live up to the hype? No.
played well as a youngster? Yes.
he came here instead of USC cuz he wanted to be a part of the rebuilding process. he wanted to contribute to a proud tradition and stake his claim away from home and on his own. like skersfan said, some kds mature at different times. it sounds like (according to him) he kind of started 'getting it' this summer.
i truly believe there are very few players who can REALLY contibute as a freshman unless their team is the shiznit. like adrian peterson and reggie bush and ahman green, these guys played on teams that only made THEM better not the other way around. Lucky came to a situation where the team wasn't great and he, by himself, wasn't going to make it better. yet, he was thrust into a playing position on an offense he didn't understand, with skills not yet developed, and in a completely different world from highschool in north hollywood.
he showed some flashes of athleticism and made some decent plays, but probably could have redshirted and really been ready for a breakout season this year, his third. it kind of sucks these kids almost demand playing time to consider a school and try to rush to greatness. instead of soaking up the college atmosphere and becoming a better player over time they all want to be Bo Jackson. not everyone is going pro; Lucky may get his chance yet. but could you imagine if he could have just chilled, gotten bigger and stronger and learned the offense, all while not having to live up to the hype as a true freshman on an avergae team? He might be getting twice the hype and exposure and actually be ready for the NFL after this year or next.
just my thoughts on freshman playing too early. i know some guys are ready and we all want instant gratification, but then reality sets in and guys don't play as well or as long as they should. :boxosoap