Ohio State’s Vaughn Broadnax examines backup RBs Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin with Brandon Saine and Boom Herron nursing injuries.
It has been established by the coaching staff that Brandon Saine and Dan Herron are 1A and 1B when it come to the starting tailback for Ohio State. Both have their shortcomings, but can be effective. Herron needs to run with more authority and Saine needs to trust his combination of speed and power.
However, two young backs are emerging and it begs the question: Which one comes in after Saine and Herron? Both Jordan Hall and Jermil Martin have provided glimpses of greatness in recent games, but which one of these fine young backs emerges as the clear number two back?
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When I evaluate a tailback I look for several things.
The first is vision. Any tailback can run through gaping hole when a play goes as designed. But how does that same back do when they have to go off script? Do they have a “feel” for the defense? How quickly do they recognize their options? Most of all, do they trust their “instincts”? A tailback has to react quickly to constantly morphing situations. That ability is a trait common among all great tailbacks.
The second thing I look for in a tailback is how they position themselves as they are about to get tackled. I find myself studying how a tailback prepares for contact because there is no way to eliminate it. There are ways to utilize contact in your favor. I have always believed that a running back should deliver equal or greater force toward anyone who is attempting to tackle them. Believe me: Few defensive players enjoy tackling hard running tailbacks. When the knees are pumping like pistons or a shoulder is given as a greeting card, it discourages a tackler as the game goes on with that thought in the back of their mind.
The third thing I look for is how the tailback helps their blockers create seams. Linemen and wide receivers can be made to look bad or great simply by the way a tailback sets them up for the block. When a tailback feigns that they are going inside or outside, the defender has to react. All the blocker has to do is continue that momentum and take the defender out of the play. That’s one less defender and additional yards that result from simply setting up a block.
To me, Jordan and Jermil offer perfect examples of elusiveness and power running styles, respectively.
It is apparent to me that Jordan has the instincts to be a great tailback. He hits the hole by design or he can quickly adjust to what the defense gives him. Jermil hits the holes quickly and hard but runs with authority of a Brahma bull with power and determination. Jermil doesn’t make many people miss, but he makes them think twice about tackling him low. Jordan sets up his blockers well too and has a knack of finishing forward on his runs.
It will be interesting to see how well both perform as they get more playing time, but I have to give the edge to Jordan Hall at this time. Jordan proves that you don’t have to be the big bruising tailback OSU fans are used to. Jordan “runs to daylight” and doesn’t hesitate making his move upfield. Jermil Martin will get it done – just a little differently.
Oh, and let’s forget Jamaal Berry. He steps in mix next year.
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A former Ohio State running back, Broadnax now resides in Indianapolis, IN and supports Starfish Initiative, which prepares students for college.
Got a question or comment? E-mail him here
All Vaughn Broadnax Blog Posts
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