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Christian or Curtis - You really can't go wrong

+8 HS
buckeye phi's picture
September 29, 2016 at 7:24pm
32 Comments

Sure, it's still very early - but based on the first three games - whether it's Christian or Curtis - you really can't go wrong

Ohio State H-back, Curtis Samuel, has stormed on to the college football scene this season  To many Buckeye fans, this comes as no surprise. Those who follow the program closely have been well aware of Samuel's potential for a couple of years.  

He is the epitome of the hybrid running back/wide receiver Head Coach Urban Meyer is looking for in his "spread to run power" offense.  He's just big enough to absorb the beating that even a part-time running back will receive in the B1G.  But he also easily has the speed required to be a legitimate threat as a receiver.

Samuel is not the only exceptional all-purpose back in college football right now, though.  For that matter, he's not the only one on his own team.  Had it not been for a nagging injury that has plagued him much of his career, Samuel's back-up, Dontre Wilson, might have been the one putting up the remarkable numbers.  Wilson was very highly touted coming out of high school - and was thought by many to be the next great H-back in Meyer's prolific offense.  And when he's been healthy, he's shown flashes of that potential.

However, when one considers today's top multi-purpose backs, one name comes immediately to mind.  Stanford running back, Christian McCaffrey had such an outstanding season in 2015 that he finished second in the voting for college football's top individual reward, the Heisman Trophy. And he's off to another blazing start this season.

According to ESPN's statistics, through Stanford's first three games McCaffrey has gained 436 yards rushing - averaging 5.5 yards per carry.  He's also totaled 119 yards receiving with an average of 9.9 yards per reception.  

While his rushing numbers aren't quite as enormous, so far this season Samuel has been just as dangerous as a receiver as he has been as a runner.  In fact, his numbers as a duel threat couldn't be much more balanced.  Interestingly enough, over Ohio State's first three games he's gained 260 yards rushing and 259 yards receiving.  Averaging 8.1 yards per carry and 16.1 yards per reception.  

Of course, the difference in proportionality between McCaffrey's numbers and Samuel's numbers is at least partially due to the differences in the offensive schemes in which they play.  It's also due to the differences in their respective roles within those offenses.  

Stanford plays a multiple set offense - but McCaffrey is their primary running back in most instances.  While Samuel plays some snaps at running back, he gets more reps as the Buckeye's H-back.  So it stands to reason Samuel's numbers are more balanced than McCaffreys.  

And since Stanford's offense relies on McCaffrey far more than any other player, his advantage in total yards makes sense, too.  That's not to suggest the Cardinal are entirely devoid of talent other than McCaffrey.  They're not.  

But Ohio State also features their running back, Mike Weber - and their quarterback, JT Barrett (as a dual threat in his own right).  Both positions are featured as least as much as the H-back - much more so in previous seasons - but Samuel has clearly rearranged the mix somewhat this year.  

It's not surprising the two juniors have some physical similarities.  McCaffrey is listed at 6'0", 200lbs.  Samuel comes in at 5'11", 197lbs.  Almost identical - but that also makes a lot of sense since they really have to be a certain size to run the ball effectively at the Power-5 level - but speed is an even more critical component of their game as both runners and receivers.  Either as runners or receivers, both players are incredibly elusive once the ball is in their hands.

Naturally, most Buckeye fans have witnessed Samuel's exploits.  But it is highly recommended to those who follow the sport in general to watch McCaffrey's highlights, also.  He deserves all the accolades he's been getting.  A truly amazing talent.  

Having watched the six games the two have played thus far this season (OK, OK - I only watched Stanford's highlights) - this old Buckeye is convinced today's fans should consider themselves blessed to see potentially two of the best all-purpose backs in the history of the game playing at the same time -   

 

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