100 in 100: Toby Gerhart (40 of 100)
by Drew Kerr on Feb 20, 2010 2:00 PM PST
in 100 in 100 (2010)
Email
Print
There are all sorts of different running backs that possess different skill-sets and bring different things to the table. You have your prototypical regular every down back, then you have your change-of-pace back, and last your power goaline back and then you have special players that can just flat out do it all. Most teams don't carry all three types on a single roster. Sometimes there's combinations of two of the three, but rarely is it seen that there is all three on a depth chart. Toby Gerhart fits somewhere in between a power goaline back and your prototypical regular every down back; much like Mike Alstott was for Tampa Bay.
Gerhart was this years runner up for the Heisman Trophy Award and finished the year as the nations leading rusher with 1,871 yards and maintained a 5.5 average per carry. Through the course of the year, Gerhart was nearly unstoppable; there were only two games this year where he didn't rush for over 100 yards.
The Stanford Running Back was not only successful on the grid-iron but also on the diamond. He was a two-sport star for his entire collegiate career. Gerhart, earlier this year, decided that he would forgo his professional football career if he were to be offered a lucrative deal to play baseball and had this to say about it, "I don’t have an exact number in mind but it’s going to take something big" in terms of a baseball contract. Gerhart felt that he could have a longer career in baseball and that football would take it's toll on his body. Unfortunately there was no deal offered, at least large enough, for Gerhart to opt out of playing football.
In 2006, Gerhart's Freshman year, he backed up Anthony Kimble and only had one start. His season total was only 375 yards but the young halfback showed a lot of upside. In 2007, he sustained a significant injury to his knee, enough to keep him out for the season; there was only one game that year that Gerhart played in and he managed to rush for 140 yards. 2008 would be the beginning of Gerharts true legacy at Stanford. He rushed for over 1000 yards. This past season was by far Gerhart's most productive and he came close to 2000 yards. Considering the amount of games that there is per season in college football, that is phenomenal. He finished the year with 27 rushing touchdowns as well.
Below, we'll look at Gerhart's stats and highlights and project where Gerhart may possibly end up in the draft.
The video here showcases exactly why Gerhart was the leading rusher in college football last season. He is a bruising running back that fears nothing and no one. It's hard to picture Gerhart being a feature back in the NFL but I certainly could be proven wrong. None the less, he will be extremely valuable to whoever drafts him.
AWARDS AND HONORS:
- 2009 Doak Walker Award
- 2009 Archie Griffin Award
- 2009 Jim Brown Trophy
- 2009 First Team All-American
- 2009 National Offensive Player of the Year
- 2009 Pac 10 Player of the Year
- 2009 Pac 10 All-Academic Team
- 2009 NCAA Rushing Leader
- 2009 Heisman Trophy Runner-Up
CAREER STATS:
| Stats Overview | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||
| YEAR | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST |
| 2006 | 106 | 375 | 3.5 | 38 | 0 | 15 | 124 | 8.3 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 12 | 140 | 11.7 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 | 210 | 1136 | 5.4 | 46 | 15 | 13 | 114 | 8.8 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | 343 | 1871 | 5.5 | 61 | 27 | 11 | 157 | 14.3 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Regular Season Game Log | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| DATE | OPP | RESULT | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST |
| 9/5 | @Washington State | W 39-13 | 23 | 121 | 5.3 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9/12 | @Wake Forest | L 24-17 | 17 | 82 | 4.8 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9/19 | San Jose State | W 42-17 | 24 | 113 | 4.7 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 9/26 | Washington | W 34-14 | 27 | 200 | 7.4 | 60 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/3 | UCLA | W 24-16 | 29 | 134 | 4.6 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/10 | @Oregon State | L 38-28 | 20 | 96 | 4.8 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/17 | @Arizona | L 43-38 | 28 | 123 | 4.4 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 18.0 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 10/24 | Arizona State | W 33-14 | 27 | 125 | 4.6 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/7 | Oregon | W 51-42 | 38 | 223 | 5.9 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/14 | @USC | W 55-21 | 29 | 178 | 6.1 | 29 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/21 | California | L 34-28 | 20 | 136 | 6.8 | 61 | 4 | 1 | 29 | 29.0 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 11/28 | Notre Dame | W 45-38 | 29 | 205 | 7.1 | 28 | 3 | 1 | 33 | 33.0 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Postseason Game Log | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | |||||||||||
| BOWL | OPP | RESULT | ATT | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | REC | YDS | AVG | LNG | TD | FUM | LST |
| BRUT SUN BOWL | Oklahoma | L 31-27 | 32 | 135 | 4.2 | 26 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
SUMMARY AND PROJECTION:
As much as I think he should, I don't think that Toby Gerhart will be a 1st Round selection. It's a shame that a guy can lead the nation in rushing yards and still not be considered as a 1st Round selection. I don't think that he will be selected before the 2nd Round or after the 2nd Round. He is a solid 2nd Round pick. Of course he could slip and it is possible that he has a bad combine but I think that the chances are slim that he would fall in to the 3rd. Gerhart is 6'1" 235 LBS.
Possibilities -- 2nd Round; Picks 33-64.
209 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
dont take this the wrong way
unless toby can run a 4.4 at the combine he will be a full back a really good fullback i thinkim not 4 sure but the last white running back i can remember was mike alstott i could be wrong but if he does play full back espicially if its a west coast offense he could be a deadly weapon.Now saying that i would be worried about injuries bcuzz he tends 2 try an run over people 2 much concusions is another thing 2 worry about.But if bill walsh was alive his hand would be burning 2 grab him the second coming of rathman. I steal see him getting drafted at the least by the 3rd no later but if he slips2 4th or 5th which i know he want grab him quik cuzz we have rathman so one red white 2 another red and white or maroon and white what the hell.
I disagree
I haven’t seen anything from him that says he is a good blocker.
Knowshon Moreno and Shonn Greene both ran 4.6 40s.
You’re going to tell me both of those guys should move to FB because they can’t run a 4.4?
Do your research before you make comments like that.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 20, 2010 5:46 PM PST up reply actions
Ah, yes.
I can’t disagree with that….lol
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
I think Toby's overrated
He gained all those yards and highlights against weak Pac-10/Notre Dame defenses. I can’t see him running over pros as often as he did the college kids. He doesn’t have a lot of top end speed nor does he seem to be a real threat as a receiver. Essentially he’s a power RB, but power in the sense that he ran over people (not that he’s hard to tackle).
If he can block (run/pass) then I see him being an Alstott-type FB but if he can’t block then he’s essentially a short-yardage back. In either case, that doesn’t warrant a 1st or 2nd round pick. If you’re an established team that doesn’t need much then you could spend a 3rd rounder on a FB/power RB, but I really think he’s a 4th rounder.
thank you
I didn’t want 2 say overated but the pac-10 didn’t have a good year this even in the bowls i’m hoping he can run a 4.5 to 4.7 if he runs in the fives he will drop 2 the 4th and 5th round so i’ve got my tivo ready for the combine maybe he can out bench the RBS either way it goes he’s in a percurious position but 2 do feel he can be servicable back just don’t know if its at FB or RB how tall is he can he be converted into TE or LB ?
Even if the Pac-10 cleaned up in the bowl games, the defenses still allowed a lot of yards and points.
I have a feeling that you’re right. I can’t think of a player whose stock is so tied to their 40 time. At 4.5, he’ll be 2nd/3rd, but if he’s running a 4.6, 4.7 then it’s gonna bring him down.
If he shows good hands, I could see him similar to a Chris Cooley/Mike Alstott hybrid. I don’t think he’s got the height for a TE at 6’1’’.
See my comment above.
You’re wrong if you think he’ll fall to the 3rd or 4th round if he runs a 4.5-4.7.
I think he can run a 4.8 and still be selected in the 2nd.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 20, 2010 5:48 PM PST up reply actions
Regardless of his lack of speed...
He can’t move like Moreno or Greene can. He’s not a cutter or a juker. He’s not elusive.
Sure, he can run over Washington St and Washington and a weak USC defense, but I can’t see him doing that against professional men.
A 2nd round pick on a short-yardage specialist is a reach.
Greene can "move" now?
Since when?
This guy will probably run a faster 40 than Glenn Coffee.
I just don’t see why he can’t be successful (given a good O-line, of course).
Brandon Jacobs is a tall, power runner.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 21, 2010 12:12 AM PST up reply actions
By move...
I mean make people miss.
Jacobs had 2 good seasons and was banged up this year. Bradshaw was more effective.
I think he can be successful in the right situation, but I don’t believe he’s worth a pick in the first 2 rounds. Not with all the talent along the lines and in the defensive backfield.
Greene is at his best when he's running people over.
The same goes for Gerhart.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:14 AM PST up reply actions
Weak Pac-10 defenses?
Compared to what? The only place I see defense is the SEC and few select colleges in the ACC and Pac-10. The Big 10 thinks it plays defense if you disqualify playing offenses with speed.
BYU 44 Oregon State 20
Utah 37 Cal 27
Nebraska 33 Arizona 0
Oklahoma 31 Standford 27
Ohio State 26 Oregon 17
2-5 in Bowl games in 2009. The two wins came against Temple (9-4) and Boston College (8-5)
They didn’t exactly acquit themselves with honor against non-Pac10 geams
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
What does that have to do with the claim that no one plays defense in the Pac-10? USC plays defense (with future NFL players) and he shredded them.
Those teams didn't show any defense
when faced with non Pac-10 teams as you can tell by their records.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Really, the Bowl games? The best indicator is the game following a 4-6 week hiatus?
Are you seriously hanging the no defense argument on this kid? There is hardly a vapor of defense in the entire land of college football but you’ll hang it on this kid? Tim Tebow might be the only college football prospect that played against a defense on a weekly basis. Name me the player, I’ll tell you how little defense he faced.
Gehart played well when he did occasionally bump into a defense. I wasn’t expecting the Division III argument here.
The no defense thing
means something when you look at those dominating runs. There’s a difference between the sieve known as Notre Dame and Cleveland.
Yes, he did well against a good defense (Oklahoma) and that makes him better than Johnathan Dwyer (who failed against Iowa), but what would Gerhart’s season look like if he played in the Big Ten or SEC (admittedly better run defenses overall).
I’m not saying he couldn’t be good, but that the expectations for him should be tempered in response to the whole idea or notion of him being a 1st/2nd round pick.
Bowl games were 5-0 or something last year I believe.
SSS leads to year to year variation.
Dream Draft: Clausen, Brown (#24), Houston, McKnight, Mike Williams, Black, McManis, DTN.
I have my doubts.
Spectacular, no! Weak, probably not. I don’t find them weaker than the rest of country. The one advantage with evaluating the Pac-10 is everyone plays each other every year, instead of every other year which seems to be norm of most conferences. Conference games are more competitive because of the familiarity. If he has carved out the Pac-10 two seasons in row than he is no fluke.
He’s a power back with an exceptional college career. Those usually have a good track record in the NFL and don’t come around that often.
Maybe I'm a bit biased here
I realize most people say the Big 10 is slow and whatnot, and they may very well be right. But i don’t think any conference does more with 2 and 3 star recruits than the Big 10. and as for “The Big 10 thinks it plays defense if you disqualify playing offenses with speed.” look at the Bowl Games this year. Iowa dismantles Ga Tech, Penn St beat LSU, Wisky beat The U soundly, and Ohio State Beat Oregon. None of these games were exactly blowouts, which means the defense must’ve been doing something right against those “offenses with speed” Now forgive me for going off, and as a big 10 fan i understand how people think we’re slow, and compared to the SEC we are, but people need to stop generalizing and actually look at the recent results, and maybe get the idea in their heads that while nowhere near speed demon fast like the SEC, the Big 10 deserves some small semblance of respect after what it did to 4 arguable speedy and talented offenses in this years Bowl Season. Now understand i’m not attacking your opinion or saying it’s wrong, your post just happened to be one that I felt compelled to reply to
End Rant…
"God tells me he can get me out of this mess, but he's pretty sure you're fucked."-Braveheart
Congrats on a good season.
The conference did go a decade earning that reputation.
I thought there was a problem with Oregon’s QB? LSU never had an offense. Miami dismantled Ga Tech too but beating the U is impressive.
Yeah not a 1st rounder
He’s an absolute brute, but doesn’t appear to have enough of the “total package” a RB would need to be on the elite level in the NFL. Somehow I feel like Tom Rathman would love to have this guy. Maybe because he’s a new improved version of Tom? But Gearhart appears to be very much along the lines of an Alstott, Dallas Clark, Tom Riggins if you want to go a ways back. He will be a good one though.
Now that's a good option
He would add so much more to that position than we already have. Moran Norris has done barely anything of note yet is apparently the best we can get right now as we chose to bring him back. Britt Miller may amount to something, but again, two (or wasw it three?) touchdowns in a preseason game doesn’t say a whole lot. The best Zack Keasey could do as a Niner was make a Dr. Hyver commercial and get on IR twice. It sounds crazy, but I could almost be convinced that we should try to get this guy, especially if Spiller is gone and/or we take someone else in the 13th pick.
If he's a good blocker...
I’d want him. The problem is the 49ers have needs elsewhere that I wouldn’t want to spend a 1-3 pick on him.
4th round? Yeah, but I dunno if he’ll last that long (unless he runs like a 4.7, 4.8 40)
We already have 3 FBs on the roster
Moran Norris
Brit Miller
Jehuu Caulcrick who was signed to a futures contract
We won’t be picking up another
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
We don't need him. We have Coffee for short yards and Gore is not bad as long as the line blocks. Plus I think we take Spiller
I don’t think we need to add a fullback and have 4FB’s and 3rb’s. Plus I don’t like him as a NFL RB.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I don’t think the Niners carry more then 1 FB into the regular season. Though we do need more RB’s. Gore needs less carries and Coffee isn’t that good.
Here’s to hoping we get Spiller.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 20, 2010 8:30 PM PST up reply actions
Coffee is good in short yardage situations?
Coffee was at his best last year when catching out of the backfield.
When did he turn into a short yardage back?
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 21, 2010 12:13 AM PST up reply actions
“we don’t need him. we have coffee for short yards”
-rlott#42
by hellaninersfan on Feb 21, 2010 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
Never said he was good at it, but lsts not throw the pick out after one year.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I think it’s pretty hard to evaluate Coffee in any way from last year, what with the concussion and all.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2010 1:18 PM PST up reply actions
He still showed flashes when catching out of the backfield.
I think he can be our Chester Taylor.
Without the running ability though…
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:16 AM PST up reply actions
I guess Shonn Greene should move to FB too.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 20, 2010 5:49 PM PST up reply actions
Greene is almost 3 inches shorter
that makes a huge difference when we’re talking about RB vs FB
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Runs much better than Rathman.
Good moves, runs to space, good power/strength, great balance, great desire/determination. But what about speed? Does he have to run 4.4 for the first 20 to 30 yards? Can he block? Can he catch? If yes and yes, draft him.
Won't be as durable he is too tall, and please let's not compare him to one of the greatest fullbacks of all time and he hasn't played the position.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
Too tall
That’s actually a good argument.
It could really hurt his durability.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 20, 2010 5:50 PM PST up reply actions
Hoe tall is too tall? 6' 1" ?
According to one site:
http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2010-nfl-draft/Toby-Gerhart.html
Runningback
Stanford
Senior
Ht: 6’ 1" 235 lbs.
Strengths: Strength, toughness, Power, Vision, Patience, Explosiveness, Blocking, nose for the end zone.
Weaknesses: Not much at all, speed is a question mark, but he looks very fast on the field.
His Height/ Weight
is posted in the article guys.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Shorter is usually better when it comes to RBs
A short back (Frank Gore) can get lower than most defenders and can protect his lower body while pushing through the hole.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 21, 2010 12:15 AM PST up reply actions
Shorter also means lower center of gravity
which helps you avoid tackles and stay on your feet better (look at MJD he’s only 5’7")
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
backs can be injury risks for multiple reasons.
by hellaninersfan on Feb 21, 2010 1:17 PM PST up reply actions
How many knee injuries has he suffered in the NFL?
0?
Most (all?) of Frank Gore’s (ankle) injuries happen when hes going down after a run and a lineman rolls over his ankle.
How does that make him injury prone?
It’s not like he’s getting hurt when he jukes or something.
The injuries happen after the play is over.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
That's how most knee injuries happen
You get stuck at the bottom of the pile and someone rolls over you
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
But he hasn't suffered more of those in the pros.
His knees are fine.
His only problems are ankle injuries.
Although they don’t seem to be happening to the same ankle (I believe they were opposite ankles in 2008 and 2009)
If he was injuring the same ankle over and over again, I’d say he’s injury prone.
But most of his injuries just seem to be “accidents”.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 2:34 PM PST up reply actions
But the definition of injury prone
just means he gets injured often. It’s not assigning blame. Gore missed 3 games this year, 2 last year and 1 the year before that.
Whether the injuries are because of carelessness or not is irrelevant when it comes down ot the bottom line.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
LOL, he is a RB
He is hardly injury prone for the position. Not a lot of RB manage to stay healthy for 16 games every season.
Hey guys ...
4 years, 3,522 yards, 5.25 yards per carry, and ZERO funbles!!!
by 49erFanSince1950 on Feb 21, 2010 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
Nice.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
I think he had one in the Oklahoma game
and he recovered it himself for a touchdown lol
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Feb 23, 2010 10:28 AM PST up reply actions
Why not compare anyone (even a rookie) to a recognized stud?
It is probably the best place to make a comparison; a very high measuring stick.
If you watched Rathman over the years then you know his running was primarily "3 yards (or less) and a cloud of dust." He was a great 49er for a lot of reason but not for running the ball.
Blocking = great.
Receiving = caught anything close to him.
etc, etc, etc.
But not running.
Rathman was a FB
he wasn’t used as a regular runner which is why he never got the running stats. You put your FB in on short yardage situations and to block for your RB.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
"he wasn’t used as a regular runner"
Because he was a straight ahead runner and good to move the chains in a short yardage situation. He would bust a few and look great doing it, but it was not his norm. Rathman was great but not a great runner if you wanted more than short yardage.
Is that the usual role of the FB?
He did what a FB was suppose to in the offense he was in.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
The tall durability is one thing...
combine it with his running style. He’s gonna take a lot of hits, especially due to his speed and style. There’s more possibilities for turnovers and, more importantly, more possibilities for injuries.
Of course, if he runs smart then he could have that 10-12 year career like Alstott. However, the wear and tear of being such a physical back could also have him at a short career too. That’s all speculating, but it has to be on your mind when discussing him.
His height is why he will have durability issues, his legs are more prone to be hit.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
Can't use height as an argument
Eddie George was 6’3" and Brandon Jacobs is 6’4"
There have been taller guys that had success and Gerhart is only 6’1"
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Eddie George was overrated and after Jacobs season, the legs appear to be wearing down.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
What do you think was wrong with Jacobs, he was as bad as coffee this year.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
How was he as bad as Coffee again? He had exactly 1 yard more per average. He had 835 yards rushing and 184 yards receiving equaling 1000+ all-purpose yards. Thats hardly as bad as Coffee. He had an off year compared to others but he also shared alot of time this year. Giants used him differently this year. So when you ask, I don’t think there was much wrong with him at all, even if he was playing with a few dings here and there.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
He was as bad as coffee because he has a better OL, QB, and offensive supporting cast.
And his production was a huge fall off. his supporting RB played with more injuries and was probably more productive. 1000 total yards for a running back that had that in rushing alone before is unproductive. A Back that big and how many TD’s? He seems to be on the decline.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
He was as bad as coffee because he has a better OL, QB, and offensive supporting cast.
This is a garbage excuse. Frank Gore had that same line. Coffee was close, if not the worst, running back in the NFL last year.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Garbage excuse, why wouldn't you expect more from him he just had almost 1100 yds and 15td's the year before this past season.
Then he played in 13 games when he had that production and played in 15 this season. We are comparing him to a rookie. And not to mention Jacobs had a 2.6 ypc avg in his rookie season, I guess the Giants should have gave up on him.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
sample size
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
sample size?? It was a very small sample size to say what was said about Coffee, how does it not apply to dispute your argument.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
30 carries vs nearly 100, playing time, etc.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
2.6 ypc vs 2.7 ypc
Plus the Giants had a better OL than we do now, back then. Sorry but the rb’S ypc, is not all on the RB’s shoulders.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
He's not alone.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 21, 2010 12:17 AM PST up reply actions
Eddie George was not overrated also
George won the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 1996, and was the Oilers/Titans’ starting tailback through 2003, never missing a start due to injury. He made the Pro Bowl four consecutive years (1997-2000), and assisted the Titans to a championship appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost to the St. Louis Rams 23-16.
and…
His career totals include 10,441 rushing yards, 268 receptions, 2,227 receiving yards, and 78 touchdowns (68 rushing and ten receiving).
He was an iron-man for 8 consecutive seasons. He had a few ankle injuries at the end of his career which provoked Bud Adams to trade him to the Cowboys and he retired pretty much right after that.
I believe he is the Titans all-time leading rusher. More yards than even Earl Campbell. Overrated? Hardly.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
You would be correct. More yards than Earl Campbell.
Although Campbell’s physical style of running really took a toll on his body. (Parallel to Mr. Gerhart perhaps?)
Who’s to say… …I guess we will find out soon enough.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
That is totally illogical. Calling a Hall of Famer and the all-time leading rusher “overrated”. On what basis is either player “overrated”???? How would you feel if someone said Roger Craig was overrated because of who he played with… or Ronnie Lott for that matter. That is pretty ridiculous and I think you have more sense than that but just can’t admit when you’ve been discredited with FACT. This is a situation where matter of “opinion” holds no substance.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Emmit is heralded as the best RB of all time, however it is disputable.
Disputable to the point that he is overrated as the best RB of all time. There is only the yards there but how many years did he play it safe to stay healthy to push his record out further from the next guy. He is a HOF back, you can’t take that or the stats away from him. Best ever, in that realm of consideration, is where Emmit is overrated.
Now to Eddie George, a career 3.6 YPC avg, really, you of all people gonna go there. Especially after Coffee being a wash after a 2.7 ypc output. This .9 ypc difference over a long career is extremely overrated, especially considering the FACT, that he had 2 seasons out of his beloved 10, that he actually amassed more than 4 ypc. He was an iron man, I am not disputing that, but his numbers do not show me greatness, durability yes, but not greatness. I call him overrated, so maybe it’s the way I look at things that is different.
I am not taking anything away from any of these players, when I say overrated I mean not who they are praised to be. Not calling them bad players or bums, just overrated, like Brady in the consideration of the greatest QB’s, yeah right.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I am done with this lott. You will never admit that you are wrong…and guess what? You’re wrong this time.
If they accomplished what they were expected to do (and then some), then they are not overrated.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Be done with, what I view as overrated is obviously different than you, we disagree as usual, but I am not wrong.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I don’t think i’ve ever heard a non-Cowboys fan say Emmitt was the best ever.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 21, 2010 1:32 AM PST up reply actions
Side note:
I would have liked to have seen Barry Sanders and Bo Jackson play more years.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
He isn’t ranting how certain players are “overrated” when they are in the Hall of Fame.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
He as in you? Third person speaking now?
Obvioulsy you define overrated in another manner as I. overrated – To overestimate the merits of or rate too highly.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I don’t think I’ve even ever heard Cowboy fans say it.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2010 1:21 PM PST up reply actions
I’ve never heard anybody say that Smith was the best runner of all time. Which is kind of surprising because I could actually see somebody making a legitimate argument for it. I don’t think I’d agree, but dude was good.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2010 1:21 PM PST up reply actions
His OL was good too.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
One of the best of all time
It’s why he was able to get 11 1,000 yard seasons.
Just think if Barry Sanders had Emmit’s O-line . . .
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Yeah, but that shouldn’t take away that he averaged nearly 400 touches per season for 13 years, when most running backs, regardless of their lines, will burn out after two to three seasons of that kind of punishment. The o-line can help you get yards, but it can’t keep you from taking hits. He took his punishment and he kept on trucking, and he kept on producing. And he kept on producing. And he kept on producing.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 22, 2010 11:58 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not trying to take anything away from Emmit
I was just pointing out the fact that he had a very good O-line (one of the best of all time, as pointed out by smileyman).
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 2:37 PM PST up reply actions
How exactly is Emmitt Smith overrated? He’s the only guy in the history of the league who comes kind of sort of close to some of the numbers Jerry Rice put up. There’s era context to account for, but he was a great running back for an extremely, extremely long time.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2010 1:20 PM PST up reply actions
yeah, emmit smith is a great running back. thats what people say about him. he is appropriately rated. I’ve never heard anyone say or imply hes better than barry sanders, walter payton or jim brown. if somone did he would be overrated.
by hellaninersfan on Feb 21, 2010 1:24 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah I've never heard that either
In fact when people talk about the greatest RBs of all time his name normally comes up several spots in.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
I hope not
Watching Earl modern day just makes me feel a bit down. I hope Gerhart can limit the punishment his body takes.
I'm not sure where or how he will fit in
but he would probably benefit the most by going to a team like the Patriots…. someone like that. Someone who will know how to use him the righ way. I dont see him fitting in as a Niner though, not when we have guys like Brit Miller waiting in the wings.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
THis
If not for the want of Spiller I would entertain the idea of having him. But I plan on the Niners taking Spiller at 13(hoping, if they don’t trade for Berry) so two RB’s in 1-4 rounds is highly unlikely, and drafting him would mean we didn’t get Spiller. He could however be the perfect cold weather back, he isn’t at the height of Jacobs, so not as prone ot leg injuries, but I thought he had bad knees.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I think that George wasn’t the dominant runner that some people remember him as being, but he was a freaking workhorse for a long, long time. Extremely reliable. Had a ton of touches every year. Never seemed to wear down. Tough guy.
I don't know about that, to the groin.
by howtheyscored on Feb 21, 2010 1:19 PM PST up reply actions
You Guys Are Forgetting...
Gerhart is more than a power runner. I went to some of his games, and he has excellent vision. More than that, he is absolutely immune to leg tackles. He runs right through the middle of traffic with guys rolling on the ground grabbing at his legs and he somehow manages not to go down. As for speed, I don’t remember ever seeing him caught from behind. Once he breaks out he is gone. He also holds onto the football extremely well. He is definitely going to be a RB in the NFL. He will wear down opposing D-lines, and bring that home run threat as well.
by Riding The F Train on Feb 20, 2010 6:47 PM PST reply actions
Some want him, some don't. What's new?
If he becomes a 49er, he’s a great player until he proves otherwise.
If he goes eleswhere, so be it.
well if you can’t convice rlott whats the point of even discussing.
by hellaninersfan on Feb 21, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
Convince me of what actually?
I don’t want him, because I hope we get Spiller and we don’t need 5 RB’s
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I don’t want him, because I hope we get Spiller…
I don’t get your logic. Interest in a very talented back is null because you’re more interested in a different player? What if he’s not available when our pick(s) come? What if we select other players instead and Gerhart becomes available at a later choice? Will you still shun him simply because the back that you wanted most is already off the board?
It’s okay to be interested in both guys. It’s not like thinking highly of Spiller means that you must dismiss every other halfback in the draft.
"It came down like a punt, Coach!" - Josh Morgan
Yep. Different styles of play. The only reason we’d take Spiller is because he’s a change-of-pace running back. Gerhart simply is not. Should be a fairly simple concept to grasp. There’s no other COP backs worthy, so if we miss we miss and draft something else.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Even if we don't get SPiller please explain where he fits on our team in the area of improvement.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
He may or may not be right for the 49ers, but...
4 years, 3522 yards, 5.25 YPC, and ZERO fumbles!!!
If he can block I would certainly prefer him to Moran Norris!
I suspect that he hasn’t learned how to block YET because he has always been the ballcarrier.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Feb 21, 2010 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
definitely remember seeing him fumble. I think it was the bowl game this year.
by hellaninersfan on Feb 21, 2010 1:26 PM PST up reply actions
ESPN doesn't keep track of fumbles
Look at their stats and they’ll show every player with 0 fumbles which is obviously not true.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Gerhart...
is an absolutly good fit for the Eagles. They have an awful short-yardage run game, which Gerhart can immediately improve.
I believe he could be a #2 RB or a goaline/short-yardage back, possibly making some spot starts for injured #1 RB’s. Also he could be dangerous when in the backfield with a teams’ #1 RB. He could either become the FB, blocking or catching. Or they fake to the #1 RB and hand off to Gerhart.
Who knows, he could become a team’s #1 RB. Just because he could run a 4.6, 4.7 40 yard dash doesn’t mean he can’t play in the NFL. The 40-yarder isn’t exactly a good indicator of NFL success, just ask the Raiders.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
I’m not saying the Niners need him; only that he could be a great player, also he can be a huge bust. Or just a FB.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 20, 2010 8:22 PM PST up reply actions
Just because he could run a 4.6, 4.7 40 yard dash doesn’t mean he can’t play in the NFL. The 40-yarder isn’t exactly a good indicator of NFL success, just ask the Raiders
Hey now, if there’s a lockout Al can run a National Track & Field League to fill the void….then we’ll see who’s laughing.
Nice.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 21, 2010 1:31 AM PST up reply actions
Great balance
You can’t just be strong and run over people…he has great balance, too, which is indicative of his athleticism. If he gets drafted by a good offense, I think he could have some big games coming in late and crushing through already tired defenses.
It has already been remarked but he also has excellent vision. He could be amazing if the O-Line of the team that drafts him is filled with talent (unlike ours). His “lack of speed” could actually help him, lets holes open up before he smashes through them.
I like your idea of him being a “closer.” Let him run over tired defenders.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 20, 2010 8:26 PM PST up reply actions
I definitely feel
that he could succeed in the right situation (a good offensive line unit…perhaps Miami?).
I don’t think any team should take him in the 1st 2 rounds because of the depth of draft talent that could be able to contribute on a more regular basis than a “closer” or “short-yardage specialist.”
As many others have said, I wouldn’t want him on the Niners. However, if he were sitting there 4th round, I’d be tempted because he, most likely, would be the best available player. While filling needs is important, you can’t dismiss improving the overall talent of your roster.
Call me selfish but I don’t look at a player overall just for the niners. And if we draft him I’m gonna be pissed.
by manraj7 on Feb 20, 2010 8:14 PM PST via mobile reply actions
that's not selfish...
it’s drafting for need. one could debate whether it’s the best strategy all the time, but I certainly see where you’re coming from.
That said, as someone who has pretty much given up on Glen Coffee and really likes Toby’s potential, I would not hate it if we picked him in the 2nd round or later.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 20, 2010 11:55 PM PST up reply actions
So, I guess I didn't see too much of Stanford this year
but when I did, it always seemed as if more than a little of Gerhart’s success was based on their OL being pretty darn great. This isn’t to say that he didn’t add his own magic, of course, but anyone who watced more than I did care to comment on how much was him, and how much was just having to run through a defense already on their backs?
I suspect that you think tilting at windmills means something other than what it does.
The ninth fastest thirty year old in San Francisco
I watched a lot of Stanford football, and admittedly, am a bit of a biased fan. That said, I think Gerhart gets underrated by a lot of people because, frankly, they see that he’s a power runner and not super fast (and probably that he’s white doesn’t help this perception either) and figure that he’s not going to be much more than a goal line back in the NFL.
I have to disagree with this. I don’t think Toby is going to have a blazing 40 time at the combine, but I think he’ll run fast enough. His issue really has to do more with lateral quickness and change of direction skills, but that doesn’t matter quite so much when you’re the kind of runner who just wants to go straight through a defender rather than around him.
To me, Toby is much closer to Eddie George than Mike Alstott. Is he a feature back in the NFL? I don’t know, but I definitely think he can be a big contributor to a solid 2/3 man rotation in the backfield. If I had to guess, I think he might get picked up by New England in the second round. Best case scenario for him is probably the Chargers at the end of the first.
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 20, 2010 11:52 PM PST reply actions
NE does not run an offense to suit this guy. NE runs the draw play on the 3rd down, he’d be no good in that.
Back when they were winning super bowls, that is exactly the type of back they used.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I’m not convinced they are smart enough to go back. The spread hasn’t netted them {site decorum} but they seem content with it.
They need to inject some physicality into their offense, and I think Gerhart would be a good fit for that in their offense. Maybe they wouldn’t use him as much on third downs— see my comment above, I’m not sure he’ll be a feature back. But as part of a rotation and a guy that the other team would have to respect in the box on 1st and 2nd downs? I think he’d fit in quite nicely there.
Another possible fit— the Seahawks in the second round. Gerhart and Forsett could be an interesting 1-2 punch, and Carroll saw first hand just how devastating Toby could be in college (and pretty much admitted that USC gaffed by not recruiting him as a RB).
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Feb 21, 2010 2:19 AM PST up reply actions
I don’t want Gerhart in the NFC West.
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 21, 2010 2:22 AM PST up reply actions
good take
Pretty much what I thought when watching him.
Gerhart may not ever be a feature back, but should be a solid pro.
by microwave donut on Feb 22, 2010 1:28 PM PST up reply actions
In a way like Tebow
His greatness in college may not translate to the pro game.
I wouldn’t mind if the Niners gave him a try, except they’ve got way too many people who can already play fullback (assuming he can be a fullback in the pros) and what the Niners need at the running back position is someone explosive, a change of pace to Gore (and Coffee). Even better a change-of-pace runner who can return kicks.
I don’t know. I wish him well and if he falls to the late rounds where the Niners can get take a flyer on him, maybe. If he turns into a great sluggo runner and pass receiver he’d look fine in a Niner uniform. I don’t think that happens in the pros.
by Bob In Beaverton on Feb 21, 2010 8:48 AM PST reply actions
toby gerhart
Let me get this straight some of you guys don’t want the leading rusher in the nation who was very close to winning the Heisman in (possibly)the third round because he’s white /from a pac- 10 school (along with Oregon and USC-er… check their power rankings)/or you “don’t like him”or he doesn’t juke or have moves(-have you actually seen him play?). HELLO!?!!!
Right on!
It is hard to understand why some seem jto think he has no "moves." All they need to do is watch the "Highlights." He isn’t quite Barry Sanders, but he does make some very nice adjustments (moves). Would love to see him as a niner. The team needs some local talent.
I dont want Gerhart because we already have Frank Gore. Gerhart is not a change of pace back which is what this team needs. Which brings me to Best (another local guy)… just too much of a risk with the injuries and major concussion. Plus, he runs east and west too much. I think drafting a guy because he is “local” is the wrong reason to be drafting anyone.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Bingo
Gerhart is the same runner as Gore and Coffee and won’t do us any good.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Same style of runner
straight ahead power game
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
meh
Gore isn’t really a power back and he’s not particularly effective in short yardage. He does run between the tackles better than to the outside, but overall I’d call him rounded.
Everyone keeps saying we need a change of pace to compliment Gore, but he could be paired with a big back or a scatback. Gore is neither.
by microwave donut on Feb 22, 2010 1:31 PM PST up reply actions
Local talent?
Nah the Niners need the best talent out there. there is no room for homerism, when the idea is to win!!
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
Toby
I’m aghast at the lack of respect accorded to T Gerhart ,the 49ers will be lucky if they land him.Frank Gore/Toby Gerhart/Jehuu Caulrick mentored by T Rathman and a bolstered OL spells POWER RUNNING.
Or teams stacking the box with 10 guys
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Toby
Gerhart is not just a LOCAL talent gentlemen he lead all college running backs with 1871 total yards and 27(yes 27!) touchdowns .The darling of many- CJ Spiller had just 12!!!
Frank Gore only had 17 college TD's in his college career
What’s your point?
Tim Tebow racked up all kinds of college stats so I guess we should just put him in the NFL Hall of Fame now to save us the trouble later.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
College stats don't equate to NFL success
Otherwise Freddie Barnes and Tim Tebow should be 1st rounders.
I was shocked that Barnes wasn't invited to the Senior Bowl
I really want to get him in the 4th or 5th.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Who is toby
See: football ,running back,Heisman runner up, leading collegiate rb in the nation.A simple search outside yourself will yield results!
Toby
Whoa not one reference to anointing anyone -just a response to we experts who want to discount his value and feign precognition as to what he can or cannot achieve in the pros before he plays one down’,and further to what appears to be a lack of respect respect as to what he has achieved so far,and ten in the box opens the passing game ,no!?!
Use the response button.
Opens up what passing game?
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Passing game
Presumably this is a rhetorical question -you know the roster as well as I .Hopefully the afore will show further development this year bolstered by an improved OL!
Right. But that hasn’t transpired yet, so to presume that is only a pressumption.
If Gore, Coffee, and if we got Gerhart had the same styles of running, how does that exactly help us out? I just think it would benefit us more to have a guy who could run a 4.3 and make defenses look silly by making them miss would help us out more. Someone that could contribute on special teams on top of that would be nice as well.
The Tim Tebow Story "A Bust In The Making" ...Part 2 Coming After The Draft...Stay Tuned.
Can Spiller run a 4.3?
"Alex Smith doesn't inspire the Offensive Line to play well." - Random Troll on Post-Game Thread
by Hoopers Judge on Feb 21, 2010 3:10 PM PST up reply actions
presumptions
Anything that hasn’t transpired is projection of course.The 49er passing game was rated- what -22nd, factor in Crabtree’s late start ,Vernon’s development as the year progressed ,a banged OL and an OC who seemed to flounder until a spread/hybrid formation was installed to utilize his QB’s background and TE/WR talent .Stacking the box to confound the running game was no longer a cure all.My point being that there is some evidence that would lead one to Presume that an improved passing game is to be expected.Similarly, it is reasonable to Presume given T Gerhart’s past he has measurable talent,otherwise why bother to list a list of awards and accomplishments and career stats when describing him?
This is generally true.
But why don’t you tell Michael Crabtree that.
What we've got here is a failure to communicate.
by SportsChicken on Feb 22, 2010 11:30 AM PST up reply actions
WHy would I?
He had how many TD’s in how many games?
Small sample size to point out anything.
Tribute to #42 Ronnie Lott
I'm disgusted and apalled
at the complete disrespect for Toby Gerhart here.
I never realized there was such an immense east-coast bias present in the Niners community, but apparently so. These are the same people who ridiculed MJD, saying that he only ran against weak Pac-10 defenses and could never make it in the NFL because of his size.
I’m certainly not a Jags fan, but it’s very apparent that MJD took all of this unfounded criticism personally and has proven himself.
Gerhart is a beast unlike anything that’s come out of college football in the last 10 years. Though not very agile, he has underrated speed. He cannot and will not run outside and juke out a safety. But he will bulldoze any single defender. Any team to get Toby after the second round will be very pleasantly surprised. Whereas Tim Tebow may end up being the highest drafted bust this year, Gerhart will be the most underrated who finds a niche in the league and excels.
I understand and accept that my Niners have no need for Gerhart, especially considering the desperate needs on the line and on defense, but everyone here will be eating crow by the end of next year. Gerhart truly deserved the Heisman over Ingram (though I personally would have awarded Suh). Gerhart will be radically disrespected on draft day, but is the type of personality, like MJD, to take this east-coast bias against him personally.
Is Tim Tebow going to be a star in the NFL?
Because if you answer anything but yes to that question you’re being hypocritical.
Yes Drew K, Tim Tebow will probably get picked in the first round.
Longboard
Thank you -I fully concur with your take on Toby(as seen above!).Clearly running back was not perceived as a position of need by, I venture to say, most pundits at the end of this year and really only has come into consideration as the draft order and value board became more clearly defined in the 60-ish days remaining before the draft! When C J Spiller looked like a real possibility the extra pick became a perceived possibility as a BPA choice! Just for the record I think Spiller would add aspects to our team not afforded by Toby and is a fantastic talent! Just so happens I don’t subscribe to making that choice in the first two rounds of this draft -where the talent levels are presumed higher.No in my view it would be more prudent to choose our position of need(s) carefully and dispassionately! I subscribe to the following notion: protecting our QB and attacking the opposing QB are paramount to success of football teams. It is in these areas it so happens we need to improve,(I leave QB considerations out of this entry) and have little room for luxury,However if a talent like Gerhart is available in the third or fourth round and there isn’t a comparable talent in a PON I contend we would be foolish not to grab him post haste.N’est -ce pas!???
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
