Jump to content

Top 3 running backs


Recommended Posts

The first is easy.

1. Mike Clark. Not only is he the greatest running back ever, he is IMHO the best offensive player in Akron history. He could have played in any era in Akron history. When he played, the team was better for having him in the game. He looked a lot like Biggs, only slightly bigger. Look at the stats. In three years of starting, the least yards per carry was 4.3 his junior year. His senior year, when everyone with an IQ over 20 knew he was getting the ball, he averaged 7.3 yards per carry. Most importantly, when he played, the team WON. It is a crying ass shame the University has not retired his number. If they have, please correct me.

2. A healthy Brandon Payne. When he as healthy, he was explosive with not only quickness, but good speed as well.

3. James Black. Second all time in school history in total yards. He averaged 98.5 yards per game. Once ran the ball 52 times in a single game, can you say give me an ice pack.

Two people could be third, but they don't have the records. First is Bobby Hendry who was a very solid player for three years. Second is Ty Nelson. Ty was fast and mean as a snake. Faust just didn't know what to do with him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No mention of Dennis Brumfield, or Doug Lewis is odd.

I feel Lewis was a great RB.

Doug Lewis is a great pick, but didn't a knee injury slow down his career the same as Payne? It all seems so long ago now......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, he got banged up his senior year. But he was a great back for this team.

He had blazing speed. Something not many UA backs have.

Personally, I thought Lewis was "ok." He had huge stats coming out of high school, but he never did anything "special" at Akron. Good back...but not "great." Give me Mike Clark or James Black any day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Something to keep in mind..........

When Brandon and Bobby were "the guy", each lined up with the "then all time passing leaders" as QB's..........Butchie at first for Brandon and then of course Charlie. Jimmie Grey was pretty spectacular also if he could find daylite and he ran with Brandon. Bobby and Brandon split time for 2 years.........nuff said.

The big dealio however, was that by Charlies 2nd year, the entire offense shifted to throw first then rush...........this also hits Biggs...........but he really doesn't have a quality partner to share time with.

Just an FYI, for a slow board period..............

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The big dealio however, was that by Charlies 2nd year, the entire offense shifted to throw first then rush...........this also hits Biggs...........but he really doesn't have a quality partner to share time with.

I think that you would be absolutely correct in saying Biggs didn't have a good back up last year. This year could be another story with the Kennedy kid from Florida. He showed pretty good in the spring game. I think Ringer won't see the field next year.

I would like to take a second to stand up for the o-line a little bit because IMHO they take a little bit too much abuse. Were the rushing problems early last season a result of a bad o-line, or was it a result of personnel problems? Early in the season Ringer starts and all we see is lack of production and fumbles. Biggs (the MVP of last season) replaces Ringer and the team begins to win and is much more productive. Same o-line, same receivers, same QB, different results. Hummmmm.......

It will be interesting to see what is said if we run this same topic next year at this time. My guess is that Clark will still be the best, but some short kid from Florida could move up the rating.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

I personally think that Bobby hendry was a better all around back. I think he had great toughness and ran with authority. Brandon Payne -before his knee injury- was something special too, he had great quickness and hands but a big ego to go with it. Jimmy Gray was outstanding for his size all 5'5 155 lbs. of him, blazing speed though but he had to share time also.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...