Josh LiRibeus & LBs

[PerunaPunch]

You guys and your Darryl Fields love-fest crack me up. Not saying it's not warranted... to a degree. It's just that most of us have never even seen him play RB more than on film and in practice, and we're already talking about reducing the carries of the most productive RB in the conference.

My impression of Fields when he got here is that he may need development before he plays RB. Right now, he's tall and thin.

My guess is that we'll see Kevin Pope backing up Line before we see Fields. Pope already has the size, was faster than Line (although Zach improved his 40 time considerably, so that may not be true any more), and better fits the mold of a June Jones RB (bruising blocker) -- at least at this time.

I believe it was after the Bowl game that we all heard June hint about getting his best players on the field. That, among other things, is why I think we may see Fields at LB before we see him at RB.

Oh, and LeRibeus (last name spelled with an E) is supposed to be back. So I see him taking his left guard position back and Tennison moving back to center.

[PerunaPunch]

speedsters are fun, but i'll take 6.1/carry with consistency than 6.1 based on 1 big fast play. gotta have a guy you can go to when it's time to convert on 3rd & 5

Only problem is that you have to actually use your 6.1/carry on 3rd & 5 instead of trying to throw it 40 yards downfield on 3rd and short.

Just sayin'.

[RGV Pony]

speedsters are fun, but i'll take 6.1/carry with consistency than 6.1 based on 1 big fast play. gotta have a guy you can go to when it's time to convert on 3rd & 5

Only problem is that you have to actually use your 6.1/carry on 3rd & 5 instead of trying to throw it 40 yards downfield on 3rd and short.

Just sayin'.

aint that the truth

[RE Tycoon]

My impression of Fields when he got here is that he may need development before he plays RB. Right now, he's tall and thin.

Go back and watch the Tech game. Had some good runs playing in his first college game as a true frosh. His size and speed combo is rare and would be a shame to waste at another position.

[ClickClack]

You guys and your Darryl Fields love-fest crack me up. Not saying it's not warranted... to a degree. It's just that most of us have never even seen him play RB more than on film and in practice, and we're already talking about reducing the carries of the most productive RB in the conference.

My impression of Fields when he got here is that he may need development before he plays RB. Right now, he's tall and thin.

My guess is that we'll see Kevin Pope backing up Line before we see Fields. Pope already has the size, was faster than Line (although Zach improved his 40 time considerably, so that may not be true any more), and better fits the mold of a June Jones RB (bruising blocker) -- at least at this time.

I believe it was after the Bowl game that we all heard June hint about getting his best players on the field. That, among other things, is why I think we may see Fields at LB before we see him at RB.

Oh, and LeRibeus (last name spelled with an E) is supposed to be back. So I see him taking his left guard position back and Tennison moving back to center.

Can Tennison move BACK to center if he has never played a game at smu at center...but in all seriousness, i agree, providing that Josh comes back and is in shape he should claim his left guard position. I think there will be a battle for both the center and right guard positions...candidates include..gottschalk, tennison, turner, mcjunkin (has to improve his snaps if we wants to play), free and collins.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

My first eligibility wish (Wilkerson) appears to be coming true. If LiRibeus comes back as well, that is really great news! I agree that improved center play is a priority for next season. The more quality experienced OL that we have to chose from, the better. I hope to see McJunkin get challenged in Spring and Fall practices. If he proves to be the most worthy candidate. . .great. But if Tennison is a better candidate, then it will be great for him to available thanks to LiRibeus coming back.

The other part of my initial question was about who replaces the graduating linebackers. After 50 or so responses, I think its pretty clear that we really don't have 2 clear front-runners for the job. That is very interesting and opens the door for the coaching staff to do some experimenting. I really could see something unconventional like Pope or Fields playing there.

The more we talk about the depth chart for next season, the more I like where this program is heading. We're starting to stockpile some real athletes. I just pray we don't have another bout of eligibility issues to deal with.

[NickSMU17]

If you watch Fields run kicks back and his approach on the sideline, guy deserves a chance to get carries and compete...

[42sparty]

Zach is our best back and deserves to start. Simply we need another back with break away speed to take it to the house. Defenses can contain Zach because it is unlikely he will take it 50 plus yards. Another back in the line up with great breakaway speed gives us a great 1-2 punch. As good as Zach was this year a faster back may have taken some of those runs to the endzone.

....or they could of been stuffed at the line of scrimmage ...

Or they could have won the lottery. What's the point of that comment? It's a legitimate point of observation with Line that it's not necessarily the yards he got, it's the yards he didn't get. Yes, he's the best pass-blocking back we have; yes, he averaged over 6 yards a carry, and had an outstanding year especially considering where he was last year.

Having said that, there were numerous runs where he was caught or run down, and a speedier back a-la McNeal would have taken it to the house. Is that Line's fault? No. He's doing everything he can to be a better back. But at the end of the day it's points on the board and W's, and we didn't get enough of either this year.

Longest carry in game
McNeal 2009
SFU 49
UAB 19
Washington State 13
TCU 7
East Carolina 12
Navy 29
Houston 29
Tulsa 9
Rice 10
UTEP 58
Marshall 34
Tulane 21

1,188 236 carries.

Longest carry in game
Line 2010
Texas Tech 18
UAB 28
Washington State 36
TCU 29
Rice 15
Tulsa 23
Navy 26
Houston 22
Tulane 34
UTEP 10
Marshall 45
East Carolina 25
UCF 23
Army 17
1,494 244 carries


As I compare Shawbrey to Zach it seems clear to me that not only did Zach carry for more collective yards, but Zach had more run above 15-20 yards then did Shawbrey. Seems to me that Shawbrey didnt have all that many break away runs as you are suggesting. Looks like they caught him from behind as well. Moreover, Shawbrey wasnt playing the entire game either...dealing with the pounding attacks of the DE and LB.

Do you really think Fields can withstand that pounding that Line dealt with...seems injury prone.

By the way, big difference between getting stuffed at line of scrimmage and winning the lottery when we are discussing football....

[PonyKai]

Not particularly, but if you'd like to think that, please, go ahead.

[ClickClack]

Listen, you clearly have an agenda.. mostly everyone else on the board is passionate about SMU FOOTBALL and not a specific player. You honestly think you can compare just by looking at the numbers? you dont think the fact that zack was running behind a line of 5 upperclassmen made it easier to get the the 2nd level? AGAIN, i think Zack is a great player and had a great season...and clearly you dont understand what is being debated because you keep bringing up a durability issue with fields...no body is saying that Fields or Pope or anyone else should take zacks job and leave him riding the pine...people are just sayin it would be nice to have a change of pace back that can share carries...even if its 7 or 8 per game. I am sure it would go a long way in not only keeping zack fresh but also reduce the wear and tear on his body as im sure he has hopes of playing at the next level....if you spew out those numbers and try to argue and justify that zack is more of a homerun threat and breakaway speedster than shawnbrey...I dont think there is any point in debating with you.

[42sparty]

Listen, you clearly have an agenda.. mostly everyone else on the board is passionate about SMU FOOTBALL and not a specific player. You honestly think you can compare just by looking at the numbers? you dont think the fact that zack was running behind a line of 5 upperclassmen made it easier to get the the 2nd level? AGAIN, i think Zack is a great player and had a great season...and clearly you dont understand what is being debated because you keep bringing up a durability issue with fields...no body is saying that Fields or Pope or anyone else should take zacks job and leave him riding the pine...people are just sayin it would be nice to have a change of pace back that can share carries...even if its 7 or 8 per game. I am sure it would go a long way in not only keeping zack fresh but also reduce the wear and tear on his body as im sure he has hopes of playing at the next level....if you spew out those numbers and try to argue and justify that zack is more of a homerun threat and breakaway speedster than shawnbrey...I dont think there is any point in debating with you.

As I am passionate about SMU football as well...and we would not be having this "debate" if Line wasn’t single out previously. Go back and review. As for the O line ...I think Zach has been the first to pass all the credit to the O line, so thank you for your tremendous insight. Lastly, the number were provided because of the delusion and reference that Shawbrey was a homerun back and Zach is not. Candidly, as mentioned before, this is a fickle crowd...I will finish with this...I would expect that this would not be a position that is changed and clearly JJ has communicated that as well. You can all go on fantasizing about the unprovens...I’m sticking with what has and will continue to worked.

[ClickClack]

Mark Ingram was a heisman trophy winner...does that mean Trent Richardson should not get carries and wait for Ingram to graduate or leave for the NFL? NO! Two running backs can co exist in the same offense...and it can be beneficial for the individuals as well as the team.

[42sparty]

Mark Ingram was a heisman trophy winner...does that mean Trent Richardson should not get carries and wait for Ingram to graduate or leave for the NFL? NO! Two running backs can co exist in the same offense...and it can be beneficial for the individuals as well as the team.

yes sir...all the best to you in 2011. Lets go stangs.

[mavsrage311]

Listen, you clearly have an agenda.. mostly everyone else on the board is passionate about SMU FOOTBALL and not a specific player. You honestly think you can compare just by looking at the numbers? you dont think the fact that zack was running behind a line of 5 upperclassmen made it easier to get the the 2nd level? AGAIN, i think Zack is a great player and had a great season...and clearly you dont understand what is being debated because you keep bringing up a durability issue with fields...no body is saying that Fields or Pope or anyone else should take zacks job and leave him riding the pine...people are just sayin it would be nice to have a change of pace back that can share carries...even if its 7 or 8 per game. I am sure it would go a long way in not only keeping zack fresh but also reduce the wear and tear on his body as im sure he has hopes of playing at the next level....if you spew out those numbers and try to argue and justify that zack is more of a homerun threat and breakaway speedster than shawnbrey...I dont think there is any point in debating with you.

Unless I am mistaken, 42sparty has already said he is Zack's uncle. As already mentioned on this thread, no one is advocating anyone taking Zack's spot, just suggesting that mixing in another back here or there can only help the team, and help keep Zack fresh. Zack's a warrior and without a doubt one of the toughest kids on the team, but even he gets bumps and bruises and could use a series or two a game off to rest

[Stallion]

A lot of us oldtimers see the value of using multiple players at most positions, Pony Express I, Pony Express II. SMU used to alternate offensive lineman for the first series of the second and fourth quarter of every single game and we always wore teams down and we always had experienced second team offensive lineman excell once they became starters. I am a believer in that philosophy. June Jones is not an advocate of that obviously. I am especially skeptical of his refusal to use second string WRs. I think we have seen receivers who were gassed in many SMU games in the 4th quarter.