Top Recruiting Priority for 2015

[garizzalies]

Yes, I believe Lider receives some aid, but I also believe that Sullivan and Greenberg (and Worst when he was here) are walk-ons. Apparently Daly, the impressive freshman kicker for the cats, wanted to be a Griz but UM refused to offer him any money. The cats offered him books (only books!) and he went there instead and now they appear to have their kicker in place for the next four years. I don't guarantee any of that info, but that is what I've heard.

Can't verify the story about MSU offering books but can verify he had interest in kicking for the Grizzlies. I was pulling for UM to recruit this kid. Unfortunately I suspect the coaches thought "Heck we already have all these great young kickers. We don't need more, maybe this kid will just walk on anyway." Needless to say, we blew it. Daly is a four year kicker.
Hope the same doesn't happen to another Billings Central kid, Holden Ryan. The cats are pushing hard and making big promises to rope him in. He's said he would like to be a Griz but he won't have to be just a walk on. Hope our coaches are giving him incentive to come. Maybe we could offer him some books and pens?

We can't be as free with schollies at the Cats. Remember our illustrious president jumped the gun and self-imposed a loss of scholarships.

I agree, but at the same time, aren't we giving "books" to Mick's grandson?

 

[BadlandsGrizFan]

If I am the Griz coaches, my top priority for the upcoming recruiting class would be to find at least two drop-down O-linemen. Yes, I know that the young linemen being forced to play this season might eventually develop to be good ones. But based on what I have seen so far, I would not count on it, except for Weyer.

Being young is only one factor. We have had plenty of former O-linemen who have started and played very well as true sophomores. Proctor, Szalay, et. al. I don't see that kind of quality among the young linemen on the field for the Griz this season.

Did Proctor and Szalay also play along side nothing but other freshman and sophomores?

 

[monte is a character]

Yes, I believe Lider receives some aid, but I also believe that Sullivan and Greenberg (and Worst when he was here) are walk-ons. Apparently Daly, the impressive freshman kicker for the cats, wanted to be a Griz but UM refused to offer him any money. The cats offered him books (only books!) and he went there instead and now they appear to have their kicker in place for the next four years. I don't guarantee any of that info, but that is what I've heard.

Can't verify the story about MSU offering books but can verify he had interest in kicking for the Grizzlies. I was pulling for UM to recruit this kid. Unfortunately I suspect the coaches thought "Heck we already have all these great young kickers. We don't need more, maybe this kid will just walk on anyway." Needless to say, we blew it. Daly is a four year kicker.
Hope the same doesn't happen to another Billings Central kid, Holden Ryan. The cats are pushing hard and making big promises to rope him in. He's said he would like to be a Griz but he won't have to be just a walk on. Hope our coaches are giving him incentive to come. Maybe we could offer him some books and pens?

We can't be as free with schollies at the Cats. Remember our illustrious president jumped the gun and self-imposed a loss of scholarships.

I agree, but at the same time, aren't we giving "books" to Mick's grandson?

But he has been such a force on the playing field, so you cant compare apples and oranges.

 

[Spanky]

Looking at the current group at OL, I would suggest plan A and go after JC transfers and drop downs.

 

[grizatwork]

Yes, I believe Lider receives some aid, but I also believe that Sullivan and Greenberg (and Worst when he was here) are walk-ons. Apparently Daly, the impressive freshman kicker for the cats, wanted to be a Griz but UM refused to offer him any money. The cats offered him books (only books!) and he went there instead and now they appear to have their kicker in place for the next four years. I don't guarantee any of that info, but that is what I've heard.

Can't verify the story about MSU offering books but can verify he had interest in kicking for the Grizzlies. I was pulling for UM to recruit this kid. Unfortunately I suspect the coaches thought "Heck we already have all these great young kickers. We don't need more, maybe this kid will just walk on anyway." Needless to say, we blew it. Daly is a four year kicker.
Hope the same doesn't happen to another Billings Central kid, Holden Ryan. The cats are pushing hard and making big promises to rope him in. He's said he would like to be a Griz but he won't have to be just a walk on. Hope our coaches are giving him incentive to come. Maybe we could offer him some books and pens?

We can't be as free with schollies at the Cats. Remember our illustrious president jumped the gun and self-imposed a loss of scholarships.

I agree, but at the same time, aren't we giving "books" to Mick's grandson?

Maybe we can convince him to pursue the same major and he can use the same books we already bought. Problem solved.

 

[BWahlberg]

I also think the young line we have now will be a force next season. .

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

 

[garizzalies]

RG: Todd, 6-7, 295
RT: Dietrich, 6-4, 270

Based solely on their frames, shouldn't these two switch positions? What am I missing here?

 

[BWahlberg]

RG: Todd, 6-7, 295
RT: Dietrich, 6-4, 270

Based solely on their frames, shouldn't these two switch positions? What am I missing here?

A guess: footwork/positioning after the snap

 

[Paytonlives]

The Griz already have 10 verbals (1QB, 1RB, 2OL,1TE, 1DL, 2LB & 2S), that leaves 6 more spots... Plus others that leave during this off-season (usually 4-5)

Seniors this year- GoGriz roster (16)
QB Jordan Johnson
QB Shay Smithwick-Hann
RB Jordan Canada
RB Travon Van
WR Sean Haynes
WR Kevin Berland
TE Mitch Saylor
OL Jordan Hines
OL Logan Hines
OL Trevor Poole

DL Zack Wagenmann
DL Trevor Rehm
DL Tonga Takai
CB Joshua Dennard
S Matt Hermanson
S Jamaal Anderson

 

[monte is a character]

I also think the young line we have now will be a force next season. .

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

 

[monte is a character]

If I am the Griz coaches, my top priority for the upcoming recruiting class would be to find at least two drop-down O-linemen. Yes, I know that the young linemen being forced to play this season might eventually develop to be good ones. But based on what I have seen so far, I would not count on it, except for Weyer.

Being young is only one factor. We have had plenty of former O-linemen who have started and played very well as true sophomores. Proctor, Szalay, et. al. I don't see that kind of quality among the young linemen on the field for the Griz this season.

Did Proctor and Szalay also play along side nothing but other freshman and sophomores?

No, but they did not get owned on most snaps by the player they were trying to block either. I do not see any current younger linemen who are in their category, do you?

 

[BWahlberg]

I also think the young line we have now will be a force next season. .

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

Outside of QB and the coaching unknown this is a solid group. The o line is vastly more experienced, the WRs may be the most talented group in the FCS, and the running backs while unproven are loaded too, maybe not experienced but a very good group. If the QB can fit and make it work, it could be a great group.

Jordan Johnson took over in 2011 with about as many snaps played as Gustafson will have by the end of this season.

Our most recent drop down QBs were Justin Roper, Matt Brzczheck, Josh Swogger, Jason Washington, and Criag Ochs. Some work out, some don't. I don't see other successful FCS programs like EWU, MSU, NDSU, and other relying on drop downs but progressing and promoting within.

 

[monte is a character]

I also think the young line we have now will be a force next season. .

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

Outside of QB and the coaching unknown this is a solid group. The o line is vastly more experienced, the WRs may be the most talented group in the FCS, and the running backs while unproven are loaded too, maybe not experienced but a very good group. If the QB can fit and make it work, it could be a great group.

Jordan Johnson took over in 2011 with about as many snaps played as Gustafson will have by the end of this season.

Our most recent drop down QBs were Justin Roper, Matt Brzczheck, Josh Swogger, Jason Washington, and Criag Ochs. Some work out, some don't. I don't see other successful FCS programs like EWU, MSU, NDSU, and other relying on drop downs but progressing and promoting within.

Are you kidding me? EWU had several drop-down QBs start for them the past 10 years. Can't remember their names, but at least one came from SMU, and I think another came from Tulsa. Both were very good. You don't need drop down QBs if you recruit well. What does that tell ya about our current situation? MSU has two QBs that could start next year for us if we had them.

I think Weyer may be our next starting QB. Don't count him out.

 

[Potomac Griz]

EWU had several drop-down QBs start for them the past 10 years. Can't remember their names, but at least one came from SMU, and I think another came from Tulsa. Both were very good. You don't need drop down QBs if you recruit well. What does that tell ya about our current situation? MSU has two QBs that could start next year for us if we had them.

I think Weyer may be our next starting QB. Don't count him out.

Bo Levi Mitchell was from SMU (Won the NC at EWU). I don't remember if there was another recently though. Nichols started before Bo Levi Mitchell, and I think Meyer before that. That takes us back to about 2003 or 2004 I think.

Anyway, yeah a drop down QB can obviously be very helpful if the younger QBs aren't ready. We don't know if they are or not though or if they will be next year. Hopefully whatever staff we have in place to begin next year will be open to the idea of a drop down if one is needed. To be completely honest I'm not too confident in our situation at QB next year either. It's a big unknown right now. I'm not too confident in the current staff either of course when it comes to developing players or using them in a way that is best for their abilities.

 

[monte is a character]

I also think the young line we have now will be a force next season. .

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

Outside of QB and the coaching unknown this is a solid group. The o line is vastly more experienced, the WRs may be the most talented group in the FCS, and the running backs while unproven are loaded too, maybe not experienced but a very good group. If the QB can fit and make it work, it could be a great group.

Jordan Johnson took over in 2011 with about as many snaps played as Gustafson will have by the end of this season.

Our most recent drop down QBs were Justin Roper, Matt Brzczheck, Josh Swogger, Jason Washington, and Criag Ochs. Some work out, some don't. I don't see other successful FCS programs like EWU, MSU, NDSU, and other relying on drop downs but progressing and promoting within.

One more comment regarding your post. A team can have all of the great skill players they want, and still not be a good offensive team. Just look at this year. We are loaded at all of the skill positions. It all starts with the line and the QB. You place too much emphasis on experience, and not enough on talent. Not sure the talent is there with this group of linemen, and our QB situation is a complete unknown. We would know more if one of the two young QBs was getting some real game time experience this year, instead of holding a clip board.

 

[monte is a character]

EWU had several drop-down QBs start for them the past 10 years. Can't remember their names, but at least one came from SMU, and I think another came from Tulsa. Both were very good. You don't need drop down QBs if you recruit well. What does that tell ya about our current situation? MSU has two QBs that could start next year for us if we had them.

I think Weyer may be our next starting QB. Don't count him out.

Bo Levi Mitchell was from SMU (Won the NC at EWU). I don't remember if there was another recently though. Nichols started before Bo Levi Mitchell, and I think Meyer before that. That takes us back to about 2003 or 2004 I think.

Anyway, yeah a drop down QB can obviously be very helpful if the younger QBs aren't ready. We don't know if they are or not though or if they will be next year. Hopefully whatever staff we have in place to begin next year will be open to the idea of a drop down if one is needed. To be completely honest I'm not too confident in our situation at QB next year either. It's a big unknown right now. I'm not too confident in the current staff either of course when it comes to developing players or using them in a way that is best for their abilities.

They had a left hander drop-down who started for one year, and was very good. I am sure one of the EWU posters will fill his name in.

 

[monte is a character]

The Griz already have 10 verbals (1QB, 1RB, 2OL,1TE, 1DL, 2LB & 2S), that leaves 6 more spots... Plus others that leave during this off-season (usually 4-5)

Seniors this year- GoGriz roster (16)
QB Jordan Johnson
QB Shay Smithwick-Hann
RB Jordan Canada
RB Travon Van
WR Sean Haynes
WR Kevin Berland
TE Mitch Saylor
OL Jordan Hines
OL Logan Hines
OL Trevor Poole

DL Zack Wagenmann
DL Trevor Rehm
DL Tonga Takai
CB Joshua Dennard
S Matt Hermanson
S Jamaal Anderson

Wow! I did not realize that we lost 3 of our best D-linemen. That will hurt our D next year. Those 3 will be hard to replace.

 

[mtgrizrule]

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

Outside of QB and the coaching unknown this is a solid group. The o line is vastly more experienced, the WRs may be the most talented group in the FCS, and the running backs while unproven are loaded too, maybe not experienced but a very good group. If the QB can fit and make it work, it could be a great group.

Jordan Johnson took over in 2011 with about as many snaps played as Gustafson will have by the end of this season.

Our most recent drop down QBs were Justin Roper, Matt Brzczheck, Josh Swogger, Jason Washington, and Criag Ochs. Some work out, some don't. I don't see other successful FCS programs like EWU, MSU, NDSU, and other relying on drop downs but progressing and promoting within.

One more comment regarding your post. A team can have all of the great skill players they want, and still not be a good offensive team. Just look at this year. We are loaded at all of the skill positions. It all starts with the line and the QB. You place too much emphasis on experience, and not enough on talent. Not sure the talent is there with this group of linemen, and our QB situation is a complete unknown. We would know more if one of the two young QBs was getting some real game time experience this year, instead of holding a clip board.

Come on quit being a hater and a bad fan. I am sure their practice handing the ball off in live games will be of huge benefit. :thumb: :lol:

 

[GrizGuy]

I know everybody wants a new HC and OL, but I think we need guys in the defensive secondary who're fast and can wrap up. :twocents:

 

[BWahlberg]

If the O-line can come together we could have a pretty good offense, QB dependent, next season:

WR: Henderson / Burke
WR: Jones / Walcott
WR: Naccarrato / Jannssen

TE: Ralston / Sprunk

RB: Nguyen / Favors
RB: Counts / Logwood

QB: Gustafson or Simis

LT: Schmaing / Reese
LG: Weyer / Kelly
C: Luke / Weyer
RG: Todd / Kelly
RT: Dietrich / Theibes

So this line is miraculously going to transform over the next 10 months into a solid unit? And a QB who has not taken a snap with the first unit will be the answer next year? Sorry but I do not share your enthusiasm. I am thinking our new head coach (hopefully!) will bring in a drop-down QB and a couple of drop-down O-linemen. Then I will share your enthusiasm.

Outside of QB and the coaching unknown this is a solid group. The o line is vastly more experienced, the WRs may be the most talented group in the FCS, and the running backs while unproven are loaded too, maybe not experienced but a very good group. If the QB can fit and make it work, it could be a great group.

Jordan Johnson took over in 2011 with about as many snaps played as Gustafson will have by the end of this season.

Our most recent drop down QBs were Justin Roper, Matt Brzczheck, Josh Swogger, Jason Washington, and Criag Ochs. Some work out, some don't. I don't see other successful FCS programs like EWU, MSU, NDSU, and other relying on drop downs but progressing and promoting within.

One more comment regarding your post. A team can have all of the great skill players they want, and still not be a good offensive team. Just look at this year. We are loaded at all of the skill positions. It all starts with the line and the QB. You place too much emphasis on experience, and not enough on talent. Not sure the talent is there with this group of linemen, and our QB situation is a complete unknown. We would know more if one of the two young QBs was getting some real game time experience this year, instead of holding a clip board.

You should also check other posts in this very thread that point out that talent and ability grows as players age on the team. The o line will have 3 returning starters and a 4th that started 2 games and played in most games. Schmaing is good, Weyer is good, Luke will be good, Todd and Dietrich I'm hopeful for. The O line will be there. Coaching and system will be improtant of course. I believe we've got 3 for sure and I'm hopeful for the other two, that they're talented and not just experienced.

It's funny you talk about too much emphasis on experience for the OL but then assume the QBs aren't good enough or ready to start on the argument of experience.