The post-Gio RB plan

Paul did a great job breaking everything down so most of what follows is just parroting what he said......

In the short term it's Romar Morris & A.J. Blue's backfield.

With another off-season in the offense, Morris should become more comfortable with his role as the likely feature RB. But will he show signs of becoming a more natural runner? He has the extra gear once in the open field but will he continue to develop the patience, vision and tackle-breaking strength + balance that came to Gio so naturally? Time will tell but it's the difference from being just an average runner to an above average or great one.

We all know what Blue can do. The slimmed down version we all saw this past season was the most effective yet as he's a load around the goal line, is sneaky quick and deceptively fast. He could also carry 20-25 times a game should he be asked to. Having a guy like that, even in this spread, up-tempo offense is a big plus which is also why the staff believes it's imperative to recruit an effective 'big-back' every couple years.

I really think Travis Riley will get a long look at a medical hardship. Even if he doesn't, he's a 2-3 carry a game max RB in this offense regardless. He's plenty tough but just not quick or fast enough (even as a 'big-back') to be a legit long-term option. Ideally, he would take over for Blue but he's just not the same caliber athlete.

Getting into the incoming freshmen:

Khris Francis coming in early will be HUGE. Getting his feet wet in the spring should pay off next season. I'm sure the staff would love to redshirt him but I honestly doubt they'll be able to. I could see him getting at least a couple carries a game. More if/when any injuries occur to Romar/Blue.

It's imperative the staff hang onto T.J. Logan and they should. Although he desperately needs at least 10 pounds on his thin frame, Logan WILL see the field in some capacity next season whether it just be as a returner or at either RB or A-Back. He's a special talent and a legitimate home run threat from anywhere on the field that you need to really make this offense dangerous.

I also think the versatility of Ryan Switzer will payoff in the future. He put up video game numbers as a prep RB and could see carries at that position in a pinch at UNC if he had to. He'll likely get 1-2 carries a game as an A-back regardless.

Long-term future:

2014 will work itself out whether they get Elijah Hood (who may not even play RB) or not.

Plenty of time for players to emerge and/or the staff to make headway with early top targets. T.J. Logan was a South Carolina lean at this time last cycle and an out of state guy like Switzer was nowhere on the radar. Recruits will see the numbers players put up in this offense and the staff will be able to sell what Gio did and is likely to do in the League.

Also, with Blue leaving after next season and Riley a potential medical hardship there is playing time to sell to a 'big-back' in the '14 class right now.

And good stuff, 5StarTarHeel. Glad to have your contribution to the community.

You brought up a point I hadn't even thought to address -- that yes, now that Fedora will have a true A-back type in Switzer, he will be called upon to help share a small portion of the ball-carrying distribution.

Gio was a 'game-breaker' so he got the bulk of the carries for good reason. He really improved his speed in the off-season to the point he really was a 40-50 yard run waiting to happen this past season. Players like that, who can catch out of the backfield and pass block etc will likely get the bulk of the carries because they are so versatile regardless of the down-distance.

I really like Blue but he's a situational RB. The offense honestly loses that 'home run' capability when he the only runner in the backfield. I love his toughness but he's just not fast enough to take it the distance on any given play like some of the other players are.

I could see the future carry breakdown next season be something like this especially after Francis & Logan get acclimated into the offense.

Morris: 8-10
Blue: 6-8
Francis/Logan: 6-8
Switzer/Tapley/Wilkins: 2-3

That's roughly 20 carries total on the low side and 30 on the high. Fedora's offense is predicated on balance so I think that's about the range that you'll see them stay within.

I also have no problem with one player getting the majority of the carries should they prove to be as versatile as Gio. Morris is in the best position for that role because of his experience, deep speed and proven hands but he has to show that he deserves the extra carries more than some other pretty talented runners.