Here is some buzz from around the Hecht before the Virginia Tech game. Nothing groundbreaking, but confirms a lot of what we already know.
-The coaches seem as confident as they can be coming off three-straight losses. One thing I've noticed comparing this staff and the previous staff is that they speak with one voice. With Shannon's staff, they were much quicker to vocalize disagreements and express how someone else wasn't doing the job the way they would do it. This entire staff seems to buy into Golden's vision and there is much more unity of thought.
- There are two recruiting losses that continue to sting the staff. One is obviously Amari Cooper, who is emerging as a star at Alabama. But the biggest loss was Leonard Williams, a DE out of Daytona Beach. He looks like a future first rounder for the Trojans and is the exact type of player (tall, powerful) that this team is scouring the nation for on the defensive line.
- The 2013 class is just about wrapped up, and the focus now is on 2014. There is a lot of confidence in Thomas and Kirkland. Collins plays everything close to the vest, but they expect to land him. George Williams is not a factor due to character concerns, and Coley (who is still being monitored) is in the same boat. His issue is just as much about on-field character than off-the-field character. While you love Coley's competitiveness, he will show up teammates and coaches. Cunningham is still in the mix and could wind up in this class, although IMO it will only be Jean-Louis.
- Don't be surprised if the Briscoe/O'Donnell moves are permanent, especially Briscoe. He does not appear to have a defensive mentality, as some have speculated, and the coaches want to be proactive in putting him in the best spot. His movement skills are rare for someone his size and they don't want to waste his talent. With O'Donnell, he can play both defense or offense but the question now is "Where does he help us the most?" It's not as clear cut as it was before the season.
- Seantrel Henderson is expected to go pro at the end of the season. Everybody is still sky-high on Flowers, and he should step into that position. Isidora is also considered to have star potential. Gadbois needs to mature physically and mentally (still a young player) but could be solid.
- The best receiver on the team right now-- in practice and games-- is Davon Johnson. The difference between him and Dorsett is confidence. Dorsett, while very mature kid off the field, is still a young player and not as resilient as a veteran like Johnson . Don't be surprised if Davon plays a bigger role tonight under the national TV lights. Robert Lockhart is considered the most talented receiver on the team and the best candidate to develop into an elite, Miami-type receiver. Everybody knows his problems are not physical, but he is coming along and his role should continue to expand. Malcolm Lewis's injuries were not as bad as feared and he should be full-go next year. Jones and Carter are developmental talents and the hope is they will eventually help in the red zone. Expectations are high for Jean-Louis-- his talent is in the Lockhart category and he is physically ready to contribute. He is WR all the way, no chance he plays DB unless he flops.
- There is still a lot of confidence in Stephen Morris. The one thing the coaches are emphasizing is for Morris to not try to win the game by himself. It is Jacory syndrome- Morris had tremendous success over a couple games and now feels that he has to win the game one big throw at a time. The source pointed to the fade to Lockhart on 3rd and 2 as an example. This is not something Morris had a problem with in camp or early in the season, but it is happening lately.
- This team needs running backs. Duke is showing the effects of the workload the past few weeks and would not be playing as much if depth was where it should be. Don't be surprised if we look at some JUCO or prep running backs, regardless of what Collins does. Danny Dillard got poor reviews early on because he was fat, but he has since shed some pounds and is looking significantly better the past couple weeks.
- The most disappointing position on the team is tight end. There is a talent deficiency, and while next year's class brings very good players in various roles, the jury is out as to whether there is a KWII or Jeremy Shockey-type on the horizon. The guy who is really a Miami-caliber tight end is Clive Walford, but he is not progressing at the rate he should be.
- In 2014, the focus at running back will be Dalvin Cook and Sony Michel and the feeling is they will land both of them. I was surprised to hear mixed opinions on Ermon Lane. His recruitment will be one to watch going forward.
- The belief is that this will be the best secondary in the nation in a few years. Burns and Carter are considered to be two of the elite players in the class internally, and last year's signees are developing as expected. This should be the strength of the team going forward.
