2012 Recap - Part 3 of 4 – Offense
The Hornet offense entered the offseason off of an abysmal 2011 campaign and with plenty of voids in the starting lineup to fill. Coach Sperbeck went out and immediately brought in Offensive Coordinator Peterson to address the issue. Peterson implemented the spread no huddle offense which significantly improved production from a season ago. The cupboard wasn’t completely bare and there were enough players available to step up and make this new offense work. The offense sputtered at times, but clearly this new scheme played well into the strengths of this roster.
A successful offense always begins in the trenches. Heading into the season the offensive line was going to have to be the solid foundation of this new offense, and that is exactly how it played out. Initially the offensive line only had one void to fill, however some fall camp injuries to projected starter (#74) Derek Stickney and possible starter (#79) Dan Stornaiuolo caused a reshuffling of the deck and opened up two voids on the line. This caused (#72) Devonte Martin to remain on the offensive side of the ball (he was slated to jump over to the defensive line) and thrust (#76) Lars Hansen and (#61) Aleksandar Milanovic into immediate consideration for a starting role alongside returners (#65) Vince Weaver, (#75) Clay DePauw, and (#73) Tyler Worthley. Early on it was evident that the Hornet offensive line would be more than sufficient as they were able to open some holes for the running game and provide ample time for (#12) Garrett Safron to throw the ball. Weaver ended up suffering an injury and was lost for a considerable amount of the season, but the silver lining of was that it opened up playing time for Milanovic and Hansen who did more than hold their own.
A big question mark coming in was the quarterback play. Safron saw some playing time and had some starts under his belt coming into the season, but the coaches also brought in Nevada transfer (#4) Mason Magleby. Safron won the starting role in spring camp and went on to have a roller coast of a season. He played well at times and rather shaky at others but overall his decision making improved as the season progressed. There were games where Safron had an amazing performance, but there were also games where he struggled mightily with accuracy. I don’t anticipate much development from the throwing ability standpoint, but hopefully Safron will continue to improve his decision making as he gets more experience under his belt.
The new offensive aerial attack had multiple targets to go to, and all the receivers got involved to some extent. (#13) Morris Norrise was the main target for Safron and four players had over 300 yards receiving. (#17) TJ Knowles and (#2) DeAndre Carter was the other receivers targeted quite a bit and (#8) Ezekiel Graham racked up a lot of yards catching the ball out of the backfield. There were quite a few younger receivers that saw action but no one clearly developed into the threat that will be needed going forward. (#81) Blake Robertson and (#15) Shane Harrison saw the most time at the third receiver spot with tight end (#80) Chris Broadnax getting reps when Knowles was out. The Hornets will need a playmaking receiver who is capable of “climbing the ladder” and making tough catches if this program wants to take it to the next level. The Hornet receivers also need to clean up the tipped throws (quite a few resulted in INT’s), fumbles after the catch and drops that hindered a lot of promising drives.
The running game had some question marks as well. (#24) Sam McCowan was the only returning back who had any significant experience but the Hornet coaches brought in a few recruits to bolster this position. (#21) AJ Elis transferred in from Fresno State, Graham was recruited from the JC ranks and (#9) De’jon Coleman was recruited out of high school. Graham had an immediate impact and quickly solidified his role as the primary back. He displayed explosiveness and versatility that resulted in multiple big plays throughout the season. Coleman also emerged as a solid back. He didn’t put up big numbers but he provided glimpses of the potential that will hopefully be developed over the coming years. Add to the mix a mobile Safron and the running game had multiple players who moved the ball on the ground. Overall the rushing offense wasn’t dominating, but it was sufficient enough to keep opposing defenses honest. With an emerging offensive line and a solid stable of running backs returning, the rushing game should improve next season.
Team Rankings/Stats
Running Backs
Quarterbacks
Individual Stats
Quarterbacks
There aren’t many glaring area’s that have immediate needs on offense. However there area a few things that were evident as the season progressed.
2013 Outlook
The Hornets will have a lot of experience and talent returning next season and they are running the right system that complements their talent. With a year of the no huddle spread offense under their belts, the offense will need to improve on its efficiency, scoring, and most importantly ball control. The receivers let too many catchable throws bounce off their hands for easy picks and there were too many fumbles on runs after the catch. This absolutely needs to get cleaned up if the Hornets are to make a run next season.
Safron will need to continue to make the right decisions. When he tried to force the ball the results were bad. Safron settled down as the season progressed but to see improved results, the Hornets are going to have to make the big plays. This includes connecting on the downfield throws and having a receiver stepping up and start make the tough plays.
The running game should see improvement as well as a lot of size and experience returns up front and that should help open up some running lanes for Graham and Coleman. The coaches will need to find a way to find rhythm for the running game as it struggled in the double tight end set but did significantly better when the formation was spread out. The play calling was predictable in the double tight end set and the coaches will need to find a better way of implementing those plays.
When it is all said and done, the Hornet offense will do better if it cleans up the mistakes of this past season and improves its execution. A lot of stalled drives slowed this unit down and finishing will need to be a point of emphasis moving forward. As of now the future looks bright, there are plenty of things for this unit to work on but this offense should only improve as it continues on in the spread no huddle system.
As always my recaps are up for discussion.
GO HORNETS!!!
Next: Part 4 of 4 - Defense
The Hornet offense entered the offseason off of an abysmal 2011 campaign and with plenty of voids in the starting lineup to fill. Coach Sperbeck went out and immediately brought in Offensive Coordinator Peterson to address the issue. Peterson implemented the spread no huddle offense which significantly improved production from a season ago. The cupboard wasn’t completely bare and there were enough players available to step up and make this new offense work. The offense sputtered at times, but clearly this new scheme played well into the strengths of this roster.
A successful offense always begins in the trenches. Heading into the season the offensive line was going to have to be the solid foundation of this new offense, and that is exactly how it played out. Initially the offensive line only had one void to fill, however some fall camp injuries to projected starter (#74) Derek Stickney and possible starter (#79) Dan Stornaiuolo caused a reshuffling of the deck and opened up two voids on the line. This caused (#72) Devonte Martin to remain on the offensive side of the ball (he was slated to jump over to the defensive line) and thrust (#76) Lars Hansen and (#61) Aleksandar Milanovic into immediate consideration for a starting role alongside returners (#65) Vince Weaver, (#75) Clay DePauw, and (#73) Tyler Worthley. Early on it was evident that the Hornet offensive line would be more than sufficient as they were able to open some holes for the running game and provide ample time for (#12) Garrett Safron to throw the ball. Weaver ended up suffering an injury and was lost for a considerable amount of the season, but the silver lining of was that it opened up playing time for Milanovic and Hansen who did more than hold their own.
A big question mark coming in was the quarterback play. Safron saw some playing time and had some starts under his belt coming into the season, but the coaches also brought in Nevada transfer (#4) Mason Magleby. Safron won the starting role in spring camp and went on to have a roller coast of a season. He played well at times and rather shaky at others but overall his decision making improved as the season progressed. There were games where Safron had an amazing performance, but there were also games where he struggled mightily with accuracy. I don’t anticipate much development from the throwing ability standpoint, but hopefully Safron will continue to improve his decision making as he gets more experience under his belt.
The new offensive aerial attack had multiple targets to go to, and all the receivers got involved to some extent. (#13) Morris Norrise was the main target for Safron and four players had over 300 yards receiving. (#17) TJ Knowles and (#2) DeAndre Carter was the other receivers targeted quite a bit and (#8) Ezekiel Graham racked up a lot of yards catching the ball out of the backfield. There were quite a few younger receivers that saw action but no one clearly developed into the threat that will be needed going forward. (#81) Blake Robertson and (#15) Shane Harrison saw the most time at the third receiver spot with tight end (#80) Chris Broadnax getting reps when Knowles was out. The Hornets will need a playmaking receiver who is capable of “climbing the ladder” and making tough catches if this program wants to take it to the next level. The Hornet receivers also need to clean up the tipped throws (quite a few resulted in INT’s), fumbles after the catch and drops that hindered a lot of promising drives.
The running game had some question marks as well. (#24) Sam McCowan was the only returning back who had any significant experience but the Hornet coaches brought in a few recruits to bolster this position. (#21) AJ Elis transferred in from Fresno State, Graham was recruited from the JC ranks and (#9) De’jon Coleman was recruited out of high school. Graham had an immediate impact and quickly solidified his role as the primary back. He displayed explosiveness and versatility that resulted in multiple big plays throughout the season. Coleman also emerged as a solid back. He didn’t put up big numbers but he provided glimpses of the potential that will hopefully be developed over the coming years. Add to the mix a mobile Safron and the running game had multiple players who moved the ball on the ground. Overall the rushing offense wasn’t dominating, but it was sufficient enough to keep opposing defenses honest. With an emerging offensive line and a solid stable of running backs returning, the rushing game should improve next season.
Team Rankings/Stats
- • Rushing Offense: 6th in BSC (50th FCS) with an average of 163.3 ypg.
• Passing Offense: 7th in BSC (30th FCS) with an average of 241.9 ypg.
• Total Offense: 8th in BSC (39th FCS) with an average of 405.2 ypg.
• Scoring Offense: 10th in BSC (55th FCS) with an average of 27.0 ppg.
• Penalty Yards: 8th most in BSC, 86 penalties for 687 yards lost; 62.5 ypg.
• Time of Possession: 9th in BSC, averaged 29:49 per game.
• Sacks Allowed: T-3rd fewest in BSC (39th fewest FCS), allowed 17 sacks for 119 yards lost.
• Redzone Offense: 7th in BSC, 37/43, 86.0%: 27 TD’s (12 rush, 15 pass), 10/11 FG’s, 5 TO’s (1 fum, 2 INT’s, 2 other)
• Turnovers: T-11th fewest in BSC, 24 turnovers (11 fum, 13 INT’s)
Running Backs
- • (#24) Sam McCowan will be graduating. He didn’t see much time at running back but did make his presence felt on special teams. He was a hard working player that had a lot of talent and was able to help this team out however he could as he played in every game of his career. (44 career appearances, 8 career starts)
• (#21) AJ Ellis will be graduating. He transferred in from Fresno State and was vying for the starting running back spot. He didn’t see much playing time due to the emergence of Graham and the development of Coleman. (7 appearances)
- • (#17) TJ Knowles will be graduating. He rebounded nicely after battling injury last season and he became Safron’s go to guy in the redzone. Knowles had a strong finish to the season and he leaves a big void at tight end heading into next season. Knowles earned BSC Honorable Mention accolades and was named team Most Improved Player this season. (16 career appearances, 7 career starts)
- • (#75) Clay DePauw will be graduating. DePauw shifted over to center for this season and was one of the main reasons why the offensive line preformed so well this season. He did a great job of commanding the lineman with his blocking assignment calls and was named team Outstanding Offensive Lineman this season. (34 career appearances, 27 career starts)
• (#65) Vince Weaver will be graduating. Started the season at left tackle but was sidelined due to injury. Fortunately the Hornets look solid at tackle so his departure does not leave a huge void to fill. (30 career appearances, 11 career starts)
• (#64) Aaron Gasper will be graduating. He served as a reserve lineman but didn’t see much playing time during his Hornet career. (8 career appearances)
Quarterbacks
- • (#12) Garret Safron will return for his RJR season. He had a decent year but there is plenty of room for improvement. His decision making improved as the season progressed but his accuracy was hit or miss. He will need to take better care of the ball next season and do a better job of avoiding big hits when he is on the move. Safron earned BSC Honorable Mention and was named team Offensive MVP. (16 career appearances, 11 career starts)
• (#4) Mason Magleby will return for his SR season. He saw minimal action but when he did, he displayed a lively arm and the mobility to avoid the rush and make plays with his feet. He also served as the holder on field goals and PAT’s. (11 appearances, 2 at QB)
• (#16) Phillip Anspach will return for his RFR season assuming he redshirted this season. He was named Outstanding Offensive Scout Team Player this season.
• (#19) Colin Burnett will return for his RSO season. He did not see action this season.
• (#18) Nolan Sorensen will return for his RFR season assuming he redshirted this season.
- • (#8) Ezekiel Graham will return for his SR season. He busted onto the scene in week 1 and never looked back. He is a very dynamic player that should put up even better numbers next season. Graham was named BSC Honorable Mention and Outstanding Offensive Back. (11 appearances, 5 starts)
• (#9) De’jon Coleman will return for his SO season. He showed that he has the talent to be a big contributor in the upcoming years as he made some key plays during the season. It should be fun watching him play in the coming years. (9 appearances)
• (#32) Clark Partridge will return for his RJR season assuming he redshirted this season.
• (#14) Demetrius Warren will return for his RFR year assuming he redshirted this season.
- • (#13) Morris Norrise will return for his RSR season. He was the leading Hornet receiver and had a solid year. The season ended on a sour note for him but I expect him to rebound and finish his Hornet career in stellar fashion. Norrise earned 2nd Team BSC Honors. (32 career appearances, 22 career starts)
• (#2) DeAndre Carter will return for his JR season. He had a respectable season that was slowed a bit due to injury. Carter is too talented to be kept quiet but he should continue to show improvement next season. (18 career appearances, 10 career starts)
• (#81) Blake Robertson will return for his RSO season. He had plenty of opportunities to make some standout plays but fell short on most of them. Hopefully the experience he gained this season will allow him to take his game to the next level. (11 appearances, 11 starts)
• (#15) Shane Harrison will return for his RSO season. He got a decent amount of playing time and made the most of it. (10 appearances)
• (#87) Justin Cox will return for his RSO season. He saw some action this season and will look to build off of it. (9 appearances, 1 start)
• (#10) Austin Dotson will return for his SR season. He saw limited action this season but did haul in 5 catches in the UND game. (6 appearances)
• (#86) Nnamdi Agude, (#36) Devin Hardy will return for their RSO season. Agude saw limited action (7 appearances) and Hardy did not see any time this season.
• (#88) Ashton Collins will return for his RJR season. He did not play this season.
• (#83) Zach Moreno, (#82) Kyle Roberts, (#84) Kyi Thomas, and Tyler Amick return for their RFR season assuming they redshirted.
- • (#80) Chris Broadnax will return for his RJR season. He saw significant playing time early in the season and came through when needed, but his playing time diminished as Knowles found his groove. He will be favored to be the primary tight end next season. (16 career appearances, 4 career starts)
• (#47) DJ Maciel will be returning for his RSR season. He played in every game this season but wasn’t targeted very often. He should see plenty of playing time next season. (28 career appearances, 8 career starts)
• (#89) Marcus Mosi will be returning for his RSO season. He did not see action this season.
• (#85) Cole Hikutini will be returning for his RFR season assuming he redshirted.
- • (#73) Tyler Worthley will be returning for his RSR season. He started every game at right guard for the 3rd straight year. He has been a stalwart component of a solid Hornet offensive line and earned 2nd Team BSC Honors. (33 career appearances, 33 career starts)
• (#72) Devonte Martin will return for his RJR season. He was slated to move to the defensive side of the ball but was kept on offense after multiple players went down due to injury. He started almost every game at left guard. I have no idea if he will remain on offense or switch to defense. (21 career appearances, 10 career starts)
• (#61) Aleksandar Milanovic will return for his RSO season. He earned the starting role at right tackle in week 2 and never looked back. There was a lot of improvement as the season progressed and he should only get better as his career plays out. (10 appearances, 10 starts)
• (#76) Lars Hanson will return for his RSO season. He split time with Milanovic at right tackle before taking over at left tackle for an injured Weaver. Much like Milanovic, he showed that he will be a solid lineman for many years to come. (10 appearances, 5 starts)
• (#74) Derek Stickney will be returning for his RJR season. He was the returning starter at right tackle from the 2011 season but was lost in fall camp due to injury. He could apply for a medical redshirt in 2 seasons if he so desires. He will no doubt be looking to claim one of the starting spots for next season. (10 career appearances, 8 career starts)
• (#79) Dan Stornaiuolo will return for his RSO season. It was posted that he was in the running to land one of the starting spots heading into this season. Unfortunately he was also lost to injury and he can also apply for a medical redshirt in a few seasons.
• (#60) RJ Melgar and (#77) Dylan Woodfill will return for their RJR season assuming they redshirted.
• (#55) Jessie Brown, (#66) Spencer Klew will return for their RSO season assuming they redshirted.
• (#70) Casey Dakin, (#63) Matt Sawickis, (#71) Sapule Ta’amilo, and (#78) Mark Knapp will return for their RFR season assuming they redshirted.
Individual Stats
Quarterbacks
- • Safron: 246/383 (64.2%) for 2,540 yds, 22 TD’s, 12 INT’s; 98 carries for 377 yds, 2 TD’s
• Magleby: 8/11 (72.7%) for 110 yds, 2 TD’s; 2 carries for 1 yd
- • Graham: 166 carries for 861 yds, 5 TD’s; 40 catches for 406 yds, 2 TD’s
• Ellis: 49 carries for 267 yds, 3 TD’s; 1 catch for 6 yds
• Coleman: 45 carries for 209 yds, 3 TD’s; 10 catches for 75 yds
• McCowan: 19 carries for 91 yds, 1 TD; 7 catches for 44 yds
- • Norrise: 60 catches for 777 yds, 7 TD’s
• Carter: 32 catches for 344 yds, 4 TD’s
• Harrison: 14 catches for 168 yds, 4 TD’s
• Robertson: 20 catches for 144 yds
• Cox: 11 catches for 90 yds
• Dotson: 8 catches for 67 yds
- • Knowles: 38 catches for 381 yds, 5 TD’s
• Broadnax: 12 catches for 150 yds
• Maciel: 2 catches for 9 yds, 1 TD
There aren’t many glaring area’s that have immediate needs on offense. However there area a few things that were evident as the season progressed.
- 1. Wide Receiver/Tight End – A playmaker is needed. Specifically a playmaker that can go up and make the tough plays down the field. Whether this can be found in one of the young receivers on the roster or from a transfer remains to be seen. The departure of Knowles will also need to be addressed.
2. Offensive Line – A center will need to be found. Most likely someone shifts over and fills this role. Aside from that, there are plenty of big young players on the roster of whom someone will no doubt step up and fill the remaining voids on the line. There can never be enough depth in the trenches so no doubt a couple of linemen will be brought in this offseason.
3. Running Back – Not an immediate need but added depth wouldn’t hurt if health issues arise. Graham will leave a void when he graduates after next season; it’s never too early to start grooming the next in line.
4. Quarterback – Safron will be the guy for the next two seasons with Magleby standing at the ready should something go awry. It sounds like a talented recruit was landed so the future will be up for grabs between the young quarterbacks on the roster.
2013 Outlook
The Hornets will have a lot of experience and talent returning next season and they are running the right system that complements their talent. With a year of the no huddle spread offense under their belts, the offense will need to improve on its efficiency, scoring, and most importantly ball control. The receivers let too many catchable throws bounce off their hands for easy picks and there were too many fumbles on runs after the catch. This absolutely needs to get cleaned up if the Hornets are to make a run next season.
Safron will need to continue to make the right decisions. When he tried to force the ball the results were bad. Safron settled down as the season progressed but to see improved results, the Hornets are going to have to make the big plays. This includes connecting on the downfield throws and having a receiver stepping up and start make the tough plays.
The running game should see improvement as well as a lot of size and experience returns up front and that should help open up some running lanes for Graham and Coleman. The coaches will need to find a way to find rhythm for the running game as it struggled in the double tight end set but did significantly better when the formation was spread out. The play calling was predictable in the double tight end set and the coaches will need to find a better way of implementing those plays.
When it is all said and done, the Hornet offense will do better if it cleans up the mistakes of this past season and improves its execution. A lot of stalled drives slowed this unit down and finishing will need to be a point of emphasis moving forward. As of now the future looks bright, there are plenty of things for this unit to work on but this offense should only improve as it continues on in the spread no huddle system.
As always my recaps are up for discussion.
GO HORNETS!!!
Next: Part 4 of 4 - Defense
Beauty of the spread is that you can take what the defense gives you...Run or Pass, You have to be able to do both and I thought we did. Please don't tell me you want to be a 32, 22, or 21 personnel (3 RB 2 TE, 2 RB 2 TE or 2 RB 1 TE) smash mouth team? Ohhh :thumbdown: 
