RB Brandon "Zoom" Saine (official thread)

[BrutuStrength]

My obsdervation: Saine '08 is not running like Saine '07. Timid maybe, not the same speed and nowhere near the power. This (Saine to be fullback) sounds like blocking back, Matt Keller type.

I can definitely see the Keller comparison as a receiver out of the backfield, but I think he can also be an effective runner out of the spread. If he's in the backfield with Herron and Pryor then he's another weapon for us. And as long as he retains much of his speed, he could break some big runs for us. Owen Schmitt wasn't nearly as fast as Saine and I recall him ripping off some big runs out of the spread option.

 

[BuckeyeFan 52]

I would assume that if JT is planning on playing Saine in the slot position in certain formations, then he's certainly going to be a versatile "fullback." A Stanly Havili type player, as others have mentioned.

I think Saine's hamstring injury has negatively effected him this season more than a lot of fans realize. He has certainly shown to date that he may not be our best option at the RB position for the future. He's been hesitant and somewhat of a soft runner. I haven't quite figured out how that correlates to being a good fullback in terms of blocking (he's very capable, but he's no Dionte Johnson).

He could certainly be a weapon out of the backfield and out of the slot, as he's already shown. I think they've struggled to get him the ball in situations where he can utilize his straight line speed (and that includes kick-off returns). If you ask him to make a cut, it's over.

With the weapons coming in next season in the backfield (Berry & Hyde), and Herron showing some ability, it would be nice to see Saine utilized in a different capacity.

 

[matcar]

If this sticks for Brandon, he'll obviously continue to be a passing threat as that's where he's been used most effectively. Frankly, if it "works", what an asset and how nice would it be to have a "fullback" as a regular part of the passing game.

 

[scarletngrey11]

Wow.

Our states record holder for the 100 is now a fullback.

I didnt see that coming.

 

[3074326]

I like this.

 

[Taosman]

His skill set looks more like an edge/option back. Speed and great hands. He hasn't shone much inside running skills. Why not use him on the edge in option plays since that seems a part of the TP package?

 

[jwinslow]

He hasn't shone much inside running skills.

Why not use him on the edge in option plays since that seems a part of the TP package?

Try watching the games and perhaps you'll realize they already do this.

 

[utgrad73]

Wow.

Our states record holder for the 100 is now a fullback.

I didnt see that coming.

This could very interesting with him running or catching passes out of the backfield. Again, is this a move by the coach to fit the player to a position and utilize his obvious speed advantage in certain mismatches. I think we have a winner here.

 

[MUBuck]

This could very interesting with him running or catching passes out of the backfield. Again, is this a move by the coach to fit the player to a position and utilize his obvious speed advantage in certain mismatches. I think we have a winner here.

Besides the obvious advantages with the ball, I think Saine has shown, excuse me "shone," the staff that he can effectively pick up the blitz. Having a versatile FB is a MUST in a west coast offense as well, so don't necessarily take this as "we are moving everyone around to fit the spread."

 

[scarletngray]

I like the move actually. It shows that the coaches are trying to utilize players to the best of their abilities and Saine has shown that at Fullback he can create mismatches in passing situations. Perhaps a Fullback screen would also be effective. Having him line up at FB and then going in motion and lining up in the slot could also pose a problem for a Defense.

I think it also shows the confidence the coaches have in the two incoming Freshman. OR, even better, BEANIE has told the coaches that he will be returning for his Senior year and so depth at RB is not a concern at this point.

:osu:

 

[leroyjenkins]

I like the move actually. It shows that the coaches are trying to utilize players to the best of their abilities and Saine has shown that at Fullback he can create mismatches in passing situations. Perhaps a Fullback screen would also be effective. Having him line up at FB and then going in motion and lining up in the slot could also pose a problem for a Defense.

I think it also shows the confidence the coaches have in the two incoming Freshman. OR, even better, BEANIE has told the coaches that he will be returning for his Senior year and so depth at RB is not a concern at this point.

:osu:

We also have 2 incoming FB's in Homan and Boren. They obviously dont have the speed Saine has but are bigger than Saine, and would probably be used more in run blocking, in the coming years.

 

[scarletngray]

There's Jemil Martin as well, and I would imagine he would be our Fullback when lining up in the I Formation.

:osu:

 

[Poe McKnoe]

Wow.

Our states record holder for the 100 is now a fullback.

I didnt see that coming.

Who says we don't have team speed? Jim Tressel doesn't want to give up the good old I-Formation, so now we have the fastest fullback in the nation! I see it as a way to possibly get Saine 'more looks' outside of the tailback position. He can always get sent out wide...or something.

I can't see it as a promotion (especially with the possibility of Beanie staying and the freshman coming in). I think Brandon needs to go pop in tape of last year's Youngstown State and Washington games and get some confidence back. He looked deadly. Owen Schmidt tore off big runs because he had a lot of space and hit holes, occassionally knock over a few guys. There just hasn't been any 'open space' to work for anybody on this team outside of Beanie sometimes (and Pryor, but less so).

But nothing is set in stone. A lot of guys move around (maybe not RB to FB) and Brandon is only a sophomore.

 

[Padraig]

I think it's fairly obvious that Coach Tress has finally figured out that in 4 out of the past 6 seasons (or so) our Offensive success can be directly linked to having a fullback named Brandon lining up in the backfield.

Now that we've corrected that little issue...LET THE FLOOD GATES OPEN!



:osu:

P.S.

It will be kinda funny having our Tailback nicknamed "Boom" and our Fullback nicknamed "Zoom"

 

[jwinslow]

Wow.

Our states record holder for the 100 is now a fullback.

I didnt see that coming.

when he signed? Or this year with all of the pony talk?