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Most underrated RB in Razorback history

Started by redleg, March 05, 2018, 03:17:07 pm

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DLUXHOG

Quote from: Pudgepork on March 05, 2018, 03:19:41 pm
Roland Sales

he set an Orange Bowl record that lasted for 30+ years.............
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Hawgphat

I saw Dickey Morton in live action in four games.  All around, he was certainly ONE of the best I ever saw.  He ran a 9.6 100, and he was very elusive.  He was a truly great RB.

 

alohawg

Quote from: DLUXHOG on March 05, 2018, 10:11:18 pm
he set an Orange Bowl record that lasted for 30+ years.............

Yessir! One of the greatest sports memories of many of our lives. T'was glorious.
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DLUXHOG

Quote from: Hawgphat on March 05, 2018, 10:12:18 pm
I saw Dickey Morton in live action in four games.  All around, he was certainly ONE of the best I ever saw.  He ran a 9.6 100, and he was very elusive.  He was a truly great RB.

Morton was so, so, so, so fast............... (did I say fast?)........
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hobhog

No telling how many yards Felix Jones would have had with more carries.

But Anderson and Forte for me as under rated.

moses_007


pigture perfect

Birmingham was thought of more for his miracle catch, but he was a solid back as well.
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PonderinHog

Jessie Clark was a bad man.

Dickey Morton was ahead of his time.

rlamb

Leon "Muscles" Campbell, late 40's. and yes, if he had been healthy all of his career,
Eckwood would have been a 2 time All America, maybe 3 as he was leading the Nation
in rushing the night he got hurt in Little Rock against Utah State his sophomore year.
He would have won
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have been tagged a 5* and Number # 1 in the whole Country recruit!

rljjr

Quote from: moses_007 on March 05, 2018, 11:42:43 pm
Scott Bull.

I seem to remember Bull was a QB and was pulling the trigger when we beat Georgia in the Cotton Bowl 31-10. I know he was drafted by the Niners and played QB there. Did he start out at RB?

jbigs77

Quote from: TexHog188 on March 05, 2018, 05:12:30 pm
I think McFadden was underrated.  Should have won 2 Heisman's.
There you go! The most underrated and also the greatest.

Jackrabbit Hog

You guys are doing a great job of listing all the great RBs in Razorback history, but I think if you are talking about the most underrated, I think you have to go with Fred Talley.  He just never gets mentioned when the greats are the subject, and he was pretty darned amazing.
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jbigs77

Quote from: DLUXHOG on March 05, 2018, 10:21:42 pm
Morton was so, so, so, so fast............... (did I say fast?)........

I was at a game sitting in the south endzone, he got hit at the line, knocked his helmet off, then went 87 yards for a TD with no helmet. The whole team was chasing him.  Ran right to us, I was like 10 to 12 years old at that time. What a thrill, ill remember that forever.

 

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KlubhouseKonnected

Quote from: Busta_Nutt on March 05, 2018, 04:12:43 pm
Peyton Hillis. He could do it all - solid back, punt returner, and great pass catcher...averaged nearly 7 yards per touch. Guy even made the cover of Madden for Pete's sake!

He was possibly the most overshadowed, but his talents were far from overlooked by the fans. On a large enough scope you could say maybe he was underrated nationally but that's no shocker imo.
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elksnort

Quote from: rljjr on March 06, 2018, 07:21:34 am
I seem to remember Bull was a QB and was pulling the trigger when we beat Georgia in the Cotton Bowl 31-10. I know he was drafted by the Niners and played QB there. Did he start out at RB?
I don't think he started a RB. I think the poster might be joking.

His pass to Teddy Barnes is maybe in the top 5 of my favorite Razorback memories.

26.2Hog

Quote from: elksnort on March 06, 2018, 12:44:11 pm
I don't think he started a RB. I think the poster might be joking.

His pass to Teddy Barnes is maybe in the top 5 of my favorite Razorback memories.

Ahem.  Don't you mean the immortal Teddy Barnes?

Razor1997

Chrys Chukwuma

Often overlooked because he played with Talley and Cobbs

Mjs84

Quote from: TexHog188 on March 05, 2018, 05:12:30 pm
I think McFadden was underrated.  Should have won 2 Heisman's.

My sentiments also. But he did lose to Tebow, as much as I hated the guy back then, Tebow has become a hell of a guy.

elksnort


ErieHog

Felix Jones.

People don't realize it,  but he still holds the SEC record for YPC for a back in a 1,000 yard season  at 8.7

For contrast, the next best mark in SEC history was set this year by Sony Michel of Georgia- at 7.87 YPC.
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Jimbob111

Quote from: Inhogswetrust on March 05, 2018, 03:36:28 pm
Michael Smith

+1. He sat behind DMac, Felix, and Hillis. He was a smaller back but if not sitting behind those three, he starts for a lot of teams. Maybe not SEC teams who rely on larger backs but he could have started for many P5 teams. Petrino rode him to a couple of wins his first year at Arkansas. I really think Smith and C. Dick were unsung heroes and probably saved that season from being a total wash out.
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Am I the only one that misses the old, interesting game threads?

mevskithog

Quote from: ErieHog on March 06, 2018, 03:50:15 pm
Felix Jones.

People don't realize it,  but he still holds the SEC record for YPC for a back in a 1,000 yard season  at 8.7

For contrast, the next best mark in SEC history was set this year by Sony Michel of Georgia- at 7.87 YPC.
Agreed.

hogfanny


 

liljo

Quote from: ErieHog on March 06, 2018, 03:50:15 pm
Felix Jones.

People don't realize it,  but he still holds the SEC record for YPC for a back in a 1,000 yard season  at 8.7

For contrast, the next best mark in SEC history was set this year by Sony Michel of Georgia- at 7.87 YPC.

Yes sir, Felix was awesome. I just never considered him in the "under-rated"category. That was a really special backfield, wasn't it!
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Dickey Morton
Exceptional vision/quickness/speed
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Took a helmet straight to the chin
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Back in the game for the next series.

Tejano Jawg

I'm a little confused..."underrated" by whom? Guys like Dickey Morton, Ben Cowins, Ike Forte, Madre Hill, Gary Anderson—at the time they played, each one of them was THE MAN. Opponents would probably say they were some of the most feared backs they played against. And Jerry Eckwood, when he was on the field, was in that group.

I imagine guys who were mostly in the shadow of another back—I think about Darryl Bowles. He and Gary Anderson shared the backfield in the Holtz days. He didn't have huge career numbers (although 5.5 a carry as a freshman was pretty strong) but he had a great look—wore a neck roll, which made him look 'thicker' and he ran super low and hard. Loved watching him between the tackles.

One name mentioned a few times here I totally think fits, and he may be hard to top—Dennis Johnson! The reason he kinda gets lost is he was immediately post-McFadden/Jones, played during Knile Davis's big year, and was a senior during the John L. disaster. But the dude's yards-per-carry averaged 5.1, 6, 9.2 (in his shortened injury/redshirt season), 6.3 and 5.5. Maybe the most powerful per-square-inch back we've ever had. Plus, was a stud returning kicks too. He had a great career...but was just a victim of unfortunate timing.
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BroyledNutts

James Rouse might be one to consider ...

Bacons Rebellion

Underrated now, not underrated then.

Jim Mooty (1st team AP All America with Billy Cannon of LSU)

Dominicanhog

Quote from: mevskithog on March 05, 2018, 03:45:50 pm
Personally, I've never thought Dennis Johnson gets the credit he deserves.

man, a few fumbles killed his persona...

Dominicanhog


liljo

Quote from: Tejano Jawg on March 06, 2018, 05:11:08 pm
I'm a little confused..."underrated" by whom? Guys like Dickey Morton, Ben Cowins, Ike Forte, Madre Hill, Gary Anderson—at the time they played, each one of them was THE MAN. Opponents would probably say they were some of the most feared backs they played against. And Jerry Eckwood, when he was on the field, was in that group.

I imagine guys who were mostly in the shadow of another back—I think about Darryl Bowles. He and Gary Anderson shared the backfield in the Holtz days. He didn't have huge career numbers (although 5.5 a carry as a freshman was pretty strong) but he had a great look—wore a neck roll, which made him look 'thicker' and he ran super low and hard. Loved watching him between the tackles.

One name mentioned a few times here I totally think fits, and he may be hard to top—Dennis Johnson! The reason he kinda gets lost is he was immediately post-McFadden/Jones, played during Knile Davis's big year, and was a senior during the John L. disaster. But the dude's yards-per-carry averaged 5.1, 6, 9.2 (in his shortened injury/redshirt season), 6.3 and 5.5. Maybe the most powerful per-square-inch back we've ever had. Plus, was a stud returning kicks too. He had a great career...but was just a victim of unfortunate timing.

Excellent post. Love your take on this! I recall Coach Holtz description of Bowles. He said you could "hear" him run. He really did run hard. And yes, all things considered under the category of "under-rated" Dennis Johnson definitely deserves strong consideration.

This thread has brought back so many fond memories. Thanks, y'all.
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Ugly Uncle

Quote from: Jimbob111 on March 06, 2018, 04:04:22 pm
+1. He sat behind DMac, Felix, and Hillis. He was a smaller back but if not sitting behind those three, he starts for a lot of teams. Maybe not SEC teams who rely on larger backs but he could have started for many P5 teams. Petrino rode him to a couple of wins his first year at Arkansas. I really think Smith and C. Dick were unsung heroes and probably saved that season from being a total wash out.

I sat and talked with one of the coaches when they were all moving to their Soph. years.  DMac. Felix, and Michael all came in together.  Chris Vaughn was the coach I was talking with.  We were both at a mutual friends birthday party.

Anyway, he told me that Michael Smith was the number one RB that fall of their freshman year, even ahead of D. Howard.  M. Smith was that good.  He said McFadden, Felix and M. Smith raced 100 yards and McFadden only beat them by a couple of steps and Felix and Michael were stride for stride.

Then Michael ruptured his hamstring. While he always had great quickness and above average speed he never quite got that kick back.  He played nursing that hamstring and re-injuring it a couple of more times.

Chris V. told me that Michael was the toughest runner and could make people miss, but he refused to step out of bounds and took bigger hits than he needed to.

So, Michael Smith gets my first place vote.

2.  Jesse Clarke (was there for his 5 TD game.)
3.  Dennis Johnson
4.  Fred Talley (Great guy too by the way)
5.  James Rouse.
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Tejano Jawg

March 06, 2018, 10:36:37 pm #84 Last Edit: March 06, 2018, 10:51:33 pm by Tejano Jawg
Quote from: liljo on March 06, 2018, 10:19:46 pm
Excellent post. Love your take on this! I recall Coach Holtz description of Bowles. He said you could "hear" him run. He really did run hard. And yes, all things considered under the category of "under-rated" Dennis Johnson definitely deserves strong consideration.

This thread has brought back so many fond memories. Thanks, y'all.

Nice to hear someone is on board with (the mention of) Bowles. Realistically, he won't take the "most underrated in history" title, but he deserved to be tossed in.

He was one of those you had to see play (as opposed to reading their box score), which I did many times. He'd run with his pads 2 feet off the ground. Maybe it was quality over quantity, as I said, he didn't have all-conference numbers. But that was a time you had to be pretty special to be a significant piece of the offense...as a freshman.

Edit—Ugly Uncle's write-up on Michael Smith is terrific. MS's senior year, one of my favorite plays in Razorback Stadium was right after Mallett threw an interception...the DB turned upfield and Michael (who was running in his direction) hit the guy so hard he almost came out of his uniform. Yeah, tough player.
Between McAfee being obnoxious and Corso decomposing before our eyes I can't even watch GameDay anymore. —Torqued Pork

doc53

Not in any particular order....Dickey Morton  Madre Hill  Fred Talley  Jerry Eckwood  Ike Forte..special mention to Lite Horse Harry Jones ..junior year...the numbers do not look impressive like the past 25 year numbers but he was just as effective as if he got 2000 total yards.Felt Eckwood was the best until hurt.Dickey Morton..they knew he was coming and they still could not stop him,especially Iowa State if memory serves.Always liked Ben Cowins..hell,I like all of them!
I was THERE for the Pooch Kick

liljo

I certainly never thought of Madre as under-rated. I was fortunate enough to watch Madre from grade school through senior high. He loved being chased and would oftentimes only run just fast enough. DBs would think they had the angle, and as they closed in, Madre would shift into the next higher gear. On those occasions where it was required he would turn all blurry, and was simply the fastest high school player I ever got to see up close.

When  Madre Hill was running with a forward lean, that was his 4.6 gear. When he ran leaned slightly forward with his head up straight, that was his 4.5 gear. When his body and head were about straight upright, that was his plenty sub-4.5 gear. But when his head was leaned slightly backwards, that was the gear that blew Coach Alpe's hat off ripping down the sideline. Papers flew out of notepads. Nobody, not ever, not even once, caught a healthy Madre from behind in THAT gear.
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PonderinHog

I hope I get thess names right.  Billy Warren, from Newport.  And Thomas Brown.


Steef

Please forgive me in advance. This really doesnt apply to the OP.

But I just gotta.


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Pigsknuckles

If there were an award for best supporting cast, I would have to mention Kiero Small.
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Snorts

Barry Foster holds the Steelers single season rushing mark.  AFAIK he is the only Razorback to lead a conference in rushing yards. 

Bruce Maxwell.  If you ever have the time, watch any highlights of the Razorbacks from 67-69.  I have never seen a FB who was so physical, who was so devastating in his blocking.  He knocks his man down on nearly every play.  With very modest numbers he was still voted to the 60's all decade team.  He was a team Captain in 1969.  The Razorbacks ran split backs some in 1969, so he did get a few carries.  The rest of the time he was crushing someone, leading the way for Bill Burnett, who led the SWC in rushing in 1969 with 900 yards. 

Bill Burnett still holds the single season scoring record of 120 points scored in 1969 on 20 touchdowns based on 209 carries for 900 yards. He also holds the career scoring record of 294 points from 1968 through 1970. Throughout his career, he scored 49 touchdowns and rushed for 2,204 yards on 526 carries, most behind Maxwell's unbelievable blocking.

26.2Hog

Quote from: PonderinHog on March 07, 2018, 07:00:05 am
I hope I get thess names right.  Billy Warren, from Newport.  And Thomas Brown.

Can't believe you remember the Reverend Thomas Brown.  Outstanding kickoff returner. 

Don't remember the year, but Hogs were playing in Waco.  Brown ran a bad pass route out of the backfield, and then turned the wrong way.  Pass was intercepted and Baylor went on to win a close one.

I thought Holtz was literally going to choke Brown to death on the sideline.  I don't remember Brown ever playing another snap for the Hogs after that.

Dirty

I loved me some James Rouse, so I guess he wasn't underrated.

Razorbackers

Quote from: mevskithog on March 05, 2018, 03:45:50 pm
Personally, I've never thought Dennis Johnson gets the credit he deserves.

Johnson's lack of touches used to drive me crazy when CBP was here. He was far and away our best back, but he split time with Wingo and Greene, who both had roles they played well, but DJ was better.

DeltaBoy

Quote from: Hawgboy64 on March 05, 2018, 03:43:47 pm
Gary Anderson  was Arkansas's version of Gayle Sayers.

Another vote for Gary Anderson
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Chrys Chukwuma

best that never was = Mark Pierce

OneLardAlmighty

Quote from: Ched "UglyUncle" Carpenter on March 06, 2018, 10:32:30 pm
I sat and talked with one of the coaches when they were all moving to their Soph. years.  DMac. Felix, and Michael all came in together.  Chris Vaughn was the coach I was talking with.  We were both at a mutual friends birthday party.

Anyway, he told me that Michael Smith was the number one RB that fall of their freshman year, even ahead of D. Howard.  M. Smith was that good.  He said McFadden, Felix and M. Smith raced 100 yards and McFadden only beat them by a couple of steps and Felix and Michael were stride for stride.

Then Michael ruptured his hamstring. While he always had great quickness and above average speed he never quite got that kick back.  He played nursing that hamstring and re-injuring it a couple of more times.

Chris V. told me that Michael was the toughest runner and could make people miss, but he refused to step out of bounds and took bigger hits than he needed to.

So, Michael Smith gets my first place vote.

2.  Jesse Clarke (was there for his 5 TD game.)
3.  Dennis Johnson
4.  Fred Talley (Great guy too by the way)
5.  James Rouse.

I don't think you could call Rouse underrated. He came in with a lot of fanfare--kind of a Cedric Cobbs before Cedric Cobbs--was pretty electric his freshman year and then broke his leg, I believe.  He was still arguably the number one back on Hatfield's best teams and had a 1000 yard season.  But I don't think he ever fully regained the form he showed his freshman season.

Mo_Better_Hogs

I agree about the question of what we're calling under-rated. I think of a couple great Arkansas running backs and how they both sit in different circumstances—James Rouse and Madre Hill. Rouse was at the end of Hatfield's time and Hill played during the Ford years, which is always a foggy time when I think back on it. I'm tempted to add Chrys Chukwuma to these two, but he wasn't a full-time starter.

I don't think Rouse and Hill were ever under-rated, but since time has passed they might be sorta forgotten. Or just overlooked. And I don't know how guys like Dickey Morton or Jerry Eckwood could be considered under-rated. Then or now.

The name I like the best is Dennis Johnson. And here's the difference between him and many guys mentioned here--he was clearly the best running back during most of his career at Arkansas. But for whatever reason, he always seemed to be second string. I know he started plenty of games, maybe most of them, but I remember thinking he always needed 3-5 more carries each game. I kinda recall him being in trouble sometimes with Petrino, maybe nothing big, but the kind of stuff that gets your playing time cut. So by the fact I always wanted more of him than we got, I just wish his coaches would have given it to us.

cram224

Dickey Morton could have been a Percy Harvin before Percy Harvin. I don't remember him catching many passes. Catch a pass in open space, he be gone.