The Bobcat Nation

Sounds like a guy that has wheels and can return kicks/punts .... sweet! That is a glaring need we were lacking last year from the previous year. Eddie Smith I don't really want running back kicks just to keep him healthy at the corner spot.

I actually think Brandon Roosevelt can do an adequate job returning kicks, but I like this new addition - if for nothing more than added competition to the group.

According to the WSU site he was a big-time track star in high school.

Speed is something we definitely lacked in the special teams department last year.

Cat Pride wrote:Speed is something we definitely lacked in the special teams department last year.

Sounds more like a Eddie replacement than a Special Teams guy or returner.

BobcatLionFan wrote:

Cat Pride wrote:Speed is something we definitely lacked in the special teams department last year.

Sounds more like a Eddie replacement than a Special Teams guy or returner.

My mistake, Chronical says "standout kickoff return specialist in junior college".

BobcatLionFan wrote:

Cat Pride wrote:Speed is something we definitely lacked in the special teams department last year.

Sounds more like a Eddie replacement than a Special Teams guy or returner.

I absolutely think this guy was brought in for that and to create competition for Roosey, Mike Brown, etc. The more competition the better, and if the kid can return punts/kickoffs all the better.

Was recruited out of high school by Kansas State, San Diego State and UNLV. Also was a prep standout in track and basketball. Runs the 40 in 4.33. Redshirted 2003 season at WSU.

It looks like we have quite a speedster. Hopefully he also has good hands, and good ligaments/tendons/joints/bones....etc.

wbtfg wrote:It looks like we have quite a speedster. Hopefully he also has good hands, and good ligaments/tendons/joints/bones....etc.

...personality, head on his shoulders, work ethics, class work, integrity, etc....

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. If this guy had a hard time getting on the field at WSU, why would he be so good here? I read somewhere that he had a hamstring pull this last season - I hope thats the only reason he didn't play. We've had some some pretty fast guys not pan out. But, I hope he stays healthy, is ready to work hard, and has a memorable (think nc) year here!

Nobody is claiming this kid to be a savior, I think we are all just happy for more competition at those specific positions. Competition leads to better production on the field.

Couldn't agree with you more Cat Pride.

I believe that Junior Adams had a hard time getting on the field at Oregon St., but he turned out alright. I agree that there is no reason to get ahead of ourselves, because recruiting is not an exact science. However, a change in scenery can do wonders for a player with this kind of potential. Although I tend to think that 40 times can be a little overrated.

hmm sounds like somthing funkey from the bozemen daily chronic

first of all the first punt returner was a true freshmen so lets give him some slack - how good were you at anyhthign you did your first year away from home....thought so. There is adjusting to the college social life as one of the pressures, not to mention all the classes, tests, and adjusting to a faster pased game.

Secondly anyone laugh as hard as i did when force returned kicks? good safety - all big sky in my eyes - but has no buisness handleing a ball unless he recovers a fumble or intercepts a pass

I don't think Force had the best blocking schemes to run to.

He did what the coaches asked - catch the damn ball and do your best to get some yards. Obviously no Corey Smith.

catatac wrote:He did what the coaches asked - catch the damn ball and do your best to get some yards. Obviously no Corey Smith.

Exactly catatac. Ryan was thrown out there because he was reliable. Nobody else was healthy enough or smart enough to return punts. Give Force a break, I commend him for making the effort to help the team out in that aspect.

When Force took over the duties is was completely out of necessity and he did fine. At the time I am sure all Kramer wanted was someone to not fumble the catch and make any kind of positive yardage. If I am not mistaken I believe it was against Weber State, a pretty windy day and we fumbled the opening kickoff after the half.

Of all the losses we had from 2003 (i.e. Joey, Kane, etc.) Corey Smith and the return game was as big as any.

Cat Pride wrote:Exactly catatac. Ryan was thrown out there because he was reliable. Nobody else was healthy enough or smart enough to return punts. Give Force a break, I commend him for making the effort to help the team out in that aspect.

Nobody else was smart enough? Man, that's brutal. I'm not picking on just you, but geez, these kids don't get paid enough to be talked about like that!

JMHO.