Hoke's Tuesday Press Conference

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August 21st, 2012 at 10:10 PM
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StephenRKass
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Hoke's Tuesday Press Conference

Hoke's evening press conference has been summarized (free content) at both the Wolverine and Scout.

Links:

Rivals:  http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1399403

Scout:  http://michigan.scout.com/2/1213676.html

Here are a few quick notes:

  • Mealer would start at LG if the season began today.
  • Funk is trying different combos to have 8 or so guys in the OL mix.
  • Roundtree is progressing nicely, and Hoke thinks he'll start against Bama.
  • Pipkins is back at full practice.
  • Hoke is pleased with the "physicalness" of the 19th practice.
  • The freshmen are adjusting well and doing well.
  • Toussaint and Clark have not yet been cleared to play vs. Bama.
  • The DL coaches are trying different formations to get more beef on the line at the same time. I.e., they want to have BWC and Pipkins et al all playing at the same time on the line in a "big package."
  • Gardner is doing well at both QB & WR.

Like all the rest of the guys here, I'm starved for news and looking forward to the season. One comment:  Hoke seems very positive and pleased, with not many critical comments. I'm waiting to hear what Mattison has to say.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

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August 21st, 2012 at 10:15 PM | They've both got an oar. (Score:5 Normal)
RakeFight
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Joined: 02/21/2012
MGoPoints: 1370

Classic Hoke: "(Clark is) in the same boat (as Toussaint) right now," Hoke said. "They've both got an oar."

August 21st, 2012 at 10:15 PM | thank you (Score:4 Normal)
Lampuki22
Joined: 09/16/2009
MGoPoints: 766

for posting this. summary is much appreciated

August 21st, 2012 at 10:28 PM | Pipkins, Roh, BWC +1 (Score:1)
BoAndHokeFan
Joined: 03/09/2012
MGoPoints: 460

I was thinking these guys would be our d line. I don't know who plays where but BWC and PeeWee are NT and 3 tech. Roh at SDE. WDE?

...just one man's opinion.

 

August 21st, 2012 at 10:32 PM | Beyer? (Score:2)
icefins26
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Joined: 02/01/2009
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Beyer?

August 21st, 2012 at 10:31 PM | Elliott Mealer (Score:5 Normal)
Tongdakfiend
Joined: 07/13/2012
MGoPoints: 55

I'm rooting for Mealer to win the starting spot.  Every Michigan fan knows his story, and he genuinely seems like someone you should root for.  Also, selfishly, it would make feel better about the o-line that he is beating out a 6'1 walk-on and a true freshman (albeit a stud true freshman).  

August 21st, 2012 at 10:37 PM | I'm rooting for Mealer for (Score:5 Normal)
DrunkOnHiggins
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Joined: 06/16/2011
MGoPoints: 683

I'm rooting for Mealer for all these reasons plus the beard.

"And if that doesn't wet your appetite, you're watching the wrong channel."

You can usually find me bumping some Reggae, hammered on Higgins Lake with the goon squad. #HALOL

Go Blue!

August 21st, 2012 at 10:45 PM | Mealer's Beard (Score:3 Normal)
Needs
Joined: 08/05/2008
MGoPoints: 4163

Which, without getting political, was featured prominently on Andrew Sullivan's blog today, including a quote from Jeremy Gallon.

 

http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/08/quote-3.html

http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2012/08/elliott-mealers-badass-b...

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:21 AM | Diggin (Score:2)
M Wolve
Joined: 09/04/2011
MGoPoints: 732

the pick change back, but I'm still partial to Lake Margrethe.

Bring back Keith Jackson

August 22nd, 2012 at 7:39 AM | I've never been to that lake. (Score:2)
DrunkOnHiggins
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I've never been to that lake. Actually had to look it up on a map to see where it is. Just to the north and west of Higgins.

I'm partial to Higgins just because it's the only lake I've ever known. My parents both have houses on the lake so I spent every summer weekend on the lake since I was 3 days old.

I'm trying to make a few trips up before the end of summer. Might hit up Short's one weekend just because it's so close. Already planned out the weekend of September 29th to take out the boat and dock....AKA Michigan's bye week.

"And if that doesn't wet your appetite, you're watching the wrong channel."

You can usually find me bumping some Reggae, hammered on Higgins Lake with the goon squad. #HALOL

Go Blue!

August 21st, 2012 at 11:08 PM | Agreed (Score:3 Normal)
StephenRKass
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MGoPoints: 4207

I'll say, I want the competition won fair and square, whoever that might be, but I hope Mealer wins out. This is his last rodeo, and with all the grief and trauma he's gone through, the dislocated shoulder, his brother paralyzed and his father and girlfriend killed, I would love to see him succeed. In his "countdown" segment, I was pleased to see how level-headed he appeared, without bitterness or rancor. And yes, what a gorgeous beard.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

August 21st, 2012 at 10:30 PM | Positive view: (Score:3 Normal)
Bodogblog
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That "big" package means Pip/QW/Ash are progressing nicely. Would explain some of the practice footage with QW running with the 1's

Negative view: they can already tell Roh and Black on the same line at the same time is not going to work. I think Roh is going to be good at 5T, but Black just may not be large enough to man the 3T full time.

August 21st, 2012 at 10:34 PM | Probably a little bit of (Score:1)
Tongdakfiend
Joined: 07/13/2012
MGoPoints: 55

Probably a little bit of both, but I am believe (and hoping) it is more the former.  Hoke doesn't seem like the type to burnish his team's progress before the season, and at least from his public comments, he has been somewhat complimentary of the d-line's progress.

August 21st, 2012 at 10:45 PM | Keep in mind that Mattison (Score:3 Normal)
FreddieMercuryHayes
Joined: 12/29/2010
MGoPoints: 4901

Keep in mind that Mattison likes to rotate a lot on D-line.  If they're trying different combos on the line, that would give Mattison more flexibility to rotate during a game.  While Black's size is not ideal, others of his current size have been effective at the 3-tech.  The only real problem I can see is goal line/short yardage where the beef package could come in handy.

August 21st, 2012 at 10:56 PM | I think even if Black was doing well (Score:2)
Space Coyote
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They would try to implement a big line. With Black they are going to have to slant/stunt a lot, which just isn't practical on short yardage downs. I still think Black is more natural at a 5-tech, and needs another year to truly be ready for the 3-tech, but the bodies available and his athleticism may make him the best option at 3-tech still on normal downs.

4/23/13 - Denard Robinson's NFL Future, Part II

August 21st, 2012 at 11:11 PM | The coaches have shown they (Score:1)
turtleboy
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The coaches have shown they want to cycle in a lot of players with a multitude of looks so it might be a little premature to call Black a bust, but I never really thought he'd be playing full time inside this year, either. I think of it a little like the NYG dline. They've run essentially (physically) 6'7" Chris Canty and a bunch of Ends at times, but they're all athletic, lanky, tweener types who can bump inside. They often run a very unconventional combo of a lightweight 3-4 NT, 2 athletic SDE types, and a WDE. I know they're truly elite players, but I've heard quite a few nfl coaches say JPP and Justin Tuck can play inside at the 3tech, not because of their size (6'5" 275lbs) but because of energy and athleticism.

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

August 22nd, 2012 at 5:46 AM | It is a more than a little (Score:2 Normal)
Jablueski
Joined: 06/25/2009
MGoPoints: 20

It is a more than a little premature to call Black a bust. Multiple practice watchers this spring said Black was our best interior defensive lineman. Campbell at 3-tech is mostly a rest rotational and bulk situational thing. No one else on defense has the size and quickness to adequately rotate with Black. Black is better at 3-tech than end because Black misses fewer assignments at 3-tech than he does at end.

August 22nd, 2012 at 11:28 AM | To be clear, I wasn't (Score:1)
Bodogblog
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To be clear, I wasn't declaring Black a bust.  I was speculating that he may not be large enough to be the every down 3T.  But as always, what the hell do I know?

That would be very encouraging info. if accurate, what you've posted.

August 21st, 2012 at 10:38 PM | The slow countdown to Bama is (Score:5 Normal)
denardogasm
Joined: 09/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1861

The slow countdown to Bama is starting to cause me physical discomfort.

"Michigan Defense" is dominating everything, in every aspect of life. That's a rough definition.

-Craig Roh 10/29/2011

August 21st, 2012 at 10:51 PM | I KNOW! (Score:3 Normal)
KyleMac
Joined: 07/20/2010
MGoPoints: 228

I have half a mind to go to my boss tomorrow and just tell him to overload me with work so that I can't concentrate on a minute of football for the next 9 days.

Go Blue!

August 21st, 2012 at 10:49 PM | Is the (Score:2 Normal)
Leonhall
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Joined: 06/14/2012
MGoPoints: 700

Video release out yet...it's on mgoblue...but I can't view with iPad....someone embed?

Denard Robinson......They're not going to catch him!

August 21st, 2012 at 10:58 PM | I'm trying not to read too (Score:2)
Michael Scarn
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Joined: 01/21/2011
MGoPoints: 1193

I'm trying not to read too much into it, but from the Rivals article, Hoke's tone about this team has me starting to get more and more optimistic about the season.  I think everyone on this board is well aware of the team's possible weaknesses in terms of the receiver position, defensive line, and offensive line depth, but I'm beginning to think the tempered expectations should get notched up.  

So, really, to sum up, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:34 AM | i agree with you man (Score:0)
August 21st, 2012 at 11:00 PM | Been hearing good things (Score:0 Redundant)
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:23 AM | That would be... surprising (Score:1)
Bodogblog
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He's huge, but he has a hard enough time moving at Tackle. I don't see him being able to run and reach LBs or pull as effectively as this offense (or a spread) would require at Guard

August 21st, 2012 at 11:16 PM | So it's Better Than Ezra at (Score:5 Normal)
turtleboy
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Joined: 04/22/2011
MGoPoints: 3216

So it's Better Than Ezra at LSU, (new) Country at Clemson, DJ's at Oregon, Katie Perry/Nicky Minaj at ND, and according to Hoke it's AC/DC playing at Michigan practice. I'm okay with this...

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

August 22nd, 2012 at 7:23 AM | I know theres the new orleans (Score:2)
mgobleu
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I know theres the new orleans connection, but I like to think that les miles is an ezra fan.

August 21st, 2012 at 11:39 PM | So here's a thought I just (Score:2 Normal)
denardogasm
Joined: 09/11/2011
MGoPoints: 1861

So here's a thought I just had... Wouldn't it have been a good idea strategically to keep the different D-line packages under wraps so that maybe Bama's O-line wouldn't watch much film on some of the guys they'll be facing up against?  I trust Hoke as much as anyone, but I do like the element of surprise.  Thoughts?

"Michigan Defense" is dominating everything, in every aspect of life. That's a rough definition.

-Craig Roh 10/29/2011

August 21st, 2012 at 11:50 PM | Bama's line is good enough (Score:2)
Brown Bear
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MGoPoints: 2644

Bama's line is good enough that I don't think any "secrets" are going to trick them. Brute physicality and toughness will have to decide the fate of the good guys........ Oh yea and technique and scheme.

I poop excellence
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:44 AM | Is much film out there? (Score:2 Normal)
StephenRKass
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MGoPoints: 4207

Is much film out there? I think Hoke has kept things much more under wraps than has happened for years. There has been much less footage of practice than last year, which was less than that during the RR era.

There are two ways to look at this as well. If Alabama actually starts preparing for different packages, perhaps they won't practice as much of any one scheme themselves.

Regarding footage from practice, my biggest concern is not to reveal much in terms of receivers. Between Jerald Robinson, Devin Gardner, and the freshmen Chesson and Darboh, no one but the coaches and the team know how they're lining up, how fast they are, how they jump, what schemes they're using, who has the best hands, YAC, etc., etc. My secondary concern is to keep them from seeing what Denard is doing. My hope is that he has improved greatly in his passing ability, and that at least two of the above four receivers have turned out to be comparable replacements for Hemingway and Stonum. The money is on Gardner and Darboh, but I'd love to be surprised by either Chesson or Jerald Robinson doing very well.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

August 22nd, 2012 at 2:10 AM | Hard to Tell and Buts (Score:1)
Caesar
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MGoPoints: 453

Fantastic points here. In the end, I'm sort of comforted by how hard it is to tell what Hoke is doing from a fan's perspective. Is he revealing different schemes to make it hard to plan for? Is he mum about receivers to conceal their awesomeness? I have no idea, and if the situation is so opaque, I think there's a good chance that Nick is similarly befuddled.

But I'm worried that this buys Michigan only one half of football--about Alabama's half-time adjustments. Now, in general, I think the capacity for such adjustments are overblown. But when you have a team as athletic and 'schematically competent' as the Tide, making such adjustments seem entirely possible. On the other hand, they seem too inexperienced to pull this off flawlessly. 

 

 

 

August 22nd, 2012 at 12:14 AM | Pleased? I'm pleased that Hoke's pleased (Score:4 Insightful)
Maizenblueball
Joined: 12/08/2011
MGoPoints: 487

For Hoke to be pleased with the physicalness of practice, those players must be knocking eachother senseless.  Great to hear they are playing tough football.  Of course, it could just be coach speak, trying to build up their confidence as the season approaches, but let's hope this team is practicing with a chip on their shoulder, getting ready for Bama!

Chuck Norris wears Brady Hoke pajamas.

August 22nd, 2012 at 12:31 AM | I'm kind of intrigued by (Score:2)
gwrock
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Joined: 10/05/2010
MGoPoints: 977

I'm kind of intrigued by Hoke's "Norfleet has a specific skill" comment (while discussing why he's a leading kick return candidate right now).

August 22nd, 2012 at 12:52 AM | Holding onto the damn ball? (Score:5 Normal)
Farnn
Joined: 07/07/2008
MGoPoints: 2347

Holding onto the damn ball?

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:34 AM | It is a Particular Set of Skills.... (Score:2 Normal)
NoMoPincherBug
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MGoPoints: 1432

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgmO32IdwuE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prLLifss1Bw

That will make Dennis Norfleet a Nightmare for teams in Green and Red.

 

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:33 AM | Small note (Score:2 Normal)
Mr. Yost
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MGoPoints: 5547

It sounds like Wormley was playing the 3-Tech/DT spot...that was somewhat of a question going in. With some (one person in particular) insisting he was a 5-Tech/SDE.

Again, when you have guys who are in between positions...SLB/WDE, SDE/DT, CB/S, any OL position...NONE of us know where these guys are going to play. I don't care what they are told on their visit during their junior year, I don't care what has been rumored. Camp is a fresh slate for everyone.

“True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise — the other, loyalty.”

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:37 AM | i like the (Score:0)
August 22nd, 2012 at 1:40 AM | "Big Package" (Score:2 Insightful)
Mr. Yost
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MGoPoints: 5547

First off, that name is going to stick.

Secondly, I think Black would get bumped to SDE and Roh to WDE. The DT and SDE positions are similar (hence Heininger and RVB flip flopping all season).

IMO, you'll see this lineup.

Beyer - Roh - Washington - Campbell - Black

We ran this "BEAR" package last year and it was...

Beyer - Roh - Martin - Heininger - RVB

...it was actually quite effective and Beyer made a GREAT play on the edge in one game last year.

 

I also think you can see a base 4-3 with Roh - Washington/Ash - Campbell - Black/Brink quite a bit.

 

My biggest concern with this line is guys finding a home. We have flexibility, but on the DL, we can't afford to have guys lining up late and out of position. Remember during the first 3 games last year when guys were always flipping around and could never get set?

We have to find some guys that are going to stick. Hopefully Pipkins can move into that starting lineup alongside Campbell and Black can be the '11 Schofield of the DL backing up 3 positions.

“True loyalty is that quality of service that grows under adversity and expands in defeat. Any street urchin can shout applause in victory, but it takes character to stand fast in defeat. One is noise — the other, loyalty.”

August 22nd, 2012 at 1:50 AM | When are the Borges/Mattison Pressers? (Score:2 Insightful)
StephenRKass
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Joined: 07/15/2008
MGoPoints: 4207

When are the Borges/Mattison Pressers? I searched briefly for the day of the week in previous posts, but didn't find the info. I'd love to have an mgoquestion or two on the DL formations. (Heiko? Ace?) I'd also like to hear what Mattison has to say about BWC, Pipkins, Roh, & Beyer.

Mattison expects perfection, and doesn't get it, but by setting the bar high, our defense is rapidly ratcheting up what it can do.

I'd also like to hear more about LB play. I can really see Ryan, Morgan, Demens, & Gordon causing lots of havoc this year, along with Roh, Beyer, & Clark, and occasionally Kovacs. It strikes me that even if the DL just does ok, we could see a significant improvement in LB & secondary play, causing the defense to be even better overall than last year, despite the loss of Martin & VanBergen.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

August 22nd, 2012 at 10:01 AM | Demens covers pretty well. (Score:2 Normal)
TIMMMAAY
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Demens covers pretty well.

not just "douchey" MGoBlog user, but now TRUSTED MGoBlog user

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