Did it even rain yesterday before or during the scheduled game time? I know it rained in the evening around Portland, but they could have easily held that game. I know they’re at the mercy of the forecasters, but I was looking forward to skipping work and checking out the game.
One comment I have is to caution against assessing the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s squad JUST by comparing/contrasting it to last year’s squad. While that approach facilitates enjoyable discussion, a meaningful context to add to that dialogue is comparing the 2012 squad to 2012 PAC-12 competition.
I look forward to Angry’s assessments for special teams, defense, and offense. Those always get the dialogue going. Last year you may have done those in the fall though?I think you should add to those an assessment of the coaching staff (who is also part of the team), and maybe a separate, brief entry with an overview of the league. Assuming you have time to do those of course.
This spring, I think the things we can look forward to include expressions of the substantial potential of the offensive skill players. Reportedly, Mannion and the receivers have been working together nearly every day in the offseason, and I expect we’ll see demonstrable benefits this fall. I expect Mannion to finish with at least a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, maybe even 3:1 like Canfield did his senior year. Mannion’s going to be a good one.
Also of positive interest is the addition of new TE’s and Malik Gilmore at WR.
On defense, I HOPE we’ll see some LB’s make clear statements about their readiness to have an impact (i.e. Jabral Johnson) so that position group is dynamic and effective again.
The play of both lines will be a spring disappointment, owing to a lack of talent (D) and bodies (O).
Spring ball looks to have the feel of skeleton drills, not a positive for a team that in recent years has performed so poorly in the fundamentals of blocking and tackling. It would be nice, and surprising, if Riley set clear goals in the context of these limitations.
Agreed, merely comparing this years group to last years doesn’t tell the whole story. But it can be a start. Does anyone see an area where the squad is weaker this year? Perhaps missing the Tank (although he was so little used)? Certainly not missing Frahm or Remmers.
For me a major thing to watch is Riley’s demeanor. If he seems much more involved and focused it would be encouraging.
As to spring ball, if the lack of bodies leads to more individual work as has been speculated, the fundamentals of blocking and tackling which you mentioned could benefit. Arm tackling and throwing oneself at the ball carrier without wrapping up are two areas where improvement is sorely needed.
Regarding missing Joe Halahuni; you’re right, he wasn’t used as much as I would’ve liked (or anyone at the TE position for that matter).
But I remember during full practice watching the TEs and it was either Clute or Hamlett that I remember being very impressed with their intensity, route running, focus, etc during practice. (Silverstream would probably remember) Of course this is back when Joe was injured so maybe they thought they would supplant Prince for game time touches too, who knows what motivates each player on any given practice day.
Speaking of Prince, wasn’t he the one that had a couple crucial fumbles in one game last year?
I’m happy to see DJ Welch penciled in as a starter. I liked the little I saw of him last year, looked fast and aggressive and vocal.
I agree on Riley’s demeanor also. The fact is that Riley needs to reach down and find his nuts and TELL these kids what ther identity is. That’s the coach’s job and the ones that do it right are successful. Easy examples being Jim Harbaugh( cruelty with character) and Chip Kelly. The quacks obviously have an identity that is instilled in them by their coach, and it’s buy in or get the fuck out. Not “golly gee fellas,it’d sure be a neat deal if you guys would decide to play with some effort instead of flopping around like a bunch of kansas city faggots”.
The biggest concern is senior starter Castro Masaniai won’t practice much, if at all, as he recovers from last season’s broken leg. He hasn’t been running much in the offseason.
That leaves Andrew Seumalo and Mana Rosa as the first-string DTs in the spring. Both of them started out at DE before moving inside.
Behind Seumalo is Desmond Collins, Mana Tuivaila and Noa Aluesi. Collins started out at DE and Aluesi is a greyshirt who started out as a TE. Behind Rosa are Joe Lopez and Brandon Bennett-Jackson. Lopez is a walk-on, and Riley has high expectations from Bennett-Jackson.
DT is so weak. I’m not sure there’s 1 Pac-12 caliber DT on the roster. Look at those names…eek.
I feel a big disappointment coming on when Masaniai is mentioned. Hope I’m wrong but I wonder if he can stay healthy for an entire season. While running isn’t the only way to build wind it doesn’t sound like, from Cliff’s reporting, Castro is where he should be at this stage of the process.
His condition as Fall Camp begins could be a real indicator of the abilities of the training/S-C staff as well as his own commitment (and the ability of the coaching staff to motivate). Have we seen any big positives in any of these areas in the recent past?
Agreed. I don’t think counting on Masaniai is wise. He’s likely to be out of shape come fall ball, he’s never been one to give 100% every down he plays,and there’s risks from off field behavior. He’s the kind of guy you’d LIKE to have as your third option, not your best option.
Over on Cliff’s blog, I was critical of OSU’s d-line and Riley’s opinion that he didn’t need to prioritize DT for JC recruiting this past recruiting period. Somebody pointed out that Oregon has DT’s under 300 lbs that are effective, and that may be true, but based on their play, they seem to be better athletes than OSU is stocking at DT. Many of OSU’s DT’s appear to be “tweeners,” too slow for DE, too small for DT, and not DI DT prospects. I see OSU LB’s having to deal with opposing offensive lineman and running backs with a full head of steam several yards downfield.
Moving Aluesei(sp?) to DT seems desperate to me – DE I could see. But DT? He was a HS QB.
Hard to stay in shape when you weigh 3 bills plus, and you can’t run or workout. I am not sure what he can do, but safe to stay its low impact stuff only.
Castro is a fat,slow blob, yet he seems to be held up as the second coming of Warren Sapp. It speaks volumes about the weakness of this position that this guy is seen as a savior because he weighs north of 3 bills.
He has one bum leg. He should be passing Paea as the strongest ox ever,instead he’ll be weak and out of shape. Nothing at all stopping him from working out every muscle group in his body other than one leg. Nothing other than laziness and coaching staff incompetence/apathy. Hell he could be in the best shape of his life by swimming and it’s zero impact. That shit’s full body.
I thought O’Brien was going to be a superstar, I saw him on TV is freshmen year lighting up some ACC opponent. The win for Wisconsin is that he has two years and not just one year of eligibility. At some point though doesn’t, Bielema need to knock this shit off or they’re not going to get any new QB recruits?
My biggest concern is leadership and not that lame “lead by examply” BS. I don’t see Mannion getting vocal with this team, so I can only hope guys like Crichton or Wynn step up and light a fire. Bring back the swagger and play like you want to win.
Almost everyone in the country wants him to play defense. OSU and Cal are the only ones I know of who want him as a FB/H-back. I think he’s a hybrid old-school type who can play a lot of positions too. But if Riley moves his offense to the I formation, I would love to have this kid in that power role.
I know everyone loves the spread and air-raid offenses, but I think the best offense will always be power football. And I think trying to finesse the middle ground only gets middle ground level players as recruits. Do what Wisconsin, Iowa and Stanford all do. Pound the friggin’ ball down the opponents’ throats, then pull it out and do it again. If you want to finesse the power game, throw the West Coast variation at them. Get a guy like Qualls to catch your screen passes and flares and run your short yardage plays.
That’s kinda what the big time o-linemen look for in a school. I’ve never known an o-linemen who liked to sit on his heels all game in pass pro.
So I would love for Qualls to be the next Tom Rathman in an offense similar at Reser.
I’ve thought a little about how OSU has suddenly become a magnet for some outstanding o-line prospects. And I can’t imagine a more focused recruiting priority is the only reasons we got the haul we did. I have to think that Riley is going to push his offense to the West Coast, and that’s what piqued the interest of these kids (and Brown at RB too).
If I were to start building for a West Coast offense, I would start getting o-line prospects like we did last year. I would get a TE like Smith. I would get a RB like Brown who could run any gap and catch out of the back field. I would get QB’s with excellent pocket presence like Mannion. And I would get an old-school FB who could catch out of the back field as well. WR’s have never really been a problem for OSU to recruit, but who we have fit this mold as well… especially Gilmore.
Can anyone think of the West Coast being run in the Pac besides Walsh’s two aborted builds at a previously “too strict on admissions” Stanford? Green at Stanford is the only other time I remember it.
It would make sense given two things at OSU:
1. Most of our pass plays are under 15 yards anyway.
2. Like LaVell Edwards always said of his offense… the simpler, the better.
Riley can just bury his Book of the Dead Offense and open up the West Coast and its 15-20 plays.
“the simpler, the better”, so very true. A real nugget there Jack, and only four words.
But then Riley might have to point to PAC12 wins and not to placing guys in the NFL.
No kidding… I have to wonder why anyone wouldn’t want this kid to have the ball in his hands a certain set percentage of the time. I certainly think he can go get it on defense. But I would rather have him just take a hand-off or catch a flare and see what happens to the poor souls who try to tackle him.
Size and athleticism (and the potential for more of both as he matures)… and more and more schools are going with some kind of flash and dash offense rather than the power game. His offensive skills do not project misdirection. He’s an in your face player.
Under the circumstances, I wish the Beavs could poach Caleb Kidder, but according to Montana papers, he committed to UM because of his position coach, UM defensive line coach Lawrence Suiaunoa.
damn you guys- I was hoping to delude myself in to hoping the defense could be at least half assed and there you go with reality. The amount of booze needed to make it through another season is going to kill my liver and its just recovering after basketball season.
So Enger, Hannah, Castro, both Watkins and the Commish are out for spring.
Some things to note on this prospectus:
1. I actually like this o-line (p.7 for depth chart). From right to left: Philipp, Enger, Sapolu, Andrews and Jackson. Jackson is not listed as injured and missing spring ball. And he’s down to a manageable weight at LT. I assume he’ll put on another 15-20 as he gets back into game condition. Meanwhile, Sapolu is up to weight for his technical skills to be very effective. I’m thinking Seumalo will come in and take LT or RG in this line-up. And I see some of the incoming frosh making good pushes for the two-deep in the fall.
2. DT’s… Seumalo will be our best in both size and skill. I hope Josh Mitchell wants to play DT. He’s a four year starter there if he wants to be. Then again, he’s a good to great o-line prospect as well.
3. LB’s look good… bigger, stronger, faster and deeper at that position than we’ve been for a while.
4. I like the starters at CB and S (with Watkins out, hoping TZ makes big noise this spring). CB depth is another issue, but at least we get some secondary help incoming this fall… just not as much as we had hoped.
5. Smith and Saulo are on the roster. Smith at H-back? I thought he was a straight up TE.
6. I noticed in the last four games last season that Riley was putting a FB on the field and yanking the slot (except for the Cal game, which I couldn’t watch). I figured it was finally an admission that our o-line sucked eggs… and convenient with Bishop out. Does that become a situational scheme?
I forgot to mention Ward on top of the RB heap. With a good o-line, he’s a capable back up. Woods may make noise in the spring and fall, but I still think Brown runs away with this position in the fall.
Cliff Kirkpatrick reported a week or so ago that Darryl Jackson was applying for a medical hardship (along with Tony Wilson) for his hip stingers and was done with football. I suppose it’s good that he’s still on the team, but I have to think his future contributions to the team will be pretty limited.
He also reported that Gwachum was moving to slot…guess they thought better of that move?
I really, really hope we don’t have Poyer returning kicks or punts. He is too vital to the team to be taking those hits, and while he’s solid, he’s definitely no James Rodgers at that spot. The depth across our secondary is terrifying.
CB depth is bad but safety depth is worse. With Watkins hurt we have a total of 3 scholarship players (1 walkon). One of those players is a recently converted QB.
I’m very happy with Murphy and optimistic about Zimmerman, but we could be in a lot of trouble if one if them goes down.
Yeah, I remember Jackson being mentioned as a potential retiree. But he’s not even listed as injured on this. And he’s slotted as the starter at LT on top of that. I’m thinking one of two things happens. One… he heals and comes back to play. Two… he retires after discovering he has limitations beyond what he expected from his injury, and Seumalo comes in and takes the spot. Essentially, Jackson’s just a warm body who’s holding Isaac’s spot for him while pushing Philipp to the right side.
Ashton is missing from the depth chart at S, but he’s on the roster. If that mistake was made, maybe Jackson’s inclusion was in error as well? And Ashton makes for good depth IMO. I like the incoming frosh in the secondary as well. Hill and Miller might be projects at S… they might not. I really like the look of Robinson at S or hybrid S/LB. And I think Noland and especially Hasty were WAAAAYYYYY underrated as CB prospects.
Oh, and for those who didn’t notice…Wynn put on 25 lbs through winter strength training. 240 up to 265. I expect him to take a major step forward this year….our DEs will be monsters.
Wynn!! Trying not to get too geeked on this guy but holy shit. If this is true we’re talking a serious animal. Like, going to the NFL after his junior year kinda animal imho.
Wynn the Day! (ok, I know its not cool to play on Chip Kelly’s phrase, but it would be great in a CW upset where Wynn had a monster game…)
The guy is going to be a beast this year. The “watchability” of the offense and defense will be on the edges…receivers, DE’s….Poyer….the middles are going to suffer again.
The single block letter “O” with some icing on it would be appropriate on the helmets for this donut-hole team…
Hell yeah. It’s so nice to see guys put out individual effort in the offseason. Masaniai are you paying attention?
Not sure if anyone saw this, but these #s from pro day tell the story for me:
Here are some of the big numbers of interest. First, the Bench number at 225 pounds.
Hardin: 24
Remmers: 20
Perry: 29
Olander: 21
Collins: 30
Halahuni: 18
McCants: 24
Rodgers, Hekker and Mitchell didn’t bench. Mitchell didn’t jump either due to recovering from hernia surgery. Rodgers was happy with his combine bench of 19.
Someone on the training staff needs to take ownership of the “big” guys on the team. A 300# 3 year starter that is weaker than a 220# Dback? Barely stronger than a 190# reciever? Is it any wonder he was getting blown off the ball? I realize that some guys are inherently stronger than others. I just don’t see how a 300# starter is allowed to be such a limp dick in the gym. Coaches?
I didn’t even bother with the DE’s. They are who we think they are… only better. Notice both are honors candidates along with our best o-linemen, our starting CB’s, WR’s, MLB and QB. I think it’s pretty clear who the leaders of this team are from here forward.
Looks like he would fit very well into a Chip Kelly system. Looks like a slower version of Denard Robinson. (slower, but still pretty fast. Denard makes everybody look slow)
Masaniai is reported to be up to 365 lbs. because he can not run to train. This looks to be a BIG problem for the future. Not counting on him WEIGHING IN much on the defense next year.
Here is the link to the Oregonian article http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2012/03/oregon_state_beavers_defensive.html
that has him listed at 351.
A researcher at the Oregonian has a source at OSU that says he is actually 365 and is not worried about it.
I bet the coaches are worried and they may not be counting on him with that attitude.
You will notice that he is not listed anywhere on the depth chart and he may be one of the guys that Riley will cut his scholarship as he may still be over the 85 limit.
Cliff has a different depth chart out. Stevenson, Bishop, Kelly, Enger, Castro, Hannah, both Watkins and the Commish out with injury. Kelly at LT and Jackson not listed (Ashton is listed). So that makes more sense. That’s still a warm body position in my mind. Castro listed as starter, but does it matter? He’s just a barn door. O-line depth might be killing our DT depth as well. As long as the o-line is shallow, players like Vieru and Mitchell will stick around. Thankfully TE is deep enough to push Noa to DT. Here’s to hoping he’s a natural there. http://cliffkirkpatrick.mvourtown.com/2012/03/31/spring-depth-chart-out/
What a joke. You guys talk about spring practice and the up coming season like some great changes are in the air. Face it, Failure Riley will do the same thing as always. With no big offensive or defensive coaching changes and no announcement that Failure Riley will change his archaic offense strategy, we are all faced with possibly, maybe a couple of wins better than last year, but I doubt it.
with other Pac-12 teams making the correct changes in their football program and getting rid of failed coaching staffs and hiring new and coaches full of energy and ability to win something better than a toilet bowl, the Beavs have to face, what I believe is, a very competitive Pac 12. It seems like Beaver fans (not myself) don’t have the ability to realize that until Failure Riley is gone, dark days are ahead. Oh, by the way, the other problem is athletic director. D CARE LESS.
Do we know if they’re going to reschedule the baseball game with the Pilots?
Go Beavs!
Did it even rain yesterday before or during the scheduled game time? I know it rained in the evening around Portland, but they could have easily held that game. I know they’re at the mercy of the forecasters, but I was looking forward to skipping work and checking out the game.
Here in Beaverton it rained off and on frequently yesterday, enough to cancel a game for sure.
Baseball in the NW weather sucks!
My boys team practiced just fine in the late afternoon. It was actually on the warm side. I’m surprised it was cancelled.
No make up date yet.
One comment I have is to caution against assessing the strengths and weaknesses of this year’s squad JUST by comparing/contrasting it to last year’s squad. While that approach facilitates enjoyable discussion, a meaningful context to add to that dialogue is comparing the 2012 squad to 2012 PAC-12 competition.
I look forward to Angry’s assessments for special teams, defense, and offense. Those always get the dialogue going. Last year you may have done those in the fall though?I think you should add to those an assessment of the coaching staff (who is also part of the team), and maybe a separate, brief entry with an overview of the league. Assuming you have time to do those of course.
This spring, I think the things we can look forward to include expressions of the substantial potential of the offensive skill players. Reportedly, Mannion and the receivers have been working together nearly every day in the offseason, and I expect we’ll see demonstrable benefits this fall. I expect Mannion to finish with at least a 2:1 TD:INT ratio, maybe even 3:1 like Canfield did his senior year. Mannion’s going to be a good one.
Also of positive interest is the addition of new TE’s and Malik Gilmore at WR.
On defense, I HOPE we’ll see some LB’s make clear statements about their readiness to have an impact (i.e. Jabral Johnson) so that position group is dynamic and effective again.
The play of both lines will be a spring disappointment, owing to a lack of talent (D) and bodies (O).
Spring ball looks to have the feel of skeleton drills, not a positive for a team that in recent years has performed so poorly in the fundamentals of blocking and tackling. It would be nice, and surprising, if Riley set clear goals in the context of these limitations.
Agreed, merely comparing this years group to last years doesn’t tell the whole story. But it can be a start. Does anyone see an area where the squad is weaker this year? Perhaps missing the Tank (although he was so little used)? Certainly not missing Frahm or Remmers.
For me a major thing to watch is Riley’s demeanor. If he seems much more involved and focused it would be encouraging.
As to spring ball, if the lack of bodies leads to more individual work as has been speculated, the fundamentals of blocking and tackling which you mentioned could benefit. Arm tackling and throwing oneself at the ball carrier without wrapping up are two areas where improvement is sorely needed.
Regarding missing Joe Halahuni; you’re right, he wasn’t used as much as I would’ve liked (or anyone at the TE position for that matter).
But I remember during full practice watching the TEs and it was either Clute or Hamlett that I remember being very impressed with their intensity, route running, focus, etc during practice. (Silverstream would probably remember) Of course this is back when Joe was injured so maybe they thought they would supplant Prince for game time touches too, who knows what motivates each player on any given practice day.
Speaking of Prince, wasn’t he the one that had a couple crucial fumbles in one game last year?
I’m happy to see DJ Welch penciled in as a starter. I liked the little I saw of him last year, looked fast and aggressive and vocal.
I agree on Riley’s demeanor also. The fact is that Riley needs to reach down and find his nuts and TELL these kids what ther identity is. That’s the coach’s job and the ones that do it right are successful. Easy examples being Jim Harbaugh( cruelty with character) and Chip Kelly. The quacks obviously have an identity that is instilled in them by their coach, and it’s buy in or get the fuck out. Not “golly gee fellas,it’d sure be a neat deal if you guys would decide to play with some effort instead of flopping around like a bunch of kansas city faggots”.
Haha. You nailed that one!
Precisely what does a bundle of twigs from Missouri have to do with anything?
I assume you’re not talking about the sacks of pork organs the Brits eat, because in Missouri they would just call that chitlins.
1: Get sense of humor
2: Watch Blazing Saddles
3: ????
4: Profit
Blazing Saddles is truly funny, what a classic style that has never been duplicated since.
Wait… you interrupt my sarcasm to tell ME to get a sense of humor?
heh heh
From Cliff:
The biggest concern is senior starter Castro Masaniai won’t practice much, if at all, as he recovers from last season’s broken leg. He hasn’t been running much in the offseason.
That leaves Andrew Seumalo and Mana Rosa as the first-string DTs in the spring. Both of them started out at DE before moving inside.
Behind Seumalo is Desmond Collins, Mana Tuivaila and Noa Aluesi. Collins started out at DE and Aluesi is a greyshirt who started out as a TE. Behind Rosa are Joe Lopez and Brandon Bennett-Jackson. Lopez is a walk-on, and Riley has high expectations from Bennett-Jackson.
DT is so weak. I’m not sure there’s 1 Pac-12 caliber DT on the roster. Look at those names…eek.
I feel a big disappointment coming on when Masaniai is mentioned. Hope I’m wrong but I wonder if he can stay healthy for an entire season. While running isn’t the only way to build wind it doesn’t sound like, from Cliff’s reporting, Castro is where he should be at this stage of the process.
His condition as Fall Camp begins could be a real indicator of the abilities of the training/S-C staff as well as his own commitment (and the ability of the coaching staff to motivate). Have we seen any big positives in any of these areas in the recent past?
Agreed. I don’t think counting on Masaniai is wise. He’s likely to be out of shape come fall ball, he’s never been one to give 100% every down he plays,and there’s risks from off field behavior. He’s the kind of guy you’d LIKE to have as your third option, not your best option.
Over on Cliff’s blog, I was critical of OSU’s d-line and Riley’s opinion that he didn’t need to prioritize DT for JC recruiting this past recruiting period. Somebody pointed out that Oregon has DT’s under 300 lbs that are effective, and that may be true, but based on their play, they seem to be better athletes than OSU is stocking at DT. Many of OSU’s DT’s appear to be “tweeners,” too slow for DE, too small for DT, and not DI DT prospects. I see OSU LB’s having to deal with opposing offensive lineman and running backs with a full head of steam several yards downfield.
Moving Aluesei(sp?) to DT seems desperate to me – DE I could see. But DT? He was a HS QB.
Anyone familiar with Bennet-Jackson?
Hard to stay in shape when you weigh 3 bills plus, and you can’t run or workout. I am not sure what he can do, but safe to stay its low impact stuff only.
Castro is a fat,slow blob, yet he seems to be held up as the second coming of Warren Sapp. It speaks volumes about the weakness of this position that this guy is seen as a savior because he weighs north of 3 bills.
He has one bum leg. He should be passing Paea as the strongest ox ever,instead he’ll be weak and out of shape. Nothing at all stopping him from working out every muscle group in his body other than one leg. Nothing other than laziness and coaching staff incompetence/apathy. Hell he could be in the best shape of his life by swimming and it’s zero impact. That shit’s full body.
CFN on Wisconsin’s signing of O’Brien:
http://cfn.scout.com/2/1172199.html
I’ll bet the shortcomings of Riley’s strategy for OSU’s DT group comes into very specific relief when the Badgers visit Reser. O’Brien will benefit.
Road kill!
I thought O’Brien was going to be a superstar, I saw him on TV is freshmen year lighting up some ACC opponent. The win for Wisconsin is that he has two years and not just one year of eligibility. At some point though doesn’t, Bielema need to knock this shit off or they’re not going to get any new QB recruits?
My biggest concern is leadership and not that lame “lead by examply” BS. I don’t see Mannion getting vocal with this team, so I can only hope guys like Crichton or Wynn step up and light a fire. Bring back the swagger and play like you want to win.
My gut says to keep an eye on DJ Welch.
Elijah Qualls enjoyed his trip.
Any reason for optimism? Have you seen direct quotes? Looks like he has no shortage of offers already.
Who dat?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XlRlG-c-OM
Jack,
What is your opinion of this guy? Personally, I would like to see him targeted as a defensive player.
Almost everyone in the country wants him to play defense. OSU and Cal are the only ones I know of who want him as a FB/H-back. I think he’s a hybrid old-school type who can play a lot of positions too. But if Riley moves his offense to the I formation, I would love to have this kid in that power role.
I know everyone loves the spread and air-raid offenses, but I think the best offense will always be power football. And I think trying to finesse the middle ground only gets middle ground level players as recruits. Do what Wisconsin, Iowa and Stanford all do. Pound the friggin’ ball down the opponents’ throats, then pull it out and do it again. If you want to finesse the power game, throw the West Coast variation at them. Get a guy like Qualls to catch your screen passes and flares and run your short yardage plays.
That’s kinda what the big time o-linemen look for in a school. I’ve never known an o-linemen who liked to sit on his heels all game in pass pro.
So I would love for Qualls to be the next Tom Rathman in an offense similar at Reser.
Meanwhile, I’m not holding my breath.
I’ve thought a little about how OSU has suddenly become a magnet for some outstanding o-line prospects. And I can’t imagine a more focused recruiting priority is the only reasons we got the haul we did. I have to think that Riley is going to push his offense to the West Coast, and that’s what piqued the interest of these kids (and Brown at RB too).
If I were to start building for a West Coast offense, I would start getting o-line prospects like we did last year. I would get a TE like Smith. I would get a RB like Brown who could run any gap and catch out of the back field. I would get QB’s with excellent pocket presence like Mannion. And I would get an old-school FB who could catch out of the back field as well. WR’s have never really been a problem for OSU to recruit, but who we have fit this mold as well… especially Gilmore.
Can anyone think of the West Coast being run in the Pac besides Walsh’s two aborted builds at a previously “too strict on admissions” Stanford? Green at Stanford is the only other time I remember it.
It would make sense given two things at OSU:
1. Most of our pass plays are under 15 yards anyway.
2. Like LaVell Edwards always said of his offense… the simpler, the better.
Riley can just bury his Book of the Dead Offense and open up the West Coast and its 15-20 plays.
I like that idea.
“the simpler, the better”, so very true. A real nugget there Jack, and only four words.
But then Riley might have to point to PAC12 wins and not to placing guys in the NFL.
I don’t know. Edwards got a couple QB’s in the league.
Re the Elijah Qualls video: Wow! Especially on offense.
No kidding… I have to wonder why anyone wouldn’t want this kid to have the ball in his hands a certain set percentage of the time. I certainly think he can go get it on defense. But I would rather have him just take a hand-off or catch a flare and see what happens to the poor souls who try to tackle him.
On defense, he looks fairly pedestrian…offense, he looks like an absolute beast. Why is he being projected at DL???
Size and athleticism (and the potential for more of both as he matures)… and more and more schools are going with some kind of flash and dash offense rather than the power game. His offensive skills do not project misdirection. He’s an in your face player.
Looks like Jonathan Smith’s move to Boise State was a pretty smart move.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/ncaa/03/29/montana.coach.ap/index.html
Under the circumstances, I wish the Beavs could poach Caleb Kidder, but according to Montana papers, he committed to UM because of his position coach, UM defensive line coach Lawrence Suiaunoa.
I linked the general story a couple months ago. It was written long ago.
It’s too bad. i think Pflugrad would have been good for a while on a national level if not for his players’ actions last fall.
damn you guys- I was hoping to delude myself in to hoping the defense could be at least half assed and there you go with reality. The amount of booze needed to make it through another season is going to kill my liver and its just recovering after basketball season.
So Enger, Hannah, Castro, both Watkins and the Commish are out for spring.
Some things to note on this prospectus:
1. I actually like this o-line (p.7 for depth chart). From right to left: Philipp, Enger, Sapolu, Andrews and Jackson. Jackson is not listed as injured and missing spring ball. And he’s down to a manageable weight at LT. I assume he’ll put on another 15-20 as he gets back into game condition. Meanwhile, Sapolu is up to weight for his technical skills to be very effective. I’m thinking Seumalo will come in and take LT or RG in this line-up. And I see some of the incoming frosh making good pushes for the two-deep in the fall.
2. DT’s… Seumalo will be our best in both size and skill. I hope Josh Mitchell wants to play DT. He’s a four year starter there if he wants to be. Then again, he’s a good to great o-line prospect as well.
3. LB’s look good… bigger, stronger, faster and deeper at that position than we’ve been for a while.
4. I like the starters at CB and S (with Watkins out, hoping TZ makes big noise this spring). CB depth is another issue, but at least we get some secondary help incoming this fall… just not as much as we had hoped.
5. Smith and Saulo are on the roster. Smith at H-back? I thought he was a straight up TE.
6. I noticed in the last four games last season that Riley was putting a FB on the field and yanking the slot (except for the Cal game, which I couldn’t watch). I figured it was finally an admission that our o-line sucked eggs… and convenient with Bishop out. Does that become a situational scheme?
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/orst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/prospectus/prospectus.pdf
I forgot to mention Ward on top of the RB heap. With a good o-line, he’s a capable back up. Woods may make noise in the spring and fall, but I still think Brown runs away with this position in the fall.
Cliff Kirkpatrick reported a week or so ago that Darryl Jackson was applying for a medical hardship (along with Tony Wilson) for his hip stingers and was done with football. I suppose it’s good that he’s still on the team, but I have to think his future contributions to the team will be pretty limited.
He also reported that Gwachum was moving to slot…guess they thought better of that move?
I really, really hope we don’t have Poyer returning kicks or punts. He is too vital to the team to be taking those hits, and while he’s solid, he’s definitely no James Rodgers at that spot. The depth across our secondary is terrifying.
CB depth is bad but safety depth is worse. With Watkins hurt we have a total of 3 scholarship players (1 walkon). One of those players is a recently converted QB.
I’m very happy with Murphy and optimistic about Zimmerman, but we could be in a lot of trouble if one if them goes down.
Yeah, I remember Jackson being mentioned as a potential retiree. But he’s not even listed as injured on this. And he’s slotted as the starter at LT on top of that. I’m thinking one of two things happens. One… he heals and comes back to play. Two… he retires after discovering he has limitations beyond what he expected from his injury, and Seumalo comes in and takes the spot. Essentially, Jackson’s just a warm body who’s holding Isaac’s spot for him while pushing Philipp to the right side.
Ashton is missing from the depth chart at S, but he’s on the roster. If that mistake was made, maybe Jackson’s inclusion was in error as well? And Ashton makes for good depth IMO. I like the incoming frosh in the secondary as well. Hill and Miller might be projects at S… they might not. I really like the look of Robinson at S or hybrid S/LB. And I think Noland and especially Hasty were WAAAAYYYYY underrated as CB prospects.
Oh, and for those who didn’t notice…Wynn put on 25 lbs through winter strength training. 240 up to 265. I expect him to take a major step forward this year….our DEs will be monsters.
Wynn!! Trying not to get too geeked on this guy but holy shit. If this is true we’re talking a serious animal. Like, going to the NFL after his junior year kinda animal imho.
Wynn the Day! (ok, I know its not cool to play on Chip Kelly’s phrase, but it would be great in a CW upset where Wynn had a monster game…)
The guy is going to be a beast this year. The “watchability” of the offense and defense will be on the edges…receivers, DE’s….Poyer….the middles are going to suffer again.
The single block letter “O” with some icing on it would be appropriate on the helmets for this donut-hole team…
Hell yeah. It’s so nice to see guys put out individual effort in the offseason. Masaniai are you paying attention?
Not sure if anyone saw this, but these #s from pro day tell the story for me:
Here are some of the big numbers of interest. First, the Bench number at 225 pounds.
Hardin: 24
Remmers: 20
Perry: 29
Olander: 21
Collins: 30
Halahuni: 18
McCants: 24
Rodgers, Hekker and Mitchell didn’t bench. Mitchell didn’t jump either due to recovering from hernia surgery. Rodgers was happy with his combine bench of 19.
Someone on the training staff needs to take ownership of the “big” guys on the team. A 300# 3 year starter that is weaker than a 220# Dback? Barely stronger than a 190# reciever? Is it any wonder he was getting blown off the ball? I realize that some guys are inherently stronger than others. I just don’t see how a 300# starter is allowed to be such a limp dick in the gym. Coaches?
Seriously. Olander and Remmers numbers would be laughable if they didn’t actually make me want to vomit.
I didn’t even bother with the DE’s. They are who we think they are… only better. Notice both are honors candidates along with our best o-linemen, our starting CB’s, WR’s, MLB and QB. I think it’s pretty clear who the leaders of this team are from here forward.
It’s diamond in the rough season. I agree with this offer. Kid is a smooth athlete.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPkhE_MPWvw
Looks like he would fit very well into a Chip Kelly system. Looks like a slower version of Denard Robinson. (slower, but still pretty fast. Denard makes everybody look slow)
He looks more like a Vince Young type runner to me. Robinson would be a Michael Vick type.
Riley wouldn’t know how to use him. I don’t see a guy like that wanting to come here and waste his talent
He’s offered as an athlete, which says to me they see him as a LB or a skill position rather than QB.
Masaniai is reported to be up to 365 lbs. because he can not run to train. This looks to be a BIG problem for the future. Not counting on him WEIGHING IN much on the defense next year.
He’s not a good DT either way. He “takes up space” but gets pushed around in said space, leaving LBs making tackles 10 yards down field.
Kenny, I have no trouble believing that Castro is up to 365, but could you share the source of the report?
Here is the link to the Oregonian article
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2012/03/oregon_state_beavers_defensive.html
that has him listed at 351.
A researcher at the Oregonian has a source at OSU that says he is actually 365 and is not worried about it.
I bet the coaches are worried and they may not be counting on him with that attitude.
You will notice that he is not listed anywhere on the depth chart and he may be one of the guys that Riley will cut his scholarship as he may still be over the 85 limit.
Actually, Castro is listed on the Spring Roster put out by OSU. He is #2 behind Rosa at DLT.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/orst/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/prospectus/prospectus.pdf
Can someone tell me why this kid has no offers?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJpr6ZM204s
Because nobody has offered him?
Cue the meta-talk. :)
ha, sorry, couldnt resist
I really like this kid’s game… on both sides of the ball. But his routes are so pretty, and his hands are too good. I vote for WR for this kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHILyt6gATI
Cliff has a different depth chart out. Stevenson, Bishop, Kelly, Enger, Castro, Hannah, both Watkins and the Commish out with injury. Kelly at LT and Jackson not listed (Ashton is listed). So that makes more sense. That’s still a warm body position in my mind. Castro listed as starter, but does it matter? He’s just a barn door. O-line depth might be killing our DT depth as well. As long as the o-line is shallow, players like Vieru and Mitchell will stick around. Thankfully TE is deep enough to push Noa to DT. Here’s to hoping he’s a natural there.
http://cliffkirkpatrick.mvourtown.com/2012/03/31/spring-depth-chart-out/
What a joke. You guys talk about spring practice and the up coming season like some great changes are in the air. Face it, Failure Riley will do the same thing as always. With no big offensive or defensive coaching changes and no announcement that Failure Riley will change his archaic offense strategy, we are all faced with possibly, maybe a couple of wins better than last year, but I doubt it.
with other Pac-12 teams making the correct changes in their football program and getting rid of failed coaching staffs and hiring new and coaches full of energy and ability to win something better than a toilet bowl, the Beavs have to face, what I believe is, a very competitive Pac 12. It seems like Beaver fans (not myself) don’t have the ability to realize that until Failure Riley is gone, dark days are ahead. Oh, by the way, the other problem is athletic director. D CARE LESS.