Ive been hearing some persistent rumors that Dustin May is looking to transfer. Is this true? Souded a little crazy to me but this is a crazy world we live in.

Belfry was different last year ( speed and physical play was down a bit ) .... New stadium is too nice for the nation , suggest tearing up the turf and restoring the mud of Vipp .. This might restore the Red Army Mojo ... Look forward to playing Pirates again , lot's of excitement ....

Nothing surprises me anymore mojo. If that is true, my guess would be upset with not being moved to tailback?

I don't think the transfer rumor is true, and I do think that May could possibly be moved to HB this year.

After looking at the schedule, I see Belfry going anywhere from 6-4 to 9-1.

 

I wonder how summer practice is coming along? I had heard some time ago that this team will be bigger on the line that in the past couple years. It will be interesting to see how Elkins matures at QB.

 

The defense should be very sound in the front 7, returning nearly every starter and key reserves. The secondary returns some experience but will be a ? IMO.

Who will Belfry be scrimmaging? When and where will it be?

 

Also, call me the minority on Pond Creek, buut I was thinking that maybe that lack of "speed' in the backfield isn't as big of a deal as most people are thinking. My reasoning behind this is as follows:

 

1. With May and Lee alongside Halfback X, you are going to be guaranteed some of the best lead blocking in the state. Couple that with the reports that this O-line could possibly rival those from the State Championship teams and a running back will seem a whole lot faster with a big hole to get through.

 

2. QB Elkins hides the balls on playfakes better than most of the QB's who have ever ran the option at Belfry. Also, Elkins should be a year bigger and stronger, and he proved last season that he has quick feet. With an increase in strength he ebcomes a viable 4th rushing option which we never established last season.

 

3. All indications are that the passing game which, in itself last season was an improvement, will be furthermore improved this season. Thus, defenses may actually have to hold the Pirate's accountable down the field softening the line of scrimmage further.

 

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a Maynard, Howard, or Jones running behind the lead blocks set by May and Lee... but I think that the lack of a 4.5 HB isn't a sbig of a deal as it may seem.

A few comments on what you have said there EKU.

 

1. Your optimism is admirable, but I still see the lack of a home run hitter really hurting Belfry. The line play better be excellent and the kids better play penalty free football and fumble free football.

 

2. I think you overestimate Elkins ability. I was high on him last season too simply because he was young and showed some promise. Then I watched the Pikeville game, in which he looked very weak and timid. It remains to be seen with this kid. If he starts the season 20 lbs heavier than last, then we will talk.

 

3. I agree that Elkins is a pretty good thrower. Preston, Bowens, and #87 should provide some decent targets, as well as May out of the backfield. Again, no dynamic playmakers here. Will Haywood devote substantial time to developing the passing game?

 

4. I suppose Lee is a good blocker (how do we know that?) I do think Lee will be a very good ball carrier.

 

5. Who plays TB? I personally like Hickman for the job, but if he can't protect the football, that isn't an option. Heath Varney is probably the heir apparent. Who elses plays tailback?

 

When did/does summer practice start?

Also disagree with the Russell poster above. No loss of mojo, just not as good of talent.

 

Nevertheless, 4 straight semi's for the Pirates.

Sounds like Belfry fans are sandbagging...from what I've heard they will be outstanding.

 

Big play guy??? How about Dustin May???

Belfry will not have as much speed as they've had in the past, but the runners will be a load to bring down.

If Hickman was the 3rd back, they would have a true power running game for sure.

I could be wrong, but I think a lot of different guys could see action in the backfield this year.

 

Dustin May is the one I see being in the mix no matter what. You could see him at FB with Hickman and Heath or Thomas Varney at HB. You could see May at HB with either Charlie Dotson or Ivan Lee at FB. Ryan Preston is another that may be looked upon from the RB position along with Timmy Lovern.

I think Preston and Hickman will join May and Lee in the backfield. Preston has deceptive speed...and nice moves. He could be a pleasant surprise carrying the football. Hickman is as tough as they come....and he really hits the holes well. Both...must hang on to the football.

I was also wondering what impact you all see Corey Coleman playing this season? Coleman spent most of last season playing with a huge cast on his hand, I see that kid stepping in and making an immediate impact on defense.

^He'll definitely have a much better year. His hand injury limited his effectiveness last year and he still had a nice sophomore season.