Running Backs

Glad to see the East Coast media bias is alive and doing well…

Two updates form Shonn Greene’s pro day (29 teams in attendance), Shonn tipped the scales at a trim but rippling 225 lbs, lowered his 40 time to anywhere between 4.5 to 4.58 depending on the team clocking him. He also improved his 225 lb Bench Press reps to 23.

You should also remember Shonn’s 100 yd per game rushing streak was unstopped by two Nationally Ranked top 10 defenses late in the year who absolutely knew they had to stop Shonn Green to win…but couldn’t (PSU, Game Cocks). All with an O-Line that the NFL does not think owned a lineman that will go higher than the 5th or 6th round, maybe (Iowa’s best this year, Brugerman, Olsen).

Admittedly, I’m a huge Hawkeye fan, but I’m an ex-player and know the difference between 40 speed and Football speed (did you ever play Division I football?). Shonn is easily the best all around running back I’ve ever seen at Iowa. (Although, Timmy Dwight and then Ronnie Harmon were the most impressive all around Football players I’ve seen at Iowa, Shonn is a better true running back the Ronnie, Tavian Banks or Nick Bell).

With the 40 time objection neutralized I hope, the three remaining things that the East Coast media has transparently used to deflate Shonn’s value are :

1 Is he a one season wonder?
2 Can he catch the ball?
3 Does he have character issues?

Shonn’s per carry stats have always been the best on the team. But with sturdy and reliable Albert Young ahead of him, it seemed wise to Red Shirt. We shall see.

Regarding his receiving skills …Iowa’s Offense has never featured the I back as a pass receiver, but I can’t remember him dropping a pass. I’m sure if Ricky Stanzy would have thrown 3 passes his way against the Game Cocks his receiving skills would not be in question. It’s kinda sad that our offensive scheme probably cost him a 1st Round pick.

The attacks on Shonn’s character due to his Academic situation is the most ironic and most unkind cut of all. Can’t read a play book? In a league where every team has several players without College Degrees, (attended but did not complete or shine) and several teams with High School drop outs as well. I wonder if the 29 teams attending Shonn’s Pro Day had any serious questions in this regard after the Combine interviews.

What about the character and humility that it takes to admit you made a mistake and publicly apologize for letting your teammates and your school down and then, losing it all. But, rather than walk away (like the vast majority of kids in this situation) Shonn had the character it takes to recommit himself to returning to the team, take on any job he could to pay his own way while improving his grades.

This is a kid who has a tremendous work ethic, who highly values his family, clearly an outstanding competitor with a drive to succeed, who has not been in trouble with the Law, who takes responsibility for his mistakes, and in the face of adversity, recommits his efforts and overcomes! Again, how is he character risk?

Shonn Vs. your selections…

1. No argument against Knowshawn although Shonn’s one season stats are better and now his 40 time is faster too…
2. As far as Wells is concerned…against the same BIG 10 defenses, Green proved more durable and a better back (more TDs, Yards Per Game/Carrie, less fumbles). Even Ringer had a better season than Wells.
3. As far as McCoy is concerned, maybe slightly faster, not as big or strong. Greene proved more durable and a better back (more TDs, Yards Per Game/Carrie, less fumbles).Head to head last Fall, Shonn Greene looked like the better back.
4. Donald Brown maybe the only guy that I think is possibly hands down (season, career) a better college back. I don’t think he did it against the same competition week-in and week-out that Shonn did his single season, but Donald clearly has a better resume and overall body of work. Only question is will his size be able to take an NFL pounding…Hey may be my #1/#2 RB in the 2009 draft.
5/6 – Brown and Jennings. Dude, have you no shame? This is where your lack of real-life football experience shines through, way over emphasizing size and 40 times in your rankings (and succumbing most to your East Coast bias). How can you possibly compare either of these guys accomplishments (or lack there in) with Shonn let alone, rank them ahead of him. I’d put Ringer ahead of both of these jokers too.
The top 4 all have their plusses and minuses and in many ways, you could toss a blanket over all of the
My rank…
1 – Knowshawn (overall career and translatable NFL skills – but not that fast)
2 – Brown (overall college career)
3 – Greene (best RB in 2008 season and translatable NFL skills – power and evasiveness, toughness, vision, quickness, ball security and CHARACTER!)
4 – Wells (close 3rd, Faster than Shonn but maybe not as durable)
5 – McCoy (a close 4th)