Talk To Me
by Peter Bean on Apr 23, 2009 11:58 AM CDT
in Football
52 comments
Howdy friends. Wish I were around more, but gotta get through finals and the football annual done in time for press. Speaking of which...
A question for the gallery. I'm writing the roster preview for the annual right now, working on the running backs today. There's plenty to say about this group -- maybe too much, even, as it occurred to me that there's no clear-cut tailback around whom everyone's rallying.
I've got my own thoughts, but I'd like to know more about yours. Who do you like this year? Would you rumble with Cody Johnson? Are you an insta-fan of Whaley? Hopeful that McGee will thrive in the I-form? Do you believe in the Fozzy Monster? Mix Hills into the rotation a bit more? Can Mack Brown release a depth chart with seven <or>s?
Talk to me.
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I'm rolling with Cody
until I see Whaley.
"Football's so important in Texas. On the West Coast, it's a social. On the East Coast, it's a culture. Here, it's a religion."
-- Major Applewhite
by Sunkist on Apr 23, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You all wait to see McGee in the I formation. He can hit the wholes soooo fast and have the power to run over people! He weakness is in the spread and trying to pick a hole. In the I, watch out! Look at his high school football film. He lived all day long in the I formation.
by Burnt Orange on Apr 23, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my take
projected depth chart for the fall:
Tailback
1. Cody Johnson
2. Fozzy Whitaker
3. Vondrell McGee
4. Chris Whaley
5. Jeremy Hills
Cobb will be the starting Fullback
Whaley’s carries will be dictated by the comfort that the coaches have in his ability to pick up the blitz. This might be negated by the i-formation however, because the tailback wouldn’t necessary have blocking responsibilities.
I expect to see Whaley get some situational carries throughout the first few weeks and he will creep up the depth chart as the season progresses and injuries take their toll on Fozzy and McGee.
by BMG on Apr 23, 2009 12:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If I have to pick one,
I vote for Cody. He was #1 in spring until his hamstring sang. He had the lowest variance in yards per carry last year, and none of the backs seem explosive enough (despite Fozzy’s potential) to displace his consistency.
However, I honestly think that there will be no #1 back and that GD will rotate among backs within and among games to exploit matchups and change the pace. Collectively, I think they will gain greater than 2000 yards, but no single back will have more than 500 yards. Cody will have 15 touchdowns. Whittaker will have the most receiving yards by running backs. I only hope that the OL can adjust their timing to which back is in the game, which I think was a big problem and reason for inconsistency last year.
Based on GhostofBigRoy’s reviews, I see Whaley being buried until he learns to get under the pads of the defense (if you want to see how it’s done, watch some old clips of Earl Campbell – the man’s shoulders were never more than 4-1/2 feet off the ground)
by burnt in ny on Apr 23, 2009 12:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree with this
If I had my pick it would be a 1-2 punch of Johnson and Fozzy, trying to be in the same mold as USC ‘04-’05. Last year Mack hinted at this but talked about using the smaller/quicker backs first and then going to the big bruiser later in the game. I’d like to see the reverse of that. Soften the defense up with Johnson and then see if they have the desire to chase Fozzy around.
Also, kind of a slight to Newton to completely leave him off the poll when you include Whaley. He may be the closest thing we have to Chris O. and we know how the coaches value that role.
by Horncasting on Apr 23, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that Newton will likely be in the mix
as a multiple-use back by the end of the season
by burnt in ny on Apr 23, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly
Threw this up too quickly, but Newton should be mentioned. Heck, with no clear go-to guy, anyone’s viable.
Anyway, no slight intended.
--PB--
by Peter Bean on Apr 23, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, and I hate to say it
While we can argue that Cody is more athletic than the fat-A LenDale White ever was, White did run behind a monster USC O-line (which we could match in ‘05 but not now). Furthermore, Fozzy is not Reggie Bush. Not even close. I’m not sure how effective that 1-2 punch could be when Whittaker is not as explosive as some want to believe and our blocking scheme is arguably more of a problem than our backs right now.
I like Fozzy, but I think those who think he’ll be a gamebreaker like Jamaal Charles or Ramonce Taylor are really kidding themselves.
by TheElusiveShadow on Apr 24, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just for the record
I’m saying I think that 1-2 punch is our best option, not that our situation or players compare favorably to White/Bush or that Fozzy is on the same level as a gamebreaker as Charles or Raymonce.
by Horncasting on Apr 24, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed 100% on Newton
Kids been playing in the big 12 style spread for four years, has played with blue chip talent, and works out at facilities that mediocre D1 schools would be satisfied with.
by j1veturkey on Apr 24, 2009 3:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i went with fozzy
something about him strikes me as THE guy. idk what it is, but i like him.
If You See Kay, Oh You
by texfan23 on Apr 23, 2009 12:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoever has the best wheels and hands wins...
The whole point of broadcasting their I-form ambitions is to force defenses to set up with three LBs – so whichever back can roll out or move into the slot pre-snap is going to be the best for the job. Just as long as they don’t try to zone-read run all the time on first down. Sweet mercy.
by Tackchevy on Apr 23, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Shoot, I should have gone with Hills...
I hate it the kid didn’t get a single vote. I went safe with Johnson, but now wish I had voted for Hills. Its fun when the unheralded guy comes out of nowhere, especially when he does to beat OU!
by Rickyspub on Apr 23, 2009 1:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Somebody please vote for Hills.
Please.
by the1austin on Apr 23, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The bigger question is
Why didn’t Mack recruit Smash Williams. Dude was a walk-on; he wouldn’t have counted against scholarship numbers.
by jc25 on Apr 23, 2009 1:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Questions about his knee
Personally, I love his heart and swagger, but Mack saw something he didn’t like.
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Apr 23, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention the whole steroid fiasco.
I've been fuelin' my dreams eatin' greens and beans.
by 16thLonghorn on Apr 23, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
steriods did him in
Riggins might have fit in better – but ou is all over him. I smell illegal inducements …
by HalfmileHorn on Apr 24, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love Fozzy's hands ...
… adding in the screen pass threat with a mobile back makes Colt’s completion percentage – and potential for more – all the more delicious.
Watch out, I bite.
by EddieTheAlbinoSquirrel on Apr 23, 2009 1:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd like for it to be Johnson or Whaley
but my guess is that when the dust settles Vondrell will be the most consistent producer of the bunch.
by andmyster on Apr 23, 2009 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll go with
Cody Johnson because he’s a touchdown machine
by clra2 on Apr 23, 2009 2:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fozzy will tear it up if healthy and....
Cody Johnson will be nice to bring in for short yardage and to give Fozzy a break here and there
by SneezyBeltran on Apr 23, 2009 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cody....
I just hope that someone becomes a star. Imagine, star quaterback, receiver, and back. We really need a T.E.
Girls Come And Go, But Texas Football Is Forever...
by Txmade86 on Apr 23, 2009 2:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I picked Cody
but my heart says The Fozz . . . if I thought he could stay healthy through August, I’d go with Whittaker . . . I like Vondrell, but I think his ceiling is lower than the others, he’s had longer to get on top of the pack, he has not done so, and health has not been an issue with him. . . .My sense is Newton was pumped up by coaches/players to give him the idea he had a future and would be less likely to transfer.
I know I’m in the minority, but i’
by edsp on Apr 23, 2009 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember that he did twist his knee badly
in that FAU game and I think that did influence his burst for the first part of the season. I was afraid that he seriously injured some ligaments when that play happened because it looked nasty.
by GhostofBigRoy on Apr 24, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cont'd . . . dang bad typing fingers
minority, but I think RB will be fine. Mix and match, be creative, create mismatches . . . TE and DT make me squirm.
by edsp on Apr 23, 2009 3:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cody runs strong and downhill
Fozzy has the cutting ability and the speed.
I’ve seen McGee run into the back of his blocking too many times.
by The Mack Attack on Apr 23, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cody Johnson
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Apr 23, 2009 3:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Someone please answer this
But looking at that clip, it seemed like that was an epic fail by the o-line. Ulatoski seemed like the only one who did anything. I am trying to understand the offensive line more, so if someone could help it would be appreciated
by Egonz on Apr 24, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you didnt ask a question
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Apr 24, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our O-line is prone to epic fails, but it's truly not their fault.
If you haven’t read it start with Scipio’s airing of grievances.
Hooper over at RTT gave a good overview of Zone Blocking theory
Dedfischer’s retort.
Dedfischer adds some thoughts on the differences between Big 12 and SEC blocking.
proud to swim home
by learned hand on Apr 24, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PB
I’ve got Cody #1, followed by Hills (who in my mind’s eye played sparingly last year but “popped” through the holes, no side-stepping). I’m old, so I could be mistaken & dreamed the Hills footage.
I don’t have to tell you I am geeked and eagerly awaiting the mag.
Hook ’em!
by HalfmileHorn on Apr 23, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
vondrell all the way
i still think he is the best back we got for the I-formation. He tweaked his knee in the first game last year and never fully recovered. He just needs to work on pass blocking and he should be golden.
by koryg10 on Apr 23, 2009 8:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
thank goodness someone else said this for me
yes we all know cody johnson is a bruiser, but kid cant move laterally at all and is slower than the rest of the backs
mcgee is my best bet for next year/paired with CJ. fozzy will see limited time with jeremy hills (who I have always seen to be consistent and quick).
newton, not sure where he or whaley will fit in… theres not enough snaps to go around
dunno why yall are hoisting fozzy up so much. my inside info says that fozzy has shorter than average lateral knee tendons, which give him pain sometimes with straining/running for a long time or by direct impact. dont think he will be able to play most of next year. fozzy is small, quick (but not jamaal charles quick), a decent blocker (but not better than CJ or mcgee), and has good hands. but at UT, theres no way he will be starting over the other backs exclusively (or take up the majority of the playing time for that matter)
mcgee/johnson is the ticket for the future.
thats just my opinion
by greenspointexas on Apr 24, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are the funniest guy on this site
dunno why yall are hoisting fozzy up so much. my inside info says that fozzy has shorter than average lateral knee tendons
The stuff you come up with is so over the top, it’s overwhelming.
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Apr 24, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Inside...Fozzy's knee?
proud to swim home
by learned hand on Apr 24, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How exactly does one go about measuring their lateral knee tendons?
I am worried about the length of mine now.
by NeTexHorn on Apr 24, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm seriously wondering if I'm a part of an inside joke
Is someone on this site going to post about how it’s all a joke and greenspointexas is their crazy alter ego trying to be funny?
"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden
by run Bevo run on Apr 24, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is just crazy
knee tendon length? Really?
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
P.S. 45-35
by SwimTexas on Apr 24, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like McGee too, and I think people have hyped Fozzy too much
But like the others, I have no idea what the heck you are talking about with Fozzy’s knee.
by TheElusiveShadow on Apr 24, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHA...LOL
funny, not to mention physically impossible…trust me i’m a doctor, your body compensates for bone and joint growth, there is no possible way that he would have shorter than average tendons.
by dubhookzem on Apr 25, 2009 7:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Coach Boom Says I'm A Loser, But...
I want Whaley to start just because he has the most years of eligibility remaining and could rack up some serious career yardage as a feature back.
by Tackchevy on Apr 24, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe-
Fozzy should be the tailback.
Then Bigfoot could be the fullback, the gray aliens could be the receivers, the Loch Ness Monster could be the whole OL and not actually dead Elvis could be the QB.
by tdwalsh on Apr 24, 2009 12:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ehh, keep Colt at QB
He has one poor season almost two years ago and you want Elvis to replace him at QB?
God, some fans are just ridiculous!!
by BoddickerIsClutch on Apr 24, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep in mind
Shipley was a mythical creature for a couple of years and that turned out ok for us.
by Horncasting on Apr 24, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This has turned into a pretty weird thread. nt
"A lot of people look for the easy way to do anything, in swimming there is no easy way." - Eddie Reese
P.S. 45-35
by SwimTexas on Apr 24, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
FOZZY!!! FOZZY!!! FOZZY!!!
Definitely got to be Fozzy. The guy has the best break away speed in all of the group. It’s really hard to evaluate a guy that’s been hurt, but the many times that the guy has played he’s shown some game-breaking talent. Cody Johnson is only a touchdown machine because he ran most of the goal line plays last season, but in my opinion the best tandem UT has got would be Whitaker/McGee. Then keep Johnson for short yardage plays and goaline formations. It would have worked great last season if they would just stay healthy.
by dubhookzem on Apr 25, 2009 7:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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