D.C. Dave

February 1st, 2012 at 8:47 AM ^

Having watched how Sean Payton has used Darren Sproles, who also is 5-7, guys like Norfleet can be quite a weapon. He has unbelievable quickness and change of direction. With Stonum gone, he fills a need at kick returner, but I also can see Norfleet doing lots of damage out of the backfield or slot. With us going bigger in generally and bringing in big backs, Norfleet provides a different element. It's a shrewd move by the coaches.

white_pony_rocks

February 1st, 2012 at 9:06 AM ^

so who is going to be kick and punt returner, drake or norfleet?  From reading the hello post for drake it seems he has elite straight line speed but not that good of lateral movement, while norfleet has really good speed with good lateral movement.  what is more important to returns, going as fast as possible or being able to cut?

Seth

February 1st, 2012 at 9:18 AM ^

Funny that I was discussing Norfleet with Brian just yesterday as a guy we couldn't figure out why Michigan hadn't pursued. His offer sheet was weirdly lacking the standard spread of spread teams you'd expect a little mite back like him would accrue. His recruitment went something like:

  • Michigan looks, doesn't touch
  • Waits out a Michigan offer
  • CMU offers
  • Indiana offers
  • Michigan State offers, gets no love
  • Bobby Williams calls from Alabama in one of those Bama-for-MSU deals
  • Derek Dooley, who has every phone in Tuscaloosa tapped at all times, quickly offers.
  • Commits to Cincy
  • ...
  • Signing Day Flip to Michigan.

Weird.

detrocks

February 1st, 2012 at 9:35 AM ^

This is a great pickup.    I remember reading about how Norfleet was tearing up the 7 on 7 and camp circuit over the summer and thinking about he would be a great change of pace back in the mold of Darren Sproles or Jacquizz Rodgers.  

After watching his tape, he certainly looks like he has the speed and shiftiness needed to make a difference as a RB or KR/PR.   One thing that wasn't evident on the tape was the ability to catch the ball.   He seems like the kind of guy that can be a matchup nightmare on the perimeter, but they didn't show much of that in what I saw.

 

BDS

February 1st, 2012 at 9:46 AM ^

Norfleet is a nice pickup. I wanted him in MSU's class before Kings and Tompkins committed because he can play CB as well as RB/WR.

I think he'll end up a slot WR a la Jock Sanders, the former WVA WR. Sanders was very fun to watch. I believe he used to get a few carries per game out of the backfield as well.

Bo Knows

February 1st, 2012 at 9:50 AM ^

Great offer and commitment in my opinion.  Not only is Norfleet highly regarded, but it is another highly rated in-state guy.  Detroit has talent yearly and we need to get as much of it as possible.

oriental andrew

February 1st, 2012 at 9:59 AM ^

Other "undersized" RBs who did ok

Mike Hart - 5'8"

Warrick Dunn - 5'9" (although I've stood next to him and I really question whether he's any taller than 5'8")

Darren Sproles - 5'7"

Jacquizz Rogers - 5'6"

LaMichael James - 5'9"

Barry Sanders - 5'8"

Maurice Jones-Drew - 5'7"

Danny Woodhead - 5'7"