Salem JV guys moving up for playoffs

[mikesalem]

There are 4 that I'm pretty sure will be moved up and could make an impact.

#25 Avante Robinson RB is small at 5'4" 150, but he has the speed of Clayborne maybe a bit more elusive. It would be exciting to see him running behind the starting OL for a change. He hasn't really been able to showcase his skills yet.

#44 K. Paisley Sophomore DE/MLB/FB 6' 191. Was tenacious on defense for JV. His position is pretty full, but could come in late for experience.

#63 Dijon Cardwell Freshman DT/T 6' 230, he would have to change his # since that's Wall's #. With all of the injuries on the lines he could be used for depth this year.

#17 Avery Close Freshman TE/WR/DE 6'3" 173. Younger brother of Tyler, could be used in situations that require a tall WR.

There could be others, but I think these have the potential to make the biggest impacts.

 

[momomule]

Good for these kids! They are great kids. I am sure they are excited. Should be a great experience for them!

 

[momomule]

Mike, Did you know the players all dyed their hair blonde for playoffs? Some of them look scarier than usual!

 

[salemfan32]

Mike, Did you know the players all dyed their hair blonde for playoffs? Some of them look scarier than usual!

They did that a couple years ago too. They called themselves the "golden boys"

 

[mikesalem]

Mike, Did you know the players all dyed their hair blonde for playoffs? Some of them look scarier than usual!

I saw some pictures, was it just the seniors or everybody?

 

[momomule]

I thought seniors, but I heard today everybody. Haha!

 

[66Spartan2001]

That's cool they are doing this. Were they aware that the 2000 Salem State Championship team also dyed their hair blonde, or was this unrelated? Just asking because I was one of the senior players on that team. We all looked ridiculous, but it was great for team chemistry.

 

[salemfan32]

That's cool they are doing this. Were they aware that the 2000 Salem State Championship team also dyed their hair blonde, or was this unrelated? Just asking because I was one of the senior players on that team. We all looked ridiculous, but it was great for team chemistry.

I'm sure they know, the 2013 team dyed their hair as well and I know they did it for that specific reason.

 

[momomule]

Don't know if they knew a previous team did that, but I can check for you. You are right about it looking ridiculous! And I think you are right that this has helped chemistry. I understand at least two of them have college interviews soon and will look interesting when they go.

 

[aw19752]

If these kids can make an impact in playoffs why were the stuck on JV all year for the regular season?

 

[shauntclair]

If these kids can make an impact in playoffs why were the stuck on JV all year for the regular season?

I think that's obvious. Did Salem have anyone challenge them at all this year. If they did, it was no more than a sneeze. Why risk Young kids when it's completely unnecessary? Develop players. How do you think Salem got to where they are this year without having a new group of talent to replace that multitude of Senior graduates?

It's called a program. Those JV guys may get some PT for the experience but they're not up there to jump in for starters or even backups that have done the job all season. Probably will not see them at all unless a blowout or emergency situation develops. I just can't see Mag's arbitrarily throwing them out in the middle of a game when the outcome is still in doubt. Doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[aw19752]

I think that's obvious. Did Salem have anyone challenge them at all this year. If they did, it was no more than a sneeze. Why risk Young kids when it's completely unnecessary? Develop players. How do you think Salem got to where they are this year without having a new group of talent to replace that multitude of Senior graduates?

It's called a program. Those JV guys may get some PT for the experience but they're not up there to jump in for starters or even backups that have done the job all season. Probably will not see them at all unless a blowout or emergency situation develops. I just can't see Mag's arbitrarily throwing them out in the middle of a game when the outcome is still in doubt. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Well making an "impact" and coming in during a blowout are two different things. Just wondering why would varsity impact players would be on JV until the playoffs. Must be nice I guess.

 

[salemfan32]

Well making and "impact" and coming in during a blowout are two different things. Just wondering why would varsity impact players would be on JV until the playoffs. Must be nice I guess.

That's not what this thread was about. These players have been on varsity for most of the year. Avante Robinson has actually scored a couple touchdowns on varsity. Mike was just pointing out some of the talented jv players that will dress for the playoffs.

 

[aw19752]

Congrats to these players and good luck to Salem in the playoffs. I'm not going to discuss this with the entire town of Salem. Sorry guys

 

[Katie_Infante_Delete_12032015]

Momomule, I saw Braxton's picture, he looks great but tell him to go all the way and bleach the eyebrows too. Let's go all in!! Good luck on college interviews.

 

[mikesalem]

If these kids can make an impact in playoffs why were the stuck on JV all year for the regular season?

Young guys needed to develop getting playing time and experience on the JV. Will these guys make big impacts? Not likely unless there are injuries, but it could happen. Robinson could give Clayborne a breather. Close is a 6'3" receiver could come in handy. Cardwell is a big body that could rotate in on the DL. Paisley is an aggressive LB, didn't play on Varsity because they are so deep at that position. Next man up, they'll be ready.

 

[aw19752]

Young guys needed to develop getting playing time and experience on the JV. Will these guys make big impacts? Not likely unless there are injuries, but it could happen. Robinson could give Clayborne a breather. Close is a 6'3" receiver could come in handy. Cardwell is a big body that could rotate in on the DL. Paisley is an aggressive LB, didn't play on Varsity because they are so deep at that position. Next man up, they'll be ready.

Once again congrats to these players and good luck to Salem in the playoffs.

 

[shauntclair]

That's not what this thread was about. These players have been on varsity for most of the year. Avante Robinson has actually scored a couple touchdowns on varsity. Mike was just pointing out some of the talented jv players that will dress for the playoffs.

Another reason Salem may be as consistently successful. It is possible within the rules for JV players to play Varsity. It is also possible for Varsity players to play JV. Again, within the VHSL rules. I do know, in the Burg, this is not done. Yes, I know JV players are brought up for additional resources at playoff time but never back and forth during the regular season. You're Varsity or JV. That's it. Just two different philosophies. It works for Salem.

 

[mikesalem]

Another reason Salem may be as consistently successful. It is possible within the rules for JV players to play Varsity. It is also possible for Varsity players to play JV. Again, within the VHSL rules. I do know, in the Burg, this is not done. Yes, I know JV players are brought up for additional resources at playoff time but never back and forth during the regular season. You're Varsity or JV. That's it. Just two different philosophies. It works for Salem.

You get 4 quarters per week, so if you only play 2 quarters JV you can play 2 quarters Varsity if the opportunity presents itself. It helps prepare the young guys for the rigors of HS football. It wouldn't be possible if the JV or Varsity games were close. It works well for Salem.

 

[close2salem]

There are 4 that I'm pretty sure will be moved up and could make an impact.

#25 Avante Robinson RB is small at 5'4" 150, but he has the speed of Clayborne maybe a bit more elusive. It would be exciting to see him running behind the starting OL for a change. He hasn't really been able to showcase his skills yet.

#44 K. Paisley Sophomore DE/MLB/FB 6' 191. Was tenacious on defense for JV. His position is pretty full, but could come in late for experience.

#63 Dijon Cardwell Freshman DT/T 6' 230, he would have to change his # since that's Wall's #. With all of the injuries on the lines he could be used for depth this year.

#17 Avery Close Freshman TE/WR/DE 6'3" 173. Younger brother of Tyler, could be used in situations that require a tall WR.

There could be others, but I think these have the potential to make the biggest impacts.

All are great kids. Yes, they all did get pulled up for playoffs. I'd like to see Robinson put back deep for kickoffs. I know he would run one back! Close would be a great option for a deep ball, especially if there was a mismatch at corner or safety.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

There are 4 that I'm pretty sure will be moved up and could make an impact.

#25 Avante Robinson RB is small at 5'4" 150, but he has the speed of Clayborne maybe a bit more elusive. It would be exciting to see him running behind the starting OL for a change. He hasn't really been able to showcase his skills yet.

#44 K. Paisley Sophomore DE/MLB/FB 6' 191. Was tenacious on defense for JV. His position is pretty full, but could come in late for experience.

#63 Dijon Cardwell Freshman DT/T 6' 230, he would have to change his # since that's Wall's #. With all of the injuries on the lines he could be used for depth this year.

#17 Avery Close Freshman TE/WR/DE 6'3" 173. Younger brother of Tyler, could be used in situations that require a tall WR.

There could be others, but I think these have the potential to make the biggest impacts.

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

 

[mikesalem]

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

The small RB Robinson is a Freshman version of Clayborne that scored the TD against you guys.last year. The JV was 9-1 losing by 1 to Patrick Henry. The loss broke a 43 game winning streak.

Ramsey is a tough runner, obviously Lake Taylor did a great job of limiting his yards. I think around here he is that much better than a lot of the kids. He can be an intimidating guy to tackle if he outweighs you by 30 lbs and has a head of steam.

 

[1MoreHokie]

For what it's worth Mike said "COULD make an impact", I don't think he's suggesting they're bringing them up as secret weapons.

You're absolutely right about Robinson being easy to tackle but he hasn't gotten to run outside hardly at all(has shown success there) or behind the first team OL at all which, of course, is the big key. He's not going to magically go for 200 a game behind the first team line but he's not big enough to run between the tackles right now but if they could let him hit the edge behind Ramsey he could go for some yards.

Ramsey isn't like a truly special back or anything, he's not some 4* being ignored, if you teach proper tackling you can shut him down and you guys at LT clearly do so. He's been on and off this season, I found him more consistent last year, but he was also the known factor returning(Clayborne was Fox's backup last year) so I think teams have sold out to stop him more.

 

[shauntclair]

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

It's not disrespectful. It is a little arrogant. but there is some understanding of why this is.

 

[aw19752]

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

Finally someone that understands where I'm coming from. If you're an impact varsity playoff player then why be wasted on JV?

 

[Raven skins]

JV players are only called up to help with practice and get a few mop up plays late in a game nothing more nothing less. Just enough to get a taste of what it's like moving froward. Ramsey was a more effective runner last year because the trap block had better execution. Salem will have problems if not getting the kick out and the trap blocked any better. Also both running backs need to learn to take the 2-3 yard hard nose gains and not try to bounce or cut back...or it will be LT all over again.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

Also both running backs need to learn to take the 2-3 yard hard nose gains and not try to bounce or cut back...or it will be LT all over again.

It's not just a Salem problem its a problem period. I see this on all levels I see guy taking 5-12 yard losses because instead of sticking their nose in there and getting the hard yards they see the outside is taken away so they reverse field and do all this crazy stuff and next thing you know its gone from 1 and 10 to 2 and 17.

 

[Shabutie]

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

I did see him spin through and break some tackles against LT last year but they definitely did the best job of tackling him of any team. He also had very few opportunities to have much momentum with the way you crowded the box. It looked like you guys were keying him pretty hard because that counter to Clayborne was wide open two times for big yards.

 

[Shabutie]

So if Salem JV kids can come up and make an impact on varsity against PLAYOFF teams your JV team must have been winning games 100-0. I'm curious as I don't keep up with JV so what was their record this year and did anyone score on them? My mind says come on now aren't we reaching..a 5'4 150 running back when he gets hit...Lights out, but of course he has to get hit first.

I tell you what amazes me honestly with having the Cox Sports Report on TV down here is how scared teams look tackling Ramsey..He looks like Hershel Walker running through tacklers its amazing..Problem I have however is that was the same thing last year and when we played in Lynchburg he didn't run through any tackles, so I ask you all since you see it on a weekly basis is he just that much better than the kids out there?? It's crazy how a FB (TB in my opinion) is running through and around kids out there.

No disrespect here, but I'm curious to get your opinions.

I agree with your thoughts on the JV players coming up with the exception of the RB Robinson. I think he can legitimately give the starting TB a breather and make in impact. He has been playing in the second half of a lot of varsity games this year running behind the 2nd team OL while facing the starting D still. Shoot against Pulaski, who is very big defensively, they were running him straight up the middle and he seemed to take the contact fine.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

I did see him spin through and break some tackles against LT last year but they definitely did the best job of tackling him of any team. He also had very few opportunities to have much momentum with the way you crowded the box. It looked like you guys were keying him pretty hard because that counter to Clayborne was wide open two times for big yards.

Yea Clayborne had two big runs on the counter where the OLB didn't do his job so it created a huge hole, but the other 6-7 times they ran it and it was played correctly and there was no gain. Ramsey did spin off a couple but fell down the two times I remember him doing it. Kid ran hard not going to slight him, but when I watch the Sports Report it looks like a video game.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

I agree with your thoughts on the JV players coming up with the exception of the RB Robinson. I think he can legitimately give the starting TB a breather and make in impact. He has been playing in the second half of a lot of varsity games this year running behind the 2nd team OL while facing the starting D still. Shoot against Pulaski, who is very big defensively, they were running him straight up the middle and he seemed to take the contact fine.

Good thing is we won't have to speculate anymore playoffs are here, so as always it will be interesting.

 

[mikesalem]

Finally someone that understands where I'm coming from. If you're an impact varsity playoff player then why be wasted on JV?

I said COULD make an impact, if you are going to go over everything I say with a fine tooth comb, be sure to pick up on all the key words!

 

[DEVILSLB99]

I said COULD make an impact, if you are going to go over everything I say with a fine tooth comb, be sure to pick up on all the key words!

Well I know I missed the key word, but I was basically wondering how does someone think a kid from JV will come into the varsity playoffs and have any impact on the game? Are Salem JV players better than some of the teams out West Playoff teams Varsity players? I don't know..We have JV kids that have moved up, but making an impact I don't see it. But I guess anything COULD happen. After reading the responses these kids have been playing all year so I see why the comment was made.

 

[mikesalem]

Well I know I missed the key word, but I was basically wondering how does someone think a kid from JV will come into the varsity playoffs and have any impact on the game? Are Salem JV players better than some of the teams out West Playoff teams Varsity players? I don't know..We have JV kids that have moved up, but making an impact I don't see it. But I guess anything COULD happen. After reading the responses these kids have been playing all year so I see why the comment was made.

Robinson won't start, but if he comes in to spell Clayborne behind the starting OL, he certainly could make an impact. Also if you need a tall receiver, which the Varsity hasn't had, then Close @ 6'3" could be used. That's all I was saying.

 

[VaPrepsRod]

This thread....

 

[momomule]

I am curious why anyone has an issue with this at all. What if being put up to varsity is a reward for a job well done during the regular season? What if it is just so they can say they have the three best players possible for each position on first string, second string, and third string? We don't know because we are not the coaches, but I seriously doubt they are putting them in there because they are praying for a huge impact. If one does get in there and make a huge impact, awesome! But good for these kids to get a chance to go along and see what that is like to be in the playoffs.

 

[momomule]

Momomule, I saw Braxton's picture, he looks great but tell him to go all the way and bleach the eyebrows too. Let's go all in!! Good luck on college interviews.

If I see Braxton, I will pass this along.

 

[DEVILSLB99]

I am curious why anyone has an issue with this at all. What if being put up to varsity is a reward for a job well done during the regular season? What if it is just so they can say they have the three best players possible for each position on first string, second string, and third string? We don't know because we are not the coaches, but I seriously doubt they are putting them in there because they are praying for a huge impact. If one does get in there and make a huge impact, awesome! But good for these kids to get a chance to go along and see what that is like to be in the playoffs.

Don't have a problem with it at all..No one said bringing up JV kids is a problem EVERY program does it.

 

[danbeatty65]

Don't have a problem with it at all..No one said bringing up JV kids is a problem EVERY program does it.

I think it's especially important to do it when you have smaller programs that have many, if not all of the kids playing both ways. After a 10 game season of that, fatigue has to be a big factor.

 

[aw19752]

Well I know I missed the key word, but I was basically wondering how does someone think a kid from JV will come into the varsity playoffs and have any impact on the game? Are Salem JV players better than some of the teams out West Playoff teams Varsity players? I don't know..We have JV kids that have moved up, but making an impact I don't see it. But I guess anything COULD happen. After reading the responses these kids have been playing all year so I see why the comment was made.

Maybe it's just us Devil that didn't get the keyword. I thought he made it clear and explain why he thought those kids would make an impact. I have nothing against the kids because I do not know them. I was just wondering if the program at Salem is so deep that they keep kids on JV all year and then bring them up to varsity for the playoffs to make an impact. If my kid is an impact player during varsity playoff games why can't he be an impact player during varsity regular season games?