Any news on Furman and MRob's progress? Been quiet with both
Just wondering if anyone had any news on Furman or MRob. They are intriguing to me personally due to their athleticism, but I can't find any information regarding how they are both progressing. Usually you hear something regarding how some of the new guys are doing e.g. "player x has been really picking it up and looks like he will be a future stud" or something like that. Maybe the overall play of the defense is drowning out some of the usual news that trickles out of the program.
Spoiler Alert: I am not looking for an answer of "they are not ready to play", just an update on progress since I really liked both additions to our last class. No need to draw knives...
October 15th, 2010 at 9:58 AM ^
Mrob was close to seeing the field as a back up to Kovacs but got hurt. All reports are pretty positive
Furman is a great athlete who needs to learn fundamentals on how to play football, he is hibernating working out and playing on the scout team for an unfurling in 2011.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
They are not ready to play and just developing...
Im only joking... Or am I?
October 15th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
Thinking about these human missles roaming around behind a seriously stout and talented 2011 d-line.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
I know it is generally assumed that Furman will play the spur position but I wonder if he will end up getting a shot at FS. He is roughly the same size as Cam Gordon but is suppose to be much faster. The HTTV preview states that in a 3-3-5 the free safety is suppose to be the best athlete on the defense and I remember this blog once referring to Furman as the Denard of defense.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:14 AM ^
But just because he can run fast doesn't mean he has great coverage ability. I can't wait to see him at spur. He's going to be running around, ripping heads off, and gone before people even know what's happened. Denard of the defense sounds about accurate, but he can be just as Denard-like blitzing and covering underneath as he can playing deep.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:03 AM ^
Is Cam gordon a better fit at fs than Furman?
If the choice comes down to Cam Gordon or a faster version of Cam Gordon, shouldn't we go with the faster version and move Gordon to sput or bandit? Unless you think someone else will play free safety next year.
October 15th, 2010 at 8:57 PM ^
"I know it is generally assumed that Furman will play the spur position"
Am I the only one who sees that people project 10 of our players to be the future spur? Not everyone can play the spur.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:13 AM ^
Am I the only one that cringes when I hear the name Spur and Bandit as defensive positions?
October 15th, 2010 at 10:26 AM ^
I think that they are awesome defensive positions, like Deathbacker. They just have a certain aura of total annihialation surrounding them, it's nice.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:22 AM ^
You are not alone, although we are probably in the minority.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:55 AM ^
Bo's defenses in the mid '70s had a position called Wolfman. Does that make you cringe?
October 15th, 2010 at 11:04 AM ^
fine Wolf backs from days of yore.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
In a traditional 4-3 when you play nickel you usually pull one of your LBs for a third corner but with our nickel package (which we run pretty much all the time since most teams play a lot of 3-wide now) we have a spur and a bandit. The spur and bandit are physically like traditional strong safeties, so with our nickel package we're actually gaining some size over a traditional 4-2-5 by having two SS on the field vs. one SS and an extra corner.
Did that help mitigate your cringe reflex?
October 15th, 2010 at 8:54 PM ^
I guess I just liked the term weakside, strongside, Mike, Strong Safety, Free Safety, I just get a warm feeling of 1997, now if we had something called Wolfman, I'm pretty sure our defense would be tops in the Big Ten
October 15th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
I don't have any good insider info on these two, but I can tell you this - if neither of them are starting next year, our D is still in serious trouble. I've got to think that at least one of them will be pushed to bulk up and become a force at LB for us.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:40 AM ^
Actually, if neither Furman or Robinson is starting next year that means our young guys like Mike Jones and Bell, Hawthorne and Demens have improved alot. So Fuman and Robinson not starting next year doesnt mean our defense will be bad again.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:45 AM ^
This is a defense predicated upon speed and athleticism. To see either of these guys in the starting lineup next year would obviously mean that we have vastly improved our speed/athleticism. However, that also means more underclassmen in the starting lineup, and I'm about ready to see that end. I'd like to see MRob replace Kovacs next year, but I wouldn't be freaking out if he didn't. And whomever wins the starting position at spur will have to beat 4/5 other athletic dudes, so I'll be excited about that position regardless.
October 15th, 2010 at 12:37 PM ^
At this point, this is a defense predicated upon having played college football for at least one year, and/or earning a collegiate scholarship to play said sport. Otherwise, I'm with you DG.
October 15th, 2010 at 4:22 PM ^
don't have any good insider info on these two, but I can tell you this - if neither of them are starting next year, our D is still in serious trouble.
If you don't have any good info on them, how can you make that statement? Do you not see the logical fallacy there?
October 15th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
to all our defensive problems. How could we go wrong with MORE DREADS!
October 15th, 2010 at 10:26 AM ^
But..but..Prison Abs!
No but seriously, who doesn't love dreads?
October 15th, 2010 at 10:34 AM ^
He's got potential for sure, but he can't cut his hair again.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
This guy has been one of the few relatively bright spots on defense. He was one of the lowest-ranked recruits of the '09 class, but he's been on the field often and hasn't @#$%ed up too many things despite being a redshirt freshman. I call that a win.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:17 AM ^
MRob has played special teams in every game (but for one in which he was hurt). Will be interesting to see if he battles Kovacs for the start at Bandit next year, or, makes a position switch and battles for playing time with C. Johnson/T. Gordon or at Mouton's LB spot.
Furman has not seen the field at all this year. Obviously will redshirt. Looks like he'll be battling a redshirt So. Mike Jones (and possibly MRob) for Mouton's spot next year. Possibly battling Carvin and T. Gordon.
A Redshirt So. I. Bell may be in the mix for Mouton's spot too.
So, you can see that we will have a lot of bodies battling it out next spring for Bandit, Spur, and WLB.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:21 AM ^
While we're very deep at spur, I think Bandit's much, much thinner. We have a reliable walk-on, and then a true freshman. Assuming we're able to bring in a bandit recruit in this class, or a position switch occurs, that's still just three people at the bandit=not much depth. I think Marvin stays.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
What the hell does it all mean? Spur? Bandit? I've heard these terms allot and I still don't know what any of it means...
October 15th, 2010 at 1:34 PM ^
October 15th, 2010 at 10:19 AM ^
The general consensus on MRob is that he's more talented than (one of) the most technique sound players on the D (and the person in front of him on the depth chart). Once he gets to being as ridiculously reliable as Kovacs, we should be able to upgrade the position, at least on passing downs. How long that'll take? Depends on Marvin. Could be by the end of this year, could be two years from now.
Spur looks like it'll be in a pretty good position come next year. We'll have the consistent Prison Abs, a still young Carvin (with playing experience), the physical freak that Furman is, and maybe a position switch-er, like Cam Gordon. I expect a full-out, bare fisted brawl for the position, unless Carvin or Prison Abs really become spectacular in Big Ten play
October 15th, 2010 at 10:42 AM ^
I can't help but think with these guys next year and maybe Kellen Jones plus the advancement of people like Floyd and Avery in the secondary, we will have a decent defense.
Kovacs is reliable at tackling and we know Woolfolk and Floyd can shut people down. Avery is a cover corner who has shown he can get it done in man coverage. Both of the Gordons and the linebacker postions, and then the Furman and Carvin at the Spur/Bandits...plus our d-line. I think the pieces are there.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:47 AM ^
I'd just like to see Demens/Robinson etc get (a little, when we're blowing out Purdue/Illinois/OSU etc.) playing time so that they're not stepping into the spotlight for the first time next year. That could lead to disaster
October 15th, 2010 at 1:30 PM ^
October 15th, 2010 at 2:31 PM ^
The original Prison Abs is Thomas Gordon. You know, despite MRob having a cement sidewalk for a stomach. Thomas Gordon was nicknamed Prison Abs by RR himself
October 15th, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
I believe that Prison Abs is Thomas Gordon.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:27 AM ^
if furman can add the necessary size, i think we might see him compete for playing time next yr at mouton's current LB spot. The position is relatively thin at present, as Mike Jones, who is currently injured, was the likely backup coming into this season.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
Furman at LB makes me drool, but he'd probably need to add a lot of weight. He came in at what, 205ish? 200? Mouton's currently at 240, at least according to the roster. Who knows what that'd do to his speed, agility, etc. As far as depth goes, we'll have Mike Jones (who?), JB Fitzgerald, (probably) Kellen Jones, Kevin Leach, and Antonio Kinard at WLB for next season. Obviously, spur is just as stacked in depth, so it should be interesting to see where he ends up, neither position is really HURTING from depth issues.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:38 AM ^
Looks like he just needs some time with Mr. Barwis to fill out. His freak athleticism is much needed, but the defensive guys just take more time to mature it seems.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^
Furman is currently listed at 207 which is obviously light. But remember that mouton was a converted safety, and closer to 225-230 when he first got into the lineup. Obviously things will depend on how the added bulk will affect furman's athleticism, but from a skillset standpoint, i think he is more equipped to excel at mouton's spot.
in high school, he didnt really have any coverage responsibilities so its hard to make projectioins for him at bandit, spur, or the safety spots. he very well may be able to develop the coverage abilities, but he seems like a guy we want rushing the passer and chasing ball carriers to the sidelines.
October 15th, 2010 at 2:00 PM ^
Barwis effect was pretty well documented, with some of the LBs putting on 12-24 lbs. in a year. I'm betting Furman will be up to weight next year.
October 15th, 2010 at 3:54 PM ^
Furman won't be too light for the position. At 240, Mouton is a big WILL, which is nice but not necessary. He's also a 5th year senior. Just last year, Mouton played the same position at 228.
Mike Jones, who was the back-up until he got hurt, is the same weight as Furman. Both of them could easily be over 220 by next fall, which would be big enough for an outside linebacker, especially if you have the athleticism to go along with it.
With Furman's athleticism, it's scary to think what he might be like at 235+.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:32 AM ^
I know people hate questions like yours but I've been wondering the same thing. I am even more interested in Isaiah Bell. I thought he looked like a great contributor when he came on board. Here's ESPN's take (they rated him #94 overall):
I don't know if the "I" in Isaiah stands for interception or the "B" in Bell means big playmaker, but one thing for certain, this guy is a good football player. He shows outstanding ball skills and at 6'1" and two hundred pounds he is a big safety. Rules the secondary as a free safety. Has great instincts and plays outstanding zone coverage especially in the three deep. Should be a solid halves player also in two deep zone. A real competitor who can break a game wide open. Breaks quickly on the pass with a burst to the football. High points the football and has great timing on the interception...Very athletic football player who has good foot agility and shows flexibility in the hips. Can change direction without loss of speed or balance. Bell will be a big time player at a big time college. Just a little fundamental work is needed.
October 15th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
But he's got a really high upside, he just put on a lot of weight which he's working on refining into 100% colombian MUSCLE. He'll be solid, with time, he's just in a transitional period now. He should contribute in the coming years at MLB/WLB
October 15th, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
3 star at both Rivals and Scout. But they've got him as the #11 safety, 81 ranking, and in the ESPN150 (pronounced "one-fitty"). Seems like we could have used one of those this year. 6-1, 245 on the roster, RS Fr. LB
October 15th, 2010 at 10:35 AM ^
Really hope he adds the bulk (and mantians the speed) and can play the WILL next year. Jones is a bit on the light side at 210 for the spot (compared to Mouton's 240) Furman being younger and initially ticketed for linebacker seems like a decent candidate to spend the redshirt year and winter added some bulk. But if thats the case he prob wouldn't see that much playing time until 2012. I think the kid is going to be a beast btu the spur is pretty much the one spot where we seems set at for the next 3 years and with some many other holes I assume we will use Furman to try and fill one of them. His weight come spring will tell the tale.
October 15th, 2010 at 1:49 PM ^
Last year Mouton was listed at 6-2, 218lbs. He is now listed at 6-2, 240 lbs.
I wouldn't be too worried about Jones being listed at 210lbs. I'm sure Jones can put on weight, and there may be a chance that 210 listing is under reported.
October 15th, 2010 at 9:41 PM ^
Cam Gordon was a LB on D in HS. It's painfully obvious that he is not a safety and probably more suited to LB if he learns to wrap instead of constantly going for the kill shot.
October 15th, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
October 15th, 2010 at 11:15 AM ^
But +1. After reading through this post, feel much better about our D next year, expecially at LB: Demens, M. Jones, I. Bell, B. Herron, JB Fitzgerald, Leach.. also Jake Ryan and Jordan Paskorz (listed at LB but I thought he was recruited at DL)
We've got some players on the field, we've got some marinating, we've got some coming in this recruiting class (K. Jones and Kinnard).
October 15th, 2010 at 11:40 AM ^
that guys like Furman, Robinson, Ash and Bell aren't playing this year. As hard as it is to be patient, freshman need at least a year (preferably two) to mature sufficiently to be competitive, especially at positions like LB and defensive line. As difficult as it is now, RR is doing the right thing for the long term with these guys.
October 15th, 2010 at 1:21 PM ^
I have heard that furman has bulked up quite a bit lately. I'll try to find where i saw that....
October 15th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^
but at the Sparty game, my buddy and I went in early to watch them during warm up (we were in row 20 section 39 so they were right in front of us) and we were looking for Furman / MRob in particular.
By the 'Eye test' Furman looks a whole lot bigger that 207 right now. He clearly stood out with his size as he warmed up with the rest of the secondary.....
Just sayin, certianly nothing scientific. 18 / 19 year old kids can certainly put on 20# with the right training / diet.....