[BJWilliams]

We continue looking at the 2011 Liberty Flames with one of the biggest question marks for the offense (other than the line which we will look at in a couple weeks):

Running Back

Players Returning:
Aldreakis Allen (Sophomore) No 2010 Statistics
Chase Barnett (Redshirt Sophomore) 24 Carries 141 Yards 1 TD
Irwin Coleman (Redshirt Senior) 11 Carries 44 Yards
Korrey Davis (Redshirt Junior) 58 Carries 218 Yards 1 TD
SirChauncey Holloway (Redshirt Junior) 108 Carries 524 Yards 10 TD
Desmond "Des" Rice (Redshirt Freshman) No 2010 Statistics

Players Lost:
Josh Wells (Did Not Return)- Did Not Play 2010

Players Incoming:
None

For the first time (I think) since coming to Liberty, Danny Rocco hasnt brought in a new running back (either high school recruit or transfer) for 2011. The running back position was probably one of the biggest disappointments in 2010 on the offensive side of the ball (except maybe the line). After combining for just under 2000 yards in 2009 (442 of them from Mike Brown), the top three running backs in 2010 combined for just 11 more yards than the starting QB (and Big South Offensive PoY). 2009 leading rusher Aldreakis Allen returns to the team after a year away. He showed flashes of his form in the spring game, but it will be interesting to see how he does against opposing defenses.

Top rusher (among running backs) SirChauncey Holloway was somewhat of a disappointment despite rushing for over 500 yards (of course when youre two years removed from a 1500 yard rusher just about anything could be considered a disapointment). Chase Barnett showed moments where he could potentially be a very good back (including his only TD last year, a 24 yarder against Savannah State), and Irwin Coleman pretty much was the "garbage time" back, only coming in last year in games where the result was already decided. Des Rice got his first chance to show what he could do in the spring football game and he actually finished as the leading rusher among running backs in a defensive struggle. I wouldnt be surprised if he pushed Holloway going into the summer and fall.
Fullback
Players Returning:
Peter Gagliardi (Redshirt Sophomore)
Elliot Dutra (Redshirt Sophomore)

Players Lost:
John Carter Did Not Return)
Nathan Revell (Graduation)

Players Incoming:
Leo Cardenas 5-10 210 Lbs Westwood, NJ (Walk On)

The Fullback is probably one of the least used positions as far as the running game for Liberty. Peter Gagliardi, a transfer from Buffalo, caught 8 passes and that pretty much was it. For Liberty, the fullback basically is another blocker, creating holes for the running backs. With the spread becoming more prevalent, itll be interesting to see what happens with Gagliardi, Dutra and new addition Leo Cardenas this year.

[TDDance234]

I don't know if you can call SirChauncey a disappointment. He kept a 4.9 ypc average and scored 10 TD's as a R-Soph. With the way our OL blocked last year, nobody was able to run consistently.

[BJWilliams]

Id have to agree TD...As I said when youre two years removed from a 1500 yard rusher having someone only rush for 500 yards could be seen as a disappointment by an outside observer. Like I said, Im looking at the line in two weeks and I'll have my own words to say about them when I get to it.

[Flamefan4life]

Chase Barnett has been moved from the RB spot over to the S receiver position and Desmond Rice is actually going to be a true Freshman this year since he "gray" shitrted last season. Rice is a great young talent and will definitely be pushing Holloway and Allen going into the season but i think that he will end up being a redshirt player.

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for the heads up and welcome to the board.