Yeah, foot speed was a big issue there. Good frame but was way off in speed and quick twitch and, oddly enough, didn’t dominate or take over games at the 2A level.
He’s class of 2025. Do they offer walk ons to juniors at this stage?
I didn't catch that. If he is 2025, that's a different story. I would say that is an offer, not yet committable, contingent upon meeting some requirements. "If you work on your speed and get down to a 4.8" or "We want to see this or that out of you by next fall" then the offer is committable.
Very hard for any High School kid to get a D1 scholarship at any level with all the 6 and 7 year guys that got the extra year from COVID and the transfer portal just letting kids move where ever they want and when ever they want. When can only have 85 guys scholarships and you got guys thats are 26 still playing ball taking up one of those if takes one away from a good high school kid.
This. We went through this. We heard "We're only taking one high schooler at your position" and "We're heavy in the portal". There are certain positions that colleges just go to the portal for. My oldest was behind a 25 year old 2x All Conference kid this past season. I've been also hearing that D-2 is the new D-1 and kids haven't accepted that yet. Recruiting has morphed from being all about potential to being all about risk. There is much less risk in a 21 year old that understands the college environment, has been in a college S&C program for three years and isn't a risk to flunk out or bail after the first semester.
The portal and still lingering affects of COVID red-shirts have made life hard for the high school kids. You'd better go where you're wanted.
Sullivan East just had a kid commit to Colorado for next year. Somewhat surprising. Corbin Laisure a TE who will have to add weight. 6-5 218.
I saw that. I'm not too sure about that choice. I don't think that was a full-ride (judging by the verbiage)....could be wrong. If it is a PWO, I don't know if going as PWO for Deion is a good move, especially if some of his other offers are committable full-rides.
I watched his film and couldn't decipher if they see him as TE or DE. I bet they like that 6'5", 220lb frame that also plays basketball, though.
Speaking of walk-ons....has anyone heard how the Union DE from last year (Gabe?) that went to UVA is doing or how Brody Jone at VT is doing?
Anyone hearing any news or speculation on the assistant coaches for the Blues? Tic-toc-tic-toc
Don't think it is 100% finalized yet but some significant pieces have been decided on. Names will be released later,....probably due to current commitments that have to honor. I think everyone is curious about the DC role and who fills that. I know, I am.
So are we looking at Richlands transitioning to the top team or near top team in SWD and/or Region next year with the addition of all these new coaches and transfers?
Hell, I'll throw a marker down. Let's go with a +4/5 win total than last year. The following year they'll be a 6-8 win team.
Lebanon threw the ball a ton this year….probably more than Richlands.
I'm not talking about current or last year's RIchlands staff when I say "development". Something tells me Richlands is going to start being a strong pull for QB/WR development. There are a lot of Richlands connections out there in SWVA.
I’m pretty sure he does play basketball and baseball which begs the question why would he come to Richlands when Lebanon is already better than Richlands in all 3 sports. He would also be in the SWD so really nothing changes he just has to carry the load with a different jersey on
Positional development. A particular coach and a particular offense. There are/were two pass-oriented offenses in SWVA.....well, add Honaker to that, so three.
Want to wish everyone who participates on this board a very wonderful and blessed Christmas. Hope everyone has a happy New Year and enjoys time with your family and friends. May God Bless us One and All and next year be a brighter and exciting year for each team we support.
Yes, Sir. As I age, Christmas means a lot more to me as I become more of a servant for others (my family particularly). It really is a shame that we can't bottle that spirit, good will and intent and apply to the rest of the year.
Merry Christmas and blessings of a healthy and happy New Year for all the board......even those from Central. 😂
I get that OC and DC are a big hire but the issue the guy Davis wants hopefully teaches a class that has an opening at Richlands or works outside of the school. Assistant coaches only get paid $3000 ish you got to have a job to go with it.
I think they are looking pretty good in that area.
I know most kids like the offensive side but I think his better potential is as a DB (Safety). He has the ball skills, athleticism and awareness to be a next level safety. As for WR, he has to overcome a couple of things. His straight line speed isn't there right now (maybe a 4.7 guy?) and he has to learn to get off press and separate at the top of the route. Next level DBs are threatened by a WR's ability to take the top off. If that threat doesn't exist...they will play aggressively in your hip pocket and, generally, their feet are quicker than WRs. The problem is that no one is the region plays press or aggressively at the line with their DBs so he isn't getting the reps/practice. Look at 3:04 in the film....the DB is playing outside leverage with no-one inside. If he aligns properly (inside leverage) and doesn't allow an inside release that play doesn't happen....those of the plays that don't happen at the next level. Another thing that hurts him is there just isn't a good pool of DBs to play against in the region, outside of Graham. He is getting too much soft zone coverage. He doesn't lack for confidence though.
Trust me, all those flashy catches don't catch the recruiter's eyes for too long......they are looking at how crisp those breaks are and how much separation he gets at the top of the route. And they are very much wanting top end speed (4.5 and below)....at least on the outside. His strengths are catching in tight coverage/contested catches, uses his body very well to shield defenders and has good hands and good feet in space.
Edit: I've got a film clip of a really good game rep of a WR (my oldest) and a DB from Mount Airy, NC battling. If you take it frame by frame it is extremely interesting. Both do an excellent job of countering each other and it is probably the best CB I've seen in high school last several years. He does a great job of staying in phase and countering jab steps. It takes a very well thrown ball to get the completion. I think the kid was being recruited by a few colleges. It shows you the disadvantage the local WR kids have by not going against well-coached and athletic DBs. I'll see if I can find the film for you technique junkies
It is overly influenced by a handful of teams and it is waaaay too biased toward winning teams. There was a kid on one of the VHSL teams that was completely embarrassed in a playoff game this year but his team went far in the playoffs.
In the past I've seen really good defensive players get snubbed because they didn't have the stats due to OC's avoiding them. Happens every year. I'd love to see how the OCs and DCs vote....take the "Rah, rah" HC out of the equation. The coordinators know which kids scare them and drive gameplans.
So, when it comes to recruiting staff and players (hallways and outside), where do you draw the line, ethically speaking? Is it whatever it takes?
I’ll throw out my hypothetical, but admittedly in an NIL world it is complicated. I’m in favor of bringing in staff and whatever comes with it. I couldn’t/didn’t blame the Honaker transfers. It’s just an extra benefit with the hire.
My major discomfort probably comes from other promises exchanged, monetary gifts, or “fake” residency. If a parent or athlete wants to make a decision to relocate for greater opportunities, I’ve grown to accept it and understand. The Friday Night Lights Buddy Garrity mailbox, is too blatant of attempt to skirt the rules.
What say you all? (Opinions, no judgment).
(I also heard stories of Olin recruiting employees for recruiting purposes.)
Most transfers are relocations with one or both parents residing in the county. That's just the truth. There are exceptions. I've went into detail about this before as we looked at relocating for my eldest's senior year. We were "recruited' by 3-4 schools and all of them stated that one of the parents would need to relocate. Nothing else was said about that and all the coaches deferred to the school's principal. Money was never discussed, nor did I bring it up. Don't know what would have happened if I did to be honest. There is a lot of hyperbole around this subject.
I used to be a die-hard anti-transfer guy but I have changed my view considerably. There are numerous viable reasons to transfer and there are some reasons that aren't. A QB with considerable arm talent transferring for developmental improvement is a smart decision. There are tons of kids that missed scholarship money due to playing for inept staffs and didn't see it as their duty to prepare their talented kids for next level opportunities or due to archaic offenses (QB running a single wing).
As for those kids who transfer for bad reasons....that usually washes out. Sometimes both parties are the better for the parting.
All I know is that the Blues are gonna draw interest, especially if they run a "fun" offense that showcases skill. For those who say you can't win with a passing offense.......Radford says you can. Ridgeview was on that path until they self imploded with the coaching change. Honaker made it to the Final Four before losing to the eventual state champs....but it was their defense that let them down...not the high flying passing offense. If the past, those talented basketball kids didn't play football....too skinny. Those kids are now WRs and DBs and are flying up and down the field. Skill and speed kill.
If I am the O’quinn kid I might look at Real-estate near Ernie Hicks. His Freshman year was his best year
A couple of causes for that. He had a dedicated QB coach his Freshman year and they worked with him a lot. If you looked under the hood at the numbers, he had a great screen package that turned easy throws into long gains. Most importantly he had the following WR lineup: 6'1" (2x All State WR; playing college ball as WR); 6'3" (playing college ball as DB); 6'3" (recruited to play college ball as TE). All three could run, jump and catch. The deep ball was a HUGE part of their passing game. There was a lot of yardage and TDs that were average throws/poor throws that ended up as great catches. Those WRs graduated last year and the current coaching staff hasn't done a great job of adjusting the scheme to the new crop of WRs.
So, he lost his QB coach and OC after his freshman year, after his sophomore year he lost his stud WR corps (one of the best this region has ever seen) and this past year he suffered an injury. So, he doesn't have a screen game, poor scheme adaptation for this current WR corps (more slot types) and his deep ball threats are all gone.
He won't leave, he is embedded in that school but it has cost his recruitment.
I think Davis focuses on the defense and outsources the offense. I personally think DC is a tougher gig than OC as you can, to a degree, rely on athletes on offense more than D. I'm a bit more bullish on the turn-around time...noticeable improvement next year (+3/4 wins) and playoff team in two years (winning 6-7 games).
If what I am hearing is true. A current Head Coach is coming to Richlands if a Teaching job is available. If my information is true…Next years Richlands and Ridgeview game will be fun.
If Union can figure out the QB situation they could be #1 but after hearing Tazewell has so many starters back I could see them being the best and if Graham can replace Clements they could be the best so to sum it all up I don’t know but we should see some great football next season
Pretty good take. RV is the sleeer in the M7….. they have a lot of returning talent but coaching and prep are the question marks. If Tazewell keeps building up their defense they will be tough.
I misread, I thought you were referring to this season.
No, I said this earlier in the year when everyone was predicting a Riverheads run through 2A. When they made the finals, someone clipped it and send it back out with a laughing emoji.
I stand on my previous statement: Riverheads is what you get if Central 2019-2021 played 1A. Guess who knocked off Central???? A team with speed and skill and could throw the ball and strike quickly.
And I stand on my previous statement that last Riverheads wouldn't have got past Graham or Ridgeview.
Welcome to 2A, great showing for their first year.
Ok, Ok, I'll spill the beans. I've accepted the position as the next HC of Richlands football. We are in the process of ironing out a few of my requests, which are:
Grant me one year of playing eligibility since I didn't play my junior year. This is an unprecedented request, I'll grant that, but I think we can work it out.
A weekly wad of "walking around money". We are still determining the amount. I'm not looking for a super large sum...just want to look like a baller and be able to "appreciate" my players when they perform well.
We will not refer to the other Tazewell county schools by their names...simply "That Team Out East" and "That Team Further Out East". We have our graphics department on this now.
The other Tazewell county teams have to provide (1) player of my choosing from each of their varsity and JV squads.
The first Friday home game will always be "Hawaiian Shirt Night" perpetually.
The Richlands High School Blue Tornado Marching Band will allow alumni to play every home game.....perpetually.
Guest player approval. I have an extensive network of out-of-state friends whose kids are very good football players. We are looking into allowing them to come visit and play one game a year. So far, I've got a killer DT from Florida and an 6', 210lb RB/LB from Georgia scheduled for next year.
Exclusive Veto rights for three plays every game. If I throw my veto flag, the play is wiped out like it never happened. You ain't breaking no big plays on me, fool!
A "Leave Me The Hell Alone" card that I can present when the TCSB wants to suggest something stupid. I get to use it once a month.
If, for some reason, we lose a game, I get to challenge the opposing HC to a fight on the 50 yard line. If I win, I take the win and he takes the lose.
When I beat Union at BSG, their town council has to present the train horn to me, in formal fashion, the following day. I will immediately have it smelted.
Make It, Take It scheduling: When I beat you, you have to come to Ernie Hicks every year until you beat me.
Now, I'm realistic.....I probably won't get all of those concessions...probably about 80%. I don't promise a first year complete turn-around....probably take me 2-3 years to win our next state title. But, I promise you, We Comin'!
We're all family in this part of Virginia. We can smack out sibling's around, but if anyone else tries, they have to come through us. This board has always showed that we all share a common thread, we want our team to be successful, but if that don't happen, we automatically pull for the other area teams, not always easy to do, but Southwest VA blood is thicker than water and it shows every year during the playoffs. When Richlands was fortunate enough to be on top and go to state playoffs, I was amazed at all the area fans from other schools who were there in their colors pulling for the Blues. The same goes for all the Blues fans who don the blue and white, but cheer for other teams from the area during their playoff games. We are SWVA.
Old throw back ball control offense designed to get 4 yards a carry. If you watched Central during that time period and Riverheads tape, you'd see the similarities.
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Who has committed and where?
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Yeah, foot speed was a big issue there. Good frame but was way off in speed and quick twitch and, oddly enough, didn’t dominate or take over games at the 2A level.