Aldridge!!

[tedwick]

Uh, does "implemented" mean "given the starting spot"? Are you dense? And how is it a "stupid thing to say" that a 5 star running back is better than a 3 star running back? It may be correct, or not, but to say a 5 star freshman back in college is better than a junior who was a 3 star back (and who has been good but has not exactly been a world beater in his 3 years) is hardly a "stupid" opinion.

yes, it's generally a stupid opinion to say that a back with just about 2000 yards to his name in 2 seasons, and going on for another 1000 yard season is worse than a 5-star running back, no matter how good the back was in high school. All the stars go away when you graduate high school. All that matters is the depth chart. And the truth is that Walker is a better all-around back than Aldridge. Unless you're saying that Charlie's got it all wrong...
And, while not blazing quick, Walker has certainly been more than valuable. He's won ND multiple games that they shouldn't have won. remember the first game we saw him? Michigan. I was there, and I won't forget.

As for asking "Oh yea well if he's so good why isn't he starting huh why isn't he starting if he's so good you big idiot!", now THAT is stupid. It's also disingenuous, to act like Weis thinks Walker is clearly the better back, and that's why he's starting. It's not. Aldridge, for one, is a freshman, which makes it difficult to unseat a two-year starting upperclassman who's had back to back 1000 yard seasons. I know, I know. "Weis will always play the better guy!" That looks good in the press conferences, but it's a little harder to tell your workhorse junior running back to move over, you've just brought in a better player. More importantly, Aldridge was hurt. If he hadn't been hurt, honestly, he might be starting by now, or "as good as" starting, which means featured in a 50/50 split backfield. It's not an accident that he's been out there more and more, and earlier and earlier in games. He was in against AF, what, second series? That's not for nothing. The kid is legitimately good. He was our biggest recruit last year other than Sam Young, who's starting. And next year he'll either be starting or splitting carries. Of course I expect next year to be more ball control, whoever the QB is.

There's a reason Young is starting on the O-Line. Because he's better than everyone else. Can you guess the reason that Aldridge is not starting? Here's a hint: Because he's not better than everyone else. Do you know why it's hard to unseat an upperclassman who's had back to back 1000 yard seasons? Because chances are the upperclassman is GOOD. It's just that Aldridge is not as well-rounded yet as Walker is. Yes, he's probably a better runner, but he doesn't have the whole package like walker does. Also, doesn't have the chemistry with quinn or the leadership position with the team yet. You're confusing "better runner" with "better running back". I'm sure Weis has no doubt in his mind that Walker is the better running back. And it'd just be dumb to say otherwise. He won't start next year. He'll probably take Travis Thomas's place in last years back rotation.

 

[notdam4]

No, it's not. Walker's "experience" has been the experience of being good, not great. I like him a lot, but I think Aldridge is better than he is.

As for Prince, he hasn't shown a thing. Not a thing. Where is the speed? He's been getting fewer and fewer appearances. He might have to go back in the microwave for a bit.

I think tedwick has covered all angles on your analysis of Walker, so I'll take it from this angle. I don't understand how you can think Aldridge is better other than looking at his high school stats/tapes. Yes, he's made a few good runs this year but he hasn't broken a long one yet, which seems to be everyones' gripe on Walker, so what makes you think he will? As for Prince, every one of his carries has been with our second team offensive line so I believe you are a bit harsh on your analysis of him as well.

 

[Irish1]

well i can agree that james has more ability and may be a "better" back in the near future but he is not the better back as of now and i agree that prince has done little to nothing

of course he's the best back now because he HAS EXPERIENCE. i was talking long haul darius will be just a figment of the nd past. We're seeing less of prince because walker being the starter gets majority of touches, aldridge looks to be the clear number 2 while prince is 3rd.

 

[Clotho]

Walker has certainly been more than valuable. He's won ND multiple games that they shouldn't have won. remember the first game we saw him? Michigan. I was there, and I won't forget.

This is pretty much your entire argument. It's all sentimental, not practical. Guess what- football isn't sentimental. Holiday led the Irish to a lot of wins in '02, made a lot of memories, but when he got benched in '03 for Quinn, only an idiot would have been upset about it.

 

[RichardRiot]

I don't think DW gets near enough credit for doing the things that he does. The general opinion is that he should be replaced because he doesn't have breakaway speed.

You think that Coach Weis doesn't already know that.....but he is still starting. Those 'little' things that he does well are absolutely HUGE: barely ever puts the ball on the ground; exceptional blocking back - adjusts well; extremely good receiving back.

Although very different in stature, he reminds me of Lee Becton, in that he isn't fast (as far as top backs go), but almost always makes positive yards, he is difficult to hit square, virtually NEVER fumbles, has very good hands, waits well for holes to open up, is extremely durable.

I love Alrdidge, but the poster that indicated that Walker is starting rather than Alridge clearly hasn't been following Coach Weis'. Weis will play whomever will give the team the advantage; and CW does not care how many stars a guy has/had.....

 

[SIUIrish]

I dont know if anybody has mentioned it yet, but James was hurt in the spring and missed some of fall practices as well. Now, had he been healthy, he'd be farther along in his progression and he and Walker together would be one of the best one-two punches in college football.

 

[tedwick]

This is pretty much your entire argument. It's all sentimental, not practical. Guess what- football isn't sentimental. Holiday led the Irish to a lot of wins in '02, made a lot of memories, but when he got benched in '03 for Quinn, only an idiot would have been upset about it.

that's not at all my argument, not in the least. that was in response to your "he's no world beater" comment. my point there was that walker's come up VERY big when nobody else, even Brady, could.

the majority of my argument, which you seem to skirt around and hand-wave away, is that aldridge is indeed a better RUNNER, but not a better running back. He doesn't have the blocking and recieving skills that you can only learn through experience. he doesn't have the intangibles that walker has, the leadership and chemistry. he'll get there, but Weis clearly sees that he's not there yet. Better runner than Walker, but NOT better running back.

nice try on the generalization, though.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I don't think DW gets near enough credit for doing the things that he does. The general opinion is that he should be replaced because he doesn't have breakaway speed.

You think that Coach Weis doesn't already know that.....but he is still starting. Those 'little' things that he does well are absolutely HUGE: barely ever puts the ball on the ground; exceptional blocking back - adjusts well; extremely good receiving back.

That's the key... Most people want a running back to be a really good runner. Walker is the opposite...he's a mediocre runner with exceptional talent at the other aspects of being on offense (blocking, receiving, etc).

My ONLY serious complaint with him is that his runs develop slower than diaper rash and he's not faster than any D-Backs we play against.

However, while Weis says its important to establish the run...he knows that this team establishes the pass first and the run second. Which is why teams with talented D-Backs and decent pass rush do well against us. (OSU comes to mind)

 

[Dannyboy Ayers]

he posseses skilss that pro teams rave about: patience, catching skills, and the abillity to pic up the blitz and block it are all things that are big issues for rookie running backs. He HAS all of these skills already. so lay off if one of the freshman or any other person could demonstrate it better than him they would be starting.

 

[BGIF]

That's the key... Most people want a running back to be a really good runner. Walker is the opposite...he's a mediocre runner with exceptional talent at the other aspects of being on offense (blocking, receiving, etc).

My ONLY serious complaint with him is that his runs develop slower than diaper rash and he's not faster than any D-Backs we play against.

However, while Weis says its important to establish the run...he knows that this team establishes the pass first and the run second. Which is why teams with talented D-Backs and decent pass rush do well against us. (OSU comes to mind)

"... he's a mediocre runner ..."

That is one of the stupidest statements I've ever read on any message board.

No, he's not fleet like Ismail. No, he's not big like Bettis. No, he doesn't break off chunks of yardage like Gipp.

He's is so mediocre that he recently took over 4th place on the ND All-Time Rushing list with 2903 yds. Among others, he passed Becton, Brooks, Kinder, Gipp, Phil Carter, Julius Jones, and Jerome Heavens this season. He trails only Vegas Ferguson, Allen Pinkett, and Autry Denson on the All-Time list. Note that the 3 ahead of him all played 4 sesasons.

His career 88/yd game is 3rd on ND's All-Time List.

His 13 games rushing for 100 yds or more is tied for 3rd on the ND All-Time List. The 2 ahead of him both played 4 seasons. Walker has about 16 games left in his career to improve that.

The All-Time ND record for rushing as a Freshman is held by - Darius Walker.

This season he will become only the 4th Irish runner to rush for 1,000 yds 2 or more times. Only Denson and Pinkett did it 3 times and Walker has another year to go to join them. Walker will probably need about 1200 yds his senior season to become the All-Time Leading Rusher. His career 4.6 yd/carry is the same as Pinkett's.

After next season only 6 Irish players at any position will have been responsible for more TOTAL OFFENSE: Quinn, Powlus, Mirer, Buerlein, Jackson and Theismann.

He's scored more career TDs than Rice, Watters, Brooks, Gipp, Heavens, Samardzija, McKnight, and Gatewood. Only about a dozen people have scored more TD's in ND history.

According to the NCAADarius Walker is 9th Leading Rusher on the Active Career List of all RBs playing Div 1A football today. Of those ahead of him 5 have played an additional season. The 3 other juniors ahead of him are Adrian Peterson, Michael Hart, and Marshawn Lynch.

Not bad company for a mediocre runner, is it LOVEMYIRISH?

He may be slower than flypaper but you don't need all the fingers on one hand to count the running backs at Notre Dame who were more productive.

 

[Vince Young]

There's one reason and one reason alone why I was thrilled to see Aldridge play some meaningful minutes against Air Force:

You can never have too many good running backs.

Walker's shake-n-bake style is good; see BGIF's excellent summary above.

Aldridge's bulldozer style is good too; wearing down the other team's D-line is never a bad thing.

Having both Walker AND Aldridge ready for prime-time against USC will be awesome. I can't wait to start seeing some two-back sets for the first time in... well... since Asaph got injured, I guess. Force the other team to start guessing which RB is getting the carry. They'll guess wrong at least half the time, right? Sets up some beautiful play-action possibilities too.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

"... he's a mediocre runner ..."

That is one of the stupidest statements I've ever read on any message board.

No, he's not fleet like Ismail. No, he's not big like Bettis. No, he doesn't break off chunks of yardage like Gipp.

He's is so mediocre that he recently took over 4th place on the ND All-Time Rushing list with 2903 yds. Among others, he passed Becton, Brooks, Kinder, Gipp, Phil Carter, Julius Jones, and Jerome Heavens this season. He trails only Vegas Ferguson, Allen Pinkett, and Autry Denson on the All-Time list. Note that the 3 ahead of him all played 4 sesasons.

His career 88/yd game is 3rd on ND's All-Time List.

His 13 games rushing for 100 yds or more is tied for 3rd on the ND All-Time List. The 2 ahead of him both played 4 seasons. Walker has about 16 games left in his career to improve that.

The All-Time ND record for rushing as a Freshman is held by - Darius Walker.

This season he will become only the 4th Irish runner to rush for 1,000 yds 2 or more times. Only Denson and Pinkett did it 3 times and Walker has another year to go to join them. Walker will probably need about 1200 yds his senior season to become the All-Time Leading Rusher. His career 4.6 yd/carry is the same as Pinkett's.

After next season only 6 Irish players at any position will have been responsible for more TOTAL OFFENSE: Quinn, Powlus, Mirer, Buerlein, Jackson and Theismann.

He's scored more career TDs than Rice, Watters, Brooks, Gipp, Heavens, Samardzija, McKnight, and Gatewood. Only about a dozen people have scored more TD's in ND history.

According to the NCAADarius Walker is 9th Leading Rusher on the Active Career List of all RBs playing Div 1A football today. Of those ahead of him 5 have played an additional season. The 3 other juniors ahead of him are Adrian Peterson, Michael Hart, and Marshawn Lynch.

Not bad company for a mediocre runner, is it LOVEMYIRISH?

He may be slower than flypaper but you don't need all the fingers on one hand to count the running backs at Notre Dame who were more productive.

A stupid statement? Hardly. In fact, you can't provide a shred of data to show that he is not a mediocre runner by NCAA standards. He comes out in the middle of the pack every way you spin it.

His stats versus former ND players? I agree it's not bad for a mediocre runner. But statistics do not change the fact that he is a mediocre runner. He got lucky that he has been behind a prolific passing attack. Had Denson been behind this offense I can only imagine the yardage he would have put up.

You cannot even compare Denson's numbers anyway. In 1995 he was the 3rd leading rusher (attempts) for the Irish. He did not get NEARLY as many carries as Walker. Then in 1996 he did get as many carries...and what happens? He blows Walker out of the water.

1995 RUSHING LEADERS (all 3 ran better than Walker!!!)
.....................Att. Net Yd/Gam Yd/Car
Randy Kinder 143 809 80/9 5.7
Marc Edwards 140 717 65/2 5.1
Autry Denson 137 695 63/2 5.1


..............................Att Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
1996 Denson, Autry 202 1179 5.8 8 47 107.2
2006 Walker, Darius 195 921 4.7 5 39 83.7

You can quote stats all day...but the fact is he is an average runner. He was recruited as such and has not missed expectations.

Look at his stats for this year. Sure, he's going to get 1000 yards...but look at his game by game stats:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161739

Now look at Mike Hart...
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160897

Or PJ Hill:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=180057

Antonio Pittman:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=160722

Darren McFadden:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=170928

Marshawn Lynch:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=163361

James Davis:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=176661

CJ Spiller:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=192151

Darius is more like is 96th in Yards Per Carry. If you remove the guys who have less than 100 carries, Darius moves up to somewhere in the mid 60's. Smack dab in the middle of the NCAA.

He's a medicore runner...and just because ND had a wealth of talent before and did not ride just one horse, does not make him one of the best runners at ND it makes him the primary runner for a long duration.

Is he a workhorse? Yes. Does he get injured? No. Pass Blocking? Top Notch. Receiving? One of the best. Running? Average/Mediocre/Does-Not-Stand-Out

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

There's one reason and one reason alone why I was thrilled to see Aldridge play some meaningful minutes against Air Force:

You can never have too many good running backs.

Walker's shake-n-bake style is good; see BGIF's excellent summary above.

Aldridge's bulldozer style is good too; wearing down the other team's D-line is never a bad thing.

Having both Walker AND Aldridge ready for prime-time against USC will be awesome. I can't wait to start seeing some two-back sets for the first time in... well... since Asaph got injured, I guess. Force the other team to start guessing which RB is getting the carry. They'll guess wrong at least half the time, right? Sets up some beautiful play-action possibilities too.

That 1-2 punch could be quite lethal. We really need a guy who can hammer it home.

And while Darius is slow he's more of a threat because of his receiving abilities. He's very dangerous that way.

 

[tommy]

plus its great for his morale and next season

 

[tedwick]

wait... lovemyirish... are you kidding? walker is behind 3 juniors in active career rushing yards. all three were considered for the heisman this year. yes, he's not as fast as them, but he's better in other respects. sure, he doesn't get as many yards per carry, but he's generally good for 3 when you need 2, 4 when you need 3, etc. There are more aspects to being a good runner than yards per carry. explain how he's so prolific if he's not a good runner? especially this year. as well, recall: he was splitting time with grant for his freshman year as well.

on top of that, there are more aspects to being a good running back than being a good runner. I've yet to see someone explain to me why this doesn't matter.

 

[80domer]

walker

walker

Walker is not a spectacular runner. He is a good runner who can catch, block and dosen't make many mistakes. That fact that he can do all of these things make him a very good player. Given the line play this year, his ability to block and provide a sure handed safety valve have been important.

He may not have a much of a ceiling over where he is today, but that does not diminish his value to ND this year and next.

 

[tommy]

rep for you 80domer

 

[RichardRiot]

Darius is more like is 96th in Yards Per Carry. If you remove the guys who have less than 100 carries, Darius moves up to somewhere in the mid 60's. Smack dab in the middle of the NCAA.

He's a medicore runner...and just because ND had a wealth of talent before and did not ride just one horse, does not make him one of the best runners at ND it makes him the primary runner for a long duration.

Is he a workhorse? Yes. Does he get injured? No. Pass Blocking? Top Notch. Receiving? One of the best. Running? Average/Mediocre/Does-Not-Stand-Out

So, if you look at Arkansas, are you going to tell me that Felix Jones (7.8ypc) is BETTER than Darren McFadden (6.2ypc)?

Or Michigan, Brandon Minor (5.9ypc) >> Mike Hart (4.9ypc)?

Is Shun White from Navy (10.9ypc) >>>>CJ Spiller of Clemson (6.7ypc)?


Since you are using YPC for your measuring stick, you may want to check your facts if you are arguing that Walker is mediocre:

Darius Walker YPC=4.7 (not much lower than Mike Hart is it???)
James Aldridge YPC=4.3

 

[RichardRiot]

I think that James Aldridge has done an excellent job when put into games, and I hope that people don't start 'throwing him under the bus' when he puts one on the ground in a key situation, misses his first blitz in a key 3rd down, or drops an easy screen with 20yds of greenspace in front of him.

I find that there are way to many people finding fault with the one thing that Darius doesn't do better than 80% of the backs in Div1 - ie. run in the open field.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

wait... lovemyirish... are you kidding? walker is behind 3 juniors in active career rushing yards. all three were considered for the heisman this year. yes, he's not as fast as them, but he's better in other respects. sure, he doesn't get as many yards per carry, but he's generally good for 3 when you need 2, 4 when you need 3, etc. There are more aspects to being a good runner than yards per carry. explain how he's so prolific if he's not a good runner? especially this year. as well, recall: he was splitting time with grant for his freshman year as well.

on top of that, there are more aspects to being a good running back than being a good runner. I've yet to see someone explain to me why this doesn't matter.

I am not kidding. And to say he gets yards when needed goes against most everything we have seen. He does not bulldoze people, he does not make good teams miss, he does not create holes, and he certainly cannot hit one fast. He runs as good as an average back. And that's fine, but it is what it is.

By the way, I am comparing him to the runners in the teams that are similar in the rankings to us...I did not try to pick TOP rushers...I picked PEER teams.

He is in below 60th place for those with over 100 carries in yards per carry.

However, you are absolutely right that when you don't count running he is one of the best Running Backs out there. His pass blocking, receiving, and deceptive tactics are all much needed on this team.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

So, if you look at Arkansas, are you going to tell me that Felix Jones (7.8ypc) is BETTER than Darren McFadden (6.2ypc)?

Or Michigan, Brandon Minor (5.9ypc) >> Mike Hart (4.9ypc)?

Is Shun White from Navy (10.9ypc) >>>>CJ Spiller of Clemson (6.7ypc)?

Since you are using YPC for your measuring stick, you may want to check your facts if you are arguing that Walker is mediocre:

Darius Walker YPC=4.7 (not much lower than Mike Hart is it???)
James Aldridge YPC=4.3

I am merely saying that he ranks below #60 for yards per carry in the NCAA when you look at people who have carried the ball more than 100 times. There are about 120 of those people.

Take what you want from it.

But what matters most in RUNNING THE BALL is how many yards per carry you can get. Especially in situational efforts.

ND consistently finds itself in 3rd and long situations. Some of this can be attributed to the O-Line who continues to play poorly in supporting the running game. Some of this can be attributed to Darius' inability to get more yards.

But when you look at the stats year in and year our, Walker is smack dab in the middle of the pack for those who have carried MORE than 100 times. (in yard per carry) If you include people who have carried 50 times or more, his average decreases more...but I don't feel that 50 carries is fair. 100 is more representative of a RB in the NCAA.

Yards Per Carry
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/sortables?stat=rush&group=80&year=2006&sort=ypc

You also indirectly referenced whether competition matters. And it does. So I don't rank Navy's runners along side Arkansas. Conversely, Darius has really had an up and down performance based on the quality of the team we play. Of the guys I mentioned above only James Davis has stats that rise and fall like Darius'.

DO NOT MISTAKE ME FOR SAYING DARIUS SUCKS. I am NOT saying that at all. I am saying he plays like an average 'Back...his stats reflect that...our team reflects that.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I think that James Aldridge has done an excellent job when put into games, and I hope that people don't start 'throwing him under the bus' when he puts one on the ground in a key situation, misses his first blitz in a key 3rd down, or drops an easy screen with 20yds of greenspace in front of him.

I find that there are way to many people finding fault with the one thing that Darius doesn't do better than 80% of the backs in Div1 - ie. run in the open field.

Agreed on Aldridge. He's a good runner, but has much to prove and will make many mistakes before he blossoms (most likely). That is to be expected.

As for Darius...it's to be expected. When you run lower than average and you are on a top10 team, that WILL draw attention and criticism.

Darius is an average runner...and that's exactly what was expected when he came in...so I am in no way disappointed with him. I am anxious to see others play, but as Freshman I don't expect them to be as good in other aspects of the game.