Is Lander Barton the next Eric Weddle?

This topic has 14 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 3 months ago by EmersonUte.

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- 09/20/2023 at 9:50 AM #196595
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  ProudUte
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  Link to article
  
  Nice article on Lander Barton. Whitt mentions the possibility of Lander Barton playing on both sides of the ball at Utah. Whitt said on his coach’s show last night if Lander wanted to play tight end – he would be the best in the PAC12. It would be fun to see Barton getting some reps at tight end.
  
  I loved it when Weddle played some on offense in his senior year. I think that season he had a pick-6, punt return for a TD, running TD, receiving TD, and passing TD. Weddle brings back a lot of fond memories.
- 09/20/2023 at 10:15 AM #196598
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  Larry B
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  Having one of our best defenders take hits on the offensive side of the ball in a year where injuries are already out of control? No thank you.
  - 09/20/2023 at 10:41 AM #196599
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    DataUte
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    Agree. But next year, when there’s no Kuithe (maybe?) nor Yassmin? Juicy
  - 09/20/2023 at 11:04 AM #196602
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    Roy Rangum
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    I understand that with increased exposure is the possibility of injury, but if Barton is capable of playing both sides of the ball and both he and the coaches want him to play both sides, I say let him play.
  - 09/20/2023 at 11:07 AM #196603
    
    ProudUte
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    I get what you are saying. Whitt did not suggest that Lander would play offense this season, but very possibly before he leaves Utah.
    
    That being said, we are probably deeper at LB than any other position right now, so who knows…
- 09/20/2023 at 11:10 AM #196604
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  Stone
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  Reminiscent of Brian Uhrlacher.
- 09/20/2023 at 11:14 AM #196605
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  Yergensen
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  Comparisons… I remember comparisons on this board of Glover (around his commitment date) to Ty Jordan, LOL not remotely close. Weddle platooned out of necessity. We had no skill players that were healthy or talented. You should hope Barton never platoons regularly because if he is we’re in a bad place.
  - 09/20/2023 at 12:56 PM #196608
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    ProudUte
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    I wasn’t trying to compare Weddle to Barton in any way except playing on both sides of the ball. Should Barton play some tight end? It’s not for me to say. Would I think it would be fun to see him play some tight end? Yes I do. Would I have him play a lot on offense? No.
    
    By the way, Whitt said that Lander has the skills to play RB or tight end. So, He think Lander has Weddle like skills.
    - 09/20/2023 at 1:26 PM #196618
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      Yergensen
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      “The next Eric Weddle” might throw some people off.
      - 09/20/2023 at 1:31 PM #196620
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        ProudUte
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        Weddle and Barton do not play the same positions and have different athletic styles. Barton can never be Eric Weddle. Again, the only comparison is playing on both sides of the ball. I do not expect Barton to return punts, play Corner, or QB.
- 09/20/2023 at 2:23 PM #196624
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  Rick
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  Please God, NO!
  - 09/21/2023 at 7:42 AM #196664
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    Onlyu
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    Lander played TE in camp for a few weeks. He’s very comfortable there but this year it would be most likely in an emergency role.
    
    What he decides to play in the future will be interesting because his upside as a TE is off the charts.
    - 09/21/2023 at 8:43 AM #196670
      
      Tony (admin)
      Keymaster
      
      Yeah but he’s such a good LB, and he’s sooooo young!
      - 09/21/2023 at 9:44 AM #196675
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        Onlyu
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        I don’t disagree Tony but NFL longevity probably doubles as a TE vs LB. His family is now very knowledgeable about the inner workings of the NFL and where the money is. If Lander played 14 years as a TE and 8 as a LB he’d come out millions ahead and with a body that might still work.
        
        Not saying that’s what happens but it’s a consideration
        
        09/21/2023 at 1:55 PM #196710
        
        EmersonUte
        Participant
        
        that’s fascinating. Makes me wonder if we will see (or maybe already are starting to see) talent get away from the running back position. Seems like they’ve been heavily de-valued. Conversely its a spot we seem to always be able to get better than average guys in.
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