[DCEBB2001]

Quote: Originally Posted by Playmakers

I thought this article i was reading while researching some onformation on ex-Steeler LB Levon Kirkland would help open some eye's to those who seem to worry way too much about a players speed rating.....you'll see that Kirkland refrences quickness to be more important than speed. I've read similiar comments from Emmitt Smith who wasn't a very fast RB based on speed -------------------------------------------------------- http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/foot...rs-1051655.php It started at Clemson, where he weighed 205 pounds his freshman year. It continued when he arrived in Pittsburgh as a 240-pound outside linebacker. To play inside in the Steelers' 3-4 defense, he had to get bigger. Kirkland gradually increased his weight, without losing much speed or any quickness. His best time in the 40-yard dash in college was 4.6 seconds. Despite the added weight, he ran between 4.7 and 4.8 seconds a few years ago. "I always ran a slow 40," said Kirkland, slow being a relative term for a man his size. "I never was a 40 guy. It's quickness more than speed. That's what is essential to football. I think you have to have a lot of quickness, and I think my quickness has been the best part of my game."

This once again shows you how important it is to look at those other ratings outside of speed. Good post!