Who is the next ND feature running back?

[stonebreakerwasgod]

While most of the talk around the blogs centers on the quarterback position, I can't wait to see who comes to the forefront at running back. I've not seen the two new guys at all (Hughes and Allen) and Aldridge and Prince played sparingly this year. Travis Thomas has a lot of heart but I'm not convinced he will be the main guy next year. If Allen is as fast as they say, I would not be surprised to see him get alot of the touches this year

 

[tgolden]

I'm not so sure we will have a featured back next year. I wouldn't be suprised to see a lot of different guys getting carries next year.

Also, I think if Travis Thomas does in fact switch back to RB, he may be able to take the starting spot for one year. I don't think he'd necessarily stay the starter after that, but since that's all the time he's got left, I wouldn't be too suprised.

Also, I'd give Aldridge the edge over Prince just based on the fact that it seems Aldridge could be more of an every down back. And of course, not having seen Allen or Hughes play, I don't know about them. Allen seems pretty small though to be a featured back right off the bat.

But as with the QBs, as long as the guy(s) who is in gets the job done, I'll be happy.

 

[RI Domer]

I think Aldridge will be the no. 1 He played the most this past season. I have a feeling maybe Travis will stay at LB . Everybody must have seen that amazing speed of Prince in the short time we saw him it was like he was one step ahead of everyone. He will probably be second or if Thomas sticks at RB 3rd. If any of the freshman step up I could see a transfer there are just to many freshman and sophmores fighting for playing time. It only means for us fans we will see the best but not one of these guys came here to sit for 3-4 years. This is clearly the second best battle on the team.

 

[tgolden]

I guess if we do move to the 3-4, there's a much better chance of Thomas staying at LB.

I agree that you'd think one of the younger guys will either transfer or switch positions. or who knows, maybe they'll just stick it out. that would be fine with me too.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I guess if we do move to the 3-4, there's a much better chance of Thomas staying at LB.

I agree that you'd think one of the younger guys will either transfer or switch positions. or who knows, maybe they'll just stick it out. that would be fine with me too.

Yup...that's a good point.

Also, if TT could have won the spot, he would have. A return to RB is NOT a good sign.

I could see him being a FB though.

 

[RI Domer]

I guess if we do move to the 3-4, there's a much better chance of Thomas staying at LB.

I agree that you'd think one of the younger guys will either transfer or switch positions. or who knows, maybe they'll just stick it out. that would be fine with me too.

Would be fine with me good players only force the players around them to play harder. Everyone of the freshman knew what they were getting into when they commited and the sophmores saw two years behind Darius. Bottom line being maybe they will have good attitudes and stick it out.

 

[jboxer562]

gimme Aldridge next year... and in the future look for allen to symbolize Reggie Bush and Hughes to symbolize Lendalle White... LETS BE BETTER THAN THEM!!!

 

[celtic745]

I'm not so sure we will have a featured back next year. I wouldn't be suprised to see a lot of different guys getting carries next year.

Also, I think if Travis Thomas does in fact switch back to RB, he may be able to take the starting spot for one year. I don't think he'd necessarily stay the starter after that, but since that's all the time he's got left, I wouldn't be too suprised.

Also, I'd give Aldridge the edge over Prince just based on the fact that it seems Aldridge could be more of an every down back. And of course, not having seen Allen or Hughes play, I don't know about them. Allen seems pretty small though to be a featured back right off the bat.

But as with the QBs, as long as the guy(s) who is in gets the job done, I'll be happy.

I'd be surprised. From what I've heard from people is that charlie weis doesn't like not having a retured back. He likes just sticking to his starter. I think maybe some other people get some touches but, I think there will be a main guy getting a big load of the touches. We'll see. Who knows. Competition is a good thing in this case. I don't care as long as we've got the best guy out there that will give us the best chance to win. I believe charlie will be able to pick that guy.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

I'd be surprised. From what I've heard from people is that charlie weis doesn't like not having a retured back. He likes just sticking to his starter. I think maybe some other people get some touches but, I think there will be a main guy getting a big load of the touches. We'll see. Who knows. Competition is a good thing in this case. I don't care as long as we've got the best guy out there that will give us the best chance to win. I believe charlie will be able to pick that guy.

I have thought like that for awhile myself until the past couple of weeks. Seeing how Charlie has been recruiting since he's been here, it seems like he will use that 1-2 punch just like he saw SC run it against us and absolutely kill us. With Aldridge/Prince last year and Hughes/Allen this year it seems like thats the way he thinks we'll succeed the most. It gives the Irish a lot of flexibility and Charlie will use more power if our opponent struggles against it or use more speed. I think it will vary based on the team we play.

 

[tgolden]

Yup...that's a good point.

Also, if TT could have won the spot, he would have. A return to RB is NOT a good sign.

I could see him being a FB though.

are you saying a return to RB is not a good sign for our RBs or our LBs? I don't think it would be that horrible for one year. and I can't picture TT at FB. He's not a lead blocker at all. He's a tough straight ahead runner, but that doesn't make him a FB. Besides, we've got Schwapp back and Luke Schmidt is supposed to be good.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

are you saying a return to RB is not a good sign for our RBs or our LBs? I don't think it would be that horrible for one year. and I can't picture TT at FB. He's not a lead blocker at all. He's a tough straight ahead runner, but that doesn't make him a FB. Besides, we've got Schwapp back and Luke Schmidt is supposed to be good.

It's not a good sign for our RBs. TT is nice, but unless he changed dramatically, he's great north south, but can't shake a tackle. I would hope to god we have someone better than him... (but I am looking for a step up from Darius)

I agree that Schwap is good, as can be Schmidt. But as RPN showed us, a RB can convert well. RPN was a LOT like TT. He was fast, but not a good runner overall. Once he became a FB, he was even MORE valuable to the team.

 

[Clausen2Kamara]

Schmidt to linebacker, I'm telling you he would make a great fit. He's got great size. I also think he played LB in high school but I'm not sure.

 

[tgolden]

haha. well, it could work, but are we just gonna take turns switching all our RBs to LB? I'm not making fun of you though.

 

[tgolden]

I agree that Schwap is good, as can be Schmidt. But as RPN showed us, a RB can convert well. RPN was a LOT like TT. He was fast, but not a good runner overall. Once he became a FB, he was even MORE valuable to the team.

yea, good point about RPN. but he had 3 years to adjust. TT would only have 1. and it seems like Charlie is pretty high on Schwapp assuming he's back 100% from the injury. But I guess it could still work like Weis used RPN and Schwapp in the backfield at the same time in short yardage. but in that case he would still technically be playing RB.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

yea, good point about RPN. but he had 3 years to adjust. TT would only have 1. and it seems like Charlie is pretty high on Schwapp assuming he's back 100% from the injury. But I guess it could still work like Weis used RPN and Schwapp in the backfield at the same time in short yardage. but in that case he would still technically be playing RB.

3 years? You sure about that? My impression was that he was a RB two or three active years...then FB 1-2 active years.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

I think it's between Thomas & Aldridge. I'd rather see zibby move to LB than Thomas stay there. Zibby has the makings of an Urlacher & has already been pigeoholed as a run-stop safety in the NFL much like Roy Williams w/ Dallas (but that's another thread). Prince seems to damn fragile. Aldridge showed me much more & since the most we have to go on is their recruiting, Aldridge would definitely have the edge based on HS ratings. Let's face it, neither got enuf touches to truly win the job. It reminds me of the glory days of Holtz when he had that awesome group of RBs. He was able to get them all enough touches to help the team & showcase their talent (except for Watters who needed the ball every play!). If anyone transferred (& I doubt any will), I'd bet on Prince. I'm ready to see what Schmidt can do at FB.

 

[benneboy]

Question. Does anybody know if charlies methodolgy on running backs is similar to that of the quarterbacks? I know he has always mainained that he will never go to a two quarterback system and is very hesitant to switch quarterbacks in a game or even a season. Do you think he applies this way of thinking to the RB's as well?

 

[tgolden]

3 years? You sure about that? My impression was that he was a RB two or three active years...then FB 1-2 active years.

He was a RB in 2001 as a redshirt frosh and in 2002 as a sophmore. He started playing fullback in 2003, and continued in 2004 and 2005 as a 5th year senior. Sure, he missed half of 2005, but I'd still count him as a FB for that year. So really he was only a RB for one active year and a FB for 3 active years.

 

[Junkhead]

Starting backfield 07

Starting backfield 07

Who does everyone think will get the starting nod? Thomas, Prince, Aldridge, Allen, Hughes, Schmidt, Schwapp, etc...

I'm guessing Aldridge and Schwapp, with Thomas and Prince getting some carries. I'd love to see Allen and Hughes hit the field, but a redshirt would be ok too.

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

Aldredge and Schwapp. I think Allen and schmidt will see some carries this year. Not sure about Hughes, I don't see him playing much until his junior year, but what the hell do I know.

 

[Junkhead]

Prince seems to be the one not mentioned as much now. How about a Prince and Allen KR team?

 

[Irish1]

turn prince into a fire burning WR.....

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

I think prince will play, not sure if he will start. He wasn't all that impressive to me when i saw him last year. I do know he will have as much chance as anyone else.

 

[GoshenGipper]

turn prince into a fire burning WR.....

One of Prince's weak spots this past year was catching the ball out of the backfield, so I doubt ND will be turning him into a WR.

 

[Junkhead]

Aldridge and Prince didn't show much, but they had limited carries in garbage time, and questionable blocking.

 

[Golden_Domer88]

Speedsters= Prince and Allen
Power=Shwap and Luke
Bruisers=Aldridge and Hughes

I see Aldridge and Allen getting the most touches. With Prince going to KR.

 

[sportallyr]

I was not impressed in what I saw of Aldridge last year, but he got most of his touches with backup OL playing against other team's starters and he was coming off an injury and didn't seem to be 100 percent. Assuming that he hits the holes faster next year, he should be the starter.

 

[IrishRamMan10]

i wouldnt count out aldridge just yet guys...

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Aldridge and Prince didn't show much, but they had limited carries in garbage time, and questionable blocking.

Darius Walker could not block his first year either...no big shocker there.

 

[Junkhead]

Darius Walker could not block his first year either...no big shocker there.

I meant running behind questionable blocking.