Bold Moves for Texas Tech Football
by Seth C on Jun 30, 2011 8:29 AM CDT
in Texas Tech Football 2011
Email
PrintWe were asked to write two posts, about a bold move by the athletic program and really could have been any number of things. Yesterday, I wrote about the bold hire of Billy Clyde Gillispie and today I thought I'd write about three bold moves that the football coaching staff could make this year. I've got my three, but I'd love to hear about your three bold moves the football team could make this year.
**ASIDE** Before I started writing this, I thought that these bold moves could be made with the prospect of making this team better this year, but after writing these items, in retrospect, they seem to be bold moves that are made with not the 2011 season in mind, but the 2012 season at the forefront. That wasn't my intent when I started, but I do believe that the Big 12 is loaded this year at the top with teams like Oklahoma, Oklahoma St. and Texas A&M being incredibly talented at the skill positions and in a position to do some real damage this year, so although I think that these moves could be made to make the team better this year, there's a part of me that thinks that if Texas Tech makes these moves now, the 2012 season could be special. I'm not giving up on 2011. I believe in Herm Edwards' mantra, "You play to win the game," but with a second-year quarterback at the helm (assuming that Seth Doege takes hold of the position) and a defense that will almost return everyone, I think the coaching staff knows that the 2012 season is an excellent window of opportunity. **END ASIDE**
Let's get to it.
Start Ronnie Daniels at Running Back
This is probably the boldest move that Tuberville and Neal Brown could make. RB Eric Stephens is receiving pre-season accolades and I think he's a very good running back. Stephens has paid his dues running behind Baron Batch for two years and other than the fumbling problems that Stephens exhibited last year, I think he's a really good running back. With that being said, I think I underestimated the type of player that Daniels is. His high school career was off the charts in New Mexico, the best that's ever played in his hometown state and when he arrived on campus early for the spring game, I thought that he'd make a positive impression, but I wasn't about to make any bold predictions about a high school running back. Well, after seeing him play in the spring game I'm convinced that he's special and if given enough time, he could be a type of running back that Texas Tech hasn't seen in quite some time. With Daniels' size and speed and with the prospect that he could easily add 10 pounds to his frame gives Texas Tech a 6-1/205 pound running back that just doesn't come around all that often. If given enough time and carries, I think that Daniels could prove to be an invaluable asset to this team and would even think that his running ability could open the passing game up so much more than it did last year.
More after the jump.
Start Leon Mackey at Defensive End
I'm always a bit nervous about declaring that a JUCO player should start immediately, but in this case I think that Mackey has the pedigree to do it. Part of me thinks that I should have learned my lesson with Scott Smith last year. A defensive end JUCO that played incredibly well until he was suspended for the later two-thirds of the season, but if I think that 2012 is the season that Texas Tech can truly make an impact, Smith is a guy that although I think will play significantly this year (assuming his suspension is lifted after the first four games this year) should not start unless Mackey proves to be ineffective. I don't think that will be the case, but my rational is that Smith will be a senior in 2011 and if he starts and sees starting defensive end time then the other defensive ends (Jackson Richards, Dartwan Bush and Aundrey Barr) won't see the time that they need in order to mature to be excellent rotation players in 2012. Mackey's size and strength is not something that's currently on the roster and I think he's hungry to prove that he's an NFL caliber talent. If Mackey starts and Smith receives time as a third-down rusher and Richards, Bush and Barr also receive significant time, the defensive line could be incredibly good for 2012.
Play Beau Carpenter and Terry McDaniel As Much As Possible
The offensive line returns almost everyone in 2011, except for the rarely used Chris Olson, who mainly played a blocking tight end last year. Looking forward, LG Lonnie Edwards, C Justin Keown and RT Mickey Okafor will all graduate after 2011, meaning that there will be some important pieces that will not be around for 2012. With that being said, I think it's imperative for there to really be only one question mark, probably the center spot, rounding into 2012. McDaniel and LaAdrian Waddle are slated as co-starters at left tackle and I think that OL coach Moore wants Waddle to secure that spot in the fall, which means that I think that McDaniel should be the roving offensive lineman in 2011. I may be completely making this up, but I seem to recall that Moore wants McDaniel to be the guy that can play multiple positions along the line. I'd have no problem working McDaniel in at right tackle, left tackle and either of the guard positions. Carpenter will be a redshirt freshman, impressing last spring and the coaching staff talking up about how they loved his work ethic. An appendectomy during the season led to Carpenter being redshirted the entire year, which doesn't bother me, but what I do think is that the coaching staff thinks that Carpenter will be a guy that will also be able to play along the line at just about every position. To me, he exhibited enough mobility and strength to play either the guard or tackle spots and like McDaniel, I want him to see as many plays as possible this year. As mentioned above, the center position will be the one position that will be a question mark this fall and the biggest question for the staff will be to determine whether or not Tony Morales should be redshirted or see time backing up Keown. This goes against my typical stance that every player should redshirt, but in this particular case I think that T. Morales should play, even if it's mop-up time as he needs to see what it's like to play in Big 12 competition and have an idea that the job is his next year.
I've given my three bold moves, although admittedly they're geared towards 2012. What about you? What bold moves do you make this year? Feel free to disregard my notion that 2012 is the window of opportunity. I should also add that freshman TE Jace Amaro was close to making this list and should start at tight end, but given his overall talent, for me, I don't think that there's any question that right now, he's superior to anything that's on the Texas Tech roster.
34 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Interesting Idea on Daniels
After his fumbling troubles last year, I’ve never been sold on Stephens. I’m very curious what happens this summer when Kenny Williams shows up. He was the highest recruited back we had, but since he didn’t make it in this spring I wonder if he can keep up with Daniels. Seems like he is kind of the forgotten guy. Marquez was always intended to play multiple positions besides RB, but I think Williams was pretty well a RB only recruit so could make for some serious competition. Waiting till Sept 3 is killing me.
It doesn't matter who starts
versus the rotation. I am really impressed by Daniels spring performance. He reminds me of Donny Anderson in many ways. With Donny, it was how many ways could JT design to get him the ball. If he is going to be used at RB without redshirt, I would hope that it isn’t like McRoy last year. Ben had good performance but few chances which seemed a waste of a redshirt. Ben is speed and needs spot, but Daniels makes them miss. Donny had that ability to show the D a target leg and then pull it way making them miss. I see some of that in Ronnie.
Same rotational thing on the O and D lines. It is nice to have the whole O line back, but not necessary to hold breath for the next injury. With the talent following up on both sides, it would be nice to see a group of interchangeable parts such that fresh bodies were in the game and no drop off in performance. Especially important in the D line as Nascar puts them on the field a lot. Hate seeing them with their hands on hips gasping for air defending a 20 play drive.
Scott Smith should play if he deserves it just like everyone else. Not surprised, but disappointed, about last year with him. The talent is clearly there, but he was giving clues from signing that he had issues. He is a Hawaii boy, and they think surf first and work later when the surf goes down in an attitude that is not limited to the young there.
Question on Smith
With the 4 game suspension in 2011 and the 8 game suspension last year will he have an extra year to play??
Let's get real...
No way you burn Daniels’ redshirt unless he gets every bit of 50% carries. That means Stephens, McRoy, Crawford all split the other 50%. Then Start grooming Eric Stephens and Ben McRoy to get use to not being in the backfield. I start drooling thinking about having Ronnie Daniels and Kenny Williams as the 1-2 punch. Let’s get real, we do want to perform well in 2011 and every year counts. BUT, if we do think 2012 is our real year (hopefully the first of many) to start making real Championship runs then let’s get the best players on the field now.
Everytime the aggies lose an angel gets its wings!!!
Your forgetting Jeffers
Add him into that equation and you have 4 backs splitting 50% of the carries.
I totally agree, amazing talent, and having a One-Two punch with him and K. Williams is going to be awesome in 2012, I think we have to give him the redshirt this year.
"Why not us?"
Tough choices....
…now that I was going to run with Seths 3 nearest damn it…
Complete agreement on Ronnie Daniels, not sure that the coaches expected this headache when recruiting he, Kenny Williams, Bradley Marquez and DeAndre Washington. Well, not for Daniels to come to the fore as he has, maybe Williams to. Prefer to have RD start and Stephens come in as a change of pace, saying that, they have the same speed so maybe more of a change of style…keep Stephens returning kicks (Will touch on this further in a bit). What of Crawford, Jeffers, Kenny Williams et al? Who knows, too much for my meagre mind to compute..
Leon Mackey to start is not a tough choice. I’d disagree at the expense of Scott Smith, those two as bookends will improve the secondary no end (Again, will come to this shortly..).
Playing Beau Carpenter and Terry McDaniel is a no brainer really. I can’t see Okafor holding that RT position over Beau…slight issues with Christian Okafor being in the 2012 signing class, hopefully he won’t reconsider if his brother gets bumped out. Beau is a more athletic upgrade in my eyes. McDaniel has always impressed and I’d love for somebody to tell me why he was used so sparingly last year when he played admirably as a freshman in 2009? Tubs et al were moaning about the lack of OL depth all year, and McDaniel only appeared late on?? Slot him wherever there is a weakness. I can see him playing LG in 2012 beside Waddle, but would like to see him go directly against Gallington in camp, best man wins. He is a great backup across the line too, so a significant increase in playing time this year at the very least please coaches!! Tony Morales should be given a shot to supplant Keown from the get go, IF, he is ready to go. I’d like to see the 2012 OL lose only Lonnie Edwards from its starters…
Right, my 3…
1) – cease the early suspension of Scott Smith. I don’t know all the facts, but he has done his time in my eyes. Get him going from day 1, lets see how damn good he and Leon Mackey can be against the powder puffs, rather than gamble bringing him in in conference play. If the guy has any clue, he’ll know he has less than a dozen games to impress the pro scouts, so the fire in his belly should be roaring… Dartwan Bush, Jackson Richards, Aundray Barr, Joe Carmical etc can earn their stripes late, when games are won. They’ll get enough experience for 2012 by being situational backups this year, and competing their socks off in traning for additional playing time.
2) Don’t burn the redshirts. Quite frankly, do the chuffing reverse, hold on until the situation gets seriously desperate. Benny McRoy should not have played last year. Don’t get me wrong, his touches were explosive, but less than 25 of them? Utter waste. If possible, I would like to see only Amaro, Daniels, Dees, Kennard, Mackey, T.Morales and maybe Delvon Simmons (Jesus, thats 7….hmmmm) play. If these guys aren’t starters or obviously too good to leave out, redshirt them. We’re too stacked at WR and RB to waste a few touches on Derek Edwards, Jakeem Grant, Bradley Marquez, Javares McRoy (If he’s allowed by the NCAA), DeAndre Washington and Kenny Williams. Few seniors dropping out this year either, and with Tyson Williams coming in at WR, they’ll need the year extra to gain reasonable future playing time. KR and PR look fine with the upperclassmen, these guys (Grant, Marquez, J.McRoy and Washington) have uber speed, but is it worth wasting the redshirt? Likewise on the DL, no matter how tempting, keep the redshirt on the oh so talented Branden Jackson, Desimon Green (If he qualifies??), Cooper Washington and Kindred Evans…the depth is there…
3) A populist one, but not done for populist reasons, get Adam James out of a uniform, the guy does not deserve to be playing for Tech and simply aint good enough. The sight of him tarnishes slightly my halcyon view of red raider football. Whats done is done with regard Leach (Love him or loath him, this isn’t the time). He’s taking up a valuable scholarship and will not dent the depth chart…when we play TE sets, Amaro will start, Trahan looks a solid 2, and James won’t be a real TE anyway, blocking LB’s, NO!! IR has a rejuved Torres, a 100% Zouzalik, CornDog and Amaro when not TEing. Outside receivers are deep, Darrin Moore, Eric Ward, Tramain Swindall, Marcus Kennard, Aaron Fisher, Jacoby Franks and Shawn Corker, so no way do his limited skills equate out there..
No matter what pressure that cock of a father of his (Or ESPN, or his establishment cronies) applies, don’t play him.
Sorry for the waffling tirade…
by Wimbledon on Jun 30, 2011 9:53 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I so agree.
Adam stinks up the team. His mention puts willies in my stomach and a bad taste in my mouth. The Red Raiders don’t need his distractions … no matter how fun it would be to see UT’s Giddeon flatten him again.
Nicely done Wimbledon
I’d say we are going to see only one or two bold move coming out of the gates versus Texas State.
1. Leon Mackey starts alongside Scot Smith.(he paid his dues)This is Coaches word vice the discipline thing at play here.
2. Jace Amaro and B. McRoy are # 2 on the depth chart in some capacity.
3. Neboh , Ward or Dewhurst & possibly the other McRoy brother start at the nickel back in the 4-2-5 ( the run stuffing safety).
"do routine things routinely"
by centexraider on Jun 30, 2011 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm gonna need more defensive talk out of you, sir.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
Okay give me a few Kwash...
"do routine things routinely"
by centexraider on Jun 30, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
If were looking at 2012...
I agree with Seth, we have got to let Leon Mackey get in there and crush some skulls.As much as I loved Seeing Scott Smith make Garret Gilbert flinch everytime the ball was snapped, I just think the talent Mackey processes is way too much to set aside and wait. We won a few games without Smith (but surely I wouldn’t have had to hold my breath at the Baylor game if he had been in) I honestly say that’s enough reason to go ahead and Let Mackey get in there.
IMHO, the worst case scenario is that Mackey actually MAKES Smith even better and Smith wins the position after his suspension.
Could you imagine and better and even more angrier Scott Smith at the Defensive Line?
(I just got Goosebumps, Defense, FTW!)
"Why not us?"
Offense
There is a ton of talent at skilled positions on offense, lots of options.
They just have to get their chemistry right with a new QB. But i think that is just 50% of the equation.
With a new Tight end, Pistol formation, Improved running game. There will be alot of new plays and formations for NB to experiment with as well. So play calling will be important in determining how well the offense does this year.
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
Like your thoughts Seth
Ronnie Daniels is to good not to play. I think Daniels and Williams should play…. A lot
"A job well done is better than a job well said."
by I bleed Red and Black on Jun 30, 2011 11:25 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
...bold predictions
If you are Tuberville and think that 2013 or 2014 is the year Tech breaks out and seriously contends for the B12-2 championship, then we’ll see Daniels, Williams, Morales, and Amaro play on offense and Simmons and possibly Green and Dees seeing some action. The reason, these players are physically mature but need game experience heading into the 2013.
I also see a lot of experimenting with some offensive players at cornerback. There are some intriguing possibilities to put speed, toughness, and athleticism in that position.
"Sure, luck means a lot in football. Not having a good quarterback is bad luck." Don Shula
Ronnie Daniels is proving to be all that I thought he would be.
I’m no expert, and I usually don’t say “I told you so,” but my weekly reports from his senior HS season last year are looking better and better.
by TT63 on Jun 30, 2011 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes they are.
And we thank you for those reports.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
About your reports
They were excellent and allowed all of us here on DTN to get a good look at a future Texas Tech RB great. After Fall workouts, it was evident that all the things we read about Daniels in your posts were true and precise. He has a great chance to become one of the greats at Texas Tech. He has amazing talent but hones it to perfection during his intense workouts. I don’t know how good Kenny Williams will turn out to be for Tech, but if he approaches, or surpasses, the ‘good’ of Daniels, Texas Tech is going to become known as RB State. Quite frankly, you could say the same for the O-line and all receiver slots. If there is any discussion about redshirting one of the incoming talents or immediately using him, then I say “be bold” and:
1) Say “Adios” to CJ and give the talented one a roster spot. No time for politics now.
2) Kiss and make up with Smith. There is no doubt about his worth as a player and the thought of that much talent getting splinters on the bench just doesn’t “sit” well, to me.
3) Play the following rookies as much as you can because they are amazing talents that could help add a couple of wins this year: Amaro, Morales, Dees, Daniels and Marquez. Just put them on the field as much as possible-no red shirts.
TTpilk
"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill
i dont know why
but i got this in my head when i read your subject line ha ha ha!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDAq5tyfk9E
"A job well done is better than a job well said."
by I bleed Red and Black on Jul 1, 2011 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess my postscript would be
“You ain’t seen nut’n yet!”
OK... I realize not everyone I'm about to mention is a RB
But, we have Daniels, K. Williams, B. McRoy, J. McRoy, Washington, Marquez, and I’m sure a handful of other athletic freaks I’m not thinking of and so many other guys coming in there’s no way everyone is going to get to play WR/RB. At what point do you hope these guys are down to get down on the other side of the ball? I mean Daniels and K. Williams are the prototypical backs appearing to be headed for greatness. The other guys are very special too, but seem to fit the standard “athlete” role where they can be plugged into many different positions. I guess that’s where our coaches’ value comes into play.
I still have the stance there should be very few people allowed to play given the incredible waste it would be if they saw limited action. If you’re going to play them you gotta let them play through mistakes and be willing to live with some growing pains. Otherwise it’s just a waste, waste, waste.
Everytime the aggies lose an angel gets its wings!!!
Agree we will see a few folks move to defense before game # 2
"do routine things routinely"
by centexraider on Jun 30, 2011 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
New outlook
The deal with Tubs is he knows that you are going to loose some guys along the way due to burnout, knucklehead moves, injuries, academics. Stacking five and six deep will ensure that we end up with a strong two or three guys.
Under Leach we got a few great atheletes then they fizzeled and the lesser ranked guys stole the show. Rivals is doing recruting rewinds starting at 2000 and its very interesting to see how much we have grown as a program in only two years under catfish
Hey Tubs this is the Wild West, Good guys wear white, were the Red Raiders we wear BLACK. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Dont buy the Espn/Disney/ABC hype ! Playoffs are just spin to hide their agenda of owning our favorite sport.
Bold Move #1 - Win All the Home Games
Let’s make Jones Stadium a place to fear again. Aggies had to wait 15 years to finally have a victory handed to them in 2009. Let’s not give them two in a row. And I’m still mad we lost to Oklahoma State in Jones Stadium. We usually kill them in Jones Stadium. It’s the games in Stillwater that get decided by a TD or less. The 2012 schedule with Texas & Oklahoma coming only works in our favor if we can beat the Aggies & the Cowboys on the road. Starting with home wins against them in 2011 will be a good start for Tuberville.
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows
The picture reminds me....
…wonder what our uniforms will look like this year?
I have access to a certian Pay site...
and I saw some renderings. Honestly, there isn’t TOO much difference, but you will notice it. The all reds look terrible, and they took a step back and just look basic. Absolutely basic.
"Why not us?"
The ones Ive seen a couple of months back had the red with black numbers and no white whatsoever looked terrible
If your saying not much of a difference then thats got to be better.
It sucks getting older and out of the “target market” nothing looks cool to me anymore, and the crap thats in style now is bad recycled mid-eighties designs
Hey Tubs this is the Wild West, Good guys wear white, were the Red Raiders we wear BLACK. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Dont buy the Espn/Disney/ABC hype ! Playoffs are just spin to hide their agenda of owning our favorite sport.
There really is only a small difference
Essentially the “shoulder stripes” are now on the sleeves, numbers and wording are red/black and outlined in white (instead of white outlined in red/black), and small numbers appear on the shoulders. I’m not sure whether I like them or not. At first glance I think they are a step back, however the more I think about it and picture the jersey on pads with pants and a 200lb+ person wearing them, I think they will look really good because we are ridding of a lot of “white” on the jersey and essentially everything you see will be red/black.
Bold Moves
Daniels starting is good for this year. Playing McDaniel as much as possible is good for this year but Carpenter is good for next year. He struggles in pass rush. He was beat every single time by Scott Smith in the Spring Game.
Harrison Jeffers
Can anyone tell what happen to Harrison? Is he doing everything that is asked of him like lifting weights showing up early leaving late? Or is he just going through the motions wasting his talent? He is the best dang running back but what is he doing that he is getting lost in the depth chart?
would like to point out that I have always said
that 2012 should be THE YEAR for the Ags. It will be the year the class where 18 true freshmen played, will be seniors (they were sophomores last year). While we may not have the pure star power of Cyrus Gray and Jeff Fuller, I think we will do fine with Michael and EZ, Kenric WIlliams etc.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Double-T Nation
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
