Recruiting Forum Football Talk IV

[VolInDayton]

The fact Florida is on that list twice is absolute TRASH.

They are going to find out a lot about their team in the first two weeks of the season.

 

[BigSteve09]

Clemson vs Wake Forest. . .

casting that wide net

 

[BigSteve09]

I hope that we dog walk SCar worse than last year so we can make all sorts of references to the $99 tickets.

 

[BigSteve09]

They are going to find out a lot about their team in the first two weeks of the season.

Utah defense might humble AR and knock Florida off their trajectory early.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Clemson and WF both won 10 games last year at least... a game I'll be watching, maybe not the 2nd best matchup in September but top 5 for sure.

 

[Nash_Vol97]

I am more of a casual fan, so probably won't be joining the fantasy league. I am just taking this opportunity to again say, UP THE REDS!!

It’s a much more relaxed format then NFL fantasy football. Your players earn points each week and the winner is total points at the end of the season. Only allowed one free transfer a week, so not much shuffling and daily concentration on who has a good matchup that week. Also, there’s no draft. You get 100M and you have to buy a starting 11 and 4 subs. People can buy the same players it’s just about who buys and maintains the best collective team over the course of the season. It’s fun and will be a very relaxed league. Just fans of EPL looking for more reasons to watch more games other than our own teams.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Tennessee was back out on the practice field Thursday morning for the fourth practice of fall camp. Like yesterday, the Vols were again in shoulder pads and helmet. Friday will serve as an off day from practice before the team returns for another shells session Saturday and full pads on Sunday.

Off the top, Vols new running back Lyn-J Dixon was present and accounted for Thursday morning, donning the No. 23 out on the practice field. He was wearing a helmet, but no shoulder pads like the rest of the team as his acclimation period is now a few days behind.

After visiting over the weekend and committing yesterday, it’s good to get the former Clemson tailback in action as soon as possible. We know the depth issues in the running back room to begin the season, so Dixon is a very much welcomed addition.

As far as how he looked, he appeared to be the typical 5-10, 195-pound running back we last saw play. I can’t comment on if he is ‘in shape’ or not, as the running backs were going over simple drills while the media was present. But just by watching him step, take the handoff and run through the ‘blaster,’ you can tell he’s been coached up and is a Power 5 college football player.

He ran through the blaster well, keeping low and turning his feet. As you’d probably expect, he was receiving extra coaching in-between sets from position coach Jerry Mack – who is trying to get him up to speed.

Very little takeaways on that front as we are only there for a short period of time, but Dixon is practicing with the team and going through drills. I’ll say this, it was very much a ‘first day of school’ look for Dixon as he was going the wrong direction on the practice field a few times – just not knowing where everything was just yet. He’ll quickly learn the lay of the land and the practice schedule.

Aside from that being the lead, it was another typical early camp practice day for the Vols. Christian Charles and Cheyenne Labruzza remain in red jerseys while Jaylen Wright – though dressed out – was not working with the running backs. The sophomore continues to get work in off to the side with a trainer.

Kamal Hadden was spotted and accounted for following Wednesday’s absence from practice (while the media was present). He was off to the side, wearing only a jersey with no helmet or shoulder pads. There was no visible evidence of a brace or sling for his elbow/arm. He was not doing any practice – from what it appeared. In conversations with people, the injury is not expected to be a big deal, but we will work to gain more information and continue to keep close tabs on his progress.

Now, onto the actual field we go. Tackling was a major point of emphasis for the Vols early on a Thursday morning. Josh Heupel was spending some extra time with the cornerbacks – who were repping angle tackling with the use of the sideline. The safeties were doing something similar – with the oversized donut - while the linebackers were split into two groups, hitting the one-man tacking sled and working on angle tackling as well.

It's imperative for Tennessee’s defense to become a better open-field tackling team. Angles are very much a part of that, as is breaking down and keeping your feet hot before making contact. That was emphasized greatly from assistants Willie Martinez and Brian Jean-Mary this morning.

Tennessee’s skilled players continue to work on timing as routes on-air have looked a lot better this camp compared to last. You can really tell these veteran quarterbacks – along with Tayven Jackson – have spent time throwing with receivers this offseason. There’s not been too many balls hit the ground while we’ve been there this week.

For those of you wondering how Bru McCoy is looking – it’s better and better every day. Physically, he’s looked good all week, but his routes have become smooth and much more crisp as the week has progressed. He’s been getting coached up as the week has gone on and you can tell he’s been putting it to use, showing he’s a coachable player.

The offensive line primarily worked in groups, centers and guard, tackles and guards. The defensive line repped the ladder drill today before shifting to bags, just how they start every practice. I have seriously ran out of different ways to write ‘Rodney Garner was animated’ – but believe me – its never an exaggeration.

A couple of other minor notes. I watched Tennessee’s slot receivers some today and they look good. As far as route running, planting to change direction and using their hands to go up and catch the football with extension – they all look good. I have not seen Walker Merrill take one rep in the slot this week (remember, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t, though), so it looks as if they are really counting on him to provide some depth on the outside this season.

And finally, you can really tell the work these running backs have put in over the offseason. I know it’s been said before, but Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright look good. They’ve gotten noticeably bigger and look the part now – playing tailback in the Southeastern Conference.

Practice No. 4 will wrap up around 11 o’clock and then we will hear from Glen Elarbee. Offensive linemen Cooper Mays, JaVontez Spraggins and Dayne Davis will meet with us as well.

- Eric Cain

 

[Nash_Vol97]

 

[BigSteve09]

 

[drvenner]

It’s a much more relaxed format then NFL fantasy football. Your players earn points each week and the winner is total points at the end of the season. Only allowed one free transfer a week, so not much shuffling and daily concentration on who has a good matchup that week. Also, there’s no draft. You get 100M and you have to buy a starting 11 and 4 subs. People can buy the same players it’s just about who buys and maintains the best collective team over the course of the season. It’s fun and will be a very relaxed league. Just fans of EPL looking for more reasons to watch more games other than our own teams.

I am interested in joining, but cannot find the invite within the Sports forum thread.

 

[Jimmy Football]

Is Dixon in the same eligibility limbo as Bru?

 

[Jackcrevol]

Is Dixon in the same eligibility limbo as Bru?

'what do you think?'

-NCAA

 

[berryvol]

@berryvol @pierce60 or anyone else that watches EPL:

The premiere league thread over in the sports forum started a Fantasy league for this season. If you’re interested in submitting a team then the league code to join is ‘kvc9hz’. All the information is in the thread in the last page or two.

Sounds like fun, definitely gonna have to check that out.

 

[BigSteve09]

For those of you wondering how Bru McCoy is looking – it’s better and better every day. Physically, he’s looked good all week, but his routes have become smooth and much more crisp as the week has progressed. He’s been getting coached up as the week has gone on and you can tell he’s been putting it to use, showing he’s a coachable player.

Very good

A couple of other minor notes. I watched Tennessee’s slot receivers some today and they look good. As far as route running, planting to change direction and using their hands to go up and catch the football with extension – they all look good. I have not seen Walker Merrill take one rep in the slot this week (remember, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t, though), so it looks as if they are really counting on him to provide some depth on the outside this season.

Hmm thought he could be like a Josh Smith or Zach Rogers. Dependable, someone for the QB to find on third downs. But maybe I'm a racist and all white people look the same to me.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

The problem is you are using where guys get drafted in relation to their HS star rankings and that’s flawed. When a kid comes out of HS they are ranked according to many factors. But those kids have had NO high level coaching at the college level.

Take the CEO situation to a different level. If you were a CEO and we’re evaluating potential employees, who would you hire? Let’s say you were looking at 5 people. Experience is equal but two have degrees from Harvard, one from MIT, one from Liberty and the other from ETSU. Which ones are you gonna look at more or are gonna be more likely to hire? Please don’t say ETSU and Liberty. You are gonna look more at the Harvard and MIT people. Why? They are perceived to have been better prepared and more capable. The Harvard and MIT people are the 4 and 5*s. While the others are your 3*s.

There isn’t a team that’s win championships that are built upon 3* players. That doesn’t mean a team cannot have really good 3* players. But to win championships, you have to have a high amount of blue chip players. That’s undeniable. And by blue chips, I mean high 4 and 5* guys. The data proves it. We are talking about the COLLEGE level. Not the NFL.

Your last last qualification of blue chip backs up my position that the four star pool is flawed to the point the big boys are primarily dealing in the upper reaches of that rating and analysis using the whole category is simply flawed in measuring success just on stars.

The next real analytical tool in measuring star accuracy is the draft. So having only 300 4&5 stars out of 1250 or so drafted and 900 being passed by 450 non blue chip guys over a three yr period is in fact telling about the capability to accurately assess potential except on the no brainers at your QUALIFIED levels. 5 star and 5 star cusp guys are good gets.

So the key is getting the RIGHT 4 stars once the power brokers have milked the top of the pool and assesing the MISSES and adding them in. Odds are longer but they are there.

Yield rates of SEC caliber players is the real game. A few real difference makers is the dream. All tbd on signing day.

 

[Nash_Vol97]

I am interested in joining, but cannot find the invite within the Sports forum thread.

I believe we have success in starting a Classic FPL league. The league is open to any that uses this code ‘kvc9hz’ the league name is Volnation FPL. Anyone can join with the code, you don’t have to too familiar with the Premier League or soccer really. It’s free and for fun. Also gives us an actual reason to watch Crystal Palace play Nottn Forest. Even if there are only a few of us it will work. It’s Classic and accrued over time, not head to head.

This is the code. I use mobile app and the app is called “Premiere League: Official App”. In the app there is a fantasy tab and you just have to go make a team first and then you go to “Join Leagues” and enter the code.

 

[Jimmy Football]

Very good


Hmm thought he could be like a Josh Smith or Zach Rogers. Dependable, someone for the QB to find on third downs. But maybe I'm a racist and all white people look the same to me.

I’ve heard he’s a high-motor guy. Sneaky athletic and gets the most out of his abilities. Lives in the film room.

 

[sjt18]

Your missing the forest for the trees here. Saban absolutely does know talent, and he has always been able to stack it up every year. The recruiting services don't just look at one another and say; "Hey guys! Who is Saban recruiting? That is who we need to give our highest ratings to!" The recruiting services have camps, go to games, watch film, ect to determine who the best players are. They don't just sit around and rely on coaches.

Actually that would be you that's missing the forest.

They do all those things.... and the further away from a handful of proven programs they get the less their ratings predict either individual or team success on the field. So even doing those things... they aren't very accurate.

It isn't perfect for a lot of reasons but with everything considered the NFL draft is a good benchmark for the recruiting ratings. About 60% of the 30+/- 5* recruits in each class will eventually be drafted. You would be tempted to say, "See there"... but then you have to realize that they arbitrarily limit the number of 5* and 4* ratings they give. Here's a rough analogy. Say you were asked to pick 30 beautiful girls out of a crowd of 10,000 women. Now let's say that someone chose 224 of them to be models for lots of money... and they chose 18 of the 30 you chose. That's OK, right? Not great but not bad. But what if your standard was finding all 224. How would that 18 plus 70 of your next (4*) group be?

Less than half of any NFL draft will be made up of 4/5* players. Overall, only 20% or so of the guys they give 4/5* ratings will be drafted. If they were as accurate as some like to believe then that percentage would be much, much higher.

The point is that they aren't as accurate as you guys think and they use arbitrary limits on the number of blue chip ratings they hand out to make themselves look more accurate than they actually are. That is NOT a problem if you keep in mind what their business is... what gets them paid. They do not get paid to identify 5* prospects for Saban. They get paid by satiating fans who are hungry for information and affirmation of their favorite team.

About 20% of the 300-400 that get 4* will get drafted. Honestly, that's not very good at all considering those guys are supposed to be obviously more talented and skilled than the other 18,000+ who will get or be considered for a football scholarship each year. There are about 900 football programs in the NCAA. Lower levels have fewer scholarships so an average of maybe 20 per team each year.


There ARE companies out there tasked with finding the talent top programs need to compete. They are genuine recruiting consultants who do in depth evaluations on possible targets. How well they do followed with how well a coaching staff does of filtering through their evaluations and recommendations determines whether a team signs talent or not. Saban and a few others have a proven process for finding and signing elite players. Dabo did too but for whatever reason the recruiting sites didn't buy into him early on. Later when they recognized he was building talented rosters... POOF! Clemson starts being at the top of the recruiting rankings. The horse.... led the cart.

 

[BigSteve09]

I’ve heard he’s a high-motor guy. Sneaky athletic and gets the most out of his abilities. Lives in the film room.

gym rat?? they hit on the good routes thing. gotta run good routes.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

Clemson and WF both won 10 games last year at least... a game I'll be watching, maybe not the 2nd best matchup in September but top 5 for sure.

Speaking of WF, im looking forward to seeing them put about 60 on Clark Lea and the boys.

 

[Jimmy Football]

gym rat??

Of course!

 

[MoCo_Vol]

Very good


Hmm thought he could be like a Josh Smith or Zach Rogers. Dependable, someone for the QB to find on third downs. But maybe I'm a racist and all white people look the same to me.

You're 100% a racist...

But I think Heupel's offense treats the slot position a lot different than other offenses. Typically ya want a good hands, stout body (doesn't have to be tall, but thiccc) who may not have the jets to get down field in the slot. However, in Heupel's offense he likes to have fast twitch guys in the slot who can exploit the LB or Safety (typically slower coverage guys) that get matched up with them. More of a catch & make a guy miss then break a big play. We saw Velus do it a ton and even Hyatt, despite being thin last season linedup there a lot. The outside guys were almost always Payton, Keyton, and Tillman.

Walker is 6'1" and just under 200lbs, but I don't know if his quickness is good enough to play the slot in this system.

With guys like Hyatt, Squirrel, Calloway, Holiday, on roster I'd expect that slot position is usually gonna be one of them or a TE if we're in a 3 WR look with 1 TE.

What I -hope- to see is one of the RBs (Dylan being the favorite imo) can step to the line and play that role so we can use more 2 RB looks without ending up with dead weight in the passing game.

 

[VolInDayton]

I’ve heard he’s a high-motor guy. Sneaky athletic and gets the most out of his abilities. Lives in the film room.

Always remembers to reapply sunscreen at half time.

 

[BigSteve09]

 

[Ron Swanson]