Comment by Ron Carter

July 16, 2008 @ 9:39 pm

I used to think Peyton Hillis was a bit over-the-top and cocky his Sophomore and Junior years, but my opinion of him changed this past year. He certainly became a team player and has developed into a great back. And good for him landing a contract with a reputable franchise.

And even as I was impressed with Hillis, I think the Best Fullback in the NCAA was Jacob Hester. If I was calling the shots in Oakland, he would have come before McFadden any day of the week.

Take Note: It should stand out that the SEC Backfields this past year were overflowing with some of the best talent the country has seen in a long time. Obviously my opinion, but it isn’t an uneducated one by any means.

Comment by KevinHog

July 17, 2008 @ 7:34 am

Guys, that’s a good question. And I love the Bad News Bears reference. I had to click on “Kelly Leak” to get it, but once I did, I knew fully what you were saying. Hmmmm, I would like to say Michael Smith just really shocks everyone who is expecting a big downturn after seeing us lose Felix and Darren to the NFL. But I just can’t get that fumble in the Kentucky game out of my head. That really turned the whole “mo” in that game, and it rested on Michael Smith’s shoulders. (He did, however, hold onto the ball during the spring game.) My best hope is that there is an incoming freshman that has a Kelly Leak nature about him. I don’t know the incoming names all that well, so I can’t name names, but I hope one is named Kelly Leak, haha.

Comment by artiger

July 17, 2008 @ 7:48 am

Hester as best fullback? Although I did feel like he was a complete package, keep in mind that he was our feature back more often than not. He was versatile enough to play both, but he lined up at the tail just as much, if not more than at full.

As biased as I am toward my own, I can’t say that I would take Hester before McFad.

Comment by CharlieHog

July 17, 2008 @ 8:31 am

Hester over Hillis? Maybe.

Hester over McFadden? Crazy talk.

Comment by Ron Carter

July 17, 2008 @ 1:19 pm

Ok, let me clarify a bit more.

Don’t misunderstand me, McFadden is the best tailback drafty you’ll see. That being said, Oakland didn’t need a flashy, speedy back! They were the #6th NFL team in rushing last year! If they wanted to improve on their rushing attack, an all purpose back like Hester would have been more beneficial than McFadden would be.

I absolutely believe that Hester is more valuable in an offensive scheme (than most) as he will easily keep defenses off balance. And especially dangerous in play action flats. A great back to help in picking up yards in any situation.

Time will tell obviously.

Comment by artiger

July 17, 2008 @ 6:51 pm

I’ll accept that, but I think McFad is pretty versatile himself, if you want to talk about keeping defenses off balance. And yes, with the Raiders where they were, it might have been a better fit, but you could trade that pick, or something.

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