Offensive Line

[BigDikDaddyFromCincinnati]

The OL controversy, if it’s enough to call it that, is all because they seem afraid to hurt Bell/McCoy’s feelings and want to give them both playing time because they “earned it”.

I think it’s obvious McCoy is the weak link. He or Cooper loses the most 1on1 in pass pro, penalized more than anyone, and gets no push in the run game. It was a different offense when Bell came in and we shift Rivers to guard. It took a few plays, it actually caused a problem on a few plays when he first came in with blitz pickups and assignments. There was a miscommunication and it stalled a drive.

Just pick 5 and roll with it. Both have played plenty this year and there will be spots to go around next year. Shouldn’t be any hurt feelings now.

You do remember that Rivers was hurt and missed several games, which is what kicked off this controversy as you called it, right?

 

[Derrick Griffin]

The Cooper part is most surprising. We know that progression is not linear. In saying that, I expected more from him. His footwork in Pass pro seems lazy. He’s not moving his hips like he did last year, which is odd given the fact that he looks to be in the best shape of his life.

 

[Jassid82]

I would expect him to transfer if he doesn’t lock down a starting guard spot next year. Sometimes big recruits hit and sometimes they don’t. That’s just how it is in big boy football.

If he doesnt have a starting gig coming out of Spring, hes gone. Wouldnt be surprised if Kinsler starts looking around too. We really only have 2 spots open for the taking going into 2025. (Rivers and Carpenter) The other 3 are locked down. (Bell, Cici, Cooper)

 

[Jassid82]

There Cooper part is most surprising. We know that progression is not linear. In saying that, I expected more from him. His footwork and Pass pro seems lazy. He’s not moving his hips like he did last year, which is odd given the fact that he looks to be in the best shape of his life.

Some posters are saying hes playing hurt. I lean to that theory because I agree I thought Cooper was going to be playing so lights out he would be gone to the NFL draft.

 

[Bird4um]

Why leave if you can get 2 years as a starter as a Jr. and Sr. with NIL $

 

[Jassid82]

Why leave if you can get 2 years as a starter as a Jr. and Sr. with NIL $

Next year will be his Jr year. Or are you talking about his 4th and 5th year? I would only hope he is patient enough to stay around that long. Kinsler too. That would be a god send scenario.

 

[JayCane20]

You do remember that Rivers was hurt and missed several games, which is what kicked off this controversy as you called it, right?

The controversy is only them trying to split 50/50 Bell/McCoy and only started once Rivers was put back into the lineup. They’re afraid to make the call and sit on one them.

 

[Noliaboi]

Why leave if you can get 2 years as a starter as a Jr. and Sr. with NIL $

Because kids eventually want to play and most think they are better than they really are.

 

[grover]

The controversy is only them trying to split 50/50 Bell/McCoy and only started once Rivers was put back into the lineup. They’re afraid to make the call and sit on one them.

Have you considered they want more players to get more reps? That typically results in higher energy per snap, fewer injuries and deeper bench in case of injuries. It also sets us up for a stronger 2025. The downside is the 6th, 7th and 8th guys are by definition not as good as your first five.

I’ve always been a proponent of rotation. So I’m good with it. But you’re right that it creates other problems.

 

[mirvin88]

ahem **clears throat**


https://www.canesinsight.com/thread...r-transfer-zach-carpenter.189388/post-6981045

 

[423Hurricane]

The controversy is only them trying to split 50/50 Bell/McCoy and only started once Rivers was put back into the lineup. They’re afraid to make the call and sit on one them.

Product of the transfer portal/NIL era?

 

[grover]

Samson presents intriguing challenges. He’s not strong enough to play IOL but is behind Bell and possibly McCoy (and Kinsler?) at LT. Yet from his very limited appearances he looked better to me than the majority of starting tackles we’ve run out in past seasons. What a luxury to have! Not sure he’ll be willing to bake another season though, even though it could be the best thing for his career.

 

[AtlAtty]

lol at how much the rivers to guard question was smacked down as lunacy for so long on this board

Before Mario, Rivers had a go at guard and was not good. Of course he was younger and maybe did not have the strength at that time, but Rivers was not good at guard early in his career. That stuck in people’s minds.

 

[JayCane20]

Have you considered they want more players to get more reps? That typically results in higher energy per snap, fewer injuries and deeper bench in case of injuries. It also sets us up for a stronger 2025. The downside is the 6th, 7th and 8th guys are by definition not as good as your first five.

I’ve always been a proponent of rotation. So I’m good with it. But you’re right that it creates other problems.

Product of the transfer portal/NIL era?

Probably a result of NIL/portal era. And I’m usually good with rotation but typically not on the OL because it’s so communication centric and that’s not Mario/Mirabal’s rep. They’re not known for rotating. Especially when the best group of 5 is very clear.

I’d be ok with rotating if it wasn’t when we’re trailing and trying to get back in a groove.

I shouldn’t question this staff on the OL though so I’ll leave it at that

 

[hoops156]

The OL controversy, if it’s enough to call it that, is all because they seem afraid to hurt Bell/McCoy’s feelings and want to give them both playing time because they “earned it”.

I think it’s obvious McCoy is the weak link. He or Cooper loses the most 1on1 in pass pro, penalized more than anyone, and gets no push in the run game. It was a different offense when Bell came in and we shift Rivers to guard. It took a few plays, it actually caused a problem on a few plays when he first came in with blitz pickups and assignments. There was a miscommunication and it stalled a drive.

Just pick 5 and roll with it. Both have played plenty this year and there will be spots to go around next year. Shouldn’t be any hurt feelings now.

rivers at guard bell at LT with anez carpenter and cici are the five and roll. its not a surprise that the run game has also looked much better since.

 

[BigDikDaddyFromCincinnati]

The controversy is only them trying to split 50/50 Bell/McCoy and only started once Rivers was put back into the lineup. They’re afraid to make the call and sit on one them.

There’s not a controversy. Rivers missed several weeks and has been back for two games now. Coaches are trying to see who the best five are for the stretch run. Because there’s not much of a drop off, they don’t have to “make the call” just yet. Maybe they won’t at all. Good problem to have, isn’t it?

 

[JHallCanes]

Samson presents intriguing challenges. He’s not strong enough to play IOL but is behind Bell and possibly McCoy (and Kinsler?) at LT. Yet from his very limited appearances he looked better to me than the majority of starting tackles we’ve run out in past seasons. What a luxury to have! Not sure he’ll be willing to bake another season though, even though it could be the best thing for his career.

Another guy I can’t wait to see next year is Frankie Tinilau

It was weak comp but he got on the field and is a monster. Looked really good in the few reps I saw (again relatively speaking)

 

[rvalenza]

Where does Samson fit in now? Expect a transfer? Because Bell and Cici are the tackles next year with McCoy and Cooper at guards.

Just can't worry where Samson fits in now. Either he'll wait for his opp next year or transfer. Best five will play.

 

[mikedeep97]

Have you considered they want more players to get more reps? That typically results in higher energy per snap, fewer injuries and deeper bench in case of injuries. It also sets us up for a stronger 2025. The downside is the 6th, 7th and 8th guys are by definition not as good as your first five.

I’ve always been a proponent of rotation. So I’m good with it. But you’re right that it creates other problems.

Having multiple OL with numerous starts and snaps is going to pay off this year and next year.

Guys go down, as we've seen this year. There will come a time, this year or next, where we're glad that our tackles are cross-trained and gaining valuable, in-game experience.

 

[AUcane]

I would expect him to transfer if he doesn’t lock down a starting guard spot next year. Sometimes big recruits hit and sometimes they don’t. That’s just how it is in big boy football.

I don't believe Samson is a guard. I know they worked him in fall camp at guard but he doesn't strike me as the body type to be a guard, although he's close to Rivers was at the same age. We'll see. Regardless, he's not overtaking Cooper or (probably) McCoy next year so he's on the outside looking in.

Samson is commanding a big NIL package I would imagine, so interesting to see what happens with him.

Some 5 stars arent ready to play early, some are.

I would imagine Samson isnt going to be a 1st round OL at this point, but im sure he can develop into a quality starter at some
Point. It may or may not be here

Agree. By all accounts, he had a massive NIL deal to sign. There are two things that usually happen with highly touted NIL dudes that can't crack the rotation - they either transfer (most do) or their deal is renewed at a lower rate. I'm not sure what the case is with Samson but next spring is make or break for him. Ideally, he can take another year of development next year so that he's in line to be a starting tackle (we'll lose Bell and Francis) as a RS JR.

Would be good to see him get SOME PT maybe on some extra TE or goal line packages.