'25 Duke RB Transfer Star Thomas (TENNESSEE)

#351
#351
jasonvol18 said:
Jeanty couldn't have averaged much better against Duke's ****** Oline. I guarantee you, if you put Dylan Sampson behind Duke's Oline, he wouldn't have gotten 1000 yards. Their Oline is that bad.
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They (Duke) also ran a lot more long-developing run plays and sweeps...We do not do that at all. We are one cut and hit the hole between the tackles.
 
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#352
#352
Weezer said:
I remember two years ago, we were saying, "What does it matter who we get at WR? This staff has shown they can develop them." Two years later, we see it matters.
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Oh definitely, and I was never really on that bandwagon, either. I'm definitely in the camp of "wait and see" with this offensive staff/system. I knew it wasn't just plug and play at WR or QB like many believed.

RB seems to be the one spot where they have had year over year success. Whether inherited talent that they found ways to best utilize, or their own identified talent, they have coached up some very successful SEC RBs. So, that's why I place some extended faith in them at that position.
 
#354
#354
pimo1 said:
Translation he waited for the hole to open.....
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#355
#355
pimo1 said:
They (Duke) also ran a lot more long-developing run plays and sweeps...We do not do that at all. We are one cut and hit the hole between the tackles.
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I’m not qualified to evaluate RBs. But it’s a mistake to think that a RB’s performance in one offense translates to another. Our coaches know what they’re looking for in terms of what traits he has that will or will not translate to UT’s system. For example, a Derrick Henry type probably isn’t cut out for an offense like Buffalo’s or San Fransisco’s. But he’s perfect for one like Baltimore’s (or the Titans under Vrabel).

At first glance, they got exactly what I expected if UT was to land a RB from the portal…an under the radar guy they can get at a good price, who doesn’t scare off other RBs or drive up the cost of the room, but who fits the system and can out-perform his portal ranking due to a skill set that simply works with what UT does.
 
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#356
#356
cncchris33 said:
Wright was technically inherited though they wanted him, and worked to convince him to honor his commitment.

Seldon was more of a project than a true RB evaluation. I think they liked him with the ball in his hands and tried to turn him into something he wasn't, or perhaps wasn't interested in becoming. I guess that is a poor evaluation on where to play him, but I think the jury may still be out on his actual ability. He needs to stay healthy, first and foremost.

Sampson was a stud they identified and signed.

Lewis and Bishop have both shown they can play in limited roles. The next step is growing those roles.

Keith was really the only head-scratcher to me, but he doesn't physically fit the mold of RBs they have used and he never really got much opportunity. His portal landing spot was probably a pretty good indicator of his talent, though.

In hindsight, if you don't count Wright, I guess it is more of a mixed bag than solid proof they can nail that position, so I guess again, let's hope they nailed this one.
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It’s always somewhat of a mixed bag imo. No coaching staff ever bats 1.000
 
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#358
#358
Boom! I like adding Star Thomas to the RB rotation. My expectation is that Lewis will earn starts as number one. Thomas played as starter and I think he will push Lewis and give the team what it needs. Bishop has played well and if he is just a little better this year, then we should have three talented and reliable running backs.
 
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#360
#360
NighthawkVol said:
I’m not qualified to evaluate RBs. But it’s a mistake to think that a RB’s performance in one offense translates to another. Our coaches know what they’re looking for in terms of what traits he has that will or will not translate to UT’s system. For example, a Derrick Henry type probably isn’t cut out for an offense like Buffalo’s or San Fransisco’s. But he’s perfect for one like Baltimore’s (or the Titans under Vrabel).

At first glance, they got exactly what I expected if UT was to land a RB from the portal…an under the radar guy they can get at a good price, who doesn’t scare off other RBs or drive up the cost of the room, but who fits the system and can out-perform his portal ranking due to a skill set that simply works with what UT does.
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My point was he is likely to be a lot more effective in our offense. Than he was at Duke. He has the size and speed to hit the hole fast and is probably the best pass blocker and proven pass catcher we will have at the position.

The big win is he has 1 year so is less of a threat to younger backs and a safer investment. It has been proven that 2-3 backs can thrive in this offense. Small, Wright and Sampson all got NFL shots. Small made Titans practice squad, Wright is seen as an up-and-comer in Miami and Sampson will likely get a similar shot. Worst case he's a depth piece best case he's a hoss most realistic outcome he is part of a 3 headed monster. In this instance, he would be Wright (the bigger back in the rotation)
 
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#361
#361
NighthawkVol said:
I’m not qualified to evaluate RBs. But it’s a mistake to think that a RB’s performance in one offense translates to another. Our coaches know what they’re looking for in terms of what traits he has that will or will not translate to UT’s system. For example, a Derrick Henry type probably isn’t cut out for an offense like Buffalo’s or San Fransisco’s. But he’s perfect for one like Baltimore’s (or the Titans under Vrabel).

At first glance, they got exactly what I expected if UT was to land a RB from the portal…an under the radar guy they can get at a good price, who doesn’t scare off other RBs or drive up the cost of the room, but who fits the system and can out-perform his portal ranking due to a skill set that simply works with what UT does.
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The biggest point being the PRICE of this RB compared to getting someone like Judkins.

Just no reason to pay too much for a RB. The NFL doesn't do it, we shouldn't do it and our two backs are already good as freshmen. Furthermore, you run guys off if you bring in portal guys that are making way more than guys on the team. Several programs have had that problem.

Save money for more important pieces.

I also have a lot of faith in Bishop and Lewis. I thought they looked really dumb good for a redshirt freshman and true freshman. It's puzzling how this isn't universal.
 
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#363
#363
pimo1 said:
My point was he is likely to be a lot more effective in our offense. Than he was at Duke. He has the size and speed to hit the hole fast and is probably the best pass blocker and proven pass catcher we will have at the position.

The big win is he has 1 year so is less of a threat to younger backs and a safer investment. It has been proven that 2-3 backs can thrive in this offense. Small, Wright and Sampson all got NFL shots. Small made Titans practice squad, Wright is seen as an up-and-comer in Miami and Sampson will likely get a similar shot. Worst case he's a depth piece best case he's a hoss most realistic outcome he is part of a 3 headed monster. In this instance, he would be Wright (the bigger back in the rotation)
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Oh I understood your point and agree.
 
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#370
#370
Enki_Amenra said:
Bishop is being overlooked too much by the fans
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Good player but more of a Jabari small type than a Sampson or Wright.

Which isn’t a bad thing. Rewatched the Tennessee Alabama 2022 game the other day and Small made a number of good plays. Reliable but not a game breaker.
 
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#371
#371
HoleInTheRoof said:
Good player but more of a Jabari small type than a Sampson or Wright.

Which isn’t a bad thing. Rewatched the Tennessee Alabama 2022 game the other day and Small made a number of good plays. Reliable but not a game breaker.
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I’m in no way saying that Bishop is this good, so please don’t think I am saying that…but the NFL’s all-time leading rusher was a guy who didn’t have great speed (ran a 4.7 or so), wasn’t real big (5-9?), and didn’t have incredible quickness. But Emmitt Smith got a lot of rushing yards at Florida and in Dallas by knowing where to run, knowing how to set up tacklers, and understanding the game of football. There’s a lot more to the mental side of playing RB than people realize. Travis Henry is another who was like that.

That’s Bishop’s game…he understands the game, he follows his blocking well, has good patience, and doesn’t lose yards. I expect he’ll be even better next year with a year under his belt.
 
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#373
#373
HoleInTheRoof said:
Good player but more of a Jabari small type than a Sampson or Wright.

Which isn’t a bad thing. Rewatched the Tennessee Alabama 2022 game the other day and Small made a number of good plays. Reliable but not a game breaker.
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In the limited sample size, he looks better than small to me. I hope he is. Small was ok, and reliable, but I always hated seeing him on the field with Wright on the bench.
 
#375
#375
HoleInTheRoof said:
Good player but more of a Jabari small type than a Sampson or Wright.

Which isn’t a bad thing. Rewatched the Tennessee Alabama 2022 game the other day and Small made a number of good plays. Reliable but not a game breaker.
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I think he's better than Jabari. Easily. At least a bigger version which makes him better. Might be faster.

In 2021-22 Jabari and Jaylen were not game breaking incredible players. Wright became a stud as a junior yes, but in Heups first two seasons our backfield was nothinnggg special.

Jabari was too small, not fast, would trip over his own feet. Jaylen only played at a TF because Tiyon Evans chickened out and as a SO, Jaylen was fine. Had horrible vision.

2025's backfield with a sophomore PL, 3rd year Bishop and SR Star Thomas looks more dynamic than what we had in Heups first two years.

Bishop and Star are at least 2022 Jabari and Jaylen level

Peyton Lewis is the big ol freskshow. That run where he carried those UGA LB's 15 yards down the field showed me everything I needed to see. I think he's a damn stud.
 
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