Skilled position recruiting

[RF2044]

Going by the scout ratings, it is interesting to note how this class is shaping up from the standpoint of skilled position players. A huge criticism I've had of the coaching staff up until this point has been their inability to land offensive playmakers. Obviously, the star system is flawed, and it remains to be seen whether these guys actually pan out, but I like the trend we're seeing at the skilled positions in this class:

• Ashton Broyld QB / TE 4 Star
• Ron Thompson TE 4 Star
• George Morris RB 3 Star
• Devonte McFarland RB 3 Star
• Joshua Parris TE 3 Star
• Alvin Cornelius WR 3 Star

 

[007]

Going by the scout ratings, it is interesting to note how this class is shaping up from the standpoint of skilled position players. A huge criticism I've had of the coaching staff up until this point has been their inability to land offensive playmakers. Obviously, the star system is flawed, and it remains to be seen whether these guys actually pan out, but I like the trend we're seeing at the skilled positions in this class:

• Ashton Broyld QB / TE 4 Star
• Ron Thompson TE 4 Star
• George Morris RB 3 Star
• Devonte McFarland RB 3 Star
• Joshua Parris TE 3 Star
• Alvin Cornelius WR 3 Star

Agreed RF, unfortunately at least a couple of these guys are going to need to be significant contributors in the very near future. There is precious little time left for trending. DM, and the program, needs to find that "Ray Rice" "McNabb" type recruit - the somewhat under the radar kid whose talent helps transcend the program, win games, bring in other recruits. I realize that "insight" is comparable to saying that the sky is blue. At the end of the day, DM's success is going to hinge on his ability to find and sign a few of those players, regardless of the system/scheme they use.

 

[SoBristol]

It is a good haul -- and a positive trend compared to DM's prior classes.

Looking only at skill guys, it might match the best class GROB pulled in; and begins to close the gap with what Rutgers, Pitt, Louisville and BC do each year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Going by the scout ratings, it is interesting to note how this class is shaping up from the standpoint of skilled position players. A huge criticism I've had of the coaching staff up until this point has been their inability to land offensive playmakers. Obviously, the star system is flawed, and it remains to be seen whether these guys actually pan out, but I like the trend we're seeing at the skilled positions in this class:

• Ashton Broyld QB / TE 4 Star
• Ron Thompson TE 4 Star
• George Morris RB 3 Star
• Devonte McFarland RB 3 Star
• Joshua Parris TE 3 Star
• Alvin Cornelius WR 3 Star

I'm a big believer in redshirting, but if it really is true that talent and not the system is the issue on offense (I have my doubts) I fully expect to see at least three from that list making major contributions next season.

 

[memcorsu]

The postive about this class and the way that it is shapping up is that the coaches feel as if the 13 class is the first class that they are going to be "ahead of the game" or "not be behind in prepping for the class". If we have a solid not below average or above average this year it will be interesting to see how we trend going forward. I would suggest we are seeing an up swing.

 

[SoBristol]

By "major contributions" you mean what?

We lose several playmakers (Bailey, Provo, Chew, Graham and Harris) and have a returnee or two penciled into each of those spots (Smith, Stevens, West, Kobena -- maybe Burke). We don't have much depth behind these guys, so there is lots of opportunity for any of those 6 recruits to push into the two-deep.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

By "major contributions" you mean what?

We lose several playmakers (Bailey, Provo, Chew, Graham and Harris) and have a returnee or two penciled into each of those spots (Smith, Stevens, West, Kobena -- maybe Burke). We don't have much depth behind these guys, so there is lots of opportunity for any of those 6 recruits to push into the two-deep.

Truthfully, I think Cornelius and one of the backs start.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

By "major contributions" you mean what?

We lose several playmakers (Bailey, Provo, Chew, Graham and Harris) and have a returnee or two penciled into each of those spots (Smith, Stevens, West, Kobena -- maybe Burke). We don't have much depth behind these guys, so there is lots of opportunity for any of those 6 recruits to push into the two-deep.

Also, I keep seeing this Burke name come up, so I looked him up on SUathletics.

http://suathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8521&path=football

Is he really in the mix? I have a hard time seeing an underclassman walkon beating out highly ranked incoming freshman for PT on a side of the ball where there's an identified need for playmakers.

 

[CIL]

Also, I keep seeing this Burke name come up, so I looked him up on SUathletics.

http://suathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8521&path=football

Is he really in the mix? I have a hard time seeing an underclassman walkon beating out highly ranked incoming freshman for PT on a side of the ball where there's an identified need for playmakers.

He's a fullback

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Also, I keep seeing this Burke name come up, so I looked him up on SUathletics.

http://suathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8521&path=football

Is he really in the mix? I have a hard time seeing an underclassman walkon beating out highly ranked incoming freshman for PT on a side of the ball where there's an identified need for playmakers.

There's lots of talk of inserting him at Full Back. Apparently, he did quite well in camp and practice.

 

[Symphony Steve]

If Broyld is a QB, and a good one, this is quite a positive development. If not, well, we need a good QB in this class, IMHO. Plus, in that case, three of our six top-rated recruits would all play the TE position. And only one WR in that mix. I readily admit my bias that each class should have at least one QB in it.

A promising development, but we're not there yet.

Actually, OT, I'm pleased that DM is recruiting some beef for the middle of the DL. That's been a glaring weakness for some time now. If your DL can control the line of scrimmage and stop the run, Shafer's high-risk D becomes much more dangerous, IMO.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

There's lots of talk of inserting him at Full Back. Apparently, he did quite well in camp and practice.

I do not intend this as any slight against Burke at all, but what exactly does it mean for us to have a fullback that does quite well in camp and practice?

They don't get carries. They rarely see a pass. I guess they block?

 

[SoBristol]

If Broyld is a QB, and a good one, this is quite a positive development. If not, well, we need a good QB in this class, IMHO. Plus, in that case, three of our six top-rated recruits would all play the TE position. And only one WR in that mix. I readily admit my bias that each class should have at least one QB in it.

A promising development, but we're not there yet.

Actually, OT, I'm pleased that DM is recruiting some beef for the middle of the DL. That's been a glaring weakness for some time now. If your DL can control the line of scrimmage and stop the run, Shafer's high-risk D becomes much more dangerous, IMO.

I don't believe Broyld has ever played TE. He is an all-around athlete (basketball as well as football), a big kid, a running QB who can also pass. He played some LB or DE when his high school team needed to get a stop. I hope he gets a good look at QB.

 

[SoBristol]

I do not intend this as any slight against Burke at all, but what exactly does it mean for us to have a fullback that does quite well in camp and practice?

They don't get carries. They rarely see a pass. I guess they block?

It means he was behind two veterans (Harris and Kose), so the only way to judge Burke was in practice. He has the size for the role (lead blocker) -- not clear there are any other candidates for that position, but a blocking FB has been part of the Marrone offense.

 

[RF2044]

If Broyld is a QB, and a good one, this is quite a positive development. If not, well, we need a good QB in this class, IMHO. Plus, in that case, three of our six top-rated recruits would all play the TE position. And only one WR in that mix. I readily admit my bias that each class should have at least one QB in it.

A promising development, but we're not there yet.

Actually, OT, I'm pleased that DM is recruiting some beef for the middle of the DL. That's been a glaring weakness for some time now. If your DL can control the line of scrimmage and stop the run, Shafer's high-risk D becomes much more dangerous, IMO.

I agree in principle with several points you make. First, ideally you are landing a quality recruiting prospect every class to infuse talent at that position into the pipeline, as many do not pan out. It remains to be seen whether any of Marrone's will pan out. Loeb looks like a career backup, but he was an important contributor as the holder on special teams--and for that reason alone has been worth the investment even if he never sees the field. It remains to be seen whether Kinder ends up garnering some playing time. Next class brought Hunt / Broyld, but with Broyld going to Milford it spaced them out in terms of eligibility. I expect big things eventually from Hunt--and predict he'll end up being our guy. Time will tell. But I believe that having Broyld push back a year is what induced the coaching staff to not focus on QBs in the class of 2012.

Hopefully one of Hunt / Broyld end up being the playmaking QB we've been waiting for since McNabb's graduation. It's been a long wait. And if Broyld isn't a QB, well at least he's a good athlete and has the size / potential to maybe be a contributor at other positions.

I also agree 100% with your point about the interior of the DL. Although we need that group to perform better in 2012, I expect that they will. We return both starters and both reserves [Crume and Boatman], and I'd expect Crume to play a bigger role in 2012. Ryan Sloan [big kid] redshirted, and him joining the core group of four guys who played last year will probably give the coaching staff the luxury of redshirting incoming frosh Brantley / Coleman. We're trending in the right direction at DT.

Similarly, I'm pleased that we were able to redshirt four OL prospects last year [Foy, Robinson, Curtis, Trudo]. We bring in four more OL this class [Emerich, Knapp, Barrett, Palmer] that will hopefully likewise be able to redshirt--which I strongly believe is an important key for the developmental curve for offensive linemen. We aren't anywhere close to where we need to be at OL, but getting into the cycle of being able to redshirt the majority of incoming players at that position will eventually pay off.

 

[RMH44]

I agree in principle with several points you make. First, ideally you are landing a quality recruiting prospect every class to infuse talent at that position into the pipeline, as many do not pan out. It remains to be seen whether any of Marrone's will pan out. Loeb looks like a career backup, but he was an important contributor as the holder on special teams--and for that reason alone has been worth the investment even if he never sees the field. It remains to be seen whether Kinder ends up garnering some playing time. Next class brought Hunt / Broyld, but with Broyld going to Milford it spaced them out in terms of eligibility. I expect big things eventually from Hunt--and predict he'll end up being our guy. Time will tell. But I believe that having Broyld push back a year is what induced the coaching staff to not focus on QBs in the class of 2012.

Hopefully one of Hunt / Broyld end up being the playmaking QB we've been waiting for since McNabb's graduation. It's been a long wait. And if Broyld isn't a QB, well at least he's a good athlete and has the size / potential to maybe be a contributor at other positions.

I also agree 100% with your point about the interior of the DL. Although we need that group to perform better in 2012, I expect that they will. We return both starters and both reserves [Crume and Boatman], and I'd expect Crume to play a bigger role in 2012. Ryan Sloan [big kid] redshirted, and him joining the core group of four guys who played last year will probably give the coaching staff the luxury of redshirting incoming frosh Brantley / Coleman. We're trending in the right direction at DT.

Similarly, I'm pleased that we were able to redshirt four OL prospects last year [Foy, Robinson, Curtis, Trudo]. We bring in four more OL this class [Emerich, Knapp, Barrett, Palmer] that will hopefully likewise be able to redshirt--which I strongly believe is an important key for the developmental curve for offensive linemen. We aren't anywhere close to where we need to be at OL, but getting into the cycle of being able to redshirt the majority of incoming players at that position will eventually pay off.

The OL will be further solidified with the return of a healthy Sean Hickey.

Has anyone heard how his recovery/rehab is going?

 

[SoBristol]

I agree in principle with several points you make. First, ideally you are landing a quality recruiting prospect every class to infuse talent at that position into the pipeline, as many do not pan out. It remains to be seen whether any of Marrone's will pan out. Loeb looks like a career backup, but he was an important contributor as the holder on special teams--and for that reason alone has been worth the investment even if he never sees the field. It remains to be seen whether Kinder ends up garnering some playing time. Next class brought Hunt / Broyld, but with Broyld going to Milford it spaced them out in terms of eligibility. I expect big things eventually from Hunt--and predict he'll end up being our guy. Time will tell. But I believe that having Broyld push back a year is what induced the coaching staff to not focus on QBs in the class of 2012.

Hopefully one of Hunt / Broyld end up being the playmaking QB we've been waiting for since McNabb's graduation. It's been a long wait. And if Broyld isn't a QB, well at least he's a good athlete and has the size / potential to maybe be a contributor at other positions.

I also agree 100% with your point about the interior of the DL. Although we need that group to perform better in 2012, I expect that they will. We return both starters and both reserves [Crume and Boatman], and I'd expect Crume to play a bigger role in 2012. Ryan Sloan [big kid] redshirted, and him joining the core group of four guys who played last year will probably give the coaching staff the luxury of redshirting incoming frosh Brantley / Coleman. We're trending in the right direction at DT.

Similarly, I'm pleased that we were able to redshirt four OL prospects last year [Foy, Robinson, Curtis, Trudo]. We bring in four more OL this class [Emerich, Knapp, Barrett, Palmer] that will hopefully likewise be able to redshirt--which I strongly believe is an important key for the developmental curve for offensive linemen. We aren't anywhere close to where we need to be at OL, but getting into the cycle of being able to redshirt the majority of incoming players at that position will eventually pay off.

At QB, you can never assume that one guy will take every snap as Nassib has done in 2010 and again this season. Practically every team in the Big East used a second or even a third QB, either by necessity or by strategy. We can easily use both Hunt and Broyld at the position.
Often the QBs are the best athletes on their HS teams -- we have had several examples of QBs switching to other positions (Kevin Johnson, Marcus Paul) and I hope we see more of that. Maybe Kinder can find another position?
I agree with what you wrote about linemen. I would make it more general -- we need help and development in nearly every unit. We shouldn't have to be playing LBs like Lynch and Davis before they have had some time to develop and learn the role.

 

[Symphony Steve]

Couldn't agree more re the OL. With Marrone as coach, if we are gonna improve, it will be through our OL's. After a couple of years featuring some necessary stopgaps, we're now on a schedule where we can redshirt our OL's. I think that this will be one area where success ultimately begets success. That's why I will be most intrigued by our OL play in 2012, and why I think it will ultimately be the harbinger of DM's chances for long-term success. His pedigree indicates that he should be able to crank out top OL's year after year. If he does, he'll be successful. If not...

 

[BlackKnight76]

I think we definitely see some Sugar Bear this year, and maybe Morris. Not sure about the rest as freshmen though, but if they can beat out the guys ahead of them, more power to them.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

It means he was behind two veterans (Harris and Kose), so the only way to judge Burke was in practice. He has the size for the role (lead blocker) -- not clear there are any other candidates for that position, but a blocking FB has been part of the Marrone offense.

I guess now I'm questioning whether a blocking FB is a part of the Marrone offense going forward.

It would seem to me if it was wouldn't we have more than a walkon on hand to man the position?

 

[Aweart23]

I guess now I'm questioning whether a blocking FB is a part of the Marrone offense going forward.

It would seem to me if it was wouldn't we have more than a walkon on hand to man the position?

Dual threat QB recruits, no FB, big WR's, TE's that can catch and run, RB's who can break off big runs...with AAM mixed in...sounds much different from the last couple of years

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Dual threat QB recruits, no FB, big WR's, TE's that can catch and run, RB's who can break off big runs...with AAM mixed in...sounds much different from the last couple of years

Let's hope so.

 

[OrangeMuskyFish]

I think we definitely see some Sugar Bear this year, and maybe Morris. Not sure about the rest as freshmen though, but if they can beat out the guys ahead of them, more power to them.

I think Morris gets a RS. If he is a little light on the academics, letting him focus on school for a year and adding ten or fifteen pounds to a frame that can easily support it, would be huge. We should have RB depth, its just foggy as to how the roles play out. I say let's see what PTG and Smith can give us as a one-two punch. If AAM comes in ready to go, he could certainly push them both. If Smallwood makes it, great, you have a fourth runner and a burner to add to the mix, so RS both young RBs. If not, I say give McFarlane a season as the 4th and see what happens, before deciding if Morris has pushed him to another position/defense.

 

[OrangePA]

It is a good haul -- and a positive trend compared to DM's prior classes.

Looking only at skill guys, it might match the best class GROB pulled in; and begins to close the gap with what Rutgers, Pitt, Louisville and BC do each year.

Which was GROB's best class?

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think Morris gets a RS. If he is a little light on the academics, letting him focus on school for a year and adding ten or fifteen pounds to a frame that can easily support it, would be huge. We should have RB depth, its just foggy as to how the roles play out. I say let's see what PTG and Smith can give us as a one-two punch. If AAM comes in ready to go, he could certainly push them both. If Smallwood makes it, great, you have a fourth runner and a burner to add to the mix, so RS both young RBs. If not, I say give McFarlane a season as the 4th and see what happens, before deciding if Morris has pushed him to another position/defense.

I think what you're saying is logical and makes sense.

However, I can't handle being told anymore that the system isn't a problem, the talent is.

I want to see the talent. At least if we see the talent and it doesn't perform to expectations we can run out the (also tired) excuse that we're young and have hope for tomorrow.

Morris and MacFarlane or go home. I'm beating the drum now.