AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USChoice reminds of Emmitt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hey, got some Tech stuff here. A little Tashard Choice, some hoops, and a recruiting tidbit!
Mike Knobler drew the assignment to travel to Pinehurst, N.C., for the ACC preseason bonanza, but I’ve read with interest what Mike and others have written about Tashard not getting his share of attention, chiefly from the media.
Some of it is understandable. Even though he led the ACC in rushing by a mile last season, he wasn’t as flashy as Clemson’s Spiller or Davis, and Va. Tech’s Ore. began the season with more reputation. Plus, the Va. Tech program has been more high-profile in recent years, meaning more writers and ESPN types — at least on a national level — kept/keep an eye on the Hokies.
Beyond that, Choice wasn’t really hyped locally last year beyond the fact that the AJC after almost every game wrote a sidebar about him because he kept going past 100 yards in every game. He wasn’t splashed all over local TV, or ESPN.
Anyway, I was asked the other day what made Tashard so good. “Is he fast? Is he big?” I thought a few moments and said Choice is neither super fast, nor big. He’s roughly average size and average speed, but he’s very patient in waiting for holes to develop, accelerates on cue, doesn’t cut like Barry Sanders but has a little wiggle, and can move a pile, slip a tackle, etc.
In short, he’s a poor man’s Emmitt Smith (not a pro yet). Tashard, like Emmitt, has fabulous vision, stays square to his target, runs hard, almost never goes down on the first hit, follows blocks brilliantly, rarely improvises to the point of destroying a play, and is like dripping water that won’t stop. He’s persistent; hammer, hammer, hammer, hammer, and then he slips into the secondary for a 22-yarder.
I still think the key to Tech’s season will be the passing game more than anything, that Tashard can run, the O-line can block, the defense will be very solid, and Durant Brooks can routinely change field position with his punts.
If Taylor Bennett and a young WR corps can muster a better-than-average passing attack so that defenses can’t load up on Tashard and the running game (which should benefit additionally from a healthy FB in Mike Cox), I think Tech will be very good.
OK, moving on and around …
Looks like my report of Paco Diaw transferring to San Diego was premature. No, this isn’t because he’s had a problem completing that independent studies course. Instead, apparently the folks at San Diego decided they want to add a bigger player. As for Paco’s options, stay tuned. He may remain at Tech. He might transfer somewhere else. Ideally, he’d be close to his brother, Boris, in Phoenix. That made San Diego doubly appealing.
A question: Should A.J. Jenkins commit soon to Tech, which he might, that would be three kids from Florida having committed to the Jackets among the first nine … Is Tech sinking a foothold into the fertile recruiting grounds of Florida?
Tech is also strong on the DB from Blountstown, Jon Lockhart, and very much in the mix on the mega-talented LB from Miami, Etienne Sabino. Butler and Yandell came recently from Nease, which sent Tim Tebow to Florida, and a slew of studs elsewhere.
There are other examples. Clearly the evidence is building.
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By FSU bound
July 24, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
OMG- Tashard Choice mentioned in the same breath as Emmitt is quite humorous. The ignorance and utter blindless that Tech fans suffer from is remarkable. You are going to have another 7-8 win season. You will have to offer 3 game packages plus a Chick Fila meal in order to sell out your cracker jack stadium. And, you will once again make it to a mediocre bowl out in Seattle or somewhere and rejoice. Yawn!!!
By addicted
July 24, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
I think Choice was not as well known more because of a giant like #21 on our team than through any exploits of other RBs.
It was really hard for any media attention we got to not be centered around Calvin, which prevented #22 from getting the exposure he deserved.
If he plays this season, like he did last, without any clear superstar in the team, expect a lot more people to hear about him.
By K-Dogg
July 24, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
FSU?…um how does 30-0, Wake Forest sound?…and your crowd left during the 3rd Quarter! The only thing good to come out of F$U lately has been Jenn Sterger.
By ALL-DAWGS-GO-TO-H*LL
July 24, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
**I AGREE WITH YOU ON THE ARTICLE. BUT ALSO HAVE A QUESTION: ARE THEY GONNA REDSHIRT NESBITT THIS YEAR OR USE HIM IN A TIM TEBOW TYPE ROLL. AND WHAT IS TAKING JENKINS SO LONG?
I CANT WAIT UNTIL TECH BULLIES NOTRE DAME AROUND! ITS GONNA BE SWEET!**
By Kyle
July 24, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
FSU more like FSWHO lately. What bowl game did FSU play in last year?
By Matt Winkeljohn
July 24, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Way to early to say on Nesbitt. They don’t start practice until Aug. 3, and won’t be in pads for several days after that.
I think the Tebow role will be considered.
Matt
By College Football Fan
July 24, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
If Choice reminds you of Emmitt, it must be by the way he scratches his butt. I saw Emmitt play for Florida, and trust me, Choice is no Emmitt.
By ClemsonMania
July 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Tashard is a good back but not great. Someone said he would be a 4th round pick next year which is about right. He would make a quality 3rd string back for our club. With Haylie Bennett and Coach Gailey running the show…7 wins this year, maybe. BTW, who are we packaged with this year? I would like to take advantage of the meals they offering with my seats.
By ClemsonMania
July 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Tashard is a good back but not great. Someone said he would be a 4th round pick next year which is about right. He would make a quality 3rd string back for our club. With Haylie Bennett and Coach Gailey running the show…7 wins this year, maybe. BTW, who are we packaged with this year? I would like to take advantage of the meals they are offering with my seats.
By ClemsonMania
July 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Tashard is a good back but not great. Someone said he would be a 4th round pick next year which is about right. He would make a quality 3rd string back for our club. With Haylie Bennett and Coach Gailey running the show…7 wins this year, maybe. BTW, who are we packaged with this year? I would like to take advantage of the meals they are offering with my seats.
By Matt Winkeljohn
July 24, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Didn’t say he was Emmitt. I liked some of his assets to the assets that made Emmitt Emmitt.
Do you disagree that Emmitt was no especially fast? Big? Do you disagree that he followed blockers well, was patient to holes, ran square, was hard to bring down on first contact, etc.?
Perhaps you have not watched much of Tashard Choice, but these are his strong suits, too.
I didn’t say he does these things as well as Emmitt did them, but that his strengths are in similar areas. Why? Because usually a back who leads his league in rushing by 300-plus yards has one distinguising characteristic above all others (much as the Clemson backs are ridiculously fast, or other backs are very big, or very shifty).
Choice does not have one single characteristic. Rather, he does many things well. I never suggested he’s going to be the next Emmitt. But there is a similarity in that neither was among the very fastest at his level, nor the biggest, nor the shiftiest.
Don’t just to the conclusion that just because I used Emmitt’s name in the same blog with Tashard Choice that I think Tashard is Emmitt II. Read patiently, pay attention, and my points should be more clear.
Matt
By gary
July 24, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Regardless, of whom you might want to compare Mr. Choice to, the point is that he is one fine running back. Personally, I appreciate his hustle and the enthusiam that he brings to the field every time he suits up. Obviously, from his interactions with opposing players, they appreciate his game also. No more should need to be said to qualify Mr. Choice’s abilities. If you can’t recognize talent when it is demonstrated then maybe you are just blinded by your own personal agenda.
By K-Dogg
July 24, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Matt, some of these guys are just trolling to be trolling…don’t take it personal. I thought your article was well-reasoned and thought out. Hopefully, Tashard can repeat his production from last year and remain a consistent force in our offense. And like you said, if a passing game shows up this year, teams will have to respect it and that should make Tashard that much more dangerous!
The Notre Dame game can’t get here fast enough!!!
By Ramble ON!
July 24, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
clemsonmania you have to be a loser with a name like that…wait, I get it now, you’ve been watching too much Wrestlemania. I don’t mean to break your heart, but it’s fake.
Would you like to know the overall record between the two schools, I’ll dig it up if you’d like?
By jackets fan
July 24, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
The comparison to Emmitt Smith is actually a very good one. I was thinking the same thing the other day. He just gets yards. He’s built very similarly and runs the same way. Not too fast and doesn’t reverse field all day long like a Sanders or Bush, but you look up at the end of the game and he’s put a benjamin + up on you. He’ll be the ACC offensive player of the year because he’ll lead the league in rushing again and GT will win a lot. The other contenders for that honor are the QB from Boston College, whom I think will struggle a little with the coaching change at BC. Brandon Ore and the tandem from Clemson will be good, but all of those guys will struggle with weak QB play in Glennon and Proctor (or whichever freshmen get promoted to starter). FSU has no offensive stars, neither does Miami. Maryland, NC State, Virginia, UNC and Duke have zilcho at QB, so good luck to any of the offensive players on those teams in having standout seasons with no QB. Choice has done it and has an improved offense to do in within.
By Stats
July 24, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Last season, the ACC went 6-16 against opponents from other BCS conferences.
The conference is 3-31 against top-10 opponents since 2000.
Its league champion has lost in its bowl game seven straight years.
By gt45
July 24, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Matt, don’t bother explaining yourself to people that didn’t watch Tashard but maybe one game last year, if that. The people who follow Tech know exactly what you are talking about. I’m sure there are a few Ga, Wake, and WV fans that, even though they may not admit it, were left scratching their heads last year wondering how he did what he did. He always seems to get stronger as the game goes on, and very seldom falls backwards when tackled. I’m sure it is an honor to Choice for the comparison, but no surprise to those of us who follow the Jackets.
By Steve
July 24, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Emmitt Smith is like Dan Marino and Lawrence Taylor…good college players who became GREAT pros. I know that I am dealing with ignorance when I see Emmitt, Marino or LT voted on to someones all time NCAA team. Their choice is based on pro careers, not college. No, Choice is no Emmitt Smith. But he could very realistically wind up being a better college back than Smith.
By fatigue question
July 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Is it possible for anyone to get stronger during a game? Is adrenaline that strong? Can a battery charge itself?
It probably is possible for one to have more stamina than others…which might lead to the illusion of “getting stronger as the game goes on”.
A body needs rest to reduce fatigue.
I like Choice-glad he transferred.
By Jolly Good Fellow
July 24, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
I think if you ask Gary Danielson after the Gator Bowl last year he would tell you he noticed him, and would think that others will be picking up on this heisman candidate if Tech gets off to a good start. Not saying he will win, but who knows?????
By WFC
July 25, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
What I like most about Choice is his heart. The man wants to play. While Choice was certainly helped last year by CJ’s presence, he’ll be helped even more this year by Taylor Bennett’s accuracy. Tech won’t be in so many “third and forever” situations. I think that Choice and the OL wil lead GT to a better season than last year. The final three games were certainly disappointing but GT was only twelve points from a 12-2 record and a top ten finish. Things are getting better!
By No Dawgs Here
July 25, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this
Choice, is a great running back. Let’s hope that the ground game can win 9 or 10 games. I personally think, that Tech will be better. Yes, better without CJ. There’s talent that hasn’t shined yet. Tech will be a top 25 team. Go Jackets!!
By wes
July 25, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Matt said “POOR MAN’S EMMITT SMITH”. He didn’t say he was just like him.
Some of you GT haters are just plain dumb.
By gt45
July 25, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the physiological insight. It’s nice to have a medical genius on board to enligthen me on exactly how batteries, adrenaline, and physical stamina are related. And I’m glad you like Choice, Dingleberry-
By scooter11
July 25, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
I’m sure there are a ‘few’ fans scratching their heads, but ‘all’ fans saw three losses.
By GSU
July 25, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Love to see the decline in GT football. Soon, we will have a team and take over that #2 spot in the state. Bennett as your #1 QB, ha ha. He will fill the seats and create so much excitement. Keep up the good work over there.
By scjacket
July 25, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
choice will have a better year than davis or spiller. look for the kittie tandem in cowtown to spend more time worrying about who gets the most carries. both have already had homesick instances in the last 2 years. plus they have no QB. this kid hasnt even played. at least bennett has shown he can produce in a big situation. and i am still trying to figure out all the hype around va tech. they did nothing last year in blacksburg until after the game was already decided. any comments?
By Old Grad
July 25, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
As a Tech Grad I am as impressed with his GPA as I am his running!!!
By gte578e
July 25, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Matt, nice comments. It’s interesting to me that someone would say Choice is no Emmit. But, if you look at Emmit’s career numbers, his were only better than Choice’s in his final season at Florida. And that was only by 120 yards and two touchdowns. It’s not like Emmit was a god in college. In fact, Emmit was rarely a god in any game. Emmit doesn’t have any high records, hasn’t even run for 200 yards 3 times in his career. But, you look at the end of the year, and he’s got great numbers. That means four things: conditioning, health, falling foward, and a good line. So far, that’s Choice too.
By gte578e
July 25, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
For “fatigue question,” yes, you can actually get stronger as the game goes on. Yes, I think you’re pretty much right on your assumption. But, as your muscles warm up, you can get looser and put out more power. In playing basketball, I could jump higher in the second half than the first. I don’t know about the last minutes of the game though. That’s when adrenaline can make a significant difference.
By fatigue question
July 25, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Fatigue erodes performance. Fact. As an old engineer, I worked with facts. Still a Tech fan and Choice fan. Hope he get 200+ every game.
By Stan
July 25, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Please do not compare our running back to an A**Hole who supports Dog Fighting…
By matt
July 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
i’ve coached middle school football for 15 years(i know, go ahead and say it,”middle school”?) and tashard is the best back i’ve ever coached for one reason: he always runs down hill with a lean that is second to none. i don’t think he ever lost yards for us. oh and get this, he is a better human being than he is a football player. if i had daughters i would pray for a young man like tashard to show up on prom night. go jackets!!!!!
By Joshua Barlowe
July 25, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Very good comparison to Emmitt. Nothing flashy, but difficult to stop.
Clemsonmania should tend to his own worries; the Tigers aren’t exactly rewriting records up in the Upstate.
I like our chances this year, and like the direction the program is headed. It’s a proud thing to be a Yellow Jacket fan, and glad we don’t fill up the police blotter the way some local schools tend to.
By Crux
July 25, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Yeah GSU… Div 1-AA Georgia Southern who went 3-8 last year will take over the #2 spot in the state over a Div 1 GT team that won nine games, played in the ACC championship, and has to replace only one MAJOR loss on the offensive side of the football. Quit living off of the old glory days of GSU football. Those championship days are gone. App State just took over your dominance.
By yellowblood
July 25, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Regarding Clemson, their coach has been recognized for being among the worst 5 college coaches. That said, I wish the Tigers the best until they play Tech. FSU ? You don’t belong here. Spread your ignorance with your Fla and Miami buddies. GSU. I hope you get a team but I don’t want you on our schedule.
By yellowblood
July 25, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Regarding Clemson, their coach has been recognized for being among the worst 5 college coaches. That said, I wish the Tigers the best until they play Tech. FSU ? You don’t belong here. Spread your ignorance with your Fla and Miami buddies. GSU. Your team is the Falcons. I hope you get your own team but I don’t want you on our schedule.
By yellowblood
July 25, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Regarding Clemson, their coach has been recognized for being among the worst 5 college coaches. That said, I wish the Tigers the best until they play Tech. FSU ? You don’t belong here. Spread your ignorance with your Fla and Miami buddies. GSU. Your team is the Falcons. I hope you get your own team but I don’t want you on our schedule.
By Airheadmotorcycle
July 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
I was a student at UF when Emmitt was playing. Matt, you described his strengths to a tee, even in college. I noticed Choice last year, but I didn’t know he was the ACC rushing leader. I will watch him more closely this year.
FSU bound, are you 18 sweetheart? I guessed that because you are entering a “college” this year, well sort of a college. Emmitt left UF in 1989. You would have been less than one year old, actually much less than one year old. How would a less than one year old little girl remember how Emmitt ran in college? See you in November. Go Gators! Good luck Tech.
By GTGreg
July 25, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Good thing “stats” read that sports illustrated article that came out today… too bad his plagiarism doesn’t add anything to the discussion.
By Not disappointed
July 25, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
Great article Matt! Ramblin Wreck!
By Stinger
July 26, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
I agree mentioning Tashard Choice in the same breath as Emmitt Smith is humorous and also degrading to Tashard.
By Elijah
July 26, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Hey FSU man, yall haven’t had a good team since your offensive coordinator went to Georgia. Clemsonmania you are one to be talking about a Coach. The only reason your coach is a coach is because of his last name. What other coach takes the best talent in the league and flops every single year. As far as Choice and Emmitt, I would rather say he is similar to Thurman Thomas. I never liked Emmitt at Dallas. I always thought if you swapped Emmitt with B. Sanders, Emmitt would do nothing. He had all the talent in the world around him at Dallas. I don’t know what Choice will do in the NFL, but he surely gets the job done. Going in to all the Tech games last year all you heard was Calvin, but when the game was over it was Choice. Not to take away from Calvin he is awesome, but Reggie was terrible. If key players stay healthy this year Tech want lose but 2 or less.
By Tech 7-6
July 26, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Choice is a decent back but not great. Tech has 3-4 decent players, and the rest are second and third-stringers on most teams. Your starting QB would not start for most BCS schools. It should be another 7-8 win season (at best) and go to a minor bowl. So, don’t get your expectations too high.
By surfrider
July 26, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Good points. Yes Florida is opening up more for Tech for a few reasons. First, FSU and Miami our in the conference and the exposure is there. These kids want to play them. Two, there are many tech alumni in Florida. Third, history is helping Tech, in the sense there is a track record. Dez White for example and some Miami players, etc..Fourth, some of the high schools have improved in Florida compared to twenty years ago opening up more opportunities. Fifth, growth in the state. Sixth, contrary to many thought many Floridians are looking to leave the state due to many factors…friends living out of state like Atlanta, housing cost, hurricanes, etc..Seventh, distance is not too bad from home. Surely there are others but this may be a start.
By jc
July 27, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Matt, How good is Booker @ backup provided Bennett struggles at QB? I’ve heard great things about his speed and size.
By scribe
July 28, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
LOL! he’s just like emmitt allright..Minus about 20 pounds of punishing muscle and speed. Otherwise, i’d say they are exactly the same
By techfan
July 28, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Choice like Emmitt? Matt sometimes you are just too funny. I guarantee he will not be even drafted in the first 2 rounds of the NFL. It’s ok to root for our team in your columns but some of the things you say are just downright laughable. Did you see those RBs from Clemson that ran all over us? Choice couldn’t carry their jockstraps.
By techfan
July 29, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Choice couldn’t carry Spiller’s or Davis’s jockstrap. Remember when they ran up the score to 31-7 by running all over us. James Davis was 1st team RB last year, not Choice (Spiller was 2nd team btw).
By I-DOG
July 29, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Comparing tech and UGA top 25 finishes in the Final AP poll the last 15 seasons:
06 tech unranked, UGA 23 05 tech unranked, UGA 10 04 tech unranked, UGA 7 03 tech unranked, UGA 7 02 tech unranked, UGA 3 01 tech 24, UGA 22 00 tech 17, UGA 20 99 tech 20, UGA 16
98 tech 9, UGA 14 97 tech 25, UGA 10 96 tech unranked, UGA unranked 95 tech unranked, UGA unranked 94 tech unranked, UGA unranked 93 tech unranked, UGA unranked 92 tech unranked, UGA 8
tech ranked in final poll only 5 times during this period while UGA is ranked 11 times
tech has one top 10 finish in the last fifteen years! UGA 6
tech is ranked higher than UGA in the final poll only twice in the last fifteen years
By I-DOG
July 29, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
I think the comparison to Emmit Smith is a good one. Neither could beat UGA or gain 100 yards against the Dawgs, though both are/were very good players.
I do admire the way that Choice plays. He has a lot of heart and is a quality back.
By question to idog
July 29, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Why the stats and good words?
By The House Divided
July 29, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Choice is a good back that has a big year infront of him. If he expects to run like he did last year, he is sorley mistaken, teams will stop dropping LBs into coverage as often as they did when Calvin was there.
Calvin is one of the biggest playmakers I have ever seen but listen to these stats. AGAINST CLEMSON, “0” CATCHES, AGAINST UGA “2” CATCHES 13 YARDS. WHAT KIND OF PRODUCTION IS THAT FROM YOUR BIG TIME PLAYMAKER AGAINST YOUR TWO BIGGEST RIVALS.
If Tech ever wants to be a bcs kind of team they need to get a more consistent recruiting program going, and a head coach that knows college football.
By chris
July 29, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Choice reminds me of Emmitt to… The way he drinks his water.. The way he stands on the sideline.. Yup.. He’s just like Emmitt when he does that…
By I-DOG
July 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
question for i-dog:
The stats are to remind tech fans about UGA’s vastly superior results to tech in football.
the kind words for Choice are because he has earned them with his play.
The digs against Choice and Emmit Smith were because I couldn’t resist.