2015 Position Discussion: Running Back

[bgbigdog]

Contrary to popular belief, it's a pass-first offensive strategy. I buy Stitts argument that they have the horses they need now, given what actually happened in the recruiting process. All he promised so far was a 1K yard rusher. He'll get more than that with this group as a committee, and let's hope Counts and Favors will be healthy enough to be solid contributors running the ball. But they'll also need to be able to catch passes and help the O-line keep the QB upright and in the game. And if they get close to the number of plays Stitt is supposing, there will be work enough for all.

Be more concerned about whether or not the O-line can hold up their end of the bargain when this thing gets out of the gate.

 

[XxSpectrexX]

Contrary to popular belief, it's a pass-first offensive strategy. I buy Stitts argument that they have the horses they need now, given what actually happened in the recruiting process. All he promised so far was a 1K yard rusher. He'll get more than that with this group as a committee, and let's hope Counts and Favors will be healthy enough to be solid contributors running the ball. But they'll also need to be able to catch passes and help the O-line keep the QB upright and in the game. And if they get close to the number of plays Stitt is supposing, there will be work enough for all.

Be more concerned about whether or not the O-line can hold up their end of the bargain when this thing gets out of the gate.

Ding, ding, ding!

 

[fanofzoo]

This group has a real challenge to replace the production of Canada and Van. Canada's consistency and durability with Van's threat to break long ones, either running or receiving, will be hard to match by this group.

You are right if we ran Mick's offense but these are wide open new days. I expect the WR's to get a ton of touches more than the RB's .

 

[fanofzoo]

Contrary to popular belief, it's a pass-first offensive strategy. I buy Stitts argument that they have the horses they need now, given what actually happened in the recruiting process. All he promised so far was a 1K yard rusher. He'll get more than that with this group as a committee, and let's hope Counts and Favors will be healthy enough to be solid contributors running the ball. But they'll also need to be able to catch passes and help the O-line keep the QB upright and in the game. And if they get close to the number of plays Stitt is supposing, there will be work enough for all.

Be more concerned about whether or not the O-line can hold up their end of the bargain when this thing gets out of the gate.

Ding, ding, ding!

Well said.

 

[big kahuna]

Counts is an absolute beast. Before his injury, he was basically destroying people on special teams. If he is healthy, my guess is that he will be a player who finds a way to contribute. Thanks for the post.

 

[jodcon]

Counts is an absolute beast. Before his injury, he was basically destroying people on special teams. If he is healthy, my guess is that he will be a player who finds a way to contribute. Thanks for the post.

I'm really hoping Counts is (and can stay) healthy, we need his wrecking ball attitude on the field.

 

[rocklobster]

Counts is an absolute beast. Before his injury, he was basically destroying people on special teams. If he is healthy, my guess is that he will be a player who finds a way to contribute. Thanks for the post.

I'm really hoping Counts is (and can stay) healthy, we need his wrecking ball attitude on the field.

A mini Dan Moore can't hurt at the goal line!

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

 

[brewskis]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

I agree with all points except the variety of skills part, Counts is definitely a bowling ball and if he had space (which he could get with Stitt) he'd be tough to catch and bring down. Logwood sounds a bit more well rounded. More power than Nguyen and more agility than Counts.

The good thing about Logwood is that he is a sophomore and he is sure to get quite a few carries this year. That will set him up for a strong jr-sr seasons.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

I agree with all points except the variety of skills part, Counts is definitely a bowling ball and if he had space (which he could get with Stitt) he'd be tough to catch and bring down. Logwood sounds a bit more well rounded. More power than Nguyen and more agility than Counts.

The good thing about Logwood is that he is a sophomore and he is sure to get quite a few carries this year. That will set him up for a strong jr-sr seasons.

Logwood is not a good blocker, which is the kiss of death in a pass-first offense.... especially with our O-line.

 

[Htowngriz]

This group has a real challenge to replace the production of Canada and Van. Canada's consistency and durability with Van's threat to break long ones, either running or receiving, will be hard to match by this group.

I don't disagree, but these guys will have the advantage of playing in an offense that wasn't perfected during the Hoover administration.

 

[brewskis]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

I agree with all points except the variety of skills part, Counts is definitely a bowling ball and if he had space (which he could get with Stitt) he'd be tough to catch and bring down. Logwood sounds a bit more well rounded. More power than Nguyen and more agility than Counts.

The good thing about Logwood is that he is a sophomore and he is sure to get quite a few carries this year. That will set him up for a strong jr-sr seasons.

Logwood is not a good blocker, which is the kiss of death in a pass-first offense.... especially with our O-line.

True, whoever is out there will HAVE to block well. Still, he's a true sophomore and had a great spring scrimmage....worth keeping in mind this season if he can improve in that category.

 

[XxSpectrexX]

Counts is an absolute beast. Before his injury, he was basically destroying people on special teams. If he is healthy, my guess is that he will be a player who finds a way to contribute. Thanks for the post.

I'm a fan of JC as well.

 

[DuCharme]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

I agree with all points except the variety of skills part, Counts is definitely a bowling ball and if he had space (which he could get with Stitt) he'd be tough to catch and bring down. Logwood sounds a bit more well rounded. More power than Nguyen and more agility than Counts.

The good thing about Logwood is that he is a sophomore and he is sure to get quite a few carries this year. That will set him up for a strong jr-sr seasons.

Logwood is not a good blocker, which is the kiss of death in a pass-first offense.... especially with our O-line.

Logwood had improved immensely in blocking by season's end. He was stacking Singleton at the line(because he was picking him up early and going to meet him), not in the backfield, during the MSU game.

 

[griz5700]

Joey is the best back on the roster if he is healthy. The design of this offense is perfect for his talents. He is better than either of the two backs who are supposedly ahead of him. This offense needs a back who can block, and he is the best at that. It is NOT an offense where a back needs to create. Since it is pass-first, the back needs to hit the hole and make yardage, break tackles, etc. no back has the variety of skills that Joey has, IF HE IS HEALTHY.

Unfortunately, that is a huge IF. Be great to have Counts at 100%. But until then, he's a distant 3rd behind the Nguyen/Favors duo.

 

[blackfoot griz]

If Stitt is going to go for it on 4th as much as anticipated, when short yardage is needed,
JC would be my pick.

 

[zirge]

Contrary to popular belief, it's a pass-first offensive strategy. I buy Stitts argument that they have the horses they need now, given what actually happened in the recruiting process. All he promised so far was a 1K yard rusher. He'll get more than that with this group as a committee, and let's hope Counts and Favors will be healthy enough to be solid contributors running the ball. But they'll also need to be able to catch passes and help the O-line keep the QB upright and in the game. And if they get close to the number of plays Stitt is supposing, there will be work enough for all.

Be more concerned about whether or not the O-line can hold up their end of the bargain when this thing gets out of the gate.

Absolutely, that will be the key......90+ plays a game is alot to ask of your o-line. are they going to be in shape to hold up play after play, mentally and physically..... a strong, continually fresh backfield will be essential to protect our QB with the predicted throw first offense.

 

[Atlanta Griz1]

Contrary to popular belief, it's a pass-first offensive strategy. I buy Stitts argument that they have the horses they need now, given what actually happened in the recruiting process. All he promised so far was a 1K yard rusher. He'll get more than that with this group as a committee, and let's hope Counts and Favors will be healthy enough to be solid contributors running the ball. But they'll also need to be able to catch passes and help the O-line keep the QB upright and in the game. And if they get close to the number of plays Stitt is supposing, there will be work enough for all.

Be more concerned about whether or not the O-line can hold up their end of the bargain when this thing gets out of the gate.

Absolutely, that will be the key......90+ plays a game is alot to ask of your o-line. are they going to be in shape to hold up play after play, mentally and physically..... a strong, continually fresh backfield will be essential to protect our QB with the predicted throw first offense.

And you have just reiterated one of my main concerns....... the depth of our offensive line. Just as RBs need to rest, so do the O-linemen, especially when being expected to run a fast break type offense. We have little QUALITY depth on the O-line. Most of our back-ups are either totally un-tested, or frosh. This could be our Achilles heel on offense.

 

[Umista]

Our coaching is far superior in all phases of our offence (Green) this seàson. Our RB will be good because of this.

 

[DuCharme]

...especially when being expected to run a fast break type offense.

I think we'll see some long, clock-eating drives. Stitt seems to like 'em.

It was a lot better today," said head coach Bob Stitt. "I was excited about the drives that we put together. We had some 14, 15-play drives, and those are really going to take its toll on the defense.