Musings on Trev and the possibility of another RB commit. [Archive]

irishunclebill

10-23-2007, 09:42 PM

Jonas Gray's commit actually once again maxes out the 2008 scholarship count at 85 when you factor in all of the seven 2008 5th year eligibles. So unless there are more transfers from this point on any new 2008 verbals will be taking away those 5th year eligibles one for one.

Since no one expects CW to offer 5th year's to all of that group of 7, I still see as many as 4 more slots being taken. I believe Trev will take one of those 4 slots eventually, but as I have said before Trev has no reason to announce for ND quickly and a million reasons (NU fans) not to. Why take that abuse again and have to deal with it all the way up until NSD. The only reason that I can see for Trev to move up his timetable is if the NU recruiting class continues to disintegrate, it takes some of the pressure off of him.

Obviously, a 2nd spot is available for Page if he wants it, and although I think ND has a solid shot at Page, you always need to beware of the post-visit wow syndrome. Page is still going to be really difficult to get away from Clemson or the Ol' Ball Coach. The third and fourth spots could be taken by WR's because if Walker and Baldwin both wanted to come to ND, there is no way either one would be turned down. However, since that is extremely unlikely to happen, I would not be a bit surprised to see another RB in this class. CW's quick offer to Jonas Gray when it became obvious that he would commit to ND upon receiving the offer shows that he is more than willing to continue the slash and burn philosophy that has made this recruiting class so successful. IMO, getting Gray to verbal was not a message to RW and Cyrus Gray that you guys waited too long and the bus is full, but rather a signal that he is not willing to wait on any recruit to decide, and if a quality player like Jonas Gray becomes available and wants to hop on that bus, well then he is going to take him. The exception to this rule will be Jonathan Baldwin because there is no one else quite like him in this recruiting class.

As for the other RB's, I don't see Cyrus Gray in South Bend anyway, but if Ryan Williams wants to head west to Indiana, I believe that he still has a seat available as long as he does not wait all the way to NSD, because on that day the only seat on the Irish bus that will be held is the one reserved for Jonathan Baldwin if CW/CB can somehow pry him out of WPIAL land.

stonebreakerwasgod

10-23-2007, 10:10 PM

Nice IUB, well done.

IrishCalves

10-23-2007, 10:30 PM

I see where you're coming from there IUB, but I have a slightly different perspective on Trev.

You are spot on about Trevor waiting to see the unraveling act thats going on with Nebraska's recruiting class. However, I don't really see a "million reasons" why Trev should wait it out to announce regarding his geographical situation. Yes, he does live there, but at this point I don't think Husker nation is all that focused on just Trevor Robinson, even with recruiting; nor do I feel they would truly fault a guy for being scarred away by whats going on right now.

They know their program is in a state of turbulence, and that whoever comes in there will have to do some rebuilding. They've already lost Jonas, and names like D.J. Woods, Will Compton, Bryce Givens, and the big prize of the class in Blaine Gabbert are all in various states of "re-evaluating" their options. Though largest in size, Trevor, an uncommitted prospect who has been on the market for months now, is the least of their worries at this point, when compared to the daunting # of premiere committed prospects that are getting cold feet - particularly Gabbert.

Maybe I'm underestimating the focus that Nebraska fans have on their recruiting class, but I think if anything the bigger motivators for Big Trev's silence are A) still seeing if NU's recruiting class has enough "oomf" in it to compete for national championships, an oft stated goal of his collegiate choice, and B) find out exactly what'll shake down with the coaching staff there, not to mention who the long term AD will be.

That said, very clear-minded thoughts about the RB recruiting situation. We've played all 5 of our backs this year and still have no ground game, so I don't see why Weis would find it hard to keep our RB stable at 5.

lionelhutz

10-23-2007, 10:53 PM

Irish Eyes' Mike Frank trulyt believes that if Cyrus Gray wanted to come here CW would hold a spot for him. That kind of surprised me. My top remaining targets in order would be:

Trevor Robinson
Kenneth Page
jonathan Baldwin
deion Walker
Gerrell Robinson
Chris Harper
Cyrus Gray

Robinson and Page you defintely wait for. That would bring the total to 23 which leaves you a maximum of 2 more slots. Word around the campfire is Harper is chirping about playing qb which if true, leaves the irish on the outs (Zook will keep telling him he'll play qb, but if the kid signs, Zook will immediately move his ass to wr). That leaves G.Robinson, Walker, and Baldwin.
As has been stated Baldwin isn't going to utter a peep until NSD-which blows because I think he could be special. If either T. Robinson or Page verbal in the near future, I'd bet G. Robinson quickly pulls the trigger- his interest in ND seems genuine and he may be afraid of the bus leaving. Deion Walker is more polished wr than G Robinson or Chris Harper which is why I rank Deion higher but Deion i think is a long shot. It would be interesting to see what Cyrus Gray does, if he wanted to committ would CW take it? I would rather sign 4 wr's and 1 rb than 3wr's and 2rb's. I'm more than comfortable w/ AA, JA, RH, and Jonas Gray. Wr not so much--Grimes, West, and Parris although solid, are not going to put much fear in guys like Taylor Mays, but if if a DB sees a 4wr set of Kamara, Floyd, Baldwin and Walker they will shit their pants!!
However, if we only get 1 more OL than the hell w/ it take whomever wants to come. Man I forgot how much fun this recruiting speculation is!!!

Axl Rose

10-23-2007, 11:32 PM

I think Crum, Brown, Vernaglia should be invited back.

GoshenGipper

10-23-2007, 11:37 PM

I believe Trev will take one of those 4 slots eventually, but as I have said before Trev has no reason to announce for ND quickly and a million reasons (NU fans) not to. Why take that abuse again and have to deal with it all the way up until NSD. The only reason that I can see for Trev to move up his timetable is if the NU recruiting class continues to disintegrate, it takes some of the pressure off of him.

I actually think right now would be the perfect time because with everything that's going on there with there coaching situation it would be hard for anyone to single out one kid to bash for making a decision like that. Jonas Gray has already defected, Compton and Gabbert are supposed to be visiting Mizzou soon, plus Gabbert just cancelled an upcomming unofficial visit that he had scheduled to NU. Then finally Givens has decommited to reopen his recruitment as well. If he's going to do it now would be the best timing he could have since his bad news will get lost in the shuffle with all of the rest. If he does it much later he'll get singled out because he'll be the most fresh in their minds rather than being lumped together with everyone else.

On a side note I think ND will end up taking 24 this year. T.Robinson, Page, and one WR. Either Baldwin or G.Robinson. The only way I could see them taking 25 is if they get the first 3 guys I mentioned and 2 out of Baldwin, G.Robinson, D.Walker, or C.Gray want to come. Maybe Harper too, but I think he and Walker are longshots anyway.

NDgrandson

10-23-2007, 11:42 PM

I agree with IUB, Calves and lionel. I think IUB was saying that by by not verballing and waiting, there is more pressure that will be put on him by the locals to do so. So... both you guys are right. Lionel, I agree with your rankings of the remaining recruits but I would say the top 3 are almost a tie and they are a level above the rest. We need OL and TR and KP are good ones. Baldwin is my favorite though. He could be the next Calvin Johnson level of WR. He will fall soewhere in the range of Maurice Stovall to Calvin Johnson IMO. So that is another point to agree with IUB on. If he goes to Pitt, it will be like Calvin Johnson vs us last year. We focused on shutting him down with double coverage (or sometimes just a 1st timer Darrin Walls!!!) and he was hardly ever thrown to. When he was, The Duke lit his ass up. Wanny can't get you the ball like CW can. Wanny can't get you the airtime CW can. Sharpley / Clausen / Crist will get you the ball and every route you run will be on national television. Ask Darrin Walls how he likes leaving Pittsburgh for ND.

Baldwin... come to ND.

irishunclebill

10-23-2007, 11:42 PM

I actually think right now would be the perfect time because with everything that's going on there with there coaching situation it would be hard for anyone to single out one kid to bash for making a decision like that. Jonas Gray has already defected, Compton and Gabbert are supposed to be visiting Mizzou soon, plus Gabbert just cancelled an upcomming unofficial visit that he had scheduled to NU. Then finally Givens has decommited to reopen his recruitment as well. If he's going to do it now would be the best timing he could have since his bad news will get lost in the shuffle with all of the rest. If he does it much later he'll get singled out because he'll be the most fresh in their minds rather than being lumped together with everyone else.

On a side note I think ND will end up taking 24 this year. T.Robinson, Page, and one WR. Either Baldwin or G.Robinson. The only way I could see them taking 25 is if they get the first 3 guys I mentioned and 2 out of Baldwin, G.Robinson, D.Walker, or C.Gray want to come. Maybe Harper too, but I think he and Walker are longshots anyway.

This could very well be the best time for Trev to pull the trigger in the midst of this upheaval, but there is one big difference that you guys are overlooking when you compare Jonas Gray, Gabbert, Compton, and Givens to Trev, and that is Trev is the only one who actually lives in and goes to school in Nebraska.

GoshenGipper

10-23-2007, 11:45 PM

This could very well be the best time for Trev to pull the trigger in the midst of this upheaval, but there is one big difference that you guys are overlooking when you compare Jonas Gray, Gabbert, Compton, and Givens to Trev, and that is Trev is the only one who actually lives in and goes to school in Nebraska.

It crossed my mind, but it's not like things are going to get any better if he waits. It just prolongs it for a couple of months.

irishunclebill

10-23-2007, 11:47 PM

That would bring the total to 23 which leaves you a maximum of 2 more slots.

The actual maximum right now is 28, not counting any more transfers. 28 would mean no 2008 5th years being invited back, and I do not see that happening, nor do I see enough potential ND recruits on the horizon to even think about 28, but on paper as of right now 28 is the max.

GoshenGipper

10-23-2007, 11:52 PM

RichardRiot

10-23-2007, 11:59 PM

The actual maximum right now is 28, not counting any more transfers. 28 would mean no 2008 5th years being invited back, and I do not see that happening, nor do I see enough potential ND recruits on the horizon to even think about 28, but on paper as of right now 28 is the max.

1)Wouldn't they need 3 of the commits to be EE's to get to 28, given the 25 First Counter rule?

2)I completely agree with you on Trev and the State of Nebraska. If the other guys were born in Husker land it might be different for them, but Trev has to continue to live there. If he was a California guy, or from almost anywhere else, it wouldn't matter because of the diffusion of loyalties, but NEBRASKA is a completely dfferent place.

3)The one thing that I am hoping with respect to the Ole Ball Coach and Kenneth Page is....... that Mr. Page Senior is a member at Augusta

http://deadspin.com/sports/peeing-at-augusta/ah-the-sweet-relief-of-augusta-261636.php

You don't do that at Augusta

RichardRiot

10-24-2007, 12:08 AM

The SEC schools have to do it though because 1/3 class can't qualify for school.

Actually, I think that statiscally of the 1/3 that are in excess:

-60% are deemed unworthy of a scholarship by coaches who's surname rhymes with LIAR;
-50% do not pass academic qualifiications;
-50% are academically ineligible (but manage to still make it in);
-45% get busted for armed robbery and other assorted crimes;
-30% will get dropped after their first year because they are not on the 2 deep

Note that 'some' individuals fall into more than one category

lionelhutz

10-24-2007, 12:50 AM

I doubt Trevor does anything in the near future. If he leaves Nebraska w/out giving Tom Osborne a chance to change his mind than Trev will take a beating from the locals. i think sometimes we forget that these are just kids and the pressure for them to attend their in state school is enormous, especially a school like UN where the entire state lives and dies UN football. I don't mean for this to portray UN football or their fans in a negative light. I for one love it when traditional powers of my youth are successful and hold the fans of UN in high regard. When Nebraska fans invaded our stadium 7 years ago I ran into a bunch of them and they were very respectful to Notre Dame and her fans.

These next 3 and 1/2 months are going to be very interesting. Above I posted a long post regarding strategy for the 2008 recruiting class. Another point of view could be for Charlie to go ahead and sign all of the remaing targets I posted if he has the chance even if it means not inviting any 5th year guys back and allowing the 2009 class to be a small one. One could make this arguement for a few reasons:

Charlie NEEDS to win alot of games next year and if he sees these recruits as guys who could make an immediate impact to help him do so then so be it. If Charlie turns in a score card of 4-8 or 5-7 it's possible that he won't be back. Moreover, if he is retained elite prospects may not return his calls because the see an under achieving program due to the inability to develop talent(I picture guys like Urban Meyer or Les Miles saying things like Charlie can coach IN the NFL but he can't GET you to the NFL!) So it may not do Charlie any good to save the schollies for 2009.

But, if he signs all the kids and in 2008 go -lets say 10-2 and win a major bowl game that would gain further momentum for another top class. And, theoretically a class >25 is going to have people transfer. So if 3 or 4 leave than that gives you more schollies for 2009 so you get them back anyway. When you are 1-7 and 4 people transfer the media says your program is in trouble...when you go 10-2 win a bowl game and 4 people transfer then the media says your program is healthy!!

I'M NOT SAYING CHARLIE SHOULD SIGN UP EVERYBODY, I'M JUST SAYING THERE COULD BE A LEGITIMATE ARGUEMENT IF HE DID SO!

Thoughts?

NDisNCin2010

10-24-2007, 08:40 AM

re: Baldwin recruitment...Latina (and to an extent Powlus) is the recruiter for Western PA, where Baldwin lives...now Latina did manage to get Walls out of Pittsburgh (a 5 star) at a time when we really needed a secondary stud recruit...but im not sure Latina has the time with all he has on his plate O-line-wise...perhaps Corwin needs to step in on this recruitment and take it over...if he hasnt already.

as for spots in the class...i feel you play the hot recruiting hand for all its worth, (see the 87 ND class)...2009 class be damned...depth is the key at ALL positions...soem may disagree and i see why "on paper" one would say a guy like Compton we dont need, but folks lets remember this is college football, not rotissirie/fantasy football where you just plug in a team full of 5 stars and you are playing on in the NC game.
I am a big believer in the intangibles, morale, team spirit, emotion, "happy players play better" philosophy when comes to college FB and all i have read on Compton is that he is this scrappy kid w/ leadership qualities and loves ND, wants to be here...a "glue" type guy...that makes a big difference not only on the field, but more importantly in some respects off of it.

daytonirish

10-24-2007, 09:34 AM

Well it's nice to be talking about recruiting once agian. First, with the commitment of Jonas, I'm happy with the rb position. Second, would love to see two more wr come on board, ( Mr. Baldwin & either Walker or Robinson). Third , I want both Trev and Kenneth to jump on board. Now concerning Trev and his ties to Neb. I understand the crap he took when he first announced he was opening up his recruitment agian, but with all the things that are happening in Lincoln right now I believe the biggest thing the fans are worried about is the coaching staff and who Tom Osborne brings in to replace Bill C. I don't see how they keep this staff around without destroying the big red nation. I thinkTrev could very well jump on board quicker then some think. I also could be way off base and just be quessing ? :confused: But like all of us on GH I'llwait until Trev is ready to announce his commitment to Charlie and the ND Nation.

NDisNCin2010

10-24-2007, 09:54 AM

the same guy that told me about Gray commitment yesterday at lunchtime said that his contact told him that "Weis has a couple more surpises in store before LOI day"...whatever that means!? can only be good, no?...i'll keep pressing him for more info on that statement.

Akron Irish

10-24-2007, 10:54 AM

daytonirish

10-24-2007, 11:05 AM

Let me be the one to start something here. On the front page of B&G it says that the Brown brothers will be getting a visit this week. Here's to Charlie and Corwin shocking the college football world. Both Brown brothers commit on the spot.:D:

NDisNCin2010

10-24-2007, 11:09 AM

Just toying with my emotions huh

mine too believe me...personally for me if we were just to get Trev I'm ecstatic, overjoyed, elated at this class...after Trev-to me it becomes "wants" b/c the "needs" are done.

GoshenGipper

10-24-2007, 05:43 PM

especially a school like UN where the entire state lives and dies UN football. I don't mean for this to portray UN football or their fans in a negative light. I for one love it when traditional powers of my youth are successful and hold the fans of UN in high regard.

The UN has a football team? And they said CFB wasn't big in NYC. They'd have a pretty big talent pool as long as the captains and coach aren't French. Then they'd probably just forefit every game. ;) :p

IrishCalves

10-30-2007, 08:40 AM

More Big Trev musings...

It looks more and more like Callahan's staff is moving on as though Big Trev weren't coming to Lincoln. There's a story tacked up on Huskerillustrated about Vaughn Dotsy's interest in NU. I'm sure other programs are telling him about a chance to play tackle, but there are few truer guard candidates out there than Dotsy - do the math with regards to Big Trev. And, while at least one of their five OL commits is "soft", you still have to recognize that they're still recruiting for the line after five commits.

I don't know if this is a good thing - a sort of "white flag" move by Callahan & Co. - or if we should be emulating them. A lot of eggs in one basket for ND; gotta keep those fingers crossed that we end up on the plus side of this saga.

Fishin'_Irish

10-30-2007, 08:42 AM

The UN has a football team? And they said CFB wasn't big in NYC. They'd have a pretty big talent pool as long as the captains and coach aren't French. Then they'd probably just forefit every game. ;) :p

That's exactly what I thought when I saw it. lol

daytonirish

10-30-2007, 09:10 AM

Interesting news IrishCalves. I do think Trev will end up in South Bend but like you said you never can be to sure. Lets just hope things keep going the same way in Lincoln and one would think our chances would keep getting better.

irishunclebill

10-30-2007, 10:02 AM

Nebraska may be interested in Dotsy, but it's hard to beleive that Dotsy can have that much interest in a program that is in such disarray, unless he is completely oblivious. Dotsy says that he is interested in the two Arizona schools, LSU, and Nebraska, but Rivals does not even list him as being offered by either Arizona school, although Scout has him with an offer from Arizona. He does have offers from Florida and scUM in addition to LSU & Nebraska, but what is interesting is that despite being a blocker for a big time running back like Darrell Scott at a big time program like St. Bonny's, Dotsy does not have an offer from any Cali school. Dotsy may be just a mammoth kid who needs a lot of work to succeed at the next level, so I can't see him ending up at an uncertain situation at Nebraska. Of course, the same could be said to a much lesser extent at scUM and LSU, and even Florida.

In any case whether Nebraska is interested in Dotsy or vice versa I do not see it as having any relation to Trev. I have said all along that there was no reason for Trev not to re-commit to Nebraska if that was his intention. For that reason I thought ND was in the drivers seat with Trev. Ironically, Osborne being hired and Callahan being eventually fired changes the dynamic somewhat. The optimist in me says that Trev has already turned his back on Big Red, and is just waiting to commit to ND to minimize the verbal abuse he and his family will absorb in Nebraska. The pessimist in me says that the Robinson family saw the writing on the wall with regards to Callahan, who by all accounts they despise, and that they are waiting to see where all of this falls out in Lincoln before Trev makes his final decision. Both the optimistic and the pessimistic viewpoints still favor ND to a certain extent, but it appears that only time will tell.

Coyote King

10-30-2007, 01:01 PM

Any news on the rumor of Trev going to Missouri for a visit with a bunch of the other Nebraska ship jumpers? I wasn't sure if that was speculation or really had something to it. If he does take the trip, I would have to think it points to the possibility that he really just can't decide.

irishunclebill

10-30-2007, 01:11 PM

He is not visiting Mizzou.

Coyote King

10-30-2007, 01:12 PM

He is not visiting Mizzou.

Thanks for the confirmation, that would have made me nervous. Hopefully we will get good news on him soon.

irishryan05

10-30-2007, 04:17 PM

What about Baker Steinkuhler? I thought ND offered him early on. He is an elite prospect from Lincoln, and may be impossible to pry away, but he'd be a great pickup.

stew654

10-30-2007, 05:43 PM

Im pretty sure we never offered steinkuhler based on the fact it was a given he was off to nu. I think no matter what happens there he will stay commited

IrishCalves

10-30-2007, 05:59 PM

Im pretty sure we never offered steinkuhler based on the fact it was a given he was off to nu. I think no matter what happens there he will stay commited

Ditto. The first time I remember hearing his name, it was when he was (practically) signed, sealed, and delivered to Lincoln. There was never a mystery with him, so I don't think we ever barked up that tree.

jfschellcrna

10-30-2007, 08:31 PM

his father dean played for nebraska, won the outland and lombardi trophy's in 1983. he too, will play for nebraska.........

irishunclebill

11-08-2007, 09:10 AM

Milton Knox is quoted as saying that ND is looking for another RB in this class, and he would like to be considered for that slot, although he acknowleges that there is not much room left. Knox is probably jockeying for an offer if ND fails to land either Cyrus Gray or Ryan Williams. Knox committed to UCLA earlier this year when he could not get an ND offer, but is now listed as a "soft verbal", and is definitely looking around because of the tenuous Head Coaching situation at UCLA. He has already scheduled an Official Visit to Colorado.

Knox is a good buddy of Dayne Crist, and is the guy who virtually single handedly gave Crist & McDonald's NDSO team their only loss of the season. He would most likely commit to ND if he were offered, but he has a lot of obstacles in his way, Cyrus Gray, Ryan Williams, and the original obstacle that prevented ND from offering him in the first place, which had nothing to do with his talent, character, or interest in the Irish.

The New Louis

11-08-2007, 09:57 AM

knox is a nice player but I would rather have Cyrus

BigIrish

11-08-2007, 10:00 AM

Knox is a good buddy of Dayne Crist, and is the guy who virtually single handedly gave Crist & McDonald's NDSO team their only loss of the season. He would most likely commit to ND if he were offered, but he has a lot of obstacles in his way, Cyrus Gray, Ryan Williams, and the original obstacle that prevented ND from offering him in the first place, which had nothing to do with his talent, character, or interest in the Irish.

how did he single handedly give them a loss? and what was the 'original' obstacle?

The New Louis

11-08-2007, 10:14 AM

I believe academics

irishunclebill

11-08-2007, 10:34 AM

how did he single handedly give them a loss? and what was the 'original' obstacle?

Knox was unstoppable for Birmingham in that game against ND-Sherman Oaks. He ran for 139 yards and scored 3 TD's, and was the major difference in Birmingham's 28-21 win.

NDSO has only that loss so far this year despite playing a monstrous schedule. The interesting part of that is Birmingham plays almost the same schedule and they also have only one loss, and that was to Fauria's Crespi HS team. Now, this Friday NDSO plays Crespi who is 7-2 in their last regular season game.

The New Louis

11-08-2007, 10:45 AM

I would be happy with either back. I watched the highlights of both and they are equally impressive. They both play against solid competition and carry the load for their respective teams. I think it may be too little too late with Knox because we are doing well with Gray.

NDisNCin2010

11-08-2007, 10:52 AM

goirish41

11-08-2007, 10:56 AM

From what I saw on film of CT and watching Knox's game against NDHS, I think the two are nothing alike. Completely different running styles.

Jstehly5511

11-08-2007, 11:06 AM

I saw Knox play on ESPN2 agains ND and Dayne Crist. I thought he looked great. I agree with IUB, he pretty much single handedly beat them. He ran very hard and seemed to have some burst, once he got into an open lane. I for one, wouldn't mind having him as a back up plan to Cyrus or Ryan. But I do not see either of those 2 ending up at ND anyway, so this may get interesting. I'll be honest, I feel for Nebraska and UCLA. Now if this was USC and Florida, i'd be in heaven with this turmoil.

The New Louis

11-08-2007, 11:21 AM

F*ckin A

irishunclebill

11-08-2007, 11:47 AM

Re: Knox visiting Colorado, keep in mind that Darrell Scott (best RB in the country-BY FAR) has an uncle, yes an uncle, playing for Colorado and DS is real possibility to end up at Colorado "to play with family" (his words) rather than USC. i dont believe Colorado has offered Knox, btu onky b/c he committed to UCLA before the summer so i would expect them to offer Knox as well.
this Knox kid by all accts is the real deal, is a fireplug, and very productive, some recently saying he fits the "Carlton Thomas" type of guy CW likes and wants, although CW/staff has yet give up on CT just yet...

According to Knox and his Rivals offer list, Colorado has offered him, but that may be a very recent occurrence. Also, his Rivals offer list does not show this yet, but I am hearing that a Rivals recruiting mod is reporting that Urbie has also now offered Knox. I believe that puts Urbies 2008 offers into quadruple figures now.;)

NDisNCin2010

11-08-2007, 12:15 PM

it certainly makes things interesting when the best RB in the land hasnt made a decision, and according to many accounts is still pretty much up for grabs...can wind up anywhere: left coast east coast....other teams have to deal with all the back up offers, verbal offers to their "2nd" RB's....mucks up everything and certainly adds to the recruitng intrigue vis a vis the diff scenarios, slow playing a solid RB in hopes of landing a Scott, etc...Im just glad we have Jonas in the boat, id be happy if he was our only RB.

NDisNCin2010

11-08-2007, 12:24 PM

From what I saw on film of CT and watching Knox's game against NDHS, I think the two are nothing alike. Completely different running styles.

what major differences did you see between these guys?

i know CW is always loking for the RBs he thinks/feels have "vision and patience" prior to hitting the holes, waiting for their blocks, "seeing the field", and have good insticncts on "timing" their runs...i rememebr him saying that this is what separates the good from bad, and that he really doesnt put too much stock in height/weight, and said wants guys with "football speed" as he thinks 40 times are bit overrated in forecasting future success and productivity on the field. he basically said a great 40 time is great and not to be overlooked, but only once RB got past LOS and linebackers and its a footrace...the critical part is getting past all that so can use your speed...

goirish41

11-08-2007, 12:31 PM

I see CT as more of a shifty make you miss kind of guy. He has great vision and is super quick. When I watched his film (granted that is a very limited view) he leaving seemed better suited to running on the edge.

Knox, on the other hand, struck me more as a between the tackles pounder who refuses to go down. Not saying that he doesn't have good vision or speed or anything like that. I'm sure he does. But, when he was playing against NDHS, he ran very, very hard. A lot of the yards he had came after he broke tackles or on second effort.

Just my humble opinion.