Scrimmage thread

[Johnnybigcat]

Nobody likes your input. They players on the actual team, in fact, laugh at you and claim you to be a detriment to the program.

Source: I'm friends with a lot of players on the current team

That's not true. I met Turk through a former player. Really don't care to say more but in my opinion we could use more fans like him.
And speaking for myself, I welcome his opinion and grades. I don't always agree with his grading but I think he is fair about how he does it, and many within the program view his grades whether they agree with him or not.

 

[Johnnybigcat]

Corey "Green" Acker has second TD.

Moten with a big run of 40 yards.

Yates in.

INT by Trae Williams pick 6 to end the scrimmage. Scrimmage over.

Are you going to grade the individual units and a game by game prediction?

 

[willycat]

Senior loyalty I think Oliver will start with Thorson playing as well. Only knock when Oliver is in is why run zone read when we know he can't run!! I know for a fact most of the guys Fitz is asking want Thorson so we shall see but I see another two Qb system

Agree that it will be Oliver, although I really wish it is Thorson. Why, Fitz is loyal to a fault to his seniors and heard from a good source, months ago that Oliver was considered the # 1. Might not matter against Stanford because the defense will have win this one for NU.

 

[shakes3858]

Agree that it will be Oliver, although I really wish it is Thorson. Why, Fitz is loyal to a fault to his seniors and heard from a good source, months ago that Oliver was considered the # 1. Might not matter against Stanford because the defense will have win this one for NU.

Would you stop with this loyal to a fault to his seniors BS?
Let's start thinking of underclassman that unseated upper classman:

Justin Jackson true freshman over senior Treyvon Green
True sophomore Kain Colter and RS Freshman Trevor Siemian over Evan Watkins. Then Colter plays late in Meinke Bowl over Persa
Matt Harris takes over for Dwight White, Jarell Williams...
Vitable pushes Burkett to guard which makes Bartels the odd man out.
Konopka over Dieters
Olson of Konopka
Dunsmore starts as freshman over gotta be someone.... then Vitale starts as a freshman over someone else

I could probably keep going but I'm tired of this. Fitz plays the guy he thinks can help win the game regardless of class.

 

[Turk]

Are you going to grade the individual units and a game by game prediction?

Yes. Should be out by Monday.

 

[Turk]

Agree that it will be Oliver, although I really wish it is Thorson. Why, Fitz is loyal to a fault to his seniors and heard from a good source, months ago that Oliver was considered the # 1. Might not matter against Stanford because the defense will have win this one for NU.

Fitz definitely has loyalty in his veins, sometimes it isn't a virtue and forces a 'too slow' hand, but the fact that he is loyal to "Northwestern" is good enough for me to support him. I loved Barnett but the guy flirted with every girl out there. Fitz is married to our program.

That said, I think he is also learning to put loyalty in a much better context. Last year we may have won the Cali game and started the season off on the right foot if he recognized that Justin Jackson > T Green. Finally he recognized it and featured Jackson in the second half, but by then it was too late. And he realizes he has to produce this year or some assistants may get whacked. So you really may see those 11 'true' freshman playing this year as Fitz knows he can't cut deals or play games with any leftover seniority policies.

Sorry, just joking about that last sentence, I thought it sounded funny and at least two 'expert' fans on here would get pissed. Ok, I'm a jokester. Truth is, Willy, I think he has basically been playing all the right players and that there isn't any seniority system at this time. I'd even argue, that it makes sense for a Head Coach to be loyal to a senior QB because freshman QB's really have to learn a lot and they often throw games away. Seniors have more trust with the coaches as well, so if things are equal then the senior should probably play.

 

[NJCat83588]

Fitz definitely has loyalty in his veins, sometimes it isn't a virtue and forces a 'too slow' hand, but the fact that he is loyal to "Northwestern" is good enough for me to support him. I loved Barnett but the guy flirted with every girl out there. Fitz is married to our program.

Perhaps. But Phillips wouldn't have given him a 10 year contract unless he felt there was some threat of Pat going elsewhere. Pat was once a hot commodity and if he did not flirt with other programs, other programs were believed to flirt with him. I have to laugh every time I read "purple in his veins", what he has is "green in his veins", a ten year contract at around $2.2M per year full of Green!

 

[corbi296]

Does anybody know why true freshmen Thompson and Gaziano started the scrimmage on the first team defense over guys like Washington, Oxley and Prather? I thought the second year guys were developing well and would have a leg up on the two true freshmen.

 

[Turk]

Perhaps. But Phillips wouldn't have given him a 10 year contract unless he felt there was some threat of Pat going elsewhere. Pat was once a hot commodity and if he did not flirt with other programs, other programs were believed to flirt with him. I have to laugh every time I read "purple in his veins", what he has is "green in his veins", a ten year contract at around $2.2M per year full of Green!

True but I think Purple is his first love. I mean, if he was a hot commodity and another school wanted to double his salary, he would have reason to go. But I think he would give NU a sorta right of first refusal.
He is taken care of. My question is if the players are? The NCAA allows up to $5,000 stuffed in player pockets and very generous long term health plans, along with other perks. I hope he went to the admin, and successfully so as an advocate, to make sure our admin supports its football program insomuch not to go cheap on the players. I know some here say "But the education is worth so much more". Baloney, players need spending money. Stupid and really dumb players are most likely getting the full $5,000 at stupid universities. How much greater should we be giving our players the full allotment if they study and are good kids who portray an outstanding image of our school, and graduate?

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Does anybody know why true freshmen Thompson and Gaziano started the scrimmage on the first team defense over guys like Washington, Oxley and Prather? I thought the second year guys were developing well and would have a leg up on the two true freshmen.

They're good.

 

[NJCat83588]

Does anybody know why true freshmen Thompson and Gaziano started the scrimmage on the first team defense over guys like Washington, Oxley and Prather? I thought the second year guys were developing well and would have a leg up on the two true freshmen.

I have no knowledge, but can speculate that the coaching staff want to see if they can contribute in 2015 or are red shirt candidates.

 

[Turk]

Does anybody know why true freshmen Thompson and Gaziano started the scrimmage on the first team defense over guys like Washington, Oxley and Prather? I thought the second year guys were developing well and would have a leg up on the two true freshmen.

I'm fairly certain the second year guys are developing. I also read Hankwitz' comments on insidenu where he said Jordan Thompson may get playing time. So, my guess is that they wanted to see how these young guys look. Or at least wanted to give them a taste. Why not, if they can be useful as a sparing partner for our offensive one's or two's.?

 

[NJCat83588]

Yes. Should be out by Monday.

You are going to give out grades on players you haven't seen based on a couple dozen random tweets?

 

[Turk]

You are going to give out grades on players you haven't seen based on a couple dozen random tweets?

I'm not grading the scrimmage. I'm grading each unit with a pre-season grade. Based on what I have readily seen. And I'm predicting each game and why. And I'm updating the "Top 10" Players. Im not sure when on Monday it will be out. Maybe I misunderstood JBC post. I wasn't at the scrimmage.

 

[NJCat83588]

I'm not grading the scrimmage. I'm grading each unit with a pre-season grade. Based on what I have readily seen. And I'm predicting each game and why. And I'm updating the "Top 10" Players. Im not sure when on Monday it will be out. Maybe I misunderstood JBC post. I wasn't at the scrimmage.

Sorry, I misunderstood. Looking forward to these articles!

 

[Turk]

Sorry, I misunderstood. Looking forward to these articles!

And although I couldn't really talk about practice, I wasn't surprised that Lancaster and Roberts stood out today according to insidenu http://www.insidenu.com/2015/8/22/9...a-scrimmage-zack-oliver-impresses-matt-alviti

IMO, Lancaster is going to be starting before long. He is a specimen and a beast that I believe will get the job done. And Roberts is SICK. As in REALLY SICK. I was surprised insidenu didn't mention Moten in its post scrimmage writeup because he is also the real deal. And I wasn't surprised that insidenu said that Anderson may not be ready for a significant role this year, as many claim. And you didn't hear Buckley's name today because they held him out, but he's Back in Great form!

 

[Turk]

Roberts is so quick that I think he is actually borderline Darrell Green fast [was the NFL's fastest man back in the day]. Roberts ran a 55 meter indoor at 6.42 and I think it was a new Maryland record for that event, but at least among the top 22 quickest times in the Nation last year for High School. In college, Darrel Green's best 50 meter time was 5.76 but he was a track and field college All American. Not sure what that extra 5 meters would translate to. Like Green, Roberts can stop and go with his short stature.

 

[lonestarmvp]

And although I couldn't really talk about practice, I wasn't surprised that Lancaster and Roberts stood out today according to insidenu http://www.insidenu.com/2015/8/22/9...a-scrimmage-zack-oliver-impresses-matt-alviti

IMO, Lancaster is going to be starting before long. He is a specimen and a beast that I believe will get the job done. And Roberts is SICK. As in REALLY SICK. I was surprised insidenu didn't mention Moten in its post scrimmage writeup because he is also the real deal. And I wasn't surprised that insidenu said that Anderson may not be ready for a significant role this year, as many claim. And you didn't hear Buckley's name today because they held him out, but he's Back in Great form!

Hey Turk,
I only comment when I am interested in feedback on North Texas kids. What is the rationale behind your sudden negative comment about Anderson? The comment is based on him getting reps in the scrimmage today?
I know his HS coach pretty well and I know that he stays close to the family and Auston missed some time this week rehabbing an injury. Could that be the reason for the work today? Have you spoken to coaches specifically about him. Please share your insight as to what you know.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Hey Turk,
I only comment when I am interested in feedback on North Texas kids. What is the rationale behind your sudden negative comment about Anderson? The comment is based on him getting reps in the scrimmage today?
I know his HS coach pretty well and I know that he stays close to the family and Auston missed some time this week rehabbing an injury. Could that be the reason for the work today? Have you spoken to coaches specifically about him. Please share your insight as to what you know.

Just had to open the "what does Turk really" know can of worms?

It makes sense that Anderson would take reps in the scrimmage as he's short game reps from last spring and fall. They're likely trying to get him up to game speed. Plus he's probably the second or third back behind Jackson and Long depending on formation and scheme. I wouldn't read too much into his participation today.

 

[shakes3858]

. I have to laugh every time I read "purple in his veins", what he has is "green in his veins", a ten year contract at around $2.2M per year full of Green!

Really? That's what you're going with. James Franklin was 11-13 in SEC games at Vanderbilt over a 3 year stretch before going to PSU. What was Fitz in the Big Ten during that stretch? 11-13. Fitz also had the head to head win. As such, it's reasonable to think that Fitz would command a similar salary. PSU gave Franklin 4.3 million a year for beating up on a bad Florida team, a down Tennesse team, and Kentucky. What has Franklin done to command 2.1 million more than Fitz? Now, I'm saying Fitz is underpaid and want to start raising money to give him a raise, but I do think that he could've had some more money... It would've come with a shorter deal and much shorter leash, but Fitz was heard he turned down 3.8 million from Michigan.

Fitz is making a 10-15 year decision instead of a 4 year decision. If a school like Michigan will fire Brady Hoke after 1 missed bowl following 3 bowl games including a Sugar Bowl win, he might be happier with stability at NU. You can sub Nebraska firing 2 coaches that had a total of 1 season with under 9 wins in a combined 13 years (a bunch of other programs). Down years happen to all coaches (see Paterno, Ferentz...). Being at a school that has your back is important.

It's not all about the money. Fitz is 40 years old and is making 2.2 million a year. I had a pretty nice life growing up and my dad wasn't pulling in 2.2 million a year. Now, I don't know Fitz's spending habits, but I'm guessing he's got a good chunk in the bank/invested. He probably has his kids' college education paid for... Is an extra million a year to be less happy, not at your school that loves you, not around your family and your wife's family worth it when you have everything you want? I guess he could've tried to get the Florida job so he could buy a Ferrari or something. Maybe Georgia if Richt gets fired. There's always a Richt getting fired rumor. Then he could join Augusta National.

 

[SciCat]

Perhaps. But Phillips wouldn't have given him a 10 year contract unless he felt there was some threat of Pat going elsewhere. Pat was once a hot commodity and if he did not flirt with other programs, other programs were believed to flirt with him. I have to laugh every time I read "purple in his veins", what he has is "green in his veins", a ten year contract at around $2.2M per year full of Green!

Are you really that cynical? Just because your motives may be green doesn't mean Fitz's are.

 

[Turk]

Hey Turk,
I only comment when I am interested in feedback on North Texas kids. What is the rationale behind your sudden negative comment about Anderson? The comment is based on him getting reps in the scrimmage today?
I know his HS coach pretty well and I know that he stays close to the family and Auston missed some time this week rehabbing an injury. Could that be the reason for the work today? Have you spoken to coaches specifically about him. Please share your insight as to what you know.

Good question. It's just my own opinion, as I said. I'm not speaking for anyone. Just a few days ago, this subject came up and a few former players I was talking to disagreed with me about this in some regards. They figured Anderson at our #2 back, if there is such a thing.

Whatever the case, he will contribute this year for sure. Key word is 'significantly". Don't take that as any sorta negative unless you expected him to start and to have a huge impact. Two things: 1. Justin Jackson and Warren Long. 2. How well does he know the offense?

Regarding #1, I'm very high on Warren Long and he could feature in the backfield on many Big Ten Teams, but Jackson is in front. I'm fairly certain that Long is going to get the bulk of non-Jackson carries as he not only can spell Jackson but he has a skillset that sets him different from Jackson as well. In my opinion, Anderson is going to be used mostly if not exclusively as a RB and won't be able to steal many plays in the slot since we have that covered as well. Key word 'many'. Will he get some slot reps? Yes, in fact in this offense the RB can line up anywhere. But the level of competition, it seems to me, says he will get about 15 reps a game until he learns the complete offensive package [insert redshirt freshman], don't take that for granted. In other words, I see Anderson as our #3 back. He has 4 years here but the talent at NU is pretty good. I'm sure he will eventually find a way to start, right now, no way. I'm thinking he will see about 15 plays a game, and that doesn't include special team plays. Of course, he is a talent and I haven't seen the game plan so if we shift the offense to several two back sets then he will see the field more. That is reasonable but I just don't have that info.

I do know this, John Moten is also solid, and if he keeps his shirt on, then it is only because the coaches are very confident of Anderson.

 

[Turk]

Are you really that cynical? Just because your motives may be green doesn't mean Fitz's are.

Fitz' motives incorporate green as well. What are you talking about? Why do you think Phillips gave him a new contract? Phillips is a good businessman and realizes that "He Gone" would happen in a new York minute if Fitz continued to get a half baked salary. He owes NU NOTHING. That's the thing I don't get about some NU folks, FItz owes NU NOTHING. He has purple in his veins but Spuerior had Duke blue in his. Don't make Fitz out like a blockhead. Think People! Don't be stupid geeks!

I mean what you are saying is that Fitz "My life for NU". Sorry fella, aint happening. Coaching at this school is a pain in the ass, and NU better kiss Fitz'.

Say hello to the Easter Bunny for me bro!

 

[Turk]

Really? That's what you're going with. James Franklin was 11-13 in SEC games at Vanderbilt over a 3 year stretch before going to PSU. What was Fitz in the Big Ten during that stretch? 11-13. Fitz also had the head to head win. As such, it's reasonable to think that Fitz would command a similar salary. PSU gave Franklin 4.3 million a year for beating up on a bad Florida team, a down Tennesse team, and Kentucky. What has Franklin done to command 2.1 million more than Fitz? Now, I'm saying Fitz is underpaid and want to start raising money to give him a raise, but I do think that he could've had some more money... It would've come with a shorter deal and much shorter leash, but Fitz was heard he turned down 3.8 million from Michigan.

Fitz is making a 10-15 year decision instead of a 4 year decision. If a school like Michigan will fire Brady Hoke after 1 missed bowl following 3 bowl games including a Sugar Bowl win, he might be happier with stability at NU. You can sub Nebraska firing 2 coaches that had a total of 1 season with under 9 wins in a combined 13 years (a bunch of other programs). Down years happen to all coaches (see Paterno, Ferentz...). Being at a school that has your back is important.

It's not all about the money. Fitz is 40 years old and is making 2.2 million a year. I had a pretty nice life growing up and my dad wasn't pulling in 2.2 million a year. Now, I don't know Fitz's spending habits, but I'm guessing he's got a good chunk in the bank/invested. He probably has his kids' college education paid for... Is an extra million a year to be less happy, not at your school that loves you, not around your family and your wife's family worth it when you have everything you want? I guess he could've tried to get the Florida job so he could buy a Ferrari or something. Maybe Georgia if Richt gets fired. There's always a Richt getting fired rumor. Then he could join Augusta National.

I don't believe that is what happened, my bet is that Fitz would have been gone with tripling his pay at the time. I don't believe he ever made any short list of must have's anyways. But what you are suggesting is that he actually engaged in keeping the door open. If he was offered, then the process must have been farther down the rabbit hole [recruits, close your eyes]. I'm sure Phillips had a say in thi$

As far as Franklin, Wow, that guy got a deal! I think PSU gave him the job because he is a helluva recruiter. And turned a lousy program around. But I do think you should give Franklin more credit. He also beat Auburn, Tennesee, and won a bowl game at VANDERBILT of all places. God only knows how great Fitz could recruit if he has less restrictions like at Vandy. Franklin convinced guys like Jordan Matthews, Zack Stacy and others to go there.

 

[NJCat83588]

Are you really that cynical? Just because your motives may be green doesn't mean Fitz's are.

Cynical? If he had "purple in his veins", why would he need to be given a huge raise and a long term contract to stay at NU? I believe he loves coaching at NU. I believe he is a good face for the university. But I also believe he would go to a better opportunity if he felt he was not compensated like his peers, few of whom "bleed" for their employer. So at the end of the day, money is as big a factor in his decision to coach at NU as is his love for his alma mater. If not, why would he have negotiated such a good deal? Huh?

 

[Turk]

Cynical? If he had "purple in his veins", why would he need to be given a huge raise and a long term contract to stay at NU? I believe he loves coaching at NU. I believe he is a good face for the university. But I also believe he would go to a better opportunity if he felt he was not compensated like his peers, few of whom "bleed" for their employer. So at the end of the day, money is as big a factor in his decision to coach at NU as is his love for his alma mater. If not, why would he have negotiated such a good deal? Huh?

+1
I've seen this before and I hope I don't see it again, where a university takes its alum coach for granted and doesn't give him the $$$LOVE$$$ as other schools would. At the end of the day, I know Phillips is a smart man so I hope Phillips sticks around. At any rate, I'm wondering if we are taking care of our players with the $5,000 entitlements and long term health that the NCAA agreed to. The recruiting would seem to suggest 'yes'.

 

[GlideCat]

Perhaps. But Phillips wouldn't have given him a 10 year contract unless he felt there was some threat of Pat going elsewhere. Pat was once a hot commodity and if he did not flirt with other programs, other programs were believed to flirt with him. I have to laugh every time I read "purple in his veins", what he has is "green in his veins", a ten year contract at around $2.2M per year full of Green!

We are two weeks away from the start of the season against a ranked opponent at home in what should be one of the higher profile games of the week-end.

The fall scrimmage (which we did not have last year) is going on this week-end.

We have a three way competition for quarterback which includes two players who were recruited as four stars.

We have the best returning defense that we have seen in years.

We have season making or breaking questions in our O-Line and D-Line.

AND THIS IS WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT? Seriously?

 

[Deeringfish]

Nobody likes your input. They players on the actual team, in fact, laugh at you and claim you to be a detriment to the program.

Source: I'm friends with a lot of players on the current team

The players should't be paying any attention to this board. I'm disappointed in them.

 

[mybrotha]

Geez...A lot to do about nothing right now! Turk you are not the only one who mentioned Oliver. I posted last night and said I bet he is the starter for game one with a short leash to Thorson. I for one do not believe Oliver is as bad as he was in the Illinois game. His other games, although smaller samples, he played well. NIU and Purdue are not to be mistaken for Stanford, but I believe he's the starter based on experience and the best arm of the three. Thorson I think plays though and if we get hammered by the Cardinal, Alviti will see the field as well. I do however scratch my head over folks saying they want to see Alviti run and just how good he is a runner. I saw nothing last year that indicated he has great running ability. In fact, perhaps to the contrary. His vision and ability to use blockers appeared lack luster at best. He is nowhere near what Kafka and Persa were. Persa is much faster than Alviti and showed in his RS Soph. year that he could run very well. Kafka, not as fast, but crafty and powerful. As I mentioned yesterday, I think if I were Fitz more than likely on a big stage like this I would go with more experience as well.

 

[footballfan 76]

If they want to start Oliver that's fine but put him in an offense that fits his skill set!! Not the zone read or option attack!

 

[lonestarmvp]

Good question. It's just my own opinion, as I said. I'm not speaking for anyone. Just a few days ago, this subject came up and a few former players I was talking to disagreed with me about this in some regards. They figured Anderson at our #2 back, if there is such a thing.

Whatever the case, he will contribute this year for sure. Key word is 'significantly". Don't take that as any sorta negative unless you expected him to start and to have a huge impact. Two things: 1. Justin Jackson and Warren Long. 2. How well does he know the offense?

Regarding #1, I'm very high on Warren Long and he could feature in the backfield on many Big Ten Teams, but Jackson is in front. I'm fairly certain that Long is going to get the bulk of non-Jackson carries as he not only can spell Jackson but he has a skillset that sets him different from Jackson as well. In my opinion, Anderson is going to be used mostly if not exclusively as a RB and won't be able to steal many plays in the slot since we have that covered as well. Key word 'many'. Will he get some slot reps? Yes, in fact in this offense the RB can line up anywhere. But the level of competition, it seems to me, says he will get about 15 reps a game until he learns the complete offensive package [insert redshirt freshman], don't take that for granted. In other words, I see Anderson as our #3 back. He has 4 years here but the talent at NU is pretty good. I'm sure he will eventually find a way to start, right now, no way. I'm thinking he will see about 15 plays a game, and that doesn't include special team plays. Of course, he is a talent and I haven't seen the game plan so if we shift the offense to several two back sets then he will see the field more. That is reasonable but I just don't have that info.

I do know this, John Moten is also solid, and if he keeps his shirt on, then it is only because the coaches are very confident of Anderson.

That is a fair opinion. As I assumed, your opinion without any feedback from Coaches. When he is fully healthy, he will be just fine. Not sure what stage he is in but I will be sure to ask his HS coach for his feedback.I am sure he knows. He is a tough kid, Ran for nearly 1500 yards on basically 1 leg his senior year. As I mentioned before, NU's success at recruiting decent RB's this close together may ultimately turn into a negative long term. But for now, let's see how things shake out. You have a long season ahead. If he is healthy, and the other guys are just better, then that is the game of football and he and his parents can decide what's best for his future at that time. Happens all the time. The starting running back at TCU, Aaron Green, and starting RB Braylon Heard at Kentucky both started their careers at Nebraska. So you never know how things turn out...

 

[Turk]

That is a fair opinion. As I assumed, your opinion without any feedback from Coaches. When he is fully healthy, he will be just fine. Not sure what stage he is in but I will be sure to ask his HS coach for his feedback.I am sure he knows. He is a tough kid, Ran for nearly 1500 yards on basically 1 leg his senior year. As I mentioned before, NU's success at recruiting decent RB's this close together may ultimately turn into a negative long term. But for now, let's see how things shake out. You have a long season ahead. If he is healthy, and the other guys are just better, then that is the game of football and he and his parents can decide what's best for his future at that time. Happens all the time. The starting running back at TCU, Aaron Green, and starting RB Braylon Heard at Kentucky both started their careers at Nebraska. So you never know how things turn out...

The sky is the limit once he picks up the offense in entirety.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

That is a fair opinion. As I assumed, your opinion without any feedback from Coaches. When he is fully healthy, he will be just fine. Not sure what stage he is in but I will be sure to ask his HS coach for his feedback.I am sure he knows. He is a tough kid, Ran for nearly 1500 yards on basically 1 leg his senior year. As I mentioned before, NU's success at recruiting decent RB's this close together may ultimately turn into a negative long term. But for now, let's see how things shake out. You have a long season ahead. If he is healthy, and the other guys are just better, then that is the game of football and he and his parents can decide what's best for his future at that time. Happens all the time. The starting running back at TCU, Aaron Green, and starting RB Braylon Heard at Kentucky both started their careers at Nebraska. So you never know how things turn out...

Anderson has all 4 years of eligibility left, a lot can happen in 4 years. If he remains healthy, JJ will get the bulk of the carries. However, we have been good at getting other backs action in the past. What he has to do is no different than any other back up. When he gets a chance, he has to perform where it is difficult for the coaches to take him out. Even Melvin Gordon got spelled plenty last year.

You have implied before that having too much talent at a position can lead to transfers. Since your comments on the board are focused on Texas kids and generally on Anderson in particular, I assume you are referring to his potential to look at other options if he sees limited playing time. Do you have inside info from his parents or former coaches? If not, I think you are on a slippery slope. Remember, why just about all of our players choose NU, 1) superior education to the vast majority of schools, 2) power 5 football, and 3) the head coach. None of that has changed since he arrived. I Have only seen Anderson a few times in practice. Based on that, I suspect there will come a time he sees significant action in some type of role. Yes, occasionally, a Texas kid will spurn the Texas teams for NU and let's give Anderson some credit for being his own man.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

The sky is the limit once he picks up the offense in entirety.

So now you think you know about Anderson's comprehension of the playbook? Unbelievable.

He's been in the program over a year now and is by all reports a pretty sharp kid. I'm fairly confident he knows the playbook by now.

 

[Turk]

So now you think you know about Anderson's comprehension of the playbook? Unbelievable.

He's been in the program over a year now and is by all reports a pretty sharp kid. I'm fairly confident he knows the playbook by now.

It seems to me that you are polarizing my comments, GCG. That's not at all what I'm saying, in fact, I'm assuming he is a bright kid and comprehends well. I'm not sure why we are having this conversation and I have no idea why you have become angry and combative of late.

It seems to me that you not only took my comments out of context and polarized them, but that you are doing so purposeful, because my assumption is that you are an otherwise bright guy and that you know the game of football and wouldn't make such simplified statements that he knows the playbook, when you know that the 'playbook' isn't so simple as a pop warner playbook that has x's and o's and routes; blocking assignments, etc. That's all I will say about this and I think Long will see more reps than Anderson as a result.

However, you made a statement that you are confident that he knows the playbook. Really? And what exactly are you basing that on? And let's not forget, Thorson still isn't comfortable with the playbook. It's called freshman.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

It seems to me that you are polarizing my comments, GCG. That's not at all what I'm saying, in fact, I'm assuming he is a bright kid and comprehends well. I'm not sure why we are having this conversation and I have no idea why you have become angry and combative of late.

It seems to me that you not only took my comments out of context and polarized them, but that you are doing so purposeful, because my assumption is that you are an otherwise bright guy and that you know the game of football and wouldn't make such simplified statements that he knows the playbook, when you know that the 'playbook' isn't so simple as a pop warner playbook that has x's and o's and routes; blocking assignments, etc. That's all I will say about this and I think Long will see more reps than Anderson as a result.

However, you made a statement that you are confident that he knows the playbook. Really? And what exactly are you basing that on? And let's not forget, Thorson still isn't comfortable with the playbook. It's called freshman.

Because it would seem to me that you continue to deliver opinions with an air of authority and don't like it when challenged for what it is: bupkis.

And yes I am comfortable with my statement that he knows the playbook at this point, because he's been in install meetings for over a year now. Similarly, I am comfortable stating that Thorson (and the rest of the redshirt freshmen) all know the playbook at this point. I've also sat in those install meetings, so I know how they work. Whether they'll be able to execute that playbook at a high level at BCS game speed is another issue entirely.

 

[Turk]

Because it would seem to me that you continue to deliver opinions with an air of authority and don't like it when challenged for what it is: bupkis.

And yes I am comfortable with my statement that he knows the playbook at this point, because he's been in install meetings for over a year now. Similarly, I am comfortable stating that Thorson (and the rest of the redshirt freshmen) all know the playbook at this point. I've also sat in those install meetings, so I know how they work. Whether they'll be able to execute that playbook at a high level at BCS game speed is another issue entirely.

you don't understand. But Carry on!

 

[gocatsgo2003]

you don't understand. But Carry on!

Please enlighten me for your intellect is clearly too much for me to handle.

 

[Purple is Forever]

Good question. It's just my own opinion, as I said. I'm not speaking for anyone. Just a few days ago, this subject came up and a few former players I was talking to disagreed with me about this in some regards. They figured Anderson at our #2 back, if there is such a thing.

Whatever the case, he will contribute this year for sure. Key word is 'significantly". Don't take that as any sorta negative unless you expected him to start and to have a huge impact. Two things: 1. Justin Jackson and Warren Long. 2. How well does he know the offense?

Regarding #1, I'm very high on Warren Long and he could feature in the backfield on many Big Ten Teams, but Jackson is in front. I'm fairly certain that Long is going to get the bulk of non-Jackson carries as he not only can spell Jackson but he has a skillset that sets him different from Jackson as well. In my opinion, Anderson is going to be used mostly if not exclusively as a RB and won't be able to steal many plays in the slot since we have that covered as well. Key word 'many'. Will he get some slot reps? Yes, in fact in this offense the RB can line up anywhere. But the level of competition, it seems to me, says he will get about 15 reps a game until he learns the complete offensive package [insert redshirt freshman], don't take that for granted. In other words, I see Anderson as our #3 back. He has 4 years here but the talent at NU is pretty good. I'm sure he will eventually find a way to start, right now, no way. I'm thinking he will see about 15 plays a game, and that doesn't include special team plays. Of course, he is a talent and I haven't seen the game plan so if we shift the offense to several two back sets then he will see the field more. That is reasonable but I just don't have that info.

I do know this, John Moten is also solid, and if he keeps his shirt on, then it is only because the coaches are very confident of Anderson.

I have to think that Long, Jackson, and Vault are ahead of him and more comfortable with the offense by virtue of experience. With your assessment of Roberts getting snaps on offense, it's hard to imagine Anderson fitting in with significant reps since we have a solid two deep and will be in a good position to redshirt Moten if we need to.
It's a good problem to have, but according to lonestar, his parents already seem to be threatening a transfer. I have no idea why that would be the case since few freshmen even get to see the field on offense or defense. The only explanation for a transfer would be if they were misled to think that our program didn't have talent and that he came here because he would start instantly. However, very few freshman have played during the Fitzgerald years.

 

[cat inkansas]

I have to think that Long, Jackson, and Vault are ahead of him and more comfortable with the offense by virtue of experience. With your assessment of Roberts getting snaps on offense, it's hard to imagine Anderson fitting in with significant reps since we have a solid two deep and will be in a good position to redshirt Moten if we need to.
It's a good problem to have, but according to lonestar, his parents already seem to be threatening a transfer. I have no idea why that would be the case since few freshmen even get to see the field on offense or defense. The only explanation for a transfer would be if they were misled to think that our program didn't have talent and that he came here because he would start instantly. However, very few freshman have played during the Fitzgerald years.

I guess the question is whether "lonestar" has some sort of inside knowledge or is just spouting off with suppositions like so many other posters?