Undrafted RB Impressing
May 12th, 2018
Sleeper?
Yeah, the odds are long but it doesn’t mean they are impossible.
Every year it seems like the Bucs find an undrafted free agent who makes the team or becomes a contributor. Sometimes, a big time contributor.
Adam Humphries is one example. He led all Bucs wide receivers in YAC last year. Then there is Peyton Barber, who appears to be the Bucs No. 1 running back entering the season (pending Ronald Jones’ development). Last year, tight end Antony Auclair made the team and eventually found his way into games on offense later in the season.
This year, could that lucky undrafted free agent be Jordan Huff?
The Alabama native and Northern Illinois product seems to have impressed some Bucs types in the very early going.
It’s a far, far cry from making the practice squad much less the final-53 come September. But Huff is taking his baby steps towards making the NFL the right way. Joe spoke with Huff yesterday and he admitted spending hours the previous evening buried in his playbook.
“If you don’t know the playbook, you can’t touch the field,” Huff said. “I knew my plays and showed what I can do ability-wise.”
Huff had production when called upon in the passing game for the Huskies in the MAC. While he didn’t get a lot of catches, he averaged more yards last year catching the ball than running, 5.8 yards a run and 6.1 yards a catch.
Huff told Joe he wasn’t intimidated by being on the same roster as Jones, one of the best backs in the nation last year from a Power-5 conference and a storied program.
“I always had the mindset that no matter who I am playing with or against, I can do what I can do and play the best of my ability,” Huff said. “I just kind of focus on what I need to focus on and what I need to correct.”
So far, Huff said, Bucs underwear football rookie minicamp practices are similar to what he experienced in DeKalb, Ill.
“Not too much different than what we are used to in college,” Huff said. “Just more urgency around here and being more responsible — being where you are supposed to be.”
Again, each year an undrafted free agent winds up on the Bucs roster Given the Bucs aren’t exactly deep at running back, it seems there may be a door cracked open for Huff to barge through.
May 12th, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Hopefully he beats out Charles Simms!
May 12th, 2018 at 12:25 pm
He seems to have his head on straight and understands what he needs to do to make the team. He seems to be the “Anti-McPlaybook”. If he’s got the skills and learns the book, I can see him being the #4 RB.
May 12th, 2018 at 12:38 pm
UDFA Wilson from Duke is somewhat similar. May the best RB win out.
May 12th, 2018 at 12:52 pm
I think this guy is special, key your eyes on this one.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
He has that proto-typical squatty body for RB, and his lateral movement is impressive while he has that burst and strength to get past LB. Once he see’s daylight he can shift up into another gear. In his highlight films, granted highlights, he also showed the ability to perform the spin move at top speed without losing his feet. Really impressive. This guy could be that gem. I think if he makes it on the practice squad, he won’t be there for long.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Bucs do have luck With UDA.
This year, my money is on Darious Reed. All the measurables at Safety.
Think he has a real chance to be on the Squad- either practice or 53- when the season starts
May 12th, 2018 at 1:15 pm
Aah yes, underwear football against rookies. Plenty of opportunity to impress the coaching staff and earn a spot on the roster … Only 17 more weeks until our first real game against the Saints.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:18 pm
I am unable to find the details on the Charles Sims contract…..all we know is that it is a one year deal…..does anyone have any more info…..guaranteed?….how much?
May 12th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
whats his 40?
May 12th, 2018 at 1:50 pm
I’ve been critical of the Glazers, noting their 89%er attitude and bad decisions were responsible for the “Cleveland South” moniker after setting a record for cellar-dwelling, but I was impressed that we offered a few UDFAs just a little more money than other people. In an era where paying 5-8 million a year for middle rung players and guaranteeing 100m for top third QBs is the new normal, we got a guy who had multiple offers after the draft by offering $3000 bonus, just a little more than every one else. We’ve also offered a little more to practice squad guys to keep them around until they mature into their potential.
May 12th, 2018 at 1:55 pm
I’ll be pulling for this guy…love these kinds of stories. I’d have to think he could stack up favorably to J. Rodg. even with The Dirks tendency to be loyal to old haunts.
May 12th, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Capt. Tim, I think you may be referring to S Darius Price/Siena Heights 6-2, 215. Nice size, good tape, but long shot.
I spent last Sunday looking at highlights of Buc UDFAs and a few tryout players. There are several UDFAs that look really good – in particular WRs Sergio Bailey and Erv Phillips. They are no threat to Adam Humphries this year but both look like excellent slot receivers. RB Shaun Wilson/Duke has impressive tape also.
This tryout player caught my attention too- RB Jordan Huff from Northern Illinois 5-10, 220. As Mike Mayock would say he is “quicker than fast”. Kid is a tight package that has some shake and bake. He had an ankle injury and missed the last 3 games of the season, but still managed 798 yds and 5.8ypc. Maybe he’s got a chance to be KR/PR.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFczggn2BY
May 12th, 2018 at 2:05 pm
Jordan Huff highlights
https://youtu.be/8IFczggn2BY
May 12th, 2018 at 2:08 pm
He’s 220 lbs 5’10”. Low 40 time 4.54
May 12th, 2018 at 2:23 pm
TBBF,
Here’s what I found on Sims contract.
Greg Auman
Verified account
@gregauman
May 10
More
Bucs brought RB Charles Sims back on a one-year deal with an $800,000 base salary and $200,000 roster bonus. League minimum for his experience would be $790,000.
May 12th, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Isn’t most of the NFL made up of UFAs?
May 12th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
impressive highlights
May 12th, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Didn’t the guy just have ankle surgery?
May 12th, 2018 at 2:52 pm
RBs can come from anywhere so long as they have the physical talents.
This kid, from what I can find, no idea if it’s official or not…
5′ 10, 220lb
40 Time: 4.64
So if the 40 time is real he’s certainly on the slow side, which isn’t everything for RB’s, plenty of 4.6 RB’s have done well in the NFL, with Emmitt Smith having ran a 4.7 back in the day. The ability to read lanes and have that quick stop, start gear and acceleration are extremely important and I don’t see any numbers that would tell you more.
Anyways the Bucs depth at RB isn’t all that great. Sims an in excellent 3rd down back and will be there, Jones will be there, Barber will be there, but Rodgers, he’s done nothing outside of a few game strech in 2016 and I don’t think his spot his secure at all.
May 12th, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Cobraboy – Yeah, says on his profile he missed 3 games due to an ankle injury but it doesn’t say when he was expected back, only that he missed those 3 games and I believe their bowl game as well.
May 12th, 2018 at 2:57 pm
If nothing else, guys like Huff push guys like Sims, Barber, and Rodgers who may think they are a lock. No problems at all if one of them get displaced by Huff. Then there is a guy needed for things like return duty, and can he play other special teams. So it’s all good. Worst case is Huff can walk away proud, saying he got a shot…something most who would like one willl never get.
May 12th, 2018 at 3:02 pm
I love Jacquizz but he is too thick and no longer wuick.
Koetter needs to replace him this year.
I know it hurts but Dirk- you gotta move on!!
We need another young RB.
Sims is also replaceable!
Go Bucs!
May 12th, 2018 at 3:02 pm
*quick
May 12th, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Thanks Macabee
Good deal for Sims……not prohibitive to cut him if they want to add RB….
But this player will likely end up on the PS.
May 12th, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Does he have kick return ability? Special teams is where he’d have to prove his worth and if he’s good enough to be a contributor please beat out Charles Sims or and Rodgers
May 12th, 2018 at 3:35 pm
I really don’t see why the RBs coach wasn’t replaced. He deserved it as much as the DL Coach.
May 12th, 2018 at 3:50 pm
Yea it would be nice to see a RB group.. say bye to sims don’t know why they resigned him, and Rogers.. yea see ya
May 12th, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Get rid of Sims and Rodgers but only if these guys can show they belong. If we are going young, then go young. Neither of these guys will last on the practice squad once injuries start happening- If Snoop McPlaybook got picked up, these guys will be swallowed up
May 12th, 2018 at 5:03 pm
Computer Science major……learning the playbook will be a snap for this kid.
May 12th, 2018 at 5:09 pm
We really need to sign Jordan huff it would be nice to see us with a couple heavier running backs who can get those 3 or 4 yards when theirs no hole to run through I also like the duke running back he runs pretty physical for being only 185lbs.Jordan huff and Shaun Williams should easily replace Sims and rogers .now that would be a good backfield in my opinion.GO BUCS. PS.PLEASE SIGN THESE TWO GUYS WE NEED THEM BOTH .FACT!!
May 12th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
Joe Auclair had 2 receptions last year. That’s 2 more then me. Not a rousing success story.
May 12th, 2018 at 7:39 pm
Macabee
Yes, thanks.
Darius Price is the safety I think has a shot- at least at practice squad
May 12th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
agree with above comments, time to move on from Quizz, too thick, older and not fast, need a young guy with serious motivation Dude is antimcplaybook–like that!
May 12th, 2018 at 8:08 pm
For everyone who seems so eager to get rid of Charles Sims in favor of some shiny new toys, ya’ll might want to keep in mind that to date, all of these rookies have accomplished NOTHING. Zip, zero, zilch, nada … NOTHING. Sims has obviously been used very sparingly, but the one season where he did get at least 100 carries (2015) he averaged 4.9 YPC rushing. That same season he actually got more yards receiving (561 yds on only 51 receptions) than he did rushing (529 yds in 107 carries). Even last year, Sims had a 4.5 YPC rushing average (highest of any RB on the team by quite a bit). Instead of writing him off so casually, might be better to find out how he can be most effectively used in our offense. Nothing wrong with role players. (Perhaps that’s why Licht & Koetter re-signed him?)
May 12th, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Just realized that almost all of the undrafted free agents we have had success with have been on the offensive side. I have been highly critical of Dirk Koetter in the past but have to give credit where it is due.
Dirks offensive has done a wonderful job developing using young players. Signing Brate this offseason is a huge success story.
Of course the one player that haven’t developed enough is the most important one. Amzaing to think how potent this offense can be is all the young talent we have starts to hit their prime years at the same time.
GOO BUCS!!
May 12th, 2018 at 8:15 pm
If you think they are getting rid of Sims you haven’t been paying attention. They just resigned him. He is our RB #3 right now. Our #4 Back is Quiz and the one who is looking over our back this offseason.
The only way Sims loses his job is on he underperforms. They know exactly what he brings and know what they are getting.
May 12th, 2018 at 9:02 pm
and corey clement had accomplished NOTHING, ZERO, ZILCH, same time last year.. 4 rec 100 yds td(nearly two) and super bowl mvp runner up. youd give sims away.. the mac is proven. dont sleep on antonio brown at rb.. you NEVER know
May 12th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
i think a 4 man rb group with sims AND this kid seems the best approach. philly did it with ajayi, sproles, clement, Blount, and smallwood. this rookie adds something the other backs lack though.
May 13th, 2018 at 12:05 am
@Rod Munch: I read somewhere…maybe Roto…that he had surgery on that ankle.
May 13th, 2018 at 10:17 am
the one from duke is much more talented and if i had to bet on one of them making the roster i’m betting on the duke guy before this one .
May 13th, 2018 at 3:22 pm
didn’t even get signed as a tryout player
May 14th, 2018 at 12:59 am
Huff is a better RB and a ton more smarer than the fifth pick last year that Licht raved about but was too dumb or lazy to absorb our playbook. Last year Quizz looked like he had lost a step or two and we should have let him go. I would love it if Huff looks good this preseason and replaces Quizz. We need another RB we can count on if Jones gets hurt.