8/14/13: Hubbard won the starting spot to replace Upshaw at Sam linebacker last year following the latter's departure for the NFL. Hubbard ended up being Alabama's best pass-rusher last year and it looked like he was just scratching the surface of his potential. The sophomore totaled 41 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass batted.

Hubbard is very quick and is a physical player. He will be a great fit in a 3-4 defense. Last year was Hubbard's first season of significant playing time, and he should be even better as a junior with the year of experience under his belt. Adding some more weight to fill out his frame could help Hubbard's overall game.

This clip is neither here nor there, but I found it a little comical based on the color guy's commentary. This is our new UDFA LB from Utah State.... Speed the same as Davante Adams, plays ILB at under 230. You don't see many plays like this one...

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

If you want to have some fun watching a guy with some real juice which is the kind of guy I love (sounds terrible) but you know what I mean... Watch this kid... I had to watch the whole thing, twice, after I saw it. It was that enjoyable. It might be the crazy rubbing off from bantering with play2win, but this kid will make this team if Franklin is done. He's a lot like Harris, but this kid is an all around weapon. In the 3 minute portion on toward the end, this kid makes plays like a WR. He's a fiery, shifty, Sproles like guy... a lot like Harris but seems to be more versatile with the receiving skills. Shoot, he may beat out Harris. Sit back and tell me if this guy ain't 5'7 he isn't drafted up with the top RB's.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

Like I said in another thread, you could probably put together this same highlight reel for every running back that was ever signed to an NFL contract. Its fun to watch but it really doesn't tell you much.

I seem to recall you uffda saying how the film posted on Thornton didn't leave you all that inspired and that is fine but what would you think if they posted film of this guy and all the times he got stuffed behind the line or fumbled the ball? would you still think so highly of him?

Highlight reels make everyone look like a first rounder.

Originally Posted by: sschind 

Like I said in another thread, you could probably put together this same highlight reel for every running back that was ever signed to an NFL contract. Its fun to watch but it really doesn't tell you much.

I seem to recall you uffda saying how the film posted on Thornton didn't leave you all that inspired and that is fine but what would you think if they posted film of this guy and all the times he got stuffed behind the line or fumbled the ball? would you still think so highly of him?

Highlight reels make everyone look like a first rounder.

Originally Posted by: sschind 

I get it. I do. However, there are things you can glean from watching his reel. His pass catching skills are off the charts. Catches the ball with ease. Looks so natural. I can envision him out of the backfield and not just on little swings. This guy can get deep and make big plays. He has natural shiftiness...not a straight line speed guy. Has excellent acceleration/burst. Plays with passion and fights to go forward like he never wants to touch the ground.

And, you're right...I could take many clips of Eddie Lacy getting stuffed and many of him running over people. Barry Sanders used to get shutdown for most of whole games and then he'd just pop one.

In watching him, he has some real admirable qualities...more than usual. He was hurt last year...ankle injury and had a subpar season. Think James Starks injured vs. James Starks healthy. He was tremendous as a junior and is one of those nifty all purpose change of pace guys and 3rd down options. Can he pass block? It is said he isn't shy but MAY be limited due to his size. That is his knock...not quite 5'8...that reel was a lying he isn't 5'10.

Overall, in our offense, I think he could be incredible. We spread it out often and him in space is a tantalizing thought. He can add a dimension in the passing game and maybe pick up some slack with our loss of Finley. Did you actually watch him? A better version of Tyrell Sutton and a more complete guy than DaJuan Harris, whom I also love. Perkins looks like he's a better football player than Harris but Harris runs crazy and is just as fast or faster. Love both those guys.

Just a little bit on me...I watch a lot of these YouTube clips and I don't come running over here gushing about any of them. This guy really got me fired up. I think I've watched the clip 6-7 times just to be sure I loved it as much as I think I did...and I do. I think he has a legit shot at 53 if he can play ST's well.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa