Running Back Rankings
This is based strictly on pass protection ability, not something terribly interesting, but highly valued by coaches.
1. C.J. Gable
2. Joe McKnight, Stanley Havili
3. Stafon Johnson
4. Broderick Green
The coaches say the pass protection is dramatically better this season than a year ago.
I find it peculiar that the smaller backs are the better blockers, according to this list.
Meanwhile the bigger guys like Stafon and Broderick are at the bottom.
Bradford doesn't even make the list.
Pass protection at RB is about communication with the linemen, vision, quick feet, good leverage, and most importantly desire to do it. Coaches put a lot of stock in it not only because the RB picks up blitzes and saves plays alot of the time, but also because it shows that the guy really wants to play.
Good points Keith15! And considering how our Oline is shaping up, this may be more of a consideration than in the past.
Yeah this is a big deal. I like CJ Gable. If this was an NFL team I would keep Stafon and CJ. Green I'll keep around cause he'll be great later. Joe I will trade for a reciever who can hang on to the ball.
i just saw this
http://www.vimeo.com/1571311
okay fine let's keep joe
SW, I find it interesting to see that you labeled this as not "highly" interesting. Is that your take or just your thinking that is the general consensus? One of the greatest RB's ever (if not the greatest), was also one of the best blockers ever, and that was Walter Payton. He took as much pride in blocking (and hitting a defensive player) as much as he did running the ball. Keith15 (excellent job on your part Keith15) brought up every valuable point concerning a backs ability to block, and this is why C.J. is really considered the most complete back in the Trojans stable of ponies. Fight On!
are these ratings authentic ?
Scott -- Was Bradford intentionally left off the list? If not, where would he rank?
What's interesting to me is that Joe is ahead of Stafon in the pass blocking department. In an interview with Stafon recently, he said that it's one aspect of his game that he's really working hard on.
That tells me that these guys do take blocking seriously. Hopefully they can do it successfully this season.
Marcus Allen is another example of a great blocker for the passing and running games. He actually started a season as fullback at USC.