justwin
05-14-2015, 12:01 PM
If you had to pick one guy on our roster to take 20+ punt returns in 2016, who would you pick hoping that would translate to 2+ tds?
Mainly, I want a guy who has an aggressive mindset to catch it every time and never lets it hit the turf. Hate when they let it bounce.
I think the options are:
Donald Gray - proven record in HS & Juco. He actually took a few in the spring and what I liked is he actually ran into traffic to make the fair catch. I wouldn't be shocked if he caught everything increasing his odds of producing big plays.
Jamoral Graham - worlds of potential with the right kind of swagger, too risky for me though. Of course, he was a true freshman. I do think he was indecisive too often on whether to catch it. His 2nd miffed punt was in traffic where he should've been more aggressive and kind of started the domino effect. He did let one or two hit the turf in the spring game.
Fred Ross - solid hands, good field presence and had a 10 yd return avg on what he returned last year. To me, a solid choice, possibly the guy.
Gabe Myles - this is my #1 choice. Randall Cobb 2.0. Very ball savy, quick, great hands, aggressive
Will Redmond - top end speed. Kind of an unknown b/c never given the chance. broken hand last year though.
Malik Dear - only concern is can he perform as a freshman and get beyond the freshman rattles that Graham had. Seems like a cocky, confident dude which is what you want. probably stout to bring down.
Jamal Peters - does he have the legitimate offensive ball skills to succeed? Speed and size are in his favor.
For me THIS year, I go with Myles then Ross then Gray in that order. It's tough though b/c Gray seems to be earmarked for this gig. Ross is the safe bet.
Also, is it dumb to have 2 of those 3 back at one time? Can you effectively setup blocks with having 2 guys possibly returning? I just think that would be aggressive/successful ala Va Tech.
for reference, abysmal stats for Mullen's first 6 years:
2009: 15 returns for 151 yds for 10 yd avg. 1 td by Elliott on a blocked punt
2010: 17/153 9 yd avg; 0 tds
2011: 28/311 11; 2. TDs by Bump & Banks
2012: 23/171 7.5; 0 tds
2013: 24/87 3.6; 0 td
2014: 25/149 6; 0 tds. Ross was 7/75 with 10 yd avg though.
Over those years, Bump has been the best with a ~11 yd avg and scored 1 td. Since Bump, Ross has shown he's right there with him in terms of production.
Mainly, I want a guy who has an aggressive mindset to catch it every time and never lets it hit the turf. Hate when they let it bounce.
I think the options are:
Donald Gray - proven record in HS & Juco. He actually took a few in the spring and what I liked is he actually ran into traffic to make the fair catch. I wouldn't be shocked if he caught everything increasing his odds of producing big plays.
Jamoral Graham - worlds of potential with the right kind of swagger, too risky for me though. Of course, he was a true freshman. I do think he was indecisive too often on whether to catch it. His 2nd miffed punt was in traffic where he should've been more aggressive and kind of started the domino effect. He did let one or two hit the turf in the spring game.
Fred Ross - solid hands, good field presence and had a 10 yd return avg on what he returned last year. To me, a solid choice, possibly the guy.
Gabe Myles - this is my #1 choice. Randall Cobb 2.0. Very ball savy, quick, great hands, aggressive
Will Redmond - top end speed. Kind of an unknown b/c never given the chance. broken hand last year though.
Malik Dear - only concern is can he perform as a freshman and get beyond the freshman rattles that Graham had. Seems like a cocky, confident dude which is what you want. probably stout to bring down.
Jamal Peters - does he have the legitimate offensive ball skills to succeed? Speed and size are in his favor.
For me THIS year, I go with Myles then Ross then Gray in that order. It's tough though b/c Gray seems to be earmarked for this gig. Ross is the safe bet.
Also, is it dumb to have 2 of those 3 back at one time? Can you effectively setup blocks with having 2 guys possibly returning? I just think that would be aggressive/successful ala Va Tech.
for reference, abysmal stats for Mullen's first 6 years:
2009: 15 returns for 151 yds for 10 yd avg. 1 td by Elliott on a blocked punt
2010: 17/153 9 yd avg; 0 tds
2011: 28/311 11; 2. TDs by Bump & Banks
2012: 23/171 7.5; 0 tds
2013: 24/87 3.6; 0 td
2014: 25/149 6; 0 tds. Ross was 7/75 with 10 yd avg though.
Over those years, Bump has been the best with a ~11 yd avg and scored 1 td. Since Bump, Ross has shown he's right there with him in terms of production.