'25 Duke RB Transfer Star Thomas

[GUNTERSVOL]

Oh, yeah. Like we are experts.

For sure the vast majority of our NEGA guys have proven that.

 

[Adam Sandler]

Bit of a head scratcher no?

 

[Moar Steam]

More of a power back than anything. Offers more experience than Peyton Lewis but Duke fans weren't upset about him leaving. Only averaged 3.9 ypc in conference play in the ACC

Kinda reminds me of Jabari Small…and he did well in this system.

 

[VOLLeeann]

Also, what do Duke fans know about football?

Only what Cutcliffe taught them

 

[peaygolf]

Dude was Diego Pavia’s teammate at NMSU
Gotta want this dude. Right?

 

[Vol423]

Dude was Diego Pavia’s teammate at NMSU
Gotta want this dude. Right?

No. Not really.

 

[allvolrecruiting]

For the record, I am not opposed to adding Star. Just wish they would quit settling for options in general

 

[Purplehaze26]

Maybe a cheap backup

 

[Oldvoldad]

I value your input.

This is why I complain. Take every RB I’ve mentioned and throw them out the window.

If he’s a better/more experienced Lewis, then why not just go get a “stud”?

If he’s coming in here and say beats out Lewis, what’s the difference in that and getting someone that’s actually really really good.

Based on this transfer cycle thus far, this staff appears to like our young guys we already have and are now just filling the roster with quality players. Let's just hope their evaluations are right!

 

[walkenvol]

For the record, I am not opposed to adding Star. Just wish they would quit settling for options in general

Why not play one of the freshmen RB’s instead of paying a portal guy of this caliber?

 

[CNeagleVolFan]

Maybe the coaches want an experienced RB. You got a RS sophomore in Bishop, true sophomore in Lewis, and then a bunch of freshmen. Also, this guy is a good RB. Bring him in and let him compete! I personally like the pickup if he chooses TN. Duke’s offensive line SUCKED in run blocking. They were decent at pass blocking. We are a very RB friendly system and this guy is talented. I like the idea of a one year guy who could potentially start. He’s 6’1” and over 200lbs so he’s got a good combo of size and speed. Hes also got really good hands. He will be a good pickup if we get him. Mark my words

 

[Carp]

More of a power back than anything. Offers more experience than Peyton Lewis but Duke fans weren't upset about him leaving. Only averaged 3.9 ypc in conference play in the ACC

Duke run blocking grades were also among the lowest in the ACC. I'm not saying this kid is explosive or anything, but OL performance is pretty important. He led all Duke RBs in ypc by the way, despite having by far the most carries.

 

[CAVPUT]

Bit of a head scratcher no?

Makes me wonder about our RB recruiting/room if we feel the need to bring in a RB. Especially considering our needs at other spots. Plus I assume we might be in the market for a cornerback now? Guess the staff doesn't feel confident in the incoming recruits or the ability of Bishop to stay healthy? Seems like a nice player to pair with Lewis tho.

 

[jasonvol18]

Bit of a head scratcher no?

Nope, not for a depth piece and as a veteran presence in the RB room. Not something we currently have. Not to mention, Lewis and Bishop have been hurt in the past, if nothing else it would be a solid insurance get. Plus, Duke's Oline sucked and Jeanty couldn't have run behind their Oline

 

[jasonvol18]

Makes me wonder about our RB recruiting/room if we feel the need to bring in a RB. Especially considering our needs at other spots. Plus I assume we might be in the market for a cornerback now? Guess the staff doesn't feel confident in the incoming recruits or the ability of Bishop to stay healthy? Seems like a nice player to pair with Lewis tho.

We need Depth and a veteran presence. Something we don't currently have. Not to mention Bishop and Lewis have had injuries in the past, it's a win win and gets some veteran leadership in the RB room.

 

[AV_12]

Can be a Jabari small type that spells the main guy for a bit. Not a terrible depth option. Sampson was good, but this offense doesn’t require an Ashton Jeanty to be successful in the run game.

 

[chaseasl]

We aren’t looking for a starter, just an experienced back to have behind Lewis. Both Lewis and Bishop have a history of injuries and we only have freshman behind them so why not add a big durable back with P4 starting experience as an insurance policy. If you go out and get a day one starter you probably lose Lewis to the portal.

 

[jasonvol18]

Can be a Jabari small type that spells the main guy for a bit. Not a terrible depth option. Sampson was good, but this offense doesn’t require an Ashton Jeanty to be successful in the run game.

Absolutely. And adds some size and a veteran to help with our young RB room. It's a win win. Plus, no RB could have put up great yards with Duke's $hitty Oline. Duke's offense was horrible and they sucked at run blocking. Truthfully, we don't really know what he has the potential to do. Either way, it's a win win if we get him.

 

[miket4god]

Meh, I don’t mind him but I would swing for the fences. Even with three guys you can sell everyone on getting to the league with thread on the tires on one of the best rushing teams in the country. Instead of depth pieces I’d rather have a bunch of elites that compete and make each other better. I know maybe that isn’t cheap though.

Almost nobody has that any more. NIL makes it hard to afford and transfer portal hard to sustain, even if you could afford to pay multiple elite running backs.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

I think a lot of these Jabari Small comparisons are pretty accurate. He’s not really a home run hitter like Wright or Sampson, but he has good vision and is effective catching the ball out of the backfield. We don’t have a guy that has proven that he can stay healthy throughout the season, I think he adds some depth that will be needed if we want to improve upon this season . Meaning we get to the next round of the CFP and further.

 

[butchna]

It's absolutely amazing how so many on here know better than our Coach's what we need. Hopefully CJH and his Coach's start checking VN and valuing the experts on here instead of of themselves! I know if I was a HC, this is the first place I'd come to get recruiting Intel and opinions!

Maybe Freak can shut this down and line his pockets with a retrofitted AP (press not person) feed.

 

[Beth1308]

This has been mentioned before, but there was a time Jamal Lewis couldn’t get on the field until he demonstrated the ability and willingness to pass block.

My speculation is that this player provides a little insurance behind, and competition with, Bishop and Lewis - while giving the two true freshmen time to develop and play a little while not having to burn their redshirts in the event of an emergency. And learning to pass block!

Just my $.02 worth of input.

GB !!!

 

[Pawleysvol]

For the record, I am not opposed to adding Star. Just wish they would quit settling for options in general

Which running back in the portal did you want them to go after?

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

Has he made it in yet? He is supposed to visit today, right?? Maybe we might get a little positive news today. Is it Monday yet??

 

[Vawlz]

For the record, I am not opposed to adding Star. Just wish they would quit settling for options in general

It appears that some posters still think coaches just randomly draft portal players without any thought of team needs, scheme, and chemistry like it's a video game.