Eany Meany Miney RB: which one are our future?

Here's a fun new topic: Con gave me this idea when he recently mentioned Cedric Peerman (not directly so don't go tooten your own horn too much, Con... hahaha)

We've all when it comes to trying to analyze our future OLB's. LOL. So how about shifiting some of our beer-battered brain cells towards our "future smash mouth offense" and the backs who should be carrying the pig skin.

IMO it all starts with re-signing Ronnie Brown. He is the epitome of character/teammate that a franchise MUST keep around at all costs if nothing more than serving as a blueprint or reminder to the FO of the kind of players they need to keep bringing in.... as well as Ronnie's ability to be a leader by example, as charisma and positive attitude are contagious. Brown is a loyalist, so if we treat him with proper respect this year... he won't bolt in FA to the highest bigger.

That said.... who are the other pieces to the puzzle to complement our offensive style?

DJphinfan reminded me of the bruiser who can help wear down the defenses.
Enter FB Quinn Johnson from LSU. Like DJ said "He'll do all kinds of fun things for you." LOL. Every smash mouth running team needs a smash mouth running back,and Quinn seems like he could be that guy who gets us the tough yards.... and then some considering his versatilty. Plus we can draft him in later rounds. IMO he's an ideal complement to Ricky in the power aspect.

For the final piece we move on to the explosive game breaker who, when he's on the field, you don't want to risk running to the bathroom for fear that you might miss something incredible!! Unfortunately we'll have to wait for him next year. LOL.
His name is CJ Spiller. I'm a Clemson fan (not partial or skewed opinion of players though) and IMO, he is a more explosive and exciting back than a certain someone from USC who sounds like Smellie Tush.... only CJ plays with more passion, heart, and desire than anyone in the county which is what will make him great at the next level. His attitude/character/etc is equal to Ronnie's and they would make great teammates!!

Spiller can throw the ball and can make over the shoulder wheel route's look routine.... in the flats he's a mismatch for anyone put on him, and the defense better hope the 2nd tackler is close behind or else he's history, too.

Spiller's an ACC track star who runs a 4.3 with THE quickest 2 steps in college. His vision/insitincts/balance are equal to Barry Sanders. He can start and stop on a dime like Warrick Dunn... and reaches top gear from a dead stop like Napolean Kaufman! Despite being only 195 now, he consistently punishes tacklers across the field and especially going out of bounds ala Walter Payton....and fights for the tough yard every time as his legs never stop churning. He plays with more fire than anyone on the field... and it IS contagious!!

CJ wants the ball when the game is on the line and makes big time plays in big time situations.... and he immediately becomes one of, if not THE, top KR/PR in the NFL the second he is signed. He is a Freddie Kruger nightmare for all DCs! Clemson had the worst OLine in college football last year and he still somehow found a way to tear up the competition. I can't imagine his play when he has holes to run through, as no LB will tackle him one on one when CJ's coming at him when a blink of space is involved. Our future offense screams CJ, and he would rock the AFC East in it.

There's one occasion that I'd like to point out to all you Gurus that defines CJ: the game he sat out due to an ankle sprain, he was the most emotional/ animated person in a stadium packed full of 80,000 die hard Tiger fans!!! He was the first player onto the field to pump up his teammates after a big play, and he was on the sideline acting as a coach/encourager during bad drives and opposing scores... and he did this the entire game.
(Now... switch to Percy Harvin when he sat out the SEC title game- when Tebow took UF in for either the tie or go ahead TD, Percy's arms were crossed. He almost seemed emotionless and barely cracked a smile... while half the stadium was going crazy!!! This is the stuff I look for when I'm watching a game. LOL.)

I went into detail... b/c if you haven't had the priveledge to watch CJ play a few games yet, he's worth every scent of a sports package if only for watching Spiller. Here's a few highlight for those who havent seen it: 1st one is 08 year and the 2nd is Fresh and Soph. LOL. Enjoy... and vote for Spiller!!!

Summary.
1. Ronnie Brown- Every down back.
2. CJ Spiller- COP Back/Wildcat/extra receiver/sky is the limit how you use him.
3. Quinn Johnson- FB Bruiser who can do it all.
There you have it: a perfectly balanced backfield for our pleasure!!!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0ah9IRzCE"]YouTube - Spiller for Heisman 09[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFQfITF1oPQ"]YouTube - Clemson's Cj Spiller[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7S8wN_tL5Y"]YouTube - Barry Sanders' Heisman Season Highlights[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9Y7x8VLAs"]YouTube - Walter Payton Highlight Reel[/ame]

 

I know!! I needed a new one to distract me from the disappointment of Barwin being gone by #25. LOL.

I did make one error though... There is ONE guy who plays with as much passion, fire, and sense of team as Spiller. He's Tim Tebow.

 

I like Coffee... He's a punishing runner who would fit in well here.

 

Being an ACC guy, I really like Brown and Peerman. Extremely underrated. Davis has this conception about him not being good out of the backfield... but that's not really the case. A lot of people forget that he never had the chance to catch the ball b/c he had the best "out of the backfield runner" in the country in CJ Spiller playing that role.
If anyone watches the first video, you can see what I mean. LOL.
Sorry, Didn't mean to debunk you Alen... I always respect what you have to say!

 

That's a quality point. You're right in that regard! He won't make a ton of people miss in the open, but if he's on a DB you can kiss the DB's chances goodbye. LOL. He won't light it up or break as many long runs, but he would consistently move the chains.

 

B/C he's a running back who will play the best in a 2 back system so he should be a mid 1st round pick.

 

PS: Thanks Con, ya bum! See of I ever reference you in a thread again!
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If Miami's entire draft next year consisted of just Mount Cody and Spiller, I would me a very happy man! Impact players, baby! Impact players!

 

Groin/hip strain is a possibility... but he seems to be made of rubber. LOL. Nothing seems to phase this kid. Like Barry Sanders in that regard. Plus he's an All-American on Clemson's track team- 4x100m and 60m (2nd best time in the nation 6.58). Also ran a 10.29 100.... so I'm not sure if all the track practice/stretching/endurance etc aids in preventing injuries vs a player with no track background??????

Great questions, Bpk.
1. He's always been used as a receiver out of the backfield in passing downs for obvious reasons, so he was not really asked to block. That said, I can promise that any coach who asks him to block is going to get 100% effort and is in for a big smile. His instincts, awareness, and vision are phenominal so I don't see him having a difficult time picking up a blitz.

As far as intelligence/capacity for doing so, he's an Academic All-ACC. He's actually the ONLY RB I've ever seen in college to call a timeout b/c he didn't like what he saw from the defense. That blew me away!!! He'll probably be 200lbs next year, but he plays 215. His hips/waist are small so his size is a little deceptive. He has awesome balance/body strength and his quads/thighs are like tree trunks (his leg drive is insane when he's wrapped up), so I could really see him giving blitzing LB's a hard time.

He definitely is the type of player who won't shy away from contact.... and will be as competitive in blocking a LB as he is returning an 80 yard punt. You look at his punt return against Nebraska... that determination to will him to the next level....He plays like that on every down... and I have no idea how!! LOL. You know how most great players can will themselves to the next level when it's needed? Well that's how CJ plays every down. So when he takes it to the next level.... for him it's like the next-next level. No Joke.

2. Honestly... I know it's hard to believe, but I have not seen a flaw in his game... or at least one that can't be corrected by coaching at the next level (lack of being asked to block). The kid works so damn hard to improve every aspect of his game that I'd need a fine tooth comb to find something wrong. He doesn't have butter fingers, and lacks a history of injury. I've seen him take a few hits that would have almost certainly broken bones, tore ligaments etc on other players. His work ethic, sense of team, character, determination, passion etc are truly equal to Tim Tebow's. I'm telling ya, this kid is special!! He literally is in the league of the Payton, LT, and Sanders. His drive/determination as a player reminds me so much of Walter. Even his 5 yard runs are a thing of beauty! The highlight reels don't show any of his tough short runs b/c you'd have a 30 minute clip, but he fights for every inch on every run... and when he's piled up and the whistle blows, there are 4-5 guys still trying to bring him down but his balance and leg strength won't let them. After 3 years, he still does something to amaze me every game!!

If I didn't see him play every snap for the past 3 years, I'd absolutely agree with you (I'd be upset if we took a guy like Chris Johnson or Felix Jones in the 1st.... even McFadden). On the flip side, the power running game should be able to wear down the defense and open up the big play for a guy like CJ, who runs closer to a 4.2 than 4.3. Or vice versa- he can break a few big plays (returns, screens, passes in the flats, etc), and Ronnie can come in to pound it out when everyone is tired and winded. Pick your poison. A TD still counts 6 no matter how you score it right? LOL.

B/C of the extra dimensions he brings, I'd still use our 1st pick on him. I've seen him carry the Tigers on his shoulders and swing the game's momentum all too many times. IMO, CJ doesn't have to be the load carrier to get your money's worth. After all, this is the role he's had at Clemson the past 3 years with James Davis, and he's quite effective in it. If you can find ways to get the ball in his hands.... especially when a Defense is worn down, he's worth a 1st round pick to us all day long. He'll put Chris Johnson to shame, and that's no offense to Johnson.

The Giants used Brandon Jacobs to wear teams down for Ward and Bradshaw (and might be looking at Donald Brown/Moreno in the 1st to replace Ward), and the Cowboys want to do it with Barber and Jones (1st round), Atlanta with Turner and Norwood, Carolina with Stewart and Williams. Felix is nowhere near the complete footballl player CJ is, and Jones/McFadden had the luxury of running behind a quality line.

As a Freshman when Spiller HAD a line, he had 938 yards, 7.3YPC with 10 rushing TDs. Last year Clemson OLine had to replace four starters from the previous season, and the lone remaining starter went out in game 1....then the unit had injuries to 3 other new starters within the first six games, and at one point started three freshmen while using 7 different offensive line combinations over the first nine games. Despite this all this, he still made major plays as the 1st video I listed shows.

Great point.... but in a 2 back system, we'd have the appropriate back for the critical 3rd and inches...When CJ needs to lower his head, he does....and a 250 lb Linebacker won't enjoy it. Dlinemen are a different story though. He won't push the pile on 300 pounders. I will say this: if he has the first down marker in sight, he's like trying to stop a hungry pitbull from getting to juicy steak!! He might not be the guy you use in 3rd and short, but he's the A#1guy you want on 3rd and 4 or greater. You'll watch the 3rd down conversions go up, hence so will your time of possession.

Here's one routine CJ Spiller play to address what I mean:
To set up the play- It's 4th QTR against Maryland, Clemson down by 3... 3rd and 16.... no where to throw downfield. Looks like the Tigers will have to punt....until....
Dun da da dah!!! Suuuper Spiller!!!!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NPHQlUkRtI"]YouTube - Clemson's CJ Spiller is a MAN[/ame]

He knows before the snap that if the ball gets in his hands, he needs 16 yards to keep his team alive.... and he gets it.

If anyone wants to watch an example of how Spiller comletely takes over a single game (running, catching- screens & on the fly, and returning). Clemson vs Boston College. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRSKdy0M2wg"]YouTube - Clemson vs BC Highlights[/ame]

 

Good point... I could see that realistically pushing his draft status back a bit. I have no doubt in my mind he will learn to do it at the next level... but an NFL coach who hasn't seen him play every down might become a little hesitent like you say.

How many of these tremendous talents fall into the trap of not realizing they need to work on these aspects of their play that they won't be using till the next level. Must be a lot more than there should be, no?

That's my philosophy!! Accent and build your strengths!!

I'm praying he gains at least 10... I'd love to see him at 205, but up close he's already thicker than Reggie Bush and built lake a brick $#!t house... and his legs are much more powerful than Chris Johnson's match sticks. If he can get his weight up so that the force behind his powerful legs is greater, then he should be able to lower his shoulders with more effectiveness.

IMO, The sad part about today's game is that the defense is getting so big and strong that guys like Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett wouldn't do the things that we were so priveledged to watch them do years ago!!

Great point. I know how a lot of backs will use their speed as a cruch and will look for every reason to break a play outside to beat the D to the corner. CJ is great at this, but on designed runs inside he usually follows the blocking asignment. B/C of the Oline mess last year, he was forced to break more runs outside... despite this, there were actually more occasions when he stayed on course for a 2 yard gain even though there was nowhere to go inside (very frustrating as a fan). Is this good or bad?

If there's a crease inside the tackles, he'll find it much like Dunn... so hopefully a bit more size will help him get through the initial wave of tacklers so that he can use his vision and skills to cut the play left or right and exploit a mismatched safety.... w/o any worries of arm tackles knocking him down.

He threw a TD last year, too. LOL.

I couldn't disagree with that in the least. That's the only argument that I could make for us drafting another position. My only comeback as a PITA would be: the more holes a great line gives him, the more TD's he will break over an average RB. He's actually the kind of guy you want a great line for. He exploits every little weakness and he's not a dancer in the backfield. "That's where the hole is supposed to be.... that's where I'm going... and when I get there, I'm gone." That's how he runs more often than breaking it outside.

He's not an initial pinball like Barry, so he won't have the all the negative runs.... so he's more like 5.5 YPC guy who will mix up a lot of 8-10 yard runs with 1-3 yard runs and a few 0's, especially if he's stuffed at the line by a DT. IMO he likes to hit his hole first and then do his thing if he's allowed.

BPK, how will his style be affected when going against a 3-4 with one less DT?

I actually agree and disagree with both of these philosophies. yes, when your backs are similar the D doens't know what's coming... but they also don't have to be as prepared for whats coming b/c if both backs are similar, then they already have a general idea of what's coming, which somewhat counters the element of surprise, wouldn't it? LOL. For a power running team, the defense should already know you're coming at them with your hammer when he's in, no?

IMO the argument for 2 different backs could be such: it makes it harder for the defense to prepare for you successfully b/c there are more dimensions thrown into the mix.... so if you're changing backs and the D has an idea of what's coming, they still had less time to prepare for it than if it were a similar RB tandem.

You could also argue that your power running game could be more effective b/c a defense has to spend more time than normal in preparation for a guy like CJ. There are so many ways to use the kid, that a defense could practice till the days end and they still wouldn't know what you're about to do with him. It's also possible to catch a defense in a mismatch or wrong personel and exploit if for a momentum changer.

IMO, in 3rd and 5+ situations, the "similar" backfield will be a liability compared to CJ or such. At this point there is a complete shift in the element of surprise compared to playing a similar back. You could run a spread with Spiller and hand it off, pass it to him in the flats, dump it over the middle, or hit him on a wheel route for 50. Don't get me wrong... I love to ground and pound. I just like to mix in a little explosion with it to get the crowd and team pumped up... get their adrenaline going while dishing out a fatal blow to the Patriots (I mean opponents) morale. And at the same time give my hardworking Olinemen a little break from time to time so they have more energy in the 4th QTR to keep doing what they do best.

BPK, I wish we could have an entire team with this kids hunger and half his talent!!! The Clemson bench and fans (me included) were completely deflated right before the play! I wish you could've seen that play live and what had led up to it. As soon as CJ touches the ball, you know his will power is going to make something happen.

Great points, especially #4... I'll be closely paying attention to all these as the year progresses After lighting it up as a Freshman, Every ACC team has been trying trying to stop him for the past 2 years, and it hasn't happened.... so I'm more concerned with 2, 3, 4.

You nailed it right on the head. If CJ improves in your 2,3,& 4... then there is no reason he shouldn't become everything we expected Bush to be coming out of USC. This kid's such a respectful class act.

 

SHHHHH..... just say no to any 1st day RB this year who might take away from drating Super Spiller next year

 

BPK.... you asked for it. Here ya go. Barry Sanders OSU highlights to compare to Spiller. Whatchya think?
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7S8wN_tL5Y"]YouTube - Barry Sanders' Heisman Season Highlights[/ame]
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9Y7x8VLAs"]YouTube - Walter Payton Highlight Reel[/ame]
YouTube - Spiller for Heisman 09[/ame]"][ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky0ah9IRzCE"]YouTube - Spiller for Heisman 09[/ame]

 

just for that I'm adding Sweetness himself to the same post!!

 

Do I see a fellow Tiger fan in the midst????

 

Ditto to that. I'm 34 now, so I was there during the crappy Ken Hatfield/Tom West era. Remember those days? Up the middle.... up the middle... up the middle... punt!!!

That was when the D was good but the offense sucked balls except for Raymond Priester.

I went to the SC St game last year. Man that place is crazier than it has ever been!!! Brought chills seeing the campus and field for the first time in a while.

 

I second that!! I would piss on you too if we drafted CJ. J/K. LOL.

 

Dwyer is an awesome "what you see is what you get" back. Totally agree Alen. He's probably one of these guys who will have an even better Pro career than college. He and CJ would make a great tandem!!

 

That game sucked!! LOL. Crappy loss!! At least you were there. Wildcat fan?
I'm not sure he's the second coming either. If he were playing 20 years ago I would have a hard time saying he isn't... but these defensive monsters of today make it a little difficult!!

The one thing that all 3 have in common is their fire, passion, dedication, and love for the game... their character, attitude, sense of team, and ability to take their game to a level no one else can is all on par..... and they all have disgusting natural talent but still work harder than anyone else to become even better. I guess that's more than 1 thing. LOL.