2018 Verbal: Phoenix Sproles

[BISONBRI53]

Yes. So far though we've had two blowouts vs lower programs and one FBS game where I think it's clear the game plan was to limit mistakes by limiting passing game. It's too early to freak out about Sproles or anyone else this season. I'm just appreciative of players at the Diva position of WR willing to play their part on a run heavy team like NDSU.

He didn't do anything in the first 2 games either though. He has had 1 catch this year.

[Rixen]

It's ok for us to be disappointed in his impact on the team but I am not sure this start to the season is representative of any WRs value this season. It was already mentioned but two absolute cupcake blowout games and an FBS game where we rightfully understood our run game as the ideal gameplan has sheltered all of our WRs from breaking out.

Mathis has two TDs but honestly one was the incredibly well blocked screen and the other was a simple slant that the DB or LB just got lax on (but great throw by Cam). Neither showed route running prowess, top end speed, great hands, or contested catch ability. Not to say Mathis can't do those things but just grounding us on his potential success this season.

The whole WR room hasn't had the opportunity to shine really so let's just give them a few more closely contested conference games before we make any conclusions. Although I will say I feel like Raja and Lippe have had more sparks than Sproles so far but the sample size is tiny. I am rambling again but one more note, I don't think any WR will develop into a true WR1 this year and that is concerning for this year but I DO think the Freshman and RFreshman group will have a fun group eventually.

[MankatoBison]

If his last name wasnt sproles I think we'd have more realistic expectations for him. I know I fell prisoner to the "yo, we just landed darrin sproles nephew from a team in the cities" and then he had that catch from Trey at TF, and I thought 'damn, this kids going to the NFL' after 1 play lol.

If his last name was Johnson and from Rothsay, I think we'd be saying "Johnsons a solid WR but definitely not a #1. Glad to have him"

[bisoneer]

Sproles needs to pull his head out and the coaches should throw him the ball more or why are the not throwing him the ball more is the real question. Maybe there is a reason he is on the pine for most of the play so far this year?

[123Gobison]

I dont know how any WR on this team can stay motivated when all they do is block. Sure we will our 79th championship but at what point do we graduate and move on to the next level. At what point do we hire coaches like Messingham who are knowledgeable in both throwing and running play calls.

[southcliffbison]

I dont know how any WR on this team can stay motivated when all they do is block. Sure we will our 79th championship but at what point do we graduate and move on to the next level. At what point do we hire coaches like Messingham who are knowledgeable in both throwing and running play calls.

Christian Watson said he stayed because he wanted win championships; sounds like a good enough reason to me, maybe not for you.

[123Gobison]

Christian Watson said he stayed because he wanted win championships; sounds like a good enough reason to me, maybe not for you.

That is a perspective. Yes players do want to win championship.

[CAS4127]

It’s time to get our best players on the field, just as it’s always been. Put the young guys in so we have legit separation and athletic talent at WR/slot. Move on.

[Rixen]

It’s time to get our best players on the field, just as it’s always been. Put the young guys in so we have legit separation and athletic talent at WR/slot. Move on.

I agree with CAS mostly here but I always worry about putting in freshman talent at WR because I for some reason expect them to not run the right route or the right depth and that causes a turnover which I think most coaches do everything in their power to avoid. That being said, that really gives a lot of credit to our QBs and passing game that we throw to a spot instead of throw when we see someone get open or generate separation.

Regardless, we are on the same page. We need some separation out there even if it is a limited route tree. Against SDSU and deep playoff matchups we will need SOME vertical threat most likely.

[scottietohottie]

I agree with CAS mostly here but I always worry about putting in freshman talent at WR because I for some reason expect them to not run the right route or the right depth and that causes a turnover which I think most coaches do everything in their power to avoid. That being said, that really gives a lot of credit to our QBs and passing game that we throw to a spot instead of throw when we see someone get open or generate separation.

Regardless, we are on the same page. We need some separation out there even if it is a limited route tree. Against SDSU and deep playoff matchups we will need SOME vertical threat most likely.

The receivers run routes????

Thought they just blocked which might take more learning then running and catching anyway eh.