🏈 Rivals Mike Farrell: Rivals' Biggest Busts: Top five No. 1 prospects who busted out (Hand @ #4?)

[18Champs]

NO. 1 - BYRON COWART, AUBURN
NO. 2 - BRYCE BROWN, TENNESSEE
NO. 3. RONALD POWELL, FLORIDA
NO. 4. DESHAWN HAND, ALABAMA

The skinny: Michigan was considered the leader for a good portion of Hand’s recruiting process, while Alabama and Florida continued to play catch-up. The Crimson Tide finally surpassed the Wolverines after his official visit to Tuscaloosa in late October, which resulted in his commitment in November. Fighting for playing time on the always deep Alabama defensive line, Hand only managed to total 44 tackles and six sacks in his first three seasons. After picking up five tackles this season, the Crimson Tide seem to be in the process of transitioning Hand from the defensive line to linebacker.


Farrell’s take: We had a split vote pretty much between Hand and Garrett for No. 1 overall and I’ll take the blame for this one. We saw both guys as can’t-miss prospects, but I felt Hand could do more as a potential linebacker, defensive end or defensive tackle. He ended up at Alabama and was stuck behind NFL guys for years and this year, his supposed breakout year, hasn’t started off as well as expected. If he busts out, it will be back-to-back defensive ends with Hand in 2014 and Cowart in 2015 as wash-outs. Ouch

5. DERRICK WILLIAMS, PENN STATE

Rivals.com - Rivals' Biggest Busts: Top five No. 1 prospects who busted out

 

[TerryP]

A month before Hand committed to Bama Farrell had him at 75% to Michigan, 20% to Florida (following him scheduling a visit,) and 5% to Bama.

He was roasted with many folks (outside of Bama fans.) About a week later he changed his tune completely when he was called out.

Farrell ... let's not forget, he's the one Shannon Terry left behind when he started 247.

But, more importantly,

After picking up five tackles this season, the Crimson Tide seem to be in the process of transitioning Hand from the defensive line to linebacker.

Versus Saban saying, "This defensive lineman isn't changing positions."

BamaInsider.com - Nick Saban makes it clear: This defensive lineman isn't changing positions

From an article on a Rivals site, the network where Farrell is the recruiting director?!?!

Hell, he's calling Florida's Powell a bust after tearing two ACL's?

 

[Tidestalker]

I see it... The last 3 years I've had Hand "breaking out". Still waiting lol

 

[BamaFan334]

Sadly, while I do not agree with the context of the article as Farrell seems to be two steps behind, I have to agree with the analysis. Hand was great in the National Championship game in Arizona against Clemson. Him and Rashaan Evans both brought a change of pace and were able to corral Watson when the rest of the defense couldn't. His career as a whole is definitely not that of a #1 player or even a Top 250 player. It's understandable that he needed to wait his turn as most do at Alabama, so that's no knock on him seeing what was already in front of him. I personally don't feel he's done much this year. He gets no pressure like Allen or Anderson did the last few seasons. He damn sure looks the part and looks like a monster, but the break out year expected by so many hasn't come to life, yet. I hope he can figure it out and put together some good tape this year and hopefully see success at the next level, but if football doesn't work out we know he's an Engineering student, very intelligent, and will do amazing things in that industry like he shows in the classroom.

 

[TerryP]

I see it... The last 3 years I've had Hand "breaking out". Still waiting lol

I'll pose this to you but would really like to hear Farrell answer the same question.

Breaking out over whom? Allen, Tomlinson, Robinson, or Reed? Hell, he was listed as 2A/B with Reed (behind Pettway) his frosh year...BUT, Reed came in from EMCC--not exactly apples to apples there, eh?

 

[gc90]

agree Hand has been a bust.
RDavis also hasnt had the impact one imagined

 

[Tidestalker]

I'll pose this to you but would really like to hear Farrell answer the same question.

Breaking out over whom? Allen, Tomlinson, Robinson, or Reed? Hell, he was listed as 2A/B with Reed (behind Pettway) his frosh year...BUT, Reed came in from EMCC--not exactly apples to apples there, eh?

I would say Tomlinson broke out... Wouldn't you? Went from basically a depth guy to second round pick... Not bad.

After 3 games this year, do you see Hand making that jump?

No excuses this year. Opportunity big enough to drive a truck through. What have you seen?

 

[TerryP]

I would say Tomlinson broke out... Wouldn't you? Went from basically a depth guy to second round pick... Not bad.

After 3 games this year, do you see Hand making that jump?

No excuses this year. Opportunity big enough to drive a truck through. What have you seen?

Yah, I would say he broke out. I'd also say it's important to note he only had six tackles through six games last season and Hand is being critiqued for having five through three.

 

[Tidestalker]

Yah, I would say he broke out. I'd also say it's important to note he only had six tackles through six games last season and Hand is being critiqued for having five through three.

Fair point. Don't you think it's also important to note the difference in talent and depth at the position?

Hand can name his snap count. It's all there for him

 

[TerryP]

Fair point. Don't you think it's also important to note the difference in talent and depth at the position?

Hand can name his snap count. It's all there for him

Tomlinson pretty well named his snap count last season, wouldn't you say?

And yes, the depth and talent has to be taken into account.

When Hand came in as a true frosh he played in how many games? I'd bet it's a number in the single digits, but close to 10: eight, maybe nine games? I know Tomlinson played in few games as a true frosh in '14. If you look over their careers in Tuscaloosa they pretty well mirror each other. Tomlinson had more success as a frosh, Hand more as a sophomore. Tomlinson had a better Junior year, but he wasn't sitting behind the talent that Hand has been--thought it's close.

It's important to note this as well. How often did we talk about the numbers of snaps the defensive line took last season versus their back-ups? Hand hasn't had the opportunity to acclimate to the game like Tomlinson did--in reps alone for one example.

It's my opinion that Farrell is talking out of his ass, again. How can you call a kid a bust when he's been in the situation(s) he's been? Did Cowart face this depth and talent ahead of him? Powell? (He's the closest example but he doesn't belong in this conversation. You can't call a player a bust if he's spent most of his career injured. It's football, not a bust.) Bryce Brown doesn't even belong on the same website as Hand...much less in the same article.

 

[Tidestalker]

Tomlinson pretty well named his snap count last season, wouldn't you say?

And yes, the depth and talent has to be taken into account.

When Hand came in as a true frosh he played in how many games? I'd bet it's a number in the single digits, but close to 10: eight, maybe nine games? I know Tomlinson played in few games as a true frosh in '14. If you look over their careers in Tuscaloosa they pretty well mirror each other. Tomlinson had more success as a frosh, Hand more as a sophomore. Tomlinson had a better Junior year, but he wasn't sitting behind the talent that Hand has been--thought it's close.

It's important to note this as well. How often did we talk about the numbers of snaps the defensive line took last season versus their back-ups? Hand hasn't had the opportunity to acclimate to the game like Tomlinson did--in reps alone for one example.

It's my opinion that Farrell is talking out of his ass, again. How can you call a kid a bust when he's been in the situation(s) he's been? Did Cowart face this depth and talent ahead of him? Powell? (He's the closest example but he doesn't belong in this conversation. You can't call a player a bust if he's spent most of his career injured. It's football, not a bust.) Bryce Brown doesn't even belong on the same website as Hand...much less in the same article.

Just depends on what the made up media definition of "bust" is. If you're looking solely at production in comparison to expectations... All those guys are super disappointing. It is what it is.

I believe Tomlinson came to Bama out of surgery then had another serious knee injury in his first or second year, right?

Tomlinson took Hand's opportunities last year. Jon Allen and Payne were also in the mix. Not to mention there were guys like Anderson/Foster/Williams to make plays in the backfield. Between the draft and injuries this D is a different story. If there was ever a time for him to step up it would be now. I'm hoping we can look back in a few months after Hand is a 1st/2nd round pick and be super impressed.... But as of now, I can absolutely see why he's in the "bust" category of #1 overalls. He was a physical freak of nature coming out of HS. Just hasn't been a difference maker at this level yet

Which by the way - Does it really matter until the fat lady has sung? At least in Hands' sake. Another silly hypothetical media article that gets us talking about hypotheticals.

 

[TerryP]

Just depends on what the made up media definition of "bust" is. If you're looking solely at production in comparison to expectations... All those guys are super disappointing. It is what it is.

By my definition, a bust is a guy who has had every opportunity available to him and never makes an impact. People, as in Bama fans, labeled Tyler Love a bust when injuries (neck and back) kept him off the field. Did he blow his opportunity? H.E.L.L. to the N.O.

I believe Tomlinson came to Bama out of surgery then had another serious knee injury in his first or second year, right?

'13? After Va Tech and injured his knee in practice? I know it was practice, which year...have to look that one up. I can't recall the circumstances around his other knee injury.

Bottom line, you're right--two knee injuries in his career so far.

Jon Allen and Payne were also in the mix. Not to mention there were guys like Anderson/Foster/Williams to make plays in the backfield. Between the draft and injuries this D is a different story. If there was ever a time for him to step up it would be now

His role this year is far, far different from those on the line last year if for the five linebackers who've been injured so far. It makes sense that they'd change the way the defensive line plays with so much inexperience behind them.

But as of now, I can absolutely see why he's in the "bust" category of #1 overalls.

Sure, if you take his entire career at Bama out of context. :devil:

 

[JoshB]

agree Hand has been a bust.
RDavis also hasnt had the impact one imagined

Seriously? He's a freaking true sophomore. What did you expect? 12 sacks as a true freshman playing behind 3 or 4 future NFL studs? Good lord our fanbase has gotten pretty ridiculous with the expectations. If a guy isn't an All American after his freshman year he's "not having the impact I wanted."

 

[BamaFan334]

By my definition, a bust is a guy who has had every opportunity available to him and never makes an impact. People, as in Bama fans, labeled Tyler Love a bust when injuries (neck and back) kept him off the field. Did he blow his opportunity? H.E.L.L. to the N.O.


'13? After Va Tech and injured his knee in practice? I know it was practice, which year...have to look that one up. I can't recall the circumstances around his other knee injury.

Bottom line, you're right--two knee injuries in his career so far.



His role this year is far, far different from those on the line last year if for the five linebackers who've been injured so far. It makes sense that they'd change the way the defensive line plays with so much inexperience behind them.



Sure, if you take his entire career at Bama out of context. :devil:

Hands biggest contention is that he was #1 over Miles Garrett who just got drafted #1. Farrell loves pointing out that mistake as he was the deciding vote to put Hand at #1, or so he likes to say. I personally do not see the love affair with Garrett, as he was not very productive in college against talent worth a damn if you ask me. I guess NFL scouts see it differently than I do, but combine numbers don't always translate, cause how many Courtney Brown's from Penn State and Vernon Golston's from Ohio State have we seen?

 

[PCRammer]

If Hand remains on his current trajectory then Yes he''ll be an expectations bust PERIOD

 

[footballer]

I believe Hand has been putting more emphasis on Student rather than Athlete, which is not a bad thing in my opinion. He was rated as first or second best high school player and that does not always mean he will be a top college player.

 

[Tidestalker]

Sure, if you take his entire career at Bama out of context. :devil:

h/tIt's what I do best! lol

 

[Destiny's Child]

Hands career has been underwhelming but I see him holding up two guys on the line of scrimmage a bunch. He is missing out on the pass rush that Allen enjoyed to his right that gave him a one vs one situation most of the time. You couldn't block Tim Williams with a tight end or a running back so to give your qb time your tackle had to go out there. With Payne pushing up the middle meant a lot of the time a guard had to pick up Allen one on one which really helped his production.

The year isn't over yet and his measurable are very impressive. I wouldn't count him out as being drafted pretty high next year and maybe doing some impressive stuff before its over.

I love the fact that he is a great student, model citizen and leader in the locker room. Mix that with the fact he is a solid player who doesn't make many mistakes and I would say we would take another 84 just like him.

 

[T&B]

Tomlinson blew his knee playing soccer his Sr year at Henry County, and then had another knee at Bama.

If not for those injuries, especially the one at Bama, I think people would hold Tomlinson in much higher regard as I think Tomlinson is one of the better DL to come through Bama IMO.

As far as this debate goes someone above nailed it saying Hand is a bust relative to expectations. He has not played anywhere near No. 1 player in the country levels... especially at DL. When I think No.1 player in the country at DL I expect Robert Nkemdiche type production/talent/impact. There is certainly a difference between the 32nd ranked five star, and the No.1 player in the country. Hand would probably not rank in the top 75 of his class now.

 

[bradenob]

agree Hand has been a bust.
RDavis also hasnt had the impact one imagined

Sorry man, I can't say that's true. It can be difficult for someone that tall to have a big impact, but as a true soph R Davis has shown some beast mode this year, and the season is young. I am looking forward to much more. After what I saw last fall, and what I read from time to time, I have been pleased, not that anyone cares what I think, LOL.