In my defence, I wasn't saying Griffin and the coaching staff have held Hoffy back - just that the comment adds another voice to what has already been voiced by a number of areas.
Real skills are like man bits, either you have them or you don't. Training and hard work can help, look at Cronk for a perfect example of someone who has reached the highest level primarily through hard work rather than blind talent. Absolutely, players need to be honest with themselves about their skills, potential, and how that meshes with their desires. We all know people who aim higher than they realistically should - hell, it's called dreaming, and it's generally a positive as it can drive that extra work. But the flip side is that being self-aware is also being honest with yourself about your flaws and deficiencies, and where you fit into the zoo.
Hoffman, IMO, does not have the ball-playing skills to be one of the premier fullbacks in the game. I would love to be proven wrong, I really would, as I rate him highly - but Barba is a much better option and he showed it in the 9's. Sorry Hoffy, it's not personal, it's just reality..
