Fall camp fresh names to watch

[mtgrizrule]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

 

[mtgrizrule]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

That's common sense thinking, and one would think there would be marked improvement. If pass defense is problematic again this season, then it is a sign of coaching schemes/strategy being too passive. Improved pass defense is the key for the defense this season, in my opinion. I really question the coaching strategy more than the personnel for the pass defense inconsistency.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

That's common sense thinking, and one would think there would be marked improvement. If pass defense is problematic again this season, then it is a sign of coaching schemes/strategy being too passive. Improved pass defense is the key for the defense this season, in my opinion. I really question the coaching strategy more than the personnel for the pass defense inconsistency.

Scoring defense and turnover margin helped the Griz D last year. The other defensive measurements were not that good. If the pass and run defense continue to struggle, and the Griz don't win the turnover battle, JJ and the offense will have to generate a lot of points again this year to win. Especially with the tougher schedule.

 

[mtgrizrule]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

That's common sense thinking, and one would think there would be marked improvement. If pass defense is problematic again this season, then it is a sign of coaching schemes/strategy being too passive. Improved pass defense is the key for the defense this season, in my opinion. I really question the coaching strategy more than the personnel for the pass defense inconsistency.

Scoring defense and turnover margin helped the Griz D last year. The other defensive measurements were not that good. If the pass and run defense continue to struggle, and the Griz don't win the turnover battle, JJ and the offense will have to generate a lot of points again this year to win. Especially with the tougher schedule.

Very true, and that is worrisome, considering who we loss due to graduation. Tripp, Coyle, and JK were responsible for quite a few of those forced turnovers. With that said, I was really impressed with more of a swarming defense in spring camp. Either way, we need improve on yards allowed and teams having too many long drives.

 

[BWahlberg]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

It should be better, but I'm not expecting a 2011-esque season either.

What I like about it;

- Harris and Dennard are very experienced corners, not bright eyed rookies anymore
- Hermanson has gotten his swagger back, he's a good pass defender once again
- Whitted, a converted corner, is very athletic and has good range, has shown better movement/speed/smarts to get to the ball at the point where the WR intends to catch it than Tully ever had, IMO.
- top to bottom our LB corps is better in pass coverage, they're lighter, many are converted safeties
- this spring showed a much more agressive blitzing defense that forced many early throws, if that carries over it'll help the pass D.

What makes me worry;

- beyond JR Nelson there's no experience at corner
- Hermy is the glue of the safeties, if he slumps again or gets hurt the middle of the field could unravel
- will the lighter and newer OLBs get too worn down?
- what if the defensive scheme just stays as more of a protective shell like we've seen before?

 

[mtgrizrule]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

It should be better, but I'm not expecting a 2011-esque season either.

What I like about it;

- Harris and Dennard are very experienced corners, not bright eyed rookies anymore
- Hermanson has gotten his swagger back, he's a good pass defender once again
- Whitted, a converted corner, is very athletic and has good range, has shown better movement/speed/smarts to get to the ball at the point where the WR intends to catch it than Tully ever had, IMO.
- top to bottom our LB corps is better in pass coverage, they're lighter, many are converted safeties
- this spring showed a much more agressive blitzing defense that forced many early throws, if that carries over it'll help the pass D.

What makes me worry;

- beyond JR Nelson there's no experience at corner
- Hermy is the glue of the safeties, if he slumps again or gets hurt the middle of the field could unravel
- will the lighter and newer OLBs get too worn down?
- what if the defensive scheme just stays as more of a protective shell like we've seen before?

Good points and legitimate concerns. My biggest concern, based on the last few seasons is TG's shell scheme. I'm not sure where the problems are as to why we struggle with pass defense. However, if it continues to be a problem, I think it will be time to look for a new DC. Personally, I like TG. I hope this is the year his defense is well rounded and much more consistent. I don't expect any defense at any level to be lights out dominating every game. Defenses will have their struggles against certain opponents. Is improved pass defense asking or expecting too much after the prior 2 seasons?

 

[CV Griz Fan]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

The Griz pass defense was ranked 87th in the FCS last year. It can't be that bad again can it?

It should be better, but I'm not expecting a 2011-esque season either.

What I like about it;

- Harris and Dennard are very experienced corners, not bright eyed rookies anymore
- Hermanson has gotten his swagger back, he's a good pass defender once again
- Whitted, a converted corner, is very athletic and has good range, has shown better movement/speed/smarts to get to the ball at the point where the WR intends to catch it than Tully ever had, IMO.
- top to bottom our LB corps is better in pass coverage, they're lighter, many are converted safeties
- this spring showed a much more agressive blitzing defense that forced many early throws, if that carries over it'll help the pass D.

What makes me worry;

- beyond JR Nelson there's no experience at corner
- Hermy is the glue of the safeties, if he slumps again or gets hurt the middle of the field could unravel
- will the lighter and newer OLBs get too worn down?
- what if the defensive scheme just stays as more of a protective shell like we've seen before?

Good points and legitimate concerns. My biggest concern, based on the last few seasons is TG's shell scheme. I'm not sure where the problems are as to why we struggle with pass defense. However, if it continues to be a problem, I think it will be time to look for a new DC. Personally, I like TG. I hope this is the year his defense is well rounded and much more consistent. I don't expect any defense at any level to be lights out dominating every game. Defenses will have their struggles against certain opponents. Is improved pass defense asking or expecting too much after the prior 2 seasons?

IMO developing the "enforcer" type safety prospect will be a key factor in making this pass defense better. When a receiver has to think about taking a vicious hit while go over the middle, it changes everything. Pflugrad seemed to really understand this concept because he brought in some prospects that could really "bring the wood" at the safety position. But that plan was derailed by injuries. In 2011, the Griz had some big hitting safeties and the pass D was better. Delaney and TG haven't seemed to put as much importance
on developing safeties that bring that style of play. Or maybe the injuries got the safety depth out of whack. Who knows? If these two newbies at the position can come around and contribute quickly, the pass D could start to resemble the 2011 squad more.

 

[WyomingGrizFan]

I have a feeling Marquin Russell will play a key role this season by season's end. The door is open at CB. As he gains experience, I feel he will be jewel of a player. Either way, I just want to see improved CB play this season.

Another to consider that is slated for the cornerback position is a Chris Parker. Having both Chris Parker and Ellis Henderson on kick-off returns is going to be interesting, if that ever happens; this since I feel either can return a kickoff all the way.

 

[Umista]

I am still big on #31 Whitted. This young man will be a game changer before the season is over with. Count it! Good eye for the ball, hits hard as hell, good tackler and plays smart. He will make our defense one hell of alot stronger this season.

 

[Inland NW Griz]

Good points and legitimate concerns. My biggest concern, based on the last few seasons is TG's shell scheme. I'm not sure where the problems are as to why we struggle with pass defense. However, if it continues to be a problem, I think it will be time to look for a new DC. Personally, I like TG. I hope this is the year his defense is well rounded and much more consistent. I don't expect any defense at any level to be lights out dominating every game. Defenses will have their struggles against certain opponents. Is improved pass defense asking or expecting too much after the prior 2 seasons?

Take a look at the highlights from last years EWU game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJJ3z2akf90" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Every touchdown EWU had in the highlights, they were in either four or five wide. In all but one, the Griz were in base defense (4 down, 3 LB's, 2 CB, 2 Safties) I can't tell for sure, but I think they were in a variation of a quarters defense the first TD. (3 down, 2 LB one coverage, one spying, 2 CB, 2 S, 2 CB/S). That was the most contested catch of them all. Kupp made a great catch, and Hermanson was a little late. Also with only three rushing, they didn't get home.

TG did this all year long. I understand the Griz had 3 great LB's, but they are LB's for a reason.

 

[blackswan]

Just found out that Josh Horner is back in camp!

 

[EverettGriz]

Just found out that Josh Horner is back in camp!

Yep, see here.

http://www.egriz.com/grizboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=66623" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Great news.

 

[blackswan]

Thanks. Missed that. Josh has great potential!

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[nzone]

Horner and Thomas are going to be fun to watch. Glad they're Grizzlies. :thumb: