Running back Classes

So I was listening to Locked on Chiefs and they had started their position grades and I realized something. Some of you who read this don't know too much about football positions. So if I started talking about a Mike linebacker, most of you would be lost. So for the next few (planned articles) we will go position by position and bring some meaning to these terms. So today we start with the Running backs.


There are six Main types of backs: One cut, Speed, Elusive, Power, 3rd down, and all around.

One Cuts:
These are your Demarco Murrays. Give them a good block and they are off to the races. These guys typically see good seasons with a good offensive lines. Not to say they don't have talent, they just need a block to get going.

Speed:
These are your Shady Mcoys. These guys are fast and everyone knows it. A lot of times they get confused with the One Cut backs. These guys don't necessarily need the blocks, they just need the QB to hurry up. These are your 4.4 ten yard dash guys.

Elusive: 
These are your Kareem Hunts. These backs are probably the most popular and the leaders of missed tackles. Whether it is trucks, jukes, or cuts, these guys will not be taken down easily. These are easily the most recognizable ones and the ones most likely to break a 80 yard touchdown run. If teams don't have good tackling fundamentals these backs will have a hay day.

Power:
These are your Frank Gores. They will carry tacklers several yards before they go down. These used to be the most popular backs in the league. They also run  "angry". They will take out anyone in their way and enjoy it.

3rd down: 
These are Jamaal Charles.These guys have soft hands or hard shoulders. These backs are either good at running a route and catching a throw or making blocks. They could still make a good run too, but this is what makes them special. You can use them in the pass game if you have a poor WR core, or to block if you have a porous offensive line.

All Around:
These are Adrian Petersons. These guys are rare, and can take whatever role they are asked too. They are the lifeblood of their teams at points.



The key in a coordinator's job is too get the best combo of these guys as you can. My personal favorite is to start with a power back, and then an elusive back. Different players take different roles and that is how teams work. Check back soon for the Wide Receiver article. Have a good day.