Bill Bleil

[SpokaneCY]

To be fair, CPR's first OL class was only still RS sophs. One one of them (Dika) missed his second straight season.

For that matter, you could make the same logic to say that because the linebackers were still thin after four years, Wally should be replaced. How does that work for you guys?

Of course, the same argument also applies to absolutely every other position on the team. And most of those take less time to develop players than the OL does. So I'm afraid that your logic doesn't hold up--unless you want to fire the whole coaching staff.

Let's face it. It simply takes more time than most people are willing to admit. Well, when you're not scooping in the talent that some other schools do.

Some are talking about how our 2013 class will be a monster... Ranked in the low 40s if you like numbers. So being a WA resident I always compare us to WSU and our monster class is going to be surpassed by Mike Leach's second signing class.

If there is a worst place in the world than Pullman WA I'd like to know. If we say we need the players, then how can the worst D1 program get the players yet our coaching is fine?

 

[VeloClone]

Some are talking about how our 2013 class will be a monster... Ranked in the low 40s if you like numbers. So being a WA resident I always compare us to WSU and our monster class is going to be surpassed by Mike Leach's second signing class.

If there is a worst place in the world than Pullman WA I'd like to know. If we say we need the players, then how can the worst D1 program get the players yet our coaching is fine?

You put the answer to why that program is able to get recruits right in your post.

 

[SpokaneCY]

You put the answer to why that program is able to get recruits right in your post.

Yes and no... I'll take a quick look, but I'm guessing he rarely if ever had a recruiting class in the top of the division. What I'm ham-handedly pointing to is scheme and coaching. Our monster class will be ranked near the bottom again (still) but Leach has the coaching ability and schemes to more than level the playing field.

I'll be wicked mad (as and ISU-er) if WSU takes that giant leap with substandard talent.

 

[swiacy]

Of the o-lineman who saw action in the Liberty Bowl, who were recruited and signed by CPR? What will the depth chart look like next Fall and who amongst them were recruited by CPR?

 

[MilehighClone]

I think it's more scheme and play calling than lack of talent or Bleil's coaching ability. We are fine when running and throwing vertically. It's the horizontal stuff that we can't execute(after 4 years of trying) and that get's us into tough down and distance situations that allow opposing teams to tee off on our QB'S. Would have loved to see the results if we'd split 35-40 touches between James and Woody in a game this year in which we just pounded between the tackles until they stopped it.

 

[Rogue52]

Of the o-lineman who saw action in the Liberty Bowl, who were recruited and signed by CPR? What will the depth chart look like next Fall and who amongst them were recruited by CPR?

We are entering Year #5. Every single player on the team is now a Paul Rhoads' recruit. Only redshirt seniors this year were not Rhoads' recruits.

 

[Cycsk]

I think it's more scheme and play calling than lack of talent or Bleil's coaching ability. We are fine when running and throwing vertically. It's the horizontal stuff that we can't execute(after 4 years of trying) and that get's us into tough down and distance situations that allow opposing teams to tee off on our QB'S. Would have loved to see the results if we'd split 35-40 touches between James and Woody in a game this year in which we just pounded between the tackles until they stopped it.

The minimal use of Woody does surprise me, especially on delays up the middle during blitzes. And lots of the times we have given it to Woody, we have him running horizontally that goes nowhere. He had one of these in the Liberty Bowl and got nailed for a safety on one in the first Tulsa game.

 

[Aclone]

I would too, off the air. Either we haven't recruited as good of players as Chizik did there or the coaches aren't as good because this line has regressed each season. It may be the only position I can say that about.

I wouldn't say that. Though the run blocking decidedly regressed this season.

We are entering Year #5. Every single player on the team is now a Paul Rhoads' recruit. Only redshirt seniors this year were not Rhoads' recruits.

You are mistaken. Almost all of the 2009 class, current redshirt juniors, was initially recruited by the preceding staff.

Among the players both initially recruited by and signed by Paul Rhoads staff among the starters at the end of the season were only Tom Farniok and Jacob Gannon, both sophomores.

Kyle Lichtenberg was actually recruited by the preceding staff, as were Bykowski, Burris and Tuftee.

It doesn't help that Shaban Dika has been injured the last two season, as it seems clear that he's one of the top three of that '10 OL class. I'm not sure how much to expect from Graham or Loth.

Then the '11 class was largely developmental prospects. Lalk and Dagel simply weren't expected to make in immediate impact, and I suspect both will need another year under Yancey McKnight before they're ready. Oni Omoile might be another story, but we'll see.

The '12 class, overall, is a bit more advanced that that trio was, but then, they are all redshirting. And Duaron Williams is dealing with the aftereffects of his knee surgery as well.

In my opinion, the '13 OL class, waiting to be signed, is good top to bottom--but none of them are immediate impact guys, either.

BTW--the '13 signing class overall looks like a nice bunch--but anyone who calls this a "monster" class is a...little overeager.

 

[megamanxzero35]

The minimal use of Woody does surprise me, especially on delays up the middle during blitzes. And lots of the times we have given it to Woody, we have him running horizontally that goes nowhere. He had one of these in the Liberty Bowl and got nailed for a safety on one in the first Tulsa game.

I think this is more of a Mess issue. I don't recall Woody ever making a designed run outside the tackles with Herman. This year we saw it a lot. I don't know what the reasoning was but Woody is a red zone and short yardage back.

 

[swiacy]

I wouldn't say that. Though the run blocking decidedly regressed this season.


You are mistaken. Almost all of the 2009 class, current redshirt juniors, was initially recruited by the preceding staff.

Among the players both initially recruited by and signed by Paul Rhoads staff among the starters at the end of the season were only Tom Farniok and Jacob Gannon, both sophomores.

Kyle Lichtenberg was actually recruited by the preceding staff, as were Bykowski, Burris and Tuftee.

It doesn't help that Shaban Dika has been injured the last two season, as it seems clear that he's one of the top three of that '10 OL class. I'm not sure how much to expect from Graham or Loth.

Then the '11 class was largely developmental prospects. Lalk and Dagel simply weren't expected to make in immediate impact, and I suspect both will need another year under Yancey McKnight before they're ready. Oni Omoile might be another story, but we'll see.

The '12 class, overall, is a bit more advanced that that trio was, but then, they are all redshirting. And Duaron Williams is dealing with the aftereffects of his knee surgery as well.

Good info. Farniak and Gannon (soph's) were the only CPR signees getting action. IMO, the time to make decisions as to the direction of the program is when the 0-line is made up entirely of Rhoads recruits. Which means, probably 2 more years. Rhoads has the program at a level where a bowl invitation is expected from a minimum 6 win season with an "upset" sprinkled in. Cyclone nation now wants (justifiably) an above .500 record and a bowl win. I think CPR should be expected to reach that level in at least the next two years.

 

[Zmac328]

He's coached two NFL offensive linemen in 4 years at Iowa State (KO & Hayworth). The OL in past years has been inconsistent and this has been ISU's worst OL in the CPR era. But all interior guys are back next year and the only ? marks are at tackle.........I'd probably give Campos a shot the second he gets on campus.

 

[dirtyninety]

How hard can it be to block the freaking guy in front of you???Seriously? OK, I over-simplify, but how hard could it be to pull around and hit a guy with a jersey the other color on on the most complicated of blocking schemes? I just get tired of this over-analysis of blocking. You either have big killers who are smart and tough and healthy enough to knock the other guy in the face and occaisionally hold without getting caught (an art) or you don't. We don't now.
Herman I think over-coached this team...as does Mess. Herman has success now because of the talent difference he can coach his style when OSU plays Purdue, Indiana, Penn State, Temple, Minnesota, Illinois, whatever other awful team gave them thier inflated record.
Football....you block, you run with the ball forward, you pass the ball forward and catch it. On defense, you tackle the other guy with the ball. Duh.....

 

[Cycsk]

How hard can it be to block the freaking guy in front of you???Seriously? OK, I over-simplify, but how hard could it be to pull around and hit a guy with a jersey the other color on on the most complicated of blocking schemes? I just get tired of this over-analysis of blocking. You either have big killers who are smart and tough and healthy enough to knock the other guy in the face and occaisionally hold without getting caught (an art) or you don't. We don't now.
Herman I think over-coached this team...as does Mess. Herman has success now because of the talent difference he can coach his style when OSU plays Purdue, Indiana, Penn State, Temple, Minnesota, Illinois, whatever other awful team gave them thier inflated record.
Football....you block, you run with the ball forward, you pass the ball forward and catch it. On defense, you tackle the other guy with the ball. Duh.....

It is a little harder than you think, especially during blitzes. What are you going to do when you are hitting one guy and then you see this guy running past you to clobber your QB?

 

[Aclone]

He's coached two NFL offensive linemen in 4 years at Iowa State (KO & Hayworth). The OL in past years has been inconsistent and this has been ISU's worst OL in the CPR era. But all interior guys are back next year and the only ? marks are at tackle.........I'd probably give Campos a shot the second he gets on campus.

On the contrary, I'm pretty sure that Gannon and Lichtenberg fill the tackle spots nicely, and with four starters back, it's only the right guard to worry about. When means that either Dika or Williams has to be healthy, or someone else has to step up.

 

[cylentMike]

He's coached two NFL offensive linemen in 4 years at Iowa State (KO & Hayworth). The OL in past years has been inconsistent and this has been ISU's worst OL in the CPR era. But all interior guys are back next year and the only ? marks are at tackle.........I'd probably give Campos a shot the second he gets on campus.

Unless he can put on at least 30 pounds in that second, I would RS him to get his body B12 ready. His profile shows him at 250lbs. With his frame, he should and will be 300+ before hitting the field.

 

[isufbcurt]

The minimal use of Woody does surprise me, especially on delays up the middle during blitzes. And lots of the times we have given it to Woody, we have him running horizontally that goes nowhere. He had one of these in the Liberty Bowl and got nailed for a safety on one in the first Tulsa game.

That's on Coach Pope. The individual position coaches determine who is in the game.

 

[Rogue52]

I wouldn't say that. Though the run blocking decidedly regressed this season.


You are mistaken. Almost all of the 2009 class, current redshirt juniors, was initially recruited by the preceding staff.

Among the players both initially recruited by and signed by Paul Rhoads staff among the starters at the end of the season were only Tom Farniok and Jacob Gannon, both sophomores.

Kyle Lichtenberg was actually recruited by the preceding staff, as were Bykowski, Burris and Tuftee.

It doesn't help that Shaban Dika has been injured the last two season, as it seems clear that he's one of the top three of that '10 OL class. I'm not sure how much to expect from Graham or Loth.

Then the '11 class was largely developmental prospects. Lalk and Dagel simply weren't expected to make in immediate impact, and I suspect both will need another year under Yancey McKnight before they're ready. Oni Omoile might be another story, but we'll see.

The '12 class, overall, is a bit more advanced that that trio was, but then, they are all redshirting. And Duaron Williams is dealing with the aftereffects of his knee surgery as well.

In my opinion, the '13 OL class, waiting to be signed, is good top to bottom--but none of them are immediate impact guys, either.

BTW--the '13 signing class overall looks like a nice bunch--but anyone who calls this a "monster" class is a...little overeager.

Initially recruited by the previous staff and all were still signed by Paul Rhoads. You are being nit-picky. Their development is 100% under this coaching staff.

Disclaimer: I'm not saying anything positive or negative about this coaching staff, and I'm also not throwing any blame to previous coaching staffs. Entering Year 5 and in today's college football climate, Gene Chizik is ancient history.

 

[CyValley]

We are entering Year #5. Every single player on the team is now a Paul Rhoads' recruit. Only redshirt seniors this year were not Rhoads' recruits.

Seems like whose recruit is whose is a matter of fan perspective. For instance:

Chizik left when, November/December 2008? CPR had about two months to re-recruit the commitments Chizik's staff put together, no time to start from scratch, only time to pick up some kids (Jake Knott) Chizik's staff ignored. The 2009 class was largely the work of Chizik's staff, its assessment, not CPR's staff.

Full cycle CPR recruiting classes were 2010, 2011, 2012, which means last fall his kids were juniors or redshirt sophomores at most. The 2013 class will be CPR's fourth class purely his own, and his fourth class won't be on campus till this coming summer.

This is how many Clone fans view it, others will view it differently.

 

[Tre4ISU]

He's coached two NFL offensive linemen in 4 years at Iowa State (KO & Hayworth). The OL in past years has been inconsistent and this has been ISU's worst OL in the CPR era. But all interior guys are back next year and the only ? marks are at tackle.........I'd probably give Campos a shot the second he gets on campus.

I would actually question the guards more than the tackles. Right now, I think we have guys built to play tackle, playing guard. Campos is no where near ready to play tackle in the Big 12. He needs to add weight and strength as well as technique. I think he will be a RS Sophomore before he sees time. He has a big ceiling, but there are probably 5 guys in a class that a truly ready to play college ball out of high school. Most of the rest need more than a year to be ready.

How hard can it be to block the freaking guy in front of you???Seriously? OK, I over-simplify, but how hard could it be to pull around and hit a guy with a jersey the other color on on the most complicated of blocking schemes? I just get tired of this over-analysis of blocking. You either have big killers who are smart and tough and healthy enough to knock the other guy in the face and occaisionally hold without getting caught (an art) or you don't. We don't now.
Herman I think over-coached this team...as does Mess. Herman has success now because of the talent difference he can coach his style when OSU plays Purdue, Indiana, Penn State, Temple, Minnesota, Illinois, whatever other awful team gave them thier inflated record.
Football....you block, you run with the ball forward, you pass the ball forward and catch it. On defense, you tackle the other guy with the ball. Duh.....

You have no clue how intricate spread blocking schemes can be. This isn't a bunch of gap blocking designed to pick up 5 yards each time.

On the contrary, I'm pretty sure that Gannon and Lichtenberg fill the tackle spots nicely, and with four starters back, it's only the right guard to worry about. When means that either Dika or Williams has to be healthy, or someone else has to step up.

I agree. I think you see Lich and Gannon at tackle. Farniok and center and hopefully Tuftee and Dika at guard.

 

[Judoka]

That's on Coach Pope. The individual position coaches determine who is in the game.

While I understand that in most positions it seems like RB and TE should be called by the coordinator. At those two positions the skillset of the individual player will have a huge impact on what plays they can succeed with.