Let's talk Runningbacks

[Son of Wasatch]

So I'm watching D'onta Foreman tearing up the Baylor defense, and just admiring the speed and power and I started thinking where does he rank as one of the all-time greats at Texas.

Here is my list before D'Onta Foreman

1. Earl Campbell
2. Ricky Williams
3. Jamal Charles
4. Cedric Benson
5. Priest Holmes

I didn't consider guys from the 60's like Gilbert or Worster because they were before integration. Also love Rosevelt Leaks but he wasn't as good as the guys I have listed.

So with that said, in my humble estimation I have Foreman #3 on that list. Moving Charles down to 4. To me he is a clone of Big Earl probably about the same speed but even more power. This kid makes our oline look good and they really aren't that good considering when he goes out we can't run for shit.

I wish he would consider staying for one more year, but he would be crazy to, he should be the 2nd back taken in this coming draft, maybe 1st. Who knows at this point, I know lots have said this is a deep draft, but outside of Leonard Fournette I don't see anyone that compares to him.

 

[JonBinge]

He is an amazing back. His pass protection will go a long way in the draft. He gone! He's far and away the best player on the team. Thankful to have had him.

 

[CAHorn47]

So I'm watching D'onta Foreman tearing up the Baylor defense, and just admiring the speed and power and I started thinking where does he rank as one of the all-time greats at Texas.

Here is my list before D'Onta Foreman

1. Earl Campbell
2. Ricky Williams
3. Jamal Charles
4. Cedric Benson
5. Priest Holmes

I didn't consider guys from the 60's like Gilbert or Worster because they were before integration. Also love Rosevelt Leaks but he wasn't as good as the guys I have listed.

So with that said, in my humble estimation I have Foreman #3 on that list. Moving Charles down to 4. To me he is a clone of Big Earl probably about the same speed but even more power. This kid makes our oline look good and they really aren't that good considering when he goes out we can't run for shit.

I wish he would consider staying for one more year, but he would be crazy to, he should be the 2nd back taken in this coming draft, maybe 1st. Who knows at this point, I know lots have said this is a deep draft, but outside of Leonard Fournette I don't see anyone that compares to him.

Dalvin Cook making a pretty good case for himself tonight. Dabo and the Tigers on the ropes.

 

[cwillfromdatx]

It's good to see folks recognizing him other than us Longhorn fans. if he stays and continue to do the same. He could possibly be the best of all.

 

[FlourBluffHorn]

So I'm watching D'onta Foreman tearing up the Baylor defense, and just admiring the speed and power and I started thinking where does he rank as one of the all-time greats at Texas.

Here is my list before D'Onta Foreman

1. Earl Campbell
2. Ricky Williams
3. Jamal Charles
4. Cedric Benson
5. Priest Holmes

I didn't consider guys from the 60's like Gilbert or Worster because they were before integration. Also love Rosevelt Leaks but he wasn't as good as the guys I have listed.

So with that said, in my humble estimation I have Foreman #3 on that list. Moving Charles down to 4. To me he is a clone of Big Earl probably about the same speed but even more power. This kid makes our oline look good and they really aren't that good considering when he goes out we can't run for shit.

I wish he would consider staying for one more year, but he would be crazy to, he should be the 2nd back taken in this coming draft, maybe 1st. Who knows at this point, I know lots have said this is a deep draft, but outside of Leonard Fournette I don't see anyone that compares to him.

The guys from the 60's were even better than what you have stated and what the hell does integration have to do with it, they are all athletes, Worster and Gilbert was damn good and Leaks was also good, but he was having trouble with press cause he was the 2nd Black back to play at Texas, Foreman reminds me of a Earl Ricky mix, I see both of them in him, besides the old guys you leave out won more than what you guys have in the last 30 yrs..the old guys left you winners!


Hook'em

 

[dtrain87]

So I'm watching D'onta Foreman tearing up the Baylor defense, and just admiring the speed and power and I started thinking where does he rank as one of the all-time greats at Texas.

Here is my list before D'Onta Foreman

1. Earl Campbell
2. Ricky Williams
3. Jamal Charles
4. Cedric Benson
5. Priest Holmes

I didn't consider guys from the 60's like Gilbert or Worster because they were before integration. Also love Rosevelt Leaks but he wasn't as good as the guys I have listed.

So with that said, in my humble estimation I have Foreman #3 on that list. Moving Charles down to 4. To me he is a clone of Big Earl probably about the same speed but even more power. This kid makes our oline look good and they really aren't that good considering when he goes out we can't run for shit.

I wish he would consider staying for one more year, but he would be crazy to, he should be the 2nd back taken in this coming draft, maybe 1st. Who knows at this point, I know lots have said this is a deep draft, but outside of Leonard Fournette I don't see anyone that compares to him.

Foreman is running against a bunch of Big 12 DBs, while Campbell played wishbone FB. 3 yards from the LOS with no lead blockers for 3 years before playing in the veer/I-formation under Akers. He played against OU in their golden age of the 1970s and when teams only ran the ball. Earl didn't have a passing game to loosen up defenses, no spread offenses. Ricky was also a beneficiary of a balanced offense and lead blockers. In the pros Earl broke records and won an MVP in the real NFL, not two hand touch 2000s. He played in the AFC Central vs very good teams in the Browns and Steelers, you heard of them? He also faced the Raiders and Dolphins in the AFC. Earl is the greatest back to come throw UT bar none UNTIL someone like an AD, Walker or Jackson comes through here. Foreman is strong, fast and tough. He would be a fool to return because even Derrick Henry, Heisman winner was not a first round pick and their games are sim, with Foreman having more wiggle and lateral movement.

 

[clob94]

Cedric Benson is one of only 2 running backs in ncaa history to rush for 1000 yards all 4 years AND improve on his numbers from each previous year...... who is the other?

 

[dtrain87]

Cedric Benson is one of only 2 running backs in ncaa history to rush for 1000 yards all 4 years AND improve on his numbers from each previous year...... who is the other?

Ricky Williams. Most backs leave after 3rd year.

 

[oldhorn2]

ok...lets take these one at a time...

1. NO ONE...I mean no one had more power than Earl Campbell. Foreman might be faster and he has great power,,,,but no where near Earl.

2.Earl could not have 4 years of 1000 yds because at that time Freshmen could not play varsity.

3. Earl only played FB in the wishbone for one year.....than Ackers came in and installed the I formation which was a top RB dream scheme.

I would put
Earl
Ricky
Charles
Foreman
Benson

If Foreman goes pro after this year ( which he should) then I will move Benson ahead of him and maybe ahead of Charles because he too went early.

 

[oldhorn2]

I stand corrected Dtrain was correct...Earl did play wishbone FB for 3 years...my bad. That also means he played varsity 4 years as it was allowed as of 1972.


all the rest of that bullshit I said may or may not have been correct.

 

[clob94]

Ricky Williams. Most backs leave after 3rd year.

Wrong. Ricky did not have 1000 yards in 1995.

 

[clob94]

I stand corrected Dtrain was correct...Earl did play wishbone FB for 3 years...my bad. That also means he played varsity 4 years as it was allowed as of 1972.


all the rest of that bullshit I said may or may not have been correct.

Earl played nose guard as a freshman.

 

[MadDogKC]

Earl played nose guard as a freshman.

Earl could have been all American
Linebacker as well.

 

[dtrain87]

Wrong. Ricky did not have 1000 yards in 1995.

He fell short, Shon Mitchell had 1000 that year. So the RB must be Ron Dayne, Dorsett, Griffin?

 

[diadevic]

Cedric Benson is one of only 2 running backs in ncaa history to rush for 1000 yards all 4 years AND improve on his numbers from each previous year...... who is the other?

It has to be Dorsett. I know he got 1,000 all 4 years.

 

[diadevic]

Also love Rosevelt Leaks but he wasn't as good as the guys I have listed.

Not so fast my friend. The first college football game I ever attended in person was in the Cotton Bowl watching Roosevelt Leaks rush for 342 yards - while running from the fullback position in the wishbone, getting only about 1 step to get his speed up before hitting the line. It seemed like every carry was for 20 yards. Mr. Foreman is great. But 342? Give me Rosey!

http://www.chron.com/sports/longhorns/article/Longhorns-Forgotten-Day-Roosevelt-Leaks-6610260.php

 

[CAHorn47]

Not so fast my friend. The first college football game I ever attended in person was in the Cotton Bowl watching Roosevelt Leaks rush for 342 yards - while running from the fullback position in the wishbone, getting only about 1 step to get his speed up before hitting the line. It seemed like every carry was for 20 yards. Mr. Foreman is great. But 342? Give me Rosey!

http://www.chron.com/sports/longhorns/article/Longhorns-Forgotten-Day-Roosevelt-Leaks-6610260.php

Yep, diadevic, Rosie was something special. So fortunate to have been on campus for the 2 NCs, Rosie, and young Earl.

 

[clob94]

DING! DING!
Tony Dorsett and Cedric Benson are the only two running backs to have done this----- pretty elite company.....

 

[TX1972]

D'Onta might stay one more year to play with Armanti one last time and maybe a national championship.

 

[Son of Wasatch]

D'Onta might stay one more year to play with Armanti one last time and maybe a national championship.

Most champions have one or two games where they just got lucky, for Texas to win a National title next year they would need about 5 or 6 such lucky games.

I'm convinced you will see improvement at every position except RB, if Foreman doesn't come back we won't have a running game. If he does Texas will still need two or three lucky breaks.

 

[dtrain87]

Most champions have one or two games where they just got lucky, for Texas to win a National title next year they would need about 5 or 6 such lucky games.

I'm convinced you will see improvement at every position except RB, if Foreman doesn't come back we won't have a running game. If he does Texas will still need two or three lucky breaks.

Baylor runs the ball very well w/o 250 lb RBs. Go make your money Foreman!

 

[Son of Wasatch]

Baylor runs the ball very well w/o 250 lb RBs. Go make your money Foreman!

As of right now we don't have talent at RB outside of Foreman, and as of right now we haven no one even committed so something really needs to change quickly. Or lets hope Foreman decides to come back.

 

[Pumpedup55]

As of right now we don't have talent at RB outside of Foreman, and as of right now we haven no one even committed so something really needs to change quickly. Or lets hope Foreman decides to come back.

We did take 5 RB's in one class. Seems like warren is the only one worth that's decent. Not sure why we took so many low quality backs.

 

[JonBinge]

No way he comes back.

 

[Son of Wasatch]

No way he comes back.

Everyone said the exact same thing about Ricky.

 

[JonBinge]

Everyone said the exact same thing about Ricky.

True. It seems like there was more of a likelihood of running backs going in the first round back then as well. I'm not sure coming back helps him financially. I hope he's back, I am doubtful though. He's a great kid.

 

[clob94]

Fournette will be a top pick-- so will Cook at FL st. McCaffrey WOULD have been but he's showing he's good, but not as good as we thought. If I'm Perine, I bolt as well.

 

[diadevic]

Most champions have one or two games where they just got lucky, for Texas to win a National title next year they would need about 5 or 6 such lucky games.

I'm convinced you will see improvement at every position except RB, if Foreman doesn't come back we won't have a running game. If he does Texas will still need two or three lucky breaks.

How bad is Warren hurt? Is he expected to come back? He may not be Foreman, but he is a load.

 

[Son of Wasatch]

Before his injury Warren was looking really slow, he is carrying too much weight, he needs to drop about 25 lbs. Warren is a load but right now he is too much of a load. Get him to about 240 is and he might be back to the level we need him at. If he gets any bigger he might have to change positions. Right now he looks like a TE more than a RB.

 

[LongfellowDrew]

If Foreman keeps putting up numbers and I suspect he will and I also suspect he hits a 300yd game before season ends. He's gone! Maybe he does it Saturday.

 

[bubba2023]

D'Onta might stay one more year to play with Armanti one last time and maybe a national championship.

They are going to transfer?

 

[bubba2023]

Everyone said the exact same thing about Ricky.

It's a different climate for RBs in the NFL these days. Obviously he could come back, but the Ricky scenario was playing by a different set of rules.

 

[dj701919]

Just a few thoughts:

1. Earl - The most powerful runner I have ever seen, but I think that overshadows how great an athlete he was. Earl wasn't slow and he rarely got ran down from behind. Hands down my favorite athlete of all time.

2. Ricky - Probably has more god given ability than anyone you could put on this list, but he didn't have the desire to be what Earl was.

3. Ced - Was just a horse. He was like Roberto Duran. He just kept pounding on you until you gave up. I always feel bad, because he lost a chance to play for a NC because GD and MB to the ball out of his hands in the most important game of his career.

4. Rosie - Was a great back in an era when teams were equipped to deal with 255 lb men that can run as well as he did.

 

[Son of Wasatch]

1. Earl - The most powerful runner I have ever seen, but I think that overshadows how great an athlete he was. Earl wasn't slow and he rarely got ran down from behind. Hands down my favorite athlete of all time.

Earl will always be my all time favorite athlete, but don't forget, he was a 235 lb running back playing in an era of 220 lb linebackers and also at a time when 4.5 was a blazing fast 40. Randy White played DT at 255 lbs, and Mean Joe Green was a whopping 275 lbs. Not even close to today. Put D'Onta on the longhorns back then and he probably runs for 3000 yards.

2. Ricky - Probably has more god given ability than anyone you could put on this list, but he didn't have the desire to be what Earl was.

Ricky was a better and harder runner than D'onta, but D'onta is a better blocker and receiver. IOW a more complete back.

3. Ced - Was just a horse. He was like Roberto Duran. He just kept pounding on you until you gave up. I always feel bad, because he lost a chance to play for a NC because GD and MB to the ball out of his hands in the most important game of his career.

Benson was always overrated, great because of his career numbers but never the great overall back we thought he would be. Overall, Foreman is head and shoulders a better player.

4. Rosie - Was a great back in an era when teams were equipped to deal with 255 lb men that can run as well as he did.

Again, he was great for the 70's, but that again was at a time when players were a lot slower and smaller.

 

[diadevic]

Yes players are bigger and faster today ..... BUT - can you imagine if Earl or Rosey played in an offense with 4 wideouts, spreading the safeties and corners all the way to the sidelines? And if they didn't line up a FB in the 'bone (Earl did for 3 years). I submit Earl and Rosey could've run for 3000. And that's taking nothing away from Foreman - and BTW - according to this site - he was a TWO STAR?????