I'm holding off on crowning the Corncob...I'm hesitant on giving a crown to a Tennessee running back. The studs are few and far between and even the studs aren't that good. So, I've got my reservation...but willing to be surprised. He looks good on tape...ridiculous, actually...but...its Tennessee.
Graig Copper on line 1 for you about the quality of Tennessee RB's
His team was undefeated and ranked nationally #7 by USA Today. He wasn't just a part of a 3 time state championship team, he was the main cog. 3 time Mr. Football.
His coach said he's the best running back he's ever seen in 39 years.
It's not like he was Mr. Football/Basketball Alaska or Guam. Last time I checked Tennessee was home to 2 SEC schools.
I know that South Florida people think that if you succeeded somewhere else you were just a big fish in a little pond but this guy sounds like he would have found a way to excel no matter where he played.
ALL factually accurate statement, budha. That said, Larry's point still stands;
The state of Tennessee has a long tradition of highly rated HS runningbacks that dont pan out in D1 college ball. That said, if my memory serves, the bulk of these kids had grade problems and washed out. But a good handful fall into the over-rated/bust category.
Here's hoping that Corn Elder breaks that mold. Certainly none of the examples that Larry can come up with will have the accolades that Corn Elder has (as you accurately pointed out).
I think what causes busts from top recruits is never lack of talent but lack of heart. Injuries, of course, are huge factors as well, but it's difficult for top high school athletes to get to big time college football and realize that they are no longer going to excel simply because they are the best athlete around, that they have to work their asses off.
You guys do remember Marcus Forston right? Or Charlie Jones, Lance Leggett whom some scouts said was the next Randy Moss, Ryan Moore, the list is endless.
Golden said the other day that it's truly unique to see 4-5 star recruits with hunger and when you read about this guy Elder, everything points to the fact that this kid hates to lose and will do anything to win.
He seems to be a Golden type of player. ****, It seems like everyone Golden has recruited the past 2 years seem to epitomize what Golden is preaching.
I'm not saying this kid is going to be Duke. I am saying that his kid has been the best player on the field/court for 3 straight years, not just for his school or city, but whole state. I wouldn't bet against him making his mark at Miami.
Btw, an article I read in the Tennessean said that he's coming to Miami on a Football Scholarship and will walk on in roundball, so all those future questions on whether he counts as football or basketball when it comes to schollie numbers, the answer is football.
