Getting ready for Guyer's first practice
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So, I'm heading out to Guyer's opening practice of the season here in about three hours, and I already have a handful of things I'm going to be looking for. Equipment was passed out this morning so they'll get going right away at 5 p.m. and according to head coach John Walsh, the "meat" of the practice will go from 5-6:30 with offensive and defensive work and then special teams and situational stuff will get the rest of practice until 8 p.m. Follow the jump for what I'm going to be on the lookout for. Let me know if there's anything else I need to be watching for. 1. The obvious first thing to look for is new quarterback J.W. Walsh and how he's grown into Guyer's multiple-look offense. The sophomore has pressure on him this year, with this being Guyer's supposed breakout season. He's also, of course, the head coach's son, which would either bring undue pressure or make him immune to it. We'll have to wait and see on that. 2. The part of the game Guyer has always touted is its play in the trenches, and this year is no different. I believe the Wildcats have more pieces in place this season to really accentuate their play up front, both offensively and defensively. There's no doubt Guyer is the biggest team in this area with some mammoths on both lines and at the linebacker position on defense, led by Cody Marley. 3. Running backs. This is the most experienced of all the skill positions on the team. With Deandre Wilson as the bruising short-yardage back who's also one of Walsh's favorite receivers, and Jaimaine Wilhite as the change-of-pace guy, the Wildcats are set in the backfield. Also, don't forget Walsh is an accomplished hurdler who can run too, though he's probably not quite as fast as Jake Witt was. There'll be a lot of times when Wilson and Wilhite share the backfield too. 4. Someone to step up at the WR position. Last year, Guyer never really had a receiver emerge as the go-to guy. In order for Guyer to have the success many are expecting them to this season, that must change. The early candidates appear to be Luke Russell, who's a burner, and Daniel Harkins. Walsh said he built some good chemistry with both during 7-on-7 this summer when the Wildcats made a run to the state tournament in College Station. 5. Defending the pass. This was without question the weakness of the Wildcats last year. Teams knew they could exploit their secondary, and they did just that. This year, things are supposed to be different. John Walsh believes he has two shutdown cornerbacks in Chukwumeziri Orabuchi and Marquis Smith. If Antonio Burton's knee is 100 percent, the Wildcats get what is supposed to be a dynamic athlete back at safety after he missed last season after tearing his ACL. If this area of Guyer's game isn't much better than last year, it'll be a long season for Walsh & Walsh & Co. |
Comments
Posted by CatFan @ 8:19 AM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
The numbers that were there last night should have really impressed you, that was a big 5A turn out.
Also, Greg Washington lost a ton of weight and should be a real force at guard, and Austin Otto gained about 20 and is much faster than last year. The line is big and agile, looks real good. I would also keep a close eye on Deandre as he may have a huge season, he worked really hard this summer.
Posted by justanobserver @ 11:17 AM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
Austin might have gained twenty pound and is much faster, but what is he going to do about the frying pan hands?
Posted by CatFan @ 11:40 AM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
Can tell you know zero about Guyer players, the kid is the best receiver in their program. Along with Dan Harkins and Luke Russell, they had 2 combined drops last year. Otto is being recurited as a slot by several Big 12 school and has 2 D-1 offers already.
Posted by justanobserver @ 11:56 AM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
You are right. I don't know anything, but I can not stand self promotion. Let his play on the field speak for its self.
Posted by CatFan @ 4:11 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
I just know the kid as he is a neighbor and I really like him, nice kid. I think Russell and Harkins are much better and will go farther though.
Posted by football fan @ 5:06 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
The reason CatFan for were 5A type numbers at Guyer, just so you know, its really a 5A school, 2800 students qualifies them for that. More students than All of the 4A schools in Texas, and alot of 5A schools for that matter. A big turn out.... thats not impressive given the facts
Posted by brady @ 6:55 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
guyer turned in 1994.5 according to uil website
Posted by football fan @ 7:49 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
1994.5 in Oct 2007 if that was the really the number?
2800 in May 2008, do a the research its no secret
Must of had alot of kids sick that day in Oct
Posted by brady @ 7:51 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
oohhhh...that boy walsh...
Posted by Josh @ 9:53 PM Tue, Aug 12, 2008
Guyer's numbers were 1994.5 as of October 2007. That was the date the UIL took. Since Guyer only had half of a senior class they fell within the 4A numbers. Guyer will have approximately 2250 this year with 4 full classes. Yes that number would qualify them for 5A now, however the number was done in October. This happens a lot when new schools open with classes that are not full. As for a lot of sick kids, that is entirely false. The state takes the number of kids enrolled, not actually in attendance. For your theory to work, Guyer would have had to have the students withdraw and enroll somewhere else (they have to count at some school). Do you honestly think the state of Texas is that stupid. If you would like me to go into detail how Guyer can have half a student just let me know.
Posted by Cat fan @ 9:19 AM Wed, Aug 13, 2008
I have a close friend who is a coach at Marcus. They were expecting 380 kids. How in the world do you find playing time and keep all the Momma's happy so that little Johnny get's his fair share.
Posted by The Truth @ 12:17 AM Mon, Aug 18, 2008
I have never commented on this blog, but read it alot. Thought I had to after reading all of this. I would guess that Cat Fan is a Guyer dad who is overly optimistic. The facts are:
Smith and Orabuchi are good athletes, but certainly far from shut-down corners. Otto, in fact, has good hands, but his speed is like watching paint dry, and as far as any offers, especially D-1 schools.....whatever! Harkins, Russell, and Marley can play, but Guyer's problems will be where they always have been...at the top. 2 to 3 games at best.