Ill be the first one to tell yah that I never thought it was possible for uk to get bowl eligible after our horrible start. But, here we are and Saturday will give us our 6th win unless Heck freezes over. So, here's what I'm interested in: 1). Will a bowl game help the 2017 recruiting class? 2). Will the extra practices help with player development for the 2017 season? I'm hoping that players such as Kash D, Tavin R, J. Greenwood, Landon Y, Drake J, Gunner H, D. Robinson just to name a few eat these extra practices up. I have a feeling if Kash can pick up on his defensive assignments, he's going to be a force to reckon with.
Will a bowl help player development & recruiting?
- Thread starter CatFan33
- Start date
Coaches can now objectively sell "progress" - regardless of the bowl we play in. I think that makes recruiting a bit easier imo.
And practices can't hurt player development. So yeah, it is huge IMO.
In terms of recruiting, going to a bowl is not just about general exposure. It is equally or more about showing some tangible progress to the better recruits already considering a UK commitment.
In the situation we are in presently, the general exposure will probably be less significant than the "milestone" argument with uncommitted recruits already considering UK.
Probably the best reply I've seen. I just didn't want to be so direct.
Player development a lot...small time bowl game probably very little for recruiting
I don't think it will hurt anything. Lots depends on the kids attitudes wherever they go. The first MCB they were the toast of the town, excited and having fun. The trip to Birmingham at the end of the run......notsomuch.
You forgot you're dealing with Brad Wesley :bomb:
Personally, I think the impact of the 15 practices is overblown. They've been practicing for 4 months, not sure how much 15 more days dates for a team. It can't hurt, but does it really helps as much as people make it out?
3-4 weeks to heal and practice, then play another game.
Mentally it boosts the confidence level of the current players rather than being disheartened sitting at home reading and hearing about everyone elses bowl prep. Never forget the importance of confidence and team morale.
Sign of progress to show recruits.
It's actually a 3 faceted benefit.
Mentally it boosts the confidence level of the current players rather than being disheartened sitting at home reading and hearing about everyone elses bowl prep. Never forget the importance of confidence and team morale.
Sign of progress to show recruits.
It's actually a 3 faceted benefit.
different type of practices will be going on. During the season you do mostly game preps, so second, third teamers and redshirt do not get much work. less emphasis until the last couple will be on the opponent, the rest is devolvement of younger guys. Seniors will receive very little if any of the work. The bowl practices essentially are an extra spring practice. The game, unless in the playoffs is kind of meaningless.
At uk it will allow you to sale progress and that the program is turning around. That is huge to making the next step and holding on to recruiting classes. No one wants to come to a sinking ship, knowing a coaching change it very possible. That is why it was so important this year to make any bowl. There is a reason teams don't turn them down unless the NCAA is breathing down your neck.
Wow. This thread.
I mean, damn. We really are UK FB. How can those so ignorant of a sport be so GD vocally unhappy?
I mean, damn. We really are UK FB. How can those so ignorant of a sport be so GD vocally unhappy?
It also fills the gap between the end of the regular season and spring practice.Playing in a bowl is a good thing,winning a bowl game adds a bit on the mental/emotional side of things for the team,it might keep a recruit or two and maybe an assistant coach who decides he wants to be a part of what is going on here rather than take an offer from a more established school.
I agree with this 100%. We play well and succeed against similar or inferior talent. We do not play well against superior talent. 15 more practices will not change that one bit. More practices won't eliminate WR drops in crucial situations and it won't change our one dimensional offense or our staff's lack of confidence in our QB. We are what we are, which is better than we thought we would be week 3.
A bowl game does help change the perception of the program, which I imagine has a positive impact on recruiting. The biggest thing to me, is this re-sets the bar for the underclassmen going forward. Less than 6 wins is now completely unacceptable, and the obvious goal is now more wins and a bigger and better bowl bid next year.
But those fifteen practices are not preparing you for this year. It is gettin an extended look at red shirts, young guys like kash Daniel more reps with first team. More time to break down every drill and practice. During the season you have twenty hours to get game prep for both you and your opponent, with guys beat up alittle but, so very little fundamental stuff is accomplished during season. The bye week is where you work on those things. And coming out of the bye we looked quite a bit better tackling, getting lined up, positioning, etc. this is an extra spring practice. If you think that don't help we should cancel the real spring practice too.
Most seniors won't even dress. Guys like toth will be working with bunchie helping him get the position down even more. Usually in shorts and a t shirt.
I agree with this 100%. The extra practices sure can't hurt but plenty of teams that go to a bowl game come back the next year and still fall on their face. But with that said it can't hurt. There's a gazillion bowl games and we'll end up in a low tier bowl with very little exposure to recruits.... but again any exposure helps. As far as using our progress (and their has been some progress) to gain a more positive recruiting tool I'd say that will be a good talking point. Bottom line is I think it's good that we've improved but we 15 extra practices will only take you so far.
Yes the extra practice can help this team and the Bowl can at least help us keep recruits. As for as playing superior talent How many of them teams lost 2 Starting Quarterbacks since last year not by graduation "Which could be planed for"and have a first year OC and are playing as many underclassmen as we are. and since the Florida game we have done pretty good against teams with superior talent. If we can beat Louisville and I believe we have a puncher chance this team will have overacheieved
Helps the younger players who don't get a lot of reps during the season. It is the same as spring practice, why not do away with spring practice then?