How is the perimeter blocking progressing? We often focus on interior blocking from the OL perspective, but blocking by the backs and WRs are an integral part of making the offense go. I recall a game in 2014 where Dennis Andrews laid out some guy that made the play click. Would love to see that this fall.
So far they are pleased with how the WRs are doing and how the first group of A-backs are doing, JJ Green could step it up some from what I've heard, but Ike, Lynch and Griffin are all very solid blockers so far.
How is Rodwell kicking in camp? Would be a nice boost if he could gain some consistency.
So far no major complaints and no meltdowns. I'll know more tomorrow. They had a special teams live practice today.
Which football recruits are GT leans at this point?
Leans would be Leonard Warner and that might be it. Lot of multiple horse races for the remaining guys, some guys like Willis and the Swilling boys are not probably going to do anything until later in the year. We are sort of at impasse until OVs and unofficial visits commence for games.
Where do we stand with Warner & b swilling? Also what's the latest on Malik Willis & Stuart head?
See above
How long do you think the search for a new Ad will take? Has there been any names mentioned
I am expecting a hire towards the end of the year. I don't think they will actually start the formal interviewing process until mid-October. AD searches are very complicated especially after you just screwed one up and have hired two poor ADs out of the last three (Braine and MBob).
Going into this season, the three positions where you think we are strongest are...?
Defensive tackle, A-back and probably QB
Going into this season, the three positions where you think we are most vulnerable are...?
Cornerback (inexperience), offensive guard (same thing, Shamire is the only one who has played that position in a game and Will is the only other one who has ever played in a game), QB (without Justin this team would struggle to go to a bowl game).
Going into this season the three players you expect to shine and be on all-ACC lists by season's end are....? And the three on D?
Umm, there have been only a couple of seasons in the history of GT in the ACC with more than five All-ACC players, 2009 and 2014 were the last ones (I looked it up) so I'll give you two on each side of the ball.
QB- Justin Thomas probably 2nd or 3rd team
C- Freddie Burden 1st or 2nd team
DT- Patrick Gamble 2nd or 3rd team
FS- AJ Gray 2nd or 3rd team
You said in months past you felt the potential for a 9 win season is there. That potential can be achieved if.....?
Offensive line stays healthy and keeps Justin healthy and the defense can be better than last year and be in the plus margin in turnovers.
What's your expectation of our D this year? Do you feel like at last we'll get QB pressure? Do you think Roof modifies his play-calling strategies?
Not sure what to think. This is a make or break year for Ted because his deal is up so there is some pressure on him to perform and most of the kids playing are ones he picked save Gamble, Kallon and PJ Davis. I know that CPJ leaned on him hard to figure out how to keep the big plays from killing them so I still think you will see some bend but don't break stuff, but they want some better play from the DL as well.
Our O has to have a legitimate passing game to recapture 2014 magic. Will we have one?
Depends on the OL really, Ricky can catch, Brad can catch and all of those A-backs have good hands and could be deadly in the passing game. Nesbitt did a good job of using them and JT has struggled with that aspect in his career so far.
Why is CPJ so incredibly loose? The weight of Mbob off? The prospect of getting crucial resources so long denied? He expects the team to be REALLY good? He just likes the kids on this team? The mellowing which comes with years in the job?
I think it is a little of all of that. It has been a lot easier for me I know to deal with him lately, he was pretty stressed because of the MBob thing and the penny pinching. I know that flight thing has been a thorn for him. I think he feels good about how things look, the young guys they signed and the recruiting class they've put together. If the defense can play and the OL is healthy they should have a pretty good season.
What is Francis Kallon's favorite football (soccer) team back in England. Hopefully not a whiny Arsenal fan
I will effort to ask him the next time I see him.
After Justin Thomas, who is the main guy that opposing D coordinators focus on in our offense? Is there anyone else who D coordinators single out?
The B-back either Marcus Marshall or Dedrick Mills now.
Might have missed it, but how are the ABs and WRs doing at blocking? I know it's only practice and scrimmages, but are they showing signs of being aggresive and non-selfish?
I think this was a huge factor in the 14 season.
Both CLO and CBP have said they are pleased with how aggressive some of the blocking has been. Obviously the effort amps up more in a game.
Are the injuries to Searcy, Cotrell, and Marshall minor and they are just being held out for safety concerns?
Just normal camp stuff, that's why CPJ doesn't like to mention injuries that much, people get worried and blow it out of proportion.
How are the defensive freshman guys looking on DL?
Very pleased with Brandon Adams so far body wise he is ready to play and he has had a good camp so far. Chris Martin is another guy CMP likes a lot, said they want to get some muscle on him, but he could play if there is an injury or something, they prefer to redshirt all the freshmen DTs if they can. Jordan Woods has not had a great camp, he is very raw and they want to redshirt him and work on fundamentals.
Do we have a shot at getting Gentry Bonds? Aside from Willis, do we have any chance of flipping any recruits that have committed elsewhere?
Yes there is a shot, Bonds might be not dig all the commits GT has in his body range, but we shall see. Other possible flips, Robert Porcher, Jaquan Henderson, Malik Robinson (high likelihood) and Michael Scott (if they want a RDE)
How do the young QBs look? Do we have an answer for 2017 that can get us at least 8 wins?
Not yet, the QB thing will take through the spring IMO to figure out. Jay Jones is very interesting and Lucas Johnson is very interesting. TaQuon still has some issues seeing the whole field in passing situations, Matt Jordan is tough as nails, but he is kind of a Nesbitt guy with a more inconsistent arm to this point.
Do you think the Wr Corp will be better than last year?
Yes, I mean everyone is back and a year older so if they aren't CBP would be in hot water.
Who gets time as the number 4 If the top 3 are Jeune, Stewart and Camp?
Today it would be Antonio Messick or Mikell Lands-Davis in that scenario, CBP is pretty loyal to guys, but I think the leash would be short as hell on Messick because he drops so many balls, he is physically probably the best blocker when he wants to be though.
Over under on Jeune getting 800 receiving yards..
I'll take the under, I think it will be a committee situation this year.
How is Quaid doing with his foot? That lis franc injury is a career killer.
It is typically a two year recovery so he is trying to get some speed back. He should help on special teams in the meantime, but Mills kind of stole his spot as the pounding B-back for now.
What are reasonable expectations for Kallen this year?
A season similar to Pat Gamble's last year, some decent tackle numbers and a handful or sacks and batted balls.
With Snoddy gone, Who's the fastest player on the team?
Probably Nate Cottrell depends on the race type though. Nate is faster than Broderick was in a 40.
Who are the top 8 going into the season?
Not sure what you are asking, top eight players?
who cracks that list by the end of the season?
see above
Does Benson avoid scout team or does Allen get the 3rd team spot at bback?
Allen is probably the third team B-back, he can pass block and knows what to do, Benson is battling with Quaide for the fourth/third spot.
Compare Mills to J.Dwyer. Does Mills in your opinion have a higher ceiling than Dwyer from what you have seen so far?
Apples and oranges, Dwyer was a once in a lifetime type athlete, you just don't see guys like that often. If he had his head on straight he could've been like a Bo Jackson or Herschel Walker, he was that gifted. Mills is more of a pounder like Laskey or Days with good instincts like those two had back there especially Laskey. If he stays healthy he could be special just because of how hard he plays the game. He isn't a lights out burner or anything.
For the UGA game every year can you explain the ref situation. They at home use SEC refs we use ACC Rafa at home. Why not neutral refs at both sites. This seems to lead to controversy.
It is decided on a contract and the teams don't want to use them and the SEC and ACC offices are involved so there are politics on all levels. A few years ago they switched the refs, the SEC schools used to use their refs at ACC schools in those four games and vice versa, UGA and UF bitched about that and now it is flipped so I guess they feel better if they lose at home...
So far they are pleased with how the WRs are doing and how the first group of A-backs are doing, JJ Green could step it up some from what I've heard, but Ike, Lynch and Griffin are all very solid blockers so far.
How is Rodwell kicking in camp? Would be a nice boost if he could gain some consistency.
So far no major complaints and no meltdowns. I'll know more tomorrow. They had a special teams live practice today.
Which football recruits are GT leans at this point?
Leans would be Leonard Warner and that might be it. Lot of multiple horse races for the remaining guys, some guys like Willis and the Swilling boys are not probably going to do anything until later in the year. We are sort of at impasse until OVs and unofficial visits commence for games.
Where do we stand with Warner & b swilling? Also what's the latest on Malik Willis & Stuart head?
See above
How long do you think the search for a new Ad will take? Has there been any names mentioned
I am expecting a hire towards the end of the year. I don't think they will actually start the formal interviewing process until mid-October. AD searches are very complicated especially after you just screwed one up and have hired two poor ADs out of the last three (Braine and MBob).
Going into this season, the three positions where you think we are strongest are...?
Defensive tackle, A-back and probably QB
Going into this season, the three positions where you think we are most vulnerable are...?
Cornerback (inexperience), offensive guard (same thing, Shamire is the only one who has played that position in a game and Will is the only other one who has ever played in a game), QB (without Justin this team would struggle to go to a bowl game).
Going into this season the three players you expect to shine and be on all-ACC lists by season's end are....? And the three on D?
Umm, there have been only a couple of seasons in the history of GT in the ACC with more than five All-ACC players, 2009 and 2014 were the last ones (I looked it up) so I'll give you two on each side of the ball.
QB- Justin Thomas probably 2nd or 3rd team
C- Freddie Burden 1st or 2nd team
DT- Patrick Gamble 2nd or 3rd team
FS- AJ Gray 2nd or 3rd team
You said in months past you felt the potential for a 9 win season is there. That potential can be achieved if.....?
Offensive line stays healthy and keeps Justin healthy and the defense can be better than last year and be in the plus margin in turnovers.
What's your expectation of our D this year? Do you feel like at last we'll get QB pressure? Do you think Roof modifies his play-calling strategies?
Not sure what to think. This is a make or break year for Ted because his deal is up so there is some pressure on him to perform and most of the kids playing are ones he picked save Gamble, Kallon and PJ Davis. I know that CPJ leaned on him hard to figure out how to keep the big plays from killing them so I still think you will see some bend but don't break stuff, but they want some better play from the DL as well.
Our O has to have a legitimate passing game to recapture 2014 magic. Will we have one?
Depends on the OL really, Ricky can catch, Brad can catch and all of those A-backs have good hands and could be deadly in the passing game. Nesbitt did a good job of using them and JT has struggled with that aspect in his career so far.
Why is CPJ so incredibly loose? The weight of Mbob off? The prospect of getting crucial resources so long denied? He expects the team to be REALLY good? He just likes the kids on this team? The mellowing which comes with years in the job?
I think it is a little of all of that. It has been a lot easier for me I know to deal with him lately, he was pretty stressed because of the MBob thing and the penny pinching. I know that flight thing has been a thorn for him. I think he feels good about how things look, the young guys they signed and the recruiting class they've put together. If the defense can play and the OL is healthy they should have a pretty good season.
What is Francis Kallon's favorite football (soccer) team back in England. Hopefully not a whiny Arsenal fan
I will effort to ask him the next time I see him.
After Justin Thomas, who is the main guy that opposing D coordinators focus on in our offense? Is there anyone else who D coordinators single out?
The B-back either Marcus Marshall or Dedrick Mills now.
Might have missed it, but how are the ABs and WRs doing at blocking? I know it's only practice and scrimmages, but are they showing signs of being aggresive and non-selfish?
I think this was a huge factor in the 14 season.
Both CLO and CBP have said they are pleased with how aggressive some of the blocking has been. Obviously the effort amps up more in a game.
Are the injuries to Searcy, Cotrell, and Marshall minor and they are just being held out for safety concerns?
Just normal camp stuff, that's why CPJ doesn't like to mention injuries that much, people get worried and blow it out of proportion.
How are the defensive freshman guys looking on DL?
Very pleased with Brandon Adams so far body wise he is ready to play and he has had a good camp so far. Chris Martin is another guy CMP likes a lot, said they want to get some muscle on him, but he could play if there is an injury or something, they prefer to redshirt all the freshmen DTs if they can. Jordan Woods has not had a great camp, he is very raw and they want to redshirt him and work on fundamentals.
Do we have a shot at getting Gentry Bonds? Aside from Willis, do we have any chance of flipping any recruits that have committed elsewhere?
Yes there is a shot, Bonds might be not dig all the commits GT has in his body range, but we shall see. Other possible flips, Robert Porcher, Jaquan Henderson, Malik Robinson (high likelihood) and Michael Scott (if they want a RDE)
How do the young QBs look? Do we have an answer for 2017 that can get us at least 8 wins?
Not yet, the QB thing will take through the spring IMO to figure out. Jay Jones is very interesting and Lucas Johnson is very interesting. TaQuon still has some issues seeing the whole field in passing situations, Matt Jordan is tough as nails, but he is kind of a Nesbitt guy with a more inconsistent arm to this point.
Do you think the Wr Corp will be better than last year?
Yes, I mean everyone is back and a year older so if they aren't CBP would be in hot water.
Who gets time as the number 4 If the top 3 are Jeune, Stewart and Camp?
Today it would be Antonio Messick or Mikell Lands-Davis in that scenario, CBP is pretty loyal to guys, but I think the leash would be short as hell on Messick because he drops so many balls, he is physically probably the best blocker when he wants to be though.
Over under on Jeune getting 800 receiving yards..
I'll take the under, I think it will be a committee situation this year.
How is Quaid doing with his foot? That lis franc injury is a career killer.
It is typically a two year recovery so he is trying to get some speed back. He should help on special teams in the meantime, but Mills kind of stole his spot as the pounding B-back for now.
What are reasonable expectations for Kallen this year?
A season similar to Pat Gamble's last year, some decent tackle numbers and a handful or sacks and batted balls.
With Snoddy gone, Who's the fastest player on the team?
Probably Nate Cottrell depends on the race type though. Nate is faster than Broderick was in a 40.
Who are the top 8 going into the season?
Not sure what you are asking, top eight players?
who cracks that list by the end of the season?
see above
Does Benson avoid scout team or does Allen get the 3rd team spot at bback?
Allen is probably the third team B-back, he can pass block and knows what to do, Benson is battling with Quaide for the fourth/third spot.
Compare Mills to J.Dwyer. Does Mills in your opinion have a higher ceiling than Dwyer from what you have seen so far?
Apples and oranges, Dwyer was a once in a lifetime type athlete, you just don't see guys like that often. If he had his head on straight he could've been like a Bo Jackson or Herschel Walker, he was that gifted. Mills is more of a pounder like Laskey or Days with good instincts like those two had back there especially Laskey. If he stays healthy he could be special just because of how hard he plays the game. He isn't a lights out burner or anything.
For the UGA game every year can you explain the ref situation. They at home use SEC refs we use ACC Rafa at home. Why not neutral refs at both sites. This seems to lead to controversy.
It is decided on a contract and the teams don't want to use them and the SEC and ACC offices are involved so there are politics on all levels. A few years ago they switched the refs, the SEC schools used to use their refs at ACC schools in those four games and vice versa, UGA and UF bitched about that and now it is flipped so I guess they feel better if they lose at home...
