Mean Green

The cat is already out of the bag, but it is worth pointing out on the blog that Alonzo Horton, perhaps the recruit UNT needed the most in the wake of Eddrick Gilmore's departure, is no longer on the Mean Green's roster.

Most people -- myself included -- were projecting Gilmore and Horton to start at the two defensive end slots for UNT next season.

Gilmore was among the Mean Green's most productive defensive players late last season and was starting to look like a potential star. Just how good was Gilmore? I have no way of telling if the e-mail was valid, but one person asked me if I had contact info for Gilmore to see if he would be interested in playing in Canada next season now that he is out of options on the college level.

UNT does not have a whole lot of options left now at defensive end. Marquis Sykes had better be everything the Mean Green's coaching staff hopes he can be, or the Mean Green will be in a world of hurt.

I received a question via e-mail today about just what happens at player-run offseason workouts.

I immediately thought back to a quote I heard somewhere, although I can't recall who to credit.

"It's like the Underwear Olympics"

Some players get a lot out of offseason workouts. UNT's quarterbacks are working with their wide receivers, getting their timing and chemistry down. Defensive backs can work against receivers and improve their footwork.

UNT's skill position guys were going though all the typical drills.

What I wonder is if linemen really benefit much from the whole offseason routine. If you have ever stood around at practice during the season, offseason workouts resemble the first two minutes after teams break their players out into positions.

The linemen all line up, get in their stance and move in unison at an imaginary snap. There are times players will work one-on-one in pass rush drills in the summer, but for the few minutes I was around yesterday, everyone was working on those famous footwork drills that former UNT line coach Harold Ethridge was fond of using in practice.

I am sure they are very beneficial, but they often remind me of a step show or line dancing for those of you who are country music fans. I have often wanted to scream out "Hey, Macarena" while watching linemen move in unison with no one on the other side of the line.

I refrained for the few minutes I was there having a photo taken for an advertisement that will run in the paper this fall.