Roc Thomas transferring to JSU

[bigbird 60,564]

if JF3 doesn't win the starting QB spot, I could easily see him taking over the role Roc was going to play. He and Jason Smith could fill it nicely.

[Tiger 8,827]

Great potential, but in 2 years, he's scored 4 TD's and the longest was 56 yards. I'm not seeing what the big deal is. Good luck to him at JSU.

Also he couldn't even reach double-digit touches in a game without getting injured. He wasn't RB1 but he had a very nice spot in this offense waiting for him IMO

I think this may be deeper than what we're seeing on the surface in regards to the program. No insider source just a "vibe" the program has been giving me. This is not a positive and he was going to contribute. We can overcome if we are fortunate with injuries however. Before it's all said and done I think Kerryon can be one of those running backs that come to mind when we discuss if AU is RBU or not. But our RB depth took a huge hit with Barber and Roc leaving us.

I don't see it as anything than Roc wanting to be the man at RB and being stuck behind Jovon and Kerryon for that slot. Happens all the time, especially with guys who come in with lots of hype and accolades. He certainly had his chances to shine, but aside from a play here or there, never showed it. Meanwhile, guys with a fraction of his ability like Barber come in and just work their ass off and make plays to keep drives alive.

It sucks because I see the potential. But that's all it is. And potential doesn't win ball games.

I hope and think it's entirely possible that you're right. I just hope our 6-6 is a bridge to another 8+ win season rather than following the current trend of winning less games than the previous season. And yup, potential just means you have't done jack yet. Lol wasn't it Rodney Garner that said that?

[TitanTiger 20,499]

if JF3 doesn't win the starting QB spot, I could easily see him taking over the role Roc was going to play. He and Jason Smith could fill it nicely.

I agree with this. They will find a way to get JF3's speed on the field with his hands on the ball. Just like they planned on doing with Roc if he'd been willing.

[JDUBB4AU 5,121]

Guys, if this is true, then this is just bad. Yes, I know he hasn't performed the way we wanted yet, but the kid is a talent and can be successful in the SEC. This really leaves us thin at RB. But worse than anything, this is a 5 star player that is leaving along with 11 others that have left. This is the same kind of thing that happened during the end of the Chizik era. I really, really hope that Gus is not losing this team.

But, if it is any consolation, we still have Rhett Lashlee. :gofig:/>

This one isn't on Gus. Putting Roc into the slot more was the best way to utilize Roc. Best for his future in the NFL and in big time college ball. Roc wants to be the man. And his high school coach is now at JSU and has been in Roc's ear for over a year trying to get Roc to transfer. Moving Roc more to the slot was the right call. Gus did nothing wrong here. All on Roc not wanting to move over from the RB position.

This. Couldn't stay healthy. Can't hold onto the ball. More time for someone else. Good luck to him

[ellitor 33,104]

if JF3 doesn't win the starting QB spot, I could easily see him taking over the role Roc was going to play. He and Jason Smith could fill it nicely.

I agree with this. They will find a way to get JF3's speed on the field with his hands on the ball. Just like they planned on doing with Roc if he'd been willing.

I hate to be that guy and I truly do like Gus but as far as Gus doing what he plans or says he plans I'm Missouri on it.

[McLoofus 35,182]

if JF3 doesn't win the starting QB spot, I could easily see him taking over the role Roc was going to play. He and Jason Smith could fill it nicely.

I agree with this. They will find a way to get JF3's speed on the field with his hands on the ball. Just like they planned on doing with Roc if he'd been willing.

Yup. That's why we recruited Franklin. You take a guy with that kind of speed and figure the rest out later. The fact that he can maybe provide depth and special looks at QB is added value. I believe he has a legit shot at winning the job but I'm confident that the coaches never put their eggs in that basket like many fans did.

[AUwent 3,754]

The real question is, can JF3 catch a squirrel?

[au75 75]

Good luck ROC with JSU.

[Ber798297 241]

He may not be gone yet...

[Tiger 8,827]

This is weird didn't JSU confirm that he was transferring? I seem to recall reading that.

[AU-24 3,100]

He may not be gone yet...

https://twitter.com/...883620406153217

Keep talking to him Gus, keep talking!

[imaolgatiger 523]

I hope that he stays and becomes a super star for my Tigers! Show us whatcha got, Roc!

[ellitor 33,104]

He may not be gone yet...

https://twitter.com/...883620406153217

And the opposite. lol

@RyanABlack 23m23 minutes ago

Source: Auburn RB Roc Thomas to transfer to Jacksonville State; Gamecocks reportedly confirm http://auburn.247sports.com/Bolt/Source-Thomas-to-transfer-to-Jax-State-45505903 …

[Ber798297 241]

He may not be gone yet...

https://twitter.com/...883620406153217

And the opposite. lol

@RyanABlack 23m23 minutes ago

Source: Auburn RB Roc Thomas to transfer to Jacksonville State; Gamecocks reportedly confirm http://auburn.247sports.com/Bolt/Source-Thomas-to-transfer-to-Jax-State-45505903 …

Then there's this...

I'm so confused and a little in denial at this point I guess! I need more confirmation before I believe it. BTW, who's Tate's source?

[ellitor 33,104]

He may not be gone yet...

https://twitter.com/...883620406153217

And the opposite. lol

@RyanABlack 23m23 minutes ago

Source: Auburn RB Roc Thomas to transfer to Jacksonville State; Gamecocks reportedly confirm http://auburn.247spo...

Then there's this...

https://twitter.com/...891410935787520

I'm so confused and a little in denial at this point I guess! I need more confirmation before I believe it. BTW, who's Tate's source?

They never say what their source is. Jlee posted the info a day earlier using sources.

[alexava 6,973]

I say 50/50.

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

If I was recruiting the premier in state 5* rb and it took the promise of ONE DAMN PLAY to land him, I would so absolutely do it. How folks are dumping this on Gus I don't know. I liked Roc over Barber too. It just didn't shake out. I still had hope it would eventually as a uniquely different position for him. Not much more we can add to this.

Seriously. He hadn't been spectacular, but that's a pretty low risk play. Simply pass in the flat to Roc to possible get him open in space. Cadillac played as a true freshman too. Do you think Carnell has a brainfart like that?

Look at the play again. The issue with Roc wasn't that he fumbled the lateral, it was that he didn't even really attempt to fall on the ball.

http://espn.go.com/v...lip?id=11955890

That is not on the coaches.

Caddilac came in late and had less freshman mistakes too. There is a difference. Same with Dyer, he played pretty well. Roc had about 38 carries all season and three fumbles, two lost.

That is an alarmingly high fumble rate considering the small amount of touches he got IMO. I think losing Roc will be a huge hit actually. Moreso because it eliminates a weapon Gus needed to have his O running at full potential. Roc squirting free for a 20 yarder or more for a long TD is something Gus offenses need. If Gus starts calling too many plays in a row he starts to outsmart himself.

Does anyone think Truitt can possibly fill what Roc's role was supposed to be? Screens and sweeps?

I do if he can stay healthy. Maybe not the same explosiveness as Roc but he's still fast. And Ryan Davis could be an option as well.

[Ber798297 241]

Well well well... I'm really confused now...

[Tiger 8,827]

If I was recruiting the premier in state 5* rb and it took the promise of ONE DAMN PLAY to land him, I would so absolutely do it. How folks are dumping this on Gus I don't know. I liked Roc over Barber too. It just didn't shake out. I still had hope it would eventually as a uniquely different position for him. Not much more we can add to this.

Seriously. He hadn't been spectacular, but that's a pretty low risk play. Simply pass in the flat to Roc to possible get him open in space. Cadillac played as a true freshman too. Do you think Carnell has a brainfart like that?

Look at the play again. The issue with Roc wasn't that he fumbled the lateral, it was that he didn't even really attempt to fall on the ball.

http://espn.go.com/v...lip?id=11955890

That is not on the coaches.

Caddilac came in late and had less freshman mistakes too. There is a difference. Same with Dyer, he played pretty well. Roc had about 38 carries all season and three fumbles, two lost.

That is an alarmingly high fumble rate considering the small amount of touches he got IMO. I think losing Roc will be a huge hit actually. Moreso because it eliminates a weapon Gus needed to have his O running at full potential. Roc squirting free for a 20 yarder or more for a long TD is something Gus offenses need. If Gus starts calling too many plays in a row he starts to outsmart himself.

Does anyone think Truitt can possibly fill what Roc's role was supposed to be? Screens and sweeps?

I do if he can stay healthy. Maybe not the same explosiveness as Roc but he's still fast. And Ryan Davis could be an option as well.

Who's fastest? Jason Smith, Truitt, or Davis?

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

if JF3 doesn't win the starting QB spot, I could easily see him taking over the role Roc was going to play. He and Jason Smith could fill it nicely.

I agree with this. They will find a way to get JF3's speed on the field with his hands on the ball. Just like they planned on doing with Roc if he'd been willing.

I hate to be that guy and I truly do like Gus but as far as Gus doing what he plans or says he plans I'm Missouri on it.

Add me to that list b/c with all his comments concerning getting Jason Smith more touches in various ways with every passing game.....i need to see it.

[ellitor 33,104]

Well well well... I'm really confused now...

https://twitter.com/...906032388591616

No offense but I don't see anything in your last 2 posts to confuse you. 1's a general statement. Another is just a pic of him in AU gear. Neither one means or implies he is staying unless he says so.

[McLoofus 35,182]

I think Truitt, JFIII and Jason Smith can all equal Roc's acceleration and speed. JFIII is definitely faster, maybe quite a bit so. JFIII and Smith can probably match his elusiveness, not sure about Truitt. Not sure if any of them can get their knees high and step out of tackles like he could, but I'm also not sure that he could quite as well as we'd hoped. No clue about vision. As for ball security, well, it might not be as bad with him as many say, but you can't say that it's a strength of his. No clue on the other guys, but they're likely able to match it.

[Ber798297 241]

Well well well... I'm really confused now...

https://twitter.com/...906032388591616

No offense but I don't see anything in your last 2 posts to confuse you. 1's a general statement. Another is just a pic of him in AU gear. Neither one means or implies he is staying unless he says so.

No offense taken... Like I said in an earlier post, I'm probably in denial, lol. I'm probably reading into too much, hoping for the best.

I'd hate to see him leave because of his potential to be great. But he's gotta do what HE thinks is best for him.

[Tiger 8,827]

I think Truitt, JFIII and Jason Smith can all equal Roc's acceleration and speed. JFIII is definitely faster, maybe quite a bit so. JFIII and Smith can probably match his elusiveness, not sure about Truitt. Not sure if any of them can get their knees high and step out of tackles like he could, but I'm also not sure that he could quite as well as we'd hoped. No clue about vision. As for ball security, well, it might not be as bad with him as many say, but you can't say that it's a strength of his. No clue on the other guys, but they're likely able to match it.

Nice balanced, rational post. SOMEONE is going to be the sweep guy, let's see who it ends up being. If it's a WR we can avoid tipping off when we are running it. If it's a RB we will have to run a ton of plays with the RB running routes out of similar formations to offset telling what's coming (not to mention having to sub him in because Jovon is not going to be that guy, and I don't think Kerryon will be either).

Now that I think about it, it's pretty much going to have to be a WR. Or JF3 is going to have to learn how to run some routes

[WarEagle1983 2,185]

If I was recruiting the premier in state 5* rb and it took the promise of ONE DAMN PLAY to land him, I would so absolutely do it. How folks are dumping this on Gus I don't know. I liked Roc over Barber too. It just didn't shake out. I still had hope it would eventually as a uniquely different position for him. Not much more we can add to this.

Seriously. He hadn't been spectacular, but that's a pretty low risk play. Simply pass in the flat to Roc to possible get him open in space. Cadillac played as a true freshman too. Do you think Carnell has a brainfart like that?

Look at the play again. The issue with Roc wasn't that he fumbled the lateral, it was that he didn't even really attempt to fall on the ball.

http://espn.go.com/v...lip?id=11955890

That is not on the coaches.

Caddilac came in late and had less freshman mistakes too. There is a difference. Same with Dyer, he played pretty well. Roc had about 38 carries all season and three fumbles, two lost.

That is an alarmingly high fumble rate considering the small amount of touches he got IMO. I think losing Roc will be a huge hit actually. Moreso because it eliminates a weapon Gus needed to have his O running at full potential. Roc squirting free for a 20 yarder or more for a long TD is something Gus offenses need. If Gus starts calling too many plays in a row he starts to outsmart himself.

Does anyone think Truitt can possibly fill what Roc's role was supposed to be? Screens and sweeps?

I do if he can stay healthy. Maybe not the same explosiveness as Roc but he's still fast. And Ryan Davis could be an option as well.

Who's fastest? Jason Smith, Truitt, or Davis?

No idea honestly out of that group. All have good speed though.