Higdon spotted in FL, likely sitting out bowl
A follower of mine on twitter sent me a photo of himself with Karan Higdon at the airport in Fort Lauderdale.
Higdon said he’s down in FL working out. One can only assume the rumors are correct. Higdon is from Florida.
The Team isn’t on vacation either. They’re practicing for the Peach Bowl in Ann Arbor so....?
December 18th, 2018 at 1:05 PM ^
Yes! We've already reached "shitting on our own players" level asshole fandom today!
December 18th, 2018 at 1:41 PM ^
The dirty little secret, which hopefully most everyone knows, is that a lot of these posters are not Michigan fans.
December 18th, 2018 at 10:44 PM ^
True. There's a large influx of posters lately riding the same schtick. More than I've seen here in 10 yrs. All negative, and almost echo each other. They aren't M fans. They are just entertaining themselves.
December 18th, 2018 at 10:53 PM ^
Group mental masturbation!
December 18th, 2018 at 3:35 PM ^
Yeah I don’t agree with “fans” rooting against players on the team that’s bs
December 18th, 2018 at 7:54 PM ^
Amazing how that works FauxMo...Players act like prima donnas, fans call bullshit and shit on them.
Did you read the part about none of the OSU kids skipping their bowl game? Because they're winners and they want to win.
We've got kids day 3 or beyond sitting out the bowl game.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:13 PM ^
Are you mad at him for trying to pursue his dream? He was second in the BIG in rushing behind J Taylor, right?
Do you think he cannot find a place as well as Rutger’s Gus Edwards did with Ravens?
As far as I can tell, every team in the league uses at least one RB on nearly every snap. The idea that the RB is no longer useful is like saying traditional TEs are no longer a thing, either.
If anything, he can be a solid number two back on quite a few teams with not real good stars or not good depth: Colts, Jets, Bills, Dolphins, Giants begins Barkley, 49ers, Lions, Packers, Texans, Raiders, Chargers (he’s as good as Ekeler). None of these teams have reliable stars, thus relying on a stable. Higdon has god vision and leg drive. He has quick bursts, and solid lateral ability.
Plus, now a bunch of young players can maybe, possibly, doubtfully get time (if only Evans and Wilson weren’t so trusted by JH).
December 18th, 2018 at 1:31 PM ^
Agree with your overall point, but saying the Chargers have no reliable stars is pretty incorrect. Melvin Gordon is a stud. The rest I agree, there's some openings as a #2 guy or power back complement role. He'll play Sunday I'm pretty convinced.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:54 PM ^
I am not mad at Higdon at all for pursuing his dream, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him play here and be a feature back for the last 2 seasons.
Now with that being said, I do not think he will be drafted before the 3rd day of the draft. Simply put, he has no truly distinguishable attributes, exceptional skills or physical abilities that would make a GM go "wow" - he is slightly-undersized at best (prob closer to 5-9), has average speed, and is not the quickest RB out there. He also has not been featured enough as a pass catcher to really show off that trait in game situations (16 catches on his career, I believe). Simply put, he is an above average RB in college who's game may not translate as well into the modern NFL.
Now, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him as a backup RB in the NFL. However, teams do not draft backup RBs very high in the draft. In addition, teams also are more prone to take on project players as the draft moves on - you know, guys with boom/bust potential who are raw, but may just need coaching to become game changers or at least solid starters. These boom/bust guys usually have a distinguishing skill or two that could be of huge value at the next level (pass-catching, burning speed etc). He once again does not have this, it seems. Many great feature RBs that do well in college end up being drafted much lower than anticipated. I think he fits this category. Nothing to hold against him, since he did the most with the athleticism and skills he has during his time here.
That is why I said that. I truly think he has been a good RB here and the best feature back this team has had in years, and I wish him all the luck in his future. I hope I am proven wrong and that he ends up being a great back at the next level.
To BroadneckBlue21, who brought up Gus Edwards - you mean the undrafted Gus Edwards who has been a pleasant surprise this year? Yes, I think he can be that good or maybe slightly better. In addition, I never said a thing about RBs no longer becoming useful.
Apparently saying he will be lucky to be drafted before day 3 makes me a shitty fan (or apparently not even a fan) and an asshole.
December 18th, 2018 at 3:54 PM ^
Edwards was bigger and faster than Higdon will test, and was an undrafted free agent.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^
Ask Jake Butt if he would do things differently. Good luck to Karan at the next level.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:14 PM ^
Exactly. Higdon busted his ass while at Michigan. The only person he owes anything to is his daughter.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:30 PM ^
Jake specifically said a couple weeks ago that he wouldn't change a thing and would play in the bowl game again, even if he had a do-over.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:34 PM ^
True story so thanks for pointing it out. https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/06/jaylon-smith-jake-butt-skipping-bowl-games-injuries-draft-mccaffrey-fournette
Not necessarily the same answer for every kid given their situation though.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:51 PM ^
Wasn't he asked about the Orange Bowl and he said he would still have played knowing what he knows now?
December 18th, 2018 at 4:04 PM ^
Because Jake was a leader on the team.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:12 PM ^
Maybe he remembers what happened to Jake Butt. He also could be looking at the Practice Squad minimum salary of $8,000/week, and the rookie minimum of $480,000/year if he makes the 53 man.
A bowl game is all risk, no reward for someone in Higdon's position.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:34 PM ^
If so, than why has he accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl? So he can risk injury in an even more meaningless game than the Peach Bowl? That's the only issue I have with Higdon at this point.
December 18th, 2018 at 3:01 PM ^
(A) because Senior Bowl practices (and all the various all star game practices) are second only to the Combine in terms of scouting eyes and NFL attention and (B) generally speaking, all the players know the Senior Bowl and other all star games are exhibitions and play and treat them accordingly, including rotating in and out dramatically more. Higdon, or anyone, isn't getting 30 carries, he's getting 6.
December 18th, 2018 at 10:58 PM ^
I too struggle with this...seems a little weird. I'll play in this meaningless bowl, but not this Peach meaningless bowl?
December 18th, 2018 at 12:56 PM ^
while it sucks to not see him playing, i can't blame him. my take is the only way higdon would be playing in this bowl game is if he had less than 1000 yards rushing.
December 18th, 2018 at 12:57 PM ^
Apparently, bowl games don't matter anymore. Unless it's CFP. But bowl games = money in people's pockets.
Why doesn't the whole damn team just sit.
December 18th, 2018 at 12:59 PM ^
I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic, but..... No, they don't matter. Maybe if Michigan were in the Rose bowl for historical significance, but outside the Playoff, who cares THAT much.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:08 PM ^
"They don't matter" but boy let us lose this bowl game and see how many people seem to care.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^
For the same reason that people watched the RR and Hoke teams even at their worst. Believe it or not there are more than just the fair-weather fans out there that love the University and Michigan football. And there are some players who actually value the concept of a team and do not simply act as free agent for each game.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:09 PM ^
The Rose Bowl doesn't matter anymore either - though it would be nice to go someday.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:11 PM ^
Let’s BPONE assume Michigan loses to Florida 50-0. You honestly think the team, the coaches, the fan base and potential recruits wouldn’t care THAT much? Honestly, I’m getting a little tired of people on the board insinuating the game is ‘meaningless’, because if Michigan were to get trucked I guarantee there won’t be 50 threads after the game singing that tune.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:35 PM ^
Yes exactly.
And if we were to crush Florida 50-0 that would change the whole narrative going into the offseason for the program in a positive sense as well.
The bowl games ARE meaningless . . . unless your team decides to play in one.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:44 PM ^
A one point loss will bring the same result as a 50 point trucking. A little more moral dignity, maybe, but the same end result - 75% of posters here would meltdown like a wax candle in a forest fire. Calls of UNACCEPTABLE will be loudly proclaimed. Harbaugh will be on the 'hot seat', though only the most ardent will call for his head while everyone else will ask 'replace him with who'. There will be outrageous moping.
A win will cause unmitigated proclamations of glory for next year.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:51 PM ^
This is true. That's the great thing about the new system. Any bowl that isn't the CFP is all downside and no upside!
December 18th, 2018 at 1:28 PM ^
For some not even the CFP. I will never forget Colt McCoy and his dad bailing on that game. The Anti-Tim Tebow.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:18 PM ^
By that metric none of the games matter.
December 18th, 2018 at 3:21 PM ^
I think Nico, DPJ, and Shea should sit out too. Obviously 2 of 3 have to come back and it seems Shea is leaning that way too. We cant risk any of those 3 getting a knee/Achilles injury and then rehab all off season. They need to be fresh for next seasons pit of misery!!!!!!
/s
December 18th, 2018 at 12:58 PM ^
Didn’t it come out there were 5 players who are confirmed sitting out:
Rashan
Karan
Long
Vert
Metellus
December 18th, 2018 at 12:59 PM ^
Haven’t heard anything about Metellus. No clue why he would go anywhere.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:29 PM ^
Metellus is playing (AFAIK).
Martellius on the other hand...
December 18th, 2018 at 12:59 PM ^
Metellus? What is he injured?
December 18th, 2018 at 1:00 PM ^
Replace Metellus with Bush.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:06 PM ^
Yes my bad, I thought I heard Metellus too and he was looking to possibly make a jump
December 18th, 2018 at 12:58 PM ^
Higdon has likely secured his spot as a mid round draft pick. He already has over 200 carries on the year. He gave everything you could possibly ask for the team and it makes perfect sense for him to sit out the bowl. Stay healthy and get your money, Karan.
It seems incredibly unlikely he's the difference between a win and a loss in the bowl game. He's a good back that gets the yards he should, but he's not a game breaker that can make something out of nothing. I would like to see a more pass focused offense in the bowl, it's the direction the team should be heading next season anyway.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:08 PM ^
Get Chris Evans the damn ball in space.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:18 PM ^
Yes please. But when he takes the first snap and runs directly at the middle linebacker...I may start screaming and never stop.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:13 PM ^
I agree with everything except "He gave everything you could possibly ask for".
I would ask him to finish the season with the team and not quit before it's over.
December 18th, 2018 at 12:59 PM ^
All that talk about how the NFL should just form its own minor league for football? We are turning college football into that minor league.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:00 PM ^
College football has been the NFL's minor league for the NFLs entire existence.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:13 PM ^
Except college football predates the NFL by the better part of a century and actually has more purpose/relevance than NFL (which is purely for profit). The core of college football fans - the students and alumni - will always have a deeper connection to the program and school than most NFL fans will ever have with their franchise. Plus, they don't have to worry about their schools relocating to a different city that agrees to build them a stadium or give a tax break.
December 18th, 2018 at 1:30 PM ^
Is there some way I could upvote this 101,001 times?
December 18th, 2018 at 2:05 PM ^
So, in other words.... exactly what the poster you are responding to said: college football has been the NFL's minor league for the NFL's entire existence.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:14 PM ^
I laughed. Good point.
December 18th, 2018 at 2:06 PM ^
That has always been the paradigm, and believe me I have always loved college football for those exact same reasons. But given what is now known about CTE one could argue that the only rational reason for a young man to play college football is exactly because it might lead to a lucrative job in the NFL. You might want them to play for mere love of the game--and you may have even done so yourself back in the day--but to project that as a positive character trait onto someone else is merely a reflection of your own desire to be entertained.
And even if it's a rational decision to play for a future paycheck, it might be downright foolish given the risk of lifelong injury and considering that most 4 year college football players will never, ever get paid to play football.