I read this article on Brandin Hardin a few days ago and nearly lost my hot cocoa. In short, our cornerback coach, Keith Heyward, is an idiot. For those who don’t like to read, here’s a summary of Heyward analyzing Hardin:
1. “He brings more,’’ said Heyward, “in terms of run support.’’
Yet, Tim Clark is starting vs Stanford, a team with a power run game. On top of that, I’d argue Hardin adds more in terms of pass support.
2. Paul Buker of oregonlive.com acknowledges Hardin’s frustration with playing time and then writes, “The frustration went both ways.”
“He’s had a passive attitude, and I don’t mean that as a negative,’’ said Heyward.
So, Heyward is frustrated that Hardin is passive, yet, he doesn’t mean that as a negative. Okay, Keith. So being passive is a positive then? Okay, so then what are you frustrated about, and why isn’t Hardin starting?
There were obvious follow up questions, and as is its wont, the Oregon media did not do its job.
3. “We use the word ‘dominate’ out there,’’ said Heyward.“If you want to ‘dominate’ you’ve got to show that in your actions.’’
This is ridiculous. So any guy who acts the part plays? Is that why we wound up with #28 getting burned for 4 TDs in the 3 games before he took the bench, because he’s a poseur who hoots and hollers in practice? This is how Heyward judges corners? Anyone with both the eyes and brain necessary to process photons can see that Hardin has played better than any other CB this year, and like last year, continues to be a stalwart on special teams.
I didn’t like the Heyward hiring when it happened–saw it as a blown opportunity to hire a great recruiter. Riley went the “family” route (of course) to the detriment of the program. All I can say is that after reading about Heyward’s analysis process and personality, it’s clear I my first impression was right. This was a bad hire. And for a guy who has landed us one recruit in 3 years (a re-recruit in Reggie Dunn, who will likely never see the field), I think he’s the one who is too passive and needs to ‘dominate.’ Good God, how is this clown our CB coach?
shit man, i don’t know! >:[
I’m beginning to wonder if Hardin is in some kind of dog house. He didn’t play much today. Doesn’t Riley make the call and start playing him?
Yeah Riley has the final say but I’m sure Heyward is in his ear giving input.
I don’t understand how or why Hardin would be in anyone’s dog house. He’s quiet and does nothing but make plays.
I just thought it was odd with the pre-game build up that Hardin would need to be on the field to match Stanford’s big offensive line and then it was pretty much Clark for the game.
It was definitely odd.
Anyone at the game see who had the coverage on Osuwa’s dropped TD? Saw Mitchell back there, but I don’t think he had the primary coverage. They didn’t show the move that got him that open on TV (not a shock, Fox Sports is basically high school level coverage).