Tailback Competition

#27
#27
I personally feel that Tom Smith will be the surprise of this group. Might not be this year, but I like the way he runs and have a good gut feeling about him.
 
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#29
#29
Vision is what really killed Tauren Poole last year. That dude could see a hole even if he were watching that lame Shia Labuff movie.
 
#31
#31
I like to finally see Tom Smith break out and get some time of the field. He's listed as our 2nd biggest back (213), behind Hill (217) and should have better understanding of the offense by now.

But I think Neal and Lane will both get lots of playing time, with Young used also.
 
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#33
#33
Betting Neal will be the starter. He has really put in the work this year. If he controls the fumbling issue, will have a breakout year. Will be completely surprised this year if we don't have at least 4 games with >200 yards rushing. We should see more like a 150+ yard avg per game this year as a team. Neal is the best back to break out some of the long gainers.

We won't be the number one rushing team in the SEC, but will be top 6.....

is it too early to throw in a "Book it!" or do I need to wait a couple more weeks?
 
#34
#34
VolFanNC09 said:
Betting Neal will be the starter. He has really put in the work this year. If he controls the fumbling issue, will have a breakout year. Will be completely surprised this year if we don't have at least 4 games with >200 yards rushing. We should see more like a 150+ yard avg per game this year as a team. Neal is the best back to break out some of the long gainers.

We won't be the number one rushing team in the SEC, but will be top 6.....

is it too early to throw in a "Book it!" or do I need to wait a couple more weeks?
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Better e-cred the earlier you book it IMO
 
#35
#35
Marlin Lane has that smooth gazelle like quality running the ball. I think ultimately he'll win the spot. He reminds me of Chris Brown when he hit the scene for the Titans. As for "vision" repetition and defensive recognition are key for a running back playing fast and hitting the hole if its where its supposed to be. However, being able to see the whole field and having a sense for where small seems in the defense are (where they're not supposed to be) is the instinctual vision that the great ones have. I have seen nothing from Neal that he has either. He reminds me more of Shawn Bryson. Maybe we can hit him up the middle on a few surprise plays but other than that if he wins the job it means we are not where we need to be at RB.
 
#36
#36
VolfaninFL said:
Marlin Lane has that smooth gazelle like quality running the ball. I think ultimately he'll win the spot. He reminds me of Chris Brown when he hit the scene for the Titans. As for "vision" repetition and defensive recognition are key for a running back playing fast and hitting the hole if its where its supposed to be. However, being able to see the whole field and having a sense for where small seems in the defense are (where they're not supposed to be) is the instinctual vision that the great ones have. I have seen nothing from Neal that he has either. He reminds me more of Shawn Bryson. Maybe we can hit him up the middle on a few surprise plays but other than that if he wins the job it means we are not where we need to be at RB.
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Agree 100%..We are in trouble if Neal is our starting RB. He is a great slot/screen pass/ type of guy with great speed just not the qualities a true RB posseses.
 
#37
#37
jasonvol18 said:
Agree 100%..We are in trouble if Neal is our starting RB. He is a great slot/screen pass/ type of guy with great speed just not the qualities a true RB posseses.
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Y'all r going to very disappointed, Neal and Lane will both do great things this season.
 
#39
#39
DeepSpringsVol said:
Can vision be taught? I always thought it was a god given instict. Either you have it or you dont.
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Gooder point.
There are drills, but you can only do so much. I just wonder how much football encorporates mental exercises. The military (among others) uses computer programs to test and increase instinctive decision making.
 
#43
#43
What about redshirt So Deanthonie Summerhill?
The guy was 1st team all-state in Alabama as a Sr., 2nd team as a Jr.
Also on the state champ 4 X 100 relay team.
Wears 24. 5'9" 200.
 
#44
#44
cleonard1 said:
Y'all r going to very disappointed, Neal and Lane will both do great things this season.
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Disappointed in what? If Neal is better as a tailback than I think he is, I'll be elated. In the meantime, though, I expect Lane to be better - just looks like a more natural RB to me. If he's truly 100% healthy, I expect him to surprise the whole SEC, not just UT fans.
 
#45
#45
cleonard1 said:
Y'all r going to very disappointed, Neal and Lane will both do great things this season.
Click to expand...

What would be disappointing? It doesnt matter to me who runs the ball as long as we have a very much improved run game and very few fumbles. I will pull for whoever is out there. Im just saying i have no confidence in Neal yet. I mean last year he was passed by a FR and a walk on and was moved to WR. There was a reason why that was done. But we finally have a true RB coach and that should help immensely.
 
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