Lorenzo Booker draft stock

[BuccinTex]

Future star(hopefully) to be added to that list, Buster Davis. 

I'd say that Lorenzo Bookers draft stock is on the rise after his 200 + yard, 2 TD performance. I've been waiting for this guy to strut his stuff.

he may have moved from an early 5th to more of a third-forth rounder

The problem with slorenzo is that he runs his mouth and doesnt back it up 3/4 of the time....I remember last year he played UF and said something to the fact that he felt like UF didnt belong on the same field with him and that he was thinking about going to UF till he was offered at FSU and that he would rather go to FSU because who would want to play for the stepchildren.....he followed that with

7 rushes for 13 yards

[tampaandy1]

Another thing you have to consider will be the combine.  There is always a few players who test off the charts at the combine and get drafted a lot higher than anticipated.  I believe Booker will test outstanding at the combine.  He is athletically gifted.  I could see someone taking him in the early to mid 2nd round if he does test great.

[STULAAKE]

FSU hasn't been able to run the football all season!  One game does not make him a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick...Nice game yes, but he is not consistent enough to warrant that high of a pick...

[BTownBucFan]

He might have improved from a third to second rounder. He is small but explosive, someone will get a good back.

That's what I'm thinkin' too Skip...good change of pace type guy...very pittman like IMO with his ability to catch, but much better vision and balance. 2nd rounder at best.

[Feel Real Good]

If the NFL only drafted defensive players from the Pac 10, he'd be great.

[cvillebucfan]

Booker will test off the charts  and be a late 2nd to early-mid 3rd round. He does have some nice skills that will tanslate well in the NFL.

[fessy]

he played like the best player in the nation, like he was 5 years ago coming out of high school.  The problem is that he signed under Jeff Bowden's first or second year as the OC when the offense kept declining each year.  The main issue in my opinion is that he has NEVER been the featured back until last night.  He always had to share with Leon Washington and Greg Jones.

He is super talented and will score very high in the combines.  His talent was overshadowed by FSU poor play calling.  If Jimbo Fisher was the OC during Lorenzo's tenure at FSU, he would probably have a few records and awards.

[STULAAKE]

he played like the best player in the nation, like he was 5 years ago coming out of high school. The problem is that he signed under Jeff Bowden's first or second year as the OC when the offense kept declining each year. The main issue in my opinion is that he has NEVER been the featured back until last night. He always had to share with Leon Washington and Greg Jones.

He is super talented and will score very high in the combines. His talent was overshadowed by FSU poor play calling. If Jimbo Fisher was the OC during Lorenzo's tenure at FSU, he would probably have a few records and awards.

Lorenzo had his opportunity to be the featured back all season...He was THE MAN and didn't produce...IMO no better than a 3rd down back in the NFL

[rpc1978]

I remember Travis Stephens put on a clinic against Florida, too...

i still say that Gruden didn't give him enough a shot.  A couple fumbles in the preseason then he was banished to the doghouse.  he was even deactivated with a phantom injury. 

as for Booker, as an FSU alum (c/o 2000) I've watched the guy closely since he arrived.  He was overated coming out of high school and has underachieved at FSU. Its not all his fault, rampant o-line injuries, poor QB play during the infamous Rix era and having Jeff Bowden as the OC certainly didn't help him.  But despite occasional flashes, he never was able to seize the job and was outplayed by somewhat less heralded backs like Washington, Jones and Antone Smith (at times) this year.  His versatility is what will get him drafted on day 1, but I disagree with the notion that he is a tough between the tackles runner.  He is all about finesse.  Watch the game again from last night, which was his finest college performance.  How many times did he go over the 100 yard mark last night only to have a negative yardage play to dip below the century mark? He is constantly trying to bouce it outside or reverse directions and as a result he has too many negative yardage runs.  He needs to learn to take what he can get and stop trying to rip off a 50 yard run each play.  Sometimes its better to put your head down and get back to the line of scrimmage for no gain when the blocking breaks down rather then dance around in the backfield and lose 4 yards.  Due to his speed, elusiveness and hands I think he could make his mark in the pros as a good situational/change of pace/3rd down specialist type back. But i dont ever see him being a 20+ carry feature back guy.  Leon Washington has more potential to be a feature back in the pros then Booker does. 

[flyinbuc]

He could be a good fit in this offense but only as a second day pick as he is a bust waiting to happen.

Just sit back and think of some of the players that have come through Tallahassee:

Charlie Ward, Brad Johnson, Chris Weinke, Peter Tom Willis, Casey Weldon
WARRICK DUNN, Leon Washington, Sammie Smith, Travis Minor and hopefully Noel Divine
LAWRENCE DAWSEY, Peter Warrick, Ron Dugans, Tamarick Vanover, Fred Bilitnekof, Javon Walker
Walter Jones, Alex Barron, Tra Thomas
PETER BOULWARE, Andre Wadsworth, Darnell Dockett, Corey Simon, Reinard Wilson, Ron Simmons
DERRICK BROOKS, Marvin Jones, Kamerion Wimbley, Sam Cowart, Lawrence Timmons
DEION SANDERS, TERRELL BUCKLEY, LEROY BUTLER, TAY CODY, ANTONIO CROMARTIE, Byron Capers

Just to name a few

Hassan Jones

[watson]

I remember Travis Stephens put on a clinic against Florida, too...

i still say that Gruden didn't give him enough a shot.  A couple fumbles in the preseason then he was banished to the doghouse.  he was even deactivated with a phantom injury. 

RPC,
If Stephens was that good then why didn't he make it with another team?  Maybe there was more to it than Gruden just not giving him a chance....

[rpc1978]

you're right that he never went on to greatness,  but i never said that he should have.  i just thought we were too hasty with him.  talent + opportunity = success. with some guys, its about giving them a shot.  as gruden himself said, travis was "thick & quick." but travis showed some preseason butterfingers and Gruden isn't known for his patience.  another example is frank murphy, who is out of the league.  i still say we never should have cut Frank prior to the 2002 season.  when healthy he was a very productive KR and I believe he would have broken the streak.