Maurice Clarett Episode II

[BrudLee]

The Emmitt Smith comparison is bothersome. Emmitt had two very good years of college football, and didn't show any drop-off in skill. Though some were surprised by his selection as early as it was, everyone thought he'd be a good pro (maybe not the career leader, but...).

Clarett, by any measure, had a fantastic freshman year. However, he showed what most teams would call "character issues" - not by attempting to leave early, but by burning every available bridge in doing so. He has also shown a physical dropoff, or at the very least inconsistency, in his workouts and appearances since leaving THE Ohio State.

I believe that Clarett, at his peak, is probably a top ten NFL-caliber Running Back talent. Since he is unable to motivate himself to that peak with his livelihood on the line, it would be foolish to think that a coaching staff - even a very good one - will do it for him.

The road to NFL greatness is littered with superstar talent that couldn't put it all together. Maurice Clarett is probably headed to that path, to break bread with the Lawrence Phillipses and Jeff Georges whose talent wasn't enough to overcome the mental or emotional obstacles they bring to the table.