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Grading the class: Running back

  • http://tennessee.247sports.com/Article/Grading-the-Tennessee-Vols-2012-signing-class-Running-back-60563

    Govols247 continues its 10-part, position-by-position breakdown of Tennessee's 2012 signing class with a look at the Vols' incoming group of running backs.

    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

  • While I'm excited about the newcomers,can't wait to see the development of our current backs.I really hope the staff works up a few wrinkles for D.Young to come in every now and then and change it up a bit.

    lifetimebamahtr

  • I think it was a B+ class on running backs. I think they have the potential to be an A. Only time will tell.

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    Coach

    Bob_Vols

  • I really am impressed by the film on Bourque. I like him a lot, looks so smooth. Reminds me a lot of Arian

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    thankinvol21

  • 215 for Hill? I've seen much higher weights. UT Sports has 220, and one report had him at 240. Anybody know what he actually weighs?

    Vol Twan

  • Ryan, I realize that this may be difficult to answer based on high school evaluations, but because effective blocking is so critical to being an effective tailback at the college level (especially the maturity to pick up the blitz), any indication as to whether any of these new comers are closer to that level of maturity than others? Seems understanding blocking assignments and being able to execute those is always something that hinders freshman running backs...Go Vols! I'll hang up and listen to your comments....

    Vol4Eva

  • I think a B is about right. Not many schools recruited Bourque as a RB. That's cause for concern. Hill has size and speed but 215/4.6 isn't GREAT and it takes more than just size and speed to be a good back. I do think Hill could possibly outperform his ranking but the only other SEC school to offer him was Vanderbilt. That's cause for concern. Que is a sprinter who we took a chance on hoping he will be a quality football player. I'm not even sure Dooley offered him expecting him to play running back. The only comment he's made on Watson was something about being a kick returner. His only other offer was Indiana. That's obvious cause for concern.

    I hope all three of these guys do well but Bourque is the only one that most people think is a legitimate threat to be an upper-level SEC RB. I know someone is going to want to make an arguement for Hill but if you take your opinion out of it like I have and look at what the experts think and what other coaches think I don't see how he can be viewed as a legitimate threat and I don't see how this RB class could be graded any higher than B.

    volfan28

  • Vol Twan said...

    215 for Hill? I've seen much higher weights. UT Sports has 220, and one report had him at 240. Anybody know what he actually weighs?

    Ryan gets his numbers straight from the players so I'd bet 215 is the accurate weight for Hill.

    volfan28

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    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

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    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

  • With the hiring of Jay Graham, I'm now excited to see how our current backs and these new backs will perform. I think we'll see a marked improvement this year in our ability to run the ball, and I think going forward we'll be able to recruit elite tailbacks to UT.

    NashvilleVol87 ●

  • Running back is a very interesting position this off season. I remember watching the Kentucky game and seeing a running back without seeing the number and was like wow, that kid is making some really good reads and cuts. Finally, i saw that it was Marlin Lane.

    I think Lane, Young, Smith, Bourque, Hill, and Watson make up a decent foundation. Is there an All-American in the bunch? Maybe not, but with our passing attack we do not need an All-American. The thing that is so great about the cats we have is the diversity of them. First, everything to me starts with Lane. If he continues to gain some explosiveness back from the injury, he could be a really good back for us. I personally feel he has some good vision to him. Then, Young! Devrin is a wonder kid. He is not the biggest thing, obviously, but this kid has heart and quickness. The big sleeper, in my mind, is Watson. After watching some of his highlights, you can see that the kid has top end speed, and just might be one of those guys who flew under the radar. Plus, Smith and Hill can be power backs.

    I really, really, hope that people see how the Vols are on the cusp of greatness with this offense.

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    @grey_graphicnov

    EwokStoleMyWife ●

  • I am very excited to see what our new staff will do with both sides of the ball. I specifically am anxious to see Bray and the offense take the field. I see a lot of points, (barring injury) in our future. With greater depth, experience and coaching, I predict a 8-4, 9-3, or even 10-2 season. Go Vols!!!

    OrangeCrush4012

  • If Jay Graham B****slaps them when they don't keep their feet moving after contact we just might see some production from the running game.

    Absolutenill

  • Great analysis, Ryan. FWIW (not much) I graded the RB class a B too in my evaluations/write up.

    GhostofNeyland ●

  • I think Dooley coached with Watson's high school coach at LSU or maybe the Dolphins, can't remember but there's a connection and this guy saw something in Watson and informed Dooley about him. If someone knows the story on this please post. Maybe he'll be the next Chris Johnson or Darrin Sproyles. Maybe

    dirtyred

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    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

  • Ryan, my biggest issue with lane isn't ability, but durability. I know he's been limited by his surgery, but has he bulked up at all in the offseason?

    nrw072988

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    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

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    Trample the Weak-Hurdle the Dead

    TracyB467 ●

  • Guys, none of these backs will make a difference if our line doesn't play better. There was almost no holes for Poole hit last year. And I dont get it, I think there is talent on the line. Excited to see Tiny get more time and practice. Glad we've got a new line coach.

    NeutronVOL ●

  • NeutronVOL said...

    Guys, none of these backs will make a difference if our line doesn't play better. There was almost no holes for Poole hit last year. And I dont get it, I think there is talent on the line. Excited to see Tiny get more time and practice. Glad we've got a new line coach.

    I disagree! I think the run game was a combination of multiple factors! Not just the line. I remember Poole missing holes as well!

    gr82btnvol ●

  • I'm going to be most interested in where Rajion Neal falls ino the mix. The job seems to be Lane's to loose going into spring.

    wataugavol ●

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    Staff writer for govols247 — http://www.twitter.com/RyanCallahan247 — rcallahan@247sports.com

    Ryan Callahan ●

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    wataugavol ●

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