So excited am I about our RB platoon for 2009, that I will plan accordingly to attend my first Red-Black since I graduated unless it conflicts with something that helps pay for season tickets.  Leach has finally recruited talent at the position that could walk in to just about any program and log minutes.  With a new QB, I’m hoping he leans on this strength and continues to work playaction into his offense.  You have to call handoffs for playaction to have the desired effect.

Baron Batch, 5′11″, 205 lbs, Jr. – Batch simply needs to get and stay healthy as he’s a difference maker when at full capacity.  The Red Baron recorded over 1200 yards of total offense and scored 8 TDs splitting reps with Shannon Woods.  I would have no problem with our entire offense being filtered through Batch.  He’s got legitimate speed, size and power.  Batch’s playing time will mostly be affected by the next guy.

Harrison Jeffers, 5′9″, 210 lbs, RS Fr. - I have a hard time not getting excited about Jeffers, if reports of his scout team performances are accurate.  I read of several instances where Jeffers would get stuffed for 4 straight carries and then rip off a 60 yarder against our 1st team defense.  Initially, I thought this might be more of a reflection on the ineptitude of our run defense, but as the season progressed, it became evident it was more of a testament to Jeffers’ talent.  Why, you say? Because prior to the Cotton Bowl, the longest run given up to a back by the 1st team Tech defense was 26 yards to Kendall Hunter.  Demarco Murray had a 25 yard scamper and Fozzy Whittaker poached a 21 yarder.  I’m assuming all 3 of those guys were receiving better blocking than Jeffers was on our scout team.  He’s a different animal than what we’ve fielded in the past and bears little resemblance to our typical scatbacks.  If his film and trackstar speed translate at the next level, the dimension of a bonafide running game could develop for the Red Raider offense.  Jeffers needs to focus on the playbook and work on blitz protection.  Just earn the coaching staff’s trust. 

Aaron Crawford, 5′11″, 200 lbs, RS Soph. - I think Crawford will end up being the odd man out in 2009.  He’s a very average runner and might be better suited to gaining 15-20 pounds and taking over the H-Back position vacated by Ryan Hale.