Post
by HelenaCat » Wed Mar 23, 2005 10:01 pm
I probably can't add too much new stuff from Kramer last nite in Helena, but can maybe clarify a few issues.
First, it is obvious that Kramer, like all of us, loves Lulay. He said Travis is by far the best QB he has ever coached. But he then said that as a coach, he never wants to be in the position again of relying so much on one guy having to make plays to be successful. Thus, the renewed emphasis on a good running attack and a sound defense. So, yes we will still obviously pass the ball with the best QB in the conference and some great receivers. But don't expect the passing games of last year if Krames has his way. we will be much more balanced on offense.
Krames also said that winter conditioning has been going great. If the weights of the kids he was throwing out last nite are right, then it has been a good winter. I was especially impressed with the d-line weights: the 3 projected starters were all over 280 (Rogers, Matakis, and Kalome(sp?). The main backups he talked about were Papich from GTF now at 275 lbs and he made a special point of talking about BAC's friend from Winifred. He apparently walked on last year at 217 lbs and is now at 255 lbs, and Krames likes him and his work ethic. he did not mention the new JC kid at 295lbs, but did say that Macciolo will get a chance at D-end and they will see what he can do. He is real excited about Kalome's potential-said he is young, but he could really be good.
Regarding the O-line, he feels very set with the same basic starters as last year (end of season): Bolton and Hirst at tackle, Figs and Birkeland at guard, and Wolf at center. He stressed that they are now a unit and how important that is for the O-line. But then he said: That does not mean they are our best 5 O-lineman! He then talked about Jensen who played a lot last year and is now up to 288, DeCock who he said is at 307 and is looking real good now, and finally Saucedo. He said to remember that name-now at 330 lbs and he is going to be quite the player. He also said Beniger has had a great winter and that some of their other young lineman have great potential. He says spring ball is important for all of these guys to push for playing time. I left feeling REALLY good about our O-line and depth there for the first time since Kramer came to MSU.
You could also tell Mike was really embarassed about the way our defense ended up last year. He said that is not MSU football and not what he is known for either. He said that will not happen again-lets hope he is right. I do think we look real good right now on paper at every position, but I really don't know about our depth which is still an unknown.
It was interesting that Kramer did not tallk much at all about the redshirt freshmen and what potential we had there. he just said that now is the time for them to start showing what they could do and really admitted that he just does not know for sure until they are on the field and show what they have. he said: As do all coaches, we have to recruit based on height, weight, and speed. But once they are here, we play kids based on heart. So it will be interesting to see which of the young kids start rising to the top.
Kramer has 4 scholarships still available. As someone else noted, he hopes to sign a 1A dropdown by May (presumably Bass) and is also looking for another D-end, DB, and one other position that I just can't remember. He also said he did not expect any true freshmen to play this year. The only true freshmen to play in the last couple years were both tight ends-Goodman two years ago (who was probably just that good he needed to play) and Barnhardt last year mostly out of necessity. But he said Barnhardt is going to be good and the experience last year will help him and he feels all of the young TEs now have great potential. All are at least 6'3" to 6'5" tall and the lightest one is at 237 lbs. It will be interesting to see who starts in Kramer's two TE offense next year!
P.S. WBTFG and suckitgriz: Look me up if you are going to GTF or will be in Boz for the spring scrimmages. I have a great story for you!
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