Overall I think this was a successful season. Given where this program was for the past 10 years, back to back years in the playoffs feels pretty damn good. I know the expectations coming in to this year were a bit higher from players, coaches, and fans alike (myself included), but finishing 3rd in conference and second round of playoffs isn't something to hang your head about. I think the finish down the stretch was the most disappointing aspect of the season and the main reason we had NDSU in the second round instead of the quarters/semis. They are going to be a tough out the rest of the playoffs.
With that said, that loss has over the weekend has really highlighted some areas where we need to improve if we are going to take that next step. I've listed my top three positions of need in preparation for next year. Curious to what others think...I'm confident the first two will appear on most lists 😀. This of course is before any transfer news, things could obviously change.
1. Offensive Line: We lose Big Z and but should bring back all the other starters (including Francis who was injured early in the season). Wormsley struggled in relief at center and it never really felt like we were able to lineup and run the ball on many teams this year (even when Francis was healthy). Obviously need to replace Furcron (no easy task), but we have to get stronger and deeper. I know we've got a couple commitments already (a 3 star Jimmy Lansing being one), but I'd like to see a transfer or two who's ready to go for next year as well.
2. Defensive Line: We lose quite a bit from this year's line (Kevin G., Knighton, and Berner) and although we seemed pretty deep (8-10 deep), we really struggled to control the line of scrimmage against against NDSU. We need some big bodied run stoppers to clog up the running lanes and some ends who can set an edge against some of theses run heavy teams (pretty much all the Dakota schools). This is another area where it looks like they are targeting folks pretty heavily. I'd expect to see a couple transfers at this position too.
3. Linebacker: This one may be a bit of a surprise for some, but hear me out. We lose Notree, Coleman, and Strong (due to injury...sounds like he's done playing football). We played Patterson and Combs quite a bit (one a converted safety and the other a converted WR), both of which I expect to improve next year, but I think they are both WILL backers. We've got quite a few freshmen LBs on the roster and the transfer from Purdue, but when I sat down to think about who replaces Notree in the middle (another critical piece in stopping the run game) , I didn't have a good answer. We need some depth here...pieces that are ready to step right in on the two deep.
I think we are deep at the skill positions (as of now...again transfers happen) and the secondary, although we are going to miss Qua. Hopeful we can make a big splash recruiting and keep building on this momentum. Looking forward to next year...until then I'll be enjoying cheering on the Dawgs on the hardcourt!
@siu_2011IB
I thought Zach Burrola and Makel Calhoun played very well, Burrola especially in the game Notree was thrown out for targeting - LB
You're right on the OL and DL. Good teams run the ball and keep the other team from running the ball
We need more imagination on play calling, especially in short yardage/goal line
Finally, to address and elephant I see in the room. I don't see us getting much better playing a 5'9" (listed, more likely 5'7") QB. Nic has great arm talent but a lot of throws were knocked down at the line and they have to roll him out so he can see the field
@siu_2011IB
I thought Zach Burrola and Makel Calhoun played very well, Burrola especially in the game Notree was thrown out for targeting - LB
You're right on the OL and DL. Good teams run the ball and keep the other team from running the ball
We need more imagination on play calling, especially in short yardage/goal lineFinally, to address and elephant I see in the room. I don't see us getting much better playing a 5'9" (listed, more likely 5'7") QB. Nic has great arm talent but a lot of throws were knocked down at the line and they have to roll him out so he can see the field
They have a pretty full QB room at this point. It'll be interesting to see who emerges (if anyone) with a full off season of work. I'm sure there will be a lot of competition and hopefully that pushes everyone to get better.
Nick Hill season ending interview:
@siu_2011IB
I thought Zach Burrola and Makel Calhoun played very well, Burrola especially in the game Notree was thrown out for targeting - LB
You're right on the OL and DL. Good teams run the ball and keep the other team from running the ball
We need more imagination on play calling, especially in short yardage/goal lineFinally, to address and elephant I see in the room. I don't see us getting much better playing a 5'9" (listed, more likely 5'7") QB. Nic has great arm talent but a lot of throws were knocked down at the line and they have to roll him out so he can see the field
I think it will come down to Baker or Lindauer. IMO there were opportunities to go to QB2 this year and Hill never pulled the trigger. Baker had some really nice games and finished the year with a couple good tournament wins. I thought we had a couple games towards the end of the year where Hill would have went with Norton to see if it sparked the offense.
@siu_2011IB
I thought Zach Burrola and Makel Calhoun played very well, Burrola especially in the game Notree was thrown out for targeting - LB
You're right on the OL and DL. Good teams run the ball and keep the other team from running the ball
We need more imagination on play calling, especially in short yardage/goal lineFinally, to address and elephant I see in the room. I don't see us getting much better playing a 5'9" (listed, more likely 5'7") QB. Nic has great arm talent but a lot of throws were knocked down at the line and they have to roll him out so he can see the field
I think it will come down to Baker or Lindauer. IMO there were opportunities to go to QB2 this year and Hill never pulled the trigger. Baker had some really nice games and finished the year with a couple good tournament wins. I thought we had a couple games towards the end of the year where Hill would have went with Norton to see if it sparked the offense.
I like Lindauer's size. What type of QB is he?
As far as imagination on play calling...I see a pattern with Nick where our playbook seems to be wide open the first part of the season, but gets in to rut later in the season with a much smaller selection. I'm no football coach, so maybe there is a reason for that.
@siu_2011IB
I thought Zach Burrola and Makel Calhoun played very well, Burrola especially in the game Notree was thrown out for targeting - LB
You're right on the OL and DL. Good teams run the ball and keep the other team from running the ball
We need more imagination on play calling, especially in short yardage/goal lineFinally, to address and elephant I see in the room. I don't see us getting much better playing a 5'9" (listed, more likely 5'7") QB. Nic has great arm talent but a lot of throws were knocked down at the line and they have to roll him out so he can see the field
I think it will come down to Baker or Lindauer. IMO there were opportunities to go to QB2 this year and Hill never pulled the trigger. Baker had some really nice games and finished the year with a couple good tournament wins. I thought we had a couple games towards the end of the year where Hill would have went with Norton to see if it sparked the offense.
I like Lindauer's size. What type of QB is he?
As far as imagination on play calling...I see a pattern with Nick where our playbook seems to be wide open the first part of the season, but gets in to rut later in the season with a much smaller selection. I'm no football coach, so maybe there is a reason for that.
I pasted a link to his high school stats below. Up until his Senior year it looks like he was mostly a drop back QB, but ended up rushing for 500 yards his last year (he also threw for a ton too). Looks like he might have some dual threat capabilities.
https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/michael-lindauer/ElhvlinbEeWrOKA2nzwY6g/football/stats.htm
Landon Lenoir declared for the NFL Draft
Based on this tweet, it looks like Hill has hired his new defensive line coach
Blessed to receive an Offer from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale🙏🏽🤞🏾@17NickHill @Coach_PatKuntz pic.twitter.com/BLMVlBYEa1
— Sidney Houston (@sidneyhouston45) December 24, 2021
After looking at his Twitter account I believe he is a DT transferring from McKendree
I think you mean Defense Line coach?
Indeed I did thanks for catching that.
After looking at his Twitter account I believe he is a DT transferring from McKendree
That was a DT that was offered, but in his tweet he thanked Hill and another coach that was on VMI’s staff as DL coach and run game coordinator.
Looks like the Pat Kuntz hire as DL coach is official (excuse me if it's already been posted). Played at Notre Dame, then had coaching stints at Indiana and VMI.
https://footballscoop.com/news/notre-dame-fighting-irish-vmi-siu-pat-kuntz
