What Happened in 2008?

There was plenty of talent accompanying the QBs in the backfield last season.  The rushing attack accounted for 1680 yards at about 4 yards per carry and 17 of the team’s 39 touchdowns scored.  That’s ok for a good team, not good for a team trying to get to a BCS bowl.  It got the Canes back on the winning side more than not and helped get them back in a bowl game.  This was comparable to the 2007 year (1747 yds, 3.7 ypc, 13 of team’s 29 TDs) so that’s not a good sign from an improvement standpoint.  Overall, the unit was OK, the addition of Patrick Hill helped with blocking and actually a key reception against UVA.

What to Expect in 2009?

Not a huge improvement, but probably more of a distribution of carries now that there are more running backs to help carry the load.  This will keep them fresh in November, when it really counts.  They will probably eclipse 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns as a unit.  Look for Graig Cooper to lead the team in rushing again, but take notice of Lamar Miller and Mike James: they will have a huge impact, especially at the end of the year.

Superlatives

MVP: Graig Cooper – He has slowly put on weight, giving him more power, he has good open field speed, and he can cut upfield through small gaps as well as anyone in the ACC.  He should be a home run threat running and catching out of the backfield.

Mr. Consistency: Javarris James – He has had injury problems his whole career at UM but for his senior year, look for him to be a huge help in pounding away yards on the field.  He should have a year more like his freshman year, when he came within 50 yards of passing Clinton Portis for the most yards by a freshman running back in UM’s storied history.

You’ll know him by October: Mike James – I say him not Lamar Miller because there are already speed backs with experience on the team.  Mike James brings a real power element to the team that has been absent for a while.  By October, he should be making plays in short yardage situations simply because of his power ability.

Make Sure you Have your Degree when you Leave: Lee Chambers – He is a good talent that came at a time when Cooper and James were the main threats at running back and now it seems like Mike James and Lamar Miller may pass him on the depth chart by the year’s end.  This is nothing against his abilities, he has showed in games he has talent and he definitely can break one the distance, this is just a case of the young talent overtaking him because of their talents.

Next up: Tight Ends

Related posts:

1. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Defensive Backs
2. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Key Arrivals
3. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Offensive Line
4. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Impact Players
5. The U Report: Roster Analysis – Key Departures