Why is OJ not being used?

[Skeeterpop]

I could ask a million questions to CNS about our team and the game of football itself. But if I had one question in a one on one with him. It would be, Are we not targeting OJ for a reason or is it just how the games have progessed?

I have watched CLK call games for two years now and he calls games to get the ball in his playmakers hands but yet OJ seems to never be a major part of the offensive gameplan. Are teams covering him that good all the time? Is he normally a last progression for Coker, has is effort in practice and off the field not been up to par, what? There has to be some reason we have abandoned throwing to the TE. Are we saving him for the playoffs and going to light him up, what? He is too good of a weapon to not actively use more. Its the one thing, I just dont get this year. We threw to him 7 times against TN. He
has not had a catch in 3 games. I know we want to get the ball in CR hands but the OJ has to be open more with his size and speed.

Anyone heard anything or got any idea why he has all but disappeared from our game plans?

I just think he could open up both the run and passing attack so much if we used him more.

 

[deliveryman35]

Did you see the pass he dropped on Saturday? It reminded me of Staubach to Jackie Smith in super bowl 13.

 

[Skeeterpop]

Did you see the pass he dropped on Saturday? It reminded me of Staubach to Jackie Smith in super bowl 13.

I saw it. But doesnt answer my question. Unless thats been the norm in practice and I havent heard that to be the case.

 

[alwayshavebeen]

I would answer this, but I'm afraid I would be banned. BTW I do love Butterfinger candy bars.

 

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

He's being used. Targeted is a different story.


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[JustNeedMe81]

Howard is inconsistent at times....

 

[MemphisBamaDude]

His blocking also leaves something to be desired.

 

[Skeeterpop]

Howard is inconsistent at times....

Fair enough. Just seemed to be much better than I felt we were using. Maybe it is all confidence and coaches dont have with him.

 

[deliveryman35]

I want OJ to succeed, but he needs to take better advantage of the opportunities that he gets to shine, and that's all I'll say on the matter.

 

[IMALOYAL1]

I remember how we used to try and get Howard Cross an easy catch early in games. He was a much better blocker than OJ so he made the pros on that alone. He eventually made a good TE that could block and catch but catching was a skill he learned in the pros.

I wish OJ could turn it on. I have no idea whats holding him back.

 

[crimsonaudio]

OJ has all the tools but has never become what most of us thought he was capable of.

I've no idea why.

But I understand why they don't throw to him more.

 

[Nolan]

He'll end up a Pro Bowler in the NFL, I bet.

His collegiate career has been...strange.

 

[BAMAVILLE]

I think we'll see him targeted more in the playoffs. The play he dropped was a good call by Coker because the defenders overplayed Stewart and OJ was wide open. I hate he dropped it but he'll get more opportunities like that I'm sure plus he's currently the third leading receiver on the team behind Ridley and Steward. Also, does anyone thing he's targets have been less as of late because he's called on to block more due to the defenses we've faced? I don't know the breakdown of plays plays to support this theory or not but it was just a thought.

 

[CrimsonForce]

He'll end up a Pro Bowler in the NFL, I bet.

His collegiate career has been...strange.

He won't very long in the NFL unless he changes his mentality in regards to being an aggressive route runner, use his frame for positioning and attacking the football when it's in the air. He's listed at 6-6 250 but plays like he is 5-8 180..

 

[TNElephantitis]

His blocking has always been poor IMO. Look at the play action passes that went for TDs against UGA and Arky. Jake got laid out by a defender as he released both passes. Guess who blew the blocks on both those plays?

 

[bamablood6]

His blocking has always been poor IMO. Look at the play action passes that went for TDs against UGA and Arky. Jake got laid out by a defender as he released both passes. Guess who blew the blocks on both those plays?

I cant understand why he has not improved as he has the best position coach on staff...........:rolleye2:

 

[smohabbat]

After alligator arming the ole miss interception last year when Blake threw to him I don't ask why we don't throw to him anymore.

I think we all hopped on the hype train just by his size and his reported 4.4-4.5 speed. Which I highly doubt he runs right now in pads. His blocking is atrocious for someone his size and it seems it's the only time I notice him in a game.

Makes me miss the days of Brian Vogler and Michael Williams


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[KrAzY3]

I saw it. But doesnt answer my question. Unless thats been the norm in practice and I havent heard that to be the case.

You have been watching games for the past couple of years though right?

I was so big on his potential, and I'm always optimistic about him. Having said that, the biggest moments I can remember him having where not ones in which he caught the ball. He has so much potential, but there are things he needs to do a better job of. I think there's a good chance he'll be back next year though, and in that case he could have a breakout senior year.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

He was a wonder on the 7 on 7 circuit, but that's not real football -- in the same way that the dunkfests at AAU tournaments in no way resemble the physicality of college basketball. OJ has improved this year, but he still plays like a kid who doesn't like getting hit in the mouth.

 

[bamanix]

each year, the media and the fans have been expecting howard to the a all sec level tight end. my opinion watching his performance each year has been he just is not talented enough to perform what is expected on him. the is the proto type tight end for college or the pros. however, the young man is a terrible blocker on the edge, or downfield blocking. he has a habit of dropping well placed passes to him. like Saturday. I hate for him, with his speed, size, but maybe he will get a chance in the pros.