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The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 04:37:03 PM

Title: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 04:37:03 PM

I was thinking this over, and for Florida, the very fastest guys rarely did  much.
We had a running back named Bo Carroll, who was reported to be special-fast, and aside from a KR for TD vs LSU, he didn't do much.
Another guy, a WR named John Capel was a sprinter and all that, and was super-fast, but didn't do anything.
RB Jeff Demps was probably the most productive super-fast guy, and he played with another one - Chris Rainey.  The 2 pygmies lined up next to Tebow.


I remember Tennessee had a guy - Leonard Scott, I think it was - who had the super-fast reputation, but didn't do much.



Does every program have these guys?  If so, who were they?

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Kris60 on August 11, 2019, 08:12:01 PM

James Jett (How great is that name for a fast guy?).  Won a gold medal at the ‘92 Olympics as a member of the 4x100 relay team.  Ran the prelim races and then gave way to a guy named Carl Lewis in the finals.

What’s frustrating is he played 4 years here but really didn’t do much.  Had 11 total TD receptions.  Didn’t have great hands and also wasn’t used all that well.  Hardly had any reverses or end arounds or any called screens for him.  Returned kicks but never took one to the house and didn’t have much impact.

The Raiders of course drafted him because Davis loved the fast guys.  I’m thinking he’ll never play a down in a real game.  Ends up playing 9 years and being a pretty damn serviceable NFL WR.  Ended his career with over 4400 receiving yards and 30 TD catches.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2019, 09:48:12 PM

Fabian Washington clocked in with a 4.29 40-yard dash in the NFL combine.  (Bullocks and Amukamara tie for second place with 4.38).

While he didn’t participate in the three-cone drill, his 3.91 shuttle run blows the competition out of the water (Helu’s 4.01 performance was the second-closest).


Washington was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft with the 23rd overall pick.

He stuck around with the Raiders for three seasons before signing on with the Baltimore Ravens for another three years from 2008-2010.

He would sign a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2011, but was placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury and was quickly released.

Over the course of his NFL career, Washington totaled 204 tackles (186 solo), defended 53 passes, picked off six and forced a fumble.

As a Husker, Washington was named a 2004 Second-Team All-Big 12 team member by the Austin American-Statesman and took received Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 honors from the Associated Press and coaches.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 09:54:56 PM

Marcus Dupree supposedly ran a 4.29 40.  He was pretty good.  Could have been the greatest ever if he had had an ounce of work-ethic in him.

Greg Pruitt also supposedly ran a 4.29.  He was more than pretty good.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2019, 10:05:50 PM

you may have 40YDO – 40-Yard Dash Obsession.

Gorscak is a Pittsburgh Steelers scout who oversees the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. And the fastest 40 recorded is 4.24 seconds by Tennessee Titans  running back Chris Johnson.

Those are facts.

But there are plenty of myths and unanswered questions surrounding that 40-yard stretch of grass (or artificial turf or track) that so intrigues fans, players and coaches.

In college football recruiting, fans obsess over high schoolers' 40 times, many of which are wildly and hilariously inaccurate. Factors such as surface, wind conditions and hand-held vs. electric timers can add or drop tenths of seconds.

Often, the times are just made up. Pulled out of thin air because it sounds cool.

Here’s the reality: When Ben Johnson ran his steroid-enhanced 9.79 100 at the 1988 Summer Olympics, that put his 40 time at 4.37 seconds. The race was run in perfect weather, on a track, with spikes, against the fastest runners in the world. In addition, Johnson was drugged up. So when a prep football player claims a 4.3 40 time, well, you can call “bull.”

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Anonymous Coward on August 11, 2019, 10:15:23 PM

I need MDot to answer for Michigan.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 10:15:28 PM

while in school, I had always heard that Keith Jones ran the fastest 40 while timed during Nebraska's power index drills.  

These were electronically timed, and they ran all of us camp attendees through the same drills, though I was there way after Jones.  If you want to know how crappy of an athlete you are, attend a helmet school summer football camp while you're in high school.  It's about as humbling as anything I have ever done.  (Also extremely helpful to me, I learned a lot and developed into an excellent long snapper, and really learned to run routes.  imagine that, route running at a Nebraska football camp during T.O.'s tenure)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2019, 10:20:02 PM

TO ran a few routes in the NFL back in the day

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 11, 2019, 10:21:42 PM

Quote from: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 10:15:28 PM

while in school, I had always heard that Keith Jones ran the fastest 40 while timed during Nebraska's power index drills. 

Q: What was your fastest clocking in the 40?

A: Back then Boyd Epley had the electronic time system, and my fastest on that was a 4.31. The kind of give-and-take to me at that time was always going back and forth with track. With football, I had to gain weight and put on muscle. Then with track I had to be lean and sleek. And at times I kind of felt like I never figured it out. Then my senior year, I think it was, Coach Osborne came to me and told me, “Your track career is over.”

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:26:16 PM

I was sort of talking outside the "football player who runs a fast 40" guys....track guys who happened to play football.  Guys with fast 100m times, things like that.  
Football players with good 40 times are often productive players.  Track guys who play football usually aren't.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:28:19 PM

Quote from: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 09:54:56 PM

Marcus Dupree supposedly ran a 4.29 40.  He was pretty good.  Could have been the greatest ever if he had had an ounce of work-ethic in him.

Greg Pruitt also supposedly ran a 4.29.  He was more than pretty good.

Pruitt had 3,000 career yards and 36 TDs.
Who played for OU that had 300 yds and 3 TDs who could beat him in a 100m dash?

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 10:53:02 PM

Quote from: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:28:19 PM

Pruitt had 3,000 career yards and 36 TDs.
Who played for OU that had 300 yds and 3 TDs who could beat him in a 100m dash?

I don't know.  I don't know how many football players ever run the hundred.  Marcus Dupree did at least once, in a race with one of his teammates, which he won.
Pruitt had a teammate named Everett Marshall who was supposed to be as fast or faster.  As a junior, he played HB in 1970 (Pruitt's sophomore year), while Pruitt was a WR.  In 1971, Pruitt played HB and Marshall was no longer on the team (for reasons I do not know).

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 10:55:40 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 11, 2019, 10:05:50 PM

. . .

Here’s the reality: When Ben Johnson ran his steroid-enhanced 9.79 100 at the 1988 Summer Olympics, that put his 40 time at 4.37 seconds. The race was run in perfect weather, on a track, with spikes, against the fastest runners in the world. In addition, Johnson was drugged up. So when a prep football player claims a 4.3 40 time, well, you can call “bull.”

But someone could be faster than Ben Johnson in the 40 and still not be able to beat him in the 100 meters.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 10:55:44 PM

Quote from: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:26:16 PM

I was sort of talking outside the "football player who runs a fast 40" guys....track guys who happened to play football.  Guys with fast 100m times, things like that. 
Football players with good 40 times are often productive players.  Track guys who play football usually aren't.

Yeah, I know what you're getting at, I just think the fastest clocked 40 while at Nebraska was also a pretty dad gum good IBack (Keith Jones).

Leslie Dennis absolutely fit your bill though.   He ran a 10.4 in high school (Bradenton, FL, same HS as Frazier and Tyrone Williams), and defeated Tamarick Vanover, a future FSU speedster, played CB at about 165lbs, and probably hit as hard as a hot dog wrapper on windy day.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:57:46 PM

Quote from: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 10:53:02 PM

I don't know.  I don't know how many football players ever run the hundred.  Marcus Dupree did at least once, in a race with one of his teammates, which he won.

Thanks.


This reminds me of something about Rainey at Florida.  Demps had better track times, and Harvin was on the same team as them, but word was that Rainey never lost a race vs teammates.  So it was sort of conflicting things, but still neat.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 11, 2019, 10:59:27 PM

Quote from: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 10:55:44 PM

Yeah, I know what you're getting at, I just think the fastest clocked 40 while at Nebraska was also a pretty dad gum good IBack (Keith Jones).

Leslie Dennis absolutely fit your bill though.  He ran a 10.4 in high school (Bradenton, FL, same HS as Frazier and Tyrone Williams), and defeated Tamarick Vanover, a future FSU speedster, played CB at about 165lbs, and probably hit as hard as a hot dog wrapper on windy day.

Thanks.


Vanover was a guy who I assumed would have a big yards-per-catch average when I started researching teams, but he didn't.  At all.  It was low.  He was most useful as a return man, as have most of the more track/new football players are.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 11:00:11 PM

Quote from: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 10:55:40 PM

But someone could be faster than Ben Johnson in the 40 and still not be able to beat him in the 100 meters.

at the risk of taking this interesting post OT,  let's not forget the top 100 guys are really the top 100 guys because they decelerate at a lesser rate than other sprinters, i.e. its a 100m dash time not a 40 yard time.    Just like nobody has a rising fastball, it simply doesn't drop at the same rate as an ordinary fastball.  Or a Top Fuel dragster sucks on a one mile ovals compared to an Indy Car, but not in the 1/4.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 11, 2019, 11:56:37 PM

Quote from: MarqHusker on August 11, 2019, 11:00:11 PM

at the risk of taking this interesting post OT,  let's not forget the top 100 guys are really the top 100 guys because they decelerate at a lesser rate than other sprinters, i.e. its a 100m dash time not a 40 yard time.    Just like nobody has a rising fastball, it simply doesn't drop at the same rate as an ordinary fastball.  Or a Top Fuel dragster sucks on a one mile ovals compared to an Indy Car, but not in the 1/4.

Hmmm.  I'm not a track guy, and I've never run a hundred meters for time.  To the extent I ran track events in H.S. gym class, the old 880 was my best event.

But I was assuming that Ben Johnson would be accelerating even at the end of the race, as opposed to decelerating less than his competitors.

So I learned something here.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: ELA on August 12, 2019, 12:02:02 AM

Carl Grimes was arguably the states top sprinter as a HS senior.  Won a couple state titles individually, anchored a pair of state title relays.  He was a decent football prospect too, I think he chose MSU over VT.  And this was back in 2003ish, when VT was a perennial top 10 program, and MSU was garbage.

He seemed like a perfect slot threat for JLS' system, but he was just so small.  Everyone figured if Agim Shabaj could thrive in that offense, imagine what an athlete like Grimes could do.  But he never stuck.  I think he would up transferring to Grand Valley State.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MarqHusker on August 12, 2019, 12:23:43 AM

from some fairly reputable sprinters...

When you watch a 100-meter race, you might think that a sprinter pulling away near the end is gaining speed on everyone. That is not the case. Everyone slows down by 70 meters, if not earlier. Boldon says the belief that some are able to get faster at this stage is a myth, or at least an illusion caused by seeing someone pulling ahead.

"Everybody in that last 35 to 40 meters is decelerating," Boldon says. "If you see somebody pull away, it's because they are decelerating less than the others. But everybody, no matter who they are, as long as you are a human, you are decelerating in that last third of the 100."

It isn't that dramatic a drop -- Boldon says the best will slow down by maybe 2 mph - but it is enough to make the difference.

"At 70 meters, you've got to maintain and keep those knees up," says Bromell. "People tend to get to 70 and think, 'Oh, I'm going to kick it into another gear,' but that doesn't happen. You actually end up pressing and slow down even faster."


I think even Usain Bolt's peak speed has come in that 70-80 meter interval, 26 or 27 mph or whatever.    30-60m is generally the top of the bell for those guys.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 12, 2019, 06:25:49 AM

https://www.freelapusa.com/how-fast-can-usain-bolt-run-the-40-yard-dash/ (https://www.freelapusa.com/how-fast-can-usain-bolt-run-the-40-yard-dash/)

(https://i.imgur.com/R5ApFbT.png)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 12, 2019, 07:14:26 AM

https://www.gridironstuds.com/blog/the-fastest-40-yard-dash-ever/comment-page-4/ (https://www.gridironstuds.com/blog/the-fastest-40-yard-dash-ever/comment-page-4/)

I don't know how reliable these figures are, but he has Champ Bailey as fastest for UGA.  Champ did pretty well.

Herschel claimed to be running 4.35s at age 48, and then 53, you can take that with a grain..

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/488469-herschel-walker-still-an-amazing-athlete-at-age-50 (https://bleacherreport.com/articles/488469-herschel-walker-still-an-amazing-athlete-at-age-50)

https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/herschel-walker-can-still-play-nfl-53-years-old-fighting-mma-george-foreman-dallas-cowboys-061915 (https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/herschel-walker-can-still-play-nfl-53-years-old-fighting-mma-george-foreman-dallas-cowboys-061915)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MaximumSam on August 12, 2019, 08:06:17 AM

Ted Ginn was the fastest looking guy I remember for OSU

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Temp430 on August 12, 2019, 08:10:05 AM

Steve Breaston sure looked fast on TV returning punts.  Had another gear as they say.  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 12, 2019, 09:02:55 AM

fastest guy I remember watching at Michigan was probably Desmond Howard or Ty Wheatley. Anthony Carter was a little bit before my time. Desmond was not only shifty and elusive but he also had a great top gear to blow by people. In terms of pure straight line speed though, I think that might go to Wheatley. And oh yeah, the guy was 6ft and change and 235 pounds and was running in the 4.2's or 4.3's legitimately. He held the state HS record for the 100m dash for like 30 years before it was broken. He was a freak.

Michigan has had plenty of fast guys do next to nothing though. There's a huge difference between 40 yard dash speed and football speed.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: bayareabadger on August 12, 2019, 09:04:21 AM

Michael Bennett. Handtimed 40 was either 4.13 or 4.28. 4.38 at combine at 200-plus pounds. 

In track, had 6.67 60, 10 second 100 wind aided. 

Also had one of the forgotten great UW running seasons along with James White as a senior and maybe Ball as a senior or Brian Calhoun or 1993 Bent Moss. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 11:26:12 AM

Fryar the Flyer was known as one of the fastest Huskers ever.  There was rumor that he ran sub 4.3, probably hand timed back then.

It was said that Walk-on fullback Mark Schellen was the only teammate to ever beat him in a sprint.

Fryer had great top end speed on the field.  No thought of gaining on him.

I found this..........

Nebraska's recruiting prowess in the Tom Osborne coaching era was never more evident than in the early 1980s, when the Huskers snagged wingback Irving Fryar and I-back Mike Rozier from New Jersey.

Fryar was the main receiving threat — catching passes from Texan Turner Gill — with the "Triplets" offense that dominated the Big Eight. And, boy, did Fryar deliver. So much so that he was a No. 1 overall pick in the 1984 NFL draft.

Perhaps the most explosive Husker since Johnny Rodgers, Fryar’s senior year averages in 1983 were eye-popping. The consensus All-American averaged 19.5 yards on 40 catches, with eight touchdowns. He rushed 23 times for 318 yards — 13.8 per carry — and two TDs.

The "Flyer," who ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, led the conference in punt returns as a sophomore and junior.

Fryar joined fullback Sam Francis (Philadelphia, 1937) as the only former Huskers to be overall No. 1 NFL draft choices when New England selected him in 1984. Fryar played for the Patriots, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington in a 17-year career. He made the Pro Bowl five times, and he caught a touchdown pass from Steve Grogan in the Patriots' Super Bowl loss to the 1985 Chicago Bears.

Somewhat lost are Fryar's impressive career statistics — 12,785 receiving yards (17th all-time in the NFL through 2014), 851 catches and 84 touchdowns.



Read more: https://dataomaha.com/huskers/player/3596/irving-fryar#ixzz5wOucSlWB

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 11:27:51 AM

This Dolphin article reports a better 40 time for the Flyer

As a rookie, Fryar only caught 11 passes, but with his 4.23 40-yard speed, the Patriots found a way to get the ball in his hands. He specialized as a punt return man, taking back 36 punts for 347 yards. His 9.6 yard average return was good for seventh best in the NFL.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on August 12, 2019, 12:32:09 PM

Quote from: MaximumSam on August 12, 2019, 08:06:17 AM

Ted Ginn was the fastest looking guy I remember for OSU

Ginn's track times were good but it was his football speed that really impressed me.  Watching him on the field he was just a LOT faster than everybody around him.  The plays that stick out most to me are his TD right before halftime against Texas in '06 and the punt return against Michigan in '04.  In both cases it was just amazing to watch him pull away from his pursuers.  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 12:48:58 PM

the guy I remember having and amazing top gear was Eric Dickerson from SMU, one half of the Pony Express

the way he pulled away from DBs in the NFL and made many take bad angles was crazy

(https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/fan/image?url=https://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/09/79708343.jpeg&c=sc&w=850&h=560)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 12, 2019, 12:52:47 PM

Quote from: medinabuckeye1 on August 12, 2019, 12:32:09 PM

Ginn's track times were good but it was his football speed that really impressed me.  Watching him on the field he was just a LOT faster than everybody around him.  The plays that stick out most to me are his TD right before halftime against Texas in '06 and the punt return against Michigan in '04.  In both cases it was just amazing to watch him pull away from his pursuers. 

Ginn is definitely one of the fastest CFB players I've ever seen. What about his kick return on the opening play of the Florida-OSU national title game? Joey Galloway was an extremely fast Buckeye as well. Have to think it's between those two guys for fastest Buckeye.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: medinabuckeye1 on August 12, 2019, 01:01:38 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 12, 2019, 12:52:47 PM

Ginn is definitely one of the fastest CFB players I've ever seen. What about his kick return on the opening play of the Florida-OSU national title game? Joey Galloway was an extremely fast Buckeye as well. Have to think it's between those two guys for fastest Buckeye.

The play that I most remember for Joey Galloway was against Notre Dame.  They had a DB who was supposed to be the fastest guy in all of CFB.  Galloway got behind him, caught a pass, and pulled away all the way to the end zone.  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 12, 2019, 01:06:40 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 12:48:58 PM

the guy I remember having and amazing top gear was Eric Dickerson from SMU, one half of the Pony Express

the way he pulled away from DBs in the NFL and made many take bad angles was crazy

(https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/fan/image?url=https://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/09/79708343.jpeg&c=sc&w=850&h=560)

Eric Dickerson was absolutely phenomenal. He gets forgotten far too often in the greatest RB ever discussion. He is right up there with Barry, Walter, and Jim Brown in that all-time greatest discussion imo.

His first 7 years in the NFL were better than any RB in history first 7 years. It's not close imo.

1,808 yards & 18 TD's - full 16 games
2,105 yards & 14 TD's - full 16 games
1,234 yards & 12 TD's - he held out for a bigger contract and missed 3 games
1,821 yards & 11 TD's - full 16 games
1,288 yards & 6 TD's  - only 12 game season that year due to NFL player strike
1,659 yards & 14 TD's - full 16 games
1,311 yards & 7 TD's - missed 2 games with injury

11,226 rushing yards and 82 rushing TD's in only 7 seasons. One of which was a strike shortened season, another in which he missed 2 games with injury, and another in which he held out for a bigger contract. Pretty damn impressive.

Forcing a trade to the awful Colts and injuries started to derail his career. As brilliant as his first 7 years were, his last 4 was just a cliff dive. He went from being the most productive back in NFL history to one of the least productive.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Kris60 on August 12, 2019, 07:53:54 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 12:48:58 PM

the guy I remember having and amazing top gear was Eric Dickerson from SMU, one half of the Pony Express

the way he pulled away from DBs in the NFL and made many take bad angles was crazy

(https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/fan/image?url=https://fansided.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/09/79708343.jpeg&c=sc&w=850&h=560)

The guy I remember catching him is still the fastest player I’ve probably ever seen on a football field. Darrell Green.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a9Hy5NJyqYg

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 07:58:37 PM

Quote from: Kris60 on August 12, 2019, 07:53:54 PM

The guy I remember catching him is still the fastest player I’ve probably ever seen on a football field. Darrell Green.

absolutely


Green was the fastest

"Prime Time" and "Neon Deion" didn't like it, but it is the truth

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 12, 2019, 08:06:31 PM

To understand Bolt's dominance, you have to throw out distance and think number of strides.  He can plateau or decelerate the exact same as the next-best guy, but he's so much taller/longer than the others, that he's still ahead.



Bolt is what you'd get in football if the 5* guy with all the physical desirables worked as hard as the 3* All-American...he remains better, the gap cannot be closed.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 07:06:13 AM

I think a 17 year old can still mature physically, of course, so a 3 star guy might be able to catch up because of that if the 5 star guy is already peaked.

There also is an intelligence factor key for many positions which I think can be undervalued.

I also wonder how they evaluate a player in a smaller school who perhaps doesn't do all these camps, he just plays football in football season and then baseball and basketball.  He may physically be dominant at the small school level but you don't know how that will translate when playing against athletes of his size and speed etc.

Herschel was like this, played Class C ball, I know this was 1979.  Apparently when he got to UGA Dooley confided he might just be a "big stiff fullback".  He didn't look good in practice.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 08:19:31 AM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 12, 2019, 07:58:37 PM

absolutely


Green was the fastest

"Prime Time" and "Neon Deion" didn't like it, but it is the truth

yup. Darrell Green hawked down more fast dudes than any defensive player I can ever remember. He's definitely the fastest dude I've ever seen on a football field.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: fezzador on August 13, 2019, 08:59:07 AM

I'm not sure what was more impressive about Darrell Greene - his speed, or his longevity.  He was still crazy-fast in his late 30s/early 40s.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 09:07:42 AM

I wonder if the fastest CFB player was in reality some 160 pound guy who never saw the field somewhere.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 09:10:36 AM

if he had cover skilz he would have been a corner somewhere at 160, even if he was 5'7"

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: fezzador on August 13, 2019, 11:17:00 AM

Bob Sanders was a damn good 5'7" corner, even though he didn't have elite speed.  He was built like a small linebacker at 195+ and hit like one too.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 11:35:06 AM

As noted before, some players have "track speed" but not "field speed", in pads and cleats, and they might not be as mobile as others.

Terry Hoage was slow as molasses but played a pretty solid safety in his day.+

https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/sports/column-ex-bulldog-hoage-a-man-of-many-interests/article_82b4b698-e325-55ac-b18f-78bbe9233a6a.html (https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/sports/column-ex-bulldog-hoage-a-man-of-many-interests/article_82b4b698-e325-55ac-b18f-78bbe9233a6a.html)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 11:43:24 AM

Quote from: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 11:35:06 AM

As noted before, some players have "track speed" but not "field speed", in pads and cleats, and they might not be as mobile as others.

Terry Hoage was slow as molasses but played a pretty solid safety in his day.+

https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/sports/column-ex-bulldog-hoage-a-man-of-many-interests/article_82b4b698-e325-55ac-b18f-78bbe9233a6a.html (https://www.valdostadailytimes.com/sports/column-ex-bulldog-hoage-a-man-of-many-interests/article_82b4b698-e325-55ac-b18f-78bbe9233a6a.html)

Jerry Rice is the ultimate example of this. Rice ran a 4.59 at the NFL combine according to Bill Walsh himself. While that's not a terrible 40 time for a WR, it's not exactly a great time either. Jerry Rice rarely if ever got caught from behind in the open field and he was pretty much always open deep. Rice is the greatest receiver to ever play the game by a wide margin. And he didn't have that 4.2/4.3 speed. He just played faster than everyone else.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 11:45:33 AM

I see A. J. Green ran a 4.50 40.

Maybe some other things are also important.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Drew4UTk on August 13, 2019, 11:55:30 AM

Tad Golden I think the kids name was, for UT, was special fast as 'fro calls it.  He didnt accomplish much. 

The fastest guy right now I know of is Schwartz from auburn.. He is in the 10 second class 100m running it faster than anyone alive a couple years ago at 10.06 I think it was, but its his game speed that impresses me... He can juke amd live and when he sees an opening he is g.o.n.e.   

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: 847badgerfan on August 13, 2019, 12:49:03 PM

Willie Gault was fast.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Kris60 on August 13, 2019, 01:47:27 PM

I’ve always wondered at the combine why they didn’t make the guys do all the drills in full pads.  Maybe it’s time consuming, maybe it’s inconvenient, but whatever.  I’d still make them do it.  And I’d make all skill position guys run the 40 carrying a football as well.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: MrNubbz on August 13, 2019, 01:57:19 PM

Quote from: 847badgerfan on August 13, 2019, 12:49:03 PM

Willie Gault was fast.

Yup,Cliff Branch,Bob Hayes come to mind

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 03:27:22 PM

just check the Raiders roster for flops of speed guys

decades of rosters

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 13, 2019, 03:49:34 PM

40y or 100m times are just snapshots. And really, they measure two very different things.

If you look at Usain Bolt's 100m chart upthread, you notice that he spends the entire first 40 yards accelerating, and right at 35-40 yards, his speed plateaus. The rest of it he's maintaining his top speed.

So a 40 yard dash only really measures your ability to accelerate. The 100m can show your top speed. If you're fast in the 40 but with a lower top speed, you'll lose the 100m but might have great football speed. If you have a slower 40 but higher top speed, you might have more of a fluid running style and won't get caught from behind. 

And neither of these have any bearing on your ability to change direction laterally (and with balance), which for a football player is usually much more important than straight-line speed. 

I think we spend way too much time as fans obsessing about track times. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 04:35:34 PM

Boyd Epley was only concerned about 10 yd dash times regarding straight line speed or acceleration 

He measured that vs the weight of the player, worked out well for 160lb corners and 300lb DTs.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 04:43:16 PM

Is Jerry Rice the slowest truly great skill position player other than QB?

I saw him interviewed for a while, really intelligent guy.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 04:45:56 PM

Emmitt Smith ran a 4.52 and some around here think he was truly great

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 04:46:50 PM

Quote from: bwarbiany on August 13, 2019, 03:49:34 PM

40y or 100m times are just snapshots. And really, they measure two very different things.

If you look at Usain Bolt's 100m chart upthread, you notice that he spends the entire first 40 yards accelerating, and right at 35-40 yards, his speed plateaus. The rest of it he's maintaining his top speed.

So a 40 yard dash only really measures your ability to accelerate. The 100m can show your top speed. If you're fast in the 40 but with a lower top speed, you'll lose the 100m but might have great football speed. If you have a slower 40 but higher top speed, you might have more of a fluid running style and won't get caught from behind.

And neither of these have any bearing on your ability to change direction laterally (and with balance), which for a football player is usually much more important than straight-line speed.

I think we spend way too much time as fans obsessing about track times.

great post.

Barry Sanders was probably no better than a 4.4 in a straight line. He was definitely fast in a straight line. But nowhere near the fastest guy in a straight line. Deion or Bo or Randy Moss or Darrell Green were a good deal faster than Barry in a straight line.

It was Barry's ability to stop and start and change directions and then accelerate almost instantly to full speed while changing direction that was completely unparalled in the history of the sport. Barry Sanders was A LOT harder to stop when the football was in his hands than any of these guys who were faster than him in a straight line. As exciting as Deion was with the ball in his hands- he never came close to Barry. Barry to this day is the most exciting athlete I've ever seen play sports. I'd rather watch him run the ball than any other athlete in any sport do anything. To this day I have never seen anyone do the remarkable so often and just make it look ordinary. What a treat it was to watch that man run the football.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: rolltidefan on August 13, 2019, 04:50:46 PM

current wr henry ruggs has to be up there for bama. has a 4.25 40 at bama's pro day, which i'm sure was hand timed. but that's still blazing.

wr white was pretty fast.

julio ran 4.39 at combine, and for a 6'3" 220lb guy, that's moving.

there might be some other wr from mid 90's i'm not remembering, but i don't remember any big time burners. palmer and milons were more quick lateral movement guys, not great straight line speed.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 04:55:00 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 04:46:50 PM

great post.

Barry Sanders was probably no better than a 4.4 in a straight line. He was definitely fast in a straight line. But nowhere near the fastest guy in a straight line. Deion or Bo or Randy Moss or Darrell Green were a good deal faster than Barry in a straight line.

It was Barry's ability to stop and start and change directions and then accelerate almost instantly to full speed while changing direction that was completely unparalled in the history of the sport. 

10 yard dash

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 04:55:47 PM

Quote from: rolltidefan on August 13, 2019, 04:50:46 PM

julio ran 4.39 at combine, and for a 6'3" 220lb guy, that's moving.

Calvin Johnson might have been the fastest big guy
Megatron

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:04:24 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 04:55:47 PM

Calvin Johnson might have been the fastest big guy
Megatron

Calvin was 6'5"+ and 239 at the NFL combine and he ran a 4.35 in the 40. His vertical leap was like 44.5" as well.

Randy Moss was probably the fastest big guy. Randy was 6'4" and 205 ish. Maybe not quite as big as Calvin in terms of body mass. But Randy Moss was the fastest 6'4" guy I think I've ever seen. I don't know what his exact 40 time was. But he was just fast as shit. Randy is right up there with the fastest players ever period.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 05:06:22 PM

I agree about Barry Sanders.  Gale Sayers was fun to watch also, as well as OJ.  We don't seem to have running backs of their ilk any more.

I would watch MJ play in the NBA just to see what craziness he would pull of if they trailed late.  He was also dominant.  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: rolltidefan on August 13, 2019, 05:20:40 PM

moss ran 4.25 in 1998 combine. don't know if that was hand or laser.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:34:53 PM

Quote from: rolltidefan on August 13, 2019, 05:20:40 PM

moss ran 4.25 in 1998 combine. don't know if that was hand or laser.

Doesn't matter. My eyes tell me he was that fast. He just played at a different speed.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:35:43 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:04:24 PM

Calvin was 6'5"+ and 239 at the NFL combine and he ran a 4.35 in the 40. His vertical leap was like 44.5" as well.

Randy Moss was probably the fastest big guy. Randy was 6'4" and 205 ish. Maybe not quite as big as Calvin in terms of body mass. But Randy Moss was the fastest 6'4" guy I think I've ever seen. I don't know what his exact 40 time was. But he was just fast as shit. Randy is right up there with the fastest players ever period.

Randy may have had the best top speed

If he's even, he's leavin

even better than Dickerson

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:35:52 PM

Quote from: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 05:06:22 PM

I agree about Barry Sanders.  Gale Sayers was fun to watch also, as well as OJ.  We don't seem to have running backs of their ilk any more.

I would watch MJ play in the NBA just to see what craziness he would pull of if they trailed late.  He was also dominant. 

Gale Sayers and OJ were more graceful to watch imo. Barry was just jaw dropping insanity. He's the only guy who would continually make my jaw drop. The things that he could do, I've never seen anyone do.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:37:41 PM

Billy Sims was in the OJ and Sayers category

Sanders was in his own league

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:41:52 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:35:43 PM

Randy may have had the best top speed

If he's even, he's leavin

even better than Dickerson

Randy was basically a Deion Sanders with 4 inches. Every bit as fast as Deion, but at 6'4 instead of 6'.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:46:47 PM

the highlight tapes and the documentary clips where everything is slowed down and shown from different angles don't do Randy Moss justice. You need to watch the in-game footage. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxTnVAARhTA

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:51:27 PM

yup, Randy at 4.25, Deion at 4.27

could have been some great matchups when Randy came into the league in 98 and 99 when Deion was with the Cowboys and 2000 with the Redskins

I would guess Deion got "mossed"

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:52:34 PM

had to check.........  here's the 98 Viking/Cowgirl game

Randy Moss 51 yard pass from Randall Cunningham
Cris Carter 54 yard pass from Randall Cunningham
Randy Moss 56 yard pass from Randall Cunningham
Randy Moss 56 yard pass from Randall Cunningham

Not a great day for Prime Time

Perhaps Deion didn't play that day.  No mention of him in the tackle charts, although he wasn't big on tackling

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:54:24 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 05:51:27 PM

yup, Randy at 4.25, Deion at 4.27

could have been some great matchups when Randy came into the league in 98 and 99 when Deion was with the Cowboys and 2000 with the Redskins

I would guess Deion got "mossed"

Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson got MOSSED plenty of times in their careers, and they are two of the best CB's to ever play in the NFL. Deion wouldn't have fared any better than those guys imo.

6'4" > 6'

My guess is Randy was not only 4" taller than Deion, but Randy also had longer arms and bigger hands and a higher vertical leap than Deion. That all plays a factor as well. Deion might've been able to keep up with Randy stride for stride, but when that jump ball is in the air, Randy is going to come down with it more times than not.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 05:58:03 PM

Ok. This is insane. This is a 9 1/2 minute highlight tape from the NFL of all of Randy Moss' 40+ yard touchdown catches. How many WR's in the history of the NFL have that many 40+ yard touchdown catches? Jesus. 9 1/2 minutes worth of 40+ yard touchdown bombs. I love me some Jerry Rice, but man on second thought this Randy vs Jerry debate is a lot closer than people want to admit. Myself included. Jerry has the production and rings, but man Randy is the most electrifying, most gifted receiver I have ever seen. Randy also didn't get to play for the great Bill Walsh and with Steve Young and Joe Montana as his QB for 99% of his career like Rice did.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q7lGl_EfbE

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 13, 2019, 06:02:48 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 04:46:50 PM

great post.

Barry Sanders was probably no better than a 4.4 in a straight line. He was definitely fast in a straight line. But nowhere near the fastest guy in a straight line. Deion or Bo or Randy Moss or Darrell Green were a good deal faster than Barry in a straight line.

It was Barry's ability to stop and start and change directions and then accelerate almost instantly to full speed while changing direction that was completely unparalled in the history of the sport. Barry Sanders was A LOT harder to stop when the football was in his hands than any of these guys who were faster than him in a straight line. As exciting as Deion was with the ball in his hands- he never came close to Barry. Barry to this day is the most exciting athlete I've ever seen play sports. I'd rather watch him run the ball than any other athlete in any sport do anything. To this day I have never seen anyone do the remarkable so often and just make it look ordinary. What a treat it was to watch that man run the football.

Rondale Moore for Purdue has reportedly been clocked at a 4.33. But that's not remotely what makes him so exciting.

It's his Barry-like legs. Barry had gigantic legs. Rondale Moore does too. There's a video of him before his freshman season squatting 600#. Pretty good for a 5'9" 180# guy...

His ability to stop and start on a dime is ridiculous, and his strength to fight off tacklers is absurd for someone his size. And you can't get an angle on him, because his ability to change speed will make you miss.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7kC2doyYQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7kC2doyYQ)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 13, 2019, 06:18:17 PM

Since things went well for me in 98....  here's the 99 Viking/Cowgirl game


Randy Moss 4 yard pass from Jeff George

Randy Moss 47 yard pass from Jeff George


a better day for Prime Time
Deion did play that day.  6 tackles


The Vikings beat the Cowboys for the 3rd straight season in 2000, but Deion had jumped to the Skins.  Vikes didn't play the Skins in 2000.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 06:30:41 PM

Quote from: bwarbiany on August 13, 2019, 06:02:48 PM

Rondale Moore for Purdue has reportedly been clocked at a 4.33. But that's not remotely what makes him so exciting.

It's his Barry-like legs. Barry had gigantic legs. Rondale Moore does too. There's a video of him before his freshman season squatting 600#. Pretty good for a 5'9" 180# guy...

His ability to stop and start on a dime is ridiculous, and his strength to fight off tacklers is absurd for someone his size. And you can't get an angle on him, because his ability to change speed will make you miss.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7kC2doyYQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E7kC2doyYQ)

he's a special player. no doubt about it. perfect fit for that scheme.

I think DPJ is probably a more talented receiver physically, 6'2+, 208+ vs 5'9ish, 180ish, but Moore is the best receiver in the leauge.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on August 13, 2019, 06:59:01 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 06:30:41 PM

he's a special player. no doubt about it. perfect fit for that scheme.

I think DPJ is probably a more talented receiver physically, 6'2+, 208+ vs 5'9ish, 180ish, but Moore is the best receiver in the leauge.

I don't watch other teams enough to rate players. Obviously Moore has his limits. He's not going to go 1 on 1 with a DB for a jump ball. Heck, despite his speed he's not really a "stretch the field" guy. 

But I think he's the most electric player I've ever seen in a Purdue uniform. Dorien Bryant was pretty darn good. Kory Sheets was pretty darn good. Vinny Sutherland was FAST. They were all great players for Purdue.

But Rondale Moore does things that you just look at and ask "how did he do that?" And so many of those things are related to balance, agility, lower leg strength, making people miss, etc. Which is why I brought him up in relation to Barry Sanders. There are bits of watching him that remind me of what Sanders could do. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 13, 2019, 07:11:10 PM

a - I have 4.37 in my head for Barry Sanders' 40 time...don't ask where I got it from.  I don't recall.





b - Moss = Bolt
When the taller/longer guy has the coordination and agility of the shorter/smaller guy, he is simply better.  




c - I've heard stories of both Sanders and Emmitt having trouble finding pants that fit growing up, because their thighs were abnormally large for their waist size.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 07:12:48 PM

Emmitt had zero talent.  His only skill was gaining a lot of yards.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Kris60 on August 13, 2019, 08:17:11 PM

I went to high school the same time did Moss did in WV.  Our schools were less than an hour from each other but never played each other in football.  He did come to our school a couple of times for track meets.  He was just from another planet athletically.  In the 200 meter races he would intentionally loaf down the track the first 100 meters and be in last place and when he came around the curve he would smack his hip like a jockey whipping a horse and end up winning by 10+ meters.

I used to work with a guy who played against him in high school.  In fact, he was a CB who had to cover him and actually was a part of a Class AA state championship team (Moss played Class AAA) so they had some good players in their own right.  He said you couldn’t put enough guys on Moss to stop him.  He’d either find a way to beat the deepest safety waiting on him or if you somehow kept him in front of you they would just throw jump balls to him and he’d go up and get them while the mortals covering him helplessly flailed at his chest and shoulders.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 14, 2019, 09:43:22 PM

Moss' long TD vs Army on a WR screen makes him look like a cartoon or something.  The long, white socks and taped shoes do it, I think.  Also, he was skinny AF.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOYH6PPYaPI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOYH6PPYaPI)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: RestingB!tchFace on August 15, 2019, 03:45:35 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 13, 2019, 11:43:24 AM

Jerry Rice is the ultimate example of this. Rice ran a 4.59 at the NFL combine according to Bill Walsh himself. While that's not a terrible 40 time for a WR, it's not exactly a great time either. Jerry Rice rarely if ever got caught from behind in the open field and he was pretty much always open deep. Rice is the greatest receiver to ever play the game by a wide margin. And he didn't have that 4.2/4.3 speed. He just played faster than everyone else.

Wide margin is going a little too far.  Randy Moss certainly belongs in the discussion.

And fastest player for the Gophers?  I'd guess that honor would go to Jalen Myrick.  D back for the Gophers from a few years back.  Posted a 4.28 40 at the 2017 NFL Combine.  Fastest time ever by a Big Ten player at the combine.  Was drafted in the seventh round by Jacksonville, but didn't catch on.

I'm surprised that Maroney only ran a 4.47.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 15, 2019, 03:53:35 PM

Quote from: RestingB!tchFace on August 15, 2019, 03:45:35 PM

Wide margin is going a little too far.  Randy Moss certainly belongs in the discussion.

yeah, I think you're right. Jerry's stats are just absolutely insane. He's so far ahead of the #2 WR in every statistical category that it's a joke. He's also got 3 Super Bowl rings, and he put up huge numbers in all 3 of those games. He was a huge factor in why the 49ers won those Super Bowls.

Randy Moss was clearly the most talented WR that has ever played the game of football. He is also clearly the most electrifying WR that's ever played the game of football. I have been fighting with ths one. It is a lot harder to judge than I had previously stated.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 15, 2019, 04:42:01 PM

Moss wasn't always motivated

Rice was ALWAYS motivated

Rice had an offensive genius as his coordinator

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: rolltidefan on August 15, 2019, 05:35:15 PM

don hutson deserves a mention for greatest wr in nfl history. from sheer talent, probably not, but from his importance to the game and his dominance vs his peers, he definitely should. he's still top 10 in career rec tds. he literally created routes, and held 18 nfl records when he retired. he still owns 9 of those records. and that just tip of iceberg of his accolades.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: RestingB!tchFace on August 15, 2019, 05:54:41 PM

Quote from: Cincydawg on August 13, 2019, 07:12:48 PM

Emmitt had zero talent.  His only skill was gaining a lot of yards.

Smith benefited from playing behind one of the best offensive lines in NFL history.  But he's got the numbers.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 15, 2019, 05:59:54 PM

My sarcasm doesn't always translate into English.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: RestingB!tchFace on August 15, 2019, 06:05:20 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 15, 2019, 03:53:35 PM

yeah, I think you're right. Jerry's stats are just absolutely insane. He's so far ahead of the #2 WR in every statistical category that it's a joke. He's also got 3 Super Bowl rings, and he put up huge numbers in all 3 of those games. He was a huge factor in why the 49ers won those Super Bowls.

Randy Moss was clearly the most talented WR that has ever played the game of football. He is also clearly the most electrifying WR that's ever played the game of football. I have been fighting with ths one. It is a lot harder to judge than I had previously stated.

No question.  It's unlikely that anyone will ever touch his total yardage or touchdown records.  But he also played for 20 years.  14 seasons of 1,000 receiving yards.  Just insane.  If Larry Fitzgerald makes it to 20 years in the league, he might be able to break Rice's total reception record of 1,549.  Fitz has 1,303 so it's certainly a possibility.  But he's not putting up another 6,600 or so yards. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: RestingB!tchFace on August 15, 2019, 06:11:03 PM

Quote from: Cincydawg on August 15, 2019, 05:59:54 PM

My sarcasm doesn't always translate into English.

I didn't take your comment 100% seriously.  But it's a worth while note.  I do believe that Emmitt Smith is more highly regarded than he would have been on a different team.  Without that offensive line, I don't think he would have posted close to the numbers that he did.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 15, 2019, 06:47:05 PM

Barry Sanders was running behind patchwork lines as I recall.

I'm hopeful the Dawg OL can road grade the lesser teams and open up large holes for their RBs, who I think are pretty capable also.  There is a lot of rumor they will be passing more this year, at least against good teams.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 16, 2019, 12:04:23 AM

Quote from: Cincydawg on August 15, 2019, 06:47:05 PM

Barry Sanders was running behind patchwork lines as I recall.

I'm hopeful the Dawg OL can road grade the lesser teams and open up large holes for their RBs, who I think are pretty capable also.  There is a lot of rumor they will be passing more this year, at least against good teams.

Lomas Brown and Kevin Glover were excellent players. Detroit got rid of both of those guys a little early- which pissed Barry off and is honestly part of the reason he retired with more left in the tank. Word is he was livid when Glover was let go. 

Two guys don’t make an OL however. Rest of those OL players were mostly sorry as hell for the most part. And the QB situation was atrocious. Poor Barry. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 16, 2019, 12:07:03 AM

It's interesting how people draw "couldn't" from "didn't".  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 16, 2019, 12:08:10 AM

If you go by the stats, Jerry Rice is the best player in NFL history, and it'd be Rice or Gretzky for best overall pro athlete.  The separation between him and the #2 guy is the widest gap at any position, easily.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 16, 2019, 10:57:42 AM

Quote from: OrangeAfroMan on August 16, 2019, 12:08:10 AM

If you go by the stats, Jerry Rice is the best player in NFL history, and it'd be Rice or Gretzky for best overall pro athlete.  The separation between him and the #2 guy is the widest gap at any position, easily.

I could give him the title of best player ever that’s not a QB. I wouldn’t argue with someone if they wanted to say that. He’s got a great case. 

To me though the best player ever has to be a QB. Most important position in the entire game, has the most responsibility of any individual player and that one position decides whether you win or lose- especially now more than ever. 

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 16, 2019, 12:40:59 PM

most important and responsible obviously, but also not the most athletic

QBs for the most part take the snap and stand around before and after getting rid of the ball to a playmaker like Jerry Rice

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 16, 2019, 01:47:15 PM

Quote from: Mdot21 on August 16, 2019, 10:57:42 AM

I could give him the title of best player ever that’s not a QB. I wouldn’t argue with someone if they wanted to say that. He’s got a great case.

To me though the best player ever has to be a QB. Most important position in the entire game, has the most responsibility of any individual player and that one position decides whether you win or lose- especially now more than ever.

I think this is a little short-sighted and ignores the bulk of football history.  It is certainly true in the modern-day NFL, but that's it.  
Was the pulling guard any less important or hold any less responsibility for the run-heavy 70s teams?  In the QB-centric modern day, is the left tackle's burden any less than the guy he's protecting?

The truly best player of all time (of which we'll never be able to quantify accurately) is as likely to have been a defensive tackle or safety or tight end as a QB.  

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Hawkinole on August 17, 2019, 01:34:24 AM

My response to the subject. I would have guessed Tim Dwight, Tavian Banks, or Willie Guy.  This website says Bob Sanders who was a 2* recruit who became AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 had the fastest Hawkeye 40-yard dash.

https://saturdaytradition.com/big-ten-football/fastest-b1g-40-times/ (https://saturdaytradition.com/big-ten-football/fastest-b1g-40-times/)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 17, 2019, 09:42:17 AM

Willie Guy was fast

Dwight was quick and shifty

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Cincydawg on August 17, 2019, 09:57:49 AM

I am amazed at how slow I am today, truly.  I was never a burner of course, but when I played baseball I would steal second and rarely get thrown out.  The catchers of course were not that great.  Today a catcher could walk the ball to second and tag me out unassisted.

Anyway, this thread is not about me, though I'd like it to be.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 17, 2019, 10:01:24 AM

feel free to start a slowest thread

I'll be there with you

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 17, 2019, 11:02:56 AM

I didn't learn to run right until I was in my 50s.  I'm probably faster now than when I was 25.  For a very short distance.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: Mdot21 on August 17, 2019, 09:18:03 PM

Quote from: FearlessF on August 17, 2019, 10:01:24 AM

feel free to start a slowest thread

I'll be there with you

Slowest from Michigan? That's easy, Tom Brady.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 18, 2019, 09:10:04 AM

Quote from: CWSooner on August 17, 2019, 11:02:56 AM

I didn't learn to run right until I was in my 50s.  I'm probably faster now than when I was 25.  For a very short distance.

were ya going backwards??
maybe I'm not running properly

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 18, 2019, 12:57:57 PM

No.  Running straight up and down with my heels hitting the ground first.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: FearlessF on August 18, 2019, 10:49:09 PM

(https://media2.giphy.com/media/2bUpP71bbVnZ3x7lgQ/giphy.gif?cid=790b7611fcbe72b43a32f159bd5571376a6fabb7e65fd925&rid=giphy.gif)

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: CWSooner on August 18, 2019, 11:16:29 PM

But a lot slower.

Title: Re: Fastest player(s) in your program's history
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on August 18, 2019, 11:21:15 PM

Quote from: CWSooner on August 18, 2019, 12:57:57 PM

No.  Running straight up and down with my heels hitting the ground first.

True story:
I was probably 19 years old and my TV was acting up.  I didn't have any money, so I take it to get fixed.  I'm sitting there as the guy is working on it, and this is in Gainesville, and we start talking football.  This dude claims to have "helped Emmitt run correctly" - as he alleged that Smith was running on his heels and not on the balls of his feet.  The same Emmitt Smith that finished his HS career 2nd in career yards nationally...ever.  


I was very polite and acted impressed...I really wanted my TV to work.