Running Downhill: Jordan Todman Plans To Deliver in UConn's Backfield

One thing that is almost a guarantee with UConn football is the ability to run the ball against its opponents. They play smash-mouth football where the running backs are very important parts of picking up first downs and putting points on the board.

The UConn starter this year heading into the Fall is Junior, Jordan Todman.  Todman who is a powerful 5'9 190 lbs really packs a punch behind his frame. Last year, while splitting time with Andre Dixon, he ran for 1,188 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

Todman emerged as a quick hitter, a tailback that would hit the hole and run with it.  His breakout speed and strength is what helped him run down field and gain yards on the grounds.

His best game last season was on the road at Cincinnati where he rushed for 162 yards on 26 carries and scored a career high four touchdowns. Todman, against the Big East champion Bearcats, never stopped competing, and it was his success on the ground that kept UConn in the game.

That type of success needs to be replicated this season if UConn hopes to emerge as a contender for a Bowl game. UConn has too much invested in the running game for them to throw it through the air forty times a game.

The monstrous offensive line is put in place to open big holes that hopefully, Todman and company can run through and straight up the field. As a freshman playing behind first round pick Donald Brown, Todman averaged 6.3 yards a carry. An outstanding output for a freshman.

As his carries increased, Todman still remained at a remarkable 5.1 yards a carry.  There's no slowing him down, and he loves having the football in his hands. He has also been used as an electric kickoff returner in the past.

Todman caught 21 passes out of the backfield last season and can be used as a part in the passing game. It's these dimensions that make him an even bigger part of the offense.

Right behind him waiting for carries is red-shirt junior Robbie Frey, Kelmetrius Wylie a red-shirt freshman, and Jonathan Jean-Louis a senior who used to play linebacker.

At the same time, the big wild-card in the backfield is D.J. Shoemate a USC transfer who will be eligible this season and has expressed interest to play tailback.

Edsall has different choices all across the board, but it is clear that Todman is the starter and his explosiveness is crucial to UConn winning football games.

When the Huskies run the football effectively they are tough to beat. Jordan Todman is the guy that has to carry the load this season. He's up for the task and out to prove people what type of football player this kid from North Dartmouth, Massachusetts is.

From what he has shown the past two seasons, it is his time to deliver for this UConn offense.