ESPN: Tech’s Dwyer is the nation’s second-best back
I tried to make the point last week, but nobody ever listens to me. But maybe you folks will take heed when somebody employed by the Worldwide Leader says something. So here goes:
Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com Insiders presented his list of the nation’s 10 best backs, and he ranks Jonathan Dwyer of Georgia Tech No. 2. (Who’s No. 1? Caleb King? Uh, no.) Since this is one of those links that requires registration, I’ll provide Mr. Feldman’s top 10:
- Jahvid Best, California
- Dwyer, GT
- Quizz Rodgers, Oregon State
- Charles Scott, LSU
- Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
- LeGarrette Blount, Oregon
- C.J. Spiller, Clemson
- Evan Royster, Penn State
- MiQuayle Lewis, Ball State
- Noel Devine, West Virginia
It’s a nice list, as lists go — heavy on the Pac-10, which is fine by me. And Georgia fans should note that the Bulldogs will face three of the top five. But it’s from Feldman’s description of Dwyer that I find my sustenance:
“Despite playing in a major college football media market, Dwyer still is a bit under the radar. But he has everything necessary to make a Heisman run: power, excellent speed and a system (the Triple Option) where it’s hard to key on him. In 2008, he ran for almost 1,400 yards while he and his teammates were still in the incubation stage of Paul Johnson’s system. The scary part was this 233-pounder still had runs of at least 58 yards in four of Tech’s final five games of the season. Putting a talent like Dwyer in the Triple Option feels a little when Steve Nash met Mike D’Antoni.”
The Nash/D’Antoni comparison is pithy and apt, but the point I sought to make last week is that Dwyer isn’t just a “system back.” He’d be great in the “I” or the veer or the single wing. But in this system he’s all but unstoppable. If he’s not a Heisman candidate, my name isn’t Pepper Rodgers.
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162 comments Add your comment
Tech82
August 5th, 2009
4:07 pm
It’s funny to read comments from mutts bad-mouthing Dwyer after they spent all day last November looking at his (and Roddy’s) back because they couldn’t tackle him. LOSERS!
GO JACKETS! THWG!
Matt Winkeljohn
August 5th, 2009
4:12 pm
Strong, great body lean, follows blocks very, very well, quick feet and deceptively fast. Nice combination, huh?
Get Real
August 5th, 2009
4:18 pm
joe
This is the same thing you said when Reggie Ball was a freshman. Just to put up the fact that UGA has 33 of the last 45 negates anything you can say. Dwyer is a great back but tech football is a complete joke. And yes even joke teams get lucky 1 a decade.
DawgsRule
August 5th, 2009
4:21 pm
Dwyer is just gonna be a another Reggae Ball.
gtforever
August 5th, 2009
4:22 pm
Good Grief guys! We have NO defense, YET! We can’t out score everybody we play. The cold hard facts of GREAT football teams, is that all the GREAT teams had a GREAT defense! Please, all you GT fans, quit talking trash until we have proven on the field that we BELONG!
gtforever
August 5th, 2009
4:23 pm
Dwyer is possibly the best back in the country, period! UGA has nothing even close to his talent!
joe
August 5th, 2009
4:24 pm
We’ll see if it is the same as the Reggie Ball/Chan Gailey years. I doubt it.
Alfred Neuman IV,Summa Cum Laude,UGA'90
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
We are definitely in for another “Golden Shower” this year.
But our stadium is HUGE! It’s like the John Holmes of stadiums. It’s so BIG!
Tech
August 5th, 2009
4:27 pm
Nice highlight video above. I’ve never seen Dwyer get caught from behind, except one time, that was in this year’s spring game on like the second play of the game. Dwyer was streaking down the sideline and I think Burnett ran him out of bounds. But I guess that what you get when you have the two best players in the ACC going at it.
Too bad Dwyer doesn’t showboat or jump over Central Michigan defenders and get tackled immeadiately afterwards, he definitely win the Heisman then.
Lets get real !!!!!
August 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
I know that all this dillusional dribble on both sides is part of the rivalry, but lets bring this conversation into focus…
Point 1. UGA is 7-1 going into this season, but that doesn’t matter much at this point. Team rosters will change from year to year with great players (ie. C. Johnson, M. Stafford, K Moreno, D. Richard) on both sides and rosters in general changing from year to year. The difference is what happens in the coaching ranks. I would suggest that GT with CPJ and his coaching staff has elevated GT to a level where they will perform at high level every year. At the same time, while Richt is a tremendous coach. I do not have the same confidence on the defensive side of the ball. Simply put, at the coaching level where it matters the playing field is tilted slightly in favor of GT, where before it was not even close. UGA won hands down, especially with Van Gorder, but that is in the past.
Point 2. Its been said many a time but last year was CPJ’s first year. He has put in less than 50% of his system. The o-line was patchwork at best, trying to field a starting unit. We had one OT who was a converted TE and the other a converted DT from the year before. This year we have 12 people fighting for 5 slots, with 2 starters possibly being beaten out. Saying this, we stll gashed defenses. As a result, more of the package being implemented including a passing game that was non-existent, and a upgrade in personnel bodes well for GT.
This all means, what has happened in the last 10-20-30 years… It does not matter. There are enough changes occurring on the flats and between the hedges that the rivalry is back…We’ll see what happens later this year. I can guarantee you that it will be a war. If things remain as they are now on both campuses (coaching staffs, etc.), don’t expect it to change any time soon.
BS Patrol
August 5th, 2009
4:31 pm
Bradley,
Dwyer would start a ga? YA RECKON?
Hell, the third string backs at TECH would start at ga.
Chris
August 5th, 2009
4:32 pm
I’m getting pretty tired of AJC articles written in response to ESPN articles.
Stephen
August 5th, 2009
4:32 pm
Great to see and hear that this young man is getting his due props.
I find it interesting that there are GA fans on this blog about a Tech player trying to talk smack when I did not see any GA running backs listed in the Top 10. Maybe they would show up on the list if it….let’s say…. included the Top 150????? Maybe not?????
Why can’t you just be glad that a university in Georgia is being recognized as having an outstanding football player with his character. I can’t wait for Tech to smack ‘dat A@# again this year. That is going to shut up a lot of non-believers in Tech’s offensive scheme. Only time will tell but I’d bet on Tech!!!!!
Glenn
August 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
Matt Winkeljohn; nice to hear from you!
I’ve been seeing some of your work recently in some of the National “rags” (great articles, by the way) so maybe you can give us some more insight; how do you think Jonathan is being received on a National basis?
Ramblin Wrecker
August 5th, 2009
4:35 pm
I think Dawg fans know it but would not like to admit it, but if Dwyer were at UGA, I don’t think it would have been a foregone conclusion that Knowshon Moreno would have been the starter last year. Moreno is a very good back, but he was not as sturdy (getting dinged up) or as fast as Dwyer. While Moreno might hurdle defenders, Dwyer is a load to tackle and has an extra gear (was a track star in high school) that Moreno doesn’t possess.
Chris
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
I consider myself a pretty big football fan, and granted I don’t watch much Pac-10 football, but I can honestly say that I’ve never heard of Javid Best. Maybe it’s the same for Dwyer to those west coast teams, but seriously, who is he?
sjacket
August 5th, 2009
4:40 pm
Are you Dawg really this illiterate or are you just pretending. I have a 3 year old grandaughter with better grammar. Wait a minute though her father and mother are both Tech grads. I guess most of you so called Dawg fans can claim that your parents are maybe grade school grads.
Old Gold
August 5th, 2009
4:43 pm
How can he be a candidate when Kno-Yards Moron-o never heard of him? I don’t think they ever heard of Moron-o either as it turns out.
Get Real
August 5th, 2009
4:44 pm
I know you tech are not even attempting to compare the history of RBs and UGA to those at tech. This is so typical of tech fans. You have a great player like Dwyer and you make people not like him because of how you behave. Just be happy you have good expectations for this year and this player. Stop acting like tennessee fans.
These dog losers
August 5th, 2009
4:45 pm
have nothing better to do than come on here and bash a kid….let me say that again for all you old fat ass supposedly grown men….a kid…. that is a superior athlete, with a great head on his shoulders and is getting a degree from a great institution for which he can use after his football career is over. Look at yourselves…..typing on a computer, talking about someone you don’t even know, and acting like a bully on the playground. You guys really need to grow up. Have a little respect for a kid doing his best in life. I mean really. Your lives pathetic.
Get Real
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
tech fans are on UGA blogs everyday. In fact this is the same stuff that tech fans said about KM last year. Exactly! So do not hold your head up high like you don’t do it.
Piss on em!
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
JDawg, your a huge dumbass.
TampaGator
August 5th, 2009
4:49 pm
Sure wish Tebow could hand off to him…yikes!!!
sjacket
August 5th, 2009
4:50 pm
Just review the first play of second half. Defense hits running back…running back bounces off attemted tackle…sprints over 50 yards out running defensive backs along the way. You are right he is no Moreno or Caleb King and for that all Yellow Jacket fans are delighted.
These dog losers
August 5th, 2009
4:56 pm
stop making excuses that tech fans are on ga blogs everyday. Big f’n deal that there are idiot tech fans on ga blogs. Why does that excuse give anyone else the right to be an idiot and come on gt blogs and do it? It’s the lamest excuse in the world. “You guys do it so we will do it.” Grow up!
Mark Bradley
August 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
I was a major Tashard Choice fan, and when Tech people were telling me Dwyer was in that league — this is when Dwyer was a freshman — I said, “Yeah, right.” But now I’m here to tell you: Choice was a fine college back, and Dwyer is even better.
BankerDawg
August 5th, 2009
4:58 pm
Wow.
Jonathan Dwyer = Reggie Ball
Wishful thinking IMO. I can’t believe one, much less, two, posters even suggested this is close to being true.
I’ve said it before, but I will say it again for my fellow Dawg fans that peruse the AJC blogs. Our recent past against Tech has been an awful lot of fun (80s to present), no doubt about it, but if we are not paying attention to what is happening on The Flats, we are not being the astute observers of college football that we think we are.
Paul Johnson does not care at all about what Tech’s record was in anything prior to his arrival. Doesn’t matter to him, plain and simple.
Their offense is loaded this year, period, end of story…I’m fine to admit that, and it all starts with Dwyer at B-Back, who is absolutely the real deal. If Nesbitt has made any strides since last year, the O will be virtually impossible to stop, unless they lay it on the grass like they did a couple of times last year.
We’ll see how their D handles the loss of some key guys, which is a legit concern for them heading into the fall, and I’m sure they know that.
I know we feel the need to make fun of their stadium size, male/female ratio, the quality of the “female” value in the male/female ratio, doing calculus during games, etc….but once in a while, it’s nice to talk actual football too.
I can’t wait to head to BDS@HSG in November!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS! SIC ‘EM! WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
Mark, why did you feel the need to insert as the 3rd comment the fact that IYO that Dwyer would start at UGA? When neither of the first posters even went in that direction? Fan the flames…fans the flames….
GA Tech Insider
August 5th, 2009
5:11 pm
BankerDawg; Nice to have you posting in such a classy way. I wish more GA AND GA Tech fans would take a page out of your book.
I, too, think the rivalry is finally back on, and think that it’s a good thing for both teams and their fan bases. Whether the others on these blogs will admit it or not, it’s a heck of a lot more fun having exciting, competitive, games.
Here’s hoping both teams come out strong, and have healthy seasons so that when they play in November, they’ll both be at full strength and we’ll be able to put on an an exciting game that the rest of the country will be tuned in on.
Smart Jay
August 5th, 2009
5:13 pm
Banker – isnt’ that little Woof, Woof at the end somewhat embarrassing to you as a banker? I mean, if you were a mechanic or my pool boy,maybe, but a banker?
Please, have some dignity!
Mister T
August 5th, 2009
5:13 pm
get real,
I honestly don’t talk smack on the uga blogs. When I do go tot he uga blogs, I rarely comment. When I do I am generally very respectful. I know not everyone is, but your coming over tot he Tech blog and talking trash doesn’t exactly solve anything, now does it. I suggest that you only comment on the Tech blog if you have something to debate. Back up your position and someone will engage you.
Now with regard to the Tech fans that come to the uga blogs and gloat, go ahead and admonish them there as I am about to do you.
GET THE ^&#(%^&Q(#$(@ OFF OUR BLOG YOU *^($&($*&@Y BUTT SNIFFER!
Now, I feel much better.
THWg!
GT Alum
August 5th, 2009
5:15 pm
Congratulations to Dwyer. Keep up the hard work. You don’t need a Heisman to compete at the next level, and this prediction means nothing unless you work hard and prove yourself to be consistent at the caliber you are being recognized at.
Dawg Boy
August 5th, 2009
5:15 pm
I agree Dwyer is a great back. I can’t believe Demarco Murray from Oklahoma is not on this list.
Mark Bradley
August 5th, 2009
5:17 pm
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
Mark, why did you feel the need to insert as the 3rd comment the fact that IYO that Dwyer would start at UGA? When neither of the first posters even went in that direction? Fan the flames…fans the flames….
Why did I feel the need? Oh, it just seemed like the right thing to say at about 3:10 in the afternoon.
Smart Jay
August 5th, 2009
5:17 pm
BTW – banker – that was kind of tongue in cheek (just kind of), I also enjoyed your post. People like you make me almost feel bad for never cheering for UGA.
I’ll give you a story about a Dawg Fan going woof, woof. It was after Tech (many years ago) had beat NC State (in Raleigh) in basketball on a Mark Price jumper at the buzzer (Tech’s only lead of the game).
After the game, as I walked out with my NCSU friends, we passed some (drunk) fan and seeing my Tech clothes, I guess he felt the need to go into his “Woof, Woof” routine.
It’s scratched indelibly on my mind as the stereotypical Bulldog fan. I’m laughing now thinking about it. I guess he was also a State fan.
E
August 5th, 2009
5:18 pm
I’m starting to think AJC gets paid to link ESPN articles on the AJC website. It must be hard times for the AJC, either that or the journalist are getting lazy…..
AD1823
August 5th, 2009
5:23 pm
Dwyer may be the best in the country. Do not discount Jahvid Best at Cal though. That guy is a beast.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 5th, 2009
5:31 pm
Well thanks for the honesty…lol!
Whiny Dan Magill
August 5th, 2009
5:32 pm
Sadly, my last likely chance to see my Bulldogs tie or break GT’s 8-game win streak has come and gone.
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
August 5th, 2009
5:41 pm
As a Ga fan I’ll say this, I don’t know that if I had Dwyer I would trade him for any other back in the country. Big, physical, fast, runs with heart, the whole shootin’ match. Ga’s defense is talking like they’re going to be better, and they had better be if they are going to compete against GT’s offense this year and beyond. I’m glad the rivalry is back, makes the winning that much sweeter. Good luck and an injury free year to the Jackets. The State of Ga will have as good of pair of football teams as there is in the country for the next decade or so. So it is written so it shall be
BankerDawg
August 5th, 2009
5:43 pm
Jay-
I hear you.
I try to limit my barking to GameDay only events and/or any other time it seems appropriate (i.e. after more than the recommended daily allowance of cold adult beverages when my buddies deem it necessary to break into a rendition of “What’s that coming down the tracks”). That still never gets old for some reason.
I have seen the random UGA fan bark at a Tech guy completely out of context, and that is one I just do not understand. I am hoping against all hopes that these people are not alums.
As for my professional life, I learned long ago not to bark at my clients, even if they are part of the Bulldog Nation….just kind of sends the wrong message!
GO DAWGS!
TampaGator
August 5th, 2009
5:57 pm
Dwyer was just named as one a select few running backs to possibly have the honor of winning the Doak Walker trophy this coming year. And, oh my the way, another one is Jeff Demps of Florida. I guess that puts an end to the comments “that Florida does not have any good running backs.” And, no running back was nominated from Georgia I am sorry to say. Just FYI.
Joe Schmoe
August 5th, 2009
5:58 pm
Thanks for a more civilized conversation now. I do believe thought that all these guys; Ramble ON, St. Simon, HUH?, WTF?, DawginLenix, sell out a 55,0000, ect… are the same person. Same trends. Kinda makes me wish ajc was a pay to post site.
Paddy
August 5th, 2009
6:07 pm
jdawg…UGA fans everywhere just went away and hid their faces after what you said. Please come back on and tell us your were not serious. WOW, that was really dumb. On 2nd thought, don’t come back on. It could only get worse. Hope your not a grad?
GT GRAD
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Dwyer will have a much better chance of winning the Heisman in 2010 (if he stays at GT for his senior year of course!). He is absolutely stellar and we are very fortunate to have him at GT.
GT has so many solid running backs that it will be hard for Dwyer to get the touches, yards & touchdowns required to actually win the Heisman. I hope he stays at GT his senior year, becomes a front runner for the Heisman and ends up staying in games to increase his stats………..this would also increase the likelihood of a legitimate run for the National Championship in 2010!!
If you are going to dream; I say dream BIG!
Go GT!!
harleydawg
August 5th, 2009
6:38 pm
mr bradley, with your knowledge i know you can tell how tougher defensive teams are in the sec, why would caleb king not blow through the acc to 200 yds agame even say he or any back of uga played with say matt ryan, he would have better stats. Cking or samuel any or uga back would because he played in the acc
aztec
August 5th, 2009
6:50 pm
it doesnt matter if he was recruited by the dawgs or not. the important fact is 45-42, thats all that counts
GT9
August 5th, 2009
6:52 pm
BankerDawg, you’ve got class.
Mark, thanks for good GT press.
I’ve only missed two of Dwyer’s college games. I’ve seen that kid make runs that seemed to make time stand still. He can absolutely fly in the open field. I’ve seem him run over linemen and linebackers and defensive backs with concussion power. He can pop you one on one.
Every time that I have talked to him, he has conducted himself with humility and graciousness.
Jonathan Dwyer is a very special person and I am very, very thankful that he’s a student at Georgia Tech.
Here’s to hoping he has a Heisman worthy season and brings the trophy back home.
LizDawg
August 5th, 2009
6:52 pm
Hate to admit it but I wish Dwyer would have been a Dawg. You guys act like a 3 point victory is equivalent to a 51-7 blowout and 7 of 8 DOMINATION.
aztec
August 5th, 2009
6:55 pm
liz a 3 point victory of uga is a big to us