Instanalysis: Spring Game

[Duke C #11]

It's important to keep in mind that in every scrimmage or intrasquad game, somebody on either side of the ball is going to get whipped on most plays. It's a long ways to South Bend.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

Depends on the offensive line. If the offensive line isn't creating great holes not sure Gray is the best back. Foreman is a wrecking ball that can create extra yards after contact. I expect Gray to see significant snaps though. 

I think J. Gray has a solid year - the best of his career.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Disagree with #8 (injury notwithstanding)...J Gray is being underrated. I expect a big year from him. Foreman looked good however.

I couldn't help but think how much some improved WR play would have helped our QBs today. We really need some ballers at the position.

Ha! You're both wrong! lol  Catalon will be the star of this backfield by mid-season.

That said, that's just my personal opinion. I love all three (Foreman, Gray and Catalon). Any of those three could really break out, but collectively they make us solid at RB. I just happen to really like Catalon's potential.

 

[doc longhorn]

In the 1st half, Heard was really flashing and I was really leaning in his direction..  Unfortunately, In the second half he reverted to passing and decision making like a high schooler.  I attribute this to him being a RS freshman and just needing seasoning.  But it does put an exclamation mark on why the coaches said he wasn't ready last year.  He will need to rid himself of this distressing kind of performance or he will get limited playing time.  Coaches hate this.

The good news is that he doesn't have to be thrown to the wolves this year, as he can play some packages and in games that aren't close.  We have an experienced QB that can carry the team until this kid can get up to speed.  Something Swoopes didn't have the luxury of last year.

It appears that Swoopes will be serviceable in this offense and if we can give him time to go through progressions he might even flash as well.  What I didn't see was any gamebreakers in the spring game.  None.  this isn't good.  The only possibles, IMO, were Heard, Gray and Foreman (the RB).

Also, if we don't find some receivers that scare defenses, it is going to be a long year.  Warrick looked like a possible, but I didn't really see anyone else that impressed me.

Finally, it's hard to get a good read on a spring game anyway.  The coaches sure weren't going to show anything and all we really could observe was the talent level.  In this respect I see lots of promise.