I asked a fair question. Don't fault me for your insecurities.
Again I'll ask- what is the prevailing thought that Rico being a career bum based on?
If you can't support your position on why you think that other than to say "because that's what I think" then feel free not to reply. If you can let's hear it.
You asked an open-ended question of no-one. No insecurities here, but no time for annoying porsters, either.
look I told you I'm only interested in responses that support a position on Rico being destined to being a bum not your red herring attempt that aims to turn this discussion arguing semantics or a platform to antagonize posters you feel are annoying. You're good at that but keep it on the wez. This board is for football discussions.
Look I'll help you out.
My position on Rico is that it's to early to tell. He came in tall underweight lanky kid. At 6-5 even 230 in underweight. The last thing this DL needed last year was an underweight kid. If his reported weight of 250 is accurate, then this is the year where we should expect to see some signs. But even so, he can perform well in camp but still be buried in the depth chart ala Streeter or a Devon before they broke out. There is some talent with experience ahead of him so him not cracking the deep won't necessarily be an implication against Rico at least not for next year.
I guess the question is what would make someone think he'll suddenly become a contributor.
He came in a 'project' in the 'must transform himself physically' mold. That's a low probability endeavor to begin with. Plenty of kids who you project to be difference makers if they can only transform their body type don't end up getting there.
Since he's been here two seasons, he's shown zero reason to think he's on the path to transformation. Many people have reported him as looking not in great shape. He has not only not contributed on the field, he hasn't even been rumored to have looked good on the scout team.
In the mean time, we have brought in guys around him. Guys like AQM and Kamalu this year, McCord, Jelani Hamilton and Hoilett last year, Chickillo the same year as Williams. So it's not like there's a clear path for him to get his opportunities.
Finally, for my $0.02, in addition to the foregoing, he was a reach project. Quick first step was about what was said. But not strong, thin, and a body type that didn't look likely to fill out as a DE, in my view. And it sounds like he hasn't. I also haven't heard anyone say he's been the first guy to the weight room or the last guy to leave. I've heard mixed things about his work ethic, to be honest. And since he hasn't played, there's nothing to notice but what hasn't happened. 'The dog that didn't bark' is a legitimate inference to pause upon. Based on what I know of him as a prospect and body type, and what I've heard of his efforts and lack of impact on the practice field, and what I'd seen of him on the field (nothing), and the guys we've brought in around him, I don't expect him to become a meaningful contributor at UM. I don't like having to write that all out because the kid is a UM athlete, but you asked.