Big Bad Dog Backers Re''Spond''

[OklahomaIrish]

Just got back from the promised land. On the way up I was thinking our defense took a hit when we lost Danny Spond. I knew we could trust him to control the edge and he was adequate in his pass drops. He was primed for the best year of his life, and then he was lost.

 

As soon as I hit campus I picked up a copy of the South Bend Tribune and it had a big article on Ben Councell. It talked how the guys were praying for Danny every day and that he was getting better. It also mentioned that Ben was running with the ones and holding off Jaylon Smith.

 

It talked about how Councell was the most improved player from last spring and he was just now learning to use his bigger body. The kid is over 6' 4'' and weighs about 253. If you remember, he was recruited for his speed as well as athleticism. Well, he is continuing to get better and better. Coaches say he really got their attention when he wins some of the battles with Troy Niklas.

 

Of course Jaylon is pushing him hard and is simply amazing in his pass drops. Nobody can catch a pass on him. Don't know if he has been challenged by Corey Robinson yet though!!!

 

So, my point is. I truly think we will be better now at the all important dog position. It will be a two man rotation as opposed to Danny holding down the fort by himself. Jaylon probably will get the passing downs and Ben will get the running downs. this is a two headed monster and the upside is incredible. Look for more big plays than if Danny held the spot. Look for the same consistency against the run. Look for championship football with loads of eligibility. I'm pumped.

[REMND]

Just got back from the promised land. On the way up I was thinking our defense took a hit when we lost Danny Spond. I knew we could trust him to control the edge and he was adequate in his pass drops. He was primed for the best year of his life, and then he was lost.

 

As soon as I hit campus I picked up a copy of the South Bend Tribune and it had a big article on Ben Councell. It talked how the guys were praying for Danny every day and that he was getting better. It also mentioned that Ben was running with the ones and holding off Jaylon Smith.

 

It talked about how Councell was the most improved player from last spring and he was just now learning to use his bigger body. The kid is over 6' 4'' and weighs about 253. If you remember, he was recruited for his speed as well as athleticism. Well, he is continuing to get better and better. Coaches say he really got their attention when he wins some of the battles with Troy Niklas.

 

Of course Jaylon is pushing him hard and is simply amazing in his pass drops. Nobody can catch a pass on him. Don't know if he has been challenged by Corey Robinson yet though!!!

 

So, my point is. I truly think we will be better now at the all important dog position. It will be a two man rotation as opposed to Danny holding down the fort by himself. Jaylon probably will get the passing downs and Ben will get the running downs. this is a two headed monster and the upside is incredible. Look for more big plays than if Danny held the spot. Look for the same consistency against the run. Look for championship football with loads of eligibility. I'm pumped.

 

I can see how teams might go to a quick snap on 3rd down to keep us from substituting. We are considering bringing Grace, Smith, Ishaq and/or Cole on passing downs. We are going to have to be really efficient in the process of our substitution packages. I expect some hiccups and unwanted Timeouts.

 

Councell is no Smith in pass coverage but it is nice to know that he can do it unlike Carlo.

 

The rotation at dog really might be a strength. Hopefully the added tutoring by Spond pays dividends. I think it should.

[OKCIrish99]

Long term, think we'll be better yes. Immediately no. Councell and Smith won't know the system as well and be able to provide the leadership Spond would. These traits along with excellent fundamentals made Spond a great player who will be missed. However, Jaylon and Councell will do just fine Oklahoma, agreed. Smith's range is insane. This kid has the ability to take over a game from his position. Mark it down.

 

Go Irish!!

[OklahomaIrish]

Long term, think we'll be better yes. Immediately no. Councell and Smith won't know the system as well and be able to provide the leadership Spond would. These traits along with excellent fundamentals made Spond a great player who will be missed. However, Jaylon and Councell will do just fine Oklahoma, agreed. Smith's range is insane. This kid has the ability to take over a game from his position. Mark it down.

 

Go Irish!!

 

 

Surely not 'better' immediately, Ed, but much more upside and potential for the big play. Jaylon is going to get a couple picks. Never had that feeling with Spond. No reason Councell can't be pretty good in his drops. Watched film of the drill where they lay on their backs, jump up and accelerate. He looked really good. He is rare himself. He's overshadowed by Smith but his speed, height and athleticism make him dangerous in his drops.

 

Just a very good situation as we get better every day. First real test is Michigan.

[chirodomer]

Wait until you see Jaylon against competition! You guys are going to freak!

[OKCIrish99]

Surely not 'better' immediately, Ed, but much more upside and potential for the big play. Jaylon is going to get a couple picks. Never had that feeling with Spond. No reason Councell can't be pretty good in his drops. Watched film of the drill where they lay on their backs, jump up and accelerate. He looked really good. He is rare himself. He's overshadowed by Smith but his speed, height and athleticism make him dangerous in his drops.

 

Just a very good situation as we get better every day. First real test is Michigan.

Agreed. Jaylon brings the pass rushing element also, which really wasn't in Spond's repertoire. If anyone doesn't realize how sick this kid's physique and athleticism is, please go to around page 10 of the "Fall Camp" thread. There is a pic with him and Redfield. Smith is shredded. I really thought Councell would get on the field quicker. This is the 2nd year in a row where he had a good chance to start and won't. Yes, he'll play though. For Smith to already jump him is noteworthy.

[OKCIrish99]

Wait until you see Jaylon against competition! You guys are going to freak!

I hope he brings the "superfreak" out in me brother.

[BlackIrish42]

Agreed. Jaylon brings the pass rushing element also, which really wasn't in Spond's repertoire. If anyone doesn't realize how sick this kid's physique and athleticism is, please go to around page 10 of the "Fall Camp" thread. There is a pic with him and Redfield. Smith is shredded. I really thought Councell would get on the field quicker. This is the 2nd year in a row where he had a good chance to start and won't. Yes, he'll play though. For Smith to already jump him is noteworthy.

 

He us shredded, yes but not big enough still. He will be a concern in the running game.

[OKCIrish99]

He us shredded, yes but not big enough still. He will be a concern in the running game.

Have you seen extensive hs clips of him? Did he show any liabilities v. the run? Kid looks like he'd run right through you like a truck. Maybe, he'll struggle with bigger backs but ordinary backs should not be a problem.

[NDhoosier]

Losing Spond hurts because he had to quit something he loved to do. However, like I said from a football standpoint, DOG may be the one position where we can lose a starter and fill it in with another high caliber player. I am high on Ben Councell, and I think everyone and their mother is through the roof when it comes to Jaylon Smith. Dont think DOG will miss much of a beat.

[OklahomaIrish]

Agreed. Jaylon brings the pass rushing element also, which really wasn't in Spond's repertoire. If anyone doesn't realize how sick this kid's physique and athleticism is, please go to around page 10 of the "Fall Camp" thread. There is a pic with him and Redfield. Smith is shredded. I really thought Councell would get on the field quicker. This is the 2nd year in a row where he had a good chance to start and won't. Yes, he'll play though. For Smith to already jump him is noteworthy.

 

Just saw the picture you mentioned in the other thread Ed. I knew Jaylon was ripped, he was that way in high school, but Redfield looked pretty good too. 5 star guys work their asses off. It's not all just natural talent. These guys will rise to the top of the depth chart. I bet Redfield hits like Shumate. Can't wait to have both of them in the backfield at the same time.

 

Cornerback will be strong for a long long time with Cole Luke, Devin Butler and Rashad Kinlaw. Kinlaw is very raw but extremely talented.

 

anybody notice the little Atkinson moved to receiver??? Wonder what he can do.

[BlackIrish42]

Have you seen extensive hs clips of him? Did he show any liabilities v. the run? Kid looks like he'd run right through you like a truck. Maybe, he'll struggle with bigger backs but ordinary backs should not be a problem.

 

I have seen him and I know that he still looks slimmer than all the other LB's. And it's the linemen who will run right at him that I am worried about, not backs. Look, he's super talented and athletic but he is 15-20lbs too light right now. It is a concern...

[golson5]

Hope the coaches allow Jaylon to rush the passer

[OKCIrish99]

I have seen him and I know that he still looks slimmer than all the other LB's. And it's the linemen who will run right at him that I am worried about, not backs. Look, he's super talented and athletic but he is 15-20lbs too light right now. It is a concern...

That is a concern I agree. But, that linemen will have to get past Tuitt, Day, Rochell, Schwenke, etc. first. Everyone keeps worrying about our dline depth. I'm not too worried. Schwenke and Stockton are going to surprise people this year. They are both damn big now. Jaylon will be fine. Maybe, have him put on some weight, but I don't want to lose a nanosecond of speed.

 

Redfield and Shumate not starting I don't like. I don't care if they don't know Diaco's system perfectly. Way too talented to not play. Collinsworth is too small anyway for strong safety. Kid is ripped though, and the bloodlines are there.

[OklahomaIrish]

Jaylon is undersized at this point when taking on a lineman or tight end, but Councell is plenty big and strong enough. I think we will see a healthy rotation and Councell more against the run. For me Councell + Smith > Spond.