Landon Collins, S, Alabama

[staylor26]

I know everybody is scared shitless of Alabama defensive prospects (rightfully so), but this guy is legit. Him and Berry would be the best safety tandem in the NFL.

[OldSchool]

Nope, Bama defensive players suck.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

Nope, Bama defensive players suck.

They don't suck, but they can't play at the NFL level because they aren't required/asked to do certain things at the collegiate level that are absolutely essential in the NFL as defensive backs.

It's kind of like Dwayne Bowe and Eric Berry. It's really hard to teach an old dog new tricks and once a guy gets programmed to play a certain way, there is a real finite window in terms of re-teaching him proper skills that translate to the next level. Bowe and Berry were allowed to basically free lance their entire college careers (because of their ridiculous athleticism versus even D1 level players) and it's carried over into their pro careers.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

They don't suck, but they can't play at the NFL level because they aren't required/asked to do certain things at the collegiate level that are absolutely essential in the NFL as defensive backs.

Like what?

[Nightfyre]

Classic sorter beatdown incoming!

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Sorter

Like what?

Former Alabama and current Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick caused something of a stir when he told the media that he “never backpedaled at Alabama.” Apparently, this is something Bengals coaches value, as Kirkpatrick had to learn to backpedal.

They are taught a "shuffle" technique versus the true back pedal.

The so-called “Saban Shuffle” originated when Nick Saban was Bill Belichick’s defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns in 1992, according to SmartFootball.com. The Browns signed 32-year-old star Everson Walls, whose 40-yard dash time had dropped to 4.8 seconds. Ownership made it clear that Walls would start. Walls, who is tied for 12th on the NFL’s all-time list with 57 career interceptions, still was considered a great player, but he could not backpedal, so the story goes that Saban started teaching a three-step shuffle.

He employs it because it enables them to do a strong initial bump and play up on them in a man to man. As Alabama guys tend to be a little more athletic than their college counterparts, they are able to stay with them using such a technique, but in the pros, that shit doesn't fly too well and they have to retrain these guys and it's been a problem, especially for guys drafted high who are expected to be #1 level dudes.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

They are taught a "shuffle" technique versus the true back pedal.



He employs it because it enables them to do a strong initial bump and play up on them in a man to man. As Alabama guys tend to be a little more athletic than their college counterparts, they are able to stay with them using such a technique, but in the pros, that shit doesn't fly too well and they have to retrain these guys and it's been a problem, especially for guys drafted high who are expected to be #1 level dudes.

Designs technique for 32 year old corner who runs a 4.8

Said technique is only effective because of Bama's superior athletes.

[Sorter]

Sac, do you think this technique is also used for every coverage, defensive backfield position, and alignment?

Because your posts made it seem like none of their defensive players back pedal.

Additionally, are there any other things they aren't required/asked to do or was that it?

[Reaper16]

Well, that was a quick TKO.

[Saccopoo]

Originally Posted by Sorter

Sac, do you think this technique is also used for every coverage, defensive backfield position, and alignment?

Because your posts made it seem like none of their defensive players back pedal.

Additionally, are there any other things they aren't required/asked to do or was that it?

I'm sure they backpedal, but it's been reiterated numerous times that it's not a big part of how Saban currently coaches his defensive backs at Alabama. They primarily use and are taught the shuffle technique.

I mean, if you've got some information that says otherwise, I'd love to read it. However, go watch the Alabama games. This is a very prevalent aspect of the defensive backs training at that program and what they use in a game time situation. And this technique is why it's said that they struggle at the next level in attempting to re-learn what the vast majority of NFL defensive coordinators/secondary coaches want to see from their players.

I was reading somewhere that recent 'Bama CB Deion Belue said that this was the one thing he had problems with in transitioning from the junior college ranks to Saban's program - the learning of the shuffle technique that Saban wants his DB's to use.

Here is a video that shows exactly what I'm talking about:



As far as other techniques, I'm not aware of any that restrict their performance at the NFL level. And this is just with the defensive backs. When you are asked to use a specific technique repeatedly over the course of four years or so, it's hard to reprogram yourself into another way of doing things.

But, since your fan club is looking for a "classic Sorter beatdown," (Nightfrye has probably been thumbing her clit for days waiting for it) as the kids say on the intranets...

[staylor26]

I'm guessing most of you haven't seen this guy play and are just anti-Bama when it comes to defensive prospects, but I'm telling you this is a former 5 star recruit who can flat out ball. He's the balanced playmaking safety we've always wanted next to Berry. Better prospect than HaHa IMO.

[Nightfyre]

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

But, since your fan club is looking for a "classic Sorter beatdown," (Nightfrye has probably been thumbing her clit for days waiting for it) as the kids say on the intranets...

If Sorter has fan club, I am definitely in it. I also know when he asks a lead question like he did in this thread, he is setting the bait. I don't quiver in anticipation waiting for it, I just think it's a good laugh when people get called on their bullshit. Also, I am not female. Thanks.

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by staylor26

I'm guessing most of you haven't seen this guy play and are just anti-Bama when it comes to defensive prospects, but I'm telling you this is a former 5 star recruit who can flat out ball. He's the balanced playmaking safety we've always wanted next to Berry. Better prospect than HaHa IMO.

There have been a lot of DBs who look great while playing for Bama only to stink it up in the NFL. Collins is just the next in line. I don't trust them.

[staylor26]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

There have been a lot of DBs who look great while playing for Bama only to stink it up in the NFL. Collins is just the next in line. I don't trust them.

LSU has had a lot of busts too, but does that mean you pass on Patrick Peterson?

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by staylor26

LSU has had a lot of busts too, but does that mean you pass on Patrick Peterson?

You certainly pass on Caliborne. Also, Peterson isn't all that he's chalked up to be. Watch him actually play, he gets beat a lot but people still call him "shut down" for some reason.