This is just loaded with gems. Here’s what stands out to me:
A. Just to get it out of the way…that Grant Treiber was the offensive MVP of the Spring is awesome to me. The kid was a relative unknown nationally, but his “other” visit was to Oregon—and we all know the kind of athletes they recruit. Kid looked like a gazelle on the field at 6’6” 280.
I’ve assumed that adding 40+ pounds slowed him down a little—or he’s been dinged up. Guess we’ll see.
B. Yes, CMC occasionally uses coach speak when talking about various units. One thing he doesn’t do is misspeak when he’s talking about players who stand out in various settings—from Spring ball to fall camp to the gems of recruiting classes.
So, when he says that Treiber and Porter (with Verdon next on defense) we’re the MVP’s of Spring drills, that means something.
Of course, being the MVP of summer/fall camp is a bit more relevant, because it’s so immediate to the season.
C. We’ve all been hearing whispers about how well Darien Porter is doing since switching to corner. Along with Grant, Breece, Jirehl and Isheem, he was one of the most talented members of his class—though that was mostly his speed and athleticism.
Speaking objectively, Darien compares favorably to Cincinnati’s corner, Sauce Gardner, referring strictly in terms of height, length and straight line speed.
Without knowing any of his other measurables, what he’s definitely lacking is experience at the position. He’s at the polar opposite end of the spectrum there. It sounds promising, but we’ll see how it turns out when the season starts.
D. TJ Tampa is another relatively raw bundle of ultra athletic promise, but he’s been working hard to improve his cornerback skills.
E. We all know that Tayvonn Kyle is good at coming up in run support. That alone makes for a solid fourth corner. With his speed and athleticism, if he improves his coverage skills even moderately, this is a viable two deep.
F. I had to stop and think about what CMC said about Malik Verdon. I didn’t want to bite on that in the wrong direction. “Maybe the most physically impressive in the defensive backfield”.
Okay, I think I’ve got it. Porter and Tampa are probably the most athletic—but both are a mite on the skinny side. Purchase is 5’11”. So, the contenders would probably be the 6’3 205 Mason Chambers (whom CMC also mentioned), 6’2” 205 Beau Freyler, 6’1” 210 Trevon Howard, 6’4” 210 Treyveon McGee—and the 6’4” 215 Verdon.
So I guess I can see where “most physically impressive” comes from.
These guys aren’t small.
G. Oh, and Anthony Johnson is built like a brick shirthouse now, too. And after him, Chambers is now the second longest tenured Cyclone DB. He can bring the lumber. CMC seems to suggest he’ll be doing more than that.
H. I think Freyler is going to surpass Greg Eisworth as the most lauded safety of the CMC era.and maybe more than that.
