Reuben Randle looks to be a starter.

I think I get your point, however....I would take that "slow and steady fullback" all day, every day over 99% of the backs in the country. He was special. Man, I think I am gonna start crying.......I miss that guy.:bncry:

 

Word around Bastrop is that neither starter has had their name placed in pen yet. I would assume Lafell and Toliver will start, but neither, especially Toliver has been given room to be comfortable because of Rueben, but TT has delivered the goods as well. What they have on their side is LSU just does not have a history of playing true freshmen over experienced guys, even if they might be better.

I think JoJo and TTwice will start, but Double R will get starters level snaps due to formations and subs.

 

Does it matter who is breaking out as long as some players are breaking out? If it's Randle instead of Toliver, does that hurt us? Or if it's Hicks or Woods instead of Nevis, does that hurt? I don't understand the "who" being the focal point of a breakout year.

 

Might not be possible. DLo will likely start this year so he'll probably have more opportunity. I hope they both do well, but we got the more likely to succeed of the two. DLo has a lot of maturing to do that came naturally for Rueben.

 

No it doesn't in itself matter. In my opinion, based on what I have seen LSU needs Nevis in there to breakout, the point being... I think he is has the best opportunity among DTs to do that and I think it is needed now... same for WR with Toliver, he has the years of being in the system and to be honest Toliver has some skills that can't be taught... to me he could be a Moss type WR. Could Randle eventually replace Toliver, sure but that would mean to me that Toliver has underperformed to his ability. I guess I think Toliver has more upside.

 

This I definitely disagree with...consider the fact that Toliver is in his third year and noone can definitively say he's very far ahead of a true freshman. The simple fact that RR is more teachable is reason to give him the edge in upside. And as far as measurables, you're not losing much with either. Rueben is faster and cuts better, but Toliver is taller and leaps better, but they are both fast and leap well, which is important for tall receivers. You drew the corollary to Randy Moss with Toliver. This is like the Moss or T.O. debate pre-Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Smith. Moss is tall with straight line speed, not much cutting ability. T.O. is tall with straight line speed and elusiveness. If Toliver is Moss (minus the attitude), then RR is T.O. (minus the attitude). You're not really at a disadvantage with either player. I'm excited about NEXT year when those two are 1 and 1a!

This is a GREAT problem for LSU to have!

 

I'm excited about THIS year when they ALSO have Brandon LaFell! :hihi::wave:

 

This is a win win situation.

If Randle is that ready to play, let's say he overtakes Toliver as the #2. That means Toliver can play in the slot. Good luck the opposing DC's when that happens.

If he doesn't take over the #2 but is ready enough to play in the slot then he will get lots of opportunity with Lafell and Toliver on the outside.

The slot receiver can be the most dangerous weapon on the field, but only if the two outside receivers command respect from the defense.

I think either one of these scenarios bodes well for the offense this year.

 

I think comparing fast, leap, straight-up, teachable, etc... are great assests but when you really look at history, is DOESN'T MATTER. Certain guys are blessed with phenomanal talents and excell. Some guys aren't blessed with these gifts and become legends as receivers. Looking at a guy on the practice field is one thing. Some guys just bring it when it's gametime. I could list a helluva lot of receivers who weren't fast, didn't run perfect routes,,,,but when the ball was anywhere near him, he came down with it.

I'm shocked everytime I hear Chad Johnson try to speak. Why? He's a dumbazz. But damn, he can catch a friggin football. You'd think it would take a little smarts to play that well on a pro (well, the bengals are a pro team, believe it or not) football team.

Heart and a nose for the ball beats talent any day.