BobcatAttack.com - For Fans of Ohio University Sports

Welcome Guest!
Create an Account

site search

where to watch

about us

advertise with us

help

BobcatAttack.com Message Board

Ohio Football

Topic: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Topic: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Author

Message

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 10:58:17 AM

Hello gentleman, my name is Ahmona Maxwell. I played for the Ohio Bobcats from 2002-2007. I have seen the lowest of lows and I have seen the peak of where we could be as well.

I've been watching this site since I was a redshirt freshman. I have never made a comment but I have always enjoyed listening to what you gentleman have always had to say. You may have seen me over the past few years on the sideline of some games.

If you have any questions about Ohio, the old regime, the new regime; please feel free to ask.

I do want to say one thing that I have seen over the years that makes me laugh. Stars mean nothing if you are not a 4-star or a 5-star. Coaches recruit schemes and players that fit the scheme of what they are trying to do. Please stop arguing over stars. It's not healthy! LOL!

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:28:57 AM

Old regime: I was recruited by Brian Knorr out of high school. I went on 3 of my 5 visits Arkansas, Louisville, Kentucky, Ohio and Nebraska (when Frank was there). On my third visit I fell in love with this school with a little river around it, beautiful campus, and the old buildings.
On my first day in the summer I met Stafford Owens, Keyon Ingram and Dontrelle Jackson. We ran routes all day and caught passes. They told me that our class was special but I didn't realize what they meant.
As some of our new recruits (Scott Mayle, Anthony Hackett, myself) were promised we would move to a 60/40 passing scheme in which OC Greg Gregory. After the 3rd game and not many passing yards, Greg scraped the whole offense and went back to Bull Formation (double-wing and one back). Most athletes were unhappy, because the majority of that summer was spent running. We had lineman that were close to 300 lbs weighing less than 250 on game day. We were getting over-powered.
Then during the season some things happened that started a rebellion amongst the coaches, mainly Coach Knorr. While on an away trip Coach Knorr threw a Pepsi can off someone's head. That situation compounded with the fact Knorr punished the whole team if one individual messed up, sort of like the military background he had. During that time the coaches that were realllllllly respected during that time was Pete Germano, Ron Antoine, and the defensive coordinator who is at Fresno State. Players love those coaches but when McDavis sat with the upperclassmen to figure out why we weren't winning; some things came into light. First off, in scout practices against 1st teamers, the scouts were told to do the wrong thing or not to make a play which affected the scout and the first teamer in a negative light. How can either player get better? Second, how can a team convert more than 50% 3rd downs if we are running GT trap on 3rd an 20? McDavis told us that he would make changes to improve the environment. Imagine a team hungry for winning but didn't know how to.

ENTERS Coach Solich. Solich says something after our first win at home versuses Pitt that sticks with me this day. He says to the interviewer, "They wanted to do well and win." I still think about it to this day. Our team was so hungry to win and play 4 quarters. And when we finally did it...it led to a new attitude.

I hope this provides some light into the transition of Ohio Football. Brian Knorr is a good coach, but a better position coach, hence why he has done so well at Air Force and Indiana. Solich punishes players individually and makes the team accountable. But he doesn't punish the entire team for one small mistake. He loves giving his players their rest and to get their bodies and legs back. In the Knorr days, you had to grind through it even if they knew you were hurt. Two totally different outlook. Players gravitate to coach Solich and his style.

GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,215

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:39:48 AM

Welcome to the board Ahmona! I was in school around the same time as you and think I may have even had a class with you, although I know we've never met. I also remember putting your name onto NCAA Football 2005 when doing my dynasty with Ohio.

Thanks for the insight on the Knorr situation. I'm sure you have some great stories to tell from that era.

Here's a question for you. So when did you guys (the team) know that Frank was going to turn this thing around? Was it immediate Day One or did it take a while?

Gallia Cat
General User

Member Since: 7/11/2010
Post Count: 938

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:39:49 AM

Welcome and so glad you posted! How often do you make it back if ever?

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:52:09 AM

Thanks GoCats, I wish we could have met. The impact from Solich was Day One! When McDavis came into our locker room and told us who our new coach was, we as players almost passed out. The reaction to the black jerseys a few years ago held no light to the reaction of Frank Solich as our head coach. We got a steal! A prominent coach who has won national championships and put his teams in position to win games. The intensity in the weight room increased, level of play increased and he didn't punish you severally like Knorr if you made a mistake going 100 mph. To Solich, the eye in the sky never lies and he will raise his voice only if your effort and intensity doesn't match the play.

GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,215

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:54:01 AM

ExCat21 wrote:

That's incredible. Wish there was a video of that.

UpSan Bobcat
General User

Member Since: 8/30/2005
Location: Upper Sandusky, OH
Post Count: 3,802

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 12:20:12 PM

Thanks for posting. I got some really bad news today, but this provided some good, positive perspective. I also was a student around the same time as you and got to know the 2003 team pretty well. I'm certainly glad things turned around from that year! Thanks for your contributions to the team then and to this board just now.

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 12:28:58 PM

GalliaCat, I made it to 4 home games this past season. You may occasionally see me on the sideline wearing shades and my 06 Ring. I love the home games and the excitement from 2002 to 2015-16 is amazing. To see the shirts made in 2002---"Athens Party town with a Football problem"------to now where we could possibly get an Under Armour contract or remain with Russell (in Bowling Green, KY near my hometown) is so great! Dontrelle Jackson's class wore Reebok and Adidas (horrible for football because they are heavier cleats) to now where they can wear Nike, Under Armour, Jordan etc. It's just all amazing to me how far we have come in less than 15 years. Our program is improving at the speed of cell phones in technology.

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 12:36:20 PM

Over the years I have seen some questions that made you guys question our staff, our players, our schemes. Some are legit and some are just from overthinking. For instance, I've seen over the years that Sonny Sano has taken his fairs share of shots online from our weight room program. Let me just tell you, there is a reason that guy has been on Ohio's staff since he left Virginia Tech. His offseason weight-room program is still used by Virginia Tech to this day. Our man-maker program instills the strength and mental attitude these athletes need to persevere in the 4th quarter. Now they have Navy Seal training at Strouds Run, something I wish was instilled when I was there. The problem with injuries that I see is that our guys may practice too much on the turf field. When grass was our field we didn't have injuries like that. But they also hurt the opponent. It was noticed once again in the PITT game. Notice how their starting right guard and right tackle hurt their knees on the first two plays of the game? Dave Wannstedt did not want to run to the right the entire game after that. That helped us in that regard.

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 12:57:29 PM

Over the years I have sent in recruits to Chris Rodgers, a teammates from back in the day on the 06 squad and current Director of Football Operations. Eveery year and sometimes in between, I get people from around the country who know me and want to help a kid in recruiting. We have a solid class this year with lineman on both sides of the ball that can contribute immediately and do not necessarily need to red-shirt to gain strength and speed. Our need for the future is a QB. So this past weekend, I submitted 3 quarterbacks who I think can lead us to a MACC. Here the are as follows in order I would like to have:

2017 QB

#1. Jeffery Toney 6'6" 229 lbs from Niceville, Florida (Niceville High) 0 offers
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2718582/jeffery-toney

#2. Erin Thomas 6'7" 214 lbs. from Houston, Texas, (Madison High) 0 offers
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3260409/erin-thomas

#3. Terreun Randolph 6'6" 185 lbs from Dallas, Texas (Skyline High)0 offers
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4587720/terreon-randolph

These athletes are seriously being considered by Ohio's staff as I submitted these this past weekend. I believe all 3 gentlemen will be offered by us along with other p5 schools. I just want to get ahead of the curve and offer them early like WMU and BG does other elite athletes. Let me know what you guys think of OUr possible future QBs.

GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,215

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 1:23:48 PM

ExCat21 wrote:

You may have opened up the proverbial can of worms with this one. You mentioned earlier that this staff likes to recruit players to fit the scheme. Are they looking to change up their QB schemes?

OhioStunter
General User

Member Since: 2/18/2005
Location: Chicago
Post Count: 2,516

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 1:28:36 PM

Welcome aboard!

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 1:35:23 PM

This staff has never been opposed to bigger quarterbacks. Quentin Maxwell has to be around 6'4" in person. I am 6'1" and he is a few inches taller than I. But on a consistent basis...I see where your thoughts arise. All it takes is one or two commits to change the perception. I know Tyler, Darius and JD for the typical dual threat but as you can see from the newer recruits... QBS are getting bigger faster and stronger. Eventually we will land one with time.

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 1:43:26 PM

Thank you UpSan and OhioStunter!! Currently I am working with former alums to pick a game where they bring their families and we can all meet and greet again. From the Chad Brinkers to the Latest grads I know many from all classes. I will post if I get everyone on board. But that is the goal as of this moment.

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 1:55:05 PM

I would also like to add that OUr other former bobcat coaches Everette Sands (South Carolina Gamecocks running backs coach currently) and Coach D. Washington (current Carolina Panthers defensive lineman coach) were other respected coaches as well.

mf279801
General User

Member Since: 8/6/2010
Location: Newark, DE
Post Count: 2,472

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 4:13:58 PM

This is an awesome thread! Thanks for coming online and sharing your insights!

Valley Cat
General User

Member Since: 12/28/2004
Location: Jackson Twp., OH
Post Count: 1,183

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 4:25:48 PM

PrOUd to have a former player posting. Welcome and thanks for your years as a Bobcat.

Alan Swank
General User

Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,120

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 5:38:01 PM

Hey ExCat21, do you need a book agent? The tone and tenor of your experiences is compelling reading. I particularly like your comments about Brian and Deruyter. Tim played softball with the old Cats Den team a few times and was a great guy to be around. Brian had a golf tournament every summer and he made it a point to play one hole with every team. He let you bet against him on a par three and then he played with the group the rest of the hole. Like Billy Hahn, an OU basketball coach before your time, Brian was a good assistant, a very good assistant who got thrown into a head job way before the time that he might have been ready. Anyway, interesting reading and I appreciate your candor and willingness to not sugar coat everything. Go Bobcats!

ExCat21
General User

Member Since: 9/29/2014
Post Count: 1,133

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 6:09:54 PM

Thank you gentleman, I have so many stories from the bad years and soooo many stories from the good years. It's just amazing to see the transformation and how the expectations have changed.

L.C.
General User

Member Since: 8/31/2005
Location: United States
Post Count: 10,470

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 8:22:25 PM

Welcome. I hope you won't be a one-day poster and will stick around. It's always good to have sources of information that go beyond what we, as fans, can see.

�We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.� ― Epictetus

BuddyLee
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 671

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 9:07:49 PM

Nice to have you here, and you give good insight without any vendettas.

I've always felt that many current and former players read and lurk around this board.

Mark Lembright '85
General User

Member Since: 8/22/2010
Location: Highland Heights, OH
Post Count: 2,460

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 9:28:23 PM

BEST.....FOOTBALL.....THREAD.....EVER!!! Or at least the most captivating!

Welcome aboard! If you take one thing from all these posters, it's that they all love Ohio University to their core.

Please post more often and GO 'CATS!!

Monroe Slavin
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Oxnard, CA
Post Count: 9,121

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 10:14:42 PM

21--GREAT posts. Very informative.

But what I like best is that you write well, express yourself very well. I hope that you love football and had a great experience with it at OHIO but much more important than that is that you obviously picked up a fine education...and, hopefully some of that was from OU.

Where's the band?!
WHERE"S THE BAND?!

DesignspiritUSA.com
The Pets On The Go Collection of pet gear travel bags
The Holiday Tote Bigg Bagg Collection--over-sized, reversible, extra pockets; now love carrying packages as much as you love shopping!

allen
General User

Member Since: 1/24/2006
Post Count: 4,635

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/9/2016 11:39:02 PM

mf279801 wrote:

This is an awesome thread! Thanks for coming online and sharing your insights!

Welcome aboard, I got to watch you play, I am glad you came to Ohio, you were very highly touted out of high school. I love the fact that you fell in love withe campus, and have stayed faithful to Ohio University football. I have some questions. What do you think that Ohio needs to do to win the MAC? How do we get players like yourself that can get us more explosive plays? The wideouts look pretty good and your group helped lay the foundation. How do we get to the next level?

Nobody despises to lose more than I do. That's got me into trouble over the years, but it also made a man of mediocre ability into a pretty good coach. Woody Hayes

Ohio69
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,039

Status: Offline

RE: Been watching this site for 14 years, today is the day to comment

Posted: 2/10/2016 8:41:23 AM

Welcome aboard.

Boy, are you about to be peppered with questions....

Can somebody hit a pull up jumper for me?.....

Showing Replies:	1 - 25 of 96 Posts
Jump to Page:	1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4 Next >

View Other 'Ohio Football' Topics

There are 245 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com

241 Guests
4 Registered Users:
	MonroeClassmate, spongeBOB CATpants, Bobcat Love's Sense of Shame, OUs LONG Driver

There are no other users looking at this page.