gwkrlghl

July 29th, 2013 at 12:53 PM ^

Just because you're big and athletic doesn't mean you can play football well. There are probably dozens and dozens of 'freak' athletes riding the pine at various BCS schools because they can't do a swim move, can't catch a football, or can't hit the broad-side of a barn with one of their passes

WolvinLA2

July 29th, 2013 at 3:17 PM ^

Although others have kinda covered this, the OP wasn't asking if we were buying into the facts listed in the article, he was asking if we're buying into this meaning he'll be awesome. The hype.

For the record, I think I am. But it's more fun that way.

JHendo

July 29th, 2013 at 1:40 PM ^

I'll have to jot that down so I can remember it for when someone creates a thread on whether or not people on MGoBlog are buying into all the hype around Clowney.

MgoRayO3313

July 29th, 2013 at 12:36 PM ^

Very similar to clowney's in the sense that he was unblocked. Although, based on what I saw during the play he was schematically supposed to be unblocked. That ones on Braxton, rather then the RT or RG. Just wish he out his helmet right on the ball/hand. That's the only thing I wish went different. Great form tackle on a player that generally is extremely elusive in both the open field as well as the pocket.

BILG

July 29th, 2013 at 1:20 PM ^

Unblocked from blindside?  At least have to take a swipe down on the football there as you deliver the hit.  That's football awareness...always trying to create turnovers.  Great players do that instinctively.  Look how the ball is exposed right before he makes the tackle.

CaptainMatt

July 29th, 2013 at 1:55 PM ^

No offense, but Braxton Miller has the kind of elusiveness that if you go for the ball and miss, he could escape and create a big play. I have no issues with Frank Clark going for the demolition hit and hoping for a turnover...

Besides, his interception of Logan Thomas in the Sugar Bowl showed plenty of "awareness" coming off of a playaction rollout.

Blue in Yarmouth

July 29th, 2013 at 1:59 PM ^

not to take away from the rest of your point (becasuse it is a very solid one) , but Clark was coming from the front side, Braxton just didn't take his eyes off the receiver. 

GoBlueSF

July 29th, 2013 at 2:36 PM ^

He just needed to secure the tackle, not mad about it at all! When you try to strip the ball from guys like Braxton, they usually escape and burn you.

JHendo

July 29th, 2013 at 1:47 PM ^

Fun little tidbit, my wife is getting into the final weeks of pregnancy, so she's starting to get false contractions (aka Braxton HIcks contractions).  We have renamed them "Braxton Millers" and whenever she gets them, I send/show her a clip of this hit to try to momentarily take her mind off of the pain.

turtleboy

July 29th, 2013 at 12:22 PM ^

Yes, because Taylor lewan started it. Clark's been practicing against the best tackle in the country for a couple years no. Can't wait to see him break out against softer competition

LB

July 29th, 2013 at 3:12 PM ^

Just having the opportunity to work with someone like Lewan is huge if everything else is there. There is no way to measure what Lewan did for the program by staying the extra year.

The other possibility is that Gardner doesn't know anything about football or performance, and he has been listening to Fred Jackson too often.

While I'm on the subject of #77s:

1995-1998 - Jon Jansen

1999-2003 - Tony Pape

2003-2007 - Chuck Long

2009-2013 - Taylor Lewan

That is a legacy.

Erik_in_Dayton

July 29th, 2013 at 12:22 PM ^

I think we'll probably see a set up in production from Clark this year.  Seven sacks seems like a possibility.  It seems like a lot to think he'll go from rotation player to All Big Ten in one offseason.

ToledoBlue

July 29th, 2013 at 1:04 PM ^

I just alternate using down on the right stick and spinning to the outside for leverage he usually blows by for pressure. (Heisman diff btw) The one part I find frustrating is defending the zone read. It locks you into the running back even if you see the pull. QB runs by like a canned animation.

Lazer with a Z

July 29th, 2013 at 12:24 PM ^

Not sure yet. Seems like he has some issues. His teammates used the word "if" alot when talking about him. He might be one of those guys who doesn't "get" it until he's almost done.

Bodogblog

July 29th, 2013 at 12:25 PM ^

Not yet.  Watching some games last year, he didn't seem dynamic in getting around offensive tackles.  For the hype to come home, he's got to be a pass rush threat on every 3rd and long. 

Hard to believe he improved that much in one offseason.