Thornton can play, need him to stay healthy. Team is shaping up. Our offense will be really explosive, many weapons of mass destruction.

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 06:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:58 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:21 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 02:39 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  Totally different styles of play. It isn’t a “size” position.

You’re using “style of play” to offset poor athleticism. Toure, Travis and Rudolph could all play different wr positions. Tucker can’t because he is obviously athletically limited. So I’m curious why Mccray can’t play more than one position?

That’s not even close. The ability to run a precise route is an “ability.” Not everyone has it, doesn’t mean they are bad WR, just means they do not have that skill set.

In order for all kinds of plays to be successful you need certain routes to be 100% precise - other routes just have to be close.

I do not think McCray is a tactical route runner, again, not a bad WR but not Tucker.

I did want to edit to add you keep ignoring the fact McCray can likely play 2 spots. Not Tuckers. So 2 is multiple.

Again, not a “last chance” deal at all. That is insane.

What other spot can Mccray play? He was never listed anywhere on the two deeps except behind Rudolph. You know who was listed behind Richie? Toure, Travis, Urwiler and Dozier. So Mccray can’t play Tuckers spot and he is 5th behind what was Richies spot. His future sounds amazing in his 5th year I guess(if he stays)

Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

(08-12-2022 09:41 AM)NIU05 Wrote:  Thornton can play, need him to stay healthy. Team is shaping up. Our offense will be really explosive, many weapons of mass destruction.

Two deep threats at wr is going to open this offense up. Lombardi has a great deep ball. You’re the safeties for the D, do you wanna creep up to help run support because Brown is trucking your LBs? Or do you stay back because Thornton and or Rudolph have already burned you once? This is going to be a fun season

(08-12-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 06:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:58 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:21 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  You’re using “style of play” to offset poor athleticism. Toure, Travis and Rudolph could all play different wr positions. Tucker can’t because he is obviously athletically limited. So I’m curious why Mccray can’t play more than one position?

That’s not even close. The ability to run a precise route is an “ability.” Not everyone has it, doesn’t mean they are bad WR, just means they do not have that skill set.

In order for all kinds of plays to be successful you need certain routes to be 100% precise - other routes just have to be close.

I do not think McCray is a tactical route runner, again, not a bad WR but not Tucker.

I did want to edit to add you keep ignoring the fact McCray can likely play 2 spots. Not Tuckers. So 2 is multiple.

Again, not a “last chance” deal at all. That is insane.

What other spot can Mccray play? He was never listed anywhere on the two deeps except behind Rudolph. You know who was listed behind Richie? Toure, Travis, Urwiler and Dozier. So Mccray can’t play Tuckers spot and he is 5th behind what was Richies spot. His future sounds amazing in his 5th year I guess(if he stays)

Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

If hammock has I am wrong - would love to see the game notes where that happens. Show me where a guy is a back up to 2 spots on the same depth chart, like I said I have never seen it but I would love to do so and admit I was wrong.

I won’t call them the same, there is a certain skill in what Tucker does. You’re I thought was a great route runner too. I don’t think everyone can play Tuckers spot, I do think those who can will be able to play every spot.

So they ARE different. McCray can’t be Tucker unless he runs more precise routes. That doesn’t mean he is a bad WR, just not his skill set. I don’t think Rudolph can play the Tucker spot and be effective either. I also find guys who play tuckers sport are precise route runners and willing blockers. McCray might not be either. Neither was randy moss. Jerry rice was. Both simply amazing. Different guys.

Or if you watch your Bears Curtis Conway couldn’t do Bobby Engram stuff. Both were OK for the bears. Just different.

You can move guys like Tucker around. You can’t really move the McCray and Rudolph type guys to spots that require that skill.

(08-12-2022 03:30 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 06:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:58 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  That’s not even close. The ability to run a precise route is an “ability.” Not everyone has it, doesn’t mean they are bad WR, just means they do not have that skill set.

In order for all kinds of plays to be successful you need certain routes to be 100% precise - other routes just have to be close.

I do not think McCray is a tactical route runner, again, not a bad WR but not Tucker.

I did want to edit to add you keep ignoring the fact McCray can likely play 2 spots. Not Tuckers. So 2 is multiple.

Again, not a “last chance” deal at all. That is insane.

What other spot can Mccray play? He was never listed anywhere on the two deeps except behind Rudolph. You know who was listed behind Richie? Toure, Travis, Urwiler and Dozier. So Mccray can’t play Tuckers spot and he is 5th behind what was Richies spot. His future sounds amazing in his 5th year I guess(if he stays)

Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

If hammock has I am wrong - would love to see the game notes where that happens. Show me where a guy is a back up to 2 spots on the same depth chart, like I said I have never seen it but I would love to do so and admit I was wrong.

I won’t call them the same, there is a certain skill in what Tucker does. You’re I thought was a great route runner too. I don’t think everyone can play Tuckers spot, I do think those who can will be able to play every spot.

So they ARE different. McCray can’t be Tucker unless he runs more precise routes. That doesn’t mean he is a bad WR, just not his skill set. I don’t think Rudolph can play the Tucker spot and be effective either. I also find guys who play tuckers sport are precise route runners and willing blockers. McCray might not be either. Neither was randy moss. Jerry rice was. Both simply amazing. Different guys.

Or if you watch your Bears Curtis Conway couldn’t do Bobby Engram stuff. Both were OK for the bears. Just different.

You can move guys like Tucker around. You can’t really move the McCray and Rudolph type guys to spots that require that skill.

Can you really move Tucker around? He isn't going to blow past any DBs.

(08-12-2022 03:30 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 06:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 04:58 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  That’s not even close. The ability to run a precise route is an “ability.” Not everyone has it, doesn’t mean they are bad WR, just means they do not have that skill set.

In order for all kinds of plays to be successful you need certain routes to be 100% precise - other routes just have to be close.

I do not think McCray is a tactical route runner, again, not a bad WR but not Tucker.

I did want to edit to add you keep ignoring the fact McCray can likely play 2 spots. Not Tuckers. So 2 is multiple.

Again, not a “last chance” deal at all. That is insane.

What other spot can Mccray play? He was never listed anywhere on the two deeps except behind Rudolph. You know who was listed behind Richie? Toure, Travis, Urwiler and Dozier. So Mccray can’t play Tuckers spot and he is 5th behind what was Richies spot. His future sounds amazing in his 5th year I guess(if he stays)

Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

If hammock has I am wrong - would love to see the game notes where that happens. Show me where a guy is a back up to 2 spots on the same depth chart, like I said I have never seen it but I would love to do so and admit I was wrong.

I won’t call them the same, there is a certain skill in what Tucker does. You’re I thought was a great route runner too. I don’t think everyone can play Tuckers spot, I do think those who can will be able to play every spot.

So they ARE different. McCray can’t be Tucker unless he runs more precise routes. That doesn’t mean he is a bad WR, just not his skill set. I don’t think Rudolph can play the Tucker spot and be effective either. I also find guys who play tuckers sport are precise route runners and willing blockers. McCray might not be either. Neither was randy moss. Jerry rice was. Both simply amazing. Different guys.

Or if you watch your Bears Curtis Conway couldn’t do Bobby Engram stuff. Both were OK for the bears. Just different.

You can move guys like Tucker around. You can’t really move the McCray and Rudolph type guys to spots that require that skill.

Here are the two deeps from game 2 and 5. The Tucker/Richie positions had 8 different combinations last season involving 6 different WRs. The Rudolph/Mccray two never changed all season.

[img][url=https://postimg.cc/yWVgMDky][/img]

Hammock just tweeted...https://twitter.com/NIUCoachHammock/status/1558232175966920706?t=aA63qTuBXRt54bF8cOj7gw&s=19

Who is this safety Muhammad Jamm. Coach said he has a great practice and made similar comment about him after the MACC game. This team is DEEP. Deeper than my favorite DEEP DISH.

(08-12-2022 04:59 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 03:30 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 06:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  What other spot can Mccray play? He was never listed anywhere on the two deeps except behind Rudolph. You know who was listed behind Richie? Toure, Travis, Urwiler and Dozier. So Mccray can’t play Tuckers spot and he is 5th behind what was Richies spot. His future sounds amazing in his 5th year I guess(if he stays)

Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

If hammock has I am wrong - would love to see the game notes where that happens. Show me where a guy is a back up to 2 spots on the same depth chart, like I said I have never seen it but I would love to do so and admit I was wrong.

I won’t call them the same, there is a certain skill in what Tucker does. You’re I thought was a great route runner too. I don’t think everyone can play Tuckers spot, I do think those who can will be able to play every spot.

So they ARE different. McCray can’t be Tucker unless he runs more precise routes. That doesn’t mean he is a bad WR, just not his skill set. I don’t think Rudolph can play the Tucker spot and be effective either. I also find guys who play tuckers sport are precise route runners and willing blockers. McCray might not be either. Neither was randy moss. Jerry rice was. Both simply amazing. Different guys.

Or if you watch your Bears Curtis Conway couldn’t do Bobby Engram stuff. Both were OK for the bears. Just different.

You can move guys like Tucker around. You can’t really move the McCray and Rudolph type guys to spots that require that skill.

Here are the two deeps from game 2 and 5. The Tucker/Richie positions had 8 different combinations last season involving 6 different WRs. The Rudolph/Mccray two never changed all season.

[img][url=https://postimg.cc/yWVgMDky][/img]

So that kind of proved my point. Hammock doesn’t put 1 guy as a backup in 2 spots the same game.

(08-13-2022 03:04 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 04:59 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 03:30 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-12-2022 09:52 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-11-2022 09:47 PM)BigChilla Wrote:  Honest question, have you ever seen Hammock list one guy as a back up to 2 spots? I never have. I don’t think he does that.

I know for sure he can play 2 spots.

Careful with the staff blowing smoke at freshman…I love Hammock but he tends to do this…and it isn’t always true.

Once again, just because you feel like McCray needs a big year or you write him off doesn’t mean that’s a thing. I think he has to a of time, and will be just fine.

Yes. Hammock has listed both Travis and Toure as back ups to both Richie and Tucker’s spots. You could call those spots the same, outside wrs as opposed to Rudolph/Mccray being in the slot. And that’s what I’m getting at. Mccray isn’t an option at either outside position whereas Travis is at both. If he can’t play outside he’s going to see very little time inside. I think Mccray is penciled in as Rudolph’s back up for as long as Rudolph is here.

The O lines up all over the place. Especially the WRs. So Mccray will get some snaps. They’ll have plays where Rudolph lines up outside and Mccray gets to lineup in the slot. I can see 15-18 catches. And that’s what I see for him every year after this.

It’s Bothersome because I like what I see when Mccray plays. But there is something keeping this kid off the field. And it’s not tremendous competition. Maybe he’s a poor blocker? Idk. He’s a weapon I wish we could utilize.

If hammock has I am wrong - would love to see the game notes where that happens. Show me where a guy is a back up to 2 spots on the same depth chart, like I said I have never seen it but I would love to do so and admit I was wrong.

I won’t call them the same, there is a certain skill in what Tucker does. You’re I thought was a great route runner too. I don’t think everyone can play Tuckers spot, I do think those who can will be able to play every spot.

So they ARE different. McCray can’t be Tucker unless he runs more precise routes. That doesn’t mean he is a bad WR, just not his skill set. I don’t think Rudolph can play the Tucker spot and be effective either. I also find guys who play tuckers sport are precise route runners and willing blockers. McCray might not be either. Neither was randy moss. Jerry rice was. Both simply amazing. Different guys.

Or if you watch your Bears Curtis Conway couldn’t do Bobby Engram stuff. Both were OK for the bears. Just different.

You can move guys like Tucker around. You can’t really move the McCray and Rudolph type guys to spots that require that skill.

Here are the two deeps from game 2 and 5. The Tucker/Richie positions had 8 different combinations last season involving 6 different WRs. The Rudolph/Mccray two never changed all season.

[img][url=https://postimg.cc/yWVgMDky][/img]

So that kind of proved my point. Hammock doesn’t put 1 guy as a backup in 2 spots the same game.

Misunderstood what you meant. What I was getting at was you saying Mccray can play more than spot. I said he’s never been listed anywhere but slot while multiple guys have been shuffled into the wideout spot and in both wideout spots. And if receiver is just a big choreographed dance then Mccray has been a wall flower. Even when injuries open up to those other spots he “could” play.

Now that school has started they added some walkons to the roster:

RB Joshua Brown
DT Jaylin Adams
DT Skyler Gill-Howard, transfer from Upper Iowa

Also, a couple of players have disappeared from the roster:

WR Tyler Brueckner
WR Isaiah Bragg

(08-23-2022 07:29 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Now that school has started they added some walkons to the roster:

RB Joshua Brown
DT Jaylin Adams
DT Skyler Gill-Howard, transfer from Upper Iowa

Also, a couple of players have disappeared from the roster:

WR Tyler Brueckner
WR Isaiah Bragg

Bruckner. Isn't that Ethan Hamptons buddy?

(08-23-2022 08:06 AM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(08-23-2022 07:29 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Now that school has started they added some walkons to the roster:

RB Joshua Brown
DT Jaylin Adams
DT Skyler Gill-Howard, transfer from Upper Iowa

Also, a couple of players have disappeared from the roster:

WR Tyler Brueckner
WR Isaiah Bragg

Bruckner. Isn't that Ethan Hamptons buddy?

They went to same HS. Brueckner nor Bragg even lasted a full year. They were 2021 recruits.

(08-23-2022 07:29 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Now that school has started they added some walkons to the roster:

RB Joshua Brown
DT Jaylin Adams
DT Skyler Gill-Howard, transfer from Upper Iowa

Also, a couple of players have disappeared from the roster:

WR Tyler Brueckner
WR Isaiah Bragg

I would assume a recruiting assist from Joey Rattin on Gill-Howard.

With Toure, Brueckner and Bragg gone in the past week and Rudolph injured, are our receiving group getting a bit thin?

(08-23-2022 12:21 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-23-2022 07:29 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Now that school has started they added some walkons to the roster:

RB Joshua Brown
DT Jaylin Adams
DT Skyler Gill-Howard, transfer from Upper Iowa

Also, a couple of players have disappeared from the roster:

WR Tyler Brueckner
WR Isaiah Bragg

I would assume a recruiting assist from Joey Rattin on Gill-Howard.

With Toure, Brueckner and Bragg gone in the past week and Rudolph injured, are our receiving group getting a bit thin?

Have 15 receivers on the roster, 3 more committed for next year. Obviously the Rudolph injury is a huge blow, but the only thing that they are thin on is proven performers, so we will find out about some new names, for better or worse, this year.

Mohamed Toure now appears on the roster again, although he's listed as a freshman. Glad to see him back, apparently he's had a change of heart.

Also, WR Alex Crawford no longer appears on the roster.

Deleted his transfer portal tweet too

(08-25-2022 08:25 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Mohamed Toure now appears on the roster again, although he's listed as a freshman. Glad to see him back, apparently he's had a change of heart.

Also, WR Alex Crawford no longer appears on the roster.

Toure….”Rudolph is hurt? I’m a Huskie again!”

Well that's good news. Hopefully he didn't miss too many practices.

(08-25-2022 09:18 AM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Well that's good news. Hopefully he didn't miss too many practices.

I know things are different today and 20 year olds see the portal totally different, but as a teammate don’t you think some guys might be kinda jaded about his return? Especially say Mccray or Travis(can’t remember where Toure played) if Toure takes their reps.

(08-25-2022 08:25 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  Mohamed Toure now appears on the roster again, although he's listed as a freshman. Glad to see him back, apparently he's had a change of heart.

Also, WR Alex Crawford no longer appears on the roster.

Damn, tough break.

Alex "Mohamed, you're back!"

Ham "Alex, step into my office"