Ford third string | We'll Be Fine at RB

[smazza]

I'll go with #1

if he needs to be motivated at this stage in hois career

he will never succeed at usf

something is terribly wrong

[smazza]

Benny is number one because he know's his assignments and can pick up the blitz.  

Plus, he's a senior and we all know that is the Leavitt way - so B starts - I'm cool with that.

That doesn't mean we won't see a hell of a lot of Taylor and Ford in the back field.  We will see them plenty.

We all know Ford is good.  Why do you think he had so many touchdowns and the most rushing yards of all the backs.  

Because he is good and Leavitt trusts him down on the goal line.  

Leavitt has a lot of weapons right now and can use them in various situations.  Not a bad place to be.

running back by this committee will not work

[TheBullies]

I wouldn't read too much into this.

I agree... and would ask you people calling for Ben's head to take a chill pill.

We have plenty of time. Remember Ben has done some good things for us.

Talent alone doesn't make it. If Ford isn't putting in the work, he doesn't deserve to start.

You need a blend. Is Taylor that guy?

[TheBullies]

Holy ****, I didn't mean to interrupt a smaz-fest!

[Blackice12]

They keep talking about how good of a blocker Williams is.....Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a RB's job to carry the ball and get yardage for the most part??????????? GIVE FORD THE BALL!!!!!!!!(as long as he can hold on to it!)

You're wrong.  An equally important job of a RB is to provide pass protection and pick up on blitzes. Go back and check out the video of the Rutgers game to see why the coaches don't yet fully trust Mike Ford in that regard, he almost got Grothe killed by completely missing a corner blitz. Ben Williams is one of the best blocking backs I have seen. He is very adept at picking up the blitz and finding his assignment. Ford is as physically gifted as any athlete we have had, he still obviously has a long way to go to fully grasp this offense. 

Just ask Steve Young how important it is for a RB to pick-up a block.

"Aeneas Williams is notable for being the player who delivered the tackle which ultimately ended Hall of Fame San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Steve Young's career. Williams came in on a cornerback blitz from Young's blindside. Running back Lawrence Phillips was supposed to block Williams, but missed, enabling Williams to score a clean hit on Young."

[Cardo4]

I know all of the reasons for listing Williams at #1 and I even like him a lot.  But those of you who think either Williams or Taylor are anywhere close to the running back Ford is are Fn Stupid.  Frankly Taylor hasnt' shown me anything. 

[Blackice12]

Couple of notes on Taylor:

He joined the team late last year so he needed time to learn the offense.

He blocked for Rainey in High School and blocked for Ford in college so he knows how to block.

Mike Ford

Not the best blocker but he can get better.  Example: During the Auburn game Aston Samuels was running a sweep on the goal line where Ford was the lead blocker.  Ford failed to initiate the block which lead to Samuels being tackled for a lost.  Also due to his size the expectations for him are different.

Ben Williams:

He is a good player that does the right things, works hard and is dependable

That is why he is a walk-on scholarship player.

Lets give the senior his due this year he has done well for the Bulls when there was no other option available.

[usfgrad84]

I have a hard time taking anything a coach says during the second day of two-a-days as having any meaning towards the start of the season.  First of all, if you read Greg's blog he says that Leavitt thought the entire team had a crappy practice,  Apparently Gregory was not real pleased with the entire offense.  Did Ford have a crappy day and his pefrormance was fresh on Franks mind.  Maybe he didn't come in as well conditioned as Williams and Taylor and he has dead legs right now.  

In any case, I am more concerned with having a good back.  I don't care if his name is WIlliams, Taylor or Ford.  If the other guys are getting the job done then who cares.  Why are people so concerned that Ford must be the guy?  If the other guys pass him then that is his fault.  Ability or not, if he doesn't know the right plays or he doesn't take learn to run through the right holes or he gets the QB blown up by missing assignments what does it matter how big or fast he is.?  

When Taylor came in, a lot of very knowledgeable football people said that he probably has more upside potential than Ford.  If he comes into his own fine.  If Ford excels fine.  Bottom line is I just want a RB to perform.

[E.T.]

usfgrad84,

I am so happy when you post and bring sense to this board.

Go BULLS !!!

[snarling Bull]

Dittto