Tosh Baker Inside?

[IrishMike409]

Read the Rudolph article on Driskell’s site. It was good.

Sounds like the givens to start on the OL are: Alt, Fisher, Zeke, and Billy S. That’s a damn talented group.

Just feels like they want Baker to play. Any thoughts on Baker playing G? Rudolph kind of eluded to it, in the article.

We got options at G: Kristofic, Carmody, Rocco, etc. But it just seems to me like Baker is a guy who’s going to earn PT. Anyone else sense that?

 

[Irishjohn68]

Isn’t Baker like 6’8”? That’s big for a guard or center.

 

[savvyandsassier]

I figured Tosh Baker would be a transfer candidate....

 

[Golson5]

I dont think so. Hes probably too big and long and doesnt have the girth

 

[IrishMike409]

I figured Tosh Baker would be a transfer candidate....

I hope not. We’ve seen our Tackles get hurt. Baker would be an outstanding “backup” if Alt or Fisher go down.

 

[IrishMike409]

Isn’t Baker like 6’8”? That’s big for a guard or center.

You’re right. I knew that, but missed.

 

[Get Nasty]

He has no business inside… for many reasons

 

[savvyandsassier]

I hope not. We’ve seen our Tackles get hurt. Baker would be an outstanding “backup” if Alt or Fisher go down.

I don't want him to transfer. He just seemed like a possible candidate.

I don't want anyone to transfer, that's why I'm so salty about Styles bugging out....

 

[Irishjohn68]

I don't want him to transfer. He just seemed like a possible candidate.

I don't want anyone to transfer, that's why I'm so salty about Styles bugging out....

I hear ya.

 

[Telx1]

You’re right. I knew that, but missed.

Yes, but you are absolutely correct that Rudolph emphatically said Baker has the skills to move inside. What interested me was that Rudolph said this about Baker and also referenced Jagusah coming this summer, and implied that he might compete for the guard slot as well. We all know that Jagusah will be a tackle at ND, and likely a star at tackle; but he played guard in HS until his senior year, and it’s not inconceivable (albeit unlikely) that he could start on the inside before moving to tackle as a sophomore. The fact Rudolph threw these two names out there made me wonder if he’s simply not convinced yet that either Rocco or Kristofic is one of our best complimentary five OL.

 

[Golson5]

Yes, but you are absolutely correct that Rudolph emphatically said Baker has the skills to move inside. What interested me was that Rudolph said this about Baker and also referenced Jagusah coming this summer, and implied that he might compete for the guard slot as well. We all know that Jagusah will be a tackle at ND, and likely a star at tackle; but he played guard in HS until his senior year, and it’s not inconceivable (albeit unlikely) that he could start on the inside before moving to tackle as a sophomore. The fact Rudolph threw these two names out there made me wonder if he’s simply not convinced yet that either Rocco or Kristofic is one of our best complimentary five OL.

I think he wanted to keep Baker here with his comments. He knows hes the number 1 backup at both tackle spots so he's critically important

Let him be the top backup at tackle and think hes competiting at guard as well. It's smart

 

[IrishMike409]

Yes, but you are absolutely correct that Rudolph emphatically said Baker has the skills to move inside. What interested me was that Rudolph said this about Baker and also referenced Jagusah coming this summer, and implied that he might compete for the guard slot as well. We all know that Jagusah will be a tackle at ND, and likely a star at tackle; but he played guard in HS until his senior year, and it’s not inconceivable (albeit unlikely) that he could start on the inside before moving to tackle as a sophomore. The fact Rudolph threw these two names out there made me wonder if he’s simply not convinced yet that either Rocco or Kristofic is one of our best complimentary five OL.

That’s what I was getting at. You said it much better than I did.

 

[Get Nasty]

Yes, but you are absolutely correct that Rudolph emphatically said Baker has the skills to move inside. What interested me was that Rudolph said this about Baker and also referenced Jagusah coming this summer, and implied that he might compete for the guard slot as well. We all know that Jagusah will be a tackle at ND, and likely a star at tackle; but he played guard in HS until his senior year, and it’s not inconceivable (albeit unlikely) that he could start on the inside before moving to tackle as a sophomore. The fact Rudolph threw these two names out there made me wonder if he’s simply not convinced yet that either Rocco or Kristofic is one of our best complimentary five OL.

I get jagusah but baker I took it as him just letting him try stuff. Not like he was actually competing.

 

[IrishMike409]

I hate to open up this conversation again, but maybe it’s a prelude to Fisher going to LG.

 

[Get Nasty]

I hate to open up this conversation again, but maybe it’s a prelude to Fisher going to LG.

Would think they would have done it in the spring and they haven’t

 

[savvyandsassier]

I think the big question is are we switching to an all-out run-first offense like Wisconsin. Like an explicit, unconcealed, in your face ground-and-pound, smashmouth, three yards and a cloud of dust.... you name your little cutesy expression for it....

It would appear we have the OL for it, and we can even afford the loss of old boy who just entered the portal without missing a beat, though we don't want Tosh Baker to transfer as well....

So what, is that what we're doing then? Is that going to finally reveal itself in today's game? 'Cause that's the big one right there, not which particular OL is going to get shuffled around to which spot. I'll hate it if that's true, but if that's our future then so be it.

 

[1Redrum]

If we are going to be using a smash mouth running offense....or even just running a lot would it makes sense to rotate the guards more to keep them fresh?

 

[echowaker]

I hate to open up this conversation again, but maybe it’s a prelude to Fisher going to LG.

While I personally love to see that happen someone else at tackle would have to really elevate their game for that to occur. Now if Wagner was a year older it might be more realistic.

 

[Telx1]

Anybody watching the scrimmage today? Will be really interested to hear what folks here thought of our RG play…Rocco vs Kristofic specifically.

 

[Telx1]

While I personally love to see that happen someone else at tackle would have to really elevate their game for that to occur. Now if Wagner was a year older it might be more realistic.

You and me both, but as you say, someone has to force This with dominant play at RT.

 

[Get Nasty]

Anybody watching the scrimmage today? Will be really interested to hear what folks here thought of our RG play…Rocco vs Kristofic specifically.

Thought Rocco was better

 

[Telx1]

I’ve read a couple references to Baker’s play yesterday, and both referenced his slow feet and inability to handle a speed rush. Both mentioned how damn big he is, while concluding that he may be better on the inside than at tackle. Rudolph suggesting Baker absolutely has the skills to move inside may be more of a commentary on his Ability as a tackle than his potential as a guard.

 

[mirer03]

I’ve read a couple references to Baker’s play yesterday, and both referenced his slow feet and inability to handle a speed rush. Both mentioned how damn big he is, while concluding that he may be better on the inside than at tackle. Rudolph suggesting Baker absolutely has the skills to move inside may be more of a commentary on his Ability as a tackle than his potential as a guard.

I just don't see tosh catching on as a starter at this point. He still has a pad level issue, especially if he moves inside due to his height.

Rocco is a beast in running straight forward. If you rewatch some of his snaps he flat are up would be tacklers.

It will be interesting to see who tests the portal...

 

[Telx1]

I just don't see tosh catching on as a starter at this point. He still has a pad level issue, especially if he moves inside due to his height.

Rocco is a beast in running straight forward. If you rewatch some of his snaps he flat are up would be tacklers.

It will be interesting to see who tests the portal...

Agreed. I just posted my thoughts on the portal in another thread, so won’t repeat here. Will be interested in reading yours.

 

[IrishMike409]

I just don't see tosh catching on as a starter at this point. He still has a pad level issue, especially if he moves inside due to his height.

Rocco is a beast in running straight forward. If you rewatch some of his snaps he flat are up would be tacklers.

It will be interesting to see who tests the portal...

I’m glad Rocco was able to flex a little bit.

Maybe it’s his time. I remember this board being pretty pumped when we stole Rocco from Michigan. Would love to see him emerge and grab that 5th spot.

Billy S and Rocco would make for 2 angry, physical, and powerful dudes on the inside.

 

[Telx1]

I’m glad Rocco was able to flex a little bit.

Maybe it’s his time. I remember this board being pretty pumped when we stole Rocco from Michigan. Would love to see him emerge and grab that 5th spot.

Billy S and Rocco would make for 2 angry, physical, and powerful dudes on the inside.

Yea Irish Mike, that’s been my hope and expectation as well, but then I keep reading about his slow feet and pass pro problems. Rudolph mentioned him as vastly improved, as did Harry last Spring, and I keep hoping these are objective assessments rather than coach speak to keep him engaged. I personally think we have seen Kristofic’s ceiling, a sound competent OL; and I keep hoping we see someone emerge that will elevate above this. Rocco’s play yesterday has some suggesting it might be him.

 

[d1042]

BEST 5 not 5 best

 

[echowaker]

Anybody watching the scrimmage today? Will be really interested to hear what folks here thought of our RG play…Rocco vs Kristofic specifically.

Kristofic pretty much played right tackle the whole 2nd half. I can see him going the portal route.