On national signing day, UNH announced 15 recruits to be added to the fray, mostly at the TE, WR and CB positions, which, not surprisingly, are the three of the most significant need at this juncture. You can see the full list here, but I'm probably just going to touch on the guys who stand out to me.
WR J.T. Wright--Our best recruit. He initially enrolled at Wisconsin before transferring to a community college and eventually to UNH. I believe he'll have three years of eligibility, though he may have all four. He's 6'0 and 200 pounds, and has ideal size to be the replacement for David Ball. I'm somewhat confident he may make an impact next year. I think he's our best bet to be useful. Receivers who go to Wisconsin are usually pretty highly regarded, so I have to think UNH is pumped about this one.
WR Kevon Mason--UNH got this guy to commit a while ago, and we were in on him before he exploded in his senior year. He has terrific height, but he has the speed and athleticism to stay at WR. Between Wright and Mason, I truly think UNH has addressed their future WR concerns once Levan leaves. Things look bright with Mason, O'Brien, Wright, Negron and Boyle for the 2009 season.
TALENT Anthony Gorrell-Shorts--This is the kind of guy that you see a lot of teams taking fliers on just because they have some talent but not really a position. This guy can be UNH's Reggie Bush of sorts (don't even start). He's a sprinter who plays on both sides of the ball, and I think UNH can utilize him on special teams (where they really needed help) as well as on reverses and screens.
WR Terrance Fox--Similar to Gorrell-Shorts, he's a really good, albeit small (5'9) athlete, and I think those players could be undervalued in general but very useful for UNH. I like the tactic of going after those types because I think, like OBP in baseball in years past, you can get better players who people simply undervalue because they want the total package. He'll also help at special teams and at the wide receiver position.
DB Kyle Flemings--Another really good athlete, should add speed and athleticism, and be a nice complement for B.J. Ross. He played offense and defense in high school, and I just like that we are adding some talent as opposed to just scheming to the best of our player's abilities. It's going to help us when we try and compete with some of the better teams in the league.
I'm also moderately excited for QB Kevin Decker (reasonably regarded, though probably behind Toman on the depth chart), TE Sean Cullen (he's got to be decent, because he's all the way from Florida, much like Dan Ruhl...I wonder if we have a connection down there), and Chris Jeannot (WR/TE, 6'6 with WR talent...). We added some OL prospects to add to the roster as well, but I'm not certain we did enough on the defense end. We'll have to see what guys like Brian McNally and John Murray can do for us.
Maybe I'm just excited for football, but I really think UNH got some talents they can work with. I'm going to break down the defense in my next effort.
2.07.2007
1.30.2007
UNH Football 2007 Schedule
Here it is:
9/8 @ James Madison
9/15 @ Marshall
9/22 Dartmouth
9/29 @ Richmond
10/6 Delaware
10/13 Iona
10/20 @ Hofstra
10/27 Rhode Island
11/3 Northeastern
11/10 @ UMass
11/17 Maine
I'm willing to tentatively slate Dartmouth and Iona as gimme, as I've seen both recently and neither are very good. I'm not sure there is a single gimme other than those two. Here is a very concise effort at breaking the schedule down:
9/8 @ JMU--While I hate having to travel to James Madison (we've been annihilated the last two times we've played them), I think this is the best time to play them. They are a pretty young (albeit talented) team, and their quarterback just graduated, meaning this will be the first game for the new guy. I think this is a game we win, and you're going to have a hard time talking me out of it. It'll be tough being away, but we're more experienced, and at that juncture, I think we're a better team.
9/15 @ Marshall--Could it happen three years in a row? Rutgers, Northwestern and now Marshall? I don't know if I believe that. I'm chalking this up to a no until I see otherwise. I just can't believe we can do it three years in a row, and I think Marshall isn't likely to underestimate us like Rutgers and Northwestern did.
9/22 Dartmouth-Gimme.
9/29 @ Richmond--This team almost beat us last year, and I'm concerned about the matchup. This is really a critical game, because a win here makes us 3-1 and a likely favorite to win all but one or two games. A loss here puts almost every game in must win territory, unless we knock off Marshall. Plus, they wear purple, and UNH is just 1-3 versus teams in purple over the last 2 seasons.
Ultimately, UNH needs to find a way to start the season 3-1. I think they'll get that win over Richmond and do it.
10/6 Delaware--Delaware is loaded with talent. Omar Cuff is a beast, and Joe Flacco is no slouch. They should really be coming into their own, and they're going to score a ton of points. One of the best individual performances I've ever seen from Ricky Santos to beat the Blue Hens last season. This is going to be a tough game, but I think UNH can take it at home.
10/13 @ Iona-Gimme.
10/20 @ Hofstra--They always seem to hang around. This is a real trap game. They keep the games close constantly and I really hate the way they play. They almost snuck in and beat us last season in the pouring rain.
10/27 Rhode Island--I don't like this game, either. I like that it's at home, but Rhode Island can really put the ball in the endzone. They're young and talented on the offensive end, and while I don't think that they can stop UNH, this team can win anyday if their offense has it going. Here's hoping for bad weather in this one.
11/3 Northeastern--Revenge. This team beat us on an idiot play from our coach, and I really want it to be 70-0 at the end of the first quarter. I see no way we lose this game, but I wanted to upgrade it from gimme to make the point.
11/10 @ UMass--Revenge, Part II and III. We owe UMass, twice. And it sucks we get them in Amherst, again. This game could very well decide the season for UNH. If they go 2-1 in their first three, then this game won't be as huge. But if they enter this game with 2 or 3 losses, it's an enormous game. It could decide the conference, and it could decide who makes the playoff. The schedule makers had to enjoy this one. I suspect I will be there, along with my only reader (Jason). I hope they take it.
11/17 Maine--Maine is a good team. They dink and dunk, don't make mistakes, and have a defense that held BC to just 22 points. I hate playing this team, and it seems we always get them when it matters. If Maine is still in it, this is going to be a tough, tough game. The bad weather in New Hampshire favors Maine.
I'm not sure how I feel about this schedule. UNH has a chance to win every game, but I see 6 or 7 games they could lose, too (see UMass, Marshall, Delaware, Maine, JMU, Richmond).
My prediction: 8-3, losses to one of Delaware or Richmond, UMass and Marshall. We make the playoffs.
9/8 @ James Madison
9/15 @ Marshall
9/22 Dartmouth
9/29 @ Richmond
10/6 Delaware
10/13 Iona
10/20 @ Hofstra
10/27 Rhode Island
11/3 Northeastern
11/10 @ UMass
11/17 Maine
I'm willing to tentatively slate Dartmouth and Iona as gimme, as I've seen both recently and neither are very good. I'm not sure there is a single gimme other than those two. Here is a very concise effort at breaking the schedule down:
9/8 @ JMU--While I hate having to travel to James Madison (we've been annihilated the last two times we've played them), I think this is the best time to play them. They are a pretty young (albeit talented) team, and their quarterback just graduated, meaning this will be the first game for the new guy. I think this is a game we win, and you're going to have a hard time talking me out of it. It'll be tough being away, but we're more experienced, and at that juncture, I think we're a better team.
9/15 @ Marshall--Could it happen three years in a row? Rutgers, Northwestern and now Marshall? I don't know if I believe that. I'm chalking this up to a no until I see otherwise. I just can't believe we can do it three years in a row, and I think Marshall isn't likely to underestimate us like Rutgers and Northwestern did.
9/22 Dartmouth-Gimme.
9/29 @ Richmond--This team almost beat us last year, and I'm concerned about the matchup. This is really a critical game, because a win here makes us 3-1 and a likely favorite to win all but one or two games. A loss here puts almost every game in must win territory, unless we knock off Marshall. Plus, they wear purple, and UNH is just 1-3 versus teams in purple over the last 2 seasons.
Ultimately, UNH needs to find a way to start the season 3-1. I think they'll get that win over Richmond and do it.
10/6 Delaware--Delaware is loaded with talent. Omar Cuff is a beast, and Joe Flacco is no slouch. They should really be coming into their own, and they're going to score a ton of points. One of the best individual performances I've ever seen from Ricky Santos to beat the Blue Hens last season. This is going to be a tough game, but I think UNH can take it at home.
10/13 @ Iona-Gimme.
10/20 @ Hofstra--They always seem to hang around. This is a real trap game. They keep the games close constantly and I really hate the way they play. They almost snuck in and beat us last season in the pouring rain.
10/27 Rhode Island--I don't like this game, either. I like that it's at home, but Rhode Island can really put the ball in the endzone. They're young and talented on the offensive end, and while I don't think that they can stop UNH, this team can win anyday if their offense has it going. Here's hoping for bad weather in this one.
11/3 Northeastern--Revenge. This team beat us on an idiot play from our coach, and I really want it to be 70-0 at the end of the first quarter. I see no way we lose this game, but I wanted to upgrade it from gimme to make the point.
11/10 @ UMass--Revenge, Part II and III. We owe UMass, twice. And it sucks we get them in Amherst, again. This game could very well decide the season for UNH. If they go 2-1 in their first three, then this game won't be as huge. But if they enter this game with 2 or 3 losses, it's an enormous game. It could decide the conference, and it could decide who makes the playoff. The schedule makers had to enjoy this one. I suspect I will be there, along with my only reader (Jason). I hope they take it.
11/17 Maine--Maine is a good team. They dink and dunk, don't make mistakes, and have a defense that held BC to just 22 points. I hate playing this team, and it seems we always get them when it matters. If Maine is still in it, this is going to be a tough, tough game. The bad weather in New Hampshire favors Maine.
I'm not sure how I feel about this schedule. UNH has a chance to win every game, but I see 6 or 7 games they could lose, too (see UMass, Marshall, Delaware, Maine, JMU, Richmond).
My prediction: 8-3, losses to one of Delaware or Richmond, UMass and Marshall. We make the playoffs.
1.27.2007
Offensive Playcalling in 2007
This has been a point of contention for a while for me, and ultimately, what I think has been the most significant factor (outside of a lack of defense, perhaps) preventing UNH from winning games in the playoffs, and getting a hire seed in the regular season. Let me just take a moment to point out some of the insanity that has happened in the last two years:
4th and Goal at the 4 yard line, UNH trails UMass 28-20 and there is about 30 seconds left to play. With a stacked line of scrimmage clearly showing blitz, the playcall is to have Ricky Santos roll to the left and pitch it to Bobby Simpson for the touchdown. Not surprisingly, the BLITZING linebacker knocks the ball down and recovers it. Game over. Meanwhile, UNH had scored 17 points in a row by throwing the ball over the middle of the field to the slot receivers. They had fallen behind 28-3 by trying to be fancy. Earlier in the game, they were driving and tried a fake punt on 4th and 1 at the UMass 40 or so. You're telling me a fake punt as the highest potential to succeed there? (And yes, I realize it worked at Hampton...the difference is, at Hampton, it was a direct snap to Maurice Duper, not a designed rollout for Matt Henry). If UNH had just done what they did best, instead of trying to be fancy, they win that game.
Also, does anyone recall the playoff game in 2005 against UNI, at home? Yes, UNH fumbled the ball 5 times, but UNI simply was not better than UNH. They had no right to win that game, even with our fumbles. UNH scored 21 consecutive points in a ten minute span at will, because they weren't running dink and dunk screen passes to the outside receiver. For some reason, the coaching staff decided to forget about the normal offense and instead, tried to become the New England Patriots. It was one of the most disappointing moments in my history as a sports fan, because UNH would have hosted the Semifinal game against, well, whomever. It was simply inexplicable that they would change a gameplan that generated a 1 loss team in the regular season against only average competition.
How about against Northeastern at Northeastern immediately following a regular season loss to James Madison. The team played terrible the entire game, but after two miraculous late game drives and an OT score, UNH found themselves in a position to win, 35-28. It was 4th and 5 at the 20 yard line for Northeastern, and inexplicably, UNH allowed a 20 yard touchdown pass. That's somewhat acceptable, but as Northeastern came on the field with their FG unit, UNH called timeout to "ice the kicker" on an extra point attempt. They returned to the field to go for two, and quite naturally, won the game. Chances that calling that timeout makes any difference on the extra point try are quite slim, and to call a timeout when the home team is granting you double overtime is insane at best.
Or how about against UMass in the playoffs? For the most part, that was a well played game. However, UNH again found themselves with 4th down on around the 4 yard line and the game on the line (down 7). This time, however, it was 4th and short after a debatable David Ball catch that was marked short of the marker. Instead of just running a QB sneak or a short run, UNH again rolled Santos out, and again saw the ball get knocked down by a blitzing LB. Not only does the clock stop with a first down (and I believe it would've been an easy run up the middle), but also, with three timeouts left, it would've been easy to stop the clock. It was just inexcusable.
The only team that has really outplayed UNH was James Madison, both in 2005 and 2006. That's going to be a bitch of a game in 2007.
I'll review the schedule next time around, but in all honesty, if this team expects to go further in the second round, it needs to be coached better. Gaffs like this simply aren't acceptable on a playoff caliber football team.
4th and Goal at the 4 yard line, UNH trails UMass 28-20 and there is about 30 seconds left to play. With a stacked line of scrimmage clearly showing blitz, the playcall is to have Ricky Santos roll to the left and pitch it to Bobby Simpson for the touchdown. Not surprisingly, the BLITZING linebacker knocks the ball down and recovers it. Game over. Meanwhile, UNH had scored 17 points in a row by throwing the ball over the middle of the field to the slot receivers. They had fallen behind 28-3 by trying to be fancy. Earlier in the game, they were driving and tried a fake punt on 4th and 1 at the UMass 40 or so. You're telling me a fake punt as the highest potential to succeed there? (And yes, I realize it worked at Hampton...the difference is, at Hampton, it was a direct snap to Maurice Duper, not a designed rollout for Matt Henry). If UNH had just done what they did best, instead of trying to be fancy, they win that game.
Also, does anyone recall the playoff game in 2005 against UNI, at home? Yes, UNH fumbled the ball 5 times, but UNI simply was not better than UNH. They had no right to win that game, even with our fumbles. UNH scored 21 consecutive points in a ten minute span at will, because they weren't running dink and dunk screen passes to the outside receiver. For some reason, the coaching staff decided to forget about the normal offense and instead, tried to become the New England Patriots. It was one of the most disappointing moments in my history as a sports fan, because UNH would have hosted the Semifinal game against, well, whomever. It was simply inexplicable that they would change a gameplan that generated a 1 loss team in the regular season against only average competition.
How about against Northeastern at Northeastern immediately following a regular season loss to James Madison. The team played terrible the entire game, but after two miraculous late game drives and an OT score, UNH found themselves in a position to win, 35-28. It was 4th and 5 at the 20 yard line for Northeastern, and inexplicably, UNH allowed a 20 yard touchdown pass. That's somewhat acceptable, but as Northeastern came on the field with their FG unit, UNH called timeout to "ice the kicker" on an extra point attempt. They returned to the field to go for two, and quite naturally, won the game. Chances that calling that timeout makes any difference on the extra point try are quite slim, and to call a timeout when the home team is granting you double overtime is insane at best.
Or how about against UMass in the playoffs? For the most part, that was a well played game. However, UNH again found themselves with 4th down on around the 4 yard line and the game on the line (down 7). This time, however, it was 4th and short after a debatable David Ball catch that was marked short of the marker. Instead of just running a QB sneak or a short run, UNH again rolled Santos out, and again saw the ball get knocked down by a blitzing LB. Not only does the clock stop with a first down (and I believe it would've been an easy run up the middle), but also, with three timeouts left, it would've been easy to stop the clock. It was just inexcusable.
The only team that has really outplayed UNH was James Madison, both in 2005 and 2006. That's going to be a bitch of a game in 2007.
I'll review the schedule next time around, but in all honesty, if this team expects to go further in the second round, it needs to be coached better. Gaffs like this simply aren't acceptable on a playoff caliber football team.
1.25.2007
The 2007 Running Game
Yes, it's fair to say you can call me a dolt if I say, "The success of the 2007 UNH Wildcats depends on how Ricky Santos adjusts to a season without David Ball." However, I will say exactly that, in a capacity you probably don't expect. The 2007 season will depend on Ricky Santos' (and his trifecta of running mates in Chris Ward, Chad Kackert and Bobby Simpson) ability to run the football. If anyone saw the game against Delaware where he simply couldn't be tackled, you'll understand exactly what I mean. Santos rushed for 384 yards, and those numbers are hurt by scrambling and getting sacked. I'd really like to see him use his feet. We saw, quite often, Santos rolling out and just running for five or six yards because that is what the defense game him. We'll need more of that in 2007 to be successful.
However, the real key is the performance of the other three running backs. I'll start with Bobby Simpson, because to me, he's the clear answer as a #1 RB. On just 56 rushes, he rushed for 342 yards (6.1 YPC). For some reason, he didn't play until the coaching staff realized Chris Ward couldn't get it done, which was like game five or six. He's really a power running back, and I see no reason why he won't duplicate the success he had last season behind a very strong offensive line. In my opinion, if you give the ball do Bobby Simpson, the team will control the clock and get the tough first downs it couldn't do last year. It also might neutralize teams attempting to exploit our patchy at best defense. Now, I don't expect us to suddenly huddle or anything, but Simpson should prevent the three-and-outs that happened far too often in 2006, and should offer a reasonable option on 4th downs (as opposed to Ricky Santos rolling out and throwing it no one in particular). Anytime we want the ball to go within the tackles, Simpson should be in. He's capable of going outside, but I'm not sure he has the speed to go out there too often.
Chad Kackert, on the other, is as dynamic as they come and one of UNH's best weapons on offense. I want to see screens, draws, pitches and options coming Kackerts way very often. In the last three games of the season, Kackert won nearly all three. He got the game winning pitch from Santos and scrambled to the endzone against Maine. He caught the deep ball from Santos in the closing minutes against Hampton. And on the first play of scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball against UMass, Kackert scrambled nearly 80 yards for a touchdown on a reverse. Other than Santos and Levan, no one should touch the ball more than Chad. HOWEVER, he is not going to successfully pound the rock, so if UNH intends to do that, then they have the same results coming as early last year. Use him to the outside and run him on the inside only to keep the defense honest or to trick them up.
Chris Ward just doesn't do it for me. I think he's probably the guy who's least likely to fumble or give the ball away, but as someone who seems like a real athletic phenom, he's never impressed me. He's a very capable backup, and I don't mind him in two back sets with Kackert or Simpson, but I don't think he should ever be the main guy. If we're going to use him, he's almost strictly an up the middle guy, despite the fact that he should really be able to make it to the outside with regularity.
Toss in the reverses and direct snaps to WR's, and I think the running game can really be a threat. It can keep the offense on the field longer (and thus keep our wretched defense off) and it can prevent defenses from dropping back to cover Santos and the pass. It's key Simpson and Kackert pickup where they left off last year.
I'll talk about the coaching in the next edition.
However, the real key is the performance of the other three running backs. I'll start with Bobby Simpson, because to me, he's the clear answer as a #1 RB. On just 56 rushes, he rushed for 342 yards (6.1 YPC). For some reason, he didn't play until the coaching staff realized Chris Ward couldn't get it done, which was like game five or six. He's really a power running back, and I see no reason why he won't duplicate the success he had last season behind a very strong offensive line. In my opinion, if you give the ball do Bobby Simpson, the team will control the clock and get the tough first downs it couldn't do last year. It also might neutralize teams attempting to exploit our patchy at best defense. Now, I don't expect us to suddenly huddle or anything, but Simpson should prevent the three-and-outs that happened far too often in 2006, and should offer a reasonable option on 4th downs (as opposed to Ricky Santos rolling out and throwing it no one in particular). Anytime we want the ball to go within the tackles, Simpson should be in. He's capable of going outside, but I'm not sure he has the speed to go out there too often.
Chad Kackert, on the other, is as dynamic as they come and one of UNH's best weapons on offense. I want to see screens, draws, pitches and options coming Kackerts way very often. In the last three games of the season, Kackert won nearly all three. He got the game winning pitch from Santos and scrambled to the endzone against Maine. He caught the deep ball from Santos in the closing minutes against Hampton. And on the first play of scrimmage on the offensive side of the ball against UMass, Kackert scrambled nearly 80 yards for a touchdown on a reverse. Other than Santos and Levan, no one should touch the ball more than Chad. HOWEVER, he is not going to successfully pound the rock, so if UNH intends to do that, then they have the same results coming as early last year. Use him to the outside and run him on the inside only to keep the defense honest or to trick them up.
Chris Ward just doesn't do it for me. I think he's probably the guy who's least likely to fumble or give the ball away, but as someone who seems like a real athletic phenom, he's never impressed me. He's a very capable backup, and I don't mind him in two back sets with Kackert or Simpson, but I don't think he should ever be the main guy. If we're going to use him, he's almost strictly an up the middle guy, despite the fact that he should really be able to make it to the outside with regularity.
Toss in the reverses and direct snaps to WR's, and I think the running game can really be a threat. It can keep the offense on the field longer (and thus keep our wretched defense off) and it can prevent defenses from dropping back to cover Santos and the pass. It's key Simpson and Kackert pickup where they left off last year.
I'll talk about the coaching in the next edition.
1.24.2007
Was David Ball's Importance to the 2006 Season overrated?
Now, trust me, I'm a bigger David Ball fan than most. I think he's going to be a dynamite pro and that he's literally a human vacuum for footballs. He runs great routes, and if you throw a jump ball, he's going to come up with it most of the time. However, if you look at the numbers, it's hard to ignore a dramatic dropoff in yardage production from 2004 and 2005 to 2006.
2004: 86 Catches, 1504 yards, 17 TDs
2005: 87 Catches, 1551 Yards, 24 TDs
2006 93 Catches, 1114 Yards, 13 TDs
It's pretty hard not to notice the almost 400 yard discrepancy. Now, the performance is defensible because Ball was facing numerous double and triple teams. But I wonder, was he not getting the YAC? Or was he running shorter routes? It's a little confusing. He had a great year, no doubt, and he's one of the best in UNH history, but I wanted to use this to point out that those who are forecasting doom for UNH ought to consider that his numbers were actually down from 2004 and 2005, and we still won.
It also tells me that perhaps UNH ought to look into throwing the ball downfield more. With Ball's skills and some of the speed guys they have, they should not be utilized as possession types. They need to take some chances. I'd be surprised if UNH doesn't have a player on their roster (probably LeVan) capable of putting up 1100 yards next season. Now, he's not going to draw the coverage Ball did, but in a sheer "numbers" sense, it isn't all that inconceivable to think they could replace it. I believe UNH will miss Ball more in the "go-to guy" sense, and as a guy who drew defenders away from guys like LeVan, Brown and Lynch. My contention is merely that UNH would miss the 2004 or 2005 edition much more than the 2006 one.
That said, David Ball is going to be a starting NFL WR. Good luck to him.
2004: 86 Catches, 1504 yards, 17 TDs
2005: 87 Catches, 1551 Yards, 24 TDs
2006 93 Catches, 1114 Yards, 13 TDs
It's pretty hard not to notice the almost 400 yard discrepancy. Now, the performance is defensible because Ball was facing numerous double and triple teams. But I wonder, was he not getting the YAC? Or was he running shorter routes? It's a little confusing. He had a great year, no doubt, and he's one of the best in UNH history, but I wanted to use this to point out that those who are forecasting doom for UNH ought to consider that his numbers were actually down from 2004 and 2005, and we still won.
It also tells me that perhaps UNH ought to look into throwing the ball downfield more. With Ball's skills and some of the speed guys they have, they should not be utilized as possession types. They need to take some chances. I'd be surprised if UNH doesn't have a player on their roster (probably LeVan) capable of putting up 1100 yards next season. Now, he's not going to draw the coverage Ball did, but in a sheer "numbers" sense, it isn't all that inconceivable to think they could replace it. I believe UNH will miss Ball more in the "go-to guy" sense, and as a guy who drew defenders away from guys like LeVan, Brown and Lynch. My contention is merely that UNH would miss the 2004 or 2005 edition much more than the 2006 one.
That said, David Ball is going to be a starting NFL WR. Good luck to him.
Breaking down what's left of the 2006 UNH Wildcats, Part One: Wide Receivers
It's clear to me that everyone thinks that UNH Football is going to have a down year with the losses of players like Corey Graham, David Ball, Tucker Peterson and Aaron Graham. However, I think that's a myth. Their best player, Ricky Santos, returns, and there's still a boatload of talent with which to work with. I'm going to start at the wide receiver position, the 'Cats will lose two of their top three performers from the 2006 season. My contention is, while the loss of Ball will be big, his production will be made up my a more balanced offense (i.e. handoffs to Kackert and Simpson), the continued maturation of the starting quarterback, and the development of some younger talents.
Leading the pack of experienced players currently left is Keith Levan. As a sophomore in 2005, he was kind of a combination RB/WR, being used on a lot of reverses, options and handoffs. In 2006, however, he really emerged in the slot, partially because of the continued health concerns of Mike Boyle. He is far from the most sure-handed player in the world (he had a memorable fumble in the 2005 playoffs against UNI and a memorable drop in the 2006 home game against UMass). However, he really stepped up his game and soared in the playoffs against Hampton, and caught a total of 70 passes for 672 yards. It's not the Y/C you'd like to see from your potential #1 WR (slightly under 10 for those English Majors out there, like myself), but he should see even more action next season, and is likely to be the focal point of the receiving core with Ball and Brown gone. I like him to catch almost as many balls as Ball did this season, though I don't think he'll be a vacuum on deep balls like Ball was. The offense is going to have to be more measured and drawn out to make use of Levan (and Boyle and O'Brien for that matter) and his speed. At 5'11, he's got plenty of size to be a #1 guy.
It's also pertinent to mention Mike Boyle, who is likely to be the starter opposite of Levan next season. He only played in four games because of a wealth of injuries, but in those four games he caught 16 balls for almost 200 yards. If he's healthy, he'll certainly be effective. He's another small, speedy guy, so he's not a guy you can lob the ball to (5'8, 165), but he'll be great for screens, long passes and stuff over the middle. I like him and think he'll be as effective as Levan was last season as a complement to Ball.
Aaron Brown was kind of overrated last season. He started most of the games and shifted Levan to the slot, but I think that was for positional purposes only. Levan was the clear #2. This season, I see the slot guy as Matt O'Brien, but he's clearly #3 on the depth chart. A converted RB, he's a tough little guy (he is generously listed at 5'7) who has very sure hands. He's going to lineup almost everywhere, and he'll be a really solid, reliable guy for Santos. We saw later in the season during comeback attempts that Ricky really liked using Matt as an outlet. I like him to grow even more this season, and catch more than the 14 balls he had last season.
That's about it for WR's with experience, as Matt Henry and Evan Loring also graduate. There's a number of other WR's on the roster who might make for decent depth guys in JE Fredrickson (I suspect he takes over Loring's role, as he seemed to play a lot with Loring on special teams last year), Chris Chandler, Devon Dozier and Dave Hayes, but the guy who should make a contribution next year is Travis Negron. Apparently the coaching staff really likes him, and I expect him to see quite a bit of time. I think he'll be the guy who comes in when we try and stretch the field and go four wide. There's also been some talk about Ronnie Strand and Kamel Mohammed, a couple lanky guys listed at TE who might be able to use their height valuably in the passing game. Lastly, UNH picked up a pretty good recruit in Kevon Mason who might be able to come in and contribute right away. I think this is a position they might look for a transfer to add some depth, as there are really only three even reasonably experienced players at the position, and two have legitimate questions about either durability or positional knowledge. However, I think the talent is there to make up for the losses of Ball, Henry, Loring and Brown.
I'll talk about what I think about the running game (the other factor in lessening the losses of Ball and Brown) in my next post.
Leading the pack of experienced players currently left is Keith Levan. As a sophomore in 2005, he was kind of a combination RB/WR, being used on a lot of reverses, options and handoffs. In 2006, however, he really emerged in the slot, partially because of the continued health concerns of Mike Boyle. He is far from the most sure-handed player in the world (he had a memorable fumble in the 2005 playoffs against UNI and a memorable drop in the 2006 home game against UMass). However, he really stepped up his game and soared in the playoffs against Hampton, and caught a total of 70 passes for 672 yards. It's not the Y/C you'd like to see from your potential #1 WR (slightly under 10 for those English Majors out there, like myself), but he should see even more action next season, and is likely to be the focal point of the receiving core with Ball and Brown gone. I like him to catch almost as many balls as Ball did this season, though I don't think he'll be a vacuum on deep balls like Ball was. The offense is going to have to be more measured and drawn out to make use of Levan (and Boyle and O'Brien for that matter) and his speed. At 5'11, he's got plenty of size to be a #1 guy.
It's also pertinent to mention Mike Boyle, who is likely to be the starter opposite of Levan next season. He only played in four games because of a wealth of injuries, but in those four games he caught 16 balls for almost 200 yards. If he's healthy, he'll certainly be effective. He's another small, speedy guy, so he's not a guy you can lob the ball to (5'8, 165), but he'll be great for screens, long passes and stuff over the middle. I like him and think he'll be as effective as Levan was last season as a complement to Ball.
Aaron Brown was kind of overrated last season. He started most of the games and shifted Levan to the slot, but I think that was for positional purposes only. Levan was the clear #2. This season, I see the slot guy as Matt O'Brien, but he's clearly #3 on the depth chart. A converted RB, he's a tough little guy (he is generously listed at 5'7) who has very sure hands. He's going to lineup almost everywhere, and he'll be a really solid, reliable guy for Santos. We saw later in the season during comeback attempts that Ricky really liked using Matt as an outlet. I like him to grow even more this season, and catch more than the 14 balls he had last season.
That's about it for WR's with experience, as Matt Henry and Evan Loring also graduate. There's a number of other WR's on the roster who might make for decent depth guys in JE Fredrickson (I suspect he takes over Loring's role, as he seemed to play a lot with Loring on special teams last year), Chris Chandler, Devon Dozier and Dave Hayes, but the guy who should make a contribution next year is Travis Negron. Apparently the coaching staff really likes him, and I expect him to see quite a bit of time. I think he'll be the guy who comes in when we try and stretch the field and go four wide. There's also been some talk about Ronnie Strand and Kamel Mohammed, a couple lanky guys listed at TE who might be able to use their height valuably in the passing game. Lastly, UNH picked up a pretty good recruit in Kevon Mason who might be able to come in and contribute right away. I think this is a position they might look for a transfer to add some depth, as there are really only three even reasonably experienced players at the position, and two have legitimate questions about either durability or positional knowledge. However, I think the talent is there to make up for the losses of Ball, Henry, Loring and Brown.
I'll talk about what I think about the running game (the other factor in lessening the losses of Ball and Brown) in my next post.
1.22.2007
The Progress of UNH Basketball
It stands to reason that if UNH ever expects to land upper-echelon recruits (and frankly, upper-echelon would be two and, gasp, three star guys), they are going to have to make some noise with the one-star guys they are currently getting. I think that the 2006-2007 recruiting class is a definite step in that direction, as it looks like they found some guys who can really perform. Granted, they aren't going to hit with all of them, as Jude Roybal looks like he is not doing particularly much right now, but I think they have gotten some four year players who really have a chance to escalate this team in the America East, both now and in the future.
The guy at the forefront of that movement is clearly Radar Onguetou. He's very undersized for his power-forward skillset (6'5'', 215 lbs), but he's now averaging 3.5PPG and 3.1 RPG in just 14.7 MPG. The rebound numbers are particularly impressive, and while I'll admit those numbers look paltry, take a look a little bit closer. In his last three games, Radar is averaging a little more than 27.3 minutes, 6.3 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. As a freshman, given those minutes, that's pretty impressive. UNH can only expect growth out of him, and in a conference sparse with low-post talent, even a guy like Radar is bound to have some low post success. He's a welcome change from the principally perimeter bigs like Christenson and Janev. Not surprisingly, UNH has played it's best basketball of the season in the last few games.
Another guy I like who doesn't have such statistical success of late is Sam Herrick, a 6'11'' freshman center. I won't lie that my principal fascination with him is that he is the first big player UNH has had in my four years of following the team. He hit his first free-throw of the SEASON (I believe he was 0 for 12 before that), but in all seriousness, if you take a look at the last three games (the first time he has really received significant minutes), he is averaging 6 PPG. Again, while that's not earth-shattering, it's a real boost to have a freshman with some talent and height.
Dan McGeary is also worth mentioning. Yet another freshmen in a class I'm probably pimping far more than is worthy, this kid is a real threat off the bench. He's not really a point-guard, which poses a problem with Jermaine Anderson leaving next season (and perhaps that is when Roybal steps up), but he can really shoot it. He's hit the freshman wall from playing so much, but he really opened the season on fire, and with more consistent minutes, I think he'll be a very useful part next season.
It's also important to mention that Mike Christensen and Tyrece Gibbs will be back next season as well. Gibbs is emerging as a stud, hitting almost 40% of his threes, grabbing nearly 5 boards and scoring nearly 10 a game. He's really been good of late. Christensen has been hurt, but he's a dynamic outside player and can really get to the basket. I also like Seth Price to possibly emerge next season. He's a talent 6'7 Freshman PF who should get more time next season given his height. The future is bright, but I wouldn't give up on this season just yet, either. At 4-3 in the AE with a tough loss to Vermont, this team is definitely in the race. Great job by Coach Herrion in just two years to get this team back a bit from the depths of obscurity.
The guy at the forefront of that movement is clearly Radar Onguetou. He's very undersized for his power-forward skillset (6'5'', 215 lbs), but he's now averaging 3.5PPG and 3.1 RPG in just 14.7 MPG. The rebound numbers are particularly impressive, and while I'll admit those numbers look paltry, take a look a little bit closer. In his last three games, Radar is averaging a little more than 27.3 minutes, 6.3 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. As a freshman, given those minutes, that's pretty impressive. UNH can only expect growth out of him, and in a conference sparse with low-post talent, even a guy like Radar is bound to have some low post success. He's a welcome change from the principally perimeter bigs like Christenson and Janev. Not surprisingly, UNH has played it's best basketball of the season in the last few games.
Another guy I like who doesn't have such statistical success of late is Sam Herrick, a 6'11'' freshman center. I won't lie that my principal fascination with him is that he is the first big player UNH has had in my four years of following the team. He hit his first free-throw of the SEASON (I believe he was 0 for 12 before that), but in all seriousness, if you take a look at the last three games (the first time he has really received significant minutes), he is averaging 6 PPG. Again, while that's not earth-shattering, it's a real boost to have a freshman with some talent and height.
Dan McGeary is also worth mentioning. Yet another freshmen in a class I'm probably pimping far more than is worthy, this kid is a real threat off the bench. He's not really a point-guard, which poses a problem with Jermaine Anderson leaving next season (and perhaps that is when Roybal steps up), but he can really shoot it. He's hit the freshman wall from playing so much, but he really opened the season on fire, and with more consistent minutes, I think he'll be a very useful part next season.
It's also important to mention that Mike Christensen and Tyrece Gibbs will be back next season as well. Gibbs is emerging as a stud, hitting almost 40% of his threes, grabbing nearly 5 boards and scoring nearly 10 a game. He's really been good of late. Christensen has been hurt, but he's a dynamic outside player and can really get to the basket. I also like Seth Price to possibly emerge next season. He's a talent 6'7 Freshman PF who should get more time next season given his height. The future is bright, but I wouldn't give up on this season just yet, either. At 4-3 in the AE with a tough loss to Vermont, this team is definitely in the race. Great job by Coach Herrion in just two years to get this team back a bit from the depths of obscurity.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
