Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
Interesting interview of Jacob Hester by one of his biggest little fans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpkOhmWBClo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpkOhmWBClo
Jacob Hester named LSU starting RB
- Thread starter Deus Vult
- Start date
http://www.saintsreport.com/forums/index.php?
that is the site, i was going to say something, but i didn't want to be banned, there are some reasonable people that replied with they would also like jacob hester , but i dont know why they would ban it, maybe it didnt have any substance to it? or he said since deuce MIGHT be gone and i guess they could technically say thats false information, but its pretty unrealistic to think deuce is going to be able to come back at full strength, others have made threads about getting a power running back like forte since deuce might not be able to play like he used to or might now make it and they were not banned, and everyday someone posts about how we should pick mcfadden or mendenhall so i don't see how mentioning we should draft hester is a thread with no substance compared to those, before they deleted the thread, it didnt say "banned" under the op's name, it said VERY BANNED, which i dont see how he violated anything, especially to deserve a VERY BANNEDEdited by: dwid
that is the site, i was going to say something, but i didn't want to be banned, there are some reasonable people that replied with they would also like jacob hester , but i dont know why they would ban it, maybe it didnt have any substance to it? or he said since deuce MIGHT be gone and i guess they could technically say thats false information, but its pretty unrealistic to think deuce is going to be able to come back at full strength, others have made threads about getting a power running back like forte since deuce might not be able to play like he used to or might now make it and they were not banned, and everyday someone posts about how we should pick mcfadden or mendenhall so i don't see how mentioning we should draft hester is a thread with no substance compared to those, before they deleted the thread, it didnt say "banned" under the op's name, it said VERY BANNED, which i dont see how he violated anything, especially to deserve a VERY BANNEDEdited by: dwid
was that you that posted another hester thread? finally hes getting some justice on there, someone said he was a tweener, probably just cuz mayock said that about him, AS a fullback, i still can't understand why the original guy was banned for saying we should get him, maybe since someone mentioned that the other guy said get hester in the 2nd round, which i dont see how thats ridiculous considering people have said get mcfadden with our firstEdited by: dwid
The NFL's determination to keep tailback a one hundred percent black monopoly in perpetuity seems as strong as ever. Here's an article on Hester, preceded by DD's comments. I've highlighted a couple of sentences in the article.
Former L.S.U. tailback Jacob Hester says most N.F.L. teams see him as a fullback/3rd down running back.
DD.comment: Despite many N.F.L. teams insistence that Hester be moved to fullback, his official size (5105, 226) and speed numbers (4.60 to 4.62 hand timed & 4.61 electronic) at the Combine stack up very similarly to the official Combine Averages at Tailback
Scott Ferrell: Hester connects with LSU fans
On a bright, spring Saturday morning, Jacob Hester drove to Reeves Marine's Tiger Island in Bossier City for an autograph signing.
"When I drove over the bridge," Hester said, "I was amazed. I really was. I was like, 'Golly.' It took my breath."
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The sight of cars outside of Reeves Marine was just the start. People began lining up for his autograph at 8:15 a.m. The signing wasn't scheduled to begin until 11 a.m.
The folks at Reeves Marine estimated more than 1,000 people came and paid $25 for an autograph from Hester, the former LSU star running back.
That's more people than came to get an autograph from quarterback Matt Flynn a couple of weeks ago  and Flynn had an extra hour of signing.
"I talked to Matt and he said he had 700," Hester said. "So I was like, 'I've got to beat you, obviously.' It's my hometown."
Certainly Hester's hometown status had a lot to do with the turnout for the signing.
"It's been awhile since Shreveport had an LSU guy, I guess," Hester said. "Me and Chase Pittman kind of started it back over again, hopefully we'll get Shreveport connected."
But there's more to Hester's popularity than just his hometown roots.
He has an Everyman appeal to him.
In street clothes, he doesn't look any different than the size of the people in line for his autograph.
He is strong, but not the strongest. He is fast, but not fastest.
Yet he may have been college football's best clutch performer last year. There may not have been a running back get more crucial yardage than Hester did last year in LSU's championship season.
His performance and production endeared him to LSU fans.
Yet when the NFL Draft takes place next month, Hester will likely go in the later rounds and be drafted as a fullback.
"Every team I've talked to has said the same thing, I could play fullback or I could be a running back on third down in pass situations, do different things, goal-line situations," Hester said. "Everybody thinks I could play both like I did in college."
The reality is that Hester will likely succeed wherever he is in the NFL because of his attitude and intangibles. This is a player hungry to play in the NFL.
His attitude is one of willingness to do whatever it takes.
"I'll play water boy if they want me to. I don't care," Hester said.
He'll work out again for scouts on Wednesday at LSU's pro day in Baton Rouge. But really, those people in line on Saturday could tell the scouts a thing or two about the importance of Hester's intangibles.
Those intangibles helped him win a national championship ring and a place in the hearts of LSU fans.
"I don't know what it is, but it sure is a blessing to have," Hester said.
[url]http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20 080323/SPORTS0401/803230327/1001/SPORTS [/url]
Uh, I think Adam Sandler already covered the water boy role. Too bad Hester doesn't insist that he is a running back, not a blocking back/third down pass catcher.
Former L.S.U. tailback Jacob Hester says most N.F.L. teams see him as a fullback/3rd down running back.
DD.comment: Despite many N.F.L. teams insistence that Hester be moved to fullback, his official size (5105, 226) and speed numbers (4.60 to 4.62 hand timed & 4.61 electronic) at the Combine stack up very similarly to the official Combine Averages at Tailback
Scott Ferrell: Hester connects with LSU fans
On a bright, spring Saturday morning, Jacob Hester drove to Reeves Marine's Tiger Island in Bossier City for an autograph signing.
"When I drove over the bridge," Hester said, "I was amazed. I really was. I was like, 'Golly.' It took my breath."
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=left>
<T>
<TR>
<TD>
</TD></TR></T></TABLE>
The sight of cars outside of Reeves Marine was just the start. People began lining up for his autograph at 8:15 a.m. The signing wasn't scheduled to begin until 11 a.m.
The folks at Reeves Marine estimated more than 1,000 people came and paid $25 for an autograph from Hester, the former LSU star running back.
That's more people than came to get an autograph from quarterback Matt Flynn a couple of weeks ago  and Flynn had an extra hour of signing.
"I talked to Matt and he said he had 700," Hester said. "So I was like, 'I've got to beat you, obviously.' It's my hometown."
Certainly Hester's hometown status had a lot to do with the turnout for the signing.
"It's been awhile since Shreveport had an LSU guy, I guess," Hester said. "Me and Chase Pittman kind of started it back over again, hopefully we'll get Shreveport connected."
But there's more to Hester's popularity than just his hometown roots.
He has an Everyman appeal to him.
In street clothes, he doesn't look any different than the size of the people in line for his autograph.
He is strong, but not the strongest. He is fast, but not fastest.
Yet he may have been college football's best clutch performer last year. There may not have been a running back get more crucial yardage than Hester did last year in LSU's championship season.
His performance and production endeared him to LSU fans.
Yet when the NFL Draft takes place next month, Hester will likely go in the later rounds and be drafted as a fullback.
"Every team I've talked to has said the same thing, I could play fullback or I could be a running back on third down in pass situations, do different things, goal-line situations," Hester said. "Everybody thinks I could play both like I did in college."
The reality is that Hester will likely succeed wherever he is in the NFL because of his attitude and intangibles. This is a player hungry to play in the NFL.
His attitude is one of willingness to do whatever it takes.
"I'll play water boy if they want me to. I don't care," Hester said.
He'll work out again for scouts on Wednesday at LSU's pro day in Baton Rouge. But really, those people in line on Saturday could tell the scouts a thing or two about the importance of Hester's intangibles.
Those intangibles helped him win a national championship ring and a place in the hearts of LSU fans.
"I don't know what it is, but it sure is a blessing to have," Hester said.
[url]http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20 080323/SPORTS0401/803230327/1001/SPORTS [/url]
Uh, I think Adam Sandler already covered the water boy role. Too bad Hester doesn't insist that he is a running back, not a blocking back/third down pass catcher.
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
I'm surprised, disappointed, and frustratedin him making the water boy comment. Dang it man, don't let those scouts push you around. Stand up for yourself!
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
I just sent a message to Jacob's big brother about his interview and his attitude. I asked him to tell Jacob for me, since he hasn't added the CF page yet (he's not online much).
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
If I were Hester I would be saying these lines to the media.
"I think I'm a tailback. My 4.6 flat 40 time is comparable to the 4.58 average time of tailbacks invited to the NFL combine. I rushed for over 1000 yards to lead the national championship team. Despite being used w/o a FB in front of me and as the go-to guy for third a short, I posted the same yards per carry as Joseph Addai senior year at LSU. I have an 80 yard TD run to my credit this season. I ask you, how am I not a tailback?"Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
"I think I'm a tailback. My 4.6 flat 40 time is comparable to the 4.58 average time of tailbacks invited to the NFL combine. I rushed for over 1000 yards to lead the national championship team. Despite being used w/o a FB in front of me and as the go-to guy for third a short, I posted the same yards per carry as Joseph Addai senior year at LSU. I have an 80 yard TD run to my credit this season. I ask you, how am I not a tailback?"Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Colonel_Reb
Hall of Famer
Yeah, there are a couple of mistakes in it, but here's what I wrote:
I just read an interview of Jacob in Shreveport where he was quoted as basically saying any NFL team can play him wherever they want him. I don't understand this water-boy attitude. Jacob ran for over 1,000 yards in the SEC for crying out loud! If that doesn't prove he is an NFL quality TB I don't know what does. His stats are better than Joseph Addai! The problem is that Jacob is white and when the media and 99% of NFL coaches and scouts see a white RB, they think FB. They type-caste white RBs into FBs no matter their resume. The unselfish attitude by so many white players has helped get them out of all the backfields in the NFL, not to mention college. Brian Leonard is now fighting for a second string spot in St. Louis after posting identical stats as Steven Jackson over a 3 game stretch. White players, especially skill players, do themselves no favors be being so unselfish. Black players often demand to keep their position and almost never say they will "be the water-boy if they want me to", and I think Jacob would best serve himself by demanding that he be used as a full fledged RB and not a FB. He has proven he can be a great running back if given the chance. The problem is, Jacob will probably never be given a chance to prove himself in the NFL if he allows himself to be re-positioned as a FB. The media and scouts show themselves to be his enemy and the enemy of all white skill position players by trying to do this. I hate to see Jacob become the latest in a long line of their victims. He is too good of a player and person to get screwed without a warning.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you could pass along my sentiments to Jacob, I'd surely appreciate it.
Edited by: Colonel_Reb
I just read an interview of Jacob in Shreveport where he was quoted as basically saying any NFL team can play him wherever they want him. I don't understand this water-boy attitude. Jacob ran for over 1,000 yards in the SEC for crying out loud! If that doesn't prove he is an NFL quality TB I don't know what does. His stats are better than Joseph Addai! The problem is that Jacob is white and when the media and 99% of NFL coaches and scouts see a white RB, they think FB. They type-caste white RBs into FBs no matter their resume. The unselfish attitude by so many white players has helped get them out of all the backfields in the NFL, not to mention college. Brian Leonard is now fighting for a second string spot in St. Louis after posting identical stats as Steven Jackson over a 3 game stretch. White players, especially skill players, do themselves no favors be being so unselfish. Black players often demand to keep their position and almost never say they will "be the water-boy if they want me to", and I think Jacob would best serve himself by demanding that he be used as a full fledged RB and not a FB. He has proven he can be a great running back if given the chance. The problem is, Jacob will probably never be given a chance to prove himself in the NFL if he allows himself to be re-positioned as a FB. The media and scouts show themselves to be his enemy and the enemy of all white skill position players by trying to do this. I hate to see Jacob become the latest in a long line of their victims. He is too good of a player and person to get screwed without a warning.
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you could pass along my sentiments to Jacob, I'd surely appreciate it.
Edited by: Colonel_Reb
Gi-15
Mentor
Here's an interview of Jacob from Lsusports.net , after his pro day performance :
"On what skills scouts have questioned through the process...
"I think the questions coming in were if I could play running back in the NFL as well as fullback. They knew I could run the football, but they weren't really sure about the fullback position and how strong I was. At the Combine, I did well on the 225-pound bench press, and I really showed them in the Senior Bowl that I could play fullback as well as tailback, so I think I helped myself a lot.""
Wow, poor Jacob, he doesn't stand a chance...
Btw, hoe about that guy Steve Korte? A backup FB who wasn't even dressed his senior season, ran anywhere between 4.32 and 4.4 at 235 pounds! He got himself a Training camp invite with that time!
"On what skills scouts have questioned through the process...
"I think the questions coming in were if I could play running back in the NFL as well as fullback. They knew I could run the football, but they weren't really sure about the fullback position and how strong I was. At the Combine, I did well on the 225-pound bench press, and I really showed them in the Senior Bowl that I could play fullback as well as tailback, so I think I helped myself a lot.""
Wow, poor Jacob, he doesn't stand a chance...
Btw, hoe about that guy Steve Korte? A backup FB who wasn't even dressed his senior season, ran anywhere between 4.32 and 4.4 at 235 pounds! He got himself a Training camp invite with that time!
White Power
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Show me where you saw this info on Steve Korte I can't find his numbers from the pro day workout.
White Power
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Is the reason Jacob Hester not re running his 40 times during his pro day work out mean that he has heard from a team that he will be drafted as a running back. Seems like to me he is saying he has nothing more to prove, and maybe some team like the Patriots or Colts have told him they are going to definately draft him just a hunch on my part.What do you guys think Hester is no dummy he must have some inside info that we are not privy to.
Gi-15
Mentor
a snippet from draftdaddy:
"Former New York Giants safety Mike Mayock, who we think is currently the best TV draft analyst, throws some praise at L.S.U. tailback Jacob Hester."
full article:
LSU's Hester eyes next level
Tigers star battles perception.
April 21, 2008
By Scott Ferrell
sferrell@gannett.com
When NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock sees LSU's Jacob Hester, he sees a player who could play for 10 years in the NFL.
So why does The Sporting News' mock draft have Hester going to the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of this weekend's NFL draft?
The answer has a lot to do with position and perception.
NFL teams have pegged Hester (5-10, 230) as a fullback. Because fullback is not a premium position he will likely be drafted on Sunday and not Saturday.
For example, The Sporting News' highest-rated fullback, Arkansas' Peyton Hillis, is only expected to be a fifth-round selection.
Then there is the perception.
Despite a 1,000-yard rushing season for a national championship LSU team as a senior, there is an impression among scouts and media that he's limited athletically. His best 40 time at the Combine was 4.59, while the top 10 running back times in Indianpolis were all below 4.50.
Because those numbers don't match up to the elite running backs, Hester's physical tools to play running back in the NFL have been questioned by some.
Not Mayock. He isn't fazed by the numbers.
"I don't care how high he jumps," Mayock told USA Today. "He's a football player. Somebody will take him in the third or fourth round, and he'll play, if he stays healthy, for the next eight or 10 years."
Mayock isn't alone in his opinion of Hester.
At the Senior Bowl, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan was also impressed with what he saw from Hester in the week of practices and game in Mobile, Ala.
"He was a key player on the national championship team," Nolan said at the Senior Bowl. "I would be shocked if he's not a damn good NFL player for that reason alone. I don't care what they say. I'll be shocked if he's not a damn good football player."
History says Nolan will be right.
Hester played on two state championship teams in high school and a national championship team in college. He had only one fumble in 364 carries in college and he accounted for 27 touchdowns (rushing and receiving) at LSU.
For his part Hester has participated in the Senior Bowl, the Combine and LSU's Pro Day. He also trained in Arizona in an effort to perform well for the NFL scouts.
This weekend, he'll learn his NFL fate.
"I've done a lot to prepare for the draft and I feel like I'm ready to go," said Hester, who played high school football at Evangel. "I've talked to almost all 32 teams. You can't really get a feel for where you're going to go. Everybody tells me that it is the team that talks to you the least that's going to draft you. We'll find out."
All he needs is one team to side with Mayock and Nolan.
His NFL future may begin with play on special teams and at fullback. Few who have watched him play would count him out from contributing at running back as well.
"Every team I've talked to has said the exact same thing. I could play fullback or I could be a running back on third down situations and different things and on (the) goal line," Hester said. "Everybody seems to think I could play both like I did in college. That's what I like. I'd play water boy if they want me to.'
©The Shreveport Times
April 21, 2008
"Former New York Giants safety Mike Mayock, who we think is currently the best TV draft analyst, throws some praise at L.S.U. tailback Jacob Hester."
full article:
LSU's Hester eyes next level
Tigers star battles perception.
April 21, 2008
By Scott Ferrell
sferrell@gannett.com
When NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock sees LSU's Jacob Hester, he sees a player who could play for 10 years in the NFL.
So why does The Sporting News' mock draft have Hester going to the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of this weekend's NFL draft?
The answer has a lot to do with position and perception.
NFL teams have pegged Hester (5-10, 230) as a fullback. Because fullback is not a premium position he will likely be drafted on Sunday and not Saturday.
For example, The Sporting News' highest-rated fullback, Arkansas' Peyton Hillis, is only expected to be a fifth-round selection.
Then there is the perception.
Despite a 1,000-yard rushing season for a national championship LSU team as a senior, there is an impression among scouts and media that he's limited athletically. His best 40 time at the Combine was 4.59, while the top 10 running back times in Indianpolis were all below 4.50.
Because those numbers don't match up to the elite running backs, Hester's physical tools to play running back in the NFL have been questioned by some.
Not Mayock. He isn't fazed by the numbers.
"I don't care how high he jumps," Mayock told USA Today. "He's a football player. Somebody will take him in the third or fourth round, and he'll play, if he stays healthy, for the next eight or 10 years."
Mayock isn't alone in his opinion of Hester.
At the Senior Bowl, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Nolan was also impressed with what he saw from Hester in the week of practices and game in Mobile, Ala.
"He was a key player on the national championship team," Nolan said at the Senior Bowl. "I would be shocked if he's not a damn good NFL player for that reason alone. I don't care what they say. I'll be shocked if he's not a damn good football player."
History says Nolan will be right.
Hester played on two state championship teams in high school and a national championship team in college. He had only one fumble in 364 carries in college and he accounted for 27 touchdowns (rushing and receiving) at LSU.
For his part Hester has participated in the Senior Bowl, the Combine and LSU's Pro Day. He also trained in Arizona in an effort to perform well for the NFL scouts.
This weekend, he'll learn his NFL fate.
"I've done a lot to prepare for the draft and I feel like I'm ready to go," said Hester, who played high school football at Evangel. "I've talked to almost all 32 teams. You can't really get a feel for where you're going to go. Everybody tells me that it is the team that talks to you the least that's going to draft you. We'll find out."
All he needs is one team to side with Mayock and Nolan.
His NFL future may begin with play on special teams and at fullback. Few who have watched him play would count him out from contributing at running back as well.
"Every team I've talked to has said the exact same thing. I could play fullback or I could be a running back on third down situations and different things and on (the) goal line," Hester said. "Everybody seems to think I could play both like I did in college. That's what I like. I'd play water boy if they want me to.'
©The Shreveport Times
April 21, 2008
Gi-15
Mentor
Jacob really seems obsessed with this "waterboy" role...
Edited by: Gi-15
reclaimsocal
Guru
If the 40 Time is the only indicator of NFL success, then Hester should go on to have a fine career.
Of the top 32 Rushers last year 7 ran the forty yard dash at or slower then 4.55 at their respective combines.
Brian Westbrook 4.57
Jamal Lewis 4.58
Frank Gore 4.55
Brandon Jacobs 4.56
DeShaun Foster 4.57
Chester Taylor 4.58
Travis Henry 4.61
Another 11 did not even bother to run the 40 at their combine. Of these players I think its safe to assume that the following would have been slower then 4.55
LenDale White
Marion Barber III
Ron Dayne
I'm sure a few more would have fallen into this range as well.
The issue about Jacob Hester has nothing to do with speed and everything to do with race. To suggest otherwise is a joke. These emasculated White sports hacks are just afraid of losing their card in the "White Guy who the homies are cool with to their face but laugh their asses at behind his back club".
Of the top 32 Rushers last year 7 ran the forty yard dash at or slower then 4.55 at their respective combines.
Brian Westbrook 4.57
Jamal Lewis 4.58
Frank Gore 4.55
Brandon Jacobs 4.56
DeShaun Foster 4.57
Chester Taylor 4.58
Travis Henry 4.61
Another 11 did not even bother to run the 40 at their combine. Of these players I think its safe to assume that the following would have been slower then 4.55
LenDale White
Marion Barber III
Ron Dayne
I'm sure a few more would have fallen into this range as well.
The issue about Jacob Hester has nothing to do with speed and everything to do with race. To suggest otherwise is a joke. These emasculated White sports hacks are just afraid of losing their card in the "White Guy who the homies are cool with to their face but laugh their asses at behind his back club".
Gi-15 said:Jacob really seems obsessed with this "waterboy" role...
I guess its better than being the towel boy
Congrats on being a little biatch Hester. May you enjoy a career full of head on collisions with linebackers and getting your bell rung every Sunday.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Actually Frank Gore ran a 4.61, NFLdraftscout.com sometimes adjusts 40 times for what they "believe" the player "normally" runs. Just look at Malcolm Kelly's adjusted 40 time for the fast surface. Ron Dayne ran a 4.65 at Pro-Day. Lawrence Maroney runs a 4.55.
Tony Hunt ran a 4.68 last year at Pro-Day, Michael Bush runs a 4.62. Nate Illoa and Ken Darby made rosters last year despite running 4.77 and 4.64 and they are small guys to boot. Kenny Irons ran a 4.55 at the Combine and he was drafted before Leonard last year in the 2nd round.
Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis were 4.6 guys. Mike Anderson who was great for a few years for the Broncos ran a 4.69 and Yvenson Bernard who is ranked by most sites ahead of Woodhead this year runs a 4.82. Mike Hart runs a 4.69 and is only 5'9 and is in the top 15 by most sites and is still in the top 10 of Footballsblackfuture.com I believe.
Translation: 40 times hurt the white man a lot more.Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Tony Hunt ran a 4.68 last year at Pro-Day, Michael Bush runs a 4.62. Nate Illoa and Ken Darby made rosters last year despite running 4.77 and 4.64 and they are small guys to boot. Kenny Irons ran a 4.55 at the Combine and he was drafted before Leonard last year in the 2nd round.
Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis were 4.6 guys. Mike Anderson who was great for a few years for the Broncos ran a 4.69 and Yvenson Bernard who is ranked by most sites ahead of Woodhead this year runs a 4.82. Mike Hart runs a 4.69 and is only 5'9 and is in the top 15 by most sites and is still in the top 10 of Footballsblackfuture.com I believe.
Translation: 40 times hurt the white man a lot more.Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
White Power
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Nate Iloa failed to make a roster I beleive too slow they said.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Well Illoa must have been on a practice squad last year then b/c I saw his name on the NFL website for listed players.
Gi-15
Mentor
backrow said:
draftdaddy.com just liked that article again tonight, final blitz to get hester the recognition he deserve from casual fan?
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Arguing for Hester on Footballsfuture.com: Notice I don't mention race. And although I root for Hester more than other players b/c he's an underdog, I always try to compliment other talented black players as well. You've gotta be fair minded on these sites to win people over and thats easy for me because I'm a fair minded person.
Post One: To comment on if Keiland Williams or Hester are better: While I agree that Williams is clearly a better home-run threat and faster and more elusive. I think Hester is a very underrated tailback. I actually have Jacob Hester ranked as my 9th tailback not as a FB and he would probably be ranked higher on my list most years. This year is loaded at HB. I don't see any reason why Jacob Hester could not be a good power runner in the NFL in the mold of Jerome Bettis, Mike Alstott, Brandon Jacobs or Rudi Johnson. Maybe even the Marion Barber comparison would work. Hester is very powerful and knows how to grind out those first downs. He is a guy that could whip off a lot of 15-30 yard runs in the NFL also, but wouldn't have many 40+ runs at all over his career. You also would love to have Hester in third and short in the NFL, there is no better guy.
Hester ran a blazing fast 1.50 10 yard dash, which is the same time as Darren McFadden. I know people say his 4.6 flat 40 time is slow, but it is faster than smaller Mike Hart's 4.67. It is comparable to two runners who have had amazing careers (Shaun Alexander and Jamal Lewis) who ran a 4.58 at the combine. Travis Henry runs a 4.61, former starter Mike Anderson runs a 4.69. Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis ran a 4.6. Last year Tony Hunt ran 4.66, Michael Bush 4.62, Nate Illoa and Ken Darby ran 4.77 and 4.75 respectively and made NFL rosters last year despite being short. Heck, even guys known as speedsters aren't always fast, but just play fast ie. Brian Westbrook ran a 4.57 and Lawrence Maroney ran a 4.55.
Hester has a great first step and is a load to bring down. Hester has great vision and has a 80+ yard run to his credit this season at LSU. Jacob Hester also posted better Sr. season stats at LSU than Joseph Addai. Addai also ran for 4.9 yards per carry like Hester, but for less yards. Bring in the fact that Hester ran without a lead blocking FB most of the time and often in third and short and his 4.9 YPC is amazing. Hester was rarely used creatively or in the option either, he just got the job done and knows how to move the chains like a pro to keep the drives going.
Hester would fit well on his home state New Orleans Saints as a compliment to Reggie Bush, who has some trouble running between the tackles. Reggie would be the home run threat and Hester the smash mouth guy. I think Hester is a great player and want to see him run the ball in the NFL.
BTW: Mel Kiper formerly had Hester as his number 5 tailback before the juniors declared for the draft and before the movement started gaining ground on draft sites to label Hester as only a FB. Anyone who can run for over 1000 yards in the SEC on 4.9 YPC and shows the superb initial burst and initial cutback ability, vision, and tackle breaking skills of Hester deserves a serious look at halfback in the NFL.
Another poster responded:
Believe me, you do not have to sell Hester to me. I would love for the Saints to grab him. The depth is not that good and they could use another power back to move the chains. I feel Hester will have a very solid NFL career. but Keiland Williams, when he puts it all together, is one of the top RB's in the nation.
I responded:
I would agree with you on Keiland Williams being better at the NFL level. I'm not so sure in college though. In the NFL the tackling is better and the LBs and DEs stronger on average and Hester will find it harder to break those tackles.
In the NFL speed and elusiveness are more important than power for a RB. Hester only has average agility "for a RB with a big frame in the NFL" and will not be able to elude the top LBs and Safeties. Hester reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He has an "elite" initial burst and great vision and an ability to make those initial cutbacks and follow blocks, but has trouble making a top notch cut when moving full speed. He seems to be better at lowering his shoulder to run through the tacklers than around them. He can still rip off a 20-30 yard run that way in the NFL. He can break a couple tackles and is good at using his lanes and angles to get the most yards out of his run. However, in the NFL behind an average o-line, Hester's 5 YPC projects down to the low 4s per carry.
Hester could still be a good power guy in the NFL, but I think Keiland Williams with his speed and elusiveness is much more of a match up nightmare at the next level and could end up being a 1st round draft pick. Keiland is "very quick, fast and elusive" and is still pretty physical for a smaller framed guy. I think Williams could project close to a 5 YPC guy in the NFL behind your typical o-line; he is that good. I will be excited to watch what he brings to the table for LSU this season, I'll wish him luck except against my Maze and Blue!
Post One: To comment on if Keiland Williams or Hester are better: While I agree that Williams is clearly a better home-run threat and faster and more elusive. I think Hester is a very underrated tailback. I actually have Jacob Hester ranked as my 9th tailback not as a FB and he would probably be ranked higher on my list most years. This year is loaded at HB. I don't see any reason why Jacob Hester could not be a good power runner in the NFL in the mold of Jerome Bettis, Mike Alstott, Brandon Jacobs or Rudi Johnson. Maybe even the Marion Barber comparison would work. Hester is very powerful and knows how to grind out those first downs. He is a guy that could whip off a lot of 15-30 yard runs in the NFL also, but wouldn't have many 40+ runs at all over his career. You also would love to have Hester in third and short in the NFL, there is no better guy.
Hester ran a blazing fast 1.50 10 yard dash, which is the same time as Darren McFadden. I know people say his 4.6 flat 40 time is slow, but it is faster than smaller Mike Hart's 4.67. It is comparable to two runners who have had amazing careers (Shaun Alexander and Jamal Lewis) who ran a 4.58 at the combine. Travis Henry runs a 4.61, former starter Mike Anderson runs a 4.69. Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis ran a 4.6. Last year Tony Hunt ran 4.66, Michael Bush 4.62, Nate Illoa and Ken Darby ran 4.77 and 4.75 respectively and made NFL rosters last year despite being short. Heck, even guys known as speedsters aren't always fast, but just play fast ie. Brian Westbrook ran a 4.57 and Lawrence Maroney ran a 4.55.
Hester has a great first step and is a load to bring down. Hester has great vision and has a 80+ yard run to his credit this season at LSU. Jacob Hester also posted better Sr. season stats at LSU than Joseph Addai. Addai also ran for 4.9 yards per carry like Hester, but for less yards. Bring in the fact that Hester ran without a lead blocking FB most of the time and often in third and short and his 4.9 YPC is amazing. Hester was rarely used creatively or in the option either, he just got the job done and knows how to move the chains like a pro to keep the drives going.
Hester would fit well on his home state New Orleans Saints as a compliment to Reggie Bush, who has some trouble running between the tackles. Reggie would be the home run threat and Hester the smash mouth guy. I think Hester is a great player and want to see him run the ball in the NFL.
BTW: Mel Kiper formerly had Hester as his number 5 tailback before the juniors declared for the draft and before the movement started gaining ground on draft sites to label Hester as only a FB. Anyone who can run for over 1000 yards in the SEC on 4.9 YPC and shows the superb initial burst and initial cutback ability, vision, and tackle breaking skills of Hester deserves a serious look at halfback in the NFL.
Another poster responded:
Believe me, you do not have to sell Hester to me. I would love for the Saints to grab him. The depth is not that good and they could use another power back to move the chains. I feel Hester will have a very solid NFL career. but Keiland Williams, when he puts it all together, is one of the top RB's in the nation.
I responded:
I would agree with you on Keiland Williams being better at the NFL level. I'm not so sure in college though. In the NFL the tackling is better and the LBs and DEs stronger on average and Hester will find it harder to break those tackles.
In the NFL speed and elusiveness are more important than power for a RB. Hester only has average agility "for a RB with a big frame in the NFL" and will not be able to elude the top LBs and Safeties. Hester reminds me of Jerome Bettis. He has an "elite" initial burst and great vision and an ability to make those initial cutbacks and follow blocks, but has trouble making a top notch cut when moving full speed. He seems to be better at lowering his shoulder to run through the tacklers than around them. He can still rip off a 20-30 yard run that way in the NFL. He can break a couple tackles and is good at using his lanes and angles to get the most yards out of his run. However, in the NFL behind an average o-line, Hester's 5 YPC projects down to the low 4s per carry.
Hester could still be a good power guy in the NFL, but I think Keiland Williams with his speed and elusiveness is much more of a match up nightmare at the next level and could end up being a 1st round draft pick. Keiland is "very quick, fast and elusive" and is still pretty physical for a smaller framed guy. I think Williams could project close to a 5 YPC guy in the NFL behind your typical o-line; he is that good. I will be excited to watch what he brings to the table for LSU this season, I'll wish him luck except against my Maze and Blue!
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
I see I made an error in my post Mike Hart ran a 4.69, not a 4.67. Not a big deal though I was pretty close and it still makes a valid point.
White Power
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Jacob Hester running back I like the way it sounds God bless A J Smith for beleiving in Hester, and trading a draft pick next year to pick him. I bet he heard that another was prepared to draft him and he moved up and snatched him early in the 3rd round. I know Hester will play extemely well when given the oppurtunity. I have also heard the Ladanian won't play in the preseason giving Hester ample time to get ajusted to the pro game. Jacob do your best and make us all proud of you and all of your accomplishments.