Another look at RB's

[PlayerRep]

I am all about Eastwood showing me he is going to be great. However, at this point I didn't see that last year even though he was a redshirt freshman. I have no problem admitting I am wrong!

The stats listed in an earlier post, I would like to see those compared against' Chase Reynolds or Yohancy Humphries just for geewiz.

My recollection is that Reynolds had zero yards rushing, because he didn't play as a frosh.

As a frosh, Yo had 51 carries for 232 yards. 4.5 per carry. 2 TD's.

So, of the 3, which one had the best frosh year?

I can't believe Eastwood will ever have the stats of a chase or Yo or Lex or a Canada or etc.... I hope I am wrong!

I agree. But that doesn't mean that Eastwood sucked last year, as a frosh.

Just because a back isn't as good, or won't be as good, as the top 6 or so backs in UM history, doesn't mean they aren't any good.

 

[PlayerRep]

I am all about Eastwood showing me he is going to be great. However, at this point I didn't see that last year even though he was a redshirt freshman. I have no problem admitting I am wrong!

The stats listed in an earlier post, I would like to see those compared against' Chase Reynolds or Yohancy Humphries just for geewiz.

I picked this year because he attempts were closest to eastwood this year. but this was chase's senior year.
2010 Chase Reynolds: GP:11 AT:191 Yards:982 TDs:8 Long:59 Average:5.1 YPG: 89.3

Also...yall out here looking for Chase or Yohancy. They were two of the best backs in our history....We aren't gonna have that every year! Last years stats for Eastwood were good for a FCS back with only 150ish carries. Sure we would all love an amazing back every year..but I don't think we can expect that. Also the scheme is different...and blocking is much different. Give Eastwood this second year and well see if he improves or diminishes with the new backs incoming and another year of experience.

If Eastwood had the lines of Yo, Hilliard, Green and Reynolds, he might have done more than a bit better.

 

[HookedonGriz]

I didn’t know post season accolades represented a good coach from a bad. If so our entire staff must suck ass.

Try going to some practices, watching what he does, and talking to O Line guys (past and present) who know a lot more than us.

Results matter. Obviously the majority of the staff will enter their second season. This is not true for Germer.

The Griz are and have been so far from having a dominant o-line, it is obvious. Germer leads that unit with the guys he recruited - mostly.

Ask yourself - is the on-line better now than they have been since his arrival? What level of confidence do you have that they will improve over the next season or 2? How well does the Griz o -line compare in conference or with elite FCS Programs? Can Germer return the unit to dominance - producing multiple All Americans and putting guys into the league or the potential to do so?

Can the unit produce a game winning TD from the goal line with time running down with the season on the line?

You have a lot of confidence. I see little evidence. I want to have your confidence.

My confidence comes from watching what he was able to do with a hodge podge, patch work O Line this last season. That alone was an absolute miracle that I’m not sure Jesus himself could have pulled off. Our O Line was thrown together with guys who have never played it at this level and have never played it all all (second string and third string guys with little to no experience) and made them more than serviceable. The Griz averaged 4.9 ypc last year and 165 yards per game on the ground. Were they all world, hell no. Were they 10x better than all of us expected, hell yes. That feat alone gets him instant credibility.

I don't disagree with the above. But, essentially he solved a problem he had a hand in creating. He had adequate time in the Program to build a serviceable 2-deep. Injuries are satisfactory reasons, but departures are not excusable IMO. Position coaches matter - players will stay for them.

Choach doesn't get a pass on here for not having a QB. It's the same thing.

He'll have credibility when he produces an elite o-line - widely recognized as the best in the league and among the best in the nation. Writers used to pen stories about Griz o-lines. They were feared. They produced results. They coined DOLA. That slogan should be banned until earned.

We'll find out this season when 100% of those playing the position are his and his alone.

I'll apologize right here if the Griz produce a truly dominant o-line in the next 2 years.

I see what you’re saying in regards to having time to build a solid 2 deep, but he really started over with personnel and scheme in the transition from Stitt to Hauck. A whole different type of lineman and blocking scheme offers its own set of challenges.

Then when you mentioned departures, you gotta help me out with who you’re referring to. We lost starter Thayne Jackson to concussions and future health scares, we lost projected starter Dallas Hart to a knee, we had Angel playing hurt all season (more hurt than many realize), we had Stoner retire and then come back to retire again over shoulder injuries....that alone is 3 out of 5 starters gone or playing at like 50%. Which is why I keep saying that what Germer did this last season was nothing short of miraculous. The only one I can remember outright leaving was Torres, and I don’t even know where he landed or if he kept playing football.

 

[reinell30]

I am all about Eastwood showing me he is going to be great. However, at this point I didn't see that last year even though he was a redshirt freshman. I have no problem admitting I am wrong!

The stats listed in an earlier post, I would like to see those compared against' Chase Reynolds or Yohancy Humphries just for geewiz.

My recollection is that Reynolds had zero yards rushing, because he didn't play as a frosh.

As a frosh, Yo had 51 carries for 232 yards. 4.5 per carry. 2 TD's.

So, of the 3, which one had the best frosh year?

I can't believe Eastwood will ever have the stats of a chase or Yo or Lex or a Canada or etc.... I hope I am wrong!

I agree. But that doesn't mean that Eastwood sucked last year, as a frosh.

Just because a back isn't as good, or won't be as good, as the top 6 or so backs in UM history, doesn't mean they aren't any good.

I didn't say he "sucked." I didn't say "he wasn't any good either." I said he is not the typical back for a Hauck team. I don't believe he will ever be the back that you can count on to keep a drive alive in the fourth Qtr to run time off the clock with a One TD lead. I reference Chase, Yo, Lex and Jordan because that is the type of back we need, now will we get that type? Yes, Bobby will find one.
I do not believe Eastwood will ever be a great back for UM.

 

[EverettGriz]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

 

[HookedonGriz]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

I agree he did that a little bit early on, but improved drastically on his cuts and vision as the season progressed. That’s a freshman adjusting to the speed of the game. It took a few games then he got better. I can’t wait for him to make many people here eat their words. Might have to start a list.

 

[reinell30]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

Yes, this! I couldn't say it better. I like the kid, and want the best for him. Bobby wouldn't have brought him here if he didn't see potential...

 

[mtgrizfankb]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

 

[bgbigdog]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

Sincere observations. We can surmise EVG isn’t deployed to Shick Shaudle this week anyway.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

Football post:
Eastwood wasn't the best on the team until the last two games. After that, he was, in my opinion. Since we're speaking opinions, mine is that someone with the skills of Lex Hilliard would not give UM a sniff in 2019. We can't rely on getting unicorns like Lex. Maybe we can luck out getting one every five years or so, but it's not like backs him that just spawn within the State borders every year, and are predisposed to being Grizzlies. The staff has to develop them. I've been very hesitant about Eastwood, but there are things I like about him, such as the bolded above. I have no doubt that Eastwwod will develop into a very serviceable RB.

I agree with PR that it's unfair to hold every RB to the standard of the very best in a storied program's history to determine whether the RB is good or bad. (I hope) We don't do that with QBs. For example: I think Sneed is very good. He is not in the same conversation as Craig Ochs, but I can still say he's very good.

 

[PlayerRep]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

I never said Eastwood would have numbers close to Yo/Chase. Just that his numbers would have been better with the o-lines they had. Eastwood isn't going to be a Yo/Chase. Those guys were special.

 

[PlayerRep]

My recollection is that Reynolds had zero yards rushing, because he didn't play as a frosh.

As a frosh, Yo had 51 carries for 232 yards. 4.5 per carry. 2 TD's.

So, of the 3, which one had the best frosh year?

I can't believe Eastwood will ever have the stats of a chase or Yo or Lex or a Canada or etc.... I hope I am wrong!

I agree. But that doesn't mean that Eastwood sucked last year, as a frosh.

Just because a back isn't as good, or won't be as good, as the top 6 or so backs in UM history, doesn't mean they aren't any good.

I didn't say he "sucked." I didn't say "he wasn't any good either." I said he is not the typical back for a Hauck team. I don't believe he will ever be the back that you can count on to keep a drive alive in the fourth Qtr to run time off the clock with a One TD lead. I reference Chase, Yo, Lex and Jordan because that is the type of back we need, now will we get that type? Yes, Bobby will find one.
I do not believe Eastwood will ever be a great back for UM.

Hauck's backs include Waller, Brady Green, Bradshaw, Brooks-Fletcher, Schmidt, Coleman, Nguyen.

 

[tourist]

Without the fumble, Eastwood wouldn't even be mentioned two months after the game. Seven months to go.

 

[Spanky2]

Let’s hope the OL improves this year. It seems like for 3 or 4 years now, we hear excuses and improvement is always coming next year. Well, it’s time for next year.

 

[PlayerRep]

Let’s hope the OL improves this year. It seems like for 3 or 4 years now, we hear excuses and improvement is always coming next year. Well, it’s time for next year.

The o-line was pretty good in 2017.

 

[EverettGriz]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

Reasonable minds may disagree. Good backs find those gaps. If a play is designed in the A gap but the opening is in the B gap, I expect a scholarship back to run with his head up and see that. Did he get better during the year? Yes. Was i satisfied at year end? No. Still farrrr to many missed opportunities. Will he develop into a top back? Perhaps. But again, I don’t believe “it” can be taught and I don’t see it, so.....

 

[EverettGriz]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

Sincere observations. We can surmise EVG isn’t deployed to Shick Shaudel this week anyway.

It’s Rumsprniga weekend at the SS.

 

[Ursa Major]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

sometimes fans think HUGE HOLES are there but they are on the opposite side of a play and impossible to get to. I saw a kid that ran downhill to the gaps that the play was designed. Didn't dance in the backfield like we all complained about with other backs. Didn't try to make something out of nothing. Ran hard, had good balance on contact. Made some good cut backs at the second level and we nothing but a solid back. Sure...he was not and will not be some explosive back that's gonna run for 150-200 some games. He won't be an all time great...I wouldn't imagine. What he was and probably will be...is a solid back..that can grind out yards and is reliable as a pass catcher with decent footwork.

Sincere observations. We can surmise EVG isn’t deployed to Shick Shaudel this week anyway.

It’s Rumsprniga weekend at the SS.

:lol: :lol: :lol: POTY.

Look it up. I had to.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Results matter. Obviously the majority of the staff will enter their second season. This is not true for Germer.

The Griz are and have been so far from having a dominant o-line, it is obvious. Germer leads that unit with the guys he recruited - mostly.

Ask yourself - is the on-line better now than they have been since his arrival? What level of confidence do you have that they will improve over the next season or 2? How well does the Griz o -line compare in conference or with elite FCS Programs? Can Germer return the unit to dominance - producing multiple All Americans and putting guys into the league or the potential to do so?

Can the unit produce a game winning TD from the goal line with time running down with the season on the line?

You have a lot of confidence. I see little evidence. I want to have your confidence.

My confidence comes from watching what he was able to do with a hodge podge, patch work O Line this last season. That alone was an absolute miracle that I’m not sure Jesus himself could have pulled off. Our O Line was thrown together with guys who have never played it at this level and have never played it all all (second string and third string guys with little to no experience) and made them more than serviceable. The Griz averaged 4.9 ypc last year and 165 yards per game on the ground. Were they all world, hell no. Were they 10x better than all of us expected, hell yes. That feat alone gets him instant credibility.

I don't disagree with the above. But, essentially he solved a problem he had a hand in creating. He had adequate time in the Program to build a serviceable 2-deep. Injuries are satisfactory reasons, but departures are not excusable IMO. Position coaches matter - players will stay for them.

Choach doesn't get a pass on here for not having a QB. It's the same thing.

He'll have credibility when he produces an elite o-line - widely recognized as the best in the league and among the best in the nation. Writers used to pen stories about Griz o-lines. They were feared. They produced results. They coined DOLA. That slogan should be banned until earned.

We'll find out this season when 100% of those playing the position are his and his alone.

I'll apologize right here if the Griz produce a truly dominant o-line in the next 2 years.

I see what you’re saying in regards to having time to build a solid 2 deep, but he really started over with personnel and scheme in the transition from Stitt to Hauck. A whole different type of lineman and blocking scheme offers its own set of challenges.

Then when you mentioned departures, you gotta help me out with who you’re referring to. We lost starter Thayne Jackson to concussions and future health scares, we lost projected starter Dallas Hart to a knee, we had Angel playing hurt all season (more hurt than many realize), we had Stoner retire and then come back to retire again over shoulder injuries....that alone is 3 out of 5 starters gone or playing at like 50%. Which is why I keep saying that what Germer did this last season was nothing short of miraculous. The only one I can remember outright leaving was Torres, and I don’t even know where he landed or if he kept playing football.

Departures...I was just referring to PRs comment on same.

Good post above. I know Germer has had tough hands dealt. My point is simply at some point there has to be accountability and no one should get a pass.

#RTD
#RTFCSolineU

 

[AZGrizFan]

I agree with 30. My problem with Eastwood isn’t the numbers he put up. My problem is his style. With backs, whether they be true freshman or 5th year seniors, it doesn’t take long to see if they have the “it” factor.

PR said above that his numbers might be more Yo/Chase like with better Olines. No doubt there’s some truth in that. But I’d argue his numbers would have been more similar if he had better VISION. I would get so frustrated watching him run into the back of a lineman, while there was a gaping hole to run through one gap over.

I agree he did that a little bit early on, but improved drastically on his cuts and vision as the season progressed. That’s a freshman adjusting to the speed of the game. It took a few games then he got better. I can’t wait for him to make many people here eat their words. Might have to start a list.

I would agree he improved as the season progressed...course, I thought the O-line did too, until the last play of the season...