RB Room

[BornBobcat2000]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

[technoCat]

Need to find snaps for White, Elliott and Johnson at some point too!

[Camo_Cat]

I was listening to Colter on the KSKY radio program this morning. He said that Adam Jones was clocked at 22mph on that touchdown run. I think he mentioned there's only a handful of guys in all of college football that run any faster. He also talked about how Jones played the kind of sports in high school (baseball & hockey) that would make college recruiters overlook his speed on the football field.

[wbtfg]

Need to find snaps for White, Elliott and Johnson at some point too!

I don't think we'll be seeing much of Johnson or Elliott in the backfield this year. Hard to say on White.

[AFCAT]

I was listening to Colter on the KSKY radio program this morning. He said that Adam Jones was clocked at 22mph on that touchdown run. I think he mentioned there's only a handful of guys in all of college football that run any faster. He also talked about how Jones played the kind of sports in high school (baseball & hockey) that would make college recruiters overlook his speed on the football field.

Jones peaked at a little over 22MPH on the run. There is a video of his speed throughout the run on one of these threads.

I'm not sure we'll see Johnson a whole lot but don't forget about Coon. Coon did a dang good job during Spring ball. I'd like to see a big lead in the game so we can see some of these back-ups play.

[94VegasCat]

They all have there skill sets. We’ll see them all at various points. Gotta have a deep room to run the ball 40+ times a game.

[MSU01]

The phrase "embarrassment of riches" comes to mind. Hopefully injuries don't play a role in determining who gets the most touches like they have the last two seasons. I wonder if the coaches could experiment at some point with formations having two RBs on the field at the same time like they did with the "Big Cat/Little Cat" formations with Mellott and Chambers on the field together.

[mslacatfan]

Julius Davis might be the most “all around” back out of the group…. But yeh, it’s gonna be hard to take snaps away from Adam or scottre…. Definitely a good problem to have!

We have had some impressive RB rooms over the years…. But this group is just ridiculous.

Also- just being realistic, but there will always be injuries…. Elliott is already banged up, and there will probably be others throughout the season. It’s good to have solid depth at this position.

[cats2506]

Julius Davis might be the most “all around” back out of the group…. But yeh, it’s gonna be hard to take snaps away from Adam or scottre…. Definitely a good problem to have!

We have had some impressive RB rooms over the years…. But this group is just ridiculous.

Also- just being realistic, but there will always be injuries…. Elliott is already banged up, and there will probably be others throughout the season. It’s good to have solid depth at this position.

Anybody have an idea of when Davis might be back, Conference??

[catatac]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

Agree with all of that except the big play ability part. Yes Scottre and Adam have Burst and big play ability, but I'd say Julius when healthy has just as much. Remember the hurdles? He is a legit stud. I really is crazy how stacked that RB room is.

[GoCats18]

Julius Davis might be the most “all around” back out of the group…. But yeh, it’s gonna be hard to take snaps away from Adam or scottre…. Definitely a good problem to have!

We have had some impressive RB rooms over the years…. But this group is just ridiculous.

Also- just being realistic, but there will always be injuries…. Elliott is already banged up, and there will probably be others throughout the season. It’s good to have solid depth at this position.

I would also say the same about our WR group this year. Maybe the most talent we have had in that group in a while.

[VimSince03]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

I would actually say the weak points for the running game is we don't have a great short yardage back. Despite Scottre's build, he struggles (for whatever reason) in short down and distance situations. Adam runs hard but again its just not his strong suit. However, Julius Davis is a bull in a china closet when he runs so I think that's the immediate upgrade.

[AFCAT]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

I would actually say the weak points for the running game is we don't have a great short yardage back. Despite Scottre's build, he struggles (for whatever reason) in short down and distance situations. Adam runs hard but again its just not his strong suit. However, Julius Davis is a bull in a china closet when he runs so I think that's the immediate upgrade.

Scottre did a pretty good job on 1st and 4 the other day. I do want Julius back though.

[VimSince03]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

I would actually say the weak points for the running game is we don't have a great short yardage back. Despite Scottre's build, he struggles (for whatever reason) in short down and distance situations. Adam runs hard but again its just not his strong suit. However, Julius Davis is a bull in a china closet when he runs so I think that's the immediate upgrade.

Scottre did a pretty good job on 1st and 4 the other day. I do want Julius back though.

Haha I knew someone was going to say that but think about the 4th down stuff and also moments last year like the situation in the NDSU game. You know how Ifanse used to always get 3 yards no matter what? I think Julius (or surprisingly Elijah Elliot) are the only two backs I've seen that have a knack for churning extra yards at a high rate. Not saying Adam and Scottre don't do that because they definitely got plenty of YAC on Saturday. Just an observation for discussion.

[bobcatbob]

I was listening to Colter on the KSKY radio program this morning. He said that Adam Jones was clocked at 22mph on that touchdown run. I think he mentioned there's only a handful of guys in all of college football that run any faster. He also talked about how Jones played the kind of sports in high school (baseball & hockey) that would make college recruiters overlook his speed on the football field.

Jones peaked at a little over 22MPH on the run. There is a video of his speed throughout the run on one of these threads.

I'm not sure we'll see Johnson a whole lot but don't forget about Coon. Coon did a dang good job during Spring ball. I'd like to see a big lead in the game so we can see some of these back-ups play.

I think Coon is going to break out given the opportunity. He looked great in the Spring and in Fall camp. Our RB room is so strong. Maybe with Elliot out we will get to see Coon.

[BornBobcat2000]

The phrase "embarrassment of riches" comes to mind. Hopefully injuries don't play a role in determining who gets the most touches like they have the last two seasons. I wonder if the coaches could experiment at some point with formations having two RBs on the field at the same time like they did with the "Big Cat/Little Cat" formations with Mellott and Chambers on the field together.

Yes!! I would love to see some 2 back sets. Reminds me of the diamond formation we would use in the Choate days, we thought that backfield was scary then… imagine Tommy and any two of those RB’s all in the backfield. Scary

[BornBobcat2000]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

I would actually say the weak points for the running game is we don't have a great short yardage back. Despite Scottre's build, he struggles (for whatever reason) in short down and distance situations. Adam runs hard but again its just not his strong suit. However, Julius Davis is a bull in a china closet when he runs so I think that's the immediate upgrade.

Scottre did a pretty good job on 1st and 4 the other day. I do want Julius back though.

Haha I knew someone was going to say that but think about the 4th down stuff and also moments last year like the situation in the NDSU game. You know how Ifanse used to always get 3 yards no matter what? I think Julius (or surprisingly Elijah Elliot) are the only two backs I've seen that have a knack for churning extra yards at a high rate. Not saying Adam and Scottre don't do that because they definitely got plenty of YAC on Saturday. Just an observation for discussion.

Yes, I think you make a great point. Scottre also struggled last year seeing the holes at times, I think Davis is best for short yardage situations by far.

[BornBobcat2000]

I know this has already been discussed a little bit, but I was super impressed with Adam Jones and Scottre on Saturday. Scottre has an incredible burst that is really difficult for defenses, particularly on the read option plays when they have to hesitate for a second to make sure Tommy doesn’t pull it. Jones obviously has breakaway speed to bust some long ones, but his instincts looked incredible reading the defense, and also in the pass game. That play on the last drive where he took out the LB and then got up to get open was an incredible instinctual play.

So… how does this work when Davis comes back? We know how hard he runs and he is great at getting the tough yards, but I think Jones and Scottre have more burst and big play ability. Do we find a way to use all 3? Maybe, but typically in big games you end up riding the hot hand, so the question is, who do you guys think should be RB1?

Agree with all of that except the big play ability part. Yes Scottre and Adam have Burst and big play ability, but I'd say Julius when healthy has just as much. Remember the hurdles? He is a legit stud. I really is crazy how stacked that RB room is.

True, he pulled off some amazing runs. I think I specifically meant top end speed to take the long runs all the way. I remember seeing Davis get caught a couple times last year, I don’t think top end speed is his strength. He can still rip off big runs don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think a 93 yarder is possible with him

[smith427]

I'd like to see someone ask Vigen about what their philosophy is around determining who to play in each game. It almost seems like less of "the highest two on the depth chart that are healthy" and more tailored to the weeks opponent. Especially when we get Davis back, will they be determining for each opponent if speed, power, or agility are most advantageous and pick from the RB room based on that? Because there's not necessarily a clear "best in all categories" guy.

[mslacatfan]

What about sitting tommy for a couple plays and giving Adam jones 3 or 4 wild cat snaps each game….. just a thought.