Top Recruiting Priority for 2015

[Sam A. Blitz]

I'm always for putting an emphasis on recruiting OL. This year is a prime example of why OL depth is so important.

Saying that, 1 year of experience is HUGE for an OL and I expect improvement in the unit next year. Each of these guys will be one year strong, bigger, faster, and smarter. It's very rare that OL set the world on fire their first year of real playing time experience.

A drop-down QB would have to be the right situation. Actively looking for a drop-down as some sort of answer and to hand the job over to a drop-down as some programs do, is very risky. We have enough talent with the younger guys, that I'm confident one of them will step up.

I'd hate to see us spend another scholarship at the QB position when we have bigger areas of need: DL, DB, OL...

 

[Grizguyjj]

I'm always for putting an emphasis on recruiting OL. This year is a prime example of why OL depth is so important.

Saying that, 1 year of experience is HUGE for an OL and I expect improvement in the unit next year. Each of these guys will be one year strong, bigger, faster, and smarter. It's very rare that OL set the world on fire their first year of real playing time experience.

A drop-down QB would have to be the right situation. Actively looking for a drop-down as some sort of answer and to hand the job over to a drop-down as some programs do, is very risky. We have enough talent with the younger guys, that I'm confident one of them will step up.

I'd hate to see us spend another scholarship at the QB position when we have bigger areas of need: DL, DB, OL...

+1

 

[mtgrizrule]

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.

I feel good about this OL getting better, even this year. Like one poster said, they cannot get stronger this season, but the experience they are getting will be helpful. I honestly believe Reese has the most upside. If he remains healthy (no health/injury concerns so far), I feel he might be the best OL of our current OL by the time he graduates. The only thing working against him is being a true Freshman.

Brint, or others, Why aren't you as high on him?

 

[kurtismichael]

Do we need to recruit a new Mo, in case this kid is to big to fit in the costume next season?

 

[Sam A. Blitz]

I'm high on Reece. He's done well given the position he's been put in. Saying that, it is way to early to tell how good he'll be. I just hope people on here understand that it may take him awhile to be even an average tackle in this league. Same goes with a lot of these guys. It's plain wrong to say that they aren't talented and can't get better.

These guys are limited in what they can and cannot do right now and much of that probably explains why some are frustrated with the limitations in play calling on offense. You have to take small steps in getting better and being able to execute more challenging assignments.

I'm not at practices or in the meeting room to observe how the coaches are approaching the situation, but I do know that the inexperience on the line is a factor in the play-calling more than likely.

 

[CV Griz Fan]

Don't forget running backs. The Griz are losing a bunch at the end of the season.....

 

[bigtyme]

Solution is to blow everyone out by half and let Gustafson and Simis back up JJ with this OL, not Shann. That will tell us whether JJ is keeping us alive, or if the OL has decent potential.

 

[krammer]

it seems to me next year will be the reverse problem of this year,,,,a very good offense and the defense lose a bunch,,,we will have the three linebackers back who start this year....lots of potential good d-lineman, but like they say potential and a $1.50 will buy you a cup of coffee...

 

[PlayerRep]

I'm high on Reece. He's done well given the position he's been put in. Saying that, it is way to early to tell how good he'll be. I just hope people on here understand that it may take him awhile to be even an average tackle in this league. Same goes with a lot of these guys. It's plain wrong to say that they aren't talented and can't get better.

These guys are limited in what they can and cannot do right now and much of that probably explains why some are frustrated with the limitations in play calling on offense. You have to take small steps in getting better and being able to execute more challenging assignments.

I'm not at practices or in the meeting room to observe how the coaches are approaching the situation, but I do know that the inexperience on the line is a factor in the play-calling more than likely.

Reese is going to be a very good player. Getting great experience now. Needs to put on about 50 pounds.

 

[Umista]

If I keep saying it perhaps you folks with the dismal outlook will come up a notch.

We have two excellent freshman running backs right now.

We have a super young offensive line that is getting better each game. They will (I repeat) be damn good next season.

QB is always a question for ya all. Why? Because none of you have be able to watch the young guns play or practice. Me included. But we have some talent coming back and that is all I know.

D line will be a bit short in experience but we have a few guys coming back that I believe will fill some shoes. A bit of a concern but not out the door!

So far our early recruiting has been over the top. Yes we are all amazed. From this, I feel our existing crew will recruit very well in some of the weak areas as mentioned by ya all!

I am more optimistic now than I was at this point last season regarding our next seasons prospects. Go La Griz!

 

[monte is a character]

it seems to me next year will be the reverse problem of this year,,,,a very good offense and the defense lose a bunch,,,we will have the three linebackers back who start this year....lots of potential good d-lineman, but like they say potential and a $1.50 will buy you a cup of coffee...

Not if you buy that cup at Starbucks.....

 

[monte is a character]

Solution is to blow everyone out by half and let Gustafson and Simis back up JJ with this OL, not Shann. That will tell us whether JJ is keeping us alive, or if the OL has decent potential.

I agree that SSH should sit and one of the young guns should be playing as JJ's backup. We have seen how little production SSH gives us, in several games. I can tell you this much, if neither Simis or Gus can give us at least that much production this season as SSH has given us, it will be a very long season next year.

 

[monte is a character]

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.

Your last sentence makes no sense, and totally misrepresents my point regarding experience. On the QB thing, it is the same deal as the O-line. We know nothing about either Simis or Gus because they have not been given meaningful game-time EXPERIENCE with our first team offense. While experience does not mean they are talented, at least we can see what they are capable of doing now, and be able to project whether either one will be the answer at QB next year. You don't learn that in spring practice or scrimmages. Are you comfortable that one of them will be the answer next season? And if so, why do you feel that way? You have nothing to go on except watching them practice.

We have seen the offensive linemen many times this season. I am not an expert on evaluating linemen, but it amuses me that some of you stating that our line is improving each game. Why do you say that? We have no running game, and our QBs are scrambling for their life on nearly every pass play. I watch the replay, and focus on the individual linemen, and what see is that most of them can not engage a block or or even play to a draw with their defender for more than a second or two. Is it because of lack of size? Lack of Talent? Poor footwork? Who knows. I just can not see make these statements that they are gelling, or that they will be a strong line next year based upon what I have seen.

Do you remember the Cats line 10 years or so ago, when they went win less that season and started a bunch of frosh and sophomores on the O-line? They were about like our line is this season, and everyone expected that they would be awesome by the time they were 2-3 year starters, because of all their experience. Well, it never happened. They were never very good because they were not very talented, just experienced.

I am not trying to argue with you, just trying to understand what you see in these kids that I am missing.

 

[Buttegrizzle]

The last thing we need is a drop down QB. We have quality young QBs up the wazoo. If a miraculous drop down for some position shows up, fine, but we need to recruit according to the graduation schedule. To me that means D line, DBs, maybe a couple OLs.

 

[PlayerRep]

Solution is to blow everyone out by half and let Gustafson and Simis back up JJ with this OL, not Shann. That will tell us whether JJ is keeping us alive, or if the OL has decent potential.

I agree that SSH should sit and one of the young guns should be playing as JJ's backup. We have seen how little production SSH gives us, in several games. I can tell you this much, if neither Simis or Gus can give us at least that much production this season as SSH has given us, it will be a very long season next year.

That would be dumb. With UM 2-0 in conference, 4-2 overall with losses only to an FBS school and the no. 1 FCS team in the country, and completely in the hunt for a playoff spot, no college coach in America would start playing his young 3d and 4th team back-ups over the no. 2 qb. Had UM done that against UND, UM would likely have lost the game.

S-H's production has been fine. 134 efficiency rating, 60% completion percentage (22-37), 1 interception, long completion of 85, I think only 1 sack. JJ's efficiency rating is 115, completion percentage is 54%, and long completion of 72.

 

[BWahlberg]

Your last sentence makes no sense, and totally misrepresents my point regarding experience. On the QB thing, it is the same deal as the O-line. We know nothing about either Simis or Gus because they have not been given meaningful game-time EXPERIENCE with our first team offense. While experience does not mean they are talented, at least we can see what they are capable of doing now, and be able to project whether either one will be the answer at QB next year. You don't learn that in spring practice or scrimmages. Are you comfortable that one of them will be the answer next season? And if so, why do you feel that way? You have nothing to go on except watching them practice.

Yep, indeed. Unfortunately the coaching staff has really only had 1 opportunity to give Gus and Simis looks (CWU game) and didn't do that. Also the 2nd half of this season suggests they may not get the opportunity to do so. In your initial argument you state that the "experience" argument has too much emphasis and then turn around and say experience is vital for our backups. I would say experience matters for next season's O-linemen as well, and the experience they're building in each game is good for them. You can't have it both ways and say that the experience that Dietrich, Weyer, Todd, Reese, and Thiebes are getting this season doesn't matter and then turn around and say Gus and Simis need experience for evaluation or else we must go get a drop down QB.

College football is about changing of the guard often, many times players with little to no starting experience are elevated through departure/graduation over the off-season and excel. A prime example is our linebacker corps for this season. You would agree they're doing pretty good, correct? Van Ack and Gamboa had ST experience, Kose missed most of last season, Schye was a red shirt, Lebsock was hurt and out for most of the season, and Strahm was a red shirt. However this group is pretty damn solid now.

I'm not saying the team needs to avoid giving Gus and Simis chances to play but I strongly disagree that this team should risk losing games (at this point) to build experience. This is a playoff team that's in the hunt for the conference title. Way too soon to hit the panic button and thrust in next years starters.

And yeah I've seen Gus and Simis in practice but my opinion is just that of an observer. You know who has seen them every day in meetings, in film, and on the field? The coaches. They know what they have in players. Teams practice to get better and assess talent. That's where these two will have to make a stand.

We have seen the offensive linemen many times this season. I am not an expert on evaluating linemen, but it amuses me that some of you stating that our line is improving each game. Why do you say that? We have no running game, and our QBs are scrambling for their life on nearly every pass play. I watch the replay, and focus on the individual linemen, and what see is that most of them can not engage a block or or even play to a draw with their defender for more than a second or two. Is it because of lack of size? Lack of Talent? Poor footwork? Who knows. I just can not see make these statements that they are gelling, or that they will be a strong line next year based upon what I have seen.

Until the UND debacle they were improving.

My opinion is size plays a major issue. We've only got one starter who is over 290 right now. There's also... that dreaded word again... experience. Reese is true freshman, Dietrich is a converted guard, Thiebes was a TE at this time last year. Only Weyer and Logan Hines bring good experience from last season.

This is a very very young o line that is essentially starting it's 3rd string tackles (as projected over the summer). Outside of the Hines brothers there's lots of room for growth that will occur as these guys keep playing and practicing together and ideally add more weight/muscle this off-season.

Do you remember the Cats line 10 years or so ago, when they went win less that season and started a bunch of frosh and sophomores on the O-line? They were about like our line is this season, and everyone expected that they would be awesome by the time they were 2-3 year starters, because of all their experience. Well, it never happened. They were never very good because they were not very talented, just experienced.

I'm guessing you mean when they went 0-11 in 2000. In 2001 they went 5-6. In 2002 they went 7-6 and got into the playoffs and were Big Sky co-champions. In 2003 they went 7-6 again, were Big Sky co-champs again, and went to the playoffs again. In 02 and 03 they beat the Griz to win a share of the Big Sky.

It would appear your recollection of their team as they progressed is incorrect. They never got "great" but they got to the playoffs just 2 seasons after going without a win.

I am not trying to argue with you, just trying to understand what you see in these kids that I am missing.

Uh huh. There you have it.

 

[PlayerRep]

Does Monte not understand that it is not necessary for fans to evaluate and know whether the young qb's have what it takes to take over the position next year? The coaches see the qb's in practice every day, and know their talent level and potential. The main job of the coaches this season is to win football games--not evaluate talent for next year.

Monte seems to think that coaches should not play seniors; they should play only underclassman who will be around next year.

 

[Sam A. Blitz]

Does Monte not understand that it is not necessary for fans to evaluate and know whether the young qb's have what it takes to take over the position next year? The coaches see the qb's in practice every day, and know their talent level and potential. The main job of the coaches this season is to win football games--not evaluate talent for next year.

Monte seems to think that coaches should not play seniors; they should play only underclassman who will be around next year.

Thank you!!!

 

[monte is a character]

Your last sentence makes no sense, and totally misrepresents my point regarding experience. On the QB thing, it is the same deal as the O-line. We know nothing about either Simis or Gus because they have not been given meaningful game-time EXPERIENCE with our first team offense. While experience does not mean they are talented, at least we can see what they are capable of doing now, and be able to project whether either one will be the answer at QB next year. You don't learn that in spring practice or scrimmages. Are you comfortable that one of them will be the answer next season? And if so, why do you feel that way? You have nothing to go on except watching them practice.

Yep, indeed. Unfortunately the coaching staff has really only had 1 opportunity to give Gus and Simis looks (CWU game) and didn't do that. Also the 2nd half of this season suggests they may not get the opportunity to do so. In your initial argument you state that the "experience" argument has too much emphasis and then turn around and say experience is vital for our backups. I would say experience matters for next season's O-linemen as well, and the experience they're building in each game is good for them. You can't have it both ways and say that the experience that Dietrich, Weyer, Todd, Reese, and Thiebes are getting this season doesn't matter and then turn around and say Gus and Simis need experience for evaluation or else we must go get a drop down QB.

College football is about changing of the guard often, many times players with little to no starting experience are elevated through departure/graduation over the off-season and excel. A prime example is our linebacker corps for this season. You would agree they're doing pretty good, correct? Van Ack and Gamboa had ST experience, Kose missed most of last season, Schye was a red shirt, Lebsock was hurt and out for most of the season, and Strahm was a red shirt. However this group is pretty damn solid now.

I'm not saying the team needs to avoid giving Gus and Simis chances to play but I strongly disagree that this team should risk losing games (at this point) to build experience. This is a playoff team that's in the hunt for the conference title. Way too soon to hit the panic button and thrust in next years starters.

And yeah I've seen Gus and Simis in practice but my opinion is just that of an observer. You know who has seen them every day in meetings, in film, and on the field? The coaches. They know what they have in players. Teams practice to get better and assess talent. That's where these two will have to make a stand.

We have seen the offensive linemen many times this season. I am not an expert on evaluating linemen, but it amuses me that some of you stating that our line is improving each game. Why do you say that? We have no running game, and our QBs are scrambling for their life on nearly every pass play. I watch the replay, and focus on the individual linemen, and what see is that most of them can not engage a block or or even play to a draw with their defender for more than a second or two. Is it because of lack of size? Lack of Talent? Poor footwork? Who knows. I just can not see make these statements that they are gelling, or that they will be a strong line next year based upon what I have seen.

Until the UND debacle they were improving.

My opinion is size plays a major issue. We've only got one starter who is over 290 right now. There's also... that dreaded word again... experience. Reese is true freshman, Dietrich is a converted guard, Thiebes was a TE at this time last year. Only Weyer and Logan Hines bring good experience from last season.

This is a very very young o line that is essentially starting it's 3rd string tackles (as projected over the summer). Outside of the Hines brothers there's lots of room for growth that will occur as these guys keep playing and practicing together and ideally add more weight/muscle this off-season.

Do you remember the Cats line 10 years or so ago, when they went win less that season and started a bunch of frosh and sophomores on the O-line? They were about like our line is this season, and everyone expected that they would be awesome by the time they were 2-3 year starters, because of all their experience. Well, it never happened. They were never very good because they were not very talented, just experienced.

I'm guessing you mean when they went 0-11 in 2000. In 2001 they went 5-6. In 2002 they went 7-6 and got into the playoffs and were Big Sky co-champions. In 2003 they went 7-6 again, were Big Sky co-champs again, and went to the playoffs again. In 02 and 03 they beat the Griz to win a share of the Big Sky.

It would appear your recollection of their team as they progressed is incorrect. They never got "great" but they got to the playoffs just 2 seasons after going without a win.

I am not trying to argue with you, just trying to understand what you see in these kids that I am missing.

Uh huh. There you have it.

Our coaches only care about this season, since few of them will be around next year if we are lucky. Let's just agree to disagree. We will see who is right next season.

 

[monte is a character]

Does Monte not understand that it is not necessary for fans to evaluate and know whether the young qb's have what it takes to take over the position next year? The coaches see the qb's in practice every day, and know their talent level and potential. The main job of the coaches this season is to win football games--not evaluate talent for next year.

Monte seems to think that coaches should not play seniors; they should play only underclassman who will be around next year.

Thank you!!!

I'm not talking about the fans, you meat head. The coaches also need to evaluate these two against real competition, not practice or scrimmages running the third team offense. They don't know anything about whether either of them have the ability to be the man next year, any more than you or I do. When are the going to evaluate them, during their first start next season? Like I said in an earlier post, if they are not better right now than SSH, we are in big trouble next year. He has showed nothing when playing.