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The Government Grind



Spring Review 2012: Running Back
by bradlocke
 Inside Mississippi State Sports
May 01, 2012 | 4487 views | 3 3 comments | 11 11 recommendations | email to a friend | print | permalink
LaDarius Perkins has rushed for 1,018 yards over two seasons. (Photo by Thomas Wells)
LaDarius Perkins has rushed for 1,018 yards over two seasons. (Photo by Thomas Wells)
slideshow

Our post-spring series continues on offense today with the running backs.

Projected starter: LaDarius Perkins, Jr.

Backups: Nick Griffin, So.; Derrick Milton, R-Fr.; Josh Robinson, R-Fr.

The skinny: I'm having a hard time deciding who will actually be the No. 1 back, but exiting the spring, that distinction belongs to the more experienced Perkins. I just don't know that he's an every-down back, and I can't see him giving you consistent yards between the tackles.

And that's why the question of who's No. 1 isn't all that important. Perkins and Griffin will both get plenty of snaps. Perkins (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) will be more of an outside runner who can occasionally venture between the tackles. Griffin (6-0, 225) will be more of a power back, a role he said he's trying hard to embrace.

That's how I think it'll pan out, and that's largely based on what I saw this spring. Perkins and Griffin should make a nice one-two punch out of the backfield, both can break off big runs, and both will be utilized to some degree in the passing game. Can this duo be as effective as Perkins and Vick Ballard were? I don't see why not, because I love what Griffin can do.

Perkins rushed for 452 yards at 4.9 yards per carry last fall, while Griffin gained 108 yards in limited action. He didn't play until the sixth game of the year as he recovered from a knee injury suffered last spring. He was cutting just fine this spring.

As for Robinson and Milton, I don't know that there will be many carries left over for them, especially with the Bulldogs expected to pass it more this year than in the past. But Robinson wowed in the spring with his speed; what will limit his snaps is his pass blocking. Milton looks like another Griffin in the making.

Comments
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Dawgs&Braves
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May 02, 2012
I agree Robinson and Milton's touches will be limited, but they will get them nonetheless. Robinson has too much speed. Dan would be committing a crime if he doesn't give him a couple touches out in space. His speed is what we've been missing.
mantachie
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May 02, 2012
turfy

what you doing over here, get back on the Ole Miss blog, where your true love really is as a Black Bear Fan. You can't fool these guys, they know you camp out on the Ole Miss blog.

Go State--ring them cow Bells

Dan the man is the man!
turfguy
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May 02, 2012
Loaded at rb indeed. If you view Milton's video, you will see a punishing runner, who finishes his runs by running over the tackler. He looks like a hammer hitting a nail. It should be a good year to be a rb at Mstate. With an improved passing game, holes will open up for big gains in the running game. Meanwhile in Oxfart... the rb situation is well, uhhh......