Spring Practice-- What do you want to see?

[Lake City Hog]

With spring practice looming what are you hoping to see?

ME??
1. I hope to see the O'Line come out of the Spring with 5 starters pretty much set.
I would love for Pittman to come out and say that we are solid enough with Wallace, Beck and Danenhauer that we will be able to Redshirt the incoming Freshmen. I don't care who plays where or who is backing up at any position.

2. I would also love to have Mike I come on here and tell us that our offense will be as greatly affected by Enos as our Defense was by Smith! If Irwin can see that Enos is having an impact on BA and that his play calling will be diverse enough to force defenses to play us honest I will be ecstatic.

3. And lastly I would love for Smith to tell us all that Ellis will hold down the middle for the next 2 years because Williams and Ramsey are in a real street-fight over Spaight's spot. I want him to say to us that although Spaight will be missed, his shoes are being filled quite nicely.

[JIHawg]

Everything.  Unfortunately, with a new OC, we'll probably go into hiding mode, not showing what he brings to the table.

I want to see Jo Jo practice.  I want to see the back up QB's compete.  I want to know who will emerge on defense to replace the three great ones we lost.

[Tick Hog]

First and foremost a healthy spring. In a perfect world you would want every starter to have someone on their heels.

[reddogjcss]

Defense as good as there best games last year.
Offense better running at goal line. Better separation from receivers and catch every ball thrown to them.
Special teams best in country.

[BOAR_N2BWILD]

  a running back coach

Any news?

[bigdaddyhawg]

With spring practice looming what are you hoping to see?

ME??
1. I hope to see the O'Line come out of the Spring with 5 starters pretty much set.

Not me.  I want Sam to move guys around and experiment to his heart content, and keep those guys challenged and fighting for jobs.

There's time in August for him to get things set.

3. And lastly I would love for Smith to tell us all that Ellis will hold down the middle for the next 2 years because Williams and Ramsey are in a real street-fight over Spaight's spot. I want him to say to us that although Spaight will be missed, his shoes are being filled quite nicely.

Word is Brooks is better suited outside, and Josh for the middle, so I hope everything that needs to happen for Josh to be the man in the middle happens in spades!

And that the young lb's grow and get ready to produce this fall.

I also would love to see a second string QB step up, distinguish himself this spring to give us actual depth there.

And for Josh Liddell to come on strong and become the stud safety we so badly need.

[bennyl08]

QB: I want to see at least one of Austin/Rafe look like they can lead an SEC offense. This will increase pressure on Brandon in practices, but more importantly, relieve pressure on coaches being overly fearful of his injury. Any coach fears replacing his starting qb (except Spurrier who often revels in playing mindgames with his), but allowing him to leave the game if he is injured too bad and allowing him to take off and run if that is the best play. Also, would like to see Storey look just a half-step behind Austin and Rafe. He red-shirts this year, but is in the middle of the qb battle next season.

RB: work on developing the new guys. Williams and Collins both have just enough speed to take it to the house presented opportunity. Walker, Evans, and Day don't have near the same speed as the primary two. If one of them goes down, we will have to adjust playcalling with the backups. Now is when we really make sure to know which play calls they are best at.

WR: Who steps up to take the heat off of Hatcher? Will JoJo reach expectations or fall behind the depth chart? What will be our bread and butter with routes?

TE: Will Gragg step up and beat out those ahead of him before spring's end (see what I did there?) What can Kraus do? Regardless, both of those guys will get plenty of PT as we will be a bit low on TE #'s during spring.

OT: Kirkland or Wallace? I like the idea of having young guys start of inside and moving their way out. However, by all accounts, Wallace is more athletic than Kirkland and I may quickly be proven otherwise, but I have doubts about Kirklands ability on the outside, particularly against fast players. Will Kirkland impress with his footwork this spring and prove he is capable of playing tackle? Will Wallace demonstrate understanding beyond what is expected and prove more capable at tackle, or will the answer remain unsolved, with the threat of Kirkland not being ideal at tackle, but the best option we have? Do our backups whatever happens show enough promise to redshirt all the incoming guys? Given their seniority, it may be wise to play one of the freshman so that we can have some depth next season, Merrick being the primary candidate IMO.

OG: Could also be summed up as Kirkland or Wallace? I remember hearing some talk about Ragnow not being ideal at center. Does he switch to guard with Rogers coming in, or does he maintain his role as backup center to allow redshirt?

OC: See above.

DE: Obviously, the question becomes, who fills Flower's shoes is the biggest question. How does Wise look fully healed from last season's injury? Where on the depth chart will Ledbetter rank at spring's end? Who will the real backups be, given that we have an absolute gluttony of SEC caliber DE's, I am going into the season considering the top 4 to all be starters.

DT: More important than who takes Philon's place is what scheme do we go with at DT? Last year both our starters were under 300 while both our backups were well, well into the 300's. Does it make sense to have one big like like Jackson and a small DT like Johnson, or is it better to have both players be smaller and quick or both be big and strong?

LB: Everything. We don't have many on scholarship and we lost 2 starters from last season. Which of the three freshmen, Hackett, Eugene, and Ramsey man up for roles as starter by the spring game and who is left as a backup? Which positions will any of them play?

CB: Who takes the nickel spot vacated by Tevin? Do we continue to see more press coverage?

S: With Gaines reinstated, how long will he remain in the dog house? Will he resume a starting role or will he have to fight from the bottom up? With Coley and Liddell, will his experience as a starter be enough to allow him to regain starting role? With deficient depth at S, do we see any of our corners, like Ramirez transition further back?

K: What's up with Hedlund? Will he be kicking to keep his scholarship this spring, or will coach prove that kickers really do improve over time? If he is not better than what we had last year, it could be bad. Given his HS production, I have trouble imagining that so, but why he did not play last year is a mystery.

P: Will Toby Baker prove enough as Henson and McFain did to have us redshirt Blake this coming season?

KR/PR: Both fun and exciting questions, but I have nothing more meaningful to ask than I wonder who will emerge?

*Not spring practice related, but I'm curious to see the updated heights/weights for all our players. Who trimmed up, who bulked up, what do they list the early enrollees as? Any number changes or listed position changes?

[DezNuttstehsuq]

I want to see Brandon Allen has acquired the ability to look off a safety and not lock on to one side of the field.

[ldfergu]

Curious if AC will continue returning kicks next year? I think he'll do well there

[Exit Pursued by a Boar]

I want to see Brandon Allen has acquired the ability to look off a safety and not lock on to one side of the field.

And preferably also acquired the ability to not overthrow receivers who get behind the defense.

EFBAB

[gawntrail]

Backs out in patterns.

Back out front side as check down.

2 Back play action pass.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game w/ Jet Sweep action.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game w/ play action.

5 step game w/intermediate crossing routes.

Quick screens to trips.

4 QBs getting snaps w/ 1s.

Wider line splits.

Pancake blocks from OL and FBs.

Crack blocks sealing edge from slot/split TE.

Toss sweep to the field.

That's a start.

[12247]

Open practice so those that can would be able to actually SEE. 

We'll be about the same as this past season except more seasoned.  Hope that means more wins.

[GalaHawg]

Quick screens to trips.

^^^ This

[bigdaddyhawg]

Backs out in patterns.

Back out front side as check down.

2 Back play action pass.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game w/ Jet Sweep action.

Shotgun/Pistol power running game w/ play action.

5 step game w/intermediate crossing routes.

Quick screens to trips.

4 QBs getting snaps w/ 1s.

Wider line splits.

Pancake blocks from OL and FBs.

Crack blocks sealing edge from slot/split TE.

Toss sweep to the field.

That's a start.

So you want to see us run a completely different offense then, right?

[gawntrail]

So you want to see us run a completely different offense then, right?

Nice try.

Everything I listed can be implemented in to a slobberknocker pure in-your-face power running philosophy.

[gawntrail]

Oh.  Forgot....

FGs. Lots and lots of FG kicking.

And, kickoffs.  Lots and lots of kickoffs 5 yds deep into the end zone and beyond.

[bigdaddyhawg]

Nice try.

Everything I listed can be implemented in to a slobberknocker pure in-your-face power running philosophy.

How much shotgun or pistol have you seen CBB run?

And, yes, the offense you are describing would be a completely different offense, come on.  Three WR's, tons of WR screens and lots of backs flooding passing routes?

You missing ol' Bobby?

Note: I miss his offense too from time to time.  ;-)

[PaintballHog]

Offense

1. I want the receiving core go from the worst position on offense to one of the best. Would be nice to hear reports of of JoJo and Reed just tearing it up.

2. Leader on the Oline emerge. With Cook gone, we need that group to have a commander on the battlefield.

3. TE utilized in any way possible. SCREENS please.

4. BA to continue the progression he had last year. Would like to hear Storey living up to the hype from the coaches.

5. Who will be next in line behind Williams and Collins? We need to have someone break away from the pack or else we'll have to land at least two highly rated rbs in the next class.

Defense

1. The rookies on Dline. Who can we save with redshirts and who do we need to fill in on Dline after losing flowers and philon? Dline is the position that I'm not worried at all about depth, wouldn't be surprised if all the rookies redshirted and Ledbetter be the only one we see next year. Although Bell and Denmark may be too good to keep on the bench...

2. Linebackers. I would like the conversation shift from "young talent" to "solid core". We have two good LBs (3 counting greenlaw) come in as rookies that I think need a year to adjust to SEC play. Need the guys already here to step up.

3. Secondary. It seems like we have a solid pool of players, but nobody has a spot locked up. Anyone can step up a tiny bit during spring practices and make huge leaps up the depth charts. I want to see guys win the spot and work to own it. Last year they were excellent at capitalizing on ints and pass blocks, but I want to see an emergence of a punisher. A guy that may get acouple targeting penalties during the year, but when an opposing receivers want to go across the middle, they will think twice.

For special teams, I just want the kickers we gave scholarships to actually be worth the scholarship they're taking up.


I'm normally not this critical of the team, this is just me nit picking. The team was playing incredible last year and I expect them to keep improving. WPS

[gawntrail]

How much shotgun or pistol have you seen CBB run?

And, yes, the offense you are describing would be a completely different offense, come on.  Three WR's, tons of WR screens and lots of backs flooding passing routes?

You missing ol' Bobby?

Note: I miss his offense too from time to time.  ;-)

Again, nice try.

You do understand that a power offense is BASED on the front 5 OL?  Adding TEs into the mix adds defenders too..... Right?  You get the math we're working with here......

5 OL + 1 RB = 6

That's 4 'outside' receivers.... Basically aligned from a flex TE out.... 

So, the Defense is forced into straight man w/ 4 defenders.... Leaving 7 in the box.  Or man free 5 defenders on 4 receivers leaving 6 in the box.  Or some sort of zone or hybrid from a 4-2-5 base or nickel. 

All of that favors a power run scheme from 4 wide single back gun/pistol alignments.

[Cletus]

Not necessarily in spring practice, but I want to see the ball driven deep in the passing game, more fullback/H-back sets in the running game, and less tell from the formation in the run game.

[wholehog92]

1.  I want to see a game-breaker emerge on offense.  A defense stretcher vertically and or horizontally.
2.  I want to hear a backup QB the coaches are confident in.
3.  I would love to hear that BA is continuing to improve.
4.  I want to hear the coaches are happy with our LBs and safeties.
5.  We need a leader to emerge on the DL.
6.  I don't want to hear about any significant injuries.
7.  A 3rd string RB/change of pace guy needs to emerge.
8.  Screens implemented into our offense as an option.

[Paul]

Vertical passing threats
Duwop QBing in the goal line offense.
Solid kicking & special team play
5 TE sets. Only a slightly kidding

[bigdaddyhawg]

Again, nice try.

You do understand that a power offense is BASED on the front 5 OL?  Adding TEs into the mix adds defenders too..... Right?  You get the math we're working with here......

5 OL + 1 RB = 6

That's 4 'outside' receivers.... Basically aligned from a flex TE out.... 

So, the Defense is forced into straight man w/ 4 defenders.... Leaving 7 in the box.  Or man free 5 defenders on 4 receivers leaving 6 in the box.  Or some sort of zone or hybrid from a 4-2-5 base or nickel. 

All of that favors a power run scheme from 4 wide single back gun/pistol alignments.

You're talking theory of CFB offense, and I'm talking real life under our current HC.

[gawntrail]

You're talking theory of CFB offense, and I'm talking real life under our current HC.

I'm talking exactly what CBB asked for from Chaney.  More creativity in the run game. 

That's not theory.  That is reality based on what CBB is, what CBB wants, and looking to current viable examples in P5 schools Ohio State, Michigan (knowing Harbaugh's M.O.) Oklahoma, some Okie State, and folding in some other wrinkles.

I'm sure Enos has it all handled.  I think those of us that found Chaney so inept, and those that want nothing more than to point to a hole at the line and dare the Defense to stop us.... will both be happy.

[robs4516]

1.  I want to see a game-breaker emerge on offense.  A defense stretcher vertically and or horizontally.
2.  I want to hear a backup QB the coaches are confident in.
3.  I would love to hear that BA is continuing to improve.
4.  I want to hear the coaches are happy with our LBs and safeties.
5.  We need a leader to emerge on the DL.
6.  I don't want to hear about any significant injuries.
7.  A 3rd string RB/change of pace guy needs to emerge.
8.  Screens implemented into our offense as an option.

That's what I'm talkin' bout!

[mhsbc59]

Healthy is all i want coming out of spring

[Styflin]

It is semi entertaining reading some of this stuff. It's as if a lot of you don't actually listen to our coaches, watch our games, or pay attention to recruiting. I take that back...  It's more frustrating than entertaining.

[ricepig]

It is semi entertaining reading some of this stuff. It's as if a lot of you don't actually listen to our coaches, watch our games, or pay attention to recruiting. I take that back...  It's more frustrating than entertaining.

I want to see either the split back veer, or the flexbone, I'll hangup and listen.....

[gawntrail]

I want to see either the split back veer, or the flexbone, I'll hangup and listen.....

Double Tight/Double Wing.  Power O in a phone booth.

[MissippHog]

Cheerleaders.  Back-handsprings, roundouts, blonde hair, short skirts and midriffs.  That's what I want to see.

[Hoginsavga]

For the spring game I would like to see the number one offense against # one defense and # 2 offense against # 2 defense for the 1st qtr. next three quarters mix it up with ones against twos rotating other players into the game.

Play real game rules with the QBs off limits, maybe limit hits on Williams and Collins.

[bigdaddyhawg]

Healthy is all i want coming out of spring

We definitely need more than this from our spring practices.  If not, why would you hold them at all?

[bigbadhog]

A true downfield vertical passing game but I am probably dreaming...

[SemperHawg]

On the list of less important, but still something I would like to see.

I would like us to finally define and have a useful role for Duwop. The guy was a 4 star which I know, I know stars mean nothing.  However athletically the dude has the tools it would be a shame to have him here for 4 years and not find somewhere to use him.

[PonderinHog]

Cheerleaders.  Back-handsprings, roundouts, blonde hair, short skirts and midriffs.  That's what I want to see.

And free beer

[bigdaddyhawg]

A true downfield vertical passing game but I am probably dreaming...

That might to wait until Mr. Reed arrives, this fall hopefully.

[hogsanity]

On the list of less important, but still something I would like to see.

I would like us to finally define and have a useful role for Duwop. The guy was a 4 star which I know, I know stars mean nothing.  However athletically the dude has the tools it would be a shame to have him here for 4 years and not find somewhere to use him.

Has the tools to do what? Play Qb over BA aa rp)) & ts? Play rb? Wr?

[secneahog]

With spring practice looming what are you hoping to see?

ME??
1. I hope to see the O'Line come out of the Spring with 5 starters pretty much set.
I would love for Pittman to come out and say that we are solid enough with Wallace, Beck and Danenhauer that we will be able to Redshirt the incoming Freshmen. I don't care who plays where or who is backing up at any position.

2. I would also love to have Mike I come on here and tell us that our offense will be as greatly affected by Enos as our Defense was by Smith! If Irwin can see that Enos is having an impact on BA and that his play calling will be diverse enough to force defenses to play us honest I will be ecstatic.

3. And lastly I would love for Smith to tell us all that Ellis will hold down the middle for the next 2 years because Williams and Ramsey are in a real street-fight over Spaight's spot. I want him to say to us that although Spaight will be missed, his shoes are being filled quite nicely.

Eugene is going to take that middle spot.  Ellis belongs on the outside. 

[Nuttcracker, Sweet!]

Mostly the OL and LB positions, backup QBs, RBs and WRs who can get separation. My nephew claims we had "WRs running wide open all over the field" which only he could see because he watched all the games on tape...

If that was the case, either our coaches cannot see, don't watch tape or I believe we would have been recruiting a JC QB. I asked him if he saw any crop circles or UFOs flying over RRS since he was seeing things no one else did... no answer.

Also, let me add: I don't think we will see much of what Enos will bring to the offense until fall. I know, Captain Obvious, but anyone expecting a lot of pistol/4 WR sets is delusional.

We have 3 TEs who have seen a lot of action, Kraus is a redshirt the coaches like and we just signed 3, count 'em, 3 more TEs. Somehow, I don't think Cantrell, O'Grady and Gragg were brought in to stand on the sidelines watching a "greatest show on turf" or run and shoot offense...

BB has stated over and over we are going to run the ball no matter how many defenders are in the box, with play action passes mixed in. He did not bring in an OC to run the pistol with 4 WRs.

Some fans just cannot get it thru their heads that we no longer run Petrino's offense or anything similar and we won't be as long as BB is here...

[secneahog]

Mostly the OL and LB positions, backup QBs, RBs and WRs who can get separation. My nephew claims we had "WRs running wide open all over the field" which only he could see because he watched all the games on tape...

If that was the case, either our coaches cannot see, don't watch tape or I believe we would have been recruiting a JC QB. I asked him if he saw any crop circles or UFOs flying over RRS since he was seeing things no one else did... no answer.

Also, let me add: I don't think we will see much of what Enos will bring to the offense until fall. I know, Captain Obvious, but anyone expecting a lot of pistol/4 WR sets is delusional.

We have 3 TEs who have seen a lot of action, Kraus is a redshirt the coaches like and we just signed 3, count 'em, 3 more TEs. Somehow, I don't think Cantrell, O'Grady and Gragg were brought in to stand on the sidelines watching a "greatest show on turf" or run and shoot offense...

BB has stated over and over we are going to run the ball no matter how many defenders are in the box, with play action passes mixed in. He did not bring in an OC to run the pistol with 4 WRs.

Some fans just cannot get it thru their heads that we no longer run Petrino's offense or anything similar and we won't be as long as BB is here...

Don't sleep on Sprinkle and Voelzke also.

I'm all about what Bielema wants to do. I think as the season goes on Enos will add new wrinkles.

[HF#1]

I'm honestly not sure.  I guess I wanna see our WR's and how much have they improved.  How will we use them? 

[Theolesnort]

A pool of new players coming to the surface that has promise of new stars about to develop into genuine SEC players. In other words a squad that has the ability to pass the eye test that promises depth we've not seen around here in decades. A squad that shows Herbert is earning Bielema's trust and the uncommon recruiting strategy this staff believes in. A development that will put doubts into all the star gazers in our ranks. I don't want much do I?

[hawginbigd1]

Mostly the OL and LB positions, backup QBs, RBs and WRs who can get separation. My nephew claims we had "WRs running wide open all over the field" which only he could see because he watched all the games on tape...

If that was the case, either our coaches cannot see, don't watch tape or I believe we would have been recruiting a JC QB. I asked him if he saw any crop circles or UFOs flying over RRS since he was seeing things no one else did... no answer.

Also, let me add: I don't think we will see much of what Enos will bring to the offense until fall. I know, Captain Obvious, but anyone expecting a lot of pistol/4 WR sets is delusional.

We have 3 TEs who have seen a lot of action, Kraus is a redshirt the coaches like and we just signed 3, count 'em, 3 more TEs. Somehow, I don't think Cantrell, O'Grady and Gragg were brought in to stand on the sidelines watching a "greatest show on turf" or run and shoot offense...

BB has stated over and over we are going to run the ball no matter how many defenders are in the box, with play action passes mixed in. He did not bring in an OC to run the pistol with 4 WRs.

Some fans just cannot get it thru their heads that we no longer run Petrino's offense or anything similar and we won't be as long as BB is here...

Agree with your nephew! As the ESPN blogger said because of our style we aren't blown away by Allen's inaccuracy, I went back and watched 4 games Friday and found 21 off target passes to open receivers. QB improvement and OL pass pro improvement are the biggest things I want to see in spring on O. Answers at LB on defense.

[Lake City Hog]

I watched the Super Bowl and Brady missed several wide open receivers and threw 2 INT's. That is 40% of the INT's that BA threw for the season!
Brady was under a lot of pressure from the pass rush and it showed. BA was also under constant pressure from the pass rush.
Why can't some of you people grasp that oh so simple concept???

[hawginbigd1]

I watched the Super Bowl and Brady missed several wide open receivers and threw 2 INT's. That is 40% of the INT's that BA threw for the season!
Brady was under a lot of pressure from the pass rush and it showed. BA was also under constant pressure from the pass rush.
Why can't some of you people grasp that oh so simple concept???

Did you not see the part where OL pass pro needs to improve. Part of it is BA and part of it is OL. Some of BA part might be from a lack of trust in OL. The point is if WR is open it is not the Wr problem they don't get the ball.

[ricepig]

Did you not see the part where OL pass pro needs to improve. Part of it is BA and part of it is OL. Some of BA part might be from a lack of trust in OL. The point is if WR is open it is not the Wr problem they don't get the ball.

So, did you watch from the "22" view or just off off the TV coverage?

[GoHogs1091]

Passes to the RBs out in the flats.  Even if our Offensive Linemen can't get down field to block for a screen pass, at least get the RBs out in the flats in space and isolated one-on-one against a Linebacker.

No more bunch formation on Offense.  A bunch formation actually makes it easier for a competent Defense to slow down a rushing Offense.  Need to spread out a Defense with non-bunch formations.

[hawginbigd1]

So, did you watch from the "22" view or just off off the TV coverage?

Unfortunately I don't get the all 22 view, so just what one can see from TV. So yes there are things that can't be seen from that vantage point, but there is plenty that can be seen.

[ricepig]

Unfortunately I don't get the all 22 view, so just what one can see from TV. So yes there are things that can't be seen from that vantage point, but there is plenty that can be seen.

Hard to make determinations without seeing the complete picture all at once, or it would be for most.

[hawginbigd1]

Passes to the RBs out in the flats.  Even if our Offensive Linemen can't get down field to block for a screen pass, at least get the RBs out in the flats in space and isolated one-on-one against a Linebacker.

No more bunch formation on Offense.  A bunch formation actually makes it easier for a competent Defense to slow down a rushing Offense.  Need to spread out a Defense with non-bunch formations.

I am with you on the formations, I like our backs and line against 6 or 7 in the box instead of 8 or 9 all the time.