Jamaal Charles - impressed beyond the obvious

[Favpack]

I remember Cedric Benson's freshman year pretty vividly. He was most definitely a freshman - almost all year. Not so with Jamaal on Sat. night IMO - this guy looked like a freshman on one play - the bad pitch on the end around which was not a choke job - just a lousy pitch. A few highlights:

1) Jamaal catches a somewhat tough ball on 3rd and 9 on the last TD drive. Tons of pressure on that catch and he makes it look easy - then he's heads up enough to get the first down yardage. Simply put, he misses that ball I think UT loses.

2) Laying the wood on Hawk. jtk pointed it out - he simply blasted the guy after the INT.

3) Don't remember the quarter, but he runs right over a db on a nifty 20 yard run. I think it was the drive where UT got the fg off the post.

4) General attitude. The kid simply acted like it was just another game. He looked like he belonged and made some pressure packed plays with no hint of pressure.

Sure, he missed some blocks and needs to work on alot, but I was very impressed. The kid plays far bigger than his size indicates and this may be the best D he faces all year. Outside of Peterson in OU-land - this was one of the better freshman performances in a clutch situation I've seen in a while.

Bottom line - keep him in Mack. Selvin Young got dinged again, and he fumbled. I think Jamaal is the man this year.

[KT2000]

Charles won the starting job against Ohio State in my estimation. Selvin will still play, but I don't think there is any question who the man for the starting job is.

JC went into one of the most storied venues in all of college football in the most hyped non-conference game in years....and played completely unintimidated.

He made a bad pitch to Ramonce, but that's a very tough play to execute. Gutsy call and I'm sure they've done it successfully in practice a million times. I think the safety (Whitner?) waiting on his side froze him up a bit because that's a play where you catch and flip almost immediately.

Selvin has shown heart to get himself back into playing shape given the injuries he's sustained since high school, but he looked way too timid with the ball in his hands. It was the complete opposite with JC in the game. Charles played through a shoulder injury his entire senior year at PA Memorial. He only had it repaired earlier this year, so it's great to see him playing at this high level after playing in pain most of last year.

He was taking 40 carries per game with a bum shoulder last year. He's made of tough stuff.

[RPM]

IMO...I think Charles should be the starter...Young needs to hold on to the ball...

[dragonfootballfan]

IMO...I think Charles should be the starter...Young needs to hold on to the ball...
I really think that the starter should be Ramonce Taylor. He is the best running back on the team, but they are converting him to a receiver. I wish that he would take on a sort of Reggie Bush type by giving him like 12-15 carries a game and catching some passes while Jamaal Charles gets another 12-15 and Young taking the rest of the carries

[Garland02]

JC went into one of the most storied venues in all of college football in the most hyped non-conference game in years....and played completely unintimidated.



You hit the nail right on the head! Can you imagine what this kid is going to do against the rest of the defenses he plays against in the regular season if he gets the number 1 TB spot? I think as long as he isn't a red shirt this year, let em play!!!

[jtk1519]

As I have said before, I was blown away by the young man's poise. When Selvin fumbled that ball, you know Jamaal knew he was going to be the RB for this game. This kid could have folded under that kind of pressure, but it looked like he thrived on it. What really impressed me about the play where he blasted Hawk was the fact that he didnt give up. If you watch that video again you will see that it was Charles that tried to make the initial tackle, but couldnt bring the big man down. He could have slammed his hands to the turf and been mad, but he popped right back up, took a very good angle and was determined to make Hawk pay. I cant tell you how impressed I am to see plays like that from a true freshman.

Another thing that impressed me was his toughness. I knew about his speed and athletic ability, but at 195 pounds, I didnt know how he would do running up the middle. I was very impressed to see that Jamaal didnt mind running the ball between the tackles and I think he will be very successful running up the middle. The kid took some beatings but he kept popping back up and (aside from the bad reverse to Ramonce) he never put the ball on the ground.

I think with Jamaal's ability to catch the ball (something else that impressed me) and run the ball, he may be another "Reggie Bush" type athlete. I know that has been said about Ramonce, but I think that comparison fits Jamaal as well. The future is VERY bright with this young man.

[TheProphet]

UT Football is my speciality field lol, i seriously have the depth chart memorized with ht wt and yr, and dragonfan you would be right, if it werent that RT can do more at SE. JC will start from here on out, Selvin Young is trash in my opinion, but I think you will see him playing FL and adding to the ridiculous depth of UT's receiving corps. But on another topic, Henry Melton only got 2 carries (PS on the ESPN gamecast skycam he scored, thats the only real angle that works) and that needs to change in the future.

[Texasfrog]

I remember Cedric Benson's freshman year pretty vividly. He was most definitely a freshman - almost all year. Not so with Jamaal on Sat. night IMO - this guy looked like a freshman on one play - the bad pitch on the end around which was not a choke job - just a lousy pitch. A few highlights:

1) Jamaal catches a somewhat tough ball on 3rd and 9 on the last TD drive. Tons of pressure on that catch and he makes it look easy - then he's heads up enough to get the first down yardage. Simply put, he misses that ball I think UT loses.

2) Laying the wood on Hawk. jtk pointed it out - he simply blasted the guy after the INT.

3) Don't remember the quarter, but he runs right over a db on a nifty 20 yard run. I think it was the drive where UT got the fg off the post.

4) General attitude. The kid simply acted like it was just another game. He looked like he belonged and made some pressure packed plays with no hint of pressure.

Sure, he missed some blocks and needs to work on alot, but I was very impressed. The kid plays far bigger than his size indicates and this may be the best D he faces all year. Outside of Peterson in OU-land - this was one of the better freshman performances in a clutch situation I've seen in a while.

Bottom line - keep him in Mack. Selvin Young got dinged again, and he fumbled. I think Jamaal is the man this year.

J. Charles showed everyone that he deserves the starting "keys" to the RB spot. He showed some serious flashes of greatness against a very stout defense in a bigtime game in a very tough away stadium on National tv. Not bad for are little true freshman from P.A.

Also.. that knock down of AJ Hawk was classic. AJ Hawk got the slomber knocked out of him by Charles and I like the way Charles stood over him and basically looked down at him with that " Ya that was me that just knocked the slomber out of you."

[zippy]

J. Charles (if he stays out of trouble with , grades, girls, crime, and injuries) WILL be better than both Williams and Benson. Mark my words. He is too composed to only be a freshman, and he makes the big plays to go along with it. Passes and runs. WOW

[Texasfrog]

As I have said before, I was blown away by the young man's poise. When Selvin fumbled that ball, you know Jamaal knew he was going to be the RB for this game. This kid could have folded under that kind of pressure, but it looked like he thrived on it. What really impressed me about the play where he blasted Hawk was the fact that he didnt give up. If you watch that video again you will see that it was Charles that tried to make the initial tackle, but couldnt bring the big man down. He could have slammed his hands to the turf and been mad, but he popped right back up, took a very good angle and was determined to make Hawk pay. I cant tell you how impressed I am to see plays like that from a true freshman.

Another thing that impressed me was his toughness. I knew about his speed and athletic ability, but at 195 pounds, I didnt know how he would do running up the middle. I was very impressed to see that Jamaal didnt mind running the ball between the tackles and I think he will be very successful running up the middle. The kid took some beatings but he kept popping back up and (aside from the bad reverse to Ramonce) he never put the ball on the ground.

I think with Jamaal's ability to catch the ball (something else that impressed me) and run the ball, he may be another "Reggie Bush" type athlete. I know that has been said about Ramonce, but I think that comparison fits Jamaal as well. The future is VERY bright with this young man.

Texas has to find a way to get the ball into R. Taylor hands a few times in each game. That kid has the game breaking ability that only a few players across the nation have.

J. Charles gets the "keys" to the starting spot at RB. He earned it bigtime.

H. Melton..... he needs to learn that his a Mack Truck and that when there is a 5-11/180 DB standing infront of him and his got a load of stem going. Just run the kid flat over like Earl used to do.

I cant wait to get J. Shipley back in the WR core. I think his going to open up the Texas offense even more and he'll be one of V. Youngs top targets along with D. Thomas and B. Pittman along with Sweed. :D

[Texasfrog]

J. Charles (if he stays out of trouble with , grades, girls, crime, and injuries) WILL be better than both Williams and Benson. Mark my words. He is too composed to only be a freshman, and he makes the big plays to go along with it. Passes and runs. WOW


His really good. I saw him play Katy in the "dome" a couple of years ago and he looked solid in that game. He had like 180 yds against a tough Katy defense.

Then the on tv in the Texas Coaches All-Star game. Where he looked Great.

But, in the Ohio St game he showed me that his the bigtime real deal. His just smooth and really doesnt look like he takes big hits. He has that kanny style of running like Tony Dorsett had. Running hard and smooth and not letting anyone get a good shot on him and just taking glancing blows.

I'm excited for him. I just wonder what kind of effect its going to have on some of the blue-chip RB's that have committed to Texas for this season. Might scare a couple of them from signing with Texas.

I've always been a fan of Selvin Young. I saw him play his first game his somphomore year at JV against Klein Oak. He had like 300 yds rushing in the game and 3 tds. But,,,, if you're going to fumble the ball.. We'll "Houston we have a problem."

[KT2000]

Charles had 274 yards on 27 carries against Katy in that game. He scored both of PA's TDs in Katy's 34-14 win.

[Texasfrog]

Charles had 274 yards on 27 carries against Katy in that game. He scored both of PA's TDs in Katy's 34-14 win.

I knew it was alot.. I couldnt recall off the top of my head the exaxt #'s. If I remember right he had a long run to start the game off. I also think he got hurt some in the game and didnt play in a couple of series so the #'s could of been higher.

His legit and very talented. Cant really do anything but get better with speed and strength training and just growing mentally. He looks like his adjusted to the speed of the college game very nicely.

PS. Not bad in that Katy game.. because you know Katy's game plan on defense was to shut Charles down and he still had almost 300 yds rushing. That's telling me something right there.

[mtbray]

Texasfrog,

Not to be the big bad grammar police but for crying out loud....

it makes baby Jesus cry every time you say "His" instead of "He's" or "He is"

[mtbray]

J. Charles gets the "keys" to the starting spot at RB. He earned it bigtime.

H. Melton..... he needs to learn that his a Mack Truck and that when there is a 5-11/180 DB standing infront of him and his got a load of stem going. Just run the kid flat over like Earl used to do.


I completely agree, but his dive WAS a touchdown!

Also.. that knock down of AJ Hawk was classic. AJ Hawk got the slomber knocked out of him by Charles and I like the way Charles stood over him and basically looked down at him with that " Ya that was me that just knocked the slomber out of you."


Hell yes!! The best part of the hit was not only that Charles didn't get knocked down but he was just towering over him like a champ. I was watching with the fraternity brothers and when Charles laid him out one guy got so excited he punched through a double-sided window! Dumb thing to do.. now he's got 13 stitches!

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

I told yall Jamaal would be starting real soon. :D

[zippy]

Im with you there, I saw him play 3 high school games, and then the all star game. I saw the highlights, and he looked like he would make a good college back one day. However after watching the games so far, he IS going to be a great back in college. I see him leaving his Jr year however if all goes well.


His really good. I saw him play Katy in the "dome" a couple of years ago and he looked solid in that game. He had like 180 yds against a tough Katy defense.

Then the on tv in the Texas Coaches All-Star game. Where he looked Great.

But, in the Ohio St game he showed me that his the bigtime real deal. His just smooth and really doesnt look like he takes big hits. He has that kanny style of running like Tony Dorsett had. Running hard and smooth and not letting anyone get a good shot on him and just taking glancing blows.

I'm excited for him. I just wonder what kind of effect its going to have on some of the blue-chip RB's that have committed to Texas for this season. Might scare a couple of them from signing with Texas.

I've always been a fan of Selvin Young. I saw him play his first game his somphomore year at JV against Klein Oak. He had like 300 yds rushing in the game and 3 tds. But,,,, if you're going to fumble the ball.. We'll "Houston we have a problem."

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

I hope he stays all four. hell I hope VY stays for his senior season, then we'll have him, jamaal, big mac truck melton, pittman, sweed, cosby, and shipley (who will break alot of records if not injured).

[TheProphet]

I am just glad this ended the conversation of Javorskie Lane being better than Jamaal Charles...

[LPFAN]

I am just glad this ended the conversation of Javorskie Lane being better than Jamaal Charles...
Where in this thread is there conversation about Jorvorskie being better than Jamaal? Both are great backs and Jamaal just happens to play for a different team and coach who gave him a chance in the first two games to show what he can do. He will only get better and when Lane gets his chance he will also be able to show what he is capable of. Both will only get better in the coming weeks, months and seasons. They both have different styles and both are great. Who really cares if one is better then the other????????? As long as both are able to help their TEAM win that is what really matters. The last time I checked football was a TEAM sport. I good back can look GREAT with a good o'line but if you have a weak o'line a great back can sometimes look like an average back. I look forward to watching Lane and Charles in the future. Now someone on another thread thinks Vondrell Mcgee will come in and just take Jamaal's job. McGee is a great back but I just don't see him taking anything away from Jamaal. That person said something like "Jamaal better get all the carries in while he can because Vondrell McGee is coming next year." I thought that was pretty bold and kind of stupid if you ask me. I feel Jamaal is UT's back of the present and the future.

[jtk1519]

I actually think Jamaal and Vondrell will be a two headed monter in a year or two. Almost makes you wish they would bring back the wishbone with VY at QB, Hank the Tank at FB and Vondrell and Jamaal at RB with a little Ramonce and Selvin thrown in every now and then.

[TheProphet]

Well LP, thats true what you said at the end, and if you look Vondrell is an all purpose back, Moody is the true RB who wil be in direct competition. McGee is much more likely to aide at Sub B or on returns. However, what you said about having a better team, remember Lane played for Lufkin, JC for PA Memorial. Lane had a better team and still didnt do as much. I like him, I just think it is foolish to compare him to JC. Its like saying Cedric Benson is better than Ricky Williams, both are great backs, one is just much greater...

[LPFAN]

Well LP, thats true what you said at the end, and if you look Vondrell is an all purpose back, Moody is the true RB who wil be in direct competition. McGee is much more likely to aide at Sub B or on returns. However, what you said about having a better team, remember Lane played for Lufkin, JC for PA Memorial. Lane had a better team and still didnt do as much. I like him, I just think it is foolish to compare him to JC. Its like saying Cedric Benson is better than Ricky Williams, both are great backs, one is just much greater...
I didn't say better team. I compared having a good or bad o'line. There is a differance. Your team as a whole might not have been great but if your o'line got the job done for Jamaal then that makes his job much easier. But like I said I don't know what your talking about when it comes to comparing the two. Both are different and great at what they have accomplished so far. I have seen too many "great" football players not make it in college or football and the ones you wouldn't think could do it end up being the ones who make it. Like I said, Jamaal is a great back and to me he has been impressive in his last two games. But who really cares if he is "better" then Lane. Lane will have his chance to show what he is capable of eventually but like I said before, it is about the TEAM and not the individual.

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Where in this thread is there conversation about Jorvorskie being better than Jamaal? Both are great backs and Jamaal just happens to play for a different team and coach who gave him a chance in the first two games to show what he can do. He will only get better and when Lane gets his chance he will also be able to show what he is capable of. Both will only get better in the coming weeks, months and seasons. They both have different styles and both are great. Who really cares if one is better then the other????????? As long as both are able to help their TEAM win that is what really matters. The last time I checked football was a TEAM sport. I good back can look GREAT with a good o'line but if you have a weak o'line a great back can sometimes look like an average back. I look forward to watching Lane and Charles in the future. Now someone on another thread thinks Vondrell Mcgee will come in and just take Jamaal's job. McGee is a great back but I just don't see him taking anything away from Jamaal. That person said something like "Jamaal better get all the carries in while he can because Vondrell McGee is coming next year." I thought that was pretty bold and kind of stupid if you ask me. I feel Jamaal is UT's back of the present and the future.McGee will not start over Jamaal, period, end that discussion quick. Lane and Charles would've been on the same level if each would've swapped HS's. and if Mack is smart he'll put Mcgee at the slot if not redshirt him.

[TheDuke]

Jammal should start, Taylor should stay where he is. Unless Charles get's hurt for some reason I would use Taylor like Reggie Bush.

[StormingCowboy]

I'm excited for him. I just wonder what kind of effect its going to have on some of the blue-chip RB's that have committed to Texas for this season. Might scare a couple of them from signing with Texas.

Well considering JC said that he's going to make you forget about Adrian Peterson, I'm sure the other backs probably think they are just as good too.

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Well considering JC said that he's going to make you forget about Adrian Peterson, I'm sure the other backs probably think they are just as good too.He's already made me forget. aint he out one game or something?

[TheProphet]

yeah peterson isnt playing against UCLA this week. OU will be beaten terribly and out of the AP poll for the first time in stoops' tenure. then the words "texas fight texas fight, OU SUCKS" we'll all the much sweeter

[Texasfrog]

yeah peterson isnt playing against UCLA this week. OU will be beaten terribly and out of the AP poll for the first time in stoops' tenure. then the words "texas fight texas fight, OU SUCKS" we'll all the much sweeter

Ya.. but if Oklahoma brings about 40 dudes to the Cotton Bowl. There is going to be a football game and in that game .. You throw the records out 90% of the time.

[TheProphet]

well ill go with that texafrog, since we are cross in one of those highschool threads i posted, id hate to make a mortal enemy during my 2nd week on the board

[Texasfrog]

well ill go with that texafrog, since we are cross in one of those highschool threads i posted, id hate to make a mortal enemy during my 2nd week on the board

Dont get me wrong.. I'll be rooting for Texas all dang day. But, I much as I hate Oklahoma I'll never diss them much. That "Light" could go off anytime now and then I'll be really nervous.

I'll have a little better feel for what I think about Oklahoma after this UCLA game in Pasadena.

[RP-3]

yeah peterson isnt playing against UCLA this week. OU will be beaten terribly and out of the AP poll for the first time in stoops' tenure. then the words "texas fight texas fight, OU SUCKS" we'll all the much sweeter


If I am not mistaking, he will play but may not start. So he will probably be in the 3rd play of the game. I have to agree with what Stephen A. Smith said, AP gets REWARDED for missing classes by being suspended from 2 practices. :rolleyes:

[RGVBadBoy]

Charles is the fastest RB i've seen in a LONG LONG time, you can see the burst from him, he's gonna be a GREAT one

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

Charles is the fastest RB i've seen in a LONG LONG time, you can see the burst from him, he's gonna be a GREAT one
He runs a 4.28. Ramonce runs a 4.23. And with Vondrell coming your adding another guy with 4.2 or 4.3 speed with V.Young. Next year Texas will be fielding the fastest team ever.

[TheDuke]

He runs a 4.28. Ramonce runs a 4.23. And with Vondrell coming your adding another guy with 4.2 or 4.3 speed with V.Young. Next year Texas will be fielding the fastest team ever.

If Young stays around? HOPE SO!! Also, don't forget about J. Wilkerson who is already there! Guess he is redshirted?

[Mr. Buddy Garrity]

If Young stays around? HOPE SO!! Also, don't forget about J. Wilkerson who is already there! Guess he is redshirted?
He will. He needs to fine-tune his passing tachnique. sidearming will not work properly in the NFL. not dissing his passing skills, just stating the obvious.

[TheProphet]

wilkerson is redshirted as a WR, hey my OU phropecy came true, chalk one up for the prophet

[jc84chill]

How impressive was JCharles today...again? 16 carries for 187ish with 3 TD's in a half of work.

Not only is he doing it on the ground, but he has been great receiving out of the backfield and on blitz pickup.