View Full Version : Official Ryan Torain is going to be awesome thread...
ludo21
04-28-2008, 12:24 AM
As an ASU fan I can truly say I am a homer :homer:
This guys is going to be good, Young and Henry better watch their back.
BTW.. I loved the draft, 11-5 here we come :thumbs:
SoCalBronco
04-28-2008, 12:26 AM
Lex will have fun in this thread. :)
SureShot
04-28-2008, 12:27 AM
I saw him up close a couple of times as he ran over my Buffs. Dude brings it.
2KBack
04-28-2008, 12:27 AM
Lex can have fun?
Oh yeah, and I'm with you Ludo. Arizona is representing! Even though I moved back to DC.
As an ASU fan I can truly say I am a homer :homer:
This guys is going to be good, Young and Henry better watch their back.
BTW.. I loved the draft, 11-5 here we come :thumbs:
I cant wait until we trade him in two years for two mediocre defensive tackles like we have with all of our other bargain basement running backs. And then rinse and repeat.
cabronco
04-28-2008, 12:33 AM
I think he will be a good one too. Shanahan said this is the first year he's had the rare opportunity to get every guy they had selected for their pick !
24champ
04-28-2008, 12:36 AM
Where do I sign up Ludo? !Booya!
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=1935120&postcount=209
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/images/photos/2007/10/17/qwj4ctoc.jpg
BroncoBuff
04-28-2008, 12:37 AM
It's good to see you ludo ... but I'm really doubting he'll make the team.
Maybe practice squad.
I adore Josh Barrett though ... unreal size/speed combo. He's been on my wish list all along :thumbs:
ludo21
04-28-2008, 12:42 AM
We shall see, depending how he comes back from that injury. If that FB we got is good enough to make a difference i wouldnt mind having Torain on the Practice squad for a year.
Ive been busy with school, but Ive been reading a lot lately, trying to let my post count settle down. Ha!
I think he will be a good one too. Shanahan said this is the first year he's had the rare opportunity to get every guy they had selected for their pick !
Shanahan says a lot of things.
BroncoBuff
04-28-2008, 12:47 AM
Ive been reading a lot lately, trying to let my post count settle down. Ha!
Hahahaha! I remember that was bothering you last summer ... it was what, 17 ppd? I just checked and you're down to 12.7 now, so you've mellowed pretty nicely :thumbs:
ludo21
04-28-2008, 12:51 AM
I actually got a real job this summer so I definitely wont be able to keep up that pace anymore. ;D
Man, I cant wait till Training Camp reports and how Torain and Barret are doing.
s0phr0syne
04-28-2008, 01:17 AM
Don't know if anyone's mentioned this yet, but Ryan sounds fairly articulate (and hence intelligent) in his conference call interview at the official site.
DB.com Media Page (http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=348)
Atlas
04-28-2008, 01:21 AM
They compared him to Mike Anderson.... Every Bronco fan has to love that. If he brings anderson's work ethic and unselfishness he will be a Great Bronco.
Maybe Shanny will even move him to FB!!!
Kaylore
04-28-2008, 01:22 AM
I wasn't thrilled with this pick until SoCal and others talked me into it. If there is one area I trust the Broncos on, it's Running backs.
SureShot
04-28-2008, 01:26 AM
Henry better be healty this year I think Torain is a system fit that could be very sucessful. This position does not require top end speed on this offense. Its all about vision and the power to break that arm tackle in the hole.
21489
21490
Houshyamama
04-28-2008, 02:15 AM
SureShot, he doesn't have the lateral movement or the ability to make people miss that TD had. He'll never be TD. He seriously is a lot like Mike Anderson though.
Florida_Bronco
04-28-2008, 02:34 AM
Ludo!! How the hell are ya man? Good to see you back here!
Worst case scenario-we stick him on IR for a year...let him fully recover from the Lisfranc injury and learn the system at the same time. Henry/Young/Hall/Bell/Sapp are more than capable this year, we can afford to give him time and save a roster spot.
chickennob2
04-28-2008, 03:48 AM
Bill Williamson seems to like him
File it away
Denver scored big with Arizona State running back Ryan Torain (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11550). This is a great fit. The Broncos know what they are doing when it comes to running backs. They make it work with just about anybody. That was abundantly evident the past two years when Mike Bell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8008) and Selvin Young (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=8523), both undrafted, stood out as rookies. Now, it's Torain's turn.
Unlike Bell and Young, who came into the league as average players who benefited by fitting Denver's scheme, Torain has a ton of natural ability. At 6-feet, 220 pounds, he is rugged and his running style fits Denver's vaunted zone-blocking scheme.
The Broncos drafted him in the fifth round because he was injured much of last season. But he is healthy now, so expect him to immediately get a chance to run the ball in Mike Shanahan's offense.
Young and veteran Travis Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5505) are also in the mix, but watch for Torain to emerge as a legitimate running back in this system soon.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/columns/story?columnist=williamson_bill&id=3370625
Old Dude
04-28-2008, 06:05 AM
I wasn't thrilled with this pick until SoCal and others talked me into it. If there is one area I trust the Broncos on, it's Running backs.
Exactly my feelings. Didn't understand this pick at all, but I will never 2d guess the Broncos on RBs. (Except Maurice, of course)
Bronco_Beerslug
04-28-2008, 07:00 AM
They compared him to Mike Anderson.... Every Bronco fan has to love that. If he brings anderson's work ethic and unselfishness he will be a Great Bronco.
Maybe Shanny will even move him to FB!!!Not The Reverend, he hates MA.
Exactly my feelings. Didn't understand this pick at all, but I will never 2d guess the Broncos on RBs. (Except Maurice, of course)I don't know, Henry, the midget, and Clarett have been horrible decisions.
Hulamau
04-28-2008, 07:21 AM
File it away
Denver scored big with Arizona State running back Ryan Torain. This is a great fit.
The Broncos know what they are doing when it comes to running backs. They make it work with just about anybody. That was abundantly evident the past two years when Mike Bell and Selvin Young, both undrafted, stood out as rookies. Now, it's Torain's turn.
Unlike Bell and Young, who came into the league as average players who benefited by fitting Denver's scheme, Torain has a ton of natural ability. At 6-feet, 220 pounds, he is rugged and his running style fits Denver's vaunted zone-blocking scheme.
The Broncos drafted him in the fifth round because he was injured much of last season. But he is healthy now, so expect him to immediately get a chance to run the ball in Mike Shanahan's offense.
Young and veteran Travis Henry are also in the mix, but watch for Torain to emerge as a legitimate running back in this system soon.
From Burger Bill at ESPN
Odysseus
04-28-2008, 08:45 AM
Worst case scenario-we stick him on IR for a year...let him fully recover from the Lisfranc injury and learn the system at the same time. Henry/Young/Hall/Bell/Sapp are more than capable this year, we can afford to give him time and save a roster spot.
:rofl: Worst case scenario? I think he's feeling a little faint. (Ker thunk!)
broncofan7
04-28-2008, 08:53 AM
Lisfranc injury = high risk--what is the risk: reward ratio? I hope that this pick works out but I have my doubts......I will keep my eye on Okam whom the Texans selected shortly after the Torain pick......
Hogan11
04-28-2008, 09:06 AM
Worst case scenario-we stick him on IR for a year...let him fully recover from the Lisfranc injury and learn the system at the same time. Henry/Young/Hall/Bell/Sapp are more than capable this year, we can afford to give him time and save a roster spot.
You mean like Buffalo did when they drafted Willis McGahee a few years ago?
I'm skeptical on this guy....injuries, runs high...he's gonna have to prove it to me.
2KBack
04-28-2008, 09:11 AM
Lisfranc injury = high risk--what is the risk: reward ratio? I hope that this pick works out but I have my doubts......I will keep my eye on Okam whom the Texans selected shortly after the Torain pick......
That makes about as much sense as still bitching about Ed Reed
broncofan7
04-28-2008, 09:23 AM
That makes about as much sense as still b****ing about Ed Reed
DT> need than RB---End of story. and to top it off we pick up a RB with a Lis Franc's injury from the previous season? wow---We have a great track record with Rb's and I hope I am wrong, but.......
oubronco
04-28-2008, 09:28 AM
DT> need than RB---End of story. and to top it off we pick up a RB with a Lis Franc's injury from the previous season? wow---We have a great track record with Rb's and I hope I am wrong, but.......
I agree but will wait till I at least see him play before I comment
Hulamau
04-28-2008, 09:45 AM
DT> need than RB---End of story. and to top it off we pick up a RB with a Lis Franc's injury from the previous season? wow---We have a great track record with Rb's and I hope I am wrong, but.......
Take a deep breath now... Shanny was very clear on Torain ... they checked out his injury thoroughly including several talks with his surgeon and is fully confident he'll be 100% by June mini-camps and no doubt they will bring him along slowly as an added precaution. Its always possible the docs were either wrong or lying, or that he re-injures it, but the possible reward if they are all telling the truth is HUGE.
Quite possibly a TD type of player with real talent in the 5th round! Fact is some of you guys (not necessarily you BFan7, just using your post to make a point) hear the word Lis Franc and have a panic attack .. there are different degrees of these things and none of us has ANY idea how his particular injury looks for his future, and yet all those that very much do know first hand about his toe are extremely confident he is going to be just fine ... as in 100% ...
So until proven otherwise, the nervous nellies out there might be better off taking a Valium or just go worry about something more concrete like the ice bergs melting or some such thing. At least take a day or two of pleasure in a really solid draft overall before pronouncing all these busts. :flower:
cmhargrove
04-28-2008, 09:51 AM
I don't care about this season because I believe the O-line changes will help us become a better rushing team.
If this guy ever becomes a good goal line / short yardage back he is a steal. The thing I always loved about Mike Anderson is that he never lost yards, and rarely went down in the backfield.
Give me a third down hammer anyday. Maybe he can do more, but that would be a huge boon to this offense. Forget all the finesse, the Broncos need to ram it down people's throat at the goal line. We haven't had that in years.
Let him heal this year. Work him in by the end of the season. See what Travis has left in the tank by week 10.
Hulamau
04-28-2008, 10:33 AM
I don't care about this season because I believe the O-line changes will help us become a better rushing team.
If this guy ever becomes a good goal line / short yardage back he is a steal. The thing I always loved about Mike Anderson is that he never lost yards, and rarely went down in the backfield.
Give me a third down hammer anyday. Maybe he can do more, but that would be a huge boon to this offense. Forget all the finesse, the Broncos need to ram it down people's throat at the goal line. We haven't had that in years.
Let him heal this year. Work him in by the end of the season. See what Travis has left in the tank by week 10.
I'm down with that .. and maybe hes ready to go earlier ... point is as you say we could use a guy like him healthy and its very much worth the shot. Even Burger Bill thinks Torain is the bomb and a steal for Denver and will be starting by mid-season.
If as Shanny said he and Hillis are perfectly healthy for this year ... and throw in Young as an good change of pace home run hitter as well, and these three guys in our system ... its Look out AFC and Henry becomes a solid backup!
Torain is NOT easy to bring down ... he's a load. No more Tatum Bell being shot with a deer rifle when ever he's touched.
Man and same on the other side of the ball. If Josh Barrett is over his college injury bug , we have a steal there as well! He gets to learn from Lynch and company this year and with 4.34 speed at 6-2 225lbs.. Holy moly!
Hulamau
04-28-2008, 10:39 AM
The big picture is .... this is three decent drafts in a row with the potential for this being one of the best in a long while over all. Maybe the last three years has been more and more the Goodman influence ... if so, give the guy a cigar ... and a raise!
And after three decent years in a row now, it will start to turn the tide and begin to overcome the awful drafting and bad luck of those 5 + years in the early to mid decade.
I'm down with that .. and maybe hes ready to go earlier ... point is as you say we could use a guy like him healthy and its very much worth the shot. Even Burger Bill thinks Torain is the bomb and a steal for Denver and will be starting by mid-season.
If as Shanny said he and Hillis are perfectly healthy for this year ... and throw in Young as an good change of pace home run hitter as well, and these three guys in our system ... its Look out AFC and Henry becomes a solid backup!
Torain is NOT easy to bring down ... he's a load. No more Tatum Bell being shot with a deer rifle when ever he's touched.
Man and same on the other side of the ball. If Josh Barrett is over his college injury bug , we have a steal there as well! He gets to learn from Lynch and company this year and with 4.34 speed at 6-2 225lbs.. Holy moly!
When did Young ever hit a home run? He's more like a doubles and triples hitter.
Hulamau
04-28-2008, 10:44 AM
When did Young ever hit a home run? He's more like a doubles and triples hitter.
Doubles and triples maybe as the feature back, but bring him in as change of pace after after a pounding from Hillis/Torian and he's likely to spring some big ones. Young is a bonus as an UDFA.
Perhaps mighty mouse Aldridge becomes even more of a 'change artist' if he can play in the big league. Time will tell. But our RB situation this year is far from the pits.
Doubles and triples maybe as the feature back, but bring him in as change of pace after after a pounding from Hillis/Torian and he's likely to spring some big ones. Young is a bonus as an UDFA.
Perhaps mighty mouse Aldridge becomes even more of a 'change artist' if he can play in the big league. Time will tell. But our RB situation this year is far from the pits.
Young is a good player and I like having him on the roster. I was sold on him in the Buffalo game where he batted the ball out of bounds to save our possession on that last drive. He gets several long runs but doesnt take them to the house. He doesnt have the elite speed. A lot of his long runs ended with getting pushed out inside the 20 and not in the endzone. And our red zone offense was such that we werent able to drive in the winning run. You could say the problem was our red zone offense or you could say that if Young was a true HR hitter instead of a triples and doubles hitter, we would have scored more too.
broncosteven
04-28-2008, 12:41 PM
They compared him to Mike Anderson.... Every Bronco fan has to love that. If he brings anderson's work ethic and unselfishness he will be a Great Bronco.
Maybe Shanny will even move him to FB!!!
Will he bring the roach clip and dreamcatchers also?
Those velvet paintings of glow in the Dark Jaguar's are always cool.
2KBack
04-28-2008, 12:46 PM
DT> need than RB---End of story. and to top it off we pick up a RB with a Lis Franc's injury from the previous season? wow---We have a great track record with Rb's and I hope I am wrong, but.......
I say that because who's to say Shanny even had Okam on his board at all? They may have never even looked at the guy. that's why there is no use in complaining about some other guy that got picked later.
TheDave
04-28-2008, 10:06 PM
FWIW...
Denver Broncos
Best pick: Running back Ryan Torain, taken in the fifth round, has second-round ability but a foot injury dropped his stock. The Broncos will love this kid.
Questionable move: Second-round pick Eddie Royal will give the passing game a speedy receiver who can help Jay Cutler, but did he go too high at No. 42 overall?
Second-day gem: Sixth-round pick Spencer Larsen was a tackling machine at Arizona.
Overall grade: B. They needed a left tackle and got one in the first round in Ryan Clady. The rest of the draft included some nice choices.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10802077
20yardline
04-28-2008, 10:08 PM
And the next 1000 yard rusher for the Broncos is.....
Natedog24
04-28-2008, 10:26 PM
He is an interesting prospect, but I honestly don't think he really stands out that much from the other RB's that Denver already has, probably a better short yardage guy then the rest whenever Henry finds his way off the roster in the future. I like the Mike Anderson comparison and I think he also reminds me of Reuben Droughns.
bcbronc
04-28-2008, 10:44 PM
Doubles and triples maybe as the feature back, but bring him in as change of pace after after a pounding from Hillis/Torian and he's likely to spring some big ones. Young is a bonus as an UDFA.
Perhaps mighty mouse Aldridge becomes even more of a 'change artist' if he can play in the big league. Time will tell. But our RB situation this year is far from the pits.
its going to be tough to find spots on the roster for everyone worth keeping. As of now there seven backs listed on the roster (Young, Torain, Hillis, Sapp, Henry, Hall, Bell--Aldridge is not listed so he's an eigth guy). Bell and Hall are probably gone, Aldridge would be practise squad. But Henry's going to have to fight for a job.
If Torrain is healthy and storms through camp and earns the #1 spot, and Young's the change of pace back, is there a point in keeping Henry? Bell, Hall, and Sapp could compete for the 3rd spot (and have the advantage of being able to back-up at fullback).
From a discussion on NFL Draft Countdown's message board, posted by Scott Wright:
In case you are interested I received this e-mail from Arizona St. RB Ryan Torain's reps:
Quote:
As you’re probably aware, Ryan was considered to be one of the top 2 Senior RB’s, depending on who you spoke with, prior to him suffering the Lisfranc injury this past October. Still rehabbing from this injury, at the combine he decided to compete and ran a 4.61 40 but followed it up at his pro-day 3 weeks later with time between 4.49 and 4.51 and this past week he held a private workout in front of 6 NFL teams which was led by Kirby Wilson, RB coach of the Steelers.
In the video you’ll see that there are no lingering signs of the injury and you’ll be impressed by his soft hands and from what we’re hearing from a few teams we’d be shocked if he was available at the start of the 4th round.
Workout video post-lisfranc
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
socalorado
04-28-2008, 11:10 PM
He is an interesting prospect, but I honestly don't think he really stands out that much from the other RB's that Denver already has, probably a better short yardage guy then the rest whenever Henry finds his way off the roster in the future. I like the Mike Anderson comparison and I think he also reminds me of Reuben Droughns.
Nice-sized straight-line runner who could end up as one of the hidden gems in this draft. Plays with an aggressive style, doles out punishment, and runs over defenders to pick up yardage off initial contact. Finds the running lanes, quick through the hole, and falls forward when tackled. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and runs with authority. Effectively picks up the blitz and gets results blocking.
This description sounds alot like Portis to me. But i like the MAnderson compaisons too.
Oh By the way, Torain was projected as a 2nd rounder with a $h!tload of upside before the injury. Happens.
HUH, Heres an interesting little article from DarrenMcFadden.com!!!
Darren McFadden News
Ryan Torain: Dark-horse Heisman candidate
I watched several Sun Devil games last year, and although there weren't many bright spots in hardly any of them at all except for the almost-defeat of Southern Cal in the Coliseum, one consistent star that stood out for me was Arizona State running back Ryan Torain.
He was enormously overlooked last year due to the Sun Devils' lackluster performance, but this year this kid may slip in under the Heisman radar by the UCLA game if the team can get their act together by the 2nd or 3rd game.
To put this into perspective, let's compare his stats to some other top returning NCAA runners.
According to NFL Draft Scout's website:
Ryan Torain (Arizona State)
Senior
6'1, 215. (density = 2.95 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.52 sec
(2006) 223 carries, 1229 yards (5.5 Avg). 7 TDs.
James Davis (Clemson)
Junior
5'11, 208. (density = 2.93 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.48 sec
2006: 203 carries, 1187 yards (5.8 Avg). 17 TDs
Steve Slaton (West Virginia)
Junior
5'10, 195. (density = 2.79 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.42 sec
2006: 248 carries, 1744 yards (7.03 Avg). 16 TDs
Mike Hart (Michigan)
Senior
5'9, 195. (density = 2.83 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.46 sec
2006: 318 carries, 1562 yards (4.91 Avg). 14 TDs
Darren McFadden (Arkansas)
Junior
6'2, 210. (density = 2.84 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.43 sec
2006: 284 carries, 1647 yards (5.80 Avg). 14 TDs
Branden Ore (Virginia Tech)
Junior
5'11, 204. (density = 2.87 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.47 sec
2006: 41 carries, 1137 yards (4.72 Avg). 16 TDs
Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech)
Senior
6'1, 205. (density = 2.81 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.52 sec
2006: 297 carries, 1473 yards (4.96 Avg). 12 TDs
Cory Boyd (South Carolina)
Senior
6'1, 215. (density = 2.95 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.54 sec
2006: 164 carries, 823 yards (5.02 Avg). 8 TDs
Ray Rice (Rutgers)
Junior
5'9, 195. (density = 2.83 lbs/inch)
40-time: 4.47 sec
2006: 335 carries, 1794 yards (5.36 Avg). 20 TDs
He's in good company, and it's obvious where his strength lies - size. His body-mass density makes him a rock, and at that height he will force tacklers to text-book tackle him (meaning no shoulder-hitting without the arms wrapping-up, and certainly no arm-tackling without a stout body hit). He'll just bounce or shrug it off.
But couple that body-mass density with a 4.5-forty to boot and he will be very difficult to bring down unless your defensive lineman are lucky enough to get past the Devils' now-experienced O-line to even touch him. Or if your linebackers are quick and at least 240 lbs. And if you're a defensive back and he's made it past the linebackers, you're in trouble.
Bull-backs are extremely rare these days. Programs want speedsters or blocking backs, and that's it. Much like the NFL. Not bruisers who not only can drag a couple of defenders around upon impact, but who can also handle the ball well during the take-down and have pretty decent speed. North Carolina recently landed one of these rare bull-backs when Ryan Houston committed a few months ago (6'2, 245 lbs, 4.58 sec forty, 330 bench, 510 squat, 33" vertical leap, also played DE in high school). The Heels have a diamond in Houston, just as Arizona State has in Torain.
Other tidbits on Torain:Hey guy! Your favorite MORON's Opinion of him!!
-Listed by ESPN's Mel Kiper as the No. 2 senior running back in the nation entering the 2007 season.
-Ranks 13th in the nation and 2nd in the PAC-10 among returning backs in total rushing yards.
-ASU's second-leading returning receiver for 2007 and leads all returning PAC-10 tailbacks in yards-per-catch average (11.4) and touchdown receptions (three). So this guy is a threat in the secondary as well.
Although there are some in that list above that Torain doesn't compare to stats-wise, we have to keep in mind what he was up against all last season. Inconsistent quarterbacking resulting from an injured Rudy Carpenter (two fractures to his throwing hand going into the Colorado game, another broken bone in the other hand during the Cal game), the controversy surrounding Sam Keller's departure to Nebraska, mediocre ho-hum coaching which will kill any chance of title contention no matter how strong your talent is, (PLEASE SEE JOSH BARRETT)route-running mistakes, no go-to receivers nor a passing attack to open up running lanes (when your Tight End is your main go-to receiver, your passing game is in trouble), and a defense that gave up an average of 27.4 points per game against the other nine PAC-10 teams last season (three of those nine PAC-10 opponents racked up more than 40 points).
But this year there should be hope in Tempe. Number-one: Dennis Erickson has taken over. He's got a lot of talent and because of that alone you may see a vastly improved team within a year or two tops. And personally I think he'll be there to stay because he's getting older now and probably looking for a place to bring about championships glory and then retire (ala Steve Spurrier).
Also, an apparently healed Carpenter has been reported to have improved drastically during the spring game, experience returning at the offensive line, the receiver corps should open up quite a bit with senior Rudy Burgess getting some help from sophomores Kyle Williams and Brandon Smith and an outstanding freshman in Rodney Glass. So it appears that the passing game has improved quite a bit on paper.
What does this mean for Torain? If Erickson can get the Sun Devils back to their pass-happy happy-place, then the running lanes will open up all over for Torain. Which means that, if there's a good mix between passing and running, Torain should be scampering for an average of no less than 8 yards a carry, 3 of which will be him dragging a few linebackers with him for the first down. But he has to score a lot more TDs than he did last year.
Torain is the type of big back that allows you the reliable option to run when it's 3rd and 5, versus many teams who default to passing when they're in that situation. Put him in the backfield with Keegan Herring (4.37 forty in high school) and you have a serious backfield threat no matter what yardage situation you're facing.
Torain reminds me of Chad Jasmin, Chris Lancaster, and Jeff McCall, former Clemson bull-backs of yesteryear. Big and tough. Like trying to bring down a snapped bull that has a few too many banderillas in his back. If Torain grows bigger and stronger and stronger and faster and faster and bigger, then he may be the next John Riggins when he gets drafted.
But the defense looks to be in question. DT Michael Marquardt and DE Dexter Davis return to the line, which is a good thing, but there's no depth on said line. Josh Barrett returns at safety but the cornerback position appears to be questionable. Linebacker is a huge question mark, so junior college transfer Morris Wooten will absolutely have to step up and shine. If not then all bets are off.
If this defense allows opponents to score at will then this season may not be all that different from last season's. The offense will continually have to play catch-up with their opponents and that's not exactly a morale booster for any offense, because it's like you're fighting your own defense more than you're fighting the opponent's. The defense must gel and do so quickly to help the offense out.
Add to the defensive questions the fact that the Sun Devils haven't selected a kicker. And kicking problems could be an Achilles heel - just ask Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden.
According to the Sun Devils' official website, Arizona State's first four games are at home. About a solid month to work out the kinks in front of the home crowd. But ideally they better git-er-done by the 4th game; Oregon State. The same team that destroyed them 44-10 in Corvallis last season. A vengeance win over the Beavs will be a serious morale booster and may very well set the tone for the rest of the season.
If the Sun Devils can come out with a winning conference record and end the regular season with 9 wins, plus win their bowl game, that will be a 10-win season and will obviously be considered marked improvement. And if that happens, expect Torain to be in outside Heisman contention and his NFL draft stock to up a bit. But for him to get serious trophy consideration and for pro scouts to drool, he has to score a lot more touchdowns. At least double from last year, minimum. Because we all know the Heisman people only really vote on playmakers from popular, winning teams.
Originally I thought "well, ASU will also have to get to a BCS bowl for Torain to get serious consideration." Maybe not. Because Arkansas' Darren McFadden was 2nd in Heisman voting last year and the Hogs weren't even in the BCS. Matter of fact, Arkansas capped off a 3-game losing skid to Wisconsin in the Capital-One Bowl, where Darren McFadden only scored 2 TDs in those games. If Arkansas' current internal problems negatively impact the field of play in '07, and Darren McFadden suffers for it, Torain (and others) will be able to capitalize on that.
So, say Erickson gets his boys into the Holiday Bowl this year and they whip the 3rd best the Big XII has to offer (which at this point looks like Nebraska, and what a game that will be watching ASU go up against traitor Sam Keller) and Torain goes into that bowl game with, say, 15 TDs and then gets in the end zone at least twice in the bowl, then I expect Torain to be in the top-5 in Heisman voting topped off with an all-expense paid trip to NYC
SO, what have we learned about MR Torain?
Well, before his foot injury, which according to Torain is 100% healed, (why would he lie??), there was substantial buzz that he was going to be a possible Heisman candidate!!!!
Now guys, do you know why Torain was considered a steal in the 5th??
I cant wait for this guy to start carrying the rock!
http://www.darrenmcfadden.org/darren-mcfadden-news06212007.php
SureShot
04-28-2008, 11:13 PM
4.49 and 4.51?! This guy is no Mike Anderson.
theAPAOps5
04-29-2008, 12:00 AM
From a discussion on NFL Draft Countdown's message board, posted by Scott Wright:
Workout video post-lisfranc
<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CfU-U3VmTX4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
Ok two observations. He dings a cone his first drill and doesn't run out his play. If we had drafted Medenhall he wouldn't have hit a cone until at least the third drill. As for finishing a drill someone better inform him that you are now the property of B Turner. You will run out every play.
But because he hit a cone and Lex says he sucks then he must be a bust right?
wabbit
04-29-2008, 12:02 AM
He is an interesting prospect, but I honestly don't think he really stands out that much from the other RB's that Denver already has, probably a better short yardage guy then the rest whenever Henry finds his way off the roster in the future. I like the Mike Anderson comparison and I think he also reminds me of Reuben Droughns.
He's a power back, and it just so happens, between the tackles is what he does best.
Ya know folks, it wasn't that long ago when, during the course of a 12 round draft, the fifth round was a player with which a team really needed to hit a bulls-eye at least some of the time in order to build the franchise.
A lot of people seem to think a fifth rounders are so far out there that there's little chance he can make the team.
These are the very players that MAKE great teams.
Here's hoping he's a little piece...or big piece...huge even.
SureShot
04-29-2008, 12:04 AM
I think he was probably saving some for the rest of the workout. Eventhough the injury may be 100% healed I don't he is in game shape.
24champ
04-29-2008, 12:09 AM
Good stuff Socalorado. Rep.
Ok two observations. He dings a cone his first drill and doesn't run out his play. If we had drafted Medenhall he wouldn't have hit a cone until at least the third drill. As for finishing a drill someone better inform him that you are now the property of B Turner. You will run out every play.
But because he hit a cone and Lex says he sucks then he must be a bust right?
No, if you want to believe he's great, then obviously he is and Im wrong...and theres no chance its "the system".
theAPAOps5
04-29-2008, 12:31 AM
No, if you want to believe he's great, then obviously he is and Im wrong...and theres no chance its "the system".
Nope he is a bust you have called it. You are the all knowing around here, at least in your own mind. Damn him to hell for hitting that cone.
Nope he is a bust you have called it. You are the all knowing around here, at least in your own mind. Damn him to hell for hitting that cone.
I havent watched the video nor have I commented on it, idiot.
Houshyamama
04-29-2008, 12:41 AM
I havent watched the video nor have I commented on it, idiot.
It's probably best for everyone that your situation stays the same.
It's probably best for everyone that your situation stays the same.
Most likely correct. If I watch that and he's falling all over himself, people arent really going to want to hear from me about it.
theAPAOps5
04-29-2008, 12:49 AM
Thats not a compliment from Housyamama you stupid idiot. He just bitched slaped you and you took it like a compliment.
Houshyamama
04-29-2008, 12:54 AM
Most likely correct. If I watch that and he's falling all over himself, people arent really going to want to hear from me about it.
It's like you have wormtongue whispering in your ear:
"baad, eeevil... everything. Must be negative. Look! the new runningback, he's evil. baaad."
http://www.warofthering.net/quintessential/movieshots_ttt/grima_theoden_early.jpg
Kaylore
04-29-2008, 02:40 AM
http://www.fandome.com/watch/84792/Ride_the_Torain_Train/
http://www.fandome.com/watch/83945/ASU-Colorado/
http://www.fandome.com/watch/83493/Sun_Devils_Thrash_SJSU/
TheReverend
04-29-2008, 08:08 AM
Not The Reverend, he hates MA.
I don't know, Henry, the midget, and Clarett have been horrible decisions.
I certainly didn't always hate him. It just became apparent that his time was through. Most didn't want to admit it. Shortly after I came out opposed to MA, he got cut, sent to Balt, never produced and now is out of the NFL.
Knock me all you want, I'm very patient with people who wear orange and blue or work for the organization, so when I'm frustrated and start pointing out their blatant flaws, yes, they are done.
ludo21
04-29-2008, 08:51 AM
Torain, Day 1 Starter!!! ???
;D
theAPAOps5
04-29-2008, 09:12 AM
Torain runs to upright. Needs to get that in check or he will be in B Turners dog house quick. Especially if it leads to fumbles.
Breaker
04-29-2008, 09:12 AM
It's good to see you ludo ... but I'm really doubting he'll make the team.
Maybe practice squad.
I adore Josh Barrett though ... unreal size/speed combo. He's been on my wish list all along :thumbs:
Barrett is a total steal in the 7th, he is going to be really good. Now if we can figure out a way to snag Mays from USC next year we would be set for a long time at S.