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Stewart a nice surprise so far
Posted August 6, 2008
So it's Day Two of camp and we're only just getting started really, but after watching the first two practices involving most of the newcomers, freshman running back Rodney Stewart has really impressed me.
I was standing on the sidelines talking with some fans today and one of them pointed out that Stewart resembles former Kansas State standout Darren Sproles. He's 5-foot-6 and darts around some defenders like they are standing still. He is even wearing No. 43.
Here is what I like about Stewart. He is a dramatic change of pace from just about anyone on the roster at running back. I think Brian Lockridge and Kevin Moyd might have some of the same abilities, but Stewart just seems to be one of those guys who can stop and start and change direction on a dime.
He made a few of the linebackers look bad in one-on-one pass drills today and made a fantastic one-handed catch of a ball thrown behind him.
On Tuesday a reporter asked Dan Hawkins about running backs coach Darian Hagan saying it was nice to have a few running backs in Darrell Scott and Ray Polk who can block out the sun when they stand in front of him.
Hawkins said Stewart can blur out the sun. It was nice line and very fitting based on what I've seen so far.
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Posted by BuffTime on August 6, 2008 at 3:36 p.m.
Please! Don't let him be an aspiring champion skier!
Seriously, kid sounds like the next version of Bloom! First version was a WR, this time he's a RB!
From the first time I heard about this kid, I checked out his footage on youtube and the kid is a blur for sure!
He'll be a big time play maker for sure (and not just on punt returns)!
Posted by extrapoint on August 6, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
you dont become all state in Ohio by being chopped liver.
I dont think Barnett ever utilized Bloom enough to stretch the field. I can just imagine "student body deep" with J-fly, Stewart and Scott burning DB's to the goal line.
Posted by 14ers4me on August 6, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
I loved Bloom, but watching him up close many times he had a hard time getting off the line. He got jammed by the CB and by the time he got free the play was over. He definitely had his moments, but didn't have more as a receiver for that reason.
Posted by DCBuff on August 7, 2008 at 7:34 a.m.
Stewart is going to add yet one more dimension to the offense....can't wait until the season starts!!
Posted by archalon on August 7, 2008 at 9:45 a.m.
If Stewart can return like Ben Kelly or Bloom did, that's enough. If he can add a dimension at RB, that's a bonus.
Posted by davndeb on August 7, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.
Let's make sure the academic side of the coin keeps all these kids on the field. Let's also hope that the players who have been declared academically ineligible are used as poster children for hitting the books every once in a while!!
Posted by Ralphie2 on August 7, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.
I like what I hear.