There are a number of skills needed in a back: running and running hard is important. But they must also be able to hold on to the ball, pick up blitzes/the rush, and catch the ball out of he backfield. Most backs that are featured in high school and come out of small schools often struggle with the latter two simply because they were never asked to do it. He may be able to do the first. We don't know about the rest. And unfortunately for fans that is evaluated/determined in practice not on normal Saturdays. Yes there are running plays they could call if we put him out there but that would take one of the other backs off the field and tell a smart D what is most likely the call. Maybe a the margin is enough on Saturday to get some runs. But if we sit Vick the margin may be less and I would expect to see rest of the offense and its players to stay closer to the norm.
First, thank you for stating that we don't know. Most of us want to find out.
Running back non-running skills can be learned fairly readily it would appear. Teams all over start true freshmen or guys who've only been in the program for a year...as here.
Given the lack of effectiveness for this offense for prolonged periods, it wouldn't seem that Irons could do worse than what we've put on during those long stretches
The sample's admittedly small, but Irons was pretty good on the two plays on which he was in. And there sure as heck have been points in which he could have been inserted more often in the course of five games.
And, most importantly..and with an eye toward his size and, allegedly speed...what if the guy is a really, really good running back? But, hey, let's not find that out.
Last Edited: 10/4/2015 4:27:01 PM by Monroe Slavin