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The Wildcat

DMoney

DMoney

D-Moni
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Now that Gray is in, it's time to ask: What's your stance on the Wildcat? Is it an outdated gimmick or an effective power running formation?

Personally, I like it in short-yardage and red zone. The numbers are favorable because you get an extra blocker instead of the quarterback handing off, and the misdirection keeps the defense on its heels.

It all depends on personnel. The Dolphins were still having success in Year 2 until Ronnie Brown got hurt. You need a powerful runner with the instincts of a trigger man and just enough passing ability to threaten a defense. Gray fits the bill, especially on a team like ours that struggled in short-yardage situations.
 
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DMoney said:
Now that Gray is in, it's time to ask: What's your stance on the Wildcat? Is it an outdated gimmick or an effective power running formation?

Personally, I like it in short-yardage and red zone. The numbers are favorable because you get an extra blocker instead of the quarterback handing off, and the misdirection keeps the defense on its heels.

It all depends on personnel. The Dolphins were still having success in Year 2 until Ronnie Brown got hurt. You need a powerful runner with the instincts of a trigger man and just enough passing ability to threaten a defense. Gray fits the bill, especially on a team like ours that struggled in short-yardage situations.
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We didn't run it with Crawford. is Gray that much better than Crawford?
 
I'm thinking back to Brandon Connette tearing us up from the wildcat. I think it can be relatively successful in the right situations in NCAAF and we definitely have the personnel to run it. I definitely wouldn't mind using it especially if none of our QB's really step up, we might need that wrinkle.
 
I like it D ~ It keeps Defenses honest when you properly. Also instills a mental fortitude that comes with bringing the noise when everybody knows your coming. The big uglies love it for a reason. It does take a gifted back with equal parts vision, patience, & power to get it done. We'll see how & if we implement it this season with Mr. Gray.
 
Not a huge fan - but in a situation where our QB's are unproven every added weapon in our ****nal is a positive. Don't know about the red zone though - a wildcat turnover can come back along ways if the right person intercepts the ball. I would prefer guaranteed possession in the red zone.
 
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Read option >>> Wildcat.

Having Gray taking the snap at QB with either Duke or Yearby in the backfield. Coley, Dorsett, or Berrios coming across the formation in speed motion at times to pose another threat to the defense. And allowing Gray to make his decision based on how the defense reacts. Read-option play action could also be effective if the defense gets too caught up in stopping the run threats of Gray and Duke/Yearby.

The Wildcat quickly became an outdated, easily-stoppable gimmick. Teams that tried to copycat the concept often had the RB taking the snap out of shotgun without any other back beside him, an RB or WR coming across the formation, and the player taking the direct snap would almost always fake the handoff, plunge forward into the LOS, and gain a couple yards, at best.

Having Gray as a part-time read-option QB is much more appealing, IMO.
 
My feeling is it died out for a reason. It didn't take long to figure out all you need is disciplined edge setters, and it has all but disappeared at the highest level.

I am no expert, granted.
 
westcoastcanes said:
My feeling is it died out for a reason. It didn't take long to figure out all you need is disciplined edge setters, and it has all but disappeared at the highest level.

I am no expert, granted.
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As far as making it the centerpiece of your offense, yea that would fail. But like D-moni stated, goal line and short yardage are where it's at.
 
I like it in the short yardage situations as well. I think basically any "gimmick" can work in college as long as it's not overused and you have the talent for it.
 
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It worked pretty well for Arkansas the year they ran it with Run DMC and Felix. and for Alabama with Ingram as well. I think it still works provided there is a decent chance you pass and actually show a pass here and there (not just run it every time like we tend to do making it overly obvious)
 
I said when Miami's recruiting Gray he looked like a more athletic Trey Burton and that is how I would use him RB WR H-Back Wildcat QB.
 
01Canes said:
Read option >>> Wildcat.

Having Gray taking the snap at QB with either Duke or Yearby in the backfield. Coley, Dorsett, or Berrios coming across the formation in speed motion at times to pose another threat to the defense. And allowing Gray to make his decision based on how the defense reacts. Read-option play action could also be effective if the defense gets too caught up in stopping the run threats of Gray and Duke/Yearby.

The Wildcat quickly became an outdated, easily-stoppable gimmick. Teams that tried to copycat the concept often had the RB taking the snap out of shotgun without any other back beside him, an RB or WR coming across the formation, and the player taking the direct snap would almost always fake the handoff, plunge forward into the LOS, and gain a couple yards, at best.

Having Gray as a part-time read-option QB is much more appealing, IMO.
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If Olsen, Williams or Heaps can't get it down this is what we should run... Im tired of all this pro-style mumbo jumbo talk... Even nfl teams are going more spread...
 
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01Canes said:
Read option >>> Wildcat.

Having Gray taking the snap at QB with either Duke or Yearby in the backfield. Coley, Dorsett, or Berrios coming across the formation in speed motion at times to pose another threat to the defense. And allowing Gray to make his decision based on how the defense reacts. Read-option play action could also be effective if the defense gets too caught up in stopping the run threats of Gray and Duke/Yearby.



The Wildcat quickly became an outdated, easily-stoppable gimmick. Teams that tried to copycat the concept often had the RB taking the snap out of shotgun without any other back beside him, an RB or WR coming across the formation, and the player taking the direct snap would almost always fake the handoff, plunge forward into the LOS, and gain a couple yards, at best.

Having Gray as a part-time read-option QB is much more appealing, IMO.
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good point. agreed. +1
 
Worth trying. Chocolate has skills but staff needs to figure out translating them to field. Anything getting ball in his hands is worth shot. I am wondering about redshirt for him. I know we are all jumping off our seats wanting him on the field, but I don't want to lose him to grades later on. He worked so hard to get in and redshirt could help him acclimate and log some credits his first year. He is not a defender and our offense should be solid without him. I am assuming that redshirt would help on the academic; if it doesn't then get the kid on the field and let him run.
 
I say stick with what got you to the dance, pro style tight splits and smash it up in there Gus Edwards needs to earn hs scholarship. That is what makes an opponent want to quit or pitch the ball the ball on outside using UM's speed to the edge which also makes an opponent want to because of overall team speed mismatchs. Or use our TE's dragging across the endzone or Tall WR to the corner. Also by spreading the TD's out amongst more players it will help keep players happy and have greater appeal to recruits.

Then if all that fails go to the wildcat, but not with Gray I think he should redshirt so he can get his academics in order while adjusting to college. Not to mention if he has a breakout year as a backup RB that could cause concern for some of our committed RB's interms of getting playing time in 2015.

Go Canes
 
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