'15 VA OL Matthew Burrell

[DaddyChad]

I mean it's not like we suddenly quit needing elite OG prospects just because we suck so bad at tackle right now.

 

[LebanonVolunteer]

I mean it's not like we suddenly quit needing elite OG prospects just because we suck so bad at tackle right now.

I think the UT staff feels we are OK at OG. They passed on Harrell and slow played Clark so bad they missed on him IF they would have taken him when he announced. It's another reason that I think they see Boulware at OT maybe a bit more than the fans do.

 

[BarrythesnoUT]

I think the UT staff feels we are OK at OG. They passed on Harrell and slow played Clark so bad they missed on him IF they would have taken him when he announced. It's another reason that I think they see Boulware at OT maybe a bit more than the fans do.

Burrell > Harrell or Clark

Boulware is not a true tackle, and we've seen this year what trying to play a Guard in that position leads to.

 

[chavisut]

Ideally you're right. IMO it's not a 1 year fix kind of thing though. 2014, 2015, 2016 and UT's OL should be as strong as anyone talent wise. Those thinking the 2015 class is going to fix the issues no matter how many they take IMO it's just not happening. Most if not all the guys in the 2015 OL will be RSing anyway so they will not make much of an impact in the 2015 season IMO. Once the 2016 OL class(3-5 guys) is on campus then we'll be alright going forward.

It's not a one year fix. However, it begins with this class and that's not enough imo.

 

[Nashvegas31]

I think the UT staff feels we are OK at OG. They passed on Harrell and slow played Clark so bad they missed on him IF they would have taken him when he announced. It's another reason that I think they see Boulware at OT maybe a bit more than the fans do.[/

I think they would def take a OG if they think they have elite potential. We have bodies there but not exactly elite talent there.

 

[Montrell Hardy]

They aren't turning down a talent like Burrell. LOL TN has the worst OL situation in the SEC, and people actually think they are going to turn away a National Top 100 guy? I don't care what position he projects at on the OL, they need an infusion of talent at every spot.

 

[Montrell Hardy]

We have bodies there but not exactly elite talent there.

This.

 

[keckjm]

They aren't turning down a talent like Burrell. LOL TN has the worst OL situation in the SEC, and people actually think they are going to turn away a National Top 100 guy? I don't care what position he projects at on the OL, they need an infusion of talent at every spot.

The fact you are having to state this tells you how clueless some of our fan base is. It's pretty evident to me that outside maybe Jackson at LG there isn't a spot on our o-line that doesn't need to be upgraded.

 

[Phat-Phil]

The fact you are having to state this tells you how clueless some of our fan base is. It's pretty evident to me that outside maybe Jackson at LG there isn't a spot on our o-line that doesn't need to be upgraded.

Jashon and Coleman are going to do nothing but get better. They needed a year of S&C to develop but unfortunately they didn't have that luxury. Imo they will both be good players for us down the road. They just need a little time to develop is all.

 

[Vol Revolver]

I think the OL will show some significant improvement next year, even if all of this year prospects redshirt... which If somehow we get Richmond flipped, no way that happens Richmond will be playing... you still have to consider the growth and improvements this years YOUNG line will make. I mean, they havta get better, right?

I think we could see as many as 2 new starters and a few more new faces on the 2 deep. I could see CT replacing MC(who has been beat like a rented mule) at C and if DB doesn't come along after RSing we could have 2 freshman OTs. We will have 3 RS SRs next year and 2 could be relieved of their starting rolls. If they haven't gained the strength and agility to compete after 4 years I'm not sure we will see a huge improvement in year 5. I do know KK is playing out of position, He maybe fine if he gets to move back to guard. I think the coaching staff next year will be choosing the less of 2 evils. I think the talent will be better but we may only be slightly improved from a production standpoint. JMO.

 

[keckjm]

Jashon and Coleman are going to do nothing but get better. They needed a year of S&C to develop but unfortunately they didn't have that luxury. Imo they will both be good players for us down the road. They just need a little time to develop is all.

Jashon will be fine at RG in time. He needs a redshirt year like Jackson received last year. Thomas, well, if he doesn't move back to C he'll be replaced very quickly. We desperately need a C for the future because Wiesman can't stay healthy, and no one really knows how good Ray is potential wise. If Blair can play next year, then I expect Kendrick, Blair, Kerbs, Jackson, and Crowder/Wiesman to be the starters. Hopefully, at least one of Thomas/Robertson/Wiesman can redshirt next year along with the freshman, unless we land Richmond or Burrell, those two will receive playing time no doubt.

 

[VAVolsFan2009]

"expect Kendrick, Blair, Kerbs, Jackson, and Crowder/Wiesman to be the starters."

No way this will happen. Neither Kendrick nor Wiesman will beat out Thomas. Just will not happen. Next spring Thomas will be bigger and stronger. He is a player. Shame he couldn't redshirt.

 

[jave36]

No way this will happen. Neither Kendrick nor Wiesman will beat out Thomas. Just will not happen. Next spring Thomas will be bigger and stronger. He is a player. Shame he couldn't redshirt.

I don't think he'll ever be a tackle though. Maybe he'll take Crowder spot at C, and maybe Blair can play T and let Kerby move inside where he belongs. Still leaves us short a good tackle. Hopefully Sanders or Kendrick can be adequate.

 

[keckjm]

I don't think he'll ever be a tackle though. Maybe he'll take Crowder spot at C, and maybe Blair can play T and let Kerby move inside where he belongs. Still leaves us short a good tackle. Hopefully Sanders or Kendrick can be adequate.

I agree. Thomas is not a T. Wiseman is highly regarded by our staff, but he can't stay healthy. I could see Thomas starting at C with Blair/Kendrick/Kerbs/Jones competing for tackle spots. I don't understand the hate on Kendrick on this board. Kendrick should be starting at RT right now IMO. Thomas is flat terrible at RT, and it's not his fault. He should have been redshirted and left at C.

 

[wtorange]

I agree. Thomas is not a T. Wiseman is highly regarded by our staff, but he can't stay healthy. I could see Thomas starting at C with Blair/Kendrick/Kerbs/Jones competing for tackle spots. I don't understand the hate on Kendrick on this board. Kendrick should be starting at RT right now IMO. Thomas is flat terrible at RT, and it's not his fault. He should have been redshirted and left at C.

He should have been redshirted but our situation was so dire that he had to play. For folks who think Richmond could just walk right in and play I've got news for you. He really needs to redshirt because he is nowhere near ready to start in the SEC. I remember Coach Majors saying that one of the worst things he ever did was start Bill Mayo as a freshman. Mayo turned out to be an All-American but he was killed as a freshman. We just didn't have another choice.

 

[keckjm]

He should have been redshirted but our situation was so dire that he had to play. For folks who think Richmond could just walk right in and play I've got news for you. He really needs to redshirt because he is nowhere near ready to start in the SEC. I remember Coach Majors saying that one of the worst things he ever did was start Bill Mayo as a freshman. Mayo turned out to be an All-American but he was killed as a freshman. We just didn't have another choice.

If Blair plays next year we have options that could allow one of Wiesman/Robertson/Thomas to get redshirted next year. I'm realistic and understand the situation at hand, but there comes a point where things just don't work out. Our O-line isn't working out, and I understand we are trying to build chemistry, but changes are needed now. My biggest concern for our o-line is the C position. That's the single most important position on the field other than QB, and I'm not sure Crowder sees the field well enough to get the job done. Crowder and Worley have to work together to call out new blocking assignments based on the defense they see. I don't think either do this very well. I'm all for letting Wiesman or Thomas play C next year, or at least have a chance to win the job over in the spring.

 

[Tux]

Crowder is not physical enough nor strong enough to play center in the SEC. It is not so much about how much weight he can pump in the bench. His size only allows his base to be so wide and provide only so much power. He goes against 330 nose tackles and it is not even a a fair mismatch.

 

[Vol Revolver]

I agree. Thomas is not a T. Wiseman is highly regarded by our staff, but he can't stay healthy. I could see Thomas starting at C with Blair/Kendrick/Kerbs/Jones competing for tackle spots. I don't understand the hate on Kendrick on this board. Kendrick should be starting at RT right now IMO. Thomas is flat terrible at RT, and it's not his fault. He should have been redshirted and left at C.

There is a reason Kendrick is not starting. Fortunately for him he is young enough to show significant improvement and contribute over the next couple of years but as of right now he is just as bad as anyone we have at any position.

 

[Tux]

Kendrick is a guard. We are loaded with guard types and have zero offensive tackles on the team….that is outside of Blair.

 

[big harry]

Kendrick is a guard. We are loaded with guard types and have zero offensive tackles on the team….that is outside of Blair.

and sanders...and kerbyson is a T to right?

 

[Tux]

and sanders...and kerbyson is a T to right?

Kerbyson is a natural guard. He has tackle size, but physical attributes more in line with those of guards.

 

[Vol Revolver]

Kendrick is a guard. We are loaded with guard types and have zero offensive tackles on the team….that is outside of Blair.

We do have a lot of "guard types" but after watching these guys play this year I'm not sure I would trust them to produce at any position. I hope I'm wrong about that but we obviously need an influx of talent. Maybe the competition with some of the new guys next year will make this line a lot better. I hope.

 

[VOLorNuttin]

Crowder is not physical enough nor strong enough to play center in the SEC. It is not so much about how much weight he can pump in the bench. His size only allows his base to be so wide and provide only so much power. He goes against 330 nose tackles and it is not even a a fair mismatch.

Dylan Weisman approved this message.

Seriously, I saw Crowder get blown up by a Ark State DT, and I knew we were in for a LLLLLOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGG season. He looks more like a ST long snapper than an SEC Center.

 

[keckjm]

There is a reason Kendrick is not starting. Fortunately for him he is young enough to show significant improvement and contribute over the next couple of years but as of right now he is just as bad as anyone we have at any position.

Let me try to give you guys another prospective, Kendrick, Sanders, and Kerbs all played T in high school. Our starting RT played C in high school. Not only that, he was one of the best rated C in 2014. So, you want to tell me our best option at RT is to play a freshman who's never once played the position, while two guys who have redshirted and played the position full time in high school are on the bench? That doesn't make any sense what so ever. I'm all for Thomas starting, just not at RT. I just don't get the thinking here. Hey, I'm just a guy on a couch with a remote in my hand, but I can tell you without a doubt that the idea to play Thomas at T was not in our programs best interest long term. I get the depth problems. Trust me, I do. I'm in no way saying CBJ is to blame for our o-line problems, but I am saying that at some point as a head coach you have to demand something else. Kendrick probably isn't any better than Thomas, but at least give him a "real" whorl at it. Also, as bad as Crowder is, why not try Thomas at C? In my opinion, we are well past trying to build chemistry on our o-line anyway. Our o-line has lost us two games this year already. At some point you have to try something different. We can't even run a decent play on passing 3rd downs because we are having to keep a H-back or RB in the backfield to block. Defenses know this, and that's why we are flat terrible on 3rd downs this year. Defenses don't even have to account for the H-back or RB on 3rd down passing plays, and if we don't leave them back there Worley will be sacked in all of 2 seconds from the right side. It's just my opinion, and I could be totally wrong and Thomas becomes an all-SEC RT in two years, that Thomas was best suited to be our C for the future. I would have redshirted him, played Kerbs at RT, Kendrick a LT when Gilliam went down, and tried Sanders at T when Kendrick/Kerbs failed massively. I also would have tried Wiesman as the starting C the moment he was healthy.

On top of this, playing RS freshman and true freshman buys CBJ needed time. By giving new guys a chance to play, CBJ has an answer as to why our o-line is failing, that answer being he's having to play freshman and RS freshman over RS juniors. That's not his fault. He inherited this mess. The more freshman he plays, the more understanding people will become on just how bad our juniors and seniors are. This is a mess of an o-line and CBJ needs 2 more years to fix it.

 

[lilesrt]

Let me try to give you guys another prospective, Kendrick, Sanders, and Kerbs all played T in high school. Our starting RT played C in high school. Not only that, he was one of the best rated C in 2014. So, you want to tell me our best option at RT is to play a freshman who's never once played the position, while two guys who have redshirted and played the position full time in high school are on the bench? That doesn't make any sense what so ever. I'm all for Thomas starting, just not at RT. I just don't get the thinking here. Hey, I'm just a guy on a couch with a remote in my hand, but I can tell you without a doubt that the idea to play Thomas at T was not in our programs best interest long term. I get the depth problems. Trust me, I do. I'm in no way saying CBJ is to blame for our o-line problems, but I am saying that at some point as a head coach you have to demand something else. Kendrick probably isn't any better than Thomas, but at least give him a "real" whorl at it. Also, as bad as Crowder is, why not try Thomas at C? In my opinion, we are well past trying to build chemistry on our o-line anyway. Our o-line has lost us two games this year already. At some point you have to try something different. We can't even run a decent play on passing 3rd downs because we are having to keep a H-back or RB in the backfield to block. Defenses know this, and that's why we are flat terrible on 3rd downs this year. Defenses don't even have to account for the H-back or RB on 3rd down passing plays, and if we don't leave them back there Worley will be sacked in all of 2 seconds from the right side. It's just my opinion, and I could be totally wrong and Thomas becomes an all-SEC RT in two years, that Thomas was best suited to be our C for the future. I would have redshirted him, played Kerbs at RT, Kendrick a LT when Gilliam went down, and tried Sanders at T when Kendrick/Kerbs failed massively. I also would have tried Wiesman as the starting C the moment he was healthy.

On top of this, playing RS freshman and true freshman buys CBJ needed time. By giving new guys a chance to play, CBJ has an answer as to why our o-line is failing, that answer being he's having to play freshman and RS freshman over RS juniors. That's not his fault. He inherited this mess. The more freshman he plays, the more understanding people will become on just how bad our juniors and seniors are. This is a mess of an o-line and CBJ needs 2 more years to fix it.

All I know is that Kentucky, as a football team, is getting better. Tennessee is getting worse, despite having 4 star football players at every position. Here's an idea... What about moving the pocket on passing downs? It worked quite well for Crompton.