Rotation of Running Backs

[AppStateNews]

Cam can't pass block or catch which is why he comes off the field more often than fans like. He's better at both because of work he's put in, but he is not better than Noel at it.

To be honest, Chop is our best back. He's just not 100% healthy.

I have been hearing this Cam can't block stuff for a couple of years now so I started paying real close attention in passing downs when either Cam or Nate are in. I can tell you, I don't see Cam missing blocks, not sure how that argument got started but it hasn't played out in the games. Cam has more yards per attempt than ANY running back to wear the Black and Gold (including Settle and Marcus) with a minimum of 300 carries. Not sure how anyone can see that and question who our best back is. In FBS games since 2001 when Cam gets more that 14 carries we are 8-1 with the lone loss being Miami when he got nicked up and couldn't finish. We are a lowing 4-7 when he gets less than 14 carries. People can say whatever they want but those stats are very telling. For a coach that likes analytics so much, one would think that analytic has crossed his desk at least once. I have heard repeatedly that the coaches think Nate is our best back, and Nate is great, but in games Cam just delivers more when he gets enough chance to do it. I am not saying don't rotate, I am saying that Cam should get 15-20 carries a game. I honestly don't think we would have beat A&M if Nate was healthy and we were rotating our backs the way we do.

He has got better at blocking. Now, when he gets to a block, he's solid. Problem is he makes the wrong read often and doesn't always make it to the block.

Early in his career, there was no point in putting him in pass pro. He has worked to get much better, but Noel and Chop are both significantly better.

[Trock44]

Since 2021:

- App State is now 4-7 in FBS games where Cam Peoples has UNDER 14 carries (losses: UL 2x, Coastal, WKU, UNC, JMU, Texas State)

- In the same stretch, App State is 8-1 in FBS games where Cam Peoples has 14+ carries (Only Loss: Miami)

Using multiple backs isn’t helping us win games.

[appstate24]

Since 2021:

- App State is now 4-7 in FBS games where Cam Peoples has UNDER 14 carries (losses: UL 2x, Coastal, WKU, UNC, JMU, Texas State)

- In the same stretch, App State is 8-1 in FBS games where Cam Peoples has 14+ carries (Only Loss: Miami)

Using multiple backs isn’t helping us win games.

A lot of times stats can be taken out of context to prove a point, but this one is pretty glaring. Feed the beast!

GO APPS!!

[t4pizza]

Cam can't pass block or catch which is why he comes off the field more often than fans like. He's better at both because of work he's put in, but he is not better than Noel at it.

To be honest, Chop is our best back. He's just not 100% healthy.

I have been hearing this Cam can't block stuff for a couple of years now so I started paying real close attention in passing downs when either Cam or Nate are in. I can tell you, I don't see Cam missing blocks, not sure how that argument got started but it hasn't played out in the games. Cam has more yards per attempt than ANY running back to wear the Black and Gold (including Settle and Marcus) with a minimum of 300 carries. Not sure how anyone can see that and question who our best back is. In FBS games since 2001 when Cam gets more that 14 carries we are 8-1 with the lone loss being Miami when he got nicked up and couldn't finish. We are a lowing 4-7 when he gets less than 14 carries. People can say whatever they want but those stats are very telling. For a coach that likes analytics so much, one would think that analytic has crossed his desk at least once. I have heard repeatedly that the coaches think Nate is our best back, and Nate is great, but in games Cam just delivers more when he gets enough chance to do it. I am not saying don't rotate, I am saying that Cam should get 15-20 carries a game. I honestly don't think we would have beat A&M if Nate was healthy and we were rotating our backs the way we do.

He has got better at blocking. Now, when he gets to a block, he's solid. Problem is he makes the wrong read often and doesn't always make it to the block.

Early in his career, there was no point in putting him in pass pro. He has worked to get much better, but Noel and Chop are both significantly better.
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I have seen our other backs miss on blocks as well. I know you have insight into the program that most don't (and I certainly don't) and I know that the coaches see things in practice and know their players better but I also know that there are just some that are gamers and show up when needed. I have no idea why Cam isn't used the way I think most coaches would use him, maybe the coaches don't like how he practices, maybe they really believe other backs are better, or maybe it is something else entirely. What I really don't get is ignoring what is clear as day when the game is played. They all run hard but I will but Cam clearly gets more yards after contact than any other back. Aaron Murray called one game of ours and even he could see and commented that 'this team just plays better when Cam is in the game'. So when game play is looked at, how can our coaches keep this limited rotation going? Just makes no sense to me. Again, we have the back with the most carrier yards per carry and we struggle to give him 15 carries in a game. I can't think of another star player that has been so underutilized.

[AppSt94]

If you truly believe that you play your best player, then he is not the one that should be getting the lion’s share of the workload.

[AppStateNews]

I have seen our other backs miss on blocks as well. I know you have insight into the program that most don't (and I certainly don't) and I know that the coaches see things in practice and know their players better but I also know that there are just some that are gamers and show up when needed. I have no idea why Cam isn't used the way I think most coaches would use him, maybe the coaches don't like how he practices, maybe they really believe other backs are better, or maybe it is something else entirely. What I really don't get is ignoring what is clear as day when the game is played. They all run hard but I will but Cam clearly gets more yards after contact than any other back. Aaron Murray called one game of ours and even he could see and commented that 'this team just plays better when Cam is in the game'. So when game play is looked at, how can our coaches keep this limited rotation going? Just makes no sense to me. Again, we have the back with the most carrier yards per carry and we struggle to give him 15 carries in a game. I can't think of another star player that has been so underutilized.

I don't disagree with you and most on here. We're better when Cam is getting the ball. Problem is, when our o line isn't blocking well, we need that extra blocker and/or a back that run a route out of the backfield (but necessarily catch it but taking a LB away is key).

If it were me, Cam would get 20+ carries a game. Just because I answer why certain things are happening doesn't mean I agree with it. It just means that's what I've either been told or observed.

But I will stick to my guns that Chop is the best back we have. His explosion on the first cut is so special.

[Mjohn1988]

Not a comment on the rotation but just in general about our backs. We have a great group and all of them should have been catching passes in the off season until they didn’t drop anything. Noel and Chop getting the ball in space would result in havoc for the other team. Cam getting the ball in space, after a couple of times the other teams corners and safeties would have tripping over their on feet to keep from having to tackle him. Huge opportunity missed by our coaches.

[appstate5]

Cam can't pass block or catch which is why he comes off the field more often than fans like. He's better at both because of work he's put in, but he is not better than Noel at it.

To be honest, Chop is our best back. He's just not 100% healthy.

I've always thought Chop was the HARDEST RUNNING RB we have. Very seldom do you seem him go down after first contact.

[AppSt94]

Cam can't pass block or catch which is why he comes off the field more often than fans like. He's better at both because of work he's put in, but he is not better than Noel at it.

To be honest, Chop is our best back. He's just not 100% healthy.

I've always thought Chop was the HARDEST RUNNING RB we have. Very seldom do you seem him go down after first contact.

The word “violent” comes to mind when he runs. Love watching Chop run the ball.

[Saint3333]

I think we're really going to like Roberts running the ball the next few years.

[Mjohn1988]

I think we're really going to like Roberts running the ball the next few years.

Just like the guys we have now, he’s going to need some holes.

[t4pizza]

I think we're really going to like Roberts running the ball the next few years.

Not if he only gets 5-10 attempts per game. No question that Roberts can be special, big question is whether he let him be or not. It is like that old saying that Dean Smith was the only guy that could keep Jordan under 20.

[ASUFan4863]

More can be less at times. This year's RB group may have the most talent, but having a consistent 1-2 punch of Noel and Castle or Roberts and Castle next season may do us more good. They seem to be more all-around players where it won't be as obvious what the play call is with them in. Add in the element of a mobile QB and our offense has a chance to be really good if the OL holds steady next season.

[Saint3333]

I'm all for an honest assessment, but to write-off a redshirt freshman's potential for 2023 is a level of negativity I'm not ready to concede today.

My 2023 prediction is this will be a soul searching offseason and one of personal growth. Good times breed soft men, hard times breed strength, natural cycle.

Each time App has returned to strength it's been at a higher level since the mid-80s. Seasons like this are a reminder of how special runs like 2016-2019 are, it won't be our last.

[BambooRdApp]

It will be interesting to see how things play out at RB and QB. I think it is great to have a mobile QB if he can pass. If passing challenged, we will see 8 and 9 man fronts all season.

[BeauFoster]

I think we're really going to like Roberts running the ball the next few years.

Just got to keep him in Boone

[Stonewall]

Our backs are only as good as our line.Same for the QB.

[WVAPPeer]

Our backs are only as good as our line.Same for the QB.

Yes and no
Yards After Contact, I believe, sets really good RBs apart

[Stonewall]

Well maybe .The "contact" seems to be on our side of the line of scrimmage with a disturbing frequency.

[bcoach]

Number one priority is OL and DL. We can talk all day long about RB, QB, Receivers, Linebackers, DBs. and on. The key is greatly improving our line play. If that doesn't happen all the rest can't play to their potential. One back or a rotation of 16 backs just makes no difference at all if there are no holes. Our QB can have the best arm in history and it does no good if he has a couple guys in his face every play. I'll also say this one more time. My very first hire this off season is a new Strength and Conditioning Coach. Now it is again time for me to go take care of things I know something about.(: