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ISU looking for running backs to step up
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-09
Iowa State running back Jeremiah Schwartz has heard it before.
He is a bruising back. Alexander Robinson is the speed back. Bo Williams is a little of both.
But Schwartz thinks the trio has more similarities than others give them credit for.
“When it comes to speed, power and quickness, we got all those,†Schwartz said. “So when it comes to rotating, it’s keeping the legs fresh. One goes in, and it doesn’t change anything. The offense just keeps rolling.â€
Running backs coach Kenith Pope hopes that’s the case because if the Cyclones’ backfield is going to be successful this fall, it’s going to need Schwartz and Williams to be similar to Robinson in another manner, his production.
“You need more than one back,†Pope said. “Obviously we feel real strong about Alexander Robinson, and we just got to bring those other two guys along as fast as we can.â€
In offensive coordinator Tom Herman’s fast-paced, one-back offense, Robinson should have plenty of chances, and running lanes, to improve on last year’s 703 yards and six touchdowns. But because running backs can take a physical pounding like defensive linemen, Pope said he needs more than one to churn out yards and keep the chains moving.
That’s why Schwartz and Williams are getting practice reps. That’s why coaches are pushing Schwartz and Williams. And that’s why the duo is so focused this spring.
“I redshirted last year,†Schwartz said. “I got hungry and I’m starving now and want to show what I can actually do. I get my chance now.â€
To make the most of it, he’s working on his pass protection. Schwartz said Robinson has taught him how to approach the game and “stay on top†of things.
And Schwartz has learned one of the easiest ways for a back to get on the field is by staying on top of his blocking assignments.
“I really wanted to work on my pass protection, and I felt that was important so like today I focused on keeping my hands inside,†Schwartz said.
Pope would like to see his younger running backs get a better grasp of the offense so they could start playing faster and better utilize their natural abilities that had both dominating in Florida on Friday nights.
Williams was a four-star Rivals.com prospect out of high school who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
He went to Florida for one season, but left because the Gators’ offense didn’t fit with his running style. So Williams moved on to ISU and sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules.
He was unavailable for an interview after practice because he had to attend an early afternoon class.
Schwartz earned first-team Class 6A honors while racking up 1,700 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud said Schwartz has opened eyes this spring as it takes “three or four guys†to bring him down. But that’s not what Schwartz necessarily wants to here. He is more than a power rusher after all.
“I can do it all,†Schwartz said. “Get me on a safety, and it’s a mismatch.â€
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-09
ISU running back Jeremiah Schwartz says he is hungry to get back on the field after redshirting last season.
Tribune File Photo
Tribune File Photo
Iowa State running back Jeremiah Schwartz has heard it before.
He is a bruising back. Alexander Robinson is the speed back. Bo Williams is a little of both.
But Schwartz thinks the trio has more similarities than others give them credit for.
“When it comes to speed, power and quickness, we got all those,†Schwartz said. “So when it comes to rotating, it’s keeping the legs fresh. One goes in, and it doesn’t change anything. The offense just keeps rolling.â€
Running backs coach Kenith Pope hopes that’s the case because if the Cyclones’ backfield is going to be successful this fall, it’s going to need Schwartz and Williams to be similar to Robinson in another manner, his production.
“You need more than one back,†Pope said. “Obviously we feel real strong about Alexander Robinson, and we just got to bring those other two guys along as fast as we can.â€
In offensive coordinator Tom Herman’s fast-paced, one-back offense, Robinson should have plenty of chances, and running lanes, to improve on last year’s 703 yards and six touchdowns. But because running backs can take a physical pounding like defensive linemen, Pope said he needs more than one to churn out yards and keep the chains moving.
That’s why Schwartz and Williams are getting practice reps. That’s why coaches are pushing Schwartz and Williams. And that’s why the duo is so focused this spring.
“I redshirted last year,†Schwartz said. “I got hungry and I’m starving now and want to show what I can actually do. I get my chance now.â€
To make the most of it, he’s working on his pass protection. Schwartz said Robinson has taught him how to approach the game and “stay on top†of things.
And Schwartz has learned one of the easiest ways for a back to get on the field is by staying on top of his blocking assignments.
“I really wanted to work on my pass protection, and I felt that was important so like today I focused on keeping my hands inside,†Schwartz said.
Pope would like to see his younger running backs get a better grasp of the offense so they could start playing faster and better utilize their natural abilities that had both dominating in Florida on Friday nights.
Williams was a four-star Rivals.com prospect out of high school who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior.
He went to Florida for one season, but left because the Gators’ offense didn’t fit with his running style. So Williams moved on to ISU and sat out last season per NCAA transfer rules.
He was unavailable for an interview after practice because he had to attend an early afternoon class.
Schwartz earned first-team Class 6A honors while racking up 1,700 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud said Schwartz has opened eyes this spring as it takes “three or four guys†to bring him down. But that’s not what Schwartz necessarily wants to here. He is more than a power rusher after all.
“I can do it all,†Schwartz said. “Get me on a safety, and it’s a mismatch.â€
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
| Comments |
| MiddleCyBacker Jeremiah has a great attitude. Can't wait to see what he and Bo can do. But most of all, I'm hoping for a breakout year for Alexander behind our seasoned offensive line. 4/12/09 |
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