Just from a raw talent standpoint, what are the differences? Was 09 that much better off talent wise? This is a half-loaded, half trying to remember question.
Wasn't '09 the group that had the two walk-ons starting that should have been playing at Carson Newman?
We played a true frosh tight end at RT. Clearly they were loaded. There were some decent players there, but they were all absolutely terrible the year prior. Chris Scott, in particular, made a tremendous jump from 08 to 09. Then you had Vlad Richard, the oft-injured DT turned OG, Sullins brothers, and a decent center with awful knees that didn't play a lot. I forget who the RT was before Aaron Douglas stepped in. You also had Jacques MacClendon, who was pretty good.
Don't forget that Marcus Jackson was starting among a group of NFL players. Now look at him. It sure as heck isn't all talent deficiency
Kerbyson is about 3% as good as Douglas was his first year. That's unacceptable for a four star that had offers from Bama, Florida, and about everyone else. Marcus Jackson was pretty well-regarded, as were several of our backups. They are either all busts, or haven't been taught how to play.
So, here is my point. This line is awful. But should they be as awful as they have been? Was the 09 line THAT much better? And how much of a difference did coaching make?
They should absolutely not be this awful. James Cregg could make a world of difference with these guys
Mitch Browning and James Cregg are 2 of the best ol coachesin college football. Mahoney is not. And no, they shouldn't be this awful. The left side of the ol were coveted recruits. Crowder blows, Thomas was a high school center and Robertson is raw. They should all be getting in the way of dl. Right now, they aren't
I want to know if they are blind. I saw a guy go between two that were literally blocking no one. They were like looking upfield as if someone was going to teleport in and rush them, and ignored the guy they could have easily blocked. Block ANYONE. It is crazy how every rusher gets through to the point of getting into each other's way. Or maybe that is the genius plan.
Is it possible they are straight up confused as to who they are supposed to block? I can't imagine it's this challenging. And you would think double teaming a guy would be better than standing there blocking no one.
You know how a lot of coaches started recruiting soccer-style kickers a few years ago. The new trend is soccer-style linemen. Butch is on the cutting edge on this.
