NFP Scouting Series: Texas Tech
National Football Post's Wes Bunting takes a look at the three seniors likely to be drafted, RT Mickey Okafor, LG Lonnie Edwards and DE Scott Smith. Bunting is highest on Smith and although you may disagree with Bunting I think he does look at film and makes an earnest effort to give his opinion about where these guys will fit in the NFL. Good read this morning.
10 months ago
Seth C
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Agree, disagree, agree
An interesting read, and the guy is not shy to call it as he sees it, and pulls no punchesat all…
From my end, his assessment of Okafor seems about right. He’s onto something with (free) Scotty, the guy is still a little raw, but christ, he could fly up the draft boards with a good 8 games this season, fingers crossed for a full year..
I really think he missed on Edwards…those criticisms seemed overly harsh…lets hope Lonnie proves him wrong in 11..
Free Scotty!!
Another good reason for the South Plains Drifter to revisit the suspension and see if Scotty can step up and do whatever it takes to be on the Active Roster for Texas State…..What I want guess is to hear TSPD say that he evaluating everyones status and as with QB there is a competition to make the Active Roster on Sept. 3….Now that TSPD has gotten a NFL helmet room it would be nice to have one next year with Scotty’s name on it and have seen him progress as a player/person in 2011-12….Anyway, Can’t wait for FOOTBALL!!!!!!! “Free Scotty” Wreck’Em Tech
I know that you’re just having fun with the free Scotty movement, but what if he really did something to warrant the 12 game suspension? I have no idea what it is, and Smith could have transferred to a lower division college if he wanted to play all 12 games this year. NFL scouts find talent no matter where they’re located. I really like the idea of telling a kid what his punishment is and not giving in as his suspension hurt the team last year and in turn probably hurt Tuberville. No one wants to do that, but I actually respect Tuberville for sticking to his word, even if its to the detriment to the team. I think it also sends a clear message to other players that discipline is something that is take very serious at Texas Tech. Unlike at Baylor, where you pass out in your car, the cops find weed in said car and the player isn’t suspended for any length of time (I think he was suspended for half a game). Now that Baylor player has been suspended indefinitely for violation of team rules. Perhaps if Briles had taken a hard stance with that player he could have corrected the problem then as opposed to having to suspend the player right before the season starts. This might be the absolute best lesson for Smith and if he shines, I think the coaches will be able to say that he took his punishment like he should and he’s a better person for it. NFL teams might look really highly on something like that.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Proving the alpha male bullsheet me thinks...
Nobody (On here, probably) knows what it was for, but if it was that bad, he’d be spending time care of his majesty. As he isn’t and didn’t, an 8 gamer will more than suffice, dragging it into this year makes Tubs look uber petty.
Free Scotty, and pray that opposing QB’s don’t end up seriously hurt…
But we don’t know what he did. How can he look petty if we don’t know what the offense was? Couldn’t you make the argument that if Smith thought it was petty or unjustified then Smith would have transferred?
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
I think that we deserve to know;
It is our University, not Tubby’s. Scotty proved a lot to me by keeping quiet about this all along. Now it’s time for Tubby to show us some respect.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
How is he disrespecting you, but not coming clean about it? We’re all invested, but there are some things that may be better left unsaid and it may be a violation to discuss said violation.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
I agree with you;
But when it goes into the second season, I think all bets are off. Obviously all parties, including those in the locker room, have kept quiet about it, and that say alot. I just feel that if you are going to hold him out for another four games, then it has to come out.
Again, if the offense is of a nature that keeps you out four games into the second season, then you either suspend the kid or send him on his way. There is too much gray area here, need black and white.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
Ridiculous.
We are owed nothing on that front. Smith has a hell of a lot more at stake than we do in this. It’s possible that letting it out could cause all kinds of trouble for him that serves no purpose toward helping the kid improve his lot in life.
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Harvey "Big Daddy" Pollitt: "What's that smell in this room? Didn't you notice it, Brick? Didn't you notice a powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?"
I think Smiths resume would’ve been ruined had he bounced to another college…sticking it out was about his only option i reckon…
As said, he’d be in gaol if it was that serious, as he’s not, a rest of season ban would’ve been harsh, but apparently fair. Carrying it through to the start of another campaign in my eyes looks like tubby playing bertie big balls…
If Rhett Bomar can transfer to Sam Houston and still be on an NFL roster, then I think Smith would have been okay too. If the talent is there, the NFL will find you.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Seth said if The Talent is there;
I kept waiting for the call too, never came.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
Free Scotty
Unless coach Tubby is willing to tell us what he did that was so bad, then FREE SCOTTY. Tubby this is 2011. He should be free just because he kept a secret.
Tubby either disclsoe or let him play.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
What if its a violation to disclose whatever the violation is (perhaps with grades, which coaches cannot talk about or some other private matter that Smith doesn’t want disclosed and in the public which might affect his NFL career)?
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Handled Perfectly
The whole situation was handled exactly as it should have been. We don’t need to know what he did beyond pure curiosity, and Scott doesn’t need it hovering over him after he has served his punishment, which he clearly will have done.
"It's a little like breakfast; you eat ham and eggs. As coaches and players, we're like the ham. You see, the chicken's involved but the pig's committed. We're like the pig, they're like the chicken. They're involved, but everything we have rides on this." - Captain Leach
by Ninja Pirate on Jul 30, 2011 1:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Correct me if im wrong
but i think Tubs said something about how he might allow him to start the season. Depending on how he does in fall camp.
The best part of waking up is DTN my cup.
by I bleed Red and Black on Jul 29, 2011 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Neal Brown said four games will stand.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
oh....
man i could have swore tubs said they may let him. ill have to do some digging. in that case come on coach brown! FREE SCOTTY! :)
The best part of waking up is DTN my cup.
by I bleed Red and Black on Jul 29, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I attended a function in San Antonio and NB said 4 games.
He was asked the question, but did not and would not discuss it. He made it clear it was between Tubby and player.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
Spoken like a parent
and that is intended as a compliment.
I can’t blame Coach for being a bit harsh. He probably saw (and I agree) that discipline was lacking under the previous regime.
Many of you are letting Coach have it over this issue (and you’re entitled to your opinions). But regardless of how you feel about the punishment, Scott Smith is responsible for what happened to Scott Smith.
by rednblackET on Jul 29, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
unless the punishment is particularly nazi-ish...
Free Signor Scotty
On Discipline and the former regime
Suggest you read Mikes book. Not only was the staff not lacking, they were extremely creative with it and in fact one of the things we miss most not having Wiley around.
"What the hell did you do that for"... Tubs Mom
by raider realist on Jul 29, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
As for Scotty...
I’m with Seth, we’ve got nothing and will get nothing from the coaches for the moment. Maybe when Tubs writes his book he’ll talk about it.
"What the hell did you do that for"... Tubs Mom
by raider realist on Jul 29, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Great message board material;
I hope coach Moore posted this in Lonnie’s and Mickey’s locker. I am sure with today’s social media network that they have already seen this. Sounds like both have the raw talent, it just depends on how bad they want to play at the next level. I expect a lot from this group this year. Interesting, both seem to be better at run blocking. Oh no.
Tubby, we want to cheer about our defense. Please forgive Mr. Smith and let him play. What ever he did can’t be that bad, or else he would not still be here. Looks like he past his grades, so let him do what he does best, and put Tech fear into the quarterback.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
No Eric Stephens?
Maybe he needs a big season to try to make the jump? oh and free scotty!
The best part of waking up is DTN my cup.
by I bleed Red and Black on Jul 29, 2011 8:39 AM CDT reply actions
holy crap!
how did i miss that! thought he was a senior. thanks!
The best part of waking up is DTN my cup.
by I bleed Red and Black on Jul 29, 2011 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Stephens
this website has him as #19 ranked running back for the 2010 draft.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2013_RB?&1:col1=3&1:col2=8
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
2013 draft
A tad early for that kind of prediction surely…
UNlEASH SCOTTY!!
When he finally gets a chance to play he is gonna be a difference maker on the D line.
I honestly believe if he had played a full season last year the D would have probably been ranked somewhere around 60 or 70 instead of last.
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
Seth....
i do understand what you are saying and to some extent I agree but….my point is not to automatically release him from suspension but publicly say you are revisiting it and allow him to get off of it with TSPD’s terms……I think we all want people to have second chances and with what is at stake here football wise(especially on D and how special it could be) I think Scotty deserves some possible grace here not automatic put possible….One more thought, I do think extending the suspension into the next season is somewhat harsh…. “Free Scotty” Wreck’Em Tech
How do you know?
I am totally in agreement with Seth on this one. You can not say that Smith deserves to have his sentence reduced if you don’t know what he did. For all we know other coaches may have kicked him off the team. Winning football games should NEVER trump teaching these boys how to be men.
by cjp on Jul 29, 2011 9:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with you; that is why Tubby needs to let us know.
Because we don’t know, all we can do is speculate. My take is that the reason Tubby won’t let it out is because the fan base is going to be irate when we find out how silly the punishment is. Seth is right, we all get second chances in life. Tubby needs to grow up.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
As I said above.
We are owed nothing. Smith may be greatly harmed by having his transgressions made public for all we know. So then you are not making it better for him, you would be making it worse. Tubs needs him more than we do, and has much much more at stake. He is being as grown up as it gets if he is suffering for the greater good.
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Harvey "Big Daddy" Pollitt: "What's that smell in this room? Didn't you notice it, Brick? Didn't you notice a powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?"
Was calling an onside kick against Iowa State for the greater good;
Was punting on fourh down against Texas for the greater good. I’m just saying.
In the end, we are all right. We want what is best for Tech Football. I’m just not comfortable yet letting my head coach make that decison by himself.
He has proven nothing to me between the ears.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
If you don’t trust him on the field, that’s fine. There are questions for sure. But let’s say that Smith was suspended for skipping one class and was suspended 12 games. Does the crime fit the punishment in this case? In my opinion, probably not. But what if Smith did something that could have gotten him in some serious trouble. THIS IS A HYPOTHETICAL AND I DO NOT HAVE ANY INSIDE INFORMATION AND IS JUST FOR THE PURPOSE OF ILLUSTRATING AN EXAMPLE This is just an hypothetical, but let’s say that the coaches found a bag of weed in his room, enough to be in trouble for distribution. Rather than go to the authorities, the staff flushes the weed down the toilet and then suspends Smith for 12 games. If the coaches decide not to go to the authorities (which is an entirely different discussion, and I hope everyone that this is a hypothetical example) and not make this public, then releasing the information could get Smith is a ton of trouble and isn’t for anyone’s betterment other than to tarnish a kid that made a mistake, but has aspirations of going to the NFL. In a situation like that, I’m fine with Tuberville and everyone on the staff keeping their mouth shut about an incident and let the punishment stand at 12 games.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
by Seth C on Jul 29, 2011 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
12 games or 8 games...
its more than a Baylor ban, but less than being kicked off the team….whats the difference, FREE SCOTTY NOW..
If it is grades....
then number 1 it appears he is still in school and legally can’t he say that it is “school related or academic” ? TSPD just can’t release his grades…So Second let us know what is going on……I’m all for discpline and keep the rules but I hope this does not fester into anything else down the road with other players. I do think this was also apart(small I know) of issues with the Cap’t(as you can see my picture is of the Pirate in the Cap’t office that PK gave him, it is a tribute to Leach). And I’m not talking about Nancy James but several instances where it all seemed pile up right or wrong(i.e. suspension of Dline for ‘08 Cotton Bowl that no one knew about until months later). so I have had enough drama in the past 2 years in TTU Football I just want TSPD to run his team his way but don’t cause needless issues just to prove a point….Just let fans know a general idea of the violations and/or allow revisiting of the discipline in a new season…..“Free Scotty” Wreck’Em Tech
look on the bright side
Scott will be back in time for the start of the an important conference game.
We should be 4-0 going into the A&M game.
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
Yes, and looking at the glass half full;
Maybe that is what Tubby was looking at. Although, a three game suspension would have played a lot better. Scotty could have had one conference game under his belt., but then again, he might be so hungry to play that the aTm QB might not make it through the first series.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
Fine then(Lol)......
I gues I’ll just accept the “glass half full” and hope Scotty can hang on……So Root, Root for Mackey to nuts in the first 4 games and Scotty comes uncontrolable to the atm game and tanneyhill becomes part of the 20 yardline in the Jones!!!!! Wreck’Em Tech
People Need to Calm down...
Smith is suspended and there is nothing you can do about it! Instead of worrying about what he did and how come its this long how about you hope he doesnt do it again and back up the players that are filling his position at this point in time. Im a little upset too on why he brought it to this season but thats just how Tubberville wants to play it.
It's all good, this is how we get 35 days before kick off.
Seth runs the greatest site in the history of collegiate athletics.
I’m just glad to see everyone back. Just wait until we get in ture form.
"I feel sorry for the guys," Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "They fought hard tonight. We didn't look good on offense or defense at times, and at times we looked pretty good. It's just, I don't know. Weird game.
Agree whole heartedly!
You’ll find that there is a lot of respect behind most all of this banter.
Seth has set a beautiful tone and those that stay around tend to be of the same ilk. It may be that we’re too boring for mudslingers that prefer shouting matches.
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Harvey "Big Daddy" Pollitt: "What's that smell in this room? Didn't you notice it, Brick? Didn't you notice a powerful and obnoxious odor of mendacity in this room?"
Amen - I was especially impressed with the DTN discourse during the Leach Book Blitz
Only a handful of posts semed very angry out of several hundred. The rest were people very calmly sharing their opinions. I was looking at the Raider Power, Dallas Morning News and LAJ message boards at the same time & they were all nothing but shouting and name calling. I think the funniest thing on the Raider Power site was they allowed Leach discussions for one week only (they’ve since locked all threads). They posted a poll & over 60% supported Leach. From the volume & vitriol of the anti-Leach posters I would have expected the opposite results. And only registered site members could vote. Talk about misreading your audience.
If you're talking to Coach Rainman, whatever you do don't bring up the subject of weather.
My only truly angry post recently was directed at a visiting Longhorn
And it was directed at his school, not him specifically. But I’ll try to be nicer.
If you're talking to Coach Rainman, whatever you do don't bring up the subject of weather.
No, I meant I hope you learned your lesson going elsewhere to talk Texas Tech. I don’t even remember any angry post by you. I should have put one of those idiotic wink / smile things there so you knew I was joking. ;)
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Whoops. The funny thing is the only reason I looked at Raider Power was your comment about how they banned all talk of Leach, which intrigued me. Anyway sometimes I worry about skirting the line of civility here on DTN & upsetting my host. This was the one I was worried about. Snide Aside with the Longhorn logo had just equated equal sharing of conference TV revenue to socialism & I snapped:
“Seriously, just go away, leave the conference & take Mack Brown & all his spoiled divas with you. The NFL must be the most socialistic organization in America. They divide revenue equally. They deploy talent equally. They ensure athetic competitiveness for all teams. So a tiny market team like the Green Bay Packers can still win Super Bowls. Socialism (or what passes for it in your short sighted brain) is what makes the NFL the greatest & most popular sport in the nation. You Horns want to be the NY Yankees. Fine, but who gives a rats ass about MLB anymore since the Yankees started buying all the best players from the small market teams? Not me.
Face it, you guys are bad for college football & you are cancer for the Big 12 Conference. Just leave already."
If you're talking to Coach Rainman, whatever you do don't bring up the subject of weather.
That? That was nothing. I think I’ve seen you much more angry. Kidding aside, being angry is fine, it’s the personal attacks that are the problem. That’s why the “no calling anyone any names” rule is utilized so that I don’t have to delineate between an okay name or a not okay name.
Go Raiders . . .
Double-T Nation
Couldn't agree more on the personal attacks
I find myself just as guilty at times – but aggys bring this out in me. :-)
mbrown didn’t upset me with his diatribe against UT – he is still young and has a lot to learn yet.
But, I AM interested in an ever growing rumor that has significant possibilites should it be true. Maybe some of you have heard as well.
It seems there are some higher up at UT are a little upset with the petulent whinings of aggy and now ou – over LHN. As a result, calls have been made to a few notable colleges about a possible new conference alliance. Names thrown around are:
BYU
USC
UT
OU
Notre Dame
Michigan State
and, yes, even Texas Tech (I think becasue of the lege concern)
This would be the beginning nucleus of, shall we say it, a super conference.
Anyway, this is just a rumor – or is it?
"you can't be a great defense in a casual manner!" Manny Diaz
by Snide Aside on Jul 29, 2011 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions
I like the idea
but I can’t imagine either USC or Michigan State would leave their current conferences unless the money was outrageous.
by Techsaninutah on Jul 30, 2011 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Apparantly, the money WOULD be outrageous.
"you can't be a great defense in a casual manner!" Manny Diaz
Thanks for calling me young
I was thinking 1959 was a long long time ago. But maybe not.
If you're talking to Coach Rainman, whatever you do don't bring up the subject of weather.
I am wondering if the NCAA / Big 12 will not make some kind of ruling about a school based tv network.
that shows high school games as part of its programming.
Whether otheres see it or not, it looks clearly to be able to project great advantage for the school that does it.
Living large in Texas...Texas forever.
Mackey and Richards
I hope these guys get a ton of reps during those 4 games S. Smith is suspended. Then, when Scott does get unleashed we’ll have a stout Defense.
Everytime the aggies lose an angel gets its wings!!! Follow me on Twitter @chippadip
***Stout D-end lineup. Correction.
Everytime the aggies lose an angel gets its wings!!! Follow me on Twitter @chippadip
mackey
I just hope he lives up to the hype.
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
by Techcuz on Jul 29, 2011 9:41 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Simmons
I just hope he returns to Lubbock ready to make his grades and PLAY BALL. And I am sad that Rhump and Coleman left the team. Esp. Rhump, he was a senior.
Wo wo wo.....
…returns to Lubbock? Where has Delvon gone?? If he aint about, our DT spot is looking anorexic…
Pretty harsh assessments, I think.
Does this guy really know anything about the Tech “D”? Or the “O”? I have seen way too many assessments of Tech football over the years to believe many, if any, of those making the assessment really know anything about Tech. Much of their info is second or third-hand and may not be accurate, or may be a year or two old. We have all of the offensive line returning; one that allowed very few sacks when considering the number of passing plays Tech ran. That line will undoubtedly be even better this year after a Spring and Summer of learning more about the requirements for each position. Mickey and Lonnie will do great. Scott, after serving the term of his suspension, whatever it amounts to, will come back, hopefully, a better man and team member, determined to make thoroughly amends on the field of play. Everyone, snap on your seatbelts and get ready for an amazing ride this football season. I saw it in my head…….:)
TTpilk
"Never, never, never give up." Winston Churchill
I think that is the point of this post overall, he does not know.
Most of the predictions for this season are similar, there are too many unknowns in our program currently. We do not have a record of demonstrated results under this staff to say one way or the other what is TTU going to do come kick off time.
That does not mean that we do not enjoy saying we will do well based on our fanship, more accurate inside knowledge—I mean some posters of the Raider Nation are pretty good at finding information to help build a picture of what we might be able to do.
I think that is complicated somewhat by the new Big12 schedule, it could make a difference on the season in some way that we cannot currently see.
Living large in Texas...Texas forever.
Agree to this.
With the new conference schedule I don’t think we will have as good a record. But I think everyone in the conference will lose more games. I think even the top teams in the conference will lose at least 1 to 3 conf. games.
Whoever said, 'It's not whether you win or lose that counts,' probably lost.
by Techcuz on Jul 31, 2011 9:49 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
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