[socalstanfan1]

Barry Browning ahead of Wayne Lyons?  That's a different story than the Lyons All-American hype a month ago.  I am officially worried about our corners.

I noticed that comment, too, though my initial thought was not as troubled as yours.  I actually considered a few possibilities:

1.  An earlier quote by Shaw (I believe) noted that Lyons right now is still at about 85%.  Maybe that helps to explain why Browning is currently ahead of Lyons.

2.  Maybe Browning is just better than we thought.  I recall, when he was playing nickel back as a true freshman, being very, very impressed by him.  Perhaps now, recovered from whatever injuries he struggled with, he is just making progress.  That would be a good thing, regardless of which back eventually wins the starting spot.  As we know from our games with Oregon, you cannot have too many good, athletic DBs.

3.  If Browning and Terrance Brown really are that good, is it possible that Lyons slides over to solidify the safety spot?  I haven't heard any coaches mention this, but that was the position most people penciled him in for coming out of HS. 

4.  How much of this is just coaches speaking with their own agendas?  Is this a way of keeping competition alive?  Intensifying the competition within the team? 

I was more taken with the comment, I think from Coach Mason, that Oglubude has emerged as one of the top safeties.  Cause for concern? or sign of great player development?  We'll find out in September.

[socalstanfan1]

Barry Browning ahead of Wayne Lyons?  That's a different story than the Lyons All-American hype a month ago.  I am officially worried about our corners.

I noticed that comment, too, though my initial thought was not as troubled as yours.  I actually considered a few possibilities:

1.  An earlier quote by Shaw (I believe) noted that Lyons right now is still at about 85%.  Maybe that helps to explain why Browning is currently ahead of Lyons.

2.  Maybe Browning is just better than we thought.  I recall, when he was playing nickel back as a true freshman, being very, very impressed by him.  Perhaps now, recovered from whatever injuries he struggled with, he is just making progress.  That would be a good thing, regardless of which back eventually wins the starting spot.  As we know from our games with Oregon, you cannot have too many good, athletic DBs.

3.  If Browning and Terrance Brown really are that good, is it possible that Lyons slides over to solidify the safety spot?  I haven't heard any coaches mention this, but that was the position most people penciled him in for coming out of HS. 

4.  How much of this is just coaches speaking with their own agendas?  Is this a way of keeping competition alive?  Intensifying the competition within the team? 

I was more taken with the comment, I think from Coach Mason, that Oglubude has emerged as one of the top safeties.  Cause for concern? or sign of great player development?  We'll find out in September.