SB Nation User Blog: BoVandy

Kansas City Royals Report: Grading Out the Hitters

BoVandy — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:46:08 -0000

Kansas City Royals Report: Grading Out the Hitters

The Royals have been at or near the top of the AL Central since opening day, thanks to Zack Greinke, Gil Meche and the rest of the starting rotation. One drastic difference between this team and last year's Rays is the offensive struggles the Royals are having.

Following the firing of Herm Edwards, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli probably knew that his...

BoVandy — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:14:15 -0000

Following the firing of Herm Edwards, Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli probably knew that his first coaching hire could define his entire career. If his first head coach was successful, Pioli could build on a reputation that is already just this side of glowing

Kansas City Chiefs Revamped Staff Brings Plenty of Experience

Weak West Could Equal Success for Chiefs

BoVandy — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:17:41 -0000

Weak West Could Equal Success for Chiefs

It's odd to say that a team that won just two games a year ago, has the best chance in their division to make the playoffs, but that seems to be the situation the new look Chiefs find themselves in.

49ers Bound and Determined to Be Laughingstock of the NFL

BoVandy — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:58:12 -0000

Let me preface this article by saying that I am not one of those with the opinion that Matt Stafford is the second coming of Joe Montana or John Elway. I was never very impressed by his career at Georgia.

Yes, he put up good numbers, but he didn't strike me as a quarterback that could put a team on his back and carry them to victory. I don't see him as being the quintessential first round pick that so many have since his combine workouts.

Based on what I've seen of his play, he might be a decent backup somewhere, and four or five years down the road, might turn into a Trent Dilfer style. He's a doesn't help the team much, but doesn't hurt the team much type QB.

Having said that, the recent announcement that the San Francisco 49ers are going to stay away from drafting him because their team therapist doesn't think Stafford is handling his parents' divorce perfectly is laugh out loud funny.

This once very proud franchise, one that in the interest of full disclosure I spent my formative years openly rooting against, has fallen on very hard times thanks to some colossal mismanagement.

Since Steve Young left, it's charitable to say that their quarterback situation has been in a state of flux. Their last first round pick at the quarterback position was Alex Smith, and he has been a universal disappointment.

The team has been unwilling to go after, or unable to land high profile established quarterback to man the helm, with Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan taking all the snaps a year ago.

This season, the quarterback battle appears to be between Shaun Hill and the aforementioned Alex Smith, which is why these comments by head coach Mike Singletary are so head scratchingly bizarre.

“If you’re going to look at drafting a guy in the first round, and you’re going to pay him millions of dollars, and asking him about a divorce about his parents, if that’s going to be an issue, uhhh, then you know what, maybe he doesn’t belong here.”

Let me get this straight, because the quarterback didn't feel comfortable discussing a deeply personal matter with a person he didn't know, and who he did know would most likely report whatever he told them to the team, that means he doesn't belong on the 49ers?

It isn't like the kid is stupid. Thanks to leaked information, we know that Stafford scored one of the highest scores on the famed Wunderlic of any of the incoming rookies, posting a 38. This blows away the other quarterbacks in competition for a first round draft slot, as Mark Sanchez scored a 28 and Josh Freeman scored a 27.

So if you are going to ignore the glowing reviews of Stafford's physical performance at the combine and pro-day workouts, and pay special attention to his mental acuity, why does the Wunderlic not carry more water with Singletary and staff?

When Singletary arrived on the scene, the team instantly began playing better football, winning four of their last five games; he seemed to have the team going in the right direction.

That's why it's hard to understand how passing up a quarterback who, by accounts from people who admittedly know more than I do, could be a franchise quarterback because he didn't answer a personal question to their liking is a step in a right direction.

From here, that seems like a way to become the next incarnation of the Detroit Lions.

Poll

Did the 49ers Make the Right Decision?

Yes

98 votes

No

29 votes

127 votes | Poll has closed

With Husker Recruit David Oku, Truth is Stranger than Fiction

BoVandy — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:27:43 -0000

If Husker fans were rocked by the news that quarterback Patrick Witt was leaving the state, then they'll be pretty blown away by the news of who is coming to Lincoln...to attend high school.

Rumors began swirling early this afternoon that none other than David Oku, a four star runningback, and the #1 rated all-purpose back in the 2009 recruiting class might have enrolled at Lincoln East High.

The highly touted prospect had originally committed to Tennessee, but did not sign his letter of intent, and had admitted he was looking around.

Then the rumors started flying, he'd been spotted in class at East. There were phonecalls made to his old highschool, and they confirmed that he had indeed transferred. Rumors cropped up that Oku had met a girl on his official visit here, and wants to be closer to her. Eventually after almost everyone expressed serious doubt that these rumors were remotely true, it came from Oku himself.

He was indeed moving to Lincoln, and would attend East High School.

Initial reactions are that this would be good news for the Huskers football team, however, the staff might not be able to take him. Rex Burkhead was pretty much told he was to be the man for this recruiting cycle, and going after someone so incredibly late in the game like this could seriously hurt the coach's relationship with Rex, and their credibility in the future.

What is certain, is that none of us have seen the end of this story.

Big 12 Recruiting Roundtable: Corn Nation's Edition

BoVandy — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:56:08 -0000

The guys over at the "Ralphie Report" came up with the very good idea of putting together a conference round table, with SB Nation's various Big 12 sites putting together reviews of their team's recruiting efforts.

My review of Nebraska's signing day follow after the jump

Ralphie Report: With some commentary, grade your coaches' performance this recruiting cycle.

The Husker coaches brought in some talent, but really closed the recruiting cycle with a bit of a thud. We had exactly one commit over the last two months. Apparently there were also a few recruits who really liked us, but we got in on them much too late. Myles Wade, the defensive tackle who committed to Texas Tech seemed to show some interest in us, but in the end, didn't want to delay his signing. Why we waited until late January to really pursue him is beyond me. As far as a letter grade, can't give them much higher than a C+

RR: What were some of the major needs this year and did your coaches' adequately address them?

Linebacker and defensive line were two huge needs, and we hauled in two linebackers, and three defensive lineman. Not terrible, but a head coach who made his bones as a DC should be attracting some of the better defensive players in the country.

RR: Who are the three prospects that we all should know about? Are their any players that you feel have a chance to play from Day 1 and contribute?

Quarterback Cody Green has a chance to be very special, and with his ability to run AND pass, teamed with an open roster spot at quarterback for us next year, could POSSIBLY be a starter his freshman season. He's also already enrolled, so he'll get the benefit of a full spring practice in the system.

Rex Burkhead is an all-purpose back who could see some action next season, much like Michigan's McGuffie saw this year. Won't get 20 carries a game, but 5-10 carries, along with passes out in the flat, and some return duty might be a possibility. Jason Ankrah is a DE that could see snaps as a freshman as well.

RR: We all had a couple players that got away that we really wanted. Who were those players and what attributes made those players hard to lose?

There were two defensive lineman I wanted, and seemed like we could have had them, had the coaches worked just a bit harder. Jason Pierre-Paul was a d-end who ended up committing to South Florida (despite being from Kansas) who would have had a chance to start for us next season.

Myles Wade was the other. A four star defensive tackle who actually said the night before signing day that he was going to delay his signing and visit Nebraska. He ended up signing with Tech afterall. That stung

RR: Who is the guy that no one is really talking about or not as much but you feel will be a sleeper when his career is said and done? What are the reasons?

Taylor Martinez is a three star athlete we signed out of California who played quarterback in highschool but who the coaches think projects as a division 1 defensive back. He might turn out to surprise some coaches and actually play some quarterback. He could also turn into a pretty good college safety.

RR: I know it's early, but what are the biggest needs to be filled with the 2010 recruiting class?

Wide receiver. We have quite a stable of good, but not great receivers. Since Nebraska has transitioned over to a passing offense we have not had a game breaker who other defenses feared. That should be the #1 goal of the 2010 recruiting class, and with the numbers our quarterbacks are putting up without that gamebreaker, it really shouldn't be as difficult as it has been to lure one here.

Cornhuskers' Junior Day Attendees

BoVandy — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:22:31 -0000

While the 2009 class is officially signed, sealed, and delivered; the recruiting season is never really over.

This Saturday, Nebraska will host it's first "Junior Day". Some of the better players in the class of 2010 will be visiting Lincoln, so that the coaches can check out the players they'll be recruiting over the next year.

It's also a way for the recruits to see the school without usual an "official visit" so it's a bonus day for everybody.

Here's a list of players that are expected.

James Kohler
Position: OT
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 265
Hometown: Westlake Village, CA

Jared Barnett
Position: QB
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
Hometown: Garland, TX

Jatasun Beachum
Position: QB
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 265
Hometown: Dallas, TX

Chris Adcock
Position: OT
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 282
Hometown: Mesquite, TX

Beau Allen
Position: DT
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 255
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN

Stephen Hopkins
Position: RB
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 210
Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Luke Joeckel
Position: OT
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 275
Hometown: Arlington, TX

Matt Joeckel
Position: QB
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205
Hometown: Arlington, TX

Mason Myers
Position: DT
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 285
Hometown: Moore,OK

Lucas Vincent
Position: DT/DE
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 270
Hometown: Olathe, KS

Jeff Uher
Position: DT
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 255
Hometown: Omaha, NE

Austin Weatherford
Position: OT
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 290
Hometown: Maypearl, TX

Keeston Terry
Position: WR
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 179
Hometown: Blue Springs, MO

This list is far from the only players that NU is looking at. Most of them may not even get official offers from the Cornhuskers. But a few of the guys might be the kind of diamonds in the rough that a program like Nebraska needs to thrive on.

Corn Nation's Husker Signing Day Thread

BoVandy — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:25:07 -0000

Signing Day is finally here!! For myself, and recruiting junkies like me, signing day can be like a second Christmas.

Check back here often as we update you on all the commits that sign on the dotted line and officially become Huskers.

There isn't a whole lot of drama expected today for Nebraska, most of the kids who commit are expected to sign, and there aren't many names out there from other schools who are expected to change their mind at the last minute.

However, as Husker fans know too well, the most drama occurs when the least is expected...Stay Tuned!

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The first big recruiting story of the day is that Myles Wade, a defensive tackle that is rated as a four star recruit by Rivals will not sign with anyone today. Why is that good news for Husker fans? Because he was slated to sign with Texas Tech. Wade has delayed his signing until next Monday so that he can come visit NU.

Four star defensive end Jason Ankrah has signed his LOI

Offensive Lineman Nick Ash has signed

Four star running back Rex Burkhead is officially a Husker

Offensive lineman Jesse Coffey has signed his LOI

Three star DB Dejon Gomes is a Husker

Defensive back Andrew Green has faxed his LOI

The star of this recruiting class, quarterback Cody Green has signed his letter of intent

WR Brandon Kinnie has turned in his LOI

DT Cole Pensick is a Husker

Offensive lineman Brent Qvale is a Cornhusker officially

Defensive tackle Thaddeus Randle has signed an LOI

Runningback Dontrayeveous Robinson is now officially a Husker

OL Jeremiah Sirles has signed his LOI

Four star linebacker Chris Williams is a Cornhusker

Runningback C.J. Zimmerer has faxed his LOI

Eric Martin has signed his LOI, I was a bit worried that we might see a signing day switch from him, so this is a relief

Three star tight end J.T. Kerr is sending in his LOI now.

Lazari Middleton has signed with the Huskers

Cornerback Dijon Washington has signed with Nebraska

All purpose Athlete Taylor Martinez has signed his LOI

This means that all players that were truly expected to sign did. That appears to be a rare occurrence when you look around the country at some other high profile schools who lost kids at the last minute

Five Questions: Can the Illini Continue Their Run To March?

BoVandy — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:06:16 -0000

Illinois' turnaround is almost mythic in nature. After a nightmarish season a year ago, the Illini are taking on all comers. At 17-3, Illinois has positioned itself well to make the NCAA tournament. But if they want to make noise come March, they must answer the following questions.

Can they get Tisdale the ball?

When center Mike Tisdale gets rolling, the Illini get rolling. Illinois is 10-0 this season when Tisdale hits double-digit in points, and are 8-0 when Tisdale pulls down five or more rebounds in a game. It’s no coincidence that his larger role in the game plan this season has coincided with Illinois’ turnaround. The Illini will need his presence in the paint as the season goes on.

Can McCamey become more consistent?

There’s no question that when Demetri McCamey is on, he’s one of the best players on the court, no matter who the Illini are facing. There’s also no question that when McCamey is off, he’s really off.

He also seems to be the last person on the court who knows it. It’s not a coincidence that in all three Illinois losses, McCamey was shooting bricks. Against Michigan State, in a game his team could have won handily with even an average game from McCamey, he went 0-9 from the field, and shot 0-7 from three-point land.

Meanwhile, in their latest win against Wisconsin, Demetri was 6-10 from the field, scoring 25 points along with seven assists. If he can avoid those bad games, Illinois can still win the conference.

Can they be road warriors?

Two of Illinois’ three losses are on the road, and more than half of their remaining games are away from home, starting tonight at 18-3 Minnesota. It was obvious to anyone watching that a major reason Illinois lost to Michigan State was because the crowd got into their heads. Illinois played sloppy as the home crowd got louder, and will have to play better in hostile territory to stay atop the conference.

Can they handle the pressure?

Illinois came into the season as longshots to compete for the conference title. With a game still remaining against Michigan State, they have a shot to take the crown. Coming off such a miserable season a year ago, they are the definition of a surprise team.

However, as they continue to win, the media scrutiny will build. With the Big Ten being stronger than it has been in years, the pressure could affect the Illini.

Can they stay focused?

A majority of the Illinois players don't really understand what it takes to win a conference like the Big Ten, because they are a young team that haven't been in this position before. After such a great start to the season, working their way into the top-25, will they start to believe their own press?

Many teams have gotten off to rip-roaring starts, only to relax and fade down the stretch. With games coming up against Penn State, Indiana, and Northwestern, the Illini might feel the urge to let up. If they do, they'll find that Northwestern and Penn State are not the doormats they used to be, and even Indiana can be a scrappy spoiler.

Illinois obviously has more talent on it's roster than most pre-season prognosticators believed. They have already faced off against some of the best teams in the country, holding their own against the elite.

If Bruce Weber's squad can answer all five questions in the affirmative, Illinois could find itself playing deep into the month of March.

Good Game Marred by Bad Broadcast

BoVandy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:39:19 -0000

The Big 12 needs to get on the horn and make sure ESPN never does what it did to the Nebraska-Oklahoma basketball game again. They probably won't, but they should.

The fact that most thought the game would be a blowout might have been the contributing factory, but whatever the reason, ESPNU took a game between two rivals embroiled in a major conference battle, and made it look like a high school A/V club broadcast.

First of all, I understand what ESPN was trying to do. They allowed budding broadcast journalism students to get a sample of what the big leagues was like. They allowed OU students to participate in every aspect of the broadcast, from camera work, to score keeping, to even allowing students to do the sideline and play by play reporting at times.

On it's face it was heartwarming, it was a classy move by a network devoted to college sports, and college students and athletes.

Here's the problem, way back in the day, I studied broadcast journalism. I worked on our campus television station as a crew member for our student news program. We were very good for our class, that being student journalists. We even won some awards. However, NBC never came calling, asking if we wanted to help cover the nightly news. I'm glad they didn't. We weren't ready to play in the big leagues and neither were the kids at OU.

The fact that the kids simply weren't ready was overshadowed by the fact that the way ESPNU covered the kids, took away from the coverage of the game. At several times, the camera actually cut away from action on the floor so we could see a student staring into a screen we could not see, doing virtually nothing. What great drama!

ESPNU apparently found it more important to keep track of the girl manning the camera, than cover the fact that Blake Griffin single handedly carried OU to that victory. When Griffin was struggling on offense (at one time 3-8 from the field) Nebraska was able to build a good lead, and held onto a six point lead at the half.

When Griffin found his rhythm like he did in the second half (finishing with 27 points and 18 rebounds) he is nearly unstoppable, especially by a team with no real big man, or inside presence.

Ryan Anderson tried his best to be Nebraska's Blake Griffin, coming out red hot in the first half, including hitting four of his first six 3-point shots, and tallied 14 points by halftime. Unfortunately for the Huskers, Anderson is no Blake Griffin, and he tailed off badly in the second half, missing his final 3-point attempts and scoring just five points down the stretch.

For most of the night, the game was much closer than the final 11 point margin would indicate, most of that lead was augmented over the final two minutes of the game, when Oklahoma had assured themselves a win, but not a comfortable one, and Nebraska began fouling.

It was a very good game, it was a basketball game worth watching during a night with several that were equally gripping, but ESPNU did themselves, the teams playing, and their fans a disservice by going out of their way to cover the wrong story all together

Poll

Do you think ESPNU covered the game appropriately?

Yes

0 votes

No

17 votes

17 votes | Poll has closed