[NU Sports] Cat Report Card

[Dennis W. Brandt]

Cat Report Card 2008

 

OL - C+ (ly - D)  I added the + after the Illinois game.  They pass-blocked better than anyone had a right to expect but didn't open many holes for the backs.  The good news is that they're young and all but one will be back.  This should be a strong position for several years at least.

 

QB - C (ly - C-)  The most disappointing grade I had to give.  It can be explained in three words:  too many interceptions.  When C. J. was good, he was very good.  When he was bad, we lost.  Kafka is a fine runner.  We will find out next year if he can pass.  If he can, his running will make him a devastating QB.

 

RB - C- (ly - C-)  Once more, Sutton's injuries hurt, and neither Conteh nor Simmons stepped up.  However, see comments in the OL section.  How about recruiting some five-star horse with a 4.0 average, Fitz?  (As if you don't want to.)

 

WR - B- (ly - B-)  Not a horse or burner among them but always steady and with good hands.  Peterman has an outside shot at the NFL as a possession receiver, and Ebert may become a Big 10 star.  I looked forward to Brewer being a deep threat, but that never happened.  No doubt injuries hurt.  Next year, maybe.  Please recruit a stud here, too, Fitz.

 

TE - C+ (ly - C)  Hard to rate because they weren't used that much but had success when they did.

 

DL - C+ (ly - F)  What an improvement!  We actually saw some sacks, pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and run stuffs, although they weren't always consistent.  Losing Gill will hurt, but the rest are back.  Next season we may see the best DL in NU history.

 

LB - B- (ly - C)  They stepped up a notch, hit big, and actually showed some depth when Arrington went down.  Nate Williams looks like a keeper.  (Will Jeske ever play?)

 

DB - C+ (ly - D)  There are some big hitters back there, but the cover game has to improve.  Ohio State receivers embarrased them.  With so many returning, this should be a strength next season.

 

ST - B- (ly - C)

     KR - B- (ly - C+)  Not many big returns, but they didn't hurt us either.

     P - B (ly - B)  Like last year, it was ugly but generally effective

     PR - B- (ly - D-) See KR above.  Mr. Smith's return against Illinois boosted this from a C+.

     KO - C+ (ly - F)  Another big improvement.

     PK - B- (ly - C)  Still not a strength but good enough not to hurt us.

 

Depth - B (ly - D+)  We actually have some!  We lost key players and filled the holes.

 

Coaching - A- (ly - C)  Give Hankwitz and Ingalls each an A.  Defensive adjustments became the norm.  Let's hope this is only the beginning.

 

Intangibles - A- (ly - D)  These kids were gutsy, tough, and just plain super.  Now, if they could only stop playing Ohio State as if they're scared to death, although that will not be a problem the next two years.

 

Prognosis - This year was far better than I expected last year at this time.  Look out next season, Penn State!  The Cats are young, hungry, and on the prowl!  Now, let's help recruiting by winning a bowl game!