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The University of Mississippi Athletics
INSIDER: Running Backs Analysis
7/17/2007 | Football
By Ben Garrett
OleMissSports.com Insider
OleMissSports.com is filing summer reports previewing each position area of the 2007 Ole Miss football team. Previous reports include analysis of the secondary, linebackers, defensive line, offensive line and wide receivers.
Overview: Only three running backs in Ole Miss football history have rushed for at least 1,000 yards in a single season. One of the members of that elite fraternity returns to lead a Rebel rushing attack that will shoulder the weight of the Ole Miss offense in 2007.
Considered one of the top running backs in the SEC, BenJarvus Green-Ellis finished third in the conference in rushing last season. His 1,000 yards rushing in 2006 was the fourth-highest total in school history. His 234 rushing attempts set a school record, and he was also the team leader with seven touchdowns on the year. The former Indiana Hoosier leads arguably the Rebels’ deepest and most talented position.
Named to the 2007 Maxwell Award “Watch List”, Green-Ellis has been selected to various preseason All-SEC teams, as well as an Honorable Mention preseason All-American pick. Although held out of spring drills, Green-Ellis worked hard in the offseason to raise his strength and agility along with his pass-catching ability in 7-on-7 drills.
A physical runner who grinds out tough yards, Green-Ellis is a great zone runner with power. Eclipsing the 100-yard mark in rushing four times last season, he spent the summer improving his skills to accelerate and make the secondary defender miss. The
A diligent worker, Green-Ellis is where the offense begins and ends. His ability to sustain drives and wear down defenses will enable offensive coordinator Dan Werner to open up the passing game, with opposing defenses focusing primarily on the run.
Senior Bruce Hall made the move from quarterback to running back last spring and excelled. Continuing that progress in the fall, Hall thrived as the No. 2 back last season, showing his ability to work well in space and when catching the ball out of the backfield. An ideal change-of-pace back, Hall is elusive and has great hands.
Rushing for 30 yards on 10 carries in the Red-Blue game, Hall used the spring to get stronger and strengthen his knowledge of the position. He will be expected to build on a 2006 campaign in which he tallied 182 yards on 32 carries. Hall will be a valued contributor this season, and his role in both the running and passing attacks will be vital toward the success of the team.
Eason appeared in 10 games last fall, primarily on special teams. That role will expand significantly this season as he will be counted on as a short-yardage back with big-play potential.
Underrated junior Jason Cook may be one of the SEC’s most reliable fullbacks. With a 6-foot, 240-pound frame, Cook is a dependable blocker with a knack for creating running lanes. A team leader, he appeared in 11-of-12 games last season starting six at fullback. He is expected to be more of a factor this season, as the coaches attempt to use him in various rushing and passing formations.
A former walk-on, sophomore Andy Hartmann was one of the biggest surprises last year and carried that momentum into a very productive spring. Pressed into action due to injuries, Hartman made the most out of the opportunity and gave the coaches a viable backup at fullback. A tireless worker with a great attitude, Hartmann should contribute in the same capacity this season, as well as on special teams.
Following a redshirt season in 2006, Reggie Hicks used the spring to upgrade his speed and running ability. That work paid off as the freshman established himself in the mix of the Rebel backfield. Credited with six rushing attempts in the spring game, Hicks is an adaptable player that could contribute this season at either fullback or H-back.
Returning Starters: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, FB Jason Cook
Other Key Returnees: RB Bruce Hall, RB Cordera Eason, FB Andy Hartmann, FB Reggie Hicks
Key Signees: Johnny Brown, Jeremy McGee
Key Losses: none
Quotable:
Senior BenJarvus Green-Ellis
On the group’s progression in the spring:
“I think we came a long way in the spring with our depth and understanding of the position. We became more cohesive as a unit.”
On his accomplishments last season:
“I feel I accomplished a few of my goals, but I still feel I could have done more last season. I want to become more explosive and create more explosive plays for our offense.”
On the offensive line:
“That is where our entire operation begins, with the offensive line. The big men control the tempo of the game, and if we get those guys going, everything else falls into place.”
On his personal goals for this season:
“I just need to get better in every aspect of my game and work on the little things that will help me get better. I have to continue to do the things that got me here, so when the time comes, I will be a step ahead.”
On his expectations for the team:
“My expectations for the team are to simply do better than we did last year. We came so close, but we didn’t accomplish what we set out to do. I feel that if we continue to practice and compete we should definitely have success next season.”
Final Analysis: The deepest group heading into fall camp, the Rebel backfield features a talented collection of backs, each with different skills and attributes.
The most valuable asset for Werner next season, BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the heart and soul of the Rebel offense and will be the key component of the unit in the fall. A determined competitor, Green-Ellis has gotten bigger, faster and stronger in the offseason, and his production will be essential toward the success of the Rebels.
An exciting player with big-play capability, Bruce Hall has all the physical and mental tools to be successful this season. His mindset has totally transcended from that of a quarterback to a running back, and his ability to create and elude defenders makes him a valuable No. 2.
Cordera Eason has the potential to take the biggest step forward of any player on the team following a tremendous spring. A physical specimen with great game speed, Eason can make the most of any situation and is rarely stopped for a loss. He has all the makings for a break-out year and could develop into one of the better running backs in the SEC before his career is done.
A dependable blocker with superior knowledge of his position, Jason Cook is a leader both on and off the field. A blue-collar player and standout student-athlete, Cook takes pride in creating running lanes for backs without much recognition. Look for his role to expand this season with more opportunities in the passing game and in short-yardage work.
They are the backbone of the Ole Miss football team and offer an array of talent and skill which should pay dividends this season. With a passing game that has yet to be resolved, the running game will be relied upon early and often to maintain drives and move the ball consistently. With a stable of capable contributors, look for the running backs to dictate the tempo of games and carry the load throughout the season.
