Bryant Shirreffs

[Huskyforlife]

Williams performances were so bad those last three games if I was on the new staff I'd be having him running pass routes starting in the Spring. If UConn is going to be the type of team we all hope that it will, DW never takes another snap as a QB for them again. Turn him into an all-purpose WR you can do reverses with and throw an occasional pass a la Deshon Foxx.

If we gave up on players after their true freshmen season, a lot of really good players would've never been discovered. I personally want to see what he can do with complete support from the coaching staff, an entire offseason to prepare, and finally an OC who actually knows what he's doing.

Diaco threw him out there as a last ditch effort to save his job, we all saw he wasn't ready. But who knows, maybe with some time he becomes a solid player.

I've seen enough of Sheriffs to know he's a glorified FB. Love his passion and sacrifice for the school, but he's seen enough game time for everyone to understand his talent at this point.

 

[Coach J]

If we gave up on players after their true freshmen season, a lot of really good players would've never been discovered. I personally want to see what he can do with complete support from the coaching staff, an entire offseason to prepare, and finally an OC who actually knows what he's doing.

Diaco threw him out there as a last ditch effort to save his job, we all saw he wasn't ready. But who knows, maybe with some time he becomes a solid player.

I've seen enough of Sheriffs to know he's a glorified FB. Love his passion and sacrifice for the school, but he's seen enough game time for everyone to understand his talent at this point.

If someone on the roster is not better then DW or if they can't recruit someone that is, like the JUCO Pinder they are after, or mayber a post grad then they will not have winning seasons. Better to maximize the kid's talent early and get him into a position where he can contribute.

 

[Confident Carl]

If we gave up on players after their true freshmen season, a lot of really good players would've never been discovered. I personally want to see what he can do with complete support from the coaching staff, an entire offseason to prepare, and finally an OC who actually knows what he's doing.

Diaco threw him out there as a last ditch effort to save his job, we all saw he wasn't ready. But who knows, maybe with some time he becomes a solid player.

I've seen enough of Sheriffs to know he's a glorified FB. Love his passion and sacrifice for the school, but he's seen enough game time for everyone to understand his talent at this point.

Well said. However, BS injury aside, I believe it was strategic and as I have said on several occasions, if it turns out DW is the starter in 2017 fans will be thankful that he got those 3 shaky frosh games out of the way last year.

 

[kcc1442]

I'm pretty old and it's still like 12-15% of my life since we could go into a football season and think it might actually be enjoyable.

What Edsall and crew are doing on the recruiting trail is surreal. It's like after 20+ years I'm a fan of a normal football program that just goes out and recruits good players, plays a modern style and isn't trying to either squeeze blood from a stone, play 20 years in the past or reinvent the sport.

I'm not even sure how to react.

Dare I say #uptick????? aghh might get hit with a trademark fee, if it ever makes it to HFD's computer screen. Although the loon was a half of a decade to early. He must have the biggest stiffy right now, if hes sober enough.

 

[HuskyHawk]

If someone on the roster is not better then DW or if they can't recruit someone that is, like the JUCO Pinder they are after, or mayber a post grad then they will not have winning seasons. Better to maximize the kid's talent early and get him into a position where he can contribute.

This is about as stupid as anything I've read here lately. Nobody here or anywhere knows whether Donovan will be a successful QB this year or later in his career. You sure as hell don't.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

Dare I say #uptick????? aghh might get hit with a trademark fee, if it ever makes it to HFD's computer screen. Although the loon was a half of a decade to early. He must have the biggest stiffy right now, if hes sober enough.

Given our class is still ranked like 108... I'd say... no. Do not say that.

 

[CTMike]

Given our class is still ranked like 108... I'd say... no. Do not say that.

Double digits here we come!!!

 

[Confident Carl]

If someone on the roster is not better then DW or if they can't recruit someone that is, like the JUCO Pinder they are after, or mayber a post grad then they will not have winning seasons. Better to maximize the kid's talent early and get him into a position where he can contribute.

You sound like a knowledgeable person and seem confident in your assessment. Maybe you are correct. He certainly is athletic and I too could see him as a receiver. I thought Tyler Davis showed leadership and a strong arm but the coaching staff opted to move Davis to TE and keep DW at QB. I am still hoping that DW's high school coach was correct when he said:

"He [Williams] was the biggest miss in the state of Virginia," Lilly went on to say about schools like Virginia and Penn State who passed on the 6'4" 215-lb true freshman. And Lilly should know. Following a stellar high school career in Virginia, he went on to star in college with the Florida Gators before the Denver Broncos selected him in the 3rd round of the 1984 NFL Draft. Lilly's final game came in Super Bowl XXII.

Williams' predecessor at C.D. Hylton, QB Travon McQuillon ended up at Virginia Tech. During the recruiting process, Lilly called Williams an even bigger prospect. So it's no reason the Huskies coaching staff was exuberant when he committed in June of 2015. And they made sure to stay in touch with Williams until signing day, including visiting on multiple occasions.

I have noted that McQuillon ended up being a quality running back for VA Tech and perhaps as you say a position change could be in store for DW. I'm just going to wait and see how things develop over the winter and into the spring. I met his Dad who played QB at SC State so I'm hoping he has it in his DNA.

 

[Husky25]

I thought Tyler Davis showed leadership and a strong arm but the coaching staff opted to move Davis to TE and keep DW at QB.

I would not mind Tyler Davis moving back to QB to compete for the job this spring. Someone said about a month ago that he can't make "all" the throws, but I think the organ above the shoulders is far more important than the appendage attached at the shoulder. If Davis is 3rd string or worse entering Fall camp, he reverts back to TE, no harm, no foul.

Moving Donovan Williams after three true freshman year games, with grossly underqualified play-calling offensive coordinators is premature at best.

 

[FDNY99]

I would not mind Tyler Davis moving back to QB to compete for the job this spring. Someone said about a month ago that he can't make "all" the throws, but I think the organ above the shoulders is far more important than the appendage attached at the shoulder. If Davis is 3rd string or worse entering Fall camp, he reverts back to TE, no harm, no foul.

Moving Donovan Williams after three true freshman year games, with grossly underqualified play-calling offensive coordinators is premature at best.

That was me..and he was down right horrific during the spring game! You guys slam Williams on here and what Davis showed was much worse. Go watch some highlights of Nick Marshall at Auburn on YouTube. The QB in Lashlee's offense needs to be able to throw the deep ball effectively. It's a big part of this offense. If Williams stays at QB that means Lashlee thinks he can make him into a QB

 

[Saab04]

If we gave up on players after their true freshmen season, a lot of really good players would've never been discovered. I personally want to see what he can do with complete support from the coaching staff, an entire offseason to prepare, and finally an OC who actually knows what he's doing.

Diaco threw him out there as a last ditch effort to save his job, we all saw he wasn't ready. But who knows, maybe with some time he becomes a solid player.

I've seen enough of Sheriffs to know he's a glorified FB. Love his passion and sacrifice for the school, but he's seen enough game time for everyone to understand his talent at this point.

Let's not forget the horrendous OL as well.

 

[Husky25]

That was me..and he was down right horrific during the spring game! You guys slam Williams on here and what Davis showed was much worse. Go watch some highlights of Nick Marshall at Auburn on YouTube. The QB in Lashlee's offense needs to be able to throw the deep ball effectively. It's a big part of this offense. If Williams stays at QB that means Lashlee thinks he can make him into a QB

I remember it being windy on the field during the Spring game last year. Am I confusing it with 2015? Be that as it may, There is more need at QB than there is at TE, especially if Lashlee's system only utilizes one and primarily for blocking? Plus, as I said, If Davis doesn't rise to at least primary back up, he return to the TEs.

 

[J187Money]

Well said. However, BS injury aside, I believe it was strategic and as I have said on several occasions, if it turns out DW is the starter in 2017 fans will be thankful that he got those 3 shaky frosh games out of the way last year.

As long as they clean up his mechanics and vision, sure. There is raw talent, but he needs to be coached up. Given that we now have what we hope to be a credible coaching staff, I'm optimistic, if not 2017 then beyond.

 

[UConnDan97]

Any of our remaining or future quarterbacks could end up being a great quarterback. Do you want to know why? Because they will now actually be coached and put in positions to succeed with what they do well. That's the difference between being coached by adults and being coached by Team Nickelodeon...

 

[Dogged]

Touching your toes?? I had a displaced rib and it hurt to breathe. Can't imagine getting hit by 300 pound angry guys.

My ribs are fine but it really hurts (to try) to touch my toes!

 

[FDNY99]

I remember it being windy on the field during the Spring game last year. Am I confusing it with 2015? Be that as it may, There is more need at QB than there is at TE, especially if Lashlee's system only utilizes one and primarily for blocking? Plus, as I said, If Davis doesn't rise to at least primary back up, he return to the TEs.

Last year was beautiful for the spring game. If you want to have competition at QB Eddie Hahn was a much better QB than Davis in hS and ran a similiar offense to what Lashlee runs. He was originally recruited by Diaco as a QB.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Last year was beautiful for the spring game. If you want to have competition at QB Eddie Hahn was a much better QB than Davis in hS and ran a similiar offense to what Lashlee runs. He was originally recruited by Diaco as a QB.

Tangential point, but it makes me so excited to think of the spring game now. Before 12/26, I was probably going to go but with the worst attitude imaginable. I hated the idea of going and watching a crumbling program. Now, there will be so much to look for. Watching the Lashlee offense, seeing any position changes, etc. So excited for Husky football.

 

[Confident Carl]

That was me..and he was down right horrific during the spring game! You guys slam Williams on here and what Davis showed was much worse. Go watch some highlights of Nick Marshall at Auburn on YouTube. The QB in Lashlee's offense needs to be able to throw the deep ball effectively. It's a big part of this offense. If Williams stays at QB that means Lashlee thinks he can make him into a QB

Understandedly there is a lot of negative emotion towards Diaco because of how things have transpired so not many give credence to his opinions. Regardless of ones opinion of Diaco, he was right on Byron Jones and Obi. Prior to their final seasons he touted them as best in the country type players and his predictions held true. It doesn't appear that his preseason rave reviews hurt their performance either. If anything it may have motivated them to play up to their abilities. Granted, Diaco is Defensive oriented but if he says that Donovan Williams upside is as high as anyone in the country at QB, I tend to believe it. Even if he is 75% on target, that's pretty darn good. Let's wait and see what happens.

 

[kemba]

Granted, Diaco is Defensive oriented but if he says that Donovan Williams upside is as high as anyone in the country at QB, I tend to believe it. Even if he is 75% on target, that's pretty darn good. Let's wait and see what happens.

I don't think the bold can be glossed over though, since Diaco is proven to be incredible incompetent on offense. I don't really trust his evaluation of any offensive player

 

[Confident Carl]

I don't think the bold can be glossed over though, since Diaco is proven to be incredible incompetent on offense. I don't really trust his evaluation of any offensive player

As bad as our offense has been you are justified in making your point. However he was dead on with both of his early predictions on Byron and Obi. That was my primary point.
It's hard to believe he would have gone that far out on a limb with his praise of Williams if it weren't so. Let's see what happens in the fall. Like coach J said if he really can't play QB at this level maybe he ends up at receiver or transfers. Time will tell!

 

[uconnell]

Understandedly there is a lot of negative emotion towards Diaco because of how things have transpired so not many give credence to his opinions. Regardless of ones opinion of Diaco, he was right on Byron Jones and Obi. Prior to their final seasons he touted them as best in the country type players and his predictions held true. It doesn't appear that his preseason rave reviews hurt their performance either. If anything it may have motivated them to play up to their abilities. Granted, Diaco is Defensive oriented but if he says that Donovan Williams upside is as high as anyone in the country at QB, I tend to believe it. Even if he is 75% on target, that's pretty darn good. Let's wait and see what happens.

Byron and Obi showed Diaco that they could play,Williams has not showed anything yet. I truly hope he does. Let's see if Lashlee can work magic with the young man.

 

[jackl]

Let's not forget the horrendous OL as well.

Can I stick up for the players on the OL and just say they were poorly coached for the last 6 years. I think the talent was there just not used/coached properly. The offensive scheme they had to block for was just that offensive, it sucked big time. I'm hoping that after Lashlee and Grimes get things turned around this spring we will see an OL like the good old days with Randy and Foley.

 

[businesslawyer]

Can I stick up for the players on the OL and just say they were poorly coached for the last 6 years. I think the talent was there just not used/coached properly. The offensive scheme they had to block for was just that offensive, it sucked big time. I'm hoping that after Lashlee and Grimes get things turned around this spring we will see an OL like the good old days with Randy and Foley.

Maybe, but I'll say this -- they played for a lot of different O Line coaches over the last six years. Were each one of them as incompetent as the lineplay? Or is it likely that talent factored into it as well?

 

[Chief00]

Not sure if it was a defense mechanism or not - but BS wasn't very disappointed when DW got promoted - BS rather seemed relieved. We also don't exactly know where he stands on the concussion history spectrum? He took some very bad hits.

 

[Confident Carl]

Byron and Obi showed Diaco that they could play,Williams has not showed anything yet. I truly hope he does. Let's see if Lashlee can work magic with the young man.

3 games and a rookie OC.

 

[Saab04]

Can I stick up for the players on the OL and just say they were poorly coached for the last 6 years. I think the talent was there just not used/coached properly. The offensive scheme they had to block for was just that offensive, it sucked big time. I'm hoping that after Lashlee and Grimes get things turned around this spring we will see an OL like the good old days with Randy and Foley.

To be honest, we don't know if it was poor coaching or lack of talent, or a mesh of both. However, we do know the OL was bad.

 

[2Infinity]

Not sure if it was a defense mechanism or not - but BS wasn't very disappointed when DW got promoted - BS rather seemed relieved. We also don't exactly know where he stands on the concussion history spectrum? He took some very bad hits.

Well he may have been happy that his wandering rib could actually have a chance to heal and not be subjected to more hits by Crazy Diaco playing him.

 

[JSM1970]

This is what NC Stat saw day 1 too, I can't imagine he's a fit for the new offense

He has no speed or elusiveness and can't throw accurately > 10 yards

I've seen enough of Sheriffs to know he's a glorified FB. Love his passion and sacrifice for the school, but he's seen enough game time for everyone to understand his talent at this point.

 

[huskysupporter]

This is what NC Stat saw day 1 too, I can't imagine he's a fit for the new offense

He has no speed or elusiveness and can't throw accurately > 10 yards

While Shireffs has some serious weaknesses (deep ball, accuracy, reading defenses), elusiveness isn't one of them.

I believe this coaching staff will put him in best position to succeed. When on his game he is a good qb (he will never be above average) And getting consistent good qb play next year is imperative.

 

[JSM1970]

He's not an elusive runner along the lines of a Nick Marshall was

I honestly don't why he'd even want to play with any history of concussions and zero chance of playing professionally

While Shireffs has some serious weaknesses (deep ball, accuracy, reading defenses), elusiveness isn't one of them.

I believe this coaching staff will put him in best position to succeed. When on his game he is a good qb (he will never be above average) And getting consistent good qb play next year is imperative.