West Virginia RB Jason Gwaltney (official thread)

[Buckskin86]

Originally Posted by OilerBuck

but how will that effect our possible recruitment of Ringer if, in fact, Gwaltney does verbal to tOSU?

I personally hope we get them both but IMO it probably would affect Ringer's recruitment. Before the injury, Ringer looked like he was on his way to being a Buck but things have slowed down. I fear a Gwaltney commitment could grind that process to a halt.

By the way, In the latest Duane Long premium he confirms that Jason will take the rest of his visits Michigan St. , USC and WVU. He will make his decision at the AA game on Jan. 15th.

Another related Insiders premium update shows that Scooter Berry (brother of Gwaltney and package deal to WVU) is also rethinking his WVU commitment.

No reason to go to WVU if Jason is not going, right?? I was concerned about this but it seems like they are ok about going to different schools. Another very good sign.

[CleveBucks]

Are Gwaltney, Stewart, and Wells all announcing at the AA game?

[Buckskin86]

Originally Posted by CleveBucks

Are Gwaltney, Stewart, and Wells all announcing at the AA game?

Yes- that's what they are all saying. I believe Wells said he might do it there but it wasn't final while both Gwaltney & Stewart said they would announce at the AA game. Good call!

[BuckeyeSoldier]

Ringer and Gwaltney aren't the same type of backs, but Gwaltney and Stewart are. I think if Gwaltney commits we still have a shot at Ringer or Wells, but does that erase us from Stewart's list? Or is he confident enough in his skills that it doesn't matter who he comes in with?

[BuckeyeRob]

Originally Posted by daddyphatsacs

We need to offer this guy. The ability to avoid the big hit is what make a good back great.

The only question I have is does this kid have speed? I certainly recall a young man from NY who was supposed to be the next coming of Jim Brown.... Sammy M.

[bucknut11]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeRob

The only question I have is does this kid have speed? I certainly recall a young man from NY who was supposed to be the next coming of Jim Brown.... Sammy M.

According to the first page of this thread, he's listed anywhere from 4.45 to 4.6. Certainly not a burner, but that's not his style. At 235 pounds with great power and decent speed, he reminds me of another freshmen RB we had a few years back. It'd be AWESOME if we could get Gwaltney and, from the sounds of his visit, I think it's gonna happen.

Insiders has an update on his visit and it's VERY positive!

[OilerBuck]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeRob

The only question I have is does this kid have speed? I certainly recall a young man from NY who was supposed to be the next coming of Jim Brown.... Sammy M.

Don't get me wrong...it is important to be able to get to the outside as a rusher and to be able to break a long run...but speed isn't nearly as important as you all think. If I need a running back, I look at these 5 skills ahead of speed.

1. Vision - you have to be able to follow your blockers and find a hole. If you get hit in the backfield, none of the rest of these skills mean anything.

2. Agility - you have to make sharp cuts and be able to make the first guy miss.

3. Burst - there are a lot of guys that have great burst but minimal top speed. As a running back, very few of your runs will ever go over 20 yards...it's more important to be quick.

4. Balance - If you have a low center of gravity and can bounce off arm tackles and glancing blows, you can turn a 2 yard gain into 10.

5. Power - the ability to run INTO a guy and always fall forward is key. It may not sound like a big factor, but consistently wearing down the defense and making them sit back on their heels offers a great advantage. You need to be able to pound it in at the goal line.

Believe me...40 speed is WAY overrated for running backs. I would venture to guess it is of greater (but not ultimate) importance with Wide Receivers, but is still secondary to route running/agility and hands.

[BuckNutty]

Believe me...40 speed is WAY overrated for running backs. I would venture to guess it is of greater (but not ultimate) importance with Wide Receivers, but is still secondary to route running/agility and hands.

I agree completely. Look at some of the great NFL running backs of all time...Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Emmitt Smith. None of them were known for their blazing speed. Last I checked a certain #13 didn't have blazing speed but he seemed to do ok. Gwaltney may or may not be a great college player but his speed should not be a huge concern. He looks great on film.

[bukIpower]

409 yards and 9 touchdowns on his last game this past Friday........ oh yeah in 3 quarters also.... thats just sick. Seriously at 235 pounds if he can run a 4.5 his stats are already better than MoC's...Now is he better? I dunno I doubt it, but hopefully he becomes a buckeye so we can find out first hand.

[wdg01]

If you watch his Rivals video's you will see he doesnt have great speed. However he does carry defenders down the field and he is one of the best RBs in traffic. Despite the size similarities, I think he looks completely different runner than Stewart. I think he would do very well in our system running between the tackles.

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by bukIpower

Seriously at 235 pounds if he can run a 4.5 his stats are already better than MoC's...

OSU never published Clarett's 40 time, but he was never caught from behind other than on his long run to start the second half against Washington State, and even then the defender had the angle. I think Clarett played at 230, so 5 pounds at that weight range isn't much of a difference.

[Buckeye737]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

OSU never published Clarett's 40 time, but he was never caught from behind other than on his long run to start the second half against Washington State, and even then the defender had the angle.

That DB from WSU who caught Clarett is now kicking some serious tail in the NFL with the Seahawks (I think). I don't remember the DB's name.

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by Buckeye737

That DB from WSU who caught Clarett is now kicking some serious tail in the NFL with the Seahawks (I think). I don't remember the DB's name.

I think you're talking about Marcus Trufant(sp), but I don't think it was him that "caught" Clarett....could've been, though.

[Buckeye737]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

I think you're talking about Marcus Trufant(sp), but I don't think it was him that "caught" Clarett....could've been, though.

I thought it was, but definitely could be wrong.

[Buckskin86]

another rivals article-premium

A number of interesting points

* he said that tOSU doesn't have a big back, only a small back in Pittman- he sees himself fitting in at tOSU

* he is aware of the incoming talent like Alex Boone- he would be running behind a potentially great line

* The Bucks might have an edge because of the Big Ten BCS connection vs. the Big East. He knows a down year at tOSU is a rare occurrence.

* He confirmed that his brother (Scooter Berry) and him do not need to go to the same school- they discussed it and they will do their own thing