There was some news today when freshman tailback George Farmer said he wants to move back to his natural position of wide receiver. This could place Lane Kiffin in a sticky situation because he has raved about Farmer’s running ability.
“I would like to move back to wide receiver,” Farmer said.
Kiffin said he did not regret burning Farmer’s redshirt year with a maximum of five games for the first-year player.
“Not at all,” Kiffin said. “We saw what he could be. I don’t think five years from now he would be here anyway.”
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Two things… First is that Kiffin’s realism will definitely turn into support for his athletes that are ready to go to the NFL. No more repeats of Carroll’s awkwardness with Lofa and Sanchito. Second is that Kiffin has to find a unique use for Farmer, much as they found a unique use for Bush back in the day. He will be more exciting when they get him “in space”. It’s not so much about lining up at tailback or split end, although he will have to take regular reps at one position or the other to set up the plays where he can really shine.
Agreed, it’s not about what position he plays exactly, it’s using his abilities correctly. Oregon has used De’Anthony Thomas perfectly, that kind of role may be the right one for Farmer as well. Even in the few times he’s touched the ball, we’ve all seen how much talent and explosiveness he has. Amir Carlisle is the same way. Lots to look forward to with those guys.
Farmer is a big time WR, but he need to learn how to be versatile like Woods….
Wolfie give the burning his redshirt whine a rest. The stars won’t stay for four years nevermind five. Constantly bringing this point up makes your readers wonder just how out of touch you really are.
I don’t quite understand why everyone is so sure he would not play his senior year. Quite a few players have. Barkley may. What if he gets injured and loses a season. How can anyone say Farmer is a star, he hasn’t done anything yet. We have seen lots of “stars” over the years but only a few really fulfill potential. I don’t agree with the decision to take him out of redshirt, especially with the scholy shortage, but thats just my opinion. I am sure there are experts that disagree.
Steve49 asked: “What if he gets injured and loses a season?” He would then have his redshirt available and would not lose a year of eligibility. If a player redshirts in his freshman year, and gets badly injured in a subsequent year, he then has to apply to the NCAA to allow a medical hardship to get another year of eligibility. There is no guarantee that the NCAA will permit another year of eligibility.
I agree with Mayor McCheese…there is no reason to believe a 5-star like Farmer will be around for a 5th season. Play the best players. It is that simple.
steve49…….he might play his senior year, but not his redshirt senior year. The “scholy shortage” has nothing to do with it. There is no way he won’t be in the NFL in 2015.
You play a freshman because:
– He’ll be a starter or a major contributor.
or
– He’ll be gone to the NFL after his 3rd or 4th year.
I don’t blame him for wanting to return to his original position of WR. The NFL is a passing league now, and the WRs last longer and get more $ than the RBs. I recently heard a couple of NFL execs say that you can get good running backs late in the draft, or not drafted at all.
ianSC…DeAnthony Thomas would have been better off to be a CB like SC wanted. He’s way to small to have any impact as a RB in the NFL.
what Blame meant to say was “I don’t think five years from now I will be here anyway.”
Why does this idiot sped love to comment all things USC but never respond to anyone? What a pansy-ass geek.
This was a great conversation until fucla showed up. It must be a real bitch to be a fan of a lesser school and have to wrack your brain to come up with put downs. I’ll give him a “c” on that one, not bad, not all that good.
Riddle me this, Trogans. If he couldn’t win a spot as a WR, and he’s been all but invisible in games he has played, why do you think he’ll bolt to the NFL so quickly? Woods proved it from day 1. Lee proved it from day 1. The only thing Farmer has proven is that he’s no Woods or Lee.
Playing Farmer half way through the season and wasting his redshirt was dumb. He’s obviously adjusting to college ball and needed a year of seasoning.