Monday, August 22, 2011

Pass the Kool-Aid, as I am not worried about our DBs

The big news Monday was the unexpected dismissal of Junior Safety Okechukwu Okoroha. I may be getting lost in preseason excitement, but I don't think this is a big deal. Okoraha was serviceable, but not a game changer. Although he started some games last year, he was often sharing snaps with Jim Noel. Plus, as much as I often question his results as a Recruiting Coordinator, Mike Siravo has done a good job getting our DBs ready. Given our scheme, speed and man coverage ability is not as important as tackling or reading the offense. I predict we will be okay.


My only concern about the incident is the timing. You have to expect attrition, but the timing -- just like the timing of Shakim Phillips leaving -- is curious. What is going on around the program that guys are leaving inexplicably like this so close to the season? I want to make sure Spaz and his staff have a good feel for the team moods and behavior. The behavior balance around any team is always tenuous. Off the field stuff can undermine on the field success and conversely a poor season can spill over into off the field behavior. Spaz needs to make sure he has things under control.


I really don't trust Spaz, but there are many, many things that have me thinking BC will surprise people. At this point, losing one middling DB won't change that. As long as one of the young guys steps up we will be fine.

8 comments:

blockparty said...

its all about team speed, atl!

Big Jack Krack said...

What did Okoroha do - or not do? Anyone?

What does this mean - dismissed from team but remains on scholarship?

Mr. Tambourine MAn said...

I'm a long time fan, but have really gotten into the roster, recruiting, basically since the last year of Jags. I remember Isaac Johnson leaving during camp in 2009 and thinking "why on earth would this guy leave when he has a guaranteed starting spot lined up". Phillips leaves when there's clearly an opportunity at WR going forward.

For the more experienced and long term followers of the team, are these types of mid-camp departures common? They seem surprising to me.

Mr. Tambourine MAn said...

I'll just add that the injuries and this are such a bummer, I was so psyched after the offense lit up the D in the first two scrimmages, but it seems like one big negative after another since then. Like ATL, I keep saying things like, "well, I heard Kimble is a beast, so I think were fine at RB" and "Rositano had a pick and secondary isn't that critical because of our scheme" but eventually these things are going to add up.

I seem to recall that Jags really toned down the preseason and practice contact, is that correct? Has Spaz upped it since he took over?

BCDoubleEagle said...

Herlich had an INT:

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/6347/herzlich-calls-first-nfl-int-awesome

Erik said...

I remember thinking when we signed them that I'd never be able to figure out the difference between Ugo Okpara and Okechukwu Okoroha. But it never came to be that I'd need to.

I liked Okoroha as a player. His name seemed to get called a lot for making tackles when he was on the field.

I guess the freshmen better be ready to see some game action.

Erik said...

Terps uniforms - I hope on Oct 29 they wear the one Danny O'Brien had. White turtle helmet, plain red jersey, wimpy white pants. There's no way we could lose to those. They look so non-intimidating.

Also, the Meggett all-yellow could give everyone a headache so that is my 2nd choice for that day.

Ry said...

Buzz around campus has been that okoroha was on his last strike for a while (pot). Obviously that's not verifiable, but seems possible.