Starting Backs

[Bobby Savoy]

Who will be the two starting running backs next year? Does anybody know?

[PonySoprano]

Judging by spring ball, it looks like Foy Munlin is the man. Also, I would expect to see mostly one-back sets in Coach Burns' offense, but there might be some 2-back formations in short yardage situations.

I assume that when you said "next year" you were talking about the 2004 season?

[Bobby Savoy]

Yes, I did mean the 2004 season. Thanks for your your response. I sure would like to see that Johhny Fitzgerald kid get some carries. I thought he looked pretty good on the few carries he got last season. What are the Mustangs planning on doing with him?

[PonyFan]

I doubt Fitz will get any carries, since he's playing defense now -- either safety or OLB, depending on who you believe.

[WildHorse]

I got the sense in the spring that Coach Burns' offense will be largely a one-back offense, with two-back sets thrown in to help with QB protection and to help open running lanes for the RB. But more often than not (if we can get some hint of a passing game started), it should be mostly one-back.

Is everyone forgetting about Richuel Massey?

Speaking of Massey, I was in the airport yesterday and skimmed through one of the preseason mags (Lindy's, Athlon's -- one of that ilk) and the RB outlook spoke of Munlin and either Jessie Henderson or DeMyron Martin, with a belated mention of Andrew McKinney). HUH? I have no doubt they're fine players who will do big things for the Ponies, but Massey clearly was No. 2 on the depth chart, with Cedrick Dorsey hot on his heels. I wouldn't be surprised, despite all their talents, to see Martin and Henderson and McKinney all redshirt. To leave Massey and Dorsey out of the discussion altogether (not to mention C.D. Moss, who looked great in the Red/Blue Game), shows the story was written by someone who doesn't know the team.

[Corso]

I'd be surprised if all three freshman RBs redshirt. Henderson might return kicks, perhaps as soon as this year.
And isn't there some talk of McKinney playing multiple positions?

[Bobby Savoy]

Fitzgerald needs to be on the field somewhere.

[ClassOf81]

He will be - on defense and/or special teams.

[SMUguy]

I imagine Massey and Dorsey will play this year, but Munlin's the Man.

Hey Bobby Savoy - what's with the obsession with Rick Fox?
Just curious

[Silk]

I'm not that familiar with Dorsey. What kind of runner is he?

And is C.D. Moss just a sprinter? Does he have the strength to endure the punishment he'll take if he gets a bunch of carries?

[Stallion]

another issue is whether the second string back ever gets on the field? Bennett has made it unequivocably clear in the past that he is a one back kinda guy and unless injured the first string guy will likely get 95% of the snaps. I hope that ain't the case with Massey and Henderson and Dorsey in the wings but I'm not sure.

[mrydel]

I think with the new style offense, there will be a need to shuttle the RB somewhat more than last year when I feel there was more concern with ball control and no fumbles than there was for yardage being gained. This year hopefully the RB will occassionally get winded from running more than 3 yards at a time even if it is just a pass route.

[1411]

Expect to see many split 2-back sets out of the gun with both Munlin and Henderson. Henderson has been working out with the returnees since the first day of summer workouts and the veteran guys have taken a liking to him. He will also be a KO return man.

[giacfsp]

That's great that the returning players like Henderson so much. I've also heard several players sound like they've been impressed by Martin and McKinney. And while it's important that the freshmen not come in and make waves with the upperclassmen, the players have little or no say in who gets on the field. Having said that, the coaches sure were worked up into a lather about Henderson around signing day. I just wonder if -- despite the temptation to get his speed on the field as quickly as possible -- they might want to redshirt him to add size and strength. We'll see.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Barring injury, you will see Martin and Henderson on the field. Bank on it![/list]