Paul Johnson spent his Wednesday continuing his quest to secure a commitment from every offensive lineman in the 2017 cycle, nailing down three-star guard and Honolulu product Michael Minihan in the process. Minihan, the seventh-ranked player in the state of Hawaii, chose Tech over reported offers from Air Force, Army, and San Jose State among others. He is the fourth offensive line commitment out of nine total players in the class of 2017, proving once again that the staff is going all-in with a plan to never again field an injury-depleted front line.
COLLEGE COMMITMENT!#GoJackets pic.twitter.com/IpndZKlGlv
— Michael Minihan (@Michael_Minihan) July 27, 2016
Congratulations to Michael on his commitment! It should be a lot of fun to see what he and his fellow class of 2017 members can do over these next few years. Until then, take a look at the FTRS breakdown of this most recent commitment and sit patiently until No. 10 comes around.
You'd think that half a decade of sub-par pass rush production would cause the coaching staff to exhaust any possible "simple ways" to improve sack production, but apparently Ted Roof and company have been saving one trick for this season in particular: improvements in "quick gaming". What this essentially means is that the staff is attempting to stop the effectiveness of quickly-developing plays, like screens and other underneath throws, against Tech. It's a welcome solution to an issue that has visibly plagued the Jackets for years now, allowing opposing quarterbacks like UVA's Matt Johns to channel their inner Tom Brady with 30-yard dump off plays to Taquan Mizzell. Anything that can prevent Hoo-losing pain is welcome.
As the Big 12 has begun to realize that its current 10-team format, which includes football powerhouses Kansas and Iowa State among others, does roughly nothing to please the selection committee, the buzz over which schools to invite and which to ignore has become overwhelming. Everyone from East Carolina to Houston to a litany of MWC schools have lobbied for a place in college football's ugly stepsister of a conference (in terms of playoff aspirations, at least), making for a fun time across the nation. In all seriousness, ECU is probably their best bet along with Houston. Those are two programs which, given ample time, could conceivably strengthen the Big 12 brand. Otherwise, it's BYU or bust. That's not what you want.
Finally, Episode 3 of Joey's new ACC football podcast "Basketball Conference" is now posted! Find it below, on Soundcloud, or on iTunes to check out discussions about the ACC Kickoff, the unpredictability of the Coastal Division in the media's preseason poll, and what to expect from the Pittsburgh Panthers in year two under Pat Narduzzi!
Have a great Thursday!