Alex Bars (Decker Jump In Here)

[IrishInOntario]

Kelly and Hiestand have moved Bars inside to guard like many of us thought would happen. Per his press conference today Kelly stated that Liam Eichenberg and Tommy Kraemer will battle it out for the right tackle spot, with Hunter Bivin as the 3rd option, who could play either tackle.

Decker, I'm curious about your thoughts on this? You got pretty heated a couple months back when Echowaker and I suggested this would likely happen? Were you just caught up in the argument, or are you actually vehemently against this move?

 

[Telx1]

Well, HH is going to play the two best of these three. Bars is going to be one, and so the decision is Kramer or Liam. What a great problem to have, but I won't be surprised if Liam wins this battle. If he does, Bars likely stays at guard as Liam is generally regarded as an outstanding tackle prospect. If Kraemer is the choice, I think there's a very good chance Bars plays tackle and Kraemer guard. Hard to imagine a five star kid who performs well might be our first off the bench if Liam or Bars gets injured. Very talented OL.

 

[MTIrish98]

And its great to have an experienced guy like Bivin ready to step in if needed. He doesn't have the ceiling the other guys do, but the experience could be very valuable if the injury bug strikes again.

 

[Pennick44]

Kelly and Hiestand have moved Bars inside to guard like many of us thought would happen. Per his press conference today Kelly stated that Liam Eichenberg and Tommy Kraemer will battle it out for the right tackle spot, with Hunter Bivin as the 3rd option, who could play either tackle.

Decker, I'm curious about your thoughts on this? You got pretty heated a couple months back when Echowaker and I suggested this would likely happen? Were you just caught up in the argument, or are you actually vehemently against this move?

I think Echo thinks Kramer would be best used at guard.

 

[NDIRISH53]

I think Eichenberg may be the best natural tackle on the team. I'd bet my money he wins. Kraemer projects to me to be an All-American level guard. I like the move, either way whether he played tackle or guard wouldn't matter all that much to ms

 

[echowaker]

I think Echo thinks Kramer would be best used at guard.

I do.

 

[REMND]

We are a bit shallow at OT going forward. Because of his massive girth and the athleticism that goes with it, I was hoping Kraemer would be the RG. I guess they think he is more athletic than Bars and can protect the outside in pass protection.

At first I assumed Kraemer would just be the RT when I read Bars would focus on RG but I am not sure that it won't be Liam. My perception is that the RT is a road grader with long arms. That sounds like Kraemer. Liam is more mobile and athletic I believe. That sounds like LT to me.

In any event, nice to see Liam and Kraemer already battling to be a starter as redshirt freshmen. If they are as good as I think, they won't both be around as redshirt seniors.

 

[IrishInOntario]

I do.

As do I, but it's about need. Like you Echo, I feel that Bars struggles with pass rush on the edge at times. I feel that both he and Kraemer are best suited for guard, where as Eichenberg is best suited at RT. That said, I think Tommy is plenty athletic enough to play RT if he out performs Liam this spring / fall.

Would you disagree with this assessment at all.

Tackles
McGlinchey
Eichenberg
Bivin
Mabry
Kraemer (if need be)

Guards
Nelson
Bars
Kraemer (ideally)
Ruhland
Hoge (if need be)
Banks
Hainsey
Byrne

Centers
Mustipher
Hoge (ideally)
Boudreaux

 

[Pennick44]

If Eichenberg excels at right tackle, is it Bars or Kraemer at right guard?

 

[echowaker]

As do I, but it's about need. Like you Echo, I feel that Bars struggles with pass rush on the edge at times. I feel that both he and Kraemer are best suited for guard, where as Eichenberg is best suited at RT. That said, I think Tommy is plenty athletic enough to play RT if he out performs Liam this spring / fall.

Would you disagree with this assessment at all.

Tackles
McGlinchey
Eichenberg
Bivin
Mabry
Kraemer (if need be)

Guards
Nelson
Bars
Kraemer (ideally)
Ruhland
Hoge (if need be)
Banks
Hainsey
Byrne

Centers
Mustipher
Hoge (ideally)
Boudreaux

Yep. My opinions of Kraemer come from seeing him a lot and knowing the folks who coached him very well. He s from my area. Born and built to be a great interior player. I m sure he would more than competent if need be to play outside. I love the thought of he and liam on the right side next year. A big jump in ability in my opinion.

 

[REMND]

As do I, but it's about need. Like you Echo, I feel that Bars struggles with pass rush on the edge at times. I feel that both he and Kraemer are best suited for guard, where as Eichenberg is best suited at RT. That said, I think Tommy is plenty athletic enough to play RT if he out performs Liam this spring / fall.

Would you disagree with this assessment at all.

Tackles
McGlinchey
Eichenberg
Bivin
Mabry
Kraemer (if need be)

Guards
Nelson
Bars
Kraemer (ideally)
Ruhland
Hoge (if need be)
Banks
Hainsey
Byrne

Centers
Mustipher
Hoge (ideally)
Boudreaux

I am hoping that an Aaron Banks with a bit of reshaping can play RT. He did play basketball in HS and RT on the football team. Plus, Lugg should be an OT.

Mabry in hand with Hayes and Petite Frere visiting this week. Those are three OT's. Get three of Petite-Frere, Hayes, Ericson and Dirksen and I will be very impressed.

Still, in 2015 and 2016, I believe Liam was the only pure tackle we got and Kraemer can play there as well. Am I missing anyone? Tillery is part of the problem but I have suggested his inability so far to play with high intensity play after play would make him a poor OT candidate.

 

[MTIrish98]

It sounds to me like Bars has already locked down the guard slot.

I can't imagine a situation where Tillery switches to OL at this point. I don't know why that idea won't go away.