Spring practice right around the corner....who is pumped?!!

[isuquinndog]

Yes, 6'7 285.

https://twitter.com/RedbirdFB/status/826797183018082305

 

[fourthandshort]

I have seen it before when a coach makes an unexpected roster move and the surprise catches the opponent off guard and for one game or one half it works. To me that was the SDSU game last year. Malachi could not throw and the coaches would not let him until OT for whatever reason. SDSU most likely game planned all week for Kolbe and then got Malachi all game. Maybe the old offensive coordinator but Coach Spack had to sign off on it. His running is dynamic but he has not shown he can throw the ball effectively at all. Half a QB will not win you many games, even in college. I would look for Malachi to improve his passing with a real offensive coaching staff this season but how much he can improve, who knows. I am still more looking forward to seeing what Hatfield can do. Competition should bring out the best in all players.

Thanks for finishing my point . Agree and well stated. Need to give Malachi more time before we annoint him as next Tre Roberson.

It was not my intent to call Malachi the next Roberson but they are very similar. Great foot speed, decent decision making on when to run, and both have a pretty stout long ball. Malachi currently has no short-mid range game, and Roberson didn't really either. He hated that 7-10 yard pass. There are just a lot of similarities between the two (even down to the jersey they wear), and Malachi has 3 more years to become something big.

I'm also interested in seeing Jefferson and Hatfield. You'd have to think these two decided to commit here because they were told there would be an opportunity for them at QB. I remember when Hatfield committed Spack mentioned wanting to turn him into a DB. Spack being excited about Jefferson makes me excited about him. Spack doesn't often wear these emotions on his sleeve. It's like Muller being excited about Copeland. Smith didn't impress during that game against INST when Kolbe was out, small and unfair sample size, I know, but there is always something potentially great about the unknown.

My annoint comment was a general statement . .. didn't mean to suggest you believed that Malachi was ready to be out next Tre Roberson.

By the way .. I have not ruled out Malachi becoming a starter at some point. But he needs more time. He did a great job managing the SDSU game and taking care of the ball against a top 5 team in country. He just needs more time.

 

[Virginia Redbird]

I have not seen this article mentioned so I thought I would post the link. Coach Spack talks about the competition at QB. Says Malachi showed some good things but has a long way to go. Also talked about seeing what Smith can do following his Redshirt year and that Hatfield is a "good athlete". I know there was some talk about moving Hatfield to a different position. The good athlete comment...well I don't want to read into Spring Practice comments but I would think Hatfield will be seeing the field somewhere in the not too distant future. Coach Spack also spoke of the depth on the O-line and of Garrett Hirsh, the sophomore Center, "Garrett Hirsh, it's his time". Looks like Hirsh is at least projected to be the anchor of the offensive line pending spring ball. He also talked about the defense looking at a 3-4 alignment most of the time and specifically advised the receivers had to get better.
In the second article Coach Spack talks about the kicking game. JT Bohlken appears to be the early choice for punting chores and also has placekicking experience. Coach Spack stated, “I’m not sure our kicker (for the season) is here right now,” I have not heard much talk on this board about the kicking game. The Birds have had a solid resource that past couple years at that vital spot. The job appears to be wide open right now and maybe some new faces still to come before the fall kicks off. Anyone heard anything about new kickers being considered or who may be the go-to guy when the fall season kicks off?

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/football/spack-seeks-offensive-progress-in-spring-drills/article_b045732b-ed3d-5d1c-932f-4b30c8f9a7ed.html

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/patterson-may-get-back-on-track-after-all/article_52c2fbf3-e682-5108-8c6e-36175e89365e.html

 

[CaliRdBrd]

Yes, 6'7 285.

https://twitter.com/RedbirdFB/status/826797183018082305

How solid is that 285? Does he have a streak of mean?

 

[fourthandshort]

Roster has Buffalomeat at 305 lbs ?

Just watched practice report #2 ... featured interviews with DE Jason Harris ... he definitely has put on some weight .. thinking it aint fat. Going to need big years from our DEs Harris and Swaine .. hoping Swaine is back to 100% this year. Their length and speed can be very disruptive to pass game.

 

[Total Red]

Going to need big years from our DEs Harris and Swaine

and Tuvone Clark. He can go as a DE or LB'er based on formation.

 

[fourthandshort]

Some observations about our LB group after reading 2 links above

- we are officially a 3-4 defense on 1st and 2nd down, then situational on 3rd down

- my prediction, they are grooming RS FR Jalen Sutton (6'2" 210 lbs) listed as DL/LB to take place of James Graham as specialist speed rusher; 2 stars, played TX HS football as pass rusher .. we are going to miss the mismatches James Graham created in that role. I recall questioning why on earth they moved him from RB to DE ... and they were right about him.

- lastly, I think it is official .. our football program has reallocated their corn feed budget from our OL group and are now sharing some if it with our LB group apparently. Going to miss Brannon Barry leadership and physical presence at 6'4" and 230 lbs. But here is 2018 group ... just a bunch of big hard hitting athletes:

---- 3 star Horton is still at 230 lbs but a big hitter and likely 1st team all conference next fall
---- 4 star Barajas is up to 245 lbs though still recovering from injury .. hoping he gets back to 100%
---- Wisconsin preferred walkon Ty Deforest is up to 250 lbs and slated to start at other ILB slot in 3-4
---- Kelly-Martin is up to 6'3" 220 lbs .. so he put on 10 lbs .. I love his upside as he fills out physically
---- Tuvone Clark at 245 who has some spot duty when it matter .. though might spend time at DE ?
---- then add on backups fighting for reps .. Demarco Washington is up to 6'3" 230 lbs, Connor Janes at 250 lbs, Draka at 245 lbs

Again, might lack some top end speed compared to our MVFC counter parts, who's LB groups weigh average closer to 220-225 lbs. But loooking forward to seeing what Kelly-Martin, Vandenburgh, Barajas, and Sutton can do this fall.

 

[fourthandshort]

Going to need big years from our DEs Harris and Swaine

and Tuvone Clark. He can go as a DE or LB'er based on formation.

just saw this .. agreed, and would add Sutton on 3rd and long. Also wondering what they have planned for Barajas if he can get back close to 100%.

 

[Redbird78]

Some observations about our LB group after reading 2 links above

- we are officially a 3-4 defense on 1st and 2nd down, then situational on 3rd down

- my prediction, they are grooming RS FR Jalen Sutton (6'2" 210 lbs) listed as DL/LB to take place of James Graham as specialist speed rusher; 2 stars, played TX HS football as pass rusher .. we are going to miss the mismatches James Graham created in that role. I recall questioning why on earth they moved him from RB to DE ... and they were right about him.

- lastly, I think it is official .. our football program has reallocated their corn feed budget from our OL group and are now sharing some if it with our LB group apparently. Going to miss Brannon Barry leadership and physical presence at 6'4" and 230 lbs. But here is 2018 group ... just a bunch of big hard hitting athletes:

---- 3 star Horton is still at 230 lbs but a big hitter and likely 1st team all conference next fall
---- 4 star Barajas is up to 245 lbs though still recovering from injury .. hoping he gets back to 100%
---- Wisconsin preferred walkon Ty Deforest is up to 250 lbs and slated to start at other ILB slot in 3-4
---- Kelly-Martin is up to 6'3" 220 lbs .. so he put on 10 lbs .. I love his upside as he fills out physically
---- Tuvone Clark at 245 who has some spot duty when it matter .. though might spend time at DE ?
---- then add on backups fighting for reps .. Demarco Washington is up to 6'3" 230 lbs, Connor Janes at 250 lbs, Draka at 245 lbs

Again, might lack some top end speed compared to our MVFC counter parts, who's LB groups weigh average closer to 220-225 lbs. But loooking forward to seeing what Kelly-Martin, Vandenburgh, Barajas, and Sutton can do this fall.

:text-+1: Thanks!

 

[MadBird]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

 

[fourthandshort]

Some observations about our LB group after reading 2 links above

- we are officially a 3-4 defense on 1st and 2nd down, then situational on 3rd down

- my prediction, they are grooming RS FR Jalen Sutton (6'2" 210 lbs) listed as DL/LB to take place of James Graham as specialist speed rusher; 2 stars, played TX HS football as pass rusher .. we are going to miss the mismatches James Graham created in that role. I recall questioning why on earth they moved him from RB to DE ... and they were right about him.

- lastly, I think it is official .. our football program has reallocated their corn feed budget from our OL group and are now sharing some if it with our LB group apparently. Going to miss Brannon Barry leadership and physical presence at 6'4" and 230 lbs. But here is 2018 group ... just a bunch of big hard hitting athletes:

---- 3 star Horton is still at 230 lbs but a big hitter and likely 1st team all conference next fall
---- 4 star Barajas is up to 245 lbs though still recovering from injury .. hoping he gets back to 100%
---- Wisconsin preferred walkon Ty Deforest is up to 250 lbs and slated to start at other ILB slot in 3-4
---- Kelly-Martin is up to 6'3" 220 lbs .. so he put on 10 lbs .. I love his upside as he fills out physically
---- Tuvone Clark at 245 who has some spot duty when it matter .. though might spend time at DE ?
---- then add on backups fighting for reps .. Demarco Washington is up to 6'3" 230 lbs, Connor Janes at 250 lbs, Draka at 245 lbs

Again, might lack some top end speed compared to our MVFC counter parts, who's LB groups weigh average closer to 220-225 lbs. But loooking forward to seeing what Kelly-Martin, Vandenburgh, Barajas, and Sutton can do this fall.

meant to add this key bullet on LB group

---- Zeke Vandenburgh RS FR 6'3" 220 lbs .. Spack said he is being groomed to take over at MLB .. just a question of when .. they sound really high on him.

 

[Redbirdwarrior]

I'm looking at the roster. These linemen and LBs are INCREDIBLY large for this level. These are 19-21 year old kids who are grown ass men. I don't see how anyone outside of maybe NDSU is going to be able to match up, power wise, with this group up front.

 

[fourthandshort]

I'm looking at the roster. These linemen and LBs are INCREDIBLY large for this level. These are 19-21 year old kids who are grown ass men. I don't see how anyone outside of maybe NDSU is going to be able to match up, power wise, with this group up front.

Same for our RB group ... and I don't mean FBs, just RBs ... here is depth chart of weights: 215 lbs, 225 lbs, 230 lbs, 220 lbs .. and they can run. Going to be fun to watch our offense this fall.

 

[Reggie Redbird]

As far as I knew, Buffalomeat was greyshirting and then redshirting. Thus, we won’t see him on the field until fall of 2019 at the earliest. If he has put on 20 lbs since Feb. 2017, I’d guess another year and a half of working out and adding muscle/bulk could mean he is 6’7”, 325+ by then.

 

[fourthandshort]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

Madbird .. you know x's and o's way better than me. The top defenses in our conference always come from following programs: NDSU, UNI, YSU, SDSU ... and then of course our ISUr. I have noticed for several years now, the other programs tend to go for speed at LB position .. their guys usually weigh 210 - 225 range, While ours have always been a little higher. But the last couple years, we've jumped to NFL sized LB groups .. not speed, but size for sure. What is it about Spacks's system that causes him to run agaist grain like this ?

 

[JHBird]

I'm thinking Barajas could also be a candidate for some DE duty. I think he has some pass rushing ability.

 

[MadBird]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

Madbird .. you know x's and o's way better than me. The top defenses in our
conference always come from following programs: NDSU, UNI, YSU, SDSU ... and then of course our ISUr. I have noticed for several years now, the other programs tend to go for speed at LB position .. their guys usually weigh 210 - 225 range, While ours have always been a little higher. But the last couple years, we've jumped to NFL sized LB groups .. not speed, but size for sure. What is it about Spacks's system that causes him to run agaist grain like this ?

Thanks for the tout, but I look to you and Total Red and Timmy and others for x and o expertise! Our beefy LB corps is a pretty recent trend (although Boomer was studly), but one theory is that Spack has seemed to go with smaller, quicker DL? So he's looking to LB's for beef? Just a guess off the top of my head.

 

[BallwinBird2012]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

Madbird .. you know x's and o's way better than me. The top defenses in our
conference always come from following programs: NDSU, UNI, YSU, SDSU ... and then of course our ISUr. I have noticed for several years now, the other programs tend to go for speed at LB position .. their guys usually weigh 210 - 225 range, While ours have always been a little higher. But the last couple years, we've jumped to NFL sized LB groups .. not speed, but size for sure. What is it about Spacks's system that causes him to run agaist grain like this ?

Thanks for the tout, but I look to you and Total Red and Timmy and others for x and o expertise! Our beefy LB corps is a pretty recent trend (although Boomer was studly), but one theory is that Spack has seemed to go with smaller, quicker DL? So he's looking to LB's for beef? Just a guess off the top of my head.

My guess would be that, with a switch to a 3-4, our ILBs will be taking on OL more frequently. Not as many DL bodies in the way to keep them from reaching the second level, so they need to have enough beef to take on and shed blocks more than an ILB in a 4-3 would. Theoretically anyway...

 

[fourthandshort]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

Madbird .. you know x's and o's way better than me. The top defenses in our
conference always come from following programs: NDSU, UNI, YSU, SDSU ... and then of course our ISUr. I have noticed for several years now, the other programs tend to go for speed at LB position .. their guys usually weigh 210 - 225 range, While ours have always been a little higher. But the last couple years, we've jumped to NFL sized LB groups .. not speed, but size for sure. What is it about Spacks's system that causes him to run agaist grain like this ?

Thanks for the tout, but I look to you and Total Red and Timmy and others for x and o expertise! Our beefy LB corps is a pretty recent trend (although Boomer was studly), but one theory is that Spack has seemed to go with smaller, quicker DL? So he's looking to LB's for beef? Just a guess off the top of my head.

I'm not an x's and o's guy (i.e, formations/alignments/assignments) .. I more of a physical skills guy by position guy, and usually know when I like what I see. So with Spack going to beefier LBers, and rest of top MVFC defenses like smaller/quicker LBers .. I'm wondering what Spack's up to .. there has to be tradeoff that has to do with defensive alignments and philosophy. But you migh tbe right .. and it is simply because he would rather go with smaller faster DL, and needs bigger stronger LBers to compensate.

 

[CaliRdBrd]

I am always pushing for beef at LB so have to say I'm happy with the way things look. Also no one has mentioned Vandenburg (sp?) who Spack has mentioned as a solid prospect. Looks like a promising group.

I prefer beef up front and speed at LB, but this group sounds solid!