JasonS
Football Moderator
With Training Camp underway, I thought it was a good time for all of us to discuss the different position groups and the strengths/weaknesses that might develop for each group as the season progresses. As the next couple of weeks go by, I will post a new group every few days for us to discuss and debate. Hopefully everyone joins in and expresses their opinions. Since we are all looking into a crystal ball, there is no right or wrong answer here.
Running Backs
The loss of Darrin Williams really hurts the experience level of the backs after Pead. The good news is that Pead is the best returning running back in the Big East and is poised to have a huge year. In years past Pead has gotten banged up and missed some games. By all accounts he has come into his senior year in the best shape of his life and with a sense of urgency about him. This bodes well for the Bearcats. If he can stay healthy, this offense should be in good shape.
The New Comers
Akise Teague and Jameel Poteat will have a larger role than most probably expected when the summer began with the injury to Williams. This could be a good thing next year when Pead is gone and these two have to carry the load. I think Poteat will be the feature back next year at UC but it would not shock me to see Teague play a larger role on the team this year as a third down back. When Pead needs a blow, I expect Poteat to be the guy on first and second down.
Crazy Predictions
For each group, I am going to give some optimistic predictions that some may think are crazy. This is a best case scenerio assuming everyone stays healthy and performs at their best.
My prediction is that Pead rushes for 1500 yards and 10 TDs. I think the rest of the backs rush for another 350 yards and 3 TDs. Coach Jones likes to control the flow of the game with the running game and I fully expect Pead to get plenty of touches all year long.
Running Backs
The loss of Darrin Williams really hurts the experience level of the backs after Pead. The good news is that Pead is the best returning running back in the Big East and is poised to have a huge year. In years past Pead has gotten banged up and missed some games. By all accounts he has come into his senior year in the best shape of his life and with a sense of urgency about him. This bodes well for the Bearcats. If he can stay healthy, this offense should be in good shape.
The New Comers
Akise Teague and Jameel Poteat will have a larger role than most probably expected when the summer began with the injury to Williams. This could be a good thing next year when Pead is gone and these two have to carry the load. I think Poteat will be the feature back next year at UC but it would not shock me to see Teague play a larger role on the team this year as a third down back. When Pead needs a blow, I expect Poteat to be the guy on first and second down.
Crazy Predictions
For each group, I am going to give some optimistic predictions that some may think are crazy. This is a best case scenerio assuming everyone stays healthy and performs at their best.
My prediction is that Pead rushes for 1500 yards and 10 TDs. I think the rest of the backs rush for another 350 yards and 3 TDs. Coach Jones likes to control the flow of the game with the running game and I fully expect Pead to get plenty of touches all year long.
