OFSN 265: Positional Awareness & Aptitude

0:21 The fields for the does we don't even grow has been my monitors cleaning shit off, you'll stay cool. This house is falling down. The beach Bellas are broken down, it Granville mother mold of Steel. This stuck in a trap. Welcome back. We're podcasts. Curtis Wilson, didn't over here, Ryan's legal over here. What's going on buddy?

1:01 Buddy day 5 quarantine. Oh man, how's it going to your house? You got a decent setup. I've got a monitor, I've got my laptop. I'm I'm almost business as usual every day. You know me and Brian said In the past, my wife's a teacher. So she's teaching our two sons, she's got little lessons little things, every day for them, we go outside and play, we eat dinner, you know, I lost going pretty well.

1:46 How about you guys not to bad? Probably a little bit of the same, to be honest. I don't quite have the setup, you do. I'm at the dining room table, most of the day, which is comfortable for the most part in terms of Working. But the actual seat itself. You know, your boy gets up in the afternoon and all the things like, oh man, I need to walk around and stretch for a little bit here. It's not that comfortable. But other than that, I'm doing. All right. Like like you said my wife's a teacher to so she's got little lessons going on for my son and you're mixing that in with some some fun stuff and mix them with some some time outside. So at least we had some nice weather the last couple days so that's made a little bit more manageable.

2:30 Oh I Absolutely gorgeous. Weather you know what sucks right now about doing this podcast today is Broad. You're supposed to you're going to shoot over to the house. Today, we're going to do a face-to-face recording session. They were going to head up to Hurley's, and grab beer and wings and watch the madness. And, you know how things in the last 10 days have just absolutely, you know, changed in this world. So that's the Yeah, Wednesday last week we invite you guys to join us today. And you know now we're talking about literally right after we drop that the world completely change. So you know, we're dealing here, but it is a sad day that, you know, this day is one of the days that we kind of look forward to every year and, you know, that's been taken from us a bit but obviously, under, you know, understandable circumstances here but absolutely, no, you feel bad that you're missing out on it, you feel bad, and you feel bad for The bars and the restaurants, especially, you know, we were going to go to Hurley's.

3:35 And, you know, I was I was watching channel 12 news today and they were talking to whole team Who's down the fans and got talked about how marches one of their biggest months. And, you know, you feel for those guys because this is the fun times, man, if you remember last year Harley's, I think about 20, people of our group came out, which is decent number. But when we left, we're going through the bar area. Oh, yeah. Excuse me. Oh God. Over. Yeah, tell me that's that's that's the crew did not. We usually we like to start early. We usually take the day off and show up at noon, get some food by the time, the first game tips off, you know, we've got a beer in hand. Sometimes we got a nap in hand and we just kick back for about five hours and just watch all these early games and, you know, hang out and everything. So that's kind of our role is usually by the time we leave, that's when the rest of the work crowd. Showing up to do the same thing we've been doing for Five hours. So it's it's crazy.

4:33 You know, it's wall-to-wall and it's sad that they're going to miss out on all that business. And, you know, speaking of Hurley's to shout out to hourlies for always being such a good host for us. And we've been doing that at their spot for at least six plus years now. So, you know, and we've never thought one day about changing it. So it's the, it's the place to be and they're still doing delivery. And take out will pick up orders. So sir, anybody you guys in the RV a area, want some good food, some wings, some burgers, definitely check them out. Yeah yeah right I got nothing this week. We got Tavern burgers and wings on Tuesday night from there because because me and my wife both needed that fixed because this is our normal. We ramp up and go there more than a few times in the spring. But in general guys, listening out there wherever you may be our VA whatever part of the world, you Maybe. And if you're not on full lockdown, local establishments, such as that support on most of these guys are doing delivery and curbside.

5:41 You know, the waitress that came out and delivered hours, she's coming out and, like, gloves and it's like, you don't have to sign your receipt or anything, but, you know, of course, I didn't let the pretty generous tip because this is their livelihood, but go out and support those places. I think me and my wife is discuss tonight or tomorrow. We're probably going to get Livery from one of the local pizza joints. So I really encourage folks to do that during this time by all means social distancing but she'll try to support those businesses that are staying open that you know this this hits them. Absolutely absolutely curtains. Since we're on the subject. Yeah. What's the go to wing sauce somewhere? At least for this guy was a few.

6:22 Okay. Okay. I'm a chili lime man. I'm with chili lime. That's that's that's number two for me. I actually I got Buck you and chili lime. I'm so going to get off. No man. Hey man, this cattle makes you happy, doesn't it? Tom Brady's not in the AFC. Thank God man. Thank God. Nope not anymore. That's the big one. I'm sure all my my Buffalo fans and jets fans and dolphins fans out there and thankful that they actually have a chance to win the division now maybe, but maybe and less That's the secret sauce is mostly Bill.

7:03 And then moved in, they still might still be in trouble for a few more years. Exactly. But hey, you know, he moved some of our Hokies moved to man up Kendall, Fuller, going back to the Redskins. Back to DC 41, back to the 40 million bucks over four years in know, being local. This is actually a prudent good move for the Redskins. I'm I'm shocked. Yeah, so they go out, they make a move, not only one that is, you know, smart from picking a guy that is versatile that can, you know, play in the slide but also play outside to help them.

7:47 Thank you too. And, you know, got him for a pretty good price and you know, you got some Hometown flavor there. So you're going to probably get a few more butts in the seats as a as a side effect, so it's really no, nope. Planning about that deal for them. Yeah and he wasn't the only hope. He was to get inside with the Skins. Logan Thomas tight end. Wait that's that's the all-time leading passer. Yeah. Okay, let's just we can go there, you know what, let's have enough food in the future where we talk about guys who got moved and you're like why do we move these guys to different positions, but not Logan, got signed good for him. Give that guy all the credit in the world. And you know was drafted fourth round by the Cardinals is a cutie Prospect when Bruce Arians kind of said it's not going to work out like that didn't wind didn't complain started working at tight end and I think Luke has been in the league. What?

8:46 Seven years now seven or eight years? Yeah the things that are taught in Blacksburg about hey if you can't make it here do whatever you can do to make it. You talk about Candles versatility. Unfortunately, he made that the back break in absolute mine. Honour, he was playing. Yeah, free safety and slaw. He rotated up and play free safety and picked us. And dudes, baller always has been. Oh oh dude blah, blah, blah, Tara, Tara TC get them great to hear that because when all the moves were being met, Made you know where I'm sitting here, working listening to the radio and people are announcing and I'm like, almond cams going to go there. James know how it's going to be are ships, kept falling and nothing really started happening and all of a sudden they're like yeah we're going to need Tyra's sellers started. Seems like you know, he's gonna be at least going to be a transition quarterback for them depending on what they do. It either in this year's draft or next year's draft give something long term for that position but you know we're talking about probably Season maybe two that he has an opportunity to go out there and show what he can do and go from there.

10:05 So, you know, kudos to him and, you know, he's been, he sticks with it. And I mean, the big thing that I mean, if you're looking for a transitional quarterback, a guy like him, that does not turn the ball over that has the ability to make plays with his legs. I mean that's that's going to definitely be an asset. I mean, he's not going to go out there and throw 300 350 a game, but he takes care of the ball. He can make big plays in the legs. When When the play breaks down. So I think they're going to be okay. And the underrated thing that people will that doesn't like to mention he wanted Buffalo. He he was the quarterback that led them to their first playoff appearance since we were in high school.

10:48 Let's just keep that on there. They would not in seven that year and could have been better but you know they're old those. It McDermott was the head coach then right. He's like no we're gonna play Nate Peterman from pit and make Peterman five interceptions and 1/2. Trivial Henderson. Yes, Cody off-the-cuff, comment from Mike Farrell the other day. You know, he was talking about, kind of the what he was feeling kind of the temperature in the room. As far as treyvion Henderson's Recruitment and he's like, it seems like at this point because, you know, Clemson is out.

11:41 And it looks like it's going to be kind of Ohio State and maybe a couple of those other guys, but but pretty much We're kind of neck and neck with Ohio State at this point, and he's giving us kind of a HomeTown favorite not here at this point if he had to go with his gut. So that's kind of a, that's a big change in the momentum compared to where we were probably about a month ago where you know, everybody thought it was going to be Clemson and all of a sudden, they're not even in the in the top eight there. So, yeah. All the other thing of high estate, Evan, prior pretty highly rated guy. Yeah, there are all these 145 This class. Yeah, he's good too.

12:21 Don't don't don't get me wrong. But again, it's kind of the domino effect. I'm still a hokey a heartbreak. So until I see that Ela last Sunday in December, I'll hold my breath, but that's looking good, man. We've been starting a couple times we can. We don't, we do more than that. Things have changed, there's no spring game. So this is kind of going to be are positional unit grading until felt. This was going to be our breakdown of where we are right now and that's going to be where we are for the remainder of the offseason. So Cliff exactly.

13:05 So we're going to be hitting all groups with the exception of Specialists and the reason I say I'm not going to say much about specialist is you have to really entrenched guys Prime Johnson consistent. We've seen, he can make the long kick and Oscar Bradburn is one of the best Putters in the country. So we didn't go into those guys clearly in a couple years. When we do this, we might be going in because as those guys graduate, the position will be given open. So let's start today. Brian. We're going to start on the defensive side of the ball. I'm going to start with the corner unit. I give my grade of that unit, as a B+. And first of all, I feel just great about it. Our top three guys Farley and wall or absolute Ballers it showed in the stats.

13:53 It showed in their play on the field last year. Both ranked so high and numerous statistical categories. But then the third guy don't forget about it maimoni. Chapman was a freshman last year and he really provided that help Off the Bench and he shows that he can belong on that field at least for me. The reason I go B plus is that it's the depth that scares me and I was hoping for spring practice man. You know guys like web and Marie and the dick Thompson to get a chance against like tray and Tavian Robinson on the other side of the ball but we're not going to death that. Now I'm going to say this, my opinion is it's just one of those guys.

14:39 It doesn't have to be all three of them but it just one of those guys can become a contributor. This groups in a battle coming now. Something I saw me and you talked about it when we were Channel phone call couple weeks ago, you notice Lapine Rudolph is not listed as a wide receiver. He brought that to my attention. That was like, okay, let's not sure about that. But okay, okay, but he's in, but again, that's going to be fall Camp stuff and also Dorian strong coming in. Can they do stuff in their red shirt in their first years as a redshirt year? We do Don't know yet. But again, I'm going to be plus for this group. What about you? I'm actually going to go a solid low, a on this. Not, not quite as easy -, but, you know, if I had to put a number on it, I probably say like 92 93, okay? And the big thing for me is similar to what you said, I mean, we're talking about bringing back, probably, The best one to Tandem that corner back in the conference. And I think for me that's big, that's big, you know, Frontline. We're talking about having two of the best guys that can do it in the conference.

15:53 I was impressed by what Chapman did last year as a freshman. She showed promise and spell Duty he showed promise when he had to come on to take over when when Farley was out. So I mean he did get burned a couple times yes but I think, you know that's going to come with with the experience and playing against more of those number one, guys. And I think I think the biggest thing for me is I think Murray is going to be a guy that we can depend on as well. And that's why I don't quite have quite as many probably concerns about depth. As you, I feel like we've got four guys that we can probably probably lean on it. I think Murray being versatile. Being able to play the nickel corner and being able to play outside is going to be good for us. Awesome.

16:37 All right, I'll let you take the next group. All right, so we're going. We're going safeties. Next, we're moving on to safeties. And, you know, for safety's, I'm going to give them a solid b-plus. Mainly because I feel like Frontline, we've got some really, really talented players that can do some special things. I mean, we've got Divine Diablo out there and then we've got your Devon Hunter Hunter, finally, stepping in 44, Reggie there. And I think that's going to be the key because I think it's in terms of top-end town in terms of just what he can do on the field. And I'm really excited to see what with Devin Hunter can do this year. And for me, that's what kind of takes it over the top and you know, we still got Tyree out there that can, you know, help out on the back end, if there's injuries and they the biggest concern that I might have is that, you know, Diablo has been banged up at times through his career and that that's really my bigger concern, but in terms of just Frontline telling, I feel like we're, you know, we're pretty solid there.

17:38 Yeah, I'ma be on this also through tomorrow Connor and at the nickel whip, whatever you want to call. Yeah that's definitely going to get a plane to the puzzle there because that position just as much of a DB as it is a linebacker. Yeah. And to me I'm because Divine and him have shown in game, they can just do it in and out. Just good play In and Out devils. Look goodness spot chances but now He's got to do it in and out, week in week out. I think the potential for him to do, it's there, I really do. But, you know, right now to me, you mentioned Tyree Rogers.

18:18 Tyree Rogers is our only guy as a back up again, duck, worries me more than anything you're going. That's going to be a lot of my talk about I'm depth because, you know, it's just true that you see teams and they're really good. And then one guy goes down and it doesn't fall apart, but it isn't what it could be. Yeah. I think that without some of our defense has in the past where we had a defense, we felt really good about and neither, you know, guy goes down with we have that spell of like two or three years in a row, we had to lisfranc injuries that yeah, completely derailed our defense at key positions. Yeah. The other piece with this group that I put it in a be enough to be plus, is I think was in Reggie.

19:02 I think his leadership skills on there is another big piece to me. I'm going to throw one thing out there and I want to see how you feel about this, okay? Didi Ferguson He's listed with the linebacker group. But if you look at this bill, he's about 61 about 2:15. I'm wondering if he is going to get and he and I think he's a redshirt freshman. If my mom doesn't fail me. I wonder if he's kind of moved over to say, hey, let's try you at Rover or sort of whip in certain situations because of his size and because of how the linebacker positions looking We also got can't coming out from Duvall. I think if it's projects plays good people walk or talk is one of those guys step up and become that second death P.

19:50 I think he's redshirting unless he comes in and blows it away, it can't because it's going to be very interesting piece this year, no Spring ball. The Freshman isn't have a chance to come in and say, hey dude, you're not ahead. Nobody's ahead of you. Yeah. That's that's the big thing is like, you know, there's going to be some positives in that in depth. Freshmen are going to get kind of equal opportunity to really go out there and show what they've got conversely. I mean the coaches are going to have to spend more rep, seeing what they have from from these guys without, you know, without knowing they're already solid with some of the maturing guys are already on the roster. So it'll be interesting trying to get settled that out and see how that ends up impacting camp.

20:33 But I mean, the good news is that it's not just us you know everyone is The same situation so it's not like it's something that's a unique handicap for us. So I think we'll see how it shakes out. Like you said, I think things like that. Where position changes and try and guys a different spots, you may actually see less of that just because we don't necessarily have time to experiment unless unless you've got a guy that you already know can handle that role. Yeah for sure. All right, well I kind of set up what we're going to Into next with Dean Ferguson because the linebackers group a borderline and a plus for me, I mean, we're deep.

21:17 These guys are talented. They all have on field experience. We have good leadership at this and the way I kind of feel about it as we look at them, Brian. And I'm going to let you kind of go on this. We have a chance to be so dynamic because we have some really Dynamic skill sets. And, Backer between rook and Dax. And, you know, Barn Barn of Tisdale and Keisha an artist. I mean, this group today for me. Yeah, day for me as well. And those are the five that I highlighted as well. Be the interesting thing is going to be, you know, I think we're talking about, you know, Richard acts, we're talking about Keyshawn and Tisdale and then we got Barner that's kind of a I don't know what we're going to do with them in terms. I think he's going to be good for depth, but I'm interested to see if we get creative with how we deploy him just because of his, you know, length and size and still ability to run around pretty good too.

22:24 So let me admit run this. Yeah. Go back to Daddy's freshman year. Is that what you're thinking with bar know what? He's almost stand up like that, he's got a whip position and he's moving back and forth side to side. Whatever. Wherever, the wherever the tight end isn't he is? Yeah, I think they could deploy in the him in that way. Absolutely just because he does have that linked and in some ways I mean with his he's actually longer than the what Daddy was at that time. I mean your daddy you similar in size but you know, burners got a little bit more length and like I said, we've been moving to some of that in terms of how we recruiting pass rushers.

23:05 So it'll be interesting if that's part of Of the puzzle as well. Yeah. This group I feel, is there going to be the linchpin on that defense and I think having Jackson Richard being the older guys in the middle, you know, and that said it in the thing. They both lead different racial Arts dog in taxes allowed. I got a feeling when those two guys bar at the rest of the defense, they will listen. And that's why I'm less concerned about, as you said earlier, with the Reggie, departure, own terms of leadership, I mean, Not only has Diablo been doing the playing that position in the secondary for a while. You know, we're starting to get a lot more senior in the secondary.

23:47 And I think with guys in the middle like Dax and Richard, you know, there's not going to be a problem with with leadership getting a lot, guys. A line where they need to be getting the assignments out there, getting the calls out. So I don't think that's going to be a problem with those two on the field plus Diablo, there in the secondary great. All right, Bronson Let's go to the next group guys that you block the lot. What do you think of the defensive tackles for this upcoming year? I tell you, man, I feel really good about the defensive tackles and the big thing that we're talking about right now is that I felt the exact opposite this time last year. I had no idea what to feel about the defensive tackle position going into going into Camp, last year, going into spring practice last year because We're so so thin.

24:40 And, you know, we had some, some junior college guys, coming in. All right. So, the biggest thing that I like about this unit is going to be the depth that we have. And like I said, last year, I was doing the complete opposite frame of mind. At this time of the year. You know, we had Jaden company ham and Deshawn Crawford come in and they really pay dividends right out, the gate, just having their experience in there. We got those. Guys back this year. So the other guys want to talk about is no real Pollard. I feel really good about his production from year one and I feel like we're going to get some more out of him this year but the but the guy that I'm really high on is Josh fuga. This guy's been a beast in the weight room. This offseason.

25:26 He's been kind of attached to the older guys at the hip and just trying to soak in everything and I think that's going to pay dividends when we come out this year. I think he's We're going to be a guy that if just rotationally he's going to make some noise just because of his size and athleticism and what he brings to the table. Yeah, 100%. I'm with you on the same Grade B plus because of the depth human and Crawford starting they're solid, they're solid. They do their jobs then last year you mentioned Paulo red Mario Kendricks to the Freshman also has pretty good Open Season and the one thing I want everybody to remember out there these Guys came in in July, they weren't there in June January. So they were doing that without College weight program. Which is, I know, you know, Brian from doing it. It's a big deal in these cases.

26:19 Absolutely wrong. You mentioned fuka Cunningham. Remember he played a few games, but got banged up and was out. Yep, but both those guys are about to 305 range, so that gives us some girth in the middle. We're playing more of a power run team. We might be mixing up them more than the other guys. And you know, I love Charlie Wiles. Charlie was a great coach for many years but I'm kind of excited to see what Bill Turner can do with this group because they are more experiences. There are some, you know, there's some chances to be dynamic in this group. What about you? Yeah, the biggest thing, I the reason I'm high on most of these defensive lineman is going to be the coaching change. And now the having the the depth and the experience that we didn't have Really the last two years but in particular we've had this problem for a bit so I'm really excited to see what he can do.

27:16 I think that that's going to be where we see the most dividends get paid off. Is that you've got tear length? It's going to be more of the guy that is X's and O's can break things down. Can bring some unique ways of attacking the ovens of wine. And then you got obviously tap is going to play a role with some of the inside guys, too. But I think you he'll be a You'll be more strictly defensive ends but I think he'll play a role with some of the inside guys, just because there is that overlap and I think those two guys just the work ethic of cap and then the X's and O's and just the the knowing how to attack an offensive line, with tear link is going to be a really big combination. It's and we're going to see probably a big step in the output from this unit. Awesome.

28:00 All right. Well we're going to move the defensive ends backs and help. Maybe I should just change my grade for this one just because Darryl Tapp Is going to be coaching up those guys to Abby, but I've got it at a see. Don't don't hate me defensive ends if you guys listen to this or people that love these guys, because first of all, one reason is, we're already down to player Devon beckton. I hope this clears up quick, he comes back. You know, Emmanuel Belmar leader of this group. He doesn't blow you away with everything, he's solid, he's steady, which is sometimes what you need. But there's a couple guys. Like, Zion, the Bose is missing a huge opportunity to spring. It really sucks for him.

28:43 Jalen Griffin showed some flashes last year, but again, he still transitioning. But you know, and you've got Eli Adams, some production. He'll definitely have a role. What do you think of this group? What's your grade Brown? All right, so for this unit, I'm giving them a b and part of its going to be B, we got an additional year with these guys in the offseason. I know we're not going to get us a full spring here but they've had a full mostly a full offseason workout program and I think they're going to get better. They're going to get stronger, they're going to get faster and you couple that like I said with these coaching changes and I feel like that's going to be a recipe to just get some additional fire out, though.

29:33 It gets some additional usage. I mean you know we're talking about Your Belmar garbage out there, you got the leaders, but then you also got, like you said, Jalen Griffin showed some flashes. And I think the biggest thing coming in is Alec Bryant and how they're going to deploy him. Because I think he's at least one of the guys that I think is going to have potential, not to take a redshirt year in 2020. And I think that's because not only is he going to pay some dividends in terms of getting After the quarterback because he's got a good combination of speed and size, but because he's got that speed and size on passing Downs.

30:14 You can slide him into a three technique and let him rush the passer from there. So that's going to bring a whole new element to what we do. So I'm looking to add his versatility coupled with, you know, our veteran guys getting an additional year in the system and getting additional year in the weight room. And then just what we can really deploy from a coaching standpoint to really These guys, after the quarterback better. Yeah, and, and one guy you mentioned in and I forgot to but I think garment is really key for this group this year. If you remember last year, they talked about how good a camp he had and then he comes in the first game of the year, he hurts his collarbone against Boston College. He comes back and plays, but you kind of wondered you played against these guys and I think about where the collarbone is and I see what defensive ends do, break your collarbone or you know, Even fracture in a way.

31:09 How much is that going to hurt you and what you do as a defensive end? And I really think he's going to be a kick if he can stay healthy, he always kind of like, you know, lined up a little wider than Bellmore and you love Alec Bryant. Yeah, yeah. Or not. And, you know, maybe this group is the group that just surprises there again, my see group. So, you know, yeah. Like I said, I'm giving them a solid B. And like I said, mainly it's because of the coaching changes and then, like I said, the, the additional year of seasoning and what ABI thing can bring the table. And I mean, that's not no discount to the other two guys that are coming in for us.

32:02 But I just think in terms of instant impact, you know, Alec Bryant because of his versatility and sighs right out the gate. Just kind of gives us a little more where I think with guys already somewhat entrenched. He's the only guy that's going to kind of break through that that ceiling right away. Very all right, I'm going to set up one for you, man. We're going to move over to the offense, your bread and butter. Give me your grade on the 0 line, 0 line. So you're probably going to be surprised that this one I'm going a - whoo and okay don't don't take that harshly offensive lineman that's I'm giving you a compliment here. You have the most unique and good problem that you can have. You've got about nine guys that potentially could start. And now the problem that we have is that we got to get not only the most talented 5 out there but those were astounded. Five need to gel in a way that the guys from last year were able to do down the stretch and how our running game started. Opening up a whole lot more down the stretch and you're having to do that with With now, no spring practice those spring game and potentially a protracted offseason. So that's going to be my only concern and that's why I went a minus here.

33:19 It, you know, when you're talking about like cornerback or safety. Yeah. There's some, you know, reciprocation between the units there but more or less your kind of, you know, you take care of your business there. Buddy else takes care of their business often. One. It's got to work as one complete unit at all times. And if any one player is not where they need to be, even if everybody else is doing their job, the play gets blown up. So until we see how that gels and how, you know who's going to be playing centers? And we playing, like I feel like tackles are more or less set depending on what happens at right tackle. But the interior it could be You know, four or five different potential scenarios there and depending on what those scenarios are, we could be having one of the guys that started, you know, 10 plus games last year and up redshirting, just because we don't need nine or ten lineman every week. So, you know, that's the big thing for me and that's why when a - I just think, I think this unit is going to be great. I just don't know, if it's all going to come together fast enough for them to be, you know.

34:37 All-time great offensive line for the Hokies got you. Now, I just want a plus, you know, but what I see is, you said it, we're not needed more deep than that. We also have versatile guys who can play a number of positions. Again, that means a lot to me. You've got, you've already got a couple of all Americans with Dara saw and what Hudson was an All-American last year. Nestor along with Mike Hoffman. Just you keep name and you're like, yep, good blind and good line. Good alignment, but I get what you're saying, where they need to jail, they were missing spring. So there's a prime opportunity to get him an opportunity to jail, but also think with it offensive line group, maybe they just getting out there doing some sets together, not about with the coaches but hopefully, that can happen. But I know I miss, I know, I miss we've missed some guys that on the line that could possibly start. I think.

35:38 Whoever the 5r run, I think this group has Joe more potential. I think at the end of the year we could see them on that list to say this is the best offensive line in college football. Now, also the nerd fan in me, I want to see some games where I up like 3510 at the end and our coaches get drunk and say it's called an eight-man offensive line set with Quincy at quarterback. And just just let's just break somebody's will and make them cry. A on the field. There we go. I like the sound of that that, you know, I always remember back. Do you remember the Duke game when she's first year? And we were up like five and he's like, six minutes to go in the game. And literally the way we pushed and ran the ball, and you can just see them when it got to like two minutes and they're like, yeah, even this fall back.

36:28 Yeah, I was at that game. So I remember that will give you a Jacob down there, man. You just see. A will get snapped and it's just like that's what Have lunch and do, yeah, you have no idea because that game was kind of tight. Most of the way, the amount of energy they got sucked out of that stadium in that drive was impressive. Like, you could just feel it just slowly drain as the drive went on and on and on. All right, where do you want to go next? Brian. All right. Where we heading? Where we had? We going to go, let's see, tell me what you think about wide receivers. Oh, man. I'm gonna give him a big. Okay.

37:10 Clearly, Trey Turner is becoming the leader, the lead wolf of this pack. I mean, you can say it. How you can see how the guys respect in, which is the big thing to have to have a lead dog with wide receivers. You need the Alpha Chi box. They're going to listen, I get a Feelin but also be coming back with Tavian Robinson, but the reason I give Abby is there's a lot of unknown after that you know, with Hayes and has he both, you know, entering the port? Little Haze heading, the Missouri has the. I don't know if he's landed anywhere but it looks like he was heading somewhere on the peninsula to play. You know, don't get me wrong. It's a chance for these young guys to come out there and they don't get spring. We've said it numerous times and we probably got to continue to say it because we're not going to get that opportunity to see who separates themselves.

37:58 You know, we do have Caleb Smith who definitely I think he had not Hurtin catches last year, which is solid for a guy in a red shirt freshman Here, I'm also seeing definitely Big, Stone Gap himself will be supporting this group in ways because he's at burst of of a player. What about you? So four wide receivers. I'm going to go be as well, the concerns being very similar to yours. We're talking about two guys leaving that you had significant amount of snaps last year. You know, coupling that with a couple of unknown factors, but the reason that I'm still feeling pretty good, And yes, some of us got to do with the front end.

38:39 We got trade Tammy on you know trained up. He's got people's money, money back from Virginia Tech parking. So you can do that. You can do anything, he can beat Any Corner if he beat that any corner and you know obviously Tavian Robinson had a great freshman year and I'm looking for him to just grow more into that role especially now that he's going to be more of a you know, outside guys and versus In from the Florida. Feel like you got Jaden through redshirted last year. I think he's going to be kind of take on that slot role and what you're not talking about, but what I'm he's going to be a theme of my offense here.

39:20 When we're talking about skill position Rahim Blackshear, what Rahe Blackshear can do is going to impress, you. And he's pretty much a de facto number four wide receiver. On top of being Depth in our running back room. So I'm looking for those guys, I'm looking for, as you said, Big Stone Gap jeans, Mitchell working outside a lot. I like, Bucky not probably not quite as out there exclusively like Bucky was and in twenties first year but definitely working outside on the regular and something, nobody's talking about a lot. But I mean, I like this tape and I'm Like all the things I've seen look for dalen, right?

40:10 Maybe make some noise early on just because of his ability to work inside and outside and he has the entire route tree already at his disposal. I think he could definitely from day one coming and maybe be a contributor even if it's just a guy that you know is coming in to give you a tray or Tay a spell or somebody working in the slide if we're working with you we got James at tight end. Somebody else. To work in the slot so look for him to do stuff like that. Yeah the Jaden field I got it wrote down. I think he's the breakout could be the breakout guy and make this group even bruschetta bruschetta that speed if nothing else him running, you know, just go routes or running deep posts or just getting the ball in his hands at the line of scrimmage.

40:57 You saw it. He, he, I think he won like the 60 meter dash at the vhsl track and field games last year. And dude can fall I do if you Him some room. Watch out. So in again, I think, I think I mentioned this in a couple episodes ago. I think Jane redshirted last year, was more of from heating to learn the wide receiver position. He's fast, that's great. He probably knows how to run these routes, but he plays quarterback in high school. We're just going to get a transition and maybe we see the dividends of him, taking that full season and just getting better and better and better can, you know, game against the seven states. He runs a deep post, just blows by the safety of others by the corner of 60 yards.

41:41 Touchdown, maybe maybe not. Alright, so we've mentioned, Big Stone Gap, a couple times. What's your, what's your, a great on the tight end units. All right, I'm given tight ends a beat. I like I like what they're bringing to the table here. Obviously, you know, elephant in the room Dawn keen and to the NFL. But I think combining that with big No Gap. And then what? I think, Nick de gallo and and Drake can do. I feel like Drake and Nick can kind of between the two of them, take up and do most of the things that the Dalton was doing?

42:22 I think James is primed to have a huge year, monster year, and because I think he is going to get some more of those touches that that we saw going to Dalton whether it be in the screen game, whether it be, you know, those Red Zone routes that typically went to Dalton in a lot of cases, I think James is going to take over some of that but I think, you know, from a blocking standpoint, I think Nick can do a lot of the things that don't was able to do from inline perspective. And I think that Drake doing the HVAC stuff is really going to be the dividend that pays off the most because of, yeah, he'll be able to get outside and block. Well, and that was something that Dalton did really. Well, was blocking the space block is Lead versus blocking in line.

43:08 So I think you're going to see some of that get taken up by Drake, and I think he should, he should step into that role pretty well. And I think pass-catching, I think Drake will do okay? And I think James is going to just take on a bigger role in that in that regard. Yeah, I'm a b-plus on this. I'm a little bit higher because I think what you kind of live, everything you said, I think the combination can get us can replace Dalton lose you. A little bit of your versatility but you saw Gallo last year and how it got later. ER, and his blocks you, he's built Silo. Thank you 64. 250, he's built good Drake. Remembers was the higher guy coming out when him and Dalton both came in?

43:49 So I think this is his chance to shine and clearly James is a little everything. He's gonna play The Joker tight end position. He's going to play the outside for the receiver group, but he can block, you know, and you saw him run some of those interior. The the inside, the five sweeps, which case, Got blown up but he did score some touchdowns off of them. Yeah it's his versatility. So when you see him live in that sort of HVAC role like right off the shoulder of the right tackle or the left tackle he's not going to. He's going to run some route. Well what'd he say what if he gets the sweep? Is he can we get to him fast? Nothing. Is it going to be a big enough guy to take him down?

44:30 And that's why I put this at A to B +. All right, Brian quarterback room. Guys, you protected where you going with them? Well, we finished the year pretty strong last year. So I'm going to go with the solid solid b-plus. I think there's room for growth and that's why we need for us. I think you for just talking depth, you would be an A+ because I feel like we've got a great number one. And then, as solid as two guys behind him, as you could probably find anywhere. With Quincy and with with Braxton. So and I think just from a, from a top in one, I mean, I think hendon's the guy I love his leadership. That's the biggest thing that I like about him and hooker, if he gets on the field, He commands the Huddle. And that's what you need.

45:20 And if he can take just, you know, a couple steps in terms of consistency with his passes. I think he can make all the throws. That's not, that's not the concern but just being a little more consistent with making the Visions. A little quicker and a little bit more accurate with the football, when delivering it in the, in the intermediate range, I think you really take the next step. So that's what I'm looking for. And that's why I wouldn't be plus. All right. Okay, Brian, I'm gonna, I'm gonna give my grandma. Won't you to ask me? Why did I go there? A poke. Hey plus. All right, give me a rundown. Then give me a rundown - you question. How many other schools in the country?

46:01 Can say they've had three quarterbacks when a division, one football. Ball game. Very few, very few men, very won't make any with. And that's what we have here. You have tendon Who won six games, Burmeister out at Oregon, wanted some games, Quincy won game one, the Carolina, one, the Carolina game and you said it hookers the man, but having those two good backups like them, tell me if you're an offensive play caller, are you going to fear like running an offense? Like, I can't do this. I might get hooker banged up. So no, you're not, you're not worried about that and I think that other thing is that you're not worried about you having to completely blow up your playbook, if your backup comes in. And I think that's that's something that people don't talk about enough is that?

46:49 Yeah, I think will cater some play-calling towards Quincy or towards Braxton if he comes in, but most of the plays that we run or still going to be on the table if finding gets injured. So that's a big thing, especially if there's a mid-game injury. So, You know, not having time to prepare and set up for what you're going to do. You know, Quincy comes in here. We're probably going to go a little bit more power, run heavy, but he can still make all the throws. He can still do all the things that they've hidden can do and then you can talk talk Braxton. I mean, there's talking about him being the best athlete of the three of them. Which crazy mean the thought of that is kind of insane. So, you know, I don't think we're going to, you know, when you're when either these guys come in you're not. About losing plays from your playbook and that's the most important thing with the backup is being able to essentially do what you do, even when your top guys not in there. And that's another reason I gave it the A+, they can do the same place, but they all have a little different skillset you talk about Braxton being the best athlete, and you can see what some of his soul and reads, his quickness to make that step. It's faster than Hendon of Hendon. Has got a pretty quick step and it's clearly kind of frequencies.

48:04 But I will go back to the Carolina game. Mmmmm. And if you remember how they had a change up the game plan a little bit, something like have happens in Game. Did Carolina. Look like they were ready for a power running QB. No, no, no. So what that happens is if you're that defense Miss again, so I'm going a plus, I'll member my teachers and well he's got a decent arm but he runs his own reads. We better get to the edge quick or as you know from playing to can't think that way because I'm sure you from coaching and playing something changes on the team. Like, hey guys, were going to do this coach, you didn't tell us this all week. What are we supposed to do again? You know, being in game? You can't make flies like that not in one quarter, you know? So that's why I'm going a plus.

48:51 All right. Last night, fun times, fun times, running backs. And guys, please Curtis what you get the I'm going to go D, Plus Okay, yeah, I just worried that this group. So how are you worried about them? And I hope all these guys proved me wrong. We lost the only guy who has proven effective in losing the show mcleese. You know, I worry about Herbert coming in with the, you know, he came primarily from a pistol. Now we're going out of shotgun. I'm worried about that, he's explosive my gosh, but I just worry about those new laws changes and it does it take away from what he does. Great, you keep talking black shit, you love him. I can't Factor men because the NCAA hates the Hokies, they will find a way to not.

49:47 Let him get his waiver because I'll say this if he was already approved and I hope it doesn't break in the next two hours. I'll totally go see plus with this group. Okay, what are you at? Golly, you kind of gave me the news good news for where are you where you put it? If I had to put a number grade on, I go 82. So I'm somewhere between like Abby and Abby - it was a big and yeah. So so here's what we got and you know, it's coming, you've already kind of prefaced it. But, you know, the two words I will say is Raheem Blackshear. And the biggest thing I'm gonna say is coaching change. So if that doesn't get approved and the NCAA truly does hate the Hokies. So I'm Kendra he blacks years, fully a part of this unit integrated full .

50:37 So, with that being said, this guy can do it all. And I'm really excited to see what you can do with this offense. Biggest things are going to be the screen game that's going to pick up significantly. This guy working in space is impressive and the fact that we're going to have him on the field plus C. Not as much as I was hoping for probably but should see some progression with he Chongqing from the offseason. You couple that with the experience and just the bull bag, downhill threat. That that Herbert is I just feel like this unit is probably going to be the unit that everyone's going to under rate is going to be really shocked to see what their actual output is going to be.

51:22 Especially if you take it from an all-purpose yards from from people with the label are be next to their name, okay. I don't know. That's fair enough. You're going to go out and see one guy get 1,000 yards, but I think the combination of their output Put from those three guys plus anybody else that contributes is going to be really good from a running perspective and but I think in terms of the receiving yards that you see from that position that's going to go up significantly and that's where the big gains are going to be. Yeah, well you know, the other reason, my letter grade soul is because of the coach at this position at him, like him Berg. He's running backs. I want this group to prove me wrong. I want this group at the end of the year to have so many yards and touchdowns That, you know, it's it makes this look silly to me in one guy that I think you mentioned him.

52:15 I think he's Sean kinky flashed. He showed some of that David Wilson that just makes chill. If you're a hockey fan, and if he grows again, he was a true freshman last year and that's one thing I love about saying about so many groups has he was a true freshman. He didn't get any time in the offseason or in a weight training program. So I really I really hope this group proves me wrong. I feel like you're on that optimistic side where I usually am and you know well you gotta think about it. What grade would you give the offensive line? A-Plus. Yeah, I gave me - so they're running behind a good offensive line, so you don't have to be a rocket scientist to at least do pretty well behind a good offensive line. Now, love it a great running back is going to take that to the nth degree, but a good running back is going to be able to be very, very productive because you know, some of the works done for them.

53:17 They've got a whole they got a cutback lane. They've got guys that are in the right. Place that at least all they got to do is get up in the hole and maybe break a tackle. So, I mean, you know, things are setting up where, as long as we're not vanilla with the play calling to a degree that hurts us which, you know, we've had some quality squabbles about that as well, but I think that things are going to be a little bit better than we were anticipating from a running back room perspective, from all right, so Hokie nation that wraps up our great Positional units as of what was supposed to be the day before spring practice starts. So we're going to put out a Twitter poll and this is what we're going to ask what position group of these four will be the difference in 2020.

54:08 The running backs and wide receivers the defensive ends for the safeties. Now you guys notice these were our highest-rated groups. These actually kind of looking at all up. These are eyes. It's that collectively rated lower. So which of these groups that we think, you know we didn't put the best grades own. What do you who do you think's going to step up? And say that group, right there, they're going to take Leaps and Bounds steps and they're going to be the going to make difference in 2020. You like it, Brian. I like it. And, you know, it's kind of interesting because if we had had the same poll last year, you wouldn't see wide receivers or safety is probably in this category.

54:52 No. But here they are. So and you know what's funny, what a year does. And I think the biggest thing with the safeties is that, you know, we're inserting a new starter, and we don't know what that looks like yet. We know what he can do game by game when we don't know what he can do. When you put stack a bunch of games back to back and then with wide receiver you got one of your top receivers entering the portal and another veteran. That's kind of has been the leader on that unit up until this. Point also step away. So yeah, it's amazing. The changes a year makes even though, you know, I think the safeties probably maybe met their goal last year and they weren't any better than then. We expect you but I think they were right there at our expectations.

55:38 I think wide receiver probably under achieved on the whole as terms of what we thought they would be last year, but I think they definitely have room to room to grow. So I think that's why they're on the list right now. And you know what? There's One group that would have been on this whole. If we had done this last year, that would been defensive tackles and yeah, would have both rated them somewhere between, I'm going to say a CMD + and that group completely overshot, their expectations is absolutely awesome. Are we missing anything? But the Glee Club anything. You know, I can happen. I'm sure we flop something but I'll wait for the listeners to call us out on that, alright? Alright. So folks that's going to wrap up this episode.

56:21 Uh sewed of the boundary Corner podcast, stay safe out there. Social distancing, social distancing g, zp z, please. I won't normalcy again in my world and my name is Curtis Wilson. I'm Brian Ziegler and we'll let Jason long. Is always play us out, catch him on Spotify. And apple music. Thank you for listening Hokie nation. And as always, let's go. Okay.