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Post by hoobs on Jan 28, 2016 16:15:23 GMT -8
I don't think there is much difference in the type of OL recruits you'd target for a conventional pro-set and the type of power-spread (i.e. Oregon, Auburn) that we'd move towards, if we did make that step. There definitely is a difference between pro set and spread offensive linemen. The recruits we're getting are massive bodies (6'5 330+ lbs). They're built for the ground and pound, and getting 20 seconds of rest between downs. Spread linemen are quicker and weigh less. Strength and conditioning can only do so much. If we ever do switch to spread, we'd have to adjust to recruiting smaller linemen with a quicker step. I believe we're talking about very different versions of the "spread" offense. I think you're talking about the version similar to what Texas Tech runs, I'm talking about the version closer to what Oregon runs (and most of their linemen are 290+).
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Post by udiscowithme on Jan 28, 2016 16:31:51 GMT -8
I see your point Hoobs, I think we were on different pages. Oregon runs more of a power spread, rather than a Run and Gun like Texas Tech. Still, looking at Oregon's roster the O-line hovers around the 290-310 lb range. Most of our recruits would have to lose 20-30 lbs to fit into that criteria, which would definitely make a difference in the way they play. It's certainly doable with better conditioning and eating habits (both of which they'll have access to as D-1 scholarship players), but it takes away valuable time from learning to play as a less heavy player.
Interesting tidbit though. Oregon has 14 scholarship o linemen on their roster. If our class stays static, we'll have 9 alone coming in this year. We have 19 o linemen, with 3-4 as seniors or not coming back. I can't imagine that 9 will stay the same once signing day rolls around. I'm not entirely convinced about switching some to d-line either. One, we play a 3-3-5 formation, we don't need that many d linemen. And two, every single one of our d linemen was around 250-260lbs with the lone exception of Heyward who topped out at 300 lbs. No way can you plug in a 6'7 300 lb o lineman into the rotation and expect it to work as well as a d linemen recruit will.
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Post by Ambivalent_Fan on Jan 28, 2016 17:24:33 GMT -8
First P5 schools get the top recruits , for every position including OL . OL they will get guys with strength and speed , that is the difference , and why it takes the G5 recruits longer to develop , P5 OL may just may be better athletes . Really need to spend time with Coach Hall getting their bodies into better condition . Did go look at the Ducks OL . They are similar in size to Aztec recruits , about 6 ' 5" and 290- 300 lbs. But are probably stronger and or quicker as most are rated 4 or 5 star guys . Most G5 recruits are 2 or 3 stars , need the time to develop into quality OL . May not matter what system they are in . IMO a good OC , evaluates his talent and uses whatever schemes or combination of schemes that are best for the talent that he has . Should start with QB and RB's . We have had good RB's for the last 5 years or more BUT We finally won last year because we had QB's that did not TO the ball and could make plays when needed . Not going to win MW championship with out a quality QB and an OL that can control the LOS . Either quick or solid blocking . Name of the game is executing beating the opposing player. Believe Horton thought he would run a combo Pro - Spread . Best of both systems for our QB's . Or maybe he may call it the "APS " AZTEC Pro Spread . Whether it was Lombardi, Madden or Walsh...the great coaches (and football innovators) know that a football begins and ends with the team that controls the line of scrimmage... We have some really big kids coming to San Diego State this year...9 in total...maybe one or two will move the the defensive side of the ball...you can coach strength and technique...but you can't coach size...and these kids are huge 18 year-olds... A solid offensive line that controls the line creates huge gaps for RBs to run through and plenty of time for a QB to look for an open man to throw to... Unlike skill positions, many times linemen are still learning excel at their their respective positions, a lot of the success of a OL is based on size, strength, footwork, and technique. Quickness is often a better trait than top speed. Rocky and the other coaches have done a yeoman's job in finding lower rated big men and turned them into pro-quality players...and now we have 9 additional chances to do the same... I'm super excited about where the program is at and where it is heading...
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Post by hoobs on Jan 28, 2016 18:02:16 GMT -8
Fair point, Disco. At times I may tend to oversell the similarity perhaps to compensate for how I think people mis-judge or exaggerate the differences in approaches to the "spread."
*If* (and that's a big if) SDSU moved to a spread I'm certain it would be of the Oregon / Auburn variety... not what I think most people picture when they read the word "spread offense."
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