Which true freshman will play this season?

[IndianaState45]

Team,

I'm just curious who you guys think will see action as a true freshman. Who will start and who will rotate with older guys? I know we have a lot of talent coming in right out of high school and can see a potential need to use some of the linemen for depth or potentially challenge for a starting job. Also Shakir Bell looks like a stud. Will he start at tailback? Rotate? Can we afford not to use him? I fully respect the current team members and their strong growth, but am just curious who you guys think will likely see action in the fall to make the team stronger.

 

[JustAskin]

From what you saw at spring ball, skilled positions will likely not need help, only place possible need is OL. I'm not sure how much immediate help OL would get as learning system will take alot of time and reps. I did not hear of any major injuries, some players out spring game but should be back by camp. For future of program redshirting would be best. Summer workouts will say alot also.

 

[Callmedoc]

I like Bell and would like to see some of those O-line and D-line prospects pan out..

 

[bent20]

I wouldn't expect to get a lot of immediate help from linemen as we've been hearing for two years now about how they need time to get bigger and stronger. Having the depth is nice, but I hope those kids don't have to start.

 

[new sycamore fan]

I can't see any of the O-Lineman starting right away. Remember, at the Spring game there were 2 likely starters (Burke and Geffert) that didn't play. Let these incoming linemen lift and condition for a year, then compete for spots the following year, I can't see Bell starting in front of Gates--Gates is an excellent back that will probably see less time on kickoff returns than he did last season (for which he made all-MVFC). Maybe Bell will return kicks and spell Gates?? Harris also had a good spring, and is probably more prepared to be the backup RB. Is there a punter in the incoming class? A long snapper? We are finally at a point where the majority of incoming Freshmen will probably redshirt, unless there are injuries that put them into play. This is a good thing.

 

[Sycamore Proud]

I can't see any of the O-Lineman starting right away. Remember, at the Spring game there were 2 likely starters (Burke and Geffert) that didn't play. Let these incoming linemen lift and condition for a year, then compete for spots the following year, I can't see Bell starting in front of Gates--Gates is an excellent back that will probably see less time on kickoff returns than he did last season (for which he made all-MVFC). Maybe Bell will return kicks and spell Gates?? Harris also had a good spring, and is probably more prepared to be the backup RB. Is there a punter in the incoming class? A long snapper? We are finally at a point where the majority of incoming Freshmen will probably redshirt, unless there are injuries that put them into play. This is a good thing.

I think you are correct concerning the incoming freshmen. And that is a very good thing.

 

[new sycamore fan]

Sycamore Proud--Congratulations on 500 posts! Keep posting, and keep supporting the Sycamores. To the "new" moderators--good job, I like the increased activity on the board, and look forward to the upcoming season.

 

[Gotta Hav]

I'm glad things are looking up for us, talent wise, but if we can't stop the bonehead mistakes, we're still just a buncha bumbling wannabe's.

My concerns are, do we have anyone that can snap the ball on punts, extra points, and field goals? If we don't have someone practicing that 100 X's a practice.....we're going to have snaps over the head, snaps on the ground, snaps everywhere but the right place.

Do we have anyone who can punt?
Do we have anyone who can kick a FG from 45 yards?
Do we have enough talent to cover kickoffs and punt returns?

Do our Defensive players have the skills and training at any position to ALWAYS turn the offensive play back to the inside?

Is our OL skilled enough to stop most blitzes?

IMO, if we don't get special teams and some of the basics down, we're going to be in situations where we could have won games...but dumb mistakes and just lazy and poor practicing....just kills us.

 

[Callmedoc]

I'm glad things are looking up for us, talent wise, but if we can't stop the bonehead mistakes, we're still just a buncha bumbling wannabe's.

My concerns are, do we have anyone that can snap the ball on punts, extra points, and field goals? If we don't have someone practicing that 100 X's a practice.....we're going to have snaps over the head, snaps on the ground, snaps everywhere but the right place.

Do we have anyone who can punt?
Do we have anyone who can kick a FG from 45 yards?
Do we have enough talent to cover kickoffs and punt returns?

Do our Defensive players have the skills and training at any position to ALWAYS turn the offensive play back to the inside?

Is our OL skilled enough to stop most blitzes?

IMO, if we don't get special teams and some of the basics down, we're going to be in situations where we could have won games...but dumb mistakes and just lazy and poor practicing....just kills us.

The problem I think always comes back to the Offense and the ability to sustain drives with good blocking...most special teams players that give up those crazy players were the players on defense who were dog tired because the O couldnt sustain a drive long enough to give a rest...The offense starts going 9 and 10 and out and we will see a turn around...Protect Fouch and Gates and we will see more W's than we have in a long long time...

 

[Sycamore_4ever]

Brock Jones from North Putnam High School has signed to punt for the Sycamores this fall.

 

[BigBlue79]

Hopefully none of the freshmen and especially lineman have to play. "The only time you start a freshmen...is when he is a sophmore." LOL.....