I've heard a million times that B-Back play is what makes this offense go. It's the axis by which this offense spins, and the inertia that keeps it moving. If that's the case, then the Jackets are in good hands this year, with returning War Horses Zack Laskey and David Sims rotating as the bell cow of this system. Sims, who staked a small lead in total carries, 135-133, looks to take even another step forward and develop the ability to punish defenders while finishing runs. Laskey, who's story reads like Odysseus, looks to stay healthy and punish more defenders with a devastating will to push for extra yards and a pair of legs that churn like froth in front of a battleship. Laskey doesn't so much run over defenders as he does repel them with his shoulder and thigh pads. He also has the ability to break big runs, with his longest TD carry being 56 yds. last year.
Charles Perkins, who officially made the switch to A-Back last year, may yet have a say on the "give" mechanism in option plays in pistol and shotgun, and I wouldn't mid seeing Travis Custis give it a go this year too, although a redshirt seems likely. Broderick Snoddy played the position in high school, but has yet to stick somewhere at the college level. This might be his future home...
Starter: David Sims (barely)
Key Backup: Zack Laskey
Keep an eye on: Travis Custis
Charles Perkins, who officially made the switch to A-Back last year, may yet have a say on the "give" mechanism in option plays in pistol and shotgun, and I wouldn't mid seeing Travis Custis give it a go this year too, although a redshirt seems likely. Broderick Snoddy played the position in high school, but has yet to stick somewhere at the college level. This might be his future home...
Starter: David Sims (barely)
Key Backup: Zack Laskey
Keep an eye on: Travis Custis