I wasn't a fan when he first arrived and one player transferred because he didn't like him. Then our linebacker play wasn't marvelous. However, his recruiting had really picked up!
This is one position that we have to get right moving forward. I'm glad he waited until after signing day.
Interesting. Cant say our LBs played amazing. I am ok with any coaching changes on D right now. Nothing made sense in that group so I am open for anything. I know Spikes is involved with the program. Would be a big job for him but I am curious if that is being entertained. My guess is we poach from a G5 school.
Did you tell Elko that C-Ray was available as well? TAMU can have our entire defensive over-30 staff.
If our linebacker play this year is a reflection of the coaches teaching them then all the best to former linebacker Coach Bateman.
The hits keep coming for Billy. Bateman was very well regarded within the program. Billy probably heaped more praise on him this season than any other assistant. He wasn’t exactly working with Wagyu beef at the LB position either. It will be interesting when aTm rolls into the Swamp next season and 2 of your former defensive coaches are standing on the other sideline. It’s not like they won’t know your offense and the inner workings of your team. This is a great move for Bateman, as a coordinator he likely gets a new 3yr contract and doubles or more his salary.
I think this one was in the works for some time, just because of the timing. I can't help but think bringing Armstrong in as DC was a difficult pill to swallow for some of the more experienced defensive coaches.
Mixed emotions, play on the field left much to be desired but he also has signed some top quality recruits at the position. Transfers at LB because of this would be a real blow.
I don’t doubt the last part, at all. Bateman is getting a big promotion to DC at an all in program though. It’s not like he was disgruntled and just bolted to another LB gig somewhere. It’s a great for him move. Will be interesting to see what Billy does here now.
On the positive note the defensive side of the ball doesn't seem to have strengths or an observable overall strategy so it will be hard to prep against specifically. On the flip side the only prep you need is to be able to run routes and block to a marginally competent level and you'll come out on top.