If we get Josh Furman, does he play LB or S?

Submitted by k06em01 on

Here's a tenative look at our depth chart in the back five next season:

SS: Woolfolk, Williams, Emilien, JOHNSON
FS: Kovacs, VanSlyke, Gordon, ROBINSON, JONES
CB: Warren, Floyd, Rogers?, AVERY
CB: Turner, Jones, WITTY, TALBOTT
SLB: Smith, Jones, Hawthorne, Simmons

Furman is listed at 6-3, 194lbs, and he runs a 4.3 40. It's obvious that he has the potential to grow into an excellent linebacker. I've read that he's being recrutied as a sam linebacker by our staff.

But it seems like we've got some nice options there next season in B. Smith, M. Jones, and B. Hawthorne. It seems like he might have the potential to contribute at SS or FS, where we have less promising options, immediately.

I've seen his highlight tapes, but I've yet to see the man play a game live. Does anyone with more expertise have a better idea?

Blue McMaize

November 24th, 2009 at 2:21 AM ^

In high school he plays OLB/Weakside end. I would assume he doesnt have too much experience covering people. That wouldnt be good. We need LBs who can play anyways and he seems like a good athlete. Also I would assume thats a fake fake 40 time. A guy that size who runs a 4.3? He would have to be a 5 star.

k06em01

November 24th, 2009 at 3:02 AM ^

ahhh...high school olb/de...sounds like a linebacker then. 6-3, 194lbs is still pretty skinny. he could probably bulk up to about 6-3, 220 and be a solid inside backer, if not a sam.

...fwiw, its been reported that he runs in the 4.2's.

JC3

November 24th, 2009 at 2:24 AM ^

He'll play linebacker. He's not ready to take the field just yet defensively, so if he's given a few years to learn and grow he'll bulk up for sure. Furman can probably play at around 220 lbs without losing his speed.

That 4.3 may not be totally realistic but he's quite fast.

caup

November 24th, 2009 at 8:46 AM ^

way too literally. My brother was a walk-on SS in college and he ran a 4.54. Why question a 6'-3" 194 lb african american running a 4.37? Bolt is a big dude, too. Carl Lewis was probably about 6'-3" 194.

STW P. Brabbs

November 24th, 2009 at 9:21 AM ^

If two of the greatest track athletes in the history of mankind ran fast despite being big, I think it's perfectly reasonable that high school football players run 4.4 40s.

I wish you'd let us a bit further into that big, mysterious brain of yours. What are your thoughts on the purpose of life? Keynesian economics? The Coca-Cola recipe? WE NEED ANSWERS.

MGoViso

November 24th, 2009 at 2:34 AM ^

I think that of all the discussions about trying to anticipate position switches or depth chart order for next year, the defensive backfield is one where we won't come up with an answer due to the large number of permutations possible. Redshirt freshmen (or maybe even true freshmen) are x-factors as we don't know what they'll bring to the table, we don't know if someone like Mike Williams can become competent enough in the offseason to match seemingly solid athleticism, and Donovan's status could still change. That being said, my best guess is that Furman would do some serious bulking up under Barwis (like, duh) and will make most sense long-term at LB; the coaches can project that as well and will want to have him at 'backer from the get-go. Our safety play really can't get worse next year (crosses fingers), so even if Furman might be a good fit athletically back there for next season, his development will be better served by being a linebacker his whole career.
Also, Witty is missing from your chart.

KinesiologyNerd

November 24th, 2009 at 8:15 AM ^

The only problem is the traffic it looks like we're going to have at the SAM/hybrid/what the hell you want to call it. There are the guys you mention and talk that Isiah Bell fits in there Tony Jefferson also said that is where he is being recruited. That's a lot of talented bodies for one position. Are either of Hawthorne or Bell going to be put at ILB?

Magnus

November 24th, 2009 at 8:37 AM ^

I heard Isaiah Bell was playing WILL in practices. Jones, Hawthorne, Simmons, and Brown were the SAMs this past year, but then Jones got moved inside, too, I think.

So the current roster only has Hawthorne and Simmons at SAM right now, unless I'm mistaken.

chitownblue2

November 24th, 2009 at 8:47 AM ^

I'm a huge believer in not putting too much stock in highlight films, but if you look at Furman, the kid is bean-stalk - he's 6'3" and VERY slight. He's got plenty of room to add weight. I think we'll se a LB.

jg2112

November 24th, 2009 at 10:33 AM ^

OP - you might want to add Cullen Christian to your depth chart at 6:35 EST this evening.

The kid is rated the #3 rated CB nationally this year by Rivals. I would imagine he will be part of the CB rotation next year provided the NCAA Clearinghouse doesn't give him the Justin Turner treatment in August.

rdlwolverine

November 24th, 2009 at 10:34 AM ^

this past weekend -

Old Mill's Josh Furman rushed for a county record 414 yards and scored 6 touchdowns and 2 2pt. conversions in their 58-55 double overtime victory over Arundel.

(I am pretty sure only one of the TDs came in overtime)

kidjoe1234

November 25th, 2009 at 3:13 PM ^

I have seen him live for many many years now. I have also seen him in track and field as well as workout with him. Yes Josh really does run a 4.32 40. Also, Furman plays Running Back on offense as well as Safety , And Dog in the 3-5-3 defense old mill runs .
Furman is recruited to be a Sam/Will backer by big blue. But I believe he should play Running Back. My Cousin is unstoppable on the offensive side.