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Post by Sons of Vaval on Aug 22, 2024 13:10:10 GMT -5
For those on the Zoom call. Curran gave a nice shout-out to Marco Coleman and J Pritchard-Sewell as frosh. I thought he might have mentioned another freshman but missed the name? He also mentioned he would use the TE very differently and we shouldn't be surprised to at times see two or three on the field at the same time and not necessarily in the red zone (short yardage situations). Perhaps he likes some of newer TEs on the roster behind JP. He also mentioned Naz Treadwell and Caiden Newsome (I think it was Caiden).
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Post by 78purple on Aug 22, 2024 13:16:42 GMT -5
Any docs out there is that a 12-15 month recovery or has medicine shortened the time That is an absolutely devastating injury....similar to RG III and Teddy Bridgewater's injuries......different position, but a very long road back.....
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 22, 2024 14:06:30 GMT -5
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Post by lou on Aug 22, 2024 14:09:02 GMT -5
Would be nice to have freshmen photos posted on the roster, maybe before kickoff?
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Post by hcnj on Aug 22, 2024 15:38:28 GMT -5
Would be nice to have freshmen photos posted on the roster, maybe before kickoff? Two-deep next week?
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 23, 2024 15:12:42 GMT -5
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Post by drjack on Aug 23, 2024 15:33:51 GMT -5
I can post it on a bit.
Works kicking my ass right now and the mobile website is terrible for copy and pasting.
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Post by drjack on Aug 23, 2024 16:35:56 GMT -5
Five observations from our camp visit with Holy Cross Posted By Kevin Stone on August 23, 2024
WORCESTER – In just nine days, Holy Cross will be under the lights in Rhode Island facing off against the Rams.
On Thursday, new head coach Dan Curran and his Crusaders officially turned the page on training camp and began the initial stages of prepping for the opener against URI. We’re still in camp mode at NEFJ, so Coach Curran and the staff were kind enough to let us check out practice anyways even though it’s ‘lock in’ time.
Here are five things that stood out while watching the 1.5 hour session:
Crusaders replacing a lot up front on the O-line, but good pieces still there
Christo Kelly is the lone returning starter from a line full of FBS and NFL talent, but the guys up front looked good on Thursday and there’s no reason to believe there will be a huge drop off. Alongside Kelly (should) be 5th year Declan McCauley, classmate Dalton Daddona, junior Cam Nolan and senior Cam McNair. McNair is listed at 325 lbs., while McCauley is listed at 310, as is Nolan. Kelly is listed at 305 and Daddona is the same. There’s some big boys up front and depth behind them too.
Tight ends will be a major factor
If you’ve followed Coach Curran’s Merrimack career, you know the tight ends are a key piece to the offense. Under Chesney and with Matt Sluka at QB, the TE’s were barely noticed. That won’t be the case anymore in Worcester. There’s some serious size and tons of catch radius ability where the QB’s can just throw it in the vicinity of this group, particularly with RJ Newton (who is listed as a WR currently). Newton, junior Nathan Schillinger and sophomore Luke Petita should all play a role.
Receiver room still stacked
Justin Shorter, Byron Shipman and freshman Alijah Cason are going to be a problem. With all the talk about losing a guy like Jalen Coker, this unit is poised to step up and remind people they’re pretty damn good too. The room is deep, but these three should get the majority of the looks. Cason is an extremely intriguing prospect with a ton of speed, it’ll be interesting to see how the Crusaders decide to use him. Keep an eye out for Jake Youngblood, Max Mosey and Quinton Gregory too.
Another solid stable of running backs
Jordan Fuller has put on like 10 lbs. of muscle and looks poised to be one of the best backs in the country again at the FCS level. Junior Sam Slade and Jayden Clerveaux (Everett/Williston Northampton) are poised for breakout seasons and important roles too. This unit basically just reloaded and the size absolutely stands out when you see them in person. It’s going to be hard to tackle anyone out of the backfield this year wearing purple and white.
Replacing Jacob Dobbs won’t be easy
Losing a guy like Dobbs in the middle is easy, but having veterans like Frankie Monte (Sr.), Matt Kane (5th year) and Curtis Harris Lopez (Sr.) among others on that side of the ball is key. Sophomore Drew Spinogatti looks like part in the middle as well, but it’s going to be a group effort on the defensive side of the ball to replace not just the skill, but the leadership aspect as well.
BONUS TAKEAWAY – Kicking competition seems wide open
During practice Curran had three different guys kicking field goals at the same time sort of staggered around the field. Sophomore Daniel Porto, freshman Ethan Moss and junior Luis Palenzuela all had opportunities and it feels like that decision may end up going all the way down to the final few days before kicking off against URI.
For those thinking this Holy Cross team might take a step back with the departure of Chesney, you may be sadly mistaken. This is another fast, physical, big, imposing team that Curran has and with the new staff also breathing some new life into offensive and defensive meetings and philosophies, don’t be surprised when HC is back in the Top 25 or in the hunt for a 6th straight Patriot League title this season.
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Post by rgs318 on Aug 23, 2024 17:09:18 GMT -5
"For those thinking this Holy Cross team might take a step back with the departure of Chesney, you may be sadly mistaken."
That statement says it all and it is music to my ears!
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Post by drjack on Aug 23, 2024 17:53:14 GMT -5
I like that Cason is standing out. The kids stats his senior year were absolutely nutty.
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Post by hcnj on Aug 24, 2024 9:23:56 GMT -5
I like that Cason is standing out. The kids stats his senior year were absolutely nutty. Are you thinking we might just see him initially just on punts and KOs, or or also as a WR?
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Post by cruskater31 on Aug 24, 2024 18:34:48 GMT -5
I look forward to seeing what our TE's look like
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Post by hcnj on Aug 24, 2024 21:34:11 GMT -5
I look forward to seeing what our TE's look like Newton lining up as a pass catching TE is interesting, Pettita was considered a big and relatively fast receiving TE but im not sure he was thrown to a lot his senior year. I thought Schillinger was more of a road paver TE in HS. If we do use a lot of multiple TE formations there will be many more new faces out there the next two years
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 24, 2024 22:00:24 GMT -5
I look forward to seeing what our TE's look like Newton lining up as a pass catching TE is interesting, Pettita was considered a big and relatively fast receiving TE but im not sure he was thrown to a lot his senior year. I thought Schillinger was more of a road paver TE in HS. If we do use a lot of multiple TE formations there will be many more new faces out there the next two years Newton is not playing any type of TE. Stone meant JP. He probably got their numbers mixed up from the stands. #86 v #80. Expect a lot more looks to JP this year w/ Owens and frosh McSweeney as our base 12 personnel package (1 RB 2 TEs w/ one being an H back ie Dickson last 2 seasons)
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Post by longsuffering on Aug 24, 2024 23:08:42 GMT -5
Its been a while since I left my ACL's on Fitton, but recovery depends on a few items: 1. Meniscus repair vs. clean out - not stated, but usually there is meniscus damage with ligament tears. If they repair that, there is more time immobilized and more scar tissue buildup. Longer period to start rehab. 2. Athletes dedication in rehab. 3. Mental comfort when returning to running, cutting, etc. Braces are not necessary, but some doctors will require. My first surgeon said they were a crutch and wouldn't allow me to use one. Second surgeon required me to wear one on the other knee. I threw it away at half-time of my 2nd game back. However, I was a senior and not a freshman. I guess I was inspired by a speech Rob McGovern gave us freshman year, you leave it on the field and they can roll you into your office one day. In all seriousness, this stinks for the kid, but he is a freshman, and he'll be back. I give it about a year until he 100% physically and mentally. One of the better first sentences of a Crossports post. Thanks for your dedication.
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Post by hcnj on Aug 25, 2024 1:05:45 GMT -5
Newton lining up as a pass catching TE is interesting, Pettita was considered a big and relatively fast receiving TE but im not sure he was thrown to a lot his senior year. I thought Schillinger was more of a road paver TE in HS. If we do use a lot of multiple TE formations there will be many more new faces out there the next two years Newton is not playing any type of TE. Stone meant JP. He probably got their numbers mixed up from the stands. #86 v #80. Expect a lot more looks to JP this year w/ Owens and frosh McSweeney as our base 12 personnel package (1 RB 2 TEs w/ one being an H back ie Dickson last 2 seasons) Thanks 05, I thought he just assumed JP was the known #1 so never mentioned him. Do you know if there was a similar mixup with any receivers, perhaps Mullaly not mentioned who I thought might be in the WR rotation? Dickson, a converted LB as I recall, did a really nice job as that mostly blocking back. Do you know if Curran will likely use the H back more as than Chesney as a receiver or even ball carrier?
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 25, 2024 8:12:28 GMT -5
Yes I assume Mullaly will be the #3 WR behind Shorter and Ship. So starting when we are in 11 personnel w/ 3 WRs. Charly definitely a candidate for breakout POY on Offense. The 2’s competing at WR likely consist of Q Gregs, Youngblood, Cason and Mosey.
Curran did use his H backs in the pass game. It will likely depend on skill set. Owens probably a bit more of a thumper and McSweeney while young is athletic once he learns the position. Dickson did make some nice catches when thrown too with limited targets.
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 26, 2024 10:04:08 GMT -5
New roster pics are out. Guys in coat and ties this year. I noticed height and weight only revised on a couple so doesn’t look like accuracy is still a priority there. Maybe the 2 deep will have them updated.
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Post by cmo on Aug 26, 2024 16:54:51 GMT -5
Are we running much option this year or were these clips picked on purpose ?
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Post by midwestsader05 on Aug 26, 2024 19:02:30 GMT -5
Are we running much option this year or were these clips picked on purpose ? RPO offenses without a Sluka type running downhill QB power often feature various option packages. Everything is on the table. As some folks that followed Joe P’s HS basketball prowess have commented, he’s a sneaky good athlete and not just a classic pro style drop back.
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Post by rgs318 on Aug 26, 2024 19:42:57 GMT -5
"sneaky good" = I LOVE that phrase when it applies to one of our Crusaders!
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Post by hc6774 on Aug 27, 2024 5:51:24 GMT -5
New roster pics are out. Guys in coat and ties this year. I noticed height and weight only revised on a couple so doesn’t look like accuracy is still a priority there. Maybe the 2 deep will have them updated. Looks like all shared the same jacket & tie after post practice shower
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Post by cruskater31 on Aug 27, 2024 6:10:55 GMT -5
I was sort of hoping we ran some option plays just for the camera to play mind games with our opponents. Coach Guns was going way up in my book. They looked to clean to be the first time working on them
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Post by 78purple on Aug 27, 2024 6:58:49 GMT -5
Five observations from our camp visit with Holy Cross Posted By Kevin Stone on August 23, 2024 WORCESTER – In just nine days, Holy Cross will be under the lights in Rhode Island facing off against the Rams. On Thursday, new head coach Dan Curran and his Crusaders officially turned the page on training camp and began the initial stages of prepping for the opener against URI. We’re still in camp mode at NEFJ, so Coach Curran and the staff were kind enough to let us check out practice anyways even though it’s ‘lock in’ time. Here are five things that stood out while watching the 1.5 hour session: Crusaders replacing a lot up front on the O-line, but good pieces still there Christo Kelly is the lone returning starter from a line full of FBS and NFL talent, but the guys up front looked good on Thursday and there’s no reason to believe there will be a huge drop off. Alongside Kelly (should) be 5th year Declan McCauley, classmate Dalton Daddona, junior Cam Nolan and senior Cam McNair. McNair is listed at 325 lbs., while McCauley is listed at 310, as is Nolan. Kelly is listed at 305 and Daddona is the same. There’s some big boys up front and depth behind them too. Tight ends will be a major factor If you’ve followed Coach Curran’s Merrimack career, you know the tight ends are a key piece to the offense. Under Chesney and with Matt Sluka at QB, the TE’s were barely noticed. That won’t be the case anymore in Worcester. There’s some serious size and tons of catch radius ability where the QB’s can just throw it in the vicinity of this group, particularly with RJ Newton (who is listed as a WR currently). Newton, junior Nathan Schillinger and sophomore Luke Petita should all play a role. Receiver room still stacked Justin Shorter, Byron Shipman and freshman Alijah Cason are going to be a problem. With all the talk about losing a guy like Jalen Coker, this unit is poised to step up and remind people they’re pretty damn good too. The room is deep, but these three should get the majority of the looks. Cason is an extremely intriguing prospect with a ton of speed, it’ll be interesting to see how the Crusaders decide to use him. Keep an eye out for Jake Youngblood, Max Mosey and Quinton Gregory too. Another solid stable of running backs Jordan Fuller has put on like 10 lbs. of muscle and looks poised to be one of the best backs in the country again at the FCS level. Junior Sam Slade and Jayden Clerveaux (Everett/Williston Northampton) are poised for breakout seasons and important roles too. This unit basically just reloaded and the size absolutely stands out when you see them in person. It’s going to be hard to tackle anyone out of the backfield this year wearing purple and white. Replacing Jacob Dobbs won’t be easy Losing a guy like Dobbs in the middle is easy, but having veterans like Frankie Monte (Sr.), Matt Kane (5th year) and Curtis Harris Lopez (Sr.) among others on that side of the ball is key. Sophomore Drew Spinogatti looks like part in the middle as well, but it’s going to be a group effort on the defensive side of the ball to replace not just the skill, but the leadership aspect as well. BONUS TAKEAWAY – Kicking competition seems wide open During practice Curran had three different guys kicking field goals at the same time sort of staggered around the field. Sophomore Daniel Porto, freshman Ethan Moss and junior Luis Palenzuela all had opportunities and it feels like that decision may end up going all the way down to the final few days before kicking off against URI. For those thinking this Holy Cross team might take a step back with the departure of Chesney, you may be sadly mistaken. This is another fast, physical, big, imposing team that Curran has and with the new staff also breathing some new life into offensive and defensive meetings and philosophies, don’t be surprised when HC is back in the Top 25 or in the hunt for a 6th straight Patriot League title this season. Excellent review, and he's right, the kicking game will be a factor..
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Post by 78purple on Aug 27, 2024 6:59:36 GMT -5
New roster pics are out. Guys in coat and ties this year. I noticed height and weight only revised on a couple so doesn’t look like accuracy is still a priority there. Maybe the 2 deep will have them updated. Looks like all shared the same jacket & tie after post practice shower probably did.....
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