Comparing Harris & Samuels
First off, I am not a football coach. All I know about these kids is what I read on the internet and what I see in their video highlights. I know we are all excited about the potential to land the overall ranked top RB recruit in Harris. But, I'm curious what the general consensus is on who is the better back?
Obviously Harris is the higher ranked back, but looking at their films, Samuels appears to be the faster, more elusive, and the bigger play threat. Now, I'm sure if you're a fast, elisuve, big play threat that lends more to a great highlight film. And, if your qualities are strength, size, balance, vision, etc. you may not jump out on a highligh real tape to the same degree.
FWIW Samuels is listed around 5'10" ish 190ish lbs and Harris is listed as 6'2"ish 225ish lbs. Harris is obviously the bigger back, but Samuels is by no means a slouch as he is quite a well built athlete. Right now we have Samuels verbally committed and are hoping to land Harris. But, I'm not sure we will be able to hold onto Samuels if we land Harris. Maybe others have a better handle on that than I do.
But, I guess I'm really curious to figure out what it is that makes Harris so highly ranked, and so much more so than Samuels. What that does not show up on film that warrants that? And, if you could only have one, which one do you perfer?
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:46 AM ^
I'm no more an expert than you, but I think the real difference is the level of competition they play against. Samuels looks great, but there's a "grain of salt" thing that goes with it.
Harris, on the other hand, has proven himself elite against elite talent. So there's that.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:51 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:55 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:39 AM ^
Ah shit this is a great username.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:41 PM ^
Usernames based on cartoons are so overrated.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:49 AM ^
Would really complliment each other.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:58 AM ^
"You look great in that Jumpman away jersey, Najee."
"Thanks, but not as good as you look in the home blues, O'Maury. That's an iconic look, and you wear it well!"
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:10 AM ^
they would compliment each other in that way too.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:16 AM ^
Not only would they compliment one another, their skill sets would be complementary. (My pedantic point being that "compliment" =/= "complement".)
Two different types of backs, and both would have an important role to play in a Michigan offense. I'm with you - let's get 'em both, and let the coaches develop each of them to their maximum potential.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:32 AM ^
I get the impression it will be hard to hang onto Samuels if we land Harris. Are others not thinking that?
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:32 AM ^
Why do you get that impression? Where did you hear that?
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:53 AM ^
would mean losing a current RB commit, since we wouldn't take four. People were guessing Samuels, but we have already lost Dillon, so that numbers issue has already been solved. Sam Webb did mention that getting Harris would be used against us by schools still recruiting Samuels.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:04 AM ^
you are right on compliment v. complement.
I also erroneously typed two lls into the word. Bad thumbs!
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:26 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^
What is wrong with people that anyone would neg this? It's Christmas for crying out loud.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:50 AM ^
I'm no football expert, but I play one in real life.
Harris is like the best running back ever, only better.
Samuels is like the greatest running back ever, only greater.
Hope that clears it up.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:52 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:56 AM ^
I'm no expert either, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
I say get them both.
MERITOCRACY!!!
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:06 AM ^
...can run like this guy:
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:08 AM ^
...this guy:
December 22nd, 2016 at 4:41 PM ^
De'veon against Indiana circa 2016. With less snow and protective gear.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:54 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:37 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:43 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:50 AM ^
Love your avatar Madtown
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:55 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:01 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:25 AM ^
... while Green was the #1 RB to some services (Rivals, Scout), he was not a unanimous, or even a consensus, #1 RB, as ESPN had him ranked #5 and 247 had him ranked #8 (#84 overall player). So, while the OP's point is well-taken, there are multiple reasons to think that Harris is more of a sure thing than Green was.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:55 AM ^
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December 22nd, 2016 at 8:59 AM ^
They want guys who are built to last. Who don't come into the NFL already beat to hell. Honestly these days, unless you have an AP or a Marshawn Lynch on the roster, the NFL is moving more to a RB by committee approach.
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December 22nd, 2016 at 9:30 AM ^
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December 22nd, 2016 at 10:02 AM ^
Not that I don't believe you, but I'd be very curious to read/hear this in context.
I have found that interesting. Not saying that Alabama players are busts, but I feel like you would hear more about them dominating the NFL based on them being the top athletes. Who are the best bama players in the NFL? Jones, Ryan Kelly, Cooper, and Ingram?
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:03 AM ^
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December 22nd, 2016 at 4:45 PM ^
I think it's been more of an issue for RB's. FWIW, I think the same think happened to old friends Butch Woolfolk and Jamie Morris.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:04 AM ^
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December 22nd, 2016 at 12:13 PM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:07 AM ^
lately? 50% for SC, 33% for UM, and 17% for Alabama
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:11 AM ^
Most recent USC ball is from over a year ago. They aren't even in the running anymore. This is a two team race. I don't even think Cal has a chance.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:13 AM ^
Totally agree.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:11 AM ^
If I had to venture a guess, the only reason Cal is even in the picture is that Tosh Lupoi is rumored to be a candidate for the defensive coordinator position at Cal. Najee probably visited to see what it was like since Lupoi is one of his favorite coaches. Apparently Lupoi has been on him the longest and believed in him before he blew up.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:36 AM ^
I think the connection is much simpler, it's close by. Harris is not a kid who's using the official visits just to take free trips.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:25 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:22 PM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:37 AM ^
for a long time. No one has been allowed to put in one for Alabama for 18 months. Their % can only go down.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:07 AM ^
What did we say about looking at Harris's film?!?
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:13 AM ^
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:18 AM ^
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December 22nd, 2016 at 9:21 AM ^