Started By
Message
Looking Forward - Running Backs
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:07 am
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:07 am
Key Departure: Murphy
Returning Starters: Hansbrough (Sr.)
Others in the Mix: Steward (Jr.), Witter (So.), Walters (Fr.), Hunt (Sr.)
New Additions: Abbington (JUCO), Williams, Doherty
I'm gonna miss Murphy. He always just did whatever was asked of him. Never heard any sour grapes for a lack of carries. Hansbrough will carry the load for us next year and I think will rush for over 1000 yards.
Behind him is a ton of depth but a ton of question marks. Is Steward healthy and even if he is, can he produce at this level? We just don't know yet. Witter got some snaps, but I fear for his health. He again took a hit in the Citrus bowl that I thought was going to snap him in half. Would he possibly be better suited at a receiver?
Another question mark is Hunt, not so much for playing time, but will he be here. With the depth and the talent, we sure could use the scholarship. With limited shelf life, one has to believe that Abbington is going to factor into the mix, probably competing for that #2 spot. Walters will figure into the mix but has the luxury of time so if Steward is healthy and can compete at this level, I don't see many snaps for Walters.
Strong is question mark as to if he'll qualify. Even if he does, I wouldn't be surprised to see him redshirt because there will just be such limited snaps behind Hansbrough, Steward and Abbington. I'd rather save him and let him adjust to college life. I fully expect Williams to redshirt as well, leaving Doherty. Assuming no MLB, we've all talked about the possibility of him playing WR and given the numbers, I'd love to see that as well. He might play as a true freshman as a WR but as a RB, he'll redshirt.
Overall, will obviously miss Murphy but at the same time, I think we'll be as strong or even stronger at the RB position. Many bigger, stronger backs coming in who are just as fast means we should be strong at the RB position for years to come.
What I'd like to see on the depth chart:
Hansbrough
Abbington
Steward
Witter
Walters
Rest redshirting or at another position.
Returning Starters: Hansbrough (Sr.)
Others in the Mix: Steward (Jr.), Witter (So.), Walters (Fr.), Hunt (Sr.)
New Additions: Abbington (JUCO), Williams, Doherty
I'm gonna miss Murphy. He always just did whatever was asked of him. Never heard any sour grapes for a lack of carries. Hansbrough will carry the load for us next year and I think will rush for over 1000 yards.
Behind him is a ton of depth but a ton of question marks. Is Steward healthy and even if he is, can he produce at this level? We just don't know yet. Witter got some snaps, but I fear for his health. He again took a hit in the Citrus bowl that I thought was going to snap him in half. Would he possibly be better suited at a receiver?
Another question mark is Hunt, not so much for playing time, but will he be here. With the depth and the talent, we sure could use the scholarship. With limited shelf life, one has to believe that Abbington is going to factor into the mix, probably competing for that #2 spot. Walters will figure into the mix but has the luxury of time so if Steward is healthy and can compete at this level, I don't see many snaps for Walters.
Strong is question mark as to if he'll qualify. Even if he does, I wouldn't be surprised to see him redshirt because there will just be such limited snaps behind Hansbrough, Steward and Abbington. I'd rather save him and let him adjust to college life. I fully expect Williams to redshirt as well, leaving Doherty. Assuming no MLB, we've all talked about the possibility of him playing WR and given the numbers, I'd love to see that as well. He might play as a true freshman as a WR but as a RB, he'll redshirt.
Overall, will obviously miss Murphy but at the same time, I think we'll be as strong or even stronger at the RB position. Many bigger, stronger backs coming in who are just as fast means we should be strong at the RB position for years to come.
What I'd like to see on the depth chart:
Hansbrough
Abbington
Steward
Witter
Walters
Rest redshirting or at another position.
This post was edited on 2/25/15 at 9:53 am
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:20 am to reedus23
Witter beat out Walters to play this year. Have to think he would be above Walters on the depth.
Also Henson wanted to play Murphy in a combo role this year. Wouldn't be surprised to see at least 1 maybe 2 backs in that role this coming season.
I think we go with more 2 back sets next season. 2 backs and/or an extra TE in the backfield as an H back.
Also Henson wanted to play Murphy in a combo role this year. Wouldn't be surprised to see at least 1 maybe 2 backs in that role this coming season.
I think we go with more 2 back sets next season. 2 backs and/or an extra TE in the backfield as an H back.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:20 am to reedus23
The one thing I like with Witter is that he hits the hole. As much as I like Hansbrough, he always needs to make 1 cut and runs lateral a lot. Witter isn't tall but doesn't he weigh almost 200? So he isn't a small back.
Abbington is the wild card. Upright, long strider. Sometimes they get beat up, but those that work out usually dominate. Doherty probably has the speed and versatility to grow into the Murphy spot.
Abbington is the wild card. Upright, long strider. Sometimes they get beat up, but those that work out usually dominate. Doherty probably has the speed and versatility to grow into the Murphy spot.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:21 am to reedus23
Steward is the key. The only SEC type running back that has actually carried the ball in the SEC on the roster.
Brantley does need to be in the short yardage packages. And not just for blocking. He has moves like Jagger.
Brantley does need to be in the short yardage packages. And not just for blocking. He has moves like Jagger.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 11:40 am to outlawjoseywales
Witter is bigger than I imagined. Roster lists him at 195. For whatever reason, he just looked so small out there to me. He will likely be ahead of Walters since he already is. I just literally feared for his health whenever he ran the ball and that led to the thought of a position change. But at 5'8", he ain't playing no WR spot. Gonna edit my depth chart and slide him in.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 12:39 pm to reedus23
Couple things. I don't think we have a back on the roster that can fill the combo role like Murphy did, except possibly Doherty and I believe he'll redshirt.
If Strong makes it, then I believe he's in the top 2 with Abbington and Steward (if healthy) also getting carries. If not, Witter. Could see Witter take his RS this year.
Also opens up the question of who the return guys will be. I'm guessing John Gibson. Wingo would be another possibility.
If Strong makes it, then I believe he's in the top 2 with Abbington and Steward (if healthy) also getting carries. If not, Witter. Could see Witter take his RS this year.
Also opens up the question of who the return guys will be. I'm guessing John Gibson. Wingo would be another possibility.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 12:44 pm to reedus23
You can take strong off the list.
Posted on 1/6/15 at 1:23 pm to notsince98
Not a completely dead issue yet.
Posted on 2/25/15 at 9:52 am to JesusQuintana
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News