Running backs

[Mjohn1988]

I’ll start with wishing the best for Harrington. Young man was playing great.

So we now have 5 healthy backs on the roster. We know Evans is #1 and M. Williams is #2. Both can get it done. Two questions, does Evans continue returning kicks and who’s the #3 back?

On the roster
Evans jr
B. Williams fr
M. Williams jr
Clark jr
Montgomery so

[biggie]

22 Anderson has been moved to RB, he'll be number 3.

[WVAPPeer]

Really hate it for our 2 RBs who have been knocked out for the season - Although this is, at best, a glass half-full statement but here goes - None of us knew how good Jalin would be until Marcus got hurt, none of us knew how good Darryton would be until Jalin got hurt - hopefully we will have a couple of seasons where we won't have to discuss this but, just as before, I think we will find some future stars ---

[NavyApp]

Personally I think Evans should continue to return kickoffs for two reasons: 1) his ability in the return game may be unmatched in the country and he has a knack for breaking something in high pressure situations. 2) With the new rules on kickoffs you really only see each team return one or two a game so that's not a huge uptick in hits to our premier offensive player.

With that said as we have all seen it only takes one hit to change everything. But I still think having him back there gives us the greatest advantage.

[Black Saturday]

There have been years that losing 2 backs would have been devastating. Got my fingers crossed we don't get any more injuries in our backfield.

[ericsaid]

I really like Anderson. May be a bit slight at this stage but he's got some of that scat back ability. Williams seems like best pure runner, to me. He doesn't have the same speed as Evans or Harrington but I like his style.

[NewApp]

Personally I think Evans should continue to return kickoffs for two reasons: 1) his ability in the return game may be unmatched in the country and he has a knack for breaking something in high pressure situations. 2) With the new rules on kickoffs you really only see each team return one or two a game so that's not a huge uptick in hits to our premier offensive player.

With that said as we have all seen it only takes one hit to change everything. But I still think having him back there gives us the greatest advantage.

NavyApp, what is the new rule concerning kick off returns?

[The Rock]

Raykwon Anderson was someone I was really excited about since I saw his HS film. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Reminds me a lot of evans. I was thinking we would see him at WR/DB and KR/PR instead of RB; but when you need someone to fill a role, an outstanding athlete can do that. Would really like to see some 2 back sets with him and evans where one splits out and lines up in the slot. That is a lot of speed to account for on the field.
I was hoping he could RS this year, given our depth, but excited to see him step up and make the most of this opportunity.

[Rick83]

Raykwon Anderson was someone I was really excited about since I saw his HS film. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Reminds me a lot of evans. I was thinking we would see him at WR/DB and KR/PR instead of RB; but when you need someone to fill a role, an outstanding athlete can do that. Would really like to see some 2 back sets with him and evans where one splits out and lines up in the slot. That is a lot of speed to account for on the field.
I was hoping he could RS this year, given our depth, but excited to see him step up and make the most of this opportunity.

Wasn't Evans listed as an "athlete" his first year (or at least as a recruit)? The coaches knew he'd be a playmaker, they just weren't sure where they would need or use him. Hopefully, the same holds true for someone like Anderson.

[DaphneUrquhart]

What I love about watching Darrynton Evans is how patient he is waiting for the blocks. It takes skill to slow down and redirect behind the blocking. Darrynton is crazy fast, but he does not "hurry". He's definitely fun to watch!

[The Rock]

Raykwon Anderson was someone I was really excited about since I saw his HS film. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Reminds me a lot of evans. I was thinking we would see him at WR/DB and KR/PR instead of RB; but when you need someone to fill a role, an outstanding athlete can do that. Would really like to see some 2 back sets with him and evans where one splits out and lines up in the slot. That is a lot of speed to account for on the field.
I was hoping he could RS this year, given our depth, but excited to see him step up and make the most of this opportunity.

Wasn't Evans listed as an "athlete" his first year (or at least as a recruit)? The coaches knew he'd be a playmaker, they just weren't sure where they would need or use him. Hopefully, the same holds true for someone like Anderson.

Can't remember. Looks like he was a RB all through HS. I know he played at RB his freshman year here, was going to move to slot before his injury as a sophmore, then due to injuries, moved back to RB and excels there

[Rick83]

What I love about watching Darrynton Evans is how patient he is waiting for the blocks. It takes skill to slow down and redirect behind the blocking. Darrynton is crazy fast, but he does not "hurry". He's definitely fun to watch!

So true, and when he gets open space he's at top speed in no time...my friends and I call him "The Accelerator" for that reason.

[biggie]

One thing I would see with Anderson what LB is going to cover him on a wheel route?

[Rick83]

Raykwon Anderson was someone I was really excited about since I saw his HS film. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Reminds me a lot of evans. I was thinking we would see him at WR/DB and KR/PR instead of RB; but when you need someone to fill a role, an outstanding athlete can do that. Would really like to see some 2 back sets with him and evans where one splits out and lines up in the slot. That is a lot of speed to account for on the field.
I was hoping he could RS this year, given our depth, but excited to see him step up and make the most of this opportunity.

Wasn't Evans listed as an "athlete" his first year (or at least as a recruit)? The coaches knew he'd be a playmaker, they just weren't sure where they would need or use him. Hopefully, the same holds true for someone like Anderson.

Can't remember. Looks like he was a RB all through HS. I know he played at RB his freshman year here, was going to move to slot before his injury as a sophmore, then due to injuries, moved back to RB and excels there

Yep, he was listed as "Athlete" on the 2016 roster as a Freshman, then WR first as a Sophmore, then WR/RB as Sophmore, then RB as a Junior. A gifted athlete to be sure...
Here's the link: (click on the "historical" tab on the first page)
https://appstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5419

[Stonewall]

Virgil is an option at KR.

[bigdaddyg]

Personally I think Evans should continue to return kickoffs for two reasons: 1) his ability in the return game may be unmatched in the country and he has a knack for breaking something in high pressure situations. 2) With the new rules on kickoffs you really only see each team return one or two a game so that's not a huge uptick in hits to our premier offensive player.

With that said as we have all seen it only takes one hit to change everything. But I still think having him back there gives us the greatest advantage.

NavyApp, what is the new rule concerning kick off returns?

Might be referring to the fairly new rule that allows a team to take the ball on the 25 with a fair catch or when they simply let it go into the end zone. Personally if a guy catches one in the end zone he needs to take a knee and let the offense start at the 25. No real need to take it out.

[WVAPPeer]

What I love about watching Darrynton Evans is how patient he is waiting for the blocks. It takes skill to slow down and redirect behind the blocking. Darrynton is crazy fast, but he does not "hurry". He's definitely fun to watch!

So true Daphne - the old John Wooden wisdom - "Be Quick but Don't Hurry"

[AppFan11]

For one I’m glad that we will see more of Marcus Williams JR. He has a similar body-type to Jalin Moore. He also gets better the more carries he gets.... stronger in the 4th qtr than the beginning of the game. He is also better between the tackles than most of our backs (again due to body-type). I’d consider him more of a slasher type. He’s also been durable. I’d agree that RA situation is much like Evans. .. in that they really are more slot and return guys that got called into rb duty. Evans has proven to be durable even in the rb role. The other point I’d make is that the taller backs have seemed to be less durable.... maybe serendipity maybe not. It will be nice to see MW get 12-15 carries a game.

[NavyApp]

NavyApp, what is the new rule concerning kick off returns?

Might be referring to the fairly new rule that allows a team to take the ball on the 25 with a fair catch or when they simply let it go into the end zone. Personally if a guy catches one in the end zone he needs to take a knee and let the offense start at the 25. No real need to take it out.

My apologies NewApp, my phrasing was unintentionally misleading. I was in fact referring to the NEWER rules regarding kickoffs. bigdaddyg thanks for clearing that up for me.

[The Rock]

For one I’m glad that we will see more of Marcus Williams JR. He has a similar body-type to Jalin Moore. He also gets better the more carries he gets.... stronger in the 4th qtr than the beginning of the game. He is also better between the tackles than most of our backs (again due to body-type). I’d consider him more of a slasher type. He’s also been durable. I’d agree that RA situation is much like Evans. .. in that they really are more slot and return guys that got called into rb duty. Evans has proven to be durable even in the rb role. The other point I’d make is that the taller backs have seemed to be less durable.... maybe serendipity maybe not. It will be nice to see MW get 12-15 carries a game.

Interesting points. I agree that Williams is the more prototypical RB and had some really good carries last season. Hasn’t been as productive this year, but hasn’t been in enough to get in a rhythm. Not sure if he has played enough last year or this to say he is durable yet, but hopefully that proves true.
Wonder if there are any stats about taller backs and injuries? Marcus Cox was on the taller side, or at least a slimmer frame than some.