I hate spring football. I always did when I was coaching. Too much squeeze for the juice. Too much risk for the reward. I did not see any reason to risk losing games due to injury in May when the season doesn't start until August. I am in the majority of coaches who feel this way. Yet, here we are, in 2024, still living the spring practice dream. Here are 5 questions that IMHO, must be answered during spring ball.
1. Will Kedrick Reescano step up at RB and make it happen for himself, and for us? I predicted when he signed last year that he would fill Evans's role as the 2nd back behind Judkins. Obviously, I missed that one, as UBIV stepped up and filled that role. His high school tape was very impressive. How he progresses will go a long way to determining how diligently we pursue a RB in the May portal period.
2. Who will emerge as QB 2? Simmons is splitting time with baseball, which should open the door of opportunity for Howard. Does the loser leave? I sincerely hope that both stay and resume their battle for the 2 spot throughout the season and into next spring. Simmons is the better athlete, but my money is on Howard. I think the kid has "IT" and Simmons splitting time with baseball will swing the pendulum toward Howard.
3. How well does the Offensive Line gel into a unit? You could (and should) say this about the whole team, but OL is where it has to start. I find it difficult to believe that we are in a position where multi-year starters like Jeremy James or possibly Caleb Warren may find themselves running with the 2s, but again, here we are in 2024, living the dream. If I could go watch one position group every day in the spring, this would be it. They will be the straw that stirs the drink in 2024.
4. Who steps up and takes charge at LB? Will it be TJ Dudley? Chris Paul? Khari Coleman? Suntarine Perkins? Someone else? Our DL should be one of the best, if not the best, in the conference/country. If we are to take the next step defensively, We have to have above-average LB play in 2024. How this group develops will be another interesting position group to watch.
5. How does the CB position develop? I believe that we will be ok here, as we have several new additions to go along with Chris Graves, who drew a good bit of time last season. Banks, Amos, and Walker must shore up this position on the backend if our perceived strength on the front end is to be realized.
I close with the overarching question: How does the team chemistry, which has so many variables, develop throughout the spring and into the summer? If we can achieve anything close to what we seemingly had in this area last season, special things could be in store for this team. Stay humble, stay hungry. One rep at a time. One play, practice, day, game, at a time. EVERYTHING MATTERS! That is all. LFG!
1. Will Kedrick Reescano step up at RB and make it happen for himself, and for us? I predicted when he signed last year that he would fill Evans's role as the 2nd back behind Judkins. Obviously, I missed that one, as UBIV stepped up and filled that role. His high school tape was very impressive. How he progresses will go a long way to determining how diligently we pursue a RB in the May portal period.
2. Who will emerge as QB 2? Simmons is splitting time with baseball, which should open the door of opportunity for Howard. Does the loser leave? I sincerely hope that both stay and resume their battle for the 2 spot throughout the season and into next spring. Simmons is the better athlete, but my money is on Howard. I think the kid has "IT" and Simmons splitting time with baseball will swing the pendulum toward Howard.
3. How well does the Offensive Line gel into a unit? You could (and should) say this about the whole team, but OL is where it has to start. I find it difficult to believe that we are in a position where multi-year starters like Jeremy James or possibly Caleb Warren may find themselves running with the 2s, but again, here we are in 2024, living the dream. If I could go watch one position group every day in the spring, this would be it. They will be the straw that stirs the drink in 2024.
4. Who steps up and takes charge at LB? Will it be TJ Dudley? Chris Paul? Khari Coleman? Suntarine Perkins? Someone else? Our DL should be one of the best, if not the best, in the conference/country. If we are to take the next step defensively, We have to have above-average LB play in 2024. How this group develops will be another interesting position group to watch.
5. How does the CB position develop? I believe that we will be ok here, as we have several new additions to go along with Chris Graves, who drew a good bit of time last season. Banks, Amos, and Walker must shore up this position on the backend if our perceived strength on the front end is to be realized.
I close with the overarching question: How does the team chemistry, which has so many variables, develop throughout the spring and into the summer? If we can achieve anything close to what we seemingly had in this area last season, special things could be in store for this team. Stay humble, stay hungry. One rep at a time. One play, practice, day, game, at a time. EVERYTHING MATTERS! That is all. LFG!
