Summer Camp 2013

[Zipmeister]

I find it difficult to believe, but looking at the roster I can't resist being optimistic about the upcoming season. The question is (beating the mortally-wounded horse) how many wins our dramatically (on paper) improved team will garner given that it is likely that our opponents have also improved, Once again I am pumped and will remain so for at least half the season. GO ZIPS.

[GP1]

I too am optimistic, but not able to pinpoint exactly why. Better players? The unpredictable nature of the MAC? Every MAC team should feel some level of optimism going into every season.

In any event, I think if

. was here, he would be able to share some of his wisdom about where the Zips are right now. We badly need a good season to break the three straight years of one win. He would probably say, "The Zips are on the precipice of an enormous crossroads." One more horrible season, and there are huge problems. We need a minimum four wins.

[ZachTheZip]

Two reasons I'm optimistic:

1. - Depth: We haven't had any real depth at most positions for a while now. But this year we have added both depth and talent on the O-line and D-line. We have talent and depth at every offensive skill position except for TE, and I don't know how much we'll even use a TE in Bowden's offense. I would say that our biggest holes overall are on defense, with a lot of unproven talent at LB and Safety. Special teams are set, provided we find someone who actually wants to return kickoffs this season (Bowden said one of the problems with last year's team was a revolving door at KR/PR because nobody wanted to do it. This year he will find somebody and groom them for the position).

2. - The entire coaching staff is returning. Really, how rare is this in the MAC? To have consistent coaching for every position group from one year to the next is huge, especially going into year two of a new coaching staff. Nobody gets a new position coach with a new personality and a new way of doing things in camp/practice just one year after having to learn everything from scratch.

I'm also happy that we don't have to deal with a bunch of ridiculous weekday games that throw the schedule out of whack.

[ZachTheZip]

I believe that George Thomas mentioned his name in an article already, but does anybody know anything about incoming JUCO Nmesoma Okafor? 6'6" 230lb DT from Nassau CC. Maybe will help fill the (considerably large) void left by James Price.

[Jalapeño Zippy]

Tsk-tsk, more sloppiness. The resident UA prof is going to give a failing grade to ZN.o.

Whoaps...

[mivid12]

But a UofA faculty member who wonders why George is so sloppy.

really? nothing else to do on a lovely summer day?

thanks George, I for one enjoy your coverage...well done dot dot dot

[johnnyzip84]

I believe that George Thomas mentioned his name in an article already, but does anybody know anything about incoming JUCO Nmesoma Okafor? 6'6" 230lb DT from Nassau CC. Maybe will help fill the (considerably large) void left by James Price.

Okafor appears to be the mystery man out of these late additions.

HERE are some JC highlights. Nice 1st step off the edge OK, sometimes he looks a little TOO quick, but it's only a penalty if they throw a flag

His height alone should give QBs trouble. Can you imagine LR8 practicing against him?

[K92]

MTB1 making an impression.

[johnnyzip84]

MTB1 making an impression.

Ha! You beat me to it.

Confidence and commitment. It's tough to expect much from a true freshmen, but the setting is there (TB's offensive style, MTB's size and skill, UA's needs) for a special, break-out season.

[Zipgrad01]

http://gozips.com/sports/fball/2013-14/rel.../20130805m2n2we

It looks like CJ Mizell is expected to join sometime, but he still hasn't fulfilled his academic requirements. I really hope that he doesn't miss too much camp finishing his classes.

[johnnyzip84]

http://gozips.com/sports/fball/2013-14/rel.../20130805m2n2we

It looks like CJ Mizell is expected to join sometime, but he still hasn't fulfilled his academic requirements. I really hope that he doesn't miss too much camp finishing his classes.

Assistant AD for Communications Gregg Bach was on Big Time Sports 1350 am yesterday. He also mentioned CJ finishing up classes and sounded hopeful that he'd be playing this year. He also mentioned the staff was looking at Drew Phillips and that Moore and Lane woul likely be non-qualifiers. However, he likened the latter situation to that of Harney and Treadwell on the hoops team. He said something I had thought initially when I heard they might not qualify. With the new additions on defense, these guys are needed more for the future. The staff is trying to both win now AND build for the future.

[LZIp]

Can anyone tell me where Bennett has been lining up? I would assume he would be an outside receiver with his size, and there was a spot open with LT Smith moving to the inside, but read an article saying he was moved back to the outside. So, if my thinking is right, when Bennett is in with the starters, he would be taking time from Smith or Dillard?

[Blue & Gold]

Can anyone tell me where Bennett has been lining up? I would assume he would be an outside receiver with his size, and there was a spot open with LT Smith moving to the inside, but read an article saying he was moved back to the outside. So, if my thinking is right, when Bennett is in with the starters, he would be taking time from Smith or Dillard?

You're probably right.

Though LT Smith is probably the best all-around athlete on the team, he really hasn't yet impressed me as a WR. Hopefully he makes a pretty big jump this year, it being being his 2nd year lining up @ the position.

[UA1987]

Thanks for the update, George

I'll be curious as to your assessment of the LBs in the coming weeks. Rachal was a stud in the spring.

Went to a part of practice today and Rachal was with the ones (Grice and Caponi). So were Presley and Horner. McCray was run in for Caponi at times. Rossi, who almost picked off a Pohl pass in the backfield, was with the two's including the Colorado State transfers (very early - honor seems to be playing a part in the depth chart for now). Practice was 80% pass as they were not in full gear and timing needs to be developed. I did not notice what receivers were playing where as I was focusing on the defensive line and linebackers. The stadium looked great! You can't help but feel wealthy walking around campus as everything is so new and well landscaped like a country club. Amato seemed like he was having a good time. Players were hustling. Bowden's Southern drawl filled the field with encouraging words at the end of practice. Everything was first class.

[LZIp]

are the practices open to the public?

[Dr Z]

Went to a part of practice today and Rachal was with the ones (Grice and Caponi). So were Presley and Horner. McCray was run in for Caponi at times. Rossi, who almost picked off a Pohl pass in the backfield, was with the two's including the Colorado State transfers (very early - honor seems to be playing a part in the depth chart for now). Practice was 80% pass as they were not in full gear and timing needs to be developed. I did not notice what receivers were playing where as I was focusing on the defensive line and linebackers. The stadium looked great! You can't help but feel wealthy walking around campus as everything is so new and well landscaped like a country club. Amato seemed like he was having a good time. Players were hustling. Bowden's Southern drawl filled the field with encouraging words at the end of practice. Everything was first class.

Thanks for sharing!

[UA1987]

are the practices open to the public?

Better ask the ticket office. I was in business casual, which just happened to be blue and gold and I just walked by everyone nodding knowingly. Only two gates were open and there was loose security.

[johnnyzip84]

Better ask the ticket office. I was in business casual, which just happened to be blue and gold and I just walked by everyone nodding knowingly. Only two gates were open and there was loose security.

Gregg Bach said on Dunn’s show yesterday that practices are indeed open to the public.

[UA1987]

Gregg Bach said on Dunn’s show yesterday that practices are indeed open to the public.

This takes some of the intrigue out of it JZ84. I was standing by the rail over by the gear shop at the South end taking in the last part of practice when I turned around to leave and the gate behind me, which was open, was now locked. I thought 'am I locked in the stadium?' I strolled over towards the North end half expecting to be asked 'what are you doing here' by security, but I just walked out. Reminded me of the old Rubber Bowl days when you could just walk in for free at halftime but you weren't sure if it was legal.

[LZIp]

Gregg Bach said on Dunn's show yesterday that practices are indeed open to the public.

Thanks.

[Dr Z]

George expands on the DustBurger visit.

They asked Musburger about the craziest games he called. His best game and, of course, Katherine Webb the girlfriend of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron

[ZippyFan]

Does anyone have any idea what time the saturday practices are?

[Dr Z]

[Captain Kangaroo]

I wonder if other MAC coaches are done after 32 seconds of video?

I used to get several minutes of Ianello's BS thoughts...now I actually want to hear what my coach has to say, and I get 32 seconds.

[jupitertoo]

I wonder if other MAC coaches are done after 32 seconds of video?

I used to get several minutes of Ianello's BS thoughts...now I actually want to hear what my coach has to say, and I get 32 seconds.

As talented a communicator he is, I'm guessing he went on for 15 minutes.