I never understood how Alabama could persuade multiple blue-chip running backs to commit each year. This article -- http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130131/running-... -- says that Saban has convinced the players that, because running backs typically have short life spans in the NFL, it is actually to their benefit to split carries. That makes sense to me, but it also requires the players to have a lot of confidence that they will *reach* the NFL.
I'm not sure if OSU operates under this same theory, but with all of our running backs, I doubt any one player will get 20+ carries a game next year.
Apparently, Dantonio never got this memo, to the chagrin of poor Javon Ringer. Thankfully, Le'Veon Bell got the memo just in time for the 2013 draft.
the kids are playing their tail off, and the coaches are screwing it up! - JLS
Can you say Earl Campbell?
Dantonio did NOT ruin Javon Ringer.
That would explain why Bama has 40 RBs. It makes sense in a way. Though it does take some real skill to convince a 17-18 yo that he isn't indestructible.
"YOLO" = I'm about to do something extremely ignorant/stupid & I need an excuse to do it.
Regularly hosing them down with some deer antler spray changes their mental outlook as well!
With the way the RB is being devalued in the NFL, i'm surprised that more of the kids aren't looking to be more the hybrid/slot type like Marshall or Wilson.