Question: Who is the hardest hitter on our team?

[GMacFan]

On defense, or offense?

On defense it's Upshaw, just ask Michigan State's quarterback(s). Hightower when healthy is a beast as well. And Barron is one of the hardest-hitting safeties I've ever seen.

On offense, we all know Richardson can give a lick. Fowler also is a very mean runner. Hopefully we'll have a really mean OL step-up this year

 

[kyallie]

So who do you guys is the biggest 'layer of wood' on our team? I just got through viewing highlights of the Capital One Bowl last year and was watching Courtney Upshaw.

Holy snikies Batman!

Mark Barron? Hightower when healthy?

Or Cade Foster on special teams? hehe...

Cade was The first thought that came to my mind LOL Agree with Barron & Hightower

 

[0LDSCH00L]

Cade was The first thought that came to my mind LOL Agree with Barron & Hightower

Cade is certainly more than just a "Kicker"

 

[GMacFan]

Without trying to rain on a parade, this time a year ago the hardest pound-for-pound hitter on the team was Rod Woodson, and that probably ought to clue you in on how relatively little importance is placed on this.

If Marcel Dareus wasn't a hard hitter we might only have 12 national championships. Not saying it's definite, but it's a possibly. Not to mention the LSU game, when Scott and Jefferson (in addition to others) had to leave the game; it was in part a result of poor conditioning, but more than anything they just couldn't take the hits our defense was giving. Being a hard-hitting team does matter. Each play isn't just a chance to make the tackle...it's chance to send a message. Just three years ago I was playing high school football, and while I realize it's more amateur and emotional than college ball, getting hit hard and giving a hard hit can change the course of the game; it can change the way the individual who got hit plays the game. He'll start getting gun-shy, and lose confidence. No matter how mature these young men get, there will always be a part of them that fears pain and will subsequently try to avoid it...it's instinctual.

Tell me that our hard-hitting didn't have an impact on Michigan State's morale in the Capital One Bowl.

 

[REBELZED]

Tell me that our hard-hitting didn't have an impact on Michigan State's morale in the Capital One Bowl.

I'm reminded of the '09 Arkansas game as well. Robbie Green and Javy were knocking the slobber out of the WR's mouths and by the 2nd quarter, every one of them was hearing footsteps and dropping balls...

 

[SavannahDare]

I'm less concerned with who hits the hardest than I am with who enjoys hitting the most. Of those listed, I get the impression Cade thoroughly enjoys upending any opponent that has the misfortune to come up against him. I enjoy the gusto with which Courtney plays and I look forward to seeing Dont'a back in top form this season. I'm also looking forward to seeing how Williams and Dial lay the wood.

 

[Bamajimbo]

DeMarcus Milliner gets my vote. Just ask Denarius Moore. I was really afraid for the kid when he first went down.

 

[mittman]

DeMarcus Milliner gets my vote. Just ask Denarius Moore. I was really afraid for the kid when he first went down.

So was I. The way he ended up connecting with his helmet made me think serious injury. Moore looked like he was slipping down just as DeMarcus got lined up. Scary stuff. Glad he was OK.

As for the question, we all ooh and aah at the big hits, and they do sometimes change the game. I can't disagree with any of the choices given. However, I get much more excited by a solid form tackle.

 

[kyallie]

Cade is certainly more than just a "Kicker"

Thanks OLDSCHOOL, we're gonna' here a lot more from this young man! Mark my words!!!

 

[TrampLineman]

Hightower might leave you hurting after contact that lingers, but to me the one our enemies fear is Mark Barron.

 

[teamplayer]

I'll say Hightower because of a hit I saw him inflict upon a member of our own team. I am pretty sure it was during spring drills a year ago when Hightower came off the edge and knocked DJ Fluker about five yards back and on his can. If you can move Fluker backwards five yards, you can hit hard. It was almost as if the scene were made up to see a young man that large flying through the air. At that point, I thought Hightower would be 100 percent for 2010. Obviously, that wasn't the case, but I hope he is back at full speed for 2011.
I found the video on Youtube and will now attempt to link it. You'll have a link if I'm successful.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SMhepp_GMUs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It didn't work. I am getting a 500 Internal Server error when I try to insert the link. Oh well, Hightower still gets my vote.

 

[BamaJeff]

Who consistantly lays the wood? These youtube vids of 1 "hit" wonders are just that. One hit! Just about anybody can get 1 big lick in at some point. But who delivers punishing hits week after week? I'm not sure I have the answer.

 

[BigAL413]

Not doubting anyone who says Barron, but there is not a highlight out there that shows hims blowing someone up the way that Hightower embarrased Fluker or the Florida lineman.

 

[jthomas666]

looking at the last few games of last season Im going to say Upshaw

Michigan State QBs approve of this post.

 

[crimsonaudio]

Michigan State QBs disapprove of this post.

FIFY.

hehe

 

[peteswell4]

Woodson is no longer with the team. I think it has to be Hightower, with Upshaw only slightly behind him.

 

[bamaslammer]

Hightower put a hit on an Auburn kick returner that I don't know how he got up from. To his credit he didn't fumble and did get back up, though slowly. If Hightower and Upshaw ever sandwitch a quarterback I'd say chances of survival are slim.

 

[bamafaninOhiO]

Nico can bring it, too.

We have a defense full of absolutely SICK studs this year - I suspect we're going to see some hellacious hits from most every one of them this fall...

This seems like the correct answer to me. There are several on the team that could lossen teeth...and I cant wait till this fall to see how they play together as a unit with a year of experience together.

 

[92Bama]

I love to see opposing teams start dropping balls around the 3rd quarter, even when they are wide open. That tells me we have impacted their play.
:biga2:

 

[oorah_okie]

OU's highlight film of 2010. Best hits at :11 & :59 mark.