Freddie Maggard: What to expect to see at UK under Gran

akaukswoosh

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Jan 14, 2006
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There will be an emphasis on the run game. With Boom Williams and JoJo Kemp at the ready, this should be welcoming news. On many occasions, Gran’s offense will begin its formation in the pistol (when the running back is lined up behind a shallow quarterback in the shotgun). By doing so, quick hitting runs and play action passing becomes paramount, the staple of the scheme. At this point of execution is where TE’s CJ Conrad and Darryl Long can excel. Gran hasn’t shown overdependence upon TE’s, but a coach with his experience will be expected to adapt to his best offensive weapons. Another staple of Gran’s offense is the vertical passing game and his insistence on forcing opposing defenses to respect the homerun threat.

Quarterbacks will be put into position to complete simple passes. Gran’s system operates on a multiple/varied look that is accompanied by the run/pass-option, which if ran properly presents a schematic strain on opposing defenses.

The fact that the 2015 Bearcats had three receivers with seventy catches should grab the attention of the current Wildcat WR’s. Simply put: get open, the football may be coming your way. From watching regular season games, Gran’s system spreads the football out over a variety of eligible receivers. From this variable alone, morale in the WR meeting should increase.

Another positive is with the quick passing game, zone rushes, run/pass options, and sweeps, the offensive line will not be called upon to sustained prolonged pass blocks. Gran inherits an OL that surrendered 30 QB sacks and a bruised ego. By an increased pace that allows the football to be released from the quarterback’s hand at a quicker rate, the result could lead to an obvious improvement in the trenches.

The question remains, does Kentucky have the personnel to not only open the playbook but to read chapters one through twelve? I say yes. The lingering query that will exist until the first offensive series against Southern Miss will surround the quarterback position. From initial review, Gran’s system is quarterback friendly with many built-in successes. Simple completions and run reads build confidence.

Eddie Gran and Mark Stoops have history. That was and is important for the UK head coach entering year four. The fact that Gran is taking the position should be an encouraging sign for the BBN. Encouragement and positivity have been sparse since the Governor’s Cup. I’d consider today a win. However, on-field result will be the final determination. For now, the players need to stop the talk, emoji’s, and other encrypted signs of their regard toward the now intact coaching staff and get to work. Too much has already been said. Let what’s said in the Nutter Center stay in the Nutter Center. A challenging opener in Southern Miss is looming.
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/football-2/what-to-expect-to-see-from-eddie-gran-at-kentucky/
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
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Have the players responded well to the news? I saw Mac Jones seemed to be happy. Others?
 
Oct 12, 2013
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I would like to see Freddie's "objective" analysis of Scapegoat Dawson's hire.

Freddie goes to such great links to talk about how objective he is, it makes you wonder. That little post season assessment that was so tormenting for him to write could have been part of the plan.
 

CatDaddy4daWin

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I would like to see Freddie's "objective" analysis of Scapegoat Dawson's hire.

Freddie goes to such great links to talk about how objective he is, it makes you wonder. That little post season assessment that was so tormenting for him to write could have been part of the plan.
Yeah it's ridiculous to hold an OC accountable for an offense that looked abysmal when it should have been a strength of the team. Terrible play calling, not playing to UK's strengths or trying to hide weaknesses, nothing. Oline can't hold blocks so let's try to run slow developing plays. Let's not use Boom as an outlet for the QB when things break down. Let's watch the QB's regress under your leadership.

You seem to believe you know more than Freddie yet have shown a real lack of basic intelligence over and over again.
 

BARBQGRILLER

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Apr 26, 2006
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Until we see it on the field with vast improvement , all bets are off with Stoops ! Year 4 and we are still wondering if he can get it done ? I hope he can , but things don't look promising with learning another NEW offensive system , No real experienced QB's at the Helm and a brutal schedule Next year !
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
39,861
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Trying to stay in the air raid scheme made sense. Brown thought last year's offense would be very good. Dawson seemed on the verge of making his name. Mumme and, presumably, Brown gave Stoops good thoughts about him. He has a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that fits Stoops' approach. Made sense.

Sometimes personalities can just make a marriage impossible. Dawson may still be a solid OC some day. This may have just been a bad match.
 

jauk11

Heisman
Dec 6, 2006
60,631
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Great article, thanks. Important that Mac Jones is happy, IMO. I like Freddie's posts BUT------

I even went over to TOS to read the story and the comments, after swearing I would never go back several years ago due to all the ignorant and demeaning comments about football by most of their posters. It used to make me so mad I wanted to fight, literally, and it hasn't improved a whole lot. UK football will never threaten UK basketball, but it could improve it (more money and help recruiting), I don't understand why some fans are so dumb. I have to question whether most of their posters graduated from any college, (maybe UL) let alone UK
 
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Yeah it's ridiculous to hold an OC accountable for an offense that looked abysmal when it should have been a strength of the team. Terrible play calling, not playing to UK's strengths or trying to hide weaknesses, nothing. Oline can't hold blocks so let's try to run slow developing plays. Let's not use Boom as an outlet for the QB when things break down. Let's watch the QB's regress under your leadership.

You seem to believe you know more than Freddie yet have shown a real lack of basic intelligence over and over again.

That's a lot of words to get to your real point - a personal attack.
 
Oct 12, 2013
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Until we see it on the field with vast improvement , all bets are off with Stoops ! Year 4 and we are still wondering if he can get it done ? I hope he can , but things don't look promising with learning another NEW offensive system , No real experienced QB's at the Helm and a brutal schedule Next year !

Excellent post. UK could hire Joker back and the talking heads would spin it like the best thing since sliced bread. It's funny how many people who had never heard of Eddie Gran two weeks ago are now blind disciples.
 

Rhavic

Heisman
Dec 15, 2014
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Excellent post. UK could hire Joker back and the talking heads would spin it like the best thing since sliced bread. It's funny how many people who had never heard of Eddie Gran two weeks ago are now blind disciples.

You're so full of crap it's flooding from your ears lol. Fans don't even want Joker as an OC, and he was actually good at that.
What do you contribute here anyway? Honestly, every single post, and I mean every. single. one. has been negative. You don't contribute to conversations, you just try to find ways to make people think on the negative side of things. Like I said, if Kentucky hired Saban, you would still cry and complain, and say "this isn't Alabama, it's Kentucky, he can't do it here".

The only thing that's a bigger joke than your contributions to this discussion board is the fact that you're still allowed to actually post on it.

Pedro Danger no es bueno.
 

VikingsCat

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On the surface it seems eerily similar to what we ran this year. I would love to hear Adolph give his insight on what the real difference between Gran and this years offense is.
 

UKani

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Dec 5, 2003
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Excellent post. UK could hire Joker back and the talking heads would spin it like the best thing since sliced bread. It's funny how many people who had never heard of Eddie Gran two weeks ago are now blind disciples.

Who is your pick for OC?
 

screwduke

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Mar 23, 2015
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I would like to see Freddie's "objective" analysis of Scapegoat Dawson's hire.

Freddie goes to such great links to talk about how objective he is, it makes you wonder. That little post season assessment that was so tormenting for him to write could have been part of the plan.

Dawson a scape goat? Did you not watch any UK games this year?
 

Marathoncat

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Jan 31, 2014
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Freddie also mentioned that the Gran offense at UC ran a high number of plays per game. I hope that this will continue but I have concerns based on the offense for the past three years. My recollection was that both Brown and Dawson were associated with fast play offenses prior to coming to Kentucky. I speculate that Gran will run an above average number of plays.
 
Nov 6, 2015
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You're so full of crap it's flooding from your ears lol. Fans don't even want Joker as an OC, and he was actually good at that.
What do you contribute here anyway? Honestly, every single post, and I mean every. single. one. has been negative. You don't contribute to conversations, you just try to find ways to make people think on the negative side of things. Like I said, if Kentucky hired Saban, you would still cry and complain, and say "this isn't Alabama, it's Kentucky, he can't do it here".

The only thing that's a bigger joke than your contributions to this discussion board is the fact that you're still allowed to actually post on it.

Pedro Danger no es bueno.

I'm just hoping people will stop responding so him, so he'll walk himself out the door. Kind of like when your older brother is tormenting you, and your mom says "just ignore him, he'll get bored and stop." He'll learn eventually that his ridiculous, negative takes cause people to resent and ignore him.
 
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law1127

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Dec 20, 2004
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Just a little perspective . If it took Frank Beamer 5-6 years ,to get Va.Tech going in the right direction,what makes you think it's any easier to turn UK football ? The situations between the two schools were/are very similar, no real history of winning and poor recruiting. Blacksburg is isolated in Virginia and Lexington is isolated by lack of instate talent. It paid to be patient with Beamer,maybe if we're lucky,Stoops will have similar long term sucess. 60 years of mostly football futility ,takes more than 2-3 years,to turn the direction. Why hadn't any of our previous great coaches accomplished this? With the addition of Gran and Hinshaw,they are high level recruiters,coaches,with a track record of sucess at much better football programs than UK! I doubt any poster on this site has any idea,how more qualified these two coaches are ,than what UK has had,either recruiting or coaching! Go big blue!
 
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Oct 12, 2013
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Just a little perspective . If it took Frank Beamer 5-6 years ,to get Va.Tech going in the right direction,what makes you think it's any easier to turn UK football ? The situations between the two schools were/are very similar, no real history of winning and poor recruiting. Blacksburg is isolated in Virginia and Lexington is isolated by lack of instate talent. It paid to be patient with Beamer,maybe if we're lucky,Stoops will have similar long term sucess. 60 years of mostly football futility ,takes more than 2-3 years,to turn the direction. Why hadn't any of our previous great coaches accomplished this? With the addition of Gran and Hinshaw,they are high level recruiters,coaches,with a track record of sucess at much better football programs than UK! I doubt any poster on this site has any idea,how more qualified these two coaches are ,than what UK has had,either recruiting or coaching! Go big blue!

Frank Beamer wouldn't likely get 5-6 years in today's college football. That was a different era. Too much money and too easy to make post season play to be that patient today. Apples and lug nuts.
 

vhcat70

Heisman
Feb 5, 2003
57,418
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Frank Beamer wouldn't likely get 5-6 years in today's college football. That was a different era. Too much money and too easy to make post season play to be that patient today. Apples and lug nuts.
For those wanting a UK coaching change, an obvious unsupported comment.
 

Beatle Bum

Heisman
Sep 1, 2002
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Pedro, back when Minter was hired, you said you were posting on a message board. What was your screen name? (Second time asked)
 

kentuckyrld

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This is still Kentucky football with the same inexperienced head coach. Nothing has changed. There is nothing to see here. Move along.
 

hmt5000

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Excellent post. UK could hire Joker back and the talking heads would spin it like the best thing since sliced bread. It's funny how many people who had never heard of Eddie Gran two weeks ago are now blind disciples.
I wanted gran last year but sold on Dawson after the fact. Gran has experience and can change according to personnel. It's a good hire.
 
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CatsFanGG24

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Dec 22, 2003
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Having a selective memory comes in handy on the Internet.

Guess so. There were people using the Beamer for Rick Brooks, but not sure he could've been applied to Joker. Yes, people defended Joker for a couple years, I did some myself, but I think the main defense was that he was supposed to crank up recruiting and people wanted to let him have a chance to do so. He didn't.
 

shutzhund

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I like everything I read in your post. There is one glaring question. Where is this qb that's going to do these things. Physically Barker does not seem to have the agility or speed to be successful in a run-pass offense. He's a big guy with some straight ahead speed but that's all I've seen from him. A typical pocket passer. The kind that does not have the right surrounding cast to be successful. I like the idea though.

Maybe I just have not seen enough of him.
 

law1127

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All you Internet experts are the most prescient group I've ever encountered! The UK Board of Trustees,needs to monitor these sites,so they can make better informed decisions without having to make a mistake ! Also maybe Pedro Danger can parlay his expertise into a $500,000/ yr consulting position with UK,so they can avoid all these problems and have instant sucess!
 
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shutzhund

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Frank Beamer wouldn't likely get 5-6 years in today's college football. That was a different era. Too much money and too easy to make post season play to be that patient today. Apples and lug nuts.


Depends on how smart the fans and the AD guys are.
 

shutzhund

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All you Internet experts are the most prescient group I've ever encountered! The UK Board of Trustees,needs to monitor these sites,so they can make better informed decisions without having to make a mistake ! Also maybe Pedro Danger can parlay his expertise into a $500,000/ yr consulting position with UK,so they can avoid all these problems and have instant sucess!


Plus he might be too busy to post.
 

Soupbean

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Jan 19, 2007
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There will be an emphasis on the run game. With Boom Williams and JoJo Kemp at the ready, this should be welcoming news. On many occasions, Gran’s offense will begin its formation in the pistol (when the running back is lined up behind a shallow quarterback in the shotgun). By doing so, quick hitting runs and play action passing becomes paramount, the staple of the scheme. At this point of execution is where TE’s CJ Conrad and Darryl Long can excel. Gran hasn’t shown overdependence upon TE’s, but a coach with his experience will be expected to adapt to his best offensive weapons. Another staple of Gran’s offense is the vertical passing game and his insistence on forcing opposing defenses to respect the homerun threat.

Quarterbacks will be put into position to complete simple passes. Gran’s system operates on a multiple/varied look that is accompanied by the run/pass-option, which if ran properly presents a schematic strain on opposing defenses.

The fact that the 2015 Bearcats had three receivers with seventy catches should grab the attention of the current Wildcat WR’s. Simply put: get open, the football may be coming your way. From watching regular season games, Gran’s system spreads the football out over a variety of eligible receivers. From this variable alone, morale in the WR meeting should increase.

Another positive is with the quick passing game, zone rushes, run/pass options, and sweeps, the offensive line will not be called upon to sustained prolonged pass blocks. Gran inherits an OL that surrendered 30 QB sacks and a bruised ego. By an increased pace that allows the football to be released from the quarterback’s hand at a quicker rate, the result could lead to an obvious improvement in the trenches.

The question remains, does Kentucky have the personnel to not only open the playbook but to read chapters one through twelve? I say yes. The lingering query that will exist until the first offensive series against Southern Miss will surround the quarterback position. From initial review, Gran’s system is quarterback friendly with many built-in successes. Simple completions and run reads build confidence.

Eddie Gran and Mark Stoops have history. That was and is important for the UK head coach entering year four. The fact that Gran is taking the position should be an encouraging sign for the BBN. Encouragement and positivity have been sparse since the Governor’s Cup. I’d consider today a win. However, on-field result will be the final determination. For now, the players need to stop the talk, emoji’s, and other encrypted signs of their regard toward the now intact coaching staff and get to work. Too much has already been said. Let what’s said in the Nutter Center stay in the Nutter Center. A challenging opener in Southern Miss is looming.
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/football-2/what-to-expect-to-see-from-eddie-gran-at-kentucky/
The two quotes below are all I need to hear.
"By doing so, quick hitting runs and play action passing becomes paramount, the staple of the scheme"
"Another positive is with the quick passing game, zone rushes, run/pass options, and sweeps, the offensive line will not be called upon to sustained prolonged pass blocks"


It's what I harped about and longed to see all year. When you have a suspect OLine you have to make adjustments for them and the few times we did we moved the chains (see Auburn game). Throwing short and simple early to build confidence and tempo and put the defense on their heels instead our own line leaning back trying to sustain blocks. Works for running game too to let our backs get through holes quicker before they close without requiring line to hold leverage as long.

All with the philosophy to keep us attacking and leaning forward instead of letting the defense dig in and take advantage of a "defensive" Oline. It's why it was never as much about an Air Raid as it was using quick hitting plays at least to open the defense up.

Dawson never really caught on to this but used the excuse his guys couldn't get open and win one on one battles. Some of which is true but playing faster helps some of that too.
 
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sluggercatfan

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Aug 17, 2004
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Until we see it on the field with vast improvement , all bets are off with Stoops ! Year 4 and we are still wondering if he can get it done ? I hope he can , but things don't look promising with learning another NEW offensive system , No real experienced QB's at the Helm and a brutal schedule Next year !
This...I'm going #allin being Missouri this year and nothing is going to make me have any optimism till it is shown to me...I am one who thinks MS is in over his head. We are renewing our tickets (including road games), but I'm done with drinking the kool-aid.
 

Soupbean

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Excellent post. UK could hire Joker back and the talking heads would spin it like the best thing since sliced bread. It's funny how many people who had never heard of Eddie Gran two weeks ago are now blind disciples.
Come on Pedro. First of all those of us those of who follow football have known of Eddie Gran for a while, but I suspect you may not have and that's okay. The real point is it's not about Gran its' about the philosophy he at least favors that fit what most of us were hoping we'd see with Dawson. CatDaddy outlined most of the shortcomings. Gran will undoubtedly have some too but at least we like what we hear of his plan. Dawson never really had a plan that fit our personnel and it showed.

We'll see if Gran can make it work any better.
 

Greasy Creak Mafia

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I'll be the first to say I never heard of Gran by name before the talk going around of his possible hire . Yet always liked to watch the UC games and remember watching the Memphis game and being blown away with the schemes they ran and how a backup QB played like Joe Montana. Now I know there will be the standard response of Memphis' defense , but before you bring that up ask yourself this ); could UK have beat Memphis or even hung with them this year with a drop prone offense and a one trick pony calling plays?

I'd take 100 different guys over the man who lost to Vandy doing things HIS WAY!!!!! And I'd take gran over that bum a million times.
 

billoliver40

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Just reading, coach Grans system sounds a whole lot like Joker Phillips before we all thought he lost his mind.