Penn State Season Preview--Running Backs
There aren't too many college running backs that can have 2 straight 1000 yard seasons, run for more than 3,000 yards in their career, and leave as unheralded as Tony Hunt did. The guy was a brute, often making most of his yards after first contact. His performance in the Outback Bowl single-handedly wore down Tennessee's defense, even when they knew he was coming.
Hunt was a luxury that Morelli doesn't have this year. 2007 running back duties fall on the enigmatic Austin Scott. Once a heralded RB prospect out of PA, Scott was destined to take his place with Thomas, Dozier, Warner, and Carter. Something happened on the way to stardom. Scott had trouble holding onto the ball in his first season. He got dinged up, and eventually lost his job to Hunt. Work ethic, weight, and discipline made sue that he never got the job back. His one flash of recent good-ness was the 2006 Orange Bowl where he ran for 110 yards and 2 TDs in the 26-23 win against Free Shoes University. Last year, Scott wisely redshirted, knowing that his chance to shine would be 2007.
Scott has the size to be a good back. 6'0, 215 pounds, Scott has the size to run between the tackles. While not a burner, he has the speed to get into the secondary. Scott's issues are pass catching and pass protection. Most die hard Penn State fans realize that Tony Hunt was an asset in the backfield. He led the team in receptions in 2004, and amassed nearly 900 yards receiving in 3 years. Hunt was also adept at blitz pickup, something that Scott needs to improve dramatically.
Scott's other issue is his health. He suffered an injury his senior year of high school, and had another injury in 2006 (leading to the decision to redshirt). If he can stay healthy, he could be good. His performance this year will have a huge impact on the success of the team.
Others in the mix: The talent in the backfield is untested, but by all accounts the youngsters are good. Evan Royster, Rodney Kinlaw figure to see quite a bit of time. Royster seems to be turning a lot of heads, and could be REALLY good.
Bottom Line: If Scott manages 1,000 yards this year, the Nits could be an 11 win team. If Paterno decides to go to the fatally flawed running back by committee, last year's 9-4 record will seem like a distant memory.
On a different note...
Next up: Wide Receivers
Interesting rules changes this year in college football. Moving the kickoff back to the 30 yard line will be huge, as the number of touchbacks should decrease dramatically.
Ran into Tony Hunt's uncle in a supermarket here (Stafford VA)...looks like I need to buy a #29 Eagles jersey this year.
For the Glory.
Hunt was a luxury that Morelli doesn't have this year. 2007 running back duties fall on the enigmatic Austin Scott. Once a heralded RB prospect out of PA, Scott was destined to take his place with Thomas, Dozier, Warner, and Carter. Something happened on the way to stardom. Scott had trouble holding onto the ball in his first season. He got dinged up, and eventually lost his job to Hunt. Work ethic, weight, and discipline made sue that he never got the job back. His one flash of recent good-ness was the 2006 Orange Bowl where he ran for 110 yards and 2 TDs in the 26-23 win against Free Shoes University. Last year, Scott wisely redshirted, knowing that his chance to shine would be 2007.
Scott has the size to be a good back. 6'0, 215 pounds, Scott has the size to run between the tackles. While not a burner, he has the speed to get into the secondary. Scott's issues are pass catching and pass protection. Most die hard Penn State fans realize that Tony Hunt was an asset in the backfield. He led the team in receptions in 2004, and amassed nearly 900 yards receiving in 3 years. Hunt was also adept at blitz pickup, something that Scott needs to improve dramatically.
Scott's other issue is his health. He suffered an injury his senior year of high school, and had another injury in 2006 (leading to the decision to redshirt). If he can stay healthy, he could be good. His performance this year will have a huge impact on the success of the team.
Others in the mix: The talent in the backfield is untested, but by all accounts the youngsters are good. Evan Royster, Rodney Kinlaw figure to see quite a bit of time. Royster seems to be turning a lot of heads, and could be REALLY good.
Bottom Line: If Scott manages 1,000 yards this year, the Nits could be an 11 win team. If Paterno decides to go to the fatally flawed running back by committee, last year's 9-4 record will seem like a distant memory.
On a different note...
Next up: Wide Receivers
Interesting rules changes this year in college football. Moving the kickoff back to the 30 yard line will be huge, as the number of touchbacks should decrease dramatically.
Ran into Tony Hunt's uncle in a supermarket here (Stafford VA)...looks like I need to buy a #29 Eagles jersey this year.
For the Glory.
posted by HappyValley at 12:14 PM
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