Bitter blog - Spring breakdown: A look at the running backs

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This appears to be a re-post of the QB breakdown...

Not the bagman VT deserves, but the bagman VT needs right now.

Our system screws up sometimes. It should be right now.

Yep, I got it now. You got about 6 extra clicks from me because I thought I was going crazy, so I'd say your "system" is working fine.

Not the bagman VT deserves, but the bagman VT needs right now.

Crazy to see so many possible running backs, all with some serious potential. Reality is that we are likely to lose at least one after next season due to a lack of playing time, at least I feel like that will likely happen.

Also, it will be even crazier once Drew Harris gets here... /sarcastica

We gotta find ways to get them all on the field... and I'm not even talking about the new guys coming in.

Fortunately, we have some positional flexibility.
Caleb, Mangus, and Coleman could all line up wide in some sets.
We could even go NFL-style and run some 3-back sets (full house) to get everyone involved.

Just less read-option, please. We got the stable, let the horses trot.

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

AB- Great info here (as usual) I like that you-re tackling the big question mark postions first.

Maybe I'm being pessimistic, but unlike the QB situation, the running still feels uneasy. The fact that people still jokingly bring up Drew Harris is indictative that we dont have that one guy that we are itching to see him show his stuff, imo. DH and jokes should be a distant memory at this point.

HOWEVVA,

I still see potential. I recently re-watched the Marshall game. So much happened in that game but one thing that surprised me was how big a contribution Chris Mangus made. If he can step it up a notch on a regular basis, along with Edmunds putting up consistant numbers and staying healthy, and with help from the supporting cast, and... SAM ROGERS ... the running game could turn some heads. Lets hope so. GO HOKIES!

Commonwealth Cup Champions since Sat, Nov 27, 2004 at 4:05:00 PM EST

Seeing as how none of next year's QBs have any starting experience at the I-A level, I'm confused as to how you're feeling uneasy about the RBs but not the QBs.

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

excited about new guys : Brewer, Ford, Durkin.... the allure of the unknown!... GO HOKIES!

Commonwealth Cup Champions since Sat, Nov 27, 2004 at 4:05:00 PM EST

MARSHAWN WILLIAMS. That is all.

No, I *don't* want to go to the SEC. Why do you ask?

We don't love dem Hoos.

OK I feel easy now ... not uneasy

Commonwealth Cup Champions since Sat, Nov 27, 2004 at 4:05:00 PM EST

Mangus also had the best YPC average of any of the backs. This might have been because JC was banged up early, but I think that Mangus was probably a better option that JC most of the year and I would have liked to see him utilized more in the running game. I think it was right after he signed, CFB compared his highlights to Eddie Royal and I think the coaches definitely need to find ways to get the ball in his hands more.

agree it seemed that his biggest concern was not getting blocks. Oince he turned a corner or found a hole he was good for 7 yards+. Hope to seem him more!

Commonwealth Cup Champions since Sat, Nov 27, 2004 at 4:05:00 PM EST

He has the ability to take it the distance, but more than half of his yards were from one 76 yard TD. Take away that 1 play and he is under 3 YPC.
He can be a game breaker, but I don't think he is the type that will be getting us those tough 3 yards we need. I think he can be a huge contributor if we use him right - get him the ball in space.

"That move was slicker than a peeled onion in a bowl of snot." -Mike Burnop

I agree on that, and I wasn't saying that he should have been getting 1st string carries, just that he was a better option at tailback than JC Coleman for most of the year. I wouldn't expect him to be able to push a pile in short yardage situations anymore than I would expect JC to do so.

I'd agree based on what we saw last year. Let's get him the ball in space more and see what he can do.

"That move was slicker than a peeled onion in a bowl of snot." -Mike Burnop

I've been beating the Chris Mangus drum for a while now. He might not be the best, and the coaches sure know more than I do, but man, that guy is exciting to watch

The offensive capabilitie in NCAA 14 let the Hokies pretty much run the ball at-will. I'd like for us to be able to do that when practical

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Fuller Hoepener. He will have an outstanding senior season. Not a Full Fuller but still a Fuller.