Darryl Stonum
What a returner he is turning into! Part of it might of been the IU return team, but I don't believe he had a bad return all day. Considering he took it to the house against ND, I was surprised IU decided to kick to him versus Kelvin. Remembering how the talk early in the season was how he wasn't "aggressively" pursuing playing time, it looks like he's turned things around quite nicely.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:27 PM ^
gave us field position at the 25. Dude was on fire returning today, and very nearly broke a few of them.
I for one am definitely looking forward to future returns with him back there.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:56 PM ^
What incredible improvement from last year.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:34 PM ^
He runs fearless, uses his blockers, and rarely seems to take the big hit. I noticed him timing his use of blockers so that the D was hitting them and not him right as he entered a gap.
Hell, even Mathews grabbed a couple punts today instead of letting them bounce.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:34 PM ^
He looked like he was one move away from breaking loose several times. He heads to the hole at full speed. Great to see him starting to live up to his potential. Only a matter of time until he breaks another one.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:35 PM ^
Stonum has a nack for the returns. He takes it up there and is a fast and physical runner too. Big weapon. Also credit his blockers who have done a nice job for him opening up seams.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:37 PM ^
Another nice surprise and improvement from last year. Now if could return punts too...
September 26th, 2009 at 9:48 PM ^
... you're allowed to return those? I thought it was an obligatory fair catch or fumble. Hmm, interesting.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:50 PM ^
The way our D is playing Stonum will get plenty of chances.
September 26th, 2009 at 9:52 PM ^
he's turning into a real weapon returning kicks. maybe he'll start to take punts too.
September 26th, 2009 at 10:02 PM ^
Since the average Punt return is about 6 yards in college football. I'm happy with just catching them.
September 26th, 2009 at 10:06 PM ^
the blocking is much better on returns this season as well. Last year it was almost like guys were scared of contact on kick returns.
September 26th, 2009 at 10:07 PM ^
Its exciting to see the speedsters on this team coming out of their shells. If the D can develop into an average to slightly better-than-average unit, this team could be a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title this year. The sky is the limit in the future.
September 26th, 2009 at 10:21 PM ^
with BlueinLansing, the blocking is significantly improved.
It's not just special teams, the O-lone has improved (though they had started last year).
But I think the biggest blocking improvement has come from the receivers, particularly Odoms.
September 26th, 2009 at 10:27 PM ^
Stonum showing shades of Streakin' Stevie Breaston
EDIT: Say that 5 times fast.
September 27th, 2009 at 12:28 AM ^
... just by catching the ball.