I think we all agree that running dive on 3rd or 4th and 1 against a 9 man front with a small, non power running back is less than ideal. But BYU keeps trying to do it. Mind blowing.
To counter a bit Tom, I have seen so many people on this site criticized the coaches for recruiting “short” players. because they feel that they needed height to compete.
A good friend of mine and former DB for BYU Vic Tarleton told me that size does not matter (it might help a little, but not as much as fans thinks). What really matters is angle of pursuit and positioning with the WR.
Granted Vic was not the “best” DB in BYU history, but he does have some cred.
My point is that in today’s game, you have to have good fundamentals, it does not matter if you are 6’ - 3" or 5’ -3", as long as you have a good fundamental understanding of your position, you should be at least considered “good” on the field.
Also, I am trying to find an article that basically said that Lamb told Kalani that if he cannot have full control over the defense, he did not want to do the defense. I believe this is Tuiaki scheme, but then again, I have been known to be wrong “once or Twice”… LOL
I think any D1 player has some pretty legitimate credibility on his own program.
Cody Epps is pretty short…glad the offensive coaches don’t categorically ignore WRs under 6’2".
Personally, I think the height issue is not important, I think it is all coaching and teaching them proper angles and position. Then add to that “How to lay the lumber down” on recievers (Think the three you mention as well as Dewy Gray).
When they hit, they put the WR’s into the week… I do not see that anymore. Is it the players not wanting to get hurt? or coaching? or both?
The other thing that needs to change is Kalani’s no contact during Fall practice.
I didn’t include Dewey because I thought he was a safety. We have certainly had some good, PHYSICAL safeties (Gray, Rich, Sorensen et al). Harper is playing safety now and I think he’s the only guy in our secondary I would consider a real “hitter.”
You: “When they hit, they put the WR’s into the week… I do not see that anymore. Is it the players not wanting to get hurt? or coaching? or both? The other thing that needs to change is Kalani’s no contact during Fall practice.”
Me: Amen on both.
Even NFL teams have full contact practices, especially in preseason, and again on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the season…
When I coached I would email Dewey’s speeches at coaching clinics to my staff for them to watch. Dewey is the best.
That was in the basketball thread and I think it is a valid point. You need height to compete in basketball. 