'11 CA ATH George Atkinson III (Signed Notre Dame LOI)

[woolybug25]

He had problems against TAMU (for example) with his shoulders -too high- but in general, he can run low when he wants. If Yeldon runs exactly like GAIII i live in other world..

He probably could if he wanted to, but he doesn't ever want to. If he does, then show me when this pad lowering happens? I don't ever see him running with low pad level on any of his tape. I didn't see him do it any of the 5 Bama games that I personally watched in their entirety through last season. I have watched a lot of individual tape on Yeldon too, yup... high pad level consistently. He doesn't lower his shoulders any more than GA3 does and that is backed up by game tape. You can act like they don't run exactly alike, but anybody can simply turn on the tape and see that you are dead wrong on that part.

I'm not saying that GA3 is equally as talented as Yeldon, but they have the exact same running style. Upright and fast.

 

[PANDFAN]

He probably could if he wanted to, but he doesn't ever want to. If he does, then show me when this pad lowering happens? I don't ever see him running with low pad level on any of his tape. I didn't see him do it any of the 5 Bama games that I personally watched in their entirety through last season. I have watched a lot of individual tape on Yeldon too, yup... high pad level consistently. He doesn't lower his shoulders any more than GA3 does and that is backed up by game tape. You can act like they don't run exactly alike, but anybody can simply turn on the tape and see that you are dead wrong on that part.

I'm not saying that GA3 is equally as talented as Yeldon, but they have the exact same running style. Upright and fast.

you are spot on w/ the yeldon reference in terms of running styles ...the only difference is that yeldon runs w/ authority and has great vision...2 things i don't see w/ GA3

 

[woolybug25]

you are spot on w/ the yeldon reference in terms of running styles ...the only difference is that yeldon runs w/ authority and has great vision...2 things i don't see w/ GA3

Totally agree, my man.

reps

 

[Ndaccountant]

He probably could if he wanted to, but he doesn't ever want to. If he does, then show me when this pad lowering happens? I don't ever see him running with low pad level on any of his tape. I didn't see him do it any of the 5 Bama games that I personally watched in their entirety through last season. I have watched a lot of individual tape on hYeldon too, yup... high pad level consistently. He doesn't lower his shoulders any more than GA3 does and that is backed up by game tape. You can act like they don't run exactly alike, but anybody can simply turn on the tape and see that you are dead wrong on that part.

I'm not saying that GA3 is equally as talented as Yeldon, but they have the exact same running style. Upright and fast.

I think both run upright, but I think Yeldon is much more fluid in/out of his cuts. That is what is important to me. I felt many times last year GA3 was a cut or two away from a long TD run, but he couldn't "shake" the defender while maintaining his speed. Yea, he had the TD run against BYU, but he still slowed down to make that cut and luckily there was weak pursuit/good blocking. Hopefully he can learn this b/c if he does, he would become a premier back in CFB.

 

[cody1smith]

you are spot on w/ the yeldon reference in terms of running styles ...the only difference is that yeldon runs w/ authority and has great vision...2 things i don't see w/ GA3

Two things i believe can and will happen when he gets some confidence. Yeldon runs like he is gonna gain 6 yards every carry and alot of the time he does. GA3 is a once in 10 years talent (speed wise) at tail back if the staff can get him confident in his carrying and the line can make him a hole at the los he will impress this season.

 

[woolybug25]

I'm thinking it might be helpful if a mod moved the last page or so over to GA3's thread? I think we have all gotten a bit off of the topic of GB.

 

[johnnycando]

I think we have all gotten a bit off of the topic of GB.

 

[woolybug25]

Newbert with the burn.

6 total posts

6 total reps by the Bug

 

[Old Man Mike]

Just to give what I think is a clarification of the points of issue:

1). no Notre Dame fan in their right mind wants GAIII to do anything but blossom into an All-American. I have seen no negativity towards GAIII in any way other than the "technical" things that follow;

2). GAIII has had some fumbling/ball security problems. I don't believe that this is debatable as Kelly has expressed some concern about this as well. On the other hand, all true Notre Dame fans hope that GAIII will cure this;

3). GAIII has had some problems catching the ball consistently and getting the passing game subtleties down pat. I believe that objective analyzers of his development realize that this is something which must be upgraded also [note that Kelly shifted play snaps away from Wood and to Riddick for this reason];

4). GAIII has had some problems recognizing the defensive sets and blitz packages, and therefore has not always pass-protected effectively. This has been mentioned several times as an area requiring improvement if one wants to be a major back in this offense [note that Wood did not play much until he really worked on this and became a great blocker; Bryant, by the way, realizes the importance of this and has talked about his willingness to work hard at it, and stick his body in the line of fire];

5). GAIII seems to have difficulty quickly seeing the smaller gaps and decisively planting and cutting hard North/South. This is a constant theme when GAIII comes off the field. Kelly goes right to him and tells him: yes, use your speed to try to flank the defense, but when that's not there [and it usually isn't] plant your foot hard and go towards the line of scrimmage. THIS is the main "running style issue".

The "runs too upright" thing is, I believe, somewhat of a red herring here. GAIII needs to develop these other much more significant things to be our main back --- as every Notre Dame fan hopes he can pull off.

 

[ulukinatme]

The only person currently on roster that is ready and could possibly take the starting spot from GAIII is AC I think. The freshmen won't be ready, at least not by Temple. They can see some reps or work their way up, especially later in the year, but I expect GAIII to start regardless of running style unless Carlisle stays healthy and unseats him.

 

[NDhoosier]

I think both run upright, but I think Yeldon is much more fluid in/out of his cuts. That is what is important to me. I felt many times last year GA3 was a cut or two away from a long TD run, but he couldn't "shake" the defender while maintaining his speed. Yea, he had the TD run against BYU, but he still slowed down to make that cut and luckily there was weak pursuit/good blocking. Hopefully he can learn this b/c if he does, he would become a premier back in CFB.

bingo, that is the main problem I see with GAIII personally. His cuts are slow and awkward. He stutter-steps before making a cut because it seems he cannot cut at his elite speed. If he can learn to cut on a dime, GAIII would be more than just a homerun threat, he would be lethal on every snap.

 

[AllGoldEverything]

The only person currently on roster that is ready and could possibly take the starting spot from GAIII is AC I think. The freshmen won't be ready, at least not by Temple. They can see some reps or work their way up, especially later in the year, but I expect GAIII to start regardless of running style unless Carlisle stays healthy and unseats him.

This.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Just to give what I think is a clarification of the points of issue:

1). no Notre Dame fan in their right mind wants GAIII to do anything but blossom into an All-American. I have seen no negativity towards GAIII in any way other than the "technical" things that follow;

2). GAIII has had some fumbling/ball security problems. I don't believe that this is debatable as Kelly has expressed some concern about this as well. On the other hand, all true Notre Dame fans hope that GAIII will cure this;

3). GAIII has had some problems catching the ball consistently and getting the passing game subtleties down pat. I believe that objective analyzers of his development realize that this is something which must be upgraded also [note that Kelly shifted play snaps away from Wood and to Riddick for this reason];

4). GAIII has had some problems recognizing the defensive sets and blitz packages, and therefore has not always pass-protected effectively. This has been mentioned several times as an area requiring improvement if one wants to be a major back in this offense [note that Wood did not play much until he really worked on this and became a great blocker; Bryant, by the way, realizes the importance of this and has talked about his willingness to work hard at it, and stick his body in the line of fire];

5). GAIII seems to have difficulty quickly seeing the smaller gaps and decisively planting and cutting hard North/South. This is a constant theme when GAIII comes off the field. Kelly goes right to him and tells him: yes, use your speed to try to flank the defense, but when that's not there [and it usually isn't] plant your foot hard and go towards the line of scrimmage. THIS is the main "running style issue".

The "runs too upright" thing is, I believe, somewhat of a red herring here. GAIII needs to develop these other much more significant things to be our main back --- as every Notre Dame fan hopes he can pull off.

This. The staff has clearly watched a lot of the Alabama in the off-season. One of the things their back's seemed to do fairly often was heistate for a second before running aftern getting the hand off. It looked like it helped them assess the defense. I wonder if that would help GAIII?

 

[Golden_Domer]

Rotowire.com projects Atkinson's stats this season: 1,150 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 250 receiving yards, 1 TD.

More ND projections here: Notre Dame ranks No. 8 in SI's preseason college football Top 25 - College Football - Lars Anderson - SI.com

Thoughts?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Rotowire.com projects Atkinson's stats this season: 1,150 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 250 receiving yards, 1 TD.

Thoughts?

Extremely optimistic. There's no way the model that produced those projections took GAIII's many deficiencies into account.

 

[Emcee77]

Rotowire.com projects Atkinson's stats this season: 1,150 rushing yards, 10 TDs; 250 receiving yards, 1 TD.

More ND projections here: Notre Dame ranks No. 8 in SI's preseason college football Top 25 - College Football - Lars Anderson - SI.com

Thoughts?

No way. Reduce each figure by half and you've got a semi-realistic estimate. Even that would be optimistic, I'd say. I just don't see GAIII emerging as a #1 guy ... I think he'll be a situational guy, just like last year.

 

[ScooterIrish]

Ha, if GA3 has those stats to end the year = ND just had another great year...

 

[ulukinatme]

I think George will hit at least 700 yards this season. Thats not a stretch if you consider he was #3 on the depth chart last year and hit 350. I expect him to be #2 or #1 this year, at least to start.

 

[NDBoiler]

Ha, if GA3 has those stats to end the year = ND just had another great year...

That was my initial reaction as well, but then I also thought that I expect Amir, GB, and even Cam to have some reasonable contributions too, which would make it very tough for GA3 to put up those numbers IMO. However, since Troy let the cat out of the bag,maybe there might be enough to go around with the emphasis on the ground game , who knows.

 

[NDPhilly]

I expect George to go off against the weak teams on our schedule but struggle against the good ones ala Miami 2012.

 

[Domina Nostra]

To me, GAIII has always seemed like a slow learner that lacked a little confidence.

I thought DD lacked confidence last year as well. While TP insisted that DD knew he was the best reciever on the team before last year, he always struck me as looking lost and a little timid in interviews. He might have been cocky, but he did not look confident. Riddick had that lost look for a while after that terrible game he had with the muffed punts.

The opposite are guys like Shembo, Collinsworth, Bryant, Watt, Tuiit, etc. Riddick too, especially once he returned to RB. They just look confident and ready. They look like they are having fun. IMO, DD needed to make a few big plays and get a hit a few times full speed to realize he was going to be fine. That is why I think he will be electric this year.

Long story short, it takes some guys a longer time, more practice, and a little experience to really turn the corner and get that swagger. I think GAII and Ishaq are the guys on this years team who have all the tools, they just need that confidence. If they start playing with swagger, they could be great players.

 

[ulukinatme]

To me, GAIII has always seemed like a slow learner that lacked a little confidence.

I though DD lacked confidence last year as well. While TP insisted that DD knew he was the best reciever on the team before last year, he always struck me as looking lost and a little timid in interviews. He might have been cocky, but he did not look confident. Riddick had that lost look for a while after that terrible game he had with the muffed punts.

The opposite are guys like Shembo, Collinsworth, Bryant, Watt, Tuiit, etc. Riddick too, especially once he returned to RB. They just look confident and ready. They look like they are having fun. IMO, DD needed to make a few big plays and get a hit a few times full speed to realize he was going to be fine. That is why I think he will be electric this year.

Long story short, it takes some guys a longer time, more practice, and a little experience to really turn the corner and get that swagger. I think GAII and Ishaq are the guys on this years team who have all the tools, they just need that confidence. If they start playing with swagger, they could be great players.

We need more criminals

 

[Pachuco]

For all the ship that this young man gets, I thought he played very well on Saturday. He flat out proved me wrong when I was personally ready to write him off. Clearly, he still has work to do, but for all the GBryant, Folston (needs more touches ), McDaniel, Carlisle talk, I was happy to see him step up. We were reminded of his "homerun" factor, unfortunately forgotten after a loss. So now that some dust has settled, I'm bumping his thread.

 

[Emcee77]

For all the ship that this young man gets, I thought he played very well on Saturday. He flat out proved me wrong when I was personally ready to write him off. Clearly, he still has work to do, but for all the GBryant, Folston (needs more touches ), McDaniel, Carlisle talk, I was happy to see him step up. We were reminded of his "homerun" factor, unfortunately forgotten after a loss. So now that some dust has settled, I'm bumping his thread.

Yep, I'll have the some of that crow. That was the best I've ever seen him play.

It was interesting how during his presser Kelly said the coaches actually had to sit down with George and specifically point out his mistakes to get him to run harder. They couldn't get him to understand that he was going down too easy till they did that.

 

[koonja]

For all the ship that this young man gets, I thought he played very well on Saturday. He flat out proved me wrong when I was personally ready to write him off. Clearly, he still has work to do, but for all the GBryant, Folston (needs more touches ), McDaniel, Carlisle talk, I was happy to see him step up. We were reminded of his "homerun" factor, unfortunately forgotten after a loss. So now that some dust has settled, I'm bumping his thread.

He played well, and he also had excellent blocking. I also think any of our RBs outside of Cam would have scored on GAIII's TD run. Again, he played great, but that was fool's gold IMO. It's not like he instantly became stronger, more agile, and made quicker cuts. We played a small front 7.

Cam and Folston are still our best runners IMO.

 

[Emcee77]

He may not be our best runner, but prior to the start of the season I and others were saying that George doesn't have what it takes to be an every-down back and that he should be used only situationally. He proved me wrong against OU. Again, not saying that he's necessarily our best runner, but I'll now admit that he is capable of being a serviceable every-down back. He showed me a lot more toughness.

 

[Ndaccountant]

He may not be our best runner, but prior to the start of the season I and others were saying that George doesn't have what it takes to be an every-down back and that he should be used only situationally. He proved me wrong against OU. Again, not saying that he's necessarily our best runner, but I'll now admit that he is capable of being a serviceable every-down back. He showed me a lot more toughness.

I don't think it is GA3 per se that is the issue, but how he is used. If we make the effort to dominate the LOS and try to run like we did against OU, then I would agree. If we revert back to more of a passing first / running from the gun / many zone running plays, I think he is not the right fit. I still think he lacks some of the agility needed to succeed at a high level in that type of scheme.

 

[SoIll]

This is true.. He did play allot better.. I do not know who our best "running back" is yet, but I will say we need to find ways to get Carlisle the ball out in space.. Hes electric.

 

[Irishnuke]

As it stands right now he is our best RB. He's getting the bulk of the carries unless we're killing the clock. Amir hasn't done anything other than a nice run against a ****** Temple D. Folston looks promising but isn't getting many touches and Bryant isn't playing. Gotta stick with the hot hand and right now that's GA3.

 

[Luckylucci]

He played well, and he also had excellent blocking. I also think any of our RBs outside of Cam would have scored on GAIII's TD run. Again, he played great, but that was fool's gold IMO. It's not like he instantly became stronger, more agile, and made quicker cuts. We played a small front 7.

Cam and Folston are still our best runners IMO.

Obviously your entitled to your opinion but go back and watch every run he's had against Michigan St. and Oklahoma and I think you'll say something different. On a consistent basis he is running much stronger and is more decisive in his cuts. I'm not calling for a Heisman here but there is no reason we should down play this. Its exactly what he needed to do and now he's doing it. He's still has to get better but it wasn't just one run that he should be proud of.