-
Hi Guest, want to participate in the discussions, keep track of read/unread posts, upgrade to remove ads and more? Create your free account and increase the benefits of your BigSkyFans.com experience today!
2014 Fall Camp
- Thread starter Kadeezy
- Start date
Went to the scrimmage, here are my thoughts:
Great organization of the event in general, much better than recent year’s imo. Sponsors were out with tents handing out free stuff. A lot of free Hornet schedule posters and team posters. They blared music of the PA during the scrimmage which was a nice change of pace, even the PA announcer was naming off who did what after plays. The video screen was pimping upcoming games and fund raising events. Very well organized and had a great atmosphere to it. A good turnout by fans as well. Great job by all those who helped make this happen.
Offense
Safron was his normal self, looked good, confident, made the right decisions, and most importantly got through it healthy (I don’t think there were any serious injuries sustained by anyone).
Kniffin is the QB of the future. He got the most reps and looks confident, has the moxy needed in a QB, decent arm, good accuracy, but most importantly made the right decisions.
McDade look fine. Not that many reps but he made them count. He did have a fumble that he recovered himself but he made some good throws. I’d put him slightly behind Kniffin at this point.
Vercher looked lost, cannon arm but subpar accuracy, also had a limp. As of now he is at the bottom of the QB depth chart imo.
Robinson broke an early run but that was about it for the running game. RBs will do most of their damage catching it out of the backfield and getting into open space. A few screen passes picked up good gains. I think Robinson gets the top spot but there will be plenty of rotation going on back there.
Nothing overly impressive from the tight ends and receivers. Broadnax didn’t suit up; Sander and Cortez were the most impressive at TE. Isiah Hennie looks like he could be the spark this offense needs (X factor alert!!). He is a small shifty receiver with speed that made some plays. A lot of different receivers were in the mix. Total toss up as to who starts but probably a steady rotation of guys early on in the season.
Offensive line was fine. Running inside the tackles will be an issue again and short yardage plays will be a point of concern. They did an ok job of keeping pressure off the QB.
In general, don’t expect much different than last year. Goal line offense was a joke (specifically play calling), running game will struggle but this offense should still be able to move the ball in a similar fashion as we saw last season.
Defense
The defensive line and linebackers should be solid against the run. They stuffed most of the inside runs and had good pursuit to the outside. Good tackling as well; once they bottled somebody up, they didn’t get away. The biggest issue is they couldn’t sustain pressure on the QB. That is concerning because…
…the secondary is going to be garbage again. They picked up right where they left off last season and that ain’t good. Offense had no problem finding an open receiver, tackling was hit or miss, and in general it seems like this unit has no confidence in what they do. Schemes looked identical to last season so I expect this unit to get burned early and often this season.
Special Teams
Heath’s punting was solid, no shanks which is a good start. Cornish should be the kicker. I think he made everything less than 50 yards and was just short on a 57 yarder by a few feet. Aguilar missed a chip shot and looked like he missed a lot of his kicks in the rapid fire FG drill. Not sure why he is still on the roster. Carter and Hennie were shagging punts. As mentioned above I think Hennie can make things happen.
Conclusion
As of now I don’t see this team that much improved from last season. I expect similar offensive output and results and similar defensive struggles and failure. However with an easier schedule this team should still be good for a few more wins. Without having taken an in depth look at the opponents for this season I’m thinking 7-8 wins and no playoffs.
Note that the player’s numbers rarely matched what is on the roster; maybe OG can clear some things up for us as I probably have some things wrong above.
Great organization of the event in general, much better than recent year’s imo. Sponsors were out with tents handing out free stuff. A lot of free Hornet schedule posters and team posters. They blared music of the PA during the scrimmage which was a nice change of pace, even the PA announcer was naming off who did what after plays. The video screen was pimping upcoming games and fund raising events. Very well organized and had a great atmosphere to it. A good turnout by fans as well. Great job by all those who helped make this happen.
Offense
Safron was his normal self, looked good, confident, made the right decisions, and most importantly got through it healthy (I don’t think there were any serious injuries sustained by anyone).
Kniffin is the QB of the future. He got the most reps and looks confident, has the moxy needed in a QB, decent arm, good accuracy, but most importantly made the right decisions.
McDade look fine. Not that many reps but he made them count. He did have a fumble that he recovered himself but he made some good throws. I’d put him slightly behind Kniffin at this point.
Vercher looked lost, cannon arm but subpar accuracy, also had a limp. As of now he is at the bottom of the QB depth chart imo.
Robinson broke an early run but that was about it for the running game. RBs will do most of their damage catching it out of the backfield and getting into open space. A few screen passes picked up good gains. I think Robinson gets the top spot but there will be plenty of rotation going on back there.
Nothing overly impressive from the tight ends and receivers. Broadnax didn’t suit up; Sander and Cortez were the most impressive at TE. Isiah Hennie looks like he could be the spark this offense needs (X factor alert!!). He is a small shifty receiver with speed that made some plays. A lot of different receivers were in the mix. Total toss up as to who starts but probably a steady rotation of guys early on in the season.
Offensive line was fine. Running inside the tackles will be an issue again and short yardage plays will be a point of concern. They did an ok job of keeping pressure off the QB.
In general, don’t expect much different than last year. Goal line offense was a joke (specifically play calling), running game will struggle but this offense should still be able to move the ball in a similar fashion as we saw last season.
Defense
The defensive line and linebackers should be solid against the run. They stuffed most of the inside runs and had good pursuit to the outside. Good tackling as well; once they bottled somebody up, they didn’t get away. The biggest issue is they couldn’t sustain pressure on the QB. That is concerning because…
…the secondary is going to be garbage again. They picked up right where they left off last season and that ain’t good. Offense had no problem finding an open receiver, tackling was hit or miss, and in general it seems like this unit has no confidence in what they do. Schemes looked identical to last season so I expect this unit to get burned early and often this season.
Special Teams
Heath’s punting was solid, no shanks which is a good start. Cornish should be the kicker. I think he made everything less than 50 yards and was just short on a 57 yarder by a few feet. Aguilar missed a chip shot and looked like he missed a lot of his kicks in the rapid fire FG drill. Not sure why he is still on the roster. Carter and Hennie were shagging punts. As mentioned above I think Hennie can make things happen.
Conclusion
As of now I don’t see this team that much improved from last season. I expect similar offensive output and results and similar defensive struggles and failure. However with an easier schedule this team should still be good for a few more wins. Without having taken an in depth look at the opponents for this season I’m thinking 7-8 wins and no playoffs.
Note that the player’s numbers rarely matched what is on the roster; maybe OG can clear some things up for us as I probably have some things wrong above.
Oldhornet23
Active member
3 DL did not at today, Mazza, Tuilopupu, Castro. Talked with coaches and said two of those guys will start. Broadnax and Carter did not play. Both healthy but they know what they can do. I agree Cornish looked good kicking. Heard he made that 57 yarder the other day in practice in a live rep. Vercher looked really bad. Sankey looked good, Robinson looks great in backfield. A lot of good young O Lineman. Impressed with the conditioning after didn't lookike players were upset.just working hard. Hearing positive things from players
Hornet Newbie
Active member
I didn't see Harrison yesterday. Did anyone else?
Stingersup
Member
Harrison is gone for the year. Academically ineligible. It's unfortunate, because he was going to have a monster year. De'Andre and Namdi are going to start at receiver. The third spot is up in the air.
attackandconquer
New member
From a fans perspective, I felt the overall energy of the team and their preseason posture to be up several notches from last year at this time. A telling moment reviled itself when the linebacker core took to the field as a unit while jogging, when they hit the turf they kicked it up to ¾ speed all their way to their position coach at the other end of the field. I saw a motivated head coach, running back coach and increased vibe as the players made ready for the scrimmage. I felt the team’s performance on both sides of the ball to be positive and optimistic for a group of men who have been through considerable leadership change. From what I have been told the new head coach is more engaging with his players, interacts with them on a personal level and seems to truly be leading from the front. This team is loaded with talent, now it’s a matter of timing the engine to sustain the 500 laps ahead of them. It’s easy to pick out what was not working or who could of done better because there is no risk in that assessment. The players read these posts for feedback of the fans and parents. The coaches already identify the players shortcoming and set realistic goals for improvements. Likewise we have an obligation to help the players to grow as well through positive reinforcement.
greenarmy.fh
Active member
Does anybody know what happened to Cole Hitkutini and Deon Ransom?
Someone posted that Hikutini transferred to a JC in SF. I don't know about the other guy.greenarmy.fh said:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bQdOwAUebc[/youtube]
I will add that the receivers sure held onto the ball when it was thrown their way in the scrimmage. Given the style of offense the Hornets play I think the receivers will be fine.
Green Laser
Active member
SDHornet said:
If Vercher is not 100% this might be a good year for him to take a red shirt. It looks like we are pretty deep at QB this season.
