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DB Dustin Fox (National Champion)

The NFL Network ran a ticker along the bottom of the screen which gave the top 5 results in every drill. Fox was number one among all db's in the vertical. Although his time was not among the top 5 fastest db's in the 40, the number 5 guy was 4.42. I'm sure his time compared to other safeties was in the top 5. Of all the safeties I watched run, DF's time was the fastest.
 
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There's a good chance he could be a very talented safety. Keep in mind he wasn't bulletproof at corner. But his athleticism was always astounding, and while I'm amazed at the numbers on that vertical I'm not surprised at the person that put them up. With next year's draft full of LBers, and the following 2-3 years of dbs, tOSU is clearly back. Heck, I'd argue that if Tressel's recruits pan out the way we think they can I think cooper's one claim to fame will officially be erased, supplying us with great players. The difference is Tressel made sure he got the ohio phenoms so scUM wouldn't use them to beat us. Congrats Fox, and good luck at the next level. Try not to block too many xp's and FGs :)
 
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WestEnd said:
Someone remind me why fox projects at safety instead of corner? It can't be because of his game, or his measureables.
It is part of the vast conspiracy theory that Fox should have been the starting safety last year instead of playing CB :biggrin:
 
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I think he projects as a safety because of his ability to work in space, the fact that he's always been a very sure tackler, and some lingering concerns about his quickness.

We all know he's a great athlete, and could probably go either way. I think life as an NFL FS might be quite fun for ol' Dustin. with his current athleticism, he should be able to put on some extra muscle and become a real headhunter back there, without seriously compromising his ability to cover great distances in short times :)
 
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Many of you will recognize me as a "Fox is a great corner" guy. I have supported him from the beginning because I recognize the importance of his playing style in the scheme that the Buckeyes run.

These statistics will best illustrate the "Dustin Fox" style.

In 2003, Standeford for Purdue was a big play waiting to happen. He was near the top of receiving statistics in the Big Ten in both yards and yards per catch. Dustin Fox had the responsibility of covering Standeford. Excluding the Buckeye game, John had 1,094 yards on just 69 receptions (15.86 ypc).

As you all know, our Buckeyes are known for a solid defense that very few teams can consistently pick apart without mistakes and turnovers. Dustin's responsibility was to eliminate the big play and make Purdue earn their yardage a chunck at a time without making a mistake. This meant Dustin should give John space underneath and make the sure tackle rather than getting beat deep. Dustin responded by allowing 8 receptions for 56 yards (7.0 ypc) and a long of 12! If you take away his long, that equates to a 5.5 yard average per catch! It worked, as Purdue didn't score their first TD until late in the fourth quarter.

I can recall only a few times where Dustin has been beat deep. In fact, he is smart enough to get a 15 yard pass int. penalty rather than giving up a TD. He knows his role in the defense often means playing one on one with the opponents big-play receiver so that a safety can be free to use in other ways. Dustin is the most consistent tackler we've had at defensive back in a long time and he plays smart...that is why Tressel entrusts him with such a fragile responsibility. If Fox bites on a fake and get's beat without help deep...Touchdown.

Make the other team beat you every play for 4 quarters...don't give them a gift. That is Tressel ball and that is Fox ball. I think he can be a quality corner in the pros because he is consistent in a sport where good defenses are tough to drive on. The big play is very important and Dustin will take that away (although pass int. calls hurt a lot more in the NFL).

Just my opinion.
 
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OilerBuck said:
...I can recall only a few times where Dustin has been beat deep. In fact, he is smart enough to get a 15 yard pass int. penalty rather than giving up a TD...

The only times I can ever recall him getting beat deep were the two passes to Edwards in The Game this past season. He just didn't look sharp that game...not sure if he was dinged up, ill, or just had a bad game.
 
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MililaniBuckeye said:
The only times I can ever recall him getting beat deep were the two passes to Edwards in The Game this past season. He just didn't look sharp that game...not sure if he was dinged up, ill, or just had a bad game.


One of the Illinois guys got behind him a couple times in '02 but he was plying with a bad hammy or ankle, I think.
 
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MililaniBuckeye said:
The only times I can ever recall him getting beat deep were the two passes to Edwards in The Game this past season. He just didn't look sharp that game...not sure if he was dinged up, ill, or just had a bad game.
No question that fox has been a stud at tOSU for years, but he has been beat deep a few times (not necessarily due to speed moreso either injury or blown coverage). I wanna say he got taken deep at least once in AA too. Overall tho he has fantastic fundamentals and awesome athleticism, which will result in a decent draft pick.
 
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