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!
Given my above wishlist, I wanted to circle back on the recruiting class for this year and see how Hill's priorities lined up.
1. Offensive Line: It appears Nick thought this was more of a coaching issue than a personnel issue as we signed 4 O-lineman, but they were all freshmen (typically freshmen don't come in a start right away) and he replaced the O-Line coach.
Personally, this position now gives me the most pause going in to next year unless they pick up some transfers before next year. I don't know if bringing in a new coach is going to magically fix this.
2. Defensive Line: We did bring in a couple transfers in Orebo (DE) and Hamdan (DT) and signed on freshmen in Banks. We also lost a pretty good young DT in Belizaire...again doesn't feel like he's too worried about this position, and that concerns me. We struggled mightily stopping the run, I hope another year getting stronger and the new DL coach can sure this up.
3. Line Backers: This is an area where I guess we agreed because they signed 5 LBs (3 transfers and 2 freshmen). I like the pickups, especially Douglas, who played a lot at Central Michigan the last couple years at MLB.
An area where I was a bit surprised was the number of DBs we took (5 DBs, 3 transfers)...I guess with Bush maybe leaving that makes sense and we are DB University after all.
All in all still a bit nervous going in to next year up front on both sides of the ball, but I'll defer to the coaches on this that they got what they needed...better football minds than I have.
still curious about Lindauer. Is he still hurt? I watched the youtube of the first practice and I see Nic and Stone working. I hear him coaching up Hunter. What is going on with Lindauer?
Released and 100% following 5 month shoulder surgery rehab. Sounds like Hill/drs/trainers decided only non live throwing during spring football. Full practice activities starting during summer and summer camp. 4 years eligibility remaining after medical redshirt from fall 21.
Better add a place kicker. SIU just lost theirs with 5 years remaining to the transfer portal.
I'm not sayin' -- I'm just sayin'!
Better add a place kicker. SIU just lost theirs with 5 years remaining to the transfer portal.
Who was it?
Better add a place kicker. SIU just lost theirs with 5 years remaining to the transfer portal.
Who was it?
https://twitter.com/MarlonHauck/status/1518740158580940801
Better add a place kicker. SIU just lost theirs with 5 years remaining to the transfer portal.
Who was it?
https://twitter.com/MarlonHauck/status/1518740158580940801
Thanks, was he projected to be the starter or is that Baumgarte?
Thanks, was he projected to be the starter or is that Baumgarte?
Guessing he wasn't if he's transferring out. They also had a WR and a QB join the portal today.
Thanks, was he projected to be the starter or is that Baumgarte?
Guessing he wasn't if he's transferring out. They also had a WR and a QB join the portal today.
Yeah saw Foss is leaving, bummed about that one. But Hill likes Baker quite a bit
