New Flordia State Transfer!

[InTheZone]

Hakeem Lawrence Highlight Film:

At first the 10 yards per carry cited by GT in the article jumps out at you as impressive, but after watching the film I get a different impression. He appears to play at a small school/low level of high school ball down in FL. Many of his long runs were through such gaping holes that even CK would've taken it to the house. He doesn't appear to have world class speed, and is running away from some pretty slow defenders, which is to be expected at a small school. I wasn't real impressed with his change of direction or his burst when those were required. I don't see much out of him if he ever gets his grades in order. Hope I'm wrong.

[CincyZip]

I'm not sure about that assessment.

I clocked him at 5.6 seconds running from the 38 yard line, diagonally, away from a defender. He certainly does not have NFL speed but he hits the hole hard and has enough turn in his legs to create plays that should not have happened.

But I have learned two things long ago.

1) I'm an optimist

2) Never judge a player by his highlight tape. I would love to get my hands on some game tapes and see how he does throughout a football game.

I see him as a B- right now, nothing great but can help a football team when put in the right position to do so.

[johnnyzip84]

This story on the death of Minnesota Gopher LB Gary Tinsley refers to Avis as playing safety for the Zips.

[GP1]

At first the 10 yards per carry cited by GT in the article jumps out at you as impressive, but after watching the film I get a different impression. He appears to play at a small school/low level of high school ball down in FL. Many of his long runs were through such gaping holes that even CK would've taken it to the house. He doesn't appear to have world class speed, and is running away from some pretty slow defenders, which is to be expected at a small school. I wasn't real impressed with his change of direction or his burst when those were required. I don't see much out of him if he ever gets his grades in order. Hope I'm wrong.

He's good enough for the MAC. I too love his first ten yards. The first thing a RB has to do is get through the hole. This guy runs north/south and will get yards for the team with a combination of physical running and vision. Coaches, especially offensive coordinators, love a guy who just gets them yards so they can manage the game better. He appears to be able to do that. Besides, I think our running game will be a sideshow compared to the passing game.

Does he have world class speed? No, but this is the MAC and if he can get yards, his speed is good enough. He may play against a lot of small schools, but he is faster than EVERYONE he plays against so there must be some speed there because everyone can't be slow regardless of the size school they play.

Change of direction? He makes EVERYONE miss. He is able to do this with smart running and not the greatest moves. When there is a defender, he runs at the defender and makes the defender stop. Then he makes his move when the timing is right. Even an average change of direction guy does well when the defender is standing still. Emmitt Smith made a career of this type of smart running.

Do I see a superstar? No. I do see a kid who could get on the field for OU and they are the best program in the league right now. This is the MAC, and not a superstar league (only 8 MAC players drafted this year). Good coaching and smart players go a long way. The superstars in the MAC are usually the QBs because of the way the game is played right now.

[Dr Z]

Another Florida guy looking for a team and a third chance

One more Florida guy for good measure