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Transformers: Bush, Ginn, Breaston, Hester … so much speed, so much moreand so many of them at the same time
Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005 by Matt Hayes
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
DEVIN HESTER Miami
Size: 5-11, 186.
Fastest 40 time: 4.29.
Where he plays: cornerback, tailback, wide receiver, punt returner, kick returner.
X's and O's: When the Canes need a quick change of Pace, Hester will pay tailback and take a toss sweep to either side of the field or be the intended receiver on a halfback screen. Miami also uses plays designed to free him to shoot through gaps against field-goal attempts.
All NFL scout: says: "Where does he play? He's certainly not a receiver, and he just hasn't shown any natural ability to cover."
SKYLER GREEN LSU
Size: 5-9, 190.
Fastest 40 time: 4.33.
Where he plays: wide receiver, punt returner, kick Returner.
X's and O's: The Tigers will use reverses and screens not only to free him up but to put blockers in front to clear the way or provide a distraction long enough for Green's speed to take over.
An NFL scout says: "He's a small guy, but he has good hands and you can see that he knows what he's doing out there. He has game ability, and he has that speed. He's a perfect slot receiver in this league."
Ranking the scary six
1 Reggie Bush, Southern California. What separates him from everyone else: He's a rock. He won't get pushed around and won't get caught once he gets through the front seven of a defense.
2 Ted Ginn, Ohio State. His long stride and fluid motion are perfect for reverses and option plays and devastating on returns.
3 Will Blackmon, Boston College. The most underrated player of the group, Blackmon plays as many as 70 to 80 plays per game at receiver and cornerback and as a kick and punt returner.
4 Steve Breaston, Michigan. He has worked to become a disciplined receiver, making his speed even more dangerous.
5 Devin Hester, Miami. One big problem: He doesn't do anything particularly well on offense or defense. But, oh, those special teams.
6 Skyler Green, LSU. Green played most of last season hurt, but he was the nation's most dangerous return man in 2003.
High school transformers
Look for these Class of 2006 recruits to break open college games in
the next few years.
Ht/Wt. 40 time High school/city
Percy Harvin 6-1/188 4.4 Landstown/Virginia Beach, Va.
Harvin is a combination of Reggie Bush and Ted Ginn but with more
speed. He is electric with the ball in his hands, putting up 475 yards
of total offense in the state championship game as a junior.
Jamere Holland 6-1/175 4.35 Taft/Woodland Hills, Calif.
With a 100-meter time of 10.4 seconds, he's one of the fastest players
in the nation. As a junior, he averaged 26.7 yards per catch, making
him one of the nation's top game breakers.
Stafon Johnson 5-11/200 4.4 Dorsey/Los Angeles
When he plays on defense, big things happen--fumble recoveries,
interceptions, bone-crushing hits. When he's lined up on offense, his
coach says he runs like Herschel Walker.
LeSean McCoy 5-11/204 4.4 Bishop McDevitt/Harrisburg, Pa.
The nation's top running back prospect is a threat on any play because
he has great hands to go along with his hard-nosed running style and
explosive speed.--Jeremy Crabtree, Rivals.com
Top schools
Percy Harvin Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Tennessee, USC
Harvin is a combination of Reggie Bush and Ted Ginn but with more
speed. He is electric with the ball in his hands, putting up 475 yards
of total offense in the state championship game as a junior.
Jamere Holland Arizona, California, Florida, LSU, Oregon, Oregon
State, Tennessee, Washington State
With a 100-meter time of 10.4 seconds, he's one of the fastest players
in the nation. As a junior, he averaged 26.7 yards per catch, making
him one of the nation's top game breakers.
Stafon Johnson California, Florida, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Tennessee,
USC
When he plays on defense, big things happen--fumble recoveries,
interceptions, bone-crushing hits. When he's lined up on offense, his
coach says he runs like Herschel Walker.
LeSean McCoy Alabama, Miami, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee,
Virginia Tech
The nation's top running back prospect is a threat on any play because
he has great hands to go along with his hard-nosed running style and
explosive speed.--Jeremy Crabtree, Rivals.com
COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
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