ScreamingTiger
09-14-2005, 10:16 AM
Here's an update on what the coaches are planning to do with the running game from the Birmingham News:
The clock is ticking on Lester, Tre Smith, Carl Stewart and Kenny Irons. Head coach Tommy Tuberville, offensive coordinator Al Borges and running backs coach Eddie Gran all said they're considering shutting down their four-man running back committee, perhaps as early as Saturday, in an effort to establish better offensive rhythm before the Tigers begin the serious part of their schedule Oct. 1 against South Carolina. That means two players will be identified as the primary backs. The other two will be backups.
Smith figures to be slowed this week with a sprained knee. Lester, who was slowed most of preseason practice with a hamstring injury, is coming back strong. He's impressed in his limited time off the DL.
"You love that explosion," Gran said. "Brad has got a little bit of speed with a little juke to him. He has no fear."
Most of Lester's good work last Saturday came at the end of the game when State was looking for the team bus, but Gran said Lester was solid at the beginning of the game, too.
"I expect to see him get more reps as we move on," Gran said. :D
So who is Lester? He is a redshirt sophomore who rushed for 21 yards before hamstring injuries earned him a medical redshirt last season. But he knows about running. He rushed for 2,090 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior season at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga.
---------------------------------------
I think that inconsistant OL play has been a major factor in the weak running attack. I know McNeil got dinged a little last week but these guys were suppose to be better than last year. So far the holes have been few and barely between.
I think Lester earned a spot and Smith lost one last week. Hopefully Irons or Stewart will seperate themselves this week so this is no longer an issue.
The clock is ticking on Lester, Tre Smith, Carl Stewart and Kenny Irons. Head coach Tommy Tuberville, offensive coordinator Al Borges and running backs coach Eddie Gran all said they're considering shutting down their four-man running back committee, perhaps as early as Saturday, in an effort to establish better offensive rhythm before the Tigers begin the serious part of their schedule Oct. 1 against South Carolina. That means two players will be identified as the primary backs. The other two will be backups.
Smith figures to be slowed this week with a sprained knee. Lester, who was slowed most of preseason practice with a hamstring injury, is coming back strong. He's impressed in his limited time off the DL.
"You love that explosion," Gran said. "Brad has got a little bit of speed with a little juke to him. He has no fear."
Most of Lester's good work last Saturday came at the end of the game when State was looking for the team bus, but Gran said Lester was solid at the beginning of the game, too.
"I expect to see him get more reps as we move on," Gran said. :D
So who is Lester? He is a redshirt sophomore who rushed for 21 yards before hamstring injuries earned him a medical redshirt last season. But he knows about running. He rushed for 2,090 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior season at Parkview High School in Lilburn, Ga.
---------------------------------------
I think that inconsistant OL play has been a major factor in the weak running attack. I know McNeil got dinged a little last week but these guys were suppose to be better than last year. So far the holes have been few and barely between.
I think Lester earned a spot and Smith lost one last week. Hopefully Irons or Stewart will seperate themselves this week so this is no longer an issue.