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CB put in on this kid by, Bill Greene

https://247sports.com/Player/Gage-Keys-46059285/


mc

New commit 6'6" 275 lb offensive lineman from Heritage in Ringgold , Georgia... Kobe McAllister.

(02-19-2019 07:32 PM)mbj655 Wrote:  New commit today from the same school as 2019 QB Cameron Jones:

Devin Neal

Rivals lists Neal as one of 5 Southeast commits who might flip. And it's not just a G5/P5 thing since the other 4 are committed to Arkansas, Auburn, WVU and Alabama. So for now, I'd take it as a big compliment on the caliber of player they think he is. Good news is they also say "right now he's as solid as it gets."


details here: Southeast Spotlight: Five prospects that might flip

(04-06-2019 01:25 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(02-19-2019 07:32 PM)mbj655 Wrote:  New commit today from the same school as 2019 QB Cameron Jones:

Devin Neal

Rivals lists Neal as one of 5 Southeast commits who might flip. And it's not just a G5/P5 thing since the other 4 are committed to Arkansas, Auburn, WVU and Alabama. So for now, I'd take it as a big compliment on the caliber of player they think he is. Good news is they also say "right now he's as solid as it gets."


details here: Southeast Spotlight: Five prospects that might flip

You have to think the connection with Cameron Jones would help our case of keeping him.

I love the early OL signings...both look to be decent quality and well developed on the in-game part of line play, just need to build their bodies.

We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

(04-06-2019 09:31 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

(04-07-2019 01:40 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(04-06-2019 09:31 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

I really appreciate that this staff is going after players that appear to be physically read or close-to-physically ready to play OL. Obviously all players need to add muscle and weight as they transition to playing OL at the collegiate level but it sure helps speed things along when they come in as a 6'6", 275 lbs experienced lineman instead of being a converted 6'4", 230 lbs tight end.

I remember being severely worried about the OL before Fickell came on board.

Love grabbing some big bodies early in the process rather than reaching for projects after signing day.

Having the beef up front makes running an offense much easier. What's interesting is that prior to the CLF era, the narrative was the guys with the ready-made bodies would never go to a school like UC. Just proves the point that if you have a coach with the respect that Fickle has here in the state/region he can get it done.

I would also add that WVU had to be idiots for letting Ron Crook go. He can recruit and everything I hear he is a wizard teaching technique and assignments. We are very fortunate to have him.

(04-08-2019 09:57 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I would also add that WVU had to be idiots for letting Ron Crook go. He can recruit and everything I hear he is a wizard teaching technique and assignments. We are very fortunate to have him.

I used to work with a guy who played for Dana at WVU. Crook was absolutely loved but I think when the ice got a little bit thin Dana had to bring in another offensive assistant and that coach's background was on the OL. When we hired Crook the guy told me how it was a great hire for us.

(04-08-2019 06:15 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-07-2019 01:40 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(04-06-2019 09:31 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

I really appreciate that this staff is going after players that appear to be physically read or close-to-physically ready to play OL. Obviously all players need to add muscle and weight as they transition to playing OL at the collegiate level but it sure helps speed things along when they come in as a 6'6", 275 lbs experienced lineman instead of being a converted 6'4", 230 lbs tight end.

I don't disagree, but don't forget the importance of offensive style in the analysis. Luke clearly wants us to be run first and that all starts with the offensive line. I don't know if it's exactly accurate to say Tubs was pass first, but going all the way back to BK I think there was more of a preference for an athletic (as opposed to physically dominating) OL.

(04-08-2019 09:57 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  Having the beef up front makes running an offense much easier. What's interesting is that prior to the CLF era, the narrative was the guys with the ready-made bodies would never go to a school like UC. Just proves the point that if you have a coach with the respect that Fickle has here in the state/region he can get it done.

I would also add that WVU had to be idiots for letting Ron Crook go. He can recruit and everything I hear he is a wizard teaching technique and assignments. We are very fortunate to have him.

I basically agree with you, but let's be honest. These guys with "ready-made" bodies are still projects. We aren't beating out a ton of blue bloods for them, although it wouldn't surprise me if their offer lists continue to grow even after their commitment to us. But I agree that the staff has earned my trust on getting the guys they need to do what they want done on the field (somewhat regardless of rankings or other offers.)

^^ Not blue blood but these guys have had legit P5 offers-- Heck from the 2019 class Jonathan Allen had several legit B10 offers including Ohio State.

You are correct though that most OL are a work in progress. The position is just too physical in nature and most haven't developed good footwork and technique out of high school, even for a 300 pound freshman.

You can’t teach beef. Give me big dudes all day long let’s work with them.

(04-08-2019 01:11 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 06:15 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-07-2019 01:40 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(04-06-2019 09:31 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

I really appreciate that this staff is going after players that appear to be physically read or close-to-physically ready to play OL. Obviously all players need to add muscle and weight as they transition to playing OL at the collegiate level but it sure helps speed things along when they come in as a 6'6", 275 lbs experienced lineman instead of being a converted 6'4", 230 lbs tight end.

I don't disagree, but don't forget the importance of offensive style in the analysis. Luke clearly wants us to be run first and that all starts with the offensive line. I don't know if it's exactly accurate to say Tubs was pass first, but going all the way back to BK I think there was more of a preference for an athletic (as opposed to physically dominating) OL.

I definitely get that sentiment - especially the fact that two 6'4" 230 lbs tight ends aren't alike. My comment was more towards the mentality that regardless of offensive style or system, I prefer to have OL come into the program who have experience at the position, unlike converted defensive linemen, tight ends, hockey players, basketball players (the latter two being very extreme situations).

It just makes things smoother if OL coaches are working with players that have experience in the position instead players that are focused on both learning a new position AND bulking up to be physically ready to play it. It seems like in the last two classes this has been the focus for the staff.

(04-08-2019 02:07 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 01:11 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 06:15 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-07-2019 01:40 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(04-06-2019 09:31 PM)TubaCat Wrote:  We've added a third OL to the 2020 class: John Williams from Bolingbrook, IL. 6'5", 310 lbs. 3-star, rated 83 on 247Sports. Could be a tackle or a guard.

https://247sports.com/Player/John-Williams-46048928/

Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

I really appreciate that this staff is going after players that appear to be physically read or close-to-physically ready to play OL. Obviously all players need to add muscle and weight as they transition to playing OL at the collegiate level but it sure helps speed things along when they come in as a 6'6", 275 lbs experienced lineman instead of being a converted 6'4", 230 lbs tight end.

I don't disagree, but don't forget the importance of offensive style in the analysis. Luke clearly wants us to be run first and that all starts with the offensive line. I don't know if it's exactly accurate to say Tubs was pass first, but going all the way back to BK I think there was more of a preference for an athletic (as opposed to physically dominating) OL.

I definitely get that sentiment - especially the fact that two 6'4" 230 lbs tight ends aren't alike. My comment was more towards the mentality that regardless of offensive style or system, I prefer to have OL come into the program who have experience at the position, unlike converted defensive linemen, tight ends, hockey players, basketball players (the latter two being very extreme situations).

It just makes things smoother if OL coaches are working with players that have experience in the position instead players that are focused on both learning a new position AND bulking up to be physically ready to play it. It seems like in the last two classes this has been the focus for the staff.

I remember BK talking a lot about wanting a more athletic OL that could block in space for a zone read QB, rather than the "road graders" that Dantonio liked. Funny, he won a lot of guys with Dantonio's road graders.

(04-08-2019 03:42 PM)ucbandguy Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 02:07 PM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 01:11 PM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  

(04-08-2019 06:15 AM)cinbinsportsfan Wrote:  

(04-07-2019 01:40 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Continue adding some really solid players in the 2020 class. As time goes on I expect we will have a really good class in 2020 after our success last year. Hopefully, we can sprinkle in a few 4 star recruits like we did in 2018 with Malik Vann, Leonard Taylor, Tavion Thomas, etc... but most of all I trust Fickell to get the right players that fit his system. Our Football Team has a really bright future.

I really appreciate that this staff is going after players that appear to be physically read or close-to-physically ready to play OL. Obviously all players need to add muscle and weight as they transition to playing OL at the collegiate level but it sure helps speed things along when they come in as a 6'6", 275 lbs experienced lineman instead of being a converted 6'4", 230 lbs tight end.

I don't disagree, but don't forget the importance of offensive style in the analysis. Luke clearly wants us to be run first and that all starts with the offensive line. I don't know if it's exactly accurate to say Tubs was pass first, but going all the way back to BK I think there was more of a preference for an athletic (as opposed to physically dominating) OL.

I definitely get that sentiment - especially the fact that two 6'4" 230 lbs tight ends aren't alike. My comment was more towards the mentality that regardless of offensive style or system, I prefer to have OL come into the program who have experience at the position, unlike converted defensive linemen, tight ends, hockey players, basketball players (the latter two being very extreme situations).

It just makes things smoother if OL coaches are working with players that have experience in the position instead players that are focused on both learning a new position AND bulking up to be physically ready to play it. It seems like in the last two classes this has been the focus for the staff.

I remember BK talking a lot about wanting a more athletic OL that could block in space for a zone read QB, rather than the "road graders" that Dantonio liked. Funny, he won a lot of guys with Dantonio's road graders.

Only after he had them lose 20+ pounds each. You are correct that he won with Dantonio's recruits - but he used them much differently that Dantonio envisioned.

I know there are some UC faithful that still hold disdain for BK. Although he was a really good coach, and seemed to be able to get the most out of what he had to work with.

I like both Dantonio and BK. Jim Kelly, Jr. told a group of once that Dantonio admitted to him he didn't completely know what he was doing his first couple of years here. He didn't finally start getting the hang of being a head coach until that third year. BK, OTOH, was a head coach at Gran Valley State for 13 years before he came to UC.

CLF, IMHO, has attributes of both guys.

(04-09-2019 07:57 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I like both Dantonio and BK. Jim Kelly, Jr. told a group of once that Dantonio admitted to him he didn't completely know what he was doing his first couple of years here. He didn't finally start getting the hang of being a head coach until that third year. BK, OTOH, was a head coach at Gran Valley State for 13 years before he came to UC.

CLF, IMHO, has attributes of both guys.

CMD once told a group of us that we needed to be loyal to him because he was going to be loyal to UC. Then he left and recruited current players to go with him and refused to leave coaches to coach up players for the International Bowl. CBK left his coaches at CMU for their game and game planned himself. They came over afterwards, learned UC's terminology, and coached 2 different teams that bowl season. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen in college football. Because of all that, I will always have a better view of CBK than CMD.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

(04-09-2019 08:01 AM)mlb Wrote:  

(04-09-2019 07:57 AM)CliftonAve Wrote:  I like both Dantonio and BK. Jim Kelly, Jr. told a group of once that Dantonio admitted to him he didn't completely know what he was doing his first couple of years here. He didn't finally start getting the hang of being a head coach until that third year. BK, OTOH, was a head coach at Gran Valley State for 13 years before he came to UC.

CLF, IMHO, has attributes of both guys.

CMD once told a group of us that we needed to be loyal to him because he was going to be loyal to UC. Then he left and recruited current players to go with him and refused to leave coaches to coach up players for the International Bowl. CBK left his coaches at CMU for their game and game planned himself. They came over afterwards, learned UC's terminology, and coached 2 different teams that bowl season. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen in college football. Because of all that, I will always have a better view of CBK than CMD.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Oh I agree he mishandled that exit. Its odd, I've talked to several guys who were around for all three coaches and the guys who played for Coach Dantonio absolutely love the guy the most. They like BK as well, but say he was pure business while MD was a father figure. CBJ is perceived most negatively of the three. They saw through him the minute he got to campus.

Edit: I've heard they will honor the 10th Anniversary of the 2009 team this fall and they will be inviting everyone back for a day of festivities. Mo Egger asked Tony Pike if he and his teammates would welcome BK back seeing how things ended and he said absolutely. I don't know if BK will be able to make it, but if he does I hope UC fans treat him well.