Projecting the two deep

[GoSU96]

Probably so, many of us were so excited for a guy with his athleticism at tackle, and he was our highest rated recruit in his class iirc. Should keep improving with this staff and team, and I suspect we’ll need him at some point. Hope Wohlabough keeps recovering, it would be an awesome upgrade to be solid at both tackle spots for a whole season. How many years have we been playing a true guard out of position at RT at some point (Petry, didn’t Evan Adams have to play tackle, the big boy from Maryland in between them).

If you go with a five best I’d kick EC and Dave W (if heathly) inside. But that’s from way outside observation.

If you wanted to be nuts against at least the bottom half of the schedule you could go hockey line change with a second unit of EC, Moeolo, Ilaoa, Miller, Wohlabaugh, which has 1 senior, 4 rs juniors, and 1 rs Fr, and is the same average size as the starters. That second line would have three guys that have started games here the last couple of years.

 

[kcsu]

Dont look at is a slight against Cruz rather a pat on the back to Fran and staff for upgrading the roster. Its what good programs do.

 

[RF2044]

Think the competition is making him better too. I see him starting again in his senior year. And he's getting on the field at times this year too. Depth is important. You want to be a big time program as Fran says? You need backups who are starter quality.

Agreed. New coaches + new system = clean slate. Last year's performance is irrelevant.

Cruz has the opportunity to compete in practice for PT. Time will tell whether he fits what the new staff wants in OT's. But I am betting that he is going to provide outstanding depth this year, and be positioned to start down the road.

And who knows? Last year, nobody expected Petry to start, before injuries necessitated it. The best thing Cruz can do is continue to work hard, because you never know when that opportunity will come. Guys on the 2-deep are literally one snap away from being thrust into the fire, and having to produce.

 

[RF2044]

If you go with a five best I’d kick EC and Dave W (if heathly) inside. But that’s from way outside observation.

If you wanted to be nuts against at least the bottom half of the schedule you could go hockey line change with a second unit of EC, Moeolo, Ilaoa, Miller, Wohlabaugh, which has 1 senior, 4 rs juniors, and 1 rs Fr, and is the same average size as the starters. That second line would have three guys that have started games here the last couple of years.

I wonder if Wohlabaugh's future is inside at IOL. Could see him playing guard this year, maybe center after Reed leaves.

That's purely speculative; no idea whether [despite the bloodlines] he has ever worked at C or not.

 

[RF2044]

If you go with a five best I’d kick EC and Dave W (if heathly) inside. But that’s from way outside observation.

If you wanted to be nuts against at least the bottom half of the schedule you could go hockey line change with a second unit of EC, Moeolo, Ilaoa, Miller, Wohlabaugh, which has 1 senior, 4 rs juniors, and 1 rs Fr, and is the same average size as the starters. That second line would have three guys that have started games here the last couple of years.

I'm surprised that we haven't seen bigger "pushes" from Hornsby / Miller [two incoming portal OG's].

 

[GoSU96]

I wonder if Wohlabaugh's future is inside at IOL. Could see him playing guard this year, maybe center after Reed leaves.

That's purely speculative; no idea whether [despite the bloodlines] he has ever worked at C or not.

If Cruz and Wohlabaugh moved inside then you’d have 4 of 5 back next year and would only need to replace the center next year.

 

[Chip]

I wonder if Wohlabaugh's future is inside at IOL. Could see him playing guard this year, maybe center after Reed leaves.

That's purely speculative; no idea whether [despite the bloodlines] he has ever worked at C or not.

Didn't Wohlabaugh come in as a guy who'd only played IOL in HS and at Kentucky? But we moved him outside based on need?

I could be misremembering.

 

[RF2044]

Didn't Wohlabaugh come in as a guy who'd only played IOL in HS and at Kentucky? But we moved him outside based on need?

I could be misremembering.

I think he played RT at Kentucky, and started at that position 1 game.

 

[0.2 YNdeeR]

I'm surprised that we haven't seen bigger "pushes" from Hornsby / Miller [two incoming portal OG's].

GO's OL-1's list is solid. It's safe to say at this point that Petry and Bradford have held off the competition at guard, including (surprisingly) Hornsby, who's film was eye-opening. In fact, Hornsby still has to crack a talented second OL with ECJr., Moeolo, Ilaoa, Miller and Wohlabaugh.

On the defense, LB is stable with Wax/MacDonald backed up by ZMG and Sparrow. Safety is locked in (Duce at FS, Cinco at SS and Barron at star), with Gould and Delaine in the rotation. At corner, experience favors Grant (boundary) and Lewis (field). But Bellamy, Barnes and Perry are nipping at their heels.

The only changes I would make are on the second DL: I think Simmons is the most likely candidate to play on the edge opposite Jobbity, and from what I've heard KJE is being moved to OLB until (if) he grows into DE size.

 

[richmondcuse03]

I wonder if Wohlabaugh's future is inside at IOL. Could see him playing guard this year, maybe center after Reed leaves.

That's purely speculative; no idea whether [despite the bloodlines] he has ever worked at C or not.

I think hornsby may start at center next year.

 

[tep624]

Mismanaged? What does that mean? He has one job...get out there and put it through the pipes. He better improve mentally because there's no more Babers for everybody to use as an excuse.

What it means, and it doesn’t take much time to figure it out if you watched the last season, is carting out your kicker to kick pointless 50+ yard field goals that are lower success rate.

Missing field goals hurts confidence levels.

 

[Niastri]

Probably so, many of us were so excited for a guy with his athleticism at tackle, and he was our highest rated recruit in his class iirc. Should keep improving with this staff and team, and I suspect we’ll need him at some point. Hope Wohlabough keeps recovering, it would be an awesome upgrade to be solid at both tackle spots for a whole season. How many years have we been playing a true guard out of position at RT at some point (Petry, didn’t Evan Adams have to play tackle, the big boy from Maryland in between them).

Yes, it will be nice to have a guy that started in the past at both tackles being our first guy in when somebody needs a rest.

 

[tep624]

That is really unfair. 13 starts, kid was available at a position that was in flux, he’s started 18 games his RSF and So season where he’s been the most consistent player. Zero sacks allowed is big. Is he Bergeron, no, but doesn’t mean he sucks. If he has been recruited over, that’s a credit to the staff and those guys, hard to get guys that can step over a two year starter.

EC is a good player who got thrown in the fire early and did okay. Most programs he would have been a depth piece to this point.

I think it’s a bit of both - high rated recruit for a program with not many of those wins under Dino, so naturally expectations were higher. And with the general poor recruiting of OL targets during Dino’s tenure, he’s going to be pushed into service by default earlier than he probably he probably should have due to the weakness of our 2 deep.

When you’re able to bring in 2 transfers, one from FCS and one who’s been here a few weeks or so that both jump him - that says something.

 

[Dcuse]

What it means, and it doesn’t take much time to figure it out if you watched the last season, is carting out your kicker to kick pointless 50+ yard field goals that are lower success rate.

Missing field goals hurts confidence levels.

Pointless? Last time I checked they were worth 3 points. And from 50 in a controlled climate...JUST MAKE IT. And if a missed field goal hurts your confidence you should maybe switch to fielding punts in pregame.

 

[tep624]

Pointless? Last time I checked they were worth 3 points. And from 50 in a controlled climate...JUST MAKE IT. And if a missed field goal hurts your confidence you should maybe switch to fielding punts in pregame.

If you want to argue just to argue, find someone else to do it with. The vast majority of 50 yarders Dino tried last season had zero impact on the outcome of the games.

 

[Cusester]

Pointless? Last time I checked they were worth 3 points. And from 50 in a controlled climate...JUST MAKE IT. And if a missed field goal hurts your confidence you should maybe switch to fielding punts in pregame.

You kind of sound like Bob Casullo with that comment.

 

[CbusCuse]

GO's OL-1's list is solid. It's safe to say at this point that Petry and Bradford have held off the competition at guard, including (surprisingly) Hornsby, who's film was eye-opening. In fact, Hornsby still has to crack a talented second OL with ECJr., Moeolo, Ilaoa, Miller and Wohlabaugh.

On the defense, LB is stable with Wax/MacDonald backed up by ZMG and Sparrow. Safety is locked in (Duce at FS, Cinco at SS and Barron at star), with Gould and Delaine in the rotation. At corner, experience favors Grant (boundary) and Lewis (field). But Bellamy, Barnes and Perry are nipping at their heels.

The only changes I would make are on the second DL: I think Simmons is the most likely candidate to play on the edge opposite Jobbity, and from what I've heard KJE is being moved to OLB until (if) he grows into DE size.

Makes sense regarding KJE. Wonder though if him or possibly David O come in at DE for 3rd and long passing downs for added pass rushing speed?

So are you saying Delaine has been moved from CB to Safety? Didn't know that if so. But probably makes sense depth wise, especially considering we just lost Marcus Washington there. He's be a good cover safety but pretty light though at just 174 lbs.

At corner I'd say experience may favor Bellamy over Grant as Bellamy actually has 7 starts as a corner back. All Grants playing time was at safety. Grant certainly has the better physical size. I feel like Grant would net more big plays both ways. Big turnovers caused as he had 5 picks last year as a safety, (dropped an easy pick in the spring game) but also more TD's given up deep (got burned by Zeed in spring game). I feel like Bellamy benefit would be consistently better at covering in the open field. I expect all three of those to see a lot of time.

 

[kcsu]

Makes sense regarding KJE. Wonder though if him or possibly David O come in at DE for 3rd and long passing downs for added pass rushing speed?

So are you saying Delaine has been moved from CB to Safety? Didn't know that if so. But probably makes sense depth wise, especially considering we just lost Marcus Washington there. He's be a good cover safety but pretty light though at just 174 lbs.

At corner I'd say experience may favor Bellamy over Grant as Bellamy actually has 7 starts as a corner back. All Grants playing time was at safety. Grant certainly has the better physical size. I feel like Grant would net more big plays both ways. Big turnovers caused as he had 5 picks last year as a safety, (dropped an easy pick in the spring game) but also more TD's given up deep (got burned by Zeed in spring game). I feel like Bellamy benefit would be consistently better at covering in the open field. I expect all three of those to see a lot of time.

Field position and down might decide who is on the field. I can see Grant being very strong in the redzone

 

[MSOrange]

I think there is room between overrated and good. The recruiting profile and tailgate deal pumped him up in some fans eyes. People hoped he would be an all conference caliber players. He didn’t reach that level yet. He’s not a bust.
I wouldn’t say he was good though. Cruz really struggled and would have given up more sack without Garrett’s mobility.
Syracuse’s tackles for the majority of last season were Mark Petry (55.7) and Cruz (52.4), who were both graded poorly by PFF.
Glad to have him as a back up. Hope he sticks around.

That aligns with what I saw from him. Seems like a fine young man, glad to have him on the team but also glad we're trying to upgrade the position.

 

[RF2044]

Makes sense regarding KJE. Wonder though if him or possibly David O come in at DE for 3rd and long passing downs for added pass rushing speed?

So are you saying Delaine has been moved from CB to Safety? Didn't know that if so. But probably makes sense depth wise, especially considering we just lost Marcus Washington there. He's be a good cover safety but pretty light though at just 174 lbs.

At corner I'd say experience may favor Bellamy over Grant as Bellamy actually has 7 starts as a corner back. All Grants playing time was at safety. Grant certainly has the better physical size. I feel like Grant would net more big plays both ways. Big turnovers caused as he had 5 picks last year as a safety, (dropped an easy pick in the spring game) but also more TD's given up deep (got burned by Zeed in spring game). I feel like Bellamy benefit would be consistently better at covering in the open field. I expect all three of those to see a lot of time.

What about the WVU transfer OLB getting some time at DE? He's supposed to be a pass rush specialist, too.

Haven't "heard" much about him in camp.

 

[OttosDad]

I’m pretty bullish on Weatherspoon given that he beat out Cruz and Washington, both guys I would’ve thought would be the LT over any other lineman on the roster. Pretty impressive stuff from Spoon. Best part about it is he’s got another year of eligibility. Could have a stud LT for 2 years potentially

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

What about the WVU transfer OLB getting some time at DE? He's supposed to be a pass rush specialist, too.

Haven't "heard" much about him in camp.

Boo. Haha. Emily Leiker said that the four main linebackers were constantly being coached by Rob Wright. The others, Heard included, were off to the side with GA’s. Wright clearly wants those guys to the most prepared .
Sounds like Sparrow and BMG are crossed trained at both spots and are way ahead of the other backups.

 

[GoSU96]

What about the WVU transfer OLB getting some time at DE? He's supposed to be a pass rush specialist, too.

Haven't "heard" much about him in camp.

KJE, 6-4 225, Heard 6-2 228, David O - 6-3 244. Fr or RSF. If they bring a high ceiling play the player, there’s no rush.

Simmons hasn’t done anything, and has been injury prone, that I don’t think he has any advantage to get to the two deep. Again that’s from the outside. Also I think all 12 DL play either way.

 

[PhatOrange]

That is really unfair. 13 starts, kid was available at a position that was in flux, he’s started 18 games his RSF and So season where he’s been the most consistent player. Zero sacks allowed is big. Is he Bergeron, no, but doesn’t mean he sucks. If he has been recruited over, that’s a credit to the staff and those guys, hard to get guys that can step over a two year starter.

EC is a good player who got thrown in the fire early and did okay. Most programs he would have been a depth piece to this point.

It’s really not unfair. He wasn’t that good last season and the low PFF grade mentioned last season aligns with what I saw from him.

The no sacks stat is misleading since Shrader ran at the first sign of trouble and then we abandoned the forward pass for several games.

and for the record I didn’t say he sucked. I said he’s overrated by the board.

But, other than the prior starts what’s the performance reason he should start? There is none. At most programs he might have been a depth piece to this point because maybe that’s what he is? He did redshirt his freshman season so he wasn’t immediately thrown into the fire. He’s entering his redshirt Junior season, 4th year, with a lot of experience and another new OLine coach. We’ll see where it goes from here. I’m certainly pulling for him and everyone on the OLine.

 

[0.2 YNdeeR]

KJE, 6-4 225, Heard 6-2 228, David O - 6-3 244. Fr or RSF. If they bring a high ceiling play the player, there’s no rush.

Simmons hasn’t done anything, and has been injury prone, that I don’t think he has any advantage to get to the two deep. Again that’s from the outside. Also I think all 12 DL play either way.

Fair point. My post was based more on participation than production: Simmons got a lot of snaps in the spring game and appeared with the 2’s in camp. I read that KJE was being moved to OLB (he could still blitz from that position) and haven’t seen Heard on the edge. But as far as actual production, for sure David O is highly disruptive. You can add Caden Brown to the list too. Either could make the 2-deep and beat out Simmons, who knows. Great thread.