Kramer sheds a little light on upcoming recruiting

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Nov 26, 2004 6:38 pm

I would expect a similar number of transfers as in years past. The Cats need depth on both lines, and really, can you ever have enough depth on the lines? I don't think so.

It also appears that part of the winning formula lately in I-AA is to get 1 or 2 (or more) KEY I-A drop-downs. At least that's what I think when I look at who made it to Chatty the last few years.

I have a good feeling about our receivers for the first time since the Chip Hobbs days. I thought Gatewood, and ESPECIALLY, Sullivan really grew up over the course of the season. What I wouldn't give for Sully to have just one more year!

Who knows at RB. It will be a question mark for 9 months. Howevah, Domineck is solid enough IF the OL can make some holes.

velochat · Post by **velochat** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:48 am

I'm no expert, but I've rarely seen a team that pass blocked really well and run blocked really well. This year's team pass blocked very well late in the season. I think the lack of holes to run through had more to do with the lack of running game than the lack of quality runners. Domineck ran pretty well at times, when the holes were there. What do you guys think of the thesis that the lack of running had more to do with the O-line's abilities or priorities vs. failure by the backs?

Post by **kmax** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:22 am

For the most part I agree velo, as I think alot of the Cats' lack of running game was due to the Oline not being able to open the holes for the Domineck. In both the PSU game and to some extent the EWU game, Domineck showed some great speed and ability once he got through the line. However, at some point you also need a runner who can not only turn it on and make DB's miss, but also a guy who can bounce off the initial hit at the line and make something out of nothing. For a prime example, watch the replay of Lex Hilliard's two long TD runs from this past Saturday's game against Northwestern, particularly the shot where he was actually underneath the LB that was trying to tackle him and he pushed through it, very impressive. What I wouldn't give to have a runner like him in the backfield for the Cats.

jagur1 · Post by **jagur1** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 9:40 am

kmax: That NWU LB is also on the Buchanan list. Makes that broken tackle even better.

Post by **kmax** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:17 am

I didn't even catch who the NWU player was, but yes that only makes it better. Lex is very good only only going to get better, I don't look forward to the Cats facing him for another couple years. It will be interesting to see if the Griz don't find a good replacement for Ochs if a lessened passing game will negatively affect Lex at all.

BobcatLionFan · Post by **BobcatLionFan** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:23 pm

kmax wrote:For the most part I agree velo, as I think alot of the Cats' lack of running game was due to the Oline not being able to open the holes for the Domineck. In both the PSU game and to some extent the EWU game, Domineck showed some great speed and ability once he got through the line. However, at some point you also need a runner who can not only turn it on and make DB's miss, but also a guy who can bounce off the initial hit at the line and make something out of nothing. For a prime example, watch the replay of Lex Hilliard's two long TD runs from this past Saturday's game against Northwestern, particularly the shot where he was actually underneath the LB that was trying to tackle him and he pushed through it, very impressive. What I wouldn't give to have a runner like him in the backfield for the Cats.

I believe the running game needed a 2nd runner. Dom just got way to tired (rushing, running routes, and blocking on every play), Without Milton, he just died at times and couldn't get through holes. Like the last series in OT of Eastern Washington, he bounced outside because he was tired instead of going up the middle as called. Also, being behind in games (which we were a lot) results in more passing than running. Add to that the multiple LONG runs called back during the season by holding. Explains more why we didn't rush as well as we might have. The MU game was only 43 yards rushing on 25 carries.

I think if we get Milton back and/or Groves turns out to be as advertised (speed), we have the better solution in place, but not much depth if there are injuries.

You need to get a future running back (High School speed). for when Dom and Milton leave next year.

Recuiting focus appears to be secondary, and D-Line. Possibly a tight end. Followed by Speed LBs and a hot QB as a backup to Red Shirt and a Red Shirt Speed runner? JC help in the D-Line and Secondary, maybe a reciever.

orsalak · Post by **orsalak** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:19 am

Back to the tipped passes for a moment. I think there are a few things that could help Lulay here. First off run some play actions. I don't remember seeing to many play actions at all this season. Next, maybe a small option game would help and an option pass would be awsome. Think of it he could keep it, pitch it, throw a deep pass maybe, run a screen off of it. Lulay with all those options would be fun to watch. Lastly, ummmm pump fakes.

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 10:38 am

Pump fakes are not an option when you are throwing timing passes over the middle with a three step drop...no time!

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 4:58 pm

Attn all Great Falls Cats,
Wasn't there a booster meeting up in the Electric City, either last night or the night before? Any reports???

mjc · Post by **mjc** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 1:32 am

Any word on football players not returning next semester?

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 10:26 am

I heard a rumor that Nick Barbero wants to come back.

Any reports from Great Falls meeting????? anyone?? anyone?? bueller?? bueller?? something doo economics??

mjc · Post by **mjc** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:23 am

Didn't Nick Barbero play Tight End????? Would he be eligible (NCAA)?
Nice kid - I think.

WYCAT · Post by **WYCAT** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:24 am

HelenaCat95 wrote:I heard a rumor that Nick Barbero wants to come back.

Any reports from Great Falls meeting????? anyone?? anyone?? bueller?? bueller?? something doo economics??

Why did Nick leave in the first place. I can't remember?????

HelenaCat95 · Post by **HelenaCat95** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:28 am

Barbero came in as a Defensive End, but was moved to Tight End...I don't remember why he left.

BobcatLionFan · Post by **BobcatLionFan** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:46 pm

HelenaCat95 wrote:Barbero came in as a Defensive End, but was moved to Tight End...I don't remember why he left.

If I remember, he came from De La Salle (top High School Program in Nation). Played Tight end and DE in high School, so wasn't really moved to a new position.

He played for the Cats as a true Freshman last year. Caught a great touch down pass in the Weber Game last year and looked good.

He left it seemed on good terms giving family problems as the reason I believe. Didn't really go to another school for football.

Seems like a good addition to tight end where we have Barnhart (good true freshman player) returning and only Red Shirt maybes behind him. The weakest of the reciever positions.

PDXKat · Post by **PDXKat** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:52 pm

Nick was a redshirt freshman last year. I really wouldn't count on him coming back.

BobcatLionFan · Post by **BobcatLionFan** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 2:58 pm

PDXKat wrote:Nick was a redshirt freshman last year. I really wouldn't count on him coming back.

Whether he comes back or not, I believe he used a year. Sure he caught the TD in Weber game and played most others. Blake didn't catch a lot of passes last year.

iaafan · Post by **iaafan** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:07 pm

MSU has about 3-4 other good tight ends and seems very deep there. I hear that Ouilhon is going to be a player.

Bleedinbluengold · Post by **Bleedinbluengold** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:20 pm

iaafan wrote:....I hear that Ouilhon is going to be a player.

oh, oh. I don't like the sound of that.

wbtfg · Post by **wbtfg** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:48 pm

Does anyone have any information on which in-state kids have already offered schollies?