Let's dispense with the Express back myth

[SmilinBob]

Custis and Enoicy might be able to be successful with that though, eh? I'm hoping that this system will help them develop and take advantage of their size and help guys like Phillips get a better matchup. I also wonder what HCDB's thoughts are on Moore, that poor kid has bounced around and helped plug leaks everywhere.

 

[tipphill]

I think Strickland should be at WR but he can play either. Pick one and stick with it, no waffling

strickland as a throw to rb, he is excellent at making things happen after he catches a pass.

 

[retro44]

If they can get Strickland the ball while he's running in open space then I'm a happy man.

If they could get Ivan Foy with the ball in open space I would be doing cartwheels in an elevator.

 

[SmilinBob]

I'd still like to see Fredericks get 25 carries and Phillips 5 to 10 plus Strickland 4-8.

 

[007]

Exactly. Needs to show consistency on down field throws, just doesnt look natural to me. I think Phillips will thrive as a slot but it will take work. Most of his catches were short except for wheel routes out of the back field. When he plays the actual slot position, he's going to have to be a great route runner and he needs to catch balls down the field. Teams will have nickle corners on him. Alot different than having a LB on you.

Good points, money. I did not like Phillips as a route runner, or when he had to track longer passes in the air. As you said, he just didn't seem to have natural talent at WR. On the other hand, he (and Strickland) seems to have the most "open space" talent on the team once he has the ball. I'm guessing that DB will use EP more for tunnel and bubble screens; maybe even out of the backfield some.

 

[Scooch]

You know what's funny. Seeing a guy like Lewis have season numbers like 17 or 24 catches. And he was considered one of our top tier targets. The pinball Machine numbers this offense is going to put up are going to destroy our record book.

Amen. Was just thinking the same thing as I perused the stats in this thread. I'll chalk some of it up to injuries and inexperience at the QB position, but our receiving numbers were pitiful. Lewis might top his 2015 receiving totals by week 3 next season.

 

[Crusty]

Good points, money. I did not like Phillips as a route runner, or when he had to track longer passes in the air. As you said, he just didn't seem to have natural talent at WR. On the other hand, he (and Strickland) seems to have the most "open space" talent on the team once he has the ball. I'm guessing that DB will use EP more for tunnel and bubble screens; maybe even out of the backfield some.

Boy, let one pass hit you in the top of your helmet and you're done.

Seriously though, Babers runs some interesting pass patterns in the quick game. I am sure they will not let his talent go to waste and I think he will improve as a receiver each year. I think he can catch over 40 passes next year (if healthy and plays 12 games). That would be pretty good - like top 20 ACC good.

 

[money3189]

Good points, money. I did not like Phillips as a route runner, or when he had to track longer passes in the air. As you said, he just didn't seem to have natural talent at WR. On the other hand, he (and Strickland) seems to have the most "open space" talent on the team once he has the ball. I'm guessing that DB will use EP more for tunnel and bubble screens; maybe even out of the backfield some.

Good point. The two of them are the most natural in space with the ball in their hands, better than estime IMO. I think Phillips will get better because of the reps he will get as a true slot and the techniques that will be taught to him. To his credit he probably only worked at WR 50% of the time last year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

You know what's funny. Seeing a guy like Lewis have season numbers like 17 or 24 catches. And he was considered one of our top tier targets. The pinball Machine numbers this offense is going to put up are going to destroy our record book.

I think it's in play for Dungey to top Nassib's senior season passing numbers next season.

 

[Crusty]

I'd still like to see Fredericks get 25 carries and Phillips 5 to 10 plus Strickland 4-8.

Fredericks is a 1,000 yards per year back and I think he will get better with more work. I really hated how our offense was handled last year. Fredericks, Lewis and Strickland could have been used better IMO.

 

[SWC75]

Strickland showed suprising power on some plays. I see him more as a back that can be a threat in the passing game than a wide-out.

As far as big receivers vs. small, I think you want the big guys, who can take the hits going over the middle and the smaller, faster guys going down the sidelines. But that may be old fashioned thinking, which I am prone to.

 

[SWC75]

You know what's funny. Seeing a guy like Lewis have season numbers like 17 or 24 catches. And he was considered one of our top tier targets. The pinball Machine numbers this offense is going to put up are going to destroy our record book.

The best thing about the Dino Babers hire is that we shouldn't have to read the annual "Lane Kiffin...discuss" post each year. Oh Lord

 

[Full_Rebar]

The fact that the hybrids were grouped with the TE's is really baffling after watching how Erv struggled with routes and catching. I think he's a better fit in the backfield while Strickland might be better as a slot WR, but that's just my non-coach view.

Really looking forward to someone other than Estime getting the most deep balls thrown their way next year. Nothing against Bris, but he's not going to go up and grab the ball over CB's like Ishmael can.

 

[CuseOnly]

I am confused...there apparently was a "myth" about the XBack position...just wondering what the myth was?

Was it the one where all players at the XB position were werewolves? Or was it the one where all of the SU XB's could run faster than Dion Sanders?