If he is our best DB - he should just play DB. A solid defense is more important than a deep threat on offense. Look at Ohio State last year, and other teams that had a legit claim as national contenders - they had a solid ball control offense and a tenacious D. That's what we need - a solid, aggressive defense. Play field position in our favor. We are set up perfectly to do just that, but we need a star DB to make the unit solid. Clayton on defense makes the team much better. LSU does not really need a home run hitter on offense. The line is good enough to grind out singles and doubles, especially if we're not pinned against our endzone (that's what a good D gives you). How many times late last season was LSU starting from is 5, or 2 or 10? Our defense cratered after losing DJ. Put Clayton on defense and leave him there. I think that's the key to making the difference between 11-1 and 9-3 in the reg season.
In a way I do agree. I feel that we are hurting more at the DB position than we are at WR. Plus he have 3 new freshman human highlight reels coming in. I'm sure at least one of them can step up and fill some of Clayton's shoes. Defenses may key on Clayton and keep him at par...then again they tried to do that to Josh Reed, and he still lit them up.
It sounds like Saban is trying to get a feel for using Clayton in dime situations on 3rd & long. This seems to be a good plan to me. He could still play WR full time.
If a quarterback with an accurate downfield arm does not emerge, Clayton is wasted at WR. But WR is probably his best ticket to the NFL. It's a lot to ask a player to go both ways. He'll be exhausted in the 4th quarter, I thought he was dragging a bit late in the Cotton Bowl.
The Cotton Bowl was a minute thing and he only had a week to prepare for it. Condition wise he wasn't ready, plus it was in the middle of the day and the heat of Texas may have had something to do with him draggin. I think his best ticket to the NFL is @ WR, but that may not be his best way to help the team....depending on how the QBs develop.
I used to think the same thing, but it seems he's just too valuable on the offensive side of the ball. As long as Mauck can get the job done, we need him on both sides. On the other hand, I would try using him more on the defensive side of the ball and maybe take him out in some situations on offense. Also, he shouldn't be covering kick offs or returning punts. He's a great special teams player, but our special teams are full of great athletes, and he's needed more on the defensive side. Its too late now to change his position, but I think he would have been a better player (with more NFL potential) as a DB. He's surely not afraid to come up and pop someone. With his size and ability, he could have been a lock down corner in college and in the NFL (in the Eagles' Vincent/Taylor mold). All these big tall guys are receiver are being covered by 5'10" DBs. Surely the NFL will be looking for bigger and bigger DBs to match up with these WRs.
heat of Texas? Were u at the cotton bowl? - It was freaking freezing out there! Clayton to safety. Leave him in the entire game at safety. That is where we need the help.
Man I was burning up at the Cotton Bowl. I had the sun in my eyes for over three hours. I was sick as a dog after the game(results plus all the sun). I passed out as soon as I got back to the apartment we were staying in. I woke up sometime during the 2nd quarter of the Rose Bowl.
It was freezing that morning so you had to make a decision of whether or not to wear a jacket to the stadium. Myself, after several bloody maries, decided on short sleeves with big ole green gloves to keep the hands warm.
Clayton isn't just a deep threat. He is our #1 go to WR. Sure we have talent, but Both Henderson & Green ar Smaller WRs, Henderson has already been dinged up. (Returned today). But do you feel comfortable going into the Season with Henderson, Green, Bennie Brazell? Amp Hill is out, leaving Davis & Bowe & RSFS Junior Joseph to play at some point. I am all for Clayton playing Situationally, mixing him in maybe randomly on 2nd & 3rd downs, and on Definate passing downs. Just my opinion.
