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Does Darren Evans Get Too Many Carries?

Virginia Tech running back Darren Evans was a workhorse for the Hokies last year, running for over 1,200 yards. But the 2nd Team All-ACC honoree needed 287 to do it and led the ACC in rushing attempts by 78. Evans received 71. 9 percent of the 399 carries given to running backs last year.

Evans' workload was the result of young players who weren't ready and an early-season injury to Kenny Lewis. Lewis was the second-most used running back with 63 carries despite only appearing in six games.

After Lewis was injured in the Western Kentucky game, the most carries from a Virginia Tech back not named Darren Evans was six, twice by Josh Oglesby.

Not even Maryland's Da'rel Sc'ott received that high a percentage of running back carries. Scott got 209 of his team's 325 RB carries (64.3 percent).  

Evans' workload will likely decrease in 2009 with the emergence of freshman Ryan Williams, the reported improvement of Oglesby and the return of Lewis. But how many is the right number or attemps for Evans?

I think he should get closer to Scott's workload, around 60-65 percent of the running back carries. The rest should go mainly to Williams, who can do things Evans can't outside of the tackles and in the open field. Evans should be used to wear defenses down. Williams should be used to break them.

Evans showed that even as a freshman he can withstand a large workload. But I worry about him breaking down if he keeps bashing into the line of scrimmage as many times as he does.

Poll
What percentage of RB carries should Darren Evans get in 2009?
50-60 percent
57 votes
61-70 percent
42 votes
71-80 percent
11 votes
81+ percent
8 votes

118 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 2 comments |

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Can everyone who voted 81+% identify themselves so I may argue with them.

Alcohol is my anti-drug. http://www.collegegameballs.com

by collegegameballs on Jun 22, 2009 5:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Past GT primary back workloads...

2008 – Dwyer – 200 carries for 32.7% RB workload
2007 – Choice – 261 carries for 50.0% RB workload
2006 – Choice – 297 carries for 59.2% RB workload
2005 – Daniels – 198 carries for 44.6% RB workload
2004 – Daniels – 154 carries for 34.8% RB workload
2003 – Daniels – 283 carries for 59.4% RB workload

In 2008, Dwyer only carried around 15 times per game. Gailey Era backs average 20-21 carries per game. Different style game.

Fight, win, drink, get naked

by BirdGT on Jun 24, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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