Kiffin said he wanted to throw the upcoming freshmen into the fire when practice starts back. In particular, he said he wanted Bryce Brown to work with the first unit. He said there’s no way you can get a feel for a guy by having him play with the fourth string.
Email
PrintComments
And cue the transitive property in 3 ... 2 ...
If Bryce needs to work with the 1st team for a fair evaluation of his ability, what about the quarterbacks this spring?
I'll paste my comment from there
Some Bammer asked the same question, Hooper. You’re a chill dude, but this time, you are not in good company…
Coleman had his initial chances with the 1s during the first parts of spring practice. And I think he had a few snaps against the 1s in the O&W game. Keep in mind that our "1s" does not include most of the probable starters in the secondary (Eric Berry, Brent Vinson, Jackson/Myles Jr). So, almost all quarterbacks are facing the same secondary, but different linebackers and defensive linemen.
I think you give the freshmen snaps with the 1s because, in all likelihood, it will quickly become apparent that they have no business being out there yet. Except in rare cases, of which I expect to see a few this fall (Brown, Teague, Jackson, Richardson).
Beautiful
As you probably guessed, I don’t believe the transitive property works in this case either. But it’s the most natural “yeah, but” question that comes to mind, so we might as well get it out in the open.
Another reason I don’t think it applies is because the entire concept of a 1st- and 2nd-team is different. In the spring, everybody was learning new systems and there was a lot of mixing and matching to find the right physical combinations. For most of spring practice, the two squads might as well have been called “strange” and “charm” for all the distinction was worth. In the fall, the 1st-team squad really will be most of the starters and the pecking order will be fairly well established. In that condition, it makes more sense to toss Bryce up there early. Knowing whether he hangs with our best units is more informative than whether he hangs with the practice squad.
by David Hooper on Apr 23, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
You also give the freshmen snaps with the 1s
because that’s part of how you got them to come, by promising they’d get such a chance.
I like the motivations that arise out of the concept of having your returners prove themselves in spring and the freshmen getting their shot in the fall. Returners can’t slack off for spring. Freshmen can’t slack off during the summer.
At some point in the fall, though, they’re going to have to settle on a team and get them practicing together.
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Apr 23, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
At some point in the fall, though, they’re going to have to settle on a team and get them practicing together.
Unless you account for the offense that is “SO SIMPLE A [trademarked spokesperson for a gigantic insurance corporation] CAN DO IT”.
;-)
by David Hooper on Apr 23, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
One other thought:
Lane has been selling the whole “recruited the top guy in the nation” point so heavily that he has a vested interest in Bryce succeeding. If Bryce plays and stands out in his freshman year, then recruiting takes a huge step forward as they have one more selling point (early playing time with early success). But even if Bryce doesn’t pan out in the first couple weeks, at least they’ll be able to show everybody that he got a real chance. That’s not a bad consolation prize on the recruiting trail.
Either way, expect to hear a lot about Bryce once the fall practices begin.
Is Oku simply out of
the picture? I mean he is a completely different back and I think he could be quite explosive himself.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
~Earl Wilson
No.
No. No no no no. Oku is definitely still in the picture. I don’t see anything wrong with saying, “the number one overall recruit will be given a bit more of a chance to prove himself than x player.” A higher ranking commands bigger expectations. I will guarantee it right now the only thing that will hamper Bryce Brown is picking up the system and maybe blocking. Oku, on the other hand, has had a few mental issues, but there is no doubt how good he is. My guess is, you’ll have Oku and Brown, in their prime at UT, will split the weight load 60/35 with other HB’s picking up the other 5 percent (freshmen, transfers, guys further down the d-chart). Again, I say in their prime, so that could be 2010 or 2011 (we all know BB isn’t staying for his senior season). Oku will be given a “fair shake” to prove himself, just as any player will that comes to play for UT. But, this is Bryce Brown for God’s sakes. The “best running back in 5 years”. Plus, he’s got that studly mini fro.
Wanna hear some music?
Yeah, this is pure advertising schtick.
Brown’s the most recognizable and most highly-rated name on the team, so it’s easiest to market him. Oku will get the same chance to prove himself, although I’m certain the staff has a different concept of how he’ll play (like you noted).
I wouldn’t be surprised to see all five RBs play in the opener against WKU (especially if we’re leading at halftime by any reasonable margin). That would basically extend fall auditions into the season a week and would only help UT against UCLA and Florida.
by David Hooper on Apr 23, 2009 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
The best thing about that
Is we can have 3 very able runners on the field at one time. Toney Williams as FB, Oku/Poole/Dyer RB, and you can toss Brown into the slot. I say Brown because I know he has very good pass catching ability. I don’t know about the other guys, although Williams doesn’t have bad hands at all.
Wanna hear some music?
That makes the most sense.
Of course, if Oku can catch well, his slighter size would make him a great candidate for the slot (or even wide out) instead of being Mr. Inside.
But good grief, that lineup just screams “Single Wing”.
by David Hooper on Apr 23, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
How about Brandon Warren as a wideout?
with that combination.
Even an adequate QB (Crompton) should be able to throw quick, short passes to those guys and let them make plays.
If Crompton holds the ball longer than 2.5 sec on any play, he should have to sniff Orgeron’s armpits after wrasslin’ with the D-line all day.
My favorite play from Crompton may well be the shortest delivery of all – a direct hand-off.
by memphispete on Apr 23, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Eeewwwwww
I’m not at all certain that any QB should get the death penalty for holding the ball too long!
Rocky Top Talk
by Joel Hollingsworth on Apr 23, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Feelin strong about it
Just wanted you to know I was feelin strong about Crompton holding onto the ball too long.
Spring game would have had a whole boatload of sacks at 100% from the defense and any permitted creativity.
I’m thinking smelling salts or electro shock or something to discourage the boy from trying to win games himself. Distribute the ball quickly and simply. THROW DA BAW FAS’, Boy!
Your point is great about the talent surrounding him.
Exactly.
It’s not gonna help recruiting to get the #1 guy and play him on the scout team.
Official MCM Hater!
Agree with Kiffin's on freshman
he learned from Pete Carroll on this who sells that as a freshman you will get a shot to compete and if you are good enough you will play. USC prides themselves on having a lot of competition in practice and the games on Saturday being the break and fun part of the week.
I am always confused when players talk about not going to a school because of the depth chart. If you don’t want to compete against the best and want to have early PT handed to you, then I strongly doubt you will ever make it to the top of your potential.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
SHOP THE ROCKY TOP TALK STORE
Animated Drive Charts
RTT Classics
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
