Chris Evans: RB, WR, SLOT, PR, KR

Submitted by uofmchris on

I keep a pretty good eye on this board, so I apologize in advance if this has already been discussed.

I just watched Harbaughs post game press conference, and there were a few times where he made it a point that Chris Evans will be used in multiple postions this season. "You will just have to wait and see" Harbaugh mentioned about Evans.

He noted that he will be used in special teams, running back, wide reciever and slot back.

Really excited about this kid. Brings back memories of how I felt about ''Shoelace" after his first game!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZqSWB-uEis

 

 

GO BLUE!

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VauntedD

September 8th, 2016 at 1:28 AM ^

Shining Star indeed. Play him wherever and he will excel. I get the same feeling from McDoom. Those two alone make the offense twice as better as last year .

Joined: 02/11/2015

MGoPoints: 1729

Tater

September 8th, 2016 at 1:48 AM ^

I think Smith will lstill be #1, but I also think Evans is going to get as many carries.  They are complimentary pieces and Harbaugh makes no secret that he likes the old Bo philosophy of having a lot of RB's who bring different styles and skill sets to the table.  I think we are also going to see the "hot hand" get the ball more in the second half.  

At any rate, Evans brings the speed that has been missing from the stable of backs.  Not bad for a three-star...

Joined: 08/13/2008

MGoPoints: 30584

BrownJuggernaut

September 8th, 2016 at 8:44 AM ^

Yep.

I liked what I saw from Isaac too as far as using his body to get yards after contact.  If he can hold onto the ball, I think that he can bring something different to the running attack. I know that Evans brought a lot of flash, but I feel that these three backs compliment each other and really the challenge for Harbaugh is to find the happy medium to maximize their usage/output. Their differences is what is going to help make this Michigan offense more efficient. You put two of them on the field at the same time, you might take a pounding or you might be chasing shadows. Harbaugh loves using misdirection and disguising his plays and I think that having these options is going to make the Michigan offense that much better.

And of course, Evans should get more carries, but it's early and if you can limit the cumulative body wear, you do it.

Joined: 10/02/2010

MGoPoints: 8235

WolvinLA2

September 8th, 2016 at 11:08 AM ^

Vision?  I'm not saying Chris Evans lacks vision by any means, but Hellen Keller could have hit the holes that Evans ran through on Saturday.  Let's wait until he needs to find a hole before we praise his vision.  

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

I dumped the Dope

September 8th, 2016 at 4:14 AM ^

That Evans is an every-down back yet, e.g. getting 30 carries per game.  That's where I think this system could shine.  Start the game with the big horses (Smith, Isaac) to wear out the other team.  Once the lead has been established let the tired defenders chase down someone quick and jukey or run sideline to sideline chasing fleet-footed sweeps.

I think RB is one of those "cumulative damage" type positions where the toll of the hits add up over the course of the season.  Being able to spread those hits out is beneficial for the entire group.  And a secondary benefit that if someone was to go down with an injury, the group could easily pickup the load.  We have not even seen Drake Johnson yet.  

 

Joined: 09/22/2013

MGoPoints: 2342

Richard75

September 8th, 2016 at 5:31 AM ^

Well, no one can handle 30 a game. The national high last year was 26.8.

It's way past time for U-M to stop thinking of RB as a position solely for 230-pounders. Some of the best backs in recent history were 200-ish guys like Evans (LaMichael James, Abdullah, Duke Johnson, McCaffrey). So glad to see Mich breaking free from these myths that you have to be this size to play RB, that size to play LB, etc.



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Joined: 09/23/2008

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UofM626

September 8th, 2016 at 4:23 AM ^

I think Ty and Evans were both better the Smith. I still think Isaac has the best vision of the group and is the type of RB that needs carries to get going but once he's in the groove its curtains!!!

Joined: 01/02/2012

MGoPoints: 3443

ABOUBENADHEM

September 8th, 2016 at 5:56 AM ^

the game? Depth chart order? Most carries? Smith has proven himself in battle, not turned the ball over, is reportedly a durable and tireless worker, etc. Harbaugh will not be quick to anoint anyone else as the #1 RB until they pass similar muster, especially a freshman RB with a handful of carries. It would also not be good for Evans to have to carry the responsibility of that burden yet.

Joined: 11/17/2015

MGoPoints: 2768

GoBlueInNYC

September 8th, 2016 at 6:51 AM ^

Speaking of old news and things eveyone on the board already knows, what happened with Furbush? I somehow missed any explanation, just that he's hurt and might miss the season.

I assume there's been no word on the specifics of Taco and Mone's injuries, just a general timeline of when they're expected back.

Joined: 03/23/2010

MGoPoints: 8770