
Nawh, I think he might be hinting that we will pass to set up the run this year..........well sort of. I am a Enos believer, and he has a lot of different parts to build a offense so generally I am a lot higher on the offense than Biggus is while I wish I was as high as Biggus is on the defense (it was putrid last year). Really though we are all in the dark until 3 or 4 games into the season then we will have indications on where we are and where we are going, until then we are speculating.
There's Nuttin in the world worth a solitary dime cept Old dogs and children and watermelon wine.

Biggus Piggus

Quote from: nwahogfan1 on April 19, 2016, 12:00:22 am
How do we know what position Wallace is best suited.  Very little playing time at guard or tackle as  a Razorback.

I'm going by his learning curve.

Clay Henry believes it is possible that Ragnow could end up back at guard, Skipper at left tackle, Rogers at center, to firm up the Oline. That would depend on whether Ramirez is ready to step into right tackle. It also would leave a lot of other players contending for the other guard spot.

Wish Wallace would step up and claim one of those positions. The coaches' narrative does not support the glowing praise take.
[CENSORED]!

DeltaBoy

Good write up and the Oline will be the key to how successful of a season we have.
If the South should lose, it means that the history of the heroic struggle will be written by the enemy, that our youth will be trained by Northern school teachers, will be impressed by all of the influences of history and education to regard our gallant dead as traitors and our maimed veterans as fit subjects for derision.
-- Major General Patrick Cleburne
The Confederacy had no better soldiers
than the Arkansans--fearless, brave, and oftentimes courageous beyond
prudence. Dickart History of Kershaws Brigade.

MuskogeeHogFan

Quote from: CFB_Fanatic on April 18, 2016, 02:58:56 pm
What specifically do you mean by this? I ask because I think CBB has said and shown that his philosophy requires at least 3 RBs that will see meaningful minutes. The past couple of years it has been JWill, KW, Korliss Marshall, AC, and RW in some form or fashion. Just saying I dont see us having a "main" back and a backup. I think there will be at least 2 main backs and at least a 3rd back that will see significant minutes.

The last three years you have seen the following:

                      % Carries     % Yards
2015 Collins          47.2           53.0
        Walker         22.6           19.1
        RW III          18.1           15.9

2014 J-Will            39.8           40.5
       Collins           38.5           37.5
       Marshall        10.2            8.8
       Walker           5.8            5.1

2013 J-Will            34.7           37.6
       Collins           44.0           42.8
       Small             9.3             6.3
       Marshall          5.9             9.1

All the rest played minimal roles.
Go Hogs Go!

ChitownHawg

Quote from: MuskogeeHogFan on April 19, 2016, 08:40:47 am
The last three years you have seen the following:

                      % Carries     % Yards
2015 Collins          47.2           53.0
        Walker         22.6           19.1
        RW III          18.1           15.9

2014 J-Will            39.8           40.5
       Collins           38.5           37.5
       Marshall        10.2            8.8
       Walker           5.8            5.1

2013 J-Will            34.7           37.6
       Collins           44.0           42.8
       Small             9.3             6.3
       Marshall          5.9             9.1

All the rest played minimal roles.

Yep I'm not getting where people think CBB has a third back with meaningful minutes. 2015 is skewed a bit due to RW3's injury. If he had stayed healthy KW's percentage would have been much lower. The high percentages in 2015 between those two was due to RW3 was #2 then out and KW became the #2.

Only one season in CBB's history has he used 3 backs significantly and that was at WI. The third back was a few yards from a 1000. I am not sure of the percentage of carries breakdown for that year.
PonderinHog: "My mother gave me a framed cross-stitch picture that reads, "You can tell a Hog fan, but you can't tell him much.  Go Hogs!" It's a blessing and a curse."  :razorback:

Klamath River Hog: " Is your spell check made in India?"

Biggus Piggus

The issue with the young tight ends - they all love running patterns and catching passes. They have a lot to learn about the blocking assignments of this offense. They are still new to an offense that asks so much of the tight ends.

You saw even a fairly experienced Hunter Henry get some plays blown up because he missed blocks. What do you think it is like with these guys? You do not learn this stuff in high school anymore.

The coaches want to see someone put in the extra work to learn their assignments faster and reduce the number of mistakes. They cannot afford to half-ass the blocking part.

That is why Bielema suggested Jake Hall might join the TE mix, too. The team is looking for someone willing to focus on the unglamorous stuff.
[CENSORED]!

MuskogeeHogFan

Quote from: ChitownHawg on April 19, 2016, 08:47:29 am
Yep I'm not getting where people think CBB has a third back with meaningful minutes. 2015 is skewed a bit due to RW3's injury. If he had stayed healthy KW's percentage would have been much lower. The high percentages in 2015 between those two was due to RW3 was #2 then out and KW became the #2.

Only one season in CBB's history has he used 3 backs significantly and that was at WI. The third back was a few yards from a 1000. I am not sure of the percentage of carries breakdown for that year.

When you consider that among pure RB's you had 431 carries last season, 484 in 2014 and 409 in 2013, there aren't that many carries to spread around each game. When he had 2 main RB's in 2014 and 2013 they had 78.3% and 78.7 of the carries respectively. The other two had 16% and 15.2% of the carries split between them in those years.

I'd love to see us have 3 RB's gain over 1,000 yards but in the SEC, I don't see that happening. When the dust settles I think we will have 2 main RB's that split up the carries (barring injury) and a couple of others who see some time but split up 15-16% of the remaining carries.
Go Hogs Go!

nohuddlecoach

Every year i get on here and give ya'll my thoughts after seeing them practice in the spring a couple times.  I am a high school coach of 25 years and counting.  Here is the latest:

1. offensive line is a huge issue right now in my opinion.  We have a big problem at tackle.  Neither are very good in pass pro.  Skipper is at least physical in run game, Jackson is not.  If he starts for us, we are not very good up front.  I would love to see Rogers at center, Ragnow at guard and Wallace at LT. Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

2. Wr are good.  We will be fine there.

3. TE's are great receivers, not great blockers with the exception of Sprinkle, thus some of the moves that have been made there.  Sprinkle will make you forget Hunter Henry soon.

4. Rb's look serviceable.  Good but no stars.  We can win with these guys if they don't turn the ball over.

5. QB -- Austin Allen is the guy.  No question.  Don't expect  too much from him.  Let him grow, but he will be ok.  The others have work to do.

Right now after seeing these guys, I am scared to death with our Offensive line.  Hopefully they will improve as well.  If we don't improve at tackle, AA won't last long or we will set a world record for boots this year.

Defensively I think the front has been solid.  Secondary is a work in progress.

Sorry so short, but just general thoughts on what I have witnessed.


FANONTHEHILL

Quote from: Biggus Piggus on April 18, 2016, 07:53:46 pm
I only suggested Skipper back at guard because he would make the move more easily than Wallace is. Wallace excels on certain plays, but he has a lot to learn. He had a hard time learning the tackle positions. Maybe he has an aptitude for guard, but he has to be able to play without mistakes too.

Plus: let me reiterate - this was my view on who would be best right now at each position. The coaches are still trying to stick body types into positions. They are not close to the stage where they have to reevaluate everything, which I'm guessing they will face at some point this season.
I think the plan for Wallace will be the same path Skipper took.  Start inside and move out after you get a season of experience. The hardest thing for these long, tall, athletic tackles is being patient.  Letting the pass rushers come to you, punch them, and then get set.  I imagine that if Kirkland had come back, we'd be seeing the same thing with Colton Jackson. The natural instinct is to "go get" the guys you're supposed to block. When you're 6'6", like Briana d Colton or 6'10" like Dan, you can get caught leaning or reaching and these speed rush DEs will blow past on the outside or cut in front on the inside.  Moving inside helps them learn the speed of the game. Skipper has played very well after learning on the inside and applying it at LT in 2014 and RT in 2015.  Brian's athleticism will make him a strong tackle in the future.  This year will be a great chance for him to learn. Colton will have to learn on the fly, but he's incredibly talented.  There will be growing pains, but take our reserves and add Ramirez and Heinrich this summer, and we are developing solid depth.  We are turning the corner by  guys in and developing them for a couple years before they need to see the field.  An unusual luxury in the past.
Favorite quote from practice.  Made to my son:<br /><br /><br />Technique is nice, but it comes down to this.  Block the F'er in front of you. - Sam Pittman 2015

Grizzlyfan

Is BB trying to light a fire under somebody by listing Froholdt as #1? or is he that ready?

JIHawg

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Every year i get on here and give ya'll my thoughts after seeing them practice in the spring a couple times.  I am a high school coach of 25 years and counting.  Here is the latest:

1. offensive line is a huge issue right now in my opinion.  We have a big problem at tackle.  Neither are very good in pass pro.  Skipper is at least physical in run game, Jackson is not.  If he starts for us, we are not very good up front.  I would love to see Rogers at center, Ragnow at guard and Wallace at LT. Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

2. Wr are good.  We will be fine there.

3. TE's are great receivers, not great blockers with the exception of Sprinkle, thus some of the moves that have been made there.  Sprinkle will make you forget Hunter Henry soon.

4. Rb's look serviceable.  Good but no stars.  We can win with these guys if they don't turn the ball over.

5. QB -- Austin Allen is the guy.  No question.  Don't expect  too much from him.  Let him grow, but he will be ok.  The others have work to do.

Right now after seeing these guys, I am scared to death with our Offensive line.  Hopefully they will improve as well.  If we don't improve at tackle, AA won't last long or we will set a world record for boots this year.

Defensively I think the front has been solid.  Secondary is a work in progress.

Sorry so short, but just general thoughts on what I have witnessed.



Appreciate the non-rose colored glasses input.  Post much more often.

FANONTHEHILL

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Every year i get on here and give ya'll my thoughts after seeing them practice in the spring a couple times.  I am a high school coach of 25 years and counting.  Here is the latest:

1. offensive line is a huge issue right now in my opinion.  We have a big problem at tackle.  Neither are very good in pass pro.  Skipper is at least physical in run game, Jackson is not.  If he starts for us, we are not very good up front.  I would love to see Rogers at center, Ragnow at guard and Wallace at LT. Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

2. Wr are good.  We will be fine there.

3. TE's are great receivers, not great blockers with the exception of Sprinkle, thus some of the moves that have been made there.  Sprinkle will make you forget Hunter Henry soon.

4. Rb's look serviceable.  Good but no stars.  We can win with these guys if they don't turn the ball over.

5. QB -- Austin Allen is the guy.  No question.  Don't expect  too much from him.  Let him grow, but he will be ok.  The others have work to do.

Right now after seeing these guys, I am scared to death with our Offensive line.  Hopefully they will improve as well.  If we don't improve at tackle, AA won't last long or we will set a world record for boots this year.

Defensively I think the front has been solid.  Secondary is a work in progress.

Sorry so short, but just general thoughts on what I have witnessed.



Agree on Austin at QB, the race is for #2.

The Stars in the backfield will be Williams and Whaley when he arrives.  Willaims showed flashes last year and in practice had looked quicker and stronger than he did prior to his injury last fall.

A #2 TE needs to step up. O'Grady is a better receiver, Cantrell is a better blocker, but Gragg is better all around.  Last year, Henry went vertical, while Sprinkle crossed underneath.  Sprinkle will be the seam guy this year.  It will be interesting to see which of the three mentioned above step up.  Also don't count out Bell.

WR is strongest aspect of the team. No doubt.

Now the OLine.  Biggest question mark and biggest concern for sure.  Our left side is a RFr Jackson and a converted DT Froholdt.  Both are excellent athletes, but very green. The entire offensive line is learning new schemes, play responsibilities, hand techniques, and foot techniques.  There is a learning curve. Anderson has brought the principles of the Buffalo Bills system. The way OLine uses their hands, pushes and pulls, an the way they come off the ball are new to everyone. I encourage you to take a look at some film from Buffalo last year.  Their zone running game was the best in the NFL.  Take Williams, Whaley, and Walker and run down hill on people.  If you watch Whaley's high school film, he's a put a foot in the ground, make a cut, and go backside or straight up then middle.  He will thrive in this scheme.  There will be issues for sure to start the season, but from a technique standpoint, he's brought more to the table as OLine coach. Btw, the kids really like him as well.
Favorite quote from practice.  Made to my son:<br /><br /><br />Technique is nice, but it comes down to this.  Block the F'er in front of you. - Sam Pittman 2015

ChitownHawg

Quote from: MuskogeeHogFan on April 19, 2016, 08:59:46 am
When you consider that among pure RB's you had 431 carries last season, 484 in 2014 and 409 in 2013, there aren't that many carries to spread around each game. When he had 2 main RB's in 2014 and 2013 they had 78.3% and 78.7 of the carries respectively. The other two had 16% and 15.2% of the carries split between them in those years.

I'd love to see us have 3 RB's gain over 1,000 yards but in the SEC, I don't see that happening. When the dust settles I think we will have 2 main RB's that split up the carries (barring injury) and a couple of others who see some time but split up 15-16% of the remaining carries.

We are on the same page.
PonderinHog: "My mother gave me a framed cross-stitch picture that reads, "You can tell a Hog fan, but you can't tell him much.  Go Hogs!" It's a blessing and a curse."  :razorback:

Klamath River Hog: " Is your spell check made in India?"

KlubhouseKonnected

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Every year i get on here and give ya'll my thoughts after seeing them practice in the spring a couple times.  I am a high school coach of 25 years and counting.  Here is the latest:

1. offensive line is a huge issue right now in my opinion.  We have a big problem at tackle.  Neither are very good in pass pro.  Skipper is at least physical in run game, Jackson is not.  If he starts for us, we are not very good up front.  I would love to see Rogers at center, Ragnow at guard and Wallace at LT. Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

2. Wr are good.  We will be fine there.

3. TE's are great receivers, not great blockers with the exception of Sprinkle, thus some of the moves that have been made there.  Sprinkle will make you forget Hunter Henry soon.

4. Rb's look serviceable.  Good but no stars.  We can win with these guys if they don't turn the ball over.

5. QB -- Austin Allen is the guy.  No question.  Don't expect  too much from him.  Let him grow, but he will be ok.  The others have work to do.

Right now after seeing these guys, I am scared to death with our Offensive line.  Hopefully they will improve as well.  If we don't improve at tackle, AA won't last long or we will set a world record for boots this year.

Defensively I think the front has been solid.  Secondary is a work in progress.

Sorry so short, but just general thoughts on what I have witnessed.



Straight forward
If Auburn is dirty so is Gus. You can't have it both ways. Deal with it.

ChitownHawg

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Every year i get on here and give ya'll my thoughts after seeing them practice in the spring a couple times.  I am a high school coach of 25 years and counting.  Here is the latest:

1. offensive line is a huge issue right now in my opinion.  We have a big problem at tackle.  Neither are very good in pass pro.  Skipper is at least physical in run game, Jackson is not.  If he starts for us, we are not very good up front.  I would love to see Rogers at center, Ragnow at guard and Wallace at LT. Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

2. Wr are good.  We will be fine there.

3. TE's are great receivers, not great blockers with the exception of Sprinkle, thus some of the moves that have been made there.  Sprinkle will make you forget Hunter Henry soon.

4. Rb's look serviceable.  Good but no stars.  We can win with these guys if they don't turn the ball over.

5. QB -- Austin Allen is the guy.  No question.  Don't expect  too much from him.  Let him grow, but he will be ok.  The others have work to do.

Right now after seeing these guys, I am scared to death with our Offensive line.  Hopefully they will improve as well.  If we don't improve at tackle, AA won't last long or we will set a world record for boots this year.

Defensively I think the front has been solid.  Secondary is a work in progress.

Sorry so short, but just general thoughts on what I have witnessed.

Thanks for the feedback on practices. I think we really will not know what we have until some key players get on campus.

Going by your handle do you know much about pro-style schemes? Just kidding.  ;)
PonderinHog: "My mother gave me a framed cross-stitch picture that reads, "You can tell a Hog fan, but you can't tell him much.  Go Hogs!" It's a blessing and a curse."  :razorback:

Klamath River Hog: " Is your spell check made in India?"

nohuddlecoach

Quote from: ChitownHawg on April 19, 2016, 11:00:54 am
Thanks for the feedback on practices. I think we really will not know what we have until some key players get on campus.

Going by your handle do you know much about pro-style schemes? Just kidding.  ;)

LOL.. Enough to know that pro-style, college style, high school style usually comes down to blocking, throwing, catching, and not turning the ball over.  Right now I think we can do 3 of the 4 well.  Hopefully the 4th area will improve. 

Pig in the Pokey

Quote from: beringer62 on April 18, 2016, 06:35:50 pm
How is Cantrell looking? I expected him to make a contribution immediately.
lost unfortunately
You must be on one if you think i aint on one! ¥420¥   «roastin da bomb in fayettenam» Purspirit Gang

ChitownHawg

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 11:05:34 am
LOL.. Enough to know that pro-style, college style, high school style usually comes down to blocking, throwing, catching, and not turning the ball over.  Right now I think we can do 3 of the 4 well.  Hopefully the 4th area will improve.

Well they need to be 4 of 4 so I don't look foolish as I made a Spring prediction of 10 wins. And I don't need any help from the team as looking foolish comes natural to me.   ;D
PonderinHog: "My mother gave me a framed cross-stitch picture that reads, "You can tell a Hog fan, but you can't tell him much.  Go Hogs!" It's a blessing and a curse."  :razorback:

Klamath River Hog: " Is your spell check made in India?"

Biggus Piggus

Quote from: nohuddlecoach on April 19, 2016, 09:27:34 am
Not sold on the Oline coach either, in comparison with what we have had.

Would like to see some elaboration on this comment. How exactly do coaches evaluate coaches?
[CENSORED]!

ChitownHawg

Quote from: Biggus Piggus on April 19, 2016, 11:22:53 am
Would like to see some elaboration on this comment. How exactly do coaches evaluate coaches?

Great question.
PonderinHog: "My mother gave me a framed cross-stitch picture that reads, "You can tell a Hog fan, but you can't tell him much.  Go Hogs!" It's a blessing and a curse."  :razorback:

Klamath River Hog: " Is your spell check made in India?"

nohuddlecoach

Quote from: Biggus Piggus on April 19, 2016, 11:22:53 am
Would like to see some elaboration on this comment. How exactly do coaches evaluate coaches?

Just from the product i see on the field, and what i see being taught.  I haven't sat in on any meetings yet.  And as I said, yet, is a key word.  I am pulling for him, I wasn't sold on Pittman either at first, but his results were very good.  And in college, your about as good a coach as the kids you can get on campus.  As I have always said, I love this staff.  I think they do a really good job.  I think there are some questions here though.  Some guys who maybe haven't panned out to be as good as were hoped when recruited.  I just don't believe we have put our 5 best guys on the field yet there.  But, time will answer this question, and he certainly deserves time to get it right.  Springball usually serves the purpose of experience and seeing what has to be done over the summer to fix the issues.  Fall will answer this question better than spring will.

root_hawg

All depends upon that offensive line; everything else is in place or have confidence in the replacement

FANONTHEHILL

Only today, Thursday, and Friday's walk through left.  I'll see what they look like today. With no practice the last couple days, interested to see how fresh they look this afternoon.
Favorite quote from practice.  Made to my son:<br /><br /><br />Technique is nice, but it comes down to this.  Block the F'er in front of you. - Sam Pittman 2015