FOOTBALL ELI DRINKWITZ'S SATURDAY AFTERNOON PRESSER

[JHamilton23]

Coach said it was a good practice (which we didn't get to see today) on both sides of the ball. He said defense started fast and offense did well getting some rhythm in this scrimmage like setting.

He said he's pleased with the defensive line.

He said the QBs have to do better with decision-making and taking what the defense gives them.

Tomorrow is an off day for them and next week is an execution week to prepare with critical preparation.

He said the OL is trying to match the defensive line in intensity. He said OL needs to do better in pass pro.

He said the WRs got better at blocking this week and really responded this week. He said they're not perfect but they started making plays on the perimeter.

Drink said KAD is getting better and matched well against the WRs today. He said KAD was defensive player of the day twice this week and special teams player of the day once this week.

Drink said Jaylon Carlies has improved and has seen more of leadership come from him.

He said Daylan Carnell has shown more urgency and been more consistent. He's been playing at the rover position and not just the STAR.

Drink is pleased with Brett Norfleet and Jordon Harris in the run game. He said they've been physical and consistent in catching the ball. He thinks Tyler Stephens had his best day of camp in blocking and catching the ball.

He said Gabarri Johnson has been doing well leading the freshmen as far as a leadership role.

Drink said its now 7 or 8 guys who he thinks can start on the OL. Last week, he said 8 or 9. He said Marcellus Johnson has been good and he shouts out Connor Tollison again for just improving and gaining weight.

Drink jokes that he and Harrison Mevis are on the same diet. But he alluded to Blake Craig probably leading the way to be the kickoff specialist.

He said they've been working on consistent mental performance and be at a weight he can play with.

He said he's proud that the defense hasn't skipped steps even though there has been so much continuity on that side of the ball.

Drink said he and the team express gratitude that they only have to do fall camp while other people have real struggles in the world and said he hopes that the team can do well enough to take people's minds off of day-to-day struggles.

Drink said the punting battle will come down to the consistency of performance. But he said they basically had a mediocre day.

Cam'Ron Johnson has moved to guard. He moved back actually four days ago. Connor Tollison is basically the starter is what I got from that.

This means only LG is the only spot up for grabs.

 

[MlZ]

Hopefully Johnson beats out Delgado. Seems like the best case scenario if Tollison is serviceable

 

[ColeM18]

Johnson definitely beats out Delgado

 

[MIZ...SEC]

Great news if Tollison has improved enough to be our center.

Getting excited for what this OL can be if they stay healthy.

 

[DTXtiger24]

That’s really positive about Cam’Ron Johnson. I take that as we have probably figured out the center position with Tollison. That’s the best case scenario IMO. Cam’Ron Johnson was All-AAC at guard, so let’s ideally have him at his natural position.

7-8 O-Linemen who can start will play in the SEC. Depth on the line is crucial

 

[MUValjean]

trying not to read into this... but I really hope the OL steps it up and makes huge improvements this year. The team can't succeed with what they did last year.

 

[billkent]

Foster
C Johnson
Tollison
Membou
M Johnson

Delgado/Edoma-Ogar swing guard
Erickson swing tackle

 

[JHamilton23]

trying not to read into this... but I really hope the OL steps it up and makes huge improvements this year. The team can't succeed with what they did last year.

I asked if they made the same dramatic step forward like last week and drink said they’ve gotta match the d line as far as intensity and they have to be better in pass pro. So, what I took away was Connor and Marcellus were good but the rest of the line had a meh or hum ho day.

But there’s reason for optimism. They’re not worried about foster or Membou and what they bring to the table. But the line had to play as one or they’ll still struggle (although probably not as bad as last year).

 

[JHamilton23]

Foster
C Johnson
Tollison
Membou
M Johnson

Delgado/Edoma-Ogar swing guard
Erickson swing tackle

Probably

 

[JHamilton23]

Coach said it was a good practice (which we didn't get to see today) on both sides of the ball. He said defense started fast and offense did well getting some rhythm in this scrimmage like setting.

He said he's pleased with the defensive line.

He said the QBs have to do better with decision-making and taking what the defense gives them.

Tomorrow is an off day for them and next week is an execution week to prepare with critical preparation.

He said the OL is trying to match the defensive line in intensity. He said OL needs to do better in pass pro.

He said the WRs got better at blocking this week and really responded this week. He said they're not perfect but they started making plays on the perimeter.

Drink said KAD is getting better and matched well against the WRs today. He said KAD was defensive player of the day twice this week and special teams player of the day once this week.

Drink said Jaylon Carlies has improved and has seen more of leadership come from him.

He said Daylan Carnell has shown more urgency and been more consistent. He's been playing at the rover position and not just the STAR.

Drink is pleased with Brett Norfleet and Jordon Harris in the run game. He said they've been physical and consistent in catching the ball. He thinks Tyler Stephens had his best day of camp in blocking and catching the ball.

He said Gabarri Johnson has been doing well leading the freshmen as far as a leadership role.

Drink said its now 7 or 8 guys who he thinks can start on the OL. Last week, he said 8 or 9. He said Marcellus Johnson has been good and he shouts out Connor Tollison again for just improving and gaining weight.

Drink jokes that he and Harrison Mevis are on the same diet. But he alluded to Blake Craig probably leading the way to be the kickoff specialist.

He said they've been working on consistent mental performance and be at a weight he can play with.

He said he's proud that the defense hasn't skipped steps even though there has been so much continuity on that side of the ball.

Drink said he and the team express gratitude that they only have to do fall camp while other people have real struggles in the world and said he hopes that the team can do well enough to take people's minds off of day-to-day struggles.

Drink said the punting battle will come down to the consistency of performance. But he said they basically had a mediocre day.

Cam'Ron Johnson has moved to guard. He moved back actually four days ago. Connor Tollison is basically the starter is what I got from that.

This means only LG is the only spot up for grabs.

 

[gmorth]

trying not to read into this... but I really hope the OL steps it up and makes huge improvements this year. The team can't succeed with what they did last year.

All sounds positive. They don't move Johnson if Tollison is not capable

I've heard Delgado has improved as well

 

[ndctiger1416]

There has to be some big jumps on the offensive side based on what he said.

A lot of coach speak to say they’re not performing up to his expectations.

Also love Carnell at Rover in passing situations

 

[MlZ]

There has to be some big jumps on the offensive side based on what he said.

A lot of coach speak to say they’re not performing up to his expectations.

Also love Carnell at Rover in passing situations

The offense could be 2019 LSU, and he would say they have to improve. In no world should he give off any expectations for that group.

 

[SECNorth]

Hopefully Johnson beats out Delgado. Seems like the best case scenario if Tollison is serviceable

If Johnson pushes Delgado hard and Delgado beats him out, that’s good too.

 

[Tnorman7]

All sounds positive. They don't move Johnson if Tollison is not capable

I've heard Delgado has improved as well

Things change so much from year to year in college athletics, and I think this line is really going to be good

 

[Mizzouguy84]

Is there a chance that the transfer from
Houston doesn’t start?

 

[Fort80]

Things change so much from year to year in college athletics, and I think this line is really going to be good

I'm hopeful....I think it is definitely the area of the team with the most room for improvement from last season so if it is significently improved that could mean really good things for our 2023 record.

 

[Barry Throat-Em]

“He said the OL is trying to match the defensive line in intensity. He said OL needs to do better in pass pro.”

Praying this means our edge rushers are causing havoc

 

[MGodich]

Foster
C Johnson
Tollison
Membou
M Johnson

Delgado/Edoma-Ogar swing guard
Erickson swing tackle

The line improved last year when Edoma-Ogar got a shot. Then he sprained an ankle, and that was that. This tells me they’ve got some pieces to work with.

 

[pkpl]

Is nobody asking where Chad Bailey is? @JHamilton23

 

[JHamilton23]

Is there a chance that the transfer from
Houston doesn’t start?

Yeah, but …if he gets beat out by Delgado that tells me he probably is struggling really hard because Delgado didn’t have a good season in 2022. Delgado would have to win the job and show out the first few weeks of the season for me to think he’s made a dramatic improvement over an all conference guard (albeit a G5) all conference guard.

 

[MIZ...SEC]

Is there a chance that the transfer from
Houston doesn’t start?

No.

Just a matter of whether he replaces Tollison at center or Delgado at left guard.

Regardless, the depth is what excites me. Would ideally be 8 or 9 deep rather than 7 or 8 deep, but still so much better than last season it appears.

 

[Mizzou_SoCal]

All sounds positive. They don't move Johnson if Tollison is not capable

I've heard Delgado has improved as well

I think for all the criticism about Tollison last year, it’s important to remember that not a lot of RS Fr end up starting on an SEC offensive line. Most OLmen need at least a couple of years in a program to develop the size, strength and footwork to handle DLmen at this level. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a big step forward this year. if he can, that would be absolutely huge, especially since we’ll likely also upgrade significantly at LG.

Last year, about two thirds of Schrader’s carries went to the left side of the OL in conference play IIRC, likely because we needed Foster involved as much as possible. Most other SEC teams were much more balanced. And it probably made us too predictable. Would love to see a more balanced running attack this year.

 

[SECNorth]

Is there a chance that the transfer from
Houston doesn’t start?

He’s going to play, regardless, whether he starts or not. Or at least I would think.

 

[SECNorth]

I think for all the criticism about Tollison last year, it’s important to remember that not a lot of RS Fr al end up starting on an SEC offensive line. Most OLmen need a good 3 yards in a program to develop the size, strength and footwork to handle DLmen at this level. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take a big step forward this year. if he can, that would be absolutely huge, especially since we’ll likely also upgrade significantly at LG.

Last year, about two thirds of Schrader’s carries went to the left side the OL in conference play IIRC, likely because we needed Foster involved as much as possible. Most other SEC teams were much more balanced. And it probably made us too predictable. Would love to see a more balanced running attack this year.

You’re exactly right about the development.

but I think the reason they were running left so much was because the right guards were getting blown up.

 

[Mizzou_SoCal]

He’s going to play, regardless, whether he starts or not. Or at least I would think.

II think that’s big because if we have 7-9 who could start, that means we’re going to have much better depth than we had last year. Although I expect the quality of our starters to be better as well. But quality depth is probably just as an important.

 

[Mizzou_SoCal]

You’re exactly right about the development.

but I think the reason they were running left so much was because the right guards were getting blown up.

Probably right .. and gotta think things like that just make opposing defensive coordinators smile.

 

[hawkad]

The line improved last year when Edoma-Ogar got a shot. Then he sprained an ankle, and that was that. This tells me they’ve got some pieces to work with.

Kind of interesting Polgar was penciled to be the starter at Center last year until his grades showed up. He seems to have fallen off of the map. Haven’t heard his name once. Must have been a real miss !

 

[zoutiger22]

Kind of interesting Polgar was penciled to be the starter at Center last year until his grades showed up. He seems to have fallen off of the map. Haven’t heard his name once. Must have been a real miss !

Wasn’t his grades. Dude took roids. The staff knew after his first few spring practices last year that they missed horribly on him.

 

[doya]

Kind of interesting Polgar was penciled to be the starter at Center last year until his grades showed up. He seems to have fallen off of the map. Haven’t heard his name once. Must have been a real miss !

before he showed up i recall pff had him graded as one of the worst centers in the mac, so expecting him to go from that to sec starter was a stretch to begin with

 

[MizzouFanKC]

Kind of interesting Polgar was penciled to be the starter at Center last year until his grades showed up. He seems to have fallen off of the map. Haven’t heard his name once. Must have been a real miss !

Wasn’t his grades….

 

[tiger tank]

If Tollison retains the center spot and there is a glut of guards (Membou/C Johnson/Delgado/N-O), I'd expect Membou to slide back out to RT to replace L Johnson before C Johnson finds his way to the sideline.

This is based on nothing other than the fact that Membou is really good and the sense that C John is better than L John.

 

[tiger tank]

Also, does anyone know what the Rover position is? Is it the dime position when they go six DBs?

If it is, I'd think that is what Carnell was playing last year when he would come in in passing situations and Manuel would remain in the game.

 

[NikeFootball59]

Also, does anyone know what the Rover position is? Is it the dime position when they go six DBs?

If it is, I'd think that is what Carnell was playing last year when he would come in in passing situations and Manuel would remain in the game.

Rover is a common name used for a down safety spot. That's what Charleston plays. Typically to the heavier side of the formation, more of a thicker-built kid with a lot of similarities to the Star. This also tells me they want to get Tre'Vez Johnson on the field however possible without having to take Carnell off

 

[mglassma]

Kind of interesting Polgar was penciled to be the starter at Center last year until his grades showed up. He seems to have fallen off of the map. Haven’t heard his name once. Must have been a real miss !

He was bad at University of freaking Buffalo. That was a bit of reach. I think Drink learned his lesson. This year we went after more proven commodities that had other P5 suitors.

 

[bobby_hill]

No.

Just a matter of whether he replaces Tollison at center or Delgado at left guard.

Regardless, the depth is what excites me. Would ideally be 8 or 9 deep rather than 7 or 8 deep, but still so much better than last season it appears.

At a minimum for depth. I’m old enough to remember 5 of top 7 OL being injured in 2012

 

[tiger tank]

Rover is a common name used for a down safety spot. That's what Charleston plays. Typically to the heavier side of the formation, more of a thicker-built kid with a lot of similarities to the Star. This also tells me they want to get Tre'Vez Johnson on the field however possible without having to take Carnell off

Thanks!

 

[mugamer]

Wish we had more positive feedback about the QB position.

 

[Wdrkb]

He said Daylan Carnell has shown more urgency and been more consistent. He's been playing at the rover position and not just the STAR.

I read this to mean (1) the staff wants to ensure the top 11 are always on the field and (2) Carnell is so good that he will rarely leave the field. I like.

 

[Roper1909]

All of you Tollison critics: try to apply a little perspective. Let's look at one of my favorites, walkon to all-conference Colin Brown:
2004: redshirt
2005: saw action in two games vs non-con sacrificial lambs
2006: regular on place-kicking unit, some reserve action at left guard
2007: honorable mention all-conference at tackle
2008: all-conference again, played well enough to be drafted by the Chiefs in the 5th round

Think Tollison, pressed into service as a freshman, just might, maybe get better with more experience and weight-training under his belt?

At times the idiocy on this board is quite remarkable.