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| Andrea Adelson has Darrell Scott listed as one of the top running backs in the Big East, but does USF have someone else that should be on this list? |
Andrea Adelson of the ESPN Big East blog recently listed out her top 10 running backs in the conference and checking in at number 6 on the list is running back Darrell Scott.
She listed other familiar names ahead of him. Those on the list were Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead who is the most experienced returning tailback, Ray Graham of Pittsburgh who takes over the show with Dion Lewis headed to the NFL, Victor Anderson of Louisville who gets the most carries now that Bilal Powell has graduated, Antwon Bailey of Syracuse now that Delone Carter, one of the best running backs in program history is gone, and Savon Huggins of Rutgers. [keep reading]
I agree with her opening statement, this is a hard list to compile. The Big East is not rolling out offensive monsters, but does have some solid running backs on the field. Isaiah Pead is the best, not much debate there and Ray Graham should have a big season as well (not against us though). Victor Anderson and Antwon Bailey will both have big years now that Powell and Carter are both gone, which will clear up any competition there.
The big surprise to me is Darrell Scott appearing on this list. Scott is a very talented runner and there is a lot of talk and optimism surrounding him, but think about it for a minute, should he be on this list?
Scott sat out all of last season and didn't set the world on fire at Colorado, splitting time in the backfield his last season. While he is expected to have a big season for the Bulls, isn't there another running back that is ahead of him on the depth chart?
Junior Demetris Murray ran for 542 yards and 4 touchdowns while splitting carries with Mo Plancher last season, returns as the leading rusher for the Bulls. Compared to Bailey who had 552 yards last season, Victor Anderson who had 286 yards, and Savon Huggins who has never stepped on the field for Rutgers in actual college play, not listing Demetris Murray seems a bit strange to me.
Now, is Demetris Murray the best tailback in the conference, probably not. Is he the best running back on the roster, we don't know quite yet. We have only seen a few practices and limited spring games to get a read on how good Scott can be, but Murray seems to be a forgotten player on this countdown and should not be.
What do you think USF family? Should Murray be on this list and do you think Scott should be on this list in the pre-season?
Simple explanation. Adelson is a shitty writer and the next time she researches anything will be the first.
ReplyDeleteLet's play nice here. She isn't the worst writer, Bianchi takes that title, but I do think she has made a bit of a reach to throw Scott on the list when he hasn't even suited up for a game for the Bulls (spring doesn't count).
ReplyDeleteBased on history, Murray should definitely be listed above Scott, who has disappointed at Colorado. Murray became a reliable runner late in the year against Miami and Clemson.
ReplyDeleteThough that one costly fumble at the Florida goal line still haunts me at night.
ReplyDeleteGood point, the fumble vs. UF was bad, but so was Daniels and his TOs. Murray is consistent, not going to run people over, but an above average Plancher-type running back. He is also a threat in the passing game, not sure what Scott can bring to that area.
ReplyDeleteI think we've mainly seen Murray make routes in the flat or delay routes, usually a misdirection play. But that's better than Ford, hahaha.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there is some news about a TE Mcfarland wanting to transfer to USF from UF. Rumor is a hardship waiver might be granted for immediate playing time, but that didn't come from a reliable source. Hopefully coaches on vacation will give him a call and offer him a scholarship. Not sure how many we have left, but we have had a few unexpected departures this offseason already.
Here is the info on MacFarland and trust me, anything from a "source" saying he is enrolled is not correct. MacFarland will either go to a 1-A school or a 2-A school, according to GA. He would have to sit out all next season and could get a scholarship next year, just like Aycock did.
ReplyDeleteCoaches should return next week and then, if he does want to come here, will be able to make a decision. I saw on GAs post that someone was talking that he is already enrolled and that is definitely not right.
The way I see it, we are definitely thin on TE anyway. He is a great pick up and definitely showing interest in USF. If we offer him, we would have to give him a scholarship from the 14 we have for our 2012 class, but that's just one less player we need to recruit that year. I'm sure he can definitely contribute more to our team than some 2 or 3 star recruit.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I cruised along his facebook page and found that he claimed to have already been enrolled. Don't know why he would say that.
Matt, do you think Skip's pro-style offense will begin to use Tight Ends in more of a passing role? Especially with the talented Sean Price joining us next year? Blocking is cool and all, but tight ends were pretty effective in receiving last year.
ReplyDeleteExactly. This season with Shields and Virgin, if they can learn to block, we will be ok. Tye Turner will get his shot as well. MacFarland would be a nice commit if he did get into the program.
ReplyDeleteFacebook, wouldn't make that official, but it is interesting. It could be that he is now at USF, taking classes, but his transfer to the program has not be reviewed or accepted by USF, we should know in a week or so.
BTW, thank you again for checking out the site and commenting, discussing. We really appreciate the insight and interaction.
ReplyDeleteThat is the goal of Fitch and Holtz. The TE was a key position at ECU and has been something that has been missing at USF. Shields was not used much last season and Gidrey was more of a blocking force, so TE was hardly used last year but the lack of experience with the system led to the lack of production.
ReplyDeletePrice would be a nice addition to the roster, but I hate verbal commits a year out to be honest. A lot can change, but if he does commit, it would add another weapon to the field.
Thanks for hosting a place to have an intelligent discussion about USF football. I'm tired of UCF trolls.
ReplyDeleteGlad to have great fans for a great team. We like to stir up the UCF trolls, but when it comes to USF, its all business.
ReplyDeleteI dislike verbal commitments at this time too because many of them can't be taken very seriously. However, it is encouraging to hear that when Price was being recruited at his recent showcases that his response was that they should recruit for USF.
ReplyDeleteTrue, verbal commits from 18-year old kids is hard to nail down and get excited about, but hearing from him and Bivins as they continue to talk about USF and what they are going to do here is very encouraging.
ReplyDelete