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

[MadBird]

Read spring practice report #3, and it says Megginson has run with the first team OL for recent practices. Will be fun to see how that all plays out. OL could end up s strength this year?

 

[fourthandshort]

Read spring practice report #3, and it says Megginson has run with the first team OL for recent practices. Will be fun to see how that all plays out. OL could end up s strength this year?

Biggest concern on OL is Center position. Practice report indicated they are going with Garrett Hirsch as the #1 .. he is local kid from Normal, Sophomore, 6'2" 295 lbs.

Not sure how many reps he got last season, but guessing he saw some time given how much we moved people around due to injuries. But we had 4 returning starters from last season .. so if Hirsch solidifies the Center position for us, then add transfer Megginson, and the 4 returning starters ... just need to avoid injury bug, and we should be in very solid shape compared to a year ago.

Here is his Center Garrett Hirsch Bio:

2016: Redshirted.

Normal Community HS: Three-year letterwinner for head coach Wes Temples … rated as a two-star recruit by Scout.com … First-Team Big 12 All-Conference selection and Pantagraph All-Area pick … also earned all-state academic honors and was a Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete … helped team advance to the quarterfinals of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs for first time since 2007 … also played defensive line, recording 53 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks … started on the offensive line as sophomore and junior, helping team to playoffs both seasons.

Personal: Born May 15, 1998, in Normal, Illinois … son of Richard and Stacey Hirsch … has one older sister, Brittany … his father attended ISU and his sister, Brittany, played basketball at Cardinal Stritch University … member of the National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society.

 

[chuckie1980]

The STASHE was on one of the local news programs (no research or links, yet)...and I heard a comment that he Is seeing improvements in all positions....

https://gph.is/1L90bQb

 

[Adunk33]

http://www.pantagraph.com/sports/college/illinois-state/transfer-megginson-fitting-right-in-with-isu-line/article_b595aa27-7b9e-5fdf-85a9-578810d76bc3.amp.html

Megginson should be a starter. Kolbe and Malachi are pulling away from the pack with the QB competition. OL Mikklson is done for spring football due to a broken foot. WR Edgar is out with a broken clavicle. Spack is impressed with juco transfer WR Haley.

 

[ISUBU]

The STASHE was on one of the local news programs (no research or links, yet)...and I heard a comment that he Is seeing improvements in all positions....

https://gph.is/1L90bQb

http://www.wandtv.com/story/37892761/former-illini-megginson-finds-fresh-start-at-illinois-state

 

[chuckie1980]

Tnx for the link, ISUBU.

 

[fourthandshort]

Nice to hear all the positives .... but I doubt our DL has improved, and would assume our DB group is work in progress ... we have the bodies and depth, just need people to step up and prove themselves. But I can imagine our LB group being very good from the start, despite losing 2 regulars (Holm, Barry).

Offensively, I am sold .. very nice to hear Spack thinks this is deepest OL group since he's been here. Note, he didn't yet say the BEST OL group. But I believe the OL will be at least pretty good, if not very good. And that is all our offense will need compared to a year ago .. stay healthy and be pretty good. Also good to hear him finally speaking more positively about WR group ... he warned us a year ago that WR group needed to learn how to be "everyday" guys, not "sometimes" guys .. so he spoke the truth then and was right on.

And my confidence that OC Beathard will figure out how to build his system around his personnel, and for me, that means Kolbe will finally get a chance to show what he can do. Certainly, the combination of OC Beathard, RB group, OL group, and a little more talent (unproven) at WR group .. all will allow Kolbe to grow in confidence and show how well he can manage an offense and throw the ball all over the field ... knowing our run game will keep pass defenses honest.

So far this spring ... I'm feeling a little more sure that our offense will be near the top of MVFC and FCS this year. Quite a reversal of fortunes from a year ago when defense had to carry the offense some games. Grind it out, move the chains, chew up the clock .. demoralize opposing defenses, keep our defense fresh while they figure things out.

p.s. anyone recall how well things went in spring of 2014 .. before Roberson got here, and Winkler was still the starter after a weak 2013 finish under prior OC ? Well, Beathard was new OC that spring and Winkler was playing out of his mind. In fact, it took all 5 weeks of summer camp for Roberson to actually take the job from Winkler .. they were splitting reps 50/50 all of August, and taking turns going first with first string.

Yes, this is a hint .... that Beathard knows how to coach a pocket QB. And Kolbe is taller more mobile version of Winkler. And Winkler was coming off a very weak season under a weak OC .. who was fired. Rings a little familiar ... Just saying ...

 

[Redbirdfan21]

Sounds like there will be more red, and the bird will remain facing the old side, for TV purposes...

https://twitter.com/pg_reinhardt/status/982835905609289728?s=21

Lyons said he would prefer to keep the color scheme under wraps for now, but admitted red would obviously be involved.

"We've changed it a little bit," said Lyons. "We're pretty pleased with what we've got scheduled on that."

The Redbird head at midfield will continue to face away from the home side.

"TV is still going to shoot from the west into the new stands," Lyons said.

 

[HailISNU]

sigh. I will suspend the fight to flip the bird until the next turf change in 2040.

 

[fourthandshort]

sigh. I will suspend the fight to flip the bird until the next turf change in 2040.

sometimes genius just isn't recognized in it's time, no matter how obvious.

:angry-cussingblack:

I'll be back in 2040 to fight the good fight with you !!!

 

[bb fan]

TV cameras will always be on the west side. Sun becomes a big issue. They can shoot into the west. You don't want Reggie upside down on TV. Although Reggie is upside down for the home stands, the new East side looks, much, much better for TV.

 

[fourthandshort]

TV cameras will always be on the west side. Sun becomes a big issue. They can shoot into the west. You don't want Reggie upside down on TV. Although Reggie is upside down for the home stands, the new East side looks, much, much better for TV.

Enough with the logic .. flip the bird was about so much more than which ways cameras and sunsets face !! It's all about the attitude !!!!!

P.s. just kidding ... sort of

 

[RBFANTOO]

And my confidence that OC Beathard will figure out how to build his system around his personnel, and for me, that means Kolbe will finally get a chance to show what he can do. Certainly, the combination of OC Beathard, RB group, OL group, and a little more talent (unproven) at WR group .. all will allow Kolbe to grow in confidence and show how well he can manage an offense and throw the ball all over the field ... knowing our run game will keep pass defenses honest.

So far this spring ... I'm feeling a little more sure that our offense will be near the top of MVFC and FCS this year. Quite a reversal of fortunes from a year ago when defense had to carry the offense some games. Grind it out, move the chains, chew up the clock .. demoralize opposing defenses, keep our defense fresh while they figure things out.

I was very glad to see clips of OC Beathard working with the QBs this Spring. I really believe he will get the most out of the Redbird offense. I am having a hard time expressing how pleased I am that OC Beathard is once again at the helm of the ISU offense. I would say it is a good time to consider making reservations for Frisco TX. :dance:

 

[fourthandshort]

And my confidence that OC Beathard will figure out how to build his system around his personnel, and for me, that means Kolbe will finally get a chance to show what he can do. Certainly, the combination of OC Beathard, RB group, OL group, and a little more talent (unproven) at WR group .. all will allow Kolbe to grow in confidence and show how well he can manage an offense and throw the ball all over the field ... knowing our run game will keep pass defenses honest.

So far this spring ... I'm feeling a little more sure that our offense will be near the top of MVFC and FCS this year. Quite a reversal of fortunes from a year ago when defense had to carry the offense some games. Grind it out, move the chains, chew up the clock .. demoralize opposing defenses, keep our defense fresh while they figure things out.

I was very glad to see clips of OC Beathard working with the QBs this Spring. I really believe he will get the most out of the Redbird offense. I am having a hard time expressing how pleased I am that OC Beathard is once again at the helm of the ISU offense. I would say it is a good time to consider making reservations for Frisco TX. :dance:

Still thinking defense has to prove itself - we lost a lot. But my biggest question marks are, in order: DL, WR, QB, DB .. I'm comfortable we will figure out QB and DB positions by opener. OC Beathard I had QB Winkler playing very well BEFORE the Roberson transfer. OC Beathard II will have more to work with in Kolbe .. then watch his comfort level and confidence rebuild. Beathard is not just smarter and more experienced OC, he has a QB whisperer type presence in practice and in games. OC Dicken was far too reactive for OC position.

One other OC Dicken recollection, which occurred in 2016 .. a pretty good year for Kolbe (1st year of post Roberson/Coprich/Beathard era) ..... we called timeout before a big 3rd down play inside the 10. Our offense huddled near sideline to call the play, then started to run back on field .. Dicken yells out to Kolbe who was a good 20 yards away by then, and for entire sideline to hear and with some opposing players ... "Jake, we can't have a pick here". As if Jake didn't know this or he couldn't have simply said in huddle, "throw it away if you have nothing". This was a year Kolbe had 7 picks in 12 games. Dicken was terrible at dealing with pressure of OC position. And I'm pretty sure, although assuming, Spack puts a lot of pressure on all of his coaches .. especially OC and DC.

That aside ... I am least sure we will figure out DL and WR sooner than latter. We lost a lot of production from DL, so need people to step up into role. Then the WR group looks like we restocked well enough thanks to 3 transfers (2 juco, 1 FBS), but this still needs to be proven when games are played. Ilove Spencer Schnell .. but he ought to be our 3rd best option, if we're going to have a good WR group.

 

[ISUBU]

Recent updates from Spring practice per the Pantagraph ...

Running game looked good at yesterday's scrimmage. Smith, Robinson and Kielbasa continuing to perform. Birch has lost 10 pounds but gained strength. At 6-3, coaches are talking about using him more in the passing game, including lining up in the slot. Maybe he's the big receiver we've been seeking. There were positive comments on development of the OLine.

The passing game wasn't very effective in the scrimmage - perhaps weather related.

Spencer Schnell is done for the spring with a minor injury, and expected long-ball threat, California juco transfer Osuchukwu was dismissed from the team without ever suiting up for the Birds.

On Defense, Zeke Vandenburg continues to be productive.

 

[SgtHulka]

I think our fan base is smart enough, for the most part, to figure out an upside down Reggie head and not cheer against the home team. Maybe by the next change out hologram logos will be a reality and both sides can not be confused by what they are looking at

 

[fourthandshort]

I think our fan base is smart enough, for the most part, to figure out an upside down Reggie head and not cheer against the home team. Maybe by the next change out hologram logos will be a reality and both sides can not be confused by what they are looking at

holograms ?? ......... that's even better than my idea to put Reggie logo on a swiveling turf platform, and rotate it each quarter while student section chants (and maybe gestures) encouragement to the groundskeeper to "FLIP THE BIRD" .. which was a pretty damn good idea .. if you ask me.

Sgt Hulka .. you've outdone yourself again !! Holograms .. no one gets hurt ... or offended.

 

[SgtHulka]

I think our fan base is smart enough, for the most part, to figure out an upside down Reggie head and not cheer against the home team. Maybe by the next change out hologram logos will be a reality and both sides can not be confused by what they are looking at

holograms ?? ......... that's even better than my idea to put Reggie logo on a swiveling turf platform, and rotate it each quarter while student section chants (and maybe gestures) encouragement to the groundskeeper to "FLIP THE BIRD" .. which was a pretty damn good idea .. if you ask me.

Sgt Hulka .. you've outdone yourself again !! Holograms .. no one gets hurt ... or offended.

Hologram Reggie would still flip a nice bird. Maybe even shoot a moon for night games

 

[fourthandshort]

I think our fan base is smart enough, for the most part, to figure out an upside down Reggie head and not cheer against the home team. Maybe by the next change out hologram logos will be a reality and both sides can not be confused by what they are looking at

holograms ?? ......... that's even better than my idea to put Reggie logo on a swiveling turf platform, and rotate it each quarter while student section chants (and maybe gestures) encouragement to the groundskeeper to "FLIP THE BIRD" .. which was a pretty damn good idea .. if you ask me.

Sgt Hulka .. you've outdone yourself again !! Holograms .. no one gets hurt ... or offended.

Hologram Reggie would still flip a nice bird. Maybe even shoot a moon for night games

so wait a second .... with your bird-flipping Reggie hologram, you're saying, no one gets hurt, except now some people will likely get offended ??

Uh .. hmmm .... that sounds like a "WIN - WIN" proposition !!!!