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Sproles "wowing" in Camp (1 Viewer)

See, from that pick I literally think he could run between the center's legs. He looks like a little person (is that what they like to be called?).
No, because "little person tossing" is too much of a mouthful.On that note, are you allowed to hand the ball off to a RB who you then fling into the end zone?
No, I believe the penalty is called "Aiding and abetting the runner."
Ah, but technically he's not running, is he? :lawyer:
 
.....and then there is sproles.
I know, I know.I do like Sproles - a lot, in fact. But I just can't get the size/weight issue to outweigh the positives. The mass ratio thing is just too big of a handicap to overcome in a NFL that has gotten progressively bigger yet has actually gotten faster despite the increase in size. That doesn't demean Sproles' talent in any way, shape, or form. Tiki Barber is the extremely rare exception, not the rule - and Tiki looks big next to Sproles.
A couple things:(1) Size/Mass - with that much weight on such a low center of gravity body, I do not see this is such a huge concern. Will Sproles power over people? Unlikely - but again, Barry Sanders was MAYBE 2 inches taller than this guy and he did just fine.

(2) The guy is built "stronger" than Warrick Dunn. Dunn has done just fine.

(3) Being THAT small, trust me, it will be difficult for defenders to get a real solid hit on this guy. When Sproles is making a cut, and going to about 4'9" in doing so, how is some 6'5" end going to get that low and give him a really hard hit?

I am about sproles' height. In HS and College ball, I rarely got hit that hard, because it was so difficult for big guys to (1) catch someone with a low center of gravity and quickness straight on and (2) to really lay a hurting on such a runner because we were so low to the ground.

Now, this isn't to say Sproles will be the next Sanders - but the height issue really isnt anything, if anything it could be an advantage - so long as he really can get to about 200 of real muscle. Moving laterally THAT quick will not make for many hard hits on Sproles.

 
.....and then there is sproles.
I know, I know.I do like Sproles - a lot, in fact. But I just can't get the size/weight issue to outweigh the positives. The mass ratio thing is just too big of a handicap to overcome in a NFL that has gotten progressively bigger yet has actually gotten faster despite the increase in size. That doesn't demean Sproles' talent in any way, shape, or form. Tiki Barber is the extremely rare exception, not the rule - and Tiki looks big next to Sproles.
A couple things:(1) Size/Mass - with that much weight on such a low center of gravity body, I do not see this is such a huge concern. Will Sproles power over people? Unlikely - but again, Barry Sanders was MAYBE 2 inches taller than this guy and he did just fine.

(2) The guy is built "stronger" than Warrick Dunn. Dunn has done just fine.

(3) Being THAT small, trust me, it will be difficult for defenders to get a real solid hit on this guy. When Sproles is making a cut, and going to about 4'9" in doing so, how is some 6'5" end going to get that low and give him a really hard hit?

I am about sproles' height. In HS and College ball, I rarely got hit that hard, because it was so difficult for big guys to (1) catch someone with a low center of gravity and quickness straight on and (2) to really lay a hurting on such a runner because we were so low to the ground.

Now, this isn't to say Sproles will be the next Sanders - but the height issue really isnt anything, if anything it could be an advantage - so long as he really can get to about 200 of real muscle. Moving laterally THAT quick will not make for many hard hits on Sproles.
:goodposting: I played ball as well, and I think unless you have that experience, one may have a tendency to put too much emphasis on height...thickness and ability to avoid big hits is what I look for in a runningback, not height. 190 is extremely thick for a 5'6" runner. We're not talking about Quentin Griffin here.

 
Great!

We need a new debate about the capabilities of such a small waterbug playing in the NFL.  The last debate we had - about Quentin Griffin & his becoming the next Barry Sanders - ended way too soon.

:thumbup:
Blown knees do that to a player's season (that and fumbling woes in Griffin's case).
He sucked before the "blown" knee. Actually, he sucked before he even got the starting job, but not all of us realized it.
Yeah, that first week really sucked.
 
Great!

We need a new debate about the capabilities of such a small waterbug playing in the NFL.  The last debate we had - about Quentin Griffin & his becoming the next Barry Sanders - ended way too soon.

:thumbup:
Blown knees do that to a player's season (that and fumbling woes in Griffin's case).
He sucked before the "blown" knee. Actually, he sucked before he even got the starting job, but not all of us realized it.
Yeah, that defense the first week really sucked.
fixed
 
Great!

We need a new debate about the capabilities of such a small waterbug playing in the NFL.  The last debate we had - about Quentin Griffin & his becoming the next Barry Sanders - ended way too soon.

:thumbup:
Blown knees do that to a player's season (that and fumbling woes in Griffin's case).
He sucked before the "blown" knee. Actually, he sucked before he even got the starting job, but not all of us realized it.
Yeah, that first week really sucked.
One week against an unbelievably ####ty defense does not a career make. You didn't happen to catch his other games before the "blown" knee did you?Perhpas you also missed his 3.7 YPC performance the year before when every other back on the team was averaging like 17 YPC.

As others have mentioned, I can't believe folks are still defending this guy as a feature back in the NFL.

What's even funnier is that I'm hearing exactly the same things about Sproles this year.

Griffin wasn't Ricky and Sproles ain't Ricky. Only Ricky was Ricky.

 
anyone have a link to some college highlights?
I found this oneSproles

There was a better one that I found, it opened in media player, I'll try to find it but this will get ya started. guy is amazing to watch regardless of height, this guy has moves :thumbup:

 
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anyone have a link to some college highlights?
I found this oneSproles highlights

There was a better one that I found, it opened in media player, I'll try to find it but this will get ya started. guy is amazing to watch regardless of height, this guy has moves :thumbup:
thanks...I'll give it a look. and TIA for the other one.
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When you're done, please forward the Blair Thomas, KiJana Carter, Curtis Enis, Ron Dayne and Amp Lee highlights. I want to see what studs they were in college too.

 
Usually I don't base ratings on size but when you can't even reach the measuring stick at the Senior Bowl thats when I draw the line.

 
Usually I don't base ratings on size but when you can't even reach the measuring stick at the Senior Bowl thats when I draw the line.
LOL! "If you're shorter than this line, you can't go on the ride." :lmao:

 
From Sproles' college coach:

“There’s the perception that he’s a perimeter guy because of his size,” Snyder said, “but that’s not what his game is. He does most of his work between the tackles. What some people in San Diego have been saying that’s really true is that because of his size, he hides behind his blockers, and he’s so quick he’s hard to tackle.

“He’s a downhill runner who hits his creases hard. Like they say, he’s quicker than a hiccup. He’s a very sudden player. He’s hard to get solid hits on, and because of that he’s a very exciting runner.” * * *

“He will be fine returning kicks and fine on third down,” according to Snyder, “but even at that level the concern about his durability will soon wane. Darren Sproles can become a full-time back. I know you guys have a great back down there already with Tomlinson, and I don’t know whether or not Darren can beat him out for the starting job. If he had that opportunity, he would prove he can be a full-time back.”

LINK

 
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From Sproles' college coach:

... Darren Sproles can become a full-time back. I know you guys have a great back down there already with Tomlinson, and I don’t know whether or not Darren can beat him out for the starting job. If he had that opportunity, he would prove he can be a full-time back.”

LINK
LOL @ him beating out LT.
 
(2) The guy is built "stronger" than Warrick Dunn. Dunn has done just fine.
Dunn may be more slight, but he is freakishly strong. His body is all muscle...which causes him to occasionally cramp.There are no other body types like Dunn in the NFL.

 
Great!

We need a new debate about the capabilities of such a small waterbug playing in the NFL. The last debate we had - about Quentin Griffin & his becoming the next Barry Sanders - ended way too soon.

:thumbup:
I don't think the Chargers were not drafting him to really compete with the backfield they already have. I think he was drafted as a return man so his size is not really a big deal. His quickness and ability to make someone miss is a big deal. Maybe he will get on the field once in a while, but it will be rare. His value as a FF RB is zero, his value to the Chargers Special Teams unit is pretty good.
 
Reminds me of a forgotten Chargers' rb of the past -- Lionel "Little Train" James.Edited for spelling.

 
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There’s a good chance the Chargers could work some packages that include pint-sized but explosive rookie RB Darren Sproles into the game plan this fall. According to team observers, the 5-foot-6 ex-Kansas State star made a few moves in minicamps that would have made every highlight show.
LINK
 
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Joe Morris Anyone?

             +--------------------------+-------------------------+

                 |          Rushing                   |        Receiving        |

+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+

| Year  TM |   G |   Att  Yards    Y/A   TD |   Rec  Yards   Y/R   TD |

+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+

| 1982 nyg |   5 |    15     48    3.2       1 |     8     34   4.2     0   |

| 1983 nyg |  15 |    35    145    4.1      0 |     2      1   0.5      1   |

| 1984 nyg |  16 |   133    510    3.8     4 |    12    124  10.3    0  |

| 1985 nyg |  16 |   294   1336    4.5   21 |    22    212   9.6    0  |

| 1986 nyg |  15 |   341   1516    4.4   14 |    21    233  11.1    1 |

| 1987 nyg |  11 |   193    658    3.4     3 |    11    114  10.4    0  |

| 1988 nyg |  16 |   307   1083    3.5    5 |    22    166   7.5    0   |

| 1991 cle  |  16 |    93    289    3.1      2 |    13     76   5.8    0   |

+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+

|  TOTAL   | 110 |  1411   5585    4.0   50 |   111    960   8.6    2 |

+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
I would have SO lost the UNDER bet on "Joe Morris under/over carreer TD's@ 51 1/2"that said, we'll go UNDER on Sproles hitting 51 1/2...I'm sure they'll work a package or 2 into the offense where he gets maybe 60 touches this year---I'd be shocked if they gave away any more than that from LT

now I would say there is a pretty good chance we'll see a couple TD's on returns...maybe bump SD-D up a couple notches? :shrug:

 
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Sproles is more of a longshot dynasty guy...but I do believe he'll eventually get his shot.

 
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The bigger they are, the harder they fall :pickle:

Darren Sproles, RB SDNews: The Union-Tribune reported that Darren Sproles is now not only being considered as a return specialist and backup running back, but may also spell Tomlinson and even line up with Tomlinson on some plays. This after impressing coaches all offseason and after former backup Jesse Chatman getting cut.Analysis: Sproles won't sneak carries away from LT, but he will touch the ball a total of five times a game (including kickoffs). He's a must-draft for those owners who take Tomlinson in the first round.
 
There's no doubt Sproles is a special back. I watched the entire combine on NFL Network, and he had the best showing of any back at the combine.. He had the fastest 40 time of any back.. i believe he benched 225lbs 23 times.. and showed the tremendous catch ability.. Also, we're talking about a guy who at kansas state had over 1900 yards rushing :thumbup: his sophmore year. I remember he ripped through oklahoma his sophmore year with 280 rushing and an additional 90 recieving yards for almost 400 total yards!!this guys is the real deal.. and his critics need to understand that not every successful running back, is a big bruiser.. i.e. warrick dunn, portis... If a were schottenhemier, i would put him right behind tomlinson as the back up as soon as he gets the playbook/system down.

 
How many roles for Sproles?

Size belies strength, speed of dynamic fourth-rounder

By Kevin Acee

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

July 28, 2005

The details are sketchy, varying slightly with every witness.

One of the participants is too humble and quiet to confirm anything. The other acknowledges a spectacular showing but denies he was vanquished.

Whether Darren Sproles (who is a tad under 5-foot-6 and maybe 180 pounds) actually bench-pressed more than first-round pick Shawne Merriman (6-4, almost 270 pounds) on a spring day at Gold's Gym in Venice is up for debate.

"Uh-huh," Sproles said with a laugh when asked whether he remembered lifting more than Merriman.

"He did not throw up more weight than me," Merriman said by phone recently. "He had me thinking, though, 'This little guy might outlift me today.' I'd have been embarrassed."

Said Travis Johnson, a first-round draft pick of the Houston Texans and a witness to the event: "He put Shawne to shame. It was crazy. We're in Venice. That's the mecca of bodybuilders. All these steroid freaks standing around watching. These guys are looking at Darren. All of them were stunned."

It doesn't really matter what actually happened. Even getting close to the absolute facts in this story says loads about Darren Sproles.

"To me, size doesn't really matter," Sproles said. "It's all about the size of your heart."

Talent to contribute

Bill Snyder told Marty Schottenheimer he might want to take a pass on Sproles.

What the Kansas State coach remembers telling the Chargers coach before the NFL draft is this: "If it were me, I wouldn't take him as a return specialist. I know you have a wonderfully talented running back there. But Darren is a full-time player. If you do, indeed, take him for different reasons, what you'll find out is he will become a full-time player of interest for you."

When Sproles was drafted by the Chargers in the fourth round in April, there was not much talk about him being used from the line of scrimmage. Maybe in some third-down situations, but there's a guy named LaDainian Tomlinson already in the Chargers' backfield, and Sproles was acquired to create some magic on kick returns.

Now Schottenheimer sees some packages in which Sproles could line up alongside Tomlinson. While Jesse Chatman ballooning to 250 pounds had something to do with his release, so did Sproles' emergence.

Sproles was the talk of offseason workouts. He had veterans grasping for air when he ran by, shaking their heads when he zigged and zagged and singing his praises when practice was finished.

You wonder what Sproles would say if he cared to, if he were comfortable doing so.

Would he say what his father says?

"When he was a freshman at K-State everyone said he is strictly special teams, that he wouldn't be able to hold up in the Big 12," Larry Sproles said. "Now, it's the same thing. He wants to get it started. He realizes he's playing with the best back in the league, but he knows what he can do."

We may never know. Sproles' words are as elusive as he is.

Even if he were not impeded by a stutter that shows itself mostly only in public, Sproles just isn't much into talking about himself.

When Kansas State was hyping him for the Heisman Trophy in 2004, he told those close to him he didn't want to win. "I don't want to have to make a speech," he would say.

It's not that he is unfriendly or impolite. In fact, he exudes a sort of warmth. He just doesn't like to talk.

Fortunately, so many others love to talk for him.

Too good to sit

Snyder, notoriously recluse with the media, is on the phone the morning after a message is left for him asking for a few moments to talk about Sproles.

Same with SMU coach Phil Bennett, the defensive coordinator at Kansas State when Sproles was there.

That the two coaches are so eager to speak about Sproles is especially significant, since they hardly knew who he was when they first saw him his freshman summer.

Sproles was sixth or seventh on the depth chart when Kansas State began preparing for its 2001 season opener against USC. In came this tiny scout team tailback against a K-State defense loaded with future NFL talent, including the Chargers' Ben Leber.

Sproles made three runs of 60-plus yards, bouncing off people, hardly touched, touchdowns. Directing the defense, Bennett figured, "Well, we had a bad day."

The next day, Bennett's squad was stellar against the No. 1 offense. But the day after that, the little tailback from the scout team peeled off a series of runs that made Bennett scream.

It also made him march into Snyder's office.

"I know you don't like hearing this," Bennett told Snyder. "But our best running back is playing on the scout team."

Snyder was incredulous, but he went out the next day and watched Sproles.

"That was his last day on the scout team," Bennett said.

It's been the same everywhere, at every level.

Gene Weir, who coached Sproles at Olathe North High in Kansas, has been hearing the same knock for years and he still hears it. He saw Sproles get passed over by every major college except Kansas State. He knows it takes a lot for a short guy to get noticed in football.

"All the way through youth football it was 'Wait until the other kids get bigger and faster; he'll eventually fade away,' " Weir said. "It never did happen."

Have mercy

Sproles was 9 when the youth football program in Johnson County, Kan., virtually pushed him out of its league.

There was a mercy rule in the lightweight division that stated a game would be called if one team led another by three touchdowns.

Well, pretty much every time Sproles touched the ball he scored. Game over, first quarter. So the coach started sitting Sproles, which didn't sit well with the kid.

When Larry Sproles offered to sign a waiver to have his son moved up to the heavyweight division, the league commissioner said: "No. We can't catch him either."

So the Sproleses began making the 40-minute drive to Kansas City to play in the city league, where Darren scored something like 40 touchdowns in a season, three times the league's previous record. And that was in a division with older and bigger kids.

That's the way it always had to be.

"He never played with kids his own age," Larry Sproles said. "He was rough. The kids in the neighborhood never picked him when they picked sides to play basketball or football. They said they would never get the ball or be able to catch him, or they would get hurt. He used to go over to the next block and play with the older kids."

His nickname has been "Tank" since about two seconds after he popped out of his momma. He weighed 10 pounds, 8 of it seemingly in those gargantuan legs.

"His legs were always so much ahead of his upper body," Larry said. "We always had to buy him husky size and take the waist in."

Always amazingly balanced, Darren was riding a bike by age 3. And he wasn't much older than that when he started tagging along with his dad to the gym. While Larry lifted weights, Darren did pushups and walked on his hands. Larry didn't let Darren start lifting until junior high, and he instantly became a gym rat.

"He passed me on the lower body in eighth grade," admitted Larry, who still won't acknowledge his son can bench press more than him on a regular basis.

"When he's on," Larry said, "I can't touch him."

Strength and speed

Whether Sproles has ever bench-pressed more than him or not, Merriman knows this: "You are not going to arm tackle this guy. He is too strong."

It has already become cliché to say that if Sproles were two or three inches taller he would have been a first-round pick. But it's cliché because it's true.

Sproles bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times at the NFL combine. Carnell Williams (the fifth pick overall) did 19 reps. Ronnie Brown (the second pick) did 18. Cedric Benson (the fourth pick) did 18 reps at his pro day.

Sproles' 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash was tied with J.J. Arrington as the fastest among running backs at the combine.

"You can't measure what he's got by no measuring stick," Johnson said. "He's a football player. The first time I saw him go through some of those drills, I was in awe. I was in absolute awe. I haven't seen anybody with foot speed like that."

Rico McClinton and Darren Willis, trainers who worked with Sproles before the draft and have worked with professional athletes for years, concurred they had rarely, if ever, seen anything like Sproles.

"If D was 5-10 he would have been a top-10 draft choice based on what he did on the field," Willis said. "But because he was 5-5, in the NFL that's looked upon as taboo. He's going to be great in the NFL. Mark my words: After this what will be said is, 'Wow! I can't believe what he can do at his size.' "

 
Chargers already taking notice of diminutive Kansas State product

By: MICHAEL KLITZING - Staff Writer

SAN DIEGO ---- On the practice fields at the Chargers' training complex, rookie running back Darren Sproles seems to do anything but stand out. Not only is the fourth-round selection out of Kansas State soft-spoken and unassuming, at 5-foot-6 he's also the shortest player on the roster by 3 inches.

Don't be fooled by his low profile.

The Chargers see quite a bit of talent and potential contained in Sproles' muscular, yet diminutive frame.

"We all know that he's not real tall, but he's not small either, because he's very well put together," Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "And he's got a suddenness about his movement that not many people in this league (have)."

Second-year center Nick Hardwick seems equally impressed.

"Obviously, D. Sproles is a pretty special little kid," he said.

Sproles' speed (4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash according to draft reports) and agility were on display Wednesday as he competed in drills both out of the backfield and returning punts. He showed the quick feet and ability to hit the hole fast that helped him gain a school-record 4,979 rushing yards as a three-year starter with the Wildcats.

Yet here in the NFL, Sproles is starting from scratch.

"It's like being a freshman," he said. "It's a stage you go through. You've got to prove yourself."

Playing behind Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson, it seems Sproles' best shot to prove himself this season will be on special teams, where he is expected to bring his explosiveness to kickoff and punt returns.

The Chargers want last season's top punt returner, Eric Parker, to play exclusively at wide receiver this season to avoid injury. Tim Dwight, the team's primary kick returner in 2004 was released in the offseason. The Chargers were also hot on the trail of Falcons returner Allen Rossum, who eventually re-signed with Atlanta.

Sproles returned kicks for three years at Kansas State and brought back punts as a sophomore and junior.

But is he a lock for the job here?

"I think it's a bit premature, but I expect him to be on the roster," Schottenheimer said, smiling.

The coach has also indicated Sproles will get some time as a third-down back and a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He said he and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron have discussed putting both Sproles and Tomlinson in the same backfield on certain plays.

"That ought to pose some interesting issues for the opposition," Schottenheimer said.

Hardwick also likes the possibility of having Sproles around as another offensive weapon. He said Sproles has few peers when it comes to his cutting ability and knack for accelerating to top speed without a running start.

And there's more than just athleticism.

"He's got good patience," Hardwick said. "I don't think most young guys have good patience. He'll sit there and wait for his chance ... and boom."

The possibility of being a part-time offensive contributor sounds fine to Sproles, who doesn't seem to have brought a featured-back ego with him from Manhattan, Kan.

"I just want to be on the field," Sproles said, "so it really doesn't matter to me."

Maybe it's the fact that people have constantly doubted him in the past that keeps him grounded.

Sproles admits that he has always had to prove himself because of his size.

But Hardwick, for one, doesn't buy the knock.

"I don't think much of size," he said. "I'm an undersized guy for my spot, too. So you can talk about size, but it's not an issue. He's a good player, and he proved it in college."

Said Sproles: "I feel if I was 6-foot-whatever, I wouldn't have all that shiftiness. It might be bad on my knees.

"But it's worked out for me right now ---- I've been blessed."

 
There's no doubt Sproles is a special back. I watched the entire combine on NFL Network, and he had the best showing of any back at the combine.. He had the fastest 40 time of any back.. i believe he benched 225lbs 23 times.. and showed the tremendous catch ability.. Also, we're talking about a guy who at kansas state had over 1900 yards rushing :thumbup: his sophmore year. I remember he ripped through oklahoma his sophmore year with 280 rushing and an additional 90 recieving yards for almost 400 total yards!!

this guys is the real deal.. and his critics need to understand that not every successful running back, is a big bruiser.. i.e. warrick dunn, portis... If a were schottenhemier, i would put him right behind tomlinson as the back up as soon as he gets the playbook/system down.
In front of Turner? Let's see how he does in real games first. I love the guy, but the situation reminds me too much of the Q hype last year. As a Chargers fan, I just hope he does well on special teams and the occasional 3rd down/trick play.
 
Of course when the pads are on and the hitting is real and Tiny Tim goes down like a house of cards when a linebacker gets their pinky finger on him... Then we'll all remember why Sproles wasn't a first round pick.

 
Of course when the pads are on and the hitting is real and Tiny Tim goes down like a house of cards when a linebacker gets their pinky finger on him... Then we'll all remember why Sproles wasn't a first round pick.
:blackdot:
 
You guys have probably never even see Sproles play. I go to Kansas State and have seen just about every game of his career. He will prove all you doubters wrong.. just like he does in every league and season he plays.

 
You guys have probably never even see Sproles play. I go to Kansas State and have seen just about every game of his career. He will prove all you doubters wrong.. just like he does in every league and season he plays.
:goodposting: I can't remember what game it was, maybe Nebraska, where he ran off tackle and stuck his helmet in the middle of the OLB's chest and literally picked the guy up off of the ground.

He's the NFL's next Mighty Mouse. I loved watching him play in college....and I despise Big 12 football.

 
If I am thinking of the same play you are it was a couple years ago in Lincoln.. I was there in attendence. Fun game to go too.. especially when Nebraska is losing big at home, their fans get so mad. He may be short, but he is very very strong and his legs move and change directions so quickly it's hard to imagine. He never got very many big hits on him his whole career because he is so short and low to the ground, people can't get a good hit on him. He was my favorite player to watch in college football along with Ted Ginn and Reggie Bush.

 
You guys have probably never even see Sproles play. I go to Kansas State and have seen just about every game of his career. He will prove all you doubters wrong.. just like he does in every league and season he plays.
I won't hold that against you. Sprooles was the only thing you had going this year, and while he underperformed his expectations, he still did fairly well. I've seen him a few times live, and a lot on TV. The kid gots skillz. Didn't seem to matter against my Jayhawks, but that wasn't his fault. He still had a decent game. I doubt he'll ever be an every down back, but he will be invaluable for his team on special teams and as a receiving RB.

He was my favorite college player over the last few years despite playing for the wrong Kansas football team ;)

 
Ahh a Jayhawk fan huh. Actually I just I will be a sophmore at Kansas State this coming year but I grew up a Jayhawk fan. I am still a jayhawk fan a bit but slowly turning to Kstate fan. It wasn't Sproles fault that he underperformed.. it was QB play and the young en experience no gel no chemistry OL

 
I have been reading and hearing great things about Sproles since his first mini camp. Defenders are tackling air left and right out there. He also out lifted Meriman in a lift contest this year. Kid is strong, fast and quick which is a very dangerous combination..can he be Barry Jr? His college coach thinks some team will have to find a way to get him on the field on all downs at some point.

 
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Ok Chris seeing that you have this thing pegged. Tell us then. How many yards from scrimmage will Sporles have this year? What's your number..sounds pretty small if any?

 
There's no doubt Sproles is a special back. I watched the entire combine on NFL Network, and he had the best showing of any back at the combine.. He had the fastest 40 time of any back.. i believe he benched 225lbs 23 times.. and showed the tremendous catch ability..  Also, we're talking about a guy who at kansas state had over 1900 yards rushing  :thumbup: his sophmore year. I remember he ripped through oklahoma his sophmore year with 280 rushing and an additional 90 recieving yards for almost 400 total yards!!

this guys is the real deal.. and his critics need to understand that not every successful running back, is a big bruiser.. i.e. warrick dunn, portis... If a were schottenhemier, i would put him right behind tomlinson as the back up as soon as he gets the playbook/system down.
In front of Turner? Let's see how he does in real games first. I love the guy, but the situation reminds me too much of the Q hype last year. As a Chargers fan, I just hope he does well on special teams and the occasional 3rd down/trick play.
Turner? Turner who?
 

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