Spring Preview

valpofb16 · March 04, 2019, 08:03:06 AM

As every year here is a spring preview of the roster starting with quarterback

#9 Jimmy Seewald 6-5 220 RSJR: With no offense in place yet it is impossible to figure out who will be the starter come August. Jimmy once again will miss spring practice as he did in 2017,2018. He is a top five all-time passing leader in Valpo history and he still has two seasons left to break Macchi's record. Had a very injury filled 2018 season as we all know earning a redshirt. It will be extremely interesting to see what happens with him come fall but as of this second he is out

#14 Chris Duncan 6-4 190 RSJR: Chris started the vast majority of games last season but only came away with a 16-13 TD-INT ratio, often could not get the ball down field, Instead big plays were from receivers who broke them. He was injured against YSU forcing Bilinski into action against Truman St. Nimz and Duncan will be the only two quarterbacks participating in spring practice, with a subpar season last year I imagine there is room for competition.

#11 Trey Bilinski 6-2 230 RSSO.: Trey played due to injury to start the season and went 0-3 in terms of wins in those performances. He had a standout career at Northwood and coaches raved about him. It may have been a case of too much too early. He will be out for the majority of spring due to a shoulder injury and will be competing for a job come August

#5 Ben Nimz 6-3 190 RSFR: Nimz has the biggest arm on the team and the biggest opportunity this spring. If a new OC is not thrilled by Duncan and doesn't want to wait on Seewald's health he could be thrust into a much larger role than expected. He has four years of eligibility remaining and could very well pass Duncan in the spring.

Incoming:

Ashton Ruszkowski 6-0 185 : Ashton is a mobile quarterback who showed the ability to air the ball out on his highlight film. There are going to be two quarterbacks who have had a spring season ahead of him on the roster next season. Jimmy gets the nod as Dayton's DC is likely very familiar with him. This leaves Bilinksi as a wild card ahead of him (Trey is 50lbs heavier with two years of college weight room experience). Likely redshirt

Spring Depth:
1. #14 Duncan RSJR
2. #5 Nimz RSFR.
INJ: #9 Seewald RSJR
INJ: #11 Bilinski RSSO
INC: Ruszkowski

VULB#62 · March 04, 2019, 10:11:08 AM

Thanks once more 16. It's interesting that our context for these kids is the offensive philosophy of the now departed DC. It will be fun to see where this new offense is headed. What if Fox goes with a flexbone or another run-first scheme? That changes everything and the best running QB leapfrogs the pure passers.

JD24 · March 04, 2019, 11:00:30 AM

Thanks valpofb16. Always enjoy the reads.

Observations from afar:

Counting on Seewald at this point is a stretch after two surgeries. History is not on his side. Odd to me that 3 QBs (Dalton Stokes, Connor Smith and Seewald) have had significant shoulder injuries over the last 4 seasons or so. None of them ever the same.

As to the play, we really can only speak for Duncan who I thought should have played better and also thought the offensive staff didn't help out at all. The team could run the ball effectively yet too often, I thought, attempted to move through the air on critical and makeable 3rd down opportunities. Not only that, the calls appeared to not be simple options in a 7 yard route on 3rd and 6 but a low percentage throw as the first read on a wheel route to the slot receiver which never had a shot. With that said, Duncan also missed too many opportunities when presented with them and none of us will ever know if he was running what he was supposed to be. The fact that the staff kept trying to squeeze Seewald back in there when it as obvious he was not himself led me to believe they weren't getting what they wanted from Duncan and it may not have simply been making the throws.

JD24 · March 04, 2019, 11:02:59 AM

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 04, 2019, 10:11:08 AMThanks once more 16. It's interesting that our context for these kids is the offensive philosophy of the now departed DC. It will be fun to see where this new offense is headed. What if Fox goes with a flexbone or another run-first scheme? That changes everything and the best running QB leapfrogs the pure passers.

Typically the option offenses such as the Flexbone or Davidson type of triple option comes from the head coach who runs the offense. I wouldn't expect that. I'm guessing that eventually, which may not be the case in year one when he has to utilize what he has, he'll get to an offense in which utilizes the QBs legs to a greater degree than a player such as Seewald would provide.

NWIGuy · March 04, 2019, 11:28:00 AM

Over the past 3-4 seasons there have been a number of shoulder injuries throughout the team... torn labrum seems to be the most common. Any time "soft tissue" injuries are common in a program it seems to me that you must take a hard look at the S & C program. While the former S & C guy was OUT before DC left, seems like Fox wants to make that hire a priority...

"Valparaiso (FCS – IN): Valparaiso University Football program is accepting applications for a full time football only strength coach. This is a 12 month position that will pay 28,000 along with full benefits. This position will offer D1/FCS experience and will begin immediately! Please send resumes landonfoxvalpofootball@gmail.com." http://footballscoop.com/strength-scoop/

VULB#62 · March 04, 2019, 02:10:32 PM

Quote from: NWIGuy on March 04, 2019, 11:28:00 AM

seems like Fox wants to make that hire a priority...

"Valparaiso (FCS – IN): Valparaiso University Football program is accepting applications for a full time football only strength coach. This is a 12 month position that will pay 28,000 along with full benefits. This position will offer D1/FCS experience and will begin immediately! Please send resumes landonfoxvalpofootball@gmail.com." http://footballscoop.com/strength-scoop/

Uhh...... $28K? Based on National Education Association figures, the average starting PS teacher salaries for: IL = $38.8K, IN = $$35.7K, OH = $35.2K, MI = $36.2K and WI = $37K. That is for a 10 month employment year with around 3.5 weeks off in the school year..

Where can you find an experienced (crucial if you want to have a strength coach prescribe training plans that help prevent injuries or rehab ones that have occurred) , qualified (BS in bio or exercise physiology) strength coach for that kind of salary? I can get a FT job at McDonalds for 10 bucks an hour and make $20K.

valpofb16 · March 04, 2019, 02:25:39 PM

#21 Elias Earley RB will be returning for a fifth season, have more depth than we thought at runningback, younger guys may look to switch positions

VULB#62 · March 04, 2019, 02:28:44 PM

Quote from: valpofb16 on March 04, 2019, 02:25:39 PM
#21 Elias Earley RB will be returning for a fifth season, have more depth than we thought at runningback, younger guys may look to switch positions

Wonder if his decision was based on a talk with Fox and hearing that the running game was going to be upgraded?

bbtds · March 04, 2019, 03:12:53 PM

Quote from: VULB#62 on March 04, 2019, 02:10:32 PMWhere can you find an experienced (crucial if you want to have a strength coach prescribe training plans that help prevent injuries or rehab ones that have occurred) , qualified (BS in bio or exercise physiology) strength coach for that kind of salary? I can get a FT job at McDonalds for 10 bucks an hour and make $20K.

Yep, you get someone who'll make hamburger out of the players' soft tissue.

JD24 · March 04, 2019, 03:32:30 PM

Quote from: NWIGuy on March 04, 2019, 11:28:00 AMOver the past 3-4 seasons there have been a number of shoulder injuries throughout the team... torn labrum seems to be the most common. Any time "soft tissue" injuries are common in a program it seems to me that you must take a hard look at the S & C program. While the former S & C guy was OUT before DC left, seems like Fox wants to make that hire a priority... "Valparaiso (FCS – IN): Valparaiso University Football program is accepting applications for a full time football only strength coach. This is a 12 month position that will pay 28,000 along with full benefits. This position will offer D1/FCS experience and will begin immediately! Please send resumes landonfoxvalpofootball@gmail.com." http://footballscoop.com/strength-scoop/

For that "Full Benefits" better mean a lot more than medical coverage and a 401k.

78crusader · March 04, 2019, 03:45:31 PM

Pardon this question but I haven't kept up with football news...

Is our incoming freshman FB class about the same in terms of numbers as in previous years, or is it down because of the coaching change?

Paul

VULB#62 · March 04, 2019, 04:35:58 PM

The latter, Paul. We usually see about 30+/- names on the incoming list (Dave's second class I believe was closer to 50?

). To this point it might be, what, 20? And some obvious weaknesses were not fully addressed. For instance no P or K and we have none on the roster.

JD24 · March 04, 2019, 07:21:41 PM

I think the # is currently 20 on the nose as new recruits if there have no further defections.

valpofb16 · March 05, 2019, 08:11:31 AM

VULB i think part of it was that Cecchini planned to have 81 in the spring, he liked to carry 100, small class made sense.

Running Backs

#44 Kyle Cartales 6-1 205 SR: After two years of rotating in Kyle was the full time starter when healthy last season. He carried the ball for more than 4y/c however many posters concerned his snap counts were not utilized enough. Depending on the offense he is going to come in as the starter next season. He has the ability to be a threat running but is also the best back in the passing game as well. Suffered season ending lower body injury after Butler

#32 Cody Boxrucker 6-0 215 SR: Short yardage back leads team in rushing touchdowns returning. Started a few games to end the year but had an injury plagued season as well. Looking for a bounce back year. Has been the short yardage back since 2016.

#21 Elias Earley 5-7 175 RSSR: Missed first three games of season either due to injury or being out of the rotation. Came back and started a few games due to injury to the two running backs above. Should be the third running back on the depth chart during spring. Fast player however size has always been a concern here

#26 Anthony Maceo 5-9 170 RSFR: Coaches raved about him in the fall last season and he was as high as #2 on the depth chart against Youngstown St. He had a foot injury that kept him out most of the season but returned to play in the Jacksonville win. With a new staff and if healthy he could have a big jump in production

#15 Doug Haugh 6-1 205 RSSO: Haugh was the team's primary long snapper last season playing in 11 games, however even with the depleted depth at running back he had only two carries last season. High School film shows him as a power runner. Looks to be Boxrucker's primary back up

#25 Riley Allison 5-10 205 RSFR: Comes from power house St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida. Looks like he is more of a downhill power back runner. Played in one game last season, likely will be fighting to see playing time come spring

#20 Cam Raupach 5-10 175 RSFR: Film showed Cam to be very fast and a few thought of him as a Morgan replacement on this board. With limited numbers at receiver a change to that position could help his case to play immediately.

Incoming:

Jordan Curtis 6-0 180 FR:
Andrew Engle 5-10 190 FR: Both of these players are more traditional backs after viewing their film. They are coming in at arguably Valpo's deepest position, snaps will be tough to find. Unless one or both of these players have a camp like Maceo did last season they will likely redshirt.

Spring Depth"
1. #44 Cartales SR.
2. #32 Boxrucker SR.
3. #21 Earley RSSR. or#26 Maceo RSFR.
4. #15 Haugh RSSO. or #25 Allison RSFR.
5. #20 Raupach
INC: Curtis, Engle

NWIGuy · March 05, 2019, 09:19:42 AM

Cartales, Boxrucker, and Maceo have been unable to do any running or lower body strength work thus far in the off-season due to injury. Could create opportunities in Spring Ball for the others on this list to impress the new staff.

JD24 · March 05, 2019, 04:44:19 PM

Offensively, the RB group may be the most important on the roster next season. Need these guys healthy and producing.

valpofb16 · March 12, 2019, 11:52:44 AM

Still working on these waiting for an OC to be put in place to get a direction of way offense is going for fun I looked at a projection on Fox's Defense using last years participation and some moving around

I am interested in the Crusader position, it appears that Petrie, Helm, McKeag would be great fits here. Petrie was playing like an all-conference player to end last season, He could be a threat at ILB, Helm may be fastest player on team, a transition to Rush end or here could work. McKeag is a solid OLB prospect.

Or they could go smaller here in move Booker into the box but I am not sure there is enough depth out back to make this work

valpofb16 · March 27, 2019, 10:20:20 AM

#11 Bilinski
#79 Walsh
#20 Raupach

Have left team, Raupach was injury related

#4 Joe Mullen will be returning for a fifth season

JD24 · March 29, 2019, 02:56:54 PM

Right now it appears that there are only 14-15 OLmen on the roster. Could make practice an issue since the 1's generally consist of 5 starters and a backup and the scout team everyone else. Factoring in injuries, to say the position is a bit light in numbers is an understatement. Last year there were 23 OLmen listed.

NWIGuy · March 29, 2019, 05:02:00 PM

Feel like previous staff did a poor job recruiting Class of 2018 OL. Several were dramatically undersized and/or clearly did not "fit" based on their desire to leave after one season.

NWIGuy · April 08, 2019, 09:14:04 AM

With both Bilinski and Markoff no longer part of the program, there are ZERO QBs from Class of 2017. While that creates a potential early opportunity for Nimz, let's hope that Fox can do a better job going forward of finding the right fit than DC did with this position.

valpofb16 · April 09, 2019, 12:38:45 PM

Yes it appears staff it offering JUCO'S at QB,WR,LB from twitter patterns. I think the roster could look very different at the time of the spring game so I am really holding off telling too much

From the basics I know the starters look as following:

QB: #9 Seewald RSJR.
RB: #44 Cartales SR. or #26 Maceo RSFR.
WR: #23 Gessinger SR., #12 Koehler RSSR., #6 Reese SO.
TE: #40 Martin RSJR. or #31 Kluck RSSO.
LT: #60 Lundberg RSSR.
LG: #66 Vas JR.
C: #65 Jarnigan RSSR.
RG: #72 Taliaferro RSJR. or #64 Biggs RSJR.
RT: #77 Roberts RSSR. or #68 Bird RSFR.

DL: Completely up in the air guessing #93 Reed SR. , #92 Gedrys JR., #97. Olojo JR, #91 Goebel RSJR. are front runners
LB: #49 Turner RSSR., #35 Twigg JR.
CR: #36 Petrie SR.
CB: #29 Sherman SO., #5 Leandre RSSR.
S: #31 Scarsella SO., #20 Booker SR.

vu72 · April 09, 2019, 02:54:20 PM

Quote from: valpofb16 on April 09, 2019, 12:38:45 PM
Yes it appears staff it offering JUCO'S at QB,WR,LB from twitter patterns. I think the roster could look very different at the time of the spring game so I am really holding off telling too much

From the basics I know the starters look as following:

QB: #9 Seewald RSJR.
RB: #44 Cartales SR. or #26 Maceo RSFR.
WR: #23 Gessinger SR., #12 Koehler RSSR., #6 Reese SO.
TE: #40 Martin RSJR. or #31 Kluck RSSO.
LT: #60 Lundberg RSSR.
LG: #66 Vas JR.
C: #65 Jarnigan RSSR.
RG: #72 Taliaferro RSJR. or #64 Biggs RSJR.
RT: #77 Roberts RSSR. or #68 Bird RSFR.

DL: Completely up in the air guessing #93 Reed SR. , #92 Gedrys JR., #97. Olojo JR, #91 Goebel RSJR. are front runners
LB: #49 Turner RSSR., #35 Twigg JR.
CR: #36 Petrie SR.
CB: #29 Sherman SO., #5 Leandre RSSR.
S: #31 Scarsella SO., #20 Booker SR.

So it looks like we have been able to keep kids past graduation. I think i counted 6 RSSR. as starters and that is good to see.

IndyValpo · April 09, 2019, 04:41:30 PM

RG would be Kamara I think

JD24 · April 09, 2019, 04:45:59 PM

Quote from: valpofb16 on April 09, 2019, 12:38:45 PMYes it appears staff it offering JUCO'S at QB,WR,LB from twitter patterns. I think the roster could look very different at the time of the spring game so I am really holding off telling too much From the basics I know the starters look as following: QB: #9 Seewald RSJR. RB: #44 Cartales SR. or #26 Maceo RSFR. WR: #23 Gessinger SR., #12 Koehler RSSR., #6 Reese SO. TE: #40 Martin RSJR. or #31 Kluck RSSO. LT: #60 Lundberg RSSR. LG: #66 Vas JR. C: #65 Jarnigan RSSR. RG: #72 Taliaferro RSJR. or #64 Biggs RSJR. RT: #77 Roberts RSSR. or #68 Bird RSFR. DL: Completely up in the air guessing #93 Reed SR. , #92 Gedrys JR., #97. Olojo JR, #91 Goebel RSJR. are front runners LB: #49 Turner RSSR., #35 Twigg JR. CR: #36 Petrie SR. CB: #29 Sherman SO., #5 Leandre RSSR. S: #31 Scarsella SO., #20 Booker SR.

Kudos if he can do it but Seewald's had a couple of shoulder surgeries hasn't he? Tough to count on him at this point.