Spring Football...news and notes

[cloverleaf]

Alabama

While the defensive line is loaded with premium talent, Alabama's linebackers could be its deepest position, with both the first and second teams providing starter like players. With DC Kirby Smart moving over to coach linebackers, it's a change that could be huge for the position, who will have the direct guidance from the man responsible for calling defensive plays this season. Like most positions, the Bama LB corps is loaded with former four and five star recruits, including Reggie Ragland, Ryan Anderson and Dillon Lee in 2012, Reuben Foster and Tim Williams in 2013, and Shaun Hamilton, Rashaan Evans and Christian Miller in 2014. And with each expected to play major roles this season, and a defensive line that is expected to be among the best in the country, it should be another stellar defense for the Tide.
*Keep an eye on Reuben Foster...he's the hardest hitter in the SEC.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Alabama is going to need all the defense they can muster because their offense will be very iffy this season.

 

[bukis1]

Actually i did research it. 5th in football and 10th in BB in the Big10 is nothing to brag about.

75% is alot more than (rarely). And I thought you'd be smart enough to know the bb is so low because of all the early entries to the nba

 

[GoSooners]

Freshman QB's who could be starting this fall.




[h=2]Frosh QB’s That Can Start This Fall[/h]March 13, 2015 Patrick Thomas Leave a comment

Brad Kaya and J.T. Barrett are just a couple of examples of true freshman that have come in and contributed right away with great success last season. Going into spring camp this season there are several early enrollees that will have their opportunity to learn the playbook and battle it out come fall for the starting job.
Blake Barnett: Alabama
Rated as the top pocket passing quarterback in the 2015 class, the 6-foot-5, 205 pound, kid from California walks into a situation at Alabama that could allow him to start immediately. Barnett walks into a quarterback battle that is completely up in the air. With the loss of Blake Sims, Alabama has five scholarship quarterbacks vying for the spot. The favorite at this point would be the senior Florida State transfer Jacob Coker. Coker competed with Sims for the spot last season, but came up short. Red shirt freshman David Cornwell was in Barnett’s shoes last season and could be a dark horse in the quarterback race. Sophomore Copper Bateman and junior Alec Morris are also in contention, but have had disappointing springs in the past. The Tide have been lacking a big time quarterback in recent history and Barnett hopes to change that. The Alabama quarterback battle will certainly be an interesting one.
Jarrett Stidham: Baylor
Baylor losses its star quarterback in Bryce Petty who will go out as the schools all-time passing leader, tough act to follow. Jarrett Stidham comes into Baylor as their highest rated quarterback recruit ever, ever! And unlike Petty he’s a dual threat guy that posses a 4.66 40-yard-dash time. The youngster could give an extra edge to the Baylor offense with his speed, but he has tough competition. As of now, it will be the junior Seth Russell who threw for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Photo by AJ Media


Josh Rosen, UCLA:
The nation’s No. 2 pocket passer from the 2015 class comes to the Bruins with no Brett Hundley. Rosen has probably the best accuracy of any quarterback in the 2015 class. At 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, Rosen is a strong quarterback that can make the tough throws in the face of pressure. He is certainly an advanced signal caller for his age and has tremendous potential. He will, however, have to compete with Sophomore Jerry Neuheisel, who had some repetition a year ago. Neuheisel and Rosen will battle it out this spring, but coach Jim Mora may not make his final decision until fall camp opens up.
Alex Malzone, Michigan:

Photo by Jarrad Henderson

The number one concern for Michigan heading into next season is the quarterback spot. Devein Gardner is gone, which is probably for the better if you’re a Michigan fan. Malzone is a consistent and accurate passer and will have a whole spring to learn under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is known for working with quarterbacks. The youngster from Bloomfield Hills Michigan won three state titles in high school as he tries to bring a new spark to the Big House. He is going to have to compete with junior Shane Morris and redshirt freshman Wilton Speight. Morris is the clear favorite, as he is the only one on the roster with experience at the college level. The competition probably won’t close until the fall when the other true freshman, Zach Gentry, arrives on campus.
Austin Kafentzis, Wisconsin:
Despite the Badgers success last season the quarterback situation was a mess. Joel Stave had to miss the beginning of the season because of confidence issues, but still only completed just 53 percent of his passes and had 10 interceptions when he returned. Tanner McEvoy started the season and would come in occasionally for Stave in the badgers two-quarterback system. McEvoy wasn’t much better throwing the ball and would only come in because of his running ability. Kafentzis is an athletic quarterback than can escape the pocket and has excellent accuracy on the run. His biggest flaw is his size, at just six feet tall and less than a hundred pounds. He will compete with Stave and McEvoy and redshirt freshman D.J. Gillins. The quarterback battle will certainly be one to watch in Madison this spring. Don’t be surprised if the youngster Kafentzis gets the nod this fall when Wisconsin takes on Alabama.

 

[GoSooners]

Which college football Cinderellas will crash the Playoff party? NONE! If you want the longer answer read the article. It does a good job of breaking down a handful of the better mid-major programs that could have solid seasons.

http://www.si.com/college-football/...cinderellas-college-football-playoff-sleepers

 

[BigdaddyQH]

The NCAA has given the committee plenty of built in excuses to eliminate just about any mid-major from the playoffs. BYU is NOT a mid-major. They are considered a Power 5 school by just about everyone. Weak scheduling is the main reason why mid-majors will have such a tough time getting into a playoff.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Vanderbilt Junior QB Patton Robinette has left the team, citing injuries as the main reason. This is a blow to Vandy. Robinette was tho​ught to have the inside track for the starting job as Vandy's QB.

 

[CoachCB]

Freshman QB's who could be starting this fall.




Frosh QB’s That Can Start This Fall

March 13, 2015 Patrick Thomas Leave a comment

Brad Kaya and J.T. Barrett are just a couple of examples of true freshman that have come in and contributed right away with great success last season. Going into spring camp this season there are several early enrollees that will have their opportunity to learn the playbook and battle it out come fall for the starting job.
Blake Barnett: Alabama
Rated as the top pocket passing quarterback in the 2015 class, the 6-foot-5, 205 pound, kid from California walks into a situation at Alabama that could allow him to start immediately. Barnett walks into a quarterback battle that is completely up in the air. With the loss of Blake Sims, Alabama has five scholarship quarterbacks vying for the spot. The favorite at this point would be the senior Florida State transfer Jacob Coker. Coker competed with Sims for the spot last season, but came up short. Red shirt freshman David Cornwell was in Barnett’s shoes last season and could be a dark horse in the quarterback race. Sophomore Copper Bateman and junior Alec Morris are also in contention, but have had disappointing springs in the past. The Tide have been lacking a big time quarterback in recent history and Barnett hopes to change that. The Alabama quarterback battle will certainly be an interesting one.
Jarrett Stidham: Baylor
Baylor losses its star quarterback in Bryce Petty who will go out as the schools all-time passing leader, tough act to follow. Jarrett Stidham comes into Baylor as their highest rated quarterback recruit ever, ever! And unlike Petty he’s a dual threat guy that posses a 4.66 40-yard-dash time. The youngster could give an extra edge to the Baylor offense with his speed, but he has tough competition. As of now, it will be the junior Seth Russell who threw for over 800 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Photo by AJ Media


Josh Rosen, UCLA:
The nation’s No. 2 pocket passer from the 2015 class comes to the Bruins with no Brett Hundley. Rosen has probably the best accuracy of any quarterback in the 2015 class. At 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, Rosen is a strong quarterback that can make the tough throws in the face of pressure. He is certainly an advanced signal caller for his age and has tremendous potential. He will, however, have to compete with Sophomore Jerry Neuheisel, who had some repetition a year ago. Neuheisel and Rosen will battle it out this spring, but coach Jim Mora may not make his final decision until fall camp opens up.
Alex Malzone, Michigan:

Photo by Jarrad Henderson

The number one concern for Michigan heading into next season is the quarterback spot. Devein Gardner is gone, which is probably for the better if you’re a Michigan fan. Malzone is a consistent and accurate passer and will have a whole spring to learn under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is known for working with quarterbacks. The youngster from Bloomfield Hills Michigan won three state titles in high school as he tries to bring a new spark to the Big House. He is going to have to compete with junior Shane Morris and redshirt freshman Wilton Speight. Morris is the clear favorite, as he is the only one on the roster with experience at the college level. The competition probably won’t close until the fall when the other true freshman, Zach Gentry, arrives on campus.
Austin Kafentzis, Wisconsin:
Despite the Badgers success last season the quarterback situation was a mess. Joel Stave had to miss the beginning of the season because of confidence issues, but still only completed just 53 percent of his passes and had 10 interceptions when he returned. Tanner McEvoy started the season and would come in occasionally for Stave in the badgers two-quarterback system. McEvoy wasn’t much better throwing the ball and would only come in because of his running ability. Kafentzis is an athletic quarterback than can escape the pocket and has excellent accuracy on the run. His biggest flaw is his size, at just six feet tall and less than a hundred pounds. He will compete with Stave and McEvoy and redshirt freshman D.J. Gillins. The quarterback battle will certainly be one to watch in Madison this spring. Don’t be surprised if the youngster Kafentzis gets the nod this fall when Wisconsin takes on Alabama.

Add UF RSFR Will Grier to the list....if he beats out true Soph Treon Harris.

 

[cloverleaf]

Vanderbilt Junior QB Patton Robinette has left the team, citing injuries as the main reason. This is a blow to Vandy. Robinette was tho​ught to have the inside track for the starting job as Vandy's QB.

Vandy has some serious issues starting with the head coach. He hasn't recruited well and it shows. Robinette leaving is a big loss...not that he was great but the quarterback situation is pitiful. I said earlier that Vanderbilt will NOT win an SEC game.

 

[cloverleaf]

Tennessee

There's little doubt the Vols are relying on quarterback Joshua Dobbs to hopefully compete for an SEC Eastern Division title. Tennessee also needs Dobbs to stay healthy because they don't have much of a backup plan. Dobbs is the only scholarship quarterback returning from last year's team. Nathan Peterson's transfer to Pittsburgh leaves three freshmen competing to become the backup. Dobbs importance became obvious in the off season when Butch Jones was searching for an offensive coordinator. Jones allowed his quarterback to sit in on the interview for new coordinator Mike Debord. The Vols were 4-1 in games Dobbs started last year. The offense has a lot of experience back so keeping their quarterback healthy is a top priority.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Alabama DB Geno Smith was arrested for DUI early this morning. This is the second DUI for Smith in three years. The first one netted him a one game suspension. Let's see what Saban does with this guy now. Anything less than a 4 game suspension would be a joke IMO. This idiot does not get it.

 

[cloverleaf]

Alabama DB Geno Smith was arrested for DUI early this morning. This is the second DUI for Smith in three years. The first one netted him a one game suspension. Let's see what Saban does with this guy now. Anything less than a 4 game suspension would be a joke IMO. This idiot does not get it.

Smith was projected as a possible starter but he has not looked good during spring drills. He was in already in Saban's doghouse and this will just add to that. I hope Saban makes an example of him...especially for all the young talent in the secondary.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Continuing with the Alabama arrests, DT Jonathan Taylor was arrested for Domestic Violence. This is Taylor's 2nd arrest for Domestic Violence. He was kicked off of the Georgia team for the same thing. I have no idea why Alabama decided to sign this guy. They claim that they did an investigation and this guy was not as bad as people think. I guess 'Bama blew that one. Two arrests in one day. Saban must not be feeling real good today.

 

[rolltide]

adding to the Tide's disaster of a weekend WR Cam Sims blew his ACL out in practice yesterday. one of our top returning wideouts who would have either been a starter or certainly in on 4-WR formations. All my sites had him, Foster (wr), and Bozeman (ol) as the 3 most improved players so far in practice.

there goes 3 kids from the 2-deep and we're only 6 practices into spring ball....

 

[cloverleaf]

Georgia

The Bulldogs are going through spring practice with a new offensive coordinator and a three-man battle for the quarterback job. Redshirt sophomore Brice Ramsey, junior Faton Bauta and redshirt freshman Jacob Park are being given equal chances to win the starting position. Ramsey was the top backup in 2014 playing in eight games. Park impressed the coaching staff last year as the scout team quarterback. He's taking snaps with the first team offense every third day during spring drills. Bauta played in three games last year in mop-up duty.

Georgia held its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon at Sanford Stadium. Saturday's scrimmage was the seventh practice of the spring and they will scrimmage again next weekend before the G-Day Game on Saturday, April 11th. During Saturday's scrimmage, Brice Ramsey completed 16 of 32 for 232 yards and two scores, while Faton Bauta was 17 of 30 for 247 yards and two TDs. Jacob Park was 4 of 7 for 187 yards.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Oklahoma RB Keith Ford was indefinately suspended from toe team for various rules violations and grades. Ford was the starter last season until an injury sidelined him and opened the door for record setting RB Samaje Perine. OU is deep at the RB position, so this loss will not be critical to them.

 

[cloverleaf]

Alabama

Three months after extolling the value of providing second chances, Nick Saban has revoked that chance from DT Jonathan Taylor, dismissing the junior transfer from the team for his second domestic violence charge. Saban said Taylor was allowed on the team with a strict zero tolerance policy. This is Taylor's second domestic violence charge. The first being at Georgia where he was dismissed from the school. Before his domestic violence charge at Georgia, Taylor was one of four Georgia football players charged with theft by deception after double dipping their meal checks. The guys a thug and has given Alabama's football program a black eye.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

This is not good for Alabama. Saban is being attacked on all fronts now. What people cannot understand is why Saban made such a stupid mistake in the first place. Alabama's defensive line is the strongest part of the team. They certainly did not need to stick their necks out for this guy. The cracks in Saban's armor are beginning to show. It has not been a real good past two years for him, and this season is not starting off the way he wanted it to. Stay tuned.

 

[GoSooners]

OU WR Jordan Smallwood tore his ACL and is expected to miss spring and probably summer practices. Hopefully he'll be back by September. Stoops also suspended RB Keith Ford. His parents stated that he's been on pain killers since his injury in the Tennessee game, and they have become a problem for him. But you really can't trust the statements of parents when it comes to their kids. At any rate, I'm much more concerned about Smallwood since he was expected to see plenty of action this fall with OU going to a hybrid air raid offense that rotates a lot of receivers. This is so typical of what has happened to OU in the offseason for the last few years. The only question is who will be our next casuality...

 

[BigdaddyQH]

OU has plenty of talent at RB, so Ford is no big deal. They also seem to have good talent in the WR department. This is where those people who think they know all about recruiting simply do not get it. You recruit to fill gaps on your team. It makes no sense at all to recruit a RB if you have 4 RB's who are all capable of caring the ball 30+ times a game, but have no one up front to open the holes for them. It is not a big deal if the recruit is #3 or #30 in the rankings, as long as he fills a void on your team. That is why grading recruiting classes is meaningless.