Analyzing the roster....

[xu9697]

A few things stood out:

1. Despite what might have been said about a "shrinking roster", there seems to be some depth building in some key areas. OL has some depth, DL has some depth, QB has some depth and balance of classes (talent...we will see!), WR and DB also are building some depth.

2. Lots of youth, for sure. But seems to be enough good vets sprinkled in Waller, Wagner, Little, Bice, Anderson, Marcoux, Harvey, etc.

3. WR specifically...I know there were and continue to be concerns about the WRs. I also know there is concern about the size of the WRs. But in Price, Suel, Sconiers and Russell (at least 3 of these guys will be our top 4 WRs), we actually have pretty nice size. I also always have liked the "former QB turned WR" type player, and we have that in Potts. Finally, now that we have a reasonable amout of TEs (4), in that group I really think Will Fleming could turn into a "Dallas Clark" type player...IF we can find a QB that can get him and others the ball.

4. Nick Rossi wearing the #1. I know we don't necessarily have this great tradition of a guy wearing #1, but if you follow college football in general the single digit numbers are COVETED. You put a freshman in the #1 jersey and you are, consciously or subconsciously, expecting great things. Could we have our own Owen Marecic here?

5. Tyler Williams- only "ATH" on the roster. 5'7, 155....but boy I hope he might turn out to be something special.

6. Most concered about RB and LB depth (and LB SIZE).

[Buckzip]

A few things stood out:

1. Despite what might have been said about a "shrinking roster", there seems to be some depth building in some key areas. OL has some depth, DL has some depth, QB has some depth and balance of classes (talent...we will see!), WR and DB also are building some depth.

2. Lots of youth, for sure. But seems to be enough good vets sprinkled in Waller, Wagner, Little, Bice, Anderson, Marcoux, Harvey, etc.

3. WR specifically...I know there were and continue to be concerns about the WRs. I also know there is concern about the size of the WRs. But in Price, Suel, Sconiers and Russell (at least 3 of these guys will be our top 4 WRs), we actually have pretty nice size. I also always have liked the "former QB turned WR" type player, and we have that in Potts. Finally, now that we have a reasonable amout of TEs (4), in that group I really think Will Fleming could turn into a "Dallas Clark" type player...IF we can find a QB that can get him and others the ball.

4. Nick Rossi wearing the #1. I know we don't necessarily have this great tradition of a guy wearing #1, but if you follow college football in general the single digit numbers are COVETED. You put a freshman in the #1 jersey and you are, consciously or subconsciously, expecting great things. Could we have our own Owen Marecic here?

5. Tyler Williams- only "ATH" on the roster. 5'7, 155....but boy I hope he might turn out to be something special.

6. Most concered about RB and LB depth (and LB SIZE).

Future depth is concerning to me too. We have 2 scholly freshman DT, all the rest are seniors.

Not real concerned about RB. Alexander and Chisolm are 1-2 and Slaten at 3. All are young.

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

Williams is the type of guy you get into space and let him work his magic. No Metcalf up the middle crap with him.

Slot receiver, tail back taking tosses and sweeps. He could be a real weapon if used properly.

Both lines are always a concern here.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

[Buckzip]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

My thought process had nothing to do with race. Sorry that you think that way. I guess you have to assume he is a Hillis or Gearhart type. I'm surprised you didn't say TD Tommy Vardell. You appear to be the one stereotyping here.

We seem to have a decent stable of RB. We need more LB's. The kid was a star as a LB moreso than as a RB. I stated my reason in my post.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

My thought process had nothing to do with race. Sorry that you think that way. I guess you have to assume he is a Hillis or Gearhart type. I'm surprised you didn't say TD Tommy Vardell. You appear to be the one stereotyping here.

We seem to have a decent stable of RB. We need more LB's. The kid was a star as a LB moreso than as a RB. I stated my reason in my post.

Race's role is slotting football players is a fact. Ask any coach. Ask ITZ or GP1. If you are uncomfortable discussing a reality...we'll just pretend it isn't true and I'll discuss fairy tale stuff.

Who comprises "decent stable of running backs?"

Chisolm, who's never run the ball in college

Staten, who's never run the ball in college.

Alexander, who's coming off major knee surgery.

Truth is -- We are as unproven at the RB position as you could possibly be. And we need the best RB's in the backfield, or Nicely/Moore are going to get creamed. And Rossi could be the #1 guy as easily as any of those 3.

So I'm stereotyping by saying Rossi could be a power back, like Hillis, a true tail back like Gerhart, or a speed back like Hendry? How is that stereotyping? Only in your warped world...

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

[Doug Snyder]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

My thought process had nothing to do with race. Sorry that you think that way. I guess you have to assume he is a Hillis or Gearhart type. I'm surprised you didn't say TD Tommy Vardell. You appear to be the one stereotyping here.

We seem to have a decent stable of RB. We need more LB's. The kid was a star as a LB moreso than as a RB. I stated my reason in my post.

I think Rossi chose Akron because ICoach gave him his word that he would be given a chance to play RB. If he was going to play LB, he could have chosen bigger and better programs. So....if ICoach is going to have any credibility in future recruiting guys like Rossi...he HAS to allow him compete at RB. Hopefully Rossi will see that he can get on the field quicker at LB and request the change. Also...I believe it is easier to learn defensive positions than offensive. That is another reason to start him on offense....he can always switch to defense during the season. I predict that Chisolm and Alexander will do well at RB and Rossi will request the switch to LB after 2-3 games.

[Doug Snyder]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

My thought process had nothing to do with race. Sorry that you think that way. I guess you have to assume he is a Hillis or Gearhart type. I'm surprised you didn't say TD Tommy Vardell. You appear to be the one stereotyping here.

We seem to have a decent stable of RB. We need more LB's. The kid was a star as a LB moreso than as a RB. I stated my reason in my post.

Race's role is slotting football players is a fact. Ask any coach. Ask ITZ or GP1. If you are uncomfortable discussing a reality...we'll just pretend it isn't true and I'll discuss fairy tale stuff.

Who comprises "decent stable of running backs?"

Chisolm, who's never run the ball in college

Staten, who's never run the ball in college.

Alexander, who's coming off major knee surgery.

Truth is -- We are as unproven at the RB position as you could possibly be. And we need the best RB's in the backfield, or Nicely/Moore are going to get creamed. And Rossi could be the #1 guy as easily as any of those 3.

So I'm stereotyping by saying Rossi could be a power back, like Hillis, a true tail back like Gerhart, or a speed back like Hendry? How is that stereotyping? Only in your warped world...

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

Glad the "owners" and moderators of this forum set examples of moderation, civility and keeping this non-personal. They can never be accused of setting the tone that allows for all the vindictive, personal trashing that goes on at ZNO.

[Z.I.P.]

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

Glad the "owners" and moderators of this forum set examples of moderation, civility and keeping this non-personal. They can never be accused of setting the tone that allows for all the vindictive, personal trashing that goes on at ZNO.

Dude! You forgot the

[Captain Kangaroo]

Glad the "owners" and moderators of this forum set examples of moderation, civility and keeping this non-personal. They can never be accused of setting the tone that allows for all the vindictive, personal trashing that goes on at ZNO.

I'm glad that you were banned from ZN.o (one of maybe 3 bannings in 10 years), changed your board name, and returned. You hate ZN.o...but you just can't leave it.

Welcome back, Dougie!

[GP1]

Race's role is slotting football players is a fact. Ask any coach. Ask ITZ or GP1. If you are uncomfortable discussing a reality...we'll just pretend it isn't true and I'll discuss fairy tale stuff.

Race does play a roll...in everything. Many kids get slotted into holes at a young age and by the time they get to college, there is nothing else. I don't know if this kid played RB and LB or just one, but it's hard to change a kid into something if he never played that position.

I've said all along I'm not interested in anything other than winning. Give me some winners.

Many on this board are old enough to remember a Cleveland Brown (Version 1.0) named Brian Brennan. If I remember right, he still did/does radio for the Browns. He was a third down WR for the Browns what seems like long ago now when the Browns were a top notch NFL team in the toughest division in the NFL. Everyone thought Brennan was the usual slow white WR who had good hands and could come through on third down. He could play every down if, by golly, he was just fast enough. The truth was just the opposite (go figure), every season he played for the Browns, he had the fastest 40 yard dash time on a team with some really fast guys. He had good hands, but only ran good short patterns and couldn't block to save his life. That's how you become a third down specialist of any color.

[Doug Snyder]

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

Glad the "owners" and moderators of this forum set examples of moderation, civility and keeping this non-personal. They can never be accused of setting the tone that allows for all the vindictive, personal trashing that goes on at ZNO.

Dude! You forgot the

Not good with all the icons or adding graphs/charts/tables. Doubt that I will have the patience to learn. Would like to figure out how to use tables as it is useful sometimes.

[Buckzip]

I'm hoping Rossi plays LB. We need him at LB more than at FB. IMO he will make a much bigger impact at LB than he will at FB.

I am glad we're giving him a real look at RB (not necessarily FB).

The easiest thing in the world to do is make the white kid a linebacker. It takes a rare, free-thinker to give him a chance to run the ball.

He could be Peyton Hillis or Toby Gerhart? He could be lethal inside the 5 yard line? He could be the money back that gets us 4 yards on 3rd and 2? Maybe he's a bigger Bobby Hendry?

I want to see him play RB before I stereotype him as an LB.

My thought process had nothing to do with race. Sorry that you think that way. I guess you have to assume he is a Hillis or Gearhart type. I'm surprised you didn't say TD Tommy Vardell. You appear to be the one stereotyping here.

We seem to have a decent stable of RB. We need more LB's. The kid was a star as a LB moreso than as a RB. I stated my reason in my post.

Race's role is slotting football players is a fact. Ask any coach. Ask ITZ or GP1. If you are uncomfortable discussing a reality...we'll just pretend it isn't true and I'll discuss fairy tale stuff.

Who comprises "decent stable of running backs?"

Chisolm, who's never run the ball in college

Staten, who's never run the ball in college.

Alexander, who's coming off major knee surgery.

Truth is -- We are as unproven at the RB position as you could possibly be. And we need the best RB's in the backfield, or Nicely/Moore are going to get creamed. And Rossi could be the #1 guy as easily as any of those 3.

So I'm stereotyping by saying Rossi could be a power back, like Hillis, a true tail back like Gerhart, or a speed back like Hendry? How is that stereotyping? Only in your warped world...

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

No need to get all bent out of shape and start the other crap CK. I understand that personal attacks are your only way to get your point across though.

You started the entire thing by implying I was saying he should be at LB based on race. Now go ahead and deny it.

You criticize my choice of stable of running backs because there are 2 that haven't played yet, but you want to add another that hasn't played either.

You claim I can't have a discussion, yet you are the one getting all upset because I didn't agree with you.

Truly hilarious.

[Z.I.P.]

Damn, it is impossible to discuss anything with you. You are such a victim, BuckZip.

Glad the "owners" and moderators of this forum set examples of moderation, civility and keeping this non-personal. They can never be accused of setting the tone that allows for all the vindictive, personal trashing that goes on at ZNO.

Dude! You forgot the

Not good with all the icons or adding graphs/charts/tables. Doubt that I will have the patience to learn. Would like to figure out how to use tables as it is useful sometimes.

Helpful instruction: 1. Roll the cursor to the icon. 2. Click. Follow me:

[Dave in Green]

I've lost track of who's playing offensively and who's playing defensively. No, not on the Zips football team. I'm talking about ZN.O posters.

[Buckzip]

I've lost track of who's playing offensively and who's playing defensively. No, not on the Zips football team. I'm talking about ZN.O posters.

I think some here go both ways. NTTIATWWT.

[johnnyzip84]

A few things stood out:

1. Despite what might have been said about a "shrinking roster", there seems to be some depth building in some key areas. OL has some depth, DL has some depth, QB has some depth and balance of classes (talent...we will see!), WR and DB also are building some depth.

2. Lots of youth, for sure. But seems to be enough good vets sprinkled in Waller, Wagner, Little, Bice, Anderson, Marcoux, Harvey, etc.

3. WR specifically...I know there were and continue to be concerns about the WRs. I also know there is concern about the size of the WRs. But in Price, Suel, Sconiers and Russell (at least 3 of these guys will be our top 4 WRs), we actually have pretty nice size. I also always have liked the "former QB turned WR" type player, and we have that in Potts. Finally, now that we have a reasonable amout of TEs (4), in that group I really think Will Fleming could turn into a "Dallas Clark" type player...IF we can find a QB that can get him and others the ball.

4. Nick Rossi wearing the #1. I know we don't necessarily have this great tradition of a guy wearing #1, but if you follow college football in general the single digit numbers are COVETED. You put a freshman in the #1 jersey and you are, consciously or subconsciously, expecting great things. Could we have our own Owen Marecic here?

5. Tyler Williams- only "ATH" on the roster. 5'7, 155....but boy I hope he might turn out to be something special.

6. Most concered about RB and LB depth (and LB SIZE).

This is a pretty good summary, IMO

I don't think lack of talent can be blamed for any shortcomings seen in 2011. It's time for iCoach and company to step up.

[Doug Snyder]

I've lost track of who's playing offensively and who's playing defensively. No, not on the Zips football team. I'm talking about ZN.O posters.

I repeat my previous statement... it is easier to learn the offensive side of things

Hey Z.I.P. Thanks for the tip with the smiley’s. I am normally online working at 10PM to 3AM so I don't waste a lot of time researching things like that. Any tips on tables?? Would love to cut and paste from Excel...but that does not seem to work here.

[Buckzip]

DJ Williams quit to concentrate on track. Nice knowing you kid.

Rossi is a FB according to Icoach and the ABJ.

[johnnyzip84]

DJ WilliamsSON quit to concentrate on track. Nice knowing you kid.

Rossi is a FB according to Icoach and the ABJ.

ABJ Link

There's also some discussion of the quarterback competition.

Tyrell Goodman will attend a prep school.

[ZachTheZip]

From the ABJ article: "With 18 days remaining to the opener, Ianello understands that he has to choose between Nicely and Moore, but doesn’t know when.

'I don’t have a date in mind,' Ianello said. 'I am still hoping that it takes care of itself, with someone showing he wants to be the quarterback and stepping up.'"

:wall:

Advice to the coach: That never happens. it's never happened in the history of a QB competition. Pick the guy with the best potential and start developing him NOW.

[xu9697]

From the ABJ article: "With 18 days remaining to the opener, Ianello understands that he has to choose between Nicely and Moore, but doesn’t know when.

'I don’t have a date in mind,' Ianello said. 'I am still hoping that it takes care of itself, with someone showing he wants to be the quarterback and stepping up.'"

:wall:

Advice to the coach: That never happens. it's never happened in the history of a QB competition. Pick the guy with the best potential and start developing him NOW.

While I never say never, I will at least say "rarely, if ever".

The problem I see is this:

Sometimes you don't really know about a guy until he plays REAL games. Nicely has played quite a few, but now it is year 2 in the system and he is an upperclassman. With Moore, he is now playing at a level above where he played before for the 1st time.

Despite what your feelings are about OSU...it is a daunting task in game 1. By the same token, we have a conference game in week 2. Certainly, IDEALLY, you want your QB situation settled by the time you play conference games. So unless one is CLEARLY better than the other...they both get some reps against OSU. I think you need to see what both can do against that kind of competition in a REAL GAME.

[K92]

From the ABJ article: "With 18 days remaining to the opener, Ianello understands that he has to choose between Nicely and Moore, but doesn’t know when.

'I don’t have a date in mind,' Ianello said. 'I am still hoping that it takes care of itself, with someone showing he wants to be the quarterback and stepping up.'"

:wall:

Advice to the coach: That never happens. it's never happened in the history of a QB competition. Pick the guy with the best potential and start developing him NOW.

There is nothing wrong with letting the competition play out. The same thing is going on at Texas, Miami and Notre Dame. Sometimes the coaching staff makes a QB decision early that is wrong. That's what happened to Texas A&M last year if you will recall.

[Blue & Gold]

Sounds like Nicely should be the starter. IMHO unless the newcomer is clearly the superior player, the returning starter/veteran should get the nod.

ABJ article says Rossi has been getting plenty of reps @ fullback d/t returning starter Austin Bailey struggling w/ an injured hamstring. Idk, Bailey is an All-MAC caliber FB. I'd still like to see Rossi line up beside Wagner. Especially w/ Firestone product Cody Grice (6-0, 240) on the roster; another FB w/ a lot of potential (at the very least Grice should be a competent backup FB).

[Doug Snyder]

From the ABJ article: "With 18 days remaining to the opener, Ianello understands that he has to choose between Nicely and Moore, but doesn’t know when.

'I don’t have a date in mind,' Ianello said. 'I am still hoping that it takes care of itself, with someone showing he wants to be the quarterback and stepping up.'"

:wall:

Advice to the coach: That never happens. it's never happened in the history of a QB competition. Pick the guy with the best potential and start developing him NOW.

There is nothing wrong with letting the competition play out. The same thing is going on at Texas, Miami and Notre Dame. Sometimes the coaching staff makes a QB decision early that is wrong. That's what happened to Texas A&M last year if you will recall.

Zach's coach of choice was Luke Fickell.. Isn't Luke doing just what Zach is advocating against?? So Luke is now on Zach's shit list too....interesting.

[Dave in Green]

..... IMHO unless the newcomer is clearly the superior player, the returning starter/veteran should get the nod. .....

What if the newcomer is really close to appearing to be clearly the superior player, and appears to be improving on a steady basis? Wouldn't a coach want to put off the decision as long as possible to see if the newcomer can continue improving until he's clearly the superior player?

Sure, ideally you want to pick all your starters as early as possible to get the starting lineup comfortable together. But when there's a really close competition between two players, especially at a critical position like QB, it would be foolish to rush the decision.

I prefer that the coach is patient and is more likely to make the best decision based on as much data as possible.

The good news about this is that Moore's performance is already close enough to Nicely's to cause indecision on picking a starter, even though he's a newcomer to the Zips team and less experienced than Nicely in the offensive system.