Ryan Cole down to two...

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:13 pm

goat wrote:If our coaching staff did in fact tell Cole no, this makes little sense to me. While I agree that we do have some studs in the running back stable, I feel that competition at any position, and especially at running back is a very good thing. If nothing else, try to sign him to keep him away from other conference schools.

We're not USC...we can't afford to "stockpile "talent just to keep them away from other programs. Our staff either saw some pitfalls in recruiting him, or they got a good report on the health of Mo Milton. Has the coaching staff given up on Mike Bass too? or is he still on the possible list?

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:21 pm

I like to think the chemistry in Bozo is great right now; also, if we're going to run a lot more two tight end formations as Coach stated earlier this year, I don't think he's willing to take on any unknowns if he can help it this year, even though everyone in Bozeman seems to be doing a tremendous job getting all the new kids on the same page reasonably early in the season.

8poky8 · Post by **8poky8** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:32 pm

I tend to worry about Montana St. a little more each year, than the Griz because of one thing, MSU has a better defense, and scheme. Montana's DBs are porous at best. ISU, MSU, and Montana should all be pretty good next year, and I can't wait for my trip to Bozeman. For what it's worth, i tend to have a much better experience in the Gallatin than in the Missoula area, and I have a much better respect for MSU and their affiliates over UM and theirs... Good luck in the BSC bball tourney...

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:44 pm

Our coaching staff undoubtedly knew his talent level when he was invited to Bozeman. Also, our coaching staff undoubetdly knew the depth of our talent level at running back when he was invited to Bozeman. I can't imagine we sprung for a ticket to bring him to Bozeman to enjoy the Bobcat-griz game and then tell him "no". As my old grandpappy used to say, "that dog won't hunt".
Maybe they didn't like what they saw???!!!???

wbtfg · Post by **wbtfg** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 2:46 pm

raincat wrote:Our coaching staff undoubtedly knew his talent level when he was invited to Bozeman. Also, our coaching staff undoubetdly knew the depth of our talent level at running back when he was invited to Bozeman. I can't imagine we sprung for a ticket to bring him to Bozeman to enjoy the Bobcat-griz game and then tell him "no". As my old grandpappy used to say, "that dog won't hunt".
Maybe they didn't like what they saw???!!!???

I don't think he ever made it to Bozeman.

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 3:42 pm

These transfers can be real crap shoots. Remember the heat the coaching staff took when they brought in Junior Adams and his baggage. What a great story. Brock Spencer, Fred Moore, Joey Thomas, the big lineman from New Mexico, the Mollock brothers are a few more examples who come to mind. Then there's the Mitch Jones story which deserves at least a TV movie.

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:25 pm

I'll agree with you raincat. We have had some success stories over the years. We have had some big busts too. What was the name of the CB last year from Fresno that didn't work out. I was so glad to see Kramer yank that kids ride after the bs he pulled. Kramer got even more respect out of me after that.

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 4:42 pm

You're right, Vegas. I felt the same way. Judging from what I saw on "The Line", Coach Kramer only puts up with as much crap as he feels necessary then shuts it down. Sort of like Paul Sr. on American Chopper.
During Coach K's era Farhaad Azimi and Marcel Dunn are the posterboys for transfers who didn't work out. However, Azimi worked and tried hard and I can respect that. Dunn basically went poof.

Obzerver · Post by **Obzerver** » Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:02 pm

I too find it hard to believe MSU paid for a visit and then said no thanks. Kramer knew about Cole and his ability and I don't think he would have brought him in without the hopes of getting him to commit. Is it a possibility that the funds available may have dried up(scholly-wise)? This may have lead to an offer of just a partial or possibly no money available for Summer. Yes, there is money available for Summer classes for the right player(s).

iaafan · Post by **iaafan** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 11:11 am

From what i've been told Cole never came to visit Bozeman. He wanted to be the centerpiece of the offense too much. If that's true I'd say EW won't want him either (Kimball, Meyer). Looks like ISU is his best bet based on that.

raincat · Post by **raincat** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:29 pm

Good Lord! From the Pac 10 to Holt Arena. I don't mean any disrespect to the ISU guys who post here. You seem like good guys. But Holt Arena as the potential best option...... On the bright side, I guess he just has one year remaining.

Obzerver · Post by **Obzerver** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:39 pm

Cole has two years left to run the ball and he is healthy plus a good/smart student. If he does choose ISU I take that all back(about being a smart student). He just wants to play and doesn't have to be the "centerpiece" of the offense, whatever that means.

mquast53000 · Post by **mquast53000** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:49 pm

raincat wrote:You're right, Vegas. I felt the same way. Judging from what I saw on "The Line", Coach Kramer only puts up with as much crap as he feels necessary then shuts it down. Sort of like Paul Sr. on American Chopper.
During Coach K's era Farhaad Azimi and Marcel Dunn are the posterboys for transfers who didn't work out. However, Azimi worked and tried hard and I can respect that. Dunn basically went poof.

I knew both Dunn and Azimi. Dunn had too much hype around him. He thought that he was going to be the team. Well in football no one player makes a team (especially when they are average at best). Dunn's head got too big for the game and that is why he was a bust. He had no interest in practice, weight training or anything else for that matter.

Azimi was doomed. He was the starting QB during the 0-11 year. He was the sacrificial lamb. He had one returning o-lineman! Was Tyler Thomas better? I would say no! But someone had to be held responsible for 0-11, and so Azimi took that role.

Robcat · Post by **Robcat** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 12:53 pm

Did I miss something along this thread. I am not sure why Kramer would not want Cole. Is MSU that deep in RB's? I know we have Gatewood back, but he, in my book, is the only proven preformer. And Gatewood just had some surgery. Where is the rest of the line up? Why not go after Cole?

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 4:51 pm

Gatewood isn't a RB. I think we are pretty deep with Domineck (I hear he has lost a little weight and gained a step), Milton hopefully will recover so Domineck doesn't have to run the entire time because of his condition, and I think/hope Groves is as good as I've heard. Then Taito will redshirt and should contribute the year after. Our OL should be damn good this year, and I heard we will be going to more 2 TE sets, so I feel confident with our running game.

Still, Cole sounded like he would have been a great addition to the lineup, I just think he wants to be the focal point of any offense when clearly he would not be here, as he most like would be rotated with 1 or 2 other backs. Not to mention we have a fairly good QB in the back, I forgot his name. Broke all kinds of Cat records, if I recall.

iaafan · Post by **iaafan** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:18 pm

It's a tough call. MSU's offense is its #1 strength. W/in that the RBs are the biggest weakness. Domineck made mistake vs. EWU that may have cost them the game. He had some bad exchanges with Lulay. Milton has a history of injuries going back to his JC days. Groves is still an unknown. Still with this line, barring injuries, it should be a big year for the offense (running game included) and the offense will be good enough to do its share from start to finish unlike in years past.

The defense has question marks all over the place and so do the kickers (Bolton and Fisher). It was mind-boggling that an MSU defense could blow a 21-point lead vs. EW. Kramer has to settle down re: the kickers. He has them scared to kick in practice let alone the games. He has to give the job to whoever he has confidence in and then show some faith by not yanking him after one missed kick or KO out of bounds. They are more worried about him than the kick they are about to attempt. Kramer is MSU's worst enemy regarding the kicker. This should be established in non-conf games. It could all work out in those areas, but until they play a game it's anybody's guess.

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:27 pm

I don't think there's a kid on the team that is not among the best pure athletes we've ever had at any position. Just the genes within Bolton should be enough to satisfy any of us

As far as Domineck, I remember SEVERAL long runs called back and I could not, in my own mind, see where illegal blocks or holding occured. His blocking had more to do with the passing numbers our offense put up last year than any downfield blocks, in my opinion. He's ready for some mindboggling numbers this year

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 5:43 pm

Cat Grad wrote:I don't think there's a kid on the team that is not among the best pure athletes we've ever had at any position. Just the genes within Bolton should be enough to satisfy any of us As far as Domineck, I remember SEVERAL long runs called back and I could not, in my own mind, see where illegal blocks or holding occured. His blocking had more to do with the passing numbers our offense put up last year than any downfield blocks, in my opinion. He's ready for some mindboggling numbers this year

I will agree with that to some degree CATGRAD. I think that JD did a fine job last year. He caught the ball well, he ran well at times, had some long runs, and he picked up the blitz VERY well. Lulay would have been lunchmeat a lot more if JD had not done such a good job with the blitzes that people were throwing at the CATS. I am excited to see what Evin Groves can do, but I am not ready to discard JD just yet. I am even excited to have Morris Milton back and healthy.

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 7:26 pm

I think the tandum of Domineck and a healthy Milton will give us a big running threat (we might gain more than a yard on first down... fathom that!), and thus will open up our passing game. My biggest worry on offense is actually one that isn't discussed much... the WRs. We all know Gatewood can play, but he can't be the only guy. Sullivan is gone, so Guinn needs to kick it in gear like we all know he can, and then someone has to be the possession receiver Sullivan was. Roosevelt? Perhaps. Murray? Hasn't played yet. Plus no one mentioned Wolf leaving. He made many big plays and had I think 800 yards receiving or somewhere along those lines. Losing Sullivan and Wolf was a blow, I hope someone can step up to fill those shoes.

If it all comes together next year, we'll be seeing a lot of my avatar.

MSUcantouchus · Post by **MSUcantouchus** » Thu Feb 17, 2005 7:51 pm

I saw Morris Milton at the gym about amonth ago and asked him about his shoulder. He said the nerves were still not firing and he didn't sound to upbeat about it. Does anyone know if he could get a medical redshirt, and play after next year?

Ryan Cole down to two...

as an ISU fan...