it's not Scott imo. He was just a victim of not getting the ball last year. He averages 7.5 a pop this year. Last year, he averaged 7.2 a pop, so same player from this year to last. He just was a victim of being on a team with a senior at tailback. The most improved guy imo is Sheppard and Riley. Both are in the lineup for the 1st time and both are playing good ball at the backer positions. Brady Dalfrey has gotten a lot better from this year to last, too.
I can easily see how someone could form this opinion. But Scott's fluid movements are something he did not have last year. He was a straight up runner trying to barrel over people. And that was all he had to offer. Now he breaks ankles with fluid hip movements. He worked on this all off season. Props to him for putting in the extra work. It's paying off and he deserves everything good that comes to him. And regarding stats, it's much easier to average 7 yds/carry when you tote the ball 8-10 times per game as he did last year. To do that when the bullseye is on your back and you're carrying it 20-25 times, well that's something completely different.
I agree. Don't get me wrong, I'm CS's biggest fan. I was the one chirping his tune last year. I think he is a beast and am glad he is getting his turn right now. I just think if he was given more opportunity last year everyone would have seen him for what he is then. The thread was about most improved and I think he was already a damn good back and he is continuing to show that. A guy like Eugene who was 0 for 3 on chances to perform last year, that has done pretty well so far this season fits that category much better imo.
yeah. I agree with that. I agree with ISL, too. There is no doubt that Scott improved a ton. He just was already a pretty damn good player to begin with imo.
Eugene is currently LSU's best corner. who woulda thunk that at any point. he probably deserves the most improved tag but he is a corner and will be lit up making you regret saying how good he was. therefore, ill leave him be and choose no one since its too soon to jinx them.
Kelvin Shepard/Perry Riley/Jacob Cutrera I had the LBing corps pegged as the weakest part of the defense this year, placing a lot of confidence in the talent of the young secondary despite all publications predicting otherwise. While I don't see an All-SEC performance in them (yet) I have been surprised at how well the tackle, pursue and read offenses.
Of course I love Lafell, but as bhelm has stated, he was nearly at this level late last season. It's merely a continuation of his flourishing as a complete and polished receiver. I would rate them as: 1) Eugene 2) Lee 3) Hitt 4) Scott 5) Hawkins 6) Barksdale 7) Riley 8) Dalfrey (I have nothing really to compare it to, however) 9) Lafell 10) Cutrera I could not include Sheppard since he stinks on pass coverage right now, so it's a mixed bag performance thus far. Riley has been much more consistent and solid on just about every play he is in on. I have to include Lee high on the list, as I believe this time last year Lee would be stinking up the joint.
For me it's hard to say Lee because we dont' really know where he was at last year or at the beginning of this year. The season is still to early. I really like what Scott has done this year. It has been noted that he has been going intense training through the offseason to lose some weight and be a better overall runner. Yes he has a slightly better average this year but last year he was our 3rd running back while this year he is carrying the load. 7.5 ypg as a premier work horse is INSANE. Eugene is a good choice but mainly because he was so bad last year that he had no place to go except up. He could be average this year and it would still be a huge improvement in our eyes.
