Running with the Pac: Who's strong at running back?

[gregspechtismyhero]

ESPN's Ted Miller's take on how Pac-10 teams stand on their running game.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/pac10/0-7-12 ... back-.html

Good shape
Oregon: The overwhelming assumption is Blount will be back, which would put the Ducks in the "Great Shape" category. Still, that uncertainty is an issue heading into spring practices.

I don't like how everyone thinks we're dependent on Blount. I mean, he's clearly a key part of our offense, but IMO this is a perfect opportunity for someone like LaMichael James to "step out of the shadows" and show that Oregon does not have a shortage of running backs.

[dthomas=ddixon]

Beside Cal & SC, I'd take our backfield over any in the conference.

SC may have the most stars but none of those backs have done ANYTHING. Cal has the best back in the conference, in Best & a good back-up in Vareen but no power back to compliment the scatback Best.

If LaJames steps up like we all think he will we'll have the best 1-2 combo in the conference. If BB comes here....discussion OVER.

[fpsduck]

My god, the Jizz Rodgers suck-fest never ends at ESPN.

He averaged 4.8 YPC for Christ's sake.

[NCDucks09]

My god, the Jizz Rodgers suck-fest never ends at ESPN.

He averaged 4.8 YPC for Christ's sake.

That's why we call him Jizz Rodgers.

[uodux1212]

At what point will LGB be reinstated? Everyone talks like he'll be around for spring camp, but I haven't heard anything on his situation in a while. Whats protocal for this? The whole "suspended indefinitely" thing is weird...

[ducksrock]

I think we are gonna need to have a quality,consistent RB to allow LB some rest inbetween touches and with some speed, to keep the opponents D's honest..Although LB is a beast with his power and is totally awesome with his open field play, he seems to take a while to get that large mass of his moving, and thus isnt ideally suited for some of the sweep scenarios that JJ and Snoop had with their acceleration....Would I trade LB for any other back in the league, HELL NO.....
Will be interesting to see how LaMichael James fits in...(He surely has the speed) not to mention the older guys on the team...Remene Alston and Andre Crenshaw....Or..dare I say it, Chris Harper?
A Bryce Brown addition would be the topper of all toppers though...

We should be fine, We should be awesome...
After all, WE ARE THE OREGON DUCKS....lol

[nogerO]

Beside Cal & SC, I'd take our backfield over any in the conference.

SC may have the most stars but none of those backs have done ANYTHING. Cal has the best back in the conference, in Best & a good back-up in Vareen but no power back to compliment the scatback Best.

If LaJames steps up like we all think he will we'll have the best 1-2 combo in the conference. If BB comes here....discussion OVER.

I agree. But I doubt BB comes here. Hope I'm wrong but family meddling again...

[ARGHimaPirate]

Only thing that worries me is guys staying healthy if we dont get Bryce Brown. LMJ is coming off of shoulder surgery. Alston missed the end of last season with a foot injury. Crenshaw was never right because of nagging injuries. If Blount, for some crazy reason, cant return then things could get scary. Harper would be forced to the RB position and we would have to prey that those guys could carry a larger chunk of the load than they are used to and still stay healthy.