Best Position Heading into 2016

[BWahlberg]

I would go in this order of confidence from highest to lowest:

1. QB (3 guys showing they can run the offense)
2. RB (experienced and deep group)
3. Safety (OSU transfer Strong gives us 5 solid DBs)
4. D-line (Pleasant surprize out of this group, Davidson + Kidder's move to DE)
5. O-line (Good experience and good steps forward this spring, T depth a worry)
6. LB (Liked what I saw even with Strahm out but really young as a group)
7. WR (Need to find consistency, youth/lack of experience worries me)
8. CB (Depth is really really thin)
9. K/P (ugh)

Serious question, but what has really changed to your RB group that its the 2nd most confidence in your position groups? I definitely saw some rushers with promise, but that group didn't exactly light up the BSC last year, excluding us. Are you just confident enough that they do just enough as they need too? Or do you think the Griz will put up 150-200 yards a game next year?

It's a good question, a few parts to it;

1. The O line is improving, especially with run blocking.
2. Jeremy Calhoun, who played as a true freshman, is maturing in the offense and turning into a complete back
3. Tre Favors finally looks to be the TraVon Van type back we need
4. People dog on Nguyen here but he's a great pass blocker and a great reciever.
5. If Joey Counts can stay healthy and contribute we"ll also have a true power back

As for 150-200 per game, I doubt it, maybe 150... With this offense I think they'll want to measure in all purpose yards for the backs, effective pass protection, and improved Red Zone TD efficiency. All of that before just 200+ on the ground.

 

[PlayerRep]

The best position is corner back. Best athletes. Nicest guys.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

I would go in this order of confidence from highest to lowest:

1. QB (3 guys showing they can run the offense)
2. RB (experienced and deep group)
3. Safety (OSU transfer Strong gives us 5 solid DBs)
4. D-line (Pleasant surprize out of this group, Davidson + Kidder's move to DE)
5. O-line (Good experience and good steps forward this spring, T depth a worry)
6. LB (Liked what I saw even with Strahm out but really young as a group)
7. WR (Need to find consistency, youth/lack of experience worries me)
8. CB (Depth is really really thin)
9. K/P (ugh)

I agree exactly with your ratings BW. I think 1-7 positions are going to be very strong. #8 is great with the 2 starters, but no depth at all. 9 is hopeless!

#2 Stitt is almost as excited as I am about Tre Favors
#4 Davidson wasn't a surprise, he was expected
#5 & #6 Linebackers are better than the o-line

 

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

O-Line WORST in Montana History

#bankit

 

[bgbigdog]

I would go in this order of confidence from highest to lowest:

1. QB (3 guys showing they can run the offense)
2. RB (experienced and deep group)
3. Safety (OSU transfer Strong gives us 5 solid DBs)
4. D-line (Pleasant surprize out of this group, Davidson + Kidder's move to DE)
5. O-line (Good experience and good steps forward this spring, T depth a worry)
6. LB (Liked what I saw even with Strahm out but really young as a group)
7. WR (Need to find consistency, youth/lack of experience worries me)
8. CB (Depth is really really thin)
9. K/P (ugh)

Serious question, but what has really changed to your RB group that its the 2nd most confidence in your position groups? I definitely saw some rushers with promise, but that group didn't exactly light up the BSC last year, excluding us. Are you just confident enough that they do just enough as they need too? Or do you think the Griz will put up 150-200 yards a game next year?

It's a good question, a few parts to it;

1. The O line is improving, especially with run blocking.
2. Jeremy Calhoun, who played as a true freshman, is maturing in the offense and turning into a complete back
3. Tre Favors finally looks to be the TraVon Van type back we need
4. People dog on Nguyen here but he's a great pass blocker and a great reciever.
5. If Joey Counts can stay healthy and contribute we"ll also have a true power back

As for 150-200 per game, I doubt it, maybe 150... With this offense I think they'll want to measure in all purpose yards for the backs, effective pass protection, and improved Red Zone TD efficiency. All of that before just 200+ on the ground.

Over/Under on the number if times the words "if Joey Counts can stay healthy" are used in egriz posts the remainder of the off-season?

 

[signedbewildered]

I would go in this order of confidence from highest to lowest:

1. QB (3 guys showing they can run the offense)
2. RB (experienced and deep group)
3. Safety (OSU transfer Strong gives us 5 solid DBs)
4. D-line (Pleasant surprize out of this group, Davidson + Kidder's move to DE)
5. O-line (Good experience and good steps forward this spring, T depth a worry)
6. LB (Liked what I saw even with Strahm out but really young as a group)
7. WR (Need to find consistency, youth/lack of experience worries me)
8. CB (Depth is really really thin)
9. K/P (ugh)

Serious question, but what has really changed to your RB group that its the 2nd most confidence in your position groups? I definitely saw some rushers with promise, but that group didn't exactly light up the BSC last year, excluding us. Are you just confident enough that they do just enough as they need too? Or do you think the Griz will put up 150-200 yards a game next year?

It's a good question, a few parts to it;

1. The O line is improving, especially with run blocking.
2. Jeremy Calhoun, who played as a true freshman, is maturing in the offense and turning into a complete back
3. Tre Favors finally looks to be the TraVon Van type back we need
4. People dog on Nguyen here but he's a great pass blocker and a great reciever.
5. If Joey Counts can stay healthy and contribute we"ll also have a true power back

As for 150-200 per game, I doubt it, maybe 150... With this offense I think they'll want to measure in all purpose yards for the backs, effective pass protection, and improved Red Zone TD efficiency. All of that before just 200+ on the ground.

Over/Under on the number if times the words "if Joey Counts can stay healthy" are used in egriz posts the remainder of the off-season?

Gonna be right up there with "Can he kick?"

 

[Raider]

O-Line WORST in Montana History

#bankit

Not sure it will be any worse than the last couple of years. But yes, if you look at the o-line play over the past 4-5 years, it may be the "worst" in the last 30+ years. And unfortunately, we are still a ways off from it getting any better.

 

[SoldierGriz]

I guess I am a little surprised at the number who list QB at or near the top. I assume these opinions are based on a year's worth of experience in the system, and bringing Phillips on board resulting in better depth.

For me - I think we need to see substantial improvement here between now the Fall. They better have all the skilled players involved in summer work, or I think we see something very similar to last year.....inconsistency.

I have similar concerns ref the O-Line. I think the Defense will be as good or better this year.

 

[BWahlberg]

I guess I am a little surprised at the number who list QB at or near the top. I assume these opinions are based on a year's worth of experience in the system, and bringing Phillips on board resulting in better depth.

For me - I think we need to see substantial improvement here between now the Fall. They better have all the skilled players involved in summer work, or I think we see something very similar to last year.....inconsistency.

I have similar concerns ref the O-Line. I think the Defense will be as good or better this year.

3 upperclassmen, two of whom have started games and have in-game experience (Chalich and Gus), the third an SEC drop-down showing tons of potential. Each had good showings in the spring. Top to bottom maybe the most experienced, skilled, and ready to play at the QB spot than we've ever had.

In terms of "confidence" in a group I have confidence if Gus gets hurt again that Chalich and Phillips can hop in and keep the offense going. And likewise if Chalich or Phillips gets hurt and we're on our 3rd string option that we won't have to go to a shell of a playbook and hope like hell the team we're playing (ISU) totally melts down to help us win.

I think we're more skilled at other positions for starters, but of positions I'm worried about for experience, ability to execute, and depth... QB is the least concern of mine.

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

All of these are incorrect answers..#1 position group is easily the egriz coaching staff!

 

[garizzalies]

We already answered this question a couple months ago: it's reverse cowgirl.

 

[SoldierGriz]

I guess I am a little surprised at the number who list QB at or near the top. I assume these opinions are based on a year's worth of experience in the system, and bringing Phillips on board resulting in better depth.

For me - I think we need to see substantial improvement here between now the Fall. They better have all the skilled players involved in summer work, or I think we see something very similar to last year.....inconsistency.

I have similar concerns ref the O-Line. I think the Defense will be as good or better this year.

3 upperclassmen, two of whom have started games and have in-game experience (Chalich and Gus), the third an SEC drop-down showing tons of potential. Each had good showings in the spring. Top to bottom maybe the most experienced, skilled, and ready to play at the QB spot than we've ever had.

In terms of "confidence" in a group I have confidence if Gus gets hurt again that Chalich and Phillips can hop in and keep the offense going. And likewise if Chalich or Phillips gets hurt and we're on our 3rd string option that we won't have to go to a shell of a playbook and hope like hell the team we're playing (ISU) totally melts down to help us win.

I think we're more skilled at other positions for starters, but of positions I'm worried about for experience, ability to execute, and depth... QB is the least concern of mine.

Fair enough, I hope you are right.

 

[BWahlberg]

Me too Soldier, me too.

 

[dayday]

Safe to say that the whole secondary is a strength now with the added depth of the transfer Wisconsin CB, TJ Reynard. I am still a little hesitant to see what the WRs do in fall camp against this new secondary. WRs looked pretty good this Spring, but that was against a secondary who really only had Nelson and maybe Markel Sanders that looked Big Sky quality.

 

[1972]

Offensive line can make the quarterback and receivers look very good,all about time. If they give Gus time, receivers will come open and we will be very good on offense. I thought in the scrimmages that the first string offensive line looked way better than last year, we were able to run the ball way better and had more time for the receivers and quarterback. Last year we had so many basic problems, just getting the ball snapped back to the quarterback quickly and where it needed to be, besides the rest of the blocking. Given time if the line keeps coming, we could be good.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I guess I am a little surprised at the number who list QB at or near the top. I assume these opinions are based on a year's worth of experience in the system, and bringing Phillips on board resulting in better depth.

For me - I think we need to see substantial improvement here between now the Fall. They better have all the skilled players involved in summer work, or I think we see something very similar to last year.....inconsistency.

I have similar concerns ref the O-Line. I think the Defense will be as good or better this year.

Great post. Gus will have to get more consistent to have a good year IMO. The O-Line will need to step it up a few notches to help give him better protection and hopefully get the running game going. I like the defensive moves that were made in the off season....

 

[Griz2k]

D-Line
Safety
Linebackers
RB
QB
WR
Cornerbacks
O-Line
K/P