Brandon Gainer could be the running back most likely to play as a true freshman. Most people were surprised when Gainer signed with the Cats. He seemed destined to be a Tar Heel, but it didn't work out and UK became the beneficiary. Gainer has the size and speed to play early, but the staff likely won’t burn a redshirt on him unless he is going to contribute. Last year the staff dressed five running backs, so we should expect the same in 2010. (Locke, Russell, George, Williams and one more). Will it be Simpson or Gainer?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
2010 Recruiting Rewind- Brandon Gainer
Brandon Gainer could be the running back most likely to play as a true freshman. Most people were surprised when Gainer signed with the Cats. He seemed destined to be a Tar Heel, but it didn't work out and UK became the beneficiary. Gainer has the size and speed to play early, but the staff likely won’t burn a redshirt on him unless he is going to contribute. Last year the staff dressed five running backs, so we should expect the same in 2010. (Locke, Russell, George, Williams and one more). Will it be Simpson or Gainer?
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Joker can dress five RBs with Derrick Locke, Moncell Allen, Donald Russell, Jon George, and Coshik Williams. Joker has said that Allen's role "won't change much" in 2010. In other words, Moncell will continue to play RB as well as FB.
ReplyDeleteSo if a true freshman dresses next fall, it will be because he clearly beats out one of those five and presents a set of skills that can be exploited by Randy Sanders in the Cats' offense. I don't think they will burn the redshirt on one of these true freshmen unless he's going to play often.
I will be shocked if Simpson doesn't redshirt this year. There is no reason to burn Miles' redshirt.
Gainer has a big future but he is athletically similar to Russell. When I watch Brandon on film, I think he could really benefit from a redshirt because he needs to get stronger for the punishment of SEC play.
The one guy who presents a special skill is Sanders because of his electric speed and quickness. Ray is similar to Locke in some ways, but no other UK offensive player besides Locke can run like Ray runs.
So I will not be surprised if they redshirt all three RBs. But Gainer and Sanders are in the picture to possibly play next fall. If they play Ray, it will be done to utilize his speed as a weapon. If they play Brandon, it will be done to get some SEC experience under his belt so he will be ready to compete with Russell for the starting job in 2011.
I wouldn't be suprised to see Gainer and Simpson both redshirt. No reason to waste a year of eligibility on a couple of meaningless plays. The key will be injuries. There are always a few which creates an opportunity for someone else.
ReplyDeleteSanders could see action returning punts, lining up in the slot and take a few snaps out of the backfield. He makes a great "change of pace" type of running back. I don't see him as a redshirt next season, but you never know.