There is a report from the Peoria Journal Star that LSU wide receivers / passing game coordinator Billy Gonzales appears set to join the Illinois staff as offensive coordinator. Illini bringing in a famous name from the past - Peoria, IL - pjstar.com Best of luck to him...........:tigereye:
I wouldn't be surprised. Les passed him over twice for a shot at OC, he'd be stuck in neutral at LSU as a receivers coach.
I don't know how I feel about Gonzo.... I mean, I don't know how much he helped out recruiting (which, I'm sure was quite a bit since he's been known to be a good recruiter, etc.), but in terms of the actual improvement of WR's?? Yeah, RR had his best season this year...but it's NOT hard to fathom a player of THAT talent realizing his potential thanks to better QB play for most of the season. OBJ has REALLY taken off as a pass-catching talent, but c'mon...there have been plenty of true freshmen WR's at other programs that have been phenominal their first years. Basically, I just haven't seen this "across-the-board" improvment from our WR's like I honestly originally expected when he came over from Florida. In fact, sorry to say, but after watching all of these bowl games thus far, I can't help but honestly feeling a bit underwhelmed at the over-all production/play/catching ability from our WR's as a whole. I've used the example in the past, but when the Ragin Cajuns have 3-4 WR's making highlight reel catches; one-handed grabs WHILE being drapped by a defender, I don't care who you're playing, THAT's amazing work right there. And, yes, there have been other examples, but that's the most eye-catching one I can come up with right at this very second.
We have 4 former OC on this staff, a gameplan won't be a problem. I know a few coaches I'd like to see here. Will see how this one plays out.
I had to pick one coach to leave the staff it would be a battle between Gonzo and Ensminger. I know it is spelled wrong.
I like having Steve on the staff, but that just might be me. Glad to see Gonzo get a shot at OC. LSU is paying coaches well, very well, an has a very stable program. If you look at coaches that have left lately, some are out of jobs now. Many leave to move up in the coaching ranks, but in this profession, it can work both ways.
He has been great at recruiting, and the players have had some really nice things to say about him. I wish him the best if he gets a promotion like this.
He is a good guy and coach, best of luck. The SEC team thats loosing stability right now.........UT, Dooleys not getting any help from the AD....
Right now the TE's look good, he's helping with the OT. I think hes doing well with this team. Hes been around and has had some good stops.
