-Nesbitt is almost a whole different player now that the ankle injury he played through last year is healed up. Words used include quicker, more decisive and better command of the offense. I don't think there's been a stronger QB in college football since Scott Frost graduated. At 215 lbs Nesbitt can hang clean 350 lbs (they stopped him so he wouldn't get injured). Scott Frost set the Nebraska position record with a 372 hang clean.
-I love the likely starting OL of Smith/Claytor, Uzzi, Bedford, Jackson and Barrick. Uzzi and Bedford are all-conference players and Jackson is a future AA. The offense is starting to take shape up front.
-LB Kyle Jackson is back and as good as ever. He was the team's best LB a year ago before the foot injury kept him out for the year. He's pushing Jefferson, although I doubt he'll unseat the Gladiator. Watts, Jefferson, Sylvester/Barnes and Egbuniwe/Munroe should round out the starters. Jeremiah Attachou is going to be one hell of a player. He's going to skip a redshirt-probably won't start but I think he'll play a major role on this team.
-Jamea Thomas will redshirt. Isaiah Johnson looks like he'll get the nod to start as a true freshman.
-Too Tall and Euclid Cummings have really turned the corner. The youth on the defense is scary but in a year or two when Paul Johnson has a top 20 defense to go along with his offense, there's no reason why GT won't be a national championship team.
-Told not to expect a miracle from the defense this year. I do believe they will be better coached and put in a position to be successful though.
-Brian Bohannon's comments yesterday were interesting in regards to the competition at B-back. It's apparent that Anthony Allen, Lucas Cox, Preston Lyons and Richard Watson are a formidable group. It will probably be a share by committee position. Bohannon mentioned the ability to bring in fresh players and wear an opposing defense down in the 4th quarter. Needless to say, we're just loaded here.
-Bill Bellichik stopped by practice on Thursday
-Scrimmage today-waiting for a report.
New commit Vad Lee from Hillside NC is the absolute perfect QB recruit to run CPJ's offense. He can run, throw and throw on the run. Of course he's going to have to beat Synjyn Days who Brian Bohannon says plays QB with a LB mentality. The competition to replace Nesbitt next year will be fierce. Tevin Washington, David Sims, Days and Lee will be something to watch next spring and fall. Lee's commitment also means that Airyn Willis will likely end up at WR. Lee opened his senior season last night with 302 yards passing and 5 TD.
Vad Lee Jr Season Highlights
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Fall Camp
As with probably any other fanbase around the country, enthusiasm is running high for the upcoming season. Year three of the Paul Johnson era.
Several times CPJ has said this will probably be a better team than he's had but might not win as many games. Coach Johnson has been around long enough to know that you have to show up. I personally believe this will be his best team yet. Year three at all his stops has been the best. There is finally a full 85 players on scholarship. The offensive line has depth, experience and talent, along with the first wave of CPJ recruits. When you have an All-ACC center fighting to hold on to his job that should say something. Nesbitt is healthy, there's a plethora of riches at the RB position and another year of understanding the offense.
The reason why this team will be better though won't be because of the offense. Al Groh knows what the hell he's doing and the players trust him, unlike they did when they gave up on Dave Wommack. There is absolutely no chance the defense is worse, even with learning a new system.
And this year GT is playing in what is arguably the toughest division in college football. Road games at Va Tech, Clemson, UNC and Georgia will be incredibly tough.
Based on what I'm hearing here are some things to chew on (remember it's early):
Isaiah Johnson might end up being a starter. I think he'll be the best freshman safety in the country this year.
Synjyn Days is exactly what we're after out of the QB spot. It's early but this kid can pass and run. And he already knows the offense.
Remember the name Brandon Watts. Superstar.
Nesbitt is fully healthy and is running the offense with more speed and efficiency. You'll remember last year I told you that Ricky Dobbs of Navy runs the offense better because he runs it quicker. I'll be interested to see how it comes together.
SC State will be a good first game. This is a very talented I-AA team that finished #7 in the country last year. Anymore, you can't take these games for granted.
I'll post up some articles regarding media days and the early practices tomorrow.
Several times CPJ has said this will probably be a better team than he's had but might not win as many games. Coach Johnson has been around long enough to know that you have to show up. I personally believe this will be his best team yet. Year three at all his stops has been the best. There is finally a full 85 players on scholarship. The offensive line has depth, experience and talent, along with the first wave of CPJ recruits. When you have an All-ACC center fighting to hold on to his job that should say something. Nesbitt is healthy, there's a plethora of riches at the RB position and another year of understanding the offense.
The reason why this team will be better though won't be because of the offense. Al Groh knows what the hell he's doing and the players trust him, unlike they did when they gave up on Dave Wommack. There is absolutely no chance the defense is worse, even with learning a new system.
And this year GT is playing in what is arguably the toughest division in college football. Road games at Va Tech, Clemson, UNC and Georgia will be incredibly tough.
Based on what I'm hearing here are some things to chew on (remember it's early):
Isaiah Johnson might end up being a starter. I think he'll be the best freshman safety in the country this year.
Synjyn Days is exactly what we're after out of the QB spot. It's early but this kid can pass and run. And he already knows the offense.
Remember the name Brandon Watts. Superstar.
Nesbitt is fully healthy and is running the offense with more speed and efficiency. You'll remember last year I told you that Ricky Dobbs of Navy runs the offense better because he runs it quicker. I'll be interested to see how it comes together.
SC State will be a good first game. This is a very talented I-AA team that finished #7 in the country last year. Anymore, you can't take these games for granted.
I'll post up some articles regarding media days and the early practices tomorrow.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Iowa Breakdown
Since someone below requested an Orange Bowl summary here it is:
Not too much to say about that one. After all it's not hard to decipher why Iowa won the Orange Bowl and GT lost. Iowa simply loaded up the box, dared Nesbitt to beat them through the air and whipped GT at the point of attack. Not to say it was all bad-GT actually still had a chance to tie or win with about 3 minutes left in the game, even as poorly as they executed on offense most of the game. The first half was much like the VT game earlier this year. Paul Johnson made adjustments at halftime and we actually moved the ball well a few series in the second half. The defense played okay but this wasn't a great Iowa offense. Obviously, those issues are being addressed.
I sort of hinted this might happen in my post below about Navy vs. Missouri. Again, GT does not execute this offense near as well as Navy does. I told an Iowa fan after the game that if GT has Ricky Dobbs instead of Josh Nesbitt they probably win this game. If they have Ricky Dobbs and the Navy OL they almost certainly win the game.
Leading into next year I think you'll see a few things. You are certainly going to see the redshirting OL on the field and battling in the spring. I think CPJ likes Phil Smith (who didn't play in the Orange Bowl because of a broken leg). I think he likes Bedford, although he isn't the ideal center. Gilbert should be relegated to a backup role next year and Barrick. The rest-meh. But as much as we need to upgrade the OL, we perhaps need to upgrade another position even more-the QB. God Bless Nesbitt-he's a warrior and not many players in the country are tougher. But the option runs and develops slow with him. That will cut it against most teams but not against the very elite defenses. His passing is atrocious most of the time but he is what he is. For comparison sake, I posted a vintage video of some clips from throughout Paul Johnson's career. We're going to get there but it won't happen until the OL is fixed and the QB is running the offense at the level of a Kaipo, Dobbs or Tracy Hamm. I hope next year CPJ will start to get some of his younger QBs some game time. Jordan Luallen is up to about 220 right now and is supposedly an excellent passer. David Sims is also redshirting and it sounds like we still may take Ohio star Dominique Brown as he is deciding between Cincy and GT. Plus Synjyn Days is on his way in but I'm guessing he is headed for a RS year barring something unforseen. I also love Dwyer and his competitiveness but part of me wishes he'd move on because I am not sure he is the ideal. I mean at this point you have to ask who you would rather see in the backfield-Kyle Eckel or Dwyer? Part of me says lets see what else we have back there (i.e, Drummond).
Think we execute like this? Not yet.
Not too much to say about that one. After all it's not hard to decipher why Iowa won the Orange Bowl and GT lost. Iowa simply loaded up the box, dared Nesbitt to beat them through the air and whipped GT at the point of attack. Not to say it was all bad-GT actually still had a chance to tie or win with about 3 minutes left in the game, even as poorly as they executed on offense most of the game. The first half was much like the VT game earlier this year. Paul Johnson made adjustments at halftime and we actually moved the ball well a few series in the second half. The defense played okay but this wasn't a great Iowa offense. Obviously, those issues are being addressed.
I sort of hinted this might happen in my post below about Navy vs. Missouri. Again, GT does not execute this offense near as well as Navy does. I told an Iowa fan after the game that if GT has Ricky Dobbs instead of Josh Nesbitt they probably win this game. If they have Ricky Dobbs and the Navy OL they almost certainly win the game.
Leading into next year I think you'll see a few things. You are certainly going to see the redshirting OL on the field and battling in the spring. I think CPJ likes Phil Smith (who didn't play in the Orange Bowl because of a broken leg). I think he likes Bedford, although he isn't the ideal center. Gilbert should be relegated to a backup role next year and Barrick. The rest-meh. But as much as we need to upgrade the OL, we perhaps need to upgrade another position even more-the QB. God Bless Nesbitt-he's a warrior and not many players in the country are tougher. But the option runs and develops slow with him. That will cut it against most teams but not against the very elite defenses. His passing is atrocious most of the time but he is what he is. For comparison sake, I posted a vintage video of some clips from throughout Paul Johnson's career. We're going to get there but it won't happen until the OL is fixed and the QB is running the offense at the level of a Kaipo, Dobbs or Tracy Hamm. I hope next year CPJ will start to get some of his younger QBs some game time. Jordan Luallen is up to about 220 right now and is supposedly an excellent passer. David Sims is also redshirting and it sounds like we still may take Ohio star Dominique Brown as he is deciding between Cincy and GT. Plus Synjyn Days is on his way in but I'm guessing he is headed for a RS year barring something unforseen. I also love Dwyer and his competitiveness but part of me wishes he'd move on because I am not sure he is the ideal. I mean at this point you have to ask who you would rather see in the backfield-Kyle Eckel or Dwyer? Part of me says lets see what else we have back there (i.e, Drummond).
Think we execute like this? Not yet.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sounds like a Done Deal
Rumors everywhere that Al Groh is coming on board as DC. That is one hell of a hire by Paul Johnson, if true. How many other schools in the country have an assistant coach with 38 years of coaching experience, a Super Bowl ring, 2 conference coach of the year honors and someone that has coached under Bill Belichik and Bill Parcells. Parcells was apparently trying to lure Groh back to the NFL to coach with the Dolphins. This guy is a master of the 3-4 defense and is often given the label "defensive genius." Groh may not have been a great head coach but I have a feeling that giving him half of the team to work with and pairing him with PJ's offense is going to be a nightmare for opposing teams. Will wait for confirmation.
Wommack is Out
Maybe a little surprising that DC Dave Wommack was let go but then again, it says volumes about Paul Johnson and the fact that he will not settle for just winning 11 games a year.
There were tons of injuries this year to the defense but injuries are going to happen every year and you have to work through them. I believe that the issues on defense caused CPJ to call his plays different and manage games differently this year than he would with a serviceable defense.
As for Nebraska, Shawn Watson's offense this year ranked 102nd in the country. Dave Wommack's defense ranked 54th. Bo Pelini is only delaying the inevitable by keeping Watson around, as he has proven to be as mediocre as it gets in terms of playcalling and execution. For every good game the offense has, it has 3 or 4 bad games and that is a consistent pattern. Remember as well, Watson was kept here to make sure there were as few interruptions as possible to the offense.
So who will replace Wommack? Al Groh's name is mentioned prominently, since he and Paul Johnson are good friends. I'd be very enthused with Groh running the defense, except for the fact that we would be exclusively a 3-4 team. That is what Groh knows and that's the defense he runs.
Mark Bradley says Tech is close to a deal with Groh.
But Footballcoachscoop.com says Groh will NOT be the guy and has been contacted by Bill Parcells in Miami.
Stay tuned...
There were tons of injuries this year to the defense but injuries are going to happen every year and you have to work through them. I believe that the issues on defense caused CPJ to call his plays different and manage games differently this year than he would with a serviceable defense.
As for Nebraska, Shawn Watson's offense this year ranked 102nd in the country. Dave Wommack's defense ranked 54th. Bo Pelini is only delaying the inevitable by keeping Watson around, as he has proven to be as mediocre as it gets in terms of playcalling and execution. For every good game the offense has, it has 3 or 4 bad games and that is a consistent pattern. Remember as well, Watson was kept here to make sure there were as few interruptions as possible to the offense.
So who will replace Wommack? Al Groh's name is mentioned prominently, since he and Paul Johnson are good friends. I'd be very enthused with Groh running the defense, except for the fact that we would be exclusively a 3-4 team. That is what Groh knows and that's the defense he runs.
Mark Bradley says Tech is close to a deal with Groh.
But Footballcoachscoop.com says Groh will NOT be the guy and has been contacted by Bill Parcells in Miami.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I'm Vindicated Already
I have a lot of friends that are aware of my admiration for Paul Johnson as a head coach and the system he employs. It's not hard to figure out why-I grew up watching a chessmaster of a coach that simply outschemed and outmaneuvered opposing defenses. Tom Osborne was a genius calling plays and he always did more with lesser players who were tougher than almost everyone they played. So Paul Johnson is a throwback to an era where basketball on grass didn't exist and football was a man's sport. Paul Johnson is a throwback to an era where teams feared playing Nebraska because they got the living crap kicked out of them, physically and mentally.
So a lot of my friends like to text and email me to try to rub it in when Georgia Tech loses. They'll say the same pathetic things I've blogged about before i.e, "see that offense will never work."
I'm sure I'll get the same things should Iowa win Tuesday night. In a way though this game is meaningless, other than taking some national glory and setting up a run for next year. Sure it would be nice to win because it would be a landmark for a program that has very little experience at this level of college football. But there are no more questions about whether this system will work against major college opponents. That's been proven over the past two years. It was further proven on Thursday when Navy took big bad Missouri and their 12th ranked rushing defense behind the woodshed. Navy's defense also played lights out, shutting down that pass happy Missouri offense. Navy is 8 years into their experiment. Georgia Tech is barely 2 into theirs. At some point, when his OL and defense get the right personnel, Paul Johnson will have Georgia Tech executing at a level like Navy did the other day. Only they'll do it with players who are much bigger, stronger and faster. I personally think this thing hits another level starting next year, as Navy had a breakthrough 10 win season in Paul Johnson's third season there. The average fan simply has no idea how far from reaching max performance this team really is but I think they operate at about 65% of the execution level of Navy right now. Wait until the O linemen up front understand the offense enough to let CPJ make his in-game blocking scheme adjustments-from play to play.
It's unreal actually to think back about 2 years ago when Paul Johnson was hired away from Navy. I correctly predicted he would have them in the BCS within 2 seasons and here we sit just a couple days away from playing on that big stage. They will have a national audience all to themselves, with CPJ and his team on full display for everyone to see how far they've come. It's final exam time.
So a lot of my friends like to text and email me to try to rub it in when Georgia Tech loses. They'll say the same pathetic things I've blogged about before i.e, "see that offense will never work."
I'm sure I'll get the same things should Iowa win Tuesday night. In a way though this game is meaningless, other than taking some national glory and setting up a run for next year. Sure it would be nice to win because it would be a landmark for a program that has very little experience at this level of college football. But there are no more questions about whether this system will work against major college opponents. That's been proven over the past two years. It was further proven on Thursday when Navy took big bad Missouri and their 12th ranked rushing defense behind the woodshed. Navy's defense also played lights out, shutting down that pass happy Missouri offense. Navy is 8 years into their experiment. Georgia Tech is barely 2 into theirs. At some point, when his OL and defense get the right personnel, Paul Johnson will have Georgia Tech executing at a level like Navy did the other day. Only they'll do it with players who are much bigger, stronger and faster. I personally think this thing hits another level starting next year, as Navy had a breakthrough 10 win season in Paul Johnson's third season there. The average fan simply has no idea how far from reaching max performance this team really is but I think they operate at about 65% of the execution level of Navy right now. Wait until the O linemen up front understand the offense enough to let CPJ make his in-game blocking scheme adjustments-from play to play.
It's unreal actually to think back about 2 years ago when Paul Johnson was hired away from Navy. I correctly predicted he would have them in the BCS within 2 seasons and here we sit just a couple days away from playing on that big stage. They will have a national audience all to themselves, with CPJ and his team on full display for everyone to see how far they've come. It's final exam time.
Nesbitt the Warrior
The most in-depth article I've ever read on the toughest SOB in college football, Josh Nesbitt.
Coaches have tried to draw him out a little more, to build on the vocal aspect of leadership. But, "I feel that's just not me," he said. "I've had people I've looked up to in the past where they did a lot of talking and not enough action on the field. I didn't want to be one of those people who did all talking and never went on the field and did it."
Coaches have tried to draw him out a little more, to build on the vocal aspect of leadership. But, "I feel that's just not me," he said. "I've had people I've looked up to in the past where they did a lot of talking and not enough action on the field. I didn't want to be one of those people who did all talking and never went on the field and did it."
Pre-Orange Bowl Reads
A columnist from the Augusta Chronicle takes a shot at Spurrier and Holtz, saying South Carolina needs to follow Paul Johnson's lead. Couldn't have summed it up better:
Which is why teams need to start poaching Johnson's staff. After a Texas Bowl trouncing, Missouri can attest to how well Navy is doing with Johnson's system under Johnson protege Ken Niumatalolo. Georgia Southern is so eager to reestablish its good ol' days that it became the first to pilfer a piece of Johnson's Georgia Tech staff when it hired Jeff Monken last month.
But Braine and Gailey are gone. Braine retired, which led to Tech hiring Dan Radakovich, who fired Gailey and hired Paul Johnson, who simply rejects mediocrity and excuses. In just two years under Johnson, the Yellow Jackets already have exceeded Braine’s modest expectations. They followed a nine-win season in 2008 with an 11-2 record this season and a berth in the Orange Bowl as the ACC champs.
From the Iowa perspective, this is a good article with longtime Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker in a video segment.
And even more from the Iowa side.
Which is why teams need to start poaching Johnson's staff. After a Texas Bowl trouncing, Missouri can attest to how well Navy is doing with Johnson's system under Johnson protege Ken Niumatalolo. Georgia Southern is so eager to reestablish its good ol' days that it became the first to pilfer a piece of Johnson's Georgia Tech staff when it hired Jeff Monken last month.
Other programs should soon follow suit. The Gamecocks should start scouting out their own Johnson guys right now. Now that Steve Spurrier is following the Paul Dietzel/Lou Holtz pattern of mediocrity, the big-name hiring playbook needs to be retired.
They'll never get to compete with the same deck of players with Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.
Meanwhile, another columnist says confidence will keep GT winning:But Braine and Gailey are gone. Braine retired, which led to Tech hiring Dan Radakovich, who fired Gailey and hired Paul Johnson, who simply rejects mediocrity and excuses. In just two years under Johnson, the Yellow Jackets already have exceeded Braine’s modest expectations. They followed a nine-win season in 2008 with an 11-2 record this season and a berth in the Orange Bowl as the ACC champs.
From the Iowa perspective, this is a good article with longtime Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker in a video segment.
And even more from the Iowa side.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Thoughts on Navy vs. Mizzou
The Middies made my day yesterday with a 35-13 pasting of Gary Pinkel's mouthy Missouri Tigers. Combined with Air Force's lopsided win over favored Houston, it was power option teams 2, finesse pass happy spread teams 0.
Even with almost a month to prepare for the "triple option," Missouri was run over and through by a Navy team that was simply tougher, more prepared and executed better. So much for the theory that if you have a month to prepare you can magically slow down this spread option offense.
Some interesting analysis from a blogger from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Good article from the Houston Chron
Postgame quotes:
Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon
"They take your instinct away. I was trying to slow-play (read instead of react to) the quarterback and the next thing I knew he stepped back and went 23 yards. It's stuff like that where you think you can do one thing and obviously you should be doing exactly what you've been coached to do."
"You really don't know until the games, the speed of it," Weatherspoon said. "And it's all about doing your assignment, and we had several plays where guys didn't take the quarterback, myself included, and that will kill you."
Missouri tackle Jerome Baston said he'd never seen anything like it. "They just kept coming," he said, noting he wasn't concerned about it (cut blocking) being illegal as Notre Dame coaches said earlier this season. "If the refs don't call it, then it's not a problem."
Gary Pinkel:
“It’s a great offensive scheme and they’re very good at it. Ricky is exceptional. I hugged him and congratulated him after the game. He’s a great kid and just a great player.”
Other thoughts:
How long before Ken N gets hired away from Navy?
Has the passing version of the spread offense reached it's peak? Are we destined to move back to more power running option-based offenses? I'll guarantee you that the upcoming spring coaches clinic at Georgia Tech will be standing room only.
Saw a comment about Barry Switzer saying if he got back into coaching today and had the right QB, he could run the wishbone and score 90 points a game on current college defenses.
Georgia Tech fans should be very excited about the future of the program under CPJ. The success in the first two years has been remarkable considering the most critical element of running this offense successfully-the offensive line-has been a hodgepodge patchwork assembly of converted tight ends, defensive linemen and walk-ons. Next year there will be 15 or 16 scholarship O-linemen on the roster, including the current group of redshirts from Paul Johnson's first full recruiting class. Navy clearly executes their offense better than Georgia Tech right now but GT will get there sooner rather than later. And when they do, they'll be like Navy on steroids.
Does the success of Navy and Air Force in the bowls mean anything in regards to Georgia Tech vs. Iowa? No. Navy is in year 8 of running their offense. Georgia Tech is in year 2. We know at some point that Georgia Tech will run the offense like Navy did yesterday, only with bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic players. It's demonstrated this will work. There are no questions about the validity of the scheme anymore at the highest level of college football. It will work against any defense in the country if the right QB is behind center and the right OL is in place. This offense forces it's will on the opposing defense and forces teams to do what they normally don't want to do. Ask Missouri if you don't believe me.
Even with almost a month to prepare for the "triple option," Missouri was run over and through by a Navy team that was simply tougher, more prepared and executed better. So much for the theory that if you have a month to prepare you can magically slow down this spread option offense.
Some interesting analysis from a blogger from the St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Good article from the Houston Chron
Postgame quotes:
Missouri LB Sean Weatherspoon
"They take your instinct away. I was trying to slow-play (read instead of react to) the quarterback and the next thing I knew he stepped back and went 23 yards. It's stuff like that where you think you can do one thing and obviously you should be doing exactly what you've been coached to do."
"You really don't know until the games, the speed of it," Weatherspoon said. "And it's all about doing your assignment, and we had several plays where guys didn't take the quarterback, myself included, and that will kill you."
Missouri tackle Jerome Baston said he'd never seen anything like it. "They just kept coming," he said, noting he wasn't concerned about it (cut blocking) being illegal as Notre Dame coaches said earlier this season. "If the refs don't call it, then it's not a problem."
Gary Pinkel:
“It’s a great offensive scheme and they’re very good at it. Ricky is exceptional. I hugged him and congratulated him after the game. He’s a great kid and just a great player.”
Other thoughts:
How long before Ken N gets hired away from Navy?
Has the passing version of the spread offense reached it's peak? Are we destined to move back to more power running option-based offenses? I'll guarantee you that the upcoming spring coaches clinic at Georgia Tech will be standing room only.
Saw a comment about Barry Switzer saying if he got back into coaching today and had the right QB, he could run the wishbone and score 90 points a game on current college defenses.
Georgia Tech fans should be very excited about the future of the program under CPJ. The success in the first two years has been remarkable considering the most critical element of running this offense successfully-the offensive line-has been a hodgepodge patchwork assembly of converted tight ends, defensive linemen and walk-ons. Next year there will be 15 or 16 scholarship O-linemen on the roster, including the current group of redshirts from Paul Johnson's first full recruiting class. Navy clearly executes their offense better than Georgia Tech right now but GT will get there sooner rather than later. And when they do, they'll be like Navy on steroids.
Does the success of Navy and Air Force in the bowls mean anything in regards to Georgia Tech vs. Iowa? No. Navy is in year 8 of running their offense. Georgia Tech is in year 2. We know at some point that Georgia Tech will run the offense like Navy did yesterday, only with bigger, faster, stronger and more athletic players. It's demonstrated this will work. There are no questions about the validity of the scheme anymore at the highest level of college football. It will work against any defense in the country if the right QB is behind center and the right OL is in place. This offense forces it's will on the opposing defense and forces teams to do what they normally don't want to do. Ask Missouri if you don't believe me.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Recruiting
GT verbals are found throughout the AJC All State Team.
Class AAAAA
First Team Offense:
RB Charles Perkins, Collins Hill 6-0 195 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DL Shawn Green, Grayson 6-1 275 Sr.
DL Anthony Williams, Union Grove 6-4 235 Sr.
Class AAAA
First Team Offense:
OL Morgan Bailey, Loganville 6-4 285 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DB Ryan Ayers, South Paulding 5-10 178 Sr.
DB Isaiah Johnson, Sandy Creek 6-2 180 Sr.
Class AA
Offensive Player of the Year: B.J. Bostic, Jefferson County
First Team Offense:
QB B.J. Bostic, Jefferson County 5-11 175 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DL Catlin Alford, Adairsville 6-4 275 Sr.
DB Fred Holton, Thomasville 6-1 196 Sr.
DB Jake Skole, Blessed Trinity 6-1 188 Sr.
Interesting to see no mention of Denzel McCoy, arguably Tech's top recruit for this upcoming class.
Also Tech is in hot pursuit of several others on the list:
AAAAA
First Team Offense:
WR Quin Roberson, Colquitt County 6-0 175 Sr.
OL Thomas O’Reilly, Pope 6-3 315 Jr.
ATH Ean Days, Camden County 6-0 195 Sr.
Honorable Mention Defense:
DB Darius Robinson, Westlake
Class AAAAA
First Team Offense:
RB Charles Perkins, Collins Hill 6-0 195 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DL Shawn Green, Grayson 6-1 275 Sr.
DL Anthony Williams, Union Grove 6-4 235 Sr.
Class AAAA
First Team Offense:
OL Morgan Bailey, Loganville 6-4 285 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DB Ryan Ayers, South Paulding 5-10 178 Sr.
DB Isaiah Johnson, Sandy Creek 6-2 180 Sr.
Class AA
Offensive Player of the Year: B.J. Bostic, Jefferson County
First Team Offense:
QB B.J. Bostic, Jefferson County 5-11 175 Sr.
First Team Defense:
DL Catlin Alford, Adairsville 6-4 275 Sr.
DB Fred Holton, Thomasville 6-1 196 Sr.
DB Jake Skole, Blessed Trinity 6-1 188 Sr.
Interesting to see no mention of Denzel McCoy, arguably Tech's top recruit for this upcoming class.
Also Tech is in hot pursuit of several others on the list:
AAAAA
First Team Offense:
WR Quin Roberson, Colquitt County 6-0 175 Sr.
OL Thomas O’Reilly, Pope 6-3 315 Jr.
ATH Ean Days, Camden County 6-0 195 Sr.
Honorable Mention Defense:
DB Darius Robinson, Westlake
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Injuries
I don't ever want to hear anything from Nebraska fans about injuries or lack of talent, especially on the OL. GT produced an 86 yard game winning drive with their 4th string tackle in the game. Players like Clyde Yandell are found all over high schools throughout the state and the kind of players Nebraska used to get to walk on and contribute. Offensive success is about putting your players in a position to be successful-something Shawn Watson knows nothing about:
Lost amid the 469 yards Georgia Tech piled up in its 39-34 win against Clemson in the ACC championship game Saturday night were the players on the offensive line that paved the way.
Lost amid the 469 yards Georgia Tech piled up in its 39-34 win against Clemson in the ACC championship game Saturday night were the players on the offensive line that paved the way.
By the end of the game, redshirt sophomore Clyde Yandell was manning left tackle, which was being held down by Nick Claytor before he left in the second half with an injury. He was filling in for starter Phil Smith, who broke his leg in the first half. Smith was filling in for Austin Barrick, who was injured against Vanderbilt. Thin at tackle before the game started, coach Paul Johnson said he had no more available interior lineman left because of injuries.
"They did good. Nick Claytor and Clyde Yandell, they came through and held their own," quarterback Josh Nesbitt said. "We didn't miss a beat."
Guard Cord Howard, a senior, said he told Yandell when he jogged into the huddle: "It's your time man. Play. If you need anything ask me, as always. Just play, man. Don't leave anything out here."
He didn't. Jonathan Dwyer's 15-yard game-winning touchdown run came on the left side, where Yandell was lined up.
The Tigers had kept Dwyer mostly in check until the final possession, when he accounted for 33 yards of the 86-yard winning drive. Johnson said a few tweaks to the blocking scheme finally got Tech clicking on its last possession. Dwyer carried the ball the final four times on the drive.
"The last drive, I knew I needed to make a play and if the ball was in my hands, I was just going to give it all I had and leave my energy on the field, just give it all I had and try to make plays," Dywer said. He finished with 110 yards, including 51 in the final quarter.
More from Kevin Steele
Steele had some interesting comments leading up to the game yesterday.
Tigers defensive coordinator Kevin Steele knows a thing or two about option offenses, to say the least, having coached at Nebraska for six seasons under Hall of Fame coach Tom Osborne and having actually recruited legendary option quarterback Tommy Frazier.
According to Steele, the difficulty with Georgia Tech’s scheme is just when you think you’ve figured it out, Johnson actually has you right where he wants you.
“They say he watches film on fast forward. He’s just watching players, just watching players,” Steele said. “Because the way you line up in traditional games is not relative to him. And so, he gets so many different looks that I think they’re very conditioned to, ‘OK, what are we getting? What are they lining up in? And, how do we attack that?’”
And though the Tigers had a measure of success in the first meeting, at one point forcing six straight punts followed by an interception, Steele says that means very little going into the rematch.
“You can’t be a fastball pitcher at (Johnson),” he said. “I mean, we threw him a fastball the whole game last time, and he’s got it on tape. So, we’ve had to go back and scratch some things out, and we’ve got to be able to throw some curve balls and some knuckle balls. We can’t give him the same look. He’s too good a coach for that.”
Kevin Steele
Former Nebraska defensive coach Kevin Steele, who is now the DC at Clemson, saw his defense get run over, through and around last night. Steele, who broke his hand by punching a hotel room wall during a pre-game speech to his defense, had no answers for Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson. Tech didn't put one time the entire game and scored on all possessions but one.
Also, as I thought, Bay Bay Thomas told ESPN's Heather Dinich that he would be return for his senior season. But he may have been caught up in the emotion as well. We'll find out in a month or so.
Also, as I thought, Bay Bay Thomas told ESPN's Heather Dinich that he would be return for his senior season. But he may have been caught up in the emotion as well. We'll find out in a month or so.
So
ACC Champions-what a win over Clemson. My heart can't take much more of this. And Georgia still sucks-wait until next year. Great game plan Georgia to exploit the weakest part of the GT team, which is the undersized and outmanned (minus D-Morgan) DL. When Ben Anderson went down early, that pretty much sealed the defense' fate. When JC Lanier and some of the young studs get into the program, you won't be running the ball like that ever again.
As for Nebraska against Texas, it is what it is. Last week when Georgia Tech was in pretty much the same situation, down a touchdown towards the end of the game but seemingly in control of their destiny with the offense holding the ball, they couldn't cut it. Needing only to march down the field with plenty of time on the clock, GT didn't get it done. A dropped pass by one of the best receivers in the country sealed their fate.
NU fans and coaches (stop embarrassing yourself Carl Pelini) are whining about officiating but the Skers had every opportunity in the world to win the game. But they choked it away, pissed it down their leg etc. The reliable special teams makes a monsterous mistake by kicking it out of bounds and giving Texas the ball at the 40. The next play McCoy hits Shipley on a crossing pattern and Larry Asante, the most undisciplined player on the awesome defense, commits a horse collar tackle to add another 15 yards, which set Texas up for the game winning FG. So when it comes down to it, Nebraska was their own worst enemy. They had Texas right where they wanted and they shot themselves in the foot. Nebraska will be back but Bo has to fix the offense. The lowest offensive output in 25 years says something-that something is seriously wrong. It will be tough against Arizona and Stoops version of Desert Swarm in the Holiday bowl.
As for Nebraska against Texas, it is what it is. Last week when Georgia Tech was in pretty much the same situation, down a touchdown towards the end of the game but seemingly in control of their destiny with the offense holding the ball, they couldn't cut it. Needing only to march down the field with plenty of time on the clock, GT didn't get it done. A dropped pass by one of the best receivers in the country sealed their fate.
NU fans and coaches (stop embarrassing yourself Carl Pelini) are whining about officiating but the Skers had every opportunity in the world to win the game. But they choked it away, pissed it down their leg etc. The reliable special teams makes a monsterous mistake by kicking it out of bounds and giving Texas the ball at the 40. The next play McCoy hits Shipley on a crossing pattern and Larry Asante, the most undisciplined player on the awesome defense, commits a horse collar tackle to add another 15 yards, which set Texas up for the game winning FG. So when it comes down to it, Nebraska was their own worst enemy. They had Texas right where they wanted and they shot themselves in the foot. Nebraska will be back but Bo has to fix the offense. The lowest offensive output in 25 years says something-that something is seriously wrong. It will be tough against Arizona and Stoops version of Desert Swarm in the Holiday bowl.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
So Georgia Fans...
Let's peer into the mindset of the Georgia coaches and players this morning. Your program is in tatters, coming off a loss on senior day to Kentucky-a program that hadn't beaten you at home in 32 years. You're headed to the Denny's Grand Slam Toilet Bowl with a QB as inept as any at another program in the country. AJ Green is still sidelined with injury and your defensive coordinator is a lame duck heading to his last few weeks on the job. And now you have to go to Atlanta next Saturday night to play CPJ and his cut blocking, punch you in the mouth, make your life miserable for 60 minutes Rambling Wreck?? Yeah good luck with that. I'm guessing anyone on the mutt roster that hadn't already mailed in the season before the debacle last night is now firmly in the camp of "I've got better things to do than to get my teeth knocked in next Saturday night."
What are you playing for Georgia? Pride? Pfft. Pride went out the door when you lost to lowly Kentucky. Pride went out the door when your fans left in mass exodus in the 4th quarter with the game still in doubt.
There's no better rivalry coach in the game than Paul Johnson. And he's going to take every opportunity to pull the plug on your program for good. Recruiting, national exposure and a continuing march toward the top of the BCS is what we're playing for. How about you??
What are you playing for Georgia? Pride? Pfft. Pride went out the door when you lost to lowly Kentucky. Pride went out the door when your fans left in mass exodus in the 4th quarter with the game still in doubt.
There's no better rivalry coach in the game than Paul Johnson. And he's going to take every opportunity to pull the plug on your program for good. Recruiting, national exposure and a continuing march toward the top of the BCS is what we're playing for. How about you??
Monday, November 16, 2009
ESPN: Strong personalities leading teams down the stretch
Mark Schlabach writes about three teams whose head coaches personalities are leading them down the stretch.
And Tony Barnhart says ND should do the right thing and make a call to Paul Johnson. They're too stupid to make that move. Barnhart also says it's time for GT to pay the fiddler.
And Tony Barnhart says ND should do the right thing and make a call to Paul Johnson. They're too stupid to make that move. Barnhart also says it's time for GT to pay the fiddler.
Hat Tip Bbuzzoff
From Stewart Mandel's College Football Overtime:
"A knowledgeable person within the sport whose opinion I value told me Sunday that Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson "may be the best coaching hire in the last 30 years." The No. 7 Yellow Jackets (10-1, 7-1 ACC) are headed back to the ACC title game for the first time since 2006, only this time it feels like the Jackets' best days are still to come. They could well be a national-title contender in the future."
Link
"A knowledgeable person within the sport whose opinion I value told me Sunday that Georgia Tech's Paul Johnson "may be the best coaching hire in the last 30 years." The No. 7 Yellow Jackets (10-1, 7-1 ACC) are headed back to the ACC title game for the first time since 2006, only this time it feels like the Jackets' best days are still to come. They could well be a national-title contender in the future."
Link
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Avid Message Board Reader
Yes, I read Bbuzzoff. I just have never been able to figure out how to register to post.
And yes, I very much understand what Paul Johnson has said regarding his desire to stay in Atlanta. I also stated that it will take one incredible offer to ever lure him away. CPJ is a calculated man and he doesn't make decisions in haste. GT is also not a stepping stone to bigger and better things, as that isn't what motivates CPJ. The timing and circumstances will have to be right, as they were when he left Navy (can you believe he almost took the SMU job?). I believe that once he gets a national title at Georgia Tech (next year), he will look for his next challenge or his next challenge will come and find him. Whether he takes it or not...your guess is as good as mine. Its a really ideal situation in Atlanta compared to situations in say Michigan and Notre Dame. How would you like to be in Rich Rodriguez shoes now where everything is magnified 10x what it is at Georgia Tech?
Personally, I wouldn't leave Georgia Tech because the program will soon rise to the point where it challenges for a BCS bowl every year. But the allure/prestige/challenge of rebuilding one of the most tradition rich programs in college football history is a challenge I think he'll take at some point. But for now, enjoy the ride. GT is only scratching the surface of what they will become.
And yes, I very much understand what Paul Johnson has said regarding his desire to stay in Atlanta. I also stated that it will take one incredible offer to ever lure him away. CPJ is a calculated man and he doesn't make decisions in haste. GT is also not a stepping stone to bigger and better things, as that isn't what motivates CPJ. The timing and circumstances will have to be right, as they were when he left Navy (can you believe he almost took the SMU job?). I believe that once he gets a national title at Georgia Tech (next year), he will look for his next challenge or his next challenge will come and find him. Whether he takes it or not...your guess is as good as mine. Its a really ideal situation in Atlanta compared to situations in say Michigan and Notre Dame. How would you like to be in Rich Rodriguez shoes now where everything is magnified 10x what it is at Georgia Tech?
Personally, I wouldn't leave Georgia Tech because the program will soon rise to the point where it challenges for a BCS bowl every year. But the allure/prestige/challenge of rebuilding one of the most tradition rich programs in college football history is a challenge I think he'll take at some point. But for now, enjoy the ride. GT is only scratching the surface of what they will become.
Oh Noes The Recruits Won't Come!
I think the biggest misconception I've seen regarding Paul Johnson's offense from know-nothing fans of gutter programs (yes Texas A&M fans, please tell me how that Mike Sherman thing is working out for you) is that recruits won't play in the Paul Johnson offense. As in, any players on the Georgia Tech roster that Paul Johnson has to bring in are converted soccer players from Spain and Angola, along with Rugby players from Australia. Because we all know that in the entire United States, there can't be any talented players that would want to get a free education, and play major college football on a 10-1 team. I'm sure Paul Johnson has to fight off the perception that a defensive standout shouldn't go to Georgia Tech because that offense won't get them to the next level. Oh wait, I was looking at Rivals and it appears he actually DID convince some athletic players to come to Atlanta. And they even have offers from other Division I schools!
First of all, since the rage in college football seems to be the passing form of the spread offense, how do any of those elite recruits you speak of get convinced to go to Florida, Oregon, Texas Tech etc? Since no NFL teams run that offense, why does anyone with an ounce of talent bother heading to a school that doesn't prepare them for the NFL?
FYI, not every player has a numero uno goal of reaching the NFL. And just because a player doesn't get a 5 star rating from hypeupthenextnflstar.com, doesn't mean they can't be a productive or even superstar player at the college level. Tommie Frazier is a great example. It's a wonder Nebraska ever got anyone to attend their school when Tom Osborne was beating the hell out of everyone with that old outdated option. Outland trophy winner Aaron Taylor, the catalyst of the NU pipeline in the mid-nineties, was a lightly recruited 6' nobody from Wichita Falls who I don't believe played more than a few snaps in the NFL. Charlie Weis, Mike Sherman, Bill Callahan-sure they recruited tons of talent but it didn't translate to squat on the college football field. I saw firsthand the me-first mindset of a team full of hyped up high school stars with NFL dreams during the wretched Callahan era. You see, success at the college level is predicated on coaching players up and putting them in a position to be successful. And that's what Paul Johnson does.
By the way Aggie fans, I'll take any of the Navy running backs right now and QB Ricky Dobbs over what you currently have on your roster. They're a hell of a lot more productive than those standout players on the Aggie roster that were brought in with promises of NFL $$ in their future. I should probably just leave well enough alone and let Aggie fans continue to suck on raw eggs but I feel terribly sorry for them right now. Maybe for your next hire, you'll wise up and go after Coach Ken at Navy and leave the 5 star recruiting drivel in the garbage where it belongs.
Oh, and a Navy team full of Division II caliber players would run the ball right down your friggin throats if you played today. Reality is a bitch, isn't it? But at least you have those highly touted recruits that wouldn't go near a Paul Johnson-coached team.
First of all, since the rage in college football seems to be the passing form of the spread offense, how do any of those elite recruits you speak of get convinced to go to Florida, Oregon, Texas Tech etc? Since no NFL teams run that offense, why does anyone with an ounce of talent bother heading to a school that doesn't prepare them for the NFL?
FYI, not every player has a numero uno goal of reaching the NFL. And just because a player doesn't get a 5 star rating from hypeupthenextnflstar.com, doesn't mean they can't be a productive or even superstar player at the college level. Tommie Frazier is a great example. It's a wonder Nebraska ever got anyone to attend their school when Tom Osborne was beating the hell out of everyone with that old outdated option. Outland trophy winner Aaron Taylor, the catalyst of the NU pipeline in the mid-nineties, was a lightly recruited 6' nobody from Wichita Falls who I don't believe played more than a few snaps in the NFL. Charlie Weis, Mike Sherman, Bill Callahan-sure they recruited tons of talent but it didn't translate to squat on the college football field. I saw firsthand the me-first mindset of a team full of hyped up high school stars with NFL dreams during the wretched Callahan era. You see, success at the college level is predicated on coaching players up and putting them in a position to be successful. And that's what Paul Johnson does.
By the way Aggie fans, I'll take any of the Navy running backs right now and QB Ricky Dobbs over what you currently have on your roster. They're a hell of a lot more productive than those standout players on the Aggie roster that were brought in with promises of NFL $$ in their future. I should probably just leave well enough alone and let Aggie fans continue to suck on raw eggs but I feel terribly sorry for them right now. Maybe for your next hire, you'll wise up and go after Coach Ken at Navy and leave the 5 star recruiting drivel in the garbage where it belongs.
Oh, and a Navy team full of Division II caliber players would run the ball right down your friggin throats if you played today. Reality is a bitch, isn't it? But at least you have those highly touted recruits that wouldn't go near a Paul Johnson-coached team.
PJ is the model for how to rebuild a program
I'm now seeing articles posted up that are speculating on CPJ to Notre Dame to replace Charlie Weis. Is that really a surprise? I said before he left Navy that once he turned GT into a monster, he would be courted by the elite programs in the country that will be able to sell their alumni and boosters on CPJ much easier than hiring him directly from Navy. I don't think CPJ will go to Notre Dame, although there's no better fit for that position. If Notre Dame really wanted him, they would have to wait another year.
First off, I don't think PJ is going anywhere-for now. He's just getting the thing started at GT and he will stay around at least one more year to see the payoff. Rebuilding programs is surely rewarding but as a coach you don't put in all the hard work and leave the dinner table when you've just been served the main course. Next year will be his best team-national championship good. After next year, all bets are off.
An interesting scenario might be Paul Johnson going to Michigan after Rich Rodriguez is fired next year (yes he will be fired but it won't be this season, it will be after next year). Even though Bill Martin is going to retire, it appears someone at Michigan is paying attention to what's going on in Atlanta.
First off, I don't think PJ is going anywhere-for now. He's just getting the thing started at GT and he will stay around at least one more year to see the payoff. Rebuilding programs is surely rewarding but as a coach you don't put in all the hard work and leave the dinner table when you've just been served the main course. Next year will be his best team-national championship good. After next year, all bets are off.
An interesting scenario might be Paul Johnson going to Michigan after Rich Rodriguez is fired next year (yes he will be fired but it won't be this season, it will be after next year). Even though Bill Martin is going to retire, it appears someone at Michigan is paying attention to what's going on in Atlanta.
Martin looks at Georgia Tech, a program that had been mediocre for years before Paul Johnson revived the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech (10-1) whipped Duke on Saturday to advance to the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, and Johnson is seen as a savior.
"I expect to see the same situation here," Martin said.
But Johnson did it much quicker. In nearly two full seasons, Michigan is showing only marginal improvement in the win column -- and no improvement defensively.
"I know it. I can count," Martin snipped to reporters. "What's your point?"
The point is, why hasn't Michigan been even an average team under Rodriguez? The Big Ten is not a great conference. In past seasons, the Wolverines would roll over Wisconsin and Purdue in their sleep.
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