UW football offensive coordinator Paul Chryst should be ecstatic with the talented backfield that he has to start this season.
Returning National and Big Ten freshmen of the year P.J. Hill is back and leaner than ever. Couple that with sophomore Lance Smith's quick feet and highlight reel moves, as well as newcomers Zach
Brown and John Clay, not only coach Chryst, but all of Badger nation have plenty to look forward to.
You know, are we capable of being a good rushing team? That will show,"" Chryst said. ""The main thing is it's more than just the backs, and yet the backs have got to be disciplined, they [have] got to take advantage of what's presented to you. We certainly have a long ways to go but we can be good at running the football.""
As word came down early yesterday evening that Smith will not be joining the team at any away games all season, the two freshmen newcomers Brown and Clay will be key in helping to support Hill when he needs a breather while the Badgers take to the road.
A year ago, Hill seemed to wear down as the punishing hits he received as well as the powerful style of running he deployed on opposing defenders caught up with him. This year, two inexperienced but capable backs will be granted the opportunity to come in and help keep the offense moving, so that Hill will only need to be ready to attack as the Big Ten schedule winds down.
""P.J. is our starter, [but] we need all our running backs,"" junior fullback Chris Pressley said.
While the Badgers are at home they will be able to entertain Smith's services, and he could apply some flash to the Badgers' typical power running game.
""I actually call Lance 'Reggie Bush,' because that is his favorite player,"" Hill said. ""He loves Reggie Bush, so I always say, 'Alright Reggie get in there and do your thing,' but I love when he is in the game.""
When on the road, UW will heavily rely on Hill, but when he needs a quick rest, freshmen Brown and Clay will be thrown into the fire as very inexperienced college rushers. This does not eliminate the feats that landed them at UW, and they are very capable, as both Brown and Clay were highly regarded recruits out of Florida and Wisconsin respectively. But with youthful exuberance comes hesitation and a general adjustment to the college game, and both runners will need to work to improve in those areas.
""Just discipline in their run tracks and being patient, taking what they give you, and when you get a seam hit it,"" Chryst said.
The potential is limitless for this rushing attack. Of course the offensive line is what opens the holes, but the backs are the ones who need to find those holes and sneak through them. If Hill and the other cast of running backs want to take this rushing unit to the next level, communication is vital.
""It's just all about working together as a unit,"" Hill said. ""We do a lot of talking to each other and I feel that that's what really matters. Just talking as a unit and helping each other out with our game.
