'21 TN WR Walker Merrill (Tennessee signee)

[Volanooga2521]

Why can't any of you all call a spade a spade when it comes to Heupel? Or any HC for the Vols while they're the coach?

He has to do a better job of rotating!
Many people can see this OBVIOUS problem.
Calloway
Merrill
Holiday were all dudes that have proved they can make plays with the ball in their hands.
But Heupel almost never let them on the field all for the sake of "getting the defense tired".

Just throwing the ball to 3 dudes and never anyone else is extremely discouraging if you're a player that has been practicing his butt off and doing all the right things. Yet still on game day you ride the pine.

It is just the way that our offense works, due to our tempo. You don't want to sub during the series, so that you don't give the defense a chance to sub. It is possible that we could alternate series for some of the WRs a little bit more and we did that some this year. But at the most, we're talking about 4 or maybe 5 WRs. Merrill was probably #6 or #7 next year (behind Keyton, Bru, Squirrel, Nimrod, Leacock, maybe Seldon or Webb or Donte Thorton), so he saw the writing on the wall.

This is going to happen with talented receivers sometimes in Heupel's offensive system. I think Merrill would do great in an Air Raid Mississippi St or UNC offense that always plays 4 WRs. Heupel's offense is just different, because you have to keep a TE in, in order to force the proper mismatches

 

[sjt18]

Why can't any of you all call a spade a spade when it comes to Heupel? Or any HC for the Vols while they're the coach?

He has to do a better job of rotating!
Many people can see this OBVIOUS problem.
Calloway
Merrill
Holiday were all dudes that have proved they can make plays with the ball in their hands.
But Heupel almost never let them on the field all for the sake of "getting the defense tired".

Just throwing the ball to 3 dudes and never anyone else is extremely discouraging if you're a player that has been practicing his butt off and doing all the right things. Yet still on game day you ride the pine.

I agree in general that he probably needs to play more guys for the reasons you mention. But the bold doesn't seem to be the objective. If he trusted other WRs or even a whole set of them then he could play them for a whole series.

He doesn't seem stubborn so I imagine losing guys and not having depth will cause him to adjust.

 

[sjt18]

It is just the way that our offense works, due to our tempo. You don't want to sub during the series, so that you don't give the defense a chance to sub. It is possible that we could alternate series for some of the WRs a little bit more and we did that some this year. But at the most, we're talking about 4 or maybe 5 WRs. Merrill was probably #6 or #7 next year (behind Keyton, Bru, Squirrel, Nimrod, Leacock, maybe Seldon or Webb or Donte Thorton), so he saw the writing on the wall.

This is going to happen with talented receivers sometimes in Heupel's offensive system. I think Merrill would do great in an Air Raid Mississippi St or UNC offense that always plays 4 WRs. Heupel's offense is just different, because you have to keep a TE in, in order to force the proper mismatches

There's no reason to believe that except for maybe racial bias. He's a talented guy with very good speed. When given opportunity, he got open and caught the ball.

If he leaves then I wish him the best. If not... I wish him the best. He showed flashes of being a very, very good WR.

 

[bigl3327]

There's no reason to believe that except for maybe racial bias. He's a talented guy with very good speed. When given opportunity, he got open and caught the ball.

If he leaves then I wish him the best. If not... I wish him the best. He showed flashes of being a very, very good WR.

There's two things here that are possibilities not mentioned.
1. Walker Merrill wants the chance to be a starter and more reps wouldn't matter if he doesn't see that as a possibility.
2. His issues with migraines may have affected his development here and the ability to be trusted in this particular offense.

 

[Volanooga2521]

There's no reason to believe that except for maybe racial bias. He's a talented guy with very good speed. When given opportunity, he got open and caught the ball.

If he leaves then I wish him the best. If not... I wish him the best. He showed flashes of being a very, very good WR.

I think Merrill's a very good player, but I think Leacock is just better. His film is ridiculous: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15734789/Nathan-Leacock

 

[sjt18]

I think Merrill's a very good player, but I think Leacock is just better. His film is ridiculous: https://www.hudl.com/profile/15734789/Nathan-Leacock

I'm not knocking on you personally but there's a habit here of calling highlight videos "film".

Highlight reels cannot account for competition though Leacock plays in a very competitive class of football in NC.

Also as you know, highlight videos do not automatically translate into success much less immediate success. Physical ability almost always makes a guy look great in HS. But the things that can't be seen are often the difference for those who make great college players.

Anyway, UT is now pretty thin at Slot. I'm not sure that was Merrill's best position. He may have been a better fit outside. But as far as I know, White is now the only scholarship player at Slot.

 

[LouderVol]

Why can't any of you all call a spade a spade when it comes to Heupel? Or any HC for the Vols while they're the coach?

He has to do a better job of rotating!
Many people can see this OBVIOUS problem.
Calloway
Merrill
Holiday were all dudes that have proved they can make plays with the ball in their hands.
But Heupel almost never let them on the field all for the sake of "getting the defense tired".

Just throwing the ball to 3 dudes and never anyone else is extremely discouraging if you're a player that has been practicing his butt off and doing all the right things. Yet still on game day you ride the pine.

And when will you learn this isnt true. We distribute better than most, we just dont throw enough times to get EVERYONE all the touches they want.

Our top reciever was targeted less than the top 2 at OSU and Washingtons. And Washington was the number 1 passing team

We had more guys with at least 10 catches than OSU, same with at least 25 catches.

Tennessee had 16 total guys catch. Half of them, 8, caught at least 10 passes, and 5 guys with at least 25 catches. Our top guy had 67 catches, 23%, number two 43 for 14%

Washington had 18 catch passes, they also had half their pass catchers get 10 catches, 9. So one more than us, but same rate. They also had one more guy with 25 catches, 6. And they had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. One with 75, another with 79. Their top guy caught 21%, number two 20%.

Ohio State had 18 guys catch balls. Only 5 with 10 catches, 4 with 25. They also had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. 77 and 74. 28% and 27%.

Our bell curve of distribution is far better than most other teams. Our top 2, 37%, vs 41%, vs 55%.

Give me some other teams with top flight WRs that do better than us. Heck just give me some suggestions and I will do the same study. Yeah sure some run heavy team with no WR talent may have better distribution, but anyone with NFL WR talent is going to have similar if not markedly worse distribution than us.

 

[LouderVol]

Unfortunate but not surprised. I think we will rotate more receivers when Heupel has confidence in the bench. Good luck to the young man.

He rotates fine, and distributes fine. This is an argument that isnt backed up with facts. See my response to LittleVol for a break down.

 

[Vols4us]

And when will you learn this isnt true. We distribute better than most, we just dont throw enough times to get EVERYONE all the touches they want.

Our top reciever was targeted less than the top 2 at OSU and Washingtons. And Washington was the number 1 passing team

We had more guys with at least 10 catches than OSU, same with at least 25 catches.

Tennessee had 16 total guys catch. Half of them, 8, caught at least 10 passes, and 5 guys with at least 25 catches. Our top guy had 67 catches, 23%, number two 43 for 14%

Washington had 18 catch passes, they also had half their pass catchers get 10 catches, 9. So one more than us, but same rate. They also had one more guy with 25 catches, 6. And they had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. One with 75, another with 79. Their top guy caught 21%, number two 20%.

Ohio State had 18 guys catch balls. Only 5 with 10 catches, 4 with 25. They also had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. 77 and 74. 28% and 27%.

Our bell curve of distribution is far better than most other teams. Our top 2, 37%, vs 41%, vs 55%.

Give me some other teams with top flight WRs that do better than us. Heck just give me some suggestions and I will do the same study. Yeah sure some run heavy team with no WR talent may have better distribution, but anyone with NFL WR talent is going to have similar if not markedly worse distribution than us.

Agree. Facts are stubborn things.

 

[UpstateVol613]

 

[LouderVol]

Agree. Facts are stubborn things.

If I get stuck in another pointless meeting I might do some more just on my own.

 

[PlanetVolunteer]

I think Merill is a good player, but I think he wouldn't start until maybe his senior year.

I also think we would rotate more receivers if the 4th guy was more dynamic.

In 2021 it was Tillman, Payton and Velus. Jalin Hyatt still played and got targets in every game though, because he was still a weapon. Thats why they eventually started working in Squirrel.

I think if we land Thornton he'll split time with Keyton because they're both too good to leave off the field.

 

[Volanooga2521]

I think Merill is a good player, but I think he wouldn't start until maybe his senior year.

I also think we would rotate more receivers if the 4th guy was more dynamic.

In 2021 it was Tillman, Payton and Velus. Jalin Hyatt still played and got targets in every game though, because he was still a weapon. Thats why they eventually started working in Squirrel.

I think if we land Thornton he'll split time with Keyton because they're both too good to leave off the field.

Yep, we will still need an outside receiver to be a weapon deep. Keyton might not be able to beat guys deep the way that Thorton or Leacock can.

We can some deep shots with Bru, but I see him as more of a Jauan Jennings type of uber-possession receiver who can always run slants or comebacks and just out-physical his man. He has speed (4.5 or 4.6), but not Hyatt or Squirrel-level speed.

 

[jasonvol18]

Why can't any of you all call a spade a spade when it comes to Heupel? Or any HC for the Vols while they're the coach?

He has to do a better job of rotating!
Many people can see this OBVIOUS problem.
Calloway
Merrill
Holiday were all dudes that have proved they can make plays with the ball in their hands.
But Heupel almost never let them on the field all for the sake of "getting the defense tired".

Just throwing the ball to 3 dudes and never anyone else is extremely discouraging if you're a player that has been practicing his butt off and doing all the right things. Yet still on game day you ride the pine.

He is the Coach and just had us 11-2 this season. Think they know more about what they need to win than message board posters.Our top 5 guy reception WR's all played in 11+ games outside of Tillman. Merrill played in 10 games. We rotate more than 3 WR's..Plus the TE's had 34 Receptions. Looks pretty divided up to me. Not to mention, we aren't a team that throws 45-50+ a game.

 

[AllVol11717]

And when will you learn this isnt true. We distribute better than most, we just dont throw enough times to get EVERYONE all the touches they want.

Our top reciever was targeted less than the top 2 at OSU and Washingtons. And Washington was the number 1 passing team

We had more guys with at least 10 catches than OSU, same with at least 25 catches.

Tennessee had 16 total guys catch. Half of them, 8, caught at least 10 passes, and 5 guys with at least 25 catches. Our top guy had 67 catches, 23%, number two 43 for 14%

Washington had 18 catch passes, they also had half their pass catchers get 10 catches, 9. So one more than us, but same rate. They also had one more guy with 25 catches, 6. And they had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. One with 75, another with 79. Their top guy caught 21%, number two 20%.

Ohio State had 18 guys catch balls. Only 5 with 10 catches, 4 with 25. They also had two guys with more catches than Hyatt. 77 and 74. 28% and 27%.

Our bell curve of distribution is far better than most other teams. Our top 2, 37%, vs 41%, vs 55%.

Give me some other teams with top flight WRs that do better than us. Heck just give me some suggestions and I will do the same study. Yeah sure some run heavy team with no WR talent may have better distribution, but anyone with NFL WR talent is going to have similar if not markedly worse distribution than us.

Thank you, great breakdown and a refreshing change from LittleVol’s pseudo-knowledge.

 

[Preyed_On]

Whatever. No one wants to work hard and actually earn their way, like Hyatt. Want it given to them on a silver platter.

Yeah Hiyatt hasn’t worked hard or earned anything…

Except the award for the best WR in America

It’s not like he’s been on that practice field every damn day for the past 3 years while folks like you get on the internet and whine over pointless idealistic BS like how bowl opt outs symbolize a weak work ethic.

Seriously, you must lack all self awareness. You think you can call the most productive WR Tennessee has ever had in a single season lazy and selfish while sitting in a chair from behind an anonymous username. I’d like to see how many hits you could take before you tapped the hell out.

Better yet, I’d like to see you say stuff like that to Hiyatt’s face. Not as easy when you’re not staring at a screen. Grow up and stop acting like a spurned, rejected girl.

 

[KptVFL]

Yeah Hiyatt hasn’t worked hard or earned anything…

Except the award for the best WR in America

It’s not like he’s been on that practice field every damn day for the past 3 years while folks like you get on the internet and whine over pointless idealistic BS like how bowl opt outs symbolize a weak work ethic.

Seriously, you must lack all self awareness. You think you can call the most productive WR Tennessee has ever had in a single season lazy and selfish while sitting in a chair from behind an anonymous username. I’d like to see how many hits you could take before you tapped the hell out.

Better yet, I’d like to see you say stuff like that to Hiyatt’s face. Not as easy when you’re not staring at a screen. Grow up and stop acting like a spurned, rejected girl.

Um, I read that as him saying no one wants to put the work in that Hyatt put in. IDK?

Edit: As a complement to Hyatt

 

[MarcoVol]

Whatever. No one wants to work hard and actually earn their way, like Hyatt. Want it given to them on a silver platter.

No one? Or just like this 1 dude out of the WR room?

 

[OrangeVolMan]

Why can't any of you all call a spade a spade when it comes to Heupel? Or any HC for the Vols while they're the coach?

He has to do a better job of rotating!
Many people can see this OBVIOUS problem.
Calloway
Merrill
Holiday were all dudes that have proved they can make plays with the ball in their hands.
But Heupel almost never let them on the field all for the sake of "getting the defense tired".

Just throwing the ball to 3 dudes and never anyone else is extremely discouraging if you're a player that has been practicing his butt off and doing all the right things. Yet still on game day you ride the pine.

First, we throw to more than 3 guys. We had six receivers catch 20 or more passes. Georgia for comparison had five receivers catch 20 or more passes. Second, none of the three guys that are leaving have proven anything. None of them have done anything receiving against quality opponents. In addition, Calloway had other issues. If you want to prove a point I know you make things up and most of the time people don‘t go to the trouble to refute your lies. This time I decided to. So i think we will be fine sticking with HC’s plan. If you don‘t like it, I suggest moving on to another team. Most of us would be more than happy with that.

 

[Vfl2407]

Can you really say you are leaving and still a VFL (which literally means VOL for LIFE). Just a little pet peeve.
hope he finds quality playing time elsewhere unless it’s in the SEC and against us.

 

[butchna]

Yeah Hiyatt hasn’t worked hard or earned anything…

Except the award for the best WR in America

It’s not like he’s been on that practice field every damn day for the past 3 years while folks like you get on the internet and whine over pointless idealistic BS like how bowl opt outs symbolize a weak work ethic.

Seriously, you must lack all self awareness. You think you can call the most productive WR Tennessee has ever had in a single season lazy and selfish while sitting in a chair from behind an anonymous username. I’d like to see how many hits you could take before you tapped the hell out.

Better yet, I’d like to see you say stuff like that to Hiyatt’s face. Not as easy when you’re not staring at a screen. Grow up and stop acting like a spurned, rejected girl.

Are you reacting to the correct post?

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

Yeah Hiyatt hasn’t worked hard or earned anything…

Except the award for the best WR in America

It’s not like he’s been on that practice field every damn day for the past 3 years while folks like you get on the internet and whine over pointless idealistic BS like how bowl opt outs symbolize a weak work ethic.

Seriously, you must lack all self awareness. You think you can call the most productive WR Tennessee has ever had in a single season lazy and selfish while sitting in a chair from behind an anonymous username. I’d like to see how many hits you could take before you tapped the hell out.

Better yet, I’d like to see you say stuff like that to Hiyatt’s face. Not as easy when you’re not staring at a screen. Grow up and stop acting like a spurned, rejected girl.

Do you even know how to read things in context? I was complementing Hyatt, because of his work ethic. I see you’re not from around these parts, so go back to the football forum.

 

[CABVOL]

There's two things here that are possibilities not mentioned.
1. Walker Merrill wants the chance to be a starter and more reps wouldn't matter if he doesn't see that as a possibility.
2. His issues with migraines may have affected his development here and the ability to be trusted in this particular offense.

I wasn’t aware he has migraine issues. My wife suffers terribly from them and it has effected her job in the past. Really hope he can find relief. My wife found a wonderful migraine specialist in Louisville and he has worked miracles for her.

 

[UTMVol76]

Yeah Hiyatt hasn’t worked hard or earned anything…

Except the award for the best WR in America

It’s not like he’s been on that practice field every damn day for the past 3 years while folks like you get on the internet and whine over pointless idealistic BS like how bowl opt outs symbolize a weak work ethic.

Seriously, you must lack all self awareness. You think you can call the most productive WR Tennessee has ever had in a single season lazy and selfish while sitting in a chair from behind an anonymous username. I’d like to see how many hits you could take before you tapped the hell out.

Better yet, I’d like to see you say stuff like that to Hiyatt’s face. Not as easy when you’re not staring at a screen. Grow up and stop acting like a spurned, rejected girl.

you....ummm, may... want to uhhh....read that again.....yeah

 

[bigl3327]

I wasn’t aware he has migraine issues. My wife suffers terribly from them and it has effected her job in the past. Really hope he can find relief. My wife found a wonderful migraine specialist in Louisville and he has worked miracles for her.

He wears a tinted visor in practice to be able to get through most practices, but they aren't allowed in games. It's a very unfortunate situation.