I thought Ridley was being used mostly as FB. Yes, if they don't get Storm and Lache doesn't commit than you will have to start converting FBs into RBs or some of the DBs into RBs or go after some JC guys. At the present rate, the only true RB signed by LSU in 4 years will be Michael Ford, if you count Ware which played QB mostly than you have 2. LSU should have 3-4 more guys in there right now even before the 2010 class.
Storm didn't even start for his high school team yet he's the best player in this class? People from Georgia unanimously say that he is overrated. People from Ohio unanimously say that Ware is a stud. I really don't know how we got to this point with people thinking Storm was the quality of a Michael Dyer or Trent Richardson. He's a guy who ran 2nd string behind a dominant HS O-line, who doesn't run that physical, and who reportedly has attitude problems according to some Buford people. Why did this guy transfer from Buford? Why was he 2nd string? Why didn't he have an offer from Georgia or Georgia Tech? Why were there no other bigtime suitors form him? These are questions that people on here have ignored. LSU coaches, unlike people on here, have actual "game tape" and not just "highlight tapes". They are better able to judge his toughness than we are. They are able to judge his character bc they talk to him. They are able to see whether he can run within traffic or not. With all those factors being considered, they clearly had Ware higher rated on the board than Storm. Heck, they had Blue over Storm as well. And as I said on another thread, IMO the only thing Storm has over Ware is speed, and I think Ware is a better fit bc he is much fewer question marks than Storm has.
You have left off Stevan Ridley (who's the best of the bunch besides Lache and Ford. He's never been a FB, no matter where he's listed. He's a physical power back in the Charles Scott mold, a much more physical player than Storm is to this point.) and Drayton Calhoun. Calhoun hopefully can at least play the Trindon role. And you also forgot to mention in another post Jeremy Hill in the 2011 class, who may be better than Hilliard.
It was my understanding that Ridley is being used at FB primarily. I think that is my point, you have to start converting guys back from FB and DB which you really didn't want at RB to start with. 2011 class won't be in there until way after LSU has the shortage. LSU right now has really only signed one true RB IMHO in 4 years... that would be Michael Ford. Sure they can convert some of those guys back... I don't think it's what they wanted to do. They should have 3-4 more guys in there right now... not in 2011. And to be honest I am not convinced on Murphy, not that he's horrible but I would say suspect to be a primary runner. Maybe he hasn't gotten a full chance but I would say suspect. If it's true that Storm is out, and you don't end up with Lache you have a huge hole to fill, which will be filled with guys you never wanted in there to start with. And even if you do sign Lache you are still in a bad situation to have a grand slam next year, if you don't get Lache than you need to get the Cycle. Just my take. Here is what I think since 2006 after Scott, Murphy and Williams came on. 2007: 0 true RBs signed, 1 FB (Ridley signed as ATH now plays FB) 2008: 0 true RBs signed 2009: 1 true RB (Michael Ford), 2 that could fill Holiday role (Calhoun/Sheppard), 1 FB (Dominique Allen) 2010: 1 QB converted to RB (Spencer Ware), 1 FB (Brandon Worle) Basically, if you Storm is out of the mix and you don't sign Lache there is big gap, if Ridley can do RB work than that will help but you still need 3-5 more guys over the next couple of years easy. One or two guys go down or whatever you really have no one, if Ford doesn't produce than you have some real issues it doesn't matter who you sign in 2011.
I edited my post to let you know that Ridley has never been an FB. I really have no idea why LSU lists him there, but he's never once lined up at FB in a game. And even before he got hurt this year, they were working out Scott at FB in the spring, and not Ridley. Ridley was actually pushing for the starting tailback job before he got hurt. Nola.com and other places like that were talking about that. So Ridley IS a true tailback. I'm not convinced on Murphy either, that's why I put three unproven players in Lache, Ford, and Ridley over him. IMO they are all better, even though Murphy can certainly give a positive contribution at this level. Lache, is, and always has been, the key. Storm Johnson in no way would have come close to replacing Lache. Even with the Ware pickup, if we don't get Lache, our RB recruiting has simply been a failure. There's no other way to put it when you pass up on a talent like Christine Michael the year before. We MUST get Lache, or the staff has screwed up. But if you do get Lache, no, we aren't in a bad situation, for all the reasons I've explained. In particular with Hill and Hilliard heavy LSU leans for 2011.
I generally agree there. Basically after this year IF you get Lache you will have this: - Murphy (Sr) -suspect at best, to me should be moved now - Ridley (Jr) -hurt, suspect - Ford (So) -looks good - Lache (Fr) -looks great, doesn't appear to be a 15+ carries guy to me - Ware (Fr) -iffy, QB convert If you don't get Lache: - Murphy (Sr) -suspect at best, to me should be moved now - Ridley (Jr) -hurt, suspect - Ford (So) -looks good - Ware (Fr) -iffy, QB convert Basically to me if one guy goes down, you are in trouble, two guys go down or not available you are in deep do-do. IMHO If everyone is able to play, no problems. Georgia is in a similar position maybe even worse. Alabama is stacked. Florida can just use WRs for their stuff.
Murphy may be somewhat suspect, but I don't know where he'd move. He's not fast enough for WR. Ridley isn't suspect. It was a simple tear that he'll easily recover from. Lache is definitely a 15 carry guy. Another misconception of people on here that he's a 175 lb scat back. The guy was 192 lbs in January of solid muscle. Ware, less iffy than Storm.
When I look at Lache I don't see a 15+ carries guy in the SEC but that is just my opinion based on the videos (which means very little). Maybe a 15+ carries guy in Florida's offense. I am with you on Murphy, we'll see what he does this year. He just doesn't look sure of himself. I think my point being I think LSU has put all their eggs basically in one or two baskets, in today's football you need 3-4 RB baskets. I will leave it at that, you can't always hold out for the 5 stars.
Well, I wish Storm the best of luck. Personally, I was high on him but the coaches got the RB they wanted more (outside of Lache). I'll be interested to see where he ends up.
