Frank Spaziani And The Strategy of Under Recruiting
by A.J Black on Dec 17, 2011 2:15 PM EST
in Boston College Football
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PrintEarlier today Brian pulled a jewel out of Heather Dinich's fluff piece on Frank Spaziani, and the health concerns of Kevin Rogers. But there was much more in that article:
"Spaziani said the Eagles will likely remain under the 85 scholarship limit, but that’s normal for the program, which typically saves a few to reward walk-ons and for late recruiting. The priority for the team this offseason, Spaziani said, is to pick up where it left off – on a winning note."
Fantastic. So instead of going out and grabbing higher quality players to fill the roster, Spaz is going to be content with filling the back end of the depth chart with walk-ons and pray that a good player falls on his lap. While the rest of the NCAA is oversigning with very little repercussion, Spaz is content to undersign. You can rest assure that Nick Saban, Les Miles or even Frank Beamer would probably laugh at this strategy. This is a very conservative recruiting strategy and a poor way to create a competitive team.
What bothered me the most about this strategy -- other than HD letting it go unquestioned -- is that this mentality is just another example of how Spaziani's strategy feeds perfectly into the excuses that the administration uses to defend Spaz. Injuries happen in sports, it's a fact of life, and when BC loses players due to injury and don't have the depth to fill the gaps all of a sudden games are "lost due to injuries". Then all of a sudden bad game strategies and play calling can be overlooked due to missing starters and "lack of experience" at key positions.
Boston College is not in any position to be relying on walk ons and recruits that just fall in their lap. Sure an Al Louis Jean may fall on their door step, but how many other recruits end up with the Eagles' so late in the game? This is a tough strategy to be confident in and be able to plan for the future. The Eagles' need depth, and quality players, so that we aren't stuck with wide receivers playing safety, and juggling offensive linemen positions every week because they don't have any guards left on the roster.
But then again maybe Spaz will be able to find a deep threat Wide Receiver in the Superfan section next season.
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Is it possible that Spaz tried to get scholarship-worthy players to reach 85, failed, and then is just using this as an excuse?
by The Great Mambino on Dec 17, 2011 2:23 PM EST reply actions
That’s exactly what my wife said.
Writer at BC Interruption SBN's Boston College Eagles blog
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A mental disorder
For those on the political right, you might be familiar with a famous book title by radio bomb thrower, Michael Savage: “Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder.”
Borrowing from that, I think we can hostestly say that Spaz’s brand of conservatism in football is a Mental Disorder.
Seriously, he is 64 and his mind was formed by concrete poured decades ago. The concrete is well set by now and it is never changing. Spaz’s mind is fixed. He could not change it if he wanted to – and he does not want to change it. He also – I hate to say this – is a really stupid guy. Just listen to how he expresses himself. I think his IQ is somewhere around 80. How on earth can we really expect the players to look up to this guy? Funny, I don’t think I’ve heard any former players publicly talk about what a wonderful coach Spaz was.
It is sad, we all have hope for next year. We see glimmers of hope and latch on to that hope. We say, ’well Maybe we could win a few more than last year. Maybe go 6-6; 7-5"
But the truth is that with Spaz in control (or GDF in charge) the team will under-perform. That is a 100% guarantee.
Well said
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 17, 2011 4:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Injuries
Spaz has not had the best record and interviews might not be his strong suit but its not all his fault……Tough year for sure. Big reason why we lost MOST games was due to injuries. NW, DUKE, Wake, and ND all would have been a different story if the team was healthy.
BC has Harris + Momah coming back on O and on D we got Ramsey and hopefully Luke (if he is smart he will go to the draft. I pray its a 1st rnd top 10 selection this year to promote BC and our slew of defensive players making into the NFL the past few years
BC has to stop fumbling on the goaline and missing FGs and better things will happen. More importantly is the QB play…..Rettig needs to learn to how step up in the pocket when being hurried and throwing the ball away isnt always the worst idea. As long as we don’t have a revolving door at QB like the past 3 seasons we will hopefully see a little experience and consistency paying off for rettig. ( past 4 years at qb: rettig, bordner, shinskie, tuggle, davis, crane….am i forgetting anyone?)
Cant wait for September 2012……
Welcome Trill?
Who are you really? #fireSpaz or #fireGDF?
Sorry…but couldn’t resist as your rationale is word-for-word the Spaz/GDF party line excuse.
Injuries are a function of conditioning and strength. Both of those are the responsibility of the head coach. Have we fired the strength & conditioning coach? Have we fired the trainer? Have we modified the training regime in any way to deal with the frequency and seriousness of injuries?
I don’t expect the head coach to have detailed medical-physical knowledge at his fingertips. I do expect him to hire someone whose has such knowledge and applies it to the problem.
#fireSpaz has not demonstrated his ability to manage any aspect, other than defensive coordinator, of a major college football program.
As long as #fireSoaz and #fireGDF are still here, I do not look forward to September 2012.
by Leonard E Sienko Jr on Dec 17, 2011 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
keep spaz
We need an offensive coordinator….
I try to be as positive and optimistic as possible but my frustration levels are very high about this past season. I can’t begin to go over each game BC lost where we had the lead and decided to throw the ball on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down. Obviously giving the ball right back with no time taken off the clock where the other team could easily march down the field in our 60 min prevent D.
The defense has stayed on the field for large portions of games because of poor play calling and no clock management on offense. We need an offensive minded coach asap. Jags was it and we all know what happens if you interview elsewhere while on the job according to GDF. I dont think Rogers or Brock is the answer but i think it would be easier for the players / team if a hire was done in house.
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 17, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions
The Trill is gone
Or some kinda GDF/Spaz patsy
by eagleosprey on Dec 17, 2011 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Not a patsy
I am sure the school is actively looking for a new head coach or an offensive cord. Spaz needs to call the shots on D. I don’t think one bad year should cost anyone a job. BC won 8 games with Shinskie taking snaps. As long as Spaz is not calling plays on O the eagles should have a much better year.
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 12:00 AM EST up reply actions
Welcome Trill
The problem as I see it is BC’s offense has regressed under three different OCs in three years. I don’t believe that is a product of the turnover at the position (which is Spaz / Flip’s responsibility, anyway).
When do we start asking the hard questions like, “Is Spaz, and not the OC, involved in the offensive decision-making process?” The poor play calling and no clock management have been chronic problems for this team for three seasons now.
Spaz needs to stay as far away from possible from the offense in 2012, as he is not qualified to run an FBS offense.
Editor, BC Interruption
In 2009, it was the Bazooka run over and over and over again.
In 2010, we ran Montel Harris into the ground.
In 2011, it was inserting Bordner into situations where everyone and their little brothers knew BC was going to run the ball.
Each of these yearly gimmicks is proof that the current coaching staff has no plan on offense, and no idea what they are doing. Achieve even a modicum of success with a play like the Bazooka and the staff will beat that play to death like a dead horse.
Where did that get us? The Bazooka actually achieved moderate success since the OL was still decent. Running Montel into the ground? Well, kid blows his knee out and misses 2011. The Bordner Tebow? Multiple fumbles in the redzone and more misery.
The offense will not improve with Spaz/Flip at the helm. So long as Spaz doesn’t have full control over the coaching hires and continues to tinker with the offense, BC will not improve on that side of the ball.
Editor, BC Interruption
100% agree on the past two comments
Spaz needs to worry about the D, not offensive play calling if he does any, making suggestions on who to start on offense, or recruit offensive players. His list of defensive players in the the NFL speaks for itself. Spaz his ability to coach defenses and well enough to get players recognized by NFL scouts year after year
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
But then again maybe Spaz will be able to find a deep threat Wide Receiver in the Superfan section next season.
Aponavicius’d
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 17, 2011 5:08 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Please - Who Is He Kidding?
There are a limited number of quality players who meet the admissions requirements. And they are accepting offers at other highly regarded schools. They find out about the program and form an opinion of Spaz and are largely saying “no thanks”. If he can’t sell himself, how in the world do you think he does selling BC? Look at it this way – would you buy a used car from Spaz?
The Great Leader
says “we have had so many injuries;” “we are young:” soundbite is quickly repeated in the mainstream mediat. BC is becoming the North Korea of college football.
Kim-Jong Spaz
The BC camp is a steel trap for sure. Though in his Spaz’s defense the eagles have had significant injuries that plagued the team. It is a poor excuse but its valid. If the teams health was better maybe it would allow them to make better decisions on offense. Why doesn’t BC throw all sorts of money at Jim Tressel or Butch Davis. I know BC thankfully isn’t known for any type of off field issues and these two coaches were. BUUUTT, these two coaches can coach at a very high level and draw big name recruits here as well. Gotta be a couple kids playing D1 now who would love to jump ship and xfer for JT or BD.
Whats wrong with tressel?
Dude can coach and recruit at a high level.
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing is wrong with Tressel. Just saying I’d even take his interim replacement at this point.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Ralph Friedgen
Thoughts? Knows the east coast, coached in the ACC…Former coach of the year but got fired moments later.
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
new coach?
Who would you like to see as a head coach? (Given Spaz is only the D-Cord)
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
No givens. Spaz has to go. So does Gene. Entire program needs to clean house. In other words, there’s no way Spaz goes back to DC and peacefully coexists with a new HC.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 2:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Keeping certain coaches on our underachieving staff cannot be a prerequisite for taking the HC job, which is why GDF has to go too.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 2:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
When coach Spaz is in charge of the D, BC is playing in ACC Championship games……
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t jump in a hot tub time machine.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 4:01 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
no relation
“Its looks like some sort of hot tub time machine”
Spaz can run a defense, injuries this year had a lot to do with both sides of the balling doing poorly.
Someone did mention the obvious signs of bad conditioning and that could be the reason why the eagles had so many injuries. Coach spaz is at fault for not making sure the team is in playing condition but c’mon, lets give the guy a break.
If BC is not going to keep Spaz if they decide to go elsehwere, its going to be a few 4-8 seasons to follow this one. New coaches, new systems, new players, etc.
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
BC is going 4-8 the next few seasons anyway. Like a Band-Aid, rip it off.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 4:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If BC is not going to keep Spaz if they decide to go elsehwere, its going to be a few 4-8 seasons to follow this one. New coaches, new systems, new players, etc.
This is the problem. This is the type of micromanaging, backwards thinking that Gene uses to rationalize keeping assistants / coordinators on the staff of the next HC’s staff just because they are his boys. GDF has made the BC HC position a joke because that coach can’t even choose his own staff.
You don’t think BC football could use a fresh start and some new ideas across the entire coaching staff, Defensive Coordinator included?
Spaz was a great DC and an awful HC. Thanks for elite defenses over the years, buddy, but after this run, it’s over for Spaz. No going back on this final promotion.
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 4:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
“GDF has made the BC HC position a joke because that coach can’t even choose his own staff.”
GDF lets spaz recruit and hire rogers though that didnt work out at all
by Chestnut Trill on Dec 18, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
GDF hasn’t let a BC HC pick his own staff since TOB left the Heights. Jags took the job under the condition that he keep Spaz. Spaz was hired in part because he would keep some of Jags staff around.
Coaching candidates in both 2007 and 2009 have openly complained in the press that GDF has stipulated that certain assistants and coordinators staff on the next coach’s staff.
GDF may let Spaz recruit, but he certainly doesn’t give coaches the autonomy to pick their own staffs.
Editor, BC Interruption
Brian: a mission for you
Is this a myth or big exaggeration?
injuries this year had a lot to do with both sides of the balling doing poorly
Lot of school have Injuries and dismissals. FSU had as many as BC this year, including 3 starters
What about the year Herzy went out? Injury excuse not in play?
This is an analytical mission for one man: Dr. Favat
In other words, How valid is the 2011 injury excuse?
Montel was not a big hit because we had replacements. Same with Momah. Medium problem
Oko and Legrande weRe big hits and Spaz’s fault. Jones was a hit, especially given what Spaz destroyed already
Ramsey was a medium hit.
But the core problem was the offense and the OL, and injury played only a small role:
Richman, but not sure how good he really is
by eagleosprey on Dec 18, 2011 9:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
over-recruiting
Is a practice i never want to see at BC. It’s incredibly brutal to the student athlete, and a practice that is controversial at even the LSU’s of the world
Criticize the quality of player Spaz brings in, but let’s all get a little perspective here and not trash him over stuff like ‘under-recruiting’.
by cwm2005 on Dec 18, 2011 12:19 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I don’t think we are advocating over-signing. Just signing the allowable number of scholarship players. #mathlete
Editor, BC Interruption
by Brian Favat on Dec 18, 2011 12:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Right, i meant oversigning. I’m fine w Spaz keeping 3 to 4 to give to a deserving walk on/practice squad guy or a late recruit.
I wonder if he’ll need to factor the momah and montel extra years of eligibilty into signing/recruiting also
by cwm2005 on Dec 18, 2011 10:48 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I wonder if he’ll need to factor the momah and montel extra years of eligibilty into signing/recruiting also
Probably
Editor, BC Interruption
Because we all love Hampton Hughes playing safety because there is no one left on the roster who can play the position.
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