Breaking down the 2013 RB's

Corey Grant - 5'11 200

Hasn't had any significant pt in a few seasons, but could be the most talented back on the team. Good size, able to run between the tackles and bounce it to the outside. May be the fastest rb on the team, and coaches love his attitude and work ethic. He's getting a lot of reps this spring and fits Malzahns offense perfectly. I think the #2 spot is his to lose going into the fall.

Positives: A versitile runner, can run between the tackles and outside. Hit's the hole hard, and can make people miss at the next level. Excellent open field vision. Great start / stop speed. Good size to stay in and block. Big play ability.

Negatives: Hasn't had any significant pt in a few seasons.

Tre Mason - 5'10 205

Much like Grant, Mason hits the hole hard and follows blockers well. Coming off a 1k yard season he's proven he can carry the load and even seems to get better as the game progresses. Not your typical home run back, but a very solid #1 that can carry the load.

Positives - Versitle, strong, can take the punishment. Good at following blockers and making it to the second level. Finishes off runs well with great balance.

Negatives - Hard to knock the guy playing behind that young oline last year in a pro style offense, but if I had to say anything he sometimes seemed to lack the ability to make the "home run" play. He often can get to the second level, but once again I think the ability is there in the right offense.

Cameron Artis-Payne - 5'11 215

Payne is a big back and unlike Mason and Grant he tends to wait for something to develop before committing. He likes to bounce to the outside if nothing is there. Runs like a big back, may even be able to play the H-back position used primarily as a blocker but sometimes taking short yardage carries. He has the speed to be a #1 or #2 but it will be interesting to see how his style translates over to Malzahns offense.

Positives: Good size, can easily shed the arm tackles. Patient at the line of scrimmage. Has a year of JUCO under his belt and should be able to read defenses well. Ability to protect the qb and lead block. Can make the first guy miss and or break it. True north and south runner after the line of scrimmage.

Negatives: After his first cut he isn't going to make many people in the secondary miss. Likes to take runs to the outside. Coming from a traditional style offense.

Peyton Barber - 6' 225

Big back that's light on his feet. Follows his blockers well through the hole then makes initial cut. 6'0 but runs low and has a strong lower body. Hitting the hole, he's somewhere between the hard hitters and the more patient Barber.

Positives: Good size and speed combo. Uses his hands well to shed defenders. Makes a good cut after entering the open field also shows a good burst of speed in the secondary. Doesn't shy away from contact. Can get the tough yardage. Great vision in the secondary will change direction or run you over to finish a run.

Negatives: Looks fast on tape, but will the speed stay when he's around 235.

Johnathan Ford - 5'11 175

Very quick shifty back looks like he could be explosive in Malzahns offense. Ford likes to bounce around and will even make a cut behind the line of scrimmage. He has the tools to be used as a Reggie Bush style guy. I wouldn't be surprised to see him line up in the slot running reverses and catching bubble screens.

Positives: Great speed, and great vision. Can make people miss at every level. Versitile can line up in the slot to run reverses and catch passes. Big home-run ability.

Negatives: Small in size may not be used between the tackles very often. I imagine he would also be brought out on obvious passing downs. High School competion looks shabby.


Size / Weight is going to be off on Grant and Mason both are probably around the 215 mark by now.

tl;dr