The Five I'm Watching: Part IV
Hey everyone. Let's continue.
ZAC ETHERIDGE
Safety
THE GOOD: Etheridge is a leader, a challenger, a guy who isn't afraid to speak his mind. Auburn hasn't exactly had an excess of those personalities in recent years. The 2008 season comes to mind there. On the field, Etheridge is a remarkably enthusiastic player. He suffered a serious neck injury last season because he was desperate to finish someone else's tackle. He's been fearless since the day he started as a true freshman for Will Muschamp. As for football skills, Etheridge is a little confounding. Safeties are supposed to cover ground quickly, defend mid-level and deep routes intelligently and provide some run support. Etheridge is a hitter; he's very useful against the run. His range is average. His cover skills are average. Roof feels comfortable with Etheridge at strong safety -- where the senior's cover skills are less vital -- and plans to play him extensively this fall.
THE BAD: Etheridge's neck injury wasn't fixed with gauze and some aspirin. Though he avoided surgery, Etheridge spent three months wearing an invasive head restraint every hour of every day. He told reporters earlier this year that luck played a role in his recovery; the injury easily could have been catastrophic. He'll be examined by a specialist next week. A decision will be made then about Etheridge's orthopedic fitness, if he'll play this fall. I expect him to gain clearance. The next question is: Will memories of that injury affect how Etheridge plays? Nobody can answer that question right now. From a football perspective, Etheridge is not particularly fast, quick or tall. Instincts, guts and cardiovascular fitness make him what he is.
THE REALITY: I'm so intrigued by Etheridge right now because there was a time last fall when he wasn't sure he'd walk again. Or play again. Now he's on the verge of medical clearance. His specialist won't play around with his assessment, though, because nobody wants to be the guy who cleared a kid who suffers a second episode. If Etheridge plays, my expectations won't change much from 2009. He's a solid player who provides enthusiasm and some significant administrative contributions between snaps. Auburn needs that.
What do you think? Speak your mind!
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
ZAC ETHERIDGESafety
- Age: 22
- Class: Senior (one season of eligibility remaining)
- Size: 6 feet, approximately 210 pounds pounds
- Previous roles: Starting safety until ... injured safety
- Theme song: ``Testify," Rage Against The Machine
- Relevant lyric: "Who controls the past now controls the future; who controls the present now controls the past."
THE GOOD: Etheridge is a leader, a challenger, a guy who isn't afraid to speak his mind. Auburn hasn't exactly had an excess of those personalities in recent years. The 2008 season comes to mind there. On the field, Etheridge is a remarkably enthusiastic player. He suffered a serious neck injury last season because he was desperate to finish someone else's tackle. He's been fearless since the day he started as a true freshman for Will Muschamp. As for football skills, Etheridge is a little confounding. Safeties are supposed to cover ground quickly, defend mid-level and deep routes intelligently and provide some run support. Etheridge is a hitter; he's very useful against the run. His range is average. His cover skills are average. Roof feels comfortable with Etheridge at strong safety -- where the senior's cover skills are less vital -- and plans to play him extensively this fall.
THE BAD: Etheridge's neck injury wasn't fixed with gauze and some aspirin. Though he avoided surgery, Etheridge spent three months wearing an invasive head restraint every hour of every day. He told reporters earlier this year that luck played a role in his recovery; the injury easily could have been catastrophic. He'll be examined by a specialist next week. A decision will be made then about Etheridge's orthopedic fitness, if he'll play this fall. I expect him to gain clearance. The next question is: Will memories of that injury affect how Etheridge plays? Nobody can answer that question right now. From a football perspective, Etheridge is not particularly fast, quick or tall. Instincts, guts and cardiovascular fitness make him what he is.
THE REALITY: I'm so intrigued by Etheridge right now because there was a time last fall when he wasn't sure he'd walk again. Or play again. Now he's on the verge of medical clearance. His specialist won't play around with his assessment, though, because nobody wants to be the guy who cleared a kid who suffers a second episode. If Etheridge plays, my expectations won't change much from 2009. He's a solid player who provides enthusiasm and some significant administrative contributions between snaps. Auburn needs that.
What do you think? Speak your mind!
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
11:29 AM
149 Comments:
Safety substance
as usual, I have nothing intelligent to add.
I sure hope Zac can make it back for his senior season. If not, I'm betting he will make one heck of a coach.
Now the Rodney Scott is a little more ironic today.
Great substance JayG. Can't wait to see how things work out with Zac.
We'll have a second round of Friday SUBSTANÇIO later.
Need some digital camera advice. I'm considering buying the Canon SD3500 Digital Elph because I need a compact wide angle(24mm)to prepare powerpoint presentations for real estate. It has an HD camera that would be a bonus for personal use. Is this type HD camera really usable on such a small camera and will the shots have much quality quality or just be a novelty?
thanks
Etheridge is possibly the most important cog in this defense. That isn't to say he is the best player on the defense. He is a leader and plays because he is a smart football player. We need him badly. He is the type of player I love.
Hoopie, cnet normally offers up some quality reviews on electronics.
Nothing substantial to add. Glad it's Friday. Love hearing the Zac is on the verge of clearance (sounds like the name of a mediocre album). Did I mention I'm glad it's Friday.
Off to my next to last meeting for the day. Vive la hotties.
re Vasha Hunt slide show: y'all now have me looking for the word "vic'try". Why do I have a feeling someone's going to take that and run with it, to make light of an Auburn Education?
I could see Zac being a big Rage fan.
I really didn't think Etheridge would be back. I am so glad I am apparently wrong, but those type of injuries can cause you to spend the rest of your life in your underwear eating fruit loops watching Nickelodeon. It is scary stuff.
Is the safety spot a position that would put him in fewer chances to have the violent collisions that may do bad things?
I hope if/when they decide to clear him, they've double double checked everything, and then retested and checked him out again. I can only imagine his first big hit and everyone kind of holds their breath until he gets back up for the next play.
Etheridge was at Safety last season when he had the injury. He often gets involved in run support and how well Bates played made him even more aggressive.
So there's going to be a lot of breath holding.
Strong safety is a position that requires hard hitting run stop ability. Adjusting a defense for the lack of that ability would compromise defense flexibility.
Which in turn means they'll find out real quick if he's going to be able to handle that spot.
Ronnie Brown was a monster safety in HS. Fulmer even recruited him to be a safety at UT. I remember several times at AU and at Miami where Ronnie had to tackle someone on an interception runback. He still tackles very well and crushed 'em.
Making a tackle after an INT ended Ronnie's season with the Dolphins a few years back. I remember it well as he was my fantasy starter. Stupid fantasy football. I hope he's able to get back to form after his Lisfranc. Love it when he gets under center in the wildcat.
I had him that year as well Baldy. When healthy he is one of the best offensive players in the NFL.
Yes, I would not want to be the doctor that released him. It will be a scary time.
Ronnie had a Lisfranc fracture?
I wouldn't rush to put him on your next fantasy football team.
You better listen to him folks, he's a doctor.
I like Ball Park Franks. They plump when you cook 'em.
whats up weirdos?
Shut yer pie hole Harrison.
It's a little slow so maybe a fight would help.
whatever ehyou...i would whip your arse
Seriously? In that case I apologize.
nah not for real..i fight like a girl..a pretty gilr
Can't we all just get alon....
Nevermind, I'm bored too. FIGHT!! FIGHT!!
THe first rule of fight club is...
Don't you dare say it baldy...
Not to detract from the wonderful story that is Zac, but has anyone seen the photos of Ladarious Phillips that are out there on the net now?
Apparently Malzahn does plan to use him at RB in short yardage.
I've never seen a guy that big move that well. He runs a 4.8 40. In case you're wondering, that's allegedly the same speed as Kodi. Did I mention he's 280 lbs?
mwdeav...
Someone posted a high school highlight vid yesterday of him running the ball. I don't see how you couldn't be impressed.
You know that say that cat LaDarious is one bad muthah...
Still very interested to see who's lining up in the secondary on the first defensive snap against Arkansas St.
Thorpe for sure. Past that? I guess fall camp will tell us.
Would it be crass to say that I hope Zac has taken Advanced Geometry during his recovery in hopes that he sharpens up on his angles?
No? Yes?
OK ..fess up. How many Hotties only watched girl fights in HS to hopefully see clothes torn.
Jet ...Zac with advanced geometry - a good thing.
Sitting here with my hand raised Hoopie.
I also have to go to the bath room.
or bathroom, which ever you prefer
ok, mytommyd, if no one else will tell you,
shutcho mouth
I can remember any dude fights in HS, but several girl fights. They always started in the girls bathroom and spilled out into the hallway. Somehow the word always spread fast enough for us to get there before the teachers broke it up.
He's just talkin' 'bout LaDarious.
Kodi runs a 4.5X forty, not 4.8, although 4.8 is great for a guy as big as Phillips.
I pick fights with girls just for that reason
I feel certain that Washington will be starting somewhere.
I don't there is any way Kodi runs a 4.5....4.8 is more like it.
I fought in my underwear a few times back in high school.
Harrison, I think that is called sexual harassment.
If every player on the team was like Ronnie Brown, we would win a lot of ball games. There isn't a position I believe he couldn't play if he wanted to. Ronnie is the man. I will take Ronnie Brown as a nose tackle or Ronnie Brown as a wide out. Ronnie knows as much as Bo.
you're weird michael. i never wore underwear back in hs
At least that is what the hot receptionist at the office told me.
Harrison ...that won't work, because if a dude tears clothing it ain't cool.
ch=b..that's not what that last judge said.
I don't know I believe the Kodi 4.5 either. But some people can put up track numbers and still not be football-fast, and vice versa.
hoopie..what if he has real big muscles like I do..then is it cool?
Harrison, my mom always told me to wear clean underwear in case I got in a car wreck. Since I rarely got into car wrecks in high school, I figured I might as well show off my clean underwear. There is no shame in wearing underwear.
Kodi can't run a 4.5 in any direction.
Here is Kodi's rival profile. Him and Cam are about the same speed. It just helps to carry an extra 30 or 40 pounds at the speed. When you are talking 4.8 you are talking Cox type of speed.
not even pink underwear with little flowers and lace?
You don't want to get into a fight if you are going commando.
Ronnie may know more than Bo ...and he is certainly a multi-talented, multi-sport, powerful athlete, but he ain't Bo. There ain't another one like Bo.
Kodi could be a bit slower now because he is about 15 pounds heavier now than he was in that profile.
SteveFC, I know it is on his profile, but I also have seen him with my own eyes. He may very well run in a straight line without any bads out of a track stance that speed, but it ain't translating.
The five-ish I'm watching, in no particular order:
1. Cam Newton
2. Gus Malzahn
3. Ted Roof/Tracy Rocker
4. Jay Boulware
5a. Wes Byrum: the Jr or the So?
5b. Anyone who signed in Feb. and an earn a lot of snaps
SFC, that may be what is on his profile but I don't believe it. Maybe it is because he can never get running in a straight line to show his 4.5 speed. 4.5 is pretty darn quick.
^can
H ...if you aren't wearing wearing underwear then you aren't allowed to fight cause...your clothes might get torn.
Ronnie is fast, but not nearly as fast as Bo. Bo was a freak of nature in terms of how fast he was compared to his size. Picture a 225 pounder that runs like FAH.
The Greeks didn't wear clothes when they wrassled. What's the big deal?
Bo wasn't nearly that slow, SFC.
That's a quick way to stop a fight. Does anyone else watch Tosh.O?
Speaking of underwear
I once read that Bo had never really done any weight training before he came to Auburn. He was just a natural monster.
The Greeks were also homosexuals.
H ....ya see ..the objective of all this fight viewing is to see the women tear clothes off each other.
If you are fighting, then you aren't watching.
Can somebody help me out with this?
Tosh.0 is one of my favorite shows. I have Josh Moon to thank for making a reference to it and sparking my curiosity to it last year.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
But aren't we all in some way or another, CHB?
Great Norm thanks for ruining it.
I love that show though. Did you see it a few weeks ago when the two Russians were fighting and one grabbed on to the others manhood?
MJT - not in my house we're not.
thanks for finishing that for me E-bro.
I am hearing apple is offering a free attachment for the new sleek iPhone that fixes the reception problem. I can see it now, an attachment the size of a satellite dish outside and Bama fans trailer. This would be so cool.
Anyone wanting to rassle nekkid with Michael should contact him through facebook, and please, no live video.
CHB first, what was it I ruined so I know what I'm laughing at. Second, yes I did. I've been in a fight or two but never once have I thought of doing that. That's a soccerish move.
The 5 I will be watching
1. Cam Newton
2. T. Zach
3. FAH
4. A.Carter
5. Whoever the punt returner is.
Michael ...so Greek wrasslin' looked sorta like that nekkid wraslin' scene in the movie Borat?
I about threw up.
I heard they suggest putting duct tape on it.
what a lousy time to briefly lose internet :-(
i should have been posting from my iPhone.
By the way, Chris Todd runs a 4.7 and nobody referred to him as FAH for some reason.
No they didn't SFC.Most people, me included, called him SAH.
40 times ... one of the great lies of our time.
My partner has an Iphone 4. Don't do it. He put duct tape around the perimeter and improved the reception, but it is still not as good as my 3GS. Bad reception, less battery and a slower OS.
The newest tech needs correcting about 75% of the time, therefore I always wait.
Agreed Jet..worst stat ever
Harri - Speaking of fighting girls, who was the dude last year who said you couldn't catch a punt? That was a fun exchange.
I think the worst stat ever is WHIP, because I had never heard of it before doing fantasy baseball.
Shuttle time is more impressive for guys who primarily run between the hashes. 40 times are good for WRs, DBs, PRs and KRs.
Whip it baby.
Whip it right.
Whip it baby.
Whip it all night.
I'm thirsty and I don't have any beer here at the office. I gotta go home.
I say 40 times in a standardized environment can be quite helpful. It turned out Peter Warrick wasn't nearly as fast as we thought, and he had a mediocre pro career. It turns out Chris Johnson was fast as balls, and he ran for a billion yards last year.
It's measurables + non-measurables. Going too much by either one will get you in trouble.
ha! that dude just showed up for a couple of days..unless it was one of you. He didn't want none of this
you know who is fast.. our cat Larry, he can rruunn
Norm ..ya might as well leave early ...we're a long ways from a flip and it sounds like you are toast for this week anyway. Whip it good ..YIKES.
Back in the 1930's, having undies was a sign of wealth. A family friend has a photo of himself when he was a youngster and one of the people in the photo was wearing his undies on the outside of his clothes. You were considered well off if you had undies, and he wanted everybody to know he had them. They didn't make fun of him for it either. Different times obviously, but he keeps it as a reminder of his humble roots.
i bet none of my grandparents had undies back then
I too wear my underwear on the outside from time to time as a sign of wealth. I am not sure the message is getting through, though.
goats will eat undies.
Michael, perhaps you should switch to MEN'S underwear.
Oh no he di un't. (Sorry, I had to.)
Gold undies = gold.
No Carolina is under investigation for sports agent violations. I'm so glad we didn't hire Butch Davis.
Baldy, have you lost anything in that special toilet yet?
Fast as balls.
And there you are.
Thanks for tht Michael, for some reason that has just hit me as particularly funny this afternoon.
I watched Tosh.0 once.
Didn't get anything out of it, which is odd considering I love Chelsea Handler. It's the same basic humor genre. I dunno.
And thanks THT for not leavin me hangin
Tosh is a funny dude. His stand up is even better. Maybe you should watch it again.
Baldy - women's underwear is much more expensive, so to get across how rich I am, it would make sense to wear women's undergarments.
That would make sense Michael if you hadn't bought the ones with Hello Kitty on them.
CH=B, so far we've had only limited losses with the toilet. We've found an additional use for it to threaten our kids with - I always threaten my 5 year old that I'm going to flush his toys if he acts up. "Go ahead, this thing will get rid of any toy you have. Keep testing me!" He's been on good behavior for quite a while.
It's more expensive than the used men's whitey tighties I get from craig's list. I don't want to appear too wealthy. That'll get a guy robbed in a rough and tumble town like Huntsville.
Huntsville the Alabama version of Compton?
My daughter would call my bluff and then next thing I know I have a $185 plumber bill.
Steve, Cox couldn't run a 4.8 40 if he was going downhill and was being pushed by a semi. That Dude was SSLLLOOOWWW.
Maybe coming out of high school prior to his medical condition. But as a starter at Auburn. He was in the mid 5's.
I think Chris Todd at a 4.8 is seriously pushing it.
Huntsville isn't too hard if you know Taekwondo like me.
I believe Todd ran a 4.8. He looked semi serviceable running the ball, about what I would expect a 4.8 to look like.
Good point. If you went with the silk undies, you'd just become a target.
"Gimme your wallet, and while you're at it, hand over the BVD's."
Roses go in the front, big guy.
I think we just had Puppet Hour. Aaahhhh!
Some of you may be confusing quickness with speed.
Michael, don't confuse Taekwondo with Tae Bo. Actually both with get your butt handed to you.
Very nasty storm brewing over Bham right now. I am outta here.
Steve, you may be confusing speed with slowness.
I bet Todd was faster before his shoulder surgery
Yeah, that shoulder injury was unfortunate. He lost a lot of confidence as a karaoke singer after that as well.
That LaDarius Phillips video is simply awesome. I highly recommend watching it and pretending LP is running over and annihilating annoying and incompetent co-workers or employees. It instantly transforms the video from entertaining to highly therapeutic.
Thank you Dr. Phillips for all of your skills.
Todd hadn't had shoulder surgery before he came to Auburn. He had it before his senior year at Auburn. I don't think he was ever really a speed burner. A 4.7 isn't that fast for someone his size.
As for Cox, I don't think his speed was an issue. Quickness was, but even more than that was his amazing ability to hold the ball way to long without taking off running or simply throwing the ball away. He must have missed Ensminger's "Live to Punt" lecture.
I kind of dinged up my knee playing pool volleyball on vacation and i am definitely slower right now
Todd was a generous 6.2 but 6.7 with the afro.
I was pretty impress with Caudle's speed on that long run he had last season. I don't recall the game, but it was about 50 yards possibly against Ball State and Caudle has had surgery on both of his knees.
Thanks to regular trips to the gym, I read Harrison's last post in well under 4.4
You put de lime in de coconut, you drink 'em bot' togedder
Put de lime in de coconut and you'll feel better,
Put de lime in de coconut, drink 'em bot' up,
Put de lime in de coconut and call me in the morning.
I wonder if Ladarious' father was named F.O.?
Kodi ran a 4.8 when the new staff clocked him for the first time. Don't know what he ran in HS, but the numbers reported by sites such as rivals are often times supplied by their own HS coach, and they often never reproduce those times.
As for Bo and the weight room ... not sure about that, but I do know that Hershel Walker never lifted weights ... he just did pushups and stairs.
You have to remember that modern weight training was only developed in the early 1970s at Nebraska ... hadn't been fully implemented nationwide until the mid 1980s at the college level, so a lot of those guys never got it in high school.
Can we please skip directly to Monday?
THT: sounds like you are confusing speed with time travel.
Jet - I don't think so.
Finally watched the LPhillips videos.
Pros: Agile, balanced and speed for his size.
Cons: No pass catching on videos, not enough speed, played against a bunch of pencil-necked 3A players.
My guess: He's a unique project. How he develops will determine how and where he gets used.
Early career:
-Special teams blocker-buster
-Short yardage-run stop MLB?
-Specialty pass rusher?
-Goal line blocker-runner from the backfield?
Later as a starter:
-Full time NT/DT or strongside DE?
New thread UPZ.
I don't care if there is a new thread. I'll never ever leave this one.
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