Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis A certain amount of speed improvement can be expected from high school and at least part way through college since players are receiving coaching, training, going to clinics (like you mentioned), and they are basically growing up. But to guarantee improved times is to me, a bit much. You think someone like DJ didn't have access to the same? He never was going to be a sub 4.6 guy and never will. And it is true that in game situations, players rarely need to display straight up burning speed (maybe a WR on a deep streak or fly route) but it has become a defining measureable as far as pro scouts are concerned. If you look at combines, the first thing everyone wants to know is "what was his 40?"
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis That's why I said "with potential". In no way did I mean to suggest that Duplessis is just a lifelong fan with no ability or that Miles doesn't know what he's doing in terms of recruiting. I meant the comment as a compliment to your Coach that he might be willing to go the extra bit for a local even though it may not make sense to others.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-30/1178433305135240.xml&coll=1
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis When someone refers to a player as "plays fast", to me, that usually indicates a player that has good instinct and takes good angles. To me, that's a lot better than a player that has to rely on his speed to make a tackle because he's out of position.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis True, but to me it indicates even more. Some people just don't run all out when, for example, they pursue to make a tackle. They are so busy seeing the play unfold that they hesitate and just glide toward the ball. A great example of someone who is fast and plays fast is Laron Landry. He ran all out, took the proper angle and didn't even slow up to make the tackle. He just exploded through them whenever possible.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis LaRon Landry is also a primere player that was drafted 6th over-all... Players like that aren't a dime a dozen and you can go years without finding his equal. To compare any of our safties (current or future) to LaRon, and hold them to his level of play and standards is almost impossible and unfair to our current/future players.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis You people are crazy if you think the staff is taking on a project in early May...the fact this kid got an acceptable offer this early means the staff does not think he's a project, but a player. That is an obvious fact for any recruitniks...after all, he attended the LSU camp 2 years in a row and the coaches have scouted him in person at games and practices. Put your fears about star rankings aside and think logically, the staff truly feels he's SEC caliber or he would not be allowed to commit in May - this isn't January after we missed on 4 other safeties.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis I think you nailed it Philter. The coaches know what they're doing. Lots of people guessing how many stars this guy's going to get, yet no film is available from either Rivals or Scout as of today.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis No joke. If you get an early offer the staff thinks pretty highly of you.
Re: New Commit: S Rocky Duplessis Excellent post philter. Although many of us (whom have probably never seen him play - I know I haven't), may not have that high of an opinion of him, it's the coaches' opinions that matter. We probably could've waited to offer him since he's a big LSU fan, but what is the point if the coaches think he's a great player. Also, the coaches have a much better idea of whats out there & which other safeties are interested in us. They must've had Rocky high on their board in order to accept a commitment from him this early. That being said, coaches aren't infallable and they do make mistakes. Saban made plenty of them. It's unclear how many Miles & staff have made, but I'm sure it will end up being some. Rocky may or may not end up being one.
