OUInsider - Owen Field

I think there is a learning curve with any new ballplayer. And with HS kids there is a learning curve, and usually a more dramatic physical curve as well.

With a JUCO kid you either try to find one who learns (at least on a football level) fast, and has the work habits to do that extra work they will need. But, with JUCO kids there is not usually the physical challenges you find with the HS kids. For example, OU has been talking to a DT that was largely ignored out of HS, didn't work out much, and played for a poor team. Well, in the two years since he has gained 43 pounds, and about 1 1/2 inches in height Most of that is good weight, and I believe he has gone from a 200 pound bench to 440. Clearly, his challenges will be mostly learning the schemes and some of the technical things that he will need to master,

Usually kids have more trouble with the learning aspects than with the physical aspects coming in from the JUCO level. That is why you often see kids from the JUCO ranks not do as well in the positions such as db (where you better have mastered the schemes) or qb. In the less "thinking roles" such as rb the JUCO kid can do better because if is usually a more physical challenge and less of a mental one. Get the ball, know the hole, and go.

I know that Everett has had some difficulties so far, and they are primarily learning a new system well. I expect that they will simply the requirements for Damien, Courtney and Bester for the first month or so. The great thing about this year is that the first part of the season is set up for that. By the way, wr positions are generally positions that JUCO kids can do well in when they move up since there are usually simple routes that these kids already know. But I a tell you that OU's offense is not easy to master, and the learning curve is steep. Reasons include high expectations for blocking, and the speed of the sequence of plays. If you are not where you need to be your QB is going to start ignoring you.

One important thing about this year that is going to be dramatically different than last year. When Whaley and Broyles went down there was little vertical threat from the OU wr's. Sometimes they couldn't get off the line of scrimmage and were jammed. Db's are going to have a heck of a time jamming Bester and Gardner, and Metoyer. That strategy is over. And if Jalen comes in you can do some nice things with motion, and if he gets a step it is over. I expect you are going to see some LONG TD plays this year as jamming fails and the safety doesn't get over.
Personally, with Bester;s incredible ability to go laterally i would put him in the slot at times. Big boy, and tough to bring down and his ability to see the field is superior, like Damiens (and he will be catching some balls for OU as well).

Canyoneer

nice response... Thanks

I get the picture! Thanks and set the hook, gently, its trout