Not gonna get an elite RB recruit this cycle. Ty is a senior, Tim is a senior, Gray is a sophomore. Watch for Cody Brown in 2021. With SCjr struggling I think we’ll be able to jump in and get him. Also Trenton Adkins up in Virginia
Physically? Yes. Hodge has outstanding size and excellent speed, though he weighed around 197 when he reportedly ran an electronically timed 4.47 40 @ WVU. My concern, though, is that his on-the-field production in high school is not remotely in the same ball park as those guys'. Even when healthy, he hasn't put up consistently impressive numbers.
I understand the D line is in dire need of run stoppers and pass rushers....I agree it's probably our most pressing need. However, I really believe it's time we sign a feature RB that's gonna be able to compliment what might end up being an elite OL in a few years. Ty and Tim have one more year and Grey is gonna be an awesome scat back/homerun guy...I know the Maryville kid is talented, but I've heard he lacks the athleticism that you'd like for a great SEC/future NFL back...Why cant we haul in one of those 6-0 215 lb 4/5 stars that TN was known for during the golden years?
RB is a position that you don't have to sign alot of every year...Since it doesn't seem like we've done this in the 2020 class, shouldn't the staff find who they think are the 5 best RBs in the country in the 2021 class and ask each one who wants to play early for one of the best OLs in the country...and tell each of them we're only gonna sign one of you so you better jump on board..
There are not 5-6 Todd Gurley's every year though, that's what the other guy is saying. Yes, it's a bit of a juvenile back and forth, but this is a message board, if folks can't intentionally misunderstand and mock each other here, where can they?
Great running backs don't grow on trees for sure, but no doubt we need a bigger athletic running back on our roster. We have good backs, but we haven't had a elite type back in a while. One that runs in between the tackles and is hard to bring down. During most of the 80' and 90's Tennessee always had one of these types of runners. From Cobb to Webb to Little Man Stewart to Hayden to Lewis to Henry and many in between. GBO!
Physically? Yes. Hodge has outstanding size and excellent speed, though he weighed around 197 when he reportedly ran an electronically timed 4.47 40 @ WVU. My concern, though, is that his on-the-field production in high school is not remotely in the same ball park as those guys'. Even when healthy, he hasn't put up consistently impressive numbers.
Fair observation but he simply hasn't dominated at the HS level as you'd expect from an SEC-caliber prospect in East Tennessee, averaging just 6.1 ypc over the past 2 seasons. For a guy with his size and speed, that's surprisingly low considering the blocking he gets from Maryville's OL.
Even though I don't believe Hodge will be a standout RB for us in the same vein as other names mentioned here, I still think he's a solid addition.
Fair observation but he simply hasn't dominated at the HS level as you'd expect from an SEC-caliber prospect in East Tennessee, averaging just 6.1 ypc over the past 2 seasons. For a guy with his size and speed, that's surprisingly low considering the blocking he gets from Maryville's OL.
Even though I don't believe Hodge will be a standout RB for us in the same vein as other names mentioned here, I still think he's a solid addition.
I guess you got me there. But really though, how often do talents like that come along? It could be another 20 years before we see another saquon or fournette. Being 6 feet tall 240 lb and as fast as a gazelle is not something that you see every cycle. You're extremely lucky to see it once every 10 Cycles.
Not gonna get an elite RB recruit this cycle. Ty is a senior, Tim is a senior, Gray is a sophomore. Watch for Cody Brown in 2021. With SCjr struggling I think we’ll be able to jump in and get him. Also Trenton Adkins up in Virginia
Cody Brown is that type of RB everyone is clamoring about. Rated #6 RB in the country for 2021. 6'0" 210 lbs. Out of Georgia. Parkview High school (suburb of Atlanta). Plays in a super tough region. Region champ is usually in finals or semi-finals for state championship. UT offered in April 2019. Seems to be mutual interest, he came up for a visit for the UAB game.