Running Backs

[KyfightingIrish36]

I just wanted to see what you all think will happen in the backfield next year with arguably the most depth we've had in the BCS era, with GAIII, McDaniel, Bryant, Folston and Mahone.

 

[arrowryan]

I would like to see a 4 man rotation. Bryant-Carlisle-Atkinson-McDaniel, not in that order but those 4 guys. I see Folston redshirting and Mahone making some noise next year

 

[KyfightingIrish36]

Yeah I think we all have concerns about Atkinson being able to carry a work load. Ive never seen much on Carlisle, I know his story but could someone give me a idea of what kind of back he is.

 

[arrowryan]

Yeah I think we all have concerns about Atkinson being able to carry a work load. Ive never seen much on Carlisle, I know his story but could someone give me a idea of what kind of back he is.

I'm not really concerned about Atkinson being able to carry the load. We just have a lot of guys that could be the #1 back on a different team. We need to get the ball to those 4 as much as possible. We have a good problem on our hands.

 

[IrishBlood81]

Bryant I hope will be the priority back of those four. Hes the biggest, tough running back we've seen in a long time. Hughes was the last but he didn't really get it going until his last year.
I think Atkinson has the perfect speed to be the other end of the spectrum. He should be the best switch up for Bryant.
To have this one/two punch would be amazing. A tuff grunt runner, goalline puncher, in rainy weather back and then the speed sprinter, break it open, big play maker type guy.
Awesome stuff.

 

[Grahambo]

Carlisle will open as the starter.

 

[DillonHall]

I just wanted to see what you all think will happen in the backfield next year with arguably the most depth we've had in the BCS era, with GAIII, McDaniel, Bryant, Folston and Mahone.

There's depth, but not sure of the quality. Huge lack of experience in the backfield.

 

[DillonHall]

I'm not really concerned about Atkinson being able to carry the load. We just have a lot of guys that could be the #1 back on a different team. We need to get the ball to those 4 as much as possible. We have a good problem on our hands.

You're getting ahead of yourself a bit. The majority of the players at RB haven't even played a single down yet.

 

[KyfightingIrish36]

I think Bryant has the ability to have a lot of carries this year but BK rarely plays freshmen so Im not sure how many he will really get.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

There's depth, but not sure of the quality. Huge lack of experience in the backfield.

You don't need experience at RB. It's the easiest position to transition from high school to college or college to the pros. RB pass protection is the one area where experience is needed though. But that can be taught fast.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

I honestly have no idea who will be the starter and which options will go. Bryant, Atkinson, Carlisle, McDaniel, and Mahone will all make each other way better by the intense competition. With 3 starters returning on the O-line I expect the running game to be one of the best in the country next year.

 

[Buster Bluth]

Mahone is getting the classic treatment freshmen who didn't play get when stud recruits come in at their position. "William who?"

He needs to have a big spring and establish himself. His best asset coming into the program is his tremendous acceleration and quickness in the hole. If he can put on the weight and keep the quickness he will be a tough guy to beat out.

The good thing is that this is a great problem to have.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Mahone is getting the classic treatment freshmen who didn't play get when stud recruits come in at their position. "William who?"

He needs to have a big spring and establish himself. His best asset coming into the program is his tremendous acceleration and quickness in the hole. If he can put on the weight and keep the quickness he will be a tough guy to beat out.

The good thing is that this is a great problem to have.

That pretty much just defined how I analyze Mahone. I'm an appeal to an unqualified authority on his ability. I hope, as you say, he can be a great asset.

I have high hopes for Cam. I think he is a warrior. His coming out game last year was Miami, and as bad as that run D was, I still think he can be invaluable on certain downs/positions.

Do we expect GAIII to bulk up at all this year?

 

[IrishSteelhead]

There's depth, but not sure of the quality. Huge lack of experience in the backfield.

Exactly. I'd trade any 3 for a TJ Yeldon type guy. I'm very happy with what we have though, and think all can be solid contributors in any situation.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Exactly. I'd trade any 3 for a TJ Yeldon type guy. I'm very happy with what we have though, and think all can be solid contributors in any situation.

TJ Yeldon has experience.

Bryant or Folston could be TJ Yedon 'esque. Not this year, but year 2 for sure.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

TJ Yeldon has experience.

Bryant or Folston could be TJ Yedon 'esque. Not this year, but year 2 for sure.

Totally agree with those two, but don't think the rest have that high of a ceiling, and that is certainly not a knock. Yeldon is going to be awesome. Well actually he already is.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Totally agree with those two, but don't think the rest have that high of a ceiling, and that is certainly not a knock. Yeldon is going to be awesome. Well actually he already is.

I agree, and really I know nothing about Mahone and not a good evaluator of how great he could be. Same with Amir.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Irrelevant, but interesting. The only RBs from the Midwest to make Rivals Top 100:

Ty Isaac
Justice Hayes
Roderick Smith
Edwin Baker
Jonas Gray
John Clay
Brandon Saine
Robert Hughes
James Aldridge
Beanie Wells
Kevin Grady
Maurice Clarett
Deshawn Wynn

This is going back all the way to 2002. Alford invading Florida is obviously imperative.

*My interpretation of the Midwest for this list was: IA, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH

 

[alohagoirish]

Amir is nothing short of a fantastic RB, and if everything is equal would open as a starter with Atkinson.

Problem of course is Amir's health, a long recovery from some nerve damage is always concerning--so Amir becomes a total wild card, his pre-injury talent would put him as starter his comeback condition is a wait & see.

If they chose to move Carlisle from the RB position to lessen the stress on his body,there is a very good chance Amir could take the SR spot from Neal---davonte has no hold on that spot.

A healthy AMIR---would put---Amir & GA3--1A & 1B --with mahone taking relief as more of a power back---Bryant will NOT redshirt but likely will work his way into the #3 spot by mid-season and maybe the #2 spot by years end.

Cam as always likely the odd man out--

Folston may not reshirt and may compete with Amir & Davonte for the SR position. And could possibly relieve davonte as punt returner.

 

[no.1IrishFan]

Amir is nothing short of a fantastic RB, and if everything is equal would open as a starter with Atkinson.

Problem of course is Amir's health, a long recovery from some nerve damage is always concerning--so Amir becomes a total wild card, his pre-injury talent would put him as starter his comeback condition is a wait & see.

If they chose to move Carlisle from the RB position to lessen the stress on his body,there is a very good chance Amir could take the SR spot from Neal---davonte has no hold on that spot.

A healthy AMIR---would put---Amir & GA3--1A & 1B --with mahone taking relief as more of a power back---Bryant will NOT redshirt but likely will work his way into the #3 spot by mid-season and maybe the #2 spot by years end.

Coam as always likely the odd man out--

Folston may not reshirt and may compete with Amir & Davonte for the SR position. And could possibly relieve davonte as punt returner.

I completely understand why this might be the thought going into next season, but I hate it. Cam has shown that he has the potential to be very good power back.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

All I know is that GA3 better be putting in work, because if he doesn't win the job this year I think the chances of him starting the following year will be slim to none.