The Ghost Of Ray Small
Fragile Dazzle
As noted by Keith at Buckeye Commentary and dissected by Pfef at ATO, this past weekend was supposed to be the 2007 debut for WR/KR Ray Small. In fact, Small even worked out in pregame but did not step on the field once the game started. I haven’t heard any official word as to why he didn’t, but considering his status as a fragile gazelle, I assume the wet turf led to his watching from the sidelines again.
While I dont see Small as an offensive savior, I do think simply having him on the field stretches the D as his speed must be accounted for every play. Even more importantly, Small could give a boost to the punt and kick return games. For my money, a healthy Small should be returning kickoffs with Brandon Saine as opposed to the likes of Mo Wells, Anderson Russell or Malcolm Jenkins. Kickoff return men should be your burners and I can’t imagine a faster tandem than those two. I truly believe Small could be a secret weapon this week.
Before last game, Jim Tressel mentioned that Ray Small “could” play, but he didn’t want to play him if at all possible. Ray Small is on the depth chart this week, and if Washington’s “defense” gives the receivers problems, we could possibly see him. For sure when Big Ten play starts. That’s what Tressel wants, is Small to be 100% once the real schedule begins.
Tressel was confident that we were going to win the first couple of games without Ray Ray. However, if he can come back this week, it could change our kick return and the speed amongst receivers. Hopefully he can hold on to the ball.
As far as Small goes, his speed is well noted, but Speed coach Reynolds stated that Anderson Russell was the 2nd or 3rd fastest guy on the team,,right up there with Small and Saine.
True…I guess I just have a desire to see what Small can do. I love Russell, but I think he’s a DB for a reason. Those hands look a little suspect so far…
He’s probably still recovering from that hit he took against Minn…that made me poop my pants and I was just watching it.
tress said he will play sat in the press conference today
I’ll believe it when I see it.
“KJB” you poop your pants on a regular basis so thats no surprise. However, I begining to wonder if Ray Small survived that hit at all.
Speaking of speed, Washington’s RB Louis Rankin “Runs Like an Antelope”. I took a look at his recent history and he has more ups and downs than Ralph Machio at Mr. Miagi’s house. Simply put the dude is too lanky to be a truely consistent tailback but if you make a mistake and let him loose…save your energy because he is g-o-n-e.