Incoming Freshman

[Sexton Hardcastle]

Now that Spring Ball is complete, its time to give a look at the incoming class. Who do you think, besides Darrell Scott, will make an immediate impact? Here is some players i think will see immediate PT.

Curtis Cunningham - Impressive in the Under Armour All-Star game. Strong and fast. I think he's ready to play right away.

Ryan Deehan - Given the current state of the TE's, this should be his chance to step up. The only thing i'm worried about is his weight. I hope he gains some more pounds.

Bryce Givens - I think he'll be an all american before he leaves. This kid is NFL type talent imo. He was underweight and had a broken hand in the Army all star game, and still dominated. They might redshirt him though. I'm not sure his frame is big enough yet. I think Grimes and Pittman have him ready next season.

Jon Major - Looking at the LB's he might be ready to contribute right away. He's fast and has a real head for the ball. Should see time on the field if they don't RS him.

Shaun Mohler - If he gets in I think he'll become a starter. I'm not too impressed with Burton or Smart.

Will Pericak - The TE position is wide open. He could suprise some folks.

Darrell Scott - Duh.

Rodney Stewart - He should be our primary returner. PR and KR. Check out the highlight reel.

Max Tuioti-Mariner - His knee is the only question mark on this young man. He didn't play his sr year in HS because of it. Maybe they won't rush him and RS him. But if he is 100% ready then look out. If he's ready then i think he'll start right away. He's that good.

 

[LongHaulBuff]

I would throw Ray Polk in there also. I'm not impressed with our backs at all.

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

I would throw Ray Polk in there also. I'm not impressed with our backs at all.

I think they'll RS Polk.

 

[LongHaulBuff]

I think they'll RS Polk.

You're probably right. I'm just fired up to see that 1-2 punch!:smile2:

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

You're probably right. I'm just fired up to see that 1-2 punch!:smile2:

Don't sleep on Sumler. He was this springs biggest suprise. I think he and Darrell will be pretty formidable duo.

 

[Daaah]

Don't sleep on Sumler. He was this springs biggest suprise. I think he and Darrell will be pretty formidable duo.

Yeah, I thought sumler looked really good too.

 

[dyemeduke]

Cunningham is supposed to be a strength and motor freak, but talking to friends, the jump from HS to college is intense. I don't think a lot of freshmen will be able to contribute right away in the defensive trenches - I won't be surprised to see him RS. MaxT - I'm expecting him to play, especially since our guards appear weak. Perhaps Kai moves back since Cantrell has improved so much?

I like Deehan a lot, but yeah, blocking blitzers might be a problem at his current weight. I think Pericak might need work, since he was primarily known as a LB in HS. Sure, he played TE, but I think it was Sacky that said he needs work as TE.

I'm thinking Major, Mohler and Rippy will play this year at LB. I think Givens will RS, since we seem strong at tackle, and didn't he lose a bunch of weight from a serious illness? Stewart takes over returning duties, and I think Hicks might see some action in the nickel or special teams.

 

[Daaah]

Cunningham is supposed to be a strength and motor freak, but talking to friends, the jump from HS to college is intense. I don't think a lot of freshmen will be able to contribute right away in the defensive trenches - I won't be surprised to see him RS. MaxT - I'm expecting him to play, especially since our guards appear weak. Perhaps Kai moves back since Cantrell has improved so much?

I like Deehan a lot, but yeah, blocking blitzers might be a problem at his current weight. I think Pericak might need work, since he was primarily known as a LB in HS. Sure, he played TE, but I think it was Sacky that said he needs work as TE.

I'm thinking Major, Mohler and Rippy will play this year at LB. I think Givens will RS, since we seem strong at tackle, and didn't he lose a bunch of weight from a serious illness? Stewart takes over returning duties, and I think Hicks might see some action in the nickel or special teams.

The problem with Kai moving back is that he has to regain all the weight he just lost. Sure, gaining weight is easier that losing it, yeah, but still...

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

I like Kai. I have nothing against the kid at all. But my opinion is we have kids on the team that are better then him. The coaching staff is just looking for a way to keep him on the field somehow. If Kai doesn't stay at FB, he won't play. jmo.

 

[Daaah]

I like Kai. I have nothing against the kid at all. But my opinion is we have kids on the team that are better then him. The coaching staff is just looking for a way to keep him on the field somehow. If Kai doesn't stay at FB, he won't play. jmo.

I think Kai will be an asset. He missed out on a bunch of spring ball and was lined up in the wrong place on one of the few plays he was actually in during the scrimmage. He's got all summer to figure out fullback, and I think he will. Opposing linebackers are not going to enjoy getting knocked on their asses by Kai as they attempt to fill holes created by our massive o-line. Should be fun...

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

I think Kai will be an asset. He missed out on a bunch of spring ball and was lined up in the wrong place on one of the few plays he was actually in during the scrimmage. He's got all summer to figure out fullback, and I think he will. Opposing linebackers are not going to enjoy getting knocked on their asses by Kai as the attempt to fill holes created by our massive o-line. Should be fun...

I agree with your post. But we need to get a FB in here that can catch passes and run the ball. Not just block. Kai is a good kid, and a tremendous athlete. We are a better team with him here. But he probably won't go back to the oline. And he won't be a full time starter at FB. I think plugging him in at FB in the red zone will be his thing. Strictly another blocker on the field.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

Shaun Mohler - If he gets in I think he'll become a starter. I'm not too impressed with Burton or Smart.

I think this one needs a bit of an explanation V. Recent articles said that the coaches noticed that Smart was in on alot of plays. Burton missed a bit of spring ball, but lead all tacklers at the SG.

I'm curious about what you saw/didn't see that left you less than impressed.

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

I think this one needs a bit of an explanation V. Recent articles said that the coaches noticed that Smart was in on alot of plays. Burton missed a bit of spring ball, but lead all tacklers at the SG.

I'm curious about what you saw/didn't see that left you less than impressed.

Burton is still having problems with his grades. He was part of Hawk's "mentoring" program during spring ball. I'm starting to wonder if he'll ever stay eligible. I hope i'm wrong.

Smart is a good servicable LB. But he shouldn't be starting for us. Mohler is alot better than Jeff Smart. But the thing that makes smart so good is his experience here. Other than that he's not a Big 12 caliber LB.

 

[BehindEnemyLines]

Burton is still having problems with his grades. He was part of Hawk's "mentoring" program during spring ball. I'm starting to wonder if he'll ever stay eligible. I hope i'm wrong.

Smart is a good servicable LB. But he shouldn't be starting for us. Mohler is alot better than Jeff Smart. But the thing that makes smart so good is his experience here. Other than that he's not a Big 12 caliber LB.

Fair enough. I'd like to think that Burton has gotten the message. He can be a force on D.

Not sure about Smart, so I suppose I'll take your word on that one. However, I'll give him credit for working his butt off and making the most of his opportunities.

 

[dyemeduke]

Mohler is alot better than Jeff Smart. But the thing that makes smart so good is his experience here. Other than that he's not a Big 12 caliber LB.

Come on man, you're basing that off of Juco highlight reels? Smart played surprisingly well last year. Sure, he could be better, to say that he's not a Big 12 caliber LB is wrong and disrespectful to his play last year. I thought he did a very commendable job. I understand if you want to see Mohler or Rippy win the job from him, but Smart is a Big 12 caliber LB.

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

Come on man, you're basing that off of Juco highlight reels? Smart played surprisingly well last year. Sure, he could be better, to say that he's not a Big 12 caliber LB is wrong and disrespectful to his play last year. I thought he did a very commendable job. I understand if you want to see Mohler or Rippy win the job from him, but Smart is a Big 12 caliber LB.

Mohler was ready to step up and start at NU, Iowa, and Cal. There is a big reason all those coaches wanted him. To step up and fill a hole in their defense. The same thing applies here.

Like i said earlier, Smart is a good player. But you were suprised by his play because you've never heard of the guy untill last year. He would'nt have been even playing if it were'nt for the multiple concussions R.J. Brown suffered through. I'm not hating on the kid. I hope he proves me wrong. But Mohler is a better lb then Jeff is. jmho.

 

[Cornh8er]

I think Hicks might have to play this year, I hope he picks up the D pretty quick. Let's hope Ryan Walters stays healthy this year, but the way he plays I dont see him playing in every game. I guess you can tell i'm worried about the secondary

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

I think Hicks might have to play this year, I hope he picks up the D pretty quick. Let's hope Ryan Walters stays healthy this year, but the way he plays I dont see him playing in every game. I guess you can tell i'm worried about the secondary

I think they're trying to switch Hicks to CB. Not sure how fast he'll be able to step up. But look out for Patrick Mahnke. This kid will be a star for us in the future. I am really excited to see him play.

 

[Cornh8er]

I think they're trying to switch Hicks to CB. Not sure how fast he'll be able to step up. But look out for Patrick Mahnke. This kid will be a star for us in the future. I am really excited to see him play.

yes on Mahnke, but what do you know about Ewing? Even Hawk didn't sound enthused about him at the luncheon

 

[Sexton Hardcastle]

Coach Brown said Ewing could become the "quarterback" of the defense in the future. I have'nt heard many comments other than that since NLOID.

Ewing looks like a Daniel Dykes type of player.

 

[Buffarino]

I like Kai. I have nothing against the kid at all. But my opinion is we have kids on the team that are better then him. The coaching staff is just looking for a way to keep him on the field somehow. If Kai doesn't stay at FB, he won't play. jmo.

I have heard that elsewhere, too. My big thing is that they should have let him keep starting until he's legitimately beaten out for the job. Potential is one thing, but he's a real asset on the OL no matter how tall he is. You can't teach fire, passion and that mean streak.