The better RB: AC or KM

[hogwild210]

Man this coaching staff is dumb. Why didn't they see that?

You're better than this, Mike.

[Beantown Razahback]

I love to think that KM will have a breakout season....but Alex Collins has the potential to be All-SEC, even while splitting carries with JWill. He is that good.

[Arthur pigby sellers.]

one advantage with KM IS he starts quicker and doesn't need as much blocking or as big a hole

I always thought AC hit the hole incredibly quick and made very quick cuts.  Very few backs get to the second level as fast as AC.  Are you talking about Williams?

[hambone]

JWill is by far our best back. He can actually take it to the house and gets a lot of yards after contact.

[bphi11ips]

Everything I have heard is that he is staying at RB and Return Specialist. I haven't heard Bielema say anything about moving him to part time Safety, though, I wouldn't be shocked if it did happen because it seems that is what Marshall would prefer.

What I don't know is, does Marshall want to make the move there for playing time because he thinks that he could break into the starting line up there sooner than at RB, or simply because that is where he truly wants to play?

Maybe KM wants to play on Sundays.

[Pork Twain]

One thing CBB should us at Wisky is that he can get more than one RB their touches

[EastexHawg]

Actually it's pretty easy to compare. Both were true freshman last year. One was sharing the startin spot and had 1000 yards. One got a handful carries a game as the number 3 rb. Pretty easy to tell who the better rb is. And honestly, if korliss wasn't from arkansas this topic never would have been posted.

It's hard to make that assumption unless Marshall gets enough carries to truly show what he can do.  Remember no one thought Fred Talley was in Cedric Cobbs' class until Talley was moved from DB and injuries gave him a chance to demonstrate his ability.

I think one thing is for sure.  There were a few runs Marshall would have taken to the house last year if he had gotten into the open field situations Collins did.  The question, of course, is whether Marshall would have had the power and cutting ability to put himself in those positions.

Collins was an outstanding freshman back.  I hope Marshall one day gets a chance to show what he can do, too.

BTW, I think going into 2014 Williams is clearly the best back we have. 

[urkillnmesmalls]

Maybe KM wants to play on Sundays.

What puzzles me is...last year we struggled at S.  Mightily.  What in the WORLD prevented Marshall from getting some playing time at that position when his red shirt was already burned?  That's the question that hasn't been answered.  Maybe he doesn't have good instincts for defense, or there's some other issues that are preventing him from jumping into that role. 

I see no reason he can't play S and then come in for the three to four plays a game designed for him on offense.  We've seen that from many players over the years. 

It really seems to indicate that maybe there is something more than meets the eye at play here. 

[Melorock089]

Everything I have heard is that he is staying at RB and Return Specialist. I haven't heard Bielema say anything about moving him to part time Safety, though, I wouldn't be shocked if it did happen because it seems that is what Marshall would prefer.

What I don't know is, does Marshall want to make the move there for playing time because he thinks that he could break into the starting line up there sooner than at RB, or simply because that is where he truly wants to play?

I think he's a great kid that loves the Razorbacks and wants to do anything possible that best helps the team, and we need help at safety. I'm not sure but I heard somewhere that even if he didn't get a scholarship, he would have still walked on.

[bphi11ips]

What puzzles me is...last year we struggled at S.  Mightily.  What in the WORLD prevented Marshall from getting some playing time at that position when his red shirt was already burned?  That's the question that hasn't been answered.  Maybe he doesn't have good instincts for defense, or there's some other issues that are preventing him from jumping into that role. 

I see no reason he can't play S and then come in for the three to four plays a game designed for him on offense.  We've seen that from many players over the years. 

It really seems to indicate that maybe there is something more than meets the eye at play here. 

Maybe players who have played in the secondary for 12 years have an advantage.  Maybe Marshall is not the best safety on campus.

I know nothing about KM's experience.  Rivals shows him having 39 tackles and 1 INT as a senior at Osceola but shows no defensive stats as a junior or sophomore, although his rushing stats are shown for those years.  Most athletes with Marshall's ability would play both ways at a school the size of Osceola.  Does anyone know how long Marshall has played safety? 

If Marshall is the best choice at safety, I have to believe that's where Bielema will put him.  That certainly would seem to me to be the best decision for the team and for Marshall.  So, when that appears to be so obvious, doesn't it appear to also be obvious that the coaches don't believe Marshall is their best safety? 

[Prestworthy]

Maybe players who have played in the secondary for 12 years have an advantage.  Maybe Marshall is not the best safety on campus.

I know nothing about KM's experience.  Rivals shows him having 39 tackles and 1 INT as a senior at Osceola but shows no defensive stats as a junior or sophomore, although his rushing stats are shown for those years.  Most athletes with Marshall's ability would play both ways at a school the size of Osceola.  Does anyone know how long Marshall has played safety? 

If Marshall is the best choice at safety, I have to believe that's where Bielema will put him.  That certainly would seem to me to be the best decision for the team and for Marshall.  So, when that appears to be so obvious, doesn't it appear to also be obvious that the coaches don't believe Marshall is their best safety?

Just from watching him run the ball, he looks way too dangerous to put on defense.  He needs the ball in his hands.

I'm surprised no one has referenced the would-be KO return for a TD vs LSU.  When is the last time Arkansas had a guy that could do that, not named Dennis Johnson?

[PonderinHog]

Just from watching him run the ball, he looks way too dangerous to put on defense.  He needs the ball in his hands.

I'm surprised no one has referenced the would-be KO return for a TD vs LSU.  When is the last time Arkansas had a guy that could do that, not named Dennis Johnson?

I'd love see him with the ball in his hands on defense.   

[Mike_e]

No one in this thread has asked this question so I will, How is KM on holding onto the ball?

We've had more than one 'can't miss' running backs over the years that just couldn't seem to hang onto the ball and thus rode the pine except for spot duty.

I'm not ragging KM, I just don't know.  Does anyone?

[dj shanon "Notshavin" smeya]

What puzzles me is...last year we struggled at S.  Mightily.  What in the WORLD prevented Marshall from getting some playing time at that position when his red shirt was already burned?  That's the question that hasn't been answered.  Maybe he doesn't have good instincts for defense, or there's some other issues that are preventing him from jumping into that role. 

I see no reason he can't play S and then come in for the three to four plays a game designed for him on offense.  We've seen that from many players over the years. 

It really seems to indicate that maybe there is something more than meets the eye at play here. 

I agree, it is a bit curious, especially since BB is now thinking about moving him.  Maybe Ash didn't want to, so now BB is revisiting it.

[PonderinHog]

No one in this thread has asked this question so I will, How is KM on holding onto the ball?

We've had more than one 'can't miss' running backs over the years that just couldn't seem to hang onto the ball and thus rode the pine except for spot duty.

I'm not ragging KM, I just don't know.  Does anyone?

He made a mistake or two on KOR duty that cost us field position.  Not sure about turnovers.

[urkillnmesmalls]

Maybe players who have played in the secondary for 12 years have an advantage.  Maybe Marshall is not the best safety on campus.

I know nothing about KM's experience.  Rivals shows him having 39 tackles and 1 INT as a senior at Osceola but shows no defensive stats as a junior or sophomore, although his rushing stats are shown for those years.  Most athletes with Marshall's ability would play both ways at a school the size of Osceola.  Does anyone know how long Marshall has played safety? 

If Marshall is the best choice at safety, I have to believe that's where Bielema will put him.  That certainly would seem to me to be the best decision for the team and for Marshall.  So, when that appears to be so obvious, doesn't it appear to also be obvious that the coaches don't believe Marshall is their best safety?

That's my point!  I'm not implying that the coaches are wrong, or that KM can't play safety.  At least that wasn't my intent if it came across that way.   

What I am suggesting is that it's a mystery to us, and may remain that way.  It could be something as simple as understanding defense better and it taking him more time, or something as major as not having good instincts at that position despite plenty of repetitions and coaching.  Heck...he may look all world for five plays, but then he bites on a simple run fake and gets torched.  Maybe he looks great on everything except making a play on the ball, and he whiffs too often and allows big plays.  We don't know...and that's part of the closed practice mystery.   

You could have all the measurables in the world for that position, but if you don't have good instincts...you're going to be a potential liability.  That's why I don't understand all of those who keep suggesting that the coaches are idiots for not putting him at safety.  There has to be some reason they haven't done that, because it's not like we're setting the world on fire at that position for the past...well, long time.   

[bennyl08]

Just from watching him run the ball, he looks way too dangerous to put on defense.  He needs the ball in his hands.

I'm surprised no one has referenced the would-be KO return for a TD vs LSU.  When is the last time Arkansas had a guy that could do that, not named Dennis Johnson?

How far back you want to go? Felix was the best KR we ever had, M. Wade had the ability to take it to the house before being kicked off the team. Technically Knile Davis could do that, I mean, he had a couple huge returns in the NFL.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

How far back you want to go? Felix was the best KR we ever had, M. Wade had the ability to take it to the house before being kicked off the team. Technically Knile Davis could do that, I mean, he had a couple huge returns in the NFL.

Felix did average more per KO Return, 28.2 yds p/return to Johnson's 23.4 yds p/return. Nonetheless, I'd take either one today.

KO Returns

CAREER:
119# Dennis Johnson (2784 yards)..................................2008-12
62 Felix Jones (1749 yards)............................................2005-07
61 DeCori Birmingham (1321 yards)..................................2001-04
55 Derek Holloway (1209 yards)......................................1979-82
51 Barry Foster (1008 yards)..........................................1987-89
43 Carl Miller (1016 yards)..............................................1983-85
38 Darren McFadden (926 yards).....................................2005-07
36 Cedric Washington (701 yards)...................................2003-06
35 Jon Richardson (780 yards)........................................1970-72
31 Ron Dickerson (776 yards).........................................1989-92
31 Lance Alworth (740 yards).........................................1959-61
24 Steven Harris (490 yards)..........................................2000-04
24 Donnie Stone (518 yards)..........................................1956-58
# SEC Record


Ken Hatfield averaged 16.0 yds p/punt return, Joe Adams came in at slightly less, 15.8 yds p/return.


Punt Returns

CAREER:
1,153 Ken Hatfield (72 returns).......................................1962-64
1,004 Gary Anderson (115 returns)..................................1979-82
959 Bobby Joe Edmonds (93 returns)................................1982-85
690 Lance Alworth (51 returns).......................................1959-61
657 Tim Horton (78 returns)...........................................1986-89
642 Aubrey Fowler (45 returns).......................................1946-47
625 Vaughn Lusby (86 returns)......................................  1974, 76-78
594 Marvin Jackson (53 returns)......................................2001, 03
594 Johnny Cole (39 returns)..........................................1950-52
570 Joe Adams (36 returns)............................................2008-11
546 DeCori Birmingham (52 returns)..................................2001-04
505 Gary Adams (49 returns)...........................................1966-68

[Mike Irwin]

You're better than this, Mike.

If by that you mean that I should avoid sarcasm in addressing what I consider to be a pointless thread on this board then I would say the effect was exactly what I intended.

No brainer questions have always annoyed me. This tread, in its title, poses the question, is Korliss Marshall a better running back than Alex Collins?

It's a question that does not need to be asked. The answer is obvious.

[Pork Twain]

You're better than this, Mike.

He is usually right on the money and his assessment of this thread is no different

[casken]

JWill is by far our best back. He can actually take it to the house and gets a lot of yards after contact.

This has been my observation as well.

[Prestworthy]

If by that you mean that I should avoid sarcasm in addressing what I consider to be a pointless thread on this board then I would say the effect was exactly what I intended.

No brainer questions have always annoyed me. This tread, in its title, poses the question, is Korliss Marshall a better running back than Alex Collins?

It's a question that does not need to be asked. The answer is obvious.

You don't know that.  It's not as obvious as you think.  The thread was intended to garner good conversation and observation.  But when someone comes in and writes like they know more than everyone else, it kills the vibe.

[HogFanatic]

To answer the questions...Marshall deserves more carries (than he got last year, not than the other two) IMO. I would like to see Marshall get at least 10 touches per game.

Who has the higher ceiling? That's a very tough question. All three of these guys are extremely good. J-Will is my favorite of the three for his blend of power, speed, cutting ability (he is our best single-cut back easily), and attitude. Collins is a tremendously gifted between the tackles type runner and hasn't been playing long. Marshall is pure nastiness when he gets the ball. No, he didn't reel off a real long one last year (only Williams did), but he didn't get many touches. What I DO know is that I held my breath every time he touched the ball. If he continues to add weight and is utilized as a BIT more as an every down type back, we could see a superstar. A lot of folks seem to forget he was recruited as a DB. It just became too apparent the guy is a natural RB.

In short they are all three SEC starter quality backs IMO.

[Prestworthy]

To answer the questions...Marshall deserves more carries (than he got last year, not than the other two) IMO. I would like to see Marshall get at least 10 touches per game.

Who has the higher ceiling? That's a very tough question. All three of these guys are extremely good. J-Will is my favorite of the three for his blend of power, speed, cutting ability (he is our best single-cut back easily), and attitude. Collins is a tremendously gifted between the tackles type runner and hasn't been playing long. Marshall is pure nastiness when he gets the ball. No, he didn't reel off a real long one last year (only Williams did), but he didn't get many touches. What I DO know is that I held my breath every time he touched the ball. If he continues to add weight and is utilized as a BIT more as an every down type back, we could see a superstar. A lot of folks seem to forget he was recruited as a DB. It just became too apparent the guy is a natural RB.

In short they are all three SEC starter quality backs IMO.

Thanks for your input, HogFanatic.  I held my breath when KM get the ball too

[HogInFlorida]

Collins is definitely the better RB (right now) but Marshall seems to be the more explosive athlete. Based on what I saw last year, he could be an all time great at KOR when it's all said and done. His average only was okay last year because of some dumb mistakes early in the year "like stepping out of bounds on the 1) and that stupid block in the back in the LSU game that prevented the TD. But after he settled in and the mistakes went away, he was as dangerous as anyone we've had since Marquel Wade. And Marshall looks faster than Wade.

But as it stands now, our Freshman All American is the better RB. He has fantastic vision and patience, he can make anyone miss and he hits the hole as quick as anyone. Marshall just seems to have him beat on speed and acceleration.

[plumbhog]

First you are talking about Hootie - enough said on his decision making skills.

Now Dmac came out of high school as the #7 RB in the country according to 247Sports.

Korliss #67 in the country.

Alex #1 in the country

Now you tell me which one is closer to Dmac?

And Barry Sanders rode the bench till Thurman Thomas turned pro. Who was the best of them two?

[Mike Irwin]

1. Sorry that I killed the "vibe."  There are certain vibes on this board that continue to baffle me. Like how one of the few bright spots on the team last season could be called into question.

Freshmen running backs who go for over a thousand yards are pretty special. A player from the 2013 Razorbacks making an All-SEC team should be something to celebrate. Instead we have what we always seem to have with certain Hog fans. That particular player may not be special at all. In fact maybe he didn't deserve all those carries he got. Why? Because he didn't break an 80 yarder. Of course neither did Korliss Marshall but if he got more carries he could be another D-Mac because he's fast.

One thing is for sure. Some fans live in a perpetual dream world where what could be is better than what is. Other fans deal with what's in front of them especially when it's positive and last year Collins was a positive.     

2. I write like I know more than everyone else? That implies that everyone posting in this thread disagrees with me. Read the thread and you'll see that's not the case.

3. Those of you who believe that Marshall is D Mac-like may get your chance to see. The brief suspension Bielema laid on Alex Collins a few weeks ago was not good.
The fact that so far this spring Bielema has practically fallen over himself praising J-Will combined with his decision to leave Marshall at running back tells me something is going on with Collins. Add in that virtually nothing was said about him this week and I inclined to believe those who have told me that Collins is in some serious need of motivation right now.

4. For those of you who constantly question Arkansas' recruiting in football Collins represented a breakthrough IMO. How many other national top 5 running backs has this school landed out of south Florida? If Collins has a great career here it could open a pipeline in that talent rich part of the country. If he gets reduced carries after one good season I have to wonder if that pipeline will close at least for elite running backs.

5. I hope whatever is going on with that kid turns out to be temporary and not much of a big deal. This football program needs to land more players like Alex Collins in the future.

[Chief Mac]

But as it stands now, our Freshman All American is the better RB. He has fantastic vision and patience, he can make anyone miss and he hits the hole as quick as anyone. Marshall just seems to have him beat on speed and acceleration.

This sums it up best and brings up a point that many don't understand in regards to running backs.  The vision and patience Collins displayed as a true freshman last year is not what you expect from a youngster and many running backs never have it.  That type of vision and patience is an elite quality in running backs.  Those qualities are more important than straight ahead speed

[ChitownHawg]

And Barry Sanders rode the bench till Thurman Thomas turned pro. Who was the best of them two?

First the comparison of Korliss to Dmac and now we have someone comparing to Barry Sanders? LOL

[Athog]

So you are already dismissing a 900 yard rusher from last year for a kid who had 146 yards rushing last year? I'll grant you that Marshall is talented and he has a better second gear when in the open than Collins and is a talented return artist and he has great potential for the future, but Williams will share the starting nod with Collins, unless Williams completely screws up the spring and fall practices.

Exactly.

[urkillnmesmalls]

1. Sorry that I killed the "vibe."  There are certain vibes on this board that continue to baffle me. Like how one of the few bright spots on the team last season could be called into question.

Freshmen running backs who go for over a thousand yards are pretty special. A player from the 2013 Razorbacks making an All-SEC team should be something to celebrate. Instead we have what we always seem to have with certain Hog fans. That particular player may not be special at all. In fact maybe he didn't deserve all those carries he got. Why? Because he didn't break an 80 yarder. Of course neither did Korliss Marshall but if he got more carries he could be another D-Mac because he's fast.

One thing is for sure. Some fans live in a perpetual dream world where what could be is better than what is. Other fans deal with what's in front of them especially when it's positive and last year Collins was a positive.     

2. I write like I know more than everyone else? That implies that everyone posting in this thread disagrees with me. Read the thread and you'll see that's not the case.

3. Those of you who believe that Marshall is D Mac-like may get your chance to see. The brief suspension Bielema laid on Alex Collins a few weeks ago was not good.
The fact that so far this spring Bielema has practically fallen over himself praising J-Will combined with his decision to leave Marshall at running back tells me something is going on with Collins. Add in that virtually nothing was said about him this week and I inclined to believe those who have told me that Collins is in some serious need of motivation right now.

4. For those of you who constantly question Arkansas' recruiting in football Collins represented a breakthrough IMO. How many other national top 5 running backs has this school landed out of south Florida? If Collins has a great career here it could open a pipeline in that talent rich part of the country. If he gets reduced carries after one good season I have to wonder if that pipeline will close at least for elite running backs.

5. I hope whatever is going on with that kid turns out to be temporary and not much of a big deal. This football program needs to land more players like Alex Collins in the future.

Man, I hope that is something transient, because everyone around the program seems to really like AC.  He's got that bright outgoing personality that should help with recruiting as well, so I hope things get ironed out if there is an issue. 

I do recall a few times last season where CBB made some comments about AC and softly alluded to how much better he would be if he was doing all the right things on and off the field.  I know at least once he commented on how he needed to take nutrition more seriously, and that with some intense training and effort, he could take his game to a new level. 

Man...I hope something isn't brewing.   

[plumbhog]

First the comparison of Korliss to Dmac and now we have someone comparing to Barry Sanders? LOL

Oh lord, in no way was I comparing any of our players to Sanders. How you came up with that is beyond me. I was only pointing out the fact that just because you are not the current starter does not mean you are not as good. And if a coach underestimates someones talent doesnt make him an idiot or stupid it just means he is human and can make mistakes just like anyone else.

[Legball13]

In order to understand what has happened let me explain, When Korliss was being recruited they knew he was a remarkable athlete, they knew he was a top notch RB and they also knew that AC was rated the #1 RB in the nation, with KM being from ARK, they didnt want to come out and say they were recruiting him for RB because the fan sentiment would always be to play the in state kid. So they sold the bill of goods to AC that he was going to be the main RB because they knew he could play there. They told KM we are recruiting you for Safety knowing that he had the athletic ability to play there, So KM bought into that because he wanted to be a HOG. So when everyone would ask him, he would say the right thing and say yes I want to play Safety, but in his heart wanted to be a RB. Practice began last year and KM started out on defense and worked there doing a good job but having a hard time picking up all the mental part of the position (safety a lot more to pick up and learn than RB) But during practice whenever he would get the ball in his hands big things would happen, thus the part time chance to be the KO return man, and have a few plays in the backfield.. all the while still working on defense, so basically only getting some work on both side not allowing him to totally pick up everything on either side. Now with the designation of RB in the spring getting full attention to that position and being able to fully grasp the postition, the cream is rising to the top. I am in no way saying AC is not a great RB, he is but he basically had no competiton for the job last year.. It was handed to him based on his HS play. And did a great job.. but you cant rest on your past performances. someone that is working harder will step in and take your job. Dont be suprised to see this happen. Although AC may be the best RB, Korliss is by far the better athlete and if u take a better athlete and give him time to learn and he continues to work harder than the other guy its only a matter of time before he is earning more and more carries.

[immahog]

im sorry but I did not think this should have been a queston.....KM has not had the carries to even compare the two ... an those that say KM is better than AC I would love to see what you base that on

[ChitownHawg]

In order to understand what has happened let me explain, When Korliss was being recruited they knew he was a remarkable athlete, they knew he was a top notch RB and they also knew that AC was rated the #1 RB in the nation, with KM being from ARK, they didnt want to come out and say they were recruiting him for RB because the fan sentiment would always be to play the in state kid. So they sold the bill of goods to AC that he was going to be the main RB because they knew he could play there. They told KM we are recruiting you for Safety knowing that he had the athletic ability to play there, So KM bought into that because he wanted to be a HOG. So when everyone would ask him, he would say the right thing and say yes I want to play Safety, but in his heart wanted to be a RB. Practice began last year and KM started out on defense and worked there doing a good job but having a hard time picking up all the mental part of the position (safety a lot more to pick up and learn than RB) But during practice whenever he would get the ball in his hands big things would happen, thus the part time chance to be the KO return man, and have a few plays in the backfield.. all the while still working on defense, so basically only getting some work on both side not allowing him to totally pick up everything on either side. Now with the designation of RB in the spring getting full attention to that position and being able to fully grasp the postition, the cream is rising to the top. I am in no way saying AC is not a great RB, he is but he basically had no competiton for the job last year.. It was handed to him based on his HS play. And did a great job.. but you cant rest on your past performances. someone that is working harder will step in and take your job. Dont be suprised to see this happen. Although AC may be the best RB, Korliss is by far the better athlete and if u take a better athlete and give him time to learn and he continues to work harder than the other guy its only a matter of time before he is earning more and more carries.

You have one vivid imagination. 

[razorbackfanatic]

Collins is as fast top end as Jwill. Just bc he didn't happen to break a long TD does not mean Jwill is faster top end. They are very close top end. But Collins has the cutting ability and vision of a Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Gale Sayers type back. Jwill keeps his balance thru tackles better but AC was also a true freshman and is only getting stronger. Both are very physical which I love. Marshall has that true 4.3 speed so he can hit that homerun especially against a tired defense. But he isn't an every down back yet and may never be. He reminds me of a Fred Talley pre acl type back. 1 cut get vertical and turn on the after burners. AC got yards on plays that JWill and KM would have got tfl on.

[razorbackfanatic]

We are lucky to have 3 quality backs like these 3.

[ChitownHawg]

Oh lord, in no way was I comparing any of our players to Sanders. How you came up with that is beyond me. I was only pointing out the fact that just because you are not the current starter does not mean you are not as good. And if a coach underestimates someones talent doesnt make him an idiot or stupid it just means he is human and can make mistakes just like anyone else.

Simple - I read your brief comments. What evidence shows that Korliss is better? No one has shown any stats or pointed to any games that suggest he is better than Collins. The best you anyone can come up with is he is faster.

It is easy to look great in the 4th quarter coming in for a play or two. JWill and Alex have earned the right to be the top backs. Korliss will be nothing more than a change of pace back.

[ChitownHawg]

We are lucky to have 3 quality backs like these 3.

Very true. All three are fine young men and serve the team well.

[Prestworthy]

Simple - I read your brief comments. What evidence shows that Korliss is better? No one has shown any stats or pointed to any games that suggest he is better than Collins. The best you anyone can come up with is he is faster.

It is easy to look great in the 4th quarter coming in for a play or two. JWill and Alex have earned the right to be the top backs. Korliss will be nothing more than a change of pace back.

You'll be eating these words this season.

[ChitownHawg]

You'll be eating these words this season.

And if I do then no big deal as it will mean a Razorback out performed expectations. I always love to see that happen.

[GoHogs1091]

In the SEC, a RB needs to be able to do 1 of 2 aspects very well (preferably both very well).

Run through tackles/or run over defenders
Have enough speed to get to the edge/perimeter and get by high quality Linebackers

The reason why the first aspect is so important is that the hole a Offensive Line creates in the SEC closes very fast.  A RB is going to have to be able to deal with tacklers who will close the hole very quickly (especially on inside run plays).  Both Collins and Marshall so far haven't shown that they can run through tackles/or run over defenders.

Regarding the second aspect, it pertains to perimeter running plays.  Some of the Linebackers in the SEC have tremendous ability to get out on the perimeter to make plays.  Marshall has that type of speed, but there were instances last season in which Collins got to the edge/perimeter, but high quality SEC Linebackers got to him before he could really get to the Secondary level.

[sooie84]

What was Collins ypc in conference vs non conference games?

[PygmalionEffect]

1. Sorry that I killed the "vibe."  There are certain vibes on this board that continue to baffle me. Like how one of the few bright spots on the team last season could be called into question.

Freshmen running backs who go for over a thousand yards are pretty special. A player from the 2013 Razorbacks making an All-SEC team should be something to celebrate. Instead we have what we always seem to have with certain Hog fans. That particular player may not be special at all. In fact maybe he didn't deserve all those carries he got. Why? Because he didn't break an 80 yarder. Of course neither did Korliss Marshall but if he got more carries he could be another D-Mac because he's fast.

One thing is for sure. Some fans live in a perpetual dream world where what could be is better than what is. Other fans deal with what's in front of them especially when it's positive and last year Collins was a positive.     

2. I write like I know more than everyone else? That implies that everyone posting in this thread disagrees with me. Read the thread and you'll see that's not the case.

3. Those of you who believe that Marshall is D Mac-like may get your chance to see. The brief suspension Bielema laid on Alex Collins a few weeks ago was not good.
The fact that so far this spring Bielema has practically fallen over himself praising J-Will combined with his decision to leave Marshall at running back tells me something is going on with Collins. Add in that virtually nothing was said about him this week and I inclined to believe those who have told me that Collins is in some serious need of motivation right now.

4. For those of you who constantly question Arkansas' recruiting in football Collins represented a breakthrough IMO. How many other national top 5 running backs has this school landed out of south Florida? If Collins has a great career here it could open a pipeline in that talent rich part of the country. If he gets reduced carries after one good season I have to wonder if that pipeline will close at least for elite running backs.

5. I hope whatever is going on with that kid turns out to be temporary and not much of a big deal. This football program needs to land more players like Alex Collins in the future.

So you give a detailed explanation as to why you felt the need to talk down to a fellow poster and completely dismiss his thread as laughable as to who might be the more productive RB this year, Collins or Marshall, as if it's not even worthy of discussion on a message board,....

then you add fuel to the fire by going into this theory that something could be wrong with Alex Collins that might jeopardize his chances of having a successful career here, leading to our inability to recruit top south florida talent in the future.....


man......  that's funny

Mike, you got no cred to ever talk down to a poster on here

[ChitownHawg]

In the SEC, a RB needs to be able to do 1 of 2 aspects very well (preferably both very well).

Run through tackles/or run over defenders
Have enough speed to get to the edge/perimeter and get by high quality Linebackers

The reason why the first aspect is so important is that the hole a Offensive Line creates in the SEC closes very fast.  A RB is going to have to be able to deal with tacklers who will close the hole very quickly (especially on inside run plays).  Both Collins and Marshall so far haven't shown that they can run through tackles/or run over defenders.

Regarding the second aspect, it pertains to perimeter running plays.  Some of the Linebackers in the SEC have tremendous ability to get out on the perimeter to make plays.  Marshall has that type of speed, but there were instances last season in which Collins got to the edge/perimeter, but high quality SEC Linebackers got to him before he could really get to the Secondary level.

Here is all you need to know about Collins:

1. SEC Freshman of the Year
2. Freshman All-American
3. SEC All-Freshman Team.
4. first freshman in SEC history to start his career with three straight 100-yard rushing games. First true freshman in FBS since Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson in 2004.
5. finishing the season with 1,026

Now why don't some of you fine knowledgeable football experts find me Korliss' stats. While you speculate Collins is proving it on the field.

[Legball13]

KM 8.6 yards per carry
AC  5.4 yards per carry

Not Korliss's fault they didnt give him more carries!

[ChitownHawg]

KM 8.6 yards per carry
AC  5.4 yards per carry

Not Korliss's fault they didnt give him more carries!

Now you are stretching to make a point, so be careful and don't pull a muscle. 

[plumbhog]

Simple - I read your brief comments. What evidence shows that Korliss is better? No one has shown any stats or pointed to any games that suggest he is better than Collins. The best you anyone can come up with is he is faster.

It is easy to look great in the 4th quarter coming in for a play or two. JWill and Alex have earned the right to be the top backs. Korliss will be nothing more than a change of pace back.

Come on man read before you post! When did I say KM was better?

[Legball13]

Now you are stretching to make a point, so be careful and don't pull a muscle. 

And if u want to know KM average every time he touches the ball  its 15.8 yards per touch! 

[ChitownHawg]

And if u want to know KM average every time he touches the ball  its 15.8 yards per touch!

Sure man, whatever you say.