WR Dane Sanzenbacher (Official Thread)

[matcar]

Sanzenbacher's game bears little resemblance to Gonzales's. Gonzo had (has) way more speed. In fact, I'd argue that lack of breakaway speed at WR has been a serious problem for the Buckeyes last season and this.

Dane has lots going for him; he's tough, has good hands, appears to run good routes, and appears to block effectively. But speed isn't a primary weapon for him.

No doubt. I'd actually say that Dane's hands are better (at this point in their careers) and Dane does appear to be a solid blocker and knows where he is supposed to be.

I also agree with UT that we may be on the brink of some great things...all I've been trying to say is that these great things will not likely involve alternate receivers as much as he might hope. It's wishful thinking, not logical. TP is going to 1) run more than Boecks 2) continue to gain command of the playbook but won't know it inside/out so 3) will likely rely on the primary receivers a bit. As I think of those things, I think it's likely that Dane becomes much more heavily involved next year.

I get that as TP scrambles that things break down, but I have no idea why Dane would get more catches because of that. Seems like the primaries would still get the bulk of the throws.

 

[RugbyBuck]

In fact, I'd argue that lack of breakaway speed at WR has been a serious problem for the Buckeyes last season and this.

True dat. All the more reason to get Posey and Thomas involved. Speed downfield will open things up for slants, etc.

 

[utgrad73]

No doubt. I'd actually say that Dane's hands are better (at this point in their careers) and Dane does appear to be a solid blocker and knows where he is supposed to be.

I also agree with UT that we may be on the brink of some great things...all I've been trying to say is that these great things will not likely involve alternate receivers as much as he might hope. It's wishful thinking, not logical. TP is going to 1) run more than Boecks 2) continue to gain command of the playbook but won't know it inside/out so 3) will likely rely on the primary receivers a bit. As I think of those things, I think it's likely that Dane becomes much more heavily involved next year.

I get that as TP scrambles that things break down, but I have no idea why Dane would get more catches because of that. Seems like the primaries would still get the bulk of the throws.

We're going to keep bumping posts on this. That's OK and I understand the DS thing getting more involved next year. MJ commented on his route running ability coming out of camp. Dane can make up for his lack of blistering speed with other measurables. When you add it all up for him, the sum is greater than a burner without proven route running skills, good hands, knowledge of the playbook, and toughness. If others can do all that and stretch the field as a burner, then we have a winner. He may be out there, we haven't seen him yet. All the more reason to rotate young WR into the game - playtime and exposure. No one has a lock on those positions as I see it.

 

[matcar]

We're going to keep bumping posts on this. That's OK and I understand the DS thing getting more involved next year. MJ commented on his route running ability coming out of camp. Dane can make up for his lack of blistering speed with other measurables. When you add it all up for him, the sum is greater than a burner without proven route running skills, good hands, knowledge of the playbook, and toughness. If others can do all that and stretch the field as a burner, then we have a winner. He may be out there, we haven't seen him yet. All the more reason to rotate young WR into the game - playtime and exposure. No one has a lock on those positions as I see it.

So we're in agreement then that Dane will likely see more time/catches next year in light of the fact that Dane offers many of the same excellent qualities that Brian(s) offer and that those two, being #1s on the depth chart will continue to see the bulk of the playing time and catches. And we're in agreement that Dane and the other underclassmen will still see some action this year which will help the Bucks this year and certainly in the coming years.

And we're in agreement that no one has a lock on any position, but that outside of injury, it seems unlikely that Brian(s) will be unseated.

Sounds a lot like how it would be if Todd were the QB (except that the team would not be as successful). Patience grasshopper.

 

[UpNorthBuckeye]

My opinion of TP is that he will find the open, safest receiver. I mean, his very first snap he changed the play and threw to the tight end.

That was a "Holy Shizznit!!" moment for me.

If you are the primary receiver but are NOT open, TP has the vision to find the right guy.

As for Sanzenbacher, it's only gonna get better and brighter. He is great and he is a playmaker and as UT73 knows, he had a high school history of that, especially in the bigger games.

I hate to make predictions, and I won't, but if Wisky tries to blitz, crowd the line, put 14 in the box, whatever... Dane S will be catching lots of slants this weekend. Ballard will probably catch a few, too (I think Nicol is hurt).

I also agree with what a lot of you have pointed out, the ability and willingness to block will be a plus for Dane's playing time.

 

[utgrad73]

So we're in agreement then that Dane will likely see more time/catches next year in light of the fact that Dane offers many of the same excellent qualities that Brian(s) offer and that those two, being #1s on the depth chart will continue to see the bulk of the playing time and catches. And we're in agreement that Dane and the other underclassmen will still see some action this year which will help the Bucks this year and certainly in the coming years.

And we're in agreement that no one has a lock on any position, but that outside of injury, it seems unlikely that Brian(s) will be unseated.

Sounds a lot like how it would be if Todd were the QB (except that the team would not be as successful). Patience grasshopper.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5kBqrHphjo"]YouTube - The Tao of Kung Fu #1 - "Fear is the only darkness."[/ame]

Grasshopper: "Old man, how is that you hear these things?"

Old man: "How is it that you do not?"

I just feel that TP will find the receivers if they are open. Not just the Brians

 

[sparcboxbuck]

I hope that someone found Dane some Advil for the trip home. Hang in there young man. That was one hell of a hit you took.

I'll be looking for you on the field next week!

 

[GoodLifeSean]

Dane, worries the crap outta me. Don't get me wrong, he is a TAMF tough ass mo' fo', but at 5'11" 175 pounds he needs to learn a lesson from Kenny Rogers and know when to hold em', know when run out of bounds. I appreciate the toughness of going for that extra couple of yards, but please, as an excellent possession guy, I hope he learns to run out of bounds.

 

[OHSportsFan]

I agree...he made a great play, but he cut right back into 3 Wisconsin defenders and got blown up, causing a turnover. Just not that smart of a play, in my opinion...then again, if he cuts across the field and takes it to the house, then "great play!"

I hope he makes a speedy recovery because we need his speed and possession skills at WR.

 

[utgrad73]

Dane, worries the crap outta me. Don't get me wrong, he is a TAMF tough ass mo' fo', but at 5'11" 175 pounds he needs to learn a lesson from Kenny Rogers and know when to hold em', know when run out of bounds. I appreciate the toughness of going for that extra couple of yards, but please, as an excellent possession guy, I hope he learns to run out of bounds.

I thought the same thing, but I'm sure he wanted to get everything he could out of that catch. I thought he could have taken it out very easily. Why didn't he? That was his first fumble BTW.

 

[matcar]

I thought the same thing, but I'm sure he wanted to get everything he could out of that catch. I thought he could have taken it out very easily. Why didn't he? That was his first fumble BTW.

He didn't for the reasons you already know in spades...Dane is one tough SOB who wants to scratch for every last inch. I don't begrudge him that, in fact that's what I want for my receiver. I'm thankful for Dane and his will. More than anything, he needs to learn a bit about how to prepare for contact. On that play, I wish he could have seen the contact coming a bit earlier. If so, Dane could have delivered a bit more of the blow instead of taking it. I've no doubt that, considering how tough this dude is, that if he DELIVERED the blow instead of taking it, the other fella would have been laid out.

By the way UT, two passes expressly designed for Dane. Nicely done staff.

 

[UpNorthBuckeye]

Dane might learn something watching Troy Smith film --- troy used to do a great job of either running out of bounds or, when he saw two tacklers converging on him, at the last second he would hit the dirt, and the tacklers would stop Troy but also beat the tar outta each other.

 

[WaitingforKickoff]

This is one fearless dude. I would love to see him continue to solidify his #3 spot and push the Brians.

 

[CHU]

I swear he's the first player to wear black tights for a while. Normally it's white tights.

I like the black and glad they aren't blue like Florida in the mid 90's (although that Florida team won the national title).

 

[utgrad73]

He didn't for the reasons you already know in spades...Dane is one tough SOB who wants to scratch for every last inch. I don't begrudge him that, in fact that's what I want for my receiver. I'm thankful for Dane and his will. More than anything, he needs to learn a bit about how to prepare for contact. On that play, I wish he could have seen the contact coming a bit earlier. If so, Dane could have delivered a bit more of the blow instead of taking it. I've no doubt that, considering how tough this dude is, that if he DELIVERED the blow instead of taking it, the other fella would have been laid out.

By the way UT, two passes expressly designed for Dane. Nicely done staff.

I know he's tough and maybe it's because he is sensitive to making a good showing at his position that he continues to sacrifice himself. It's a physical game, he might be criticized for taking the safe route. Pryor can shoulder a defender and knock him on his butt at 235#. Dane at 180# can't afford to do that, he needs to depend on speed and agility to make the most of his plays. So I applaud his fearless attack in this game but hope that he uses those other skills to come back on the next play to be able to do it again.

2 catches for 40 (fumble negated the last catch) is a good day. It might have been better had he returned. I just saw the replay on the local news. He may have picked up another 15 yards after the catch going out of bounds. Watch the film and learn.

As a team he's fourth in receptions, I'm sure he knows that others want time on the field. So play smart and return next week. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

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