Position Group Rankings Part 6 - Running Backs

BillySee58 · March 11, 2016

Losses: Antoinne Jimmerson, Rex Rollins, Jarrod Lynn

Top Returners: JR Jeffery Wilson, JR Willy Ivery

Additions: HS RB Nic Smith

Other returning scholarship players: JR Andrew Tucker

Finally we get to a group that could actually be considered a strength of the team last year. That was due in large part to Jeff Wilson. Wilson is back after rushing for over 830 yards in 10 games. Willy Ivery also returns after rushing for 290 yards, but more impressively averaged 6.6 yards/carry. That duo is as impressive a tandem as we have at any position.

In recruiting, quite possibly our top pickup was running back Nic Smith, who was rated a 3-star by three sites and held offers from two P5 programs at one point. Smith will likely be a tough call as far as redshirting, since he appears good enough to play right away. If not, Tucker and Ezzard will round out the depth chart. Both have shown some decent ability, and while they aren't great, they certainly aren't worse than what your 3rd and 4th string backs should be.

It will be interesting to see how much we lean on these guys this year. We know Littrell likes to run the ball and had a back rush for almost 1500 yards last year, but we also know he and Harrell come from a Leach background where the top backs usually were around 750 yards rushing, compared to QBs putting up 5000 yards. You have to think they'll play to our strengths with Wilson and Ivery, and with inexperienced QBs and receivers. We'll see just how much, though. Also think these guys will be fun to watch in the passing game, with the receiver inexperience. Looking forward to watching these guys make plays.

Position group rank: 1st

MEANGREENCOACH2 · March 11, 2016

it all depends on if we have a threat in the passing game if not.. expect more 7+ guys in the box.

MeanGreenTexan · March 11, 2016

I really hope to see alot of 2-back sets with Ivery flexing into a slot in most of them to get him in positive matchups.

Wilson is gonna do what he's gonna do:

97and03 · March 14, 2016

Not really a strength position for depth any more though. Wilson goes down - and he has both seasons - and it looks thin.

Mean Green 93-98 · March 14, 2016

3 minutes ago, 97and03 said:

Not really a strength position for depth any more though. Wilson goes down - and he has both seasons - and it looks thin.

I'd love to see what Ivery could do given that kind of workload. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if our running game improved.

GrandGreen · March 15, 2016

This should be one of the better units entering the season, but the depth that we thought was here last year is largely gone. NT is missing the punishing back that have had in the past, with Ivery, Wilson and Smith all on the small side. Not necessarily bad as all should have the speed to be factors in the passing game.

A better passing game should open up the running game more, I doubt NT sees the "dare you to pass" defenses that teams have used against NT the past two years. Ivery could be a game changer.