SB Nation - Devin Moore

TCU Pulls out Big Road win at Clemson

Jeremy Mauss — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:15:03 -0000

More photos » by Mary Ann Chastain - AP

2 months ago: TCU's quarterback Andy Dalton (14) waits on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game against Clemson Saturday Sept. 26, 2009, at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. TCU defeated Clemson 14-10. (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)

Browse more photos »

Final - 9.26.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
TCU Horned Frogs	7	0	0	7	14
Clemson Tigers	3	7	0	0	10

Complete Coverage >

This helps reshape the pride in the conference by defeating an ACC team --even though Clemson is nothing special in a rain storm. Clemson RB CJ Spiller's turf tough was much better then 85 percent as was reported, he took off for 112 yards rushing, 79 receiving, and 36 on the punt return game. This is the first 100 yard rusher since Devin Moore late in the 2008 season.

The TCU defense came to the show in the second half by shutting out Clemson and making plays to stop them. Most notably late in the fourth with Clemson down four and in field goal and can not get a first down which would have put them inside the five. The TCU defense shut out Clemson on the scoreboard was huge and the difference.

This game was nearly a dead heat TCU had a slight three minute edge in time of possession, 19-17 advantage for TCU in first downs, and TCU outgained Clemson by only 79 yards. The only notable discrepency in any teams favor was Clemson's favor was the penalties where TCU had 11 for 106 and Clemson had 6 for 49 yards.

The passing defense was the reason for the win as TCU held Clemson's frosh QB Kyle Parker to only 192 yards and was a measley 13-37 and no scores. The rain did not help nor did his green-ness especially on the play mentioned early with Clemson inside the Horned Frogs 20 and could not get a touchdown while in the redzone.

TCU on offense was nothing special and the running game was lead by QB Andy Dalton with 86 yards which most was from beingo chased by the Clemson defenders. The two main backs Ed Wesley and Joseph Turner combined for less yards then Dalton with 68. Andy Dalton had one of the better games of his career and by far the best of the year with no turnovers and two touchdowns.

Each squad missed a field goal which could of made a difference in Clemsons favor had they made their fourth miss. Also, Clemson had three turnover on downs, however that was really two because the last one was on the last possession of the game.

This win may not have been impressive, and was a typical TCU win with an efficient passing game and rock solid defense. The only concern was that the TCU running game which has been their strength in past years and was so far has been good this year was. Also, ten penalties for over one hundred yards are not the norm for the Horned Frogs.

A win over an ACC team and a potential contender for at least a division title and a spot in the conference title game is a good win for TCU and the league to bring back some more respect nationally.

Wyoming escapes late Rally to beat Weber State

Jeremy Mauss — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:22:25 -0000

Final - 9.5.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
Weber St. Wildcats	7	0	15	15	22
Wyoming Cowboys	7	9	13	6	29

Complete Coverage >

The one thing about not having games shown on tv is that when a starting quarterback and backup play finding info why is a pain. That is what happened in Wyoming's victory over Weber State. The starter Robert Benjamin started the game, but was then replaced by backup and it was not Karsteen Sween but it was Austyn Carta-Samuels in the first half and split time with Benjamin. Then in the second half Carta-Samuels has taken every snap from under center.

The switch seems to be made because Benjamin was not too consistent but did not turn the ball over. Benjamin finished the game 8/14 for 87 yards, the replacement could be because of an injury but no information has came out yet.

This game was in Wyoming's hand by leading 23-7 through three quarters before Weber made a small run with a score and a two point conversion. The turnover margin which is what killed Wyoming last year was the reason they won this afternoon by finishing plus four. Wyoming eventually snuck out with a 29-22 win over Weber State.

Offensively Darius Terry rushed for 99 yards and two scores, and then Alvester Alexander had 81 yards on eight carries as well as a touchdown. It looks like Wyoming found the replacements for Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon at running back.

The receiving corp looked decent even though the Pokes were missing Greg Bolling and Donte Morgan to suspension, with David Leonard stepping up with 87 yards.

The game was not all rosy because even with having a plus four advantage and rushing for 246 yards; the time of possession was a dead heat. Plus, that Wyoming defense which was to be the strength of the Pokes gave up 322 yards and three touchdown passes.

Now the secondary did go good by getting five picks and the game still ended up being with seven points.

Best Case/Worst Case Scenario: Wyoming Cowboys

Jeremy Mauss — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:00:10 -0000

Best Case Scenario: Lets see five or six wins is what the most optimistic fans should be aiming for. The Pokes are just like New Mexico and San Diego State by hiring a new staff. The new face in Cowboy country is former Missouri offensive coordinator Dave Christensen who is bringing in his version of the spread that made Missouri great and put QB Chase Daniel in a couple of Heisman races.

The defense is the key for Wyoming, which has been very good under Joe Glenn and should still be in the top tier of Mountain West defense. Three of the four secondary is back and nearly the entire defensive front is back. This defense will be able to defend the pass happy and the other spread option teams in the league.

The offense has some good depth at receivers, however the projected starting quarterback at this time is JUCO transfer Robert Benjamin, however Karsteen Sween who has been in Laramie for the past three seasons is not too far behind Benjamin.

Quarterback play can not be like last year where Joe Glenn played musical quarterbacks with the three he had, and well that did not bode well.

The running game is an issue and for the Pokes to get to at least five wins they need at least one to step up and take over from the two stars -- Devin Moore and Wynel Seldon-- they had last year.

Worst Case Scenario: One or two wins could be the basement for the Pokes this year. Even Weber State is not a sure win because the Wildcats made it to the FCS playoffs, but I am not caling for a loss to Weber State.

The key issues for Wyoming to struggle is if the quarterback situation is iffy and they repeat last year by yanking a quarterback when they make a mistake. Last year all three quarterbacks who played tossed 17 picks with only seven touchdowns, and if learning this new offense is an issue those numbers could repeat themselves. There are suspensions at wide receiver for the first two games and with learning a new offense real game play is the way to get the system down.

The defense should be fine, but if the offense is a turnover machine like last year and has constant three and outs it will not matter how good the defense is, because time of possession will be an issue for a defense in the fourth quarter if they are on the field all the time.

Date	Game	Time	Zone	Television
Saturday, September 5	Weber State at Wyoming	1:00 PM	MT	No TV
Saturday, September 12	Texas at Wyoming	1:30 PM	MT	HD
Saturday, September 19	Wyoming at Colorado	1:30 PM	MT
Saturday, September 26	UNLV at Wyoming	1:00 PM	MT	No TV
Saturday, October 3	Wyoming at Florida Atlantic	4:00 PM	ET	TBD
Saturday, October 10	New Mexico at Wyoming	12:00 PM	MT
Saturday, October 17	Wyoming at Air Force	12:00 PM	MT
Saturday, October 31	Wyoming at Utah	6:00 PM	MT
Saturday, November 7	BYU at Wyoming	12:00 PM	MT
Saturday, November 14	Wyoming at San Diego State	7:00 PM	PT
Saturday, November 21	TCU at Wyoming	12:00 PM	MT
Friday, November 27	Wyoming at Colorado State	12:00 PM	MT

Not a Chance Texas, @Utah, TCU, BYU, @Air Force

50/50 @Colorado, UNLV, @Florida Atlantic, New Mexico, San Diego State, @Colorado State

Lock it Up Weber State

Poll

How many wins will Wyoming have in 2009?

8 or more

4 votes

7

6 votes

6

6 votes

5 or less

18 votes

34 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinals Post Draft Coverage: Best Undrafted Free Agents

Hawkwind — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:19:30 -0000

Well the fire from the NFL draft weekend is still smoldering but today, and possibly the next couple of days, will center around the guys who did not get drafted. The Arizona Cardinals signed thirteen undrafted free agents and four of those guys are on the team right now including Ali Highsmith who was a prominent special teams player before hurting his knee midway through the season. The Cardinals could find some very useful pieces on this scrap heap but they'll have to work quickly because they're bidding against every other team in the league. We'll take a look at some of the notable names as well as update when any signings happen:

Here are some names that might ring a bell and will certainly be on the top of quite a few teams' wish list:

Linebackers: The Cardinals didn't draft an ILB for the second consecutive year but there are some notable names still available and with any luck, these guys might turn out even better than Ali Highsmith did last year. There are couple of outside backers at the bottom who might interest the Cardinals considering that they probably stash them on the practice squad and see how they look in a year once they learn the position.

Darry Beckwith (6'0, 234), LSU: Beckwith was thought be a third or fourth round pick at worse but his injury history and lack of great size or athleticism must have hurt him more than scouts thought.
Dannell Ellerbe (6'1 236) Georgia: Teams obviously thought that Ellerbe's breakout season in 2007 was overshadowed by three mediocre seasons. He'll have an uphill battle to make any team but he's got some athleticism and could be a factor on special teams.
Antonio Appleby (6'3 245) Virginia: He's nothing special in terms of production or athletic ability but a 3-4 team will pick him up for depth and his potential as a two down thumper.
Worrell Williams (5'11, 240) California: Williams is undersized but he's got experience in a 3-4 and the athleticism to be an NFL player.
Orion Martin (6'3, 262) Virginia Tech: Another former college DE who is probably best served switching to OLB, he's totaled 14 sacks over the past two seasons but ran a disappointing 4.89 at the combine.

Defensive Line: The Cardinals completely ignored the defensive line in the draft despite some concerns about the depth at defensive end and nose tackle. I'd be surprised if a couple of UDFA's aren't some wide bodied defenders.

Chris Baker (6'2 326) Hampton: Off the field problems forced him to leave Penn State and most likely are the biggest reason that's he field phone calls today instead of packing for an NFL team already. He's got the talent (16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks) to play in this league but will need soem guidance.
Mitch King (6'1, 280) Iowa: King played defensive end, tackle and even linebacker while at Iowa and could project at either end or linebacker in the NFL. His tweener status probably kept him from being drafted by he's a versatile defender who carried a mid-round grade from some scouts.
Everette Pedescleaux (6'5, 305) Northern Iowa: The Cardinals were rumored to have brought Pedescleaux in for a visit before the draft and he'd offer some depth and athleticism at the defensive end spot.

Offensive skill positions: While the Cardinals might be stacked at running back after the selections of Wells and LSH, it wouldn't hurt to add another body to man the practice squad. Any receiver with some return potential might also be intriguing as should any balanced tight end.

Jeremiah Johnson (5'9 209) Oregon: He was never really a featured runner but he totalled over 2,000 yards at Oregon and averaged over six yards per carry. He's also got experience returning kicks.
Ian Johnson (5'11, 212) Boise State: Johnson ran surprisingly fast at the combine (4.46) but his long list of injury is concerning.
Devin Moore (5'9, 191) Wyoming: Moore's size hurts his stock but his athleticism is amazing and he could help a team as a third down back and kick returner.
Kory Sheets (5'11, 208) Purdue: Another smallish back with outstanding speed (4.47) who doubles as a back and return man.
Marlon Lucky and Arian Foster (5'11, 216 & 6'1, 215): Both Lucky and Foster were starting backs who ran disappointing 40's and failed to establish themselves as NFL material but seven rounds of waiting might just be the motivation that they needed.
Quan Cosby (5'9, 196) Texas: He's small and old for an NFL rookie (26) but he is faster than he timed (4.57) and was a successful punt and kick returner at Texas.
Jeremy Gilchrist (5'9 176) Hampton: Gilchrist is tiny and was neutralized by double teams after totaling over a 1,000 yards in 2007 but his six punt return touchdowns in the past two years is hard to ignore.
Ryan Purvis (6'3, 254) Boston College: A physically limited tight end whose senior production drastically dropped off with Matt Ryan gone, but he's physical, willing blocker who had over 50 reception in 2007.
Jared Bronson (6'4, 254) Central Washington: Bronson's a decent in-line blocker who has also shown the ability to stretch the field (17.9 yards per catch in 2008).

-----------------------------------------------------------------

There are countless other guys we could mention but that's a small taste. Who else would you like to see the Cardinals take a look at? What positions still need the most help?

49ers Mock Draft: Seven Rounds, Nine Picks

briandean — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:27:27 -0000

More photos » by Scott Walstrom - AP

Northern Illinois defensive end Larry English could get his name called by the 49ers this weekend. (AP Photo/Northern Illinois University Imaging Services, Scott Walstrom, File)

Browse more photos »

As acting draft dude here at Niners Nation I should probably go on record with my official predictions on what the 49ers will come away with this weekend. Keep in mind, any resemblance to the actual outcome of the draft is purely coincidence. We (as in anybody who thinks they have the foggiest idea what might happen) are most likely all about to get our collective minds blown by what transpires for real.

1. Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss - OT is the most likely position here due mostly to the fact that there are 4 highly rated OTs and they can't all go in the first 9 picks. Mix that with the (F)ysical style of team Singletary is trying to put together and OT makes the most sense. Raji, Orakpo will most likely be gone while other defensive players like Brown and Jenkins seem to have fallen out of consideration at 10. So, OT it is, could be Oher or Smith, but I'll take the higher character/work ethic guy every time. And the 49ers were reportedly very impressed with Oher in a private visit. Crossing your fingers for Crabtree isn't completely insane.

Three teams drafting in the top-ten picks tell the National Football Post that Ole Miss OT Michael Oher will not fall past the 49ers at No. 10.

The 49ers reportedly "love" Oher and Mike Lombardi says he may go as high as Oakland at No. 7. The Packers would certainly give Oher a look at No. 9.

2. Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois - I have finally talked myself into being okay with not taking a pass rusher at #10. If enough teams follow suit we could still get a good one in round 2. English is a beast at 6-2, 255 with a good burst, good strength for an OLB and great motor. Could become a Lamar Woodley type player with ten sack per year potential. Other possibilties are Connor Barwin and Michael Johnson or moving back into the 1st to get a falling Everette Brown (yes, please). DB, RB, OT (if we pass on one at #10) and a WR like Harvin, Britt, Nicks or Robiske are all possibilities as well.

3. Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly - I like Barden, but he is not without faults. It's possible that some team is in love with him and snatches him up in round 2, but I don't think it's very likely. We've discussed Barden many times, so enough about him. Today McCloughan mentioned he'd like to add a WR with speed, so maybe Barden doesn't fit the bill. This also might be the last chance to grab a starting caliber OT if someone like Phil Loadholt falls. CB, RB are again considerations.

4. Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State - I've been on the Francies bandwagon for a while now. Unfortunately for him, he only ran a 4.63 on the slow combine track. He still matches up well with size and quickness and had a good showing at the Senior Bowl. Can replace Donal Strickland on special teams and has potential for more. Again RB has to be considered, but there are just too many available to pass on these other positions.

5a. James Davis, RB, Clemson - Okay, here's your running back. Happy? This might be the best pick, value wise, to strike on a RB. I agree with the Scouts, Inc. mock draft and select Davis here. His stock has been falling, but he fits nicely with the description of what McSing is looking for in Gore's backup.

5b. Devin Moore, RB/WR/KR, Wyoming - The extra compensatory picks allow the 49ers to get creative. Moore certainly doesn't fit McCloughan's big man criteria at 5-10, 187, but he does give the 49ers a potential big play threat and return man. Wyoming's all-time leading rusher was snubbed for a combine invite, but threw down a 4.33 at his pro day.

6. Mike Reilly, QB, Central Washington - Another hold over from my mock in January. I liked him already and thought he would be a good developmental QB, but then came this little nugget from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, so you know McCloughan likes him too....second-tier?

"One of the coaches asked me that -- 'Coming from Division II, how is it coming to this combine?' " Reilly said this week. "I told him straight up, 'Hey, I think I'm the best quarterback in this year's draft.'

"I think I caught him off guard, because he looked at me kind of funny. Then I said, 'Hey, I'm not projected as a first-rounder. I'm coming from a small school. But if I don't have that kind of confidence, I'm never going to be able to compete at this level.' "

Score one for the big-armed quarterback from the little school in Ellensburg.

"You've got to love a kid with an attitude like that," said Scot McCloughan, general manager for the San Francisco 49ers.

But the 49ers rank players in three tiers, and they consider Reilly a second-tier player -- which puts him into the late third- to fifth-round category.

"I hear a lot of positive things about him," McCloughan said. "Our scouts think he's a pretty good prospect. Not a high-round guy, but a middle-round guy that's got some upside."

7a. Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State - Pascoe is your basic blue-collar type tight end. He won't do much in the passing game, but he can catch it if thrown his way. His calling card will be as a blocker. Solid replacement for former 7th rounder Billy Bajema.

7b. Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio - Mitchell is a sleeper safety from Ohio University. He's got great size (6-0, 221) and speed (4.45) and is a big hitter. Mitchell is unranked on a lot of draft websites. He's a guy who could impact special teams right away and has considerable upside.

Don't like it? Ask me tomorrow and I'll probably have a different opinion.

Being Billy Devaney - RB

Tackle Box — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:40:14 -0000

Continuing our search for depth and possible future assets, BBD turns to the position of Running Back. You can't have enough good viable running backs and if Spags and company are truely committed to focusing on the run, then we're probably going to have to beef up that position a bit.

Unfortunately, Runnning Back is actually a position that has gotten it's fair share of attention for a long time. I say "unfortunately" because for all the draft picks spent on the position, there's not a whole lot to show for it because it's not like the team has totally neglected to draft or acquire running backs. Now, one could easily make an argument against a lot of the guys they've brought in (Trung Candidate, I'm kinda looking in your direction......oh, and could you please take a seat next to Brian Leonard? Thanks) but there have also been a couple of true stars. And by "a couple" I mean "exactly two".

We all remember the Marshall Faulk trade and how could anyone forget Steven Jackson. For some reason (and this completely baffles me), there are people who doubt that Steven Jackson is an elite running back in the NFL. Personally, I have no idea how you could miss it, but I digress.

Some may point to Jackson's injuries like that's a legitimate knock on the guy. If you haven't noticed, running backs get hurt all the time in today's game. I suppose it's because the defensive players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before. Whatever the reason, you can't go into a season any more with one viable running back. Your guy WILL get injured at some point and then you're in big trouble. Plus, having a viable backup allows you to have a change of pace and someone who can give opportunities of rest to Jackson that might actually help keep him healthy.

(btw, did anyone notice Jackson got hurt this past season during garbage time? The game was in hand for the Rams and he was out there getting handoffs. I blame that one on the coaching staff and the fact they didn't have another running back on the roster who was any good. However, even if they didn't have anyone viable, Jackson shouldn't have been out there.)

So, with that being said, we'll take a look at the running back position and some possible upgrades to that number 2 slot which is becoming more and more important.

Let's take a look at the roster.

Steven Jackson - 6'2" 231 - Signed through 2013 (if he averages 1,200 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving over the first 4 years of his contract he voids the final two years) - Jackson counts $7.4M against this year's cap. Oh, and he's a stud.
Kenneth Darby - 5'10" 211 - Signed through 2009 (RFA in 2010) - Darby emerged as the number 2 running back for the Rams last year, the question is...is he the guy to hold that spot going forward? Personally, I'm not sure. He's definitely a change of pace back for the Rams and he didn't seem to let the two fumbles in his first game affect his play the rest of the season, so maybe he's a diamond in the rough.
Antonio Pittman - 5'11" 195 - Signed through 2009 (RFA in 2010) - When the Rams claimed Pittman after the Saints let him walk last year, I thought they had really made a coup. Well, Pittman hasn't exactly shined in his backup role and now finds himself behind Darby on the depth chart while being pretty much the same exact type of runner. I wouldn't be surprised to see Pittman cut lose at some point this offseason especially if the team drafts a running back.
Brian Leonard - 6'1" 226 - Signed through 2010 - After a really good career at Rutgers, Leonard has failed to do anything in the NFL. He's got great size and has good speed and athleticism, but for whatever reason, he just hasn't (can't?) gotten it done as a pro. He's probably safe for this season, but he'll be gone before the 2010 season.

So, there's our running backs. I suppose your opinion of this unit falls squarely upon how you feel about Kenneth Darby and his ability to be a valuable part of the offense. If the Rams are going to focus on the run as much as they say they are this season, then Darby (or whoever becomes the number 2 RB) will have to be able to log valuable and productive minutes on the field. Can Darby do it? Honestly, I'm not convinced but I feel much better about him than I do about Pittman and Leonard.

But, let's say Darby isn't the answer we all seek. So what now? Do we target a Free Agent or do we look to the draft? Well, there are positives and negatives to each of those options. A draft pick would probably be cheaper since we'd be drafting this position later in the draft and that draft pick could possibly develop into a legit running back but then again with a free agent RB, you pretty much know what you're getting but with less upside. Many RBs fail making the transition to the NFL. Can the Rams afford to lose a draft pick on a guy who fails?

Of course I realize this could be said about any of our draft picks, but with so many needs is it smarter to see if there's a good backup on the market now who has a proven track record? I think it's worth a look.

Warrick Dunn - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 5'9" 180 - Could you imagine a backfield of Jackson and Dunn? Wow.......I just got a tingly feeling inside. As of right now, there is no news out there about Dunn. He had a great season last year and would be a great addition to a team as a third down/change of pace back.
Deuce McAllister - New Orleans Saints - 6'1" 232 - Here's a guy that can do the dirty work........if healthy. He's had both knees operated on but he's been working out at Duke University and says he feels "fine". He also claims he's spoken to "10-12 teams". About what, I'm not sure. But apparently there's some interest in him.
Ahman Green - Houston Texans - 6'0" 218 - At this point, he's probably too old (32) and too injured to be a legit option here. He had some really good years but has played more than 8 games in only one of his last four seasons.
Tatum Bell - Denver Broncos - 5'11" 213 - Bell is still a pretty good RB, but his off the field troubles kinda overshadow him and make him a risky signing.
Dominic Rhodes - Indianpolis Colts - 5'9" 203 - Rhodes probably isn't a great fit for the Rams future run-happy offense. If all the Rams needed was a guy who could get a couple of yards and catch some passes, that'd be fine, but that's not really what they need. They need someone durable who can do some dirty work (so Jackson doesn't have to do it all) and Rhodes probably isn't that guy.

After Rhodes, there really isn't anyone who instills any interest in me. So, what do you think? I really like Dunn and wonder what it would take to get him. Granted, I know I just said in the Dominic Rhodes piece that the Rams need someone who can do some dirty work, but Dunn is just a special talent. He gets things done. Period. And would be a deadly combination in the backfield with SJ.

But, I understand there are people out there who are committed to finding a backup in the draft. There's some guys available, but with this piece I'm not going to be looking at the first 4 rounds. I decided long ago the Rams need to focus on OT, MLB, CB, WR and DT and if they draft anything other than one of those 5 guys in the first four rounds, it'll feel to me as if they've missed out on something.

So, looking at rounds 5 through 7, let's take a look at the Running Backs.

(Remember, if the name is highlighted, click it to read Mocking Dan's scouting report)

Javon Ringer - Michigan State - 5'8" 205 - Ringer has improved his stock (possibly too much for the Rams to get in the front of the 5th round) since having his knee scoped in January by running a 4.42 40-yard at he combine and by posting a three-cone time that was 0.07 seconds faster than any other running back at the combine. Ringer also had an impressive Pro Day by running the short-shuttle drill in 3.89 seconds. By the way, the fastest running back at the combine (Branden Ore and Bernard Scott) was 4.08 seconds and the best time posted by any player at the combine (Kevin Barnes) was 3.96 seconds. Needless to say, Javon Ringer is healthy, and while his 40-times could improve, having straightaway speed for a running back is less important than the cone and shuttle drills.
James Davis - Clemson - 5'11" 210 - Davis is not a very good receiver and is just an average runner. He ran a 4.45 40-yard at his Pro Day but many are suspect of the time since it was run on a rubber track and at the Combine he ran a 4.60 40-yard. That's a pretty drastic improvement.
Mike Goodson - Texas A&M - 6'0" 212 - I like Goodson better than Davis but I'm not in love with him. He's bigger and probably faster than Davis (4.43 Pro Day and 4.54 Combine) but right now, Ringer looks like the pick of this bunch.
Kory Sheets - Purdue - 6'0" 206 - Had a very good year for Purdue and has possibly been a little over-looked. Probably has a future as a backup/3rd down back and return man in the NFL. Catches the ball well.
Antone Smith - Florida State - 5'9" 190 - Has vaulted himself on to many a team's radar by posting a 4.32 40-yard, 31 reps on the bench, a 32-inch vertical, and a 10-2 broad jump at his Pro Day (he wasn't invited to the Combine). Typically, I don't advocate drafting Running Backs of this size (Warrick Dunn is a freak of nature). They typically get hurt or are simply unable to make an impact no matter how fast or shifty they may be (Garrett Wolfe).
Glen Coffee - Alabama - 6'1" 198 - Needs to bulk up a little to make a successful transition to the NFL. Had really only one good year at Alabama and probably should have stayed there for his senior year. If he had, he might have been able to get into the 3rd or 2nd round, but at this point he's at best a 4th rounder and probably a little lower.
Tavarris Williams - Tennessee State - 5'11" 215 - He's short but powerful. He also shows good quickness and change of direction.
Ian Johnson - Boise State - 5'11" 212 - Somehow, Ian Johnson put on almost 20 pounds before the Combine and still wowed many scouts. He ran an "un-official" 40 time of 4.30 (his official was 4.46) and has convinced some scouts he's more than just a third-down back in the NFL. Has drawn comparisons to Steve Slaton.
Arian Foster - Tennessee - 6'1" 215 - I guess we now know where Ian Johnson found that extra weight since it's apparent the "former" power back at Tennessee lost about 20 pounds before the Combine. Ran a 4.73 and a 4.69 40-yard at his pro day. Probably needs to get the weight back to have value in the NFL.

(Check out Mocking Dan's Running Back Rankings)

After Foster, you're probably looking at guys like Jeremiah Johnson...here's his pic (Oregon), Devin Moore (Wyoming), Gartrell Johnson (Colorado State), and Josh Vaughn (Richmond) although any of these guys and a handful of others could be picked up as un-drafted free agents at a later date but they probably aren't what the Rams are looking for anyway.

Of this group, I probably only like Javon Ringer but there's a possibility he could be gone by the time the Rams get to their 5th pick and I don't think I'd like to pick him ahead of any of the other (more important positions) in the draft. Ian Johnson might be one to keep an eye on and you could probably get him in the 5th round (maybe high 6th which would be ideal).

So, at this point, I really want the Rams to take a strong and long look at Warrick Dunn. I think with him in the fold, the Rams offense becomes absoltuely powerful. Plus, adding him takes away from our lack of experience at the WR postion since you'd have the possibitliy of Steven Jackson, Warrick Dunn, and Randy McMichael running routes which would definitely keep defeneses honest and should free up Donnie Avery deep.

Speechless: This Wyoming and Tennessee Fan Is

Hooper — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:03:54 -0000

Normally, I don't have much trouble finding something to say after a game. Topical themes appear naturally during the game; emotions find their expression; words flow from fingers to webpage. Today, I've been sitting at my computer for nearly an hour trying to figure out what to say. Well, more accurately, how to say it.

What I Always Wanted

Growing up in Wyoming, there was one inevitable truth about the Cowboys football team. They would play a superior team closely - perhaps even outplaying them - for 3 quarters and get utterly destroyed in the other quarter. Usually that "other" was the 3rd quarter, but it was sometimes the 4th or 1st. (For some reason, it never seemed to be the 2nd.) That's what I expected today. Even at halftime, I assumed that UT's superior talent would enforce itself in one quarter and win the game for the home team.

I always wanted Wyoming - just once - to play a full 4-quarter game against that superior team. They did it once against UCLA in the Las Vegas Bowl, and they did it again tonight. The childhood part of me is thrilled for the team. But did it have to come against the other team I love?

What I Wanted Tonight

I wanted Tennessee to win. (No, I did not predict a Wyoming rout. If you need to know, I didn't even get a chance to vote before leaving for the game. You can look it up in my profile, even. [sticks tongue out at Graysnail] (-; ) I wanted Wyoming to play well enough to earn respect, but I wanted Tennessee to keep a shot at a bowl game alive.

What I Saw

The Vols were flat. I don't know what any of the players or coaches may have said, but I firmly believe that the Monday announcement adversely affected the team today. I think that they would have played a better game if Fulmer's status was still in doubt right now. Was that enough to explain the loss? Who knows. To a certain degree, it doesn't even matter: a loss is still a loss.

Wyoming played a solid game. They have one very talented running back (Moore) who is undoubtedly one very tired and sore guy right now. They have a freshman quarterback who is smart enough to throw away the ball when the receiver is not open. They have a defense that plays very solidly and, for once, did not spend nearly 40 minutes on the field. The talent doesn't match Tennessee; even in a loss, that was clear. Tennessee was faster and stronger, but their heads just weren't in the game. Wyoming was more focused, and that made the difference.

The Fans

Since there was absolutely no rivalry or conference pride at stake today, everybody was completely civil that I could see. The Wyoming fans got a real thrill out of hearing "Cowboy Joe" played during pregame, and that'll make for some great cooler conversation back in that square state. (That sort of thing will make UT fans in Wyoming, for what it's worth.) I saw UT and UW fans shaking hands and giving mutual respect afterwards.

I also saw the ugly side. Methinks the students are not happy that Tennessee season is not going well. A few hints: don't bother hitting the bleachers with your fist - the bleacher always wins; no matter your feelings about the guy, booing Crompton as soon as he steps on the field isn't going to help the team play better ( you can always boo later on if you really have to); and to the guy who found hyperbole by pouting that "even Appy State would have beat Wyoming", why beat yoruself up any worse over it?

During halftime, I was stopped in the concourse by one misty-eyed Vols fan who was evidently sober enough to see the brown in my jersey, but drunk enough to miss the orange. He poured out his heart about how badly this season hurt and how tough it was, then leaned back against the wall to cry for a while longer. (Dude, I feel your pain. I was serious when I said there's a lot to look forward to.)

Irony

This win just might be enough for Joe Glenn to stay onboard as the Cowboys head coach. There is a lot of discontent over the last several years in Wyoming, but they are already paying on the buyout of a few coaches, and I don't know if they have the margin to buy out another this year. This win just might be the excuse they need to shelve the issue for a bit. (That's not meant as solace, but it is intriguiing in context.)