FB & TE 2010...

[xu9697]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

[g-mann17]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

Well there's your transfer bait.Kelly runs a spread so you know ND doesn't need any fullbacks. Yes that means waiting a year, but they also had several seniors so they were probably recruiting fullbacks (a rarity in college football now) so that is two "ins" right off the bat.

[Zipmeister]

I believe we can solve the situation internally by switching the Tonganator from defense.

[Zip Watcher]

I believe we can solve the situation internally by switching the Tonganator from defense.

Are monster hands soft?

[jaycevs]

Put a O lineman or linebacker in that spot, just find a way to run the ball. I like what the Browns did a lot last year, moving an O lineman to the TE spot and playing a TE as a tackle on the other side, and running the ball to that strong side. The Browns sucked, but still that was an aspect that was good and covered up a weakness. As far as us moving a defensive guy I think we need all the defense we can get, but still the opportunity is out there for someone willing to work hard who otherwise may not play.

[uafan]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

FB? Tight end? What are these?

[uafan]

Put a O lineman or linebacker in that spot, just find a way to run the ball. I like what the Browns did a lot last year, moving an O lineman to the TE spot and playing a TE as a tackle on the other side, and running the ball to that strong side.

And just how has that worked out for them?

[Lee Adams]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

FB? Tight end? What are these?

ianello will have to find a legitimate tight end who can block and at least pose some threat in the passing game...too bad tuzze isn't back at fb...

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

I believe we can solve the situation internally by switching the Tonganator from defense.

Are monster hands soft?

Awesome!

[cornbread]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

Brian Wagner ran the ball pretty well in HS. Not break away speed but 4.5-6 is pretty nice @ 225 pds.He will be too small for the middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense and we do have alot of OLB talent. It might make sense.

[ccoon44]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

Brian Wagner ran the ball pretty well in HS. Not break away speed but 4.5-6 is pretty nice @ 225 pds.He will be too small for the middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense and we do have alot of OLB talent. It might make sense.

Why on earth would we move Wagner who was are best defensive player to FB. Your talking about a guy who will most likely be a frosh all american and who led the MAC in tackles and was also 6th in the nation overall in tackels. If anything we move him to OLB and move one of the current OLB to fullback.

[ZippyforPresident]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

Brian Wagner ran the ball pretty well in HS. Not break away speed but 4.5-6 is pretty nice @ 225 pds.He will be too small for the middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense and we do have alot of OLB talent. It might make sense.

Why on earth would we move Wagner who was are best defensive player to FB. Your talking about a guy who will most likely be a frosh all american and who led the MAC in tackles and was also 6th in the nation overall in tackels. If anything we move him to OLB and move one of the current OLB to fullback.

With the motor that kid has I don't care what side of the ball he plays on. Maybe he should play both ways Put him at punter and place kicker too for all I care.

[GP1]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

FB? Tight end? What are these?

They are players that get teams first downs, but not touchdowns. They are the type of player that people from the suburbs are obsessed with because they typically look like them so we get threads like this. The real question should be, Who are the big play wide receivers going to be next year? WRs get touchdowns, TEs and FBs get first down. The MAC tends to be a high scoring league so we need to put up points and show some ability to play defense. Nicely has a HUGE arm and they need to use that arm to throw the ball downfield to playmakers. Anyone can dink and dunk, but I think Nicely has the potential to be an NFL player if he improves his accruacy. They need to use him like an NFL QB.Perfect example happend last weekend. Jason Witten (TE) of the Cowboys had a personal career day with 15 catches and 153 yards. I'm sure suburban fans around the country were swooning at what a great accomplishment it was. They were the two most overrated statistics of the day. What they missed is he scored ZERO points. Let me repeat that.....he scored ZERO points. One more time....he scored ZERO points. His team lost. Amazing? No because football games are won with big plays on offense.

[xu9697]

FB? Tight end? What are these?They are players that get teams first downs, but not touchdowns. They are the type of player that people from the suburbs are obsessed with because they typically look like them so we get threads like this.The real question should be, Who are the big play wide receivers going to be next year? WRs get touchdowns, TEs and FBs get first down. Ah, so you don't think in the next 9 months we won't get that thread too? Obsessed with? My God, how many fresh topics could we possibly have on a forum? TE and FBs will play a part of the NEW offense, which is why this is a pertinent question in the here and now with our new coach. It doesn't diminish the more important positions on offense= OL and QB, nor the next most important, WR and RB.And are we really turning this into some sort of black/white or "inner city vs. suburb" thing with the "people from the suburbs are obsessed with...". WOW, I now know why there is that new emoticon bouncing around.

[cornbread]

They are players that get teams first downs, but not touchdowns. They are the type of player that people from the suburbs are obsessed with because they typically look like them so we get threads like this.

What are you talking about? do you still watch football?TE and FB present potential mismatches for the defense. You send a big te over the middle against tiny dbs, and you can hopefully get him the ball. If a slower LB covers your te and has run responsibilities, maybe you can beat him with a quick seam. A fb can your be your everyman. From a 6th lineman to a power option in your run/pass game. nothing to do with tds or first downs.

[Buckzip]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

FB? Tight end? What are these?

They are players that get teams first downs, but not touchdowns. They are the type of player that people from the suburbs are obsessed with because they typically look like them so we get threads like this. The real question should be, Who are the big play wide receivers going to be next year? WRs get touchdowns, TEs and FBs get first down. The MAC tends to be a high scoring league so we need to put up points and show some ability to play defense. Nicely has a HUGE arm and they need to use that arm to throw the ball downfield to playmakers. Anyone can dink and dunk, but I think Nicely has the potential to be an NFL player if he improves his accruacy. They need to use him like an NFL QB.Perfect example happend last weekend. Jason Witten (TE) of the Cowboys had a personal career day with 15 catches and 153 yards. I'm sure suburban fans around the country were swooning at what a great accomplishment it was. They were the two most overrated statistics of the day. What they missed is he scored ZERO points. Let me repeat that.....he scored ZERO points. One more time....he scored ZERO points. His team lost. Amazing? No because football games are won with big plays on offense.

Every time I read one of your completely clueless posts, I think that was the dumbest one yet. However, you always prove me wrong and post something even more ridiculous.

[GP1]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

FB? Tight end? What are these?

They are players that get teams first downs, but not touchdowns. They are the type of player that people from the suburbs are obsessed with because they typically look like them so we get threads like this. The real question should be, Who are the big play wide receivers going to be next year? WRs get touchdowns, TEs and FBs get first down. The MAC tends to be a high scoring league so we need to put up points and show some ability to play defense. Nicely has a HUGE arm and they need to use that arm to throw the ball downfield to playmakers. Anyone can dink and dunk, but I think Nicely has the potential to be an NFL player if he improves his accruacy. They need to use him like an NFL QB.Perfect example happend last weekend. Jason Witten (TE) of the Cowboys had a personal career day with 15 catches and 153 yards. I'm sure suburban fans around the country were swooning at what a great accomplishment it was. They were the two most overrated statistics of the day. What they missed is he scored ZERO points. Let me repeat that.....he scored ZERO points. One more time....he scored ZERO points. His team lost. Amazing? No because football games are won with big plays on offense.

Every time I read one of your completely clueless posts, I think that was the dumbest one yet. However, you always prove me wrong and post something even more ridiculous.

My post points out:1. The TE is an overrated position that people have mistakenly fallen in love with even though there is little evidence for it doing much more than getting first downs.2. We should worry about a position that really matters (WR) and can win games more effectively than the TE with a good QB. We now have the QB.3. A concrete and recent example of the failings of a team that throws to their TE too much.I understand how badly fans want to believe that a slow plodding player can win a game. Americans love the underdog. Some will even be able to provide the rare example for it happening. Most people are slow and plodding so they relate to it personally. I really do get it. Humans tend to relate to others similar to them. For example, many Catholics voted for JFK because he was Catholic. Others voted for George Bush because he was from Texas and so were they (presidential candidates almost always win their own state). Others may have voted for Obama because he is black and so are they. Fans are just part of society.In closing, get the ball to playmakers and score points...not first downs.

[scottditzen]

When I think of the position of TE I think of guys like Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez. These are freakishly amazing players and I'm not sure they're from the suburbs or not. Not saying we can get that type of elite player here, who knows, but a good TE that's big, tall, can block and catch will present huge matchup problems for a defense. Especially in the MAC, where D backs seem to average 5'9.

[MaxZIP]

The point should be that a TE is important if we plan to run a more pro style offense. The spread/gimmick MAC version of the system doesn't emphasize either position due to the basis of spread theory. I think a FB and TE would work well in the MAC because it gives you an opportunity to get the ball to them on the second level and let them demolish undersized DB's. The same might not be the case in the Big 10 where they have physical DB's. The NFL is refined to such a point that they rely on TE's to fill many roles and have the option to choose from a larger talent pool to get the right player to fit their system. They can get a receiving specialist or a road grader. Either way that player has multiple roles on a 53 man roster and can prove to be very versatile. Colleges are selecting young and often physically underdeveloped boys to fill a real man's position. Therefore it is tough to get the right guy for their system. Bottom line I believe that a power run game and a pass game centered on moving chains to be the best option for Akron at this time.

[GP1]

Bottom line I believe that a power run game and a pass game centered on moving chains to be the best option for Akron at this time.

I like running. I like moving the chains with anyone who can do so. All of this sets up big plays for WRs and I LOVE big plays that score TDs. We need some deep threats next year or we will have the same offense we did this season.

[Lee Adams]

Figure we are going to need to groom 2 FBs for 2010. Obviously Ianallo and staff might start searching for one, but who do we like as possiblities?I don't see any current RB wanting to make that switch. Alexander at 6'1, 215 could put on 15 lbs or so and fill the role, but I like what he offers as a bigger RB.Typically I would think someone that is an LB might have played some RB or FB in HS:Troy Gilmer 6-1, 215 RFR or Matt Little 6-2, 230 So. would seem to be candidates. Not sure what they did in HS in regards to playing any RB.As for TE, if Ritossa stays (and you would think he would b/c he is MORE likely to see the ball now), I think we have a solid 3 in Weber, Ladrach and Ritossa. I know we also have a couple of younger guys (Root and Petrides), but I honestly know little about them.

Brian Wagner ran the ball pretty well in HS. Not break away speed but 4.5-6 is pretty nice @ 225 pds.He will be too small for the middle linebacker spot in a 4-3 defense and we do have alot of OLB talent. It might make sense.

Why on earth would we move Wagner who was are best defensive player to FB. Your talking about a guy who will most likely be a frosh all american and who led the MAC in tackles and was also 6th in the nation overall in tackels. If anything we move him to OLB and move one of the current OLB to fullback.

he may be a safety in a 4-3..imagine him 'headhunting' from back there...

[Dr Z]

Quotes from today's press conference from MR's blog"In our offense, we like to throw the ball to the tight end""We really felt like we'd need a fullback in this class to do some of the things we want to do with a two-back offense."A lot of ZN posters are getting what they want.

[scottditzen]

This is good news for sure.Right now I'd take even the Maryland-I over this weak, stupid, "can't get a 1st down on 3rd and 1" spread offense we've had to endure.

Quotes from today's press conference from MR's blog"In our offense, we like to throw the ball to the tight end""We really felt like we'd need a fullback in this class to do some of the things we want to do with a two-back offense."A lot of ZN posters are getting what they want.

[RACER]

i am glad to see the change in offense.it sounds like they are going to some kind of more traditonal offense.i think this will help the qb position out more.you could see more play action passes.running the spread takes great skill at wr,and a qb that can run.neither of which we will have next year.im sure teams will put 5-8 poeple in the box to stop the run.this should mean single coverage for all the wr,rb,and te.hopefully we will see devo at hb since jd is gone.i am not sure about martinsince he has been hurt.the first year might be tuff to fill the te,and fb spots.we should be able to get some decent playersat those positions next year; since alott of teams use the spread.the next question is what kind of defense he is going to run.4-3,or 3-4 is alott better than the 3-3-5.with the 3-3-5 you need three huge linebackers,and 5 db that can fly to the ball.plus he needs to find some bigger db's to stop the run.

[Lee Adams]

i am glad to see the change in offense.it sounds like they are going to some kind of more traditonal offense.i think this will help the qb position out more.you could see more play action passes.running the spread takes great skill at wr,and a qb that can run.neither of which we will have next year.im sure teams will put 5-8 poeple in the box to stop the run.this should mean single coverage for all the wr,rb,and te.hopefully we will see devo at hb since jd is gone.i am not sure about martinsince he has been hurt.the first year might be tuff to fill the te,and fb spots.we should be able to get some decent playersat those positions next year; since alott of teams use the spread.the next question is what kind of defense he is going to run.4-3,or 3-4 is alott better than the 3-3-5.with the 3-3-5 you need three huge linebackers,and 5 db that can fly to the ball.plus he needs to find some bigger db's to stop the run.

the kid from st.ed's cunningham may get some time as a frosh...looks like he has size and speed at the corner...you are right about the rb position...and that could be thin if martin stays hurt...sconiers or shrock may see some time as frosh also...howard? thats a huge gamble...obviously he is having his hand held to get eligible and is still having problems qualifying...they better hope he makes it this year...if he goes prep school and makes it some bigger schools may snatch him...i think IF the o-line gets back to where it should be and one of the wr recruits can contribute they'll move the ball through the air...there will be some people moved around on defense...gotta find a physical safety for the 4-3...they need to find a BIG lb to sit in the middle of that defense...