Kory Sheets hopes to show more than 4.39 speed

19 replies

padre31padre31luxury_boxOP
Jul 19, 2010, 09:06 PM

"I want to prove I can do other things outside of run and catch the ball," said Sheets, who became Purdue's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (48). "I want to prove I'm an every down back. That's been my main focus."

Sheets averaged 5.1 yards per carry at Purdue, which featured a pass-happy offense. He rushed for 1,131 yards and scored 17 touchdowns in his senior season. But that type of production wasn't enough to get him drafted last year.

Sheets, who was claimed off the 49ers' practice squad last season, came to the Dolphins as an injury fill-in halfway through last season. He filled the roster void created when Ronnie Brown and Patrick Cobbs went down. Sheets only played in two games, carrying the ball once for 5 yards in the season finale.

One of Tony Sparano's biggest regrets from last season was not playing him more. But with Brown and Cobbs recovered, Sheets must earn his keep by standing out during training camp and the exhibition season in the coming weeks.

His teammates say he's the fastest of all the Dolphins tailbacks, a threat to stretch the field on lateral runs every handoff. But Sheets realizes he can't be a one-trick pony.

"This guy can really, really run," Sparano said of Sheets, who was timed running a 4.39 40-yard dash time at the combine a year ago. "He's got good run skills, good vision, good burst when he runs... But there are some things he needs to do better.

"We've talked to him at the end of the year about ways to get better and to improve. I've seen some improvement," Sparano said. " will separate some of the backs, and certainly with Kory that will be some of the deciding factors down the road, how he handles that."

<snip>

He's one of about a half dozen players competing to replace the departed Ted Ginn Jr. as the team's primary kickoff returner.

"I'm going to put my name in the hat and make sure it gets pulled out. That's the job I want because I figure it's the quickest way to get on the field and make an impact. I know I have to prove myself on the field," said Sheets, who averaged 20.2 yards on kickoff returns early in his college career.

"There are only one or two guys out there now who are blistering fast, to the point that anytime they touch the ball they are a threat to take it to the house. I'm hoping to add my name to that list."

I've come to hate the term "one trick pony", it simply means that a player has obvious talent and can play in the NFL, the use of the term as a negative is misplaced:

Cam Wake=one trick pony
DBess=one trick pony
Greg Camarillo=one trick pony


I'd much rathe have a explosive running back handling the ball than a vanilla one who cannot make something out of nothing, if that means a "one trick pony" then so be it, Playmakers are worth their salt.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-kory-sheets-dolphins-0720-20100719,0,7691687.story

dolfan7171dolfan7171New Member
Jul 19, 2010, 10:04 PM

I really would like to see him make the team and make an impact for years to come. Good post.

Win, Lose, or Tie, I will be a Dolphins Fan Until I Die:up:

PandarillaPandarillaforum_veteran
Jul 19, 2010, 10:13 PM

You know we'll all be rooting for him. Every one of us wants to see that added dimension of pure speed in our backfield. Kid has an amazing statline from legit Big 10 school. For instance, did you know that he never fumbled his entire career at Purdue. His offensive production grew every year while maintaining a steady five yards per carry average. How the hell did this kid not get drafted?

Stats:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161035

SHShamboubouNew Member
Jul 19, 2010, 10:19 PM

I tell ya... I've been a Purdue fan all my life and all I have to say is let the guy get some touches and you'll see what he can do.

The guy is really a powerful runner and has the speed and moves all in the same. Blocking would have to be his weakness but when the ball is in his hands there is always that chance he's going to take it to the house.

I loved to watch him at purdue (season ticket holder) and I can't wait to see his for the phins.

I'm not looking for the best players, I'm looking for the right ones.

-Herb Brooks-

padre31padre31luxury_box
Jul 19, 2010, 10:25 PM

I like Sheets options to make the roster:

A) Beat Lexxy or Cobbs as the #4 Rb
B) Win the Returner job outright
C) Beat RGM and Co. for the Returner job
D) Own garbage time in the preseason.

All four paths are within his control, play well, show explosiveness and versatility and he makes the team, it would really help his cause if he shows he can block well and covers kicks which is nothing but "want to".

PhinsRockPhinsRockluxury_box
Jul 19, 2010, 10:43 PM

Definitely pulling for Sheets to find a way onto this team come Sept. Seems our best shot at a solid return man on ST's. Down the road he also seems most likely to replace Ricky or even Ronnie someday.

2011 & 2006 World Champions, 2013 National League Champions; St. Louis Cardinals!

padre31padre31luxury_box
Jul 19, 2010, 10:52 PM

"PhinsRock wrote:

Definitely pulling for Sheets to find a way onto this team come Sept. Seems our best shot at a solid return man on ST's. Down the road he also seems most likely to replace Ricky or even Ronnie someday.

Imho, we need an answer to Ray Rice PR, RB and RW are fine for what they do, we could use that explosiveness on offense.

That is the difference between the 07-08 and 08-09 teams, Blue Collar works fine when you are rebuilding, however when you wish to move up to the next level, you need playmakers not just plowhorses.

Imho you want guys who the opposing teams' coordinators stay up late at night trying to gameplan for on EVERY unit.:yes:

jetssuckjetssuckNew Member
Jul 19, 2010, 11:11 PM

Like to see this kid steal one of the RB spots from either Cobbs or Lexy.... both are nice players but I'm hoping we got something special in this Sheets kid.

Looking forward to seeing him get a lot of touches in preseason

JS

padre31padre31luxury_box
Jul 19, 2010, 11:17 PM

"jetssuck wrote:

Like to see this kid steal one of the RB spots from either Cobbs or Lexy.... both are nice players but I'm hoping we got something special in this Sheets kid.

Looking forward to seeing him get a lot of touches in preseason

The Apocalypse is upon us, JS and I agree on something!

:tongue2:

Especially if Ronnie B looks healthy in camp, people tend to overlook his own Lis Francs/broken foot issue the only real cure for it is a lite workload..and that creates an opportunity for Sheets.

Tough gig though, "son, you have 10 carries in the second half of the 2nd preseason game to not only prove you are an NFL talent, but you have to beat out out 2 experienced running backs at the same time"

I really want to see Sheets on the WC/Jet Sweep with Pat White at Qb.

djphinfandjphinfansubscriber
Jul 20, 2010, 04:41 AM

until the free agent draft pick shows somethin on a pro football field, i got nothin for this cat.....speed?, that what your basing this on, speed?..give us 3 preseason games and lets see if we got something, if anything.....

ANAnonymoussubscriber
Jul 20, 2010, 04:59 AM

Not only speed Dj, versatility, too.

padre31padre31luxury_box
Jul 20, 2010, 06:43 AM

"djphinfan wrote:

until the free agent draft pick shows somethin on a pro football field, i got nothin for this cst.....speed?, that what your basing this on, speed?..give us 3 preseason games and lets see if got something, if anything.....

Sheets did exactly that last preseason with the 49ers..

YouTube- 49ers RB Kory Sheet Winning Touchdown - 49ers v. Cowboys 2009 Preseason

Ohio FanaticOhio Fanaticsubscriber
Jul 20, 2010, 07:23 AM

personally, I'm not as enamored with lex hilliard as some people on this board. While he's a good backup for Ronnie and Ricky, he's not our future at RB. mediocre starter at best. I'd rather have my fourth RB have some serious speed to give us another weapon in case Cobbs doesn't come back healthy. Then we can spend a draft pick next year on a RB replacement for Ricky.

testing

PSGPSGforum_veteran
Jul 20, 2010, 07:31 AM

"padre31 wrote:

I like Sheets options to make the roster:

A) Beat Lexxy or Cobbs as the #4 Rb
B) Win the Returner job outright
C) Beat RGM and Co. for the Returner job
D) Own garbage time in the preseason.

All four paths are within his control, play well, show explosiveness and versatility and he makes the team, it would really help his cause if he shows he can block well and covers kicks which is nothing but "want to".

With a real good TC, I see no reason he can't emerge from camp as the #3 RB. He's that talented.

frozenfinfrozenfinNew Member
Jul 21, 2010, 06:32 PM

Lex Hilliard's advantage is the game experience he got last year after Ronnie went down. He has already scored three touchdowns for Miami, caught nine passes against Houston, didn't fumble, and his first few carries against Carolina were very exciting for someone hopping off the bench (18 yards on 3rd & 16, another called back on penalty). He also did well in special teams coverage. The coaches know they can feel comfortable putting him into a game and not making dumb mistakes.

But I am definitely excited to see Sheets show his talent while fighting to make the team and contribute whether it's as a returner or in the backfield, nice video of 10 yard TD rush with the 49ers finding a way through the defenders.

Cobbs has competition for his spot coming off injury.

the 23rdthe 23rdNew Member
Jul 22, 2010, 10:57 AM

Sheets over Hilliard in the backfield & as a return specialist

- Competition is the Elixir of Success -

djphinfandjphinfansubscriber
Jul 22, 2010, 02:38 PM

"pigskinguy wrote:

With a real good TC, I see no reason he can't emerge from camp as the #3 RB. He's that talented.

If he is THAT talented and versatile, how did he go undrafted?.......never watched film or seen him play in college, so I will reserve judgement with such praise.

Stringer BellStringer Bellsubscriber
Jul 22, 2010, 02:46 PM

If he takes anyone's spot its Hilliards. I would say the chances of Cobbs being cut in favor of Sheets is 1%-5%

“Come on, shake your body baby, do that conga!”

finyank13finyank13New Member
Jul 22, 2010, 03:04 PM

I love the kid, he is all over Twitter, and is a hardworking honest dude....He is dedicated, all he ever talks about is workouts, nothing in general, but that he had a good one or didnt...and they are early in the AM always, and has been since the SB ended, he is always quoting inspirational themes on there for himself and others. He is a likable player you want to root for, has answered me on several occasions on there, so you know he is a down to earth dude, or just bored hahahaha. He is definately coming in ripped and ready to go, and IMO is a lock for one of the KO jobs....talked about not drinking and driving one time, snaps random photos of stuff that is generally assuming...

Can he play, who knows, and we will see, but when you put somebody into a game, and that person is making plays more often than not, you should play him more. The beat writers talked about his speed to the edges alot at the OTA's. I can see him sticking around this year, but next year is where he breaks in I believe, because I'm sorry I dont see RW/RB here next year, one of them I believe is gone, which means he is he would be the number 4 back, and he can beat out Hillard....and maybe be the 2nd back, if it werent for the love fest that is Tony/Cobbs.

“If you told me A-Rod flew on a spaceship from Mars to here, I wouldn't be surprised."--thephins.com poster Ray Finkle on A-Rod

gunn34gunn34New Member
Jul 22, 2010, 03:46 PM

"Stringer Bell wrote:

If he takes anyone's spot its Hilliards. I would say the chances of Cobbs being cut in favor of Sheets is 1%-5%

I agree with this because Cobbs is special to the head coach.

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