I think it's human nature to not get as hyped for Townson than it is for a tough SEC game. Not sure that admitting it now is a good idea although you have to explain to NFL teams why performance was not consistent. Was his play in the lesser games drastically subpar or was it just not "fist pumping on the ground" effort? I always had difficulty going all out against opponents that were much weaker, even if I mentally tried to give max effort. I've always found it interesting how some athletes play much bigger in big games while others shrink in big situations. While this story may not have anything to do with it, Sam has to sell himself as a player that has performed well in the biggest games. If he had a bet with Mingo on number of sacks, he should have padded his stats with the lesser teams.
Regarding the effort, everyone knew this about Sam. If you didn't know, you weren't paying attention. The best thing for him to do, personally, is to come out and acknowledge it. Now he can't be confronted about it in interviews. He can be asked about it, but they can't attack him about it because he's already come out and admitted it. Now, it does not look good for LSU or Coach Miles. They probably did everything they could do to mitigate it, but it's still going to reflect poorly. It's similar to Randy Moss. He played for several great coaches, but no one could get him to dedicate himself on every play, from college and on through the pros. It's his M.O. As far as the admissions about the bets go.. that part probably should not have been mentioned. I don't see how talking about that is going to benefit anyone, unless that info had gotten leaked to the NFL teams. Even if it was all on the up and up, with their personal funds, no foul play, etc., it just doesn't sound good for us.
Everyone knows locker room bets are the gateway drug to bounty programs in the pros. Just ask Roger Goodell. He probably already preemptively suspended Mingo and Sam for 8 games.
Solid strategy Sonic Sam, to come out with this at the combine. Kicking off the most important job interviews of your life by saying you didn't try hard for weeks at a time because you didn't feel like it. Coaches like Belichick and the Harbough brothers have to be eating this up as you rocket up the draft boards. If there's one thing a pro coach is looking for it's a guy who admittedly doesn't try all the time to drop millions on....oh and I just love the gambling element and I'm sure LSU appreciates it. We need to hire an interview coach.....all that said, I loved him as a Tiger, best wishes Sam.
This is exactly right. Providing that they even watched film on Towson, every player at every position on the Tiger team is saying, "there is no way this guy can beat me, not on his best day" the motivation just isn't there and you can't make it materialize. I'm sure Sam will be just fine.
From a scouting report i just read on Sam: 2012 was a mixed season for Montgomery. (the bad...aTm and Florida) Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel ... completely dominated Montgomery and shut him down all game. The Aggies' tackle kept Montgomery from getting any pass rush and moved him out of the way in the ground game. It was an ugly performance by Montgomery as he picked up just two tackles and a pass batted. (Sam) did not play well against Florida and tackle Xavier Nixon. (the good...Bama and South Carolina) He played well against Alabama, totaling three tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Montgomery did well against South Carolina with two sacks (overall...) Montgomery was one of the most steady linemen in the SEC for the past two years. He had back-to-back quality years for the Tigers. Montgomery was never a superstar for the LSU defense, but he was a fine role player who was able to produce with good talent all around him. ... Montgomery's game lacks speed and explosion. It starts with a terrible get-off. On LSU's speedy defensive line, he was the slowest lineman to get out of his stance. Montgomery rarely shows the quickness to beat tackles around the edge. ... His speed rushes around the corner won't be effective against NFL left tackles. ... He doesn't look like he has the speed or athletic ability to consistently overmatch tackles. Montgomery could be a solid role player (in NFL) ... Montgomery has the potential as a run- defender to hold up well at the point of attack and push blockers into the backfield to blow up runs. That was one of his best and most consistent plays for the Tigers.
