Freshmen Fifteen, Part Two: Top New RBs In Fantasy College Football
February 17th, 2009 by Jason Roberts
Fantasy College Blitz continues its evaluation of the incoming Class of 2009 at running back . . .
Jarvis Giles, RB, University of South Carolina
Watching film of Jarvis Giles, running back out of Gaither High School in Tampa, Florida, two things quickly become clear: first, perhaps no other tailback in the Class of 2009 hits holes at the line of scrimmage quicker and harder than the 5’11”, 180 pound youngster, and, second, the degree of acceleration which Giles possesses once he breaks out into open space is truly hard to fathom. An exceptional downhill runner that has tremendous vision when it comes to identifying the best point of attack along the line, Giles is a physical back that prefers to avoid the pizzazz and flair of more elusive rushers and instead travel the shortest path between him and the endzone. Scouts suggest that given his lean frame, Giles will need to build additional body mass to account for the beating he will take running the way he does at the college level; so too does he need to develop a lower center of gravity, as he has a habit of running high when he carries the ball. Both issues can be addressed with time. What cannot be taught is the valuable set of intangibles that Giles brings to South Carolina as one of this year’s highest-touted recruits. Expect subsequently that he’ll have an almost instantaneous impact on the ability of the Gamecocks to run the ball in 2009 and could see some serious time as a starter should he perform well in spring and fall camps.
Montrell Conner, RB, Mississippi State University
A running back with the physical size (6’2” and 210 pounds) to play at quarterback or as a big target out at wide receiver, Montrell Conner is described as not being “a naturally fluid runner,” but a player that with time could develop into a fantastic workhorse of a ball carrier. Conner is very much a north-south type runner and a bruising back that opposing defenders will likely find difficult to slow down. He is slightly limited in the fact that he essentially has but one speed when he runs, yet should more than make up for it as what ESPN describes as “a tough, blue-collar competitor and a hard-nosed runner.” Regarded highly enough to be recruited by the likes of Florida, Oregon, and Oklahoma, Connor is definitely a special acquisition at the running back position; should he not have an immediate impact on the offensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs, however, don’t be surprised to find him a force to be reckoned with on defense and/or special teams.
Washaun Ealey, RB, University of Georgia
Ealey is yet another recruit in the Class of 2009 that takes a no-thrills approach to running with the football. A powerful ball-carrier with a 5’11”, 205 pound frame that embodies physical running and the ability to shake tacklers, Ealey is frightening when he finds a crease to run through and break into open space. His speed his deceptive for his size; he’s as much a burner as could be desired from an incoming freshman, yet doesn’t sacrifice quickness by failing to keep his legs churning in tight quarters and fighting for additional yardage. Scouts note Ealey possesses sound receiving skills and works up field in a hurry once he catches the ball, and is just as dangerous as a kick returner on special teams. A utility player that will give his team as much work as they are willing to throw at him, Georgia will undoubtedly find a way to get Ealey onto the field as a freshman in 2009 and should be more than happy with the ensuing results.
Chris Whaley, RB, University of Texas
Fans of the Texas Longhorns will appreciate the fact that Chris Whaley, running back from Madisonville High School (Texas), is already drawing comparisons to former Heisman Trophy candidate from the University of Arkansas, Darren McFadden. Sharing a similar physique to McFadden – 6’3” and 220 pounds – scouts nevertheless note that Whaley very well could have even more bulk and leg strength than did the former Razorbacks’ star ball-carrier. Quick to find a hole along the line of scrimmage and then burst through it, Whaley is a hard north-south runner, yet has more than enough body control to bounce outside and catch the corner utilizing a tremendous amount of acceleration. He’s incredibly difficult to bring down, particularly if defenders go low – Whaley constantly drives his legs in order to gain extra yards and, given the proper momentum, has little problem breaking free of tacklers. Evaluators cite that Whaley tends to expose himself unnecessarily to contact, a factor that works at points to minimize his overall production over the span of an entire game. Still, with excellent hands as a receiver and serving as a physical enough blocker to stay back as an asset in rush support, Whaley looks as if he’ll definitely be an excellent addition to the Longhorns’ backfield and will be a near-lock to see time as a freshman in the 2009 season.
Michael Ford, RB, Louisiana State University
Imagine what a bowling ball shot of an offensive backfield might look like and you come up with a pretty good idea of why LSU is so high on 5’10”, 200 pound tailback from Leesville High School (Louisiana), Michael Ford. As absolutely solid a ball-carrier from the waist down as one can fathom, Ford in high school developed into a workhorse of a back that wore down opposing defenses with a pounding-style of play. Scouts state that he has fantastic stop-and-go ability when carrying the ball, as well as the capacity to cut sharply without much loss of speed. No, Ford isn’t the fastest back evaluators have ever seen, but can accelerate quickly enough after an initial burst through the line, as well as remain elusive downfield in open space. Injuries plagued Ford during his junior season, leaving some to wonder how well he’ll hold up at the next level. Still, considering that the young man rushed for 2953 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior in 2008, it’s not hard to comprehend why LSU feels Ford carries enough promise to justify taking a calculated risk in signing him to the Tigers.
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I trust no South Carolina offensive player, unless named Sidney or Sterling or George.