Comparing Harris & Samuels

Submitted by MGoStrength on

First off, I am not a football coach.  All I know about these kids is what I read on the internet and what I see in their video highlights.  I know we are all excited about the potential to land the overall ranked top RB recruit in Harris.  But, I'm curious what the general consensus is on who is the better back?  

 

Obviously Harris is the higher ranked back, but looking at their films, Samuels appears to be the faster, more elusive, and the bigger play threat.  Now, I'm sure if you're a fast, elisuve, big play threat that lends more to a great highlight film.  And, if your qualities are strength, size, balance, vision, etc. you may not jump out on a highligh real tape to the same degree.

 

FWIW Samuels is listed around 5'10" ish 190ish lbs and Harris is listed as 6'2"ish 225ish lbs.  Harris is obviously the bigger back, but Samuels is by no means a slouch as he is quite a well built athlete.  Right now we have Samuels verbally committed and are hoping to land Harris.  But, I'm not sure we will be able to hold onto Samuels if we land Harris.  Maybe others have a better handle on that than I do.  

 

But, I guess I'm really curious to figure out what it is that makes Harris so highly ranked, and so much more so than Samuels.  What that does not show up on film that warrants that?  And, if you could only have one, which one do you perfer?

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O'Maury Samuels
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Heptarch

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:46 AM ^

I'm no more an expert than you, but I think the real difference is the level of competition they play against.  Samuels looks great, but there's a "grain of salt" thing that goes with it.

Harris, on the other hand, has proven himself elite against elite talent.  So there's that.

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MGoBlueUrns

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:51 AM ^

This is my understanding as well. Although I do agree with the OP that Samuels really pops on tape (even if it is against 'inferior' competition). I'm surprised there isn't a little more chatter about him considering he's got...all the right moves.

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Everyone Murders

December 22nd, 2016 at 9:16 AM ^

Not only would they compliment one another, their skill sets would be complementary.  (My pedantic point being that "compliment" =/= "complement".)

Two different types of backs, and both would have an important role to play in a Michigan offense.  I'm with you - let's get 'em both, and let the coaches develop each of them to their maximum potential.

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superstringer

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:50 AM ^

I'm no football expert, but I play one in real life.

Harris is like the best running back ever, only better.

Samuels is like the greatest running back ever, only greater.

Hope that clears it up.

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swan flu

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:54 AM ^

From a macro perspective, Harris(as a composite #1 overall) is basically a sure thing. Lots and lots of guys look phenomenal on tape. Very few are #1 overall.

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swan flu

December 22nd, 2016 at 10:01 AM ^

If you read this site often, you will be familiar with two statistical analyses: one was a statistical analysis of #1 running backs overall, and the other was a statistical analysis of #1 player overall (regardless of position). You would also surely recall that the conclusion of the running back analysis was: likely a very very good player, not certain. There were multiple busts. You would then recall the conclusion of the top PLAYER overall was: this guy is going to be fucking great. There were no busts. Green was not the #1 player overall.

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MGoJeezy

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:55 AM ^

Also of note, Drevno mentioned this year that NFL scouts want backs that don't come out of college with 300 carries a year. Not sure if it's true but that's what they're pitchin



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Perkis-Size Me

December 22nd, 2016 at 8:59 AM ^

Given that the average shelf life of an NFL RB is 2-3 years it makes sense.

They want guys who are built to last. Who don't come into the NFL already beat to hell. Honestly these days, unless you have an AP or a Marshawn Lynch on the roster, the NFL is moving more to a RB by committee approach.



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All Day

December 22nd, 2016 at 10:02 AM ^

Not that I don't believe you, but I'd be very curious to read/hear this in context.

 

I have found that interesting. Not saying that Alabama players are busts, but I feel like you would hear more about them dominating the NFL based on them being the top athletes. Who are the best bama players in the NFL? Jones, Ryan Kelly, Cooper, and Ingram?

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DrMantisToboggan

December 22nd, 2016 at 11:03 AM ^

Been searching for the original quote but all that's coming up is Saban's response to it. It was a bunch of scouts coming out and saying this in relation to recent Cyrus Kouandjio and CJ Mosley injuries, then they would bring up Lacy's injuries and Trent Richardson. It was enough noise that Saban had to go on the radio and refute it. Someone on twitter had quoted the original quote with something like "get this to Najee Harris". But yeah, Jones and Cooper are the top Bama pros right now and Julio is banged up every single week.



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jmgoblue83

December 22nd, 2016 at 10:11 AM ^

If I had to venture a guess, the only reason Cal is even in the picture is that Tosh Lupoi is rumored to be a candidate for the defensive coordinator position at Cal. Najee probably visited to see what it was like since Lupoi is one of his favorite coaches. Apparently Lupoi has been on him the longest and believed in him before he blew up.

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Squash34

December 22nd, 2016 at 11:25 AM ^

The dude told the staff he was staying on board after tedford sucvured a pay raise making him the highest paid assistant coach. Meanwhile, he was actually finishing up the details on his contract at Washington. The dude was on an visit to Shaq Thomson's house for cal and pretty much told him he was going to Washington and for Shaq to look at Washington... While he was recruiting for cal! He was then supposed to join tedford on a recruiting trip, but left a voice mail stating he was not going on the trip because he took a job at Washington. He then starts contacting all the guys he recruited for cal and began to try and flip them to Washington. Mind you, this is his alma mater... Long story short, the dude is a perfect coach for saban. And I am not sure why cal would give him another chance.

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Elwood

December 22nd, 2016 at 9:13 AM ^

Is probably faster than he looks because of his long strides. He's great at breaking tackles and keeping a good balance. Give me a minute to rewatch the Samuels tape.

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