For the 2nd consecutive year, the CATS did not have a 1,000 yard rusher, but were close (D Locke for 907 Net Rushing yards). Here is a quick breakdown for the returning players and the incoming freshmen for the '10 season.
"Fast" Derrick Locke-- led the CATS in rushing with 907 yards, he also had 6 TDs mostly on the stretch play to the left side of the O-line. He returns for his Senior Season and looks to add to his production as a Wildcat player, barring injury or a major upset, he should get the starting nod again this year for UK.
Moncell Allen "The Turtle"--had a Net Total of 228 rushing yards (4.9 per attempt), and 2 TDs. He too returns for his Senior Season.
Donald Russell--had a Net Total of 137 yards and a 10.5 average per attempt.
Jonathon George--did not hit any statistical numbers (was red shirted-IIRC)
Coshik (Kojak) Williams--50 yards on 14 attempts
"Mr. All World" Randall Cobb--was 2nd in yardage (573) and 1st in Rushing TDs (10). Most of his yardage (6.1 average per attempt) was from "The Wildcat/Cobb Formation" and behind Christian Johnson (OLG) or up the middle behind "Big" Jorge Gonzalez both of whom have used up their eligibility.
The Full back position also lost a major player in John Conner (158 yards rushing for 2 TDs. and 5 receptions for 46 yards and 1 TD); however, his major contribution was the punishment that he dished out as a blocker. All indicators have pointed to Stephen Ball replacing John and continuing his legacy.
The incoming Freshmen have a large task in front of them, if they think they are going to walk in and immediately start. UK signed 3 RBs (Brandon Gainer, Raymond Sanders, and Miles Simpson) for the '10 class.
Brandon Gainer--was the highest rated RB signed by Joker Phillips, Rated #15 from one rating service, he seems to be an all purpose back and came to UK via compliments of Mark Higgs (the former UK RB in the 1980's).
Raymond Sanders--is a slash type player who reminds you of Derrick Locke, look for him to be a return specialist (maybe replacing Cobb as the punt returner initially), before getting his shot as a starting RB
Miles Simpson--The Kentucky native waited until the last minute to make his committment know to the public, he too seems more like an All Purpose Back and is much less heralded than the other 2 incoming Freshmen. Some have speculated that he might redshirt, and/or play Linebacker. He could be the Dark Horse of the Freshmen
The Bottom line is that the CATS have both depth and talent at the RB position for this year and the forseeable future. In fact, the depth at the position is among some of the best on the team.
Just to note, Randall Cobb is not a RB. If UK's base offense becomes more effective in 2010 (and I think it will), we might see more of Randall as a slot receiver and fewer "wildcat formation" snaps. The "wildcat formation" will always be a component of Joker's offensive script. But as a "run set", the "wildcat formation" does not contribute to overall offensive balance. And in the passing game, Joker knows he is better-off with someone other than Cobb taking snaps. While some fans still don't get that, Joker does. The more Joker can move the sticks in UK's base offensive schemes, the better. This, of course, will require one of UK's three QBs and all of the receivers to improve. And I think that's coming. So Randall is an SEC star, and the best situational player in the conference. But he isn't a QB or a RB.
ReplyDeleteDerrick Locke is the incumbent RB starter. His speed separates him from this group, and he will start again if he can stay healthy. Derrick isn't a bulldozer by any means, but he is a better inside runner than most backs his size. On the edge, he is dynamite. Derrick can improve in 2010 by becoming a better blocker and pass receiver. Although not widely known outside the locker room, Derrick could also stand to improve a little bit as a team leader. And I think he will, because he is basically a good kid.
Moncell Allen has proven to be a situational RB and a special teams player. Moncell might play more in 2010, but I don't think Joker will let him stand in the way of the development of UK's younger RBs. And let me just say this about Moncell. A lot of fans think Moncell will play FB in 2010. But Moncell is not a very good lead blocker. So his reps at FB will be designed to set him up as a short yardage runner or as a pass receiver out of the backfield. Moncell is not a replacement for John Connor by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't think Joker will try to use him much as a lead blocker.
Donald Russell is the man to watch in 2010. Donald is a very talented skill-position athlete, but he is going to hear footsteps behind him next fall. Donald has the athletic tools to become an SEC star. If Donald improves in 2010, he can become Locke's heir apparent for the 2011 starting job. But if he doesn't master the nuances of the RB position quickly, he will be overtaken by one or more true freshmen. In particular, Donald must fend off Brandon Gainer. And he is fully capable of doing that.
Coshik Williams is a talented little guy who gained experience in 2009. But Coshik doesn't have the burst to be an impact back, and he isn't big enough to gain key yards between the tackles.
Gainer and Sanders have shots to take off their redshirts and play in 2010 if they excel in August. Gainer has the athletic tools to be an every-down back. Sanders is a terrific prospect with impact speed, but he's small. I think one of those two will play in 2010. It could be Sanders because his speed and quickness are a dangerous weapon, and because he is an effective pass receiver out of the backfield.
Miles Simpson will redshirt next fall. I think Miles will play a lot during his UK career, but I'm not sure yet whether it will be at RB or S.
It is not yet clear who will play the role of lead blocker (replacing John Connor). That won't be Moncell Allen, who is just not a good enough blocker. It could be a walk-on like Tatum Lewis. It could be a converted defensive player like Greg Meisner or Antonio Thomas. But I would not be surprised if Joker pulls a page from Nick Saban's play book by using a lineman as a lead blocker. Last fall, Saban used Terrence Cody at FB in short yardage scenarios. Joker could adopt this tactic with one of his reserve OGs or DTs.