Zirbel out for the season

Submitted by ts on

[EDIT] Oops, I didn't see this was already posted by Brian: http://mgoblog.com/content/stupid-knees

http://varsityblue.blogspot.com/2008/08/midweek-news.html 

After John Ferrara moved to the offensive line, there were questions about why it was necessary. The reason? Corey Zirbel appears to be out for (at least) the season:

The position move comes on the heels of the realization that guard Cory Zirbel likely will miss the season with a knee injury.
"It's pretty significant," Rodriguez said. "We're not even hopeful he'll be able to return this year."

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chitownblue (not verified)

August 21st, 2008 at 1:22 PM ^

Yeah. Rodriguez said there's a chance Ferrara even starts the Utah game at guard. That would be a huge fucking red siren on the "position switch" portion of Brian's preview.

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MGoObes

August 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 AM ^

that he should switch to offense for a while. i'm saying, isn't it possible that he performs well to the point that everyone can take a step back from the proverbial ledge?

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dex

August 22nd, 2008 at 9:45 AM ^

Of course it's possible - but realistically he's a guy who played TE in HS, has been a d-lineman for 2 years at UM, and is only making the switch 1.5 weeks before the season opener. If this was happening at MSU or ND, I don't think we'd be saying "oh it will be fine" as much as making snide jokes and fantasizing about murdering their QB.

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mjv

August 22nd, 2008 at 9:50 AM ^

Maybe he has all of the tools to be a great OL.  I don't know.  What I do know is that OL is a position that takes a lot of time to learn and the teamwork between all five of the players is critical, particularly in a system that utilizes a zone blocking scheme where linemen hand off blocks to one another. For Ferrara to be effective, he needs time and the switch was just made less than two weeks before the season kicks off.

Look at the times last year where OL didn't take a particular block because they assumed that a teammate was going to make it.  The only things that eliminate that issue are excellent coaching (which, frankly, Moeller did not provide) and lots of snaps.  Ferrara hasn't had many snaps and hasn't had much time to soak up the coaching.

Could he be the exception to the rule and surprise us all?  Of course, but the odds are very slim.

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baleedat

August 22nd, 2008 at 10:49 AM ^

its kind of like starting a true freshman who didn't play zone blocking in HS. but an older, more mature (physically and mentally) true freshman. and his experience at DT can't hurt.

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chitownblue (not verified)

August 22nd, 2008 at 11:30 AM ^

Look, John Ferrara could turn into an extremely good offensive lineman - that's why RR would want him to switch. But saying "Ferrara will turn into a good offensive lineman" and "Ferrara will be an excellent offensive lineman after only 12 practices at the position in his lifetime" are two very, very different things.

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