The Vikings are somewhat at ease to know what they have for running backs. The 1-2 punch that the Vikes have with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor for the rushing attack. There are very few teams in the league right now that have running back combo as the Vikes have. Both have the ability to go the distance, but they each have a different set of tools that they bring to the table. Peterson brings his power running style and fights for every inch that he can get.The Vikes are looking forward if he keeps improving the way he has been the past two season have accumulated over 3000 rushing yards in those seasons. Taylor is used primarily as receiving back, or a third down back last season. The top two spots in running back depth chart are set by the looks of it.
Fighting for the number three spot will be Ian Johnson and Albert Young. Ian Johnson went undrafted in this past year’s draft, which is surprising to me with the resume that he has. He set Boise State’s record in rushing TDs with 58 and broke WAC record formerly held by Marshall Faulk with 57 TDs. Johnson had 4,183 career rushing yards and 4,952 yard. Everyone remember him as scoring on the Statue of Liberty two point conversion in Fiesta Bowl following the 2006 season. Albert Young will try to make the team this season after spending it on the practice squad all of last season. He had a year to learn from one of the best running tandems that NFL has right now. Will the experience help him for the preseason? I am saying that it will between these players for the 3 spot.
The Vikings also plan on using Percy Havin the WR out of Florida as wildcat back as well. What is the Wildcat? The general scheme can be instituted into many different offensive systems, but the distinguishing factor is a direct snap to the running back and an unbalanced offensive line. We shall see if the Vikes will be able implement this package with offense this season. This has the potentail for more big player from the rushing offense.
In fullback position, the Vikes need a hard nose player and does worry about touching the ball. The fullback is used a receiver out the back field and lucky if you get to rush the ball 10 times a year. Tahi and Dugan will help pave the way for our backs to run free for daylight. The Vikes have the tools to have a very successful rushing attack again this season.
Running Backs
# Player Ht Wgt Service College
36 Bell, Kahlil 5'11" 212 0 UCLA
32 Broughton, Nehemiah 6'0" 260 3 The Citadel
42 Johnson, Ian 5'11" 212 0 Boise State
28 Peterson, Adrian 6'1" 217 3 Oklahoma
29 Taylor, Chester 5'11" 213 8 Toledo
34 Young, Albert 5'10" 209 1 Iowa
Full Backs
83 Dugan, Jeff 6'4" 258 6 Maryland
38 Tahi, Naufahu 6'0" 254 4 Brigham Young
BOLD-Denotes starter last season
2 comments:
you are forgetting about Kahlil Bell...he was injured large chunk of jr and sr years at UCLA, but when healthy he was a complete beast
Thank you the post. i think it is going to be tough battle the number 3 running. It is going to be interesting, to see who comes out on top.
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