Yesterday we talked about the Quarterback situation now it's time to take a look who will be taking the hand-off's in 2010. Last year the Cats dressed five running backs with Derrick Locke, Alfonso Smith, Moncell Allen, CoShik Williams and Donald Russell. The Cats return three of the five players mentioned and Allen has switched to Fullback.In 2010 Jonathan George spent the year working on the scout team as a redshirt. However, George will push for playing time and could move as high No 2 on the depth chart. There is no question Derrick Locke will receive the bulk of carries, but who else could see action? It will be a fierce battle between Donald Russell, Jonathan George and Coshik Williams to determine the rest of the depth chart.
If we assume the staff chooses to dress five players again, then either Brandon Gainer, Miles Simpson or Raymond Sanders will play. I expect the Cats to redshirt two of these players. Because Sanders can line up in the Slot, Wildcat and return punts I expect him to play and receive a few carries.
UK has some depth now in the backfield which always comes into play during the season. There will be injuries so guys have to be ready to step in at a moments notice. Also, look for several of the guys above to play on special teams.
Interesting discussion and speculation, Aaron.
ReplyDeleteHere are some numbers that can help to clarify the RB picture for 2010. In 2009, Derrick Locke carried the football 195 times for 907 yards. Alfonso Smith carried 60 times for 245 yards. Moncell Allen carried 47 times for 228 yards. John Connor carried 31 times for 158 yards. Donald Russell carried 13 times for 137 yards and had the team's
Smith and Connor are graduating this spring.
In 2010, barring a serious injury, Locke will again have around 200 carries. I think we can all agree on that.
Allen will see some snaps as a FB, but there have been some public misconceptions about that. Joker recently said Allen's role really won't change much. In other words, Allen will be a back-up RB and situational FB just as he was in 2009. Look for Allen to get around 75 carries as a back-up RB next fall.
I think we can count on Russell being the next guy in the 2010 rotation. Look for Russell to get around 60-75 carries. Russell is bigger, stronger, and faster than Coshik Williams. Donald is more skilled and more experienced than Jon George. Some fans believe George will beat out Russell, but that would really surprise me. I think Russell will easily play ahead of George next fall. George and Williams will play sparingly in 2010, but George should play more than Williams because George is more skilled than Coshik.
This leaves the question of whether a true freshman RB will play in 2010. Miles Simpson will redshirt next fall. Brandon Gainer and Ray Sanders will have an opportunity to convince the staff that they offer something unique. Sanders' speed and quickness could prove to be that unique weapon. I think Gainer will someday be an every-down back and perhaps a star for UK, but Sanders offers situational skills that no other UK back besides Locke can provide.