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Fall camp, impressions 1 week in

BWahlberg

BWahlberg

Well-known member
DONOR
Alright Griz Nation - I know we've had some fans sharing some news from various days which has helped all of you fanatics get your Griz fix. I'm also here and happy to help. I've seen parts of 5 practices including all of Saturday's last week, and all of todays. There's expectation from this staff to take in practice, enjoy it, and not share what you see when it comes to depth, injuries, plays, schemes, etc and I plan to honor that. Practice is open and the guys now get a day's rest and will be back at it on Monday. As a long time practice watcher I wanted to just share some general biased opinions of a generally optimistic sugar coating poster that's never played the game :ROFLMAO:

Offense: It's been impressive to see the progress on offense in just 1 week's time. I really only see 1 or 2 probable position battles for starters otherwise the first team is shaping up and the 2nd team is coming into focus as well. Last Saturday wasn't the best for the offense, today was pretty good at times. These guys are progressing really well and I think Griz Nation is going to be really impressed with some of our newcomers and to see some familiar faces really shine. I think this offense is built to run the ball really well, however the passing game has made some strides too. There's spots of concern and there's spots where youth and inexperience show up, but some of the sloppy and inexperienced stuff is already being ironed out. I'm getting excited for the product that the coaching staff is working on here. I think we'll have some growing pains here, but it's anchored by a lot of guys that have played together for years - sprinkling in these new transfers who seem to be working well.

Defense: Man oh man, I'm really liking this group. The transfers brought in this year are mostly entirely different dudes than most of the transfers that came in last year. There seems to be far more cohesiveness across the defense and a lot better communication. These guys are fierce competitors and damn do they push each other. They talk a lot of trash and back up a lot of that on the field. They talk through mistakes and work with each other. It seems to me a lot of the longer-termed roster guys are working really well with the new transfers and it's showing on the field. This defense looks and seems far more like the 2021 / 2022 / 2023 defense in terms of big plays, big stops, turnovers, and swagger. I think a lot of who is 1 or 2 on the depth is still in the air but was talking today with another guy watching that most all positions seem to have guys they can reliably rotate with minimal drop-off. This group should be able to keep guys fresh longer with fare more help subbing in and out. I was really worried that this would be a disconnected group of individual guys playing "hero ball" on the field considering the amount of transfers, that concern has rapidly disappeared - these dudes play really well together.

---------

I'll probably attend a handful more practices, this last week was a light week so I was able to take quite a bit more in than usual. My early feel is that the 2025 Grizzlies are coming together nicely, they have some question marks still and have a ways to go but the progress I've seen from spring ball, to last Saturday, to today has really given me some good hopes that the 2025 Grizzlies are going to be playing the kind of football that all of us fans like.

More thoughts to come, we're off and running and I can't wait for the season to start.
 
BWahlberg said:
Alright Griz Nation - I know we've had some fans sharing some news from various days which has helped all of you fanatics get your Griz fix. I'm also here and happy to help. I've seen parts of 5 practices including all of Saturday's last week, and all of todays. There's expectation from this staff to take in practice, enjoy it, and not share what you see when it comes to depth, injuries, plays, schemes, etc and I plan to honor that. Practice is open and the guys now get a day's rest and will be back at it on Monday. As a long time practice watcher I wanted to just share some general biased opinions of a generally optimistic sugar coating poster that's never played the game :ROFLMAO:

Offense: It's been impressive to see the progress on offense in just 1 week's time. I really only see 1 or 2 probable position battles for starters otherwise the first team is shaping up and the 2nd team is coming into focus as well. Last Saturday wasn't the best for the offense, today was pretty good at times. These guys are progressing really well and I think Griz Nation is going to be really impressed with some of our newcomers and to see some familiar faces really shine. I think this offense is built to run the ball really well, however the passing game has made some strides too. There's spots of concern and there's spots where youth and inexperience show up, but some of the sloppy and inexperienced stuff is already being ironed out. I'm getting excited for the product that the coaching staff is working on here. I think we'll have some growing pains here, but it's anchored by a lot of guys that have played together for years - sprinkling in these new transfers who seem to be working well.

Defense: Man oh man, I'm really liking this group. The transfers brought in this year are mostly entirely different dudes than most of the transfers that came in last year. There seems to be far more cohesiveness across the defense and a lot better communication. These guys are fierce competitors and damn do they push each other. They talk a lot of trash and back up a lot of that on the field. They talk through mistakes and work with each other. It seems to me a lot of the longer-termed roster guys are working really well with the new transfers and it's showing on the field. This defense looks and seems far more like the 2021 / 2022 / 2023 defense in terms of big plays, big stops, turnovers, and swagger. I think a lot of who is 1 or 2 on the depth is still in the air but was talking today with another guy watching that most all positions seem to have guys they can reliably rotate with minimal drop-off. This group should be able to keep guys fresh longer with fare more help subbing in and out. I was really worried that this would be a disconnected group of individual guys playing "hero ball" on the field considering the amount of transfers, that concern has rapidly disappeared - these dudes play really well together.

---------

I'll probably attend a handful more practices, this last week was a light week so I was able to take quite a bit more in than usual. My early feel is that the 2025 Grizzlies are coming together nicely, they have some question marks still and have a ways to go but the progress I've seen from spring ball, to last Saturday, to today has really given me some good hopes that the 2025 Grizzlies are going to be playing the kind of football that all of us fans like.

More thoughts to come, we're off and running and I can't wait for the season to start.
Click to expand...

who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two? the candy man can, the candy man can...
 
This is very encouraging to hear. I sure wish I could attend some practices and see first hand myself.
I was really glad to hear that Kent Baer was hired as a defensive analyst because he will immediately improve things on the defensive side of the ball.
Although Ramos and Bailey should be great interior defensive lineman, it doesn't sound like either are a true NT or 0 tech that can anchor the 3-3-5 stack scheme. Jake Mason will probably grow into that role with a little time. Baer will know this and make modifications. The good news is that the griz are really deep at LB which can help tremendously.
Here is what I think you'll see. Although it will still be called a 3-3-5 it will resemble the 4-2 5. our interior guys will be playing 1 or 2 tech, and you'll see one of our LB's playing a two point buck end on the weak side. Also, I think you'll see Oven or one of the other LB's playing a hybrid role as a SS or Nickel. We're going to essentially see four LB's on the field at the same time. That will put the best players on the field and should be really good.
I could be way off base but judging the players they have recruited, the strengths and weaknesses of the team and the past tendencies of coach Baer, I think it could look something like that
 
BWahlberg said:
There's expectation from this staff to take in practice, enjoy it, and not share what you see when it comes to depth, injuries, plays, schemes, etc and I plan to honor that.
Click to expand...
As should everyone .That is why my thread

Griz FB Practice Takes​

was written the way it was. Sometimes there is more detail on EGRIZ than what needs to be said. We will see things down the road when it really matters and it may not be that evident for a bit.
 
Thanks for the first week impressions and keeping us out-of-town Griz fans up to date and connected to the program, Brint! I love your write ups. They feel like conversations with an old friend.

The defense write up, specifically "These guys are fierce competitors and damn do they push each other. They talk a lot of trash and back up a lot of that on the field. They talk through mistakes and work with each other. It seems to me a lot of the longer-termed roster guys are working really well with the new transfers and it's showing on the field. This defense looks and seems far more like the 2021 / 2022 / 2023 defense in terms of big plays, big stops, turnovers, and swagger." has me in a tizzy about the upcoming season. 9/6 can't get here soon enough. Go Griz!!
 
Skookum-Jim said:
This is very encouraging to hear. I sure wish I could attend some practices and see first hand myself.
I was really glad to hear that Kent Baer was hired as a defensive analyst because he will immediately improve things on the defensive side of the ball.
Although Ramos and Bailey should be great interior defensive lineman, it doesn't sound like either are a true NT or 0 tech that can anchor the 3-3-5 stack scheme. Jake Mason will probably grow into that role with a little time. Baer will know this and make modifications. The good news is that the griz are really deep at LB which can help tremendously.
Here is what I think you'll see. Although it will still be called a 3-3-5 it will resemble the 4-2 5. our interior guys will be playing 1 or 2 tech, and you'll see one of our LB's playing a two point buck end on the weak side. Also, I think you'll see Oven or one of the other LB's playing a hybrid role as a SS or Nickel. We're going to essentially see four LB's on the field at the same time. That will put the best players on the field and should be really good.
I could be way off base but judging the players they have recruited, the strengths and weaknesses of the team and the past tendencies of coach Baer, I think it could look something like that
Click to expand...
So you think they are going to do something like a 4-3 Under?
 
GriznMN said:
So you think they are going to do something like a 4-3 Under?
Click to expand...
Yes, that is very similar to what I think will happen. More like a 4-2-5 but the under would apply. The weak side DE or buck will essentially be one of the LB's and the nickel or SS will be one of the faster, more flexible LB's. That will give them the ability to do more twist stunting that they did so well in 2023 and not so good last year. On the obvious pass downs, they will probably have 5 true DB's on the field.
 
BWahlberg said:
Alright Griz Nation - I know we've had some fans sharing some news from various days which has helped all of you fanatics get your Griz fix. I'm also here and happy to help. I've seen parts of 5 practices including all of Saturday's last week, and all of todays. There's expectation from this staff to take in practice, enjoy it, and not share what you see when it comes to depth, injuries, plays, schemes, etc and I plan to honor that. Practice is open and the guys now get a day's rest and will be back at it on Monday. As a long time practice watcher I wanted to just share some general biased opinions of a generally optimistic sugar coating poster that's never played the game :ROFLMAO:

Offense: It's been impressive to see the progress on offense in just 1 week's time. I really only see 1 or 2 probable position battles for starters otherwise the first team is shaping up and the 2nd team is coming into focus as well. Last Saturday wasn't the best for the offense, today was pretty good at times. These guys are progressing really well and I think Griz Nation is going to be really impressed with some of our newcomers and to see some familiar faces really shine. I think this offense is built to run the ball really well, however the passing game has made some strides too. There's spots of concern and there's spots where youth and inexperience show up, but some of the sloppy and inexperienced stuff is already being ironed out. I'm getting excited for the product that the coaching staff is working on here. I think we'll have some growing pains here, but it's anchored by a lot of guys that have played together for years - sprinkling in these new transfers who seem to be working well.

Defense: Man oh man, I'm really liking this group. The transfers brought in this year are mostly entirely different dudes than most of the transfers that came in last year. There seems to be far more cohesiveness across the defense and a lot better communication. These guys are fierce competitors and damn do they push each other. They talk a lot of trash and back up a lot of that on the field. They talk through mistakes and work with each other. It seems to me a lot of the longer-termed roster guys are working really well with the new transfers and it's showing on the field. This defense looks and seems far more like the 2021 / 2022 / 2023 defense in terms of big plays, big stops, turnovers, and swagger. I think a lot of who is 1 or 2 on the depth is still in the air but was talking today with another guy watching that most all positions seem to have guys they can reliably rotate with minimal drop-off. This group should be able to keep guys fresh longer with fare more help subbing in and out. I was really worried that this would be a disconnected group of individual guys playing "hero ball" on the field considering the amount of transfers, that concern has rapidly disappeared - these dudes play really well together.

---------

I'll probably attend a handful more practices, this last week was a light week so I was able to take quite a bit more in than usual. My early feel is that the 2025 Grizzlies are coming together nicely, they have some question marks still and have a ways to go but the progress I've seen from spring ball, to last Saturday, to today has really given me some good hopes that the 2025 Grizzlies are going to be playing the kind of football that all of us fans like.

More thoughts to come, we're off and running and I can't wait for the season to start.
Click to expand...
Beautiful report here. Ah Yat is the man,and Brooks Davis is DA MAN. Thanks for sharing, GO GRIZ 🏈🏈💪💪
 
nicktaber58 said:
Beautiful report here. Ah Yat is the man,and Brooks Davis is DA MAN. Thanks for sharing, GO GRIZ 🏈🏈💪💪
Click to expand...
Hard to say who da man at WR.
They're young and deep.
I honestly feel, the top WR may change game to game. Hell, TE may actually be featured some games. Defenses won't know what to expect or who to focus on.

Personally, Bohannon stood out to me at the practice I attended.
 
GriznMN said:
By chance, are you also a Michigan fan?
Click to expand...
Neither Michigan or Ohio State fan. I would say I cheer for former PAC 12 teams to win the Big 10. Of the traditional Big 10 teams I usually cheer for Michigan St or really anyone other than those two. Kinda like I cheer for any other teams in ACC in basketball other than UNC and Duke (especially Duke). In MLB I cheer for all American League East teams that are not the Yankees or Red Sox or NL West teams that are not Dodgers or Giants. In NFL I like all NFC East teams that are not from Dallas. And I hate the Lakers.
 
nicktaber58 said:
Beautiful report here. Ah Yat is the man,and Brooks Davis is DA MAN. Thanks for sharing, GO GRIZ 🏈🏈💪💪
Click to expand...

Brooks Davis is going to be a household name in Griz Nation REAL soon. He is having himself a camp. Bohannon from Kennesaw is looking good too. I was worried about this WR corps but these two + Deck and Wortham and then Bridges and others working their way in as well... we're gonna be just fine.
 
I could add as well, it's not sunshine and puppy dogs out there, by no means am I declaring the Grizzlies are all the way back and we should pop the champagne on a perfect season, winning the big sky, or even making a playoff run.

There's some areas of depth that really need to develop in the weeks ahead and there's 2-3 spots of growing concern to me that could hamper this team all season long.

It really feels like the blend of transfers with returning roster guys is working, early in, but that's based on takes from spring camp and fall camp - we need to see how these guys work together in an actual game, and when they're in a bind and have to go off script. We all thought last years transfers in were going to cure all and in some cases it really didn't work out at all.

There's some spots where the staff is going to have to rely on younger / inexperienced players or where an injury or two is going to thrust in guys that are going to really be tested to see if they're ready to contribute in the role.

In the next two weeks hopefully the progress made can be built on, some depth spots get locked in, and the guys stay healthy as we get closer to kickoff.
 
Skookum-Jim said:
Yes, that is very similar to what I think will happen. More like a 4-2-5 but the under would apply. The weak side DE or buck will essentially be one of the LB's and the nickel or SS will be one of the faster, more flexible LB's. That will give them the ability to do more twist stunting that they did so well in 2023 and not so good last year. On the obvious pass downs, they will probably have 5 true DB's on the field.
Click to expand...
Well, I respect your take on the defense and I think you are making a fairly educated assessment. Hauck’s defenses have always embraced speed and quickness. Size in the middle doesn’t seem to be a priority. Maybe that’s because he figures he can’t get the bigs he wants, but I doubt it. It’s his scheme that speed and quickness disrupt opponents offenses and it works pretty well. Will it be enough to beat NDSU, SDSU or even MSU? Judging from the last national championship game against SDSU, yes. The Griz just didn’t have the offense to keep SDSU off the field. The defense did a damn fine job with a powerhouse offense that SDSU had. Everyone always worries about the middle and justifiably so. If you have a Gubner it changes things for sure. Very rare teams have that. This year will be interesting. Defense seems to be two deep in critical positions and fast. Can’t wait to see them in action.
 
Copper Griz said:
Well, I respect your take on the defense and I think you are making a fairly educated assessment. Hauck’s defenses have always embraced speed and quickness. Size in the middle doesn’t seem to be a priority. Maybe that’s because he figures he can’t get the bigs he wants, but I doubt it. It’s his scheme that speed and quickness disrupt opponents offenses and it works pretty well. Will it be enough to beat NDSU, SDSU or even MSU? Judging from the last national championship game against SDSU, yes. The Griz just didn’t have the offense to keep SDSU off the field. The defense did a damn fine job with a powerhouse offense that SDSU had. Everyone always worries about the middle and justifiably so. If you have a Gubner it changes things for sure. Very rare teams have that. This year will be interesting. Defense seems to be two deep in critical positions and fast. Can’t wait to see them in action.
Click to expand...

We've seen it work well from 2021-2023 for the Grizzly D-line, no matter how you stack it up. The DE/DTs need to move the interior, open gaps, and set the edge. It's not a glorious job for stats, but if they do that it opens lanes for our LBs who are the stat monsters. I like what I'm seeing so far - but of course it could be the double edged sword, is our DL looking good bc our OL is bad? And if so is our DL actually good or not?
 
mtgrizrule said:
Hard to say who da man at WR.
They're young and deep.
I honestly feel, the top WR may change game to game. Hell, TE may actually be featured some games. Defenses won't know what to expect or who to focus on.

Personally, Bohannon stood out to me at the practice I attended.
Click to expand...
I think that the opposing defenses are going to have to focus on our running game.
Gillman Rocker and Fonoti are all outstanding.
That leaves room for our WR corps to make some big ass plays.
If they can do that we are going to have a very successful year.
 
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