Pretty good LB prospect, but he's slow - not very good lateral speed, which is why we haven't offered.
I thought about the speed question, but didn't take the time to look it up. When Philter mentioned he didn't fit what Pellini wanted, my very first thought was that very easily could be the difference in running a 4-3 as compared to a 3-4...also led to the thought of ILB. Again, in the LB position, it isn't all about speed...it's about the "smarts" to understand the pursuit angles. Not discounting speed...see Demeco Ryans...wasn't the fastest prospect/player but one of the smartest...and you see what he's done his first year in the NFL.
Why not "Smarts" and "Speed". And "Smarts" aren't always measured bya GPA but by football "Instincts". Whatever the situation, hope he has a lot of "Smarts" cause 4'9 speed means he'll need it. :yelwink2:
You missed what I meant by "smarts." If you look at players that have a good GPA, the majority of the time they are able to grasp systems very, very quickly. They aren't apt to make stupid mistakes...and many end up taking leadership roles in their respective squads. I tend to watch the GPA of OL also...says a lot about how quickly they'll understand blocking schemes...especially in the C position. Personally, I know a lot coaches state this, speed is nice, but it is all about the pursuit angles on defense. Pure speed matter A LOT more in other positions...WR, RB, Sp Tms, etc. How often does a player in the LB position run a straight line?
Interesting...while looking for his 40 time, I came across this from Scout.com. Coach's Comment: “What he lacks in size he makes up for with technique,” said Bastrop head coach Ben Bradshaw. “He makes a lot of plays in the backfield and runs a lot of plays down. He is a great sideline to sideline player for someone his size.”
Patin has not being offered by LSU, to my knowledge. A lot of Louisiana players want to go to LSU but there is only room for the very best. LSU has sixteen 4-star players committed and is only pursuing 5- and 4-star players for the few remaining positions. Even solid 3-star athletes like Patin sometimes don't make the cut.
LSU is atop it's conference with a great recruiting class. Forget all the drama around the different college programs, culture, bragging rights, etc. Bottom line is this. A school can fill just so many recruiting scholarships each year. Most recruits are weighing 6 things: 1) Best chance for a Conference Title and NC while in the program they choose. This includes playing in great games at great stadiums. Now this can happen at the Boise State's of college football and we love it! 3) Being able to increase their opportunity to be drafted highly into the NFL $$. 4) Getting a good education 5) And have fun with a group of guys they like playing football with and just hanging out. (And yes there are many other ingredients that contribute to attaining the above goals. By the way, anyone want to take a stab at what a recruits priorities might be with the goals listed above?) LSU, USC and Florida are at the top of their game with great history and fan followings. USC and LSU have been there a little longer then Florida. But it is obvious Florida is not going away any time soon. And I'm speaking about the past 4 years, remember things change fast, just ask Ohio State. I'm not interested in getting into debates on what a recruit may or may not do. I just find the process a lot of fun. I visit a lot of boards to see what folks are saying and will report that back if of interest. How much of it is true? I have no idea because I did not hear it with my own ears. Do recruits change their minds? I think we all know the answer to that. As for as Alabama and Nick Saban. I'm just looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. I will say this, and it is still early, many Bama fans seem to be thinking Saban will improve their program and then leave or be fired. They basically feel they can't lose with Saban because of where they are now. I believe that to be true. Whether or not he can repair his credibility remains to be seen. Stay tuned, we will have a much clearer picture after next season. On a side note, new College Football power rankings from Steawart Mandell are available at cnn.com>Sports>College Sports. Geaux Tigers!
