Couple interesting post-scrimmage comments...

[MajorMajors]

Does it show how poor our defense talent is that two offensive players switch sides of the ball and in a matter of days are catching the eyes of the coaches?

--How about this quote from Coach Duzz about Dennis Briggs of all people: "He's got the `wow' factor. Dennis Briggs has been a pleasant surprise. We've had our eyeball on him all through Fourth Quarter Program. What's been most impressive about Dennis is his knowledge. He picked it up almost like a natural and he's playing a little bit of nickel back and he can blitz, too. So he's been very, very impressive here. I think he missed two days [while with the offense]. So he's had five days on defense"

--And Jameel Poteat made some tackles playing LB...

--Also some interesting comments about Mike Caprara - the coaches seem to like what they see. Quoting Coach Duzz: "He's a great football player and I'm really impressed with what Mike's doing as well."

Some weird stuff going on. It's probably more "spring-ball hype" where you hear about a guy doing well and then you never see it when the season comes around - but who knows... We need some guys to come out of nowhere to help the defense.

Go Pitt.

 

[Pghfan]

Mike Caprera is a "Great football player?"" What the hell is going on here???

 

[WCSordill]

He's being coached up.

 

[VincePITT]

Dennis Briggs was listed as a athlete by rivals.com he played RB & DB

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAYsBcBqDGY

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Maybe what's going on is the guy had a top 10 defense for last the 8 years.

 

[ratking17]

Coach Chaney also had an interesting quote. Regarding James not playing on third down in obvious passing situations. Said specifically that he has a different philosophy than Paul regarding that. Interesting that he named Paul by name. He doesn't want his playmaker not out there consistently and one has to think he isn't also trying to improve james' draft stock by showing he has the ability to pass protect

 

[rc79]

That's the wrong conclusion.

 

[MajorMajors]

The quote has me wonder what happens with Rachid Ibrahim. I really liked him as a 3rd down back. Wonder what his status is now - if Connor stays on the field on 3rd downs, Ibrahim is going to have a hard time getting any playing time. Q. Ollison is in the mix now too.

Wonder if Ibrahim may change positions? Seems like a really good athlete.

Go Pitt.

 

[thebadby2]

Many times the postion switches and coaches' comments related to then are more motivational than practical. Guys who are buried on the chart at deep positions are moved to thin positions as a reminder to the players already there that they have some competition and they will have to work for their jobs. I suspect that's exactly what Duzzi is doing with Caprara and Bam.

The Briggs comments are more interesting. Sounds like he really is making an impression.

If he ends up being a player for us, gotta give credit to PC and staff for bringing him in, as he was very lightly regarded as a D1 prospect.

 

[Las Panteras]

I was there yesterday.

The kid Bertke can really spin it.........

 

[goalieman]

Originally posted by Las Panteras:
I was there yesterday.

The kid Bertke can really spin it.........

Good to hear..... hopefully he can develop into a really good QB.

 

[thebadby2]

Might be another good offensive find by PC & Co. They didn't miss on many on the offensive side of the ball. Defense is a different story.

Maybe Bertke will become our Conner Cook.

 

[Saboteur]

Hank Poteet came to Pitt as a running back and made his name as a dback.
Nothing unusual here.

 

[WCSordill]

I wonder if Ibrahim has the skills to be a slot receiver.

 

[vegasgreed]

Its March 30th....
Posted from Rivals Mobile

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

makes for an interesting spring

 

[Rockyhound]

Originally posted by WCSordill:
I wonder if Ibrahim has the skills to be a slot receiver.

That would be an interesting experiment. The few plays they ran tossing to him out of the backfield last year seemed to work well.

 

[raleighpanther]

I've always liked Ibrahim. I hope they find a spot for him where he can get on the field.

One thing not directly addressed about Conner is how much they intend to use him. Adding '3rd down back' to his reportoire implies that he will always be on the field, but I really don't think they intend to run him into the ground. He may be there on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down, then come off the field for a few plays for another back.