Players Lost: Alfonso Smith, John Conner
Players Returning: Derrick Locke, Moncell Allen, Donald Russell, Jonathan George, CoShik Williams
Incoming Players: Brandon Gainer, Raymond Sanders, Miles Simpson, Tevin McCaden (walk-on)
Overview:
Yesterday we talked about the Wide Receiver situation now it's time to take a look at the backfield for 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. Most expect the Cats to redshirt two of the scholarship 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.
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. Most expect the Cats to redshirt two of the scholarship 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.
I think there are more unknowns here than we are willing to admit, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteYes, Locke is #1 and will get as many carries as his body can handle. Hopefully, he will rush for about 1500 yards. We'll see. Beyond that, we know almost nothing.
Allen does some nice things, but we're not really sure that blocking is one of them. Williams was all the rage last Spring, but saw precious little PT in the Fall.
Russell had the one long run against one of our cupcakes, but did not get many carries beyond that. Is he as good as he looked on that play? Maybe he is. We just don't know.
George has the higest repuatation among last year's frosh, but once again, his injury kept him from seeing much action anywhere, including the scout team.
Everyone assumes Sanders' versatility will be his ticket to early PT. And, maybe it will be. But Gainer is the biggest back we have recruited in some time and he comes in with the highest ranking. What's to say he doesn't end up #2 on the depth chart.
Simpson is most likely headed for a RS rehardless of what position he ends up playing. But, all the unknowns above could change that as well.
I do not think the RB situation will clear out unitl late August, if then. Remember, a redshirt is a defacto kind of thing. That is, you do not have to declare redshirts at any point. If they do not play, then they become redshirts. So, this thing could go deep into September before any final decisions are made.
Sanders has the best shot to play, but won't receive a ton of carries out of the backfield. He will lineup in the slot, wildcat and return punts. Gainer has a huge upside, but needs to get a little stronger in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAssuming Locke stays healthy, the rest of the carries should be split up between Russell, George and Williams.