'12 MD ATH Ronald Darby (Florida State Signee)

[Rhode Irish]

so whats actually new with DARBY? is he faultering in his loyalty? I thought he was recruiting kids for ND and now he doesnt seem so solid

Based on what? Or should I say, compared to what? Doesn't seem like much has changed with him. He is still saying he is solid but wants to make sure he is making the right decision, last I heard. And as far as I know he's been saying the same thing for a while. So just curious where you're coming from on that?

 

[jonesman]

Sweetness,
Here is my defense to your, "atleast Clemson got to play in the game". Did the game really look or feel different than ND's game?? Actually, yes. ND's game was a sellout crowd and the BCS stadium was half full. So, no matter the bowl game you go to with ND, BCS or not you will have a packed house.

Here are the things that are the same for every college football player playing in a bowl.
-the games are all on ESPN
-they all get to go to a nice warm city
-they all get swag gear

Unless a player is playig in the National Championship game, most bowls are pretty similar for the players. If I were a player, I would be excited to play to a big crowd which will always happen at ND. Some of the bowl crowds were a JOKE this year.

The real difference between ND and Clemson's game was the fact we were in our game until the last series. Clemson should have gone home at halftime!!

 

[rtrn2glory]

i gotta admit i've been a little hush on nitro throught his recruitment, probably since he's been so solid in his recruitment and committed for so long; but after reading how he's done this week in practice i'm begging for him to sign. he is "SEC" speed in the secondary at vital to us becoming an elite defense. he will only get better. he has the raw physical tools to be an all american.

 

[Sweetness34]

Sweetness,
Here is my defense to your, "atleast Clemson got to play in the game". Did the game really look or feel different than ND's game?? Actually, yes. ND's game was a sellout crowd and the BCS stadium was half full. So, no matter the bowl game you go to with ND, BCS or not you will have a packed house.

Here are the things that are the same for every college football player playing in a bowl.
-the games are all on ESPN
-they all get to go to a nice warm city
-they all get swag gear

Unless a player is playig in the National Championship game, most bowls are pretty similar for the players. If I were a player, I would be excited to play to a big crowd which will always happen at ND. Some of the bowl crowds were a JOKE this year.

The real difference between ND and Clemson's game was the fact we were in our game until the last series. Clemson should have gone home at halftime!!

There is another difference, NDs game wasn't a primetime BCS game with all of the back stories on the coach and players leading up to the game. The BCS game gets you more exposure to the masses. All bowl games are not similar especially the BCS bowls compared to the other ones. You can tell the level of the game by who is doing the commentating and lasts nights was the Monday Night football crew. Also when you watch Clemson you see speed all over the field which is something he relates to not to mention the seemingly whole team that has dreadlocks. I know that seems dumb but that kind of stuff matters. Clemson's offense is set and they know who their QB is, the defense needs help and Darby could help that. I am NOT saying he will go to Clemson, all I'm saying is that I think that visit is the one that worries me because Dabo can truthfully say their team is a BCS caliber team with a lot coming back next year. I still think Darby will be Irish.

 

[Domina Nostra]

There are only a hndful of kids with his speed, and they are not all in the SEC.

 

[rtrn2glory]

There are only a hndful of kids with his speed, and they are not all in the SEC.

you're right they're in jamaica trying to make the 4x100 team for London.

 

[jonesman]

Sweetness,
I will have to respectfully disagree on a few points. I saw very little extra build up for this game over ND's. As for who is commentating, that is really no big deal. Both were nationally televised and both were on ESPN. I actually thought the discussions on ESPN about ND and FSU were much more interesting than any Clemson-WVU discussion. In fact, all the BCS games have been an infomercial for the Championship game.

I think ESPN has almost acted like the BCS games are a necessary hinderance to get to the LSU-Bama game.

I will agree that Dabo can use the BCS caliber team discussion. However, it is not like ND is not really darn close. We played a FSU team loaded with speed and ND looked very much the part on defense and will be there with some help at QB.

 

[Sweetness34]

Sweetness,
I will have to respectfully disagree on a few points. I saw very little extra build up for this game over ND's. As for who is commentating, that is really no big deal. Both were nationally televised and both were on ESPN. I actually thought the discussions on ESPN about ND and FSU were much more interesting than any Clemson-WVU discussion. In fact, all the BCS games have been an infomercial for the Championship game.

I think ESPN has almost acted like the BCS games are a necessary hinderance to get to the LSU-Bama game.

I will agree that Dabo can use the BCS caliber team discussion. However, it is not like ND is not really darn close. We played a FSU team loaded with speed and ND looked very much the part on defense and will be there with some help at QB.

Nothing wrong with disagreeing, it's just a little conversation in the grand scheme of things that probably doesn't even matter to Darby. I just think if you were to compare the two teams and their seasons, Clemson's would be appealing to a kid. They are very young having played 29 redshirt and true freshman this year along with having their QB spot set. Darby will be Irish.

 

[CarrollVermin]

If anyone has any question on "SEC Speed" they need to go and watch the Sports Science Segment from ESPN on the LSU secondary. The slowest guy...Eric Reed, runs a 4.59. When we can compete with that, we can start to compete on a more national level (IMO).

 

[IrishLax]

If anyone has any question on "SEC Speed" they need to go and watch the Sports Science Segment from ESPN on the LSU secondary. The slowest guy...Eric Reed, runs a 4.59. When we can compete with that, we can start to compete on a more national level (IMO).

You mean how Nick Baratti runs a 4.5 laser timed 40? Or how Darrin Walls ran like a 4.3 at the ND pro day?

"SEC speed" has nothing to do with the speed of the skill position players and this has been rehashed ad nauseum. It has to do with the overall athleticism of linemen and linebackers that makes them a mismatch for lesser teams.

 

[irishpat183]

You mean how Nick Baratti runs a 4.5 laser timed 40? Or how Darrin Walls ran like a 4.3 at the ND pro day?

"SEC speed" has nothing to do with the speed of the skill position players and this has been rehashed ad nauseum. It has to do with the overall athleticism of linemen and linebackers that makes them a mismatch for lesser teams.

Exactly. It has more to do with the speed and athleticisim of the non-skill players. Which, is scary when LB's that size are in the 4.5 range.

And I'd stack the PAC12 skill guys agains the SEC anyday in a foot race.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

You mean how Nick Baratti runs a 4.5 laser timed 40?

He ran a 4.45 for SpeedRank.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

He ran a 4.45 for SpeedRank.

it would be awesome to see our speed in action on a surface/turf that allowed them to showcase it.. our 4 foot high grass is actually going to hurt us in the future

 

[NDFANnSouthWest]

40 Time is a data point, however not the end all. One of my college team mates (Terance Mathis) was a slow 4.6, yet had a successful career in the NFL as a WR with the Jets and the Falcons (in fact played in a SuperBowl).

 

[irishfanjho15]

40 Time is a data point, however not the end all. One of my college team mates (Terance Mathis) was a slow 4.6, yet had a successful career in the NFL as a WR with the Jets and the Falcons (in fact played in a SuperBowl).

Great point SouthWest. Jerry Rice is another perfect example. 4.71/40 at his NFL combine. They always said he was 4.6 through the week, 4.2 on Sundays. Huge difference between 40 speed and football speed.

"If you lined me up to race someone during the 40-yard dash, they'd beat me, but you put me on a football field, in a uniform, with someone chasing me, the hair on my back flew up and I was able to run by people. I think people underestimated my speed. I ran those routes over and over, until it was like ... perfection. That's why I ran away from people." - Jerry Rice

 

[Sherm Sticky]

40 Time is a data point, however not the end all. One of my college team mates (Terance Mathis) was a slow 4.6, yet had a successful career in the NFL as a WR with the Jets and the Falcons (in fact played in a SuperBowl).

Reps for playing with Terance Mathis.

 

[NYIrish14]

He ran a 4.45 for SpeedRank.

After watching the video I really feel like he will grow into a nice DOG backer for us. Just seems too big for S. What say you Whiskey? I know you would love a DOG in this class.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

What say you Whiskey? I know you would love a DOG.

Whiskey one like this?

 

[irishog77]

Whiskey one like this?

I would.

 

[NDdomer2]

I would.

Poor Dog.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

After watching the video I really feel like he will grow into a nice DOG backer for us. Just seems too big for S. What say you Whiskey? I know you would love a DOG in this class.

OMM and I have made our preference for Baratti at Dog OLB known. It will make even more sense after Shumate, a higher rated SS, commits to us this weekend. Can't have athleticism like Baratti's sitting on the bench, especially with the problems we've had in coverage.

He's 218 now with a MLB's frame. I bet Longo could easily get him up to 225-230 without losing any speed. He'd immediately be the star cover LB on our team.

I would.

The dog or Courtney Love? Not much of a distinction there, I know.

Edit: We've wandered far off-topic here. Apologies to Darby, and any mod should feel free to lift these last few posts into Baratti's thread.

 

[irishog77]

OMM and I have made our preference for Baratti at Dog OLB known. It will make even more sense after Shumate, a higher rated SS, commits to us this weekend. Can't have athleticism like Baratti's sitting on the bench, especially with the problems we've had in coverage.

He's 218 now with a MLB's frame. I bet Longo could easily get him up to 225-230 without losing any speed. He'd immediately be the star cover LB on our team.



The dog or Courtney Love? Not much of a distinction there, I know.

Courtney Love-- I've got a thing for pale, drugged-out, dirty looking women. The dog can be in the room though (or alley...as that would probably be likelier spot).

I'm all in for Baratti as Dog too. I feel that way with or without Shumate.

 

[DaBLKIrishman]

I personally would like to see him at the Will. He is already a biscuit away from 220 and could easily get to the 240-250 range without losing speed and quickness. At 6'2 he doesn't have the desired length that our coaches covet at the Dog and Cat positions.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I personally would like to see him at the Will. He is already a biscuit away from 220 and could easily get to the 240-250 range without losing speed and quickness. At 6'2 he doesn't have the desired length that our coaches covet at the Dog and Cat positions.

WILB seems less likely than DOLB simply due to numbers. We have lots of ILBs (7 on scholarship for 2012) but only 2 prototypical DOLB, and neither of them is very experienced.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

WILB seems less likely than DOLB simply due to numbers. We have lots of ILBs (7 on scholarship for 2012) but only 2 prototypical DOLB, and neither of them is very experienced.

Refering to Councel and Spond? Spond could be a player if he could ever stay healthy.

 

[IrishNJ89]

All this linebacker talk, I had to make sure I was on the right recruits page.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I would like to see Baratti at DOG as well. I don't mind losing size over there at all, if we are talking about 225 vs. 240. I think we need rangier guys in the LB core, especially with the Jumbo CATS we are using.

 

[tko]

my guess is Darby wants to put on 70 lbs and be the fastest LB in America.

 

[mriguy]

Good luck to Darby tonight! I hope he shows off his skills he will display in the Blue and Gold next year. I cant wait to see him on kick off and punt returns.

 

[BeauBenken]

Good luck to Darby tonight! I hope he shows off his skills he will display in the Blue and Gold next year. I cant wait to see him on kick off and punt returns.

Amen to that. 15 minutes til! Let's go!