RB situation...

[JR4AU]

It's not as bad as it might seem.  Yes, Yeldon is a big loss.  I get that.  I doubt Dyer will be back, but who knows?  If he is, then it's all that much better. 

We still have Javon Robinson in this class.  4*.  And he's a big back at 6-1 218.  Could probably play at 225-230 with a 6-1 frame. 

We have Tre Mason, Cory Grant, and Mike Blakely, all 4 *, and all are more speed backs, but are big enough to be durable in the 190-200 pound range.   

McCaleb?  NFL?  Good luck son, but in reality, I think he comes back, though with the 4 listed above, could see a reduced role if any of those speedy guys really comes on strong.   If Tre Mason can handle pass pro, I could easily see him taking some of OMac's playing time. 

I just don't think the RB situation is going to be that bad. 

[Townhallsavoy]

Robinson is thought to have grade issues. 

Corey Grant has been working with safeties, but I guess he'll be moved back. 

[Snaggletiger]

I want Dyer back and we need to sign a true fullback.  A 240 guy that can knock the shit out of a linebacker and pick up the blitz.  What if Robinson doesn't qualify?  Don't know if he would even be ready to play at this level.  All I know is 2 weeks ago, we were looking at 2012 being so stacked, I'd have looked for someone to transfer.

Dyer
MacProne
Yeldon
Mason
Blakely
Grant
Robinson

Now....?

[JR4AU]

Robinson is thought to have grade issues. 

Corey Grant has been working with safeties, but I guess he'll be moved back.

Actually, Mike Blakely, IMO, projects as the best.  5-9 206 is his current listing.  Could get up to 215 or so.  4* 6.0 ranking on Rivals...just a hair from a 5 star.  RB is one of those positions where young kids can contribute early, and between him, and the big kid coming in this class (assuming he gets in), plus Mason...we'd have a nice trio of backs that would be speed, combo of size and speed, and a big between the tackles back.

[Townhallsavoy]

How important is it to have the big back between the tackles?

Because again, it's thought that he has a lot of ground to make up academically. 

[djsimp]

How important is it to have the big back between the tackles?

Because again, it's thought that he has a lot of ground to make up academically.

Seems pretty important where AUburn stands right now. Somebody get this boy a tudor.

[JR4AU]

How important is it to have the big back between the tackles?

Because again, it's thought that he has a lot of ground to make up academically.

Blakely is built somewhat like Dyer.  I think he can be a between the tackles runner.   How many runningbacks played this year?  I mean played for real?  3.  Dyer, OMac, and Mason.  I think we've got 3 maybe 4 just as good as those three, or close enough. I see no way RB is a liability next year barring 3-4 major injuries.

[Kaos]

Seems pretty important where AUburn stands right now. Somebody get this boy a tudor.

Perhaps you could use this one?

[djsimp]

Perhaps you could use this one?

Maybe I should have said tooter?

[Jumbo]

Perhaps you could use this one?

[AU_Tiger_2000]

How important is it to have the big back between the tackles?

Because again, it's thought that he has a lot of ground to make up academically.

You don't necessarily need somebody big.  You just need someone who'll hit the hole hard and can get through an arm tackle (Emmitt Smith mostly ran between the tackles and he was about 205 - 215 in the pros).  Mason's not going to move the pile, but the way he hit holes last year he could be a between the tackle runner.

[Rocket_City_Hawg]

Situations like this are why it is nice to roll 5 deep at RB like the Hogs, until we didn't.

[Token]

Situations like this are why it is nice to roll 5 deep at RB like the Hogs, until we didn't.

We've been rolling 5 deep since 2004.  Eating hats too.

[Buzz Killington]

We've been rolling 5 deep since 2004.  Eating hats too.

fictitious ones at that...