dbaldrich1
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OK -- I'll admit out of the gate that I hope we still get one of the 4* or high 3* RB's who are still considering coming to MN. With that being said, after going back and looking at film for one of our incoming recruits I'm wondering if we don't already have a solid RB option committed for 2010.
I was quite impressed by Lamonte Edwards' film. He's listed on Scouts as 6-2/215lbs, so he's certainly not in the mold of the "change of pace" back like Whaley (if he gets out of the doghouse). Also, watching him run and block, he has a mean streak that reminds me a bit of Walter Payton and AP (not comparing to them talent-wise, simply in their approach) -- he initiates contact with defenders rather than waiting to get hit. The result seems to be that he normally falls forward, and punishes defenders.
ESPN says this about him:
"Edwards is a big and powerful running back. Although he doesn't possess blazing speed, he is a deceiving ball carrier who is very productive with the football under his arm. Displays good vision and follows blockers like a big-time running back; gets right on the hips of the lead blockers then runs to daylight. Strong runner whom arm tackles won't slow down. Runs over defenders and will hit and spin to pick up every inch of turf. Has soft and sure hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield then use his talents to the outside. Puts his head down and drives his legs to split defenders and pick up extra yards. Despite being a large ball carrier, demonstrates the ability to be a very explosive return specialist. Quick and slashing runner in the openfield. Doubles as an outside linebacker and shows same toughness as on offense. Defeats blockers with his hands then separates and gets to the football. A sure tackler, but he needs to take the extra step to finish the hit. Edwards is a very good football player who is versatile and hard nosed. He is likely to end up on the offensive side of the football as a running back where his power and running talents can [] be utilized."
So, even though he's a not necessarily a sub 4.5 burner, he has the kind of running style that would fit the original interpretation of Brew's "Pound the Rock" quote. Also, his size makes him seem more likely to be able to absorb the pounding that a Big 10 feature back takes game in and game out.
I won't be unhappy if he ends up play OLB and is productive there -- but if he could provide the kind of every down back we need to shore up the running game, along with what looks to be improved talent coming in on the OL with Gjere, Eggen and Lenkiewicz (and Seantrel, please!!!), then let's give him a chance to win that spot.
Just a thought... it also seems like ESPN thinks that Darnell Kirkwood projects as an every down, between the tackles back -- so perhaps we've got two decent options.
Go Gophers!
I was quite impressed by Lamonte Edwards' film. He's listed on Scouts as 6-2/215lbs, so he's certainly not in the mold of the "change of pace" back like Whaley (if he gets out of the doghouse). Also, watching him run and block, he has a mean streak that reminds me a bit of Walter Payton and AP (not comparing to them talent-wise, simply in their approach) -- he initiates contact with defenders rather than waiting to get hit. The result seems to be that he normally falls forward, and punishes defenders.
ESPN says this about him:
"Edwards is a big and powerful running back. Although he doesn't possess blazing speed, he is a deceiving ball carrier who is very productive with the football under his arm. Displays good vision and follows blockers like a big-time running back; gets right on the hips of the lead blockers then runs to daylight. Strong runner whom arm tackles won't slow down. Runs over defenders and will hit and spin to pick up every inch of turf. Has soft and sure hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield then use his talents to the outside. Puts his head down and drives his legs to split defenders and pick up extra yards. Despite being a large ball carrier, demonstrates the ability to be a very explosive return specialist. Quick and slashing runner in the openfield. Doubles as an outside linebacker and shows same toughness as on offense. Defeats blockers with his hands then separates and gets to the football. A sure tackler, but he needs to take the extra step to finish the hit. Edwards is a very good football player who is versatile and hard nosed. He is likely to end up on the offensive side of the football as a running back where his power and running talents can [] be utilized."
So, even though he's a not necessarily a sub 4.5 burner, he has the kind of running style that would fit the original interpretation of Brew's "Pound the Rock" quote. Also, his size makes him seem more likely to be able to absorb the pounding that a Big 10 feature back takes game in and game out.
I won't be unhappy if he ends up play OLB and is productive there -- but if he could provide the kind of every down back we need to shore up the running game, along with what looks to be improved talent coming in on the OL with Gjere, Eggen and Lenkiewicz (and Seantrel, please!!!), then let's give him a chance to win that spot.
Just a thought... it also seems like ESPN thinks that Darnell Kirkwood projects as an every down, between the tackles back -- so perhaps we've got two decent options.
Go Gophers!
