Oku Sliding?

#1
PMC2726

PMC2726

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#1
I'm a little confused about the RB situation as it stands right now. If Poole is healthy (enough) to play a full game this weekend, and CDD has been pretty vocal about saying that Neal will get some snaps . . . . where does that leave Oku?

CDD had a LOT of public praise for Oku during fall practice; however it seems like CDD has soured on Oku a little -- feels like he is tippy-toeing. Don't really see Oku returning kicks anymore, etc.

I love having a stable of capable RB's, especially if one gets hurt. BUT, I can't see a situation where we have 3 healthy RB's rotating in and out of one game -- it's not like we've got a thunder and lightning type situation -- none of our backs are short down/goal line yardage type bruisers.

Just wanted to hear everyone's thoughts about how this might shake out. By the way -- this is a GREAT problem to have.
 
#2
#2
Where is Eddie Gran when you need him...to tell these boys "Find the open lane, make one cut and get upfield. No dancing"
 
#3
#3
Poole is without question #1 when healthy. I think Oku is a solid #2 and will prob stay that way. I definitely would like to see somebody else return kicks. Oku has been returning for 15 games and has yet to break a big one. It's time to give somebody else a shot.
 
#4
#4
Oku will still get his touches. I think the staff simply want to see more of what Neal can bring to the table and maybe give Oku that push he needs...
 
#5
#5
The running game just falls off so much without Poole. It's just very noticeable right now. Neal has looked shifty (bigger too) and has a little je ne sais quoi about him.
 
#6
#6
Oku finished slightly ahead of Brandon James last year (25th nationally) without a return for TD to boost his avg. This year, he isn't in the Top 100 KO returners. He either has some undisclosed injury or is having trouble carrying the extra weight he put on.
 
#7
#7
xXRockyTopXx said:
Oku will still get his touches. I think the staff simply want to see more of what Neal can bring to the table and maybe give Oku that push he needs...
Click to expand...

You are hitting on the point that I'm getting at -- is publicly saying that Neal gets touches this week really an effort by CDD to light a fire under Oku's butt?
 
#8
#8
PMC2726 said:
You are hitting on the point that I'm getting at -- is publicly saying that Neal gets touches this week really an effort by CDD to light a fire under Oku's butt?
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It's certainly possible and not really a threat as much as a reality to be honest. Oku has more experience, but if Neal shows more determination and runs the way the coaches want, I don't think CDD would hesitate to put him in. If I were Oku, this would send a message to me. Hopefully he'll accept the challenge and not get butt hurt over it.
 
#10
#10
Without a doubt our RB's line up like this:

#1: Poole
#2: Oku
#3: Neal

Poole is key to the offense scheme that we have (I know its not much of a scheme, but the little that we have.) Oku is promising but I am with all you guys, in the idea that he needs something to light the fire. I beleive Neal is chomping at the bit to get out there every play and prove he can be a playmaker..

Oku, tries to make to many people miss. I understand this is important in the run game, but there comes a time when it is better to just lower the shoulder and drive up field. Neal in the little action he has had, has done just that. I like the enthusiasm of Neal, however I still believe that side by side Oku is still a better back as of now. GIVE THE YOUNG GUN NEAL SOME TOUCHES and see if the boy cant make something happen.. If anything, it will just piss Oku off and make him want to prove something and then my friends.... this game gets interesting!
 
#11
#11
utgibbs said:
The running game just falls off so much without Poole. It's just very noticeable right now. Neal has looked shifty (bigger too) and has a little je ne sais quoi about him.
Click to expand...

Agree there is something there. However, CDD said Neal is having some of the same troubles as Oku by not making the one cut and head upfield. Also they want him to put his head down an drive forward to get that extra yard or two when he's hit. As a freshman, he may just be tentative not wanting to make a mistake, but it is time to see what he's got. I've been a bit disappointed that Oku has not stepped up so far. No. 1 All Purpose Back coming out of high school. I expected him to be a big part of the passing game, getting him out in space, but no such luck yet. Such a shame Williams tore up his knee. He's not been anywhere near what he showed in the O&W game 2 years ago. We can only hope Poole gets healthy and stays healthy, but we've got to have either Neal or Oku step it up. The deep thigh bruise Poole has may nag him all year.
 
#12
#12
utgibbs said:
The running game just falls off so much without Poole. It's just very noticeable right now. Neal has looked shifty (bigger too) and has a little je ne sais quoi about him.
Click to expand...

did you really just bring french to a tn message board. rifle droppers or their language is never allowed on here, but you must have ya sum good learnins.:eek:k:
 
#13
#13
It's not Oku's running ability that has me concerned when he's in. It's his inability to effectively pass block.
 
#14
#14
I think Neal could end up being #2 by the end of the year. Oku has been disappointing, I was looking for bigger things out of him...maybe it's the pressure...IDK
 
#15
#15
JamesBenUT said:
It's not Oku's running ability that has me concerned when he's in. It's his inability to effectively pass block.
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He had a rather embarassing whiff in pass blocking against Oregon that stuck out in my mind. It looked awful.
 
#17
#17
I'm excited about Gerald coming back and hoping that we run a lil G-gun as I doubt anyone has prepared for it. Gerald and Oku/Neale is a nice speed running attack and Gerald is pretty good at his reads. This could be what our running game needs to get its swagger back. A couple nice runs and Gerald back in the huddle!

Go Vols!!!
 
#18
#18
PMC2726 said:
You are hitting on the point that I'm getting at -- is publicly saying that Neal gets touches this week really an effort by CDD to light a fire under Oku's butt?
Click to expand...

I don't know this for a fact, but I would bet on Coach Dooley's DIRECTLY lighting a fire under his butt-straight up front-not by mentioning Neal to the press. That's the way the players (including Oku) have described their interactions with him ever since last spring. He's gonna "tell it" right to your face.
 
#19
#19
utgibbs said:
The running game just falls off so much without Poole. It's just very noticeable right now. Neal has looked shifty (bigger too) and has a little je ne sais quoi about him.
Click to expand...

Tish, I love it when you speak French.
 
#20
#20
I like all the affirmations that Oku is definitely #2 on depth chart. Wait till we see how many carries Oku gets compared to Neal. And look out there and see if you ever see Oku in the game during an obvious passing situation from here on out. You can put Oku as #2 on depth chart on paper if you want. But Neal has at least pulled even with him, if not ahead of him.
 
#21
#21
1. Jones returning will definately help the running game.
2. I'm hoping we leave a back in for a series so we can see if they can get some momentum going. Less rotation, more momentum!
 
#22
#22
There has to be a little blame on the coaching staff or whomevers idea it was to put 20+lbs on the kid. He wasn't broken last year so why change him? I get for pass protection purposes on some plays but come on that obviously fail sauced. He said in an interview he can still hit the same top gear speed but it just takes longer for him to get it up and going. This being in his head isn't helping the dancing feet behind the line im sure. Gotta be tough mentally being a light nimble back your whole life then asked to be LenDale White in a league where the one edge you had mentally @ least is now taken away. I jus wonder how long they are gonna stick with the thickness and see if he comes around to it or say we need you to be explosive now so put a sweat suit and spit every day son!?! GO VOLS BEECHES!
 
#23
#23
lylsmorr said:
Where is Eddie Gran when you need him...to tell these boys "Find the open lane, make one cut and get upfield. No dancing"
Click to expand...

Why do we need coach Gran to tell them that. Poole and Oku should have had it figured out already.
 
#24
#24
I honestly think Oku needs to drop back down to 185. Isn't he up to 200-205 this year? He just doesn't look comfortable with that extra weight.
 
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