Sbnation has a report indicating it ooksl like jones wont return. Is anyone else very concerned about a rb room led by jafar? I know he was hurt (again) but i just dont see him as an rb 1. Who knows what we have in Smith, maybe a short yardage guy. Cbo... cbo is scout team talent with a big heart, i iust never see him as more than a 2 yard per carry guy. Can kyren williams make a jump in year 2? I know tyree will get a few looks but hes not a bell cow.
Thoughts?
First, I hope TJJ has a change of heart over the next few days, but if he doesn't, I agree with IIO that someone will emerge in 2020. Here's the position as I see it.
Jafar - Has the physical tools to be a very good RB but doesn't have the instincts and goes down too easily considering his size. He needs to learn to run with high aggressiveness and use his blockers more effectively. From what I've seen so far, I'm not sure he can do it but I hope he proves me wrong.
Jahmir - Runs with aggressiveness and has a good feel for the position. He's not a TJJ clone but I think his RB development might have a similar path. I see him as likely being a complimentary number 2 back rather than a feature back.
Kyren - Has a really good chance to start to excel at the position in 2020. BK has a history of not wanting to rush freshman RBs so his redshirt year shouldn't have been a surprise. In fact, it was disclosed that the decision to redshirt was as much Kyren's decision as it was BK's. He appears to be a natural runner and a good receiver out of the backfield and I expect him to make some noise in 2020 and could emerge as the top back.
C'bo - Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the coaches are high on him. He was getting carries ahead of Jafar against BC and Stanford. Initially, his biggest issue was pass pro but BK has since stated his number one issue is he needs to get stronger. I think he definitely needs to work on his strength, but mostly he needs to work on his patience so that he can see the running lanes develop. If he is able to do both of those things I think he'll be right in the mix as a potential starter.
Tyree - I think he's too small to be a feature back in 2020 but he should make some noise in the limited opportunities he is given. If it turns out he's too explosive to keep him on the sidelines that will be a great problem to have.
Avery - Great physical tools but has never shown any RB instincts. I would love to see a light bulb finally go on but I wouldn't bank on it.
I think Jafar, Kyren, or C'bo will have the best chance to be the No. 1 back next year with Jahmir having an outside chance. Whoever it is will need an OL that is much improved at run blocking in order to have rushing numbers worth bragging about.