Post by yotefbfan on Aug 12, 2017 16:11:54 GMT -6
In regards to the running backs, since the coaching staff did not go get a transfer, you have to think that they are comfortable with what they have. In this pro-style offence, the RB is not necessarily a true feature back like you think of with an offence like UND. This staff and offence often utilize bigger backs who can create their own blocks since they do not use a fullback. A good variety of backs may serve this offence well, although I have to think the ability to block and catch passes will be important. Also, consider that both Fredrick and Anderson were not recruited by this staff.
Mike Fredrick - He will surely be given every opportunity to be the starter and he has earned that. He will need to establish that he can block for Strevler and become a reliable option out of the backfield to keep the #1 spot. I will not be surprised if he returns to the #2 spot with a majority of his work between the 20s.
Paul Anderson - Primarily a returner, and a good one, may get some opportunities, but probably limited.
The Redshirt Freshman:
Ben Klett - From his Hudl he has speed (sub 11:00 100m speed) and has shown elusiveness. He showed well in the spring game and also showed he is an effective receiver out of the backfield. As a big back, he should be effective blocking. He will definitely see action inside the 20s and if he can show he can block and catch he could be a contender to be the #1 back.
Ethan Falaniko - Reminds me of Nikko Watson, the big RB this staff had at WIU. Might be more of a short yardage back than a #1, but definitely sure he can block and gain some tough yards. Expect him to see plenty of playing time.
Brandon Thull - Limited action in the spring game and looks more like another short yardage back than a #1. The jury is still out but definitely a strong back.
Joe Schlager - Injured last Spring, not sure he is active yet, might be a medical this year. Not overly big or fast.
The True Freshman:
Lincoln Gibbs - Looks like on Hudl that he has good speed and size, but coming from 8-man football, he has not seen the same competition that a back from a metropolitan area might have. Expect him to be red-shirted to gain experience for a year but could be a solid player in the future.
Kai Henry - Good competition in Florida, a little small, but with time in the weight room could be good. Once again I would expect a red-shirt, but maybe the first to lose it if any injuries hit.
It might look more like a hockey line change at times until this staff figures it out, but I am pretty confident that they will be effective and a marquee back may emerge over time. Regardless, this offence is not reliant on this position and will be very effective all year.
Mike Fredrick - He will surely be given every opportunity to be the starter and he has earned that. He will need to establish that he can block for Strevler and become a reliable option out of the backfield to keep the #1 spot. I will not be surprised if he returns to the #2 spot with a majority of his work between the 20s.
Paul Anderson - Primarily a returner, and a good one, may get some opportunities, but probably limited.
The Redshirt Freshman:
Ben Klett - From his Hudl he has speed (sub 11:00 100m speed) and has shown elusiveness. He showed well in the spring game and also showed he is an effective receiver out of the backfield. As a big back, he should be effective blocking. He will definitely see action inside the 20s and if he can show he can block and catch he could be a contender to be the #1 back.
Ethan Falaniko - Reminds me of Nikko Watson, the big RB this staff had at WIU. Might be more of a short yardage back than a #1, but definitely sure he can block and gain some tough yards. Expect him to see plenty of playing time.
Brandon Thull - Limited action in the spring game and looks more like another short yardage back than a #1. The jury is still out but definitely a strong back.
Joe Schlager - Injured last Spring, not sure he is active yet, might be a medical this year. Not overly big or fast.
The True Freshman:
Lincoln Gibbs - Looks like on Hudl that he has good speed and size, but coming from 8-man football, he has not seen the same competition that a back from a metropolitan area might have. Expect him to be red-shirted to gain experience for a year but could be a solid player in the future.
Kai Henry - Good competition in Florida, a little small, but with time in the weight room could be good. Once again I would expect a red-shirt, but maybe the first to lose it if any injuries hit.
It might look more like a hockey line change at times until this staff figures it out, but I am pretty confident that they will be effective and a marquee back may emerge over time. Regardless, this offence is not reliant on this position and will be very effective all year.