Who's Behind Helu?
8 comments so far
October 14, 2009 by
Die-hard Husker fans know the names: Mendoza, Okafor, Ward, Jones, and Robinson. These are the guys that are going to be called upon to spell starting running back Roy Helu now that Rex Burkhead has been sidelined with injury. If Helu should get injured, one or more of them would be called upon to step in and replace him. Given that these guys were no better than fourth on the depth chart in August, there's some concern that the running game would suffer were they to enter the game. But it might actually be the passing game that changes the most with new personnel.
Mendoza
Mendoza seems like a guy that is often forgotten and overlooked. People forget he was a four-star recruit out of high school (compared to Roy Helu's three-stars). The biggest concern about Mendoza is probably his size. At 5'10" and 190 lbs., he doesn't seem built to take the punishment of a starting I-back. But he has speed to burn, which is partly why the coaches tried him at wide receiver some going into the season. Mendoza is the most experienced back behind Helu and potentially a very explosive one. Another concern for Mendoza (which applies to all of the backs) is how well he can block when needed for the passing game. If a back can't block well, you generally have two choices, you can replace them with someone who does block well or you can turn them into a route-runner so that at least the quarterback has an outlet. Since Mendoza has shown flashes of being a threat as a receiver out of the backfield, he seems like a player that could become a major part of the I-back rotation without hampering the offense.
Okafor
Collins Okafor gained some attention for his near-departure but he gets somewhat overlooked as a prospect and a talent. At one time in the recruiting process, Okafor was a four-star recruit. His ranking was later revised downward (as sometimes happens), but that makes him one of those borderline four-star guys. Physically, he looks the part of a BCS starter. At 225 lbs., he's the biggest running back on the roster, which would seemingly have made him a candidate as a short yardage back. He also had some pretty good receiving numbers for a high school player, which makes you believe that he could catch passes out of the backfield, if he's not the blocker they'd hope for.
Ward
Lester Ward is probably underappreciated because he had been a Baylor commit. But his father (a former NFL player) had had gone to Baylor, which was surely part of the attraction. He also had offers from programs like Missouri, UCLA, and TCU. His lean frame makes him look like a big receiver. In fact, at one time he was thought to be a bigger prospect than Limas Sweed. Ward's another player that doesn't yet appear to have the build of a guy who can take a lot of punishment. More concerning was his spring game fumble, which didn't endear him to NU fans. Ward's most promising quality might be how quickly coaches have gone to him, an indication that he's been doing some things right in practice.
Jones
Not since I.M. Hipp have the Huskers had a walk-on player that was a major contributor in the running game on a regular basis. Names like Jay Sims and George Achola come to mind, but that's usually been in garbage time and against inferior competition. But Austin Jones might be in better position than anyone to see his role grow. Jones has the most carries behind Helu and Burkhead this season and has more college experience than all but Helu and Mendoza. He probably won't be the fan-favorite because he's a walk-on, but don't be surprised if he sees a lot of action. Like Ward, his most promising quality seems to be the coaches' faith in him.
Robinson
Ideally Robinson would redshirt this year. If he is used, ideally it would just be in some limited packages. There's so much to know and he's really only had two months to grasp it. Granted, Burkhead shot to #2 on the depth chart, but that's not really what you'd like to see from a true freshman. It would be a surprise if Robinson sees anything more than spot duty this year.
Replacing Quentin Castille and Rex Burkhead won't be easy. But there is talent and there is competition which means the NU coaches have some real options.
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WyHuskerFan Oct 14 09
Your analysis is right on. Rex did everything well and earned the backup role. These guys each do something well and will likely come in as the situation warrants. I thought Ward was the biggest of the backs and considered the bruiser, regardless, it'll be up to these young men to seize the opportunity and earn that scholarship on the field. GBR!
PSW Oct 14 09
I was excited they were going to get Mendoza some touches by moving him to receiver. It's obvious the guy has some explosiveness so I would like to see him get the ball in space if they can find a way to do so.
nu-isu-fan Oct 14 09
I'm sure they can all run the ball pretty darn well. I'd guess it's blocking and knowing the plays where some fall behind at this point. The staff has said it before - Each I-back has to be able to do it all if they want in the game.
Mendoza intrigues me the most at this point. I don't know if I worry about his size though. I see smaller backs scattered all over the NCAA who do quite well - some do very well. And they're able to do it week after week.
We'll see what happens.
Jason Oct 14 09
You forgot to profile Suh. He'll surely get some carries this week right?
I kid. I kid.
Dwayne Oct 14 09
Mendoza could be a similar type back as far as size that Quentin Griffin was for OU several years ago. Very effective if he siezes the opportunity.
TXHusker Oct 14 09
I think Mendoza would be ideal in space, such as a slot or wide-out. I can see Watson using him to run the edge as Helu does though, but corner blocking is KEY, and we are improved in that area. I would like to see Okafor get some carries through the middle as Castille did, establishing a power game. That opened us up on the corners when the defense had to respect the box. Opprotunity is knocking, who is going to use it??
GBR
Dave Oct 14 09
Quentin Griffin...??? Really Dwayne? That's who you compare Mendoza to.
Seems to me a little back nicknamed porkchop did alright a few years back... and he was only 5-9.
"You can measure a man many different ways, but in the end, its all about heart" - The late GREAT Mike Corgan.
For any of you who dont recognize the name, ask Mike Rozier about his running backs coach!
Rob T Oct 14 09
"It's all about heart."
{eye roll}
That sounds like something that is told to kids who are shitty at 3rd grade basketball.