Coaching and UT's OL..

[Jedi Master]

In 2011, UT's OL couldn't run block to save its life under Harry Hiestand.  But UT's talent at OL did just fine at run blocking in 2012 under Sam Pittman.  It begs the question, what happened with Hiestand at UT?   Did he forget how to coach OL?  The answer is no, because he's now prepping Notre Dame's OL for the MNC game.  So what was the issue with UT's OL in 2011?

[PirateVOL]

In 2011, UT's OL couldn't run block to save its life under Harry Hiestand.  But UT's talent at OL did just fine at run blocking in 2012 under Sam Pittman.  It begs the question, what happened with Hiestand at UT?   Did he forget how to coach OL?  The answer is no, because he's now prepping Notre Dame's OL for the MNC game.  So what was the issue with UT's OL in 2011?

Hiestand
His constant berating of the OL resulted in them tuning them out.  Sorta like Sal with the defense this year

[BanditVol]

In 2011, UT's OL couldn't run block to save its life under Harry Hiestand.  But UT's talent at OL did just fine at run blocking in 2012 under Sam Pittman.  It begs the question, what happened with Hiestand at UT?   Did he forget how to coach OL?  The answer is no, because he's now prepping Notre Dame's OL for the MNC game.  So what was the issue with UT's OL in 2011?

Probably something to what Pirate said, though I have no idea.   I will point out that our OL was still relatively inexperienced last year, although most of them had a year under their belts and almost a full season's worth of starts.  But I also think Chaney and Dooley overstressed the pass last year in spring and preseason practice, trying to take advantage of our strengths, and that bit them when the passing offense was riddled with injuries.   Those are just my  thoughts, TIFIW.

[PirateVOL]

Probably something to what Pirate said, though I have no idea.   I will point out that our OL was still relatively inexperienced last year, although most of them had a year under their belts and almost a full season's worth of starts.  But I also think Chaney and Dooley overstressed the pass last year in spring and preseason practice, trying to take advantage of our strengths, and that bit them when the passing offense was riddled with injuries.   Those are just my  thoughts, TIFIW.

The other pievce was that our RBs flat sucked last year.  Even more so than Pittman Graham made a huge difference in our run game.  Neal picked it up faster but by the end of the season even Lane was running hard North and South.

[Jedi Master]

Sounds reasonable.  Thanks.

[BanditVol]

The other pievce was that our RBs flat sucked last year.  Even more so than Pittman Graham made a huge difference in our run game.  Neal picked it up faster but by the end of the season even Lane was running hard North and South.

Yep, Graham deserves a ton of credit.  THE highest priority for retention.   

And maybe down the road, a certain backfield reunion can take place.