Hokies Tailback Trey Edmunds Looks to Regain Form, Joel Caleb Switches Positions

Trey Edmunds' health continues to progress. Joel Caleb is a wide receiver again.

RB Trey Edmunds breaks off a run during Virginia Tech's first spring scrimmage of 2015. [Mark Umansky]

Joel Caleb and Trey Edmunds are on a mission this spring.

The two oft-forgotten Virginia Tech running backs are re-approaching relevance in different ways.

For Caleb, a move back to wide receiver ensued following Saturday's scrimmage. The switch, a possible byproduct of emerging young backfield talents Travon McMillian and D.J. Reid, is more so for position need suggests running backs coach Shane Beamer.

"We're thin at receiver with some guys that we were counting on being here that aren't here," Beamer said. "We have guys that are battling injuries at receiver right now so after Cam (Phillips) and Isaiah (Ford) it gets really thin. It's an opportunity to add some depth at receiver."

Already experienced on the perimeter by way of a freshman fall spent at wide out, Caleb's assimilation to the new spot isn't a concern.

"Joel catches the ball really well," Beamer said. "We have a lot of running backs. I don't know if his days at running back are over but we just figure that it's spring practice and a time we can experiment."

Caleb, a redshirt junior, is well aware that the clock is ticking and this is likely his fastest ticket to seeing the field.

"I'm just trying to do what's best for the team," Caleb said. "Whatever way I can do what's best for the team and get on the field fast, I'm with it."

The Midlothian, Virginia, native noted that the hardest part of moving to receiver the first time was remembering the terminology and routes.

"I do feel like wide receiver is a spot where I can get on the field quicker," Caleb said. "They rotate a lot at receiver and I think it will be a good role for me."

Beamer asserts that the one-time four-star recruit has suffered unfortunate circumstances, and won't end up as an afterthought.

"I hate that he's a high profile recruit and people look at him and say he hasn't done anything," Beamer said. "I disagree. He came in after playing quarterback, had a knee injury and came in overweight and out of shape. He played receiver that fall and wasn't very good because it was a new position and he was coming off that injury. He went through spring practice and we moved him to running back out of need after the 2013 season.

"I still think he's a really good player and he has a good two years ahead of him."

Among others, Caleb leaves behind at tailback: an experienced veteran who is coming off perhaps the best stretch of his career in J.C. Coleman, talented young backs in McMillian and Reid, and 2013's leading rusher, Trey Edmunds.

Edmunds struggled to find his way into the fold in 2014 after recovering from a broken leg suffered in the 2013 regular season finale against Virginia.

Minimal to moderate midseason work gave way to a clavicle fracture that sidelined the Danville, Virginia, native for good.

After a brief stint in the Military Bowl and months of continued recovery, Edmunds insists he's all the way back from both injuries.

"I'm definitely all the way back now," he said. "Spring's been going well. We've all been progressing. Health-wise, all that's behind me and I'm ready to go."

Edmunds admits that it was hard missing so much time, even when he thought he was ready to come back.

"After getting hurt I wanted to come back earlier but you can't put a certain date on injuries. You just have to be patient and wait it out," Edmunds said. "I felt all the way back during the bowl game, when I was actually out there. I always felt good but the trainers didn't think that. Prior to the Virginia game I thought I was going to be ready to go but certain circumstances in practice didn't allow that."

Edmunds acknowledged that while having taken a step back and drop from the spotlight, he is eager to prove himself again.

With Edmunds in the mix of a solid stable of running backs, Beamer is going to have some tough decisions to make down the road.

"It's challenging. You think about these guys and then forget about (Marshawn Williams) and (Shai McKenzie). They're not out there repping. It's a good thing that you can add those guys to the mix. Everyone does something well. Everyone will have a role."

Edmunds reflected on the rehabilitation process.

"Last year I lost both my speed and power and I wasn't able to run," Edmunds said. "Finally getting it back, it feels good to be out there doing that again. I think those are my strong assets."

Beamer shares Edmunds' optimism.

"Trey looks good. He's had a really good few weeks," Beamer said "He's off to a good start. He's running physical and running hard. I think he's trying to get his speed back to where it was. He and (J.C. Coleman) have really been solid."

Comments

I want more 80 yard tds from Trey this season. Here's to hoping he stays healthy

I'm pretty sure I'd kill.......or seriously maim and injure someone to get an 80 TD season out of Trey

I'd be happy with 8

The Dude Abides

I think Trey has all the attributes of a typical great VT tailback. I think this is his year. I'm a big Trey fan!

I'm with you man. Trey has all the tools to be our next great one, he's just gotta stay healthy. I think him, Shai and JC would be my top 3 in a perfect world.

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

Means more of this from opposing fans

VT '10 #AllMaroonEverything

that is one of the best gifs. Awesome.

“I hope that they’re not going to have big eyes and pee down their legs so to speak,” -- Bud Foster

This is just a man looking for answers in life. Everything he knew to be true just fell apart in one split second.

I love Caleb's attitude. It's been a long, winding road for him but he's still invested and eager to play.

"Exit light..."

Props to Caleb for being such a team guy! Hopefully he can finish his career strong, I think everything can fall into place for him, he just never got the lucky break yet

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Is there anything in this picture besides Wyatt Teller's left arm?

"Exit light..."

It's so beautiful.

"PANCAKEINATING THE DEFENSE!!!"

“Also, a microwave has never danced it's ass off to Jackie Wilson.” - AssPocketFullOWhiskey

Still a better PhotoShop than LOLUVa.

A decade on TKP and it's been time well spent.

theres a starting linebacker who's name I cant spell that looks like another guys name I cant spell from Pittsburgh (troy palemalo) that isn't looking at the ball. I do see that in the picture. that's a little concerning.

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Moto doing that is what caught my eye also. What happened there?

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I wouldn't read much into a snapshot of a play. Could have easily gotten spun around really fast by a blocker pushing down field. The picture makes him look bad, but I think at some point during every play, somebody's facing the wrong way.

"Exit light..."

Everyone will have a role.

This is the wrong approach to take. I am sure that over the course of the season, darn near every running back will contribute if only because of injuries. JC, Edmunds, Travon, DJ Reid, Shai McKenzie (if he returns) will all have to carry the ball at some point.

That doesn't mean everyone should have a "role". That implies that they will have a package or a niche in the offense. When you have that many bodies that you are trying to squeeze into a game based on the principle that "everyone has a role" it becomes counter productive. Pick two main guys whose skills set compliment each other and build your game plan around them. Get their reps in during practice and watch them improve. If one of them gets hurt or needs a breather, bring a different running back as a back up to fill the gap until the first option returns.

That's how all successful offenses rotate their running backs. Attempting to get 5-6 different running backs involved in countless different schemes (to the point that the defense can predict which package is coming up by who is standing in the huddle) is insanity.

the new #beamerball

#spreadthelove
#alltherunnningbacks

Onward and upward

#yesallrunningbacks

#SHANEeveryonegetsatrophyBEAMER

What's Important Now
The Lunchpail.
The Hammer.
BeamerBall.

The Oprah of running backs.

"And You Get to Play! And You Get to Play! And You get to Play! Everyone gets to play!"

Man, I took it as total coach speak and nothing more when I read that. A role could be something like "power back if someone else goes down with an injury"...

This thought crossed my mind as well, and it would seem like wisdom but for the warning in my heart. I've seen us employ the RB-by-committee too many times in the last few years.

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

Nah, when Shane Beamer says he plans on giving every running back a role I take him at his word. He's down it every year since David Wilson left. Especially if Scott "I'll try anything once" Loeffler is his offensive coordinator.

if this is the case we need to run the wing T, that's the only way you can get all these guys caries like that.

twitter @smithey_daniel
head scout BSP scouting specializing in north florida/ southern GA highschool football scouting

It wasn't that way last year at all (except for the W&M & Pitt games). W&M makes sense to try different people and Pitt was due to being down to the 4th, 5th & 6th RBs.

Williams & McKenzie got the 90% of the RB carries until SM got hurt. Then it was MW & Edmunds for a 1/2 game until TE got hurt vs UNC. Then it was almost solely Williams (except Pitt which he missed) until he got injured in the Duke game. Then it was JCC from there on out.

Sam Rogers was really the #2 guy in almost every game after Trey Edmunds went down -- but only maybe 4 or 5 carries game on avg.

Or maybe Motley, but I don't really count him as a RB.

shhh, stop interrupting the hating

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A running backs role isn't only defined by their number of carries. When they get those carries, how they get those carries, even where they are lined up on plays they don't touch the ball play a apart in how we define a RBs role.

After the spring game, how about I write an article fully fleshing out my analysis of the running back rotation and we'lol continue the conversation then.

When they get those carries, how they get those carries, even where they are lined up on plays they don't touch the ball play a apart in how we define a RBs role.

This is the difference between "utilization" and a "role." Your role is the job that you are tasked to do and what you are responsible for. How you are utilized though is the manner in which you are put in a position to do your job and when you are asked to do your job. Don't confuse the two. Also, snide comments, like "how about I write an article fully fleshing out my analysis of the running back rotation and we'lol continue the conversation then" are not becoming on you. Easily could have been said with more tact but apparently contrary opinions aren't welcomed by you.

I don't know how Mason meant it, but I took that last bit as a genuine invitation to do what we do best here - careful analysis and debate. Didn't see anything snide there and I, for one, would really like to see that type of article.

"Exit light..."

I'd appreciate an article as well, but a comment saying "I'm planning on writing something" says that there's an intent to do so for the benefit of everyone. Saying "how about I share my opinion later and then we'll continue this" comes off more as a challenge than anything else that's just to gratify oneself. Discussion and debate are all fine and dandy, but challenges after someone comes back with their own evidence supporting their opinion aren't.

This is the difference between "utilization" and a "role." Your role is the job that you are tasked to do and what you are responsible for. How you are utilized though is the manner in which you are put in a position to do your job and when you are asked to do your job.

At this point we're literally arguing semantics. Let's put it in concrete terms. If Shane Beamer and Scott Loeffler bring a 3rd or 4th string RB onto the field whenever they run a specific package, it doesn't matter if you call that a "role" for that RB or a "utilization" of his talents. The offense is tipping it's hand to the defense based on personnel and it's counter productive. That's my issue with Shane Beamer's running back rotations over the past several years.

Also, snide comments, like "how about I write an article fully fleshing out my analysis of the running back rotation and we'lol continue the conversation then" are not becoming on you. Easily could have been said with more tact but apparently contrary opinions aren't welcomed by you.

You took it the wrong way if you think I meant it snidely. I enjoy discussion on anything Tech football related and honestly just want to take the time to write a 2000+ word article. If you get upset when someone disagrees with you on the internet that's on you, but don't project those emotions on to me.

I would like to see that. My guess is that there is something to what you're saying (Deon Newsome being the most transparent, however he wasn't a RB per se), but it's not as egregious as you think.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my memory is there has been a fairly voluminous amount of complaining about Beamer doing the exact opposite of what you say in many short yardage situations. Damned if you do; damned if you don't. Good OL blocking can go a long way in making a coach look like a genius (and vice versa).

And it's not as though NFL teams don't use role players in pretty predictable ways...

And it's not as though NFL teams don't use role players in pretty predictable ways...

Exactly, it's not a binary choice, it's a matter of degrees. I'd agree with that. I just think that Shane leans to far in one direction.

Of course. Every RB has a "role" any time they are on the field. As should every player in the 2 deep and sometimes deeper. If they don't, I'm very worried.

But it wasn't a "RB by committee" last year or anything even remotely close to it. They pretty much went with a 2 back rotation until Edmunds got hurt and then they pretty much rode one healthy guy.

Last season's approach -- especially with all of the injuries and offensive uncertainty -- is evidence there is no reason to read anything more into Beamer's comment than every back will have a "role". Some bigger than others; some very small.

Of course. Every RB has a "role" any time they are on the field...

But it wasn't a "RB by committee"...

You agreed with my point and then blew right past it!

My issue with the running back situation isn't necessarily with the number of carries that everyone had (although I think Shane rotates his RB's out to quickly, preventing anyone back from getting into the flow of the game) but rather with both the amount of RB's he gameplans for and how he utilizes them.

Did MW and SM get the bulk of the carries early in the year? Absolutely. However, they were also taken off the field on passing downs and for specific packages. The staff tried to specialize, using specific RB's in specific situations to get the most out of their skill set. The issue was it became too predictable (remember when Loeffler/Beamer said they needed to run Rogers more? It's because the defense was keying in on passing plays when he was the only back in the game) and it took the more dangerous players off the field.

In short, the perfect became the enemy of the good. If your fourth string RB gets to the edge on a Jet Sweep a half step faster than your first string RB, it doesn't mean it's in the best interest of your offense to always switch the two when you want to run that play. When Shane Beamer says "Everyone will have a role" I took that to mean it's a continuation of the "specialization" of the RB position. I'd rather see two players be relied on than 5, if only because it's less predictable.

1) I'd love to see that article.

2) At any point in the year did we have more than three TBs in on plays in the same game? I got the feeling last year that it felt like we were seeing tailback by committee, but injury contributed to that. Like someone else said, it felt like there was a defined tandem backfield, but that tandem kept changing due to someone getting injured.

3) Why doesn't someone with press credentials ask Shane to clarify his everyone has a role statement? Other than the fact that doing so will take away something for us to nitpick during the offseason.

4)

Did MW and SM get the bulk of the carries early in the year? Absolutely. However, they were also taken off the field on passing downs and for specific packages.

How much of that could be attributable to the staff simply not trusting the freshmen tailbacks in blocking situations? While it might tip our hand a bit, having our best blocker in to block is probably the smart play. If Trey is fully good to go, we might see less of that rotation on passing downs since he's our best blocking tailback.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

How much of that could be attributable to the staff simply not trusting the freshmen tailbacks in blocking situations?

I logged in to say this. (Obviously not nearly soon enough.) I think in clear passing situations, the coaches wanted a better blocker to prevent Brewer from getting hit EVEN MORE than he did.

I understand your point...but I think you're overstating it.

I think the issue (as I've said before) is that VT has a bunch of good, but not great, backs. And they have fairly differing strengths and weaknesses. I do believe that Beamer (as would any sane coach) does try to utilize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses. Where I don't agree with you is the level of predictability...with the use of JCC in 3rd and short as being an example of where he didn't "go perfect" (and got skewered for it).

While all of the stuff you mention certainly plays a part in defining how a coach utilizes his RB's and defines roles, by far the most important factor -- in both him and defenses defining their respective gameplans -- is...carries. And, IMO, it's probably more important than everything else combined.

And in that critical regard, Beamer was quite consistent and narrow in his approach even with musical chairs of injuries he had to deal with throughout the season. And if Edmunds had been available last year, it would have been even narrower because he had the broadest set of strengths at that stage of any of the RBs (and probably still).

I just think "everyone will have a role" during spring practice is coachspeak for "everyone will have A role, so keep your head up and keep working hard".

OK well we agree that Shane Beamer did use multiple running backs per game, all with very defined roles per game in order to get the most out of their skill set. We seem to disagree with the effectiveness of that strategy (or at least in how he implemented it) although I think the offensive numbers point to a flaw in his approach.

Let me ask you though, are you generally happy with the rotation of the running backs by Shane?

You're testing my memory...

In '11? Yeah mostly, but that was a no brainer - Wilson with Oglesby spelling him every 4th series (although, IIRC, the consistent use of Wilson in short yardage was puzzling, i.e. not his strength/role - but that's the opposite of your point).

In '12? I'm not sure it mattered. Not a lot of strengths to maximize... I guess I would have used Scales more than he did.

In '13? I seem to remember it being just Edmunds and/or JCC - depending upon whether only one or both was healthy. I guess the JCC in short yardage started here but again that's the opposite of what you say is the issue -- unless one thinks its unpredictability became predictable.

Last year? Given what he had to work with, yeah mostly.

I just don't think there is much evidence to support the notion that when he says everybody has a role this year, that it means it's going to be a potpourri of backs and schemes. It seems to me that when he's has one or two healthy horses, he's ridden them. When he's had nothing to work with or had injuries, he's been more inclined to throw mud at the wall and see what sticks.

My guess for this year is with the likely moves of Caleb & Wright and the injuries to McKenzie/Williams, he already reduced things to 3 backs - with Edmunds/JCC getting the lion's share of the work, McMillian getting just enough work to keep fresh in case of injury and maybe do a few things that suit him, and keep DJ Reid in reserve.

I tried to look at it from a positive aspect and think that "role" didn't necessarily mean a role as the RB. Perhaps their role is as a kick returner or somewhere else on special teams. Maybe, like you said, they are the 2nd string power back. But I didn't see that phrase as saying "they are all going to be taking significant snaps as a RB."

I'm not the biggest fan of his RB rotations, but Caleb had a "role" last year. So I don't take it as everybody gets to play like T-ball. My beef is taking the hot guy out or putting the wrong guy in for the play/situation.

A role can be on the practice squad to get crushed by the first team D in practice. Or special teams. Or taking notes of meetings, or whatever. It doesn't necessarily mean all these guys will play, it just means they will find some way to occupy your time and keep them engaged and involved.

"Everyone does something well. Everyone will have a role."

This scares the hell out of me.

I also cringed :/

Onward and upward

I'd love to hear what alabama's RB Coach says about his RBs. With all those 5* RBs wonder why they all don't play a series a season./Sarcastica

shit if all our guys will have a role makes sense we have yet to get top RB's. No one wants to share the rock that much.

1a 1b that's it.

Yeah, I'd like to see how UGA handles so many top caliber backs, too. They have dealt with a lot of injuries the last few years, but they continue to have very strong RB corps.

It's a pretty disconcerting statement, to say the least. :-/

“Also, a microwave has never danced it's ass off to Jackie Wilson.” - AssPocketFullOWhiskey

This is just Beamer's style. To even hint that his days at RB are not over is just him trying to make Caleb feel better. His days at RB are done and they both know it and are accepting it, in my opinion.

You got an injured co-#1 from last year who will redshirt and be back next year, you got a veteran who has the coaches trust (after the way he ended the last 4 games last year, a guy waiting to get his name cleared and work his way back, a converted QB who is "turning heads" at practice.

Just got a feeling that his ship has sailed at RB and Beamer is just standing on the dock waiving the white hanky to see him off in classic Frank style.

As far as him not stating his starter or starters at RB, we got anOSU first game. We tell them who are #1 back is when they tell us who there #1 QB is. Gamesmenship rules the offseason.

The Dude Abides

As far as him not stating his starter or starters at RB, we got anOSU first game. We tell them who are #1 back is when they tell us who there #1 QB is. Gamesmenship rules the offseason.

LOL. I'm sure Ohio State's gameplan is up in the air until they figure out which RB is going to be starting for us.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

More like allowing him to save face. Hope he connects with Coach Burden.

Caleb is a great blocker and catches well.
He has two-of-three down in my book. Just needs to learn those routes well and he can be our 3rd WR.
Lots of talent, I'd like to see it pay off for him.

"It's a Hokie takeover of The Hill ... in Charlottesville!" -Bill Roth

Wasn't Shane talking about juggling 5 backs last year?

Yes, but Shane actually did a good job last year. It was Marshawn and Shai as the pimary backs right out of the gates, and he didn't meddle with that until injuries hit.

It scares me a hell of a lot less than "Not everybody does something well. Not everyone will have a role".

If Trey scores 4 td's in one game again, I vouch we change his name to Quatro Edmunds

Bleeding burnt orange and chicago maroon

One thing that isn't really being discussed but I think is worth mentioning: Aaron Morehead basically said Caleb couldn't cut it at WR. Zohn is basically saying, yeah, I can make this guy a receiver. I like that juxtaposition.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Necessity is the mother of all invention after all

The Dude Abides

AMO stated he wanted true receivers. Those that have played it for a long time. I don't think he believed in changing players into the position. Then again I am not sure he has been in a position coach wise to need to change someone in that position.

Zohn so far is a mystery to me. From what I think everyone expected Holland and Parker would have been heavy contributors and in the two deep had they stayed, yet they left. Now Caleb is being moved to WR and Zohn is saying he can be a talent there. I'm not saying Zohn's wrong about that but it seems suspiciously coach speak after 2 expected contributors left, of which we still have no reason for.

I'm not skeptical at all about Zohn thinking Caleb can be a talent at WR. He's automatically our tallest receiver, is an exceptional athlete, and Zohn has already proved he can help guys make the jump from QB to WR, with what he did at ODU. I'm excited about this move, personally. We need talented guys to give Cam and Isaiah a break. Joel is a talented guy, so let's give him a chance to get on the field.

Oh I am not skeptical of Zohn believing in Caleb. I simply wonder if this move would have been made if Holland and Parker had stayed. I also am very excited for the move and hope he finally finds the field on gameday.

It will be interesting to see where Holland and Parker end up? Is it like an ECU/ Mangus situation where the offense suits the style of player. Can't believe Holland/Jet Sweep Parker would have gotten a ton of run but who knows.

I would be inclined to agree with you if Zohn didn't have a track record of helping players switch positions to WR and be successful.

Put another way, AMo wanted to work with true receivers. It's easier to coach true receivers. It is way harder to help someone pick up the position at the college level. And Zohn publicly embraced that challenge even before he came to VT.

I'm not saying Zohn is a better WR coach, but I am saying when you compare AMo and Zohn on their mindsets of which players they want to coach, Zohn accepts a greater challenge than his predecessor.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

I don't mean about the nature of Zohn being able to do that kind of coaching. I mean that since Holland and Parker left we need depth and the "promise" of Caleb at WR is being focused on a bit much to overshadow that absence. i.e. coach speak

Granted, and we'll never know if this move would have been made if AMo was still on staff. I'm admittedly looking at this in a vacuum, but just putting quotes from AMo and Zohn side by side, I prefer what I have heard from Zohn thus far. That includes the fact that the First contact he had with our two returning star receivers was to tell them they have to get better in the blocking game.

"I liked you guys a lot better when everybody told you you were terrible." -Justin Fuente

Parker is still a mystery to me, but from what I've heard, Holland couldn't handle college life. Zilch to do with Coach ZB

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cool finally some info, where did you hear that about Holland?

Yep lots of shaking up but it is spring and time to experiment. Again, if it is happening in fall...ouch. I don't like the ongoing talk about using 12 tailbacks that is bad juju. That being said check out this link. Lets get them up here for the Ohio State game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1boUYB9LFJY

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

The Warning is impressive. Thanks for sharing.

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Glory is Forever, Let's Go Hokies!!

Unfortunately the "everyone has a role statement" is the reason so many people have called for Beamers heads over the year. His loyalty to certain players and coaches (looking at you ocainstinenewsomespring)have caused the decline of the great program he build up. They needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one...

I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:
“I served in the United States Navy"

If last season is any indication, it's going to be a few guys role to contribute on special teams and be ready to step up if one of the 2-3 RB who get steady carries goes down with an injury.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

My biggest issue with the statement by beamer and the past few years is 1 RB cannot get a rhythm because he gets 1-2 series then out for 4-5. Every one of our RB's runs differently.. juice might run higher, JC is 1 cut and go, shai was a bruiser, McMillian seems to be speed. Find a mismatch with the defense and that RB should play the most.

The O-line also gets use to these things and it definitely plays a part with the way they block. I'm not saying them blow assignments but maybe with a guy like Juice they get a good quick block and try to get too second level because they know an arm tackle won't bring him down so why not try to spring him for the TD. Towards the end of the year we ran better because they all got comfortable with JC's run type and boom JC had the best 4 weeks any RB has had here in the last 2 years.

Just baffles me that it took 3 season ending injuries for us to finally stick with 1 RB.

There is nothing wrong with having 2 feature RB's. Bama had two backs with almost identical carries and yards this past year.

Wet stuff on the red stuff.

Join us in the Key Players Club

exactly 2 Feature backs.. last year we had 1a 1b 1c 1d and even a 1e.. Find 2 healthy RB's and go with it. If McMillian is truly a great Rb that can catch I want to see screens and wheel routes all day long. then hit em up inside. I love how JC really stepped up last year and put that room on his back. Hope he continues to bring it every day!

Keep Wearing that watch JC!

Bama actually wanted to have a 3 running back system, but Kenyan Drake broke his leg the first week of October. Kenyan Drake definitely had a "role" before the injury.

GIVE IT TO ME ROSCOE!

We had 2 feature backs before an onslaught of injuries... Williams & McKenzie. Then Williams & Edmunds. Then Williams solo. Then a "WTF who is going to run the ball with with all these injuries?" game against Pitt. Then Williams, and finally JC Coleman to finish the season.

Early on 1-2 of JCC, Caleb, Edmunds when was starting to return to form, etc were getting a series or two of work per game. But you gotta remember our top 2 RB's were freshman and giving them a rest was probably a good thing to do.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

Bama used three backs last year before injury. I believe Bama has went with a top three for the past several of years. The first two get the bulk of the carries and the third gets carries to get experience/the change of pace back. I think its a good idea to have several backs getting experience d/t injury. Bama and Georgia both had injuries that forced the second and third string guys to step up. Look at VT last year if it wasn't for a host of good backs we would have been hurting!! I agree taking a hot back out and putting in a situational back is wrong but I don't remember getting the call asking for my opinion.....LOL!

Yep. Ingram and Richardson against us in 2009. But it was Roy Upchurch who gave me nightmares.

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

We don't love dem Hoos.

My prediction, we will see JCC, Trey, McMillian, and Rogers get carries in the Ohio State game. Shai will be in there too if he is back with the team.

I would like to see the carries spread out less but who do you not play out of that group? (Assuming Shai is 100% healthy)

"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders via Ricky Bobby

Between legal issues and suffering his second torn ACL in two years at the end of last September, I feel pretty safe stating that I'll eat my shoe If Shai plays against Ohio State.

Joffrey, Cersei, Ilyn Payne, the Hound, Jeff Jagodzinski, Paul Johnson, Pat Narduzzi.

I like Rodgers, but he shouldn't be getting carries on a regular basis. He should be blocking or catching passes.

"Rodgers"

"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

"I prefer throwing passes, thanks."

-- Rodgers

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

We don't love dem Hoos.

"and laughing at Bud Foster's defense."

( BCH gnashes teeth)

"That kid you're talking to right there, I think he played his nuts off! And you can quote me on that shit!" -Bud Foster

-- A. A. Ron Rodgers.

Realistically if Trey is back, the carries are going to be split between JCC, Trey and McMillian. I think Rogers reverts to the two years ago Rogers who catches out the backfield and is pass protection. McKenzie and Williams both redshirt.

i really hope they redshirt to really heal and come back strong in 2016. it'll space out our rbs a little and nobody rushes back and reinjures.

I really hope Trey is healthy and back to his R-Fr form.

Five star get after it 100 percent Juice Key-Playing. MAN

Does anyone think that JCC could revert back his form from early last year. You know, bump into someone and fall down. Not trying to be a jerk here but in the OSU game he literally ran up the back of a blocking O lineman bounced and hit the deck. Too many time a guy would get 1 arm wrapped around him he would fall down. If that is the case how long do they stick with him?

Even when you get skunked; fishing never lets you down. 🎣

Well that's a great attitude

"It might be dark outside, but it's LeDay in here." - Jay Bilas

I don't think so. He finally started looking comfortable & productive at RB against decent competition over the last few games. Prior to that he had 1 good game, against Duke, in 2013.

Not sure if it was over training in the weight room or just his mind working faster than his body or just nagging injuries but he was super awkward out there almost all of 2013 and the first 1/2 - 2/3 of 2014 @ RB. For such a small guy he lacked agility and speed and stumbled over himself with alarming regularity.

That seemed to go away over the last few games so I'm think he's found the groove.

Wiley, Brown, Russell, Drakeford, Gray, Banks, Prioleau, Charleton, Midget, Bird, McCadam, Pile, Hall, Green, Fuller, Williams, Hamilton, Rouse, Flowers, Harris, Chancellor, Carmichael, Hosley, Fuller, Exum, Jarrett

I'm pretty sure that the freakish double ankle sprain he incurred really messed up his speed and agility for a significant amount of time. I think his emergence at the end of last season was a combination of opportunity and finally being back to 100% healthy.

"Nope, launch him into the sun and fart on him on the way up"
-gobble gobble chumps

"11-0, bro"
-Hunter Carpenter (probably)

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

We don't love dem Hoos.

I'll love to get Trey back.

I'd also love to see a backfield of Marshawn Williams, Sam Rogers, and Steven Peoples. Malleck and Cline blocking. Motley at QB. Jumbo Package.

Jumbo package.

Not enough treadmills.

"Exit light..."

Thank goodness you didn't just google 'horse big package'

So is that is what is on your browser history? :)

It's on Catherine's. And she's pretty Great.