Some things I'll be watching for in spring camp

[reinell30]

My biggest concerns about the offense is, can the WR's catch the ball? I never saw a worse catching team than was put on the field last year.

 

[Grizmayor]

My biggest concerns about the offense is, can the WR's catch the ball? I never saw a worse catching team than was put on the field last year.

Replace "catching" with "Grizzly"...

 

[reinell30]

My biggest concerns about the offense is, can the WR's catch the ball? I never saw a worse catching team than was put on the field last year.

Replace "catching" with "Grizzly"...

No, that doesn't fit. This was not the worst Grizzly team I have seen...had a few catches been made of just the ones that were dropped, the team record would have been different. It is not just a record, 5-6 that defines a teams composition. Worse Grizzly teams have finished with better records. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way.

 

[retiredfan]

i'm looking forward to your take on how the spring drills are going. I think we will be better than most people think, just saying. Not in Missoula anymore so will be trying to soak up all I can from you and couple of other posters that bring info for us people not able to see it first hand.

 

[Maynardsgametrail]

He will be a junior. NCAA gives players 5 years to play 4 seasons.

Good. Thats what I was thinking/hoping for. I was afraid the NCAA would twist the crap out of his situation over missing last season.

How?

Umm....really? Well.....because I didn't know/had a feeling that suspension for a year may affect eligibility.... is that fair? :thumb:

Side note:
I nominate Mickey Mantle guy for the DUD (dried-up-d#ck) poster of the year. I just get am image of Ben Stein when I read your posts. Dont get me wrong, I dont dislike you, but you are just kind of a downer.

 

[bluemarlin2]

The last two weeks I did some depth/roster battles on each side of the ball. This week I wanted to post just a few other specific items I'm going to be watching for this spring camp as the guys hit the field. This doesn't necessarily mean these are the only things I'll watch for, but it's something I've got on my radar before spring ball.

(On and BTW - get excited kids - spring camp is a week away!)

1. How quickly Jordan Johnson gets up to speed. New playbook, new WRs, new(ish) O-line, new coaches - and he's just been back on the team for a week. I'm assuming he'll enter running with the 2nd string. It will be very interesting to watch him develop and improve through spring ball. Also the other thing worth watching will be to see how good of shape he's in after a year off from football (so to say).

2. Will Tyrone Holmes keep it going? Tyrone burst on to the scene in fall camp and made waves as a true freshman. I saw him quickly at pro day, he looks to have added some muscle, I hope he continues to improve. This time around he's going against FCS-starter tackles and not true freshman tackles like he did for the better half of fall camp. It'll be a bigger test. Also hope to see improved run defense out of him.

3. Which safety will emerge? As I understand Hermanson will miss spring ball as he recovers from surgery due to a broken bone (which he played with for most of the season). Being one of the weakest spots on the team last year I'm anxious to hopefully see improvement.

4. How will the new coaching arrangement work out? We've got new safeties, receivers, and special teams coaches (all younger guys), we've also got two guys now sharing OC duties. Will these new coaches be more strict or more friendly? How will the players respond to them? Will they be implementing new drills?

5. I'm also anxious to see the progression of the five freshman Olinemen (Todd/Weyer/Detrich/LaRowe/Kelly). I don't know if any will break through to start but some are going to battle for a backup spot. These guys are the future of the O-line, in addition to sophomores Schmaing, Kaleikini and the Hines brothers as juniors.

6. Who will emerge at TE? Maybe one of the more wide-open spots. While he's not shown me much on the field as a pass-catcher and a threat to be a matchup nightmare I'm really hoping to see 6-6 Aschan Richards emerge.

7. The impact of the transfers/new additions. Transfers usually bring a lot of hype and excitement. Sometimes also resentment among the existing ranks. I think we've got 4 guys here already if memory serves correct at safety, a JuCo corner, TE (kid from CMR), and running back. In some cases I've seen transfers have a real tough adjustment period and in others they've fit in really well (and really quickly).

8. The walk-ons. Maybe one of the more fun things to watch (as a fan) is the preferred-freshman and walk-on freshman who were scout team kids this last year. Many of these guys are fighting to be on the roster. In years past I've seen a very tight bond between those guys, they play with a big chip on their shoulder, and sometimes we see a tremendous athlete rise out of the group. Marc Mariani and Colt Anderson come to mind immediately. (I'd expect it's not all that "fun" to watch as a parent or take part in as the player, awfully stressful)

9. The "new" offense. Looking forward to seeing what's changed (if much at all) and how the guys work with it.

10. Will the corner backs improve? We return all of the same dudes from last year. This group I believe is tremendously athletic and has great potential, but needs to become vastly more consistent.

11. The team "mood". Spring camp is interesting and fun to watch. There's a lot of social dynamics that one can observe as well. In 2010 it was fast and loose, I was almost panicking as I watched the team get out of control and the coaches were letting it happen. It seemed to me that those attitudes carried over to the field in 2010. In 2011 spring camp was more strict than before, but also had many new drills, new equipment, music blasting or piped in crowd noise. It felt very different than other spring camps I've seen. 2012 was split in half with Pflu's firing, the 2nd half of spring camp was tightly run, quiet, and Delaney would stop to make passionate speeches from time to time. With the return of JJ I expect more confidence in this camp but I'm also interested to see how the coaches work and motivate players - especially coming off the worst season the team has had since 1985.

12. How will the backup linebackers look? Richards, Kose, and Owen have one more year and then they'll be starting. All three of our starters at linebacker are seniors. Hopefully these three plus the other 'backers on the team are going to ramp up nicely to take over soon!

Are you going to tweet again like you did last summer? What are the times for the practices?

 

[BWahlberg]

The last two weeks I did some depth/roster battles on each side of the ball. This week I wanted to post just a few other specific items I'm going to be watching for this spring camp as the guys hit the field. This doesn't necessarily mean these are the only things I'll watch for, but it's something I've got on my radar before spring ball.

(On and BTW - get excited kids - spring camp is a week away!)

1. How quickly Jordan Johnson gets up to speed. New playbook, new WRs, new(ish) O-line, new coaches - and he's just been back on the team for a week. I'm assuming he'll enter running with the 2nd string. It will be very interesting to watch him develop and improve through spring ball. Also the other thing worth watching will be to see how good of shape he's in after a year off from football (so to say).

2. Will Tyrone Holmes keep it going? Tyrone burst on to the scene in fall camp and made waves as a true freshman. I saw him quickly at pro day, he looks to have added some muscle, I hope he continues to improve. This time around he's going against FCS-starter tackles and not true freshman tackles like he did for the better half of fall camp. It'll be a bigger test. Also hope to see improved run defense out of him.

3. Which safety will emerge? As I understand Hermanson will miss spring ball as he recovers from surgery due to a broken bone (which he played with for most of the season). Being one of the weakest spots on the team last year I'm anxious to hopefully see improvement.

4. How will the new coaching arrangement work out? We've got new safeties, receivers, and special teams coaches (all younger guys), we've also got two guys now sharing OC duties. Will these new coaches be more strict or more friendly? How will the players respond to them? Will they be implementing new drills?

5. I'm also anxious to see the progression of the five freshman Olinemen (Todd/Weyer/Detrich/LaRowe/Kelly). I don't know if any will break through to start but some are going to battle for a backup spot. These guys are the future of the O-line, in addition to sophomores Schmaing, Kaleikini and the Hines brothers as juniors.

6. Who will emerge at TE? Maybe one of the more wide-open spots. While he's not shown me much on the field as a pass-catcher and a threat to be a matchup nightmare I'm really hoping to see 6-6 Aschan Richards emerge.

7. The impact of the transfers/new additions. Transfers usually bring a lot of hype and excitement. Sometimes also resentment among the existing ranks. I think we've got 4 guys here already if memory serves correct at safety, a JuCo corner, TE (kid from CMR), and running back. In some cases I've seen transfers have a real tough adjustment period and in others they've fit in really well (and really quickly).

8. The walk-ons. Maybe one of the more fun things to watch (as a fan) is the preferred-freshman and walk-on freshman who were scout team kids this last year. Many of these guys are fighting to be on the roster. In years past I've seen a very tight bond between those guys, they play with a big chip on their shoulder, and sometimes we see a tremendous athlete rise out of the group. Marc Mariani and Colt Anderson come to mind immediately. (I'd expect it's not all that "fun" to watch as a parent or take part in as the player, awfully stressful)

9. The "new" offense. Looking forward to seeing what's changed (if much at all) and how the guys work with it.

10. Will the corner backs improve? We return all of the same dudes from last year. This group I believe is tremendously athletic and has great potential, but needs to become vastly more consistent.

11. The team "mood". Spring camp is interesting and fun to watch. There's a lot of social dynamics that one can observe as well. In 2010 it was fast and loose, I was almost panicking as I watched the team get out of control and the coaches were letting it happen. It seemed to me that those attitudes carried over to the field in 2010. In 2011 spring camp was more strict than before, but also had many new drills, new equipment, music blasting or piped in crowd noise. It felt very different than other spring camps I've seen. 2012 was split in half with Pflu's firing, the 2nd half of spring camp was tightly run, quiet, and Delaney would stop to make passionate speeches from time to time. With the return of JJ I expect more confidence in this camp but I'm also interested to see how the coaches work and motivate players - especially coming off the worst season the team has had since 1985.

12. How will the backup linebackers look? Richards, Kose, and Owen have one more year and then they'll be starting. All three of our starters at linebacker are seniors. Hopefully these three plus the other 'backers on the team are going to ramp up nicely to take over soon!

Are you going to tweet again like you did last summer? What are the times for the practices?

OH YEAH - I think most are in the mid/late afternoon, will be tweeting away. I know at the end of fall camp there was some concern over videos and updates. Unless if I'm asked not to tweet updates I will. If they don't want that I'll still be there and will do write-ups afterwards.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

imo, if johnson isn't the clear starter coming out of spring, griz are in trouble.

The kid in only his 2nd year after tinker ball (High School) led The University of Montana to the NATIONAL SEMI-FINALS. A field goal away from the National Championship!

Its a given Johnson will be the clear starter coming out of spring.

 

[IntuitiveGriz]

3. Which safety will emerge? As I understand Hermanson will miss spring ball as he recovers from surgery due to a broken bone (which he played with for most of the season). Being one of the weakest spots on the team last year I'm anxious to hopefully see improvement.

6. Who will emerge at TE? Maybe one of the more wide-open spots. While he's not shown me much on the field as a pass-catcher and a threat to be a matchup nightmare I'm really hoping to see 6-6 Aschan Richards emerge.

7. The impact of the transfers/new additions. Transfers usually bring a lot of hype and excitement. Sometimes also resentment among the existing ranks. I think we've got 4 guys here already if memory serves correct at safety, a JuCo corner, TE (kid from CMR), and running back. In some cases I've seen transfers have a real tough adjustment period and in others they've fit in really well (and really quickly).

3. Van Ackeran will start in 2013, a difference maker.
6. Richards (Ralston and Scarver will shine in the fall) Those 3 are athleltic.
7. Resentment shouldn't be a factor, 3 of the 4 transfers were recruited by UM out of high school (the safety, the JuCo corner, and the TE you mention). Only the running back is transfering in "out of the blue".

Things I'll be watching in for in spring camp:

1) by how many 10 pt increments will the Griz beat-down cat state?
2) will the Griz win the National Championship, or lose it like they more often do?

 

[Umista]

Thanks for the good information from all of you.

My two bits:

Our kicker and punter will be much improved from last year and both will turn out to be a strength.
Joey Counts is a super running back and will shine for us.
Johnson will be our QB. He will do a great job.
2 tall Gustafson (spell) is a sleeper. I was really impressed with him last year. He could be da man at some point in the near future.
Gregerak will be a much better defensive coach this year. He was not proud of his job last year. I think he is the best coach on the field.
Our defense will be much improved this year in all areas.
A few of the new kids will shine for us. Who? I have no idea but some will rise up and be noticed.
We need to improve on special teams, kick offs and returns, let us pray!
Not one person I have talked to is wild about two Offensive head coaches. I do no like it but we need to wait and see. Who cares if we simply pass the ball over and over?
Go Griz!

 

[reinell30]

Thanks for the good information from all of you.

My two bits:

Our kicker and punter will be much improved from last year and both will turn out to be a strength.
Joey Counts is a super running back and will shine for us.
Johnson will be our QB. He will do a great job.
2 tall Gustafson (spell) is a sleeper. I was really impressed with him last year. He could be da man at some point in the near future.
Gregerak will be a much better defensive coach this year. He was not proud of his job last year. I think he is the best coach on the field.
Our defense will be much improved this year in all areas.
A few of the new kids will shine for us. Who? I have no idea but some will rise up and be noticed.
We need to improve on special teams, kick offs and returns, let us pray!
Not one person I have talked to is wild about two Offensive head coaches. I do no like it but we need to wait and see. Who cares if we simply pass the ball over and over?
Go Griz!

Pass the ball over and over? I think this year we will have a 1000 yd + rusher in Jordan Canada...time for him to step up!

 

[Hammer]

Thanks for the good information from all of you.

My two bits:

Our kicker and punter will be much improved from last year and both will turn out to be a strength.
Joey Counts is a super running back and will shine for us.
Johnson will be our QB. He will do a great job.
2 tall Gustafson (spell) is a sleeper. I was really impressed with him last year. He could be da man at some point in the near future.
Gregerak will be a much better defensive coach this year. He was not proud of his job last year. I think he is the best coach on the field.
Our defense will be much improved this year in all areas.
A few of the new kids will shine for us. Who? I have no idea but some will rise up and be noticed.
We need to improve on special teams, kick offs and returns, let us pray!
Not one person I have talked to is wild about two Offensive head coaches. I do no like it but we need to wait and see. Who cares if we simply pass the ball over and over?
Go Griz!

Pass the ball over and over? I think this year we will have a 1000 yd + rusher in Jordan Canada...time for him to step up!

The only thing holding Canada back, IMO, is his head. 1000 may be a stretch tho, with Travon Van, Counts and JJ at QB, I think the ball will be too spread out for one guy to get 1000.

 

[grizcountry420]

The only thing holding Canada back is motivation.. He's yet to show up in shape before the season. I guess we'll see but I'm not too worried because I like what I see in the other runningbacks..

 

[AZGrizFan]

The only thing holding Canada back is motivation.. He's yet to show up in shape before the season. I guess we'll see but I'm not too worried because I like what I see in others....

Agreed on both counts.

 

[Grizo406]

I spoke with Joey not too long ago...seemed like a real nice/pleasant young man. He was wearing a pair of Air Jordan IV's, and after seeing his choice of footwear, I knew the Griz had a winner!