Kevan Barlow - dominant in mini-camp (2 Viewers)

[Loco Barlow]

LINK

Stronger Barlow ready to carry load for 49ers

By Daniel Brown

Mercury News

Near the end of last season, 49ers running-backs coach Tim Lappano publicly questioned whether Kevan Barlow was tough enough for a full-time job. The coach said Barlow lacked the strength to take the pounding over a 16-game season, which is why the team had him sharing the load with Garrison Hearst.

``I don't think he liked that,'' Lappano recalled Thursday, grinning slightly. ``I basically called him out.''

Barlow said he would have worked just as hard during the off-season without the public challenge, but, for what it's worth, he arrived for 49ers workouts this year built like a prizefighter. He can bench press 315 pounds five times and, by all accounts, is faster. Asked in the locker room about his off-season regimen, Barlow took a prolonged and admiring look at each biceps. ``Budweiser,'' he joked.

The truth is that the three-year veteran finally approached weight lifting ferociously during the off-season, clanging iron under the supervision of strength coach Terrell Jones.

At the team's three mini-camps, the last of which concluded Thursday, the running back was a dominant performer, blazing into the spotlight with quarterback Tim Rattay sidelined by a groin injury and linebacker Julian Peterson sitting out because of a contract showdown.

``He's taking over. He knows he's the guy,'' Coach Dennis Erickson said. ``He's in the best shape of his life right now. Physically, he's bigger, he's stronger and he's done what he's supposed to in the weight room.

``And he's going to need that if he's going to lug the ball 25 times a game.''

Barlow is 6-foot-1 and said he weighs about 230 pounds, down from the 238 he was listed at a year ago. But he is noticeably more sculpted and sounded surprised at the difference it has made in his game.

Barlow said he never lifted that seriously before, figuring he had sufficient strength to play in the NFL.

``But I'm stronger now, and everything else is just falling together like a domino effect,'' he said. ``Now I see what Garrison was talking about when he told me that weights can carry you through the season.''

Hearst and Barlow split carries at the start of last season, but injuries kept Hearst off the field in the second half. Barlow responded by pounding out the best games of his NFL career, including 154 yards in 18 carries against Arizona in his first career start.

A few weeks later, Barlow matched that yardage total with 30 carries in an upset of Philadelphia. Hardly shy to begin with, Barlow looked into the television cameras during one game and announced, ``I am the future.''

The 49ers apparently agreed, releasing Hearst during the off-season and giving Barlow a five-year, $20 million contract that included $8 million in guaranteed money.

Barlow concedes that the contract took a load off his mind.

``I'm definitely more comfortable,'' Barlow said. ``I'm happy that the team has confidence in me. I'm ready.''

Instead of easing up after the big payday, Barlow hit the gas. Lappano now rates him with the 49ers' hardest workers, mentioning him in the same breath as Jeremy Newberry, Bryant Young and Andre Carter.

Lappano still has a few things to nag the running back about, however, and said his top emphasis is making sure Barlow avoids fumbles. It helps, the coach said, that new defensive coordinator Willy Robinson encourages his players to try to strip the ball, which reminds offensive players to protect the football.

Barlow is still making strides with his blocking technique, but this season he recognizes which defender to pick up on the blitz. And, of course, he has the strength to withstand the charge.

``He has changed his body,'' Lappano said. ``And he's much more relaxed. He's growing up.''

• The 49ers signed wide receiver/kick returner Wendall Williams, who caught 23 passes for 436 yards and four touchdowns as a senior for the University of Rhode Island. The 6-1, 190-pound back also carried the ball 85 times for 631 yards and three scores.

 

[Loco Barlow]

Another article

ANOTHER ARTICLE LINK

49ers notes: Barlow's dedication is paying off

The running back has taken offseason training seriously, showing more strength and quickness in minicamps.

By Matthew Barrows -- Bee Staff Writer

Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, June 11, 2004

It's not too late to get into a Fantasy Sports League. Sign up here.

SANTA CLARA - After two Kevan Barlow fumbles sealed a three-point loss late last season in Cincinnati, running backs coach Tim Lappano was concerned how the self-described "future" of the 49ers would react.

"He could have laid down after that Cincinnati game after he put the ball on the ground and cost the team dearly," Lappano said. "I was really worried at that time. I was interested in what was going to happen."

Barlow reacted the way an emerging team leader should - by going into frigid Philadelphia the following week and rushing for 154 yards in a 31-28 overtime win.

What's just as impressive to Lappano is how Barlow carried that momentum into the offseason. He hit the weight room harder than he ever had in the past, and in the team's most recent minicamps showed more quickness than he had last season.

"His body is in so much better shape than it's been," Lappano said. "He feels quicker and he feels faster. He's stronger right now. I think he benched 315 (pounds) five times, which a year ago would never even happen."

The praise is a far cry from Lappano's assessment last season, when he questioned whether Barlow had the toughness and strength to be the 49ers' featured back.

Barlow said he wasn't stung by Lappano's words. But at the same time he realized that dedicating himself to an offseason regimen would help him survive the rigors of a 16-game season.

After splitting carries the last three seasons with Garrison Hearst - who is now with the Denver Broncos - Barlow will carry the bulk of the load by himself in 2004.

"I think I was strong enough (last year) to compete at this level, but it didn't hurt getting even stronger," said Barlow, who is listed at 238 pounds but is now down to about 230. "I'm more comfortable and confident in myself."

Another reason there's an extra spring in his step? The five-year, $20 million contract extension he signed in February.

"I think that took a lot of pressure off him," Lappano said. "And I think we're seeing a more mature side of Kevan Barlow right now."

Et cetera - Coach Dennis Erickson singled out receivers Cedrick Wilson and Brandon Lloyd as players who looked impressive in minicamp.

"If we played tomorrow, they'd be the two starters," Erickson said.

• Cornerback Mike Rumph sat out Thursday's practice after pulling a hamstring the day before.

• The 49ers will have no more formal practices until the first day of training camp July 30.

 

[bleedin green]

i reallt like barlow this year regardless who the QB/WRs are on that team...,

 

[Jim Otto]

i reallt like barlow this year regardless who the QB/WRs are on that team...,

agreed

 

[Sabertooth]

why do people think it's neccessary to post every article that comes through the news blogger.My question is - why wasn't Barlow dedicated before? If he was worth his salt, he'd have beaten Hearst out long ago. Count me off of the Barlow bandwagon.1) Lazy player who's dedicated this year. No, really he is.2) Couldn't beat out an aging back who bombed out of a couple of teams before Mooch got a hold of him.3) No proven QB. This equals not as many first and 10s to run on. 4) He has 4 starts in 3 seasons. 5) TO gone. That can't help.6) Offensive line lost some personnel.7) Most receptions in a season is 35.8) Has 14 career touchdowns in 471 career carries. Has 8 fumbles in that stretch as well.Kevan just strikes me as a decent athlete who isn't going to reach his potential.

 

[Loco Barlow]

why do people think it's neccessary to post every article that comes through the news blogger.

1) You don't have to click on EVERY thread if it doesn't interest you. Simple as that.2) You might want to think and gather your facts next time before you run your mouth. These articles aren't even on the blogger. There is an ESPN Barlow article on the blogger but it's not the same as these.

3) The blogger is NOT a complete source of information. There are many things the blogger misses that merit attention and perhaps discussion.

4) There are many of us who don't need to rely on the blogger to get our information. We're quite capable of finding our own information from other news sources.

5) The blogger does not have any "special" abilities to find and track news. You can find news articles too if you simply go to team websites, espn, sports illustrated, cbssportsline, yahoo sports news, etc. Try it, you'll like it!

 

[Loco Barlow]

Kevan just strikes me as a decent athlete who isn't going to reach his potential.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Barlow's HUGE potential, even the grand ol' Switz acknowledges that. Sabertooth, you strike me as a bitter person who probably missed out on Barlow or traded him away prematurely and are now in denial.

 

[Sabertooth]

5) The blogger does not have any "special" abilities to find and track news. You can find news articles too if you simply go to team websites, espn, sports illustrated, cbssportsline, yahoo sports news, etc. Try it, you'll like it!

I could take it a step further and go to each team's headquarters and wait for players to walk past me in the parking lots too....but it's a waste of time. Not ripping on you.But it seems like people are trying to act like they are breaking the news when it's usually on the blogger first. Props to Joe and the boys.

 

[ko-jack]

doesnt every player dominate in minicamp? afterall, they dont wear pads from the waist down, there isnt any tackling, etc.file this with boo williams and t.henry working out in the offseason. whats next, coach speak?

 

[DonnyT33]

i reallt like barlow this year regardless who the QB/WRs are on that team...,

agreed

Not me as opposing defenses will game plan around stopping him. We shall see how good he really is this year with no pass fofense or QB to take the heat orff him. SF may be the worst team in the NFL now.

 

[Loco Barlow]

But it seems like people are trying to act like they are breaking the news when it's usually on the blogger first. Props to Joe and the boys.

1) I haven't seen anyone on this board acting like the next Chris Mortensen, so I don't understand where your comments are coming from. 2) A link to an article is usually a prerequisite when starting a thread about a news story. Haven't you realized that by now?

GDB the news police in June.

 

[Sabertooth]

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Barlow's HUGE potential, even the grand ol' Switz acknowledges that. Sabertooth, you strike me as a bitter person who probably missed out on Barlow or traded him away prematurely and are now in denial.

Never had him. I just think he's a lot of hype. Judging from your name, can I assume you think he is a good player? What's to be bitter about? He has never been good enough for anything other than RBBC. Now this season, they are changing the entire offense from head to toe. What's to like about a RBBC back leading the charge in a new attack that failed in it's first incarnation in Seattle. The thing about RBBC is that if one guy is the best, very few coaches will find a reason to keep him off the field. Barlow never convinced anyone that he should stay on the field. Take Minnesota for instance. Do you honestly think Priest, LT2, or Ahman Green would be mired in RBBC? I think not. YOu never see guys like Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Ricky Williams, Terrell Davis, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Ahman Green, Corey Dillon, Deuce McAllister stay off the field because the coach wants the washed up vet to get his carries. It just doesn't happen. I have never been a big fan of a guy gaining a starting spot through attrition (sp?)Just trying to offer some counterpoint to those who are about to be seduced by Barlow's YPC from last season (which he only started 4 games in.)

 

[ko-jack]

But it seems like people are trying to act like they are breaking the news when it's usually on the blogger first. Props to Joe and the boys.

1) I haven't seen anyone on this board acting like the next Chris Mortensen, so I don't understand where your comments are coming from. 2) A link to an article is usually a prerequisite when starting a thread about a news story. Haven't you realized that by now?

GDB the news police in June.

is this news?an nfl athlete worked out in the offseason and did good in mimi-camp. this is just a reporter asking a handful of ?s and dressing it up into an article.

if he asked me the same ?s i could come up with the same answers.

 

[Loco Barlow]

What's to like about a RBBC back leading the charge in a new attack that failed in it's first incarnation in Seattle.

2003 Season:201 carries/1024 rushing yards/5.1 ypc/6 TD's

35 receptions/307 receiving yards/1 TD

Not ripping on you, but you should learn to use the search feature. There has been countless debate on Kevan Barlow in past threads. I doubt any of us have the desire to rehash it all out for you this afternoon. Good day.

 

[redman]

Barlow's a starter on a team, so he's valuable in FF regardless. I'm more interested in who will back him up. Who do you guys like for that, and what do you specifically think of Jamal Robertson (who I just grabbed for cheap off of waivers)?

 

[Biabreakable]

Take Minnesota for instance. Do you honestly think Priest, LT2, or Ahman Green would be mired in RBBC? I think not.

Well in that scenario LT would = Bennett Priest would = Moe and Green would = SOD

But yes Ahman Green wouldn't play much with LT healthy you have a point there.

 

[Sabertooth]

What's to like about a RBBC back leading the charge in a new attack that failed in it's first incarnation in Seattle.

2003 Season:201 carries/1024 rushing yards/5.1 ypc/6 TD's

35 receptions/307 receiving yards/1 TD

Not ripping on you, but you should learn to use the search feature. There has been countless debate on Kevan Barlow in past threads. I doubt any of us have the desire to rehash it all out for you this afternoon. Good day.

What the hell did you bring it up for then. We even post anything?BTW, if you are such a Barlow fan. You may have heard that Dennis Erickson is implementing a new offense this year. He just went with what was in place last season. He is installing his own stuff this year. I got that off the blogger. Maybe it wasn't posted on the team site.

I can look up stats too. It's awesome with the internet. ESPN has a great site for that. Did you also see the stat of 4 starts in 3 season? Wonder why that was?

 

[EastBayFunk]

Judging from your name, can I assume you think he is a good player? What's to be bitter about? He has never been good enough for anything other than RBBC.

This is one of the worst arguments people bring up about Barlow. Ahman Green was a bench warmer for his first two years in the league. By your logic he wasn't even good enough for a RBBC. You shouldn't discount a guy simply because his opportunities have been limited. Barlow has excelled when given a chance. That's all you can ask of a player.If Kevan Barlow fails next year it won't be because he's not talented. I've seen plenty of his games and he's a gifted back. He's a big guy, but what sets him apart is his agility. It's rare for a 235 pound back to have such good quickness.

 

[Fullback Fro]

i reallt like barlow this year regardless who the QB/WRs are on that team...,

agreed

Not me as opposing defenses will game plan around stopping him. We shall see how good he really is this year with no pass fofense or QB to take the heat orff him. SF may be the worst team in the NFL now.

I can't stand it when people assume that their will be 'NO' passing offense at the NFL level. Jeff Garcia was considered 'NO' passing offense for the 49ers at one point. He broke all the single season passing records for the franchise. People fail to realize that the players on the field are the best of the best and have trained their whole lives to be prepared for when its their chance to play regardless if they are backups or not. Do you really think that the 49ers will have 0 yards passing this season? Greatness is born out of opportunity.

 

[jurb26]

Barlow will show people why he was signed to a big contract by SF this year. He is a playmaker and was only in a RBBC because Hearst himself was a playmaker as well. Hearst is now gone and Barlow appears to be the only RB in SF worth touching the ball. The Oline is a very strong run blocking unit dispite what most may think and he will be a RB1 next season as long as injuries don't trip him up. Just MO of course, but the guy has got the tools, now he will have the opportunity.

 

[sjslacker]

Some people are really going to miss the boat on Barlow. This guy is a stud and finally has the oppurtunity to be an FF workhorse. Thanks for posting the articles Loco Barlow.

 

[sjslacker]

2) Couldn't beat out an aging back who bombed out of a couple of teams before Mooch got a hold of him.

Garrison Hearst did very well with the Niners since Barlow got drafted. Its not as if Hearst was a turd and Barlow was still unable to beat him out. Hearst was very productive coming back from the career threatening ankle injury. From 2001-2003 Hearst had 645 carries for 2946 yards, an average of 4.56 YPC. He also had 114 receptions for 875 yards. You make Hearst sound like a bum. That is far from the truth.

 

[jwvdcw]

YOu never see guys like Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, Ricky Williams, Terrell Davis, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Ahman Green, Corey Dillon, Deuce McAllister stay off the field because the coach wants the washed up vet to get his carries. It just doesn't happen. I have never been a big fan of a guy gaining a starting spot through attrition (sp?)

No but I have seen Deuce McCallister(did you forget about how he barely played at all in his first year?), Shuan Alexander, Priest Holmes, Stephen Davis, Ahman Green(you're wrong on this one as well..did you forget about his first few years in the league?), and others either as backups or in RBBC. Addititionally, I've seen Marshall Faulk, Ricky Williams, and soon to be imo Travis Henry either traded away or released because the team had a rookie or guy that has never been a starter that they preferred over them.

 

[Horses Mouth]

2) Couldn't beat out an aging back who bombed out of a couple of teams before Mooch got a hold of him.

Garrison Hearst did very well with the Niners since Barlow got drafted. Its not as if Hearst was a turd and Barlow was still unable to beat him out. Hearst was very productive coming back from the career threatening ankle injury. From 2001-2003 Hearst had 645 carries for 2946 yards, an average of 4.56 YPC. He also had 114 receptions for 875 yards. You make Hearst sound like a bum. That is far from the truth.

I was just about to post the same thing when i read your post. Hearst did exceptionally well and SF used both these guys effectively. Hearst was definitely not a bum.

 

[dparker713]

Im just curious how hes going to run against 8 and 9 man fronts. Its not like anyone else on that offense has any talent.

 

[Reed]

Judging from your name, can I assume you think he is a good player? What's to be bitter about?  He has never been good enough for anything other than RBBC. 

This is one of the worst arguments people bring up about Barlow. Ahman Green was a bench warmer for his first two years in the league. By your logic he wasn't even good enough for a RBBC. You shouldn't discount a guy simply because his opportunities have been limited. Barlow has excelled when given a chance. That's all you can ask of a player.If Kevan Barlow fails next year it won't be because he's not talented. I've seen plenty of his games and he's a gifted back. He's a big guy, but what sets him apart is his agility. It's rare for a 235 pound back to have such good quickness.

Wasn't some guy named Holmes in a RBBC before getting his opportunity in KC? I guess he doesn't have any talent either.

 

[Loco Barlow]

If he was worth his salt, he'd have beaten Hearst out long ago.

Yeah, that Shaun Alexander guy is a no-talent bum. Shaun Alexander couldn't even beat out Ricky Waters. It took an injury to Ricky Waters for Alexander to get the job. I'd stay away from Shaun Alexander.

 

[BigTex]

If Barlow is around when I pick in the 2nd or 3rd I'll be glad to take him. And oh by the way LT has seen 8 man fronts (not saying that he is/are will be LT) and he took me all the way to the top. LT had no OL, no real WR and he did pretty well.

 

[Tau837]

"He's taking over. He knows he's the guy,'' Coach Dennis Erickson said... "And he's going to need that if he's going to lug the ball 25 times a game.''

Yes, this is probably coachspeak, but, as a Barlow owner in MOXFFL I, I like to see this kind of talk. As has been posted numerous times before, a sometimes significantly overlooked factor in projecting fantasy football performance is opportunity.

 

[chinawildman]

SF has an arguably better run blocking line than last season. IMO that's all the talent that needs to be around barlow that you need to worry about. Passing Schmassing....

 

[BigRed]

1) Lazy player who's dedicated this year. No, really he is.2) Couldn't beat out an aging back who bombed out of a couple of teams before Mooch got a hold of him.3) No proven QB. This equals not as many first and 10s to run on. 4) He has 4 starts in 3 seasons. 5) TO gone. That can't help.6) Offensive line lost some personnel.7) Most receptions in a season is 35.8) Has 14 career touchdowns in 471 career carries. Has 8 fumbles in that stretch as well.

1) He was "lazy" before because.....? And if he still is, why is he working out so hard? That's weak.2) lol. I'll let someone else rip this one apart, it's too easy (disregard - I see several people have already started)3) This is a good point. LMAO @ anyone who says "it doesn't matter who the QB/WRs are." That's weaker than the "Hearst is a bum" bit.4) So? Is this another Hearst/bum reference?5) Another good point (see #3)6) Worth noting but IMO they'll be OK there.7) Considering he was splitting time, that's pretty freaking good. 8) Er assuming this is a really meaningful stat, the TD thing is actually pretty good. Fumbles aren't, but IMO the fumble thing is usually overrated anyway.As for the articles, being "cut" and all fired up blah blah is a meaningless news. Pittman and Boston were known for this too. yawn. Nothing against anyone into posting/reading stuff like that, but I don't see something like this and go "ooh Barlow just shot up my list"Overall, my big concern is not having a proven #1 WR and QB - not even amazing, just respectable. But even so, Barlow has big potential this year, and IMO should at least be respectable himself. Top 10, with luck maybe even a Top 5 back.red, no idea on the backups, sorry

 

[packersfan]

Minicamp stars are born every season. Much of what transpires during minicamps are rendered meaningless the second pads go on in July. However, what is significant about these Barlow stories is he's clearly more focused and more dedicated and apparently determined to prove he can be "the guy" for the Niners this season. Given the questions that have been raised at times in the past about his motivation, this is a very positive sign and a step in the right direction for Barlow. Compare, for example, how Troy Hambrick was handed the starting job in Dallas last season and responsed by showing up overweight and out of shape to minicamps. That proved to be rather substantial foreshadowing for the type of season Hambrick was going to have. So while it's always best to temper all of these types of stories that emerge during minicamps, there are useful nuggets of information that still can be found that can be of great value heading into your drafts.

 

[JAA]

What did Barlow weigh, how quick and strong was he in 2002 and 2003? You know, so we have something to compare to ...

 

[Loco Barlow]

there are useful nuggets of information that still can be found that can be of great value heading into your drafts.

I agree wholeheartedly that mini-camp articles can be useful. Many guys act as if everything that comes out of mini-camps is just positive coach-speak. However, there are bad articles that come out of minicamps as well, ie. AJ Feeley not picking up the offense well in Miami, Cedric Cobbs not impressing in rookie camp, LJ Shelton being demoted after mini-camp, last year the Troy Hambrick articles. Given that, it's good to be reading positive articles on Barlow and that he is stepping up to the challenge of being "the man."

 

[Koya]

"Dominant in mini-camp"

Thats great, honestly - I am on the floor, laughing. Talk about oxymoronic (or just moronic!).

 

[kevthegrad]

What's to like about a RBBC back leading the charge in a new attack that failed in it's first incarnation in Seattle.

2003 Season:201 carries/1024 rushing yards/5.1 ypc/6 TD's

35 receptions/307 receiving yards/1 TD

Not ripping on you, but you should learn to use the search feature. There has been countless debate on Kevan Barlow in past threads. I doubt any of us have the desire to rehash it all out for you this afternoon. Good day.

What the hell did you bring it up for then. We even post anything?BTW, if you are such a Barlow fan. You may have heard that Dennis Erickson is implementing a new offense this year. He just went with what was in place last season. He is installing his own stuff this year. I got that off the blogger. Maybe it wasn't posted on the team site.

I can look up stats too. It's awesome with the internet. ESPN has a great site for that. Did you also see the stat of 4 starts in 3 season? Wonder why that was?

Speaking of the internet I hear they have it on computers now! Amazing!

I think posts like this (before THIS one, as this one is clearly without use) are quite useful and great for debate and info. Blogger or no blogger when you get a guy like this who so many of us have been watching and waiting on, it's news when he takes a crap....let alone becomes more muscular, faster, and gains the praise of his coach as somebody stepping up and becoming a leader.

 

[beef]

why do people think it's neccessary to post every article that comes through the news blogger.

1) You don't have to click on EVERY thread if it doesn't interest you. Simple as that.2) You might want to think and gather your facts next time before you run your mouth. These articles aren't even on the blogger. There is an ESPN Barlow article on the blogger but it's not the same as these.

3) The blogger is NOT a complete source of information. There are many things the blogger misses that merit attention and perhaps discussion.

4) There are many of us who don't need to rely on the blogger to get our information. We're quite capable of finding our own information from other news sources.

5) The blogger does not have any "special" abilities to find and track news. You can find news articles too if you simply go to team websites, espn, sports illustrated, cbssportsline, yahoo sports news, etc. Try it, you'll like it!

Barlow could be a top 5 back this year if the TD totals are there. I was hoping I could get him with an early 2nd round pick but with all the news and hype that keeps coming out I may have to use a 1st. I would too.

Loco and I may have bumped heads in the past but I do enjoy his opinion and that he does search the blogger and post and make comments about the articles he feels are worthy of it.

 

[joffer]

Barlow is a studI find it comical that some think that this guy still hasn't proven anything. 5.1 YPC last year on 200 carries......5.1.I'm sold

 

[switz]

Take Minnesota for instance. Do you honestly think Priest, LT2, or Ahman Green would be mired in RBBC? I think not.

Well in that scenario LT would = Bennett Priest would = Moe and Green would = SOD

But yes Ahman Green wouldn't play much with LT healthy you have a point there.

LOL @ you comparing Bennett to LT... Bennett couldn't carry, much less be in the same room,no I mean planet as LT's jock strap

 

[switz]

If he was worth his salt, he'd have beaten Hearst out long ago.

Yeah, that Shaun Alexander guy is a no-talent bum. Shaun Alexander couldn't even beat out Ricky Waters. It took an injury to Ricky Waters for Alexander to get the job. I'd stay away from Shaun Alexander.

Alexander is still not as good a RB as Watters was... bad comparison my friend.

 

[Tau837]

Alexander is still not as good a RB as Watters was... bad comparison my friend.

Based on what?Alexander appears to be a better rusher... better ypc, more rushing yards, more rushing TDs. Ricky was definitely a better receiving back, no question. In fantasy terms, it seems that Alexander is better. From pro-football-reference.com:Watters:

Year        Value        Pos. Rank    Overall Rank--------------------------------------------------1992          98             8             111993          82             4             101994          98             6             121995         103             5             141996         138             3              51997          65             9             201998          88             9             131999          72             9             202000          80             8             222001           0            60            253--------------------------------------------------             823

Alexander:

Year        Value        Pos. Rank    Overall Rank--------------------------------------------------2000           0            54            3322001         127             4              42002         119             5              52003         127             6              8--------------------------------------------------             373

 

[cracKer]

What did Barlow weigh, how quick and strong was he in 2002 and 2003? You know, so we have something to compare to ...

The article stated that he played at 238 last year, checks in now at 230 and ripped.

 

[Biabreakable]

Take Minnesota for instance. Do you honestly think Priest, LT2, or Ahman Green would be mired in RBBC? I think not.

Well in that scenario LT would = Bennett Priest would = Moe and Green would = SOD

But yes Ahman Green wouldn't play much with LT healthy you have a point there.

LOL @ you comparing Bennett to LT... Bennett couldn't carry, much less be in the same room,no I mean planet as LT's jock strap

I am glad you got a laugh about that switz because it was meant entirely as a joke for my Slacker friend Sabertooth. My comment was in no way intended to be taken seriously.

I see you didn't have a problem with the Ahman Green = SOD comparison though. :rotflmao:

I wonder how many TDs Moe could score if he got all of the carries?

 

[Cunning Linguist]

ANY RB who gets the opportunity to carry the ball 25-30 times a game is a good one to have. I don't care how crappy his team is unless I have to choose between him and another back who is getting 25 carries a game, as RB's on better teams tend to get more redzone and goalline opportunities.The fact that their is no clear backup should make him even more attractive, much like Deuce.In the $$ keeper league I help commish, we let someone trade Harrison for Barlow in like week 14. That is how much upside we saw in Barlow.

 

[Irish]

If he was worth his salt, he'd have beaten Hearst out long ago.

Yeah, that Shaun Alexander guy is a no-talent bum. Shaun Alexander couldn't even beat out Ricky Waters. It took an injury to Ricky Waters for Alexander to get the job. I'd stay away from Shaun Alexander.

Alexander is still not as good a RB as Watters was... bad comparison my friend.

It becomes clearer and clearer that Switz has no clue how to evaluate talent at the rb position. First trashing Barlow last yr, spouting off how Great Onterrio Smith is, and now claiming that Alexander isn't as good as Watters was. It's ok to claim that they may be equals, but in no way shape or form was Watters a better rb than what Alexander is now. I had Watters on a lot of my teams over the years and considered him a very good rb, but he didn't put up nearly the fantasy points per yr that Alexander now puts up. I know what your gonna say is that neither one could carry your boy Garrison's jock strap. Switz, what's up with your fascination with jock straps?

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Loco Barlow wrote:

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize Barlow's HUGE potential, even the grand ol' Switz acknowledges that. Sabertooth, you strike me as a bitter person who probably missed out on Barlow or traded him away prematurely and are now in denial.

I agree totally. Sabertooth must have missed the ESPN "50 Greatest Athletes of the 21st Century" half hour on Barlow a month or so ago. I loved it!Bill Walsh calling him "The Franchise". Jim Brown talking about how all his records will fall. Chris Berman calling him the greatest Niner of them all.Let the bitterness go, Tooth...Cheers!

 

[Long Snapper]

Good back on lousy team. Another LTII or another Anthony Thomas? Too early to tell. One of the most polarizing backs in fantasy football in '04. Love him or hate him he's going to get a lot of discussion. As for me I'll check the wires and look at:1) Rattay's progress, if he's not 100% by last pre-season game big minus.2) J. Robertson and T. Jackson's camps. Either one (and including Beasley) could play a big role in limiting Barlow's touches.3) How Barlow's used in the passing game. If Barlow gets a lot of passing targets in the pre-season games big value boost.4) Progress of the defense. Will the niners be protecting leads or making come-backs. Lots of "stuff" to be aware of but either terrific value or a waste of a pick hangs in the balance.

 

[chinawildman]

3) How Barlow's used in the passing game. If Barlow gets a lot of passing targets in the pre-season games big value boost.

From SF Illustrated:--- The Niners don't look too concerned about Kevan Barlow's blocking, because they'd rather have him swinging out of the backfield on pass patterns.

 

[JAA]

What did Barlow weigh, how quick and strong was he in 2002 and 2003? You know, so we have something to compare to ...

The article stated that he played at 238 last year, checks in now at 230 and ripped.

Do you have any before and after pics? How do you know this isnt anything more than reporter speak?

 

[Marc Levin]

Puff piece or no, this is important news for anyone who has followed Barlow the last three off-seasons. It was so important I'll re-print it here:

Near the end of last season, 49ers running-backs coach Tim Lappano publicly questioned whether Kevan Barlow was tough enough for a full-time job. The coach said Barlow lacked the strength to take the pounding over a 16-game season, which is why the team had him sharing the load with Garrison Hearst.

``I don't think he liked that,'' Lappano recalled Thursday, grinning slightly. ``I basically called him out.''

Barlow said he would have worked just as hard during the off-season without the public challenge, but, for what it's worth, he arrived for 49ers workouts this year built like a prizefighter. He can bench press 315 pounds five times and, by all accounts, is faster. Asked in the locker room about his off-season regimen, Barlow took a prolonged and admiring look at each biceps. ``Budweiser,'' he joked.

The last few offseasons has seen a Barlow dragging his butt around, not staying in shap[e, not properly rehabbing injuries, and not gung-ho about stealing the job from Hearst, I was worried how he would react now being the "man," but two great things happened in the offseason:1) the RB coach "handling" him by doing things like calling him out - should help keep him sharp and motivated through the "Hearst is gone" mini-capms and training camps

2) TO - GONE!! I am confident TO was a horrible influenceon a guy like Barlow, since Hearst's attitude was obviously not rubbing off on him. I hope he took some lessons from playing with Hearst the last couple years.

I still atrbgly (that should read "strongly" believe it or not) doubt his leadership abiliyty, but a healthy, stronger and motiovated Barlow should put up plenty of FF numbers if he can stay on the field.