Running backs/fullbacks

GrayEagle · July 27, 2005

We are loaded at running back but now have only one true fullback. Since we will likely change our offense for this year to get two national rushing champions on the field at the same time, a fullback might not be important but, to me, it should be even more important.

Patrick Cobbs Sr 5-9 205 Tecumseh, OK

Keronna Henderson FR 6-0 225 Carthage

James Mitchell JR 5-9 192 Aubrey

Kevin Moore JR 5-9 193 Houston

Robert Payne FR 5-9 185 San Angelo

Jarret Payten JR 5-8 206 Plano

Evan Robertson FR 5-9 160 Pflugerville

Jamario Thomas SO 5-11 195 Longview

As you are no doubt aware, this is a first in NCAA history that two former national rushing champions are on the same squad. We have the best running back tandem in the country, Cobbs and Thomas, and the coaching staff has been searching for ways to play them together. This group is so good that senior Roy Bishop, a Texas Top 100 pick from high school, was shifted to wide receiver. Speedster Kevin Moore has averaged more than 25 yards per kickoff return the last two seasons. James Mitchell has racked up some nice gains when used as a running back. Jarret Payten was a nice high school running back at Plano West but has had a hard time cracking even the 3-deep lineup. If Desmon Chatman is moved to defense, the only scholarship incoming freshman running back will be Evan Robertson. His 4.4 speed might make him a serious candidate at kickoff returner with Moore. I think that he needs more weight to play running back except maybe in spot situations. The other freshman listed, Robert Payne, is a preferred walkon from San Angelo Lakeview. He was a co-MVP in an all-star game and announced his intentions at that time.

They have been starting James Mitchell at fullback. Mitchell is fearless and would run through a brick wall, if told. But, he still weighs only 192 and that is light for any fullback, who is primarily a blocking back. With Nevins out for this year, Henderson is the only other fullback candidate. He looked good in the spring drills but that was his first college experience.

If they choose to use an H-back this year, the best candidates that I see are Davidson and Brown. If they don't then they need to move McNac, one of the light linemen (who can run), or a tight end to the fullback slot.

I would rate this position a 9. If judged by the two top running backs, this would be a 10 rating. But the size and/or inexperience at fullback has to pull the rating down a point.

PlummMeanGreen · August 3, 2005

We are loaded at running back but now have only one true fullback. Since we will likely change our offense for this year to get two national rushing champions on the field at the same time, a fullback might not be important but, to me, it should be even more important.
Patrick Cobbs Sr 5-9 205 Tecumseh, OK
Keronna Henderson FR 6-0 225 Carthage
James Mitchell JR 5-9 192 Aubrey
Kevin Moore JR 5-9 193 Houston
Robert Payne FR 5-9 185 San Angelo
Jarret Payten JR 5-8 206 Plano
Evan Robertson FR 5-9 160 Pflugerville
Jamario Thomas SO 5-11 195 Longview
As you are no doubt aware, this is a first in NCAA history that two former national rushing champions are on the same squad. We have the best running back tandem in the country, Cobbs and Thomas, and the coaching staff has been searching for ways to play them together. This group is so good that senior Roy Bishop, a Texas Top 100 pick from high school, was shifted to wide receiver. Speedster Kevin Moore has averaged more than 25 yards per kickoff return the last two seasons. James Mitchell has racked up some nice gains when used as a running back. Jarret Payten was a nice high school running back at Plano West but has had a hard time cracking even the 3-deep lineup. If Desmon Chatman is moved to defense, the only scholarship incoming freshman running back will be Evan Robertson. His 4.4 speed might make him a serious candidate at kickoff returner with Moore. I think that he needs more weight to play running back except maybe in spot situations. The other freshman listed, Robert Payne, is a preferred walkon from San Angelo Lakeview. He was a co-MVP in an all-star game and announced his intentions at that time.
They have been starting James Mitchell at fullback. Mitchell is fearless and would run through a brick wall, if told. But, he still weighs only 192 and that is light for any fullback, who is primarily a blocking back. With Nevins out for this year, Henderson is the only other fullback candidate. He looked good in the spring drills but that was his first college experience.
If they choose to use an H-back this year, the best candidates that I see are Davidson and Brown. If they don't then they need to move McNac, one of the light linemen (who can run), or a tight end to the fullback slot.
I would rate this position a 9. If judged by the two top running backs, this would be a 10 rating. But the size and/or inexperience at fullback has to pull the rating down a point.
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If the casual/borderline NT fans were to somehow stumble onto this thread's subject, how could they not be wanting to jump onto the Mean Green Bandwagon this Fall?

GMG!

Edited August 3, 2005 by PlummMeanGreen

kj86 · August 3, 2005

I think we ought to run a few PASSING plays with coobs and thomas in the backfield.. what defense would be looking for the pass with those two in the back?

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If we don't, we're skewered.