TicketsFew were worried about the Bearcats running back position entering the 2011 season. In fact, Athlon ranked it the best crop of backs in the conference. Senior Isaiah Pead returns with the athleticism of an NFL back and urgency of a college senior.
Darrin Williams returns off showing signs of promise prior to an injury cutting short the 2010 campaign.
George Winn drew praise from coaches in the spring.
Recruit Jameel Poteat enters as the gem of the freshmen class. A four-star back, ranked No. 15 in his position nationally by rivals.
WIth all those names, it would be easy to forget about Akise Teague. Until this weekend, anyway. Teague doesn't own the star power of Poteat, speed of Pead (who does?) or experience of Winn and Williams. He's a two-star kid from Division V Ursuline.
Wisconsin was the only BCS school other than Cincinnati to offer.
But all he does is produce. Over 2,400 rushing yards, 4,000 total yards and 48 touchdowns as a senior. Ohio's Mr. Football.
Most evaluations I read tell you it was because of his size. Teague is listed at 5-foot-8, 171 pounds.
It's funny these size concerns continue to pop up, particularly with the long line of undersized backs who have produced oversized results in spread systems the past few years. The ability to stay low, hide behind large offensive lineman and make people miss in space has become the major trait of so many major BCS workhorses. Teague proved he owns all of these.
You have to figure Teague will put on at least 5-10 pounds leading up to the season now that he is in the hands of strength coach Dave Lawson. So, let's place Teague at 5-8, 180 pounds this year. Want to find some other backs at that size who've enjoyed monster seasons/careers at BCS schools? Here's a list:
Player School Hgt/Wgt Pertinent Stats NFL Status
Noel Devine WVU 5-8/176 4,317 yards/29 TDs Drafted
Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon St. 5-6/190 3,877 yards/46 TDs Drafted
Kendall Hunter Okla. St. 5-8/190 4,181 yards/37 TDs Drafted
Jordan Todman UConn 5-9/190 1,695/14 TDs (2010) Drafted
Rodney Stewart Colorado 5-6/175 1,218/10 TDs (2010) Returning
LaMichael James Oregon 5-9/180 1,731/21 TDs (2010) Returning
James led the country in rushing yards per game, Todman finished second, Hunter ninth, Stewart 12th and Rodgers 19th.
That's one quarter of the top 20 running backs last season would be at or near Teague's projected size range. With the above listed stats, those don't include receiving stats, which typically accompany backs of this range. Expect that to be the case for Teague as well who actually played slot receiver for much of his time in high school (evidenced by his smooth 40-yard TD reception Saturday).
For the record, Kendall Hunter, Jordan Todman and Jacquizz Rodgers weren't exactly can't-miss recruits either. Hunter was rated the 40th best RB prospect and Rodgers the 26th while Todman and Stewart went unrated with two stars by Rivals (same as Teague).
To claim Teague will be in the same class as any of the aforementioned backs or even find carries this season in a crowded UC backfield would be unfair to Akise, the Bearcats and the group of undersized stars. Nobody can tell that a player will provide that level of production because of one all-star game, as prestigious as the Big 33 might be.
However, seeing what we've seen from Teague in high school, on Saturday and knowing what we know about the success of undersized running backs in spread systems over recent years, Teague at the very least fits the mold of a breakout running back star.
Here are the YouTube highlights from the game: Teague's first TD comes at the 1:30 mark, the ankle-breaking reverse field TD comes at 2:10, he rips off a nice screen pass at 3:25, the TD reception comes at 5:20.
Let's eat...
--- An OSU-centric web site called The O-Zone bemoans not landing Akise Teague and talks about his playmaking ability.
--- Bill Koch wrote an outstanding piece in Sunday's Enquirer on the relationship between Hep and Mick Cronin. Love it when Bill does pieces like this -- it's a true introspection into how Cronin became the coach he is today. Must read for UC fans.
--- Also, nice piece on Herb Jones, who is still playing in the Deveroes Summer League at the age of 40. Still remember Jones as the glue guy on the 1992 Final Four team.
If you are interested in checking out some of the UC players (most of them are on Slats), here is the schedule.
--- ESPN is running a series on city schools in college football. They define city school as one that competes with an NFL franchise in the same city/market.
Here's the UC outlook.
--- The Meineke Car Care Bowl will now be known as the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. Not sure what this means, other than the swag will likely include some casual polos and bermuda shorts. The bowl payout didn't appear to take a significant jump up or down.
Here's the complete Big East bowl schedule for all the possible landing destinations.
--- Andrea Adelson talks about the possible impact of Dominique Battle at CB. I wrote a story about Battle during spring football if you'd like some more background.
--- Some randomness...
--- We talked about Clarence Clemons' stroke last week, unfortunately, he passed away Saturday night. He was one of the great sax players of our generation and innovated the way it's used in popular music. Here are some of his best solos. Take your pick, you won't be disappointed.
--- The Hair Hall of Fame exists. I can't imagine a place that would prompt more feelings of jealousy and inadequacy inside me.
--- Cue Jeff Foxworthy imitation: If you find a kitten inside your car's air filter.....
--- OK, I kind of want to see Moneyball. I read the book, but didn't think it would convert. Yet,any movie that strolls out Scott Hatteberg as a central figure catches my attention. Is that sad? Probably.
Darrin Williams returns off showing signs of promise prior to an injury cutting short the 2010 campaign.
George Winn drew praise from coaches in the spring.
Recruit Jameel Poteat enters as the gem of the freshmen class. A four-star back, ranked No. 15 in his position nationally by rivals.
WIth all those names, it would be easy to forget about Akise Teague. Until this weekend, anyway. Teague doesn't own the star power of Poteat, speed of Pead (who does?) or experience of Winn and Williams. He's a two-star kid from Division V Ursuline.
Wisconsin was the only BCS school other than Cincinnati to offer.
But all he does is produce. Over 2,400 rushing yards, 4,000 total yards and 48 touchdowns as a senior. Ohio's Mr. Football.
He produced again on Saturday in the prestigious Big 33 Game between Ohio and Pennsylvania (with Poteat on the Pa. sideline). He touched the ball 10 times for 168 yards, including three touchdowns (runs of 52 and 20, adding a 40-yard reception). For those doubting if Teague could perform on a major college level, well, they should have their answer. The Big 33 is the top high school all-star game going. It's been by represented by a player in every Super Bowl. Check out the moves he put on some of the brightest stars from the state of Pennsylvania, then you tell me if he's ready. (H/T to Fox19. BTW, if you aren't watching Fox19 for your local sports news, then you don't want in-depth coverage. They work to find more stories nobody else has than anyone else in the city combined)
Remember, according to ESPN evaluation, Teague also ran a 4.53 40-yard dash. He's not exactly lacking speed. Add in the elusiveness he's always illustrated and it begs a question of the day:
With all this talent and production, why did so many major schools stay away?
Remember, according to ESPN evaluation, Teague also ran a 4.53 40-yard dash. He's not exactly lacking speed. Add in the elusiveness he's always illustrated and it begs a question of the day:
With all this talent and production, why did so many major schools stay away?
Most evaluations I read tell you it was because of his size. Teague is listed at 5-foot-8, 171 pounds.
It's funny these size concerns continue to pop up, particularly with the long line of undersized backs who have produced oversized results in spread systems the past few years. The ability to stay low, hide behind large offensive lineman and make people miss in space has become the major trait of so many major BCS workhorses. Teague proved he owns all of these.
You have to figure Teague will put on at least 5-10 pounds leading up to the season now that he is in the hands of strength coach Dave Lawson. So, let's place Teague at 5-8, 180 pounds this year. Want to find some other backs at that size who've enjoyed monster seasons/careers at BCS schools? Here's a list:
Player School Hgt/Wgt Pertinent Stats NFL Status
Noel Devine WVU 5-8/176 4,317 yards/29 TDs Drafted
Jacquizz Rodgers Oregon St. 5-6/190 3,877 yards/46 TDs Drafted
Kendall Hunter Okla. St. 5-8/190 4,181 yards/37 TDs Drafted
Jordan Todman UConn 5-9/190 1,695/14 TDs (2010) Drafted
Rodney Stewart Colorado 5-6/175 1,218/10 TDs (2010) Returning
LaMichael James Oregon 5-9/180 1,731/21 TDs (2010) Returning
James led the country in rushing yards per game, Todman finished second, Hunter ninth, Stewart 12th and Rodgers 19th.
That's one quarter of the top 20 running backs last season would be at or near Teague's projected size range. With the above listed stats, those don't include receiving stats, which typically accompany backs of this range. Expect that to be the case for Teague as well who actually played slot receiver for much of his time in high school (evidenced by his smooth 40-yard TD reception Saturday).
For the record, Kendall Hunter, Jordan Todman and Jacquizz Rodgers weren't exactly can't-miss recruits either. Hunter was rated the 40th best RB prospect and Rodgers the 26th while Todman and Stewart went unrated with two stars by Rivals (same as Teague).
To claim Teague will be in the same class as any of the aforementioned backs or even find carries this season in a crowded UC backfield would be unfair to Akise, the Bearcats and the group of undersized stars. Nobody can tell that a player will provide that level of production because of one all-star game, as prestigious as the Big 33 might be.
However, seeing what we've seen from Teague in high school, on Saturday and knowing what we know about the success of undersized running backs in spread systems over recent years, Teague at the very least fits the mold of a breakout running back star.
Here are the YouTube highlights from the game: Teague's first TD comes at the 1:30 mark, the ankle-breaking reverse field TD comes at 2:10, he rips off a nice screen pass at 3:25, the TD reception comes at 5:20.
Let's eat...
--- An OSU-centric web site called The O-Zone bemoans not landing Akise Teague and talks about his playmaking ability.
--- Bill Koch wrote an outstanding piece in Sunday's Enquirer on the relationship between Hep and Mick Cronin. Love it when Bill does pieces like this -- it's a true introspection into how Cronin became the coach he is today. Must read for UC fans.
--- Also, nice piece on Herb Jones, who is still playing in the Deveroes Summer League at the age of 40. Still remember Jones as the glue guy on the 1992 Final Four team.
If you are interested in checking out some of the UC players (most of them are on Slats), here is the schedule.
--- ESPN is running a series on city schools in college football. They define city school as one that competes with an NFL franchise in the same city/market.
Here's the UC outlook.
--- The Meineke Car Care Bowl will now be known as the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. Not sure what this means, other than the swag will likely include some casual polos and bermuda shorts. The bowl payout didn't appear to take a significant jump up or down.
Here's the complete Big East bowl schedule for all the possible landing destinations.
--- Andrea Adelson talks about the possible impact of Dominique Battle at CB. I wrote a story about Battle during spring football if you'd like some more background.
--- Some randomness...
--- We talked about Clarence Clemons' stroke last week, unfortunately, he passed away Saturday night. He was one of the great sax players of our generation and innovated the way it's used in popular music. Here are some of his best solos. Take your pick, you won't be disappointed.
--- The Hair Hall of Fame exists. I can't imagine a place that would prompt more feelings of jealousy and inadequacy inside me.
--- Cue Jeff Foxworthy imitation: If you find a kitten inside your car's air filter.....
--- OK, I kind of want to see Moneyball. I read the book, but didn't think it would convert. Yet,any movie that strolls out Scott Hatteberg as a central figure catches my attention. Is that sad? Probably.