Running back depth

It's no big deal that UTEP used to have a lot of running backs, but has turned up depthless. Until UTEP can put a solid runner on the field, it's just some coaching psychology to say: This guy is dinged a little, he's out for a few days, he's day to day, we hope to have that one back by the Buffalo game (Sept. 5).

Coach Mike Price is a passing-game coach and hasn't really done a good job of getting a strong, first-team running back. Maybe he thinks he doesn't need one.This runninng-back-by-committee stuff just means he doesn't have a top-notch runner.

If quarterback Trevor Vittatoe is to have a good season, there has to be a running game to take the pressure off getting pass-rushed, blind-sided and twisted-about-the-neck-and knees. I can't understand why UTEP doesn't go out and find a high-school blue-chip senior runner that has offers from some big schools — and offer him the starting job as a freshman at UTEP. Many of college football's great running backs started as freshmen. It's a position a freshman can step into.

Meanwhile, buy a program to find out who's on the field at the so-important running back position.

Comments

[CLEOFITZWITZ]

I do think that Mike Price would love to have a great running back. The fact that he hasn't recruited one is a testament to his recruiting failures rather than an oversight.

UTEP has had big, fast running backs on it's radar for years and is consistently beaten by other schools for their services.

We end up with the 5-7 guy who weighs 155. Fast as heck but not what you need to be a big time college program.

[miner3223]

That's true Joe, but Trevor will put up numbers either way. However, his int. number might go up as well, since he will look to throw even more because of two good receivers, no good tailbacks(or no good running scheme), and to show critics his long ball skills(or lack of). Marcus Thomas was the closest to a good RB, but the 6' 2" guy wanted to run east-west way too many times.

[John Franco]

Why don't we just get rid of Price and get a young coach who really cares about winning?!

[west is best]

What are you saying Joe? We have had "top notch" runners. Terrell Jackson was a quality running back, who I think transferred from Oregon University? I also recall having another running back who was a blue chipper on the '07 team and they split the repetitions. His name escapes me, but the point is: that Coach Price has brought in talent at that position. An example would be that this year a big power back was needed for short yardage situations, and they got one in Leilyon Myers.
Just because our running backs don't gain 2000 yards each season, does not mean they are low caliber. (And to the posters here on this board: that Coach Price can't recruit). You yourself Joe, said the offense is not geared towards running, and I remember one year where the offensive line couldn't run block.
I'm sure that the players knew what type of offense we run, and came in with their eyes open, maybe hoping to play of a more pro-style offense or catch a few passes in the open field. If you want to debate weather or not the system runs the ball too infrequently, then by all means you should speak-up. But to find fault with the players before they have their chance is unwise. You shouldn't be casting stones at 19 and 20 year old players who may in-fact turn out to be "top notch" running backs.

[Devon]

UTEP does not have top notch running backs. Sorry.

[John Franco]

UTEP does does not have a top notch coach either!

[Lorenzo]

I agree that we may be a little thin at running back this year, but a good O-line can make any running back look good. Our offensive line probably won't dominate anybody but its solid and definitely better than its been in the past. If Vittatoe lives up to expectations then the running game will be used like a pitcher uses a changeup, just to throw the opponent off and keep em unbalanced. I'm not too worried. Defense is a different matter. Price does need to do a better job recruiting though. UTEP is ranked last on Rivals' 2009 C-USA recruiting list and thats been pretty consistent year in and year out.

[John Franco]

Just saw Sun Bowl is dropping the Big East for ACC, good move considering the boring game we had this year with Pitt. Now lets wait and see if Alamo Bowl is really gonna pay 3 million a team for PAC 10(We're in a recession?)we should negotiate for a better choice than #4 from the PAC 10.

[RE: John Franco]

I agree with you John, I think the Sun Bowl could do better than the #4 PAC 10, and the ACC #5. If they aren't careful they will soon be an irrelevant bowl game.

[John Franco]

ACC #5?! I didn't see that part. Get ready to lose the CBS contract. Also, just saw Memphis is gonna be stripped of all their games for 2008. I guess Patino is worse on the sleaze factor, but I always had a feeling Calipari was a cheater. Hopefully, Barbee has taken the high road in recruiting.