I wouldn't be upset if he did, but there are a few things that would also lead to him possibly not coming (which wouldn't surprise me, either). 1. We have the "explosive" kick returner already in Trindon Holliday and although Devine is probably the stronger of the 2, their size and speed are equal. 2. When any article mentions Devine's grades, it's usually in line with it being that he wont' qualify. I don't recall reading any article that even says he's close to qualifying. 3. With Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, Richard Murphy all entering '07 as either true Sophomores or RS-Freshmen as well as Alley having another year, Devine would be buried on that depth chart (which is why Holliday, a high school RB found himself actually listed as a WR....and I don't think two 5'7" WR's is what we're really looking for).
great post Bengal, you are right on. not much room for him in the next 3 years. he could be a special team player, but we already have one of those in Holliday. not sure if he is the right fit. I don't really want to see us with so many backs that not one gets to be the horse. running back by committee just plain sucks.
I've heard whispers of discipline problems with him, as well. He is fun to watch, but we don't need to take a chance for someone we don't really have room for.
What separates Devine from the rest of the pack is his vision and instincts. We've all seen his highlights. He'd come in instantly and produce right away.
Devine by all accounts is a kid whose tough to manage. He's almost certainly going to get in trouble, and I don't think Miles or LSU needs that.
You are correct but apparently it was when he was younger, and he may be getting a bad wrap from the media. You may be interested in this, it tells a lot about his character and he seems to be a good person. Peek into inner circle shows Noel Devine's no deviant August 28, 2006
I agree islstl. I don't like a running back by committee approach either (unless you simply have a bunch of RB's that simply don't pull away from the others--which is what I think we went through this season and last). I prefer a back of 205-220 lbs power-running back with another running back of similar style who could fill in to give a "breather" or in the event of injury. I also like a complimentary 190-205 lbs speed back to be used as a 3rd-down back...maybe even a dedicated 3rd down back. Basically, that's: Keiland Williams as the starter (I'd like to see him get 18-22 carries per game) Charles Scott as the top reserve (I'd liek to see him get 5-10 carries) Richard Murphy and RJ Jackson as the speed back/pass receiving 3rd down backs. (I'd like to see those two alternate a bit and combine for 3-5 touches per game). :thumb:
There is no way Devine would be buried in the depth chart, he's got more speed than any of our RBs, more vision than anyone on the team, more ability to cut than anyone on the team, more balance thany anyone since Barry Sanders, and has enough strength to break tackles even at 170lbs. He'd be an instant weapon at any school...he wouldn't be an every down (although he probably could be in a couple of years) - but if you give it to him 10 times he'll break at least one for a huge gain.
I do see your point. He was impressive on that one run today. I guess having the dilemna of having way too many quality backs is not too bad. We'll survive. I just wish we would get an OC who could utilize all of our weapons. Fisher is far from being imaginative enough to get the job done properly. We could use a Sean Payton type genius OC to handle the talent at LSU.
