Signing of Ballard today today has gotten me excited about 2016 Mizzou Football.
Let me preface by acknowledging a few of the negatives and concerns:
1) I know how thin and inexperienced we are on the Offensive line and at Runningback.
2) I know how bad our offense was last year....historically bad.
3) I know how good Brothers was last year, and I think our D will take a slight step back because he's gone.
4) I know and understand the skepticism of many about hiring s first time HC in Barry Odom
5) I get the negativity, doubt, and worry about the state of Mizzou Athletics and the University as a whole
6) For the first time since I can remember...I have no clue as to 2-3 of our Captains...and that is a concern.
7) I know we are breaking in a new kicker and our return game ranked last in the country
8) I too am frustrated by the lack of access to practice reports and team and player updates.
However...these are a few of the things that really excite me about this team and the upcoming season:
1) This staff and team in working harder than any I can remember in recent years...I think we will see a tougher team...both mentally and physically as a result.
2) Drew Lock looks like a manchild compared to pictures from last year...he has obviuosly added some much needed strength and weight...and he is getting coached by a quarteback guru imo. He will be light years better.
3) We have added some STUD new faces to talented but under achieving WR group. I think Black, Ballard,and Collins will all push for immediate playing time...as could RSFrosh Justin Smith and Jonathan Johnson. There will be better leadership because of a veteran like Black...and better Coaching because of Andy Hill. This group too will be light years better imo.
4) Despite our youth, lack of experience, and depth on the O-Line...call me crazy...but I think Elarbee will make this group a tougher, more fundamental, and more cohesive group than last year. The depth scares me...but if we can just stay healthy I think we'll be OK.
5) At Runningback, Ish will be better and I hope between Travon Walters, Strong, and Crockett...one or two new faces will emerge and we will be better and more productive here.. And who is this walk-on of which I hear glowing reports through the grapvine? Shaun Conway from Berkeley?
6) I think our TE's and H-Back will benefit greatly from having a fulltime Coach and they have talent and NFL bodies...hopefully now we see them produce. Plus...two new faces in Okwuegebunam and Scales both have great talent and could ad to the mix.
7) Biggest thing to me is the new staff certainly seems to have injected new energy and ideas into the program. I know they have a lot to prove...and I don't expect them to get to the top of the Mountain in year #1...but I have a gut feeling then we look back in the rearview mirror...the best hire of the new crop of SEC Head Coaches hired in 2016...will be the one that created the least buzz and fanfare with the national and SEC media..our own Barry Odom.
8) I don't like...but I understand the secrecy and lack of access to the football program right now. We open with a huge game at WVA...the less they know...the better. Also...we don't need to give our SEC opponents a lot to study and prepare for right now...let them learn about Mizzou on the fly next year in-season rather than have a stack of files and film now.
9) And for the record...I really LIKE opening up with a fairly tough opponent from a Power-5 conference...It will definitely add some urgency and excitement so that we don't "sleepwalk" through August and most of September.
10) We have a nucleus of a great defense returning...a complete make-over of both staff & scheme on offense...and some exciting new talent that is young and hungry coming in. We may have a slightly flawed team with some holes in 2016...and our new staff will experience some growing pains I am sure...but the newness of faces, names, schemes, and energy will create a lot of excitement and positives IMO.
I may be in the minority on this ...but I can't wait for this season and think things will only get better from here.
I am ready for some football...plain and simple.
Look at this if you need to see something more tangible to get you excited, Demontie Cross mic'd up: http://mutigers.com/news/2016/3/24/FB_SpringFocusCross.aspx?path=football
Let me preface by acknowledging a few of the negatives and concerns:
1) I know how thin and inexperienced we are on the Offensive line and at Runningback.
2) I know how bad our offense was last year....historically bad.
3) I know how good Brothers was last year, and I think our D will take a slight step back because he's gone.
4) I know and understand the skepticism of many about hiring s first time HC in Barry Odom
5) I get the negativity, doubt, and worry about the state of Mizzou Athletics and the University as a whole
6) For the first time since I can remember...I have no clue as to 2-3 of our Captains...and that is a concern.
7) I know we are breaking in a new kicker and our return game ranked last in the country
8) I too am frustrated by the lack of access to practice reports and team and player updates.
However...these are a few of the things that really excite me about this team and the upcoming season:
1) This staff and team in working harder than any I can remember in recent years...I think we will see a tougher team...both mentally and physically as a result.
2) Drew Lock looks like a manchild compared to pictures from last year...he has obviuosly added some much needed strength and weight...and he is getting coached by a quarteback guru imo. He will be light years better.
3) We have added some STUD new faces to talented but under achieving WR group. I think Black, Ballard,and Collins will all push for immediate playing time...as could RSFrosh Justin Smith and Jonathan Johnson. There will be better leadership because of a veteran like Black...and better Coaching because of Andy Hill. This group too will be light years better imo.
4) Despite our youth, lack of experience, and depth on the O-Line...call me crazy...but I think Elarbee will make this group a tougher, more fundamental, and more cohesive group than last year. The depth scares me...but if we can just stay healthy I think we'll be OK.
5) At Runningback, Ish will be better and I hope between Travon Walters, Strong, and Crockett...one or two new faces will emerge and we will be better and more productive here.. And who is this walk-on of which I hear glowing reports through the grapvine? Shaun Conway from Berkeley?
6) I think our TE's and H-Back will benefit greatly from having a fulltime Coach and they have talent and NFL bodies...hopefully now we see them produce. Plus...two new faces in Okwuegebunam and Scales both have great talent and could ad to the mix.
7) Biggest thing to me is the new staff certainly seems to have injected new energy and ideas into the program. I know they have a lot to prove...and I don't expect them to get to the top of the Mountain in year #1...but I have a gut feeling then we look back in the rearview mirror...the best hire of the new crop of SEC Head Coaches hired in 2016...will be the one that created the least buzz and fanfare with the national and SEC media..our own Barry Odom.
8) I don't like...but I understand the secrecy and lack of access to the football program right now. We open with a huge game at WVA...the less they know...the better. Also...we don't need to give our SEC opponents a lot to study and prepare for right now...let them learn about Mizzou on the fly next year in-season rather than have a stack of files and film now.
9) And for the record...I really LIKE opening up with a fairly tough opponent from a Power-5 conference...It will definitely add some urgency and excitement so that we don't "sleepwalk" through August and most of September.
10) We have a nucleus of a great defense returning...a complete make-over of both staff & scheme on offense...and some exciting new talent that is young and hungry coming in. We may have a slightly flawed team with some holes in 2016...and our new staff will experience some growing pains I am sure...but the newness of faces, names, schemes, and energy will create a lot of excitement and positives IMO.
I may be in the minority on this ...but I can't wait for this season and think things will only get better from here.
I am ready for some football...plain and simple.
Look at this if you need to see something more tangible to get you excited, Demontie Cross mic'd up: http://mutigers.com/news/2016/3/24/FB_SpringFocusCross.aspx?path=football
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