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The Freshmens (Shaq)

umhurricane2511

umhurricane2511

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I'm as optimistic as anyone about the new blood coming in, esp our new MLB.

I also don't doubt that Shaq isn't your normal true freshman and that he's ready. However, that's such a physical position to play at a high level all year...


At what point does he hit the freshman wall? We're talking 13+ games. That's a lot of stress on an 18 yr old frame. It's really my only concern with him.
 
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Shaq's already close to being built like an NFL MLB if he's not already there. The mental aspect will be the hurdle like all freshmen. However, given Pete's post the other day, I'm guessing that it won't take him long to adjust.
 
Well he's an EE so being in a college S&C program longer will probably help him a lot.
 
Not worried one bit with Shaq. Really not. He is mature beyond his years. He appeared to be as big as Ray Lewis in a recent picture. What will separate him, I bet he has the heart and hunger of a lion!
 
No negatives with this kid. Zero. Ready to not only play day one, but start day one.
 
I'm a huge shaq fan but don't wanna put him a high pedestal....lets rememeber he was in HS last year and there will be growin pains so dont be bashin him when there are some typical beginner mistakes in the 4th quarter. He is a freak but still has baby weight that will be chiseled and hardened. Yes by year 3 his pee will weld titanium. LBU carries on.
 
He'll definitely come out like a man of a mission.



His endurance will be pushed to the maxed. If he's still got the thunder come game 10/11, then crown this man the freak of all freaks.
 
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I'm as excited to watch Shaq play as I was to watch Duke. That's how good this kid is.
 
Shaq will be fine. As a previous poster said, I believe him being here for spring and all summer will go a long way into keeping him well conditioned to run right through the perceived wall most freshmen hit. Plus, he's a savage and built like a pro. Sure there will be some freshman mistakes but I expect Shaq to have a huge season, especially for a true freshman.
 
More hand-wringing. The dude is 6 feet tall and weighs 238 pounds with 14% body fat. He's in phenomenal physical condition and is built like a Mack truck. He's mentally tougher than most of the guys on our team.

Why does he have to hit a wall physically or mentally? Just because that's the voodoo clich* that people unwittingly repeat until it becomes a fake fact?
 
The Franchise said:
More hand-wringing. The dude is 6 feet tall and weighs 238 pounds with 14% body fat. He's in phenomenal physical condition and is built like a Mack truck. He's mentally tougher than most of the guys on our team.

Why does he have to hit a wall physically or mentally? Just because that's the voodoo clich* that people unwittingly repeat until it becomes a fake fact?
Click to expand...

I love it when posters talk about a kid reaching his physical peak as a HS senior or freshman. One of the many message board pro scout gems you see consistently over the years.
 
AUcane said:
The Franchise said:
More hand-wringing. The dude is 6 feet tall and weighs 238 pounds with 14% body fat. He's in phenomenal physical condition and is built like a Mack truck. He's mentally tougher than most of the guys on our team.

Why does he have to hit a wall physically or mentally? Just because that's the voodoo clich* that people unwittingly repeat until it becomes a fake fact?
Click to expand...

I love it when posters talk about a kid reaching his physical peak as a HS senior or freshman. One of the many message board pro scout gems you see consistently over the years.
Click to expand...
Too many dudes hung up on cliches and voodoo on here. I'm trying to help them by teaching them critical thinking skills. They'd normally have to pay thousands of dollars for this sort of seminar, but I'm giving it to them for free. Yet instead of thanking me they harbor animus.

That whole "hitting the wall" freshman **** should be applied on a case by case basis. If Shaq was undersized, weak or some sort of head case, then you might start worrying about him. He's none of those things. He's a terminator.
 
The best thing about Shaq is he is known for willing defenses to get stops. That alone makes him a top CFB LB.
 
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GODsRebel said:
I'm a huge shaq fan but don't wanna put him a high pedestal....lets rememeber he was in HS last year and there will be growin pains so dont be bashin him when there are some typical beginner mistakes in the 4th quarter. He is a freak but still has baby weight that will be chiseled and hardened. Yes by year 3 his pee will weld titanium. LBU carries on.
Click to expand...
That's why football is a team sport . When everybody flies to the ball and he missed others will be their to help . The best of the best whiff tackles . Wear and tear you worry about ? I'm sure coach will do a little subbing to keep guys flying to the ball . That's why quality depth is important .
 
A lot of guys get better throughout the season as they settle into their role. It's a shot in the dark... But I'm not worried about Shaq or Pinckney.
 
It comes down to coaching. You can say anything you want from the inter web about physical/ psychological development. Richt will watch the player. You balance the learning aspect of playing the forth quarter vs FAU or even GT vs the wear and tear of the future season.

I think there is going to be a lot of shuffling of linebackers. One injury could change a lot.
 
I expect shaq to make freshman mistakes and to be occasionally overmatched at the point of attack. He will play competently but don't expect the Shaq that we will see as an upperclassman
 
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