Not being able to attend the Spring Game, I would be interested in any and all comments by those who had a opportunity to see and evaluate the results.
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/turnovers-and-touchdowns-mark-annual-valparaiso-scrimmage/article_b25ba7da-6901-5db4-a3a9-187a04432f2d.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/turnovers-and-touchdowns-mark-annual-valparaiso-scrimmage/article_b25ba7da-6901-5db4-a3a9-187a04432f2d.html)
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19613410-556/big-plays-both-ways-for-crusaders-in-spring-game.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19613410-556/big-plays-both-ways-for-crusaders-in-spring-game.html)
Quote from: LaPorteAveApostle on April 20, 2013, 07:31:14 PMhttp://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/turnovers-and-touchdowns-mark-annual-valparaiso-scrimmage/article_b25ba7da-6901-5db4-a3a9-187a04432f2d.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/college/valparaiso-university/turnovers-and-touchdowns-mark-annual-valparaiso-scrimmage/article_b25ba7da-6901-5db4-a3a9-187a04432f2d.html) http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19613410-556/big-plays-both-ways-for-crusaders-in-spring-game.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19613410-556/big-plays-both-ways-for-crusaders-in-spring-game.html)
I'd rather see them play a team like St. Joe again to start the season. I guess we had to schedule those (No)rth Dakot(n(a)mes) to earn a payday. I just hope the downer at the beginning will long be forgotten by mid-season.
Paul Oren begins his article with "Depending on Point of View." Aptly put.
The optimist in me says that the big plays mean we have gotten better skilled. :)
Those same big plays and the pattern that was evident (giving up the ball early on offense and surrendering big offensive gains later on defense) tells the pessimist in me that we will be starting many games in the hole and have to dig ourselves out from under too much -- just like last season. :(
I kind of understand why the Spring scrimmage uses the format that it does. Originally, it was because there was not enough depth in the spring to field two teams. But with 70+ in uniform and each with more skill and strength than back in 2010, you'd think a real game format could be adopted. It's really very hard to tell if there is improvement looking at a 82-68 result. I'd rather see #1 O vs. #1 D and #2 O vs. #2 D and game condition scoring. Just my humble opinion.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 21, 2013, 08:32:47 AMI'd rather see #1 O vs. #1 D and #2 O vs. #2 D and game condition scoring. Just my humble opinion.
Ditto. I think only coaches prefer anything else.
This is the VU coverage -- not much different from the Times and PostTrib.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2012-13/12654/brown-gold-game-caps-off-spring-practice-for-crusader-football/ (http://www.valpoathletics.com/football/news/2012-13/12654/brown-gold-game-caps-off-spring-practice-for-crusader-football/)
In a game setting with the normal ebbs and flows, you'd see a different picture, I'm sure.
And......... it would be really helpful to see the stats, not just a couple of highlights. For instance, I want to see Hoffman's passing stats including completion percentage (not just that he threw a 65 yd bomb); I want to know who the leading tacklers were; who had the most receptions and for how many yards?
By comparison:
Here's the JU game (Green 26 White 20 )
http://www.judolphins.com/football/news/263/17613/ (http://www.judolphins.com/football/news/263/17613/)
Drake (White 7, Blue 3)
http://www.godrakebulldogs.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=207341161 (http://www.godrakebulldogs.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=207341161)
Morehead State (17-7 with stats)
More than 2,000 fans turned out for the contest, which showcased approximately 70 student-athletes.
http://www.msueagles.com/news/2013/4/20/FB_0420134015.aspx (http://www.msueagles.com/news/2013/4/20/FB_0420134015.aspx)
Butler (Blue 20- White 0)
http://butlersports.com/sports/m-footbl/2012-13/releases/20130420x3ipa2 (http://butlersports.com/sports/m-footbl/2012-13/releases/20130420x3ipa2)
haha butler lost
The early season scrimmages tend to favor the defense because they run against the same plays week after week. However, the LBs/defensive secondary seemed faster yesterday in making mid-play adustments/coverages--a positive direction. On offense, 7 scoring drives took place (5 TDs and 2 FGs). Interestingly, the two freshman QBs ran 5 of the 7 and accumulated the bulk of the passing yards--another potential positive. Several receivers made good grabs whenever the ball was close--chalk up a plus. Hutson looked strong and both kickers hit 35+ FGs into the wind--definitely positives. And the physical size of the recruits who attended was a final reason for optimism.
Thanks Dad. Your short paragraph told me more than two news paper articles and the VU release. Thanks again!
I agree with VUdad that the defense looked faster and more athletic. The defense had seven takeaways which is great! The problem is it was against our offense! We cannot turn the ball over that easily or we will struggle all year. With the scoring system they used it is hard to tell if there is improvement. The offense had a couple of explosive plays, but I'm concerned with our ability to run the ball. We had several 3rd and 4th and short and failed to convert. The kickers made every field goal and extra point attempt which I thought was a huge positive as the kicking game cost us two or three victories last year. All in all I see the glass as half full. I think the schedule is easier this year so I could see three to four wins.
Speaking of the running game, anybody know why Gabe Ali-El has disappeared? The one-back system with such a pronounced emphasis on the pass as the ball control mechanism, IMO, is self-limiting and is very predictable. Hutson is already a targeted man and defenses will key on him as the only running threat. Because of the heavy emphasis on the pass, Hoffman will not be risked as an option QB to add that other necessary threat. By comparison, Butler's Lancaster is a threat to run as well as pass and that puts tremendous pressure on the D. At one point last year at least we had an inside runner, Ryan Lehr, who made tough yardage inside the tackles and took some pressure off of Hutson.
This is a qoute from reigning PFL champion Drake, Coach Creighton.
"I think our defense looked good today and our only turnover of the day came at the very end of the game," Creighton said. "Defense and turnovers win games, so I was happy to see the ball not being turned over and great defense being played."
I hope our defense is much improved over last year. Because Coach Creighton is right, defense wins championships.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 23, 2013, 08:45:22 AMSpeaking of the running game, anybody know why Gabe Ali-El has disappeared? The one-back system with such a pronounced emphasis on the pass as the ball control mechanism, IMO, is self-limiting and is very predictable. Hutson is already a targeted man and defenses will key on him as the only running threat. Because of the heavy emphasis on the pass, Hoffman will not be risked as an option QB to add that other necessary threat. By comparison, Butler's Lancaster is a threat to run as well as pass and that puts tremendous pressure on the D. At one point last year at least we had an inside runner, Ryan Lehr, who made tough yardage inside the tackles and took some pressure off of Hutson.
I have heard Ali-El tranferred after some run ins with the coaching staff. Max Delia also left which leaves only three running backs that were dressed for the spring game. One is a converted defensive player Hayden Hast who didn't look bad. I agree the one back sytem is very limiting.
Help may be on the way based on known signees:
Derrick Estell, Miller, MO, 5-11, 190# RB (4.5 40, 275 BP, 38" VL, 4.0 GPA) http://www.ncsasports.org/football-recruiting/mo/miller/miller-high-school/derrick-estell (http://www.ncsasports.org/football-recruiting/mo/miller/miller-high-school/derrick-estell)
Grayson Bastin, Fort Wayne, IN, 5-7, 177#, RB (Pursued by Indiana State, 4.0 GPA) http://nationalunderclassmen.ning.com/profile/GraysonBastin (http://nationalunderclassmen.ning.com/profile/GraysonBastin)
Our list from the signee string has only 17 of the 33 or so signees mentioned in Twitter releases, so there could be another one or two in the group.
Shame about Ali-El. Agree on defense as a priority.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 23, 2013, 08:45:22 AM
The one-back system with such a pronounced emphasis on the pass as the ball control mechanism, IMO, is self-limiting and is very predictable. Hutson is already a targeted man and defenses will key on him as the only running threat. Because of the heavy emphasis on the pass, Hoffman will not be risked as an option QB to add that other necessary threat.
Another point............ Unless your QB is a flat out outstanding passer (and Hoffman is good, but has not shown he is great.... yet) not complementing the passing attack with a diverse and effective running game makes him a target as well. I already know what opposing teams will do against Valpo: DL - ignore run, rush 4 and pressure Hoffman until he can prove he can find receivers under pressure. LBs - rush 1 to confuse QB; anchor 1 for run defense. Secondary - play nickel and keep everything in front.
A number of posters and IMers indicate that there seems to be lots of beef in the incoming class. A big, powerful and aggressive OL could change everything. But if that was the case, wouldn't the Spring be ideal for refining that aspect of the attack in preparation? Just wondering.
Quote from: willy on April 23, 2013, 09:07:33 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 23, 2013, 08:45:22 AMSpeaking of the running game, anybody know why Gabe Ali-El has disappeared? The one-back system with such a pronounced emphasis on the pass as the ball control mechanism, IMO, is self-limiting and is very predictable. Hutson is already a targeted man and defenses will key on him as the only running threat. Because of the heavy emphasis on the pass, Hoffman will not be risked as an option QB to add that other necessary threat. By comparison, Butler's Lancaster is a threat to run as well as pass and that puts tremendous pressure on the D. At one point last year at least we had an inside runner, Ryan Lehr, who made tough yardage inside the tackles and took some pressure off of Hutson.
I have heard Ali-El tranferred after some run ins with the coaching staff. Max Delia also left which leaves only three running backs that were dressed for the spring game. One is a converted defensive player Hayden Hast who didn't look bad. I agree the one back sytem is very limiting.
One of the papers said Gabe was an academic casualty.
Quote from: vu72 on April 23, 2013, 01:33:20 PMOne of the papers said Gabe was an academic casualty.
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19553291-556/college-football-valparaiso-might-need-big-numbers-from-offense.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/19553291-556/college-football-valparaiso-might-need-big-numbers-from-offense.html)
Another point............ Unless your QB is a flat out outstanding passer (and Hoffman is good, but has not shown he is great.... yet) not complementing the passing attack with a diverse and effective running game makes him a target as well. I already know what opposing teams will do against Valpo: DL - ignore run, rush 4 and pressure Hoffman until he can prove he can find receivers under pressure. LBs - rush 1 to confuse QB; anchor 1 for run defense. Secondary - play nickel and keep everything in front.
The running game will open up real well if the passing game hits down field targets rather than cross field tosses. Defenses tend to put up a broad wall against us, typically with sagging man coverage on the receivers and a box full of linebackers. Why? Because the wide toss to the side is an easy tackle and yields 1-2 yards (positive or negative); no need for zone or double coverages. When a QB hits a man downfield, though, the defense will shift. On Saturday, Hutson had a flare route that yielded a TD only after several mid-route completions. Many of the short wide completions netted a yard or two. If we hit the mid-routes this year, the run will open up, the LBs will have to worry, and the ball will move downfield. And the stands will fill, too.
Quote from: VUdad on April 23, 2013, 02:49:36 PMAnother point............ Unless your QB is a flat out outstanding passer (and Hoffman is good, but has not shown he is great.... yet) not complementing the passing attack with a diverse and effective running game makes him a target as well. I already know what opposing teams will do against Valpo: DL - ignore run, rush 4 and pressure Hoffman until he can prove he can find receivers under pressure. LBs - rush 1 to confuse QB; anchor 1 for run defense. Secondary - play nickel and keep everything in front. The running game will open up real well if the passing game hits down field targets rather than cross field tosses. Defenses tend to put up a broad wall against us, typically with sagging man coverage on the receivers and a box full of linebackers. Why? Because the wide toss to the side is an easy tackle and yields 1-2 yards (positive or negative); no need for zone or double coverages. When a QB hits a man downfield, though, the defense will shift. On Saturday, Hutson had a flare route that yielded a TD only after several mid-route completions. Many of the short wide completions netted a yard or two. If we hit the mid-routes this year, the run will open up, the LBs will have to worry, and the ball will move downfield. And the stands will fill, too.
I guess I have an ant-Chicago Cub optimisitic attitude. It is always make conclusions from a spring practice. This is going to be an interesting year, and hopefully without any 70-20 blowouts to Morehead State.
Quote from: VUdad on April 23, 2013, 02:49:36 PM
Another point............ Unless your QB is a flat out outstanding passer (and Hoffman is good, but has not shown he is great.... yet) not complementing the passing attack with a diverse and effective running game makes him a target as well. I already know what opposing teams will do against Valpo: DL - ignore run, rush 4 and pressure Hoffman until he can prove he can find receivers under pressure. LBs - rush 1 to confuse QB; anchor 1 for run defense. Secondary - play nickel and keep everything in front.
The running game will open up real well if the passing game hits down field targets rather than cross field tosses. Defenses tend to put up a broad wall against us, typically with sagging man coverage on the receivers and a box full of linebackers. Why? Because the wide toss to the side is an easy tackle and yields 1-2 yards (positive or negative); no need for zone or double coverages. When a QB hits a man downfield, though, the defense will shift. On Saturday, Hutson had a flare route that yielded a TD only after several mid-route completions. Many of the short wide completions netted a yard or two. If we hit the mid-routes this year, the run will open up, the LBs will have to worry, and the ball will move downfield. And the stands will fill, too.
My point exactly, Dad. That's a lot to put on the shoulders of one pretty good kid, but one who still is not an Andrew Luck or even a Matt Lancaster. And mid to deep route completions require time and greater accuracy than the short, quick stuff. So far we are consistently better at the latter. That's why I hope the maturing OL and the class of '13 beef can buy some more time for Eric. It's a chicken/egg thing. Coach Carlson over 3 years has gone with controlling the ball with short passes and changing up with an occasional run. The opposite school says establish the run (or at least make opponents respect the threat of the run) so that the pass can be effective. In the former, the passing game has got to click or it's a 3 and out and the defense must come up with an unfair amount of stops. As far as the latter is concerned, I'm hoping the O will incorporate more running 1) to complement the passing game and 2) run the clock down to compress the game more so that the D can do their job in a more realistic time frame without eventually getting overrun. All of these, of course, are hopes unfortunately.
I heard today that Valpo has hired a new QB coach named Kenton Evans (a former Memphis Tigers QB), but unless I missed it, I haven't seen anything here. Anybody know details?
Mercer had 4,000 at their spring game. A conventional game setting was employed. Neither the black nor the white offense scored a TD.
http://www.mercerbears.com/sports/fball/2012-13/releases/201304135o2lv7 (http://www.mercerbears.com/sports/fball/2012-13/releases/201304135o2lv7)
We play @ Mercer on October 12th.
Wow, it seems like Mercer really has it going well setting up thie football program. Enthusiasm, a beautiful new stadium, a good set of recruits, community involvement. That being said, do you think beating Mercer in its first year is going to be a gimme? I don't think so. 4000 at their spring game - that is inmpressive, but it is also a novelty there.
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 27, 2013, 06:21:51 AMNeither the black nor the white offense scored a TD.
and they say affirmative action hasn't leveled the playing field
Quote from: valpopal on April 26, 2013, 10:59:29 PMI heard today that Valpo has hired a new QB coach named Kenton Evans (a former Memphis Tigers QB), but unless I missed it, I haven't seen anything here. Anybody know details?
I hope this is true. Valpo could use a dedicated QB coach to work with our quaterbacks who are all young (three freshman). Five interceptions in the spring game will get us killed during the regular season. Hopefully he can help with that.
Here is what he said to one of his followers on Twitter so it looks to be true at least from his perspective.
Coach Evans
@After__Seven
handle your business. I just got a college job at Valparaiso Univ in Indiana...
He's now 35ish. Don't know where he's been lately, but here is some history:
(From back in 2008) Evans, 30, has spent the six previous seasons (2002-07) in the af2 with Memphis, Greensboro, Macon, Birmingham, South Georgia, Tennessee Valley and Texas and spent the 2001 season in the Arena Football League with the Nashville Kats practice squad. Evans has thrown for 2,762 yards, 54 touchdowns and completed 190 passes on 400 attempts in 33 career af2 games.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound signal-caller posted career-highs in touchdown passes (25), passing yards (1,125), completion percentage (60.5) and pass rating (115.57) in 11 games with Birmingham in 2004, helping guide the Steeldogs to a 10-6 record and a berth in the ArenaCup Playoffs.
Evans highlighted his college career by starting six games for the Memphis Tigers (NCAA) in 1998 and earned Conference USA Co-Player of the Week against Ole Miss when he completed 24 of 39 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown against Ole Miss. As a 2000 senior, Evans was named the ESPN/USA Today Div. I-AA Player of the Week after throwing for 451 yards and four touchdowns against Murray State.
Playing in the arena league translates to "need a quick read and release or you're toast."
Interesting to see that one of his followers is Erik Buggs = @ImJustEB15
@ImJustEB15 I just got hired as the QB coach for Valpo football team.. Keep doing your thing and I'll catch up with you when i get up there.
Reply Retweet Favorite More
9:37 AM - 24 Apr 13
Reply to @After__Seven @ImJustEB15
Erik Buggs @ImJustEB15 24 Apr
@After__Seven that's what I heard, congrats! Just hit me up once you in town and we can link up.
and that he apparently has been following Erik and VU basketball as per this tweet
Coach Evans @After__Seven 12 Mar
This Valpo and Wright State game has me on the edge of my seat
He also appears to be a snazzy dresser! (https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/1826537749/qlnR0z8U_bigger)
Quote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:09:15 AM4000 at their spring game - that is inmpressive, but it is also a novelty there.
I think the key word there is "novelty." If you go from not having football to having a football team there is a lot of curiosity from the folks around town and at the school to see what kind of team this new coach can put together. It's the old "try it, you might like it" kind of thinking.
The key word is 'Southern' as well ;)
Quote from: historyman on April 27, 2013, 03:53:19 PMQuote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:09:15 AM4000 at their spring game - that is inmpressive, but it is also a novelty there.
I think the key word there is "novelty." If you go from not having football to having a football team there is a lot of curiosity from the folks around town and at the school to see what kind of team this new coach can put together. It's the old "try it, you might like it" kind of thinking.
agreed. but in reality, when has Valpo truly ever had 400 fans at a football game?
Quote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:42:42 PM
Quote from: historyman on April 27, 2013, 03:53:19 PMQuote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:09:15 AM4000 at their spring game - that is inmpressive, but it is also a novelty there.
I think the key word there is "novelty." If you go from not having football to having a football team there is a lot of curiosity from the folks around town and at the school to see what kind of team this new coach can put together. It's the old "try it, you might like it" kind of thinking.
agreed. but in reality, when has Valpo truly ever had 400 fans at a football game?
When I was in school, it was that multiplied by 12 ;)
Quote from: valpotx on April 28, 2013, 01:59:49 AMQuote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:42:42 PMQuote from: historyman on April 27, 2013, 03:53:19 PMQuote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:09:15 AM4000 at their spring game - that is inmpressive, but it is also a novelty there.
I think the key word there is "novelty." If you go from not having football to having a football team there is a lot of curiosity from the folks around town and at the school to see what kind of team this new coach can put together. It's the old "try it, you might like it" kind of thinking.
agreed. but in reality, when has Valpo truly ever had 400 fans at a football game?
When I was in school, it was that multiplied by 12 ;)
I have to agree with valpotx. Even this past season, when the win/loss record was 0-0, the Crusader fans seemed renewed and were expecting good things, the crowd at Brown Field was pretty decent against St.Joe.
Quote from: valpotx on April 28, 2013, 01:59:49 AM
Quote from: usc4valpo on April 27, 2013, 08:42:42 PM
agreed. but in reality, when has Valpo truly ever had 400 fans at a football game?
When I was in school, it was that multiplied by 12 ;)
Different generation, of course, but when we regularly played Ball State, Indiana State and Butler in the Old ICC we routinely had 5,000-6,000 at rickety old Brown Field. And the St. Joe's game was usually a blood bath. O.P. Kretzman, in a trench coat, clerical collar and fedora usually sat in the first row right behind the bench. I think that was because he was also right in front of the cheerleaders ;)
Of course, there were the early 80's under Cookie, and watching Phil Kunz's dad prounce back and forth behind the Valpo sideline. Anticipation was abound while the Valpo faithful was waiting for their first touchdown midway through the 1981 season.
Quote from: valpopal on April 26, 2013, 10:59:29 PM
I heard today that Valpo has hired a new QB coach named Kenton Evans (a former Memphis Tigers QB), but unless I missed it, I haven't seen anything here. Anybody know details?
Still haven't seen any official announcement from Valpo, but I got a confirmation about this from someone on the football staff.
I snipped this from Coach Carlson's Twitter page:
Dale Carlson @valpofb 16h
If you study any successful FB team, they do 4 things – play great defense, win the kicking game, protect the ball, score in the red zone
IMO the 2013 Crusaders will be able to move the ball. There's a veteran QB in Hoffman, a good running back in Hutson and experience at receiver. Depth may be an issue, but these guys should move the chains. It's always been my concern that defense was not a priority. However, this tweet might be a clue to what is going to be emphasized in the coming season. The good sized, aggressive DL recruits point in that direction. Here's hoping we get involved in a lot of close games that with some luck we can pull out in the end. But we gotta keep it close -- no more 30 points-against average in the first quarter -- protect the ball and don't come up empty in the red zone.
Quote from: VULB#62 on May 09, 2013, 07:11:37 AM
I snipped this from Coach Carlson's Twitter page:
Dale Carlson @valpofb 16h
If you study any successful FB team, they do 4 things – play great defense, win the kicking game, protect the ball, score in the red zone
IMO the 2013 Crusaders will be able to move the ball. There's a veteran QB in Hoffman, a good running back in Hutson and experience at receiver. Depth may be an issue, but these guys should move the chains. It's always been my concern that defense was not a priority. However, this tweet might be a clue to what is going to be emphasized in the coming season. The good sized, aggressive DL recruits point in that direction. Here's hoping we get involved in a lot of close games that with some luck we can pull out in the end. But we gotta keep it close -- no more 30 points-against average in the first quarter -- protect the ball and don't come up empty in the red zone.
The defense needs to limit the long scoring plays as well. How many scoring plays did our opponents convert longer than 35-40 yards? Way too many.
Quote from: covufan on May 09, 2013, 12:45:09 PMHow many scoring plays did our opponents convert longer than 35-40 yards? Way too many.
I looked it up and here are the results: VU had two scoring plays from scrimage of 35 yards or longer. Our opponents had 17 scoring plays from scrimage of 35 yards or longer. Our opponents also had two KO returns, an INT return and a fumble return of greater than 35 yards. I'll predict that if our team can reverse this trend (VU having 17 long scoring plays and only giving up 2) we'll win more than one game this year. Of course, I'd like to see it about even for this year, which should keep us in more games during the second half.
Good analysis. :thumbsup: Those big plays are morale as well as scoreboard killers.
Quote from: covufan on May 09, 2013, 12:45:09 PMQuote from: VULB#62 on May 09, 2013, 07:11:37 AMI snipped this from Coach Carlson's Twitter page: Dale Carlson @valpofb 16h If you study any successful FB team, they do 4 things – play great defense, win the kicking game, protect the ball, score in the red zone IMO the 2013 Crusaders will be able to move the ball. There's a veteran QB in Hoffman, a good running back in Hutson and experience at receiver. Depth may be an issue, but these guys should move the chains. It's always been my concern that defense was not a priority. However, this tweet might be a clue to what is going to be emphasized in the coming season. The good sized, aggressive DL recruits point in that direction. Here's hoping we get involved in a lot of close games that with some luck we can pull out in the end. But we gotta keep it close -- no more 30 points-against average in the first quarter -- protect the ball and don't come up empty in the red zone.
The defense needs to limit the long scoring plays as well. How many scoring plays did our opponents convert longer than 35-40 yards? Way too many.
If not, can we return to our ever enjoyable discussion of ending the Carlson experiment? Westhead coaching the Denver Nuggets in the early 90's may have worked better.
Good to see Greg Wood getting a look see at Bears rookie camp.
Unclear to me whether he has signed a FA contract or is just there on a try out basis. In New England, there is a parade of players that come through for one-day visits, but only those offered a FA contract stay longer that the day.
Quote from: vu72 on April 23, 2013, 01:33:20 PM
Quote from: willy on April 23, 2013, 09:07:33 AM
Quote from: VULB#62 on April 23, 2013, 08:45:22 AMSpeaking of the running game, anybody know why Gabe Ali-El has disappeared? The one-back system with such a pronounced emphasis on the pass as the ball control mechanism, IMO, is self-limiting and is very predictable. Hutson is already a targeted man and defenses will key on him as the only running threat. Because of the heavy emphasis on the pass, Hoffman will not be risked as an option QB to add that other necessary threat. By comparison, Butler's Lancaster is a threat to run as well as pass and that puts tremendous pressure on the D. At one point last year at least we had an inside runner, Ryan Lehr, who made tough yardage inside the tackles and took some pressure off of Hutson.
I have heard Ali-El tranferred after some run ins with the coaching staff. Max Delia also left which leaves only three running backs that were dressed for the spring game. One is a converted defensive player Hayden Hast who didn't look bad. I agree the one back sytem is very limiting.
One of the papers said Gabe was an academic casualty.
It was probably more so coaching problems than academics. From what the players have told me, Gabe simply felt he had the ability to play at a higher level so that is what he set out to do. He has the interest of schools like Howard, Delaware state, and more so I just wish him the best. He really is a great player
Dude, I think any labeling of a Valpo football player as "great" is exaggerated. Ali-El was not getting the touches and game time. I don't think it will have an effect.
Quote from: usc4valpo on May 11, 2013, 10:12:35 AMWesthead coaching the Denver Nuggets in the early 90's may have worked better.
A TV sportscaster in Indy during that ill-fated Westhead season only referred to them as "Enver", because that have no "D"!
I'm hearing John Snyder will be leaving as head coach at Chesterton High School to be an assistant football coach at VU. Will likely be coming in July with new QB coach Kenton Evans.
Quote from: valpopal on May 13, 2013, 06:04:29 PM
I'm hearing John Snyder will be leaving as head coach at Chesterton High School to be an assistant football coach at VU. Will likely be coming in July with new QB coach Kenton Evans.
And I'm reading it!
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/20089684-556/football-john-snyder-steps-down-as-chesterton-coach.html (http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/20089684-556/football-john-snyder-steps-down-as-chesterton-coach.html)
Here is the Snyder announcement from the Times:
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/john-snyder-resigns-as-chesterton-football-coach-to-join-valparaiso/article_4dde6cfd-7bb8-52c7-8724-252bc7b33e19.html (http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/john-snyder-resigns-as-chesterton-football-coach-to-join-valparaiso/article_4dde6cfd-7bb8-52c7-8724-252bc7b33e19.html)