Bill Conley

millertwin2 (Feb 8, 2010 12:33:25 PM)
Whats the chances for Miller verbally soon

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:34:30 PM)
I don't really see that happening for the simple fact he is one of those national recruits. I am sure he will at least look around this spring and summer. At the same time, he is very close to his family. His ties are Ohio ties, I think the Buckeyes have an excellent shot at him for next year.

fletch (Feb 8, 2010 12:34:51 PM)
any insight into this whole Henderson situation. I know it would be tough to comment but from the outside looking in and reading the quotes from the dad everything sounds a little fishy. How often did you come across deals that would make you go hmm so to speak

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:36:04 PM)
You find that a lot and it is getting to be more prevalent. With all of the notoriety that kids are getting early, not only the kids but the parents get caught up in the recruiting process. Oftentimes, it becomes a big nightmare for the college coach.

justme (Feb 8, 2010 12:37:02 PM)
coach c, will taking a coaching job significantly lower your profile on the recruiting front

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:37:57 PM)
It probably will take my name off of the national recruiting front for a while. Being a head coach at an NCAA Division II program is almost the same as Division I in terms of time commitment and restrictions and what you're allowed and not allowed to do.

labs (Feb 8, 2010 12:38:15 PM)
No way to sugarcoat it, by OSU standards this was a disappointing recruiting class. May be sleepers in the class who will blossom but we missed on too many kids. Did we put too many eggs in one basket for several kids or are we seeing an era where it is tough to recruit against the sunshine powers?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:40:31 PM)
Good question. You make a great point. The one thing that is different today than just a decade ago is the fact that all college programs get a ton of exposure. Players in the past were attracted to about the top 10 to 12 programs in the country. That is not so much any more because of the various TV contracts and the chance to be seen on national broadcasts. You don't have to go to one of the top 10 programs to get noticed. Probably the media more than anything, including the internet and TV, etc., has really made the playing field more even and, therefore, makes recruiting even tougher. You make a great point.

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:43:03 PM)
I thought a couple years ago when they recruited Adams, Shugarts and Brewster, that was an exceptional class of linemen. The Buckeyes will definitely need to hit that position very hard next year in terms of recruiting for the simple fact that you need depth up front. Offensive line is the toughest position to play as a true freshman, both in terms of the physical and mental demands. Because of that, that is one of the reasons why you see a lot of injuries up front. Numbers are important. Now they will really have to do a good job on the OL the next two years. I am sure they are already focused on that.

fletch (Feb 8, 2010 12:43:29 PM)
while at Ohio State who did you condsider to be the biggest one that got away in recruiting and then looking back 4 years later was your assessment correct

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:44:27 PM)
I think one of the big names from my experience was Kellen Winslow. He was living with his dad out in California. The problem we ran into was his official visit was on a weekend when we didn't have a head coach. It was just prior to the hiring of Jim Tressel. As a result, that became a factor in him choosing Miami ...

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:44:52 PM)
Ironically, we ended up beating him and Miami in the national title game, even though he did have a big game.

millertwin2 (Feb 8, 2010 12:45:50 PM)
I think there has been too much whining on Bucknuts about this year`s class, I think it is a overall talented bunch of kids.

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:47:16 PM)
I think every coach in America would agree that you never know how good any class is until 2 years down the road. Some guys will be better and some will be worse than anticipated. The other thing, which I always tell people, it's not so much who you bring in. It's who stays in. In other words, kids need to excel in the classroom and on the field as well as stay healthy. Sometimes, recruiting classes get decimated with those things.

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 12:47:31 PM)
Are there any players in Ohio that really stand out to you so far for the 2011 class? Any players that we as fans should keep note of during the recruiting process?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:47:46 PM)
Because of rules, I can't mention specific names ...

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:48:37 PM)
But I can tell you a few schools that I expect will produce some guys, perhaps. We know Dayton Wayne, Canton McKinley, Akron St. V and Springfield should have a guy or 2 that recruiters are after. Those are the biggies I would think about.

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 12:51:20 PM)
haha ... no prob bill ... so you are saying braxton, hayes, grant and the like without saying it ... we got you ;)

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 12:49:06 PM)
Personally ... and feel free to debunk my contention ... I feel that OSU was so successful defensively this year (especially so, not saying they havent been dominate the past several years) was because of the seniority of the Defensive live (gibson rs junior, worthington rs senior, larimore rs junior, denlinger rs senior, heyward junior, etc etc) given that the D line is losing so much this upcoming year do you believe that OSU will be able to dominate as they have in years past ... and furthermore, compete for the NC?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:51:16 PM)
I think they are still pretty solid up front, especially since Cam Heyward decided to stay. Not only does the defense still have a lot of returners, the offense is going to be a year more mature, along with an ever-improving quarterback. I think the Buckeyes will definitely be in contention to be a top-five program. They will have Larimore and Heyward to build from on that front. That front should still be very solid.

Steve Helwagen (Feb 8, 2010 12:51:53 PM)
Coach, talk about the challenge of taking over a program after being out of coaching for 5-6 years.

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:54:03 PM)
First of all, I was never really away from football. Making the transition back to the sideline should not be a big issue. I coached for over 30 years. The biggest thing for me will be getting used to Division II recruiting. What I mean by that is at Division I, scholarships are full scholarships. In Division II, you take your total amount of money and divide it up among the players. Everything else is pretty much the same, meaning it's hard work. It's selling your program. It's graduating your players. And competing on the gridiron.

Steve Helwagen (Feb 8, 2010 12:55:12 PM)
Coach, what did you think about the Super Bowl? That Drew Brees looked pretty familiar ... and so did that Malcolm Jenkins.

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:56:39 PM)
It was a very exciting game, especially the second half. The onside kick ended up being the most important call of the night, in my opinion. It was a very gutsy call by the Saints staff, who knew they had to do something to spark their team. Also, it was great to see former Buckeyes Malcolm Jenkins and Will Smith (who I recruited out of New York) win Super Bowl rings.

chiefbrutus (Feb 8, 2010 12:56:49 PM)
Jamel Turner where do you see Tressel using him ?

chiefbrutus (Feb 8, 2010 12:56:52 PM)
and will he play as a freshmen

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 12:58:39 PM)
Of course, his biggest asset is his quickness and overall athleticism. His ability to get off on the snap could make him an outstanding rush defensive end. If he is strong enough as a freshman and can use his hands, he could be in there. If that takes a while to develop, he may see the field earlier as an outside linebacker. He could also be a major force on special teams early.

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 12:58:52 PM)
Ill keep it going ... what do you see taking shape with the RB roster this year. the bucks are loaded there with a senior in saine, a rs junior in herron, a sophomore in hall, a rs fresh in berry and two freshmen in Smith and Hyde... not enough balls to to around!

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:00:09 PM)
You have to go with the guys who have the most experience. They have proven they can get the job done. Look for a couple of those younger guys to be used as a slot receiver, who you can bring around on the counter and the reverse or give them the ball on the quick pass or screen. That would allow them to use their running ability in the open field.

millertwin2 (Feb 8, 2010 1:00:18 PM)
Since Andrew Norwell was a 5 star recruit, how well do you think he can be?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:01:14 PM)
He did get hurt midway through the season with the broken leg. He should have ample time to heal up. Saying that, it is still very difficult for a true freshman to break into the starting offensive front.

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:01:23 PM)
Coach, do you see Terrelle's passing motion improving? What would you do to improve it?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:03:08 PM)
I thought he threw the ball better in November, technically and in terms of decisionmaking. Sometimes, there is too much emphasis on the mechanics of that position. So much of being a great quarterback is more than just how tight a spiral you throw. The great quarterbacks are oftentimes not the best in terms of the technical skills. Timing, decisionmaking, leadership, football intelligence, pocket presence and avoiding the rush are all extremely important.

chiefbrutus (Feb 8, 2010 1:06:02 PM)
Are we going to See both Cory Browns at DB or is Brown 10 a WR for certain

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:07:20 PM)
I had the opportunity of working with this year's Corey at the Under Armour game down in Florida. He is a very good athlete with speed, quickness and excellent ball skills. I think he will probably line up as a wide receiver for the Buckeyes. He has great hands and can make valuable yards after the reception.

millertwin2 (Feb 8, 2010 1:07:27 PM)
With so many rb`s, do they redshirt HYDE AND sMITH THIS YEAR?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:09:26 PM)
I would expect Hyde, by coming in for spring ball, to participate this year. Plus, he played last fall at the prep school level. Roderick Smith could even see action because he is such a big running back, which is something we lacked this past year. Maybe they use him in short-yardage situations. If you're going to have that many good running backs, the biggest issue will be keeping them all happy. But I am sure the coaches have a plan.

fletch (Feb 8, 2010 1:09:34 PM)
Coach any input on Big 10 expansion? How many teams would you add? Who are they and why?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:11:46 PM)
I think you'll see 12 teams and possibly a two-division format. The trouble is trying to determine which schools go in which divisions. In my opinion, the smartest thing to do would be to add a school that will draw the New York market to go along with the Chicago market, which we already have. Pittsburgh or WVU could be one of those teams. But it could make more sense to do a Boston College, which has a very good program and has recruited well in the Midwest. Notre Dame is the natural pick, but it doesn't seem likely since they have their own TV contract.

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 1:11:53 PM)
Following up on Terrelle ... do you think he bolts for the league after this year? any other early entries that you see happening?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:12:44 PM)
For him to be considered a top-three quarterback pick next year, he would really have to improve his overall game. I really think he wants to play quarterback at the next level. He is a smart kid who knows he needs 2 more years to develop those talents ...

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:13:46 PM)
As far as other juniors, you think about DeVier Posey. If he becomes a little more consistent in terms of route running and catching the ball, he could be a possibility.

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:14:40 PM)
Michigan would never play us. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose. Remember what happened against Appalachian State?

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:14:59 PM)
I agree he did look alot better in Nov. and of course the bowl game. What kind of arm does Taylor Graham have? Is he a player that has a high ceiling and could seriously challenge our "dual threat" qb's?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:15:44 PM)
Graham has a very strong arm. He throws the ball with a lot of velocity. He is especially accurate on the short and intermediate routes. The biggest concern would be overall mobility once he breaks the pocket.

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:16:29 PM)
so he's another peyton manning type qb?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:17:03 PM)
Yeah, he's more of a pocket guy. If his protection holds up, he has a chance to be a pretty good quarterback.

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:17:33 PM)
Will Mike Adams ever become the LT that we all thought he would be? Or will he slide down the depth chart?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:18:49 PM)
Mike has very good feet for a guy his size. His biggest issue is going to be his consistency and being a finisher. He has to finish every play. Once he does that, I think he has the tools to be a pretty good lineman. I think it's still early, but I've heard he's doing well so far this off-season.

kleintime16 (Feb 8, 2010 1:19:19 PM)
I will come out and say it ... OSU has a very tough schedule this upcoming year and I do not see them going undefeated because of it. Miami (fl) at home in week two, at Wisky in week seven, pSU at home first week in NOV, at Iowa the following week ... and of course MIchigan to close out the year. What is your prediction on the record for OSU next year? I say 11-1 regular season

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:20:47 PM)
As a coach, I am way beyond predicting exact records. The advantage of playing Miami early is our experience. I think the talent level at Wisconsin is still a little bit more of a question. I feel better about that game than you do. I think the Buckeyes could run the table, especially in the Big Ten and have a shot of being one of the top five teams in the country.

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:21:40 PM)
Saw video of Corey Brown '09 and he blew me away with his ability at safety. Do you see him taking over one of the vacated safety spots this year?

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:22:50 PM)
I like him at safety. I'd like to see if he could handle nickel back this year. I think he has some versatility. He seems fairly fluid in the hips. We'll see how he looks this spring.

bucknotown (Feb 8, 2010 1:22:54 PM)
Thanks for your time Coach

Bill Conley (Feb 8, 2010 1:23:08 PM)
It was great to be here and we'll back again sometime in the future!!

Steve Helwagen (Feb 8, 2010 1:24:30 PM)
Thanks again, Coach. It has been great having you involved with Bucknuts and we wish you success at Ohio Dominican beginning this fall!

Steve Helwagen (Feb 8, 2010 1:25:26 PM)
Hey everybody, thanks for stopping by today. Please feel free to talk among yourselves. The moderation is off. Bill Kurelic may have a Chat later in the week. Stay tuned.