USC RB to play defense? | Truth&Rumors | FanNation Joe McKnight says his toes are healed and he's ready to play football again -- on offense and defense. USC's junior running back missed spring practice while rehabilitating four dislocated toes but has returned to the field and is practicing at defensive back during informal summer workouts. He says he hopes to show his coaches he has the talent to play defense as well as run the ball when preseason camp starts Aug. 8. Los Angeles Times
Neither of which were the #1 prospect in the country. All I am saying is that LSU didn't get the dude -- but its not like they really missed much (so far). All the makings of another John Curtis flop to me so far.
That is not a bad idea... Back to JM. I would be lying if I stated anything other this...I was not happy when we missed out on JM. HOWEVER, a couple of years watching him makes me realize what Clarice stated...we didn't miss out on much. Yes, he is an amazingly gifted athlete...a highlight reel waiting to happen. But the long and short of it? He has fumblitus...and in my true opinion, would be at best the #2 RB at LSU right now...maybe 3 or 4 depending on what happens with Ridley. One thing I LOVE about our backs the past several years...they just don't fumble. I watched a replay of the USC/Oregon game from last season, and saw JM fumble at least twice. These were punt returns, but still...he fumble an awful lot...especially compared to who we have...and have had for years.
I'm shocked that McKnight hasnt been more effective at USC. I watched him play in Birmingham against Hoover and he won that game for Curtis almost on his own. He was unstoppable. Best high school player I've ever seen.
Having so many highly touted backs with no one getting the rock consistently has had an impact on their running game. McKnight needs to be the man and he isn't and won't ever be and therefore won't ever flourish.
He has that kind of talent. He doesn't have talent between the ears and around his rib cage (head and heart). He's a smart kid, but he doesn't LOVE football. Reminds me of Tiki Barber in that he plays because it's how you make a living, but he never really LOVED playing. Granted, Tiki had a great career and if McKnight had that same level of success in the NFL, his career would be graded as a success, but what do Tiki, Ricky Williams and all the other backs like that have in common? 0 rings.
