The S2 Running Back class is shaping up to inject some real talent into the league. 4 backs all with different playstyles are competing for touches in the prospect games to show what they can bring to the NSFL team that drafts them. These backs are Eric Kennedy, the powerhouse out of LSU, Kyle Cobb, the receiving back from Ball State, Ardie Savea, a Rugby convert from New Zealand and finally, Darlane Farlane, the rapid running back out of USC.
When asked what separates their play from the others in the class, speed arose as an important factor.
Cobb also pointed towards his receiving skills as something that sets him apart;
There are still plenty more prospect games for the others in the class to show interested GMs what they can bring to their teams in the NSFL.
When asking the prospects where they hoped to land in the league during the draft there seemed to be no standout favorite location, perhaps they didn’t want to alienate any potential teams, although significant interest was shown in the new expansion teams.
Thanks @Kcobb9 and @Gwdaja for your quotes
When asked what separates their play from the others in the class, speed arose as an important factor.
Quote:“I think what separates me from the pack is my speed. I think when all is said and done, I'll be the fastest back in the league within a season or two.” –D. Farlane
Quote:“I can really run too. I might be the fastest back here.” –K.CobbAs things stand Farlane is a little faster but all the training between now and the draft could change that and teams will get a chance to measure attributes such as speed at the combine.
Cobb also pointed towards his receiving skills as something that sets him apart;
Quote:“What separates me? Everything! I could play wide receiver if I wanted because I'm that good, I just like to use my legs. But really my hands are unbeatable in this rb draft class. Other than that, I'm pretty outspoken too, haha.”Speaking of being outspoken, the prospect games have brought out the competitive nature of some of these guys, although they were quick to assure there was nothing in it and they just like to push each other to all be at their best.
Quote:“The difference between me and these other guys is although they’ve had more experience in the game at the college level and earlier, I have experience in professional sports. I’ve proven I can do it on the big stage and in high pressure situations. I won the Super Rugby League last year with the Hurricanes and I’ve had to perform on the international stage for the All Blacks. I’m trying to make up for lost time and learn the ins and outs of the sport in the prospect games” –A. SaveaAll of the RB prospects spoke of how important the prospect games were;
Quote:“I'm excited to watch what happens with the rest of the season, watching the teams play and trying to strut my stuff in the Prospect Games. We'll see who the first back is to go off the board when the draft comes around for S2.” –D. Farlane
Quote:“Well the prospect games of course. I haven't been claimed by a team yet, but all of us rookies can still show off on even ground there. I believe I've already proved myself in the few games we've played, but I probably still have some showing off to do.” –K.CobbCobb sure has impressed, over the first two prospect games he has 138 rushing yards off 36 carries along with 8 receptions for 54 yards. He also has 2 touchdowns, something none of the other backs have managed to achieve.
There are still plenty more prospect games for the others in the class to show interested GMs what they can bring to their teams in the NSFL.
When asking the prospects where they hoped to land in the league during the draft there seemed to be no standout favorite location, perhaps they didn’t want to alienate any potential teams, although significant interest was shown in the new expansion teams.
Quote:“Honestly I don't really care. It would be cool to end up at an expansion team and be the face of the franchise, but being the back anywhere would be cool.” –K.Cobb
Quote:“My preferred spot is whichever team wants to give me the #1 RB spot. Building up fresh with one of the new expansion teams could be a good situation.” –D. FarlaneSavea did have one preferred location to be drafted;
Quote:“I’ve been lucky enough to be given an opportunity in San Jose this season and I really feel I could do great things here. I love the city and the guys have been great, really welcoming me into the locker room. Obviously it would be ideal if I returned here through the draft but I understand the business side of the league and I’d be stoked to play for any team.”These Running Backs will be interesting to follow through the draft process and for the rest of their careers as they all try to make their mark on the NSFL. Keep an eye out for the next prospect game on Tuesday to see all 4 of these guys, as well as the rest of the S2 prospects, in action.
Code:
790 words
Donatello McTurtle || CB/OL #72 || Tijuana || New York || S33-S44
Ben Alexander-Arnold || CB/FB #66 || TIJ || AUS/NO || S24-S33
Ben Tu'inukuafe || OL/DE #61 || Tijuana || New Orleans || S15-S24
Tana Keïta || LB #53 || Tijuana Luchadores || NO/OCO || S10-S15
Ardie Savea || RB/TE #26 || New Orleans Second Line || S1 - S10
------------