The House of Blue

Well, at least he didn't work a Coach Smith or Seth Tamme mention in to this one... Can you clarify, or put into proper context, Joker's remarks, particularly concerning the offense.. thanks!

For me, the DJ Warren part raises an eyebrow more than the Cobbins part. Cobbins has seemed like a "man without a position" since he got on campus and then we had the academic issues in the Spring, so I'm not that surprised to see Joker's comments about him. Given all of that, I will be AMAZED if Bookie plays a very significant role with the team this year. HOWEVER, I did not expect to see anything like that about Warren. Since the day he stepped foot on campus last year, all we have heard is the staff raving about how good he is, how he is ahead of where Connor was at this point in his career, etc. Now that we're spreading it out more, his role seems to have fallen by the wayside (except for when we line up in an I-formation and run up the ball). I'm guessing he can't catch very well. Otherwise, they could certainly use him in the passing game as a stay-at-home blocker who can release out into the flats. I would much rather do that than have a smaller RB sitting back there to absorb pass-rushers in the backfield.

Also, the couple of articles below that one are interesting. First of all, they are looking at Newton to possibly play the Wildcat role. Wow. I don't know if he runs like a deer in practice and then freezes up in the games or what, but I am at a loss for what Joker and Randy continue to see in Newton that leads them to believe he has the quickness, speed and elusiveness required to run the Wildcat effectively. Sure, he's a big guy and isn't easy to take down, but there is a lot more required out of the Wildcat QB for it to be effective. Its not as simple as line up and bulldoze your way forward until they gang tackle you. If it was, every team out there would just throw a hoss of a FB at the Wildcat position and send 'em on their way. 2 words....Jalen Whitlow. Boom.

Also, what about Towles and Whitlow not wearing red jerseys in practice early this Fall. I have mixed opinions on this. First, I like it b/c it breaks them in early, gets some of the butterflies away, and allows the coaches to see how they can both play when truly trying to avoid being tackled instead of touched. On the other hand, I know this is stating the obvious but....what if one (or both) of them gets hurt. Can you imagine the backlash from the fans if in, oh say day 3 of Fall Camp, Towles goes down with a season-ending injury that would not have occurred if he had been "off limits" from tackles like QB's usually are? For Joker's (and both of these players) sake, I hope like hell that doesn't happen.

Bingo!

IMO Freshmen must be introduced to what contact is like in big time football. You definately dont want someone that is a practice wonder when there is no contact that wilts and is gunshy when the contact happens. It will not take the staff long to figure out who has the right stuff and then they will be protected.

I personally think all QBs should take contact but understand why that is not possible and why such a valuable position must be protected.

Newton playing the Wildcat QB. Can't say that really gets me pumped up. I figured Whitlow was a lock there. The kid can flat run and make plays. He's plenty big enough to take the hits as well. I'm a little surprised by that. We need to start a guy like Whitlow early at that spot and let him get comfortable running it. If he has to work at QB then have him work at a package that gives him a chance to show his strengths.

Maximus how does one go about joining the Qb club ? TIA