Heard a rumor that Belfry had about 75 kids out and a very impressive Freshmen class!

 

Hope its true!

I heard that a RB from Matewan has transfered to Belfry and has some good speed. Is there any truth to this and if so what kind of speed does he have?

First I have heard about it.

Keep checking in on those practices EKU. The update is much appreciated from this fan!

 

One note. By continuing to work Preston primarily at QB, that could signal a couple things. A) No other QB is good enough now to be the backup, so Haywood is forced to work Preston in case of injury or B) Elkins hasn't improved as much as Pirate fans have hoped and there is still competition for the job

 

Hopefully Elkins steps up and an underclassman QB shows they can run the offense. I think Preston would benefit from a fulltime move to WR if he is eventually going to end up there.

 

I think it's more of Option A than anything. Belfry was only 2 deep at QB last season and both were underclassmen, so if there was any other option that came along he would almost certainly be a freshman, thus it would only make sense to continue to let Preston see snaps in practice just in case.

 

I will say that the Pirates were working 4 different QB's during those passing drills and the none were really distinquishable as to who they were. Preston may not have even been throwing at all.

I just assumed the starting Freshmen QB from last season would move into the backup role.

Keep checking in on those practices EKU. The update is much appreciated from this fan!

 

One note. By continuing to work Preston primarily at QB, that could signal a couple things. A) No other QB is good enough now to be the backup, so Haywood is forced to work Preston in case of injury or B) Elkins hasn't improved as much as Pirate fans have hoped and there is still competition for the job

 

Hopefully Elkins steps up and an underclassman QB shows they can run the offense. I think Preston would benefit from a fulltime move to WR if he is eventually going to end up there.

 

 

Cam....I don't think Preston will end up at WR. While it's a possibility...I really believe he's going to be somewhere in the backfield...either under center or taking some hand-offs.

Cam....I don't think Preston will end up at WR. While it's a possibility...I really believe he's going to be somewhere in the backfield...either under center or taking some hand-offs.

The taking handoffs part really intrigues me. It might surprise some, but I remind everyone to look at the Ashland and Lawrence County games. I feel that Elkins gives more options at the QB, but there is absolutely no denying that Preston has the abilities to be a very good runner (especially with those two monsters that will be back there already). If Ryan can hold on to the ball, he could be a pretty tough halfback.

 

Hickman is also a viable option at HB,, in fact he started the season there against NewCath, but after fumbling the ball we never saw him running it again. I personally would like to avoid putting Hickman in the backfield though, because I'd ratehr have him fresh every defensive series at his DT position where he absolutely eats offenses up.

 

I posted earlier in this discussion and will digress again to say that I am not overly worried about the "absence of a speed HB", I think there are some options that may take care of business.

The taking handoffs part really intrigues me. It might surprise some, but I remind everyone to look at the Ashland and Lawrence County games. I feel that Elkins gives more options at the QB, but there is absolutely no denying that Preston has the abilities to be a very good runner (especially with those two monsters that will be back there already). If Ryan can hold on to the ball, he could be a pretty tough halfback.

 

 

That's what it really boils down to...holding on to the ball. The kids' a runner...plain and simple. In all reality...I would like to see him toting the pigskin. IMO, he could be a great change of pace back. May and Lee hammering you with blunt force power...and Preston, Louvern dart and dash. While he's not going to run over you...he runs hard...good speed and quickness..and he knows how to run. He just needs a little reassurance. Stick him in some situations where he can be successful...and IMO, he will blossom. The other surprise could very well be Hickman. He's as tough as they come. Excellent straight ahead runner.

Is Lovern getting reps with the 1st team? I have heard he is speedy but quite thin.

Is Lovern getting reps with the 1st team? I have heard he is speedy but quite thin.

 

I can't confirm that....but I know the staff is very high on him.

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?

 

 

 

Well, it has been forever since I had the opportunity to grace the good page of BGP!! Nice to be back in time for football season :thumb:

 

I agree with a lot of your statements Cam, but I think that there is more potential in key areas than you state.

 

From info passed on to me from the Boyd County scrimmage, Belfry's offense looked in pretty good form even with the lack of a true speedster. Size is the biggest factor in the backfield with May, Lee, & Dotson coming at you full force. If the line can make some openings then they will get 5 to 6 yards almost every carry.

 

As far as Elkins goes for QB. I was highly impressed with this kid last year. He came in as starting Qb in the 4th game of the season, without expecting to do so, and carried himself and the team pretty far. As a sophomore last year, I don't think anyone could have done any better. As a junior, he should be more settled and relaxed in the pocket. I have heard his fakes compared to that of Dwayne Fransico's. Pretty good company there if you ask me.

 

You mentioned Elkins looking tired and weak in the Pikeville game last year. If my aging memory serves me correct, there were a lot of arguable late hits all night that game and I'm sure after taking as many shots as he did that night, anyone would look a little tired. I would like to go back and look at that tape just to refresh my memory.

 

There will be a lot of new faces in the secondary this year, so I can honestly say what strong or weak points we may have there until after the first game or after the scrimmage this Friday.

I think Belfry will surprise a lot of people this year. IMO they are very talented and numerous kids who can play various positions. Everyone is talking about speed, we have speed with such likes as May, Lee, Lovern, Hickman, Dotson, and Elkins on the quarterback sneek.

Belfry's first scrimmage I felt looked better than the second, we were more poised. The second scrimmage a lot of mistakes on the snap to the quarterback, but anyone can have a bad day, sure Haywood will have this took care of by opening game.

I am so excited and can hardly wait until Friday night, I think this will be a really good game.

Welcome to the forum "03"

 

GO BIG RED!

This is all new for me, I have always wanted to comment, but worried about offending others.

 

I'm just so excited about this season, with hopes the ole red won't disappoint me. I wish every kid the best of luck this season and hope at seasons' end will can make a trip to the carpet.

Welcome to BGP Belfry 03 and be sure, to visit the New Member forum....

 

http://www.bluegrasspreps.com/forumd...aysprune=&f=34

 

Be sure to view the Rules pages, as it will help to avoid some common mistakes from new members, like Rule #13.

 

Enjoy....