In this segment, a reader asks about moving a tailback to linebacker.
Q: torpedoman said:
Based on AB’s inability to string together enough positives in the spring practice sessions to cement his being the feature RB, combined with a plethora of good athletes at the RB position and the potential to really have some great RBs developing quickly. Couple that with the severe lack of depth at LB, can you ever see where AB should (and should have been earlier) be playing LB fulltime? I believe that with his size and speed, that he will eventually be a LB in the NFL. I find it hard to see him as a RB in the pros.
A: I’ve always thought LB was his best spot but he never really wanted to play it. And with this team. I think he’s needed at tailback because USC needs a hard, solid back who can gain 4 yards a carry and be counted on his physical situations. That can then be offset by Dillon Baxter’s breakaway potential for a good 1-2 punch. But it will always be something to wonder about if he played his natural defensive position. It’s too late to switch him now, though.
Q: lbc trojan said:
Everyone says Taylor Mays was a sure 1st round top 10 pick had he left a season early. I disagree. He led the team in tackles his senior season, got 1 INT (with only like what, 4 career total?), and delivered a hard hit or two here and there.
His game did not drastically diminish nor did it improve. Don’t you think it’s not a matter of staying an extra year, rather people not breaking his game tape down sooner? I think had he left the year prior, scouts would’ve still found flaws that set him back. Especially seeing as he would’ve been leaving school EARLY. MAYBE late first round, but maybe not.
Do you agree?
A: I do agree. He played about as well as he could last season, so that did not diminish his stock. The NFL would have evaluated the same issues a year ago as they did this winter. They were more concerned about his football instincts than his workout times. I think what did hurt is he came back to play closer to the line of scrimmage and then Pete Carroll kept him 18 yards behind the line all season. So he never got a chance to show he could be a more physical presence. But to your general point, I agree. A year earlier made no difference.
I disagree about Mays. I agree he was overrated as a junior, but he never seemed the same his senior year after his injury. He also seemed to be a different player because of the new “Taylor Mays” rule about blowing up receivers.
Not to take away from TM, he is a killer and a beast on da field and do believe most teams passed on an exceptional player……. but he did have a great supporing cast in Cushing, Matthews, and Maualuga his junior year…….. the year after, Mays was so consumed with the eight man box responsibilities, it seemed like they were more apt to the deep routes and seams……….