Re: Running backs -
yvonne - 07-28-2010
Wait. Â Stanford had a true freshman who ran for 303 yards behind Toby Gerhart? Â
Stanford will NOT be hurting at running back.
Re: Running backs -
Mick - 07-29-2010
Amanam had wheels at Bellarmine. He was crazy fast, and seemed like he could turn it on whenever he wanted. But he always seemed nicked up in high school. I don\'t really see him as a third down back. He\'s no bull. But he\'s very quick, very shifty, runs very low and he\'s not brobdingnagian to begin with. Â I still think his best role would have been punt/KP returner.
Re: Running backs -
teejers1 - 07-30-2010
Assuming RT stability, Stanford fans are going to be content with the running game. Â Gaffney, Taylor and Stewart can all play - while they will not show the bull strength consistency of Toby Gerhart, they each have their own strengths, some of which exceed Toby\'s.
I also think Wilkerson and perhaps Seale, true frosh, might get some PT at RB, particularly if there are injuries.
I\'m with Mick on Usua. Â See him as a contributor to Stanford, but not as an every down (or even third down) back. Â He\'ll get some carries this season, will catch a couple out of the backfield, but will really help on STs. Â
That\'s my rank speculation.
Re: Running backs -
teejers1 - 07-30-2010
Agree with you on being from Missouri when it comes to Stanford\'s D. Â Still, I\'m pretty hopeful after speaking with a couple people "close to the program." Â We\'ll see.
On the RBs, I think/hope we\'re right. Â But it\'s also possible that we do not fully appreciate the impact Toby had on defenses. Â They may have sold out or cheated to try and stop him, leaving the passing defense vulnerable. Â Luck certainly had a very good year last year. Â But who knows, maybe with a more "straight up" D, the passing game struggles some. Â Again, we\'ll see.
Bottom line: I\'m excited for this season. Really excited. Â And that is a nice feeling to have.
Re: Running backs -
fullmetal - 07-30-2010
Yeah, I feel like defenses against Stanford did have to focus on the run (and Toby + OL still won their games)...now defenses will try to stop future draft pick Luck. Â