Thoughts on JJ as a running back?

[Crimson Hawk]

What does everyone think of Jimmy Johns as a running back? What's his "grade?"
I thought he looked pretty fair, although the long stride style of running he has, really hampers the ability to make cuts. He certainly is powerful, though. Think maybe he's better suited to FB?

 

[tftplisa]

He will be awesome

He switched to RB like 2 weeks ago. Late in the game, he'll be the type of reliever that come in and wears the defense out. I look for him to have about 50 yards next week and then even more against the SC defense.

 

[Vertical]

The guy's a bowling ball! I think he may be more suited to FB the way he runs right now, but after practicing at TB for a season, he could be quite the weapon!

He's very North/South right now, so hopefully he'll develop some moves, but even if not, he can run over a ton of people.

 

[SirCrimson]

He will be a man among men.

He will be a man among men when he gets some experence. He sorta reminded me of Earl Campbell the way he runs the ball the only thing i didnt like was he runs with his head down.Hes gonna be a HOSS.

 

[TexasBammer]

Not quite ready yet

Looked a little robotic at times, but pretty powerful as well. Love his attitude. He will succeed in whatever he wants to do.

 

[DiamondDust]

A friend of mine commented on how he looked like Eric Dickerson when he was running.

 

[BamaArrived2006]

He looked pretty good for being in his position for less than a month and being a freshman!!! I'm excited to see him cary some more!!!

:biga2:

 

[coosacrimson]

His future is so bright, he has to wear shades!!!!
I would hate to have to tackle him....
RTR

 

[rgw]

He is learning the position on the fly. Woods will have him in good form before the season's end. Personally, I think Jimmy Johns is our spell HB by the middle of the season. This is big because it allows us to rest Castille more by not expecting him to start at FB and spell Darby. A. Johns just doesn't look like he has gotten any better from last year, good thing another Johns is coming to the rescue. If my expectations for Johns are misguided, then we are still in good shape with Coffee and Upchurch.

Funny thing is I think Johns could be our starting QB next season if he devoted himself to QB, but he'll definitely be our starting RB in 2007 unless we get some amazing recruit before then.

 

[bamafan37]

Funny thing is I think Johns could be our starting QB next season if he devoted himself to QB, but he'll definitely be our starting RB in 2007 unless we get some amazing recruit before then.

*cough* Mike Ford *cough*

 

[37bamagreats55]

Sounds like you guys are describing Shaun Alexander..... anybody remember him????? If we get those kind of results, I'll take 'em!!! Roll Tide

 

[cbfactor]

His field vision isn't yet to the level of most college running backs. He also is more hesitant on hitting a hole, but like everyone has stated this is only his first month of playing the position and I look for him to grow into our offensive scheme as the year progresses. He looks to have a good upside with his speed toughness and unwillingness to go down.

 

[7Tech]

i agree

His field vision isn't yet to the level of most college running backs. He also is more hesitant on hitting a hole, but like everyone has stated this is only his first month of playing the position and I look for him to grow into our offensive scheme as the year progresses. He looks to have a good upside with his speed toughness and unwillingness to go down.

needs to "hit" the hole harder, learn to lower a shoulder and level a LB. heck he is as big as most LB's anyway. he'll learn, just give him a little time.

 

[tidebanker]

Matt Jones

Looked a little robotic at times, but pretty powerful as well. Love his attitude. He will succeed in whatever he wants to do.

I thought Matt Jones looked a little awkward when he ran. I'm glad he's gone to the NFL.....but I'm real glad we've got JJ!

 

[JagNCrimson]

I think he looked a bit timid but that's to be expected i suppose. I just wish they would have let him swing wide and find some open field and create some excitement! Looking forward to seeing him some more.

 

[Alanbama27]

With time, he'll be a very good running back! He was shakey taking

the handoff and was a bit unsure of himself. However, as has been pointed out...he's only been doing this a month. As for his vision...look for that to improve as he gets more comfortable in the position. He didn't have any vision issues while running the ball when he was a QB...It will just take some time for him to get comfortable at RB and then I look for big things from him.

 

[Born_a_Tider]

He looks nothing like Shaun

He is a more straight forward runner whereas Shaun is a nifty, sise to side, sometimes ove you type. And let's not forget that JJ has a longggggggggggg way to go in developing as a great RB but he'll be there!!

 

[37bamagreats55]

I didn't see the game so the only reason I compared him to Shaun A. was because people compared JJ to Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell - Two people I've heard compared to Shaun before. Sorry if i was way off. And yes, It is way too early to tell about JJ. Give the guy some time - He just switched positions like a month ago. Sounds very talented and that will win out in the long run.

 

[AlabamaSooner]

I think it's so nice that we're having the "problem" of having our fare share of talented QBs and we're having to move one to RB because he is so talented. Moving JJ into an already stacked backfield at that! Thank goodness we can finally start talking about DEPTH again. Hopefully this is a good sign for things to come

 

[Air Bama]

keep in mind, he was running w/ the 2 & 3's on the OL if I am not mistaken.