Running Back

Dooby · Post by **Dooby** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:30 am

Who the blank is going to be the starting tailback next year?

Basically, there are 5 candidates: Dorsey; Massey; Turner; Henderson; and Martin. Dorsey got the most carries last year, but Massey sure had a lot of hype behind him and we are told his "issues" have been resolved.

Frankly, I was disappointed in Munlin's performance last year. With our (somewhat) improved passing attack last year, I think he should have performed better. While he didn't get the carries Kincaid did, the unpredictability of the offense should have helped him.

Has anybody who has seen a practice seen or heard anything? I would think Dorsey would have a leg up on the others.

me@smu · Post by **me@smu** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 10:52 am

So we don't know the running back and we sure don't know the QB...is there any position that is nailed down solid yet?

Dooby · Post by **Dooby** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:09 am

kicker.

With 6 wins in 3 years, how many positions do you think should be set in stone?

Corso · Post by **Corso** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:48 am

Dorsey entered the spring at first-string. From what I've heard, they're very pleased with the others. Massey has dropped 10 or 15 pounds, and looks completely different. He's still extremely strong, of course, but he has a great deal more flexibility, and seems to change directions much better. In my uneducated opinion, it looked like he got so muscled up that he had difficulty moving. He also looks a step quicker. Turner is amazingly fast, and is a very natural open-field runner -- if he gets past the line (either through a hole or on sweeps to the sideline), he could be effective. Martin drew raves last year as a redshirt running with the scount team, and looks stronger this year. The wildcard might be Henderson. My guess would be that they'll try to move him around to get him in matchups that are difficult .... maybe a mix of RB and slot receiver. He also has gotten some practice time on punt returns. I believe he's the fastest pure sprinter on the team (although Turner and Humphrey are close).

I also was disappointed with Munlin's performance last year, but in his defense, he was never fully healthy. Between the car wreck before the season and other injuries that he had during the season, he was never 100 percent. But I gather he was a warrior -- in the weight room, on the practice field, etc. -- and hopefully the team picked up some good habits from him.

Dooby · Post by **Dooby** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 11:55 am

I don't mean to be [deleted] Munlin, I just thought he looked great in the spring game last year and pretty pedestrian throughout the season.

HorsePower · Post by **HorsePower** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 7:40 pm

Maybe I'm turning into a protective parent, but I worry about Henderson. I know he's lightning-fast, and I'm sure he's a strong, tough guy .... but can he really survive at RB at his size? I would think the best bet for him would be some kind of a slot WR role, with occasional end-around plays to get him the ball coming out of the backfield. I love his speed, and I'm eager to see him blowing by solme guys on his way to the end zone, but I don't know if he's got the bulk to be an every-down RB.

RGV Pony · Post by **RGV Pony** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 9:49 pm

Am I the only one that noticed that in our spread offense, most every running play looks like a busted draw play? As best I can recall, unless it was Romo running, all I see in my mind's eye is Chris Phillips taking the snap in the shotgun, standing still, waiting for Munlin to run in front of him and stop, then Phillips reaches the ball around, and Munlin takes two steps forward into the already penetrating linebacker's chest. Am I way off base on this?

Dooby · Post by **Dooby** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 10:03 am

Per today's DMN, Massey sprained his knee yesterday. Anybody know how bad?

d_pony · Post by **d_pony** » Fri Mar 25, 2005 3:58 pm

i was told that it was minor (what ever that means)

Ikus · Post by **Ikus** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 9:05 am

Good. I've watched part of a couple of practices, and Massey looked vastly improved over last year. Quicker, shiftier .... and he still lowered his shoulder at least once and drove his would-be tackler straight back. I'd like to see what he can do once he gets his knee right.

Is it minor enough that he might be back before the Red/Blue game? Or is he done for the spring?

SCAMP6381 · Post by **SCAMP6381** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 3:32 pm

massey is fine should be in practice tues.

Roach · Post by **Roach** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:06 pm

That's great news.
Thanks, SCAMP!