Red-shirts

[AASpartan]

Originally Posted by SpartanGA

A teacher for Martin has said he is fine.

I cannot recall if MD specifically mentioned a Freshman or just a player that was struggling a bit.

It was mentioned that a freshman and a player on the team had some work to do.

I hope that he is. The fricking clearinghouse is the problem. Hopefully we don't have any snags in a couple months. They seem to take their time. You've got players that are cleared by the university, but get screwed by the NCAA at the last minute.

[SpartanRocky]

Red shirt break-down

Johnny Adams - no redshirt, will help on special teams/nickel/dime back
Charles Burrell - may redshirt, may end up being our 3rd string QB
John Deyo - redshirt barring a rash of injuries on OL
Steve Gardiner - will likely redshirt to put on 15-25 lbs, but evidently has the best LB skills of any of the recruits, so may see early time
Tyler Hoover - Already our #3 DE and backing up Long and Anderson. No RS.
Zach Hueter - Same as Deyo, OL HAVE to RS baring injuries to half the starters
Cameron Jude - Likely to RS, but we need a 4th DE. Ish Johnson likely to fill in here.
Keshawn Martin - Very talented, and very raw. Maybe used on Special teams, but likely redshirt
Chris McDonald - May get a look at TE due to size and speed (6'5 260 4.65), however if he ends up playing OG, he'll need to RS to add at least 30 lbs
Caulton Ray - Who knows? Could come in and take the back-up spot for Javon, could end up playing DB. A position switch necessitates a RS, and there are so many backs in front of him, he may RS anyways
Trenton Robinson - Will RS to learn the system and get better. Extremely fast, only way he sees the field is on special teams.
David Rolf - Will RS, unless he impresses coaches/ our current LBs get hurt/suck eggs. The same can be said for all our LBs.
Ethan Ruhland - Further along than any other OL, but you really like to RS these guys if you can. Again, rash of injuries could cause a RS to get burned, but I doubt it.
Fred Smith - Reportedly at 6'2 220-225, will play some sort of role on Offense. Our best recruit.
Drew Stevens - Though listed as a LB, he's got FB written all over him. He'll get a RS
Brynden Trawick - RS is a luxury for him and Burrell because of the depth at Safety. If both get the RS, expect them both to make a sizable impact next season.
Myles White - Will RS to put on weight/learn system
Jamiihr Williams - Could be the solution to our MLB problem, could get a RS. Could figure into the depth chart. Ranked the #10 player in OH by one service, but was a 2* in Rivals. . . .who knows?
Glenn Winston - Could be the next Jehuu or play MLB. Will get a serious look in the fall, but will likely RS.
Anthony Woods - RS like all linemen
Jerel Worthy - Has a shot to get PT, but has at least 4 DTs ahead of him (Kershaw, Wilson, Jeremiah, Wheat, Pickleman even), so should be RS (and this should be considered a very very good thing)

Just my 2 cents. .flame away

[dcdsguy]

Originally Posted by SpartanRocky

Red shirt break-down

Johnny Adams - no redshirt, will help on special teams/nickel/dime back
Charles Burrell - may redshirt, may end up being our 3rd string QB
John Deyo - redshirt barring a rash of injuries on OL
Steve Gardiner - will likely redshirt to put on 15-25 lbs, but evidently has the best LB skills of any of the recruits, so may see early time
Tyler Hoover - Already our #3 DE and backing up Long and Anderson. No RS.
Zach Hueter - Same as Deyo, OL HAVE to RS baring injuries to half the starters
Cameron Jude - Likely to RS, but we need a 4th DE. Ish Johnson likely to fill in here.
Keshawn Martin - Very talented, and very raw. Maybe used on Special teams, but likely redshirt
Chris McDonald - May get a look at TE due to size and speed (6'5 260 4.65), however if he ends up playing OG, he'll need to RS to add at least 30 lbs
Caulton Ray - Who knows? Could come in and take the back-up spot for Javon, could end up playing DB. A position switch necessitates a RS, and there are so many backs in front of him, he may RS anyways
Trenton Robinson - Will RS to learn the system and get better. Extremely fast, only way he sees the field is on special teams.
David Rolf - Will RS, unless he impresses coaches/ our current LBs get hurt/suck eggs. The same can be said for all our LBs.
Ethan Ruhland - Further along than any other OL, but you really like to RS these guys if you can. Again, rash of injuries could cause a RS to get burned, but I doubt it.
Fred Smith - Reportedly at 6'2 220-225, will play some sort of role on Offense. Our best recruit.
Drew Stevens - Though listed as a LB, he's got FB written all over him. He'll get a RS
Brynden Trawick - RS is a luxury for him and Burrell because of the depth at Safety. If both get the RS, expect them both to make a sizable impact next season.
Myles White - Will RS to put on weight/learn system
Jamiihr Williams - Could be the solution to our MLB problem, could get a RS. Could figure into the depth chart. Ranked the #10 player in OH by one service, but was a 2* in Rivals. . . .who knows?
Glenn Winston - Could be the next Jehuu or play MLB. Will get a serious look in the fall, but will likely RS.
Anthony Woods - RS like all linemen
Jerel Worthy - Has a shot to get PT, but has at least 4 DTs ahead of him (Kershaw, Wilson, Jeremiah, Wheat, Pickleman even), so should be RS (and this should be considered a very very good thing)

Just my 2 cents. .flame away

I doubt Burrell ends up as our 3rd string QB. That's about as likely as Bates being our 3rd string QB (he was actually a decent QB in high school). I think one of Burrell and Trawick cracks the 2 deeps at safety, the other redshirts. I'm just not sold on Hyde, but who knows.

I think Keshawn has just as much a chance of playing as Fred does, but at least one of them will likely redshirt. Fred has more experience at WR, and is bigger, but Keshawn isn't exactly skinny and with talent like his, you can design whole packages around getting him the ball in space. Keshawn also is probably more versatile because he has a better shot at contributing as a return man. The addition of Keshawn and Adams could possibly make our biggest weakness last year (punt returning) a strength.

I hear McDonald will start out at DE and also get a look at TE before they think about moving him to OG.

Drew Stevens is starting out at Will linebacker, and the staff projects him there. Unless he really doesn't work out as a LB, gets burried on the depth chart, or adds a ton of weight, I see him sticking at LB. I think when a kid has that kind of athleticism, you'd much rather have it at LB than fullback. A fullback is important, but speed at fullback isn't going to change a game the way speed at linebacker can. If he bulks up I see him getting a chance as a pass rusher or maybe moving to TE. I doubt he ever sees time at FB unless he simply doesn't have what it take to play LB (is a poor tackler).

[05steve10]

Originally Posted by AASpartan

It was mentioned that a freshman and a player on the team had some work to do.

I hope that he is. The fricking clearinghouse is the problem. Hopefully we don't have any snags in a couple months. They seem to take their time. You've got players that are cleared by the university, but get screwed by the NCAA at the last minute.

i may be able to get my hands on some roster specifications regarding walk-ons, injury, and grade issues in a few weeks when camp starts. i'll let you know then

[Alcibiades]

Originally Posted by dcdsguy

I doubt Burrell ends up as our 3rd string QB. That's about as likely as Bates being our 3rd string QB (he was actually a decent QB in high school). I think one of Burrell and Trawick cracks the 2 deeps at safety, the other redshirts. I'm just not sold on Hyde, but who knows.

I think Keshawn has just as much a chance of playing as Fred does, but at least one of them will likely redshirt. Fred has more experience at WR, and is bigger, but Keshawn isn't exactly skinny and with talent like his, you can design whole packages around getting him the ball in space. Keshawn also is probably more versatile because he has a better shot at contributing as a return man. The addition of Keshawn and Adams could possibly make our biggest weakness last year (punt returning) a strength.

I hear McDonald will start out at DE and also get a look at TE before they think about moving him to OG.

Drew Stevens is starting out at Will linebacker, and the staff projects him there. Unless he really doesn't work out as a LB, gets burried on the depth chart, or adds a ton of weight, I see him sticking at LB. I think when a kid has that kind of athleticism, you'd much rather have it at LB than fullback. A fullback is important, but speed at fullback isn't going to change a game the way speed at linebacker can. If he bulks up I see him getting a chance as a pass rusher or maybe moving to TE. I doubt he ever sees time at FB unless he simply doesn't have what it take to play LB (is a poor tackler).

The previous list was pretty good, but I agree with your changes. Stevens is way too athletic to turn into a fullback or H Back. Stevens eye popping lateral speed should be enough to solidify him as a OLB spot, and maybe if he gets some pounds give him a look at DE.

McDonald is another one who I see as a Kellen Davis type player trying to play both DE and TE. I just don't think you take a guy who can run a 4.65 at his size and stick him at OG. Maybe if he has lead hands, and if he can't play DE than you look at him for guard.

As for Smith and Martin, personally I would like to see both of them redshirt. Smith has more players ahead of him on the depth chart (with Curry and Cunningham) but is the more polished receiver. Martin is the more raw talent, but has less people ahead of him at his "slot" receiving position. (for a lack of a better term) But ultimately I would like Martin to put on more weight and keep him ready to explode next year. If Smith doesn't redshirt I don't see it as the end of the world.

But I agree with the SpartanRocky's synopsis, in that you redshirt everyone you can. The OL, DL is pretty much a given redshirt (other than Hoover who has already been practicing). And you put in LB's as needed, I think that will be the one position where you will see us need bodies.

The only runningback I can see not getting redshirted is Winston. I could see him fulfilling a little bit of a "powerback" role. I kinda feel bad for Ray, who knows what is going to happen with him.

As for the DB's, I would like to see both Burrell and Trawick get a redshirt, but I imagine one of them won't. Which is fine I guess. Adams is too talented not to see the field. Combine that with the fact that he has already been on campus since the Spring, and I think he is going to make the biggest impact as a freshman.

Personally, barring some extraordinary talent, I hope we are done with the days where we have Freshman coming in to play right away. It's the sign of a good program.

[dcdsguy]

I don't think there is any reason to feel bad for Ray, people seriously underestimate him and who knows what the future holds? Our two 09 commits are really nice, but looking at pictures from Ray from the all star game, it's clear that he is built. He has nice vision and good moves. He may never break the rotation at MSU, but I think he does and I think he has a nice career. I like rooting for the underdog though

[SpartanGA]

I am excited for once that we have multiple solid players for limited spots!! I start to feel bad for some players that I feel will only hit the 2-3 deeps...but we really have no idea until they get to camp and compete.

I dont recall Greg Jones being hyped 1 year ago to his potential. We need a solid deep roster for rotation and injury etc...

Our LB, RB, WR corps amazes me now.

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by dcdsguy

I doubt Burrell ends up as our 3rd string QB. That's about as likely as Bates being our 3rd string QB (he was actually a decent QB in high school). I think one of Burrell and Trawick cracks the 2 deeps at safety, the other redshirts. I'm just not sold on Hyde, but who knows.

I think Keshawn has just as much a chance of playing as Fred does, but at least one of them will likely redshirt. Fred has more experience at WR, and is bigger, but Keshawn isn't exactly skinny and with talent like his, you can design whole packages around getting him the ball in space. Keshawn also is probably more versatile because he has a better shot at contributing as a return man. The addition of Keshawn and Adams could possibly make our biggest weakness last year (punt returning) a strength.

I hear McDonald will start out at DE and also get a look at TE before they think about moving him to OG.

Drew Stevens is starting out at Will linebacker, and the staff projects him there. Unless he really doesn't work out as a LB, gets burried on the depth chart, or adds a ton of weight, I see him sticking at LB. I think when a kid has that kind of athleticism, you'd much rather have it at LB than fullback. A fullback is important, but speed at fullback isn't going to change a game the way speed at linebacker can. If he bulks up I see him getting a chance as a pass rusher or maybe moving to TE. I doubt he ever sees time at FB unless he simply doesn't have what it take to play LB (is a poor tackler).

The Burrell comment was more tongue in cheek than anything. His HS coach said that since he's up to 6'3, Coach D would be "Crazy" not to give him a shot at QB And seeing how we have a 3rd string spot open. . . well, I think there's about a .5% chance of that happening.

I really doubt Fred Smith redshirts. You don't lose a top WR like DT and get a talent like Smith to sit him. He seems to be physically mature, so throw him out there like another DT (not the same #s, obviously, but same physical style).

Agree 100% on the Punt Return stuff

I honestly didn't know a lot about Stevens, didn't think he was that quick. I kinda stuck him at FB because LB seems VERY crowded. Maybe he's the next greg jones, or Ron Stanley Glad to hear that he's got some moves.

McDonald at DE would be fine with me, though we may need him on the OL. Going to be a rough year depth-wise there

[AASpartan]

Originally Posted by AASpartan

It was mentioned that a freshman and a player on the team had some work to do.

I hope that he is. The fricking clearinghouse is the problem. Hopefully we don't have any snags in a couple months. They seem to take their time. You've got players that are cleared by the university, but get screwed by the NCAA at the last minute.

Dantonio mentioned a couple weeks ago that one veteran and one incoming recruit still have academic work to complete, so we'll get an update on that.

I knew I wasn't crazy.

[SpartanRocky]

Originally Posted by AASpartan

I knew I wasn't crazy.

Well, I hope that Martin or whomever is not in real academic trouble. Clearinghouse stuff can be sorted out, but I really like that exactly 0 of our players have been in trouble this offseason.