PonyFans.com

I know that Bennett (and every other D1 Coach) fudges the numbers slightly, but if even close to accurate in the SID report all these new recruits can move.

Only the linemen and Corey Slater are listed as slower than 4.5 fortys. With QB Rhodes being fasted at 4.38

I have a hard time believing Rhodes runs a 4.38 40. If he does then we are in for some great runs over the next few seasons.

One of the most cliche' things football coaches say is that you cannot teach speed.

To a degree, that is true. You can make anyone bigger relatively easily. Making a big player fast can be a whole other matter.

I think aggression works the same way. If a player, particularly on D, doesn't have a killer instinct he will fail no matter how big or strong (or fast).

Too bad he didn't mention how mean these guys are.

I'll tell you why its highly unlikely. Only 13 recruits in the entire Rivals Database ran a time equal to or better 4.38 verified. He ran a 4.78 for Scout. Rhodes had trouble placing 3rd at district track meets. And don't tell me he's improved since then. Anyone who follows track knows it is very unusual for a high school track performer to improve his times during the fall and winter months. Just doesn't happen.

Billy Joe wrote:I have a hard time believing Rhodes runs a 4.38 40. If he does then we are in for some great runs over the next few seasons.

Yeah seemed a little fast to me also but can't find any confirmed times on him. Rivals lists him at 4.5

He ran a 4.40 at SMU's camp and "in the 4.4s" at a few other camps. Move him on to the track in spikes, and that explains the 4.38. Don't know where scout.com got its time, or if he ran it in the mud or with a sprained knee ... and don't care. There are several credible sources (including an opposing coach) who have said his speed is very legitimate. Also, Coach Bennett mentioned at his press conference that Rhodes played in the secondary at New Braunfels HS, as well, and said that makes him "multiple as a recruit," meaning that if he doesn't end up starting at QB, we might well see him in the secondary.

...just remember his father was his high school coach until he was a Senior and I'm sure he was holding the hand held stopwatch

His current coach also has timed him, as have a bunch of college coaches at their camps. Believe what you want.

Honestly the difference between a 4.38, a 4.4 and a 4.5 is so small that it makes no real difference. Just hope he has that instinct it takes to escape the pocket and turn in the runs

PonyPride, I hope you are right. If he runs close to a 4.4 then SMU should start making bowl reservations. I can picture the 50 yard td runs now. However, if he is so fast then I ask....why did he not get more attention from the BSC schools? His play on the field will tell the tale.

well all I can say is I got a whole series of times on him from last year in the 40 and 100 and he does not appear to be 4.38 nationally competitive fast. More likely 4.5 you know the guy that finishes 3rd in an all-Anglo 100 District Meet in rural Central Texas.

I also hope the information I got is accurate, and you're right, the play on the field will tell the story (although I don't know that Rhodes' speed should dictate when you call your travel agent....) Besides, Coach Bennett said that he would love a repeat of last year, when he was able to redshirt almost everyone in his recruiting class.

Stallion wrote:well all I can say is I got a whole series of times on him from last year in the 40 and 100 and he does not appear to be 4.38 nationally competitive fast. More likely 4.5 you know the guy that finishes 3rd in an all-Anglo 100 District Meet in rural Central Texas.

Now you've got to bring race into it? Classy.

Billy Joe wrote:PonyPride, I hope you are right. If he runs close to a 4.4 then SMU should start making bowl reservations. I can picture the 50 yard td runs now. However, if he is so fast then I ask....why did he not get more attention from the BSC schools? His play on the field will tell the tale.

According to the press release, he DID get attention from BCS schools, including stallion's favorite team, the tcu reptiles. But, he committed last summer or fall and, believe it or not, he actually stayed with his commitment. He was in our camp so whether is is 4.38 or 4.5, that is pretty fast.

I really think he might end up at Safety some day. The statistic that surprised me most from the SID's report was the 13 passes he allegedly picked off. Pretty good considering he was a starting QB and had to come off the field some and he missed a couple of games with injury.