What is the big deal about taking the redshirt off of freshmen running backs?
I am puzzled that so many on this message board (as well as media members) get so protective about "burning" a redshirt for Coker or DeAndre Johnson. To some, it seems like burning a redshirt is like asking them to give up their last dollar.
At other positions (especially offensive line), I get the plan to redshirt freshmen (give linemen a chance to grow). But running back is primarily a talent position, so if a freshmen running back has Division 1 skills, I say play them.
Given the number of injuries and defections that the Iowa football program has among its running backs, we shouldn't be worrying about the RB depth chart in 2014 (when Coker and Johnson would be 5th year seniors). Let's just worry about the 2010 RB depth chart (very thin after week three), and then have the staff go out and recruit multiple running backs for next year (and each subsequent year)
I am puzzled that so many on this message board (as well as media members) get so protective about "burning" a redshirt for Coker or DeAndre Johnson. To some, it seems like burning a redshirt is like asking them to give up their last dollar.
At other positions (especially offensive line), I get the plan to redshirt freshmen (give linemen a chance to grow). But running back is primarily a talent position, so if a freshmen running back has Division 1 skills, I say play them.
Given the number of injuries and defections that the Iowa football program has among its running backs, we shouldn't be worrying about the RB depth chart in 2014 (when Coker and Johnson would be 5th year seniors). Let's just worry about the 2010 RB depth chart (very thin after week three), and then have the staff go out and recruit multiple running backs for next year (and each subsequent year)
