RUNNING BACKS
The Cats return Nic Grigsby who rushed for 1,153 yards on 214 carries for a 5.4 average and scored 13 TD’s. Talk about a quiet 1,253. Nic is one of the nation’s most underrated backs in college. He enjoyed the open running lanes created by the awesome passing scheme involving Tuitama and Mike Thomas. However, this year seems to be much different. The Cats will have to find their vertical passing game somewhere else and figure out who is going to be their QB. This directly affects the running game. Also, depending on who is in at QB (Foles or Scott), the Cats scheme will greatly change. With Foles in, look for more straight up zone plays, draw plays, or possibly a FB in to give Grigsby an Iso. With Scott in , the Cats basically have two running backs in the backfield, creating a zone read option which drives defenses mad. Grigsby will also have to deal with the loss of his workhorse, Eben Britton, to the NFL.
(Repeat of 2008, injury free I hope)
Make no mistake, the loss of Tuitama will be huge on the entire offense, including the rushing attack. I still think that Grigsby reaches 1,000 yards this season and will possibly get 175 carries this coming year. Grigsby was also honorable mention Pac-10 in 2008. Look for Grigsby to be the inside the tackles back and grind out short yardage on third down. Also coming in on third downs and goal line situations is redshirt freshman Greg Nwoko who comes in at 6’2" and 220 lbs. Depending on how he handles his playing time, Nwoko could be the go to guy close to the goal line and on third downs with less than two yards to go.
The "other" back
(Don't let Jenkins break on you or he's gone!)
Also recruited by the Cats is freshman Kylan
(Kylan Butler can fly too. May be slot receiver/KR)
The coaches have also tinkered with putting