OL Connor Smith (official thread)

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Time to bring Conner back into some discussion...

Smith is going to be a good one at tOSU and I like how physical he is. A question for all of you O-line coaches...

One area of preceived weakness that Smith may have upon arriving at tOSU may be his pass blocking....the question is how long do you think it will take Smith to gain the technique he needs to be a average-good pass blocker? Also, is it easier to teach someone new techniques to a prospect who has limited pass blocking experience or to a prospect who has a ton of pass blocking experience?

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Also, is it easier to teach someone new techniques to a prospect who has limited pass blocking experience or to a prospect who has a ton of pass blocking experience?

Not an OL coach, but based upon general nature you would have to assume it's far easier to teach something relatively new rather than to try to "unteach" set habits and then teach the opposite. Connor's lack of pass blocking experience may not turn out to be that much of a hindrance.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

you would have to assume it's far easier to teach something relatively new rather than to try to "unteach" set habits

That was my first thought, but I know next to nothing about the O-line and teaching techniques. I guess no habits are better than bad habits.

I like Connor's mean streak.....

 

[ysubuck]

I coached OLB and D line, but have some knowledge on the subject. exHawg would obviously be able to shed some light as well.

The one thing that is absolutely essential is what Connor already possesses and that's the attitude. He's a brutal run blocker as you can see by looking at the state championship game last year. He frustrated Antwon Hight to the point that Hight was taking shots at Connor and getting 15 yard unsportsmanlike penalties. You want a kid who is going to go to the echo of the whistle on every play. As a guard (which is what I think Connor is going to play at OSU) his pass blocking "weakness" won't be as evident as it is for the guys on the edge.

 

[coxew]

One area of preceived weakness that Smith may have upon arriving at tOSU may be his pass blocking....the question is how long do you think it will take Smith to gain the technique he needs to be a average-good pass blocker? Also, is it easier to teach someone new techniques to a prospect who has limited pass blocking experience or to a prospect who has a ton of pass blocking experience?

I remember the same being said about Datish when he came in. I think his school averaged less than two passes per game. Redshirtted first year, played sparingly the second before eventually becoming a three year starter. Not a bad run at all. I can see Connor doing the same.

 

[osugrad21]

He will be fine...no matter how polished a kid is coming in, the coach will want it done HIS way anyway.

 

[Honor&Glory]

Connor will be fine. He realizes pass blocking is his top priority and he is eager to get the quality coaching that OSU has to offer. The kid has the right attitude.

also...

Ohio High Magazine listed Connor's 'little' brother outside of the top 100 players in Ohio for this coming season, but included him on the 'Others to watch" list.

Spencer Smith 6-3 220 LB/TE Cincinnati Colerain

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

scout.com$ (Dave Biddle)

6/13/06

Connor talks about the opportunity to play in the Ohio North/South Classic this coming weekend. Smith is now 6-5, 303lbs. Connor is not sure what position he will play at tOSU but is looking forward to coming in and contributing where he is needed.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

Smith is now 6-5, 303lbs.

What was he before?

 

[Bestbuck36]

What was he before?

Opening page says 6'5" and 280 lbs.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Scout.com$ (Steve Helwagen)

6/20/06

Connor talks about going against future teammate Robert Rose and says he is improving on his pass blocking.

 

[Honor&Glory]

Scout.com$ (Steve Helwagen)

6/20/06

Connor talks about going against future teammate Robert Rose and says he is improving on his pass blocking.

I talked to Connor after the game and he just raved about Rose. He said something to the effect that Rose can beat you any way he wants, "swim, bull, speed...he's got it all"

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

I talked to Connor after the game and he just raved about Rose. He said something to the effect that Rose can beat you any way he wants, "swim, bull, speed...he's got it all"

Not only is that great to hear about Rose, but it can only make Connor all the much better going up against Rose in practice the next 3-4 years.

 

[OregonBuckeye]

Not only is that great to hear about Rose, but it can only make Connor all the much better going up against Rose in practice the next 3-4 years.

Very true. With all the people raving about Rose it's hard for me to not see him being a starter in his first season.

 

[jwinslow]

Very true. With all the people raving about Rose it's hard for me to not see him being a starter in his first season.

rose will not be starting ahead of richardson, wilson, gholston.

...back to connor, he is such a down to earth kid. I think he looked better last saturday than he looked in january at the AA game. He's extremely green in pass pro, looking forward to watching him progress.