Next up, running backs:
2011 was an interesting year for EWU's running game. After losing Taiwan Jones to the NFL draft, EWU took a "RB by committee" approach.
The decimation of the O-Line early on in 2011 was undoubtedly detrimental to what Eastern wanted to do in the running game, but there were some bright spots. Going into 2012, EWU should have a number of talented backs that are able to do some different things, and I expect we will see more of the "by-committee" approach with the depth that should be available at that position. In my opinion, the #1 will be an individual game decision based on the opponent, and we will continue to see a number of players get reps in every game. I am unaware if all of these guys are still in school, but hopefully if everyone returns I can see EWU having a very solid running game as long as the O-Line holds up. Eastern also brings in a couple of RB's with the 2012 class, but with the depth that should be available, I expect both to redshirt.
#27 Jordan Talley 5-10 185 So. 1L Portland, Ore.
Talley may be as close to an "all-purpose back" as EWU has. He can do a little bit of everything, as he has good speed, can make plays out of the backfield, and despite not having great size, is decent at running between the tackles. Jordan is also durable. He played in all 11 of Eastern's games in 2011, rushing for 413 yards and 5 TD's on 120 attempts. His numbers may have tapered off a little towards the end of the season, but Jordan appears to have all the skills to be a succesful back in the Big Sky.
#25 Mario Brown 5-9 185 Jr. 2L Berkeley, Calif.
Mario came on as a true Freshman in 2010 backing up Jones, and really made his mark in the Villanova game where he rushed for over 100 yards in the semi-final win. He also made an important game-changing play in the Championship game, catching a 3rd-down pass to move the chains and set up EWU's first TD. Brown had a bit of a difficult year in 2011. He is a hard north-south runner whose style of play was obviously effected by all the injuries on the O-Line. Due to the inexperience along the O-line, EWU had to rely heavily on the pass which made the running game suffer some. The result was a lot of draws and screens. He's a far better downhill runner than in that role. But with a healthy O-Line, I expect him to look more like he did in 2010 and less like he did in 2011. Mario led the team in kickoff return yardage last season, and should continue to play a role on special teams as well as in the backfield in 2012.
#22 Quincey Forte 5-11 185 So. 1L Fairfield, Calif.
EWU has found some gems recruiting the bay area of northern California, and Forte is no exception. He is another guy that played as a true Freshman in 2011, and he proved to have tremendous speed and agility. He seemed to get a lot of reps towards the middle and end of the season, and was particularly effective on draws and screens and passing plays out of the backfield. In addition to his 270 yards gained on the ground, he also gained 215 yards in receptions. Wearing that #22, sometimes he reminds me some of Jones in his ability to make people miss. He's very dangerous in open space as well as returning kicks.
#21 Demitrius Bronson 5-10 225 Jr. 1L Kent, Wash.
Demetrius came in as a 2011 Spring transfer from UW, and has great size, strength, and runs very hard. I think he is another guy whose game was really affected by the O-Line injuries. He's probably not fast enough to beat a lot of outside LB's off tackle, but with a healthy O-Line he could truly be effective in single back sets around the goal line, or as a FB in two-back sets. I noticed at times last year he did tend to miss some blocking assignments, so IMO he needs to improve in this area. But I like what I saw from him at times in terms of motivating his team-mates whether on the sideline or on the field. I do think he has the tools, he just needs to put it all together, and I think he will. I just wanna see this guy run some people over.
EWU signed two RB's in the 2012 recruiting class, but unless something goes terribly wrong, I'd expect both to get redshirts next fall.
Jalen Moore 5'11 195 HS La Puente, Calif.
Jabari Wilson 5'11 190 HS Orange, Calif.
2011 was an interesting year for EWU's running game. After losing Taiwan Jones to the NFL draft, EWU took a "RB by committee" approach.
The decimation of the O-Line early on in 2011 was undoubtedly detrimental to what Eastern wanted to do in the running game, but there were some bright spots. Going into 2012, EWU should have a number of talented backs that are able to do some different things, and I expect we will see more of the "by-committee" approach with the depth that should be available at that position. In my opinion, the #1 will be an individual game decision based on the opponent, and we will continue to see a number of players get reps in every game. I am unaware if all of these guys are still in school, but hopefully if everyone returns I can see EWU having a very solid running game as long as the O-Line holds up. Eastern also brings in a couple of RB's with the 2012 class, but with the depth that should be available, I expect both to redshirt.
#27 Jordan Talley 5-10 185 So. 1L Portland, Ore.
Talley may be as close to an "all-purpose back" as EWU has. He can do a little bit of everything, as he has good speed, can make plays out of the backfield, and despite not having great size, is decent at running between the tackles. Jordan is also durable. He played in all 11 of Eastern's games in 2011, rushing for 413 yards and 5 TD's on 120 attempts. His numbers may have tapered off a little towards the end of the season, but Jordan appears to have all the skills to be a succesful back in the Big Sky.
#25 Mario Brown 5-9 185 Jr. 2L Berkeley, Calif.
Mario came on as a true Freshman in 2010 backing up Jones, and really made his mark in the Villanova game where he rushed for over 100 yards in the semi-final win. He also made an important game-changing play in the Championship game, catching a 3rd-down pass to move the chains and set up EWU's first TD. Brown had a bit of a difficult year in 2011. He is a hard north-south runner whose style of play was obviously effected by all the injuries on the O-Line. Due to the inexperience along the O-line, EWU had to rely heavily on the pass which made the running game suffer some. The result was a lot of draws and screens. He's a far better downhill runner than in that role. But with a healthy O-Line, I expect him to look more like he did in 2010 and less like he did in 2011. Mario led the team in kickoff return yardage last season, and should continue to play a role on special teams as well as in the backfield in 2012.
#22 Quincey Forte 5-11 185 So. 1L Fairfield, Calif.
EWU has found some gems recruiting the bay area of northern California, and Forte is no exception. He is another guy that played as a true Freshman in 2011, and he proved to have tremendous speed and agility. He seemed to get a lot of reps towards the middle and end of the season, and was particularly effective on draws and screens and passing plays out of the backfield. In addition to his 270 yards gained on the ground, he also gained 215 yards in receptions. Wearing that #22, sometimes he reminds me some of Jones in his ability to make people miss. He's very dangerous in open space as well as returning kicks.
#21 Demitrius Bronson 5-10 225 Jr. 1L Kent, Wash.
Demetrius came in as a 2011 Spring transfer from UW, and has great size, strength, and runs very hard. I think he is another guy whose game was really affected by the O-Line injuries. He's probably not fast enough to beat a lot of outside LB's off tackle, but with a healthy O-Line he could truly be effective in single back sets around the goal line, or as a FB in two-back sets. I noticed at times last year he did tend to miss some blocking assignments, so IMO he needs to improve in this area. But I like what I saw from him at times in terms of motivating his team-mates whether on the sideline or on the field. I do think he has the tools, he just needs to put it all together, and I think he will. I just wanna see this guy run some people over.
EWU signed two RB's in the 2012 recruiting class, but unless something goes terribly wrong, I'd expect both to get redshirts next fall.
Jalen Moore 5'11 195 HS La Puente, Calif.
Jabari Wilson 5'11 190 HS Orange, Calif.
