Another position change

Post by **PonyPride** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:27 pm

Per Calvin Watkins of the DMN:

Tony Hawkins, who was moved from wide receiver to safety at the beginning of spring workouts, now is playing linebacker.

stangerredblue · Post by **stangerredblue** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:55 pm

He made the move about eight days ago, and is now one of the starters.

abezontar · Post by **abezontar** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:30 am

should that bother me?

PonySnob · Post by **PonySnob** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 1:34 am

abezontar wrote:should that bother me?

Unless he has packed on some serious pounds, yes it should.

RedRiverPony · Post by **RedRiverPony** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:20 am

He's starting? Hmmmmm....
I plan to watch #38 in the Red/Blue game.

Stallion · Post by **Stallion** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 3:35 am

we have big problems at LB that will really become acute with a single key injury.

WorldStang · Post by **WorldStang** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:30 am

that's true at QB, CB and Safety

ccballer · Post by **ccballer** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:35 am

i do not know why the coaches switched him there. It seemed as if the 2 incumbents and the role players from last year would have had the best shot at concreting a strong starting three. I also think he is too small...thoughts?

WorldStang · Post by **WorldStang** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:37 am

Wilton McCray is/was small too..

mrydel · Post by **mrydel** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:46 am

A linebacker does not HAVE to be big. Reaction, intelligence, quickness/speed and tackling ability can overcome size. Do we want those assets AND size? Of course but sometimes you do not get that especially when you are as thin in the position as we are, a mid major, tough admission standards, etc. Hopefully this change is due to some positive things the coaches saw in his ability rather than just a knee jerk reaction to the lack of players at the position. I will trust the coaches on this one and hope they are already meeting with potential LB recruits for next years class.

ccballer · Post by **ccballer** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 9:47 am

Regardless, Wilton plays the weakside linebacker. Hawkins was inserted at sam

Hoop Fan · Post by **Hoop Fan** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:24 am

Hawkins is starting at LB? Not a good sign. Where are Hiemenz and Hurst?? Those were the guys expected to step up a few weeks ago.

ccballer · Post by **ccballer** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:40 am

they are both second team ...i have heard that they are having trouble picking up the defense

d_pony · Post by **d_pony** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:02 am

hawkins is playing nnubufie's position (sam) - tony is 6'1" and now weighs 217 lbs. which is slightly bigger the "BOOF" - according to the coaches he is a 4.5 which is about the same speed or slightly faster the "Boof"- Tony played linebacker in high school for his junior year and some as a senior - he also played safety and running back

Post by **PonyPride** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:15 am

I wouldn't worry about Hurst or Heimenz or Fleps or anyone else just yet. It's still March (barely) and every coach alive tries different guys during the spring to try to find the right position.

I do like the idea of a linebacker (Hawkins) with D.D. Johnson's old jersey number, though!