Starting 22

[TomCat88]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

[VimSince03]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

Howe also mentioned Sharbano as a younger DT who's made strides during his redshirt year.

[TomCat88]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

Howe also mentioned Sharbano as a younger DT who's made strides during his redshirt year.

I really miss not being able to get into scrimmages, mainly because I always liked getting a first glimpse at players like Sharbono. You hear about these guys and then you see them firsthand, and it can be quite a site. McGhee and Andersen are a couple guys I specifically recall seeing for the first time during a scrimmage and being blown away.

[Camo_Cat]

I am not concerned about the talent level of any of the 11 guys we start this year on defense, or their backups. I believe they are all physically up to the task. What my concerns were under Garza was our inability to tackle, IMHO. They last few years, our guys have made the right reads and put themselves in the right positions. But the inability to bring down the ball-carrier has been awful. Daly was a beast of a tackler when he played, and I believe we will see an emphasis on that this season.

[AFCAT]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

Howe also mentioned Sharbano as a younger DT who's made strides during his redshirt year.

I really miss not being able to get into scrimmages, mainly because I always liked getting a first glimpse at players like Sharbono. You hear about these guys and then you see them firsthand, and it can be quite a site. McGhee and Andersen are a couple guys I specifically recall seeing for the first time during a scrimmage and being blown away.

Join the QB club. You can get into most practices and scrimmages as a member. There are a few practices/scrimmages that are locked down though and nobody outside the coaches, players, and staff can attend.

[asstastic]

It appears the beef on the DL has current weights online now.

[technoCat]

It appears the beef on the DL has current weights online now.

Holy cow! You ain't kidding!

[TomCat88]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

Howe also mentioned Sharbano as a younger DT who's made strides during his redshirt year.

I really miss not being able to get into scrimmages, mainly because I always liked getting a first glimpse at players like Sharbono. You hear about these guys and then you see them firsthand, and it can be quite a site. McGhee and Andersen are a couple guys I specifically recall seeing for the first time during a scrimmage and being blown away.

Join the QB club. You can get into most practices and scrimmages as a member. There are a few practices/scrimmages that are locked down though and nobody outside the coaches, players, and staff can attend.

I wouldn’t feel right about that and I don’t think the coaches would either. They probably wouldn’t care if they knew how little I know about football. lol

[coloradocat]

I'm told Paul Brott is doing really well.

I've always liked him simply because of the story one of the dads of a Shrine OL that went up against him told me. It went something like this: his son's Shrine Game head coach told him that he was the best OL on the squad, and he put him at LT. His son was really proud and happy about that. His son then lined up against Brott in the Shrine Game and was completely abused all game. His son came home somewhat humiliated, understandably, and told his dad that he'd never played against anyone that good.

Anyway, I think MSU has a very solid DT group. Black is back and making progress. A lot of people thought he was outperforming Brott their first year, then he got hurt. Of course, Schmidt is very good, and it also sounds like Eckhart, who is one of the strongest players on the team, is adapting to what Howe is coaching him up on.

Howe also mentioned Sharbano as a younger DT who's made strides during his redshirt year.

I really miss not being able to get into scrimmages, mainly because I always liked getting a first glimpse at players like Sharbono. You hear about these guys and then you see them firsthand, and it can be quite a site. McGhee and Andersen are a couple guys I specifically recall seeing for the first time during a scrimmage and being blown away.

Join the QB club. You can get into most practices and scrimmages as a member. There are a few practices/scrimmages that are locked down though and nobody outside the coaches, players, and staff can attend.

I wouldn’t feel right about that and I don’t think the coaches would either. They probably wouldn’t care if they knew how little I know about football. lol

Can't you get a press pass? I'm guessing they don't let the press see much of practice but it seems like some of them post short video clips of practice so they must get to see something.

[catscat]

I am not concerned about the talent level of any of the 11 guys we start this year on defense, or their backups. I believe they are all physically up to the task. What my concerns were under Garza was our inability to tackle, IMHO. They last few years, our guys have made the right reads and put themselves in the right positions. But the inability to bring down the ball-carrier has been awful. Daly was a beast of a tackler when he played, and I believe we will see an emphasis on that this season.

I believe Owens was no slouch in the tackling department.

[MSU01]

I am not concerned about the talent level of any of the 11 guys we start this year on defense, or their backups. I believe they are all physically up to the task. What my concerns were under Garza was our inability to tackle, IMHO. They last few years, our guys have made the right reads and put themselves in the right positions. But the inability to bring down the ball-carrier has been awful. Daly was a beast of a tackler when he played, and I believe we will see an emphasis on that this season.

So basically, the scheme was good but the players weren't able to execute their assignments? That would seem to be a criticism more of the players and position coaches than the DC, unless Garza was the one primarily out there coaching the players on tackling.

[kennethnoisewater]

I am not concerned about the talent level of any of the 11 guys we start this year on defense, or their backups. I believe they are all physically up to the task. What my concerns were under Garza was our inability to tackle, IMHO. They last few years, our guys have made the right reads and put themselves in the right positions. But the inability to bring down the ball-carrier has been awful. Daly was a beast of a tackler when he played, and I believe we will see an emphasis on that this season.

So basically, the scheme was good but the players weren't able to execute their assignments? That would seem to be a criticism more of the players and position coaches than the DC, unless Garza was the one primarily out there coaching the players on tackling.

That's kind of where my head is at. But defense is so much about attitude and effort and motivation. Those guys know how to tackle. In a lot of cases (not saying this is what happened last year), teams just play harder for a guy they love. I'm hoping that was the case and that the defense will play with their hair on fire and still be disciplined.

[Camo_Cat]

I am not concerned about the talent level of any of the 11 guys we start this year on defense, or their backups. I believe they are all physically up to the task. What my concerns were under Garza was our inability to tackle, IMHO. They last few years, our guys have made the right reads and put themselves in the right positions. But the inability to bring down the ball-carrier has been awful. Daly was a beast of a tackler when he played, and I believe we will see an emphasis on that this season.

So basically, the scheme was good but the players weren't able to execute their assignments? That would seem to be a criticism more of the players and position coaches than the DC, unless Garza was the one primarily out there coaching the players on tackling.

Yes, good tackling is physical, but there is a lot to playing defense and tackling well that stems from attitude and culture. A lot of that comes from the player, but a lot also comes from the coaching - defensive schemes, level of aggressiveness, etc. I never felt that WMG's defenses were attacking or mean & nasty. Too reactionary; too afraid to make a big play. Both Daly and Jody Owens were great tacklers in their day, and you can bet they will be emphasizing taking the ball carrier to the ground.

[catatac]

Had a discussion with a buddy the other night about potential NFL guys currently on our roster. I firmly believe there are a LOT of players that will at least get NFL looks\tryouts. Total random list below based on plucking names off the 2-deep. If anyone is feeling energetic, feel free to call out the player below that you think have a legit shot at getting a tryout, and\or actually making the league.

Tommy Mellott
Julius Davis
Scottre Humphrey
Rohan Jones
Junior Alexander
Taco Dowler
Ty McCulloch
Ryan Lonergan
Hunter Provience
Connor Moore
JT Reed
Justus Perkins
Cole Sain
Marcus Wehr
Brody Grebe
Hunter Parsons
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Kenneth Eiden
Zac Crews
McCade O'Reilly
Danny U
Caden Dowler
Miles Jackson
Jon Johnson
Simeon Woodard
Andrew Powdrell
Dru Polidore
Rylan Ortt
Brendan Hall
Tommy Sullivan

Oh, and I waw mainly looking at the older players... feel free to add any I might have missed.

[BelligerentBobcat]

[coloradocat]

Had a discussion with a buddy the other night about potential NFL guys currently on our roster. I firmly believe there are a LOT of players that will at least get NFL looks\tryouts. Total random list below based on plucking names off the 2-deep. If anyone is feeling energetic, feel free to call out the player below that you think have a legit shot at getting a tryout, and\or actually making the league.

Tommy Mellott
Julius Davis
Scottre Humphrey
Rohan Jones
Junior Alexander
Taco Dowler
Ty McCulloch
Ryan Lonergan
Hunter Provience
Connor Moore
JT Reed
Justus Perkins
Cole Sain
Marcus Wehr
Brody Grebe
Hunter Parsons
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Kenneth Eiden
Zac Crews
McCade O'Reilly
Danny U
Caden Dowler
Miles Jackson
Jon Johnson
Simeon Woodard
Andrew Powdrell
Dru Polidore
Rylan Ortt
Brendan Hall
Tommy Sullivan

Oh, and I waw mainly looking at the older players... feel free to add any I might have missed.

Tommy has a chance if he has a huge year but more like a spring leaguer.
Davis probably won't have enough tape so he'll have to have amazing measurables and hope he can get noticed when scouts come for the real NFL prospects like Ty and Lance did.
I like Scottre's chances a little more but RBs have it tough because we always have too many for there to be one guy to rack up stats.
Justus is too small to get NFL looks. Has nothing to do with ability.
Wehr will get drafted (unless he gets injured). Cole Moore could follow in his footsteps down the road.
Brody is probably similar to Daniel Hardy in that a big pro day can get him a day 3 draft selection.
The DBs come down to measurables and if they can have big senior seasons. Even then I doubt it.
Brendan Hall will be an UDFA.
Tommy Sullivan will benefit from all the scouts coming for Wehr and Brody and has a good shot at an UDFA.

[kwcat]

Had a discussion with a buddy the other night about potential NFL guys currently on our roster. I firmly believe there are a LOT of players that will at least get NFL looks\tryouts. Total random list below based on plucking names off the 2-deep. If anyone is feeling energetic, feel free to call out the player below that you think have a legit shot at getting a tryout, and\or actually making the league.

Tommy Mellott
Julius Davis
Scottre Humphrey
Rohan Jones
Junior Alexander
Taco Dowler
Ty McCulloch
Ryan Lonergan
Hunter Provience
Connor Moore
JT Reed
Justus Perkins
Cole Sain
Marcus Wehr
Brody Grebe
Hunter Parsons
Alec Eckert
Blake Schmidt
Paul Brott
Zack Black
Kenneth Eiden
Zac Crews
McCade O'Reilly
Danny U
Caden Dowler
Miles Jackson
Jon Johnson
Simeon Woodard
Andrew Powdrell
Dru Polidore
Rylan Ortt
Brendan Hall
Tommy Sullivan

Oh, and I waw mainly looking at the older players... feel free to add any I might have missed.

I think five or maybe six on this list will get a look. Not gonna cut any of the kids down so just don’t have the physical measles they would need. Not downing their heart or their work ethic. But I would think 5 to 6 and I would hope I am wrong.