2018 Media Guide

[NJCat]

FYI, the 2018 NU Football Media Guide is now available.....

Rashawn Slater's weight is listed as up to 314
JB Butler is 308
Tommy Doles is 296
Trey Klock is 296
Jared Thomas is 294

New weight room paying early dividends?

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools...auto_pdf/2018-19/misc_non_event/NU_FBMG18.pdf

 

[Deeringfish]

Almost every OLman on the team is ten to 15 lbs heavier Except for Schmidt who looks to have lost 15 lbs. I don't think they have been in the new weight room long enough to put on that much muscle just because of the better workout conditions. I'd say there has been some inspiration or strategy change over the course of the year.
Any body want to chime in on how accurate these weights are and are they the weights that will go onto the Rivals Roster page. I was comparing to the Rivals roster but if those were measured in January and these are from July it could totally be attributed to the time of the year. As I understand it guys lose weight during the season so January weights would be lighter.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Almost every OLman on the team is ten to 15 lbs heavier Except for Schmidt who looks to have lost 15 lbs. I don't think they have been in the new weight room long enough to put on that much muscle just because of the better workout conditions. I'd say there has been some inspiration or strategy change over the course of the year.
Any body want to chime in on how accurate these weights are and are they the weights that will go onto the Rivals Roster page. I was comparing to the Rivals roster but if those were measured in January and these are from July it could totally be attributed to the time of the year. As I understand it guys lose weight during the season so January weights would be lighter.

1) Schmidt probably needed to lose 15 pounds of "bad weight" to add back "good weight'

2) The lifting program shifted back to more heavy lifting a couple years back, so wouldn't be surprised that we're starting to see significant dividends this offseason.

3) Some height/weights that jump out at me:

Chee Anyanwu up to 211 -- could be significant on special teams, as he was a good if undersized athlete out of high school
Isaiah Bowser up to 216 -- big dude, should be able to find a role
Earnest Brown at 254 -- probably needs more size
Jalen Brown at 213 -- pretty big for a wideout... any insight @steelerchic ?
Tommy Carnifax at 270 -- still listed at DE, but seems destined to move inside
Nathan Fox at 246 -- hopefully still moving pretty well
Green at 237 -- probably big enough to help with some in-line blocking
Kent at 274 -- big dude, perhaps moving inside?
Leota at 239 -- that's some significant gain, big enough to be a situational pass rusher
Alex Miller at 268 -- thought he would bulk up more to move inside
Saunders at 300 -- look for him to step into the DT rotation in a big way
Vogel at 286 -- has to get bigger
Wiederkehr at 283 -- good trajectory, still work to do
Williams at 209 -- feels like a safety to me


4) Please stop with "inspiration" or "better workout conditions" leading to better results at the Lakefront. The weight work is literally the same as done at Central Street, just with nicer surroundings.

 

[Deeringfish]

1) Schmidt probably needed to lose 15 pounds of "bad weight" to add back "good weight'

2) The lifting program shifted back to more heavy lifting a couple years back, so wouldn't be surprised that we're starting to see significant dividends this offseason.

3) Some height/weights that jump out at me:

Chee Anyanwu up to 211 -- could be significant on special teams, as he was a good if undersized athlete out of high school
Isaiah Bowser up to 216 -- big dude, should be able to find a role
Earnest Brown at 254 -- probably needs more size
Jalen Brown at 213 -- pretty big for a wideout... any insight @steelerchic ?
Tommy Carnifax at 270 -- still listed at DE, but seems destined to move inside
Nathan Fox at 246 -- hopefully still moving pretty well
Green at 237 -- probably big enough to help with some in-line blocking
Kent at 274 -- big dude, perhaps moving inside?
Leota at 239 -- that's some significant gain, big enough to be a situational pass rusher
Alex Miller at 268 -- thought he would bulk up more to move inside
Saunders at 300 -- look for him to step into the DT rotation in a big way
Vogel at 286 -- has to get bigger
Wiederkehr at 283 -- good trajectory, still work to do
Williams at 209 -- feels like a safety to me


4) Please stop with "inspiration" or "better workout conditions" leading to better results at the Lakefront. The weight work is literally the same as done at Central Street, just with nicer surroundings.

I actually meant inspiration via the criticism the group got last year, not the new room. I should have been more specific.

 

[GOUNUII]

1) Schmidt probably needed to lose 15 pounds of "bad weight" to add back "good weight'

2) The lifting program shifted back to more heavy lifting a couple years back, so wouldn't be surprised that we're starting to see significant dividends this offseason.

3) Some height/weights that jump out at me:

Chee Anyanwu up to 211 -- could be significant on special teams, as he was a good if undersized athlete out of high school
Isaiah Bowser up to 216 -- big dude, should be able to find a role
Earnest Brown at 254 -- probably needs more size
Jalen Brown at 213 -- pretty big for a wideout... any insight @steelerchic ?
Tommy Carnifax at 270 -- still listed at DE, but seems destined to move inside
Nathan Fox at 246 -- hopefully still moving pretty well
Green at 237 -- probably big enough to help with some in-line blocking
Kent at 274 -- big dude, perhaps moving inside?
Leota at 239 -- that's some significant gain, big enough to be a situational pass rusher
Alex Miller at 268 -- thought he would bulk up more to move inside
Saunders at 300 -- look for him to step into the DT rotation in a big way
Vogel at 286 -- has to get bigger
Wiederkehr at 283 -- good trajectory, still work to do
Williams at 209 -- feels like a safety to me


4) Please stop with "inspiration" or "better workout conditions" leading to better results at the Lakefront. The weight work is literally the same as done at Central Street, just with nicer surroundings.

Other notable players:

1. Riley Lees up to a stout 206 lbs. 2018 breakout potential
2. Jaylen Rivers reporting in at 211 lbs.& 6-2. Could be special at 225 lbs.+
3. Cameron Ruiz up to 180 lbs. Greg Newsome at 182 lbs. Both were in the 160-70s not long ago.
4. Gerak at 295 lbs. was good to see.

With Vogel seemingly stagnated at OT, will we see Kent make a move to the OL? Not a lot of obvious choices to replace Hance and provide some depth.

GOUNUII

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Other notable players:

1. Riley Lees up to a stout 206 lbs. 2018 breakout potential
2. Jaylen Rivers reporting in at 211 lbs.& 6-2. Could be special at 225 lbs.+
3. Cameron Ruiz up to 180 lbs. Greg Newsome at 182 lbs. Both were in the 160-70s not long ago.
4. Gerak at 295 lbs. was good to see.

With Vogel seemingly stagnated at OT, will we see Kent make a move to the OL? Not a lot of obvious choices to replace Hance and provide some depth.

GOUNUII

I don’t think Kent has quite that kind of frame. Meyler, Kolwich, Wiederkehr, and HeBert would all get a shot at OT before Kent moves over.

And Vogel is still only a redshirt sophomore in 2018. Not like he’s a grizzled veteran who’s hit his ceiling. And, shoot, even then we see a guy like Butler adding 15 pounds before his fifth year.

 

[pnt16]

Wyatt Blake still listed as DL.

 

[NorthNJCatsfan]

The guy I’m hopeful/excited about is Saunders. Looking forward to hearing how he impacts Fall camp.

 

[DaCat]

Slater putting on 25 lbs in the offseason certainly jumps out. After a freshman All-American campaign, it's going to be interesting to see if there is continued improvement with the bigger body.

 

[GOUNUII]

Other notable players:

1. Riley Lees up to a stout 206 lbs. 2018 breakout potential
2. Jaylen Rivers reporting in at 211 lbs.& 6-2. Could be special at 225 lbs.+
3. Cameron Ruiz up to 180 lbs. Greg Newsome at 182 lbs. Both were in the 160-70s not long ago.
4. Gerak at 295 lbs. was good to see.

With Vogel seemingly stagnated at OT, will we see Kent make a move to the OL? Not a lot of obvious choices to replace Hance and provide some depth.

GOUNUII

I’m sure you’re right about the first shot players at OT. I just think you have to make some bold moves at times with a jumbo athlete like Kent. We are deep at DE with quality vets and promising pups. Is DT the answer? Maybe. Would Kent be the best athlete among the OT candidates? No doubt. Do we have a franchise QB to protect next year? For sure. Kent is unlikely to play DE anytime soon. Gotta find a role. I like OT.

GOUNUII

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

I’m sure you’re right about the first shot players at OT. I just think you have to make some bold moves at times with a jumbo athlete like Kent. We are deep at DE with quality vets and promising pups. Is DT the answer? Maybe. Would Kent be the best athlete among the OT candidates? No doubt. Do we have a franchise QB to protect next year? For sure. Kent is unlikely to play DE anytime soon. Gotta find a role. I like OT.

GOUNUII

Jumbo athletes are quite helpful on defense as well.

 

[NorthNJCatsfan]

Questions re DL and OL :

1. Do some/most P5 programs “juice” and, if so,
2. I assume NU does not.

Correct?

 

[GOUNUII]

Jumbo athletes are quite helpful on defense as well.

Gaziano, Goens, Brown, O’Rourke, Miller, Gooden, Leota.

vs.

Meyler, Kolwich, Weiderkehr, He’Bert.

Since dynamic 6-6 DTs are few and far between, I think the answer in addressing the team’s most pressing needs is obvious. Definitely worth a try.

GOUNUII

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Gaziano, Goens, Brown, O’Rourke, Miller, Gooden, Leota.

vs.

Meyler, Kolwich, Weiderkehr, He’Bert.

Since dynamic 6-6 DTs are few and far between, I think the answer in addressing the team’s most pressing needs is obvious. Definitely worth a try.

GOUNUII

Aren’t Slater and Vogel still on the team?

 

[GOUNUII]

Aren’t Slater and Vogel still on the team?

What's your point?

 

[winnetkat1]

1) Schmidt probably needed to lose 15 pounds of "bad weight" to add back "good weight'

2) The lifting program shifted back to more heavy lifting a couple years back, so wouldn't be surprised that we're starting to see significant dividends this offseason.

3) Some height/weights that jump out at me:

Chee Anyanwu up to 211 -- could be significant on special teams, as he was a good if undersized athlete out of high school
Isaiah Bowser up to 216 -- big dude, should be able to find a role
Earnest Brown at 254 -- probably needs more size
Jalen Brown at 213 -- pretty big for a wideout... any insight @steelerchic ?
Tommy Carnifax at 270 -- still listed at DE, but seems destined to move inside
Nathan Fox at 246 -- hopefully still moving pretty well
Green at 237 -- probably big enough to help with some in-line blocking
Kent at 274 -- big dude, perhaps moving inside?
Leota at 239 -- that's some significant gain, big enough to be a situational pass rusher
Alex Miller at 268 -- thought he would bulk up more to move inside
Saunders at 300 -- look for him to step into the DT rotation in a big way
Vogel at 286 -- has to get bigger
Wiederkehr at 283 -- good trajectory, still work to do
Williams at 209 -- feels like a safety to me

That's like 200 posts worth of words for you, GCG. Hope you haven't used up your monthly allocation!

Seriously, though, I enjoyed the extended format.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

What's your point?

That Kent wouldn't automatically see the field as OT. I don't think he's ever even played OL full-time, to say nothing of needing to add probably another 30-40 pounds to be successful there.

 

[GOUNUII]

That Kent wouldn't automatically see the field as OT. I don't think he's ever even played OL full-time, to say nothing of needing to add probably another 30-40 pounds to be successful there.

HS TEs make the transition to OT all the time. Just what we're looking for from Connor Foster. So your point #1 is silly. 30-40 lbs.? You know better. Exactly half of that would do just fine for 2019. And if he can't beat out Vogel, as Slater did last year, he'll never see the light of day given what's ahead of him on the DL depth chart.

No reason not to give it a try. Plenty of reason to see if he's the best next man up.

GOUNUII

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

HS TEs make the transition to OT all the time. Just what we're looking for from Connor Foster. So your point #1 is silly. 30-40 lbs.? You know better. Exactly half of that would do just fine for 2019. And if he can't beat out Vogel, as Slater did last year, he'll never see the light of day given what's ahead of him on the DL depth chart.

No reason not to give it a try. Plenty of reason to see if he's the best next man up.

GOUNUII

... and Connor Foster will likely need 2-3 years to build up sufficient bulk and technique to contribute as an OT. Moving Kent over would "start the clock" on that move a year into his career.

"No reason not to give it a try" besides, you know, he could well be a great DL instead of learning how to play OT for 2-3 years.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

What's your point?

Not sure why you excluded them in the Returning OT position group? One is a starter already with 3 years to go and the other has the potential to see the field.

Also, we are not sure what we have with Kent as a DL. He was highly regarding coming in and moving him if he can crack the rotation and potentially start a couple seasons doesn’t make sense at this time. I could get on board if it becomes clear that Kent won’t ever see the light of day as a DL, but I doubt that is the case. This is a good DL prospect.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

And if he can't beat out Vogel, as Slater did last year, he'll never see the light of day given what's ahead of him on the DL depth chart.

He's still got four years left, doesn't he? Injuries happen and players progress at different rates. Seems a bit early to be writing him off as buried on the depth chart.

 

[RevCat]

FYI, the 2018 NU Football Media Guide is now available....

Complete with 2016 receiving stats. Come on people

 

[freewillie07]

HS TEs make the transition to OT all the time. Just what we're looking for from Connor Foster. So your point #1 is silly. 30-40 lbs.? You know better. Exactly half of that would do just fine for 2019. And if he can't beat out Vogel, as Slater did last year, he'll never see the light of day given what's ahead of him on the DL depth chart.

No reason not to give it a try. Plenty of reason to see if he's the best next man up.

GOUNUII

NU has been very fortunate in the past couple of years with very few injuries to DL starters, it seems, relative to other position groups. I hear what you’re saying about the seemingly stacked group, but it wouldn’t take that much for Kent to be called on sooner than expected. *knocks on wood*

 

[steelerchic]

1) Schmidt probably needed to lose 15 pounds of "bad weight" to add back "good weight'

2) The lifting program shifted back to more heavy lifting a couple years back, so wouldn't be surprised that we're starting to see significant dividends this offseason.

3) Some height/weights that jump out at me:

Chee Anyanwu up to 211 -- could be significant on special teams, as he was a good if undersized athlete out of high school
Isaiah Bowser up to 216 -- big dude, should be able to find a role
Earnest Brown at 254 -- probably needs more size
Jalen Brown at 213 -- pretty big for a wideout... any insight @steelerchic ?
Tommy Carnifax at 270 -- still listed at DE, but seems destined to move inside
Nathan Fox at 246 -- hopefully still moving pretty well
Green at 237 -- probably big enough to help with some in-line blocking
Kent at 274 -- big dude, perhaps moving inside?
Leota at 239 -- that's some significant gain, big enough to be a situational pass rusher
Alex Miller at 268 -- thought he would bulk up more to move inside
Saunders at 300 -- look for him to step into the DT rotation in a big way
Vogel at 286 -- has to get bigger
Wiederkehr at 283 -- good trajectory, still work to do
Williams at 209 -- feels like a safety to me


4) Please stop with "inspiration" or "better workout conditions" leading to better results at the Lakefront. The weight work is literally the same as done at Central Street, just with nicer surroundings.

Coming back from a serious leg injury, Jalen just wants to be sure that he is more than physically ready to get back out there - so he has worked closely with nutrition and training staff to get much stronger, which has resulted in the increase in weight. He is weighing between 210-216 daily now, has put on 14 pounds of muscle and has reached personal bests in several categories in the weight room . . . the weight for his height, and how lean he still is, is actually very good for him and had been the weight he had hoped to reach. Hopefully, it won't slow him down on the field, and hopefully, we will see very soon!!

P.S. - new rule changes on medical 6th year, so now he automatically qualifies and will get the sixth year, due to the injury last season

 

[DaCat]

Coming back from a serious leg injury, Jalen just wants to be sure that he is more than physically ready to get back out there - so he has worked closely with nutrition and training staff to get much stronger, which has resulted in the increase in weight. He is weighing between 210-216 daily now, has put on 14 pounds of muscle and has reached personal bests in several categories in the weight room . . . the weight for his height, and how lean he still is, is actually very good for him and had been the weight he had hoped to reach. Hopefully, it won't slow him down on the field, and hopefully, we will see very soon!!

P.S. - new rule changes on medical 6th year, so now he automatically qualifies and will get the sixth year, due to the injury last season

Thanks for the update. Good news about the sixth year! Looking forward to Jalen having a great year.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Coming back from a serious leg injury, Jalen just wants to be sure that he is more than physically ready to get back out there - so he has worked closely with nutrition and training staff to get much stronger, which has resulted in the increase in weight. He is weighing between 210-216 daily now, has put on 14 pounds of muscle and has reached personal bests in several categories in the weight room . . . the weight for his height, and how lean he still is, is actually very good for him and had been the weight he had hoped to reach. Hopefully, it won't slow him down on the field, and hopefully, we will see very soon!!

P.S. - new rule changes on medical 6th year, so now he automatically qualifies and will get the sixth year, due to the injury last season

Thanks for the peek behind the curtain. Seems like a whole bunch of guys have bulked up, wondering if that's part of a program-wide S&C decision or just their natural progression.

So looks like Jalen will be on the field in purple for both 2018 and 2019 now? That would be excellent!

 

[NJCat]

So looks like Jalen will be on the field in purple for both 2018 and 2019 now? That would be excellent!

He'll have his Ph.D. when his eligibility is up!

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

He'll have his Ph.D. when his eligibility is up!

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

 

[steelerchic]

Yep - he has 2018 and then 2019 eligibility too . . . he is just finishing master's number one, and then will be starting master's number two - not a bad deal to get bachelor's degree and two master's degrees done and paid for while playing, and getting to be at programs (and now also facilities ) like Oregon and Northwestern!!!

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

Yep - he has 2018 and then 2019 eligibility too . . . he is just finishing master's number one, and then will be starting master's number two - not a bad deal to get bachelor's degree and two master's degrees done and paid for while playing, and getting to be at programs (and now also facilities ) like Oregon and Northwestern!!!

As an NU fan, I’m also glad he will be able to be a veteran voice helping transition from Thorson to Johnson in 2019.

 

[SciCat_rivals]

Yep - he has 2018 and then 2019 eligibility too . . . he is just finishing master's number one, and then will be starting master's number two - not a bad deal to get bachelor's degree and two master's degrees done and paid for while playing, and getting to be at programs (and now also facilities ) like Oregon and Northwestern!!!

How’s he feeling physically, and how’s he feeling about the program/season?

 

[Deeringfish]

Coming back from a serious leg injury, Jalen just wants to be sure that he is more than physically ready to get back out there - so he has worked closely with nutrition and training staff to get much stronger, which has resulted in the increase in weight. He is weighing between 210-216 daily now, has put on 14 pounds of muscle and has reached personal bests in several categories in the weight room . . . the weight for his height, and how lean he still is, is actually very good for him and had been the weight he had hoped to reach. Hopefully, it won't slow him down on the field, and hopefully, we will see very soon!!

P.S. - new rule changes on medical 6th year, so now he automatically qualifies and will get the sixth year, due to the injury last season

Awesome News! Go Cats!

 

[steelerchic]

How’s he feeling physically, and how’s he feeling about the program/season?

He is feeling very good physically/mentally and all seem very pleased with his progress/rehab - but won't know how quick he will be back out there until it gets closer to game 1.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Vogel’s weight hasn’t changed in two years

 

[Figrating]

He is feeling very good physically/mentally and all seem very pleased with his progress/rehab - but won't know how quick he will be back out there until it gets closer to game 1.

Always great to hear from you. Here's hoping Jalen starts setting those records. For two years! We got your moar right here.

 

[freewillie07]

Yep - he has 2018 and then 2019 eligibility too . . . he is just finishing master's number one, and then will be starting master's number two - not a bad deal to get bachelor's degree and two master's degrees done and paid for while playing, and getting to be at programs (and now also facilities ) like Oregon and Northwestern!!!

Your posts put a big smile on my face.

So happy to hear that Jalen's recovery is progressing well, that he will take full advantage of NU's academics and that he'll be around to ease the transition from Thorson to Johnson at QB.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

Vogel’s weight hasn’t changed in two years

Wish I could say that :-/

 

[RevCat]

Wish I could say that :-/

But then you would have to change your handle!

 

[DaCat]

This is how you get better!

 

[freewillie07]

This is how you get better!

Jelani's got mad hops. I'm glad to see how he's become a real weapon in the offense.