Lukus Alderman
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Hornsports is getting you prepped for the Spring Game by counting down the days until kickoff with a daily topic for discussion. Here's the ninth installment in the series...
Is Jalen Overstreet ready for an increased role at running back?
With two of the top three running backs now out for the Spring game, the depth at that position is at a bare minimum. Between QB and RB, it doesn't take long to call roll in the offensive backfield.
Malcolm Brown is obviously the lead back at this point, and that makes depth in the backfield the real dilemma. The obvious choices to grab some carries early in the game are utility player Daje Johnson (who was mentioned previously) and Jalen Overstreet.
After Overstreet and Johnson, the 'Horns only have two practice squad players in Eddie Aboussie and Gaston Davis. Since Johnson is primarily being used in the slot at WR, it is more likely that Jalen Overstreet sees the majority of backup carries.
Overstreet enters his RS-sophomore season as a former QB who saw limited playing time at running back last season. The highlight game (and the one that set the bar for fans' expectations) was a two touchdown, 92-yard performance against New Mexico State in the 2013 opener. After NMSU, Overstreet only had 11 carries in eight games.
While he wasn't recruited at running back, Overstreet has a natural advantage of a football pedigree (both his father and uncle played NCAA football). Last season, Overstreet ran a little too high and didn't display much breakaway speed. With a full season devoted to the position, Overstreet has had the opportunity to hone his skills and perform position-specific strength and conditioning drills.
Overstreet will surely be called on early and often on Saturday. With Joe Bergeron and Donald Catalon returning next fall, the Spring Game will be a big factor in what his role is next year.
Is Jalen Overstreet ready for an increased role at running back?
With two of the top three running backs now out for the Spring game, the depth at that position is at a bare minimum. Between QB and RB, it doesn't take long to call roll in the offensive backfield.
Malcolm Brown is obviously the lead back at this point, and that makes depth in the backfield the real dilemma. The obvious choices to grab some carries early in the game are utility player Daje Johnson (who was mentioned previously) and Jalen Overstreet.
After Overstreet and Johnson, the 'Horns only have two practice squad players in Eddie Aboussie and Gaston Davis. Since Johnson is primarily being used in the slot at WR, it is more likely that Jalen Overstreet sees the majority of backup carries.
Overstreet enters his RS-sophomore season as a former QB who saw limited playing time at running back last season. The highlight game (and the one that set the bar for fans' expectations) was a two touchdown, 92-yard performance against New Mexico State in the 2013 opener. After NMSU, Overstreet only had 11 carries in eight games.
While he wasn't recruited at running back, Overstreet has a natural advantage of a football pedigree (both his father and uncle played NCAA football). Last season, Overstreet ran a little too high and didn't display much breakaway speed. With a full season devoted to the position, Overstreet has had the opportunity to hone his skills and perform position-specific strength and conditioning drills.
Overstreet will surely be called on early and often on Saturday. With Joe Bergeron and Donald Catalon returning next fall, the Spring Game will be a big factor in what his role is next year.
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