2014 2 Deep

[FreeDawg]

http://3rdand57.com/a-look-ahead-to-2014s-two-deep/

In the spirit of looking ahead, think about all the position groups and decide if next year's groups are an Upgrade, Downgrade, or Same. I honestly don't see any position MSU is in worse shape at. Going into this year we couldn't say that with groups like WR and CB.

QB
RB
WR
Slot
TE
OL
DE
DT
LB
CB
Safety
K/P

 

[AFDawg]

I see us improved almost everywhere--with OL and special teams being the questions. On OL we gain experience but lose Jackson. Bell looks to be a good punter, but I'll believe we'll have a good kicker when I see it.

 

[coach66]

Good stuff but want Hughes be a junior?

nm

 

[CookieMonster.sixpack]

Okay I'll play.

QB - Same, we've seen what the offense will look like. The only question is keeping the QBs upright.
RB - Upgrade, LDP was always misused. Should be stronger between the tackles.
WR - Same, a mixed bag. Flashes of greatness and also really inconsistent play. We still don't have a game-changer here.
Slot - Same, Jameon. He was great this year. But is there really any room to improve?
TE - Same, I would say upgrade here, but we don't really throw to these guys enough, especially in the red zone. They do block well though.
OL - Downgrade, you don't lose Gabe Jackson and improve. This might be the achilles heel of the 2014 team.
DE - Downgrade, losing Autry hurts and a lot depends on where Chris Jones ultimately plays.
DT - Upgrade, Chris Jones. He is a game changer.
LB - Same, these guys were already good. Plenty of depth so losing Skinner hurts, but not that badly.
CB - Same, a lot depends on where Cox and Redmond end up as well as Arrington & Hughes.
Safety - Upgrade, Nickoe had two huge clutch plays down the stretch but at the same time he hurt us in coverage.
K/P - 17! This will definitely be the achilles heel.

 

[coach66]

I am interested in Harris at LB. If his speed is legit then he is going to be

something very special. I have heard quotes he is one of the top three speed guys on our entire team and now weighs 230 lbs.

 

[FreeDawg]

He's currently a junior but could get a medical rs when he is done. Basically, he's a senior next year but can get a medical after the year. I think I have that right.

 

[57stratdawg]

Yeah, OL is the only questionable group IMO. Losing Gabe is a big loss. But, everyone talked about how the OL's play improved throughout the year - it probably did - I don't think it's coincidental that they started playing better when Dak took over at QB.

Point being, Dak's skill set can help mask any shortcomings in the OL we might have in 2014.

 

[coach66]

He is a lock for a MR if he wants it.

nm

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

Think I also saw where Aaringtonbis iffy on whether or not he will be eligible. I also think ol will be a downgrade. Definitely from Jackson leaving but we will have a juco step in for siddoway, who wasn't great, but rt is an unknown right now

 

[57stratdawg]

Everyone is so, so high on him. People have used words like 'freak' and 'unstoppable' to describe him to me. Just keep your fingers crossed his knee holds up. I was told he was athletic enough to play 5 different positions when we signed him.

 

[esplanade91]

I think we improve at WR. Gonzales came on relatively late (February-ish) and 3 of the guys getting meaningful reps were playing for MSU in their first year on campus. RoJo came on really strong in the last couple of games and each time he got the ball he went hunting for a DB to punish. That's not something I saw early on from him. If he brings that into next season he could be a 800 yard guy. And then you have Wilson who was a handful of easy drops away from being our leading receiver. One of those guys is going to beast mode 2014. That's without mentioning the fact that we could introduce some of our RFr and more true freshmen into the mix.

I'm still waiting for MoJo to reach our expectations. So much potential.

 

[Irondawg]

i think we see Holloway at RB some as a potential 3rd down back with his speed or maybe as part of a diamond. He did so well at RB in the spring game I think it's a place we could use him some next year and reap some rewards.

 

[KurtRambis4]

Our WRs have

a long way to go, but it's apparent that a few made strides this year. Hell Morrow figured out how to catch. That's huge.

 

[57stratdawg]

That 12 yard out-route on 3rd and 10 against OM from Dak to Bear Wilson was a thing of beauty. Not much of a defense for that.

 

[AT4 Dawg]

Heres the bottom line on the OL. I looked up the sack numbers from this year, we gave up 21 over the season which was good for 4th or 5th in the conference. ( Last year we were 2nd in the conference)

I know Williams took at least 4 of those sacks(who could blame him, getting used to the speed of CFB) so overall I was pleased with the OL production.

For next year to be successful, one of the JUCO guys has got to pan out. Plain and simple. 4 spots are locked up. Clausell,Clayborn, Malone, and Day are going to start. That leaves RT to one of the JUCOS, Malone moving out to Tackle and Beckwith taking the other guard spot, or Robinson or Muniz getting it together.

I like the fact that there will be competition opening up, and I think there will be some solid depth, but we need one more guy to step up and own the RT spot. Thats the best case scenario for the OL to be improved.

 

[esplanade91]

Most definitely. And they have a couple weeks of bowl practice, a spring, and a summer to get better under Gonzales and learn ONE offense. Throw Christy into the mix and we have 5 receivers 6'1'' or better. That's huge. I don't recall MSU ever having that.

2014 is the first year since Mullen has been here where we will have a full deck of cards at skill positions. Little separation from 1st and 2nd unit, and I mean that in a good way.

That being said, I'd like to get a FB to walk-on and play immediately. There has to be a kid somewhere in the greater southeast willing to bust some heads for free.

 

[Rayburn8]

What about jake Thomas wasn't he a four star two years back as redshirted?

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

That being said, I'd like to get a FB to walk-on and play immediately. There has to be a kid somewhere in the greater southeast willing to bust some heads for free.

Yeah or we need to find someone we already have that can fill that job in certain plays and game situations.

 

[esplanade91]

When Mullen arrived we got a really great transfer FB who played 25% of the snaps and followed that up by getting TWO good FB walk-ons. This needs to happen again, because the last time Mullen tried to take a player and put him at FB he straight up told him no and went to TE where he has done jack.

But seriously, Mullen asked him if he'd play FB or TE and he said he wouldn't play FB. It's not a prestigious position, and your chances of making the NFL are slim to none.

Best to just get a guy who has no other options from the get-go and make him a team captain or something. FB is my favorite position, and I wish we used it more. It needs to happen. #GRASSROOTS lolz jk my bff Jill?

 

[The Peeper]

I see us improved almost everywhere--with OL and special teams being the questions

Dan O needs to do some serious soul searching if the special teams don't improve after this past ugly year.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Heres the bottom line on the OL. I looked up the sack numbers from this year, we gave up 21 over the season which was good for 4th or 5th in the conference. ( Last year we were 2nd in the conference)

I know Williams took at least 4 of those sacks(who could blame him, getting used to the speed of CFB) so overall I was pleased with the OL production.

For next year to be successful, one of the JUCO guys has got to pan out. Plain and simple. 4 spots are locked up. Clausell,Clayborn, Malone, and Day are going to start. That leaves RT to one of the JUCOS, Malone moving out to Tackle and Beckwith taking the other guard spot, or Robinson or Muniz getting it together.

I like the fact that there will be competition opening up, and I think there will be some solid depth, but we need one more guy to step up and own the RT spot. Thats the best case scenario for the OL to be improved.

Tyler took alot of sacks and Dak took a few early, but next year Dak will have better pocket awareness and get rid of the ball quicker. I like Tyler, but he can be a statue out there. Especially in 5-wide. Without him, we drop our number of sacks given up by at least 5.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Thomas was a 4 and highly sought after. He will step up and don't count

What about jake Thomas wasn't he a four star two years back as redshirted?

Out Cole Carter either.

 

[Rayburn8]

You think he has a chance to start at Rt at some point next year

 

[coach66]

The thing that has me most excited about next year is the lack of conflict in

our offensive scheme. We will be back to pure power, read option football which is what we do best. I think we have a chance to have a great offense next year to go along with a nasty defense. The future is bright if we can just get a kicker*.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

You think he has a chance to start at Rt at some point next year

I really haven't heard anything on the OL. I don't have the "sources" some seem to have in that dept. For example, ppl were saying Clayborne was most talented OL we had. I didnt know anything about that and figured he was a developmental guy, but after watching him in limited action I agree.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

+1

 

[AFDawg]

Williams needs to be ready to go at QB--and I think he will--because he's going to play some and possibly even start a few games. 11 of 14 starting QBs in the SEC missed a game this year.

 

[NCDawg.sixpack]

Doesn't appear have done a very good job evaluating talent on the OL. Both JC OL we signed did not play much. Our redshirted OL were apparently not good enough to play last year, so we had to use a true freshman. We were fortunate a walk-on (Beckwith) turned out to be good. Hope these incoming JC OL will be good enough to play.

 

[RocketDawg]

Williams needs to be ready to go at QB--and I think he will--because he's going to play some and possibly even start a few games. 11 of 14 starting QBs in the SEC missed a game this year.

I thought Williams looked really good from the stands, but I've since watched my DVR of the game and now think he looked great. He really did a good job and has a good accurate arm. The guy can really sling the ball, and he had a lot of drops. That was a commendable job from a freshman with the Egg Bowl being his first start. Of course, he was waning when Dak came in, but that's only to be expected. He played a lot.

I don't think we'll be hurting at QB next year unless both get injured.

 

[patdog]

Agree with all you said, but I think even more impressive was his feel for the pass rush and his movement to get away from it while still keeping his eyes downfield.

 

[AFDawg]

Agree with all you said, but I think even more impressive was his feel for the pass rush and his movement to get away from it while still keeping his eyes downfield.

I was impressed with that too. He proved to be pretty elusive.

 

[coach66]

agreed, his ability to feel the Ole Miss pressure and escape it was a big reason

we hung in there and eventually won the game. I told all you turkeys Williams was going to be a great QB.

 

[CookieMonster.sixpack]

Tyler took alot of sacks and Dak took a few early, but next year Dak will have better pocket awareness and get rid of the ball quicker. I like Tyler, but he can be a statue out there. Especially in 5-wide. Without him, we drop our number of sacks given up by at least 5.

This is comical. Sometimes I wonder if the posters actually read the threads or watch the games. We took the fewest sacks of the Mullen era in 2012, the year that Russell started every game.

We will probably give up more sacks next year. Tyler was great about getting rid of the ball because he knew he couldn't rely on is running. Dak will try to make play with his legs via scrambles. That likely will lead to some big plays but also to more sacks.

The bigger question isn't really our pass protection. That was an issue with Russell, but with Prescott it's going to be more about our ability to drive off the ball and gain tough yards in the middle. That's where we'll really miss Jackson.

 

[121Josey]

For example, ppl were saying Clayborne was most talented OL we had. I didnt know anything about that and figured he was a developmental guy, but after watching him in limited action I agree.

CJ called Clayborne a stud a couple weeks ago. CJ had seen the best that the SEC has to offer.

 

[johnson86-1]

My predictions:

QB - Upgrade. Dak will be better after this year's experience and another off season. I think Russell brings a lot to the table, but losing him will be offset by the benefit of having one style of QB. I'm a little worried about the fact that we will have to rely on a true sophomore at QB some next year (I just don't see any way you can count on an SEC qb in our system making it the whole year without injury), but seeing Williams play this year makes me feel a whole lot better about him. I hope Mullen commits to using Williams in each game, so he's not suddenly thrown in the fire later in the year.

RB - Upgrade. We won't miss Perkins like we should because of the way he was misused. This is assuming Mullen doesn't use Holloway to replace Perkins as our power back.

WR - Significant Upgrade. I say significant because I think Bear having a full year under his belt will make a big difference in our ability to go down field. RoJo hasn't seemed to break out, but he's gotten better each year and I expect him to be a little better. I expect the same with Morrow. Jameon should still improve some, although it's not guarantee. seems to be getting better too although
Slot

TE - Same. I'm guessing MoJo is what he is at this point (not a knock) but Artemis should continue to improve.

OL - Downgrade. I like our guards coming back, but they will still be a significant downgrade from a high draft pick like Gabe. I don't expect a huge leap from Clausell or Day to make up for it. Then we have to replace Siddoway. Siddoway struggled this year, so I'm guessing if we had a good option at RT on the team, we'd have seen Siddoway get spelled a lot more this year. I don't know, but I'm not under the impression that either of our JUCO prospects are can't miss, so I'm guessing this will be our weakness next year. I think like 2011, we're an injury away from OL being a huge problem for us.

DE - Same. I think we can replace Autry, but we may be an injury away from having problems. If CJ can move outside and be effective, that would help.

DT - Upgrade. Assuming CJ stays here, I would think he'll make a jump next year. Less likely, we could get a boost from either James or Evans getting their head straight.

LB - Upgrade. Not a big one, just continued improvement from existing players.

CB - Upgrade. Same as LBs.

Safety - Same. Replacing an injured Whitley with recovering players. I'm hoping we move somebody like Cox over to fill this void.

K/P - Upgrade (this is wishful thinking; please tell me Bell is at a psychologist right now).

Next year is all about finding a RT and staying healthy, especially at QB and on the O-Lne.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

This is comical. Sometimes I wonder if the posters actually read the threads or watch the games. We took the fewest sacks of the Mullen era in 2012, the year that Russell started every game.

We will probably give up more sacks next year. Tyler was great about getting rid of the ball because he knew he couldn't rely on is running. Dak will try to make play with his legs via scrambles. That likely will lead to some big plays but also to more sacks.

The bigger question isn't really our pass protection. That was an issue with Russell, but with Prescott it's going to be more about our ability to drive off the ball and gain tough yards in the middle. That's where we'll really miss Jackson.

This is when I wonder if people like you actually watch the game. If you don't think Tyler holds on to the ball too long, like me, many on this board, and even the announcers say, then there's not much I can do for you. Plenty of times Tyler held, and held, and held, the ball until his got hit or was forced to take a sack. That's not taking away from our protection, but you got to have a timer in your head and get rid of the ball when that timer goes off. I was a little worried about Tyler's timer several times throughout his career. I'm not taking away from the guy. He was a great QB at MSU, just critiquing him. That's life. Get over it if you can't be criticized or accept constructive criticism. I'm confident Tyler can take it, because preparing for the draft, this will be an issue for teams. It can all be fixed is the good thing for him.

 

[TheStateUofMS]

Doesn't appear have done a very good job evaluating talent on the OL. Both JC OL we signed did not play much. Our redshirted OL were apparently not good enough to play last year, so we had to use a true freshman. We were fortunate a walk-on (Beckwith) turned out to be good. Hope these incoming JC OL will be good enough to play.

I think we've evaluated talent just fine. The fact we used a true freshman doesn't mean the other guys weren't good enough, it means that the true freshman is a stud and if he can help us right now, and we need that help, then by God use him! We all know it takes time for JC linemen to get acquainted to the speed of the SEC. McPhee and Autry are prefect examples. Siddoway was an average OL. He was hit or miss when we asked him to pull. I'm not sure which JC linemen we had in the 2013 class that we didn't use a lot. The only JCs we had on our team last year we signed was Cox and Chappelle and I think they contributed just fine, especially Cox, as like I said, adjusted to the speed of the SEC. We were able to RS Kent Flowers and Jake Thomas. Unfortunately we had to use Clayborne's redshirt because of injuries, but I think it worked out fine. I think the fact that we lost T. Smith and Justin Malone (two outstanding OL) and plugged in a true freshman and a walk on and they did more than hold their own in the toughest league and division in college football says in fact we can evaluate and develop OL. We have a ton of OL on our roster right now, and are bringing in a couple JCs and a true freshman. We lost one commit earlier in the year on the OL, and that sucked, but it seems the coaches aren't concerned as we aren't going after another guy to replace him. Also, look at the attrition we had losing Nick Redmond, James Maiden, Daniel Knox, and Damien Robinson and Dylan Holley being a bust. I think we've done just fine recruiting and finding guys that'll work hard and develop into solid o-linemen.

 

[Cary Hudson's little bro]

I missed it...what happened to Damien Robinson? I had him penciled in at RT next season.

 

[CookieMonster.sixpack]

This is when I wonder if people like you actually watch the game. If you don't think Tyler holds on to the ball too long, like me, many on this board, and even the announcers say, then there's not much I can do for you. Plenty of times Tyler held, and held, and held, the ball until his got hit or was forced to take a sack. That's not taking away from our protection, but you got to have a timer in your head and get rid of the ball when that timer goes off. I was a little worried about Tyler's timer several times throughout his career. I'm not taking away from the guy. He was a great QB at MSU, just critiquing him. That's life. Get over it if you can't be criticized or accept constructive criticism. I'm confident Tyler can take it, because preparing for the draft, this will be an issue for teams. It can all be fixed is the good thing for him.

This isn't about Russell. It's about ignorant fans like yourself just regurgitating what they read on message boards. In the last five years, the MSU QB with the fewest sacks per drop back is Russell (that includes Prescott). Go back and look. I have. But you, in your infinite wisdom, think we'll see fewer sacks now that he's gone AND Gabe Jackson, our best offensive lineman, is gone.