The I-Back Comeback

As the season has come to a close and the smell of spring has begun to show itself, college fans are reminded once again that the season is right around the corner. Soon college Spring games will be in the full swing of things, what does that mean for high school players; well its camp time. Combines, summer workouts, all of the hard work to impress scouts is now and here.

One of the positions that coaches covet the most during this part of the recruiting process has got to be a solid running back. You can never have too many quality running backs including a dominant one.

As I continue to scower the Southeast for talent I came across my personal prototypical type of running back. 6'2 205 lbs, I mean what else could I ask for? Matt Jones out of Seffner, FL. This quality back is a big tough runner who has deceptive quickness in and out of holes. Jones does a good job of using a forward lean after contact. I would love to see Jones do a better job of keeping his pad level lower throughout his runs, but that will come from more college coaching.

What sets Jones apart is his natural abilities and gifted size. He is the type of running back that bruising schools look for to wear out defenses and he gets stronger as the game goes on. All of the big Southeastern schools have offered and he has decided to go to Florida. Two years ago I would not have liked this move, but with Florida moving to a pro-style offense this is a great move for Jones. I see him being an impact player at least on short yardage situations his first year. He will be one of the few I-Formation style running backs on the roster.

Spring Preview...

The crazy thing about college football is as much as things change they stay the same. Every team retools, reloads, and makes a run at a National Title. Every coach is excited about incoming Freshman, promise of rising underclassmen, as well as exciting and fresh starts.

This anticipation can only mean one thing, Spring ball is here. Spring is probably one of the most important times for a college program. It gives coaches a chance to evaluate underclassmen as well as red shirt talent that may have not gotten a good look in the fall. New coaches get a chance to implement and adjust to player personalities and get a feel for what kind of team they will have.

The biggest impact though has go to be on the fans and young talent that is getting its first look at a new product. I hear football fans all around the country looking forward to what could and hopefully will happen. Especially considering the fact that the NFL is having such big issues.

Regardless I will be looking forward to more and more football and I will do my best to cover what is going on around the region.