Spring game on Saturday....what will you be looking for the most?

[fourthandshort]

Olineman:
Himmilman
O'Day
Maggeson
Mikkelson
Kanaugh
Hirsch
Rientz
Anderson

Lots of experience with this group. Plus some nice young guys not even mentioned here. We are deep.

Regarding OL group .. a year ago, I/we were lamenting losing 4.5 starters, then we had 2 or 3 injuries good part of season. Then we get 1 transfer, and hopefully we'll be healthier than a year ago ... and just like that, we have a very strong deep group.

Got to figure out how NOT to get in this bad position like we did last season with OL group ... but we should be all set this fall ... knock on wood !!! Split reps to Robinson (60%), Smith (25%), and Birch (15%) ... going to be fun to watch how powerful AND consistent our run game should be this fall.

With OC Beathard back at helm. pass game can only get better. Going to drive opponents nuts trying to figure our offense out.

 

[DaveBird10]

So who come fall who do you guys see as projected starters?

Imo if yesterday was an indication it will be from left to right

Himmelman, Megginson, Hirsch, Kanugh, O'Day

Mikkelson, Rients and Cole Anderson as backups. These 3 guys all had experience from last year.

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[birds_will_b_dancing]

Ya and my concern only lies in that I am hoping there isn't to much confusion about who the 5 are. The line/run game is going to have to be our identity and the oline only works if there is cohesion and the unit gets a solid chance to bond together (timing is everything). The passing game needs to be limited and used in my opinion only to to keep defenses honest and stretch the field at times. Kolbe needs to be used as a game manager. I think special teams is a great opportunity to get the clear number twos some more real game reps incase there is an injury and better prepare them and evaluate. Thats why i questioned kanugh playing such. Him, along with O'Day i believe are the strongest part of that line and the extra wear and reps during practice from my personal experience can be cumbersome and with all the injuries last year it doesn't make sense in my opinion to gamble with one of your strongest players when there is depth at the position. Although the cliché goes, you put the best 11 on the field no matter what, and that could very well be the case.

Praying for a healthy season.

Olineman:
Himmilman
O'Day
Maggeson
Mikkelson
Kanaugh
Hirsch
Rientz
Anderson

Lots of experience with this group. Plus some nice young guys not even mentioned here. We are deep.

Regarding OL group .. a year ago, I/we were lamenting losing 4.5 starters, then we had 2 or 3 injuries good part of season. Then we get 1 transfer, and hopefully we'll be healthier than a year ago ... and just like that, we have a very strong deep group.

Got to figure out how NOT to get in this bad position like we did last season with OL group ... but we should be all set this fall ... knock on wood !!! Split reps to Robinson (60%), Smith (25%), and Birch (15%) ... going to be fun to watch how powerful AND consistent our run game should be this fall.

With OC Beathard back at helm. pass game can only get better. Going to drive opponents nuts trying to figure our offense out.

 

[ISUBU]

So who come fall who do you guys see as projected starters?

I think the offense is becoming fairly clear.

Kolbe at QB
Robinson/Smith at TB
Hendershot/Petkovich whether lined up at HBack or TE

OLine may be:
Himmelman
Megginson
Hirsch
Kanugh
O'Day
But I think coaches were high on Mikkelson and Reints before injuries. I don't think Reints was even healthy this Spring. I think they're right behind the others. I don't automatically think FBS transfers will beat out our regular guys, but Megginson was really good in the past, and the transfer here seems to be a change of pace that has energized him.

WR? Schnell, then perhaps newcomer Braxton Haley. I think Schell is nearly a sure bet, but there were so few receivers this Spring that a lot will happen after the new guys arrive in the Fall. I was optimistic that the tall WR from Mt Zion would work, but he no longer seems to be on the roster. I do hope we can find a receiver who can catch the ball, but also one who can hold his position and not get pushed around by DBs.

I would not be surprised if they try lining up one of the RBs at receiver on some plays. Maybe Birch becomes a big, strong receiver for us.

 

[Birdswin]

Thoughts on the Spring Showcase:

The Athletic Administration did not plan on people tailgating - no trash cans, no recycling cans, and no port-a-potties - poor planning.
While I am no football expert - a QB that panics, throwing up a pass off of his back foot for an interception on his own part of the field is not good. With 6 seconds before halftime, ball on the plus 25 yd line - and you take a sack, does throw it to the end zone - head scratcher to me.
RBs - look very good.
OL - looks like they could be very good.
Defense - I am confident they will be fine.

Great to see and chat with Mel.

Hoping for Red themed end zones and a little larger Reggie at midfield.

 

[isuquinndog]

Still no Buffalomeat, right? He's not on campus yet?

 

[JHBird]

Still no Buffalomeat, right? He's not on campus yet?

He's here, at least I saw him in one of the spring practice videos. Unfortunately I missed the spring game because I thought it was next weekend...sigh. I just happened to turn on WJBC on Saturday and heard them talking about football. What I'm most bummed about was that I also missed the Athletic Dept garage sale! Anybody go to that?

 

[Adunk33]

Still no Buffalomeat, right? He's not on campus yet?

He's here, at least I saw him in one of the spring practice videos. Unfortunately I missed the spring game because I thought it was next weekend...sigh. I just happened to turn on WJBC on Saturday and heard them talking about football. What I'm most bummed about was that I also missed the Athletic Dept garage sale! Anybody go to that?

Yes! It was packed with a LOT of RBF posters. I think they should make the garage sale a biannual thing. Once on the morning of the spring game and once maybe before Hoopfest or something. It was really great, and there was a lot of cool, CHEAP stuff. I was able to grab a pair never before warn Nike cleats and shoes for a TOTAL of 10$. The only MBB stuff that I saw were practice jerseys. I didn't see any football stuff. Lots of baseball and softball jerseys were for sale and a WHOLE BUNCH remained after wards. It really was a great opportunity for Redbird fans to get legit ISU stuff for CHEAP. Only complaint (and a little one at that) is that they should have accepted credit cards. It was cash/check only.

 

[Redbird28]

Still no Buffalomeat, right? He's not on campus yet?

He played some in the game, especially in the second half. If you jump on my twitter you can see a picture of my daughter with him after the Kids Fest finished up. Kobe is a really nice guy. You could tell by his interaction throughout the day with all the kids.

Overall, thought it was pretty crisp out there, so a nice way to cap the spring. I sat in front of Hirsch's dad. He was talking about how well they feel like Megginson is doing and integrating in. Sounded to me like the guys really get along well and hang out together. That will only benefit line cohesiveness long term imo.

As for the QB situation - I see no reason Hatfield shouldn't be the backup to start the year so long as he has the passing game down come fall. He showed elusiveness, but I think he was actually touched in the back on the long TD run so he should have been ruled down. Not saying it wasn't a good run, just that I think the refs missed that one. As for Broadnax, can we please go ahead and transition him a la Cam Meredith? He's too athletic to waste away sitting on the sidelines, especially considering our WR depth issues.

The punter is legit, and he's going to be a huge weapon for us this season.

Lastly, good to see you Mel, Cindy, and Cindy Hubs. Here's hoping we get to do a little tailgating this season!

 

[JHBird]

I'm bummed I missed it. I never heard of them having a garage sale before, so hopefully they make it an annual thing. I figured they wouldn't take credit cards...

 

[Redbird28]

Still no Buffalomeat, right? He's not on campus yet?

He's here, at least I saw him in one of the spring practice videos. Unfortunately I missed the spring game because I thought it was next weekend...sigh. I just happened to turn on WJBC on Saturday and heard them talking about football. What I'm most bummed about was that I also missed the Athletic Dept garage sale! Anybody go to that?

Yes! It was packed with a LOT of RBF posters. I think they should make the garage sale a biannual thing. Once on the morning of the spring game and once maybe before Hoopfest or something. It was really great, and there was a lot of cool, CHEAP stuff. I was able to grab a pair never before warn Nike cleats and shoes for a TOTAL of 10$. The only MBB stuff that I saw were practice jerseys. I didn't see any football stuff. Lots of baseball and softball jerseys were for sale and a WHOLE BUNCH remained after wards. It really was a great opportunity for Redbird fans to get legit ISU stuff for CHEAP. Only complaint (and a little one at that) is that they should have accepted credit cards. It was cash/check only.

Like you, I also got a pair of the baseball cleats for 5$. Couldn't pass them up at that price. Got quite a bit of stuff really, including a fitted baseball hat, a leather travel bag from the DA Weibring Classic, and then some more apparel. I managed to find 2 different pairs of men's basketball shorts that I went ahead and bought that were both home whites. One from a few years ago, and one from last year. Really wish they would've had some colored ones out there but I'll take what I can get I suppose. Now I just have to try not to stain them! :lol:

 

[isuquinndog]

I'm bummed I missed it. I never heard of them having a garage sale before, so hopefully they make it an annual thing. I figured they wouldn't take credit cards...

They have the garage sale every year.

 

[Morans14]

I'm bummed I missed it. I never heard of them having a garage sale before, so hopefully they make it an annual thing. I figured they wouldn't take credit cards...

They have the garage sale every year.

Not every year from what I understand.

I heard every 3-4 years. It was nice to see everyone and we scored some great Redbird gear.


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[Adunk33]

Spring Camp Awards:

Most Improved
Offense: Jordan Birch (RB)
Defense: Devin Taylor (DB)

Newcomer of the Spring:
Newcomer of the Year Offense: Gabe Megginson (OL)
Newcomer of the Year Defense: Zeke Vandenburgh (LB) and John Ridgeway (DL)

Pit Bull Award
Pit Bull Award Offense: Drew Himmelman (OL), Jake Kolbe (QB), Tim McCloyn (FB)
Pit Bull Award Defense: Luther Kirk (DB)

Hammer Award
Hammer Award: Tim McCloyn (FB) and James Robinson (RB)

http://www.goredbirds.com/news/2018/4/23/redbird-football-2018-spring-award-winners-announced.aspx

 

[Adunk33]

http://www.chicagonow.com/prairie-state-pigskin/2018/04/addition-of-new-redbird-ol-megginson-is-no-laughing-matter/

19 Saturdays to Football.

 

[Total Red]

While I am no football expert - a QB that panics, throwing up a pass off of his back foot for an interception on his own part of the field is not good. With 6 seconds before halftime, ball on the plus 25 yd line - and you take a sack.

That certainly wasn't his best play but I like our senior QB a lot. Credit massive #99 John Ridgeway for that INT. He hit Kolbe as he threw.

At the end of the season we were throwing around names of O-Linemen that could be poached to play DT. I don't think anyone picked Ridgeway but he's a great choice and a rising star. Looks like Podkulski has a narrow lead for the other DT position. He was getting some push on Megginson. I thought we would have to rely on pressure from the outside but we might be able to get some interior pocket collapse as well. Some of the local talent is being overlooked and under recruited. I crossed paths with incoming freshman Peter Bussone at the scrimmage. Coach Spack is high on him and you can see why. Bussone is a real brawny young lad. He might be the rare lineman that has a college-ready build straight out of HS but we must resist the temptation. He'll be even rougher and tougher after a RS-year in weight room. THEN - Ridgeway and Bussone playing in front of Vandenburgh. You want to control the middle of the field on defense? Those guys, right there. Really good, really young #NC'19

Ok, I'll focus. We have '18 to deal with. The rest of the defense has excellent DEPTH with Horton being the standout. A healthy Tuvone Clark is very effective. He had a good spring and I'd start him. Guhl is name you might not be familiar with but he's good. He won't play much behind DE/Jack LB'er Harris so I would swing Guhl over to the other DE and let him rotate with Swaine. If they're both fresh they'll both be effective. Matthews also had a good spring. He caught my attn on special teams last season as he was always involved in the play for better or worse but he's behind Horton. It's funny that I was upset that Brannon Barry left. Right now I can't find playing time for all the guys that deserve a chance. Where does Notre Dame transfer Josh Barajas fit in if he comes back healthy? Hell if I know.

I spent most of my time watching the front 7 but it's clear that the secondary has been well recruited. It's long and athletic. Several times this spring one player has reached out and tipped a pass and another has swept in and intercepted. Right now I'm guessing Edwards/Taylor at the corners and Brees at one safety and Jones vs. Kirk too close to call at the other. There's depth here too. Coach Spack has done an excellent job of spreading out scholarships and bringing in promising walk-ons. This is about as deep as a FCS program is going to get.

You guessed it. Most of the offense is really DEEP too. We have a glut at the guard position which was perfect for this spring. Both Rients and Mikkelson have started for us and both were out with injuries. We went with Kanugh (set to be a 3-year starter) and Megginson (former Big 10 starter). That's depth. Buffalomeat is out there but he is scheduled to redshirt this season. Let's give him time. We have lots of big guys. Some will develop and some won't. If you want to get excited about a OT greyshirt/redshirt experiment that is farther along and already WORKING then get excited about Himmelman. Listed at 310lbs now but with his extra long frame he still doesn't look bulky. He keeps getting better. Hirsch is looking pretty good at C but he mostly played with a defender over him. I want to see if he can chase down middle linebackers.

The running back position is absolutely loaded. I want Robinson to break the 6 yards per carry barrier with 1,500 yards (playoffs included). That's a sign of an elite back, an excellent rushing offense and a winning team. He can do it. I think James Robinson and Tyree Horton have the same gift that makes them special. Both are sudden with an initial burst but both can make last second adjustments. Robinson can make tacklers miss and he can change directions. Horton can close quickly WITHOUT letting his prey maneuver and get away.
We'll run the ball so well against most teams that the defenses will stack the box and beg us to pass. We'll oblige. The receiver corp was thin this spring. Schnell missed the back half but he's the returning conference leader in receptions so we have the best slot receiver in the Valley. He can run after the catch too. Right now I'd go with Haley and Patterson at the wideouts but that's still very much undecided. Patterson has the speed to go deep but foot speed is only one way to get the job done. Did you notice how much mileage South Dakota St. got out of Wienke and Goedert the last couple of years? Neither one has blazing speed but they caught a lot of balls with good size and good hands. We're expecting a big target of our own. Jordan "hereiam" Fuchs is scheduled to arrive over the summer. I think Kolbe will have people to throw to but we can go a long way just by fielding players that block. You've probably seen the highlight film run of Jordan Birch and his high hurdle run over a defender enroute to a TD. I've watched it a few dozen times lol. Great run by Birch but you'll also notice WR Biegalski out in front literally driving his man off the field so that when Birch sticks his landing he has a clear path to the endzone. The WR's, TE's and FB's will have chances to catch the ball but that's a bonus we'll enjoy when the defense throws everything at the run.
Job #1 is blocking for #25.

TMI? Blame Madbird, he called me out.

 

[Total Red]

I would not be surprised if they try lining up one of the RBs at receiver on some plays. Maybe Birch becomes a big, strong receiver for us.

Hmmm you might be on to something. I just noticed that Hendershot has wandered off the roster. It could be just an omission. That's been know to happen. If he is gone we aren't bereft of talent at FB/H-back. We have McCloyn and he blocks without fear or reservation and Muto but Birch might be a more athletic alternative with pass catching ability.

Let's put Birch at WR, TE, H-Back and Wildcat QB

 

[MadBird]

Welcome back, Total Red!! :lol:

Don't remember the status of these two for spring, were both injured? They could help.
Antonio Hadden, soph transfer from Florida Atlantic
Andrew Edgar, RS freshman from Chicago St. Pat's

And this guy had nice numbers as a WR at Marengo, maybe time to switch him?
Jarrell Jackson, soph from Marengo listed now at DB

What did we land in the freshman class, anyone who could help right off?

So, at LB, nice to have size and numbers for a change. If we go with a 3-4 D, we have Kelly-Martin, Deforest, Vandenburg, and Clark? Who'm I missing?

Circling back to the passing game, what I feel better about this fall is that our OC will be able to cope with any challenges at WR - ie. work a Birch or one of the FB's/HB's into the passing game, get the ball to our horses JRob and Smith in the flat or with screens. Interesting idea above to move Broadnax to WR, but at minimum do a little Kolbe/Broadnax at the same time for folks to worry about.

There is optimism in Redbirdville after spring. Nice feeling.

 

[Total Red]

So, at LB, nice to have size and numbers for a change. If we go with a 3-4 D, we have Kelly-Martin, Deforest, Vandenburg, and Clark? Who'm I missing?

I don't think there's any reason to get too worked up about this 3-4D talk.
By position we have Tyree Horton as our conference defensive POY candidate at weakside linebacker. I've got Vandenburgh winning the Mike LB'er backed by DeForest and Washington and perhaps juco Engram. We may need to move Washington to get him on the field. I would start Clark at strongside LB'er but Kelly-Martin has survival skills. Just when you get ready to issue him a citation for loitering he makes a nice play and holds his starting job for another day.

The 4th "LB'er" position is held by Jason Harris as the "Jack Linebacker". I think other programs have called this a Rush LB'er. Sutton is a backup. We saw this last season and yes Harris sometimes drops into coverage but he normally comes across the line of scrimmage at the snap. More importantly he lines up on the line of scrimmage so he's not "backing" anybody. Call it a 3-4 if you want but I consider it a perversion of the term linebacker. Harris is a defensive end.

btw Harris has made a nice living the last two seasons utilizing his length and swiftness to run down plays from the back side. It's time to add a few more lbs and be even stronger at the point of attack. If he can do that he'll go from good to great.

 

[fourthandshort]

So the rumors of TR's death were greatly exaggerated ???