Spring practice recap: Day 13: Could CB competition make Brandyn Thompson a backup?

“Go through those harder, Kellen!” —-Yeah, that kinda scared me a little bit. Let’s hope that statement was just made to push the other guys. Also, I thought you were being cute when you wrote to your diary about throwing in little tiny nets, but after watching it… I got real giddy inside as well. I know Moore is just so good, but everything coming out of these practices about Kellen working on the long ball and placing his feet makes things sound more negative and that he might be taking a step back. Luckily, he’s not Colin Kaepernick and these steps back are only proceeded with leaps forward.

Loque, you stole my quote, but I’m going to say it anyways. I was all kinds of giddy watching Kellen throwing into the nets. Seeing the red plastic fly up may be one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in a little while.

I still think Thompson is safe in his starting spot. He does have loads of talent, sometimes he just needs to make better decisions. I’m sure that he know this and is what he’ll be working on. Most of his mistakes come from his being aggressive and then getting beat. I wonder how many teams are going to be as willing to pick on Thompson this year with Wilson gone and a new starter?

For the other corner spot I feel like I lean towards Taylor. Taylor was impressive his freshman year and has a little more size. If Gavins and Taylor are neck and neck in fall practice, my bet is on Taylor. The coaches have tended to go with the younger guy who is equal in talent.

Watching Kellen Moore throw into those nets was downright awesome. He looked good stepping into his throws and had a quick delivery.

As far as Thompson goes, he can be kind of bitter-sweet, I guess. He makes some mistakes and those penalties are killer but he makes up for it with big interceptions. It will be interesting to see how well Jamar Taylor will do after him having so much promise and potential as a true freshman. I don’t think we’ll really know who the two starters will be until those three CB’s have played a game or two.

Also, if Jeron Johnson can tighten up his tackling he’ll be even scarier to WAC offenses. His problem was being over-aggressive and always going for the big hit, which would leave him grasping for air at times. You can’t really fault a guy for being aggressive. However, him recognizing he needs to wrap up those tackles more tells me he has his priorities straight.

Nice to see coaches who take no attitude even unexpressed. Like the intensity, and as I’ve noticed with all our coaches they miss nothing. As for CB’s, I sort of feel about starters the way I feel about boxing champions-the challenger clearly has to take it(not precise analogy but go with me). Having said that , Taylor was impressive: on replays that year I kept asking who is that, grab my roster, and many times it’d be Taylor. It’s hard to say we won’t miss Kyle(in the sense of a dropoff-he was class) but our excellent play at corner, like our historically excellent play at WR, stays intact. Having talked out both sides of my mouth I’ll show my cards-Gavins starts.(Gosh I’m a wordy guy-thanks for putting up with me OBNUGers.) WORDY LAWYER-film at 11.

The boys are looking good and Harsin is great.

“Don’t walk! Don’t walk, fellas! Don’t walk!”

Dang,… it’s only April.

I vote Gavins and it doesn’t matter who else only because the D won’t be complete without some dreads like Wilson’s

but watching Kellen throwing into tiny targets is pretty fun to watch. I love Harsin telling him to go harder between the tackles. Hopefully that is just for show and sliding practice is later in the day.

As far as Thompson goes, I fall closer to camp #2. I think he is solid, but he is not All-WAC material. He doesn’t seem as physical as Gavins and is not a lockdown guy or possess elite speed. He is a very solid CB, but I don’t think experience alone will keep him on the field. If Taylor and Gavins show they are better, the coaching staff has shown they are not hesitant to make a change and put the best players on the field.

Wow, I seriously felt like a kid on Christmas watching Kellen drop those passes on a dime. Absolutely incredible. Can anyone say Heisman?

Also, I am definitely of the latter opinion regarding our corners. I love Brandyn Thompson, but I have absolutely no faith in him. In fact, I have absolutely the opposite. When an opponent throws a fade or a deep post to Brandyn’s side, I fully expect a touchdown/brilliant catch over Thompson EVERY TIME. I am actually surprised when he goes up and makes a good play. Sure, I understant and respect that he was the Fiesta Bowl MVP, but need I remind everyone that the one offensive score that TCU produced was right on BT’s dome? I absolutely think Taylor and Gavins should start over Thompson. Sorry buddy. Too small, not fast enough, your hops are mediocre, and you get burned far more than you do the burning. I mean honestly, how many of you can remember how often during the regular season you caught yourself saying “freaking Brandyn Thompson!”

’Nough said.

It would be silly to keep the best on the bench because of sentimentality or seniority of other players in that position that are not as good.

I know the BSU coaching staff agrees with me.

Coughlin and Southwick threw very catchable balls on that drill and Tamburo’s was a little wonky, but Kellsy could’ve hit a ping pong ball with his tosses.

I love seeing Harsin’s intensity in this video. He sure doesn’t let any players slack. No wonder the offense is so explosive.

despite my impression to the contrary. Is it even remotely possible that tmunson is out of touch? Nah.

I have to disagree with a lot of you on the CB competition. Thompson, as much as I like the guy, may very well sit out. I couldnt believe he was MVP of that game. The TD interception was a outstanding play. The other was a underthrown ball that he was very lucky to be in position for. He cost us a TD and, if you all remember right, could have cost us another. The WR dropped the ball in the endzone. Now if you take a look at the final score, that spells a big loss. I’m not saying he’s not very talented, but he gives up a lot of big plays. Remind me of Dees, Brown, Scandrick. All very good but give up big yardage plays way to often.
How many toes did I just crush?

At times he looked wilson-esque, other times he looked like a corner up at Idaho. He plays pick way too much, this team can’t give up big plays if they wanna be the champs. Gavins has unreal speed and seems to improve, and Taylor, although I haven’t seen much, seems reliable and was on pace for a starting job last year until he got hurt. I just don’t trust Thompson late in games with a deep threat on the other side. I hope he is more consistent.

I was pretty surprised Thompson was the MVP. He gave up the TD, and got lucky that he didn’t give up another. Our defense next year should be good enough that we don’t need someone who will get big-play TDs at the expense of giving up touchdowns.

Doesn’t really mean much about who should start, I’m certainly happy with going with whoever the coaches pick :).

Sure, his blown coverage on the “TD that never was” was not his best work.

But his coverage on the TD he allowed was textbook perfect. The only problem was TCU’s pass was textbook perfect as well. That’s one play I’ll never forget: I was sitting in the upper deck corner front row looking right down on it. Definitely can’t fault Thompson for that one.

I’m glad the coaches are pushing him in Spring Training though.