Depth Chart Changes: Homecoming

[noeynox]

I think this is where you and I differ from the rest on the other side of this. We are not playing BYU next week. We're at game 7. You don't make the same decisions you do in week 1.

From what I remember neither one of us griped about Summers playing against BYU. Or Carrezola. Or Diggs. Or Newsome. Or Johnson. Or any other true frosh. Week 1 I have no issue with it. Week 7 is just insane. And it's not a neccesity. I wish people would stop saying that.

I see Jamar Summers, and Jhavon Hadley as starters. After that I see converted WR John Green, and true soph who they were either RS or was hurt/nicked up, because I haven't seen much of him, Javon Hadley. The rest of the CBs are walk ons I believe, unless I'm missing someone. Since the last game of last year we lost Clark, Stevensone and now Byron Jones. Diaco MUST see it as a necissity regardless of what we think. If Ellis Marder was healthy I believe he could play safety and corner. Am I missing a CB off the roster?

 

[Husky25]

He wouldn't know he's not going to play. He'd know he was going to play if Whitmer got hurt. Sort of like hundreds of other quarterbacks at every level.

Jmoney gave the easiest solution. If Whitmer gets hurt in game, Foxx mops up and Boyle starts the next game. Outcome is redshirt is preserved unless it needs to be used.

Seriously that isn't better than what Boyle's gotten to date?

It's a decent consideration, but the point is moot. For all intents and purposes, it wasn't an option at the time.

The coaches don't have to explicitly or publicly state that the goal is to redshirt, but if Boyle has it in the back of his mind (based on coach's actions) that this is the end goal, there exists a high probability that his focus wanes. It's human nature.

There is also the risk of a disenfranchised Boyle transferring. Regardless of who comes in in February and Boyle's ability to those true freshmen and transfer, it's typically advantageous to have a QB with some experience in the offense.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Well based on what we can actually see from Boyle is that his contribution on the field is a net negative. Theoretical contributions are nice and all - but he hasn't improved and he hasn't contributed positive results so not sure why it's proven to be so wise.

That's different than what you wrote before, and I agree with it. The 2 - QB rotation is an issue that is tough to reconcile this season.

One thing I've really had some time to focus on this past month with no home games, is just how YOUNG this team is. Our active roster of players ahs a lot of youth on it. We're looking at LOTS of players in the 18-20 year old range - out there on the field competing. With the way last season closed out, and the overwhelming positive energy that Diaco brought in through the offseason, I personally had very high expectations going into the season. Misguided a bit - apparently - and I still think we should have at least beat Tulane to go with Stony Brook - and that I'm hanging square on Diaco and staff for game planning and game time decisions.....but we went into this season with a very young roster collectively, and the few that have been around for significant time, going through yet another new rotation of coaches and systems, which for the seniors numbers as many as 5 coaches in as many years. Still - duck_KING TULANE......I won't forget that one. USF too - winnable games...which leads me to my next point.....

Growth, development, learning.

It's pretty clear that players are developing - but to expect 100% success rate, is not realistic.....hard fact of life. Boyle, unfortunately, as you correctly note by what's observable IMNSHO - is not developing well with regards to showing consistent improvement on the field at game time. It's wrong to conclude that he's not productive for himself and the team in other ways - away from the field - which is what I got out of what you wrote before. You don't know that, nor do I. But it's reasonable to think, that because he's still on the roster and getting playing time, that he is being productive in the program that Diaco has put in place, as opposed to other players that have been a round, and seen playing time before, but are either sidelined now, or gone from the roster in the past calendar year.

I think there has been a lot of individual player growth, development over the course of the season. I'm not sure about the coaching staff themselves though - because....F---king USF and Tulane. I'm looking forward to seeing the team develop as well as the players and coaches individually. That happens with wins. I want to see it start Saturday, not next fall.

I'm just blabbering on the keyboard at this point with no direction really, other than I want to see the team develop at the same kind of rate that I'm seeing player development.

 

[Excalibur]

I think this is where you and I differ from the rest on the other side of this. We are not playing BYU next week. We're at game 7. You don't make the same decisions you do in week 1.

From what I remember neither one of us griped about Summers playing against BYU. Or Carrezola. Or Diggs. Or Newsome. Or Johnson. Or any other true frosh. Week 1 I have no issue with it. Week 7 is just insane. And it's not a neccesity. I wish people would stop saying that.

Perhaps, just perhaps, he sees McAllister as a contributor next year and thinks that game experience now will have him better prepared for that in 2015. The debate is being presented as 2014 vs. 2018 but forgetting the two years in between that as if they are already lost. I certainly hope that isn't the case, and don't think that the coaches think it is.

 

[Carl Spackler]

There are enough CB's on the roster to cover for the remaining 5 games. Williams, Summers, Hadley, Green, DeBerry and a few other walkons.

Playing McAllister now just defies common sense.

This was your answer to my question, if not McAllister then who?

There are not enough scholarship recruits to field an adequate defensive coverage shell. You would rather save McAllister for next season and play practice squad/walk ons - with 5 games remaining. It's a vaild point, because a 5 game winning streak to a bowl game right now, is probably not expected by anybody except 1 poster on this website - so why play him now? I get your point.

my point is that you play to win, and coach to win always. And I freely admit, that a lot has happened this season, to make me wonder, if we've actually been doing that or not as a program from the coaches. But this decision, regarding the players 4th and down on the depth chart at DB, is very clearly - a decision made to play and coach to win - now - and I'm perfectly fine with that., and my point is also a valid point and very much up for argument - as to the consistency of whether or not we've been doing that all season. Personally, I've seen signs lately, lots of them, that we are actually coaching and playing to win - now - and to me - late is better than never. Just be consistent from here on is all I want.

Putting a walk on in the roster, is not consistent with coaching and playing to win now.

FWIW: I'm happy, that there are a few of us left, that are still passionate enough about this program to be arguing over the 5th DB on the 2-deep roster. If there is enough for that, there is enough to grow it all back again. So thanks Jimmy and Whaler - for caring.

 

[whaler11]

It's a decent consideration, but the point is moot. For all intents and purposes, it wasn't an option at the time.

The coaches don't have to explicitly or publicly state that the goal is to redshirt, but if Boyle has it in the back of his mind (based on coach's actions) that this is the end goal, there exists a high probability that his focus wanes. It's human nature.

There is also the risk of a disenfranchised Boyle transferring. Regardless of who comes in in February and Boyle's ability to those true freshmen and transfer, it's typically advantageous to have a QB with some experience in the offense.

It was absolutely available at the time.

How would that disenfranchise Boyle more than what they have done?

 

[whaler11]

Perhaps, just perhaps, he sees McAllister as a contributor next year and thinks that game experience now will have him better prepared for that in 2015. The debate is being presented as 2014 vs. 2018 but forgetting the two years in between that as if they are already lost. I certainly hope that isn't the case, and don't think that the coaches think it is.

Then why wait until game 8? They played players at multiple positions they didn't need to play.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

It's a decent consideration, but the point is moot. For all intents and purposes, it wasn't an option at the time.

The coaches don't have to explicitly or publicly state that the goal is to redshirt, but if Boyle has it in the back of his mind (based on coach's actions) that this is the end goal, there exists a high probability that his focus wanes. It's human nature.

There is also the risk of a disenfranchised Boyle transferring. Regardless of who comes in in February and Boyle's ability to those true freshmen and transfer, it's typically advantageous to have a QB with some experience in the offense.

The only thing I agree with is that it's a moot point.

The thought that Boyle would be more disenfranchised had they redshirted him as opposed to how they've actually used him is LOL funny.

 

[Excalibur]

Then why wait until game 8? They played players at multiple positions they didn't need to play.

As to part 1, circumstances changed.

As to your second point, I agree, particularly with Boyle, which is why I'm only speculating here. He's made some really puzzling personnel decisions. Each may be defensible on its own but overall he appears to just be acting randomly . . .

 

[UMass]

Molnar was put into no win situation in western Massachusetts. First, he was OC for only 2 years under Kelly. Jeff Quinn was OC in Cinci. Secondly, neither he, nor the program in general had the full faith and backing of the UMass administration, and if you think 25 miles is too long to travel for home games, it's a solid hour and a half from Amherst to Foxboro (longer by bus). UMass effectively played 12 away games a season.

The following passage speaks volumes as well (emphasis added): "[UMASS Athletic Director John McCutcheon] said he’s already heard from a few players and their parents, and that many were concerned about the fate of the team’s strength and conditioning program -- the first season in which the football team has had a dedicated strength and conditioning coach -- which they felt strongly about keeping."

It's no wonder Diaco revamped the S&C staff almost immediately after getting here. Diaco was the country best non-head coach after the 2012 season and he wasn't just a coordinator. He was associate head coach of a recent powerhouse.

I'm not sure where the strength and conditioning coach concerns are coming from. Mike Golden is finishing up his second year in that position and there are no rumors of change there. He's done a great job and the kids have bought in. He was actually the UConn S & C coach from 1998-2000. The only thing I can think of is the period right after Whipple got hired. There was some concern over which coaches, if any, would be retained. Golden was one of if not the first coach that Whip hired.

As far as Molnar, my disparaging comment goes much deeper than his W/L record. He was run out of town amid physical/ mental abuse allegations that were being investigated. He is unfit to be a head coach anywhere. Wide receivers coach at Idaho is a good place for him!

 

[J187Money]

I don't agree with the 2 QB rotation - I"ve been clear about that, but this pretty bold, to claim that the player has gotten nothing out of his participation with this program this year, and vice versa, that the program has gotten nothing in return from him. His production on the field is lacking, but I'm 100% positive, that if he was not a productive player individually and contributing to the team, he wouldn't be on the roster.

Chill out whaler.

That isn't what Whaler is saying. He still gets to practice if he is a RS player. It is the game action that has been useless (and possibly detrimental) to his development.

 

[Husky25]

I'm not sure where the strength and conditioning coach concerns are coming from. Mike Golden is finishing up his second year in that position and there are no rumors of change there. He's done a great job and the kids have bought in. He was actually the UConn S & C coach from 1998-2000. The only thing I can think of is the period right after Whipple got hired. There was some concern over which coaches, if any, would be retained. Golden was one of if not the first coach that Whip hired.

As far as Molnar, my disparaging comment goes much deeper than his W/L record. He was run out of town amid physical/ mental abuse allegations that were being investigated. He is unfit to be a head coach anywhere. Wide receivers coach at Idaho is a good place for him!

If you read between the lines, you'll realize there was no dedicated strength and conditioning coach prior to Molnar getting there. Having a home stadium 90 miles away makes it tough to recruit; makes it tough to develop a fan base. Not having a S&C coach makes it difficult to develop those who do make the commitment. UMass's plan of transitioning to FBS was half baked at best. The simple move was to scapegoat the head coach. Physical/mental abuse allegations are typically capricious. I saw the video and not so oddly enough, it made it's way here. I agree that the practice of boxing and wrestling in the snow doesn't make a ton of sense for a football team, but I don't see how constitutes abuse beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

[whaler11]

I'm just blabbering on the keyboard at this point with no direction really,

Your new signature. Your welcome.

 

[UMass]

If you read between the lines, you'll realize there was no dedicated strength and conditioning coach prior to Molnar getting there. Having a home stadium 90 miles away makes it tough to recruit; makes it tough to develop a fan base. Not having a S&C coach makes it difficult to develop those who do make the commitment. UMass's plan of transitioning to FBS was half baked at best. The simple move was to scapegoat the head coach. Physical/mental abuse allegations are typically capricious. I saw the video and not so oddly enough, it made it's way here. I agree that the practice of boxing and wrestling in the snow doesn't make a ton of sense for a football team, but I don't see how constitutes abuse beyond a reasonable doubt.

Without violating confidentiality and a promise to certain parents of players and players themselves, I really can't say much more than I have. That drill with the wrestling was far from the issue. The kids actually had fun with that although some parents found it a bit over the edge. Let's just say that the donor that paid Charley's buy-out had absolutely no problem with the W/L record. Whip will probably only win 3 games this year and the entire campus is giddy over the coaching change.

 

[Husky25]

It was absolutely available at the time.
How would that disenfranchise Boyle more than what they have done?

The only thing I agree with is that it's a moot point.
The thought that Boyle would be more disenfranchised had they redshirted him as opposed to how they've actually used him is LOL funny.

My disenfranchise comment went to answer Whaler when he suggested a Depth chart of Whitmer, Foxx, Boyle and Boyle starting the next game if need be.

Once Cochran retired, the chances of Boyle redshirting decreased a single digits. Redshirts aren’t awarded until after the season. So if Whitmer is health all year, crisis averted. OTOH, how do you handle that internally with real people? Anyone who knows anything about football knows that every team needs a backup QB, particularly the backup QB.

You can disenfranchise Boyle more by preaching Next Man Up, demonstrating that Boyle is just that in practice, and then playing a non-QB or one that is well below Boyle (i.e. scout team QB) in backup situations – even in junk time. The writing on the wall is fairly clear at point, don’t you think? I haven’t talked to Boyle and don’t know him personally, but I don’t think they have disenfranchised Boyle up to this point. He is simply just not better than Whitmer. I don’t exactly understand the one series per game bit, but has he really shown that he deserves more playing time?

Anyways, this is the last time I’m addressing Boyle’s (lack of) redshirt. You have your opinion and I have mine. I understand you POV (as well as the POV vis a vie McAllister), but it’s pretty clear at this point that we are not going to convince one another to cross over. So…There it is.

 

[whaler11]

My disenfranchise comment went to answer Whaler when he suggested a Depth chart of Whitmer, Foxx, Boyle and Boyle starting the next game if need be.

Once Cochran retired, the chances of Boyle redshirting decreased a single digits. Redshirts aren’t awarded until after the season. So if Whitmer is health all year, crisis averted. OTOH, how do you handle that internally with real people? Anyone who knows anything about football knows that every team needs a backup QB, particularly the backup QB.

You can disenfranchise Boyle more by preaching Next Man Up, demonstrating that Boyle is just that in practice, and then playing a non-QB or one that is well below Boyle (i.e. scout team QB) in backup situations – even in junk time. The writing on the wall is fairly clear at point, don’t you think? I haven’t talked to Boyle and don’t know him personally, but I don’t think they have disenfranchised Boyle up to this point. He is simply just not better than Whitmer. I don’t exactly understand the one series per game bit, but has he really shown that he deserves more playing time?

Anyways, this is the last time I’m addressing Boyle’s (lack of) redshirt. You have your opinion and I have mine. I understand you POV (as well as the POV vis a vie McAllister), but it’s pretty clear at this point that we are not going to convince one another to cross over. So…There it is.

You are only playing Foxx for the balance of one game. Personally I'm fine with even skipping that and just putting Boyle if/when Whitmer got hurt - I was just giving the people who worry about someone being ready a viable option.

 

[Husky25]

Without violating confidentiality and a promise to certain parents of players and players themselves, I really can't say much more than I have. That drill with the wrestling was far from the issue. The kids actually had fun with that although some parents found it a bit over the edge. Let's just say that the donor that paid Charley's buy-out had absolutely no problem with the W/L record. Whip will probably only win 3 games this year and the entire campus is giddy over the coaching change.

That's fine with me. I'm not going to ask you to betray any confidences, but you need to realize that the two are not mutually exclusive.

Molnar could have been the salt of the Earth, but that doesn't mean the Administration supported him, the program, or that their strategy wasn't half baked at best. None of which, mind you, can be applied to any sort of predictive analysis on how Bob Diaco will fair at UConn.

 

[UMass]

That's fine with me. I'm not going to ask you to betray any confidences, but you need to realize that the two are not mutually exclusive.

Molnar could have been the salt of the Earth, but that doesn't mean the Administration supported him, the program, or that their strategy wasn't half baked at best. None of which, mind you, can be applied to any sort of predictive analysis on how Bob Diaco will fair at UConn.

I guess this conversation got convoluted along the way. The only comparison I made between Molnar and BD was their connection to Kelly. Sorry if anything I wrote insinuated any similarity other than that. I was responding to the post saying that BD was smart because Kelly brought him to Notre Dame. I too believe BD is smart and will be a great coach.....I just don't think it has anything to do with Brian Kelly

 

[Husky25]

I guess this conversation got convoluted along the way. The only comparison I made between Molnar and BD was their connection to Kelly. Sorry if anything I wrote insinuated any similarity other than that. I was responding to the post saying that BD was smart because Kelly brought him to Notre Dame. I too believe BD is smart and will be a great coach.....I just don't think it has anything to do with Brian Kelly

I guess what I read into it was Molnar was a Kelly assistant. Diaco was a Kelly assistant. Molnar was unsuccessful as a head coach, therefore all Kelly assistants will not be successful. Before you mentioned it, I had forgotten about the "training" video and obviously have no idea what you confidentially know about him. My point was that the UMass job and the UConn job are as different as the respective backgrounds of Charley Molnar and Bob Diaco.

 

[Husky25]

I guess this conversation got convoluted along the way. The only comparison I made between Molnar and BD was their connection to Kelly. Sorry if anything I wrote insinuated any similarity other than that. I was responding to the post saying that BD was smart because Kelly brought him to Notre Dame. I too believe BD is smart and will be a great coach.....I just don't think it has anything to do with Brian Kelly

Let me add this: I am currently an unabashed Diaco supporter. It is absolutely true that Diaco had me at Hello. I am an unabashed supporter until I'm not one.

I was a little leary about former "Coach" Pasqualoni, but I still gave him at least until year 2 (Finally jumped off the bandwagon after Temple 2012). No doubt that some of Diaco's decisions are questionable, but given the circumstances, he has done nothing for me to lose faith. If these questionable calls continue and the team does not show continuing improvement, my support will be appropriately adjusted.

 

[UMass]

Let me add this: I am currently an unabashed Diaco supporter. It is absolutely true that Diaco had me at Hello. I am an unabashed supporter until I'm not one.

I was a little leary about former "Coach" Pasqualoni, but I still gave him at least until year 2 (Finally jumped off the bandwagon after Temple 2012). No doubt that some of Diaco's decisions are questionable, but given the circumstances, he has done nothing for me to lose faith. If these questionable calls continue and the team does not show continuing improvement, my support will be appropriately adjusted.

I agree with you 100%. There is a learning curve with any new position and I would imagine that a head coaching job at the FBS level is a daunting one. Some will call me foolish, but I totally agree with his idea of this being a process. The relatively short time it takes him to instill his process will pay huge dividends in the long run. Like you, if this hits year 3 and the results haven't come to fruition, I will be shocked but willing to admit I was wrong.

 

[kris1]

Diaco: On the four tailbacks: "I'm pleased with all four backs. We have roles that they are going to play. We gave Max DeLorenzo and Josh Marriner, Max in particular, a good, appropriate opportunity and there was no real separation there. At the end of the day, Arkeel Newsome and Ron Johnson possess high-level, tangible talents that in time, their maturity of their games will catch up through game experience. So if nobody really was taking it and running with it, something needed to tilt the scale. We're pleased with all of those guys, they're all going to play a role for us, they can all go in the games and produce. The tailback doesn't prevent us from winning."

Is it possible BD feels the same about McAllister and sees this as an opportunity for him to gain game experience for 2015? It's likely, because none of the others have separated themselves from the pack and we are very inexperienced at the position. Here are the CB's on the roster

7John Green5-10/179CornerbackRS SOMiami, Fla. (Felix Varela)
11Javon Hadley5-10/164CornerbackSOMiami, Fla. (Miami Palmetta)
16Byron Jones6-1/196CornerbackRS SRNew Britain, Conn. (St. Paul (Bristol))
33Brice McAllister5-11/191CornerbackFREast Longmeadow, Mass. (Suffield (Conn.) Academy)
31Nyrell Moore5-10/184CornerbackFRWest Haven, Conn. (West Haven)
21Jamar Summers6-0/180CornerbackFREast Orange, N.J.
27Nick Vitale5-8/176CornerbackRS SOMadison, Conn. (Stony Brook)
29Anthony Watkins6-1/193CornerbackFRFort Meade, Md. (Lawrenceville (N.J.))
6Jhavon Williams5-10/190CornerbackRS SODelray Beach, Fla. (Palm Beach Central)
5Chris DeBerry5-11/186Defensive BackSRTorrington, Conn. (Torrington)

 

[BNich]

Here's another name at a different position. How much longer does Jalen Stevens stick around?

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Here's another name at a different position. How much longer does Jalen Stevens stick around?

Dick post. As per usual with you.

 

[BNich]

Dick post. As per usual with you.

Oh the irony. Seriously? It's an honest question. Moved to LB. Came in as pretty highly rated recruit and hasn't seen the field to my knowledge. True freshman Diggs has gotten time in front of him. People talk about more players leaving after this season. Could he be one of them?

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Oh the irony. Seriously? It's an honest question. Moved to LB. Came in as pretty highly rated recruit and hasn't seen the field to my knowledge. True freshman Diggs has gotten time in front of him. People talk about more players leaving after this season. Could he be one of them?

Oh stop it with the highly rated recruit nonsense. You recruitniks get way too caught up in that garbage.

Besides the fact that he's still a RS freshman, what about about Pudge's rule do you not understand?

 

[J187Money]

Ok then let Pudge tell me that.

Do we need Pudge to delete every post or can we have some level of self-policing?

 

[huskymedic]

Tuesday presser: Young corners on an island

 

[huskymedic]

Hadley could make an impact at UConn
http://runwayramblings.blogspot.com/2014/10/hadley-could-make-impact-at-uconn.html

>>"He is a trained corner so he works his game and he has done it for a long time," UConn coach Bob Diaco said. "He hasn't done it here in college football so as a young guy at least there is a volume of practice reps and time that he has been at that position. He is a tough guy, he is a gritty tough guy, he is competitive. What he might lack at this point in his career in size, overall speed he makes up for toughness. He has some fundamental base in playing the position. We are excited about him. He is in competition with John Green so we will see who ends up claiming that first and second down corner spot for the game."<<

 

[Marty Jackson]

I never realized how easy it is to coach a college football team until I started reading the BY.
Am I the only one here not a professional coach?