LSAClassOf2000

February 8th, 2013 at 9:40 AM ^

That Toussaint is able to do some running is an excellent sign, and hopefully he is ready by the time the season rolls around. It will be great for the incoming talent to have him and his experience out there and available.

corundum

February 8th, 2013 at 10:04 AM ^

The interior line can't get much worse than last year. I'll stop shy of saying dominant, but I also think our offensive line will be greatly improved in 2013. Which will be necessary since opposing teams will be more apt to blitz now that Denard isn't darting around the backfield.

RoxyMtnHiM

February 8th, 2013 at 10:51 AM ^

No shit. There's a drought, you know.

And for the love of god, people: Would have, could have, should have. Would've, could've, should've.

I'm glad I got that off my chest.

swalburn

February 8th, 2013 at 10:27 AM ^

Call it a hunch, but we have two excellent tackles and the most college ready O-line recruit from 2012 coming off a redshirt ready to fill one guard spot.  Basically the interior of our O-line was not very good last year, particularly in run blocking situations.  The guys being inserted fit the scheme that Borges wants to run and I think we will see a huge improvement.

Wolverine0056

February 8th, 2013 at 9:47 AM ^

It would be tremendous if Fitz is able to play this fall. While I love the RB class we brought in, it would be nice to have Green (assuming he plays) be able to ease into college football instead of be thrown in. But RB has been proven to be a position where a freshman can come in and start and do pretty well (just look at Yeldon from Alabama, of course it helps having an OL made up of future NFL players).

ontarioblue

February 8th, 2013 at 9:50 AM ^

I hope they take their time with him.  There is no rush.  Green will be the starting RB thisyear and for the next few to come.  Fitz can recover and be used when Green needs a rest.

Doctor Wolverine

February 8th, 2013 at 10:13 AM ^

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Green has never taken a handoff as a college back and won't get to start practicing with the team and learning the playbook until just before the season. Fitz is a senior RB with a 1000+ yard season on his resume, who many thought would leave early for the NFL. Yeah he had a down year last season, but if hecis healthy, he will be the starter until Green or anyone else takes it from him. Competition is a very good thing and pushes everyone to be better, but let's not just anoint Green the starter and write off Fitz.

YoOoBoMoLloRoHo

February 8th, 2013 at 11:43 AM ^

off a 500-yard season, a broken leg and a zone read/spread backfield with Denard. He doesn't possess the size or inside running game consistent with power football.

Don't get me wrong, he is talented and experienced. But Green has probably more advantages on paper than Fitz in the new O. You're right that he has to earn his carries and not just show up.

That said, i expect the 230-pound 5* to play early and a lot.

exmtroj

February 8th, 2013 at 9:52 AM ^

I hope he waits unti he's 100%. I'd be fine with not seeing him until App State Reloaded if it means him being back to normal as opposed to burning eligibility on a still tender ankle. I think our RB corps would be solid this year either way

Magnus

February 8th, 2013 at 10:08 AM ^

I know when I've done rehab for a few injuries, I came out of it in better physical condition than I was in before I got hurt.  Hopefully the same happens with Toussaint, who seemed to take a step back from 2011 to 2012.  It would be great if he could revert to 2011 form, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

TheThief

February 8th, 2013 at 3:31 PM ^

You can only do that so many times, before you are just broken down, but Fitz is young and I don't doubt that he will be better,physically, coming back.

I know he regressed in production last year, but don't you think that the reason for the bulk of his regression was a less than stellar run blocking line. Often, he got the ball with one or two defenders staring him in the face, so the two or three yeards he got was the best he could do. Unless you are Barry Sanders, all running backs depend on their lineman to allow them to get to the second level which is where they can showcase their abilities.