Figured I would start a spin off thread from my other thread. This thread is meant to look at the development of our players, but focuses specifically on the attrition side of the roster. Certain players never make the jump from incredible in high school to a collegiate contributor. There are anomalies like Ron Brooks who played almost his entire career as a back up and special teamer, but is still considered a star. Here are a few that I worry about development wise: Chancey Agahyere - had an extremely bright future out of high school, but he seemed to be never be the same after a major injury. He is buried in the depth chart, and isnt even getting much pt during mop up duty. Could easily see him getting a medical hardship scholly. Jordan Allen - still young, and has seen some pt on mop up duty. I dont see him as contributing. Will probably be passed up with the upcoming class of studs even more so, perhaps sticks on as a 4/5 year back up. I personally like Maclin better at the end, and even he has dropped off the radar. I just hope in Maclins case it is to gain a redshirt year back. I think Rasco, montgomery, edwards, and mingo are just that good. Jakari Gore - lots of people were high on this guy, and I was never sold. Not overly great in our scheme, but isnt really needed as a 3rd down type of back guy, as we already have Ware and Hilliard who can both block better and catch great out of the backfield. As far as his speed, maneuvers go, I think Blue/Ford can provide that attribute at a higher level. Fobbs - still dont see a place for this guy. Think Turner is similar mold and more talented, and it will take a bit for Turner to see the field later on. This scrap with A&M may not have been worth it. Only time will tell. Again, lots of these guys are still young. I believe Mickey Johnson will pass up Ego for playing time next year. Ego has a lot of time to grow still, but my gut tells me Mickey will be better when it is all said and done, and I can see him rotating in before Ego. Im also interested in Q. Thomas development. He seems like a tweener almost like Lavar Edwards. Would be a bigger end when we play prostyle teams like Bama, and almost an interior player for spread teams. As for a group on whole, Im confused about our Secondary. Behind Loston, Reid and Taylor I dont know where we will look. I suppose much depends on next years off season and also the new recruiting class. I thought Ronnie Vinson shone during the spring game. He was solid both with his tackling and in coverage. However, Ronald Martin(who in my other thread, I projected good things for) seemed to be getting reps with Derrick Bryant(senior whos earned it and been reliable when needed) the last two games. I also thought I saw a few times when Sam Gibson was out there earlier this year, and am interested in his progress as well. Also, Loston a la Hatcher seems to miss assignments and take bad angles. This is pure speculation, but he just doesnt seem to have grasped the mental side. In football when taking the next step you have to be open to taking a step backward to move forward. A lot of the guys were such big studs at the high school level, they didnt have to work hard on technique or studying scheme and made up for their mistakes through athleticism. I have a feeling Loston is one of those guys that isnt taking the time to put forth full effort in learning schemes and absorbing coaching. He is talented, and though he resists, I think he would be better off a linebacker. If he continues at his development rate, he may just be a special teamer and back up, which is fine by me, but not living up to his full potential. I could see him being passed by Vinson, Gibson, or Martin. Obviously the linebacking corps will be interesting to watch next year. I think we have recruited some instant impact players that might be to good to keep off the field. I think Minter, Jones and Barrow will be a solid to serviceable group, but I think perhaps Randle/Fiest/ Louis/Philips(if we land him) just might be vying for playing time and keeping them on their heals. I dont know where that puts Muncie/Johns/Welter. I could see them continue on perhaps as special teamers. We will see. I know this is mostly for off season talk, as things begin to slow down, but since we wont be playing for over a month, color me anxious as I look ahead.
Thanks for the input. Do you watch them play in high school? I know some people are really into that. It is impossible for me to tell how good a high schooler is because of the competition.
Thank you for your info, it is very hard to find info on the young guys and to see how they are progressing. I am the type of person who wants to read an in depth review on how all the players are doing, but it seems that there aren't any sites that update that. eric
It's hard to add something to a post that's as good as that one. This dude only has a few posts so far. Damn smart tiger right there. Again I say, great post. Damn man, you have been a member since 2008 and only have 14 post. You just read alot or have you been away? You seem like a very knoledgable guy and your contribution to this board would be great , I'm sure. I would like to read some more of what you have in mind.
Sugar: I dont get to watch them in person for high school, but Ive been following recruiting specifically since I joined in 2008. For whatever reason, the aspect of getting to know of the players as students and high school athletes before thinking of them as LSU players generates a unique facet of football that I find most interesting. I suppose I pull harder for kids that I knew of before the hit the scene. I was lucky to hear about Tyrann Mathieu at the Tennessee camp when he shut down Jarvis Landry. Those of us who follow recruiting got to hear special things about him, Wing and others before they made a splash. I watch what I can on youtube highlights, but I watch as a fan and nothing more. I base my projections on amateur opinion, and whatever trends and small things that I have been fortunate enough to pick up on in the last four years or so. I understand what you mean about breaking down film. It is very hard sometimes to differentiate between highlights because of competition level. I think once you watch enough film repetitiously, you begin to see some variance that you can catch onto, but even the experts project wrong, and frequently. It is as much an art as a science. I enjoy projecting things, and then going back and figuring out what I got right and wrong through trial and error.
Thanks a lot RWill. Im just an amateur as I said. I just enjoy getting a bit more in depth than the average fan. I suppose I have not posted a lot because forums generally have many overwhelming opinions and I didnt want to create more white noise. Fortunately, this forum has the most level headed fans, and if anywhere, I could find a niche here. I enjoy taking bits and pieces of everyones thoughts and through other considerations formulating my own. I figured that because there were so many opinions and thoughts out there, that I had no specific reason to interject my own. I truly appreciate the feedback. Id be happy to post more often about similar topics. I have pretty much just read and followed for the last 4 years. I enjoy reading updates from bhelm, and other knowledgeable posters. I specifically enjoy the recruiting aspect of football, and also looking at the younger players and underclassmen. It gives us a brief snapshot of what the next few years may hold. I also find that I enjoy football more when Ive seen interviews, and feel like I have a good take on who the person is that represents LSU as a student athlete. I enjoy Coach Miles because he seems to recruit, more often than not, a good person that represents the university. I do not just see these people as players that are pawns in a game, I see student athletes, that chose LSU over other opportunities. Young men, who balance finances, school, life and football. I graduated from LSU in 2007, and I can honestly say I didnt watch a lick of football until I began going to games at LSU in 2002. I love it now, and its a passion of mine. I enjoy reading about and seeing that you guys enjoy it as well. Thanks for all the compliments again, its really appreciated.
I might be reading it wrong but you seem to imply Taylor will be back next year? I am pretty sure he is a senior year this year. Next year it will be reid, then a good drop off to loston, then a crap shoot after that. Not sure who is gonna step up there, but every thing else you said I'd spot on. Disregard this post if you weren't implying that lol
