2008 Running backs

Posted on May 11, 2008
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Over the next few weeks I will try and cover each position for the Frogs in terms of how things went in the spring, what to look forward to this coming season, current depth, needs and prospects for 2009.

I will start with the running backs today:

Going into the 2007 season the running back depth had taken a big hit with the loss of Detrick James and the staff scrammbled to find a replacement and felt they had found a secret weapon in Ryan Christian.  The depth continued to take a major pounding throughout the season due to injuries and transfer of Joseph Banyard, and no Frog runner finished the season with more than 600 yards rushing.  Though Christian finished 3rd on the team in rushing during the season with 321 yards, he was more valuable in the slot position and will see the bulk of his action from that spot in 2008 provided injuries do not force any changes.

For 2008 even with the changes in the offense, the running backs will still be a major focus in the game plan.  In addition, though the backfield still has some injury questions, especially Joseph Turner, the emergence of both Chris Smith & Jai Caveness during the fall and spring drills should fortify the position.  Look for the backs to be used in a wider variety of roles, but the big power runners will get their fair share of the load.  Turner & Smith will be key to the success of the frogs this coming season.

Current roster:

Tailbacks:

Aaron Brown SR 6-1/196/4.45 Injuries really hampered the preseason MWC pick to be offensive player of the year.  Finished second in rushing for the frogs with 490 yards, avg 4.6 yards per carry and had 995 all-purpose yards for the season.  Over 2,000 yards rushing in his 3 seasons.  Looked to be fully recovered during spring drills but coaches limited his action on the field.  Will be the focus back in 2008 and will be used in a variety of formations to get him the ball with space in the new offense.

Joseph Turner JR 6-1/226/4.5 Leading rusher for the frogs in 2007 with 597 yards and avg 5.2 yards per carry and six TDs.  Had season high 233 yards against San Diego state and was voted teams most valuable offensive player for the year despite missing 3 contests with injuries.  Texas Bowl injury caused him to miss spring drills, but is expected to be ready for the fall.

Jai Caveness RSFR 5-8/175/4.4 Speedster who likes to get to the corner, but showed he can handle the ball up the middle during the fall and in the spring.  A playmaker on the field and should get plenty of action in 2008 as the #3 back.

Justin Watts SR 5-10/195/4.65 Steady performer for the frogs over the years and finished with 207 yards for the 2007 season.  Has provided key depth the last few years in the injury plagued backfield. 

Fullbacks:

Chris Smith JR 5-11/231/4.6 Good speed and size and will be used in multiple positions in 2008.

Luke Shivers RSFR 6-0/205/4.6 Started out as a LBer for the frogs and moved to the FB position. 

Ryan Hightower Soph 5-9/215 Walk-on from Albuquerque adds depth at the position.

Also, Jercell Fort & Ryan Christian will continue to get experience at the running back positions to add depth, but look for each to end up elsewhere on the team unless injuries force major changes.

Incoming for 2008:

  • RB Edward Wesley 5-9/187/4.4 Irving, TX (MacArthur) 1st team all-district, HM all-state, 201 carries in 2007 for 1,309 yards and 15 TDs.
  • http://64.237.99.126/oldclips/2008BA379.wmv
  • http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=23427362

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    Needs for 2009 class:

    Frogs will lose Aaron Brown & Justin Watts to graduation and have only two backs on the roster from the previous two recruiting classes: Caveness & Wesley.  Future depth at the position needs to be addressed along with experience.  Look for at least 2 incoming freshmen in addition to Thompson the commit and either a transfer this summer or 1 JUCO back to provide more experience. 

    Commits:

  • RB/DB  Jurell Thompson 6-0/195/4.5 Witchita Falls, TX (Rider) All State, DMN State Top 50 for 2009 and Rivals 4 star athlete, 55 tackles as a safety and 907 rushing and 18 all-purpose TDs in 2007.  Offers include Arkansas, Arizona St, Ole Miss, Utah, Georgia Tech and SMU.  TexasFootball.com on the Thompson commit to TCU: They may not have started with the flair that the Longhorns did, and they may not finish with the same authority that A&M likely will, but TCU’s recruiting so far has been brilliant.The Horned Frogs have added Wichita Falls Rider ATH Jurell Thompson, who has been as instrumental to Rider’s recent successes as names like Shavodrick Beaver and Eric Ward. In 2007 alone, the gifted Thompson compiled almost 1,000 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns and two punt returns for touchdowns. Oh yeah, and he’ll also play defensive back in 2008.Thompson is actually quite similar to Dayton’s AJ Dugat, another TCU 2009 commit who has built a reputation as a rusher and pass-catcher. At this point, it looks like head coach Gary Patterson is making it a priority to compile large groups of athletic utility types to use around offensive centerpiece Andy Dalton. Whether or not this commitment opens the door for Rider QB Beaver, who has also expressed interest in TCU, remains to be seen.

    • Offers:

    Others (Lots of Frog fans like Tyler Tabor, but the Tucker kid probably next on the list):

    JUCO Backs:

    Complete recruiting page:

    http://www.killerfrogs.com/blog/recruiting-pages/2009-recruit-list/