Rooting for the "Underdog": UDFA RB Roy Finch

[Danger Zone]

http://newsok.com/ou-pro-day-roy-fi...can-be-a-big-time-ball-player/article/3942543

Height: 5'6" or 5'7" (ask his mother)

Roy Finch ran a 4.44 — the fastest of all participants — in the 40-yard dash Wednesday during Oklahoma’s Pro Day inside the Everest Training Center.

The former OU running back also recorded the best time in the three-cone drill and said he’s satisfied with what he’s shown NFL scouts from a physical standpoint.

I don't watch enough college football to ever have had a blinkie or a blanky, but I absolutely love the undersized Rudy type of player (and I'm just making a point, I know the right word is "banky")

Here's rooting for our new Danny Woodhead.

And this photo was posted by Mack Herron in the UDFA Signings thread.

 

[Mark Morse]

His nickname is the "Lightning Bug"

 

[Creative Username]

So much LIKE on this thread. Lightning Bug FTW!!! He's my banky for sure. I'm using that correctly, aren't I? Banky?

 

[BlueThunder]

Can he return kicks?

 

[Danger Zone]

Can he return kicks?

1:15 and 2:17 in the video above.

 

[Bourne Again Christian]

He's the rookie im second most excited for other than Easley.
The kid is electric really exciting in the spurts we've seen him.

 

[JMC00]

I'm very much rooting for him to beat Bolden out for that 4th RB spot.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Question is why wasn't he more productive, why wasn't he used more. For Pete's sake, he looks like Barry Sanders out there. Why wasn't he drafted ? I don't get it, he looks so ridiculously talented. I think Stephen Houston was a great pick up too, 6'0" 230, averaged 6.7 yards a cary, catches the ball ok, 4.4 in his 40 at pro day. 40" vertical, 11 foot broad jump, and 24 reps bench press. I think he has a better chance at making it. Though I have to root for the underdog as well.

 

[Danger Zone]

Question is why wasn't he more productive, why wasn't he used more. For Pete's sake, he looks like Barry Sanders out there. Why wasn't he drafted ? I don't get it, he looks so ridiculously talented...

An ankle injury and off the field issues I believe. A couple of his coaches stated that they weren't impressed with lack of discipline and that he needed to work harder in practice.

Injuries, deep backfields, an undefined on-field purpose and off-the-field issues have all been problems preventing Finch from thus far fulfilling his tremendous potential.

Oklahoma football: Roy Finch still looking for role in Sooners offense | News OK

Clearly though, he'll have to take a page from Danny and Rudy's worth ethic if he's going to make it in the NFL.

 

[West Philly Patriot]

Question is why wasn't he more productive, why wasn't he used more. For Pete's sake, he looks like Barry Sanders out there. Why wasn't he drafted ? I don't get it, he looks so ridiculously talented. I think Stephen Houston was a great pick up too, 6'0" 230, averaged 6.7 yards a cary, catches the ball ok, 4.4 in his 40 at pro day. 40" vertical, 11 foot broad jump, and 24 reps bench press. I think he has a better chance at making it. Though I have to root for the underdog as well.

I wouldn't mind us carrying 5 this year considering how we ended last season, and I don't think we will shy away from the run game this year either.

We can certainly upgrade Boldin at the very least with White. But I think one of Stephen Houston/Roy finch sticks around. I'm also intrigued by what Jeremy Gallon could bring out of the backfield if he sticks.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Gallon looks like a RB, but is a receiver. Maybe the next Deion Branch ?

 

[IcyPatriot]

Seems like he fell out of favor his junior year or going into his junior year for not being mature and not keeping up his conditioning ... well ... he looks like a statue now ... be surprised if there's any body fat on that chiseled body. He has everything to gain and we have nothing to lose ... I hope he pushes everyone in the unit.

 

[VJCPatriot]

The next Woodhead? only 10x more ripped body? LOL I'd be pretty happy if that transpired!

 

[kennyb]

Wooded minus 2 inches and 20 pounds.

 

[BlueThunder]

RB shouldn't be a position that Pats need to worry about this year.

The firefly will be exciting to watch this preseason.

 

[Danger Zone]

Some observations about Finch from the OTAs.

OTA observations: Vince Wilfork extends workout, Brandon Browner intercepts Tom Brady | The Blitz with Jeff Howe and Karen Guregian | Boston Herald

Rookie running back Roy Finch is a shifty little guy. He might make some highlight reel plays on offense and special teams during the preseason.

Patriots OTAs Observations: Jimmy Garoppolo Struggles In Rainy Conditions | NESN.com

Wide receiver Reggie Dunn (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) and rookie running back Roy Finch (5-foot-7, 167 pounds) are undersized, but their speed and agility are apparent every time they’re on the field on offense or special teams

New England Patriots OTAs: Observations from Thursday's session | masslive.com

Likewise, undrafted rookie running back Roy Finch has also had some nice moments. He’s very small, but he has good burst and knows how to find holes. He’s looked good returning kicks.

 

[captain stone]

RB shouldn't be a position that Pats need to worry about this year.

The firefly will be exciting to watch this preseason...

…until someone tackles him. I hope he's a fast healer.

 

[Ivan]

I would love to see him make the team but it is going to come down his pass blocking as he won't be out there if he can't do it. Guys like Woodhead and Faulk sacrificed themselves for it, Finch will have to do the same. Love the talent but he has to be able to do what they really need to make it, and much of that doesn't make highlight reels.

Ironically at 5'6 he could be a serious pain in the ass for pass rushers.

 

[Interception]

I truly believe this kid is going to make the final 53. Even if he's not playing much at running back, he is a great kick returner and this team needs one pretty badly.

So any word on how he's been doing so far?

 

[brady199]

I like the kid as well, but the only way I see him making the roster is if someone is traded or goes down with an injury.

I think you either need Bolden or another bigger back like him for insurance on Ridley. I expect Vereen and White to be on the roster and I'm just not sure where Finch fits in.

Of course the other more realistic possibility is that Finch himself gets a mysterious injury and ends up on IR. Vereen leaves next year and Finch backs up White as a 3rd down back.

Also when is the last time BB valued a KR?