Same mistake twice? Brandon Jacobs - Dallas Cowboys Forum

Natedawg44 · 03-20-2005

Lineman-size frame won't slow RB Jacobs

He's a running back in a lineman's body. But in the case of Brandon Jacobs, that's not a bad thing.

The Southern Illinois product has been standing out in a crowd since he hit a growth spurt at age 14. Now 6 feet 4 and 267 pounds, he's ready to stand tall in the NFL.

''There are generally not a lot of real tall running backs,'' Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said. ''If you find a guy that size, your first thought is to move him to tight end or defensive end or offensive line.''

Jacobs said coaches have always tried to move him out of the backfield, but his speed makes him a serious weapon. He'll be the biggest running back selected in the NFL Draft next month.

''I've had no problems with being too tall or too big,'' Jacobs said. ''I get my shoulders down at a pretty decent level, and as far as being tall, I think it's an advantage because I think my stride is three or four times longer than anyone else's. And when I get out into the open field, it's just the back of the jersey.''

Jacobs started off at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, then earned a scholarship at Auburn and rushed for 446 yards, three touchdowns and a team-high 6.2 yards per carry in 2003.

But with running backs Ronnie Brown and Carnell ''Cadillac'' Williams already on campus, Jacobs didn't get the chance he wanted. Coaches even tried to move him around there, but they finally said ''you're just a running back, and there's nothing we can do,'' Jacobs said.

In 12 games for Southern Illinois last season, Jacobs averaged 6.6 yards per carry and scored 19 touchdowns.

After he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine last month, most experts walked away thinking he'll be a first day selection

We screwed up once by taking Jamar Martin instead of Najeh Davenport 3 years ago. I hope we don't do it again and give this guy a chance if he's there in the fourth. Holy smokes is that guy big and fast.

Cowboys&Caps · 03-20-2005

yea as long as he doesn't turn out to be "Troy too slow to make it through the holes Hambrick". he sounds like he might be a nice replacement for Richie Anderson, who prolly only has 2-3 more years in him. good third-fourth rounder.

kmd24 · 03-20-2005

And he plays special teams (or at least he did at Auburn). Makes a great wedge buster, and actually knocked a guy out a couple of years ago.

Natedawg44 · 03-20-2005

Anderson probably won't play. It pains me to watch the "Repentor" Barnes at FB. It seems that Polite is just another guy. Drafting him would fill two roles. Fullback and Backup RB.

ghst187 · 03-20-2005

there's a very good reason tall running backs are few and far between, in fact more than one reason:
1) they can't hide behind the lineman and squirt through the creases (so to speak)
2) their center of gravity is high and they usually have less maneuverability/agility/shiftiness
3) and this is key...because they have to run higher, they take a much worse beating and become oft-injured. Ask E George, Christian Okoaya (sp?), etc...

Bobo · 03-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natedawg44

''There are generally not a lot of real tall running backs,'' Titans General Manager Floyd Reese said. ''If you find a guy that size, your first thought is to move him to tight end or defensive end or offensive line.''

Interesting coming from a guy who's had two 6-3 RB's (George and Chris Brown), and got a 6-2 backup last year (Antwain Smith).

Quote:

3) and this is key...because they have to run higher, they take a much worse beating and become oft-injured. Ask E George, Christian Okoaya (sp?), etc...

Eddie George is the only player other than Jim Brown (who was 6-2) to have 10,000 yards while never missing a start.

Natedawg44 · 03-20-2005

Quote:

there's a very good reason tall running backs are few and far between, in fact more than one reason:
1) they can't hide behind the lineman and squirt through the creases (so to speak)
2) their center of gravity is high and they usually have less maneuverability/agility/shiftiness
3) and this is key...because they have to run higher, they take a much worse beating and become oft-injured. Ask E George, Christian Okoaya (sp?), etc...

Heck I'll take 10,000 yards from a 4th round draft pick any day of the week.

followthestar · 03-20-2005

i'm pretty sure we'll take a RB in the 4th - JJ is the starter and whoever comes in to spell him now and then won't be asked to gain a thousand yards. he'll be asked to block and pick up blitzes very very well, run well inside without fumbling, and catch a ball if one is ever thrown to him. thats about it.
parcells may decide he can't put everything on julius' shoulders, as he virtually did the final few games last year. if insurance is that expensive, we should go with eric shelton in round2 if he's still there. i just have a feeling we'll take whoever falls to the fourth round.

Hollywood Henderson · 03-20-2005

I agree Nate, I want to see no part of Barnes on the offensive team this year...& I though Anderson sucked at blocking...