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Conversation with Coach Hall part 2..

Some, or most actually, wanted to hear abou the OL, so here we go:

*He believes they are a much improved football team. They are not where they want to be, but they are getting better.

*They believe that moving to a more Olympic based strength and conditioning program is paying dividends in year 2. It was a major shift from where they were to where they are now.

1. The first think he talked about was getting the numer of players up. The fact that they added more players will allow them to actually go full speed at practice and competition makes everyone better. This is Spring, there are technically no set positions. What I have been told by people that attend is the transfers are not figuring into the 1st group yet. I think that will change in the Fall once these transfers go through summer workouts and really get a good handling of the offense and what the staff wants from them. I wouldn’t be alarmed if these OL transfers are not running with the ones. If it gets to the Fall and game week comes, and those guys are sitting, then be concerned. Until then, let's hope their work ethic is as high as their rankings. This offensive line doesn't look the same. Another year under Coach Ancar has showed that.

He was very complimentary of G. Scott on the OL and said he is really elevated his game.

He is excited about his skilled positions. Has more size at RB with transfer and recruiting. Caston has stood out at WR. He really got in the weight room and is a different player. The running backs have all performed well. He mentioned a few times that pretty much all skill positions can play the superback position. Brownlee has solidified himself as a true #1 reciever. Dean is a RB that is around 205 lbs now and Clay came in at a solid 215 lbs. I wouldn't be suprised to see Clay get touches as the season goes on. He was a QB in High school so it will be a slight learning curve moving him to RB. Pass protection is something he is having to learn. If he can't learn it that will keep him off the field. RB in this offense must b e good at pass-pro.

Swayze Bozeman has a chance to be a special player according to Hall. He is a special kid who is really talented.

The defense was really good last season and he believes they could really be good in the secondary. Harrell, and Knight, along with Jones, Shorts and other guys make this secondary stout. Knight will play the Star position and be on every special teams. He and Harrell will be fun to watch returning kickoffs. He mentioned Knight will be on all special teams so I assume he will be returning kicks.

He really wanted to talk about the TE position. Sellers and Bakers have really taken steps forward and have a nice a spring. Will allow the TE position to be used more.

There is no question this team is deeper and has more talent. The schedule is no easier this season so even if the teams better, the wins will be hard to get. They scrimmage next week and that will give us a lot of info leading into Fall.

Once again, I apologize for lack of practice reports, but I hope this will help you understand what is happening this Spring. More about USM football to come.

Had an opportunity to catch up with Coach Hall today....

I haven't been able to attend any spring practices, but Coach Hall was great to spend some time and answer some questions.

He is happy about his QB situation. They are getting better and stronger which is a positive. All 3 are great athletes. He did say Lowe was "steady Eddie" and is just solid at the position. Keys is an athlete and learning what he can and can't do physically. Wilke is young,but has a good arm and a lot of upside.

They are now at 83 scholarship players, they were at 62 when he got there. They look like a football team now. This increase will create more depth and will allow for starters to playing special teams. He was emphatic about starters being on Special Teams going forward. Knight is a special player and you will see him on all special teams.

He has more dept at RB. He has more size there as well. The Superback will be used thus season. How much depends on the circumstance and the defense. All of the RB on the roster played QB at one point. They can all throw the slants, hitches, and post that they like to use in that offense.

Much more coming out tomorrow. If you have a question for Coach Hall leave it below and I will attempt to ge an answer for you.

There will be some offensive line talk tomorrow....

Southern Miss Baseball at UNO Live Game Thread..

I think the obvious answer is already known based on the mass exit last year. I would say the Coach thought what he had coming in was going to do the job? Dunno, but there are two other pitchers not even being groomed or worked with. One that’s pitched two innings all season and another only pitching 9, I believe. Why would we not be utilizing the entire pitching staff? Two pitchers aren’t going to carry you through a season. IMO.

Thoughts on series win over FAU...

Ok, I like and appreciate Gabe as much as anyone, but if he is going to hit leadoff:
1. He has got to work the count.
2. He has got to stop swinging at the 1st pitch.
3. He has got to lay off the high fastball and be more selective. He has more pop-ups than anyone on the team. He should be getting on base however he can, that's his job at leadoff.

Poch is tired behind the plate and it is showing. There are no backup catchers so he is going to play every game. There is nothing that can be done except for the infield to cut down on some errors and letting teams get free baserunners.

Situational hitting is pathetic. USM must be about last in the NCAA when scoring runners in scoring position and less than 2 outs. USM batters look as if they are guessing at the plate and getting behind in counts. You have to be reactive sometimes and put the ball in play.

Game tomorrow is a must win. Can't lose games to teams like this when it comes to RPI.

Fischer needs to figure it out. He got a start last week and looked lost at the plate. They need his bat in the middle of the lineup.

Got to start seeing some power from Wilks. He is getting hits but very few are solid. Most are grounders or Texas leaguers. He is fouling everything straight back.

Hall can be really good, but when his pitches are up, he is very hittable. He settled down in after the 1st 2 innings, but he needs to start better and he probably will.
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