How will the team speed be on the defensive side of the ball? I have not heard much on this, but I am hopeful that our speed has improved over previous years

 

Not sure how many games you attended last year, but I thought the defense played pretty fast last year. They probably didn't fight off blocks like they needed, but I don't think speed was the major problem. Don't get me wrong they weren't has fast as Highlands, but I thought overall they were above average. Having said that, I think this year's team will be significantly faster than last. Primarily I believe the LB's will play much faster.

 

Only time will tell if they are as fast as they need to be, but I feel confident you will see a fast attacking defense in 2010.

Not sure how many games you attended last year, but I thought the defense played pretty fast last year. They probably didn't fight off blocks like they needed, but I don't think speed was the major problem. Don't get me wrong they weren't has fast as Highlands, but I thought overall they were above average. Having said that, I think this year's team will be significantly faster than last. Primarily I believe the LB's will play much faster.

 

Only time will tell if they are as fast as they need to be, but I feel confident you will see a fast attacking defense in 2010.

 

I was at 3 games, and I agree that they were not slow on defense, but they were not as fast as I would have hoped. Some could have been due to schemes, some due to technique, but they did not play fast IMO. I am glad to hear that they should be faster.

Based on what I know about the Colonels and their recent history, I'd guess that they will end up somewhere around the 6-4 mark. Coach Wirth will undoubtebly have them atleast battling with the bluebirds for the district title. The rivalry needs a boost, after all its been pretty dull these past few years. Northern Kentucky football is a lot more exciting when someone other than Highlands is the team to beat. By the way, who are some of the new faces they need to come through this year to be successful?

Based on what I know about the Colonels and their recent history, I'd guess that they will end up somewhere around the 6-4 mark. Coach Wirth will undoubtebly have them atleast battling with the bluebirds for the district title. The rivalry needs a boost, after all its been pretty dull these past few years. Northern Kentucky football is a lot more exciting when someone other than Highlands is the team to beat. By the way, who are some of the new faces they need to come through this year to be successful?

 

 

I think the biggest question is who is at QB. In Coach Wirth's offense the QB is critical to making it work. I think there are 3 potential candidates, each with positives and negatives. It will be interesting as to who wins that battle.

I agree about the QB being critical, no doubt. It's going to be interesting to see if they put the pressure on Brady Reese to start as a junior, or if they try to invest in a sophomore starter with Blake Bir (reminiscent of Jared Kees and Timmy Grogan).

 

The defensive line is another big question though. They've got Timmerman coming back at end, and some other linemen who did see some playing time last year, but the D-line has got to be able to come out next year putting some power and pressure up front to compliment the speed of the defensive backs.

 

By the way, welcome aboard ThrillVille. Hope we've got another Colonel fan on our hands

I think the biggest question is who is at QB. In Coach Wirth's offense the QB is critical to making it work. I think there are 3 potential candidates, each with positives and negatives. It will be interesting as to who wins that battle.

 

Thanks, CovCath has put pretty decent QB's out on the feild for the past ten years plus, I'm sure they'll be alright come fall.

Just thinking about the QB situation at CCH though, and I really hope Coach Wirth can figure it out by mid summer at the latest. If you recall the 2007 season, the coach didn't decide who would be the #1 QB untill week two in the season, which really killed the offensive rythem. IMO the coach needs to make his decision earlier rather than later, or risk disaster early on.

I heard that Timmerman received an offer from Marshall. Is this true?

 

Yes.

 

We can add Ohio U and Ball State to the list of offers for Troy.

Just thinking about the QB situation at CCH though, and I really hope Coach Wirth can figure it out by mid summer at the latest. If you recall the 2007 season, the coach didn't decide who would be the #1 QB until week two in the season, which really killed the offensive rhythm. IMO the coach needs to make his decision earlier rather than later, or risk disaster early on.

 

I think Coach Wirth is well aware of the need to establish the starting quarterback as soon as possible. The situation with the QB in '07 was an oversight on the part of the new coaching staff. I think that came back to haunt Brossart two years later when his position as head coach came into question as well.

 

This may be more or less un-founded, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Bir get the nod if the coaches can develop his throwing arm to a satisfactory level by mid-summer. He showed a lot of poise as a freshman quarterback last year, and I think they'll look to get him started on the varsity level sooner rather than later.

I think Coach Wirth is well aware of the need to establish the starting quarterback as soon as possible. The situation with the QB in '07 was an oversight on the part of the new coaching staff. I think that came back to haunt Brossart two years later when his position as head coach came into question as well.

 

This may be more or less un-founded, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Bir get the nod if the coaches can develop his throwing arm to a satisfactory level by mid-summer. He showed a lot of poise as a freshman quarterback last year, and I think they'll look to get him started on the varsity level sooner rather than later.

 

I think Bir's arm is not an issue. I think the key is whether or not he can run enough to make the offense click. He doesn't have to be Brayden Erpenbeck, but he definitely needs to be enough of a threat to keep defenses honest. If he can pull it down and run 8 -10 times a game, I think he could be pretty good, and so could the Colonels.

I think Bir's arm is not an issue. I think the key is whether or not he can run enough to make the offense click. He doesn't have to be Brayden Erpenbeck, but he definitely needs to be enough of a threat to keep defenses honest. If he can pull it down and run 8 -10 times a game, I think he could be pretty good, and so could the Colonels.

 

Is speed the issue with him, or is he just more of a pocket passer?

In general with the passing game, Cov Cath seemed to struggle when it came to going across the middle. Their receivers last year relied more on outrunning their coverage rather than juking and getting themselves open, so they played for more long bombs than short quick plays at midfield. I'd like to see them move the quarterback back under center a little more often to keep the defense a little more honest, and then work on short drop passes a little more frequently. I think the addition of a short passing game is something that would aid Cov Cath's offense immensely.

In general with the passing game, Cov Cath seemed to struggle when it came to going across the middle. Their receivers last year relied more on outrunning their coverage rather than juking and getting themselves open, so they played for more long bombs than short quick plays at midfield. I'd like to see them move the quarterback back under center a little more often to keep the defense a little more honest, and then work on short drop passes a little more frequently. I think the addition of a short passing game is something that would aid Cov Cath's offense immensely.

 

For the most part, the reason for the lack of a short passing game last year was not the scheme or the players. If you watch the films they did have receivers open across the middle or on intermediate routes most of the time. A big part of the reason they didn't utilize this more had to do with Erpenbecks preference for 1-the long ball 2-to run. Also, their 2 big name receivers both played mainly on the outside (Connelly & Robinson) and they are not the type of receivers to come across the middle but are better at working the sidelines and down the field. Part of the problem, and the benefit of the offense they run is there are so many options it is tough for a kid to grasp in just one year. I think if you have a QB that is not as prolific a runner as Erpenbeck you will see more short passes.

We can add Ohio U and Ball State to the list of offers for Troy.

 

Congrats to the young man!!

Troy also has an offer from Air Force