re: Spring Practice Thread

Funny how all the talk is always about the QB and the offense. I worry more about the D.

Last year we scored 30 points or more in every game except 2 (UF 20, GT 24). We averaged over 41 points per game. With that kind of production, it's all about stopping the other guy. Even with a new QB, I don't see us dropping off in production (Mason was no point-generating machine). So to me the real question is if our D can hold opponents like we did against MO and Auburn last year, consistently.

Allegedly a hamstring issue...fingers crossed that it's not bad.

Maybe that big 2 star back who will be joining us in the Fall can contribute.

All we need is Chubbs, really no reason to have other running backs. Like I have said many times the guy is gonna be remembered like Walker by the time he leaves. He is a god damn work horse and will plow defense all day everyday without a complaint, just feed the fricker some sweet oats when he done.

When these running backs show they can't hold up to the abuse of college football, why don't they transition to wide receiver? They are fast, they are strong, they can juke, they can bulldoze a cornerback in most cases. And their body doesn't go through the same level of abuse day in, day out.

And if you can't catch a football, you probably aren't going to be a starting RB anyway.

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When these running backs show they can't hold up to the abuse of college football, why don't they transition to wide receiver? They are fast, they are strong, they can juke, they can bulldoze a cornerback in most cases. And their body doesn't go through the same level of abuse day in, day out.

And if you can't catch a football, you probably aren't going to be a starting RB anyway.

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Good points... Marshall has all the attributes you mention plus great hands. Most of these backs are 5-10, 5-11 & that size WR doesn't translate well to making it to the next level that they all seem to think they'll make. Thing is... an injury prone RB (unless your TGII type of special) prolly has about the same shot to make the NFL as a 5' 10" receiver does...

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When these running backs show they can't hold up to the abuse of college football,

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I don't see how that categorization applies to any of our running backs. Yes, Keith Marshall had a huge setback, but that was mainly due to a direct hit to the side of his knee (with his foot planted) from Cameron Sutton running full speed. No amount of strength, toughness or durability can protect a knee ligament from that kind of blow. Marshall still wasn't fully recovered in 2014, so when he re-tweaked his knee and ankle they just kept him out the rest of the season.

As for Sony Michel, he broke his scapula in 2014. Because of its strength, location and protection, the scapula is one of the hardest bones in the human body to break, usually seen in major trauma, like car accidents. Sony obviously took a really hard blow to the upper back, probably from a helmet. Once again, this is not an indication that he's any more fragile than any other running back.

If a RB is too small to play the position without getting seriously hurt, or keeps missing games because of different minor injuries to various body parts, then I'd say maybe he might not be suited to that position. But that's not what happened to those two guys. And muscle strains/tears are a function of having strong muscles under extreme tension. Switching to WR won't make any difference there.

Seth Emerson tweeted that Keith Marshall is out there today dressed out, just not practicing which is somewhat encouraging

Natrez Patrick practicing with ILB's today and Chuks Amaechi practicing with OLB's

Keyon Brown practicing with D Line

Per Emerson

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Junior cornerback Shattle Fenteng was not at practice Tuesday, due to what two sources said were broken ribs. That would likely knock him out for the rest of spring practice.

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And I was looking forward to seeing Shattle play at gday. Don't label him Rumph 2.0 yet let's see if he can get back for fall camp and still earn some PT.