Theo Riddick's Position

[EifertPower]

So what will be his position next year? Kelly has bounced him around numerous times and I think it has been detrimental to him. I think he could be great at whatever position he plays if he is given time to develop at it.

All this said, I think he should play WR next year. I think we'll be fine at running back with Wood coming in, Atkinson getting more playing time and even getting Mahone and Robertson invovled. Putting Riddick at RB might just set these guys back next year, too.

WR is more pressing of a need and with Riddick and Toma at the slot I think that's an awesome pair of slot receivers.

I also think it's pretty unfair to get down on receivers like Riddick, Toma, and TJ Jones this year. They had to work with a QB that rarely threw them the ball, a QB who could not improvise and a QB who only could pick up the first read. And with Eifert and Floyd as the main two options rarely were any plays designed to Riddick and Hones. A good to great QB and you would have seen TJ and Riddick shine this year. I guarantee you that.

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

So what will be his position next year? Kelly has bounced him around numerous times and I think it has been detrimental to him. I think he could be great at whatever position he plays if he is given time to develop at it.

All this said, I think he should play WR next year. I think we'll be fine at running back with Wood coming in, Atkinson getting more playing time and even getting Mahone and Robertson invovled. Putting Riddick at RB might just set these guys back next year, too.

WR is more pressing of a need and with Riddick and Toma at the slot I think that's an awesome pair of slot receivers.

I also think it's pretty unfair to get down on receivers like Riddick, Toma, and TJ Jones this year. They had to work with a QB that rarely threw them the ball, a QB who could not improvise and a QB who only could pick up the first read. And with Eifert and Floyd as the main two options rarely were any plays designed to Riddick and Hones. A good to great QB and you would have seen TJ and Riddick shine this year. I guarantee you that.

I agree he needs to stay at WR in the slot. we also NEED to get the ball in his hands more. Kid is as elusive and shifty as they they come, and is very very quick. Weather its wildcat, underneath slot routes, or slot options, the ball needs to be in riddicks hands when its not in woods.

 

[mgriff]

He doesn't perform consistently enough. Kelly thought he could make Theo into Mardy Gilliard v2.0, but it hasn't worked out. I think people see the talent, but Theo's problem is translating his comfort level in practice into game time. Lots of players haven't been able to do it, but we really need someone to step up next year, and Theo should be towards the top of the list.

 

[jonesman]

I believe he looks so comfortable at RB. Plus, he is really good receiver out of the backfield. In my opinion, I move GAIII to slot. GA looks much more of a slot than RB. I like that Riddick has some power and shiftiness.

 

[IrishLax]

Gotta be RB. He's arguably even more talented than Cierre and I think you need to have a 1-2 punch back there. He's going to be absolutely fantastic as a 3rd down back.

He's simply not consistent enough as a WR and I don't think he's the solution in the slot.

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

Gotta be RB. He's arguably even more talented than Cierre and I think you need to have a 1-2 punch back there. He's going to be absolutely fantastic as a 3rd down back.

He's simply not consistent enough as a WR and I don't think he's the solution in the slot.

Thats the thing, he has to be consistent becuse We need both wood and riddick on the field at both times. Just like brian kelly has stated, he wants his biggest play makers on the field at all times.

 

[mgriff]

Gotta be RB. He's arguably even more talented than Cierre and I think you need to have a 1-2 punch back there. He's going to be absolutely fantastic as a 3rd down back.

He's simply not consistent enough as a WR and I don't think he's the solution in the slot.

Yea but I think we need more players at WR right now, especially with MF gone. We need people available every play if they have talent, and I don't think we can afford to hamstring ourselves sitting Riddick for that many plays. He very well may not be able to perform when it comes to game time, but he's explosive, and we don't have anyone like that at WR for next year. I hope he turns into Mardy this year, we really need him to.

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

I see riddick more of a percy harvin than gilyard. if he can learn to catch a football, could be a real weapon because of his running ability.

 

[IrishLax]

Yea but I think we need more players at WR right now, especially with MF gone. We need people available every play if they have talent, and I don't think we can afford to hamstring ourselves sitting Riddick for that many plays. He very well may not be able to perform when it comes to game time, but he's explosive, and we don't have anyone like that at WR for next year. I hope he turns into Mardy this year, we really need him to.

Totally agree, but I don't think Riddick is the answer there. I just don't. I know Toma is not the answer. I think you move TJ inside to the slot position and then you let Greenberry, DaVaris Daniels, etc. get their reps as WRs on the outside. By the time everyone is a junior (including Golson) hopefully we're lighting the world on fire and have a bigger gamebreaker than TJ stepping in.

But I'm just a dude behind a keyboard and I feel this is a really good discussion point that could go a number of different ways.

 

[Rocky2820]

I agree with giving TJ a shot at the slot and moving Riddick to RB. Not sure if Cierre can be an every down back and run hard for a full season. Riddick just doesn't seem comfortable in the slot. I'm also concerned about who will fill our "big back" role next year. It's an essential role against defenses like Stanford and FSU had this year, as it showed once Jonas went down.

 

[mgriff]

I don't think Theo is the answer either, but he's shown more than any other player we've had at wideout. TJ has played okay, but I haven't seen anything to say he's going to take a big time leap next year. I just don't know what else you'd do besides leave Theo where he'll get more touches. Right now, those are the only two explosive players we have on offense, and having them both playing the same position will limit what little effectiveness we might be able to muster.

 

[Rocky2820]

Looking more long-term than just 2012, let's hope for a Davonte Neal commitment for the slot position.

 

[pkt77242]

So what will be his position next year? Kelly has bounced him around numerous times and I think it has been detrimental to him. I think he could be great at whatever position he plays if he is given time to develop at it.

All this said, I think he should play WR next year. I think we'll be fine at running back with Wood coming in, Atkinson getting more playing time and even getting Mahone and Robertson invovled. Putting Riddick at RB might just set these guys back next year, too.

WR is more pressing of a need and with Riddick and Toma at the slot I think that's an awesome pair of slot receivers.

I also think it's pretty unfair to get down on receivers like Riddick, Toma, and TJ Jones this year. They had to work with a QB that rarely threw them the ball, a QB who could not improvise and a QB who only could pick up the first read. And with Eifert and Floyd as the main two options rarely were any plays designed to Riddick and Hones. A good to great QB and you would have seen TJ and Riddick shine this year. I guarantee you that.

What now?

Kelly moved Theo to slot right away and left him there until the very end of this year. Theo had 2 years to get comfortable in the slot and never did, and you can't blame Kelly for that.

Theo needs to play RB and move Jones to slot. Let the battle for the outside WR positions begin.

 

[EifertPower]

What now?

Kelly moved Theo to slot right away and left him there until the very end of this year. Theo had 2 years to get comfortable in the slot and never did, and you can't blame Kelly for that.

Theo needs to play RB and move Jones to slot. Let the battle for the outside WR positions begin.

OK you have me there but who says that Riddick hasn't met expectations at WR? Like I said, just because he didn't put up the stats this year doesn't mean he didn't play well and doesn't mean he isn't a very good receiver. My main point is I'm amazed at how down a lot of posters are on Riddick and TJ Jones this year when i think they both had good seasons. They didn't have Brady Quinn or Jimmy Clausen throwing to them this year and Eiftert's breakout lowered their stat totals. The offense this year was geared around Rees' limitations and those limitations didn't favor Jones or Riddick having big years.

 

[nd1989]

Theo's a natural RB. He's going to stay there. I don't know if everyone realizes, but he had a 4.5 yard avg in the game against FSU. FSU is one of the best defenses against the run.

not only will he be at RB next year, but he will be the #1 option at RB.

 

[Sweetness34]

RB! Cierre needs to step up and run tough and hard!

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

the only problem i have with theo moving to RB is that our 2 biggest playmakers on O (minus eifert) will never be on the field at once. it will make it harder for defenses knowing they have to be aware of both guys at once. that is if theo can stay healthy and learn to catch a little better.

 

[kmoose]

the only problem i have with theo moving to RB is that our 2 biggest playmakers on O (minus eifert) will never be on the field at once.

Why not? Riddick can line up in the backfield with Wood, and run routes from there(or just run). You can spread the field using routes out of the backfield, too.

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

Why not? Riddick can line up in the backfield with Wood, and run routes from there(or just run). You can spread the field using routes out of the backfield, too.

thats a good idea, 2 running backs sets. I just feel like riddick has more bigplay potential then anyone else on our team. i really wish we could get a QB that could get it to him more so we can see it.

 

[kmoose]

I just feel like riddick has more bigplay potential then anyone else on our team.

You're talking next year, right?

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

You're talking next year, right?

correct

 

[kmoose]

correct

I would say that depends on your definition of "big play". If you are talking 60-70 TDs, then I would agree. If you are talking 25+ yard plays, then I think Eifert is much more likely to provide that.

The other advantage to running pass plays from the backfield, for Riddick, is the mismatch it creates. How many LBs are going to be able to effectively cover him?

 

[STLcardz-NDirish]

I would say that depends on your definition of "big play". If you are talking 60-70 TDs, then I would agree. If you are talking 25+ yard plays, then I think Eifert is much more likely to provide that.

The other advantage to running pass plays from the backfield, for Riddick, is the mismatch it creates. How many LBs are going to be able to effectively cover him?

would be hell for lbs

 

[irishog77]

I've heard people on this site talk up and talk about Riddick for quite a while now, but I'm sorry...I just don't understand why. I, too, at one point thought he'd be a great playmaker for the Irish (as a RB, WR, return man), but it just hasn't happened. Sadly, there's just not much that he's done in 3 years to convince me he's going to be an elusive playmaker on the field...at any position. Hopefully he can get it all together for his senior year (Jonas Gray), but I'm not holding my breath.

I added this link that includes his career stats. I know stats aren't always everything, but they do often paint a decent picture.
Theo Riddick Stats - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - ESPN

 

[NDPhilly]

He appeared to run much harder than Cierre Wood against FSU. I say put 10 pounds on him in the offseason and keep him at RB.

 

[IrishLax]

I've heard people on this site talk up and talk about Riddick for quite a while now, but I'm sorry...I just don't understand why. I, too, at one point thought he'd be a great playmaker for the Irish (as a RB, WR, return man), but it just hasn't happened. Sadly, there's just not much that he's done in 3 years to convince me he's going to be an elusive playmaker on the field...at any position. Hopefully he can get it all together for his senior year (Jonas Gray), but I'm not holding my breath.

I added this link that includes his career stats. I know stats aren't always everything, but they do often paint a decent picture.
Theo Riddick Stats - Notre Dame Fighting Irish - ESPN

There were a lot of people that thought his RB film was better than Cierre's coming out of high school... but he didn't have the "every down back" build Cierre did. Riddick cuts insanely quick and hits the hole HARD despite being limited in size. And he can be a great receiver out of the backfield.

At best, he ends up as a Ray Rice style stud. At worst, he ends up as a reliable #2 back with a 3rd down niche. I think that's why he moves to RB... because heaven forbid an injury to Cierre... Theo is definitely the most capable and experienced runner on the roster.

 

[irishog77]

There were a lot of people that thought his RB film was better than Cierre's coming out of high school... but he didn't have the "every down back" build Cierre did. Riddick cuts insanely quick and hits the hole HARD despite being limited in size. And he can be a great receiver out of the backfield.

At best, he ends up as a Ray Rice style stud. At worst, he ends up as a reliable #2 back with a 3rd down niche. I think that's why he moves to RB... because heaven forbid an injury to Cierre... Theo is definitely the most capable and experienced runner on the roster.

This is what I'm expecting out of him. Or a decent WR that will catch ~40-45 balls next year. But I think you're right, Lax. Of course I didn't expect much out of Jonas Gray this year either though. I can see '12 going one of 2 ways for Riddick-- like Jonas, the light finally goes on and, blessed with a lot of God-given talent and 3 years of playing experience, he has a monster year. Or, based on his previous 3 years, he maintains the status quo of being a decent player for ND, but nothing to write home about. I hope it's the first scenario...but I'm inclined to believe it will be the second.

 

[Patulski]

I think the only way Riddick could possibly succeed as a running back is if Kelly changes from an inside run scheme to an option, outside based scheme.

Neither Riddick or Wood are good inside runners when facing good front 7's. Sure they will look good against Purdue and Air Force, who our O-line can push around and who have weak safeties, but when we face d-lines who we can't push around and good safeties, they get stuffed.

That's why I'm hoping Kelly completely changes his offensive scheme, with Golson running the show with lots of option football, outside runs and a mobile QB passing scheme.

Of course this would all change if our O-line could dominate elite front 7's in an inside run based scheme. but I don't see that happening next year.

 

[phgreek]

Why not? Riddick can line up in the backfield with Wood, and run routes from there(or just run). You can spread the field using routes out of the backfield, too.

yep...easier to get everyone flowing , and slide one out back side with 2 back there. Can also motion, and overload receivers, can have a lead block/dive option...many reasons I like to have at least some 2 back sets.

 

[mpkennedy3]

He needs to be a rb. The move to wr did not produce results this year, and he looked good in the bowl game at rb. I would like to see a little of him and cierre in the backfield and then having theo go in motion.