Answer Thursday!

Chiete76 said:
Without Havilli in, we have no rushing or passing plays to the fullback. This is a serious limitation to our playbook. Does this reflect lack of confindence in Shoemate/other backups? Or one of those "we took what they gave us" things?
If Havilli is out for a while, will this change/improve? Sorry, two questions there.

A: Stanley Havili joked Monday that his shoulder would not bother him on carries because he never carries the football. And Shoemate will get even less carries and receptions because the coaches do not want to risk anything (though they would not admit it that way). It's nothing personal against Shoemate, who looks similar to Havili in practices, but the coaches frequently have trust issues when a new skill player enters the lineup. It's not fair but it is what it is.

Q: kconway said:
what is your take on malcolm smith's performance so far this year, particularly in relation to the level he played at in spring/camp?

A: He played at such a dominating level last spring that expectations were probably unfairly raised for the season. In the meantime, Chris Galippo and Mike Morgan, who had lower expxectations, are viewed as playing better because they have exceeded lower predictions on how they would perform. Smith's had a decent year but not a dominating year, which was the expectation before the season.

Q: DFWTrojan said:
Will CJ Gable transfer, and should he?

A: He will turn pro before he transfers because he does not want to wait another year without playing. He probably should leave if he thinks he will not get a chance and with the recent emergence of Allen Bradford and likely return of Stafon Johnson, might not get a chance next year either.