I remember playing him in Jr. High..Oak Ridge (me) vs. Lufkin (him). We dun got raped. I would say he's a better athlete than Crabtree, but not as great of a catcher, still has that same playmaker mold. He's gonna be damn good if he keeps out of trouble.
He's definitely a better "catcher" dude. Every scout pratically said that he is best pure jumpball receiver and best ball-attacking receiver in the last few years. Lets not forget that Dez accumulated better stats than Crabtree while playing on the best rushing team in the Big 12.
Really? Because this is the first time I've made a thread about any OSU player? Because I think Dez is better than Crabtree ? Was I really that bad? Can you prove to me if I was over the top then? Other than saying he is better than Crabtree, I have never criticized any other team or players or bash them to pump up OSU. And like some of the UT fans are so humble too? Or some of the Coogs fans too? Just because they have a voice in support of some team other than the Texas teams doesn't mean that he/she is being sunshine pumper.
better stats by 300 yards in 2008. Crabtree had a monster 2007 though with 1300 more yards. and a good running game does actually help WRs, you make it sound like it wasnt a good thing for Dez having a run game.
For the last time, he was never expected to be a burner. But he is just a pure horse (actual words used by scouts coming out of high school once) and has such excellent shiftiness for his size he can keep up separation despite not having good timed speed. Oh, so you only remember ONE bad pass by our QB (that cost us the game), but not the game two years ago where he burned you guys for http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=282500197 ?
Wait, Crabtree got over 2000 yards? You really think it had nothing to do with the system? -Graham Harrell (who ironically was helping us install UoH's system this spring) Btw, I don't deny Crabtree was a stud either. But as far as overall skill level and athelticisim, most scouts have already said that Dez has better potential in the pros than Crabs. And unlike a lot of spread offenses, our previous offense required our receivers to run a more complicated tree route.
Bryant has a lot of talent, no doubt. But he's got health issues and character issues, so its not that much of a shock that he slipped so far.
it was 1900 and change. i rounded. Sure the system helps but he still had to catch the ball and get open. the "system" argument didnt seem to matter in 2008 did it? i'm not trying to get into a pissing match b/w dez and crabtree here...ovbiously you have an allegiance. I have no tie to either. But you're throwing around of he had "better stats" was not clear and it was a narrow view, i.e. only focusing on one year. Scouts say lots of things. Also, athleticism isnt everything, as we all know (see Jerry Rice). Just sit back and watch the guy play and hopefully he does well because he certainly has the tools.
Define "character issues." please. He never did or experimented with drugs; he doesn't have an "entourage"; he never beat up his girlfriend; he never got a DUI ; he never cussed someone out; he never ran his car into a house,etc. Read the comments by some of the scouts and guys who have actually done the homework into Dez and not just go along with the hype. They all say its all "behavioral" and maturity and "lifeskills." Trust me, if he was a diva, the Stillwater community and the school would already know and this would not just be a "rumor." If you won't take my word for it, believe his former QB, Zac and Russell Okung , who both said that all of this criticism is unfair. All he is guilty of is lying to the NCAA under pressure; MIGHT'VE been late to some team functions (but not to games); didn't have the cleats ready during one of the drills (“The thing is, I didn’t forget my cleats,” he said. “I had a bag with me, and there were six pairs of cleats in that bag. I just didn’t have the cleats for one drill. It wasn’t the 40; it was the shuttle [drill].” ) ; and has a 2 year old son. This is what I can't stand. People tag that "character issues" too easily and too broadly, without knowing NOTHING about him, just going along with the hype. That's the annoying part.
I don't think anyone is accusing him of being a "bad guy". The term I herd some people using to describe him was "High Maintenance". As if he is one of the types of guys who needs to be pushed and showed what to do every step of the way.
That's different from "character issues" though, which you used. But other than that, I agree with the post. Like I said, the guy has some personality quarks but nothing anywhere in the vicinity of concern. He doesn't even drink or do drugs like most college kids.
Dude, tap the breaks on proclaiming Bryant's greatness in the NFL. You keep mentioning random "scout" reports that he's a lot better than Crabtree, but that's not some universal fact... I'm sure you can find plenty of other scouts who like Crabtree better, amongst the thousands that NFL teams employ. Face it, no one can project with certainty how a player is going to pan out in the NFL. You wouldn't bet your house on Bryant would you? I thought Rashaun Woods would be great in the NFL, but it didn't happen. (now I'm sure you'll have some story about how you knew Woods was gonna suck all that time)
Whether or not he's going to be a badass receiver or not, going to Dallas was the best possible scenario for him so he better make the best of it.
If you mean best scenario off-the-field, then I don't necessarily agree. Sometimes when you're playing in the pros in your hometown, you can get in a lot more trouble with knucklehead friends or acquaintances.
Mike Mayock said that he was the best prospect since Andre Johnson back in 2007. Is he credible enough? But I'll wait until he steps on the field and proves it though.
And FYI, I never said he would be "great" or anything just yet. I'm just talking in terms of being a prospect.
One thing that would make me wonder is Dez's drastic difference in home TD's vs. road TD's at Okie State. I think he had something like 21 TD's at home, and only 4 on the road in college. Also, I can think of very few big games Dez has against the best competition. I do think he's got some great physical tools that can bring him success in the NFL. However, we'll see if playing close to home is a blessing or a curse.
Certainly impressive to have better receiving stats on a rushing team than a guy on the best passing team in the nation. Though in a prolific passing game, the offense is best when the ball is spread around. 3rd/4th receivers get more inflated stats boost than the #1 guy. Andre Johnson didnt have eye-popping numbers in college. Thats cuz he's playing on the same team with Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss who demand touches. Its possibly easier to just throw to 2 options. If they're open, pass it. If they're not, dumpoff pass to RB or QB runs with the ball. Though at the same time the defense can scheme against a #1 option, so performing through double teams is commendable. Bryant and Crabtree are both fine by me. No bias. Using Andre Johnson again, he got as much passes thrown to him with piddly David Carr as his QB as much he's getting with the current pass happy system. Point is Bryant can play and Cowboys are fortunate.
