Tom Herman on Shontrelle/Hollis & redshirting

**ChrisMWilliams** · 08-18-2010, 06:52 PM

I'll have more on this in my scrimmage report but I thought you all would find this interesting regarding Shontrelle Johnson, Duran Hollis and the battle to backup A-Rob. Here's a quote from Tom Herman after he was asked if both could contribute to the team this season.

“Do they have the ability? Certainly. That is a decision that Coach Rhoads, the offensive staff and us as a whole staff will have to make in terms of separating classes. I think that you would like some separation in classes and be able to redshirt one of those guys, especially knowing that we are deep enough with other running backs where you feel like you need to play both of them. We will see where that goes.”

**gocubs2118** · 08-18-2010, 06:54 PM

If one of them redshirts, it's going to be Hollis.

**dinger** · 08-18-2010, 06:54 PM

thanks as always chris.

**hurdleisu24** · 08-18-2010, 06:55 PM

makes too much sense....

**dualthreat** · 08-18-2010, 07:00 PM

i wish one of them could get to the point where we HAVE to play them because their too good to sit on the bench.

**RedBlooded** · 08-18-2010, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

If one of them redshirts, it's going to be Hollis.

I dont know. He has made some noise this summer. but he might be willing to redshirt seeing how Johnson wants to play right away

**dualthreat** · 08-18-2010, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by headington

I dont know. He has made some noise this summer. but he might be willing to redshirt seeing how Johnson wants to play right away

**RedBlooded** · 08-18-2010, 07:26 PM

Originally Posted by dualthreat

Let me rephrase that. He will redshirt because Johnson probably will be playing right away.

**usedcarguy** · 08-18-2010, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by dualthreat

Johnson supposedly told Coach Pope early on that he had zero interest in redshirting, and if he did, he would have went to FSU instead of ISU. So I see the odds of Johnson redshirting near zero unless he gets hurt. His upside is way more than A-Rob, and that's really saying something....

**ripvdub** · 08-18-2010, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by dualthreat

i wish one of them could get to the point where we HAVE to play them because their too good to sit on the bench.

i wish we could get to the point where they all redshirt.

**CyBelieve** · 08-18-2010, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by usedcarguy

Johnson supposedly told Coach Pope early on that he had zero interest in redshirting, and if he did, he would have went to FSU instead of ISU. So I see the odds of Johnson redshirting near zero unless he gets hurt. His upside is way more than A-Rob, and that's really saying something....

Funny, those are the same words I heard Ellis Hobbs say to my son after he graduated. He said he wish he would have listened to everyone telling him he should redshirt. He really wished he had another year.

This is a great problem for us to have compared to where we've been the last several years - Too many good running backs.

**CyBelieve** · 08-18-2010, 08:36 PM

...everything but Hobbs saying he could have gone to FSU and redshirted!

**Steve** · 08-18-2010, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by ripvdub

i wish we could get to the point where they all redshirt.

This really isn't feasible with the limit of 85 scholarships. Even teams that win national championships play some true freshmen. As the program improves, there might not be very many in the true 2-deeps. What often happens, however, is you play some of your more athletic freshmen on special teams. This not only can help win games, but can also help some kids feel more a part of the program and put more effort into practice and the weight room.

**Tre4ISU** · 08-18-2010, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by Steve

This really isn't feasible with the limit of 85 scholarships. Even teams that win national championships play some true freshmen. As the program improves, there might not be very many in the true 2-deeps. What often happens, however, is you play some of your more athletic freshmen on special teams. This not only can help win games, but can also help some kids feel more a part of the program and put more effort into practice and the weight room.

I agree. I like redshirts, I really do, but at some point you have to be able to get a freshman here and there that can contribute. In our position, we need to flush talent. Don't get me wrong, I love the guys we have but the fact of the matter is that as it seems, we are upgrading. The faster we can get the new guys through, the better. On the other end that does mean we have to get the less talented guys through quicker. I fully expect us to gradually improve the talent we bring in. RB is not a position where I like to tie up a year with a redshirt if it's not neccesary for body development. I would rather see them used on the Defensive front or lineman. Honestly, with the exception of QB, I don't believe that skill position players gain a lot from a redshirt if their body is ready. Hollis and Johnson are ready. Let them compete for the spot for four years. Find places to throw them on the field.

**Bigguns** · 08-18-2010, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by usedcarguy

Johnson supposedly told Coach Pope early on that he had zero interest in redshirting, and if he did, he would have went to FSU instead of ISU. So I see the odds of Johnson redshirting near zero unless he gets hurt. His upside is way more than A-Rob, and that's really saying something....

I hope Pope told him to stop talking and earn a spot or get in line.