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Topic: Next Year's Talent

Topic: Next Year's Talent

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Diamond Cat
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Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 12:23:53 PM

Before anyone gets all wired up that the season just ended, I can't help the fact I am addictaed to my university AND we live in the same state as the Pro Football HOF AND I cannot get enough Bobcat Football.

Well, I looked over the roster. Just about every FR or R-FR I saw reminded me that we have some solid potential from some players that have not taken the field. Most (if not all) had some impressive high school careers. The things that come to mind for me are all defensive. If our main man LC says the OL is in great shape, that’s good enough for me. WR and RB will offer some serious competition for playing time. Good problem to have.

Given our losses to graduation and the fact we need more pressure on the QB, some players that jump out to me are:

Andrew Bennett (6-6, 245) – this is a big man here. Did he play at all?

Tony Davis and Eric Price – like the kids coming from Cincinnati. Put on some more bulk and I think we have some players here.

Justin Haser (6-5, 260) and Brandon Purdum (6-4, 250) – again good size. Man!

Many of these guys are bigger than some of those ahead of them on the depth chart. I am not implicating current starters be benched at ANY position, I am merely observing, on paper, what appears to be some very promising talent.

This position is really puzzling to me. We have many underclassman with better size than some of the upperclassman getting the playing time. This must be a speed/experience separator? With the Great Keller gone, I am hoping that we have a new “secret weapon” in waiting like Stefanski and/or Russell? Will Jovon step it up? Schany has a ton of hype coming in and good size to go with Edmond from the Juco ranks. Carpenter gained some valuable experience and I would bet he will come back bigger and wiser with the football genes to make it happen.

DB’s

I am not giving up on Kristoff. Dude got a ton of experience this year after being thrown into the action but getting Xavier back will big huge. I have a feeling Macer may be a wildcard here. I also cannot forget the impact Moore had and I believe his best days as a Bobcat are ahead of him still (1 or 2 years left?).

CB looks good to me in Leftwich and Carrie. Another position with a host of underclassman who could come out of nowhere. I just think our DB’s were forced to cover WR’s for too long and they are better than we may think given a solid pass rush.

If I have a point, it’s that this is really a good football program! We have more talent than I have EVER witnessed up and down the roster. Hats off to the coaching crew. Can’t wait until 9/1 baby! This Bowl Win will keep me pumped until then!

sargentfan
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 1:13:28 PM

Yeah I think the loss at O-line will be huge, can their backups and the guys coming in pick up their play fast enough. The lack of any good pressure by our D-line was obvious all year, really need to improve here. Not scared at Linebacker because we seem to always have someone step up there and I agree that getting Xavier back will be huge especially with his extra speed in the backfield. We should be good at Running Back as long as Beau and/or Boykin takes themselves to the next level next year. Also hoping some of our receiving core will have grown up, looking for Foster to take over from Lavon next year. The loses are a little scary but with the depth Solich and the staff have been building and the new recruits we should be right back in contention next year.

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 4:46:24 PM

Agree. We go from good to great if our d-line can stay strong against the run and get some qb pressure.

We didn't get enough penetration at the line on defense in the bowl game. D-tackle play is critical.

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L.C.
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 5:14:04 PM

As far as the offensive line, they lose Strum and Flading, two outstanding players. McGrath and Prior behind them have been good, so I think they can do a good job as replacements, but it's also possible they will move some players around. Nine of the top 11 offensive linemen return, and there will also be 6 redshirt freshmen and 4 redshirt sophomores trying to get into the mix, plus some incoming true freshmen. Figuring there are 3 positions locked up, that leaves some 17+ linemen fighting for the other 2 spots. I think that it will end up being a very good line again next year..

Last Edited: 12/19/2011 5:37:23 PM by L.C.

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Paul Graham
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 6:06:44 PM

A couple of thoughts...

LB - We should be great on the outside. Keith Moore has looked terrific in the last half of the season and plays with some serious intensity and speed. With Woosley and Lewis that should be enough. But wait!! There's more!!! Don't sleep on AJ Grady. He should see the field more next season and certainly should be the starter after Woosley and Lewis split. Also, I expect to see Jovon Johnson contribute next year as well.

But the big question-mark is inside. Who will replace Keller?! I honestly have no idea since we've seen very little of Stefanski and obviously Russell has yet to see the field.

The D line is set but still lacks a legitimate pass rushing threat as mentioned above. Lets hope one of the younger guys named earlier can fill that role. That said, Tremayne Scott has developed into a pretty solid player on the end and by next year Carl and Neal should be back to 100%.

My only real concern is at WR. Foster is the obvious choice as the go-to-guy, but who will step in as the second or third option? Will Bussey finally live up to expectations? Perhaps Dovell or Landon Smith? Or maybe the highly rated, true frosh Chris Murray immediately becomes a factor.

One more thing, what are we going to do about a backup quarterback? If T2 goes down could Vick actually lead the offense? It would really be a shame if we couldn't red shirt Greg Windham next year. Even if we decide to bring in one more QB, perhaps a JUCO, would a decent player be willing to come here and potentially sit on the bench for two years? Now that our quarterbacks don't seem comfortable waiting their turn, things have gotten very tricky.

Doc Bobcat
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 10:05:21 PM

Paul Graham wrote:

Brazill and Dunlop are definately big shoes to fill. Their roles have been Brazil as the playmaker and Dunlop as the clutch receiver. OIf course any WR can fill either role...but a few seem more suited for one or the other. We also have the true freshman coming aboard and we may not be done getting verbals at WR. Let's look at some of the candidates:

PLAYMAKER

* Donte Foster.....his one handed catches are of legend so he could be the clutch receiver as well....has the speed to get open.

* Mario Dovell...another possible clutch type guy as well.

* Chase Cochran...has the speed but not sure why he hasn't played.

* Bakari Bussey....the biggest enigma....he only has 1 year left to breakout.

* Stephane Ngoumou....could be red zone specialist at 6'4".

CLUTCH RECEIVER

* see above Foster and Dovell

* Landon Smith...produced early then sort of disappeared.

* Tyler Futrell....seems to be able to get open.

* Ian Dixon.....dad should be able to coach him up.

* Adam Alderman....great hands.

TRUE FRESHMAN

* Chris Murray....Brazill like in high school.

* Matt Waters.....catches most everything thrown his way.

* Malik Rodriguez....tall WR with 4.5 speed.

* could be one more verbal here.

Bobcatzblitz
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/19/2011 10:12:55 PM

I'm still waiting on this guy to show up..FILM on the bottom of the page.

http://www.reelathletics.net/recruits/men-recruits/football/past-football-recruits/150-stephane-ngoumou

Monroe Slavin
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 3:26:11 AM

I thought Snyder at back-up qb was more than adequate. I have no concern about his ability to come in and shine. I wish that he had more experience. But when he came in, he ran the show.

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 8:53:16 AM

In response to replacing Noah Keller, it appears that Ben Russell is comparable to Noah in terms of his accomplishments in high school, size, skill and leadership. Having glanced at multiple sources it appears in addition to most MAC Schools, Ben was also offered by Minnesota and the Air Force Academy.

Hopefully with the redshirt year, Ben has had an opportunity to learn the system and the other intangibles to playing college football. Knowing Noah's leadership, I am sure he spent a great deal of time communicating schemes to Ben and other linebackers. I am glad we were able to save his redshirt and that discipline by Solich bodes well for his intent to continue to coach for several more years.

http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/russell_ben00.html

http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ben-Russell-100198;_ylt=ApMCCUCDJDdZwxYcFmD6iMZDPZB4

He really appears to be solid in terms of his pursuit angles in his film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJLjXg10T7A

Doc Bobcat
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 9:08:51 AM

Sure Keller is a huge loss....but not concerned about the linebacker position.

Walk-on Keith Moore gets Doc's Unsung Player of the Year Award. In the Potato Bowl he had 6 or 7 tackles...second to Keller's ten or so. The kid is quick and reminds me of Eric Benjamin which is ironic considering both are from Grovetucky.

We have at least 7 decent linebackers next year for 3 positions....and during passing situations we only use one or two.

sargentfan
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 10:26:25 AM

I don't understand this talk of maybe picking up a JUCO QB, why would any JUCO QB who only has two years left of eligibility come here when T2 is basically set in stone as the QB for the next two years if all goes well?

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 10:39:34 AM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

I thought Snyder at back-up qb was more than adequate. I have no concern about his ability to come in and shine. I wish that he had more experience. But when he came in, he ran the show.

You know he is transferring out, right?

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 1:02:31 PM

I know the official website has Jerry Gross listed as a senior, but if you read his high school bio and time at Ohio, it seems like he would have one more year?

http://www.ohiobobcats.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/gross_jerry00.html

Mike Coleman
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 1:07:36 PM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore take over the middle for Keller for at least a year while they groom a backup like Russell. Moore did great IMHO when Keller was dinged and had to come out, notably the BG game, and should only get better.

Ted Thompson
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 2:09:48 PM

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

He graduated from HS in 2007, so his 5 years are up. I think he played at Georgia Military College in 2007 and 2008, redshirted in 2009 and than played at Ohio 2010 and 2011.

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

Doc Bobcat
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 2:57:36 PM

Mike Coleman wrote:

I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore take over the middle for Keller for at least a year while they groom a backup like Russell. Moore did great IMHO when Keller was dinged and had to come out, notably the BG game, and should only get better.

Just watched the potato bowl defensive series where we stopped them deep in their own territory just before OUr td drive. Keller amd Hastings and Moore were just beasts in that series.

Bobcat Grad 86
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 8:02:20 PM

Ted Thompson wrote:

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

He graduated from HS in 2007, so his 5 years are up. I think he played at Georgia Military College in 2007 and 2008, redshirted in 2009 and than played at Ohio 2010 and 2011.

So Georgia Military College is a college vs. Hargrave or Fork Union being an Academy which does not count against eligibility?

Ted Thompson
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 8:09:45 PM

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

Ted Thompson wrote:

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

He graduated from HS in 2007, so his 5 years are up. I think he played at Georgia Military College in 2007 and 2008, redshirted in 2009 and than played at Ohio 2010 and 2011.

So Georgia Military College is a college vs. Hargrave or Fork Union being an Academy which does not count against eligibility?

Yes, Georgia Military College is a junior college.

Follow Ohio Football recruiting on the BobcatAttack.com football recruiting database.

OhioCatFan
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/20/2011 11:48:20 PM

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

Ted Thompson wrote:

Bobcat Grad 86 wrote:

He graduated from HS in 2007, so his 5 years are up. I think he played at Georgia Military College in 2007 and 2008, redshirted in 2009 and than played at Ohio 2010 and 2011.

So Georgia Military College is a college vs. Hargrave or Fork Union being an Academy which does not count against eligibility?

Yes, it's a beautiful little campus in Milledgeville, the civil war era capital of Georgia. The main administration building on the campus was the capitol building. Uncle Billy Sherman, honorary Ohio alumnus, paid them a visit in 1864. Despite what you might have heard, all the antebellum homes in this quaint old city are still standing, as is true in most the of communities along the line of The March in Georgia, as distinct from what happened in South Carolina. WTS was the stepson of Thomas Ewing, one of Ohio's first graduates, hence the honorary alumnus status.

Last Edited: 12/20/2011 11:53:46 PM by OhioCatFan

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Monroe Slavin
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/21/2011 3:31:33 AM

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead wrote:

Monroe Slavin wrote:

I thought Snyder at back-up qb was more than adequate. I have no concern about his ability to come in and shine. I wish that he had more experience. But when he came in, he ran the show.

You know he is transferring out, right?

I thought that Vick is transferring. So, who will be back at qb next year?

Doc Bobcat
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/21/2011 5:49:55 AM

Monroe Slavin wrote:

bigtillyoopsupsideurhead wrote:

Monroe Slavin wrote:

I thought Snyder at back-up qb was more than adequate. I have no concern about his ability to come in and shine. I wish that he had more experience. But when he came in, he ran the show.

You know he is transferring out, right?

I thought that Vick is transferring. So, who will be back at qb next year?

T squared......Vick.......verbal Greg Windham......and maybe Jeff McKinney.

Jeff McKinney
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/21/2011 3:29:05 PM

I definitely have four years of eligibility. What scares me is that I'm older than what the "old man George Blanda" was when he had his big run of entering games late and bailing out Lamonica and the Raiders back in 1970 or 71.

If they do play me, I insist on taking snaps under center when we're in the "victory" formation.

Doc Bobcat
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RE: Next Year's Talent

Posted: 12/21/2011 4:37:08 PM

Jeff McKinney wrote:

I definitely have four years of eligibility. What scares me is that I'm older than what the "old man George Blanda" was when he had his big run of entering games late and bailing out Lamonica and the Raiders back in 1970 or 71.

If they do play me, I insist on taking snaps under center when we're in the "victory" formation.

Haha....good stuff.

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