Anyone paying attention will notice that offense and special teams have improved significantly in the two years under Edsall vs what they were with Diaco. We do in fact run a modern offense under Edsall vs the 80's style grinds with P and D. That's why I don't understand so many posters saying he has lost his ability to coach or is out of touch with the modern game.....Maybe just maybe we should give him the benefit of the doubt when he says its a player development problem created by some weak defensive recruiting in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Ok. Let's give him benefit of the doubt. Offense goes from 120's under Diaco to 108 so far this year. Better but still well under average (65 would be middle of pack) for a team that was always behind and needed to score on every possession, and had lot of possessions given how bad the defense is.
So what is HCRE2.0's requirement for offensive points in 2019. Is 100's still ok? Does he get 2019 as a "freebee" since he has no experienced QB? That will be year 3 of the rebuild the right way journey.
Defense. Diaco's defense in 2016 was rated 65 against scoring, HCRE2.0's defense in 2017 was rated 121. 2017 had lot of seniors and guys who were part of 2 deep in 2016. I call that coaching down. In 2018 UConn gives up 50 points per game, the next worst AAC team is SMU with 36. Quite the accomplishment in setting your team apart from the rest of the league.
What's to come in 2019 with the defense? Just give an expectation of what will indicate good coaching/team management by HCRE2.0 in 2019. Does new DC give 2019 as "learning year" for the defense? No fill in's with juco and grad transfers ok? So are all these current freshman and red shirt freshman/sophomores on defense going to be ready in 2019, still seem pretty young vs. HCRE2.0's goal of "upperclassman on 2 deep". Another year of "what can I do with such a young team"?
Recruits for 2019 will be of very little assistance for 2019 defense, or offense for that matter.
So, what do you see for 2019, is what you see ok? Is there any level of performance by the team that will lead you to question "the path"?
If you were a recruit in 2019 why would you pick UConn if you had any other G5 or better offer? Maybe 'cause you know if you have trouble getting to class HCRE2.0 has your back or that he will work to make sure you have fewer night away games so you don't have to get home late.
It's never too early to stop going in the wrong direction.