Pre Spring 2013 Team Outlook

[geaux_sioux]

LB

This group was very young last year after graduating three very good tough LBs from the previous year. This is a talented group that has good athletes. The problem is that they turned in the worst season by a LB corpse that I've ever seen in my life. They couldn't tackle anything this year. They weren't tough enough and they didn't play fast enough. When a RB was bottled up in the backfield they would wiff or try to tackle too high or not wrap up and what should have been a 7 yard loss turns into a 25 yard back breaking gain. As maligned as the secondary has been for the past few years this group has more to prove than they do. With the tradition of excellence at LB and UND these players were as big of a failure as any position group on the team. If this group does not man up and improve by leaps and bounds next season the defense will be almost as bad as this years was.

Key Losses: Dignity and pride.

Key Returners: Everyone......

Dominique Bennett (Sr. 6-1 234lbs) moves like a safety. He was a player that was supposed to be a star this year. He disappointed to say the least. Other than his strip sack against SUU he didn't stand out much this year which is a problem for a guy that's supposed to be a playmaking linebacker. He needs to find some heart and maybe step up and be a leader next year. He also needs to get much stronger this winter.

Cordero Finley (Sr. 6-1 225lbs) has had a pretty underwhelming career. He has alot of physical tools and could be a very good LB, he just doens't make enough plays. He needs to get much stronger this winter and learn how to be a playmaker.

Derrick Goard (Sr. 6-1 235lbs) can bring the wood. He was the lone LB this year that routinely put big hits on opponents. Unfortunately the dude is fat, his belly hangs over his belt like a NT. He needs to get into shape this winter and get faster. If his work ethic and dedication were what they are supposed to be he would not be fat. He needs to dedicate himself this time around. He could be a nice LB if he gets it together for next season.

Garrison Goodman (Sr. 6-2 213 lbs) was the only LB who seemed to play with passion every snap. He needs to be 'the man' on this defense and turn into a vocal leader. He needs to get stronger and bigger this winter to compliment his passion and nose for the football. Hopefully he can blossom into a Dan Hendrickson type of player. He needs to take on a leadership role in the locker room this winter and get his teammates to play with his level of passion.

Myles Jablonski (Jr. 6-2 223 lbs) has the perfect name for a linebacker. Now he needs to look and play like he has a linebackers name. Although he is young he has made some big plays in a reserve role and has noticeable talent. His body does not look like he dedicates himself in the offseason. He needs to bulk up big time and become the player he can be. He has demonstrated a nose for the QB when he is in and needs to become a valuable member of a resurgent UND defense.

Ben Peters (Jr 6-2 243 lbs) is built like a fire hydrant. Unfortunately he moves like one. Wether it is being slow or playing slow he needs to be faster. A guy of his build needs to be a dead end to RBs. This was his first year with considerable playing time and it showed. He needs to be more consistent and be a run stopper. This winter he needs to get leaner and quicker. He is plenty big and squats the house, now he needs to hit like it.

Will Ratelle (So 5-11 232 lbs) is a very promising young LB. He looked like a FR this year. He has great physical tools with his speed and thumping hitting ability. He needs to get comfortable in the scheme and slow the game down. Next year I expect him to make the impact that I thought he would make this year. He needs to continue to develop and be a stud in the future.

JD Allen (Fr 6-1 193 lbs) is a very interesting prospect at LB. He is very skinny still at not even 200 lbs but his production in high school speaks for itself. He needs to gain alot of quality weight this winter and earn a spot on special teams to contribute next year. It will be very interesting to see how good he is once he develops a college LB body. Once he's up around 220 lbs we will see what kind of player he is.

Brian Labat (Fr 6-2 205 lbs)is the other guy from Detroit Lakes. I have heard nothing but great things about this young LB. He is listed as 6-2 205 but looks every bit 6-3 and has defiantly put on some serious weight this year. He is big dude already and just looks like a LB. Look for him to be a big time player sooner than later. He needs to get quicker and stronger this winter and continue to develop into a monster. In a class that has alot of good LBs I would not be the least bit surprised to see him develop into the best of the bunch.

Taj Rich (Fr 6-2 215 lbs) was a highly recruited player coming out of high school. He isn't built like many freshman. He already has a strong base that looks like a veteran. He needs to develop his upper body this winter and become another great OLB in UND history. He's a young man with loads of potential. It's up to him to become a great player.

Jared Tuilagi (Fr 6-2 220 lbs) looks the part. He is a big young man already but looks to have the frame to easily play at 250 lbs and not be slowed down. He has immense potential to become a first off the bus kind of guy. Like most freshman he needs to hit the weights hard this winter and develop his potential.

Next season rides on these guys to improve a great deal.

NextDBs

[sioux24/7]

Linebackers were obviously awful this past season but I am loving the potential in there! That freshman class of LBs looks quite dangerous to me.

[geaux_sioux]

Linebackers were obviously awful this past season but I am loving the potential in there! That freshman class of LBs looks quite dangerous to me.

I think that Labat is going to be the man. He just has that look. He and Mollberg both have it.

[sioux24/7]

When are you going to do DBs?

[geaux_sioux]

When are you going to do DBs?

After I think of enough positive things to say..... still need to cool off about how they played most of the time. Maybe I'll have enough time tonight.

[jodcon]

After I think of enough positive things to say..... still need to cool off about how they played most of the time. Maybe I'll have enough time tonight.

Momma told me "If you can't say something nice..."

[geaux_sioux]

Momma told me "If you can't say something nice..."

Momma never watched Chavon Mackey play CB at UND the past three years. She wouldn't be mad, just disappointed.

[geaux_sioux]

DB's

The weakest postion group on the team for the past few years took a very very minute step forward in pass defense this year. They were slightly statistically better this year which at first glance is a little impressive considering the level of competition compared the previous year. However, last year the run defense was fantastic and forced teams to pass, which they did. I thought as a group they were weaker than last year due to the lack of run stopping tackles and big hits from the safeties. Eric Mersareau would hit opponents with his purse instead of laying the wood like a safety is supposed to do. As was expected (which is pathetic) there were plenty of blown coverages this season which is compounded by the fact that these below average DBs are more worried about talking smack after the tackle a WR for a 5 yard gain than being assignment sharp and reliable. As much as the trenches are where you win games and lose games, these guys are such a glaring weakness that it makes the D line play nearly irrelevant as they have no chance of getting to a QB when his WRs are running wild and open all day. The term coverage sack would probably be met with a blank stare if you were to mention it to a DB on this team. It is imperative that these guys get much bigger and stronger and faster all while fixing their piss poor attitudes. They have a longer ways to go than any position group on the team by far. I have more faith in the two FR QBs going into next year than I do in the secondary. When the run defense is fixed, which should be this winter, the DBs better be prepared to be tested more than they were in the EWU game. Lots of work to do for these guys and it starts from within.

Key Losses: Eric 'can't tackle' Mersareau

Key Returners: Everyone other than Mersareau....

Tyrhe Ivery (Jr 6-1 169 (converted WR)). I was very high on Tyrhe as a WR. He got caught behind Hardin on the depth chart and never got enough reps as a WR despite his considerable talent. At very limited time as a safety Tyrhe looked good at times and looked very new at times. He would come up in run support and lay surprisingly powerful hits one play and the next whiff on a crucial 3rd down play. He has some serious athletic ability and can defiantly be a good player for the defense once he gets used to playing safety. He is going to have to hit the weights like Jake Miller this winter and gain at least 20 lbs to be able to play an entire season and tackle RBs. I would not be surprised to see him contribute next year.

Will Lewis (Sr 5-10 180). Played better in each consecutive game as he became more accustomed to the defense in his first season. Made some very nice plays in pass coverage and was one of the only players in the secondary that didn't make me squirm every time I saw the ball in the air heading for his area. Needs to tackle better. Also needs to get stronger and faster. Next year he should be much improved as he has one year of the defense under his belt. Hopefully he turns into a reliable player in the secondary and starts a revolution back there.

Javen Butler (So 6-2 190). This kid has some serious physical tools. I hope I wasn't the only one who noticed him streaking down the field on KO coverage. He has some great speed for his size and has a ton of room left on his frame. This guy could end up playing at 220 and still have room on his frame. He is a super physical young man and could be an enforcer if he earns playing time and understands the defense. This is his first full year in the program as he had academic concerns out of high school. He should be around 210 lbs by spring ball and if he gets things figured out he could be what we've been waiting for at safety.

Darryl Brown (Jr 5-10 163 lbs). Darryl was supposed to be the cornerstone of the secondary this season but was plagued by injuries all year and was never able to contribute as we had all hoped/anticipated. This kid needs to hit the damn weights. He is tiny and gets thrown around and would be much more durable and strong if he gained some weight. He has an enormous amount of heart and is very hard nosed and doesn't need to talk smack. He needs to be at least 180lbs next year to be able to hang with the WRs of the Big Sky. I expect him to be very good next year but he needs to show that he cares enough by gaining the necessary weight to cut it and be the man.

Dwayne Brown (So 5-9 165 lbs). I thought Dwayne was a lock to be the other starter at DB but he never really played this year. This must have been due to injury. He almost had his shirt pulled as a true FR and is plenty talented. This winter he needs to get healthy and if possible also get bigger and stronger the same way as Darryl. I'm not sure what to expect for him next season. I just hope he can get healthy and see the field as a start.

Chris Brown (So 5-8 164 lbs). Played a decent amount for a Fr, unfortunately he looked like a Fr most of the time. He needs time to develop. Shows some decent ability at times but just needs to be more seasoned. This winter with his position mates he needs to hit the weights.

Baylee Carr (Jr 5-9 192 lbs) A hard working player that is best in run support. A little short as a safety but decently thick. Needs to work on his skills as a pass defender. Was defiantly missed on the KO coverage unit this year. Doesn't need to get much bigger but needs another year under his belt.

Rumeal Harris (So 5-11 173 lbs). Looked the best of the FR DBs this season. Needs more experience. Also needs to gain some weight and get faster this winter. Hopefully he can develop into the other corner to start aside Darryl Brown.

Chris Hall (Sr 5-11 183 lbs) For some reason I don't think Mr. Hall weighs the reported 183 lbs from the roster. He isn't fast enough or strong enough to cut it against any D1 receiver. He is decently quick and smooth but can't tackle and seems to be a liability is coverage. He needs to get much stronger and bigger and most of all faster this winter. To be this late into his career and have concerns about his size says alot about his work ethic or lack thereof. Needs to get his 'stuff' together for his final season or he will have been a complete waste of a roster spot and scholarship at UND.

Chavon Mackey (Sr 5-9 174 lbs). Well what hasn't been said about Mr. Mackey.... This young man may be the most maligned player I have ever seen at UND. The most frustrating part is that he has some serious physical talent. He is fast, quick, a good tackler (when he wants to be), very long arms for his height, decent enough hands. All of these things are important but this kid just does not get it. He's too worried about what his next line will be to the WR du jour that is lighting him up. He has never had a good game in his three years. He has had good plays and good quarters and even a couple of good halves. But he has never in his life played a full game start to finish the way he should. At this point it has to be an attitude problem. He must have delusions of grander from playing as a Fr by default. I hope there are enough people on the team that get sick of his bs and start holding him accountable because he could actually be a really good player. The problem is that he just isn't yet. He needs to bust his ass for his last year to make good on the investment that UND has put into his so far worthless ass. If he was half as good as he thinks he is he would be twice as good as he actually is and thats a problem that he needs to fix because at this point the coaches can only do so much.

Ryan Cain (Fr 6-0 190 lbs). Has the look of a D1 safety already. Has great size for a FR and good speed as well. He looked like a bit of a playmaker in highschool and I hope that translates. He could be apart of a new movement in the secondary as they hopefully move away from the less than desirable to say the least secondary play of the last few years. I hope he is hungry enough to get some playing time next year and does what it takes to make a difference day one next spring. I'm very excited about this kids potential.

Devin Coyle (Fr 5-11 170 lbs) Great HS athlete. Has an advantage over many DBs in that he played QB in HS and knows what they look for. I expect this kid to make a nice contribution as a walk on much like Jay Nelson did. He will continue to develop this year and should be a very good Special Teams guy next year.

Dan Konowalski (Fr 5-11 170lbs). This kid seems to have some decent potential. Needs to get way stronger to contribute anywhere on the field. With some added strength he should be a decent player. Lots of potential, needs to keep his mind right and show people instead of tell them unlike some of his teammates.

Clordion Kennedy (Sr 5-10 200 lbs) I wasn't as impressed with Kennedy as I was with Lewis. Made some decent tackles this year but is just too slow and short. Needs to get in better shape this winter and be the player that he appeared to be on his JUCO film. I hope that one of the younger players beats him out since it's his last year and I'd like to see a longtime starter at safety instead of a bridge to the future type player like Kennedy.

There is some decent talent moving forward in this group and they get more physical by losing Mersereau and his skirt. There needs to be some new young blood injected in the secondary and things need to improve for this team to be what they should be. This program deserves better than what this group has been giving, lets hope they come together and pull through.

PS

KICKERS

Lost Sr Cameron who had an up and down career.

News flash: Zeb is good. Also, he needs to quit getting kicks blocked.

Hopefully the new punter bombs them like Montanas punter did.

[Sioux10Fan]

I have heard that Jablonski and Kennedy will not be returning in 2013. It was not their decision, but was made by the coaching staff. I cannot verify for a fact that this is factual.

[UNDColorado]

Interesting...make sure to post when you learn more.

[UNDvince97-01]

I have heard that Jablonski and Kennedy will not be returning in 2013. It was not their decision, but was made by the coaching staff. I cannot verify for a fact that this is factual.

By the coaching staff or the Athletic Dept.?...

[darell1976]

I have heard that Jablonski and Kennedy will not be returning in 2013. It was not their decision, but was made by the coaching staff. I cannot verify for a fact that this is factual.

Keep us posted on this.

[geaux_sioux]

I have heard that Jablonski and Kennedy will not be returning in 2013. It was not their decision, but was made by the coaching staff. I cannot verify for a fact that this is factual.

Coach Mussman must have enough depth on the team to trim the fat and remove some bad apples. Good to see. This should give you Mussman haters some faith that he's committed to winning and building the program the right way.

[Sioux10Fan]

Team back to begin second semester. Transfers from Illinois and NIU are here. Tulinage transferring to S Utah. No QBs brought in yet.

[geaux_sioux]

Team back to begin second semester. Transfers from Illinois and NIU are here. Tulinage transferring to S Utah. No QBs brought in yet.

Damn. I was hoping he'd be a good lb here. He's a big young man.

[homer]

I was looking forward to him as well. We need big outside LBs like him to help against the run.

[sioux24/7]

It will be interesting to see him develop at SUU.

[geaux_sioux]

It will be interesting to see him develop at SUU.

Luckily we have guys like rich and labbatt rattelle who are very young and promising lbs.

We still need to find at least 3 good ones in this class

[Dagger]

Is this the first we had heard about Tuullagi transfering to SUU which is close to his home or did we hear about him leaving earlier?

[Hambone]

Is this the first we had heard about Tuullagi transfering to SUU which is close to his home or did we hear about him leaving earlier?

First I've heard of it - really disappointed as I thought he was going to be special. Excited to see what Robertson can do.

[geaux_sioux]

First I've heard of it - really disappointed as I thought he was going to be special. Excited to see what Robertson can do.

We'll see how legit Hardin and company are by comparison

[UND-FB-FAN]

We'll see how legit Hardin and company are by comparison

WR corps will be fine, but the QBs and OL will be the offensive areas to watch. And of course, this team won't compete for a 2013 Big Sky championship without substantial defensive improvement.

[iramurphy]

Mollberg is up to 225 lbs and worked out in weight room during break. In answer to questions posted previously he can run. He is a good athlete (leading scorer in DL bb and was an excellent basball player). ran the veer in HS. Labatt is up to 225 lbs and had a 4.0 GPA in Engineering first semester. With addition of the kid from Illinois UND has receivers that could play for most any school in the country. This spring I think one of the challenges for the coachingg staff will be to evaluate which of those guys at WR needs to move to a different position to see the field. May be opportunity a safety or if big enough, develop as outside LB or TE. Jackson may be big enough but is great WR so I wouldn't move him. Great start to recruiting. They need to have at least 4 QB's.Bartels and Mollberg are both excellent and l believe coaching staff and team have confidence either can come in a play as freshmen. The will push each other to get better. Oline should be as good and maybe better. Tough to lose the seniors in the line, but we need to be able to dominate the line of scrimmage to move the ball on the ground. Defense should be better but we need to improve our tackling fundamentals and our secondary. Secondary will get better if we improve our pass rush and our penetration to disrupt oppostion run game. Our dbacks need to be able to read run vs pass faster to improve run support and they need to be able to cover receivers without giving a 15 yd cushion on the outside. Need to see improvement each year and I believe we will. Need to improve speed on defense and get stronger across the board. I believe we are getting there. Not as fast as we would like, but we need to build this program so we can sustain success and also position this program to move up a level if opportunity arises. Don't believe we are ready for that quite yet, but if we aren't looking ahead we won't be ready.

[dmksioux]

Mollberg is up to 225 lbs and worked out in weight room during break. In answer to questions posted previously he can run. He is a good athlete (leading scorer in DL bb and was an excellent basball player). ran the veer in HS. Labatt is up to 225 lbs and had a 4.0 GPA in Engineering first semester. With addition of the kid from Illinois UND has receivers that could play for most any school in the country. This spring I think one of the challenges for the coachingg staff will be to evaluate which of those guys at WR needs to move to a different position to see the field. May be opportunity a safety or if big enough, develop as outside LB or TE. Jackson may be big enough but is great WR so I wouldn't move him. Great start to recruiting. They need to have at least 4 QB's.Bartels and Mollberg are both excellent and l believe coaching staff and team have confidence either can come in a play as freshmen. The will push each other to get better. Oline should be as good and maybe better. Tough to lose the seniors in the line, but we need to be able to dominate the line of scrimmage to move the ball on the ground. Defense should be better but we need to improve our tackling fundamentals and our secondary. Secondary will get better if we improve our pass rush and our penetration to disrupt oppostion run game. Our dbacks need to be able to read run vs pass faster to improve run support and they need to be able to cover receivers without giving a 15 yd cushion on the outside. Need to see improvement each year and I believe we will. Need to improve speed on defense and get stronger across the board. I believe we are getting there. Not as fast as we would like, but we need to build this program so we can sustain success and also position this program to move up a level if opportunity arises. Don't believe we are ready for that quite yet, but if we aren't looking ahead we won't be ready.

As usual, a good and insightful post. Thanks Ira. Do you feel this team will be ready to challenge for a playoff spot next year or do you feel they are still a couple of years away? I would like to think our offense is there, but with a Frosh at QB, it's hard to say. I also am not sure that the defense can turn it around quick enough in one year to play at a playoff/championship level.

[Risky]

How many freshman did we have that reshirted last year? Of that group how many are expected to make a significant impact next year? Which players would be considered to be the stars of that class?