I know Sy doesn't do pro comps anymore, but reading through Eric's 97 draft review, I thought there was a striking similarity between the two players.
Ike was the go to guy for Florida. Yatil Green was the bigger faster guy but in crunch time they went to Ike. He was of slender build, 6', 185lbs. He was technically proficient, especially in route running. Ike was more of a glider not a burner, smooth in his movements. Ike was tremendously productive, 25 TDs his last 2 years.
George Young said “We thought he was the most complete receiver. He can make all of the catches that you need. He can run the fade pattern, catch the ball under pressure, and his blocking is pretty good. He can make the adjustments on the poorly thrown balls. One of the things that struck me was that he was very consistent. He was Danny Wuerffel’s go-to guy at Florida, the guy he looked for in the clutch.”
Keith Jackson said "He's the best WR in college football"
Ike also ended his career on a high note, catching 3 TDs against FSU in the Sugar Bowl, winning the national championship.
Ike was taken 7th in the 1997 draft which was a thought to be a reach at the time.
Unfortunately Ike suffered a serious injury his 2nd game and needed surgery. I'm not sure he was ever the player Young had envisioned.
His career best year was 2000:
55 rec, 787 yds, 8 TDs.
He played for 11 years, 35 overall TDs.
Obviously injury aside, I think this is pretty close to how I see Smith. Do you think they are close as players?
Eric's 97 review - (
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And of course when you make the comparison to Hillard, it is especially appropriate that his career was compromised by injury. He was 6 feet 180 or so, Smith is 6-1 and rumored to be 167 lb
And of course when you make the comparison to Hillard, it is especially appropriate that his career was compromised by injury. He was 6 feet 180 or so, Smith is 6-1 and rumored to be 167 lb
Yes a spear to the back of the neck by a 215 lb safety would compromise about anyone's career.
Don't watch a ton of CFB, but Ike was like the Giants Steve Smith. Always seemed to find some space and get open in the middle of the field, but didn't have top end athleticism, at least post-injury.
It's definitely not.
Bring on all comps, Smith is polarizing to me so I like the discussion. Ike to me, seemed like a clone of Smith including pedigree.
Don't watch a ton of CFB, but Ike was like the Giants Steve Smith. Always seemed to find some space and get open in the middle of the field, but didn't have top end athleticism, at least post-injury.
Chris Hudson of Jacksonville was the one that hit Hilliard in the neck. Dawkins separated his shoulder.
My other quibble is he didn't test. 40, 3 cone, Vert. Would liked to have seen his numbers. I know the whole run in shorts deal, but I wanted to see some explosive numbers.
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BBI is slipping...
Don't watch a ton of CFB, but Ike was like the Giants Steve Smith. Always seemed to find some space and get open in the middle of the field, but didn't have top end athleticism, at least post-injury.
Chris Hudson of Jacksonville was the one that hit Hilliard in the neck. Dawkins separated his shoulder.
The other thing I remember about Ike is he’s one of the guys who got robbed by an agent who turned out to be a crook. Don’t recall if he and others were compensated for it, but I think he kept a lot less of his career earnings than he deserved.
Always a big fan of his, tough player who kept bouncing back from all the injuries.
But also agree that Smith should be better
First time for me hearing that comparison too. I like it. But wow, they better run to the podium if he's still there at 11.
p.s.--If the Giants hadn't taken Hilliard with the 7th overall pick they were gonna take Tiki. There was a heated argument over the two prospects in the war room that left the Tiki-supporters pissed off. Fassel tried to talk Young into trading up into the back end of round one for Tiki, but Young refused. It turned out Tiki was available in round 2. At least one of the scouts was still upset, saying "the wrong guy is geting the big bucks" or words to that effect.
Chad Johnson was 190+ lbs.
THat is all.
I think that maybe you're trying to justify taking Smith. It's not a good fit for us IMHO. I believe that he will get abused in the pros. I appreciate watching him against college defenses but I fear that he won't be so successful as a pro.
After Cincinnati chooses Chase at #5 and reconnects him with Joe Burrow, I'm thinking that Miami brings in one of Tua's college WRs. I would prefer that the Dolphins take Smith at #6, but if they are smart they'll choose Waddle.
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he was smooth and nifty, but wasn't fast or gamebreaking. A good red chip talent.
George Young would take issue with that, as he did with everyone who was surprised by the pick. I think his response was, "I beg your pardon, did you see the Sugar Bowl?"
p.s.--If the Giants hadn't taken Hilliard with the 7th overall pick they were gonna take Tiki. There was a heated argument over the two prospects in the war room that left the Tiki-supporters pissed off. Fassel tried to talk Young into trading up into the back end of round one for Tiki, but Young refused. It turned out Tiki was available in round 2. At least one of the scouts was still upset, saying "the wrong guy is geting the big bucks" or words to that effect.
That's a great story.
Link - ( New Window )
And I'll never forget the play he made in the Sugar Bowl against FSU. How his knee didn't vaporize is beyond me.
Stop and Pop - ( New Window )
And I'll never forget the play he made in the Sugar Bowl against FSU. How his knee didn't vaporize is beyond me. Stop and Pop - ( New Window )
There it is
Look at tiki barber. Too small too this too that. He learned to avoid a big shot by targeting shoulders of defenders upon contact. Smith has played his whole career “undersized”. It isn’t a concern.
Allen Iverson
Snoop Dog
I always thought the neck thing was more an excuse if that's the right word. Not to knock Ike, he was a gamer and likely would have been more appreciated on a better team, but you either come back from a neck injury or you don't. He did. I don't think he lost any quickness or ability. He was just not a great WR. Still came close to getting a ring here, but not quite...
Agreed, he was a good player but I don't remember him having the same type of explosiveness, quickness, or playmaking ability as Smith does.
As to Ike being 185 lbs - I remember seeing him in training camp his rookie year and thinking that the 185 lbs was a very generous measurement.
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he was smooth and nifty, but wasn't fast or gamebreaking. A good red chip talent.
I always thought the neck thing was more an excuse if that's the right word. Not to knock Ike, he was a gamer and likely would have been more appreciated on a better team, but you either come back from a neck injury or you don't. He did. I don't think he lost
Y Lmny quickness or ability. He was just not a great WR. Still came close to getting a ring here, but not quite...
It's a tough one to describe but he never looked the same player. He never seemed to look as smooth or sudden as he did that rookie pre-season.
Given the existing roster, I'd rather see an OL or a Defender at 11 if they see a core starter at that slot. Receivers can be more easily found later in the Draft.