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Message: [QUOTE="Crusty, post: 1483892, member: 2265"] I can't help but wonder where we would be had Shaf hired Lester as OC instead of McD. Our players suit Lester's system much more than George's. I remain convinced that he hired George because he knew we needed a big boost in recruiting and he hired Lester as plan B if it didn't work out. Because that is my belief, I am OK with the risk he took. I also think he corrected the decision, which is not easy for a new HC. Oh well. He is 13-15 so far. Considering the jump to the ACC, the horrible injuries last year and his mistake with his first OC, I don't consider that a bad job at all. Had he had two 5-7 seasons, I don't think the vitriol directed his way would be as bad. For me, I prefer having won the Texas Bowl and enduring last season. When I evaluate Shafer, he passes the most important test of all - would I want my son to play for him? The answer is a resounding yes. This is how I evaluate HCSS. I'm very interested in your thoughts. The Good: [LIST=1] [*]He is a high quality guy. [*]He is a very good recruiter. [*]So far, seems to be a very good evaluator of talent potential. [*]He is an excellent defensive mind and his defenses are exciting to watch. [*]He has demonstrated an ability to correct his mistakes. (Fired McDonald early) [*]This is his 7th year at SU. He likes it here and bleeds Orange. [*]His players perform in the classroom. (B average - highest in program history) [*]He is a players coach and has demonstrated the ability to get his players to play hard for him. [*]He has improved the quality of individuals in the program. (We save on bail money) [*]He has demonstrated a sincere interest in his players as people. [*]Has clearly moved the program forward. We can argue about how much. [/LIST] Not so good: [LIST=1] [*]Very conservative game manager. (Yes, I know about the trick plays, but those are few and far between and usually is desperate situations.) [*]Not the best clock or game manager. (FHCDM got a lot of criticism for his clock management as well.) [*]"Interesting" pressers, but not very smooth under pressure. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and can't hide them. [/LIST] Unkown: [LIST=1] [*]Will he be able to bring us to the top 25 or just improve the program from its mediocre level? [*]Will he be able to attract the next level talent, not just diamonds in the ruff? [*]Will he grow as a game manager? [/LIST] What do you think? [/QUOTE]

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