Chris Bleich Returning in 2023

[RF2044]

Yeah sounds like 2 of the 5 OL are solidified

I’m hearing it’s an all out battle for the the other 3 spots.

Should be interesting to see how it all plays out.

Wont be surprised to see a lot of guys in and out for the Colgate game

It will be nice to finally have DEPTH, to have true competition and not have the entire unit tank if a key player or two gets dinged up. Here's who I think our BEST five will prove to be:

LT E. Cruz
LG Ellis
C Reed
RG Bleich
RT More

But we have several guys behind them who have played, even started:

C / G Ilaoa
G Bradford
G J. Cruz
T / G Wolabaugh

Ilaoa and Bradford started in the bowl game. Cruz got some run last year as a true frosh. Wolabaugh began last season starting at RT for Kentucky. I'd expect all 9 to play this year. Meaning -- competition for PT will be high, guys will be a little fresher during games because we have LEGITIMATE subs [not just stop gap / break glass in case of emergency subs], and if a guy isn't performing we can replace them with quality alternatives.

No more situations where we'll have to have Bleich or Servais hobbling around practically on one leg because we have nobody behind them.

Now -- that doesn't mean that we don't have question marks:

• Can Bleich finally get healthy?
• How quickly will Reed be ready / learn the playbook?
• Can Ellis get lighter / stronger / hold up better at the point of attack?
• Will More be up to the challenge after jumping to a higher level?
• Will newcomers beat out incumbents like Ilaoa / Bradford?
• Will anyone surprise [Moelo, Bass, Mack] and crack the rotation?
• Will we have any late additions [i.e., JUCO or portal] to add to the mix over the summer?

Will be interesting to see how things unfold.

 

[kcsu]

Can you share who this mystery person was?

Hes a current veteran player and a good one. I wont share his name.

 

[cusefan88]

It will be nice to finally have DEPTH, to have true competition and not have the entire unit tank if a key player or two gets dinged up. Here's who I think our BEST five will prove to be:

LT E. Cruz
LG Ellis
C Reed
RG Bleich
RT More

But we have several guys behind them who have played, even started:

C / G Ilaoa
G Bradford
G J. Cruz
T / G Wolabaugh

Ilaoa and Bradford started in the bowl game. Cruz got some run last year as a true frosh. Wolabaugh began last season starting at RT for Kentucky. I'd expect all 9 to play this year. Meaning -- competition for PT will be high, guys will be a little fresher during games because we have LEGITIMATE subs [not just stop gap / break glass in case of emergency subs], and if a guy isn't performing we can replace them with quality alternatives.

No more situations where we'll have to have Bleich or Servais hobbling around practically on one leg because we have nobody behind them.

Now -- that doesn't mean that we don't have question marks:

• Can Bleich finally get healthy?
• How quickly will Reed be ready / learn the playbook?
• Can Ellis get lighter / stronger / hold up better at the point of attack?
• Will More be up to the challenge after jumping to a higher level?
• Will newcomers beat out incumbents like Ilaoa / Bradford?
• Will anyone surprise [Moelo, Bass, Mack] and crack the rotation?
• Will we have any late additions [i.e., JUCO or portal] to add to the mix over the summer?

Will be interesting to see how things unfold.

I think we all know Dino has been too slow to make certain changes. Whether it's a scheme, position groups etc. Once he makes the change things go much better. This off-season has definitely been a change for the OL. New coach and they brought in 6 new scholarship OL (More, Wohlabaugh, Reed, Moelolo, Mack, Bass) with an obvious emphasis on better size from the jump.

 

[kcsu]

It will be nice to finally have DEPTH, to have true competition and not have the entire unit tank if a key player or two gets dinged up. Here's who I think our BEST five will prove to be:

LT E. Cruz
LG Ellis
C Reed
RG Bleich
RT More

But we have several guys behind them who have played, even started:

C / G Ilaoa
G Bradford
G J. Cruz
T / G Wolabaugh

Ilaoa and Bradford started in the bowl game. Cruz got some run last year as a true frosh. Wolabaugh began last season starting at RT for Kentucky. I'd expect all 9 to play this year. Meaning -- competition for PT will be high, guys will be a little fresher during games because we have LEGITIMATE subs [not just stop gap / break glass in case of emergency subs], and if a guy isn't performing we can replace them with quality alternatives.

No more situations where we'll have to have Bleich or Servais hobbling around practically on one leg because we have nobody behind them.

Now -- that doesn't mean that we don't have question marks:

• Can Bleich finally get healthy?
• How quickly will Reed be ready / learn the playbook?
• Can Ellis get lighter / stronger / hold up better at the point of attack?
• Will More be up to the challenge after jumping to a higher level?
• Will newcomers beat out incumbents like Ilaoa / Bradford?
• Will anyone surprise [Moelo, Bass, Mack] and crack the rotation?
• Will we have any late additions [i.e., JUCO or portal] to add to the mix over the summer?

Will be interesting to see how things unfold.

I believe Reed will start

 

[Chip]

It will be nice to finally have DEPTH, to have true competition and not have the entire unit tank if a key player or two gets dinged up. Here's who I think our BEST five will prove to be:

LT E. Cruz
LG Ellis
C Reed
RG Bleich
RT More

But we have several guys behind them who have played, even started:

C / G Ilaoa
G Bradford
G J. Cruz
T / G Wolabaugh

Ilaoa and Bradford started in the bowl game. Cruz got some run last year as a true frosh. Wolabaugh began last season starting at RT for Kentucky. I'd expect all 9 to play this year. Meaning -- competition for PT will be high, guys will be a little fresher during games because we have LEGITIMATE subs [not just stop gap / break glass in case of emergency subs], and if a guy isn't performing we can replace them with quality alternatives.

No more situations where we'll have to have Bleich or Servais hobbling around practically on one leg because we have nobody behind them.

Now -- that doesn't mean that we don't have question marks:

• Can Bleich finally get healthy?
• How quickly will Reed be ready / learn the playbook?
• Can Ellis get lighter / stronger / hold up better at the point of attack?
• Will More be up to the challenge after jumping to a higher level?
• Will newcomers beat out incumbents like Ilaoa / Bradford?
• Will anyone surprise [Moelo, Bass, Mack] and crack the rotation?
• Will we have any late additions [i.e., JUCO or portal] to add to the mix over the summer?

Will be interesting to see how things unfold.

For me, it's not can Bleich get healthy, I trust that he's going to start the year feeling his best. But can he stay healthy. Between surgeries and wear and tear, doesn't seem like it will take much. Rooting for him, with all he's been through. Plus I like when they do interviews with him, because he's kinda crazy. Good crazy.

 

[cusefan88]

For me, it's not can Bleich get healthy, I trust that he's going to start the year feeling his best. But can he stay healthy. Between surgeries and wear and tear, doesn't seem like it will take much. Rooting for him, with all he's been through. Plus I like when they do interviews with him, because he's kinda crazy. Good crazy.

That's where the good depth comes in. After watching Bradford last year I know he can fill in for Bleich. Wohlabaugh can probably play RG as well.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Hes a current veteran player and a good one. I wont share his name.

Any chance he was the pilot?

 

[sutomcat]

Chris made an All ACC team. Congrats to him.

 

[javadoc]

Chris made an All ACC team. Congrats to him.

Take a screenshot. No one from Clemson on that list.

 

[GoSU96]

For me, it's not can Bleich get healthy, I trust that he's going to start the year feeling his best. But can he stay healthy. Between surgeries and wear and tear, doesn't seem like it will take much. Rooting for him, with all he's been through. Plus I like when they do interviews with him, because he's kinda crazy. Good crazy.

Seems like a good kid

 

[GoSU96]

It will be nice to finally have DEPTH, to have true competition and not have the entire unit tank if a key player or two gets dinged up. Here's who I think our BEST five will prove to be:

LT E. Cruz
LG Ellis
C Reed
RG Bleich
RT More

But we have several guys behind them who have played, even started:

C / G Ilaoa
G Bradford
G J. Cruz
T / G Wolabaugh

Ilaoa and Bradford started in the bowl game. Cruz got some run last year as a true frosh. Wolabaugh began last season starting at RT for Kentucky. I'd expect all 9 to play this year. Meaning -- competition for PT will be high, guys will be a little fresher during games because we have LEGITIMATE subs [not just stop gap / break glass in case of emergency subs], and if a guy isn't performing we can replace them with quality alternatives.

No more situations where we'll have to have Bleich or Servais hobbling around practically on one leg because we have nobody behind them.

Now -- that doesn't mean that we don't have question marks:

• Can Bleich finally get healthy?
• How quickly will Reed be ready / learn the playbook?
• Can Ellis get lighter / stronger / hold up better at the point of attack?
• Will More be up to the challenge after jumping to a higher level?
• Will newcomers beat out incumbents like Ilaoa / Bradford?
• Will anyone surprise [Moelo, Bass, Mack] and crack the rotation?
• Will we have any late additions [i.e., JUCO or portal] to add to the mix over the summer?

Will be interesting to see how things unfold.

I know I’m a broken record on this, but Ellis needs to lighten up. Case of less is more

 

[CbusCuse]

I know I’m a broken record on this, but Ellis needs to lighten up. Case of less is more

Agreed. Seems he could be pretty darn good if he dedicates himself to getting his body in its best shape. From spring pics I thought it looked like he was in better shape. Let’s hope so.

Speaking of….when do we get an updated roster next?

 

[NJCuse97]

Hes a current veteran player and a good one. I wont share his name.

Was he FLYING the plane?

 

[NJCuse97]

Any chance he was the pilot?

beat me to it!

 

[kcsu]

Was he FLYING the plane?

good guess but no. He was so big that I don't think he could fit in the captain's chair. Huge person

 

[NJCuse97]

good guess but no. He was so big that I don't think he could fit in the captain's chair. Huge person

Too big some might say?

 

[kcsu]

Too big some might say?

No, this guy is chiseled.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[SmilinBob]

I just want this young man to have one full actual healthy year of football.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[FrancoPizza]

Chris made an All ACC team. Congrats to him.

VT with 2 all league WRs?

 

[OrangeXtreme]