Swede - AMA - 2022 Edition
- Thread starter Swede39
- Start date
When we played Auburn in 2012, a guy almost blocked one of my punts. I didn't think much of it but then that same guy circled around and hit me in the back. Hit me so hard that my cleat fell off. I was PISSED.
My claim to fame is that I tripped up Brandon Boykin when we played at Georgia.
I thought Wilson was an idiot for watching what LSU did with elite athletes at DE and trying to copy it when we had to move Caleb Eulls from DT to DE, where he just was a step slow. And I believe that was a game where Chris Wilson's wife had a semi-altercation with a fan behind her trashing Wilson and not realizing who he was sitting behind. If that was Mullen, he sure let Wilson hang out to dry on it.
Think that was the year we also let Moncrief get lined up against Nikoe Whitley (when he was playing on a bum knee) repeatedly when we had Jonathan Banks and Darius Slay at CB. Damn criminal to repeatedly put him in a position to fail like that after all he did. Glad he got to end it on a good note in the egg bowl in 2013.
I've heard CML say his offense in some ways is not that different from the old triple-option. I've long wondered if it would be unrealistic to have some of the o-linemen down the depth chart be trained enough in a true, flat-out triple-option, as in the way Bellard ran it at State in the 80's, or the way Army & Navy still do (I think) to be effective enough to bring in on an occasional series.
Linemen in tight, as opposed to spread. Blocking in a way appropriate for that style offense, running QB under center, backs aligned as they would be, etc. Can you imagine how much trouble that might cause opposing defenses if we could do that? Think about the nightmare it could be for the opposing DC. We know it can be stopped, but in general it requires the defense to spend considerable time to prep for it and the player to be extra disciplined.
I bet it would be something if the other team's defense had to prepare for both possibilities in one week.
But I'm also thinking it would take away precious coaching time in our existing offense away from the players used. But again, if you could do it with guys not on the 2-deep, is it not necessarily a crazy idea? I've got to believe the QB & RB's and any WR used would not have much trouble adjusting. But the o-line would be the major difference.
Still, I do wonder if even that time spent with non-2-deep o-linemen could be useful in their overall development.
Since you know the value and time limits associated with practicing & prepping, I figure you would have an informed opinion of whether it is even possible or a complete non-sensical pipe-dream.
Linemen in tight, as opposed to spread. Blocking in a way appropriate for that style offense, running QB under center, backs aligned as they would be, etc. Can you imagine how much trouble that might cause opposing defenses if we could do that? Think about the nightmare it could be for the opposing DC. We know it can be stopped, but in general it requires the defense to spend considerable time to prep for it and the player to be extra disciplined.
I bet it would be something if the other team's defense had to prepare for both possibilities in one week.
But I'm also thinking it would take away precious coaching time in our existing offense away from the players used. But again, if you could do it with guys not on the 2-deep, is it not necessarily a crazy idea? I've got to believe the QB & RB's and any WR used would not have much trouble adjusting. But the o-line would be the major difference.
Still, I do wonder if even that time spent with non-2-deep o-linemen could be useful in their overall development.
Since you know the value and time limits associated with practicing & prepping, I figure you would have an informed opinion of whether it is even possible or a complete non-sensical pipe-dream.
Thanks, Swede. Sometimes when I see some of our fans on here blasting our players, or berating our coaches, I cringe a little wondering how that might affect the moral or mental state of the players who do follow the boards. I also wonder if recruits considering us see that stuff and get turned off.
I’ve often wondered if kickers and punters truly are embraced within the team, seeing as how their job is so specialized. How was your experience? Did you feel a part of the team or did they kind of ignore you most of the time?
What’s the longest punt you’ve ever seen, and what’s the longest punt you’ve ever kicked?
If my memory serves me correctly, I think I remember us kicking like a 70 (+?) yard punt as a kid (with rolling bounces). I may be “misremembering” this, though, Roger Clemens style.
ETA: Google search says some dude with the Patriots kicked a 93 yarder apparently.
If my memory serves me correctly, I think I remember us kicking like a 70 (+?) yard punt as a kid (with rolling bounces). I may be “misremembering” this, though, Roger Clemens style.
ETA: Google search says some dude with the Patriots kicked a 93 yarder apparently.
Did any professor give you trouble or cause any grief because you needed some accommodation due to football obligations?
I mean it sounds logical to me. I just don't think it'd be possible due to time constraints. You "officially" have a max of 20 hours a week for football during the season (if I remember right). Key word "official". The o-lineman are constantly running scout team for the 1D during practice each day so there's really not much time at all to implement it. But hey, I like your thinking.
Yeah I cringe equally. These players and coaches are putting in way more time than any of us fans would dream of. Some rationalize their bad behavior with saying, at this level this is just part of it. Or this is what they signed up for. Yeah no one signs up for public critique or being berated. I get as frustrated as any fan when we lose or don't play well. I get frustrated with coaches and players. That's totally fair. But when there's name calling and berating, it doesn't do anything. You're not supporting your alma mater at that point. It doesn't make anyone play better or coach better. I received my fair share of criticism when I played and I had to always remind myself of "The Man in the Arena" speech by Teddy Roosevelt. We don't get criticized publicly at our jobs (most of us). I'd also be willing to bet the name callers and the berater's would absolutely buckle if the roles were reversed.
There are players that read this board among other boards. When your own fan base is against you, it's a pretty tough row to hoe. Then fans want to cry about loyalty when players enter the transfer portal. Support the players and coaches. Expect nothing but greatness. And remember that these players are sons and these coaches are people.
Sorry for the rant.
Of course not. The ref looked at me like I was an idiot with one shoe on my foot. Gahhh.
Honestly we were always treated as an equal part of the team among the players. Us having to do the same strength and conditioning regime really really helped that. It killed me but it also garnered us equal respect among teammates.
Now beyond our teammates, we were always treated like second class citizens. You name it - CDM, some assistant coaches, equipment managers, trainers. But it's also part of the territory I guess.
I think the longest one I've seen was like maybe 70+? I guess it also depends on if you want to count practice or games. We'd hit a few 70 yarders in practice. I think game wise my longest was only in the 60's or so.
I never got any trouble but I did get plenty of eye rolls. Some professors just despised anything athletics. Fortunately, there weren't a bunch of them.
Check out my conspiracy theory about the egg bowl on page 2 or 3 lol. It's starting to come together.
That's kind of disappointing to hear considering it's coming from a life-long State fan who dreamed of playing at State. Not knocking you because it has happened quite a bit. It's disappointing knowing OM can be that manipulative. What were they doing differently that would make you even consider them?
Honestly it was more-so a lack of recruiting intensity on State's side for the most part. I had 3 different coaches from Ole Miss texting me all the time. Letters. Phone calls. Always wanting me to come up to Oxford for games and practices. You name it. So nothing earth shattering but constantly all over me.
Thanks for that honest reply. A lot of fans need to read that.
Spending time around coaches, it seems they aways believe they will win, that their game plan will work, no matter the opponent or odds. For example if Vandy played Bama this year, I think Clark Lea would believe Vandy is going to win. Are all coaches like that?
The first time I saw myself on the jumbotron when they did player intro's. That was pretty cool. Being on the old NCAA football games was pretty cool too.
It hardly happens anymore but just being recognized in public. With that said, it always produces a huge eye roll from my wife. So please please please if you see me out and about, come up to us and pretend like I'm famous. I will give you cash just to get that eye roll. Lol
The Gator Bowl in 2010 was probably the best for swag. That was back when the New Year's day bowl was a big deal. I think it's kinda diluted now. I still have all of my bowl watches. Was recently looking at them the other day and the 2010 Gator Bowl watch is actually a Bulova. I was kind of impressed.
I think all coaches are pretty convincing that they think they're going to win if that makes sense. I think deep down they have a good idea of how the game is going to go. But I could be wrong.
Yep. I actually played tennis for a long time. Did private lessons from age 4 to age 12. Got to junior high and had to choose between tennis and baseball. Chose baseball. Played baseball and football all the way through. Did a little track (high jump. Who woulda thunk). Played RB 7-8th grade years. Played QB 9th grade year. Safety and WR 10th grade year. QB in 11th. Then strictly punted my 12th grade year.
What made you decide to punt full time in 12th grade? Had you punted at all prior to that or was it brand new to you? What about place kicker, did you ever consider that?
Really appreciate you doing this. It has been a fun read.
Really appreciate you doing this. It has been a fun read.
What's scarier - having a full on punt-block attempt coming at you while you're on one leg, or having a full sprinting blocker coming at you because the returner broke one and you're the last line of defense? Did you ever have a "close your eyes grit your teeth and hope you don't die" moments during a game?
Absolutely buddy. Glad to do it.
I had punted since 8th grade. Ended up going to a few kicking camps early on during that time and won them all so my parents and I figured we should pursue it.
I didn’t want to risk getting hurt playing any other positions my senior year to be honest. I had an offer in hand from State so it just seemed to make the most sense.
I never really had to place kick in high school as we always seemed to have a pretty good soccer player that could do it.
Punting just kinda came natural to me. I remember being in 5th and 6th grade and could punt spirals and turn them over.
Good question. Forgive my grammar if any. Just hopped on a plane.
Honestly I’d say being the last line of defense. As crazy as it sounds, covering and tackling and all of that is so secondary at the college level for a punter. And you’re usually up against an elite athlete that’s trying to make you look like an idiot. Plus I’m slow and white so genetics are not on my side at that point. My strategy was to hide behind one of my shield guys as long as I could, then use the element of surprise to pop out at the last second and hopefully trip them up. My philosophy was I’m not going to be able to go head up with an elite punt returner. And if I do get a piece of him, physics is not on my side. So the best bet was to use surprise to my advantage. Fortunately I didn’t have to do this much. I mean I can only remember twice actually having to cover and tackle. Georgia in 2011 and Auburn in 2013. Our punt team was just so elite. And I don’t want to take any credit at all. I had guys like Darius Slay as gunners. So all I have to do is put the ball in the right position and that’s it.
For the punt block stuff, you get so used to it in practice it just kinda becomes second nature. You just get used to chaos happening all around you. And you really develop trust in your shield. But to CDM’s credit, we had it down to a literal science. The way our scheme worked is if we got the ball off in 2 seconds flat and the ball left my foot at the exact spot behind my shield, they’ll never block it. Physically it will not happen. So that was kind of nice to have the science on your side.
Are you on my SW flight to DAL? We can take a selfie together and I’ll brag about meeting the famous Swede for your wife to see
