Topic: Big Back.....

[herd2win]

Watching Rice and also MTSU the other day, I think that we could use a big back.  I am also wondering why we don't get creative and use Gator in the back field.

[biggreenarms]

#47 Devon Johnson would destroy anyone on our own defense.

[herd2win]

Why not use him???  We need to be more creative on offense.

[Killer Buffalo]

Seems like everyone forgets Johnson. He was a running back in high school too. A darned good running back at that.

[Johnnyherd]

I agree about the big back idea....A big back effects an opponent's secondary players in a lot of ways....Really big stud all the CBs will dread tackling him....Big back tires a defense and sometimes gets them to break....

However, I don't like the idea of Gator running the ball, at all, because we need him running routes and being a reliable option for Cato on 3rd down.  We only have him and Shuler that we can trust to catch a critical pass. 

Putting him at FB could get him injured and miss games.  It's not like he isn't effective at TE and needs to be moved to get him involved.

You could always throw to him laterally or WR screen that's basically the same effect of a run play in space.

[HERDFAN1999]

#47 Devon Johnson would destroy anyone on our own defense.

Agree. 

[herdcase]

This is another classical reason why everyone gets upset with this coaching staff. DJ was a beast in spring and fall practice with coaching promises of utilizing his immense talent to run over people or block as a fullback in a 2 back system; but like our current President, promises made are not kept.

[QuickStrike]

How many times in the last few years have we failed in short yardage situations where gaining the 1st down or scoring a TD instead of a FG could have been the difference in the game?  Very frustrating handing off to a 185lb RB up the middle with no lead blocker and consistently getting stopped.  Probably makes no sense to have a short yardage package with 245lb Gator lead blocking for 245lb Johnson.

[HerdnClt]

Probably makes no sense to have a short yardage package with 245lb Gator lead blocking for 245lb Johnson.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I think people must have forgotten two promises as well as forgetting about the 265 lb fullback from Tulsa last year that we couldn't stop with 5 defenders.

[greenanwhite]

It is all the same reason we do not put a receiver in motion or run any trick plays... It's like the coaching staff thinks that we are a young team that needs to run base offense all of the time.. Drives me crazy to hear announcers say week in an week out how a team putting a receiver in motion creates mismatches and confusion for the defense.   

[QuickStrike]

It is all the same reason we do not put a receiver in motion or run any trick plays... It's like the coaching staff thinks that we are a young team that needs to run base offense all of the time...  

Or could it be.....our head coach was inexperienced and we have to run base coaching?

[Scottyo614]

Whatever happen to the full house pistol we ran at Louisville 2 years ago? I don't think we've seen it since?

To use a big back we'd need to go under center or pistol, two things our coaching staff doesn't seem fond of

[mr_ash_1995]

It is all the same reason we do not put a receiver in motion or run any trick plays...  

Is it me or do you always feel like the offensive coordinator is "holding" something back? The fan keeps waiting each game to see something different (motion, trick plays, creative ways to get Moo Moo the ball, Johnson used as a RB, etc.) but it never happens.

[Big City]

Watching Rice and also MTSU the other day, I think that we could use a big back.  I am also wondering why we don't get creative and use Gator in the back field.

I have said this since 1999 or maybe 2000 when Marshall had to play WMU several times. WMU had that nice sized running back that really punished the defense and could consistently gain the 4-5 yards per carry. I am not dissing our current running backs because I think they work hard, are talented and efficient.

[Scottyo614]

I have said this since 1999 or maybe 2000 when Marshall had to play WMU several times. WMU had that nice sized running back that really punished the defense and could consistently gain the 4-5 yards per carry. I am not dissing our current running backs because I think they work hard, are talented and efficient.

Rob Samford was that back. One of the most nicest humblest players I've ever met in defeat

[biggreenarms]

Llow Turner ran big. Think he was around 200 lbs. I have his 1999 jersey thanks to Big City!
And, who says Moss never blocked  ;D

[Big City]

Simply...those were the days. I also love Keith calling the games. Coach isn't too bad either.

[ThunderValley]

Is it me or do you always feel like the offensive coordinator is "holding" something back? The fan keeps waiting each game to see something different (motion, trick plays, creative ways to get Moo Moo the ball, Johnson used as a RB, etc.) but it never happens.

I know what you mean mr ash.
I get the feeling something is missing and this is what always comes to mind.
We do need a big back.
Ohio U has lived off the big back (and won) but that is another thread.

[BHFIOHIO]

I was SO disappointed with the stagnant O that produced only 49 points last game

[Greg H]

Llow Turner ran big. Think he was around 200 lbs. I have his 1999 jersey thanks to Big City!
And, who says Moss never blocked  ;D

Moss was the only player in Herd history who could have gotten TO that place to block...but the block sucked.

[HerdEcon]

I was SO disappointed with the stagnant O that produced only 49 points last game

I was thinking the same thing.

[Greg H]

I was thinking the same thing.

preach it brother

[ThunderValley]

No problem with the points, just need a big back for short yardage.

[biggreenarms]

JeremyBlakePhotography

Johnson was the feature back a new “jumbo” formation The Herd debuted for the first time Friday afternoon.  On a first-and-goal from the two-yard line, Doc ran an extra lineman into the game, lined up reserve guard and South Charleston High graduate Blake Brooks in as a fullback and put Johnson as the deep set back.  Cato simply handed the ball to Johnson and the 240 pound sophomore followed the beef to the goal line.

“We’ve been working on that for two weeks.  Doc felt like it was the right game to use it.  I was very excited to get the ball in my hands,” said Johnson.

http://wvmetronews.com/2013/11/29/career-day-for-devon-johnson/

Looks like we got our big back  ;D