Who will be "the unknowns" that will blow us away in 2007?

[crawfish]

Here is the question given to Stewart Mandel:

Every year the preseason is littered with predictions all focusing on what the great player from the previous season will do this year (see Darren McFadden). What I want to know is ... who is the guy that we haven't heard of yet (or know but hasn't exploded yet) that will blow us away in 2007?--Justin, New York City

I won't just give you one guy, Justin -- I'll give you several. Mind you, it's not like I attended spring practice at every school in the country scoping out the next undiscovered gem. So none of the names on this list are completely unfamiliar. Some of them you've probably known about since they were recruits. They should, however, adhere to Justin's list of guys who are not on any preseason Heisman or All-America lists -- and in a couple of cases have yet to play a game -- but could well be there by the end of the season.


Here is his list (the details of each player can be read here) (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/07/17/mailbag/1.html)

DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
Patrick Turner, WR, USC
Matt Flynn, QB, LSU
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/07/17/mailbag/Flynn.jpg

[The Ramp]

Sam Keller will put up some sick numbers vs. porous big 12 pass defenses

[pvilleguru]

terry grant.

[Neyland's Ghost]

Rico McCoy.

[MillDawg007]

Patrick Turner for USC. Bootys gotta throw touchdowns to someone and this highly touted recruit fits the mold of a D. Jarrett, but faster.

[WallyGoat]

D.J. Hall (WR) is somewhat in the spotlight, but only around the SEC crowds. So he's still and unknown and he'll probably have a break-out year.

A real unknown that might blow people away is Terry Grant (RB), as pvilleguru stated.

[True Grit]

Matt Flynn, QB, LSU: The main reason LSU is still ranked so high despite losing a quarterback who went No. 1 in the NFL draft last spring is the high level of confidence Flynn has inspired from his limited action to date. A highly knowledgeable source tells me Flynn has all the tools to be a first-day draft pick himself next year.

I wouldnt think hes that good. But I really hope this true. Just imagine how good LSU would be this year with another 1st round QB. Our defense will be better, our RBs will be better, our oline will be better.

[Tider27]

A real unknown that might blow people away is Terry Grant (RB), as pvilleguru stated.

I 3rd that, he's unknown outside the Bama fanbase.

Is Noel Devine seriously eligible to play football? :glare:

[BAMAPERRY]

Rolando McClain.

[AU Blaaaaaaaake]

Mario Fannin.. Coach Tuberville has been bringing him up every time he speaks at alumni meetings as of late. He has been saying that he wouldn't be surprised if Mario is starting over Lester by the 2nd half of the season.

[The Ramp]

another thread that has turned into a homer fest

[sheluvsbama]

D.J. Hall (WR) is somewhat in the spotlight, but only around the SEC crowds. So he's still and unknown and he'll probably have a break-out year.

A real unknown that might blow people away is Terry Grant (RB), as pvilleguru stated. I agree with you about D.J. Hall. He is going to be hot this season. I can't wait to watch him!

[MillDawg007]

Yea deffinetely a homer based thread...I went Patrick Turner from USC, also you could look at Morelli from PSU...

[The Ramp]

Yea deffinetely a homer based thread...I went Patrick Turner from USC, also you could look at Morelli from PSU...

this could be a do or die season for Morelli. he's on the hot seat according to some PSU fans I know.

[SECorBust]

another thread that has turned into a homer fest

I don't have time to look at every single school and try to see if I can find a no-name athlete who will be good. This is a collective effort to gather information about the athletes of which we know. I would think it would be ok to post "homer" choices, but stats for each athlete would be nice. Size, speed, game stats, injuries, etc. would make us far more informed when we watch Fannin run that 50 yard HB Iso or Flynn fling that 65 yard TD pass.

For example did you know that Terry Grant:

Full Name: Terry Grant
Born: March 31, 1987
Hometown: Lumberton, MS (Mr Mississippi 2005?)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 184 lbs. Age: 20
Pos: RB
Class: Sophomore (i think he redshirted)

Played in one game last season against La. Monroe. He had 2 attempts for 22 yards and a long of 19.

[The Ramp]

I don't have time to look at every single school and try to see if I can find a no-name athlete who will be good. This is a collective effort to gather information about the athletes of which we know. I would think it would be ok to post "homer" choices, but stats for each athlete would be nice. Size, speed, game stats, injuries, etc. would make us far more informed when we watch Fannin run that 50 yard HB Iso or Flynn fling that 65 yard TD pass.

For example did you know that Terry Grant:

Full Name: Terry Grant
Born: March 31, 1987
Hometown: Lumberton, MS (Mr Mississippi 2005?)
Height: 5-9
Weight: 184 lbs. Age: 20
Pos: RB
Class: Sophomore (i think he redshirted)

Played in one game last season against La. Monroe. He had 2 attempts for 22 yards and a long of 19.


it is very evident that most of the myopic fans on this site only follow their own team and could careless about other schools/conferences unless it effects their aforementoned school. i love football and i can watch any team play. i doubt most fans share my enthusiasm. for example, the ACC was by far my favorite conference to watch last year. the spreads were always the smallest and the teams were very equal. made for some good games.

[SECorBust]

Ramp, I'm just saying that I'm not going to go look up all of these nobodys that you would only know anything about if you poked your head through the spring practice fence or whatever. Maybe you have time to check on everybody in the NCAA, I don't know, but if you don't post any stats or other info about the player you might as well just be telling me that some nobody from I don't know, Ole Miss will step up, watch for him. Sure a name is nice but if you really follow the athlete/team you will know other stats. That is what we want to know.

Furthermore the whole point of the thread is to limit the myopia (nice sounding way to put others down don't you think).

[The Ramp]

Ramp, I'm just saying that I'm not going to go look up all of these nobodys that you would only know anything about if you poked your head through the spring practice fence or whatever. Maybe you have time to check on everybody in the NCAA, I don't know, but if you don't post any stats or other info about the player you might as well just be telling me that some nobody from I don't know, Ole Miss will step up, watch for him. Sure a name is nice but if you really follow the athlete/team you will know other stats. That is what we want to know.

i can name 100 "unknowns" from teams off top of my head, but i get your point. here's some stats from my unkown:

Sam Keller

Started 12 games his frosh and soph years sharing time with Andrew Walter (with the Raiders). big kid at 6'4 230lbs with a big arm. his junior year he started 7 games before he got hurt. he averaged 270 y/game with a 20:9 TD:Int ratio and a rating of 145 that year. he threw for 461 yards vs. my beloved Tigers. he transferred to Neb in 05 and sat out the 06 season. this year, he'll be starting. he should tear up the big 12.

[KillerNut]

Sticking with the homerism theme...

Chris Wells , RB, Ohio State He will have 2,000 yard season this year.

[The Ramp]

Sticking with the homerism theme...

Chris Wells , RB, Ohio State He will have 2,000 yard season this year.

wow...you just topped the arky fans for the homer award:laugh:

[RW13]

QB Hankins out of Memphis.....

[The Ramp]

QB Hankins out of Memphis.....

excellent choice:thumpsup:

i remember he was like 21-27 vs. Ole Miss. i was at that game and they almost upset them if it wasn't for an ole miss trick play.

[shanksta13]

Here is the question given to Stewart Mandel:

Every year the preseason is littered with predictions all focusing on what the great player from the previous season will do this year (see Darren McFadden). What I want to know is ... who is the guy that we haven't heard of yet (or know but hasn't exploded yet) that will blow us away in 2007?--Justin, New York City

I won't just give you one guy, Justin -- I'll give you several. Mind you, it's not like I attended spring practice at every school in the country scoping out the next undiscovered gem. So none of the names on this list are completely unfamiliar. Some of them you've probably known about since they were recruits. They should, however, adhere to Justin's list of guys who are not on any preseason Heisman or All-America lists -- and in a couple of cases have yet to play a game -- but could well be there by the end of the season.


Here is his list (the details of each player can be read here) (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/07/17/mailbag/1.html)

DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
Patrick Turner, WR, USC
Matt Flynn, QB, LSU
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia

http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/stewart_mandel/07/17/mailbag/Flynn.jpg


I agree with Murray, not so much on any of the other ones. Flynn could be good but in my mind, he's in the middle of a somewhat known quantity and good player but not superstar player potential, so I'm not really sure he fits on this list.

[shanksta13]

As far as throwing my own names out there, I'd go with Arrelious Benn.

[The Ramp]

I agree with Murray, not so much on any of the other ones. Flynn could be good but in my mind, he's in the middle of a somewhat known quantity and good player but not superstar player potential, so I'm not really sure he fits on this list.

he'll be more of a Matt Mauck type QB than some record-breaking stud

[The Ramp]

As far as throwing my own names out there, I'd go with Arrelious Benn.

who dat?:confused:

[DEHIII]

another thread that has turned into a homer fest

The players listed are "unknown" hence no one outside their own fanbase knows who they are. :laugh:

Mine from Alabama would be Nikita Stover. I think he will have a very good season at WR this year. Terry would also be a candidate as others have mentioned.

[shanksta13]

he'll be more of a Matt Mauck type QB than some record-breaking stud

Exactly what I'm thinking. He will win alot of games by being smart, not flashy.

[shanksta13]

who dat?:confused:

He's an explosive true freshman that Zook recruited and will undoubtedly not be able to get W's out of his production.

[orlandogamecock]

I'm gonna say for us RB Cory Boyd. He is a elusive runner who can pound the ball up the middle, accelerate around the corner or catch a slant screen to get you a 1st down. Had a solid season in 2006 along with Mike Davis in the backfield.

WR Kenny McKinley is the most experienced receiver coming into this season with the departure of All-World Sidney Rice. Though not as tall as SR, he has great hands & acceleration off the line and after the catch. Plus, any one of our incoming freshman WR's could blow up in '07.

And since many have picked Blake Mitchell in their bottom halves of SEC QB's, he will have the potential to blow everyone away. Any QB who has been in SOS's system for 3 years is a threat.

[WarEagle73]

I think one name everyone will know by the end of the year is Ben Tate #44 @ Auburn. Brad Lester is going in the year as the starter but if Ben gets the chance (and I think he will) he will turn some heads. He got in a couple games last year in clean up roles but didn't get too many touches. He is big, fast, and strong. He might be the closest thing we've seen to Bo Jackson in a long time. The best part of it all is that Auburn is very loaded at tailback with Ben Tate competing with Brad Lester & Mario Fannin. I would not be surprised to see some sort of rotation between these guys similar to Cadillac & Ronnie Brown in 04.

[The Ramp]

since we're being all homer...I think Matt Flynn will be the next Peyton Manning. Everyone here on the Bayou is raving about him. I think he'll be the #1 pick in the draft and break every SEC record. he'll impregnate Jessica Alba and kick Chuck Norris' ass. i think he'll even drive me to work every morning and buy my beer at night. i'm telling ya...this guy is gonna be awesome

[WarEagle73]

since we're being all homer...I think Matt Flynn will be the next Peyton Manning. Everyone here on the Bayou is raving about him. I think he'll be the #1 pick in the draft and break every SEC record. he'll impregnate Jessica Alba and kick Chuck Norris' ass. i think he'll even drive me to work every morning and buy my beer at night. i'm telling ya...this guy is gonna be awesome


Oh yeah? Well, Ben Tate is going to do all that and mow my grass, help imporve my golf swing, and read bedtime stories to my little boy every night. :tongue:

[The Ramp]

Oh yeah? Well, Ben Tate is going to do all that and mow my grass, help imporve my golf swing, and read bedtime stories to my little boy every night. :tongue:

i don't think anyone can save me there

[WarEagle73]

i don't think anyone can save me there

Ben Tate can! :laugh: just joking....

What's your handicap?

[The Ramp]

Ben Tate can! :laugh: just joking....

What's your handicap?

let's say...if i can keep it under 100, i had a good day:sad:

i putt like a champ. i have a mean slice that i can not correct but have compensated for it. i can still the ball a country mile but...

i have absolutely no middle game. i suck at irons...i can not for the life of me put that damn ball on the green. i either hit it 2 or 100 yards.:angry:

[WarEagle73]

let's say...if i can keep it under 100, i had a good day:sad:

i putt like a champ. i have a mean slice that i can not correct but have compensated for it. i can still the ball a country mile but...

i have absolutely no middle game. i suck at irons...i can not for the life of me put that damn ball on the green. i either hit it 2 or 100 yards.:angry:


Well, i won't try to give you any pointers that probably would not work over a message board anyway. The one thing I will advise is practice, practice, practice! I've been playing about seven years and i try to hit the range at least three time during the week and play either Saturday or Sunday afternoon (or both)

Wow, I really dragged us off topic so I'll get us back to where we need to be....

Ben Tate is the best thing since sliced bread!

[The Ramp]

Well, i won't try to give you any pointers that probably would not work over a message board anyway. The one thing I will advise is practice, practice, practice! I've been playing about seven years and i try to hit the range at least three time during the week and play either Saturday or Sunday afternoon (or both)

Wow, I really dragged us off topic so I'll get us back to where we need to be....

Ben Tate is the best thing since sliced bread!

yeah...i lost my clubs when i moved back home in Jan. with my new job and this relentless louisiana rain, it's hard to find time to practice.

anyway... Matt Flynn>Ben Tate

[WarEagle73]

yeah...i lost my clubs when i moved back home in Jan. with my new job and this relentless louisiana rain, it's hard to find time to practice.

anyway... Matt Flynn>Ben Tate


Matt Flynn has a man crush on Ben Tate

[The Ramp]

Matt Flynn has a man crush on Ben Tate

Ben Tate has to be a man first

[WarEagle73]

Ben Tate has to be a man first


Score.... I would not say that to his face though......

[Bulldog Bry]

it is very evident that most of the myopic fans on this site only follow their own team and could careless about other schools/conferences unless it effects their aforementoned school. i love football and i can watch any team play. i doubt most fans share my enthusiasm. for example, the ACC was by far my favorite conference to watch last year. the spreads were always the smallest and the teams were very equal. made for some good games.

I take exception to that, Ramp. I'm myopic because I only care about my team? I do enjoy watching other teams play, but I don't invest the same time and effort on other teams that I do the Bulldogs. That doesn't make me myopic, it makes me a fan of Georgia. Spreads don't mean anything to me, because I'm not betting on games. If I have absolutely nothing else to do, then NC State/Maryland might hold my interest, but probably not for long.
Would crawfish really have started this "homer" thread if Matt Flynn wasn't in the article?

[The Ramp]

I take exception to that, Ramp. I'm myopic because I only care about my team? I do enjoy watching other teams play, but I don't invest the same time and effort on other teams that I do the Bulldogs. That doesn't make me myopic, it makes me a fan of Georgia. Spreads don't mean anything to me, because I'm not betting on games. If I have absolutely nothing else to do, then NC State/Maryland might hold my interest, but probably not for long.
Would crawfish really have started this "homer" thread if Matt Flynn wasn't in the article?

shut up homer:laugh:

it just gets tiresome when homers think every player on their team is the best ever

[TKE223]

this could be a do or die season for Morelli. he's on the hot seat according to some PSU fans I know.

I'd agree to this, but if you are going PSU, I would say their RB, Austin Scott. He was highly recruited, got in trouble, well we all know that story. Has some big shoes to fill after Tony Hunt, but he should do well as much as PSU runs the ball.

[The Ramp]

I'd agree to this, but if you are going PSU, I would say their RB, Austin Scott. He was highly recruited, got in trouble, well we all know that story. Has some big shoes to fill after Tony Hunt, but he should do well as much as PSU runs the ball.

i don't know the austin scott story. what happened?

[CRIMSONWHITE]

The players listed are "unknown" hence no one outside their own fanbase knows who they are. :laugh:

Mine from Alabama would be Nikita Stover. I think he will have a very good season at WR this year. Terry would also be a candidate as others have mentioned.

Who is yours from your school Allbarn? :laugh:

[Bulldog Bry]

shut up homer:laugh:

it just gets tiresome when homers think every player on their team is the best ever

No doubt. It's a big problem with many on this board.
In fairness, not all us have 12 pre-season all SEC players, so we're left to hype the remaining players with, "oh yeah? you just wait and see!!!" :laugh:

[The Ramp]

No doubt. It's a big problem with many on this board.
In fairness, not all us have 12 pre-season all SEC players, so we're left to hype the remaining players with, "oh yeah? you just wait and see!!!" :laugh:

i've been grumpy all week. i just get tired of their school is the best at everything and their players are the best ever. i need some booty tonight:thumpsup:

[Tider27]

I forgot to mention Marquis Maze, the guy will be a force here at Bama. He will have people asking if Prothro is back... :D