Back To Basics: Can LSU Run the Ball in 2010?

Louisiana State University will be looking to rebuild their running game in 2010 after a dismal 2009 rushing attack due largely to injuries.

After losing a commitment from top recruit Storm Johnson to Miami, LSU really needs to focus on finding a replacement for Charles Scott and Keiland Williams who are both headed to the NFL. 

Johnson, who committed to LSU in July 2009, eventually changed his mind and decided to play for Randy Shannon’s Miami Hurricanes. 

At 5’11", 210 pounds, Johnson is a five-star recruit that will undoubtedly make an impact as a true freshman.

LSU must find a top-level recruit that can step in and make an impact.

LSU returns one notable running back from each class.

Senior Richard Murphy will return as LSU’s featured speed back.  Murphy brings quickness and agility to the Tiger’s offense but does not have the size or durability to run between the tackles on a regular basis. He will be used mainly as a change of pace back to complement Stephen Ridley in 2010.

Ridley, a junior, is LSU’s workhorse.  He will get the bulk of the carries normally allocated to Charles Scott.  Ridley is a good between tackle runner with the strength to push a pile or break through arm tackles at the line.  The only question looming over Ridley is his surgically repaired knee. 

However, if healthy, expect Ridley to see the bulk of the touches in the Tiger rushing attack in 2010.

Sophomore Dominique Allen will be a large part of the LSU offense, but do not expect to see him carry the ball much.  Look for the 255-pound back to see much more work at fullback and in blocking roles.

Redshirt freshman Michael Ford will be more likely to contribute to the running attack as a ball carrier than Allen.  Highly regarded as an elite running back, Les Miles and the LSU coaching staff see Ford as a future star at LSU. 

The Tigers also bring three fresh sets of legs into the mix in 2010 with recruits Spencer Ware, Jakhari Gore, and Alfred Blue.

Ware, a 5’11", 225-pound bruising back, also has the agility and speed to perform in the Southeastern Conference.  As long as Stephen Ridley stays healthy, Ware should remain redshirted.  He has the potential to eventually replace Ridley in a similar role.

Gore is a huge question mark due to his lack of size.  The cousin of San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore, he has the skills and running instinct to play on the college level.  But at 155 pounds, it will be tough for Gore to break tackles in the SEC.   Look for him to play a similar role as Trendon Holliday if any at all.

Blue comes in at a lanky 6’2”, 200 pounds but has the best natural running abilities of the three recruits.  He will not wow anyone with Barry Sanders-like cutbacks or ankle-breaking moves, but he will make one cut and explode downhill similar to former Tiger great Joseph Addai. 

Blue will probably never be a featured back at LSU, but like Addai, he will see carries eventually and quietly rack up yardage and move the chains.

Tiger coaches have a lot of work to do to fix the rushing attack with the departure of top running backs Scott and Williams and key linemen Lyle Hitt and Ciron Black.

Running backs coach Frank Wilson will certainly have his guys ready to play.  The big question is whether or not the Tigers will have guys step up on the offensive line.

LSU has consistently reloaded All-SEC linemen in the past and there is a high likelihood that the trend will continue this season.   

Look for the Tigers to re-establish dominance in the running game and be serious contenders for the SEC Championship in 2010.