Wide receiver D.J. Monroe is getting some snaps at tailback as the coaches try to figure out ways to get the ball into the hands of the speedster weapon. Monroe played mostly tailback in high school and sat out the spring to focus on academics, so he’s a bit behind in his progress as a receiver. By moving him into the backfield on occasion, the offense can best utilize his speed and playmaking.
Interesting move, with several plausible interpretations. First, it looks like the coaching staff is being *very* active about finding ways to get the most out of the roster. Second, on the potentially disheartening side, it's at least possible that the move is indicative of a skepticism about Fozzy's viability/health. For now, we wonder, as we wait more for more reports on practice.
H/T: greenspointtexas
over 2 years ago
Peter Bean
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I'm actually kind of psyched about this
I think it shows that this guy has potential to be a real playmaker, if not just on special teams, but elsewhere as well.
And if there’s one more playmaker on the team, that’s good news
Versatility
That’s the name of the game. When all else is equal (i.e. playing a team with equal or similar talent,) the element of surprise, when used wisely, can provide a huge play or change of momentum. So, WHO is lined up at tailback might not be a surprise, but how they use him could be.
I do like the Percy Harvin comparison. Monroe seems like an elite speed guy who could be a difference maker if he gets ample touches.
How about somewhere between...
Ramonce Taylor and Eric Metcalf? That would be a nice addition to the offensive backfield. Just let Cody Johnson clear the way…
Confirmed by Mack in today's press conference
The other one that we’ve been doing for about a week is D.J. Monroe now is playing wide receiver, but he’s also playing tailback. So, we’re having him cross train, so we can get the ball in his hands at different ways and different times to try to get that speed on the field.
http://www.mackbrown-texasfootball.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082009aae.html
Percy Harvin : 200lb
DJ Monroe : 170lb
Harvin went into Florida at 190, DJ Monroe… still 170. While they’re both incredibly fast, and can be used in the same role, they’re not the same player. And to expect a Harvin like performance from Monroe is unrealistic. Harvin’s an absolute freak stud, I hope Monroe can even be half as successful.
by Displaced Longhorn on Aug 20, 2009 10:12 PM CDT reply actions
Are you comparing apples to apples here? Looks like a HS track photo of Monroe against a CFB/combine photo of Harvin.
Also, what was so studly about Harvin? I have to admit that I’m not nearly as impressed with him as most seem to be, and definitely not as impressed as I was with Reggie Bush, whom I also considered to be over-hyped.
by burntorangehorn on Aug 21, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions
monroe was 170 coming out of highschool, and 170 on the current roster…. harvin started out heavier and gained weight.
by Displaced Longhorn on Aug 21, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
But the pictures don’t reflect them at the same period in their respective development. That’s my point.
by burntorangehorn on Aug 26, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I don’t get the constant practice of comparing every multi-tool RB/WR to Harvin. There were better players than Harvin who filled that role in the past, and there will be better ones in the future. I really don’t see it as very likely at all that Monroe will be used like Harvin was, particularly in inside running.
by burntorangehorn on Aug 21, 2009 9:09 AM CDT reply actions
While I don't disagree with your premise
A big reason Harvin gets so much press is his efficiency and versatility. He had 110 touches last season, and produced 17 tds; had 142 touches the year before with 10 tds; and 75 plays with 5 tds as a freshman.
Compare that scoring efficiency to Reggie Bush in the ’04 season with 241 touches for 15 tds. Sure, a lot (maybe most) of that was Urban Meyer putting Harvin in a position to maximize his skills like few other coaches could, but the end state was the not wholly innaccurate impression that Harvin could score any time he got the ball. That kind of threat opens up a whole new world for coaches (particularly one like Meyer), because defenses will cheat themselves to stop one guy.
If the coaches can find an equivalent home run threat on this team, Jordan Shipley will own large swaths of the record book.
proud to swim home
by learned hand on Aug 21, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Those are some interesting stats you produced.
That makes me look at Harvin in a whole different light. If you had asked me who was a better college player I would have definitely said Bush, but now I don’t know.
You have to be fast if you're wearing purple
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Aug 21, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions
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