Spring Game 4/22/23 SJAC 2:30

[bigticket1]

Well the offense also played basically the entire game without Grono or either of their top 2 RB and only 1 of their top 3 pass catchers
I dont think Davis even touched the ball again after throwing the pass on the opening play, and i dont think Grono or Davis were on the field for more than 5 plays

and YES I KNOW that the defense also played without Stalbird, Freeman, Francl, and Shaefer (and i am sure other top guys who were not specifically mentioned also sat out. i am pretty sure that i saw Beanum on the sideline without pads too), but we commonly play 7 or 8 LB in a game and play #2 DBs a LOT and sometimes #3s, while we basically never play more than 1 QB and 2 RB in any meaningful parts of a game

all of that said, it pretty much made sense the offense looking inconsistent, but i was VERY impressed by what the defense did without BIG TIME playmakers / difference makers Stalbird, Freeman, and Beanum even in the parts of the game facing our entire starting O Line

BY FAR the biggest bummer was D Johnson getting hurt, but if it is strictly an arm injury he should be back pretty easily by fall camp
I was actually a bit surprised he did not get on the field last fall as a true freshman. i really thought there was a chance he would pass Amar last fall for the #2 job. I think Amar, obviously, deserves a lot of credit for the progress he made last year, but D Johnson did look exciting in limited action today and could be ready to be the next in our line of game changing RBs

Gales and Beanum both sat. There are a bunch of young corners who look ready to contribute. Shafer could have returned for another year, but he retired because of his injury history.

[LetsGoRabbits]

Gales and Beanum both sat. There are a bunch of young corners who look ready to contribute. Shafer could have returned for another year, but he retired because of his injury history.

sorry brain glitch- meant spalding not shafer

yes we are pretty loaded with young DBs both corners and safeties!! I was surprised, however, not to hear from Dontay Johnson, at least i dont remember seeing or hearing from him

[bigticket1]

sorry brain glitch- meant spalding not shafer

yes we are pretty loaded with young DBs both corners and safeties!! I was surprised, however, not to hear from Dontay Johnson, at least i dont remember seeing or hearing from him

Didn't he get hurt later in the season ? He could have been held out to be on the safe side like with many others.

[Gojacks2487]

I really enjoyed the spring game this year simple format. My Biggest take away was man we are deeeeep on the defensive side of the ball. As mentioned by other alot of contributors sat out and they looked sharp. Yes they gave up a few runs against the starting hogs but stuffed them on alot of plays. Pass coverage was good besides a couple of deep balls. On offense the depth at RB is ridiculous. At this point I would be confident in anyone carrying the ball. 2nd string oline needs some work yet. Need to get more depth at WR, but with the hype of this new class coming in who knows. Mike Morgan really flashed with some nice catches or the middle.

[mnjackrbt]

Not a big deal to me that a number of players sat out... There's 130 FCS teams. 106 of them were done playing approximately November 19, 2022. We were done playing January 8, 2023. Which means we had nearly 2 months more practice and 4 more games than the majority of the teams. They were returning from Christmas break and starting off-season workouts at the time we were returning from a National Championship and starting a small period of rest and recovery, and coaching change.

[JACKGUYII]

Angel Johnson had the best day at running back by far. He is going to earn more time on the field this year. Very explosive player who has added strength and speed.

[Jacked_Up]

Before he got injured, Derrick Johnson was having a good day at running back, too.
Team strengths outnumber the question marks, but there are a few questions. The defensive backfield showed vulnerability, at times. The offense lacks depth on the o-line and possibly at wide receiver. Other than kicker, we haven't yet seen the special teams. which finally have their own, full-time coach. Despite the loss of two, veteran, backup QBs (Rudy Voss and Keaton Heide), the position looks pretty strong. Next season should be fun for Jacks' fans.

[discoDancinRabbit]

What about the tight ends? No Kraft, Heins injured. I saw someone mention Morgan, but what about the young guys, any positive signs?

[salemjack]

What about the tight ends? No Kraft, Heins injured. I saw someone mention Morgan, but what about the young guys, any positive signs?

Greyton Gannon got the early reps.

[AZjack]

I think the Jacks offense will be in 12 personnel a lot this fall with the o-line and the backs we have. With that being said, I'm not that concerned with WR depth as the OL depth. That does worry me. Bo Donald does need to step up.

[LetsGoRabbits]

Greyton Gannon got the early reps.

I think after Morgan, Bollweg and Gannon were on the field the most. Not sure who was on the field first, but i do think Bollweg had the first target. as i recall both were highly regarded recruits. seems logical that both are going to get chances to be the next guy up after Heins and Morgan

[LetsGoRabbits]

I think the Jacks offense will be in 12 personnel a lot this fall with the o-line and the backs we have. With that being said, I'm not that concerned with WR depth as the OL depth. That does worry me. Bo Donald does need to step up.

Think you pretty much nailed that
we really have ridiculous depth at EVERY position minus OL and WR
but as long as the twins and Heins stay healthy, and apparently possibly Morgan, we are going to have plenty of pass catching options. if Wilde is as ready as some think, we might have another option. for a team that could theoretically just lineup and run the ball down their opponents throat (at least against most opponents), we could easily get by with 1 or 2 quality pass catchers and we will have at least 3.

i am NOT saying i dont want us to throw!! i am a big proponent of a balanced attack, with the understanding that when it becomes OBVIOUS you do not have to throw you should not throw much. passing is good and useful and helps to open up the run game!! but there is absolutely nothing more devastating to an opponent than getting dominated in the run game. a dominant run game hurts the opponents defense AND offense

back to your point
we need WR depth for THE FUTURE, so that when the Jankes and Heins are gone we are not totally starting over
but we need OL depth for NOW and the future. hopefully our top 5 will stay totally healthy!! but we have to be prepared for them to not stay healthy

[bigticket1]

Think you pretty much nailed that
we really have ridiculous depth at EVERY position minus OL and WR
but as long as the twins and Heins stay healthy, and apparently possibly Morgan, we are going to have plenty of pass catching options. if Wilde is as ready as some think, we might have another option. for a team that could theoretically just lineup and run the ball down their opponents throat (at least against most opponents), we could easily get by with 1 or 2 quality pass catchers and we will have at least 3.

i am NOT saying i dont want us to throw!! i am a big proponent of a balanced attack, with the understanding that when it becomes OBVIOUS you do not have to throw you should not throw much. passing is good and useful and helps to open up the run game!! but there is absolutely nothing more devastating to an opponent than getting dominated in the run game. a dominant run game hurts the opponents defense AND offense

back to your point
we need WR depth for THE FUTURE, so that when the Jankes and Heins are gone we are not totally starting over
but we need OL depth for NOW and the future. hopefully our top 5 will stay totally healthy!! but we have to be prepared for them to not stay healthy

The starting o-line made through last season with few, if any injuries. Almost unheard of at those positions, have to hope that the law of averages doesn't catch up to them this year.

[LetsGoRabbits]

The starting o-line made through last season with few, if any injuries. Almost unheard of at those positions, have to hope that the law of averages doesn't catch up to them this year.

TOTALLY agree with what is hignlighted
and DEFINITELY doing all the hoping i can possibly do for good fortune on the injury front!!!
also believing and hoping that team and players are doing MORE than hoping in the way of preparation

HOPING for the best and believing they are preparing for the worst

[Jacked_Up]

One more thought about the spring game. Why not make a bigger deal of it? Make it more fun and informational. Have someone greet the fans on the PA system. Introduce the players and coaches - especially the coaches because there is so much turnover in their ranks. Explain the scoring system. After the game promote the fall schedule more and thank the fans for coming. The last couple of years, everything but the game itself has been pretty bland. Opportunity lost.