Duke RB Thomas transfer to the Vols?

[madbamahater]

Can he catch be ball out of the backfield and the trickier question would can; will the coaches allow RBs to catch any passes out of the back field, or wheel routes?

Also, can he pass block? They have to find ways to give Nico time in the pocket.

 

[Oldvoldad]

I think Joesph has next as our premiere edge. He is currently on the same path Pearce and Young took he just has to have that explosion in numbers

Joseph played early before Pearce. He hasn't improved a ton since his first year. He benefitted this season with teams scheming against Pearce. Therefore, Ross needs to make that big jump. Herring needs to take a step too.

 

[sami]

I would have liked to see what we could’ve done with a different draw. I don’t think we were one of the best teams but that was a horrible draw. Ohio state was beyond pissed and playing at home. You get the most talented team at home with something to prove.

If we got Penn State's draw we would have been in the final four. Same with the Texas draw. We got the one draw that anyone in the field would have lost.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

Can he catch be ball out of the backfield and the trickier question would can; will the coaches allow RBs to catch any passes out of the back field, or wheel routes?

Also, can he pass block? They have to find ways to give Nico time in the pocket.

I agree that we need to throw the ball to the backs more, but can the O line protect w/o needing the help of a back in pass pro? If we weren’t getting the ball to Sampson out of the backfield Star Thomas isn’t gonna be the guy that will change that. He’s probably the third best back on the team .

 

[xpsyclonex2002]

Problem is we don't throw to backs out of backfield

We don't throw to back's out of the backfield......yet.

 

[Vfl2407]

We don't throw to back's out of the backfield......yet.

Love to see us start doing this more and throwing slants to tight ends.

 

[HalfullVol]

Love to see us start doing this more and throwing slants to tight ends.

Just utilizing the bigger body receivers more often would be nice.

Our TE group may not be NFL talent but the league definitely leverages the TE more often across the middle and in TE screen game.

The growth of the offense around Nico has to evolve.

 

[rocytop2624]

Problem is we don't throw to backs out of backfield

Go back and look at Jabari Small he caught the ball out of the backfield good and we really haven't had one since him.

We will go back to a 3 headed running back team Sampson was done after Vandy.

 

[SpookyAction]

In 2018 UCF had 3347 yds receiving and 3459 yds rushing. RBs had 724 yds receiving. TEs had 291 yds receiving.

In 2019 UCF had 2923 yds rushing and 4142 yds receiving. RBs had 599 yds receiving. TEs had 93 yds receiving.

Passing to the RBs has been bigger parts of Heupel's scheme when he had the players.
The point about the missing RB screen is well-made.

Heupel has no track record of making the TEs a big part of his offensive production.
I suspect he is making promises to our incoming TEs about being used as offensive weapons. Bowers showed us TEs can be explosive when targeted consistently. I hope they bear fruit.

 

[MSME Vol]

So far, we’ve added from the portal:
1 OL (probable starter)
1 WR (probably will play on second set of 3)
1 RB (probable second team)

What do we still need?
Another starting OL (especially if Karic can’t return)
A starting DB (especially if McCoy doesn’t recover quickly)
A starter or high level second team LB
A game changer DL pass rusher

Will be interesting to see which of these we prioritize at the next portal period after Spring practice.
I realize our 83 man roster prohibits too many more pickups unless we “encourage” a few to leave.

If Karic has a lawyer, he'll be back. NCAA has no teeth.

 

[TMvol10]

He looks slow as molasses. We need some play makers. Maybe he’s a decent short yardage back.

 

[901 Orange]

Joseph played early before Pearce. He hasn't improved a ton since his first year. He benefitted this season with teams scheming against Pearce. Therefore, Ross needs to make that big jump. Herring needs to take a step too.

I think he made a big improvement this season over where he was. Garner said the same before the season even started and we know Garner won't blow smoke for a player. Joesph has played much more football than Ross at this point. While Ross is more talented, Joesph is still the better player right now. I think we're another year away from Ross really breaking out. I just tend to lean towards what Garner says when it comes to DL.

 

[901 Orange]

Joseph played early before Pearce. He hasn't improved a ton since his first year. He benefitted this season with teams scheming against Pearce. Therefore, Ross needs to make that big jump. Herring needs to take a step too.

BTW, Joesph lead the DL in total tackles, finished 2nd in TFL's, and led the team in forced fumbles. 2 of those FF's were in some huge moments. The only number that needs to go up for him is sacks but that isn't the only metric used to grade DE

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Just utilizing the bigger body receivers more often would be nice.

Our TE group may not be NFL talent but the league definitely leverages the TE more often across the middle and in TE screen game.

The growth of the offense around Nico has to evolve.

We increased out TE talent in last Fall’s recruiting class. I believe our overall passing game will be much improved this Fall , especially with Nico’s added experience and real competition in the QB room. In addition, the offensive line should also be improved.