UA's Darby won't rush for 500 YDS [Archive]

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Noah.Dreams

08-13-2006, 03:18 PM

If Ken Darby doesn't break 500 yards rushing in 2006 don't be surprised, Alabama will probably have 4 or 5 tailbacks rushing for at least 500 yards

Backfield crowded behind UA's Darby
Coffee, Johns and Upchurch bring something different to running back spot
Sunday, August 13, 2006
By THOMAS MURPHY
Mobile Register Sports Reporter

TUSCALOOSA -- It's a little like brain surgery, this delicate operation the Alabama football coaches face in selecting their top tailback behind senior Ken Darby.

A false move, resulting in nicked feelings or bruised pride, could be the spark that sends one of their prized signees on his way, like Brandon Miree's bolt in 2001 for Pittsburgh.

For now, competition and contentedness seems to be in order for backup backs like sophomores Glen Coffee and Jimmy Johns and freshman Roy Upchurch. Yet the depth doesn't end there, with redshirt freshman Ali Sharrief getting his share of looks along with true freshman Terry Grant. Had signee Mike Ford earned his eligibility and reported, the backfield would have been bursting at the seams, especially considering the play calls warranted by top-shelf fullbacks Le'Ron McClain and Tim Castille.

"You never have enough good backs," Alabama coach Mike Shula said.

The difficult procedure of allotting practice reps, balancing egos and eventually doling out playing time behind Darby will fall almost exclusively on running backs coach Sparky Woods.

"That's a hard job right there if I was the coach," said Darby, who is within striking distance of the Alabama career rushing mark held by Shaun Alexander. "We've got too many great backs back there."

Doesn't Woods know it.

"I tell you, competition is the best motivator, you know, for people who care," Woods said. "They're making it hard to pick.

"I don't know if we've got a Heisman guy or not, but we've got some good backs."

Circumstances, like Upchurch's foot surgery and Sharrief's shoulder surgery, eased the crowding last season, when Coffee won the second-team role then combined with Johns, who converted from quarterback during camp, for 86 carries behind Darby's 239.

Now all the backs are healthy and bucking for practice time.

"If they're going to play running back here, they've got to take care of the ball, pass protect for the quarterback, they've got to be good runners, of course, and they've got to be good receivers," Woods said.

Shula's light-hearted response to a question about the overcrowded backfield: "We'll try to run the ball a lot."

Otherwise, he figures a hearty competition is good for the unit.

"Sparky does a good job," he said. "I kind of let him handle all that. Some days one guy might get more reps than another guy. They're all going to have an opportunity.

"It's a good problem to have. ... Somebody mentioned it on the way off (the field) today, it's a lot different than two years ago, from a depth standpoint."

Two springs ago, the now-departed Aaron Johns was the lone healthy scholarship back available, and guys like Theo Townsend and Rashad Johnson got a load of work. Now Johnson is playing safety and Townsend was the unfortunate first name off the 105-man roster.

Jimmy Johns slimmed down from 242 pounds to 225 pounds in the offseason.

"I've just been cutting weight a lot so I can get back my shiftiness," he said. "I'm trying to be more shifty, and not just a power guy."

Johns, who ostensibly has a package at quarterback in the playbook, said he isn't concerned about how the ball will be distributed.

"We're all different backs," he said. "(Darby) is a shifty back, I'm a power back, Glen is a speed back and then Roy is some of everything.

"There are certain positions and certain plays for the different backs, and the coaches did a good job with it, going 10-2 last year. I'm just a player. We're all just players and whatever reps come to us, that's what we've got to do."

Offensive coordinator David Rader said the list of plays for the various running backs is extremely long.

"That's what we've been discussing for the last month, how is it that we can make sure those guys have the ball in their hands," he said. "That's one of the reasons for preseason practices.

"We truly believe they are playmakers for us, and I believe their teammates see them as playmakers, too. We need to let those guys take the ball and make plays."

scfan5338

08-13-2006, 03:23 PM

ohh boy. have a bad feeling about this one. all the bama fans are going to go nuts.

GeauxTo

08-13-2006, 03:53 PM

Hmmmmm...

Don't they need an offensive line to block for these guys?? Your opponents, like LSU and Florida, who will be able to stack the box and bring the house, may be in your backfield as much as your tailbacks. However, here's wishing you the best of luck.
:laugh:

Noah.Dreams

08-13-2006, 05:13 PM

GeauxTo

08-13-2006, 05:21 PM

hey hey hey... I remember you!

Weren't you the same guy last August saying that Brodie Croyle had a weak arm?
Yep, it was me... oh, help my memory... which pro team drafted him?:laugh:

Here's the reason you cannot geaux better than 8-4:

Florida is geauxing to make an example out of Bama as they warm-up for the Tigers in the Swamp.

Cutcliffe will have Ainge humming as the rekindled Vols take Bama to the woodshed.

The bygone "vaunted" Bama defense will be cut to shreds on the ground and thru the air by the balanced Tiger offense.

The Barn will again make an example of how they now dominate big time football in Alabama.
Why you may even be 7-5:

McFadden is back with gusto; the Hogs wallop the Bammers weak run D.

Why you could be 6-6:

Ole Miss with Schaeffer and a fired up Orgeron beat Bama in B-D.

nooneLT

08-13-2006, 07:15 PM

lol weak run-D...that's gonna be our strength this year.

and darby will break shaun alexander's record this year or there's gonna be a lynching. yes we a stable full of talented backs, but even shula himself has said we're gonna turn darby loose this year. yes, he may not break 500 yards...in the first 3 maybe 4 games.

TigerFanatic

08-13-2006, 08:42 PM

wanna bet my alley broussard against your darby on whose got the better stats after bowl games? since shula's gonna "turn darby loose" and all...

if either one wants it they are gonna have to fight for it cause both teams are stocked at that position

azamugg

08-14-2006, 02:57 PM

GeauxTo

08-14-2006, 03:28 PM

even shula himself has said we're gonna turn darby loose this year.
Remember, Noone my boy...

"You can't cook dinner without any groceries!"

:laugh:

shanksta13

08-14-2006, 05:02 PM

I'm a Gator fan to the core, but I think it's utter foolishness to think that Darby won't rush for at least 500 yards this season. Until Bama can break in a new quarterback, they will have to utilize the run game. Sure teams will stack the box knowing that Bama will be forced to run early. Sure they have a talented backfield. I think the loaded backfield will help Darby's chances if anything. He won't have to carry the ball every time Bama runs and should be able to stay healthy. The other backs will help to wear down the opposing defenses and open up more space for Darby, who will still get the majority of the carries, despite the talented backfield. Once the Bama passing game gets going, I see no reason why Darby won't be an extremely effective runner barring injury.

zorak34

08-14-2006, 08:49 PM

BamaMatt

08-15-2006, 06:26 AM

azamugg

08-15-2006, 11:59 AM

Here is how its going to go for the goat bammers. Since all the can do is run and don't have a proven qb. D will stack up the line and smack Darby around. Example last year, Auburn vs Bamers game whooped the ever living incest plagued goat humpers. That's how its going to be.

you do realize that teams stack the box against Bama's run EVERY SINGLE YEAR right?

plus you have every right to be proud of your teams efforts/wins against Alabama, you also do realize that what seems to be your teams glory wins have taken place against the most maligned Alabama teams in its history?

blues_cap

08-15-2006, 12:18 PM

Yet everyone expects Arkansas to be a power this year... as if this isn't even MORE the case with them. :whistle:

not really....ark has a better backfield, better and more proven o-line, and a qb(assuming they start dick) that has more experience. not saying your qb will not be better with time, but right now, the similarities arent even close.

i still give bama the nod on D even w/ark's returning starters, but they have you up front and in the backfield.

GeauxTo

08-15-2006, 12:18 PM

Yet everyone expects Arkansas to be a power this year... as if this isn't even MORE the case with them. :whistle:
That's because their O line can block.
:ohmy:

shanksta13

08-15-2006, 01:03 PM

Guys we're not talking about a Heisman year. 500 yards... c'mon

BamaMatt

08-15-2006, 01:10 PM

not really....ark has a better backfield, better and more proven o-line, and a qb(assuming they start dick) that has more experience. not saying your qb will not be better with time, but right now, the similarities arent even close.

i still give bama the nod on D even w/ark's returning starters, but they have you up front and in the backfield.

I don't think they have the better backfield quite frankly and our O-Line will vastly improved over last year's squad although I will say their's is better currently.

They are also installing a new offensive scheme with a high school coach which early in the season will cause some problems and may cause problems for a long time depending on Gus' learning curve.

BamaMatt

08-15-2006, 01:13 PM

That's because their O line can block.
:ohmy:

Even with an O-line that couldn't block you still couldn't put us away until the last second with your super talented "woulda-been national champs if not for Katrina" team. :whistle:

nooneLT

08-15-2006, 01:53 PM

That's because their O line can block.
:ohmy:

heh...even more reason to say that darby is the best back in the SEC. put irons, broussard or mcfadden in last year with our OL and see if they can rush for 1200+ the only RB i can think that has as much trouble with the OL would be little from kentucky.

azamugg

08-15-2006, 02:46 PM

heh...even more reason to say that darby is the best back in the SEC. put irons, broussard or mcfadden in last year with our OL and see if they can rush for 1200+ the only RB i can think that has as much trouble with the OL would be little from kentucky.

that fact has been going right over these guys heads, too much green in their eyes to see the truth :brick:

zorak34

08-15-2006, 06:28 PM

blues_cap

08-15-2006, 08:23 PM

I don't think they have the better backfield quite frankly and our O-Line will vastly improved over last year's squad although I will say their's is better currently.

They are also installing a new offensive scheme with a high school coach which early in the season will cause some problems and may cause problems for a long time depending on Gus' learning curve.

no doubt he will have a learning curve and no doubt your o-line will be better. i still think at this point(preseason), you would trail those guys in the previously mentioned categories.

whether we like it or not, most of these predictions are based purely on speculation....no realistic way to know how much everyone improved in the offseason

Wizard of Orange

08-16-2006, 10:54 AM

I expect him to have @ 400 after the first 3 games- Hawaii, Vandy, and ULM. That means he would only need to average 11.1 YPG for the rest of the season.

I gotta think he's good for that. Especially, with 1 of those games being against Duke.

GeauxTo

08-16-2006, 10:59 AM

I expect him to have @ 400 after the first 3 games- Hawaii, Vandy, and ULM.
But why would you keep him in the game if you didn't need him? To chance getting him hurt before the real wars start would be foolish.

AuburnPawnTiger

08-16-2006, 06:25 PM

you do realize that teams stack the box against Bama's run EVERY SINGLE YEAR right?

plus you have every right to be proud of your teams efforts/wins against Alabama, you also do realize that what seems to be your teams glory wins have taken place against the most maligned Alabama teams in its history?

I wouldn't call BAMA's 02 team maligned, they went 10-3. I know I am digging in the past and I shouldn't, that's what Bammers are good for, but as far as overcoming adversity I do believe Auburn was down to their 3rd running back in true freshman Trey Smith. He did okay gaining 126 yards. Furthermore, Bama's 05 team wasn't bad either, they won 10 games riding a stingy defense that just didn't show up for the iron bowl, nor did the O-line for that matter. I'll give you 03 and 04 BAMA was pretty pathetic, although "golden boy" Brodie Croyle was healthy for the iron bowl in 03.

Noah.Dreams

08-16-2006, 06:37 PM

Yep, it was me... oh, help my memory... which pro team drafted him?
I fail to understand your point, so please enlighten me. The Kansas City Chiefs got the pick of draft when they signed Brodie Croyle in the 3rd round.

Give credit it's due. Let's move on.

Bama66

08-16-2006, 06:39 PM

Alabama's D last year was great until they went up against quality SEC offenses. *cough* Florida *cough* LSU *cough*

I am new here, but I have to ask if by last year you mean the game where we beat *cough* Florida *cough* 31-3?

nice to meet everyone.

:laugh:

shanksta13

08-16-2006, 06:43 PM

I am new here, but I have to ask if by last year you mean the game where we beat *cough* Florida *cough* 31-3?

nice to meet everyone.

:laugh:

Yeah that ended up in the wrong sentence... LOL :rofl:

AuburnPawnTiger

08-16-2006, 06:54 PM

Yeah that ended up in the wrong sentence... LOL :rofl:

Florida's offense looked like anything but quality against BAMA. I was at that game BAMA was laying some licks. I mean they were hitting everybody even if it wasn't around the play. If you were on the field that day you got hit HARD. Bammers can only hope their D has the same intensity this year, they'll need it.

GeauxTo

08-17-2006, 08:28 AM

Alabama's D last year was great until they went up against quality SEC offenses. *cough* Florida *cough* LSU *cough*
And Darby also had a lot of this against quality defenses...
http://media.2theadvocate.com/images/250*213/lsu+foot+daniels+081706.jpg (http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/3589056.html?c=y&photoID=1446356&caption=LSU+safeties+Jessie+Daniels%2C+left%2C+and +LaRon+Landry%2C+right%2C+display+one+of+their+att ributes%2C+hard-hitting%2C+as+they+bring+down+Alabama+running+back +Kenneth+Darby+for+no+gain+in+last+season%E2%80%99 s+game.&credit=Advocate+staff+photo+by+BILL+FEIG)

:biggrin:

Denny Chimes

08-17-2006, 08:35 AM

And Darby also had a lot of this against quality defenses...
http://media.2theadvocate.com/images/250*213/lsu+foot+daniels+081706.jpg (http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/3589056.html?c=y&photoID=1446356&caption=LSU+safeties+Jessie+Daniels%2C+left%2C+and +LaRon+Landry%2C+right%2C+display+one+of+their+att ributes%2C+hard-hitting%2C+as+they+bring+down+Alabama+running+back +Kenneth+Darby+for+no+gain+in+last+season%E2%80%99 s+game.&credit=Advocate+staff+photo+by+BILL+FEIG)

:biggrin:
And LSU had a lot of this...
http://www.eriegaynews.com/images/lsu.jpg

GeauxTo

08-17-2006, 08:46 AM

Ouch! You got me.

:ohmy:

blues_cap

08-17-2006, 08:52 AM

And Darby also had a lot of this against quality defenses...
http://media.2theadvocate.com/images/250*213/lsu+foot+daniels+081706.jpg (http://www.2theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/featured/3589056.html?c=y&photoID=1446356&caption=LSU+safeties+Jessie+Daniels%2C+left%2C+and +LaRon+Landry%2C+right%2C+display+one+of+their+att ributes%2C+hard-hitting%2C+as+they+bring+down+Alabama+running+back +Kenneth+Darby+for+no+gain+in+last+season%E2%80%99 s+game.&credit=Advocate+staff+photo+by+BILL+FEIG)

:biggrin:

damn, he was really almost looking out of his earhole.. :laugh:

azamugg

08-17-2006, 10:30 AM

I wouldn't call BAMA's 02 team maligned, they went 10-3. I know I am digging in the past and I shouldn't, that's what Bammers are good for, but as far as overcoming adversity I do believe Auburn was down to their 3rd running back in true freshman Trey Smith. He did okay gaining 126 yards. Furthermore, Bama's 05 team wasn't bad either, they won 10 games riding a stingy defense that just didn't show up for the iron bowl, nor did the O-line for that matter. I'll give you 03 and 04 BAMA was pretty pathetic, although "golden boy" Brodie Croyle was healthy for the iron bowl in 03.

your facts are of course....facts, but that just says the University has done a helluva job despite, wonder how many other schools would have two ten win seasons in such an EXTREMELY painful period of time .....or really how many SEC schools have two ten win seasons in the last 20 years without probation?

azamugg

08-17-2006, 10:33 AM

Alabama's D last year was great until they went up against quality SEC offenses. *cough* Florida *cough* LSU *cough*

that post is confusing? we stymied both of those teams, lost to LSU in overtime and of course you know what happened to Fla

shanksta13

08-17-2006, 10:49 AM

that post is confusing? we stymied both of those teams, lost to LSU in overtime and of course you know what happened to Fla

Yeah that was a dumb post... I deleted it. :sad:

Bama66

08-17-2006, 12:27 PM

And LSU had a lot of this...
http://www.eriegaynews.com/images/lsu.jpg

ROTFLOL!

:laugh:

Wizard of Orange

08-17-2006, 02:29 PM

But why would you keep him in the game if you didn't need him? To chance getting him hurt before the real wars start would be foolish.

Yeah, I guess that would be like leaving your star WR ( Prothro ) in late in a game when you've got a 3TD lead. We all know ALA would never dream of doing such a thing. :laugh:

shanksta13

08-17-2006, 04:23 PM

Yeah, I guess that would be like leaving your star WR ( Prothro ) in late in a game when you've got a 3TD lead. We all know ALA would never dream of doing such a thing. :laugh:

I was so bummed out when Prothro went down like that. He was an absolutely awesome player to watch and I really think Alabama suffered a lot last year after he went down. He is the kind of player that has the ability to change the momentum of the game, whether it is from the wideout spot or on special teams. The catch against Southern Miss was the single greatest play I've ever seen in football. It's a shame he had to get hurt like that.

Bama66

08-17-2006, 04:41 PM

I was so bummed out when Prothro went down like that. He was an absolutely awesome player to watch and I really think Alabama suffered a lot last year after he went down. He is the kind of player that has the ability to change the momentum of the game, whether it is from the wideout spot or on special teams. The catch against Southern Miss was the single greatest play I've ever seen in football. It's a shame he had to get hurt like that.

Amen to that. When I saw him land, I looked at my wife and told her to turn away. Glad I did since they showed that replay at least a dozen times.

We were not the same after Pro went down (stating the obvious I know). I just hope he takes his time and rehabs properly. So much talent, such a shame. :sad:

AuburnPawnTiger

08-17-2006, 07:00 PM

I hope Prothro isn't the next A.C. Carter, I hate to see anyone from any team suffer a serious injury. and never come back the same

the Paradox

08-17-2006, 08:14 PM

Yeah, I guess that would be like leaving your star WR ( Prothro ) in late in a game when you've got a 3TD lead. We all know ALA would never dream of doing such a thing. :laugh:
You consider the 3rd quarter "late in a game". Ask Warren Moon if that is "late" Nice try though wizard.

RTR

shanksta13

08-17-2006, 08:19 PM

You consider the 3rd quarter "late in a game". Ask Warren Moon if that is "late" Nice try though wizard.

RTR

I agree with you on this... I'm not sure exactly what the score was when Prothro went down, but if I were the Shula playing against Florida, I would have tried to put as many points up on the board as possible. So I don't think it's entirely fair to say that he should have been out of the game.

AuburnPawnTiger

08-18-2006, 01:21 AM

You consider the 3rd quarter "late in a game". Ask Warren Moon if that is "late" Nice try though wizard.

RTR

He's right, 3rd quarter is not late, not against Florida on any day. Using the same logic(that pro shouldn't have been in to avoid injury) Brodie Croyle shouldn't have been in to throw him that pass. He's the one with 2 bad knees. It was a freak injury. Noone's fault. It's sad, but it's football-people get hurt. I hope and pray that Cox doesn't go down because if he does we are done. Back to the dark ages. Might as well run a single wing or Notre Dame box...lol. may have gone a bit far but you get the point.

Wizard of Orange

08-18-2006, 07:26 AM

Agree on all points...concerning Pro. Just a little needle.

But, my original point was that Darby would roll up enough yds in the early games to make the 500 in a cinch. Heck, I was taking up for you Bamers. What was I thinkin?

Noah.Dreams

09-12-2006, 10:14 AM

Now that we're two games into the season, what are the odds that this prediction comes to pass?

Wizard of Orange

09-12-2006, 10:52 AM

What's he got so far?

BamaDude06

09-12-2006, 11:12 AM

90 yards (long of 17).

kles30

09-12-2006, 12:11 PM

Not gonna happen unless he gets like 250 this week alone..

Wizard of Orange

09-12-2006, 02:04 PM

OUCH!! I was the one that said he'd have 400 in the first 3 games... hmmm, 310 in one game? hey, it could happen...

azamugg

09-12-2006, 02:15 PM

who cares? if he gets it great, all I want is the back that is producing carrying the damn football

shanksta13

09-12-2006, 02:45 PM

I said he would and stood up for him pretty staunchly. Now he is making me look dumb. I don't like it when I look dumb! :brick:

Wizard of Orange

09-13-2006, 01:16 PM

I said he would and stood up for him pretty staunchly. Now he is making me look dumb. I don't like it when I look dumb! :brick:
... Naaah, that's just too easy, SHnkSTA. I'm gonna let your straight line slide ...no smart alec comment...