Ketch's 10 Thoughts From The Weekend: Sarkisian's youth movement on his staff...

[Ketchum]

It’s literally one of his biggest pieces on this board.

That's not the same thing as saying it's the only logical way.

 

[St. Vince 4 Prez]

I've never thought of him as a left tackle of the future. Neither has Alex.

We've both thought his optimal position is inside, but he has the ability to play tackle.

Maybe that's the disconnect... OB isn't part of the "we" pegging him as the left tackle of the future.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to be wrong on this one.

I see him more as a RT in the future. While I don't necessarily disagree that his highest upside could be inside, Flood has to project a few of these guys as future Tackle guys.

In reviewing who we have committed and/or going after, process of elimination would dictate:

Hutson - Guard/Center
Robertson - Center.....maybe Guard
Campbell - Guard
Neto - Guard......maybe Tackle with his long wing span
Banks - Tackle......maybe Guard
Agbo - Guard.........maybe Tackle
Williams - Tackle

Would seem based off interviews the staff pitched Tackle to Banks pretty extensively while recruiting him and Williams looks like a guy that could play RT as well. Someone is going to have to play tackle out of necessity, as we can't have 7 guard or center additions.

 

[tmoney121212]

That's not the same thing as saying it's the only logical way.

Statistical breakdown of a player at a position seems more logical than some opinion pieces.

 

[Ketchum]

I see him more as a RT in the future. While I don't necessarily disagree that his highest upside could be inside, Flood has to project a few of these guys as future Tackle guys.

In reviewing who we have committed and/or going after, process of elimination would dictate:

Hutson - Guard/Center
Robertson - Center.....maybe Guard
Campbell - Guard
Neto - Guard......maybe Tackle with his long wing span
Banks - Tackle......maybe Guard
Agbo - Guard.........maybe Tackle
Williams - Tackle

Would seem based off interviews the staff pitched Tackle to Banks pretty extensively while recruiting him and Williams looks like a guy that could play RT as well. Someone is going to have to play tackle out of necessity, as we can't have 7 guard or center additions.

First of all... really good post. Some thoughts.

a. If he's going to play tackle, I totally agree that right tackle is the more likely home.

b. When projecting guys to the next level, I rarely care about where they play in high school. Just because he played left tackle in high school, it doesn't mean that he is best-suited there in college. That's what good coaching is for.

c. More times than not, colleges and NFL teams slowly work a guy into the left tackle spot. Usually, you'll see a guy get a year or two at right tackle before the move to the left side is made.

d. Texas doesn't have any luxuries with regards to the left tackle position. There are no great options. Playing an 18-year old true freshman at left tackle is not. a great option, even if he is a great prospect.

e. There's no getting around the fact that this monster class if super heavy on guys that best project as interior linemen. There's also no getting around the fact that someone is going to have to play outside based on the logjam inside and the needs outside.

f. I'm sure they did sell Banks on him playing tackle. Once upon a time, schools were telling Eric Winston that he could stay at tight end instead of the offensive line. WE argued on the phone one time when he was in high school about it for about 30 minutes. Schools say whatever they have to say.

g. Banks probably shows up on day one and is a better option that Christian Jones, but that's not optimal as much as it's setting the bar really low because of need.

h. If he plays left tackle for 12 games next season, people simply need to be prepared for some tough days. That's a huge ask, five-star or not.

 

[Ketchum]

Statistical breakdown of a player at a position seems more logical than some opinion pieces.

I suppose it depends on what your hopeful end goal of the process is.

 

[Seftees]

Does Sam count? Just trying to figure out how low/high the bar has to be.

27-16 as a starter with one 10 win season, I'd say no. Sam is a great guy but was nothing more than a good qb with plenty of flaws. I'm looking for a very good to great qb.

Here's some examples for you:

Jason White
Sam Bradford
VY
Bradford
Tua
AJ McCarron
Greg McElroy
Sunshine
Deshaun Watson
Matt Leinart
Troy Smith
Braxton Miller
JT Barrett
Justin Fields
Marcus Mariota
Jameis Winston
Baker Mayfield (only 8-4 but for Tech thats like a 10 win season for a freshman starter)
Eric Crouch
Tim Tebow
Stafford


The ones I could find the other way:

Carson Palmer
Chris Leak (Tebow and defensively assisted for the final championship his SR year)
Herbert
Luck

I'm sure I'm missing a few, but the point remains if we want Texas to make the turn to get back to championship'esque football, going 7-5 under Ewers year one is going to show us he probably isn't going to get us there. I'd love for him to prove that wrong..... well actually I wouldn't. I'd rather him just kick ass and take names from the get go as the guys above I listed.

 

[tmoney121212]

I suppose it depends on what your hopeful end goal of the process is.

I have no expectations. I just want to know what a statistical breakdown looks like over some guy deciding with his eyes. While ignoring the performance on the field of others.

 

[Ketchum]

27-16 as a starter with one 10 win season, I'd say no. Sam is a great guy but was nothing more than a good qb with plenty of flaws. I'm looking for a very good to great qb.

Here's some examples for you:

Jason White
Sam Bradford
VY
Bradford
Tua
AJ McCarron
Greg McElroy
Sunshine
Deshaun Watson
Matt Leinart
Troy Smith
Braxton Miller
JT Barrett
Justin Fields
Marcus Mariota
Jameis Winston
Baker Mayfield (only 8-4 but for Tech thats like a 10 win season for a freshman starter)
Eric Crouch
Tim Tebow
Stafford


The ones I could find the other way:

Carson Palmer
Chris Leak (Tebow and defensively assisted for the final championship his SR year)
Herbert
Luck

I'm sure I'm missing a few, but the point remains if we want Texas to make the turn to get back to championship'esque football, going 7-5 under Ewers year one is going to show us he probably isn't going to get us there. I'd love for him to prove that wrong..... well actually I wouldn't. I'd rather him just kick ass and take names from the get go as the guys above I listed.

I think there's a chance he has a Matt Stafford-like career in Austin

 

[Ketchum]

I have no expectations. I just want to know what a statistical breakdown looks like over some guy deciding with his eyes. While ignoring the performance on the field of others.

You just want a statistical breakdown of the game to tell you whether he played well or not?

 

[tmoney121212]

You just want a statistical breakdown of the game to tell you whether he played well or not?

I’d really like a statically breakdown of all the LT that played in the game to determine if he was deserving of the critique he got from this particular writer. But I’ll take statistical breakdown of just him to determine how he looked.

 

[Ketchum]

I’d really like a statically breakdown of all the LT that played in the game to determine if he was deserving of the critique he got from this particular writer. But I’ll take statistical breakdown of just him to determine how he looked.

What about the rest of the week?

 

[darrenj]

First of all... really good post. Some thoughts.

a. If he's going to play tackle, I totally agree that right tackle is the more likely home.

b. When projecting guys to the next level, I rarely care about where they play in high school. Just because he played left tackle in high school, it doesn't mean that he is best-suited there in college. That's what good coaching is for.

c. More times than not, colleges and NFL teams slowly work a guy into the left tackle spot. Usually, you'll see a guy get a year or two at right tackle before the move to the left side is made.

d. Texas doesn't have any luxuries with regards to the left tackle position. There are no great options. Playing an 18-year old true freshman at left tackle is not. a great option, even if he is a great prospect.

e. There's no getting around the fact that this monster class if super heavy on guys that best project as interior linemen. There's also no getting around the fact that someone is going to have to play outside based on the logjam inside and the needs outside.

f. I'm sure they did sell Banks on him playing tackle. Once upon a time, schools were telling Eric Winston that he could stay at tight end instead of the offensive line. WE argued on the phone one time when he was in high school about it for about 30 minutes. Schools say whatever they have to say.

g. Banks probably shows up on day one and is a better option that Christian Jones, but that's not optimal as much as it's setting the bar really low because of need.

h. If he plays left tackle for 12 games next season, people simply need to be prepared for some tough days. That's a huge ask, five-star or not.

So a freshman QB with a freshman starting at Left Tackle as well? Heck, What could possibly go wrong with that scenario?

 

[Ketchum]

So a freshman QB with a freshman starting at Left Tackle as well? Heck, What could possibly go wrong with that scenario?

There seems to be a thought process from some that doing so will result in a get-out-of-jail card for Sarkisian.

I find that to be naive, personally.

 

[St. Vince 4 Prez]

First of all... really good post. Some thoughts.

a. If he's going to play tackle, I totally agree that right tackle is the more likely home.

b. When projecting guys to the next level, I rarely care about where they play in high school. Just because he played left tackle in high school, it doesn't mean that he is best-suited there in college. That's what good coaching is for.

c. More times than not, colleges and NFL teams slowly work a guy into the left tackle spot. Usually, you'll see a guy get a year or two at right tackle before the move to the left side is made.

d. Texas doesn't have any luxuries with regards to the left tackle position. There are no great options. Playing an 18-year old true freshman at left tackle is not. a great option, even if he is a great prospect.

e. There's no getting around the fact that this monster class if super heavy on guys that best project as interior linemen. There's also no getting around the fact that someone is going to have to play outside based on the logjam inside and the needs outside.

f. I'm sure they did sell Banks on him playing tackle. Once upon a time, schools were telling Eric Winston that he could stay at tight end instead of the offensive line. WE argued on the phone one time when he was in high school about it for about 30 minutes. Schools say whatever they have to say.

g. Banks probably shows up on day one and is a better option that Christian Jones, but that's not optimal as much as it's setting the bar really low because of need.

h. If he plays left tackle for 12 games next season, people simply need to be prepared for some tough days. That's a huge ask, five-star or not.

A. I agree, shouldn't even discuss him as a LT option. I wish more of these OL were graduating early like Hutson.

B. I agree wholeheartedly.

C. Takes a special talent and body type to walk in and start at LT on a major power 5 team. Banks isn't that mammoth 6'7 340 lb unicorn guy.

D. Shouldn't even be in the cards for him to play LT. Jones is our LT for the foreseeable future until he isn't.

E. I agree, someone is going to have to play Tackle and the most likely options are Williams, Banks, and Neto.

F. I agree, coaches will say whatever they need to say to get a kid on campus. The examples of this over time exemplifies this statement.

G. It's a big spring for guys like Jones, Garth, and Karic.

H. If he has to play LT, then we either had injuries that dictated this or the less likely option he shows up to campus in the summer and Flood does an amazing job with him and he improves dramatically. Best case scenario is that Jones takes another step and Karic bulks up dramatically this offseason.

 

[Ketchum]

A. I agree, shouldn't even discuss him as a LT option. I wish more of these OL were graduating early like Hutson.

B. I agree wholeheartedly.

C. Takes a special talent and body type to walk in and start at LT on a major power 5 team. Banks isn't that mammoth 6'7 340 lb unicorn guy.

D. Shouldn't even be in the cards for him to play LT. Jones is our LT for the foreseeable future until he isn't.

E. I agree, someone is going to have to play Tackle and the most likely options are Williams, Banks, and Neto.

F. I agree, coaches will say whatever they need to say to get a kid on campus. The examples of this over time exemplifies this statement.

G. It's a big spring for guys like Jones, Garth, and Karic.

H. If he has to play LT, then we either had injuries that dictated this or the less likely option he shows up to campus in the summer and Flood does an amazing job with him and he improves dramatically. Best case scenario is that Jones takes another step and Karic bulks up dramatically this offseason.

You're like the brother I never had.

 

[St. Vince 4 Prez]

You're like the brother I never had.

 

[tmoney121212]

What about the rest of the week?

I’m of the opinion that games out weigh practices. Look at Card and Thompson.

 

[darrenj]

There seems to be a thought process from some that doing so will result in a get-out-of-jail card for Sarkisian.

I find that to be naive, personally.

If he wins 6 or 7 games next year that card will be used up really quickly and his 3rd yr will be filled with a lot of pressure to actually do something and win some freaking games!

He is not in the SEC yet. No reason to have back to back mediocre seasons. Heck, This season wasn't even mediocre it was plain terrible.

 

[Seftees]

I think there's a chance he has a Matt Stafford-like career in Austin

He goes 133/256, 7td and 13int's, 109 passer rating year one and Sark doesn't bench him way before the end of the year..... we have much bigger problems than just Ewers and it starts with Sark.

I'd bet his has a substantially better year than that. Hell he's just gotta be Casey Thompson to do that.

 

[LonghornsLegend]

So is it not even going to be mentioned Kelvin Banks played LT his entire time and is playing RT for the first time at this camp? Sometimes there are actually tangible situations worth discussing a performance instead of "he didn't play well not that good".

 

[Ketchum]

I’m of the opinion that games out weigh practices. Look at Card and Thompson.

I disagree in All-America game settings, as do most of the people who cover them.

 

[Ketchum]

If he wins 6 or 7 games next year that card will be used up really quickly and his 3rd yr will be filled with a lot of pressure to actually do something and win some freaking games!

He is not in the SEC yet. No reason to have back to back mediocre seasons. Heck, This season wasn't even mediocre it was plain terrible.

No doubt.

 

[Ketchum]

He goes 133/256, 7td and 13int's, 109 passer rating year one and Sark doesn't bench him way before the end of the year..... we have much bigger problems than just Ewers and it starts with Sark.

I'd bet his has a substantially better year than that. Hell he's just gotta be Casey Thompson to do that.

I didn't mean that part. I was thinking more of his junior season,.

 

[Seftees]

I didn't mean that part. I was thinking more of his junior season,.

Well hell yeah, I'm on board for that. He does that, we aren't going 7-5.

 

[Ketchum]

So is it not even going to be mentioned Kelvin Banks played LT his entire time and is playing RT for the first time at this camp? Sometimes there are actually tangible situations worth discussing a performance instead of "he didn't play well not that good".

We have officially overcooked the grits on the left/right tackle thing.

lol at the notion it hasn't been mentioned.

 

[dfechtman]

Anything on Patterson?

 

[Ketchum]

Anything on Patterson?

I'm starting to think this is not going to happen, but nothing new to officially report.

 

[dfechtman]

I'm starting to think this is not going to happen, but nothing new to officially report.

your thoughts on that?

 

[Okie4horns]

Name me the last qb that went 7-5 his first year as a starter and then made waves there after. Please no teams like Utah State, or Illinois. Big boy schools. Aranda took a team from 2 wins to 12. If Sark and Ewers are going to be "the guy", 7-5 isn't going to cut it next year.

If we want to go 5-7 and 7-5, we can go hire Charlie Strong again for much cheaper..... or a multitude of other coaches.

Sam? 7-5 and the won 10 and Sugar Bowl?

 

[Ketchum]

your thoughts on that?

Missed chance to get better, but it might not be anyone's fault.

 

[Okie4horns]

Missed chance to get better, but it might not be anyone's fault.

I've heard that they are still talking with him.

 

[longhornlm]

You're like the brother I never had.

Play brother?

 

[Ketchum]

Play brother?

 

[boernefan]

A. I agree, shouldn't even discuss him as a LT option. I wish more of these OL were graduating early like Hutson.

B. I agree wholeheartedly.

C. Takes a special talent and body type to walk in and start at LT on a major power 5 team. Banks isn't that mammoth 6'7 340 lb unicorn guy.

D. Shouldn't even be in the cards for him to play LT. Jones is our LT for the foreseeable future until he isn't.

E. I agree, someone is going to have to play Tackle and the most likely options are Williams, Banks, and Neto.

F. I agree, coaches will say whatever they need to say to get a kid on campus. The examples of this over time exemplifies this statement.

G. It's a big spring for guys like Jones, Garth, and Karic.

H. If he has to play LT, then we either had injuries that dictated this or the less likely option he shows up to campus in the summer and Flood does an amazing job with him and he improves dramatically. Best case scenario is that Jones takes another step and Karic bulks up dramatically this offseason.

I like your best case scenario and I hope all of our returning linemen take big steps this off season.

 

[Seftees]

Sam? 7-5 and the won 10 and Sugar Bowl?

You'll have to excuse me if I expect and want more from Ewers than Sam. He just wasn't that great. He followed that Sugar Bowl up by going 15-8. Sam isn't in the category of started bad and then made waves after IMO. The Sugar Bowl is nice and all but we still lost 4 games that season. The guys I mentioned later in the thread don't even get close to losing 4 games in a season.