I really like D Byrd. He's a strong fast reciever with great hands, gets separation and seems to have picked up the offense really quickly. I don't see how he wouldn't be named the starter for the rest of this season. With Doucet now healthy we can put two dynamite recievers on the field.
I want you to think back about 3 or 4 years ago.....It was a game against Auburn at their place. Early Doucet missed about 3 passed that hit him in the hands. In fact the last one hit him dead in the chest bounced off and was picked off. That ended the game and the Aubbies won. So to answer your question : Lafell is not "Damaged Goods" he is just a youg kid in a big time program. He is just trying too hard. Just as it came around for Early Doucet It will come around for Lafell. I think Lafell may have a little more raw talent than Early, plus he has a better reciever body type.:thumb:
By no means can you call him "damaged goods" IMHO. The kid (operative word BTW) is very young and inexpierienced and you really cannot throw him under the bus this early. As stated, he has all of the ability in the world, he just seems to lose concentration at times. This is a perfect oppurtunity for Miles, Corwton, and McCarthy to prove their prowess at teaching the position. Plus, Im sure Doucet can help him out with this as well. He may not have been as shakey as BL, but I wasnt always this confident in his hands either, so lets see how his veteran leadership works here. Either way, I would love to see Byrd more. He dropped a pass early yes, but, well, if you saw the last play I dont need to say anything more. Great job Demetrius.
LaFell needs to ride the pine until he proves he can hang on to the ball. He gets open, but he's proven time and time again that he cannot be depended upon. He's young and has plenty of time but he can no longer be utilized as our go to guy. This is a very un SabanFan-like post. That's how bad it is.
I'm not one to knock our guys, but Lafell's got the dropsies. 1-Doucet,2-Byrd,3-Tolliver and then Lafell- against La Tech. I have no doubt Lafell has the ability and potential to be great, but with Doucet injured he's had too much responsibility too soon. Coaches need to help him take a step back and build confidence in less critical moments.
Yes he's big and talented but he just cannot hold on to the ball. We've got three guys, Doucet, Byrd, and Tolliver, who have shown that they can consistently catch the ball and they do just as well after the run and blocking as LaFell. So I'd keep LaFell as a 4th receiver at best, just like he was last year. I mean, who do you want Flynn throwing the ball to with the game on the line... anyone but LaFell.
Even on the rare occasion that he catches the ball, he tackles himself. Can we trade him for Randy Moss?
Sophomore recruited as a speed receiver...these things can be expected to some extent. It looks like he's pressing right now, and that just has to work itself out. I think he was hurt by being the possession guy with Doucet's injury, given Lafell's ability to get separation. The sky isn't falling with this young WR. It's frustrating as hell, but not shocking.
