Griz running back discussion.

[AZGrizFan]

when I rewatched the game last night, that was another thing I focused on....our RB assistance in Pass Pro is LIGHT YEARS better than last year. Also noticed a lot of plays with Both Brammer and Grossman on the field at the same time, adding additional blockers.

Can you imagine if they kept Knight in more how much better still they would be in pass pro? That dude blocks the heck out of people. One of his many strengths.

Agreed. But I have zero complaints about Harris's blocking ability now. He's upped his game tremendously in that area. And I think it's earning him more playing time.

 

[Kobezoey]

Hauck and co. are gonna play the RB the most who is playing the best, and right now that isn't Marcus Knight. He just looks like he's not quite there yet. I think he'll get back to being our main guy soon enough, though.

That of course makes a lot of sense. Not sure any of the backs have enough of a body of work to really make that call yet. From what I have seen they have all done well in many aspects. I think from a visual standpoint, and game film standpoint, there is a lot to be excited about with Knight's comeback. He is very strong and physical and still has the mobility. I have heard he is their fastest back, as well. We know he can catch and block. You may be right. . .it will just be a matter of time and situations that will allow him back into the roll everyone expects. In the meantime it is good to see that the other running backs are holding their own to an extent and improving every day. I kind of feel that once the meat of the schedule begins with Sac State, we might start seeing some adjustments in the running game approach. . .not sure. The new QB needs to trust them more in the RPO game, as well.

 

[mtgrizfankb]

when I rewatched the game last night, that was another thing I focused on....our RB assistance in Pass Pro is LIGHT YEARS better than last year. Also noticed a lot of plays with Both Brammer and Grossman on the field at the same time, adding additional blockers.

Yes! RB and TE improvement in blocking and a mobile QB gives this offensive line a boost and makes this offense way more diverse once they all get on the same page.

I don’t know if it’s really the mobile qb causing it. I think Lucas does a good job of knowing the defense and knowing where he wants the ball prior to the snap and getting in his reads. Brown does not have that.. he stands there like he’s reading a damn novel.

 

[Alaska Griz]

Yes! RB and TE improvement in blocking and a mobile QB gives this offensive line a boost and makes this offense way more diverse once they all get on the same page.

I don’t know if it’s really the mobile qb causing it. I think Lucas does a good job of knowing the defense and knowing where he wants the ball prior to the snap and getting in his reads. Brown does not have that.. he stands there like he’s reading a damn novel.

Yeah, both mobility and decision making are excellent with Lucas.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Yes! RB and TE improvement in blocking and a mobile QB gives this offensive line a boost and makes this offense way more diverse once they all get on the same page.

I don’t know if it’s really the mobile qb causing it. I think Lucas does a good job of knowing the defense and knowing where he wants the ball prior to the snap and getting in his reads. Brown does not have that.. he stands there like he’s reading a damn novel.

I think Cam was good at those things as well...just wasn't as good as Johnson at getting the ball to the right spot, and certainly not the speed of Johnson.

 

[mthoopsfan]

I'm good with most of what you said, 406. All 3 backs are looking good, and I assume Knight will get back into his groove soon. I hope he isn't frustrated at all, as I think this rotation is best for the team and him. It's a long season. There will be plenty of opportunity for Knight. The 4th back is pretty good with nice potential too. And the 5th. From rags to riches from last year to this year.

i wouldn't consider bergen at running back as 'rags', he was pretty damn good, despite his size. as for knight, i was surprised when people said he was being held out of a lot of pre-season contact drills, but i guess the plan is to let him get back into the groove during the season, not practice. i wonder, how many more seasons of eligibility does he have?

Yes, Bergen was a good back and did a terrific job last season. Saved the season. I said rags only because we had only one healthy back, with others coming and going, and several out for the season or most of the time. This year, the Griz have at least 5 good backs.

 

[argh!]

i wouldn't consider bergen at running back as 'rags', he was pretty damn good, despite his size. as for knight, i was surprised when people said he was being held out of a lot of pre-season contact drills, but i guess the plan is to let him get back into the groove during the season, not practice. i wonder, how many more seasons of eligibility does he have?

Yes, Bergen was a good back and did a terrific job last season. Saved the season. I said rags only because we had only one healthy back, with others coming and going, and several out for the season or most of the time. This year, the Griz have at least 5 good backs.

i know you liked bergen, because i think you were on of the few of us on here who thought he was the mvp of last year's team.

 

[Bok_Choi]

I know it's early, but isn't it great not to have to rely on a freshman receiver to carry the team at running back? Doesn't matter how it works out, having healthy guys who can step in when called upon is a great feeling.

 

[1981Griz]

My personal thinking is that Bobby and the offensive coaches are trying to keep ALL running backs healthy for and during the conference season by keeping reps to a minimum for all to get Ostmo and Knight back to peak form.
By mid-conference season a primary RB may emerge, but we are loaded and might as well keep our top 4 backs in the rotation and concentrate on wins and not on personal stats.
By playoffs, if all are healthy, our RB depth and experience will be unbelievable.

 

[Griz Addict]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

 

[SaskGriz]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

So you want us to fundamentally change our offensive scheme? Why?

 

[kemajic]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

RB usage will be more dependent on what defensive schemes we encounter than on what you prefer.

 

[Griz Addict]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

So you want us to fundamentally change our offensive scheme? Why?

I was saying what I prefer. I didn't say anything about changing anything. But, how does relying on 1-2 rbs change our offensive scheme? That makes little to zero sense.

 

[AZGrizFan]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

I prefer winning 49-14. Less concerned about who carries the ball.

 

[Da Boyz Mom]

I prefer a work horse who gets the majority of the carries. But, definitely think there needs to be rotation for injury purposes. I want to see 1 rb with 20 carries a game and the rest split.

I prefer winning 49-14. Less concerned about who carries the ball.

This.

 

[grizfan406]

I'm still thinking that knight isn't back to 100% either physically or mentally. Nothing about his game today changes my mind. I still want him getting carries and gaining confidence. X has the hot hand clear #1. Ostmo didn't have a huge game by any means but still #2 IMO.

 

[Ursus1]

I'm still thinking that knight isn't back to 100% either physically or mentally. Nothing about his game today changes my mind. I still want him getting carries and gaining confidence. X has the hot hand clear #1. Ostmo didn't have a huge game by any means but still #2 IMO.

He is definitely not like he was for whatever reason...and Harris is the true RB1. Seeing some social media from family members, I could see if his carry load does not significantly increase he might not be here next year.

 

[grizfan406]

I'm still thinking that knight isn't back to 100% either physically or mentally. Nothing about his game today changes my mind. I still want him getting carries and gaining confidence. X has the hot hand clear #1. Ostmo didn't have a huge game by any means but still #2 IMO.

He is definitely not like he was for whatever reason...and Harris is the true RB1. Seeing some social media from family members, I could see if his carry load does not significantly increase he might not be here next year.

That is always a concern with today's transfer portal, I just think he needs more time, more carries, by the time we play the cats I think he will be near 90% when exactly did he tear his acl? Wasn't it 1.5 years ago? Before spring ball 2020?

 

[mthoopsfan]

Carries were 8, 6, 5, 4. Harris, Ostmo, Childs, Knight.

 

[Bok_Choi]

X is the guy for now. If Childs can get his shoe/slipping issue behind him, he’s gonna be a monster. Ostmo is your change of pace battering ram and Knight is still finding his way. Gillman waiting in the wings.