Pat Benetar once sang about “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”.
With the Pistol offense run by Nevada, they will be firing a lot of shots in 2009. And delivering most of those shots will be QB Colin Kaepernick (photo, thanks IconSMI), who is one of the most productive QBs in America.
The Pistol offense, used extensively by ChrisAult and his staff at Nevada, has been chewing up yards on the ground and in the air for the past few seasons. It is so common now, most schools are using it on a part-time basis…some on a full-time basis. The modified shotgun formation (where the HB/RB lines up behind the QB…with the QB a few yards behind center) is even being used by NFL teams.
5pm – Raiders just took Heyward-Bey at 7, word on the street is they are now looking at Usain Bolt.
640p – I am digging the Michael Oher interview, what a great attitude and while not humble is graceful. If you don’t know his Blind Side story, here is a link
First off, congratulations on one of the most successful college football careers for any quarterback. Whether as a dual-threat stat machine or the only QB to ever win four bowl games, few signal callers possess your ability to play big in a big game. You will go down as a legendary West Virgina Mountaineer.
Few athletes in college football history amassed highlight runs like you. With top-end speed and enough moves to avoid contact in a phone booth, your wake was filled with broken ankles and beaten defenders. Here are some examples:
Notice how I didn’t mention your passing? While you exhibited excellent accuracy you should abandon the thoughts of playing QB full time in the NFL in order to be one of the most feared athletes in the history of the game…
As of late, the Big 12 North football programs haven’t gotten near the same influx of publicity, love in the media and polls or top-name recruits as their conference counterparts in the South.The North looks to change that this year, aiming to improve the level of competition in the conference as a whole by recruiting the nation’s top talent to the Plains.Here’s a closer look at some of the young men you will see on the gridiron this fall. (Pictured at right is Cody Green of the University of Nebraska)
Colorado
Colorado exited from 2008 signing day expecting to make a splash in the Big 12 North, especially with the addition of Darrell Scott.Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, it was more of a belly flop with an unimpressive 5-7 campaign, and top players like Scott only netting 343 yards on the season.With an incoming class of 19, Coach Hawkins and the Colorado staff worked tirelessly to continue a strong recruiting trend, even luring a recruit away from 2008 National Champion, the Florida Gators.Hawkins and his staff seem to have focused this recruiting season on the entire package, building a culture of success while getting student-athletes that can perform at optimum levels in the classroom as well as on the field.Don’t be surprised then to find several playing an integral role on the Buffaloes roster in this, their freshman campaign.
Nick Kasa (6’7”, 250 lb.), a defensive end, will be joining the Buffs from nearby Broomfield, Colorado.Kasa was recruited nationally, considering the likes of Cal, Notre Dame, Miami and was a de-commitment from the University of Florida, in part due to the Gators coaching staff suggesting he consider a move to offense.Kasa racked up school records with 31 ½ sacks and 46 tackles for loss at Legacy High School, including 12 during his senior campaign.He is very tall and lean, but should be able to bulk up and add to his already solid pass rush and pursuit skills.His athleticism is obvious — Kasa not only played defense, but also contributed greatly as an offensive tackle and powerback in high school, while also participating on Legacy High’s track team.Subsequently, expect for Hawkins to use Kasa in a variety of game-day situations, not only defensively, but also on offense and special teams. Read the rest of this entry →
The Baltimore Ravens undoubtedly possess one of the strongest defensive units in the entire NFL. Yet, age is beginning to have an effect on the overall effectiveness of the group, with three of their top four corners and the team’s top linebacker all over the age of 30. As such, a primary objective for Baltimore’s front office in the 2009 Draft is going to be identifying the next generation of defensive players which will serve to eventually replace those above currently listed as starters. Look then for the Ravens to focus on acquiring a cornerback to both backup Samari Rolle and replace Chris McAlister, who was just recently let go by general manager Ozzie Newsome; both D.J. Moore of Vanderbilt or Vontae Davis out of Illinois are names being mentioned as potential interests of the team. Offensively, the Ravens needs are not nearly as pressing. Still, expect Baltimore to try and identify a talented replacement for the aging Derrick Mason at wide receiver, with either Jeremy Maclin of Missouri or Percy Harvin of Florida attractive options. Drafting an additional lineman in order to further solidify the Ravens’ offensive line also could not hurt.
Pat Benetar once sang about “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”.
