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I've followed most of the games so far, but I have only been able to watch sporadically (though I'm bringing 4 friends to UH Thursday night). So I'm curious if other posters who have watched more can give their perspectives on our new dynamic RBs. What differences do you see between them? What are each of their strengths and which particular situations do you think each is suited for?

PonyFan32 wrote:I've followed most of the games so far, but I have only been able to watch sporadically (though I'm bringing 4 friends to UH Thursday night). So I'm curious if other posters who have watched more can give their perspectives on our new dynamic RBs. What differences do you see between them? What are each of their strengths and which particular situations do you think each is suited for?

Very similar skill set- both are speed backs.

NAME-------------CAR--YDS--AVG--LONG-----TD
Matt Davis -------88----380---4.3---50 (TD)----6
Xavier Jones-----68----279---4.1---30----------4
Braeden West---37----199---5.4---36 (TD)-----1

Here's the stat sheet from espn. Seems like Jones has more attempts and West has more average.

Even though they are both smaller "speed" backs West seems to have a bit more power than Jones. West runs more upright, ala Peterson (not that big or good....but style wise) where West has more body lean and seems very good balance, which allows him to make good cuts and be a bit shiftier. That's my two cents on them and they are both very good in my opinion.

Thanks everyone. Appreciate it.

Malonish - small sample size alert! Haha.

JoeKidd - this is exactly what I was hoping to get. I have seen enough of them to know that they have very similar skill sets but I was curious about the opinions of those who might have looked closer to find the differences. Wonder if the fact that West seems to have a bit more power might lead to him being called upon more to pick up any blitzes that come. Love both these players either way.

PonyFan32 wrote:Thanks everyone. Appreciate it.

Malonish - small sample size alert! Haha.

I only have that to work with so you are correct!

I'm curious to see if one of them gets a rs next year when nlemchi comes back.

vielsiehorsepower wrote:I'm curious to see if one of them gets a rs next year when nlemchi comes back.

What makes you think nlemchi is going to come back? Even if he did, he would not be competitive against these two backs for PT - in my opinion.

PonyTime wrote:

vielsiehorsepower wrote:I'm curious to see if one of them gets a rs next year when nlemchi comes back.

What makes you think nlemchi is going to come back? Even if he did, he would not be competitive against these two backs for PT - in my opinion.

He tore an achiles in spring. That's not a career ender and he'd obviously be eligible for a medical redshirt if that was the process for maintaining his eligibility. According to reports he was very impressive in spring ball and is much bigger and stronger than west and jones..nlemchi runs like a horse, I seriously doubt two much smaller sophomore backs are going to keep him on the bench. He would have started and been very productive for years if not for June's genius

He is on the sideline every game. Looks like his intent is to return. Having severed my Achilles' tendon, it is difficult from which to recover fully, but certainly possible.

neither will redshirt next year-we are moving up and beyond in talent

Arkansas, a run first team as is the mantra of Morris, requires 3 able RBs at all times. Two to alternate and one to fill in when one gets dinged up. You cannot have too many good RBs.

mrydel wrote:Arkansas, a run first team as is the mantra of Morris, requires 3 able RBs at all times. Two to alternate and one to fill in when one gets dinged up. You cannot have too many good RBs.

True I guess I was just assuming that it'd mostly be a two back system but I didn't think to consider that durrall is the 3rd string so there isn't much of an option there. When did you sever yours? Just asking for reference to consider medical advancements.

30 years ago. Think anything has improved? Haha.

mrydel wrote:30 years ago. Think anything has improved? Haha.

Sounds like short of reefer madness or reinjury KC will be in the rotation next season >:D