Program momentum is a topic sometimes whether it is from a short term perspective of a longer period of time . It is a real dynamic. Momentum can elevate a program from good to very good and once that very good ball gets rolling a b it more downhill ? Greatness or being consistently really good can follow . Programs , company's, organizations , and people for that matter have periods of great momentum and some periods of being on more unsteady ground. Things could go either way .
Obviously Davidson reached the boulder rolling downhill period say 2004 through 2013 ? White's run lasted a bit longer , but during this time period they were able to compete with pretty much anyone . Their style , numbers, scheme , attitude , confidence reached it's apex as a program . Started wavering a bit as White openly opined about others getting transfers , kids taking the easy way out. etc. He saw the momentum ebbing . He saw the writing on the proverbial wall , the program hired a staffer who actually left to go to rival UA for a year and get hired back .
I am pretty sure he didn't agree with hiring someone who had been disloyal. I know I would be a bit puzzled if a Coffman assistant went to a rival for a year and got hired back the next getting a promotion . White wouldn't have had a wining record with this years Davidson team . He wouldn't have gotten blown out as badly as they did in a few games. He got out when the momentum was fully stopped . Early returns aren't good ,but he needs a few more years to get HIS program in place.
Liberty has that momentum now. PC has never lost it, but is at a point now the ST X nightmare notwithstanding where they are rolling along with more consistent talent than they have ever had . They have more talent than anyone else .PERIOD. Great football demographic that is coached up . The school is kind of an athletic factory really in certain areas .
What's not talked about as much is 'Coaching " momentum . You get the staff at it's sweet-spot . Experience , enthusiasm , high competence , success which gives you that extra bounce . What comes to most observers mind when it comes to their perception of the Rocks program? First thought of people who follow this is almost universal . Consistency . Usually in the mix, pretty even keeled . Coach sets that tone and takes pride in this . Talent has been there a lot of the time , some years more than not . Crabtree was losing some of his juice may be . His enthusiasm was waning perhaps ? Only he knows that I suppose , but like White is he getting out when he thinks his and his programs momentum may cease?
The other consistent aspect in the last few years has been some tough losses in the play-offs . Some underwhelming performances . Some excruciating sequences that turned possible or even probable wins into dispirited walks off the field as if it was fated. Broken record of both consistently solid to excellent performances coupled with a consistent habit of losing most games the last few years that cold have gone either way or should have gone your way even. Now this wasn't a universally many years pattern . Winning close games has happened in the last 20 years .
All teams have their own vibe , own styles of navigating the terrain . Peaked early at times ? Complacency ? Weird or unfortunate game sequences ? A few times being overmatched in the play-offs ? All of the above?
Short term action? Hire the very good and successful assistant already in the program . Excellent work overall as DC , developing a very good strength and conditioning program { agility should be emphasized as well } . That guy is there in the building . There are a few others who are very good coaches who are interested or getting a feel for it ? My thought is someone would have to blow the away in order for Crager to on get the job and had that feeling initially .
Kids want the staff more in tact . Human nature to not want to start over and try to impress strangers. Coach Crager knows who they are and what they can do and has a better idea of their potential . They respect him and know what to expect . I saw first hand personally and with one of my kids what a total transition and new coach with no connection to a great program and it's traditions looks like . It's bumpy , choppy . Awkward at times . It's inevitable . Doesn't mean you always just hire the most capable assistant on the staff after the big man leaves . Short term pain and uncomfortableness can lead to great things sometimes . Rebuilding and losing a lot of talent doesn't = a drastic change is needed or a program is in deeper distress where a reboot is required . I don't believe that is the case here. In the short term a guy like Crager will best help the kids be the best version of themselves and develop into the best players they can be IMO. The question is , is there a guy who they just can't say no to and have to hire ?
Whoever it is ? As I have been saying for a bit is the offense in 2021 needs to take full advantage of the QB's talents and a change in the modus operandi is an no brainer . Not eschewing the run game altogether , as there are some talented capable RB's { Diminutive back but with great feet in Mike Anderson with a bit of Dre Kendrick potential in him { IF he does the work Dre did } not the work horse aspect but moves size and feet conger up comparisons , and the bigger back Heard { 6-1 185 } who has real potential in a few areas on the field { LB IMO is somewhere he could be good } but it's the QB that should be the focus this season. Rivals Josh Helmholdt who covers recruiting in the Mid west also thinks so it appears after seeing him at the best of the Midwest combine .
*The quarterback position did not feature a lot of big-name players, but there were several promising arms in the group. In the 2022 class, two prospects who stood out to me were Radcliff (Ky.) North Hardin’s
Manie Wimberly
and Dublin (Ohio) Coffman’s
Mason Maggs
. Wimberly is built like a fullback, but he throws a beautiful football with lots of pop. Maggs’ motion is extremely clean and efficient. His size and arm talent should attract FBS attention.
