Open Practice ---

[gwhuskyfan]

Best part of the write up (in my opinion )...

"In an early part of the afternoon, Weist was heard shouting to his offense "If you don’t get lined up fast, it defeats the purpose!"

 

[metsfan2323]

Lastly... Most critical (or honest) I guess.

We take the stairs (@NoEscalators)
8/7/13, 12:02 AM
We Came, We Saw, They Practiced sbn.to/189c9We
http://www.theuconnblog.com/2013/8/7/4596580/we-came-we-saw-they-practiced

This Andrew Callahan has turned into the best writer following the team IMO. Nice job Andrew!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that unlike the previous two years, there were no wildcat plays run during the practice.

I also forgot to mention that Marriner had a nice run late in practice. I still think he plays this year, he looks the part. After a two year drought we once again have depth at RB.

 

[sportsart]

A new OC, a new hurry up style offense, a very good defense that knows what's coming and the first week of practice all mixed together puts the defense way ahead early.

Last week of practice better have different reports.

 

[Waquoit]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? And what does he have to add? It seems that this was more for him than the team. If he was sincere, he makes his little talk today.

 

[coachcap]

I appreciate and am encouraged by the TJ reports, but with all respect Mets I will not believe this is the case until I see up-tempo, no huddle and creative plays in a real game. Seen too much the past two years and know too much about the early 2000s at Syracuse. Trust but verify.

When did you change your name to "Doubting Thomas?"

 

[Palatine]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? And what does he have to add? It seems that this was more for him than the team. If he was sincere, he makes his little talk today.

He was asked.

 

[junglehusky]

He was asked.

That's a perfectly logical answer based on actual events but RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!!!

 

[sportsart]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? And what does he have to add? It seems that this was more for him than the team. If he was sincere, he makes his little talk today.

It was reported Warde was asked by PP to address the team.

As for what he has to add....he played big boy football for Michigan. I'm quite sure the players know this and they listened intently.

I, for one, am glad Warde is showing his face and letting EVERYONE know this season is a must win season.

 

[Carl Spackler]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? And what does he have to add? It seems that this was more for him than the team. If he was sincere, he makes his little talk today.

Horseshiite. See this is the kind of Debbie Shiite that pisses me off.

The AD was asked by the head coach to come and address the team yesterday, he gives a talk that was totally unscripted. You've got mid 40's guy, that played division 1 football for a HOF coach, at the winningest college football program in history , was a pretty good player, and had his career cut short by a serious injury, that in the past 20 years has worked his way up the ladders, and is now AD at a school, that's creating it's own path to winning in division 1, and lining up against his alma mater, among other top programs in the country, and he gets all fired up talking to the players about the importance of their teammates, and the camaraderie that goes on at this level of football, and to live in the moment, and have fun.......

Oh - but it's self indulgent. If he was sincere, he does it today. It was for him, not the team. Maybe you should pay attention more to what's actually going on before spouting off your cynicism.

Debbie's. I hate Debbie's. I can't wait for kickoff.

 

[metsfan2323]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? .

This was the first practice in pads so it was the first real practice of the new season.

 

[Waquoit]

It was reported Warde was asked by PP to address the team.

As for what he has to add....he played big boy football for Michigan. I'm quite sure the players know this and they listened intently.

I, for one, am glad Warde is showing his face and letting EVERYONE know this season is a must win season.

Good, I feel better. Nothing helps address cynicism better than more information. Thanks.

 

[sportsart]

Good, I feel better. Nothing helps address cynicism better than more information. Thanks.

F*&k you. Sheldon is less of a condescending (sp) pr*ck then you are.

 

[Waquoit]

F*&k you. Sheldon is less of a condescending (sp) pr*ck then you are.

I know that sarcasm doesn't translate well on a message board, but neither does sincerity it appears. Put your gun back in your holster, art.

 

[sportsart]

I know that sarcasm doesn't translate well on a message board, but neither does sincerity it appears. Put your gun back in your holster, art.

Please explain your sarcastic response to my telling you about PP asking Warde to speak to the team.

Because if your post about Warde talking to the team was sarcasm you really need to work on your sarcasm and witty responses.

 

[J187Money]

Things that add to my cynicism: Why does Manuel pick the day of the open practice for his self-indugent pep talk? And what does he have to add? It seems that this was more for him than the team. If he was sincere, he makes his little talk today.

But then we don't see it, assume it didn't happen, and accuse him of monitoring or not caring.

 

[Waquoit]

Please explain your sarcastic response to my telling you about PP asking Warde to speak to the team.

Because if your post about Warde talking to the team was sarcasm you really need to work on your sarcasm and witty responses.

FWIW, here was my thought process. My original and follow-up posts were sincere. I still run hot and cold when it comes to Manuel and I don't give him the benefit of the doubt yet. AD's giving peptalks to the football team strikes me as strange. Hence my post.

I was quickly set straight and my cynicism was addressed, so much so I felt a mea culpa of some sort was in order. I had to pick one of the posts to reply to and it wasn't going to be the one from Little Mary Sunshine. I hadn't caught P's invite to Warde and your point that this was a way for WM to add a sense of importance was a good one, combine that with the fact you're a fan I respect, I chose yours. Go back and read my post with that in mind and I think you'll see that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. The funny thing is that real-time, I wondered if you would think I was ball-busting. That's why added the "thanks". I get the feeling that was the thing that set you off.

 

[sportsart]

FWIW, here was my thought process. My original and follow-up posts were sincere. I still run hot and cold when it comes to Manuel and I don't give him the benefit of the doubt yet. AD's giving peptalks to the football team strikes me as strange. Hence my post.

I was quickly set straight and my cynicism was addressed, so much so I felt a mea culpa of some sort was in order. I had to pick one of the posts to reply to and it wasn't going to be the one from Little Mary Sunshine. I hadn't caught P's invite to Warde and your point that this was a way for WM to add a sense of importance was a good one, combine that with the fact you're a fan I respect, I chose yours. Go back and read my post with that in mind and I think you'll see that sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. The funny thing is that real-time, I wondered if you would think I was ball-busting. That's why added the "thanks". I get the feeling that was the thing that set you off.

Fair enough. My respomse, as over the top as it was, is probably an accumulation of people just picking at things that are so unimportant right now.

We are 3 weeks away from kick off and I'm more of a half full glass kind of guy hoping this board starts to get energized for what I hope is an exciting season.

All that matters is wins and losses. We'll have plenty of time to b*tch as the season moves along.

I'd like to think of game one as Bizlaw's first date with Kate Upton. With his intellect and persuasive tone, you know he's going to score often. The worry is, is he man enough to take on a hot model the next week and then a Gloria Secret model the following week.

All we can hope for is that Bizlaw is taking these dates seriously and is practicing "hard" every day.

 

[businesslawyer]

I hate to interrupt this to make a football comment, but I found it interesting/surprising that Donohue was lining up with the 1s over Ashiru.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

I hate to interrupt this to make a football comment, but I found it interesting/surprising that Donohue was lining up with the 1s over Ashiru.

I actually thought the same thing....but insert Vann for Ashiru.

 

[businesslawyer]

I actually thought the same thing....but insert Vann for Ashiru.

In my head, Vann is more of an inside backer, not a speed backer. I saw Ashiru taking Sio's spot, and Vann fighting with Steward for the other inside spot next to Smallwood.

But again, with the lack of info and none of these guys having played meaningful downs, who knows.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

I think I read in one of the recent columns (forget who wrote it) that the LB positions are interchangeable and the best 3 will play.

But like you said, who knows?

 

[Kgun7]

Gotta admit ... I thought the same thing as Waquoit. Practice time is so limited, why waste it with a pep talk? Even after reading that P requested the speech doesn't make it any more of a good idea ... it just doesn't make it Warde's idea.

Back to football - Andrew Callahan's write up is a very good read. And to comment on BL's observation of Donahue, it looks like the same situation as Matteas and Bullock from last year.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

I hoped they would convert Knappe to an OT. He played both ways in Germany, and with his size he could be a nice addition to the O-line. Looks like we are deep at LB and Safety. No mention of Lee, who I have been told the coaches love.

 

[sdhusky]

As for HFD coming back.....he is a fraud. He does not go to games and was 5 times more over the top in his posts than I've ever been. He just loves the attention and could care less about UConn athletics.

exactly.

 

[joey3$trike$]

If you are comparing me to HFD there is not much more to say. I admitted I was over the top and we more or less made up.

That is no where near the norm for me. I have been a bit more on edge lately as the constant whining as camp opened is a bit much by some.

There is a way to share an opinion, like or dislike, without constantly bashing the admin for every little thing. Most know how to share an opinion. Some just hate everything that the UConn admin does.

As for HFD coming back.....he is a fraud. He does not go to games and was 5 times more over the top in his posts than I've ever been. He just loves the attention and could care less about UConn athletics.

I guy spending that much time on recruiting is no fraud. His rants i saw as attention getting, but his recruiting posts were pretty good. Should let him back on there atleast.

 

[WestHartHusk]

I went and watched the Offense most of the time. Weist really works with them. The only thing that I could see as that Whitmer and to some extent Cochran appear much better than the others, especially Whitmer. The other guys are catching up to the speed it seemed.

Couple of things

I did not see McCombs run so much. A lot of the other guys. Hypolite and DeLorenzo looked faster this year , but hey what do I know. Williams I was impressed with. There was a high snap and the play seemed to be broken and the guy takes the ball and he makes two cuts and gains 4. Really something from nothing.

Andreas Knapp is just huge.

Geramy Davis is taller than 6'3". The kid is good.

McQuillan looked good at TE, but man we are short there. Meyer may play - he may have to.

I say they guy that will be the difference maker this year for the O is Clax. He will be involved. Strait runs and passes.

This offense is now no-huddle. Very up tempo. Weist just keeps the pressure on to run plays. Get up and go.

Tough to glean too much.

Thank you and the others who went to the open practice as our eyes and ears. Much appreciated!

 

[Excalibur]

I do hope that someone can emerge to replace Mack at corner . . .

 

[huskymedic]

Couple of things caught my eye:

Look @ the size of FB Matt Walsh @ the 22 second mark (fake hand-off from Kivon). Christ he's huge!

Nice burst from Matt D around 56 second mark.

1:1 w/ frosh Dhameer Bradley and Ty-Meer @2:53 mark

Looks like QB Chris Deberry getting time @ WR (unless roster is off) @ 3:08

 

[jdb50]

Is that TJ tear-assing after the pass play at 3:47? Must have been a TD with the offensive player reactions. Good stuff.

 

[huskymedic]

Another video popped on You Tube on First Practice:



They are really stepping up their game on social media. (I know, I know - they could only go up).