Depth Chart changes you'd like to see?
So we're pretty well into the season at this point (Nearly halfway! Dear god!). At any rate, we've seen a lot of play out of a lot of guys, but we've only seen a few depth chart moves so far, usually as a result of injury. I'm wondering if any of you have some moves you'd like to see take place that the coaches haven't done, yet.
A move that will be taking place this week is that Raymon Taylor has moved ahead of Avery on the depth chart, though he was going to start anyway, so that's really just procedureal.
I'd like to see a depth chart change at RB. Not necessarily movint Fitz out of the one, but maybe listing the one as Fitz OR Rawls, and I'd also like to see the options below those two more clearly demarcated and get some other guys a few chances. We have to find a back that can get it going.
I also wonder if something shouldn't be done about the depth chart at DE (Clark/Beyer). Your thoughts?
October 8th, 2012 at 12:28 PM ^
starting TE
October 8th, 2012 at 12:36 PM ^
I disagree with this. Our starting TE needs to be a blocking TE, since we're a run first team. I love Funchess coming in on passing downs, but he's not what we need as our first down TE at this point.
Unless you're saying you want us to throw on first down, in which case I also disagree with you.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:37 PM ^
very disagreeable.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:41 PM ^
There are two scenarios, really. Either we start the game off running, in which case Funchess is not our best option. He's a great pass catcher, not a great blocker, certainly not as good as Kwiatkowski. The other option is to start the game off throwing. Funchess would make sense starting in that scenario, I just don't think that's a good idea for our offense.
Do you disagree with either of those?
October 8th, 2012 at 12:57 PM ^
You are starting to remind me of my wife.... which, yeah, I don't know, man - I didn't come to MgGoBlog for that.
October 8th, 2012 at 2:19 PM ^
October 9th, 2012 at 10:02 AM ^
October 8th, 2012 at 10:44 PM ^
Your wife knows you're at mgoblog, so you might as well be reminded of her.
October 9th, 2012 at 12:44 AM ^
October 8th, 2012 at 12:30 PM ^
Norfleet (ALL OF THE NORTH FLEETS) returning punts. Also, I second the motion to see Rawls move up the depth chart.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:57 PM ^
I don't mind having Gallon return the punts. Honestly, the first thing I want is just someone who doesn't drop punts, and Gallon has turned himself into someone who is quite reliable in fielding punts successfully and not letting them bounce. I don't think a true freshmen will be nearly as successful as that.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:27 PM ^
While that's true, the second thing should be the ability to make a return. And that's not on Gallon (or Fleet). Our punt return squad blows. On one of those punts yesterday, I'm pretty sure there were 5 black jerseys gunning ahead of the white jerseys straight for Gallon.
As long as we're winning, it's not a big deal, but getting 5-10 yards a punt would make an impact in the long run.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:58 PM ^
Pretty clear to me that Gallon is being instructed to Fair Catch the punts.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:30 PM ^
When you say that something should be done at DE, what are you suggesting?
Also - Taylor started at CB over Avery against Purdue, so that already happened.
I don't know if listing the RB spot as an "OR" really makes a difference if you still want Fitz to start. That's like saying you want the depth chart to use letters instead of numbers - it's a de facto non-change.
I do agree with you that I'd like to see Rawls get a shot running the football, just to see what he can do. Start with Fitz - if he's feeling it, ride him. If he's not, try Rawls. If Rawls isn't doing any better, go back to Fitz, but if he is roll with him until he's not anymore.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:32 PM ^
No changes just hope to see Bellomy get a lot of snaps next game
October 8th, 2012 at 1:28 PM ^
I'd love to see some pass attempts from Bellomy, even if they are screens.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:32 PM ^
I don't think that any of the OL true freshman have played yet and the starters have stayed healthy. I like red shirting them at that position.
October 8th, 2012 at 4:06 PM ^
I know we usually redshirt our offensive linemen but does anyone have the creeping feeling of pure terror regarding our 2013 offensive line if some of these freshmen don't see some snaps this season.
We lose all three interior starters to graduation and Lewan is likely going to leave early so we'll be looking for four new starters to cover our new starting quarterback. (THERE'S THAT FEAR/PARANOIA).
Now revert back to the end of the UMass game and I remember the second team O-Line basically being Jack Miller plus four walk ons.
So jump to 2013 - If we redshirt ALL of the freshmen that means next year's starters are an experienced Schofield at one tackle, redshirt Soph Miller with very few snaps at center and then the coaches choice to fill the final three spots between:
a) a bunch of those walk-ons (Burzynski and Gunderson),
b) Chris Bryant returning from injury and with no snaps under his belt
c) The redshirt freshmen (Kalis, Magnuson, Braden) with tons of talent and no snaps
d) the true freshmen (Kugler, Dawson, Fox, Bosch, Tulley-Tillman) with ridiculously recent memories of their HS proms.
Believe me, I'm not saying the future isn't bright with those freshmen and current HS seniors. I'm just saying that perhaps coach wants to get some snaps for those guys, particularly Braden, Kalis and Magnuson, so they at least have seen some action before they're tasked with protecting a new starting QB. Further, with those five 2013 freshmen replenishing the depth chart, should we be that worried about keeping the extra years considering we'll have quality sitting behind them.
October 8th, 2012 at 4:19 PM ^
October 8th, 2012 at 4:36 PM ^
See I don't think it would have been a few snaps here and there. Truth is the second team OL played almost the full fourth quarter against UMass, probably could have gotten two or three series against Purdue, is very VERY likely to get a bunch of series this coming weekend and likely when Iowa comes to town and very possibly against Minnesota.
Again, if we only had two or three O-linemen in the 2013 HS class I'd say lets not burn them but we have five legit players in that class. I think all the experience we can get Braden, Kalis and Magnuson will help and doesn't hurt.
October 8th, 2012 at 6:13 PM ^
I think it has to be a balancing test, and losing a year of eligibility doesn't outweigh a few extra snaps against UMass and worse Big Ten teams. I think you are seriously overestimating playing a few snaps against some bad Big Ten teams in garbage time where the team isn't really even running their offense. Would you say playing half a quarter or more against UMass when we are up a bunch would really give them a flavor of what it means to play against Nebraksa, MSU, or Ohio? They are going to be inexperienced regardless if we get them 50 garbage snaps this year. Not to mention the issue is that these kids are just no physically ready to compete at this level yet. We risk injuring them, which would be disastrous because that means we have a guy who might not be ready to start next year or misses much needed offsearson training and weight lifting, and risk injurying our other players, notably Bellomy. Losing Bellomy would be tough because then that would limit what we can do with Gardner at WR. I don't disagree with your concern about getting experience for our Oline next year, but playing them in a few snaps this season isn't as important as being on the scout team and participating in the weight lifting regimine.
October 8th, 2012 at 4:22 PM ^
My take, let them RS if possible and work daily on getting to know the offense they are going to be running next year. Seems to me, much of what we are running this year goes by the wayside once Denard graduates.
I also wonder if there is a possibilty of Schofield moving back to guard for his senior season, if Magnuson and Braden are two of the best 5 OL.
October 8th, 2012 at 10:47 PM ^
PT in garbage game time won't significantly help the freshmen OL. They'll play when they deserve to play.
Also, I am not on board with everyone assuming Taylor Lewan is for sure gone.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:37 PM ^
After watching the game again I think there is something wrong with Fitz and I think it's time to look around, somebody must be earning at least look at. Burn a redshirt whatever, in two weeks we entertain the Spartans and we all know how valuable running the football is in THAT game is.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:38 PM ^
What redshirt do you suggest we burn? Do you think Drake Johnson is our answer at RB this year?
October 8th, 2012 at 12:40 PM ^
As in the IM or fraternity teams? Novel idea that... I jest, of course, but what do you propose?
October 8th, 2012 at 12:52 PM ^
October 8th, 2012 at 1:43 PM ^
I don't know if it is the Fitz losing his vision or the OL not getting the correct blocks and opening holes. Either way our non-Denard running games needs to be figured out.
October 8th, 2012 at 5:49 PM ^
It just looks like he has no patience; on so many of his runs if he just would have slowed it down a bit he would have seen some massive holes/cutback lanes. If he hits one of those cutbacks the defense would have stopped flowing so fast. As it was, the d just flowed hard and he ran into the piles. He'll be back
October 8th, 2012 at 12:39 PM ^
October 8th, 2012 at 12:39 PM ^
Taylor makes me feel better about JT graduating after this year. If Blake can return 100% next year that would make for a hell of a CB combo.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:46 PM ^
I dont mind that Funchess is not listed as the starter, but he still plays more than any TE on the team... At least put him as the 2 overall TE... 4 is a little ridiculous.
Brandon Moore does not need to be listed at 1 anymore, and either does Hopkins until they are actually back.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:52 PM ^
excuse my panic I could not remember the backs we may or may not have available or if we had to burn a redshirt, just to possibly get somebody to at least bring some competition out there. I would much rather see a tailback get beatup than Denard.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:54 PM ^
Dileo on punt returns. Gallon has become a fair catch machine regardless of what is actually in front of him. Dileo catches anything near him, is fearless and as evidenced by his one shot at it Saturday, ran north and south once the ball was in his hands.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:02 PM ^
Any insight on why Norfleet doesn't return punts? Is it just because he's a true freshman and they don't think he can handle the pressure?
October 8th, 2012 at 1:31 PM ^
Illinois game would be a good test for that. Wait till we're up a bunch and then put him in, in case he makes a big mistake.
Honestly I think the problem is more the fault of our crappy punt return squad.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:55 PM ^
Do you honestly think Gallon could have done anything on any of those punt returns other than fair catch or get crushed instantly. Most teams run the spread punt formation so that they limit punt returns.
October 9th, 2012 at 9:15 AM ^
Yes. There were at least two punts where the nearest gunner was about 10 yards upfield of him when he took the ball. I think Gallon is still gunshy from all the fumbles a few years ago.
October 8th, 2012 at 12:59 PM ^
i'd like to see them draw the depth chart with crayon.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:08 PM ^
or do you propose something out of the box, like salmon?
October 8th, 2012 at 3:29 PM ^
or burnt sienna?
October 8th, 2012 at 1:02 PM ^
i suggest double tight end formation like the patriots (funchess & kwiatkowski), start rawls and let norfleet return everything...
October 9th, 2012 at 1:31 AM ^
Thiiiiiis!!!! MUAHAHAHA. YES, Thiiiisssssssss!!!!!! Really though, Rawls and Norfleet def need to be getting some more opportunities IMO.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
All back-ups. Everyone who is a back-up should start. Duh.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
Not saying Omameh is bad this year, but his blocking when pulling is pretty bad. Hope to see him improve by the 20th.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:17 PM ^
Would it hurt to put Norfleet in the game for a few carries? Seeing what he does with the kickoff returns is impressive. With Fitz struggling, let Norfleet get a series or two in the middle of the game. He has great speed; him and Denard running that hand-off read play could be dangerous.
October 8th, 2012 at 1:32 PM ^
Dude is 160 pounds. Don't want him to get murdered. You see what happened to Denard a few years ago?
October 8th, 2012 at 2:00 PM ^
I see what you are saying, but a 6-0 160 is different from a 5-7 160.
October 8th, 2012 at 2:02 PM ^
So's De'Anthony Thomas. Oregon doesn't run him very much but when they do, he goes for miles. 2 carries against Wisconsin, 155 yards, 2 touchdowns. Small super-fast backs are handy sometimes, and you don't need to run them every down for them to be so.