Sporting News ranks the top 25 RBs

#51
#51
Jalen Hurd is going to be very attractive to NFL scouts IMO. Yes, he's a great runner and legit top 10 in the list. But what sets him apart is the total package he brings to a team. He's excellent in the passing game and excellent in blocking for the passing game as well as running game. He's smart on the field. NFL teams will be getting a lot more than a top notch runner. That stuff matters to winning games.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#52
#52
Like I've said before on another post Hurd is one of the most underrated backs in the country. Gonna have a monster year this year, Other defenses watch out.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#53
#53
Volunteer_Kirby said:
James Conner @ 20 and Nick Chubb @ 5?

Yeah that makes total sense. Unfortunately this list is a joke.
Click to expand...

I'm not trying to change your mind but since becoming "the guy" in the 6th game of his Fr year Chubb has 279 carries for 2068 yards. (13 games at 159ypg) That's 7.4ypc playing in the SEC. I can't view that as anything less than impressive.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#54
#54
#13 is way too low but he will get to show that on the field this coming season. He's a top 10 RB in the country if you ask me. Where in the top 10 I don't know but definitely top 10.
 
#55
#55
jakez4ut said:
i think also, having to share carriers with kamara and dobbs, it just hurts his chances of putting up big #'s like some of the others ahead of him.

plus, while Hurd's been good for us, he's not yet had one of those break out, difference maker type games that both Chubb and Fournette have both had.

he'll have those opportunities this season, early and often. and it still may not matter, b/c as the season goes on, and the big games fade, Chubb and Fournette and others will still have huge games on the schedule garnering national attention later in the year.

while we're playing Vandy and KY, Fournette and Chubb will be playing FL, Auburn, Bama etc....
Click to expand...

We don't play FL and Bama? :question:
 
#56
#56
fade route said:
Too low of a ranking but I think a lack of breakaway speed in the open field hurts him a little. He's a bruising workhorse and a load to tackle but just doesn't have that gear to run past defenders for long gains of 50+ yards.
Click to expand...

Hurd should have some big gains this fall of 40+ yds, he's got more speed than you think......
Go Vols
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#57
#57
KBVol said:
I certainly don't think so. I don't think he's one of the top 3 RBs in the country but he sure as hell is much better than #13. That's ridiculous. If he stays healthy, I think he goes for 1400-1500 yards and 15 tds this season and winds up no worse than a 3rd round pick next Spring. I think this "assessment" has no affect on his decision nor should it.
Click to expand...

I think Hurd is gone after this season and it really depends on how well 120 meets expectations as well. Something that should not surprise everyone though is if Hurd gets a lot of recognition, lots of yards, lots of carries, increases his draft stock, the team wins the SEC or NC, to see Kamara come back for his senior year.
 
#58
#58
Remy said:
I think Hurd is gone after this season and it really depends on how well 120 meets expectations as well. Something that should not surprise everyone though is if Hurd gets a lot of recognition, lots of yards, lots of carries, increases his draft stock, the team wins the SEC or NC, to see Kamara come back for his senior year.
Click to expand...

I think both are gone regardless
 
#60
#60
Once upon a time sports journalism involved research, and in-depth analysis by pros.

Now they just look for a couple of key facts like total yards and ypc...and they borrow material from each other.

They don't look at schedule, competition, blocking, #snaps, pass/run ratio, offensive style, etc.

I don't have a problem with Fournette and McCaffrey as they are dynamic players who can take over a game.

Chubb was incredible the last two seasons, but I think it is likely that he won't hit his full stride until mid-season at the earliest. Plus, he will have to learn a new offense. Also there is a tendency to be hesitant and second guess after horrific injuries. I wish him the best of luck though.
 
#61
#61
Don't care about the other cats but seeing Hurd deliver the hit time and time again is a joy I will miss seeing hopefully in 2018.
 
#62
#62
08Vol said:
The problem is Hurd played against 3 G5 or lower teams last year and still didn't have a huge break away run. If it's just the level of competition why didn't he break off a 50 or 60 yard run against Western Carolina or North Texas? His top end speed is too slow and it appears he has spent a lot of the off season working on it. For a RB to be considered elite he must be able to score on a play where he gets past the D front whether it's 5 yards or 55 yards.
Click to expand...


Two points are worthy of consideration here. In his first two years, Jalen had a lot of "great" plays that consisted of turning three-yard losses into one-yard gains through fullback-like, tackle-breaking runs. Many of his longest gains occurred only after running parallel to the line of scrimmage and turning upfield as he neared the sideline. Unlike Fournette or Henry, who had the luxury of exploding through massive holes created by outstanding offensive lines, Hurd has rarely had the opportunity to truly demonstrate straight-line, top-end speed. Hopefully that will change this year with continued improvement from our offensive line. If you want a hint of what Hurd is capable of, albeit against high-school talent, take a look at the highlights of the 2012 Class 5A state championship game in which he ran for 394 yards and seven touchdowns (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Z2Gd3ZL90).
 
#63
#63
Yeah, I feel like our running back (Marcus Cox) should have been a few spots higher too. I don't look forward to watching us try to tackle Hurd come September :/
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#64
#64
appstate said:
Yeah, I feel like our running back (Marcus Cox) should have been a few spots higher too. I don't look forward to watching us try to tackle Hurd come September :/
Click to expand...

Welcome to the board appstate. :hi:
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#65
#65
appstate said:
Yeah, I feel like our running back (Marcus Cox) should have been a few spots higher too. I don't look forward to watching us try to tackle Hurd come September :/
Click to expand...

Welcome! First app state fan I've seen on the board. Don't Michigan us and we're cool.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#67
#67
The Artful Dodger said:
You are right this class could end up being overhyped, but you gotta include Cook in that sure thing list. If he has recovered from his injury, he is a helluva RB. I think I saw in KB's post that he averages around 7 yards a carry. Which is just silly.
Click to expand...

10-4, i really just don't know what this class is going to look like. it should be another deep one, so that's something they're going to have to navigate as they make those decisions later this year, and being so deep, may be the only thing that keeps them here.

both will make an NFL roster, it's just a matter of when, not if.
 
#68
#68
08Vol said:
I wouldn't expect a huge change in the way teams approach us defensively next year. Dobbs can throw 6 50+ yard TDs against Va Tech with the whole country watching and UF will still sell out to stop the run. When facing UT's offense you want them to try and beat you through the air b/c Dobbs passing will never be as dangerous as his misdirection on the read option combined with his, Hurd's, and Kamara's running abilities.
Click to expand...
if we can prove we can stretch the field, it will make defenses play us differently. there's not going to be any mistaking where our bread and butter is going to be, and that's the point....can we then take advantages of one on ones and mismatches that present themselves?

make the defense choose...do you want the slow painful death or a bullet to the head?:)

in general though, you're right. defenses are going to make us beat them thru the air.
 
#69
#69
Anyone else notice that on No 24 Sony Michel they said Georgia has the best 1-2 punch in the backfield for the SEC? I'd take Hurd and Kamara over those two..
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#72
#72
mitzustu said:
Welcome! First app state fan I've seen on the board. Don't Michigan us and we're cool.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the warm welcome! I mainly joined here because I'm trying to plan my trip to Knoxville come September and wanted to ask a few questions. Butttt saw I couldn't make a thread until I reach 100 posts, so I'll try to contribute as much as I can in the time being.

Super super stoked for this season. We should have one of our best teams ever, not good enough to beat you guys but another 10+ win season could very well be in the cards despite having to play Tennessee and Miami.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top