And Jake Locker just had flat out statements made in the extra time, matching TDs with Oregon St and even walking away with a huge win vs ranked Oregon St. Kearse 8 drops so I have heard throughout the season was it until a performance like tonight geez.....help this dude out. He's been on the run outside the box making big time throws.
I'll admit he took a step to regaining some draft position today, but he's still got some ways to go before he think about catching Luck. What's helped him the most has been Sarkisian's influence and his scheming to get Locker out of the pocket. In the pocket Locker can only really do so much, but on the run is is very effective. That strange, but quick release he has works well when he's moving, so he can maintain his velocity. His deep balls still leave a lot to be desired though, and that one in particular yesterday he hung out over the middle of the field is an INT against a competent DB (or anything but straight man coverage). He's also been helped significantly by the fact that this QB class is looking to be fairly miserable overall. Locker looks pretty good next to guys like Christian Ponder.
Out of all the potential Bama prospects for the 2011 Draft, Marcell Dareus is probably the only one who will retain his draft position. Although his stats don't show how good he is, you can tell right away by watching him on the field. He shows great leverage, he always makes it to the play, and at times, he displays elite level anticipation. Only 2 things that I don't care for is him leaving his feet while attempting to make plays in the backfield, he'll be chasing down the QB of RB from the backside, then he jumps when he's right up on them, allowing most to continue the play. The other is the negative side of his ability to "anticipate". He's been called offsides multiple times in the last 3 games, it's almost a joke in my household. I understand some of the best to miss sometimes, but he really needs to improve on not falling for the QB's cadence constantly. I would extend my assessment to the other Bama players, but not sure anyone cares about them and/or what I have to say :wink:
For the hundredth time, Locker has plenty of talent to work with on offense. Jermaine Kearse and Chris Polk are very good players. Locker had a good game, but like GH said he's not even close to Andrew Luck.
Feel free man, I've only seen Bama play once this year and I got a bit caught up in the energy of the potential upset to pay much attention. All I know is that Hightower is shitting the bed, and Mark Ingram is making me look stupid for not having him as my #1 back.
If you are referring to the South Carolina/Bama game, I don't blame you. Bama got worked by the Ol' Ball Coach, he proved he can still call a great game. At times, it wasn't even Bama doing anything wrong, it was just South Carolina being near perfect( ex: Dre Kirkpatrick had perfect coverage on Alshon Jeffery, yet Jeffery caught the ball and went downfield for another 20 or so yards). I bet Mr. Electric enjoyed it.:wink: And you pretty much nailed it short & sweetly on Ingram and Hightower. Ingram is really indescribable, it's like when you think he's out, he'll go and have a monster game. He may drop in the draft a few spots since many RBs do, but it might also have to do with his less than stellar stats it looks like he'll end up with due to being out the first couple of games and Jim McElwain's less than creative offense that isn't fooling anyone. But make no mistake, he's a great talent, I think he's one of those backs that do BETTER in the NFL than they did in college. I know, I know, that's saying a lot considering his Heisman season, but there is so much of his game that could be utilized better in the NFL. His balance and vision are his greatest assets, the latter separates him from his running mate, Trent Richardson. Now Ingram could just try to bash and bash away at the defense for yards like Trent does, but he uses his vision to find a hole and precedes to set up his blocks. It also helps him in his receiving game, he's like a slower MJD or Ray Rice, just as much of a threat receiving as running. Don't doubt his speed though, he clocked in the late 4.4s playing around at Bama's Pro Day earlier this year after everyone left. I'll be back later to talk about the ho hum performances of ILB Dont'a Hightower and S Mark Barron, along with 2 players I talked up in the preseason who could be potential sleepers, OLB Courtney Upshaw and TE/H-Back Preston Dial. If anyone wants to know about anyone else from Bama, LMK, I'll try my best to give you my 2 cents. -MG
I don't really understand what has happened with ILB Dont'a Hightower between his season ending injury against Arkansas and this season, but he really seems passive on the field. He looked great at Bama's A-Day game earlier this year, went step for step with RB Trent Richardson in many routes and and wrapped up well. But now, 7 games in, he has shown poor tackling on short stuff over the middle, and it's almost almost a guaranteed loss if you ask him to go 1-on-1 with a RB. It could be his knee, it could be that he's missing Rolando McClain, or it could even be his struggles with keeping weight off( it's been said he's close to 280), but his sideline-2-sideline speed has slowed to almost a crawl. The only thing he has still been efficient in is rushing the passer, which might be his future assignment if he can't turn it around and/or shed some weight. Safety Mark Barron hasn't exactly done anything wrong to drop his stock, but the thing is, he hasn't done anything. It may be due to the fact more teams are "aware" of him now, but it also may have to do with the inexperience of Dre Kirpatrick and DeMarcus Milliner, the starting CBs. Last year, with Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson, Barron had more freedom and could get out of position to make plays with little consequence. But now he has more responsibility in the secondary, he has to pick up slack for 3 1st year starters with little experience period. He is still the typical Nick Saban "Big" Safety, strong enough to play in the box, but athletic enough to make amazing plays like this one: My 2 sleepers coming into the season were Senior TE/H-Back Preston Dial and Junior Jack/OLB Courtney Upshaw. For the most part, they haven't disappointed. At a somewhat undersized 6-3, 237 pounds, Dial won't "wow" you with his size, but his attention to detail on the "dirty work" while remaining a viable receiving threat will likely get him a shot in the NFL, even if it's Special Teams. If anyone watched the Bama/Florida game, you should already be acquainted with Mr. Courtney Upshaw. His 7 total tackles, 5 solo, with 4 for losses, a fumble recovery and 2 pass deflections earned him SEC DPOTW. He has had an ankle sprain he has had a hard time shaking, but he been a pass rushing force for most of the season. He is a smaller, thicker LB along the lines of James Harrison at 6-2, 263. He has went 1-on-1 with a few of the top OL in the SEC, including Arkansas' Tackles Demarcus Love, and held his own despite giving up a bit of size to all of them. I'll shut up now :beer:
Kearse also has had 10 drops this season. He has the talent to be very solid(As shown by last Saturday) but he has also hurt Locker with the crucial drops. and I never said he is close to Luck. I just said he is better than some people give him credit for.
Auburn DT Nick Fairley is having another dominant outing so far, he does seem to be playing a bit dirty though. Would love if the Jets grabbed him in the draft, he would be a very elite 3-4 End...
I don't know what I can say about Nick Fairley that I haven't already said. I want him badly to be a Jet. Too bad that won't happen unless he gets a negative 15 wonderlic.
Very possible about the wonderlic, both he and Marcell Dareus aren't the smartest cookies in the bunch :smile: He's got everything you want in a lineman; size, technique, closing speed, and he just plays nasty. If he keeps doing this, that little shot I thought the Jets had at getting him will go up in smoke. But you never know, he's a DUI or disciplinary issue away from being a 2nd round pick...
I figured someone would have mentioned this guy but I checked the thread first....Alshon Jeffery from South Carolina....holy fuckin' shit this kid's a player. Every week he makes a big play. 6-4, 230!! I know he's only a soph. but where do some of you see this kid getting drafted if he goes pro? He's gotta be prime talent.....
Al's a beast. I didn't say anything about him in this thread because he can't declare until next season. I HATE the way he holds the football. He never tucks the ball and it's scary as shit when he's running after a catch. I can't really complain though - the kid's a baller. South Carolina will be sending some really good offensive talent in the draft over the next couple of years.
Ha. I was thinking that when I saw him score that 60-yarder today. Everytime I watch SC, he makes some serious plays. Someone had mentioned it earlier on this page, the catches he made vs. Alabama a couple of weeks ago were off the charts. For as good as Hakeem Nicks looks in the pros, this kid could end up being better.
LaMichael James actually can go pro, he's a Redshirt Sophomore. I didn't realize myself until I took a look at Oregon's roster to see what year Kenjon Barner was. On the previous note, Alshon Jeffery is a stud, I'd have him second after AJ Green if he were in this draft. And Chase Minnifield from Virginia is earning his rise up the charts, he has the skills of a complete corner. Big and physical but with some great athleticism.
For those of you who still aren't sure who Mikel Leshoure is, what he did yesterday is why he's one of my best 5 RBs in this coming draft.
^ Dude's a beast. Looks like Mark Ingram will have a little competition for the top back selected in 2011.
One of my sleepers is going off today, OLB Courtney Upshaw has abused Auburn LT Lee Ziemba for 3 sacks on Cam Newton today. Not bad having your 2 biggest games of the season against Florida and Auburn...
