'13 FL RB Greg Bryant (R.I.P.)

[UmphreakDomer]

TF and GB aren't superior, otherwise Cam would be riding the bench mostly this season, and I think you'll find that's not going to happen. They might be superior from an athletic standpoint, but they don't necessarily have the mental edge over Cam. I would say they probably don't have all aspects of the position down either. Cam is solid in all areas, but yes, he probably doesn't have much room to grow. I'm willing to bet, even though TF and GB are superior as you say, it's still going to be Cam and Tarean splitting the reps at the beginning of the season, and GB will quickly be getting opportunities to see how he's recovered as the season goes on.

the bolded part doesn't have any logic behind it at all.

 

[ulukinatme]

the bolded part doesn't have any logic behind it at all.

If TF was already superior to Cam in every way, why was he splitting the reps with Cam at the end of the season? Wouldn't he have received a greater share? TF has a greater ceiling and is superior athletically, but thats where it ends. TF is a phenomenal talent, and I do think he's going to be special in the coming years, but I think he still needs to gain some experience and hone his game. The same with GB obviously, extremely talented, but needs to grow and learn.

Unless both guys have grown by leaps and bounds since last season, I don't see either of them stepping over Cam right now and putting him on the bench like some people have said. Cam will hold his own, and I'm confidant that he'll be at the very least 1a on the depth chart with TF being 1b as they were when last season ended. GB will still get several carries against Rice to see what he can do. I expect both young Sophomores will get more reps as the season goes on, but I don't see either of them supplanting Cam from the start.

 

[anarin]

If TF was already superior to Cam in every way, why was he splitting the reps with Cam at the end of the season? Wouldn't he have received a greater share? TF has a greater ceiling and is superior athletically, but thats where it ends. TF is a phenomenal talent, and I do think he's going to be special in the coming years, but I think he still needs to gain some experience and hone his game. The same with GB obviously, extremely talented, but needs to grow and learn.

Unless both guys have grown by leaps and bounds since last season, I don't see either of them stepping over Cam right now and putting him on the bench like some people have said. Cam will hold his own, and I'm confidant that he'll be at the very least 1a on the depth chart with TF being 1b as they were when last season ended. GB will still get several carries against Rice to see what he can do. I expect both young Sophomores will get more reps as the season goes on, but I don't see either of them supplanting Cam from the start.

#logic

 

[Crazy Balki]

Having seen all of the posts it looks like I'm in the minority here on Cam vs. TF vs. GB. If I were playing on the other side of the ball Cam is the guy I'd most like to see break the huddle. TF would give me the most to think about with his patience, moves, and finesse. GB would concern me with the threat to take it to the house and what might happen to my arm if that's all i got on him, and with Cam I could expect a nice collision. As far as a passing threat out of the backfield...I'd put them in the same order. Last year with Tommy our offense was so damn predictable. Felt bad for Cam because when he came in everyone in the stadium knew we were running the ball.

Actually, I think when Cam was in, they were the least predictable, since he was the best pass blocker last season. GAIII had nothing but straight-line speed and couldn't block or catch well, Folston hadn't gotten to the point where he was a sufficient enough pass blocker, and Bryant...he was hurt.

 

[Irish#1]

Theo will have a wonderful career playing on Sunday. Wood will not. Also when wood fumbled the ball on the goaline against Pitt I puked.

We all did!

 

[NDinL.A.]

I disagree with a lot of posters whose opinions I respect. So I just want to put it out there that I completely forgive them for being wrong on this one.

For me, the best proven back is Torean Folston and it's not even close really in my eyes. Cam is who he is, and his ceiling just isn't as high as Folston's or Bryant's. And Bryant is still unproven (but he could be the best of them). But watching Folston run last year, when healthy....wow. He's sooooo smooth, hits the right hole, has some wiggle and some burst...he's just a complete back.

I'm not seeing the "Cam will make the first guy miss every time". He did it a few times in the open field, but he isn't nearly as slippery as Folston. Cam will turn a 3 yard run into a 4 yard run, while Folston will turn that into a 6, 7 yard run. Cam is the guy that will help you beat BYU, while Folston and Bryant (presumably) have the talent to be the guys that will help you beat Stanford and (God-willing) FSU.

I love Cam, and he deserves some run, but I'll bet anyone who wants to that Folston will have more carries than Cam through the first 6 games of the season (barring injuries, of course).

 

[IrishLion]

I'm not seeing the "Cam will make the first guy miss every time". He did it a few times in the open field, but he isn't nearly as slippery as Folston. Cam will turn a 3 yard run into a 4 yard run, while Folston will turn that into a 6, 7 yard run...

I love Cam, and he deserves some run, but I'll bet anyone who wants to that Folston will have more carries than Cam through the first 6 games of the season (barring injuries, of course).

I feel like the top was directed for me haha so I'll answer for it. I said Cam was exceptional at making the first guy miss, not that he did it every time. But he does it more often than not, IMO, or else I'm just blocking out all of his unsuccessful runs (which there aren't many of).

I do agree that Folston is way more elusive though, meaning he can make not only the first guy miss (which Cam does), but also the second and third guys (whereas Cam puts his shoulders down and starts punishing defenders).

I also agree that Folston will have more carries than Cam... I think the Stanford game was evidence enough that TF was viewed as the "lead back" at the end of the year, and did nothing but point to the future that TF has in store.

But I think the debate doesn't even merit this much attention, because BK is always going to prefer a 1a and 1b situation over having a true workhorse. It keeps everyone fresh, and improves the chances of chunk runs, which BK puts at a premium over all things in the running game.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Neat discussion, bros!

I think the one point I got from everybody is that running back at ND has improved over the last three or four years.

Not being an expert at evaluating running backs, here is what I heard as consensus :

GAIII not so much, but a home run threat if the seas parted;

Theo, heart plus, and a skill set that translates to a decent career on Sunday;

Cam, not the most skilled but as big a heart and desire as anyone could ask, (his change of direction, ability to stay on his feet, and ride his blockers are all much better than he has been given credit on this thread);

Cierre had the talent, and if he had the juice the results could have been remarkable.

This combination of Folston, Bryant, and McDaniels, could be awesome. They all have hands, their heads on straight, and certain skills that are approaching elite, even if as players they may not achieve that level across the board.

Did I miss anything?

 

[Cackalacky]

Neat discussion, bros!

I think the one point I got from everybody is that running back at ND has improved over the last three or four years.

Not being an expert at evaluating running backs, here is what I heard as consensus :

GAIII not so much, but a home run threat if the seas parted;

Theo, heart plus, and a skill set that translates to a decent career on Sunday;

Cam, not the most skilled but as big a heart and desire as anyone could ask, (his change of direction, ability to stay on his feet, and ride his blockers are all much better than he has been given credit on this thread);

Cierre had the talent, and if he had the juice the results could have been remarkable.

This combination of Folston, Bryant, and McDaniels, could be awesome. They all have hands, their heads on straight, and certain skills that are approaching elite, even if as players they may not achieve that level across the board.

Did I miss anything?

Just that Cierre had a bunch of talent but....weeeeeeed.

 

[dublinirish]

i presume "juice" means brain cells..

 

[arrowryan]

I disagree with a lot of posters whose opinions I respect. So I just want to put it out there that I completely forgive them for being wrong on this one.

For me, the best proven back is Torean Folston and it's not even close really in my eyes. Cam is who he is, and his ceiling just isn't as high as Folston's or Bryant's. And Bryant is still unproven (but he could be the best of them). But watching Folston run last year, when healthy....wow. He's sooooo smooth, hits the right hole, has some wiggle and some burst...he's just a complete back.

I'm not seeing the "Cam will make the first guy miss every time". He did it a few times in the open field, but he isn't nearly as slippery as Folston. Cam will turn a 3 yard run into a 4 yard run, while Folston will turn that into a 6, 7 yard run. Cam is the guy that will help you beat BYU, while Folston and Bryant (presumably) have the talent to be the guys that will help you beat Stanford and (God-willing) FSU.

I love Cam, and he deserves some run, but I'll bet anyone who wants to that Folston will have more carries than Cam through the first 6 games of the season (barring injuries, of course).

Even though I said earlier that I wouldn't be surprised if Cam got the first carry against Rice, I still think he doesn't and Folston starts. But who do you think has more carries through the first 6 game, Bryant or Cam?

I love Cam, but if all the hype about GB is true and he kicks ass in camp. Cam might only get 5-8 carries a game.

I know I'm eating my words from my first post, but I just see it going either way.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I disagree with a lot of posters whose opinions I respect. So I just want to put it out there that I completely forgive them for being wrong on this one.

For me, the best proven back is Torean Folston and it's not even close really in my eyes. Cam is who he is, and his ceiling just isn't as high as Folston's or Bryant's. And Bryant is still unproven (but he could be the best of them). But watching Folston run last year, when healthy....wow. He's sooooo smooth, hits the right hole, has some wiggle and some burst...he's just a complete back.

I'm not seeing the "Cam will make the first guy miss every time". He did it a few times in the open field, but he isn't nearly as slippery as Folston. Cam will turn a 3 yard run into a 4 yard run, while Folston will turn that into a 6, 7 yard run. Cam is the guy that will help you beat BYU, while Folston and Bryant (presumably) have the talent to be the guys that will help you beat Stanford and (God-willing) FSU.

I love Cam, and he deserves some run, but I'll bet anyone who wants to that Folston will have more carries than Cam through the first 6 games of the season (barring injuries, of course).

Agree 100%.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Even though I said earlier that I wouldn't be surprised if Cam got the first carry against Rice, I still think he doesn't and Folston starts. But who do you think has more carries through the first 6 game, Bryant or Cam?

I love Cam, but if all the hype about GB is true and he kicks ass in camp. Cam might only get 5-8 carries a game.

I know I'm eating my words from my first post, but I just see it going either way.

I think Cam will get his touches, I think they all will. It's a long season and guys get banged up. Depth is a great thing to have.

 

[JTLA]

I think Cam will get his touches, I think they all will. It's a long season and guys get banged up. Depth is a great thing to have.

My perspective is that barring injuries, Cam will be mop up only. Assuming Folston and Bryant have developed and are prepared, there really will be no need for Cam.

Cam's 4.8 yds per carry last year, while not a disaster, was the lowest since 2010 (Robert Hughes 4.4) for an RB with more than 14 carries.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Greg and Tarean are gonna be a helluva combo.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

While I certainly hope we beat the brakes off our opponents this year, I expect to be leading by 2-3 scores more often than not against our lesser opponents. There is nothing more valuable than a back like Cam to give the other guys a rest and continue moving the chains.

Not that the other guys couldn't do it but it'll go a long way to keeping our stable healthy and rested if they aren't required to have more than 15 touches a game.

I believe 1a and 1b are Folston and Bryant to start the year and Cam will of course get some touches. As the year wears on and people get dinged up, we'll see who comes out the other end.

Those games that we are up by 13-17 with 8-10 mins to go, those are the times it's nice to have a ball-secure, hard-nosed senior to come in and not get fancy.

Of course, I don't see Kelly playing "not to lose" very often but he does enjoy late game drives where we run 70% of the time with the occasional play action thrown in.

 

[Irish#1]

We know GB & TF can run, wiggle, glide, hit, juke, etc.. The big key for GB & TF will be pass protection. How well do they read the blitz? Are they willing to stay in there and try to stick a 300lb lineman or blitzing LB?

 

[UmphreakDomer]

I disagree with a lot of posters whose opinions I respect. So I just want to put it out there that I completely forgive them for being wrong on this one.

For me, the best proven back is Torean Folston and it's not even close really in my eyes. Cam is who he is, and his ceiling just isn't as high as Folston's or Bryant's. And Bryant is still unproven (but he could be the best of them). But watching Folston run last year, when healthy....wow. He's sooooo smooth, hits the right hole, has some wiggle and some burst...he's just a complete back.

I'm not seeing the "Cam will make the first guy miss every time". He did it a few times in the open field, but he isn't nearly as slippery as Folston. Cam will turn a 3 yard run into a 4 yard run, while Folston will turn that into a 6, 7 yard run. Cam is the guy that will help you beat BYU, while Folston and Bryant (presumably) have the talent to be the guys that will help you beat Stanford and (God-willing) FSU.

I love Cam, and he deserves some run, but I'll bet anyone who wants to that Folston will have more carries than Cam through the first 6 games of the season (barring injuries, of course).

exactly.

 

[GBdomer]

Was watching the Packers vs bengals game. I was very similar running styles with Jonathan Franklin and Bryant. Similar builds also even if Greg Bryant looks like Tarzan

 

[Crazy Balki]

Was watching the Packers vs bengals game. I was very similar running styles with Jonathan Franklin and Bryant. Similar builds also even if Greg Bryant looks like Tarzan

I'd say Bryant has a more compact build than Franklin had. Let's also hope that Bryant has more luck with health than Franklin did.

 

[BobbyMac]

I forgot who said McD, Bryant and Folston are the best RB's ND has had in 5 years but I'd say Allen, Hughes, Gray, Wood and Riddick were probably a bit more talented. They did a lot of damage with inferior lines and had 1000 yard receivers / NFL Draft picks like Carlson, Floyd, Rudolph, Eifert and Jones taking away a lot of attempts over the course of their careers.

Looking back, that was a lot of talent available in 2010.

.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I forgot who said McD, Bryant and Folston are the best RB's ND has had in 5 years but I'd say Allen, Hughes, Gray, Wood and Riddick were probably a bit more talented. They did a lot of damage with inferior lines and had 1000 yard receivers / NFL Draft picks like Carlson, Floyd, Rudolph, Eifert and Jones taking away a lot of attempts over the course of their careers.

Looking back, that was a lot of talent available in 2010.

.

Allen and Hughes were never the same at ND as they were in high school. Injuries limited them from reaching their potential. Gray and Wood were potential beast, that always showed up with too little, too late, or never hit their stride for some reason. Riddick gave everything he had, and was a warrior. Those guys from '88-'92 were unreal. And there were so many of them, that they gravitated out to slot (WR) positions.

I don't think that will be equaled. But I think this group has all the potential if we land Jamabo with Adams, and Adams makes it back.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Allen and Hughes were never the same at ND as they were in high school. Injuries limited them from reaching their potential. Gray and Wood were potential beast, that always showed up with too little, too late, or never hit their stride for some reason. Riddick gave everything he had, and was a warrior. Those guys from '88-'92 were unreal. And there were so many of them, that they gravitated out to slot (WR) positions.

I don't think that will be equaled. But I think this group has all the potential if we land Jamabo with Adams, and Adams makes it back.

In my recollection:
- Allen ran like a power-back and got injured a lot as a result;
- Hughes ran like a scat back, and got caught a lot a result (except for the end of his freshman and senior years);
- Wood seemed to rely on his speed too much, except for the 2011 season when Jonas came on;
- Jonas lost confidence early because of some fumbles and only truly committed himself to football as a senior;
- Riddick showed glimpses of incredible shake, but did not get a chance to really play full-time until his senior year. He was not fast or huge, but did everything else exceptionally well.

 

[DillonHall]

I forgot who said McD, Bryant and Folston are the best RB's ND has had in 5 years but I'd say Allen, Hughes, Gray, Wood and Riddick were probably a bit more talented. They did a lot of damage with inferior lines and had 1000 yard receivers / NFL Draft picks like Carlson, Floyd, Rudolph, Eifert and Jones taking away a lot of attempts over the course of their careers.

Looking back, that was a lot of talent available in 2010.

.

Who cares about talent? It's about production

 

[Irish#1]

Who cares about talent? It's about production

It's a lot easier to get production if you have the talent.

 

[ResLife Hero]

Bryant on verge of big year for Notre Dame football - South Bend Tribune: Football

RB Greg Bryant
Of the two sophomore running backs, Tarean Folston being the other, Bryant was the more ballyhooed upon arrival, but it was Folston who registered more playing time last season. Folston played in 12 games, with two starts, and ran for 470 yards on 88 carries with three touchdowns.
Bryant played in three games, carrying three times for 14 yards, before a knee injury truncated his freshman season.
But don't even think about forgetting him.
The 5-foot-10, 204-pound Bryant may be the smallest of the three scholarship running backs (Folston and Cam McDaniel each outweigh him by three pounds), but he might be the most powerful. That's taking nothing away from the other two, but Bryant is a blend of speed and strength that earned him five-star status as a high school senior in Delray Beach, Fla.
All three will get their carries, but expect Bryant to show drastic statistical improvement on his way to contributing heavily.

Can't wait to see him burst through the line and grab huge chunks of yardage this year.

 

[dublinirish]

yup can't wait til GB opens some eyes, people have been sleeping on him big time

 

[rtrn2glory]

i can't remember if this has been stated before, but i see soooo much of theo riddick in this dude.

 

[Luckylucci]

i can't remember if this has been stated before, but i see soooo much of theo riddick in this dude.

I agree but I think GB is one step above in the explosiveness catogory.

 

[stlnd01]

yup can't wait til GB opens some eyes, people have been sleeping on him big time

Who has been sleeping on him? He's probably our most anticipated offensive recruit since Jimmy Clausen. Dude got applause for his first carry in mop-up time against Temple.