Time for a dramatic position change....

Columbus Dawg

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Feb 23, 2008
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Robert Elliot to Safety.

Here's what Mullen said postgame, "We've got to make sure we have the right guys in the right positions as a staff."

I think Elliot's "right position" is S and here's why:

1. He's too athletic not to be on the field more than just special teams and mop up duty. And he has been very impressive on special teams. He has shown that he will bust the wedge and that he can tackle.
2. He's way more athletic than Zach Smith who seems to play a key role in every game.
3. At 6'0, 195 with long arms he is the ideal size for a safety, but not really big enough to be an every down back. He is almost the exact same size as an Ed Reed for example.
4. He's not getting many carries this year behind 3 senior RB's and next year we will have at least 4 capable backs in Ballard, Henry, Conner, and Perkins plus any true freshman that we sign. The need is much bigger at S.
5. Most importantly, look at the roster. I don't see anyone currently listed as a DB that is going to miraculous make us better in the secondary and there isn't much help on the way other than Thames. The commits we have are all projects that will need a couple of years before they are ready and we don't appear to be on any JuCo DB's.

It would be a bold move and Elliot would have to be on board with it, but I think it would be better for him and the team. Elliot isn't going to make the NFL as a RB, but as a Safety, who knows? He is only a sophomore so now is the time to give it a try.
 

Columbus Dawg

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Feb 23, 2008
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Robert Elliot to Safety.

Here's what Mullen said postgame, "We've got to make sure we have the right guys in the right positions as a staff."

I think Elliot's "right position" is S and here's why:

1. He's too athletic not to be on the field more than just special teams and mop up duty. And he has been very impressive on special teams. He has shown that he will bust the wedge and that he can tackle.
2. He's way more athletic than Zach Smith who seems to play a key role in every game.
3. At 6'0, 195 with long arms he is the ideal size for a safety, but not really big enough to be an every down back. He is almost the exact same size as an Ed Reed for example.
4. He's not getting many carries this year behind 3 senior RB's and next year we will have at least 4 capable backs in Ballard, Henry, Conner, and Perkins plus any true freshman that we sign. The need is much bigger at S.
5. Most importantly, look at the roster. I don't see anyone currently listed as a DB that is going to miraculous make us better in the secondary and there isn't much help on the way other than Thames. The commits we have are all projects that will need a couple of years before they are ready and we don't appear to be on any JuCo DB's.

It would be a bold move and Elliot would have to be on board with it, but I think it would be better for him and the team. Elliot isn't going to make the NFL as a RB, but as a Safety, who knows? He is only a sophomore so now is the time to give it a try.
 

AzzurriDawg4

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Nov 11, 2007
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but on Saturday Elliott, for the first time since injury, looked like a dangerous RB. But who knows. I do agree that we should be able to withstand losing Elliott at RB next year.

I just don't know if there is any way Elliott will accept the change. Too much ego.
 
R

Rabid

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Just because the guy is buried under three seniors on the depth chart does not mean he's not a good running back. Except for his fumble, he has shown glimpses of his ability when he's gotten the chance. I would wait to see what he does when getting 10 - 20 carries a game before suggesting position changes and such.
 

OMlawdog

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Feb 27, 2008
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But I did get to see Elliot play, and I thought he looked really good running the ball in space.

I thought he would look good at WR, since he is built more like a WR than RB.

It is pretty tough transition to move from RB to safety, and with MSU losing 3 RB's this year to graduation, I think he gets a chance to make a move next year.
 

Columbus Dawg

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Feb 23, 2008
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That's the key, would he accept the position switch. But I can't imagine that he is happy playing such a limited role on offense and I just don't see him getting double digit carries in the future. I don't think he is durable enough to take the pounding of a full season carrying the load and he has shown that he has problems holding onto the ball. He did look good in the 4th quarter but GT was sitting on the pass and he got some good carries on draw plays.

I don't think the transition is as tough as it seems. Pig moved from RB to S during the season and he was no rocket scientist though I realize Dog Safety was a different animal. </p>
 

lawdawg02

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Jan 23, 2007
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he looked very comfortable coming out of the backfield and catching passes, and when he ran the ball, he seemed to show bursts and lower his head at the ends of the runs.
 
Nov 17, 2008
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This is a much better idea than the poster this weekend who thought we should start Montrell Conner at cornerback.

Elliot is built like a safety. He could probably play it. I think Whitley and Thames will both play safety. I think Cam Lawrence won't be able to play safety in the SEC but will grow into an outside linebacker, and a damn good one.
 

AzzurriDawg4

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Nov 11, 2007
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and he was no rocket scientist

Of course I was thinking of Pig too when reading your post. The way I see it, if he was excited about doing this, I would be all for it. Something drastic does need to happen. It is just a matter of need.

What I think should happen instead, which would be a little less drastic, is to move Washington to FS and let Anderson/Watson/Langton/whoever battle it out for the CB slots. It literally can't get any worse at CB. But I honestly believe that Washington would be an upgrade at FS. Zach Smith can play nickel back and come in to blitz and cover backs. Wade Bonner can continue doing nothing.
 
Jan 30, 2009
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and that's not a nock on him as a RB. On special teams he seems to fly all over the field. He seems to be in on every tackle/play on ST. I don't think he's a bad RB (good, not great), just has potential to be a really good S. Anyone else seeing this, or do I just remember a few key plays? Maybe could be sold as his chance at the next level. He seems to relish his ST role, so he might be for it?
 

Columbus Dawg

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instead of moving Washington, maybe it would make more sense to move Anderson to Safety. I have more confidence in Washington at corner than I do in Anderson. Plus Washington is a senior who has been starting at corner for 2.5 years. Then throw Langston into the fire at Anderson's spot. </p>
 

msu21

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Dec 3, 2008
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That's a hell of an idea. I think it would be a great fit and an easy transition for Elliot. Maybe we should nominate Columbus Dawg to replace Torbush. Just a thought.
 

therightway

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Aug 26, 2009
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I have not heard much about him since he got here. I would have thought that he could have gotten in this year.
 

Columbus Dawg

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msu21, you have spent too much time hanging with Yeti. I am going to pimp slap you the next time I see you.

As for Thames, if he had started at S from day 1 instead of WR, he would already be out there instead of Zach.
 

kired

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Aug 22, 2008
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We could put Bumphis #2 at WR along with Bumphis #1, then Bumphis #3 & #4 could both play CB. Washington takes over for Smith & we're set.

But seroiusly, I think Banks will get more playing time at safety & possibly CB. Like I've said before, he was playing 1A last year and has probably never had to cover anyone that was good enough to even walk on at a JUCO. Langston will get more playing time at CB. I don't think Mullen will play anyone else this year. We've already tried 8 guys in the secondary - if someone else hasn't stood out in practice yet, I don't think it's going to happen this year.
 

AROB44

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Mar 20, 2008
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we will need him at RB next year

I, for one, don't thinks so. I think we will be just fine at RB with the juco's and RS freshmens. I say move him.
 

o_rexxx

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Feb 23, 2008
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Has Elliot ever played Defense in his life? You can't just put someone somewhere just because "he is a good athlete" and expect him to succeed. IF that were true, O'Neal Wilder would be our best WR. If we change Elliot right now to Safety, he may be decent at that position by 2012.
 

Gene Swindoll

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Jul 28, 2008
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i agree 100%...he is not a "starting sec tailback", never will be....but i to have been watching him on special teams and i agree....it reminds me of what nick saben said about corey webster, said he was like the 4 or 5 string wr, then asked his staff to rank every player on the team in order from just an athletic perspective....he was number 3.....saben said we have to get him on the field, and there you have it, corey webster starting cornerback in the nfl
 

FlabLoser

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Aug 20, 2006
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Gene Swindoll said:
i agree 100%...he is not a "starting sec tailback", never will be....
Which one of these guys is going to start in front of Robert Elliot next year:

<table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">8 </td> <td class="odd player-name">Montrell Conner</td> <td class="odd player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">6-2</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">215</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Fr.</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">HS</td> <td class="odd">Monroe, LA (Ouachita Parrish HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">24 </td> <td class="even player-name">Anthony Dixon</td> <td class="even player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">6-1</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">235</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Sr.</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">3L</td> <td class="even">Jackson, MS (Terry HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">29 </td> <td class="odd player-name">Christian Ducré</td> <td class="odd player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">6-0</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">220</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Sr.</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">2L</td> <td class="odd">LaCombe, LA (Fontainbleau HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">2 </td> <td class="even player-name">Robert Elliott</td> <td class="even player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">6-0</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">210</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">So.</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">1L</td> <td class="even">Okolona, MS (Okolona HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">35 </td> <td class="odd player-name">Patrick Hanrahan</td> <td class="odd player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">5-11</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">225</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Jr.</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">TR</td> <td class="odd">Springville, AL (Alabama)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">23 </td> <td class="even player-name">Sylvester Hemphill</td> <td class="even player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">5-9</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">230</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Fr.</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">RS</td> <td class="even">Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">45 </td> <td class="odd player-name">Adrian Marcus</td> <td class="odd player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">5-9</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">215</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Fr.</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">RS</td> <td class="odd">Alabaster, AL (Thompson HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">43 </td> <td class="even player-name">William Shumpert</td> <td class="even player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">6-0</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">240</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Fr.</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">HS</td> <td class="even">Fulton, MS (Itawamba Agricultural HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">30 </td> <td class="odd player-name">Arnil Stallworth</td> <td class="odd player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">5-9</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">205</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Sr.</td> <td class="odd" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">3L</td> <td class="odd">Daphne, AL (Daphne HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">47 </td> <td class="even player-name">Allen Tolbert</td> <td class="even player-position" align="left" nowrap="nowrap">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">5-11</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">230</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">Fr.</td> <td class="even" align="center" nowrap="nowrap">RS</td> <td class="even">Duluth, GA (Northview HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
 

Gene Swindoll

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Jul 28, 2008
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FlabLoser said:
Gene Swindoll said:
i agree 100%...he is not a "starting sec tailback", never will be....
Which one of these guys is going to start in front of Robert Elliot next year:

<table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">8</td> <td class="odd player-name">Montrell Conner</td> <td class="odd player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">6-2</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">215</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Fr.</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">HS</td> <td class="odd">Monroe, LA (Ouachita Parrish HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">24</td> <td class="even player-name">Anthony Dixon</td> <td class="even player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">6-1</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">235</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Sr.</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">3L</td> <td class="even">Jackson, MS (Terry HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">29</td> <td class="odd player-name">Christian Ducré</td> <td class="odd player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">6-0</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">220</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Sr.</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">2L</td> <td class="odd">LaCombe, LA (Fontainbleau HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">2</td> <td class="even player-name">Robert Elliott</td> <td class="even player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">6-0</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">210</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">So.</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">1L</td> <td class="even">Okolona, MS (Okolona HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">35</td> <td class="odd player-name">Patrick Hanrahan</td> <td class="odd player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">5-11</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">225</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Jr.</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">TR</td> <td class="odd">Springville, AL (Alabama)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">23</td> <td class="even player-name">Sylvester Hemphill</td> <td class="even player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">5-9</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">230</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Fr.</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">RS</td> <td class="even">Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">45</td> <td class="odd player-name">Adrian Marcus</td> <td class="odd player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">5-9</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">215</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Fr.</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">RS</td> <td class="odd">Alabaster, AL (Thompson HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">43</td> <td class="even player-name">William Shumpert</td> <td class="even player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">6-0</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">240</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Fr.</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">HS</td> <td class="even">Fulton, MS (Itawamba Agricultural HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">30</td> <td class="odd player-name">Arnil Stallworth</td> <td class="odd player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="odd player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">5-9</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">205</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Sr.</td> <td class="odd" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">3L</td> <td class="odd">Daphne, AL (Daphne HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="even shirt-number" align="right">47</td> <td class="even player-name">Allen Tolbert</td> <td class="even player-position" nowrap="nowrap" align="left">RB</td> <td class="even player-height" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">5-11</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">230</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">Fr.</td> <td class="even" nowrap="nowrap" align="middle">RS</td> <td class="even">Duluth, GA (Northview HS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="odd shirt-number" align="right">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
none of the guys you listed although i wouldnt be surprised if montrell conner didnt........but you conveniently left off Ladarius Perkins, Rajion Neal, and Vick Ballard..all of whom i could see starting over him......but the point is this, if he plays running back from here on out, he will only play the role he has now..spot duty, if that.....and from what i witnessed on special teams and considering the athlete that he is, and what we have at safty....i think he would start next year
 

AzzurriDawg4

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Nov 11, 2007
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If we are running out 4 RBs when we have Anthony Dixon, do you think we are going to suddenly use Elliott as a 3 down back? The point is that we have strength in numbers at that position and some projectable talent.

You have Vick Ballard and Rashod Henry coming in at tailback and they are both raping the JUCO ranks right now.
Then you have Montrell Conner and Ladarius Perkins, two highly recruited RBs that will be redshirt freshmen.
Add that we will probably bring in Nick Griffin, who has potential. Long story short, Ballard/Henry/Conner/Ladarius should be able to get it done.

Elliott is clearly a playmaker on ST. He is a ball hawk. That lends one to believe that he might make a good safety. IF he could improve our secondary and would be willing to move, it makes sense. This is probably never going to happen, btw, but it is fun to talk about.
 

Columbus Dawg

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Feb 23, 2008
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we could try Elliot at Safety and if he sucks, there's no law that says he can't move back to RB. No harm, no foul. Or we could just continue with the status quo and hope everyone improves.
 

msu21

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Dec 3, 2008
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This same question was asked to Matt Wyatt yesterday on his radio show and he seemed to think it was a horrible idea. He stated that you cannot make a move like this mid-season. He also said it would be like moving Todd Helton to relief pitcher in the middle of the year. Personally I think this was a bad comparison and Elliot's been tackling people all year on special teams. All you would have to do now is mix in a little pass coverage which I think free safety is the easiest position on the football field. A good SEC athlete should be able to make the transition easily.
 

lawdawg02

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Jan 23, 2007
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pig did, and that helped with his transition. plus, i think he practiced some with both sides of the ball early on in 98, because the coaches knew he would probably be playing defense by the end of the year. i really don't remember how much pig played defense that year, though.

like you said, it's not as crazy as moving helton to relief pitcher, because elliott has been tackling and playing well on special teams. free safety is tough to learn, though, especially mid-season, and especially for someone who knows nothing about the defense (it would be more feasible for a CB or SS to move, but our CBs apparently know nothing about the defense either).
 
Nov 17, 2008
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Cameron Lawrence is going to be good, really good. He will be much better than Zach Smith ever dreamed of. However, he is not ready to play safety in the SEC as a true freshman. I think he grows into an outside linebacker, and a good one at that. By the time Cam Lawrence gets a little experience, I think he will prove to be too big, too aggressive, and too slow to play safety. I could be wrong, but that is how I see it.
 

o_rexxx

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Feb 23, 2008
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That would hurt his development at RB and we really need him to develop there. He will have to be a major contributor there this year and needs to spend as much time as he can learning how to play RB in this offense. So there would be harm in trying him. This is one of the worst ideas I have seen on this board. And that is saying something.
 

KurtRambis4

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Aug 30, 2006
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all for thames getting his shot at WR, but i am pretty confident that he's better than zach at S right NOW