Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

(08-04-2022 12:14 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

Gumbs and Howard make sense. Back to their original positions after switching to provide depth at positions that experienced a lot of Injuries last season.

Toure I'm curious about because he was just in the video from the first padded practice a couple days ago... If he is gone or injured for the season though, I'm not sure it's that big of a loss. Rudolph, Thornton, & Tucker are getting most of the targets no matter what. Travis & McCray are good depth veterans. I expect a lot more production from the TE's this season. If only one or two guys prove capable of producing anything at all of Howard, Gumbs, Urwiler, Rutkiewicz, & Pierre-Antoine... then that's excellent depth, and that's not even including the PWO's & true freshmen.

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:14 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:14 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

(08-04-2022 12:52 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:14 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

They are both so talented. Waylee has the edge in speed, but Brown has better vision, size and strength. If both can stay healthy we could see 2 MASSIVE performances this season. The unreal thing about the depth Hammock has built is that as excited as we all are for those 2, and rightfully so, if either of them take their foot off the gas at any point over the next few years, there are guys behind that are more than capable of taking their jobs.

(08-04-2022 01:05 PM)TXHuskieJA26 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:52 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:14 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Expect a big year from WR Thornton. Liked Howard from HS, hope he can contribute at WR. Not sure there is not a spot for Dozier at RB and he/we would be better off with him at WR. We are DEEP at RB. Man o Man, we have some players on this team.

I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

They are both so talented. Waylee has the edge in speed, but Brown has better vision, size and strength. If both can stay healthy we could see 2 MASSIVE performances this season. The unreal thing about the depth Hammock has built is that as excited as we all are for those 2, and rightfully so, if either of them take their foot off the gas at any point over the next few years, there are guys behind that are more than capable of taking their jobs.

I’ve joked a bit about NIU being called RB-U because we have 5 WRs in the NFL and zero RBs. But Hammock is turning Dekalb into an RB factory. In his first 3 full recruit classes his #2, #1 and #1 highest rated recruits were RBs. In a time where the RB value has been diminished by the crazy pass offenses, good backs are gonna keep coming to dekalb just to work with Hammock.

(08-04-2022 01:19 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 01:05 PM)TXHuskieJA26 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:52 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

They are both so talented. Waylee has the edge in speed, but Brown has better vision, size and strength. If both can stay healthy we could see 2 MASSIVE performances this season. The unreal thing about the depth Hammock has built is that as excited as we all are for those 2, and rightfully so, if either of them take their foot off the gas at any point over the next few years, there are guys behind that are more than capable of taking their jobs.

I’ve joked a bit about NIU being called RB-U because we have 5 WRs in the NFL and zero RBs. But Hammock is turning Dekalb into an RB factory. In his first 3 full recruit classes his #2, #1 and #1 highest rated recruits were RBs. In a time where the RB value has been diminished by the crazy pass offenses, good backs are gonna keep coming to dekalb just to work with Hammock.

And possibly even more impressive is that the "non-headliner" backs are studs as well. Waylee was a 79 rated 2 star, Dozier was a 71 rated 2 star PWO, and Blakemore an unrated PWO. They are 3 of the top 4 backs in what is likely to be a top 10 rushing team again this year. So many are concerned with NIL and the transfer portal being the death of schools like NIU, but with the way Hammock and staff evaluate, recruit and develop players it's almost like "ok, so-and-so left," and instead of just next man up, it's next stud up.

(08-04-2022 01:19 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 01:05 PM)TXHuskieJA26 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:52 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

They are both so talented. Waylee has the edge in speed, but Brown has better vision, size and strength. If both can stay healthy we could see 2 MASSIVE performances this season. The unreal thing about the depth Hammock has built is that as excited as we all are for those 2, and rightfully so, if either of them take their foot off the gas at any point over the next few years, there are guys behind that are more than capable of taking their jobs.

I’ve joked a bit about NIU being called RB-U because we have 5 WRs in the NFL and zero RBs. But Hammock is turning Dekalb into an RB factory. In his first 3 full recruit classes his #2, #1 and #1 highest rated recruits were RBs. In a time where the RB value has been diminished by the crazy pass offenses, good backs are gonna keep coming to dekalb just to work with Hammock.

You tend to forget what schools were were doing to get top RB's especially during the Eric Dickerson and Marcus Dupree eras.
Back in the 80's , you would see at least 5 or RB's taken in the first round. In 2022, 0 RB's were taken in the first round.
I think not only did the offenses change and diminish the RB role, I think the playing expectancy of a RB is 2-3 years now before their knees are ripped to shreds.i think people realize that you cannot rely on a run offense if you are unsure your feature back will be able to play all season.

(08-04-2022 01:19 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 01:05 PM)TXHuskieJA26 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:52 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:44 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:17 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  I'm really looking forward to the second coming of Michael the Burner Turner in Antario Brown. This kid is BUILT completely different for a guy his age. No wonder why he was originally an SEC RB before they had a coaching transition. If he can produce, he's a fantasy draft pick.

Thats a good comparison and everyone in the RB room sees the same thing. Maybe he is why Drucker left. We recruited Brown late out of GA, seems we have been signing Rbs late and getting quality. We recruited -3- quality Rbs this year and they can MOVE.

And as great as we think Brown is, Hammock thinks Waylee is even better! And IMO Brown is more the Hammock-style back. So I have to expect huge things from Waylee. But I would not be surprised if brown eventually gets more carries by years end. 1 & 1A. What a luxury

They are both so talented. Waylee has the edge in speed, but Brown has better vision, size and strength. If both can stay healthy we could see 2 MASSIVE performances this season. The unreal thing about the depth Hammock has built is that as excited as we all are for those 2, and rightfully so, if either of them take their foot off the gas at any point over the next few years, there are guys behind that are more than capable of taking their jobs.

I’ve joked a bit about NIU being called RB-U because we have 5 WRs in the NFL and zero RBs. But Hammock is turning Dekalb into an RB factory. In his first 3 full recruit classes his #2, #1 and #1 highest rated recruits were RBs. In a time where the RB value has been diminished by the crazy pass offenses, good backs are gonna keep coming to dekalb just to work with Hammock.

Hammock doesn't run a spread offense or a zone option offense. Its a we're going to beat the $#** out of you offense with our big DOGS and backs. Old School.

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I know a lot of people complain about the transfer portal especially with the new rule that allows you to transfer as many times with out sitting out a year.

Take the example that Big Redd speculated on. If that was true, having the player transfer right away serves 2 goods. 1) if the player felt he was wronged, he has every right to go where he is happy. 2). It is better that the player leaves the program right away instead of him being disgruntled for the whole year and become a cancer in the locker room. You don't need negativity to root itself on this team.

The Kentucky preseason article on another thread showed that last year, in limited time Waylee was more a home run hitter but his efficiency was low.

Brown for all his talent also hasn't been fully healthy.

So I think you will see Blakemore get his chances. Last year he didn't have any great plays that I can recall.

Dozier will be a change of pace type. His spring was really special. He just made big play after big play. It was too hard to ignore. Hammock will fond a way to exploit defenses with him.

Haven't even seen the new summer freshmen RBs yet.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

(08-05-2022 11:55 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

At the WR position, this year is a wide open opportunity for Fabian McCray. Now or never for him.

(08-06-2022 07:25 AM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 11:55 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 09:44 AM)NIU1981 Wrote:  A few roster updates:

WR Mohamed Toure has disappeared from the roster

George Gumbs has moved from tight end to receiver

Jeremiah Howard has moved back to receiver from cornerback

I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

At the WR position, this year is a wide open opportunity for Fabian McCray. Now or never for him.

That’s a bit extreme. Cole & Thorton are gone after this season. Next year it’s actually wide open.

(08-06-2022 07:43 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 07:25 AM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 11:55 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(08-04-2022 12:16 PM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  I hope that is a mistake on Toure. He had a nice catch in the MACCG. Seems like he has talent.

Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

At the WR position, this year is a wide open opportunity for Fabian McCray. Now or never for him.

That’s a bit extreme. Cole & Thorton are gone after this season. Next year it’s actually wide open.

With Mccray it’s more about fulfilling potential rather than cracking the starting lineup. It’s sort of now or never - can you be the guy who had 22 offers including B1G,SEC,AAC, BIG12? If he has to wait until almost all the starters graduate to see the field than he’s just a guy.

(08-06-2022 08:06 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 07:43 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 07:25 AM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 11:55 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 08:36 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  Saw yesterday on a transfer portal handle on twitter that Toure has indeed hit the portal. Disappointing but life goes on and hopefully it turns out well for him. My total speculation guess is that he was not on the “varsity” group when they started fall camp and split the team into 2 sessions. I have no idea what happened but after camp starts is extremely odd timing.

I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

At the WR position, this year is a wide open opportunity for Fabian McCray. Now or never for him.

That’s a bit extreme. Cole & Thorton are gone after this season. Next year it’s actually wide open.

With Mccray it’s more about fulfilling potential rather than cracking the starting lineup. It’s sort of now or never - can you be the guy who had 22 offers including B1G,SEC,AAC, BIG12? If he has to wait until almost all the starters graduate to see the field than he’s just a guy.

I dunno…let’s say he cracks the lineup next season as a Junior* … gives him 2 years to start. Seems OK to me. He can shine in those 2 season.

(08-06-2022 08:32 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 08:06 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 07:43 AM)BigChilla Wrote:  

(08-06-2022 07:25 AM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(08-05-2022 11:55 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  I don't consider this a big loss. This is more business as usual. There are capable players to fill his spot especially as WR7 or whatever rank he had.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

At the WR position, this year is a wide open opportunity for Fabian McCray. Now or never for him.

That’s a bit extreme. Cole & Thorton are gone after this season. Next year it’s actually wide open.

With Mccray it’s more about fulfilling potential rather than cracking the starting lineup. It’s sort of now or never - can you be the guy who had 22 offers including B1G,SEC,AAC, BIG12? If he has to wait until almost all the starters graduate to see the field than he’s just a guy.

I dunno…let’s say he cracks the lineup next season as a Junior* … gives him 2 years to start. Seems OK to me. He can shine in those 2 season.

Hopefully something triggers in Fabian to get the most out of his potential sooner rather than later. This is his 4th year in the program. If it takes 5 season’s (2023) to start to produce I’m not sure it’s gonna be that spectacular. If he had a bunch of Richies and Rudolphs ahead of him I’d understand. It’s basically been Tucker beating him out for 4 straight years.