Running back position

[MustangIcon]

I notice many posters clamoring for a stronger running attack and more production from the RB position. One thing to keep in mind when evaluating our RB play is the position's role within the offense. Things to remember:

- The vast majority of "running plays" in June's R&S will be shovel passes and draws. These are primarily used to keep the D honest.

- Having an effective pass-catching back is important as the offense involves a lot of check downs and will use some RB screens as well.

- Possibly the most important role of the RB in the R&S is to support in pass protection.

D-Mart has done a pretty good job in pass protection as far as I can tell, which is important considering our line has 3 freshman and a coverted TE starting. His pass catching and explosion after the catch is suspect at best but that is secondary in JJ's mind to his pass blocking I would think. I do not expect us to have small-ish scat backs anytime in the future based on JJ's RB history at Hawaii.

[Stallion]

plus Butler hasn't exactly lit it up either with a 3.3 yards per rush either. I'm sure if he'd break a couple he'd likely see more playing time.

[PonySnob]

Looks like Morestead is our best runner................

[ponygrad90]

Why not try JW there?

I always liked seeing him run in space

[Arkpony]

From my observation, Butler never had a chance Thursday night. There were NO holes to run through. He was stuffed everytime he got the ball through no fault of his. Even Dickerson couldn't run when he was met by a wall.

[SmooBoy]

Looks like Morestead is our best runner................

True, and if he's about to get tackled, he can drop kick it for 3 pts.

[westexSMU]

[quote="Arkpony"]From my observation, Butler never had a chance Thursday night. There were NO holes to run through. He was stuffed everytime he got the ball through no fault of his. Even Dickerson couldn't run when he was met by a wall.[/quote].............I agree that Butler didn't have anywhere to run against Tulane, but the thing I like about playing him is that he has good speed (REAL 4.5) and good exceleration. If Butler gets loose in the secondary, he may take it to the house. Fact is, Butler is our only real running back with speed who is apparently not redshirting this year. Martin looks like he is running about a 5 flat 40 on the football field. Watching Martin run is like watching slow motion film except everyone else is moving fast.

[NickSMU17]

True sign of young offensive line, is not physical enough to run block...

[perunapower]

Why not try JW there?

I always liked seeing him run in space

Did you forget how many times he fumbled when running for extra yardage last year?

[pony warrior]

What happened to Ben Goldthorpe? He was listed as #3 RB. Has he played this year?

[bigdaddy08091]

What happened to Ben Goldthorpe? He was listed as #3 RB. Has he played this year?

No, and he will not play this year or any year after. Ben was a very productive DE at one of the most prominent HS programs in the state, if not the country. He was moved to RB in an effort to get rid of him, as was several other players. You have spent your entire life playing a certain position and you get moved before the coaches ever see you play? If he does play RB at SMU, it will be 3 to 4 years down the line.

[PoconoPony]

From my observation, Butler never had a chance Thursday night. There were NO holes to run through. He was stuffed everytime he got the ball through no fault of his. Even Dickerson couldn't run when he was met by a wall.

I believe the coaching staff tried to utilize Butler to generate some running game to no avail. Arkpony is absolutely correct that he never had a chance with no holes and getting hit almost simultaneously with the hand off. I was glad to see him getting some playing time which indicates the coaching staff recognizes his ability and value.

[giacfsp]

No, and he will not play this year or any year after. Ben was a very productive DE at one of the most prominent HS programs in the state, if not the country. He was moved to RB in an effort to get rid of him, as was several other players. You have spent your entire life playing a certain position and you get moved before the coaches ever see you play? If he does play RB at SMU, it will be 3 to 4 years down the line.

For what it's worth, I thought he was a DT, not a DE.

And I seriously doubt they're trying to get rid of him. Coach Jones and his staff have a history of taking players from other positions and making them into big RBs, as long as they're strong and physical enough to handle the protection assignments. Besides, word is Coach Suan absolutely loves Goldthorpe in practice, and allegedly sees a bright future for the guy. He's just learning as he waits his turn.

[35straight]

D-Mart has done a pretty good job in pass protection as far as I can tell.

Yes, this is takin out of an entire post. However, I just wanted to bump it up. Martin is a terrible pass blocker. When he does stop the defender he gets a holding call. And did no one else see him totally give up on a block that left Levi getting smashed in the face. JJ and company need to leave this guy on the bench. Terrible.

[2112]

i saw that play too.......that was probably the final straw for the coaches......martin was on the bench the second half........he has no heart.......he looks like tarzan......plays like jane....