In today’s update we head to Atlanta to check in on former FSU running backs Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith.
Antone Smith
Drafted: Undrafted Free Agent
NFL Teams: 4; Detroit, Vikings, Texans, Falcons
NFL Stats: 29 carries, 289 yds (9.9 avg), 4 TDs; 15 Rec, 232 yds (15.5 avg), 3TDs
Background: Smith went undrafted in 2009 and was signed/released from multiple practice squads before ultimately ending up in Atlanta. Smith spent the majority of his career thus far as a standout on special teams. His ability to hunt down return men has kept him a roster spot all of these years (in his first 3 years, he only had 1 carry for -3 yards). Smith was never needed as a running back due to the great seasons Turner had while a member of the Falcons and wasn’t given a chance to play much either after the addition of Steven Jackson. But, after a very poor 2013 season in which the Falcons finished dead last in rushing in the NFL, Smith was finally given a chance to carry the ball. And he didn’t disappoint. Smith touched the ball on offense just 36 times, 23 on the ground and 13 through the air for a combined 336 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games played.
Smith was headed back to Free Agency in February and was touted as “one of the league's most-explosive playmakers.” He received lots of interest, notably from the Giants, but the Falcons prioritized resigning him. Smith re-signed with the Falcons on March 10, 2015.
Current: Back-up RB. The Falcons are revamping the running back position this season after releasing Steven Jackson and not re-signing Jacquizz Rodgers. He’s a true homerun hitter and could be the fastest player on the roster. Smith is the smallest of the three backs and is recovering from a broken leg, but he’s a guy that is too talented to stay on the sideline. And with him being an asset on special teams, Smith will see the field a good amount this season, albeit likely behind fellow Nole Devonta Freeman.
Antone Smith Mic’d Up:
Devonta Freeman
Drafted: Falcons, 3rd round, 103 overall
NFL Teams: 1; Falcons
NFL Stats: 65 carries, 248 yds (3.8 avg) 1TD; 255 yds receiving, 1TD
Background: Freeman did not start a game in his rookie season with Atlanta. He had 248 yards on 65 carries. But there was frustration that the previous coaching staff did not give Freeman more carries, particularly when Steven Jackson was so ineffective late in the season.
Current: Competing for starting RB spot. The Falcons gave Freeman first-team reps throughout OTAs, and many believes Freeman's more-natural receiving ability has placed him in front for now. Freeman entered training camp as the slight favorite to start, but will face heavy pressure from what some believe to be the more-talented rookie, Tevin Coleman. Rumors out this week state that Coleman will finish preseason with the starting job. Pass-catching - something Head Coach Shanahan has always featured with at least one of his backs wherever he's been - could be Freeman's route to some significant playing time. Ultimately, this looks like a backfield committee and potential 50:50 split, with Antone Smith seeing time as well.
Here's to hoping these Nole RBs come out on top.
Devonta Freeman Mic'd up: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media...-Freeman/8a138c74-6f00-42a8-8562-bf25ae4067d4
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed. Be sure to like the thread if you want to see more updates. Once those slow down, I'll take that as a sign these updates have run their course and I'll stop clogging up the board with them.
Note: I'll be out on vacation until next Tuesday and will post more updates when I get back.
Prior installments:
Everette Brown, Buster Davis, Ochuko Jenije
Chris Thompson
Dustin Hopkins (and Willie Downs)
Patrick Robinson (and Adrian McPherson)
Antone Smith
Drafted: Undrafted Free Agent
NFL Teams: 4; Detroit, Vikings, Texans, Falcons
NFL Stats: 29 carries, 289 yds (9.9 avg), 4 TDs; 15 Rec, 232 yds (15.5 avg), 3TDs
Background: Smith went undrafted in 2009 and was signed/released from multiple practice squads before ultimately ending up in Atlanta. Smith spent the majority of his career thus far as a standout on special teams. His ability to hunt down return men has kept him a roster spot all of these years (in his first 3 years, he only had 1 carry for -3 yards). Smith was never needed as a running back due to the great seasons Turner had while a member of the Falcons and wasn’t given a chance to play much either after the addition of Steven Jackson. But, after a very poor 2013 season in which the Falcons finished dead last in rushing in the NFL, Smith was finally given a chance to carry the ball. And he didn’t disappoint. Smith touched the ball on offense just 36 times, 23 on the ground and 13 through the air for a combined 336 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games played.
Smith was headed back to Free Agency in February and was touted as “one of the league's most-explosive playmakers.” He received lots of interest, notably from the Giants, but the Falcons prioritized resigning him. Smith re-signed with the Falcons on March 10, 2015.
Current: Back-up RB. The Falcons are revamping the running back position this season after releasing Steven Jackson and not re-signing Jacquizz Rodgers. He’s a true homerun hitter and could be the fastest player on the roster. Smith is the smallest of the three backs and is recovering from a broken leg, but he’s a guy that is too talented to stay on the sideline. And with him being an asset on special teams, Smith will see the field a good amount this season, albeit likely behind fellow Nole Devonta Freeman.
Antone Smith Mic’d Up:
Devonta Freeman
Drafted: Falcons, 3rd round, 103 overall
NFL Teams: 1; Falcons
NFL Stats: 65 carries, 248 yds (3.8 avg) 1TD; 255 yds receiving, 1TD
Background: Freeman did not start a game in his rookie season with Atlanta. He had 248 yards on 65 carries. But there was frustration that the previous coaching staff did not give Freeman more carries, particularly when Steven Jackson was so ineffective late in the season.
Current: Competing for starting RB spot. The Falcons gave Freeman first-team reps throughout OTAs, and many believes Freeman's more-natural receiving ability has placed him in front for now. Freeman entered training camp as the slight favorite to start, but will face heavy pressure from what some believe to be the more-talented rookie, Tevin Coleman. Rumors out this week state that Coleman will finish preseason with the starting job. Pass-catching - something Head Coach Shanahan has always featured with at least one of his backs wherever he's been - could be Freeman's route to some significant playing time. Ultimately, this looks like a backfield committee and potential 50:50 split, with Antone Smith seeing time as well.
Here's to hoping these Nole RBs come out on top.
Devonta Freeman Mic'd up: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/media...-Freeman/8a138c74-6f00-42a8-8562-bf25ae4067d4
Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed. Be sure to like the thread if you want to see more updates. Once those slow down, I'll take that as a sign these updates have run their course and I'll stop clogging up the board with them.
Note: I'll be out on vacation until next Tuesday and will post more updates when I get back.
Prior installments:
Everette Brown, Buster Davis, Ochuko Jenije
Chris Thompson
Dustin Hopkins (and Willie Downs)
Patrick Robinson (and Adrian McPherson)
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