RB Brandon "Zoom" Saine (official thread)

[Bestbuck36]

Originally Posted by zincfinger

Perhaps this belongs in the "Speed" thread, but the notion that "you can't teach speed" is not false. Sure, you can tweak speed a little bit, hence the presence of a speed coach. Guys who are naturally fast can be helped to become a little faster. But in comparison to something like, say, the techniques of a given football position, speed is not something that can be picked up through practice. Guys who are great athletes but with little football-specific skill can be taught to become great football players. An example would be Antonio Gates, or heck, even Vernon Gholston (still a work in progress in that regard). But guys who are naturally slow-to-average cannot be taught to be really fast. In contrast to things which are actually learn-able, speed can only be improved marginally through practice.

Tell that to Teddy Ginn. He was "slow" by his own admissions in the 4.8-4.9 range before he "learned" how to run. It is very possible to maximize your movement when running to in fact become faster. .2 of a second may not actually equate to much in life, but in terms of paycheck in the NFL, .2 of a second equals millions of dollars. I for one, would really like to "learn" that.

[bukIpower]

But as mentioned by others above, Beanie also seemed to struggle a bit when he came off the bench into an offense that was better aligned to Pittman. Once Beanie became the featrured back with plays built more to his style (the toss sweep for example) he got in a rythym and has since flourished.
I hope we see that with Brandon as the two back "Pony" set develops and when he becomes the featured back.

I disagree actually... I thought for coming in to spell Pittman as a freshman that beanie did very well. He still ran like he did last year IMO, and where Beanie/Saine differ is not in talent but in vision. Beanie as a freshman was able to slow things down and be patient more so than saine has been able to do. I beleive Beanie was still averaging over 5 yards per carry which is what he ran for this past year (5.8).

What I would like to see is this...

1) Beanie be used as the focal point
2) Brandon to be used as a dual threat reciever, and more of a quick pitch and just run GO with the ball type of back (no thinking or making him wait)
3) Have Boom as the primary back that spells Beanie. I think saine is by far more gifted than Boom, but I think Boom is the closest to being able to imulate what Beanie can do. IE run downhill, use his vision, and keep the clock moving.
4) I duno where MoW plays in here. i think zoom/boom are both too talented to keep off the bench. however I have a feeling that Boom is going to ride the bench for most of the year, but I really hope he doesn't because I'm telling you there's something bout him.

[Buckfan08]

I would like to see brandon use a stiff arm. I feel he could turn a 5 yard run into a 55 yard touchdown.

[giacOSU]

Originally Posted by bukIpower

I disagree actually... I thought for coming in to spell Pittman as a freshman that beanie did very well. He still ran like he did last year IMO, and where Beanie/Saine differ is not in talent but in vision. Beanie as a freshman was able to slow things down and be patient more so than saine has been able to do. I beleive Beanie was still averaging over 5 yards per carry which is what he ran for this past year (5.8).

What I would like to see is this...

1) Beanie be used as the focal point
2) Brandon to be used as a dual threat reciever, and more of a quick pitch and just run GO with the ball type of back (no thinking or making him wait)
3) Have Boom as the primary back that spells Beanie. I think saine is by far more gifted than Boom, but I think Boom is the closest to being able to imulate what Beanie can do. IE run downhill, use his vision, and keep the clock moving.
4) I duno where MoW plays in here. i think zoom/boom are both too talented to keep off the bench. however I have a feeling that Boom is going to ride the bench for most of the year, but I really hope he doesn't because I'm telling you there's something bout him.

True - overall he gained over 5 yards per carry for the season, but I was mostly referring to some of the rough spells his first year: 5-17 versus Texas, 5-18 versus Cinn, 5-11 verus PSU, 5-6 versus Bowling Green, 4-21 versus Illinois, and a fumbling problem. My only point was he did much better as the featured back last season and I think Saine may do the same someday - hope so anyhow.

I agree whole heartedly with your 4 points!