encouraging piece on Dontavius Blair

[sjt18]

Tiny didn't redshirt.

You are correct. Not sure why I was confused with that unless I was thinking of someone else. My mistake.

He did not start his first year however. The main point I was making is that he developed for a year before playing.

The guy he played behind (Dallas Thomas) is currently a starting OT in the NFL... and I am POSITIVE that he RS'd as a Fr to develop. He was then a back up and ST's player for another year before starting for 3 years. That is a more likely path for Richmond unless Blair busts.

 

[sjt18]

Well what's not encouraging is this is coming from a player/friend...not the coaching staff. Secondly he spent the season last year on the scout team after being a juco player a couple of years removed from high school. A true freshman and a former walk on playing with a torn acl were ahead of him in the depth chart. I have no clue how he could have been that bad of a recruiting miss but help is at least finally on the way. We've had so much trouble getting good o line recruits the last few years. Damn!

It is called making an investment in development. Get used to the concept because that appears to be where Jones is headed with roster management.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

The story says Blair has made progress. That doesn't mean he's anywhere close to being a good SEC left tackle yet. Maybe he gets to that point this year, we all hope so. But I'm betting he will /not/ be ready for the NFL at the end of this year. He still has a long way to go.

You do as well.

 

[majorvol]

If nothing else.. We've got depth on the o-line that gives the big dudes a breath of air.. Priceless over the corse of the season.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

I think Jones will do everything in his power to red shirt Richmond just like he did Dobbs. So, I wouldn't factor him into the plans for the upcoming season.

Even the best O linemen typically need a year to acclimate to the speed and rigors of the college game.

It took an injury for Jake Matthews to get playing time his freshman year at TXAM.

Taylor Lewan red shirted his freshman season at Michigan.

Zack Martin didn't play his freshman year at ND.

James started as a freshman for the Vols due to some absolutely p-ss poor recruiting by Fulmer and Kiffin.

I think Fisher and Joeckel played their freshmen years going back to 2013, but Lane Johnson redshirted for Oklahoma.

Point of all this, even the best of the best offensive linemen typically red shirt.

Richmond will have to be off the charts or there will have to be injuries for him to start as a freshman IMO

How bout comparing him to guys that came just before him and were similarly touted? Laremy Tunsil and Cam Robinson started from day 1 as true freshmen for Ole Miss and Bama and never looked outta place. And if you go by Rivals Rankings, Richmond is in the same class as those guys as a high 5 star OT.

I hoping he's in the Tunsil/Robinson class. We need someone who can be ELITE at the tackle position, not another year of plugging away bodies hoping they can get it together.

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

If anyone told him anything more than he had a chance to start then they lied to him or did something totally detrimental to the program. There is a VERY good chance he doesn't start if Blair is ready to play.

Tiny RS'd his first year and left after his RS Soph year. Jones could in fact stunt Jones development and ruin any such "3 year plan" by playing him too early rather than developing him first.


Why don't we actually see if he's that good at the SEC level before making those kinds of declarations? There have been A LOT of "sure fire" immediate starters who never even developed into good players... and especially from the Memphis area.

IF the kid does have the attitude you suggest then I sure hope they have a great LT in the '16 class. Because he's a risk to transfer if he does have to sit behind Blair for a couple of year... regardless of the FACT that that could be the best thing for his long term career and draft prospects.

Your point still stands, but Tiny never redshirted. He played in every game as a freshman (mostly on PATs) but never started. If Richmond isn't ready to start, I hope the coaches do the same with him. Go ahead and give him a taste of SEC football. We'll need him in 2016.

 

[dduncan4163]

He is going to be one of big factors in determining whether we go 9-3 or 7-5 next season. He he can lock down the LT spot our O-Line will make HUGE strides next season. We are a decent O-Line away from competing for an SEC Championship.

 

[VOLinNC]

I remember Jawaun James his freshman year getting beat like he stole something and a crap ton of offsides penalty's

 

[DaddyChad]

Time will tell. Let's revisit this topic in October. All I have heard about Blair is excuses. I believe CBJ red-shirted him because he wasn't any better than the other lineman. And exactly how did our line play? You get better by being out there against SEC foes in an actual game, not by running the scout team. And as bad as our line looked at times, they actually played better toward the end of the year. I don't think Blair's extra reps on the scout team in December will be enough. Just my opinion- I just don't see him beating out Richmond. Do you think there might have been a mention of instant playing time in the coup of Richmond??

Blair showed up out of shape. That kept him from playing early on. It's idiotic to speak in such absolutes that this player is this or that because players improve and change. I think we should at least have a decent competition and more depth for the Oline this year. I won't go into this player is great or this player sucks etc because honestly we have no damn idea until they go through practice.

 

[JonGrudensAgent]

How bout comparing him to guys that came just before him and were similarly touted? Laremy Tunsil and Cam Robinson started from day 1 as true freshmen for Ole Miss and Bama and never looked outta place. And if you go by Rivals Rankings, Richmond is in the same class as those guys as a high 5 star OT.

I hoping he's in the Tunsil/Robinson class. We need someone who can be ELITE at the tackle position, not another year of plugging away bodies hoping they can get it together.

I'll stick with looking at the guys who were drafted in the first round of the draft the past two seasons.

That's about as talented and "elite" as you can get and a good number of them red shirted.

It isn't a slam on Richmond.

It's simply an opinion that even the best red shirt sometimes and just automatically assuming Richmond starts from Day 1 may be a stretch.

 

[valoisvol]

The story says Blair has made progress. That doesn't mean he's anywhere close to being a good SEC left tackle yet. Maybe he gets to that point this year, we all hope so. But I'm betting he will /not/ be ready for the NFL at the end of this year. He still has a long way to go.

Yeah you have to be careful when they use the words "made progress" Marques Pair "made progress" all 5 years that he was here and you can see where that got him.

 

[sjt18]

Your point still stands, but Tiny never redshirted. He played in every game as a freshman (mostly on PATs) but never started. If Richmond isn't ready to start, I hope the coaches do the same with him. Go ahead and give him a taste of SEC football. We'll need him in 2016.

Maybe but just judging from what seems to be Jones' goal with roster management, I think he'd be more happy to see Richmond play on the Scout team cutting his teeth on UT's DE's.

However he has used ST's to develop guys. JRM, McDowell, and Gaulden are prime examples... but none of them were OL's.

 

[sjt18]

How bout comparing him to guys that came just before him and were similarly touted? Laremy Tunsil and Cam Robinson started from day 1 as true freshmen for Ole Miss and Bama and never looked outta place. And if you go by Rivals Rankings, Richmond is in the same class as those guys as a high 5 star OT.

I hoping he's in the Tunsil/Robinson class. We need someone who can be ELITE at the tackle position, not another year of plugging away bodies hoping they can get it together.

If Richmond is better than a very talented 4th year JR who has now spent a year learning to block two of the best pass rushers in the SEC... then that's great for the Vols.

Blair HAS ELITE potential... Richmond appears to have it too but you don't have to look too hard to find Memphis area 5* players who didn't live up to the hype. Remember Chris Donald? 5*, #1 LB in the country, the next great 3 and done Vol?

That's what you get when you get too far ahead of the curve with these recruits. You could also argue that Donald was a good kid with talent whose career was badly managed by UT coaches. Hopefully Jones won't do that with Richmond or any of these other great talents he's bringing in.

 

[Roustabout]

Blair knows the offense and terminology. 4star. Great length. A full year and a half in S&C. TWO spring and fall camps.
This guy would have to be the miss of the decade to not play this year and get beat by a true freshman fall enrollee.

 

[BigDvol1]

My first Post! I've been reading Volnation for a while and I thought this thread had some great opinions about the future of our o-line. So here's my 2 cents, TIFWIW:

Everyone knows the biggest weakness of the o-line was at tackle. We just didn't have enough athleticism and talent at the position. Kerebyson turned out to be the best we had, but he is much more effective as an interior lineman. Thomas had played center his entire HS career for a team that ran the ball 90% of the time (I believe he will return to center). He was nowhere near ready as a tackle for the SEC from a technique standpoint. I think Thomas starting as a TFr ahead of Kendrick speaks volumes about Kendrick's ability.

The best tackles we have are Blair, Richmond, and Jones. Richmond is, by far, the most fluid athlete of the 3. He has great balance, agility, and ability to recover. He also has plus strength for a TFr. Jones has great technique for a young player, is an above average athlete, and plays with tremendous tenacity. Blair is, by all accounts, improving his strength, conditioning, and technique. But Blair is not a fluid athlete. He is stiff in his footwork and hips. It's this stiffness, combined with his height, that allows him to be beaten on the edge. Quick, pass rushing defensive ends can get into his body and under his balance point too often. I believe Blair may be better suited at right tackle, where he would facing opposing teams bigger, run sopping defensive ends.

Another positive that Richmond has is the new rule allowing 2 hours per week of coaching during the summer that was enacted last year. This extra amount of coaching could be all he needs to start in 2015.

The interior of the line will work itself out before the opener. Jackson was consistent and Robertson played exceptionally well except for the occasional missed assignment. He is a difference maker inside (his starting as a TFr also says a lot about Wiesman, Sanders, ect.).

Mack Crowder was the most inconsistent of the group. I know he is a smart, veteran player, but he was too often physically over matched. Kerbyson, who has practiced a lot at center, could make a real push to supplant Crowder.

Charles Mosley looks like a good candidate for depth as an athletic, road grader at guard.

My two deep 2015:
LT- Richmond TFr / Blair RJr
LG- Jackson RSr / Wiesman Jr
C - Kerbyson RSr/ Crowder RSr
RG- Robertson So / Mosley RFr
RT- Blair RJr / Jones TFr

2016:
LT- Richmond So / Blair RSr
LG- Robertson Jr / Boulware RFr
C - Thomas RSo / Wiesman Sr
RG- Mosley RSo / Hall RFr
RT- Blair or Jones So

Anyway, this is JMHO after watching a little tape, game footage, and reading what coaches have stated.

Thank you, Volnation!

eace2:

 

[butchna]

My first Post! I've been reading Volnation for a while and I thought this thread had some great opinions about the future of our o-line. So here's my 2 cents, TIFWIW:

Everyone knows the biggest weakness of the o-line was at tackle. We just didn't have enough athleticism and talent at the position. Kerebyson turned out to be the best we had, but he is much more effective as an interior lineman. Thomas had played center his entire HS career for a team that ran the ball 90% of the time (I believe he will return to center). He was nowhere near ready as a tackle for the SEC from a technique standpoint. I think Thomas starting as a TFr ahead of Kendrick speaks volumes about Kendrick's ability.
The best tackles we have are Blair, Richmond, and Jones. Richmond is, by far, the most fluid athlete of the 3. He has great balance, agility, and ability to recover. He also has plus strength for a TFr. Jones has great technique for a young player, is an above average athlete, and plays with tremendous tenacity. Blair is, by all accounts, improving his strength, conditioning, and technique. But Blair is not a fluid athlete. He is stiff in his footwork and hips. It's this stiffness, combined with his height, that allows him to be beaten on the edge. Quick, pass rushing defensive ends can get into his body and under his balance point too often. I believe Blair may be better suited at right tackle, where he would facing opposing teams bigger, run sopping defensive ends.
Another positive that Richmond has is the new rule allowing 2 hours per week of coaching during the summer that was enacted last year. This extra amount of coaching could be all he needs to start in 2015.
The interior of the line will work itself out before the opener. Jackson was consistent and Robertson played exceptionally well except for the occasional missed assignment. He is a difference maker inside (his starting as a TFr also says a lot about Wiesman, Sanders, ect.). Mack Crowder was the most inconsistent of the group. I know he is a smart, veteran player, but he was too often physically over matched. Kerbyson, who has practiced a lot at center, could make a real push to supplant Crowder. Charles Mosley looks like a good candidate for depth as an athletic, road grader at guard.

My two deep 2015:
LT- Richmond TFr / Blair RJr
LG- Jackson RSr / Wiesman Jr
C - Kerbyson RSr/ Crowder RSr
RG- Robertson So / Mosley RFr
RT- Blair RJr / Jones TFr

2016:
LT- Richmond So / Blair RSr
LG- Robertson Jr / Boulware RFr
C - Thomas RSo / Wiesman Sr
RG- Mosley RSo / Hall RFr
RT- Blair or Jones So

Anyway, this is JMHO after watching a little tape, game footage, and reading what coaches have stated.

Thank you, Volnation!

eace2:

tldr Post less often

J/k Star-studded debut. :thumbsup:

Gave you your first like on your first post...expect reciprocal loyalty.

N/k

 

[orangebloodgmc]

Yeah you have to be careful when they use the words "made progress" Marques Pair "made progress" all 5 years that he was here and you can see where that got him.

Maybe you wouldn't mind posting a couple of links to articles about Pair that were like this one about Blair. I would be curious to go back and read them. :question:

 

[volme]

Time will tell. Let's revisit this topic in October. All I have heard about Blair is excuses. I believe CBJ red-shirted him because he wasn't any better than the other lineman. And exactly how did our line play? You get better by being out there against SEC foes in an actual game, not by running the scout team. And as bad as our line looked at times, they actually played better toward the end of the year. I don't think Blair's extra reps on the scout team in December will be enough. Just my opinion- I just don't see him beating out Richmond. Do you think there might have been a mention of instant playing time in the coup of Richmond??

No

 

[sjt18]

Do you think there might have been a mention of instant playing time in the coup of Richmond??

Of course. There always will be for talented players at positions with no solid returning starter. He was undoubtedly told that he would have a great opportunity to start right away if he was the best.

That's not really the core of the issue though.

Blair was thought by pretty much EVERYONE to be an elite JUCO talent. He was a top 10 JUCO according to Rivals. Maybe Jones and Meyer, Bielema, Malzahn, Richt, Fisher, Freeze, et al just don't know as much about what talent looks like as you do. But my money is on them .

Possibly his most impressive offer wasn't from any of those guys though.... try Bill Snyder... who knows a bit about choosing JUCO's and making winners out of them offered him a spot at KSU.

The short of all of this is that you guys are discounting Blair's talent and the value of 3 years of maturity and at least one year of solid college level development.


I really don't care who wins the position so long as they play the best and the best play well. It is just very rare for a Fr to come in and be effective on the OL without some development.

 

[Remy]

Your point still stands, but Tiny never redshirted. He played in every game as a freshman (mostly on PATs) but never started. If Richmond isn't ready to start, I hope the coaches do the same with him. Go ahead and give him a taste of SEC football. We'll need him in 2016.

Lots of talk about freshmen can/cannot start on an SEC OL. For years I watch Bammer, UGA, LSU, and UF start freshmen albeit good ones on their various teams OL. I don't see why we should be different if the youngster comes in and can play and beat the competition. Nobody in their right mind saw Barnett showing up and starting as DE last year. If Richmond is prepared let him handle his business. He and KMac are friends and will push each other to be better during practices, I'd love to see those two go at it when practice starts.

 

[sjt18]

Lots of talk about freshmen can/cannot start on an SEC OL. For years I watch Bammer, UGA, LSU, and UF start freshmen albeit good ones on their various teams OL. I don't see why we should be different if the youngster comes in and can play and beat the competition. Nobody in their right mind saw Barnett showing up and starting as DE last year. If Richmond is prepared let him handle his business. He and KMac are friends and will push each other to be better during practices, I'd love to see those two go at it when practice starts.

Before you get too far down the line, you actually agree with us. The responses we've made are to those who are dismissing Blair as a basically a non-factor simply because Jones invested a RS year in him... and against those who tend to think EVERY stud recruit either starts as a Fr or is a bust.

Richmond appears to be very talented. I don't think any of us should be disappointed if he earns the starting spot by being as good as the players you noted from other programs. But we should not assume that HS greatness will convert immediately to being able to block SEC quality DE's.

The debate as I see it is between those of us who recognize that two talented guys will compete for the position with a slight upper hand to the older guy vs the "Blair sucks/Ricmond starts" camp.


PS- Richmond probably won't spend any team or unit work blocking McKenzie as an OT.