MililaniBuckeye said:
What if there's log jam at LB? Then what? Hell, if he got taller (some kids do continue to grow after high school), we could move him to corner, or maybe even receiver. My point is that so many people pigeon-hole players solely because of size: "Oh, he's 6'2" and 220. He's too big to be a safety...that's linebacker size, so let's move him there."
While versitility is good, I would imagine that the only two positions he should be considered for are safety and running back.
Okay, let me explain myself better, bro, I'm not doing a good job.
I'm not suggesting having him put on 20 pounds just in case we need a LB, I'm suggesting that at his size, speed and body, he can play many places. I think he puts on 20 pounds natural in the strength and conditioning program, and at 6'1 (my guess is he grows an inch) and 220, that makes him the type of guy that can play at a lot of places -- LB, RB, S, WR, even corner (although he may be a step slow for that). I expect he ends up a little bit taller, in addition to weighing at least 20 pounds more, which is perfect. At that size, he's a big safety, and he's athletic, and it'd be a great place for him to play. But if safety doesn't work out, then he's not done at OSU. Mike Roberts didn't pan out at corner, neither did Harlen Jacobs. Had they been bigger, they might have gotten a shot to play somewhere else, and maybe seen the field. They're both a bit thin, so there's not really anywhere else to play them. Anderson might be a different case.
The best part about that size is his versatility. If he ends up at 6'1", 220, and has the size and speed to realistically excel at four positions, it's better for him and the team. Hell, I'm not suggesting we should move him anywhere yet. He looks to be a safety -- start him there. If he doesn't do a great job there, or isn't looking to make headway at a stacked position, maybe then he'll fit in somewhere else. Really, it benefits him the most, because the coaches have proven they won't hesitate to give someone a chance at a new position, so good for him. Thomas Matthews and Jason Caldwell are just two examples of this. Sounds like a good kid, and if he can't crack the lineup at DB one year, let him play rush LB and situational RB for a year. No reason he can't switch back.
My point isn't "this guy can be moved to a different position if he fails", my point is "his versatility could be a weapon and a half". Imagine him as a freshman, coming in and getting a few carries a game, playing on ST, or being a dime back. Imagine him in his sophomore year, getting time at safety and as a rush linebacker, or even as a coverage linebacker. I love to see a kid so versatile partly because they're a weapon, and partly because it means they have a better chance of seeing the field early and often. I'm not suggesting he put on weight for a move, nor am I suggesting he end up anywhere but safety. He's going to probably end up as a safety, but assuming something happens down the road (like Thomas Matthews, who didn't really pan out at safety), it looks like he could get a chance to fit in somewhere else. Cie Grant is the type of kid I imagine when I see this guy, so for me, it's just natural to want to abuse his versatility. :)