Corn Elder

[k9cane]

Id be more concerned if Elder was being brought in as some sort of franchise back. Isn't it pretty clear that he will play a defined role, KO returns, punt returns, scat back-type stuff ala Trent Jones, Al Shipman of the past. If this was one of our top 3 recruits, I'd be a lot more worried. But as a late supplement, whats there really to lose?

 

[MisterBMFC]

I want to officially proclaim myself the driver of the Corn Elder bandwagon. This kid is a phenomenal athlete, leader, and will be dynamic for us. Book it. Kid is a winner and plays against the best competition in the state; no it's not South Florida good, but it's not terrible. And he dominates. I don't care if it's Tennessee, Idaho or French Polynesia, the kid is a baller. Corn will be a force for Miami this fall on special teams and will impact games for us. He's the goods and will turn out to be the steal of this recruiting class.

Good post. The thing that stands out about Elder is his competitive greatness. Everybody who talks about him can't say enough about his make-up and character.

He appears to have Duke-like intangibles, to go along with Duke-like feet.

I'm driving the bus!!!! A Murfreesboro kid finally playing at Miami. I'm **** sure driving that bus!!!!!!!


There is something to be said about winning 6 total state titles. Deangelo Money is right about the competitive greatness. Ensworth had no business winning the state title basketball game this year, Corn willed them to it.


Yeah, as a whole Tennessee talent isn't on par with football factory states, but IMO Ensworth could probably play against anybody. I'm not expecting Corn to be a RB, he'll be a swiss army knife. Dexter McCluster is a good comparison. He'll do a little bit of everything. With Crawford coming on, I'm expecting him to shirt. If he does get burn it will probably be in the return game. He could probably use a shirt to put on some weight. He'll put the work in and have a good attitude, that isn't a worry.


As far as football vs basketball goes, I'm not sure he could just step into Larkin's shoes. I think his football game is more advanced than his basketball game right now.


He'll be at the spring game tomorrow.

 

[gcane44]

Am I the only one who is intrigued by the idea of giving Elder a try at CB?

 

[DeadPoets]

Am I the only one who is intrigued by the idea of giving Elder a try at CB?

RB or PG

 

[UMFarArcher]

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.

That's the kind I want. That's the kind of player that will burn opponents with mediocre talent (and I'm certainly not saying he has mediocre talent), whereas much more talented players that don't burn with desire to win fall flat on their asses by comparison.

I didn't play football. I was in SF and while I like skills and talents, give me a meanass who hates to lose - seven days a week. I do note that those with excellent basketball skills seem to bring a whole new game to football - quick footwork, excellent hand-eye coordination, extensive peripheral vision, good hands, and longer bursts from good stamina.

This - THIS is the kinds of discussions I have been so looking forward to! In many teams across the US, Corn would be a highly anticipated player. But not here. Here, we're jousting with windmills - arguing merit without seeing his stuff. I hope he shocks the **** out of college football, and becomes a highly touted player.

Regardless of his talent, IDEALLY, if possible, it would be to his benefit if he redshirts. But then, if he can earn a spot, then turn the dog loose and cry, HAVOC!

 

[TheMatador]

I said this when he committed: This generation's Leonard Conley.

Loved Conley, not sure how many remember him on the board. He was lil and electrifying.

I had a Leonard Conley jersey when I was a kid. #28...loved him.

I liked Conley, but didn't love him. He was too small.

I prefer bigger backs that still have some wiggle. Just my preference.

 

[TheMatador]

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.

That's the kind I want. That's the kind of player that will burn opponents with mediocre talent (and I'm certainly not saying he has mediocre talent), whereas much more talented players that don't burn with desire to win fall flat on their asses by comparison.

I didn't play football. I was in SF and while I like skills and talents, give me a meanass who hates to lose - seven days a week. I do note that those with excellent basketball skills seem to bring a whole new game to football - quick footwork, excellent hand-eye coordination, extensive peripheral vision, good hands, and longer bursts from good stamina.

This - THIS is the kinds of discussions I have been so looking forward to! In many teams across the US, Corn would be a highly anticipated player. But not here. Here, we're jousting with windmills - arguing merit without seeing his stuff. I hope he shocks the **** out of college football, and becomes a highly touted player.

Regardless of his talent, IDEALLY, if possible, it would be to his benefit if he redshirts. But then, if he can earn a spot, then turn the dog loose and cry, HAVOC!

You're right about basketball skills. When Jimmy Johnson scouted Greg Mark, he saw him at a high school basketball game. Out come 4 black guys and a white guy. When the white guy, Greg Mark, jumped center, Johnson knew the kid was an athlete. Mike Irvin won dunking contests. Lamar Thomas was a basketball player.

 

[gcane44]

Am I the only one who is intrigued by the idea of giving Elder a try at CB?

RB or PG

It's a combination of things that leads me to kind of want him to get a try at CB first.

1.) there will 2 sophomores ahead of him that fill the same role as him when he arrives in the fall (Duke and Crawford). Yes, he can RS and get separation from them.

2.) He seems to have a rather slight frame. I think Corn has the frame that people who were worried about Duke's size thought Duke had. I knew Duke was going to fill out and be a solid-sized every down back because of his broad shoulders and how he was built. Corn may actually be a little longer (taller) than Duke - not sure - but he seems to have a more wiry, slighter frame. That is not conducive to ever being more than a change-of-pace back, and I think his talent can be more fully utilized elsewhere (regardless he should definitely get a shot in the return game).

3.) He has really nice vision and RB skills, but he seems to just be a football player, a winner, and an athlete. IMO he is a great RB because that is the position he was playing, but he seems like the type of kid that would work to excel at whatever position he is put at that realistically suits his athletic ability. I think DB (mainly CB) can be that position, especially at the college level. I think he has the athleticism to stick WRs and that little bit of special to be a playmaker back there.

Maybe I'm getting a little influenced by the football/basketball thing, but in his tape, how he plays and how his frame/athleticism looks, he almost reminds me of Allen Iverson in his HS football tape.

Just some thoughts to further the convo. Happy to have Corn, I think he is a real nice athlete with some special intangibles, and so long as he keeps playing football, he will make an impact for us.